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Gasporox

gpx · NYSE Consumer Defensive
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Ticker gpx
Exchange NYSE
Sector Consumer Defensive
Industry Education & Training Services
Employees 1001-5000
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FY2016 Annual Report · Gasporox
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Annual Report

TWO THOUSAND SIXTEEN

OUR VISION 
is a world where business 
excellence makes possibilities 
achievable.

OUR GLOBAL FOOTPRINT
With approximately 3,380 employees, GP Strategies® provides services in more than 
50 countries from over 70 offices.

OUR MISSION   
is to enable people and businesses 
to perform at their highest potential.

Annual Report

TWO THOUSAND SIXTEEN

In Review

GP Strategies Corporation [NYSE: GPX], founded in 1966, 
is a global performance improvement solutions provider of 
training, eLearning solutions, management consulting and 
engineering services.

EARNINGS per share
$1.21 in 2016

 REVENUE
$491M in 2016

2015: $1.09

2014: $1.43

2013: $1.23

2012: $1.18

2012
$402M

2013
$437M

2014
$502M

2015
$490M

2016
$491M

AWARDS
26

Recognized by  
Industry and Clients

Brandon Hall 
Excellence in Learning Awards – 9 AWARDS
Excellence in Talent Management – 2 AWARDS
Excellence in Leadership Development
Excellence in Sales Performance

Chief Learning Officer Learning in Practice 
Awards – 3 AWARDS

Engineering News-Record 
Top 500 Design Firm 

Training Industry, Inc.
Top Training Companies – 8 AWARDS

Partner-Level Supplier Recognition

BACKLOG
 $285M  

as of 12/31/16

FORTUNE 500
146  FORTUNE 500 Clients   

29% of total

120  GLOBAL 500 Clients

24% of total

OUR CUSTOMERS  
industries we serve
5% 
Aerospace

22% 
Automotive

5% 
Electronics  
& Semiconductor

6% 
Energy

21% 
Financial & Insurance

6% 
Information  
& Communications

4% 
Life Sciences

9% 
Manufacturing

2% 
Oil & Gas

2% 
Professional Services

5% 
UK Government

7% 
U.S. Government

6% 
Other

 
 
TO OUR
shareholders

In 2016, GP Strategies delivered solid financial results, including revenue of $491 million and earnings of 

$1.21 per share—an 11 percent growth in earnings over 2015. Three of our four segments reported revenue 

growth  and  gross  margin  improvements  in  2016.  This  growth  was  largely  offset  by  a  continued  decline 

in our Professional & Technical Services segment, which stabilized on a sequential quarterly basis in the  

second half of 2016. In addition, changes in currency exchange rates resulted in a $14 million decrease in 

U.S. dollar reported revenue during 2016 compared to 2015. 

Global expansion efforts are paying off

With  an  increasing  number  of  bids  now  taking  place  outside  the  U.S.,  primarily  in  Europe  and  Asia,  we  

believe we can see clearly benefits of our investment in global expansion. This is due to large multi-national  

organizations  looking  to  standardize  training  across  the  globe—a  capability  GP  Strategies  is  uniquely  

qualified to provide through our network of offices and partners enabling us to deliver services worldwide. 

Future revenue growth opportunities exist in both attracting new clients and expanding within our base  

of  120  clients  in  the  Global  500.  Over  the  past  five  years,  we’ve  grown  our  revenue  in  the  Financial  &  

Insurance industry to over $110 million, or 21% of our total revenue. We see great opportunities to serve 

industries that are highly regulated and have a rapidly changing product mix and a global workforce that 

requires consistent, high-quality, efficient enterprise-wide training and development. In 2016, we initiated  

focus  on  the  Pharmaceutical  sector  and  were  awarded  a  significant  contract  in  the  first  quarter  of 

2017  to  provide  global  learning  services  for  a  large  pharmaceutical  customer.  Moving  forward,  we  will  

remain focused on expanding our diverse client base, with an emphasis on this and other highly regulated,  

fast-changing verticals. 

Acquisition efforts resume, expanding our service base 

In 2016, we resumed our acquisition strategy, bringing two new companies on board. Jencal Training/B2B 

Engage is part of the UK’s government-run skills funding program, strengthening our position in that arena. 

And Maverick Solutions, a leading provider of ERP training solutions, enables us to extend our presence 

in the Healthcare industry and expand into Higher Education. Looking ahead, we will continue to pursue 

strategic acquisitions, looking for companies that have a global reach and recurring revenue stream to help 

us  expand  into  new  markets.  Already  in  2017  we  have  acquired  McKinney  Rogers,  a  global  consultancy 

serving blue chip organizations in many markets, with client relationships at the C-suite level, and Emantras, 

a U.S./India based innovative digital education company that provides engaging learning experiences and 

knowledge delivery through award-winning digital and mobile solutions. 

GP Strategies 2016 Annual Report    |    2

We are working hard to build GP Strategies into an even  

bigger powerhouse in the corporate learning space.

-Scott N. Greenberg, CEO

“

”

Our 50th Anniversary was marked by multiple accolades 

GP Strategies’ 50th Anniversary saw us reflecting on how we’ve grown to become a well-respected global provider of custom training 

solutions since our humbler beginnings in 1966. Underscoring our growth, reputation and quality work, 2016 also brought us 26 industry 

awards, more than at any other time in our history. 

We thank our employees for their hard work and commitment, our customers for their continued trust in partnering with GP Strategies 

to meet their training and performance improvement needs, and our shareholders for your support. 

Sincerely,

Scott N. Greenberg 

Douglas E. Sharp

Chief Executive Officer 

President

3    |    GP Strategies 2016 Annual Report

Form 10-K

FIN ANCIAL  HI GH LI GHT S

Operating Results
(in thousands, except per share amounts)

Revenue 

Gross profit 

Operating income  

Net income  

Year ended December 31, 

2012 

2013 

2014 

2015 

2016

$  401,572 

436,689 

 501,867 

 490,280  

490,559

 71,971 

 35,682 

 22,688 

76,265 

38,352  

23,756  

1.23  

 89,575 

 43,859 

 27,098 

 1.43 

 81,992 

 32,322 

 18,789 

 1.09 

80,157

31,424

20,247

1.21

Diluted earnings per share  

 1.18 

Weighted average shares 
  outstanding - diluted 

19,275 

19,362 

 18,887 

 17,264 

16,791

Balance Sheet Summary
(in thousands)

As of December 31, 

2012 

Cash and cash equivalents  $ 

 7,761 

Working capital 

Total assets 

 49,146 

 244,434 

2013 

5,647 

58,730 

280,156 

2014 

 14,541 

 43,537 

2015 

 21,030 

 40,322 

2016

16,346

59,859

 305,452 

 302,350 

315,601

Short-term borrowings  
  and long-term debt 

–    

 407 

Total stockholders’ equity 

 167,337 

193,027 

 58,576 

 151,725 

 58,528 

 158,344 

57,694

167,496

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 

 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 1-7234

GP STRATEGIES CORPORATION
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware

(State of Incorporation)

52-0845774

(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

70 Corporate Center
11000 Broken Land Parkway, Suite 200, Columbia, MD
(Address of principal executive offices)

21044
(Zip Code)

(443) 367-9600
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code:

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Title of Each Class
Common Stock, $.01 par value

Name of each exchange on which registered:
New York Stock Exchange, Inc.

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 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 (§232.405 of this chapter) 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 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 in Rule 12(b)-2 of the Exchange Act).    Yes  

  No  

The aggregate market value of the outstanding shares of the Registrant’s Common Stock, par value $.01 per share, held by non-affiliates as of June 30, 
2016 was approximately $270,004,000.

The number of shares outstanding of the registrant’s Common Stock as of February 16, 2017:

Class
Common Stock, par value $.01 per share

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

Outstanding

16,752,895 shares

Portions of the registrant’s definitive Proxy Statement for its 2017 Annual Meeting of Stockholders are incorporated herein by reference into Part III 
hereof.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Table of Contents

PART I 

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

Item 1.

Business

Item 1A.

Risk Factors

Item 1B.

Unresolved Staff Comments

Item 2.

Properties

Item 3.

Legal Proceedings

Item 4.

Mine Safety Disclosures

PART II

Item 5.

Market for the Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer  Purchases of Equity 
Securities

Item 6.

Selected Financial Data

Item 7.

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Item 7A.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

Item 8.

Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

Item 9.

Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

Item 9A.

Controls and Procedures

Item 9B.

Other Information

PART III

Item 10.

Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance

Item 11.

Executive Compensation

Item 12.

Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters

Item 13.

Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence

Item 14.

Principal Accounting Fees and Services

PART IV

Item 15.

Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules

Signatures

Page

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24

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40

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76

77

80

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This report contains 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”).  The Private Securities Litigation 
Reform Act of 1995 provides a “safe harbor” for forward looking statements.  Forward–looking statements are not statements of 
historical facts, but rather reflect our current expectations concerning future events and results.  We use words such as “expects,” 
“intends,” “believes,” “may,” “will,” “should,” “could,” “anticipates,” “estimates,” “plans” and similar expressions to indicate 
forward-looking statements, but their absence does not mean a statement is not forward-looking. Because these forward-looking 
statements are based upon management’s expectations and assumptions and are subject to risks and uncertainties, there are important 
factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements, 
including, but not limited to, those factors set forth under Item 1A - Risk Factors and those other risks and uncertainties detailed 
in our periodic reports and registration statements filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”).  We caution that 
these risk factors may not be exhaustive.  We operate in a continually changing business environment, and new risk factors emerge 
from time to time.  We cannot predict these new risk factors, nor can we assess the effect, if any, of the new risk factors on our 
business or the extent to which any factor or combination of factors may cause actual results to differ from those expressed or 
implied by these forward-looking statements.

If any one or more of these expectations and assumptions proves incorrect, actual results will likely differ materially from those 
contemplated by the forward-looking statements. Even if all of the foregoing assumptions and expectations prove correct, actual 
results may still differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements as a result of factors we may not anticipate 
or that may be beyond our control. While we cannot assess the future impact that any of these differences could have on our 
business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows or the market price of shares of our common stock, the differences 
could be significant. We do not undertake to update any forward-looking statements made by us, whether as a result of new 
information, future events or otherwise.  You are cautioned not to unduly rely on such forward-looking statements when evaluating 
the information presented in this report.

Company Information Available on the Internet

Our Internet address is www.gpstrategies.com.  We make available free of charge through our Internet site, our annual reports on 
Form 10-K; quarterly reports on Form 10-Q; current reports on Form 8-K; and any amendment to those reports filed or furnished 
pursuant to the Exchange Act as soon as reasonably practicable after such material is electronically filed with, or furnished to, the 
SEC.

PART I

Item 1:           Business

Company Overview

GP Strategies Corporation, which is a New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) listed company traded under the symbol GPX, is a 
global performance improvement solutions provider of training, e-Learning solutions, management consulting and engineering 
services. References in this report to “GP Strategies,” the “Company,” “we” and “our” are to GP Strategies Corporation and its 
subsidiaries, collectively.

We are a leading independent provider of customized training solutions focused on performance improvement initiatives for our 
clients. We also provide consulting, engineering and technical services which enhance our customized training capabilities and 
diversify our service offerings. We have global execution capabilities and provide services to a large customer base across a broad 
range of industries in over 50 countries. We serve leading companies in the automotive, financial services and insurance, steel, oil 
and gas, power, chemical, electronics and technology, manufacturing, software, retail, healthcare, education and food and beverage 
industries, as well as government agencies. We have over five decades of experience in developing solutions to optimize workforce 
performance by providing services and products to our clients that assist them in successfully aligning their employees, processes 
and technologies.

Over the last several years, we have focused on building our custom training business through internal growth and the acquisition 
of complementary businesses. We began executing our acquisition strategy in 2006 and have since completed over 25 acquisitions 
to strengthen our capabilities in specific training and technical service areas, expand our global presence, and increase our customer 
base and market sector reach.  As a result, we’ve added product sales training and leadership training, and strengthened our e-

1

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Learning and content development expertise, while also expanding further within Europe and Asia Pacific. Our acquisitions have 
also expanded our market sector reach, added new customers and enhanced our service offerings through the addition of new 
complementary services. We also invested in global expansion through the establishment of over a dozen new subsidiaries in select 
countries since 2013 to support new global outsourcing contracts. We believe our expanded infrastructure and the ability to deliver 
globally will allow us to better support our existing client base as well as win new business for our comprehensive service offerings. 

Operating Segments

As of December 31, 2016, we operated through four reportable business segments: (i) Learning Solutions, (ii) Professional & 
Technical Services, (iii) Sandy Training & Marketing, and (iv) Performance Readiness Solutions. Each of our reportable segments 
represents an operating segment under U.S. GAAP.  We are organized by operating group primarily based upon the markets served 
by each group and/or the services performed. Each operating group consists of business units which are focused on providing 
specific  products  and  services  to  certain  classes  of  customers  or  within  targeted  markets.  Marketing  and  communications, 
accounting,  tax,  finance,  legal,  human  resources,  information  systems  and  other  administrative  services  are  organized  at  the 
corporate level. Business development and sales resources are aligned with operating groups to support existing customer accounts 
and new customer development.

Further information regarding our business segments is discussed below.

Learning Solutions. The Learning Solutions segment delivers training, curriculum design and development, e-Learning services, 
system hosting, training business process outsourcing and consulting services globally. This segment serves large companies in 
the electronics and semiconductors, healthcare, software, financial services and other industries as well as government agencies. 
This segment also provides apprenticeship and vocational skills training funded by an agency of the United Kingdom government.  
The ability to deliver a wide range of training services on a global basis allows this segment to take over the entire learning function 
for the client, including their training personnel.

Professional & Technical Services. The Professional & Technical Services segment provides training, consulting, engineering 
and  technical  services,  including  lean  consulting,  emergency  preparedness,  safety  and  regulatory  compliance,  chemical 
demilitarization and environmental services primarily to large companies in the manufacturing, steel, pharmaceutical energy and 
petrochemical industries; federal and state government agencies; and large government contractors.  Our proprietary EtaPROTM
Performance and Condition Monitoring System provides a suite of real-time software solutions for power generation facilities and 
is installed on power-generating units across the world.  In addition to providing custom training solutions, this segment provides 
web-based training through our GPiLEARNTM portal, which offers a variety of courses to power plant personnel in the U.S. and 
other countries.  This segment also provides services to users of alternative fuels, including designing and constructing liquefied 
natural gas (LNG), liquid to compressed natural gas (LCNG) and hydrogen fueling stations, as well as supplying equipment.

Sandy Training & Marketing. The Sandy Training & Marketing segment provides custom product sales training and has been 
a leader in serving manufacturing customers in the U.S. automotive industry for over 40 years. Sandy provides custom product 
sales training designed to better educate customer sales forces with respect to new vehicle features and designs, in effect rapidly 
increasing the sales force knowledge base and enabling them to address detailed customer queries. Furthermore, Sandy helps our 
clients assess their customer relationship marketing strategy and connect with their customers on a one-to-one basis including 
through  custom  publications.  This  segment  also  provides  technical  training  services  to  automotive  manufacturers  as  well  as 
customers in other industries.

Performance Readiness Solutions. This segment provides performance consulting and technology consulting services, including 
platform  adoption,  end-user  training,  change  management,  knowledge  management,  customer  product  training  outsourcing, 
training  content  development  and  sales  enablement  solutions.    This  segment  also  offers  organization  performance  solutions, 
including leadership development training and employee engagement tools and services.  Industries served include manufacturing, 
aerospace, healthcare, life sciences, consumer products, financial, telecommunications and higher education as well as government 
agencies.

Segment Financial Information

For financial information about our business segments and geographic operations and revenue, see Note 12 to the accompanying 
Consolidated Financial Statements.

2

 
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
 Services and Products

Our  personnel  come  from  varied  backgrounds  in  the  corporate,  technical,  military  and  government  arenas.  They  use  their 
professional knowledge to create cost-effective solutions to address modern business and governmental performance challenges. 
Our training, consulting and engineering services and related product offerings are discussed in more detail below.

Training. We provide custom training services and products to support our customers’ existing operations, as well as the launch 
of new plants, products, equipment, technologies and processes. Our training services are comprehensive, covering all aspects of 
an organization's needs, including:

•  Content and Curriculum Development. Services include a fundamental analysis of the client’s needs, curriculum design, 
instructional material development (in hard copy, electronic/software or other format), information technology service 
support and delivery. Our instructional delivery capabilities include traditional classroom, structured on-the-job training 
(OJT), just-in-time methods, computer-based, web-based, video-based and the full spectrum of e-Learning technologies.

•  E-Learning. Though part of our content development services, our e-Learning capabilities distinguish themselves because 
we are able to function as a single-source e-Learning solutions provider through our integration services and hosting, the 
development and provisioning of proprietary content and the aggregation and distribution of third party content. While 
considered a custom content developer in this arena, we are also the creators of GPiLearn™, a packaged, web-based training 
curriculum designed to equip workers with specialized maintenance, mechanical, operator and technical skills throughout 
the energy industry (nuclear, fossil, hydroelectric, wind farms and other power generating plants) in order to address that 
industry's growing needs for a skilled and multi-skilled workforce.

•  Learning & Training Outsourcing. We offer a wide range of training business process outsourcing (“BPO”) services, 
including design, delivery and global management of comprehensive learning programs for national and multinational 
businesses and government organizations. We can deliver our services individually or as a complete, integrated training 
solution. Solutions include the management of our customers’ training departments, as well as administrative processes, 
such as tuition assistance program management, vendor management, call center/help desk administration and learning 
management system (LMS) administration. Our services encompass a wide spectrum of learning engagements ranging 
from focusing on a single aspect of a learning process to multi-year contracts where we manage the learning infrastructure 
of our customer. In addition, we automate a large amount of our customers’ tuition reimbursement programs by utilizing 
our own proprietary software.

•  Documentation Development. Training-related documentation products include custom instructor and student training 
manuals, job aids to support technical skills development and instructional materials suitable for web-based and blended 
learning solutions.

• 

Specialized Training Areas.  Our  professionals  possess  diverse  skills  in  multiple  industries  that  enable  us  to  address 
specialized training needs, including technical training, machine and equipment maintenance training, product sales training 
and incentive programs, leadership development training, regulatory training, environmental training and homeland security 
training, to name a few.

Consulting. Our consulting services include training-related consulting services as well as more traditional business management 
and specialized consulting, including the areas of:

•  Lean Enterprise. Our Lean and Six Sigma experts provide high-level lean enterprise consulting services, as well as training 
in the concept, methods and application of lean enterprise and other quality practices, organizational development and 
change management.

•  Engineering.  We  provide  engineering  consulting  services  to  support  regulatory  and  environmental  compliance, 
modification of facilities and processes, plant performance improvement, reliability-centered maintenance practices and 
plant start-up activities.

• 

Information Technology. Consulting services include IT consulting and platform adoption services, system selection 
consulting, operations continuity assessment, planning, training and procedure development.

3

 
 
 
 
•  Customer Loyalty. Our Sandy Training & Marketing segment provides consultation on customer loyalty programs and 
supports those services with brand loyalty publications, incentive programs and customer-focused sales training. Sandy 
develops personalized publications for automotive clients which establish a link between the manufacturer/dealer and each 
customer.

•  Performance Readiness. We offer change-management strategies to help our customer's employees accept, adopt and 

perform in new ways and be open to change.

•  Homeland Security and Emergency Management. We deliver consulting services from physical security assessments 
to all-hazards emergency planning and preparedness. These services include training, exercises and documentation.

•  Maintenance & Reliability. We help manufacturers develop strategies, assessments and leadership alignment tactics for 
maintenance and reliability programs, as well as provide the training, management systems and documentation that support 
an enduring culture of waste elimination and variability reduction.

Engineering and Technical Services. Our staff includes civil, mechanical and electrical engineers who are equipped to provide 
engineering, technical support services, consulting expertise, design capabilities and evaluation services. Our engineering customers 
typically operate in technically complex industries such as oil and gas, power, chemical, aerospace, transportation and manufacturing 
industries. Our engineering services support facilities, processes and systems in multiple capacities, including:

•  Power Plant Performance. We deliver multiple solutions to optimize power plant assets and mitigate risk. We have also 
developed proprietary products to support the power industry, including our EtaPROTM software, installed in nearly every 
electricity-generating power plant in North America, as well as our Virtual Plant™ and other software applications for the 
power generation industry. 

•  Alternative Fueling Station Design and Engineering. We provide engineering design, permitting and construction of 
alternative fuel stations, including liquefied natural gas (LNG), liquid to compressed natural gas (LCNG) and hydrogen 
fueling stations for vehicle fleets and public-access stations in the United States. We also provide maintenance services 
for alternative fueling stations, as well as supply equipment.

•  Technical Support. Services in this area include procedure writing and configuration control for capital intensive facilities, 
plant  start-up  assistance,  logistics  support  (e.g.,  inventory  management  and  control),  implementation  and  engineering 
assistance  for  facility  or  process  modifications,  facility  management  for  high  technology  training  environments,  staff 
augmentation and help-desk support for standard and customized client desktop applications.

•  Environmental Services. We provide environmental engineering services, including the development and management 
of site environmental remediation plans and perform other services in regard to air and water quality, hazardous waste and 
the stewardship of natural resources.

Competitive Strengths

We believe our key competitive strengths include:

Global Delivery and Single-Source Custom Training Solutions Provider. We believe we are one of the largest independent 
single-source custom training solutions providers with the capability of delivering on a global basis in the markets in which we 
compete. We provide business process outsourcing solutions spanning the full life-cycle of the training process, including the 
management of training departments and administrative processes for our customers. We believe that the breadth of our service 
and product offerings, which encompass fully integrated training business process outsourcing solutions as well as discrete services, 
allows us to better serve the needs of our clients by providing them with a single-source solution for custom training, consulting 
and technical and engineering services. We believe that the integration of our services into a single platform, together with our 
global presence and delivery capabilities, allows our customers to leverage an enterprise-wide solution to address their performance 
improvement needs in a way that streamlines their internal operations, improves the speed and efficiency at which critical know-
how is disseminated on a firm-wide basis, and enables them to achieve their desired performance improvement goals.

Outstanding Reputation in the Industry. We have continued to build an outstanding reputation in the training industry through 
the delivery of exceptional training solutions and have received numerous awards. In 2016, for the thirteenth consecutive year, 
Training Industry, Inc., an industry trade organization, selected us as one of the Top 20 Companies in Training Outsourcing, and 

4

 
 
 
 
for the ninth consecutive year selected us as one of the Top Sales Training Companies. During 2015, Training Industry, Inc. also 
selected us as a Top 20 Workforce Development Company, Top 20 Leadership Training Company, Top 20 Content Development 
Company, Top 20 IT Training Company and a Top 20 Gamification Company. We also won other industry awards including thirteen 
Brandon Hall Excellence in Learning Awards and Top 500 Design Firm by Engineering News Record.

Scalable Technology Platform. Our training programs are delivered both online and in classroom settings. We have the ability 
to work with outside information technology (IT) vendors in combination with our own proprietary software in order to deliver a 
scalable technology platform capable of addressing training needs of various size and commitment, ranging from a one-time project 
to a multi-year training program.

Legacy Technical Expertise. In the 1960’s, we began providing technical services to the U.S. Navy nuclear submarine program 
and the nuclear electric-power generation industry, and have since maintained and expanded our reputation for providing technically 
complex consulting, engineering, and training services. Many of our employees have engineering degrees, technical training or 
years of relevant technical industry experience. Through repeat projects with industry leaders we have acquired significant industry 
experience in providing highly technical consulting services. We believe that our technical expertise allows us to address market 
opportunities for complex business challenges that require in-depth expertise and certifications typically acquired over several 
years of specialized training and many years of experience. We also believe that our ability to provide both training-related and 
business consulting services allows us to gain insight into operations of our customers, understand the challenges they face and 
develop optimal solutions to meet these challenges. In addition, we believe that the knowledge that we develop while working 
with our clients provides us with a significant competitive advantage as those clients look to expand the scope of services outsourced 
to third party service providers.

Well Positioned to Capitalize on the Large Product Sales Training Market. We believe that the introduction of new products 
with advanced features, combined with the growing amount and accessibility of information available to consumers, requires 
companies to maintain a highly skilled and technologically current sales force to most effectively capture customer interest and 
confidence. In-house implementation of product sales training programs can be expensive and time-consuming as these programs 
typically involve significant levels of face-to-face training, in some cases across a large global sales force. In addition, product 
sales training tends to be a continuous process, as the pace of new products and features in many cases requires year-round updating 
of the sales force. We believe we have one of the industry’s leading product sales training platforms, and are well positioned to 
benefit from increased training outsourcing as companies look for ways to reduce costs. 

