Table of Contents

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

FORM 10-Q

 

[X]

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

 

 

 

For the quarterly period ended SeptemberJune 30, 20172019

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 0-29466001-35929

 

         National Research Corporation         

(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Wisconsin

 

47-0634000

(State or other jurisdiction of

 

(I.R.S. Employer

incorporation or organization)

 

Identification No.)

 

 

1245 Q Street, Lincoln, Nebraska          68508

 

 

(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)

 

 

 

(402) 475-2525

 

 

(Registrant’sRegistrant’s telephone number, including area code)

 

Securities registered pursuant to 12(b) of the Act:

Title of Each Class

Trading Symbol(s)

Name of each exchange on which registered

Common Stock, $.001 par value

NRC

The NASDAQ stock market

 

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  ☒  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 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes  ☒  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. See the definitions of "large accelerated filer," "accelerated "accelerated filer," "smaller reporting company," and "emerging growth company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

 

Large accelerated filer

Accelerated filer     

Non-accelerated filer

    (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)

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 12b-2 of the Act.)

Yes ☐    No  ☒ 

 

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’sissuer’s classes of common stock as of the latest practicable date.

 

Class A Common Stock, $.001 par value, outstanding as of OctoberJuly 226, 2019: 724,879,414, 2017: 20,942,785 shares

Class B Common Stock, $.001 par value, outstanding as of October 27, 2017: 3,540,244 shares

 

-1-

 

NATIONAL RESEARCH CORPORATION

 

FORM 10-Q INDEX

 

For the Quarter Ended SeptemberJune 30, 20172019

 

 

 

Page No.

 

 

 

PART I.

FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

 

 

 

 

 

Item 1.

Financial Statements

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

3

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income

4

 

 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income

5

 

 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive IncomeShareholders' Equity

66-7

 

 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

78

 

 

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

8-169-21

 

 

 

 

 

Item 2.

Management’sManagement’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

17-2422-28

 

 

 

 

 

Item 3.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

2428

 

 

 

 

 

Item 4.

Controls and Procedures

2428

 

 

 

 

PART II.

OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1.

Legal Proceedings

29

 

 

 

 

 

Item 1A.

Risk Factors

2529

 

 

 

 

 

Item 2.

Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

2529

 

 

 

 

 

Item 6.

Exhibits

2530

 

 

 

 

Signatures

2631

 

-2-1

 

Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

 

Certain matters discussed in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These forward-looking statements can generally be identified as such because the context of the statement includes phrases such as National Research Corporation, doing business as NRC Health (“NRC Health,” the “Company,” “we,” “our,” “us” or similar terms), “believes,” “expects,” or other words of similar import. Similarly, statements that describe the Company’s future plans, objectives or goals are also forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties which could cause actual results or outcomes to differ materially from those currently anticipated. Factors that could affect actual results or outcomes include, without limitation, the following factors:

 

 

The possibility of non-renewal of the Company’s client service contracts and retention of key clients;

 

 

The Company’s ability to compete in its markets, which are highly competitive with new market entrants, and the possibility of increased price pressure and expenses;

 

 

The effects of an economic downturn;

 

 

The impact of consolidation in the healthcare industry;

 

 

The impact of federal healthcare reform legislation or other regulatory changes;

 

 

The Company’s ability to attract and retain key managers and other personnel;

 

 

The possibility that the Company’s intellectual property and other proprietary information technology could be copied or independently developed by its competitors;

 

 

The possibility for failures or deficiencies in the Company’s information technology platform;

The possibility that the Company could be subject to security breaches or computer viruses; and

 

 

The factors set forth under the caption “Risk Factors” in Part I, Item 1A of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016,2018, as such section may be updated or supplemented by Part II, Item 1A of the Company’s subsequently filed Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q (including this Report).

 

Shareholders, potential investors and other readers are urged to consider these and other factors in evaluating the forward-looking statements, and are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements included are only made as of the date of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and the Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update such forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent events or circumstances.circumstances except as required by the federal securities laws.

 

-3-2

Table of Contents

 

PART I – Financial Information

ITEM 1. Financial Statements

NATIONAL RESEARCH CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(In thousands, except share amounts and par value)

  

June 30,

2019

  

December 31,

2018

 

 

 

(unaudited)

     
Assets       

Current assets:

        

Cash and cash equivalents

 $4,020  $12,991 

Trade accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $124 and $175, respectively

  15,087   11,922 

Prepaid expenses

  2,696   2,925 

Income taxes receivable

  637   348 

Other current assets

  448   224 

Total current assets

  22,888   28,410 
         

Net property and equipment

  13,872   14,153 

Intangible assets, net

  1,915   2,102 

Goodwill

  57,922   57,831 

Deferred contract costs, net

  3,743   3,484 

Operating lease right-of-use assets

  1,985   -- 

Other assets

  1,950   2,052 

Total assets

 $104,275  $108,032 

Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity

        

Current liabilities:

        

Current portion of notes payable, net of unamortized debt issuance costs

 $3,890  $3,667 

Line of credit

  1,000   -- 

Accounts payable

  1,186   613 

Accrued wages, bonus and profit sharing

  5,535   5,798 

Accrued expenses

  2,813   2,834 

Income taxes payable

  43   636 

Dividends payable

  4,727   17,113 

Deferred revenue

  16,988   16,244 

Other current liabilities

  894   204 

Total current liabilities

  37,076   47,109 
         

Notes payable, net of current portion

  32,139   34,176 

Deferred income taxes

  6,768   6,276 

Other long term liabilities

  2,325   1,388 

Total liabilities

  78,308   88,949 
         

Shareholders’ equity:

        

Preferred stock, $0.01 par value, authorized 2,000,000 shares, none issued

  --   -- 

Common stock, $0.001 par value; authorized 60,000,000 shares, issued 30,027,919 in 2019 and 29,917,667 in 2018, outstanding 24,879,414 in 2019 and 24,800,796 in 2018

  30   30 

Additional paid-in capital

  158,691   157,312 

Retained earnings (accumulated deficit)

  (100,201

)

  (106,339

)

Accumulated other comprehensive loss, foreign currency translation adjustment

  (2,296

)

  (2,916

)

Treasury stock, at cost; 5,148,505 Common shares in 2019 and 5,116,871 shares in 2018

  (30,257

)

  (29,004

)

Total shareholders’ equity

  25,967   19,083 

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity

 $104,275  $108,032 

 

  

September 30,

2017

  

December 31,

2016

 
  

(unaudited)

     

Assets

        

Current assets:

        

Cash and cash equivalents

 $35,750  $33,021 

Trade accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $188 and $169 in 2017 and 2016, respectively

  13,588   10,864 

Unbilled revenue

  1,283   1,546 

Prepaid expenses

  3,075   1,585 

Income tax receivable

  61   14 

Other current assets

  65   35 

Total current assets

  53,822   47,065 
         

Property and equipment, net

  12,089   11,806 

Intangible assets, net

  2,932   3,124 

Goodwill

  58,036   57,861 

Other

  1,861   768 

Total assets

 $128,740  $120,624 

Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity

        

Current liabilities:

        

Current portion of notes payable

 $1,693  $2,683 

Accounts payable

  548   765 

Accrued wages, bonus and profit sharing

  4,151   4,543 

Accrued expenses

  3,122   3,069 

Current portion of capital lease obligations

  87   82 

Income taxes payable

  1,862   662 

Dividends payable

  4,218   4,213 

Deferred revenue

  18,486   15,497 

Total current liabilities

  34,167   31,514 
         

Notes payable, net of current portion

  -   857 

Deferred income taxes

  4,855   4,670 

Other long term liabilities

  874   777 

Total liabilities

  39,896   37,818 
         

Shareholders’ equity:

        

Preferred stock, $0.01 par value; authorized 2,000,000 shares, none issued

  --   -- 

Class A Common stock, $0.001 par value; authorized 60,000,000 shares, issued 25,799,230 in 2017 and 25,656,760 in 2016, outstanding 20,942,785 in 2017 and 20,891,069 in 2016

  26   26 

Class B Common stock, $0.001 par value; authorized 80,000,000 shares, issued 4,317,656 in 2017 and 4,308,875 in 2016, outstanding 3,540,244 in 2017 and 3,539,931 in 2016

  4   4 

Additional paid-in capital

  50,121   46,725 

Retained earnings

  75,278   71,507 

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

  (1,528

)

  (2,626

)

Treasury stock, at cost; 4,856,445 Class A shares, 777,412 Class B shares in 2017 and 4,765,691 Class A shares, 768,944 Class B shares in 2016

  (35,057

)

  (32,830

)

Total shareholders’ equity

  88,844   82,806 

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity

 $128,740  $120,624 


See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements

 

-4-3

Table of Contents

 

NATIONAL RESEARCH CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

(In thousands, except for per share amounts, unaudited)

 

 

Three months ended
September 30,

  

Nine months ended
September 30,

  

Three months ended
June 30,

  

Six months ended
June 30,

 
 

2017

  

2016

  

2017

  

2016

  

2019

  

2018

  

2019

  

2018

 
                                

Revenue

 $28,951  $27,032  $87,661  $81,016  $31,414  $28,017  $62,894  $59,034 
                                

Operating expenses:

                                

Direct

  12,267   11,468   36,706   33,741   11,506   10,996   23,160   23,904 

Selling, general and administrative

  8,430   7,139   22,021   21,766   8,319   7,940   16,026   15,808 

Depreciation and amortization

  1,132   1,086   3,376   3,146   1,440   1,325   2,855   2,608 

Total operating expenses

  21,829   19,693   62,103   58,653   21,265   20,261   42,041   42,320 
                                

Operating income

  7,122   7,339   25,558   22,363   10,149   7,756   20,853   16,714 
                                

Other income (expense):

                                

Interest income

  29   12   58   34   8   9   14   54 

Interest expense

  (18

)

  (38

)

  (68

)

  (158

)

  (533

)

  (439

)

  (1,103

)

  (447

)

Other, net

  40   (4

)

  76   112   (139

)

  493   (419

)

  464 
                                

Total other income (expense)

  51   (30

)

  66   (12

)

  (664

)

  63   (1,508

)

  71 
                                

Income before income taxes

  7,173   7,309   25,624   22,351   9,485   7,819   19,345   16,785 
                                

Provision for income taxes

  3,020   2,580   9,198   7,558 

Provision (benefit) for income taxes

  2,092   (129

)

  3,756   1,531 
                                

Net income

 $4,153  $4,729  $16,426  $14,793  $7,393  $7,948  $15,589  $15,254 
                                

Earnings Per Share of Common Stock:

                                

Basic Earnings Per Share:

                                

Class A

 $0.10  $0.11  $0.39  $0.35 

Common (formerly Class A)

 $0.30  $0.29  $0.63  $0.47 

Class B

 $0.59  $0.67  $2.34  $2.11  $--  $0.27  $--  $1.31 

Diluted Earnings Per Share:

                                

Class A

 $0.09  $0.11  $0.38  $0.35 

Class B

 $0.57  $0.66  $2.28  $2.08 
                

Dividends Per Share of Common Stock:

                

Class A

 $0.10  $0.08  $0.30  $0.24 

Common (formerly Class A)

 $0.29  $0.28  $0.61  $0.45 

Class B

 $0.60  $0.48  $1.80  $1.44  $--  $0.26  $--  $1.27 
                                

Weighted average shares and share equivalents outstanding:

                                

Class A – basic

  20,788   20,716   20,759   20,712 

Common (formerly Class A) – basic

  24,789   23,957   24,777   22,429 

Class B – basic

  3,514   3,511   3,514   3,503   --   3,527   --   3,527 

Class A – diluted

  21,740   21,068   21,537   21,017 

Common (formerly Class A) – diluted

  25,586   24,846   25,549   23,350 

Class B – diluted

  3,620   3,556   3,595   3,557   --   3,620   --   3,628 

 

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements

 

-5-4

Table of Contents

 

NATIONAL RESEARCH CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(In thousands, unaudited)

 

 

Three months ended
September 30,

  

Nine months ended

September 30,

  

Three months ended
June 30,

  

Six months ended

June 30,

 
 

2017

  

2016

  

2017

  

2016

  

2019

  

2018

  

2019

  

2018

 
                                

Net income

 $4,153  $4,729  $16,426  $14,793  $7,393  $7,948  $15,589  $15,254 

Other comprehensive income:

                                

Foreign currency translation adjustment

  599   (198

)

  1,098   680   255   (284

)

  620   (698

)

Other comprehensive income

 $599  $(198

)

 $1,098  $680  $255  $(284

)

 $620  $(698

)

                                

Comprehensive Income

 $4,752  $4,531  $17,524  $15,473  $7,648  $7,664  $16,209  $14,556 

 

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

-6-5

Table of Contents

 

NATIONAL RESEARCH CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY

CONDENSED Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity

(In thousands except share and per share amounts, unaudited)

  

Common
Stock (formerly

Class A)

  

Additional
Paid-in
Capital

  

Retained
Earnings

  

Accumulated

Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)

  

Treasury

Stock

  

Total

 

Balances at December 31, 2018

 $30  $157,312  $(106,339

)

 $(2,916

)

 $(29,004

)

 $19,083 

Purchase of 28,657 shares treasury stock

  --   --   --   --   (1,116

)

  (1,116

)

Issuance of 86,247 common shares for the exercise of stock options

  --   633   --   --   --   633 

Issuance of 6,005 restricted common shares

  --   --   --   --   --   -- 

Non-cash stock compensation expense

  --   302   --   --   --   302 

Dividends declared of $0.19 per common share

  --   --   (4,724

)

  --   --   (4,724

)

Other comprehensive income, foreign currency translation adjustment

  --   --   --   365   --   365 

Net income

  --   --   8,196   --   --   8,196 

Balances at March 31, 2019

 $30  $158,247  $(102,867

)

 $(2,551

)

 $(30,120

)

