Cross Country Healthcare
Annual Report 2016

Plain-text annual report

2016 ANNUAL REPORT 5201 Congress Avenue, Boca Raton, FL 33487 | 800.347.2264 | crosscountryhealthcare.com The next level is here. 2016 was a year of growth and innovation for Cross Country Healthcare. We saw expansion, progression, and a new level of effi ciency in the delivery of our services. We developed and leveraged our strengths to innovate our services and accommodate the dynamic needs of healthcare organizations. Cross Country Healthcare increased the bench strength of Workforce Solutions to include industry experts who are widely recognized leaders in their respective fi elds. As a result, our Workforce Solutions team has added a record number of new clients, making the total number the highest in company history. With the acquisition of US Resources Healthcare, we have expanded our recruitment process outsourcing off erings to assist our clients with their full-time vacancies. This new service rounds out our suite of off erings that together deliver a holistic solution to labor challenges faced by healthcare organizations. By delivering fi nancial and operating effi ciencies through labor optimization services, while enhancing the quality of care to patients, we secure our future as a trusted partner that understands the new healthcare landscape. While we have accomplished great success in 2016, we look forward to scaling new heights in the coming years. Board of Directors Board of Directors Board of Directors Board of Directors Board of Directors W. Larry Cash (a)(b) Executives Executives Executives William J. Grubbs President, Financial Services and Chief Financial President and Chief Executive Offi cer, Offi cer, Community Health Systems Cross Country Healthcare, Inc. Thomas C. Dircks (c) William J. Burns, MBA, CPA Managing Director, Charterhouse Group, Inc. Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Offi cer Gale Fitzgerald (a)(d) Retired Principal, TranSpend, Inc. William J. Grubbs President and Chief Executive Offi cer, Cross Country Healthcare, Inc. Richard M. Mastaler (a)(d) Chairman, Managed Health Ventures, Inc. Mark Perlberg (b) President and Chief Executive Offi cer, Oasis Outsourcing Joseph A. Trunfi o, PhD (b)(d) Retired President and Chief Executive Offi cer, Atlantic Health System (a) Member of the Audit Committee (b) Member of the Compensation Committee (c) Chairman of the Board (d) Member of the Governance and Nominating Committee Corporate headquarters Cross Country Healthcare, Inc. 5201 Congress Avenue Boca Raton, FL 33487 Phone: 561.998.2232 crosscountryhealthcare.com Corporate governance Information concerning our corporate governance practices, including our Code of Conduct, Code of Ethics, Committee Charters, and Certifi cation of Financial Statements, is available on our corporate website at crosscountryhealthcare.com. We also have established a toll-free phone number and an email address for stockholders to communicate with our Board of Directors. All such communications will be kept confi dential and forwarded directly to the appropriate party, as applicable. Governance hotline: 800.354.7197 Governance email: governance@crosscountry.com Forward-looking statements Information concerning forward-looking statements can be found on page 1 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016, as well as in quarterly and other reports to be fi led by us. and Principal Financial/Accounting Offi cer, Cross Country Healthcare, Inc. Susan E. Ball, JD, MBA, RN Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary, Cross Country Healthcare, Inc. Daniele Addis Senior Vice President, Business Services Cross Country Healthcare, Inc. Deborah Dean Senior Vice President, Sales and Marketing Cross Country Healthcare, Inc. William G. Halnon Chief Information Offi cer, Cross Country Healthcare, Inc. Vickie L. Anenberg President, Cross Country Staffi ng Dennis Ducham President, Mediscan Timothy Fischer President, Medical Doctor Associates John Gramer President, Cejka Search Robert Murphy President, Workforce Solutions, Cross Country Healthcare, Inc. Buff y S. White Senior Vice President, Recruiting Strategy and Operations, Cross Country Healthcare, Inc. Transfer agent Computershare P.O. Box 30170 College Station, TX 77842-3170 Phone: 877.219.7066 Independent registered public accounting fi rm Deloitte & Touche LLP 1800 North Military Trail, Suite 200 Boca Raton, FL 33431 Stock listings Our common stock trades under the symbol “CCRN” on the NASDAQ Global Select Market, a market tier of the NASDAQ Stock Market®. Our common stock commenced trading on the NASDAQ National Market on October 25, 2001. Stockholder inquiries News releases, SEC fi lings, annual reports, corporate governance matters and additional information about Cross Country Healthcare are available on our corporate website at no cost. Our Form 10-K, including all exhibits, is available on our corporate website or on the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission’s website at sec.gov. Current and prospective investors can also register to automatically receive our press releases, SEC fi lings and other notices by email. Information about the Company can also be obtained by writing or contacting: William J. Grubbs, President and Chief Executive Offi cer Phone: 561.237.6202 | 800.530.6152 | Email: ir@crosscountry.com Contents 2 Letter to Our Shareholders 4 Financial Highlights 6 Financial Performance 8 Workforce Solutions 10 10K A Letter to Our Shareholders William J. Grubbs President and Chief Executive Officer 2 This was another year of great progress for Cross Country Healthcare as we continue executing our turnaround strategy. Many of our improvement initiatives are starting to bear fruit and are driving an acceleration of organic revenue growth as well as improved profitability. This success extends beyond our traditional staffing operations to our Workforce Solutions group where we experienced an increase in the number of new customer wins to record levels. As a result, we continue on our path to achieving our goal of at least $100 million of Adjusted EBITDA by 2020. Revenue for the full year grew at 9 percent to $834 million and we achieved $45 million of Adjusted EBITDA, up 19 percent from the prior year. Adjusted EPS was $0.69, up 28 percent. We ended the year with very strong revenue growth in the fourth quarter at 15 percent year-over-year, with our Nurse and Allied segment leading the way at 20 percent. Within that number, the Mediscan acquisition that we made in the fourth quarter of 2015 grew at 28 percent. We have excellent momentum coming into 2017. The market remains strong with continued high demand for our services in a supply-constrained environment. The economy remains stable with signs that it could improve in 2017. Those demand trends are very positive for Cross Country Healthcare. We won a lot of new business in 2016 with projections of another good year in 2017. On the supply side of the equation, the shortage of healthcare professionals, especially nurses, is becoming more pronounced. This has prompted us to step up our candidate attraction and retention investments with increases in digital media, new technology innovation and additional recruiters. I believe the necessary demand and supply pieces are in place for us to produce another year of strong revenue growth and incremental shareholder value. As I mentioned, Workforce Solutions had a very good year with the outlook for 2017 looking strong as well. After winning eight new Managed Service Programs (MSPs) in both 2014 and 2015, we reached a new record for wins in one year with twenty-four n Physician staffing. Now that we have strong management in this business and are seeing new MSPs in 2016. MSPs are our largest Workforce it start to stabilize, we would like to add Solution and will be one of the major drivers of additional capabilities and/or practice areas. revenue growth going forward. In December, we also acquired a small Recruitment Process Outsourcing (RPO) company. Although we had been growing our RPO capabilities organically, we were not keeping up with the level of demand. This acquisition gives us the infrastructure to take advantage of that demand and grow this service line at a faster pace. At the end of the year, I also promoted the head of Workforce Solutions to a president-level position reporting directly to me, giving me direct engagement with this important service line. Expanding Workforce Solutions is a key part of our strategy to create differentiation, add more value for our customers and grow market share. In June of 2016, we restructured our debt to reduce our interest costs and to provide availability of funds for additional acquisitions. We have a strong balance sheet and are active in the market seeking new opportunities. There are several key areas we are exploring: n Travel nursing. With the strong demand we are seeing from existing and new customers, adding recruitment capacity and delivery capabilities should help us to continue to grow above the market. n Companies that supply healthcare professionals to public and charter schools. With the success of the Mediscan acquisition, we would like to start expanding this service on a nationwide basis. We believe this is an under-served market that should produce superior margins. n Local allied. Allied remains a fairly small business for us and we would like additional market share to make us more competitive. Historically, local Allied had gross profit margins above 30 percent, well above the total company average. We have a strong management team that has demonstrated its ability to negotiate, integrate and grow acquisitions — this is a focus for us in 2017. As always, I want to thank our team for their hard work and dedication to the ongoing success of Cross Country Healthcare. We start 2017 with a company that has made and continues to make significant improvements in our ability to win new business and deliver our services. We are well on our way to making this a best-in-class operation. All of the hard work is paying off and we are now starting to take market share. It is an exciting time in our history. I am proud to be part of such a successful organization. And, as always, I close with our pledge to deliver quality services to our customers, create more opportunities for our candidates, provide a great working environment for our employees, and ultimately, better patient care. Sincerely, William J. Grubbs President and Chief Executive Officer Cross Country Healthcare, Inc. 3 Financial Highlights Cross Country Healthcare, Inc. ($000s, except per share data) 2016 2015 2014 Reconciliation of Adjusted EPS Diluted EPS, GAAP .................................................................................................................... $ 0.15 $ 0.14 $ (1.02) Revenue Revenue from services ............................................................................................................ $ 833,537 $ 767,421 $ 617,825 Statements of Operations Data Consolidated net income (loss) ......................................................................................... $ 8,731 Net income (loss) attributable to common shareholders .................................... $ 7,967 $ $ 4,954 4,418 $ (31,534) $ (31,783) Per Share Data Net income (loss) attributable to common shareholders — basic ................. $ Net income (loss) attributable to common shareholders — diluted ............. $ Adjusted EPS* .............................................................................................................................. $ 0.25 0. 1 5 0.69 $ $ $ 0. 1 4 0. 1 4 0.54 $ $ $ (1 .0 2) (1 .0 2) 0.09 Gross Profit Gross profit .................................................................................................................................... $ 221,735 26.6% Percentage of revenue ............................................................................................................ $ 197,365 $ 157,804 25.7% 25.5% Adjusted EBITDA* Adjusted EBITDA ....................................................................................................................... $ 44,701 Percentage of revenue ............................................................................................................ 5.4% $ 37,551 $ 17,157 4.9% 2.8% Segment Revenue from Services Nurse and Allied Staffing ....................................................................................................... $ 721,486 Physician Staffing ....................................................................................................................... $ 98,283 Other Human Capital Management ................................................................................. $ 13,768 $ 621,258 $ 115,336 $ 30,827 $ 459,195 $ 121,145 $ 37,485 Segment Contribution Income Nurse and Allied Staffing ....................................................................................................... $ 71,992 Physician Staffing ....................................................................................................................... $ 8,265 Other Human Capital Management ................................................................................. $ (535) $ $ $ 55,718 10,213 1,863 $ 36,486 $ 6,540 $ 514 Nurse and Allied Staffing Data (actual) FTEs** ................................................................................................................................................ Average revenue per FTE per day**.................................................................................. $ 6,953 284 6,624 4,764 $ 257 $ 264 Physician Staffing Data (actual) Physician Staffing days filled** ............................................................................................. Revenue per day filled** ........................................................................................................... $ 62,482 1,549 77,601 82,473 $ 1,463 $ 1,457 Other Data Cash flow from operations .................................................................................................... $ 30,145 Total debt at par ......................................................................................................................... $ 64,523 Total capitalization ratio ......................................................................................................... 27.9% $ 18,235 $ 63,094 (4,072) $ $ 58,702 37.8% 33.7% YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016 2015 2014 (Unaudited) 0.03 — — 0.03 0.74 (0.18) 0.05 (0.22) 0.09 0.07 — 0.03 0.04 0.07 0.30 — (0.11) — — — 0.25 0.03 0.32 0.53 — (0.03) 0.01 YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016 2015 2014 (Unaudited, amounts in thousands) 9,182 6,106 — 814 78 753 24,311 (5,805) 1,568 (230) 3,379 764 8,066 6,810 2,184 — 902 1,274 2,100 9,901 — (306) 2,460 536 7,441 4,160 216 — — 7,957 840 — 19 1,387 249 10,000 16,671 Non-GAAP adjustments — pretax: Loss on sale of business ..................................................................................................... Acquisition-related contingent consideration ......................................................... Acquisition and integration costs ................................................................................... Restructuring costs ............................................................................................................... Impairment charges .............................................................................................................. Gain (loss) on derivative liability .................................................................................... Loss on early extinguishment of debt ........................................................................ Tax impact of non-GAAP adjustments ......................................................................... Adjustment for change in dilutive shares .................................................................... Adjusted EPS, non-GAAP ..................................................................................................... $ 0.69 $ 0.54 $ 0.09 Reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA Consolidated net income (loss) attributable to common shareholders ...... $ 7,967 $ 4,418 $ (31,783) Depreciation and Amortization ....................................................................................... Interest expense ....................................................................................................................... Income tax (benefit) expense ........................................................................................... (4,186) (794) Loss on sale of business ....................................................................................................... Acquisition-related contingent consideration ......................................................... Acquisition and integration costs ................................................................................... Restructuring costs ................................................................................................................ Impairment charges .............................................................................................................. (Gain) loss on derivative liability ..................................................................................... Loss on early extinguishment and modification of debt .................................. Other (income) expense, net ............................................................................................ Equity compensation ............................................................................................................ Net income attributable to non-controlling interest in subsidiary ............... Adjusted EBITDA ...................................................................................................................... $ 44,701 $ 37,551 $ 17,157 *Adjusted EPS and Adjusted EBITDA are non-GAAP (Generally Accepted Accounting Principles) financial measures and should not be considered measures of financial performance under GAAP. Management presents these measures because it believes that they are useful supplements to reported Diluted EPS and net income (loss) attributable to common shareholders as indicators of future earnings capacity of the Company. Management uses these non-GAAP financial measures for planning purposes and as performance measures in its annual cash incentive program for certain members of its management team. Adjusted EBITDA, as defined, closely matches the operating measure typically used in the Company's credit facilities in calculating various ratios. Adjusted EPS, a non-GAAP financial measure, is defined as net (loss) income attributable to common shareholders per diluted share (diluted EPS, GAAP) before the diluted EPS impact of loss on sale of business, acquisition-related contingent consideration, acquisition and integration costs, restructuring costs, impairment charges, gain (loss) on derivative liability, and loss on early extinguishment of debt. Adjusted EBITDA, a non-GAAP financial measure, is defined as consolidated net income (loss) attributable to common shareholders before depreciation and amortization, interest expense, income tax (benefit) expense, loss on sale of business, acquisition-related contingent consideration, acquisition and integration costs, restructuring costs, impairment charges, (gain) loss on derivative liability, loss on early extinguishment of debt, other (income) expense, net, equity compensation, and includes net income attributable to non-controlling interest in subsidiary. ** Represents a key operating metric as defined on page 24 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K. 4 5 Financial Highlights Cross Country Healthcare, Inc. ($000s, except per share data) 2016 2015 2014 Reconciliation of Adjusted EPS YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016 2015 2014 (Unaudited) Revenue Revenue from services ............................................................................................................ $ 833,537 $ 767,421 $ 617,825 Statements of Operations Data Consolidated net income (loss) ......................................................................................... $ 8,731 Net income (loss) attributable to common shareholders .................................... $ 7,967 $ $ 4,954 4,418 $ (31,534) $ (31,783) Per Share Data Net income (loss) attributable to common shareholders — basic ................. $ Net income (loss) attributable to common shareholders — diluted ............. $ Adjusted EPS* .............................................................................................................................. $ 0.25 0. 1 5 0.69 $ $ $ 0. 1 4 0. 1 4 0.54 $ $ $ (1 .0 2) (1 .0 2) 0.09 Gross Profit Gross profit .................................................................................................................................... $ 221,735 26.6% Percentage of revenue ............................................................................................................ $ 197,365 $ 157,804 25.7% 25.5% Adjusted EBITDA* Adjusted EBITDA ....................................................................................................................... $ 44,701 Percentage of revenue ............................................................................................................ 5.4% $ 37,551 $ 17,157 4.9% 2.8% Segment Revenue from Services Nurse and Allied Staffing ....................................................................................................... $ 721,486 Physician Staffing ....................................................................................................................... $ 98,283 Other Human Capital Management ................................................................................. $ 13,768 $ 621,258 $ 115,336 $ 30,827 $ 459,195 $ 121,145 $ 37,485 Segment Contribution Income Nurse and Allied Staffing ....................................................................................................... $ 71,992 Physician Staffing ....................................................................................................................... $ 8,265 Other Human Capital Management ................................................................................. $ (535) $ $ $ 55,718 10,213 1,863 $ 36,486 $ 6,540 $ 514 Nurse and Allied Staffing Data (actual) FTEs** ................................................................................................................................................ Average revenue per FTE per day**.................................................................................. $ 6,953 284 6,624 4,764 $ 257 $ 264 Physician Staffing Data (actual) Physician Staffing days filled** ............................................................................................. Revenue per day filled** ........................................................................................................... $ 62,482 1,549 77,601 82,473 $ 1,463 $ 1,457 Other Data Cash flow from operations .................................................................................................... $ 30,145 Total debt at par ......................................................................................................................... $ 64,523 Total capitalization ratio ......................................................................................................... 27.9% $ 18,235 $ 63,094 (4,072) $ $ 58,702 37.8% 33.7% Diluted EPS, GAAP .................................................................................................................... $ 0.15 $ 0.14 $ (1.02) Non-GAAP adjustments — pretax: Loss on sale of business ..................................................................................................... Acquisition-related contingent consideration ......................................................... Acquisition and integration costs ................................................................................... Restructuring costs ............................................................................................................... Impairment charges .............................................................................................................. (Gain) loss on derivative liability ..................................................................................... Loss on early extinguishment of debt ........................................................................ Tax impact of non-GAAP adjustments ......................................................................... Adjustment for change in dilutive shares .................................................................... — 0.03 — 0.03 0.74 (0.18) 0.05 (0.22) 0.09 0.07 — 0.03 0.04 0.07 0.30 — (0.11) — — — 0.25 0.03 0.32 0.53 — (0.03) 0.01 Adjusted EPS, non-GAAP ..................................................................................................... $ 0.69 $ 0.54 $ 0.09 YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016 2015 2014 (Unaudited, amounts in thousands) Reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA Consolidated net income (loss) attributable to common shareholders ...... $ 7,967 $ 4,418 $ (31,783) Depreciation and Amortization ....................................................................................... Interest expense ....................................................................................................................... 9,182 6,106 8,066 6,810 Income tax (benefit) expense ........................................................................................... (4,186) (794) Loss on sale of business ....................................................................................................... Acquisition-related contingent consideration ......................................................... Acquisition and integration costs ................................................................................... Restructuring costs ................................................................................................................ Impairment charges .............................................................................................................. (Gain) loss on derivative liability ..................................................................................... Loss on early extinguishment and modification of debt .................................. Other (income) expense, net ............................................................................................ Equity compensation ............................................................................................................ Net income attributable to non-controlling interest in subsidiary ............... — 814 78 753 24,311 (5,805) 1,568 (230) 3,379 764 2,184 — 902 1,274 2,100 9,901 — (306) 2,460 536 7,441 4,160 216 — — 7,957 840 10,000 16,671 — 19 1,387 249 Adjusted EBITDA ...................................................................................................................... $ 44,701 $ 37,551 $ 17,157 *Adjusted EPS and Adjusted EBITDA are non-GAAP (Generally Accepted Accounting Principles) financial measures and should not be considered measures of financial performance under GAAP. Management presents these measures because it believes that they are useful supplements to reported Diluted EPS and net income (loss) attributable to common shareholders to help evaluate operating results of the Company. Management uses these non-GAAP financial measures for planning purposes and as performance measures in its annual incentive programs for certain members of its management team. Adjusted EBITDA, as defined, closely matches the operating measure typically used in the Company’s credit facilities in calculating various ratios. Adjusted EPS, a non-GAAP financial measure, is defined as net (loss) income attributable to common shareholders per diluted share (diluted EPS, GAAP) before the diluted EPS impact of loss on sale of business, acquisition-related contingent consideration, acquisition and integration costs, restructuring costs, impairment charges, (gain) loss on derivative liability, and loss on early extinguishment of debt. Adjusted EBITDA, a non-GAAP financial measure, is defined as consolidated net income (loss) attributable to common shareholders before depreciation and amortization, interest expense, income tax (benefit) expense, loss on sale of business, acquisition-related contingent consideration, acquisition and integration costs, restructuring costs, impairment charges, (gain) loss on derivative liability, loss on early extinguishment of debt, other (income) expense, net, equity compensation, and includes net income attributable to non-controlling interest in subsidiary. ** Represents a key operating metric as defined on page 24 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K. 4 5 Financial Performance C A G R: 24 % $834M $767M C A G R: 78 % $38M 5.0% $45M 5.4% C A G R: 105 % $0.69 $0.54 $618M $438M $17M 2.8% $8M 1.8% $0.08 $0.09 2013 2014 2015 2016 2013 2014 2015 2016 2013 2014 2015 2016 REVENUE ADJUSTED EBITDA ADJUSTED EPS National footprint Ranked provider in travel nurse staffing Workforce Solutions facilities 74 office locations 2nd largest 2,100+ facilities Healthcare professionals (HCPs) on assignment at more than 6,700 facilities Travel nurse assignments filled Per diem shifts filled 27,500+ HCPs 15,500+ jobs filled 800,000+ shifts filled 6 7 Workforce Solutions 8 In a volatile healthcare market, you need more than a staffing provider; you need a partner. As more and more Americans are insured under know we can place them in highly desired locations healthcare reform legislation, pre-existing supply across the country. Our competitive edge is simple — constraints and the overall aging of the population we are trustworthy and can offer a variety of work further escalate the demand for healthcare services assignments at market rates. and professionals. Consequently, both permanent and contingent labor costs continue to rise and make up a significant portion of a healthcare organization’s operating expenses. For many healthcare organizations, this is not sustainable and they are turning to Workforce Solutions companies to provide efficient management of their total labor spend. Couple the increased labor costs with the financial realities of healthcare reform initiatives that health systems are beginning to see, and the current spikes in labor costs become unsustainable. Our team of Workforce Solutions experts utilize a unique diagnostic approach to uncover key drivers of labor cost inefficiencies and identify significant savings opportunities. By understanding where these opportunities exist, we can then collaborate with key client stakeholders to design solutions that match their needs. Today’s dynamic healthcare environment requires healthcare systems to have a Workforce Solutions partner who understands their problems and can deliver relevant solutions — not capitalize on them. Cross Country Healthcare is positioned to be the Cross Country Healthcare is a true partner to our ideal partner for health systems as the healthcare healthcare facilities, and not just a provider. We delivery landscape continues to evolve. offer solutions that play a critical role in our clients’ long-term labor strategy. By working together to implement our suite of labor optimization services, our clients rely more on our exclusive relationship and less on outside vendors. While their total labor spend may significantly decrease under our program, our market share and relationship strength continue to increase at our Workforce Solutions clients. While healthcare reform will continue to drive higher patient volumes, the volatility of the inpatient population creates unique staffing challenges. Having a Workforce Solutions partner with the scale and size of Cross Country Healthcare ensures that regardless of fluctuating demand, we can deliver as many or as few healthcare professionals that are needed at any time. The increasing demand for healthcare services and professionals also creates significant recruitment and retention challenges. These highly sought-after nurses, physicians, and allied health professionals have many options, but choose Cross Country Healthcare because they 9 10 UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20549 FORM 10-K ☑ ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 For the Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2016 or □ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 For the transition period from to Commission file number 0-33169 Cross Country Healthcare, Inc. (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) Delaware (State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) 13-4066229 (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) 5201 Congress Avenue Boca Raton, Florida 33487 (Address of principal executive offices, zip code) Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (561) 998-2232 Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: Title of each class Common Stock, par value $0.0001 per share Name of each exchange on which registered The NASDAQ Stock Market Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the act: None Indicate by check mark if the Registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes □ No ☑ Indicate by check mark if the Registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. Yes □ No ☑ Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant: (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes ☑ No □ Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes ☑ No □ Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (§ 229.405 of this chapter) is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of Registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. ☑ Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of ‘‘large accelerated filer,’’ ‘‘accelerated filer’’ and ‘‘smaller reporting company’’ in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act: Large accelerated filer □ Accelerated filer ☑ Non-accelerated filer □ Smaller reporting company □ Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a shell company (as defined by Rule 12b-2 of the Act). Yes □ No ☑ The aggregate market value of the voting stock held by non-affiliates of the Registrant, based on the closing price of Common Stock on June 30, 2016 of $13.92 as reported on the NASDAQ National Market, was $440,736,307. This calculation does not reflect a determination that persons are affiliated for any other purpose. As of February 28, 2017, 32,984,000 shares of Common Stock, $0.0001 par value per share, were outstanding. Portions of the Registrant’s definitive proxy statement, for the 2017 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, which statement will be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A not later than 120 days after the end of the fiscal year covered by this Report, are incorporated by reference into Part III hereof. DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE  TABLE OF CONTENTS Business. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Risk Factors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Unresolved Staff Comments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Properties. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Legal Proceedings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mine Safety Disclosures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Selected Financial Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations . . . Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Financial Statements and Supplementary Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure . . . Controls and Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Other Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Executive Compensation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholders Matters. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Principal Accountant Fees and Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 1 12 19 19 19 19 19 21 22 40 40 40 41 41 42 42 42 42 42 Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 PART I Item 1. Item 1A. Item 1B. Item 2. Item 3. Item 4. PART II Item 5. Item 6. Item 7. Item 7A. Item 8. Item 9. Item 9A. Item 9B. PART III Item 10. Item 11. Item 12. Item 13. Item 14. PART IV Item 15. SIGNATURES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 All references to ‘‘we,’’ ‘‘us,’’ ‘‘our,’’ or ‘‘Cross Country’’ in this Report on Form 10-K means Cross Country Healthcare, Inc., its subsidiaries and affiliates. i [THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK] Forward-Looking Statements In addition to historical information, this Form 10-K contains statements relating to our future results (including certain projections and business trends) that are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the Exchange Act), and are subject to the “safe harbor” created by those sections. Words such as “expects”, “anticipates”, “intends”, “plans”, “believes”, “estimates”, “suggests”, “appears”, “seeks”, “will” and variations of such words and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause our actual results and performance to be materially different from any future results or performance expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. Factors that might cause such differences include, but are not limited to, those discussed in the section entitled “Item 1A - Risk Factors.” Readers should also carefully review the “Risk Factors” section contained in other documents we file from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q to be filed by us in fiscal year 2017. Although we believe that these statements are based upon reasonable assumptions, we cannot guarantee future results and readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which reflect management’s opinions only as of the date of this filing. There can be no assurance that (i) we have correctly measured or identified all of the factors affecting our business or the extent of these factors’ likely impact, (ii) the available information with respect to these factors on which such analysis is based is complete or accurate, (iii) such analysis is correct or (iv) our strategy, which is based in part on this analysis, will be successful. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise forward-looking statements. Item 1. Business. Overview of Our Company PART I Cross Country Healthcare, Inc. (NASDAQ: CCRN) is a national leader in providing healthcare staffing, recruiting and value- added workforce solutions. Through a full suite of innovative workforce solutions and a national presence including 74 office locations throughout the United States, we are able to meet the unique and dynamic needs of our clients. By utilizing our various solutions, clients are able to better plan their personnel needs, outsource recruitment processes, strategically flex their workforce, streamline their purchasing needs, access specialties not available in their local area, access quality healthcare personnel and provide continuity of care for improved patient outcomes. Our solutions are geared towards assisting our clients in solving their labor issues while maintaining high quality outcomes. During 2016, we had more than 27,500 healthcare professionals on assignment at over 6,700 facilities. Our Managed Service Programs served more than 2,100 facilities. Our workforce solutions include: Managed Service Programs (MSPs); Optimal Workforce Solutions (OWS); Predictive Analytics; Internal Resource Pool Consulting & Development (IRP); Education Healthcare Services; Recruitment Process Outsourcing (RPO); and Electronic Medical Record Transition Staffing (EMR). We are able to provide our services on a national level or through any one of our 63 local branches throughout the United States or through a combination of both. We service a variety of clients, including public and private acute care hospitals, public and charter schools, outpatient clinics, ambulatory care facilities, single and multi-specialty physician practices, rehabilitation facilities, urgent care centers, correctional facilities, government facilities, retailers and many other healthcare providers. Our business consists of three business segments: (i) Nurse and Allied Staffing, (ii) Physician Staffing and (iii) Other Human Capital Management Services. Fees for our services are paid directly by our clients and in certain instances by vendor managers, and as a result, we have no direct exposure to Medicare or Medicaid reimbursements. For the full year of 2016, our consolidated revenue was $833.5 million, reflecting a diversified revenue mix across healthcare customers. Nurse and Allied Staffing was 86% of revenue, comprised of travel nurse, travel allied and branch-based local nurse and allied staffing (including staffing of public and charter schools). Physician Staffing was 12% of our revenue and consists primarily of physician staffing services with placements across multiple specialties. Other Human Capital Management Services was 2% of our revenue which, since August 31, 2015 when we divested our education seminars business, consists of 1 our retained and contingent search services primarily for physicians and healthcare executives. On a company-wide basis, we have approximately 8,000 active contracts with healthcare clients, and we provide our staffing services and workforce solutions in all 50 states. In 2016, 2015 and 2014 no client accounted for more than 10% of our revenue. For additional financial information concerning our business segments, see Note 17 - Segment Data to the consolidated financial statements. Acquisitions Part of our strategy to grow revenue in our core business has been to make acquisitions that allow us to: (i) expand our workforce solutions offerings to deepen our relationships with current customers and to attract new customers; (ii) expand our local branch network to grow our local market presence and our MSP business; (iii) further diversify our customer base into the public and charter school market; (iii) diversify our customer base into the local ambulatory care and retail market, which provides more balance between our large volume-based customers and our small local customers; (iv) better position ourselves to take additional market share in our MSP business; (v) access more candidates and candidates in different specialties; and (vi) add new skillsets to our traditional staffing offerings. In December 2016, we acquired an RPO business, US Resources Healthcare. This acquisition expands our workforce solutions capabilities to deliver financial and operating efficiencies to our customers through labor optimization services while enhancing the quality of care. By partnering with our customers to design and execute a tailored solution to meet their talent and business goals, we are able to find the talent our customers need. In October 2015, we acquired Mediscan, Inc. and certain of its affiliates (Mediscan). Mediscan currently employs healthcare professionals in 70 specialties at more than 750 clients in 30 states - primarily California. This acquisition strengthened our footprint in California, a large and growing market. It provides an opportunity to add new service lines, expand our market share through its local presence and further diversify our customer base, as the Mediscan business is equally divided between acute/ambulatory care and public and charter schools. Finally, it offers access to additional candidates through two well established brands: Mediscan and DirectEd. For additional financial information concerning our acquisitions, see Note 3 - Acquisitions to the consolidated financial statements. In June 2014, we acquired substantially all of the assets and certain liabilities of Medical Staffing Network Healthcare, LLC (MSN). At the time of the acquisition, MSN had 55 locations throughout the U.S. that provided per diem, local, contract, travel and permanent hire staffing services. The acquisition increases our branch network and market share, diversifies our customer base and brings new service lines. Competition The principal competitive factors in attracting, retaining and expanding business with healthcare clients nationally include: (i) understanding the client’s work environment, (ii) offering a comprehensive suite of services to assist the client in assessing its personnel needs and partnering with clients to design various customizable alternative solutions, (iii) the timely filling of clients' needs, (iv) price, (v) customer service, (vi) quality assurance and screening capabilities, (vii) risk management policies, (viii) insurance coverage, and (ix) general industry reputation. The principal competitive factors in attracting qualified healthcare professionals for temporary employment include: (i) a large national pool of desirable assignments, (ii) pay and benefits, (iii) speed of placements, (iv) customer service, (v) quality of accommodations, and (vi) overall industry reputation. We focus on retaining healthcare professionals by providing high-quality customer service, long-term benefits (to employees), and medical malpractice insurance. We believe we are one of only two large full-service healthcare staffing providers with a national footprint; one of the top five providers of physician staffing services in the United States; and one of the top providers of retained and contingent physician and healthcare executive search services in the healthcare marketplace. Some of our competitors in the healthcare staffing, workforce solutions, and search businesses include: AMN Healthcare Services, Inc., CHG Healthcare Services, Maxim Healthcare, Jackson Healthcare, Team Health, HealthTrust Workforce Solutions, MedAssets, and Witt Kiefer. We believe we benefit competitively from the following: Breadth and Expertise of Value-Added Workforce Solutions Offered. As a long-time leader of MSP solutions, our additional services include: OWS, RPO, Predictive Analytics, IRP, Education Healthcare Services, and EMR staffing. Our holistic approach is to deploy cost effective labor optimization strategies with each customer, all while ensuring quality of care for patients. - MSP Capabilities. Rather than an acute care facility’s talent management team working with multiple staffing agencies, our MSP model offers a single point of contact, access to a nationwide network of subcontractors, uniform rates and terms, and accountability for the quality of healthcare professionals to our clients through the aggregation 2 - and standardization of total contract labor spend. This MSP model has become a desired practice of healthcare systems seeking to drive financial and operating efficiencies, while ensuring quality of care. Predictive Analytics. We offer predictive analytics to hospitals that need decision support for staffing in real time. Generally, hospitals spend between 45-50% of their net patient revenue on labor, and typically half of that amount is spent on clinical labor, the majority of which is nursing. By providing a solution that allows staffing managers and unit directors the ability to forecast census based on historical trend data, they are better able to staff their units more scientifically rather using anecdotal information. - OWS. These services allow our clients to outsource certain non-core department staff that may be particularly - challenging to recruit and retain. By outsourcing these departments to our OWS team, our clients can better control their operating costs, gain access to our talent management expertise, free their internal resources for other purposes, streamline or increase efficiency for certain functions and improve their overall focus. IRP. We consult with our clients to structure groups of their staff professionals that can be called upon when shortages exist or are expected. These professionals agree to fill positions when necessary and are available when called upon. They have experience with the facilities where they will work, so they are immediately up to speed with how things are done and what is expected from them the moment they arrive. This type of pool promotes quality of care and is cost efficient for our clients. - Education Healthcare Services. By providing consultative and staffing services to traditional public and charter school clients, we help them achieve performance and cost savings goals while experiencing greater flexibility in their operations. - RPO. We offer business process outsourcing where a client transfers all or part of its talent management recruitment processes to us and we can assume the design and management of the recruitment process and the responsibility for the results. The structure of this solution differs greatly from client to client as there is a continuum of scope of the services that may be provided (e.g. end to end services or hybrid solutions). - EMR. Based on the government mandate for hospitals to convert to Electronic Medical Records to ensure payment for services, we developed a sound transition and implementation process to help our clients backfill staffing needs while they adopt a new or upgraded EMR platform. Staffing plans are created in collaboration with our clients so they have adequate, planned, quality staffing to cover these peak vacancies. Ability to Meet a National Shift Towards a More Integrated Delivery of Healthcare. With our national resources, as well as local resources at our 63 branches, we are uniquely positioned to assist hospitals and health systems which continue to turn to lower-cost, more accessible alternatives, such as outpatient or ambulatory care centers as a result of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) of 2010 and other market dynamics. By offering travel, per diem and permanent placement of a variety of healthcare professionals, we are also able to offer many different types of personnel to hospitals and health systems at their main campuses, as well as their ambulatory and outpatient care centers, in order to meet their workforce needs. Brand Recognition. We go to market with a variety of brands, which are well-recognized among leading hospitals and healthcare facilities and many healthcare professionals. These businesses have been operating for more than twenty years. Strong and Diverse Client Relationships. We provide healthcare staffing and workforce solutions to a diverse client base throughout the United States with approximately 8,000 active contracts with hospitals and healthcare facilities, and other healthcare providers. As a result, we have a diverse choice of assignments for our healthcare professionals to choose from. In addition, our joint venture with a large health system provides us with a unique insight into the challenges facing many of our hospital clients generally and this provides us with the opportunity to better serve all of our clients by designing and implementing workforce solutions to meet their needs. Our relationship with the largest member owned healthcare services company in the United States should also serve to expand our relationships in the healthcare community. Recruiting and Placement of Healthcare Professionals. Healthcare professionals apply with us through our differentiated nursing, locum tenens and allied healthcare recruitment brands. Our local branch network provides us access to local healthcare professionals who are uniquely qualified to provide care in ambulatory and outpatient settings. We believe our access to such a large and diverse group of healthcare professionals makes us more attractive to healthcare institutions and facilities seeking healthcare staffing and workforce solutions in the current dynamic marketplace. Certifications. The staffing businesses of our Cross Country Staffing, Medical Staffing Network and Mediscan brands are certified by The Joint Commission under its Health Care Staffing Services Certification Program. In addition, Credent Verification and Licensing Services, a subsidiary of Medical Doctor Associates (MDA), is certified by the National Committee of Quality Assurance (NCQA) -- one of only a handful of companies to achieve such certification. 