UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
þ QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended July 31, 2017
OR
o 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: 000-55107
èßäÊÓƵ Group, Inc.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware | 27-1933597 |
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) | (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) |
|
|
1660 S Albion Street, Suite 525 Denver, CO |
80222 |
(Address of principal executive offices) | (Zip Code) |
Registrants telephone number: (303) 333-4224
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 þ No o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes þ No o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of large accelerated filer, accelerated filer, smaller reporting company, and emerging growth company in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer ¨ |
| Accelerated filer ¨ |
Non-accelerated filer ¨ | (Do not check if a smaller | Smaller reporting company þ |
| reporting company) | Emerging growth company ¨ |
If an emerging growth company, indicate by checkmark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes o No þ
Class |
| Outstanding as of September 14, 2017 |
Common Stock, $0.001 par value per share |
| 13,593,492 shares |
INDEX
| PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION |
|
|
|
|
1 | ||
|
|
|
| 1 | |
|
|
|
| 3 | |
|
|
|
| Consolidated Statement of Changes in Stockholders Equity (Unaudited) | 4 |
|
|
|
| 5 | |
|
|
|
| Condensed Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) | 6 |
|
|
|
Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations. | 15 | |
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|
24 | ||
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|
24 | ||
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| PART II OTHER INFORMATION |
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|
|
|
25 | ||
|
|
|
25 | ||
|
|
|
Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds. | 25 | |
|
|
|
25 | ||
|
|
|
25 | ||
|
|
|
25 | ||
|
|
|
25 |
26 |
ASPEN GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
|
| July 31, |
|
| April 30, |
| ||
|
| 2017 |
|
| 2017 |
| ||
|
| (Unaudited) |
|
|
|
| ||
Assets |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Current assets: |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Cash |
| $ | 6,213,569 |
|
| $ | 2,756,217 |
|
Accounts receivable, net of allowance of $391,864 and $328,864, respectively |
|
| 5,066,845 |
|
|
| 4,434,862 |
|
Prepaid expenses |
|
| 182,433 |
|
|
| 133,531 |
|
Promissory note receivable |
|
| 900,000 |
|
|
| 900,000 |
|
Other receivables |
|
| 220,430 |
|
|
| 81,464 |
|
Accrued interest receivable |
|
| 26,400 |
|
|
| 8,000 |
|
Total current assets |
|
| 12,609,677 |
|
|
| 8,314,074 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Property and equipment: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Call center equipment |
|
| 77,269 |
|
|
| 53,748 |
|
Computer and office equipment |
|
| 103,191 |
|
|
| 103,649 |
|
Furniture and fixtures |
|
| 272,790 |
|
|
| 255,984 |
|
Software |
|
| 2,198,473 |
|
|
| 2,131,344 |
|
|
|
| 2,651,723 |
|
|
| 2,544,725 |
|
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization |
|
| (1,060,681 | ) |
|
| (1,090,010 | ) |
Total property and equipment, net |
|
| 1,591,042 |
|
|
| 1,454,715 |
|
Courseware, net |
|
| 150,839 |
|
|
| 145,477 |
|
Accounts receivable, secured - related party, net of allowance of $625,963, and $625,963, respectively |
|
| 45,329 |
|
|
| 45,329 |
|
Long term accounts receivable |
|
| 661,578 |
|
|
| 657,542 |
|
Other assets |
|
| 56,417 |
|
|
| 56,417 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total assets |
| $ | 15,114,882 |
|
| $ | 10,673,554 |
|
(Continued)
The accompanying condensed notes are an integral part of these unaudited consolidated financial statements.
1
ASPEN GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (CONTINUED)
|
| July 31, |
|
| April 30, |
| ||
|
| 2017 |
|
| 2017 |
| ||
|
| (Unaudited) |
|
|
|
| ||
Liabilities and Stockholders Equity |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current liabilities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accounts payable |
| $ | 972,131 |
|
| $ | 756,701 |
|
Accrued expenses |
|
| 208,084 |
|
|
| 262,911 |
|
Deferred revenue |
|
| 1,405,006 |
|
|
| 1,354,989 |
|
Refunds due Students |
|
| 390,900 |
|
|
| 310,576 |
|
Deferred rent, current portion |
|
| 9,375 |
|
|
| 11,200 |
|
Convertible notes payable, current portion |
|
| 50,000 |
|
|
| 50,000 |
|
Total current liabilities |
|
| 3,035,496 |
|
|
| 2,746,377 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Senior secured term loan, net of discounts |
|
| 4,254,249 |
|
|
| |
|
Warrant derivative liability |
|
| 52,500 |
|
|
| 52,500 |
|
Deferred rent |
|
| 32,579 |
|
|
| 34,437 |
|
Total liabilities |
|
| 7,374,824 |
|
|
| 2,833,314 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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|
Commitments and contingencies - See Note 6 |
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| |
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| |
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|
|
Stockholders equity: |
|
|
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|
|
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|
Common stock, $0.001 par value; 250,000,000 shares authorized, |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
13,610,159 issued and 13,593,492 outstanding at July 31, 2017 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
13,520,679 issued and 13,504,012 outstanding at April 30, 2017 |
|
| 13,593 |
|
|
| 13,504 |
|
Additional paid-in capital |
|
| 34,274,231 |
|
|
| 33,607,423 |
|
Treasury stock (16,667 shares) |
|
| (70,000 | ) |
|
| (70,000 | ) |
Accumulated deficit |
|
| (26,477,766 | ) |
|
| (25,710,687 | ) |
Total stockholders equity |
|
| 7,740,058 |
|
|
| 7,840,240 |
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total liabilities and stockholders equity |
| $ | 15,114,882 |
|
| $ | 10,673,554 |
|
The accompanying condensed notes are an integral part of these unaudited consolidated financial statements.
2
ASPEN GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(Unaudited)
|
| For the Three Months Ended |
| |||||
|
| July 31, |
| |||||
|
| 2017 |
|
| 2016 |
| ||
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|
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Revenues |
| $ | 4,242,886 |
|
| $ | 2,756,815 |
|
|
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|
|
|
|
|
Operating expenses |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cost of revenues (exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately below) |
|
| 1,752,491 |
|
|
| 896,059 |
|
General and administrative |
|
| 3,131,335 |
|
|
| 2,182,078 |
|
Depreciation and amortization |
|
| 138,720 |
|
|
| 151,049 |
|
Total operating expenses |
|
| 5,022,546 |
|
|
| 3,229,186 |
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating loss |
|
| (779,660 | ) |
|
| (472,371 | ) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other income (expense): |
|
|
|
|
|
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|
|
Other income |
|
| 18,778 |
|
|
| 57 |
|
Interest expense |
|
| (6,197 | ) |
|
| (33,133 | ) |
Total other income (expense), net |
|
| 12,581 |
|
|
| (33,076 | ) |
|
|
|
|
|
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|
Loss before income taxes |
|
| (767,079 | ) |
|
| (505,447 | ) |
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Income tax expense (benefit) |
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| |
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| |
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Net loss |
| $ | (767,079 | ) |
| $ | (505,447 | ) |
|
|
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|
|
Net loss per share allocable to common stockholders basic and diluted |
| $ | (0.06 | ) |
| $ | (0.04 | ) |
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|
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|
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding basic and diluted |
|
| 13,526,374 |
|
|
| 11,320,425 |
|
The accompanying condensed notes are an integral part of these unaudited consolidated financial statements.
3
ASPEN GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS EQUITY
FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED JULY 31, 2017
(Unaudited)
|
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| Additional |
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| Total |
| ||||||
|
| Common Stock |
|
| Paid-In |
|
| Treasury |
|
| Accumulated |
|
| Stockholders' |
| |||||||||
|
| Shares |
|
| Amount |
|
| Capital |
|
| Stock |
|
| Deficit |
|
| Equity |
| ||||||
Balance at April 30, 2017 |
|
| 13,504,012 |
|
| $ | 13,504 |
|
| $ | 33,607,423 |
|
| $ | (70,000 | ) |
| $ | (25,710,687 | ) |
| $ | 7,840,240 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fees associated with equity raise |
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| (4,707 | ) |
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| (4,707 | ) |
Stock-based compensation |
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| 159,300 |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| 159,300 |
|
Common stock issued for cashless warrant exercises |
|
| 74,622 |
|
|
| 75 |
|
|
| (75 | ) |
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
Common stock issued for warrants exercised for cash |
|
| 14,858 |
|
|
| 14 |
|
|
| 33,862 |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| 33,876 |
|
Warrants issued with senior secured term loan |
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| 478,428 |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| 478,428 |
|
Net loss, for the three months ended July 31, 2017 |
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| (767,079 | ) |
|
| (767,079 | ) |
Balance at July 31, 2017 |
|
| 13,593,492 |
|
| $ | 13,593 |
|
| $ | 34,274,231 |
|
| $ | (70,000 | ) |
| $ | (26,477,766 | ) |
| $ | 7,740,058 |
|
The accompanying condensed notes are an integral part of these unaudited consolidated financial statements.
