Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenue for the first quarter grew 10% to $221 million compared to the previous year [4][5] - Baseline adjusted EBITDA was nearly $35 million, including over $7 million in growth investments, while reported adjusted EBITDA was $27 million [5][6] - Consolidated net income for the first quarter was $12.8 million, or $0.23 per diluted share [21] - Total average full-time active students grew 7.2% year-over-year to 26,858, with total new student starts increasing 2.6% to 5,449 [18][21] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Concorde division generated a 9.5% increase in average full-time active students, driven by demand in nursing and allied health [18][21] - The UTI division grew average full-time active students by 5.7% year-over-year, reflecting strength across its program suite and employer demand [18][21] - Revenue from the Concorde division was $78 million, an increase of 11.5%, while the UTI division contributed $142.8 million, an increase of 8.6% [21] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Average full-time active students increased by 7%, with new student starts growing roughly 3% year-over-year, aligning with market expectations [6] - The company anticipates total new student starts to be between 31,500 and 33,000 for the fiscal year [24] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is executing its North Star strategic plan, focusing on disciplined growth through new campus launches and program expansions [4][8] - Plans to open a minimum of 2 and up to 5 new campuses annually, with the first fiscal 2026 campus already opened in Fort Myers, Florida [9][11] - The company aims to launch between 12 and 20 new programs annually across its divisions, with over 20 programs planned for this year [12][14] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in achieving fiscal 2026 revenue guidance of $905 million to $915 million, reflecting approximately 9% year-over-year growth [6][22] - The company is focused on delivering strong student and employer outcomes, which have been a cornerstone of its operations for over 60 years [7] - Management noted that while growth investments may lead to short-term margin pressure, they are essential for long-term value creation [23][25] Other Important Information - Total available liquidity at the end of the quarter was $233.2 million, including $69.2 million of short-term investments [21] - The company expects adjusted EBITDA to exceed $150 million, including approximately $40 million in growth investments [23][25] Q&A Session Summary Question: Insights on UTI and Concorde student starts - Management confirmed that UTI starts were expected to perform better due to increased marketing efforts, while Concorde starts were flat due to a high comparison base from the previous year [32][34] Question: CapEx expectations - The company reiterated a full-year CapEx expectation of around $100 million, with a significant portion allocated to growth investments [44][46] Question: Heartland Fort Myers campus funding - The campus will operate similarly to other campuses, with options for government loans and Pell Grants now available [54] Question: Margin pressure in Concorde - The decline in EBITDA margins was attributed to growth investments, with no structural issues affecting profitability [57] Question: Confidence in start acceleration - Management indicated that momentum is building with new programs and campuses opening, contributing to expected growth in student starts [61][62] Question: Updated thoughts on acquisitions - Management noted limited acquisition opportunities in the current environment, as many operators are not looking to exit the market [119]