2009 Apollo Annual Report
2009 Apollo Annual Report
Dear Shareholders: Fiscal 2009 was a momentous and rewarding year for Apollo
Group and our stakeholders, as we embarked on a company-wide initiative to enhance
our strategic plan and position the Company for responsible growth into the future.
It also represented the 20th anniversary of the launch of our online educational offering at
University of Phoenix. Apollo Group has twice reinvented education—initially by pioneering
education tailored to the needs of the working learner and then by leading the way in online
education. Fiscal 2009 marks the beginning of our efforts to reinvent education, again.
Aligning our strategy with our values. We firmly believe that historically
education has been—and remains today—one of the primary factors that enable individuals to
improve their prospects in life. We also believe that to remain competitive in an increasingly
global economy, countries will need to foster a broadly educated society, not just a small
educated elite.
With this in mind, our principal focus is to provide access to high quality educational
products and services to our students in order for them to maximize the benefit of their
educational experience. We believe that a superior student experience, enabled by our
engaged faculty and employees, is essential for our shareholders to achieve attractive
returns on their investment over time.
Investing for the future. We are focused on changing students’ lives by providing an
educational offering that is valuable to them through a platform that is accessible to today’s
working learners. In fiscal 2009 we continued to significantly reinvest in our students to
enhance the student experience and increase the value they derive from their education.
Academic quality remains at the heart of our mission, and we continue to invest in both
content and delivery of our educational offering. We are also committed to leading the
industry in transparency and accountability in the area of academic quality; and to that end,
University of Phoenix recently released its second Academic Annual Report. Looking forward,
we are making technology investments in a next-generation learning platform to more
effectively deliver content in ways that students will want to learn in the years to come.
Acting with integrity and responsibility also means we strive to demonstrate industry leadership
in the area of regulatory compliance by continually assessing our systems and procedures,
self-reporting any areas of concern, and fostering an open and constructive dialogue with
those bodies charged with ensuring the quality of the postsecondary education system.
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and throughout Europe. By applying our 35 years of experience and organizational capabilities
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to Apollo Global, we are laying the foundation for global growth in the future.
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committed to leading the way as we reinvent education, again.
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Marqueta Rodgers
Student, University of Phoenix
I know how hard it is to balance work, family, and school. I’m a mother of three, I’m serving
in the United States Navy, and I’m also a business student. I currently attend school on
campus, but when I was deployed I attended online. It didn’t matter if I was in The Gulf
or my office—I was able to make it to class and meet with my team. The flexible learning
formats at University of Phoenix have made it possible for me to be a mother, a naval
officer, and a student all at the same time.
Founded on the principle that access to lifelong educa- Apollo Group is particularly responsive to the needs of
tion is essential to lifelong quality of life, Apollo Group military service members, veterans, and their families.
understands that broad access for non-traditional stu- In 2009, University of Phoenix was named one of the
dents leads to professional opportunity, financial success country’s top 20 colleges and universities favorable to
and personal satisfaction. Apollo Group’s flexible learning military personnel by Military Advanced Education due
modalities and convenient schedules empower students to the institution’s success in helping a large and diverse
to enjoy exceptional academic experiences while meeting military population overcome the obstacles of frequent
personal, professional and family obligations. deployments, temporary duty, and constant relocation
as they pursue their educations. Tens of thousands of
Apollo Group integrates a global academic network to
active-duty military and their spouses, as well as veterans,
provide educational advancement to adults at all stages
have enrolled in the University’s various degree programs
of life. Anchored by University of Phoenix, the Apollo
and nearly 9,000 graduated from the University of Phoenix
Group system also offers: business and technology
last year alone.
2% 3.6%
34%45%
52.2%
66% 27.7%
37%
% 3.6%
Associate
erican/Alaskan Female Caucasian Native American/Alaskan
Bachelor
Male Asian/Pacific Islander Hispanic
Master
nown African-American Other/Unknown
Doctoral
Michael Cannizzo
Faculty, University of Phoenix
As a Regional Director at a global shipping company, I’m in charge of ensuring operations
run as efficiently as possible. As an instructor at University of Phoenix, I help dedicated
students stay on track. I know the people in my class are making sacrifices to be here, and
their time is extremely valuable. It’s important that everything I teach is relevant—so that
as soon as they leave the classroom, they can apply what they’ve learned in the workplace.
Regionally Accredited
As a result of quality academic programs, qualified faculty, and comprehensive student experience, Apollo Group’s
schools are respected institutions of higher education. University of Phoenix holds regional accreditation by the
Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, which it has held since 1978,
and is approved by state-level higher education commissions in 43 states. In addition to regional accreditation and state
approvals, the University also holds national programmatic accreditation for several specific academic programs:
• Nursing, CCNE (Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education)
• Counseling, CACREP (Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs)
• Business, ACBSP (Association of Collegiate Business Schools and Programs)
• Education, TEAC (Teacher Education Accreditation Council)
Apollo Group’s other schools and institutions throughout the world are also accredited by various local accrediting
bodies within their respective geographic or programmatic areas of instruction.
INVESTING IN A GLOBAL FUTURE education around the world projected to expand from
Apollo Group is also bringing innovation to educational 97 million students in 2000 to 262 million students in
markets around the globe. Apollo Global, a consolidated 2025, Apollo Global is strongly positioned to serve
subsidiary and joint venture with The Carlyle Group, has students seeking a place in the world economy. Apollo
built a streamlined financial and operating infrastructure Group brings 35 years of proven, innovative and scalable
in anticipation of international growth in target markets. experience to Apollo Global, along with 20 years of
In 2009, Apollo Global acquired BPP Holdings, a leading online education expertise. This competitive advantage
U.K.-based provider of education and training to profes- for Apollo Global will also yield a significant professional
sionals in the legal and finance industries. A strategic, advantage for thousands of international students across
operational, and cultural fit with Apollo Group and the globe.
Apollo Global, BPP is the first private sector institution
Apollo Group’s international expansion, strategic
to hold degree-granting powers in the U.K.
development of intelligent technologies and learning,
Apollo Global is expanding opportunities for post- new academic curricula, and partnerships to leverage
secondary students in Latin America, Europe, and the unique business practices and demands for workers
throughout the world, in markets that do not have a in the global economy will propel students to the
history of accessible high quality education or online forefront of tomorrow’s skilled workforce.
educational offerings. With global demand for higher
As one of the leading education institutions in the world, that focuses on its three pillars of student success—
Apollo Group believes it has a responsibility to help financial literacy, entrepreneurship and work readiness;
further educational opportunities and provide increased and Teach for America’s recruitment and development
access to education, particularly for students historically of a corps of recent college graduates who commit to
underserved by the educational continuum. Through teach in high-need schools to continue to build the
corporate giving as well as the University of Phoenix movement to eliminate education inequity.
Foundation, founded in 2007, the Company funds programs
Apollo Group also provides educational opportunity
that promote school readiness, improve educational
through scholarships. The Company provides financial
opportunities, and increase the rate of earning college
assistance through scholarship programs to certain
and advanced degrees for underrepresented and
prospective and current students who might otherwise
at-risk students.
not be able to attain their higher education goals. Apollo
In 2009, the Foundation provided a total of $1.5 million Group selects local, national and international non-profit
in grants and contributed to educational causes such organizations that can reach exceptional teenagers,
as: Hispanic College Fund’s Hispanic Youth Institutes, young adults, parents, returning veterans and others. In
a program that works with underserved Hispanic high 2009, the Company awarded a total of 433 full-tuition
school students to change their college-going and career scholarships for degree program completion. These
trajectories; College Track’s college preparatory program scholarships are primarily provided through a network
to increase high school graduation, college eligibility of non-profit partners that includes Boys & Girls Clubs,
and enrollment, and college completion rates among low- Goodwill, Kids’ Chance, Inc., March of Dimes and
income and underresourced high school students; Junior the YMCA.
Achievement Worldwide’s development of curriculum
Tim Widener
2005 University of Phoenix Graduate
University of Phoenix, in partnership with Arizona State
University, recently funded its second medical student scholar-
ship to Tim Widener. Widener, a father of four, graduated
from University of Phoenix in 2005 with a bachelor’s degree
in business administration and obtained a second bachelor’s
degree in life science from Arizona State University. He has
been awarded a four-year scholarship to the University of
Arizona College of Medicine—Phoenix. An Arizonan since
the age of three, Widener worked in the telecommunications
industry before deciding to pursue a medical career. “This
is nothing short of life-altering. Getting this scholarship is
a godsend.”
Page
PART I
Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Item 1. Business . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Item 1A. Risk Factors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Item 2. Properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Item 3. Legal Proceedings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
PART II
Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases
of Equity Securities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Item 6. Selected Consolidated Financial Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations . . . 53
Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80
Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure . . 139
Item 9A. Controls and Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 139
PART III
Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 142
Item 11. Executive Compensation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 142
Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder
Matters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 142
Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence . . . . . . . . . . . . . 142
Item 14. Principal Accounting Fees and Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 142
PART IV
Item 15. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 143
SIGNATURES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 149
2
Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This Annual Report on Form 10-K, including Item 7, Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations (“MD&A”), contains certain forward-looking statements within the
meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934, as amended. All statements other than statements of historical fact may be forward-looking
statements. Such forward-looking statements include, among others, those statements regarding future events
and future results of Apollo Group, Inc. (the “Company,” “Apollo Group,” “Apollo,” “APOL,” “we,” “us” or
“our”) that are based on current expectations, estimates, forecasts, and the beliefs and assumptions of us and
our management, and speak only as of the date made and are not guarantees of future performance or results.
In some cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as “may,” “will,” “should,”
“could,” “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “plan,” “predict,” “target,” “potential,” “continue,”
“objectives,” or the negative of these terms or other comparable terminology. Such forward-looking statements
are necessarily estimates based upon current information and involve a number of risks and uncertainties.
Such statements should be viewed with caution. Actual events or results may differ materially from the results
anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of a variety of factors. While it is impossible to
identify all such factors, factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those estimated by us
include but are not limited to:
• changes in regulation of the education industry, including the regulatory and other requirements
discussed in Item 1, Business, under “Accreditation and Jurisdictional Authorizations,” “Financial Aid
Programs,” and “Regulatory Environment;”
• each of the factors discussed in Item 1A, Risk Factors; and
• those factors set forth in Item 7, Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and
Results of Operations.
The cautionary statements referred to above also should be considered in connection with any subsequent
written or oral forward-looking statements that may be issued by us or persons acting on our behalf. We
undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, for any facts, events, or
circumstances after the date hereof that may bear upon forward-looking statements. Furthermore, we cannot
guarantee future results, events, levels of activity, performance, or achievements.
3
Part I
Item 1 — Business
Overview
Apollo Group, Inc. is one of the world’s largest private education providers and has been in the education
business for more than 35 years. We offer innovative and distinctive educational programs and services both
online and on-campus at the undergraduate, graduate and doctoral levels through our wholly-owned
subsidiaries:
• The University of Phoenix, Inc. (“University of Phoenix”);
• Western International University, Inc. (“Western International University”);
• Institute for Professional Development (“IPD”);
• The College for Financial Planning Institutes Corporation (“CFFP”); and
• Meritus University, Inc. (“Meritus”).
In addition to these wholly-owned subsidiaries, in October 2007, we formed a joint venture with The
Carlyle Group (“Carlyle”), called Apollo Global, Inc. (“Apollo Global”), to pursue investments primarily in
the international education services industry. Apollo Group currently owns 86.1% of Apollo Global, with
Carlyle owning the remaining 13.9%. As of August 31, 2009, total cash contributions made to Apollo Global
were approximately $511.8 million, of which $440.5 million was funded by us. Apollo Global is consolidated
in our financial statements. Apollo Global has completed the following acquisitions:
• BPP Holdings plc (“BPP”) in the United Kingdom,
• Universidad de Artes, Ciencias y Comunicación (“UNIACC”) in Chile, and
• Universidad Latinoamericana (“ULA”) in Mexico.
University of Phoenix. University of Phoenix has been accredited by The Higher Learning Commission
of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools since 1978 and holds other programmatic
accreditations. University of Phoenix offers associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees in a
variety of program areas. University of Phoenix offers its educational programs worldwide through its
online education delivery system and at its campus locations and learning centers in 39 states and the
District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. University of Phoenix’s online programs are designed to provide
uniformity with University of Phoenix’s on-campus operations, which enhances University of Phoenix’s
ability to expand into new markets while maintaining academic quality. University of Phoenix has
customized computer programs for academic quality management, faculty recruitment and training,
student tracking and marketing, which we believe provides us with a competitive advantage. University of
Phoenix’s net revenue represented approximately 95% of our consolidated net revenue for the fiscal year
ended August 31, 2009.
Western International University. Western International University has been accredited by The Higher
Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools since 1984. Western
International University offers associate’s, bachelor’s and master’s degrees in a variety of program areas
as well as certificate programs. Western International University offers its undergraduate program courses
at its Arizona campus locations and online at Western International University Interactive Online.
IPD. IPD provides program development, administration and management consulting services to private
colleges and universities (“Client Institutions”) to establish or expand their programs for working learners.
These services typically include degree program design, curriculum development, market research, student
recruitment, accounting, and administrative services.
4
CFFP. CFFP has been accredited by The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association
of Colleges and Schools since 1994. CFFP provides financial services education programs, including a
Master of Science in three majors, and certification programs in retirement, asset management, and other
financial planning areas. CFFP offers these programs online and from its headquarters in Colorado.
Meritus. Meritus was designated by the Government of New Brunswick to grant degrees in May 2008.
Meritus offers degree programs online to working learners throughout Canada and abroad and launched
its first three programs in the fall of 2008.
BPP. BPP College of Professional Studies is the first proprietary institution to have been granted degree
awarding powers in the United Kingdom. BPP, acquired by Apollo Global in July 2009 and headquartered
in London, England, is a provider of education and training to professionals in the legal and finance
industries. It is organized into the following three divisions:
• Professional Education, which provides exam training and sells published products for external
certification training in accounting, tax, financial services, and actuarial qualifications and post
qualification professional development;
• College of Professional Studies, which operates four law schools, human resource training and a
business school; and
• Mander Portman Woodward, which operates independent fifth and sixth form colleges (similar to
preparatory schools in the U.S.).
BPP provides these services through schools located in the United Kingdom, a European network of BPP
offices, and the sale of books and other publications in over 150 countries.
UNIACC. UNIACC is accredited by the Chilean Council of Higher Education. UNIACC is an arts and
communications university which offers bachelor’s and master’s programs on campuses in Chile and
online. UNIACC was acquired by Apollo Global in March 2008.
ULA. ULA carries authorization from the Ministry of Public Education (Secretaría de Educación
Publica) in Mexico, from the National Autonomous University of Mexico (Universidad Nacional
Autónoma de México) for its high school and undergraduate psychology and law programs and by the
Ministry of Education of the State of Morelos (Secretaría de Educación del Estado de Morelos) for its
medicine and nutrition programs. ULA offers degree programs at its four campuses throughout Mexico.
Apollo Global purchased a 65% ownership interest in ULA in August 2008 and purchased the remaining
ownership interest in July 2009.
We also operate online high school programs through our Insight Schools, Inc. (“Insight Schools”)
wholly-owned subsidiary, which is included in our Insight Schools reportable segment. Subsequent to our 2009
fiscal year end, we decided to explore the sale of Insight Schools.
Our schools described above are managed in the following five reportable segments:
• University of Phoenix;
• Apollo Global — BPP;
• Apollo Global — Other;
• Insight Schools; and
• Other Schools.
5
The Apollo Global — Other segment includes UNIACC, ULA and Apollo Global corporate operations.
The Other Schools segment includes Western International University, IPD, CFFP, and Meritus. The Corporate
caption, as detailed in the table below, includes adjustments to reconcile segment results to consolidated
results, which primarily consist of net revenue and corporate charges that are not allocated to our reportable
segments. The following table presents the net revenue for fiscal years 2009, 2008 and 2007 for each of our
reportable segments:
Year Ended August 31,
($ in millions) 2009 2008 2007
See Note 19, Segment Reporting, in Item 8, Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, for the
segment and related geographic information required by Items 101(b) and 101(d) of Regulation S-K, which
information is incorporated by this reference.
Our operations are generally subject to seasonal trends. We experience, and expect to continue to
experience, seasonal fluctuations in our results of operations as a result of seasonal variations in the level of
student enrollments. While University of Phoenix enrolls students throughout the year, our net revenue
generally is lower in the second quarter (December through February) than the other quarters due to holiday
breaks in December and January. Most of our other subsidiaries experience more significant seasonality, as
they have limited enrollment during their respective summer breaks.
University of Phoenix degreed enrollment (“Degreed Enrollment”) for the quarter ended August 31, 2009
was 443,000. Degreed Enrollment for a quarter represents individual students enrolled in a University of
Phoenix degree program who attended a course during the quarter and did not graduate as of the end of the
quarter. Degreed Enrollment also includes any student who previously graduated from one degree program and
started a new degree program in the quarter (for example, a graduate of the associate’s degree program returns
for a bachelor’s degree or a bachelor’s degree graduate returns for a master’s degree). In addition, Degreed
Enrollment includes students participating in University of Phoenix certificate programs of at least 18 credit
hours in length with some course applicability into a related degree program.
University of Phoenix combined new degreed enrollment (“New Degreed Enrollment”) for the four
quarters in fiscal year 2009 was 355,800. New Degreed Enrollment for a quarter represents any individual
student enrolled in a University of Phoenix degree program who is a new student and started a course in the
quarter, any individual student who previously graduated from one degree program and started a new degree
program in the quarter (for example, a graduate of an associate’s degree program returns for a bachelor’s
degree program, or a graduate of a bachelor’s degree program returns for a master’s degree program), as well
as any individual student who started a program in the quarter and had been out of attendance for greater than
12 months. In addition, New Degreed Enrollment also includes students who during the quarter started
participating in University of Phoenix certificate programs of at least 18 credit hours in length with some
course applicability into a related degree program.
Students enrolled in or serviced by Apollo Global’s institutions, Insight Schools and Other Schools
(Western International University, IPD, CFFP, and Meritus) are not included in Degreed Enrollment or New
Degreed Enrollment.
6
We incorporated in Arizona in 1981 and maintain our principal executive offices at 4025 S. Riverpoint
Parkway, Phoenix, Arizona 85040. Our telephone number is (480) 966-5394. Our website addresses are as
follows:
• Apollo Group www.apollogrp.edu
• University of Phoenix www.phoenix.edu
• Apollo Global www.apolloglobal.us
• BPP www.bpp.com
• UNIACC uniacc08eng.uniacc.cl
• ULA www.ula.edu.mx
• Insight Schools www.insightschools.net
• Western International University www.west.edu
• IPD www.ipd.org
• CFFP www.cffp.edu
• Meritus www.meritusu.ca
Our fiscal year is from September 1 to August 31. Unless otherwise stated, references to the years 2009,
2008, 2007, 2006 and 2005 relate to fiscal years 2009, 2008, 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively.
Strategy
Our goal is to strengthen and capitalize on our position as a leading provider of high quality, accessible
education for individuals around the world by affording strong returns for all of our stakeholders: students,
faculty, employees, and investors. Our principal focus is to provide high quality educational products and
services to our students in order for them to maximize the benefit of their educational experience. We believe
that a superior student experience, enabled by our engaged and energized faculty and employees, is essential
for our shareholders to achieve attractive returns on their capital over time. We intend to pursue our goal in a
manner that is consistent with our core organizational values: 1) operate with integrity and social responsibil-
ity; 2) change lives through education; 3) be the employer of choice and 4) build long-term value. These
values provide the foundation for everything we do as a business.
In late fiscal year 2009, we embarked on a company-wide initiative to refresh and validate our strategic
plan to further enhance our competitive situation and position the Company for continued growth into the
future. The key themes of the plan are presented below:
• Maximize the value of our University of Phoenix business. This is our highest priority over the next
several years and we believe that investing in the University of Phoenix will continue to produce the
highest return on our capital. We believe that we can strengthen our position and produce solid growth
in revenue and cash flow by increasing our penetration in target markets, enhancing our current product
offerings, improving our brand and continuing to deliver a high value experience to our students. In
addition, we will strive to improve operating efficiency and will re-invest excess capital into key
strategic initiatives.
• Expand intelligently beyond University of Phoenix. We believe we can capitalize on opportunities to
utilize our core expertise and organizational capabilities to grow in areas outside of the University of
Phoenix, both domestically and internationally. In particular, we have observed a growing demand for
high quality postsecondary and other education services outside of the U.S., including in Europe, Latin
America and Asia, and believe that we have the capabilities and expertise to provide these services
beyond our current reach. We intend to actively pursue quality opportunities to partner with and/or
acquire existing institutions of higher learning where we can best position ourselves for longer-term
attractive growth and value creation.
We intend to use our expertise to enhance the quality, delivery and student outcomes associated with the
respective curricula across our entire group of owned and operated institutions and companies. We believe we
can leverage our organizational capabilities to offer innovative products, optimize our cost structure and create
new growth opportunities. Finally, we intend to continue to invest in our people, systems and organization, as
7
they are the foundation for our future success. In our opinion, these efforts are the basis for enabling us to
meet and exceed our customer’s expectations and further differentiate us from our competition.
Industry Background
Domestic Postsecondary Education
The domestic non-traditional education sector is a significant and growing component of the postsecond-
ary degree-granting education industry, which was estimated to be a $386 billion industry in 2007, according
to the Digest of Education Statistics published in 2009 by the U.S. Department of Education’s National Center
for Education Statistics. According to the same study, in 2007, over 6.9 million, or 38%, of all students
enrolled in higher education programs were over the age of 24, and enrollment in degree-granting institutions
between 2008 and 2017 is expected to increase 19% for students over age 25. These students would not be
classified as traditional (i.e., 18 to 24 years of age, living on campus, supported by parents, and not working
full-time). The non-traditional students typically are looking to improve their skills and enhance their earnings
potential within the context of their careers. We believe that the demand for non-traditional education will
continue to increase, reflecting the knowledge-based economy in the U.S.
Many working learners seek accredited degree programs that provide flexibility to accommodate the fixed
schedules and time commitments associated with their professional and personal obligations. The education
formats offered by our institutions enable working learners to attend classes and complete coursework on a
more convenient schedule than traditional universities offer. Although more colleges and universities are
beginning to address some of the needs of working learners, many universities and institutions do not
effectively address the needs of working learners for the following reasons:
• Traditional universities and colleges were designed to fulfill the educational needs of conventional, full-
time students ages 18 to 24, and that industry sector remains the primary focus of these universities and
institutions. This focus has resulted in a capital-intensive teaching/learning model that may be
characterized by:
• a high percentage of full-time, tenured faculty;
• physical classrooms, library facilities and related full-time staff;
• dormitories, student unions, and other significant physical assets to support the needs of younger
students; and
• an emphasis on research and related laboratories, staff, and other facilities.
• The majority of accredited colleges and universities continue to provide the bulk of their educational
programming on an agrarian calendar with time off for traditional breaks. The traditional academic year
runs from September to mid-December and from mid-January to May. As a result, most full-time
faculty members only teach during that limited period of time. While this structure may serve the needs
of the full-time, resident, 18- to 24-year-old student, it limits the educational opportunity for working
learners who must delay their education for up to four months during these traditional breaks.
• Traditional universities and colleges may also be limited in their ability to provide the necessary
customer service for working learners because they lack the necessary administrative and enrollment
infrastructure.
• Diminishing financial support for public colleges and universities has required them to focus more
tightly on their existing student populations and missions, which has reduced access to education.
International Education
There were approximately 153 million students enrolled in postsecondary education worldwide in 2007
according to the Global Education Digest 2009 published in 2009 by the United Nations Educational,
Scientific and Cultural Organization Institute for Statistics.
We believe that private education is playing a critical role in advancing the development of education,
specifically higher education and lifelong learning, in many countries around the world. While primary and
8
secondary education outside the U.S. are still funded mainly through government expenditures, we believe that
postsecondary education outside of the U.S. is experiencing governmental funding constraints that create
opportunities for a broader private sector role. The International Finance Corporation of the World Bank
reported in May 2008 that governments around the world are embracing private sector participation as a way
to increase quality and efficiency.
We believe that the following key trends are driving the growth in private education worldwide:
• unmet demand for education;
• insufficient public funding to meet demand for education;
• shortcomings in the quality of higher education offerings, resulting in the rise of supplemental training
to meet industry demands in the developing world;
• worldwide appreciation of the importance that knowledge plays in economic progress;
• globalization of education; and
• increased availability and role of technology in education, broadening the accessibility and reach of
education.
Our Programs
Our more than 35 years as a provider of education enables us to provide students with quality education
and responsive customer service at the undergraduate, graduate and doctoral levels. Our institutions have
gained expertise in designing curriculum, recruiting and training faculty, monitoring academic quality, and
providing a high level of support services to students. Our institutions offer the following:
• Accredited Degree Programs. University of Phoenix, Western International University and CFFP are
accredited by The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and
Schools. BPP’s College of Professional Studies is a recognized body by order of the United Kingdom’s
Privy Council. Our other educational institutions are accredited by appropriate accrediting entities. See
Accreditation and Jurisdictional Authorizations, below.
• Professional Examinations Training and Professional Development. BPP provides training and
published materials for qualifications in accountancy (including tax), financial services and actuarial
science. BPP also provides professional development through continuing education training and
supplemental skills courses to post-qualification markets in finance, law, general management and
insolvency. University of Phoenix and certain of our other institutions, including CFFP, also provide
various training and professional development education.
• Faculty.
• Domestic Postsecondary: Substantially all University of Phoenix faculty possess either a master’s
or doctoral degree. Faculty members typically have many years of experience in the field in which
they instruct. Our institutions have well-developed methods for hiring and training faculty, which
include peer reviews of newly hired instructors by other members of the faculty, training in student
instruction and grading, and teaching mentorships with more experienced faculty members.
• International: Our recruitment standards and processes for international faculty are appropriate for
the respective markets in which we operate and are consistent with and in compliance with local
accreditation and regulatory requirements in these markets.
• Standardized Programs.
• Domestic Postsecondary: Faculty content experts design curriculum for the majority of programs at
our domestic postsecondary institutions. This enables us to offer current and relevant standardized
programs to our students. We also utilize standardized tests and institution-wide systems to assess the
educational outcomes of our students and improve the quality of our curriculum and instructional
model. These systems evaluate the cognitive (subject matter) and affective (educational, personal and
professional values) skills of our students upon registration and upon conclusion of the program, and
9
also survey students two years after graduation in order to assess the quality of the education they
received. Classes are designed to be small and engaging.
• International: Our international institutions typically follow a course development process in which
faculty members who are subject matter experts work with instructional designers to develop
curriculum materials based on learning objectives provided by school academic officers.
• Benefits to Employers. The employers of students enrolled in our programs often provide input to
faculty members in designing curriculum, and class projects are based on issues relevant to the
companies that employ our students. Classes are taught by faculty members, many of whom, in our
domestic postsecondary institutions, are practitioners and employers who emphasize the skills desired
by employers. We conduct focus groups with business professionals, students, and faculty members
who provide feedback on the relevancy of course work. Our objective is to gain insight from these
groups so that we can develop new courses and offer relevant subject matter that reflect the changing
needs of the marketplace and prepare our students for today’s workplace. In addition, the class time
flexibility further benefits employers since it minimizes conflict with their employees’ work schedules.
10
Accessibility Our academic programs may be accessed through a variety of
delivery modes (electronically delivered, campus-based or a blend
of both), which make our educational programs accessible and even
portable, regardless of where the students work and live.
Class Schedule and Active Learning Courses are designed to encourage and facilitate collaboration
Environment among students and interaction with the instructor. The curriculum
requires a high level of student participation for purposes of
enhancing learning and increasing the student’s ability to work as
part of a team. University of Phoenix students (excluding asso-
ciate’s degree students) are enrolled in five- to eight-week courses
year round and complete classes sequentially, rather than concur-
rently. This permits students to focus their attention and resources
on one subject at a time and creates a better balance between learn-
ing and ongoing personal and professional responsibilities. In addi-
tion to attending class, University of Phoenix students (excluding
associate’s degree students) meet weekly (online or in-person) as
part of a three- to five-person learning team. Learning team ses-
sions are an integral part of each University of Phoenix course to
facilitate in-depth review of and reflection on course materials.
Members work together to complete assigned group projects and
develop communication and teamwork skills. In the associate’s
degree programs, the courses are nine weeks and classes are
offered in pairs to complement each other.
Library and Other Learning Resource Students and faculty members are provided with electronic and
Services other learning resources for their information and research needs.
Students access these services directly through the Internet or with
the help of a learning resource services research librarian.
Academic Quality Over the last few years, University of Phoenix implemented an aca-
demic quality assessment plan with the purpose of measuring
whether the institution meets its mission and purposes. A major
component of this plan is the assessment of student learning. To
assess student learning, University of Phoenix measures whether
graduates meet its programmatic and learning goals. The measure-
ment is composed of the following four ongoing and iterative
steps:
1. preparing an annual assessment plan for academic programs;
2. preparing an annual assessment result report for academic
programs, based on student learning outcomes;
3. implementing improvements based on assessment results; and
4. monitoring effectiveness of implemented improvements.
By achieving programmatic competencies, University of Phoenix
graduates are expected to become proficient in the following areas:
• critical thinking and problem solving;
• collaboration;
• information utilization;
• communication; and
• professional values.
We have developed an assessment matrix which outlines specific
learning outcomes to measure whether students are meeting
11
University of Phoenix learning goals. Multiple methods have been
identified to assess each outcome.
Degree Programs
University of Phoenix offers degrees in the following program areas:
Associate’s Bachelor’s Master’s Doctoral
• Arts and Sciences • Arts and Sciences • Business and • Business and
• Business and • Business and Management Management
Management Management • Counseling • Education
• Criminal Justice and • Criminal Justice and • Criminal Justice and • Health Care
Security Security Security • Nursing
• Education • Education • Education • Psychology
• Health Care • Health Care • Health Care • Technology
• Human Services • Human Services • Nursing
• Psychology • Nursing • Psychology
• Technology • Psychology • Technology
• Technology
International
Teaching Model
Our international operations include full-time, part-time and distance learning courses for professional
examination preparation, professional development training and various degree programs. Our international
operations faculty members consist of both full-time and part-time professors.
Admissions Standards
Domestic Postsecondary
To gain admission to undergraduate programs at University of Phoenix, students must have a high school
diploma or a Certificate of General Educational Development, commonly referred to as GED, and satisfy
employment requirements, if applicable, for their field of study. Applicants whose native language is not English
must take and pass the Test of English as a Foreign Language or Test of English for International Communica-
tion. Non-U.S. citizens attending a campus located in the U.S. are required to hold an approved visa or to have
been granted permanent residency. Additional requirements may apply to individual programs or to students who
are attending a specific campus. Students already in undergraduate programs at other schools may petition to be
12
admitted to University of Phoenix on a provisional status if they do not meet certain criteria. Some programs
have work requirements (e.g. nursing) such that students must have a certain amount of experience in given areas
in order to be admitted. These vary by program, and not all programs have them.
To gain admission to graduate programs at University of Phoenix, students must have an undergraduate
degree from a regionally or nationally accredited college or university, satisfy the minimum grade point
average requirement, and have relevant work and employment experience, if applicable for their field of study.
Applicants whose native language is not English must take and pass the Test of English as a Foreign Language
or Test of English for International Communication. Non-U.S. citizens attending a campus located in the
U.S. are required to hold an approved visa or have been granted permanent residency. Additional requirements
may apply to individual programs or to students who are attending a specific campus. Students in graduate
programs at other schools may be admitted to University of Phoenix on provisional status if they do not meet
grade point average admission requirements.
To gain admission to doctoral programs at University of Phoenix, students must generally have a master’s
degree from a regionally accredited college or university, satisfy the minimum grade point average require-
ment, satisfy employment requirements as appropriate to the program applied for, have a laptop computer and
have membership in a research library. Applicants whose native language is not English must take and pass
the Test of English as a Foreign Language, Test of English for International Communication or Berlitz» Online
English Proficiency Exam.
The admission requirements for our Other Schools are similar to University of Phoenix and vary
depending on the respective degree program.
International
In general, postsecondary students in our international institutions must have obtained a high school or
equivalent diploma from an approved school. Other requirements apply for graduate and other programs.
Admissions requirements for our international institutions are appropriate for the respective markets in which
we operate.
Students
University of Phoenix Degreed Enrollment
University of Phoenix Degreed Enrollment for the quarter ended August 31, 2009 was 443,000. See
Item 1, Business, “Overview,” for a description of the manner in which we calculate Degreed Enrollment. The
following table details Degreed Enrollment for the respective periods:
Quarter Ended
August 31, %
(Rounded to the nearest hundred) 2009 2008 Change
13
The following chart details quarterly Degreed Enrollment by degree type for the respective periods:
Degreed Enrollment
450,000
400,000
350,000
300,000
250,000
200,000
150,000
100,000
50,000
0
Q1 ’08 Q2 ’08 Q3 ’08 Q4 ’08 Q1 ’09 Q2 ’09 Q3 ’09 Q4 ’09
Fiscal Quarter
14
The following chart details quarterly New Degreed Enrollment by degree type for the respective periods:
120,000
100,000
80,000
60,000
40,000
20,000
0
Q1 ’08 Q2 ’08 Q3 ’08 Q4 ’08 Q1 ’09 Q2 ’09 Q3 ’09 Q4 ’09
Fiscal Quarter
We have a diverse student population. During fiscal years 2009 and 2008, approximately 66% of students
enrolled in University of Phoenix degree programs who attended a course were women. Approximately 69% and
70% during fiscal years 2009 and 2008, respectively, of the students enrolled in University of Phoenix degree
programs who attended a course provided us information on their race/ethnicity. The relative percentages by
race/ethnicity category for those students who responded during the respective periods are as follows:
Race/Ethnicity 2009 2008
The relative percentages by age of incoming students that comprise New Degreed Enrollment during
fiscal years 2009 and 2008 are as follows:
Age 2009 2008
15
Marketing
In October 2007, we acquired Aptimus, Inc., an online advertising company, which has been successfully
integrated into our marketing organization. Our primary purpose in acquiring Aptimus was to help us more
effectively monitor, manage, and control our marketing investments and brands by leveraging its industry-
specific knowledge and technology platform. Our marketing strategy is to increase awareness of and access to
quality and affordable education through improved messaging and sharpened focus on our different communi-
cation channels and to attract students who are more likely to persist in our programs.
We engage in a broad range of marketing activities to inform potential students about our teaching/
learning model and the programs offered, including online advertising, broadcast, outdoor advertising, print,
and direct mail. In fiscal year 2009, we launched a national marketing campaign called “I am a Phoenix” to
develop and strengthen our brand identity.
