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CHEGG, INC - 10-K - MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS(Edgar Glimpses Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) You should read the following discussion of our financial condition and results of operations in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and the related notes included in Part II, Item 8, "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data" of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. In addition to our historical consolidated financial information, the following discussion contains forward-looking statements that reflect our plans, estimates, and beliefs. Our actual results could differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements. See the "Note about Forward-Looking Statements" for additional information. Factors that could cause or contribute to these differences include those discussed below and elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, particularly in Part I, Item 1A, "Risk Factors." Overview Chegg is the leading student-first connected learning platform, empowering students to take control of their education to save time, save money and get smarter. We are driven by our passion to help students become active consumers in the educational process. Our integrated platform, which we call the Student Hub, offers products and services that students need throughout the college lifecycle, from choosing a college through graduation and beyond. Our Student Graph builds on the information generated through students' and other participants' use of our platform to increasingly enrich the experience for participants as it grows in scale and power the Student Hub. By helping students learn more in less time and at a lower cost, we help them improve the overall return on investment in education. During 2013, nearly 7.0 million students used our platform and approximately 1.3 million students used our mobile applications. We have an extensive print textbook and eTextbook library available for rent and sale. Our Chegg Study service helps students solve problems and master challenging concepts on their own. We also offer free services to students, such as helping high school students find colleges and scholarship opportunities and helping college students decide which courses to take and find supplemental materials. These and other free services we offer are designed to round out the Student Hub as a one-stop destination for critical student needs. During 2013, students completed 3.8 million transactions on our platform, we rented or sold over 5.5 million print textbooks and eTextbooks and approximately 464,000 students subscribed to our proprietary Chegg Study service. Our Internships service, co-branded with Internships.com, allows students to connect to over 70,000 internships from top companies, bringing students and employers together in one centralized location, helping students and young professionals find the right internship to jump start their career. We intend to expand our user base to reach students beyond college, including graduate and professional school students and other lifelong learners. We partner with other key constituents in the education ecosystem, such as publishers, colleges and brands, to provide a comprehensive, student-first connected learning platform. We currently source print textbooks, eTextbooks and supplemental materials directly or indirectly from thousands of publishers in the United States, including Pearson, Cengage Learning, McGraw Hill, Wiley and MacMillan. We are working to become the 45-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Table of Contents digital distribution platform of choice for these publishers. We also partner with approximately 875 colleges in the United States to help them achieve greater efficiency in student recruiting by offering connections to interested students. We offer leading brands compelling marketing solutions for reaching the college demographic. As we continue to grow our platform, we believe it will become increasingly valuable to the education ecosystem and benefit publishers, content providers, colleges, educators and brands as they connect to our student user base. Our digital platform is experiencing rapid growth. In 2013, 2012 and 2011, we generated net revenues of $255.6 million, $213.3 million and $172.0 million, respectively. During the same periods, we had net losses of $55.9 million, $49.0 million and $37.6 million, respectively. We plan to continue to invest in the long-term growth of the company, particularly further investment in the technology that powers the Student Hub and the Student Graph and in the development of products and services that serve students. As a result of our investment philosophy, we cannot assure you that our newer products and services, or any other products and services we may introduce or acquire, will be integrated effectively into our business, achieve or sustain profitability or achieve market acceptance at levels sufficient to justify our investment. Our strategy for achieving and maintaining profitability is centered upon our ability to expand the number of students using our products and services and increase student engagement with our connected learning platform. For the foreseeable future we expect to continue to invest in our print textbook business as a means of expanding student acquisition and generating operating cash flow. To deepen student engagement we will continue to invest in the expansion of our non-print products and digital services to provide a more compelling and personalized solution. We believe this expanded and deeper penetration of the student demographic will allow us to drive growth in our enrollment and brand marketing services. In addition, we believe that the investments we have made to achieve our current scale will allow us to drive increased operating margins over time that, together with increased contributions of higher margin non-print products and digital services, will enable us to accomplish profitability and become cash-flow positive for the long-term. Our ability to accomplish these long-term objectives is subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, including our ability to attract, retain and increasingly engage the student population, intense competition in our markets, the ability to achieve sufficient contributions from our non-print products and digital services and other factors described in greater detail in "Risk Factors." Our Print Textbook Business We were founded in 2005 to help students reduce the cost of college and we launched our online print textbook rental business in 2007. We saw that outside of tuition, fees, room and board, print textbooks are one of the most burdensome costs of higher education, and we worked to develop a sustainable business model that could solve this problem for students. Our core idea was to purchase textbooks, rent them to students for the academic term at a substantial discount from list price to attract volume and realize return on our investment by renting the same book over multiple academic terms. We began to achieve substantial scale in 2010 when net revenues more than tripled compared to the prior year. Leveraging the business intelligence we gained from operating at scale, in 2011, we reduced our rental catalog to include only those titles with sufficient demand to support our economic model, contributing to the reduced revenue growth rate during the year. At the same time, in order to continue to offer students a comprehensive textbook selection at a substantial savings compared to retail prices available from other vendors, we made print textbooks lacking sufficient demand to support the rental model available for purchase on our website at a slight mark-up to our cost. This had the effect of shifting textbooks with a lower acquisition cost or lower demand from our rental catalog to our sales catalog. We also increasingly use our website to liquidate textbooks from our textbook library, which allows us to generate greater recovery on our textbooks compared to bulk liquidations, while at the same time providing students substantial savings over the retail price of a new book. We are able to adjust what we liquidate based on expected rental demand. As an example, in the second half of 2013, we elected to optimize our textbook library more for rental than liquidation in anticipation of greater rental demand for the winter rush cycle. This decision led to less site liquidations in that quarter of the 46-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Table of Contents books that typically have higher source cost recovery but also increased our available inventory of books for rent. We source both new and used print textbooks for rental or resale from wholesalers, publishers and students. Purchasing used textbooks allows us to reduce the investments necessary to maintain our textbook library while at the same time attracting students to our website by offering them more for their textbooks than they could generally get by selling them back to their campus bookstore. Through these refinements to our model, we have achieved greater overall efficiency, enabling us to lower our per unit rental rates, which has driven revenue growth and, to a greater extent, print textbook unit volumes beginning in 2012. Our print textbook rental business is highly capital intensive. While we generate positive cash flows from operations on an annual basis, this has been more than offset by the cash we use for our investing activities, primarily due to the purchase of print textbooks. We expect this trend to continue in