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EX-32.1 - EXHIBIT 32.1 - GP STRATEGIES CORPexhibit321-gpx93017.htm
EX-31.2 - EXHIBIT 31.2 - GP STRATEGIES CORPexhibit312-gpx93017.htm
EX-31.1 - EXHIBIT 31.1 - GP STRATEGIES CORPexhibit311-gpx93017.htm
UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
 
FORM 10-Q
 
ý Quarterly Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of The Securities Exchange Act of 1934
 
 For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2017
or
 
¨ Transition Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of The Securities Exchange Act of 1934
 
For the transition period from                             to                             
 
Commission File Number 1-7234
 
 GP STRATEGIES CORPORATION
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
 
Delaware
 
52-0845774
(State of Incorporation)
 
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
70 Corporate Center 
 
 
11000 Broken Land Parkway, Suite 200, Columbia, MD
 
21044
(Address of principal executive offices)
 
(Zip Code)
 
(443) 367-9600

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code:
 
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes   ý No   ¨
 
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 (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes   ý No   ¨
 
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 in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. 
Large accelerated filer   
¨
Accelerated filer   
x
Non-accelerated filer   ¨
Smaller reporting company  
¨
Emerging growth company  
¨
 
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark 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 12(b)-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes   ¨ No   ý
 
The number of shares outstanding of the registrant’s common stock as of October 27, 2017 was as follows:
Class
 
Outstanding
 
Common Stock, par value $.01 per share
 
16,783,621 shares
 






GP STRATEGIES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
 
Page
 
 
 
Part I.
Financial Information
 
 
 
 
Item 1.
Financial Statements (Unaudited)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Item 2.
 
 
 
Item 3.
 
 
 
Item 4.
 
 
 
Part II.
 
 
 
Item 1.
 
 
 
Item 1A.
 
 
 
Item 2.
 
 
 
Item 6.
 
 
 
 



Part I. Financial Information
Item 1. Financial Statements 
GP STRATEGIES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
 
September 30, 2017 (Unaudited)
 
December 31, 2016
Assets
 

 
 

Current assets:
 
 
 
Cash
$
18,020

 
$
16,346

Accounts and other receivables, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $1,004 in 2017 and $1,091 in 2016
96,460

 
105,549

Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings on uncompleted contracts
52,590

 
39,318

Prepaid expenses and other current assets
18,368

 
11,481

Total current assets
185,438

 
172,694

Property, plant and equipment
22,564

 
20,053

Accumulated depreciation
(17,155
)
 
(15,506
)
Property, plant and equipment, net
5,409

 
4,547

Goodwill
144,374

 
127,772

Intangible assets, net
9,318

 
5,825

Other assets
6,535

 
4,763

 
$
351,074


$
315,601

Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity
 

 
 

Current liabilities:
 

 
 

Short-term borrowings
$
27,506

 
$
17,694

Current portion of long-term debt
12,000

 
12,000

Accounts payable and accrued expenses
76,162

 
64,596

Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings on uncompleted contracts
16,621

 
18,545

Total current liabilities
132,289

 
112,835

Long-term debt
19,000

 
28,000

Other noncurrent liabilities
10,078

 
7,270

Total liabilities
161,367

 
148,105

 
 
 
 
Stockholders’ equity:
 

 
 

Common stock, par value $0.01 per share
172

 
172

Additional paid-in capital
107,675

 
106,569

Retained earnings
106,938

 
93,845

Treasury stock at cost
(10,528
)
 
(11,628
)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
(14,550
)
 
(21,462
)
Total stockholders’ equity
189,707

 
167,496

 
$
351,074


$
315,601

 
See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

1


GP STRATEGIES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations
(Unaudited)
(In thousands, except per share data)
 
 
Three Months Ended 
 September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended 
 September 30,
 
2017
 
2016
 
2017
 
2016
Revenue
$
124,097

 
$
121,978

 
$
377,705

 
$
363,276

Cost of revenue
105,451

 
101,974

 
317,236

 
305,001

Gross profit
18,646


20,004


60,469


58,275

Selling, general and administrative expenses
14,553

 
11,996

 
40,785

 
36,245

Gain (loss) on change in fair value of contingent consideration, net
268

 
(3
)
 
369

 
(74
)
Operating income
4,361


8,005


20,053


21,956

Interest expense
511

 
366

 
1,483

 
970

Other income (expense)
74

 
(28
)
 
(108
)
 
601

Income before income tax expense
3,924


7,611


18,462


21,587

Income tax expense
643

 
2,809

 
5,232

 
8,072

Net income
$
3,281


$
4,802


$
13,230


$
13,515

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic weighted average shares outstanding
16,750

 
16,646

 
16,736

 
16,694

Diluted weighted average shares outstanding
16,896

 
16,747

 
16,856

 
16,800

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Per common share data:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Basic earnings per share
$
0.20

 
$
0.29

 
$
0.79

 
$
0.81

Diluted earnings per share
$
0.19

 
$
0.29

 
$
0.78

 
$
0.80

 
See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

2


GP STRATEGIES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
(Unaudited)
(In thousands)
 
 
Three Months Ended 
 September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended 
 September 30,
 
2017
 
2016
 
2017
 
2016
Net income
$
3,281

 
$
4,802

 
$
13,230

 
$
13,515

Foreign currency translation adjustments
2,575

 
(1,950
)
 
7,051

 
(6,062
)
Change in fair value of interest rate cap, net of tax
(28
)
 

 
(137
)
 

Change in fair value of interest rate swap, net of tax
$
21

 
$

 
$
(2
)
 
$

Comprehensive income
$
5,849

 
$
2,852

 
$
20,142

 
$
7,453

 
See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

3


GP STRATEGIES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017 and 2016
(Unaudited, in thousands)
 
2017
 
2016
Cash flows from operating activities:
 

 
 

Net income
$
13,230

 
$
13,515

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

 
 

(Gain) loss on change in fair value of contingent consideration, net
(369
)
 
74

Depreciation and amortization
5,153

 
4,969

Deferred income taxes
(421
)
 
(1,596
)
Non-cash compensation expense
4,876

 
4,456

Changes in other operating items:
 

 
 

Accounts and other receivables
11,805

 
(1,054
)
Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings on uncompleted contracts
(11,670
)
 
(8,655
)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
(6,232
)
 
(4,793
)
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
8,145

 
10,791

Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings on uncompleted contracts
(3,203
)
 
(4,361
)
Contingent consideration payments in excess of fair value on acquisition date

 
(540
)
Other
(140
)
 
(908
)
Net cash provided by operating activities
21,174

 
11,898

 
 
 
 
Cash flows from investing activities:
 

 
 

Additions to property, plant and equipment
(2,324
)
 
(1,184
)
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired
(11,112
)
 
(2,161
)
Other investing activities
(981
)
 
(2,037
)
Net cash used in investing activities
(14,417
)
 
(5,382
)
 
 
 
 
Cash flows from financing activities:
 

 
 

Proceeds from short-term borrowings
9,749

 
10,765

Repayment of long-term debt
(9,000
)
 
(10,000
)
Contingent consideration payments
(967
)
 
(2,085
)
Change in negative cash book balance
(2,813
)
 
(1,651
)
Tax withholding payments for employee stock-based compensation in exchange for shares surrendered
(604
)
 
(400
)
Repurchases of common stock in the open market
(2,419
)
 
(7,959
)
Premium paid for interest rate cap
(474
)
 

Other financing activities
120

 
175

Net cash used in financing activities
(6,408
)
 
(11,155
)
 
 
 
 
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents
1,325

 
(696
)
Net increase (decrease) in cash
1,674

 
(5,335
)
Cash at beginning of period
16,346

 
21,030

Cash at end of period
$
18,020

 
$
15,695

 
 
 
 
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
 
 
 
Cash paid during the period for interest
$
1,381

 
$
947

Cash paid during the period for income taxes
4,874

 
6,228

Accrued contingent consideration
5,613

 
410

 See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

4


GP STRATEGIES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
 
September 30, 2017
(Unaudited)


(1)
Basis of Presentation

GP Strategies Corporation is a global performance improvement solutions provider of training, e-Learning solutions, management consulting and engineering services. References in this report to “GP Strategies,” the “Company,” “we” and “our” are to GP Strategies Corporation and its subsidiaries, collectively.
 
The accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet as of September 30, 2017 and the condensed consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income and cash flows for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 have not been audited, but have been prepared in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. These condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2016, as presented in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016. In the opinion of management, this interim information includes all material adjustments, which are of a normal and recurring nature, necessary for a fair presentation. The results for the 2017 interim period are not necessarily indicative of results to be expected for the entire year.
 
The condensed consolidated financial statements include the operations of the Company and its subsidiaries. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated.
 
(2)
Recent Accounting Standards

Accounting Standard Adopted

In March 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2016-09, Compensation—Stock Compensation (Topic 718) ("ASU 2016-09"), which simplifies several areas of accounting for share-based compensation arrangements. Upon adoption, ASU 2016-09 requires that excess tax benefits or deficiencies for share-based payments be recorded as income tax expense or benefit and reflected within operating cash flows rather than being recorded within equity and reflected within financing cash flows. The standard also requires companies to make an accounting policy election on whether to account for forfeitures on share-based payments by 1) recognizing forfeitures as they occur; or 2) estimating the number of awards expected to be forfeited and periodically adjusting the estimate, as was previously required. The standard is effective for annual and interim reporting periods of public companies beginning after December 15, 2016, although early adoption was permitted. We adopted ASU 2016-09 on January 1, 2017 and elected to make an accounting policy change to recognize forfeitures as they occur. The impact of adoption on the condensed consolidated balance sheet was a cumulative-effect adjustment of $0.1 million, decreasing opening retained earnings. We recognized an income tax benefit of $0.2 million relating to excess tax benefits on stock-based compensation awards during the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and could experience volatility in our effective income tax rate in the future as a result of this accounting change. We also elected to prospectively apply the change in presentation on the statement of cash flows and did not reclassify excess tax benefits on stock-based compensation from financing to operating cash flows for the prior period presented.