Internet Marketing
We advertise on the Internet using search engine keywords, banners, and custom advertising placements
on targeted sites, such as education portals, career sites, and industry-specific websites. Our Internet and non-
Internet advertising activities have improved the quality of the consumer traffic and interest on our owned and
operated website, website www.phoenix.edu, which provides prospective students with relevant information
and resources about University of Phoenix’s degrees and programs.
We intend to continue to leverage the unique qualities of the Internet and its emerging technologies to
enhance our brand awareness among prospective students, and to improve our ability to deliver relevant
messages to satisfy prospective students’ specific needs and requirements. New media technologies that we
have begun to use to communicate with our current and prospective students include online social networks,
search engine marketing and emerging video advertising.
Direct Mail
Direct mail is effective at reaching targeted individuals in specific career fields of interest including
Accounting, Business, Education, Technology, Criminal Justice and Nursing. Direct mail also allows us to
reach specific metropolitan areas for focused local marketing efforts. We currently purchase education-related
mailing lists from various sources that specialize in this area. In addition, we track student prospects for every
direct mail campaign by variety of methods including postage-paid reply cards, a specific toll-free number and
dedicated online links.
Sponsorships and Other Advertising
We selectively sponsor and provide advertising to support specific activities, including local and national
sports and entertainment events. We also utilize outdoor advertising, including billboards, to communicate the
quality and affordability of our on campus educational offerings in regional markets.
16
Relationships with Employers
We work closely with many businesses and governmental agencies to meet their specific educational and
training needs either by modifying existing programs or, in some cases, by developing customized programs.
These programs are often held at the employers’ offices or on site at select military bases. University of
Phoenix has formed educational partnerships with various corporations to provide programs specifically
designed for their employees. BPP enrolls the majority of its students through relationships with employers.
We consider the employers that provide tuition assistance to their employees through tuition reimbursement
plans or direct bill arrangements to be our secondary customers.
Referrals
Referrals continue to be an important source of new students, including those from employers, co-
workers, current students, alumni, family members and friends.
Competition
Domestic Postsecondary
The higher education industry is highly fragmented with no single private or public institution enjoying a
significant market share. We compete primarily with traditional four- and two-year degree-granting public and
private regionally accredited colleges and universities. While students over the age of 24 comprise approxi-
mately 38% of all higher education enrollments in the U.S., the primary mission of most accredited four-year
colleges and universities is to serve 18- to 24-year-old students and conduct research. University of Phoenix
acknowledges the differences in educational needs between working learners and traditional students and
provides programs and services that allow students to earn their degrees without major disruption to their
personal and professional lives.
An increasing number of colleges and universities enroll working learners in addition to the traditional
18- to 24-year-old students, and we expect that these colleges and universities will continue to modify their
existing programs to serve working learners more effectively, including by offering more distance learning
programs. We believe that the primary factors on which we compete are the following:
• the ability to provide flexible and convenient access to programs and classes;
• cost of the program;
• breadth of programs offered;
• active and relevant curriculum development that considers needs of employers;
• the time necessary to earn a degree;
• reliable and high-quality products and services;
• qualified and experienced faculty;
• reputation of programs and classes; and
• comprehensive student support services.
In our offerings of non-degree programs, we compete with a variety of business and information
technology providers, primarily those in the for-profit training sector. Many of these competitors have
significantly more market share in given geographical regions and longer-term relationships with key
employers of potential students.
International
Competitive factors for our international schools vary by country and generally include the following:
• breadth of programs offered;
• active and relevant curriculum development that considers the needs of employers; and
• reputation of programs and classes.
17
In addition, BPP competes with other training providers, public and private colleges, and universities
primarily in the United Kingdom. The primary factors on which BPP competes with these institutions include
the following:
• reputation of programs and classes;
• examination success;
• reliable and high-quality products and services;
• qualified and experienced faculty;
• flexible learning programs;
• active and relevant curriculum development that considers the needs of employers;
• relationships with employers; and
• degree awarding powers.
Employees
We believe that our employee relations are satisfactory. As of August 31, 2009, we had the following
numbers of employees:
Non-Faculty
Full-Time Part-Time Faculty(1)
(1) Includes both full-time and part-time faculty. Also includes 1,113 employees counted as non-faculty that
serve in both roles.
(2) Consists primarily of employees in executive management, information systems, accounting and finance,
financial aid, and corporate human resources.
18
Accreditation information for University of Phoenix and applicable programs is described in the chart
below:
Institution/Program Accrediting Body (Year Accredited) Status
University of Phoenix — The Higher Learning — Next comprehensive evaluation
Commission of the North Central visit by The Higher Learning
Association of Colleges and Commission is scheduled to be
Schools (1978, reaffirmed in 1982, conducted in 2012 (maximum
1987, 1992, 1997, and 2002) period of reaffirmation is 10 years)
— North Central Association of
Colleges and Schools may require
focused visits between
comprehensive visits as part of
normal and continuing relationship
— Business programs — Association of Collegiate — Next reaffirmation visit
Business Schools and Programs expected in 2017, with interim
(2007) focus report to be submitted by us
in 2011
— Bachelor of Science in Nursing — Commission on Collegiate — Reaccreditation due in 2010 by
Nursing Education (2005) Commission on Collegiate Nursing
Education
— Previously accredited by
National League for Nursing
Accrediting Commission from
1989 to 2005
— Master of Science in Nursing — Commission on Collegiate — Reaccreditation due in 2010 by
Nursing Education (2005) Commission on Collegiate Nursing
Education
— Previously accredited by
National League for Nursing
Accrediting Commission from
1996 to 2005
— Master of Counseling in — Council for Accreditation of — Reaffirmation visit expected in
Community Counseling Counseling and Related 2010
(Phoenix and Tucson, Arizona Educational Programs (1995,
campuses) reaffirmed in 2002)
— Master of Counseling in — Council for Accreditation of — Reaffirmation visit expected in
Mental Health Counseling Salt Counseling and Related 2009
Lake City, Utah campus Educational Programs (2001)
— Master of Arts in Education — Teacher Education — Reaccreditation due in 2012
with options in Elementary Accreditation Council
Teacher Education and (preaccredited in 2007)
Secondary Teacher Education
The schools in our Other Schools segment maintain the requisite accreditations for their respective
operations.
Jurisdictional Authorizations
In addition to accreditation by independent accrediting bodies, our schools must be authorized to operate
by the appropriate regulatory authorities in many of the jurisdictions in which they operate.
In the U.S., institutions that participate in Title IV programs must be authorized to operate by the
appropriate postsecondary regulatory authority in each state where the institution has a physical presence, or
19
be exempt from such regulatory authorization, usually based on recognized accreditation. As of August 31,
2009, University of Phoenix is authorized to operate and has a physical presence in 39 states and the District
of Columbia. University of Phoenix has held these authorizations for periods ranging from less than two years
to over 25 years. As of August 31, 2009, University of Phoenix has also been approved to operate in Alaska,
Mississippi, Montana and South Dakota, but does not yet have a physical presence in these states.
All regionally accredited institutions, including University of Phoenix, are required to be evaluated
separately for authorization to operate in Puerto Rico. University of Phoenix obtained authorization from the
Puerto Rico Commission on Higher Education, and that authorization remains in effect.
Some states assert authority to regulate all degree-granting institutions if their educational programs are
available to their residents, whether or not the institutions maintain a physical presence within those states.
University of Phoenix has obtained licensure in these states.
The schools in our Other Schools segment maintain the requisite authorizations in the jurisdictions in
which they operate.
International
Our international schools must be authorized by the relevant regulatory authorities under applicable local
law, which in some cases requires accreditation, as described in the chart below:
School Accrediting Body Operational Authority
BPP — BPP Professional Education — The Privy Council for the
and BPP College of Professional United Kingdom has designated
Studies operate under a number of BPP College of Professional
professional body accreditations to Studies Limited as an awarding
offer training towards professional body for qualifications (including
body certifications degrees) in the United Kingdom
— BPP has additional — BPP College of Professional
accreditations by country and/or Studies’ reauthorization will be
program as necessary due when its current authority
expires in August 2013
UNIACC — Council for Higher Education — Chilean Ministry of Education
(Consejo Superior de Educación) (Ministerio de Educación de
Chile)
— National Commission on — Reaccreditation due in 2011
Accreditation (Comisión Nacional
de Acreditación)
ULA — N/A — Mexico’s Secretary of Public
Education (Secretaria de
Educación Pública)
— Ministry of Education of the
State of Morelos (Secretaria de
Educación del Estado de Morelos)
— National Autonomous
University of Mexico (Universidad
Nacional Autónoma de México)
20
reauthorized through September 30, 2013 by the Higher Education Opportunity Act. Financial aid under
Title IV of the Higher Education Act, as reauthorized (which we refer to generally as Title IV), is awarded
every academic year to eligible students. Certain types of U.S. federal student aid are awarded on the basis of
financial need, generally defined as the difference between the cost of attending an educational institution and
the amount the student and/or the student’s family, as the case may be, can reasonably be expected to
contribute to that cost. The amount of financial aid awarded per academic year is based on many factors,
including, but not limited to, program of study, grade level, Title IV annual loan limits, and financial need. All
recipients of Title IV program funds must maintain satisfactory academic progress within the guidelines
published by the U.S. Department of Education.
We collected the majority of our fiscal year 2009 total consolidated net revenue from receipt of Title IV
financial aid program funds, principally from federal Stafford loans, also known as Federal Family Education
Loan Program (“FFELP”) loans, and Pell Grants. University of Phoenix represented approximately 95% of our
fiscal year 2009 total consolidated net revenue and University of Phoenix generated 86% of its cash basis
revenue for eligible tuition and fees during fiscal year 2009 from the receipt of Title IV financial aid program
funds, as calculated under the 90/10 Rule, excluding the benefit from the temporary relief for loan limit
increases, described further below.
FFELP loans are currently the most significant source of U.S. federal student aid and are low interest,
federally guaranteed loans made by private lenders. Annual and aggregate loan limits apply based on the
student’s grade level. There are two types of Stafford loans: subsidized Stafford loans, which are based on the
U.S. federal statutory calculation of student need, and unsubsidized Stafford loans, which are not need-based.
Neither type of Stafford loan is based on creditworthiness. The U.S. federal government pays the interest on
subsidized Stafford loans while the student is enrolled in school; the borrower is responsible for the interest on
unsubsidized Stafford loans regardless of school attendance. The student has the option to defer payment on
the principal and interest while enrolled in school. Repayment on Stafford loans begins six months after the
date the student ceases enrollment. The loan may be paid back to the lender over the course of up to 10 years
or longer. Both graduate and undergraduate students may apply for Stafford loans. During fiscal year 2009,
Stafford loans represented approximately 85% of the gross Title IV funds received by University of Phoenix.
In addition to FFELP loans made by private lenders, the U.S. Department of Education also administers
the Federal Direct Loan Program (“FDLP”), which eliminates the private financial institution as the lender.
Under the FDLP, the federal government makes the loans directly to the students with terms consistent with
FFELP loans. During fiscal year 2009, we began participating in the FDLP for a small portion of our Title IV
eligible students. During fiscal year 2009, FDLP loans represented less than 1% of the gross Title IV funds
received by University of Phoenix. In U.S. President Barack Obama’s 2010 budget request delivered to
Congress on February 26, 2009, the U.S. Department of Education proposed to eliminate FFELP loans and
instead require all Title IV student loans to be administered through the FDLP commencing July 1, 2010. We
expect to be able to fully transition from the FFELP program to the FDLP by the proposed July 1, 2010
phase-out date, if necessary. If this proposal is adopted, the transition would require us to develop and
implement administrative capabilities and procedures for volume processing of loans under the FDLP. If we
experience a disruption in our ability to process student loans through the FDLP, either because of
administrative challenges on our part or the inability of the U.S. Department of Education to process the
increased volume of direct loans on a timely basis, our results of operations and cash flows could be adversely
and materially affected.
Federal Pell Grants are generally awarded based on need only to undergraduate students who have not
earned a bachelor’s or professional degree. Unlike loans, Pell Grants do not have to be repaid. During fiscal
year 2009, Pell Grants represented approximately 14% of the gross Title IV funds received by University of
Phoenix.
Funding from student loans not guaranteed by the federal government represented approximately 1% of
the cash basis revenue for eligible tuition and fees for University of Phoenix during fiscal year 2009. See
Item 1A, Risk Factors — Risks Related to the Highly Regulated Industry in Which We Operate.
21
International
Government financial aid funding for students enrolled in our international institutions is not widely
available.
Regulatory Environment
Domestic Postsecondary
Our domestic postsecondary operations are subject to significant regulations. New or revised interpreta-
tions of regulatory requirements could have a material adverse effect on us. In addition, changes in existing or
new interpretations of applicable laws, rules, or regulations could have a material adverse effect on our
accreditation, authorization to operate in various states, permissible activities, and operating costs. The failure
to maintain or renew any required regulatory approvals, accreditation, or state authorizations could have a
material adverse effect on us. See Item 1A, Risk Factors — Risks Related to the Highly Regulated Industry in
Which We Operate.
The Higher Education Act, as reauthorized, and the related regulations govern all higher education
institutions participating in U.S. Title IV federal financial aid programs, and provide for a regulatory triad by
mandating specific regulatory responsibilities for each of the following:
• the accrediting agencies recognized by the U.S. Department of Education;
• the federal government through the U.S. Department of Education; and
• state higher education regulatory bodies.
To be eligible to participate in Title IV programs, a postsecondary institution must be accredited by an
accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and must comply with the Higher Education
Act, as reauthorized, and all applicable regulations thereunder. University of Phoenix and Western International
University currently meet the requirements for Title IV participation. The most significant regulatory
requirements applicable to our domestic postsecondary operations are summarized below.
Eligibility and Certification Procedures. The Higher Education Act, as reauthorized, specifies the
manner in which the U.S. Department of Education reviews institutions for eligibility and certification to
participate in Title IV programs. Every educational institution involved in Title IV programs must be certified
to participate and is required to periodically renew this certification. University of Phoenix was recertified in
June 2003 and its current certification for the Title IV programs expired in June 2007. In March 2007,
University of Phoenix submitted its Title IV recertification application to the U.S. Department of Education.
We have been collaborating with the U.S. Department of Education since that date and continue to supply
additional follow-up information based on requests from the U.S. Department of Education. Our eligibility
continues on a month-to-month basis until the U.S. Department of Education issues its decision on the
application. We have no reason to believe that our application will not be renewed in due course.
In February 2009, unrelated to our recertification application, the U.S. Department of Education
performed an ordinary course, focused program review of University of Phoenix’s policies and procedures
involving Title IV programs. We have not yet received the program review report.
Western International University was recertified in October 2003 and its current certification for
participation in Title IV programs expired on June 30, 2009. In March 2009, Western International University
submitted its Title IV recertification application to the U.S. Department of Education and Western International
University’s eligibility continues on a month-to-month basis until the U.S. Department of Education completes
its review of the application and issues its decision. As with University of Phoenix, we have no reason to
believe that the application will not be renewed in due course.
The “90/10 Rule.” A requirement of the Higher Education Act, as reauthorized by the Higher Education
Opportunity Act, commonly referred to as the “90/10 Rule,” applies only to proprietary institutions of higher
education, which includes University of Phoenix and Western International University. Under this rule, a
proprietary institution will be ineligible to participate in Title IV programs if for any two consecutive fiscal
years it derives more than 90% of its cash basis revenue, as defined in the rule, from Title IV programs. An
22
institution that derives more than 90% of its revenue from Title IV programs for any single fiscal year will be
placed on provisional certification for two fiscal years and will be subject to possible additional sanctions
determined to be appropriate under the circumstances by the U.S. Department of Education in the exercise of
its broad discretion. An institution that derives more than 90% of its revenue from Title IV programs for two
consecutive fiscal years will be ineligible to participate in Title IV programs. University of Phoenix and
Western International University are required to calculate this percentage at the end of each fiscal year. If an
institution violates the 90/10 Rule and becomes ineligible to participate in Title IV programs, any disburse-
ments of Title IV program funds while ineligible must be repaid to the U.S. Department of Education.
The 90/10 Rule percentage for University of Phoenix has increased materially over the past several fiscal
years and we expect the trend will continue in fiscal year 2010. The increase has been driven primarily by the
following factors:
• Increased student loan limits. In May 2008, the Ensuring Continued Access to Student Loans Act of
2008 increased the annual loan limits on federal unsubsidized student loans by $2,000 for the majority
of our students enrolled in associate’s and bachelor’s degree programs, and also increased the aggregate
loan limits (over the course of a student’s education) on total federal student loans for certain students.
This increase in student loan limits, together with increases in Pell Grants, has increased the amount of
Title IV program funds available to and used by our students to satisfy tuition, fees and other costs,
which has increased the proportion of our revenue deemed to be from Title IV programs.
• Increased associate’s degree enrollment. The proportion of our revenue from associate’s degree
programs is composed of a higher percentage of Title IV funds than is the case for our bachelor’s and
other degree programs. As a result, our 90/10 Rule percentage tends to increase as associate’s degree
enrollment increases relative to other programs. Because our associate’s degree enrollment continues to
grow at a higher rate than our other programs, this growth has contributed to the increase in the 90/10
Rule percentages for the University of Phoenix.
The Higher Education Opportunity Act provides temporary relief from the impact of the loan limit
increases by excluding from the 90/10 Rule calculation any amounts received between July 1, 2008 and July 1,
2011 that are attributable to the increased annual loan limits. The implementing regulations for this temporary
relief are being developed in a negotiated rulemaking process involving the U.S. Department of Education,
industry representatives and other interested parties. The proposed rules were published for comment by the
U.S. Department of Education in August 2009, and are expected to be published in final form by November 1,
2009. There is uncertainty about the manner and extent in which the temporary relief will apply to University
of Phoenix and Western International University, which have atypical academic calendars. We continue to
monitor the rulemaking process, as the resolution of the interpretive issues and subsequent guidance from the
U.S. Department of Education could have an impact on the benefit derived from the temporary relief. The
application of this temporary relief will decrease the 90/10 Rule percentages for University of Phoenix and
Western International University for fiscal year 2009. However, at present given the evolving rule-making
process as well as the complexity of such a calculation given our atypical academic calendars, we are unable
to quantify precisely the benefit that we will derive in the 90/10 Rule percentage from the temporary relief. As
such, our reported rates below exclude the benefits from the temporary relief, which we currently estimate will
reduce our University of Phoenix rate between 50 and 300 basis points.
The 90/10 Rule percentages, excluding the benefit from the temporary relief for loan limit increases, for
University of Phoenix and Western International University for fiscal year 2009 were 86% and 57%,
respectively.
University of Phoenix is taking various measures to reduce the percentage of its cash basis revenue
attributable to Title IV funds, including emphasizing employer-paid and other direct-pay education programs,
encouraging students to carefully evaluate the amount of necessary Title IV borrowing, and increasing the
focus on professional development and continuing education programs. Although we expect that these
measures will favorably impact the 90/10 Rule calculation in the future, there is no assurance that these
initiatives will be effective in reducing the 90/10 Rule calculation, or that they will be adequate to prevent the
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90/10 Rule calculation from exceeding 90% in fiscal year 2010 or future fiscal years. We do not believe that
these measures significantly impacted our 90/10 Rule calculation for fiscal year 2009.
In addition, we intend to consider other measures to favorably impact the 90/10 Rule calculation for
University of Phoenix, including appropriate domestic acquisitions and tuition price increases. These efforts,
and our other long-term initiatives to impact this calculation, may increase our operating expenses and/or
reduce our revenue and may have a materially adverse effect on our results of operations, cash flows and
financial condition.
Student Loan Defaults. To remain eligible to participate in Title IV programs, educational institutions
must maintain an appropriate student loan cohort default rate. The U.S. Department of Education reviews an
educational institution’s cohort default rate annually as a measure of administrative capability. The cohort is
the group of students who first enter into student loan repayment during a federal fiscal year (ending
September 30). The currently applicable cohort default rate for each cohort is the percentage of the students in
the cohort who default on their student loans prior to the end of the following federal fiscal year. The cohort
default rates are published by the U.S. Department of Education approximately 12 months after the end of the
measuring period. Thus, in September 2009 the U.S. Department of Education published the cohort default
rates for the 2007 cohort, which measured the percentage of students who first entered into repayment during
the year ended September 30, 2007 and defaulted prior to September 30, 2008. As discussed below, the
measurement period for the cohort default rate has been increased to three years starting with the 2009 cohort.
If an educational institution’s cohort default rate exceeds 10% for any one of the three preceding years, it
must delay for 30 days the release of the first disbursement of U.S. federal student loan proceeds to first time
borrowers enrolled in the first year of an undergraduate program. Western International University imple-
mented a 30 day delay for such disbursements in fiscal year 2007, and University of Phoenix proactively
implemented a 30 day delay for such disbursements in July 2009. If an institution’s cohort default rate exceeds
25% for three consecutive years or exceeds 40% in any one year, it will be ineligible to participate in Title IV
programs and, as a result, its students would not be eligible for federal student financial aid.
The cohort default rates for University of Phoenix, Western International University and for all proprietary
postsecondary institutions for the federal fiscal year periods 2007, 2006 and 2005 were as follows:
Cohort Year Ended
September 30,
2007 2006 2005
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We have implemented initiatives to mitigate the increased risk of student loan defaults for University of
Phoenix and Western International University students. We have dedicated resources focused on assisting the
students who are at risk of default. These dedicated resources contact students and offer assistance, which
includes providing students with specific loan repayment information, lender contact information and attempts
to transfer these students to the lender to resolve their delinquency. In addition, we have refined and improved
our student retention programs, resulting in improved student retention rates. Accordingly, we believe that the
increase in cohort default rates for University of Phoenix arising from the increased proportion of associate’s
degree students will be significantly less pronounced than it was for Western International University.
The cohort default rate calculation was modified by the Higher Education Opportunity Act enacted in
August 2008. As modified, effective for the federal fiscal year 2009 cohort, the measuring period for the
cohort default rate will be extended to the end of the second year after a student first enters repayment, rather
than the end of the first year following the commencement of repayment. Accordingly, the cohort default rate
for the 2009 cohort will measure the percentage of students entering student loan repayment during the year
ended September 30, 2009 who default on their student loans on or before September 30, 2011 (rather than
September 30, 2010).
The Higher Education Opportunity Act also modified several provisions to counterbalance the extended
measurement period with increased threshold cohort default rates that trigger penalties along with the penalties
imposed based on an institution’s cohort default rate effective with the federal fiscal year 2009 cohort as
follows:
• The trigger based on a single cohort default rate of 10%, which would result in a required 30-day delay
in disbursing Title IV loan proceeds to first year, first time borrowers, will be increased to 15%;
• The trigger based on cohort default rates of more than 25% for three consecutive cohorts, which would
result in Title IV ineligibility, will be increased to 30%; and
• The trigger based on a single cohort default rate of more than 40%, which would result in Title IV
ineligibility, is unchanged.
At this time we are unable to forecast the impact of these modifications on our business due to the
uncertain impact on student loan defaults of the current adverse economic conditions.
Administrative Capability. The Higher Education Opportunity Act directs the U.S. Department of
Education to assess the administrative capability of each institution to participate in Title IV programs. The
failure of an institution to satisfy any of the criteria used to assess administrative capability may allow the
U.S. Department of Education to determine that the institution lacks administrative capability and, therefore,
may be subject to additional scrutiny or denied eligibility for Title IV programs.
Standards of Financial Responsibility. Pursuant to the Title IV regulations, as revised, each eligible
higher education institution must satisfy the minimum standard established for three tests which assess the
financial condition of the institution at the end of the institution’s fiscal year. The three tests measure primary
reserve, equity, and net income ratios by using information from the institution’s audited financial statements.
These ratios take into account the total financial resources of the school. The Primary Reserve Ratio is a
measure of an institution’s financial viability and liquidity. The Equity Ratio is a measure of an institution’s
capital resources and its ability to borrow. The Net Income Ratio is a measure of an institution’s profitability.
These tests provide three individual scores which are converted into a single composite score. The maximum
composite score is 3.0. If the institution achieves a composite score of at least 1.5, it is considered financially
responsible. A composite score from 1.0 to 1.4 is considered financially responsible, subject to additional
monitoring and other consequences, and the institution may continue to participate as a financially responsible
institution for up to three years. If an institution does not achieve a composite score of at least 1.0, it can be
transferred from the “advance” system of payment of Title IV funds to cash monitoring status or to the
“reimbursement” system of payment, under which the institution must disburse its own funds to students and
document the students’ eligibility for Title IV program funds before receiving such funds from the
U.S. Department of Education. The composite scores for Apollo Group, University of Phoenix and Western
International University exceed the required minimum of 1.5.
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Limits on Title IV Program Funds. The Title IV regulations place restrictions on the types of programs
offered and the amount of Title IV program funds that a student is eligible to receive in any one academic
year. Only certain types of educational programs offered by an institution qualify for Title IV program funds.
For students enrolled in qualified programs, the Title IV regulations place limits on the amount of Title IV
program funds that a student is eligible to receive in any one academic year, as defined by the U.S. Department
of Education. An academic year must consist of at least 30 weeks of instructional time and a minimum of 24
credit hours. Most of University of Phoenix’s and Western International University’s degree programs meet the
academic year minimum definition of 30 weeks of instructional time and 24 credit hours. Substantially all of
University of Phoenix’s degree programs qualify for Title IV program funds. The programs that do not qualify
for Title IV program funds consist primarily of corporate training programs and certain certificate and
continuing professional education programs. These programs are paid directly by the students or their
employers.
Restricted Cash. The U.S. Department of Education places restrictions on excess Title IV program funds
collected for unbilled tuition and fees transferred to University of Phoenix, Western International University or
IPD Client Institutions. If an institution holds excess Title IV program funds with student authorization, the
institution must maintain, at all times, cash in its bank account (not an escrow account) in an amount at least
equal to the amount of funds the institution holds for students.
Compensation of Representatives. The Higher Education Opportunity Act prohibits an institution from
providing any commission, bonus or other incentive payment based directly or indirectly on success in
securing enrollments or financial aid to any person or entity engaged in any student recruitment, admission, or
financial aid awarding activity. Title IV regulations provide safe harbors for activities and arrangements that an
institution may carry out without violating the Higher Education Act, as reauthorized, which include, but are
not limited to, the payment of fixed compensation (annual salary), as long as that compensation is not adjusted
up or down more than twice during any 12-month period, and any adjustment is not based solely on the
number of students recruited, admitted, enrolled, or awarded financial aid. University of Phoenix, Western
International University, and IPD believe that their current methods of compensating enrollment counselors
and financial aid staff comply with the Title IV regulations. See Note 18, Commitments and Contingencies, in
Item 8, Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, regarding the Incentive Compensation False Claims
Act lawsuit.
Authorizations for New Locations and Programs. University of Phoenix, Western International
University and CFFP are required to have authorization to operate as degree-granting institutions in each state
where they physically provide educational programs. Certain states accept accreditation as evidence of meeting
minimum state standards for authorization or for exempting the institution entirely from formal state licensure
or approval. Other states require separate evaluations for authorization. Depending on the state, the addition of
a degree program not offered previously or the addition of a new location must be included in the institution’s
accreditation and be approved by the appropriate state authorization agency. University of Phoenix, Western
International University and CFFP are currently authorized to operate in all states in which they have physical
locations.
University of Phoenix, Western International University and CFFP also must obtain the prior approval of
The Higher Learning Commission before expanding into new locations to conduct instructional activities.
Branching and Classroom Locations. The Title IV regulations contain specific requirements governing
the establishment of new main campuses, branch campuses and classroom locations at which the eligible
institution offers, or could offer, 50% or more of an educational program. In addition to classrooms at
campuses and learning centers, locations affected by these requirements include the business facilities of client
companies, military bases and conference facilities used by University of Phoenix and Western International
University. The U.S. Department of Education requires that the institution notify the U.S. Department of
Education of each location offering 50% or more of an educational program prior to disbursing Title IV
program funds to students at that location. University of Phoenix and Western International University have
procedures in place to ensure timely notification and acquisition of all necessary location approvals prior to
disbursing Title IV funds to students attending any new location. In addition, The Higher Learning
26
Commission requires that each new campus or learning center of University of Phoenix or Western
International University be approved before offering instruction. States in which the two universities operate
have varying requirements for approval of branch and classroom locations.
Change of Ownership or Control. A change of ownership or control, depending on the type of change,
may have significant regulatory consequences for University of Phoenix, Western International University and
CFFP. Such a change of ownership or control could trigger recertification by the U.S. Department of
Education, reauthorization by state licensing agencies, or the reevaluation of the accreditation by The Higher
Learning Commission.
The U.S. Department of Education has adopted the change of ownership and control standards used by
the U.S. federal securities laws for institutions owned by publicly-held corporations. If a change of ownership
and control occurs that requires us to file a Form 8-K with the Securities and Exchange Commission, or there
is a change in the identity of a controlling shareholder of Apollo Group, the University of Phoenix and/or
Western International University may become ineligible to participate in Title IV programs until recertified by
the U.S. Department of Education. Under some circumstances, the U.S. Department of Education may
continue an institution’s participation in Title IV programs on a temporary provisional basis pending
completion of the change in ownership approval process. In addition, some states where University of Phoenix,
Western International University or CFFP are presently licensed have requirements governing change of
ownership or control that require approval of the change to remain authorized to operate in those states. See
Item 1A, Risk Factors — Our Executive Chairman and Vice Chairman of the Board control 100% of our
voting stock and control substantially all actions requiring the vote or consent of our shareholders. Moreover,
University of Phoenix, Western International University and CFFP are required to report any material change
in stock ownership to The Higher Learning Commission. In the event of a material change in stock ownership,
The Higher Learning Commission may seek to evaluate the effect of such a change on the continuing
operations of University of Phoenix, Western International University and CFFP.
New U.S. Department of Education Reporting and Disclosure requirements. The Higher Education
Opportunity Act includes various provisions aimed at the rising cost of postsecondary education and other
efforts for more transparency. Beginning July 1, 2011, the U.S. Department of Education will publish national
lists disclosing the top five percent in each of nine institutional categories with the highest college costs and
largest percentage increases. Additional consumer information disclosures required of all Title IV eligible
institutions, include, but are not limited to, plans for improving the academic program, institutional policies
and sanctions related to the unauthorized distribution of copyrighted material, retention rates, placement
information, completion and graduation rates and campus/student safety awareness provisions.
U.S. Department of Education Audits and Other Matters. From time to time as part of the normal
course of business, University of Phoenix and Western International University are subject to program reviews
and audits by regulating bodies as a result of their participation in Title IV programs. In February 2009, the
U.S. Department of Education performed an ordinary course, focused program review of University of
Phoenix’s policies and procedures involving Title IV programs. We have not received the program review
report resulting from this visit.
U.S. Department of Education regulations require institutions and third-party servicers to submit annually
to the Secretary of Education their student financial aid compliance audit, prepared by an independent auditor,
no later than six months after the last day of the institution’s or third-party servicer’s fiscal year. University of
Phoenix, Western International University and IPD have timely submitted their respective fiscal year 2008
annual student financial aid compliance audits.
During a previous internal review of certain Title IV policies and procedures, it came to our attention that
certain Satisfactory Academic Progress calculations performed by University of Phoenix and Western
International University failed to properly identify students who should have been placed on financial aid
disqualification status and therefore were ineligible to participate in Title IV financial aid programs.
Additionally, we determined that University of Phoenix was incorrectly disbursing certain funds under a grant
program. These matters were self-reported to the U.S. Department of Education in October 2008. In February
2009, after completing our review of these practices, we reported to the U.S. Department of Education the
27
results of our review and paid the U.S. Department of Education our best estimate of the liability, which was
$8.4 million. Approximately half of this amount was recorded in our Consolidated Statements of Income in
fiscal year 2008, which was our best estimate based on the information available when we identified the
matter. We recorded the remaining amount in our Consolidated Statements of Income in the first half of fiscal
year 2009 following completion of our review. The U.S. Department of Education has informed us that this
matter has been resolved.
International
Governmental regulations in foreign countries significantly affect our international operations. New or
revised interpretations of regulatory requirements could have a material adverse effect on us. Changes in
existing or new interpretations of applicable laws, rules, or regulations in the foreign jurisdictions in which we
operate could have a material adverse effect on our accreditation, authorization to operate, permissible
activities, and costs of doing business outside of the U.S. The failure to maintain or renew any required
regulatory approvals, accreditation, or state authorizations could have a material adverse effect on our
international operations. See Item 1A, Risk Factors — Risks Related to the Highly Regulated Industry in Which
We Operate.
Other Matters
We file annual, quarterly and current reports with the Securities and Exchange Commission. You may
read and copy any document we file at the Securities and Exchange Commission’s Public Reference Room at
100 F Street N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549. Please call the Securities and Exchange Commission at
1-800-SEC-0330 for information on the Public Reference Room. The Securities and Exchange Commission
maintains a website that contains annual, quarterly and current reports that issuers file electronically with the
Securities and Exchange Commission. The Securities and Exchange Commission’s website is
http://www.sec.gov.
Our website address is www.apollogrp.edu. We make available free of charge on our website our Annual
Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K, Information Statements
on Schedule 14C, Forms 3, 4, and 5 filed on behalf of directors and executive officers, and all amendments to
those reports filed or furnished pursuant to the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as soon as reasonably
practicable after such reports are electronically filed with, or furnished to, the Securities and Exchange
Commission.
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Voting Stock Trust. Dr. Sperling, Mr. Sperling and the two trusts collectively own 100% of our voting
securities, the Apollo Group Class B common stock. Through their individual holdings and their control of
these trusts, Dr. Sperling and Mr. Sperling together control the election of all members of our Board of
Directors and substantially all other actions requiring a vote of our shareholders, except in certain limited
circumstances. Holders of our outstanding Apollo Group Class A common stock do not have the right to vote
for the election of directors or for substantially any other action requiring a vote of shareholders, except in
certain limited circumstances. In the event of Dr. Sperling’s passing, control of the John Sperling Voting Stock
Trust, which holds a majority of the outstanding Apollo Group Class B common stock, will be exercised by a
majority of three successor trustees: Mr. Sperling, Terri Bishop, who is an executive officer and Director of
Apollo, and Darby Shupp, an employee of an entity affiliated with Dr. Sperling. No assurances can be given
that the Apollo Group Class B shareholders will exercise their control of Apollo Group in the same manner
that a majority of the outstanding Class A shareholders would if they were entitled to vote on actions currently
reserved exclusively for our Class B shareholders. In addition, the control of 100% of our voting stock by
Dr. Sperling and Mr. Sperling makes it impossible for a third party to acquire voting control of us without
Dr. Sperling’s consent.