the foreseeable future. We capitalize the investment in our textbook library and record depreciation expense in cost of revenues over its useful life using an estimated liquidation value. In 2013, our investment in print textbooks, net of proceeds from textbook liquidation, was $84.3 million. Our Non-print Products and Digital Services Business Building on the rapid adoption and high engagement of students with our print textbook offerings, in 2010 we set out to offer digital content and solutions and create our student-first connected learning platform to address other critical aspects of the education process. With the advent of eTextbooks, we developed a web-based, multiplatform eTextbook Reader and offer eTextbooks and supplemental materials from approximately 120 publishers both as a rental-equivalent solution and for free for students awaiting the arrival of their print textbook rental. In the fourth quarter of 2010, we purchased Cramster, a company that provided online homework help for college students. We further developed the offerings of Cramster to create our Chegg Study service, which we fully integrated into our platform in the second quarter of 2012. In the fourth quarter of 2011, we purchased Zinch, a company offering college admissions and scholarship services to students and enrollment marketing services to colleges. We have continued to offer these services through Zinch.com and expect to complete our integration of Zinch.com into Chegg.com in 2014. In addition, we offer enrollment marketing services to colleges, allowing them to reach interested college-bound high school students that use our College Admissions and Scholarship Services. We also work with leading brands, such as Microsoft, Red Bull and Serve from American Express, to provide students with discounts, promotions and other products that, based on student feedback, delight them. For example, for Red Bull, we inserted a free can of Red Bull in select textbook rental shipments to students, and Microsoft sponsored a "Free Study Week," which included free access to our Chegg Study service as well as additional free study materials. All of our brand advertising services and the discounts, promotions and other products provided to students are paid for by the brands. For non-print products and digital services, students typically pay to access eTextbooks for the academic term or subscribe for other services such as Chegg Study on a monthly or annual basis, while colleges subscribe to our enrollment marketing services and brands pay us depending on the nature of the campaign. While none of these offerings individually has amounted to more than 10% of our net revenues to date, in the aggregate these offerings amounted to 21% of net revenues in 2013, up from less than 1% in 2010. Seasonality of Our Business A substantial majority of our revenue is recognized ratably over the term the student rents our textbooks or has access to our non-print products and digital services. This generally results in our highest revenue in the fourth quarter as it reflects more days of the academic year and our lowest revenue in the second quarter as colleges conclude their academic year for summer and there are fewer days of rentals. The variable expenses associated with our shipments of textbooks and marketing activities are highest in the first and third quarters as shipping and other fulfillment costs and marketing expenses are expensed when incurred, generally at the beginning of academic terms. As a result of these factors, the most concentrated periods for our revenue and expenses do not necessarily coincide, and comparisons of our quarterly operating results on a sequential basis may not provide meaningful insight into our overall financial performance. 47 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Table of Contents Components of Results of Operations Net Revenues We derive our revenue from the rental or sale of print textbooks and from non-print products and digital services, net of allowances for refunds or charge backs from our payment processors, who process payments from credit cards, debit cards and PayPal. We primarily generate revenue from the rental of print textbooks and to a lesser extent, through the sales of print textbooks through our website purchased by us on a just-in-time basis. Rental revenue is recognized ratably over the term of the rental period, generally two to five months. Revenue from selling textbooks on a just-in-time basis is recognized upon shipment and has comprised less than 6% of our consolidated revenues on average over the three years ended December 31, 2013. Our customers pay for the rental and sale of print textbooks on our website primarily by credit card, resulting in immediate settlement of our accounts receivable. Net revenues from the rental or sale of print textbooks represented 79%, 87% and 93% of our net revenues in 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively, reflecting increasing growth in our non-print products and digital services business. We also generate revenue from non-print products and digital services that include eTextbooks, supplemental materials and our Chegg Study service that we offer to students, enrollment marketing services that we offer to colleges and advertising services that we offer to brands. Non-print products and digital services are offered to students through monthly or annual subscriptions or memberships, and we recognize revenue ratably over the subscription or membership period. We generally offer memberships to our Chegg Study service for $14.95 per month and $74.95 per year but may change our pricing for this service in the future. As with the revenue from print textbooks rentals, revenue from eTextbooks is recognized ratably over the contractual period, generally two to five months or at time of the sale, and our customers pay for these services through payment processors, resulting in immediate settlement of our accounts receivable. For additional information about these products and services and other services that we offer to students for free, such as our Courses service and College Admissions and Scholarship Services, see "Business-The Student Hub." Marketing services include enrollment marketing services and brand advertising, which we offer either on a subscription or on an a la carte basis. Enrollment marketing services connect colleges and graduate schools with students seeking admission or scholarship opportunities at these institutions. Brand advertising offers brands unique ways to connect with students. Revenue is recognized ratably or as earned over the subscription service period, generally one year. Revenue from enrollment marketing services or brand advertising delivered on an a la carte basis, without a subscription, is recognized when delivery of the respective lead or service has occurred. For these services, we bill the customer at the inception, over the term of the customer arrangement or as the services are performed. Upon satisfactory assessment of creditworthiness, we generally grant credit to our enrollment marketing services and brand advertising customers with normal credit terms, typically 30 days. Deferred revenue primarily consists of advance payments from students related to rentals, subscriptions and memberships that have not been recognized and marketing services that have yet to be performed. Deferred revenue is recognized as revenue ratably over the term or when the services are provided and all other revenue recognition criteria have been met. Cost of Revenues Our cost of revenues consists primarily of expenses associated with the delivery and distribution of our products and services. Cost of revenues related to print textbooks include textbook depreciation expense, shipping and other fulfillment costs, the cost of textbooks sold, payment processing costs, write-offs and allowances related to the textbook library and all expenses associated with our distribution and customer service centers, including personnel and warehousing costs. The cost of textbooks sold, shipping and other fulfillment costs and payment processing expenses are recognized upon shipment, while textbook depreciation is recognized 48 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Table of Contents under an accelerated method over the life of the textbook. We believe this method most accurately reflects the actual pattern of decline in the economic value of the assets, resulting in higher costs earlier in the textbook lifecycle. Changes in our cost of revenues may be disproportionate to changes in our revenue because unrecoverable costs, such as outbound shipping and other fulfillment and payment processing fees, are expensed in the period they are incurred while revenue is recognized ratably over the rental term. This effect is particularly pronounced in the first and third quarters at the beginning of academic terms. As a result, we could experience quarters in which our cost of revenues exceeds our revenue for the period. Cost of revenues related to non-print products and digital services, in which we also group eTextbooks, consist primarily of the depreciation of our eTextbook Reader software, publisher content fees for eTextbooks, content amortization expense related to content that we develop or license, including publisher agreements for which we pay one-time license fees for published content, enrollment marketing services leads purchased from third-party suppliers to fulfill leads that we are unable to fulfill through our internal database, personnel costs and other direct costs related to providing content or services. In addition, cost of revenues includes allocated information