    

5


GP STRATEGIES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
 
September 30, 2017
(Unaudited)

Accounting Standards Not Yet Adopted

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, which provides a single comprehensive model for entities to use in accounting for revenue arising from contracts with customers and will supersede most current revenue recognition guidance. The ASU’s core principle is that a company will recognize revenue when it transfers promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the company expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. ASU 2014-09 is effective for public companies for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2017, which requires us to adopt the standard in the first quarter of 2018. Companies can elect to apply the provisions of ASU 2014-09 either retrospectively to each prior reporting period presented or retrospectively with a cumulative effect adjustment recognized at the date of adoption. We plan to adopt the standard effective January 1, 2018 using the modified retrospective approach with a cumulative effect adjustment at the date of adoption. We have performed an assessment of the impact of the ASU and developed a transition plan, including necessary changes to policies, processes and internal controls. While our assessment is substantially complete, we are currently still evaluating the quantitative impact of the changes to our financial statements and preparing for the expanded disclosure requirements. Based on our assessment to date, we believe the new standard will result in a change in revenue recognition on certain fixed price projects from a proportional performance method, where revenue is currently recognized over contract performance, to a point in time method, where revenue would be recognized upon completion of our performance obligations. This change could result in a shift in the timing of revenue recognition, causing quarter to quarter revenue fluctuations, however, an estimate of the magnitude of the impact to our consolidated financial statements cannot be made at this time.
 
In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases. This standard will require all leases with durations greater than twelve months to be recognized on the balance sheet as a right-of-use asset and a lease liability. ASU 2016-02 is effective for public companies for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018, and interim periods within those fiscal years. We believe adoption of this standard will have a significant impact on our consolidated balance sheets because we will need to recognize substantially all of our operating leases as right-of-use assets and lease liabilities on our balance sheet. Although we have not completed our assessment, we do not expect the adoption of ASU 2016-02 to materially change the recognition and measurement of lease expense within the consolidated statements of operations.

In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-04, Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment. The standard will remove step 2 from the goodwill impairment test. Under the ASU, an entity should perform its annual goodwill impairment test by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount and recognize an impairment charge for the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the reporting unit's fair value, however, the loss recognized should not exceed the total amount of goodwill allocated to that reporting unit. ASU 2017-04 is effective for public companies for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2019. Early adoption is permitted for goodwill impairment tests performed on testing dates after January 1, 2017. We are currently evaluating ASU 2017-04 and the impact of its adoption on our consolidated financial statements.

In August 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-12, Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities. The standard will ease the administrative burden of hedge documentation requirements and assessing hedge effectiveness. ASU 2017-12 is effective for public companies for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018 but early adoption is permitted. We are currently evaluating ASU 2017-12 and the impact of its adoption on our consolidated financial statements.

6


GP STRATEGIES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
 
September 30, 2017
(Unaudited)


(3)
Significant Customers & Concentration of Credit Risk

We have a market concentration of revenue in both the automotive sector and financial services & insurance sector. Revenue from the automotive industry accounted for approximately 22% of our consolidated revenue for both of the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2017 and 2016. In addition, we have a concentration of revenue from a single automotive customer, which accounted for approximately 13% of our consolidated revenue for both of the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2017 and 2016. As of September 30, 2017, accounts receivable from a single automotive customer totaled $10.9 million, or 11%, of our consolidated accounts receivable balance.

Revenue from the financial services & insurance industry accounted for approximately 20% and 21% of our consolidated revenue for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively. In addition, we have a concentration of revenue from a single financial services customer, which accounted for approximately 14% and 15% of our consolidated revenue for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively. As of September 30, 2017, billed and unbilled accounts receivable from a single financial services customer totaled $28.3 million, or 19%, of our consolidated accounts receivable and costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings on uncompleted contracts balances.

No other single customer accounted for more than 10% of our consolidated revenue for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 or 2016 or consolidated accounts receivable balance as of September 30, 2017.


(4)
Earnings Per Share

Basic earnings per share (EPS) is computed by dividing net income by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted EPS reflects the potential dilution of common stock equivalent shares that could occur if securities or other contracts to issue common stock were exercised or converted into common stock.
 
Our dilutive common stock equivalent shares consist of stock options and restricted stock units computed under the treasury stock method, using the average market price during the period. Performance-based restricted stock unit awards are included in the computation of diluted shares based on the probable outcome of the underlying performance conditions being achieved. The following table presents instruments which were not dilutive and were excluded from the computation of diluted EPS in each period, as well as the dilutive common stock equivalent shares which were included in the computation of diluted EPS: 
 
Three Months Ended 
 September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended 
 September 30,
 
2017
 
2016
 
2017
 
2016
 
(In thousands)
Non-dilutive instruments

 

 
17

 
59

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Dilutive common stock equivalents
146

 
101

 
120

 
106



7


GP STRATEGIES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
 
September 30, 2017
(Unaudited)

(5)
Acquisitions

YouTrain
On August 31, 2017, we acquired the entire share capital of YouTrain Limited ("YouTrain"), an independent training company delivering IT, digital and life sciences skills training in Scotland and North West England. The upfront purchase price was $4.9 million which was paid in cash at closing. In addition, the purchase price is subject to a completion accounts adjustment which is expected to be settled during the fourth quarter of 2017. The preliminary purchase price allocation is subject to change and is expected to be finalized in the fourth quarter of 2017. The goodwill recognized is due to the expected synergies from combining the operations of the acquiree with the Company. None of the goodwill recorded for financial statement purposes is deductible for tax purposes. The acquired YouTrain business is included in the Learning Solutions segment and the results of its operations have been included in the consolidated financial statements beginning September 1, 2017. The pro-forma impact of the acquisition is not material to our results of operations. The acquired YouTrain business is included in our United Kingdom subsidiary and its functional currency is the British Pound Sterling. The purchase price allocation below was translated into U.S. dollars based on the exchange rate in effect on the date of acquisition.
The following table summarizes the fair value of the purchase price and purchase price allocation for the acquisition (dollars in thousands).
Cash purchase price
 
$
4,898

 
 
Estimated completion accounts payment
 
180

 
 
Total purchase price
 
$
5,078

 
 
 
 
 
 
Amortization
Purchase price allocation:
 
 

 
Period
Cash
 
$
673

 
 
Accounts receivable and other current assets
 
248

 
 
Fixed assets
 
215

 
 
Customer-related intangible assets
 
1,313

 
5 years
Goodwill
 
3,228

 
 
Total assets
 
5,677

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
 
322

 
 
Billings in excess of costs and estimated
    earnings on uncompleted contracts
 
28

 
 
Deferred tax liability
 
249

 
 
Total liabilities
 
599

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net assets acquired
 
$
5,078

 
 

CLS Performance Solutions Limited
On August 31, 2017, we acquired the business and certain assets of CLS Performance Solutions Limited ("CLS"), an independent provider of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) end user adoption and training services in the United Kingdom. The upfront purchase price was $0.4 million which was paid in cash at closing. In addition, the purchase agreement requires up to an additional $2.1 million of consideration contingent upon the achievement of certain earnings targets during the twelve-month period following the completion of the acquisition. The total estimated fair value of the purchase consideration was $1.3 million which consists primarily of intangible assets of $0.3 million being amortized over three years from the acquisition date and goodwill of $1.0 million. The goodwill recognized is due to the expected synergies from combining the operations of the acquiree with the Company. None of the goodwill recorded for financial statement purposes is deductible for tax purposes. The acquired CLS business is included in the Performance Readiness Solutions segment, and the results of its operations have been included in the consolidated financial statements beginning September 1, 2017. The pro-forma impact of the acquisition is not material to our results of operations.


8


GP STRATEGIES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
 
September 30, 2017
(Unaudited)

McKinney Rogers
On February 1, 2017, we acquired the business and certain assets of McKinney Rogers, a provider of strategic consulting services with offices in New York and London. This acquisition will expand our solutions offerings, giving us the ability to leverage McKinney Rogers' intellectual property and consulting methodologies to help our global client base meet strategic business goals. The upfront purchase price was $3.3 million in cash. In addition, the purchase agreement requires up to an additional $18.0 million of consideration, $6.0 million of which was contingent upon the achievement of certain earnings targets during the five-month period ended April 30, 2017 and $12.0 million of which is contingent upon the achievement of certain earnings targets during the three twelve-month periods following completion of the acquisition. In July 2017, we paid the seller $1.0 million in respect of the contingent consideration for the five-month period ended April 30, 2017. The goodwill recognized is due to the expected synergies from combining the operations of the acquiree with the Company. We expect that all of the goodwill recorded for financial statement purposes will be deductible for tax purposes, except that the contingent consideration is only deductible when paid. If the actual contingent consideration payments are less than the estimated fair value as of the acquisition date, a portion of goodwill will not be deductible for tax purposes. The acquired McKinney Rogers business is included in the Performance Readiness Solutions segment, and the results of its operations have been included in the consolidated financial statements beginning February 1, 2017. The pro-forma impact of the acquisition is not material to our results of operations.

The following table summarizes the fair value of the purchase price and purchase price allocation for the acquisition (dollars in thousands).