We are a “Controlled Company” as defined in Rule 5615(c)(1) of the NASDAQ Listing Rules, since more
than 50% of the voting power of Apollo Group is held by the John Sperling Voting Stock Trust. As a
consequence, we are exempt from certain requirements of NASDAQ Listing Rule 5605, including that:
• our Board be composed of a majority of Independent Directors (as defined in NASDAQ Listing
Rule 5605(a)(2));
• the compensation of our officers be determined by a majority of the independent directors or a
compensation committee composed solely of independent directors; and
• nominations to the Board of Directors be made by a majority of the independent directors or a
nominations committee composed solely of independent directors.
However, NASDAQ Listing Rule 5605(b)(2) does require that our independent directors have regularly
scheduled meetings at which only independent directors are present (“executive sessions”). In addition, Internal
Revenue Code Section 162(m) requires that a compensation committee of outside directors (within the
meaning of Section 162(m)) approve stock option grants to executive officers in order for us to be able to
claim deductions for the compensation expense attributable to such stock options. Notwithstanding the
foregoing exemptions, we do have a majority of independent directors on our Board of Directors and we do
have an Audit Committee, a Compensation Committee and a Nominating and Governance Committee
composed entirely of independent directors.
The charters for the Compensation, Audit and Nominating and Governance Committees have been
adopted by the Board of Directors and are available on our website, www.apollogrp.edu. These charters
provide, among other items, that each member must be independent as such term is defined by the applicable
rules of the NASDAQ Stock Market LLC and the Securities and Exchange Commission.
29
aid program funds. University of Phoenix represented approximately 95% of our fiscal year 2009 total
consolidated net revenue and University of Phoenix generated 86% of its cash basis revenue for eligible tuition
and fees during fiscal year 2009 from receipt of Title IV financial aid program funds, as calculated under the
90/10 Rule, excluding the benefit from the temporary relief for loan limit increases.
These regulatory requirements cover virtually all phases of our U.S. operations, including educational
program offerings, facilities, instructional and administrative staff, administrative procedures, marketing and
recruiting, financial operations, payment of refunds to students who withdraw, maintenance of restricted cash,
acquisitions or openings of new schools, commencement of new educational programs and changes in our
corporate structure and ownership.
The Higher Education Act, as reauthorized, mandates specific regulatory responsibilities for each of the
following components of the higher education regulatory triad: (1) the U.S. federal government through the
U.S. Department of Education; (2) independent accrediting agencies recognized by the U.S. Secretary of
Education; and (3) state education regulatory bodies.
The regulations, standards and policies of these regulatory agencies frequently change and are subject to
interpretation, particularly where they are crafted for traditional, academic term-based schools rather than our
non-term academic delivery model. Changes in, or new interpretations of, applicable laws, regulations, or
standards could have a material adverse effect on our accreditation, authorization to operate in various states,
permissible activities, receipt of funds under Title IV programs, or costs of doing business. We cannot predict
with certainty how all of the requirements applied by these agencies will be interpreted or whether our schools
will be able to comply with these requirements in the future.
From time to time, we identify inadvertent compliance deficiencies that we must address and, where
appropriate, report to the U.S. Department of Education. Such reporting, even in regard to a minor compliance
issue, could result in a more significant compliance review by the U.S. Department of Education or even a full
recertification review, which may require the expenditure of substantial administrative time and resources to
address. If the U.S. Department of Education concluded that these reported deficiencies reflect a lack of
administrative capability, we could be subject to additional sanctions or even lose our eligibility to participate
in Title IV programs. See “A failure to demonstrate “administrative capability” or “financial responsibility”
may result in the loss of eligibility to participate in Title IV programs,” below.
If we are found to be in noncompliance with any of these regulations, standards or policies, any one of
the relevant regulatory agencies may be able to do one or more of the following:
• impose monetary fines or penalties;
• limit or terminate our operations or ability to grant degrees and diplomas;
• restrict or revoke our accreditation, licensure or other approval to operate;
• limit, suspend or terminate our eligibility to participate in Title IV programs or state financial aid
programs;
• require repayment of funds received under Title IV programs or state financial aid programs;
• require us to post a letter of credit with the U.S. Department of Education;
• subject our schools to heightened cash monitoring by the U.S. Department of Education;
• transfer us from the U.S. Department of Education’s advance system of receiving Title IV program
funds to its reimbursement system, under which a school must disburse its own funds to students and
document the students’ eligibility for Title IV program funds before receiving such funds backed by the
U.S. Department of Education;
• subject us to other civil or criminal penalties; and/or
• subject us to other forms of censure.
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In addition, in some circumstances of noncompliance or alleged noncompliance, we may be subject to qui
tam lawsuits under the Federal False Claims Act. In these actions, private plaintiffs seek to enforce remedies
under the Act on behalf of the U.S. and, if successful, are entitled to recover their costs and to receive a
portion of any amounts recovered by the U.S. in the lawsuit. These lawsuits can be prosecuted by a private
plaintiff in respect of some action taken by us, even if the Department of Education does not agree with
plaintiff’s theory of liability.
Any of the penalties, injunctions, restrictions or other forms of censure listed above could have a material
adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. If we lose our Title IV
eligibility, we would experience a dramatic and adverse decline in revenue and we would be unable to
continue our business as it currently is conducted.
The reauthorization of the federal Higher Education Act in August 2008 includes substantially increased
reporting and other requirements which may impair our reputation and adversely affect our enrollments. In
addition, not all of these new requirements are clear on their face. Our failure to accurately interpret these
new requirements may subject us to penalties and other sanctions imposed by the U.S. Department of
Education.
The Higher Education Opportunity Act, enacted on August 14, 2008, extends the Higher Education Act
through September 30, 2013. Among other things, the Higher Education Opportunity Act imposes more than
100 new reporting requirements. Beginning July 1, 2011, the U.S. Department of Education will publish
national lists disclosing various statistics including the top five percent of schools in each of nine institutional
categories with the highest college costs and largest percentage increases. If University of Phoenix or Western
International University is highlighted negatively on one or more of these lists, our reputation may be impaired
and our enrollments may be adversely affected. In addition, many of the Higher Education Opportunity Act
provisions will be further specified in regulations promulgated by the U.S. Department of Education. The
U.S. Department of Education currently is evaluating which provisions in the law should be the subject of
regulation. This regulatory process may impose additional or apparently different reporting and other
requirements on institutions that participate in Title IV programs. Some period will elapse before the
U.S. Department of Education determines which provisions of the Higher Education Opportunity Act will be
the subject of administrative rulemaking and issues final rules. In the interim, the uncertainty about various
requirements of the Higher Education Opportunity Act will remain. Any failure by us to properly interpret the
effect of the Higher Education Opportunity Act could subject us to the consequences, penalties and other
sanctions imposed by the U.S. Department of Education discussed in the preceding risk factor, which could
have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. The
prospect of such sanctions may cause us to conservatively interpret the Higher Education Opportunity Act’s
requirements pending interpretive guidance, which may limit our flexibility in operating or growing our
business.
Our schools and programs would lose their eligibility to participate in federal student financial aid
programs if the percentage of our revenues derived from those programs is too high.
The “90/10 Rule.” A requirement of the Higher Education Act, as reauthorized by the Higher Education
Opportunity Act, commonly referred to as the “90/10 Rule,” applies only to proprietary institutions of higher
education, which includes University of Phoenix and Western International University. Under this rule, a
proprietary institution will be ineligible to participate in Title IV programs if for any two consecutive fiscal
years it derives more than 90% of its cash basis revenue, as defined in the rule, from Title IV programs. An
institution that derives more than 90% of its revenue from Title IV programs for any single fiscal year will be
placed on provisional certification for two fiscal years and will be subject to possible additional sanctions
determined to be appropriate under the circumstances by the U.S. Department of Education in the exercise of
its broad discretion. An institution that derives more than 90% of its revenue from Title IV programs for two
consecutive fiscal years will be ineligible to participate in Title IV programs. University of Phoenix and
Western International University are required to calculate this percentage at the end of each fiscal year. If an
31
institution violates the 90/10 Rule and becomes ineligible to participate in Title IV programs, any disburse-
ments of Title IV program funds while ineligible must be repaid to the U.S. Department of Education.
The 90/10 Rule percentage for University of Phoenix has increased materially over the past several fiscal
years and we expect the trend will continue in fiscal year 2010. The increase has been driven primarily by the
following factors:
• Increased student loan limits. In May 2008, the Ensuring Continued Access to Student Loans Act of
2008 increased the annual loan limits on federal unsubsidized student loans by $2,000 for the majority
of our students enrolled in associate’s and bachelor’s degree programs, and also increased the aggregate
loan limits (over the course of a student’s education) on total federal student loans for certain students.
This increase in student loan limits, together with increases in Pell Grants, has increased the amount of
Title IV program funds available to and used by our students to satisfy tuition, fees and other costs,
which has increased the proportion of our revenue deemed to be from Title IV programs.
• Increased associate’s degree enrollment. The proportion of our revenue from associate’s degree
programs is composed of a higher percentage of Title IV funds than is the case for our bachelor’s and
other degree programs. As a result, our 90/10 Rule percentage tends to increase as associate’s degree
enrollment increases relative to other programs. Because our associate’s degree enrollment continues to
grow at a higher rate than our other programs, this growth has contributed to the increase in the 90/10
Rule percentages for the University of Phoenix.
The Higher Education Opportunity Act provides temporary relief from the impact of the loan limit
increases by excluding from the 90/10 Rule calculation any amounts received between July 1, 2008 and July 1,
2011 that are attributable to the increased annual loan limits. The implementing regulations for this temporary
relief are being developed in a negotiated rulemaking process involving the U.S. Department of Education,
industry representatives and other interested parties. The proposed rules were published for comment by the
U.S. Department of Education in August 2009, and are expected to be published in final form by November 1,
2009. There is uncertainty about the manner and extent in which the temporary relief will apply to University
of Phoenix and Western International University, which have atypical academic calendars. We continue to
monitor the rulemaking process, as the resolution of the interpretive issues and subsequent guidance from the
U.S. Department of Education could have an impact on the benefit derived from the temporary relief. The
application of this temporary relief will decrease the 90/10 Rule percentages for University of Phoenix and
Western International University for fiscal year 2009. However, at present given the evolving rule-making
process as well as the complexity of such a calculation given our atypical academic calendars, we are unable
to quantify precisely the benefit that we will derive in the 90/10 Rule percentage from the temporary relief. As
such, our reported rates below exclude the benefits from the temporary relief, which we currently estimate will
reduce our University of Phoenix rate between 50 and 300 basis points.
The 90/10 Rule percentages, excluding the benefit from the temporary relief for loan limit increases, for
University of Phoenix and Western International University for fiscal year 2009 were 86% and 57%,
respectively.
University of Phoenix is taking various measures to reduce the percentage of its cash basis revenue
attributable to Title IV funds, including emphasizing employer-paid and other direct-pay education programs,
encouraging students to carefully evaluate the amount of necessary Title IV borrowing, and increasing the
focus on professional development and continuing education programs. Although we expect that these
measures will favorably impact the 90/10 Rule calculation in the future, there is no assurance that these
initiatives will be effective in reducing the 90/10 Rule calculation, or that they will be adequate to prevent the
90/10 Rule calculation from exceeding 90% in fiscal year 2010 or future fiscal years. We do not believe that
these measures significantly impacted our 90/10 Rule calculation for fiscal year 2009.
In addition, we intend to consider other measures to favorably impact the 90/10 Rule calculation for
University of Phoenix, including appropriate domestic acquisitions and tuition price increases. These efforts,
and our other long-term initiatives to impact this calculation, may increase our operating expenses and/or
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reduce our revenue and may have a materially adverse effect on our results of operations, cash flows and
financial condition.
If the U.S. Congress acts to further increase the student loan limits or to increase the amount of Pell or other
grants available to students, the 90/10 Rule percentage for University of Phoenix could increase. Absent
corresponding changes in the 90/10 Rule to address the effects of any such increase, such an increase may require
us to accelerate our efforts to manage the proportion of our cash basis revenue composed of Title IV funds.
We collected the majority of our fiscal year 2009 total consolidated net revenue from receipt of Title IV
financial aid program funds, and continued Title IV eligibility is critical to the operation of our business. If
University of Phoenix becomes ineligible to participate in Title IV federal student financial aid programs, we
could not conduct our business as it is currently conducted and it would have a material adverse effect on our
business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. See the discussion of the 90/10 Rule,
including the changes enacted by the Higher Education Opportunity Act, in Item 1, Business, Regulatory
Environment — Domestic Postsecondary — The “90/10 Rule,” which discussion is incorporated by this
reference.
If we are not recertified to participate in Title IV programs by the U.S. Department of Education, we would
lose eligibility to participate in Title IV programs.
University of Phoenix and Western International University are eligible and certified to participate in
Title IV programs. University of Phoenix was recertified for Title IV programs in June 2003 and its current
certification expired in June 2007. In March 2007, University of Phoenix submitted its Title IV recertification
application to the U.S. Department of Education. We have been collaborating with the U.S. Department of
Education since that date and continue to supply additional follow-up information based on requests from the
U.S. Department of Education. Our eligibility continues on a month-to-month basis until the U.S. Department
of Education issues its decision on the application. We have no reason to believe that our application will not
be renewed in due course.
In February 2009, unrelated to our recertification application, the U.S. Department of Education
performed an ordinary course, focused program review of University of Phoenix’s policies and procedures
involving Title IV programs. We have not yet received the program review report.
Western International University was recertified in October 2003 and its current certification for
participation in Title IV programs expired on June 30, 2009. In March 2009, Western International University
submitted its Title IV recertification application to the U.S. Department of Education. Western International
University’s eligibility continues on a month-to-month basis until the U.S. Department of Education completes
it review of the application and issues its decision. As with University of Phoenix, we have no reason to
believe that the application will not be renewed in due course.
Generally, the recertification process includes a review by the U.S. Department of Education of the
institution’s educational programs and locations, administrative capability, financial responsibility, and other
oversight categories. The U.S. Department of Education could limit, suspend or terminate an institution’s
participation in Title IV programs for violations of the Higher Education Act, as reauthorized, or Title IV
regulations.
We collected the majority of our fiscal year 2009 total consolidated net revenue from receipt of Title IV
financial aid program funds. University of Phoenix represented approximately 95% of our fiscal year 2009
total consolidated net revenue and University of Phoenix generated 86% of its cash basis revenue for eligible
tuition and fees during fiscal year 2009 from receipt of Title IV financial aid program funds, as calculated
under the 90/10 Rule, excluding the benefit from the temporary relief for loan limit increases. Continued
Title IV eligibility is critical to the operation of our business. If University of Phoenix becomes ineligible to
participate in Title IV federal student financial aid programs, we could not conduct our business as it is
currently conducted and it would have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of
operations and cash flows.
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Our business could be harmed if we experience a disruption in our ability to process student loans because
of the proposed phase-out of Family Education Loan Program loans and the corresponding transition to
direct student loans under the Federal Direct Loan Program.
Student loans under the Federal Family Education Loan Program (“FFELP”) are currently the most
significant source of U.S. federal student aid and are low interest, federally guaranteed loans made by private
lenders. We collected the majority of our fiscal year 2009 total consolidated net revenue from receipt of
Title IV financial aid program funds, principally from FFELP student loans. In addition to FFELP loans made
by private lenders, the U.S. Department of Education also administers the Federal Direct Loan Program
(“FDLP”), which eliminates the private financial institution as the lender. Under the FDLP, the federal
government makes the loans directly to the students on terms consistent with FFELP loans. During fiscal year
2009, FDLP loans represented less than 1% of the gross Title IV funds received by University of Phoenix.
In U.S. President Barack Obama’s 2010 budget request to Congress, the U.S. Department of Education
proposed to eliminate FFELP loans and instead require all Title IV student loans to be administered through
the FDLP commencing July 1, 2010. We expect to be able to fully transition from the FFELP program to the
FDLP by the proposed July 1, 2010 phase-out date, if necessary. If this proposal is adopted, the transition
would require us to develop and implement administrative capabilities and procedures for volume processing
of loans under the FDLP. If we experience a disruption in our ability to process student loans through the
FDLP, either because of administrative challenges on our part or the inability of the U.S. Department of
Education to process the increased volume of direct student loans on a timely basis, our business, financial
condition, results of operations and cash flows could be adversely and materially affected.
If regulators do not approve or delay their approval of transactions involving a change of control of our
company, our state licenses, accreditation, and ability to participate in Title IV programs may be impaired.
A change of ownership or control of Apollo Group, depending on the type of change, may have
significant regulatory consequences for University of Phoenix and Western International University. Such a
change of ownership or control could require recertification by the U.S. Department of Education, reauthori-
zation by state licensing agencies, or the reevaluation of the accreditation by The Higher Learning Commission
of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. The U.S. Department of Education has adopted the
change of ownership and control standards used by the federal securities laws for institutions owned by
publicly-held corporations. Upon a change of ownership and control sufficient to require us to file a Form 8-K
with the Securities and Exchange Commission, or a change in the identity of a controlling shareholder of the
Apollo Group, University of Phoenix and/or Western International University may cease to be eligible to
participate in Title IV programs until recertified by the U.S. Department of Education. There can be no
assurances that such recertification would be obtained on a timely basis. Under some circumstances, the
U.S. Department of Education may continue an institution’s participation in the Title IV programs on a
temporary provisional basis pending completion of the change in ownership approval process. In addition,
some states where University of Phoenix, Western International University or CFFP is presently licensed have
requirements governing change of ownership or control that require approval of the change to remain
authorized to operate in those states. Moreover, University of Phoenix, Western International University and
CFFP are required to report any material change in stock ownership to The Higher Learning Commission. In
the event of a material change in stock ownership of Apollo Group, The Higher Learning Commission may
seek to evaluate the effect of such a change of stock ownership on the continuing operations of University of
Phoenix, Western International University and CFFP.
Substantially all of our voting stock is owned and controlled by Dr. John Sperling and Mr. Peter Sperling.
We cannot prevent a change of ownership or control that would arise from a transfer of voting stock by
Dr. Sperling or Mr. Sperling, including a transfer that may occur or be deemed to occur upon the death of one
or both of Dr. Sperling or Mr. Sperling. Dr. and Mr. Sperling have established voting stock trusts and other
agreements with the intent to maintain the Company’s voting stock in such a way as to prevent a change of
ownership or control upon either’s death, but we cannot assure you that these arrangements will have the
desired effect.
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If regulators do not approve our domestic acquisitions, the acquired schools’ state licenses, accreditation,
and ability to participate in Title IV programs may be impaired.
When we acquire an institution, we must seek approval from the U.S. Department of Education, if the
acquired institution participates in Title IV programs, and from most applicable state agencies and accrediting
agencies because an acquisition is considered a change of ownership or control of the acquired institution
under applicable regulatory standards. A change of ownership or control of an institution under the
U.S. Department of Education standards can result in the temporary suspension of the institution’s participation
in the Title IV programs unless a timely and materially complete application for recertification is filed with
the U.S. Department of Education and the U.S. Department of Education issues a temporary provisional
certification. If we are unable to obtain approvals from the state agencies, accrediting agencies or U.S. Depart-
ment of Education for any institution we may acquire in the future, depending on the size of that acquisition,
such a failure to obtain approval could have a material adverse effect on our business.
Action by the U.S. Congress to revise the laws governing the federal student financial aid programs or
reduce funding for those programs could reduce our student population and increase our costs of operation.
The U.S. Congress must periodically reauthorize the Higher Education Act and annually determine the
funding level for each Title IV program. In 2008, the Higher Education Act was reauthorized through
September 30, 2013 by the Higher Education Opportunity Act. Changes to the Higher Education Act are likely
to result from subsequent reauthorizations, and the scope and substance of any such changes cannot be
predicted. Any action by the U.S. Congress that significantly reduces Title IV program funding or the ability
of our institutions or students to participate in Title IV programs would have a material adverse effect on our
financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. Congressional action may also require us to modify
our practices in ways that could increase our administrative costs and reduce our profit margin, which could
have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
If the U.S. Congress significantly reduced the amount of available Title IV program funding, we would
attempt to arrange for alternative sources of financial aid for our students, but it is unlikely that private sources
would be able to provide as much funding to our students on as favorable terms as is currently provided by
Title IV. In addition, private organizations could require us to guarantee all or part of this assistance and we
might incur other additional costs. For these reasons, private, alternative sources of student financial aid would
only partly offset, if at all, the impact on our business of reduced Title IV program funding.
Student loan defaults could result in the loss of eligibility to participate in Title IV programs.
Currently, under the Higher Education Act, as reauthorized, an educational institution will lose its
eligibility to participate in some or all Title IV programs if its student loan cohort default rate equals or
exceeds 25% for three consecutive years or 40% for any given year. If our student loan default rates approach
these limits, we may be required to expend substantial effort and resources to improve these default rates. In
addition, because there is a lag between the funding of a student loan and a default thereunder, many of the
borrowers who are in default or at risk of default are former students with whom we may have only limited
contact. Accordingly, there can be no assurance that we would be able to effectively improve our default rates
or improve them in a timely manner to meet the requirements for continued participation in Title IV funding if
we begin to experience a substantial increase in our student loan default rates.
The cohort default rate requirements were modified by the Higher Education Opportunity Act enacted in
August 2008 to increase by one year the measuring period for each cohort and increase some of the threshold
rates that trigger penalties. We do not expect the change in the measurement period for the calculation of the
cohort default rate and the related thresholds to have a material impact on our business, financial condition,
results of operations and cash flows.
If we lose our eligibility to participate in Title IV programs because of high student loan default rates, we
could not conduct our business as it is currently being conducted and it would have a material adverse effect
on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. See the discussion of student loan
cohort default rates, including the changes enacted by the Higher Education Opportunity Act, in Item 1,
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Business — Regulatory Environment — Domestic Postsecondary — Student Loan Defaults, which discussion is
incorporated by this reference.
If any regulatory audit, investigation or other proceeding finds us not in compliance with the numerous
laws and regulations applicable to the postsecondary education industry, we may not be able to successfully
challenge such finding and our business could suffer.
Due to the highly regulated nature of the postsecondary education industry, we are subject to audits,
compliance reviews, inquiries, complaints, investigations, claims of non-compliance and lawsuits by federal
and state governmental agencies, regulatory agencies, accrediting agencies, present and former students and
employees, shareholders and other third parties, any of whom may allege violations of any of the regulatory
requirements applicable to us. If the results of any such claims or actions are unfavorable to us, we may be
required to pay monetary fines or penalties, be required to repay funds received under Title IV programs or
state financial aid programs, have restrictions placed on or terminate our schools’ or programs’ eligibility to
participate in Title IV programs or state financial aid programs, have limitations placed on or terminate our
schools’ operations or ability to grant degrees and certificates, have our schools’ accreditations restricted or
revoked, or be subject to civil or criminal penalties. Any one of these sanctions could materially adversely
affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows and result in the imposition of
significant restrictions on us and our ability to operate.
If we fail to maintain our institutional accreditation, we would lose our ability to participate in Title IV
programs.
University of Phoenix and Western International University are institutionally accredited by The Higher
Learning Commission, one of the six regional accrediting agencies recognized by the Secretary of Education.
Accreditation by an accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education is required in order for
an institution to become and remain eligible to participate in Title IV programs. The loss of accreditation
would, among other things, render our schools and programs ineligible to participate in Title IV programs,
affect our authorization to operate in certain states and decrease student demand. If University of Phoenix
becomes ineligible to participate in Title IV federal student financial aid programs, we could not conduct our
business as it is currently conducted and it would have a material adverse effect on our business, financial
condition, results of operations and cash flows.
If we fail to maintain any of our state authorizations, we would lose our ability to operate in that state and
to participate in Title IV programs there.
University of Phoenix and Western International University are authorized to operate and to grant degrees
by the applicable state agency of each state where such authorization is required and where we maintain a
campus. In addition, several states require University of Phoenix to obtain separate authorization for the
delivery of distance education to residents of those states. Compliance with these state requirements is also
necessary for students in the respective states to participate in Title IV programs. The loss of such
authorization in one or more states would render students resident in those states ineligible to participate in
Title IV programs and could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of
operations and cash flows. Loss of authorization in one or more states could increase the likelihood of
additional scrutiny and potential loss of operating and/or degree granting authority in other states in which we
operate, which would further impact our business.
A failure to demonstrate “administrative capability” or “financial responsibility” may result in the loss of
eligibility to participate in Title IV programs.
The U.S. Department of Education regulations specify extensive criteria an institution must satisfy to
establish that it has the requisite administrative capability to participate in Title IV programs. These criteria
require, among other things, that the institution:
• comply with all applicable Title IV program regulations;
36
• have capable and sufficient personnel to administer the federal student financial aid programs;
• have acceptable methods of defining and measuring the satisfactory academic progress of its students;
• not have a student loan cohort default rate above specified levels;
• have procedures in place for safeguarding federal funds;
• not be, and not have any principal or affiliate who is, debarred or suspended from federal contracting or
engaging in activity that is cause for debarment or suspension;
• provide financial aid counseling to its students;
• refer to the Office of Inspector General any credible information indicating that any applicant, student,
employee or agent of the institution has been engaged in any fraud or other illegal conduct involving
Title IV programs;
• submit in a timely manner all reports and financial statements required by the regulations; and
• not otherwise appear to lack administrative capability.
Furthermore, to participate in Title IV programs, an eligible institution must satisfy specific measures of
financial responsibility prescribed by the U.S. Department of Education, or post a letter of credit in favor of
the U.S. Department of Education and possibly accept other conditions on its participation in Title IV
programs. If our schools eligible to participate in Title IV programs fail to maintain administrative capability
or financial responsibility, as defined by the U.S. Department of Education, those schools could lose their
eligibility to participate in Title IV programs or have that eligibility adversely conditioned, which would have
a material adverse effect on our business. Limitations on, or termination of, participation in Title IV programs
as a result of the failure to demonstrate administrative capability or financial responsibility would limit
students’ access to Title IV program funds, which could significantly reduce the enrollments and revenues of
our schools eligible to participate in Title IV programs and materially and adversely affect our business,
financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. See the discussion of financial responsibility in Item 1,
Business — Regulatory Environment — Domestic Postsecondary — Standards of Financial Responsibility,
which discussion is incorporated by this reference.
We will be subject to sanctions if we fail to properly calculate and make timely payment of refunds of
Title IV program funds for students who withdraw before completing their educational program.
The Higher Education Act, as reauthorized, and U.S. Department of Education regulations require us to
calculate refunds of unearned Title IV program funds disbursed to students who withdraw from their
educational program before completing it. If refunds are not properly calculated or timely paid for 5% or more
of students sampled in the institution’s annual compliance audit or in a program review, generally within
45 days of the date the school determines that the student has withdrawn, we may have to post a letter of
credit in favor of the U.S. Department of Education or otherwise be subject to adverse actions by the
U.S. Department of Education, which could increase our cost of regulatory compliance and adversely affect
our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
We are subject to sanctions if we pay impermissible commissions, bonuses, or other incentive payments to
individuals involved in certain recruiting, admission, or financial aid activities.
A school participating in Title IV programs may not provide any commission, bonus, or other incentive
payment based directly or indirectly on success in securing enrollments or financial aid to any person or entity
engaged in any student recruitment or admission activity or in making decisions regarding the awarding of
Title IV program funds. The law and regulations governing this requirement do not establish clear criteria for
compliance in all circumstances. If the U.S. Department of Education determined that our compensation
practices violated these standards, the U.S. Department of Education could subject us to monetary fines,
penalties, or other sanctions, which could adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of
operations and cash flows.
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If IPD’s Client Institutions are sanctioned due to non-compliance with Title IV requirements, our business
could be responsible for any resulting fines and penalties.
IPD provides to its Client Institutions numerous consulting and administrative services, including services
that involve the handling and receipt of Title IV funds. As a result of this, IPD may be jointly and severally
liable for any fines, penalties or other sanctions imposed by the U.S. Department of Education on the Client
Institution for violation of applicable Title IV regulations, regardless of the degree of fault, if any, on IPD’s
part. The imposition of such fines, penalties or other sanctions could have a material adverse impact on our
business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
Government regulations relating to the Internet could increase our cost of doing business, affect our ability
to grow or otherwise have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of
operations and cash flows.
The increasing popularity and use of the Internet and other online services has led and may lead to
further adoption of new laws and regulatory practices in the U.S. or foreign countries and to new
interpretations of existing laws and regulations. These new laws and interpretations may relate to issues such
as online privacy, copyrights, trademarks and service marks, sales taxes, value-added taxes, withholding taxes,
allocation and apportionment of income amongst various state, local and foreign jurisdictions, fair business
practices and the requirement that online education institutions qualify to do business as foreign corporations
or be licensed in one or more jurisdictions where they have no physical location or other presence. New laws,
regulations or interpretations related to doing business over the Internet could increase our costs and materially
and adversely affect our enrollments, which could have a material adverse affect on our business, financial
condition, results of operations and cash flows.
Non-U.S. Operations
Our non-U.S. operations are subject to regulatory requirements of the applicable countries in which we
operate, and our failure to comply with these requirements may result in substantial monetary liabilities, fines
and penalties and a loss of authority to operate.
We operate physical and online educational institutions in the United Kingdom, Europe, China, India,
Canada, Chile, Mexico, and elsewhere, and are actively seeking further expansion in other countries. Our
operations in each of the relevant foreign jurisdictions are subject to educational and other regulations, which
may differ materially from the regulations applicable to our U.S. operations.
38
If we are unable to successfully conclude pending litigation and governmental inquiries, our business,
financial condition, results of operations and cash flows could be adversely affected.
We, certain of our subsidiaries, and certain of our current and former directors and executive officers have
been named as defendants in lawsuits alleging violations of the federal securities laws and the federal False
Claims Act. In August 2008, the U.S. District Court for the District Court of Arizona vacated a judgment for
damages against us in a securities class action, and the plaintiffs have appealed to the Ninth Circuit Court of
Appeals. We also are awaiting trial in a separate qui tam action against us alleging violations of the Higher
Education Act, as reauthorized, and federal securities laws and the federal False Claims Act. We are also
subject to various other lawsuits, investigations and claims, covering a range of matters, including, but not
limited to, claims involving shareholders and employment matters and an informal inquiry by the Enforcement
Division of the Securities and Exchange Commission regarding our revenue recognition practices. Refer to
Note 18, Commitments and Contingencies, in Item 8, Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, for
further discussion of pending litigation and other proceedings.
We cannot predict the ultimate outcome of these matters and expect to incur significant defense costs and
other expenses in connection with them. Such costs and expenses could have a material adverse effect on our
business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows and the market price of our common stock.
We may be required to pay substantial damages or settlement costs in excess of our insurance coverage related
to these matters, or may be required to pay substantial fines or penalties, any of which could have a further
material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
We may not be able to sustain our recent growth rate or profitability, and we may not be able to manage
future growth effectively.
Our ability to sustain our current rate of growth or profitability depends on a number of factors, including
our ability to obtain and maintain regulatory approvals, our ability to attract and retain students, our ability to
maintain operating margins, our ability to recruit and retain high quality academic and administrative
personnel and competitive factors. Over the past three years, our growth has been predominately in our
associate’s degree programs. If we do not sustain our growth rate in the associate’s degree programs, or fail to
transition students to our bachelor’s degree, advanced degree and other potential new programs, our business
could be adversely affected. In addition, growth may place a significant strain on our resources and increase
demands on our management information and reporting systems, financial management controls, and person-
nel. Although we have made a substantial investment in augmenting our financial and management informa-
tion systems and other resources to support future growth, we cannot assure you that we will have adequate
capacity to accommodate substantial growth or that we will be able to manage further growth effectively.
Failure to do so could adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
In addition, our growth could be adversely impacted by a reduction in the growth rate of overall
postsecondary enrollment. According to the U.S. Department of Education, enrollment in degree-granting,
postsecondary institutions is projected to grow approximately 10% over the ten-year period ending in 2017, to
approximately 20.1 million students. This growth compares with a 25.5% increase reported in the prior ten-
year period ended in 2007, when enrollment increased from 14.5 million students in 1997 to 18.2 million
students in 2007. This projected reduction in the growth rate of postsecondary enrollment could negatively
affect our ability to grow our business in the U.S.
Our financial performance depends on our ability to continue to develop awareness among, and recruit and
retain students.
Building awareness of our schools and the programs we offer is critical to our ability to attract
prospective students. If our schools are unable to successfully market and advertise their educational programs,
our schools’ ability to attract and enroll prospective students in such programs could be adversely affected,
and, consequently, our ability to increase revenue or maintain profitability could be impaired. It is also critical
to our success that we convert these prospective students to enrolled students in a cost-effective manner and
39
that these enrolled students remain active in our programs. Some of the factors that could prevent us from
successfully enrolling and retaining students in our programs include:
• the emergence of more attractive competitors;
• factors related to our marketing, including the cost and effectiveness of Internet advertising and broad-
based branding campaigns;
• inability to expand program content and develop new programs in a timely and cost-effective manner;
• performance problems with or capacity constraints of our online education delivery systems;
• failure to maintain accreditation;
• inability to continue to recruit, train and retain quality faculty;
• student or employer dissatisfaction with the quality of our services and programs;
• student financial, personal or family constraints;
• adverse publicity regarding us, our competitors or online or for-profit education generally;
• tuition rate reductions by competitors that we are unwilling or unable to match;
• a decline in the acceptance of online education;
• increased regulation of online education, including in states in which we do not have a physical
presence;
• a decrease in the perceived or actual economic benefits that students derive from our programs or
education in general; and
• litigation or regulatory investigations that may damage our reputation.
If the proportion of our students who are enrolled in our associate’s degree programs continues to increase,
we may experience increased cost and reduced margins.
In recent years, a substantial proportion of our overall growth has arisen from the increase in associate’s
degree students enrolled in University of Phoenix. As a result of this, the proportion of our Degreed
Enrollment composed of associate’s degree students has increased and may continue to increase in the future.
While this growth has generated significant financial returns, we have experienced certain negative effects
from this shift, such as an increase in our student loan cohort default rate. If this mix shift continues, we may
experience additional consequences, such as higher cost per New Degreed Enrollment, lower retention rates
and/or higher student services costs, an increase in the percentage of our revenue derived from Title IV
funding under the 90/10 Rule, more limited ability to implement tuition price increases and other effects that
may adversely affect our operating results.
System disruptions and security threats to our computer networks could have a material adverse effect on
our business.
