Item 1. Business
Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
Certain matters discussed in this Annual Report on Form 10-K are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These forward-looking statements can generally be identified as such because the context of the statement includes phrases such as National Research Corporation (“NRC,” the “Company,” “we,” “our,” “us” or similar terms) “believes,” “expects,” or other words of similar import. Similarly, statements that describe the Company’s future plans, objectives or goals are also forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties which could cause actual results or outcomes to differ materially from those currently anticipated. Factors that could affect actual results or outcomes include, without limitation, the following factors:
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The possibility of non-renewal of the Company’s client service contracts;
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The Company’s ability to compete in its markets, which are highly competitive, and the possibility of increased price pressure and expenses;
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The effects of an economic downturn;
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The impact of consolidation in the healthcare industry;
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The impact of federal healthcare reform legislation or other regulatory changes;
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The Company’s ability to retain its limited number of key clients;
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The Company’s ability to attract and retain key managers and other personnel;
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The possibility that the Company’s intellectual property and other proprietary information technology could be copied or independently developed by its competitors;
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The possibility that the Company could be subject to security breaches or computer viruses;
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Regulatory developments; and
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The factors set forth under the caption “Risk Factors” in Part I, Item 1A
Item 1A. Risk Factors
You should carefully consider each of the risks described below, together with all of the other information contained in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, before making an investment decision with respect to our securities. If any of the following risks develop into actual events, our business, financial condition or results of operations could be materially and adversely affected and you may lose all or part of your investment.
We depend on contract renewals for a large share of our revenue and our operating results could be adversely affected.
We expect that a substantial portion of our revenue for the foreseeable future will continue to be derived from renewable service contracts. Substantially all contracts are renewable annually at the option of our clients, although a client generally has no minimum purchase commitment under a contract and the contracts are generally cancelable on short or no notice without penalty. To the extent that clients fail to renew or defer their renewals, we anticipate our results may be materially adversely affected. Our ability to secure renewals depends on, among other things, our ability to gather and analyze performance data in a consistent, high-quality, and timely fashion. In addition, the service needs of our clients are affected by accreditation requirements, enrollment in managed care plans, the level of use of satisfaction measures in healthcare organizations’ overall management and compensation programs, the size of operating budgets, clients’ operating performance, industry and economic conditions, and changes in management or ownership. As these factors are beyond our control, we cannot ensure that we will be able to maintain our renewal rates. Any material decline in renewal rates from existing levels would have an adverse effect on our revenue and a corresponding effect on our operating and net income.
Our operating results may fluctuate and this may cause our stock price to decline.
Our overall operating results may fluctuate as a result of a variety of factors, including the size and timing of orders from clients, client demand for our services (which, in turn, is affected by factors such as accreditation requirements, enrollment in managed care plans, operating budgets and clients’ operating performance), the hiring and training of additional staff, expense increases, and industry and general economic conditions. Because a significant portion of our overhead is fixed in the short-term, particularly some costs associated with owning and occupying our building and full-time personnel expenses, our results of operations may be materially adversely affected in any particular period if revenue falls below our expectations. These factors, among others, make it possible that in some future period our operating results may be below the expectations of securities analysts and investors which would have a material adverse effect on the market price of our class A common stock and/or our class B common stock.
We operate in a highly competitive market and could experience increased price pressure and expenses as a result.
The healthcare information and market research services industry is highly competitive. We have traditionally competed with healthcare organizations’ internal marketing, market research and/or quality improvement departments that create their own performance measurement tools, and with relatively small specialty research firms that provide survey-based healthcare market research and/or performance assessment. The Company’s primary competitors among such specialty firms include Press Ganey, which we believe has significantly higher annual revenue than us, and three or four other firms that we believe have lower annual revenue than us. To a certain degree, we currently compete with, and anticipate that in the future we may increasingly compete with, (1) traditional market research firms which are significant providers of survey-based, general market research, and (2) firms which provide services or products that complement healthcare performance assessments, such as healthcare software or information systems. Although only a few of these competitors have offered specific services that compete directly with our services, many of these competitors have substantially greater financial, information gathering, and marketing resources than the Company and could decide to increase their resource commitments to our market. There are relatively few barriers to entry into the Company’s market, and we expect increased competition in our market which could adversely affect our operating results through pricing pressure, increased marketing expenditures, and market share losses, among other factors. There can be no assurance that the Company will continue to compete successfully against existing or new competitors.
Because our clients are concentrated in the healthcare industry, our revenue and operating results may be adversely affected by changes in regulations, a business downturn or consolidation with respect to the healthcare industry.
Substantially all of our revenue is derived from clients in the healthcare industry. As a result, our business, financial condition and results of operations are influenced by conditions affecting this industry, including changing political, economic, competitive and regulatory influences that may affect the procurement practices and operation of healthcare providers and payers. The 2010 Federal comprehensive healthcare reform plan, which includes provisions to control healthcare costs, improve healthcare quality and expand access to affordable health insurance, could result in lower reimbursement rates and otherwise change the environment in which providers and payers operate. In addition, large private purchasers of healthcare services are placing increasing cost pressure on providers. Healthcare providers may react to these cost pressures and other uncertainties by curtailing or deferring purchases, including purchases of our services. Moreover, there has been consolidation of companies in the healthcare industry, a trend which we believe will continue to grow. Consolidation in this industry, including the potential acquisition of certain of our clients, could adversely affect aggregate client budgets for our services or could result in the termination of a client’s relationship with us. The impact of these developments on the healthcare industry is difficult to predict and could have an adverse effect on our revenue and a corresponding effect on our operating and net income.
We rely on a limited number of key clients and a loss of one or more of these key clients will adversely affect our operating results.
We rely on a limited number of key clients for a substantial portion of our revenue. The Company’s ten largest clients accounted for 16%, 19%, and 22% of the Company’s total revenue in 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively.
We cannot assure you that we will maintain our existing client base, maintain or increase the level of revenue or profits generated by our existing clients, or be able to attract new clients. Furthermore, the healthcare industry continues to undergo consolidation and we cannot assure you that such consolidation will not cause us to lose clients. The loss of one or more of our large clients or a significant reduction in business from such clients, regardless of the reason, may have a negative effect on our revenue and a corresponding effect on our operating and net income. See “Risk Factors - Because our clients are concentrated in the healthcare industry, our revenue and operating results may be adversely affected by changes in regulations, a business downturn or consolidation with respect to the healthcare industry.”
We face several risks relating to our ability to collect the data on which our business relies.
Our ability to provide timely and accurate performance measurement and improvement services to our clients depends on our ability to collect large quantities of high-quality data through surveys and interviews. If receptivity to our survey and interview methods by respondents declines, or, for some other reason, their willingness to complete and return surveys declines, or if we, for any reason, cannot rely on the integrity of the data we receive, then our revenue could be adversely affected with a corresponding effect on our operating and net income. We also rely on third-party panels of pre-recruited consumer households to produce Ticker in a timely manner. If we are not able to continue to use these panels, or the time period in which we use these panels is altered and we cannot find alternative panels on a timely, cost-competitive basis, we could face an increase in our costs or an inability to effectively produce Market Insights (formerly Ticker). In either case, our operating and net income could be negatively affected.
Our principal shareholder effectively controls the Company, and holders of class A common stock are not able to independently elect directors of NRC or control any of the Company's management policies or business decisions because the holders of class A common stock have substantially less voting power than the holders of the Company's class B common stock, a majority of which is beneficially owned by our principal shareholder.
The Company's outstanding stock is divided into two classes of common stock: class A common stock and class B common stock. The class B common stock has one vote per share on all matters and the class A common stock has one-one-hundredth (1/100th) of one vote per share. As of February 20, 2015, the class B common stock constituted approximately 94% of NRC's total voting power. As a result, holders of class B common stock are able to exercise a controlling influence over the Company's business, have the power to elect its directors and indirectly control decisions such as whether to issue additional shares, declare and pay dividends or enter into significant corporate transactions. A majority of the class B common stock is owned by Michael D. Hays, our Chief Executive Officer.
As of February 20, 2015, approximately 56% of the outstanding class B common stock and approximately 29% of the outstanding class A common stock was owned by Mr. Hays, and that collectively constituted approximately 55% of the Company's total voting power. As a result, Mr. Hays can control matters requiring shareholder approval, including the election of directors and the approval of significant corporate matters such as change of control transactions. The effects of such influence could be to delay or prevent a change of control of the Company unless the terms are approved by Mr. Hays.
Our business and operating results could be adversely affected if we are unable to attract or retain key managers and other personnel.
Our future performance may depend, to a significant extent, upon the efforts and ability of our key personnel who have expertise in gathering, interpreting and marketing survey-based performance information for healthcare markets. Although client relationships are managed at many levels within our company, the loss of the services of Michael D. Hays, our Chief Executive Officer, or one or more of our other senior managers, could have a material adverse effect, at least in the short to medium term, on most significant aspects of our business, including strategic planning, product development, and sales and customer relations. Our success will also depend on our ability to hire, train and retain skilled personnel in all areas of our business. Currently, we do not have employment agreements with our officers or our other key personnel. Competition for qualified personnel in our industry is intense, and many of the companies that compete with us for qualified personnel have substantially greater financial and other resources than us. Furthermore, we expect competition for qualified personnel to become more intense as competition in our industry increases. We cannot assure you that we will be able to recruit, retain and motivate a sufficient number of qualified personnel to compete successfully.
If intellectual property and other proprietary information technology were copied or independently developed by our competitors, our operating results could be negatively affected.
Our success depends in part upon our data collection process, research methods, data analysis techniques, and internal systems and procedures that we have developed specifically to serve clients in the healthcare industry. We have no patents. Consequently, we rely on a combination of copyright, trade secret laws and associate nondisclosure agreements to protect our systems, survey instruments and procedures. We cannot assure you that the steps we have taken to protect our rights will be adequate to prevent misappropriation of such rights, or that third parties will not independently develop functionally equivalent or superior systems or procedures. We believe that our systems and procedures and other proprietary rights do not infringe upon the proprietary rights of third parties. We cannot assure you, however, that third parties will not assert infringement claims against us in the future, or that any such claims will not result in protracted and costly litigation, regardless of the merits of such claims, or whether we are ultimately successful in defending against such claims.
Our business and operating results could be adversely affected if we experience business interruptions or failure of our information technology and communication systems.
Our ability to provide timely and accurate performance measurement and improvement services to our clients depends on the efficient and uninterrupted operation of our information technology and communication systems, and those of our external service providers. Our systems and those of our external service providers, could be exposed to damage or interruption from fire, natural disasters, energy loss, telecommunication failure, security breach and computer viruses. An operational failure or outage in our information technology and communication systems or those of our external service providers, could result in loss of customers, damage to customer relationships, reduced revenue and profits, refunds of customer charges and damage our reputation and may result in additional expense to repair or replace damaged equipment and recover data loss resulting from the interruption. Although we have taken steps to prevent system failures and have back-up systems and procedures to prevent or reduce disruptions, such steps may not prevent an interruption of services and our disaster recovery planning may not account for all contingencies. Additionally, our insurance may not adequately compensate us for all losses or failures that may occur. Any one of the above situations could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and reputation.
Security breaches or computer viruses could harm our business.
