UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
Form
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
For the quarterly period ended
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:
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
(State or other jurisdiction of | (I.R.S. Employer | |
incorporation or organization) | Identification No.) | |
( | ||
(Address of Principal Executive Offices) | (Registrant’s telephone number, including area code) |
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each class | Trading Symbol | Name of each exchange on which registered | ||
New York Stock Exchange ( |
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.
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files).
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Accelerated filer ◻ | ||
Non-accelerated filer ◻ | Smaller reporting company Emerging growth company |
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ◻
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes
As of October 18, 2024, the Registrant had
Stride, Inc.
Form 10-Q
For the Quarterly Period Ended September 30, 2024
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Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations | 31 | |
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2
PART I — FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements (Unaudited).
STRIDE, INC.
UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
September 30, | June 30, | |||||
| 2024 |
| 2024 | |||
(audited) | ||||||
(In thousands except share and per share data) | ||||||
ASSETS | ||||||
Current assets | ||||||
Cash and cash equivalents | $ | | $ | | ||
Accounts receivable, net of allowance of $ | | | ||||
Inventories, net | | | ||||
Prepaid expenses | | | ||||
Marketable securities | | | ||||
Other current assets | | | ||||
Total current assets | | | ||||
Operating lease right-of-use assets, net | | | ||||
Property and equipment, net | | | ||||
Capitalized software, net | | | ||||
Capitalized curriculum development costs, net | | | ||||
Intangible assets, net | | | ||||
Goodwill | | | ||||
Deferred tax asset | — | | ||||
Deposits and other assets | | | ||||
Total assets | $ | | $ | | ||
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY | ||||||
Current liabilities | ||||||
Accounts payable | $ | | $ | | ||
Accrued liabilities | | | ||||
Accrued compensation and benefits | | | ||||
Deferred revenue | | | ||||
Current portion of finance lease liability | | | ||||
Current portion of operating lease liability | | | ||||
Total current liabilities | | | ||||
Long-term finance lease liability | | | ||||
Long-term operating lease liability | | | ||||
Long-term debt | | | ||||
Deferred tax liability | | — | ||||
Other long-term liabilities | | | ||||
Total liabilities | | | ||||
Commitments and contingencies | ||||||
Stockholders’ equity | ||||||
Preferred stock, par value $ | ||||||
Common stock, par value $ | | | ||||
Additional paid-in capital | | | ||||
Accumulated other comprehensive loss | ( | ( | ||||
Retained earnings | | | ||||
Treasury stock of | ( | ( | ||||
Total stockholders’ equity | | | ||||
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity | $ | | $ | |
See accompanying notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
3
STRIDE, INC.
UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
| Three Months Ended September 30, | |||||
|
| 2024 |
| 2023 | ||
(In thousands except share and per share data) | ||||||
Revenues | $ | | $ | | ||
Instructional costs and services | | | ||||
Gross margin | | | ||||
Selling, general, and administrative expenses | | | ||||
Income from operations | | | ||||
Interest expense, net | ( | ( | ||||
Other income, net | | | ||||
Income before income taxes and loss from equity method investments | | | ||||
Income tax expense | ( | ( | ||||
Loss from equity method investments | ( | ( | ||||
Net income attributable to common stockholders | $ | | $ | | ||
Net income attributable to common stockholders per share: | ||||||
Basic | $ | | $ | | ||
Diluted | $ | | $ | | ||
Weighted average shares used in computing per share amounts: | ||||||
Basic | | | ||||
Diluted | | |
See accompanying notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
4
STRIDE, INC.
UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
| Three Months Ended September 30, | |||||
|
| 2024 |
| 2023 | ||
(In thousands) | ||||||
Net income | $ | | $ | | ||
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax: | ||||||
Foreign currency translation adjustment | ( | — | ||||
Comprehensive income attributable to common stockholders | $ | | $ | |
See accompanying notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
5
STRIDE, INC.
UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Stride, Inc. Stockholders' Equity | ||||||||||||||||||||||
(In thousands except share data) | Common Stock | Additional | Accumulated Other | Retained | Treasury Stock | |||||||||||||||||
| Shares |
| Amount |
| Capital |
| Income (Loss) |
| Earnings |
| Shares |
| Amount |
| Total | |||||||
Balance, June 30, 2024 | | $ | | $ | | $ | ( | $ | | ( | $ | ( | $ | | ||||||||
Net income | — | — | — | — | | — | — | | ||||||||||||||
Foreign currency translation adjustment | — | — | — | ( | — | — | — | ( | ||||||||||||||
Stock-based compensation expense | — | — | | — | — | — | — | | ||||||||||||||
Vesting of performance share units, net of tax withholding | | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||
Issuance of restricted stock awards | | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||
Forfeiture of restricted stock awards | ( | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||
Repurchase of restricted stock for tax withholding | ( | — | ( | — | — | — | — | ( | ||||||||||||||
Balance, September 30, 2024 | | $ | | $ | | $ | ( | $ | | ( | $ | ( | $ | |
Stride, Inc. Stockholders' Equity | ||||||||||||||||||||||
(In thousands except share data) | Common Stock | Additional | Accumulated Other | Retained | Treasury Stock | |||||||||||||||||
| Shares |
| Amount |
| Capital |
| Income (Loss) |
| Earnings |
| Shares |
| Amount |
| Total | |||||||
Balance, June 30, 2023 | | $ | | $ | | $ | ( | $ | | ( | $ | ( | $ | | ||||||||
Net income | — | — | — | — | | — | — | | ||||||||||||||
Stock-based compensation expense | — | — | | — | — | — | — | | ||||||||||||||
Issuance of restricted stock awards | | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||
Forfeiture of restricted stock awards | ( | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||
Repurchase of restricted stock for tax withholding | ( | — | ( | — | — | — | — | ( | ||||||||||||||
Balance, September 30, 2023 | | $ | | $ | | $ | ( | $ | | ( | $ | ( | $ | |
See accompanying notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
6
STRIDE, INC.
UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
Three Months Ended September 30, | ||||||
| 2024 |
| 2023 | |||
(In thousands) | ||||||
Cash flows from operating activities | ||||||
Net income | $ | | $ | | ||
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash used in operating activities: | ||||||
Depreciation and amortization expense | | | ||||
Stock-based compensation expense | | | ||||
Deferred income taxes | | | ||||
Provision for credit losses | | | ||||
Amortization of fees on debt | | | ||||
Noncash operating lease expense | | | ||||
Other | | | ||||
Changes in assets and liabilities: | ||||||
Accounts receivable | ( | ( | ||||
Inventories, prepaid expenses, deposits and other current and long-term assets | ( | ( | ||||
Accounts payable | | | ||||
Accrued liabilities | ( | ( | ||||
Accrued compensation and benefits | ( | ( | ||||
Operating lease liability | ( | ( | ||||
Deferred revenue and other liabilities | ( | | ||||
Net cash used in operating activities | ( | ( | ||||
Cash flows from investing activities | ||||||
Purchase of property and equipment | ( | ( | ||||
Capitalized software development costs | ( | ( | ||||
Capitalized curriculum development costs | ( | ( | ||||
Other acquisitions, loans and investments, net of distributions | ( | ( | ||||
Proceeds from the maturity of marketable securities | | | ||||
Purchases of marketable securities | ( | ( | ||||
Net cash used in investing activities | ( | ( | ||||
Cash flows from financing activities | ||||||
Repayments on finance lease obligations | ( | ( | ||||
Repurchase of restricted stock for income tax withholding | ( | ( | ||||
Net cash used in financing activities | ( | ( | ||||
Net change in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash | ( | ( | ||||
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, beginning of period | | | ||||
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, end of period | $ | | $ | |
See accompanying notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
7
1. Description of the Business
Stride, Inc., together with its subsidiaries (“Stride” or the “Company”) is a technology company providing an educational platform to deliver online learning to students throughout the U.S. The brand reflects the Company’s continued growth into lifelong learning, regardless of a student’s age or location. The Company’s platform hosts products and services to attract, enroll, educate, track progress, and support students. These products and services, spanning curriculum, systems, instruction, and support services are designed to help learners of all ages reach their full potential through inspired teaching and personalized learning. The Company’s clients are primarily public and private schools, school districts, and charter boards. Additionally, it provides solutions to employers, government agencies and consumers. These products and services are provided through
● | Products and services for the General Education market are predominantly focused on core subjects, including math, English, science and history, for kindergarten through twelfth grade students to help build a common foundation of knowledge. These programs provide an alternative to traditional school options and address a range of student needs. Products and services are delivered as a comprehensive school-as-a-service offering for schools or as stand-alone products and services. A student enrolled in a school that offers Stride’s General Education program may elect to take career courses, but that student and the associated revenue is reported as a General Education enrollment and General Education revenue. |
● | Career Learning products and services are focused on developing skills to enter and succeed in careers in high-growth, in-demand industries—including information technology, healthcare and general business. The Company provides middle and high school students with Career Learning programs that complement their core general education coursework. Stride offers multiple career pathways through a diverse catalog of courses. The middle school program exposes students to a variety of career options and introduces career skill development. In high school, students may engage in industry content pathway courses, project-based learning in virtual teams, and career development services. High school students have the opportunity to progress toward certifications, connect with industry professionals, earn college credits while in high school, and participate in job shadowing and/or work-based learning experiences that facilitate success in today’s digital, tech-enabled economy. A student is reported as a Career Learning enrollment and associated Career Learning revenue only if the student is enrolled in a Career Learning program. Like General Education products and services, the products and services for Career Learning are sold as a comprehensive school-as-a-service offering or as stand-alone products and services. The Company also provides focused post-secondary career learning programs to adult learners, for the software engineering, healthcare, and medical fields. These programs are sold directly to consumers, employers and government agencies. |
2. Basis of Presentation
The accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet as of September 30, 2024, the condensed consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income for the three months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, the condensed consolidated statements of cash flows for the three months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, and the condensed consolidated statements of stockholders’ equity for the three months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023 are unaudited. The unaudited interim financial statements have been prepared on the same basis as the annual financial statements, and in the opinion of management, reflect all adjustments, which include only normal recurring adjustments, necessary to present fairly the Company’s financial position and results of operations for the periods presented. The results for the three months ended September 30, 2024 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the year ending June 30, 2025, for any other interim period or for any other future fiscal year. The condensed consolidated balance sheet as of June 30, 2024 has been derived from the audited consolidated financial statements at that date.