The performance and reliability of our computer network infrastructure at our schools, including our
online programs, is critical to our operations, reputation and ability to attract and retain students. Any
computer system error or failure, regardless of cause, could cause network outages that disrupt our online and
on-ground operations. We have only limited redundancies in our core computer network infrastructure, which
is concentrated in a single geographic area. If we experience a catastrophic failure or unavailability for any
reason of our principal data center, we may need to replicate the function of this data center at our existing
remote data facility or elsewhere, which may require equipping and restoring activities that could take a week
or more to complete. The disruption from such an event could significantly impact our operations and have a
material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
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In addition, we face the threat to our computer systems of unauthorized access, computer hackers,
computer viruses and other security problems and system disruptions. We have devoted and will continue to
devote significant resources to the security of our computer systems, but they may still be vulnerable to these
threats. A user who circumvents security measures could misappropriate proprietary information or cause
interruptions or malfunctions in operations. As a result, we may be required to expend significant resources to
protect against the threat of these system disruptions and security breaches or to alleviate problems caused by
these disruptions and breaches, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition,
results of operations and cash flows.
We may not be able to successfully identify, pursue or integrate acquisitions; acquisitions may result in
additional debt or dilution to our shareholders.
As part of our growth strategy, we are actively considering acquisition opportunities in the U.S. and
worldwide. We have acquired and expect to acquire additional proprietary educational institutions that
complement our strategic direction, some of which could be material. Any acquisition involves significant
risks and uncertainties, including:
• inability to successfully integrate the acquired operations, including the information technology systems,
into our institutions and maintain uniform standards, controls, policies and procedures;
• distraction of management’s attention from normal business operations;
• challenges retaining the key employees of the acquired operation;
• possibly insufficient revenue generation to offset liabilities assumed;
• expenses associated with the acquisition;
• challenges relating to conforming non-compliant financial reporting procedures to those required of a
subsidiary of a U.S. reporting company, including procedures required by the Sarbanes-Oxley Act; and
• unidentified issues not discovered in our due diligence process, including commitments and/or
contingencies.
Acquisitions are inherently risky. We cannot be certain that our previous or future acquisitions will be
successful and will not materially adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and
cash flows. We may not be able to identify suitable acquisition opportunities, acquire institutions on favorable
terms, or successfully integrate or profitably operate acquired institutions. Future transactions may involve use
of our cash resources, issuance of equity or debt securities, incurrence of other forms of debt or a significant
increase in our financial leverage, which could adversely affect our financial condition, results of operations
and cash flows, especially if the cash flows associated with any acquisition are not sufficient to cover the
additional debt service. If we issue equity securities as consideration in an acquisition, current shareholders’
percentage ownership and earnings per share may be diluted. In addition, our acquisition of an educational
institution could be considered a change in ownership and control of the acquired institution under applicable
regulatory standards. For such an acquisition in the U.S., we may need approval from the U.S. Department of
Education and applicable state agencies and accrediting agencies and possibly other regulatory bodies. Our
inability to obtain such approvals with respect to a completed acquisition could have a material adverse effect
on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
Our future operating results and the market price of our common stock could be materially adversely
affected if we are required to write down the carrying value of goodwill and other intangible assets
associated with any of our reporting units in the future.
We review our goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible asset balances for impairment on at least an
annual basis through the application of a fair-value-based test. In assessing the fair value of our reporting
units, we rely primarily on using a discounted cash flow analysis which includes our estimates about the future
cash flows of our reporting units that are based on assumptions consistent with our plans to manage the
underlying businesses. Other factors we consider include, but are not limited to, significant underperformance
41
relative to expected historical or projected future operating results, significant changes in the manner or use of
the acquired assets or the overall business strategy, and significant negative industry or economic trends. If our
estimates or related assumptions change in the future, we may be required to record non-cash impairment
charges for these assets. In the future, if we are required to significantly write down the carrying value of
goodwill or other intangible assets associated with any of our reporting units, our operating results and the
market price of our common stock may be materially adversely affected.
If we do not maintain existing, and develop additional, relationships with employers, our future growth may
be impaired.
We currently have relationships with large employers to provide their employees with the opportunity to
obtain degrees through us while continuing their employment. These relationships are an important part of our
strategy as they provide us with a steady source of potential working learners for particular programs and also
serve to increase our reputation among high-profile employers. In addition, these programs have a beneficial
impact on our 90/10 Rule percentage calculation by reducing the proportion of our cash-basis revenues
attributable to Title IV funds. If we are unable to develop new relationships, or if our existing relationships
deteriorate or end, our efforts to seek these sources of potential working learners may be impaired, and this
could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
Our principal credit agreement limits our ability to take various actions.
Our principal credit agreement limits our ability to take various actions, including paying dividends,
repurchasing shares and acquiring and disposing of assets or businesses. Accordingly, to the extent we have
outstanding borrowings under our credit agreement, we may be restricted from taking actions that management
believes would be desirable and in the best interests of us and our shareholders. Our principal credit agreement
also requires us to satisfy specified financial and non-financial covenants. A breach of any covenants contained
in our credit agreement could result in an event of default under the agreement and allow the lenders to pursue
various remedies, including accelerating the repayment of any indebtedness outstanding under the agreement,
any of which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations
and cash flows.
Our financial performance depends, in part, on our ability to keep pace with changing market needs and
technology; if we fail to keep pace or fail in implementing or adapting to new technologies, our business
may be adversely affected.
Increasingly, prospective employers of students who graduate from our schools demand that their new
employees possess appropriate technological skills and also appropriate “soft” skills, such as communication,
critical thinking and teamwork skills. These skills can evolve rapidly in a changing economic and technolog-
ical environment. Accordingly, it is important for our schools’ educational programs to evolve in response to
these economic and technological changes. The expansion of existing programs and the development of new
programs may not be accepted by current or prospective students or the employers of our graduates. Even if
our schools are able to develop acceptable new programs, our schools may not be able to begin offering those
new programs as quickly as required by prospective employers or as quickly as our competitors offer similar
programs. In addition, we may be unable to obtain specialized accreditations or licensures that may make
certain programs desirable to students. To offer a new academic program, we may be required to obtain
federal, state and accrediting agency approvals, which may be conditioned or delayed in a manner that could
significantly affect our growth plans. In addition, to be eligible for Title IV programs, a new academic
program may need to be certified by the U.S. Department of Education. If we are unable to adequately
respond to changes in market requirements due to regulatory or financial constraints, unusually rapid
technological changes, or other factors, our ability to attract and retain students could be impaired, the rates at
which our graduates obtain jobs involving their fields of study could suffer, and our business, financial
condition, results of operations and cash flows could be adversely affected.
Establishing new academic programs or modifying existing programs requires us to make investments in
management and capital expenditures, incur marketing expenses and reallocate other resources. We may have
42
limited experience with the courses in new areas and may need to modify our systems and strategy or enter
into arrangements with other educational institutions to provide new programs effectively and profitably. If we
are unable to increase the number of students or offer new programs in a cost-effective manner, or are
otherwise unable to manage effectively the operations of newly established academic programs, our business,
financial condition, results of operations and cash flows could be adversely affected.
We have invested and continue to invest significant resources in information technology, which is a key
element of our business strategy. Our information technology systems and tools could become impaired or
obsolete due to our action or failure to act. For instance, we could install new information technology without
accurately assessing its costs or benefits, or we could experience delayed or ineffective implementation of new
information technology. Similarly, we could fail to respond in a timely or sufficiently competitive way to
future technological developments in our industry. Should our action or failure to act impair or otherwise
render our information technology less effective, this could have a material adverse effect on our business,
financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
A failure of our information systems to properly store, process and report relevant data may reduce our
management’s effectiveness, interfere with our regulatory compliance and increase our operating expenses.
We are heavily dependent on the integrity of our data management systems. If these systems do not
effectively collect, store, process and report relevant data for the operation of our business, whether due to
equipment malfunction or constraints, software deficiencies, or human error, our ability to effectively plan,
forecast and execute our business plan and comply with applicable laws and regulations, including the Higher
Education Act, as reauthorized, and the regulations thereunder, will be impaired, perhaps materially. Any such
impairment could materially and adversely affect our financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows.
The personal information that we collect may be vulnerable to breach, theft or loss that could adversely
affect our reputation and operations.
Possession and use of personal information in our operations subjects us to risks and costs that could
harm our business. Our educational institutions collect, use and retain large amounts of personal information
regarding our students and their families, including social security numbers, tax return information, personal
and family financial data and credit card numbers. We also collect and maintain personal information of our
employees in the ordinary course of our business. Some of this personal information is held and managed by
certain of our vendors. Although we use security and business controls to limit access and use of personal
information, a third party may be able to circumvent those security and business controls, which could result
in a breach of student or employee privacy. In addition, errors in the storage, use or transmission of personal
information could result in a breach of student or employee privacy. Possession and use of personal
information in our operations also subjects us to legislative and regulatory burdens that could require
notification of data breaches and restrict our use of personal information. We cannot assure you that a breach,
loss or theft of personal information will not occur. A breach, theft or loss of personal information regarding
our students and their families or our employees that is held by us or our vendors could have a material
adverse effect on our reputation and results of operations and result in liability under state and federal privacy
statutes and legal actions by state attorneys, general and private litigants, and any of which could have a
material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
We face intense competition in the postsecondary education market from both public and private
educational institutions, which could adversely affect our business.
Postsecondary education in our existing and new market areas is highly competitive. We compete with
traditional public and private two-year and four-year colleges, other for-profit schools and alternatives to
higher education, such as employment and military service. Some of our competitors, both public and private,
have greater financial and other resources than we have. Our competitors, both public and private, may offer
programs similar to ours at a lower tuition level as a result of government subsidies, government and
foundation grants, tax-deductible contributions and other financial resources not available to for-profit
institutions. In addition, many of our competitors have begun to offer distance learning and other online
43
education programs. As the online and distance learning segment of the postsecondary education market
matures, the intensity of the competition we face will increase further. This intense competition could
adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
Our expansion into new markets outside the U.S. subjects us to risks inherent in international operations.
As part of our growth strategy, through Apollo Global, Inc., our consolidated majority-owned subsidiary,
we have acquired additional universities outside the U.S. and we intend to actively pursue further acquisitions.
To the extent that we make such acquisitions, we will face risks that are inherent in international operations,
including:
• complexity of operations across borders;
• compliance with foreign regulatory environments;
• currency exchange rate fluctuations;
• monetary policy risks, such as inflation, hyperinflation and deflation;
• price controls or restrictions on exchange of foreign currencies;
• potential political and economic instability in the countries in which we operate, including potential
student uprisings;
• expropriation of assets by local governments;
• multiple and possibly overlapping and conflicting tax laws;
• compliance with U.S. regulations such as the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act;
• potential unionization of employees under local labor laws and local labor laws that make it more
expensive and complex to negotiate with, retain or terminate employees;
• greater difficulty in utilizing and enforcing our intellectual property and contract rights;
• failure to understand the local culture and market;
• limitations on the repatriation of funds; and
• acts of terrorism and war, epidemics and natural disasters.
Our acquisition and operation of BPP Holdings plc may not result in increased value.
We acquired BPP in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2009. BPP faces several risks which may adversely
impact our ability to successfully operate and grow its businesses, including:
• BPP’s success is strongly dependent on its reputation, which may be damaged by various factors
including unfavorable public opinion in the United Kingdom regarding for-profit schools and ownership
of BPP by a U.S. company;
• BPP’s Business School, is newly established and its future enrollment and success are currently
unpredictable with any degree of certainty;
• the majority of BPP’s business, BPP Professional Education, is geared toward teaching for exams or to
a syllabus set by external professional bodies (Test Preparation), and a change in the way in which
subjects are examined, or a reduction in the size of the syllabus, could have a detrimental impact on
BPP;
• BPP operates in markets where many of its competitors are charities or government sponsored colleges
of higher education, which because of their legal classification do not have to charge sales tax (value
added tax or “VAT”) to their students. BPP has legal structures in place that currently provide a similar
status, and thus are able not to charge VAT for equivalent services or products. Any change in
44
interpretation of the existing tax or legal regulations could put BPP at a competitive disadvantage and
could result in a material tax liability to BPP;
• BPP has a significant concentration of students in the professional sector, mainly accounting and legal,
and adverse changes in the economic environment for these professions could reduce demand for BPP’s
services and adversely affect its operations;
• BPP has a large fixed cost base and may not be able to effectively respond to decreases in revenue; and
• The BPP College of Professional Studies is the first proprietary postsecondary institution to be granted
degree awarding powers in the U.K. and, as such, is likely to be the first to face reauthorization when
its current authority expires in August 2013. The criteria for reauthorization have not yet been
developed and therefore the nature of the process is uncertain at this point. Any impairment of the
College’s degree awarding powers would materially and adversely affect BPP’s business.
We may experience movements in foreign currency exchange rates which could negatively affect our
operating results.
We report revenues, costs and earnings in U.S. dollars. Exchange rates between the U.S. dollar and the
local currency in the countries where we operate are likely to fluctuate from period to period. Because
consolidated financial results are reported in U.S. dollars, we are subject to the risk of translation losses for
reporting purposes. When the U.S. dollar appreciates against the applicable local currency in any reporting
period, the actual earnings generated by our business in that country are diminished in the translation.
As we continue to expand our international operations, we will conduct more transactions in currencies
other than the U.S. Dollar. Additionally, the volume of transactions in the various foreign currencies will
continue to increase. To the extent that foreign revenue and expense transactions are not denominated in the
local currency and/or to the extent foreign earnings are reinvested in a currency other than their functional
currency, we are also subject to the risk of transaction losses. Given the volatility of exchange rates, there is
no assurance that we will be able to effectively manage currency transaction and/or translation risks.
Fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates could have a material adverse affect on our business, financial
condition, results of operations and cash flows.
We rely on proprietary rights and intellectual property that may not be adequately protected under current
laws, and we encounter disputes from time to time relating to our use of intellectual property.
Our success depends in part on our ability to protect our proprietary rights and intellectual property. We
rely on a combination of copyrights, trademarks, trade secrets, patents, domain names and contractual
agreements to protect our proprietary rights. For example, we rely on trademark protection in the U.S. and
various foreign jurisdictions to protect our rights to various marks as well as distinctive logos and other marks
associated with our services. We also rely on agreements under which we obtain intellectual property to own
or license rights to use intellectual property developed by faculty members, content experts and other third-
parties. We cannot assure you that these measures are adequate, that we have secured, or will be able to
secure, appropriate permissions or protections for all of the intellectual property rights we use or claim rights
to in the U.S. or various foreign jurisdictions, or that third parties will not terminate our license rights or
infringe upon or otherwise violate our intellectual property rights or the intellectual property rights of others.
Despite our efforts to protect these rights, unauthorized third parties may attempt to use, duplicate or copy the
proprietary aspects of our student recruitment and educational delivery methods and systems, curricula, online
resource material or other content. Our management’s attention may be diverted by these attempts and we may
need to use funds in litigation to protect our proprietary rights against any infringement or violation, which
could have a material adverse affect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
We may become party to disputes from time to time over rights and obligations concerning intellectual
property, and we may not prevail in these disputes. For example, third parties may allege that we have
infringed upon or not obtained sufficient rights in the technologies used in our educational delivery systems,
the content of our courses or other training materials or in our ownership or uses of other intellectual property
45
claimed by that third party. Some third party intellectual property rights may prove to be extremely broad, and
it may not be possible for us to conduct our operations in such a way as to avoid violating those intellectual
property rights. Any such intellectual property claim could subject us to costly litigation and impose a
significant strain on our financial resources and management personnel regardless of whether such claim has
merit. Our various liability insurance coverages, if any, may not cover potential claims of this type adequately
or at all, and we may be required to alter the design and operation of our systems or the content of our courses
or pay monetary damages or license fees to third parties, which could have a material adverse affect on our
business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
We may incur liability for the unauthorized duplication, distribution or other use of materials posted online.
In some instances, our employees, including faculty members, or our students may post various articles or
other third-party content online in class discussion boards or in other venues. We may incur liability to third
parties for the unauthorized duplication, distribution or other use of this material. Any such claims could
subject us to costly litigation and impose a significant strain on our financial resources and management
personnel regardless of whether the claims have merit. Our various liability insurance coverages, if any, may
not cover potential claims of this type adequately or at all, and we may be required to alter or cease our uses
of such material (which may include changing or removing content from our courses) or pay monetary
damages, which could have a material adverse affect on our business, financial condition, results of operations
and cash flows.
Our Insight Schools business faces regulatory and administrative challenges in various states which may
result in the imposition of fines and other penalties and may reduce the value we receive upon disposition
of that business.
Most of Insight Schools’ online public high schools have undergone or expect to undergo compliance
audits by state regulatory authorities. Adverse audit findings could result in a reduction in the amount of state
funding, repayment of previously received state funding or other economic sanctions. In extreme circum-
stances, adverse findings could result in termination of agreements with Insight Schools by governing
authorities or by not-for-profit charter holders. Additionally, materially adverse findings could result in
revocation or termination of a charter school’s charter. Each of these events could have a materially adverse
effect on Insight Schools’ business.
We have made the decision to explore the disposition of our Insight Schools operations. There is no
assurance that we can dispose of these operations on terms acceptable to us or at all, and we may experience a
loss upon any such disposition or, in lieu thereof, discontinuation. If we are not successful in correcting Insight
Schools’ compliance challenges, the value of Insight Schools may be diminished, perhaps substantially. The
reduction in the value of Insight Schools or the disposition or discontinuation of Insight Schools at a loss
could have a material adverse effect our financial condition.
We may have unanticipated tax liabilities that could adversely impact our financial position.
We are subject to multiple types of taxes in the U.S., United Kingdom and various other foreign
jurisdictions. The determination of our worldwide provision for income taxes and other tax accruals involve
various judgments, and therefore the ultimate tax determination is subject to uncertainty. We are currently
subject to the following Internal Revenue Service audits:
• Audit relating to our U.S. federal income tax returns for fiscal years 2003 through 2005 commenced in
September 2006. In February 2009, the Internal Revenue Service issued an examination report and
proposed to disallow deductions relating to stock option compensation in excess of the limitations of
Internal Revenue Code Section 162(m). Under Section 162(m), the amount of such deduction per
covered executive officer is limited to $1.0 million per year, except to the extent the compensation
qualifies as performance-based. Compensation attributable to options with revised measurement dates
may not have qualified as performance-based compensation. The Internal Revenue Service examination
report also proposed the additions of penalties and interest. The proposed adjustments, including
46
penalties and interest, are consistent with our prior accruals relating to this issue. In addition, we
expensed an additional $2.4 million in fiscal year 2009 related to interest, for a total accrual of
$50.0 million as of August 31, 2009 with respect to this uncertain tax position for the taxable years
2003 through 2006. On March 6, 2009, we commenced administrative proceedings with the Office of
Appeals of the Internal Revenue Service challenging the proposed adjustments, including penalties and
interest. We believe this matter will be settled within 12 months and the accrual is now classified as
short-term. In October of 2009, we reached an agreement in principle subject to negotiation of final
documentation with the Internal Revenue Service Office of Appeals to settle this matter for less than
the $50 million we have accrued at August 31, 2009. The settlement, when finalized, will result in a
reduction in the amount currently accrued and a related decrease in our effective tax rate for a portion
of that reduced accrual.
• An audit relating to our U.S. federal income tax returns for the years ended in 2006, 2007 and 2008
commenced in fiscal year 2009.
In addition to the above audits, we are subject to numerous ongoing audits by state, local and foreign tax
authorities. Although we believe our tax accruals are reasonable, the final determination of tax audits in the
U.S. or abroad and any related litigation could be materially different from our historical income tax
provisions and accruals. The results of an audit or litigation could have a material effect on our business,
financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
Changes in tax rules may adversely affect our future reported financial results or the way we conduct our
business. In May 2009, President Obama’s administration proposed significant changes to the U.S. international
tax laws, including changes that would limit U.S. tax deductions for expenses related to un-repatriated foreign-
source income and modify the U.S. foreign tax credit and “check-the-box” rules. We cannot determine whether
these proposals will be enacted into law or what, if any, changes may be made to such proposals prior to their
being enacted into law. If these or other changes to the U.S. international tax laws are enacted they could have
a material effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
We are subject to the oversight of the Securities and Exchange Commission and other regulatory agencies,
and investigations by these agencies could divert management’s focus and have a material adverse impact
on our reputation and financial condition.
As a result of this government regulation and oversight, we may be subject to legal and administrative
proceedings. For example, during fiscal year 2007, we were the subject of a Securities and Exchange
Commission inquiry and a Department of Justice investigation related to our historical stock option grant
practices. In addition, during October 2009, we received notification from the Enforcement Division of the
Securities and Exchange Commission indicating that they had commenced an informal inquiry into our
revenue recognition practices. We devoted a substantial amount of senior executive time and incurred
significant legal costs in connection with the 2007 inquiry and, while the scope, duration and outcome of the
current inquiry cannot be determined at this time, we may have to devote substantial time and incur substantial
legal and other expenses in connection with the current inquiry. The costs of responding to, and the publicity
surrounding investigations or enforcement actions by the Securities and Exchange Commission or the
Department of Justice, even if ultimately resolved favorably for us, could have a material adverse impact on
our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
47
Item 2 — Properties
As of August 31, 2009, we utilized 448 facilities, the majority of which were leased. As of August 31,
2009, we were obligated to lease approximately 7.6 million square feet and owned approximately 1.2 million
square feet, as follows:
Leased Owned Total
Reportable Segment Location Type Sq. Ft. # of Properties Sq. Ft. # of Properties Sq. Ft. # of Properties
University of Phoenix United States Office 769,898 8 — — 769,898 8
Dual Purpose 5,308,562 260 — — 5,308,562 260
6,078,460 268 — — 6,078,460 268
International Office 3,455 1 — — 3,455 1
Dual Purpose 121,487 5 — — 121,487 5
124,942 6 — — 124,942 6
Apollo Global:
BPP International Office 1,068 2 — — 1,068 2
Dual Purpose 335,918 38 178,525 5 514,443 43
336,986 40 178,525 5 515,511 45
Other International Office 3,557 1 — — 3,557 1
Dual Purpose 65,778 11 381,167 23 446,945 34
69,335 12 381,167 23 450,502 35
Insight Schools United States Office 31,322 9 — — 31,322 9
Dual Purpose — — — — — —
31,322 9 — — 31,322 9
Other Schools United States Office 35,192 2 — — 35,192 2
Dual Purpose 273,496 64 — — 273,496 64
308,688 66 — — 308,688 66
Corporate United States Office 605,757 16 599,664 3 1,205,421 19
Total 7,555,490 417 1,159,356 31 8,714,846 448
Dual purpose space includes office and classroom facilities. In some cases, classes are held in the
facilities of the students’ employers at no charge to us. Leases generally range from five to ten years with one
to two renewal options for extended terms. We also lease space from time to time on a short-term basis in
order to provide specific courses or programs.
We evaluate current utilization of the educational facilities and projected enrollment growth to determine
facility needs. We anticipate that an additional 0.7 million square feet will be leased in 2010.
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A description of pending litigation, settlements, and other proceedings that are outside the scope of
ordinary and routine litigation incidental to our business is provided under Note 18, Commitments and
Contingencies, Pending Litigation and Settlements and Regulatory and Other Legal Matters, in Item 8,
Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, which is incorporated herein by reference.
Item 5 — Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of
Equity Securities
Market Information
Our Apollo Group Class A common stock trades on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol
“APOL.” The holders of our Apollo Group Class A common stock are not entitled to any voting rights.
There is no established public trading market for our Apollo Group Class B common stock and all shares
of our Apollo Group Class B common stock are beneficially owned by affiliates.
The table below sets forth the high and low bid share prices for our Apollo Group Class A common stock
as reported by the NASDAQ Global Select Market.
High Low
2008
First Quarter. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $80.75 $53.71
Second Quarter. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81.68 60.77
Third Quarter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62.19 37.92
Fourth Quarter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65.89 43.54
2009
First Quarter. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $76.95 $48.30
Second Quarter. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90.00 70.17
Third Quarter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81.20 55.35
Fourth Quarter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72.50 59.49
Holders
As of August 31, 2009, there were approximately 266 registered holders of record of Apollo Group Class A
common stock and four registered holders of record of Apollo Group Class B common stock. A substantially
greater number of holders of Apollo Group Class A common stock are “street name” or beneficial holders,
whose shares are held of record by banks, brokers and other financial institutions.
Dividends
Although we are permitted to pay dividends on our Apollo Group Class A and Apollo Group Class B
common stock, subject to the satisfaction of applicable financial covenants in our principal credit facility, we
have never paid cash dividends on our common stock. Dividends are payable at the discretion of the Board of
Directors, and the Articles of Incorporation treat the declaration of dividends on the Apollo Group Class A
and Apollo Group Class B common stock in an identical manner as follows: holders of our Apollo Group
Class A common stock and Apollo Group Class B common stock are entitled to receive cash dividends, if and
to the extent declared by the Board of Directors, payable to the holders of either class or both classes of
common stock in equal or unequal per share amounts, at the discretion of the Board of Directors. We have no
current plan to pay dividends in the foreseeable future. The decision of our Board of Directors to pay future
dividends will depend on general business conditions, the effect of a dividend payment on our financial
condition and other factors the Board of Directors may consider relevant.
49
Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities
None.
(1) Shares repurchased in the above table excludes approximately 73,000 shares repurchased for $4.9 million
during the three months ended August 31, 2009 related to tax withholding requirements on restricted stock
units. These repurchase transactions do not fall under the repurchase program described below, and there-
fore do not reduce the amount that is available for repurchase under that program. Please refer to Note 14,
Stockholders’ Equity, in Item 8, Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, for additional information.
On June 25, 2009, our Board of Directors authorized an increase in the amount available under our stock
repurchase program of up to an aggregate amount of $500 million of Apollo Group Class A common stock.
There is no expiration date on the repurchase authorizations and repurchases occur at our discretion. The
amount and timing of future share repurchases, if any, will be made as market and business conditions warrant.
Repurchases may be made on the open market or in privately negotiated transactions, pursuant to the
applicable Securities and Exchange Commission rules, and may include repurchases pursuant to Securities and
Exchange Commission Rule 10b5-1 nondiscretionary trading programs.
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Company Stock Performance
The following graph compares the cumulative 5-year total return attained by shareholders on Apollo
Group Class A common stock relative to the cumulative total returns of the S&P 500 index and a customized
peer group of five companies that includes: Career Education Corp., Corinthian Colleges Inc., DeVry Inc., ITT
Educational Services Inc., and Strayer Education Inc. An investment of $100 (with reinvestment of all
dividends) is assumed to have been made in our common stock, in the index, and in the peer group on
August 31, 2004, and its relative performance is tracked through August 31, 2009.
$200
$180
$160
$140
$120
$100
$80
$60
$40
$20
$0
8/04 8/05 8/06 8/07 8/08 8/09
The information contained in the performance graph shall not be deemed “soliciting material” or to be
“filed” with the Securities and Exchange Commission nor shall such information be deemed incorporated by
reference into any future filing under the Securities Act or the Exchange Act, except to the extent that we
specifically incorporate it by reference into such filing.
The stock price performance included in this graph is not necessarily indicative of future stock price
performance.
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Item 6 — Selected Consolidated Financial Data
The following selected consolidated financial data and operating statistics are qualified by reference to
and should be read in conjunction with Item 8, Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, and Item 7,
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, to fully understand
factors that may affect the comparability of the information presented below. The statement of income data for
fiscal years 2009, 2008, and 2007, and the balance sheet data as of August 31, 2009 and 2008, were derived
from the audited consolidated financial statements, included herein. Diluted income per share and diluted
weighted average shares outstanding have been retroactively restated for stock splits. We restated the financial
results of prior periods in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for 2006. Our annual report on Form 10-K for
2006 included a restated Consolidated Balance Sheet as of August 31, 2005 and related Consolidated
Statement of Income for fiscal year 2005.
As of August 31,
($ in thousands) 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005
(1) Share-based compensation in fiscal year 2005 is related to the fiscal year 2004 conversion of the University
of Phoenix Online stock options into Apollo Group Class A stock options.
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Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
This Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
(“MD&A”) is intended to help investors understand our results of operations, financial condition and present
business environment. The MD&A is provided as a supplement to, and should be read in conjunction with,
our consolidated financial statements and related notes included in Item 8, Financial Statements and
Supplementary Data. The MD&A is organized as follows:
• Overview: From management’s point of view, we discuss the following:
• An overview of our business and the sectors of the education industry in which we operate;
• Key trends, developments and challenges; and
• Key highlights from the current period.
• Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates: A discussion of our accounting policies that require
critical judgments and estimates.
• Recent Accounting Pronouncements: A discussion of recently issued accounting pronouncements.
• Results of Operations: An analysis of our results of operations as reflected in our consolidated
financial statements.
• Liquidity, Capital Resources, and Financial Position: An analysis of cash flows, contractual
obligations and other commercial commitments, and discussion of federal and private student loans.
Overview
Apollo is one of the world’s largest private education providers and has been a provider of education
services for more than 35 years. We offer innovative and distinctive educational programs and services at the
undergraduate, graduate and doctoral levels at our various campuses and learning centers, and online
throughout the world. Our wholly and majority-owned subsidiaries include the following:
• University of Phoenix,
• Apollo Global:
• BPP Holdings, plc (“BPP”),
• Universidad de Artes, Ciencias y Comunicación (“UNIACC”),
• Universidad Latinoamericana (“ULA”),
• Western International University,
• Institute for Professional Development (“IPD”),
• College for Financial Planning Institutes (“CFFP”), and
• Meritus University, Inc. (“Meritus”).
We also operate online high school programs through our Insight Schools, Inc. (“Insight Schools”)
wholly-owned subsidiary, which is included in our Insight Schools reportable segment. Subsequent to our 2009
fiscal year end, we decided to explore the sale of Insight Schools.
Substantially all of our net revenue is composed of tuition and fees for educational services. In fiscal year
2009, University of Phoenix, which is focused principally on working learners, accounted for approximately
95% of our total consolidated net revenue. University of Phoenix generated 86% of its cash basis revenue for
eligible tuition and fees during fiscal year 2009 from receipt of Title IV financial aid program funds, as
calculated under the 90/10 Rule, excluding the benefit from the temporary relief for loan limit increases.
We believe that a critical element of generating successful long-term growth and attractive returns for our
stakeholders is to provide high quality educational products and services for our students in order for them to
maximize the benefits of their educational experience. Accordingly, we are intensely focused on student
success. We are continuously enhancing and expanding our current service offerings and investing in academic
quality. We have developed customized computer programs for academic quality management, faculty
recruitment and training, student tracking, and marketing to help us more effectively manage toward this
objective. We believe we utilize one of the most comprehensive learning assessment programs in the U.S. We
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are also focused on improving student retention by enhancing student services, promoting instructional
innovation and improving academic support. All of these efforts are designed to help our students stay in
school and succeed. In 2008, University of Phoenix published its first Academic Annual Report which contains
a transparent look at a variety of comparative performance measures related to student outcomes and university
initiatives related to quality and accountability.
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assurance that these initiatives will be effective or will be adequate to prevent the 90/10 Rule
calculation from exceeding 90%. If this calculation exceeds 90% in fiscal 2010 or future fiscal years,
we will need to increase our efforts to reduce the percentage of our cash-basis revenue that is
composed of Title IV funding. These efforts, and our other long-term initiatives to impact this
calculation, may involve taking measures which increase our operating expenses and/or reduce our
revenue. Title IV eligibility is critical to the continued operation of our business. See “Risk
Factors — Risks Related to the Highly Regulated Industry in Which We Operate -U.S. Operations
-Our schools and programs would lose their eligibility to participate in federal student financial aid
programs if the percentage of our revenues derived from those programs is too high.”
• Certification. The Higher Education Act, as reauthorized, specifies the manner in which the
U.S. Department of Education reviews institutions for eligibility and certification to participate in
Title IV programs. Every educational institution involved in Title IV programs must be certified to
participate and is required to periodically renew this certification. University of Phoenix was
recertified in June 2003 and its current certification for the Title IV programs expired in June 2007.
In March 2007, University of Phoenix submitted its Title IV recertification application to the
U.S. Department of Education. We have been collaborating with the U.S. Department of Education
since that date and continue to supply additional follow-up information based on requests from the
U.S. Department of Education. Our eligibility continues on a month-to-month basis until the
U.S. Department of Education issues its decision on the application. We have no reason to believe
that our application will not be renewed in due course.
In February 2009, unrelated to our recertification application, the U.S. Department of Education
performed an ordinary course, focused program review of University of Phoenix’s policies and
procedures involving Title IV programs. We have not yet received the program review report.
Western International University was recertified in October 2003 and its current certification for
participation in Title IV programs expired on June 30, 2009. In March 2009, Western International
University submitted its Title IV recertification application to the U.S. Department of Education and
Western International University’s eligibility continues on a month-to-month basis until the
U.S. Department of Education completes its review of the application and issues its decision. As
with University of Phoenix, we have no reason to believe that the application will not be renewed in
due course.
Title IV eligibility is critical to the continued operation of our business. See “Risk Factors — Risks
Related to the Highly Regulated Industry in Which We Operate — U.S. Operations — If we are not
recertified to participate in Title IV programs by the U.S. Department of Education, we would lose
eligibility to participate in Title IV programs.”
• Federal Direct Loan Program. In President Barack Obama’s 2010 budget request delivered to
Congress on February 26, 2009, the U.S. Department of Education proposed to eliminate the Federal
Family Education Loan Program (FFELP) and instead require all Title IV student loans to be
administered through the Federal Direct Loan Program (FDLP) commencing July 1, 2010. We expect to
be able to fully transition from the FFELP program to the FDLP by the proposed July 1, 2010 phase-
out date, if necessary. If this proposal is adopted, the transition would require us to develop and
implement administrative capabilities and procedures for volume processing of loans under the FDLP.
If we experience a disruption in our ability to process student loans through the FDLP, either because
of administrative challenges on our part or the inability of the U.S. Department of Education to process
the increased volume of direct loans on a timely basis, our results of operations and cash flows could
be adversely and materially affected. During fiscal year 2009, we began participating in the FDLP for a
small portion of our Title IV eligible students.
• Opportunities to Expand into New Markets. We believe that there is a growing demand for high
quality education outside the U.S. and that we have capabilities and expertise that can be useful in
providing these services beyond our current reach. We believe we can deploy our key capabilities in
student services, technology and marketing to expand into new markets to further our mission of
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providing high quality, accessible education. We intend to actively pursue quality opportunities to
partner with and/or acquire existing institutions of higher learning where we believe we can achieve
long-term attractive growth and value creation. See discussion of BPP acquisition below in Fiscal Year
2009 Highlights.
• Focus on Integration. We expect to strategically add value by integrating our acquisitions and
leveraging our experience to enhance the quality, delivery and student outcomes associated with the
respective curricula.