 $22,739 

Purchase of 2,977 shares treasury stock

  --   --   --   --   (137

)

  (137)

Issuance of 18,000 common shares for the exercise of stock options

  --   137   --   --   --   137 

Non-cash stock compensation expense

  --   307��  --   --   --   307 

Dividends declared of $0.19 per common share

  --   --   (4,727

)

  --   --   (4,727

)

Other comprehensive income, foreign currency translation adjustment

  --   --   --   255   --   255 

Net income

  --   --   7,393   --   --   7,393 

Balances at June 30, 2019

 $30  $158,691  $(100,201

)

 $(2,296) $(30,257) $25,967 

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

6

Table of Contents

NATIONAL RESEARCH CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY

CONDENSED Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity

(In thousands, except share and per share amounts, unaudited)

  

Common
Stock (formerly

Class A)

  

Class B

Common
Stock

  

Additional
Paid-in
Capital

  

Retained
Earnings

  

Accumulated

Other
Comprehensive

Income (Loss)

  

Treasury

Stock

  

Total

 

Balances at December 31, 2017

 $26  $4  $51,025  $77,574  $(1,635

)

 $(36,953

)

 $90,041 

Purchase of 30,180 shares of class A and 3,677 shares of class B treasury stock

  --   --   --   --   --   (1,272

)

  (1,272

)

Issuance of 74,769 class A and 9,296 class B common shares for the exercise of stock options

  --   --   737   --   --   --   737 

Issuance of 6,793 class A restricted common shares

  --   --   --   --   --   --   -- 

Non-cash stock compensation expense

  --   --   454   --   --   --   454 

Dividends declared of $0.10 per class A and $0.60 per class B common share

  --   --   --   (4,223

)

  --   --   (4,223

)

Cumulative effect adjustment for adoption of ASC 606, net of income tax

  --   --   --   2,735   --   --   2,735 

Other comprehensive income, foreign currency translation adjustment

  --   --   --   --   (414

)

  --   (414

)

Net income

  --   --   --   7,306   --   --   7,306 

Balances at March 31, 2018

 $26  $4  $52,216  $83,392  $(2,049

)

 $(38,225

)

 $95,364 

Purchase of 126,617 shares of class A treasury stock

  --   --   --   --   --   (4,358

)

  (4,358

)

Issuance of 270,189 class A common shares for the exercise of stock options

  --   --   4,182   --   --   --   4,182 

Forfeitures of (10,289) class A restricted common shares

  --   --   --   --   --   --   -- 

Non-cash stock compensation expense

  --   --   541   --   --   --   541 

Settlement of class B restricted common shares and stock options in connection with Recapitalization for cash of $3,271 and 90,369 class A common shares

  --   --   (2,548

)

  --   --   (723

)

  (3,271

)

Settlement of class B common shares in connection with Recapitalization (3,527,246 class B common shares exchanged for $69,099 cash and 3,527,246 class A common shares)

  4   --   118,335   --   --   (187,438

)

  (69,099

)

Retirement of 4,328,552 class B common shares in connection with Recapitalization

  --   (4

)

  (17,112

)

  (186,944

)

  --   204,060   -- 

Dividends declared of $0.17 per class A common share

  --   --   --   (4,206

)

  --   --   (4,206

)

Other comprehensive income, foreign currency translation adjustment

  --   --   --   --   (284

)

  --   (284

)

Net income

  --   --   --   7,948   --   --   7,948 

Balances at June 30, 2018

 $30  $--  $155,614  $(99,810

)

 $(2,333

)

 $(26,684

)

 $26,817 

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

7

Table of Contents

NATIONAL RESEARCH CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(In thousands, unaudited)

 

 

Nine months ended

  

Six months ended

 
 

September 30,

  

June 30,

 
 

2017

  

2016

  

2019

  

2018

 

Cash flows from operating activities:

                

Net income

 $16,426  $14,793  $15,589  $15,254 

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

                

Depreciation and amortization

  3,376   3,146   2,855   2,608 

Deferred income taxes

  184   905   472   996 

Reserve for uncertain tax positions

  112   (42

)

  (251

)

  92 

Non-cash share-based compensation expense

  1,273   1,548   609   995 

Loss on disposal of property and equipment

  40   2 

Net changes in assets and liabilities:

                

Trade accounts receivable

  (2,574

)

  (4,197

)

  (3,088

)

  3,955 

Unbilled revenue

  276   141 

Prepaid expenses

  (1,274

)

  (315

)

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

  118   (2,393

)

Deferred contract costs, net

  (259

)

  2 

Operating lease assets and liabilities, net

  (4

)

  -- 

Accounts payable

  (108

)

  73   432   481 

Accrued expenses, wages, bonuses and profit sharing

  (293

)

  (90

)

  (222

)

  (2,371

)

Income taxes receivable and payable

  1,157   (476

)

  (881

)

  (1,235

)

Deferred revenue

  2,925   2,533   696   5 

Net cash provided by operating activities

  21,480   18,019   16,106   18,391 
                

Cash flows from investing activities:

                

Purchase of equity investment

  (1,300

)

  -- 

Purchase of intangible Content License

  (250

)

  -- 

Purchases of property and equipment

  (3,347

)

  (3,066

)

  (2,280

)

  (2,773

)

Net cash used in investing activities

  (4,897

)

  (3,066

)

  (2,280

)

  (2,773

)

                

Cash flows from financing activities:

                

Payments related to Recapitalization

  --   (72,370

)

Proceeds from issuance of note payable

  --   40,000 

Borrowings on line of credit

  16,500   1,000 

Payments on line of credit

  (15,500

)

  (1,000

)

Payment of debt issuance costs

  --   (187

)

Payments on notes payable

  (1,847

)

  (1,795

)

  (1,837

)

  (1,286

)

Payments on capital lease obligations

  (81

)

  (73

)

Cash paid for non-controlling interest

  --   (2,000

)

Proceeds from exercise of stock options

  --   548 

Payments on finance lease obligations

  (161

)

  (58

)

Payment of employee payroll tax withholdings on share-based awards exercised

  (105

)

  (204

)

  (483

)

  (712

)

Payment of dividends on common stock

  (12,649

)

  (25,180

)

  (21,837

)

  (8,445

)

Net cash used in financing activities

  (14,682

)

  (28,704

)

  (23,318

)

  (43,058

)

                

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash

  828   484   521   (595

)

Change in cash and cash equivalents

  2,729   (13,267

)

  (8,971

)

  (28,035

)

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

  33,021   42,145   12,991   34,733 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

 $35,750  $28,878  $4,020  $6,698 
                

Supplemental disclosure of cash paid for:

                

Interest, net of capitalized amounts

 $65  $152  $1,066  $256 

Income taxes

 $7,749  $7,254  $4,404  $1,703 

Supplemental disclosure of non-cash investing and financing activities:

                

Capital lease obligations originated for property and equipment

 $74  $109 

Common stock (formerly class A) issued in the Recapitalization in exchange for then-existing class B shares and options.

 $--  $121,371 

Finance lease obligations originated for property and equipment

 $167  $210 

Stock tendered to the Company for cashless exercise of stock options in connection with equity incentive plans

 $2,123  $397  $770  $4,919 

 

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

-7-8

Table of Contents

 

NATIONAL RESEARCH CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)

  

1.(1)

BASISSUMMARY OF CONSOLIDATION AND PRESENTATIONSIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Description of business and basis of presentation

 

National Research Corporation, doing business as NRC Health (“NRC Health,” the “Company,” “we,” “our,” “us” or similar terms), is a leading provider of analytics and insights that facilitate measurement and improvement of the patient and employee experience while also increasing patient engagement and customer loyalty for healthcare providers, payers and other healthcare organizations in the United States and Canada. NRC Health’s portfolio of solutions represent a unique set of capabilities that individually and collectively provide value to its clients. The Company’s solutions enable its clients to understandare offered at an enterprise level through the voiceVoice of the customer with greater clarity, immediacyCustomer ("VoC") platform, The Governance Institute, and depth.legacy Experience solutions.

 

The Company’sCompany’s six operating segments are aggregated into one reporting segment because they have similar economic characteristics and meet the other aggregation criteria from the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) guidance on segment disclosure. The six operating segments are Experience, The Governance Institute, Market Insights, Transparency, NRC HealthNational Research Corporation Canada and Transitions, (formerly Connect), which offer a portfolio of solutions that address specific needs around market insight, experience, transparency and governance for healthcare providers, payers and other healthcare organizations.

 

The condensed consolidated balance sheet of the Company at December 31, 2016,2018 was derived from the Company’sCompany’s audited consolidated balance sheet as of that date. All other financial statements contained herein are unaudited and, in the opinion of management, include all adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring adjustments) the Company considers necessary for a fair presentation of financial position, results of operations and cash flows in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States.

 

Information and footnote disclosures included in financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States have been condensed or omitted. These condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto that are included in the Company’sCompany’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016,2018, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on March 3, 2017.8, 2019.

 

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make certain estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

 

The condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiary, National Research Corporation Canada, doing business as NRC Health Canada. The condensed consolidated statement of income for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 also included Customer-Connect LLC.  Customer-Connect LLC became a wholly-owned subsidiary in March 2016 and was previously a variable interest entity for which NRC Health was deemed the primary beneficiary. On June 30, 2016, Customer-Connect LLC was dissolved. All significant intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated.

 

The Company’s Canadian subsidiary uses as its functional currency the local currency of the Company’s foreign subsidiary, National Research Corporation Canada, doing business as NRC Health Canada, is the subsidiary’s local currency. The Companycountry in which it operates. It translates theits assets and liabilities of its foreign subsidiaryinto U.S. dollars at the period-endexchange rate of exchangein effect at the balance sheet date. It translates its revenue and its foreign subsidiary’s income statement balancesexpenses at the average exchange rate prevailing during the period. The Company records the resultingincludes translation adjustmentgains and losses in accumulated other comprehensive loss,income (loss), a component of shareholders’ equity. Since the undistributed earnings of the Company’s foreign subsidiary are considered to be indefinitely reinvested, no taxes were provided for on currency translation adjustments arising from converting the investment denominated in a foreign currency to U.S. dollars. Gains and losses related to transactions denominated in a currency other than the subsidiary’s localfunctional currency of the country in which the Company operates and short-term intercompany accounts are included in other income (expense) in the condensed consolidated statements of income.

Equity Investments

The Company acquires equity investments to promote business and strategic objectives. For investments that do not have a readily determinable fair value, the Company applies either cost or equity method of accounting depending on the nature of its investment and its ability to exercise significant influence. Investments are periodically analyzed to determine whether or not there are any indicators of impairment and written down to fair value if the investment has incurred an other than temporary impairment. During the three-month period ended September 30, 2017, the Company acquired a $1.3 million investment in convertible preferred stock of PracticingExcellence.com, Inc., a privately-held Delaware Corporation (“PX”), which is carried at cost and included in other non-current assets. The Company has a seat on PX's board of directors and the Company's investment, which is not considered to be in-substance common stock, represents approximately 15.7% of the issued and outstanding equity interests in PX at September 30, 2017.

 

-8-9

 

ReclassificationsRevenue Recognition

 

Reclassifications have been madeThe Company derives a majority of its revenues from noncurrent deferred income taxesits annually renewable subscription-based service agreements with its customers, which include performance measurement and improvement services, healthcare analytics and governance education services. Such agreements are generally cancelable on short or no notice without penalty. See Note 3 for further information about the Company's contracts with customers. The Company accounts for revenue using the following steps:

Identify the contract, or contracts, with a customer

Identify the performance obligations in the contract

Determine the transaction price

Allocate the transaction price to the identified performance obligations

Recognize revenue when, or as, the Company satisfies the performance obligations.

The Company’s revenue arrangements with a client may include combinations of more than one service offering which may be executed at the same time, or within close proximity of one another. The Company combines contracts with the same customer into a single contract for accounting purposes when the contract is entered into at or near the same time and the contracts are negotiated together. For contracts that contain more than one separately identifiable performance obligation, the total transaction price is allocated to the identified performance obligations based upon the relative stand-alone selling prices of the performance obligations. The stand-alone selling prices are based on an observable price for services sold to other noncurrent liabilitiescomparable customers, when available, or an estimated selling price using a cost-plus margin or residual approach. The Company estimates the amount of total contract consideration it expects to receive for variable arrangements based on the most likely amount it expects to earn from the arrangement based on the expected quantities of services it expects to provide and the contractual pricing based on those quantities. The Company only includes some or a portion of variable consideration in the 2016 condensed consolidatedtransaction price when it is probable that a significant reversal in the amount of cumulative revenue recognized will not occur. The Company considers the sensitivity of the estimate, its relationship and experience with the client and variable services being performed, the range of possible revenue amounts and the magnitude of the variable consideration to the overall arrangement. The Company’s revenue arrangements do not contain any significant financing element due to the contract terms and the timing between when consideration is received and when the service is provided.

The Company’s arrangements with customers consist principally of four different types of arrangements: 1) subscription-based service agreements; 2) one-time specified services performed at a single point in time; 3) fixed, non-subscription service agreements; and 4) unit-priced service agreements.

Subscription-based services - Services that are provided under subscription-based service agreements are usually for a twelve month period and represent a single promise to stand ready to provide reporting, tools and services throughout the subscription period as requested by the customer. These agreements are renewable at the option of the customer at the completion of the initial contract term for an agreed upon price increase each year. These agreements represent a series of distinct monthly services that are substantially the same, with the same pattern of transfer to the customer as the customer receives and consumes the benefits throughout the contract period. Accordingly, subscription services are recognized ratably over the subscription period. Subscription services are typically billed annually in advance but may also be billed on a quarterly and monthly basis.

One-time services – These agreements typically require the Company to perform a specific one-time service in a particular month. The Company is entitled to fixed payment upon completion of the service. Under these arrangements, the Company recognizes revenue at the point in time the service is completed by the Company and accepted by the customer.