Cash purchase price
 
$
3,259

 
 
Fair value of contingent consideration
 
4,505

 
 
Total purchase price
 
$
7,764

 
 
 
 
 
 
Amortization
Purchase price allocation:
 
 

 
Period
Technology-related intangible assets
 
$
2,704

 
5 years
Customer-related intangible assets
 
653

 
5 years
Marketing-related intangible assets (tradename)
 
121

 
3 years
Goodwill
 
5,196

 
 
Total assets
 
8,674

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accrued expenses
 
44

 
 
Billings in excess of costs and estimated
    earnings on uncompleted contracts
 
866

 
 
Total liabilities
 
910

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net assets acquired
 
$
7,764

 
 

9


GP STRATEGIES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
 
September 30, 2017
(Unaudited)

Emantras
Effective April 1, 2017, we acquired the business and certain assets of Emantras, a digital education company that provides engaging learning experiences and effective knowledge delivery through award-winning digital and mobile solutions with offices in Fremont, California and Chennai, India. This acquisition strengthens our eLearning development capabilities, allowing us to better serve our customer base with the latest digital learning solutions. The upfront purchase price was $3.2 million in cash. In addition, the purchase agreement requires up to an additional $0.3 million of consideration, contingent upon the achievement of an earnings target during the twelve-month period following completion of the acquisition, plus a percentage of any earnings in excess of the specified earnings target. The goodwill recognized is due to the expected synergies from combining the operations of the acquiree with the Company. We expect that all of the goodwill recorded for financial statement purposes will be deductible for tax purposes, except that the contingent consideration is only deductible when paid. If the actual contingent consideration payments are less than the estimated fair value as of the acquisition date, a portion of goodwill will not be deductible for tax purposes. The acquired Emantras business is included in the Learning Solutions segment, and the results of its operations have been included in the consolidated financial statements beginning April 1, 2017. The pro-forma impact of the acquisition is not material to our results of operations.
The following table summarizes the fair value of the purchase price and purchase price allocation for the acquisition (dollars in thousands).
Cash purchase price
 
$
3,191

 
 
Fair value of contingent consideration
 
220

 
 
Total purchase price
 
$
3,411

 
 
 
 
 
 
Amortization
Purchase price allocation:
 
 

 
Period
Fixed assets
 
$
50

 
 
Customer-related intangible assets
 
818

 
4 years
Goodwill
 
3,156

 
 
Total assets
 
4,024

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accrued expenses
 
558

 
 
Billings in excess of costs and estimated
    earnings on uncompleted contracts
 
55

 
 
Total liabilities
 
613

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net assets acquired
 
$
3,411

 
 


10


GP STRATEGIES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
 
September 30, 2017
(Unaudited)

Contingent Consideration
Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 805 requires that contingent consideration be recognized at fair value on the acquisition date and be re-measured each reporting period with subsequent adjustments recognized in the condensed consolidated statement of operations. We estimate the fair value of contingent consideration liabilities using an appropriate valuation methodology, typically either an income-based approach or a simulation model, such as the Monte Carlo model, depending on the structure of the contingent consideration arrangement. Contingent consideration is valued using significant inputs that are not observable in the market which are defined as Level 3 inputs pursuant to fair value measurement accounting. We believe our estimates and assumptions are reasonable; however, there is significant judgment involved. At each reporting date, the contingent consideration obligation is revalued to estimated fair value, and changes in fair value subsequent to the acquisitions are reflected in income or expense in the condensed consolidated statements of operations, and could cause a material impact to, and volatility in, our operating results. Changes in the fair value of contingent consideration obligations may result from changes in discount periods and rates and changes in the timing and amount of revenue and/or earnings projections.

Below is a summary of the potential maximum contingent consideration we may be required to pay in connection with completed acquisitions as of September 30, 2017 (dollars in thousands):
Acquisition:
Original range of potential undiscounted payments
 
As of September 30, 2017 Maximum contingent consideration due in
 
 
 
2017
2018
2019-2020
Total
Maverick
$0 - $10,000
 
$
5,000

$
5,000

$

$
10,000

McKinney Rogers
$0 - $18,000
 
967

4,000

8,000

12,967

Emantras
 
 

*



CLS
$0 - $2,132
 

2,132


2,132

 
 
 
$
5,967

$
11,132

$
8,000

$
25,099

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
* There is no maximum contingent consideration payable to the seller.
Below is a summary of the changes in the recorded amount of contingent consideration liabilities from December 31, 2016 to September 30, 2017 (dollars in thousands):
 
Liability as of
December 31,
 
 
 
 
 
Change in
Fair Value of
Contingent
 
Foreign
Currency
 
Liability as of
September 30,
Acquisition:
2016
 
Additions
 
Payments
 
Consideration
 
Translation
 
2017
Maverick
$
5,258

 
$

 

 
$
775

 
$

 
$
6,033

McKinney Rogers

 
4,505

 
(967
)
 
(1,156
)
 

 
2,382

Emantras

 
220

 

 
5

 

 
225

CLS

 
888

 

 
7

 
33

 
928

Total
$
5,258


$
5,613

 
$
(967
)

$
(369
)

$
33


$
9,568

As of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, contingent consideration considered a current liability and included in accounts payable totaled $5.3 million and $3.6 million, respectively. As of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 we also had accrued contingent consideration totaling $4.3 million and $1.7 million respectively, related to acquisitions which are included in other long-term liabilities on the condensed consolidated balance sheets and represent the portion of contingent consideration estimated to be payable greater than twelve months from the balance sheet date.



11


GP STRATEGIES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
 
September 30, 2017
(Unaudited)

(6)
Intangible Assets

Goodwill
 
Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill by reportable business segment for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 were as follows (in thousands):
 
Learning
Solutions
 
Professional
& Technical
Services
 
Sandy Training & Marketing
 
Performance
Readiness
Solutions
 
Total
Balance as of December 31, 2016
$
49,079

 
$
42,364

 
$
653

 
$
35,676

 
$
127,772

Acquisitions
6,384

 

 

 
6,301

 
12,685

Foreign currency translation
3,041

 
616

 

 
260

 
3,917

Balance as of September 30, 2017
$
58,504


$
42,980


$
653


$
42,237


$
144,374

 
Intangible Assets Subject to Amortization
 
Intangible assets with finite lives are subject to amortization over their estimated useful lives. The primary assets included in this category and their respective balances were as follows (in thousands):
 
Gross Carrying Amount
 
Accumulated Amortization
 
Net Carrying Amount
September 30, 2017
 
 
Customer relationships
$
16,280

 
$
(10,385
)
 
$
5,895

Intellectual property and other
4,298

 
(875
)
 
3,423

 
$
20,578


$
(11,260
)

$
9,318

 
 
 
 
 
 
December 31, 2016
 

 
 

 
 

Customer relationships
$
14,595

 
$
(9,855
)
 
$
4,740

Intellectual property and other
2,311

 
(1,226
)
 
1,085

 
$
16,906


$
(11,081
)

$
5,825


12


GP STRATEGIES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
 
September 30, 2017
(Unaudited)

(7)
Stock-Based Compensation

We recognize compensation expense for stock-based compensation awards issued to employees that are expected to vest. Compensation cost is based on the fair value of awards as of the grant date.
 
The following table summarizes the pre-tax stock-based compensation expense included in reported net income (in thousands): 
 
Three months ended September 30,
 
Nine months ended September 30,
 
2017
 
2016
 
2017
 
2016
Non-qualified stock options
$
1

 
$
6

 
$
6

 
$
81

Restricted stock units
891

 
801

 
2,569

 
2,011

Board of Directors stock grants
93

 
86

 
248

 
233

Total stock-based compensation expense
$
985


$
893


$
2,823


$
2,325

 
Pursuant to our 2011 Stock Incentive Plan (the “2011 Plan”), we may grant awards of non-qualified stock options, incentive stock options, restricted stock, stock units, performance shares, performance units and other incentives payable in cash or in shares of our common stock to officers, employees or members of the Board of Directors. As of September 30, 2017, we had non-qualified stock options and restricted stock units outstanding under these plans as discussed below.

Non-Qualified Stock Options
 
Summarized information for the Company’s non-qualified stock options is as follows:
 
Number of options
 
Weighted
average exercise price
 
Weighted
average
remaining
contractual term
 
Aggregate
intrinsic value
Stock Options
 
 
 
Outstanding at December 31, 2016
67,550

 
$
15.34

 
 
 
 

Granted

 

 
 
 
 

Exercised
(59,050
)
 
15.11

 
 
 
 

Forfeited
(100
)
 
19.38

 
 
 
 

Expired
(400
)
 
19.38

 
 
 
 

Outstanding at September 30, 2017
8,000

 
$
16.80

 
0.67
 
$
112,000

Exercisable at September 30, 2017
7,400

 
$
16.59

 
0.64
 
$
106,000

 

13


GP STRATEGIES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
 
September 30, 2017
(Unaudited)

Restricted Stock Units
 
In addition to stock options, we issue restricted stock units to key employees and members of the Board of Directors. The stock units vest to the recipients at various dates, up to five years, based on fulfilling service requirements. We recognize the value of the market price of the underlying stock on the date of grant as compensation expense over the requisite service period. Upon vesting, the stock units are settled in shares of our common stock. Summarized share information for our restricted stock units is as follows:
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017
 
Weighted
average
grant date
fair value
 
(In shares)
 
(In dollars)
Outstanding and unvested, beginning of period
207,016

 
$
29.85

Granted
55,350

 
24.62

Vested
(41,668
)
 
20.61

Forfeited
(4,947
)
 
25.21

Outstanding and unvested, end of period
215,751

 
$
30.40


Performance Stock Units

We issue performance-based stock units to certain executives under a long-term incentive program. Under the program, a target level of equity compensation is set for each officer. The total equity compensation is divided into performance-based and time-based restricted stock units. Under the program, the Compensation Committee sets the performance-based goals within the first 90 days of each year. Vesting of performance-based stock units (PSU's) is contingent upon the employee's continued employment and the Company's achievement of certain performance goals during a three-year performance period. The performance goals are established by the Compensation Committee for a three-year performance period based on financial targets, including an average annual return on invested capital ("ROIC") and average annual growth in earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (adjusted to exclude the effect of acquisitions, dispositions, and certain other nonrecurring or extraordinary items) ("Adjusted EBITDA"). We recognize compensation expense for PSU's on a straight line basis over the performance period based on the probable outcome of achievement of the financial targets. At the end of each reporting period, we estimate the number of PSU's expected to vest, based on the probability and extent to which the performance goals will be met, and take into account these estimates when calculating the expense for the period. If the number of shares expected to be earned changes during the performance period, we will make a cumulative adjustment to compensation expense based on the revised number of shares expected to be earned.

