Form 10-Q
Table of Contents

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

FORM 10-Q

 

 

(Mark One)

x QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended June 30, 2008

or

 

¨ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from              to             

Commission File Number: 001-33140

 

 

CAPELLA EDUCATION COMPANY

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

 

Minnesota   41-1717955

(State or other jurisdiction of

Incorporation or organization)

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification No.)

225 South Sixth Street, 9th Floor

Minneapolis, Minnesota 55402

(Address, including zip code, of principal executive offices)

(888) 227-3552

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

 

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    Yes  x    No  ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

 

Large accelerated filer  ¨   Accelerated filer  x
Non-accelerated filer  ¨ (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)   Smaller reporting company  ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).    Yes  ¨    No  x

The total number of shares of common stock outstanding as of July 28, 2008, was 16,649,922.

 

 

 


Table of Contents

CAPELLA EDUCATION COMPANY

FORM 10-Q

INDEX

 

     Page
PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION   

Item 1 Financial Statements

   3

Item 2 Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

   10

Item 3 Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

   15

Item 4 Controls and Procedures

   16
PART II – OTHER INFORMATION   

Item 1 Legal Proceedings

   16

Item 1A Risk Factors

   16

Item 2 Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

   17

Item 3 Defaults Upon Senior Securities

   17

Item 4 Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

   17

Item 5 Other Information

   18

Item 6 Exhibits

   18

SIGNATURES

   19

 

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Table of Contents

PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

Item 1. Financial Statements

CAPELLA EDUCATION COMPANY

Consolidated Balance Sheets

(In thousands, except par value)

 

     As of June 30,
2008
    As of December 31,
2007
 
     (Unaudited)        

ASSETS

    

Current assets:

    

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 8,342     $ 60,600  

Marketable securities

     98,932       83,167  

Accounts receivable, net of allowance of $2,011 at June 30, 2008 and $951 at December 31, 2007

     8,852       7,557  

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

     7,469       12,593  

Deferred income taxes

     1,889       1,896  
                

Total current assets

     125,484       165,813  

Property and equipment, net

     35,056       34,462  
                

Total assets

   $ 160,540     $ 200,275  
                

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

    

Current liabilities:

    

Accounts payable

   $ 4,764     $ 6,089  

Accrued liabilities

     18,072       23,826  

Deferred revenue

     7,875       6,476  
                

Total current liabilities

     30,711       36,391  

Deferred rent

     1,239       1,167  

Other liabilities

     335       335  

Deferred income taxes

     4,436       5,508  
                

Total liabilities

     36,721       43,401  

Shareholders’ equity:

    

Common stock, $0.01 par value:

    

Authorized shares – 100,000

    

Issued and outstanding shares – 16,622 at June 30, 2008 and 17,363 at December 31, 2007

     166       173  

Additional paid-in capital

     152,540       196,643  

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)

     (596 )     195  

Retained earnings (accumulated deficit)

     (28,291 )     (40,137 )
                

Total shareholders’ equity

     123,819       156,874  
                

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity

   $ 160,540     $ 200,275  
                

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

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CAPELLA EDUCATION COMPANY

Consolidated Statements of Income

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

 

     Three Months Ended
June 30,
   Six Months Ended
June 30,
     2008    2007    2008    2007
    

(Unaudited)

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

Revenues

   $ 66,049    $ 53,918    $ 131,300    $ 106,742

Costs and expenses:

           

Instructional costs and services

     30,844      24,587      59,860      48,110

Marketing and promotional

     19,573      16,850      40,966      35,170

General and administrative

     6,968      6,518      14,698      12,499
                           

Total costs and expenses

     57,385      47,955      115,524      95,779
                           

Operating income

     8,664      5,963      15,776      10,963

Other income, net

     1,008      1,132      2,397      2,224
                           

Income before income taxes

     9,672      7,095      18,173      13,187

Income tax expense

     3,314      2,312      6,327      4,560
                           

Net income

   $ 6,358    $ 4,783    $ 11,846    $ 8,627
                           

Net income per common share:

           

Basic

   $ 0.38    $ 0.29    $ 0.70    $ 0.53
                           

Diluted

   $ 0.37    $ 0.28    $ 0.67    $ 0.51
                           

Weighted average number of common shares outstanding:

           

Basic

     16,740      16,401      17,028      16,209
                           

Diluted

     17,303      17,213      17,599      16,957
                           

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

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CAPELLA EDUCATION COMPANY

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(In thousands)

 

     Six Months Ended
June 30,
 
     2008     2007  
     (Unaudited)  

Operating activities

    

Net income

   $ 11,846     $ 8,627  

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:

    

Provision for bad debts

     2,469       1,605  

Depreciation and amortization

     5,857       4,750  

Amortization of investment premium

     942       15  

Asset impairment

     11       31  

Gain realized on sale of marketable securities

     (216 )     —    

Stock-based compensation

     2,421       1,732  

Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation

     (1,364 )     (2,025 )

Deferred income taxes

     (587 )     (417 )

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

    

Accounts receivable

     (3,764 )     (1,086 )

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

     6,571       1,539  

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

     (6,483 )     126  

Deferred rent

     72       (317 )

Deferred revenue

     1,399       (586 )
                

Net cash provided by operating activities

     19,174       13,994  

Investing activities

    

Capital expenditures

     (7,058 )     (10,253 )

Purchases of marketable securities

     (72,255 )     (138,302 )

Sales and maturities of marketable securities

     54,496       128,212  
                

Net cash used in investing activities

     (24,817 )     (20,343 )

Financing activities

    

Payments of capital lease obligations

     —         (1 )

Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation

     1,364       2,025  

Proceeds from exercise of stock options

     2,021       4,823  

Net proceeds from issuance of common stock

     —         11,041  

Repurchase of common stock

     (50,000 )     —    
                

Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities

     (46,615 )     17,888  
                

Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents

     (52,258 )     11,539  

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

     60,600       22,491  
                

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

   $ 8,342     $ 34,030  
                

Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information

    

Income taxes paid

   $ 1,843     $ 3,863  
                

Noncash transactions:

    

Purchase of equipment included in accounts payable and accrued liabilities

   $ 951     $ 1,047  
                

Retirement of equipment financed through capital lease obligations

   $ —       $ 11  
                

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

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CAPELLA EDUCATION COMPANY

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(In thousands, except per share data)

(Unaudited)

1. Nature of Business

Capella Education Company (the Company) was incorporated on December 27, 1991. Through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Capella University (the University), the Company manages its business on the basis of one reportable segment. The University is an online post-secondary education services company that offers a variety of bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degree programs primarily delivered to working adults. Capella University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA).

2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Consolidation

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and the University, after elimination of all intercompany accounts and transactions.

Unaudited Interim Financial Information

The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements of the Company have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Rule 10-01 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, these statements include all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring adjustments) considered necessary to present a fair statement of our consolidated results of operations, financial position and cash flows. Operating results for any interim period are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the full year. Preparation of the Company’s financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts in the financial statements and footnotes. Actual results could differ from those estimates. This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q should be read in conjunction with the Company’s consolidated financial statements and footnotes included in its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007 (2007 Annual Report on Form 10-K).

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Contingencies

The Company accrues for costs associated with contingencies including, but not limited to, regulatory compliance and legal matters when such costs are probable and reasonably estimable. Liabilities established to provide for contingencies are adjusted as further information develops, circumstances change, or contingencies are resolved. The Company bases these accruals on management’s best estimate of such costs, which may vary from the ultimate cost and expenses associated with any such contingency.

Recently Adopted Financial Accounting Pronouncements

The Company adopted the provisions of Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Statement No. 157 (FAS 157), Fair Value Measurements, on January 1, 2008. FAS 157 defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. The implementation of this Statement was not material to the Company’s consolidated financial position or results of operations.

3. Net Income Per Common Share

Basic net income per common share is based on the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the period. Diluted net income per common share increases the shares used in the per share calculation by the dilutive effects of options and restricted stock.

The table below is a reconciliation of the numerator and denominator in the basic and diluted net income per common share calculation.

 

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     Three Months Ended
June 30,
   Six Months Ended
June 30,
     2008    2007    2008    2007

Numerator:

           

Net income

   $ 6,358    $ 4,783    $ 11,846    $ 8,627

Denominator:

           

Denominator for basic net income per common share – weighted average shares outstanding

     16,740      16,401      17,028      16,209

Effect of dilutive stock options and restricted stock

     563      812      571      748
                           

Denominator for diluted net income per common share

     17,303      17,213      17,599      16,957
                           

Basic net income per common share

   $ 0.38    $ 0.29    $ 0.70    $ 0.53

Diluted net income per common share

   $ 0.37    $ 0.28    $ 0.67    $ 0.51

Options to purchase 152 and 36 common shares, respectively, were outstanding but not included in the computation of diluted net income per common share in the three months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively, because their effect would be antidilutive. Options to purchase 124 and 24 common shares, respectively, were outstanding but not included in the computation of diluted net income per common share in the six months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively, because their effect would be antidilutive.

4. Accrued Liabilities

Accrued liabilities consist of the following:

 

     As of
June 30,
2008
   As of
December 31,
2007

Accrued compensation and benefits

   $ 4,755    $ 8,879

Accrued instructional fees

     2,221      4,767

Accrued vacation

     1,697      1,032

Customer deposits

     1,756      1,658

Other

     7,643      7,490
             
   $ 18,072    $ 23,826
             

5. Operating Lease Obligations

The Company leases its office facilities and certain office equipment under various noncancelable operating leases. Effective March 17, 2008, the Company entered into an amendment of its current lease with Minneapolis 225 Holdings, LLC pursuant to which the Company will renew and expand its existing lease premises at 225 South Sixth Street in Minneapolis, Minnesota through 2015.

Future minimum lease commitments under the leases as of June 30, 2008, are as follows:

 

     Operating

2008

   $ 1,633

2009

     4,002

2010

     4,574

2011

     5,097

2012

     5,250

2013 and thereafter

     15,734
      

Total

   $ 36,290
      

The Company recognizes rent expense on a straight-line basis over the term of the leases, although the leases may include escalation clauses that provide for lower rent payments at the start of the lease term and higher lease payments at the end of the lease term. Cash or lease incentives received from lessors are recognized on a straight-line basis as a reduction to rent from the date the Company takes possession of the property through the end of the lease term. The Company records the unamortized portion of the incentive as a part of deferred rent, in accrued liabilities or long-term liabilities, as appropriate.

6. Litigation

In the ordinary conduct of business, the Company is subject to various lawsuits and claims covering a wide range of matters, including, but not limited to, claims involving learners or graduates and routine employment matters. The Company does not believe that the outcome of any pending claims will have a material adverse impact on its consolidated financial position or results of operations.

 

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7. Common Stock

On March 3, 2008, the Company announced that its Board of Directors had authorized the Company to repurchase up to $50,000 of shares of common stock with no expiration date. As of June 30, 2008, the Company had repurchased 858 shares for total consideration of $50,000.