Highly Qualified and Dedicated Employees and Tenured Management Team. Our most important asset is our people, as their 
wide-ranging skill sets enable us to serve our diverse and expanding global client base. As a result, we are committed to the 
continued development of our employees. We offer our employees technical, functional, industry, managerial and leadership skill 
development and training throughout their careers with us. We seek to reinforce our employees’ commitment to our clients, culture 
and  values  through  a  comprehensive  performance  management  system  and  a  career  philosophy  that  rewards  both  individual 
performance and teamwork. We also benefit from the skill and experience of our executive management team, who together have 
in excess of 100 years of experience in the training industry and have an average tenure with our company of over 20 years.

Contracts

We currently perform under fixed price (including fixed-fee per transaction), time-and-materials and cost-reimbursable contracts. 
The  following  table  illustrates  the  percentage  of  our  total  revenue  attributable  to  each  type  of  contract  for  the  year  ended 
December 31, 2016:

Fixed fee per transaction
Fixed price
Time-and-materials, including fixed rate
Cost-reimbursable
Total revenue

45%
22
30
3
100%

Fixed price contracts (Including fixed-fee per transaction) provide for payment to us of pre-determined amounts as compensation 
for the delivery of specific products or services, without regard to the actual costs incurred. We bear the risk that increased or 
unexpected costs required to perform the specified services may reduce our profit or cause us to sustain a loss, but we have the 
opportunity to derive increased profit if the costs required to perform the specified services are less than expected. Fixed price 

5

 
 
 
 
 
 
contracts generally permit the client to terminate the contract on written notice; in the event of such termination we would typically 
be paid a proportionate amount of the fixed price.

Time-and-materials  contracts  generally  provide  for  billing  of  services  based  upon  the  hourly  billing  rates  of  the  employees 
performing the services and the actual expenses incurred multiplied by a specified mark-up factor up to a certain aggregate dollar 
amount. Our time-and-materials contracts include certain contracts under which we have agreed to provide training, engineering 
and technical services at fixed hourly rates. Time-and-materials contracts generally permit the client to control the amount, type 
and timing of the services to be performed by us and to terminate the contract on written notice. If a contract is terminated, we are 
typically paid for the services we have provided through the date of termination.

Cost-reimbursable contracts provide for us to be reimbursed for our actual direct and indirect costs plus a fee. These contracts also 
are generally subject to termination at the convenience of the client. If a contract is terminated, we are typically reimbursed for 
our costs through the date of termination, plus the cost of an orderly termination, and paid a proportionate amount of the fee.

International

We conduct our business globally and outside the United States primarily through our wholly owned subsidiaries. We may continue 
to create new subsidiaries as our business expands. Through these subsidiaries, we are capable of providing substantially the same 
services and products as are available to clients in the United States, although modified as appropriate to address the language, 
business practices and cultural factors unique to each client and country. In combination with our subsidiaries, we are able to 
coordinate the delivery to multi-national clients of services and products that achieve consistency on a global, enterprise-wide 
basis.  Revenue from operations outside the United States represented approximately 31% and 30% of our consolidated revenue 
for  the  years  ended  December 31,  2016  and  2015,  respectively  (see  Note  12  to  the  accompanying  Consolidated  Financial 
Statements).

Customers

During 2016, we provided services to over 500 customers. Significant customers include multinational automotive manufacturers, 
such as General Motors Company, Hyundai Motor Company, Jaguar Land Rover, Ford Motor Company and Fiat North America 
LLC; financial services companies such as HSBC, Bank of America, SunTrust Banks and PNC Bank; governmental agencies, 
such as the U.S. Department of Defense, U.S. Department of Commerce, U.S. Office of Personnel Management and the Skills 
Funding Agency in the United Kingdom; U.S. Government prime contractors, such as Bechtel National, Inc. and URS Corporation; 
commercial electric power utilities, such as Eskom, Southern Company and MidAmerican Energy; and other large multinational 
companies,  such  as  Microsoft,  CIGNA  Corporation,  Rockwell Automation,  Network Appliance,  Cisco  Systems,  Inc.,  Texas 
Instruments, Lowe’s Companies, Inc., General Electric and United Technologies Corporation. During the year ended December 31, 
2016, we provided services to 146 customers in the Fortune 500 and 120 customers in the Global Fortune 500.

We have a market concentration of revenue in both the automotive sector and the financial services & insurance sector. Revenue 
from the automotive industry accounted for approximately 22%, 19% and 14% of our consolidated revenue for the years ended 
December 31,  2016,  2015  and  2014,  respectively.  In  addition,  we  have  a  concentration  of  revenue  from  a  single  automotive 
customer, which accounted for approximately 13% and 12% of our consolidated revenue for the years ended December 31, 2016 
and 2015, respectively.  As of December 31, 2016 accounts receivable from a single automotive customer totaled $11.6 million, 
or 11% of our consolidated accounts receivable balance. Revenue from the financial services & insurance industry accounted for 
approximately 21%, 21% and 18% of our consolidated revenue for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively.  
In addition, we have a concentration of revenue from a single financial services customer, which accounted for approximately 
15% and 14% of our consolidated revenue for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. As of December 31, 
2016, billed and unbilled accounts receivable from a single financial services customer totaled $25.4 million, or 18%, of our 
consolidated accounts receivable and costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings on uncompleted contracts balances. No 
other single customer accounted for more than 10% of our consolidated revenue in 2016 or consolidated accounts receivable 
balance as of December 31, 2016.

We believe the nature of our business, which includes established relationships with our clients, average project durations of 
approximately nine months, as well as many long term contracts with our customers, provides us with a platform from which to 
drive revenues and gives us visibility into our future performance. We have long-standing relationships with many of our clients, 
with over 90% of our top 25 clients having used our services for five or more years. Additionally, over 90% of our annual revenue 
is generated from client relationships that existed in the prior year. We also had a backlog for services under executed contracts 
of $284.6 million as of December 31, 2016, most of which we anticipate will be recognized as revenue during 2017.

6

 
 
 
 
 
 
Employees

Our principal resource is our personnel. As of December 31, 2016, we had 3,378 employees. We also utilize additional adjunct 
instructors and consultants as needed. Our future success depends to a significant degree upon our ability to continue to attract, 
retain and integrate into our operations instructors, engineers, technical personnel and consultants who possess the skills and 
experience required to meet the needs of our clients.

We utilize a variety of methods to attract and retain personnel. We believe that the compensation and benefits offered to our 
employees are competitive with the compensation and benefits available from other organizations with which we compete for 
personnel. In addition, we encourage the professional development of our employees, both internally via GP University (our own 
internal training resource) and through third parties, and we also offer tuition reimbursement for job-related educational costs. We 
believe that we have good relations with our employees.

Competition

We face a highly competitive environment. The principal competitive factors are the experience and capability of service personnel, 
performance, quality and functionality of products, reputation and price. The training industry is large, highly fragmented and 
competitive, with low barriers to entry and no single competitor accounting for a significant market share. According to Training 
Magazine’s 2016 Training Industry Report, U.S. training expenditures totaled approximately $70 billion in 2016, including payroll 
and spending on external products and services. Our competitors include several large publicly traded and privately held companies, 
vocational and technical training schools, degree-granting colleges and universities, continuing education programs and thousands 
of small privately held training providers and individuals. In addition, many of our clients maintain internal training departments, 
which have the resources and ability to provide the same or similar services in-house. Some of our competitors offer services and 
products at lower prices, and some competitors have significantly greater financial, managerial, technical, marketing and other 
resources. Moreover, we expect to face additional competition from new entrants into the training and performance improvement 
market due, in part, to the evolving nature of the market and the relatively low barriers to entry. There can be no assurance that 
we will be successful against such competition.

Engineering and consulting services such as those that we provide are performed by many of the customers themselves, large 
architectural and engineering firms that have expanded their range of services beyond design and construction activities, large 
consulting  firms,  information  technology  companies,  major  suppliers  of  equipment  and  individuals  and  independent  service 
companies similar to us. The engineering and construction markets are highly competitive and require substantial resources and 
capital investment in equipment, technology and skilled personnel.  Many of our competitors for our engineering and technical 
consulting services have greater financial resources than we do.  Competition also places downward pressure on our contract prices 
and profit margins.  We cannot provide any assurance that we will be able to compete successfully, and the failure to do so could 
adversely affect our business and financial condition.

Marketing

Business development and sales resources are aligned with our operating groups to support existing customer accounts and new 
customer  development. We  use  attendance  at  trade  shows,  presentations  of  technical  papers  at  industry  and  trade  association 
conferences, press releases, webinars and workshops given by our personnel to serve an important marketing function. We also 
carry out selective print and online advertising and conduct targeted marketing campaigns to current and prospective clients. In 
addition, we use social media channels, such as LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, SlideShare and a Company blog on our 
website, as a means of sharing thought leadership content, disclosing information about the Company, our services and other 
matters. By staying in contact and engaging with clients, we are able to identify possible needs and look for opportunities to expand 
the services we are providing them; we sometimes obtain contract awards or extensions without having to undergo competitive 
bidding. In other cases, clients ask us to bid competitively. In both cases, we submit proposals to the client for evaluation. The 
period between submission of a proposal to final award can range from 30 days or less (generally for noncompetitive, short-term 
contracts), to a year or more (generally for large, competitive multi-year contracts).

Backlog

Our backlog for services under executed contracts and subcontracts was approximately $284.6 million and $239.1 million as of 
December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. We anticipate that most of our backlog as of December 31, 2016 will be recognized 
as revenue during 2017. However, the rate at which services are performed under certain contracts, and thus the rate at which 

7

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
backlog will be recognized, may be at the discretion of the client and most contracts are, as mentioned above, subject to termination 
by the client upon written notice.

Item 1A:  Risk Factors

The following are some of the factors that we believe could cause our actual results to differ materially from historical results and 
from the results contemplated by the forward-looking statements contained in this report and other public statements made by us.  
Additional risks and uncertainties not presently known to us, or that we currently see as immaterial, may also harm our business.  
Most of these risks are generally beyond our control.  If any of the risks or uncertainties described below, or any such additional 
risks and uncertainties actually occur, our business, results of operations and financial condition could be materially and adversely 
affected.

Changing economic conditions in the United States, the United Kingdom and the other countries in which we conduct our 
operations could harm our business, results of operations and financial condition.

Our revenues and profitability are related to general levels of economic activity and employment primarily in the United States 
and the United Kingdom.  As a result, economic recession in both of those countries could harm our business and financial condition. 
A significant portion of our revenues is derived from Fortune 500 companies and their non-U.S. equivalents, which historically 
have decreased expenditures for external training during economic downturns.  If the economies in which these companies operate 
are weakened in any future period, these companies may reduce their expenditures on external training, and other products and 
services supplied by us, which could materially and adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.  
As we expand our business globally, we might be subject to additional risks associated with economic conditions in the countries 
into which we enter or in which we expand our operations.

Our revenue and financial condition could be adversely affected by the loss of business from significant customers, including 
financial services institutions and automotive manufacturers.

During the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, revenue from our customers in the financial services & insurance 
sector  accounted  for  approximately  21%,  21%  and  18%,  respectively,  of  our  consolidated  revenue.  In  addition,  we  have  a 
concentration of revenue from a single financial services customer, which accounted for approximately 15%  and 14% of our 
consolidated revenue for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. As of December 31, 2016, billed and unbilled 
accounts receivable from this customer totaled $25.4 million, or 18%, of our consolidated accounts receivable and costs and 
estimated earnings in excess of billings on uncompleted contracts balances. A default in payment from this client or a decline in 
the volume of business from this client and other major financial services customers could adversely affect our business and 
financial condition. 

During the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, revenue from our customers in the automotive industry accounted 
for approximately 22%, 19% and 14%, respectively, of our consolidated revenue. In addition, we have a concentration of revenue 
from a single automotive customer, which accounted for approximately 13% and 12%  of our consolidated revenue for the years 
ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. As of December 31, 2016 accounts receivable from a single automotive customer 
totaled $11.6 million, or 11% of our consolidated accounts receivable balance. Historically, U.S. auto manufacturers have been 
negatively impacted during times of economic downturns and recession, resulting in significant reductions in vehicle sales requiring 
the auto manufacturers to cut costs. A decline in the volume of business from automotive customers could adversely affect our 
business and financial condition.

Substantially all of our contracts are subject to termination on written notice and, therefore, our operations are dependent upon 
our customers’ continued satisfaction with our services and their continued inability or unwillingness to perform those services 
themselves or to engage other third-parties to deliver such services.

Our successful performance of learning services under the Global Master Agreement we entered into with HSBC in July 2013 
is subject to many risks.

On July 2, 2013, we entered into an agreement (the “Global Master Agreement”) with HSBC Holdings plc (“HSBC”) to provide 
global learning services. The Global Master Agreement establishes a contractual framework pursuant to which we and certain of 
our wholly owned subsidiaries have entered into local services agreements with certain members of HSBC’s group of companies 
in respect of countries in which the learning services are to be provided by us.  The initial term of the Global Master Agreement 

8

 
 
 
 
 
  
 
is three years. In January 2016, we announced that HSBC exercised its option to extend the Global Master Agreement for two 
additional years.

The Global Master Agreement requires us and our subsidiaries that are parties to local services agreements to identify over $10 
million in total global savings on HSBC’s learning expenses, ranging from $1 million to $4 million per calendar year over the 
initial three year term. This obligation is applicable only if we and our subsidiaries receive, globally, revenue of at least $30 million 
per year for each of the first three contract years. We are required to pay HSBC the shortfall, if any, for any calendar year, between 
the savings realized and the savings guaranteed for that year. For 2013, 2014 and 2015, we identified savings in excess of the 
amounts guaranteed for those years. 

The Global Master Agreement includes certain minimum service level requirements that we must meet or exceed. If we fail to 
meet a given performance standard, HSBC will, in certain circumstances, receive a credit against the charges otherwise due. 

Additionally, HSBC has the right to periodically engage a third party to perform benchmark studies to determine whether our 
services,  the  level  and  quality  to  which  our  services  are  being  provided  and  the  applicable  charges  under  the  Global  Master 
Agreement  are  within  the  top  quartile  for  best-value-for-money  for  comparable  services  provided  by  our  competitors.  If  the 
benchmark report states that any benchmarked service is not within the top quartile for best-value-for-money for services comparable 
to our benchmarked services etc., then we must implement changes as soon as reasonably practicable. HSBC has the right to 
conduct such benchmark studies no sooner than 12 months after the effective date of the Global Master Agreement (being July 2, 
2013) and then no more than once every 12 months thereafter as to any previously benchmarked service in a particular country.

HSBC has the right to terminate the Global Master Agreement and the relevant HSBC contracting party has the right to terminate 
any local services agreement to which it is a party, in whole or in part, for, among other things, convenience on three months’ 
written notice.

Our successful performance of the Global Master Agreement and the associated local services agreements, is subject to many 
risks, including the effect(s) that fixed prices for four years, the guaranteed savings provision, the key milestone penalties and 
service level credits and the benchmarking requirements may have on our ability to perform services in a profitable manner; 
additional  currency  exchange  rate  exposure;  local  tax  requirements  and  our  need  to  concurrently  establish  reliable  payroll, 
accounting,  purchasing,  tax  management,  employment  practices,  project  management,  asset  management  and  information 
technology infrastructure in many countries where we did not currently have those capabilities. 

The price of our common stock is highly volatile and could decline regardless of our operating performance.

The market price of our common stock could fluctuate in response to, among other things:

• 
• 

• 

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

changes in economic and general market conditions;
changes in the outlook and financial condition of certain of our significant customers and industries in which we have a 
concentration of business;
changes in financial estimates, treatment of our tax assets or liabilities or investment recommendations by securities analysts 
following our business;
changes in accounting standards, policies, guidance, interpretations or principles;
sales of common stock by our directors, officers and significant stockholders;
factors affecting securities of companies included in the Russell 3000R Index, in which our common stock is included;
our failure to achieve operating results consistent with securities analysts’ projections; and
the operating and stock price performance of competitors.

These factors might adversely affect the trading price of our common stock and prevent you from selling your common stock at 
or above the price at which you purchased it.  In addition, in recent periods, the stock market has experienced significant price 
and volume fluctuations.  This volatility has had a significant impact on the market price of securities issued by many companies, 
including ours and others in our industry.  These changes can occur without regard to the operating performance of the affected 
companies.  As a result, the price of our common stock could fluctuate based upon factors that have little or nothing to do with 
our company, and these fluctuations could materially reduce our share price.

9

  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
A substantial portion of our assets consists of goodwill and intangible assets, which are subject to impairment. We could incur 
material asset impairment charges in future periods.

As of December 31, 2016, we had goodwill of $127.8 million and other intangible assets of $5.8 million in connection with 
acquisitions. In accordance with U.S. GAAP, goodwill is reviewed annually for impairment unless circumstances or events indicate 
that an impairment test should be performed sooner to determine if there has been any impairment to value.  The review for 
impairment is based on several factors requiring judgment. A decrease in expected cash flows or change in market conditions, 
among other things, may indicate potential impairment of recorded goodwill. We tested our goodwill at the reporting unit level as 
of December 31, 2016 and 2015 and there was no indication of impairment.

Our acquisitions in recent years have not involved the acquisition of significant tangible assets and, as a result, a significant portion 
of the purchase price in each case was allocated to goodwill and other intangible assets. We will continue to test for impairment 
on an annual basis or on an interim basis if events and circumstances indicate a possible impairment. However, we may incur 
material goodwill or other intangible asset impairment charges in the future related to past acquisitions.

Our financial results are subject to quarterly fluctuations, which may result in volatility or declines in our stock price.

We experience, and expect to continue to experience, fluctuations in quarterly operating results. Consequently, you should not 
deem our results for any particular quarter to be necessarily indicative of future results.  Factors that may affect quarterly operating 
results in the future include:

• 
• 

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

the overall level of services and products sold;
the volume of publications shipped by our Sandy Training & Marketing segment each quarter, because revenue and cost 
of publications contracts are recognized in the quarter during which the publications ship;
fluctuations in project profitability;
the gain or loss of material clients;
the timing, structure and magnitude of acquisitions;
participant training volume and general levels of outsourcing demand from clients in the industries that we serve;
the budget and purchasing cycles of our clients, especially of the governments and government agencies that we serve;
the commencement or completion of client engagements or services and products in a particular quarter;
currency fluctuations; and
the general level of economic activity.

Accordingly, it is difficult for us to forecast our growth and results of operations on a quarterly basis.  If we fail to meet expectations 
of investors or analysts, our stock price may fall rapidly and without notice.  Furthermore, the fluctuation of quarterly operating 
results may render less meaningful period-to-period comparisons of our operating results.

Sagard Capital Partners, L.P. (“Sagard”) may exert influence over us and could delay or deter a change of control or other 
business combination or otherwise cause us to take actions with which other stockholders may disagree.

As of December 31, 2016, Sagard beneficially owned 3,639,367 shares or 21.7% of our outstanding common stock. In addition, 
until Sagard owns less than certain specified amounts of common stock or certain other conditions have been met, Sagard is entitled 
to designate an individual to serve on our board of directors. As a result, Sagard may exert influence over our decision to enter 
into any corporate transaction or with respect to any transaction that requires the approval of stockholders, regardless of whether 
other stockholders believe that the transaction is in their own best interests. This could have the effect of delaying, deterring or 
preventing a change of control or other business combination that might otherwise be beneficial to our stockholders.

We are vulnerable to the cyclical nature of the markets we serve.

The demand for our services and products is dependent upon training and marketing budgets and the existence of projects with 
training, engineering, procurement, construction or management needs.  Although downturns can impact our entire business, the 
automotive, financial and insurance, manufacturing, electronics and semiconductors, construction, alternative fuels and energy 
industries are examples of sectors that are cyclical in nature and have been affected from time to time by fluctuations in either 
national or worldwide demand for our services.  Industries such as these and many of the others we serve have historically been 
and might continue to be vulnerable to general downturns and are and might continue to be cyclical in nature.  During economic 
downturns, our clients might demand better terms.  In addition, many of our training contracts are subject to modification in the 
event of certain material changes in the business or demand for our services.  Our government clients also might face budget 

10

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
deficits that prohibit them from funding proposed and existing projects.  As a result, our past results have varied considerably and 
could continue to vary depending upon the demand for future projects in the industries that we serve.

We may continue making acquisitions as part of our growth strategy, which subjects us to numerous risks that could have a 
material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

As part of our growth strategy, we may continue to pursue selective acquisitions of businesses that broaden our service and product 
offerings, deepen our capabilities and allow us to enter attractive new domestic and international markets.  Pursuit of acquisitions 
exposes us to many risks, including that:

• 
• 
• 

acquisitions may require significant capital resources and divert management’s attention from our existing business;
acquisitions may not provide the benefits anticipated;
acquisitions could subject us to contingent or other liabilities, including liabilities arising from events or conduct predating 
the acquisition of a business that were not known to us at the time of the acquisition;

•  we may incur significantly greater expenditures in integrating an acquired business than had been initially anticipated;
• 
• 

acquisitions may create unanticipated tax and accounting problems; and
acquisitions may result in a material weakness in our internal controls if we are not able to successfully establish and 
implement proper controls and procedures for the acquired business.

Our failure to successfully accomplish future acquisitions or to manage and integrate completed or future acquisitions could have 
a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.  We can provide no assurances that we:

•  will identify suitable acquisition candidates;
• 
• 
• 

can consummate acquisitions on acceptable terms;
can successfully compete for acquisition candidates against larger companies with significantly greater resources;
can successfully integrate any acquired business into our operations or successfully manage the operations of any acquired 
business; or

•  will be able to retain an acquired company’s significant client relationships, goodwill and key personnel or otherwise realize 

the intended benefits of any acquisition.

In addition, acquisitions might involve our entry into new businesses that might not be as profitable as we expect.  We can provide 
no assurances that our expectations regarding the profitability of future acquisitions will prove to be accurate. Acquisitions might 
also increase our exposure to the risks inherent in certain markets or industries.  

As a result of completed and possible future acquisitions, our past performance is not indicative of future performance, and investors 
should not base their expectations as to our future performance on our historical results.

Future acquisitions may require that we incur debt or issue dilutive equity. 

Future acquisitions may require us to incur additional debt, under our existing credit facility or otherwise, or issue equity, resulting 
in additional leverage or dilution of ownership.

Difficulties in integrating acquired businesses could result in reduced revenues and income.

We might not be able to integrate successfully any business we have acquired or could acquire in the future.  The integration of 
the businesses could be complex and time consuming and will place a significant strain on our management, administrative services 
personnel and information systems.  This strain could disrupt our business.  Furthermore, we could be adversely impacted by 
liabilities of acquired businesses.  We could encounter substantial difficulties, costs and delays involved in integrating common 
accounting,  information  and  communication  systems,  operating  procedures,  internal  controls  and  human  resources  practices, 
including incompatibility of business cultures and the loss of key employees and customers.  Also, depending on the type of 
acquisition, a key element of our strategy may include retaining management and key personnel of the acquired business to operate 
the acquired business for us.  Our inability to retain these individuals could materially impair the value of an acquired business. 
In addition, small businesses acquired by us may have greater difficulty competing for new work as a result of being part of our 
larger entity. These difficulties could reduce our ability to gain customers or retain existing customers, and could increase operating 
expenses, resulting in reduced revenues and income and a failure to realize the anticipated benefits of acquisitions.

11

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
Our business and financial condition could be adversely affected by government limitations on contractor profitability. 

A significant portion of our revenue and profit is derived from contracts with the U.S. Government and subcontracts with prime 
contractors of the U.S. Government.  The U.S. Government places limitations on contractor profitability; therefore, government-
related contracts might have lower profit margins than the contracts we enter into with commercial customers. 

A negative audit or other actions by the U.S. Government could adversely affect our future operating performance.

As a U.S. Government contractor, we must comply with laws and regulations relating to U.S. Government contracts and are subject 
to an increased risk of investigations, criminal prosecution, civil fraud, whistleblower lawsuits and other legal actions and liabilities 
to which companies with solely commercial customers are not subject.  We are subject to audit and investigation by the DCAA 
and other government agencies with respect to our compliance with federal laws, regulations and standards.  These audits may 
occur several years after the period to which the audit relates.  The DCAA, in particular, also reviews the adequacy of, and our 
compliance with, our internal control systems and policies, including our purchasing, property, estimating, compensation and 
management information systems.  Any payments received by us from the U.S. Government for allowable direct and indirect costs 
are subject to adjustment after audit by government auditors and repayment to the government if the payments exceed allowable 
costs as defined in the government contracts, which could result in a material adjustment of the payments received by us under 
such contracts.  In addition, any costs found to be improperly allocated to a specific contract will not be reimbursed.  If we are 
found to be in violation of the law, we may be subject to civil or criminal penalties or administrative sanctions, including contract 
termination, the assessment of penalties and suspension or debarment from doing business with U.S. Government agencies.  For 
example, many of the contracts we perform for the U.S. Government are subject to the Service Contract Act, which requires hourly 
employees to be paid certain specified wages and benefits.  If the Department of Labor determines that we violated the Service 
Contract Act or its implementing regulations, we could be suspended for a period of time from winning new government contracts 
or renewals of existing contracts, which could materially and adversely affect our future operating performance.