4
ASPEN GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited)
|
| For the Three Months Ended |
| |||||
|
| July 31, |
| |||||
|
| 2017 |
|
| 2016 |
| ||
Cash flows from operating activities: |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Net loss |
| $ | (767,079 | ) |
| $ | (505,447 | ) |
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Bad debt expense |
|
| 63,000 |
|
|
| |
|
Depreciation and amortization |
|
| 138,720 |
|
|
| 151,049 |
|
Stock-based compensation |
|
| 159,300 |
|
|
| 95,607 |
|
Amortization of prepaid shares for services |
|
| |
|
|
| 7,015 |
|
Warrant buyback expense |
|
| |
|
|
| 206,000 |
|
Changes in operating assets and liabilities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accounts receivable |
|
| (699,020 | ) |
|
| (580,913 | ) |
Other receivables |
|
| (138,966 | ) |
|
| |
|
Prepaid expenses |
|
| (48,902 | ) |
|
| (23,188 | ) |
Accrued interest receivable |
|
| (18,400 | ) |
|
| |
|
Other assets |
|
| |
|
|
| (23,001 | ) |
Accounts payable |
|
| 215,431 |
|
|
| 409,498 |
|
Accrued expenses |
|
| (54,827 | ) |
|
| 73,293 |
|
Deferred rent |
|
| (3,683 | ) |
|
| 23,708 |
|
Refunds due students |
|
| 80,324 |
|
|
| 11,055 |
|
Deferred revenue |
|
| 50,017 |
|
|
| 189,800 |
|
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities |
|
| (1,024,085 | ) |
|
| 34,476 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash flows from investing activities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Purchases of property and equipment |
|
| (261,409 | ) |
|
| (179,117 | ) |
Purchases of courseware |
|
| (19,000 | ) |
|
| (4,450 | ) |
Net cash used in investing activities |
|
| (280,409 | ) |
|
| (183,567 | ) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash flows from financing activities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Warrant Buyback |
|
| |
|
|
| (400,000 | ) |
Payments to bank line of credit |
|
| |
|
|
| 247,000 |
|
Senior secured term loan net |
|
| 4,732,677 |
|
|
| |
|
Proceeds of warrant exercise |
|
| 33,876 |
|
|
| |
|
Disbursements for equity offering costs |
|
| (4,707 | ) |
|
| (1,388 | ) |
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities |
|
| 4,761,846 |
|
|
| (154,388 | ) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net (decrease) increase in cash |
|
| 3,457,352 |
|
|
| (303,479 | ) |
Cash at beginning of period |
|
| 2,756,217 |
|
|
| 783,796 |
|
Cash at end of period |
| $ | 6,213,569 |
|
| $ | 480,317 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash paid for interest |
| $ | 3,346 |
|
| $ | 28,327 |
|
Cash paid for income taxes |
| $ | |
|
| $ | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Supplemental disclosure of non-cash investing and financing activities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Common stock issued for services |
| $ | |
|
| $ | 75,002 |
|
Warrants issued as part of senior secured loan |
| $ | 478,428 |
|
| $ | |
|
The accompanying condensed notes are an integral part of these unaudited consolidated financial statements.
5
ASPEN GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
JULY 31, 2017
(Unaudited)
Note 1. Nature of Operations and Liquidity
Overview
èßäÊÓƵ Group, Inc. (together with its subsidiary, the Company or èßäÊÓƵ) is a holding company. Its subsidiary èßäÊÓƵ University Inc. was organized in 1987. On March 13, 2012, the Company was recapitalized in a reverse merger. All references to the Company or èßäÊÓƵ before March 13, 2012 are to èßäÊÓƵ University.
èßäÊÓƵs mission is to offer any motivated college-worthy student the opportunity to receive a high quality, responsibly priced distance-learning education for the purpose of achieving sustainable economic and social benefits for themselves and their families. èßäÊÓƵ is dedicated to providing the highest quality education experiences taught by top-tier professors - 54% of our adjunct professors hold doctorate degrees.
Because we believe higher education should be a catalyst to our students long-term economic success, we exert financial prudence by offering affordable tuition that is one of the greatest values in online higher education. In March 2014, èßäÊÓƵ University unveiled a monthly payment plan aimed at reversing the college-debt sentence plaguing working-class Americans. The monthly payment plan offers bachelor students (except RN to BSN) the opportunity to pay $250/month for 72 months ($18,000), nursing bachelor students (RN to BSN) $250/month for 39 months ($9,750), master students $325/month for 36 months ($11,700) and doctoral students $375 per month for 72 months ($27,000), interest free, thereby giving students a monthly payment tuition payment option versus taking out a federal financial aid loan.
On November 10, 2014, èßäÊÓƵ University announced the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) has granted accreditation to its Bachelor of Science in Nursing program (RN to BSN) until December 31, 2019.
Since 1993, we have been nationally accredited by the Distance Education and Accrediting Council (DEAC), a national accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education (the DOE). On February 25, 2015, the DEAC informed èßäÊÓƵ University that it had renewed its accreditation for five years to January, 2019.
On August 22, 2017, the DOE informed èßäÊÓƵ University of its determination that the institution has qualified to participate under the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended (HEA) and the Federal student financial assistance programs (Title IV, HEA programs), and set a subsequent program participation agreement reapplication date of March 31, 2021.
Basis of Presentation
A. Interim Financial Statements
The interim consolidated financial statements included herein have been prepared by the Company, without audit, pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC). In the opinion of the Companys management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring adjustments and reclassifications and non-recurring adjustments) necessary to present fairly our results of operations for the three months ended July 31, 2017 and 2016, our cash flows for the three months ended July 31, 2017 and 2016, and our financial position as of July 31, 2017 have been made. The results of operations for such interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the operating results to be expected for the full year.
Certain information and disclosures normally included in the notes to the annual consolidated financial statements have been condensed or omitted from these interim consolidated financial statements. Accordingly, these interim consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in our Report on Form 10-K for the period ended April 30, 2017 as filed with the SEC on July 25, 2017. The April 30, 2017 balance sheet is derived from those statements.
6
ASPEN GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
JULY 31, 2017
(Unaudited)
B. Liquidity
At July 31, 2017, the Company had a cash balance of $6,213,569.
On July 25, 2017, the Company signed a $10 million senior secured term loan with Runway Growth Capital Fund (formerly known as GSV Growth Capital Fund). The Company drew $5 million under the facility at closing, with the remaining $5 million to be drawn following the closing of the Companys acquisition of substantially all the assets of the United States University, including receipt of all required regulatory approvals, among other conditions to funding. Terms of the 4-year senior loan include a 10% over 3-month LIBOR per annum interest rate. (See Note 5).
Note 2. Significant Accounting Policies
Principles of Consolidation
The unaudited consolidated financial statements include the accounts of èßäÊÓƵ Group, Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of the unaudited consolidated financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America (GAAP) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts in the unaudited consolidated financial statements. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Significant estimates in the accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements include the allowance for doubtful accounts and other receivables, the valuation of collateral on certain receivables, amortization periods and valuation of courseware and software development costs, valuation of beneficial conversion features in convertible debt, valuation of loss contingencies, valuation of stock-based compensation and the valuation allowance on deferred tax assets.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
For the purposes of the unaudited consolidated statements of cash flows, the Company considers all highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less when purchased to be cash equivalents. There were no cash equivalents at July 31, 2017 and April 30, 2017. The Company maintains its cash in bank and financial institution deposits that at times may exceed federally insured limits of $250,000 per financial institution. The Company has not experienced any losses in such accounts from inception through July 31, 2017. As of July 31, 2017 and April 30, 2017, there were deposits totaling $5,998,944 and $2,687,461, respectively, held in two separate institutions greater than the federally insured limits.
Fair Value Measurements
Fair value is the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants. The Company classifies assets and liabilities recorded at fair value under the fair value hierarchy based upon the observability of inputs used in valuation techniques. Observable inputs (highest level) reflect market data obtained from independent sources, while unobservable inputs (lowest level) reflect internally developed market assumptions. The fair value measurements are classified under the following hierarchy:
Level 1Observable inputs that reflect quoted market prices (unadjusted) for identical assets and liabilities in active markets;
Level 2Observable 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 3Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity that are significant to the fair value of assets or liabilities.
7
ASPEN GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
JULY 31, 2017
(Unaudited)
The estimated fair value of certain financial instruments, including cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable and accrued expenses are carried at historical cost basis, which approximates their fair values because of the short-term nature of these instruments.
Refunds Due Students
The Company receives Title IV funds from the DOE to cover tuition and living expenses. After deducting tuition and fees, the Company sends checks for the remaining balances to the students.