8. Stock-Based Compensation

The table below reflects our stock-based compensation expense recognized in the consolidated statements of income for the three and six months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007:

 

     Three Months Ended
June 30,
   Six Months Ended
June 30,
     2008    2007    2008    2007

Instructional costs and services

   $ 458    $ 337    $ 790    $ 587

Marketing and promotional

     265      205      464      328

General and administrative

     656      506      1,167      817
                           

Stock-based compensation expense included in operating income

     1,379      1,048      2,421      1,732

Tax benefit

     421      267      705      417
                           

Stock-based compensation expense, net of tax

   $ 958    $ 781    $ 1,716    $ 1,315
                           

The tables below summarize stock option activity and other stock option information for the periods indicated:

 

Service-based Stock Options

   Available
for Grant
    Plan Options
Outstanding
    Weighted-
Average
Exercise Price
per Share
     Incentive     Non-Qualified    

Balance, December 31, 2007

   1,795     505     768     $ 23.24

Granted

   (98 )   —       98       60.96

Exercised

   —       (79 )   (32 )     17.08

Canceled

   21     (6 )   (17 )     30.06
                    

Balance, June 30, 2008

   1,718     420     817       26.66
                    

Performance-based Stock Options

                      

Balance, December 31, 2007

     —       50     $ 20.00

Exercised

     —       (6 )     20.00
                

Balance, June 30, 2008

     —       44       20.00
                

The outstanding performance-based stock options had a weighted-average remaining contractual life of 7.6 years and an aggregate intrinsic value of $1,727 at June 30, 2008.

 

Service-based Stock Options

   Number of
Shares
   Weighted-
Average
Exercise
Price
   Weighted-
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Term
   Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value

Balance at June 30, 2008

   1,237    $ 26.66    6.3    $ 41,496

Vested and expected to vest, June 30, 2008

   1,191    $ 26.35    6.3    $ 40,309

Exercisable, June 30, 2008

   525    $ 19.28    5.8    $ 21,288

The aggregate intrinsic value in the table above represents the total pre-tax intrinsic value (the difference between the Company’s closing stock price on June 30, 2008 and the exercise price, multiplied by the number of in-the-money options) that would have been received by the option holders had all option holders exercised their options on June 30, 2008. The amount of aggregate intrinsic value will change based on the fair market value of the Company’s stock.

 

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Restricted stock activity for the three months ended June 30, 2008 is summarized as follows:

 

Restricted Stock

   Number
of Shares
   Weighted-
Average
Grant Date
Fair Value
per Share

Balance, December 31, 2007

   1    $ 51.69

Granted

   4      53.69

Vested

   —        —  

Forfeited

   —        —  
       

Balance, June 30, 2008

   5    $ 53.26
       

The following table summarizes information regarding all stock option exercises for the periods indicated:

 

     Three Months Ended
June 30,
   Six Months Ended
June 30,
     2008    2007    2008    2007

Proceeds from stock options exercised

   $ 1,383    $ 4,494    $ 2,021    $ 4,823

Tax benefits related to stock options exercised

     1,013      2,774      1,447      2,869

Intrinsic value of stock options exercised

     3.340      7,856      5,002      8,333

Intrinsic value of stock options exercised is estimated by taking the difference between the Company’s closing stock price on the date of exercise and the exercise price, multiplied by the number of options exercised for each option holder and then aggregated.

As of June 30, 2008, total compensation cost related to nonvested service-based stock options not yet recognized was $8,176, which is expected to be recognized over the next 25 months on a weighted-average basis.

9. Fair Value Measurements

The following table summarizes certain fair value information at June 30, 2008 for assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis:

 

          Fair Value Measurements Using

Description

   Fair Value    Quoted Prices
in Active
Markets for
Identical
Assets

(Level 1)
   Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
   Significant
Unobservable
Inputs

(Level 3)

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 8,342    $ 8,342    $ —      $ —  

Marketable securities – Municipals

   $ 98,932    $ —      $ 98,932    $ —  
                           
   $ 107,274    $ 8,342    $ 98,932    $ —  
                           

10. Regulatory Supervision and Oversight

The University is subject to extensive regulation by federal and state governmental agencies and accrediting bodies. In particular, the Higher Education Act (HEA) and the regulations promulgated thereunder by the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) subject the University to significant regulatory scrutiny on the basis of numerous standards that schools must satisfy to participate in the various types of federal learner financial assistance under Title IV Programs.

To participate in the Title IV Programs, an institution must be authorized to offer its programs of instruction by the relevant agencies of the state in which it is located, accredited by an accrediting agency recognized by the DOE and certified as eligible by the DOE. The DOE will certify an institution to participate in the Title IV Programs only after the institution has demonstrated compliance with the HEA and the DOE’s extensive academic, administrative, and financial regulations regarding institutional eligibility. An institution must also demonstrate its compliance with these requirements to the DOE on an ongoing basis.

The Company performs periodic reviews of its compliance with the various applicable regulatory requirements. The Company has not been notified by any of the various regulatory agencies of any significant noncompliance matters that would adversely impact its ability to participate in Title IV programs, however, the Office of Inspector General (OIG) has conducted a compliance audit of Capella University. The audit commenced on April 10, 2006 and the Company subsequently

 

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provided the OIG with periodic information, responded to follow up inquiries and facilitated site visits and access to the Company’s records. The OIG completed its field work in January 2007 and the Company received a draft audit report on August 23, 2007. Capella University provided written comments on the draft audit report to the OIG on September 25, 2007. On March 7, 2008, the OIG’s final report was issued to the Acting Chief Operating Officer (COO) for Federal Student Aid (FSA), which is responsible for primary oversight of the Title IV funding programs. The Company responded to the final report on April 8, 2008. The FSA will subsequently issue final findings and requirements for Capella University. The FSA may take certain actions, including requiring that we refund certain federal student aid funds, requiring us to modify our Title IV administration procedures, and/or requiring us to pay fines or penalties.