The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements of the Company have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Rule 10-01 of Regulation S-X of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). Accordingly, the Company does not include all of the information and footnotes required by GAAP for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, these statements include all
8
STRIDE, INC.
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Continued
adjustments (consisting of normal recurring adjustments) considered necessary to present a fair statement of the Company’s condensed consolidated results of operations, financial position and cash flows. Preparation of the Company’s financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts in the financial statements and footnotes. Actual results could differ from those estimates. This quarterly report on Form 10-Q should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and the notes thereto included in the Company’s latest annual report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on August 6, 2024, which contains the Company’s audited financial statements for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2024.
The Company operates in
3. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
Accounting Standards Not Yet Adopted
In March 2020, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued ASU 2020-04, Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848) (“ASU 2020 04”) which provides relief to companies that will be impacted by the cessation of reference rate reform, e.g. LIBOR, that was tentatively planned for the end of fiscal year 2023. The ASU permitted an entity to consider contract modifications due to reference rate reform to be an event that did not require contract remeasurement. This ASU was applicable from March 12, 2020 through December 31, 2022 and adoption was permitted at any time during the period on a prospective basis. In December 2022, the FASB issued ASU 2022-06, Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848): Deferral of the Sunset Date of Topic 848, which extends the provisions of Topic 848 to December 31, 2024. The Company’s senior secured revolving credit facility includes the use of alternate rates when LIBOR is not available. The Company does not expect the change from LIBOR to an alternate rate will have a material impact to the condensed consolidated financial statements and, to the extent it enters into modifications of agreements that are impacted by the LIBOR phase-out, the Company will apply such guidance to those contract modifications.
In November 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-07, Segment Reporting (Topic 280) ("ASU 2023-07"). This update provides, among other things, enhanced segment disclosure requirements including disclosures about significant segment expenses. ASU 2023-07 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023, and interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024. There are aspects of ASU 2023-07 that apply to entities with one reportable segment. The Company will review the extent of new disclosures necessary in the coming quarters, prior to implementation during fiscal year 2025. Other than additional disclosure, we do not expect a change to our condensed consolidated financial statements.
In December 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-09, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures (“ASU 2023-09”). ASU 2023-09 is intended to enhance the transparency and decision usefulness of income tax disclosures. The amendments in ASU 2023-09 address investor requests for enhanced income tax information primarily through changes to the rate reconciliation and income taxes paid information. ASU 2023-09 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024, and for interim periods for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2025. The Company will review the extent of new disclosures necessary in the coming quarters, prior to implementation during fiscal year 2026. Other than additional disclosure, we do not expect a change to our condensed consolidated financial statements.
9
STRIDE, INC.
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Continued
Revenue Recognition
Revenue is recognized when control of the promised goods or services is transferred to the Company’s customers, in an amount that reflects the consideration it expects to be entitled to in exchange for those goods or services 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 performance obligations in the contract; and |
● | recognize revenue when, or as, the Company satisfies a performance obligation. |
Revenues related to the products and services that the Company provides to students in kindergarten through twelfth grade or adult learners are considered to be General Education or Career Learning based on the school or adult program in which the student is enrolled. General Education products and services are focused on core subjects, including math, English, science and history, for kindergarten through twelfth grade students to help build a common foundation of knowledge. Career Learning products and services are focused on developing skills to enter and succeed in careers in high-growth, in-demand industries—including information technology, healthcare and general business, for students in middle school through high school and adult learners.
The majority of the Company’s contracts are with the following types of customers:
● | a virtual or blended school whereby the amount of revenue is primarily determined by funding the school receives; |
● | a school or individual who licenses certain curriculum on a subscription or course-by-course basis; or |
● | an enterprise who contracts with the Company to provide job training. |
Funding-based Contracts
The Company provides an integrated package of systems, services, products, and professional expertise that is administered together to support a virtual or blended public school. Contractual agreements generally span multiple years with performance obligations being isolated to annual periods which generally coincide with the Company’s fiscal year. Customers of these programs can obtain administrative support, information technology, academic support services, online curriculum, learning systems platforms and instructional services under the terms of a negotiated service agreement. The schools receive funding on a per student basis from the state in which the public school or school district is located. Shipments of materials for schools that occur in the fourth fiscal quarter and for the upcoming school year are recorded in deferred revenue.
The Company generates revenues under contracts with virtual and blended public schools and include the following components, where required:
● | providing each of a school’s students with access to the Company’s online school and lessons; |
● | offline learning kits, which include books and materials to supplement the online lessons; |
● | the use of a personal computer and associated reclamation services; |
● | internet access and technology support services; |
● | instruction by a state-certified teacher; and |
● | management and technology services necessary to support a virtual or blended school. In certain contracts, revenues are determined directly by per enrollment funding. |
To determine the pro rata amount of revenue to recognize in a fiscal quarter, the Company estimates the total expected funds each school will receive in a particular school year. Total funds for a school are primarily a function of the number of students enrolled in the school and established per enrollment funding levels, which are generally published on an annual basis by the state or school district. The Company reviews its estimates of funding periodically, and updates as
10
STRIDE, INC.
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Continued
necessary, by adjusting its year-to-date earned revenues to be proportional to the total expected revenues to be earned during the fiscal year. Actual school funding may vary from these estimates and the impact of these differences could impact the Company’s results of operations. Since the end of the school year coincides with the end of the Company’s fiscal year, annual revenues are generally based on actual school funding and actual costs incurred (including costs for the Company’s services to the schools plus other costs the schools may incur). The Company’s reported results are subject to annual school district financial audits, which incorporate enrollment counts, funding and other routine financial audit considerations. The results of these audits are incorporated into the Company’s monthly funding estimates for the three months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023. Historically, aggregate funding estimates have differed from actual reimbursements, generally in the range of
Each state and/or school district has variations in the school funding formulas and methodologies that it uses to estimate funding for revenue recognition at its respective schools. As the Company estimates funding for each school, it takes into account the state definition for count dates on which reported enrollment numbers will be used for per pupil funding. The parameters the Company considers in estimating funding for revenue recognition purposes include school district count definitions, withdrawal rates, new registrations, average daily attendance, special needs enrollment, academic progress, historical completion, student location, funding caps and other state specified categorical program funding.
Under the contracts where the Company provides products and services to schools, the Company is responsible for substantially all of the expenses incurred by the school and has generally agreed to absorb any operating losses of the schools in a given school year. These school operating losses represent the excess of costs incurred over revenues earned by the virtual or blended public school (the school’s expected funding), as reflected in its respective financial statements, including Company charges to the schools. To the extent a school does not receive sufficient funding for each student enrolled in the school, the school would still incur costs associated with serving the unfunded enrollment. If losses due to unfunded enrollments result in a net operating loss for the year that loss is reflected as a reduction in the revenues and net receivables that the Company collects from the school. A school net operating loss in one year does not necessarily mean the Company anticipates losing money on the entire contract with the school. However, a school’s net operating loss may reduce the Company’s ability to collect its management fees in full and recognized revenues are constrained to reflect the expected cash collections from such schools. The Company records the school’s estimated net operating loss against revenues based upon the percentage of actual revenues in the period to total estimated revenues for the fiscal year. Actual school net operating losses may vary from these estimates or revisions, and the impact of these differences could have a material impact on results of operations. For the three months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, the Company’s revenues included a reduction for net school operating losses at the schools of $
Subscription-based Contracts
The Company provides certain online curriculum and services to schools and school districts under subscription agreements. Revenues from the licensing of curriculum under subscription arrangements are recognized on a ratable basis over the subscription period. Revenues from professional consulting, training and support services are deferred and recognized ratably over the service period.
In addition, the Company contracts with individual customers who have access for
11
STRIDE, INC.
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Continued
Enterprise Contracts
The Company provides job training over a specified contract period to enterprises. Each of these contracts are considered to be one performance obligation. The Company recognizes these revenues based on the number of students trained during the term of the contract based on the defined contract price.