3 Experienced Management Team. On average, our management team has more than 18 years of staffing experience. Led by our President and Chief Executive Officer, a 30-year staffing industry veteran who joined the Company in April 2013, the Company has strengthened its leadership team by bringing in experienced executives. Demand and Supply Drivers Demand Drivers Effect of ACA on Healthcare Utilization. The ACA has increased the number of insured patients over the past few years, especially in states that have expanded Medicaid. While the outcome of the 2016 federal elections has cast uncertainty on the future of the ACA, it has been reported that 20 million people have gained health insurance coverage (U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, March 2016). We believe the demand for healthcare professionals will continue as the number of insured has increased in the past few years under the ACA and with more persons employed who have healthcare insurance. Demand for Workforce Solutions. Despite the rise in the number of insured and Medicaid patients, hospitals still face continued pressure to keep costs down to protect their margins from continued Medicare rate reductions and fluctuations in demand for hospital care. In addition, there is a national shift away from volume-based pricing to value-based pricing. The visibility of Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems survey scores, a national, standardized, publicly reported survey of patients' perspectives of hospital care, has also put pressure on hospitals to maintain a certain level of quality of care so hospitals do not incur financial penalties or risk decreased patient volume due to low scores. We believe these dynamics continue to put pressure on hospitals to find innovative solutions in order to better manage their workforce, which accounts for a large portion of their expenses. Working with an MSP allows healthcare facilities to easily flex their workforce numbers up and down and to streamline their talent acquisition process by having one point-of-contact (Modern Healthcare, November 7, 2015). As a result, we believe hospitals are more willing to engage healthcare staffing companies, such as ours, that provide both staffing and workforce solutions that can help them solve problems, such as assessing their workforce needs or reducing readmission rates without negatively impacting the quality of care. Many hospitals are also making vertical acquisitions by investing in outpatient facilities, ambulatory care centers and stand-alone emergency departments in order to capture outpatient revenue, which will further drive demand for healthcare personnel. Shift from Inpatient Services to Outpatient/Ambulatory Settings. We believe certain initiatives taken under the ACA - such as Medicare reimbursement incentives for reduced readmissions, have a direct correlation to the shift from inpatient services to outpatient/ambulatory settings. As reported by Staffing Industry Analysts in December 2016, from March 2012 - October 2016, 334,000 net hospitals jobs were added, but 923,000 ambulatory care setting jobs were added in the same period (U.S. Healthcare Staffing Growth Assessment, Staffing Industry Analysts, December 2016). In addition, over the past three years, five large publicly traded health systems experienced higher growth in outpatient admissions than inpatient (U.S. Healthcare Staffing Growth Assessment, Staffing Industry Analyst, December 2016). Ambulatory surgery centers are “high-quality, lower-cost substitutes for hospitals as venues for outpatient surgery” (Health Affairs, May 2014, study conducted by health economists Elizabeth Munnich of the University of Louisville and Stephen Parente of the University of Minnesota). As hospital and health system leaders respond to the dynamic changes in the healthcare industry by becoming more cost effective, streamlining their healthcare delivery processes and making vertical acquisitions to control the quality of care (as opposed to horizontal acquisitions among hospitals made in the past to increase volume), we believe the outpatient and ambulatory care markets will continue to provide a robust area of growth for healthcare staffing agencies with a strong local market presence, and for those that provide Advanced Practitioners, such as Nurse Practitioners (NPs) and Physicians Assistants, who frequently provide oversight in ambulatory settings. Growing and Aging U.S. Population. Two long-term macro drivers of our business are demographic in nature -- a growing and aging U.S. population. The U.S. Census Bureau projects the U.S. population will increase approximately 31% (from 319 million in 2014 to 417 million in 2060) - crossing the 400 million mark in 2051. In addition, by 2030 one in five Americans is also projected to be 65 years old or more. The number of persons aged 65 and over is expected to increase 112% (from 46,255,000 to 98,164,000) from 2014 to 2060 (U.S. Census Bureau, March, 2015). This is important because the utilization of healthcare services is generally higher among older people. All Baby Boomers are now over 50 years of age and account for nearly 25% of the population (U.S. Census Bureau, May 2014). Older persons averaged more office visits with doctors in 2012. Among people 75 and over, 23% had 10 or more visits to a doctor or other healthcare professional in the past 12 months compared to 14% among people age 45-64 (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, A Profile of Older Americans: 2014). People aged 65 and over averaged more than five healthcare visits in 2013 (U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey, 2013). The American Hospital Association (AHA) has also projected the share of hospital 4 admissions for the over-65 age group to rise from 38% in 2004 to 56% in 2030. With the increase in the proportion of the population in older age groups reaching prime retirement age, healthcare occupations and industries are expected to have the fastest employment growth and to add the most jobs between 2014 and 2024, increasing their employment share from 12% in 2014 to 13.6% in 2024 (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Report Issued December 8, 2015). Healthcare support occupations, and healthcare practitioners and technical occupations are projected to be the two fastest growing occupational groups during the 2014 to 2024 decade, thereby contributing the most new jobs, with a combined increase of 2,300,000 jobs, representing about 1 in 4 new jobs (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Report Issued December 8, 2015). Lower Unemployment and the Economy. In November 2016, the unemployment rate was 4.6% - the lowest rate since August 2007, which should increase the number of people with employer-sponsored health insurance (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2017 Labor Force Statistics Database). Individuals with employer-sponsored health insurance are more likely to seek medical care than the uninsured, which raises demand for healthcare services and healthcare staff (U.S. Healthcare Staffing Growth Assessment, Staffing Industry Analysts, December 2016). The creation of additional jobs in the healthcare market should also increase demand for our services as our temporary staff are typically hired to replace healthcare workers taking vacation and leaves of absence. Use of Temporary Workforce. The December 2016 penetration rate of temporary workers was 2.0% - (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2017 Labor Force Statistics Database). We believe contingent labor will continue to be used strategically, as an increase in the use of temporary workers typically allows for cost-effective, time-sensitive solutions to specific business needs and allows organizations to leverage the skills of temporary workers while maintaining a lean staff of traditional permanent employees. Within the healthcare sector, we believe the current dynamic nature of the healthcare industry, among other things, has exacerbated hospitals’ needs for more flexibility to match revenue and payroll. We believe hospitals will maintain a lower percentage of permanent staff over time and will supplement their staffing needs with temporary healthcare professionals to allow them to flex their workforce up and down in order to address cost concerns, patient census needs and value-based purchasing needs. Increased Need for Healthcare and Special Education Services in Schools. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), enacted in 1975, mandates that children and youth ages 3-21 with disabilities be provided a free and appropriate public school education. According to the U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistic Report titled “The Condition of Education 2016," by 2013-2014, the number of children and youth ages 3-21 receiving special education services was 6.5 million, or about 13% of traditional public and charter school enrollment. Of those students in school year 2013-14, 21% had a speech or language impairment, 13% had other health impairments, 8% had autism, 5% had emotional disturbances, 2% had multiple disabilities, and 1% had orthopedic impairments. The IDEA requires that these children and young adults receive care from speech language pathologists, physical therapists, occupational therapists, nurses and other healthcare professionals while at school. Based on the foregoing, we believe the demand for consulting and healthcare staffing services for public schools and charter schools will continue to be strong for agencies that can provide consulting services, healthcare personnel, technical assistance on policies, implementation, and training related to children and youth with special needs in school settings. Nursing Shortage. The Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce (CEW) predicts a shortage of 192,620 nurses in 2020, which differs from the surplus of nurses predicted for 2025 by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) National Center for Health Workforce Analysis (Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce, Forecasts of Nursing Demand 2015). With healthcare now representing almost 20% of the U.S. economy, the aging of the U.S. population, and the expansion of healthcare coverage under the ACA, both the CEW and HRSA agree that demand for healthcare services and healthcare workers will continue to grow. The CEW’s analysis of the nursing shortage differs from that of the HRSA in that the CEW has made assumptions on the “active supply” of nurses - noting there is a stark difference between the number of nursing professionals who are licensed and the number of nursing professionals in the workforce. In 2013, there were 5.2 million licensed nursing professionals, but only 3.6 million were employed in the nursing workforce - so one-third of licensed nurses do not work in nursing (Georgetown CEW, Forecasts of Nursing Demand 2015). As further noted by CEW, “as the economy improves, many more nurses will have the option to leave the nursing workforce for other types of jobs or to retire.” In addition, even HRSA’s analysis notes that its national projection does not take into account an imbalance of RNs at the state level where many states are projected to experience a smaller growth in RN supply relative to their state- specific demand, resulting in a geographical shortage of RNs by 2025. In particular, 16 states are expected to see shortages. HRSA’s national projection also does not take into account a projected shortfall of registered nurses in particular specialties over the next ten years (U. S. Department of Health and Human Services, December 2014). We believe the following factors will contribute to new growth in demand for nurses: the continued aging of the baby boomers, the changing landscape of the healthcare industry with emerging care delivery models focused on quality of 5 care, managing health status and preventing acute health issues (e.g., nurses taking on new and/or expanded roles in preventive care and care coordination), an uncertain level of newly insured individuals in the healthcare market, and the number of registered nurses that re-entered the workforce during the economic downturn that are now likely to leave their jobs during a better economy. Physician Shortage. A shortfall of between 46,100 and 90,400 physicians is projected by 2025 as demand for physicians continues to outpace supply, according to the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC Center for Workforce Studies (March 2015)). This demand is largely due to the projected aging of the population, the passage of ACA, and the lower number of expected graduates from medical school. The U.S. is expected to face a shortage of up to 20,500 primary care physicians by 2020 -- a number that will grow to up to 31,100 by 2025, according to analysis by the AAMC (March 2015). The projected shortfall of non-primary care physicians is expected to be up to 63,700 by 2025. The AAMC also expects nearly one-third of all physicians will retire in the next decade. And, while the number of applicants to U.S. medical schools is increasing, it will not keep pace with expected future demand. Supply Drivers Networking. We rely heavily on word-of-mouth referrals for our healthcare professionals. Historically, more than half of our field employees have been referred to us by other healthcare professionals. Our most effective “sales force” is our network of healthcare professionals who have taken temporary or permanent assignments with us or who are currently working for us. We continue to make investments in our online social and professional networks that have also made it easier for us to connect with healthcare professionals and stay connected with them, thus enhancing our recruitment efforts. Traditional Reasons. Nurses, allied professionals and locum tenens physicians work on temporary assignments to experience different geographic regions of the United States without moving permanently, work flexible schedules, gain professional development by working at prestigious healthcare facilities, earn top money and bonuses, travel with friends and family while enjoying quality accommodations, experience various clinical settings, look for a permanent position, and avoid workplace politics often associated with permanent staff positions. Nurse Retirements. During the last recession, we believe many registered nurses were hesitant to retire, especially if their spouses were laid off or if they were secondary wage earners, as “they preferred the stability of a permanent job” as a staff nurse (Staffing Industry Analysts: US Healthcare Staffing Growth Assessment, October 28, 2015). However, new findings in the 2015 Survey of Registered Nurses/Viewpoints on Retirement, Education and Emerging Roles “strongly indicate an impending surge in retirement among older nurses.” As the 2015 Survey reported, even if the Baby Boomer nurses don’t retire, they could “cut back their hours to part time … which could result in a nursing supply crisis.” Of note, 21% of the 8,828 nurses surveyed said they would “move to part-time work” now that the economy has recovered (2015 Survey of Registered Nurses/Viewpoints on Retirement, Education and Emerging Roles). Higher Quit Rates with an Improved Economy. The Bureau of Labor and Statistics uses the quit rate as a measure of workers’ willingness or ability to leave jobs. According to the 2016 Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey Database, quits rose from 1.3% in December 2009 to 2.2% in December 2015 and remained essentially unchanged at 2.1% through November 2016 (Bureau of Labor Statistics, Job Openings and Labor Turnover - November 2016). This increased quit rate from 2009 through December 2015 reflected increased confidence among the workforce. The number of job openings reported at the end of November 2016 also remained steady at 5,500,000 (Bureau of Labor Statistics, Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey, November 2016). During the last recession, registered nurses were hesitant to quit or voluntarily leave their jobs. However, with an improved economy and the low national unemployment rate, this trend appears to have reversed itself to some extent (Staffing Industry Analysts: US Healthcare Staffing Growth Assessment, October 28, 2015). We believe with the increased volume of orders for temporary healthcare workers and as wages increase, staff nurses are more confident to enter the temporary nurse market and are improving the supply. Access to Healthcare Insurance. We believe that employees have historically remained employed by their employers, in part for healthcare coverage. The access to healthcare insurance provided by the ACA should provide more flexibility to employees, including healthcare professionals, which may result in a less committed relationship between employees and their employers. This should increase the supply of healthcare professionals willing to leave their permanent employment with hospitals and seek assignments with staffing agencies. It is still not clear what flexibility the ACA or any new healthcare legislation will allow. Nurse Licensure Compact Promoting Mobility for RNs. Currently, 25 states have implemented the Nurse Licensure Compact (National Council of State Boards of Nursing 2016). The National Council of State Boards of Nursing 6 created this mutual recognition plan to allow RNs and licensed practical nurses who reside in those 25 states to practice under the same license in states that have adopted this mutual recognition model. It eliminates the time and expense of obtaining a license in a new state and promotes a more streamlined and flexible licensure process, thereby enhancing the mobility of the nurse labor force. Temporary Physician Assignment. Locum tenens assignments offer physicians the ability to focus on practicing medicine while avoiding the stress of running their own practices; the ability to avoid paying the high costs of malpractice insurance; the opportunity to pick up extra shifts and weekends and work during the vacation time of full- time staff jobs in order to earn extra money and repay student loans; to lead a more flexible lifestyle; and to maintain their autonomy while practicing medicine. The supply of physicians available for our physician staffing services is variable and is influenced by several factors: the desire of physicians to work temporary assignments, the desire of physicians close to retirement to work fewer hours, work-life balance for all physicians, and the trend toward more female physicians in the workforce who traditionally work fewer hours than their male counterparts. Physicians Seeking Stability as Full-Time Staff. In the past few years, physicians have increasingly become employees of hospitals or health systems due to business pressures and costs of operating private practices. Physician practices are facing a combination of factors that include: stagnant or declining reimbursement rates, increased regulatory burden (including the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act of 2015), rising costs, greater risk associated with operating a private practice, and an increased desire for a better work-life balance. We believe physicians have been seeking employment with hospitals at higher rates in the past few years due to: the difficulty of transitioning private practices to EMR, traversing the maze of insurance company requirements, financial strains on private practices from repeated threatened pay cuts based on Medicare’s sustainable growth rate formulas, and the uncertain future of healthcare associated with the ACA. Joining a hospital's staff provides financial certainty and the ability to focus more on practicing medicine. We believe this shift in employment will continue to increase supply for our physician and executive search business as physicians look for permanent employment with hospitals or health systems. Our Business Strategy Our long-term business strategy is to grow revenue, expand our margins and improve our operating effectiveness by: Increasing our workforce solutions business by delivering value-added solutions and strengthening and expanding current client relationships and developing new relationships with hospitals and healthcare facilities. While the effects of the recent election are not known at this time and the shift to value-based payments could slow or reverse, we believe that some iteration of the value-based payment models will remain in effect continuing to put financial pressure on our clients. To assist clients in meeting their financial and healthcare quality goals in a more complex environment, we design and execute workforce solutions customized to meet their unique needs. Our full suite of service offerings includes: MSP, OWS, Predictive Analytics, IRP, Educational Healthcare Services, and RPO. Each of our businesses enjoys strong customer relationships that may serve as a platform to sell new MSP services or expand our workforce solutions at current clients. As a result, we continue to invest in sales and marketing to increase market share through cross-collaboration of our businesses. Growing our supply of healthcare professionals. Recognizing that people communicate differently and have individual communication preferences, we are investing in technology initiatives to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of our interactions with our healthcare professionals. We also continue to invest in mobile and online technologies to increase our ability to attract and retain healthcare professionals. We believe providing communication options to our healthcare professionals will strengthen our relationships with them to improve supply and further enhance our delivery of high quality customer service. Improving our capture rate at current MSP accounts and expanding our national and local market presence to support the shift to outpatient and ambulatory care centers. We believe our large national footprint will allow us to (i) increase our market share at our current MSPs by improving our capture rate of per diem, local and allied healthcare staffing professionals, (ii) sell our MSP services to clients of our local branch-based network, (iii) support our current hospital and health system clients who are shifting care from inpatient to outpatient where possible and responding to market changes by making vertical acquisitions to control quality across the care continuum, (iv) support smaller, local customers, (v) support retail or commercial providers, such as national drugstore chains, (vi) broaden our customer base, and (vii) gain access to additional healthcare professionals who are uniquely qualified to provide care in outpatient and ambulatory care centers. Expanding our gross profit margin and delivering a higher Adjusted EBITDA margin by (i) continuing to obtain pricing increases from our customers, (ii) managing our mix of business with hospitals and local/retail customers, (iii) expanding 7 our Workforce Solutions business, and (iv) making further investments in our higher margin businesses: retained, contingent and permanent search, local allied, Healthcare Education Consulting, and RPO businesses. Making strategic and disciplined acquisitions to strengthen and broaden our market presence. We believe the best acquisitions follow a structured and disciplined approach with clear strategic objectives, detailed implementation plans and a focus on creating and capturing value for our shareholders. Our management team has broad and varied experience in multiple types of transactions. Business Overview Services Provided Nurse and Allied Staffing The Nurse and Allied Staffing segment provides traditional staffing, including temporary and permanent placement of travel nurses and allied professionals, and branch-based local nurses and allied staffing through our Cross Country Staffing®, MSN, AHG, Mediscan and DirectEd brands. We provide flexible workforce solutions to the healthcare and school markets through diversified offerings designed to meet the special needs of each client, including: MSP, OWS, Predictive Analytics, IRP, Educational Healthcare Services, RPO and EMR. Our clients include: public and private acute care hospitals, government-owned facilities, public schools, charter schools, outpatient clinics, ambulatory care facilities, physician practice groups, retailers, and many other healthcare providers. The Joint Commission has certified our Nurse and Allied Staffing businesses under its Health Care Staffing Services Certification Program. Our Nurse and Allied Staffing revenue and operating income is set forth in Note 17 - Segment Data to the consolidated financial statements. A majority of our revenue is generated from staffing registered nurses on long-term contract assignments (typically 13 weeks in length) at hospitals and health systems using various brands. While the typical lead-time to staff a travel healthcare professional is four to five weeks, we also have candidates who are pre-qualified and ready to begin assignments within one to two weeks at a hospital client that has an urgent need. Additionally, we offer a short-term staffing solution of registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, certified nurse assistants, advanced practitioners, pharmacists, and more than 100 specialties of allied professionals on local per diem and short-term assignments in a variety of clinical and non-clinical settings through our national network of local branch offices. We also provide travel allied professionals on long-term contract assignments to hospitals, public schools, charter schools and skilled nursing facilities under the Cross Country Staffing®, Mediscan and DirectEd brands. Physician Staffing We provide physicians in many specialties, certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs), NPs and physician assistants (PAs) under our MDA brand as independent contractors on temporary assignments throughout the United States at various healthcare facilities, such as acute and non-acute care facilities, medical group practices, government facilities, and managed care organizations. We recruit these professionals nationally and place them on assignments varying in length from several days up to one year. The Physician Staffing revenue and operating income is set forth in Note 17 - Segment Data to the consolidated financial statements. Other Human Capital Management Services We provide retained and contingent search services for physicians, healthcare executives, nurses, advanced practice and allied health professionals. The revenue and operating income of our Other Human Capital Management Services Segment is set forth in Note 17 - Segment Data to the consolidated financial statements. Our Cejka Search® (Cejka) subsidiary has been a leading physician, executive, nurses, advanced practice, and allied health retained and contingent search firm for more than twenty years, recruiting top healthcare talent for organizations nationwide through a team of experienced professionals, advanced use of recruitment technology and commitment to service excellence. Serving clients nationwide, Cejka completes hundreds of search assignments annually for organizations spanning the continuum of healthcare, including physician group practices, hospitals and health systems, academic medical centers, accountable care organizations, managed care and other healthcare organizations. Our Business Model We have developed and will continue to focus our business model on increasing revenue and achieving greater profitability through higher efficiencies, expanding current MSP services and adding new MSP accounts, and further diversifying our customer base - all while continuing to offer the highest possible quality services. 8 Marketing and Recruiting Healthcare Professionals We operate differentiated brands to recruit nurses and allied professionals. We believe our multi-brand recruiting model helps us reach a larger volume and a more diverse group of candidates to fill open positions at our clients throughout the United States in various clinical and non-clinical settings and in many different geographic areas. We believe nurses and allied professionals are attracted to us because we offer a wide range of diverse assignments in attractive locations, competitive compensation and benefit packages, scheduling options, as well as a high level of service to them. In addition, we believe nurses and allied professionals are confident we will have new assignments for them as they complete their current assignment. Our benefits generally include professional liability insurance, a 401(k) plan, health insurance, reimbursed travel, per diem allowances and housing. Each of our nurse and allied healthcare professionals is employed by us is typically paid hourly wages and any other benefits they are entitled to receive during the assignment period. Recruiters are an essential element of our Nurse and Allied Staffing business, and are responsible for establishing and maintaining key relationships with candidates for the duration of their assignments with us. Recruiters match the supply of qualified candidates in our databases with the demand for open orders posted by our clients. While we rely on word-of- mouth for referrals, we also market our brands on the Internet, including extensive utilization of social media, which has become an increasingly important component of our recruitment efforts. We maintain a number of websites to allow potential applicants to obtain information about our brands and assignment opportunities, as well as to apply online. MDA recruits and contracts with physicians and advanced practice professionals to provide medical services for MDA’s healthcare customers. Each physician or advanced practice professional is an independent contractor and enters into an agreement with MDA to provide medical services at a particular healthcare facility or physician practice group based on terms and conditions specified by that customer. Physicians and advanced practice professionals are engaged to provide medical services for a healthcare customer ranging from a few days up to a year. We believe physicians are attracted to us because we offer a wide variety of assignments, competitive fees, medical malpractice insurance and a high level of service to them. MDA relies on word-of-mouth referrals, but also markets it brands on the Internet and through extensive social media. Sales and Marketing to Hospitals and Healthcare Facilities We market our Nurse and Allied Staffing services to our hospital, healthcare facility, school and other clients using our Cross Country Staffing, Medical Staffing Network™, Allied Health Group, Mediscan and DirectEd brands. Cross Country Staffing typically contracts with our nurse and allied healthcare clients on behalf of itself and our other brands. Mediscan contracts with its hospitals, public schools and charter schools under the Mediscan and DirectEd brands. Our traditional staffing includes temporary and permanent placement of travel nurses and allied professionals, branch-based local nurses and allied staffing, and physicians. We provide healthcare staffing opportunities to our healthcare professionals, and staffing and workforce solutions to our healthcare clients in all 50 states. We provide flexible workforce solutions to the healthcare and school markets through diversified offerings meeting the special needs of each client. Orders for open positions and other services are entered into our various databases and are available to recruiters. Account managers, who develop relationships with our clients to understand their specific settings and culture, submit candidate profiles to clients, and confirm offers and placements with them. In 2016, the market for Nurse and Allied Staffing was estimated to be approximately $11.2 billion, of which $4.2 billion was travel nursing, $3.2 billion was per diem staffing and $3.8 billion was allied healthcare staffing (U.S. Staffing Industry Forecast September 2016 Update, U.S. Staffing Industry Analysts). MDA markets its physician staffing operations to hospitals and other healthcare facilities on a national basis. Our recruiters use our large database of physicians and their expertise in their given specialties to contact physicians to schedule short and long-term engagements at healthcare customers. MDA successfully operates a multi-site business model with employees at several locations. Cejka markets its retained and contingent search services to healthcare clients primarily through industry professional organizations, direct marketing, Cejka’s website and word-of-mouth. Credentialing and Quality Management We screen all of our candidates prior to placement through our credentialing departments. While screening requirements are typically negotiated with our clients, each of our businesses has adopted its own minimum standard screening requirements. We continue to monitor our nursing and allied professional employees after placement in an effort to ensure quality performance, to determine eligibility for future placements and to manage our malpractice risk profile. Our credentialing processes are designed to ensure that our professionals have the requisite skillset required by our customers, as well as the aptitude to meet the day-to-day requirements and challenges they would typically encounter on assignments 9 where they are placed. The credentialing of our nurse and allied healthcare professionals is designed to align with the guidelines of The Joint Commission, a national accrediting body, to ensure quality care. Our Cross Country University division, accredited by the American Nurse Credentialing Center, provides training, assessment, and professional development to further ensure the quality of the personnel we place on assignment. Our physician credentialing entity, Credent, is also certified by the NCQA. We ask each of our healthcare clients to evaluate healthcare employees who work at their facility at the end of each assignment in order to continually assess client satisfaction, and so that we may assist our employees with further educational development, if and where necessary. Client Billing We negotiate payment for services with our clients based on market conditions and needs. We generally bill our nurse and allied employees at an hourly rate and assume all employer costs, including payroll, withholding taxes, benefits, professional liability insurance and other requirements, as well as any travel and housing arrangements, where applicable. Our shared service center processes hours worked by field employees in the time and attendance systems, which in turn generate the billable transactions to the clients. Hours worked by independent contractor physicians are reported to our MDA office. We bill our clients for hours worked by independent contractor physicians and for our recruitment fee. We negotiate payment for services with our clients based on market conditions and needs, and the amount we earn is not fixed. We keep a recruitment fee and pass on an agreed amount to the independent contractor physician on behalf of our clients. For our physician and executive search business, Cejka typically bills its clients a candidate acquisition fee and is reimbursed for certain marketing expenses. Operations Our Nurse and Allied and Physician Staffing businesses are operated through a relatively centralized business model servicing all assignment needs of our healthcare professional employees, physicians and client healthcare facilities through operation centers located in Boca Raton, Florida; Newtown Square, Pennsylvania; Woodland Hills, California; and Berkeley Lake, Georgia. In addition to the key sales and recruitment activities, certain of these centers also perform support activities such as coordinating housing, payroll processing, benefits administration, billing and collections, travel reimbursement processing, customer service and risk management. On December 31, 2016, we had 74 office locations. Cejka Search primarily operates its business from its headquarters located in Creve Coeur, Missouri. This business operates relatively independently, other than certain ancillary services that are provided from our Boca Raton, Florida headquarters, such as payroll, legal and information systems support. Information Systems Various information systems are utilized to run our customer relationship management, recruitment, and placement functions based on the different brands that we operate. Some of these sophisticated applications are proprietary and are hosted in Tier 1 hosting facilities. Other systems are Software as a Service (SaaS) based and hosted by our vendor partners. All of these systems were built/bought to handle considerable growth of all of our businesses. With capability to provide support to all of our facility clients, field employees and independent contractors, our systems maintain detailed information about our client skillsets and status which assist us in enabling fulfillment and assignment renewal. Our databases are also an extensive pool of existing and potential customers and all related recruitment and sales activity. We constantly evaluate our systems, and the legacy systems for MDA and Cejka Search were recently replaced by an industry leading SaaS product. Our financial and human resource systems are managed on leading enterprise resource planning software suites that manage certain aspects of accounts payable, accounts receivable, general ledger, billing, and human capital management. These systems have the ability to scale to accommodate revenue growth and/or employee growth. All of our systems are managed by our onshore and offshore Information Technology team. Risk Management, Insurance, and Benefits We have developed a risk management program that requires prompt notification of incidents by clients, clinicians and independent contractors, educational training to our employees, loss analysis, and prompt reporting procedures to reduce our risk exposure. Each of our temporary employees receives instructions regarding the timely reporting of claims and this information is also available on our website. While we cannot predict the future, we continuously review facts and incidents associated with professional liability and workers’ compensation claims in order to identify trends and reduce our risk of loss in the future where possible. In addition, upon notification of an incident that may result in liability to us, we promptly gather all 10 available documentation and review the actions of our employee and independent contractor to determine if he or she should remain on an assignment and whether he or she is eligible for another assignment with us. We consider assessments provided by our clients and we work with clinicians and experts from our insurance carriers, to determine employment eligibility and potential exposure. Prior to approving an employee or independent contractor for an assignment, we review records from applicable state professional associations, the national practitioners’ database and other such databases available to us. We provide workers’ compensation insurance coverage, professional liability coverage and healthcare benefits for our eligible temporary professionals. We record our estimate of the ultimate cost of, and reserves for, workers' compensation and professional liability benefits based on actuarial models prepared or reviewed by an independent actuary using our loss history as well as industry statistics. In determining our reserves, we include reserves for estimated claims incurred but not reported. We also estimate on a quarterly basis the healthcare claims that have occurred but have not been reported based on our historical claim submission patterns. The ultimate cost of workers’ compensation, professional liability and health insurance claims will depend on actual amounts incurred to settle those claims and may differ from the amounts reserved for those claims. The Company maintains a number of insurance policies including general liability, workers’ compensation, fidelity, fiduciary, directors and officers, cyber, property and professional liability policies. These policies provide coverage subject to their terms, conditions, limits of liability, and deductibles, for certain liabilities that may arise from our operations. There can be no assurance that any of the above policies will be adequate for our needs, or that we will maintain all such policies in the future. Regulations We provide services directly to our clients on a contract basis and receive payment directly from them. However, many of our clients are reimbursed under the federal Medicare program and state Medicaid programs for the services they provide. In recent years, federal and state governments have made significant changes in these programs that have reduced reimbursement rates. In addition, insurance companies and managed care organizations seek to control costs by requiring that healthcare providers, such as hospitals, discount their services in exchange for exclusive or preferred participation in their benefit plans. While not affecting us directly, future federal and state legislation or evolving commercial reimbursement trends may further reduce or change conditions for our clients’ reimbursement. Such limitations on reimbursement could reduce our clients’ cash flows, hampering the pricing we can charge clients and their ability to pay us. We continuously monitor changes in regulations and legislation for potential impacts on our business. Our business is subject to regulation by numerous governmental authorities in the jurisdictions in which we operate. Complex federal and state laws and regulations govern, among other things, the licensure of professionals, the payment of our employees (e.g., wage and hour laws, employment taxes and income tax withholdings, etc.) and the operations of our business generally. We conduct business primarily in the U.S. and are subject to federal and state laws and regulations applicable to our business, which may be amended from time to time. Future federal and state legislation or interpretations thereof may require us to change our business practices. Compliance with all of these applicable rules and regulations require a significant amount of resources. We endeavor to be in compliance with all such rules and regulations. Employees As of December 31, 2016, we had approximately 1,737 corporate employees. During 2016, we employed an average of 6,953 full-time equivalent field employees in Nurse and Allied Staffing. This does not include our Physician Staffing independent contractors, all of whom are not employees. Throughout 2016 we were not subject to any collective bargaining agreements. However, in October 2015, the employees we have outsourced to a customer in New York under our OWS model, mainly paraprofessionals, voted to be represented by Local 1199 of the Service Employees International Union. We began negotiating with Local 1199 for an initial collective bargaining agreement in 2016 to cover the terms and conditions of employment for these employees (approximately 450 employees) and expect those negotiations to continue in 2017. We consider our relationship with employees to be good. Additional Information Financial reports and filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), including this Annual Report on Form 10-K, are available free of charge as soon as reasonably practicable after filing such material with, or furnishing it to, the SEC, on or through our corporate website at www.crosscountryhealthcare.com. The information found on our website is not part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K or any other report we file with or furnish to the SEC. 11 Item 1A. Risk Factors. The following risk factors could materially and adversely affect our future operating results and could cause actual results to differ materially from those predicted in the forward-looking statements we make about our business. Decreases in demand by our clients may adversely affect the profitability of our business. Among other things, changes in the economy, a decrease or stagnation in the general level of in-patient admissions or out- patient services at our clients’ facilities, uncertainty regarding or changes to federal healthcare law and the willingness of our hospital, healthcare facilities and physician group clients to develop their own temporary staffing pools and increase the productivity of their permanent staff may, individually or in the aggregate, significantly affect demand for our temporary healthcare staffing services and may hamper our ability to attract, develop and retain clients. When a hospital’s admissions increase, temporary employees or other healthcare professionals are often added before full-time employees are hired. As admissions decrease, clients typically reduce their use of temporary employees or other healthcare professionals before undertaking layoffs of their permanent employees. In addition, if hospitals continue to consolidate in an effort to enhance their market positions, improve operational efficiency, and create organizations capable of managing population health, demand for our services could decrease. Decreases in demand for our services may also affect our ability to provide attractive assignments to our healthcare professionals. Our clients may terminate or not renew their contracts with us. Our arrangements with hospitals, healthcare facilities and physician group clients are generally terminable upon 30 to 90 days’ notice. These arrangements may also require us to, among other things, guarantee a percentage of open positions that we will fill. We may have to pay a penalty or a client may terminate our contract if we are unable to meet those obligations, either of which could have a negative impact on our profitability. We may have fixed costs, including housing costs, associated with terminated arrangements that we will be obligated to pay post-termination, thus negatively impacting our profitability. In addition, the loss of one or more of our large clients could materially affect our profitability. We may be unable to recruit enough healthcare professionals to meet our clients’ demands. We rely significantly on our ability to attract, develop and retain healthcare professionals who possess the skills, experience and, as required, licensure necessary to meet the specified requirements of our healthcare clients. We compete for healthcare staffing personnel with other temporary healthcare staffing companies as well as actual and potential clients such as healthcare facilities and physician groups, some of which seek to fill positions with either permanent or temporary employees. We rely on word-of-mouth referrals, as well as social media to attract qualified healthcare professionals. If our social media strategy is not successful, our ability to attract qualified healthcare professionals could be negatively impacted. In addition, with a shortage of certain qualified nurses and physicians in many areas of the United States, competition for these professionals remains intense. Our ability to recruit and retain healthcare professionals depends on our ability to, among other things, offer assignments that are attractive to healthcare professionals and offer them competitive wages and benefits or payments, as applicable. Our competitors might increase hourly wages or the value of benefits to induce healthcare professionals to take assignments with them. If we do not raise wages or increase the value of benefits in response to such increases by our competitors, we could face difficulties attracting and retaining qualified healthcare professionals. If we raise wages or increase benefits in response to our competitors’ increases and are unable to pass such cost increases on to our clients, our margins could decline. At this time, we still do not have enough nurses, allied professionals and physicians to meet all of our clients’ demands for these staffing services. This shortage of healthcare professionals generally and the competition for their services may limit our ability to increase the number of healthcare professionals that we successfully recruit, decreasing our ability to grow our business. If our healthcare facility clients increase the use of intermediaries it could impact our profitability. We continue to see an increase in the use of intermediaries by our clients. These intermediaries typically enter into contracts with our clients and then subcontract with us and other agencies to provide staffing services, thus interfering to some extent in our relationship with our clients. Each of these intermediaries charges an administrative fee. In instances where we do not win new MSP opportunities or where other vendors win this MSP or VMS business with our current customers, the number of professionals we have on assignment at those clients could decrease. If we are unable to negotiate hourly rates with intermediaries for the services we provide at these clients which are sufficient to cover administrative fees charged by those intermediaries, it could impact our profitability. If those intermediaries become insolvent or fail to pay us for our services, it could impact our bad debt expense and thus our overall profitability. We also provide comprehensive MSP and other workforce solutions directly to certain of our clients. While such contracts typically improve our market share at these facilities, they could result in less diversification of our customer base, increased liability, and reduced margins. 