Revenue Recognition and Deferred Revenue
Revenues consist primarily of tuition and fees derived from courses taught by the Company online as well as from related educational resources that the Company provides to its students, such as access to our online materials and learning management system. Tuition revenue is recognized pro-rata over the applicable period of instruction. The Company allows a student to make three monthly tuition payments during each class. The Company maintains an institutional tuition refund policy, which provides for all or a portion of tuition to be refunded if a student withdraws during stated refund periods. Certain states in which students reside impose separate, mandatory refund policies, which override the Companys policy to the extent in conflict. If a student withdraws at a time when a portion or none of the tuition is refundable, then in accordance with its revenue recognition policy, the Company recognizes as revenue the tuition that was not refunded. Since the Company recognizes revenue pro-rata over the term of the course and because, under its institutional refund policy, the amount subject to refund is never greater than the amount of the revenue that has been deferred, under the Companys accounting policies revenue is not recognized with respect to amounts that could potentially be refunded. The Companys educational programs have starting and ending dates that differ from its fiscal quarters. Therefore, at the end of each fiscal quarter, a portion of revenue from these programs is not yet earned and is therefore deferred. The Company also charges students annual fees for library, technology and other services, which are recognized over the related service period. Deferred revenue represents the amount of tuition, fees, and other student payments received in excess of the portion recognized as revenue and it is included in current liabilities in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. Other revenues may be recognized as sales occur or services are performed.
The Company has revenues from students outside the United States representing 3.0% of the revenues for the quarter ended July 31, 2017.
Accounting for Derivatives
The Company evaluates its convertible instruments, options, warrants or other contracts to determine if those contracts or embedded components of those contracts qualify as derivatives to be separately accounted for under ASC Topic 815, Derivatives and Hedging. The result of this accounting treatment is that the fair value of the derivative is marked-to-market each balance sheet date and recorded as a liability. In the event that the fair value is recorded as a liability, the change in fair value is recorded in the statement of operations as other income (expense). Upon conversion or exercise of a derivative instrument, the instrument is marked to fair value at the conversion date and then that fair value is reclassified to equity. Equity instruments that are initially classified as equity that become subject to reclassification under ASC Topic 815 are reclassified to liability at the fair value of the instrument on the reclassification date.
Net Loss Per Share
Net loss per common share is based on the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during each period. Options to purchase 2,632,884 and 1,868,425 shares of common stock, warrants to purchase 1,007,509 and 872,055 shares of common stock, and $50,000 and $350,000 of convertible debt (convertible into 4,167 and 75,596 shares of common stock, respectively) were outstanding during three months ending July 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively, but were not included in the computation of diluted loss per share because the effects would have been anti-dilutive. The options, warrants and convertible debt are considered to be common stock equivalents and are only included in the calculation of diluted earnings per common share when their effect is dilutive.
8
ASPEN GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
JULY 31, 2017
(Unaudited)
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
There have been no new relevant pronouncements since those disclosed in the April 30, 2017 Consolidated Financial Statements.
Note 3. Property and Equipment
Property and equipment consisted of the following at July 31, 2017 and April 30, 2017:
|
| July 31, |
|
| April 30, |
| ||
|
| 2017 |
|
| 2017 |
| ||
Call center hardware |
| $ | 77,269 |
|
| $ | 53,748 |
|
Computer and office equipment |
|
| 103,191 |
|
|
| 103,649 |
|
Furniture and fixtures |
|
| 272,790 |
|
|
| 255,984 |
|
Software |
|
| 2,198,473 |
|
|
| 2,131,344 |
|
|
|
| 2,651,723 |
|
|
| 2,544,725 |
|
Accumulated depreciation and amortization |
|
| (1,060,681 | ) |
|
| (1,090,010 | ) |
Property and equipment, net |
| $ | 1,591,042 |
|
| $ | 1,454,715 |
|
Software consisted of the following at July 31, 2017 and April 30, 2017:
|
| July 31, |
|
| April 30, |
| ||
|
| 2017 |
|
| 2017 |
| ||
Software |
| $ | 2,198,473 |
|
| $ | 2,131,344 |
|
Accumulated amortization |
|
| (953,218 | ) |
|
| (994,017 | ) |
Software, net |
| $ | 1,245,255 |
|
| $ | 1,137,327 |
|
Depreciation and Amortization expense for all Property and Equipment as well as the portion for just software is presented below for three months ended July 31, 2017 and 2016:
|
| For the Three Months Ended |
| |||||
|
| July 31, |
| |||||
|
| 2017 |
|
| 2016 |
| ||
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Depreciation and Amortization Expense |
|
| 125,082 |
|
|
| 135,147 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Software Amortization Expense |
|
| 107,607 |
|
|
| 124,180 |
|
The following is a schedule of estimated future amortization expense of software at July 31, 2017:
Year Ending April 30, |
|
|
| |
2018 |
| $ | 311,020 |
|
2019 |
|
| 342,717 |
|
2020 |
|
| 272,875 |
|
2021 |
|
| 200,428 |
|
2022 |
|
| 118,215 |
|
Total |
| $ | 1,245,255 |
|
9
ASPEN GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
JULY 31, 2017
(Unaudited)
Note 4. Courseware
Courseware costs capitalized were $19,000 and $4,450 for the three months ended July 31, 2017 and 2016 respectively. When Courseware becomes fully amortized it is written off against the accumulated amortization. There is no expense impact to these write-offs.
Courseware consisted of the following at July 31, 2017 and April 30, 2017:
|
| July 31, |
|
| April 30, |
| ||
|
| 2017 |
|
| 2017 |
| ||
Courseware |
| $ | 273,577 |
|
| $ | 271,777 |
|
Accumulated amortization |
|
| (122,738 | ) |
|
| (126,300 | ) |
Courseware, net |
| $ | 150,839 |
|
| $ | 145,477 |
|
Amortization expense of courseware for the three months ended July 31, 2017 and 2016:
|
| For the Three Months Ended |
| |||||
|
| July 31, |
| |||||
|
| 2017 |
|
| 2016 |
| ||
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Amortization Expense |
|
| 13,638 |
|
|
| 15,902 |
|
The following is a schedule of estimated future amortization expense of courseware at July 31, 2017:
Year Ending April 30, |
|
|
| |
2018 |
| $ | 40,490 |
|
2019 |
|
| 53,269 |
|
2020 |
|
| 39,427 |
|
2021 |
|
| 12,463 |
|
2022 |
|
| 5,190 |
|
Total |
| $ | 150,839 |
|
Note 5. Senior Secured Term Loan
On July 25, 2017, the Company signed a $10 million senior secured term loan with Runway Growth Capital Fund (formerly known as GSV Growth Capital Fund). The Company drew $5 million under the facility at closing, with the remaining $5 million to be drawn following the closing of the Companys acquisition of substantially all the assets of the United States University, including receipt of all required regulatory approvals, among other conditions to funding. Terms of the 4-year senior loan include a 10% over 3-month LIBOR per annum interest rate.
The Company will be required to begin making principal repayments upon the 24-month anniversary of the initial closing (July 24, 2019), and each month thereafter will repay 1/24th of the total loan amount outstanding. Should the Company achieve both annualized revenue growth of at least 30% and operating margin of at least 7.5% for any 12-month trailing period, then at the quarter-end of that 12-month trailing period, the Company may elect to extend the interest only period for the quarter immediately following the 12-month trailing period throughout the duration of the loan.
Additionally, the Company paid a 0.25% origination fee and will pay another 0.25% origination fee upon the second closing, will be subject to a final payment fee of 3.25% of the principal lent, and issued 224,174 5-year warrants at an exercise price of $6.87. The relative fair value of the warrants was $478,428 and was recorded as debt discount along with other direct costs of the term loan and is being amortized to interest expense over the term of the loan. (See Note 7)
10
ASPEN GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
JULY 31, 2017
(Unaudited)
Note 6. Commitments and Contingencies
Employment Agreements
From time to time, the Company enters into employment agreements with certain of its employees. These agreements typically include bonuses, some of which are performance-based in nature. As of July 31, 2017, no performance bonuses have been earned.
Legal Matters
From time to time, we may be involved in litigation relating to claims arising out of our operations in the normal course of business. As of July 31, 2017, there were no pending or threatened lawsuits that could reasonably be expected to have a material effect on the results of our operations.
Regulatory Matters
The Companys subsidiary, èßäÊÓƵ University, is subject to extensive regulation by Federal and State governmental agencies and accrediting bodies. In particular, the Higher Education Act (the HEA) and the regulations promulgated thereunder by the DOE subject èßäÊÓƵ University to significant regulatory scrutiny on the basis of numerous standards that schools must satisfy to participate in the various types of federal student financial assistance programs authorized under Title IV of the HEA.
On August 22, 2017, the DOE informed èßäÊÓƵ University of its determination that the institution has qualified to participate under the HEA and the Federal student financial assistance programs (Title IV, HEA programs), and set a subsequent program participation agreement reapplication date of March 31, 2021.
The HEA requires accrediting agencies to review many aspects of an institution's operations in order to ensure that the education offered is of sufficiently high quality to achieve satisfactory outcomes and that the institution is complying with accrediting standards. Failure to demonstrate compliance with accrediting standards may result in the imposition of probation, the requirements to provide periodic reports, the loss of accreditation or other penalties if deficiencies are not remediated.