For a more detailed discussion of our business, industry and risks, refer to Item 1, Business, and Item 1A, Risk
Factors.
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Vice President of External Affairs, and independent directors, Stephen J. Giusto and
Manuel F. Rivelo.
5. BPP. On July 30, 2009, our majority-owned subsidiary, Apollo Global, acquired all of the
outstanding shares of BPP, a United Kingdom-headquartered provider of education and training to
professionals in the legal and finance industries, for a purchase price of $601.6 million. Refer to
Note 3, Acquisitions, in Item 8, Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, for additional
information.
6. Incentive Compensation False Claims Act Lawsuit Settlement Discussions. In September 2009,
the parties to the action, along with the U.S. Department of Justice, participated in a private
mediation in which the parties reached an agreement in principle regarding the financial terms of
a potential settlement. Significant other terms remain to be negotiated, and there is no certainty
that a final agreement will be reached. During the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2009, based on the
settlement discussions to resolve this matter, we recorded a pre-tax charge of $80.5 million which
represents our best estimate of the loss related to this matter. The actual amount of this loss will
not be known until a final settlement agreement, if any, is reached. Refer to Note 18,
Commitments and Contingencies, in Item 8, Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, for
additional information.
Revenue Recognition
Our educational programs, primarily composed of University of Phoenix programs, range in length from
one-day seminars to degree programs lasting up to four years. Students in University of Phoenix degree
programs generally enroll in a program of study encompassing a series of five- to nine-week courses taken
consecutively over the length of the program. Generally, students are billed on a course-by-course basis when
the student first attends a session, resulting in the recording of a receivable from the student and deferred
revenue in the amount of the billing. University of Phoenix students generally fund their education through
grants and/or loans under various Title IV programs, tuition assistance from their employers, or personal
funds.
Net revenue consists largely of tuition and fees associated with different educational programs as well as
related educational resources such as access to online materials, books, and study texts. Net revenue is shown
net of discounts. Tuition benefits for our employees and their eligible dependants are included in net revenue
and instructional costs and services. Total employee tuition benefits were $90.5 million, $77.9 million and
$63.8 million for fiscal years 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively.
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The following table presents the most significant components of net revenue, and each component as a
percentage of total net revenue, for the fiscal years 2009, 2008 and 2007:
Year Ended August 31,
($ in millions) 2009 2008 2007
Tuition and educational services revenue . . . . . . . $3,835.7 96% $2,996.1 95% $2,553.1 94%
Educational materials revenue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 226.4 6% 184.4 6% 161.0 6%
Services revenue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83.2 2% 77.7 3% 73.6 2%
Other revenue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28.3 1% 43.9 1% 48.5 2%
Gross Revenue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4,173.6 105% 3,302.1 105% 2,836.2 104%
Less: Discounts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (199.4) (5)% (161.2) (5)% (112.4) (4)%
Net revenue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $3,974.2 100% $3,140.9 100% $2,723.8 100%
Tuition and educational services revenue encompasses both online and classroom-based learning. For our
University of Phoenix and Western International University operations, tuition revenue is recognized pro rata
over the period of instruction as services are delivered to students.
BPP recognizes tuition revenue as services are provided over the course of the program, which varies
depending on the program structure. For our remaining Apollo Global operations, tuition revenue is recognized
over the length of the course, which is typically over a period of a semester.
For Insight Schools, we generate the majority of our tuition and educational services revenue through
long-term contracts with school districts or not-for-profit organizations. The term for these contracts ranges
from 5 to 10 years with provisions for renewal thereafter. We recognize revenue under these contracts over the
period during which educational services are provided to students, which generally commences in August or
September and ends in May or June.
Educational materials revenue relates to online course materials delivered to students over the period of
instruction. Revenue associated with these materials is recognized pro rata over the period of the related
course to correspond with delivery of the materials to students. Educational materials also includes the sale of
various books, study texts, course notes, and CDs for which we recognize revenue when the materials have
been delivered to and accepted by students or other customers.
Services revenue consists principally of the contractual share of tuition revenue from students enrolled in
IPD programs at private colleges and universities (“Client Institutions”). IPD provides program development,
administration and management consulting services to Client Institutions to establish or expand their programs
for working learners. These services typically include degree program design, curriculum development, market
research, student recruitment, accounting, and administrative services. IPD typically is paid a portion of the
tuition revenue generated from these programs. IPD’s contracts with its Client Institutions generally range in
length from five to ten years, with provisions for renewal. The portion of service revenue to which we are
entitled under the terms of the contracts is recognized as the services are provided.
Other revenue consists of the fees students pay when submitting an enrollment application, which, along
with the related application costs associated with processing the applications, are deferred and recognized over
the average length of time it takes for a student to complete a program of study. Other revenue also includes
non-tuition generating revenues, such as renting classroom space and other student support services. Revenue
from these sources is recognized as the services are provided.
Discounts reflect reductions in tuition or other revenue including military, corporate, and other employer
discounts, grants, institutional scholarships and promotions.
Effective March 1, 2008, University of Phoenix changed its refund policy whereby students who attend
60% or less of a course are eligible for a refund for the portion of the course they did not attend. Under the
prior refund policy, if a student dropped or withdrew after attending one class of a course, University of
Phoenix earned 25% of the tuition for the course, and if they dropped or withdrew after attending two classes
of a course, University of Phoenix earned 100% of the tuition for the course. Refunds are recorded as a
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reduction in deferred revenue during the period that a student drops or withdraws from a class. This new
refund policy applies to students in most, but not all states, as some states require different policies.
Generally, net revenue varies from period to period based on several factors, including the aggregate number
of students attending classes, the number of classes held during the period and the tuition price per credit hour.
Net revenue excludes applicable state and city sales taxes. Sales tax collected from students is excluded
from net revenue. Collected but unremitted sales tax is included as a liability in our Consolidated Balance
Sheets and is not material to our consolidated financial statements.
(1) As BPP was recently acquired on July 30, 2009, we did not perform an annual goodwill impairment
test for BPP during fiscal year 2009.
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Goodwill is tested annually for impairment unless events occur or circumstances change between
annual tests that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of the respective asset below its
carrying amount. We test for goodwill impairment by applying a two-step test. In the first step, the fair
value of the reporting unit is compared to the carrying value of its net assets. If the fair value of the
reporting unit exceeds the carrying value of the net assets of the reporting unit, goodwill is not
impaired and no further testing is required. If the carrying value of the net assets of the reporting unit
exceeds the fair value of the reporting unit, then a second step must be performed in order to determine
the implied fair value of the goodwill and compare it to the carrying value of the goodwill. An
impairment loss is recognized to the extent the implied fair value of the goodwill is less than the
carrying amount of the goodwill.
During fiscal year 2009, we completed our annual goodwill impairment tests for each of our reporting
units, with the exception of BPP which was recently acquired on July 30, 2009. To determine the fair
value of our reporting units, we rely primarily on using discounted cash flow valuation methods which
requires management to make subjective judgments relating to future cash flows based on our
knowledge of the business and current plans to operate the business, growth rates, economic and
market conditions, and applicable discount rates. Changes in these estimates could materially affect the
determination of fair value or goodwill impairment, or both. Generally, our goodwill impairment tests
used discount rates ranging from 15.0% to 15.5%, perpetuity growth rates ranging from 1% to 3% and
if applicable, terminal values that were calculated based on discounted cash flows. The discount rates
were determined based on Apollo Group’s weighted average cost of capital, adjusted for company
specific and macro-economic risks inherent in the specific reporting unit. An increase of 100 basis
points in the discount rates used in these analyses, with the exception of BPP, would result in an
approximate $20 million decrease in the estimated aggregate fair value of those reporting units. We
consider the use of this level of sensitivity in the discount rate reasonable considering the strength of
Apollo Group’s sustained operations and the probability weighting methodology used in our impairment
tests.
For certain of our goodwill impairment tests, we used a combination of the discounted cash flow
analysis and market-based approach, and applied a 75%/25% weighting factor to the respective
approaches. To assess the reasonableness of our fair value analysis, when appropriate, we may evaluate
our results against other measurement indicators such as comparable company public trading values,
analyst estimates and values observed in private market transactions.
At the time of the respective reporting unit’s annual impairment test date, the fair value of each of
these reporting units exceeded the carrying value of their respective net assets resulting in no goodwill
impairment charges recorded. Additionally, for all of our reporting units, the fair value exceeded the
carrying value by a sufficient margin, with the exception of CFFP as discussed below. The results of
the annual impairment tests indicate that the current economic downturn has not had a significant long-
term adverse impact on the fair value of these reporting units, although we observed a narrowing of the
margin between fair value and carrying value for certain of our reporting units.
Insight Schools has encountered a number of administrative challenges in its compliance activities in
the course of expanding its business. These challenges and start-up expenses have limited its growth
rate and resulted in decreased revenue and increased operating expenses. We considered this factor in
our annual goodwill impairment test of Insight Schools and determined that the goodwill balance is not
impaired. Subsequent to our 2009 fiscal year end, we decided to explore the sale of Insight Schools.
With the exception of CFFP, Apollo Group was not required to perform interim goodwill impairment
tests for its other reporting units, including BPP, during fiscal year 2009. We consider certain triggering
events when evaluating whether an interim impairment analysis is warranted, including, among others,
a significant decrease in the market capitalization of Apollo Group based on events specific to Apollo
Group’s operations; adverse changes in the accreditation, regulatory or legal environments and overall
business climate; unexpected competition; loss of key management personnel and changes in the
market acceptance of our educational programs.
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At August 31, 2009, our CFFP reporting unit had goodwill of approximately $15.3 million. The
economic downturn has caused the demand for CFFP’s financial planning education programs and
materials to diminish throughout fiscal year 2009 because CFFP’s primary customers come from the
financial services industry. Accordingly, we performed interim goodwill impairment tests as of
November 30, 2008, February 28, 2009 and May 31, 2009 and evaluated and determined that the CFFP
goodwill balance was not impaired. As of August 31, 2009, we performed our annual goodwill
impairment test of CFFP using a consistent methodology as our previous interim tests and determined
that the fair value of the CFFP reporting unit continued to exceed the carrying value of its net assets by
a narrow margin.
• Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets — Indefinite-lived intangible assets are recorded at fair market value
on their acquisition date and primarily include trademarks and foreign regulatory accreditations and
designations as a result of the BPP, UNIACC and ULA acquisitions. At August 31, 2009 and 2008, our
indefinite-lived intangible asset balances were $145.5 million and $6.6 million, respectively.
We assign indefinite lives to acquired trademarks, accreditations and designations that we believe have
the continued ability to generate cash flows indefinitely; have no legal, regulatory, contractual,
economic or other factors limiting the useful life of the respective intangible asset; and when we intend
to renew the respective trademark, accreditation or designation and renewal can be accomplished at
little cost. Indefinite-lived intangible assets are not amortized, but rather are tested for impairment at
least annually, unless events occur or circumstances change between annual tests that would more
likely than not reduce the fair value of the respective asset below its carrying amount. The impairment
test for indefinite-lived intangible assets involves a comparison of the estimated fair value of the
intangible asset with its carrying value. If the carrying value of the intangible asset exceeds its fair
value, an impairment loss is recognized in an amount equal to that excess. To determine the fair value
of these intangible assets, we use various valuation models, such as discounted cash flow analysis or
the relief-from-royalty method. We perform our annual indefinite-lived intangible asset impairment
tests for each reporting unit on the same dates that we perform our annual goodwill impairment tests
for the respective reporting units.
During fiscal year 2009, we completed our annual impairment tests for our indefinite-lived intangible
assets at ULA and UNIACC totaling $13.3 million and determined there was no impairment. Apollo
did not perform an annual impairment test of the indefinite-lived intangible assets recently acquired in
the BPP acquisition on July 30, 2009 nor were we required to perform interim impairment tests for any
of our indefinite-lived intangible assets during fiscal year 2009.
• Finite-Lived Intangible Assets — Finite-lived intangible assets that are acquired in business combina-
tions are recorded at fair market value on their acquisition date and are amortized on either a straight-
line basis or using an accelerated method to reflect the economic useful life of the asset. The weighted
average useful lives range from 2 to 15 years.
At August 31, 2009 and 2008, our finite-lived intangible asset balances were $58.2 million and
$16.5 million, respectively. As further discussed in Note 2, Significant Accounting Policies, in Item 8,
Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, we will adopt SFAS No. 157, “Fair Value Measure-
ments” (“SFAS 157”), with respect to using fair value measurements in the valuation techniques
associated with our annual goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets impairment tests effective
September 1, 2009.
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Loss Contingencies
We are subject to various claims and contingencies which are in the scope of ordinary and routine
litigation incidental to our business, including those related to regulation, litigation, business transactions,
employee-related matters and taxes, among others. When we become aware of a claim or potential claim, the
likelihood of any loss or exposure is assessed. If it is probable that a loss will result and the amount of the
loss can be reasonably estimated, we record a liability for the loss. The liability recorded includes probable
and estimable legal costs incurred to date and future legal costs to the point in the legal matter where we
believe a conclusion to the matter will be reached. If the loss is not probable or the amount of the loss cannot
be reasonably estimated, we disclose the claim if the likelihood of a potential loss is reasonably possible and
the amount of the potential loss could be material. For matters where no loss contingency is recorded, our
policy is to expense legal fees as incurred.
Share-Based Compensation
We measure and recognize compensation expense for all share-based awards issued to faculty, employees
and directors based on estimated fair values of the share awards on the date of grant. We record compensation
expense for all share-based awards over the vesting period.
We calculate the fair value of share-based awards on the date of grant. For stock options, we typically use
the Black-Scholes-Merton option pricing model to estimate fair value. The Black-Scholes-Merton option
pricing model requires us to estimate key assumptions such as expected term, volatility, risk-free interest rates
and dividend yield to determine the fair value of stock options, based on both historical information and
management judgment regarding market factors and trends. We generally use the simplified mid-point method
to estimate expected term of stock options. The simplified method uses the mid-point between the vesting term
and the contractual term of the share option. We have analyzed the circumstances in which the use of the
simplified method is allowed, and we have opted to use this method for stock options granted to management
in fiscal years 2009 and 2008 because the options granted in prior fiscal years had different terms, such as
contractual lives and acceleration provisions. Thus, historical data is not comparable in order to determine the
expected term of awards. We expect to continue to use this method until sufficient reliable historical data is
available that will enable us to estimate expected term by a more precise method
We amortize the share-based compensation expense over the period that the awards are expected to vest,
net of estimated forfeiture rates. We estimate expected forfeitures of share-based awards at the grant date and
recognize compensation cost only for those awards expected to vest. We estimate our forfeiture rate based on
several factors including historical forfeiture activity, expected future employee turnover, and other qualitative
factors. We ultimately adjust this forfeiture assumption to actual forfeitures. Therefore, changes in the
forfeiture assumptions do not impact the total amount of expense ultimately recognized over the vesting
period. Rather, different forfeiture assumptions only impact the timing of expense recognition over the vesting
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period. If the actual forfeitures differ from management estimates, additional adjustments to compensation
expense are recorded.
We used the following weighted average assumptions in the Black-Scholes-Merton option pricing model
for stock options granted in each fiscal year:
Year Ended August 31,
2009 2008 2007
Results of Operations
We have included below a discussion of our operating results and significant items which explain the
material changes in our operating results during the fiscal years ended August 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007. Our
operations are generally subject to seasonal trends. We experience, and expect to continue to experience,
seasonal fluctuations in our results of operations as a result of changes in the level of student enrollments.
While University of Phoenix enrolls students throughout the year, our net revenue generally is lower in the
second quarter (December through February) than the other quarters due to holiday breaks in December and
January. Most of our other subsidiaries experience more significant seasonality, as they have limited enrollment
during their respective summer breaks.
We categorize our operating expenses as instructional costs and services, selling and promotional, and
general and administrative.
• Instructional costs and services — consist primarily of costs related to the delivery and administration
of our educational programs and include costs related to faculty and administrative compensation,
classroom and faculty administration lease expenses and depreciation, bad debt expense, financial aid
processing costs and other related costs. Tuition costs for all employees and their eligible family
members are recorded as an expense within instructional costs and services.
• Selling and promotional costs — consist primarily of compensation for enrollment counselors, manage-
ment and support staff and corporate marketing, advertising expenses, production of marketing
materials, and other costs directly related to selling and promotional functions. Selling and promotional
costs are expensed when incurred.
• General and administrative costs — consist primarily of corporate compensation, occupancy costs,
depreciation and amortization of property and equipment, legal and professional fees, and other related
costs.
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For the fiscal year ended August 31, 2009 compared to the fiscal year ended August 31, 2008
Analysis of Consolidated Statements of Income
The table below details our consolidated results of operations. For a more detailed discussion by
reportable segment, refer to our Analysis of Operating Results by Segment.
% of Net
Revenue
Year Ended
Year Ended August 31, August 31, %
(in millions, except per share data) 2009 2008 2009 2008 Change
* not meaningful
Net Revenue
Our net revenue increased $833.3 million, or 26.5%, in fiscal year 2009 compared to fiscal year 2008.
University of Phoenix represented approximately 95% of our net revenue during this period, and contributed
the majority of the increase primarily due to growth in Degreed Enrollment and selective tuition price and
other fee changes. Net revenue also increased $54.0 million primarily from Apollo Global earning a full year
of revenue from acquisitions completed in fiscal year 2008. For a more detailed discussion, refer to our
Analysis of Operating Results by Segment.
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percentage of net revenue is primarily due to University of Phoenix improved enrollment counselor effective-
ness. Additionally, investments we have made in our corporate marketing function have resulted in more
effective advertising.
Interest Income
Interest income decreased $17.5 million in fiscal year 2009 compared to fiscal year 2008. The decrease is
primarily due to lower interest rate yields, which was partially offset by increases in average cash and cash
equivalents balances (including restricted cash) during the respective periods. When the Federal Reserve Bank
lowers the Federal Funds Rate, it generally results in a reduction in our interest rates. The reduction of the
Federal Funds Rate in December 2008 to the range of 0.0% — 0.25% has lowered our average interest rate
yield for fiscal year 2009 below 1%.
Interest Expense
Interest expense increased $1.0 million in fiscal year 2009 compared to fiscal year 2008 due to an
increase in average borrowings during the respective periods, principally due to debt incurred by subsidiaries
of Apollo Global and borrowings on our syndicated $500 million credit agreement (the “Bank Facility”).
Subsequent to August 31, 2009, we repaid the U.S. dollar denominated debt on our Bank Facility of
$393 million that was outstanding at August 31, 2009. Refer to Liquidity, Capital Resources, and Financial
Position for further discussion.
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• An increase in net operating losses for which we cannot currently take a tax benefit; and
• Certain compensation that may not meet the requirements for deductibility under Internal Revenue
Code Section 162(m).
Net revenue
University of Phoenix . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $3,766.6 $2,987.7 $778.9 26.1%
Apollo Global:
BPP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.1 — 13.1 *
Other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54.3 13.4 40.9 305.2%
Total Apollo Global . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .................... 67.4 13.4 54.0 403.0%
Insight Schools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .................... 20.6 7.5 13.1 174.7%
Other Schools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .................... 116.8 122.5 (5.7) (4.7)%
Corporate(1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .................... 2.8 9.8 (7.0) (71.4)%
Total net revenue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $3,974.2 $3,140.9 $833.3 26.5%
Income (loss) from operations
University of Phoenix . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1,131.3 $ 817.6 $313.7 38.4%
Apollo Global:
BPP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (6.6) — (6.6) *
Other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (11.5) (1.9) (9.6) (505.3)%
Total Apollo Global . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .................... (18.1) (1.9) (16.2) (852.6)%
Insight Schools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .................... (28.6) (18.9) (9.7) (51.3)%
Other Schools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .................... 7.0 20.3 (13.3) (65.5)%
Corporate(1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .................... (52.1) (67.7) 15.6 23.0%
Total income from operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1,039.5 $ 749.4 $290.1 38.7%
(1) The Corporate caption in our segment reporting includes adjustments to reconcile segment results to con-
solidated results, which primarily consist of net revenue and corporate charges that are not allocated to our
segments.
* not meaningful
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University of Phoenix
The $778.9 million, or 26.1%, increase in net revenue in our University of Phoenix segment was
primarily due to enrollment growth as detailed below:
Degreed Enrollment Combined New Degreed Enrollment(1)
Quarter Ended August 31, % Year Ended August 31, %
(rounded to the nearest hundred) 2009 2008 Change 2009 2008 Change
(1) Calculated as the sum of each quarter’s New Degreed Enrollment during the fiscal year.
Enrollment growth in Degreed Enrollment and New Degreed Enrollment is in part the result of
investments in enhancing and expanding University of Phoenix academic quality and service offerings, which
has attracted new students and increased student retention. Enhancements in our marketing effectiveness have
also contributed to the increases. Also, we believe that a portion of the increase is due to the current economic
downturn, as working learners seek to advance their education to improve their job security or reemployment
prospects, and that this element of our growth may diminish as the economy and the employment outlook
improve in the U.S.
In addition to the growth in Degreed Enrollment, net revenue increased due to selective tuition price and
other fee changes implemented in July 2009 and July 2008, depending on geographic area, program, and
degree level. In the aggregate, the July 2009 selective price and other fee changes, including increases in
discounts for military and veteran students, averaged approximately 4%. The July 2008 selective tuition price
and other fee changes included an approximate 10% increase in associate’s degree tuition price and increases
averaging 4% to 5% for bachelor’s and master’s degree programs. The impact of these price and other fee
changes on future net revenue and operating income will continue to be impacted by changes in enrollment,
changes in student mix within programs and degree levels, and changes in discounts. The increase in net
revenue was partially offset by a continued shift in our student body mix to a higher percentage of students
enrolled in associate’s degree programs, which have tuition prices generally lower than other degree programs.
Associate’s Degreed Enrollment represented 45.4% of Degreed Enrollment during the quarter ended August 31,
2009, compared to 40.5% during the quarter ended August 31, 2008. In addition, associate’s Degreed
Enrollment increased 37.3% in the quarter ended August 31, 2009 compared to the quarter ended August 31,
2008.
Income from operations in our University of Phoenix segment increased $313.7 million, or 38.4%, during
fiscal year 2009 compared to fiscal year 2008. The increase in income from operations was positively
impacted by the following:
• Economies of scale associated with the 26.1% increase in University of Phoenix net revenue as many
costs remain relatively fixed such as certain employee wages, classroom space and depreciation when
University of Phoenix grows its net revenue. Additionally, variable employee headcount has grown at a
lower rate than the increase in net revenue;
• A decrease in financial aid processing costs from the favorable renegotiation, effective September 2008,
of our contract with our outsourced financial aid processing vendor;
• Investments in our corporate marketing function that have produced more effective and efficient
advertising resulting in a decrease in advertising expense as a percentage of net revenue; and
• An increase in enrollment counselor effectiveness as a result of internal initiatives to assist enrollment
counselors in their jobs, as well as an increase in the average tenure of enrollment counselors.
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Income from operations was negatively impacted by the $80.5 million estimated litigation loss recorded
in connection with the Incentive Compensation False Claims Act Lawsuit. See Note 18, Commitments and
Contingencies, in Item 8, Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, for further discussion. Income from
operations was also negatively impacted by increased bad debt expense as a percentage of net revenue
resulting from the continued economic downturn, the continuing increase in enrollment in our associate’s
degree programs and lower collection rates on aged accounts receivable.
Apollo Global
Apollo Global net revenue increased $54.0 million during fiscal year 2009 compared to fiscal year 2008.
The net revenue was generated by BPP, which was acquired on July 30, 2009 and UNIACC and ULA, which
was acquired in the third and fourth quarters of fiscal year 2008, respectively.
The $18.1 million loss from operations for Apollo Global during fiscal year 2009 was primarily due to
the following:
• General and administrative expenses associated with the pursuit of opportunities to partner with and/or
acquire existing institutions of higher learning where we believe we can achieve long-term attractive
growth and value creation;
• Investment in BPP, UNIACC and ULA including, but not limited to, initiatives to expand offerings and
enhance academic quality and marketing.
Insight Schools
The $13.1 million increase in net revenue in our Insight Schools segment during fiscal year 2009
compared to fiscal year 2008 was primarily due to an increase in the number of schools served in fiscal year
2009 and an aggregate increase in enrollment in the schools that were in operation during fiscal years 2009
and 2008.
The increase in the loss from operations was primarily due to increased regulatory compliance costs and
additional start-up costs for items such as faculty, office space and depreciation, and other infrastructure and
support costs to grow this business.
Insight Schools has encountered a number of administrative challenges in its compliance activities in the
course of expanding its business. These challenges resulted in a decrease in the number of states in which
Insight Schools serves students during fiscal year 2009. These challenges have limited the growth rate of the
Insight Schools business and increased its operating expenses. We believe Insight Schools will continue to
generate operating losses in the near term.
Subsequent to our 2009 fiscal year end, we decided to explore the sale of Insight Schools. There is no
assurance that we will be able to sell these operations on terms acceptable to us or at all. In addition to the
costs incurred in connection with such a disposition, we may realize a loss on sale. As of August 31, 2009, the
goodwill balance of Insight Schools was $12.7 million. If we are unable to dispose of these operations on
terms acceptable to us, we may decide to continue providing some or all of the services now provided by
Insight Schools under its service contracts for the remainder of the terms of such contracts, which have
remaining terms of 1 to 9 years.
Other Schools
The $5.7 million decrease in net revenue in our Other Schools segment was primarily due to Western
International University associate’s degree program students graduating or withdrawing from the program. In
April 2006, we began offering associate’s degree programs at University of Phoenix instead of Western
International University; however, we have continued to service the existing associate’s degree students at
Western International University until graduation, withdrawal or transfer to University of Phoenix. Addition-
ally, CFFP’s net revenue declined due to a decrease in demand for CFFP’s financial planning education
programs and materials as a result of the current economic downturn.
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The decrease in income from operations in our Other Schools segment was primarily due to our
investments in developing Meritus University and the decrease in net revenue discussed above.
For the fiscal year ended August 31, 2008 compared to the fiscal year ended August 31, 2007
Analysis of Consolidated Statements of Income
% of Net
Revenue
Year Ended
Year Ended August 31, August 31, %
(in millions, except per share data) 2008 2007 2008 2007 Change
* not meaningful
Net Revenue
Our net revenue increased $417.1 million, or 15.3% in fiscal year 2008 compared to fiscal year 2007.
University of Phoenix represented approximately 95% of our net revenue during this period, and contributed
the majority of the increase primarily due to growth in Degreed Enrollment and selective tuition price
increases. Net revenue also increased due to acquisitions by Apollo Global completed during the third and
fourth quarters of fiscal year 2008, which contributed $13.4 million in net revenue in fiscal year 2008. For a
more detailed discussion, refer to our Analysis of Operating Results by Segment.
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Selling and Promotional
Selling and promotional expenses increased $146.3 million, or 22.2%, in fiscal year 2008 compared to
fiscal year 2007 representing a 140 basis point increase as a percentage of net revenue. The increase as a
percentage of net revenue is primarily due to increases as a percentage of net revenue in enrollment
counselors’ compensation, advertising expenses and additional marketing costs.
Interest Income
Interest income decreased $1.1 million in fiscal year 2008 compared to fiscal year 2007 due to lower
average balances and lower yields on our cash and cash equivalents (including restricted cash) and marketable
securities.
Interest Expense
Interest expense increased $3.3 million in fiscal year 2008 compared to fiscal year 2007 due to an
increase in average borrowings, including capital leases, during the respective periods.
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Analysis of Operating Results by Segment
The table below details our operating results by segment for the periods indicated:
Year Ended August 31, $ %
($ in millions) 2008 2007 Change Change
Net revenue
University of Phoenix . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $2,987.7 $2,537.8 $449.9 17.7%
Apollo Global . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.4 — 13.4 *
Insight Schools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.5 2.0 5.5 275.0%
Other Schools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122.5 182.6 (60.1) (32.9)%
Corporate(1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.8 1.4 8.4 600.0%
Total net revenue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $3,140.9 $2,723.8 $417.1 15.3%
Income (loss) from operations
University of Phoenix . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 817.6 $ 656.3 $161.3 24.6%
Apollo Global . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (1.9) — (1.9) *
Insight Schools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (18.9) (6.3) (12.6) (200.0)%
Other Schools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20.3 42.7 (22.4) (52.5)%
Corporate(1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (67.7) (67.0) (0.7) (1.0)%
Total income from operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 749.4 $ 625.7 $123.7 19.8%
(1) The Corporate caption in our segment reporting includes adjustments to reconcile segment results to con-
solidated results, which primarily consist of net revenue and corporate charges that are not allocated to our
segments.
* not meaningful
University of Phoenix
The $449.9 million, or 17.7%, increase in net revenue in our University of Phoenix segment was
primarily due to enrollment growth as detailed below:
Combined New Degreed
Degreed Enrollment Enrollment(1)
Quarter Ended Year Ended
August 31, % August 31, %
(rounded to the nearest hundred) 2008 2007 Change 2008 2007 Change
(1) Calculated as the sum of each quarter’s New Degreed Enrollment during the fiscal year.
The increase in net revenue is also a result of selective tuition price increases implemented in July 2008,
depending on geographic area, program, and degree level. The selective tuition price increases included an
approximate 10% increase in associate’s degree tuition price and increases averaging 4% to 5% for bachelor’s
and master’s degree programs. The increase in net revenue was partially offset by a continued shift in student
body mix to a higher percentage of students enrolled in associate’s degree programs, which have tuition prices
generally lower than other degree programs. Associate’s Degreed Enrollment represented 40.5% of Degreed
Enrollment during the quarter ended August 31, 2008, compared to 33.3% during the quarter ended August 31,
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2007. In addition, associate’s Degreed Enrollment increased 40.2% during the quarter ended August 31, 2008
compared to the quarter ended August 31, 2007.
Income from operations in our University of Phoenix segment increased $161.3 million, or 24.6%, during
fiscal year 2008 compared to fiscal year 2007. This increase in income from operations was positively
impacted by the following:
• Economies of scale associated with the 17.7% increase in University of Phoenix net revenue as several
costs remain relatively fixed such as certain employee wages, classroom space and depreciation when
University of Phoenix grows its net revenue; and
• A decrease as a percent of net revenue in bad debt expense; and
Income from operations was negatively impacted by increases as a percent of net revenue in enrollment
counselors’ compensation and related expenses, and additional marketing costs.
Apollo Global
The $13.4 million in net revenue for Apollo Global during fiscal year 2008 was due to net revenue generated
by UNIACC, which was acquired by Apollo Global in the third quarter of fiscal year 2008.
The $1.9 million loss from operations for Apollo Global during fiscal year 2008 was primarily due to the
following:
• General and administrative expenses associated with the pursuit of opportunities to partner with and/or
acquire existing institutions of higher learning where we believe we can achieve long-term attractive
growth and value creation; and
• Investment in UNIACC including, but not limited to, initiatives to enhance academic quality and
marketing.
Insight Schools
The $5.5 million increase in net revenue in our Insight Schools segment during fiscal year 2008 compared
to fiscal year 2007 was due to a full year of operating results following the acquisition of Insight Schools and
an increase in the number of schools served by Insight Schools.
The increase in the loss from operations was primarily due to additional start-up costs for items such as
faculty, office space and depreciation, and other infrastructure and support costs to grow this business.
Other Schools
The $60.1 million decrease in net revenue in our Other Schools segment during fiscal year 2008
compared to fiscal year 2007 was primarily due to Western International University associate’s degree program
students graduating or withdrawing from the program. In April 2006, we began offering associate’s degree
programs at University of Phoenix instead of Western International University; however, we have continued to
service the existing associate’s degree students at Western International University until graduation, withdrawal
or transfer to University of Phoenix.
The decrease in income from operations in our Other Schools segment was primarily due to the decrease
in net revenue discussed above.
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Cash and Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents
The following table provides a summary of our cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash and cash
equivalents at August 31, 2009 and 2008:
% of Total
Assets
August 31, August 31, %
($ in millions) 2009 2008 2009 2008 Change
Cash and cash equivalents (excluding restricted cash) increased $485.0 million primarily due to
$960.2 million of cash generated from operations, $475.8 million of net proceeds from borrowings, $117.1 mil-
lion from stock option exercises and $59.0 million from minority interest contributions, which was partially
offset by $523.8 million used for acquisitions, $452.5 million used for the repurchase of shares of our Class A
common stock, $127.3 million used for capital expenditures, and an increase of $48.2 million in restricted
cash.
We measure our money market funds included in cash and restricted cash equivalents at fair value. Our
money market funds totaling $1,400.5 million were valued primarily using real-time quotes for transactions in
active exchange markets involving identical assets. As of August 31, 2009, we did not record any material
adjustments to reflect these instruments at fair value.
Debt
On January 4, 2008, we entered into a syndicated $500 million credit agreement (the “Bank Facility”).
The Bank Facility is an unsecured revolving credit facility used for general corporate purposes including
acquisitions and stock buybacks. The Bank Facility has an expansion feature for an aggregate principal amount
of up to $250 million. The term is five years and will expire on January 4, 2013. The Bank Facility provides a
multi-currency sub-limit facility for borrowings in certain specified foreign currencies up to $300 million.
We borrowed our entire credit line under the Bank Facility as of August 31, 2009, which included
£63.0 million denominated in British Pounds related to the BPP acquisition, and, accordingly, we did not have
any availability under the Bank Facility as of August 31, 2009. We have classified the U.S. dollar denominated
debt on our Bank Facility of $393 million within short-term borrowings and current portion of long-term debt
on our Consolidated Balance Sheets as it has been repaid subsequent to August 31, 2009.
The Bank Facility fees are determined based on a pricing grid that varies according to our leverage ratio.
The Bank Facility fee ranges from 12.5 to 17.5 basis points and the incremental fees for borrowings under the
facility range from LIBOR + 50.0 to 82.5 basis points. The weighted average interest rate on outstanding
borrowings under the Bank Facility at August 31, 2009 was 1.0%.
The Bank Facility contains affirmative and negative covenants, including the following financial
covenants: maximum leverage ratio, minimum coverage interest and rent expense ratio, and a U.S. Department
of Education financial responsibility composite score. In addition, there are covenants restricting indebtedness,
liens, investments, asset transfers and distributions.
We also have an additional $72.1 million of variable rate debt and $13.6 million of fixed rate debt at the
subsidiaries of Apollo Global. The weighted average interest rate of these debt instruments at August 31, 2009
was 2.8%.
