Universal Technical Institute, Inc. UTI reported adjusted loss of 21 cents per share in the first quarter of fiscal 2018, wider than the Zacks Consensus Estimate of a loss of 9 cents. The reported loss was also wider than the year-ago loss of 9 cents.Revenues & EnrollmentRevenues of $81.2 million in the first quarter decreased 3.6% from $84.2 million in the prior-year quarter. The decline was caused by a 5.8% drop in average student enrollment.Total starts fell 7.1% year over year during the quarter.Operating HighlightsThe company reported operating loss of $3.6 million compared with an operating loss of $1.4 million in the prior-year quarter. The downside was primarily a result of reduced revenues and increased in advertising, contract services and professional services expenses, partially offset by lower compensation expenses.Operating expenses rose 2.4% to $84.8 million.Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) were $0.8 million compared with $6.3 million in the prior-year quarter.FinancialsThe company had cash and cash equivalents, and investments of $86.5 million as of Dec 31, 2017, compared with $50.1 million as of Sep 30, 2017.Fiscal 2018 Guidance ReaffirmedUniversal Technical expects new student starts growth in low-single digits. The average student population is likely to decline mid-single digits.Revenues are expected in the $310-$320 million range for the year.Operating expenses is projected in the range of $340 million to $345 million, reflecting an increase of $14-$19 million from fiscal 2017.Universal Technical expects to incur operating loss between $20 million and $25 million and negative EBITDA.Capital expenditures are expected between $24 million and $25 million for the year ending Sep 30, 2018. This includes approximately $11 million from New Jersey campus that is expected to open in the fall of 2018; and approximately $4 million to expand welding program to two additional campuses, $7 million for new and replacement equipment for existing campuses; and approximately $2.5 million for real estate consolidation.Universal Technical Institute Inc Price, Consensus and EPS Surprise Universal Technical Institute Inc Price, Consensus and EPS Surprise | Universal Technical Institute Inc QuoteZacks Rank & Upcoming Peer ReleasesUniversal Technical carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.American Public Education APEI is scheduled to report fourth-quarter 2017 results on Feb 27. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for earnings is pegged at 33 cents, down 21.4% year over year.Strayer Education STRA is expected to report fourth-quarter 2017 results on Feb 15. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for earnings is pegged at $1.28, up 34.7% year over year.Capella Education CPLA is slated to report fourth-quarter 2017 results on Feb 13. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for earnings is pegged at $1.03, up 6.2% year over year.The Hottest Tech Mega-Trend of AllLast year, it generated $8 billion in global revenues. By 2020, it's predicted to blast through the roof to $47 billion. Famed investor Mark Cuban says it will produce "the world's first trillionaires," but that should still leave plenty of money for regular investors who make the right trades early.See Zacks' 3 Best Stocks to Play This Trend >>Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report American Public Education, Inc. (APEI): Free Stock Analysis Report Strayer Education, Inc. (STRA): Free Stock Analysis Report Capella Education Company (CPLA): Free Stock Analysis Report Universal Technical Institute Inc (UTI): Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here.