Based on the final audit report, the most significant potential financial exposure pertains to repayments to the Department of Education that could be required if the FSA concludes that Capella University did not properly calculate the amount of Title IV funds required to be returned for learners that withdrew without providing an official notification of such withdrawal and without engaging in academic activity prior to such withdrawal. If it is determined that Capella University improperly withheld any portion of these funds, Capella University would be required to return the improperly withheld funds. For the three year audit period, and for the 2005-2006 aid year, the Company estimates that the total amount of Title IV funds not returned for learners who withdrew without providing official notification was less than $1,000 including interest, but not including fines and penalties.

Political and budgetary concerns significantly affect the Title IV Programs. Congress reauthorizes the HEA and other laws governing Title IV Programs approximately every five to eight years. The last reauthorization of the HEA was completed in 1998. Although the process for reauthorization of the HEA is underway, there is no assurance on when or if it will be completed. Because reauthorization has not yet been completed in a timely manner, Congress has extended the current provisions of the HEA through August 15, 2008, and it is expected to be reauthorized prior to that time. Additionally, Congress reviews and determines appropriations for Title IV programs on an annual basis through the budget and appropriations processes. As of June 30, 2008, programs in which the Capella University’s learners participate are operative and sufficiently funded.

11. Subsequent Event

On July 30, 2008, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized the Company to repurchase up to $60,000 of shares of common stock with no expiration date.

 

Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

The following discussion of our historical results of operations and our liquidity and capital resources should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and related notes that appear elsewhere in this report.

Forward-Looking Statements

Statements contained in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q that are not statements of historical fact should be considered forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (the “Act”). In addition, certain statements in our future filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, in press releases, and in oral and written statements made by us or with our approval that are not statements of historical fact constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Act. Examples of forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding: proposed new programs; regulatory developments; projections, predictions, expectations, estimates or forecasts as to our business, financial and operational results and future economic performance; and statements of management’s goals and objectives and other similar expressions concerning matters that are not historical facts. Words such as “may,” “should,” “could,” “would,” “predicts,” “potential,” “continue,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “future,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “estimates” and similar expressions, as well as statements in future tense, are intended to identify forward-looking statements, but are not the exclusive means of identifying such statements.

Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from those in such statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ from those discussed in the forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, those described in “Risk Factors” in Part I, Item 1A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007, as updated in our subsequent reports filed with the SEC, including any updates found in Part II, Item 1A of this report on Form 10-Q. The performance of our business and our securities may be adversely affected by these factors and by other factors common to other businesses and investments, or to the general economy. Forward-looking statements are qualified by some or all of these risk factors. Therefore, you should consider these risk factors with caution and form your own critical and independent conclusions about the likely effect of these risk factors on our future performance. Such forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which statements are made, and we undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances after the date on which

 

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such statement is made to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events or circumstances. Readers should carefully review the disclosures and the risk factors described in this and other documents we file from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

Overview

Background

We are an exclusively online post-secondary education services company. Our wholly owned subsidiary, Capella University, is a regionally accredited university that offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate degree programs primarily for working adults. At June 30, 2008, we offered over 950 courses and 19 degree programs with 104 specializations at the undergraduate and graduate levels to more than 23,700 learners.

We were founded in 1991, and in 1993 we established our wholly owned university subsidiary, then named The Graduate School of America, to offer doctoral and master’s degrees through distance learning programs in management, education, human services and interdisciplinary studies. In 1995, we launched our online format for delivery of our doctoral and master’s degree programs over the Internet. In 1997, our university subsidiary received accreditation from the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (later renamed The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools). In 1998, we began the expansion of our original portfolio of academic programs by introducing doctoral and master’s degrees in psychology and a master of business administration degree. In 1999, to expand the reach of our brand in anticipation of moving into the bachelor’s degree market, we changed our name to Capella Education Company and the name of our university to Capella University. In 2000, we introduced our bachelor’s degree completion program in information technology, which provided instruction for the last two years of a four-year bachelor’s degree. In 2001, we introduced our bachelor’s degree completion program in business. In 2004, we introduced our four-year bachelor’s degree programs in business and information technology, as well as three master’s-level specializations in education targeted at K-12 teachers. In November 2006, we completed an initial public offering of our common stock. In May 2007, we completed a follow-on offering of our common stock. Additionally, during 2007, we introduced six new degree programs and 31 new specializations, including our first ever specializations in Public Safety and nine new PhD specializations. During the first half of 2008, we completed a $50 million stock repurchase program and Capella University’s accreditation was reaffirmed by The Higher Learning Commission (HLC). We implemented an enterprise resource planning (ERP) system from 2006 through 2008. The final module was implemented in July 2008. We have introduced eight new specializations and two new programs through July 2008.

Critical Accounting Policies and Use of Estimates

Our critical accounting policies are disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007. During the six months ended June 30, 2008, there have been no significant changes in our critical accounting policies.