Furthermore, our reputation could suffer serious harm if allegations of impropriety were made against us. If we are suspended or 
prohibited from contracting with the U.S. Government, or any significant U.S. Government agency, if our reputation or relationship 
with  U.S.  Government  agencies  becomes  impaired  or  if  the  U.S.  Government  otherwise  ceases  doing  business  with  us  or 
significantly decreases the amount of business it does with us, it could materially and adversely affect our operating performance 
and could result in additional expenses and a loss of revenue.

We are a party to fixed price contracts and may enter into similar contracts in the future, which could result in reduced profits 
or losses if we are not able to accurately estimate or control costs or meet specific service levels.

A significant portion of our revenue is attributable to contracts entered into on a fixed price basis, which allows us to benefit from 
cost savings, but we carry the burden of cost overruns.  If our initial estimates are incorrect, or if unanticipated circumstances arise, 
we could experience cost overruns which would result in reduced profits or even result in losses on these contracts.  Our financial 
condition is dependent upon our ability to maximize our earnings from our contracts.  Lower earnings or losses caused by cost 
overruns could have a negative impact on our financial results.

Under time and materials contracts, we are paid for labor at negotiated hourly billing rates and for certain expenses.  Under cost-
reimbursable contracts, which are subject to a contract ceiling amount, we are reimbursed for allowable costs and paid a fee, which 
may be fixed or performance based.  However, if costs exceed the contract ceiling or are not allowable under the provisions of the 
contract or applicable regulations, we may not be able to obtain reimbursement for all such costs.

Our inability to successfully estimate and manage costs on each of these contract types may materially and adversely affect our 
financial condition. Cost overruns also may adversely affect our ability to sustain existing programs and obtain future contract 
awards.

Also, many of our contracts include clauses that tie our compensation to the achievement of agreed-upon performance standards. 
If we fail to satisfy these measures, it could significantly reduce or eliminate our fees under the contracts. Clients also often have 
the right to terminate a contract and pursue damage claims under the contract for serious or repeated failure to meet these service 
commitments. These provisions could increase the variability in revenues and margins earned on those contracts.

12

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Our revenues may be adversely affected if we fail to win competitively awarded contracts or to receive renewal or follow-on 
contracts.

We  obtain  many  of  our  significant  contracts,  including  U.S.  Government  contracts,  through  a  competitive  bidding  process. 
Competitive bidding presents a number of risks, including, without limitation:

• 

• 

• 
• 
• 

• 

• 
• 
• 

the need to compete against companies or teams of companies that may have more financial and marketing resources and 
more experience in bidding on and performing major contracts than we have;
the need to compete against companies or teams of companies that may be long-term, entrenched incumbents for a particular 
contract for which we are competing;
the need to compete to retain existing contracts that have in the past been awarded to us;
the expense and delay that may arise if our competitors protest or challenge new contract awards;
the need to submit proposals for scopes of work in advance of the completion of their design, which may result in unforeseen 
cost overruns;
the substantial cost and managerial time and effort, including design, development and marketing activities necessary to 
prepare bids and proposals for contracts that we may not win;
the need to develop, introduce and implement new and enhanced solutions to our customers’ needs;
the need to locate and contract with teaming partners and subcontractors; and
the need to accurately estimate the resources and cost structure that will be required to perform any fixed price contract 
that we win.

There are no assurances that we will continue to win competitively awarded contracts or to receive renewal or follow-on contracts. 
Renewal and follow-on contracts are important because our contracts are for fixed terms. These terms vary from shorter than one 
year to over five years, particularly for contracts with extension options. The loss of revenues from our failure to win competitively 
awarded contracts or to obtain renewal or follow-on contracts may be significant because competitively awarded contracts account 
for a substantial portion of our sales.

Our backlog is subject to reduction and cancellation, which could negatively impact our future revenues or earnings.

Our backlog for services under executed contracts (including subcontracts and purchase orders) was approximately $284.6 million, 
$239.1 million and $234.1 million as of December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively.  There can be no assurance that the 
revenues projected in our backlog will be realized or, if realized, will result in profits.  Further, contract terminations or reductions 
in the original scope of contracts reflected in our backlog might occur at any time as discussed below in more detail.

Our backlog consists of projects for which we have signed contracts from customers.  The rate at which services are performed 
under contracts, and thus the rate at which backlog will be recognized, may be at the discretion of the client.  We cannot predict 
with certainty when or if backlog will be performed.  In addition, even where a project proceeds as scheduled, it is possible that 
customers could default or otherwise fail to pay amounts owed to us.  Material delays, terminations or payment defaults under 
contracts included in our backlog could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

In addition, most of our contracts are subject to termination by the client upon written notice.  Reductions in our backlog due to 
termination by a customer or for other reasons could materially and adversely affect the revenues and earnings we actually receive 
from contracts included in our backlog.  If we experience terminations of significant contracts or significant scope adjustments to 
contracts reflected in our backlog, our financial condition, results of operations, and cash flow could be materially and adversely 
impacted.

We rely on third parties, including subcontractors, suppliers, teaming partners, software vendors and others to deliver the 
services we must provide to our customers and to operate our business, and disputes with or the failure to perform satisfactorily 
of such a third party could materially and adversely affect our performance, our ability to obtain future work, and our ability 
to manage our business effectively.    

Many of our contracts involve subcontracts or agreements with other companies upon which we rely to perform a portion of the 
services or products we must provide to our customers. We also rely on third parties to provide us services and products we use 
for other functions in the operation of our business. There is a risk that we may have disputes with these third parties, including 
disputes regarding the quality and timeliness of services or work provided by the third party.  A failure by one or more of third 
parties on whom we rely to satisfactorily provide, on a timely basis, the agreed upon services or products may materially and 

13

 
 
 
  
 
 
adversely impact our ability to perform our obligations to our customer or effectively operate our business. Third party performance 
deficiencies could expose us to liability and have a material adverse effect on our results of operations.

Also, from time to time we have entered, and expect to continue to enter, into joint venture, teaming and other similar arrangements 
which involve risks and uncertainties. These risks and uncertainties could result in reduced profits or, in some cases, significant 
losses for us with respect to the joint venture, teaming and other similar arrangements.

We maintain a workforce based upon anticipated staffing needs.  If we do not receive future contract awards or if these awards 
are delayed or reduced in scope or funding, we could incur significant costs.

Our estimates of future staffing requirements depend in part on the timing of new contract awards.  We make our estimates in good 
faith, but our estimates could be inaccurate or change based upon new information.  In the case of larger projects, it is particularly 
difficult to predict whether we will receive a contract award and when the award will be announced.  In some cases the contracts 
that are awarded require staffing levels that are different, sometimes lower, than the levels anticipated when the work was proposed.  
The uncertainty of contract award timing and changes in scope or funding can present difficulties in matching our workforce size 
with our contract needs.  If an expected contract award is delayed or not received, or if a contract is awarded for a smaller scope 
of work than proposed, we could incur significant costs associated with making or failing to make reductions in staff.

Failure to continue to attract and retain qualified personnel could harm our business.

Our principal resource is our personnel.  A significant portion of our revenue is derived from services and products that are delivered 
by instructors, engineers, technical personnel and consultants.  Our consulting, technical training and engineering services require 
the employment of individuals with specific skills, training, licensure and backgrounds.  An inability to hire or maintain employees 
with the required skills, training, licensure or backgrounds could have a material adverse effect on our ability to provide quality 
services, to expand the scope of our service offerings or to attract or retain customers or to accept contracts, which could negatively 
impact our business and financial condition.  In order to initiate and develop client relationships and execute our growth strategy, 
we must continue to hire and maintain qualified salespeople.  We must also continue to attract and develop capable management 
personnel to guide our business and supervise the use of our resources. 

Similarly, our U.S. Government contracts require employment of individuals with specified skills, work experience, licensures, 
security clearances and backgrounds.  An inability to hire or maintain employees with the required skills, work experience, licensure, 
security clearances or backgrounds could have a material adverse effect on our ability to win new contracts or satisfy existing 
contractual obligations, and could result in additional expenses or possible loss of revenue. 

Competition for qualified personnel can be intense.  We cannot assure you that qualified personnel will continue to be available 
to us or will be available to us when our needs arise or on terms favorable to us.  Any failure to attract or retain qualified instructors, 
engineers, technical personnel, consultants, salespeople and managers in sufficient numbers could have a material adverse effect 
on our business and financial condition.

The loss of our key personnel, including our executive management team, could harm our business.

Our success is largely dependent upon the experience and continued services of our executive management team and our other 
key personnel.  The loss of one or more of our key personnel and a failure to attract, develop or promote suitable replacements for 
them could materially and adversely affect our business, results of operation or financial condition.

Competition could materially and adversely affect our performance.

The training industry is highly fragmented and competitive, with low barriers to entry and no single competitor accounting for a 
significant market share.  Our competitors include divisions of several large publicly traded and privately held companies, vocational 
and technical training schools, degree-granting colleges and universities, continuing education programs and thousands of small 
privately held training providers and individuals.  In addition, many of our clients maintain internal training departments, which 
have the resources and ability to provide the same or similar services in-house.  Some of our competitors offer similar services 
and products at lower prices, and some competitors have significantly greater financial, managerial, technical, marketing and other 
resources.  Moreover, we expect to face additional competition from new entrants into the training and performance improvement 
market due, in part, to the evolving nature of the market and the relatively low barriers to entry. 

14

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The engineering and construction markets in which we compete are also highly competitive.  Many of our competitors are niche 
engineering and construction companies.  In some instances, it is necessary for us to partner with those competitors who meet the 
small business administration’s criteria for a small business in order to win contract awards.  This competition places downward 
pressure on our contract prices and profit margins.  Intense competition is expected to continue in our training, engineering and 
technical services markets, presenting us with significant challenges in our ability to maintain strong growth rates and acceptable 
profit margins.  If we are unable to meet these competitive challenges, we could lose market share to our competitors and experience 
an overall reduction in our profits. 

We cannot provide any assurance that we will be able to compete successfully in the industries or markets in which we compete, 
and the failure to do so could materially and adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.

Failure to keep pace with technology and changing market needs could harm our business.

Our future success will depend upon our ability to adapt to changing client needs, to gain expertise in technological advances 
rapidly and to respond quickly to evolving industry trends and market needs.  Many of our clients are demanding that our services 
be available across the U.S. and worldwide.  We cannot assure you that we will be able to expand our operations into all geographic 
areas into which our multinational clients seek to use our services or that we will be able to attract and retain qualified personnel 
to provide our services in all such geographic areas.  We also cannot assure you that we will be successful in adapting to advances 
in technology or marketing our services and products in advanced formats.  In addition, services and products delivered in the 
newer formats might not provide comparable training results. Furthermore, subsequent technological advances might render moot 
any successful expansion of the methods of delivering our services and products.  If we are unable to develop new means of 
delivering our services and products due to capital, personnel, technological or other constraints, our business, results of operations 
and financial condition could be materially and adversely affected.

We have only a limited ability to protect the intellectual property rights that are important to our success, and we face the risk 
that our services or products may infringe upon the intellectual property rights of others. 

Our future success depends, in part, upon our ability to protect our proprietary methodologies and other intellectual property, 
including our EtaPRO™ software .  Existing laws of some countries in which we provide or license or intend to provide or license 
our services or products may offer only limited protection of our intellectual property rights.  We rely upon a combination of trade 
secrets, confidentiality policies, non-disclosure and other contractual arrangements and copyright and trademark laws to protect 
our intellectual property rights.  The steps we take in this regard might not be adequate to prevent or deter infringement or other 
misappropriation of our intellectual property, and we may not be able to detect unauthorized use or take appropriate and timely 
steps  to  enforce  our  intellectual  property  rights.   Protecting  our  intellectual  property  rights  might  also  consume  significant 
management time and resources.

We cannot be sure that our services and products, or the products of others that we offer to our clients, do not infringe on the 
intellectual property rights of third parties, and we might have infringement claims asserted against us or against our clients.  These 
claims might harm our reputation, result in financial liabilities and prevent us from offering some services or products.  We have 
generally agreed in our contracts to indemnify our clients against expenses or liabilities resulting from claimed infringements of 
the intellectual property rights of third parties.  In some instances, the amount of these indemnities could be greater than the 
revenues we receive from the client.  Any claims or litigation in this area, whether we ultimately win or lose, could be time-
consuming and costly, injure our reputation or require us to enter into royalty or licensing arrangements.  We might not be able to 
enter into these royalty or licensing arrangements on acceptable terms.  Any limitation on our ability to provide or license a service 
or product could cause us to lose revenue-generating opportunities and require us to incur additional expenses to develop new or 
modified solutions for future projects.

Our information technology systems are subject to risks that we cannot control.

Our  information  technology  systems,  including  technology  systems  provided  by  third  parties,  are  dependent  upon  global 
communications providers, web browsers, telephone systems, and other aspects of the Internet infrastructure that have experienced 
system failures and electrical outages in the past.  Our systems are susceptible to slow access and download times, outages from 
fire, floods, power loss, telecommunications failures, hacking, and similar events.  Our servers are vulnerable to computer viruses, 
hacking, and similar disruptions from unauthorized tampering with our computer systems.  The occurrence of any of these events 
could disrupt or damage our information technology systems and inhibit our internal operations, our ability to provide services to 
our customers, and the ability of our customers to access our information technology systems.  This could result in our loss of 
customers, loss of revenue or a reduction in demand for our services, or affect the ability to manage our business effectively.

15

 
 
 
 
 
 
We may experience difficulties implementing our new global enterprise resource planning system.

In the first quarter of 2017, we began the implementation of a new global enterprise resource planning system (ERP), which we 
expect to be operational January 1, 2018. We believe the new ERP system will provide greater depth and breadth of functionality 
than  our current ERP system, allowing us to more effectively manage business and financial data, human resources functions, 
supply chain, and other business processes and information that is important to our management team. Implementation of the new 
ERP system will require significant investment of human and financial resources throughout the year, which may distract from 
other key initiatives. In implementing the new ERP, we may experience significant delays, increased costs and other difficulties 
which could negatively affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.

A breach of our security measures (or security measures of third-parties we have engaged) could harm our business, results 
of operations and financial condition.

Our databases contain our confidential data and confidential data of our clients and our clients’ customers, employees and vendors, 
including sensitive personal data.  As a result, we are subject to numerous laws and regulations designed to protect this information, 
such as the national laws implementing the European Union Directive on Data Protection and various U.S. federal and state laws 
governing  the  protection  of  health  or  other  personally  identifiable  information. These  laws  and  regulations  are  increasing  in 
complexity and number, change frequently and sometimes conflict among the various countries in which we operate. We have 
implemented  security  measures,  both  directly  and  with  third-party  subcontractors  and  service  providers,  with  the  intent  of 
maintaining the security of any confidential information which has been entrusted to us against unauthorized access through our 
information systems or by other electronic transmission or through the misdirection, theft or loss of physical media. A party, 
including our employees, who is able to circumvent our security measures could misappropriate such confidential information or 
interrupt our operations.  Many of our contracts require us to comply with specific data security requirements.  If we are unable 
to maintain our compliance with these data security requirements or any person, including any of our current or former employees, 
penetrates our network security or misappropriates sensitive data, we could be subject to significant liabilities to our clients or 
other parties or subject to legal actions  for breaching these data security requirements or other contractual confidentiality provisions.  
These liabilities might not be subject to a contractual limit of liability or an exclusion of consequential or indirect damages and 
could be significant. Furthermore, unauthorized disclosure of sensitive or confidential data of our clients or other parties, whether 
through breach of our computer systems, systems failure or otherwise, could also damage our reputation and cause us to lose 
existing and potential clients.  We may also be subject to civil actions, regulatory enforcement actions, and criminal prosecution 
for breaches related to such data or need to expend significant capital and other resources to continue to protect against security 
breaches or to address any problem they may cause. In addition, our liability insurance, which includes cyber insurance, might 
not be sufficient in type or amount to cover us against claims related to security breaches, cyberattacks and other related breaches.

Our international sales and operations expose us to various political and economic risks, which could have a material adverse 
effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

Our revenue outside of the U.S. was approximately 31%, 30% and 24% of our total revenue for the years ended December 31, 
2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively. We conduct our business globally.  We established over a dozen new subsidiaries in select 
countries since 2013 to support new global outsourcing contracts. We may continue to expand our global operations into countries 
other than those in which we currently operate.  It could also involve expanding into less developed countries, which may have 
less political, social or economic stability and less developed infrastructure and legal systems.  International sales and operations 
might be subject to a variety of risks, including:

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

greater difficulty in staffing and managing foreign operations;
greater risk of uncollectible accounts;
longer collection cycles;
logistical and communications challenges;
potential adverse changes in laws and regulatory practices, including export license requirements, trade barriers, tariffs 
and tax laws;
changes in labor conditions, burdens and costs of compliance with a variety of foreign laws;
political and economic instability;
increases in duties and taxation;
exchange rate risks;
greater difficulty in protecting intellectual property;
general economic and political conditions in these foreign markets;
acts of war or terrorism or natural disasters, and limits on the ability of governments to respond to such acts;

16

 
 
 
 
  
• 
• 

restrictions on the transfer of funds into or out of a particular country; or
nationalization of foreign assets and other forms of governmental protectionism.

As we expand our business into new countries, we may increase our exposure to the risks discussed above. An adverse development 
relating to one or more of these risks could affect our relationships with our customers or could have a material adverse effect on 
our business, results of operations and financial condition.

We are subject to risks associated with currency fluctuations, which could have a material adverse effect on our results of 
operations and financial condition.

Approximately 31% of our revenue for the year ended December 31, 2016 was denominated in foreign currencies. British Pound 
Sterling-denominated revenue represented approximately 19% of our revenue for the year ended December 31, 2016.  As a result, 
changes in the exchange rates of foreign currencies to the U.S. Dollar will affect our reported consolidated U.S. dollar revenue, 
cost of revenue and operating margins and could result in exchange losses. The impact of future exchange rate fluctuations on our 
results of operations cannot be accurately predicted. 

Business disruptions could adversely affect our future sales, financial condition, reputation or stock price or increase costs 
and expenses.

Our business, and that of our key suppliers and customers, may be impacted by disruptions including, but not limited to, threats 
to physical security, information technology attacks or failures, damaging weather or other acts of nature and pandemics or other 
public health crises.  Such disruptions could affect our internal operations or services provided to customers, adversely impacting 
our sales, financial condition, reputation or stock price or increase our costs and expenses.

We are subject to potential liabilities which are not covered by our insurance.

We engage in activities in which there are substantial risks of potential liability.  We provide services involving electric power 
distribution and generation, nuclear power, chemical weapons destruction, petrochemical process training, pipeline operations, 
volatile fuels such as hydrogen and liquefied natural gas (“LNG”), environmental remediation, engineering design and construction 
management.  We maintain a global insurance program (including general liability coverage) covering the businesses we currently 
own.  Claims by or against any covered insured could reduce the amount of available insurance coverage for the other insureds 
and for other claims. In addition, certain liabilities might not be covered at all, such as deductibles, self-insured retentions, amounts 
in excess of applicable insurance limits and claims that fall outside the coverage of our policies.

Although we believe that we currently have appropriate insurance coverage, we do not have coverage for all of the risks to which 
we are subject and we may not be able to obtain appropriate coverage on a cost-effective basis in the future.

Our policies exclude coverage for incidents involving nuclear liability, and we may not be covered by U.S. laws or industry 
programs providing liability protection for licensees of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (typically utilities) for damages caused 
by nuclear incidents; we are not a licensee and few of our contracts with clients have contained provisions waiving or limiting our 
liability.  Therefore, we could be materially and adversely affected by a nuclear incident.  In addition, certain environmental risks, 
such as liability under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act, as amended, (“Superfund”), 
also might not be covered by our insurance. 

Some of our policies, such as our professional liability insurance policy, provide coverage on a “claims-made” basis covering only 
claims actually made during the policy period then in effect.  To the extent that a risk is not insured within our then-available 
coverage limits, insured under a low-deductible policy, indemnified against by a third party or limited by an enforceable waiver 
or limitation of liability, claims could be material and could materially and adversely affect our business, results of operations and 
financial condition.

17

 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
We could incur substantial costs as a result of violations of, or liabilities under, environmental laws. 

We provide environmental engineering services, including the development and management of site environmental remediation 
plans.  Although we subcontract most remediation construction activities, and in all cases subcontract the removal and off-site 
disposal and treatment of hazardous substances, we could be subject to liability relating to the environmental services we perform 
directly or through subcontracts. For example, if we were deemed under federal or state laws, including Superfund, to be an 
“operator” of sites to which we provide environmental engineering and support services, we could be subject to liability for cleanup 
costs or violations of applicable environmental laws and regulations at such sites.  Any incurrence of any substantial Superfund 
or other environmental liability could materially and adversely affect our business, results of operations or financial condition by 
reducing profits, causing us to incur losses related to the cost of resolving such liability or otherwise.

In addition, our environmental engineering services involve professional judgments about the nature of physical and environmental 
conditions, including the extent to which hazardous substances are present, and about the probable effect of procedures to mitigate 
or otherwise affect those conditions.  If the judgments and the recommendations based upon those judgments are incorrect, we 
may be liable for resulting damages incurred by our clients. 

Our authorized preferred stock and certain provisions in our amended and restated by-laws could make a third party acquisition 
of us difficult.

Our restated certificate of incorporation, as amended, (“restated certificate”), allows us to issue up to 10,000,000 shares of preferred 
stock, the rights, preferences, qualifications, limitations and restrictions of which may be fixed by the Board of Directors without 
any further vote or action by the stockholders.  In addition, our amended and restated bylaws provide, among other things, that 
stockholders seeking to bring business before or to nominate candidates for election as directors at an annual meeting of stockholders 
must provide us with timely advance written notice of their proposal in a prescribed form.  Our amended and restated bylaws also 
provide that stockholders desiring to call a special meeting for any purpose, must submit to us a request in writing of stockholders 
representing at least 50% of the combined voting power of all issued and outstanding classes of capital stock and stating the purpose 
of  such  meeting.   The  ability  to  issue  preferred  stock  and  such  provisions  in  our  bylaws  might  have  the  effect  of  delaying, 
discouraging or preventing a change in control that might otherwise be beneficial to stockholders and might materially and adversely 
affect the market price of our common stock.

In addition, some provisions of Delaware law, particularly the “business combination” statute in Section 203 of Delaware General 
Corporation Law, might also discourage, delay or prevent someone from acquiring us or merging with us.  As a result of these 
provisions in our charter documents and Delaware law, the price investors might be willing to pay in the future for shares of our 
common stock might be limited. 

Our restated certificate allows us to redeem or otherwise dispose shares of our common stock owned by a foreign stockholder 
if certain U.S. Government agencies threaten termination of any of our contracts as a result of such an ownership interest. 

The  United  States  Departments  of  Energy  and  Defense  have  policies  regarding  foreign  ownership,  control  or  influence  over 
government contractors who have access to classified information, and might conduct an inquiry as to whether any foreign interest 
has beneficial ownership of 5% or more of a contractor’s or subcontractor’s voting securities.  If either Department determines 
that an undue risk to the defense and security of the United States exists as a result of foreign ownership, control or influence over 
a government contractor (including as a result of a potential acquisition), it might, among other things, terminate the contractor’s 
or subcontractor’s existing contracts.  Our restated certificate allows us to redeem or require the prompt disposition of all or any 
portion of the shares of our common stock owned by a foreign stockholder beneficially owning 5% or more of the outstanding 
shares of our common stock if either Department threatens termination of any of our contracts as a result of such an ownership 
interest.  These provisions may have the additional effect of delaying, discouraging or preventing a change in control and might 
materially and adversely affect the market price of our common stock. In connection with the sale of shares of common stock to 
Sagard in December 2009, we agreed to render these provisions, as well as other anti-takeover measures, inapplicable to Sagard.

Item 1B:        Unresolved Staff Comments

None.

Item 2:           Properties

18

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
We do not own any significant real property, but we and our subsidiaries lease an aggregate of approximately 508,000 square feet 
of primarily office and related space at various locations throughout the United States and Europe and other countries in which 
we have operations. We occupy approximately 64,000 square feet in an office building in Columbia, Maryland for our corporate 
headquarters under a lease which expires in 2025, and approximately 60,000 square feet in an office building in Troy, Michigan 
under a lease which expires in 2018. 