In connection with our client services, we receive, process, store and transmit sensitive business information electronically over the Internet. Computer viruses could spread throughout our systems and disrupt operations and service delivery. Unauthorized access to our computer systems or databases could result in the theft or publication of confidential information or the deletion or modification of records or could otherwise cause interruption in our operations. We cannot be certain that the technology protecting our networks and information will successfully prevent computer viruses, data thefts, release of confidential information or security breaches. A compromise in our data security systems that results in inappropriate disclosure of our associates', customers' or vendors' confidential information, could harm our reputation and expose us to regulatory action and claims. Changes in privacy and information security laws and standards may require we incur significant expense to ensure compliance due to increased technology investment and operational procedures. An inability to prevent security breaches or computer viruses or failure to comply with privacy and information security laws could result in litigation and regulatory risk, loss of customers, damage to customer relationships, reduced revenue and profits, refunds of customer charges and damage our reputation, which could adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and reputation.
Our growth strategy includes future acquisitions which involve inherent risk.
In order to expand services or technologies to existing clients and increase our client base, we may make strategic business acquisitions that we believe complement our business. In October 2014, NRC made investments in two strategic technologies to advance the Company’s commitment to empowering consumer-centric healthcare across the continuum. The first, a $2.6 million acquisition of Digital Assent LLC (“Digital Assent”), creates a Center of Excellence in Atlanta, Georgia, responsible for developing novel solutions to enhance consumer decision-making in the selection of healthcare providers. The second, an $800,000 investment, includes an option for a $4.1 million potential acquisition of a partner company that has developed a talent-matching solution to accelerate the formation of high-performing teams. Acquisitions have inherent risks which may have material adverse effects on our business, financial condition, or results of operations, including, among other things: (1) failure to successfully integrate the purchased operations, technologies, products or services and maintain uniform standard controls, policies and procedures; (2) substantial unanticipated integration costs; (3) loss of key associates including those of the acquired business; (4) diversion of management’s attention from other operations; (5) failure to retain the customers of the acquired business; (6) failure to achieve any projected synergies and performance targets; (7) additional debt and/or assumption of known or unknown liabilities; (8) dilutive issuances of equity securities; and (9) a write-off of goodwill, software development costs, client lists, other intangibles and amortization of expenses. If we fail to successfully complete acquisitions or integrate acquired businesses, we may not achieve projected results and there may be a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Item 1B.
Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments
The Company has no unresolved staff comments to report pursuant to this item.
Item 2.
Item 2. Properties
The Company’s headquarters is located in an owned office building in Lincoln, Nebraska, of which 62,000 square feet are used for the Company’s operations. This facility houses all the capabilities necessary for NRC’s survey programming, printing and distribution, data processing, analysis and report generation, marketing, and corporate administration. The Company’s term note is secured by this property, among other things.
The Company is leasing 4,000 square feet of office space in Markham, Ontario, 3,900 square feet of office space in San Diego, California, 3,300 square feet of office space in Lincoln, Nebraska, 8,100 square feet of office space in Seattle, Washington, and 1,500 square feet of office space in Atlanta, Georgia.
Item 3.
Item 3. Legal Proceedings
The Company is not subject to any material pending litigation.
Item 4.
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures
Not applicable.
PART II
Item 5.
Item 5. Market for the Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
In May 2013, the Company consummated a recapitalization (the “May 2013 Recapitalization”) pursuant to which the Company established two classes of common stock (class A common stock and class B common stock), issued a dividend of three shares of class A common stock for each share of the Company’s then existing common stock and reclassified each then existing share of common stock as one-half of one share of class B common stock. Following the May 2013 Recapitalization, the Company’s class A common stock and the Company’s class B common stock are traded on the NASDAQ Global Market under the symbols “NRCIA” and “NRCIB,” respectively.
The following table sets forth the range of high and low sales prices for, and dividends declared on, the Company’s pre-May 2013 Recapitalization common stock and the post-May 2013 Recapitalization class A common stock and class B common stock for the period from January 1, 2013, through December 31, 2014:
(a)
Sales prices and dividends have not been adjusted to give effect to the May 2013 Recapitalization described above.
Cash dividends of $2.1 million in the aggregate were declared and paid during the twelve-month period ended December 31, 2013. In August 2013, the Company’s Board of Directors decided to suspend the payment of cash dividends through the year 2014. Cash dividends were declared in December 2014 and paid in January 2015 in the aggregate amount of $2.5 million. The payment and amount of future dividends, if any, is at the discretion of the Company’s Board of Directors and will depend on the Company’s future earnings, financial condition, general business conditions, alternative uses of the Company’s earnings and other factors.
On February 20, 2015, there were approximately 19 shareholders of record and approximately 942 beneficial owners of the class A common stock and approximately 20 shareholders of record and approximately 1,016 beneficial owners of the class B common stock.
In February 2006, the Board of Directors of the Company authorized the repurchase of 2,250,000 shares of class A common stock and 375,000 shares of class B common stock (on a post-May 2013 Recapitalization basis) in the open market or in privately negotiated transactions. Unless terminated earlier by resolution of the Company’s Board of Directors, the repurchase program will expire when the Company has repurchased all shares authorized for repurchase thereunder. As of February 20, 2015, 1,831,251 shares of class A common stock and 305,208 shares of class B common stock have been repurchased under that authorization. No stock was repurchased during the three-month period ended December 31, 2014.
The following graph compares the cumulative 5-year total return provided shareholders on the Company’s common stock relative to the cumulative total returns of the NASDAQ Composite Index and the Russell 2000 Index. An investment of $100 (with reinvestment of all dividends) is assumed to have been made in our common stock and in each of the indexes on December 31, 2009 (or on May 23, 2013 for our class A common stock which was the first day it was traded), and its relative performance is tracked through December 31, 2014. In accordance with Securities and Exchange Commission guidance, in calculating the cumulative 5-year total return on our class B common stock, we gave retroactive effect to the May 2013 Recapitalization (i.e., as if it had occurred on December 31, 2009).
COMPARISON OF FIVE-YEAR CUMULATIVE TOTAL RETURN DATA
The stock price performance included in this graph is not necessarily indicative of future stock price performance.
Item 6.
Item 6. Selected Financial Data
The selected statement of income data for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, and the selected balance sheet data at December 31, 2014 and 2013, are derived from, and are qualified by reference to, the audited consolidated financial statements of the Company included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. The selected statement of income data for the year ended December 31, 2011 and 2010, and the balance sheet data at December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, are derived from audited consolidated financial statements not included herein. The Company acquired Digital Assent on October 28, 2014 and Outcome Concept Systems on August 3, 2010.
(a)
All share and per share data have been retroactively adjusted to give effect to the May 2013 Recapitalization as further described in Note 1 to the accompanying consolidated financial statements.
Item 7.
Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Overview
The Company is a leading provider of analytics and insights that facilitate revenue growth, patient, employee and customer retention and patient engagement for healthcare providers, payers and other healthcare organizations. The Company’s solutions support the improvement of business and clinical outcomes, while facilitating regulatory compliance and the shift to population-based health management for its clients. The Company’s ability to systematically capture, analyze and deliver to its clients self-reported information from patients, families and consumers is critical in today’s healthcare market. NRC believes that access to and analysis of its extensive consumer-driven information will become even more valuable in the future as healthcare providers increasingly need to more deeply understand and engage patients and consumers in an effort towards effective population-based health management.
The Company’s portfolio of subscription-based solutions provide actionable information and analysis to healthcare organizations and payers across a range of mission-critical, constituent-related elements, including patient experience and satisfaction, community population health risks, workforce engagement, community perceptions, and physician engagement. NRC partners with clients across the continuum of healthcare services. The Company’s clients range from acute care hospitals and post-acute providers, such as home health, long-term care and hospice, to numerous payer organizations. The Company believes this cross-continuum positioning is a unique and an increasingly important capability as evolving payment models drive healthcare providers and payers towards a more collaborative and interactive healthcare system.
Acquisitions/ Investments
In October 2014, NRC made investments in two strategic technologies to advance the Company’s commitment to empowering consumer-centric healthcare across the continuum.
The first, an acquisition of Digital Assent, a company with a healthcare technology platform, creates a Center of Excellence in Atlanta, Georgia, responsible for developing novel solutions to enhance consumer decision-making in the selection of healthcare providers. The all-cash consideration paid at closing was $2.6 million.
The second, an investment, includes an option for a potential acquisition of a partner company that has developed a talent-matching solution to accelerate the formation of high-performing teams. The cash consideration paid was $800,000, of which $657,000 was allocated to the purchase option and the remaining $143,000 to a license and work to be performed. The option provides NRC with the right to acquire the partner company for $4.1 million on or before March 31, 2015.
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
The preparation of financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect amounts reported therein. The most significant of these areas involving difficult or complex judgments made by management with respect to the preparation of the Company’s consolidated financial statements for 2014 include:
● Revenue recognition;
● Valuation of goodwill and identifiable intangible assets;
● Income taxes; and
● Business combinations
Revenue Recognition
The Company derives a majority of its operating revenue from its annually renewable services, which include performance measurement and improvement services, healthcare analytics and governance education services. The Company provides these services to its clients under annual client service contracts, although such contracts are generally cancelable on short or no notice without penalty. The Company also derives some revenue from its custom and other research projects.
Services are provided under subscription-based service agreements. The Company recognizes subscription-based service revenue over the period of time the service is provided. Generally, the subscription periods are for twelve months and revenue is recognized equally over the subscription period.
Certain contracts are fixed-fee arrangements with a portion of the project fee billed in advance and the remainder billed periodically over the duration of the project. Revenue and direct expenses for services provided under these contracts are recognized under the proportional performance method. Under the proportional performance method, the Company recognizes revenue based on output measures or key milestones such as survey set-up, survey mailings, survey returns and reporting. The Company measures its progress based on the level of completion of these output measures and recognizes revenue accordingly. Management judgments and estimates must be made and used in connection with revenue recognized using the proportional performance method. If management made different judgments and estimates, then the amount and timing of revenue for any period could differ materially from the reported revenue.
The Company’s revenue arrangements with a client may include combinations of performance measurement and improvement services, healthcare analytics or governance education services which may be executed at the same time, or within close proximity of one another (referred to as a multiple-element arrangement). Each element of a multiple-element arrangement is accounted for as a separate unit of accounting provided each delivered element is sold separately by the Company or another vendor; and for an arrangement that includes a general right of return relative to the undelivered elements, delivery or performance of the undelivered services are considered probable and substantially in the control of the Company. The Company’s arrangements generally do not include a general right of return related to the delivered services. If these criteria are not met, the arrangement is accounted for as a single unit of accounting with revenue generally recognized equally over the subscription period or recognized under the proportional performance method.
Revenue is allocated to each separate unit of accounting based on relative selling price using a selling price hierarchy: vendor specific objective evidence (“VSOE”), if available, third-party evidence (“TPE”) if VSOE is not available, or estimated selling price if VSOE nor TPE is available. VSOE is established based on the services normal selling price and discounts for the specific services when sold separately. TPE is established by evaluating similar competitor services in standalone arrangements. If neither exists for a deliverable, the best estimate of the selling price (“ESP”) is used for that deliverable based on list price, representing a component of management’s market strategy, and an analysis of historical prices for bundled and standalone arrangements. Revenue allocated to an element is limited to revenue that is not subject to refund or otherwise represents contingent revenue. VSOE, TPE, and ESP are periodically adjusted to reflect current market conditions. These adjustments are not expected to differ significantly from historical results.