Summarized share information for our performance-based restricted stock units is as follows:
 
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017
 
Weighted
average
grant date
fair value
 
 
(In shares)
 
(In dollars)
Outstanding and unvested, beginning of period
 
124,394

 
$
31.08

Granted
 
104,590

 
23.65

Vested
 

 

Forfeited
 

 

Outstanding and unvested, end of period
 
228,984

 
$
27.69




14


GP STRATEGIES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
 
September 30, 2017
(Unaudited)



(8)
Debt and Financial Instruments

On December 15, 2016, we entered into a Fifth Amended and Restated Financing and Security Agreement (the “Credit Agreement”). The Credit Agreement provides for a revolving credit facility up to a maximum principal amount of $100 million expiring on December 31, 2021 and for a term loan in the principal amount of $40 million maturing on April 30, 2020. The Credit Agreement is secured by substantially all of our assets.
The maximum interest rate on the Credit Agreement is the daily one-month LIBOR market index rate (for borrowings in Dollars and Sterling) or the daily one month EURIBOR (for borrowings in Euros) plus 2.50%. Based on our financial performance, the interest rate can be reduced to a minimum rate of the daily one-month LIBOR market index rate plus 1.25%, with the rate being determined based on our maximum leverage ratio for the preceding four quarters. Each unpaid advance on the revolving loan will bear interest until repaid. The term loan is payable in monthly installments of principal in the amount of $1.0 million plus applicable interest, beginning on January 1, 2017. We may prepay the term loan or the revolving loan, in whole or in part, at any time without premium or penalty, subject to certain conditions. Amounts repaid or prepaid on the term loan may not be reborrowed.
The Credit Agreement contains customary affirmative and negative covenants, including covenants that limit or restrict our and our subsidiaries’ (subject to certain exceptions) ability to, among other things, grant liens, make investments, incur indebtedness, merge or consolidate, dispose of assets or make acquisitions. We are also required to maintain compliance with a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio and a maximum leverage ratio. We were in compliance with all of the financial covenants under the Credit Agreement as of September 30, 2017. As of September 30, 2017, our total long-term debt outstanding under the term loan was $31.0 million. In addition, there were $27.5 million of borrowings outstanding and $67.2 million of available borrowings under the Credit Agreement. For the nine months ended September 30, 2017, the weighted average interest rate on our borrowings was 2.8%.
In March 2017, we entered into an interest rate swap agreement which effectively fixed our interest rate on the remaining $37 million outstanding on our term loan to a fixed LIBOR of 1.59% plus the applicable margin under the Credit Agreement. We have designated the interest rate swap, which expires on April 1, 2020, as a cash flow hedge and have applied hedge accounting. The fair value of the derivative liability associated with the interest rate swap was less than $0.1 million as of September 30, 2017 and is included in other liabilities on the condensed consolidated balance sheet. The derivative liability is classified within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy in which fair value is measured using quoted prices in active markets for similar assets and liabilities.
In April 2017, we entered into an interest rate cap agreement and paid a premium of $0.5 million which caps the daily one-month LIBOR at 2.0% for an aggregate notional amount of $20.0 million of our variable rate debt under our credit facility. The interest rate cap agreement matures on December 31, 2021. We have designated the interest rate cap as a cash flow hedge and have applied hedge accounting. The fair value of the derivative asset associated with the interest rate cap was $0.2 million as of September 30, 2017 and is included in other assets on the condensed consolidated balance sheet. The derivative asset is classified within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy in which fair value is measured using quoted prices in active markets for similar assets and liabilities.


15


GP STRATEGIES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
 
September 30, 2017
(Unaudited)

(9)
Income Taxes

Income tax expense was $5.2 million, or an effective income tax rate of 28.3%, for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 compared to $8.1 million, or an effective income tax rate of 37.4%, for the nine months ended September 30, 2016. The decrease in the effective income tax rate in 2017 compared to 2016 is primarily due to a change in the mix of taxable income from higher taxing jurisdictions to lower taxing jurisdictions. Income tax expense for the quarterly periods is based on an estimated annual effective tax rate which includes the U.S. federal, state and local, and non-U.S. statutory rates, permanent differences, and other items that may have an impact on income tax expense.
 
An uncertain tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return is recognized in the financial statements when it is more likely than not (i.e., a likelihood of more than fifty percent) that the position would be sustained upon examination by tax authorities that have full knowledge of all relevant information. A recognized tax position is then measured at the largest amount of benefit that is greater than fifty percent likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement. Interest and penalties related to income taxes are accounted for as income tax expense. As of September 30, 2017, we had no uncertain tax positions reflected on our consolidated balance sheet. The Company files income tax returns in U.S. federal, state and local jurisdictions, and various non-U.S. jurisdictions, and is subject to audit by tax authorities in those jurisdictions. Tax years 2013 through 2016 remain open to examination by these tax jurisdictions, and earlier years remain open to examination in certain of these jurisdictions which have longer statutes of limitations.

(10)
Stockholders’ Equity

Changes in stockholders’ equity during the nine months ended September 30, 2017 were as follows (in thousands):
 
Common
stock
 
Additional
paid-in
capital
 
Retained
earnings
 
Treasury
stock
at cost
 
Accumulated
other
comprehensive
loss
 
Total
stockholders’
equity
Balance at December 31, 2016
$
172

 
$
106,569

 
$
93,845

 
$
(11,628
)
 
$
(21,462
)
 
$
167,496

Cumulative effect adjustment of adopting ASU 2016-09

 
234

 
(137
)
 

 

 
97

Adjusted balance at December 31, 2016
172

 
106,803

 
93,708

 
(11,628
)
 
(21,462
)
 
167,593

Net income

 

 
13,230

 

 

 
13,230

Foreign currency translation adjustment

 

 

 

 
7,051

 
7,051

Change in fair value of interest rate cap, net of tax

 

 

 

 
(137
)
 
(137
)
Change in fair value of interest rate swap, net of tax

 

 

 

 
(2
)
 
(2
)
Repurchases of common stock

 

 

 
(2,419
)
 

 
(2,419
)
Stock-based compensation expense

 
2,823

 

 

 

 
2,823

Issuance of stock for employer contributions to retirement plan

 
11

 

 
2,042

 

 
2,053

Net issuances of stock pursuant to stock compensation plans and other

 
(1,962
)
 

 
1,477

 

 
(485
)
Balance at September 30, 2017
$
172


$
107,675


$
106,938


$
(10,528
)

$
(14,550
)

$
189,707


Stock Repurchase Program

We have a share repurchase program under which we may repurchase shares of our common stock from time to time in the open market, subject to prevailing business and market conditions and other factors. During the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, we repurchased approximately 101,000 and 340,000 shares, respectively, of our common stock in the open market for a total cost of approximately $2.4 million and $8.0 million, respectively. As of September 30, 2017, there was approximately $3.6 million available for future repurchases under the buyback program.

16


GP STRATEGIES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
 
September 30, 2017
(Unaudited)



(11)
Business Segments

As of September 30, 2017, we operated through four reportable business segments: (i) Learning Solutions, (ii) Professional & Technical Services, (iii) Sandy Training & Marketing, and (iv) Performance Readiness Solutions. Each of our reportable segments represents an operating segment under U.S. GAAP. We are organized by operating groups primarily based upon the markets served by each group and/or the services performed. Each operating group consists of business units which are focused on providing specific products and services to certain classes of customers or within targeted markets. Marketing and communications, accounting, finance, legal, human resources, information systems and other administrative services are organized at the corporate level. Business development and sales resources are aligned with operating groups to support existing customer accounts and new customer development.

Further information regarding our business segments is discussed below.

Learning Solutions. The Learning Solutions segment delivers training, curriculum design and development, eLearning services, system hosting, training business process outsourcing and consulting services globally. This segment serves large companies in the electronics and semiconductors, healthcare, software, financial services and other industries, as well as government agencies. This segment also provides apprenticeship and vocational skills training for the United Kingdom government. The ability to deliver a wide range of training services on a global basis allows this segment to take over the entire learning function for the client, including their training personnel.
 
Professional & Technical Services. The Professional & Technical Services segment provides training, consulting, engineering and technical services, including lean consulting, emergency preparedness, safety and regulatory compliance, chemical demilitarization and environmental services primarily to large companies in the manufacturing, steel, pharmaceutical, energy and petrochemical industries; federal and state government agencies; and large government contractors. Our proprietary EtaPRO™ Performance and Condition Monitoring System provides a suite of real-time software solutions for power generation facilities and is installed on power-generating units across the world. In addition to providing custom training solutions, this segment provides web-based training through our GPiLEARN™ portal, which offers a variety of courses to power plant personnel in the U.S. and other countries. This segment also provides services to users of alternative fuels, including designing and constructing liquefied natural gas (LNG), liquid to compressed natural gas (LCNG), compressed natural gas (CNG) and hydrogen fueling stations, as well as supplying equipment.
 
Sandy Training & Marketing. The Sandy Training & Marketing segment provides custom product sales training and has been a leader in serving manufacturing customers in the U.S. automotive industry for over 30 years. Sandy provides custom product sales training designed to better educate customer salesforces with respect to new vehicle features and designs, in effect rapidly increasing the salesforce knowledge base and enabling them to address detailed customer queries. Furthermore, Sandy helps our clients assess their customer relationship marketing strategy and connect with their customers on a one-to-one basis, including through custom publications. This segment also provides technical training services to automotive manufacturers as well as customers in other industries.
 
Performance Readiness Solutions. This segment provides performance consulting and technology consulting services, including platform adoption, end-user training, change management, knowledge management, customer product training outsourcing, training content development and sales enablement solutions. This segment also offers organizational performance solutions, including leadership development training and employee engagement tools and services. Industries served include manufacturing, aerospace, healthcare, life sciences, consumer products, financial, telecommunications, services and higher education, as well as government agencies.
 
We do not allocate the following items to the segments: selling, general & administrative expenses, other income (expense), interest expense, gain (loss) on change in fair value of contingent consideration and income tax expense. Inter-segment revenue is eliminated in consolidation and is not significant.