We believe that our properties have been well maintained, are suitable and adequate for us to operate at present levels and the 
productive capacity and extent of utilization of the facilities are appropriate for our existing real estate requirements. Upon expiration 
of these leases, we do not anticipate any difficulty in obtaining renewals or alternative space.

Item 3:           Legal Proceedings

None.

Item 4:           Mine Safety Disclosures

None.

19

  
 
 
 
PART II

Item 5:           Market for the Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity 
Securities

Our common stock, $0.01 par value, is traded on the New York Stock Exchange. The following table presents our high and low 
market prices for the last two fiscal years. During the periods presented below, we have not paid any cash dividends.

Quarter

Quarter

First
Second
Third
Fourth

First
Second
Third
Fourth

$

$

2016

High

Low

$

27.99
27.36
25.50
30.00

21.76
20.06
19.59
23.75

2015

High

Low

$

37.85
37.50
35.39
28.59

31.01
29.73
22.07
22.57

The number of shareholders of record of our common stock as of February 16, 2017 was 678. Shares of our common stock that 
are registered in the name of a broker or other nominee are listed as a single shareholder on our record listing, even though they 
are  held  for  a  number  of  individual  shareholders. As  such,  our  actual  number  of  shareholders  is  higher  than  the  number  of 
shareholders of record.

We have not declared or paid any cash dividends on our common stock during the two most recent fiscal years. We do not anticipate 
paying cash dividends on our common stock in the foreseeable future and intend to retain future earnings to finance the growth 
and development of our business.

20

 
 
 
 
 
 
  
Performance Graph

The following graph assumes $100 was invested on December 31, 2011 in GP Strategies Common Stock, and compares the share 
price performance with the NYSE Market Index and a peer group index which consists of the companies included in Standard 
Industrial Classification (SIC) 8200, Educational Services.  Values are as of December 31 of the specified year assuming that all 
dividends were reinvested.

 *$100 invested on 12/31/11 in stock or index, including reinvestment of dividends.
 Fiscal year ending December 31.

Company / Index
Name

GP Strategies Corp.
NYSE Market Index
Peer Group Index

Year ended December 31,

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

$

$

100.00
100.00
100.00

$

153.19
115.99
68.66

$

220.99
146.47
106.75

$

251.71
156.36
112.65

$

186.28
149.97
95.74

212.17
167.87
128.32

21

 
       
 
        
 
Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

The following table provides information about our share repurchase activity for the three months ended December 31, 2016:

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
Total number
of shares
purchased as
part of publicly
announced program 

Average
price paid
per share

Approximate
dollar value of
shares that may yet
be purchased under
the program (1)

Total number
of shares
purchased

349 (2)
12,094 (2)
8,241 (2)

$
$
$

24.85
24.75
28.55

— $
— $
— $

6,050,000
6,050,000
6,050,000

Month
October 1 - 31, 2016
November 1 - 30, 2016
December 1 - 31, 2016

(1)  Represents shares repurchased in the open market in connection with our share repurchase program under which we may 
repurchase shares of our common stock from time to time in the open market subject to prevailing business and market 
conditions and other factors. There is no expiration date for the repurchase program. 

(2) 

Includes shares surrendered to satisfy tax withholding obligations on restricted stock units which vested during these periods 
and shares surrendered to exercise stock options and satisfy the related tax withholding obligations.

22

 
 
 
 
Item 6:           Selected Financial Data

The selected financial data presented below should be read in conjunction with “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial 
Condition and Results of Operations” in Item 7 and our consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto included elsewhere 
in this report. Our consolidated statement of operations data for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014 and our 
consolidated balance sheet data as of December 31, 2016 and 2015 have been derived from our audited consolidated financial 
statements included elsewhere in this report. Our consolidated statement of operations data for the years ended December 31, 2013
and 2012 and our consolidated balance sheet data as of December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012 have been derived from audited 
consolidated financial statements which are not presented in this report.

Statement of Operations Data

2016

Revenue
Gross profit
Interest expense
Income before income taxes
Net income
Diluted earnings per share

Balance Sheet Data

Cash
Short-term borrowings
Working capital
Total assets
Long-term debt, including current

maturities

Stockholders’ equity

$

$

$

$

490,559
80,157
1,568
30,034
20,247
1.21

2016

16,346
17,694
59,859
315,601

40,000
167,496

Years ended December 31,
2015
2013
2014
(In thousands, except per share amounts)

$

490,280
81,992
1,381
29,623
18,789
1.09

$

501,867
89,575
833
42,823
27,098
1.43

436,689
76,265
366
38,488
23,756
1.23

December 31,
2015
2013
2014
(In thousands, except per share amounts)

$

21,030
34,084
40,322
302,969

24,444
158,344

$

14,541
20,799
43,537
305,452

37,777
151,725

5,647
407
58,730
280,156

—
193,027

$

$

2012

401,572
71,971
269
35,802
22,688
1.18

2012

7,761
—
49,146
244,434

—
167,337

23

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Item 7:           Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

The following discussion and analysis provides information we believe is relevant to an assessment and understanding of our 
consolidated results of operations and financial condition. The discussion should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated 
Financial Statements and Notes thereto for the year ended December 31, 2016 which are located in Item 8 of this report.

General Overview

We  are  a  global  performance  improvement  solutions  provider  of  training,  e-Learning  solutions,  management  consulting  and 
engineering services that seeks to improve the effectiveness of organizations by providing services and products that are customized 
to meet the specific needs of clients. Clients include Fortune 500 companies and governmental and other commercial customers 
in a variety of industries. We believe we are a global leader in performance improvement, with over four decades of experience 
in providing solutions to optimize workforce performance.

As of December 31, 2016, we operated through four reportable business segments: (i) Learning Solutions, (ii) Professional & 
Technical Services, (iii) Sandy Training & Marketing, and (iv) Performance Readiness Solutions. Each of our reportable segments 
represents an operating segment under U.S. GAAP.  We are organized by operating group primarily based upon the markets served 
by each group and/or the services performed. Each operating group consists of business units which are focused on providing 
specific  products  and  services  to  certain  classes  of  customers  or  within  targeted  markets.  Marketing  and  communications, 
accounting,  tax,  finance,  legal,  human  resources,  information  systems  and  other  administrative  services  are  organized  at  the 
corporate level. Business development and sales resources are aligned with operating groups to support existing customer accounts 
and new customer development.

Further information regarding our business segments is discussed below.

Learning Solutions. The Learning Solutions segment delivers training, curriculum design and development, e-Learning services, 
system hosting, training business process outsourcing and consulting services globally. This segment serves large companies in 
the electronics and semiconductors, healthcare, software, financial services and other industries as well as government agencies. 
This segment also provides apprenticeship and vocational skills training funded by an agency of the United Kingdom government.  
The ability to deliver a wide range of training services on a global basis allows this segment to take over the entire learning function 
for the client, including their training personnel.

Professional & Technical Services. The Professional & Technical Services segment provides training, consulting, engineering 
and  technical  services,  including  lean  consulting,  emergency  preparedness,  safety  and  regulatory  compliance,  chemical 
demilitarization and environmental services primarily to large companies in the manufacturing, steel, pharmaceutical energy and 
petrochemical industries; federal and state government agencies; and large government contractors.  Our proprietary EtaPROTM
Performance and Condition Monitoring System provides a suite of real-time software solutions for power generation facilities and 
is installed on power-generating units across the world.  In addition to providing custom training solutions, this segment provides 
web-based training through our GPiLEARNTM portal, which offers a variety of courses to power plant personnel in the U.S. and 
other countries.  This segment also provides services to users of alternative fuels, including designing and constructing liquefied 
natural gas (LNG), liquid to compressed natural gas (LCNG) and hydrogen fueling stations, as well as supplying equipment.

Sandy Training & Marketing. The Sandy Training & Marketing segment provides custom product sales training and has been 
a leader in serving manufacturing customers in the U.S. automotive industry for over 40 years. Sandy provides custom product 
sales training designed to better educate customer sales forces with respect to new vehicle features and designs, in effect rapidly 
increasing the sales force knowledge base and enabling them to address detailed customer queries. Furthermore, Sandy helps our 
clients assess their customer relationship marketing strategy and connect with their customers on a one-to-one basis including 
through  custom  publications.  This  segment  also  provides  technical  training  services  to  automotive  manufacturers  as  well  as 
customers in other industries.

Performance Readiness Solutions. This segment provides performance consulting and technology consulting services, including 
platform  adoption,  end-user  training,  change  management,  knowledge  management,  customer  product  training  outsourcing, 
training  content  development  and  sales  enablement  solutions.    This  segment  also  offers  organization  performance  solutions, 
including leadership development training and employee engagement tools and services.  Industries served include manufacturing, 
aerospace, healthcare, life sciences, consumer products, financial, telecommunications and higher education as well as government 
agencies.

24

 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
We discuss our business in more detail in Item 1. Business and the risk factors affecting our business in Item 1A. Risk Factors.

Business Strategy

We seek to increase shareholder value by pursuing the following strategies:

Continuously enhance our service offerings and capabilities. We believe the demand for learning and development services 
will continue to increase. In a knowledge based economy, this demand is driven by ever increasing technology, processes, products, 
and attrition of personnel. The rate and effectiveness of the transfer of knowledge to the workforce of our clients, their partners, 
and even their customers can positively impact their performance. We plan to meet this demand by continuously expanding our 
services  and  capabilities  through  organic  growth  initiatives  based  upon  our  technical  expertise  as  well  as  through  targeted 
acquisitions. Our acquisitions in recent years have added product sales training and leadership development to our services offerings, 
strengthened our e-Learning and custom training content development services in both the commercial and government sectors, 
and expanded our geographical reach. We believe that the breadth of our service and product offerings allows us to effectively 
compete for customers by offering a comprehensive solution for custom training, consulting, engineering and technical services. 
We will continue to focus on increasing our capabilities to drive incremental growth from new, as well as existing, clients.

Develop and maintain strong customer relationships. We plan to preserve and grow our business by cross-selling our services 
and capabilities across and within our existing client base. We have a successful track record of increasing the scope of our work 
for a number of our clients, many of whom we estimate currently outsource only a fraction of their training expenditures. We 
believe that as our clients benefit from the efficient, cost-effective and flexible training solutions and services that we provide, 
many of them will find it beneficial to increase the scope of training services that they outsource to third party providers. We 
believe that the strength of our relationships with our existing clients, including the insight and knowledge into their operations 
that we have developed through these relationships, when combined with the broad range of our service and product offerings, 
provide us with an advantage when competing for these additional expenditures. 

Leverage BPO capabilities. We have a demonstrated ability to provide training services across a wide spectrum of learning 
engagements from transactional multi-week assignments focused on a single aspect of a learning process to multi-year contracts 
where  we  manage  the  learning  infrastructure  of  our  customer.  Integrated  BPO  engagements  typically  require  us  to  assume 
responsibility for the development, delivery and administration of learning functions and are generally carried out under multi-
year agreements. We intend to leverage our BPO capabilities to expand the customers and markets we serve.

Expand global platform. We believe international markets offer growth opportunities for our services. We established over a 
dozen new subsidiaries in select countries since 2013 to support new global outsourcing contracts.We intend to leverage our 
enhanced infrastructure as well as to further establish our global platform in order to deliver our comprehensive offerings to new 
and existing clients on a global basis. In our experience, many of our clients are seeking access to additional international markets 
and as such we intend to enhance our international capabilities. In order to support their business expansion we are providing 
employee training solutions across organizations in different countries and different languages, while maintaining quality and 
consistency in the overall training program. By moving into specific international markets with our existing clients, we are able 
to not only deepen our relationships with those clients, but are also able to develop expertise in those markets that we can leverage 
to additional customers. We believe that following this strategy provides us with opportunities to gain access to international 
markets with established client relationships in those markets.

Complete strategic acquisitions. We will continue to evaluate compelling, strategic acquisition targets and will acquire businesses 
that can further enhance our service offerings and delivery capabilities. We have followed a disciplined approach to target selection 
and have been able to acquire complementary businesses at what we believe are attractive valuations. Since 2006, we have acquired 
over 25 businesses which have expanded our e-Learning capabilities and added complementary services such as product sales 
training and leadership development. Over half of these businesses are located outside of the United States and have strengthened 
our international platform, enabling us to meet the needs of our global clients while providing additional client opportunities. We 
also believe that our current operating structure, which utilizes a centralized infrastructure of corporate services to support our 
various platforms, enhances our ability to quickly and cost-effectively integrate acquisitions. We look to identify acquisitions to 
augment our capabilities when we believe acquisitions are the quickest and most efficient way of expanding our platform and 
service offerings.

25

 
 
 
 
 
 
Significant Events

Acquisitions

Below is a summary of the acquisitions we completed during 2016 and 2014 (we did not complete any acquisitions in 2015). See 
Note 2 to the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements for further details, including the purchase price allocations.

Jencal Training

On March 1, 2016, we acquired the share capital of Jencal Training Limited (Jencal Training) and its subsidiary B2B Engage 
Limited (B2B), an independent provider of vocational skills training in the United Kingdom. The upfront purchase price was  $2.5 
million in cash. In addition, we paid an additional $0.2 million of deferred consideration in the fourth quarter of 2016. The acquired 
Jencal Training business is included in the Learning Solutions segment and the results of its operations have been included in the 
consolidated financial statements beginning March 1, 2016. The pro-forma impact of the acquisition is not material to our results 
of operations.

Maverick Solutions

Effective October 1, 2016, we acquired the business and certain assets of Maverick Solutions, a U.S.-based provider of Enterprise 
Resource Planning (ERP) product training services. The upfront purchase price was $4.6 million in cash. In addition, the purchase 
agreement requires up to an additional $10.0 million of consideration, contingent upon the achievement of certain earnings targets 
during the two twelve-month periods following completion of the acquisition. The acquired Maverick Solutions business is included 
in the Performance Readiness Solutions segment and the results of its operations have been included in the consolidated financial 
statements beginning October 1, 2016. The pro-forma impact of the acquisition is not material to our results of operations.

Effective Companies

On April 1, 2014, we completed the acquisition of Effective People and Effective Learning (the "Effective Companies"), providers 
of human capital management (HCM) solutions, including sales and support of the full SAP SuccessFactors Business Education 
(BizX) Platform, eLearning and blended learning solutions, as well as recruitment and employee development services.  The 
Effective Companies are headquartered in Copenhagen, Denmark.  The upfront purchase price was $9.0 million which was paid 
in cash at closing.  In addition, the purchase agreement requires up to an additional $5.7 million of consideration, contingent upon 
the achievement of certain earnings targets during the two twelve-month periods following completion of the acquisition. We paid 
$2.6 million in 2015 with respect to the first twelve-month period following completion of the acquisition and $2.6 million in 2016 
for the second twelve-month period following completion of the acquisition. The acquired Effective Companies business is included 
in the Learning Solutions segment and the results of its operations have been included in the consolidated financial statements 
beginning April 1, 2014. 

Share Repurchase Program

We have a share repurchase program under which we may repurchase shares of our common stock from time to time in the open 
market, subject to prevailing business and market conditions and other factors.  During the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015
and 2014, we repurchased approximately 340,000, 477,000 and 147,000 shares, respectively, of our common stock in the open 
market for a total cost of approximately $8.0 million, $12.3 million and $3.7 million, respectively.  As of December 31, 2016, 
there was approximately $6.1 million available for future repurchases under the buyback program. There is no expiration date for 
the repurchase program.

Modified "Dutch auction" Tender Offer

In September 2014, we conducted a modified "Dutch auction" tender offer to repurchase for cash shares of our common stock. 
The tender offer resulted in the Company accepting for payment an aggregate of 2,127,706 shares of its common stock at a purchase 
price of $29.00 per share, for an aggregate cost of approximately $61.7 million, excluding fees and expenses of $1.2 million in 
connection with the tender offer. The total amount of shares purchased in the tender offer represented approximately 11.1% of our 
issued and outstanding shares as of September 29, 2014. The transaction closed on October 3, 2014. 

26

 
Results of Operations

Operating Highlights

Year ended December 31, 2016 compared to the year ended December 31, 2015 

During the year ended December 31, 2016, our revenue increased $0.3 million, or 0.1%, to $490.6 million compared to $490.3 
million for the year ended December 31, 2015. While revenue was largely flat in total, the slight increase in revenue was comprised 
of a $2.0 million increase in our Learning Solutions segment, a $14.2 million increase in our Sandy Training & Marketing segment 
and a $1.3 million increase in our Performance Readiness Solutions segment offset by a $17.2 million decline in our Professional 
& Technical Services segment.  Foreign currency exchange rate declines resulted in a total $14.0 million decrease in U.S. dollar 
reported revenue during 2016 across all segments. The changes in revenue and gross profit are discussed in further detail below 
by segment.  

Operating income, the components of which are discussed in detail below, decreased $0.9 million or 2.8% during the year ended 
December 31, 2016. The net decrease in operating income was primarily due to a $1.8 million, or 2.2%, decrease in gross profit 
and a $0.8 million, or 1.8%, increase in selling, general & administrative expenses, offset by restructuring charges of $1.6 million 
incurred during the year ended December 31, 2015 that did not recur in 2016. 

For the year ended December 31, 2016, we had income before income taxes of $30.0 million compared to $29.6 million for the 
year ended December 31, 2015. Net income was $20.2 million, or $1.21 per diluted share, for the year ended December 31, 2016
compared to $18.8 million, or $1.09 per diluted share, for 2015. Diluted weighted average shares outstanding were 16.8 million
for the year ended December 31, 2016 compared to 17.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2015. The decrease in shares 
outstanding is primarily due to the repurchase of shares under our buyback program in 2016.

Revenue 

Learning Solutions
Professional & Technical Services
Sandy Training & Marketing
Performance Readiness Solutions

Years ended December 31,

2016
2015
(Dollars in thousands)

$

$

208,998
101,907
101,768
77,886
490,559

$

$

207,039
119,092
87,567
76,582
490,280

Learning Solutions revenue increased $2.0 million or 0.9% during the year ended December 31, 2016 compared to 2015. The 
increase in revenue is due to the following:

•  A $7.7 million net increase in e-Learning content development and training business process outsourcing (BPO) services; 

and

•  A $4.6 million revenue increase attributable to the Jencal Training acquisition completed on March 1, 2016; partially 

offset by

•  A $10.3 million decrease in revenue due to unfavorable changes in exchange rates.

Professional & Technical Services revenue decreased $17.2 million or 14.4% during the year ended December 31, 2016 compared 
to 2015. The decrease in revenue is due to the following:

•  A $7.8 million decrease in training and technical services for oil and gas clients primarily due to project completions and 

reductions in the volume of spend by certain existing clients;

•  A $4.2 million net decrease in training and professional services for energy clients primarily due to project completions;
•  A  $2.5  million  net  decrease  in  engineering  and  technical  training  services  primarily  due  to  project  completions  and 

reductions in the volume of spend by certain existing clients; and

•  A $2.7 million decrease in revenue due to unfavorable changes in foreign currency exchange rates.

27

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
Sandy Training & Marketing revenue increased $14.2 million or 16.2% during the year ended December 31, 2016 compared to 
2015. The net increase is primarily due to the following:

•  A $9.6 million increase in training services for in-dealership and other training programs for automotive customers; 
•  A $5.9 million increase in training services for an automotive client related to a luxury vehicle launch; and
•  A $0.7 million increase in glovebox portfolio revenue, partially offset by
•  A $2.0 million decrease in magazine publications revenue due to a reduction in the volume of publications shipped.

Performance Readiness Solutions revenue increased $1.3 million or 1.7% during the year ended December 31, 2016 compared to 
2015. The net increase is primarily due to the following:

•  A $2.0 million revenue increase attributable to the Maverick acquisition completed on October 1, 2016; and
•  A $1.9 million increase in technical training services largely due to a new contract with an aerospace client; partially 

offset by

•  A $1.1 million decrease in platform adoption training services;
•  A $0.5 million decrease primarily in leadership development services; and 
•  A $1.0 million decrease due to unfavorable changes in foreign currency exchange rates.

Gross profit

Learning Solutions
Professional & Technical Services
Sandy Training & Marketing
Performance Readiness Solutions

Years ended December 31,

2016

2015

% Revenue

% Revenue

$

$

38,954
15,803
14,181
11,219
80,157

(Dollars in thousands)

18.6% $
15.5%
13.9%
14.4%
16.3% $

36,223
23,621
11,321
10,827
81,992

17.5%
19.8%
12.9%
14.1%
16.7%

Learning Solutions gross profit of $39.0 million or 18.6% of revenue for the year ended December 31, 2016 increased by $2.7 
million or 7.5% when compared to gross profit of $36.2 million or 17.5% of revenue for the year ended December 31, 2015. The 
increase in gross profit is primarily due to cost reduction initiatives. In addition, there was a $1.1 million increase in gross profit 
attributable to the Jencal acquisition completed in March 2016, offset by a $2.0 million decrease in gross profit due to unfavorable 
changes in foreign currency exchange rates.

Professional  & Technical  Services  gross  profit  of  $15.8  million  or  15.5%  of  revenue  for  the  year  ended  December 31,  2016
decreased by $7.8 million or 33.1% when compared to gross profit of approximately $23.6 million or 19.8% of revenue for the 
year ended December 31, 2015. The decrease in gross profit is primarily due to the overall revenue decrease and a decline in higher 
margin revenue streams in this segment and a loss in our alternative fuels business during 2016. 

Sandy Training & Marketing gross profit of $14.2 million or 13.9% of revenue for the year ended December 31, 2016 increased
by $2.9 million or 25.3% when compared to gross profit of $11.3 million or 12.9% for the year ended December 31, 2015.  The 
increase in gross profit is primarily due to the revenue increases noted above.

Performance Readiness Solutions gross profit of $11.2 million or 14.4% of revenue for the year ended December 31, 2016 increased
by $0.4 million or 3.6% when compared to gross profit of $10.8 million or 14.1% of revenue for the year ended December 31, 
2015. The increase in gross profit is primarily due to the Maverick acquisition in October 2016 which contributed $0.3 million of 
gross profit in 2016.

Selling, general and administrative expenses

Selling, general and administrative expenses increased $0.8 million or 1.8% from $47.7 million for the year ended December 31, 
2015 to $48.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2016. The increase in SG&A expenses is due to a $1.1 million increase in 
labor and benefits expense and a $0.7 million increase in legal expenses related to acquisition activity, partially offset by a $0.6 
million decrease in amortization expense due to certain intangible assets related to previously completed acquisitions becoming 

28

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
  
 
fully amortized and a $0.4 million decrease in other miscellaneous expenses largely due to a reduction in bad debt expense. We 
expect SG&A expenses to increase in 2017 compared to 2016 as we are implementing a new ERP system which we anticipate 
will go live in 2018. At this time, we cannot quantify the implementation costs that will result in an increase to SG&A expenses 
but will provide an update at a future date.

Gain (loss) on change in fair value of contingent consideration, net

During the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, we recognized net losses of $0.1 million and $0.4 million, respectively, on 
the change in fair value of contingent consideration related to acquisitions.  Changes in the fair value of contingent consideration 
obligations result from changes in discount periods and rates and changes in the timing and amount of revenue and/or earnings 
projections. See Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for a detailed discussion of the acquisitions we have completed 
and the changes in fair value of contingent consideration during the year ended December 31, 2016.

Interest expense

Interest expense increased $0.2 million from $1.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2015 to $1.6 million for the year ended 
December 31, 2016. The increase in interest expense is due to the increase in borrowings under our Credit Agreement during 2016. 

Other income (expense)

Other income was $0.2 million compared to other expense of $1.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, 
respectively, and consisted primarily of foreign currency losses offset by income from a joint venture and interest income in both 
years. During the years ended December 31, 2016 and and 2015, we had foreign currency losses of $0.2 million and $2.0 million, 
respectively. The foreign currency losses primarily relate to the effect of exchange rates on intercompany receivables and payables 
and  third  party  receivables  and  payables  that  are  denominated  in  currencies  other  than  the  functional  currency  of  our  legal 
entities.This improvement in other income was partially offset by a $0.3 million decrease in income from a joint venture during 
the year ended December 31, 2016 compared to 2015.

Income taxes

Income  tax  expense  was  $9.8  million  for  the  year  ended  December 31,  2016  compared  to  $10.8  million  for  the  year  ended 
December 31,  2015.  Our  effective  income  tax  rate  was  32.6%  and  36.6%  for  the  years  ended  December 31,  2016  and  2015, 
respectively. The  decrease in the effective income tax rate in 2016 compared to 2015 is primarily due to a change in the mix of 
taxable income from higher taxing jurisdictions to lower taxing jurisdictions.  See Note 8 to the accompanying Consolidated 
Financial Statements for further information regarding income taxes.