Disaggregated Revenues
The revenue recognition related to the types of contracts discussed above can span both of the Company’s lines of revenue as shown below. For example, a funding-based contract may include both General Education and Career Learning students. In total, there is one performance obligation and revenue is recognized over the Company’s fiscal year. The revenue is then disaggregated between General Education and Career Learning based on the Company’s estimated full-year enrollment totals of each category. During the three months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, approximately
The following table presents the Company’s revenues disaggregated based on its
Three Months Ended September 30, | ||||||
2024 |
| 2023 | ||||
(In thousands) | ||||||
General Education | $ | | $ | | ||
Career Learning | ||||||
Middle - High School | | | ||||
Adult | | | ||||
Total Career Learning | | | ||||
Total Revenues | $ | | $ | |
Concentration of Customers
During the three months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, the Company had
Contract Balances
The timing of revenue recognition, invoicing, and cash collection results in accounts receivable, unbilled receivables (a contract asset) and deferred revenue (a contract liability) in the condensed consolidated balance sheets. Accounts receivable are recorded when there is an executed customer contract and the customer is billed. An allowance is recorded to reflect expected losses at the time the receivable is recorded. The collectability of outstanding receivables is evaluated regularly by the Company to determine if additional allowances are needed. Unbilled receivables are created when revenue is earned prior to the customer being billed. Deferred revenue is recorded when customers are billed or cash is collected in advance of services being provided.
12
STRIDE, INC.
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Continued
The opening and closing balance of the Company’s accounts receivable, unbilled receivables and deferred revenue are as follows:
| September 30, | June 30, | June 30, | ||||||
2024 |
| 2024 | 2023 | ||||||
(In thousands) | |||||||||
Accounts receivable | $ | | $ | | $ | | |||
Unbilled receivables (included in accounts receivable) | | | | ||||||
Deferred revenue | | | | ||||||
Deferred revenue, long-term (included in other long-term liabilities) | | | |
The difference between the opening and closing balance of the accounts receivable and unbilled receivables relates to the timing of the Company’s billing in relation to month end and contractual agreements. The difference between the opening and closing balance of the deferred revenue relates to the timing difference between billings to customers and the service periods under the contract, as well as changes in the estimates of variable consideration. Typically, each of these balances are at their highest during the first quarter of the fiscal year and lowest at the end of the fiscal year. The amount of revenue recognized during the three months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023 that was included in the previous July 1st deferred revenue balance was $
Performance Obligations
A performance obligation is a promise in a contract to transfer a distinct good or service to the customer, and is the unit of account. A contract’s transaction price is allocated to each distinct performance obligation and recognized as revenue when, or as, the performance obligation is satisfied. For the majority of its contracts, the Company’s performance obligations are satisfied over time, as the Company delivers, and the customer receives the services, over the service period of the contract. The Company’s payment terms are generally net
or net , but can vary depending on the customer or when the school receives its funding from the state.The Company has elected, as a practical expedient, not to report the value of unsatisfied performance obligations for contracts with customers that have an expected duration of one year or less. The amount of unsatisfied performance obligations for contracts with customers which extend beyond
Significant Judgments
The Company determined that the majority of its contracts with customers contain one performance obligation. The Company markets the products and services as an integrated package building off its curriculum offerings. It does not market distinct products or services to be sold independently from the curriculum offering. The Company provides the significant service of integrating the goods and services into the operation of the school and education of its students, for which the customer has contracted.
The Company has determined that the time elapsed method is the most appropriate measure of progress towards the satisfaction of the performance obligation. Generally, the Company delivers the integrated products and services package over the course of the Company’s fiscal year. This package includes enrollment, marketing, teacher training, etc. in addition to the core curriculum and instruction. All of these activities are necessary and contribute to the overall education of its students, which occurs evenly throughout the year. Accordingly, the Company recognizes revenue on a straight-line basis.
The Company determined that the expected value method is the most appropriate method to account for variable consideration and the Company’s forecasting method is an estimation process that uses probability to determine expected funding. On a monthly basis, the Company estimates the total funds each school will receive in a particular school year and the amount of full-year school revenues and operating expenses to determine the amount of revenue the Company will
13
STRIDE, INC.
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Continued
recognize. Enrollment and state funding rates are key inputs to this estimate. The estimates are adjusted monthly, and a cumulative catch-up adjustment is recorded to revenue as necessary to reflect the total revenues earned to date to be proportional to the total revenues to be earned in the fiscal year. The Company builds in known constraints (i.e., enrollment, funding, net operating losses, etc.) into the estimate of the variable consideration to record the most probable amount.
Sales Taxes
Sales tax collected from customers is excluded from revenues. Collected but unremitted sales tax is included as part of accrued liabilities in the condensed consolidated balance sheets. Revenues do not include sales tax as the Company considers itself a pass-through conduit for collecting and remitting sales tax.
Consolidation
The condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company, the wholly-owned and affiliated companies that the Company owns, directly or indirectly, and all controlled subsidiaries. All significant intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation.
Investments in Marketable Securities
The Company’s marketable securities generally consist of bonds and other securities which are classified as held-to-maturity. The securities with maturities between three months and one year are classified as short-term and are included in marketable securities on the condensed consolidated balance sheets. The securities with maturities greater than one year are classified as long-term and are included in deposits and other assets on the condensed consolidated balance sheets. Held-to-maturity securities are recorded at their amortized cost. The Company recorded interest income of $
The Company reviews the held-to-maturity debt securities for declines in fair value below the amortized cost basis under the credit loss model of Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 326, Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (“ASC 326”). Any decline in fair value related to a credit loss is recognized in the condensed consolidated statements of operations, with the amount of the loss limited to the difference between fair value and amortized cost. As of September 30, 2024 and June 30, 2024, the allowance for credit losses recognized related to held-to-maturity debt securities was
As of September 30, 2024, the Company’s marketable securities consisted of investments in corporate bonds, U.S. treasury notes and commercial paper. The short-term and long-term portions were $
Allowance for | Net Carrying | Gross Unrealized | ||||||||||||
Amortized Cost | Credit Losses | Amount | Gains (Losses) | Fair Value | ||||||||||
Corporate Bonds | $ | | $ | - | $ | | $ | | $ | | ||||
U.S. Treasury Notes | | - | | | | |||||||||
Commercial Paper | | - | | - | | |||||||||
Total | $ | | $ | - | $ | | $ | | $ | |
14
STRIDE, INC.
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Continued
As of June 30, 2024, the Company’s marketable securities consisted of investments in corporate bonds, U.S. treasury notes and commercial paper. The short-term and long-term portions were $
Allowance for | Net Carrying | Gross Unrealized | ||||||||||||
Amortized Cost | Credit Losses | Amount | Gains (Losses) | Fair Value | ||||||||||
Corporate Bonds | $ | | $ | - | $ | | $ | ( | $ | | ||||
U.S. Treasury Notes | | - | | ( | | |||||||||
Commercial Paper | | - | | | | |||||||||
Total | $ | | $ | - | $ | | $ | ( | $ | |
Allowance for Credit Losses
The Company maintains an allowance for credit losses primarily for estimated losses resulting from the inability or failure of individual customers to make required payments. The Company maintains an allowance under ASC 326 based on historical losses, changes in payment history, customer-specific information, current economic conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts of future economic conditions. The allowance under ASC 326 is updated as additional losses are incurred or information becomes available related to the customer or economic conditions.
The Company’s allowance for credit losses increased from $
The Company writes-off accounts receivable based on the age of the receivable and the facts and circumstances surrounding the customer and reasons for non-payment. Actual write-offs might differ from the recorded allowance.
Inventories
Inventories consist primarily of textbooks and curriculum materials, a majority of which are supplied to virtual and blended public schools, and utilized directly by students. Inventories represent items that are purchased and held for sale and are recorded at the lower of cost (first-in, first-out method) or net realizable value. The Company classifies its inventory as current or long-term based on the holding period. As of September 30, 2024 and June 30, 2024, $
Other Current Assets
Other current assets primarily include textbooks, curriculum materials and other supplies which are expected to be returned upon the completion of the school year. Materials not returned are expensed as part of instructional costs and services.
Capitalized Software-as-a-Service Costs
The Company capitalizes Software-as-a-Service (“SaaS”) license and implementation costs incurred in cloud computing contracts that are service contracts if they meet certain requirements. Those requirements are similar to the requirements for capitalizing costs incurred to develop internal-use software. Capitalization of SaaS costs ceases once the project is substantially complete and the software is ready for its intended purpose. Amortization is computed using the straight-line method over the term of the associated hosting contract, usually between
15
STRIDE, INC.
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Continued
deposits and other assets, on the condensed consolidated balance sheets. Impairment is recognized when it is no longer probable that the SaaS project will be completed and placed in service.
As of September 30, 2024, and June 30, 2024, the Company recorded $
Amortization expense reflected within instructional costs and services related to SaaS implementation costs was $
Property and Equipment
Property and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Depreciation and amortization expense is calculated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful life of the asset (or the lesser of the term of the lease and the estimated useful life of the asset under the finance lease). Amortization of assets capitalized under finance lease arrangements is included in depreciation expense. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the lesser of the lease term or the estimated useful life of the asset. The determination of the lease term is discussed below under “Leases.”
Property and equipment are depreciated over the following useful lives:
| Useful Life | |
Computer hardware | ||
Computer software | ||
Student and state testing computers and printers | ||
Web site development | ||
Office equipment | ||
Furniture and fixtures | ||
Leasehold improvements | Shorter of useful life or term of the lease |
The Company makes an estimate of unreturned student computers and printers based on an analysis of recent trends of returns. The Company recorded accelerated depreciation of $
Depreciation expense, including accelerated depreciation, related to computers and printers provided to students reflected in instructional costs and services for the three months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023 was $
The Company fully expenses computer peripheral equipment (e.g., keyboards, mouses) upon purchase as recovery has been determined to be uneconomical. These expenses totaled $
Capitalized Software Costs
The Company develops software for internal use. Software development costs incurred during the application development stage are capitalized. The Company amortizes these costs over the estimated useful life of the software, which is generally
16
STRIDE, INC.