Valuation of Goodwill and Identifiable Intangible Assets
Intangible assets include customer relationships, trade names, technology, non-compete agreements and goodwill. Intangible assets with estimable useful lives are amortized over their respective estimated useful lives to their estimated residual values and reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the assets may not be recoverable. The Company reviews intangible assets with indefinite lives for impairment annually as of October 1 and whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of an asset may not be recoverable.
When performing the impairment assessment, the Company first assesses qualitative factors to determine whether it is necessary to recalculate the fair value of our intangible assets with indefinite lives. If the Company believes, as a result of the qualitative assessment, that it is more likely than not that the fair value of the indefinite-lived intangibles is less than their carrying amount, the Company calculates the fair value using a market approach. If the carrying value of an intangible asset with an indefinite life exceeds its fair value, then the intangible asset is written-down to their fair values. The Company did not recognize any impairment related to our indefinite-lived intangible assets during 2014, 2013, or 2012.
Goodwill is an asset representing the future economic benefits arising from other assets acquired in a business combination that are not individually identified and separately recognized. All of the Company’s goodwill is allocated to its reporting units, which are the same as its operating segments. Goodwill is reviewed for impairment at least annually as of October 1 and whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of goodwill may not be recoverable.
The Company reviews for goodwill impairment by first assessing qualitative factors to determine whether any impairment may exist. If we believe, as a result of the qualitative assessment that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, a quantitative two-step test is required; otherwise, no further testing is required. Under the first step of the quantitative test, the fair value of the reporting unit is compared with its carrying value (including goodwill). If the fair value of the reporting unit exceeds its carrying value, step two is not performed. If the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying value, an indication of goodwill impairment exists for the reporting unit and the Company performs step two of the impairment test (measurement). Under step two, an impairment loss is recognized for any excess of the carrying amount of the reporting unit’s goodwill over the fair value of that goodwill. The fair value of goodwill is determined by allocating the fair value of the reporting unit in a manner similar to a purchase price allocation and the residual fair value after this allocation is the fair value of the reporting unit goodwill.
In instances when a step two is required, the fair value of the reporting unit is determined using an income approach and comparable market multiples. Under the income approach, there are a number of inputs used to calculate the fair value using a discounted cash flow model, including operating results, business plans, projected cash flows and a discount rate. Discount rates, growth rates and cash flow projections are the most sensitive and susceptible to change as they require significant management judgment. Discount rates are determined by using a weighted average cost of capital, which considers market and industry data. Management develops growth rates and cash flow projections for each reporting unit considering industry and Company-specific historical and projected information. Terminal value rate determination follows common methodology of capturing the present value of perpetual cash flow estimates beyond the last projected period assuming a constant weighted average cost of capital and low long-term growth rates. Under the market approach, the Company considers its market capitalization, comparisons to other public companies’ data, and recent transactions of similar businesses within the Company’s industry.
The Company performed a qualitative analysis as of October 1, 2014, which did not indicate that it was more likely than not that the carrying values of the reporting units exceeded fair value. No impairments were recorded during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 or 2012.
Income Taxes
The Company uses the asset and liability method of accounting for income taxes. Under that method, deferred income tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases using enacted tax rates. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. Valuation allowances, if any, are established when necessary to reduce deferred tax assets to the amount that is more likely than not to be realized. The Company recognizes the effect of income tax positions only if those positions are more likely than not of being sustained. Recognized income tax positions are measured at the largest amount that is greater than 50% likely of being realized. Changes in recognition or measurement are reflected in the period in which the change in judgment occurs. Management judgment is required to determine the provision for income taxes and to determine whether deferred income taxes will be realized in full or in part. Such judgments include, but are not limited to, the likelihood we would realize the benefits of net operating loss carryforwards, the adequacy of valuation allowances, the election to capitalize or expense costs incurred, and the probability of outcomes of uncertain tax positions. It is possible that the various taxing authorities could challenge those judgments or positions and reach conclusions that would cause us to incur tax liabilities in excess of, or realize benefits less than, those currently recorded. In addition, changes in the geographical mix or estimated amount of annual pretax income could impact our overall effective tax rate.
Business Combinations
The Company uses the acquisition method of accounting for acquired businesses. Under the acquisition method, the financial statements reflect the operations of an acquired business starting from the completion of the acquisition. The assets acquired and liabilities assumed are recorded at their respective estimated fair values at the date of the acquisition. Any excess of the purchase price over the estimated fair values of the indentifiable net assets acquired is recorded as goodwill. Significant judgment is required in estimating the fair value of assets acquired, especially intangible assets. As a result, in the case of significant acquisitions we typically engage third-party valuation specialists in estimating fair values of tangible and intangible assets. The fair value estimates are based on available historical information and on expectations and assumptions about the future, considering the perspective of marketplace participants. While management believes those expectations and assumptions are reasonable, they are inherently uncertain. Unanticipated market or macroeconomic events and circumstances may occur, which could impact the accuracy or validity of the estimates and assumptions.
Results of Operations
The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, selected financial information derived from the Company’s consolidated financial statements, expressed as a percentage of total revenue and the percentage change in such items versus the prior comparable period (please note that all columns may not add up to 100% due to rounding). The trends illustrated in the following table may not necessarily be indicative of future results. The discussion that follows the table should be read in conjunction with the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
Year Ended December 31, 2014, Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2013
Revenue. Revenue in 2014 increased 6.7% to $98.8 million, compared to $92.6 million in 2013, which was driven primarily by a combination of continued gains in market share and vertical growth in our existing client base. Revenue from subscription-based agreements comprised 82.3% of the total revenue in 2014, compared to 81.9% of total revenue in 2013.
Direct expenses. Direct expenses increased 7.4% to $41.7 million in 2014, compared to $38.8 million in 2013. This was mainly due to increased variable costs of $2.7 million from postage and printing, contracted survey-related costs and internal labor costs, offset partially by less conference, publication and video production fees. Fixed expenses increased $171,000 mainly due to increased payroll and benefit costs due to the Digital Assent acquisition and contracted service costs in the service and analytical areas. Direct expenses increased as a percentage of revenue to 42.2% in 2014 from 42.0% in 2013 primarily due to the higher survey volumes for the subscription based products.
Selling, general and administrative expenses. Selling, general and administrative expenses decreased 0.8% to $25.0 million in 2014, compared to $25.2 million in 2013, mainly due to a decrease in legal and accounting fees of $518,000 that were associated with the May 2013 Recapitalization. In addition, non-cash share-based compensation expense, primarily associated with the forfeitures of certain stock options and restricted share awards, decreased by $213,000. These decreases were partially offset by increased payroll and benefit costs and legal and accounting costs related to the October 2014 Digital Assent acquisition and investment. Bad debt expense, recruiting fees, contracted service costs and building/equipment lease expense also partially offset these decreases. Selling, general, and administrative expenses decreased as a percentage of revenue to 25.3% in 2014, from 27.2% in 2013, due to the leveraging of these costs over revenue.
Depreciation and amortization. Depreciation and amortization expenses increased 1.9% to $3.8 million in 2014 compared to $3.7 million in 2013 primarily due to increased depreciation from investments in computer software and increased amortization from the October 2014 acquisition. Depreciation and amortization expenses as a percentage of revenue decreased to 3.8% in 2014 from 4.0% during in 2013.
Provision for income taxes. Provision for income taxes was $9.9 million (35.4% effective tax rate) in 2014, compared to $9.0 million (36.8% effective tax rate) in 2013. The effective tax rate for 2014 is lower than the rate in 2013 primarily due to lower projected state tax rates due to legislative changes, as well as non-deductible fees associated with the May 2013 Recapitalization that were incurred during 2013, partially offset by $179,000 increase in the liability for unrecognized tax benefit .
Year Ended December 31, 2013, Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2012
Revenue. Revenue increased 7.1% in 2013 to $92.6 million from $86.4 million in 2012 which was driven by a combination of continued gains in market share and vertical growth in our existing client base. Revenue from subscription-based agreements comprised 81.9% of the total revenue for the year ended December 31, 2013 compared to 76.0% of the total revenue for the year ended December 31, 2012.
Direct expenses. Direct expenses increased 9.5% to $38.8 million in 2013 from $35.5 million in 2012. Direct variable expenses are costs that vary with volumes and consist mainly of printing, postage, hourly labor, and contracted survey work. Direct fixed expenses consist mainly of salaries and benefits, and contracted services for client service, analytical, research, and information technology development functions. The increase included postage and contracted survey-related costs to service the higher volume of business, and an increase in fixed expenses of $1.8 million from additional investments in technology, research and service resources. Direct expenses increased as a percentage of revenue to 42.0% in the year ended December 31, 2013, from 41.0% during the same period of 2012. Variable expenses as percentage of revenue were 0.2% of the change due to higher survey volumes for the subscription-based products, and fixed expenses were 0.8% of the change due to investments in technology, research and service resources.
Selling, general and administrative expenses. Selling, general and administrative expenses increased 7.1% to $25.2 million in 2013 from $23.5 million in 2012 mainly due to additional expense in share based compensation, increases in annual software license fees and costs from the May 2013 Recapitalization, which were partially offset by decreased incentive payments and marketing costs. Selling, general, and administrative expenses remained constant as a percentage of revenue at 27.2% for each of the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 due to the leveraging of selling, general and administrative expenses against increased revenue.
Depreciation and amortization. Depreciation and amortization expenses decreased 20.6% to $3.7 million in 2013 from $4.7 million in 2012. This decrease was a result of a large software development project becoming fully depreciated and intangibles associated with an acquisition becoming fully amortized. Depreciation and amortization expenses as a percentage of revenue decreased to 4.0% in 2013 from 5.4% in 2012.
Provision for income taxes. The provision for income taxes totaled $9.0 million (36.8% effective tax rate) for 2013, compared to $7.1 million (32.1% effective tax rate) for 2012. The effective tax rate for the year ended December 31, 2013, is higher than the rate in the same period of 2012 primarily due to an adjustment to income taxes of $575,000 for decreases in deferred state tax rates resulting from legislative changes in 2012 and nondeductible fees associated with the May 2013 Recapitalization that are part of the annualized effective rate.
Inflation and Changing Prices
Inflation and changing prices have not had a material impact on revenue or net income in the last three years.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
The Company believes that its existing sources of liquidity, including cash and cash equivalents, borrowing availability, and operating cash flow will be sufficient to meet its projected needs for the foreseeable future.
The Company made capital contributions to Connect totaling $2.8 million through December 31, 2014 and will make additional capital contributions up to $1.3 million on an as-needed basis as determined by the Board of Directors of Connect. Additionally, the Company has a future obligation to purchase the other equity units in Connect when certain targeted events have been achieved. If, at any time, Connect has at least $12.5 million of annual recurring contract value, including the NRC contracts being serviced, and the members have approved a financial statement showing a pro forma minimum 35% EBITDA margin for revenue on a going-forward basis, then within 90 days thereafter NRC is required to purchase from the other members, and the other members shall be required to sell to NRC, all of their equity units not owned by NRC. As of December 31, 2014, the price at which the other members had the obligation to sell their equity units to NRC was $0.
As of December 31, 2014, our principal sources of liquidity included $40.0 million of cash and cash equivalents and up to $6.5 million of unused borrowings under our revolving credit note. Of this cash, $9.9 million was held in Canada. All of the amounts held in Canada are intended to be indefinitely reinvested in foreign operations. The amounts held outside of the U.S. are eligible for repatriation, but under current law, would be subject to U.S. federal income taxes less applicable foreign tax credits. The Company estimated at December 31, 2014, that an additional tax liability of $609,000 would become due if repatriation of undistributed earnings would occur. The amount of unused borrowings actually available under the revolving credit note varies in accordance with the terms of the agreement.