12 Our costs of providing services may rise faster than we are able to adjust our bill rates and pay rates and, as a result, our margins could decline. Costs of providing our services could change more quickly than we are able to renegotiate bill rates in our active contracts and pay rates with our thousands of healthcare professionals. For example, we offer housing subsidies to our healthcare professionals or provide actual housing to our healthcare professionals. At any given time, we have over a thousand apartments on lease throughout the U.S. because we provide housing for certain of our healthcare professionals when they are on an assignment with us. The cost of subsidizing housing or renting apartments and furniture for these healthcare professionals may increase faster than we are able to renegotiate our rates with our customers, and this may have a negative impact on our profitability. In addition, an increase in other incremental costs beyond our control, such as insurance and unemployment rates could negatively affect our financial results. The costs related to obtaining and maintaining professional and general liability insurance, health insurance and workers’ compensation insurance for healthcare providers has generally been increasing. This could have an adverse impact on our financial condition unless we are able to pass these costs through to our clients or renegotiate pay rates with our healthcare providers. Our labor costs could be adversely affected by a shortage of experienced healthcare professionals and labor union activity. Our operations are dependent on our ability to recruit and staff quality healthcare professionals. We compete with other healthcare staffing companies in recruiting and retaining qualified personnel. We may be required to enhance wages and benefits to our employees, which could negatively impact our profitability. Labor union activity is another factor that could adversely affect our labor costs or otherwise adversely impact us. To the extent a significant portion of our employee base unionizes, our labor costs could increase significantly. If our labor costs increase, we may not be able to raise rates to offset these increased costs. Because a significant percentage of our revenues consists of fixed, prospective payments, our ability to pass along increased labor costs is constrained. In the event we are not entirely effective at recruiting and retaining qualified management, nurses and other medical support personnel, or in controlling labor costs, this could have an adverse effect on our results of operations. We may face difficulties integrating our acquisitions into our operations and our acquisitions may be unsuccessful, involve significant cash expenditures or expose us to unforeseen liabilities. We continually evaluate opportunities to acquire companies that would complement or enhance our business and at times have preliminary acquisition discussions with some of these companies. These acquisitions involve numerous risks, including potential loss of key employees or clients of acquired companies; difficulties integrating acquired personnel and distinct cultures into our business; difficulties integrating acquired companies into our operating, financial planning and financial reporting systems; diversion of management attention from existing operations; and assumptions of liabilities and exposure to unforeseen liabilities of acquired companies, including liabilities for their failure to comply with healthcare and tax regulations. These acquisitions may also involve significant cash expenditures, debt incurrence and integration expenses that could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations. Any acquisition may ultimately have a negative impact on our business and financial condition. If applicable government regulations change, we may face increased costs that reduce our revenue and profitability. The temporary healthcare staffing industry is regulated in many states. For example, in some states, firms such as our nurse staffing companies must be registered to establish and advertise as a nurse-staffing agency or must qualify for an exemption from registration in those states. If we were to lose any required state licenses, we could be required to cease operating in those states. The introduction of new regulatory provisions could also substantially raise the costs associated with hiring temporary employees. For example, some states could impose sales taxes or increase sales tax rates on temporary healthcare staffing services. These increased costs may not be able to be passed on to clients. In addition, if government regulations were implemented that limited the amount we could charge for our services, our profitability could be adversely affected. The healthcare industry is highly regulated. Any material changes in the political, economic or regulatory environment that affect the purchasing policies, practices and operations of healthcare organizations, or that lead to consolidation in the healthcare industry, could reduce the funds available to purchase our services or otherwise require us to modify our offerings. We provide our services to hospitals and health systems who pay us directly. Accordingly, Medicare, Medicaid and insurance reimbursement policy changes generally do not directly impact us. However, indirectly, our business, financial condition and results of operations depend upon conditions affecting the healthcare industry generally and hospitals and health systems particularly. The healthcare industry is highly regulated by federal and state authorities and is subject to changing political, economic and regulatory influences. Factors such as changes in reimbursement policies for healthcare expenses, consolidation in the healthcare industry, regulation, litigation and general economic conditions affect the purchasing practices, operations and 13 the financial health of our customers. Reimbursement changes in government programs, particularly Medicare and Medicaid, can and do indirectly affect the demand and the prices paid for our services. In March 2010, President Obama signed into law the ACA, a measure designed to expand access to affordable health insurance, control healthcare spending and improve healthcare quality. In addition, many states have adopted or are considering changes in healthcare laws or policies in part due to state budgetary shortfalls. We do not know what effect any change to the ACA, federal healthcare legislation generally or any state law proposals may have on our business. We believe that we are well- positioned to help our customers in a value-based care environment, which we expect will remain a key feature of government policy under any modified or replacement legislation. Nonetheless, the impact of a repeal or any amendment or replacement of the ACA is uncertain and could adversely affect our business, cash flow and financial performance. We operate our business in a regulated industry and modifications, inaccurate interpretations or violations of any applicable statutory or regulatory requirements may result in material costs or penalties as well as litigation and could reduce our revenue and earnings per share. Our industry is subject to many complex federal, state, local and international laws and regulations related to, among other things, the licensure of professionals, the payment of our field employees (e.g., wage and hour laws, employment taxes and income tax withholdings, etc.) and the operations of our business generally (e.g., federal, state and local tax laws). If we do not comply with the laws and regulations that are applicable to our business, we could incur civil and/or criminal penalties as well as litigation or be subject to equitable remedies. We are subject to litigation, which could result in substantial judgment or settlement costs; significant legal actions could subject us to substantial uninsured liabilities. We are party to various litigation claims and legal proceedings. We evaluate these litigation claims and legal proceedings to assess the likelihood of unfavorable outcomes and to estimate, if possible, the amount of potential losses. Based on these assessments and estimates, if any, we establish reserves and/or disclose the relevant litigation claims or legal proceedings, as appropriate. These assessments and estimates are based on the information available to management at the time and involve a significant amount of management judgment. We may not have sufficient insurance to cover these risks. Actual outcomes or losses may differ materially from those estimated by our current assessments which would impact our profitability. Adverse developments in existing litigation claims or legal proceedings involving our Company or new claims could require us to establish or increase litigation reserves or enter into unfavorable settlements or satisfy judgments for monetary damages for amounts in excess of current reserves, which could adversely affect our financial results. In recent years, healthcare providers have become subject to an increasing number of legal actions alleging malpractice, vicarious liability, violation of certain consumer protection acts, negligent hiring, negligent credentialing, product liability or related legal theories. We may be subject to liability in such cases even if the contribution to the alleged injury was minimal or related to one of our subcontractors or its employees. Many of these actions involve large claims and significant defense costs. In addition, we may be subject to claims related to torts or crimes committed by our corporate employees or healthcare professionals that we place on assignment. In most instances, we are required to indemnify clients against some or all of these risks. A failure of any of our corporate employees or healthcare professional to observe our policies and guidelines, relevant client policies and guidelines or applicable federal, state or local laws, rules and regulations could result in negative publicity, payment of fines or other damages. To protect ourselves from the cost of these types of claims, we maintain professional malpractice liability insurance and general liability insurance coverage with terms and in amounts with deductibles that we believe are appropriate for our operations. We are partially self-insured for our workers' compensation coverage, health insurance coverage, and professional liability coverage for our locum tenens providers. If we become subject to substantial uninsured workers' compensation, medical coverage or medical malpractice liabilities, whether directly or indirectly, our financial results may be adversely affected. In addition, our insurance coverage may not cover all claims against us or continue to be available to us at a reasonable cost. If we are unable to pay our self-insured retention portion or maintain adequate insurance coverage, we may be exposed to substantial liabilities. If provisions in our corporate documents and Delaware law delay or prevent a change in control, we may be unable to consummate a transaction that our stockholders consider favorable. Our certificate of incorporation and by-laws may discourage, delay or prevent a merger or acquisition involving us that our stockholders may consider favorable. For example, our certificate of incorporation authorizes our Board of Directors to issue up to 10,000,000 shares of “blank check” preferred stock. Without stockholder approval, the Board of Directors has the authority to attach special rights, including voting and dividend rights, to this preferred stock. With these rights, preferred stockholders could make it more difficult for a third party to acquire us. Delaware law may also discourage, delay or prevent someone from acquiring or merging with us. 14 Market disruptions may adversely affect our operating results and financial condition. Economic conditions and volatility in the financial markets may have an adverse impact on the availability of credit to us and to our customers and businesses generally. To the extent that disruption in the financial markets occurs, it has the potential to materially affect our and our customers’ ability to tap into debt and/or equity markets to continue ongoing operations, have access to cash and/or pay debts as they come due. These events could negatively impact our results of operations and financial conditions. Although we monitor our credit risks to specific clients that we believe may present credit concerns, default risk or lack of access to liquidity may result from events or circumstances that are difficult to detect or foresee. Conditions in the credit markets and the economy generally could adversely impact our business and limit or prohibit us from refinancing our credit agreements on terms favorable to us when they become due. Stock issuable under our stock option plans are presently in effect and sales of this stock could cause our stock price to decline. We registered 4,398,001 shares of common stock for issuance under our 1999 stock option plan, and 3,500,000 shares of common stock for issuance under our 2007 Stock Incentive Plan. In 2014, we amended and restated that Plan to issue an additional 600,000 shares, all of which have been registered. We plan to ask shareholders to approve an amendment and restatement to the Plan in 2017 at our annual meeting to increase the number of shares of common stock for issuance. Fully vested options to purchase 900 shares of common stock were issued and outstanding as of February 28, 2017. In addition, 180,688 stock appreciation rights were issued and outstanding as of February 28, 2017, 135,187 of which were vested. Shares of restricted stock outstanding as of February 28, 2017, were 509,355. Common stock issued upon exercise of stock options, stock appreciation rights and restricted stock, under our benefit plans, is eligible for resale in the public market without restriction. We cannot predict what effect, if any, market sales of shares held by any stockholder or the availability of these shares for future sale will have on the market price of our common stock. We are dependent on the proper functioning of our information systems and applications hosted by our vendors. We are dependent on the proper functioning of our information systems in operating our business, including those applications hosted by our vendors. Critical information systems used in daily operations identify and match staffing resources and client assignments and perform billing and accounts receivable functions. Additionally, we rely on our information systems in managing our accounting and financial reporting. These systems are subject to certain risks, including technological obsolescence. We are currently evaluating the technology platforms of our businesses. If our proprietary systems of Software as a Service applications fail or are otherwise unable to function in a manner that properly supports our business operations, or if these systems require significant costs to repair, maintain or further develop or update, we could experience business interruptions or delays that could materially and adversely affect our business and financial results. In addition, our information systems are protected through a secure hosting facility and additional backup remote processing capabilities also exist in the event our primary systems fail or are not accessible. However, the business is still vulnerable to fire, storm, flood, power loss, telecommunications failures, physical or software break-ins and similar events which may prevent personnel from gaining access to systems necessary to perform their tasks in an automated fashion. In the event that critical information systems fail or are otherwise unavailable, these functions would have to be accomplished manually, which could impact our ability to identify business opportunities quickly, to, among other things, maintain billing and clinical records reliably, to bill for services efficiently and to maintain our accounting and financial reporting accurately. We are increasingly dependent on third parties for the execution of certain critical functions. We have outsourced certain critical applications or business processes to external providers including cloud-based services. We exercise care in the selection and oversight of these providers. However, the failure or inability to perform on the part of one or more of these critical suppliers could cause significant disruptions and increased costs to our business Our collection, use, and retention of personal information and personal health information create risks that may harm our business. As part of our business model, we collect, transmit and retain personal information of our employees and contract professionals and their dependents, including, without limitation, full names, social security numbers, addresses, birth dates, and payroll- related information. We use commercially available information security technologies to protect such information in digital format and have security and business controls to limit access to such information. In addition, we periodically perform penetration tests and respond to those findings. However, employees or third parties may be able to circumvent these measures and acquire or misuse such information, resulting in breaches of privacy, and errors in the storage, use or transmission of such information may result in breaches of privacy. Privacy breaches may require notification and other remedies, which can be costly, and which may have other serious adverse consequences for our business, including regulatory penalties and fines, claims for breach of contract, claims for damages, adverse publicity, reduced demand for our services by clients and/or 15 healthcare professional candidates, harm to our reputation, and regulatory oversight by state or federal agencies. The possession and use of personal information and data in conducting our business subjects us to legislative and regulatory burdens. We may be required to incur significant expenses to comply with mandatory privacy and security standards and protocols imposed by law, regulation, industry standards, or contractual obligations. Cyber security risks and cyber incidents could adversely affect our business and disrupt operations. Cyber incidents can result from deliberate attacks or unintentional events. These incidents can include, but are not limited to, gaining unauthorized access to digital systems for purposes of misappropriating assets or sensitive information, corrupting data, or causing operational disruption. The result of these incidents could include, but are not limited to, disrupted operations, misstated financial data, liability for stolen assets or information, increased cyber security protection costs, litigation and reputational damage adversely affecting customer or investor confidence. We have implemented systems and processes to focus on identification, prevention, mitigation and resolution. However, these measures cannot provide absolute security, and our systems may be vulnerable to cyber-security breaches such as viruses, hacking, and similar disruptions from unauthorized intrusions. In addition, we rely on third party service providers to perform certain services, such as payroll and tax services. Any failure of our systems or third party systems may compromise our sensitive information and/or personally identifiable information of our employees. While we have secured cyber insurance to potentially cover certain risks associated with cyber incidents, there can be no assurance the insurance will be sufficient to cover any such liability. Losses caused by natural disasters, such as hurricanes could cause us to suffer material financial losses. Catastrophes can be caused by various events, including, but not limited to, hurricanes and other severe weather. The incidence and severity of catastrophes are inherently unpredictable. The extent of losses from a catastrophe is a function of both the total amount of insured exposure and the severity of the event. We do not maintain business interruption insurance for these events. We could suffer material financial losses as a result of such catastrophes. Changes in the fair value of financial instruments may result in significant volatility in our reported results. We have issued convertible notes with certain conversion features and provisions, which we identified as embedded derivatives. This requires us to “mark to market” or record the derivatives at fair value as of the end of each reporting period on our balance sheet and to record the change in fair value over the period as a non-cash adjustment to our current period results of operations in our income statement, subjecting our results of operations to greater and potentially significant volatility. We have a level of indebtedness which may have an adverse effect on our business or limit our ability to take advantage of business, strategic or financing opportunities. As indicated below, we have and will continue to have a significant amount of indebtedness relative to our equity. The following table sets forth our total principal amount of debt and stockholders’ equity. Total debt at par Total Cross Country Healthcare, Inc. stockholders' equity December 31, 2016 (amounts in thousands) $ $ 64,523 151,243 Our level of indebtedness increases the possibility that we may be unable to generate cash sufficient to pay the principal, interest or other amounts due on our indebtedness. Subject to certain restrictions under our existing indebtedness, we and our subsidiaries may also incur significant additional indebtedness in the future, some of which may be secured debt. This may have the effect of increasing our total leverage. As a consequence of our indebtedness, (1) demands on our cash resources may increase, (2) we are subject to restrictive covenants that limit our financial and operating flexibility, and (3) we may choose to institute self-imposed limits on our indebtedness based on certain considerations including market interest rates, our relative leverage and our strategic plans. For example, as a result of our level of indebtedness and the uncertainties arising in the credit markets and the U.S. economy: - we may be more vulnerable to general adverse economic and industry conditions; - we may have to pay higher interest rates upon refinancing or on our variable rate indebtedness if interest rates rise, thereby reducing our cash flows; - we may find it more difficult to obtain additional financing to fund future working capital, capital expenditures and other general corporate requirements that would be in our long-term interests; 16 - we may be required to dedicate a substantial portion of our cash flow from operations to the payment of principal and interest on our debt, reducing the available cash flow to fund other investments; - we may have limited flexibility in planning for, or reacting to, changes in our business or in the industry; - we may have a competitive disadvantage relative to other companies in our industry that are less leveraged; and - we may be required to sell debt or equity securities or sell some of our core assets, possibly on unfavorable terms, in order to meet payment obligations. These restrictions could have a material adverse effect on our business. We could fail to generate sufficient cash to fund our liquidity needs and/or fail to satisfy the financial and other restrictive covenants to which we are subject under our existing indebtedness. We currently have sufficient liquidity to operate our business in the normal course. If, however, we were to make an acquisition or enter into a similar type of transaction, our liquidity needs may exceed our current capacity. In addition, our existing credit facilities currently contain financial covenants that require us: (1) under certain conditions, to operate above a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio, and (2) to maintain a certain level of accounts receivables in order to draw down funds on the loan. Deterioration in our operating results could result in our inability to comply with these covenants and would result in a default under our credit facility. If an event of default exists, our lenders could call the indebtedness and we may be unable to renegotiate or secure other financing. We are subject to business risks associated with international operations. We have international operations in India where our Cross Country Infotech, Pvt Ltd. (Infotech) subsidiary is located. Infotech provides in-house information systems development and support services as well as some back-office processing services. We have limited experience in supporting our services outside of North America. Operations in certain markets are subject to risks inherent in international business activities, including: fluctuations in currency exchange rates; changes in regulations; varying economic and political conditions; overlapping or differing tax structures; and regulations (pertaining to, among other things, compensation and benefits, vacation, and the termination of employment). Our inability to effectively manage our international operations or to violate a regulation could result in increased costs and adversely affect our results of operations. Due to inherent limitations, there can be no assurance that our system of disclosure and internal controls and procedures will be successful in preventing all errors and fraud, or in making all material information known in a timely manner to management. Our management, including our Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Chief Financial Officer (CFO), does not expect that our disclosure controls and internal controls will prevent all errors and all fraud. A control system, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the control system are met. Because of the inherent limitations in all control systems, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, within our company have been detected. These inherent limitations include the realities that judgments in decision-making can be faulty, and that breakdowns can occur because of a simple error or mistake. Additionally, controls can be circumvented by the individual acts of some persons, by collusion of two or more people, or by management override of the control. The design of any system of controls also is based in part upon certain assumptions about the likelihood of future events, and there can be no assurance that any design will succeed in achieving its stated goals under all potential future conditions; over time, a control may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate. Because of the inherent limitations, misstatements due to error or fraud may occur and not be detected. Impairment in the value of our goodwill, trade names, or other intangible assets could negatively impact our net income and earnings per share. We are required to test goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite lives (such as trade names) annually, to determine if impairment has occurred. Long-lived assets and other identifiable intangible assets are also reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that amounts may not be recoverable. If the testing performed indicates that impairment has occurred, we are required to record a non-cash impairment charge for the difference between the carrying amount of the goodwill or other intangible assets and the implied fair value of the goodwill or the fair value of the indefinite- lived intangible asset in the period the determination is made. The testing of goodwill and other intangible assets for impairment requires us to make significant estimates about our future performance and cash flows, as well as other assumptions. These estimates can be affected by numerous factors, including changes in economic, industry or market 17 conditions, changes in business operations, changes in competition or potential changes in our stock price and market capitalization. Changes in these factors, or changes in actual performance compared with estimates of our future performance, could affect the fair value of goodwill, trade names, or other intangible assets, which may result in an impairment charge. We cannot accurately predict the amount and timing of any impairment of assets. Should the value of goodwill or other intangible assets become impaired, there could be an adverse effect on us. At December 31, 2016, goodwill, trade names not subject to amortization, and other intangible assets represented 39% of our total assets. In 2016 and 2015, we recorded impairment charges of $24.3 million and $2.1 million, respectively. We could suffer adverse tax and other financial consequences if taxing authorities do not agree with our tax positions, or we are unable to utilize our net operating losses. We are periodically subject to a number of tax examinations by taxing authorities in the states and countries where we do business. We also have significant deferred tax assets related to our net operating losses (NOLs) in U.S. federal and state taxing jurisdictions. Generally, for U.S. federal and state tax purposes, NOLs can be carried forward and used for up to twenty years, and all of our tax years will remain subject to examination until three years after our NOLs are used or expire. We expect that we will continue to be subject to tax examinations in the future. In addition, U.S. federal, state and local, as well as international, tax laws and regulations are extremely complex and subject to varying interpretations. We recognize tax benefits of uncertain tax positions when we believe the positions are more likely than not of being sustained upon a challenge by the relevant tax authority. We believe our judgments in this area are reasonable and correct, but there is no guarantee that we will be successful if challenged by a tax authority. If there are tax benefits, including, but not limited to, the our use of NOLs, expense reimbursements or other tax attributes, that are challenged successfully by a taxing authority, we may be required to pay additional taxes or we may seek to enter into settlements with the taxing authorities, which could require significant payments or otherwise have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition. In addition, we may be limited in our ability to utilize our NOLs to offset future taxable income and thereby reduce our otherwise payable income taxes. We have substantial NOLs. Our ability to utilize our NOLs is also dependent, in part, upon us having sufficient future earnings to utilize our NOLs before they expire. If market conditions change materially and we determine that we will be unable to generate sufficient taxable income in the future to utilize our NOLs, we could be required to record an additional valuation allowance. We review our uncertain tax position and the valuation allowance for our NOLs periodically and make adjustments from time to time, which can result in an increase or decrease to the net deferred tax asset related to our NOLs. Our NOLs are also subject to review and potential disallowance upon audit by the taxing authorities of the jurisdictions where the NOLs were incurred, and future changes in tax laws or interpretations of such tax laws could limit materially our ability to utilize our NOLs. If we are unable to use our NOLs or use of our NOLs is limited, we may have to make significant payments or otherwise record charges or reduce our deferred tax assets, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition. If certain of our healthcare professionals are reclassified from independent contractors to employees our profitability could be materially adversely impacted. Federal or state taxing authorities could re-classify our locum tenens physicians, CRNAs and other independent contractors as employees, despite both the general industry standard to treat them as independent contractors and many state laws prohibiting non-physician owned companies from employing physicians (e.g., the “corporate practice of medicine”). If they were re- classified as employees, we would be subject to, among other things, employment and payroll-related tax claims, as well as any applicable penalties and interest. Any such reclassification would have a material adverse impact on our business model for that business segment and would negatively impact our profitability. If the method for paying locum tenens physicians changes, it could negatively impact our profitability. The Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act of 2015 (MACRA) creates a new framework for rewarding physicians for providing higher quality care by establishing two tracks of payment: a merit-based incentive payment system (MIPS), and Advanced Alternative Payment Models (AAPMs). If hospitals change the method for paying locum tenens physicians to meet their performance goals or other criteria for Medicaid or Medicare reimbursements, the profitability of our business could be adversely impacted. Our financial results could be adversely impacted by the loss of key management. We believe the successful execution of our business strategy and our ability to build upon significant recent investments and acquisitions depends on the continued employment of key members of our senior management team. If we were to lose any key personnel, we may not be able to find an appropriate replacement on a timely basis and our results of operations could be 18 negatively affected. Further, the loss of a significant number of employees or our inability to hire a sufficient number of qualified employees could have a material adverse effect on our business. Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments. None. Item 2. Properties. We do not own any real property. Our principal leases as of March 1, 2017 are listed below. Location Boca Raton, Florida Berkeley Lake, Georgia Boca Raton, Florida Creve Coeur, Missouri Malden, Massachusetts Function Nurse and Allied Staffing administration and general office use Physician Staffing office Corporate headquarters Retained search headquarters Nurse and Allied Staffing administration and general office use Square Feet 70,406 Lease Expiration December 31, 2025 41,607 October 31, 2024 36,919 27,051 22,767 November 30, 2025 August 31, 2024 June 30, 2017 Newtown Square, Pennsylvania Nurse and Allied Staffing administration 16,304 December 31, 2018 and general office use Item 3. Legal Proceedings. We are subject to legal proceedings and claims that arise in the ordinary course of our business. We do not believe the outcome of these matters will have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations. Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures. Not applicable. PART II Item 5. Market for Registrant's Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities. Our common stock currently trades under the symbol “CCRN” on the NASDAQ Global Select Market (NASDAQ). Our common stock commenced trading on the NASDAQ National Market under the symbol “CCRN” on October 25, 2001. The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, the high and low sale prices per share of CCRN common stock. Such prices reflect inter-dealer prices, without retail mark-up, mark-down or commission and may not represent actual transactions. 19 Calendar Period 2016 Quarter Ended March 31, 2016 Quarter Ended June 30, 2016 Quarter Ended September 30, 2016 Quarter Ended December 31, 2016 2015 Quarter Ended March 31, 2015 Quarter Ended June 30, 2015 Quarter Ended September 30, 2015 Quarter Ended December 31, 2015 Sale Prices High Low $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ 13.10 13.48 13.40 13.93 11.72 11.52 13.85 16.31 $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ 12.31 12.93 12.94 13.45 11.16 11.14 13.33 15.49 The graph below compares the Company to the cumulative 5-year total return of holders of the Company's common stock with the cumulative total returns of the NASDAQ Composite index and the Dow Jones U.S. Business Training & Employment Agencies index. The graph assumes that the value of the investment in the Company's common stock and in each of the indexes (including reinvestment of dividends) was $100 on December 31, 2011 and tracks it through December 31, 2016. The stock price performance included in this graph is not necessarily indicative of future stock price performance. As of February 22, 2017, there were 133 stockholders of record of our common stock. In addition, there were 4,852 beneficial owners of our common stock held by brokers or other institutions on behalf of stockholders. 20 We have never paid or declared cash dividends on our common stock. Covenants in our credit agreement limit our ability to repurchase our common stock and declare and pay cash dividends on our common stock. On February 28, 2008, our Board of Directors authorized our most recent stock repurchase program whereby we may purchase up to 1.5 million of our common shares, subject to the terms of our current credit agreement. The shares may be repurchased from time-to-time in the open market and the repurchase program may be discontinued at any time at our discretion. At December 31, 2016, we had 942,443 shares of common stock left remaining to repurchase under this authorization, subject to the limitations of our credit agreement as described in Note 14 - Stockholders' Equity to our consolidated financial statements. Item 6. Selected Financial Data. The selected consolidated financial data as of December 31, 2016 and 2015 and for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014 are derived from the audited consolidated financial statements of Cross Country Healthcare, Inc., included elsewhere in this Report. The selected consolidated financial data as of December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 and for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 are derived from the consolidated financial statements of Cross Country Healthcare, Inc., that have been audited but not included in this Report on Form 10-K. The following selected financial data should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and related notes of Cross Country Healthcare, Inc., “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and other financial information included elsewhere in this report. Year Ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 (Amounts in thousands, except per share data) Consolidated Statements of Operations Data: Revenue from services Consolidated net income (loss) Net income (loss) attributable to common shareholders $ 833,537 $ 767,421 $ 617,825 $ 438,311 $ 442,635 8,731 7,967 4,954 4,418 (31,534) (31,783) (54,250) (51,969) (20,745) (42,221) Per Share Data: Net income (loss) per share attributable to common shareholders - Basic Net income (loss) per share attributable to common shareholders - Diluted $ $ Weighted Average Common Shares Outstanding: Basic Diluted Other Operating Data: Cash and cash equivalents Total assets Total debt at par Stockholders’ equity Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities 0.25 $ 0.14 $ (1.02) $ (1.75) $ (0.67) 0.15 $ 0.14 $ (1.02) $ (1.75) $ (0.67) 32,132 36,246 31,514 32,162 31,190 31,190 31,009 31,009 30,843 30,843 $ 20,630 $ 2,453 $ 4,995 $ 8,055 $ 10,463 388,378 64,523 151,802 30,145 365,595 63,094 141,344 18,235 324,502 58,702 130,332 (4,072) 248,245 8,576 160,667 8,659 305,626 33,859 209,123 10,146 21 _______________ The following items impact the comparability and presentation of our consolidated data: • • • • • • • • • Consolidated net income (loss) for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014, respectively, includes amounts attributable to noncontrolling interest of $0.8 million, $0.5 million, and $0.2 million. We acquired all of the membership interests of Mediscan on October 30, 2015, substantially all of the assets and certain liabilities of MSN on June 30, 2014, and the operating assets of On Assignment, Inc.’s Allied Healthcare Staffing division on December 2, 2013. The results of these acquisition's operations have been included in our consolidated statements of operations since their respective dates of acquisition. For the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015, 2014 and 2013, we recognized $0.1 million, $0.9 million, $8.0 million, and $0.5 million of acquisition and integration costs, respectively. See Note 3 - Acquisitions to our consolidated financial statements. The year ended December 31, 2016 includes $0.8 million of acquisition-related contingent consideration expense primarily related to the Mediscan acquisition. See Note 3 - Acquisitions and Note 10 - Fair Value Measurements to our consolidated financial statements. The years ended December 31, 2016, 2015, 2014, and 2013 include $0.8 million, $1.3 million, $0.8 million, and $0.5 million, respectively, of restructuring costs primarily related to the centralization of corporate functions in 2016, our cost optimization project in 2015, and senior management employee severance pay in 2014 and 2013. The year ended December 31, 2013 includes a legal settlement charge of $0.8 million related to a wage and hour class action lawsuit in California. See Note 12 - Commitments and Contingencies to our consolidated financial statements. The years ended December 31, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, and 2012 include non-cash impairment charges of approximately $24.3 million, $2.1 million, $10.0 million, $6.4 million, and $18.7 million, respectively. See Note 5 - Goodwill, Trade Names, and Other Intangible Assets to our consolidated financial statements. The year ended December 31, 2016 includes the impact of a gain on derivative liability of approximately $5.8 million, while the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 include the impact of a loss on derivative liability of $9.9 million and $16.7 million, respectively. The derivative liability relates to the Convertible Notes issued in conjunction with the acquisition of MSN. See Note 9 - Convertible Notes Derivative Liability to our consolidated financial statements. The year ended December 31, 2015 includes a loss on sale of business of $2.2 million (an after-tax gain of $1.3 million) related to the sale of our education seminars business, Cross Country Education, LLC (CCE) on August 31, 2015. See Note 4 - Disposal and Discontinued Operations to our consolidated financial statements. The years ended December 31, 2016 and 2013 include a loss on early extinguishment of debt of $1.6 million and $1.4 million, respectively, related to extinguishment fees and the write-off of unamortized net debt discount and issuance costs related to prior credit agreements. See Note 8 - Debt to our consolidated financial statements. Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations. The following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with Item 1. Business, Item 6. Selected Financial Data, Item 1A. Risk Factors, Forward-Looking Statements and Item 15. Consolidated Financial Statements and the accompanying notes and other data, all of which appear elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Business Overview We provide healthcare staffing, recruiting and workforce solutions to our customers through our vast network of 74 office locations throughout the U.S. Our services include placing clinicians on travel and per diem assignments, local short-term contracts and permanent positions. In addition, we offer flexible workforce management solutions to our customers including: MSP, education healthcare, RPO and other outsourcing and value-added services as described in Item 1. Business. In addition, we provide both retained and contingent placement services for healthcare executives, physicians, and other healthcare professionals. 22 We manage and segment our business based on the nature of our services we offer to our customers. As a result, in accordance with the Segment Reporting Topic of the FASB ASC, we report three business segments – Nurse and Allied Staffing, Physician Staffing, and Other Human Capital Management Services. Nurse and Allied Staffing – Nurse and Allied Staffing represented approximately 86% of our total revenue. Nurse and Allied Staffing provides traditional staffing, recruiting, and value-added workforce solutions including: temporary and permanent placement of travel and local branch-based nurse and allied professionals, MSP services, education healthcare services, and outsourcing services. The results of our MSN, Mediscan and USR acquisitions have been aggregated with our Nurse and Allied Staffing business segment. See Note 3 - Acquisitions to our consolidated financial statements. Physician Staffing – Physician Staffing represented approximately 12% of our total revenue. Physician Staffing provides physicians in many specialties, certified registered nurse anesthetists, nurse practitioners and physician assistants under our Medical Doctor Associates (MDA) brand as independent contractors on temporary assignments throughout the U.S. Other Human Capital Management Services – Other Human Capital Management Services (OHCMS) represented approximately 2% of our total revenue. Subsequent to the sale of our education seminars business, CCE, on August 31, 2015, OHCMS is comprised of retained and contingent search services for physicians, healthcare executives, and other healthcare professionals within the U.S. Summary of Operations For the year ended December 31, 2016, consolidated revenue from services grew 8.6% to $833.5 million, entirely from our Nurse and Allied Staffing business that experienced strong demand, increased pricing, and benefited from the acquisition of Mediscan. Revenue growth of 16.1% in Nurse and Allied Staffing was partially offset by lower revenue from our Physician Staffing business. Net income attributable to common shareholders was $8.0 million, or $0.15 per diluted share. During 2016, we experienced high demand for our Nurse and Allied Staffing services including MSP, and as a result, we made investments in revenue producing headcount and marketing spend on candidate attraction which we expect to continue into 2017 to support recent contract wins. We also acquired an RPO business to fuel growth for this offering to our customers. For the year ended December 31, 2016, we generated cash flow from operating activities of $30.1 million, and in June 2016, we refinanced our debt and entered into a new senior credit agreement. This resulted in a reduced interest rate effective for the second half of 2016. As of December 31, 2016, we had $20.6 million of cash and cash equivalents, $39.5 million of term loan and $25.0 million of convertible notes at par. There were no borrowings drawn on our $100.0 million revolving credit facility, and $22.2 million of letters of credit outstanding, leaving $77.8 million available for borrowing. See Note 8 - Debt to our consolidated financial statements. See Results from Operations, Segments Results and Liquidity and Capital Resources sections that follow for further information. Operating Metrics We evaluate our financial condition by tracking operating metrics and financial results specific to each of our segments. Key operating metrics include hours worked, days filled, number of FTEs, revenue per FTE, and revenue per day filled. Other operating metrics include number of open orders, candidate applications, contract bookings, length of assignment, bill and pay rates, and renewal and fill rates, number of active searches, and number of placements. These operating metrics are representative of trends that assist management in evaluating business performance. Due to the timing of our business processes and other factors, certain of these operating metrics may not necessarily correlate to the reported GAAP results for the periods presented. Some of the segment financial results analyzed include revenue, gross profit margins, operating expenses, and contribution income. In addition, we monitor cash flow as well as operating and leverage ratios to help us assess our liquidity needs. 23 Business Segment Nurse and Allied Staffing Business Measurement FTEs represent the average number of Nurse and Allied Staffing contract personnel on a full-time equivalent basis. Average revenue per FTE per day is calculated by dividing the Nurse and Allied Staffing revenue by the number of days worked in the respective periods. Nurse and Allied Staffing revenue also includes revenue from the permanent placement of nurses. Physician Staffing Days filled is calculated by dividing the total hours invoiced during the period by 8 hours. Revenue per day filled is calculated by dividing revenue invoiced by days filled for the period presented. Invoiced revenue excludes revenue from permanent placement and accrued revenue. Results of Operations The following table summarizes, for the periods indicated, selected consolidated statements of operations data expressed as a percentage of revenue. Our historical results of operations are not necessarily indicative of future operating results. Revenue from services Direct operating expenses Selling, general, and administrative expenses Bad debt expense Depreciation and amortization Loss on sale of business Acquisition and integration costs Acquisition-related contingent consideration Restructuring costs Impairment charges Income (loss) from operations Interest expense (Gain) loss on derivative liability Loss on early extinguishment of debt Income (loss) before income taxes Income tax (benefit) expense Consolidated net income (loss) Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest in subsidiary Net income (loss) attributable to common shareholders Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2016 100.0% 73.4 21.5 0.1 1.1 — — 0.1 0.1 2.9 0.8 0.7 (0.7) 0.2 0.6 (0.5) 1.1 0.1 1.0% 100.0% 74.3 21.0 0.1 1.0 0.3 0.1 — 0.2 0.3 2.7 0.9 1.3 — 0.5 (0.1) 0.6 — 0.6% 100.0% 74.5 22.8 0.2 1.2 — 1.3 — 0.1 1.6 (1.7) 0.7 2.7 — (5.1) — (5.1) — (5.1)% 24 Comparison of Results for the Year Ended December 31, 2016 compared to the Year Ended December 31, 2015 Year Ended December 31, Increase (Decrease) Increase (Decrease) 2016 2015 $ % Revenue from services Direct operating expenses Selling, general, and administrative expenses Bad debt expense Depreciation and amortization Loss on sale of business Acquisition-related contingent consideration Acquisition and integration costs Restructuring costs Impairment charges Income from operations Interest expense (Gain) loss on derivative liability Loss on early extinguishment of debt Other income, net Income before income taxes Income tax benefit Consolidated net income Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest in subsidiary Net income attributable to common shareholders $ 833,537 $ (Dollars in thousands) 767,421 $ 66,116 611,802 179,820 593 9,182 — 814 78 753 24,311 6,184 6,106 (5,805) 1,568 (230) 4,545 (4,186) 8,731 570,056 161,275 999 8,066 2,184 — 902 1,274 2,100 20,565 6,810 9,901 — (306) 4,160 (794) 4,954 41,746 18,545 (406) 1,116 (2,184) 814 (824) (521) 22,211 (14,381) (704) (15,706) 1,568 76 385 (3,392) 3,777 8.6 % 7.3 % 11.5 % (40.6)% 13.8 % (100.0)% 100.0 % (91.4)% (40.9)% 1,057.7 % (69.9)% (10.3)% (158.6)% 100.0 % 24.8 % 9.3 % (427.2)% 76.2 % 764 536 228 42.5 % $ 7,967 $ 4,418 $ 3,549 80.3 % Revenue from services Revenue from services increased $66.1 million, or 8.6%, to $833.