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Continued
Capitalized software additions totaled $
Capitalized Curriculum Development Costs
The Company internally develops curriculum, which is primarily provided as online content and accessed via the Internet. The Company also creates textbooks and other materials that are complementary to online content.
The Company capitalizes curriculum development costs incurred during the application development stage, as well as the design and deployment phases of the project. As a result, a significant portion of the Company’s courseware development costs qualify for capitalization due to the concentration of its development efforts on the content of the courseware. Capitalization ends when a course is available for general release to its customers, at which time amortization of the capitalized costs begins. The period of time over which these development costs are amortized is generally
Total capitalized curriculum development additions were $
Leases
The Company’s principal leasing activities include student computers and peripherals, classified as finance leases, and facilities, classified as operating leases.
Leases are classified as operating leases unless they meet any of the criteria below to be classified as a finance lease:
● | the lease transfers ownership of the asset at the end of the lease; |
● | the lease grants an option to purchase the asset which the lessee is expected to exercise; |
● | the lease term reflects a major part of the asset’s economic life; |
● | the present value of the lease payments equals or exceeds the fair value of the asset; or |
● | the asset is specialized with no alternative use to the lessor at the end of the term. |
Finance Leases
The Company enters into agreements to finance the purchase of student computers and peripherals provided to students of its schools. Individual leases typically include
payment terms. The Company pledges the assets financed to secure the outstanding leases.Operating Leases
The Company enters into agreements for facilities that serve as offices for its headquarters and school operations. Lease terms vary between
Discount Rate
The present value of the lease payments is calculated using either the rate implicit in the lease, or the lessee’s incremental borrowing rate, over the lease term. For the majority of the Company’s finance and operating leases, the stated rate is not defined within the lease terms. Therefore, the Company uses its incremental borrowing rate as the discount rate.
17
STRIDE, INC.
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Continued
The incremental borrowing rate is defined as the rate of interest that a lessee would have to pay to borrow on a collateralized basis over a similar term an amount equal to the lease payments in a similar economic environment and is calculated using comparative credit ratings.
Policy Elections
Short-term Leases
The Company has elected as an on-going accounting policy election not to record a right-of-use asset or lease liability on its short-term facility leases of 12 months or less, and will expense its lease payments on a straight-line basis over the lease term. The accounting policy election is made by class of underlying asset to which the right of use relates. The Company has elected to apply the accounting policy election only to operating leases.
Income Taxes
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are computed based on the difference between the financial reporting and income tax bases of assets and liabilities using the enacted marginal tax rate. The net deferred tax asset is reduced by a valuation allowance if, based on the weight of available evidence, it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the net deferred tax asset will not be realized.
Goodwill and Intangible Assets
The Company records as goodwill the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of the identifiable net assets acquired. Finite-lived intangible assets acquired in business combinations subject to amortization are recorded at their fair value. Finite-lived intangible assets include trade names, acquired customers and distributors, developed technology and non-compete agreements. Such intangible assets are amortized on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives. Amortization expense for the three months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023 was $
The Company reviews its finite-lived intangible assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be fully recoverable. If the total of the expected undiscounted future cash flows is less than the carrying amount of the asset, a loss is recognized for the difference between fair value and the carrying value of the asset.
The Company has
During the three months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, there were no events or changes in circumstances that would indicate that the carrying amount of the goodwill was impaired.
18
STRIDE, INC.
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Continued
The following table represents the balance of the Company’s intangible assets as of September 30, 2024 and June 30, 2024:
September 30, 2024 | June 30, 2024 | |||||||||||||||||
($ in millions) |
| Gross |
| Accumulated |
| Net |
| Gross |
| Accumulated |
| Net | ||||||
Trade names |
| $ | |
| $ | ( |
| $ | | $ | | $ | ( | $ | | |||
Customer and distributor relationships | | ( | | | ( | | ||||||||||||
Developed technology | | ( | | | ( | | ||||||||||||
Other | | ( | | | ( | | ||||||||||||
Total | $ | | $ | ( | $ | | $ | |
| $ | ( | $ | |
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets
Long-lived assets include property, equipment, right-of-use assets, capitalized curriculum and software developed or obtained for internal use. Management reviews the Company’s recorded long-lived assets for impairment annually or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be fully recoverable. The Company determines the extent to which an asset may be impaired based upon its expectation of the asset’s future usability as well as on a reasonable assurance that the future cash flows associated with the asset will be in excess of its carrying amount. If the total of the expected undiscounted future cash flows is less than the carrying amount of the asset, a loss is recognized for the difference between fair value and the carrying value of the asset. During the three months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, there were no events or changes in circumstances that may indicate that the carrying amount of the long-lived assets may not be recoverable.
Fair Value Measurements
Fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability, in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability, in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. Measurements are described in a fair value hierarchy which requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value.
The three levels of inputs used to measure fair value are:
Level 1: Inputs based on quoted market prices for identical assets or liabilities in active markets at the measurement date.
Level 2: Observable inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1, such as quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar assets and liabilities in markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data.
Level 3: Inputs reflect management’s best estimate of what market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability at the measurement date. The inputs are unobservable in the market and significant to the instrument’s valuation.
The carrying values reflected in the condensed consolidated balance sheets for cash and cash equivalents, receivables, and short-term obligations approximate their fair values, as they are largely short-term in nature. As of September 30, 2024, the estimated fair value of the long-term debt was $
19
STRIDE, INC.
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Continued
quoted market prices in an inactive market (Level 2). The marketable securities are discussed in more detail in Note 3, “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Investments in Marketable Securities.”
There were
Net Income (Loss) Per Common Share
Basic net income (loss) per common share is calculated by dividing net income (loss) by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the reporting period. The weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding includes vested restricted stock awards. Diluted net income (loss) per share (“EPS”) reflects the potential dilution that could occur assuming conversion or exercise of all dilutive unexercised stock options and vesting of all dilutive unvested restricted stock awards. The dilutive effect of stock options and restricted stock awards was determined using the treasury stock method. Under the treasury stock method, the proceeds received from the exercise of stock options and restricted stock awards, the amount of compensation cost for future service not yet recognized by the Company and the amount of tax benefits that would be recorded as income tax expense when the stock options become deductible for income tax purposes are all assumed to be used to repurchase shares of the Company’s common stock. Stock options and restricted stock awards are not included in the computation of diluted net income (loss) per share when they are antidilutive. Common stock outstanding reflected in the Company’s condensed consolidated balance sheets includes restricted stock awards outstanding. The dilutive effect of the Company’s convertible debt is determined using the if-converted method when the Company’s stock is trading above the conversion price. However, based on the structure of the instrument and how it is settled upon conversion, it would produce a similar result as the previously applied treasury stock method.
The following schedule presents the calculation of basic and diluted net income (loss) per share:
| Three Months Ended September 30, | |||||
|
| 2024 |
| 2023 | ||
(In thousands except share and per share data) | ||||||
Basic net income per share computation: | ||||||
Net income attributable to common stockholders | $ | | $ | | ||
Weighted average common shares — basic | | | ||||
Basic net income per share | $ | | $ | | ||
Diluted net income per share computation: | ||||||
Net income attributable to common stockholders | $ | | $ | | ||
Share computation: | ||||||
Weighted average common shares — basic | | | ||||
Effect of dilutive stock options and restricted stock awards | | | ||||
Weighted average common shares — diluted | | | ||||
Diluted net income per share | $ | | $ | |
For the three months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023,
4. Income Taxes
The provision for income taxes is based on earnings reported in the condensed consolidated financial statements. A deferred income tax asset or liability is determined by applying currently enacted tax laws and rates to the expected reversal
20
STRIDE, INC.
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Continued
of the cumulative temporary differences between the carrying value of assets and liabilities for financial statement and income tax purposes. Deferred income tax expense or benefit is measured by the change in the deferred income tax asset or liability during the period. For the three months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, the Company’s effective income tax rate was
5. Finance and Operating Leases
Finance Leases
The Company is a lessee under finance leases for student computers and peripherals under agreements with Banc of America Leasing & Capital, LLC (“BALC”) and CSI Leasing, Inc. (“CSI Leasing”). As of September 30, 2024 and June 30, 2024, the finance lease liability was $
The Company entered into an agreement with BALC in April 2020 for $
The Company entered into an agreement with CSI Leasing in August 2022 to provide financing for its leases. Individual leases under the agreement with CSI Leasing include
21
STRIDE, INC.
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Continued
The following is a summary, as of September 30, 2024 and June 30, 2024, respectively, of the present value of the net minimum lease payments under the Company’s finance leases:
| September 30, 2024 |
| June 30, 2024 | |||
| (in thousands) | |||||
2025 | $ | | $ | | ||
2026 | | | ||||
2027 | | | ||||
2028 | | | ||||
Total minimum payments | | | ||||
Less: imputed interest | ( | ( | ||||
Finance lease liability | | | ||||
Less: current portion of finance lease liability | ( | ( | ||||
Long-term finance lease liability | $ | | $ | |
Operating Leases
The Company is a lessee under operating leases for various facilities to support the Company’s operations. As of September 30, 2024 and June 30, 2024, the operating lease liability was $
Individual operating leases range in terms of
The following is a summary as of September 30, 2024 and June 30, 2024, respectively, of the present value of the minimum lease payments under the Company’s operating leases:
| ||||||
| September 30, 2024 |
| June 30, 2024 | |||
(in thousands) | ||||||
2025 | $ | | $ | | ||
2026 | | | ||||
2027 | | | ||||
2028 | | | ||||
2029 | | | ||||
Thereafter | | | ||||
Total minimum payments | | | ||||
Less: imputed interest | ( | ( | ||||
Operating lease liability | | | ||||
Less: current portion of operating lease liability | ( | ( | ||||
Long-term operating lease liability | $ | | $ | |
22
STRIDE, INC.