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Cash Flows
Operating Activities
The following table provides a summary of our operating cash flows during the respective fiscal years:
Year Ended August 31,
($ in millions) 2009 2008 2007
Fiscal year 2009 — Our non-cash items primarily consisted of a $152.5 million provision for uncollect-
ible accounts receivable, $100.5 million for depreciation and amortization, $80.5 million for an estimated
litigation loss, and $68.0 million for share-based compensation, which was partially offset by $18.5 million of
excess tax benefits from share-based compensation. The changes in certain operating assets and liabilities
primarily consisted of a $192.3 million increase in accounts receivable, primarily due to increased enrollment,
as well as a delay in disbursements of certain Title IV funds prior to year end (see further discussion below).
This was partially offset by an $80.3 million increase in deferred revenue and a $59.5 million increase in
student deposits, both of which were primarily due to increased enrollment, and an increase of $45.4 million
in accounts payable and accrued liabilities.
Fiscal year 2008 — Our non-cash items primarily consisted of a $104.2 million provision for uncollect-
ible accounts receivable, $79.8 million for depreciation and amortization, and $53.6 million for share-based
compensation, which was partially offset by $18.6 million of excess tax benefits from share-based compensa-
tion. The changes in certain operating assets and liabilities primarily consisted of an $85.3 million increase in
student deposits and a $35.3 million increase in deferred revenue, both of which were primarily due to
increased enrollment. This was partially offset by a $105.7 million increase in accounts receivable, also
primarily due to increased enrollment.
Fiscal year 2007 — Our non-cash items primarily consisted of a $120.6 million provision for uncollect-
ible accounts receivable, $71.4 million for depreciation and amortization, and $54.0 million for share-based
compensation, which was partially offset by $46.0 million of deferred income taxes. The changes in certain
operating assets and liabilities primarily consisted of a $150.9 million increase in accounts receivable,
primarily due to increased enrollment, which was partially offset by a $73.9 million increase in student
deposits and a $31.0 million increase in deferred revenue, also primarily due to increased enrollment, and a
$31.2 million increase in accounts payable and accrued liabilities.
We monitor our accounts receivable through a variety of metrics, including days sales outstanding. We
calculate our days sales outstanding by determining average daily student revenue based on a rolling twelve
month analysis and divide it into the gross student accounts receivable balance as of the end of the period.
As of August 31, 2009, excluding accounts receivable and the related net revenue for Apollo Global, our
days sales outstanding was 32 days as compared to 29 days as of August 31, 2008. The increase in days sales
outstanding is due to our accounts receivable balance increasing at a greater rate than revenue. The increase
was due to both temporary as well as structural changes to our operations. Temporary items include the timing
of the billing cycle relative to year-end and a more pronounced seasonal increase due to the University of
Phoenix annual student financial aid system enhancements and upgrades, which temporarily postpones the
processing of student financial aid requests resulting in a delay of the corresponding disbursements of Title IV
loan proceeds. Additionally, University of Phoenix has implemented certain operational changes that cause an
increase in our accounts receivable balance and days sales outstanding calculation.
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Investing Activities
The following table provides a summary of our investing cash flows during the respective periods:
Year Ended August 31,
($ in millions) 2009 2008 2007
Fiscal year 2009 — Cash used for investing activities primarily consisted of $523.8 million for Apollo
Global’s acquisitions (including $510.1 related to the acquisition of BPP), $127.3 million for capital
expenditures, and a $48.2 million increase in restricted cash and cash equivalents. This was partially offset by
$8.0 million provided by net maturities of marketable securities.
Fiscal year 2008 — Cash used for investing activities primarily consisted of $104.9 million for capital
expenditures (including $12.4 million for our corporate headquarters), $93.8 million for acquisitions, including
Aptimus and Apollo Global’s purchases of UNIACC and ULA, and an $87.7 million increase in restricted
cash and cash equivalents. This was partially offset by $25.5 million provided by net maturities of marketable
securities.
Fiscal year 2007 — Cash used for investing activities primarily consisted of $104.6 million used for
capital expenditures (including $43.4 million for our corporate headquarters), a $58.2 million increase in
restricted cash and cash equivalents, and $15.1 million used for the purchase of Insight Schools. This was
partially offset by $46.0 million provided by net maturities of marketable securities.
Financing Activities
The following table provides a summary of our financing cash flows during the respective periods:
Year Ended August 31,
($ in millions) 2009 2008 2007
Fiscal year 2009 — Cash provided by financing activities primarily consisted of $475.8 million of net
proceeds from borrowings, $117.1 million of cash received for stock option exercises and $59.0 million related
to minority interest contributions. This was partially offset by $452.5 million of cash used for the repurchase
of 7.2 million shares of our Class A common stock.
Fiscal year 2008 — Cash used for financing activities primarily consisted of $454.4 million of cash used
for the repurchase of 9.8 million shares of our Class A common stock. This was partially offset by
$103.0 million of cash received for stock option exercises.
Fiscal year 2007 — Cash used for financing activities primarily consisted of $437.7 million of cash used
for the repurchase of 7.2 million shares of our Class A common stock.
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Shares of Apollo Group Class A common stock newly authorized for repurchase, repurchased and
reissued, and the related total cost, for the last three fiscal years are as follows:
Total Number Maximum Value of
of Shares Average Price Paid Shares Available
Repurchased Cost per Share for Repurchase
(numbers in millions, except per share data)
Treasury stock as of August 31, 2006 . . . . . . . . . . . 15.5 $1,054.0 $68.23 $ 136.1
New authorizations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . — — — 363.9
Shares repurchased under repurchase program . . . 7.2 437.7 61.08 (437.7)
Shares reissued . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (0.5) (30.3) 67.31 —
Treasury stock as of August 31, 2007 . . . . . . . . . . . 22.2 $1,461.4 $65.94 $ 62.3
New authorizations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . — — — 892.1
Shares repurchased under repurchase program . . . 9.8 454.4 46.25 (454.4)
Shares reissued . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (2.5) (158.5) 64.65 —
Treasury stock as of August 31, 2008 . . . . . . . . . . . 29.5 $1,757.3 $59.50 $ 500.0
New authorizations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . — — — 444.4
Shares repurchased under repurchase program . . . 7.2 444.4 61.62 (444.4)
Other share repurchases(1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0.1 8.1 68.11 —
Shares reissued . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (3.1) (187.2) 59.96 —
Treasury stock as of August 31, 2009 . . . . . . . . . . . 33.7 $2,022.6 $59.94 $ 500.0
(1) In connection with the release of vested shares of restricted stock, we repurchased approximately
119,000 shares for $8.1 million related to tax withholding requirements on these restricted stock units dur-
ing the fiscal year 2009. We did not have any such repurchases during fiscal years 2008 and 2007. These
repurchase transactions do not fall under the repurchase program described below, and therefore do not
reduce the amount that is available for repurchase under that program.
Our Board of Directors has authorized us to repurchase outstanding shares of Apollo Group Class A
common stock, from time to time, depending on market conditions and other considerations. There is no
expiration date on the repurchase authorizations and repurchases occur at our discretion. Repurchases may be
made on the open market or in privately negotiated transactions, pursuant to the applicable Securities and
Exchange Commission rules, and may include repurchases pursuant to Securities and Exchange Commission
Rule 10b5-1 nondiscretionary trading programs. The amount and timing of future share repurchases, if any,
will be made as market and business conditions warrant.
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(1) Amounts include expected future interest payments. Please refer to Note 11, Debt, in Item 8, Financial
Statements and Supplementary Data, for additional information on our Debt.
(2) The total future minimum lease obligation associated with capital leases includes lease payments for a
lease agreement executed in fiscal year 2009 for a building to be constructed and for which we do not
have the right to control the use of the property under the lease at August 31, 2009. The future minimum
lease payments associated with this lease are $139.5 million, which includes $36.2 million of imputed
interest.
(3) Amounts consist of an agreement for 20-year naming rights to the Glendale, Arizona Sports Complex.
(4) Amounts consist of unrecognized tax benefits, including interest and penalties, that are included in other
current and other long-term liabilities in our August 31, 2009 Consolidated Balance Sheets. We are uncer-
tain as to if or when such amounts may be settled.
(5) Amount consists of an earn-out obligation associated with Apollo Global’s acquisition of UNIACC and
undiscounted deferred compensation payments due to Dr. John G. Sperling, our founder.
We have no other material commercial commitments not included in the above table.
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outlines our net asset exposure by foreign currency (defined as foreign currency assets less foreign currency
liabilities and excluding intercompany balances) denominated in U.S. dollars as of August 31:
($ in millions) 2009 2008
Interest Expense
We have exposure to changing interest rates primarily associated with our variable rate debt. At August 31,
2009, we had a total outstanding debt balance of $589.1 million. The following table presents the weighted-
average interest rates for our scheduled maturities by fiscal year of principal for our outstanding debt at
August 31, 2009:
2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 Thereafter Total
($ in millions, except percentages)
Fixed-rate debt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 4.7 $3.3 $2.4 $ 2.3 $1.4 $7.2 $ 21.3
Average interest rate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.1%
Variable-rate debt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $456.7 $— $8.5 $102.6 $— $— $567.8
Average interest rate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.2%
For the purpose of sensitivity, based on our outstanding variable rate debt as of August 31, 2009,
including the $393 million repaid in September 2009, an increase of 100 basis points in our weighted average
interest rate would increase interest expense by approximately $5.7 million on an annual basis.
Substantially all of our debt is variable interest rate and the carrying amount approximates fair value.
Please refer to Note 9, Fair Value Measurements, in Item 8, Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, for
further discussion of our valuation methods.
We have not historically entered into financial arrangements to hedge our interest rate exposure. However,
in connection with the BPP acquisition, we acquired an interest rate swap with a notional amount of
£30.0 million ($48.9 million) used to minimize the interest rate exposure on a portion of BPP’s variable rate
debt. The interest rate swap is used to fix the variable interest rate on the associated debt. As of August 31,
78
2009, the fair value of the swap is a liability of $3.5 million and is included in other current liabilities in the
Consolidated Balance Sheets.
79
Item 8 — Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
Page
80
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
Phoenix, Arizona
October 27, 2009
81
APOLLO GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
As of August 31,
($ in thousands, except share data) 2009 2008
ASSETS:
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 968,246 $ 483,195
Restricted cash and cash equivalents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 432,304 384,155
Marketable securities, current portion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . — 3,060
Accounts receivable, net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 298,270 221,919
Deferred tax assets, current portion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88,022 55,434
Prepaid taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57,658 —
Other current assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35,517 21,780
Total current assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,880,017 1,169,543
Property and equipment, net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 557,507 439,135
Marketable securities, less current portion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19,579 25,204
Goodwill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 522,358 85,968
Intangible assets, net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 203,671 23,096
Deferred tax assets, less current portion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66,254 89,499
Other assets (2008 includes receivable from related party of $17,762) . . . . . . . . . 13,991 27,967
Total assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 3,263,377 $ 1,860,412
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APOLLO GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
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APOLLO GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
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APOLLO GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Common Stock
Apollo Group Treasury Stock
Class A Class B Apollo Group Accumulated
Nonvoting Voting Class A Additional Other Total
Stated Stated Stated Paid-in Retained Comprehensive Shareholders’
($ in thousands) Shares Value Shares Value Shares Value Capital Earnings Loss Equity
Balance as of August 31, 2006. . . . . . . . 188,007 $103 475 $ 1 15,449 $(1,054,046) $ — $1,659,349 $ (1,034) $ 604,373
Treasury stock purchases . . . . . . . . . . . . — — — — 7,167 (437,735) — — — (437,735)
Treasury stock issued under stock purchase
plans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . — — — — (31) 2,137 (605) — — 1,532
Treasury stock issued under stock option
plans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . — — — — (352) 23,605 (45,625) 28,226 — 6,206
Tax benefits of stock options exercised . . . — — — — — — 2,021 — — 2,021
Settlement of liability-classified awards
through the issuance of treasury stock . . — — — — (70) 4,671 2,340 — — 7,011
Cash settlement of stock options through
tender offer repricing . . . . . . . . . . . . . — — — — — — (358) — — (358)
Share-based compensation . . . . . . . . . . . — — — — — — 54,027 — — 54,027
Reclassification of equity awards to a
liability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . — — — — — — (11,800) — — (11,800)
Currency translation adjustment, net of
tax . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . — — — — — — — — (247) (247)
Net income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . — — — — — — — 408,810 — 408,810
Balance as of August 31, 2007. . . . . . . . 188,007 $103 475 $ 1 22,163 $(1,461,368) $ — $2,096,385 $ (1,281) $ 633,840
Treasury stock purchases . . . . . . . . . . . . — — — — 9,824 (454,362) — — — (454,362)
Treasury stock issued under stock purchase
plans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . — — — — (103) 6,339 (773) — — 5,566
Treasury stock issued under stock option
plans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . — — — — (2,348) 152,114 (77,141) 22,430 — 97,403
Tax benefits of stock options exercised . . . — — — — — — 5,907 — — 5,907
Reclassification of liability awards to
equity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . — — — — — — 16,655 — — 16,655
Share-based compensation . . . . . . . . . . . — — — — — — 53,570 — — 53,570
Options assumed through acquisition . . . . — — — — — — 1,782 — — 1,782
Currency translation adjustment, net of
tax . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . — — — — — — — — (1,704) (1,704)
Unrealized loss on auction-rate securities,
net of tax . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . — — — — — — — — (973) (973)
Net income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . — — — — — — — 476,525 — 476,525
Balance as of August 31, 2008. . . . . . . . 188,007 $103 475 $ 1 29,536 $(1,757,277) $ — $2,595,340 $ (3,958) $ 834,209
Treasury stock purchases . . . . . . . . . . . . — — — — 7,331 (452,487) — — — (452,487)
Treasury stock issued under stock purchase
plans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . — — — — (90) 5,384 77 — — 5,461
Treasury stock issued under stock option
plans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . — — — — (3,031) 181,757 (71,526) 1,384 — 111,615
Tax benefits of stock options exercised . . . — — — — — — 4,550 — — 4,550
Share-based compensation . . . . . . . . . . . — — — — — — 68,038 — — 68,038
Currency translation adjustment, net of
tax . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . — — — — — — — — (11,705) (11,705)
Unrealized loss on auction-rate securities,
net of tax . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . — — — — — — — — (390) (390)
Net income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . — — — — — — — 598,319 — 598,319
Balance as of August 31, 2009. . . . . . . . 188,007 $103 475 $ 1 33,746 $(2,022,623) $ 1,139 $3,195,043 $(16,053) $1,157,610
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
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APOLLO GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
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APOLLO GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Principles of Consolidation
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Apollo Group, Inc., its wholly-owned
subsidiaries, and subsidiaries that we control. Interests in our subsidiaries that we control are reported using
the full-consolidation method. We fully consolidate the results of operations and the assets and liabilities of
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APOLLO GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
these subsidiaries in our consolidated financial statements. All material intercompany transactions and balances
have been eliminated in consolidation.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in accordance with GAAP requires management to make certain
estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amount of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of
contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amount of revenues and
expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from these estimates.
Revenue Recognition
Our educational programs, primarily composed of University of Phoenix programs, range in length from
one-day seminars to degree programs lasting up to four years. Students in University of Phoenix degree
programs generally enroll in a program of study encompassing a series of five- to nine-week courses taken
consecutively over the length of the program. Generally, students are billed on a course-by-course basis when
the student first attends a session, resulting in the recording of a receivable from the student and deferred
revenue in the amount of the billing. University of Phoenix students generally fund their education through
grants and/or loans under various Title IV programs, tuition assistance from their employers, or personal
funds.
Net revenue consists largely of tuition and fees associated with different educational programs as well as
related educational resources such as access to online materials, books, and study texts. Net revenue is shown
net of discounts. Tuition benefits for our employees and their eligible dependants are included in net revenue
and instructional costs and services. Total employee tuition benefits were $90.5 million, $77.9 million and
$63.8 million for fiscal years 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively.
The following table presents the most significant components of net revenue, and each component as a
percentage of total net revenue, for the fiscal years 2009, 2008 and 2007:
Year Ended August 31,
($ in thousands) 2009 2008 2007
Tuition and educational services revenue . . . . $3,835,681 96% $2,996,072 95% $2,553,075 94%
Educational materials revenue . . . . . . . . . . . . 226,388 6% 184,430 6% 160,973 6%
Services revenue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83,238 2% 77,707 3% 73,577 2%
Other revenue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28,299 1% 43,881 1% 48,614 2%
Gross revenue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4,173,606 105% 3,302,090 105% 2,836,239 104%
Less: discounts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (199,404) (5)% (161,159) (5)% (112,446) (4)%
Net revenue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $3,974,202 100% $3,140,931 100% $2,723,793 100%
Tuition and educational services revenue encompasses both online and classroom-based learning. For our
University of Phoenix and Western International University operations, tuition revenue is recognized pro rata
over the period of instruction as services are delivered to students.
BPP recognizes tuition revenue as services are provided over the course of the program, which varies
depending on the program structure. For our remaining Apollo Global operations, tuition revenue is recognized
over the length of the course, which is typically over a period of a semester.
For Insight Schools, we generate the majority of our tuition and educational services revenue through
long-term contracts with school districts or not-for-profit organizations. The term for these contracts ranges
from 5 to 10 years with provisions for renewal thereafter. We recognize revenue under these contracts over the
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APOLLO GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
period during which educational services are provided to students, which generally commences in August or
September and ends in May or June.
Educational materials revenue relates to online course materials delivered to students over the period of
instruction. Revenue associated with these materials is recognized pro rata over the period of the related
course to correspond with delivery of the materials to students. Educational materials also includes the sale of
various books, study texts, course notes, and CDs for which we recognize revenue when the materials have
been delivered to and accepted by students or other customers.
Services revenue consists principally of the contractual share of tuition revenue from students enrolled in
IPD programs at private colleges and universities (“Client Institutions”). IPD provides program development,
administration and management consulting services to Client Institutions to establish or expand their programs
for working learners. These services typically include degree program design, curriculum development, market
research, student recruitment, accounting, and administrative services. IPD typically is paid a portion of the
tuition revenue generated from these programs. IPD’s contracts with its Client Institutions generally range in
length from five to ten years, with provisions for renewal. The portion of service revenue to which we are
entitled under the terms of the contracts is recognized as the services are provided.
Other revenue consists of the fees students pay when submitting an enrollment application, which, along
with the related application costs associated with processing the applications, are deferred and recognized over
the average length of time it takes for a student to complete a program of study. Other revenue also includes
non-tuition generating revenues, such as renting classroom space and other student support services. Revenue
from these sources is recognized as the services are provided.
Discounts reflect reductions in tuition or other revenue including military, corporate, and other employer
discounts, grants, institutional scholarships and promotions.
Effective March 1, 2008, University of Phoenix changed its refund policy whereby students who attend
60% or less of a course are eligible for a refund for the portion of the course they did not attend. Under the
prior refund policy, if a student dropped or withdrew after attending one class of a course, University of
Phoenix earned 25% of the tuition for the course, and if they dropped or withdrew after attending two classes
of a course, University of Phoenix earned 100% of the tuition for the course. Refunds are recorded as a
reduction in deferred revenue during the period that a student drops or withdraws from a class. This new
refund policy applies to students in most, but not all states, as some states require different policies.
Generally, net revenue varies from period to period based on several factors, including the aggregate
number of students attending classes, the number of classes held during the period and the tuition price per
credit hour.
Net revenue excludes applicable state and city sales taxes. Sales tax collected from students is excluded
from net revenue. Collected but unremitted sales tax is included as a liability in our Consolidated Balance
Sheets and is not material to our consolidated financial statements.
Concentration of Risk
The majority of credit extended to University of Phoenix students is paid through the students’
participation in various U.S. federal financial aid programs authorized by Title IV of the Higher Education Act
of 1965, as reauthorized by the Higher Education Opportunity Act, which we refer to as “Title IV.”
University of Phoenix represented approximately 95% of our fiscal year 2009 total consolidated net
revenue. A requirement of the Higher Education Act, as reauthorized by the Higher Education Opportunity
Act, commonly referred to as the “90/10 Rule,” applies only to proprietary institutions of higher education,
which includes University of Phoenix. Under this rule, the University of Phoenix will be ineligible to
participate in Title IV programs if for any two consecutive fiscal years it derives more than 90% of its cash
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APOLLO GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
basis revenue, as defined in the rule, from Title IV programs. An institution that derives more than 90% of its
revenue from Title IV programs for any single fiscal year will be placed on provisional certification for two
fiscal years and will be subject to possible additional sanctions determined to be appropriate under the
circumstances by the U.S. Department of Education in the exercise of its broad discretion. An institution that
derives more than 90% of its revenue from Title IV programs for two consecutive fiscal years will be
ineligible to participate in Title IV programs. University of Phoenix generated 86% of its cash basis revenue
for eligible tuition and fees during fiscal year 2009 from receipt of Title IV financial aid program funds, as
calculated under the 90/10 Rule, excluding the benefit from the temporary relief for loan limit increases. In
recent years, the 90/10 Rule percentages for the University of Phoenix have trended closer to 90%. We expect
that without changes to aspects of our operations, the trend will continue in fiscal year 2010. University of
Phoenix is focused on implementing various measures to reduce the percentage of its cash basis revenue
attributable to Title IV funds, including emphasizing employer-paid and other direct-pay education programs,
encouraging students to carefully evaluate the amount of necessary Title IV borrowing, and increasing the
emphasis on professional development and continuing education.
We maintain our cash and cash equivalents accounts in financial institutions. Accounts at these
institutions are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation up to $250,000.
The Higher Education Act, as reauthorized, specifies the manner in which the U.S. Department of
Education reviews institutions for eligibility and certification to participate in Title IV programs. Every
educational institution involved in Title IV programs must be certified to participate and is required to
periodically renew this certification. Please refer to Note 18, Commitments and Contingencies, for further
discussion.
Our student receivables are not collateralized; however, credit risk is reduced as the amount owed by any
individual student is small relative to the total student receivables and the customer base is geographically
diverse.
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APOLLO GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
Marketable Securities
Marketable securities consist of auction-rate securities and municipal bonds. Auction-rate securities are
investments with interest rates that reset periodically through an auction process. Auction-rate securities are
classified as available-for-sale and are stated at fair value, which had historically been consistent with
amortized cost or par value due to interest rates which reset periodically, typically between 7 and 35 days.
However, beginning in mid-February 2008 and continuing through fiscal year 2009, due to uncertainty in the
global credit and capital markets and other factors, auction-rate securities began experiencing failed auctions
resulting in a lack of liquidity for these instruments that has reduced the estimated fair market value for these
securities below par value. Marketable securities which we have the ability and intent to hold until maturity
are classified as held-to-maturity and reported at amortized cost. Marketable securities with a maturity date
greater than one year and our auction-rate securities instruments, due to the lack of liquidity, are classified as
non-current. Interest, including the amortization of any premium or discount, is included in interest income in
our Consolidated Statements of Income. Please refer to Note 4, Marketable Securities, for further discussion.
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
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APOLLO GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
Share-Based Compensation
We measure and recognize compensation expense for all share-based awards issued to faculty, employees
and directors based on estimated fair values of the share awards on the date of grant. We record compensation
expense for all share-based awards over the vesting period.
We calculate the fair value of share-based awards on the date of grant. For stock options, we typically use
the Black-Scholes-Merton option pricing model to estimate fair value. The Black-Scholes-Merton option
pricing model requires us to estimate key assumptions such as expected term, volatility, risk-free interest rates
and dividend yield to determine the fair value of stock options, based on both historical information and
management judgment regarding market factors and trends. We generally use the simplified mid-point method
to estimate expected term of stock options. The simplified method uses the mid-point between the vesting term
and the contractual term of the share option. We have analyzed the circumstances in which the use of the
simplified method is allowed, and we have opted to use this method for stock options granted to management
in fiscal years 2009 and 2008 because the options granted in prior fiscal years had different terms, such as
contractual lives and acceleration provisions. Thus, historical data is not comparable in order to determine the
expected term of awards. We expect to continue to use this method until sufficient reliable historical data is
available that will enable us to estimate expected term by a more precise method.
We amortize the share-based compensation expense over the period that the awards are expected to vest,
net of estimated forfeiture rates. We estimate expected forfeitures of share-based awards at the grant date and
recognize compensation cost only for those awards expected to vest. We estimate our forfeiture rate based on
several factors including historical forfeiture activity, expected future employee turnover, and other qualitative
factors. We ultimately adjust this forfeiture assumption to actual forfeitures. Therefore, changes in the
forfeiture assumptions do not impact the total amount of expense ultimately recognized over the vesting
period. Rather, different forfeiture assumptions only impact the timing of expense recognition over the vesting
period. If the actual forfeitures differ from management estimates, additional adjustments to compensation
expense are recorded. Please refer to Note 16, Stock and Savings Plans, for further discussion.
Income Taxes
The objectives of accounting for income taxes are to recognize the amount of taxes payable or refundable
for the current year and deferred tax liabilities and assets for the future tax consequences of events that have
been recognized in an entity’s financial statements or tax returns. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are
measured using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which those temporary differences are expected to be
recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in
earnings in the period when the new rate is enacted.
We evaluate and account for uncertain tax positions using a two-step approach. Recognition (step one)
occurs when we conclude that a tax position, based solely on its technical merits, is more-likely-than-not to be
sustained upon examination. Measurement (step two) determines the amount of benefit that is greater than
50% likely to be realized upon ultimate settlement with a taxing authority that has full knowledge of all
relevant information. Derecognition of a tax position that was previously recognized would occur when we
subsequently determine that a tax position no longer meets the more-likely-than-not threshold of being
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APOLLO GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
sustained. We do not use a valuation allowance as a substitute for derecognition of tax positions. Please refer
to Note 13, Income Taxes, for further discussion.
Leases
We lease substantially all of our administrative and educational facilities, with the exception of our
corporate headquarters and several Apollo Global facilities, and we enter into various other lease agreements
in conducting our business. At the inception of each lease, we evaluate the lease agreement to determine
whether the lease is an operating or capital lease. Additionally, most of our lease agreements contain renewal
options, tenant improvement allowances, rent holidays, and/or rent escalation clauses. When such items are
included in a lease agreement, we record a deferred rent asset or liability on the Consolidated Balance Sheets
and record the rent expense evenly over the term of the lease. Leasehold improvements are reflected under
investing activities as additions to property and equipment on the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.
Credits received against rent for tenant improvement allowances are reflected as a component of non-cash
investing activities on the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. Lease terms generally range from five to
ten years with one to two renewal options for extended terms. For leases with renewal options, we record rent
expense and amortize the leasehold improvements on a straight-line basis over the initial non-cancelable lease
term (in instances where the lease term is shorter than the economic life of the asset) unless we intend to
exercise the renewal option. Please refer to Note 18, Commitments and Contingencies, for further discussion.
We are also required to make additional payments under operating lease terms for taxes, insurance, and
other operating expenses incurred during the operating lease period, which are expensed as incurred. Rental
deposits are provided for lease agreements that specify payments in advance or deposits held in security that
are refundable, less any damages at lease end.
Start-Up Costs
We expense costs such as advertising, marketing, temporary services, employee relocation, and supplies
related to the start-up of new campuses and learning centers as incurred.
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APOLLO GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
environment in which the entity primarily generates and expends cash, which is generally the local currency.
The assets and liabilities of these operations are translated to U.S. dollars using exchange rates in effect at the
balance sheet dates. Income and expense items are translated monthly at the average exchange rate for that
period. The resulting translation adjustments and the effect of exchange rate changes on intercompany
transactions of a long-term investment nature are included in shareholders’ equity as a component of
accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). We report gains and losses from foreign exchange rate
changes related to intercompany receivables and payables that are not of a long-term investment nature, as
well as gains and losses from foreign currency transactions in other, net in our Consolidated Statements of
Income. These items amounted to a net $0.1 million gain, a net $2.8 million loss and zero in fiscal years
2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively.
Fair Value
The carrying amount of cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash and cash equivalents, accounts
receivable and accounts payable reported in the Consolidated Balance Sheets approximate fair value because
of the short-term nature of these financial instruments.
For fair value measurements of assets and liabilities that are recognized or disclosed at fair value on a
recurring basis, we consider fair value to be an exit price, which represents the amount that would be received
to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the
measurement date. As such, fair value is a market-based measurement that should be determined based on
assumptions that market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability. We use valuation techniques to
determine fair value consistent with either the market approach, income approach and/or cost approach, and
we prioritize the inputs used in our valuation techniques using the following three-tier fair value hierarchy:
• Level 1 — Observable inputs that reflect quoted market prices (unadjusted) for identical assets and
liabilities in active markets;
• Level 2 — Observable inputs, other than quoted market prices, that are either directly or indirectly
observable in the marketplace for identical or similar assets and liabilities, quoted prices in markets that
are not active, or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for
substantially the full term of the assets and liabilities; and
• Level 3 — Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity that are significant to
the fair value of assets or liabilities.
In measuring fair value, our valuation techniques maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the
use of unobservable inputs. We use prices and inputs that are current as of the measurement date, including
during periods of market volatility. Therefore, classification of inputs within the hierarchy may change from
period to period depending upon the observability of those prices and inputs. Our assessment of the
significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement requires judgment, and may affect the
valuation of fair value for certain assets and liabilities and their placement within the fair value hierarchy.
Refer to Note 9, Fair Value Measurements, for further discussion.
Loss Contingencies
We are subject to various claims and contingencies which are in the scope of ordinary and routine litigation
incidental to our business, including those related to regulation, litigation, business transactions, employee-related
matters and taxes, among others. When we become aware of a claim or potential claim, the likelihood of any loss
or exposure is assessed. If it is probable that a loss will result and the amount of the loss can be reasonably
estimated, we record a liability for the loss. The liability recorded includes probable and estimable legal costs
incurred to date and future legal costs to the point in the legal matter where we believe a conclusion to the matter
will be reached. If the loss is not probable or the amount of the loss cannot be reasonably estimated, we disclose
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APOLLO GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
the claim if the likelihood of a potential loss is reasonably possible and the amount of the potential loss could be
material. For matters where no loss contingency is recorded, our policy is to expense legal fees as incurred. Please
refer to Note 18, Commitments and Contingencies, for further discussion.
Certain Reclassifications
We have separately presented short-term and long-term debt on our Consolidated Balance Sheets. The
effects of this reclassification on our August 31, 2008 Consolidated Balance Sheets were increases in short-
term borrowings and current portion of long-term debt, and long-term debt of $15.5 million and $15.4 million,
respectively, with offsetting decreases in other current liabilities and other long-term liabilities.
We have separately presented interest income, interest expense and other, net on our Consolidated Statements
of Income. The effects of this reclassification on our fiscal year 2008 Consolidated Statements of Income were the
separate presentation of $30.1 million of interest income, $3.5 million of interest expense and $6.8 million of other,
net. The effects of this reclassification on our fiscal year 2007 Consolidated Statements of Income were the separate
presentation of $31.2 million of interest income, $0.2 million of interest expense and $0.7 million of other, net.
Subsequent Events
As discussed below in Recent Accounting Pronouncements, we adopted SFAS No. 165, “Subsequent
Events” (“SFAS 165”) effective June 1, 2009. We have evaluated events after August 31, 2009, and through
October 27, 2009, which is the date the financial statements were issued, and determined that any events or
transactions occurring during this period that would require recognition or disclosure are appropriately
addressed in these financial statements.
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 141 (revised 2007), “Business Combinations”
(“SFAS 141(R)”), which is a revision of SFAS 141, “Business Combinations” (“SFAS 141”). The primary
requirements of SFAS 141(R) are as follows:
• upon initially obtaining control, the acquiring entity in a business combination must recognize 100% of
the fair values of the acquired assets, including goodwill, and assumed liabilities, with only limited
exceptions even if the acquirer has not acquired 100% of its target — as a consequence, the current step
acquisition model will be eliminated;
• contingent consideration arrangements will be fair valued at the acquisition date and included in the
purchase price consideration — the concept of recognizing contingent consideration at a later date when the
amount of that consideration is determinable beyond a reasonable doubt, will no longer be applicable;
• for prior business combinations, adjustments for recognized changes in acquired tax uncertainties are to
be recognized in accordance with the provisions of FASB Interpretation No. 48, “Accounting for
Uncertainty in Income Taxes — An Interpretation of FASB No. 109,” and adjustments for recognized
changes in the valuation allowance for acquired deferred tax assets are to be recognized in income tax
expense in accordance with the provisions of SFAS No. 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes;” and
• all transaction costs will be expensed as incurred.
In April 2009, the FASB issued FSP No. FAS 141(R)-1, “Accounting for Assets Acquired and Liabilities
Assumed in a Business Combination That Arise from Contingencies” (“FSP FAS 141(R)-1”). FSP FAS 141(R)-1
amends and clarifies SFAS 141(R) to address application issues raised about the initial recognition and
measurement, subsequent measurement and accounting, and disclosure of assets and liabilities arising from
contingencies in a business combination. SFAS 141(R) and FSP FAS 141(R)-1 apply prospectively to business
combinations for which the acquisition date is on or after the beginning of the first annual reporting period
beginning on or after December 15, 2008. We adopted SFAS 141(R) and FSP FAS 141(R)-1 on September 1,
2009. We do not expect that the adoption of SFAS 141(R) and FSP FAS 141(R)-1 will have a material impact
on our financial condition, results of operations, and disclosures. Deferred acquisition costs as of the adoption of
SFAS 141(R) were not significant and were expensed as of August 31, 2009.
In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 160, “Non-controlling Interests in Consolidated Financial
Statements — An Amendment of ARB No. 51” (“SFAS 160”). SFAS 160 establishes new accounting and
reporting standards for the non-controlling interest in a subsidiary and for the deconsolidation of a subsidiary.
SFAS 160 requires non-controlling interests or minority interests to be treated as a separate component of
equity and any changes in the parent’s ownership interest (in which control is retained) are to be accounted for
as equity transactions. However, a change in ownership of a consolidated subsidiary that results in
deconsolidation triggers gain or loss recognition, with the establishment of a new fair value basis in any
remaining non-controlling ownership interests. SFAS 160 also establishes disclosure requirements that clearly
identify and distinguish between the interests of the parent and the non-controlling interests. SFAS 160 is
effective for fiscal years beginning on or after December 15, 2008. We adopted SFAS 160 on September 1,
2009. The adoption of SFAS 160 will result in the reclassification of our minority interest balance, which is
$67.0 million at August 31, 2009, to a separate component of equity. We do not believe that the adoption of
SFAS 160 will have a further material impact on our financial condition, results of operations, and disclosures.