Fixed, non-subscription services – These arrangements typically require the Company to perform an unspecified amount of services for a fixed price during a fixed period of time. Revenues are recognized over time based upon the costs incurred to date in relation to the total estimated contract costs. In determining cost estimates, management uses historical and forecasted cost information which is based on estimated volumes, external and internal costs and other factors necessary in estimating the total costs over the term of the contract. Changes in estimates are accounted for using a cumulative catch up adjustment which could impact the amount and timing of revenue for any period.

Unit-price services – These arrangements typically require the Company to perform certain services on a periodic basis as requested by the customer for a per-unit amount which is typically billed in the month following the performance of the service. Revenue under these arrangements is recognized over the time the services are performed at the per-unit amount.

The Company recognizes contract assets or unbilled receivables related to revenue recognized for services completed but not invoiced to the clients. Unbilled receivables are classified as receivables when the Company has an unconditional right to contract consideration. A contract liability is recognized as deferred revenue when we invoice clients in advance of performing the related services under the terms of a contract. Deferred revenue is recognized as revenue when we have satisfied the related performance obligation.  

10

Deferred Contract Costs

Deferred contract costs, net is stated at gross deferred costs less accumulated amortization. The Company defers commissions and incentives, including payroll taxes, if they are incremental and recoverable costs of obtaining a renewable customer contract. Deferred contract costs are amortized over the estimated term of the contract, including renewals, which generally ranges from three to five years. The contract term was estimated by considering factors such as historical customer attrition rates and product life. The amortization period is adjusted for significant changes in the estimated remaining term of a contract.  An impairment of deferred contract costs is recognized when the unamortized balance of deferred contract costs exceeds the remaining amount of consideration the Company expects to receive less than the expected future costs directly related to providing those services.  The Company deferred incremental costs of obtaining a contract of $741,000 and $445,000 in the three-month periods ended June 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively. The Company deferred incremental costs of obtaining a contract of $1.6 million and $1.3 million in the six-month periods ended June 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively. Total amortization by expense classification for the three and six month-periods ended June 30, 2019 and 2018 was as follows:

  

Three months ended
June 30, 2019

  

Three months ended
June 30, 2018

  

Six months ended
June 30, 2019

  

Six months ended
June 30, 2018

 
  

(In thousands)

 

Direct Expenses

 $13  $29  $19  $59 

Selling, general and administrative expenses

  628   610   1,309   1,195 

Total

 $641  $639  $1,328  $1,254 

Additional expense included in selling, general and administrative expenses for impairment of costs capitalized due to lost clients was $1,000 and $7,000 for the three months ended June 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively and $21,000 and $19,000 in the six months ended June 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively. The Company has elected the practical expedient to expense contract costs when incurred for any nonrenewable contracts with a term of one year or less.

Leases

The Company adopted Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842) (“Topic 842” or the “New Leases Standard”) effective January 1, 2019 using a modified retrospective transition, with the cumulative-effect adjustment recorded to retained earnings as of the effective date. As a result, the financial results for periods prior to 2019 have not been restated. The Company elected practical expedients related to existing leases at transition to not reassess whether contracts are or contain leases, to not reassess lease classification, initial direct costs, or lease terms. Additionally, the Company has elected the practical expedient to account for lease and non-lease components as a single lease component for all asset classifications. The Company has also made a policy election to not record short-term leases with a duration of 12 months or less on the balance sheet.

Topic 842 requires lessees to recognize a lease liability and a right-of-use (“ROU”) asset on the balance sheet to present the unrecognized tax benefitsfor operating leases. The Company recorded $2.3 million of ROU assets and $2.4 million of lease liabilities related to state taxes grossoperating leases at the date of federal tax benefits, consistent with the 2017 financial statement presentation.transition. The ROU assets recorded were net of $43,000 of accrued liabilities and prepaid expenses representing previously deferred (prepaid) rent. There was no significant impact to the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, shareholders’ equity or cash flows. Accounting for finance leases is substantially unchanged.

We determine whether a lease is included in an agreement at inception. Operating lease ROU assets are included in operating lease right-of-use assets in our consolidated balance sheet. Finance lease assets are included in property and equipment. Operating and finance lease liabilities are included in other current liabilities and other long term liabilities. Certain lease arrangements may include options to extend or terminate the lease. The Company includes these provisions in the ROU and lease liabilities only when it is reasonably certain that the Company will exercise that option. Lease expense for operating lease payments is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term and is included in direct expenses and selling, general and administrative expenses. The Company’s lease agreements do not contain any residual value guarantees.

ROU assets represent our right to use an underlying asset for the lease term and lease liabilities represent our obligation to make lease payments during the lease term. ROU assets and lease liabilities are recorded at lease commencement based on the previously reported net incomeestimated present value of lease payments. Because the rate of interest implicit in each lease is not readily determinable, the Company uses its estimated incremental collateralized borrowing rate at lease commencement, to calculate the present value of lease payments. When determining the appropriate incremental borrowing rate, the Company considers its available credit facilities, recently issued debt and earnings per share.public interest rate information.

11

 

Fair Value Measurements

 

The Company’sCompany’s valuation techniques are based on maximizing observable inputs and minimizing the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value. Observable inputs reflect readily obtainable data from independent sources, while unobservable inputs reflect the Company’s market assumptions. The inputs are then classified into the following hierarchy: (1) Level 1 Inputs—quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities; (2) Level 2 Inputs—observable market-based inputs other than Level 1 inputs, such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for similar or identical assets or liabilities in markets that are not active, or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data; and (3) Level 3 Inputs—unobservable inputs.

Commercial paper and Eurodollar deposits are included in cash equivalents and are valued at amortized cost, which approximates fair value due to their short-term nature. Eurodollar deposits are United States dollars deposited in a foreign bank branch of a United States bank and have daily liquidity. Both of these are included as a Level 2 measurement in the table below.

 

The following details the Company’sCompany’s financial assets and liabilities within the fair value hierarchy at SeptemberJune 30, 20172019 and December 31, 2016:2018:

 

Fair Values Measured on a Recurring Basis

  

Level 1

  

Level 2

  

Level 3

  

Total

 
  

(In thousands)

 

As of June 30, 2019

                

Money Market Funds

 $2,854  $--  $--  $2,854 

Total Cash Equivalents

 $2,854  $--  $--  $2,854 
                 

As of December 31, 2018

                

Money Market Funds

 $1,848  $--  $--  $1,848 

Total Cash Equivalents

 $1,848  $--  $--  $1,848 

 

  

Level 1

  

Level 2

  

Level 3

  

Total

 
  

(In thousands)

 

As of September 30, 2017

                

Money Market Funds

 $12,586  $--  $--  $12,586 

Commercial Paper

  --   12,948   --   12,948 

Eurodollar Deposits

  --   10,008   --   10,008 

Total

 $12,586  $22,956  $--  $35,542 
                 

As of December 31, 2016

                

Money Market Funds

 $11,200  $--  $--  $11,200 

Commercial Paper

  --   21,450   --   21,450 

Total

 $11,200  $21,450  $--  $32,650 

There were no transfers between levels during the three and six-month periods ended June 30, 2019.

 

The Company’sCompany's long-term debt described in Note 5 is recorded at historical cost. The following are the carrying amounts and estimated fair values, using avalue of long-term debt is classified in Level 2 discounted cash flow analysisof the fair value hierarchy and was estimated based primarily on estimated current rates available for debt of the same remaining duration and adjusted for nonperformance and credit risk:credit. The following are the carrying amount and estimated fair values of long-term debt:

 

 

September 30,

2017

  

December 31,

2016

  

June 30, 2019

  

December 31, 2018

 
 

(In thousands)

  

(In thousands)

 

Total carrying amounts of long-term debt

 $1,693  $3,540 

Total carrying amount of long-term debt

 $36,159  $37,966 

Estimated fair value of long-term debt

 $1,690  $3,533  $37,157  $38,257 

 

The Company believes that the carrying amounts of trade accounts receivable, accounts payable, and accrued expenses approximate their fair value due to the short maturity of those instruments. Long-livedvalue. All non-financial assets that are not recognized or disclosed at fair value in the financial statements on a recurring basis, which includes ROU assets, property and equipment, goodwill, intangibles and cost method investments, are measured at fair value in certain circumstances (for example, when there is evidence of impairment). As of SeptemberJune 30, 2017,2019 and December 31, 2016,2018, there was no indication of impairment related to these assets.

Contingencies

From time to time, the Company is involved in certain claims and litigation arising in the normal course of business. Management assesses the probability of loss for such contingencies and recognizes a liability when a loss is probable and estimable. Legal fees, net of estimated insurance recoveries, are expensed as incurred.

 

-9-12

 

Recent Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (Topic 326):  Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments.  This ASU will require the measurement of all expected credit losses for financial assets, including trade receivables, held at the reporting date based on historical experience, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts. The guidance is effective for years beginning after December 15, 2019 and interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company believes its adoption will not significantly impact the Company’s results of operations and financial position.  

In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-15, Intangibles-Goodwill and Other-Internal Use Software (Subtopic 350-40). This ASU aligns the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred in a hosting arrangement that is a service contract with the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred to develop or obtain internal-use software (and hosting arrangements that include an internal use software license). The guidance is to be applied either retrospectively or prospectively and is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2019 and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the method of adoption and impact that this guidance will have upon the Company’s results of operations and financial position and has not yet determined whether early adoption will be elected.

2.(2)

RECAPITALIZATION

On April 16, 2018, the shareholders of the Company approved, among other things, an amendment to the Company’s Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation (the “Articles”) to effect a recapitalization (the “Recapitalization”) pursuant to which each share of the Company’s then-existing class B common stock was exchanged for one share of the Company’s then-existing Class A common stock plus $19.59 in cash, without interest. On April 17, 2018, the Company filed an amendment to its Articles effecting the Recapitalization and then a further amendment and restatement of the Company’s Articles which resulted in the elimination of the Company’s class B common stock and the reclassification of the Company’s class A common stock as a share of Common Stock, par value $0.001 per share (“Common Stock”). The Company issued 3,617,615 shares of Common Stock and paid $72.4 million in exchange for all class B shares outstanding and to settle outstanding share-based awards for class B common stock.

(3)

CONTRACTS WITH CUSTOMERS

The following table disaggregates revenue based on timing of revenue recognition (In thousands):

  

Three months ended

  

Six months ended

 
  

June 30, 2019

  

June 30, 2018

  

June 30, 2019

  

June 30, 2018

 

Subscription services recognized ratably over time

 $27,918  $25,653  $55,831  $51,419 

Services recognized at a point in time

  1,625   244   2,625   2,116 

Fixed, non-subscription recognized over time

  506   400   1,040   1,587 

Unit price services recognized over time

  1,365   1,720   3,398   3,912 

Total revenue

  31,414   28,017   62,894   59,034 

The Company’s solutions within the digital VoC platform accounted for 62.1% and 50.4% of total revenue, in the three-month periods ending June 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively, and 60.0% and 47.4% of total revenue in the six-month periods ending June 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively. The remaining revenue consists of legacy Experience and Governance Solutions.  

The following table provides information about receivables, contract assets, and contract liabilities from contracts with customers:

  

June 30, 2019

  

December 31, 2018

 
  

(In thousands)

 

Accounts receivables

 $15,087  $11,922 

Contract assets included in other current assets

 $230  $53 

Deferred Revenue

 $(16,988

)

 $(16,244

)

13

Significant changes in contract assets and contract liabilities during the six months ended June 30, 2019 and 2018 are as follows (in thousands):

  

Six months ended
June 30, 2019

  

Six months ended
June 30, 2018

 
  

Contract

Asset

  

Deferred

Revenue

  

Contract

Asset

  

Deferred

Revenue

 
  

Increase (Decrease)

 

Revenue recognized that was included in deferred revenue at beginning of year due to completion of services

 $-  $(12,226

)

 $-  $(13,625

)

Increases due to invoicing of client, net of amounts recognized as revenue

  -   12,751   -   13,796 

Decreases due to completion of services (or portion of services) and transferred to accounts receivable

  (46

)

  -   (58

)

  - 

Change due to cumulative catch-up adjustments arising from changes in expected contract consideration

      219       (153

)

Decreases due to impairment

  -   -   -   - 

Increases due to revenue recognized in the period with additional performance obligations before invoicing

  223   -   56   - 

The Company has elected to apply the practical expedient to not disclose the value of unsatisfied performance obligations for contracts with an original expected length of one year or less. Total remaining contract revenue for contracts with original duration of greater than one year expected to be recognized in the future related to performance obligations that are unsatisfied at June 30, 2019 approximated $513,000, of which $303,000, $180,000 and $30,000 will be recognized during the remainder of 2019, 2020 and 2021, respectively.

(4)

INCOME TAXES

 

The effective tax rate for the three-month period ended SeptemberJune 30, 20172019 increased to 42.1%22.1% compared to 35.3%(1.7)% for the same period in 2016 mainly2018 due to $384,000income tax benefits from the Recapitalization as a result of additional tax expense from non-deductible proposed recapitalization expenses (see Note 9). The effective tax rate for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2017 increased to 35.9% compared to 33.8% for the same period in 2016. The increase in the effective tax rate for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2017 was primarily due to $384,000accelerated vesting of additional tax expense from non-deductible proposed recapitalization expenses, increases in the estimated state tax ratesrestricted stock and settlement of stock options of $1.1 million, as well as a greater proportion of United States income subject to higheradditional tax rates than Canadian income. The Company also had reduced tax expense in 2016 of $105,000 from United States federal tax examination adjustments, net of interest and penalties, and state tax return adjustments decreasing tax expense.  These are partially offset by increased tax benefits of $149,000 in 2017 from the exercise of options and dividends paid to non-vested shareholders. shareholders of $800,000 in 2018. The effective tax rate for the six-month period ended June 30, 2019 increased to 19.4% compared to 9.1% for the same period in 2018. The effective tax rate was higher mainly due to income tax benefits from the Recapitalization as a result of accelerated vesting of restricted stock and settlement of stock options of $1.1 million, as well as additional tax benefits from the exercise of options and dividends paid to non-vested shareholders of $700,000 in 2018. This was partially offset by less non-deductible expenses of $154,000 primarily related to the Recapitalization.

