Universal Technical Institute, Inc. Announces Next Phase of "North Star Strategy" to Accelerate Growth, Diversification and Optimization

Rhea-AI Summary

Universal Technical Institute, Inc. (UTI) has announced the next phase of its 'North Star Strategy' to accelerate growth, diversification, and optimization. The strategy aims to deliver approximately 10% revenue CAGR and expand Adjusted EBITDA margin to nearly 20% through fiscal 2029. UTI plans to launch a minimum of six new programs annually at existing campuses starting in fiscal year 2025 and open at least two new campuses each year between fiscal years 2026 and 2029. The company has already achieved significant milestones, including nearly tripling campus locations, doubling student numbers and revenue, and increasing profitability by more than five times since the strategy's first phase began five years ago.

Positive

• Expected 10% revenue CAGR through fiscal 2029
• Projected expansion of Adjusted EBITDA margin to nearly 20% by fiscal 2029
• Plan to launch six new programs annually at existing campuses from fiscal 2025
• Strategy to open two new campuses yearly between fiscal 2026 and 2029
• Revenue growth from $331 million in FY2019 to projected $725 million in FY2024
• Adjusted EBITDA increase from $17 million in FY2019 to projected $103 million in FY2024

Negative

• None.

Financial Analyst

Universal Technical Institute's (UTI) announcement of its "North Star Strategy" phase two is a significant development for investors. The company's projection of 10% revenue CAGR and expansion of Adjusted EBITDA margin to nearly 20% through fiscal 2029 signals strong growth potential. This strategy builds on impressive historical performance, with revenue growing from $331 million to $725 million and adjusted EBITDA from $17 million to $103 million between FY2019 and FY2024.

The plan to launch six new programs annually and open two new campuses yearly from FY2026 to FY2029 indicates aggressive expansion. However, investors should note that these projections are subject to regulatory approval and market conditions. The company's focus on addressing the skilled workforce gap aligns with current labor market trends, potentially providing a stable demand for its services.

Education Industry Expert

UTI's strategy to diversify its educational offerings through acquisitions and new program launches is a smart move in the evolving education landscape. The expansion into dental, nursing and allied health professions through Concorde Career Colleges broadens their market reach and reduces dependency on a single sector. The plan to launch six new programs annually demonstrates adaptability to workforce needs.

The company's focus on employer partnerships is crucial, as it enhances graduate employability and strengthens industry connections. However, the rapid expansion plan (two new campuses yearly) may pose challenges in maintaining educational quality and consistency across locations. Investors should monitor student outcomes and accreditation status as key indicators of long-term sustainability in this growth-focused strategy.

Market Research Analyst

UTI's strategy capitalizes on the growing demand for skilled workers in the U.S., a trend likely to continue due to technological advancements and an aging workforce. The company's diversification into multiple trades and healthcare professions positions it well to adapt to shifting labor market needs. The planned expansion could significantly increase UTI's market share in the for-profit education sector.

However, investors should be aware of potential risks. The for-profit education industry faces ongoing regulatory scrutiny and changes in government policies could impact growth plans. Additionally, the projected 10% revenue CAGR is ambitious and may be challenging to achieve consistently. Market saturation in certain regions or programs could also affect growth rates. Monitoring enrollment trends, regulatory developments and the success of new program launches will be important for assessing the strategy's effectiveness.

Strategy expected to deliver approximately 10 percent revenue CAGR and expand Adjusted EBITDA margin to nearly 20 percent through fiscal 2029

PHOENIX, Aug. 5, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Universal Technical Institute, Inc., a leading workforce solutions provider, today announced the next phase of its "North Star Strategy" to accelerate the company's mission to close the skilled workforce gap in America. The core tenets of the strategy—growth, diversification and optimization—are the foundation for initiatives across the company's two divisions of Universal Technical Institute (UTI), which offers transportation, skilled trades and energy education programs; and Concorde Career Colleges, which specializes in the dental, nursing, and allied health professions.

The second phase of the North Star Strategy is expected to deliver approximately 10% revenue CAGR and expand its Adjusted EBITDA margin to nearly 20 percent through fiscal 2029.