Because èßäÊÓƵ University operates in a highly regulated industry, it may be subject from time to time to audits, investigations, claims of noncompliance or lawsuits by governmental agencies or third parties, which allege statutory violations, regulatory infractions or common law causes of action.
Return of Title IV Funds
An institution participating in Title IV Programs must correctly calculate the amount of unearned Title IV Program funds that have been disbursed to students who withdraw from their educational programs before completion and must return those unearned funds in a timely manner, no later than 45 days of the date the school determines that the student has withdrawn. Under Department regulations, failure to make timely returns of Title IV Program funds for 5% or more of students sampled on the institution's annual compliance audit in either of its two most recently completed fiscal years can result in the institution having to post a letter of credit in an amount equal to 25% of its required Title IV returns during its most recently completed fiscal year. If unearned funds are not properly calculated and returned in a timely manner, an institution is also subject to monetary liabilities or an action to impose a fine or to limit, suspend or terminate its participation in Title IV Programs.
11
ASPEN GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
JULY 31, 2017
(Unaudited)
Note 7. Stockholders Equity
Common Stock
Effective May 24, 2017, the Company entered into waiver agreements with all of its investors in the April 2017 common stock offering. In consideration for waiving their registration rights, the Company paid to each of the investors 1.5% of their investment amount in the offering. The total amount paid was $112,500 and was recorded in general and administrative expenses during the quarter ended July 31, 2017.
The Company issued 89,480 shares in conjunction with cash and cashless warrant exercises during the three months ended July 31, 2017.
Warrants
A summary of the Companys warrant activity during the three months ended July 31, 2017 is presented below:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Weighted |
|
|
|
| ||||
|
|
|
|
|
| Weighted |
|
| Average |
|
|
|
| ||||
|
|
|
|
|
| Average |
|
| Remaining |
|
| Aggregate |
| ||||
|
|
| Number of |
|
| Exercise |
|
| Contractual |
|
| Intrinsic |
| ||||
Warrants |
|
| Shares |
|
| Price |
|
| Term |
|
| Value |
| ||||
Balance Outstanding, April 30, 2017 |
|
|
| 914,123 |
|
| $ | 2.82 |
|
|
| 1.6 |
|
| $ | 1,991,067 |
|
Granted |
|
|
| 224,174 |
|
|
| 6.87 |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
Exercised |
|
|
| (125,404 | ) |
|
| 0.27 |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
Surrendered |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
Expired |
|
|
| (5,384 | ) |
|
| 3.99 |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
Balance Outstanding, July 31, 2017 |
|
|
| 1,007,509 |
|
| $ | 3.80 |
|
|
| 2.2 |
|
| $ | 2,803,461 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Exercisable, July 31, 2017 |
|
|
| 1,007,509 |
|
| $ | 3.80 |
|
|
| 2.2 |
|
| $ | 2,803,461 |
|
In connection with the Senior Secured Term Loan that was finalized on July 25, 2017, the Company issued 224,174 5-year warrants at an exercise price of $6.87. (See Note 5)
The Company issued 89,480 shares of Common Stock in conjunction with the exercise of 125,404 warrants.
Stock Incentive Plan and Stock Option Grants to Employees and Directors
On March 13, 2012, the Company adopted the 2012 Equity Incentive Plan (the Plan) that provides for the grant of 1,691,667 shares effective November 2015, 2,108,333 shares effective June 2016 and 3,500,000 shares effective July 2017, in the form of incentive stock options, non-qualified stock options, restricted shares, stock appreciation rights and restricted stock units to employees, consultants, officers and directors. As of July 31, 2017, there were 867,116 shares remaining under the Plan for future issuance. The Company estimates the fair value of share-based compensation utilizing the Black-Scholes option pricing model, which is dependent upon several variables such as the expected option term, expected volatility of the Companys stock price over the expected term, expected risk-free interest rate over the expected option term, expected dividend yield rate over the expected option term, and an estimate of expected forfeiture rates. The Company believes this valuation methodology is appropriate for estimating the fair value of stock options granted to employees and directors which are subject to ASC Topic 718 requirements. These amounts are estimates and thus may not be reflective of actual future results, nor amounts ultimately realized by recipients of these grants. The Company recognizes compensation on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period for each award. The following table summarizes the assumptions the Company utilized to record compensation expense for stock options granted to employees during the three months ended July 31, 2017 and 2016.
|
| July 31, |
| |||||
|
| 2017 |
|
| 2016 |
| ||
Expected life (years) |
|
| 3.5 |
|
|
| 4 - 6.5 |
|
Expected volatility |
|
| 40% - 43 | % |
|
| 40% - 43 | % |
Weighted-average volatility |
|
| 38.6 | % |
|
| 40.0 | % |
Risk-free interest rate |
|
| 0.38 | % |
|
| 0.38 | % |
Dividend yield |
|
| 0.00 | % |
|
| 0.00 | % |
Expected forfeiture rate |
|
| n/a |
|
|
| n/a |
|
12
ASPEN GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
JULY 31, 2017
(Unaudited)
The Company utilized the simplified method to estimate the expected life for stock options granted to employees. The simplified method was used as the Company does not have sufficient historical data regarding stock option exercises. The expected volatility is based on the average of the expected volatilities from the most recent audited financial statements available for comparative public companies that are deemed to be similar in nature to the Company. The risk-free interest rate is based on the U.S. Treasury yields with terms equivalent to the expected life of the related option at the time of the grant. Dividend yield is based on historical trends. While the Company believes these estimates are reasonable, the compensation expense recorded would increase if the expected life was increased, a higher expected volatility was used, or if the expected dividend yield increased.
A summary of the Companys stock option activity for employees and directors during the three months ended July 31, 2017, is presented below:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Weighted |
|
|
|
| ||||
|
|
|
|
| Weighted |
|
| Average |
|
|
|
| ||||
|
|
|
|
| Average |
|
| Remaining |
|
| Aggregate |
| ||||
|
| Number of |
|
| Exercise |
|
| Contractual |
|
| Intrinsic |
| ||||
Options |
| Shares |
|
| Price |
|
| Term |
|
| Value |
| ||||
Balance Outstanding, April 30, 2017 |
|
| 2,097,384 |
|
| $ | 2.42 |
|
|
| 3.09 |
|
| $ | 7,267,892 |
|
Granted |
|
| 535,500 |
|
|
| 4.98 |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
Exercised |
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
Forfeited |
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
Expired |
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
Balance Outstanding, July 31, 2017 |
|
| 2,632,884 |
|
| $ | 2.94 |
|
|
| 3.14 |
|
| $ | 16,732,558 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Exercisable, July 31, 2017 |
|
| 1,377,363 |
|
| $ | 2.28 |
|
|
| 1.53 |
|
| $ | 8,689,038 |
|
On May 13, 2017, the Company granted its executive officers a total of 500,000 five-year options to purchase shares of the Companys common stock under the Plan. The options vest annually over three years, subject to continued employment at each applicable vesting date, and are exercisable at $4.90 per share. The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer received 200,000 options with a fair value of $282,000, the Chief Operating Officer received 200,000 options with a fair value of $282,000, the Chief Academic Officer received 70,000 options with a fair value of $98,700 and the Chief Financial Officer received 30,000 options with a fair value of $42,300.
In May 2017, the Company issued 5,500 stock options to various employees at exercise prices ranging from $4.95 to $5.10 per share.
Effective June 11, 2017, the Company granted the Chief Academic Officer 30,000 five-year options. The options vest quarterly over a three-year period in 12 equal quarterly increments with the first vesting date being September 11, 2017, subject to continued employment on each applicable vesting date. The options are exercisable at $6.28 per share and the fair value is $54,000.
As of July 31, 2017, there was approximately $1,325,277 of unrecognized compensation costs related to nonvested share-based compensation arrangements. That cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.75 years.
The Company recorded compensation expense of $159,300 and $95,607 for the three months ended July 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively, in connection with stock options.
Stock Option Grants to Non-Employees
There were no stock options granted to non-employees during three months ended July 31, 2017 and 2016. The Company recorded no compensation expense for the three months ended July 31, 2017 and 2016. There was no unrecognized compensation cost at July 31, 2017. All remaining options expired during the year ended April 30, 2017.
13
ASPEN GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
JULY 31, 2017
(Unaudited)
Note 8. Pending Acquisition
On May 13, 2017, the Company entered into a definitive agreement to acquire the operating assets of United States University (USU), a regionally accredited for-profit university based in San Diego, California for a total purchase price of $9 million. The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals by the DOE, WASC Senior College and University Commission, and state regulatory and programmatic accreditation bodies. The earliest that èßäÊÓƵ Group would receive required regulatory approvals would be November 2017.
In furtherance of this possible acquisition, the Company lent $900,000 to the target with the loan guaranteed by its principal owner. The Company also entered into a Marketing Consulting Agreement with USU. The note for $900,000 and 8% per annum interest is immediately due upon the earlier of (i) the closing of the acquisition in which case it shall be a credit towards the $2.5 million cash due at closing, (ii) January 15, 2018, or (iii) the termination of the acquisition. The Company drew the $900,000 from the third party line of credit. (See Note 5)
Note 9. Subsequent Events
On August 22, 2017, the DOE informed èßäÊÓƵ University of its determination that the institution has qualified to participate under HEA and the Federal student financial assistance programs (Title IV, HEA programs), and set a subsequent program participation agreement reapplication date of March 31, 2021.