 

3.(5)

NOTES PAYABLE

 

The Company’sCompany’s long-term debt consists of the following (In thousands):  

  

June 30, 2019

  

December 31, 2018

 

Term Loans

 $36,159  $37,996 

Less: current portion

  (3,890

)

  (3,667

)

Less: unamortized debt issuance costs

  (130

)

  (153

)

Notes payable, net of current portion

 $32,139  $34,176 

The Company’s credit agreement (the “Credit Agreement”) with First National Bank of Omaha, includes (i) a $15,000,000 revolving credit facility (the “Line of Credit”), (ii) a $40,000,000 term noteloan (the “Term Loan”) and (iii) a $15,000,000 delayed draw-dawn term facility (the “Delayed Draw Term Loan”). The Delayed Draw Term Loan may be used to fund any permitted future business acquisitions or repurchasing of the Company’s Common Stock and the Line of Credit is used to fund ongoing working capital needs and other general corporate purposes.

14

The Term Loan is payable in monthly installments of $212,468. $462,988 through April 2020 and $526,362 thereafter, with a balloon payment due at maturity in April 2023. The Term Loan bears interest at a fixed rate of 5%.

Borrowings under the term note bear interest at an annual rateLine of 3.12%. The outstanding balance ofCredit and the term note at September 30, 2017 was $1.7 million.

The Company also has a revolving credit note which was amended and extended effective June 30, 2017 with a maturity date of June 30, 2018. The maximum aggregate amount available under the revolving credit note is $12.0 million. Borrowings under the revolving credit noteDelayed Draw Term Loan, if any, bear interest at a variable annualfloating rate with three rate options atequal to the discretion of management as follows: (1) 2.1% plus the one-month30-day London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) or (2) 2.1% plus 225 basis points (4.68% at June 30, 2019). Interest on the one-, two- or three- month LIBOR rate, or (3)Line of Credit accrues and is payable monthly. Principal amounts outstanding under the bank’s one-, two, three, six, or twelve month Money Market Loan Rate.Line of Credit are due and payable in full at maturity, in April 2021. As of SeptemberJune 30, 20172019, borrowings outstanding under the revolving credit note did not have a balanceLine of Credit were $1.0 million and the Company had the capacityavailability to borrow $12.0an additional $14.0 million. There were no borrowings outstanding under the Line of Credit at December 31, 2018. The weighted average interest rate on borrowings on the Line of Credit for the three and six-month periods ended June 30, 2019 was 4.74% and 4.75%, respectively. There have been no borrowings on the Delayed Draw Term Loan since origination.

  

The term note and revolving credit note are securedCredit Agreement is collateralized by certainsubstantially all of the Company’sCompany’s assets includingand contains customary representations, warranties, affirmative and negative covenants (including financial covenants) and events of default. The negative covenants include, among other things, restrictions regarding the incurrence of indebtedness and liens, repurchases of the Company’s land, building, trade accounts receivableCommon Stock and intangible assets.acquisitions, subject in each case to certain exceptions. The term note and revolving credit note contain various restrictions and covenants applicable to the Company, including requirements that the Company maintainCredit Agreement also contains certain financial ratios at prescribed levelscovenants with respect to a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio of 1.10x and restrictions on the abilitya maximum cash flow leverage ratio of the Company to consolidate3.00x or merge, create liens, incur additional indebtedness or dispose of assets.less. As of SeptemberJune 30, 2017,2019, the Company was in compliance with its financial covenants.

 

4.(6)

SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION

 

The Company measures and recognizes compensation expense for all share-based payments based on the grant-date fair value of those awards. All of the Company’sCompany’s existing stock option awards and unvested stock awards have been determined to be equity-classified awards. The Company accounts for forfeitures as they occur. The Company completed a Recapitalization in April 2018 which, among other things, settled all then-existing outstanding class B share-based awards and resulted in the elimination of the class B common stock. As a result, the Company accelerated vesting of all outstanding class B share based awards, resulting in accelerated share-based compensation of $331,000 in the three and six month periods ended June 30, 2018. All outstanding class B share-based awards were then settled for the same stock to cash proportion of the class B common stock, less the exercise price, if any, which approximated the awards’ intrinsic values.

 

The Company’sCompany’s 2001 Equity Incentive Plan provided for the granting of stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, performance shares and other share-based awards and benefits up to an aggregate of 1,800,000 shares of the Company's former class A common stock and 300,000 shares of the Company's former class B common stock. Stock options granted could have been either nonqualified or incentive stock options. Stock options vest over one to five years following the date of grant and option terms are generally five to ten years following the date of grant. Due to the expiration of the 2001 Equity Incentive Plan, at December 31, 2015, there were no shares of stock available for future grants.

 

The Company’sCompany’s 2004 Non-Employee Director Stock Plan, as amended (the “2004 Director Plan”), is a nonqualified plan that provides for the granting of options with respect to 3,000,000 shares of class A common stockthe Company’s Common Stock and, prior to the Recapitalization, 500,000 shares of the Company’s former class B common stock. The 2004 Director Plan provides for grants of nonqualified stock options to each director of the Company who is not employed by the Company. OnBeginning in 2018, on the date

of each annual meeting of shareholders of the Company, options to purchase 36,000 shares of class A common stock and 6,000 sharesCommon Stock equal to an aggregate grant date fair value of class B common stock$100,000 are granted to directorseach non-employee director that areis elected or retained as a director at each such meeting. Stock options vest approximately one year following the date of grant and option terms are generally ten years following the date of grant, or three years in the case of termination of the outside director’s service.

 

The Company’sCompany’s 2006 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2006 Equity Incentive Plan”), as amended, provides for the granting of stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, performance shares and other share-based awards and benefits up to an aggregate of 1,800,000 shares of class A common stockCommon Stock and, prior to the Recapitalization, 300,000 shares of the Company’s former class B common stock. Stock options granted may be either incentive stock options or nonqualified stock options. Vesting terms vary with each grant and option terms are generally five to ten years following the date of grant.

 

-10-15

 

The Company granted options to purchase 299,917100,615 and 116,276 shares of the Company’s class A common stock and 49,986 shares of the class B common stockCommon Stock during the nine-month periodsix-month periods ended SeptemberJune 30, 2017.2019 and 2018, respectively. Options to purchase shares of common stock were granted with exercise prices equal to the fair value of the common stock on the date of grant. The fair value of the stock options granted was estimated using a Black-Scholes valuation model with the following weighted average assumptions:

 

 

2017

 

2016

 

 

Class A

 

Class B

 

Class A

 

Class B

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2019

  

2018

 

Expected dividend yield at date of grant

 

2.46

to

2.87%

 

7.99

to

8.10%

 

 2.96

to

3.02%

 

 6.67

to

8.12%

 

  2.60

%

  2.59

%

Expected stock price volatility

 

32.20

to

32.62%

 

26.47

to

27.18%

 

 31.33

to

34.61%

 

 27.64

to

31.77%

 

  34.01

%

  32.47

%

Risk-free interest rate

 

2.08

to

2.33%

 

2.08

to

2.33%

 

 1.36

to

2.12%

 

 1.36

to

2.12%

 

  2.38

%

  2.51

%

Expected life of options (in years)

 

6

to

8

 

 6

to

8

 

 6

to

8

 

 6

to

8

 

  7.5   7.3 

 

The risk-free interest rate assumptions were based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of the grant. The expected volatility was based on historical monthly price changes of the Company’s commonCompany’s stock based on the expected life of the options at the date of grant. The expected life of options is the average number of years the Company estimates that options will be outstanding. The Company considers groups of associates that have similar historical exercise behavior separately for valuation purposes.

 

The following table summarizes stock option activity under the Company’s 2001 and 2006 Equity Incentive Plans and the 2004 Director Plan for the nine monthssix-month period ended SeptemberJune 30, 2017:2019:

 

  

Number of
Options

  

Weighted

Average

Exercise

Price

  

Weighted Average

Remaining

Contractual Terms

(Years)

  

Aggregate

Intrinsic

Value

(In thousands)

 

Class A

                

Outstanding at December 31, 2016

  1,705,483  $12.31         

Granted

  299,917  $22.13         

Exercised

  (161,784

)

 $11.01      $1,808 

Forfeited

  (60,982

)

 $21.35         

Outstanding at September 30, 2017

  1,782,634  $13.77   5.54  $42,651 

Exercisable at September 30, 2017

  1,310,361  $12.04   4.46  $33,621 

Class B

                

Outstanding at December 31, 2016

  250,493  $29.70         

Granted

  49,986  $42.90         

Exercised

  (12,000

)

 $28.41      $142 

Forfeited

  (10,163

)

 $41.53         

Outstanding at September 30, 2017

  278,316  $31.69   5.74  $6,044 

Exercisable at September 30, 2017

  200,550  $29.06   4.66  $4,884 
  

Number of
Options

  

Weighted

Average
Exercise

Price

  

Weighted Average

Remaining

Contractual Terms

(Years)

  

Aggregate

Intrinsic

Value

(In thousands)

 

Outstanding at December 31, 2018

  1,373,209  $15.99         

Granted

  100,615  $41.64         

Exercised

  (104,247

)

 $7.39      $3,408 

Forfeited

  --  $--         

Outstanding at June 30, 2019

  1,369,577  $18.53   5.12  $53,501 

Exercisable at June 30, 2019

  931,192  $15.49   3.95  $39,208 

 

As of SeptemberJune 30, 2017,2019, the total unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested stock option awards was approximately $1.5$2.0 million and $186,000 for class A and class B common shares, respectively, which iswas expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 2.46 years and 2.56 years for class A and class B common stock shares, respectively.3.10 years.

-11-

 

The following table summarizes information for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 regarding non-vested stock granted to associates under the 2001 and 2006 Equity Incentive Plans:Plan for the six-month period ended June 30, 2019:

 

 

Class A

Shares

Outstanding

  

Class A

Weighted

Average

Grant Date

Fair Value

Per Share

  

Class B

Shares

Outstanding

  

Class B

Weighted

Average

Grant Date

Fair Value

Per Share

  

Common Shares

Outstanding

  

Weighted Average

Grant Date Fair Value

Per Share

 

Outstanding at December 31, 2016

  174,487  $13.93   29,081  $37.21 

Outstanding at December 31, 2018

  78,171  $15.61 

Granted

  --   --   --   --   6,005   38.30 

Vested

  --   --   --   --   --   -- 

Forfeited

  (19,314

)

 $14.26   (3,219

)

 $34.69   --  $-- 

Outstanding at September 30, 2017

  155,173  $13.89   25,862  $37.53 

Outstanding at June 30, 2019

  84,176  $17.23 

 

As of SeptemberJune 30, 2017,2019, the total unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested stock awards was approximately $1.0 million$556,000 and is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 2.423.11 years.

 

5.(7)

GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS

 

The following represents a summary of changes in the Company’sCompany’s carrying amount of goodwill for the nine monthsthree-month period ended SeptemberJune 30, 2017:2019 (In thousands):

 

  

(In thousands)

 

Balance as of December 31, 2016

 $57,861 

Foreign currency translation

  175 

Balance as of September 30, 2017

 $58,036 

Balance as of December 31, 2018

 $57,831 

Foreign currency translation

  91 

Balance as of June 30, 2019

 $57,922 

16

 

Intangible assets consisted of the following:

 

  

September 30, 2017

  

December 31, 2016

 
  

(In thousands)

 

Non-amortizing other intangible assets:

        

Trade name

 $1,191  $1,191 

Amortizing other intangible assets:

        

Customer related

  9,349   9,331 

Technology

  1,359   1,110 

Trade name

  1,572   1,572 

Total other intangible assets

  13,471   13,204 

Accumulated amortization

  (10,539

)

  (10,080

)

Other intangible assets, net

 $2,932  $3,124 
  

June 30, 2019

  

December 31, 2018

 
  

(In thousands)

 

Non-amortizing intangible assets:

        

Indefinite trade name

 $1,191  $1,191 

Amortizing intangible assets:

        

Customer related

  9,336   9,327 

Technology

  1,360   1,360 

Trade names

  1,572   1,572 

Total amortizing intangible assets

  13,459   13,450 

Accumulated amortization

  (11,544

)

  (11,348

)

Other intangible assets, net

 $1,915  $2,102 

 

6.(8)

PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT

 

  

September 30, 2017

  

December 31, 2016

 
  

(In thousands)

 

Property and equipment

 $41,183  $37,890 

Accumulated depreciation

  (29,094

)

  (26,084

)

Property and equipment, net

 $12,089  $11,806 

-12-

  

June 30, 2019

  

December 31, 2018

 
  

(In thousands)

 

Property and equipment

 $47,086  $44,730 

Accumulated depreciation

  (33,214

)

  (30,577

)

Property and equipment, net

 $13,872  $14,153 

 

 7.(9)

EARNINGS PER SHARE

 

NetPrior to the Recapitalization, net income per share of the Company’s former class A common stock and former class B common stock iswas computed using the two-class method. Basic net income per share iswas computed by allocating undistributed earnings to common shares and using the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period.

 

Diluted net income per share iswas computed using the weighted-average number of common shares and, if dilutive, the potential common shares outstanding during the period. Potential common shares consist of the incremental common shares issuable upon the exercise of stock options and vesting of restricted stock. The dilutive effect of outstanding stock options is reflected in diluted earnings per share by application of the treasury stock method.