As of December 31, 2016, we had approximately $42.1 million of accumulated undistributed earnings generated by our foreign 
subsidiaries. No provision has been made for income taxes that would be payable upon the distribution of such earnings since we 
intend  to  permanently  reinvest  these  earnings.  If  these  earnings  were  distributed  in  the  form  of  dividends  or  otherwise,  the 
distributions would be subject to U.S. federal income tax at the statutory rate of 35 percent, less foreign tax credits available to 
offset such distributions, if any. In addition, such distributions may be subject to withholding taxes in the various tax jurisdictions. 
Determination of the deferred income tax liability on undistributed earnings is not practicable due the complexities associated 
with calculating a liability which is dependent on future circumstances existing if and when a distribution occurs. 

29

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
Year ended December 31, 2015 compared to the year ended December 31, 2014

During the year ended December 31, 2015, our revenue decreased $11.6 million, or 2.3%, to $490.3 million compared to $501.9 
million for the year ended December 31, 2014. The net decline is largely attributable to a $30.0 million revenue decrease due to 
the completion of non-recurring alternative fuels projects in 2014 and an $11.3 million revenue decrease due to unfavorable changes 
in foreign currency exchange rates, partially offset by an increase in global training services. The changes in revenue and gross 
profit are discussed in further detail below by segment.  

Operating income, the components of which are discussed in detail below, decreased $11.5 million or 26.3% during the year ended 
December 31, 2015. The net decrease in operating income was primarily due to a $7.6 million, or 8.5%, decrease in gross profit, 
a  $0.6  million,  or  1.4%,  increase  in  selling,  general  &  administrative  expenses  due  to  increased  costs  associated  with  global 
expansion,  and  a  $1.8  million  change  in  the  gain/loss  on  change  in  fair  value  of  contingent  consideration.  In  addition,  we 
implemented a cost savings initiative in the third quarter of 2015 to better align costs with revenues and improve our operating 
margins. In connection with this initiative, we incurred $1.6 million of restructuring costs during the year ended December 31, 
2015, primarily consisting of severance expense. 

For the year ended December 31, 2015, we had income before income taxes of $29.6 million compared to $42.8 million for the 
year ended December 31, 2014. Net income was $18.8 million, or $1.09 per diluted share, for the year ended December 31, 2015 
compared to $27.1 million, or $1.43 per diluted share, for 2014. Diluted weighted average shares outstanding were 17.3 million 
for the year ended December 31, 2015 compared to 18.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2014. The decrease in shares 
outstanding is primarily due to the completion of the modified "Dutch auction" tender offer in October 2014 in which we repurchased 
2.1 million shares of our outstanding common stock.

Revenue

Learning Solutions
Professional & Technical Services
Sandy Training & Marketing
Performance Readiness Solutions

Years ended December 31,

2015
2014
(Dollars in thousands)

$

$

207,039
119,092
87,567
76,582
490,280

$

$

198,242
151,559
67,694
84,372
501,867

Learning Solutions revenue increased $8.8 million or 4.4% during the year ended December 31, 2015 compared to 2014. The 
increase in revenue is due to the following:

•  A $13.4 million net increase in e-Learning content development and training business process outsourcing (BPO) services 

primarily attributable to a global outsourcing contract with a financial services client;

•  A $1.9 million increase attributable to the Effective Companies acquisition completed in April 2014; and
•  A $2.1 million increase in UK government funded skills training services.

These revenue increases were offset by an $8.6 million decrease in revenue due to unfavorable changes in exchange rates.

Professional & Technical Services revenue decreased $32.5 million or 21.4% during the year ended December 31, 2015 compared 
to 2014. The decrease in revenue is due to the following:

•  A $30.0 million decrease due to the completion of non-recurring LNG projects by our alternative fuels business in 2014;
•  A $4.0 million net decrease in revenue from U.S. government clients due to project completions in 2014; and 
•  A $2.4 million decrease in revenue due to unfavorable changes in exchange rates.

These decreases were partially offset by a $0.8 million net increase in our Energy business due to an increase in software sales 
offset by a decrease in training and technical services, a $0.9 million net increase in training and technical services for oil and 
gas clients, and a $2.0 million net increase in engineering and technical services for various other clients.

30

 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
Sandy Training & Marketing revenue increased $19.9 million or 29.4% during the year ended December 31, 2015 compared to 
2014. The net increase in revenue is due to an $18.3 million increase in magazine publications revenue due to a new publication 
contract with an automotive customer which began in the second quarter of 2015, and a $1.6 million net increase in training services 
for automotive customers.

Performance Readiness Solutions revenue decreased $7.8 million or 9.2% during the year ended December 31, 2015 compared 
to 2014. The net decrease is primarily due to a decline it its ERP implementation business due to project completions and a decline 
in training and consulting services for certain of its existing customers. In addition, unfavorable changes in foreign currency 
exchange rates resulted in a $0.3 million decrease in revenue during the year ended December 31, 2015 compared to 2014. The 
revenue decrease was partially offset by an increase in leadership development and training services. 

Gross profit

Learning Solutions
Professional & Technical Services
Sandy Training & Marketing
Performance Readiness Solutions

Years ended December 31,

2015

2014

% Revenue

% Revenue

$

$

36,223
23,621
11,321
10,827
81,992

(Dollars in thousands)

17.5% $
19.8%
12.9%
14.1%
16.7% $

32,761
33,350
10,903
12,561
89,575

16.5%
22.0%
16.1%
14.9%
17.8%

Learning Solutions gross profit of $36.2 million or 17.5% of revenue for the year ended December 31, 2015 increased by $3.5 
million or 10.6% when compared to gross profit of $32.8 million or 16.5% of revenue for the year ended December 31, 2014. The 
increase in gross profit is due to the revenue increases noted above, a reduction in implementation costs incurred on a global 
outsourcing contract with a financial services client and an increase in gross profit and margin on UK government funded skills 
training services. These increases were offset by a $1.6 million decrease in gross profit due to unfavorable changes in foreign 
currency exchange rates.

Professional  & Technical  Services  gross  profit  of  $23.6  million  or  19.8%  of  revenue  for  the  year  ended  December 31,  2015 
decreased by $9.7 million or 29.2% when compared to gross profit of approximately $33.4 million or 22.0% of revenue for the 
year ended December 31, 2014. The decrease in gross profit and margin is primarily due to the LNG project revenue decrease 
noted above, as well the decrease in revenue from U.S. government clients due to project completions in 2014. 

Sandy Training & Marketing gross profit of $11.3 million or 12.9% of revenue for the year ended December 31, 2015 increased 
by $0.4 million or 3.8% when compared to gross profit of $10.9 million or 16.1% for the year ended December 31, 2014.  Gross 
profit as a percentage of revenue decreased due to an increase in lower margin publication revenue on the new publication contract 
noted above which began in the second quarter of 2015. We anticipate that the gross margins in this segment will continue to be 
at this lower level as this lower margin publications revenue stream is expected to continue in 2016.

Performance Readiness Solutions gross profit of $10.8 million or 14.1% of revenue for the year ended December 31, 2015 decreased 
by $1.7 million or 13.8% when compared to gross profit of $12.6 million or 14.9% of revenue for the year ended December 31, 
2014. The decrease in gross profit is primarily due to a decrease in revenue on higher margin projects which concluded compared 
to the other revenue streams in this segment.

Selling, general and administrative expenses

Selling, general and administrative expenses increased $0.6 million or 1.4% from $47.1 million for the year ended December 31, 
2014 to $47.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2015. The increase is primarily due to a $2.4 million increase in labor and 
benefits expense due to international expansion during 2014 and $0.3 million in costs related to the settlement of a lawsuit in 2015. 
These increases were offset by a $1.6 million decrease in amortization expense due to certain intangible assets related to previously 
completed acquisitions becoming fully amortized and a $0.5 million decrease in bad debt expense. 

31

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
  
 
Restructuring charges

During the third quarter of 2015, we implemented a cost savings initiative to better align costs with revenues and improve our 
operating margins. The initiatives include a workforce reduction, lease exit costs and other general expense controls. We recorded 
restructuring charges of $1.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2015 which primarily consisted of $1.4 million of severance 
expense which is expected to be substantially paid by the end of the first quarter of 2016. We also incurred an immaterial amount 
of lease termination costs during the third quarter of 2015. The total remaining liability under these restructuring activities was 
$0.5 million as of December 31, 2015 and is included in accounts payable and accrued expenses on the consolidated balance sheet. 
We expect these restructuring activities to be substantially completed by the end of the first quarter of 2016.

Gain (loss) on change in fair value of contingent consideration, net

During the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, we recognized a net loss of $0.4 million and a net gain of $1.4 million, 
respectively, on the change in fair value of contingent consideration related to acquisitions.  Changes in the fair value of contingent 
consideration obligations result from changes in discount periods and rates and changes in the timing and amount of revenue and/
or earnings projections. See Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for a detailed discussion of the acquisitions we have 
completed and the changes in fair value of contingent consideration during the year ended December 31, 2015.

Interest expense

Interest expense increased $0.5 million from $0.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2014 to $1.4 million for the year ended 
December 31, 2015. The increase in interest expense is due to the increase in borrowings under our Credit Agreement primarily 
due to the completion of the modified "Dutch auction" tender offer in October 2014. 

Other income (expense)

Other expense was $1.3 million compared to $0.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, and 
consisted primarily of foreign currency losses offset by income from a joint venture and interest income in both years. During the 
year ended December 31, 2015, we had a $1.1 million increase in foreign currency losses compared to 2014. The foreign currency 
losses primarily relate to the effect of exchange rates on intercompany receivables and payables and third party receivables and 
payables that are denominated in currencies other than the functional currency of our legal entities.

Income taxes

Income  tax  expense  was  $10.8  million  for  the  year  ended  December 31,  2015  compared  to  $15.7  million  for  the  year  ended 
December 31, 2014. The decrease in income tax expense is due to the decrease in income before income taxes during 2015 compared 
to 2014. Our effective income tax rate was 36.6% and 36.7% for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. See 
Note 8 to the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements for further information regarding income taxes.

As of December 31, 2015, we had approximately $34.1 million of accumulated undistributed earnings generated by our foreign 
subsidiaries. No provision has been made for income taxes that would be payable upon the distribution of such earnings since we 
intend  to  permanently  reinvest  these  earnings.  If  these  earnings  were  distributed  in  the  form  of  dividends  or  otherwise,  the 
distributions would be subject to U.S. federal income tax at the statutory rate of 35 percent, less foreign tax credits available to 
offset such distributions, if any. In addition, such distributions may be subject to withholding taxes in the various tax jurisdictions. 
Determination of the deferred income tax liability on undistributed earnings is not practicable due the complexities associated 
with calculating a liability which is dependent on future circumstances existing if and when a distribution occurs. 

32

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
Liquidity and Capital Resources

Working Capital

For the year ended December 31, 2016, our working capital increased $19.5 million from $40.3 million at December 31, 2015 to 
$59.9 million at December 31, 2016. The increase in working capital is primarily due to a reduction in short-term borrowings as 
we entered into a new Credit Agreement in December 2016 which is discussed in more detail in the Debt section below. We believe 
that cash generated from operations and borrowings available under our Credit Agreement ($76.6 million of available borrowings 
as of December 31, 2016) will be sufficient to fund our working capital and other requirements for at least the next twelve months. 

As of December 31, 2016, the amount of cash held outside of the U.S. by foreign subsidiaries was $16.3 million. At the present 
time, we do not anticipate repatriating these balances to fund domestic operations. We would be required to accrue for and pay 
taxes in the U.S. if we repatriated these funds. 

Share Repurchase Program

We have a share repurchase program under which we may repurchase shares of our common stock from time to time in the open 
market, subject to prevailing business and market conditions and other factors. Repurchases are made at management’s discretion 
in accordance with applicable federal securities law. The amount and timing of share repurchases depend on a variety of factors, 
including market conditions and prevailing stock prices. The share repurchase authorization does not obligate us to acquire any 
specific number of shares in any period, and may be modified, suspended or discontinued at any time at the discretion of our Board 
of Directors. During the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, we repurchased approximately 340,000, 477,000 and 
147,000 shares, respectively, of our common stock in the open market for a total cost of approximately $8.0 million, $12.3 million
and $3.7 million, respectively. As of December 31, 2016, there was approximately $6.1 million available for future repurchases 
under the current buyback program. There is no expiration date for the repurchase program.

Acquisition-Related Payments

During the year ended December 31, 2016, we used $2.8 million of cash for contingent consideration payments related to previously 
completed acquisitions. In addition, we may be required to pay up to $10.0 million in 2017 and 2018 for contingent consideration 
payments  for  Maverick  acquisition  completed  in  October  2016. Also,  in  connection  with  the  McKinney  Rogers  acquisition 
completed on February 1, 2017, we may be required to pay contingent consideration of up to $6 million in 2017 and up to $4 
million subsequent to each of the three twelve-month periods following the acquisition date. As of December 31, 2016, we had 
accrued contingent consideration of $5.3 million included on our consolidated balance sheet.

Significant Customers & Concentration of Credit Risk

We have a market concentration of revenue in both the automotive sector and the financial services & insurance sector. Revenue 
from the automotive industry accounted for approximately 22%, 19% and 14% of our consolidated revenue for the years ended 
December 31,  2016,  2015  and  2014,  respectively.  In  addition,  we  have  a  concentration  of  revenue  from  a  single  automotive 
customer, which accounted for approximately 13% and 12% of our consolidated revenue for the years ended December 31, 2016 
and 2015, respectively.  As of December 31, 2016 accounts receivable from a single automotive customer totaled $11.6 million, 
or 11% of our consolidated accounts receivable balance. 

Revenue from the financial services & insurance industry accounted for approximately 21%, 21% and 18% of our consolidated 
revenue for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively.  In addition, we have a concentration of revenue 
from a single financial services customer, which accounted for approximately 15% and 14% of our consolidated revenue for the 
years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. As of December 31, 2016, billed and unbilled accounts receivable from 
a single financial services customer totaled $25.4 million, or 18%, of our consolidated accounts receivable and costs and estimated 
earnings in excess of billings on uncompleted contracts balances. No other single customer accounted for more than 10% of our 
consolidated revenue in 2016 or consolidated accounts receivable balance as of December 31, 2016.

33

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash Flows

Year ended December 31, 2016 compared to the year ended December 31, 2015 

Our cash balance decreased $4.7 million from $21.0 million as of December 31, 2015 to $16.3 million as of December 31, 2016. 
The decrease in cash during the year ended December 31, 2016 resulted from cash provided by operating activities of $18.1 million, 
cash used in investing activities of $10.7 million, cash used in financing activities of $10.8 million and a $1.3 million negative 
effect due to exchange rate changes on cash. 

Cash provided by operating activities was $18.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2016 compared to $25.6 million in 2015.  
The decrease in cash provided by operating activities is primarily due to unfavorable changes in working capital accounts largely 
due to an increase in accounts receivable during 2016.

Cash used in investing activities was $10.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2016 compared to $2.2 million in 2015. The 
increase in cash used is due to $6.8 million of cash used to complete acquisitions in 2016, $1.6 million of cash used for an investment 
in a new joint venture in 2016, and $0.9 million of software development costs. These cash uses were offset by a $1.0 million 
decline in fixed asset additions during the year ended December 31, 2016 compared to 2015.

Cash used in financing activities was $10.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2016 compared to $15.5 million in 2015. The 
decrease in cash used in financing activities was primarily due to a $2.8 million decrease in cash used for open market share 
repurchases and a $2.5 million increase in cash from the change in negative cash book balances in 2016 compared to 2015. In 
addition, we had a $40.0 million increase in cash from a new term loan in December 2016, offset by $24.4 million of repayments 
on the existing term loan and net repayments of $16.1 million on our short-term borrowings under our revolving credit facility 
during 2016.

Year ended December 31, 2015 compared to the year ended December 31, 2014 

Our cash balance increased $6.5 million from $14.5 million as of December 31, 2014 to $21.0 million as of December 31, 2015. 
The increase in cash during the year ended December 31, 2015 resulted from cash provided by operating activities of $25.6 million, 
cash used in investing activities of $2.2 million, cash used in financing activities of $15.5 million and a $1.4 million negative effect 
due to exchange rate changes on cash. 

Cash provided by operating activities was $25.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2015 compared to $31.0 million in 2014.  
The decrease in cash provided by operating activities is primarily due to a decrease in net income.

Cash used in investing activities was $2.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2015 compared to $11.2 million in 2014. The 
decrease in cash used in investing activities is primarily due to an $8.7 million decrease in cash used for acquisitions. 

Cash used in financing activities was $15.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2015 compared to $10.7 million in 2014.  
Proceeds from short-term borrowings under our credit facility were $13.3 million in 2015 compared to $20.4 million of short-term 
borrowings and $40.0 million proceeds from long-term debt in 2014. The higher borrowings in 2014 were used to fund $66.6 
million of share repurchases in 2014, of which $62.9 million was used to complete the modified "Dutch auction" tender offer in 
2014, whereas we used cash of $11.6 million in 2015 for open market share repurchases. Other significant cash uses for financing 
activities included: (i) $13.3 million of long-term debt repayments in 2015 compared to $2.2 million in 2014; (ii) $2.3 million of 
cash paid for contingent consideration payments in 2015 for previously completed acquisitions compared to $1.0 million in 2014; 
and (iii) a $1.1 million decrease in negative cash book balances in 2015 compared to a $0.4 million decrease in 2014. 

Debt

On December 15, 2016, we entered into a Fifth Amended and Restated Financing and Security Agreement (the “Credit Agreement”). 
The Credit Agreement provides for a new revolving credit facility up to a maximum principal amount of $100 million, expiring 
on December 31, 2021 and for a term loan in the principal amount of $40 million maturing on April 30, 2020. The Credit Agreement 
is secured by substantially all of our assets. The new term loan was used to refinance the $11.1 million remaining balance of the 
existing term loan and $28.9 million of borrowings outstanding under the existing revolving credit facility on December 15, 2016. 

The maximum interest rate on the Credit Agreement is the daily one-month LIBOR market index rate (for borrowings in Dollars 
and Sterling) or the daily one-month EURIBOR (for borrowings in Euros) plus 2.50%. Based on our financial performance, the 

34

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
interest rate can be reduced to a minimum rate of the daily one-month LIBOR market index rate plus 1.25%, with the rate being 
determined based on our maximum leverage ratio for the preceding four quarters. Each unpaid advance on the revolving loan will 
bear interest until repaid. The term loan is payable in monthly installments in the principal amount of $1.0 million each plus 
applicable interest, beginning on January 1, 2017. We may prepay the term loan or the revolving loan, in whole or in part, at any 
time without premium or penalty, subject to certain conditions. Amounts repaid or prepaid on the term loan may not be reborrowed.

The Credit Agreement contains customary affirmative and negative covenants, including covenants that limit or restrict our and 
our subsidiaries’ (subject to certain exceptions) ability to, among other things, grant liens, make investments, incur indebtedness, 
merge or consolidate, dispose of assets or make acquisitions. We are also required to maintain compliance with a minimum fixed 
charge coverage ratio of 1.5 to 1.0 and a maximum leverage ratio of 3.0 to 1.0. As of December 31, 2016, our fixed coverage 
charge ratio was 1.8 to 1.0 and our leverage ratio was 1.4 to 1.0, each of which was in compliance with the Credit Agreement. As 
of December 31, 2016, our total long-term debt outstanding under the term loan was $40.0 million. In addition, we had $17.7 
million of borrowings outstanding and $76.6 million of available borrowings under the revolving credit facility as of December 31, 
2016. For the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, the weighted average interest rate on our borrowings was 2.2% and 2.0%, 
respectively. 

Contractual Payment Obligations

We enter into various agreements that result in contractual obligations in connection with our business activities.  These obligations 
primarily relate to debt and interest payments under our Credit Agreement, operating leases and purchase commitments under non-
cancelable contracts for certain products and services. The following table summarizes our total contractual payment obligations 
as of December 31, 2016 (in thousands):

Payments due in

2017

2018-2019

2020-2021

After
2022

Total

Long-term debt, including current

portion

Interest on long-term debt (1)
Facility lease commitments
Other operating lease commitments
Purchase commitments (2)

Total

$

$

12,000
888
7,546
721
5,697
26,852

$

$

24,000
778
9,930
312
7,560
42,580

$

$

4,000
13
6,364
5
6,110
16,492

$

$

— $
—
9,831
—
—
9,831

$

40,000
1,679
33,671
1,038
19,367
95,755

(1)

Interest on long-term debt is calculated using the weighted-average interest rate in effect as of December 31, 2016 for all
future periods. Interest incurred on borrowings under our revolving credit facility vary based on relative borrowing
levels and variable interest rates. As such, we are unable to quantify our future obligations relating to interest on the
credit facility.

(2) Excludes purchase orders for goods and services entered into by us in the ordinary course of business, which are non-

binding and subject to amendment or termination within a reasonable notification period.

The table above excludes contingent consideration in connection with acquisitions which may be payable to the sellers if the 
revenue  and/or  earnings  targets  set  forth  in  the  purchase  agreements  are  achieved  (see  Note  2  to  the  Consolidated  Financial 
Statements).

Off-Balance Sheet Commitments

As of December 31, 2016, we had ten outstanding letters of credit totaling $5.7 million, which expire in 2017 through 2022. In 
addition, we have two outstanding performance bonds totaling $8.2 million for contracts to be completed in 2017. We do not have 
any off-balance sheet financing except for operating leases and letters of credit entered into in the normal course of business.

35

 
 
 
Management Discussion of Critical Accounting Policies

The  preparation  of  our  consolidated  financial  statements  in  conformity  with  U.S.  GAAP  requires  us  to  make  estimates  and 
assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date 
of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Our estimates, judgments 
and assumptions are continually evaluated based on available information and experience. Because of the use of estimates inherent 
in the financial reporting process, actual results could differ from those estimates.

Certain of our accounting policies require higher degrees of judgment than others in their application. These include revenue 
recognition, impairment of intangible assets, including goodwill, valuation of contingent consideration for business acquisitions, 
and income taxes, which are summarized below. In addition, Note 1 to the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements 
includes further discussion of our significant accounting policies.

Revenue Recognition

We  provide  services  under  time-and-materials,  cost-reimbursable,  fixed  price  and  fixed-fee  per  transaction  contracts  to  both 
government and commercial customers. Each contract has different terms based on the scope, deliverables and complexity of the 
engagement, requiring us to make judgments and estimates about recognizing revenue. Revenue is recognized as services are 
performed.

Under  time-and-materials  contracts,  as  well  as  certain  government  cost-reimbursable  and  certain  fixed  price  contracts,  the 
contractual billing schedules are based on the specified level of resources we are obligated to provide. As a result, for these “level-
of-effort” contracts, the contractual billing amount for the period is a measure of performance and, therefore, revenue is recognized 
in that amount.

Revenue under government fixed price contracts is recognized using the percentage-of-completion method. Under the percentage-
of-completion method, management estimates the percentage-of-completion based upon costs incurred as a percentage of the total 
estimated costs.

For commercial fixed price contracts which typically involve a discrete project, such as development of training content and 
materials, design of training processes, software implementation, or engineering projects, the contractual billing schedules are not 
based on the specified level of resources we are obligated to provide. These discrete projects generally do not contain milestones 
or  other  reliable  measures  of  performance. As  a  result,  revenue  on  these  arrangements  is  recognized  using  a  percentage-of-
completion method based on the relationship of costs incurred to total estimated costs expected to be incurred over the term of the 
contract. We believe this methodology is a reasonable measure of proportional performance since performance primarily involves 
personnel costs and services  provided to the customer throughout the course of the projects through regular communications of 
progress  toward  completion  and  other  project  deliverables.  In  addition,  the  customer  typically  is  required  to  pay  us  for  the 
proportionate amount of work and cost incurred in the event of contract termination.

When total direct cost estimates exceed revenues, the estimated losses are recognized immediately. The use of the percentage-of-
completion method requires significant judgment relative to estimating total contract costs, including assumptions relative to the 
length of time to complete the project, the nature and complexity of the work to be performed, and anticipated changes in estimated 
salaries and other costs. Estimates of total contract costs are continuously monitored during the term of the contract, and recorded 
revenues and costs are subject to revision as the contract progresses. When revisions in estimated contract revenues and costs are 
determined, such adjustments are recorded in the period in which they are first identified. 

For certain commercial fixed-fee per transaction contracts, such as providing training courses, revenue is recognized during the 
period in which services are delivered in accordance with the pricing outlined in the contracts. 

For certain fixed-fee per transaction and fixed price contracts in which the output of the arrangement is measurable, such as for 
the shipping of publications and print materials, revenue is recognized when the deliverable is met and the product is delivered 
based on the output method of performance.  The customer is required to pay for the cost incurred in the event of contract termination.