Results of Operations

The following table sets forth statements of operations data as a percentage of revenues for each of the periods indicated:

 

     Three Months Ended
June 30,
    Six Months Ended
June 30,
 
     2008     2007     2008     2007  

Revenues

   100.0 %   100.0 %   100.0 %   100.0 %

Costs and expenses:

        

Instructional costs and services

   46.7     45.6     45.6     45.1  

Marketing and promotional

   29.6     31.3     31.2     32.9  

General and administrative

   10.6     12.0     11.2     11.7  
                        

Total costs and expenses

   86.9     88.9     88.0     89.7  
                        

Operating income

   13.1     11.1     12.0     10.3  

Other income, net

   1.5     2.1     1.8     2.1  
                        

Income before income taxes

   14.6     13.2     13.8     12.4  

Income tax expense

   5.0     4.3     4.8     4.3  
                        

Net income

   9.6 %   8.9 %   9.0 %   8.1 %
                        

 

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Three Months Ended June 30, 2008 Compared to Three Months Ended June 30, 2007

Revenues. Our revenues for the three months ended June 30, 2008 were $66.0 million, representing an increase of $12.1 million, or 22.5%, as compared to $53.9 million for the three months ended June 30, 2007. This increase was primarily driven by 19.3 percentage points from increased enrollments and 4.5 percentage points from the impact of pricing increases, partially offset by a 0.6 percentage point decrease from a larger proportion of master’s and bachelor’s learners, who generated less revenue per learner than our doctoral learners. End-of-period enrollment increased 19.0% in 2008 compared to 2007. Tuition increases in 2007 generally ranged from 3% to 6% and were implemented in July 2007.

Instructional costs and services expenses. Our instructional costs and services expenses for the three months ended June 30, 2008 were $30.8 million, representing an increase of $6.3 million, or 25.4%, as compared to $24.6 million for the three months ended June 30, 2007. This increase was primarily due to increases in instructional pay and learner support services resulting from increased enrollments. In addition, we had greater learner support services and depreciation expenses as a result of our ERP implementation. Information technology expenses increased as a result of a higher mix of expensed versus capitalized software projects in 2008 compared to 2007. Finally, colloquia and graduation expenses increased due to greater attendance at these events in the second quarter.

Our instructional costs and services expenses as a percentage of revenues increased by 1.1 percentage points to 46.7% for the three months ended June 30, 2008, from 45.6% for the three months ended June 30, 2007. This increase was primarily due to increases in learner support services and depreciation expenses as a result of our ERP implementation; an increase in information technology expenses related to a higher mix of expensed versus capitalized software projects in 2008 compared to 2007; and an increase in expenses related to a faculty development event which took place during the second quarter of 2008. These increases were partially offset by a decrease in the ratio between faculty compensation and revenue and a decrease in accrued bonus expense.

Marketing and promotional expenses. Our marketing and promotional expenses for the three months ended June 30, 2008 were $19.6 million, representing an increase of $2.7 million, or 16.2%, as compared to $16.9 million for the three months ended June 30, 2007. This increase was driven by greater spending in online media and recruitment staffing. Our marketing and promotional expenses as a percentage of revenues decreased by 1.7 percentage points to 29.6% for the three months ended June 30, 2008, from 31.3% for the three months ended June 30, 2007. This decline as a percent of revenues was planned, and reflects a combination of a greater percentage of expected annual new enrollment marketing spending in the second quarter of 2007 compared to 2008, alignment of lead generation with the capacity of our enrollment counselors, marketing efficiencies across total enrollments, and a decrease in accrued bonus expense.

General and administrative expenses. Our general and administrative expenses for the three months ended June 30, 2008 were $7.0 million, representing an increase of $0.5 million, or 6.9%, as compared to $6.5 million for the three months ended June 30, 2007. This increase was driven by increased investments in infrastructure to support current and future growth, as well as an increase in bad debt expense due to short term disruptions in our collection efforts and temporarily increased credit limits granted to select learners who had experienced billing issues resulting from the ERP implementation. These increases were partially offset by a decrease in accrued bonus expense and information technology expenses as there were fewer employees dedicated to the ERP system implementation. We anticipate a severance charge of $0.7 million to $0.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2008.

Our general and administrative expenses as a percentage of revenues were 10.6%, a decrease of 1.4 percentage points for the three months ended June 30, 2008, compared to 12.0% for the three months ended June 30, 2007. This decrease was driven by a decrease in accrued bonus expense and information technology expenses as there were fewer employees dedicated to the ERP system implementation. This decrease was partially offset by increased legal costs incurred in the normal course of our business and an increase in bad debt expense due to short term disruptions in our collection efforts and temporarily increased credit limits granted to select learners who had experienced billing issues resulting from the ERP implementation.

Other income, net. Other income, net decreased by $0.1 million, or 11.0%, to $1.0 million for the three months ended June 30, 2008, from $1.1 million for the three months ended June 30, 2007. The decrease was principally due to a decrease in interest income levels from lower interest rates earned in 2008 partially offset by higher average cash and marketable securities balances.

 

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Income tax expense. We recognized tax expense for the three months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007 of $3.3 million and $2.3 million, respectively, or at effective tax rates of 34.3% and 32.6%, respectively. The increase in our effective tax rate in the second quarter of 2008 from 2007 reflects a decrease in the impact of tax-exempt interest, an increase in the impact of non-deductible meals and entertainment expenses, and a slight increase in our state effective tax rate.

Net income. Net income was $6.4 million for the three months ended June 30, 2008, compared to net income of $4.8 million for the three months ended June 30, 2007, an increase of $1.6 million, because of the factors discussed above.