 

The liquidation rights and the rights upon the consummation of an extraordinary transaction arewere the same for the holders of the Company’s former class A common stock and former class B common stock. Other than share distributions and liquidation rights, the amount of any dividend or other distribution payable on each share of former class A common stock will bewas equal to one-sixth (1/6th)th) of the amount of any such dividend or other distribution payable on each share of former class B common stock. As a result, the undistributed earnings for each period arewere allocated based on the contractual participation rights of the former class A and former class B common stock as if the earnings for the periodyear had been distributed.

 

ForAs described in Note 2, the three months ended September 30, 2016, 156,610Company completed a Recapitalization in April 2018 which settled all then-existing outstanding class B share-based awards, resulting in the elimination of the class B common stock and reclassified class A common stock to Common Stock. The Recapitalization was effective on April 17, 2018. Therefore, income was allocated between the former class A and class B stock using the two-class method through April 16, 2018, and fully allocated to the Common Stock (formerly class A) following the Recapitalization.

The Company had 83,225 and 84,963 options of Common Stock (former class A sharesshares) for the three-month periods ended June 30, 2019 and 118,830 options of class B shares have been excluded from the diluted net income per share computation because the exercise or grant price exceeded the fair market value. For the three months ended September 30, 2016, an additional 351,620 options of class A shares were excluded as their inclusion would be anti-dilutive.

  

For the Three Months

Ended September 30, 2017

  

For the Three Months

Ended September 30, 2016

 
  

Class A

Common

Stock

  

Class B

Common

Stock

  

Class A

Common

Stock

  

Class B

Common

Stock

 
  

(In thousands, except per share data)

 

Numerator for net income per share - basic:

                

Net income

 $2,062  $2,091  $2,345  $2,384 

Allocation of distributed and undistributed income to unvested restricted stock shareholders

  (15

)

  (15

)

  (21

)

  (21

)

Net income attributable to common shareholders

 $2,047  $2,076  $2,324  $2,363 

Denominator for net income per share - basic:

                

Weighted average common shares outstanding - basic

  20,788   3,514   20,716   3,511 

Net income per share – basic

 $0.10  $0.59  $0.11  $0.67 

Numerator for net income per share - diluted:

                

Net income attributable to common shareholders for basic computation

 $2,047  $2,076  $2,324  $2,363 

Denominator for net income per share - diluted:

                

Weighted average common shares outstanding – basic

  20,788   3,514   20,716   3,511 

Weighted average effect of dilutive securities – stock options

  952   106   352   45 

Denominator for diluted earnings per share – adjusted weighted average shares

  21,740   3,620   21,068   3,556 

Net income per share – diluted

 $0.09  $0.57  $0.11  $0.66 

-13-

For the nine months ended September 30, 2016, the Company had 506,250 options of class A shares and 56,728 options of class B shares,2018, respectively which have been excluded from the diluted net income per share computation because the exercise or grant price exceeded the fair market value. For the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, an additional 91,385 and 204,170 options of class A shares and 15,231 and 47,429 of Class B shares were excluded as their inclusion would be anti-dilutive, respectively.anti-dilutive.

 

  

For the Nine Months

Ended September 30, 2017

  

For the Nine Months

Ended September 30, 2016

 
  

Class A

Common

Stock

  

Class B

Common

Stock

  

Class A

Common

Stock

  

Class B

Common

Stock

 
  

(In thousands, except per share data)

 

Numerator for net income per share - basic:

                

Net income

 $8,151  $8,275  $7,339  $7,454 

Allocation of distributed and undistributed income to unvested restricted stock shareholders

  (63

)

  (64

)

  (64

)

  (64

)

Net income attributable to common shareholders

 $8,088  $8,211  $7,275  $7,390 

Denominator for net income per share - basic:

                

Weighted average common shares outstanding – basic

  20,759   3,514   20,712   3,503 

Net income per share – basic

 $0.39  $2.34  $0.35  $2.11 

Numerator for net income per share - diluted:

                

Net income attributable to common shareholders for basic computation

 $8,088  $8,211  $7,275  $7,390 

Denominator for net income per share - diluted:

                

Weighted average common shares outstanding – basic

  20,759   3,514   20,712   3,503 

Weighted average effect of dilutive securities – stock options

  778   81   305   54 

Denominator for diluted earnings per share – adjusted weighted average shares

  21,537   3,595   21,017   3,557 

Net income per share – diluted

 $0.38  $2.28  $0.35  $2.08 
17

 

  

Three Months Ended

June 30, 2019

  

Three Months Ended
June 30, 2018

 
  

Common

Stock

  

Common

Stock (formerly

Class A)

  

Class B

Common

Stock

 
  

(In thousands, except per share data)

 

Numerator for net income per share - basic:

            

Net income

 $7,393  $7,000  $948 

Allocation of distributed and undistributed income to unvested restricted stock shareholders

  (25

)

  (23

)

  (4

)

Net income attributable to common shareholders

 $7,368  $6,977  $944 

Denominator for net income per share - basic:

            

Weighted average common shares outstanding - basic

  24,789   23,957   3,527 

Net income per share – basic

 $0.30  $0.29  $0.27 

Numerator for net income per share - diluted:

            

Net income attributable to common shareholders for basic computation

 $7,368  $6,977  $944 

Denominator for net income per share - diluted:

            

Weighted average common shares outstanding - basic

  24,789   23,957   3,527 

Weighted average effect of dilutive securities – stock options

  797   889   93 

Denominator for diluted earnings per share – adjusted weighted average shares

  25,586   24,846   3,620 

Net income per share – diluted

 $0.29  $0.28  $0.26 

The Company had 143,247 and 78,945 options of Common Stock (former class A shares) for the six-month periods ended June 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively which have been excluded from the diluted net income per share computation because their inclusion would be anti-dilutive.

  

Six Months Ended

June 30, 2019

  

Six Months Ended
June 30, 2018

 
  

Common

Stock

  

Common

Stock (formerly

Class A)

  

Class B

Common

Stock

 
  

(In thousands, except per share data)

 

Numerator for net income per share - basic:

            

Net income

 $15,589  $10,630  $4,624 

Allocation of distributed and undistributed income to unvested restricted stock shareholders

  (53

)

  (38

)

  (18

)

Net income attributable to common shareholders

 $15,536  $10,592  $4,606 

Denominator for net income per share - basic:

            

Weighted average common shares outstanding - basic

  24,777   22,429   3,527 

Net income per share – basic

 $0.63  $0.47  $1.31 

Numerator for net income per share - diluted:

            

Net income attributable to common shareholders for basic computation

 $15,536  $10,592  $4,606 

Denominator for net income per share - diluted:

            

Weighted average common shares outstanding - basic

  24,777   22,429   3,527 

Weighted average effect of dilutive securities – stock options

  772   921   101 

Denominator for diluted earnings per share – adjusted weighted average shares

  25,549   23,350   3,628 

Net income per share – diluted

 $0.61  $0.45  $1.27 

18

8.(10)

LEASES

The Company leases printing equipment in the United States, and office space in Canada, California, Georgia, Washington, and Tennessee. The leases remaining terms as of June 30, 2019 range from less than one year to 6.2 years.

Certain equipment and office lease agreements include provisions for periodic adjustments to rates and charges. The rates and charges are adjusted based on actual usage or actual costs for internet, common area maintenance, taxes or insurance, as determined by the lessor and are considered variable lease costs.

The components of lease expense for the three and six-month periods ended June 30, 2019 included:

  

Three months ended

June 30, 2019

  

Six months ended
June 30, 2019

 
  

(In thousands)

 

Operating leases

 $201  $405 

Finance leases:

        

Asset amortization

  63   124 

Interest on lease liabilities

  8   20 

Variable lease cost

  23   43 

Short-term lease cost

  11   19 

Total net lease cost

 $306  $611 

Supplemental balance sheet information related to leases (in thousands):     

  

June 30, 2019

  

January 1, 2019

 

Operating leases:

        

Operating ROU assets

 $1,985  $2,308 (1)
         

Current operating lease liabilities

  663   699 (1)

Noncurrent operating lease liabilities

  1,361   1,652 (1)

Total operating lease liabilities

 $2,024  $2,351 (1)

(1) Represents the December 31, 2018 balance recorded at implementation of Topic 842

  

June 30, 2019

  

December 31, 2018

 

Finance leases:

        

Furniture and equipment

 $1,197  $1,062 

Computer Equipment

  512   487 

Computer Software

  224   224 

Property and equipment under finance lease, gross

  1,933   1,773 

Less accumulated amortization

  (959

)

  (839

)

Property and equipment under finance lease, net

 $974  $934 
         

Current obligations of finance leases

 $231  $204 

Noncurrent obligations of finance leases

  655   676 

Total finance lease liabilities

 $886  $880 
         

Weighted average remaining lease term (in years):

        

Operating leases

  4.51     

Finance leases

  3.97     
         

Weighted average discount rate:

        

Operating leases

  4.81

%

    

Finance leases

  4.76

%

    

19

Supplemental cash flow and other information related to leases was as follows (in thousands):

  

Six months ended

June 30, 2019

 

Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities:

    

Operating cash flows from operating leases

 $404 

Operating cash flows from finance leases

  22 

Financing cash flows from finance leases

  161 
     

ROU assets obtained in exchange for operating lease liabilities

  16 

ROU assets obtained in exchange for finance lease liabilities

  167 

Undiscounted payments under non-cancelable operating leases and finance leases at June 30, 2019 are as follows (in thousands):

  

Finance Leases

  

Operating Leases

 

Remainder 2019

 $136  $398 

2020

  255   598 

2021

  249   453 

2022

  200   226 

2023

  117   246 

Thereafter

  8   321 

Total minimum lease payments

  965   2,242 

Less: Amount representing interest

  (79

)

  (218

)

Present value of minimum lease payments

  886   2,024 

Less: Current maturities

  (231

)

  (663

)

Lease obligations, net of current portion

 $655  $1,361 

Undiscounted payments under non-cancelable operating leases and finance leases at December 31, 2018 were as follows (in thousands):

Year Ending December 31,

 

Finance Leases

  

Operating Leases

 

2019

 $258  $882 

2020

  241   672 

2021

  214   564 

2022

  168   273 

2023

  85   262 

Total minimum lease payments

  966     

Less: Amount representing interest

  (86

)

    

Present value of minimum lease payments

  880     

Less: Current maturities

  (204

)

    

Capital lease obligations, net of current portion

 $676     

(11) 

RELATED PARTY

 

A director of the Company also serves as an officer of Ameritas Life Insurance Corp. (“Ameritas”). In connection with the Company’s regular assessment of its insurance-based associate benefits, which is conducted by an independent insurance broker, and the costs associated therewith, the Company purchases dental and vision insurance for certain of its associates from Ameritas. The total value of these purchases was $63,000$67,000 and $59,000 for$53,000 in the three-month periods ended SeptemberJune 30, 20172019 and 2016,2018, respectively, and $183,000$127,000 and $174,000 for$94,000 in the nine-monthsix-month periods ended SeptemberJune 30, 20172019 and 2016,2018, respectively.

Mr. Hays, the Chief Executive Officer, majority shareholder and director of the Company, is an owner of 14% of the equity interest of Nebraska Global Investment Company LLC (“Nebraska Global”).  The Company, directly or indirectly through its former subsidiary Customer-Connect LLC, purchased certain services from Nebraska Global, primarily consisting of software development services.  The total value of these purchases were $68,000 and $488,000 in the three-month and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2016, respectively. There were no purchases from Nebraska Global in 2017.


Mr. Hays incurred approximately $538,000 of fees and expenses in connection with exploring strategic alternatives for the Company, including the proposed recapitalization (see Note 9), for which the Company has reimbursed Mr. Hays in the three and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2017. 

 

During the three months ended September 30, 2017, thethe Company acquired a cost method investment in convertible preferred stock of PX. Prior toPracticing Excellence.com, Inc., a privately-held Delaware Corporation (“PX”), which is included in other non-current assets and is carried at cost, adjusted for changes resulting from observable price changes in orderly transactions of the same investment thein PX, if any.  The Company entered intoalso has an agreement with PX which commenced in 2016 under which the Company acts as a reseller of PX services (the “PX reseller agreement”). Additionally,and receives a portion of the Company acquired content licenses from PX for content that the Company includes in certain of its subscription services.revenues. The total revenue earned from the PX reseller agreement was $170,000 and $66,000 agreement in the three and nine monththree-month periods ended SeptemberJune 30, 2017 was $159,0002019 and $454,000, respectively. There was no revenue earned during the three2018, respectively, and nine month$323,000 and $109,000 in six-month periods ended SeptemberJune 30, 2016. The total amount paid for licensed content from PX in the three2019 and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2017 was $250,000. There were no such purchases in 2016.2018, respectively.

 

-14-20

 

9.(12)

PROPOSED RECAPITALIZATIONSEGMENT INFORMATION

 

In September 2017,The Company’s six operating segments are aggregated into one reporting segment because they have similar economic characteristics and meet the Company’s Boardother aggregation criteria from the FASB guidance on segment disclosure. The six operating segments are Experience, The Governance Institute, Market Insights, Transparency, National Research Corporation Canada and Transitions, which offer a portfolio of Directors approved a 1-for-1,764,560 reverse stock split ofsolutions that address specific needs around market insight, experience, transparency and governance for healthcare providers, payers and other healthcare organizations. The table below presents entity-wide information regarding the Company’s class B common stock followedassets, after elimination of intercompany balances by a 1,764,560-for-1 forward stock split that will cash out all holders of the Company's class B common stock, other than the Company's founder and chief executive officer.

In September 2017, the Company entered into a commitment letter with First National Bank of Omaha, which expires on December 29, 2017, to provide a senior secured term loan of $70 million, a senior secured delayed draw term loan facility of $20 million and a senior secured revolving line of credit facility in an amount equal to $10 million.