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Continued
The Company is subleasing
| ||||||
| September 30, 2024 |
| June 30, 2024 | |||
(in thousands) | ||||||
2025 | $ | | $ | | ||
2026 | | | ||||
Total sublease income | $ | | $ | |
The following is a summary of the Company’s lease cost, weighted-average remaining lease term, weighted-average discount rate and certain other cash flows as it relates to its operating and finance leases for the three months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023:
Three Months Ended September 30, | |||||||
2024 |
| 2023 | |||||
(in thousands) | |||||||
Lease cost | |||||||
Finance lease cost: | |||||||
Amortization of right-of-use assets | $ | | $ | | |||
Interest on lease liabilities | | | |||||
Instructional costs and services: | |||||||
Operating lease cost | | | |||||
Short-term lease cost | | | |||||
Sublease income | ( | ( | |||||
Selling, general, and administrative expenses: | |||||||
Operating lease cost | | | |||||
Short-term lease cost | | | |||||
Sublease income | ( | ( | |||||
Total lease cost | $ | | $ | | |||
Other information | |||||||
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities | |||||||
Operating cash flows from operating leases | $ | ( | $ | ( | |||
Financing cash flows from finance leases | ( | ( | |||||
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for new finance lease liabilities | | | |||||
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for new operating lease liabilities | | | |||||
Weighted-average remaining lease term - finance leases | yrs. | yrs. | |||||
Weighted-average remaining lease term - operating leases | yrs. | yrs. | |||||
Weighted-average discount rate - finance leases | | % | | % | |||
Weighted-average discount rate - operating leases | | % | | % |
23
STRIDE, INC.
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Continued
6. Debt
The following is a summary, as of September 30, 2024 and June 30, 2024, respectively, of the components of the Company’s outstanding long-term debt:
September 30, 2024 | June 30, 2024 | |||||
(in thousands) | ||||||
Convertible Senior Notes due 2027 | $ | | $ | | ||
Less: unamortized debt issuance costs | ( | ( | ||||
Total debt | | | ||||
Less: current portion of debt | — | — | ||||
Long-term debt | $ | | $ | |
Convertible Senior Notes due 2027
In August and September 2020, the Company issued $
The Notes bear interest at a rate of
The Company incurred debt issuance costs of $
Before June 1, 2027, noteholders will have the right to convert their Notes only upon the occurrence of certain events. After June 1, 2027, noteholders may convert their Notes at any time at their election until
In connection with the Notes, the Company entered into privately negotiated capped call transactions (the “Capped Call Transactions”) with certain counterparties. The Capped Call Transactions are expected to cover the aggregate number of shares of the Company’s common stock that initially underlie the Notes, and are expected to reduce potential dilution to the Company’s common stock upon any conversion of Notes and/or offset any cash payments the Company is required to make in excess of the principal amount of converted Notes. The upper strike price of the Capped Call Transactions is $
7. Credit Facility
On January 27, 2020, the Company entered into a $
24
STRIDE, INC.
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Continued
LIBOR plus an additional rate ranging from
8. Equity Incentive Plan
On December 9, 2022, the Company’s stockholders approved an amendment and restatement of the 2016 Equity Incentive Award Plan (the “amended and restated 2016 Plan”). The amended and restated 2016 Plan reflects an increase in the number of shares of common stock available for issuance by
The amended and restated 2016 Plan is designed to attract, retain and motivate employees who make important contributions to the Company by providing such individuals with equity ownership opportunities. Awards granted under the amended and restated 2016 Plan may include stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units, and other stock-based awards. Under the amended and restated 2016 Plan, unissued shares related to forfeited or cancelled awards granted under the amended and restated 2016 Plan or awards granted under the Company’s 2007 Equity Incentive Award Plan (the “Prior Plan”) (to the extent such awards granted under the Prior Plan were outstanding as of December 15, 2016 and were forfeited or cancelled prior to September 19, 2022), will again be available for issuance under the amended and restated 2016 Plan. Notwithstanding the foregoing, shares tendered to pay the exercise price or tax withholding with respect to a stock option, or shares that are not issued in connection with the settlement of a stock appreciation right on exercise thereof, or shares purchased on the open market with the cash proceeds from the exercise of options will not again be available for issuance under the amended and restated 2016 Plan.
As of September 30, 2024, the remaining aggregate number of shares of the Company’s common stock authorized for future issuance under the amended and restated 2016 Plan was
Compensation expense for all equity-based compensation awards is based on the grant-date fair value. The Company recognizes these compensation costs on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period, which is generally the vesting period of the award. The vesting of performance-based awards is contingent on the achievement of certain performance metrics. Compensation expense is recognized retroactively, through a cumulative catch-up adjustment, when the performance conditions are satisfied or when the Company determines that it is probable that the performance conditions will be satisfied. The amount of compensation expense recognized for a performance-based award is affected by the level of achievement attained. Management has established three levels of attainment: threshold, target, and outperform. Stock-based compensation expense is recorded within selling, general, and administrative expenses on the consolidated statements of operations.
Restricted Stock Awards
The Company has approved grants of restricted stock awards (“RSA”) pursuant to the amended and restated 2016 Plan and Prior Plan. Under the amended and restated 2016 Plan and Prior Plan, employees, outside directors and independent contractors are able to participate in the Company’s future performance through the awards of restricted stock. Each RSA vests pursuant to the vesting schedule set forth in the restricted stock agreement granting such RSAs, generally over
25
STRIDE, INC.
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Continued
Restricted stock award activity during the three months ended September 30, 2024 was as follows:
|
| Weighted | |||
Average | |||||
Grant-Date | |||||
Shares | Fair Value | ||||
Nonvested, June 30, 2024 | | $ | | ||
Granted | | | |||
Vested | ( | | |||
Canceled | ( | | |||
Nonvested, September 30, 2024 | | $ | |
During the three months ended September 30, 2024,
Summary of All Restricted Stock Awards
As of September 30, 2024, there was $
Performance Share Units
The Company has approved grants of performance share units (“PSUs”) pursuant to the amended and restated 2016 Plan. Each PSU is earned through the achievement of a performance-based metric, combined with the continuation of employee service over a defined period. The level of performance determines the number of PSUs earned, and is generally measured against threshold, target and outperform achievement levels of the award. Each PSU represents the right to receive
In addition to the performance conditions of the PSUs, there is a service vesting condition which is dependent upon continuing service by the grantee as an employee of the Company, unless the grantee is eligible for earlier vesting upon a change in control and qualifying termination, as defined by the PSU agreement. PSUs are generally subject to graduated vesting schedules and stock-based compensation expense is computed by tranche and recognized on a straight-line basis over the tranches’ applicable vesting period based on the expected achievement level.
26
STRIDE, INC.
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Continued
Performance share unit activity (excluding liability-classified awards) during the three months ended September 30, 2024 was as follows:
Weighted | |||||
Average | |||||
Grant-Date | |||||
| Shares |
| Fair Value | ||
Nonvested, June 30, 2024 | | $ | | ||
Granted | | | |||
Vested | ( | | |||
Canceled | ( | | |||
Nonvested, September 30, 2024 | | $ | |
Fiscal Year 2025 LTIP
During the three months ended September 30, 2024, the Company granted
Fiscal Year 2024 LTIP
During fiscal year 2024, the Company granted
Fiscal Year 2023 LTIP
During fiscal year 2023, the Company granted
27
STRIDE, INC.
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Continued
to gross margin. The metric was changed to operating income to better align with shareholder feedback and technology industry and peer group common practice. The modification of the performance criteria from gross margin to operating income resulted in a new fair market value as of the modification date of $
Fiscal Year 2022 LTIP
During fiscal year 2022, the Company granted
Summary of All Performance Share Units
As of September 30, 2024, there was $
28
STRIDE, INC.
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Continued
Deferred Stock Units (“DSUs”)
The DSUs vest on the grant-date anniversary and are settled in the form of shares of common stock issued to the holder upon separation from the Company. DSUs are specific only to board members.
Deferred stock unit activity during the three months ended September 30, 2024 was as follows:
Weighted | |||||
Average | |||||
Grant-Date | |||||
| Shares |
| Fair Value | ||
Nonvested, June 30, 2024 | | $ | | ||
Granted | | | |||
Vested | — | — | |||
Canceled | — | — | |||
Nonvested, September 30, 2024 | | $ | |
Summary of All Deferred Stock Units
As of September 30, 2024, there was $
9. Related Party Transactions
The Company contributed to Future of School, a charity focused on access to quality education. Future of School is a related party because a former executive officer of the Company formerly served on its Board of Directors. For the three months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, contributions made by the Company to Future of School were
10. Commitments and Contingencies
Litigation
In the ordinary conduct of the Company’s business, the Company is subject to lawsuits, arbitrations and administrative proceedings from time to time. The Company vigorously defends these claims; however, no assurances can be given as to the outcome of any pending legal proceedings. The Company believes, based on currently available information, that the outcome of any existing or known threatened proceedings, even if determined adversely, should not have a material adverse effect on its business, financial condition, liquidity or results of operations.