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2016, as compared to $767.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2015. The increase was entirely from Nurse and Allied Staffing, including the impact from the Mediscan acquisition, and partially offset by lower revenue from Physician Staffing and Other Human Capital Management Services, partly due to the divestiture of CCE. See further discussion in Segment Results. Direct operating expenses Direct operating expenses are comprised primarily of field employee compensation and independent contractor expenses, housing expenses, travel expenses, and field insurance expenses. Direct operating expenses increased $41.7 million, or 7.3%, to $611.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2016, as compared to $570.1 million for year ended December 31, 2015. The increase was due to both higher volume of business driven by organic growth and the result of the Mediscan acquisition, as well as increases in certain costs such as compensation for healthcare professionals and related benefits. These increases were partly offset by the impact of the divestiture of CCE. As a percentage of total revenue, direct operating expenses represented 73.4% of revenue for the year ended December 31, 2016, and 74.3% for the year ended December 31, 2015 primarily due to improved pricing. 25 Selling, general, and administrative expenses Selling, general, and administrative expenses increased $18.5 million, or 11.5%, to $179.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2016, as compared to $161.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2015. The increase was primarily due to investments in our IT infrastructure, growth in revenue producing headcount such as recruiters and workforce solutions specialists, higher marketing costs for candidate attraction, and the impact of the acquisition of Mediscan. These were partially offset by a reduction in expenses related to the CCE divestiture. As a percentage of total revenue, selling, general, and administrative expenses were 21.5% and 21.0% for the year ended December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively. Depreciation and amortization expense Depreciation and amortization expense in the year ended December 31, 2016 increased to $9.2 million as compared to $8.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2015, as a result of the Mediscan acquisition. As a percentage of revenue, depreciation and amortization expense was 1.1% for the year ended December 31, 2016 and 1.0% for the year ended December 31, 2015. Loss on sale of business During the year ended December 31, 2015, we sold our education seminars business and recognized a pre-tax loss of $2.2 million related to the divestiture of the business. There were no such transactions during the year ended December 31, 2016. Acquisition-related contingent consideration Acquisition-related contingent consideration totaled $0.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2016, primarily related to the Mediscan acquisition. There were no such costs for the year ended December 31, 2015. See Note 3 - Acquisitions to our consolidated financial statements. Acquisition and integration costs During the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, we incurred acquisition and integration costs of $0.1 million and $0.9 million, respectively. The 2016 costs related to the acquisition of USR, while the 2015 costs related to the acquisition of Mediscan. See Note 3 - Acquisitions to our consolidated financial statements. Restructuring costs Restructuring costs include severance and lease consolidations as part of our specific cost savings initiatives. We recorded restructuring costs of $0.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2016, related to the centralization of corporate functions and optimizing our branch footprint. We recorded restructuring costs of $1.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2015, related to severance and office consolidations. Impairment charges In the second quarter of 2016, we recorded impairment charges of $24.3 million relating to the Physician Staffing reporting unit. Based on its under-performance to plan through the six months ended June 30, 2016, we revised our growth assumptions for the Physician Staffing reporting unit which triggered our evaluation. In the fourth quarter of 2016, we determined that no additional impairment of goodwill or other intangible assets was warranted. In the fourth quarter of 2015, we conducted an assessment of our indefinite-lived intangible assets and recorded impairment charges of $2.1 million relating to the Physician Staffing trade names. We determined that based on our projected revenue stream, our estimated fair value was less than the carrying amount of the trade names. See Critical Accounting Principles and Estimates and Note 5 - Goodwill, Trade Names, and Other Intangible Assets to our consolidated financial statements. Interest expense Interest expense totaled $6.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2016 and $6.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2015. We refinanced our debt structure late in the second quarter of 2016, which resulted in lower overall borrowing costs. The effective interest rate on our borrowings was 8.4% for the year ended December 31, 2016 compared to 10.1% in the year ended December 31, 2015. Our $25.0 million in Convertible Notes which bear an interest rate of 8.00% will become callable by us in July 2017. 26 (Gain) loss on derivative liability Gain on derivative liability of $5.8 million and loss on derivative liability of $9.9 million for the years ended December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively, relate to the change in the fair value of embedded features of our Convertible Notes from the end of the respective prior year. The gain and loss were primarily a result of a corresponding decrease and increase, respectively, in our share price in the respective periods. The Convertible Notes include terms that are considered to be embedded derivatives, including conversion and redemption features that primarily protect the investors' investment with us. Each reporting period we are required to fair value the embedded derivative with the changes being recorded as a component of other expense (income) on our consolidated statements of operations. See Note 9 - Convertible Notes Derivative Liability to our consolidated financial statements. Loss on early extinguishment of debt Loss on early extinguishment of debt was $1.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2016 and related to the write-off of unamortized net debt discount and issuance costs, including a redemption premium of $0.6 million, related to our Second Lien Term Loan. See Note 8 - Debt to our consolidated financial statements. Income tax benefit Income tax benefit from continuing operations totaled $4.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2016, compared to $0.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2015. The effective tax rate was negative 92.1% and negative 19.1%, including the impact of discrete items, for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. Excluding discrete items, our effective tax rate for these years was negative 89.8% and 41.1%, respectively. The effective tax rates are different than the statutory rates primarily due to the impact from amortization of indefinite-lived intangible assets for tax purposes, the partial non-deductibility of certain per diem expenses, and international and state minimum taxes. Comparison of Results for the Year Ended December 31, 2015 compared to the Year Ended December 31, 2014 Year Ended December 31, Increase (Decrease) Increase (Decrease) 2015 2014 $ % Revenue from services Direct operating expenses Selling, general, and administrative expenses Bad debt expense Depreciation and amortization Loss on sale of business Acquisition and integration costs Restructuring costs Impairment charges Income (loss) from operations Interest expense Loss on derivative liability Other (income) loss, net Income (loss) before income taxes Income tax (benefit) expense Consolidated net income (loss) $ 767,421 $ (Dollars in thousands) 617,825 $ 149,596 570,056 161,275 999 8,066 2,184 902 1,274 2,100 20,565 6,810 9,901 (306) 4,160 (794) 4,954 460,021 141,018 1,016 7,441 — 7,957 840 10,000 (10,468) 4,160 16,671 19 (31,318) 216 (31,534) 110,035 20,257 (17) 625 2,184 (7,055) 434 (7,900) 31,033 2,650 (6,770) (325) 35,478 (1,010) 36,488 24.2 % 23.9 % 14.4 % (1.7)% 8.4 % 100.0 % (88.7)% 51.7 % (79.0)% 296.5 % 63.7 % (40.6)% (1,710.5)% 113.3 % (467.6)% 115.7 % Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest in subsidiary Net income (loss) attributable to common shareholders 536 249 287 115.3 % $ 4,418 $ (31,783) $ 36,201 113.9 % 27 Revenue from services Revenue from services increased $149.6 million, or 24.2%, to $767.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2015, as compared to $617.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2014. The increase was entirely from Nurse and Allied Staffing and partially offset by lower revenue from Physician Staffing and Other Human Capital Management Services. See further discussion in Segment Results. Direct operating expenses Direct operating expenses are comprised primarily of field employee compensation and independent contractor expenses, as well as housing, travel and field insurance expenses. Direct operating expenses increased $110.0 million, or 23.9%, to $570.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2015, as compared to $460.0 million for year ended December 31, 2014, primarily due to the growth in Nurse and Allied Staffing and the impact of the acquisitions. As a percentage of total revenue, direct operating expenses represented 74.3% of revenue for the year ended December 31, 2015, and 74.5% for the year ended December 31, 2014. Selling, general, and administrative expenses Selling, general, and administrative expenses increased $20.3 million, or 14.4%, to $161.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2015, as compared to $141.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2014. This increase is primarily due to the MSN acquisition. As a percentage of total revenue, selling, general, and administrative expenses were 21.0% and 22.8% for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2013, respectively, reflecting improved operating leverage. Depreciation and amortization expense Depreciation and amortization expense in the year ended December 31, 2015 increased to $8.1 million as compared to $7.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2014, due to the impact of the recent acquisitions. As a percentage of revenue, depreciation and amortization expense was 1.0% for the year ended December 31, 2015 and 1.2% for the year ended December 31, 2014. Loss on sale of business During the year ended December 31, 2015, we sold our education seminars business and recognized a pre-tax loss of $2.2 million related to the divestiture of the business. In addition, we recorded a tax benefit of $3.5 million for the reversal of valuation allowances associated with this business, resulting in an after-tax gain of $1.3 million. Acquisition and integration costs During the year ended December 31, 2015, we incurred acquisition and integration costs of $0.9 million which predominantly were costs related to the Mediscan acquisition, which closed October 30, 2015. During the year ended December 31, 2014, we incurred acquisition and integration costs of $8.0 million, primarily related to the MSN acquisition, and partly related to our December 2013 allied staffing business acquisition. Restructuring costs We recorded restructuring costs of $1.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2015, related to severance and lease consolidations. We recorded restructuring costs of $0.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2014, primarily related to senior management severance pay. Impairment charges In the fourth quarter of 2015 and 2014, we conducted an assessment of our indefinite-lived intangible assets. For the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, we recorded impairment charges of $2.1 million and $10.0 million, respectively, relating to the Physician Staffing trade names. We determined that based on our projected revenue stream, our estimated fair value was less than the carrying amount of the trade names. See Critical Accounting Principles and Estimates and Note 5 - Goodwill, Trade Names, and Other Intangible Assets to our consolidated financial statements. 28 Interest expense Interest expense totaled $6.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2015 and $4.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2014. The increase was primarily due to the additional interest associated with our subordinated debt used to fund the June 2014 MSN acquisition. The effective interest rate on our borrowings was 10.1% for the year ended December 31, 2015 compared to 7.0% in the year ended December 31, 2014. Loss on derivative liability Loss on derivative liability from Convertible Notes of $9.9 million and $16.7 million for the years ended December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 relate to the change in the fair value of embedded features of our Convertible Notes from the end of the prior period. These losses were primarily a result of an increase in our share price in the respective periods. The Convertible Notes include terms that are considered to be embedded derivatives, including conversion and redemption features that primarily protect the investors' investment with us. Each reporting period we are required to fair value the embedded derivative with the changes being recorded as a component of other expense (income) on our consolidated statements of operations. See Note 9 - Convertible Notes Derivative Liability to our consolidated financial statements. Income tax (benefit) expense Income tax benefit from continuing operations totaled $0.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2015, compared to income tax expense of $0.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2014. The effective tax rate was negative 19.1% and negative 0.7%, including the impact of discrete items, for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Excluding discrete items, our effective tax rate for these years was 41.1% and negative 8.7%, respectively. The effective tax rates are different than the statutory rates primarily due to the impact from amortization of indefinite-lived intangible assets for tax purposes and the partial non-deductibility of certain per diem expenses and international and state minimum taxes, which are partly offset by the reduction in unrecognized tax benefits due to the settlement of certain state examinations. In addition, the effective tax rate for 2015 was impacted by the reversal of a portion of the valuation allowance as a result of the sale of CCE. 29 Segment Results Information on operating segments and a reconciliation to income (loss) from operations for the periods indicated are as follows: Revenue from services: Nurse and Allied Staffing Physician Staffing Other Human Capital Management Services Contribution income (loss): Nurse and Allied Staffing Physician Staffing Other Human Capital Management Services Unallocated corporate overhead Depreciation Amortization Loss on sale of business Acquisition and integration costs Acquisition-related contingent consideration Restructuring costs Impairment charges Income (loss) from operations Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2016 (amounts in thousands) 721,486 98,283 13,768 833,537 71,992 8,265 (535) 79,722 38,400 4,168 5,014 — 78 814 753 24,311 6,184 $ $ $ $ 621,258 115,336 30,827 767,421 55,718 10,213 1,863 67,794 32,703 3,856 4,210 2,184 902 — 1,274 2,100 20,565 $ $ $ $ 459,195 121,145 37,485 617,825 36,486 6,540 514 43,540 27,770 3,866 3,575 — 7,957 — 840 10,000 (10,468) $ $ $ $ Certain statistical data for our business segments for the periods indicated are as follows: Nurse and Allied Staffing statistical data: (a) FTEs Average Nurse and Allied Staffing revenue per FTE per day Physician Staffing statistical data: (a) Days filled Revenue per day filled See Note 17 - Segment Data. Year Ended December 31, 2016 2015 Change Percent Change 6,953 284 62,482 1,549 $ $ $ $ 6,624 257 77,601 1,463 $ $ 329 27 5.0 % 10.5 % (15,119) 86 (19.5)% 5.9 % 30 Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 Change Percent Change Nurse and Allied Staffing statistical data: (a) FTEs Average Nurse and Allied Staffing revenue per FTE per day Physician Staffing statistical data: (a) Days filled Revenue per day filled 6,624 257 77,601 1,463 $ $ $ $ 4,764 264 82,473 1,457 $ $ 1,860 (7) (4,872) 6 39.0 % (2.7)% (5.9)% 0.4 % (a) See definition of Business Measurements under the Operating Metrics section of our Management's Discussion and Analysis. Segment Comparison - Year Ended December 31, 2016 compared to the Year Ended December 31, 2015 Nurse and Allied Staffing Revenue from the Nurse and Allied Staffing business segment increased $100.2 million, or 16.1% to $721.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2016, from $621.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2015. The year-over-year increase was primarily due to a combination of improved pricing and the impact of the Mediscan acquisition. Contribution income from Nurse and Allied Staffing for the year ended December 31, 2016, increased $16.3 million or 29.2%, to $72.0 million from $55.7 million in year ended December 31, 2015. As a percentage of segment revenue, contribution income margin increased to 10.0% for the year ended December 31, 2016 from 9.0% for the year ended December 31, 2015, reflecting improvements in bill/pay spread partially offset by an increase in our compensation packages. Operating Metrics The average number of Nurse and Allied Staffing FTEs on contract during the year ended December 31, 2016 increased 5.0% over the year ended December 31, 2015, primarily due to increased demand and the impact of the Mediscan acquisition. Average Nurse and Allied Staffing revenue per FTE per day increased approximately 10.5% in the year ended December 31, 2016 compared to the year ended December 31, 2015, primarily due to improved pricing. Physician Staffing Revenue from Physician Staffing decreased $17.1 million, or 14.8% to $98.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2016, compared to $115.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2015. The decrease in revenue was due to lower volume of days filled during the period, and was partially offset by favorable pricing. Contribution income from Physician Staffing for the year ended December 31, 2016, decreased $1.9 million or 19.1% to $8.3 million compared to $10.2 million in the year ended December 31, 2015. As a percentage of segment revenue, contribution income was 8.4% for the year ended December 31, 2016 and 8.9% for the year ended December 31, 2015. The margin decline was primarily due to lower gross profit and reduced operating leverage on the lower revenue. Operating Metrics Physician Staffing days filled decreased 19.5% to 62,482 in the year ended December 31, 2016, compared to 77,601 in the year ended December 31, 2015. Revenue per day filled for the year ended December 31, 2016 was $1,549, a 5.9% increase from the year ended December 31, 2015, reflecting higher average prices. Other Human Capital Management Services Revenue from OHCMS for the year ended December 31, 2016, decreased $17.1 million, or 55.3%, to $13.8 million from $30.8 million in the year ended December 31, 2015, as a result of the divestiture of our education seminars business in the third quarter of 2015. In addition, revenue from our physician and executive search business decreased 15.2% on a lower level of retained and executive searches. Contribution income from OHCMS for the year ended December 31, 2016, decreased by $2.4 million, or 128.7%, to a loss of $0.5 million, compared to income of $1.9 million in the year ended December 31, 2015. The decrease in contribution income 31 was primarily due to the revenue decrease in our physician and executive search business resulting in lower operating leverage for the business. Contribution income as a percentage of segment revenue decreased to a negative 3.9% for the year ended December 31, 2016 from a positive 6.0% for the year ended December 31, 2015. Unallocated corporate overhead Included in unallocated corporate overhead is corporate compensation and benefits, and general and administrative expenses including rent and utilities, computer supplies and expenses, insurance, professional expenses, corporate-wide projects (initiatives) and public company expenses. Unallocated corporate overhead was $38.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2016, compared to $32.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2015. The increase is primarily due to higher compensation and benefits and professional expenses as we have been centralizing administrative functions. In addition, we made investments in company-wide projects and IT infrastructure. As a percentage of consolidated revenue, unallocated corporate overhead was 4.6% for the year ended December 31, 2016, and 4.3% for the year ended December 31, 2015. Segment Comparison - Year Ended December 31, 2015 compared to the Year Ended December 31, 2014 Nurse and Allied Staffing Revenue from Nurse and Allied Staffing business segment increased $162.1 million, or 35.3%, to $621.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2015, from $459.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2014. The year-over-year increase was primarily due to a combination of organic growth and the impact of the Mediscan and MSN acquisitions. Contribution income from Nurse and Allied Staffing for the year ended December 31, 2015, increased $19.2 million or 52.7%, to $55.7 million from $36.5 million in year ended December 31, 2014. As a percentage of segment revenue, contribution income was 9.0% for the year ended December 31, 2015, and 7.9% for the year ended December 31, 2014. The margin improvement was primarily due to improved operating leverage. Operating Metrics The average number of Nurse and Allied Staffing FTEs on contract during the year ended December 31, 2015 increased 39.0% over the year ended December 31, 2014, primarily due to a combination of acquisitions and increased demand. Average Nurse and Allied Staffing revenue per FTE decreased approximately 2.7% in the year ended December 31, 2015 compared to the year ended December 31, 2014, primarily due to the impact of the lower average bill rates of MSN. Physician Staffing Revenue from Physician Staffing decreased $5.8 million, or 4.8% to $115.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2015, compared to $121.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2014. The decrease in revenue was due to lower volume of days filled across most specialties partially offset by higher revenue per day filled. Contribution income from Physician Staffing for the year ended December 31, 2015 increased $3.7 million or 56.2% to $10.2 million compared to $6.5 million in the year ended December 31, 2014. As a percentage of segment revenue, contribution income was 8.9% for the year ended December 31, 2015 and 5.4% for the year ended December 31, 2014. The margin improvement was primarily due to improved pricing and lower operating costs. Operating Metrics Physician Staffing days filled decreased 5.9% to 77,601 in the year ended December 31, 2015, compared to 82,473 in the year ended December 31, 2014. Revenue per day filled for the year ended December 31, 2015 was $1,463, a 0.4% increase from the year ended December 31, 2014, reflecting higher average prices. Other Human Capital Management Services Revenue from OHCMS for the year ended December 31, 2015 decreased $6.7 million, or 17.8%, to $30.8 million from $37.5 million in the year ended December 31, 2014, primarily the result of the divestiture of our education seminars business in the third quarter of 2015, but offset by growth in our physician and executive search business of 22.1%. Contribution income from OHCMS for the year ended December 31, 2015 increased by $1.3 million, or 262.5%, to $1.9 million, from $0.5 million in the year ended December 31, 2014. The increase in contribution income was primarily due to improved operating leverage in our physician and executive search business. Contribution income as a percentage of segment revenue was 6.0% for the year ended December 31, 2015 and 1.4% for the year ended December 31, 2014. 32 Unallocated corporate overhead Included in unallocated corporate overhead is corporate compensation and benefits, and general and administrative expenses including rent and utilities, computer supplies and expenses, insurance, professional expenses, corporate-wide projects (initiatives) and public company expenses. Unallocated corporate overhead was $32.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2015, compared to $27.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2014, primarily due to an increase in compensation expense as a result of continued efforts to centralize functions and higher share-based compensation expense due to forfeitures in the prior year. As a percentage of consolidated revenue, unallocated corporate overhead was 4.3% for the year ended December 31, 2015, and 4.5% for the year ended December 31, 2014. Transactions with Related Parties See Note 16 - Related Party Transactions to our consolidated financial statements. Liquidity and Capital Resources At December 31, 2016, we had $20.6 million in cash and cash equivalents, and $87.0 million of total debt, including the Convertible Note derivative liability of $27.5 million and net of $5.0 million of unamortized discount and debt issuance costs. Working capital increased by $35.8 million to $108.5 million as of December 31, 2016, compared to $72.7 million as of December 31, 2015, primarily due to an increase in accounts receivable and an increase in cash and cash equivalents. Our net days sales outstanding (DSO), which excludes amounts owed to subcontractors, decreased 2 days to 55 days as of December 31, 2016, compared to 57 days as of December 31, 2015. The improvement in DSO is largely due to the strength and timing of collections. Our operating cash flows constitute our primary source of liquidity, and historically, have been sufficient to fund our working capital, capital expenditures, internal business expansion and debt service, including our commitments as described in the Commitments table which follows. We expect to meet our future needs for working capital, capital expenditures, internal business expansion and debt service from a combination of cash on hand, operating cash flows and funds available through the revolving loan portion of our new Credit Agreement. Operating cash flows and cash on hand, along with amounts available under our revolving credit facility, should be sufficient to meet these needs during the next twelve months. Our foreign cash balance of $0.5 million is available to us, and if we repatriated the total amount, we would incur $0.3 million of withholding tax, which has been accrued for as of December 31, 2016. Cash Flow Comparisons Year Ended December 31, 2016 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2015 Net cash provided by operating activities during the year ended December 31, 2016 was $30.1 million compared to $18.2 million during the year ended December 31, 2015, primarily due to higher revenue from services coupled with the 2 day improvement in net DSO for the year ended December 31, 2016. Investing activities used a net of $9.8 million in the year ended December 31, 2016 compared to $24.1 million in the year ended December 31, 2015. Net cash used in investing activities in the year ended December 31, 2016 included $6.5 million for capital expenditures in 2016 (of which $1.3 million has been reimbursed from our landlord for tenant improvements and is reflected in operating activities), and $2.4 million for capital expenditures in 2015. During the year ended December 31, 2016, we used $1.9 million for the acquisition of USR, and $1.9 million of acquisition-related settlements, which was partially offset by the receipt of $0.5 million related to proceeds from the sale of CCE. See Note 4 - Disposal and Discontinued Operations to our consolidated financial statements. This compares to a use of $28.7 million for the Mediscan acquisition and $0.1 million of acquisition-related settlements related to MSN, partially offset by proceeds from the sale of our education seminars business of $7.2 million, net of related costs for the year ended December 31, 2015. Net cash used in financing activities during the year ended December 31, 2016 was $2.2 million, compared to net cash provided by financing activities of $3.4 million during the year ended December 31, 2015. During the year ended December 31, 2016, we used a total of $1.8 million for debt issuance costs and extinguishment fees related to refinancing our debt and we increased the principal amount of our debt by $1.4 million. See Note 8 - Debt to our consolidated financial statements. During 2016, we also paid $0.2 million for contingent consideration related to the Mediscan acquisition. During the year ended December 31, 2015, we increased the principal amount of our debt by $4.5 million primarily to fund the acquisition of Mediscan, including acquisition-related expenses. In addition, we used cash to pay $0.9 million and $0.5 million 33 for shares withheld for taxes, and $0.7 million and $0.5 million for noncontrolling shareholder payments, for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. Year Ended December 31, 2015 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2014 Net cash provided by operating activities during the year ended December 31, 2015 was $18.2 million compared to net cash used in operating activities of $4.1 million during the year ended December 31, 2014. Net cash provided by operating activities in 2015 was primarily the result of our improved profitability. The usage in cash in 2014 was primarily due to an increase in accounts receivable coupled with acquisition and integration costs related to MSN and the allied health staffing business acquired in December of 2013. Investing activities used a net of $24.1 million in the year ended December 31, 2015 compared to $45.5 million in the year ended December 31, 2014. In 2015, we used $28.7 million, ($28.0 million plus working capital estimate) for the Mediscan acquisition and $0.1 million for acquisition-related settlements related to MSN. During the year ended December 31, 2015, we sold our education seminars business for net proceeds of $7.5 million, and incurred $0.3 million in transaction costs. In 2014, we used $44.6 million, net of cash acquired, for the MSN acquisition. This was partially offset by the release of $3.8 million to us of an indemnity escrow related to the sale of our discontinued clinical trials staffing business. We also used $2.4 million and $4.6 million, respectively, for capital expenditures during the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014. Net cash provided by financing activities during the year ended December 31, 2015, was $3.4 million, compared to $46.5 million during the year ended December 31, 2014. During the year ended December 31, 2015, excluding non-cash changes, we increased our debt by $4.4 million primarily to fund the acquisition of Mediscan, including acquisition-related expenses. During the year ended December 31, 2014, excluding non-cash changes, we increased our debt by $47.9 million primarily to fund the acquisition of MSN, including acquisition-related expenses, and to fund integration efforts related to our allied healthcare staffing acquisition. See Note 8 - Long-Term Debt and Note 3 - Acquisitions to our consolidated financial statements. In addition, we used $1.1 million for debt issuance costs related to the financing of the MSN acquisition in 2014. We also used $0.5 million and $0.1 million during the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, for distributions to our noncontrolling shareholder, and $0.5 million and $0.2 million for shares withheld for taxes in 2015 and 2014, respectively. Debt 2016 Senior Credit Facilities As more fully described in Note 8 - Debt to our consolidated financial statements, on June 22, 2016, we entered into a new senior credit agreement (Credit Agreement), which provides a term loan of $40.0 million (Term Loan) and a revolving credit facility of up to $100.0 million (Revolving Credit Facility) (together with the Term Loan, the Senior Credit Facilities) both of which mature in five years. The Revolving Credit Facility includes a subfacility for swingline loans up to an amount not to exceed $15.0 million, and a $35.0 million sublimit for the issuance of standby letters of credit. Proceeds of the Senior Credit Facilities were used primarily to refinance our senior secured asset-based revolving credit facility (First Lien Loan) and Second Lien Term Loan and to pay related transaction fees and expenses, including a prepayment penalty of $0.6 million. In addition, as of June 22, 2016, $23.1 million of standby letters of credit issued under the First Lien Loan had been rolled into and been deemed issued under the Revolving Credit Facility. The Revolving Credit Facility can be used to provide ongoing working capital, fund permitted acquisitions and for other general corporate purposes. The repayment of the Second Lien Term Loan was treated as extinguishment of debt and, as a result, we recognized a loss on extinguishment of debt of approximately $1.6 million in the second quarter of 2016, related to the write-off of unamortized net debt discount and issuance costs as well as transaction fees and expenses. As of December 31, 2016, the Term Loan and Revolving Credit Facility bore interest at a rate equal to One Month LIBOR plus 200 basis points and $77.8 million was available under the Revolving Credit Facility. Convertible Notes On June 30, 2014, we and certain of our domestic subsidiaries entered into a Convertible Note Purchase Agreement (the Note Purchase Agreement), with certain note holders (collectively, the Noteholders). Pursuant to the Note Purchase Agreement, we sold to the Noteholders an aggregate of $25.0 million of convertible senior notes (the Convertible Notes). After deducting a debt discount of $0.9 million, the net proceeds of $24.1 million were used for the MSN acquisition and related fees and 34 expenses. In connection with the financing, we incurred $0.3 million of debt issuance costs. As a result of the conversion and redemption features, we recorded $6.8 million as additional discount for the fair value of these features. As more fully described in Note 8 - Debt to the consolidated financial statements, the Convertible Notes are convertible at the option of the holders thereof at any time into shares of our common stock, par value $0.0001 per share (Common Stock), at an initial conversion price of $7.10 per share, or 3,521,126 shares of Common Stock. After three years from the issuance date, we have the right to force a conversion of the Convertible Notes if the volume-weighted average price (VWAP) per share of our Common Stock exceeds 125% of the then conversion price for 20 days of a 30 day trading period. The conversion price is subject to adjustment pursuant to customary weighted average anti-dilution provisions including adjustments for the following: Common Stock dividends or distributions; issuance of any rights, warrants of options to acquire Common Stock; distributions of property; tender offer or exchange offer payments; cash dividends; or certain issuances of Common Stock at less than the conversion price. Upon conversion of the Convertible Notes, we will exchange, for the applicable conversion amount thereof a number of shares of Common Stock, with no maximum, on amount, equal to the amount determined by dividing (i) such conversion amount by (ii) the conversion price in effect at the time of conversion. No fractional shares of Common Stock will be issued upon conversion of the Conversion Notes. In lieu of fractional shares, we shall pay cash in respect of each fractional share multiplied by the 30-day VWAP as of the closing of business on the Business Day immediately preceding the conversion date as well as any unpaid accrued interest. The Convertible Notes bear interest at a rate of 8.00% per annum, payable in quarterly cash installments; provided, however, that, at our option, up to 4.00% of the interest payable may be “paid-in-kind” through a quarterly addition of such “paid-in- kind” interest amount to the principal amount of the Convertible Notes. The Convertible Notes will mature on June 30, 2020, unless earlier repurchased, redeemed or converted. Subject to certain exceptions, we are not permitted to redeem the Convertible Notes until June 30, 2017. If we redeem the Convertible Notes on or after June 30, 2017, we are required to pay a premium of 15% of the amount of principal of the Convertible Notes redeemed. If the Convertible Notes are redeemed prior to June 30, 2017, pursuant to a Prohibited Transaction, as defined by the agreement, we are required to pay a premium equal to the greater of (i) the sum of (a) the amount of principal of the Convertible Notes redeemed, plus (b) the accrued but unpaid interests on the principal amount so redeemed to the date of the redemption, plus (c) a “make whole” amount (described below) and (ii) the sum of (x) the average 30-day VWAP per share of Common Stock multiplied by the number of shares of Common Stock that the redeemed Convertible Notes are then convertible into, with no maximum, and (y) the accrued but unpaid interest on the Convertible Notes. The “make whole” amount is equal to the excess, if any, of (1) the present value at the date of redemption of (A) 115% of the principal amount of the Convertible Notes redeemed, plus (B) all remaining scheduled interest due on the principal amount of the notes being redeemed through June 30, 2017, computed using a discount rate equal to the Treasury rate as of the date of redemption plus 50 basis points over (2) the outstanding principal amount of the Convertible Notes then redeemed. Refer to Note 8 - Debt to our consolidated financial statements. Stockholders' Equity See Note 14 - Stockholders' Equity to our consolidated financial statements. Commitments and Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements We do not have any off-balance sheet arrangements. The following table reflects our contractual obligations and other commitments as of December 31, 2016: Commitments Total 2017 Term Loan (a) Convertible Notes (b) Interest on debt (c) Contingent purchase price liability (d) Capital lease obligations Operating lease obligations (e) $ 39,500 25,000 13,836 8,986 23 39,494 $ 126,839 $ 2,250 — 3,797 303 13 7,249 $ 13,612 35 $ $ 2018 2020 2019 (Unaudited, amounts in thousands) 3,500 $ — 3,621 1,070 2 4,826 $ 13,019 4,000 25,000 2,137 5,746 — 4,145 $ 41,028 3,750 — 3,946 1,867 8 6,240 $ 15,811 2021 Thereafter $ 26,000 — 335 — — 3,843 $ 30,178 $ $ — — — — — 13,191 13,191 _______________ (a) Under our senior credit agreement which provides our Term Loan, we are required to comply with certain financial covenants. Our inability to comply with the required covenants or other provisions could result in default. In the event of any such default and our inability to obtain a waiver of the default, all amounts outstanding under the Term Loan could be declared immediately due and payable. (b) The Convertible Notes are convertible into shares of our common stock at the option of the holders thereof at any time. After three years from the issuance date, we have the right to force a conversion of the Convertible Notes if the volume-weighted average price per share of our Common Stock exceeds 125% of the then conversion price for 20 days of a 30 day trading period, which could be as early as 2017. See Note 8 - Debt to our consolidated financial statements. (c) Interest on debt represents payments due through maturity for our Senior Credit Facilities and Convertible Notes. Interest payments on our Senior Credit Facilities were calculated using a estimated forward LIBOR rate plus the current margin rate of 2.00%. Interest on our Convertible Notes were calculated using the fixed interest rate of 8.0% and assuming no conversion. Amounts also include other fees related to our Senior Credit Facilities which were based on amounts outstanding and pricing as of December 31, 2016. (d) The contingent purchase price liability represents the estimated payments due to the sellers related to the Mediscan and USR acquisitions, including accretion. While it is not certain if, or when, these contingent payments will be made, we have included the payments in the table based on our best estimates of the amounts and dates when the contingencies may be resolved. (e) Represents future minimum lease payments associated with operating lease agreements with original terms of more than one year. See Note 12 - Commitments and Contingencies to our consolidated financial statements. In addition to the above disclosed contractual obligations, we have accrued uncertain tax positions, pursuant to the Income Taxes Topic of the FASB ASC, of $5.2 million at December 31, 2016. Based on the uncertainties associated with the settlement of these items, we are unable to make reasonably reliable estimates of the period of potential settlements, if any, with the taxing authorities. Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates We have identified the following critical accounting policies that affect the more significant judgments and estimates used in the preparation of our consolidated financial statements. The preparation of our consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect our reported amounts of assets and liabilities, revenues and expenses, and related disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities. We evaluate our estimates on an on-going basis, including those related to asset impairment, accruals for self-insurance, allowance for doubtful accounts and sales allowances, taxes and other contingencies, and litigation. We state our accounting policies in the notes to the audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2016, contained herein. These estimates are based on information that is currently available to us and on various assumptions that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results could vary from those estimates under different assumptions or conditions. We believe that the following critical accounting policies affect the more significant judgments and estimates used in the preparation of our consolidated financial statements: Goodwill, trade names, and other intangible assets Our business acquisitions typically result in the recording of goodwill and other intangible assets, and the recorded values of those assets may become impaired in the future. The determination of the value of such intangible assets requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect our consolidated financial statements. For intangible assets purchased in a business combination, the estimated fair values of the assets received are used to establish their recorded values. As more fully described in Note 2 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, we assess the impairment of goodwill of our reporting units and indefinite-lived intangible assets annually, or more often if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. Application of the goodwill impairment test requires judgment, including the identification of reporting units, assignment of assets and liabilities to reporting units, assignment of goodwill to reporting units, and determination of the fair value of each reporting unit. Significant judgments are required to estimate the fair value of reporting units including estimating future cash 36 flows, and determining appropriate discount rates, growth rates, company control premium and other assumptions. Changes in these estimates and assumptions could materially affect the determination of fair value for each reporting unit. 2016 Impairment Charges During an evaluation of goodwill and other identified intangible assets at June 30, 2016, the Company determined that indicators were present in the Physician Staffing reporting unit which would suggest the fair value of the reporting unit may have declined below the carrying value. As a result, an interim impairment test of goodwill and other intangible assets was performed as of June 30, 2016. The evaluation resulted in the carrying value of goodwill and other intangible assets for Physician Staffing to exceed the estimated fair value. As a result, the Company recorded pre-tax impairment charges totaling $24.3 million - $17.7 million related to goodwill, $0.6 million related to trade names, and $6.0 million related to customer relationships. The Company performed its annual impairment test as of October 1, 2016. Upon completion of the impairment testing, the Company determined that no additional impairment of goodwill or other intangible assets was warranted. Fourth Quarters 2015 and 2014 Annual Goodwill Impairment Testing Results During the fourth quarters of 2015 and 2014, we determined that no goodwill impairment charges were warranted since the estimated fair value of our reporting units exceeded their respective carrying values. As of December 31, 2015, the fair value of our Physician Staffing reporting unit exceeded its carrying value by less than 20%. The rest of our reporting units had fair values that were substantially in excess of their carrying values. There can be no assurance that the estimates and assumptions made for purposes of the annual goodwill impairment test will prove to be accurate predictions of the future. Although management believes the assumptions and estimates made are reasonable and appropriate, different assumptions and estimates could materially impact the reported financial results. In addition, we are required to test the recoverability of long-lived assets, including identifiable intangible assets with definite lives, whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. In testing for potential impairment, if the carrying value of the asset group exceeds the expected undiscounted cash flows, we must then determine the amount by which the fair value of those assets exceeds the carrying value and determine the amount of impairment, if any. Fourth Quarter 2015 and 2014 Other Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets In the fourth quarter of 2015 and 2014, in conjunction with our annual testing of indefinite-lived intangible assets not subject to amortization, we recorded a non-cash impairment charge of approximately $2.1 million and $10.0 million, respectively, related to Physician Staffing trade names. We reduced our long-term revenue forecast in the fourth quarter of each year for these businesses and as a result, our calculation of estimated fair value was less than the carrying amount of the trade names, resulting in an impairment charge. See Note 5 - Goodwill, Trade Names, and Other Intangible Assets to our consolidated financial statements. Risk and Uncertainties The calculation of fair value used in these impairment assessments included a number of estimates and assumptions that required significant judgments, including projections of future income and cash flows, the identification of appropriate market multiples and the choice of an appropriate discount rate. See Note 10 - Fair Value Measurements. Changes in these assumptions could materially affect the determination of fair value for each reporting unit. Specifically, further deterioration of demand for our services, further deterioration of labor market conditions, reduction of our stock price for an extended period, or other factors as described in Item 1.A. Risk Factors, may affect our determination of fair value of each reporting unit. This evaluation can also be triggered by various indicators of impairment which could cause the estimated discounted cash flows to be less than the carrying amount of net assets. If we are required to record an impairment charge in the future, it could have an adverse impact on our results of operations. Under the current credit agreement an impairment charge will not have an impact on our liquidity. As of December 31, 2016, we had total goodwill and intangible assets not subject to amortization of $115.1 million or 30.0% of our total assets. 