Six Months Ended June 30, 2008 Compared to Six Months Ended June 30, 2007

Revenues. Our revenues for the six months ended June 30, 2008 were $131.3 million, representing an increase of $24.6 million, or 23.0%, as compared to $106.7 million for the six months ended June 30, 2007. This increase was primarily driven by 19.7 percentage points from increased enrollments and 4.5 percentage points from tuition increases, partially offset by a 0.8 percentage point decrease from a larger proportion of master’s and bachelor’s learners, who generated less revenue per learner than our doctoral learners. End-of-period enrollment increased 19.0% in 2007 compared to 2006. Tuition increases in 2007 generally ranged from 3% to 6% and were implemented during July 2007.

Instructional costs and services expenses. Our instructional costs and services expenses for the six months ended June 30, 2008 were $59.9 million, representing an increase of $11.8 million, or 24.4%, as compared to $48.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2007. This increase was primarily due to increases in instructional pay and learner support services resulting from increased enrollments. In addition, we had greater learner support services and depreciation expenses as a result of our ERP implementation. Information technology expenses increased as a result of a higher mix of expensed versus capitalized software projects in 2008 compared to 2007.

Our instructional costs and services expenses as a percentage of revenues increased by 0.5 percentage points to 45.6% for the six months ended June 30, 2008, as compared to 45.1% for the six months ended June 30, 2007. This increase was primarily due to increases in learner support services and depreciation expenses as a result of our ERP implementation and an increase in information technology expenses related to a higher mix of expensed versus capitalized software projects in 2008 compared to 2007. These increases were partially offset by a decrease in the ratio between faculty compensation and revenue and a decrease in accrued bonus expense.

Marketing and promotional expenses. Our marketing and promotional expenses for the six months ended June 30, 2008 were $41.0 million, representing an increase of $5.8 million, or 16.5%, as compared to $35.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2007. This increase was driven by greater spending in online media and recruitment staffing. Our marketing and promotional expenses as a percentage of revenues decreased by 1.7 percentage points to 31.2% for the six months ended June 30, 2008, from 32.9% for the six months ended June 30, 2007. This decline as a percent of revenues was planned, and reflects a combination of a greater percentage of expected annual new enrollment marketing spending in the first half of 2007 compared to 2008, alignment of lead generation with the capacity of our enrollment counselors, marketing efficiencies across total enrollments, and a decrease in accrued bonus expense.

General and administrative expenses. Our general and administrative expenses for the six months ended June 30, 2008 were $14.7 million, representing an increase of $2.2 million or 17.6%, as compared to $12.5 million for the six months ended June 30, 2007. This increase was driven by increased investments in infrastructure to support current and future growth, and an increase in bad debt expense due to short term disruptions in our collection efforts and temporarily increased credit limits granted to select learners who had experienced billing issues resulting from the ERP implementation. These increases were partially offset by a decrease in accrued bonus expense.

Our general and administrative expenses as a percentage of revenues were 11.2%, a decrease of 0.5 percentage points for the six months ended June 30, 2008, compared to 11.7% for the six months ended June 30, 2007. This decrease was primarily due to a decrease in accrued bonus expense partially offset by an increase in bad debt expense due to short term disruptions in our collection efforts and temporarily increased credit limits granted to select learners who had experienced billing issues resulting from the ERP implementation.

Other income, net. Other income, net increased by $0.2 million, or 7.8%, to $2.4 million for the six months ended June 30, 2008, from $2.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2007. The increase was primarily due to increased levels of interest income on higher average cash and marketable securities balances, partially offset by lower interest rates in 2008.

 

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Income tax expense. We recognized tax expense for the six months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007 of $6.3 million and $4.6 million, respectively, or at effective tax rates of 34.8% and 34.6%, respectively.

Net income. Net income was $11.8 million for the six months ended June 30, 2008, compared to net income of $8.6 million for the six months ended June 30, 2007, an increase of $3.2 million, because of the factors discussed above.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Liquidity

We financed our operating activities and capital expenditures during the six months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007 primarily through cash provided by operating activities. Our cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities were $107.3 million and $143.8 million at June 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007, respectively. Our cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities decreased primarily due to the share repurchase program announced in March 2008. This repurchase program was completed in the second quarter of 2008 and, as of June 30, 2008, we had repurchased 0.9 million shares for total consideration of $50.0 million. On July 30, 2008, our Board of Directors authorized us to repurchase up to $60.0 million of shares of common stock with no expiration date.

We had a higher cash and cash equivalents balance at the beginning of 2008 due to cash received from stock option exercises and redemption of certain securities converted to cash and cash equivalents in light of market conditions, which occurred during the fourth quarter of 2007. During the first half of 2008, some of this cash and cash equivalents balance was used to purchase marketable securities as well as to fund the share repurchase program.

In August 2004, we entered into an unsecured $10.0 million line of credit with Wells Fargo Bank. The line of credit expires on June 30, 2009. There have been no borrowings under this line of credit at June 30, 2008 or December 31, 2007.

A significant portion of our revenues are derived from Title IV programs. Federal regulations dictate the timing of disbursements under Title IV programs. Learners must apply for new loans and grants each academic year, which started July 1, 2008. Loan funds are generally provided by lenders in multiple disbursements for each academic year. The disbursements are usually received by the start of the second week of the term. These factors, together with the timing of our learners beginning their programs, affect our operating cash flow.

Based on our current level of operations and anticipated growth, we believe that our cash flow from operations and other sources of liquidity, including cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities, will provide adequate funds for ongoing operations and planned capital expenditures for the foreseeable future.

Operating Activities

Net cash provided by operating activities was $19.2 million and $14.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively. The increase from 2007 to 2008 was primarily due to a $3.2 million increase in net income, a $2.0 million increase in depreciation and bad debt expense, and lower tax payments due to timing. This was offset by a decrease in cash from operating assets and liabilities.