Employment Agreements
The Company has entered into employment agreements with certain executive officers that provide for severance payments and, in some cases other benefits, upon certain terminations of employment. All agreements provide for employment on an “at-will” basis. If the employee resigns for “good reason” or is terminated without cause, the employee is entitled to salary continuation, and in some cases benefit continuation, for varying periods depending on the agreement.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
As of September 30, 2024, the Company provided guarantees of approximately $
29
STRIDE, INC.
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Continued
In addition, the Company contractually guarantees that certain schools under the Company’s management will not have annual operating deficits and the Company’s management fees from these schools may be reduced accordingly to cover any school operating deficits.
Other than these lease and operating deficit guarantees, the Company did not have any off-balance sheet arrangements that have or are reasonably likely to have a current or future effect on the Company’s financial condition, changes in financial condition, revenues or expenses, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources.
11. Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information
| Three Months Ended September 30, | |||||
|
| 2024 |
| 2023 | ||
(In thousands) | ||||||
Cash paid for interest | $ | |
| $ | | |
Cash paid for taxes | $ | |
| $ | | |
Supplemental disclosure of non-cash financing activities: | ||||||
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for new finance lease liabilities | $ | |
| $ | | |
Supplemental disclosure of non-cash investing activities: | ||||||
Stock-based compensation expense capitalized on software development | $ | |
| $ | | |
Stock-based compensation expense capitalized on curriculum development | |
| | |||
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Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
Certain statements in Management’s Discussion and Analysis or MD&A, other than purely historical information, including estimates, projections, statements relating to our business plans, objectives and expected operating results, and the assumptions upon which those statements are based, are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Act, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or the Exchange Act. These forward-looking statements generally are identified by the words “believe,” “project,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “intend,” “strategy,” “plan,” “may,” “should,” “will,” “would,” “will be,” “will continue,” “will likely result,” and similar expressions. Historical results may not indicate future performance. Our forward-looking statements reflect our current views about future events, are based on assumptions and are subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated by these statements. Factors that may cause differences between actual results and those contemplated by forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, those discussed in “Risk Factors” in Part I, Item 1A, of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2024, which we refer to as our Annual Report, and in Part II, Item 1A of this Quarterly Report. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, including any changes that might result from any facts, events or circumstances after the date hereof that may bear upon forward-looking statements. Furthermore, we cannot guarantee future results, events, levels of activity, performance or achievements.
This MD&A is intended to assist in understanding and assessing the trends and significant changes in our results of operations and financial condition. As used in this MD&A, the words, “we,” “our” and “us” refer to Stride, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries. This MD&A should be read in conjunction with our condensed consolidated financial statements and related notes included elsewhere in this report, as well as the consolidated financial statements and MD&A of our Annual Report. The following overview provides a summary of the sections included in our MD&A:
● | Executive Summary — a general description of our business and key highlights of the three months ended September 30, 2024. |
● | Critical Accounting Estimates — a discussion of critical accounting estimates requiring judgments and the application of critical accounting policies. |
● | Results of Operations — an analysis of our results of operations in our condensed consolidated financial statements. |
● | Liquidity and Capital Resources — an analysis of cash flows, sources and uses of cash, commitments and contingencies, and quantitative and qualitative disclosures about market risk. |
Executive Summary
We are a technology company providing an educational platform to deliver online learning to students throughout the U.S. Our platform hosts products and services to attract, enroll, educate, track progress, and support students. These products and services, spanning curriculum, systems, instruction, and support services are designed to help learners of all ages reach their full potential through inspired teaching and personalized learning.
Our clients are primarily public and private schools, school districts, and charter boards. Additionally, we provide solutions to employers, government agencies and consumers.
We provide a wide range of products and services across our platform with the ability to deliver customized solutions. Our comprehensive school-as-a-service offering supports our clients in operating full-time virtual schools in the K-12 market.Together with our network of online schools, Stride has served millions of students with our products and services. In our most recent academic year ended June 30, 2024, we graduated 15,987 high school students from our partner schools.
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Our platform addresses two markets in the K-12 space: General Education and Career Learning.
General Education
Products and services for the General Education market are predominantly focused on core subjects, including math, English, science and history, for kindergarten through twelfth grade students to help build a common foundation of knowledge. These programs provide an alternative to traditional school options and address a range of student needs. Products and services are delivered as a comprehensive school-as-a-service offering for schools or as stand-alone products and services. A student enrolled in a school that offers Stride’s General Education program may elect to take career courses, but that student and the associated revenue is reported as a General Education enrollment and General Education revenue.
Career Learning
Career Learning products and services are focused on developing skills to enter and succeed in careers in high-growth, in-demand industries—including information technology, healthcare and general business. We provide middle and high school students with Career Learning programs that complement their core general education coursework. Stride offers multiple career pathways through a diverse catalog of courses. The middle school program exposes students to a variety of career options and introduces career skill development. In high school, students may engage in industry content pathway courses, project-based learning in virtual teams, and career development services. High school students have the opportunity to progress toward certifications, connect with industry professionals, earn college credits while in high school, and participate in job shadowing and/or work-based learning experiences that facilitate success in today’s digital, tech-enabled economy. A student is reported as a Career Learning enrollment and associated Career Learning revenue only if the student is enrolled in a Career Learning program. Like General Education products and services, the products and services for Career Learning are sold as a comprehensive school-as-a-service offering or as stand-alone products and services.
We also provide focused post-secondary career learning programs to adult learners, for the software engineering, healthcare, and medical fields. These programs are sold directly to consumers, employers and government agencies.
For both the General Education and Career Learning markets, the majority of revenue is derived from our comprehensive school-as-a-service offering which includes an integrated package of curriculum, technology systems, instruction, and support services that we administer on behalf of our customers. The average duration of the agreements for our school-as-a-service offering is greater than five years, and most provide for automatic renewals absent a customer notification of non-renewal. For the 2024-2025 school year, we provide our school-as-a-service offering to 89 schools in 31 states and the District of Columbia in the General Education market, and 56 schools or programs in 27 states and the District of Columbia in the Career Learning market.
We generate a significant portion of our revenues from the sale of curriculum, administration support and technology services to virtual and blended public schools. The amount of revenue generated from these contracts is impacted largely by the number of enrollments, the mix of enrollments across grades and states, state or district per student funding levels and attendance requirement, among other items. The average duration of the agreements for our school-as-a-service offering is greater than five years, and most provide for automatic renewals absent a customer notification within a negotiated time frame.
The two key financial metrics that we use to assess financial performance are revenues and operating income. For the three months ended September 30, 2024, revenues increased to $551.1 million from $480.2 million in the prior year, an increase of 14.8%. Over the same period, operating income increased to $47.3 million from $3.3 million in the prior year. The increase in operating income was driven by revenue growth and an increase in gross margin. Additionally, we use the non-financial metric of total enrollments to assess performance, as enrollment is a key driver of our revenues. Total enrollments for the three months ended September 30, 2024 were 222.6 thousand, an increase of 34.7 thousand, or 18.5%, over the prior year. Our revenues are subject to annual school district financial audits, which incorporate enrollment counts, funding and other routine financial audit considerations. The results from these audits and other routine changes in funding estimates are incorporated into the Company’s monthly funding estimates for the current and prior periods. Historically, aggregate funding estimates have differed from actual reimbursements, generally in the range of 2% of annual revenue or less, which may vary from quarter to quarter.
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Environmental, Social and Governance
As overseers of risk and stewards of long-term enterprise value, Stride’s Board of Directors play a vital role in assessing our organization’s environmental and social impacts. They are also responsible for understanding the potential impact and related risks of environmental, social and governance (“ESG”) issues on the organization’s operating model. Our Board and management aim to identify those ESG issues most likely to impact business operations and growth. We craft policies that are appropriate for our industry and that are of concern to our employees, investors, customers and other key stakeholders. Our Board helps ensure that the Company’s leaders have ample opportunity to leverage ESG for the long-term good of the organization, its stakeholders, and society. Each Committee of the Board monitors ESG efforts in their respective areas, with the Nominating and Governance Committee coordinating across all Committees.
Since our inception more than 20 years ago, we have removed barriers that impact academic equity. We provide high-quality education for anyone—particularly those in underserved communities—as a means to foster economic empowerment and address societal inequities from kindergarten all the way through college and career readiness. We reinforced our commitment in this area by launching several initiatives including initially offering scholarships to advance education and career opportunities for students in underserved communities, expanding career pathways in socially responsible law enforcement and increasing employment of teachers in underserved communities at Stride-powered schools. We developed interactive, modular courses focused on racial equity and social justice that are being made available for free to every public school.
Among the many ESG issues we support within the Company, we endeavor to promote diversity and inclusion across every aspect of the organization. We sponsor employee resource groups to provide support for female, minority, differently abled, LGBTQ+, and veteran employees and support employee volunteer efforts. Our commitment is evident in the make-up of our leadership team. We have more minorities in executive management and more women in executive management than the representative population. Importantly, our Board of Directors is also diverse with female, Hispanic, and black or African American members.
Our commitment to ESG initiatives is an endeavor both the Board and management undertake for the general betterment of those both inside and outside of our Company.