37 Health, workers' compensation, and professional liability expense We maintain accruals for our health, workers’ compensation and professional liability claims that are partially self-insured and are classified as accrued compensation and benefits on our consolidated balance sheets. We determine the adequacy of these accruals by periodically evaluating our historical experience and trends related to health, workers’ compensation and professional liability claims and payments, based on actuarial models, as well as industry experience and trends. If such models indicate that our accruals are overstated or understated, we will reduce or provide for additional accruals as appropriate. Healthcare insurance accruals have fluctuated with increases or decreases in the average number of temporary healthcare professionals on assignment as well as actual company experience and increases in national healthcare costs. As of December 31, 2016 and 2015, we had $4.1 million and $3.0 million accrued, respectively, for incurred but not reported health insurance claims. Corporate and field employees are covered through a partially self-insured health plan. Workers’ compensation insurance accruals can fluctuate over time due to the number of employees and inflation, as well as additional exposures arising from the current policy year. As of December 31, 2016, and 2015, we had $11.0 million and $11.5 million accrued for case reserves and for incurred but not reported workers’ compensation claims, net of insurance receivables, respectively. The accrual for workers’ compensation is based on an actuarial model which is prepared or reviewed by an independent actuary semi-annually. As of December 31, 2016, and 2015, we had $6.6 million and $6.4 million accrued, respectively, for case reserves and for incurred but not reported professional liability claims, net of insurance receivables. The accrual for professional liability is based on actuarial models which are prepared by an independent actuary semi-annually. Revenue recognition Revenue from services consists primarily of temporary staffing revenue. Revenue is recognized when services are rendered and all of the following criteria are met: persuasive evidence of the arrangement exists; service has been provided; and the Company has no remaining obligations; the fee is fixed and determinable; and collectability is reasonably assured. Accounts receivable includes an accrual for employees’ and independent contractors’ estimated time worked but not yet invoiced. We maintain a sales allowance for estimated future billing adjustments resulting from client concessions or resolutions of billing disputes. We record revenue on a gross basis as a principal or on a net basis as an agent depending on the arrangement, as follows: • We have also entered into certain contracts with acute care facilities to provide comprehensive MSP solutions. Under these contract arrangements, we use our nurses primarily, along with those of third party subcontractors, to fulfill customer orders. If a subcontractor is used, we invoice our customer for these services, but revenue is recorded at the time of billing, net of any related subcontractor liability. The resulting net revenue represents the administrative fee charged by us for our MSP services. • Revenue from our Physician Staffing business is recognized on a gross basis as we believe we are the principal in the arrangements. Allowances We maintain an allowance for doubtful accounts for estimated losses resulting from the inability of our customers to make required payments, which results in a provision for bad debt expense. We determine the adequacy of this allowance by continually evaluating individual customer receivables, considering the customer’s financial condition, credit history and current economic conditions. If the financial condition of our customers were to deteriorate, resulting in an impairment of their ability to make payments, additional allowances may be required. We write-off specific accounts based on an ongoing review of collectability as well as our past experience with the customer. In addition, we maintain a sales allowance for customer disputes which may arise in the ordinary course, which is recorded as contra-revenue. Historically, losses on uncollectible accounts and sales allowances have not exceeded our allowances. As of December 31, 2016, our total allowances were $3.2 million. Contingent liabilities We are subject to various claims and legal actions in the ordinary course of our business. Some of these matters include professional liability and employee-related matters. Our healthcare facility clients may also become subject to claims, governmental inquiries and investigations and legal actions to which we may become a party relating to services provided by our professionals. From time to time, and depending upon the particular facts and circumstances, we may be subject to indemnification obligations under our contracts with our healthcare facility clients relating to these matters. 38 Income taxes We account for income taxes in accordance with the Income Taxes Topic of the FASB ASC. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases and operating loss and other loss carryforwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. As of December 31, 2016, we have deferred tax assets related to certain federal, state and foreign net operating loss carryforwards of $17.2 million. The state carryforwards will expire between 2016 and 2034. The federal carryforwards expire between 2031 and 2034. The majority of the foreign carryforwards are in a jurisdiction with no expiration. As of December 31, 2016 and 2015, we had valuation allowances on our deferred tax assets of $46.5 million and $55.3 million, respectively. We intend to maintain a valuation allowance until sufficient positive evidence exists to support its reversal. See Note 13 - Income Taxes to our consolidated financial statements. We are subject to income taxes in the United States and certain foreign jurisdictions. Significant judgment is required in determining our consolidated provision for income taxes and recording the related deferred tax assets and liabilities. In the ordinary course of our business, there are many transactions and calculations where the ultimate tax determination is uncertain. Accruals for unrecognized tax benefits are provided for in accordance with the Income Taxes Topic of the FASB ASC. An unrecognized tax benefit represents the difference between the recognition of benefits related to exposure items for income tax reporting purposes and financial reporting purposes. The current portion of the unrecognized tax benefit is classified as a component of other current liabilities, and the non-current portion is included within other long-term liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets. As of December 31, 2016, total unrecognized tax benefits recorded was $5.2 million. We have a reserve for interest and penalties on exposure items, if applicable, which is recorded as a component of the overall income tax provision. We are regularly under audit by tax authorities. Although the outcome of tax audits is always uncertain, we believe that we have appropriate support for the positions taken on our tax returns and that our annual tax provision includes amounts sufficient to pay any assessments. Nonetheless, the amounts ultimately paid, if any, upon resolution of the issues raised by the taxing authorities may differ materially from the amounts accrued for each year. Embedded derivative See Note 9 - Convertible Notes Derivative Liability to our consolidated financial statements. Recent Accounting Pronouncements See Note 2 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies to our consolidated financial statements. Seasonality The number of healthcare professionals on assignment with us is subject to moderate seasonal fluctuations which may impact our quarterly revenue and earnings. Hospital patient census and staffing needs of our hospital and healthcare facilities fluctuate, which impact our number of orders for a particular period. Many of our hospital and healthcare facility clients are located in areas that experience seasonal fluctuations in population during the winter and summer months. These facilities adjust their staffing levels to accommodate the change in this seasonal demand and many of these facilities utilize temporary healthcare professionals to satisfy these seasonal staffing needs. Likewise, the number of nurse and allied professionals on assignment may fluctuate due to the seasonal preferences for destinations of our temporary nurse and allied professionals. In addition, we expect our Physician Staffing business to experience higher demand in the summer months as physicians take vacations. We also expect our education and school business to experience lower demand in the summer months when public and charter schools are closed. This historical seasonality of revenue and earnings may vary due to a variety of factors and the results of any one quarter are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for any other quarter or for any year. In addition, typically, our first quarter results are negatively impacted by the reset of payroll taxes. Inflation We do not believe that inflation had a significant impact on our results of operations for the periods presented. On an ongoing basis, we seek to ensure that billing rates reflect increases in costs due to inflation. In addition, we attempt to minimize any residual impact on our operating results by controlling operating costs. 39 Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk. Interest Rate Risk We are exposed to the risk of fluctuation in interest rates relating to our variable rate debt related to our Senior Credit Facilities. During the year ended December 31, 2016 or 2015, we did not use interest rate swaps or other types of derivative financial instruments to hedge our interest rate risk. Our current credit agreement charges us interest at a rate of LIBOR plus a leverage- based margin. See Note 8 - Debt to our consolidated financial statements for further information. We have been exposed to interest rate risk associated with our debt instruments which have had interest based on floating rates. A 1% change in interest rates on variable rate debt would have resulted in interest expense fluctuating approximately by $0.4 million in the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015. Derivative Liability Risk As of December 31, 2016, we had $25.0 million of 8.0% fixed rate Convertible Notes outstanding due June 30, 2020. The Convertible Notes include terms that are considered to be embedded derivatives, including conversion and redemption features that primarily protect the investors' investment with us. Each reporting period, we are required to record this embedded derivative at fair value with the changes being recorded as a component of other expense (income) on our consolidated statements of operations. Accordingly, our results of operations are subject to exposure associated with increases or decreases in the estimated fair value of our embedded derivative. The fair value of this derivative liability is primarily determined by fluctuations in our stock price, as well as changes in our credit profile. As our stock price increases or decreases, the fair value of this derivative liability increases or decreases, resulting in a corresponding current period loss or gain to be recognized. See Note 9 - Convertible Notes Derivative Liability to our consolidated financial statements. Foreign Currency Risk We are exposed to the impact of foreign currency fluctuations. Changes in foreign currency exchange rates impact translations of foreign denominated assets and liabilities into U.S. dollars and future earnings and cash flows from transactions denominated in different currencies. Approximately 1% of selling, general, and administrative expenses are related to certain software development and information technology support provided by our employees in Pune, India. We have not entered into any foreign currency hedges. Our international operations transact business in their functional currency. As a result, fluctuations in the value of foreign currencies against the U.S. dollar have an impact on reported results. Expenses denominated in foreign currencies are translated into U.S. dollars at monthly average exchange rates prevailing during the period. Consequently, as the value of the U.S. dollar changes relative to the currencies of our non-U.S. markets, our reported results vary. Fluctuations in exchange rates also impact the U.S. dollar amount of stockholders’ equity. The assets and liabilities of our non- U.S. subsidiaries are translated into U.S. dollars at the exchange rate in effect at the end of a reporting period. The resulting translation adjustments are recorded in stockholders’ equity, as a component of accumulated other comprehensive loss, included in other stockholders’ equity on our consolidated balance sheets. Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data. See Item 15 – Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules of Part IV of this Report. Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure. On April 15, 2015, the Company engaged Deloitte & Touche LLP (Deloitte) as its new independent registered public accounting firm for the year ending December 31, 2015. The engagement was previously approved by the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors of the Company. The Company requested stockholder ratification of its appointment of Deloitte at its Annual Meeting of Stockholders held on May 12, 2015. 40 During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014 and the subsequent interim periods through April 15, 2015, neither the Company nor anyone on its behalf has consulted with Deloitte regarding (i) the application of accounting principles to a specific transaction, either completed or proposed, or the type of audit opinion that might be rendered on the Company’s financial statements, and neither a written report nor oral advice was provided to the Company that Deloitte concluded was an important factor considered by the Company in reaching a decision as to any accounting, auditing, or financial reporting issue, (ii) any matter that was the subject of a disagreement within the meaning of Item 304(a)(1)(iv) of Regulation S-K, or (iii) any reportable event within the meaning of Item 304(a)(1)(v) of Regulation S-K. Item 9A. Controls and Procedures. Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures We carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our "disclosure controls and procedures" (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or the Exchange Act), as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based upon the evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures are effective. Disclosure controls and procedures are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in our reports filed or submitted under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized, communicated to management, including the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer, and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms. The disclosure controls and procedures are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in reports required under the Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, is accumulated and communicated to our management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, in order to allow timely decisions regarding any required disclosure. Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the quarter ended December 31, 2016 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting. Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Exchange Act). Our internal control system 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, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risks that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate. Management conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2016. In making this assessment, management used the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission, or COSO, in the Internal Control-Integrated Framework (2013 framework). Based on its evaluation, management concluded that, as of December 31, 2016, our internal control over financial reporting is effective based on the specific criteria. The effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting, as of December 31, 2016, has been audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their attestation report included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Item 9B. Other Information. None. 41 Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance. PART III Information with respect to directors, executive officers and corporate governance is included in our Proxy Statement for the 2017 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (Proxy Statement) to be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A with the SEC and such information is incorporated herein by reference. Item 11. Executive Compensation. Information with respect to executive compensation is included in our Proxy Statement to be filed with the SEC and such information is incorporated herein by reference. Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholders Matters. Information with respect to beneficial ownership of our common stock is included in our Proxy Statement to be filed with the SEC and such information is incorporated herein by reference. With respect to equity compensation plans as of December 31, 2016, see table below: Number of securities to be issued upon exercise of outstanding options, warrants and rights (a) Weighted-average exercise price of outstanding options, warrants and rights (b) Number of securities remaining available for future issuance under equity compensation plans (excluding securities reflected in column (a)) (c) 188,213 $ None 188,213 $ 5.72 N/A 5.72 589,269 N/A 589,269 Plan Category Equity compensation plans approved by security holders Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders Total Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence. Information with respect to certain relationships and related transactions, and director independence is included in our Proxy Statement to be filed with the SEC and such information is incorporated herein by reference. Item 14. Principal Accountant Fees and Services. Information with respect to the fees and services of our principal accountant is included in our Proxy Statement to be filed with the SEC and such information is incorporated herein by reference. 42 PART IV Item 15. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules. (a) Documents filed as part of the report. (1) Consolidated Financial Statements Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firms Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2016 and 2015 Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Years Ended December 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014 Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the Years Ended December 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014 Consolidated Statement of Stockholders’ Equity for the Years Ended December 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014 Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended December 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014 Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (2) Financial Statements Schedule Schedule II – Valuation and Qualifying Accounts for the Years Ended December 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014 (3) Exhibits See Exhibit Index immediately following signatures. 43 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. SIGNATURES CROSS COUNTRY HEALTHCARE, INC. By: /s/ William J. Grubbs Name: William J. Grubbs Title: President, Chief Executive Officer, Director Principal Executive Officer Date: March 3, 2017 Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this Report has been signed by the following persons in the capacities indicated and on the dates indicated: Signature Title Date /s/ William J. Grubbs William J. Grubbs President, Chief Executive Officer, Director (Principal Executive Officer) /s/ William J. Burns William J. Burns EVP & Chief Financial Officer (Principal Accounting and Financial Officer) /s/ W. Larry Cash W. Larry Cash /s/ Thomas C. Dircks Thomas C. Dircks /s/ Gale Fitzgerald Gale Fitzgerald /s/ Richard M. Mastaler Richard M. Mastaler /s/ Mark Perlberg Mark Perlberg /s/ Joseph A. Trunfio Joseph A. Trunfio Director Director Director Director Director Director March 3, 2017 March 3, 2017 March 3, 2017 March 3, 2017 March 3, 2017 March 3, 2017 March 3, 2017 March 3, 2017 44 No. 3.1 3.2 4.1 4.2 # 4.3 # 4.4 10.1 # 10.2 # 10.3 # 10.4 10.5 10.6 10.7 # 10.8 # 10.9 10.10 EXHIBIT INDEX Description Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Registrant (Previously filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1/A, Commission File No. 333-64914, and incorporated by reference herein.) Amended and Restated By-laws of the Registrant (Previously filed as an exhibit to the Company's Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015 and incorporated by reference herein.) Form of specimen common stock certificate (Previously filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1/A, Commission File No. 333-64914, and incorporated by reference herein.) 2014 Omnibus Incentive Plan - Restricted Stock Agreement Form (Previously filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2014 and incorporated by reference herein.) 2014 Omnibus Incentive Plan - Performance Share and Restricted Stock Agreement Form (Previously filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2014 and incorporated by reference herein.) Registration Rights Agreement, dated June 30, 2014, by and among Cross Country Healthcare, Inc. and the noteholders party thereto (Previously filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Form 8-K dated July 2, 2014 and incorporated by reference herein.) Employment Agreement, dated as of March 20, 2013, between William J. Grubbs and the Registrant (Previously filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Form 8-K dated March 22, 2013 and incorporated by reference herein.) Cross Country, Inc. Deferred Compensation Plan (Previously filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2002, and incorporated by reference herein.) Form of Incentive Stock Option Agreement (Previously filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1, Commission File No. 333-74403, and incorporated by reference herein.) Lease Agreement between Cornerstone Opportunity Ventures, LLC and Cejka Search, Inc., dated February 2, 2007 (Previously filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006 and incorporated by reference herein.) Second Amendment to Lease Agreement by and between Meridian Commercial Properties Limited Partnership and Cross Country Healthcare, Inc., dated February 17, 2007 (Previously filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Form 10- K for the year ended December 31, 2006 and incorporated by reference herein.) First Amendment to Lease Agreement dated as of September 1, 2007, by and between Cornerstone Opportunity Ventures, LLC and Cejka Search, Inc. (Previously filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2008 and incorporated by reference herein.) Form of Non-Employee Directors’ Restricted Stock Agreement under Cross Country Healthcare, Inc. 2007 Stock Incentive Plan (Previously filed as an exhibit to the Company’s 8-K dated May 15, 2007 and incorporated by reference herein.) Form of Stock Appreciation Rights Agreement under Cross Country Healthcare, Inc. 2007 Stock Incentive Plan (Previously filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Form 8-K dated October 15, 2007 and incorporated by reference herein.) Lease Agreement, dated July 1, 2010, between Goldberg Brothers Real Estate LLC and MCVT, Inc. (Previously filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2010 and incorporated by reference herein.) Lease Agreement, dated July 18, 2013, between Peachtree II and III, LLC and MDA Holdings, Inc. (Previously filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2013 and incorporated by reference herein.) 10.11 # Amended and Restated Executive Severance Plan of Cross Country Healthcare, Inc. (Previously filed as an exhibit 10.12 10.13 10.14 to the Company’s Form 8-K dated May 28, 2010 and incorporated by reference herein.) Loan and Security Agreement, dated January 9, 2013, by and among Cross Country Healthcare, Inc. and certain of its subsidiaries, as Borrowers, the Lenders referenced therein, and Bank of America, N.A., as Agent (Previously filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Form 8-K dated January 11, 2013 and incorporated by reference herein.) Consent, Waiver and Third Amendment, dated as of June 30, 2014, to Loan and Security Agreement dated January 9, 2013, by and among Cross Country Healthcare, Inc. and certain of its subsidiaries, as Borrowers, the Lenders referenced therein, and Bank of America, N.A., as Agent (Previously filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Form 8- K dated July 2, 2014 and incorporated by reference herein.) Stock Purchase Agreement, dated February 2, 2013, by and among ICON Clinical Research, Inc. and ICON Clinical Research UK Limited, as Buyers, and Cross Country Healthcare, Inc., Local Staff, LLC and Cross Country Healthcare UK Holdco Ltd., as Sellers (Previously filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Form 8-K dated February 5, 2013 and incorporated by reference herein.) 45 No. 10.15 EXHIBIT INDEX (CONTINUED) Description Asset Purchase Agreement, dated December 2, 2013, between Local Staff, LLC, as Buyer, Cross Country Healthcare, Inc., as Parent and On Assignment Staffing Services, Inc., Assignment Ready, Inc., and On Assignment, Inc., collectively as Seller (Previously filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Form 8-K dated December 3, 2013 and incorporated by reference herein.) 10.16 # Employment Agreement, dated March 3, 2014, between William J. Burns and Cross Country Healthcare, Inc. 10.17 10.18 10.19 10.20 (Previously filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013 and incorporated by reference herein.) Asset Purchase Agreement, dated June 2, 2014, by and among Cross Country Healthcare, Inc., as Purchaser, and MSN Holdco, LLC, MSN Holding Company Inc., Medical Staffing Network Healthcare, LLC and Optimal Workforce Solutions, LLC, as Seller (Previously filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Form 8-K dated June 3, 2014 and incorporated by reference herein.) Second Lien Loan and Security Agreement, dated June 30, 2014, by and among Cross Country Healthcare, Inc., as borrower, certain of its domestic subsidiaries, as guarantors, and BSP Agency, LLC, as agent (Previously filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Form 8-K dated July 2, 2014 and incorporated by reference herein.) Convertible Note Purchase Agreement, dated as of June 30, 2014, by and among Cross Country Healthcare, Inc. and certain of its domestic subsidiaries and Benefit Street Partners SMA LM L.P., PECM Strategic Funding L.P. and Providence Debt Fund III L.P. and other noteholders defined therein (Previously filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Form 8-K dated July 2, 2014 and incorporated by reference herein.) Fourth Amendment, dated as of October 20, 2014, to Loan and Security Agreement dated January 9, 2013, by and among Cross Country Healthcare, Inc. and certain of its subsidiaries, as Borrowers, the Lenders referenced therein, and Bank of America, N.A., as Agent (Previously filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2014 and incorporated by reference herein.) 10.21 # Transition Agreement, dated March 3, 2014, between Emil Hensel and the Registrant (Previously filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013 and incorporated by reference herein.) Lease Agreement, dated November 22, 1999, by and between Fairfax Boca 92, L.P. and Medical Staffing Network, Inc. (Previously filed as an exhibit to the Company's Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014 and incorporated by reference herein.) 10.22 10.23 10.24 10.25 10.26 10.27 10.28 10.29 10.30 10.31 First Amendment to Lease Agreement by and between Fairfax Boca 92 L.P. and Medical Staffing Network, Inc., dated July 31, 2001 (Previously filed as an exhibit to the Company's Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014 and incorporated by reference herein.) Second Amendment to Lease Agreement by and between Fairfax Boca 92 L.P. and Medical Staffing Network, Inc., dated March 20, 2002 (Previously filed as an exhibit to the Company's Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014 and incorporated by reference herein.) Third Amendment to Lease Agreement by and between Fairfax Boca 92 L.P. and Medical Staffing Network, Inc., dated May 14, 2002 (Previously filed as an exhibit to the Company's Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014 and incorporated by reference herein.) Fourth Amendment to Lease Agreement by and between Fairfax Boca 92 L.P. and Medical Staffing Network, Inc., dated December 13, 2002 (Previously filed as an exhibit to the Company's Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014 and incorporated by reference herein.) Fifth Amendment to Lease Agreement by and between Fairfax Boca 92 L.P. and Medical Staffing Network, Inc., dated February 11, 2003 (Previously filed as an exhibit to the Company's Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014 and incorporated by reference herein.) Sixth Amendment to Lease Agreement by and between Teachers Insurance and Annuity Association of America and Medical Staffing Network, LLC, dated January 3, 2011 (Previously filed as an exhibit to the Company's Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014 and incorporated by reference herein.) Seventh Amendment to Lease Agreement by and between Teachers Insurance and Annuity Association of America and Medical Staffing Network, LLC, dated March 1, 2011 (Previously filed as an exhibit to the Company's Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014 and incorporated by reference herein.) Eighth Amendment to Lease Agreement by and between Teachers Insurance and Annuity Association of America, and Medical Staffing Network, LLC, dated November 22, 2011 (Previously filed as an exhibit to the Company's Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014 and incorporated by reference herein.) Second Amendment to Second Lien Loan and Security Agreement, dated July 22, 2015, by and among Cross Country Healthcare, Inc., as borrower, certain of its domestic subsidiaries, as guarantors, the lenders party thereto, and BSP Agency, LLC, as agent (Previously filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Form 8-K dated July 23, 2015 and incorporated by reference herein.) 46 No. 10.32 10.33 10.34 10.35 10.36 10.37 10.38 # 10.39 # 10.40 # 10.41 10.42 10.43 10.44 # 10.45 10.46 10.47 10.48 EXHIBIT INDEX (CONTINUED) Description Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of July 27, 2015, by and among Cross Country Education, LLC, Cross Country Healthcare, Inc., CC Education, LLC and PES, Inc. (Previously filed as an exhibit to the Company's Form 8-K dated July 30, 2015 and incorporated by reference herein) Fourth Amendment to Lease Agreement by and between Granite Meridian LLC and Cross Country Healthcare, Inc., dated September 29, 2015 (Previously filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Form 8-K dated October 2, 2015 and incorporated by reference herein.) Ninth Amendment to Lease Agreement by and between Mainstreet CV North 40, LLC and Cross Country Healthcare, Inc., dated September 29, 2015 (Previously filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Form 8-K dated October 2, 2015 and incorporated by reference herein.) Lease Agreement by and between Mainstreet CV North 40, LLC and Cross Country Healthcare, Inc., dated September 29, 2015 (Previously filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Form 8-K dated October 2, 2015 and incorporated by reference herein.) Stock Purchase Agreement, dated October 19, 2015, by and among Cross Country Healthcare, Inc. and Dennis Ducham, Emily Serebryany, Emily Serebryany Trust dated 4/16/14, Val Serebryany, and Val Serebryany Family Trust dated 2/18/14 (Previously filed as an exhibit to the Company's Form 8-K dated October 20, 2015 and incorporated by reference herein) Asset Purchase Agreement between Mediscan, Inc. and Direct Ed Solutions, Inc. and Mihal Spiegel, dated August 19, 2014 (Previously filed as an exhibit to the Company's Form 8-K dated November 3, 2015 and incorporated by reference herein.) Employment Agreement between Cross Country Healthcare, Inc. and Dennis Ducham, dated October 30, 2015 (Previously filed as an exhibit to the Company's Form 8-K dated November 3, 2015 and incorporated by reference herein.) Employment Agreement between Cross Country Healthcare, Inc. and Val Serebryany, dated October 30, 2015 (Previously filed as an exhibit to the Company's Form 8-K dated November 3, 2015 and incorporated by reference herein.) Restricted Stock Agreement between Cross Country Healthcare, Inc. and New Mediscan Diagnostic Services, Inc., dated October 30, 2015 (Previously filed as an exhibit to the Company's Form 8-K dated November 3, 2015 and incorporated by reference herein.) Lease Agreement between Golden Egg, LLC and Mediscan Staffing Services, dba Mediscan Diagnostics, Mediscan Therapy Inc., Direct Ed Solutions, and Direct Ed Specialized Services, dated August 4, 2015 (Previously filed as an exhibit to the Company's Form 8-K dated November 3, 2015 and incorporated by reference herein.) First Amendment to Lease Agreement between Golden Egg, LLC and Mediscan Diagnostic Services, Mediscan Nursing Staffing, Direct Ed Solutions, and Direct Ed Specialized Services, dated October 30, 2015 (Previously filed as an exhibit to the Company's Form 8-K dated November 3, 2015 and incorporated by reference herein.) Third Amendment to Lease Agreement between RNSI City Place Owner, LLC and Cejka Search, Inc., dated December 2, 2015 (Previously filed as an exhibit to the Company's Form 10-KA for the year ended December 31, 2015 and incorporated by reference herein.) Employment Agreement, dated as of March 9, 2016, between William J. Grubbs and the Registrant (Previously filed as an exhibit to the Company's Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015 and incorporated by reference herein.) Credit Agreement, dated June 22, 2016, by and among Cross Country Healthcare, Inc., as borrower, certain of its domestic subsidiaries, as guarantors, the Lenders referenced therein, and Suntrust Bank, as agent (previously filed as an exhibit to the Company's Form 8-K dated June 22, 2016 and incorporated by reference herein.) Tenth Amendment to Lease agreement between Mainstreet CV North 40, LLC and Cross Country Healthcare, Inc., dated September 19, 2016 (Previously filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2016 and incorporated by reference herein.) Amendment to Lease agreement between Mainstreet CV North 40, LLC and Cross Country Healthcare, Inc., dated September 19, 2016 (Previously filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2016 and incorporated by reference herein.) Amendment No. 2, dated October 31, 2016 to Convertible Note Purchase Agreement, dated June 30, 2014, among Cross Country Healthcare, Inc., the Guarantor subsidiaries of the Company named therein, and the Noteholders named therein (Previously filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2016 and incorporated by reference herein.) *10.49 Amendment No. 3, dated December 27, 2016 to Convertible Note Purchase Agreement, dated June 30, 2014, among Cross Country Healthcare, Inc., the Guarantor subsidiaries of the Company named therein, and the Noteholders named therein. 47  EXHIBIT INDEX (CONTINUED) No. 14.1 16.1 18.1 *21.1 *23.1 *23.2 *31.1 *31.2 *32.1 *32.2 Description Code of Ethics, revised February 2, 2016 (Previously filed as an exhibit to the Company's Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015 and incorporated by reference herein.) Letter re Change in Certifying Accountant (Previously filed as exhibit to the Company's Form 8-K dated March 13, 2015 and incorporated by reference herein.) Letter re Change in Accounting Principles (Previously filed as exhibit to the Company's Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2014 and incorporated by reference herein.) List of subsidiaries of the Registrant Consent of Deloitte & Touche LLP, Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm Consent of Ernst & Young LLP, Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm Certification Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) and pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 by William J. Grubbs, President, Chief Executive Officer, Director (Principal Executive Officer) Certification Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) and pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 by William J. Burns, EVP & Chief Financial Officer (Principal Accounting and Financial Officer) Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, by William J. Grubbs, President, Chief Executive Officer, Director (Principal Executive Officer) Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, by William J. Burns, EVP & Chief Financial Officer (Principal Accounting and Financial Officer) **101.INS **101.SCH **101.DEF **101.LAB **101.CAL **101.PRE XBRL Instance Document XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document PRE XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document ________________ # Represents a management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement * Filed herewith ** Furnished herewith 48  INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Page Cross Country Healthcare, Inc. Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm 2016 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F- 2 Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm 2014 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F- 4 Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2016 and 2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F- 5 Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Years Ended December 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F- 6 Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the Years Ended December 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014 . . . . F- 7 Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity for the Years Ended December 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014 . . . . . . . . . . . . F- 8 Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended December 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F- 9 Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F- 10 Financial Statement Schedule Schedule II – Valuation and Qualifying Accounts for the Years Ended December 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014 . . . . . . . . . . . . II- 1 Schedules not filed herewith are either not applicable, the information is not material or the information is set forth in the consolidated financial statements or notes thereto. F- 1 REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of Cross Country Healthcare, Inc. Boca Raton, Florida We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Cross Country Healthcare, Inc. and subsidiaries (the "Company") as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, and the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income (loss), stockholders' equity, and cash flows for each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2016. Our audits also included the financial statement schedule listed in the Index at Item 15. We also have audited the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2016, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. The Company's management is responsible for these financial statements and financial statement schedule, 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 these financial statements and financial statement schedule and an opinion on the Company's internal control over financial reporting 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 and whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audits of the financial statements included examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting 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 audits also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions. A company's internal control over financial reporting is a process designed by, or under the supervision of, the company's principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, and effected by the company's board of directors, management, and other personnel 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 the inherent limitations of internal control over financial reporting, including the possibility of collusion or improper management override of controls, material misstatements due to error or fraud may not be prevented or detected on a timely basis. Also, projections of any evaluation of the effectiveness of the internal control over financial reporting to future periods are subject to the risk that the controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate. F- 2 In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Cross Country Healthcare, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2016, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Also, in our opinion, such financial statement schedule, when considered in relation to the basic consolidated financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein. Also, in our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2016, based on the criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. /s/ DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP Certified Public Accountants Boca Raton, Florida March 3, 2017 F- 3 REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM The Board of Directors and Stockholders of Cross Country Healthcare, Inc. and Subsidiaries We have audited the accompanying consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive loss, stockholders’ equity and cash flows of Cross Country Healthcare, Inc. and subsidiaries for the year ended December 31, 2014. Our audit also included the financial statement schedule listed in the Index at Item 15(a). These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements 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 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 audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion. In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated results of operations and cash flows of Cross Country Healthcare, Inc. and subsidiaries for the year ended December 31, 2014, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. /s/ Ernst & Young LLP Certified Public Accountants Boca Raton, Florida March 6, 2015 F- 4 CROSS COUNTRY HEALTHCARE, INC. CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (amounts in thousands, except for share data) Assets Current assets: Cash and cash equivalents Accounts receivable, net of allowances of $3,245 in 2016 and $4,045 in 2015 Prepaid expenses Insurance recovery receivable Other current assets Total current assets Property and equipment Trade names, indefinite-lived Goodwill Other intangible assets subject to amortization, net of accumulated amortization of $43,333 in 2016 and $38,419 in 2015 Debt issuance costs, net Other non-current assets Total assets Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity Current liabilities: Accounts payable and accrued expenses Accrued compensation and benefits Current portion of long-term debt and capital lease obligations Deferred purchase price Other current liabilities Total current liabilities Long-term debt and capital lease obligations, less current portion Non-current deferred tax liabilities Long-term accrued claims Contingent consideration Other long-term liabilities Total liabilities Commitments and contingencies Stockholders' equity: Common stock—$0.0001 par value; 100,000,000 shares authorized; 32,339,285 and 31,951,960 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively Additional paid-in capital Accumulated other comprehensive loss Accumulated deficit Total Cross Country Healthcare, Inc. stockholders' equity Noncontrolling interest Total stockholders' equity Total liabilities and stockholders' equity December 31, 2016 2015 $ $ $ 20,630 173,620 6,126 3,037 2,198 205,611 12,818 35,402 79,648 36,835 929 17,135 388,378 58,837 33,243 2,263 — 2,749 97,092 84,760 13,154 28,870 5,301 7,399 236,576 2,453 146,873 4,521 2,866 2,032 158,745 10,470 36,101 95,096 46,813 376 17,994 365,595 41,098 29,402 8,071 2,184 5,291 86,046 81,301 18,475 30,070 3,533 4,826 224,251 3 256,570 (1,241) (104,089) 151,243 559 151,802 388,378 $ 3 254,108 (1,207) (112,056) 140,848 496 141,344 365,595 $ $ $ $ See accompanying notes. F- 5 CROSS COUNTRY HEALTHCARE, INC. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (amounts in thousands, except per share data) Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2016 Revenue from services Operating expenses: Direct operating expenses Selling, general, and administrative expenses Bad debt expense Depreciation Amortization Loss on sale of business Acquisition-related contingent consideration Acquisition and integration costs Restructuring costs Impairment charges Total operating expenses $ 833,537 $ 767,421 $ 617,825 611,802 179,820 593 4,168 5,014 — 814 78 753 24,311 827,353 570,056 161,275 999 3,856 4,210 2,184 — 902 1,274 2,100 746,856 460,021 141,018 1,016 3,866 3,575 — — 7,957 840 10,000 628,293 Income (loss) from operations 6,184 20,565 (10,468) Other expenses (income): Interest expense (Gain) loss on derivative liability Loss on early extinguishment of debt Other (income) expense, net Income (loss) before income taxes Income tax (benefit) expense Consolidated net income (loss) Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest in subsidiary Net income (loss) attributable to common shareholders Net income (loss) per share attributable to common shareholders - Basic Net income (loss) per share attributable to common shareholders - Diluted Weighted average common shares outstanding: Basic Diluted See accompanying notes. 6,106 (5,805) 1,568 (230) 4,545 (4,186) 8,731 764 7,967 0.25 0.15 $ $ $ $ $ $ 6,810 9,901 — (306) 4,160 (794) 4,954 536 4,418 0.14 0.14 $ $ $ 4,160 16,671 — 19 (31,318) 216 (31,534) 249 (31,783) (1.02) (1.02) 32,132 36,246 31,514 32,162 31,190 31,190 F- 6 CROSS COUNTRY HEALTHCARE, INC. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (amounts in thousands) Year Ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 Consolidated net income (loss) $ 8,731 $ 4,954 $ (31,534) Other comprehensive (loss) income, before income taxes: Unrealized foreign currency translation (loss) gain Other comprehensive (loss) income, before income taxes Income tax expense related to items of other comprehensive (loss) income Other comprehensive loss, net of taxes Comprehensive income (loss) Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest in subsidiary (34) (34) — (34) 8,697 764 (89) (89) — (89) 14 14 162 (148) 4,865 536 (31,682) 249 Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to common shareholders $ 7,933 $ 4,329 $ (31,931) See accompanying notes. F- 7 CROSS COUNTRY HEALTHCARE, INC. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY (amounts in thousands) Common Stock Shares Dollars Additional Paid-In Capital Accumulated Other Total Comprehensive Loss, net (Accumulated Deficit) Retained Earnings Noncontrolling Interest in Subsidiary Stockholders’ Equity (84,691) $ — — $ — $ 246,325 $ (970) $ — (245) 1,387 — — — — — — — (148) — — — 247,467 (1,118) Balances at December 31, 2013 31,085 $ Exercise of stock options Vesting of restricted stock Equity compensation Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of deferred taxes Acquisition of InteliStaf of Oklahoma, LLC Distribution to noncontrolling shareholder Net (loss) income 66 141 — — — — — Balances at December 31, 2014 31,292 Exercise of stock options Vesting of restricted stock Equity compensation Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of deferred taxes Acquisition of Mediscan Distribution to noncontrolling shareholder Net income 119 191 — — 350 — — Balances at December 31, 2015 31,952 Exercise of stock options Vesting of restricted stock and performance stock awards Equity compensation Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of deferred taxes Distribution to noncontrolling shareholder Net income 103 284 — — — — Balances at December 31, 2016 32,339 $ 3 — — — — — — — 3 — — — — — — — 3 — — — — — — 3 — (543) 2,460 — 4,724 — — 254,108 — (917) 3,379 — — — — — — — — (31,783) (116,474) — — — — — — 4,418 — — — (89) — — — (1,207) (112,056) — — — (34) — — — — — — — 7,967 160,667 — (245) 1,387 (148) 324 (119) (31,534) 130,332 — (543) 2,460 (89) 4,724 (494) 4,954 141,344 — (917) 3,379 (34) (701) 8,731 $ 151,802 — — — 324 (119) 249 454 — — — — — (494) 536 496 — — — — (701) 764 559 $ 256,570 $ (1,241) $ (104,089) $ See accompanying notes. F- 8 CROSS COUNTRY HEALTHCARE, INC. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (amounts in thousands) Cash flows from operating activities Consolidated net income (loss) Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities: Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2016 $ 8,731 $ 4,954 $ (31,534) Depreciation and amortization Amortization of debt discount and debt issuance costs Provision for allowances Deferred income tax benefit (Gain) loss on derivative liability Acquisition-related contingent consideration Impairment charges Loss on early extinguishment of debt Equity compensation Other noncash costs, including loss on sale of business Changes in operating assets and liabilities: Accounts receivable Prepaid expenses and other assets Income taxes Accounts payable and accrued expenses Other liabilities Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities Cash flows from investing activities Proceeds from sale of business Acquisitions, net of cash acquired Acquisition-related settlements - Medical Staffing Network Acquisition-related settlements - Mediscan Transaction costs related to sale of business Purchases of property and equipment Net cash used in investing activities Cash flows from financing activities Proceeds from borrowing on Senior Credit Facility Debt issuance costs Principal payment on Senior Credit Facility Principal payments on Second Lien Term Loan Extinguishment fees Borrowings under Senior Secured Asset-Based revolving credit facility Repayments on Senior Secured Asset-Based revolving credit facility Proceeds from borrowing on Second Lien Term Loan Proceeds from borrowing on Convertible Note Repayments of capital lease obligations Cash paid for shares withheld for taxes Payment of contingent consideration Cash payments to noncontrolling shareholder Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities Effect of exchange rate changes on cash Change in cash and cash equivalents Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year Cash and cash equivalents at end of year Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information: Interest paid Income taxes paid $ $ $ See accompanying notes. F- 9 9,182 1,728 4,034 (5,322) (5,805) 769 24,311 1,568 3,379 6 (30,781) (1,882) (497) 20,370 354 30,145 500 (1,900) (2,155) 297 — (6,522) (9,780) 40,000 (1,182) (500) (30,000) (641) 59,800 (67,800) — — (71) (917) (152) (701) (2,164) (24) 18,177 2,453 20,630 3,893 1,773 $ $ $ 8,066 1,886 1,779 (1,544) 9,901 — 2,100 — 2,460 2,204 (28,708) 2,663 375 11,213 886 18,235 7,500 (28,721) (149) — (338) (2,362) (24,070) — — — — — 64,100 (59,600) — — (108) (543) — (494) 3,355 (62) (2,542) 4,995 2,453 5,052 1,035 $ $ $ 7,441 1,064 1,016 (857) 16,671 — 10,000 — 1,387 114 (16,119) 1,371 58 5,654 (338) (4,072) 3,750 (44,631) — — — (4,571) (45,452) — (1,093) — — — 61,205 (66,105) 28,875 24,063 (122) (245) — (119) 46,459 5 (3,060) 8,055 4,995 2,512 1,374 CROSS COUNTRY HEALTHCARE, INC. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS DECEMBER 31, 2016 1. Organization and Basis of Presentation Cross Country Healthcare, Inc. (the Company) was incorporated in Delaware on July 29, 1999 as a business providing travel nurse and allied health staffing services. As of December 31, 2016, the Company is a leading national provider of nurse and allied staffing, recruiting, and value-added workforce solution services, multi-specialty locum tenens (temporary physician staffing) services, as well as a provider of other human capital management services focused on healthcare. The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its direct and indirect wholly-owned subsidiaries. The consolidated financial statements include all assets, liabilities, revenue, and expenses of InteliStaf of Oklahoma, LLC, which is controlled by the Company but not wholly owned. The Company records the ownership interest of the noncontrolling shareholder as noncontrolling interest in subsidiary. All intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation. Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation. See consolidated balance sheets, Note 13 - Income Taxes and Note 17 - Segment Data. 2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Use of Estimates The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (U.S. GAAP), requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Significant estimates and assumptions are used for, but not limited to: (1) the valuation of accounts receivable; (2) goodwill, trade names, and other intangible assets; (3) other long-lived assets; (4) share-based compensation; (5) accruals for health, workers’ compensation and professional liability claims; (6) valuation of deferred tax assets; (7) purchase price allocation; (8) derivative liability; (9) legal contingencies; (10) contingent considerations; (11) income taxes; and (12) sales and other non-income tax liabilities. Accrued insurance claims and reserves include estimated settlements from known claims and actuarial estimates for claims incurred but not reported. Actual results could significantly differ from those estimates. Cash and Cash Equivalents The Company considers all investments with original maturities of three months or less to be cash and cash equivalents. The Company invests its excess cash in highly rated overnight funds and other highly rated liquid accounts. The Company is exposed to credit risk associated with these investments. The Company minimizes its credit risk relating to these positions by monitoring the financial condition of the financial institutions involved and by primarily conducting business with large, well established financial institutions, and diversifying its counterparties. The Company does not currently anticipate nonperformance by any of its significant counterparties. Interest income on cash and cash equivalents is included in other (income) expense, net, on the Company’s consolidated statements of operations. Accounts Receivable, Allowance for Doubtful Accounts, and Concentration of Credit Risk Accounts receivable potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk. The Company’s customers are primarily healthcare providers, and accounts receivable represent amounts due from them. The Company generally does not require collateral and mitigates its credit risk by performing credit evaluations and monitoring at-risk accounts. The allowance for doubtful accounts represents the Company’s estimate of uncollectible receivables based on a review of specific accounts and the Company’s historical collection experience. The Company writes off specific accounts based on an ongoing review of collectability as well as past experience with the customer. In addition, the Company maintains a sales allowance for customer disputes which may arise in the ordinary course, which is recorded as contra-revenue. The Company’s contract terms typically require payment between 15 to 60 days from the date services are provided and are considered past due based on the particular negotiated contract terms. The majority of the Company's business activity is with hospitals located throughout the United States. No single customer accounted for more than 10% of the Company’s accounts receivable balance as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, or revenue for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014. F- 10 CROSS COUNTRY HEALTHCARE, INC. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS DECEMBER 31, 2016 2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued) Prepaid Rent and Deposits The Company leases apartments for eligible field employees under short-term agreements (typically three to six months), which generally coincide with each employee’s staffing contract. Costs relating to these leases are included in direct operating expenses on the accompanying consolidated statements of operations. As a condition of these agreements, the Company may place security deposits on the leased apartments. Deposits on field employees’ apartments related to these short-term agreements are included in other current assets on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. Property and Equipment Property and equipment are stated at cost, less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is determined on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the assets, which generally range from three to seven years. Leasehold improvements are depreciated over the shorter of their estimated useful life or the term of the individual lease. Depreciation related to assets recorded under capital lease obligations is included in depreciation expense on the consolidated statements of operations and calculated using the straight-line method over the term of the related capital lease. Certain software development costs have been capitalized in accordance with the provisions of the Intangibles-Goodwill and Other/Internal-Use Software Topic of the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Accounting Standards Codification (ASC). Such costs include charges for consulting services and costs for personnel associated with programming, coding, and testing such software. Amortization of capitalized software costs begins when the software is ready for use and is included in depreciation expense in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations. Software development costs are being amortized using the straight-line method over three to five years. Business Combinations The Company applies accounting in accordance with the Business Combinations Topic of the FASB ASC when it acquires control over a business. Business combinations are accounted for at fair value. The associated acquisition costs are expensed as incurred and recorded as acquisition and integration costs; noncontrolling interests, if any, are reflected at fair value at the acquisition date; restructuring costs associated with a business combination are expensed; contingent consideration is measured at fair value at the acquisition date, with changes in the fair value after the acquisition date affecting earnings; and goodwill is determined as the excess of the fair value of the consideration conveyed in the acquisition over the fair value of the net assets acquired. The accounting for business combinations requires estimates and judgments as to expectations for future cash flows of the acquired business, and the allocation of those cash flows to identifiable intangible assets, in determining the estimated fair value for assets and liabilities acquired. The fair values assigned to tangible and intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed are based on management's estimates and assumptions, including valuations that utilize customary valuation procedures and techniques. If the actual results differ from the estimates and judgments used in these estimates, the amounts recorded in the financial statements could result in a possible impairment of the intangible assets and goodwill, or require acceleration of the amortization expense of finite-lived intangible assets. The results of the acquired businesses' operations are included in the consolidated statements of operations of the combined entity beginning on the date of acquisition. See Note 3 - Acquisitions. Goodwill, Trade Names, and Other Intangible Assets Goodwill represents the excess of purchase price and related costs over the fair value assigned to the net tangible and identifiable intangible assets of businesses acquired. Other identifiable intangible assets with definite lives are being amortized using the straight-line method over their estimated useful lives which range from 1 to 16 years. Goodwill and certain intangible assets with indefinite lives are not amortized. Instead, in accordance with the Intangibles-Goodwill and Other Topic of the FASB ASC, these assets are reviewed for impairment annually at the beginning of the fourth quarter, and whenever circumstances occur indicating potential impairment, with any related losses recognized in earnings and included in the caption impairment charges on the consolidated statements of operations. Historically, the Company completed the annual goodwill impairment test as of December 31 of each fiscal year. During the quarter ended September 30, 2014, the Company voluntarily changed the date of its annual goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible assets impairment testing from December 31 to the first day of its fourth quarter. This voluntary change is preferable under the circumstances as it provides the Company with additional time to complete its annual goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible asset impairment testing in advance of its year-end reporting. The voluntary change in accounting principle related to the annual testing date did not delay, accelerate, or avoid an impairment charge. This change is not applied retrospectively as it is F- 11 CROSS COUNTRY HEALTHCARE, INC. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS DECEMBER 31, 2016 2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued) impracticable to do so because retrospective application would require application of significant estimates and assumptions with the use of hindsight. Accordingly, the change was applied prospectively. If, after assessing the totality of events and circumstances, the Company determines that it is more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting unit is greater than its carrying amount, the quantitative impairment test is unnecessary. The performance of the quantitative impairment test involves a two-step process. The first step in its annual impairment assessment requires the Company to determine the fair value of each of its reporting units and compare it to the reporting unit’s carrying amount. The Company determines its reporting units by identifying components of its operating segments that constitute a business for which discrete financial information is available and management regularly reviews the operating results of that component. The Company has had four reporting units that it reviewed for impairment: 1) Nurse and Allied Staffing, 2) Physician Staffing, 3) Search, and 4) Education Seminars. The fourth reporting unit, Education Seminars, was divested August 31, 2015. See Note 4 - Disposal and Discontinued Operations. In its impairment analysis, the Company determines the fair value of its reporting units based on a combination of inputs including Level 3 inputs such as discounted cash flows which are not observable from the market, directly or indirectly, as well as inputs such as pricing multiples from publicly traded guideline companies and the market capitalization of the Company, including an estimated premium an investor would pay for a controlling interest. If the reporting unit’s carrying value exceeds its fair value, the Company then determines the amount of the impairment charge, if any. Management considers historical experience and all available information at the time the fair values of its reporting units are estimated. However, fair values that could be realized in an actual transaction may differ from those used to evaluate the potential impairment of goodwill. Long-lived assets and identifiable intangible assets with definite lives are evaluated for impairment in accordance with the Property, Plant, and Equipment Topic of the FASB ASC. In accordance with this Topic, long-lived assets and definite-lived intangible assets are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying amount may not be recoverable. Recoverability of long-lived assets is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of the asset group to the future undiscounted net cash flow that is expected to be generated by those assets. If such assets are considered to be impaired, the impairment charge recognized is the amount by which the carrying amount of the assets exceeds the fair value of the assets. See Note 5 – Goodwill, Trade Names, and Other Intangible Assets. Debt Discount and Debt Issuance Costs Stated discounts on proceeds, and other fees reimbursed to lender, as well as the initial value of any embedded derivative features of the Convertible Notes and Term Loans, as defined in Note 8 - Debt, are treated as a discount associated with the respective debt instrument and presented in the balance sheet as an offset to the carrying amount of the debt. Discounts are amortized to interest expense using the effective interest rate method, or a method that approximates the effective interest rate method, over the expected life of the debt. Deferred costs related to the issuance of Convertible Notes and Term Loans are capitalized and presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of the debt liability. See Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements section. The deferred costs are amortized using the effective interest method. Deferred costs related to the issuance of the Company’s Revolving Credit Facility and Senior Secured Asset-Based Loan, as defined in Note 8 - Debt, have been capitalized and amortized using the straight line method, over the term of the related credit agreement. Derivative Financial Instruments The Company evaluates embedded conversion features within convertible debt in accordance with the Derivatives and Hedging Topic of the FASB ASC to determine whether the embedded conversion feature should be bifurcated from the host instrument and accounted for as a derivative at fair value with changes in fair value recorded within other expenses (income) on our consolidated statements of operations. The Company uses a trinomial lattice model to estimate the fair value of embedded conversion and redemption features in its convertible debt at the end of each applicable reporting period. Changes in the fair value of these derivatives during each reporting period are reported in the consolidated statements of operations. The fair value at inception has been recorded as debt discount and is being amortized to interest expense over the term of the note using the effective interest method or another method that approximates the effective interest method. F- 12 CROSS COUNTRY HEALTHCARE, INC. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS DECEMBER 31, 2016 2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued) Sales and Other State Non-income Tax Liabilities The Company accrues sales and other state non-income tax liabilities based on the Company’s best estimate of its probable liability utilizing currently available information and interpretation of relevant tax regulations. Given the nature of the Company’s business, significant subjectivity exists as to both whether sales and other state non-income taxes can be assessed on its activity and how the sales tax will ultimately be measured by the relevant jurisdictions. The Company makes a determination for each reporting period whether the estimates for sales and other non-income taxes in certain states should be revised. Insurance Claims The Company provides workers’ compensation insurance coverage, professional liability coverage, and healthcare benefits for eligible employees. The Company records its estimate of the ultimate cost of, and reserves for, workers' compensation and professional liability benefits based on actuarial models prepared or reviewed by an independent actuary using the Company’s loss history as well as industry statistics. The healthcare insurance accrual is for estimated claims that have occurred but have not been reported and is based on the Company’s historical claim submission patterns. Furthermore, in determining its reserves, the Company includes reserves for estimated claims incurred but not reported as well as unfavorable claims development. The Other Expenses/Insurance Costs Topic of the FASB ASC previously issued authoritative accounting guidance in the area of insurance contracts and related activity thereto. The Other Expenses/Insurance Costs Topic concluded that, under circumstances such as in the Company’s insured professional liability and workers' compensation policies, since a right of legal offset does not exist due to the fact that there are three parties to an incurred claim, the insured, the insurer, and the claimant, the related liability to the claimant should be classified separately on a gross basis with a separate related receivable from the insurer recognized as being due from insurance carriers. Accordingly, the Company’s consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2016 and 2015 reflect the related short-term liabilities in accrued compensation and benefits and the related long-term liabilities as long-term accrued claims, and the short-term receivable portion as insurance recovery receivable and the long-term portion as non-current insurance recovery receivable. See Note 7 - Balance Sheet Details. The ultimate cost of workers’ compensation, professional liability, and health insurance claims will depend on actual amounts incurred to settle those claims and may differ from the amounts reserved by the Company for those claims. Workers’ compensation benefits are provided under a partially self-insured plan. The Company has letters of credit to guarantee payments of claims. At December 31, 2016 and 2015, the Company had outstanding approximately $20.2 million and $21.5 million, respectively, of standby letters of credit as collateral to secure the self-insured portion of this plan. The Company has occurrence-based primary professional liability policies that provide the Company and each working professional in its nurse and allied healthcare business with coverage. Until January 1, 2016, the Company had an occurrence- based professional liability policy for its independent contractor physicians and advanced practitioners which was insured by a wholly-owned subsidiary, Jamestown Indemnity, Ltd., a wholly-owned Cayman Island captive company (the Captive), until its voluntary liquidation in the third quarter of 2015. Beginning in March 2015, the Company's Physician subsidiary self-insured $0.5 million for each of its professional liability claims. Under the terms of the Captive’s reinsurance policy there was a requirement to guarantee the payment of claims to its insured party’s primary medical malpractice insurance carrier via a letter of credit. As a result of the Captive's liquidation, the letter of credit was reduced. As of both December 31, 2016 and 2015, the value of the letter of credit was $2.0 million. Effective January 1, 2016, the Company has a claims-made professional liability policy for its physicians and advanced practitioners. Subject to certain limitations, the Company also has umbrella liability coverage for its working nurses and allied healthcare professionals. While this umbrella coverage does not extend to professional liability claims against its independent contractor physicians and advanced practitioners, it does cover claims brought against all of the Company’s subsidiaries for non-patient general liability. Revenue Recognition The Company recognizes revenue when it is earned and when all of the following criteria are met: persuasive evidence of the arrangement exists; delivery has occurred or the service has been provided and the Company has no remaining obligations; the fee is fixed or determinable; and collectability is reasonably assured. The Company includes reimbursable expenses in revenues, and the associated amounts of reimbursable expenses in cost of services. F- 13 CROSS COUNTRY HEALTHCARE, INC. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS DECEMBER 31, 2016 2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued) Temporary Staffing Revenue Revenue from services consists primarily of temporary staffing revenue. Revenues from temporary staffing, net of sales adjustments and discounts, are recognized when earned, based on hours worked by the Company’s healthcare professionals. Billings to customers are based on specific contract provisions which may include approval of submitted time by our customers. Accordingly, accounts receivable includes estimated revenue for employees’ and independent contractors’ time worked but not yet invoiced. At December 31, 2016 and 2015, the Company's estimate of amounts that had not been billed totaled $41.2 million and $18.4 million, respectively, and are included in accounts receivable on the consolidated balance sheets. Permanent Placement Revenue on permanent placements is recognized when services provided are substantially completed. The Company does not, in the ordinary course of business, provide refunds. If a candidate leaves a permanent placement within a relatively short period of time, it is customary for the Company to provide a replacement at no additional cost. Gross Versus Net Policies The Company records revenue on a gross basis as a principal or on a net basis as an agent depending on the arrangement, as follows: Managed Service Programs Arrangements The Company has entered into certain contracts with acute care facilities to provide comprehensive managed service programs (MSP) services. Under these contract arrangements, the Company uses its healthcare professionals along with those of third-party subcontractors to fulfill customer orders. If its healthcare professional is used, revenue is recorded on a gross basis. If a subcontractor is used, the customer is invoiced for their services and a subcontractor liability is recorded in accrued expenses, but only the resulting administrative fee is recognized as revenue. The subcontractor is paid after the Company has received payment from the acute care facility. The Company determined that it acts as an agent in these arrangements. Physician Staffing The Physician Staffing business enters into contracts with its healthcare customers to provide temporary staffing services. The Company uses independent contractors for these services. The Company determined that it acts as a principal in this arrangement and, therefore, revenue is reported on a gross basis in the consolidated statements of operations. Education Seminars During the third quarter of 2015, the Company completed the sale of its education seminars business, Cross Country Education, LLC (CCE). See Note 4 - Disposal and Discontinued Operations. Prior to the sale of CCE, revenue from the Company’s Education Seminars services was recognized as the independent contractor-led seminars were performed. In the Company’s Education Seminars business, revenue was recorded in the consolidated statements of operations on a gross basis as a principal versus on a net basis as an agent. Deferred Revenue Amounts collected in advance of the services being substantially complete, related to our physician and executive search business, are recorded as deferred revenue in other current liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets. At December 31, 2016 and 2015, the Company had $0.9 million and $1.1 million, respectively, recorded as deferred revenue included in other current liabilities on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. Share-Based Compensation The Company has, from time to time, granted stock options, stock appreciation rights, performance-based stock awards, and restricted stock for a fixed number of common shares to employees. In accordance with the Compensation-Stock-Compensation Topic of the FASB ASC, companies may choose from alternative valuation models. The Company used the Black-Scholes method of valuing its options and stock appreciation rights. The Company has elected to recognize compensation expense on a straight-line F- 14 CROSS COUNTRY HEALTHCARE, INC. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS DECEMBER 31, 2016 2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued) basis over the requisite service period of the entire award. The Company values its restricted stock awards and the fair value of its performance-based stock awards by reference to its stock price on the date of grant. The Company granted performance-based stock awards to certain key personnel pursuant to its 2014 Omnibus Incentive Plan as described in Note 14 - Stockholders' Equity. Pursuant to the plan, the number of target shares that vest are determined based on the level of attainment of the targets. If a minimum level of performance is attained for the awards, restricted stock is issued with a vesting date in the future, subject to the employee's continuing employment. The Company recognizes performance-based restricted stock as compensation expense based on the most likely probability of attaining the prescribed performance and over the requisite service period beginning at its grant date and through the date the restricted stock vests. The Company used historical data of options with similar characteristics to estimate pre-vesting option forfeitures, as it believed that historical behavior patterns are the best indicators of future behavior patterns. Compensation expense related to share-based payments is included in selling, general, and administrative expenses in the consolidated statements of operations, and totaled $3.4 million, $2.5 million, and $1.4 million during the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Because the Company had a full valuation allowance on its deferred tax assets, the granting and exercise of share-based payments during the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 had no impact on the income tax provision. See Note 14 - Stockholders’ Equity. Advertising The Company’s advertising expense consists primarily of online advertising, internet direct marketing, print media, promotional material and, prior to the sale of CCE, direct mail marketing. Advertising costs that were expensed as incurred totaled $10.2 million, $4.9 million, and $4.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Prior to the sale of CCE, direct mail marketing costs associated with the Company’s education seminars services were capitalized when the Company determined that there was a reasonable expectation that the cost of the incurred advertising would be recovered from the gross profit generated by the advertised event and expensed when the related event took place. There are no such costs included in prepaid expenses on the December 31, 2016 and 2015 consolidated balance sheets. Restructuring Costs The Company considers restructuring activities to be programs whereby it fundamentally changes its operations, such as closing and consolidating facilities, reducing headcount and realigning operations in response to changing market conditions. As a result, restructuring costs on the consolidated statements of operations include on-going benefit costs for its employees and exit costs. Reconciliations of the beginning and ending total restructuring liability balances are presented below: Year Ended December 31, 2016 2015 (amounts in thousands) Balance at beginning of period Charged to restructuring costs Payments Balance at end of period $ On-Going Benefit Costs $ 44 $ Exit Costs 338 190 (255) 273 On-Going Benefit Costs $ — $ 633 (589) 44 $ $ Exit Costs — 641 (303) 338 563 (282) 325 $ During the year ended December 31, 2014, restructuring costs included in the consolidated statements of operations were primarily related to senior management employee severance pay. Deferred Rent Deferred rent consists of free rent, rent escalation, tenant improvement allowances, and other incentives received from landlords related to the operating leases for our facilities. Rent escalation represents the difference between actual operating lease payments due and straight-line rent expense, which we record over the term of the lease. The excess is recorded as a deferred credit in the early periods of the lease, when cash payments are generally lower than straight-line rent expense, and is reduced in the later periods of the lease when payments begin to exceed the straight-line expense. Tenant allowances from landlords for tenant F- 15 CROSS COUNTRY HEALTHCARE, INC. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS DECEMBER 31, 2016 2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued) improvements are generally comprised of cash received from the landlord or paid on our behalf as part of the negotiated terms of the lease. These tenant improvement allowances and other leasehold incentives are recorded when realizable as deferred rent and are amortized as a reduction of periodic rent expense, over the term of the applicable lease. See Note 12 - Commitments and Contingencies. Income Taxes The Company accounts for income taxes under the Income Taxes Topic of the FASB ASC. Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are determined based upon differences between the financial reporting and tax basis of assets and liabilities, and are measured using the enacted tax rates and laws that will be in effect when the differences are expected to reverse. The Company recognizes in its financial statements the impact of a tax position if that position is more likely than not of being sustained on audit, based on the technical merits of the position. The Company recognizes interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in the provision for income taxes. The Company determines the need for a valuation allowance by assessing the probability of realizing deferred tax assets, taking into consideration all available positive and negative evidence, including historical operating results, expectations of future taxable income, carryforward periods available to the Company for tax reporting purposes, the evaluation of various income tax planning strategies, and other relevant factors. The Company maintains a valuation allowance when it is more likely than not that all or a portion of a deferred tax asset will not be realized based on consideration of all available evidence. Adjustments to the deferred tax valuation allowances are made to earnings in the period when such assessments are made. Significant judgment is required in making this assessment and to the extent future expectations change, the Company would have to assess the recoverability of its deferred tax assets at that time. See Note 13 - Income Taxes. Comprehensive Income (Loss) Total comprehensive income (loss) includes net income or loss and foreign currency translation adjustments, net of any related deferred taxes. Certain of the Company’s foreign subsidiaries use their respective local currency as their functional currency. In accordance with the Foreign Currency Matters Topic of the FASB ASC, assets and liabilities of these operations are translated at the exchange rates in effect on the balance sheet date. Income statement items are translated at the average exchange rates for the period. The cumulative impact of currency fluctuations related to the balance sheet translation is included in accumulated other comprehensive loss in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and was approximately $1.2 million at both December 31, 2016 and 2015. There was no income tax impact related to foreign currency translation adjustments for the periods ended December 31, 2016 and 2015. During the period ended December 31, 2014, $0.2 million of income tax expense related to foreign currency translation adjustments was included on the Company's consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss). Fair Value Measurements The Company complies with the provisions of the Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures Topic of the FASB ASC, which defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value under U.S. GAAP and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. As of December 31, 2016 and 2015, the Company’s financial assets and liabilities required to be measured on a recurring basis were its contingent consideration receivable, its deferred compensation liability, its convertible notes derivative liability, and its contingent purchase price liabilities. See Note 10 - Fair Value Measurements. Earnings Per Share In accordance with the requirements of the Earnings Per Share Topic of the FASB ASC, basic earnings per share is computed by dividing net income available to common shareholders (numerator) by the weighted average number of vested unrestricted common shares outstanding during the period (denominator). Diluted earnings per share gives effect to all dilutive potential common shares outstanding during the period including stock appreciation rights and options and unvested restricted stock, as calculated utilizing the treasury stock method, and Convertible Notes using the if-converted method. F- 16 CROSS COUNTRY HEALTHCARE, INC. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS DECEMBER 31, 2016 2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued) Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements In September 2015, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2015-16, Business Combinations (Topic 805), Simplifying the Accounting for Measurement-Period Adjustments. This ASU requires that an acquirer recognize adjustments to provisional amounts that are identified during the measurement period in the reporting period in which the adjustment amounts are determined. Prior to the issuance of the ASU, entities were required to retrospectively apply adjustments made to provisional amounts recognized in a business combination. The Company adopted this guidance in the first quarter of 2016, with no impact on its financial position and results of operations upon adoption. This new guidance may impact the Company for potential measurement adjustments related to its acquisitions. In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-05, Intangibles-Goodwill and Other-Internal-Use Software (Subtopic 350-40), Customers Accounting for Fees Paid in a Cloud Computing Arrangement, to help entities evaluate the accounting for fees paid by a customer in a cloud computing arrangement. The amendment provides guidance to customers about whether a cloud computing arrangement includes a software license. If a cloud computing arrangement includes a software license element, then the customer should account for the software license element arrangement consistent with the acquisition of other software licenses. If a cloud computing arrangement does not include a software license, the customer should account for the arrangement as a service contract. The Company prospectively adopted this guidance in the first quarter of 2016, with no impact on its consolidated financial statements. In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-03, Interest-Imputation of Interest (Subtopic 835-30), Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs. This guidance requires that debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of that debt liability. The Company adopted this guidance in the first quarter of 2016, and reclassified $0.5 million of the Company's net debt issuance costs to long-term debt and capital lease obligations in its consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2015. Recent Accounting Pronouncements In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-04, Intangibles-Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment, to simplify how an entity is required to test goodwill for impairment by eliminating Step 2 from the goodwill impairment test. Under this guidance, an entity would perform its annual, or interim goodwill impairment test by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount. An impairment charge would be recognized for the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the reporting unit’s fair value; however, the loss recognized should not exceed the total amount of goodwill allocated to that reporting unit. Additionally, an entity would consider income tax effects from any tax deductible goodwill on the carrying amount of the reporting unit when measuring the goodwill impairment loss, if applicable. An entity still has the option to perform the qualitative assessment for a reporting unit to determine if the quantitative impairment test is necessary. ASU 2017-04 is effective for annual or any interim goodwill impairment tests in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019 and is to be applied prospectively. Early adoption is permitted for interim or annual goodwill impairment tests performed on testing dates after January 1, 2017. The Company expects to early adopt this standard in its first quarter of 2017, and does not expect this guidance to have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements. In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-01, Business Combinations (Topic 805): Clarifying the Definition of a Business, which clarifies the definition of a business, with the objective of adding guidance to assist entities with evaluating whether transactions should be accounted for as acquisitions (or disposals) of assets or businesses. This update provides a framework to assist entities in evaluating whether both an input and a substantive process are present, and narrows the definition of the term output so that the term is consistent with how outputs are described in the new revenue recognition standard. ASU 2017-01 is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within those annual periods. Early adoption is permitted depending upon the date of the transaction. Entities should apply the guidance prospectively on or after the effective date. No disclosures are required at transition. The Company expects to adopt this standard in its first quarter of 2018, and does not expect this guidance to have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements. In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230), Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments, which amends the guidance in ASC 230 on the classification of certain cash receipts and payments in the statement of cash flows. This update intends to reduce the diversity that has resulted from the lack of consistent principles on this topic by adding or clarifying guidance on eight cash flow issues, including: debt prepayment or debt F- 17 CROSS COUNTRY HEALTHCARE, INC. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS DECEMBER 31, 2016 2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued) extinguishment costs, contingent consideration payments made after a business combination, and separately identifiable cash flows and application of the predominance principle. ASU 2016-15 is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within those annual periods. Early adoption is permitted. Entities must apply the guidance retrospectively to all periods presented but may apply it prospectively from the earliest date practicable if retrospective application would be impracticable. The Company expects to adopt this standard in its first quarter of 2018, and does not expect this guidance to have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements. In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-09, Compensation-Stock Compensation (Topic 718), Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting. The areas for simplification in this update involve several aspects of the accounting for share-based payment transactions, including the income tax consequences, classification of awards as either equity or liabilities, and classification on the statement of cash flows. This update revises the threshold to qualify for equity classification to permit withholding up to the employer's maximum statutory tax rates in the applicable jurisdictions. ASU 2016-09 is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016, and interim periods within those annual periods, and early adoption is permitted. There are various methods of adoption for each aspect. Upon adoption, the Company will recognize its previously unrecognized excess tax benefits using the modified retrospective transition method, which will result in a cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings and deferred tax assets. In addition, upon adoption, the Company no longer intends to calculate an estimate of expected forfeitures and will begin to recognize forfeitures as they occur, which will result in a cumulative-effect decrease to retained earnings and a corresponding increase to additional paid-in capital. The Company expects to adopt this standard in its first quarter of 2017. In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-06, Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): Contingent Put and Call Options in Debt Instruments, to clarify the steps required to assess whether a call or put option meets the criteria for bifurcation as an embedded derivative. ASU 2016-06 is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016, and requires a modified retrospective approach to adoption. Early adoption is permitted. The Company expects to adopt this standard in its first quarter of 2017, and does not expect this guidance to have an impact on its consolidated financial statements. In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842), which will require, among other items, lessees to recognize most leases as assets and liabilities on the balance sheet. Qualitative and quantitative disclosures will be enhanced to better understand the amount, timing and uncertainty of cash flows arising from leases. ASU 2016-02 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, and interim periods within those fiscal years, with early adoption permitted. Entities are required to use a modified retrospective approach for leases that exist or are entered into after the beginning of the earliest comparative period in the financial statements. Full retrospective application is prohibited. The Company expects the valuation of right of use assets and lease liabilities, previously described as operating leases, to be the present value of our forecasted future lease commitments. The Company is continuing to assess the overall impacts of the new standard, including the discount rate to be applied in these valuations. See Note 12 - Commitments and Contingencies. In May 2014, the FASB and the International Accounting Standards Board jointly issued ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606), that introduces a new five-step revenue recognition model in which an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. This ASU also requires disclosures sufficient to enable users to understand the nature, amount, timing, and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from contracts with customers, including qualitative and quantitative disclosures about contracts with customers, significant judgments and changes in judgments, and assets recognized from the costs to obtain or fulfill a contract. In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-08 which further clarifies the guidance on the principal versus agent considerations within ASU 2014-09. In April 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-10 to expand the guidance on identifying performance obligations and licensing within ASU 2014-09. In May 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-12 to improve revenue recognition in the areas of collectability, presentation of sales tax and other similar taxes collected from customers, non-cash consideration, contract modifications and completed contracts at transition. This update also amends the disclosure requirements within ASU 2014-09 for entities that retrospectively apply the guidance. The latest amendments are intended to address implementation issues that were raised by stakeholders and discussed by the Revenue Recognition Transition Resource Group, and provide additional practical expedients. These updates are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within that reporting period. The Company established a cross-functional implementation team consisting of representatives from across all of its business segments. Management is in the process of reviewing its contract portfolio and its existing accounting policies and practices to identify potential differences that would result from applying the requirements of the new standard to its contracts. Management expects this assessment will continue throughout the first half of 2017. Once this phase has been completed, if applicable, F- 18 CROSS COUNTRY HEALTHCARE, INC. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS DECEMBER 31, 2016 2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued) management intends to implement appropriate changes to its business processes, systems and controls to support the recognition and disclosure under the new standard. The Company is continuing to assess which transition method it will use to adopt this accounting standard and expects a full assessment by the fourth quarter of 2017. 3. Acquisitions US Resources Healthcare On December 1, 2016, the Company completed the acquisition of a recruitment process outsourcing business, US Resources Healthcare, LLC (USR). This acquisition expands the Company's workforce solutions offerings to deliver financial and operating efficiencies through labor optimization services while enhancing the quality of care. The acquisition was deemed immaterial and has been accounted for in accordance with the Business Combinations Topic of the FASB ASC, using the acquisition method of accounting. Acquisition-related expenses are included in the consolidated statements of operations. USR's results of operations are included in the consolidated statements of operations from December 1, 2016 and have been included in the Company's Nurse and Allied Staffing business segment. See Note 5 - Goodwill, Trade Names, and Other Intangible Assets and Note 10 - Fair Value Measurements. Mediscan On October 30, 2015, the Company completed the acquisition of all of the membership interests of New Mediscan II, LLC, Mediscan Diagnostic Services, LLC, and Mediscan Nursing Staffing, LLC (collectively Mediscan) for a purchase price of $29.9 million in cash ($28.0 million plus working capital estimate) and $4.7 million in shares (or 349,871 shares) of the Company's Common Stock, subject to a net working capital adjustment. The shares of Common Stock issued in connection with the acquisition were subject to a lockup period, which ended April 30, 2016. The Company financed the purchase price through a combination of cash-on-hand and borrowings under the Company's senior credit facility. The transaction has been treated as a purchase of assets for income tax purposes. In the first quarter of 2016, the net working capital adjustment was settled consistent with the receivable balance as of December 31, 2015. The agreement also specified that the sellers were eligible to receive additional purchase price consideration of $7.0 million, with $3.5 million per year based on attainment of specific performance criteria in 2016 and 2017. As of December 31, 2016, the Company determined that the first year earnout was not achieved for 2016 and as a result, only $3.5 million remains as a potential earnout for 2017. As of December 31, 2016, the fair value of the remaining obligation was estimated at $0.7 million. In connection with the Mediscan acquisition, the Company also assumed additional contingent purchase price liabilities for a previously acquired business that are payable annually based on specific performance criteria for the 2016 through 2019 years. Payments related to the 2016 through 2018 years are limited to $0.3 million per year and 2019 is uncapped. As of December 31, 2016, the fair value of the remaining obligations on an undiscounted basis was estimated at $3.6 million. As of December 31, 2016, a total of $4.3 million was estimated as the fair value of these contingent consideration payments and is included in other current liabilities and contingent consideration on the condensed consolidated balance sheets. See Note 10 - Fair Value Measurements. Mediscan provides temporary healthcare staffing and workforce solutions to both the healthcare and education markets - both public and charter schools. While largely concentrated in California, Mediscan provides services across 11 states to more than 300 clients through more than 70 specialties. The Mediscan acquisition provides the Company a new customer base in the healthcare staffing market for public schools and the workforce solutions arena for charter schools. The acquisition has been accounted for in accordance with FASB ASC 805, Business Combinations, using the acquisition method of accounting. Mediscan's results of operations are included in the consolidated statements of operations from October 30, 2015 and have been included in the Company's Nurse and Allied Staffing business segment. As such, the associated goodwill related to the acquisition is fully allocated to Nurse and Allied Staffing. The amounts of revenue and net income included in the Company's consolidated income statement from the acquisition date to the period ended December 31, 2015 were $6.7 million and $0.3 million, respectively. F- 19 CROSS COUNTRY HEALTHCARE, INC. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS DECEMBER 31, 2016 3. Acquisitions (continued) The following is the estimated fair value of the purchase price for Mediscan on October 30, 2015: Cash purchase price paid at closing Fair value of shares Fair value of contingent consideration Net working capital adjustment, including receivable Total consideration (amounts in thousands) $ $ 28,000 4,723 3,686 503 36,912 The purchase price was allocated to the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed based on the estimated fair value at the date of acquisition. The following is the estimated fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed on October 30, 2015. Cash acquired Accounts receivable Other current assets Property and equipment Goodwill Other intangible assets Total assets acquired Accounts payable and accrued expenses Accrued employee compensation and benefits Total liabilities assumed Net assets acquired (amounts in thousands) $ $ 79 6,851 140 20 14,338 17,200 38,628 306 1,410 1,716 36,912 The Company assigned the following values to other intangible assets: $3.2 million to trade names with a weighted average estimated useful life of 11 years, $5.2 million to customer relations with an estimated useful life of 10 years, and $8.8 million to a database with an estimated useful life of 10 years, for a total of $17.2 million in definite life intangible assets with a weighted average estimated useful life of 10 years. The remaining excess purchase price over the fair value of net assets acquired of $14.3 million was recorded as goodwill, which is expected to be deductible for tax purposes. Associated acquisition costs incurred were $0.7 million and have been included in acquisition and integration costs on the Company's consolidated statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2015. Medical Staffing Network On June 30, 2014, the Company acquired substantially all of the assets and certain liabilities of Medical Staffing Network Healthcare, LLC (MSN) for an aggregate purchase price of $47.1 million, net of $1.0 million cash acquired. The Company paid $44.6 million, net of cash acquired, of which $1.0 million was funded to an escrow account for the net working capital adjustment. During the fourth quarter of 2014, the Company received $0.2 million from the escrow account to finalize the net working capital adjustment and the remaining balance in the escrow account was released to the seller. An additional $2.5 million was deferred and due to the seller 21 months from the acquisition date, less any COBRA expenses incurred by the Company on behalf of former MSN employees over that period. The Company incurred $0.4 million in COBRA expenses since the MSN acquisition and, on April 1, 2016, released to the seller the remaining liability of $2.1 million. The Company financed the purchase price using $55.0 million in new subordinated debt consisting of a $30.0 million, 5-year term loan and $25.0 million of convertible notes having a 6-year maturity and a conversion price of $7.10. At the time of the acquisition, MSN had 55 locations throughout the U.S. that provide per diem, local, contract, travel, and permanent hire staffing services. This acquisition increases the Company's branch network and market share, diversifies its F- 20 CROSS COUNTRY HEALTHCARE, INC. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS DECEMBER 31, 2016 3. Acquisitions (continued) customer base and brings new service lines. Management believes it positions the Company to serve its customers better and to increase earnings growth through improved fill rates, expansion of its managed service programs and per diem activities, and the recognition of cost synergies. The acquisition has been accounted for in accordance with FASB ASC 805, Business Combinations, using the acquisition method of accounting. The results of the acquisition's operations are included in the consolidated statements of operations from July 1, 2014. The acquisition results are substantially reported through the Company's Nurse and Allied Staffing business segment. As such, the associated goodwill related to the acquisition of MSN is fully allocated to Nurse and Allied Staffing. The following table summarizes the fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed. The Company used a third-party appraiser to assist with the determination of the fair value and estimated useful lives of acquired assets and liabilities assumed on June 30, 2014: (amounts in thousands) Cash acquired Accounts receivable Other current assets Property and equipment Goodwill Other intangible assets Other assets Total assets acquired Accounts payable Accrued employee compensation and benefits Other liabilities Total liabilities assumed Noncontrolling interest Net assets acquired $ $ 989 37,275 3,378 5,329 13,381 17,100 2,325 79,777 6,736 14,731 9,867 31,334 324 48,119 The gross contractual accounts receivable of the business were $38.1 million and were recorded net of the Company's best estimate of receivables not expected to be collected of $0.8 million. The self-insurance accruals and liabilities for workers' compensation and professional liability were based on third-party appraisals. The Company provides workers’ compensation insurance coverage and professional liability coverage for our eligible temporary healthcare professionals. As part of the MSN acquisition, the Company assumed MSN’s workers' compensation and professional liability claims (both known claims and those incurred but not reported or IBNR). The MSN workers’ compensation benefits are provided under a partially self-insured plan. The workers' compensation insurer requires that the Company provide a letter of credit to guarantee payments of those workers' compensation claims. The Company also purchased an aggregate stop loss policy that attaches at $2.3 million for known MSN professional liability claims with a policy limit of $5.0 million. At the date of acquisition. the estimated fair value of the related liability was $5.6 million and the estimated recovery receivable was $0.4 million. For IBNR professional liability claims of MSN, the Company purchased a primary policy that provides each temporary healthcare professional with coverage of $1.0 million per occurrence and $5.0 million in the aggregate. This policy does not have a deductible. The Company also purchased an excess layer of insurance for MSN IBNR professional liability claims having limits of $1.0 million per occurrence and $6.0 million in the aggregate. The Company assigned the following values to other intangible assets: $5.9 million to trade names with an indefinite life, $4.7 million to customer relations with a weighted average estimated useful life of 13 years, and $6.5 million to a database with an estimated useful life of 10 years, for a total of $11.2 million in definite life intangible assets with a weighted average estimated F- 21 CROSS COUNTRY HEALTHCARE, INC. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS DECEMBER 31, 2016 3. Acquisitions (continued) useful life of 11 years. The Company also assigned an estimated fair value of $0.3 million to the noncontrolling interest in InteliStaf of Oklahoma, LLC, a joint venture between MSN and a third party. The fair value assessment was determined based on a combination of the discounted cash flow method, the guideline public company method, and the merger and acquisition method, utilized at 80%, 10%, and 10%, respectively, discounted to reflect that the interest is noncontrolling, and that there is no ready public market for the interest. The remaining excess purchase price over the fair value of net assets acquired of $13.4 million was recorded as goodwill, which is expected to be deductible for tax purposes. Additional acquisition and integration-related costs of approximately $7.3 million, including $2.2 million of costs directly attributable to the transaction (such as transaction and advisory fees) were incurred and are reflected as acquisition and integration costs on the Company's consolidated statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2014. The Company has integrated the acquired businesses into its current operations. The MSN acquisition included the consolidation of branch and corporate offices and therefore, it is impracticable to separate their results. Integration costs for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 include exit costs associated with redundant facilities and ongoing post-employment termination costs. Total Acquisition and Integration Liabilities Reconciliations of the beginning and ending total acquisition and integration liability balances are presented below: Year Ended December 31, 2016 2015 (amounts in thousands) On-Going Benefit Costs Exit Costs On-Going Benefit Costs Exit Costs Balance at beginning of period Charged to acquisition and integration costs Reclassifications (a) Payments Balance at end of period $ $ 47 $ — — (47) — $ 46 — — (46) — $ $ 762 $ 17 — (732) 47 $ 868 88 (255) (655) 46 (a) Exit liability has been reduced as a result of a lease amendment and has been reclassified to deferred rent, which will be amortized over the remaining lease term. Pro Forma Financial Information The following unaudited pro forma financial information approximates the consolidated results of operations of the Company as if the Mediscan and MSN acquisitions had occurred as of January 1, 2014, after giving effect to certain adjustments, including additional interest expense on the amount the Company borrowed on the date of the transaction, the amortization of acquired intangible assets, and the elimination of certain expenses that will not be recurring in post-acquisition periods, net of an estimated income tax impact. These adjustments include removing transaction-related expenses of approximately $0.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2015 related to the Mediscan acquisition and $6.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2014, related to the MSN acquisition. These results are not necessarily indicative of future results as they do not include incremental investments in support functions, elimination of costs for integration or operating synergies or an estimate of any impact on interest expense resulting from the operating cash flow of the acquired businesses, among other adjustments that could be made in the future but are not factually supportable on the date of the transaction. F- 22 CROSS COUNTRY HEALTHCARE, INC. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS DECEMBER 31, 2016 3. Acquisitions (continued) Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 (unaudited, amounts in thousands except per share data) $ $ $ 800,353 5,436 0.17 $ $ $ 771,955 (30,104) (0.97) Revenue from services Net income (loss) attributable to common shareholders Net income (loss) per common share attributable to common shareholders - basic and diluted 4. Disposal and Discontinued Operations Cross Country Education On July 21, 2015, the Company's Board of Directors approved an agreement to sell the Company's education seminars business, CCE, which provided in-person seminars to healthcare professionals and was non-core to the Company’s business. The Company used the net proceeds from the transaction to finance, in part, the Mediscan acquisition in the fourth quarter of 2015. See Note 3 - Acquisitions. Since the disposal of the education seminars business did not represent a strategic shift that would have a major effect on the Company’s operations and financial results, it was not reflected as discontinued operations. On July 27, 2015, the Company entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger to sell its wholly-owned subsidiary, CCE, to a third party (Buyer). On August 31, 2015, the Company completed the sale of CCE to the Buyer. The Company received $8.0 million in cash, subject to a net working capital adjustment, of which $0.5 million was held in escrow for a period of 12 months following the closing to provide partial security to the Buyer in the event of any breach of the representations, warranties and covenants of the Company. In September 2016, the full amount of escrow, which had been reflected as an escrow receivable, was released to the Company. The purchase price also included an earnout of up to $0.5 million related to the performance of CCE for the year ended December 31, 2015, which was treated as contingent consideration. The Company assigned no fair value to this earnout as of December 31, 2015 as the performance-based milestones were not met. See Note 10 - Fair Value Measurements. The original escrow amount was released to the Buyer in the first quarter of 2016. The operating results of CCE were included in the Other Human Capital Management Services segment. See Note 17 - Segment Data for further information. The Company recognized a pre-tax loss of $2.2 million related to the sale of the business, which is included in income (loss) from operations in its consolidated statements of operations for the year ended December 31, 2015. In addition, the Company recorded a tax benefit of $3.5 million from the reversal of valuation allowances associated with this business, resulting in an after-tax gain on the sale of CCE of $1.3 million. Clinical Trial Services On February 15, 2013, the Company completed the sale of its clinical trial services business to a third party (Buyer) for an aggregate $52.0 million in cash, subject to certain adjustments. Of the $52.0 million purchase price paid at closing, $3.8 million was placed in escrow for a period of 18 months following the closing to provide partial security to the Buyer in the event of any breach of the representations, warranties and covenants of the Company. The total amount of the escrow was released to the Company in August 2014 and reported as additional proceeds from the sale in the investing activities on its consolidated statements of cash flows. The disposal of this business was previously presented as discontinued operations. F- 23 CROSS COUNTRY HEALTHCARE, INC. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS DECEMBER 31, 2016 5. Goodwill, Trade Names, and Other Intangible Assets As of December 31, 2016 and 2015, the Company had the following acquired intangible assets: December 31, 2016 December 31, 2015 Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Net Carrying Amount Gross Carrying Amount (amounts in thousands) Accumulated Amortization Net Carrying Amount $ 31,609 $ 16,147 $ 15,462 $ 31,225 $ 14,150 $ 41,724 3,619 3,216 23,316 3,527 18,408 92 47,204 3,603 343 2,873 3,200 20,734 3,486 49 $ 80,168 $ 43,333 $ 36,835 $ 85,232 $ 38,419 $ 35,402 72,237 $ $ 17,075 26,470 117 3,151 46,813 36,101 82,914 Intangible assets subject to amortization: Databases Customer relationships Non-compete agreements Trade names, definite- lived Intangible assets not subject to amortization: Trade names As of December 31, 2016, estimated annual amortization expense is as follows: Years Ending December 31: (amounts in thousands) 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 Thereafter $ $ 4,248 4,148 4,111 4,007 3,799 16,522 36,835 F- 24 CROSS COUNTRY HEALTHCARE, INC. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS DECEMBER 31, 2016 5. Goodwill, Trade Names, and Other Intangible Assets (continued) The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill by segment are as follows: Nurse and Allied Staffing Segment Physician Staffing Segment Other Human Capital Management Services Segment Total (amounts in thousands) Balances as of December 31, 2015 Aggregate goodwill acquired $ 302,005 $ 43,405 $ Sale of CCE (a) Accumulated impairment loss Goodwill, net of impairment loss Changes to aggregate goodwill in 2016 Goodwill acquired (b) Impairment charges Balances as of December 31, 2016 Aggregate goodwill acquired Sale of CCE (a) Accumulated impairment loss Goodwill, net of impairment loss $ _______________ — (259,732) 42,273 2,272 — 304,277 — (259,732) 44,545 $ — — 43,405 — (17,720) 43,405 — (17,720) 25,685 (a) See Note 4 - Disposal and Discontinued Operations. (b) Goodwill acquired from the acquisition of USR. See Note 3 - Acquisitions. 2016 Impairment Charges $ 19,307 (9,889) — 9,418 364,717 (9,889) (259,732) 95,096 — — 2,272 (17,720) 19,307 (9,889) — $ 9,418 $ 366,989 (9,889) (277,452) 79,648 During an evaluation of goodwill, trade names, and other intangible assets at June 30, 2016, the Company determined that indicators were present in the Physician Staffing reporting unit which would suggest the fair value of the reporting unit may have declined below the carrying value. The Physician Staffing reporting unit continued to under-perform relative to management’s expectations. The lower than expected revenue was driven by lower booking volumes partly due to the loss of customers, and margins that were negatively impacted from continued investments in the business all through the first half of 2016. The Company considered these factors to be impairment indicators that warranted impairment testing of goodwill, trade names, and other intangible assets. As a result, an interim impairment test of goodwill, trade names, and other intangible assets was performed as of June 30, 2016 in accordance with the Intangibles-Goodwill and Other and Property, Plant, and Equipment Topics of the FASB ASC. The evaluation resulted in the carrying value of goodwill, trade names, and other intangible assets for Physician Staffing to exceed the estimated fair value. As a result, the Company recorded pre-tax impairment charges totaling $24.3 million: $17.7 million related to goodwill, $0.6 million related to trade names, and $6.0 million related to customer relationships. Goodwill In order to determine the fair value of the Physician Staffing reporting unit, the Company used a combination of an income and a market approach to calculate the fair value of the Physician Staffing reporting unit. The discounted cash flow that served as the primary basis for the income approach was based on the Company’s discrete financial forecast of revenue, gross profit margins, operating costs and cash flows. It also considered historical and estimated future results, general economic and market conditions, as well as the impact of planned business and operational strategies. The assumptions used in the income approach included a discount rate of 13.5% and a terminal value growth rate of 3.0% for cash flows beyond the discrete forecast period of ten years. Assumptions used in the market approach included valuation multiples based on an analysis of multiples for comparable public companies. The Company utilized total enterprise value/Earnings before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and F- 25 CROSS COUNTRY HEALTHCARE, INC. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS DECEMBER 31, 2016 5. Goodwill, Trade Names, and Other Intangible Assets (continued) Amortization (EBITDA) multiples ranging from 7.5 to 8.5. A 50% weighting was applied to the components of each approach to estimate the total fair value of goodwill. This weight is an estimate by management and was developed based on the specific characteristics, risks and uncertainties of the Physician Staffing reporting unit. As a result of the testing, the Company compared the implied fair value of goodwill to its carrying amount and recorded a non-cash pre-tax goodwill impairment charge of $17.7 million at June 30, 2016. Trade Names The Company valued the Physician Staffing trade names based on a Relief From Royalty methodology using projected cash flows of an estimated royalty fee. The royalty rate was determined by a blended rate using the Market Royalty Rate Method and the Apportionment of Profit Method. The calculated value of the trade names was compared to its carrying amount and, as a result, the Company recorded a non-cash pre-tax impairment charge of $0.6 million at June 30, 2016. Customer Relationships The Company valued the Physician Staffing customer relationships based on the Multi-Period Excess Earnings Method (MPEEM). The MPEEM estimates the fair value based on the present value of the allocated future economic benefits. The inputs include the projected revenue and associated expenses from the customers, an estimated attrition rate, and a discount rate of 13.5%. The Company performed a recoverability test on the asset group which customers are a part of and deemed customer relationships to be impaired. As a result, the calculated value of customer relationships was compared to its carrying amount and the Company recorded a non-cash pre-tax impairment charge of $6.0 million at June 30, 2016. 2016 Annual Impairment Testing The Company performed its annual impairment test as of October 1, 2016. Upon completion of the impairment testing, the Company determined that no additional impairment of goodwill, trade names, or other intangible assets was warranted. 2015 and 2014 Impairment Charges The Company performed its annual impairment test as of October 1, 2015 and 2014. Upon completion of the impairment testing, the Company determined that the estimated fair value of its reporting units exceeded their respective carrying values. Accordingly, no goodwill impairment charges were warranted for these reporting units as of December 31, 2015 and 2014. However, in conjunction with the annual impairment testing of trade names in the fourth quarter of 2015 and 2014, the Company reduced its long-term revenue forecast for the business segment in the fourth quarter of each year and as a result, the calculation of estimated fair value was less than the carrying amount of the trade names. As a result, the Company recorded pre- tax non-cash impairment charges of $2.1 million and $10.0 million, respectively, related to the Physician Staffing segment. The reduced long-term revenue forecast for 2015 was impacted by lower projected volume resulting from an under-investment in new revenue producers to keep pace with attrition. The reduced long-term revenue forecast for 2014 was impacted by lower projected volume resulting from a delay in changing to a more scalable business model. The Company valued the trade name based on discounted cash flows using projected cash flows of an estimated royalty fee. The royalty rate was determined by a blended rate using the Market Royalty Rate Method and the Apportionment of Profit Method and has been applied consistently since the date of acquisition. No additional impairments of indefinite-lived intangible assets were identified. The Company based its fair value estimates on assumptions it believed to be reasonable, but such assumptions are subject to inherent uncertainty. Actual results may differ from those estimates. F- 26 CROSS COUNTRY HEALTHCARE, INC. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS DECEMBER 31, 2016 6. Property and Equipment At December 31, 2016 and 2015, property and equipment consist of the following: Computer equipment Computer software Office equipment Furniture and fixtures Leasehold improvements Less accumulated depreciation and amortization _______________ (a) See Note 2 – Summary of Significant Accounting Policies. Useful Lives 2016 2015 December 31, 3-5 years 3-5 years 5-7 years 5-7 years (a) (amounts in thousands) $ 13,584 $ 28,752 2,397 3,969 7,257 55,959 (43,141) 12,818 $ $ 12,335 27,565 2,241 3,411 4,286 49,838 (39,368) 10,470 F- 27 CROSS COUNTRY HEALTHCARE, INC. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS DECEMBER 31, 2016 7. Balance Sheet Details Insurance recovery receivable: Insurance recovery for health Insurance recovery for workers’ compensation Insurance recovery for professional liability Other non-current assets: Insurance recovery for workers’ compensation – long-term Insurance recovery for professional liability – long-term Non-current security deposits Accrued compensation and benefits: Salaries and payroll taxes Bonuses Accrual for workers’ compensation claims Accrual for professional liability insurance Accrual for health care benefits Accrual for vacation Long-term accrued claims: Accrual for workers’ compensation claims Accrual for professional liability insurance Other long-term liabilities: Deferred compensation Deferred rent Long-term unrecognized tax benefits Other F- 28 December 31, 2016 2015 (amounts in thousands) 279 $ 1,271 1,487 3,037 $ 5,857 $ 10,353 925 17,135 $ — 1,403 1,463 2,866 6,281 10,722 991 17,994 15,480 $ 11,976 3,915 5,266 2,433 4,053 2,096 4,584 5,151 2,516 3,009 2,166 33,243 $ 29,402 12,817 16,053 28,870 $ $ 1,472 $ 5,011 874 42 7,399 $ 14,014 16,056 30,070 1,412 2,473 819 122 4,826 $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ CROSS COUNTRY HEALTHCARE, INC. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS DECEMBER 31, 2016 8. Debt At December 31, 2016 and 2015, long-term debt consists of the following: December 31, 2016 December 31, 2015 Unamortized Discount and Debt Issuance Costs Principal Unamortized Discount and Debt Issuance Costs Principal (amounts in thousands) $ 39,500 $ (363) $ — $ — — — 25,000 27,532 23 92,055 (2,263) 89,792 $ $ — — (4,669) — — (5,032) — (5,032) $ 8,000 30,000 25,000 33,337 94 96,431 (8,071) 88,360 $ — (1,052) (6,007) — — (7,059) — (7,059) Term Loan, interest 2.62% Senior Secured Asset-Based, weighted average interest 2.41% Second Lien Term Loan, interest 5.75% Convertible Notes, fixed rate interest of 8.00% Convertible Notes derivative liability Capital lease obligations Total debt Less current portion Long-term debt As of December 31, 2016, the aggregate scheduled maturities of debt are as follows: Through Years Ending December 31: 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 Thereafter Total Term Loan Convertible Notes Capital Leases (amounts in thousands) $ 2,250 $ — $ 3,750 3,500 4,000 26,000 — — — 25,000 — — $ 39,500 $ 25,000 $ 13 8 2 — — — 23 At December 31, 2015, the Company had a senior secured asset-based revolving credit facility (First Lien Loan), with a termination date of June 30, 2017, in the aggregate principal amount of up to $85.0 million, which included a subfacility for swingline loans up to an amount equal to 10% of the aggregate Revolver Commitments, as defined in the agreement, and a $35.0 million subfacility for standby letters of credit. The Company also had a five-year second lien term loan facility (Second Lien Term Loan) in an aggregate principal amount of $30.0 million. The Company had the ability, at its option at any time, to prepay the Second Lien Term Loan in whole or in part at the redemption prices set forth therein, which ranged from 103% of the principal amount thereof for prepayments during the period July 1, 2015 through June 30, 2016, 102% of the principal amount thereof for prepayments during the period July 1, 2016 through June 30, 2017, and 100% of the principal amount thereof for prepayments after June 30, 2017. F- 29 CROSS COUNTRY HEALTHCARE, INC. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS DECEMBER 31, 2016 8. Debt (continued) 2016 Senior Credit Facilities On June 22, 2016, the Company entered into a senior credit agreement (Credit Agreement), which provides a term loan of $40.0 million (Term Loan) and a revolving credit facility of up to $100.0 million (Revolving Credit Facility) (together with the Term Loan, the Senior Credit Facilities) both of which mature in five years. The Revolving Credit Facility includes a subfacility for swingline loans up to an amount not to exceed $15.0 million, and a $35.0 million sublimit for the issuance of standby letters of credit. The Credit Agreement also includes a provision permitting the Company, subject to certain conditions, to increase the aggregate amount of the commitments under the Revolving Credit Facility or establish one or more additional term loans in an aggregate amount of up to $50.0 million with optional additional commitments from existing lenders or new commitments from additional lenders. The Term Loan is payable in quarterly installments, with the first payment made September 30, 2016, and each such installment being in the aggregate principal amount (subject to adjustment as a result of prepayments) equal to 1.25% of the principal amount for the first four installments, 1.875% for the next eight installments and 2.50% of the principal amount for the remaining installments. Proceeds of the Senior Credit Facilities were used primarily to refinance the Company’s First Lien Loan and Second Lien Term Loan and to pay related transaction fees and expenses, including a prepayment penalty of $0.6 million. In addition, as of June 22, 2016, $23.1 million of standby letters of credit issued under the First Lien Loan have been rolled into and been deemed issued under the Revolving Credit Facility. The Revolving Credit Facility can be used to provide ongoing working capital, fund permitted acquisitions and for other general corporate purposes of the Company and its subsidiaries. The repayment of the Second Lien Term Loan was treated as extinguishment of debt and, as a result, the Company recognized a loss on extinguishment of debt of approximately $1.6 million in the second quarter of 2016, related to the write-off of unamortized net debt discount and issuance costs as well as transaction fees and expenses. Subject to the Credit Agreement, the Company pays interest on (i) each Base Rate Loan at the Base Rate (as defined therein) plus the Applicable Margin in effect from time to time, (ii) each LIBOR Index Rate Loan at the One Month LIBOR Index Rate (as defined therein) plus the Applicable Margin in effect from time to time and (iii) each Eurodollar Loan at the Adjusted LIBOR for the applicable Interest Period (as defined therein) in effect for such Loan plus the Applicable Margin in effect from time to time. The Applicable Margin, as of any date, is a percentage per annum determined by reference to the applicable Consolidated Net Leverage Ratio (as defined by the agreement) in effect on such date as set forth in the table below. Level Consolidated Net Leverage Ratio I II III IV V Less than 1.50:1.00 Greater than or equal to 1.50:1.00 but less than 2.00:1.00 Greater than or equal to 2.00:1.00 but less than 2.50:1.00 Greater than or equal to 2.50:1.00 but less than 3.00:1.00 Greater than or equal to 3.00:1.00 Eurodollar Loans, LIBOR Index Rate Loans and Letter of Credit Fee 1.75% 2.00% 2.25% 2.50% 2.75% Base Rate Loans Commitment Fee 0.75% 1.00% 1.25% 1.50% 1.75% 0.25% 0.30% 0.30% 0.35% 0.40% As of December 31, 2016, the Term Loan and Revolving Credit Facility bore interest at a rate equal to One Month LIBOR plus 200 basis points. The interest rate is subject to an increase of 200 basis points if an event of default exists under the Credit Agreement. The Company is required to pay a commitment fee on the average daily unused portion of the Revolving Credit Facility, based on the Applicable Margin which was 0.30% as of December 31, 2016. The Company has the right at any time and from time to time to prepay any borrowing, in whole or in part, without premium or penalty, by giving irrevocable written notice (or telephonic notice promptly confirmed in writing) except that such notice shall be revocable if a prepayment is being made in anticipation of concluding a financing arrangement, and the Company is ultimately unable to secure such financing arrangement. The Company is required to prepay the Senior Credit Facilities under F- 30 CROSS COUNTRY HEALTHCARE, INC. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS DECEMBER 31, 2016 8. Debt (continued) certain circumstances including from net cash proceeds from asset sales or dispositions in excess of certain thresholds, as well as from net cash proceeds from the issuance of certain debt by the Company. The Credit Agreement contains customary representations, warranties, and affirmative covenants. The Credit Agreement also contains customary negative covenants, subject to some exceptions, on (i) indebtedness and preferred equity, (ii) liens, (iii) fundamental changes, (iv) investments, (v) restricted payments, and (vi) sale of assets and certain other restrictive agreements. The Credit Agreement also contains customary events of default, such as payment defaults, cross-defaults to other material indebtedness, bankruptcy and insolvency, the occurrence of a defined change in control and the failure to observe the negative covenants and other covenants related to the operation of the Company’s business. See Note 14 - Stockholders' Equity. The Credit Agreement also includes two financial covenants, commencing with the fiscal quarter ending September 30, 2016: (i) limiting a maximum Consolidated Total Leverage ratio (as defined therein) to be no greater than 3.50:1.00 for the fiscal quarters ending September 30, 2016 through June 30, 2017, 3.25:1.00 for the fiscal quarters ending September 30, 2017 through June 30, 2018, and 3.00:1.00 for each fiscal quarter ending thereafter and as adjusted pursuant to a Qualified Permitted Acquisition (as defined therein); and (ii) requiring a minimum Consolidated Fixed Charge Coverage ratio (as defined therein) as of the end of each fiscal quarter of 1.50:1.00. As of December 31, 2016, the Company was in compliance with the financial covenants and other covenants contained in the Credit Agreement. The obligations under the Credit Agreement are guaranteed by all of the Company’s domestic wholly-owned subsidiaries. The obligations under the Credit Agreement are secured by a first-priority security interest in the Collateral (as defined therein). As of December 31, 2016, the Company had $22.2 million letters of credit outstanding and $77.8 million available under the Revolving Credit Facility. The letters of credit relate to the Company’s workers’ compensation and professional liability insurance policies. Convertible Notes On June 30, 2014, the Company and certain of its domestic subsidiaries entered into a Convertible Note Purchase Agreement (the Note Purchase Agreement), with certain note holders (collectively, the Noteholders). Pursuant to the Note Purchase Agreement, the Company sold to the Noteholders an aggregate of $25.0 million of convertible senior notes (the Convertible Notes). After deducting a debt discount of $0.9 million, the net proceeds of $24.1 million were used by the Company for the MSN acquisition and related fees and expenses. In connection with the financing, the Company incurred $0.3 million of debt issuance costs. As a result of the conversion and redemption features, the Company recorded $6.8 million as additional discount for the fair value of these features. As of December 31, 2016, the Convertible Notes are convertible at the option of the holders thereof at any time into shares of the Company’s common stock, par value $0.0001 per share (Common Stock), at an initial conversion price of $7.10 per share, or 3,521,126 shares of Common Stock. After three years from the issuance date, the Company has the right to force a conversion of the Convertible Notes if the volume-weighted average price (VWAP) per share of its Common Stock exceeds 125% of the then conversion price for 20 days of a 30 day trading period. The conversion price is subject to adjustment pursuant to customary weighted average anti-dilution provisions including adjustments for the following: Common Stock dividends or distributions; issuance of any rights, warrants of options to acquire Common Stock; distributions of property; tender offer or exchange offer payments; cash dividends; or certain issuances of Common Stock at less than the conversion price. Upon conversion of the Convertible Notes, the Company will exchange, for the applicable conversion amount thereof a number of shares of Common Stock equal to the amount determined by dividing (i) such conversion amount by (ii) the conversion price in effect at the time of conversion provided that the number of shares of Common Stock issued upon conversion, when aggregated with the aggregate number of shares of Common Stock previously issued upon conversion cannot exceed 6,244,650 shares of Common Stock. If this share cap results in the issuance of fewer shares of Common Stock, the Company will pay to the holders of the Convertible Notes an amount in cash equal to the product of (i) the number of shares not delivered as a result of the cap and (ii) the 30-day VWAP as of the close of business on the Business Day immediately preceding the conversion date. No fractional shares of Common Stock will be issued upon conversion of the Conversion Notes. In lieu of fractional shares, the Company shall pay cash in respect of each fractional share multiplied by the 30-day VWAP as of the closing of business on the Business Day immediately preceding the conversion date as well as any unpaid accrued interest. F- 31 CROSS COUNTRY HEALTHCARE, INC. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS DECEMBER 31, 2016 8. Debt (continued) The Convertible Notes bear interest at a rate of 8.00% per annum, payable in quarterly cash installments; provided, however, that, at the Company’s option, up to 4.00% of the interest payable may be “paid-in-kind” through a quarterly addition of such “paid-in-kind” interest amount to the principal amount of the Convertible Notes. The Convertible Notes will mature on June 30, 2020, unless earlier repurchased, redeemed or converted. Subject to certain exceptions, the Company is not permitted to redeem the Convertible Notes until June 30, 2017. If the Company redeems the Convertible Notes on or after June 30, 2017, the Company is required to pay a premium of 15% of the amount of principal of the Convertible Notes redeemed. If the Convertible Notes are redeemed prior to June 30, 2017, pursuant to a Prohibited Transaction, as defined by the agreement, the Company is required to pay a premium equal to the greater of (i) the sum of (a) the amount of principal of the Convertible Notes redeemed, plus (b) the accrued but unpaid interests on the principal amount so redeemed to the date of the redemption, plus (c) a “make whole” amount (described below) and (ii) the sum of (x) the average 30-day VWAP per share of Common Stock multiplied by the number of shares of Common Stock that the redeemed Convertible Notes are then convertible into, with no maximum, and (y) the accrued but unpaid interest on the Convertible Notes. The “make whole” amount is equal to the excess, if any, of (1) the present value at the date of redemption of (A) 115% of the principal amount of the Convertible Notes redeemed, plus (B) all remaining scheduled interest due on the principal amount of the notes being redeemed through June 30, 2017 computed using a discount rate equal to the Treasury rate as of the date of redemption plus 50 basis points over (2) the outstanding principal amount of the Convertible Notes then redeemed. In connection with the placement of the Convertible Notes, on June 30, 2014, the Company entered into a registration rights agreement (the Registration Rights Agreement) with the Noteholders, which sets forth the rights of the Noteholders to have the shares of Common Stock issuable upon conversion of the Convertible Notes registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC) for public resale under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. Pursuant to the Registration Rights Agreement, the Company was required to file a registration statement with the SEC (the Initial Registration Statement) registering the shares of Common Stock issuable upon conversion of the Convertible Notes. The Initial Registration Statement was filed with the SEC and became effective in the fourth quarter of 2014. In addition, the agreement gives the Noteholders the ability to exercise certain piggyback registration rights in connection with registered offerings by the Company. First Lien Loan Agreement (Terminated June 22, 2016) The First Lien Loan was used to provide ongoing working capital and for other general corporate purposes of the Company and its subsidiaries. As of December 31, 2015, the interest rate spreads and fees under the First Lien Loan Agreement were based on LIBOR plus 1.50% or Base Rate plus 0.50%. The LIBOR and Base Rate margins were subject to performance pricing adjustments, pursuant to a pricing matrix based on the Company’s excess availability under the revolving credit facility. The Company was required to pay a monthly commitment fee on the average daily unused portion of the revolving loan facility, which, as of December 31, 2015, was 0.375%. As of December 31, 2015, the Gross Availability, as defined in the First Lien Loan Agreement, was approximately $71.6 million based on the Company's accounts receivable balance as of November 30, 2015. The Company had $23.5 million letters of credit outstanding and $8.0 million drawn under its revolving credit facility, leaving $40.1 million available as of December 31, 2015. The letters of credit related to the Company’s workers’ compensation and professional liability insurance policies. Second Lien Term Loan (Terminated June 22, 2016) On June 30, 2014, the Company entered into a second lien loan and security agreement (the Second Lien Term Loan Agreement), by and among the Company, as borrower, certain of its domestic subsidiaries, as guarantors, and BSP Agency, LLC, as agent. The Second Lien Term Loan Agreement provided for a five-year senior secured term loan facility in an aggregate principal amount of $30.0 million (the loans thereunder, the Second Lien Term Loan). After deducting a debt discount of $1.1 million, the net proceeds of $28.9 million from the Second Lien Term Loan facility were used by the Company to pay a portion of the consideration for the MSN acquisition and related fees and expenses. In connection with the financing, the Company incurred $0.4 million of debt issuance costs. Amounts borrowed under the Second Lien Term Loan facility that are repaid or prepaid may not be re-borrowed. F- 32 CROSS COUNTRY HEALTHCARE, INC. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS DECEMBER 31, 2016 8. Debt (continued) On July 22, 2015, the Company entered into an amendment to its Second Lien Term Loan. Under the terms of the amendment, the interest rate on the Second Lien Term Loan was modified at no cost from LIBOR (defined as the 3-month London interbank offered rate for U.S. dollars, adjusted for customary Eurodollar reserve requirements, if any, and subject to a 1% floor) plus 6.50% to LIBOR (1% floor) plus a rate based on the Company's total net leverage ratio. As of December 31, 2015, the Second Lien Term Loan bore interest at a rate equal to adjusted LIBOR (1% floor) plus 4.75%. The interest rate was subject to an increase by 200 basis points if an event of default exists under the Second Lien Term Loan Agreement. As of December 31, 2015, the Company was in compliance with the financial covenants and other covenants contained in the agreement. 9. Convertible Notes Derivative Liability Derivative financial instruments, as defined in the Accounting for Derivative Financial Instruments and Hedging Activities Topic of the FASB ASC, consist of financial instruments or other contracts that contain a notional amount and one or more underlyings (e.g. interest rate, security price or other variable), require no initial net investment and permit net settlement. Derivative financial instruments may be free-standing or embedded in other financial instruments. Further, derivative financial instruments are initially, and subsequently, measured at fair value and recorded as liabilities or, in rare instances, assets. The Company does not use derivative financial instruments to hedge exposures to cash-flow, market or foreign-currency risks. However, the Company issued Convertible Notes with features that are either (i) not afforded equity classification, (ii) embody risks not clearly and closely related to host contracts, or (iii) may be net-cash settled by the counterparty. As required by the Accounting for Derivative Financial Instruments and Hedging Activities Topic, in certain instances, these instruments are required to be carried as derivative liabilities, at fair value, in our financial statements. The Convertible Notes are subject to anti-dilution adjustments that allow for the reduction in the Conversion Price, as defined in the agreement, in the event the Company subsequently issues equity securities including Common Stock or any security convertible or exchangeable for shares of Common Stock for a price less than the current conversion price. In addition, the Convertible Notes allow the issuer to exercise optional redemption features and the holder to exercise an offer to purchase feature, under certain conditions. The Company accounted for the conversion option in accordance with the Accounting for Derivative Financial Instruments and Hedging Activities Topic. Since this conversion feature is not considered to be solely indexed to the Company’s own stock the derivative was recorded as a liability in the line item long-term debt on the Company's consolidated balance sheets. See Note 8 - Debt. The Company’s Convertible Notes derivative liability is measured at fair value using a trinomial lattice model. The optional redemption features, along with the offer to purchase features are incorporated into the valuation model. Inputs into the model require estimates, including such items as estimated volatility of the Company’s stock, estimated credit risk of the Company, estimated probabilities of change of control and issuance of additional financing, risk-free interest rate, and the estimated life of the financial instruments being fair valued. In addition, since the conversion price contains an anti-dilution adjustment, the probability that the Conversion Price of the Notes would decrease as the share price decreased is incorporated into the valuation calculation. The inputs into the valuation model are as follows: Closing share price Conversion price Risk free rate Expected volatility Dividend yield Expected life December 31, 2016 $15.61 $7.10 1.76% 40% —% 3.5 years The fair value of this derivative liability is primarily determined by fluctuations in our stock price. In addition, changes in our credit risk profile impact the fair value determination. As of December 31, 2016, a $1 increase or decrease in our stock price would result in a corresponding increase or decrease of approximately $3.5 million in the fair value of the derivative liability, and a 1% increase or decrease in interest rates would result in a corresponding increase or decrease of approximately $0.8 F- 33 CROSS COUNTRY HEALTHCARE, INC. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS DECEMBER 31, 2016 9. Convertible Notes Derivative Liability (continued) million in the fair value of the derivative liability. These fluctuations result in a current period gain or loss that is presented on the consolidated statements of operations as (gain) loss on derivative liability. 10. Fair Value Measurements The Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures Topic of the FASB ASC 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. The Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures Topic 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. The standard describes three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair value: Level 1—Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. Level 2—Observable inputs other than Level 1 prices such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities; quoted prices in markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities. Level 3—Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of the assets or liabilities. Items Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis: At December 31, 2016 and 2015, the Company’s financial assets/liabilities required to be measured on a recurring basis were: contingent consideration receivable, deferred compensation liability included in other long-term liabilities, convertible notes derivative liability included in long-term debt and capital lease obligations, and contingent purchase price liabilities included in other current liabilities and contingent consideration on the consolidated balance sheets. Contingent consideration receivable—In connection with the sale of CCE, the Company treated the related performance-based earnout as a contingent consideration receivable for accounting purposes. The Company assigned no fair value to this earnout as of December 31, 2015 as the performance milestones were not met. The amount escrowed for this earnout was released to the buyer in the first quarter of 2016. Deferred compensation—The Company utilizes Level 1 inputs to value its deferred compensation liability. The Company’s deferred compensation liability is measured using publicly available indices that define the liability amounts, as per the plan documents. Convertible notes derivative liability—The Company utilizes Level 3 inputs to value its convertible notes derivative liability. See Note 9 - Convertible Notes Derivative Liability and Note 2 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies. Contingent purchase price liabilities—Potential earnout payments related to the acquisition of Mediscan and USR are contingent upon meeting certain performance requirements through 2019. See Note 3 - Acquisitions. The long-term portion of these liabilities is included in contingent consideration, and the short-term portion is included in other current liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets. The Company utilized Level 3 inputs to value these contingent purchase price liabilities as significant unobservable inputs were used in the calculation of their fair value. The Mediscan contingent consideration is recorded as a liability and measured at fair value using a discounted cash flow model in a Monte Carlo simulation setting, utilizing significant unobservable inputs, including the expected volatility of the acquisitions' gross profits and an estimated discount rate commensurate with the risks of the expected gross profit stream. The USR contingent consideration is recorded as a liability and measured at fair value using a discounted cash flow model utilizing significant unobservable inputs, including the probability of achieving each of the potential milestones and an estimated discount rate commensurate with the risks of the expected cash flows attributable to the milestones. The fair value of contingent consideration and the associated liabilities will be adjusted to fair value at each reporting date until actual settlement occurs, with the changes in fair value and related accretion reflected as acquisition-related contingent consideration on the consolidated statements of operations. Significant increases (decreases) in the volatility or in any of the F- 34 CROSS COUNTRY HEALTHCARE, INC. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS DECEMBER 31, 2016 10. Fair Value Measurements (continued) probabilities of success, or decreases (increases) in the discount rate would result in a significantly higher (lower) fair value, respectively, and commensurate changes to these liabilities. The table which follows summarizes the estimated fair value of the Company’s financial assets and liabilities measured on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2016 and 2015: Fair Value Measurements Financial Liabilities: (Level 1) Deferred compensation (Level 3) Convertible Notes derivative liability Contingent purchase price liabilities December 31, 2016 December 31, 2015 (amounts in thousands) $ $ $ 1,472 27,532 5,603 $ $ $ 1,412 33,337 3,686 The table which follows reconciles the opening balances to the closing balances for fair value measurements categorized within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy: December 31, 2014 Additions Valuation loss for the period December 31, 2015 Additions Payments Accretion expense Valuation gain for the period December 31, 2016 _______________ Contingent Purchase Convertible Notes Price Liabilities (a) Derivative Liability (amounts in thousands) — $ 3,686 — 3,686 1,300 (152) 887 (118) 5,603 $ 23,436 — 9,901 33,337 — — — (5,805) 27,532 $ $ (a) Related to the Mediscan acquisition on October 30, 2015 and the USR acquisition on December 1, 2016. See Note 3 - Acquisitions. Valuation gain and accretion expense is included as acquisition-related contingent consideration on the consolidated statements of operations. Items Measured at Fair Value on a Non-recurring Basis: The Company's non-financial assets, such as goodwill, trade names, other intangible assets and property and equipment, are measured at fair value when there is an indicator of impairment and are recorded at fair value only when an impairment charge is recognized. During an evaluation of goodwill, trade names, and other intangible assets during the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014, the carrying value of goodwill, trade names, and other intangible assets in the Physician Staffing reporting unit exceeded their fair values. As a result, the Company recorded impairment charges that incorporates fair value measurements based on Level 3 inputs. For further discussion on measuring the Company's non-financial assets, specifically goodwill and trade names, and customer relationships. See Note 5 - Goodwill, Trade Names, and Other Intangible Assets. F- 35 CROSS COUNTRY HEALTHCARE, INC. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS DECEMBER 31, 2016 10. Fair Value Measurements (continued) Other Fair Value Disclosures: Financial instruments not measured or recorded at fair value in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets consist of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable and accrued expenses and short and long-term debt. The estimated fair value of accounts receivable, accounts payable and accrued expenses approximate their carrying amount due to the short- term nature of these instruments. The estimated fair value of the Company’s debt was calculated using a discounted cash flow analysis and appropriate valuation methodologies using Level 2 inputs from available market information. The following table represents the carrying amounts and estimated fair value of the Company’s significant financial instruments that were not measured at fair value: December 31, 2016 December 31, 2015 Carrying Amount Fair Value Carrying Amount Fair Value (amounts in thousands) Financial Liabilities: (Level 2) Second Lien Term Loan, net Term Loan, net Convertible Notes, net Senior Secured Asset-Based Loan $ $ $ $ — $ 39,137 20,331 $ $ — $ — $ 28,948 $ 41,500 27,250 $ $ — $ — $ 18,993 8,000 $ $ 30,600 — 23,250 8,000 Concentration of Risk: The Company has invested its excess cash in highly-rated overnight funds and other highly-rated liquid accounts. The Company has been exposed to credit risk associated with these investments. The Company minimizes its credit risk relating to these positions by monitoring the financial condition of the financial institutions involved and by primarily conducting business with large, well established financial institutions and diversifying its counterparties. The Company generally does not require collateral and mitigates its credit risk by performing credit evaluations and monitoring at-risk accounts. The allowance for doubtful accounts represents the Company’s estimate of uncollectible receivables based on a review of specific accounts and the Company’s historical collection experience. The Company writes off specific accounts based on an ongoing review of collectability as well as past experience with the customer. The Company’s contract terms typically require payment between 15 to 60 days from the date services are provided and are considered past due based on the particular negotiated contract terms. Overall, based on the large number of customers in differing geographic areas, primarily throughout the United States and its territories, the Company believes the concentration of credit risk is limited. 11. Employee Benefit Plans The Company maintains a voluntary defined contribution 401(k) profit-sharing plan covering all eligible employees as defined in the plan documents. The plan provides for a discretionary matching contribution, which is equal to a percentage of each eligible contributing participant’s elective deferral, which the Company, at its sole discretion, determines from year to year. Contributions by the Company, net of forfeitures, under this plan amounted to $0.8 million, $0.7 million, and $0.6 million for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014, respectively. Eligible employees who elect to participate in the plan are generally vested in any existing matching contribution after three years of service with the Company. The Company offers a non-qualified deferred compensation program to certain key employees whereby they may defer a portion of annual compensation for payment upon retirement. The program is unfunded for tax purposes and for purposes of Title I of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974. The liability for the deferred compensation is included in other long-term liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets and amounted to $1.5 million and $1.4 million at December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. F- 36 CROSS COUNTRY HEALTHCARE, INC. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS DECEMBER 31, 2016 12. Commitments and Contingencies Commitments: Operating Leases The Company has entered into non-cancelable operating lease agreements for the rental of office space and equipment. Certain of these leases include options to renew as well as rent escalation clauses and in certain cases, incentives from the landlord for rent-free months and premises reductions, and allowances for tenant improvements. The rent escalations and incentives have been reflected in the table below. Future minimum lease payments, as of December 31, 2016, associated with these agreements with terms of one year or more are as follows: Years Ending December 31: (amounts in thousands) 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 Thereafter $ $ 7,249 6,240 4,826 4,145 3,843 13,191 39,494 Total operating lease expense included in selling, general, and administrative expenses was approximately $8.4 million, $8.1 million, and $7.7 million for the years ending December 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014, respectively. Contingencies: Sales and Other State Non-income Tax Liabilities The Company's sales and other state non-income tax filings are subject to routine audits by authorities in the jurisdictions where it conducts business in the United States which may result in assessments of additional taxes. The Company accrues sales and other non-income tax liabilities based on the Company's best estimate of its probable liability utilizing currently available information and interpretation of relevant tax regulations. Given the nature of the Company's business, significant subjectivity exists as to both whether sales and other state non-income taxes can be assessed on its activity and how the sales tax will ultimately be measured by the relevant jurisdictions. The Company makes a determination for each reporting period whether the estimates for sales and other non-income taxes in certain states should be revised. The expense is included in selling, general and administrative expenses on its consolidated statements of operations and the liability is reflected in sales tax payable within other current liabilities as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, on its consolidated balance sheets. During 2011, a state administrative ruling related to certain service tax matters was released which indicated that services performed in that particular state are subject to a tax not previously paid by the Company. As a result, the Company conducted an initial review of certain other states to determine if any additional exposures may exist and determined that it was probable that some of its previous tax positions would be challenged. As a result, the Company changed its assessment of certain non- income tax positions and estimated a liability related to these matters. For the year ended December 31, 2014, the Company accrued an additional pre-tax liability related to the non-income tax matters of approximately $0.2 million, and paid approximately $0.1 million to settle with certain states. In 2016, the Company paid approximately $1.4 million to settle with certain states, which was fully reserved for at December 31, 2015. For the year ended December 31, 2016, the Company recognized a pre-tax benefit of $0.8 million related to non-income tax matters. The expenses are included in selling, general, and administrative expenses on the consolidated statements of operations for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014 and the liability is included in other current liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2016 and 2015. F- 37 CROSS COUNTRY HEALTHCARE, INC. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS DECEMBER 31, 2016 12. Commitments and Contingencies (continued) Legal Proceedings On December 4, 2012, the Company’s subsidiary, CC Staffing, Inc. (now known as Travel Staff, LLC) became the subject of a purported class action lawsuit filed in the United States District Court, Northern District of California. In 2013, the parties agreed to settle this lawsuit for $0.8 million with the understanding that such settlement is not an admission by the Company of any liability, negligence or wrong doing. The Court granted final approval of the settlement in September 2014 and during the fourth quarter of 2014 the Company paid $0.8 million to the plaintiff. The Company is also subject to other legal proceedings and claims that arise in the ordinary course of its business. The Company does not believe the outcome of these other matters will have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. 13. Income Taxes The components of the Company’s income (loss) before income taxes are as follows: United States Foreign Income (loss) before income taxes Year Ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 (amounts in thousands) $ $ 3,309 1,236 4,545 $ $ 3,565 595 4,160 $ $ (33,574) 2,256 (31,318) The components of the Company’s income tax (benefit) expense are as follows: Current: Federal State Foreign Total Deferred: Federal State Foreign Total Total income tax (benefit) expense Year Ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 (amounts in thousands) $ $ $ 227 587 322 1,136 (4,114) (866) (342) (5,322) (4,186) $ $ 551 (21) 220 750 (1,819) 8 267 (1,544) (794) $ — 811 262 1,073 (1,320) 68 395 (857) 216 Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effect of temporary differences between the carrying amount of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes. F- 38 CROSS COUNTRY HEALTHCARE, INC. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS DECEMBER 31, 2016 13. Income Taxes (continued) Significant components of the Company’s deferred tax assets and liabilities are as follows: December 31, 2016 2015 (amounts in thousands) Deferred Tax Assets: Accrued other and prepaid expenses Allowance for doubtful accounts Intangible Assets Net operating loss carryforwards Derivative interest Accrued professional liability Accrued workers’ compensation Share-based compensation Credit carryforwards Other Gross deferred tax assets Valuation allowance Deferred Tax Liabilities: Depreciation Indefinite intangibles Tax on unrepatriated earnings Share-based compensation $ 3,494 $ 704 10,725 17,228 7,940 2,632 3,439 — 1,055 584 47,801 (46,454) 1,347 (70) (13,971) (263) (197) (14,501) (13,154) $ 2,973 1,278 11,365 22,662 10,144 2,536 3,061 891 797 595 56,302 (55,336) 966 (123) (18,714) (604) — (19,441) (18,475) Net deferred taxes $ The Company's cumulative loss position was significant negative evidence in assessing the need for a valuation allowance on its deferred tax assets. As of December 31, 2013, the Company determined that it could not sustain a conclusion that it was more likely than not that it would realize any of its deferred tax assets resulting from recent losses, the difficulty of forecasting future taxable income, and other factors. Due to the historical losses from the Company's operations, it has recorded a full valuation allowance on its deferred tax assets. The Company intends to maintain a valuation allowance until sufficient positive evidence exists to support its reversal. To be considered a source of future taxable income to support realizability of a deferred tax asset, a taxable temporary difference must reverse in a period such that it would result in the realization of the deferred tax asset. Taxable temporary differences related to indefinite-lived intangibles, such as goodwill, are by their nature not predicted to reverse and therefore not considered a source of future taxable income in accordance with the Income Taxes Topic of the FASB ASC. The Company had $14.0 million and $18.7 million of deferred tax liabilities relating to indefinite-lived intangible assets that it was not able to offset against deferred tax assets as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. As of December 31, 2016 and 2015, the Company recorded valuation allowances of $46.5 million and $55.3 million, respectively. The Company believes it is necessary to see further positive evidence, such as sustained achievement of cumulative profits, before these valuation allowances can be released. If such positive evidence develops, the Company may release all or a portion of the remaining valuation allowances, but at this point in time cannot determine in which period they would reverse. The Company will continue to assess the realizability of its deferred tax assets. As of December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively, the Company had approximately $53.2 million and $65.2 million of federal, state, and foreign net operating loss carryforwards. The federal carryforwards expire between 2031 and 2034. The state carryforwards expire between 2016 and 2034. The majority of the foreign carryforwards are in a jurisdiction with no expiration. A valuation allowance for the net operating losses has been recorded at December 31, 2016 and 2015, to reduce the Company’s F- 39 CROSS COUNTRY HEALTHCARE, INC. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS DECEMBER 31, 2016 13. Income Taxes (continued) deferred tax asset to an amount that is more likely than not to be realized. In the first quarter of 2014, the Company recorded a non-cash adjustment of $1.7 million primarily related to an overstatement of the valuation allowance established as of December 31, 2013. The out-of-period adjustment also decreased the net loss by the same amount or $0.06 per diluted share for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and the year ended December 31, 2014. Management concluded that the adjustment was not material to its prior period financial statements. The reconciliation of income tax computed at the U. S. federal statutory rate to income tax (benefit) expense is as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 Tax at U.S. statutory rate State taxes, net of federal benefit Noncontrolling interest Non-deductible meals and entertainment Foreign tax expense Valuation allowances Uncertain tax positions Audit settlements Other (amounts in thousands) $ 1,591 $ 1,456 $ 344 (260) 1,546 (5) (8,379) 1,090 — (113) (4,186) $ 611 — 1,510 (6) (5,078) 917 (624) 420 (794) $ (10,961) 219 — 1,425 44 12,038 (996) — (1,553) 216 Total income tax (benefit) expense $ The tax years of 2004, 2005, and 2008 through 2015 remain open to examination by certain taxing jurisdictions to which the Company is subject to tax, other than certain states in which the statute of limitations has been extended. During 2016, the Company accrued $0.2 million of India tax on earnings of approximately $0.5 million. India withholding taxes on a dividend of India earnings are not affected by the calculation of U.S. taxes due and continue to be accrued. A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amounts of unrecognized tax benefits is approximately as follows: Balance at January 1 Additions based on tax positions related to the current year Additions based on tax positions related to prior years Reductions based on settlements of tax positions related to prior years Other Balance at December 31 2016 2015 (amounts in thousands) 4,071 $ 1,054 55 — — 5,180 $ 3,777 861 62 (624) (5) 4,071 $ $ Short-term unrecognized tax benefits are included in other current liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets and were approximately $0.1 million as of December 31, 2016 and 2015. Long-term unrecognized tax benefits are included in other long- term liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets and were approximately $0.9 million and $0.8 million as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. See Note 7 - Balance Sheet Details. As of December 31, 2016 and 2015, the Company had unrecognized tax benefits, which would affect the effective tax rate if recognized, of approximately $4.9 million and $3.8 million, respectively. During 2016, the Company had gross increases of $1.1 million to its current year unrecognized tax benefits, related to federal and state tax positions. The Company recognizes interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in the provision for income taxes. During the year ended December 31, 2016, the Company recognized interest and penalties of $0.1 million. During the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, the Company recognized a reduction on interest and penalties of $0.2 million. The Company had F- 40 CROSS COUNTRY HEALTHCARE, INC. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS DECEMBER 31, 2016 13. Income Taxes (continued) accrued approximately $0.5 million and $0.4 million for the payment of interest and penalties at December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. 14. Stockholders’ Equity Stock Repurchase Programs In February 2008, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized its most recent stock repurchase program whereby the Company may purchase up to 1,500,000 shares of its common stock, subject to terms of the Company’s credit agreement. The shares may be repurchased from time-to-time in the open market and the repurchase program may be discontinued at any time at the Company’s discretion. During the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, the Company did not repurchase any shares of its Common Stock under its February 2008 Board authorization. As of December 31, 2016, the Company may purchase up to an additional 942,443 shares of Common Stock under the February 2008 Board authorization, subject to certain conditions in the Company's new Credit Agreement. The Company may repurchase up to an aggregate amount not to exceed $2.5 million in any fiscal year, or an unlimited amount if the Company meets certain conditions as described in its new Credit Agreement. Share-Based Payments 2014 Omnibus Incentive Plan The Company's 2014 Omnibus Incentive Plan (2014 Plan) provides for the issuance of stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, performance shares, and performance-based cash awards that may be granted with the intent to comply with the “performance-based compensation” exception under Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code, and other stock-based awards, all as defined by the 2014 Plan, to eligible employees, consultants and non-employee Directors. The aggregate number of shares of common stock which may be issued or used for reference purposes under the 2014 Plan or with respect to which awards may be granted may not exceed 4,100,000 shares, which may be either authorized and unissued common stock or common stock held in or acquired for the treasury of the Company. Under the 2014 Plan, the Compensation Committee of the Company’s Board of Directors (the Committee), has the discretion to determine the terms of the awards at the time of the grant provided, however, that in the case of stock options and stock appreciation rights (share options): 1) the exercise price per share of the award is not less than 100% (or, in the case of 10% or more stockholders, the exercise price of the incentive stock options (ISOs) granted may not be less than 110%) of the fair market value of the common stock at the time of the grant; and 2) the term of the award will be no more than 10 years after the date the option is granted (or, shall not exceed five years, in the case of a 10% or more stockholder). In the case of restricted stock, the purchase price may be zero to the extent permitted by applicable law. Restricted stock awards granted under the Company’s 2014 Plan entitle the holder to receive, at the end of a vesting period, a specified number of shares of the Company’s common stock. Share-based compensation expense is measured by the market value of the Company’s stock on the date of grant. The shares vest ratably over a three to four year period ending on the anniversary date of the grant. There is no partial vesting and any unvested portion is forfeited. During the year ended December 31, 2016, 246,020 of restricted stock awards and 202,442 of performance stock awards were granted under the 2014 Plan to the Company's non-employee Directors and management team. In 2015, the Company changed the timing of its annual grants to management from June to March. Pursuant to the 2014 Plan, the number of target shares that are issued for performance-based stock awards are determined based on the level of attainment of the targets. If the minimum level of performance is attained for the 2016 awards, restricted stock will be issued with a vesting date of December 31, 2018, subject to the employee’s continuing employment. During the first quarter of 2016, the Committee approved a 100% level of attainment for the 2015 performance-based share awards, resulting in the issuance of 148,178 performance shares that will vest on December 31, 2017. F- 41 CROSS COUNTRY HEALTHCARE, INC. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS DECEMBER 31, 2016 14. Stockholders' Equity (continued) The following table summarizes restricted stock awards and performance stock awards activity issued under the 2014 Plan for the year ended December 31, 2016: Unvested restricted stock awards, January 1, 2016 Granted Vested Forfeited Unvested restricted stock awards, December 31, 2016 Restricted Stock Awards Performance Stock Awards Number of Shares Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Number of Target Shares Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value 586,488 $ 246,020 $ (272,597) $ (27,617) $ $ 532,294 7.82 12.01 7.06 11.11 9.98 234,138 $ 202,442 $ (79,636) $ (24,852) $ $ 332,092 9.81 11.63 5.82 11.75 11.73 As of December 31, 2016, the Company had approximately $3.0 million pre-tax of total unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested restricted stock awards which may be adjusted for future changes in forfeitures. The Company expects to recognize such cost over a weighted average period of 1.82 years. The fair value of shares vested was approximately $4.3 million, $3.9 million, and $2.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014, respectively. As of December 31, 2016, the Company had approximately $1.0 million pre-tax of total unrecognized compensation cost related to performance stock awards which may be adjusted for future changes in forfeitures. The Company expects to recognize such cost over a weighted average period of 1.54 years, the remaining service period. The fair value of shares vested was approximately $1.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2016, the first year these awards began to vest. During the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014, the Company did not issue stock options or stock appreciation rights. The following table represents information about stock options and stock appreciation rights exercised in each year. Year Ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 (amounts in thousands) Total intrinsic value of options exercised $ 1,323 $ 1,610 $ 695 The stock appreciation rights can only be settled with stock or cash, at the discretion of the Committee. The stock appreciation rights vest 25% per year over a 4 year period and expire after 7 years. The Company’s policy is to issue new shares from its authorized but unissued balance of common stock outstanding or shares of common stock reacquired by the Company if stock appreciation rights are settled with stock. The Company recorded compensation expense for stock options based on the estimated fair value of the options on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. Due to the adoption of the 2014 Plan (previously titled the 2007 Stock Incentive Plan), no further grants have been issued under the Company’s 1999 Plans referred to below. 1999 Stock Option Plan and Equity Participation Plan On December 16, 1999, the Company’s Board of Directors approved the 1999 Stock Option Plan and Equity Participation Plan (collectively, the 1999 Plans), which was amended and restated on October 25, 2001 and provided for the issuance of ISOs and non-qualified stock options to eligible employees and non-employee directors for the purchase of up to 4,398,001 shares of common stock. F- 42 CROSS COUNTRY HEALTHCARE, INC. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS DECEMBER 31, 2016 14. Stockholders' Equity (continued) The following table summarizes the Company’s activities with respect to all of its share option plans (issued under the 2014 Plan and the 1999 Plan) for the year ended December 31, 2016: Number of Shares Option Price Share options outstanding at beginning of year 395,625 $4.16-$22.50 Granted Exercised Forfeited/expired Share options outstanding at end of year Share options exercisable at end of year Share options unvested at end of year — — (195,312) $4.35-$8.56 (12,100) $5.21-$22.50 $4.16-$22.50 188,213 137,087 $4.16-$22.50 51,126 $4.92-$5.61 Weighted- Average Remaining Contractual Life (in years) Aggregate Intrinsic Value (amounts in thousands) 2.62 2.33 3.40 $ $ $ 1,870 1,341 529 Weighted Average Exercise Price $6.28 — $6.08 $17.97 $5.72 $5.90 $5.26 As of December 31, 2016, the Company had 188,213 share options outstanding of which 173,457 were vested or expected to vest at a weighted average exercise price of $5.76, intrinsic value of $1.7 million and a weighted average contractual life of 2.55 years. As of December 31, 2016, the Company had less than $0.1 million pre-tax of total unrecognized compensation cost related to share options which may be adjusted for future changes in forfeitures. The Company expects to recognize such cost over a period of 0.42 years. F- 43 CROSS COUNTRY HEALTHCARE, INC. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS DECEMBER 31, 2016 15. Earnings Per Share The following table sets forth the components of the numerator and denominator for the computation of the basic and diluted earnings per share: Numerator: Net income (loss) attributable to common shareholders - Basic Interest on Convertible Notes (Gain) loss on derivative liability Net income (loss) attributable to common shareholders - Diluted Denominator: Weighted average common shares - Basic Effective of diluted shares: Share-based awards Convertible Notes Weighted average common shares - Diluted Net income (loss) per share attributable to common shareholders - Basic Net income (loss) per share attributable to common shareholders - Diluted Year Ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 (amounts in thousands, except per share data) 7,967 $ 4,418 $ 3,383 (5,805) 5,545 * * $ 4,418 $ (31,783) * * (31,783) 32,132 31,514 31,190 593 3,521 36,246 648 — 32,162 — — 31,190 0.25 $ 0.14 $ (1.02) 0.15 $ 0.14 $ (1.02) $ $ $ $ * For the years 2015 and 2014, the Convertible Notes would have been anti-dilutive if converted at the beginning of the respective periods and therefore, amounts are not applicable. For the periods presented, no tax benefits have been assumed in the weighted average share calculation due to a full valuation allowance on the Company's deferred tax assets. The following table represents the securities that could potentially dilute net income per share attributable to common shareholders in the future that were not included in the computation of diluted net income per share attributable to common shareholders because to do so would have been anti-dilutive for the periods presented. Convertible notes and share-based awards 16. Related Party Transactions Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2016 (amounts in thousands) — 3,521 3,856 The Company provides services to hospitals which are affiliated with certain members of the Company’s Board of Directors. Management believes services with related parties were conducted on terms equivalent to those prevailing in an arm's-length transaction. Revenue related to these transactions was $5.0 million, $11.8 million, and $17.8 million in 2016, 2015, and 2014, respectively. Accounts receivable due from these hospitals at December 31, 2016 and 2015 were approximately $1.0 million and $0.6 million, respectively. F- 44 CROSS COUNTRY HEALTHCARE, INC. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS DECEMBER 31, 2016 16. Related Party Transactions (continued) In connection with the acquisition of MSN, the Company acquired a 68% ownership interest in InteliStaf of Oklahoma, LLC, a joint venture between the Company and a hospital system. The Company generated revenue providing staffing services to the hospital system of $12.6 million and $10.0 million in 2016 and 2015, respectively, and $4.7 million for the six months ended December 31, 2014. At December 31, 2016 and 2015, the Company had a receivable balance of $1.5 million and $1.4 million, respectively, and a payable balance of $0.2 million. Subsequent to the Company's acquisition of Mediscan on October 30, 2015, Mediscan continued to operate at premises owned, in part, by the founding members of Mediscan. The Company paid $0.4 million for rent for these premises in 2016 and $0.1 million for the two months ended December 31, 2015. 17. Segment Data In accordance with the Segment Reporting Topic of the FASB ASC, the Company reports three business segments – Nurse and Allied Staffing, Physician Staffing, and Other Human Capital Management Services. The Company manages and segments its business based on the services it offers to its customers as described below: • Nurse and Allied Staffing - Nurse and Allied Staffing provides traditional staffing, recruiting, and value-added workforce solutions including: temporary and permanent placement of travel and local branch-based nurse and allied professionals, MSP services, education healthcare services, and outsourcing services. Its clients include: public and private acute care and non-acute care hospitals, government facilities, public schools and charter schools, outpatient clinics, ambulatory care facilities, physician practice groups, retailers, and many other healthcare providers throughout the U.S. The results of the Mediscan acquisition have been aggregated with the Company's Nurse and Allied Staffing business segment. See Note 3 - Acquisitions. • Physician Staffing - Physician Staffing provides physicians in many specialties, certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs), nurse practitioners (NPs), and physician assistants (PAs) as independent contractors on temporary assignments throughout the U.S. at various healthcare facilities, such as acute and non-acute care facilities, medical group practices, government facilities, and managed care organizations. • Other Human Capital Management Services - Subsequent to the sale of CCE on August 31, 2015, Other Human Capital Management Services includes retained and contingent search services for physicians, healthcare executives and other healthcare professionals within the U.S. The Company’s management evaluates performance of each segment primarily based on revenue and contribution income. The Company defines contribution income as income or loss from operations before depreciation, amortization, loss on sale of business, acquisition and integration costs, acquisition-related contingent consideration, restructuring costs, impairment charges and corporate expenses not specifically identified to a reporting segment. Contribution income is a financial measure used by management when assessing segment performance and is provided in accordance with the Segment Reporting Topic of the FASB ASC. The Company’s management does not evaluate, manage or measure performance of segments using asset information; accordingly, total asset information by segment is not prepared or disclosed. The information in the following table is derived from the segments’ internal financial information as used for corporate management purposes. Certain corporate expenses are not allocated to and/or among the operating segments. F- 45 CROSS COUNTRY HEALTHCARE, INC. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS DECEMBER 31, 2016 17. Segment Data (continued) Information on operating segments and a reconciliation to income (loss) from operations for the periods indicated are as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 (amounts in thousands) Revenue from services: Nurse and Allied Staffing (a) Physician Staffing Other Human Capital Management Services Contribution income (loss): Nurse and Allied Staffing (a) Physician Staffing Other Human Capital Management Services Unallocated corporate overhead (a) Depreciation Amortization Loss on sale of business (b) Acquisition and integration costs Acquisition-related contingent consideration Restructuring costs Impairment charges (c) Income (loss) from operations _______________ $ $ $ 721,486 $ 621,258 $ $ $ 98,283 13,768 833,537 71,992 8,265 (535) 79,722 38,400 4,168 5,014 — 78 814 753 24,311 $ $ 115,336 30,827 767,421 55,718 10,213 1,863 67,794 3,856 4,210 2,184 902 — 1,274 2,100 $ 6,184 $ 20,565 $ 459,195 121,145 37,485 617,825 36,486 6,540 514 43,540 3,866 3,575 — 7,957 — 840 10,000 (10,468) 32,703 27,770 (a) The Company has been centralizing administrative functions to gain efficiencies and, as a result, certain prior periods have been restated for comparability purposes. For the year ended December 31, 2015, $1.2 million of expenses were reclassified from Nurse and Allied Staffing to unallocated corporate overhead to conform to the current period presentation. It was not practicable to reclassify these amounts for the year ended December 31, 2014. (b) On August 31, 2015, the Company completed the sale of CCE, and recognized a pre-tax loss of $2.2 million related to the divestiture of the business. See Note 4 - Disposal and Discontinued Operations. (c) During the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014, the Company recorded impairment charges of $24.3 million, $2.1 million, and $10.0 million, respectively. See Note 5 - Goodwill, Trade Names, and Other Intangible Assets. F- 46 CROSS COUNTRY HEALTHCARE, INC. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS DECEMBER 31, 2016 18. Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) 2016 Revenue from services Gross profit First Quarter Second Quarter Third Quarter Fourth Quarter (amounts in thousands, except per share data) $ 196,583 $ 199,443 $ 214,988 $ 222,523 51,046 54,846 58,210 57,633 Consolidated net income (loss) 19,186 (17,095) 14,289 (7,649) Net income (loss) attributable to common shareholders 19,022 (17,237) 14,066 (7,884) Net income (loss) per share attributable to common shareholders - Basic Net income (loss) per share attributable to common shareholders - Diluted 2015 Revenue from services Gross profit $ $ 0.60 0.09 $ $ (0.54) $ 0.44 (0.54) $ 0.22 $ $ (0.24) (0.24) First Quarter Second Quarter Third Quarter Fourth Quarter (amounts in thousands, except per share data) $ 185,964 $ 192,617 $ 195,692 $ 193,148 47,037 48,363 51,486 50,479 Consolidated net income (loss) 3,050 2,680 5,151 (5,927) Net income (loss) attributable to common shareholders 2,934 2,573 5,009 (6,098) Net income (loss) per share attributable to common shareholders - Basic Net income (loss) per share attributable to common shareholders - Diluted ________________ $ $ 0.09 0.05 $ $ 0.08 0.08 $ $ 0.16 0.16 $ $ (0.19) (0.19) The following items impact the comparability and presentation of our consolidated data: • The Company recorded changes in the fair value of convertible notes derivative liability, recording a gain in the first and third quarters of 2016 of $16.4 million and $7.1 million, respectively, and a loss in the second and fourth quarters of 2016 of $3.6 million and $14.2 million, respectively. The Company also recorded a gain in the first and second quarters of 2015 of $2.1 million and $0.4 million, respectively, and a loss in the third and fourth quarters of 2015 of $2.9 million and $9.5 million, respectively. See Note 9 - Convertible Notes Derivative Liability. • During the second quarter of 2016 and the fourth quarter of 2015, the Company recorded impairment charges of $24.3 million and $2.1 million, respectively. See Note 5 - Goodwill, Trade Names, and Other Intangible Assets. • During the second quarter of 2016, the Company repaid its Second Lien Term Loan and recognized a loss on extinguishment of debt of $1.6 million. See Note 8 - Debt. • On August 31, 2015, the Company completed the sale of its education seminars business, CCE. Since the disposal did not represent a strategic shift that will have a major effect on the Company's operations and financial results, it was not reflected as discontinued operations. The transaction resulted in a pre-tax loss of $2.2 million, and an after- tax gain on the sale of CCE of $1.3 million. See Note 4 - Disposals and Discontinued Operations. • On October 30, 2015, the Company acquired all of the membership interests of Mediscan. The acquisition has been accounted for in accordance with FASB ASC 805, Business Combinations, using the acquisition method. The results of the acquisition's operations have been included in the consolidated statements of operations from its date of acquisition. See Note 3 - Acquisitions. F- 47 CROSS COUNTRY HEALTHCARE, INC. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS DECEMBER 31, 2016 18. Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) (continued) • • In 2016, the Company recorded acquisition-related contingent consideration expense primarily related to the Mediscan acquisition, recording $0.3 million in the first quarter, $0.2 million in the second and third quarters, and $0.1 million in the fourth quarter. There were no similar costs recorded in 2015. See Note 3 - Acquisitions and Note 10 - Fair Value Measurements. In the third and fourth quarters of 2016, the Company recorded restructuring costs of $0.6 million and $0.2 million, respectively, primarily related to the centralization of corporate functions. In the second, third, and fourth quarters of 2015, the Company recorded restructuring costs of $1.0 million, $0.2 million, and $0.1 million, respectively. See Note 2 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies. F- 48 CROSS COUNTRY HEALTHCARE, INC. VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016, 2015, AND 2014 Schedule II Balance at Beginning of Period Charged to Operations Write-Offs Recoveries (amounts in thousands) Other Changes Balance at End of Period Allowances for Accounts Receivable Year Ended December 31, 2016 Year Ended December 31, 2015 Year Ended December 31, 2014 Valuation Allowance for Deferred Tax Assets Year Ended December 31, 2016 Year Ended December 31, 2015 Year Ended December 31, 2014 ________________ $ $ $ $ $ $ 4,045 1,425 1,651 55,336 63,616 52,001 $ $ $ $ $ $ 4,034 2,414 1,016 $ $ $ (5,149) $ 315 (923) $ 1,129 (1,257) $ 15 $ $ $ — — — $ $ $ 3,245 4,045 1,425 (8,894) $ (7,518) (a) $ 12,038 $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ 12 $ 46,454 (762) (b) $ 55,336 (423) (c) $ 63,616 (a) Includes a reversal of valuation allowance related to CCE. (b) Valuation allowance on deferred tax asset related to share-based compensation. (c) Related to foreign valuation allowance adjustment. II- 1 LIST OF SUBSIDIARIES Subsidiary Assignment America, LLC Cejka Search, Inc. Credent Verification and Licensing Services, LLC Cross Country Holdco (Cyprus) Limited Cross Country Infotech, Pvt. Ltd. Cross Country Staffing, Inc. Cross Country Support Services, LLC Intelistaf of Oklahoma LLC* Local Staff, LLC MDA Holdings, Inc. Medical Doctor Associates, LLC Mediscan Diagnostic Services, LLC Mediscan Nursing Services, LLC New Mediscan II, LLC OWS, LLC Travel Staff, LLC * Majority-owned joint venture Exhibit 21.1 Place of Incorporation Delaware Delaware Delaware Cyprus India Delaware Delaware Delaware Delaware Delaware Delaware California California California Delaware Delaware CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM Exhibit 23.1 We consent to the incorporation by reference in Registration Statement Nos. 333-74862, 333-145484, 333-188519 and 333-196639 on Form S-8 and 333-200827 on Form S-1 of our report dated March 3, 2017, relating to the consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedule of Cross Country Healthcare, Inc., and the effectiveness of Cross Country Healthcare, Inc.'s internal control over financial reporting, appearing in this Annual Report on Form 10-K of Cross Country Healthcare, Inc. for the year ended December 31, 2016. /s/ DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP Boca Raton, Florida March 3, 2017 CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM Exhibit 23.2 We consent to the incorporation by reference in the following Registration Statements: 1. Registration Statement (Form S-8 No. 333-74862) pertaining to Cross Country Healthcare, Inc. and subsidiaries Amended and Restated 1999 Stock Option Plan and Cross Country Healthcare, Inc. and subsidiaries Amended and Restated Equity Participation Plan; 2. Registration Statement (Form S-8 No. 333-145484) pertaining to Cross Country Healthcare, Inc. and subsidiaries 2007 Stock Incentive Plan; 3. Registration Statement (Form S-8 No. 333-188519) pertaining to Cross Country Healthcare, Inc. and subsidiaries registration of additional shares of common stock under the Amended and Restated 2007 Stock Incentive Plan; and 4. Registration Statement (Form S-8 No. 333-196639) pertaining to Cross Country Healthcare, Inc. and subsidiaries registration of additional shares of common stock under the Amended and Restated 2007 Stock Incentive Plan; and 5. Registration Statement (Form S-1 No. 333-200827) of Cross Country Healthcare, Inc. and Subsidiaries of our report dated March 6, 2015, with respect to the accompanying consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive loss, stockholders’ equity and cash flows and schedule of Cross Country Healthcare, Inc. and subsidiaries included in this Annual Report (Form 10-K) of Cross Country Healthcare, Inc. and subsidiaries for the year ended December 31, 2014. /s/ Ernst & Young LLP Certified Public Accountants Boca Raton, Florida March 3, 2017 I, William J. Grubbs, certify that: CERTIFICATION Exhibit 31.1 1. I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of Cross Country Healthcare, Inc.; 2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report; 3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report; 4. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have: a. Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared; b. Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, 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; c. Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and d. Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and 5. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions): a. All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and b. Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting. Date: March 3, 2017 /s/ William J. Grubbs William J. Grubbs President, Chief Executive Officer, Director (Principal Executive Officer) I, William J. Burns, certify that: CERTIFICATION Exhibit 31.2 1. I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of Cross Country Healthcare, Inc.; 2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report; 3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report; 4. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have: a. Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared; b. Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, 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; c. Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and d. Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and 5. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions): a. All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and b. Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting. Date: March 3, 2017 /s/ William J. Burns William J. Burns EVP & Chief Financial Officer (Principal Accounting and Financial Officer) CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350 In connection with the accompanying Annual Report on Form 10-K of Cross Country Healthcare, Inc. (the Company) for the year ended December 31, 2016, (the "Periodic Report"), I, William J. Grubbs, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, hereby certify pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that to my knowledge the Periodic Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and that the information contained in the Periodic Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company. Exhibit 32.1 Date: March 3, 2017 /s/ William J. Grubbs William J. Grubbs President, Chief Executive Officer, Director (Principal Executive Officer) The foregoing certification is provided solely for purposes of complying with the provisions of Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350 In connection with the accompanying Annual Report on Form 10-K of Cross Country Healthcare, Inc. (the "Company") for the year ended December 31, 2016, (the "Periodic Report"), I, William J. Burns, Chief Financial Officer of the Company, hereby certify pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that to my knowledge the Periodic Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and that the information contained in the Periodic Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company. Exhibit 32.2 Date: March 3, 2017 /s/ William J. Burns William J. Burns EVP & Chief Financial Officer (Principal Accounting and Financial Officer) The foregoing certification is provided solely for purposes of complying with the provisions of Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. The next level is here. 2016 was a year of growth and innovation for Cross Country Healthcare. We saw expansion, progression, and a new level of effi ciency in the delivery of our services. We developed and leveraged our strengths to innovate our services and accommodate the dynamic needs of healthcare organizations. Cross Country Healthcare increased the bench strength of Workforce Solutions to include industry experts who are widely recognized leaders in their respective fi elds. As a result, our Workforce Solutions team has added a record number of new clients, making the total number the highest in company history. With the acquisition of US Resources Healthcare, we have expanded our recruitment process outsourcing off erings to assist our clients with their full-time vacancies. This new service rounds out our suite of off erings that together deliver a holistic solution to labor challenges faced by healthcare organizations. By delivering fi nancial and operating effi ciencies through labor optimization services, while enhancing the quality of care to patients, we secure our future as a trusted partner that understands the new healthcare landscape. While we have accomplished great success in 2016, we look forward to scaling new heights in the coming years. Board of Directors Board of Directors Board of Directors Board of Directors Board of Directors Executives Executives Executives W. Larry Cash (a)(b) President, Financial Services and Chief Financial Offi cer, Community Health Systems William J. Grubbs President and Chief Executive Offi cer, Cross Country Healthcare, Inc. Thomas C. Dircks (c) Managing Director, Charterhouse Group, Inc. Gale Fitzgerald (a)(d) Retired Principal, TranSpend, Inc. William J. Grubbs President and Chief Executive Offi cer, Cross Country Healthcare, Inc. Richard M. Mastaler (a)(d) Chairman, Managed Health Ventures, Inc. Mark Perlberg (b) President and Chief Executive Offi cer, Oasis Outsourcing Joseph A. Trunfi o, PhD (b)(d) Retired President and Chief Executive Offi cer, Atlantic Health System (a) Member of the Audit Committee (b) Member of the Compensation Committee (c) Chairman of the Board (d) Member of the Governance and Nominating Committee Corporate headquarters Cross Country Healthcare, Inc. 5201 Congress Avenue Boca Raton, FL 33487 Phone: 561.998.2232 crosscountryhealthcare.com Corporate governance Information concerning our corporate governance practices, including our Code of Conduct, Code of Ethics, Committee Charters, and Certifi cation of Financial Statements, is available on our corporate website at crosscountryhealthcare.com. We also have established a toll-free phone number and an email address for stockholders to communicate with our Board of Directors. All such communications will be kept confi dential and forwarded directly to the appropriate party, as applicable. Governance hotline: 800.354.7197 Governance email: governance@crosscountry.com Forward-looking statements Information concerning forward-looking statements can be found on page 1 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016, as well as in quarterly and other reports to be fi led by us. William J. Burns, MBA, CPA Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Offi cer and Principal Financial/Accounting Offi cer, Cross Country Healthcare, Inc. Susan E. Ball, JD, MBA, RN Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary, Cross Country Healthcare, Inc. Daniele Addis Senior Vice President, Business Services Cross Country Healthcare, Inc. Deborah Dean Senior Vice President, Sales and Marketing Cross Country Healthcare, Inc. William G. Halnon Chief Information Offi cer, Cross Country Healthcare, Inc. Vickie L. Anenberg President, Cross Country Staffi ng Dennis Ducham President, Mediscan Timothy Fischer President, Medical Doctor Associates John Gramer President, Cejka Search Robert Murphy President, Workforce Solutions, Cross Country Healthcare, Inc. Buff y S. White Senior Vice President, Recruiting Strategy and Operations, Cross Country Healthcare, Inc. Transfer agent Computershare P.O. Box 30170 College Station, TX 77842-3170 Phone: 877.219.7066 Independent registered public accounting fi rm Deloitte & Touche LLP 1800 North Military Trail, Suite 200 Boca Raton, FL 33431 Stock listings Our common stock trades under the symbol “CCRN” on the NASDAQ Global Select Market, a market tier of the NASDAQ Stock Market®. Our common stock commenced trading on the NASDAQ National Market on October 25, 2001. Stockholder inquiries News releases, SEC fi lings, annual reports, corporate governance matters and additional information about Cross Country Healthcare are available on our corporate website at no cost. Our Form 10-K, including all exhibits, is available on our corporate website or on the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission’s website at sec.gov. Current and prospective investors can also register to automatically receive our press releases, SEC fi lings and other notices by email. Information about the Company can also be obtained by writing or contacting: William J. Grubbs, President and Chief Executive Offi cer Phone: 561.237.6202 | 800.530.6152 | Email: ir@crosscountry.com 2016 ANNUAL REPORT 5201 Congress Avenue, Boca Raton, FL 33487 | 800.347.2264 | crosscountryhealthcare.com 

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