Investing Activities

Our cash used in investing activities is primarily related to the purchase of property and equipment and investments in marketable securities. Net cash used in investing activities was $24.8 million and $20.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively. Investments in marketable securities consist primarily of purchases, sales and maturities of taxable or tax-exempt municipal securities.

Net purchases of these securities were $17.8 million and $10.1 million during the six months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively. This increase was driven by lower sales of marketable securities due to the higher cash and cash equivalents balance at December 31, 2007 than December 31, 2006, as we did not require additional sales of securities to fund our normal operations and the share repurchase program. Capital expenditures were $7.1 million and $10.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively. The decrease from 2007 was primarily due to the higher mix of capitalized work performed on the ERP system in 2007 to complete the implementation in 2008.

We lease all of our facilities. We expect to make future payments on existing leases from cash generated from operations. Effective March 17, 2008, we entered into an amendment of our current lease with Minneapolis 225 Holdings, LLC pursuant to which we will renew and expand our existing lease premises at 225 South Sixth Street in Minneapolis, Minnesota through 2015.

 

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Financing Activities

Net cash used in financing activities was $46.6 million for the six months ended June 30, 2008, and net cash provided by financing activities was $17.9 million for the six months ended June 30, 2007. Financing activities during the six months ended June 30, 2008 were primarily related to the repurchase of common stock in the amount of $50.0 million, partially offset by $2.0 million in proceeds from stock option exercises and $1.4 million in excess tax benefits from stock option exercises. Financing activities during the six months ended June 30, 2007 were primarily related to proceeds of $11.0 million from the issuance of common stock in our May 2007 follow-on offering, $4.8 million in proceeds from stock option exercises and $2.0 million in excess tax benefits.

Contractual Obligations

The following table sets forth, as of June 30, 2008, the aggregate amounts of our significant contractual obligations and commitments with definitive payment terms due in each of the periods presented (in thousands):

 

     Payments Due by Period
     Total    Less than
1 Year
   1-3 Years    3-5 Years    More than
5 Years

Operating leases(a)

   $ 36,290    $ 1,633    $ 8,576    $ 10,347    $ 15,734
                                  

Total contractual obligations

   $ 36,290    $ 1,633    $ 8,576    $ 10,347    $ 15,734
                                  

 

(a)

Minimum lease commitments for our headquarters and miscellaneous office equipment. Effective March 17, 2008, we entered into an amendment of our current lease with Minneapolis 225 Holdings, LLC pursuant to which we will renew and expand our existing lease premises at 225 South Sixth Street in Minneapolis, Minnesota through 2015.

Regulation and Oversight

We perform periodic reviews of our compliance with the various applicable regulatory requirements. We have not been notified by any of the various regulatory agencies of any significant noncompliance matters that would adversely impact its ability to participate in Title IV programs, however, the Office of Inspector General (OIG) has conducted a compliance audit of Capella University. The audit commenced on April 10, 2006 and we subsequently provided the OIG with periodic information, responded to follow up inquiries and facilitated site visits and access to the Company’s records. The OIG completed its field work in January 2007 and the Company received a draft audit report on August 23, 2007. Capella University provided written comments on the draft audit report to the OIG on September 25, 2007. On March 7, 2008, the OIG’s final report was issued to the Acting Chief Operating Officer (COO) for Federal Student Aid (FSA), which is responsible for primary oversight of the Title IV funding programs. We responded to the final report on April 8, 2008. The FSA will subsequently issue final findings and requirements for Capella University. The FSA may take certain actions, including requiring that we refund certain federal student aid funds, requiring us to modify our Title IV administration procedures, and/or requiring us to pay fines or penalties.

Based on the final audit report, the most significant potential financial exposure pertains to repayments to the Department of Education that could be required if the FSA concludes that Capella University did not properly calculate the amount of Title IV funds required to be returned for learners that withdrew without providing an official notification of such withdrawal and without engaging in academic activity prior to such withdrawal. If it is determined that Capella University improperly withheld any portion of these funds, Capella University would be required to return the improperly withheld funds. For the three year audit period, and for the 2005-2006 aid year, we estimate that the total amount of Title IV funds not returned for learners who withdrew without providing official notification was less than $1.0 million, including interest, but not including fines and penalties.

 

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

Market Risk

We have no derivative financial instruments or derivative commodity instruments. We believe the risk related to marketable securities is limited due to the adherence to our investment policy that requires marketable securities to have a minimum Standard & Poor’s rating of A minus (or equivalent). All of our marketable securities as of June 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007 consisted of cash equivalents and marketable securities rated A minus or higher.

 

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Interest Rate Risk

We manage interest rate risk by investing excess funds in cash equivalents and marketable securities bearing a combination of fixed and variable interest rates, which are tied to various market indices. Our future investment income may fall short of expectations due to changes in interest rates or we may suffer losses in principal if we are forced to sell securities that have declined in market value due to changes in interest rates. At June 30, 2008, a 10% increase or decrease in interest rates would not have a material impact on our future earnings, fair values, or cash flows related to investments in cash equivalents or interest earning marketable securities.

 

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

We carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including the chief executive officer and the chief financial officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures, as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). Based upon that evaluation, our chief executive officer and chief financial officer concluded that the company’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective, as of June 30, 2008, in ensuring that material information relating to us required to be disclosed by us in reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC rules and forms. Disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by an issuer in reports it files or submits under the Securities Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to management, including its principal executive officer or officers and principal financial officer or officers, or persons performing similar functions, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting.