Certain of our fixed price commercial contracts contain revenue arrangements with multiple deliverables.  Revenue arrangements 
with multiple deliverables are evaluated to determine if the deliverables can be divided into more than one unit of accounting. For 
contracts determined to have more than one unit of accounting, we recognize revenue for each deliverable based on the revenue 
recognition policies discussed above.  Within each multiple deliverable project, there is objective and reliable fair value across all 

36

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
units of the arrangement, as discounts are not offered or applied to one deliverable versus another, and the rates bid across all 
deliverables are consistent.

As part of our on-going operations to provide services to our customers, incidental expenses, which are commonly referred to as 
“out-of-pocket” expenses, are billed to customers, either directly as a pass-through cost or indirectly as a cost estimated in proposing 
on fixed price contracts. Out-of-pocket expenses include expenses such as airfare, mileage, hotel stays, out-of-town meals and 
telecommunication charges. Our policy provides for these expenses to be recorded as both revenue and direct cost of services.

In connection with our delivery of products, primarily for publications delivered by our Sandy Training & Marketing segment, 
we incur shipping and handling costs which are billed to customers directly as a pass-through cost.  Our policy provides for these 
expenses to be recorded as both revenue and direct cost of revenue. 

Impairment of Intangible Assets, Including Goodwill

We review goodwill for impairment annually as of October 1st and whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the 
carrying value of an asset may not be recoverable. We test goodwill at the reporting unit level. A reporting unit is an operating 
segment, or one level below an operating segment, as defined by U.S. GAAP. Our reporting units each represent separate reportable 
segments.

Our goodwill balances as of December 31, 2016 for each reporting unit were as follows (in thousands):

Reporting Unit
Learning Solutions
Professional & Technical Services
Sandy Training & Marketing
Performance Readiness Solutions

$

$

49,079
42,364
653
35,676
127,772

Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2011-08, Testing Goodwill for Impairment (“ASU 2011-08”) permits an entity to first 
assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying 
amount as a basis for determining whether it is necessary to perform the two-step goodwill impairment test.  Under ASU 2011-08, 
an entity is not required to perform step one of the goodwill impairment test for a reporting unit if it is more likely than not that 
its fair value is greater than its carrying amount.  For our annual goodwill impairment test as of October 1, 2016, we performed a 
qualitative assessment as permitted by ASU 2011-08 for all of our reporting units and determined that it was more likely than not 
that the fair values of each of our reporting units exceeded their respective carrying values. For our annual goodwill impairment 
test as of October 1, 2015, we performed a quantitative step one goodwill impairment test and concluded that the fair values of 
each of our reporting units exceeded their respective carrying values. 

If it is determined as a result of the qualitative assessment permitted by ASU 2011-08, that it is more likely than not that the fair 
value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, a two-step impairment test is required. In the first step, we compare the 
fair value of each reporting unit to its carrying value. If the fair value of the reporting unit exceeds the carrying value of the net 
assets assigned to that unit, goodwill is not impaired and we are not required to perform further testing. If the carrying value of 
the net assets assigned to the reporting unit exceeds the fair value of the reporting unit, then we must perform the second step of 
the impairment test in order to determine the implied fair value of the reporting unit's goodwill. The implied fair value of goodwill 
is determined by allocating the fair value of the reporting unit’s assets and liabilities in a manner similar to a purchase price 
allocation, with any residual fair value allocated to goodwill. If the carrying value of a reporting unit's goodwill exceeds its implied 
fair value, then we record an impairment loss equal to the difference.

Under the two-step impairment test, we determine the fair value of our reporting units using both an income approach and a market 
approach, and weigh both approaches to determine the fair value of each reporting unit. Under the income approach, we perform 
a discounted cash flow analysis which incorporates management’s cash flow projections over a five-year period and a terminal 
value is calculated by applying a capitalization rate to terminal year projections based on an estimated long-term growth rate. The 
five-year projected cash flows and calculated terminal value are discounted using a weighted average cost of capital (“WACC”) 
which takes into account the costs of debt and equity. The cost of equity is based on the risk-free interest rate, equity risk premium, 
industry and size equity premiums and any additional market equity risk premiums as deemed appropriate for each reporting unit. 
To arrive at a fair value for each reporting unit, the terminal value is discounted by the WACC and added to the present value of 

37

 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
the estimated cash flows over the discrete five-year period. There are a number of other variables which impact the projected cash 
flows, such as expected revenue growth and profitability levels, working capital requirements, capital expenditures and related 
depreciation and amortization. Under the market approach, we perform a comparable public company analysis and apply revenue 
and earnings multiples from the identified set of companies to the reporting unit’s actual and forecasted financial performance to 
determine the fair value of each reporting unit. We evaluate the reasonableness of the fair value calculations of our reporting units 
by reconciling the total of the fair values of all of our reporting units to our total market capitalization, and adjusting for an 
appropriate control premium.   In addition, we make certain judgments in allocating shared assets and liabilities to determine the 
carrying values for each of our reporting units.

Determining the fair value of a reporting unit is judgmental in nature and involves the use of significant estimates and assumptions. 
These estimates and assumptions include revenue growth rates and operating margins used to calculate projected future cash flows, 
risk-adjusted discount rates, future economic and market conditions and determination of appropriate market comparables. We 
base our fair value estimates on assumptions we believe to be reasonable but that are unpredictable and inherently uncertain. Actual 
future results may differ from those estimates. In addition, we make certain judgments and assumptions in allocating shared assets 
and liabilities to determine the carrying values for each of our reporting units. The timing and frequency of our goodwill impairment 
tests are based on an ongoing assessment of events and circumstances that would indicate a possible impairment. We will continue 
to monitor our goodwill and intangible assets for impairment and conduct formal tests when impairment indicators are present.

Valuation of Contingent Consideration for Business Acquisitions

Acquisitions  may  include  contingent  consideration  payments  based  on  future  financial  measures  of  an  acquired  company.  
Contingent consideration is required to be recognized at fair value as of the acquisition date. We estimate the fair value of these 
liabilities using an appropriate valuation methodology, typically either an income-based approach or a simulation model, such as 
the Monte Carlo model, depending on the structure of the contingent consideration arrangement. We believe our estimates and 
assumptions are reasonable; however, there is significant judgment involved. At each reporting date, the contingent consideration 
obligation are revalued to estimated fair value and changes in fair value subsequent to the acquisition are reflected in income or 
expense in the consolidated statements of operations, and could cause a material impact to our operating results. Changes in the 
fair value of contingent consideration obligations may result from changes in discount periods and rates and changes in the timing 
and amount of revenue and/or earnings projections.

Income Taxes

We account for income taxes using the asset and liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for future tax 
consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and 
their respective tax basis and for operating loss and tax credit 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. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes 
the enactment date.  

The measurement of deferred taxes often involves an exercise of judgment related to the computation and realization of tax basis. 
Our deferred tax assets and liabilities reflect our assessment that tax positions taken, and the resulting tax basis, are more likely 
than not to be sustained if they are audited by taxing authorities. We establish accruals for uncertain tax positions taken or expected 
to be taken in a tax return when it is more likely than not (i.e., a likelihood of more than fifty percent) that the position would be 
sustained upon examination by tax authorities that have full knowledge of all relevant information. A recognized tax position is 
then measured at the largest amount of benefit that is greater than fifty percent likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement. 
A number of years may elapse before a particular matter, for which we have or have not established an accrual, is audited and 
finally resolved. Favorable or unfavorable adjustment of the accrual for any particular issue would be recognized as an increase 
or decrease to our income tax expense in the period of a change in facts and circumstances.

In assessing the realizability of our deferred tax assets, we consider whether it is more likely than not that some portion or all of 
the deferred tax assets may not be realized. The ultimate realization of the deferred tax assets is dependent upon the generation of 
future income during the periods in which temporary differences are deductible. Management considers the scheduled reversal of 
deferred tax liabilities, projected future taxable income and tax planning strategies in making this assessment. Based upon these 
factors, we believe it is more likely than not that we will realize the benefits of our deferred tax assets, net of the valuation allowance. 
The valuation allowance primarily relates to both foreign and domestic net operating loss carryforwards for which we do not 
believe the benefits may be realized.

38

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The above matters, and others, involve the exercise of significant judgment. Any changes in our practices or judgments involved 
in the measurement of deferred tax assets and liabilities could materially impact our financial condition or results of operations.

Accounting Standards Issued and Adopted

We discuss recently issued and adopted accounting standards in Note 1 to the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements. 

Item 7A:           Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

Our primary exposure to market risk relates to changes in interest rates and foreign currency exchange rates. 

Interest Rate Risk

We are exposed to interest rate risk related to our outstanding debt obligations.  Borrowings under our Credit Agreement bear 
interest based on a variable rate. The maximum interest rate on our borrowings under the Credit Agreement is the daily one-month 
LIBOR market index rate plus 2.50%. Based on our financial performance, the interest rate can be reduced to a minimum rate of 
the daily one-month LIBOR market index rate plus 1.25%, with the rate being determined based on our maximum leverage ratio 
for the preceding four quarters.  As such, we are exposed to interest rate risk relating to the fluctuations in the LIBOR rate. The 
interest rate risk associated with our borrowings is not material in relation to our consolidated financial position, results of operations 
or cash flows. We have not historically used any interest rate hedging programs to mitigate the effect of interest rate fluctuations, 
but we entered into an interest rate swap agreement in February 2017 for our $40 million term loan and plan to evaluate other 
interest rate hedging instruments in 2017 for our revolving credit facility to mitigate the effect of future interest rate increases. We 
estimate that the fair value of our borrowings under the Credit Agreement approximates its carrying value as of December 31, 
2016 as it bears interest at variable rates.

Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Risk

We operate in various foreign countries, which exposes us to market risk associated with foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations. 
Our foreign currency exposure primarily relates to intercompany receivables and payables and third party receivables and payables 
that are denominated in currencies other than the functional currency of our legal entities. Our largest foreign currency exposure 
is unsettled intercompany payables and receivables which are reviewed on a regular basis. Gains and losses from foreign currency 
transactions are included in "Other income (expense)" on our Consolidated Statements of Operations. We had foreign currency 
transaction losses totaling $0.2 million, $2.0 million and $1.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, 
respectively. 

Most of our foreign subsidiaries operate in a currency other than the United States dollar; therefore, increases or decreases in the 
value of the U.S. dollar against other major currencies will affect our operating results and the value of our balance sheet items 
denominated in foreign currencies. Our most significant exposures to translation risk relate to functional currency assets and 
liabilities that are denominated in the British Pound Sterling, Euro and Canadian dollar. The changes in the net investments of 
foreign subsidiaries whose currencies are denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar are reflected in "Foreign currency 
translation adjustments” on our Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income. We have not used any exchange rate hedging 
programs to mitigate the effect of exchange rate fluctuations. 

39

 
 
Item 8:           Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

Financial Statements of GP Strategies Corporation and Subsidiaries:

Reports of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

Consolidated Balance Sheets – December 31, 2016 and 2015

Consolidated Statements of Operations – Years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income – Years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity – Years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows – Years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Page

41

43

44

45

46

47

49

40

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

The Board of Directors and Stockholders
GP Strategies Corporation:

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of GP Strategies Corporation and subsidiaries (the Company) as 
of December 31, 2016 and 2015, and the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income, stockholders’ 
equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2016. These consolidated financial 
statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated 
financial statements based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). 
Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements 
are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures 
in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by 
management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable 
basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position 
of GP Strategies Corporation and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, and the results of their operations and their cash 
flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2016, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting 
principles.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), GP 
Strategies Corporation’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 
(COSO), and our report dated February 28, 2017 expressed an unqualified opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal 
control over financial reporting.

/s/ KPMG LLP

Baltimore, Maryland
February 28, 2017 

41

 
 
 
  
 
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm 

The Board of Directors and Stockholders
GP Strategies Corporation:

We have audited GP Strategies Corporation’s (the Company) 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 (COSO). GP Strategies Corporation’s management is responsible for maintaining 
effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial 
reporting,  included  in  the  accompanying  Management’s Annual  Report  on  Internal  Control  over  Financial  Reporting.  Our 
responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). 
Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control 
over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control 
over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating 
effectiveness  of  internal  control  based  on  the  assessed  risk.  Our  audit  also  included  performing  such  other  procedures  as  we 
considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability 
of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted 
accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain 
to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets 
of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial 
statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are 
being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable 
assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that 
could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because  of  its  inherent  limitations,  internal  control  over  financial  reporting  may  not  prevent  or  detect  misstatements. Also, 
projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because 
of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

In our opinion, GP Strategies Corporation maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting 
as of December 31, 2016, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by COSO.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the 
consolidated balance sheets of GP Strategies Corporation and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, and the related 
consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income, stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the 
three-year period ended December 31, 2016, and our report dated February 28, 2017 expressed an unqualified opinion on those 
consolidated financial statements.

/s/ KPMG LLP

Baltimore, Maryland
February 28, 2017 

42

 
 
  
 
 
GP STRATEGIES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Balance Sheets

December 31, 2016 and 2015 
(In thousands, except shares and par value per share)

Current assets:

Assets

Cash
Accounts and other receivables, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $1,091 in
    2016 and $1,856 in 2015
Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings on uncompleted contracts
Prepaid expenses and other current assets

Total current assets

Property, plant and equipment, net
Goodwill
Intangible assets, net
Deferred tax assets
Other assets, net

Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity

Current liabilities:

Short-term borrowings
Current portion of long-term debt
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings on uncompleted contracts

Total current liabilities

Long-term debt
Deferred tax liabilities
Other noncurrent liabilities

Total liabilities

Stockholders’ equity:

Preferred stock, par value $0.01 per share;

Authorized 10,000,000 shares; no shares issued

Common stock, par value $0.01 per share; Authorized 35,000,000 shares;
    issued 17,222,781 shares in 2016 and 2015
Additional paid-in capital
Retained earnings
Treasury stock, at cost (482,194 shares in 2016 and 336,593 shares in 2015)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss

Total stockholders’ equity

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

43

2016

2015

$

16,346

$

21,030

105,549
39,318
11,481
172,694
4,547
127,772
5,825
1,058
3,705
315,601

17,694
12,000
64,596
18,545
112,835
28,000
3,124
4,146
148,105

$

$

90,912
46,061
9,173
167,176
6,245
121,975
6,221
619
733
302,969

34,084
13,333
61,071
18,366
126,854
11,111
4,225
2,435
144,625

—

—

172
106,569
93,845
(11,628)
(21,462)
167,496
315,601

$

172
105,872
73,598
(8,497)
(12,801)
158,344
302,969

$

$

$

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
GP STRATEGIES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Statements of Operations

Years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 
(In thousands, except per share data)

Revenue
Cost of revenue
Gross profit

Selling, general and administrative expenses
Restructuring charges
Gain (loss) on change in fair value of contingent consideration, net

Operating income

Interest expense
Other income (expense) (including interest income of $94 in 2016, $149 in
2015 and $112 in 2014)

Income before income taxes

Income tax expense
Net income

Basic weighted average shares outstanding
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding

Per common share data:

Basic earnings per share
Diluted earnings per share

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

2016

2015

2014

$

$

490,559
410,402
80,157
48,597
—
(136)
31,424
1,568

178
30,034
9,787
20,247

16,696
16,791

$

490,280
408,288
81,992
47,748
1,551
(371)
32,322
1,381

(1,318)
29,623
10,834
18,789

$

17,110
17,264

501,867
412,292
89,575
47,108
—
1,392
43,859
833

(203)
42,823
15,725
27,098

18,641
18,887

1.21
1.21

$
$

1.10
1.09

$
$

1.45
1.43

$

$

$
$

44

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
GP STRATEGIES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income

Years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 
(In thousands)

Net income
Foreign currency translation adjustments

Comprehensive income

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

2016

2015

2014

$

$

20,247
(8,661)
11,586

$

$

18,789
(5,404)
13,385

$

$

27,098
(5,783)
21,315

45

 
 
 
 
GP STRATEGIES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity

Years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 
(In thousands, except for par value per share)

Balance at December 31, 2013

Net income
Foreign currency translation adjustments
Repurchases of common stock in the open

market

Stock-based compensation expense
Income tax benefit from stock-based

compensation

Shares withheld in exchange for tax withholding

payments on stock-based compensation

Issuance of stock for employer contributions to

retirement plan

Net issuances of stock pursuant to stock 

compensation plans and other

Balance at December 31, 2014

Net income
Foreign currency translation adjustments
Repurchases of common stock in the open

market

Stock-based compensation expense
Income tax benefit from stock-based

compensation

Shares withheld in exchange for tax withholding

payments on stock-based compensation

Issuance of stock for employer contributions to

retirement plan

Net issuances of stock pursuant to stock 

compensation plans and other

Balance at December 31, 2015

Net income
Foreign currency translation adjustments
Repurchases of common stock, including fees

and expenses

Stock-based compensation expense
Income tax benefit from stock-based

compensation

Shares withheld in exchange for tax withholding 

payments on stock-based compensation

Issuance of stock for employer contributions to

retirement plan

Net issuances of stock pursuant to stock 

compensation plans and other

Balance at December 31, 2016

Common
stock
($0.01 par)

$

192

Additional
paid-in capital
167,908
$

Retained
earnings
(accumulated
deficit)

$

27,711

Treasury
stock at cost
$

Accumulated
other
comprehensive
loss

(1,170) $

(1,614) $

Total
stockholders’
equity
193,027

—
—

(21)
—

—

—

—

—
—

27,098
—

(62,927)
2,128

2,506

(3,407)

616

—
—

—

—

—

—
—

(3,692)
—

—

—

1,853

—
(5,783)

—
—

—

—

—

27,098
(5,783)

(66,640)
2,128

2,506

(3,407)

2,469

$

171

$

(2,301)
104,523

$

—
54,809

$

2,628
(381) $

—
(7,397) $

327
151,725

—
—

—
—

—

—

1

—
—

—
3,050

835

(1,451)

681

18,789
—

—
—

—
(5,404)

—
—

—

—

—

(12,347)
—

—

—

2,029

—
—

—

—

—

18,789
(5,404)

(12,347)
3,050

835

(1,451)

2,711

—
172

$

(1,766)
105,872

$

—
73,598

$

2,202
(8,497) $

—
(12,801) $

436
158,344

—
—

—
—

—

—

—

—
—

—
3,229

137

(771)

(34)

20,247
—

—
—

—

—

—

—
—

(7,959)
—

—

—

2,742

—
(8,661)

—
—

—

—

—

20,247
(8,661)

(7,959)
3,229

137

(771)

2,708

—
172

$

(1,864)
106,569

$

—
93,845

$

2,086
(11,628) $

—
(21,462) $

222
167,496

$

$

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

46

 
 
 
GP STRATEGIES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

Years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 
(In thousands)

Cash flows from operating activities:

Net income
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating
    activities:

Loss (gain) on change in fair value of contingent consideration, net
Depreciation and amortization
Non-cash compensation expense
Deferred income taxes
Changes in other operating items, net of acquired amounts:

Accounts and other receivables
Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings on uncompleted
    contracts
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings on uncompleted
    contracts
Income tax benefit from stock-based compensation

Contingent consideration payments in excess of fair value on
    acquisition date
Other

Net cash provided by operating activities

Cash flows from investing activities:

Additions to property, plant and equipment
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired
Investment in joint venture
Capitalized software development costs
Other investing activities

Net cash used in investing activities

Cash flows from financing activities:

Proceeds from (repayment of) short-term borrowings
Proceeds from long-term debt
Repayment of long-term debt
Contingent consideration payments
Change in negative cash book balance
Repurchases of common stock
Income tax benefit from stock-based compensation
Tax withholding payments for employee stock-based compensation in
    exchange for shares surrendered
Proceeds from issuance of common stock
Other financing activities

Net cash used in financing activities

47

2016

2015

2014

20,247

$

18,789

$

27,098

136
6,462
6,015
(1,761)

371
7,865
6,059
(1,096)

(17,965)

6,497

4,234
(2,490)
3,732

383
(137)

(539)
(240)
18,077

(1,402)
(6,801)
(1,600)
(933)
14
(10,722)

(16,127)
40,000
(24,444)
(2,244)
1,366
(8,747)
137

(771)
145
(97)
(10,782)

(16,942)
5,111
3,856

(4,663)
(835)

(325)
867
25,554

(2,357)
—
—
—
186
(2,171)

13,285
—
(13,333)
(2,284)
(1,143)
(11,559)
835

(1,451)
148
(10)
(15,512)

(1,392)
9,758
4,823
(113)

(6,024)

(8,291)
(1,967)
8,794

1,416
(2,506)

(1,043)
445
30,998

(2,757)
(8,670)
—
—
246
(11,181)

20,392
40,000
(2,223)
(977)
(440)
(66,640)
2,506

(3,407)
102
(5)
(10,692)

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash

Net change in cash
Cash at beginning of year
Cash at end of year

Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:

Cash paid during the year for:

Interest
Income taxes

Non-cash financing activities:

Accrued share repurchases
Accrued contingent consideration

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

2016

2015

2014

(1,257)
(4,684)
21,030
16,346

1,523
10,604

$

$
$

(1,382)
6,489
14,541
21,030

1,383
8,273

$

$
$

(231)
8,894
5,647
14,541

583
17,439

— $
$

5,166

788
$
— $

—
5,345

$

$
$

$
$

48

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
GP STRATEGIES CORPORATION 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(1)  Description of Business and Significant Accounting Policies

Business

GP  Strategies  Corporation  is  a  global  performance  improvement  solutions  provider  of  training,  e-Learning  solutions, 
management consulting and engineering services. References in this report to “GP Strategies,” the “Company,” “we” and 
“our” are to GP Strategies Corporation and its subsidiaries, collectively.

FASB Codification

We follow generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) set by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”). 
References to GAAP issued by the FASB in these footnotes are to the FASB Accounting Standards Codification, sometimes 
referred to as ASC.

Basis of Consolidation

The consolidated financial statements include the operations of our wholly-owned subsidiaries. All significant intercompany 
balances and transactions have been eliminated.

Significant Customers & Concentration of Credit Risk

We have a market concentration of revenue in both the automotive sector and financial services & insurance sector. Revenue 
from the automotive industry accounted for approximately 22%, 19% and 14% of our consolidated revenue for the years 
ended  December 31,  2016,  2015  and  2014,  respectively.   In  addition,  we  have  a  concentration  of  revenue  from  a  single 
automotive customer, which accounted for approximately 13% and 12% of our consolidated revenue for the years ended 
December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively.  As of December 31, 2016 accounts receivable from a single automotive customer 
totaled $11.6 million, or 11%, of our consolidated accounts receivable balance.

Revenue from the financial services and insurance industry accounted for approximately 21%, 21% and 18% of our consolidated 
revenue for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively.  In addition, we have a concentration of revenue 
from a single financial services customer, which accounted for approximately 15% and 14% of our consolidated revenue for 
the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively.  As of December 31, 2016, billed and unbilled accounts receivable 
from a single financial services customer totaled $25.4 million, or 18%, of our consolidated accounts receivable and costs 
and estimated earnings in excess of billings on uncompleted contracts balances. 

No other single customer accounted for more than 10% of our consolidated revenue in 2016 or consolidated accounts receivable 
balance as of December 31, 2016.

Cash

We maintain our cash balances in bank accounts at various financial institutions. Outstanding checks which have been issued 
but not presented to the banks for payment in excess of amounts on deposit may create negative book cash balances. We 
transfer cash on an as-needed basis to fund these items as they clear the bank in subsequent periods. Such negative cash 
balances are included in accounts payable and accrued expenses and totaled $5.0 million and $3.7 million as of December 31, 
2016 and 2015, respectively. Changes in negative book cash balances from period to period are reported as a financing activity 
in the consolidated statement of cash flows.

49

 
 
 
 
 
GP STRATEGIES CORPORATION 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable

Trade accounts receivable are recorded at invoiced amounts. We evaluate the collectability of trade accounts receivable based 
on a combination of factors. When we are aware that a specific customer may be unable to meet its financial obligations to 
us, such as in the case of bankruptcy filings or deterioration in the customer’s operating results or financial position, we 
evaluate the need to record a specific reserve for bad debt to reduce the related receivable to the amount we reasonably believe 
is collectible. We also record reserves for bad debt for all other customers based on a variety of factors, including the length 
of time the receivables are past due, historical collection experience and trends of past due accounts, write-offs and specific 
identification and review of past due accounts. Actual collections of trade receivables could differ from management’s estimates 
due to changes in future economic or industry conditions or specific customers’ financial conditions.