technology and facilities costs. Changes in our cost of revenues related to non-print products and digital services may be disproportionate to changes in our revenue because the publisher fees for eTextbooks are expensed in the period in which such costs are incurred, while the associated revenue may be deferred and recognized ratably over a future period. Margins on non-print products and digital services are generally higher than margins on the rental or sale of print textbooks. However, we experience substantially lower margins with eTextbook transactions than we do with other non-print products and digital services. Overall, we anticipate that to the extent non-print products and digital services revenue grows, our gross margins will generally improve over time. Operating Expenses We classify our operating expenses into four categories: technology and development, sales and marketing, general and administrative and loss (gain) on liquidation of textbooks. One of the most significant components of our operating expenses is employee-related costs, which include stock-based compensation expenses. We expect to continue to hire new employees in order to support our anticipated growth. In any particular period, the timing of additional hires could materially affect our operating expenses, both in absolute dollars and as a percentage of revenue. Our costs and expenses contain information technology expenses and facilities expenses such as webhosting, depreciation on our infrastructure systems, our headquarters lease expense and the employee-related costs for information technology support staff. We allocate these costs to each expense category, including cost of revenues, technology and development, sales and marketing and general and administrative. The allocation is primarily based on the headcount in each group at the end of a period. As our business grows, we expect our operating expenses will increase over time to expand capacity and sustain our workforce. Technology and Development Our technology and development expenses consist of salaries, benefits and stock-based compensation expense for employees in our product and web design, engineering and technical teams who are responsible for maintaining our website, developing new products and improving existing products. Technology and development costs also include amortization of acquired intangible assets, webhosting costs, third-party development costs and allocated information technology and facilities expenses. We expense substantially all of our technology and development expenses as they are incurred. In the past three years, our expenses have increased to support new products and services as well as to expand our infrastructure capabilities to support back-end processes associated with our revenue transactions and internal systems used to manage our textbook library. We intend to continue making significant investments in developing new products and services and enhancing the functionality of existing products and services. 49 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Table of Contents Sales and Marketing Our sales and marketing expenses consist of user and advertiser-facing marketing and promotional expenditures through a number of targeted online marketing channels, sponsored search, display advertising, email marketing campaigns and other initiatives. We incur salaries, benefits and stock-based compensation expenses for our employees engaged in marketing, business development and sales and sales support functions required for enrollment marketing services and amortization of acquired intangible assets and allocated information technology and facilities costs. Our marketing expenses are largely variable; and we tend to incur these in the first and third quarters of the year due to our efforts to target students at the beginning of academic terms. To the extent there is increased or decreased competition for these traffic sources, or to the extent our mix of these channels shifts, we would expect to see a corresponding change in our marketing expense. Sales and marketing expenses also include lead generation services and sales commissions for our enrollment marketing services and brand advertising. General and Administrative Our general and administrative expenses consist of salaries, benefits and stock-based compensation expense for certain executives as well as our finance, legal, human resources and other administrative employees. In addition, general and administrative expenses include outside consulting, legal and accounting services, provision for doubtful accounts and allocated information technology and facilities costs. We expect to incur additional costs related to operating as a public company including increased audit, legal, regulatory and other related fees. Loss (Gain) on Liquidation of Textbooks Loss (gain) on liquidation of textbooks consists of proceeds we receive from the sale of previously rented print textbooks, through our website or to wholesalers and other channels, offset by the net book value of such textbooks. Our loss (gain) on liquidation of textbooks is driven by several factors including age of the books liquidated, the volume of books liquidated at a given point in time and the channel through which we liquidate. When the proceeds received exceed the net book value of the textbooks liquidated we record a gain on liquidation of textbooks. Interest and Other Expense, Net Interest and other expense, net consists primarily of interest expense on our debt obligations, changes in the fair value of our preferred stock warrants and interest income on our cash and cash equivalents and investment balances. At the time of our IPO in November 2013, the preferred stock warrants were converted into common stock warrants and will not be revalued in the future. In addition, on November 18, 2013, we repaid our revolving credit facility in full. Provision (Benefit) for Income Taxes Provision (benefit) for income taxes consists primarily of federal and state income taxes in the United States and income taxes in foreign jurisdictions in which we conduct business. Due to the uncertainty as to the realization of the benefits of our domestic deferred tax assets, we have recorded a full valuation allowance against such assets. Certain Accounting Effects Resulting from our IPO The completion of our IPO resulted in certain accounting effects and cash tax payments related to the issuance of 11,667,254 shares of our common stock in the form of a deemed stock dividend to the holders of our Series D and Series E convertible preferred stock valued at approximately $102.6 million and the stock-based compensation expense associated with RSUs that we had granted prior to our IPO that will now vest as a result of the completion of our IPO. These RSUs vest upon satisfaction of both a time-based service component and a 50-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Table of Contents performance condition. Satisfaction of the performance condition was contingent upon the completion of our IPO and we now expect the performance condition to be satisfied on March 15, 2014. We began recognizing stock-based compensation expense associated with these RSUs for the already-elapsed service period upon the completion of our IPO, which was approximately $12.5 million in 2013 based on an aggregate of approximately 1.2 million shares of common stock underlying these RSUs. Stock-based compensation expense related to the remaining service period will be recognized ratably as the time-based service requirement is met. In addition, in connection with our IPO, certain of our officers and consultants received anti-dilutive stock option and RSU grants that will vest on the same schedule as the equity awards previously granted to each executive, taken as a whole, including the vesting start date for such awards. Stock-based compensation expense associated with the vested portion of these awards was recognized on the date of grant and stock-based compensation expense related to the unvested portion will be recognized ratably as the time-based service requirement is met. Results of Operations The following table summarizes our historical consolidated statements of operations (in thousands): Year Ended December 31, 2013 2012 2011 Net revenues $ 255,575 $ 213,334 $ 172,018 Cost of revenues(1) 175,060 145,669 127,012 Gross profit 80,515 67,665 45,006 Operating expenses(1): Technology and development 41,944 39,315 29,591 Sales and marketing 50,302 51,082 28,400 General and administrative 40,486 25,117 20,328 Loss (gain) on liquidation of textbooks (1,186 ) (2,594 ) 2,785 Total operating expenses 131,546 112,920 81,104 Loss from operations (51,031 ) (45,255 ) (36,098 ) Interest and other expense, net (4,177 ) (3,759 ) (1,703 ) Loss before provision (benefit) for income taxes (55,208 ) (49,014 ) (37,801 ) Provision (benefit) for income taxes 642 29 (200 ) Net loss $ (55,850 ) $ (49,043 ) $ (37,601 ) (1) Includes stock-based compensation expense as follows: Cost of revenues $ 1,185 $ 542 $ 537 Technology and development 9,414 7,657 3,840 Sales and marketing 7,107 5,164 3,062 General and administrative 19,252 4,682 5,692 Total stock-based compensation expense $ 36,958 $ 18,045 $ 13,131 51 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Table of Contents The following table summarizes our historical consolidated statements of operations data as a percentage of net revenues for the periods shown: Year Ended December 31, 2013 2012 2011 Net revenues 100 % 100 % 100 % Cost of revenues 68 68 74 Gross profit 32 32 26 Operating expenses: Technology and development 16 18 17 Sales and marketing 20 24 16 General and administrative 16 12 12 