Working Capital
The Company had a working capital surplus of $25.3 million on December 31, 2014, compared to a $12.8 million working capital surplus on December 31, 2013. The change in the working capital balance was primarily due to the suspension of dividends in latter half of 2013 in order to maximize cash for investment opportunities. Investments were made in Connect in June 2013 and for two strategic technology investments in October 2014. The first investment in 2014, was an acquisition of Digital Assent, that creates a Center of Excellence in Atlanta, Georgia and the second, an investment, includes an option for a $4.1 million potential acquisition of a partner company. The deferred revenue balances as of December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, were $15.1 million and $13.9 million, respectively.
The deferred revenue balance is primarily due to timing of initial billings on new and renewal contracts. The Company typically invoices clients for performance tracking services and custom research projects before they have been completed. Billed amounts are recorded as billings in excess of revenue earned, or deferred revenue, on the Company’s consolidated financial statements, and are recognized as income when earned. In addition, when work is performed in advance of billing, the Company records this work as revenue earned in excess of billings, or unbilled revenue. Substantially all deferred revenue and all unbilled revenue will be earned and billed respectively, within 12 months of the respective period ends.
Cash Flow Analysis
A summary of operating, investing, and financing activities are shown in the following table:
Cash Flows from Operating Activities
Cash flows from operating activities consist of net income adjusted for non-cash items including depreciation and amortization, deferred taxes, and the effect of working capital changes.
Net cash provided by operating activities was $26.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2014, which included net income of $18.2 million, plus non-cash charges (benefits) for deferred tax expense, depreciation and amortization, reserve for uncertain tax positions, loss on disposal of property and equipment, tax benefit from exercise of stock options, and non-cash stock compensation totaling $4.9 million. Changes in working capital increased 2014 cash flows from operating activities by $3.1 million, primarily due to increases in trade accounts receivable and timing of billings on new or renewal contracts increasing cash flows provided from deferred revenue and unbilled revenue. The increase was partially offset by timing of payments on accrued expenses, wages, bonus and profit sharing and income taxes.
Net cash provided by operating activities was $19.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2013, which included net income of $15.5 million, plus non-cash charges (benefits) for deferred tax expense, depreciation and amortization, tax benefit from exercise of stock options, and non-cash stock compensation totaling $4.8 million. Changes in working capital decreased 2013 cash flows from operating activities by $1.0 million, primarily due to timing of billings on new or renewal contracts decreasing cash flows provided from deferred revenue and unbilled revenue offset by increases in trade accounts receivable. The cash flows decrease was partially offset by timing of payments on accounts payable and accrued expenses, wages, bonus and profit sharing.
Net cash provided by operating activities was $19.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2012, which included net income of $15.1 million, plus non-cash charges (benefits) for deferred tax expense, depreciation and amortization, tax benefit from exercise of stock options, and non-cash stock compensation totaling $5.3 million. Changes in working capital decreased 2012 cash flows from operating activities by $1.2 million, primarily due to timing of initial billings on new or renewal contracts decreasing cash flows provided from trade accounts receivable and deferred revenue and timing of payments on accounts payable and prepaid expenses, partially offset by increases and timing in payments of accrued expenses, wages, and bonus and profit sharing.
Cash Flows from Investing Activities
Net cash of $5.7 million was used for investing activities in the year ended December 31, 2014. Purchases of property and equipment totaled $2.5 million. The Company paid $2.6 million in cash for the October 2014 acquisition of Digital Assent and $657,000 for the option to purchase a partner company before March 31, 2015.
Net cash of $2.2 million was used for investing activities in the year ended December 31, 2013. Purchases of property and equipment totaled the $2.2 million.
Net cash of $2.3 million was used for investing activities in the year ended December 31, 2012. Purchases of property and equipment totaled the $2.3 million.
Cash Flows from Financing Activities
Net cash used in financing activities was $1.7 million in the year ended December 31, 2014. Proceeds from the exercise of stock options and the excess tax benefit of share-based compensation provided cash of $408,000 and $622,000, respectively, partially offset by repurchases of shares for payroll tax withholdings related to share-based compensation of $348,000. Cash was used to repay borrowings under the term note totaling $2.3 million and capital lease obligations of $156,000.
Net cash used in financing activities was $2.8 million in the year ended December 31, 2013. Proceeds from the exercise of stock options and the excess tax benefit of share-based compensation provided cash of $840,000 and $755,000, respectively, partially offset by repurchases of shares for payroll tax withholdings related to share-based compensation of $55,000. Cash was used to pay dividends of $2.1 million. Cash was also used to repay borrowings under the term note totaling $2.1 million and capital lease obligations of $110,000.
Net cash used in financing activities was $16.7 million in the year ended December 31, 2012. Proceeds from the exercise of stock options and the excess tax benefit of share-based compensation provided cash of $1.3 million and $2.1 million, respectively, partially offset by repurchases of shares for payroll tax withholdings related to share-based compensation of $527,000. Cash was used to pay dividends of $17.4 million, including a special dividend of $10.3 million in the fourth quarter of 2012. Cash was also used to repay borrowings under the term note totaling $2.1 million and capital lease obligations of $108,000.
The effect of changes in foreign exchange rates increased (decreased) cash and cash equivalents by ($794,000), ($497,000), and $107,000 in the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively.
Capital Expenditures
Capital expenditures for the year ended December 31, 2014 were $2.5 million. These expenditures consisted mainly of computer software, computer hardware, furniture and other equipment. The Company expects similar capital expenditure purchases in 2015 consisting primarily of computer software and hardware and other equipment, to be funded through cash generated from operations.
Debt and Equity
The Company’s term note is payable in 60 monthly installments of $212,468. Borrowings under the term note bear interest at an annual rate of 3.12%. The outstanding balance of the term note at December 31, 2014 was $8.1 million.
The Company also has a revolving credit note that was renewed in June 2014 to extend the term to June 30, 2015. The maximum aggregate amount available under the revolving credit note is $6.5 million, subject to a borrowing base equal to 75.0% of the Company’s eligible accounts receivable. Borrowings under the revolving credit note bear interest at a variable annual rate, with three rate options at the discretion of management as follows: (1) 2.5% plus the daily reset one-month London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) or (2) 2.2% plus the one-, two- or three- month LIBOR rate, or (3) the bank’s one-, two, three, six, or twelve month Money Market Loan Rate. As of December 31, 2014, and throughout 2014, the revolving credit note did not have a balance. According to the borrowing base requirements, the Company had the capacity to borrow $6.5 million as of December 31, 2014.
The term note and revolving credit note are secured by certain of the Company’s assets, including the Company’s land, building, accounts receivable and intangible assets. The term note and the revolving credit note contain various restrictions and covenants applicable to the Company, including requirements that the Company maintain certain financial ratios at prescribed levels and restrictions on the ability of the Company to consolidate or merge, create liens, incur additional indebtedness or dispose of assets. As of December 31, 2014, the Company was in compliance with the financial covenants.
The Company has capital leases for computer equipment, office equipment, printing and inserting equipment. The balance of the capital leases as of December 31, 2014 was $318,000.
Contractual Obligations
The Company had contractual obligations to make payments in the following amounts in the future as of December 31, 2014:
(1) Amounts are inclusive of interest payments, where applicable.
(2)
We have $367,000 in liabilities associated with uncertain tax positions. We are unable to reasonably estimate the expected cash settlement dates of these uncertain tax positions with the taxing authorities.
The Company generally does not make unconditional, non-cancelable purchase commitments. The Company enters into purchase orders in the normal course of business, but these purchase obligations do not exceed one year.
Shareholders’ equity increased $16.0 million to $87.7 million in 2014, from $71.8 million in 2013. The increase was primarily due to net income of $18.2 million, $1.4 million of related share-based compensation and $1.3 million from the exercise of options, partially offset by dividends declared of $2.5 million, share repurchases of $1.2 million and changes in the cumulative translation adjustment of $1.1 million.
Stock Repurchase Program
In February 2006, the Board of Directors of the Company authorized the repurchase of 2,250,000 shares of class A common stock and 375,000 shares of class B common stock (on a post-May 2013 Recapitalization basis) in the open market or in privately negotiated transactions. As of December 31, 2014, the remaining number of shares that could be purchased under this authorization was 418,749 shares of class A common stock and 69,791 shares of class B common stock.
Off-Balance Sheet Obligations
The Company has no significant off-balance sheet obligations other than the operating lease commitments disclosed in “Liquidity and Capital Resources.”
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In May 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606)” (“ASU 2014-09”). ASU 2014-09 requires an entity to recognize the amount of revenue to which it expects to be entitled for the transfer of promised goods or services to customers. The ASU will replace most existing revenue recognition guidance in U.S. GAAP when it becomes effective. The updated accounting guidance is effective for annual and interim reporting periods in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016. Early adoption is not permitted. An entity may choose to adopt this ASU either retrospectively or through a cumulative effect adjustment as of the start of the first period for which it applies the standard. The Company is currently in the process of evaluating the impact that this new guidance will have on our consolidated financial statements and our method of adoption.
Item 7A.
Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure About Market Risk
The Company’s primary market risk exposure is changes in foreign currency exchange rates and interest rates.
The Company’s Canadian subsidiary uses as its functional currency the local currency of the country in which it operates. It translates its assets and liabilities into U.S. dollars at the exchange rate in effect at the balance sheet date. It translates its revenue and expenses at the average exchange rate during the period. The Company includes translation gains and losses in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), a component of shareholders’ equity. Foreign currency translation gains (losses) were ($1.1 million), ($822,000), and $217,000 in 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively. Gains and losses related to transactions denominated in a currency other than the functional currency of the countries in which the Company operates and short-term intercompany accounts are included in other income (expense) in the consolidated statements of income. A portion of our cash in our Canadian subsidiary is denominated in foreign currencies, where fluctuations in exchange rates will impact our cash balances in U.S. dollar terms. A sensitivity analysis assuming a hypothetical 100 basis point movement in the value of the U.S. dollar would impact our reported cash balance by approximately $1.0 million. We have not entered into any foreign currency hedging transactions. We do not purchase or hold any derivative financial instruments for the purpose of speculation or arbitrage.
We are exposed to interest rate risk with both our fixed-rate term debt and variable rate revolving line of credit facility. Interest rate changes for borrowings under our fixed-rate term debt would impact the fair value of such debt, but do not impact earnings or cash flow. At December 31, 2014, our fixed-rate term debt totaled $8.1 million. Based on a sensitivity analysis, a one percent change in market interest rates as of December 31, 2014, would not have a material effect on the estimated fair value of our fixed-rate debt outstanding at December 31, 2014.
Borrowings under our revolving credit note bear interest at a variable annual rate, with three rate options at the discretion of management. Borrowings under the revolving credit note may not exceed the lesser of a calculated borrowing base or $6.5 million. There were no borrowings outstanding under our revolving credit note at December 31, 2014, or at any time during 2014. A sensitivity analysis assuming a hypothetical 100 basis point movement in interest rates applied to the average daily borrowings and the maximum borrowings available under the revolving credit note indicated that such a movement would not have a material impact on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
Item 8.