14
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS.
You should read the following discussion in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements, which are included elsewhere in this Form 10-Q. Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations contain forward-looking statements that reflect our plans, estimates, and beliefs. Our actual results could differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause or contribute to these differences include those discussed in the Risk Factors contained in the Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on July 25, 2017 with the Securities and Exchange Commission, or the SEC.
All references to we, our and us refer to èßäÊÓƵ Group, Inc. and its subsidiaries, unless the context otherwise indicates. In referring to academic matters, these words refer solely to èßäÊÓƵ University.
Company Overview
èßäÊÓƵ Group, Inc. is a post-secondary education company with an overarching vision of making higher education affordable again in America. To date, èßäÊÓƵ Groups sole operating subsidiary has been èßäÊÓƵ University, Inc., doing business as èßäÊÓƵ University. On May 13, 2017, èßäÊÓƵ Group entered into a definitive agreement to acquire USU, a regionally accredited for-profit university based in San Diego, California for a total purchase price of $9 million. The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals by the DOE, WASC Senior College and University Commission, and state regulatory and programmatic accreditation bodies. The earliest that èßäÊÓƵ Group would receive required regulatory approvals would be November 2017.
To finance the cash portion of the Acquisition and provide appropriate working capital, we recently closed a $10 million senior secured term loan with Runway Growth Capital Fund. The Company drew $5 million under the facility at closing, with the remaining $5 million to be drawn following the closing of the Companys acquisition of substantially all the assets of USU. Terms of the 4-year senior loan include a 10% over 3-month LIBOR per annum interest rate.
The remainder of this managements discussion will focus on èßäÊÓƵ University.
Founded in 1987, èßäÊÓƵ Universitys mission is to offer any motivated college-worthy student the opportunity to receive a high quality, responsibly priced distance-learning education for the purpose of achieving sustainable economic and social benefits for themselves and their families. èßäÊÓƵ is dedicated to providing the highest quality education experiences taught by top-tier professors - 54% of our adjunct professors hold doctorate degrees.
Because we believe higher education should be a catalyst to our students long-term economic success, we exert financial prudence by offering affordable tuition that is one of the greatest values in online higher education. In 2014, èßäÊÓƵ University unveiled a monthly payment plan aimed at reversing the college-debt sentence plaguing working-class Americans. The monthly payment plan offers bachelor students (except RN to BSN) the opportunity to pay their tuition at $250/month for 72 months ($18,000), nursing bachelor students (RN to BSN) $250/month for 39 months ($9,750), master students $325/month for 36 months ($11,700) and doctoral students $375/month for 72 months ($27,000), interest free, thereby giving students a monthly tuition payment plan option versus taking out a federal financial aid loan.
One of the key differences between èßäÊÓƵ and other publicly-traded, exclusively online, for-profit universities is the fact that the majority of our active degree-seeking students (71% as of July 31, 2017) were enrolled in èßäÊÓƵ Universitys School of Nursing.
Student Population Overview*
èßäÊÓƵs active degree-seeking student body increased year-over-year by 54% during the fiscal quarter ended July 31, 2017, from 3,252 to 5,015 students.
Our most popular school is our School of Nursing. èßäÊÓƵs School of Nursing has grown from 66% of our active degree-seeking student body at July 31, 2016, to 71% at July 31, 2017. èßäÊÓƵs School of Nursing grew from 2,144 to 3,569 students year-over-year, which represented 81% of èßäÊÓƵs active degree-seeking student body growth. At July 31, 2017, èßäÊÓƵs School of Nursing included 2,260 active students in the RN to BSN program and 1,309 active students in the MSN program or the RN to MSN Bridge program.
15
* Note: Active Degree-Seeking Students are defined as degree-seeking students who were enrolled in a course during the quarter reported, or are registered for an upcoming course.
New Student Enrollment and Active Degree Seeking Student Body Growth
Since the launch of the BSN marketing campaign in November, 2014, èßäÊÓƵs growth rate of new student enrollments has accelerated significantly. Below is a quarterly analysis of the growth of èßäÊÓƵs new student enrollments, as well as the growth of the active degree seeking student body over the past eight quarters, including the recent quarter ending July 31, 2017.
|
| New Student Enrollments |
| Active Degree Seeking Student Body* |
Fiscal quarter end October 31, 2015 |
| 557 |
| 2,422 |
Fiscal quarter end January 31, 2016 |
| 550 |
| 2,704 |
Fiscal quarter end April 30, 2016 |
| 572 |
| 2,932 |
Fiscal quarter end July 31, 2016 |
| 621 |
| 3,252 |
Fiscal quarter end October 31, 2016 |
| 811 |
| 3,726 |
Fiscal quarter end January 31, 2017 |
| 825 |
| 4,064 |
Fiscal quarter end April 30, 2017 |
| 986 |
| 4,681 |
Fiscal quarter end July 31, 2017 |
| 1,025 |
| 5,015 |
èßäÊÓƵs School of Nursing is responsible for the vast majority of the new student enrollment and overall active student body growth. Specifically, èßäÊÓƵs School of Nursing is projecting to grow on an annualized basis by approximately 1,500 Active Nursing students net of student graduations and withdrawals (or ~125/month). èßäÊÓƵs BSN program accounts for 72% of that growth, as that program is on pace to increase on an annualized basis by approximately 1,080 students net (or ~90/month).
èßäÊÓƵ University expects its total active degree-seeking student body to continue its rapid growth and reach approximately 7,000 students by the end of the fiscal year, April 30, 2018. Therefore, the university is on pace to increase its active student body by ~2,300 students on an annualized basis in fiscal year 2018 versus the previous pace of ~1,750 active students a year ago, an improvement of approximately 50% in total students year-over-year.
Nursing Revenue Summary
Below is a summary of the nursing active degree-seeking student body as a percentage of the total active degree-seeking student body over the past eight fiscal quarters, as well as the Nursing degree-seeking revenue as a percentage of total revenues.
|
| Total Degree-Seeking Active Student Body |
|
| Nursing Degree- Seeking Active Student Body |
|
| Nursing Degree-Seeking Active Student Body (%) |
|
| Nursing Degree-Seeking Active Student Body Revenue % |
| ||||
Quarter ended October 31, 2015 |
|
| 2,422 |
|
|
| 1,379 |
|
|
| 57 | % |
|
| 59 | % |
Quarter ended January 31, 2016 |
|
| 2,704 |
|
|
| 1,663 |
|
|
| 62 | % |
|
| 62 | % |
Quarter ended April 30, 2016 |
|
| 2,932 |
|
|
| 1,882 |
|
|
| 64 | % |
|
| 67 | % |
Quarter ended July 31, 2016 |
|
| 3,252 |
|
|
| 2,144 |
|
|
| 66 | % |
|
| 69 | % |
Quarter ended October 31, 2016 |
|
| 3,726 |
|
|
| 2,538 |
|
|
| 68 | % |
|
| 71 | % |
Quarter ended January 31, 2017 |
|
| 4,064 |
|
|
| 2,899 |
|
|
| 71 | % |
|
| 71 | % |
Quarter ended April 30, 2017 |
|
| 4,681 |
|
|
| 3,363 |
|
|
| 72 | % |
|
| 74 | % |
Quarter ended July 31, 2017 |
|
| 5,015 |
|
|
| 3,569 |
|
|
| 71 | % |
|
| 73 | % |
Monthly Payment Programs Overview
Since the March 2014 monthly payment plan announcement, 66% of courses are now paid through monthly payment methods (based on courses started over the last 90 days). èßäÊÓƵ offers two monthly payment programs, a monthly payment plan in which students make payments every month over a fixed period (36, 39 or 72 months depending on the degree program), and a monthly installment plan in which students pay three monthly installments (day 1, day 31 and day 61 after the start of each course).
16
As of July 31, 2017, èßäÊÓƵ had a total of 3,410 active students paying tuition through a monthly payment method of which 3,125 active students are paying through a monthly payment plan, and 285 students are paying through a monthly installment plan. Additionally, èßäÊÓƵ is currently projecting to add approximately 160 active students/month net to its monthly payment programs through fiscal year 2018. The total contractual value of monthly payment plan students now exceeds $30 million which currently delivers monthly recurring tuition cash payments of approximately $880,000.
Finally, as a consequence of monthly payment programs becoming the payment method of choice among the majority of èßäÊÓƵs degree-seeking student body, our HEA, Title IV Program revenue dropped from 25% of total cash receipts in fiscal year 2016 to approximately 21% for fiscal year 2017.
Marketing Efficiency Analysis
èßäÊÓƵ has developed a marketing efficiency ratio to continually monitor the performance of its business model.
Revenue per Enrollment (RPE)
Marketing Efficiency Ratio =
Cost per Enrollment (CPE)
Cost per Enrollment (CPE)
The Cost per Enrollment measures the marketing investment spent in a given quarter, divided by the number of new student enrollments achieved in that given quarter, in order to obtain an average CPE for the quarter measured.