Loss (gain) on liquidation of textbooks - (1 ) 2 Total operating expenses 52 53 47 Loss from operations (20 ) (21 ) (21 ) Interest and other expense, net (2 ) (2 ) (1 ) Loss before provision (benefit) for income taxes (22 ) (23 ) (22 ) Provision (benefit) for income taxes - - - Net loss (22 )% (23 )% (22 )% Years Ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 Net Revenues The following table sets forth our net revenues for the periods shown, in addition to detail of print textbooks and non-print products and digital services (dollars in thousands): Year Ended December 31, Change in 2013 Change in 2012 2013 2012 2011 $ % $ % Print textbooks $ 203,077 $ 185,169 $ 160,392 $ 17,908 10 % $ 24,777 15 % Non-print products and digital services 52,498 28,165 11,626 24,333 86 16,539 142 Net revenues $ 255,575 $ 213,334 $ 172,018 $ 42,241 20 % $ 41,316 24 % Net revenues in 2013 increased $42.2 million, or 20%, compared to 2012. The year-over-year increase in net revenues was the result of an 86% increase in non-print products and digital services due to growth in new memberships for our Chegg Study service, growth in our enrollment marketing services as we reach more universities, and an increase in eTextbook volumes. Non-print products and digital services represented 21% of net revenues during 2013 and 13% of net revenues during 2012. The increase was also the result of a 16% increase in print textbook rental volumes, partially offset by a reduction in price per rental unit. We anticipate that our non-print products and digital services will continue to grow at a rate greater than our overall revenue growth in future periods. Net revenues in 2012 increased $41.3 million, or 24%, compared to 2011. The increase in net revenues was due primarily to an increase in print textbook volumes of 22%, resulting from an increase in rental units. Non-print products and digital services represented 7% of net revenues during 2011 and 13% of net revenues during 2012, increasing by 142% in absolute dollars during 2012 due to a full year of enrollment marketing services as a result of our acquisition of Zinch in October 2011 and growth in new memberships for our Chegg Study service. 52 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Table of Contents Cost of Revenues The following table sets forth our cost of revenues for the periods shown (dollars in thousands): Year Ended December 31, Change in 2013 Change in 2012 2013 2012 2011 $ % $ % Cost of revenues(1) $ 175,060 $ 145,669 $ 127,012 $ 29,391 20 % $ 18,657 15 % (1) Includes stock-based compensation expense $ 1,185 $ 542 $ 537 $ 643 119 % $ 5 1 % Cost of revenues in 2013 increased $29.4 million, or 20%, compared to 2012. The increase was primarily due to an increase in order fulfillment and payment processing costs of $10.3 million, textbook depreciation of $7.6 million and cost of digital content of $2.5 million. The increase in order fulfillment costs, in particular eTextbook fees and payment processing fees, is directly attributable to the increase in textbook unit volumes during 2013. Textbook depreciation increased primarily due to our purchases of textbooks during the year. The cost of digital content increased during the year due to our expansion of digital content solutions made available to students. In addition, we experienced an increase in the cost of textbooks purchased on a just-in-time basis of approximately $5.3 million, which was primarily driven by an increase in the number of units sold. We also experienced increased costs of approximately $2.7 million associated with hiring temporary personnel to assist with higher transaction and textbook volumes during 2013 and higher write-offs of $1.3 million. Cost of revenues as a percentage of net revenues was flat from 2013 to 2012. Cost of revenues in 2012 increased $18.7 million, or 15%, compared to 2011. The increase was primarily due to an increase in order fulfillment costs of $13.7 million, cost of digital content of $3.8 million and textbook depreciation of $1.0 million. The increase in order fulfillment costs is directly attributable to the increase in textbook unit volumes in 2012 compared to 2011. The cost of digital content increased in 2012 due to our expansion of digital content solutions we developed or licensed from publishers and made available to students. Textbook depreciation increased primarily due to the expansion of our textbook library. Cost of revenues as a percentage of net revenues decreased to 68% for 2012 from 74% for 2011, primarily due to the increase in our net revenues from higher margin non-print products and digital services. Operating Expenses The following table sets forth our operating expenses for the periods shown (dollars in thousands): Year Ended December 31, Change in 2013 Change in 2012 2013 2012 2011 $ % $ %Technology and development(1) $ 41,944 $ 39,315 $ 29,591 $ 2,629 7 % $ 9,724 33 % Sales and marketing(1) 50,302 51,082 28,400 (780 ) (2 ) 22,682 80 General and administrative(1) 40,486 25,117 20,328 15,369 61 4,789 24 Loss (gain) on liquidation of textbooks (1,186 ) (2,594 ) 2,785 1,408 (54 ) (5,379 ) (193 ) $ 131,546 $ 112,920 $ 81,104 $ 18,626 16 % $ 31,816 39 % (1) Includes stock-based compensation expense of: Technology and development $ 9,414 $ 7,657 $ 3,840 $ 1,757 23 % $ 3,817 99 % Sales and marketing 7,107 5,164 3,062 1,943 38 2,102 69 General and administrative 19,252 4,682 5,692 14,570 311 (1,010 ) (18 ) Stock-based compensation expense $ 35,773 $ 17,503 $ 12,594 $ 18,270 104 % $ 4,909 39 % 53 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Table of Contents Technology and Development Technology and development expenses during 2013 increased $2.6 million, or 7%, compared to 2012. During 2013 our employee-related expenses increased $3.2 million compared to the prior year. In addition, stock-based compensation expense increased by $1.8 million primarily due to the grant of vested RSUs and the vesting of previously outstanding RSUs to officers and consultants, which resulted in additional stock-based compensation expense upon the completion of our IPO. These increases were partially offset by a decrease in amortization of intangible assets as intangibles acquired during 2011 became fully amortized. In addition, as we hired full-time employees we reduced our usage of contractors, resulting in savings of approximately $0.6 million during 2013 compared to 2012. Technology and development as a percentage of net revenues decreased to 16% of net revenues in 2013 compared to 18% of net revenues in 2012. Technology and development expenses in 2012 increased $9.7 million, or 33%, compared to 2011. Technology and development as a percentage of net revenues increased to 18% of net revenues in 2012 compared to 17% of net revenues in 2011. The increase in absolute dollars and as a percentage of net revenues was due to an increase in employee related compensation and benefits of approximately $5.5 million, primarily driven by increased headcount during 2012. This increase was partially offset by a decrease in outside services of $1.6 million as a result of hiring full-time employees. We also experienced an increase in stock-based compensation expense during 2012 of approximately $3.8 million. This increase is primarily the result of the full year impact of stock-based compensation expense as a result of the issuance of stock options and restricted shares of our common stock granted in conjunction with our acquisitions during prior years, as well as an increase in new grants. Amortization of intangible assets increased $2.2 million due to a full year of amortization for technology acquired during 2011 through our acquisitions. Sales and Marketing Sales and marketing expenses during 2013 decreased by $0.8 million, or 2%, compared to 2012. Sales and marketing expenses as a percentage of net revenues decreased to 20% during 2013 compared to 24% of net revenues during 2012. The decrease in absolute dollars and as a percentage of net revenues is primarily attributable to a decrease in advertising and marketing expenses of $5.1 million as a result of improved performance of search engine optimization and increased direct traffic resulting in decreased reliance on paid advertising, which were outperforming paid search advertising primarily utilized during 2012. There was a decrease of $0.9 million in amortization of intangible assets as intangibles acquired during 2011 became fully amortized. These decreases were partially offset by increased employee related expenses of $2.9 million as a result of increased average headcount during 2013 compared to 2012 and increased stock-based compensation expense of $1.9 million primarily due to the grant of vested RSUs and the vesting of previously outstanding RSUs to officers and consultants, which resulted in additional stock-based compensation expense upon the completion of our IPO. Sales and marketing expenses in 2012 increased $22.7 million, or 80%, compared to 2011. Sales and marketing expenses as a percentage of net revenues increased to 24% in 2012 compared to 16% in 2011. The increase in absolute dollars and as a percentage of net revenues was primarily the result of an increase in employee-related compensation and benefits of $7.9 million, primarily due to increased headcount during 2012, as we included a full year of expenses related to the employees that joined us as a result of our acquisition of Zinch in October 2011 and as we invested in growing our brand and enrollment marketing services capabilities. In addition, marketing activities increased by $6.2 million related to search advertising as a result of increased spending to reach more customers. Allocated information technology and facilities costs increased by $2.0 million during 2012, and our travel and entertainment expenses and outside services expenses increased by $0.8 million and $0.6 million, respectively, due to support of our enrollment marketing services, which we incurred a full year of expenses in 2012, since the October 2011 acquisition of Zinch. We also experienced an increase in stock-based compensation expense during 2012 of approximately $2.1 million. This increase is the result of new hire option grants and options and restricted shares of our common stock issued in conjunction with our acquisitions during prior years. Amortization of intangible assets increased by $2.1 million as we recognized a full year of amortization associated with our acquisitions completed during the second half of 2011. 