The nature of our business supports environmental sustainability. Most of our employees work from home and most students at Stride-powered schools attend virtual classes, even prior to the COVID-19 crisis, reducing the carbon output from commuting in cars or buses. Our online curriculum reduces the need for paper. Our meetings are most often held virtually using digital first presentations rather than paper.
Critical Accounting Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in our condensed consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Therefore, the determination of estimates requires the exercise of judgment. Actual results could differ from those estimates, and any such differences may be material to our consolidated financial statements. Critical accounting policies and estimates are disclosed in our Annual Report. There have been no significant updates to our critical accounting estimates disclosed in our Annual Report.
Results of Operations
Lines of Revenue
We operate in one operating and reportable business segment as a technology company providing an educational platform to deliver proprietary and third-party curriculum, software systems and educational services designed to facilitate individualized learning. The Chief Operating Decision Maker evaluates profitability based on consolidated results. We have two lines of revenue: (i) General Education and (ii) Career Learning.
Enrollment Data
The following table sets forth total enrollment data for students in our General Education and Career Learning lines of revenue. Enrollments for General Education and Career Learning only include those students in full service public or
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private programs where Stride provides a combination of curriculum, technology, instructional and support services inclusive of administrative support. No enrollments are included in Career Learning for Galvanize, Tech Elevator or MedCerts. This data includes enrollments for which Stride receives no public funding or revenue.
If the mix of enrollments changes, our revenues will be impacted to the extent the average revenue per enrollment is significantly different. We do not award or permit incentive compensation to be paid to our public school program enrollment staff or contractors based on the number of students enrolled.
The following represents our current enrollment for each of the periods indicated:
Three Months Ended | ||||||||||||
September 30, | 2024 / 2023 | |||||||||||
| 2024 |
| 2023 |
| Change |
| Change % | |||||
(In thousands, except percentages) | ||||||||||||
General Education (1) | 130.9 | 117.6 | 13.3 | 11.3% | ||||||||
Career Learning (1) (2) | 91.7 | 70.3 | 21.4 | 30.4% | ||||||||
Total Enrollment | 222.6 | 187.9 | 34.7 | 18.5% |
(1) | Enrollments reported for the first quarter are equal to the official count date number, which was September 30, 2024 for the first quarter of fiscal year 2025 and September 30, 2023 for the first quarter of fiscal year 2024. |
(2) | No enrollments are included in Career Learning for Galvanize, Tech Elevator or MedCerts. |
Revenue Data
Revenues are captured by market based on the underlying customer contractual agreements. Where customers purchase products and services for both General Education and Career Learning markets we allocate revenues based on the program for which each student is enrolled. All kindergarten through fifth grade students are considered General Education students. Periodically, a middle school or high school student enrollment may change line of revenue classification.
The following represents our current revenues for each of the periods indicated:
Three Months Ended | ||||||||||||
September 30, | Change 2024 / 2023 | |||||||||||
| 2024 |
| 2023 |
| $ |
| % | |||||
(In thousands, except percentages) | ||||||||||||
General Education | $ | 329,407 | $ | 299,338 | $ | 30,069 | 10.0% | |||||
Career Learning | ||||||||||||
Middle - High School | 198,885 | 150,974 | 47,911 | 31.7% | ||||||||
Adult | 22,792 | 29,869 | (7,077) | (23.7%) | ||||||||
Total Career Learning | 221,677 | 180,843 | 40,834 | 22.6% | ||||||||
Total Revenues | $ | 551,084 | $ | 480,181 | $ | 70,903 | 14.8% |
Products and Services
Stride has invested over $700 million in the last twenty years to develop curriculum, systems, instructional practices and support services that enable us to support hundreds of thousands of students. The following describes the various products and services that we provide to customers. Products and services are provided on an individual basis as well as customized solutions, such as our most comprehensive school-as-a-service offering which supports our clients in operating full-time virtual or blended schools. Stride is continuously innovating to remain at the forefront of effective educational techniques to meet students’ needs. It continues to expand upon its personalized learning model, improve the user experience of its products, and develop tools and partnerships to more effectively engage and serve students, teachers, and administrators.
Curriculum and Content – Stride has one of the largest digital research-based curriculum portfolios for the K-12 online education industry that includes some of the best in class content available in the market. Our customers can select from hundreds of high-quality, engaging, online coursework and content, as well as many state customized versions
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of those courses, electives, and instructional supports. Since our inception, we have built core courses on a foundation of rigorous standards, following the guidance and recommendations of leading educational organizations at the national and state levels. State standards are continually evolving, and we continually invest in our curriculum to meet these changing requirements. We provide high-quality, engaging, online coursework and content in software engineering, healthcare, and medical fields.
Systems – We have established a secure and reliable technology platform, which integrates proprietary and third-party systems, to provide a high-quality educational environment and gives us the capability to grow our customer programs and enrollment. Our end-to-end platform includes single-sign on capability for our content management, learning management, student information, data reporting and analytics, and various support systems that allow customers to provide a high-quality and personalized educational experience for students. Stand-alone products and services can provide curriculum and content hosting on customers’ learning management systems, or integration with customers’ student information systems.
Instructional Services – We provide a broad range of instructional services that includes customer support for instructional teams, including recruitment of state - certified teachers, training in research-based online instruction methods and Stride systems, oversight and evaluation services, and ongoing professional development. Stride also provides training options to support teachers and parents to meet students’ learning needs. Stride’s range of training options are designed to enhance skills needed to teach using an online learning platform, and include hands-on training, on-demand courses, and support materials.
Support Services – We provide a broad range of support services, including marketing and enrollment, supporting prospective students through the admission process, assessment management, administrative support (e.g., budget proposals, financial reporting, and student data reporting), and technology and materials support (e.g., provisioning of student computers, offline learning kits, internet access and technology support services).
Financial Information
The following table sets forth statements of operations data and the amounts as a percentage of revenues for each of the periods indicated:
| Three Months Ended September 30, | ||||||||||
|
| 2024 |
| 2023 |
| ||||||
(Dollars in thousands) | |||||||||||
Revenues | $ | 551,084 |
| 100.0 | % | $ | 480,181 |
| 100.0 | % | |
Instructional costs and services | 335,231 | 60.8 | 307,293 | 64.0 | |||||||
Gross margin | 215,853 | 39.2 | 172,888 | 36.0 | |||||||
Selling, general, and administrative expenses | 168,509 | 30.6 | 169,568 | 35.3 | |||||||
Income from operations | 47,344 | 8.6 | 3,320 | 0.7 | |||||||
Interest expense, net | (2,353) | (0.4) | (2,068) | (0.4) | |||||||
Other income, net | 8,778 | 1.6 | 5,165 | 1.1 | |||||||
Income before income taxes and loss from equity method investments | 53,769 | 9.8 | 6,417 | 1.3 | |||||||
Income tax expense | (11,277) | (2.0) | (1,536) | (0.3) | |||||||
Loss from equity method investments | (1,610) | (0.3) | (3) | (0.0) | |||||||
Net income attributable to common stockholders | $ | 40,882 | 7.4 | % | $ | 4,878 | 1.0 | % |
Comparison of the Three Months Ended September 30, 2024 and 2023
Revenues. Our revenues for the three months ended September 30, 2024 were $551.1 million, representing an increase of $70.9 million, or 14.8%, from $480.2 million for the same period in the prior year. General Education revenues increased $30.1 million, or 10.0%, year over year. The increase in General Education revenues was primarily due to the 11.3% increase in enrollments, and school mix (distribution of enrollments by school). Career Learning revenues increased $40.8 million, or 22.6%, primarily due to a 30.4% increase in enrollments and school mix.
Instructional costs and services expenses. Instructional costs and services expenses for the three months ended September 30, 2024 were $335.2 million, representing an increase of $27.9 million, or 9.1%, from $307.3 million for the
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same period in the prior year. This increase in expense was due to hiring of personnel in growth states and salary increases. Instructional costs and services expenses were 60.8% of revenues during the three months ended September 30, 2024, a decrease from 64.0% for the three months ended September 30, 2023.
Selling, general, and administrative expenses. Selling, general, and administrative expenses for the three months ended September 30, 2024 were $168.5 million, representing a decrease of $1.1 million, or 0.6% from $169.6 million for the same period in the prior year. Selling, general, and administrative expenses were 30.6% of revenues during the three months ended September 30, 2024, a decrease from 35.3% for the three months ended September 30, 2023.
Interest income (expense), net. Net interest expense for the three months ended September 30, 2024 was $2.4 million as compared to $2.1 million for the same period in the prior year. The increase in net interest expense was primarily due to our finance leases.
Other income (expense), net. Other income, net for the three months ended September 30, 2024 was $8.8 million as compared to $5.2 million for the same period in the prior year. The increase in other income, net was primarily due to the increase in our investments in marketable securities and the returns on those investments year over year.
Income tax expense. Income tax expense was $11.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024, or 21.6% of income before income taxes, as compared to an expense of $1.5 million, or 23.9% of income before income taxes for the same period in the prior year. The decrease in the effective tax rate for the three months ended September 30, 2024 was primarily due to the excess tax benefit of stock-based compensation, which was partially offset by the tax impact of non-deductible compensation.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
As of September 30, 2024, we had net working capital, or current assets minus current liabilities, of $1,060.7 million. Our working capital includes cash and cash equivalents of $317.8 million and accounts receivable of $675.7 million. Our working capital provides a significant source of liquidity for our normal operating needs. Our accounts receivable balance fluctuates throughout the fiscal year based on the timing of customer billings and collections and tends to be highest in our first fiscal quarter as we begin billing for students. In addition, our cash and accounts receivable were significantly in excess of our accounts payable and short-term accrued liabilities at September 30, 2024.
