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Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)
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12 Months Ended | |||||||||||||||
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Dec. 31, 2014
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| Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract] | ||||||||||||||||
| Use of estimates |
Use of estimates
The preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America (“GAAP”) requires management to make certain estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amount of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent 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 these estimates. |
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| Cash and cash equivalents |
Cash and cash equivalents
We consider all highly liquid instruments with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash or cash equivalents. We continually monitor and evaluate our investment positions and the creditworthiness of the financial institutions with which we invest and maintain deposit accounts. When appropriate, we utilize Certificate of Deposit Account Registry Service (CDARS) to reduce banking risk for a portion of our cash in the United States. A CDAR consists of numerous individual investments, all below the FDIC limits, thus fully insuring that portion of our cash. At December 31, 2014, we did not have a CDAR balance. The CDARS balance was $2.0 million at December 31, 2013. |
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| Restricted cash |
Restricted cash
Restricted cash balances consist primarily of funds on deposit with credit card and other payment processors and cash collateral with our purchasing card provider. These balances do not have the benefit of federal deposit insurance and are subject to the financial risk of the parties holding these funds. Restricted cash balances held by credit card processors are unavailable to us unless, and for a period of time after, we discontinue the use of their services. The hold back percentages are generally five percent of the monthly credit card charges that are held for six months. The cash collateral held by our charge card provider is unavailable unless we discontinue the usage of the purchasing card. Because a portion of these funds can be accessed and converted to unrestricted cash in less than one year in certain circumstances, that portion is considered a current asset. |
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| Financial Instruments |
Financial Instruments
Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Subtopic 820-10, Fair Value Measurements, clarifies the definition of fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value and expands the disclosure on fair value measurements. ASC 820-10 defines fair value as the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. ASC 820-10 also establishes a fair value hierarchy which requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value.
Financial instruments consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents, notes receivable, accounts payable, deferred course expenses, accrued expenses, deferred revenue, and debt. GAAP requires the disclosure of the fair value of financial instruments, including assets and liabilities recognized in the balance sheets. Management believes the carrying value of the other financial instruments recognized on the consolidated balance sheet date (including receivables, payables and accrued liabilities) approximate their fair value.
ASC 820-10 describes three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair value:
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| Inventory |
Inventory
Inventory consists primarily of books, videos and training materials held for sale to students enrolled in our training programs. Inventory is stated at the lower of cost or market using the first-in, first-out method. |
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| Deposits with credit card processors |
Deposits with credit card processors
The deposits with our credit card processors are held due to arrangements under which our credit card processors withhold credit card funds to cover charge backs in the event we are unable to honor our commitments. The deposits are six months or less rolling reserves.
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| Property, equipment and Impairment of long lived assets |
Property, equipment and Impairment of long lived assets
Property and equipment is stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is calculated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets as presented in the following table:
Leasehold improvements are amortized over the shorter of the estimated useful asset life or the remaining term of the applicable lease.
In accordance with GAAP, we evaluate the carrying amount of our long-lived assets such as property and equipment, and finite-lived intangible assets subject to amortization for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability of assets held and used is measured by the comparison of its carrying amount with the future net cash flows the asset is expected to generate. We look primarily to the undiscounted future cash flows in the assessment of whether or not long-lived assets have been impaired. If the carrying amount of an asset exceeds its estimated undiscounted future cash flows, an impairment charge is recognized for the amount by which the carrying amount of the asset exceeds the estimated fair value of the asset.
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| Revenue recognition |
Revenue recognition
We recognize revenue in accordance with FASB ASC 605, Revenue Recognition (“ASC 605”). We recognize revenue when: (i) persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, (ii) delivery of product has occurred or services have been rendered, (iii) the price to the buyer is fixed or determinable, and (iv) collectability is reasonably assured. For product sales, these conditions are generally met upon shipment of the product to the student or completion of the sale transaction. For training and service sales, these conditions are generally met upon presentation of the training seminar or delivery of the service.
Some of our training and consulting contracts contain multiple deliverable elements that include training along with other products and services. In accordance with ASC 605-25, Revenue Recognition – Multiple-Element Arrangements, sales arrangements with multiple deliverables are divided into separate units of accounting if the deliverables in the sales contract meet the following criteria: (i) the delivered training or product has value to the client on a standalone basis, (ii) there is objective and reliable evidence of the contract price of undelivered items and (iii) delivery of any undelivered item is probable. The contract price of each element is generally determined by prices charged when sold separately. In certain arrangements, we offer these products bundled together at a discount. The discount is allocated on a pro-rata basis to each element based on the relative contract price of each element when contract price support exists for each element in the arrangements. The overall contract consideration is allocated among the separate units of accounting based upon their contract prices, with the amount allocated to the delivered item being limited to the amount that is not contingent upon the delivery of additional items or meeting other specified performance conditions. Contract price of the undelivered items is based upon the normal pricing practice for our existing training programs, consulting services, and other products, which are generally the prices of the items when sold separately.