54 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Table of Contents General and Administrative General and administrative expenses in 2013 increased $15.4 million, or 61%, compared to 2012. General and administrative expenses as a percentage of net revenues increased to 16% during 2013 compared to 12% of net revenues during 2012. The increase in absolute dollars and as a percentage of net revenues was due to an increase in stock-based compensation expense of $14.6 million primarily due to the grant of vested RSUs and the vesting of previously outstanding RSUs to officers and consultants, which resulted in stock-based compensation expense upon the completion of our IPO. In addition, employee-related and benefit expenses increased by $1.5 million driven by the expansion of our capabilities in our organization to support public company readiness. These increases were partially offset by lease termination expenses in 2012 as we exited our prior headquarters of $0.6 million compared to none in 2013 and lower bad debt expenses of $0.3 million primarily due to our collection efforts. General and administrative expenses in 2012 increased $4.8 million, or 24%, compared to 2011. The increase in absolute dollars and as a percentage of net revenues was primarily due to an increase in employee related compensation and benefits of $2.1 million driven by the expansion of capabilities in our organization to support public company readiness. In addition, expenses of $0.7 million were incurred due to liabilities resulting from the Cramster acquisition, and depreciation expenses increased by $0.6 million. Outside accounting and professional fees increased $0.6 million due to valuation services and public company readiness initiatives, and bad debt expenses increased by $0.5 million. Loss (Gain) on Liquidation of Textbooks In 2013, we had a net gain on liquidations of $1.2 million, resulting from proceeds received from liquidation of previously rented print textbooks on our website and through various other liquidation channels. The number of textbooks liquidated in 2013 increased compared to the volumes in 2012 however the amounts recovered decreased in 2013 compared to 2012 due to more liquidation volumes through various other liquidation channels as compared to our website. In 2012, we had a net gain on liquidations of $2.6 million resulting from proceeds received from liquidation of previously rented print textbooks on our website and through various other liquidation channels. The number of textbooks liquidated in 2012 was comparable to those liquidated in 2011; however the amounts recovered were higher in 2012 than in 2011 due to more liquidation volumes through our website, where the recovery proceeds are greater than through wholesalers or other channels. Interest and Other Income (Expense), Net The following table sets forth our interest and other income (expense), net, for the periods shown (dollars in thousands): Year Ended December 31, Change in 2013 Change in 2012 2013 2012 2011 $ % $ % Interest expense, net $ (3,818 ) $ (4,393 ) $(3,558 ) $ 575 (13 )% $ (835 ) 23 % Other income (expense), net (359 ) 634 1,855 (993 ) (157 ) (1,221 ) (66 ) Total interest and other expense, net $ (4,177 ) $ (3,759 ) $ (1,703 ) $ (418 ) 11 % $ (2,056 ) 121 % Interest expense, net decreased by $0.6 million during 2013 primarily due to lower average outstanding loan balances and a lower effective interest rate. Other expense, net was a net expense during 2013 resulting from an increase in the fair value of our preferred stock warrants compared to the value during 2012, prior to their conversion into common stock warrants. 55-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Table of Contents Interest expense, net increased by $0.8 million in 2012 primarily due to the interest associated with two outstanding credit facilities in 2012, compared to only one in 2011, as well as the accrual of an end-of-term fee and an increase in the amortization of issuance costs associated with a term loan facility we entered into in May 2012. Other income, net decreased in 2012 due to a smaller change in the fair value of our preferred stock warrants compared to the decrease in the fair value of the preferred stock warrants in 2011. Provision (Benefit) for Income Taxes The following table sets forth our provision (benefit) for income taxes for the periods shown (dollars in thousands): Year Ended December 31, Change in 2013 Change in 2012 2013 2012 2011 $ % $ %Provision (benefit) for income taxes $ 642 $ 29 $ (200 ) $ 613 n/m $ 229 115 % We recognized income tax expense of $0.6 million, in 2013 that was comprised of state and foreign income tax expense. We recognized income tax expense of $29,000 in 2012, which was comprised of state and foreign income tax expense, partially offset by the release of certain income tax benefits. We recognized an income tax benefit of $0.2 million in 2011, due to the release of valuation allowances as a result of our acquisitions, partially offset by state and foreign income tax expense. Liquidity and Capital Resources As of December 31, 2013, our principal sources of liquidity were cash, cash equivalents and investments totaling $138.3 million, which were held for working capital purposes. Our cash equivalents and investments are composed primarily of commercial paper, corporate securities and money market funds. We have $50.0 million available for draw down under our revolving credit facility with an accordion feature subject to certain financial criteria that would allow us to draw down to $75.0 million in total, which expires in August 2016. At December 31, 2013, there were no amounts drawn down on our revolving credit facility which carries, at our election, (1) a base interest rate of the greater of the Federal Funds Rate plus 0.5% or one-month LIBOR plus 1%, or Prime, or (2) a LIBOR based interest rate plus additional interest of up to 4.5% depending on our leverage ratio. The revolving credit facility requires us to repay the outstanding balance at expiration, or to prepay the outstanding balance if certain reporting and financial covenants are not maintained. These financial covenants are as follows: (1) maintain specified quarterly levels of consolidated EBITDA, which is defined as net income (loss) before tax plus interest expense, provision for income taxes, depreciation and amortization expense, non-cash stock-based compensation expense and costs and expenses not to exceed $2.0 million in closing fees related to the revolving credit facility; and (2) maintain a leverage ratio greater than 1.5 to 1.0 as of the end of each quarter, based on the ratio of the consolidated outstanding debt balance to consolidated EBITDA for the period of the four fiscal quarters most recently ended. As of December 31, 2013, we were in compliance with these financial covenants. Our print textbook business is highly capital intensive, and we typically use cash for our investing activities while we generate positive cash flows from operations. We capitalize the investment in our print textbook library and depreciate the value of our textbooks over their useful life as cost of revenues. In 2013, 2012 and 2011, our investment in print textbooks, net of proceeds from textbook liquidations, was $84.3 million, $70.4 million and $43.2 million, respectively. To the extent our business continues to grow, or as new textbook versions are published, we anticipate we will continue to purchase additional textbooks, resulting in a use of cash from investing activities. As of December 31, 2013, we have incurred cumulative losses of $205.1 million from our operations, and we expect to incur additional losses in the future. Our operations have been financed primarily by net proceeds from the sales of shares of our convertible preferred stock, through various debt financing activities and our IPO. 56 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Table of Contents We believe that our existing sources of liquidity will be sufficient to fund our operations, debt service and repayment obligations for at least the next 12 months. However, our future capital requirements will depend on many factors, including the level of investment in textbooks to support our print textbook business and our ability to recover our source costs through the rental of textbooks and as we liquidate textbooks at the end of their lifecycle, our rate of revenue growth, our sales and marketing activities and the timing and extent of our spending to support our technology and development efforts. To the extent that existing cash and cash equivalents, investments and cash from operations are insufficient to fund our future activities, we may need to raise additional funds through public or private equity or debt financing. Additional funds may not be available on terms favorable to us or at all. If adequate funds are not available on acceptable