Activity in our allowance for doubtful accounts was comprised of the following for the periods indicated:

Beginning balance
Additions
Deductions
Ending balance

Foreign Currency Translation

$

$

2016

Year ended December 31,
2015
(In thousands)
1,947
$
17
(108)
1,856

1,856
368
(1,133)
1,091

$

$

$

2014

1,405
670
(128)
1,947

The functional currencies of our international operations are the respective local currencies of the countries in which we 
operate. The translation of the foreign currency into U.S. dollars is performed for balance sheet accounts using current exchange 
rates in effect at the balance sheet date and for revenue and expense accounts using the weighted average exchange rates 
prevailing during the year. The unrealized gains and losses resulting from such translation are included as a component of 
comprehensive  income.  Transaction  gains  and  losses  arising  from  currency  exchange  rate  fluctuations  on  transactions 
denominated  in  a  currency  other  than  the  local  functional  currency  are  included  in  “Other  income  (expense)"  on  our 
Consolidated Statements of Operations. We had foreign currency transaction losses totaling $0.2 million, $2.0 million and 
$1.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively. 

Revenue Recognition

We  provide  services  under  time-and-materials,  cost-reimbursable,  and  fixed  price  (including  fixed-fee  per  transaction) 
contracts to both government and commercial customers. Each contract has different terms based on the scope, deliverables 
and complexity of the engagement, requiring us to make judgments and estimates about recognizing revenue. Revenue is 
recognized as services are performed.

Under time-and-materials contracts, as well as certain government cost-reimbursable and certain fixed price contracts, the 
contractual billing schedules are based on the specified level of resources we are obligated to provide. As a result, for these 
“level-of-effort” contracts, the contractual billing amount for the period is a measure of performance and, therefore, revenue 
is recognized in that amount.

Revenue  under  government  fixed  price  contracts  is  recognized  using  the  percentage-of-completion  method.  Under  the 
percentage-of-completion  method,  management  estimates  the  percentage-of-completion  based  upon  costs  incurred  as  a 
percentage of the total estimated costs.

For commercial fixed price contracts which typically involve a discrete project, such as development of training content and 
materials, design of training processes, software implementation, or engineering projects, the contractual billing schedules 
are not based on the specified level of resources we are obligated to provide. These discrete projects generally do not contain 
milestones  or  other  reliable  measures  of  performance. As  a  result,  revenue  on  these  arrangements  is  recognized  using  a 
percentage-of-completion method based on the relationship of costs incurred to total estimated costs expected to be incurred 
over  the  term  of  the  contract.  We  believe  this  methodology  is  a  reasonable  measure  of  proportional  performance  since 

50

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
GP STRATEGIES CORPORATION 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

performance primarily involves personnel costs and services provided to the customer throughout the course of the projects 
through regular communications of progress toward completion and other project deliverables. In addition, the customer 
typically is required to pay us for the proportionate amount of work and cost incurred in the event of contract termination.

When total direct cost estimates exceed revenues, the estimated losses are recognized immediately. The use of the percentage-
of-completion method requires significant judgment relative to estimating total contract costs, including assumptions relative 
to the length of time to complete the project, the nature and complexity of the work to be performed, and anticipated changes 
in estimated salaries and other costs. Estimates of total contract costs are continuously monitored during the term of the 
contract, and recorded revenues and costs are subject to revision as the contract progresses. When revisions in estimated 
contract revenues and costs are determined, such adjustments are recorded in the period in which they are first identified. 
For certain commercial fixed-fee per transaction contracts, such as providing training courses, revenue is recognized during 
the period in which services are delivered in accordance with the pricing outlined in the contracts.

For certain fixed-fee per transaction and fixed price contracts in which the output of the arrangement is measurable, such as 
for the shipping of publications and print materials, revenue is recognized when the deliverable is met and the product is 
delivered based on the output method of performance.  The customer is required to pay for the cost incurred in the event of 
contract termination.

Certain  of  our  fixed  price  commercial  contracts  contain  revenue  arrangements  with  multiple  deliverables.   Revenue 
arrangements with multiple deliverables are evaluated to determine if the deliverables can be divided into more than one unit 
of accounting. For contracts determined to have more than one unit of accounting, we recognize revenue for each deliverable 
based on the revenue recognition policies discussed above.  Within each multiple deliverable project, there is objective and 
reliable fair value across all units of the arrangement, as discounts are not offered or applied to one deliverable versus another, 
and the rates bid across all deliverables are consistent.

As part of our on-going operations to provide services to our customers, incidental expenses, which are commonly referred 
to as “out-of-pocket” expenses, are billed to customers, either directly as a pass-through cost or indirectly as a cost estimated 
in proposing on fixed price contracts. Out-of-pocket expenses include expenses such as airfare, mileage, hotel stays, out-of-
town meals and telecommunication charges. Our policy provides for these expenses to be recorded as both revenue and direct 
cost of services.

In connection with the delivery of products, primarily for publications delivered by our Sandy Training & Marketing segment, 
we incur shipping and handling costs which are billed to customers directly as a pass-through cost.  Our policy provides for 
these expenses to be recorded as both revenue and direct cost of revenue. 

Contract Related Assets and Liabilities

Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings on uncompleted contracts in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets 
represent unbilled amounts earned and reimbursable under contracts in progress. These amounts become billable according 
to the contract terms, which usually consider the passage of time, achievement of milestones or completion of the project. 
Generally, such unbilled amounts will be billed and collected over the next twelve months.

Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings on uncompleted contracts in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets 
represent advanced billings to clients on contracts in advance of work performed. Generally, such amounts will be earned and 
recognized in revenue over the next twelve months.

Comprehensive Income

Comprehensive income consists of net income and foreign currency translation adjustments.

Other Current Assets

Prepaid expenses and other current assets on our consolidated balance sheet include prepaid expenditures for goods or services 
before the goods are used or the services are received, inventories and work in progress on customer contracts. Prepaid expenses 
are charged to expense in the periods the benefits are realized. Inventories are stated at lower of cost or market. Provision is 
made to reduce excess and obsolete inventories to their estimated net realizable value.

51

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
GP STRATEGIES CORPORATION 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Property, Plant and Equipment

Property,  plant  and  equipment  are  carried  at  cost  (or  fair  value  at  acquisition  date  for  assets  obtained  through  business 
combinations). Major additions and improvements are capitalized, while maintenance and repairs which do not extend the 
lives of the assets are expensed as incurred. Gain or loss on the disposition of property, plant and equipment is recognized in 
operations when realized.

Depreciation of property, plant and equipment is recognized on a straight-line basis over the following estimated useful lives:

Class of assets

Buildings and improvements
Machinery, equipment, and furniture and fixtures
Leasehold improvements

Useful life
5 to 40 years
3 to 10 years
Shorter of asset life or term of lease

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

Long-lived assets, such as property, plant, and equipment, and intangibles subject to amortization, are reviewed for impairment 
whenever  events  or  changes  in  circumstances  indicate  that  the  carrying  amount  of  an  asset  may  not  be  recoverable. 
Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset to estimated 
undiscounted future cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. If the carrying amount of an asset exceeds its estimated 
future cash flows, an impairment charge is recognized at the amount by which the carrying amount of the asset exceeds the 
fair value of the asset. Impairment of long-lived assets is assessed at the lowest level for which there are identifiable cash 
flows that are independent from other groups of assets. Assets to be disposed of would be separately presented in the balance 
sheet and reported at the lower of the carrying amount or fair value less costs to sell, and would no longer be depreciated.

Goodwill and Intangible Assets

Our  intangible  assets  include  amounts  recognized  in  connection  with  acquisitions,  including  customer  relationships, 
tradenames, technology and intellectual property. Intangible assets are initially valued at fair market value using generally 
accepted valuation methods appropriate for the type of intangible asset. Amortization is recognized on a straight-line basis 
over the estimated useful life of the intangible assets. Intangible assets with definite lives are reviewed for impairment if 
indicators of impairment arise. Except for goodwill, we do not have any intangible assets with indefinite useful lives.

Goodwill represents the excess of costs over fair value of assets of businesses acquired. We review our goodwill for impairment 
annually as of October 1 and whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value of an asset may not be 
recoverable. We test goodwill at the reporting unit level. 

Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2011-08, Testing Goodwill for Impairment (“ASU 2011-08”) permits an entity to first 
assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its 
carrying amount as a basis for determining whether it is necessary to perform the two-step goodwill impairment test.  Under 
ASU 2011-08, an entity is not required to perform step one of the goodwill impairment test for a reporting unit if it is more 
likely than not that its fair value is greater than its carrying amount.  For our annual goodwill impairment test as of October 
1, 2016, we performed a qualitative assessment as permitted by ASU 2011-08 for all of our reporting units and determined 
that it was more likely than not that the fair values of each of our reporting units exceeded their respective carrying values. 
For our annual goodwill impairment test as of October 1, 2015, we performed a quantitative step one goodwill impairment 
test and concluded that the fair values of each of our reporting units exceeded their respective carrying values.

If it is determined as a result of the qualitative assessment permitted by ASU 2011-8, that it is more likely than not that the 
fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, a two-step impairment test is required. In the first step, we 
compare the fair value of each reporting unit to its carrying value. If the fair value of the reporting unit exceeds the carrying 
value of the net assets assigned to that unit, goodwill is not impaired and we are not required to perform further testing. If the 
carrying value of the net assets assigned to the reporting unit exceeds the fair value of the reporting unit, then we must perform 
the second step of the impairment test in order to determine the implied fair value of the reporting unit's goodwill. The implied 
fair value of goodwill is determined by allocating the fair value of the reporting unit’s assets and liabilities in a manner similar 

52

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
GP STRATEGIES CORPORATION 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

to a purchase price allocation, with any residual fair value allocated to goodwill. If the carrying value of a reporting unit's 
goodwill exceeds its implied fair value, then we record an impairment loss equal to the difference.

Under the two-step impairment test, we determine the fair value of our reporting units using both an income approach and a 
market approach, and weigh both approaches to determine the fair value of each reporting unit. Under the income approach, 
we perform a discounted cash flow analysis which incorporates management’s cash flow projections over a five-year period 
and a terminal value is calculated by applying a capitalization rate to terminal year projections based on an estimated long-
term growth rate. The five-year projected cash flows and calculated terminal value are discounted using a weighted average 
cost of capital (“WACC”) which takes into account the costs of debt and equity. The cost of equity is based on the risk-free 
interest rate, equity risk premium, industry and size equity premiums and any additional market equity risk premiums as 
deemed appropriate for each reporting unit. To arrive at a fair value for each reporting unit, the terminal value is discounted 
by the WACC and added to the present value of the estimated cash flows over the discrete five-year period. There are a number 
of other variables which impact the projected cash flows, such as expected revenue growth and profitability levels, working 
capital requirements, capital expenditures and related depreciation and amortization. Under the market approach, we perform 
a comparable public company analysis and apply revenue and earnings multiples from the identified set of companies to the 
reporting unit’s actual and forecasted financial performance to determine the fair value of each reporting unit. We evaluate 
the reasonableness of the fair value calculations of our reporting units by reconciling the total of the fair values of all of our 
reporting units to our total market capitalization, and adjusting for an appropriate control premium. In addition, we make 
certain judgments in allocating shared assets and liabilities to determine the carrying values for each of our reporting units.

Determining  the  fair  value  of  a  reporting  unit  is  judgmental  in  nature  and  involves  the  use  of  significant  estimates  and 
assumptions. These estimates and assumptions include revenue growth rates and operating margins used to calculate projected 
future cash flows, risk-adjusted discount rates, future economic and market conditions and determination of appropriate market 
comparables. We base our fair value estimates on assumptions we believe to be reasonable but that are unpredictable and 
inherently  uncertain. Actual  future  results  may  differ  from  those  estimates.  In  addition,  we  make  certain  judgments  and 
assumptions in allocating shared assets and liabilities to determine the carrying values for each of our reporting units. The 
timing and frequency of our goodwill impairment tests are based on an ongoing assessment of events and circumstances that 
would indicate a possible impairment. We will continue to monitor our goodwill and intangible assets for impairment and 
conduct formal tests when impairment indicators are present.

Contingent Consideration for Business Acquisitions  

Acquisitions may include contingent consideration payments based on future financial measures of an acquired company. 
Contingent consideration is required to be recognized at fair value as of the acquisition date. We estimate the fair value of 
these liabilities using an appropriate valuation methodology, typically either an income-based approach or a simulation model, 
such as the Monte Carlo model, depending on the structure of the contingent consideration arrangement. At each reporting 
date, the contingent consideration obligation is revalued to estimated fair value and changes in fair value subsequent to the 
acquisition are reflected in income or expense in the consolidated statements of operations, and could cause a material impact 
to our operating results. Changes in the fair value of contingent consideration obligations may result from changes in discount 
periods and rates and changes in the timing and amount of revenue and/or earnings projections.

Other Assets

Other assets primarily include an investment in a joint venture and certain software development costs. We account for a 10%
interest in a joint venture partnership under the equity method of accounting because significant influence exists due to certain 
factors, including representation on the partnership’s Management Board and voting rights. We capitalize the cost of internal-
use software in accordance with ASC Topic 350-40, Internal-Use Software. These costs consist of payments made to third 
parties for software development and implementation and are amortized using the straight-line method over their estimated 
useful lives, typically three to five years. 

53

 
 
 
 
GP STRATEGIES CORPORATION 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Income Taxes

Income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the 
future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and 
liabilities and their respective tax basis and for operating loss and tax credit 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. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized 
in income in the period that includes the enactment date.

We establish accruals for uncertain tax positions taken or expected to be taken in a tax return when it is more likely than not 
(i.e., a likelihood of more than fifty percent) that the position would be sustained upon examination by tax authorities that 
have full knowledge of all relevant information. A recognized tax position is then measured at the largest amount of benefit 
that is greater than fifty percent likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement. Favorable or unfavorable adjustment of the 
accrual for any particular issue would be recognized as an increase or decrease to income tax expense in the period of a change 
in facts and circumstances. Interest and penalties related to income taxes are accounted for as income tax expense.

Earnings per Share

Basic earnings per share (“EPS”) are computed by dividing earnings by the weighted average number of common shares 
outstanding during the periods.  Diluted EPS reflects the potential dilution of common stock equivalent shares that could occur 
if securities or other contracts to issue common stock were exercised or converted into common stock.

Our dilutive common stock equivalent shares consist of stock options and restricted stock units outstanding under our stock-
based incentive plans and are computed under the treasury stock method, using the average market price during the period. 
Performance-based restricted stock unit awards are included in the computation of diluted shares based on the probable outcome 
of the underlying performance conditions being achieved. The following table presents instruments which were not dilutive 
and were excluded from the computation of diluted EPS in each period, as well as the weighted average dilutive common 
stock equivalent shares which were included in the computation of diluted EPS: 

Non-dilutive instruments
Dilutive common stock equivalents

Stock-Based Compensation

2016

Year ended December 31,
2015
(In thousands)
15
154

45
95

2014

—
246

Pursuant to our stock-based incentive plans which are described more fully in Note 10, we grant stock options, restricted stock 
units, performance-based stock units (PSU's) and equity to officers, employees, and members of the Board of Directors.  We 
compute  compensation  expense  for  all  equity-based  compensation  awards  issued  to  employees  using  the  fair-value 
measurement method. We recognize compensation expense on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period for stock-
based compensation awards with both graded and cliff vesting terms. We apply a forfeiture estimate to compensation expense 
recognized for awards that are expected to vest during the requisite service period, and revise that estimate if subsequent 
information indicates that the actual forfeitures will differ from the estimate. We recognize the cumulative effect of a change 
in the number of awards expected to vest in compensation expense in the period of change.  We do not capitalize any material 
portion of our stock-based compensation.

We recognize compensation expense, net of estimated forfeitures, for PSU's on a straight-line basis over the performance 
period based on the probable outcome of achievement of the financial targets. At the end of each reporting period, we estimate 
the number of PSU's expected to vest, based on the probability and extent to which the performance goals will be met, and 
take into account these estimates when calculating the expense for the period. If the number of shares expected to be earned 
changes during the performance period, we will make a cumulative adjustment to compensation expense based on the revised 
number of shares expected to be earned.

54

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
GP STRATEGIES CORPORATION 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

We estimate the fair value of our stock options on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model, which 
requires various assumptions such as expected term, expected stock price volatility and risk-free interest rate. We estimate 
the expected term of stock options granted taking into consideration historical data related to stock option exercises. We use 
historical stock price data in order to estimate the expected volatility factor of stock options granted. The risk-free interest 
rate for the periods within the expected life of the option is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of 
grant.

Use of Estimates

The  preparation  of  financial  statements  in  conformity  with  U.S.  GAAP  requires  management  to  make  estimates  and 
assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the 
date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. On an ongoing 
basis, we evaluate the estimates used, including but not limited to those related to revenue recognition, the allowance for 
doubtful accounts receivable, impairments of goodwill and other intangible assets, valuation of intangible assets acquired and 
contingent  consideration  liabilities  assumed  in  business  acquisitions,  valuation  of  stock-based  compensation  awards  and 
income taxes.  Actual results could differ from these estimates.

Fair Value Estimates

ASC Topic  820,  Fair  Value  Measurements  and  Disclosure  (“Topic  820”),  defines  fair  value,  establishes  a  market-based 
framework or hierarchy for measuring fair value, and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. Fair value is defined 
as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market 
participants. The guidance within Topic 820 is applicable whenever another accounting pronouncement requires or permits 
assets and liabilities to be measured at fair value. The fair value hierarchy prioritizes the inputs used in valuation techniques 
into three levels as follows:

•  Level 1 – unadjusted quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in active markets;

•  Level 2 – quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar assets 
or liabilities in markets that are not active, and inputs other than quoted market prices that are observable or that can 
be corroborated by observable market data by correlation; and

•  Level  3  –  unobservable  inputs  based  upon  the  reporting  entity’s  internally  developed  assumptions  which  market 

participants would use in pricing the asset or liability.

The carrying value of financial instruments including cash, accounts receivable, accounts payable and short-term borrowings 
approximate estimated market values because of short-term maturities and interest rates that approximate current rates. In 
addition, the fair value of our long-term debt approximated its carrying value as of December 31, 2016 as it bears interest at 
variable rates. Our fair value measurements relate to goodwill, intangible assets and contingent consideration recognized in 
connection with acquisitions and are valued using Level 3 inputs.

Leases

We lease various office space, machinery and equipment under noncancelable operating leases which have minimum lease 
obligations.  Many of the leases contain provisions for rent escalations based primarily on increases in real estate taxes and 
operating costs incurred by the lessor.  Rent expense is recognized in the statements of operations as incurred except for 
escalating rents, which are expensed on a straight-line basis over the terms of the leases. 

Legal Expenses

We are involved, from time to time, in litigation and proceedings arising out of the ordinary course of business.  Costs for 
legal services rendered in the course of these proceedings are charged to expense as they are incurred.

Reclassifications

Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform with the current year presentation.

55

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
GP STRATEGIES CORPORATION 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Accounting Standards Issued

In May 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers 
("ASU 2014-09"), which provides a single comprehensive model for entities to use in accounting for revenue arising from 
contracts with customers and will supersede most current revenue recognition guidance. In 2016, the FASB issued accounting 
standards updates to address implementation issues and to clarify the guidance for identifying performance obligations, licenses 
and determining if a company is the principal or agent in a revenue arrangement. In August 2015, the FASB deferred the 
effective date of this ASU to fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, with early adoption permitted on the original 
effective date of fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016. ASU 2014-09 permits the use of either a full retrospective 
or a modified retrospective adoption method. We plan to adopt the standard effective January 1, 2018 and we currently anticipate 
using the full retrospective method. Based on our assessment to date, we believe the new standard could result in a change in 
revenue  recognition  on  certain  fixed  price  projects  from  a  proportional  performance  method,  where  revenue  is  currently 
recognized over contract performance, to a completed contract method, where revenue would be recognized upon completion 
of our performance obligations. This change could result in a shift in the timing of revenue recognition, causing quarter to 
quarter revenue fluctuations.  We are continuing to evaluate ASU 2014-09 and the impact of its adoption on our consolidated 
financial statements and plan to provide additional information at a future date.

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases ("ASU 2016-02"). This standard will require all leases with 
durations greater than twelve months to be recognized on the balance sheet as a right-of-use asset and a lease liability. ASU 
2016-02 is effective for public companies for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018, and interim periods 
within those fiscal years. We believe adoption of this standard will have a significant impact on our consolidated balance 
sheets because we will need to recognize substantially all of our operating leases as right-of-use assets and lease liabilities on 
our balance sheet. Although we have not completed our assessment, we do not expect the adoption of ASU 2016-02 to materially 
change the recognition and measurement of lease expense within the consolidated statements of operations. 

In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-09, Compensation—Stock Compensation (Topic 718) ("ASU 2016-09").  The 
standard is intended to simplify several areas of accounting for share-based compensation arrangements. Under ASU 2016-09, 
companies will no longer record excess tax benefits and tax deficiencies to additional paid-in capital (APIC) on the settlement 
of awards. Instead, they will record all excess tax benefits and tax deficiencies as income tax expense or benefit in the income 
statement and APIC pools will be eliminated. ASU 2016-09 also requires companies to make an accounting policy election 
on whether to account for forfeitures on share-based payments by 1) recognizing forfeitures as they occur; or 2) estimating 
the number of awards expected to be forfeited and periodically adjusting the estimate, as is currently required. ASU 2016-09 
also clarifies the statement of cash flows presentation for certain components of share-based awards. The standard is effective 
for annual and interim reporting periods of public companies beginning after December 15, 2016, although early adoption is 
permitted. We adopted ASU 2016-09 on January 1, 2017. The adoption of this standard did not have a material impact on our 
consolidated financial statements. However, it could result in volatility in income tax expense in future periods as a result of 
the change in accounting for excess tax benefits on the settlement of awards. 

56

 
GP STRATEGIES CORPORATION 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(2)  Acquisitions

Jencal Training

On March 1, 2016, we acquired the share capital of Jencal Training Limited (Jencal Training) and its subsidiary B2B Engage 
Limited (B2B), an independent provider of vocational skills training in the United Kingdom. The upfront purchase price was  
$2.5 million in cash. In addition, we paid an additional $0.2 million of  deferred consideration in the fourth quarter of 2016. 
The purchase price allocation for the acquisition primarily includes $1.4 million of customer-related intangible assets which 
are being amortized over four years from the acquisition date and $1.8 million of goodwill. None of the goodwill recorded 
for  financial  statement  purposes  is  deductible  for  tax  purposes. The  acquired  Jencal Training  business  is  included  in  the 
Learning Solutions segment and the results of its operations have been included in the consolidated financial statements 
beginning March 1, 2016. The pro-forma impact of the acquisition is not material to our results of operations.

Maverick Solutions

Effective  October  1,  2016,  we  acquired  the  business  and  certain  assets  of  Maverick  Solutions,  a  U.S.-based  provider  of 
Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) product training services. The upfront purchase price was $4.6 million in cash. In addition, 
the purchase agreement requires up to an additional $10.0 million of consideration, contingent upon the achievement of certain 
earnings targets during the two twelve-month periods following completion of the acquisition. We expect that all of the goodwill 
recorded for financial statement purposes will be deductible for tax purposes, except that contingent consideration is only 
deductible when paid. If the actual contingent consideration payments are less than the estimated fair value as of the acquisition 
date, a portion of goodwill will not be deductible for tax purposes. The acquired Maverick Solutions business is included in 
the Performance Readiness Solutions segment and the results of its operations have been included in the consolidated financial 
statements beginning October 1, 2016.The pro-forma impact of the acquisition is not material to our results of operations.

The following table summarizes the purchase price and purchase price allocation for the acquisition (dollars in thousands).

Cash purchase price
Fair value of contingent consideration

Total purchase price

Purchase price allocation:

Fixed assets
Customer-related intangible assets
Marketing-related intangible assets (tradename)
Technology-related intangible assets
Goodwill

Total assets

Accrued expenses
Billings in excess of costs and estimated
    earnings on uncompleted contracts

Total liabilities

Net assets acquired

$

$

$

4,639
5,166
9,805

63
1,219
124
649
8,111
10,166

38

323
361

$

9,805

Amortization
Period

4 years
2 years
3 years

57

 
GP STRATEGIES CORPORATION 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Effective Companies

On April 1, 2014, we completed the acquisition of Effective People and Effective Learning (the "Effective Companies"), 
providers of human capital management (HCM) solutions, including sales and support of the full SAP SuccessFactors Business 
Education (BizX) Platform, eLearning and blended learning solutions, as well as recruitment and employee development 
services.  The Effective Companies are headquartered in Copenhagen, Denmark.  The upfront purchase price was $9.0 million
which was paid in cash at closing.  In addition, the purchase agreement requires up to an additional $5.7 million of consideration, 
contingent upon the achievement of certain earnings targets during the two twelve-month periods following completion of 
the  acquisition. We  paid  $2.6  million  in  2015  with  respect  to  the  first  twelve-month  period  following  completion  of  the 
acquisition and $2.6 million in 2016 for the second twelve-month period following completion of the acquisition.