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)
The following table sets forth selected financial information for each of the eight quarters in the two-year period ended December 31, 2014. This unaudited information has been prepared by the Company on the same basis as the consolidated financial statements and includes all normal recurring adjustments necessary to present fairly this information when read in conjunction with the Company’s audited consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto.
(1)
All share and per share data have been retroactively adjusted to give effect to the May 2013 Recapitalization as further described in Note 1 to the accompanying consolidated financial statements.
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
The Board of Directors and Shareholders
National Research Corporation:
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of National Research Corporation and subsidiary (the Company) as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, and the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, shareholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2014. In connection with our audits of the consolidated financial statements, we also have audited financial statement schedule listed in Item 15(2) of this Form 10-K. These consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedule are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedule based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of National Research Corporation and subsidiary as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2014, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. Also in our opinion, the related financial statement schedule, when considered in relation to the basic consolidated financial statements taken as a whole, present fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2014, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (1992) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO), and our report dated March 4, 2015 expressed an unqualified opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
/s/ KPMG LLP
Lincoln, Nebraska
March 4, 2015
NATIONAL RESEARCH CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY
Consolidated Balance Sheets
(In thousands, except share amounts)
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
NATIONAL RESEARCH CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY
Consolidated Statements of Income
(In thousands, except for per share amounts)
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
NATIONAL RESEARCH CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY
Consolidated Statements of comprehensive income
(In thousands)
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
NATIONAL RESEARCH CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity
(In thousands except share and per share amounts)
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
NATIONAL RESEARCH CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(In thousands)
Supplemental disclosures of non-cash investing and financing activities:
Capital lease obligations for property and equipment originating during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 was $248, $5 and $9, respectively.
In connection with the Company’s equity incentive plans, certain optionees tendered to the Company previously owned shares to pay for the option strike price. The total non-cash stock options exercised was $900, $150 and $4.6 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively.
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
NATIONAL RESEARCH CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(1) Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Description of Business and Basis of Presentation
National Research Corporation (“NRC” or the “Company”) is a leading provider of analytics and insights that facilitate revenue growth, patient, employee and customer retention and patient engagement for healthcare providers, payers and other healthcare organizations in the United States and Canada. The Company’s ten largest clients accounted for 16%, 19%, and 22% of the Company’s total revenue in 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively.
Recapitalization
In May 2013, the Company consummated a recapitalization (the “May 2013 Recapitalization”) pursuant to which the Company established two classes of common stock (class A common stock and class B common stock), issued a dividend of three shares of class A common stock for each share of the Company’s then existing common stock and reclassified each then existing share of common stock as one-half of one share of class B common stock. All previously reported share and per share amounts in the accompanying financial statements and related notes have been restated to reflect the May 2013 Recapitalization.
Principles of Consolidation
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company, its wholly-owned subsidiary, National Research Corporation Canada, and a variable interest entity, Customer-Connect LLC (“Connect”), which NRC has been deemed the primary beneficiary. All significant intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make certain estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Reclassifications
Certain reclassifications have been made to the 2013 and 2012 financial statement information to conform to the 2014 financial statement presentation. There was no impact on the previously reported net income and earnings per share.
Translation of Foreign Currencies
The Company’s Canadian subsidiary uses as its functional currency the local currency of the country in which it operates. It translates its assets and liabilities into U.S. dollars at the exchange rate in effect at the balance sheet date. It translates its revenue and expenses at the average exchange rate during the period. The Company includes translation gains and losses in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), a component of shareholders’ equity. Gains and losses related to transactions denominated in a currency other than the functional currency of the country in which the Company operates and short-term intercompany accounts are included in other income (expense) in the consolidated statements of income. Since the undistributed earnings of the Company’s foreign subsidiary are considered to be indefinitely reinvested, the components of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) have not been tax effected.
Revenue Recognition
The Company derives a majority of its operating revenue from its annually renewable services, which include performance measurement and improvement services, healthcare analytics and governance education services. The Company provides these services to its clients under annual client service contracts, although such contracts are generally cancelable on short or no notice without penalty. The Company also derives some revenue from its custom and other research projects.
Services are provided under subscription-based service agreements. The Company recognizes subscription-based service revenue over the period of time the service is provided. Generally, the subscription periods are for twelve months and revenue is recognized equally over the subscription period.
Certain contracts are fixed-fee arrangements with a portion of the project fee billed in advance and the remainder billed periodically over the duration of the project. Revenue for services provided under these contracts are recognized under the proportional performance method. Under the proportional performance method, the Company recognizes revenue based on output measures or key milestones such as survey set-up, survey mailings, survey returns and reporting. The Company measures its progress based on the level of completion of these output measures and recognizes revenue accordingly. Management judgments and estimates must be made and used in connection with revenue recognized using the proportional performance method. If management made different judgments and estimates, then the amount and timing of revenue for any period could differ materially from the reported revenue.
The Company’s revenue arrangements with a client may include combinations of performance measurement and improvement services, healthcare analytics or governance education services which may be executed at the same time, or within close proximity of one another (referred to as a multiple-element arrangement). Each element of a multiple-element arrangement is accounted for as a separate unit of accounting provided each delivered element is sold separately by the Company or another vendor; and for an arrangement that includes a general right of return relative to the undelivered elements, delivery or performance of the undelivered services are considered probable and substantially in the control of the Company. The Company’s arrangements generally do not include a general right of return related to the delivered services. If these criteria are not met, the arrangement is accounted for as a single unit of accounting with revenue generally recognized equally over the subscription period or recognized under the proportional performance method.
Revenue is allocated to each separate unit of accounting based on relative selling price using a selling price hierarchy: vendor-specific objective evidence (“VSOE”), if available, third-party evidence (“TPE”) if VSOE is not available, or estimated selling price if VSOE nor TPE is available. VSOE is established based on the services normal selling price and discounts for the specific services when sold separately. TPE is established by evaluating similar competitor services in standalone arrangements. If neither exists for a deliverable, the best estimate of the selling price (“ESP”) is used for that deliverable based on list price, representing a component of management’s market strategy, and an analysis of historical prices for bundled and standalone arrangements. Revenue allocated to an element is limited to revenue that is not subject to refund or otherwise represents contingent revenue. VSOE, TPE and ESP are periodically adjusted to reflect current market conditions. These adjustments are not expected to differ significantly from historical results.
Business Combinations
The Company uses the acquisition method of accounting for acquired businesses. Under the acquisition method, the financial statements reflect the operations of an acquired business starting from the completion of the acquisition. The assets acquired and liabilities assumed are recorded at their respective estimated fair values at the date of the acquisition. Any excess of the purchase price over the estimated fair values of the indentifiable net assets acquired is recorded as goodwill. Significant judgment is required in estimating the fair value of assets acquired, especially intangible assets. As a result, in the case of significant acquisitions we typically engage third-party valuation specialists in estimating fair values of tangible and intangible assets. The fair value estimates are based on available historical information and on expectations and assumptions about the future, considering the perspective of marketplace participants.
Trade Accounts Receivable
Trade accounts receivable are recorded at the invoiced amount. The allowance for doubtful accounts is the Company’s best estimate of the amount of probable credit losses in the Company’s existing accounts receivable. The Company determines the allowance based on specific account analysis and on the Company’s historical write-off experience. The Company reviews the allowance for doubtful accounts monthly. Account balances are charged off against the allowance after all means of collection have been exhausted and the potential for recovery is considered remote.
Property and Equipment
Property and equipment is stated at cost. Major expenditures to purchase property or to substantially increase useful lives of property are capitalized. Maintenance, repairs and minor renewals are expensed as incurred. When assets are retired or otherwise disposed of, their costs and related accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts and resulting gains or losses are included in income.
For costs of software developed for internal use, the Company expenses computer software costs as incurred in the preliminary project stage, which involves the conceptual formulation, evaluation and selection of technology alternatives. Costs incurred related to the design, coding, installation and testing of software during the application project stage are capitalized. Costs for training and application maintenance are expensed as incurred. The Company has capitalized approximately $1.8 million and $1.7 million of internal and external costs incurred for the development of internal-use software for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, with such costs classified as property and equipment.
The Company provides for depreciation and amortization of property and equipment using annual rates which are sufficient to amortize the cost of depreciable assets over their estimated useful lives. The Company uses the straight-line method of depreciation and amortization over estimated useful lives of three to ten years for furniture and equipment, three to five years for computer equipment, three to five years for capitalized software, and seven to forty years for the Company’s office building and related improvements.
Leases are categorized as operating or capital at the inception of the lease. Assets under capital lease obligations are reported at the lower of fair value or the present value of the aggregate future minimum lease payments at the beginning of the lease term. The Company depreciates capital lease assets without transfer-of-ownership or bargain-purchase-options using the straight-line method over the lease terms, excluding any lease renewals, unless the lease renewals are reasonably assured. Capital lease assets with transfer-of-ownership or bargain-purchase-options are depreciated using the straight-line method over the assets’ estimated useful lives.
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and Amortizing Intangible Assets
Long-lived assets, such as property and equipment and purchased intangible assets subject to depreciation or amortization, are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. If circumstances require a long-lived asset or asset group be tested for possible impairment, the Company first compares undiscounted cash flows expected to be generated by that asset or asset group to its carrying value. If the carrying value of the long-lived asset or asset group is not recoverable on an undiscounted cash flow basis, an impairment is recognized to the extent that the carrying value exceeds its fair value. Fair value is determined through various valuation techniques including discounted cash flow models, quoted market values and third-party independent appraisals, as considered necessary. No impairments were recorded during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, or 2012.
Among others, management believes the following circumstances are important indicators of potential impairment of such assets and as a result may trigger an impairment review:
● Significant underperformance in comparison to historical or projected operating results;
● Significant changes in the manner or use of acquired assets or the Company’s overall strategy;
● Significant negative trends in the Company’s industry or the overall economy;
● A significant decline in the market price for the Company’s common stock for a sustained period; and
● The Company’s market capitalization falling below the book value of the Company’s net assets.
Goodwill and Intangible Assets
Intangible assets include customer relationships, trade names, technology, non-compete agreements and goodwill. Intangible assets with estimable useful lives are amortized over their respective estimated useful lives to their estimated residual values and reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the assets may not be recoverable. The Company reviews intangible assets with indefinite lives for impairment annually as of October 1 and whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of an asset may not be recoverable.
When performing the impairment assessment, the Company will first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is necessary to recalculate the fair value of the intangible assets with indefinite lives. If the Company believes, as a result of the qualitative assessment, that it is more likely than not that the fair value of the indefinite-lived intangibles is less than their carrying amount, the Company calculates the fair value using a market approach. If the carrying value of intangible assets with indefinite lives exceeds their fair value, then the intangible assets are written-down to their fair values. The Company did not recognize any impairments related to indefinite-lived intangibles during 2014, 2013 or 2012.
Goodwill is an asset representing the future economic benefits arising from other assets acquired in a business combination that are not individually identified and separately recognized. All of the Company’s goodwill is allocated to its reporting units, which are the same as its operating segments. Goodwill is reviewed for impairment at least annually, as of October 1, and whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of goodwill may not be recoverable.