The proposed recapitalization is subject to closing of financing and approval by the holders of the Company’s class A common stock, class B common stock and both classes of stock voting together as a group.

The Company incurred expenses related to the proposed recapitalization of approximately $975,000 and $1.1 million in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, respectively, which are included in selling and administrative expenses.  These expenses include the amount reimbursed to Mr. Hays (see Note 8). 

10.

RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

In May 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) (“ASU 2014-09”).  ASU 2014-09 requires an entity to recognize the amount of revenue to which it expects to be entitled for the transfer of promised goods or services to customers. ASU 2014-09 will replace most existing revenue recognition guidance in accounting principles generally accepted in the United States when it becomes effective. The standard is effective for annual and interim reporting periods in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, with early adoption allowed for years beginning after December 15, 2016. An entity may choose to adopt ASU 2014-09 either retrospectively or through a cumulative effect adjustment as of the start of the first period for which it applies the standard.  The Company is currently in the process of evaluating the impact that this new guidance will have on its consolidated financial statements as well as developing and testing changes to our processes and systems. Due to cost benefit considerations reviewed during the second quarter of 2017, the Company now plans to adopt the guidance beginning January 1, 2018 by recording a cumulative effect adjustment rather than retrospectively, as previously planned. The Company currently expects the most significant changes to result from deferring commissions and recognizing the expense over the estimated life of the client relationship rather than expensing as incurred, which is the Company’s current practice, and estimating variable consideration at the outset of the contract. geographic area:

 

  

June 30, 2019

  

December 31, 2018

 
  

(In thousands)

 

Long-lived assets:

        

United States

 $78,793  $77,331 

Canada

  2,594   2,291 

Total

 $81,387  $79,622 

Total assets:

        

United States

 $88,831  $91,080 

Canada

  15,444   16,952 

Total

 $104,275  $108,032 

-15-
21

 

In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-01, Financial Instruments—Overall: Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities. ASU 2016-01 changes certain recognition, measurement, presentation and disclosure aspects related to financial instruments. ASU 2016-01 is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is not permitted. The Company believes its adoption will not significantly impact the Company’s results of operations and financial position.

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases(Topic 842). This ASU requires lessees to recognize a lease liability and a right-to-use asset for all leases, including operating leases, with a term greater than twelve months on its balance sheet. This ASU is effective in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, with early adoption permitted, and requires a modified retrospective transition method. As of September 30, 2017, the Company had approximately $1.8 million of operating lease commitments which would be recorded on the balance sheet under the new guidance. However, the Company is currently in the process of further evaluating the impact that this new guidance will have on its consolidated financial statements and does not plan to elect early adoption.

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (Topic 326):  Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments.  This ASU will require the measurement of all expected credit losses for financial assets, including trade receivables, held at the reporting date based on historical experience, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts. The guidance is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2019 and interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company believes its adoption will not significantly impact the Company’s results of operations and financial position.

In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230) Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments which eliminates the diversity in practice related to eight cash flow classification issues.  This ASU is effective for the Company on January 1, 2018 with early adoption permitted.  The Company plans to adopt this ASU on January 1, 2018 and believes its adoption will not significantly impact the Company’s results of operations and financial position.

In October 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-16, Intra-Entity Transfers of Asset Other Than Inventory (“ASU 2016-16”), which requires entities to recognize the tax consequences of intercompany asset transfers other than inventory transfers in the period in which the transfer takes place. ASU 2016-16 is effective for fiscal years and interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017. ASU 2016-16 is to be adopted using a modified retrospective approach with a cumulative effect adjustment to retained earnings as of the beginning of the period of adoption. The cumulative effect adjustment will include recognition of the income tax consequences of intra-entity transfers of assets other than inventory that occur before the adoption date.  The Company believes the adoption of ASU 2016-16 will not significantly impact the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

In November 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-18, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230), Restricted Cash (“ASU 2016-18”), which requires that the amounts generally described as restricted cash or restricted cash equivalents be included with cash and cash equivalents when reconciling the beginning-of-the period and end-of-period total amounts shown on the statement of cash flows. ASU 2016-18 does not provide a definition of restricted cash or restricted cash equivalents. ASU 2016-18 is effective for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2017. The Company does not expect the adoption of ASU 2016-18 to have any impact on the consolidated financial statements.

In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-04, Intangibles—Goodwill and Other (Topic 350), Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment (“ASU 2017-04”). The new guidance eliminates Step 2 of the goodwill impairment testing which requires the fair value of individual assets and liabilities of a reporting unit to be determined when measuring goodwill impairment. The new guidance may result in different amounts of impairment that could be recognized compared to existing guidance. In addition, failing step 1 of the impairment test may not result in impairment under existing guidance. However, under the revised guidance, failing step 1 will always result in a goodwill impairment. ASU 2017-04 is to be applied prospectively for goodwill impairment testing performed in years beginning after December 15, 2019.  The Company plans to adopt this guidance early with its annual impairment testing as of October 1, 2017 but does not believe the adoption will impact the Company's results of operations or financial position.

-16-

Table of Contents

ITEM 2.

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

 

The Company is a leading provider of analytics and insights that facilitate measurement and improvement of the patient and employee experience while also increasing patient engagement and customer loyalty for healthcare providers, payers and other healthcare organizations. The Company’sCompany’s solutions enable its clients to understand the voice of the customer with greater clarity, immediacy and depth. NRC Health’s heritage, proprietary methods, and holistic approach enable our partners to better understand the people they care for and design experiences that inspire loyalty and trust, while also facilitating regulatory compliance and the shift to population-based health management. The Company’s ability to measure what matters most and systematically capture, analyze and deliver insights based on self-reported information from patients, families and consumers is critical in today’s healthcare market. NRC Health believes that access to and analysis of its extensive consumer-driven information is becoming more valuable as healthcare providers increasingly need to more deeply understand and engage patients and consumers in an effort towards effective population-based health management.the people they serve to build customer loyalty.

 

The Company’sCompany’s portfolio of subscription-based solutions provideprovides actionable information and analysis to healthcare organizations and payers across a range of mission-critical, constituent-related elements, including patient experience, service recovery, care transitions, health risk assessments, employee engagement, reputation management, and satisfaction, community population health risks, workforce engagement, community perceptions, and physician engagement.brand loyalty. NRC Health partners with clients across the continuum of healthcare services. The Company’s clients range frominclude integrated health systems, and post-acute providers such as home health, long term care and hospice, to numerous payer organizations. The Company believes this cross-continuum positioning is a unique and an increasingly important capability as evolving payment models drive healthcare providers and payers towards a more collaborative and integrated service model.

 

Results of Operations

 

The following table and graphs set forth, for the periods indicated, select financial information derived from the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements expressed as a percentage of total revenue. The trends illustrated may not necessarily be indicative of future results. The discussion that follows the table should be read in conjunction with the condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

 

Three months ended

  

Nine months ended

  

Three months ended

  

Six months ended

 
 

September 30,

  

September 30,

  

June 30,

  

June 30,

 
 

2017

  

2016

  

2017

  

2016

  

2019

  

2018

  

2019

  

2018

 
                                

Revenue:

  100.0

%

  100.0

%

  100.0

%

  100.0

%

  100.0

%

  100.0

%

  100.0

%

  100.0

%

                                

Operating expenses:

                                

Direct

  42.4   42.4   41.9   41.6   36.6   39.3   36.8   40.5 

Selling, general and administrative

  29.1   26.4   25.1   26.9   26.5   28.3   25.5   26.8 

Depreciation and amortization

  3.9   4.0   3.8   3.9   4.6   4.7   4.5   4.4 

Total operating expenses

  75.4   72.8   70.8   72.4   67.7   72.3   66.8   71.7 
                                

Operating income

  24.6

%

  27.2

%

  29.2

%

  27.6

%

  32.3

%

  27.7

%

  33.2

%

  28.3

%

 

-17-22

Table of Contents

 

 

Three Months Ended SeptemberJune 30, 201 30, 2017,9, Compared to Three Months Ended June 30, 201September8 30, 2016

 

Revenue. Revenue for the three-month period ended SeptemberJune 30, 2017,2019, increased 7.1%12.1% to $29.0$31.4 million, compared to $27.0$28.0 million in the three-month period ended SeptemberJune 30, 2016.2018. The increase was primarily due to new customer sales, increases in sales to the existing client base, as well as increased conference revenue due to timing of conferences held.

Direct expenses. Direct expenses increased 4.6% to $11.5 million for the three-month period ended June 30, 2019, compared to $11.0 million in the same period in 2018. This was due to an increase in fixed expenses of $593,000 partially offset by a decrease in variable expenses of $81,000. Variable expenses decreased due to less postage, printing and paper costs from changes in survey methodologies, partially offset by higher conference expenses due to timing of conferences. Fixed expenses increased primarily as a result of additional salary and benefit costs, partially offset by decreased contracted services in the customer service and information technology areas. Direct expenses decreased as a percentage of revenue to 36.6% in the three-month periods ended June 30, 2019 from 39.3% for the same period in 2018 as expenses increased by 4.6% while revenue for the same period increased by 12.1%.

Selling, general and administrative expenses. Selling, general and administrative expenses increased 4.8% to $8.3 million for the three-month period ended June 30, 2019, compared to $7.9 million for the same period in 2018, primarily due to increased software license fees and platform hosting expenses of $245,000, higher contracted services of $109,000, additional travel costs of $91,000, increased insurance costs of $71,000 and additional salary and benefit costs of $50,000. These were partially offset by a reduction in legal and accounting costs of $214,000 mainly associated with the Recapitalization, the Tax Cut and Jobs Act and adoption of ASC 606 in 2018. Selling, general and administrative expenses as a percentage of revenue decreased to 26.5% in the three-month periods ended June 30, 2019 from 28.3% for the same period in 2018 as expenses increased by 4.8% while revenue for the same period increased by 12.1%.

Depreciation and amortization. Depreciation and amortization increased 8.6% to $1.4 million for the three-month period ended June 30, 2019, compared to $1.3 million for the same period in 2018 mainly due to increased amortization from additional computer software investments, partially offset by an intangible asset that has been fully amortized. Depreciation and amortization expenses as a percentage of revenue was 4.6% for the three-month period ended June 30, 2019, and 4.7% for the same period in 2018.

Other income (expense). Other income (expense) decreased $727,000 to other expense of $664,000 for the three-month period ended June 30, 2019, compared to other income of $63,000 for the same period in 2018. Interest expense increased $94,000 primarily due to additional interest related to the new term loan originated in April 2018 and borrowings on the line of credit. Other expense, net increased $632,000 primarily due to revaluation of intercompany transactions for changes in the foreign exchange rate.

Provision (benefit)for income taxes. Provision (benefit) for income taxes was $2.1 million (22.1% effective tax rate) for the three-month period ended June 30, 2019, compared to $(129,000) (-1.7% effective tax rate benefit) for the same period in 2018. The effective tax rate for the three-month period ended June 30, 2019, was higher mainly due to income tax benefits from the Recapitalization due to accelerated vesting of restricted stock and settlement of stock options of $1.1 million, as well as additional tax benefits from the exercise of options and dividends paid to non-vested shareholders of $800,000 in 2018

23

Table of Contents

Six Months Ended June 30, 2019, Compared to Six Months Ended June 30, 2018

Revenue. Revenue for the six-month period ended June 30, 2019, increased 6.5% to $62.9 million, compared to $59.0 million in the six-month period ended June 30, 2018. The increase was due to new customer sales, as well as increases in sales to the existing client base.

 

Direct expenses. Direct expenses increased 7.0%decreased 3.1% to $12.3$23.2 million for the three-monthsix-month period ended SeptemberJune 30, 2017,2019, compared to $11.5$23.9 million in the same period in 2016.2018. This was due to an increasea decrease in variable expenses of $302,000 and$1.6 million, partially offset by an increase in fixed expenses of $497,000.$813,000. Variable expense increaseddecreased mainly due increased costs to support the larger revenue and higher contracted voice recognition technology, phone costs, and labor costs, partially offset by decreasedless postage, printing and paper costs due to changes in survey methodologies. Fixed expenses increased primarily as a result of increased salary and benefit costs in the customer service area. Direct expenses as a percentage of revenue were 42.4% in the three-month periods ended September 30, 2017 and 2016.

Selling, general and administrative expenses. Selling, general and administrative expenses increased 18.1% to $8.4 million for the three-month period ended September 30, 2017, compared to $7.1 million for the same period in 2016, primarily due to expenses associated with the proposed recapitalization of $975,000, higher recruiting fees of $264,000, and increased computer supplies and software license fees of $142,000, partially offset by lower marketing expenses of $162,000. Selling, general, and administrative expenses increased as a percentage of revenue to 29.1% for the three-month period ended September 30, 2017, from 26.4% for the same period in 2016 as expenses increased by 18.1% while revenue for the same period increased by 7.1%.

Depreciation and amortization. Depreciation and amortization remained at $1.1 million for the three-month periods ended September 30, 2017 and 2016. Depreciation and amortization expenses as a percentage of revenue was 3.9% for the three-month period ended September 30, 2017, and 4.0% for the same period in 2016.

Provision for income taxes. Provision for income taxes was $3.0 million (42.1% effective tax rate) for the three-month period ended September 30, 2017, compared to $2.6 million (35.3% effective tax rate) for the same period in 2016. The effective tax rate for the three-month period ended September 30, 2017, was higher mainly due to $384,000 of additional tax expense from non-deductible proposed recapitalization expenses.

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Table of Contents

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017, Compared to Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016

Revenue. Revenue for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2017, increased 8.2% to $87.7 million, compared to $81.0 million in the nine-month period ended September 30, 2016. The increase was due to new customer sales, as well as increases in sales to the existing client base.