In April 2008, the FASB issued FSP No. FAS 142-3, “Determination of the Useful Life of Intangible
Assets” (“FSP FAS 142-3”). FSP FAS 142-3 amends the factors that should be considered in developing
renewal or extension assumptions used to determine the useful life of a recognized intangible asset under
SFAS No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets” (“SFAS 142”). The intent of the position is to improve
the consistency between the useful life of a recognized intangible asset under SFAS 142 and the period of
expected cash flows used to measure the fair value of the asset under SFAS No. 141(R), and other GAAP. FSP
FAS 142-3 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008. We adopted FSP FAS 142-3 on
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September 1, 2009. We do not believe that the adoption of FSP FAS 142-3 will have a material impact on our
financial condition, results of operations, and disclosures.
In May 2008, the FASB issued SFAS No. 162, “The Hierarchy of Generally Accepted Accounting
Principles” (“SFAS 162”). SFAS 162 identifies the sources of accounting principles and the framework for
selecting the principles used in the preparation of financial statements of nongovernmental entities that are
presented in conformity with GAAP. This statement was not intended to change existing practices but rather
reduce the complexity of financial reporting. This statement was effective 60 days following the Securities and
Exchange Commission’s approval of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board amendments to AU
Section 411, “The Meaning of Present Fairly in Conformity With Generally Accepted Accounting Principles.”
Effective November 15, 2008, we adopted the provisions in SFAS 162, which did not have an impact on our
financial condition, results of operations, or disclosures.
In June 2008, the FASB issued FSP No. Emerging Issues Task Force (“EITF”) 03-6-1, “Determining
Whether Instruments Granted in Share-Based Payment Transactions Are Participating Securities” (“FSP
EITF 03-6-1”). FSP EITF 03-6-1 clarifies whether unvested share-based payment awards that entitle holders to
receive nonforfeitable dividends or dividend equivalents (whether paid or unpaid) are considered participating
securities and should be included in the computation of earnings per share pursuant to the two-class method.
The two-class method of computing earnings per share is an earnings allocation formula that determines
earnings per share for each class of common stock and participating security according to dividends declared
(or accumulated) and participation rights in undistributed earnings. FSP EITF 03-6-1 requires retrospective
application and is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008, and interim periods within
those years. We adopted FSP EITF 03-6-1 on September 1, 2009. We do not expect the adoption of FSP
EITF 03-6-1 will have a material impact on our calculation of earnings per share and related disclosures.
In April 2009, in response to the current credit crisis, the FASB issued three new FSPs to address fair
value measurement concerns as follows:
• FSP No. FAS 157-4, “Determining Fair Value When the Volume and Level of Activity for the Asset or
Liability Have Significantly Decreased and Identifying Transactions That Are Not Orderly” (“FSP
FAS 157-4”), provides additional guidance on measuring the fair value of financial instruments when
market activity has decreased and quoted prices may reflect distressed transactions;
• FSP No. FAS 115-2 and FAS 124-2, “Recognition and Presentation of Other-Than-Temporary Impair-
ments” (“FSP FAS 115-2 and 124-2”), amends the other-than-temporary impairment guidance for debt
securities. Under FSP FAS 115-2 and 124-2, an other-than-temporary impairment is now triggered when
there is intent to sell the security, it is more likely than not that the security will be required to be sold
before recovery in value, or the security is not expected to recover the entire amortized cost basis of the
security. If an entity does not intend to sell the security, credit related losses on debt securities that exist
will be considered an other-than-temporary impairment recognized in earnings, and any other losses due
to a decline in fair value relative to the amortized cost deemed not to be other-than-temporary will be
recorded in other comprehensive income; and
• FSP No. FAS 107-1 and APB No. 28-1, “Interim Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial
Instruments” (“FSP FAS 107-1 and APB 28-1”), expands the fair value disclosures required for
financial instruments to interim reporting periods for publicly traded companies, including disclosure of
the significant assumptions used to estimate the fair value of those financial instruments.
On June 1, 2009, we adopted the provisions of FSP 157-4 and FSP FAS 115-2 and 124-2, which did not
have a material impact on our financial condition and results of operations. FSP FAS 107-1 and APB 28-1 is
effective for interim financial statements on Form 10-Q for periods ending after June 15, 2009 and is effective
for us during our interim period ending November 30, 2009. We do not believe that the adoption of FSP
FAS 107-1 and APB 28-1 will have a material impact on our disclosures.
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In May 2009, the FASB issued SFAS 165, which provides guidance to establish general standards of
accounting for and disclosures of events that occur after the balance sheet date but before financial statements
are issued or are available to be issued. SFAS 165 also requires entities to disclose the date through which
subsequent events were evaluated as well as the rationale for why that date was selected. Effective June 1,
2009, we adopted the provisions of SFAS 165.
In June 2009, the FASB issued SFAS No. 167, “Amendments to FASB Interpretation No. 46(R)”
(“SFAS 167”), which modifies how a company determines when an entity that is insufficiently capitalized or
is not controlled through voting (or similar rights) should be consolidated. SFAS 167 clarifies that the
determination of whether a company is required to consolidate an entity is based on, among other things, an
entity’s purpose and design and a company’s ability to direct the activities of the entity that most significantly
impact the entity’s economic performance. SFAS 167 requires an ongoing reassessment of whether a company
is the primary beneficiary of a variable interest entity. SFAS 167 also requires additional disclosures about a
company’s involvement in variable interest entities and any significant changes in risk exposure due to that
involvement. SFAS 167 is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2009 and is effective for us
on September 1, 2010. We are currently evaluating the impact that the adoption of SFAS 167 will have on our
financial condition, results of operations, and disclosures.
In June 2009, the FASB issued SFAS No. 168, “The FASB Accounting Standards Codification and the
Hierarchy of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles — a replacement of FASB Statement No. 162”, which
establishes the FASB Accounting Standards Codification (“Codification”) as the single source of authoritative
nongovernmental GAAP. The Codification does not change current GAAP, but is intended to simplify user
access to all authoritative GAAP by providing all the authoritative literature related to a particular topic in one
place. All existing accounting standard documents will be superseded and all other accounting literature not
included in the Codification will be considered nonauthoritative. The Codification is effective for interim and
annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. The Codification is effective for us during our interim period
ending November 30, 2009 and will not have an impact on our financial condition or results of operations.
In October 2009, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2009-13, “Revenue
Recognition (Topic 605): Multiple-Deliverable Revenue Arrangements — a consensus of the FASB Emerging
Issues Task Force” (“ASU 2009-13”), which provides guidance on whether multiple deliverables exist, how the
arrangement should be separated, and the consideration allocated. ASU 2009-13 requires an entity to allocate
revenue in an arrangement using estimated selling prices of deliverables if a vendor does not have vendor-
specific objective evidence or third-party evidence of selling price. ASU 2009-13 is effective for the first
annual reporting period beginning on or after June 15, 2010 and may be applied retrospectively for all periods
presented or prospectively to arrangements entered into or materially modified after the adoption date. Early
adoption is permitted provided that the revised guidance is retroactively applied to the beginning to the year of
adoption. ASU 2009-13 is effective for us on September 1, 2011. We do not believe that the adoption of ASU
2009-13 will have a material impact on our financial condition, results of operations, or disclosures.
Note 3. Acquisitions
Fiscal 2009 Acquisitions
BPP
On July 30, 2009, Apollo Global, through a wholly-owned United Kingdom subsidiary, acquired the
entire issued and to be issued ordinary share capital of BPP, a company registered in England and Wales, for a
cash purchase price of 620 pence per share. At exchange rates on the date of the acquisition, the purchase
price for BPP, including assumed debt and transaction related expenses, was $601.6 million. In connection
with the purchase, Apollo Global entered into a derivative arrangement to hedge against the variability of
foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations between the U.S. Dollar and British Pound. The derivative
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arrangement, a call option on the British Pound, limited Apollo Global’s foreign currency exposure on the
notional value of £235 million (or $390.1 million) at a 1.66 U.S. Dollar to British Pound exchange rate. This
arrangement expired on July 30, 2009. To enter into this option, Apollo Global paid a non-refundable option
premium of $6.9 million, which was recorded within other, net in our Consolidated Statements of Income.
BPP is a provider of education and training to professionals in the legal and finance industries and the
BPP College of Professional Studies is the first proprietary institution to have been granted degree awarding
powers in the United Kingdom. BPP is organized into the following three divisions:
• Professional Education, which provides exam training and sells published products for external
certification training in accounting, tax, financial services, and actuarial qualifications and post
qualification professional development;
• College of Professional Studies, which operates four law schools, human resource training and a
business school; and
• Mander Portman Woodward, which operates independent fifth and sixth form colleges (similar to
preparatory schools in the U.S.).
BPP provides these services through schools located in the United Kingdom, a European network of BPP
offices, and the sale of books and other publications in over 150 countries. The BPP acquisition enables us to
establish a European base where we can leverage BPP’s established brand name and education offerings in
order to service the large and growing United Kingdom market which has strong student participation rates
and an increasing interest in online learning. The acquisition supports our long-term strategy of capitalizing on
the significant global demand for education services.
We accounted for the BPP acquisition using the purchase method of accounting pursuant to SFAS 141
prior to our adoption of SFAS 141(R). To value the acquired assets and assumed liabilities, we used the
following valuation methodologies:
• Land and buildings included in property and equipment were valued using the market approach.
• Trademarks were valued using the relief-from-royalty method, which represents the benefit of owning
this intangible asset rather than paying royalties for its use.
• All other intangible assets were valued using one of the following methods; the income approach,
specifically the cost savings method and excess earnings method, or the replacement cost approach.
• Certain other long-term obligations were valued using the discounted cash flow approach utilizing
current discount rates, cost estimates and assumptions.
• All other net assets and liabilities carrying value approximated fair value at the time of the acquisition.
In connection with the BPP acquisition, the excess of the purchase price over the estimated fair value of
the net assets acquired resulted in recording $425.6 million of goodwill, which is not expected to be deductible
for tax purposes. Goodwill is primarily attributable to potential strategic and financial benefits expected to be
realized associated with future student growth and access to new markets. For goodwill impairment testing
purposes, we assigned the goodwill balance to the Apollo Global — BPP reportable segment.
A summary of the purchase price is as follows:
($ in thousands)
Cash paid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $506,459
Debt assumed. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84,306
Transaction-related costs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10,821
Total purchase price . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $601,586
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The purchase price allocation for the BPP acquisition is preliminary and subject to revision as we finalize
the valuation of intangible assets, property and equipment and as additional information about the fair value of
other assets and liabilities becomes available.
A summary of the identifiable intangible assets acquired, based on our preliminary purchase price
allocation, is as follows:
Weighted
Estimated Average
($ in thousands) Fair Value Useful Life
We are amortizing the acquired finite-lived intangible assets on either a straight-line basis or an
accelerated basis that reflects the economic useful life of the respective assets.
We assigned indefinite lives to the acquired trademarks and certain accreditations and designations as we
believe that each of these intangible assets has the continued ability to generate cash flows indefinitely. In
addition, there are no legal, regulatory, contractual, economic or other factors to limit the useful life of these
intangible assets and we intend to renew trademarks and accreditations and designations, which can be
accomplished at little cost.
BPP’s operating results are included in the consolidated financial statements from the date of acquisition.
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The unaudited pro forma financial information is presented for informational purposes and includes
certain adjustments that are factual and supportable, such as increased interest expense on debt used to fund
the acquisition, adjustments to depreciation expense related to the fair value adjustment for property and
equipment, and amortization related to acquired intangible assets, as well as the related tax effect of these
adjustments. The unaudited pro forma information is not indicative of the results of operations that would have
been achieved if the acquisition and related borrowings had taken place at the beginning of each of the periods
presented, or of future results of the consolidated entities.
UNIACC
In March 2008, Apollo Global purchased 100% of UNIACC for $44.5 million composed of cash and
assumed debt, plus a future payment based on a multiple of earnings. UNIACC is an arts and communications
university which offers bachelor’s and master’s programs on campuses in Chile and online. In connection with
the UNIACC acquisition, we recorded $2.1 million of goodwill.
As noted above, the purchase of UNIACC included a future payment based on a multiple of earnings. In
January 2009, we executed an amendment to the purchase agreement with the former owner of UNIACC,
which modified both the timing of the future payment and the period of earnings on which the future payment
calculation is based. In the second quarter of fiscal year 2009, we recorded the estimated obligation as an
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additional purchase price adjustment increasing goodwill, as the amount became determinable during that
period. This obligation is denominated in Chilean Pesos, which translated to $7.1 million based on the
exchange rate on the date we recorded the obligation. During the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2009, we paid
$2.7 million of the obligation and the remaining amount is due in June 2010.
ULA
In August 2008, Apollo Global acquired a 65% ownership interest in ULA for $35.8 million, composed
of cash and assumed debt. ULA is an educational institution that offers degree programs at its four campuses
throughout Mexico. In connection with the ULA acquisition, we recorded $17.7 million of goodwill.
In July 2009, Apollo Global purchased the remaining 35% of ULA for $11.0 million, plus a future
payment based on a multiple of earnings not to exceed $2.0 million. This transaction was accounted for as a
step acquisition in accordance with the purchase method of accounting and resulted in recording $7.0 million
of goodwill.
Aptimus
In October 2007, we completed the acquisition of all the outstanding common stock of online advertising
company Aptimus for $48.1 million. Prior to the acquisition, Aptimus operated as a results-based advertising
company that distributed advertisements for direct marketing advertisers across a network of third-party web
sites. The acquisition enables us to more effectively monitor, manage and control our marketing investments
and brands, with the goal of increasing awareness of and access to affordable quality education. We have
integrated Aptimus as part of our corporate marketing function.
In connection with the Aptimus acquisition, we recorded $37.0 million of goodwill. For goodwill
impairment testing purposes, we assigned the goodwill balance to our University of Phoenix segment as
Aptimus’ primary function is to monitor, manage, and control University of Phoenix’s marketing investments.
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Auction-Rate Securities
Auction-rate securities have historically traded on a shorter term than the underlying debt based on an
auction bid that resets the interest rate of the security. Investments in auction-rate securities were intended to
provide liquidity in an auction process that resets the applicable interest rate at predetermined calendar
intervals, generally between 7 and 35 days, allowing investors to either roll over their holdings or gain
immediate liquidity by selling such interests at par value. Historically, the fair value of auction-rate securities
approximated par value due to the frequent resets through the auction process and have rarely failed since the
investment banks and broker dealers have been willing to purchase the security when investor demand was
weak. However, beginning in mid-February 2008 and continuing through fiscal year 2009, due to uncertainty
in the global credit and capital markets and other factors, auction-rate securities began experiencing failed
auctions resulting in a lack of liquidity for these instruments that has reduced the estimated fair market value
for these securities below par value.
The table below details our auction-rate securities classified as available-for-sale as of August 31:
August 31, 2009
Continuous Continuous
Gross Fair Unrealized Loss Unrealized Loss
Amortized Unrealized Market Position Less than Position Greater
($ in thousands) Cost Losses Value 12 Months than 12 Months
Available-for-sale securities
Auction-rate securities . . . . . . . . . . . . $21,850 $(2,271) $19,579 $(650) $(1,621)
Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $21,850 $(2,271) $19,579 $(650) $(1,621)
Available-for-sale securities
Auction-rate securities . . . . . . . . . . . . $26,825 $(1,621) $25,204 $(1,621) $—
Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $26,825 $(1,621) $25,204 $(1,621) $—
As of August 31, 2009, we had $21.9 million of principal invested in auction-rate securities that
experienced failed auctions. Approximately $11.9 million of our auction-rate securities are invested in tax-
exempt municipal bond funds, which carry at least A- credit ratings for the underlying issuer. The remaining
$10.0 million are invested in securities collateralized by federal student loans, which are rated AAA and are
guaranteed by the U.S. government. We used a discounted cash flow model to determine the fair value of our
auction-rate securities. Please refer to Note 9, Fair Value Measurements, for further discussion of the estimates
and unobservable inputs used in our valuation technique. Based on our analysis, we determined that the fair
value of our auction-rate securities was $19.6 million as of August 31, 2009.
On June 1, 2009, we adopted FSP FAS 115-2 and 124-2, which amended the other-than-temporary
impairment model for debt securities. FSP FAS 115-2 and 124-2 requires an entity to recognize an
other-than-temporary impairment in earnings if an investor has the intent to sell the debt security or if it is
more likely than not that the investor will be required to sell the debt security before recovery of its amortized
cost basis. Additionally, even if we do not expect to sell a debt security, we must evaluate expected cash flows
to be received and determine if credit related losses on debt securities exist, which are considered to be an
other-than-temporary impairment recognized in earnings. Upon adoption of FSP 115-2 and 124-2, we
determined that credit related losses with respect to our auction-rate securities were insignificant. Therefore,
upon adoption, we did not recognize credit related losses in earnings and no adjustments were made to the
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cumulative net unrealized loss of $2.3 million ($1.4 million after-tax) included in accumulated other
comprehensive loss in our Consolidated Balance Sheets. We consider several factors to differentiate between
temporary impairment and other-than-temporary impairment including the projected future cash flows, credit
quality of the issuers and of the underlying collateral, as well as the other factors as further described in
Note 9, Fair Value Measurements.
As maturity dates for our auction rate securities range from 2018 to 2040, we have continued to classify
the entire balance of our auction-rate securities as non-current marketable securities due to the lack of liquidity
of these instruments and our continuing inability to determine when these investments will settle.
We will continue to monitor our investment portfolio. Given the uncertainties in the global credit and
capital markets, we are no longer investing in auction-rate securities instruments at this time, which may
contribute to reduced investment income in the future. We will also continue to evaluate any changes in the
market value of the failed auction-rate securities that have not been liquidated and depending upon existing
market conditions, we may be required to recognize additional impairment charges in the future.
The cost of liquidated securities is based on the specific identification method. During fiscal years 2009,
2008 and 2007, none of our auction-rate securities have been liquidated below par value, and thus no realized
gains or losses have been recognized.
Municipal Bonds
At August 31, 2009, we did not have any municipal bonds. At August 31, 2008, municipal bonds
classified as held-to-maturity securities represent debt obligations issued by states, cities, counties, and other
governmental entities, which earn federally tax-exempt interest. We have the ability and intention to hold
municipal bonds until maturity and therefore classified these investments as held-to-maturity, reported at
amortized cost. During fiscal years 2009, 2008 and 2007, municipal bonds matured at par value and, thus, no
realized gains or losses have been recorded in connection with liquidating these investments.
Marketable securities are exposed to various risks and rewards, such as interest rate, market and credit
risk. Due to the risks and rewards associated with marketable security investments, it is possible that changes
in the values of these investments may occur and that such changes could affect the amounts reported in the
Consolidated Balance Sheets.
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The following table summarizes the activity in the related allowance for doubtful accounts for the fiscal years
2009, 2008 and 2007:
August 31,
($ in thousands) 2009 2008 2007
We have experienced a decline in our collection rates for older receivables, which we believe is principally
due to the current economic downturn. This has resulted in an increase in our provision for uncollectible
accounts receivable in fiscal year 2009 compared to fiscal year 2008.
The related party receivable represents a promissory note due from Dr. John G. Sperling that was repaid
during fiscal year 2009. Please refer to Note 17, Related Person Transactions, for further discussion.
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The following amounts, which are included in the above table, relate to property and equipment leased
under capital leases as of August 31:
($ in thousands) 2009 2008
Depreciation expense, net of the amortization of tenant improvement allowances, was $90.6 million,
$75.0 million and $68.4 million for fiscal years 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively. Included in these amounts is
depreciation of capitalized internally developed software of $12.5 million, $7.9 million and $4.3 million for the
fiscal years 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively. Additionally, we recorded a loss of $9.4 million in fiscal year
2009 that is included in general and administrative expenses on our Consolidated Statements of Income for the
write-off of information technology fixed assets resulting primarily from our rationalization of software.
Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the amount assigned to the net assets acquired
and liabilities assumed. Any changes in the fair value of the net assets of acquired companies will change the
amount of the purchase price allocable to goodwill. During fiscal year 2009, additions to goodwill primarily
included the following (for further discussion of each of these items, refer to Note 3, Acquisitions):
• $425.6 million at our Apollo Global — BPP segment from Apollo Global’s acquisition of BPP
completed on July 30, 2009;
• $7.0 million at our Apollo Global — Other segment from Apollo Global’s acquisition of the minority
interest in ULA completed on June 29, 2009;
• $7.1 million addition to UNIACC’s goodwill, which is included in our Apollo Global - Other segment,
for an earn-out payment as the obligation amount and timing became determinable during fiscal year
2009; and
• $4.1 million in purchase price allocation adjustments primarily related to Apollo Global’s acquisition of
ULA as additional information about the valuation of certain acquired assets and liabilities became
available during fiscal year 2009. The related purchase price allocation was preliminary as the
acquisition was completed in August 2008.
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Finite-lived intangible assets are amortized on either a straight-line basis or using an accelerated method
to reflect the economic useful life of the asset. The weighted average useful lives range from 2 to 15 years.
Amortization expense for intangible assets for fiscal years 2009, 2008 and 2007 was $9.3 million, $3.4 million
and $0.4 million, respectively.
Estimated future amortization expense of intangible assets is as follows:
($ in thousands)
2010 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ............................... $26,131
2011 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ............................... 15,728
2012 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ............................... 9,163
2013 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ............................... 4,534
2014 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ............................... 1,527
Thereafter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ............................... 1,098
Total estimated amortization expense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $58,181
Estimated future amortization expense may vary as acquisitions and dispositions occur in the future,
purchase price allocations are finalized and as a result of foreign currency translation adjustments.
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At August 31, 2009, our CFFP reporting unit had goodwill of approximately $15.3 million, which is
included in the Other Schools reportable segment. The economic downturn has caused the demand for CFFP’s
financial planning education programs and materials to diminish throughout fiscal year 2009 because CFFP’s
primary customers come from the financial services industry. Accordingly, we performed interim goodwill
impairment tests as of November 30, 2008, February 28, 2009 and May 31, 2009 and evaluated and
determined that the CFFP goodwill balance was not impaired. As of August 31, 2009, we performed our
annual goodwill impairment test of CFFP using a consistent methodology as our previous interim tests and
determined that the fair value of the CFFP reporting unit continued to exceed the carrying value of its net
assets by a narrow margin.
At August 31, 2009, our Insight Schools reporting unit had goodwill of approximately $12.7 million.
Insight Schools has encountered a number of administrative challenges in its compliance activities in the
course of expanding its business. These challenges and start-up expenses have limited its growth rate and
resulted in decreased revenue and increased operating expenses. We considered this factor in our annual
goodwill impairment test of Insight Schools and determined that the goodwill balance is not impaired.
Subsequent to our 2009 fiscal year end, we decided to explore the sale of Insight Schools. There is no
assurance that we will be able to sell these operations on terms acceptable to us or at all. In addition to the
costs incurred in connection with such a disposition, we may realize a loss on sale. If we are unable to dispose
of these operations on terms acceptable to us, we may decide to continue providing some or all of the services
now provided by Insight Schools under its service contracts for the remainder of the terms of such contracts,
which have remaining terms of 1 to 9 years.
During fiscal years 2009, 2008 and 2007, we performed annual impairment tests on all applicable
goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets and these tests resulted in no impairment charges. Please refer
to Note 2, Significant Accounting Policies, for our policy and methodology for evaluating potential impairment
of goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets.
Assets:
Cash equivalents (including restricted
cash equivalents):
Money market funds . . . . . . . . . . . $1,400,550 $1,400,550 $ — $ —
Marketable securities:
Auction-rate securities. . . . . . . . . . 19,579 — — 19,579
Total assets: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1,420,129 $1,400,550 $ — $19,579
Liabilities:
Other liabilities:
Interest rate swap . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 3,542 $ — $3,542 $ —
Total liabilities: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 3,542 $ — $3,542 $ —
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
In accordance with SFAS 157, we measure our money market funds included in cash and restricted cash
equivalents, auction-rate securities included in marketable securities and interest rate swap included in other
liabilities at fair value.
• Money market funds — Classified within Level 1 and were valued primarily using real-time quotes for
transactions in active exchange markets involving identical assets.
• Auction-rate securities — Classified within Level 3 due to the illiquidity of the market and were valued
using a discounted cash flow model that encompassed significant unobservable inputs to determine
probabilities of default and timing of auction failure, probabilities of a successful auction at par and/or
repurchase at par value for each auction period, collateralization of the underlying security and credit
worthiness of the issuer. The assumptions used to prepare the discounted cash flows include estimates
for interest rates, credit spreads, timing and amount of cash flows, liquidity premiums, expected holding
periods and default risk. These assumptions are subject to change as the underlying data sources and
market conditions evolve. Additionally, as the market for auction-rate securities continues to be
inactive, our discounted cash flow model also factored the illiquidity of the auction-rate securities
market by adding a spread of 450 to 500 basis points to the applicable discount rate.
• Interest rate swap — We acquired the interest rate swap in connection with the BPP acquisition. The
swap has a notional amount of £30.0 million ($48.9 million) used to minimize the interest rate exposure
on a portion of BPP’s variable rate debt. The interest rate swap is used to fix the variable interest rate
on the associated debt. The swap is classified within Level 2 and is valued using readily available
pricing sources which utilize market observable inputs including the current variable interest rate for
similar types of instruments.
At August 31, 2009, the carrying value of our debt, excluding capital leases, was $581.3 million. Substantially
all of our debt is variable interest rate and the carrying amount approximates fair value.
We did not significantly change our valuation techniques associated with fair value measurements from
prior periods. Additionally, we did not have any non-recurring fair value measurements during the period that
required disclosure.
Changes in the assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs
(Level 3) during the year ended August 31, 2009 are as follows:
($ in thousands)
Balance at August 31, 2008. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..................... $25,204
Net unrealized loss in other comprehensive loss. . . . . . . . . ..................... (1,368)
Reversal of unrealized loss on redemptions . . . . . . . . . . . . ..................... 718
Redemptions at par value . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..................... (4,975)
Transfers in (out) of Level 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..................... —
Balance at August 31, 2009. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $19,579
Net unrealized gains (losses) included in earnings related to assets held as of August 31,
2009 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ —
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APOLLO GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
Please refer to Note 18, Commitments and Contingencies, for discussion of the estimated litigation loss.
Salaries, wages, and benefits represent amounts due to employees, faculty and third parties for salaries, bonuses,
vacation pay, and health insurance. Accrued advertising represents amounts due for Internet marketing, direct
mail campaigns, and print and broadcast advertising. Accrued professional fees represent amounts due to third
parties for outsourced student financial aid processing and other accrued professional and legal obligations.
Student refunds, grants and scholarships represent amounts due to students for tuition refunds, federal and state
grants payable, scholarships, and other related items. Other accrued liabilities primarily includes sales and
business taxes, facilities costs such as rent and utilities, and certain accrued purchases.
Aggregate debt maturities for each of the years ended August 31 are as follows:
($ in thousands)
2010 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $461,365
2011 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..................... 3,329
2012 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..................... 10,924
2013 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..................... 104,875
2014 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..................... 1,350
Thereafter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..................... 7,223
$589,066
On January 4, 2008, we entered into a syndicated $500 million credit agreement (the “Bank Facility”).
The Bank Facility is an unsecured revolving credit facility used for general corporate purposes including
acquisitions and stock buybacks. The Bank Facility has an expansion feature for an aggregate principal amount
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
of up to $250 million. The term is five years and will expire on January 4, 2013. The Bank Facility provides a
multi-currency sub-limit facility for borrowings in certain specified foreign currencies up to $300 million.
We borrowed our entire credit line under the Bank Facility as of August 31, 2009, which included
£63.0 million denominated in British Pounds related to the BPP acquisition. We have classified the U.S. dollar
denominated debt on our Bank Facility of $393 million within short-term borrowings and current portion of
long-term debt on our Consolidated Balance Sheets as it has been repaid subsequent to August 31, 2009.
The Bank Facility fees are determined based on a pricing grid that varies according to our leverage ratio.
The Bank Facility fee ranges from 12.5 to 17.5 basis points and the incremental fees for borrowings under the
facility range from LIBOR + 50.0 to 82.5 basis points. The weighted average interest rate on outstanding
borrowings under the Bank Facility at August 31, 2009 was 1.0%.
The Bank Facility contains affirmative and negative covenants, including the following financial
covenants: maximum leverage ratio, minimum coverage interest and rent expense ratio, and a U.S. Department
of Education financial responsibility composite score. In addition, there are covenants restricting indebtedness,
liens, investments, asset transfers and distributions.
Other debt includes $72.1 million of variable rate debt and $13.6 million of fixed rate debt at the
subsidiaries of Apollo Global. The weighted average interest rate of these debt instruments at August 31, 2009
was 2.8%.
Please refer to Note 9, Fair Value Measurements, for discussion of the fair value of our debt.
Deferred rent and other lease incentives represent amounts included in lease agreements and are
amortized on a straight-line basis over the term of the leases. Refer to Note 13, Income Taxes, for discussion
of our uncertain tax positions.
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
Income tax expense (benefit) consists of the following for fiscal years 2009, 2008 and 2007:
($ in thousands) 2009 2008 2007
Current:
Federal. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $369,513 $271,434 $253,048
State . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91,296 51,894 42,294
Foreign . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (1,025) 786 665
Total current . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 459,784 324,114 296,007
Deferred:
Federal. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (8,916) (15,328) (43,236)
State . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (4,906) (1,859) (4,076)
Foreign . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 — (208)
Total deferred . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (13,799) (17,187) (47,520)
Total provision for income taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $445,985 $306,927 $248,487
Deferred tax assets and liabilities result primarily from temporary differences in book versus tax basis
accounting. Deferred tax assets and liabilities consist of the following as of August 31:
($ in thousands) 2009 2008
During fiscal year 2009, the valuation allowance increased by $8.2 million primarily as a result of an
increase in net operating losses of Apollo Global and certain foreign subsidiaries. We have recorded a
valuation allowance related to these net operating losses and our foreign tax credit carry-forwards, as it is
more likely than not that these carry-forwards will expire unutilized. In light of our history of profitable
operations, management has concluded that it is more likely than not that we will ultimately realize the full
benefit of our deferred tax assets other than the items mentioned above. Accordingly, we believe that a
valuation allowance should not be recorded for our remaining net deferred tax assets.
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
As of August 31, 2009, we have foreign tax credits of $2.1 million included in other in the above table.
These credits will begin to expire August 31, 2013.
We have U.S. net operating losses of $26.3 million that will begin to expire August 31, 2021. In addition,
we have $16.1 million of net operating and capital losses in various foreign jurisdictions of which $10.5 million
of these foreign losses will begin to expire on August 31, 2027. The remainder of these losses do not expire.
These amounts represent the net operating loss carry-forward in the above table.
We have not provided deferred taxes on unremitted earnings attributable to international companies that
have been considered to be permanently reinvested. As of August 31, 2009, any earnings related to the
operations of these foreign subsidiaries are not considered to be significant. It is not currently practicable to
determine the amount of liability, if any, that would exist if such earnings were not permanently reinvested.
We exercise significant judgment in determining our income tax provision due to transactions, credits and
calculations where the ultimate tax determination is uncertain. The following is a tabular reconciliation of the
total amount of unrecognized tax benefits, excluding interest and penalties, at the beginning and the end of the
period for fiscal year 2009:
($ in thousands)
Balance at September 1, 2007 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $36,453
Additions for tax positions taken in prior years . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . —
Settlement with tax authorities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . —
Reductions for tax positions of prior years. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . —
Reductions due to lapse of applicable statute of limitations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . —
Balance at August 31, 2008 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36,453
Additions based on tax positions taken in the current year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41,440
Additions for tax positions taken in prior years . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3,007
Additions related to acquisition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4,289
Settlement with tax authorities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . —
Reductions for tax positions of prior years. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . —
Reductions due to lapse of applicable statute of limitations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (328)
Balance at August 31, 2009 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $84,861
In fiscal year 2009, we accrued $80.5 million as an estimated litigation loss. The deductibility of a
portion of this charge is currently uncertain, and so we did not recognize a tax benefit for a portion of the
charge recorded in fiscal year 2009. Our unrecognized tax benefits were also increased in fiscal year 2009 for
an uncertainty related to allocation and apportionment of income among various states.
We classify interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions as a component of provision for
income taxes in our Consolidated Statements of Income. We recognized $4.4 million and $3.9 million of
interest and penalties in the Consolidated Statements of Income for fiscal years 2009 and 2008, respectively.
The total amount of interest and penalties included in our Consolidated Balance Sheets is $23.2 million and
$18.8 million as of August 31, 2009 and August 31, 2008 respectively.
We have included $85.7 million, inclusive of interest and penalties, of our uncertain tax liability in the
current portion of long-term liabilities in our Consolidated Balance Sheets because we believe that it is
reasonably possible that this portion of our uncertain tax liability could be resolved or settled within the next
12 months. The current portion of our uncertain tax liabilities primarily relates to certain deductions taken that
may be subject to Internal Revenue Code Section 162(m), and allocation and apportionment of income
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
amongst the various states in which we operate. Our remaining uncertain tax positions and related accrued
interest and penalties are included in other long-term liabilities in our Consolidated Balance Sheets.
As of August 31, 2009, $55.8 million of our total unrecognized tax benefits would favorably affect our
effective tax rate, if recognized. However, if amounts accrued are less than amounts ultimately assessed by the
taxing authorities, we would record additional income tax expense in our Consolidated Statements of Income.
Our U.S. federal tax years and various state tax years from 2003 remain subject to income tax
examinations by tax authorities. In addition, tax years from 2006 related to our foreign taxing jurisdictions
also remain subject to examination.
The provision for income taxes differs from the tax computed using the statutory U.S. federal income tax
rate as a result of the following items for fiscal years 2009, 2008 and 2007:
2009 2008 2007
An audit relating to our U.S. federal income tax returns for fiscal years 2003 through 2005 commenced in
September 2006. In February 2009, the Internal Revenue Service issued an examination report and proposed to
disallow deductions relating to stock option compensation in excess of the limitations of Internal Revenue
Code Section 162(m). Under Section 162(m), the amount of such deduction per covered executive officer is
limited to $1.0 million per year, except to the extent the compensation qualifies as performance-based.