17


GP STRATEGIES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
 
September 30, 2017
(Unaudited)

The following table sets forth the revenue and operating results attributable to each reportable segment and includes a reconciliation of segment revenue to consolidated revenue and operating results to consolidated income before income tax expense (in thousands):
 
Three Months Ended 
 September 30,
Nine Months Ended 
 September 30,
 
2017

2016
2017
 
2016
Revenue:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Learning Solutions
$
54,801

 
$
51,379

$
157,950

 
$
153,991

Professional & Technical Services
24,443

 
25,111

75,404

 
76,964

Sandy Training & Marketing
22,730

 
26,612

75,694

 
75,810

Performance Readiness Solutions
22,123

 
18,876

68,657

 
56,511

 
$
124,097


$
121,978

$
377,705


$
363,276

Gross profit:
 

 
 

 

 
 

Learning Solutions
$
10,425

 
$
9,796

$
29,289

 
$
29,072

Professional & Technical Services
1,721

 
3,596

10,457

 
11,586

Sandy Training & Marketing
3,245

 
3,619

10,196

 
9,900

Performance Readiness Solutions
3,255

 
2,993

10,527

 
7,717

     Total gross profit
18,646

 
20,004

60,469

 
58,275

Selling, general and administrative expenses
14,553

 
11,996

40,785

 
36,245

Gain (loss) on change in fair value of contingent consideration, net
268

 
(3
)
369

 
(74
)
Operating income
4,361


8,005

20,053


21,956

Interest expense
511

 
366

1,483

 
970

Other income (expense)
74

 
(28
)
(108
)
 
601

Income before income tax expense
$
3,924

 
$
7,611

$
18,462

 
$
21,587



18



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

Results of Operations
 
General Overview
 
We are a global performance improvement solutions provider of training, e-Learning solutions, management consulting and engineering services that seeks to improve the effectiveness of organizations by providing services and products that are customized to meet the specific needs of clients. Clients include Fortune 500 companies and governmental and other commercial customers in a variety of industries. We believe we are a global leader in performance improvement, with over four decades of experience in providing solutions to optimize workforce performance.
 
As of September 30, 2017, we operated through four reportable business segments: (i) Learning Solutions, (ii) Professional & Technical Services, (iii) Sandy Training & Marketing, and (iv) Performance Readiness Solutions. Each of our reportable segments represents an operating segment under U.S. GAAP. We are organized by operating group primarily based upon the markets served by each group and/or the services performed. Each operating group consists of business units which are focused on providing specific products and services to certain classes of customers or within targeted markets. Marketing and communications, accounting, finance, legal, human resources, information systems and other administrative services are organized at the corporate level. Business development and sales resources are aligned with operating groups to support existing customer accounts and new customer development.
 
Further information regarding our business segments is discussed below.

Learning Solutions. The Learning Solutions segment delivers training, curriculum design and development, eLearning services, system hosting, training business process outsourcing and consulting services globally. This segment serves large companies in the electronics and semiconductors, healthcare, software, financial services and other industries, as well as government agencies. This segment also provides apprenticeship and vocational skills training for the United Kingdom government. The ability to deliver a wide range of training services on a global basis allows this segment to take over the entire learning function for the client, including their training personnel.
 
Professional & Technical Services. The Professional & Technical Services segment provides training, consulting, engineering and technical services, including lean consulting, emergency preparedness, safety and regulatory compliance, chemical demilitarization and environmental services primarily to large companies in the manufacturing, steel, pharmaceutical, energy and petrochemical industries; federal and state government agencies; and large government contractors. Our proprietary EtaPRO™ Performance and Condition Monitoring System provides a suite of real-time software solutions for power generation facilities and is installed on power-generating units across the world. In addition to providing custom training solutions, this segment provides web-based training through our GPiLEARN™ portal, which offers a variety of courses to power plant personnel in the U.S. and other countries. This segment also provides services to users of alternative fuels, including designing and constructing liquefied natural gas (LNG), liquid to compressed natural gas (LCNG), compressed natural gas (CNG) and hydrogen fueling stations, as well as supplying equipment.
 
Sandy Training & Marketing. The Sandy Training & Marketing segment provides custom product sales training and has been a leader in serving manufacturing customers in the U.S. automotive industry for over 30 years. Sandy provides custom product sales training designed to better educate customer salesforces with respect to new vehicle features and designs, in effect rapidly increasing the salesforce knowledge base and enabling them to address detailed customer queries. Furthermore, Sandy helps our clients assess their customer relationship marketing strategy and connect with their customers on a one-to-one basis, including through custom publications. This segment also provides technical training services to automotive manufacturers as well as customers in other industries.
 
Performance Readiness Solutions. This segment provides performance consulting and technology consulting services, including platform adoption, end-user training, change management, knowledge management, customer product training outsourcing, training content development and sales enablement solutions. This segment also offers organizational performance solutions, including leadership development training and employee engagement tools and services. Industries served include manufacturing, aerospace, healthcare, life sciences, consumer products, financial, telecommunications, services and higher education, as well as government agencies.


19


Acquisitions

YouTrain
On August 31, 2017, we acquired the entire share capital of YouTrain Limited ("YouTrain"), an independent training company delivering IT, digital and life sciences skills training in Scotland and North West England. The upfront purchase price was $4.9 million which was paid in cash at closing. In addition, the purchase price is subject to a completion accounts adjustment which is estimated to be an additional payment of $0.2 million which is expected to be settled during the fourth quarter of 2017. The preliminary purchase price allocation is subject to change and is expected to be finalized in the fourth quarter of 2017. The goodwill recognized is due to the expected synergies from combining operations of the acquiree with the Company. None of the goodwill recorded for financial statement purposes is deductible for tax purposes. The acquired YouTrain business is included in the Learning Solutions segment and the results of its operations have been included in the consolidated financial statements beginning September 1, 2017. The pro-forma impact of the acquisition is not material to our results of operations.

CLS Performance Solutions Limited
On August 31, 2017, we acquired the business and certain assets of CLS Performance Solutions Limited ("CLS"), an independent provider of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) end user adoption and training services in the United Kingdom. The upfront purchase price was $0.4 million which was paid in cash at closing. In addition, the purchase agreement requires up to an additional $2.1 million of consideration contingent upon the achievement of certain earnings targets during the twelve-month period following the completion of the acquisition. The total estimated fair value of the purchase consideration was $1.3 million which consists primarily of intangible assets of $0.3 million being amortized over three years from the acquisition date and goodwill of $1.0 million. The goodwill recognized is due to the expected synergies from combining operations of the acquiree with the Company. None of the goodwill recorded for financial statement purposes is deductible for tax purposes. The acquired CLS business is included in the Performance Readiness Solutions segment, and the results of its operations have been included in the consolidated financial statements beginning September 1, 2017. The pro-forma impact of the acquisition is not material to our results of operations.

McKinney Rogers
On February 1, 2017, we acquired the business and certain assets of McKinney Rogers, a provider of strategic consulting services with offices in New York and London. This acquisition will expand our solutions offerings, giving us the ability to leverage McKinney Rogers' intellectual property and consulting methodologies to help our global client base meet strategic business goals. The upfront purchase price was $3.3 million in cash. In addition, the purchase agreement requires up to an additional $18.0 million of consideration, $6.0 million of which was contingent upon the achievement of certain earnings targets during the five-month period ended April 30, 2017 and $12.0 million of which is contingent upon the achievement of certain earnings targets during the three twelve-month periods following completion of the acquisition. In July 2017, we paid the seller $1.0 million in respect of the contingent consideration for the five-month period ended April 30, 2017. The goodwill recognized is due to the expected synergies from combining operations of the acquiree with the Company. We expect that all of the goodwill recorded for financial statement purposes will be deductible for tax purposes, except that the contingent consideration is only deductible when paid. If the actual contingent consideration payments are less than the estimated fair value as of the acquisition date, a portion of goodwill will not be deductible for tax purposes. The acquired McKinney Rogers business is included in the Performance Readiness Solutions segment and the results of its operations have been included in the consolidated financial statements beginning February 1, 2017. The pro-forma impact of the acquisition is not material to our results of operations.

Emantras
Effective April 1, 2017, we acquired the business and certain assets of Emantras, a digital education company that provides engaging learning experiences and effective knowledge delivery through award-winning digital and mobile solutions with offices in Fremont, California and Chennai, India. This acquisition strengthens our eLearning development capabilities, allowing us to better serve our customer base with the latest digital learning solutions. The upfront purchase price was $3.2 million in cash. In addition, the purchase agreement requires up to an additional $0.3 million of consideration, contingent upon the achievement of an earnings target during the twelve-month period following completion of the acquisition, plus a percentage of any earnings in excess of the specified earnings target. The goodwill recognized is due to the expected synergies from combining operations of the acquiree with the Company.We expect that all of the goodwill recorded for financial statement purposes will be deductible for tax purposes, except that the contingent consideration is only deductible when paid. If the actual contingent consideration payments are less than the estimated fair value as of the acquisition date, a portion of goodwill will not be deductible for tax purposes. The acquired Emantras business is included in the Learning Solutions segment, and the results of its operations have been included in the consolidated financial statements beginning April 1, 2017. The pro-forma impact of the acquisition is not material to our results of operations.


20


Maverick Solutions
Effective October 1, 2016, we acquired the business and certain assets of Maverick Solutions, a U.S.-based provider of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) product training services. This acquisition strengthens our eLearning development capabilities, allowing us to better serve our customer base with the latest digital learning solutions. The upfront purchase price was $4.6 million in cash. In addition, the purchase agreement requires up to an additional $10.0 million of consideration, contingent upon the achievement of certain earnings targets during the two twelve-month periods following completion of the acquisition. The acquired Maverick Solutions business is included in the Performance Readiness Solutions segment and the results of its operations have been included in the consolidated financial statements beginning October 1, 2016. The pro-forma impact of the acquisition is not material to our results of operations.