Revenue per Enrollment (RPE)
The Revenue per Enrollment takes each quarterly cohort of new degree-seeking student enrollments, and measures the amount of earned revenue including tuition and fees to determine the average RPE for the cohort measured. For the later periods of a cohort, in particular students four years or older, we have used reasonable projections based off of historical results to determine the amount of revenue we will earn in later periods of the cohort.
We created the reporting to track the CPE and RPE starting in 2012 and can accurately predict the CPE and RPE for each new student cohort. Our current CPE/RPE Marketing Efficiency Ratio is reflected in the below table.
Quarterly New Student Cohort Actuals Data:
CPE/RPE Analysis * | 6 Months Out | 12 Months Out | 2 Years Out | 3 Years Out | 4+ Years Out |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Courses completed | 2.24 | 3.52 | 5.28 | 6.48 | 8 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Average RPE | $1,974 | $3,078 | $4,630 | $5,684 | $7,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
RPE % earned | 28% | 44% | 66% | 81% | 100% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Marketing efficiency ratio** | 2.4x | 3.8x | 5.7x | 7.0x | 8.6x |
* Projection ** Based on current $812 CPE (six month rolling CPE average) |
|
|
|
|
The Average RPE is approximately $7,000. Of the $7,000, $6,400 of the RPE is earned through tuition, with the remaining $600 on average earned through miscellaneous fees (includes annual technology fee, withdrawal fees, graduation fees, proctored exams, course specific fees, etc.)
èßäÊÓƵ is projecting to average a Marketing Efficiency Ratio of 8.6x, in other words an 8.6x return on our marketing investment. Third-party companies in the higher education industry that manage the Enrollment and Marketing functions on behalf of Universities (also referred to as Managed Services companies) reportedly average 3-4x return on their marketing investments, meaning that èßäÊÓƵs business model is currently performing at more than double the efficiency level of that sector.
17
ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLES AND MONTHLY PAYMENT PLAN
Since the inception of the monthly payment plan in the spring of 2014, the accounts receivable balance, both short-term and long-term, has grown from a net number of $868,298 at April 30, 2014 to a net number of $5,728,423 at July 31, 2017. This growth could be portrayed as the engine of the monthly payment plan. The attractive aspect of being able to pay for a degree over a fixed period of time has fueled the growth of this plan and, as a result, the increase of the accounts receivable balance.
Each student's receivable account is different depending on how many classes a student takes each period. If a student takes two classes each eight week period while paying $250, $325 or $375 a month, that student's account receivable balance will rise accordingly. The converse is true also. A student who takes courses at a slower pace, even taking time off between 8-week terms, could have a balance due to them. It is much more likely however that a student participating in the monthly payment plan will have an accounts receivable balance, as the majority of students complete their degree program of study prior to the completion of the fixed monthly payment plan.
The common thread is the actual monthly payment, which is a private loan commitment with no interest that each student commits to pay over a fixed number of months. If a student stops paying, that person can no longer register for a class. If a student decides to withdraw from the university, their account will be settled, either through collection of their balance or disbursement of the amount owed them. At July 31, 2017, there were approximately 3,400 students on a monthly payment plan, which represented 68% of èßäÊÓƵs active student body at July 31, 2017.
Relationship Between Accounts Receivable and Revenue
The gross accounts receivable balance for any period is the net effect of the following three factors:
1. Revenue;
2. Cash receipts, and;
3. The net change in deferred revenue.
All three factors equally determine the gross accounts receivable. If one quarter experiences particularly high cash receipts, the gross accounts receivable will go down. The same effect if cash receipts are lower or if there are significant changes in either of the other factors.
Simply looking at the change in revenue does not translate into an equally similar change in gross accounts receivable. The relative change in cash and the deferral must also be considered. For net accounts receivable, the changes in the reserve must also be considered. Any additional reserve or write-offs will influence the balance.
As it is a straight mathematical formula for both gross accounts receivable and net accounts receivable, and most of the information is public, one can reasonably calculate the two non-public pieces of information, namely the cash receipts in gross accounts receivable and the write-offs in net accounts receivable.
For revenue, the quarterly change is primarily billings and the net impact of deferred revenue. The deferral from the prior quarter or year is added to the billings and the deferral at the end of the period is subtracted from the amount billed. The total deferred revenue at the end of every period is reflected in the liability section of the balance sheet. Deferred revenue can vary for many reasons, but seasonality and the timing of the class starts in relation to the end of the quarter will cause changes in the balance.
As mentioned in the accounts receivable section, the change in revenue cannot be compared to the change in accounts receivable. Revenue does not have the impact of cash received whereas accounts receivable does. Depending on the month and the amount of cash received, it is likely that revenue or accounts receivable will increase at a rate different from the other. The impact of cash is easy to substantiate as it agrees to deposits in our bank accounts.
At July 31, 2017, the Allowance for Doubtful Accounts was $391,864 which represents 6.4% of the Gross Accounts Receivable balance, both short-term and long-term. It should be noted that this percentage matches the latest èßäÊÓƵ University default rate among former federal financial aid students at èßäÊÓƵ as released by the DOE. Management recorded a $63,000 reserve expense during the quarter ended July 31, 2017.
18
The Introduction of Long-Term Accounts Receivables
When a student signs up for the monthly payment plan, there is a contractual amount that the Company can expect to earn over the life of the students program. This contractual amount cannot be recorded as the student does have the option to stop attending. As a student takes a class, revenue is earned over that eight week class. Some students accelerate their program, taking two classes every eight week period, and as we discussed, that increases the students accounts receivable balance. If any portion of that balance will be paid in a period greater than 12 months, that portion is reflected as long-term accounts receivable. At July 31, 2017 and April 30, 2017 those balances are $661,578 and $657,542, respectively.
Here is a graphic of both short-term and long-term receivables, as well as contractual value:
Seasonality Briefing
As èßäÊÓƵ University continues to scale its student body, seasonality has become more pronounced. During fiscal year 2016, the Company explained that its first fiscal quarter (May July) is the seasonal low point because it falls during the summer months and therefore students tend to take less courses during that quarter relative to the other three fiscal quarters. Conversely, the second fiscal quarter (August October) is the seasonal high point given students ingrained start of the school year mentality.
Results of Operations
For the Quarter Ended July 31, 2017 Compared with the Quarter Ended July 31, 2016
Revenue
Revenue from operations for the quarter ended July 31, 2017 (2017 Quarter) increased to $4,242,886 from $2,756,815 for the quarter ended July 31, 2016 (2016 Quarter), an increase of $1,486,071 or 54%. èßäÊÓƵs School of Nursing accounted for 73% of the revenues for the 2017 Quarter.
Cost of Revenues (exclusive of amortization)
The Companys cost of revenues consists of instructional costs and services and marketing and promotional costs.
Instructional Costs and Services
Instructional costs and services for the 2017 Quarter rose to $853,058 from $459,199 for the 2016 Quarter, an increase of $393,859 or 86%. Instructional costs and services for the 2017 Quarter as a percentage of revenue was 20% as compared to 17% for the 2016 Quarter. Note that course payments are paid to instructors upon completion of a given 8-week course, so in the slower summer seasonal 2017 quarter just ended, the courses paid to instructors were from the seasonally stronger Spring period (March May). In the second fiscal quarter, courses paid to instructors will be from the seasonally weaker Summer period (June August), consequently we expect instructional costs and services as a percentage of revenue to drop down below 20%, similar to recent quarterly results.
19
Marketing and Promotional
Marketing and promotional costs for the 2017 Quarter were $899,433 compared to $436,860 for the 2016 Quarter, an increase of $462,573 or 106%. The Company spent 88% of this increase on internet advertising, which approximated $275,000 per month. In addition, the Company spent approximately $20,000 during the 2017 Quarter for web design and development. The Company expects marketing and promotional costs to rise in future periods given the planned spend rate increase to an average of $325,000 per month beginning in August 2017.
Gross profit was 56% of revenues or $2,369,150 for the 2017 Quarter as compared to 62% of revenues or $1,720,674 for the 2016 Quarter.
Costs and Expenses
General and Administrative
General and administrative costs for the 2017 Quarter were $3,131,335 compared to $2,182,078 during the 2016 Quarter, an increase of $949,257 or 44%. During this quarter, the Company incurred three non-recurring charges totaling $320,000 that were unrelated to the ongoing operations; NASDAQ uplist fees, expenses related to the asset purchase agreement with USU, and fees associated with the waiver of registration rights granted in the April 2017 equity raise. In preparation to support a second institution of higher learning (pending regulatory approval), over the past 6 months èßäÊÓƵ Group has increased its full-time staff, not including faculty, from 81 to 125 employees. èßäÊÓƵ now employs 58 Enrollment Advisors, 15 Academic Advisors, 17 software developers, and 26 employees in academic operations and 9 in corporate/marketing.