The Company reviews for goodwill impairment by first assessing qualitative factors to determine whether any impairment may exist. If the Company believes, as a result of the qualitative assessment, that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, a quantitative two-step test is required; otherwise, no further testing is required. Under the first step of the quantitative test, the fair value of the reporting unit is compared with its carrying value (including goodwill). If the fair value of the reporting unit exceeds its carrying value, step two is not performed. If the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying value, an indication of goodwill impairment exists for the reporting unit and the Company performs step two of the impairment test (measurement). Under step two, an impairment loss is recognized for any excess of the carrying amount of the reporting unit’s goodwill over the fair value of that goodwill. The fair value of goodwill is determined by allocating the fair value of the reporting unit in a manner similar to a purchase price allocation and the residual fair value after this allocation is the fair value of the reporting unit goodwill.
In instances when a step two is required, the fair value of the reporting unit is determined using an income approach and comparable market multiples. Under the income approach, there are a number of inputs used to calculate the fair value using a discounted cash flow model, including operating results, business plans, projected cash flows and a discount rate. Discount rates, growth rates and cash flow projections are the most sensitive and susceptible to change as they require significant management judgment. Discount rates are determined by using a weighted average cost of capital, which considers market and industry data. Management develops growth rates and cash flow projections for each reporting unit considering industry and Company-specific historical and projected information. Terminal value rate determination follows common methodology of capturing the present value of perpetual cash flow estimates beyond the last projected period assuming a constant weighted average cost of capital and low long-term growth rates. Under the market approach, the Company considers its market capitalization, comparisons to other public companies’ data, and recent transactions of similar businesses within the Company’s industry.
The Company performed a qualitative analysis as of October 1, 2014 which did not indicate that it was more likely than not that the carrying values of the reporting units exceeded fair value. No impairments were recorded during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 or 2012.
Segment Information
During 2014, the Company changed its operating segments from two to three to reflect a change in corporate reporting structure to the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and chief operating decision maker. The Company’s three operating segments are aggregated into one reporting segment because they have similar economic characteristics and meet the other aggregation criteria from the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) guidance on segment disclosure. The three operating segments are National Research Corporation (United States), National Research Corporation Canada and Connect, each of which offer a portfolio of solutions to address specific market needs around growth, retention, engagement and thought leadership for healthcare organizations.
Income Taxes
The Company uses the asset and liability method of accounting for income taxes. Under that method, deferred income tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax basis using enacted tax rates. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. Valuation allowances, if any, are established when necessary to reduce deferred tax assets to the amount that is more likely than not to be realized. The Company uses the deferral method of accounting for its investment tax credits related to state tax incentives. During the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, the Company recorded income tax benefits relating to these tax credits of $224,000, $290,000, and $289,000, respectively.
The Company recognizes the effect of income tax positions only if those positions are more likely than not of being sustained. Recognized income tax positions are measured at the largest amount that is greater than 50% likely of being realized. Changes in recognition or measurement are reflected in the period in which the change in judgment occurs.
The Company had an unrecognized tax benefit at December 31, 2014 and 2013, of $360,000 and $188,000, respectively, excluding interest of $8,000 and $5,000, respectively, and penalties in 2014 of $7,000. Of these amounts, $210,000 and $188,000 at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, represents the net unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would favorably impact the effective income tax rate. The remaining $150,000 at December 31, 2014 would have no impact on the effective tax rate, if recognized. The Company accrues interest and penalties related to uncertain tax position in the statements of income as income tax expense. The Company is not subject to tax examinations for years prior to 2011 in the U.S. and 2010 in Canada.
Share-Based Compensation
The Company measures and recognizes compensation expense for all share-based payments. The compensation expense is recognized based on the grant-date fair value of those awards. All of the Company’s existing stock option awards and non-vested stock awards have been determined to be equity-classified awards.
Amounts recognized in the financial statements with respect to these plans:
Cash and Cash Equivalents
The Company considers all highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less to be cash equivalents. Cash equivalents were $39.1 million and $21.2 million as of December 31, 2014, and 2013, respectively, consisting primarily of money market accounts and funds invested in commercial paper. At certain times, cash equivalent balances may exceed federally insured limits.
Fair Value Measurements
The Company’s valuation techniques are based on maximizing observable inputs and minimizing the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value. Observable inputs reflect readily obtainable data from independent sources, while unobservable inputs reflect the Company’s market assumptions. The inputs are then classified into the following hierarchy: (1) Level 1 Inputs-quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities; (2) Level 2 Inputs-observable market-based inputs other than Level 1 inputs, such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for similar or identical assets or liabilities in markets that are not active, or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data; (3) Level 3 Inputs-unobservable inputs.
The following details the Company’s financial assets and liabilities within the fair value hierarchy at December 31, 2014 and 2013:
There were no transfers between levels during the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013.
The Company's long-term debt described in Note 6 is recorded at historical cost. The fair value of long-term debt is classified in Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy and was estimated based primarily on estimated current rates available for debt of the same remaining duration and adjusted for nonperformance and credit.
The following are the carrying amount and estimated fair values of long-term debt:
The Company believes that the carrying amounts of accounts receivable, accounts payable, and accrued expenses approximate their fair value. All non-financial assets that are not recognized or disclosed at fair value in the financial statements on a recurring basis, which includes goodwill and non-financial long-lived assets, are measured at fair value in certain circumstances (for example, when there is evidence of impairment). As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, there was no impairment related to property and equipment, goodwill and other intangible assets.
Contingencies
From time to time, the Company is involved in certain claims and litigation arising in the normal course of business. Management assesses the probability of loss for such contingencies and recognizes a liability when a loss is probable and estimable. At December 31, 2014, the Company was not engaged in any legal proceedings that are expected, individually or in the aggregate, to have a material effect on the Company.
Earnings Per Share
Net income per share of class A common stock and class B common stock is computed using the two-class method. Basic net income per share is computed by allocating undistributed earnings to common shares and using the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period.
Diluted net income per share is computed using the weighted-average number of common shares and, if dilutive, the potential common shares outstanding during the period. Potential common shares consist of the incremental common shares issuable upon the exercise of stock options and vesting of restricted stock. The dilutive effect of outstanding stock options is reflected in diluted earnings per share by application of the treasury stock method.
The liquidation rights and the rights upon the consummation of an extraordinary transaction are the same for the holders of class A common stock and class B common stock. Other than share distributions and liquidation rights, the amount of any dividend or other distribution payable on each share of class A common stock will be equal to one-sixth (1/6th) of the amount of any such dividend or other distribution payable on each share of class B common stock. As a result, the undistributed earnings for each year are allocated based on the contractual participation rights of the class A and class B common stock as if the earnings for the year had been distributed.
At December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, the Company had 347,852, 99,562 and 92,460 options of class A shares and 21,248, 6,407, and 15,410 options of class B shares, respectively, which have been excluded from the diluted net income per share computation because the exercise price exceeds the fair market value.
(2) Acquisitions
On October 28, 2014, the Company acquired Digital Assent, LLC (“Digital Assent”), a company with a healthcare technology platform. The acquisition creates a Center of Excellence in Atlanta, Georgia, responsible for developing novel solutions to enhance consumer decision-making in the selection of healthcare providers. The all-cash consideration paid at closing was $2.6 million.
The following table summarizes the preliminary fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the acquisition date, and the weighted average life of the long-lived assets.
The identifiable intangible assets are being amortized over their estimated useful lives and have a total weighted average amortization period of 7.26 years. The goodwill and identifiable intangible assets are deductible for tax purposes. Goodwill related to the acquisition was primarily attributable to anticipated synergies and other intangibles that do not qualify for separate recognition. The fair value of the customer relationships, technology and goodwill assets are subject to refinement as the Company completes its analysis of the fair values at the date of acquisition.
The consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2014 and for the year then ended include amounts acquired from, as well as the results of operations of the acquired entity from October 28, 2014 forward. Results of operations for the year ended December 31, 2014 include revenue of $95,000 and an operating loss of $548,000 attributable to the acquired entity since acquisition. Acquisition-related costs of $52,000 are included in selling, general and administrative expenses for the year ended December 31, 2014.
The following unaudited pro forma information for the Company has been prepared as if the acquisition had occurred on January 1, 2013. The information is based on the historical results of the separate companies and may not necessarily be indicative of the results that could have been achieved or of results that may occur in the future. The pro forma adjustments include the impact of depreciation and amortization of property and equipment and intangible assets acquired, interest expense of debt not assumed in the acquisition and income tax benefits of the acquired entity.
During October 2014, the Company also made an investment which includes an option for a potential acquisition of a partner company that has developed a talent-matching solution to accelerate the formation of high-performing teams. The cash consideration paid was $800,000, of which $657,000 was allocated to the purchase option and the remaining $143,000 to a license and work to be performed. The option provides NRC with the right to acquire the partner company for $4.1 million on or before March 31, 2015.
(3) Variable Interest Entity
Connect was formed in June 2013 to develop and commercialize the Connect programs. Connect programs provide healthcare organizations the technology to engage patients through real-time identification and management of individual patient needs, preferences, risks, and experiences. The platform ensures that organizations have access to a longitudinal view of the patient to more effectively manage patient engagement across the continuum of care. NRC has a 49% ownership interest in Connect. NG Customer-Connect, LLC holds 25% interest, and the remaining 26% is held by Illuminate Health, LLC. NRC has agreed to lease certain employees to Connect. In return for a fee, Connect will service the Company’s discharge call program clients. NRC made capital contributions to Connect totaling $2.8 million through December 31, 2014 and will make additional capital contributions of up to $1.3 million on an as-needed basis as determined by the Board of Directors of Connect. Profits and losses are allocated under the hypothetical liquidation at book value approach.
NRC is deemed the primary beneficiary of Connect. An entity is considered the primary beneficiary of a variable interest entity if it has both the power to direct the activities of the variable interest entity that most significantly impact the variable interest entity’s economic performance and an obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits that could potentially be significant to the variable interest entity. Connect is thinly capitalized and relies on NRC advances and reimbursements to fund its operations. Together, NRC and NRC associates hold a majority of the voting rights on Connect’s board of directors and has the ability to direct the majority of Connect’s operations.
NRC has a future obligation to purchase the other equity units in Connect when certain targeted events have been achieved. If, at any time, there is at least $12.5 million of annual recurring contract value, including the NRC contracts being serviced, and the members have approved a financial statement showing a pro forma minimum 35% EBITDA margin for revenue on a going-forward basis, then within 90 days thereafter NRC is required to purchase from the other members, and the other members shall be required to sell to NRC, all of their equity units not owned by NRC. As of December 31 2014, the price at which NG Customer-Connect, LLC and Illuminate Health LLC had the obligation to sell their equity units to NRC was $0.
Included in the Company’s consolidated financial statements was Connect’s net operating loss of $1.5 million and $837,000 for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The net operating loss of Connect during 2014 and 2013 was attributable to NRC. Connect had total assets of $784,000 and $649,000 and total liabilities of $309,000 and $186,000 as of December 31, 2014 and 2013.
(4) Property and Equipment
At December 31, 2014, and 2013, property and equipment consisted of the following:
Depreciation and amortization expense related to property and equipment, including assets under capital lease, for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012 was $3.0 million, $2.8 million, and $3.4 million, respectively.
Property and equipment included the following amounts under capital lease:
(5) Goodwill and Intangible Assets
Goodwill and intangible assets consisted of the following at December 31, 2014:
Goodwill and intangible assets consisted of the following at December 31, 2013:
The following represents a summary of changes in the Company’s carrying amount of goodwill for the years ended December 31, 2014, and 2013 (in thousands):
Aggregate amortization expense for customer related intangibles, trade names, technology and non-competes for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 was $876,000, $954,000, and $1.3 million, respectively. Estimated amortization expense for the next five years is: 2015-$995,000; 2016-$803,000; 2017-$738,000; 2018-$727,000; 2019-$439,000; thereafter $562,000.