During the first quarter of fiscal year 2021, we issued $420.0 million aggregate principal amount of 1.125% Convertible Senior Notes due 2027 (“Notes”). The Notes are governed by an indenture (the “Indenture”) between us and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee. The net proceeds from the offering of the Notes were approximately $408.6 million after deducting the underwriting fees and other expenses paid by the Company. The Notes bear interest at a rate of 1.125% per annum, payable semi-annually in arrears on March 1st and September 1st of each year, beginning on March 1, 2021. The Notes will mature on September 1, 2027. In connection with the Notes, we entered into privately negotiated capped call transactions (the “Capped Call Transactions”) with certain counterparties. The Capped Call Transactions are expected to cover the aggregate number of shares of the Company’s common stock that initially underlie the Notes, and are expected to reduce potential dilution to the Company’s common stock upon any conversion of Notes and/or offset any cash payments the Company is required to make in excess of the principal amount of converted Notes. The upper strike price of the Capped Call Transactions is $86.174 per share. The cost of the Capped Call Transactions was $60.4 million and was recorded within additional paid-in capital.
Before June 1, 2027, noteholders will have the right to convert their Notes only upon the occurrence of certain events. After June 1, 2027, noteholders may convert their Notes at any time at their election until two days prior to the maturity date. We will settle conversions by paying cash up to the outstanding principal amount, and at our election, will settle the conversion spread by paying or delivering cash or shares of our common stock, or a combination of cash and shares of our common stock. The initial conversion rate is 18.9109 shares of common stock per $1,000 principal amount of Notes, which represents an initial conversion price of approximately $52.88 per share of common stock. The Notes will be redeemable at our option at any time after September 6, 2024 at a cash redemption price equal to the principal amount of the Notes, plus accrued and unpaid interest, subject to certain stock price hurdles as discussed in the Indenture.
On January 27, 2020, we entered into a $100.0 million senior secured revolving credit facility (“Credit Facility”) to be used for general corporate operating purposes with PNC Capital Markets LLC. The Credit Facility has a five-year term and incorporates customary financial and other covenants, including but not limited to a maximum leverage ratio and a
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minimum interest coverage ratio. The majority of our borrowings under the Credit Facility were at LIBOR plus an additional rate ranging from 0.875% - 1.50% based on our leverage ratio as defined in the agreement. The Credit Facility is secured by our assets. The Credit Facility agreement allows for an amendment to establish a new benchmark interest rate when LIBOR is discontinued during the five-year term. As of September 30, 2024, we were in compliance with the financial covenants. As part of the proceeds received from the Notes, we repaid our $100.0 million outstanding balance and as of September 30, 2024, we had no amounts outstanding on the Credit Facility. The Credit Facility also includes a $200.0 million accordion feature.
We are a lessee under finance lease obligations for student computers and peripherals under loan agreements with Banc of America Leasing & Capital, LLC (“BALC”) and CSI Leasing, Inc. (“CSI Leasing”). As of September 30, 2024 and June 30, 2024, the finance lease liability was $90.1 million and $55.6 million, respectively, with lease interest rates ranging from 2.25%to 6.72%.
We entered into an agreement with BALC in April 2020 for $25.0 million (increased to $41.0 million in July 2020) to provide financing for our leases through March 2021 at varying rates. We entered into additional agreements during fiscal year 2021 to provide financing of $54.0 million for our student computers and peripherals leases through October 2022 at varying rates. Individual leases with BALC include 36-month payment terms, fixed rates ranging from 2.25% to 6.72%, and a $1 purchase option at the end of each lease term. We pledged the assets financed to secure the outstanding leases.
We entered into an agreement with CSI Leasing in August 2022 to provide financing for our leases. Individual leases under the agreement with CSI Leasing include 36-month payment terms, but do not include a stated interest rate. We use our incremental borrowing rate as the implied interest rate and the total lease payments to calculate our lease liability.
Our cash requirements consist primarily of day-to-day operating expenses, capital expenditures and contractual obligations with respect to interest on our Notes, office facility leases, capital equipment leases and other operating leases. We expect to make future payments on existing leases from cash generated from operations. We believe that the combination of funds to be generated from operations, borrowing on our Credit Facility and net working capital on hand will be adequate to finance our ongoing operations on a short-term (the next 12 months) and long-term (beyond the next 12 months) basis. In addition, we continue to explore acquisitions, strategic investments and joint ventures related to our business that we may acquire using cash, stock, debt, contribution of assets or a combination thereof.
Operating Activities
Net cash used in operating activities for the three months ended September 30, 2024 was $142.0 million compared to $135.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2023. The $6.7 million increase in cash used for operations was primarily due to changes in working capital resulting from seasonal fluctuations in accounts receivable, accounts payable, accrued compensation and benefits, and accrued liabilities partially offset by higher net income in the current period as compared to the prior year quarter.
Investing Activities
Net cash used in investing activities for the three months ended September 30, 2024 was $20.9 million compared to $7.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2023, an increase of $13.8 million. The increase was primarily due to higher net purchases of marketable securities of $15.0 million partially offset by a decrease in capital expenditures year over year of $1.3 million.
Financing Activities
Net cash used in financing activities for the three months ended September 30, 2024 was $20.0 million compared to $13.8 million during the three months ended September 30, 2023, an increase of $6.2 million. The increase was primarily due to an increase in the repurchase of restricted stock for income tax withholding of $9.1 million partially offset by a decrease in the repayment of finance lease obligations incurred for the acquisition of student computers of $3.0 million.
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Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.
Inflation Risk
Current inflation has resulted in higher personnel costs, marketing expenses and supply chain expenses. There can be no assurance that future inflation will not have an adverse or material impact on our operating results and financial condition.
Interest Rate Risk
As of September 30, 2024 and June 30, 2024, we had cash and cash equivalents totaling $317.8 million and $500.6 million, respectively. Our excess cash has been invested in money market funds, government securities, corporate debt securities and similar investments. At September 30, 2024, a 1% gross increase in interest rates for our variable-interest instruments would result in a $3.2 million annualized increase in interest income. Additionally, the fair value of our investment portfolio is subject to changes in market interest rates.
Our short-term debt obligations under our Credit Facility are subject to interest rate exposure. At September 30, 2024, we had no outstanding balance on our Credit Facility.
Foreign Currency Exchange Risk
We currently operate in several foreign countries, but we do not transact a material amount of business in a foreign currency. If we enter into any material transactions in a foreign currency or establish or acquire any subsidiaries that measure and record their financial condition and results of operations in a foreign currency, we will be exposed to currency transaction risk and/or currency translation risk. Exchange rates between U.S. dollars and many foreign currencies have fluctuated significantly over the last few years and may continue to do so in the future. Accordingly, we may decide in the future to undertake hedging strategies to minimize the effect of currency fluctuations on our financial condition and results of operations.
Item 4. Controls and Procedures.
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
We maintain disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) of the Exchange Act) that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in our Exchange Act reports is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. In designing and evaluating our disclosure controls and procedures, management recognizes that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving the desired control objectives, and management necessarily was required to apply its judgment in evaluating the cost benefit relationship of possible controls and procedures.
We carried out an evaluation, required by paragraph (b) of Rule 13a-15 under the Exchange Act, under the supervision and with the participation of management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) of the Exchange Act) as of the end of the period covered by this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. Based on this review, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of September 30, 2024.
Changes to Internal Control over Financial Reporting
There have been no changes in our internal control over financial reporting during our most recent fiscal quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
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Part II. Other Information
Item 1. Legal Proceedings.
See Item 1 of Part I, “Financial Statements – Note 10 – Commitments and Contingencies - Litigation.”
Item 1A. Risk Factors.
There have been no material changes to the risk factors disclosed in “Risk Factors” in Part I, Item 1A, of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2024, as filed with the SEC on August 6, 2024.
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds.
None.
Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities.
None.
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures.
None.
Item 5. Other Information.
During the period covered by this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q,
On October 21, 2024, Vincent W. Mathis, Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary of the Company, submitted his resignation from all of his positions with the Company, effective November 3, 2024, to pursue an opportunity with another company outside of the Company’s industry. Mr. Mathis’s resignation is not the result of any disagreement with the Company on any matter relating to the Company’s operations, policies or practices.
Item 6. Exhibits.
(a) Exhibits.
Number |
| Description |
31.1 | ||
31.2 | ||
32.1 | ||
32.2 | ||
101 | The following financial statements and footnotes from the Stride, Inc. Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended September 30, 2024, formatted in Inline XBRL (Inline eXtensible Business Reporting Language): (i) Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (unaudited), (ii) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (unaudited), (iii) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income, (iv) Condensed Consolidated Statement of Equity (unaudited), (v) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (unaudited), and (vi) Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited). | |
104 | The cover page from this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, formatted in Inline XBRL (contained in Exhibit 101). |
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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.
Stride, Inc. | ||
/s/ DONNA M. BLACKMAN | ||
Name: | Donna M. Blackman | |
Title: | Chief Financial Officer, Principal Accounting Officer and Authorized Signatory | |
Date: October 22, 2024
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