Each transaction is separated into its specific elements and revenue for each element is recognized according to the following policies:
In the normal course of business, we recognize revenue based on the customers’ attendance of the course, mentoring training, coaching session or delivery of the software, data or course materials on-line.
After a customer contract expires we record breakage revenue less a reserve for cases where we allow a customer to attend after expiration. We recognized revenue at the conclusion of the contract period of approximately $34.1 million and $30.0 million, respectively in 2014 and 2013. Our reserve for course attendance after expiration was $ 1.5 million at December 31, 2014 and 2013.
We provide a satisfaction guarantee to our customers. If a customer attends the first day of three day training, they can claim dissatisfaction and get a refund for the allocation value of that training. Very few customers exercise this guarantee.
Deferred revenue occurs from courses, online courses, mentorships, coaching sessions and website subscriptions and renewals in which payment is received before the service has been performed or if a customer contract expires. Deferred revenue is recognized into revenue as courses are attended in-person or on-line or coaching and mentor sessions are provided. While many of our course package contracts are two years, we consider the fulfillment of them as a current liability because a customer could complete a two year package in one year. We do have a few products that are scheduled to last beyond one year and are accounted for as long-term deferred revenue.
Revenue amounts in our consolidated financial statements are shown net of any sales tax. |
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| Deferred course expenses |
Deferred course expenses
We defer licensing fees and commissions and fees paid to our speakers and telemarketers until such time as the revenue is earned. Our speakers, who are all independent contractors, earn commissions on the cash receipts received at our training events and are paid approximately 45 days after the training event. The deferred course expenses are expensed as the corresponding deferred revenue is recognized. We also capitalize the commissions and fees paid to our speakers and expense them as the corresponding deferred revenue is recognized. |
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| Advertising expenses |
Advertising expenses
We expense advertising as incurred. Advertising paid in advance is recorded as a prepaid expense until such time as the advertisement is published. We incurred approximately $18.7 million and $17.5 million in advertising expense for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, which is included in advertising and sales expenses in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income. Included in prepaid expenses and other current assets is approximately $0.5 million and $0.7 million of prepaid media costs as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. |
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| Income taxes |
Income taxes
We account for income taxes in conformity with the requirements of ASC 740, Income Taxes (“ASC 740”). Per ASC 740, the provision for income taxes is calculated using the asset and liability approach of accounting for income taxes. We recognize deferred tax assets and liabilities, at enacted income tax rates, based on the temporary differences between the financial reporting basis and the tax basis of our assets and liabilities. We include any effects of changes in income tax rates or tax laws in the provision for income taxes in the period of enactment. When it is more likely than not that a portion or all of a deferred tax asset will not be realized in the future, we provide a corresponding valuation allowance against the deferred tax asset.
ASC 740 also clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in a company’s financial statements and prescribes a recognition threshold of more likely than not and a measurement process for financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. In making this assessment, a company must determine whether it is more likely than not that a tax position will be sustained upon examination, based solely on the technical merits of the position and must assume that the tax position will be examined by taxing authorities. ASC 740 also provides guidance on derecognition, classification, interest and penalties, disclosures and transition. |
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| Foreign currency translation |
Foreign currency translation
We account for foreign currency translation in accordance with ASC 830, Foreign Currency Translation. The functional currencies of the Company’s foreign operations are the reported local currencies. Translation adjustments result from translating our foreign subsidiaries’ financial statements into United States dollars. The balance sheet accounts of our foreign subsidiaries are translated into United States dollars using the exchange rate in effect at the balance sheet date. Revenue and expenses are translated using average exchange rates for each month during the fiscal year. The resulting translation gains or losses are recorded as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income in stockholders’ deficit. Business is generally transacted in a single currency not requiring meaningful currency transaction costs. We do not practice hedging as the risks do not warrant the costs. |
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| Earnings per share |
Earnings per share
Net income (loss) per share is computed by applying the provisions of ASC 260, Earnings Per Share (“ASC 260”). Basic net income (loss) per share is calculated using the weighted average number of common shares outstanding. Diluted income (loss) per share reflects the potential dilution that could occur from common shares issuable through stock options, restricted share grant awards and restricted performance shares, as appropriate. Legacy Education Alliance, Inc. does not currently have any stock-based compensation plans, and therefore, our Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income do not reflect any dilutive effects that such plans would typically require. However, our parent company, Tigrent Inc., does have unvested restricted shares associated with their incentive stock plans, which cover some of our current employees and directors. The 2013 basic net income per share and the 2013 weighted average shares outstanding have been restated to retroactively reflect the impact of the Merger as discussed further in Note 1—Business Description and Basis of Presentation and Note 11—Capital Stock and Recapitalization. |
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| Stock-based compensation |
Stock-based compensation
Legacy Education Alliance, Inc. does not currently have any stock-based compensation plans. However, our parent company, Tigrent Inc., does have incentive stock plans, which cover some of our current employees and directors. The financial activity pertaining to our employees and directors is reflected in our consolidated financial statements, presented herein.