Jencal Training
On March 1, 2016, we acquired the share capital of Jencal Training Limited (Jencal Training) and its subsidiary B2B Engage Limited (B2B), an independent provider of vocational skills training in the United Kingdom. The upfront purchase price was $2.5 million in cash. In addition, we paid an additional $0.2 million of deferred consideration in the fourth quarter of 2016. The acquired Jencal Training business is included in the Learning Solutions segment and the results of its operations have been included in the consolidated financial statements beginning March 1, 2016. The pro-forma impact of the acquisition is not material to our results of operations.

Operating Highlights
 
Three Months ended September 30, 2017 Compared to the Three Months ended September 30, 2016
 
Our revenue increased $2.1 million or 1.7% during the third quarter of 2017 compared to the third quarter of 2016. The net increase is due to a $3.4 million increase in our Learning Solutions segment and a $3.2 million increase in our Performance Readiness Solutions segment, partially offset by a $3.9 million decrease in our Sandy Training & Marketing segment and a $0.7 million decline in our Professional & Technical Services segment. Foreign currency exchange rate changes resulted in a total $0.3 million increase in U.S. dollar reported revenue during the third quarter of 2017. The changes in revenue and gross profit are discussed in further detail below by segment.

Operating income, the components of which are discussed below, decreased $3.6 million or 45.5% to $4.4 million for the third quarter of 2017 compared to $8.0 million for the third quarter of 2016. The net decrease in operating income is primarily due to a $1.4 million decrease in gross profit, a $2.6 million increase in selling, general and administrative expenses and a $0.3 million increase in the change in fair value of contingent consideration during the third quarter of 2017.

For the three months ended September 30, 2017, we had income before income tax expense of $3.9 million compared to $7.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2016. Net income was $3.3 million, or $0.19 per diluted share, for the three months ended September 30, 2017, compared to net income of $4.8 million, or $0.29 per diluted share, for the three months ended September 30, 2016. Diluted weighted average shares outstanding were 16.9 million for the third quarter of 2017 compared to 16.7 million for the third quarter of 2016.
 
Revenue
(Dollars in thousands)
Three months ended
 
September 30,
 
2017
 
2016
Learning Solutions
$
54,801

 
$
51,379

Professional & Technical Services
24,443

 
25,111

Sandy Training & Marketing
22,730

 
26,612

Performance Readiness Solutions
22,123

 
18,876

 
$
124,097

 
$
121,978

 
Learning Solutions revenue increased $3.4 million or 6.7% during the third quarter of 2017 compared to the third quarter of 2016. The revenue increase is due to the following:
A $2.3 million net increase in e-Learning content development and training business process outsourcing (BPO) services;
A $0.5 million revenue increase attributable to the Emantras acquisition completed on April 1, 2017;

21


A $0.3 million revenue increase attributable to the YouTrain acquisition completed August 31, 2017; and
A $0.3 million net increase in revenue due to favorable changes in foreign currency exchange rates.
Professional & Technical Services revenue decreased $0.7 million or 2.7% during the third quarter of 2017 compared to the third quarter of 2016. The revenue decrease is due to the following:
A $1.3 million cumulative revenue adjustment due to a contract performance dispute resulting in an increase in estimated costs to complete a project for a foreign oil & gas client during the third quarter of 2017; partially offset by
A $0.6 million net increase in engineering and technical training services.
Sandy Training & Marketing revenue decreased $3.9 million or 14.6% during the third quarter of 2017 compared to the third quarter of 2016. The net decrease is primarily due to the following:
A net $4.0 million decrease in training services for automotive clients primarily due to the completion of a non-recurring vehicle launch event that contributed to higher revenue in 2016; and
A $0.4 million decrease in glovebox portfolio revenue; partially offset by
A $0.5 million increase in magazine publications revenue due to a partial shipment of publications during the third quarter of 2017 for which the prior year publication was entirely delivered in the fourth quarter of 2016.
Performance Readiness Solutions revenue increased $3.2 million or 17.2% during the third quarter of 2017 compared to the third quarter of 2016. The revenue increase is due to the following:
A $2.1 million increase attributable to the Maverick acquisition completed on October 1, 2016;
A $1.2 million increase attributable to the McKinney Rogers acquisition completed on February 1, 2017;
A $0.3 million increase attributable to the CLS acquisition completed on August 31, 2017; and
A $0.3 million increase in technical training services largely due to a new contract with an aerospace client; partially offset by
A $0.7 million net revenue decrease primarily in leadership development services.
Gross Profit
(Dollars in thousands)
Three months ended
 
September 30,
 
2017
 
2016
 
 
 
% Revenue
 
 
 
% Revenue
Learning Solutions
$
10,425

 
19.0
%
 
$
9,796

 
19.1
%
Professional & Technical Services
1,721

 
7.0
%
 
3,596

 
14.3
%
Sandy Training & Marketing
3,245

 
14.3
%
 
3,619

 
13.6
%
Performance Readiness Solutions
3,255

 
14.7
%
 
2,993

 
15.9
%
 
$
18,646

 
15.0
%
 
$
20,004

 
16.4
%
 
Learning Solutions gross profit of $10.4 million or 19.0% of revenue for the third quarter of 2017 increased by $0.6 million or 6.4% compared to gross profit of $9.8 million or 19.1% of revenue for the third quarter of 2016 primarily due to the revenue increase noted above.

Professional & Technical Services gross profit of $1.7 million or 7.0% of revenue for the third quarter of 2017 decreased by $1.9 million or 52.1% compared to gross profit of $3.6 million or 14.3% of revenue for the third quarter 2016. The decrease is primarily due to a $2.6 million gross profit reduction (which includes the $1.3 million cumulative revenue adjustment noted above and a $1.3 million contract loss reserve) due to a contract performance dispute resulting in an increase in estimated costs to complete a project for a foreign oil & gas client during the third quarter of 2017. Excluding this reduction, gross profit increased $0.7 million due to an increase in higher margin revenue streams during third quarter of 2017 compared to the third quarter of 2016.
 
Sandy Training & Marketing gross profit of $3.2 million or 14.3% of revenue for the third quarter of 2017 decreased by $0.4 million or 10.3% when compared to gross profit of $3.6 million or 13.6% of revenue for the third quarter of 2016 due to the revenue decrease noted above.
 

22


Performance Readiness Solutions gross profit of $3.3 million or 14.7% of revenue for the third quarter of 2017 increased by $0.3 million or 8.8% when compared to gross profit of $3.0 million or 15.9% of revenue for the third quarter of 2016 primarily due to gross profit contributed by acquisitions.
 
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
 
Selling, general and administrative expenses increased $2.6 million or 21.3% from $12.0 million for the third quarter of 2016 to $14.6 million for the third quarter of 2017. The increase in SG&A expenses is primarily due to a $1.3 million increase in costs relating to our new financial system implementation which we anticipate will go live in 2018, a $0.6 million increase in labor and benefits expense, a $0.2 million increase in amortization expense, a $0.2 million increase in bad debt expense and a $0.3 million net increase in miscellaneous other expenses.

Change in Fair Value of Contingent Consideration
 
We recognized a $0.3 million net gain on the change in fair value of contingent consideration related to acquisitions during the third quarter of 2017 compared to a negligible loss in the third quarter of 2016. Changes in the fair value of contingent consideration obligations result from changes in discount periods and rates and changes in the timing and amount of revenue and/or earnings projections.

Interest Expense
 
Interest expense increased to $0.5 million for the third quarter of 2017 from $0.4 million for the third quarter of 2016. The increase in interest expense is due to both an increase in interest rates and higher borrowings under the Credit Agreement.
 
Other Income (Expense)
 
Other income increased $0.1 million during the third quarter of 2017 primarily due to an increase in income from a joint venture. Other income (expense) consists primarily of income from a joint venture and foreign currency gains and losses. For both of the quarters ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, we had net foreign currency losses totaling less than $0.1 million. Foreign currency gains and losses primarily relate to the effect of exchange rates on intercompany receivables and payables and third party receivables and payables that are denominated in currencies other than the functional currency of our foreign subsidiaries.
 
Income Tax Expense
 
Income tax expense was $0.6 million for the third quarter of 2017 compared to $2.8 million for the third quarter of 2016. The effective income tax rate was 16.4% and 36.9% for the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively. The decrease in the effective income tax rate in 2017 compared to 2016 is primarily due to a change in the mix of taxable income from higher taxing jurisdictions to lower taxing jurisdictions, coupled with lower projected U.S. income and certain discrete items that occurred in the third quarter of 2017. Income tax expense for the quarterly periods is based on an estimated annual effective tax rate which includes the U.S. federal, state and local, and non-U.S. statutory rates, permanent differences, and other items that may have an impact on income tax expense.

Nine Months ended September 30, 2017 Compared to the Nine Months ended September 30, 2016
 
Our revenue increased $14.4 million or 4.0% during the nine months ended September 30, 2017 compared to nine months ended September 30, 2016. The net increase in revenue is due to a $12.1 million increase in our Performance Readiness Solutions segment and a $4.0 million increase in our Learning Solutions segment, partially offset by a $1.6 million decrease in our Professional & Technical Services segment and a $0.1 million decrease in our Sandy Training & Marketing segment. Foreign currency exchange rate declines resulted in a total $6.6 million decrease in U.S. dollar reported revenue during the nine months ended September 30, 2017 across all segments. The changes in revenue and gross profit are discussed in further detail below by segment.

Operating income, the components of which are discussed in detail below, decreased $1.9 million or 8.7% to $20.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 compared to $22.0 million for the same period in 2016. The net decrease in operating income is primarily due to a $4.5 million increase in SG&A expenses, partially offset by a $2.2 million net increase in gross profit and a $0.4 million increase in the gain on change in fair value of contingent consideration.

For the nine months ended September 30, 2017, we had income before income tax expense of $18.5 million compared to $21.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016. Net income was $13.2 million, or $0.78 per diluted share, for the nine months ended September 30, 2017, compared to net income of $13.5 million, or $0.80 per diluted share, for the nine months ended

23


September 30, 2016. Diluted weighted average shares outstanding were 16.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 compared to 16.8 million for the same period in 2016.