Compensation attributable to options with revised measurement dates may not have qualified as performance-
based compensation. The Internal Revenue Service examination report also proposed the additions of penalties
and interest. The proposed adjustments, including penalties and interest, are consistent with our prior accruals
relating to this issue. In addition, we expensed an additional $2.4 million in fiscal year 2009 related to interest,
for a total accrual of $50.0 million as of August 31, 2009 with respect to this uncertain tax position for the
taxable years 2003 through 2006. On March 6, 2009, we commenced administrative proceedings with the
Office of Appeals of the Internal Revenue Service challenging the proposed adjustments, including penalties
and interest. We believe this matter will be settled within 12 months and the accrual is now classified as short-
term. In October of 2009, we reached an agreement in principle subject to negotiation of final documentation
with the Internal Revenue Service Office of Appeals to settle this matter for less than the $50 million we have
accrued at August 31, 2009. The settlement, when finalized, will result in a reduction in the amount currently
accrued and a related decrease in our effective tax rate for a portion of that reduced accrual.
During the third quarter of 2009, we were notified by the Internal Revenue Service that our tax returns
for the years ended in 2006, 2007, and 2008 have been selected for examination. This audit commenced
during the fourth quarter. In addition, we are subject to numerous ongoing audits by state, local, and foreign
tax authorities. Although we believe our tax accruals to be reasonable, the final determination of tax audits in
the U.S. or abroad and any related litigation could be materially different from our historical income tax
provisions and accruals. The result of an audit or litigation could have a material effect on our business,
financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
(1) In connection with the release of vested shares of restricted stock, we repurchased approximately
119,000 shares for $8.1 million related to tax withholding requirements on these restricted stock units dur-
ing the fiscal year 2009. We did not have any such repurchases during fiscal years 2008 and 2007. These
repurchase transactions do not fall under the repurchase program described below, and therefore do not
reduce the amount that is available for repurchase under that program.
Our Board of Directors has authorized us to repurchase outstanding shares of Apollo Group Class A
common stock, from time to time, depending on market conditions and other considerations. There is no
expiration date on the repurchase authorizations and repurchases occur at our discretion. Repurchases may be
made on the open market or in privately negotiated transactions, pursuant to the applicable Securities and
Exchange Commission rules, and may include repurchases pursuant to Securities and Exchange Commission
Rule 10b5-1 nondiscretionary trading programs. The amount and timing of future share repurchases, if any,
will be made as market and business conditions warrant.
During fiscal years 2009, 2008 and 2007, we issued approximately 3.1 million, 2.5 million and 0.5 million
shares of our Class A common stock, respectively, as a result of stock option exercises, release of shares
covered by vested restricted stock units, and purchases under our employee stock purchase plan.
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APOLLO GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
The increase in foreign currency translation losses is the result of a general strengthening of the
U.S. dollar relative to foreign currencies during fiscal year 2009.
During fiscal year 2009, approximately 3.6 million of our stock options outstanding and approximately
6,000 of our restricted stock units were excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share because
their inclusion would have been anti-dilutive. These options and restricted stock units could be dilutive in the
future.
117
APOLLO GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
118
APOLLO GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
119
APOLLO GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
Stock Options
During fiscal years 2009, 2008, and 2007, we granted stock options with a service vesting condition to
the members of our Board of Directors, officers, and certain faculty and management employees. During fiscal
year 2009, we also granted stock options with a service and a market vesting condition to certain members of
our management team. We measure the fair value of stock options as of the date of grant. We amortize the
share-based compensation expense, net of forfeitures, over the expected vesting period using the straight-line
method for awards with only a service condition, and the graded vesting attribution method for awards with a
service and a market vesting condition. The vesting period of the stock options granted generally ranges from
six months to four years. A summary of the activity and changes related to stock options and stock
appreciation rights granted under our plans is as follows:
Weighted Weighted
Average Average
Exercise Remaining Aggregate
Total Price per Contractual Intrinsic
(numbers in thousands, except per share data) Shares Share Term (Years) Value ($)(1)
(1) Aggregate intrinsic value represents the value of our closing stock price of $64.84 on August 31, 2009 in
excess of the weighted average exercise price multiplied by the number of options outstanding or exercis-
able with an exercise price less than the closing stock price.
As of August 31, 2009, there was approximately $79.7 million of total unrecognized share-based
compensation cost, net of forfeitures, related to unvested stock options and stock appreciation rights. These
costs are expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 2.24 years. The fair value of stock
options and stock appreciation rights that vested during fiscal years 2009, 2008 and 2007 was $54.1 million,
$35.5 million and $20.7 million, respectively.
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APOLLO GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
The following table summarizes information related to outstanding and exercisable options and stock
appreciation rights as of August 31, 2009:
Outstanding Exercisable
Weighted Avg. Weighted Avg. Weighted Avg.
Contractual Exercise Exercise
Range of Life Price Price
Exercise Prices Outstanding Remaining per Share Exercisable per Share
(options in thousands)
The following table summarizes information related to stock options and stock appreciation rights
exercised for fiscal years 2009, 2008 and 2007:
Year Ended August 31,
($ in thousands) 2009 2008 2007
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APOLLO GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
As of August 31, 2009, there was approximately $42.4 million of total unrecognized share-based
compensation cost, net of forfeitures, related to unvested restricted stock units. These costs are expected to be
recognized over a weighted average period of 2.80 years. The fair value of restricted stock units that vested
during fiscal years 2009, 2008 and 2007 was $23.2 million, zero and $0.8 million, respectively.
122
APOLLO GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
123
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
Yo Pegasus, LLC
Yo Pegasus, LLC, an entity controlled by Dr. John G. Sperling, leases an aircraft to us as well as to other
entities. Payments to Yo Pegasus for the business use of the airplane, including hourly flight charges, fuel, and
direct operating expenses during fiscal years 2009, 2008, and 2007 were $0.2 million, $0.4 million, and
$0.3 million, respectively. These amounts are included in general and administrative expenses in the
Consolidated Statements of Income. Additionally, through May 2007 the pilots were employed by us and the
costs of salaries and fringe benefits were paid through our payroll and are included in general and
administrative expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Income. The cost to us, including payments made
to Yo Pegasus and the cost of pilots’ wages (including fringe benefits) during fiscal years 2009, 2008, and
2007 were $0.2 million, $0.4 million, and $0.5 million, respectively.
Sperling Gallery
We lease certain artwork pursuant to a contract between Apollo Group and an art gallery owned by
Virginia Sperling. Virginia Sperling is the former wife of Dr. John Sperling and the mother of Mr. Peter
Sperling. Lease payments under the contract during fiscal years 2009, 2008, and 2007 were $34,000, $37,000,
and $37,000, respectively.
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APOLLO GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
Lease Commitments
We are obligated under property and equipment leases under both capital leases and operating leases. The
following is a schedule of future minimum lease commitments as of August 31, 2009:
($ in thousands) Capital Leases(1) Operating Leases
(1) The total future minimum lease obligation associated with capital leases includes lease payments for a lease
agreement executed in fiscal year 2009 for a building to be constructed and for which we do not have the
right to control the use of the property under the lease at August 31, 2009. The future minimum lease
payments associated with this lease are $139.5 million, which includes $36.2 million of imputed interest.
(2) The total future minimum lease obligation excludes noncancelable sublease rental income of $3.1 million.
Facility and equipment expense under leases totaled $162.5 million, $156.2 million and $150.0 million
for fiscal years 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively.
We have entered into five separate sale-leaseback agreements with unrelated third parties. These
agreements were related to property located throughout Phoenix, Arizona, which we currently use to support
our operations. The property is subject to ten-year lease terms expiring between 2010 and 2014. In total we
125
APOLLO GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
received approximately $46.2 million in cash for the property, which generated a combined gain of
approximately $17.5 million that is being deferred over the respective lease terms. We recognized total gains
of $1.7 million, $1.8 million and $1.8 million in fiscal years 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively, in the
Consolidated Statements of Income. The balance of the total deferred gain was $7.0 million as of August 31,
2009 and $8.7 million as of August 31, 2008, included in other liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
126
APOLLO GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
During the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2009, based on the settlement discussions to resolve this matter,
we recorded a pre-tax charge of $80.5 million which represents our best estimate of the loss related to this
matter. The actual amount of this loss will not be known until a final settlement agreement, if any, is reached.
If we do not successfully conclude these settlement negotiations, the outcome of this legal proceeding is
uncertain because of the many questions of fact and law that may arise. Any subsequent settlement or final
disposition of this litigation could be on terms less favorable than our current proposed settlement and could
have a material and adverse affect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
127
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
including if the plaintiffs were to prevail in a judgment on appeal, we currently estimate our range of loss for
this matter to be between zero and $225.0 million. Damages, if any, will not be known until all court
proceedings, including the plaintiffs’ appeal, have been completed. Based on information available to us at
present, our management does not expect a material adverse effect on our business to result from this action.
We have not accrued any liability associated with this action as of August 31, 2009.
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
backdating. On January 29, 2007, the Court granted the Amended Motion to Stay pending the resolution of
the trial in the federal Securities Class Action.
On March 7, 2008, following the entry of judgment in the federal Securities Class Action, we filed a
motion to stay discovery regarding the U.S. Department of Education claims pending the disposition of post-
trial motions in the federal Securities Class Action and informed the Superior Court of an imminent settlement
regarding the stock option claims. On March 10, 2008, the Superior Court stayed the stock option claims. On
September 17, 2008, the Superior Court dismissed the stock option backdating claims. The settlement does not
apply to the U.S. Department of Education claims.
With respect to the U.S. Department of Education claims, on April 10, 2008, the plaintiff filed his Second
Amended Complaint. In addition to the damages previously sought, plaintiff added a request that we recover
from defendants the expenses associated with the ongoing qui tam action pending in the U.S. District Court
for the Eastern District of California. On May 9, 2008, we moved for a continued stay of Counts 1-2 and
dismissal of Counts 3-5 added in the Second Amended Complaint. On July 30, 2008, the Superior Court
dismissed Counts 3-5, and stayed Counts 1-2, until the next pre-trial conference. At the continued pre-trial
conference on October 27, 2008, the Superior Court lifted the discovery stay and set certain long-range
deadlines for completion of discovery, dispositive motions, and disclosure of experts, the earliest of which is
May 31, 2010. A trial, if any, is not likely to occur until some time in 2011.
On April 3, 2009, we filed a motion seeking the appointment of an independent panel consisting of
Dr. Roy A. Herberger, Jr. and Stephen J. Giusto. The Court granted our motion on July 31, 2009.
Because of the many questions of fact and law that may arise, the outcome of this legal proceeding is
uncertain at this point. Based on information available to us at present, our management does not expect a
material adverse effect on our business to result from this action. In addition, we cannot reasonably estimate a
range of loss for this action and accordingly have not accrued any liability associated with this action.
129
APOLLO GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
Complaint by October 15, 2008. Plaintiff did not file the Second Amended Complaint. Instead, counsel for
plaintiff, by letter dated September 25, 2008, advised the Court and defendants’ counsel of its intention to take
the necessary steps to obtain an order dismissing the case. On November 14, 2008, another one of our
shareholders filed a motion to intervene in the case and pursue the action in the place of Bamboo Partners. We
filed a response in opposition to the shareholder’s motion on December 4, 2008, asking the Court to dismiss
the case, and fully briefed that motion on December 16, 2008. On January 13, 2009, the shareholder filed a
request for oral argument on her motion, which the Court denied on January 16, 2009. On February 3, 2009
the Court also denied the shareholder’s motion to intervene. On March 17, 2009, the Court dismissed this
action with prejudice, without costs to either party.
130
APOLLO GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
that Digital-Vending Services International’s patents were duly and lawfully issued, and asserted defenses of
non-infringement and patent invalidity, among others. We also asserted a counterclaim seeking a declaratory
judgment that the patents are invalid, unenforceable, and not infringed by us. The District Court has scheduled
the trial for November 7, 2011. Together with the other defendants, we filed a motion to transfer venue from
the Eastern District of Texas to Washington, D.C. on February 27, 2009. Because of the many questions of
fact and law that may arise, the outcome of this legal proceeding is uncertain at this point. Based on
information available to us at present, we cannot reasonably estimate a range of loss for this action and
accordingly have not accrued any liability associated with this action.
131
APOLLO GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
District Court’s current Scheduling Order, the deadline for Plaintiff’s Motion for Class Certification is
January 11, 2010 and the hearing on the motion is set for March 22, 2010.
• Sabol. Action filed July 31, 2009, by several former employees in Federal District Court in
Philadelphia. We filed an answer denying the asserted claim on September 29, 2009.
• Tranchiti. Action filed August 10, 2009, by several former employees in Federal District Court in
Chicago. On September 2, 2009, we filed a motion to dismiss, or in the alternative to stay or transfer,
the case based on the previously filed Sabol action. The motion is currently pending with the Court.
• Davis. Action filed September 28, 2009, by former employee Adonijah Davis in Federal District
Court in Tampa, Florida. Our initial response to the complaint is due on November 2, 2009.
Because of the many questions of fact and law that may arise, the outcome of these legal proceedings is
uncertain at this point. Based on information available to us at present, we cannot reasonably estimate a range
of loss for these actions and, accordingly, we have not accrued any liability associated with these actions.
Other
We are subject to various claims and contingencies in the ordinary course of business, including those
related to regulation, litigation, business transactions, employee-related matters and taxes, among others. We
do not believe any of these are material for separate disclosure.
132
APOLLO GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
all participating institutions for compliance with all applicable standards and regulations under the Higher
Education Opportunity Act. In February 2009, the U.S. Department of Education performed an ordinary
course, focused program review of University of Phoenix’s policies and procedures involving Title IV
programs. We have not yet received the program review report.
During a previous internal review of certain Title IV policies and procedures, it came to our attention that
certain Satisfactory Academic Progress calculations performed by University of Phoenix and Western
International University failed to properly identify students who should have been placed on financial aid
disqualification status and therefore were ineligible to participate in Title IV financial aid programs.
Additionally, we determined that University of Phoenix was inadvertently disbursing certain funds under a
grant program. These matters were self-reported to the U.S. Department of Education in October 2008. In
February 2009, after completing our review of these practices, we reported to the U.S. Department of
Education the results of our review and paid the U.S. Department of Education our best estimate of the
liability, which was $8.4 million. Approximately half of this amount was recorded in our Consolidated
Statements of Income in fiscal year 2008, which was our best estimate based on the information available
when we identified the matter. We recorded the remaining amount in our Consolidated Statements of Income
in fiscal year 2009 following completion of our review. The U.S. Department of Education has informed us
that this matter has been resolved.
133
APOLLO GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
reportable segment during the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2009 following Apollo Global’s acquisition of BPP
on July 30, 2009.
The Apollo Global — Other segment includes the results of operations for UNIACC, ULA and the
Apollo Global corporate operations. UNIACC offers bachelor’s and master’s programs on campuses in Chile
and online. ULA offers degree programs at its four campuses throughout Mexico.
The Insight Schools segment offers educational and administrative services to public schools to operate
full-time online high school programs. Subsequent to our 2009 fiscal year end, we decided to explore the sale
of Insight Schools.
The Other Schools segment includes the results of operations of Western International University, IPD,
CFFP and Meritus. Western International University offers undergraduate and graduate degree program courses
at its Arizona campus locations and online at Western International University Interactive Online. IPD provides
program development, administration and management consulting services to private colleges and universities
to establish or expand their programs for working learners. CFFP provides financial services education
programs, including the Master of Science in three majors and certification programs in retirement, asset
management, and other financial planning areas online and from its headquarters in Colorado. Meritus offers
degree programs online to students throughout Canada and abroad.
Our reportable segments have been determined based on the method by which management evaluates
performance and allocates resources. Management evaluates performance based on reportable segment profit.
This measure of profit includes allocating corporate support costs to each segment as part of a general
allocation, but excludes taxes, interest income and expense, foreign currency fluctuations and certain revenue
and unallocated corporate charges. At the discretion of management, certain corporate costs are not allocated
to the subsidiaries due to their designation as special charges because of their infrequency of occurrence, the
non-cash nature of the expense and/or the determination that the allocation of these costs to the subsidiaries
will not result in an appropriate measure of the subsidiaries’ results. These costs include such items as
unscheduled or significant management bonuses, unusual severance pay and stock-based compensation expense
attributed to corporate management and administrative employees. The Corporate caption includes adjustments
to reconcile segment results to consolidated results which primarily consist of net revenue and corporate
charges that are not allocated to our reportable segments.
During fiscal years 2009, 2008, and 2007, no individual customer accounted for more than 10% of our
consolidated net revenue.
134
APOLLO GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
(1) University of Phoenix income from operations for fiscal year 2009 includes $80.5 million in charges associated with
an estimated litigation loss. Please refer to Note 18, Commitments and Contingencies, for further discussion.
(2) Capital expenditures exclude non-cash fixed asset additions of $17.8 million, $13.7 million and $11.5 million in fiscal
years 2009, 2008, and 2007, respectively. Non-cash fixed assets additions include credits received for tenant improve-
ments and accrued purchases in accounts payable.
135
APOLLO GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
Assets
University of Phoenix. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1,112,002 $ 920,553
Apollo Global:
BPP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 778,416 —
Other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133,615 123,688
Total Apollo Global . . . ................................... 912,031 123,688
Insight Schools . . . . . . ................................... 26,590 20,294
Other Schools . . . . . . . ................................... 52,100 47,736
Corporate. . . . . . . . . . . ................................... 1,160,654 748,141
Total assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $3,263,377 $1,860,412
A summary of financial information by geographical area based on country of domicile for our respective
operating locations is as follows:
Year Ended August 31,
($ in thousands) 2009 2008 2007
Net revenue
United States . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $3,900,251 $3,122,272 $2,718,525
United Kingdom. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .............. 13,062 — —
Latin America . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .............. 54,536 13,712 258
Other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .............. 6,353 4,947 5,010
Net revenue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $3,974,202 $3,140,931 $2,723,793
As of August 31,
($ in thousands) 2009 2008
Long-lived assets(1)
United States . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 496,493 $470,092
United Kingdom . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 698,273 —
Latin America . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86,137 77,247
Other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2,633 860
Total long-lived assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1,283,536 $548,199
(1) Long-lived assets include property and equipment, net, goodwill, and intangible assets, net.
136
APOLLO GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
(1) The sum of quarterly income per share may not equal annual income per share due to rounding.
137
APOLLO GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
(Unaudited)
2008
Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4
($ in thousands, except per share data) November 30 February 29 May 31 August 31
(1) The sum of quarterly income per share may not equal annual income per share due to rounding and second
quarter net loss.
138
Item 9 — Changes in and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
None.
139
Management performed an assessment of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting
as of August 31, 2009, utilizing the criteria described in the “Internal Control — Integrated Framework” issued
by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. The objective of this assessment
was to determine whether our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of August 31, 2009. We
have excluded from our assessment the internal control over financial reporting for BPP, which was acquired
on July 30, 2009, and whose financial statements reflect total assets and total revenue constituting 24% and
less than 1%, respectively, of our consolidated financial statement amounts as of and for the fiscal year ended
August 31, 2009. Based on our assessment, management believes that, as of August 31, 2009, the Company’s
internal control over financial reporting is effective.
Our independent registered public accounting firm, Deloitte & Touche LLP, independently assessed the
effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Deloitte & Touche LLP has issued a
report, which is included at the end of Part II, Item 9A of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
140
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of
Apollo Group, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Phoenix, Arizona
We have audited the internal control over financial reporting of Apollo Group, Inc. and subsidiaries (the
“Company”) as of August 31, 2009, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework issued
by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. As described in Management’s Report
on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting, management excluded from its assessment the internal control over
financial reporting at BPP Holdings plc, which was acquired on July 30, 2009 and whose financial statements
constitute 24% of total assets and less than 1% of revenues, of the consolidated financial statement amounts as of
and for the year ended August 31, 2009. Accordingly, our audit did not include the internal control over financial
reporting at BPP Holdings plc. The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control
over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting,
included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. Our responsibil-
ity is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board
(United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about
whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included
obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness
exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk,
and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit
provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed by, or under the supervision of, the
company’s principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, and effected by
the company’s board of directors, management, and other personnel to provide reasonable assurance regarding the
reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with
generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies
and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the
transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are
recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting
principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of
management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely
detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on
the financial statements.
Because of the inherent limitations of internal control over financial reporting, including the possibility of collusion
or improper management override of controls, material misstatements due to error or fraud may not be prevented or
detected on a timely basis. Also, projections of any evaluation of the effectiveness of the internal control over financial
reporting to future periods are subject to the risk that the controls may become inadequate because of changes in
conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
In our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial
reporting as of August 31, 2009, based on the criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework issued
by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.
We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board
(United States), the consolidated balance sheets of the Company as of August 31, 2009 and 2008, and the related
consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, changes in shareholders’ equity, and cash flows for each
of the three years in the period ended August 31, 2009 of the Company, and our report dated October 27, 2009
expressed an unqualified opinion on those financial statements.
Phoenix, Arizona
October 27, 2009
141
PART III
Item 12 — Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder
Matters
Information relating to this item appears in the Information Statement for Apollo Group, Inc., to be filed
within 120 days of our fiscal year end (August 31, 2009) and such information is incorporated herein by
reference.
142
PART IV
143
Index to Exhibits
Incorporated by Reference
Exhibit Exhibit Filed
Number Exhibit Description Form File No. Number Filing Date Herewith
3.1 Amended and Restated Articles of Proxy No. 000-25232 Annex B August 1, 2000
Incorporation of Apollo Group, Inc. Statement
3.1a Articles of Amendment to the Articles of 8-K No. 000-25232 99.1 June 27, 2007
Incorporation of Apollo Group, Inc.
3.2 Amended and Restated Bylaws of Apollo 10-Q No. 000-25232 3.2 April 10, 2006
Group, Inc.
10.1 Apollo Group, Inc. Long-Term Incentive S-1 No. 33-83804 10.3 September 9, 1994
Plan*
10.2 Apollo Group, Inc. Plan Amendment to 10-Q No. 000-25232 10.5 June 28, 2007
Long-Term Incentive Plan*
10.3 Apollo Group, Inc. Plan Amendment to X
Long-Term Incentive Plan*
10.4 Apollo Group, Inc. Amended and 10-Q No. 000-25232 10.4 January 14, 2002
Restated Savings and Investment Plan*
10.5 Apollo Group, Inc. Third Amended and 10-K No. 000-25232 10.5 November 14, 2005
Restated 1994 Employee Stock Purchase
Plan*
10.7 Apollo Group, Inc. 2000 Stock Incentive 10-Q No. 000-25232 10.3 June 29, 2009
Plan (as amended and restated June 25,
2009)*
10.8 Form of Apollo Group, Inc. Non- 10-Q No. 000-25232 10.6 June 28, 2007
Employee Director Stock Option
Agreement*
10.9 Form of Apollo Group, Inc. Non- 10-Q No. 000-25232 10.7 June 28, 2007
Employee Director Restricted Stock
Unit Award Agreement*
10.10 Form of Apollo Group, Inc. Stock Option 10-Q No. 000-25232 10.3 January 8, 2009
Agreement (for officers with an
employment agreement)*
10.11 Form of Non-Statutory Stock Option 10-Q No. 000-25232 10.4 January 8, 2009
Agreement (for officers without an
employment agreement)*
10.12 Form of Apollo Group, Inc. Restricted 10-Q No. 000-25232 10.1 January 8, 2009
Stock Unit Award Agreement (for
officers with an employment agreement)*
10.13 Form of Apollo Group, Inc. Restricted 10-Q No. 000-25232 10.2 January 8, 2009
Stock Unit Award Agreement (for
officers without an employment
agreement)*
10.14 Aptimus, Inc. 2001 Stock Plan* S-8 No. 333-147151 99.1 November 5, 2007
10.15 Apollo Group, Inc. Stock Option S-8 No. 333-147151 99.2 November 5, 2007
Assumption Agreement Aptimus, Inc.
2001 Stock Plan*
10.16 Apollo Group, Inc. Stock Appreciation S-8 No. 333-147151 99.3 November 5, 2007
Right Assumption Agreement Aptimus,
Inc. 2001 Stock Plan*
10.17 Aptimus, Inc. 1997 Stock Option Plan, as S-8 No. 333-147151 99.4 November 5, 2007
amended*
144
Incorporated by Reference
Exhibit Exhibit Filed
Number Exhibit Description Form File No. Number Filing Date Herewith
10.18 Apollo Group, Inc. Stock Option S-8 No. 333-147151 99.5 November 5, 2007
Assumption Agreement Aptimus, Inc.
1997 Stock Option Plan, as amended*
10.19 Apollo Group, Inc. Executive Officer 10-Q No. 000-25232 10.1 January 8, 2008
Performance Incentive Plan*
10.20 Apollo Group, Inc. Deferral Election X
Program for Non-Employee Board
Members*
10.21 Amended and Restated Employment 10-Q No. 000-25232 10.10 January 8, 2009
Agreement between Apollo Group, Inc.
and John G. Sperling, dated December 31,
2008*
10.22 Amended and Restated Deferred 10-Q No. 000-25232 10.11 January 8, 2009
Compensation Agreement between
Apollo Group, Inc. and John G.
Sperling, dated December 31, 2008*
10.23 Shareholder Agreement among Apollo S-1 No. 33-83804 10.10 September 9, 1994
Group, Inc. and holders of Apollo
Group Class B common stock, dated
September 7, 1994
10.23b Amendment to Shareholder Agreement 10-K No. 000-25232 10.10b November 28, 2001
among Apollo Group, Inc. and holders
of Apollo Group Class B common
stock, dated May 25, 2001
10.23c Amendment to Shareholder Agreement X
among Apollo Group, Inc. and holders
of Apollo Group Class B common
stock, dated June 23, 2006
10.23d Amendment to Shareholder Agreement X
among Apollo Group, Inc. and holders
of Apollo Group Class B common
stock, dated May 19, 2009
10.24 Independent Contractor Agreement 10-K No. 000-25232 10.12 May 22, 2007
between Apollo Group, Inc. and
Governmental Advocates, Inc., dated
June 1, 2006
10.25 Promissory Note from Hermes Onetouch, 10-Q No. 000-25232 10.14 April 12, 2002
L.L.C. dated December 14, 2001
10.25a Corrected Promissory Note from Hermes 10-K No. 000-25232 10.13a May 22, 2007
Onetouch, L.L.C., dated December 14,
2001
10.26 Engagement Letter Agreement between 10-K No. 000-25232 10.16 May 22, 2007
Apollo Group, Inc. and FTI Consulting,
Inc., dated November 14, 2006*
10.27 Consulting Agreement between Apollo 10-K No. 000-25232 10.17 May 22, 2007
Group, Inc. and Brian L. Swartz, dated
February 13, 2007*
10.28 Employment Agreement between Apollo 10-K No. 000-25232 10.18 May 22, 2007
Group, Inc. and Gregory W. Cappelli,
dated March 31, 2007*
145
Incorporated by Reference
Exhibit Exhibit Filed
Number Exhibit Description Form File No. Number Filing Date Herewith
10.29 Stock Option Agreement between Apollo 10-Q No. 000-25232 10.10 June 28, 2007
Group, Inc. and Gregory W. Cappelli,
dated June 28, 2007*
10.30 Amendment to Employment Agreement 10-Q No. 000-25232 10.6 January 8, 2009
between Apollo Group, Inc. and Gregory
Cappelli, dated December 12, 2008*
10.31 Amendment No. 2 to Employment 8-K No. 000-25232 10.1 April 27, 2009
Agreement between Apollo Group, Inc.
and Gregory Cappelli, dated April 24,
2009*
10.32 Employment Agreement between Apollo 10-Q No. 000-25232 10.1 June 28, 2007
Group, Inc. and Joseph L. D’Amico, dated
June 5, 2007*
10.33 Amendment to Employment Agreement 10-Q No. 000-25232 10.2 June 28, 2007
between Apollo Group, Inc. and Joseph L.
D’Amico, dated June 5, 2007*
10.34 Amendment No. 2 to Employment 10-Q No. 000-25232 10.7 January 8, 2009
Agreement between Apollo Group, Inc.
and Joseph L. D’Amico, dated December
12, 2008*
10.35 Amendment No. 3 to Employment 10-Q No. 000-25232 10.1 March 31, 2009
Agreement between Apollo Group, Inc.
and Joseph L. D’Amico, dated February
23, 2009*
10.36 Employment Agreement between Apollo 10-K No. 000-25232 10.26 October 29, 2007
Group, Inc. and P. Robert Moya, dated
August 31, 2007*
10.37 Amendment to Employment Agreement 10-Q No. 000-25232 10.9 January 8, 2009
between Apollo Group, Inc. and P. Robert
Moya, dated December 12, 2008*
10.38 Employment Agreement between Apollo 8-K No. 000-25232 10.1 July 8, 2008
Group, Inc. and Charles B. Edelstein,
dated July 7, 2008*
10.39 Amendment to Employment Agreement 10-Q No. 000-25232 10.8 January 8, 2009
between Apollo Group, Inc. and Charles
B. Edelstein, dated December 12, 2008*
10.40 Amendment No. 2 to Employment 10-Q No. 000-25232 10.2 March 31, 2009
Agreement between Apollo Group, Inc.
and Charles B. Edelstein, dated February
23, 2009*
10.41 Amendment No. 3 to Employment 8-K No. 000-25232 10.2 April 27, 2009
Agreement between Apollo Group, Inc.
and Charles B. Edelstein, dated April 24,
2009*
10.42 Employment Agreement between Apollo 10-K No. 000-25232 10.31 October 28, 2008
Group, Inc. and Rob Wrubel, dated
August 7, 2007*
10.43 Amendment to Employment Agreement 10-Q No. 000-25232 10.5 January 8, 2009
between Apollo Group, Inc. and Rob
Wrubel, dated October 31, 2008*
146
Incorporated by Reference
Exhibit Exhibit Filed
Number Exhibit Description Form File No. Number Filing Date Herewith
10.44 Stock Option Repricing Agreement 10-K No. 000-25232 10.32 October 28, 2008
between Apollo Group, Inc. and John G.
Sperling, dated August 25, 2008*
10.45 Stock Option Repricing Agreement 10-K No. 000-25232 10.33 October 28, 2008
between Apollo Group, Inc. and Peter
V. Sperling, dated August 25, 2008*
10.46 Amended and Restated Capital X
Contribution Agreement among Apollo
Group, Inc., Carlyle Ventures Partners
III, L.P. and Apollo Global, Inc., dated
July 28, 2009
10.47 Amended and Restated Shareholders’ X
Agreement among Apollo Group, Inc.,
CVP III Coinvestment, L.P., Carlyle
Ventures Partners III, L.P. and Apollo
Global, Inc., dated July 28, 2009
10.48 Registration Rights Agreement among 10-K No. 000-25232 10.29 October 29, 2007
Apollo Group, Inc., Carlyle Ventures
Partners III, L.P. and Apollo Global,
Inc., dated October 22, 2007
10.49 Amendment No. 1 to Registration Rights X
Agreement among Apollo Group, Inc.,
Carlyle Ventures Partners III, L.P. and
Apollo Global, Inc., dated July 28, 2009
10.50 Agreement and Plan of Exchange among X
Apollo Global, Inc., Apollo Group, Inc.,
Carlyle Ventures Partners III, L.P. and
CVP III Coinvestment, L.P., dated July
28, 2009
10.51 Credit Agreement among Apollo Group, 10-Q No. 000-25232 10.2 January 8, 2008
Inc., the Lenders from time to time party
thereto, Bank of America, N.A. and BNP
Paribas, as Co-Documentation Agents,
Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., as Syndication
Agent and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A.,
as Administrative Agent, dated January 4,
2008
10.52 Rule 62(b) Bond and Supersedeas Bond, 10-Q No. 000-25232 10.1 March 27, 2008
dated February 15, 2008
10.53 Registered Pledge and Master Security 10-Q No. 000-25232 10.2 March 27, 2008
Agreement by and between Travelers
Casualty and Surety Company of
America and Apollo Group, Inc.,
entered into by Apollo Group, Inc. on
February 14, 2008
10.54 General Contract of Indemnity by Apollo 10-Q No. 000-25232 10.3 March 27, 2008
Group, Inc. for the benefit of Travelers
Casualty and Surety Company of
America, entered into by Apollo Group,
Inc. on February 14, 2008
147
Incorporated by Reference
Exhibit Exhibit Filed
Number Exhibit Description Form File No. Number Filing Date Herewith
10.55 Control Agreement by and among Apollo 10-Q No. 000-25232 10.4 March 27, 2008
Group, Inc., Travelers Casualty and
Surety Company of America, and Smith
Barney Inc., entered into by Apollo
Group, Inc. on February 14, 2008
10.56 Option Agreement by and between 10-Q No. 000-25232 10.6 March 27, 2008
Apollo Group, Inc. and Macquarie
Riverpoint AZ, LLC, dated June 20, 2006
10.57 First Amendment to Option Agreement 10-Q No. 000-25232 10.7 March 27, 2008
by and between Apollo Group, Inc. and
Macquarie Riverpoint AZ, LLC, dated
March 7, 2007
10.59 Second Amendment to Option Agreement 10-Q No. 000-25232 10.8 March 27, 2008
by and between Apollo Group, Inc. and
Macquarie Riverpoint AZ, LLC, dated
March 17, 2008
10.60 Third Amendment to Option Agreement 10-Q No. 000-25232 10.1 July 1, 2008
and Joint Order to Title Company by and
between Apollo Group, Inc. and
Macquarie Riverpoint AZ, LLC, dated
April 28, 2008
10.61 Implementation Agreement, dated June 7, 8-K No. 000-25232 2.1 June 8, 2009
2009, by and among Apollo Global, Inc.,
Apollo UK Acquisition Company Limited
and BPP Holdings plc.
10.62 Rule 2.5 Announcement, dated June 8, 8-K No. 000-25232 2.2 June 8, 2009
2009
21 List of Subsidiaries X
23.1 Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm X
31.1 Certification of Principal Executive Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 X
31.2 Certification of Principal Executive Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 X
31.3 Certification of Principal Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 X
32.1 Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to X
Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
32.2 Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to X
Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
32.3 Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to X
Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
148
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant
has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
/s/ John G. Sperling Founder, Executive Chairman of the October 27, 2009
John G. Sperling Board and Director
/s/ Peter V. Sperling Vice Chairman of the Board and Director October 27, 2009
Peter V. Sperling
/s/ Charles B. Edelstein Co-Chief Executive Officer and Director October 27, 2009
Charles B. Edelstein (Principal Executive Officer)
/s/ Gregory W. Cappelli Co-Chief Executive Officer and Director October 27, 2009
Gregory W. Cappelli (Principal Executive Officer)
/s/ Brian L. Swartz Senior Vice President, Chief Financial October 27, 2009
Brian L. Swartz Officer and Treasurer
(Principal Financial Officer)
/s/ Gregory J. Iverson Vice President, Chief Accounting Officer October 27, 2009
Gregory J. Iverson and Controller
(Principal Accounting Officer)
149
Signature Title Date
150
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