terms, or at all, we may be unable to adequately fund our business plans and it could have a negative effect on our business, operating cash flows and financial condition. The following table sets forth our cash flows (in thousands): Year Ended December 31, 2013 2012 2011 Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows Data: Net cash provided by operating activities $ 63,706 $ 54,681 $ 32,754 Net cash used in investing activities $ (153,090 ) $ (88,103 ) $ (59,926 ) Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities $ 145,218 $ 19,845 $ (8,750 ) Cash Flows from Operating Activities Although we incurred net losses in 2013, 2012 and 2011, we generated positive cash flows from operating activities in each period presented, which was primarily the result of our increased textbook revenue. Cash flows from operating activities are also influenced by the increase in expenses we incur to support the growth in our business. The substantial majority of our net revenue is from e-commerce transactions with students, which are settled immediately through payment processors, and our accounts payable are settled based on contractual payment terms with our suppliers. As a result, changes in our operating accounts are generally a source of cash overall, although they can be a use of cash in the second and fourth quarters of each year as payables become due and new bookings are generally at their low point. In addition, we have significant non-cash operating expenses such as textbook library depreciation expense, other depreciation and amortization expense and stock-based compensation expense. In 2013, 2012 and 2011, our non-cash operating expenses and changes in operating assets and liabilities more than offset our net loss. Net cash provided by operating activities in 2013 was $63.7 million. Although we incurred a net loss of $55.9 million, our net loss was more than offset by significant non-cash operating expenses, including textbook library depreciation expense of $64.8 million, other depreciation and amortization expense of $11.6 million, stock-based compensation expense of $37.0 million and loss from write-offs of textbooks of $5.9 million. Net cash provided by operating activities in 2012 was $54.7 million. Although we incurred a net loss of $49.0 million, our net loss was offset by significant non-cash operating expenses, including textbook library depreciation expense of $57.2 million, other depreciation and amortization expense of $12.6 million, stock-based compensation expense of $18.0 million and loss from write-offs of textbooks of $4.6 million. Net cash provided by operating activities in 2011 was $32.8 million. Although we incurred a net loss of $37.6 million, our net loss was offset by significant non-cash operating expenses, including textbook library depreciation expense of $56.1 million, other depreciation and amortization expense of $7.3 million, stock-based compensation expense of $13.1 million and loss from write-offs of textbooks of $5.3 million. In addition, we used cash from operations in 2011 as a result of an $8.2 million reduction in accrued liabilities, primarily related to the liabilities assumed in connection with our acquisitions in the second half of the year, a $4.9 million reduction in accounts payable due to the timing of vendor payments and a $3.6 million increase in prepaid 57-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Table of Contents expenses and other current assets related to the cash escrow balance associated with the Cramster acquisition becoming due within a year and an advanced payment related to eTextbook publisher fees, partially offset by a $5.6 million increase in deferred revenues from the growth of our print textbook, enrollment marketing services and Chegg Study businesses. Cash Flows from Investing Activities Cash flows from investing activities have been primarily related to the purchase of textbooks and property and equipment, offset by proceeds from the liquidation of textbooks. Net cash used in investing activities in 2013 was $153.1 million and was primarily used for purchases of textbooks of $122.2 million, purchases of investments of $61.4 million and purchases of property and equipment and other assets of $7.4 million, partially offset by proceeds from liquidation of textbooks of $38.0 million. Net cash used in investing activities in 2012 was $88.1 million and was primarily used for purchases of textbooks of $104.5 million and purchases of property and equipment of $15.1 million, partially offset by proceeds from liquidation of textbooks of $34.1 million. Net cash used in investing activities in 2011 was $59.9 million and was used for purchases of textbooks of $74.1 million, partially offset by proceeds from liquidation of textbooks of $30.9 million. In 2011, we narrowed our rental catalog to include only those titles that we believe have sufficient demand to profitably enable the repeat rentals necessary to support renting textbooks at a per rental price below our acquisition cost. In addition, we used $14.0 million in the acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired. Cash Flows from Financing Activities Cash flows from financing activities have been related to proceeds from, and payments on, our debt obligations and proceeds from the issuance of convertible preferred stock. Net cash provided by financing activities in 2013 was $145.2 million and was related to net proceeds received from our IPO and the exercise of stock options, partially offset by the pay-off of our revolving credit facility. Net cash provided by financing activities in 2012 was $19.8 million and was primarily related to proceeds from the issuance of convertible preferred stock of $25.0 million, partially offset by the repurchase of common stock and vested stock options of $5.2 million associated with a put option granted in connection with prior acquisitions. Net cash used in financing activities in 2011 was $8.8 million and was primarily related to payments of debt obligations of $42.8 million, partially offset by proceeds from debt obligations of $33.3 million. Contractual Obligations and Other Commitments The following is a summary of the contractual commitments associated with our debt and lease obligations (which include the related interest) as of December 31, 2013 (in thousands): Less than More than Total 1 Year 1-3 Years 3-5 Years 5 Years Commitment fee on unused portion of revolving credit facility $ 327 $ 125 $ 202 $ - $ - Operating lease obligations(1) 11,323 3,694 5,874 1,615 140 Total contractual obligations $ 11,650 $ 3,819 $ 6,076 $ 1,615 $ 140 (1) Our office and warehouse facilities are leased under operating leases, which expire at various dates through 2019. 58 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Table of Contents In addition, within 90 days following the voluntary or involuntary termination of employment of certain employees acquired in our 2010 acquisition of CourseRank, the employees have the option to sell any vested shares back to us at a fixed price of $11.94 per share. The fair value of vested restricted shares outstanding of $1.5 million has been classified as a liability on our consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2013, as our obligation to purchase the shares from the employees is outside our control. The maximum potential cash liability for these obligations, assuming full vesting, is $3.3 million. The timing of the resolution of this potential liability is uncertain and we are unable to make a reasonably reliable estimate of the timing of payments in individual years beyond 12 months. As a result, this amount is not included in the above table. In addition, our other liabilities include $1.3 million related to uncertain tax positions as of December 31, 2013. The timing of the resolution of these positions is uncertain and we are unable to make a reasonably reliable estimate of the timing of payments in individual years beyond one year. As a result, this amount is not included in the above table. Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements Through December 31, 2013, we did not have any relationships with unconsolidated organizations or financial partnerships, such as structured finance or special purpose entities that would have been established for the purpose of facilitating off-balance sheet arrangements or other contractually narrow or limited purposes. Critical Accounting Policies, Significant Judgments and Estimates Our consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP. The preparation of these consolidated financial statements requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenue, costs and expenses and related disclosures. These estimates form the basis for judgments we make about the carrying values of our assets and liabilities, which are not readily apparent from other sources. We base our estimates and judgments on historical experience and on various other assumptions that we believe are reasonable under the circumstances. On an ongoing basis, we evaluate our estimates and assumptions. Our actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions. We believe that of our significant accounting policies, which are described in Note 2 to our consolidated financial statements, the following accounting policies involve a greater degree of judgment and complexity. Accordingly, these are the policies we believe are the most critical to aid in fully understanding and evaluating our financial condition and results of operations. Revenue Recognition and Deferred Revenue We derive our revenue from the rental or sale of print textbooks and from non-print products and digital services, net of allowances for refunds or charge backs from our payment processors. Non-print products and digital services primarily include eTextbooks, other non-textbook products and services that we offer to students, and marketing services consisting of enrollment services that we offer to colleges and advertising services that we offer to brands. Revenue is recognized when the four basic criteria for revenue recognition have been met as follows: persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, delivery has occurred and title has transferred, the sale price is fixed or determinable and collection is reasonably assured. We primarily generate revenue from the rental of print textbooks and to a lesser extent through the sales of print textbooks through our website purchased by us on a just-in-time basis. Rental revenue is recognized ratably over the term of the rental period, generally two to five months. Revenue from selling textbooks that we source on a just-in-time basis is recognized upon shipment. We do not hold an inventory of textbooks for sale. Our customers pay for the rental and sale of print textbooks on our website primarily by credit card, resulting in immediate settlement of our accounts receivable. 