Revenue
(Dollars in thousands)
Nine months ended
 
September 30,
 
2017
 
2016
Learning Solutions
$
157,950

 
$
153,991

Professional & Technical Services
75,404

 
76,964

Sandy Training & Marketing
75,694

 
75,810

Performance Readiness Solutions
68,657

 
56,511

 
$
377,705

 
$
363,276

 
Learning Solutions revenue increased $4.0 million or 2.6% during the nine months ended September 30, 2017 compared to the same period in 2016. The revenue increase is due to the following:
A $6.7 million net increase in e-Learning content development and training business process outsourcing (BPO) services;
A $0.8 million increase attributable to the Jencal Training acquisition completed on March 1, 2016;
A $0.9 million revenue increase attributable to the Emantras acquisition completed on April 1, 2017; and
A $0.3 million increase attributable to the YouTrain acquisition completed on August 31, 2017; partially offset by
A $4.7 million decrease in revenue due to unfavorable changes in foreign currency exchange rates.
Professional & Technical Services revenue decreased $1.6 million or 2.0% during the nine months ended September 30, 2017 compared to the same period in 2016. The net decrease in revenue is due to the following:
A $1.3 million cumulative revenue adjustment due to a contract performance dispute resulting in an increase in estimated costs to complete a project for a foreign oil & gas client during the third quarter of 2017;
A $0.5 million net decrease in engineering and technical training services;
A $0.5 million net decrease in training services for energy clients;
A $1.3 million decrease in revenue due to unfavorable changes in foreign currency exchange rates; partially offset by
A $2.0 million increase in alternative fuels design and build projects.
Sandy Training & Marketing revenue decreased $0.1 million or 0.2% during the nine months ended September 30, 2017 compared to the same period in 2016. The net decrease is primarily due to the following:
A net $0.6 million decrease in training services for automotive clients primarily due to the completion of a non-recurring vehicle launch event that contributed to higher revenue in 2016; and
A $0.2 million decrease in glovebox portfolio revenue; partially offset by
A $0.7 million increase in magazine publications revenue due to an increase in the volume and scope of publications delivered.
Performance Readiness Solutions revenue increased $12.1 million or 21.5% during the nine months ended September 30, 2017 compared to the same period in 2016. The net decrease is primarily due to the following:

A $5.6 million increase attributable to the Maverick acquisition completed on October 1, 2016;
A $4.6 million increase attributable to the McKinney Rogers acquisition completed on February 1, 2017;
A $0.3 million increase attributable to the CLS acquisition completed on August 31, 2017;
A $1.9 million increase in technical training services largely due to a new contract with an aerospace client; and
A $1.0 million increase in platform adoption training services; partially offset by
A $0.7 million net decrease primarily in leadership development services; and
A $0.6 million decrease in revenue due to unfavorable changes in foreign currency exchange rates.

24


 
Gross Profit
(Dollars in thousands)
Nine months ended
 
September 30,
 
2017
 
2016
 
 
 
% Revenue
 
 
 
% Revenue
Learning Solutions
$
29,289

 
18.5
%
 
$
29,072

 
18.9
%
Professional & Technical Services
10,457

 
13.9
%
 
11,586

 
15.1
%
Sandy Training & Marketing
10,196

 
13.5
%
 
9,900

 
13.1
%
Performance Readiness Solutions
10,527

 
15.3
%
 
7,717

 
13.7
%
 
$
60,469

 
16.0
%
 
$
58,275

 
16.0
%
 
Learning Solutions gross profit of $29.3 million or 18.5% of revenue for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 increased by $0.2 million or 0.7% when compared to gross profit of $29.1 million or 18.9% of revenue for the same period in 2016 primarily due to the revenue increase noted above.

Professional & Technical Services gross profit of $10.5 million or 13.9% of revenue for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 decreased by $1.1 million or 9.7% when compared to gross profit of $11.6 million or 15.1% of revenue for the same period in 2016. The decrease is primarily due to a $2.6 million gross profit reduction (which includes the $1.3 million cumulative revenue adjustment noted above and a $1.3 million contract loss reserve) due to a contract performance dispute resulting in an increase in estimated costs to complete a project for a foreign oil & gas client during the third quarter of 2017. Excluding this reduction, gross profit increased $1.5 million due to an increase in higher margin revenue streams during the nine months ended September 30, 2017 as compared to the same period in 2016.

Sandy Training and Marketing gross profit of $10.2 million or 13.5% of revenue for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 increased by $0.3 million or 3.0% when compared to gross profit of $9.9 million or 13.1% of revenue for the same period in 2016. Despite the slight revenue decline in this segment, gross profit increased due to a decrease in lower margin projects.
 
Performance Readiness Solutions gross profit of $10.5 million or 15.3% of revenue for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 increased by $2.8 million or 36.4% when compared to gross profit of $7.7 million or 13.7% of revenue for the same period in 2016. The increase in gross profit is primarily due to a $1.4 million increase attributable to acquisitions and the remaining $1.4 million increase is primarily due to the organic revenue growth noted above and a decrease in costs due to cost cutting measures.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
 
Selling, general and administrative expenses increased $4.5 million or 12.5% from $36.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 to $40.8 million for the same period in 2017. The increase in SG&A expenses is primarily due to a $2.9 million increase in costs relating to our new financial system implementation which we anticipate will go live in 2018, a $0.4 million increase in bad debt expense, a $0.3 million increase in amortization expense, a $0.2 million increase in legal costs primarily related to acquisitions and a net increase in other costs of $0.7 million primarily due to increased labor and benefits.

Change in Fair Value of Contingent Consideration
 
We recognized a net gain on the change in fair value of contingent consideration related to acquisitions of $0.4 million compared to a net loss of $0.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively. Changes in the fair value of contingent consideration obligations result from changes in discount periods, changes in the timing and amount of revenue and/or earnings estimates and changes in probability assumptions with respect to the likelihood of achieving the various earn-out criteria.

Interest Expense
 
Interest expense increased $0.5 million from $1.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 to $1.5 million for the same period in 2017. The increase in interest expense is primarily due to both an increase in interest rates and higher borrowings under the Credit Agreement.
 

25


Other Income (Expense)
 
Other expense was $0.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 compared to other income of $0.6 million for the same period in 2016 and consisted primarily of income from a joint venture and foreign currency gains and losses. During the nine months ended September 30, 2017, we had a $0.1 million decrease in income from a joint venture compared to the corresponding period in 2016. In addition, we had a $0.2 million net foreign currency loss for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 compared to a $0.3 million net foreign currency gain during the same period in 2016. Foreign currency gains and losses primarily relate to the effect of exchange rates on intercompany receivables and payables and third party receivables and payables that are denominated in currencies other than the functional currency of our foreign subsidiaries.
 
Income Tax Expense
 
Income tax expense was $5.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 compared to $8.1 million for the same period in 2016. The effective income tax rate was 28.3% and 37.4% for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively. The decrease in the effective income tax rate in 2017 compared to 2016 is primarily due to a change in the mix of taxable income from higher taxing jurisdictions to lower taxing jurisdictions. Income tax expense for the quarterly periods is based on an estimated annual effective tax rate which includes the U.S. federal, state and local, and non-U.S. statutory rates, permanent differences, and other items that may have an impact on income tax expense.

Liquidity and Capital Resources
 
Working Capital
 
Our working capital was $53.1 million at September 30, 2017 compared to $59.9 million at December 31, 2016. As of September 30, 2017 we had $27.5 million of short-term borrowings and $31.0 million of long-term debt outstanding. We believe that cash generated from operations and borrowings available under our Credit Agreement ($67.2 million of available borrowings as of September 30, 2017) will be sufficient to fund our working capital and other requirements for at least the next twelve months.
 
As of September 30, 2017, the amount of cash and cash equivalents held outside of the U.S. by foreign subsidiaries was $17.9 million. At the present time, we do not anticipate repatriating these balances to fund domestic operations. We would be required to accrue for and pay taxes in the U.S. in the event we repatriated these funds.

Stock Repurchase Program

We have a share repurchase program under which we may repurchase shares of our common stock from time to time in the open market, subject to prevailing business and market conditions and other factors. During the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, we repurchased approximately 101,000 and 340,000 shares, respectively, of our common stock in the open market for a total cost of approximately $2.4 million and $8.0 million, respectively. As of September 30, 2017, there was approximately $3.6 million available for future repurchases under the buyback program.
 

26


Acquisition-Related Payments
 
Below is a summary of the potential maximum contingent consideration we may be required to pay in connection with completed acquisitions as of September 30, 2017 (dollars in thousands):
Acquisition:
Original range of potential undiscounted payments
 
As of September 30, 2017 Maximum contingent consideration due in
 
 
 
2017
2018
2019-2020
Total
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Maverick
$0 - $10,000
 
$
5,000

$
5,000

$

$
10,000

McKinney Rogers
$0 - $18,000
 
967

4,000

8,000

12,967

Emantras
 
 

*



CLS
$0 - $2,132
 

2,132


2,132

 
 
 
$
5,967

$
11,132

$
8,000

$
25,099

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
* There is no maximum contingent consideration payable to the seller.
 
Significant Customers & Concentration of Credit Risk
 
We have a market concentration of revenue in both the automotive sector and financial services & insurance sector. Revenue from the automotive industry accounted for approximately 22% of our consolidated revenue for both of the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2017 and 2016. In addition, we have a concentration of revenue from a single automotive customer, which accounted for approximately 13% of our consolidated revenue for both of the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2017 and 2016. As of September 30, 2017, accounts receivable from a single automotive customer totaled $10.9 million, or 11%, of our consolidated accounts receivable balance.

Revenue from the financial services & insurance industry accounted for approximately 20% and 21% of our consolidated revenue for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively. In addition, we have a concentration of revenue from a single financial services customer, which accounted for approximately 14% and 15% of our consolidated revenue for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively. As of September 30, 2017, billed and unbilled accounts receivable from a single financial services customer totaled $28.3 million, or 19%, of our consolidated accounts receivable and costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings on uncompleted contracts balances. No other single customer accounted for more than 10% of our consolidated revenue for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 or 2016 or consolidated accounts receivable balance as of September 30, 2017.