In 2008, we completed the implementation of our ERP system designed to increase the efficiency of processing transactions and to produce more accurate and timely information for our learner-facing departments.

Except for the preceding change, there was no change in our internal control over financial reporting identified in connection with the evaluation required by Rule 13a-15(d) and 15d-15(d) of the Exchange Act that occurred during the period covered by this report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

PART II – OTHER INFORMATION

 

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

From time to time, we are a party to various lawsuits, claims and other legal proceedings that arise in the ordinary course of our business. We are not at this time a party, as plaintiff or defendant, to any legal proceedings which, individually or in the aggregate, would be expected to have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operation.

 

Item 1A. Risk Factors

Other than with respect to the risk factor below, there have been no material changes to the risk factors disclosed in the “Risk Factors” section of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007, as updated in our Quarterly Report of Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2008. The risk factor entitled “System disruptions and vulnerability from security risks to our online computer networks could impact our ability to generate revenue and damage the reputation of Capella University, limiting our ability to attract and retain learners. We are currently migrating to a new enterprise resource planning system, and unplanned costs and decreases in productivity could adversely impact our financial results” is revised by adding the following as a new sentence at the end of the second paragraph of the risk factor:

Following installation of our enterprise resource planning system, we may experience difficulties in using the system and our learners and prospective learners may have difficulties using and accepting the system and related new processes. Such difficulties could have a material adverse effect on our enrollment and financial results.

 

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Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities

None.

Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer and Affiliated Purchasers

During the three months ended June 30, 2008, the Company used $28.2 million to repurchase shares of common stock under its repurchase program (1). The Company had no remaining authorization for common stock repurchases at June 30, 2008, as the $50.0 million share repurchase program was completed. On July 30, 2008, our Board of Directors authorized us to repurchase up to $60.0 million of shares of common stock with no expiration date.

A summary of the Company’s share repurchases during the quarter is set forth below:

 

Period

   Total Number of
Shares Purchased
   Average Price Paid
per Share
   Total Number of
Shares Purchased as
Part of Publicly
Announced Plans or
Programs
   Approximate Dollar
Value of Shares That
May Yet Be
Purchased Under the
Plans or Programs

4/1/2008 to 4/30/2008

   263,792    $ 60.11    263,792    $ 12,392,269

5/1/2008 to 5/31/2008

   134,392    $ 61.52    134,392    $ 4,124,278

6/1/2008 to 6/30/2008

   66,747    $ 61.79    66,747    $ —  
                       

Total

   464,931    $ 60.76    464,931    $ —  

 

(1)

The Company’s repurchase program was announced on March 3, 2008 for repurchases up to an aggregate amount of $50.0 million in value of common stock with no expiration date. As of June 30, 2008, we had purchased 858,443 shares under this program at an average price of $58.24 totaling $50.0 million. Cash spent during the second quarter on the purchase of shares totaled $31.7 million. The amount of cash expended includes $3.5 million for shares purchased March 27, March 28, and March 31, 2008, but due to timing the cash payments for these purchases were made April 1, April 2, and April 3, 2008, respectively.

 

Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities

None.

 

Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

At our Annual Meeting of Shareholders held on May 13, 2008, shareholders voted on the following proposals:

1. Election of Directors:

 

    

For

   Withhold

Mark N. Greene

   16,195,365    240,463

Jody G. Miller

   16,361,161    74,667

James A. Mitchell

   16,362,297    73,531

Stephen G. Shank

   16,361,912    73,916

Andrew M. Slavitt

   16,318,640    117,188

David W. Smith

   16,362,257    73,571

Jeffrey W. Taylor

   16,318,757    117,071

Sandra E. Taylor

   16,361,627    74,201

Darrell R. Tukua

   16,361,642    74,186

2. To approve the Capella Education Company Annual Incentive Plan.

 

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For

  

Against

  

Abstain

  

Broker Non-Vote

16,039,720

   375,468    20,640    —  

3. To ratify the appointment of Ernst & Young LLP as our independent auditors for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2008.

 

For

  

Against

  

Abstain

  

Broker Non-Vote

16,168,408

   239,999    27,421    —  

There were 17,200,801 shares of our common stock entitled to vote at the meeting, and a total of 16,435,828 shares (95.55%) were represented at the meeting.

 

Item 5. Other Information

None.

 

Item 6. Exhibits

(a) Exhibits

 

Number

  

Description

  

Method of Filing

3.1

   Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation.   

Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the

Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the

SEC on November 11, 2006.

3.2

   Amended and Restated By-Laws.   

Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.4 to Amendment

No. 3 to the Company’s Registration Statement on

Form S-1 filed with the SEC on October 6, 2006.

4.1

   Specimen of common stock certificate.   

Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Amendment

No. 4 to the Company’s Registration Statement on

Form S-1 filed with the SEC on October 19, 2006.

10.1

  

Capella Education Company Annual Incentive Bonus

Plan

   Filed electronically.

31.1

  

Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to

Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

   Filed electronically.

31.2

  

Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to

Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

   Filed electronically.

32.1

  

Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to

18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to

Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

   Filed electronically.

32.2

  

Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to

18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to

Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

   Filed electronically.

 

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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.

 

CAPELLA EDUCATION COMPANY  

/s/ STEPHEN G. SHANK

  July 31, 2008
Stephen G. Shank  
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer  
(Principal Executive Officer)  

/s/ LOIS M. MARTIN

  July 31, 2008
Lois M. Martin  
Senior Vice President and Chief  
Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer)  

/s/ AMY L. RONNEBERG

  July 31, 2008
Amy L. Ronneberg  
Vice President and Controller  
(Principal Accounting Officer)  

 

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