Depreciation and Amortization
Depreciation and amortization costs for the 2017 Quarter decreased to $138,720 from $151,049 for the 2016 Quarter, a decrease of $12,329 or 8%.
Other Expense, net
Other income for the 2017 Quarter increased to $18,778 from $57 in the 2016 Quarter, an increase of $18,721, reflecting the interest earned on the receivable from USU. Interest expense decreased to $6,197 from $33,133, an increase of $26,936 or 81%. This decrease reflects lower interest after all debt was paid off in April 2017.
Income Taxes
Income taxes expense (benefit) for the comparable years was $0 as èßäÊÓƵ Group experienced operating losses in both periods. As management made a full valuation allowance against the deferred tax assets stemming from these losses, there was no tax benefit recorded in the statement of operations in both periods.
Net Loss
Net loss for the 2017 Quarter was ($767,079) as compared to ($505,447) for the 2016 Quarter, an increase in the loss of $261,632. Although revenues in the 2017 Quarter grew at a higher rate than the increase of recurring operating costs, the higher non-recurring costs related to the USU acquisition, the NASDAQ uplist and the fee associated with the waiver of registration rights during the April 2017 equity raise, resulted in an increased loss for the 2017 Quarter.
Non-GAAP Financial Measures
The following discussion and analysis includes both financial measures in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, or GAAP, as well as non-GAAP financial measures. Generally, a non-GAAP financial measure is a numerical measure of a companys performance, financial position or cash flows that either excludes or includes amounts that are not normally included or excluded in the most directly comparable measure calculated and presented in accordance with GAAP. Non-GAAP financial measures should be viewed as supplemental to, and should not be considered as alternatives to net income, operating income, and cash flow from operating activities, liquidity or any other financial measures. They may not be indicative of the historical operating results of èßäÊÓƵ Group nor are they intended to be predictive of potential future results. Investors should not consider non-GAAP financial measures in isolation or as substitutes for performance measures calculated in accordance with GAAP.
20
Our management uses and relies on EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA, which are non-GAAP financial measures. We believe that both management and shareholders benefit from referring to the following non-GAAP financial measures in planning, forecasting and analyzing future periods. Our management uses these non-GAAP financial measures in evaluating its financial and operational decision making and as a means to evaluate period-to-period comparison. Our management recognizes that the non-GAAP financial measures have inherent limitations because of the described excluded items.
èßäÊÓƵ Group defines Adjusted EBITDA as earnings (or loss) from continuing operations before the items in the table below including non-recurring charges of $354,536. Adjusted EBITDA is an important measure of our operating performance because it allows management, investors and analysts to evaluate and assess our core operating results from period-to-period after removing the impact of items of a non-operational nature that affect comparability.
We have included a reconciliation of our non-GAAP financial measures to the most comparable financial measure calculated in accordance with GAAP. We believe that providing the non-GAAP financial measures, together with the reconciliation to GAAP, helps investors make comparisons between èßäÊÓƵ Group and other companies. In making any comparisons to other companies, investors need to be aware that companies use different non-GAAP measures to evaluate their financial performance. Investors should pay close attention to the specific definition being used and to the reconciliation between such measure and the corresponding GAAP measure provided by each company under applicable SEC rules.
The following table presents a reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA to Net loss allocable to common shareholders, a GAAP financial measure:
|
|
|
|
| For the Quarters Ended July 31, |
| ||||||
|
|
|
|
| 2017 |
|
| 2016 |
| |||
Net loss |
|
|
|
|
| $ | (767,079 | ) |
| $ | (505,447 | ) |
Interest Expense, net of interest income |
|
|
|
|
|
| (12,581) |
|
|
| 33,076 |
|
Depreciation & amortization |
|
|
|
|
|
| 138,720 |
|
|
| 151,049 |
|
EBITDA (Loss) |
|
|
|
|
|
| (640,940 | ) |
|
| (321,322 | ) |
Bad debt expense |
|
|
|
|
|
| 63,000 |
|
|
| |
|
Acquisition expenses |
|
|
|
|
|
| 119,282 |
|
|
| |
|
Warrant modification expense |
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
| 206,000 |
|
Non-recurring charges |
|
|
|
|
|
| 354,536 |
|
|
| 258,241 |
|
Stock-based compensation |
|
|
|
|
|
| 159,300 |
|
|
| 95,607 |
|
Adjusted EBITDA |
|
|
|
|
| $ | 55,178 |
|
| $ | 238,526 |
|
Liquidity and Capital Resources
A summary of our cash flows is as follows:
|
| For the Quarters Ended |
| |||||
|
| July 31, |
| |||||
|
| 2017 |
|
| 2016 |
| ||
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities |
| $ | (1,024,085 | ) |
| $ | 34,476 |
|
Net cash used in investing activities |
|
| (280,409 | ) |
|
| (183,567 | ) |
Net cash provided (used in) by financing activities |
|
| 4,761,846 |
|
|
| (154,388 | ) |
Net increase (decrease) in cash |
| $ | 3,457,352 |
|
| $ | (303,479 | ) |
Net Cash (Used in) Provided By Operating Activities
Net cash used in operating activities during the 2017 Quarter totaled ($1,024,085) and resulted primarily from a net loss of operations of ($767,079) and a net change in operating assets and liabilities of ($618,026), both offset by non-cash items of $361,020. The most significant change in operating assets and liabilities was an increase of $699,020 in accounts receivable, reflecting the expansion of the monthly payment plan. The most significant non-cash item was $159,300 for stock compensation expense.
21
Net cash provided from operating activities during the 2016 Quarter totaled $34,476, reflecting a net loss of ($505,447), a net change in operating assets and liabilities of $80,252 and non-cash items of $459,671. The most significant change in operating assets and liabilities was a $580,913 increase in accounts receivable. The most significant non-cash item was $206,000 for warrant buyback expense.
Net Cash Used in Investing Activities
Net cash used in investing activities during the 2017 Quarter totaled ($280,409), reflecting primarily fixed asset and courseware purchases.
Net cash used in investing activities during the 2016 Quarter totaled ($183,567), reflecting fixed asset and courseware purchases.
Net Cash Provided By (Used in) Financing Activities
Net cash provided by financing activities during the 2017 Quarter totaled $4,761,846, reflecting the net proceeds of $4,732,677 from the senior secured term loan.
Net cash used in financing activities during the 2016 Quarter totaled ($154,388) due to $400,000 paid for the warrant buyback offset by proceeds from the line of credit of $247,000.
Liquidity and Capital Resource Considerations
Historically, our primary source of liquidity is cash receipts from tuition and the issuances of debt and equity securities. More recently, we were able to secure traditional debt financing not convertible into shares of common stock. The primary uses of cash are payroll related expenses, professional expenses and instructional and marketing expenses. On April 7, 2017, the Company raised $7,500,000 through the issuance of 2,000,000 shares of common stock. The net proceeds of $6,996,000 were partially used to terminate the third party line of credit with an outstanding balance of approximately $2,150,000 and the repayment of approximately $1,300,000 under notes held by the Companys CEO. Accrued interest was paid on all retirements. In addition, on July 25, 2017, the Company finalized a $10 million senior secured term loan, $5 million of which was funded at the close.
As of September 13, 2017, the Company had a cash balance of approximately $5.7 million. With the cash from the Companys $7.5 million equity raise, the senior secured term loan of $10 million in total, the growth in the Company revenues, and improving operating margins, the Company believes that it has sufficient cash to allow the Company to meet its operational expenditures and close the USU acquisition for at least the next 12 months.
Our cash balances are kept liquid to support our growing infrastructure needs. The majority of our cash is concentrated in large financial institutions.
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
In response to financial reporting release FR-60, Cautionary Advice Regarding Disclosure About Critical Accounting Policies, from the SEC, we have selected our more subjective accounting estimation processes for purposes of explaining the methodology used in calculating the estimate, in addition to the inherent uncertainties pertaining to the estimate and the possible effects on our financial condition. There were no material changes to our principal accounting estimates during the period covered by this report.
22
Revenue Recognition and Deferred Revenue
Revenue consisting primarily of tuition and fees derived from courses taught by èßäÊÓƵ online as well as from related educational resources that èßäÊÓƵ provides to its students, such as access to our online materials and learning management system. Tuition revenue is recognized pro-rata over the applicable period of instruction. èßäÊÓƵ maintains an institutional tuition refund policy, which provides for all or a portion of tuition to be refunded if a student withdraws during stated refund periods. Certain states in which students reside impose separate, mandatory refund policies, which override èßäÊÓƵs policy to the extent in conflict. If a student withdraws at a time when a portion or none of the tuition is refundable, then in accordance with its revenue recognition policy, èßäÊÓƵ recognizes as revenue the tuition that was not refunded. Since èßäÊÓƵ recognizes revenue pro-rata over the term of the course and because, under its institutional refund policy, the amount subject to refund is never greater than the amount of the revenue that has been deferred, under èßäÊÓƵs accounting policies revenue is not recognized with respect to amounts that could potentially be refunded. èßäÊÓƵs educational programs have starting and ending dates that differ from its fiscal quarters. Therefore, at the end of each fiscal quarter, a portion of revenue from these programs is not yet earned and is therefore deferred. èßäÊÓƵ also charges students annual fees for library, technology and other services, which are recognized over the related service period. Deferred revenue represents the amount of tuition, fees, and other student payments received in excess of the portion recognized as revenue and it is included in current liabilities in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. Other revenue may be recognized as sales occur or services are performed.
Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable
All students are required to select both a primary and secondary payment option with respect to amounts due to èßäÊÓƵ for tuition, fees and other expenses. The most common payment option for èßäÊÓƵs students is personal funds or payment made on their behalf by an employer. The monthly payment plan represents 68% of the payments that are made by students. In instances where a student selects financial aid as the primary payment option, he or she often selects personal cash as the secondary option. If a student who has selected financial aid as his or her primary payment option withdraws prior to the end of a course but after the date that èßäÊÓƵs institutional refund period has expired, the student will have incurred the obligation to pay the full cost of the course. If the withdrawal occurs before the date at which the student has earned 100% of his or her financial aid, èßäÊÓƵ will have to return all or a portion of the Title IV funds to the DOE and the student will owe èßäÊÓƵ all amounts incurred that are in excess of the amount of financial aid that the student earned and that èßäÊÓƵ is entitled to retain. In this case, èßäÊÓƵ must collect the receivable using the students second payment option.
For accounts receivable from students, both short term and long term, èßäÊÓƵ records an allowance for doubtful accounts for estimated losses resulting from the inability, failure or refusal of its students to make required payments, which includes the recovery of financial aid funds advanced to a student for amounts in excess of the students cost of tuition and related fees. èßäÊÓƵ determines the adequacy of its allowance for doubtful accounts using a general reserve method based on an analysis of its historical bad debt experience, current economic trends, and the aging of the accounts receivable and student status. èßäÊÓƵ applies reserves to its receivables based upon an estimate of the risk presented by the age of the receivables and student status. èßäÊÓƵ writes off accounts receivable balances at the time the balances are deemed uncollectible. èßäÊÓƵ continues to reflect accounts receivable with an offsetting allowance as long as management believes there is a reasonable possibility of collection. Any receivable of a student on a monthly payment plan that exceeds 12 months, the portion that exceeds 12 months is reflected in long term accounts receivable.
For accounts receivable from primary payors other than students, èßäÊÓƵ estimates its allowance for doubtful accounts by evaluating specific accounts where information indicates the customers may have an inability to meet financial obligations, such as bankruptcy proceedings and receivable amounts outstanding for an extended period beyond contractual terms. In these cases, èßäÊÓƵ uses assumptions and judgment, based on the best available facts and circumstances, to record a specific allowance for those customers against amounts due to reduce the receivable to the amount expected to be collected. These specific allowances are re-evaluated and adjusted as additional information is received. The amounts calculated are analyzed to determine the total amount of the allowance. èßäÊÓƵ may also record a general allowance as necessary.
Direct write-offs are taken in the period when èßäÊÓƵ has exhausted its efforts to collect overdue and unpaid receivables or otherwise evaluate other circumstances that indicate that èßäÊÓƵ should abandon such efforts.
Off Balance Sheet Arrangements
We do not engage in any activities involving variable interest entities or off-balance sheet arrangements.
23
New Accounting Pronouncements
See Note 2 to our consolidated financial statements included herein for discussion of recent accounting pronouncements.
Forward Looking Statements
This report contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including statements regarding nursing and active student growth, expected Marketing Efficiency Ratio, increase in marketing and promotional costs, and liquidity. All statements other than statements of historical facts contained in this report, including statements regarding our future financial position, liquidity, business strategy and plans and objectives of management for future operations, are forward-looking statements. The words believe, may, estimate, continue, anticipate, intend, should, plan, could, target, potential, is likely, will, expect and similar expressions, as they relate to us, are intended to identify forward-looking statements. We have based these forward-looking statements largely on our current expectations and projections about future events and financial trends that we believe may affect our financial condition, results of operations, business strategy and financial needs.
The results anticipated by any or all of these forward-looking statements might not occur. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ from those in the forward-looking statements include the failure to maintain regulatory approvals, competition, and ineffective media and/or marketing, failure to maintain growth in degree seeking students and the failure to generate sufficient revenue. Further information on our risk factors is contained in our filings with the SEC, including the Form 10-K for the year ended April 30, 2017. Any forward-looking statement made by us in this report speaks only as of the date on which it is made. Factors or events that could cause our actual results to differ may emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for us to predict all of them. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as the result of new information, future events or otherwise.
ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
Not applicable.
ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures. Our management carried out an evaluation, with the participation of our Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer, required by Rule 13a-15 or 15d-15 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the Exchange Act) of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) or 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act. Based on their evaluation, our Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures are effective as of the end of the period covered by this report to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SECs rules and forms and is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) or 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act that occurred during the period covered by this report that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
24
From time to time, we may be involved in litigation relating to claims arising out of our operations in the normal course of business. There were no material changes to our legal proceedings as described in the Companys Form 10-K during the period covered by this report.
Not applicable to smaller reporting companies.
ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS
In addition to those unregistered securities previously disclosed in reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, we have sold securities without registration under the Securities Act of 1933 (the Securities Act) as described below. Unless stated otherwise, all securities issued are shares of common stock.
Name or Class of |
| Date Issued |
| No. of Securities |
|
| Reason for Issuance |
Consultant (1) |
| April 17, 2017 |
| 20,000 |
|
| Consulting Services |
Warrant Holders (1) |
| July 11, 2017 |
| 14,858 |
|
| Cash exercise of Warrants |
Warrant Holders (2) |
| May 10, 2017 and July 12, 2017 |
| 74,622 |
|
| Cashless exercise of Warrants |
(1) | Exempt under Section 4(a)(2) and Rule 506(b) of the Securities Act. |
(2) | Exempt under Section 3(a)(9) of the Securities Act. |
ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES
None.
ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES
Not applicable.
None.
See the Exhibit Index at the end of this report.
25
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.
| èßäÊÓƵ Group, Inc. |
| |
|
|
|
|
September 14, 2017 | By: | /s/ Michael Mathews |
|
|
| Michael Mathews |
|
|
| Chief Executive Officer |
|
|
| (Principal Executive Officer) |
|
|
|
|
|
September 14, 2017 | By: | /s/ Janet Gill |
|
|
| Janet Gill |
|
|
| Chief Financial Officer |
|
|
| (Principal Financial Officer) |
|
|
|
|
|
26
EXHIBIT INDEX
|
|
|
|
| Incorporated by Reference |
| Filed or Furnished | |||||
Exhibit # |
| Exhibit Description |
|
| Form |
| Date |
|
| Number |
| Herewith |
|
| Certificate of Amendment to Certificate of Incorporation, as amended |
|
| S-1 |
| 10/8/14 |
|
| 3.1 |
|
|
|
| Bylaws |
|
| 8-K |
| 3/19/12 |
|
| 3.2 |
|
|
|
| Amendment No. 1 to Bylaws |
|
| 8-K |
| 3/12/14 |
|
| 3.1 |
|
|
|
| Loan and Security Agreement Runway+ |
|
| 8-K |
| 7/28/17 |
|
| 10.1 |
|
|
|
| Registration Rights Agreement Runway |
|
| 8-K |
| 7/28/17 |
|
| 10.2 |
|
|
|
| Warrant Agreement Runway + |
|
| 8-K |
| 7/28/17 |
|
| 10.3 |
|
|
| Form of Registration Rights Waiver |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Filed | |
| Promissory Note dated March 8, 2017 Linden Finance |
|
| 10-K |
| 7/25/17 |
|
| 10.1 |
|
| |
| Employment Agreement dated June 11, 2017 St. Arnauld* |
|
| 8-K |
| 6/15/17 |
|
| 10.1 |
|
| |
| Asset Purchase Agreement dated May 13, 2017 |
|
| 8-K |
| 5/18/17 |
|
| 10.1 |
|
| |
| Amendment to the 2012 Equity Incentive Plan* |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
| Certification of Principal Executive Officer (302) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Filed | |
| Certification of Principal Financial Officer (302) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Filed | |
| Certification of Principal Executive and Principal Financial Officer (906) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Furnished** | |
101.INS |
| XBRL Instance Document |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Filed |
101.SCH |
| XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Filed |
101.CAL |
| XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Filed |
101.DEF |
| XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Filed |
101.LAB |
| XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Filed |
101.PRE |
| XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Filed |
**
This exhibit is being furnished rather than filed and shall not be deemed incorporated by reference into any filing, in accordance with Item 601 of Regulation S-K.
+
Certain schedules, appendices and exhibits to this agreement have been omitted in accordance with Item 601(b)(2) of Regulation S-K. A copy of any omitted schedule and/or exhibit will be furnished supplementally to the Securities and Exchange Commission staff upon request.
Copies of this report (including the financial statements) and any of the exhibits referred to above will be furnished at no cost to our shareholders who make a written request to èßäÊÓƵ Group, Inc., at the address on the cover page of this report, Attention: Corporate Secretary.
27