We follow ASC 718, Stock Compensation, (“ASC 718”), which requires us to measure the cost of employee services received in exchange for all equity awards granted including stock options based on the estimated fair market value of the award as of the grant date. Compensation costs are recorded over the requisite service period which is generally the vesting period.
The amount of expense recognized in the consolidated financial statements represents the expense associated with restricted stock and stock options expected to ultimately vest based upon an estimated rate of forfeitures. Such compensation expense is included as a component of selling, general and administrative expenses in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income.
The rate of forfeitures is updated as necessary and any adjustments needed to recognize the fair value of restricted stock and stock options that actually vest or are forfeited are recorded. The Black-Scholes option pricing model, used to estimate the fair value of an award, requires the input of subjective assumptions, including the expected volatility of the Company's common stock and an option's expected life.
See Note 7—Stock-Based Compensation, for additional disclosures regarding our stock-based compensation. |
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| Comprehensive income |
Comprehensive income
Comprehensive income includes changes to equity accounts that were not the result of transactions with stockholders. Comprehensive income is comprised of net income and other comprehensive income (loss) items. Our comprehensive income generally consists of changes in the cumulative foreign currency translation adjustment. |
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| Recent Accounting Pronouncements |
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In January 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2015-01, “Income Statement – Extraordinary and Unusual Items (Subtopic 225-20)” (“ASU 2015-01”). The amendment eliminates the concept of extraordinary items. If an event meets the criteria for extraordinary classification, an entity is required to segregate the item from the results of ordinary operations and show the item separately in the income statement, net of tax. ASU 2015-01 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015, and early adoption is permitted. Accordingly, the standard is effective for us on January 1, 2016. We do not expect that the standard will have a material effect on our financial statement presentation going forward.
In August 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-15, “Presentation of Financial Statements-Going Concern (Topic 205-40)” (“ASU 2014-15”). Under the standard, management is required to evaluate for each annual and interim reporting period whether it is a probable that the entity will not be able to meet its obligations as they become due within one year after the date that financial statements are issued, or are available to be issued, where applicable. ASU 2014-15 is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2016, and early adoption is permitted. Accordingly, the standard is effective for us on January 1, 2017. We will be evaluating the impact, if any, that the standard will have on our financial condition, results of operations, and disclosures in the near future.
In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606)” (“ASU 2014-09”). The standard is a comprehensive new revenue recognition model that requires revenue to be recognized in a manner to depict the transfer of goods or services to a customer at an amount that reflects the consideration expected to be received in exchange for those goods or services. ASU 2014-09 is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2016, and early adoption is not permitted. Accordingly, the standard is effective for us on January 1, 2017. We will be evaluating the impact, if any, that the standard will have on our financial condition, results of operations, and disclosures in the near future.
In April 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-08, “Presentation of Financial Statements (Topic 205) and Property, Plant, and Equipment (Topic 360), Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity” (“ASU 2014-08”) that changes the requirements for reporting discontinued operations in Subtopic 205-20. A discontinued operation may include a component of an entity or a group of components of an entity, or a business or nonprofit activity. A disposal of a component of an entity or a group of components of an entity is required to be reported in discontinued operations if the disposal represents a strategic shift that has (or will have) a major effect on an entity’s operations and financial results. ASU 2014-08 is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2014. Early adoption is permitted, but only for disposals (or classifications as held for sale) that have not been reported in financial statements previously issued or available for issuance. Accordingly, the standard is effective for us on January 1, 2015. We do not expect that the standard will have a material impact on our financial condition, results of operations, and disclosures when adopted.
In July 2013, the FASB issued ASU No. 2013-11, “Income Taxes (Topic 740)” (“ASU 2013-11”) on the presentation of unrecognized tax benefits. This new guidance requires an entity to present an unrecognized tax benefit, or a portion of an unrecognized tax benefit, as a reduction to a deferred tax asset when a net operating loss carry forward, a similar tax loss or a tax credit carry forward exists, with limited exceptions. This new guidance is effective for the periods beginning after December 15, 2013, and should be applied prospectively with retroactive application permitted. ASU 2013-11 did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.
In February 2013, the FASB issued ASU No. 2013-02, “Comprehensive Income (Topic 220)” requiring disclosure of amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) by component. The amendment also requires entities to present significant amounts by the respective line items of net income (loss), either on the face of the income statement or in the notes to the financial statements for amounts required to be reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) in their entirety in the same reporting period. For other amounts that are not required to be reclassified to net income (loss) in their entirety, a cross-reference is required to other disclosures that provide additional details about those amounts. This guidance was effective prospectively for annual and interim periods beginning January 1, 2013 and is related to presentation only. Our adoption of the guidance did not impact our consolidated financial statements. |