Direct expenses. Direct expenses increased 8.8% to $36.7 million for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2017, compared to $33.7 million in the same period in 2016. This was due to an increase in variable expenses of $889,000 and fixed expenses of $2.1 million. Variable expense increased mainly increased costs to support the larger revenue and higher contracted voice recognition technology, phone costs, and labor costs, partially offset by decreased postage, printing and paper costs due to a reduction in postage feesvolumes and changes in survey methodologies. Fixed expenses increased primarily as a result of increased salary and benefit costs in the customer service area,and information technology areas, partially offset by decreased contracted service costs.services. Direct expenses increaseddecreased as a percentage of revenue to 41.9%36.8% in the nine-monthsix-month period ended SeptemberJune 30, 2017,2019, compared to 41.6%40.5% during the same period of 20162018, as expenses increaseddecreased by 8.8%3.1% while revenue for the same period increased by 8.2%6.5%.

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses. Selling, general and administrative expenses increased 1.2%1.4% to $22.0$16.0 million for the nine-monthsix-month period ended SeptemberJune 30, 2017,2019, compared to $21.8$15.8 million for the same period in 2016,2018, primarily due to expenses associated with the proposed recapitalization of $1.1 million, higher recruiting fees of $412,000, and higher computer supplies andincreased software license fees and platform hosting expenses of $357,000, partially offset by lower$551,000, higher salary and benefit costs (including lower incentives, commissions, and share based compensation expense totaling $970,000),  lowerof $262,000, additional travel costs of $180,000, $177,000$152,000 and increased insurance costs of $143,000. These were partially offset by a reduction due to shelf registration fees expensed in 2016, marketinglegal and accounting costs of $702,000 mainly associated with the Recapitalization, the Tax Cut and Jobs Act and adoption of ASC 606 in 2018, lower bad debt expense decreases of $126,000$150,000, and lower development and trainingcompany incentive event costs of $124,000.$41,000. Selling, general, and administrative expenses decreased as a percentage of revenue to 25.1%25.5% for the nine-monthsix-month period ended SeptemberJune 30, 2017,2019, from 26.9%26.8% for the same period in 20162018 as expenses increased by 1.2%1.4% while revenue for the same period increased by 8.2%6.5%.

 

Depreciation and amortization. Depreciation and amortization expenses increased 9.5% to $3.4$2.9 million for the nine-monthsix-month period ended SeptemberJune 30, 2017,2019, compared to $3.1$2.6 million for the same period in 2016 primarily2018, due to increased amortization of $314,000 from additional computer software investments, partially offset by decreased amortization of $66,000 as a result of certain intangibles becomingan intangible asset that has been fully amortized. Depreciation and amortization expenses as a percentage of revenue was 3.8% and 3.9%4.5% for the nine-month periodssix-month period ended SeptemberJune 30, 20172019 and 2016, respectively.4.4% for the same period in 2018.

Other income (expense). Other income (expense) decreased $1.6 million to other expense of $1.5 million for the six-month period ended June 30, 2019, compared to $71,000 of other income for the same period in 2018. Interest expense increased $656,000 due to additional interest related to the term loan originated in April 2018 and borrowings on the line of credit. Other expense, net increased $883,000 primarily due to revaluation of intercompany transactions for changes in the foreign exchange rates

 

Provision for income taxestaxes. . Provision for income taxes was $9.2$3.8 million (35.9%(19.4% effective tax rate) for the nine-monthsix-month period ended SeptemberJune 30, 2017,2019, compared to $7.6$1.5 million (33.8%(9.1% effective tax rate) for the same period in 2016.2018. The effective tax rate for the nine-monthsix-month period ended SeptemberJune 30, 2017 increased primarily2019, was higher mainly due to income tax benefits from $384,000the Recapitalization due to accelerated vesting of additional tax expense from non-deductible proposed recapitalization expenses, increases in the estimated state tax ratesrestricted stock and settlement of stock options of $1.1 million, as well as a greater proportion of United States income subject to higheradditional tax rates than Canadian income. The Company also had reduced tax expense in 2016 of $105,000 from United States federal tax examination adjustments, net of interest and penalties, and state tax return adjustments decreasing tax expense.  These were partially offset by increased tax benefits of $149,000 in 2017 from the exercise of options and dividends paid to non-vested shareholders. shareholders of $700,000 in 2018. This was partially offset by less non-deductible expenses of $154,000 primarily related to the Recapitalization.

 

-19-24

Table of Contents

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

The Company believes that its existing sources of liquidity, including cash and cash equivalents, borrowing availability, and operating cash flows will be sufficient to meet its projected capital and debt maturity needs and dividend policy for the foreseeable future. Requirements for working capital, capital expenditures, and debt maturities will continue to be funded by operations and the Company’s borrowing arrangements.

 

As of SeptemberJune 30, 2017,2019, our principal sources of liquidity included $35.8$4.0 million of cash and cash equivalents, and up to $12.0$14.0 million of unused borrowings under our revolvingline of credit and up to $15 million on our delayed draw term note. Of this cash, $12.8$3.0 million was held in Canada. All ofThe delayed draw term note can only be used to fund permitted future business acquisitions or repurchasing the amounts held in Canada are intended to be indefinitely reinvested in foreign operations. The amounts held in Canada are eligible for repatriation, but under current law, would be subject to U.S. federal income taxes less applicable foreign tax credits. The Company estimated at December 31, 2016, that an additional tax liability of $536,000 would become due if repatriation of undistributed earnings would occur.Company’s Common Stock.

 

Working Capital

 

The Company'sCompany had a working capital was $19.7deficit of $14.2 million and $15.6$18.7 million on SeptemberJune 30, 20172019 and December 31, 2016,2018, respectively.

The change was primarily due to increasesa decrease in cash and cash equivalentsdividends payable of $2.7$12.4 million, increasesan increase in trade accounts receivable of $2.7$3.2 million, increasesan increase in prepaid expensesincome taxes receivable of $1.5 million, decreases in current portion of notes payable of $990,000,$584,000 and decreasesa decrease in accrued wages, bonus and profit sharing of $392,000. This was$263,000 million. These were partially offset by increasesa decrease in cash and cash equivalents of $9.0 million, $744,000 increase in deferred revenue, an increase in borrowings on the line of $3.0credit of $1.0 million and increasesdue to the special dividends paid in income taxes2019, an increase in accounts payable of $1.2 million.$573,000 and an increase in the current portion of operating lease liability included in other current liabilities of $663,000 (mainly due to the adoption of the New Leases Standard). Dividends payable decreased due to a special dividend, in addition to a quarterly dividend declaration, that was declared in 2018 and paid in January 2019. Trade accounts receivable increased due to the timing of billings and collections on new and renewal contracts. Accounts payable changed due to the timing of payment for services and supplies. Accrued wages, bonus and profit sharing decreased due to the payment of 20162018 annual bonuses in the nine-monththree-month period ended September 30, 2017. Prepaid expenses changed due to the timing of vendor payments and pre-payments for services.March 31, 2019. Income taxes payablereceivable changed due to the timing of income tax payments. Current portion of notes payable decreased due to normal payment and amortization of the term note. The Company’s working capital is significantly impacted by its large deferred revenue balances which will vary based on the timing and frequency of billings on annual agreements. The deferred revenue balances as of SeptemberJune 30, 20172019 and December 31, 20162018, were $18.5$17.0 million and $15.5$16.2 million, respectively.

 

The deferred revenue balance is primarily due to timing of initial billings on new and renewal contracts. The Company typically invoices clients for performance tracking services and custom research projects before they have been completed. Billed amounts are recorded as billings in excess of revenue earned, or deferred revenue on the Company’sCompany’s consolidated financial statements and are recognized as income when earned. In addition, when work is performed in advance of billing, the Company records this work as revenue earned in excess of billings,contract assets or unbilled revenue. Substantially all deferred revenue and all unbilled revenue will be earned and billed respectively, within 12 months of the respective period ends.

-20-

Table of Contents

 

Cash Flow Analysis

 

A summary of operating, investing, and financing activities is shown in the following table:

 

 

Nine Months Ended September 30,

  

Six Months Ended June 30,

 
 

2017

  

2016

  

2019

  

2018

 
 

(In thousands)

  

(In thousands)

 

Provided by operating activities

 $21,480  $18,019  $16,106  $18,391 

Used in investing activities

  (4,897

)

  (3,066

)

  (2,280

)

  (2,773

)

Used in financing activities

  (14,682

)

  (28,704

)

  (23,318

)

  (43,058

)

Effect of exchange rate change on cash

  828   484   521   (595

)

Net change in cash and cash equivalents

  2,729   (13,267

)

  (8,971

)

  (28,035

)

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

 $35,750  $28,878  $4,020  $6,698 

 

Cash Flows from Operating Activities

 

Cash flows from operating activities consist of net income adjusted for non-cash items including depreciation and amortization, deferred taxes, share-based compensation and related taxes, reserve for uncertain tax positions and the effect of working capital changes.

 

25

Table of Contents

Net cash provided by operating activities was $21.5$16.1 million for the nine monthssix-month period ended SeptemberJune 30, 2017,2019, which included net income of $16.4$15.6 million, plus non-cash charges (benefits) for deferred tax expense, depreciation and amortization, reserve for uncertain tax positions, non-cash share-based compensation expense, and non-cash stock compensationloss on disposal of property and equipment totaling $4.9$3.7 million. ChangesNet changes in working capital increasedassets and liabilities decreased cash flows from operating activities by $109,000,$3.2 million, primarily due to increases in trade accounts receivable, deferred revenue,contract costs and decreases in accrued expense, wages, bonus and profit sharing, and income taxes payable and receivable which fluctuate with the timing of income tax payments, partially offset by decreases in prepaids and other current assets and increases in accounts payable and deferred revenue.

Net cash provided by operating activities was $18.4 million for the six months ended June 30, 2018, which included net income of $15.3 million, plus non-cash charges (benefits) for deferred income taxes, depreciation and amortization, reserve for uncertain tax positions, stock compensation and loss on disposal of property and equipment, totaling $4.7 million. Net changes in assets and liabilities decreased cash flows from operating activities by $1.6 million, primarily due to the timingdecreases in accrued wages, bonus and frequency of billings on newprofit sharing, increases in prepaid expenses and renewal contracts,other current assets and increases in income taxes receivable and payable which fluctuate with the timing of income tax payments. These werepayments partially offset by increasesdecreases in trade accounts receivable and increases in prepaid expenses.

Net cash provided by operating activities was $18.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016, which included net income of $14.8 million, plus non-cash charges (benefits) for deferred tax expense, depreciation and amortization, provision for uncertain tax positions and non-cash stock compensation totaling $5.6 million. Changes in working capital decreased 2016 cash flows from operating activities by $2.3 million, primarilyfluctuate due to increases in trade accounts receivabletiming and prepaid expenses and a decrease in income taxes payable, netfrequency of increases in deferred revenue due to the timing of billing, collections and revenue recognitionbillings on new orand renewal contracts.

Net cash provided by operating activities increased $3.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2016. The increase was mainly due to an increase in net income of $1.6 million and working capital changes of $2.4 million. Working capital increased primarily due to changes in trade accounts receivable, income taxes receivable and payable, and prepaid expenses.

 

Cash Flows from Investing Activities

 

Net cash of $4.9$2.3 million and $3.1$2.8 million was used for investing activities in the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20172019 and 2016,2018, respectively. Purchases of property and equipment totaled $3.3 million and $3.1 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively. In addition, the Company used $1.3 million of cash in the three months ended September 30, 2017 to acquire a strategic investment in PX.

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Cash Flows from Financing Activities

Net cash used in financing activities was $14.7 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2017. Cash was used to repay borrowings under the term note totaling $1.8 million and for capital lease obligations of $81,000. Cash was also used to pay $12.6 million of dividends on common stock, and to pay payroll tax withholdings related to share-based compensation of $105,000.

Net cash used in financing activities was $28.7 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2016. The exercise of stock options provided cash of $548,000. Cash was used to pay payroll taxes on vested restricted shares of $204,000, to pay capital lease obligations of $73,000, to repay borrowings under the term note totaling $1.8 million, to pay dividends on common stock of $25.2 million, and to pay $2.0 million for Customer-Connect LLC non-controlling interests.

The effect of changes in foreign exchange rates increased cash and cash equivalents by $828,000 and $484,000 in the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

Capital Expenditures

Cash paid for capital expenditures was $3.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017. These expenditures consisted mainly of computer software classified in property and equipment. The Company expects similar capital expenditure purchases for the remainder of 20172019 consisting primarily of computer software and hardware and other equipment to be funded through cash generated from operations

Cash Flows from Financing Activities

Net cash used in financing activities was $23.3 million in the six months ended June 30, 2019. Cash was used to repay borrowings on the line of credit of $15.5 million, repay borrowings under the note payable totaling $1.8 million, and for finance lease obligations of $161,000. Cash was also used to pay $21.8 million of dividends on common stock, and to pay payroll tax withholdings related to share-based compensation of $483,000. Cash was provided from proceeds of the line of credit of $16.5 million.

Net cash used in financing activities was $43.1 million in the six months ended June 30, 2018. Cash was used for the Recapitalization of $72.4 million (see Note 2), to repay borrowings under the term notes totaling $1.3 million, to repay borrowings on the line of credit of $1.0 million, to pay loan origination fees on the Credit Agreement of $187,000 and for capital lease obligations of $58,000. Cash was also used to pay $8.4 million of dividends on common stock, and to pay payroll tax withholdings related to share-based compensation of $712,000. Cash was provided from proceeds of the new term loan of $40,000,000 and the line of credit for $1,000,000.

The effect of changes in foreign exchange rates increased (decreased) cash and cash equivalents by $521,000 in the six months ended June 30, 2019 and $(595,000) in the six months ended June 30, 2018.

Capital Expenditures

Cash paid for capital expenditures was $2.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2019. These expenditures consisted mainly of computer software classified in property and equipment. The Company expects similar capital expenditure purchases for the remainder of 2019 consisting primarily of computer software and hardware and other equipment to be funded through cash generated from operations.