27


Cash Flows
 
Nine Months ended September 30, 2017 Compared to the Nine Months ended September 30, 2016
 
Our cash and cash equivalents balance increased $1.7 million from $16.3 million as of December 31, 2016 to $18.0 million as of September 30, 2017. The increase in cash and cash equivalents during the nine months ended September 30, 2017 resulted from cash provided by operating activities of $21.2 million, cash used in investing activities of $14.4 million, cash used in financing activities of $6.4 million and a positive effect of exchange rates changes on cash of $1.3 million.
 
Cash provided by operating activities was $21.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 compared to $11.9 million for the same period in 2016. The increase in cash from operations is primarily due to a net favorable change in working capital balances during the nine months ended September 30, 2017 compared to the same period in 2016.
 
Cash used in investing activities was $14.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 compared to $5.4 million for the same period in 2016. The increase in cash used is primarily due to $9.0 million increase in cash paid to complete acquisitions and a $1.1 million increase in fixed asset additions.
 
Cash used in financing activities was $6.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 compared to $11.2 million for the same period in 2016. The decrease in cash used in financing activities is primarily due a $5.5 million decrease in cash used for share repurchases during the nine months ended September 30, 2017 compared to the same period in 2016, partially offset by $0.5 million of cash paid for a premium on an interest rate cap agreement which is discussed more fully below.
 
Debt

On December 15, 2016, we entered into a Fifth Amended and Restated Financing and Security Agreement (the “Credit Agreement”). The Credit Agreement provides for a revolving credit facility up to a maximum principal amount of $100 million expiring on December 31, 2021 and for a term loan in the principal amount of $40 million maturing on April 30, 2020, and is secured by substantially all of our assets.

The maximum interest rate on the Credit Agreement is the daily one-month LIBOR market index rate (for borrowings in Dollars and Sterling) or the daily one month EURIBOR (for borrowings in Euros) plus 2.50%. Based on our financial performance, the interest rate can be reduced to a minimum rate of the daily one-month LIBOR market index rate plus 1.25%, with the rate being determined based on our maximum leverage ratio for the preceding four quarters. Each unpaid advance on the revolving loan will bear interest until repaid. The term loan is payable in monthly installments equal to $1.0 million plus applicable interest, beginning on January 1, 2017. We may prepay the term loan or the revolving loan, in whole or in part, at any time without premium or penalty, subject to certain conditions. Amounts repaid or prepaid on the term loan may not be reborrowed.

The Credit Agreement contains customary affirmative and negative covenants, including covenants that limit or restrict our and our subsidiaries’ (subject to certain exceptions) ability to, among other things, grant liens, make investments, incur indebtedness, merge or consolidate, dispose of assets, make acquisitions. We are also required to maintain compliance with a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio of 1.5 to 1.0 and a maximum leverage ratio of 3.0 to 1.0. As of September 30, 2017, our fixed coverage charge ratio was 1.7 to 1.0 and our leverage ratio was 1.5 to 1.0, all of which were in compliance with the Credit Agreement.

As of September 30, 2017, our total long-term debt outstanding under the term loan was $31.0 million. In addition, there were $27.5 million of borrowings outstanding and $67.2 million of available borrowings under the Credit Agreement. For the nine months ended September 30, 2017, the weighted average interest rate on our borrowings was 2.8%.

In March 2017, we entered into an interest rate swap agreement which effectively fixed our interest rate on the remaining $37 million outstanding on our term loan to a fixed LIBOR of 1.59% plus the applicable margin under the Credit Agreement. We have designated the interest rate swap, which expires on April 1, 2020, as a cash flow hedge and have applied hedge accounting. The fair value of the derivative liability associated with the interest rate swap was less than $0.1 million as of September 30, 2017 and is included in other liabilities on the condensed consolidated balance sheet.

In April 2017, we entered into an interest rate cap agreement and paid a premium of $0.5 million which caps the daily one-month LIBOR at 2.0% for an aggregate notional amount of $20.0 million of our variable rate debt under our credit facility. The interest rate cap agreement matures on December 31, 2021. We have designated the interest rate cap as a cash flow hedge and have applied hedge accounting. The fair value of the derivative asset associated with the interest rate cap was $0.2 million as of September 30, 2017 and is included in other assets on the condensed consolidated balance sheet.

28



Off-Balance Sheet Commitments
 
As of September 30, 2017, we did not have any off-balance sheet commitments except for operating leases and letters of credit entered into in the normal course of business.
 
Accounting Standards Issued

We discuss recently issued accounting standards in Note 2 to the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

Forward-Looking Statements
 
This report contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 provides a “safe harbor” for forward looking statements. Forward–looking statements are not statements of historical facts, but rather reflect our current expectations concerning future events and results. We use words such as “expects,” “intends,” “believes,” “may,” “will,” “should,” “could,” “anticipates,” “estimates,” “plans” and similar expressions to indicate forward-looking statements, but their absence does not mean a statement is not forward-looking. Because these forward-looking statements are based upon management’s expectations and assumptions and are subject to risks and uncertainties, there are important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, those factors set forth in Item 1A - Risk Factors of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016 and those other risks and uncertainties detailed in our periodic reports and registration statements filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. We caution that these risk factors may not be exhaustive. We operate in a continually changing business environment, and new risk factors emerge from time to time. We cannot predict these new risk factors, nor can we assess the effect, if any, of the new risk factors on our business or the extent to which any factor or combination of factors may cause actual results to differ from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements.
 
If any one or more of these expectations and assumptions proves incorrect, actual results will likely differ materially from those contemplated by the forward-looking statements. Even if all of the foregoing assumptions and expectations prove correct, actual results may still differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements as a result of factors we may not anticipate or that may be beyond our control. While we cannot assess the future impact that any of these differences could have on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows or the market price of shares of our common stock, the differences could be significant. We do not undertake to update any forward-looking statements made by us, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. You are cautioned not to unduly rely on such forward-looking statements when evaluating the information presented in this report.



29



Item 3.    Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure About Market Risk
 
Interest rate risk

We are exposed to interest rate risk related to our outstanding debt obligations. Borrowings under our Credit Agreement bear interest based on a variable rate. The maximum interest rate on our borrowings under the Credit Agreement is the daily one-month LIBOR market index rate (for borrowings in Dollars and Sterling) or the daily one month EURIBOR (for borrowings in Euros) plus 2.50%. Based on our financial performance, the interest rate can be reduced to a minimum rate of the daily one-month LIBOR market index rate plus 1.25%, with the rate being determined based on our maximum leverage ratio for the preceding four quarters. As such, we are exposed to interest rate risk relating to the fluctuations in the LIBOR rate. In an effort to manage our exposure to this risk, we entered into interest rate derivative contracts discussed in further detail below.
In March 2017, we entered into an interest rate swap agreement which effectively fixed our interest rate on the remaining $37 million outstanding on our term loan to a fixed LIBOR of 1.59% plus the applicable margin under the Credit Agreement. We have designated the interest rate swap, which expires on April 1, 2020, as a cash flow hedge and have applied hedge accounting. The fair value of the derivative liability associated with the interest rate swap was less than $0.1 million as of September 30, 2017 and is included in other liabilities on the condensed consolidated balance sheet.
In April 2017, we entered into an interest rate cap agreement and paid a premium of $0.5 million which caps the daily one-month LIBOR at 2.0% for an aggregate notional amount of $20.0 million of our variable rate debt under our credit facility. The interest rate cap agreement matures on December 31, 2021. We have designated the interest rate cap as a cash flow hedge and have applied hedge accounting. The fair value of the derivative asset associated with the interest rate cap was $0.2 million as of September 30, 2017 and is included in other assets on the condensed consolidated balance sheet.

 
Item 4.    Controls and Procedures
 
Disclosure Controls and Procedures 
 
We maintain a comprehensive set of disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (“Exchange Act”)) designed to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed in our filings under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported accurately and within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms. Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer, we have evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based upon this evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that the design and operation of these disclosure controls and procedures are effective in providing reasonable assurance of the achievement of the objectives described above.
 
Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
 
During the quarter ended September 30, 2017, there was no change in our internal control over financial reporting (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d—15(f) under the Exchange Act) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect our internal control over financial reporting.
 

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PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
 
Item 1. Legal Proceedings
 
None.
 
Item 1A. Risk Factors
 
The Company has no material changes to the disclosure on this matter made in its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016.
 

 

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

The following table provides information about the Company's share repurchase activity for the three months ended September 30, 2017
 
 
Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
 
 
Total number
of shares purchased
 
 
Average
price paid per share
 
Total number
of shares
purchased as
part of publicly announced program
 
Approximate
dollar value of
shares that may yet
be purchased under the program (1)
Month
 
 
 
 
 
July 1 - 31, 2017
 

 
 
$

 

 
$
3,631,000

August 1 - 31, 2017
 
13,338

(2)
 
$
28.41

 

 
$
3,631,000

September 1 - 30, 2017
 

 
 
$

 

 
$
3,631,000

 
(1)
We have a share repurchase program under which we may repurchase shares of our common stock from time to time in the open market subject to prevailing business and market conditions and other factors. There is no expiration date for the repurchase program.
(2)
Includes shares surrendered by employees to satisfy minimum tax withholding obligations on restricted stock units which vested and shares surrendered to exercise stock options and satisfy the related minimum tax withholding obligations during the third quarter of 2017.






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Item 6.
Exhibits

31.1
31.2
32.1
101
The following materials from GP Strategies Corporation’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2017, formatted in XBRL (eXtensible Business Reporting Language): (i) Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets; (ii) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations; (iii) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income, (iv) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows; and (v) Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.*
*Filed herewith.


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SIGNATURES
 
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 thereunto duly authorized.
 
 
GP STRATEGIES CORPORATION
 
 
November 2, 2017
/s/  Scott N. Greenberg
 
Scott N. Greenberg
 
Chief Executive Officer
 
 
November 2, 2017
/s/  Sharon Esposito-Mayer
 
Sharon Esposito-Mayer
 
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

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