59-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Table of Contents We also generate revenue from non-print products and digital services that include eTextbooks, digital content and services that we offer to students, enrollment marketing services that we offer to colleges and advertising services that we offer to brands. Non-print products and digital services are offered to students through monthly or annual subscriptions or memberships and we recognize revenue ratably or as earned over the subscription or membership period, generally one year or less. As with the revenue from print textbooks, revenue from eTextbooks is recognized ratably over the contractual period, generally two to five months or at time of the sale, and our customers pay for these services through payment processors, resulting in immediate settlement of our accounts receivable. Marketing services include enrollment marketing services and brand advertising, which we offer either on a subscription or on an a la carte basis. Enrollment marketing services connect colleges and graduate schools with students seeking admission or scholarship opportunities at these institutions. Brand advertising offers brands unique ways to connect with students. Revenue is recognized ratably or as earned over the subscription service, generally one year. Revenue from enrollment marketing services or brand advertising delivered on an a la carte basis, without a subscription, is recognized when delivery of the respective lead or service has occurred. For these services, we bill the customer at the inception, over the term of the customer arrangement or as the services are performed. Upon satisfactory assessment of creditworthiness, we generally grant credit to our enrollment marketing services and brand advertising customers with normal credit terms, typically 30 days. Shipping costs charged to customers in the sale or rental of textbooks are recorded in revenue and the related expenses are recorded as cost of revenues. Revenue from enrollment marketing services represented less than 10% of net revenues in 2011, 2012 and 2013. Some of our customer arrangements for enrollment marketing services include multiple deliverables, which include the delivery of student leads as well as other services to the end customer. We have determined these deliverables qualify as separate units of accounting, as they have value to the customer on a standalone basis and our arrangements do not contain a right of return. For these arrangements that contain multiple deliverables, we allocate the arrangement consideration based on the relative selling price method in accordance with the selling price hierarchy, which includes: (i) vendor-specific objective evidence of fair value, or VSOE, when available; (ii) third-party evidence of selling price, or TPE, if VSOE does not exist; and (iii) estimated selling price, or ESP, if neither VSOE nor TPE is available. We determine VSOE based on our historical pricing and discounting practices for the specific solution when sold separately and when a substantial majority of the selling prices for these services fall within a narrow range. TPE is determined based on competitor prices for similar deliverables when sold separately. Generally our go-to-market strategy differs from that of our peers, and our offerings contain a significant level of differentiation such that the comparable pricing of services with similar functionality cannot be obtained. As we have not established VSOE or TPE for our enrollment marketing services, we have used ESP in our allocation of arrangement consideration. We have determined ESP by considering multiple factors including, but not limited to, prices charged for similar offerings, sales volume, geographies, market conditions, the competitive landscape and pricing practices. We believe this best represents the price at which we would transact a sale if the services were sold on a standalone basis, and we regularly assess the method used to determine ESP. Additionally, we limit the amount of revenue recognized for delivered elements to the amount that is not contingent on future delivery of services or other future performance obligations. Revenue is presented net of sales tax collected from customers to be remitted to governmental authorities and net of allowances for estimated cancellations and customer returns, which are based on historical data. Customer refunds from cancellations and returns are recorded as a reduction to revenue. Deferred revenue primarily consists of advance payments from students related to rentals, subscriptions and memberships that have not been recognized and marketing services that have yet to be performed. Deferred revenue is recognized as revenue ratably over the term or when the services are provided and all other revenue recognition criteria have been met. 60-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Table of Contents Textbook Library We consider our textbook library to be a long-term productive asset and, as such, we classify it as a non-current asset in our consolidated balance sheets. Additionally, cash outflows for the acquisition of the textbook library, net of changes in related accounts payable and accrued liabilities, as well as cash inflows received from the liquidation of textbooks, are classified as cash flows from investing activities in our consolidated statements of cash flows, consistent with other long-term asset activity. The gain or loss from the liquidation of textbooks previously rented is recorded as a component of operating expenses in our consolidated statements of operations and is classified as cash flow from operating activities. All textbooks in our textbook library are stated at cost, which includes the purchase price less accumulated depreciation. We record allowances for lost or damaged textbooks in cost of revenues in our consolidated statements of operations based on our assessment of our textbook library on a book-by-book basis. Factors considered in the determination of textbook allowances include historical experience, management's knowledge of current business conditions and expectations of future demand. Write-offs result from lost or damaged books, books no longer considered to be rentable or when books are not returned to us by our customers after the rental period. We depreciate our textbooks, less an estimated salvage value, over an estimated useful life of three years using an accelerated method of depreciation, as we estimate this method most accurately reflects the actual pattern of decline in the economic value of the assets as described below. The salvage value considers the historical trend and projected liquidation proceeds for textbooks. The useful life is determined based on the time period in which the textbooks are held and rented before liquidation. In accordance with our policy, we review the estimated useful lives of our textbook library on an ongoing basis. We will continue to review the accelerated method of depreciation to ensure consistency with the value of the textbook to the customer during its useful life. Based on historical experience, we believe that a textbook has more value to our customers and us early in its useful life and an accelerated depreciation method reflects the actual pattern of decline in economic value and aligns with the textbook's condition, which may deteriorate over time. In addition, we consider the utilization of the textbooks and the rental revenue we can earn, recognizing that a used textbook rents for a lower amount than a new textbook. Should the actual rental activity or deterioration of books differ from our estimates, our loss (gain) on liquidation of textbooks or write-offs could differ. In addition, we will continue to evaluate the appropriateness of the estimated salvage value and estimated useful life based on historical liquidation transactions with both vendors and customers and reviewing a blend of actual and estimates of the lifecycle of each book and the number of times rented before it is liquidated, respectively. Our estimates utilize data from historical experience, including actual proceeds from liquidated textbooks as a percentage of original sourcing costs, channel mix of liquidations and consideration of the estimated sales price, largely driven by the average market price data of used books and the projected values of a book in relation to the original source cost over time. Changes in the estimated salvage value, method of depreciation or useful life can have a significant impact on our depreciation expense, write-offs liquidations and gross margins. We will continue to use judgment in evaluating the assumptions related to our textbook library on a prospective basis. As we continue to accumulate additional data related to our textbook library, we may make refinements to our estimates, which could materially impact our depreciation expense, write-offs and liquidations. Depreciation expense and write-offs of textbooks are recorded in cost of revenues in our consolidated statements of operations. During 2013, 2012 and 2011, textbook library depreciation expense was approximately $64.8 million, $57.2 million and $56.1 million, respectively, and write-offs were approximately $5.9 million, $4.6 million and $5.3 million, respectively. 