 

Debt and Equity

 

The Company’sCompany’s credit agreement (the “Credit Agreement”) with First National Bank of Omaha (“FNB”) provides for (i) a $15,000,000 revolving credit facility (the “Line of Credit”), (ii) a $40,000,000 term noteloan (the “Term Loan”) and (iii) a $15,000,000 delayed draw-down term facility (the “Delayed Draw Term Loan” and, together with the Line of Credit and the Term Loan, the “Credit Facilities”). The Delayed Draw Term Loan may be used to fund any permitted future business acquisitions or repurchasing of the Company’s Common Stock and the Line of Credit is used to fund ongoing working capital needs and other general corporate purposes.

The Term Loan is payable in monthly installments of $212,468. $462,988 through April 2020 and $526,362 thereafter, with a balloon payment due at maturity in April 2023. The Term Loan bears interest at a fixed rate of 5%.

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Borrowings under the term note bear interest at an annual rateLine of 3.12%. The outstanding balance ofCredit and the term note at September 30, 2017 was $1.7 million.

The Company also has a revolving credit note which was amended and extended effective June 30, 2017 with a maturity date of June 30, 2018. The maximum aggregate amount available under the revolving credit note is $12.0 million. Borrowings under the revolving credit noteDelayed Draw Term Loan, if any, bear interest at a variable annualfloating rate with three rate options atequal to the discretion of management as follows: (1) 2.1% plus the one-month30 day London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) or (2) 2.1% plus 225 basis points (4.68% at June 30, 2019). Interest on the one-, two- or three- month LIBOR rate, or (3)Line of Credit accrues and is payable monthly. Principal amounts outstanding under the bank’s one-, two, three, six, or twelve month Money Market Loan Rate. AsLine of SeptemberCredit are due and payable in full at maturity, in April 2021. At June 30, 20172019, the revolving credit note did not have a balance.Line of Credit had an outstanding balance of $1.0 million. The weighted average borrowings on the Line of Credit for six-month period ended June 30, 2019 was $5.2 million. The weighted average interest on borrowings on the Line of Credit for the six-month period ended June 30, 2019 was 4.75%. The Company hadis also obligated to pay ongoing unused commitment fees quarterly in arrears pursuant to the capacityLine of Credit and the Delayed Draw Term Loan facility at a rate of 0.20% per annum based on the actual daily unused portions of the Line of Credit and the Delayed Draw Term Loan facility, respectively.

In the event that the Delayed Draw Term Loan is used, interest-only payments will be due through the calendar year in which the Delayed Draw Term Loan is drawn upon. After that, amortization will occur at the then current Term Loan rate and schedule with principal and accrued interest amounts outstanding under the Delayed Draw Term Loan due and payable monthly during the term of the Delayed Draw Term Loan, which expires on April 18, 2023.  There have been no borrowings on the Delayed Draw Term Loan since origination.

All obligations under the Credit Facilities are to borrow $12.0 million asbe guaranteed by each of September 30, 2017.the Company’s direct and indirect wholly owned domestic subsidiaries, if any, and, to the extent required by the Credit Agreement, direct and indirect wholly owned foreign subsidiaries (each, a “guarantor”).

 

The term note and revolving credit noteCredit Facilities are secured, subject to permitted liens and other agreed upon exceptions, by certaina first-priority lien on and perfected security interest in substantially all of the Company’sCompany’s and the guarantors’ present and future assets including(including, without limitation, fee-owned real property, and limited, in the case of the equity interests of foreign subsidiaries, to 65% of the outstanding equity interests of such subsidiaries).

The Credit Agreement contains customary representations, warranties, affirmative and negative covenants (including financial covenants) and events of default. The negative covenants include, among other things, restrictions regarding the incurrence of indebtedness and liens, repurchases of the Company’s land, building, trade accounts receivableCommon Stock and intangible assets.acquisitions, subject in each case to certain exceptions. The term noteCredit Agreement also contains certain financial covenants with respect to minimum fixed charge coverage ratio and revolving credit note contain various restrictions and covenants applicablemaximum cash flow leverage ratio. Pursuant to the Company, including requirements thatCredit Agreement, the Company is required to maintain certain financial ratios at prescribed levels and restrictions ona minimum fixed charge coverage ratio of 1.10x for all testing periods throughout the abilityterms of the Credit Facilities. The Company is also required to consolidatemaintain a cash flow leverage ratio of 3.00x or merge, create liens, incur additional indebtedness or disposeless for all testing periods throughout the terms of assets.the Credit Facilities. As of SeptemberJune 30, 2017,2019, the Company was in compliance with its financial covenants.

LIBOR is currently expected to be phased out in 2021. We are required to pay interest on borrowings under our Line of Credit and Delayed Draw Term Loan at floating rates based on LIBOR. Future debt that we may incur may also require that we pay interest based upon LIBOR. Under the terms of our Credit Agreement with FNB, if LIBOR becomes unavailable during the term of the agreement, FNB may, in its reasonable discretion and in a manner consistent with market practice, designate a substitute index. We currently expect that the determination of interest under our Credit Agreement would be revised as to provide for an interest rate that approximates the existing interest rate as calculated in accordance with LIBOR. Despite our current expectations, we cannot be sure that if LIBOR is phased out or transitioned, the changes to the determination of interest under our agreements would approximate the current calculation in accordance with LIBOR. We do not know what standard, if any, will replace LIBOR if it is phased out or transitioned.

 

The Company has capitalfinance leases for computer equipment, office equipment, printing and inserting equipment. The balance of the capitalfinance leases as of SeptemberJune 30, 20172019 was $185,000.$886,000.

 

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ShareholdersShareholders’ equity increased $6.0$6.9 million to $88.8$26.0 million at SeptemberJune 30, 2017,2019, from $82.8$19.1 million at December 31, 2016.2018. The increase was mainly due to net income of $16.4$15.6 million, share-based compensation of $1.3 million$609,000 and changes in the cumulative translation adjustment of $1.1 million.$620,000. This was partially offset by dividends declared of $12.7 million.

In September 2017,$9.5 million, and share repurchases exceeding the Company’s Boardcost of Directors approved a 1-for-1,764,560 reverse stock split of the Company’s class B common stock followed by a 1,764,560-for-1 forward stock split that will cash out all holders of the Company's class B common stock, other than the Company's founder and chief executive officer. Outstanding unvested share based awards of class B common stock will vest immediately preceding the reverse stock split. Each holder of class B common stock, other than the Company’s founder and chief executive officer, will receive a cash payment from the Company of $53.44 for each share of class B common stock. The class B common stock will cease trading and be delisted. The transaction is designed to address shareholder concerns with public market trading confusion related to the Company’s two classes of common stock (the class A common stock and class B common stock) and to provide a timely and cost-effective liquidity event for the holders of the Company’s class B common stock. The transaction will be funded by cash on hand in the United States, a $70 million term loan and borrowings on a line of credit.

In September 2017, the Company entered into a commitment letter with First National Bank of Omaha (“FNB”), which expires on December 29, 2017, to provide a senior secured term loan of $70 million (the “Term Loan”), a senior secured delayed draw term loan facility of $20 million (the “Delayed Draw Term Loan”) and a senior secured revolving line of credit facility in an amount equal to $10 million (the “Line of Credit” and, collectively with the Term Loan and the Delayed Draw Term Loan, the “Credit Facilities”). If the Company closes on the Credit Facilities with FNB, any balances remaining on the existing term note and revolving credit note will be repaid. The Term Loan will be used to fund, in part, the reverse stock split, related costs and cashing out outstanding stock options and restricted shares tied to the class B common stock. The Delayed Draw Term Loan, if used, is designated to fund any future business acquisitions or repurchasingexercised of class A common stock. The Line of Credit has a three year term and will be used to fund ongoing working capital needs and for other general corporate purpose. The Company will also pay loan origination fees equal to 0.25% of the amount borrowed under the Term Loan at closing.

The proposed recapitalization is subject to closing of financing and approval by the holders of the Company’s class A common stock, class B common stock and both classes of stock voting together as a group. The Company incurred expenses related to the proposed recapitalization of approximately $975,000 and $1.1 million in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, respectively, which are included in selling and administrative expenses.$483,000.

 

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Contractual Obligations

 

The Company had contractual obligations to make payments in the followingfollowing amounts in the future as of SeptemberJune 30, 2017:2019:

 

Contractual Obligations(1)

 

Total

Payments

  

Remainder
of 2017

  

One to

Three Years

  

Three to

Five Years

  

After

Five Years

  

Total

Payments

  

Remainder
of 2019

  

One to

Three Years

  

Three to

Five Years

  

After

Five Years

 

(In thousands)

                                        

Operating leases(3)

 $1,820  $190  $1,143  $487  $--  $2,242  $398  $1,051  $472  $321 

Capital leases

  203   30   130   42   1 

Finance leases

  965   136   504   317   8 

Uncertain tax positions(2)

  --   --   --   --   --   --   --   --   --   -- 

Long-term debt

  1,711   848   863   --   -- 

Line of credit

  1,000   1,000             

Long term debt

  41,616   2,778   12,379   26,459   -- 

Total

 $3,734  $1,068  $2,136  $529  $1  $45,823  $4,312  $13,934  $27,248  $329 

 

(1)

Amounts are inclusive of interest payments, where applicable.

(2)

We have $769,000$309,000 in liabilities associated with uncertain tax positions. We are unable to reasonably estimate the expected cash settlement dates of these uncertain tax positions with the taxing authorities.

(3)

Excludes variable costs such as taxes, insurance, and maintenance which vary from year to year.

  

Stock Repurchase Program



The Board of Directors of the Company authorized the repurchase of up to 2,250,000 then-existing class A shares and 375,000 then-existing class B shares of common stock in the open market or in privately negotiated transactions under a stock repurchase program that was originally approved in February 2006 and subsequently amended in May 2013. In connection with the Recapitalization in April 2018, the Board of Directors further amended the stock repurchase program to eliminate the repurchase of the former class B common stock. As of SeptemberJune 30, 20172019, the remaining number of common stock shares of Common Stock that could be purchased under this authorization was 280,491 class A shares and 69,491 class B shares.


Critical Accounting Estimates

 

There have been no changes to the Company’s critical accounting estimates described in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018 that have a material impact on the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and the related Notes.

ITEM 3.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

 

There are no material changes to the disclosures regarding the Company’sCompany’s market risk exposures made in its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016.2018.

 

ITEM 4.

Controls and Procedures

 

The Company’sCompany’s management, with the participation of the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, has evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) as of the end of the period covered by this report, and has concluded that, as of the end of such period, the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective.

On January 1, 2019, we adopted the New Leases Standard, Topic 842 (see Note 1 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements). We implemented internal controls to ensure we adequately evaluated our vendor contracts and properly assessed the impact of the new accounting standard on our financial statements. We also implemented changes to our business processes related to lease arrangements and the control activities within them. The changes included training within business operations management, ongoing vendor contract review and monitoring, and gathering of information for disclosures.

 

There have been no other changes in the Company’sCompany’s internal control over financial reporting (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) that occurred during the quarter ended SeptemberJune 30, 2017,2019, that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

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PART II – Other Information

 

ITEM 1.

Legal Proceedings

From time to time, the Company is involved in certain claims and litigation arising in the normal course of business. Management assesses the probability of loss for such contingencies and recognizes a liability when a loss is probable and estimable.

ITEM 1A.

Risk Factors

 

There have been no material changes to the risk factors relating to the Company set forth in Part I, Item 1A of its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016.2018.

 

ITEM 2.

Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

 

TheIn February 2006 and subsequently amended in May 2013, the Board of Directors of the Company authorized the repurchase of up to 2,250,000 shares of class A common stock and 375,000 shares of class B shares of common stock in the open market or in privately negotiated transactions under atransactions. In connection with the Recapitalization in April 2018, the Board of Directors further amended the stock repurchase program that was originally approved in February 2006 and subsequently amended in May 2013.to eliminate the repurchase of the former class B common stock. Unless terminated earlier by resolution of the Company’sCompany’s Board of Directors, the repurchase program will expire when the Company has repurchased all shares of Common Stock authorized for repurchase thereunder. As of October 27, 2017, 1,969,509 shares of class A common stock and 305,509 shares of class B common stock have been repurchased under that authorization. No stockCommon Stock was repurchased under the program during the three-month period ended SeptemberJune 30, 2017.2019. The remaining shares of Common Stock that may be purchased under that authorization are 280,491.

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ITEM 6.

Exhibits

 

The exhibits listed in the exhibit index below are filed as part of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

 

EXHIBIT INDEX  

 

Exhibit
Number

Exhibit Description

(31.1)

Certification by the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or 15d-14(a) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

 

(31.2)

Certification by the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or 15d-14(a) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

 

(32)

Written Statement of the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350.

 

(101)*

Financial statements from the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of National Research Corporation for the quarter ended SeptemberJune 30, 2017,2019, formatted in eXtensible Business Reporting Language (XBRL): (i) the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets, (ii) the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income, (iii) the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income, (iv) the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, (v) the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, and (vi) document and entity information.

 

*

In accordance with Rule 406T of Regulation S-T, the information in these exhibits shall not be deemed to be “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or otherwise subject to liability under that section, and shall not be incorporated by reference into any registration statement or other document filed under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, except as expressly set forth by specific reference in such filing.

 

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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.

 

 

 

NATIONAL RESEARCH CORPORATION

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Date: November 9, 2017August 8, 2019

By:

/s/ Michael D. Hays 

 

 

 

Michael D. Hays

 

 

 

Chief Executive Officer (Principal

Executive Officer)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Date: November 9, 2017 August 8, 2019 

By:

/s/ Kevin R. Karas

 

 

 

Kevin R. Karas

Senior Vice President Finance,

Treasurer, Secretary and Chief

Financial Officer (Principal Financial

and Accounting Officer)

 

 

 

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