(6) Income Taxes
For the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, income before income taxes consists of the following:
Income tax expense consisted of the following components:
The difference between the Company’s income tax expense as reported in the accompanying consolidated financial statements and the income tax expense that would be calculated applying the U.S. federal income tax rate of 35% for 2014, 2013, and 2012 on pretax income was as follows:
Deferred tax assets and liabilities at December 31, 2014 and 2013, were comprised of the following:
At December 31, 2014 and 2013, net deferred tax assets of $349,000 and $53,000 respectively, were included in current deferred income taxes. At December 31, 2014 and 2013, net deferred tax liabilities of $7.4 million and $6.9 million, respectively, were included in long term deferred income taxes.
In assessing the realizability of deferred tax assets, the Company considers whether it is more likely than not that some portion, or all, of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income during the periods in which those temporary differences become deductible. The Company considers projected future taxable income, carry-back opportunities, and tax planning strategies in making this assessment. Based upon the level of historical taxable income and projections for future taxable income over the periods which the deferred tax assets are deductible, the Company believes it is more likely than not that it will realize the benefits of these deductible differences, net of the valuation allowance recorded. The net impact on income tax expense related to changes in the valuation allowance for 2014, 2013, and 2012, were $1.1 million, $14,000 and $214,000 respectively.
The Company had domestic capital loss carryforwards that expired in 2014. The total $3.1 million of the capital loss carryforwards related to the pre-acquisition periods of acquired companies, and the Company had provided a $1.1 million valuation allowance against the $1.1 million tax benefit associated with the capital loss carryforwards.
The undistributed foreign earnings of the Company’s foreign subsidiary of approximately $12.7 million are considered to be indefinitely reinvested. Accordingly, no provision for U.S. federal and state income taxes or foreign withholding taxes has been provided for such undistributed earnings. The Company estimated at December 31, 2014, that an additional tax liability of $609,000 would become due if repatriation of undistributed earnings would occur.
The Company had an unrecognized tax benefit at December 31, 2014 and 2013, of $360,000 and $188,000, respectively, excluding interest of $8,000 and $5,000, respectively, and penalties in 2014 of $7,000. Of these amounts, $210,000 and $188,000 at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, represents the net unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would favorably impact the effective income tax rate. The remaining $150,000 at December 31, 2014 would have no impact on the effective tax rate, if recognized. The Company accrues interest and penalties related to uncertain tax position in the statements of income as income tax expense.
The change in the unrecognized tax benefits for 2014 and 2013 is as follows:
The Company files a U.S. federal income tax return, various state jurisdictions and a Canada federal and provincial income tax return. The 2011 to 2014 U.S. federal and state returns remain open to examination. The 2010 to 2014 Canada federal and provincial income tax returns remain open to examination.
(7)
Notes Payable
Notes payable consisted of the following:
The Company also has a revolving credit note that was renewed in June 2014 to extend the term to June 30, 2015. The maximum aggregate amount available under the revolving credit note is $6.5 million, subject to a borrowing base equal to 75.0% of the Company’s eligible accounts receivable. Borrowings under the revolving credit note bear interest at a variable annual rate, with three rate options at the discretion of management as follows: (1) 2.5% plus the daily reset one-month London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) or (2) 2.2% plus the one-, two- or three- month LIBOR rate, or (3) the bank’s one-, two, three, six, or twelve month Money Market Loan Rate. As of December 31, 2014 the revolving credit note did not have a balance. According to the borrowing base requirements, the Company had the capacity to borrow $6.5 million as of December 31, 2014.
The term note and revolving credit note are secured by certain of the Company’s assets, including the Company’s land, building, accounts receivable and intangible assets. The term note and the revolving credit note contain various restrictions and covenants applicable to the Company, including requirements that the Company maintain certain financial ratios at prescribed levels and restrictions on the ability of the Company to consolidate or merge, create liens, incur additional indebtedness or dispose of assets. As of December 31, 2014, the Company was in compliance with the financial covenants.
The remaining note payable maturities for each year subsequent to December 31, 2014, are as follows:
(8)
Share-Based Compensation
The Company measures and recognizes compensation expense for all share-based payments based on the grant-date fair value of those awards. All of the Company’s existing stock option awards and non-vested stock awards have been determined to be equity-classified awards.
The National Research Corporation 2001 Equity Incentive Plan (“2001 Equity Incentive Plan”) provided for the granting of stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, performance shares and other share-based awards and benefits up to an aggregate of 1,800,000 shares of class A common stock and 300,000 shares of class B common stock. Stock options granted could have been either nonqualified or incentive stock options. Stock options vest over one to five years following the date of grant and option terms are generally five to ten years following the date of grant. Due to the expiration of the 2001 Equity Incentive Plan, at December 31, 2014, there were no shares of stock available for future grants. The Company has accounted for grants of 1,683,309 class A and 280,552 class B options and restricted stock under the 2001 Equity Incentive Plan using the date of grant as the measurement date for financial accounting purposes.
The Company’s 2004 Non-Employee Director Stock Plan (the “2004 Director Plan”) is a nonqualified plan that provides for the granting of options with respect to 1,650,000 shares of class A common stock and 275,000 shares of class B common stock. The 2004 Director Plan provides for grants of nonqualified stock options to each director of the Company who is not employed by the Company. On the date of each annual meeting of shareholders of the Company, options to purchase 36,000 shares of class A common stock and 6,000 shares of class B common stock are granted to directors that are elected or retained as a director at such meeting. Stock options vest one year following the date of grant and option terms are generally ten years following the date of grant, or three years in the case of termination of the outside director’s service. At December 31, 2014, there were 75,000 shares of class A common stock and 12,500 shares of class B common stock available for issuance pursuant to future grants under the 2004 Director Plan. The Company has accounted for grants of 1,575,000 class A and 262,500 class B options under the 2004 Director Plan using the date of grant as the measurement date for financial accounting purposes.
The National Research Corporation 2006 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2006 Equity Incentive Plan”) provides for the granting of stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, performance shares and other share-based awards and benefits up to an aggregate of 1,800,000 shares of class A common stock and 300,000 shares of class B common stock. Stock options granted may be either incentive stock options or nonqualified stock options. Vesting terms vary with each grant and option terms are generally five to ten years following the date of grant. At December 31, 2014, there were 1,143,147 shares of class A common stock and 191,802 shares of class B common stock available for issuance pursuant to future grants under the 2006 Equity Incentive Plan. The Company has accounted for grants of 656,853 class A and 108,198 class B options and restricted stock under the 2006 Equity Incentive Plan using the date of grant as the measurement date for financial accounting purposes.
The Company granted options to purchase 204,166 shares of the Company’s class A common stock and 32,217 shares of the class B common stock during 2014. During 2013, the Company granted options to purchase 232,344 shares of class A common stock and 38,718 shares of class B common stock, and during 2012 granted options to purchase 238,890 shares of class A common stock and 39,815 shares of class B common stock. Options to purchase shares of common stock are typically granted with exercise prices equal to the fair value of the common stock on the date of grant. The Company does, in certain limited situations, grant options with exercise prices that exceed the fair value of the common shares on the date of grant. The fair value of stock options granted was estimated using a Black-Scholes valuation model with the following assumptions:
The risk-free interest rate assumptions were based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of the grant. The expected volatility was based on historical monthly price changes of the Company’s stock based on the expected life of the options at the date of grant. The expected life of options is the average number of years the Company estimates that options will be outstanding. The Company considers groups of associates that have similar historical exercise behavior separately for valuation purposes.
The following table summarizes stock option activity under the 2001 and 2006 Equity Incentive Plans and the 2004 Director Plan for the year ended December 31, 2014:
The weighted average grant date fair value of stock options granted during 2014 was $2.14 for class A common stock and $2.16 for class B common stock. The weighted average grant date fair value of stock options granted during the years ended 2013 and 2012 was $3.24 and $2.43, respectively, for both class A and class B common stock. The total intrinsic value of stock options exercised during 2014 was $1.5 million for the shares of class A common stock and $502,000 for the shares of class B common stock. The total intrinsic value of stock options exercised was $1.1 million for the shares of class A common stock and $992,000 for the shares of class B common stock for 2013, and $5.6 million for the shares of class A common stock and $941,000 for the shares of class B common stock for 2012. The total intrinsic value of stock options vested during 2014 was $528,000 for the shares of class A common stock and $402,000 for the shares of class B common stock. The total intrinsic value of stock options vested was $1.5 million for the shares of class A common stock and $514,000 for the shares of class B common stock for 2013, and $2.3 million for the shares of class A common stock and $376,000 for the shares of class B common stock for 2012. As of December 31, 2014, the total unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested stock option awards was approximately $487,000 and $126,000 for class A and class B common stock shares, respectively, which was expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.82 years and 1.15 years for class A and class B common stock shares, respectively.
Cash received from stock options exercised for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012 was $408,000, $840,000, and $1.3 million, respectively. The actual tax benefit realized for the tax deduction from stock options exercised was $622,000, $753,000 and $2.0 million, for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively.
During 2014, the Company granted 73,506 and 12,251 non-vested shares of class A and class B common stock, respectively, under the 2006 Equity Incentive Plan. No non-vested shares of common stock were granted during 2013. During 2012, the Company granted 23,469 and 3,912 non-vested shares of class A and class B common stock, respectively, under the 2006 Equity Incentive Plan. As of December 31, 2014, the Company had 110,647 and 18,441 non-vested shares of class A and class B common stock, respectively, outstanding under the 2006 Equity Incentive Plan. These shares vest over one to five years following the date of grant and holders thereof are entitled to receive dividends from the date of grant, whether or not vested. The fair value of the awards is calculated as the fair market value of the shares on the date of grant. The Company recognized $35,000, $140,000 and $74,000 of non-cash compensation for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively, related to this non-vested stock.
The following table summarizes information regarding non-vested stock granted to associates under the 2001 and 2006 Equity Incentive Plans for the year ended December 31, 2014:
As of December 31, 2014, the total unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested stock awards was approximately $1.5 million and is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 4.55 years.
(9) Leases
The Company leases printing equipment in the United States, and office space in Canada, California, Georgia, Nebraska and Washington. The Company recorded rent expense in connection with its operating leases of $840,000, $720,000, and $715,000 in 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively. The Company also has capital leases for production, mailing and computer equipment.
Payments under non-cancelable operating leases and capital leases at December 31, 2014 are:
(10) Related Party
A Board member of the Company also serves as an officer of Ameritas Life Insurance Corp. In connection with the Company’s regular assessment of its insurance-based associate benefits and the costs associated therewith, in 2007 the Company began purchasing dental insurance for certain of its associates from Ameritas Life Insurance Corp. and, in 2009, the Company also began purchasing vision insurance for certain of its associates from Ameritas Life Insurance Corp. The total value of these purchases was $207,000, $212,000 and $198,000 in 2014, 2013 and 2012 respectively.
Michael Hays, our Chief Executive Officer, is a director and owner of 14% of the equity interests of Nebraska Global Investment Company LLC. In 2013 and 2012, the Company purchased certain technology consulting and software development services from Nebraska Global Investment Company LLC. There were no purchases in 2014. The total value of these purchases was $57,000 and $55,000 in 2013 and 2012 respectively.