61-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Table of Contents Impairment of Acquired Intangible Assets and Other Long-Lived Assets We assess the impairment of acquired intangible assets and other long-lived assets at least annually and whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of such assets may not be recoverable. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured first by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset to the future undiscounted net cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. If such assets are considered to be impaired, an impairment loss would be recognized. When measuring the recoverability of these assets, we will make assumptions regarding our estimated future cash flows expected to be generated by the assets. If our estimates or related assumptions change in the future, we may be required to impair these assets. During 2012, we determined that we would not integrate content related to the Notehall and Student of Fortune services into our connected learning platform. Our impairment analysis resulted in an impairment charge of $0.6 million, with $0.2 million recorded in technology and development and $0.4 million recorded in sales and marketing. As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, we had intangible assets, net, of $3.3 million and $6.7 million, respectively. Goodwill Goodwill represents the excess of the aggregate purchase price paid over the fair value of the net tangible assets acquired. Goodwill is not amortized and is tested for impairment at least annually or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. We have determined that we operate as one reporting unit and have selected October 1 as the date we perform our annual impairment test. We first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is necessary to perform the two-step quantitative goodwill impairment test. We are not required to calculate the fair value of our reporting unit unless we determine, based on a qualitative assessment, that it is more-likely-than-not that the fair value is less than our carrying amount. If the fair value is less than the carrying value, we perform a two-step quantitative goodwill impairment test. The first step of the impairment test involves comparing the fair value of the reporting unit to its net book value, including goodwill. If the net book value exceeds its fair value, then we would perform the second step of the goodwill impairment test to determine the amount of the impairment loss. When performing the valuation of our goodwill, we make assumptions regarding our estimated future cash flows to determine the fair value of our business. If our estimates or related assumptions change in the future, we may be required to record impairment loss related to our goodwill. We have not recognized any impairment of goodwill since our inception. As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, we had goodwill of $49.5 million. Stock-Based Compensation We measure and recognize compensation expense for all stock-based awards made to employees, directors and consultants, including stock options, restricted stock awards, RSUs, and our employee stock purchase plan, or ESPP, shares based on estimated fair values. Prior to our IPO in November 2013, the fair value of our stock options, restricted stock awards and RSUs included an estimation of the fair value of our common stock. • The fair value of stock options is estimated at the date of grant using the Black-Scholes-Merton option pricing model, which includes assumptions for the expected term, risk-free interest rate, expected volatility and expected dividends. We expense stock-based compensation, adjusted for estimated forfeitures, using the straight-line method over the vesting term of the award. There was no capitalized stock-based compensation expense as of December 31, 2013 and 2012. • The fair value of restricted stock awards is determined based upon the fair value of the underlying common stock at the date of grant. We issued unvested restricted stock to employee stockholders of acquired companies in 2011. As these unvested awards are generally subject to continued post-acquisition employment, we have accounted for them as post-acquisition stock-based compensation expense. • The fair value of RSUs is determined based upon the fair value of the underlying common stock at the date of grant. Our outstanding RSUs vest upon the satisfaction of both a time-based service component 62 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Table of Contents and a performance condition. The service component for the majority of these awards is satisfied over three years. We expect that the performance condition will be satisfied March 15, 2014. • The fair value of shares to be purchase under our ESPP is estimated at the beginning of each six-month offering period using the Black-Scholes-Merton option pricing model, which includes assumptions for the expected term, risk-free interest rate, expected volatility and expected dividends. We expense stock-based compensation, using the straight-line method over the life of the purchase period under the offering. The Black-Scholes-Merton option-pricing model utilizes the estimated fair value of our common stock and requires the input of subjective assumptions, including the expected term and the price volatility of the underlying stock. These assumptions represent management's best estimates. These estimates involve inherent uncertainties and the application of management's judgment. If factors change and different assumptions are used, our stock-based compensation expense could be materially different in the future. The assumptions required are estimated as follows: Expected term - The expected term for options granted to employees, officers and directors is calculated as the midpoint between the vesting date and the end of the contractual term of the options. The expected term for options granted to consultants is determined using the remaining contractual life. Risk-free interest rate - The risk-free interest rate used in the valuation method is the implied yield currently available on the United States treasury zero-coupon issues, with a remaining term equal to the expected life term of our options. Expected volatility - The expected volatility is based on the average volatility of similar public entities within our peer group. Expected dividends - The dividend assumption is based on our historical experience. To date we have not paid any dividends on our common stock. The following table summarizes the key assumptions used to determine the fair value of our stock options granted to employees, officers and directors: Year Ended December 31, 2013 2012 2011 Expected term (years) 5.08 - 6.63 5.09 - 6.08 4.93 - 6.58 Expected volatility 55.72% - 73.18% 55.10% - 58.77% 47.44% - 76.51% Dividend yield 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% Risk-free interest rate 0.81% - 1.92% 0.65% - 1.16% 0.96% - 4.55% Weighted-average grant-date fair value per share $6.20 $3.86 $4.67 We recognize only the portion of the option award granted to employees that is ultimately expected to vest as compensation expense. In addition to assumptions used in the Black-Scholes-Merton option pricing model, we must also estimate a forfeiture rate to calculate the stock-based compensation expense related to our awards. Estimated forfeitures are determined based on historical data and management's expectation of exercise behaviors. We will continue to evaluate the appropriateness of the forfeiture rate based on actual forfeiture experience, analysis of employee turnover and other factors. Quarterly changes in the estimated forfeiture rate can have a significant impact on our stock-based compensation expense as the cumulative effect of adjusting the rate is recognized in the period the forfeiture estimate is changed. If a revised forfeiture rate is higher than the previously estimated forfeiture rate, an adjustment is made that will result in a decrease to the stock-based compensation expense recognized in the financial statements. If a revised forfeiture rate is lower than the previously estimated forfeiture rate, an adjustment is made that will result in an increase to the stock-based compensation expense recognized in the financial statements. 63-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Table of Contents We will continue to use judgment in evaluating the assumptions related to our stock-based compensation expense on a prospective basis. As we continue to accumulate additional data related to our common stock, we may refine our estimates, which could materially impact our future stock-based compensation expense. Recent Accounting Pronouncements Refer to Note 2 - Significant Accounting Policies in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for relevant recent accounting pronouncements. |