"Five years ago, we launched the first phase of the North Star Strategy with a singular vision: to realize the company's fullest potential as a partner in solving the country's shortage of skilled collar workers," said Jerome Grant, CEO, Universal Technical Institute. "We achieved significant milestones in the years since, including nearly tripling the number of campus locations and more than doubling the number of students we serve; more than doubling our revenue; and a more than five times increase in our profitability."

Grant continued, "As we near the successful implementation of the first phase of the strategy, our company is stronger, more diverse and resilient. We are now prepared to embrace the ambitious agenda we have set for the strategy's second phase, which we believe will significantly increase the company's value through impressive revenue growth and expanded profitability."

Added Todd Hitchcock, EVP and Chief Strategy and Transformation Officer, "As we realize the success of this first phase, we are strongly positioned to explore additional opportunities to support the critical need for highly trained, skilled collar workers in the United States. Pending regulatory approval, we expect to launch a minimum of six programs annually at our existing campuses beginning in fiscal year 2025 and open at least two new campuses each year between fiscal years 2026 and 2029, which includes expanding Concorde's campus offerings and footprint."

Under the leadership of CEO Grant and his senior management team, the company completed the acquisitions of MIAT College of Technology and Concorde to expand its education offerings and geographic reach; established two new UTI campuses in Austin, Texas and Miramar, Fla.; substantially increased the number of employer partnerships; and received multiple awards honoring its curriculum and student outcomes. As a result, revenue and adjusted EBITDA have grown from $331 million and $17 million, respectively, in fiscal year 2019 to $725 million and $103 million, respectively, in fiscal year 2024, per the midpoint of the company's last published guidance.

"As we implement the second phase of our strategy, we will opportunistically explore additional strategic acquisitions that are consistent with our mission, which would further enhance our planned growth trajectory," said Grant. "Taken together, the three tenets of our strategy will allow us to reach even more students with industry-aligned workforce programs that demonstrate strong student outcomes, while also increasing the financial strength of the company."

On Tuesday, August 6, CEO Grant and CFO Troy Anderson will host a conference call to discuss the financial and operational results for the fiscal third quarter that ended on June 30, 2024. They also will discuss the key elements of the North Star Strategy and related expectations over the next five years. More information about the call is available here.

For more information about Universal Technical Institute, Inc., visit investor.uti.edu.

About Universal Technical Institute, Inc.
Universal Technical Institute, Inc. (NYSE: UTI) provides students with the practical skills and knowledge required by employers. Founded in 1965, the company has grown into a national network of campuses offering programs through its two divisions of UTI and Concorde Career Colleges. The UTI division focuses on transportation, skilled trades and energy education programs. The Concorde division specializes in nursing, dental and allied health professions. Under the leadership of CEO Jerome Grant, UTI is recognized for its excellence in career education and its impact on workforce development. For more information, visit www.uti.edu or www.concorde.edu, visit us on LinkedIn at @UniversalTechnicalInstitute and @Concorde Career Colleges, or on X (formerly Twitter) @news_UTI or @ConcordeCareer.

Media Contact:
Susan Aspey
saspey@uti.edu

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SOURCE Universal Technical Institute, Inc.

FAQ

What is Universal Technical Institute's 'North Star Strategy'?

Universal Technical Institute's 'North Star Strategy' is a plan to accelerate growth, diversification, and optimization. It aims to deliver approximately 10% revenue CAGR and expand Adjusted EBITDA margin to nearly 20% through fiscal 2029.

How many new programs does UTI plan to launch annually starting in fiscal year 2025?

UTI plans to launch a minimum of six new programs annually at its existing campuses beginning in fiscal year 2025, pending regulatory approval.

What is UTI's campus expansion plan for fiscal years 2026-2029?

UTI plans to open at least two new campuses each year between fiscal years 2026 and 2029, which includes expanding Concorde's campus offerings and footprint.

How has UTI's revenue grown since fiscal year 2019?

UTI's revenue has grown from $331 million in fiscal year 2019 to a projected $725 million in fiscal year 2024, based on the midpoint of the company's last published guidance.