(11) Associate Benefits
The Company sponsors a qualified 401(k) plan covering substantially all associates with no eligibility service requirement. Under the 401(k) plan, the Company matches 25.0% of the first 6.0% of compensation contributed by each associate. Employer contributions, which are discretionary, vest to participants at a rate of 20% per year. The Company contributed $216,000, $252,000 and $236,000 in 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively, as a matching percentage of associate 401(k) contributions.
(12) Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In May 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606)” (“ASU 2014-09”). ASU 2014-09 requires an entity to recognize the amount of revenue to which it expects to be entitled for the transfer of promised goods or services to customers. The ASU will replace most existing revenue recognition guidance in U.S. GAAP when it becomes effective. The updated accounting guidance is effective for annual and interim reporting periods in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016. Early adoption is not permitted. An entity may choose to adopt this ASU either retrospectively or through a cumulative effect adjustment as of the start of the first period for which it applies the standard. The Company is currently in the process of evaluating the impact that this new guidance will have on our consolidated financial statements and our method of adoption.
(13) Segment Information
The Company’s three operating segments are aggregated into one reporting segment because they have similar economic characteristics and meet the other aggregation criteria from the FASB guidance on segment disclosure. The three operating segments are National Research Corporation (United States), National Research Corporation Canada and Connect, each of which offer a portfolio of solutions to address specific market needs around growth, retention, engagement and thought leadership for healthcare organizations.
The table below presents entity-wide information regarding the Company’s revenue and assets by geographic area:
Item 9.
Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
Not applicable.
Item 9A.
Item 9A. Controls and Procedures
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
In accordance with Rule 13a-15(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”), the Company’s management evaluated, with the participation of the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and the Company’s Chief Financial Officer, the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act) as of December 31, 2014. Based upon their evaluation of these disclosure controls and procedures, the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer concluded that the disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of December 31, 2014.
Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
The Company’s management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) of the Exchange Act). The Company’s internal control over financial reporting is designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. Because of its inherent limitations, however, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies of procedures may deteriorate.
The Company’s management, with the participation of the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, has evaluated the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting using the framework in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (1992) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (“COSO”). Based on such evaluation, the Company’s management concluded that the Company’s internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2014.
The effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2014, has been audited by KPMG LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report, a copy of which is included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
There was no change in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the quarter ended December 31, 2014, that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
The Company intends to implement the new “Internal Control-Integrated Framework,” issued in May 2013 by COSO during 2015.
Item 9B.
Item 9B. Other Information
The Company has no other information to report pursuant to this item.
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
The Board of Directors and Shareholders
National Research Corporation:
We have audited National Research Corporation and subsidiary’s (the Company) internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2014, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (1992) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audit also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
In our opinion, National Research Corporation and subsidiary maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2014, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (1992) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO).
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheets of the Company as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, and the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, shareholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2014, and our report dated March 4, 2015 expressed an unqualified opinion on those consolidated financial statements.
/s/ KPMG LLP
Lincoln, Nebraska
March 4, 2015
PART III
Item 10.
Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance
The information required by this Item with respect to directors and Section 16 compliance is included under the captions “Election of Directors” and “Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance,” respectively, in the Company’s definitive Proxy Statement for its 2015 Annual Meeting of Shareholders (“Proxy Statement”) and is hereby incorporated herein by reference. Information with respect to the executive officers of the Company appears in Item 1 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. The information required by this Item with respect to audit committees and audit committee financial experts is included under the caption “Corporate Governance” in the Proxy Statement and is incorporated herein by reference.
The Company has adopted a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics that applies to all of the Company’s associates, including the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer and other persons performing similar functions. The Company has posted a copy of the Code of Business Conduct and Ethics on its website at www.nationalresearch.com, and such Code of Business Conduct and Ethics is available, in print, without charge, to any shareholder who requests it from the Company’s Secretary. The Company intends to satisfy the disclosure requirements under Item 5.05 of Form 8-K regarding amendments to, or waivers from, the Code of Business Conduct and Ethics by posting such information on its website at www.nationalresearch.com. The Company is not including the information contained on its website as part of, or incorporating it by reference into, this report.
Item 11.
Item 11. Executive Compensation
The information required by this Item is included under the captions “Compensation Discussion and Analysis,” “2014 Summary Compensation Table,” “Grants of Plan-Based Awards in 2014,” “Outstanding Equity Awards at December 31, 2014,” “2014 Director Compensation,” “Compensation Committee Report” and “Corporate Governance-Transactions with Related Persons” in the Proxy Statement and is hereby incorporated herein by reference.
Item 12.
Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Shareholder Matters
The information required by this Item with respect to security ownership of certain beneficial owners and management is included under the caption “Principal Shareholders” in the Proxy Statement and is hereby incorporated by reference.
The following table sets forth information with respect to compensation plans under which equity securities of the Company are authorized for issuance as of December 31, 2014.
(1)
Includes the Company’s 2006 Equity Incentive Plan, 2004 Director Plan, and the 2001 Equity Incentive Plan.
(2)
Under the 2006 Equity Incentive Plan, the Company had authority to award up to 393,008 additional shares of restricted class A common stock and 65,502 additional shares of restricted class B common stock to participants, provided that the total of such shares awarded may not exceed the total number of shares remaining available for issuance under the 2006 Equity Incentive Plan, which totaled 1,143,147 shares of class A common stock and 191,802 shares of class B common stock as of December 31, 2014. The Director Plan provides for granting options for 1,650,000 shares of Class A common stock and 275,000 shares of Class B common stock. Option awards through December 31, 2014 totaled 1,575,000 shares of Class A common stock and 262,500 of Class B common stock. No future awards are available under the 2001 Equity Incentive Plan due to its expiration.
Item 13.
Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence
The information required by this Item is included under the caption “Corporate Governance” in the Proxy Statement and is hereby incorporated by reference.
Item 14.
Item 14. Principal Accountant Fees and Services
The information required by this Item is included under the caption “Miscellaneous - Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm” in the Proxy Statement and is hereby incorporated by reference.
PART IV
Item 15.
Item 15.
Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules
1.
Consolidated financial statements. The consolidated financial statements listed in the accompanying index to the consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedule are filed as part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
2.
Financial statement schedule. The financial statement schedule listed in the accompanying index to the consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedule is filed as part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
3.
Exhibits. The exhibits listed in the accompanying exhibit index are filed as part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
NATIONAL RESEARCH CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY
Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts
(In thousands)
See accompanying report of independent registered public accounting firm.
INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULE
All other financial statement schedules are omitted since the required information is not present or is not present in amounts sufficient to require submission of the schedules, or because the information required is included in the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) 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, on this 4th day of March 2015.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
Signature
Title
Date
/s/ Michael D. Hays
Chief Executive Officer and Director (Principal Executive Officer)
March 4, 2015
Michael D. Hays
/s/ Kevin R. Karas
Senior Vice President Finance, Chief Financial Officer,
March 4, 2015
Kevin R. Karas
Treasurer and Secretary (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)
/s/ JoAnn M. Martin
Director
March 4, 2015
JoAnn M. Martin
/s/ Barbara J. Mowry
Director
March 4, 2015
Barbara J. Mowry
/s/ John N. Nunnelly
Director
March 4, 2015
John N. Nunnelly
/s/ Gail L. Warden
Director
March 4, 2015
Gail L. Warden
EXHIBIT INDEX
Exhibit
Number
Exhibit Description
(3.1)
Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation of National Research Corporation, effective May 22, 2013, [Incorporated by reference to Exhibit (3.2) to National Research Corporation’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated May 22, 2013 and filed May 24, 2013 (File No. 0-29466)
(3.2)
By-Laws of National Research Corporation, as amended to date [Incorporated by reference to Exhibit (3.2) to National Research Corporation’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated May 9, 2013 and filed on May 13, 2013 (File No. 0-29466)]
(4.1)
Installment Note, dated as of May 9, 2013, from National Research Corporation to U.S. Bank National Association [Incorporated by reference to Exhibit (4) to National Research Corporation’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2013 (File No. 0-29466)]
(10.1)*
National Research Corporation 2001 Equity Incentive Plan [Incorporated by reference to Appendix A to National Research Corporation’s Proxy Statement for the 2002 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 3, 2002 (File No. 0-29466)]
(10.2)*
National Research Corporation 2006 Equity Incentive Plan, as amended [Incorporated by reference to Exhibit (4.3) to National Research Corporation’s Registration Statement on Form S-8 (Registration No. 333-189141) filed on June 6, 2013]
(10.3)*
National Research Corporation 2004 Non-Employee Director Stock Plan, as amended [Incorporated by reference to Exhibit (4.3) to National Research Corporation’s Registration Statement on Form S-8 (Registration No. 333-189140) filed on June 6, 2013)]
(10.4)*
Form of Nonqualified Stock Option Agreement (for new associates) used in connection with the 2001 Equity Incentive Plan [Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.4 to National Research Corporation’s Registration Statement on Form S-8 (Registration No. 333-120530)]
(10.5)*
Form of Nonqualified Stock Option Agreement (for officers) used in connection with the 2001 Equity Incentive Plan [Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.5 to National Research Corporation’s Registration Statement on Form S-8 (Registration No. 333-120530)]
(10.6)*
Form of Restricted Stock Agreement for executive officers used in connection with the 2001 Equity Incentive Plan [Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to National Research Corporation’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated March 19, 2005 (File No. 0-29466)]
(10.7)*
Form of Restricted Stock Agreement (one year vesting) used in connection with the 2001 Equity Incentive Plan [Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.6 to National Research Corporation’s Registration Statement on Form S-8 (Registration No. 333-120530)]
(10.8)*
Form of Restricted Stock Agreement (five year vesting) used in connection with the 2001 Equity Incentive Plan [Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.7 to National Research Corporation’s Registration Statement on Form S-8 (Registration No. 333-120530)]
(10.9)*
Form of Nonqualified Stock Option Agreement used in connection with the 2006 Equity Incentive Plan [Incorporated by reference to Exhibit (10.14) to National Research Corporation’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006 (File No. 0-29466)]
(10.10)*
Form of Restricted Stock Agreement used in connection with the 2006 Equity Incentive Plan [Incorporated by reference to Exhibit (10.15) to National Research Corporation’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006 (File No. 0-29466)]
Exhibit
Number Exhibit Description
(21)
Subsidiary of National Research Corporation
(23)
Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
(31.1)
Certification of the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
(31.2)
Certification of the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
(32)
Certification of Periodic Financial Report by the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
(99)
Proxy Statement for the 2015 Annual Meeting of Shareholders [To be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission under Regulation 14A within 120 days after December 31, 2014; except to the extent specifically incorporated by reference, the Proxy Statement for the 2015 Annual Meeting of Shareholders shall not be deemed to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission as part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K]
(101)**
Financial statements from the Annual Report on Form 10-K of National Research Corporation for the year ended December 31, 2014, formatted in eXtensible Business Reporting Language (XBRL): (i) the Consolidated Balance Sheets, (ii) the Consolidated Statements of Income, (iii) Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income, (iv) Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity, (v) the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, (vi) the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements, and (vii) document and entity information.
____________________
* A management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.
**
In accordance with Rule 406T of Regulation S-T, the information in these exhibits shall not be deemed to be “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or otherwise subject to liability under that section, and shall not be incorporated by reference into any registration statement or other document filed under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, except as expressly set forth by specific reference in such filing.