We recorded intangible assets as a result of the acquisition in the amount of $1.6 million which are being amortized over four 
years from the acquisition date.  None of the goodwill recorded for financial statement purposes is deductible for tax purposes. 
The acquired Effective Companies business is included in our Danish subsidiary within the Learning Solutions segment and 
the results of its operations have been included in the consolidated financial statements since April 1, 2014. The pro-forma 
impact of the acquisition is not material to our results of operations. Its functional currency is the Danish Kroner. The purchase 
price allocation below was translated into U.S. dollars based on the exchange rate in effect on the date of acquisition.

The following table summarizes the purchase price and purchase price allocation for the acquisition (dollars in thousands).  

Cash purchase price
Fair value of contingent consideration

Total purchase price

Purchase price allocation:

Cash
Accounts receivable
Prepaid expenses and other assets
Property, plant and equipment
Amortizable intangible assets
Goodwill

Total assets

Accounts payable and accrued expenses
Billings in excess of costs and estimated
    earnings on uncompleted contracts
Deferred tax liability

Total liabilities

$

$

$

9,004
5,345
14,349

334
1,378
496
80
1,613
12,556
16,457

582

940
586
2,108

Net assets acquired

$

14,349

58

 
 
GP STRATEGIES CORPORATION 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Contingent Consideration

Contingent consideration is recognized at fair value on the acquisition date and is re-measured each reporting period with 
subsequent  adjustments  recognized  in  the  consolidated  statement  of  operations. We  estimate  the  fair  value  of  contingent 
consideration liabilities using an appropriate valuation methodology, typically either an income-based approach or a simulation 
model, such as the Monte Carlo model, depending on the structure of the contingent consideration arrangement. Contingent 
consideration is valued using significant inputs that are not observable in the market which are defined as Level 3 inputs 
pursuant to fair value measurement accounting. We believe our estimates and assumptions are reasonable, however, there is 
significant judgment involved. At each reporting date, the contingent consideration obligation is revalued to estimated fair 
value, and changes in fair value subsequent to the acquisitions are reflected in income or expense in the consolidated statements 
of  operations, and  could cause a  material impact to, and  volatility in,  our  operating results. Changes  in the  fair value of 
contingent consideration obligations may result from changes in discount periods and rates and changes in the timing and 
amount of revenue and/or earnings projections.

Below is a summary of the changes in the recorded amount of contingent consideration liabilities from December 31, 2015
to December 31, 2016 for each acquisition (dollars in thousands): 

Acquisition:
Jencal Training
Maverick
Effective Companies

Liability as of
Dec. 31, 2015
—
$
—
2,381
2,381

$

2016
Additions
294
5,166
—
5,460

$

Change in
Fair Value of
Contingent
Consideration
(115)
92
159
136

$

Foreign
Currency
Translation

2016
Payments

(21)
—
85
64

$

Liability as of
Dec. 31, 2016
—
5,258
—
5,258

(158) $
—
(2,625)
(2,783) $

As of December 31, 2016 and 2015, contingent consideration included in accounts payable and accrued expenses on the 
consolidated balance sheets totaled $3.6 million and $2.4 million, respectively. As of December 31, 2016, we also had accrued 
contingent consideration totaling $1.7 million, which is included in other long-term liabilities on the consolidated balance 
sheet and represents the portion of contingent consideration estimated to be payable greater than twelve months from the 
balance sheet date.

59

 
 
GP STRATEGIES CORPORATION 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(3)  Goodwill & Other Intangible Assets

Goodwill

Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill by reportable business segment for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015
were as follows (in thousands):

Net book value at

January 1, 2015

Goodwill

Accumulated impairment losses

Total

2015 Activity:

Foreign currency translation
Net book value at

December 31, 2015

Goodwill

Accumulated impairment losses

Total

2016 Activity:

Acquisitions

Foreign currency translation
Net book value at

December 31, 2016

Goodwill

Accumulated impairment losses

Professional

Sandy

Performance

Learning & Technical Training &

Readiness

Solutions

Services

Marketing

Solutions

Total

$

55,173

$

51,973

$

(2,079)

53,094

(7,830)

44,143

6,161
(5,508)
653

$

27,867

—

27,867

$ 141,174
(15,417)
125,757

(3,272)

(441)

—

(69)

(3,782)

51,901

(2,079)

49,822

1,828

(2,571)

51,532

(7,830)

43,702

—

(1,338)

6,161
(5,508)
653

—

—

27,798

—

27,798

137,392
(15,417)
121,975

8,111
(233)

9,939
(4,142)

51,158

(2,079)

50,194

(7,830)

6,161
(5,508)
653

35,676

—

$

35,676

143,189
(15,417)
$ 127,772

Total

$

49,079

$

42,364

$

60

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
GP STRATEGIES CORPORATION 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Intangible Assets Subject to Amortization

Intangible assets with finite lives are subject to amortization over their estimated useful lives. The primary assets included in 
this category and their respective balances were as follows (in thousands):

December 31, 2016

Customer relationships
Intellectual property and other

December 31, 2015
Customer relationships
Intellectual property and other

Gross Carrying
Amount

Accumulated
Amortization

Net Carrying
Amount

$

$

$

$

14,595
2,311
16,906

19,351
1,772
21,123

$

$

$

$

(9,855) $
(1,226)
(11,081) $

(13,822) $
(1,080)
(14,902) $

4,740
1,085
5,825

5,529
692
6,221

Amortization expense for intangible assets was $3.5 million, $4.1 million and $5.7 million for the years ended December 31, 
2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Estimated future amortization expense for intangible assets included in our consolidated 
balance sheet as of December 31, 2016 is as follows (in thousands):

Fiscal year ending:

2017
2018
2019
2020

Total

$

$

2,910
1,748
871
296
5,825

As of December 31, 2016, our intangible assets with definite lives had a weighted average remaining useful life of 2.4 years. 
We have no amortizable intangible assets with indefinite useful lives.

(4)  Property, Plant and Equipment

Property, plant and equipment consisted of the following (in thousands):

Machinery, equipment and vehicles
Furniture and fixtures
Leasehold improvements
Buildings

Accumulated depreciation and amortization

December 31,

2016

2015

14,810
3,118
1,823
302
20,053
(15,506)
4,547

$

$

15,214
3,254
1,798
363
20,629
(14,384)
6,245

$

$

Depreciation expense was $2.9 million, $3.5 million and $3.9 million for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, 
respectively.

61

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
GP STRATEGIES CORPORATION 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(5)  Debt

On  December  15,  2016,  we  entered  into  a  Fifth Amended  and  Restated  Financing  and  Security Agreement  (the  “Credit 
Agreement”). The Credit Agreement provides for a new revolving credit facility up to a maximum principal amount of $100 
million, expiring on December 31, 2021 and for a term loan in the maximum principal amount of $40 million maturing on 
April 30, 2020. The Credit Agreement is secured by substantially all of our assets. The new term loan was used to refinance 
the $11.1 million remaining balance of the existing term loan and $28.9 million of borrowings outstanding under the existing 
revolving credit facility as of December 15, 2016. 

The maximum interest rate on the Credit Agreement is the daily one-month LIBOR market index rate (for borrowings in 
Dollars  and  Sterling)  or  the  daily  one-month  EURIBOR  (for  borrowings  in  Euros)  plus  2.50%.  Based  on  our  financial 
performance, the interest rate can be reduced to a minimum rate of the daily one-month LIBOR market index rate plus 1.25%, 
with the rate being determined based on our maximum leverage ratio for the preceding four quarters. Each unpaid advance 
on the revolving loan will bear interest until repaid. The term loan is payable in monthly installments of principal in the amount 
of $1.0 million each plus applicable interest, beginning on January 1, 2017. We may prepay the term loan or the revolving 
loan, in whole or in part, at any time without premium or penalty, subject to certain conditions. Amounts repaid or prepaid on 
the term loan may not be reborrowed.

The Credit Agreement contains customary affirmative and negative covenants, including covenants that limit or restrict our 
and  our  subsidiaries’  (subject  to  certain  exceptions)  ability  to,  among  other  things,  grant  liens,  make  investments,  incur 
indebtedness, merge or consolidate, dispose of assets or make acquisitions. We are also required to maintain compliance with 
a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio and a maximum leverage ratio.  We were in compliance with each of these financial 
covenants under the Credit Agreement as of December 31, 2016. As of December 31, 2016, our total long-term debt outstanding 
under the term loan was $40.0 million. In addition, there were $17.7 million of borrowings outstanding and $76.6 million of 
available borrowings under the revolving credit facility as of December 31, 2016.  For the years ended December 31, 2016
and 2015, the weighted average interest rate on our borrowings was 2.2% and 2.0%, respectively. As of December 31, 2016, 
the fair value of our borrowings under the Credit Agreement approximated its carrying value as it bears interest at variable 
rates.

As of December 31, 2016, our future minimum payments of long-term debt are as follows (in thousands):

Fiscal year ending:

2017
2018
2019
2020

Total

$

$

12,000
12,000
12,000
4,000
40,000

(6)  Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses

Accounts payable and accrued expenses consisted of the following (in thousands): 

Trade accounts payable
Accrued salaries, vacation and benefits
Other accrued expenses
Accrued contingent consideration
Negative cash book balance

62

December 31,

2016

2015

14,534
18,049
23,379
3,590
5,044
64,596

$

$

13,981
17,888
23,143
2,381
3,678
61,071

$

$

 
 
 
 
GP STRATEGIES CORPORATION 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(7)  Employee Benefit Plan

We  offer  the  GP  Retirement  Savings  Plan  (the  “Plan”)  to  our  employees  in  the  United  States.  Eligible  employees  are 
automatically enrolled unless they elect to not participate in the Plan, and contributions begin as soon as administratively 
feasible after enrollment.  The Plan permits pre-tax contributions to the Plan by participants pursuant to Section 401(k) of the 
Internal Revenue Code (IRC).  We make matching contributions at our discretion. In 2016, 2015 and 2014, we contributed 
111,326, 91,301, and 90,876 shares, respectively, of our common stock directly to the Plan with a value of approximately $2.7 
million,  $2.7  million  and  $2.5  million,  respectively,  which  is  recognized  as  compensation  expense  in  the  consolidated 
statements of operations for matching contributions to the Plan.

We also maintain several defined contribution pension schemes for our employees in the United Kingdom and other foreign 
countries. We contributed to these plans $2.2 million, $2.4 million and $1.9 million during the years ended December 31, 
2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively. 

(8)  Income Taxes 

The components of income before income taxes and income tax expense for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 
2014 are as follows (in thousands):

Income before income taxes:

Domestic
Foreign

Total income before income taxes

Income tax expense (benefit):
Current:
Federal
State and local
Foreign

Total current

Deferred:
Federal
State and local
Foreign

Total deferred

Total income tax expense

Years ended December 31,
2015

2014

2016

$

$

$

$

13,988
16,046
30,034

5,511
1,152
4,885
11,548

(1,039)
56
(778)
(1,761)
9,787

$

$

$

$

18,656
10,967
29,623

6,802
1,418
3,710
11,930

(198)
23
(921)
(1,096)
10,834

$

$

$

$

38,359
4,464
42,823

11,799
2,600
1,439
15,838

(9)
(23)
(81)
(113)
15,725

63

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
GP STRATEGIES CORPORATION 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

The provision for income taxes differs from the amount computed by applying the statutory federal income tax rate to income 
before income taxes. The sources and tax effects of the differences are as follows:

Federal income tax rate
State and local taxes net of federal benefit
Domestic production deduction
Foreign tax rate differential
Permanent differences
Other

Effective tax rate

2016

December 31,
2015

2014

35.0%
2.4
(0.6)
(5.8)
4.8
(3.2)
32.6%

35.0%
3.2
(0.6)
(4.3)
2.1
1.2
36.6%

35.0%
4.3
(3.7)
(0.2)
2.0
(0.7)
36.7%

The decrease in the effective income tax rate in 2016 compared to 2015 is primarily due to a change in the mix of taxable 
income from higher taxing jurisdictions to lower taxing jurisdictions.  

Uncertain Tax Positions

As  of  December 31,  2016  and  2015,  we  had  no  uncertain tax  positions  reflected on  our  consolidated  balance sheet. The 
Company files income tax returns in U.S. federal, state and local jurisdictions, and various non-U.S. jurisdictions, and is 
subject to audit by tax authorities in those jurisdictions.  Tax years 2013 through 2015 remain open to examination by these 
tax jurisdictions, and earlier years remain open to examination in certain of these jurisdictions which have longer statutes of 
limitations. 

Deferred Income Taxes

Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities 
for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for tax purposes. Significant components of our deferred tax assets and 
liabilities are as follows (in thousands): 

Deferred tax assets:

Allowance for doubtful accounts
Accrued liabilities and other
Stock-based compensation expense
Net federal, state and foreign operating loss carryforwards
Foreign tax credit carryforwards
Deferred tax assets

Valuation allowance on deferred tax assets
Deferred tax liabilities:

Intangible assets, property and equipment, principally
    due to difference in depreciation and amortization

Net deferred tax liabilities

December 31,

2016

2015

$

$

$

357
3,156
910
1,292
1,207
6,922
(1,320)

692
2,807
569
1,039
—
5,107
(1,194)

7,668
(2,066) $

7,519
(3,606)

As of December 31, 2016, we had foreign net operating loss carryforwards of $6.1 million for tax purposes, which will be 
available to offset future taxable income. If not used, these carryforwards will expire beginning in 2018. In addition, as of 
December 31, 2016, we have foreign tax credit carryforwards of $1.2 million which are available to offset future federal 
taxable income. If not used, these credits will begin to expire in 2020.

In assessing the realizability of deferred tax assets, management considers whether it is more likely than not that some portion 
or all of the deferred tax assets may not be realized. The ultimate realization of the deferred tax assets is dependent upon the 
generation of future taxable income during the periods in which temporary differences are deductible. Management considers 

64

 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
GP STRATEGIES CORPORATION 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

the scheduled reversal of deferred tax liabilities, projected future taxable income and tax planning strategies in making this 
assessment. Based upon these factors, management placed a valuation allowance of $1.3 million and $1.2 million as of the 
years  ended  December 31,  2016  and  2015,  respectively,  against  certain  deferred  tax  assets,  including  net  operating  loss 
carryforwards, due to the uncertainty of future profitability in foreign jurisdictions. Management believes it is more likely 
than not that the Company will realize the benefits of the remaining deferred tax assets.

Foreign Income

As of December 31, 2016, we had approximately $42.1 million of accumulated undistributed earnings generated by our foreign 
subsidiaries. No provision has been made for income taxes that would be payable upon the distribution of such earnings since 
we intend to permanently reinvest these earnings. If these earnings were distributed in the form of dividends or otherwise, the 
distributions would be subject to U.S. federal income tax at the statutory rate of 35 percent, less foreign tax credits available 
to offset such distributions, if any. In addition, such distributions may be subject to withholding taxes in the various tax 
jurisdictions. Determination of the deferred income tax liability on undistributed earnings is not practicable due the complexities 
associated with calculating a liability which is dependent on future circumstances existing if and when a distribution occurs. 

(9) Restructuring

During the third quarter of 2015, we implemented a cost savings initiative to better align costs with revenues and improve 
our operating margins. The initiatives included a workforce reduction, lease exit costs and other general expense controls. We 
recorded severance expense of $1.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2015 which is included in Restructuring charges 
on the consolidated statements of operations. We also incurred an immaterial amount of lease termination costs in 2015. 

(10) Stock-Based Compensation

Our shareholders approved the 2011 Stock Incentive Plan (the “2011 Plan”) at our Annual Meeting of Shareholders in December 
2011. The 2011 Plan replaced the 1973 Non-Qualified Stock Option Plan, as amended, and the 2003 Incentive Stock Plan 
(the “Prior Plans”).  No new awards will be made under the Prior Plans and outstanding awards will remain outstanding under 
the Prior Plans until settled.  Under the 2011 Plan, we may grant awards of non-qualified stock options, incentive stock options, 
restricted stock, stock units, performance shares, performance units and other incentives payable in cash or in shares of our 
common stock to officers, employees or members of the Board of Directors. We are authorized to grant an aggregate of 
1,355,764 shares under the 2011 Plan. As of December 31, 2016, there were 729,095 shares available for issuance of future 
grants of awards under the 2011 Plan. As of December 31, 2016, there were 37,350 shares representing outstanding awards 
under the Prior Plans and 361,610 shares representing outstanding awards under the 2011 Plan. We may issue new shares or 
use shares held in treasury to deliver shares to employees for our equity grants or upon exercise of non-qualified stock options.

The following table summarizes the pre-tax stock-based compensation expense included in reported net income (in thousands):

Cost of revenue
Selling, general and administrative expenses
Total stock-based compensation expense

Years ended December 31,
2015

2014

2016

$

$

2,545
684
3,229

$

$

2,366
684
3,050

$

$

1,609
519
2,128

We recognized a deferred income tax benefit of $1.2 million, $1.1 million and $0.7 million, respectively, during the years 
ended December 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014 associated with the compensation expense recognized in our consolidated financial 
statements.  As of December 31, 2016, we had non-qualified stock options and restricted stock units outstanding under these 
plans as discussed below.

65

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
GP STRATEGIES CORPORATION 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Non-Qualified Stock Options

Non-qualified stock options are granted with an exercise price not less than the fair market value of our common stock at the 
date of grant, vest over a period up to ten years, and expire at various terms up to ten years from the date of grant. 

Summarized information for our non-qualified stock options is as follows:

Stock Options
Outstanding at December 31, 2015
Granted
Exercised
Forfeited
Expired
Outstanding at December 31, 2016
Exercisable at December 31, 2016

Number of
options

110,550
—
(41,900)
(500)
(600)
67,550
64,150

Weighted
average
exercise price
14.54
$
—
13.16
15.65
19.38
15.34
15.30

$
$

Weighted
average
remaining
contractual
term

Aggregate
intrinsic
value

0.54
0.50

$
$

896,000
853,000

As of December 31, 2016, we had less than $0.1 million of unrecognized compensation cost related to the unvested portion 
of outstanding stock options to be recognized on a straight-line basis over a weighted average remaining service period of 
approximately 0.6 years. 

We received cash for the exercise price associated with stock options exercised of $0.1 million during each of the years ended 
December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively. During the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014 we settled 
30,700, 104,000, and 327,100 outstanding stock options, respectively, held by our employees by issuing 9,976, 46,432 and 
140,544 fully vested shares, respectively, which represented the fair value of those stock options upon settlement, net of 
required income tax withholdings. The total intrinsic value realized by participants on stock options exercised and/or settled 
was $0.5 million, $2.3 million and $7.0 million during the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively. 
During the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, we realized excess income tax benefits of $0.1 million, $0.8 
million and $2.5 million, respectively, related to stock option exercises and restricted stock vesting, which are reflected as an 
increase to additional paid-in capital on the consolidated statements of stockholders’ equity.

Restricted Stock Units

In addition to stock options, we issue restricted stock units to key employees and members of the Board of Directors based 
on meeting certain service goals. The stock units vest to the recipients at various dates, up to five years, based on fulfilling 
service requirements. We recognize the value of the market price of the underlying stock on the date of grant to compensation 
expense over the requisite service period. Upon vesting, the stock units are settled in shares of our common stock. Summarized 
share information for our restricted stock units is as follows:

Year ended
December 31,
2016
(In shares)

Weighted
average
grant date
fair value
(In dollars)

221,664
66,019
(76,010)
(4,657)
207,016

$

$

28.74
26.89
24.32
25.19
29.85

Outstanding and unvested, beginning of period

Granted
Vested
Forfeited

Outstanding and unvested, end of period

66

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
GP STRATEGIES CORPORATION 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

The total intrinsic value realized by participants upon the vesting of restricted stock units was $1.8 million, $2.0 million and 
$1.6 million during the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively. As of December 31, 2016, we had 
unrecognized compensation cost of $3.9 million related to the unvested portion of our outstanding restricted stock units to be 
recognized over a weighted average remaining service period of 1.9 years. 

In 2015, the Compensation Committee approved a long-term incentive program providing for the issuance to certain executives 
performance-based and time-based restricted stock units under the 2011 Plan. Under the program, a target level of equity 
compensation is set for each officer. The total equity compensation is divided into performance-based and time-based restricted 
stock units. Under the program, the Compensation Committee sets the performance-based goals within the first 90 days of 
each year. Vesting of the performance-based stock units (PSU's) is contingent upon the employee's continued employment 
and the Company's achievement of certain performance goals during a three-year performance period. The performance goals 
are established by the Compensation Committee for a three-year performance period based on financial targets, including an 
average annual return on invested capital (“ROIC”) and average annual growth in earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation 
and amortization (adjusted to exclude the effect of acquisitions, dispositions, and certain other nonrecurring or extraordinary 
items) (“Adjusted EBITDA”).  We recognize compensation expense, net of estimated forfeitures, for PSU's on a straight-line 
basis over the performance period based on the probable outcome of achievement of the financial targets. At the end of each 
reporting period, we estimate the number of PSU's expected to vest, based on the probability and extent to which the performance 
goals will be met, and take into account these estimates when calculating the expense for the period. If the number of shares 
expected to be earned changes during the performance period, we will make a cumulative adjustment to compensation expense 
based on the revised number of shares expected to be earned.

Summarized share information for our performance-based restricted stock units is as follows:

Outstanding and unvested, beginning of period

Granted
Vested
Forfeited

Outstanding and unvested, end of period

Year ended
December 31,
2016
(In shares)

Weighted
average
grant date
fair value
(In dollars)

52,476
71,918
—
—
124,394

$

$

36.71
26.97
—
—
31.08

As of December 31, 2016, we had unrecognized compensation cost of $0.4 million related to the unvested portion of our 
outstanding restricted stock units to be recognized over a weighted average remaining service period of 1.8 years. 

67

 
GP STRATEGIES CORPORATION 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(11) Common Stock

The holders of common stock are entitled to one vote per share. As of December 31, 2016, there were 16,740,587 shares of 
common stock issued and outstanding. In addition, as of December 31, 2016, there were 398,960 shares reserved for issuance 
under outstanding equity compensation awards such as stock options and restricted stock units and an additional 729,095
shares available for issuance for future grants of awards under the 2011 Plan.

Stock Repurchase Program

We have a share repurchase program under which we may repurchase shares of our common stock from time to time in the 
open market, subject to prevailing business and market conditions and other factors.  During the years ended December 31, 
2016, 2015 and 2014, we repurchased approximately 340,000, 477,000 and 147,000 shares, respectively, of our common stock 
in  the  open  market  for  a  total  cost  of  approximately  $8.0  million,  $12.3  million  and  $3.7  million,  respectively. As  of 
December 31, 2016, there was approximately $6.1 million available for future repurchases under the buyback program. There 
is no expiration date for the repurchase program.

Share Repurchase - Modified "Dutch auction" Tender Offer

In September 2014, we conducted a modified "Dutch auction" tender offer to repurchase for cash shares of our common stock 
up to an aggregate purchase price of $80 million within the range of $26.00 to $29.00 per share. The tender offer resulted in 
the Company accepting for payment an aggregate of 2,127,706 shares of GP Strategies Corporation common stock at a purchase 
price of $29.00 per share, for an aggregate cost of approximately $61.7 million, excluding fees and expenses of $1.2 million
in connection with the tender offer. The total amount of shares purchased in the tender offer represented approximately 11.1%
of our issued and outstanding shares as of September 29, 2014. The transaction closed on October 3, 2014. 

Securities Purchase Agreement 

On December 30, 2009, we entered into a Securities Purchase Agreement (the “Purchase Agreement”) with a single accredited 
investor, Sagard Capital Partners, L.P. (“Sagard”), pursuant to which we sold to Sagard, in a private placement, an aggregate 
of 2,857,143 shares (the “Shares”) of our common stock, par value $0.01, at a price of $7.00 per share (the “Offering”), for 
an aggregate purchase price of $20.0 million.  The Offering closed on December 30, 2009. The Purchase Agreement prohibits 
Sagard from acquiring beneficial ownership of more than 23% of our common stock (calculated on a fully diluted basis).  As 
of December 31, 2016, Sagard beneficially owned 3,639,367 shares or 21.7% of our outstanding common stock.

In connection with the Offering, on December 30, 2009, we entered into a Registration Rights Agreement (the “Registration 
Rights Agreement”) with Sagard.  Pursuant to the Registration Rights Agreement, we filed a registration statement with the 
Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) for purposes of registering the resale of the Shares and any shares of 
common stock issued pursuant to the preemptive rights under Section 4(l) of the Purchase Agreement (or any shares of common 
stock issuable upon exercise, conversion or exchange of securities issued pursuant to the preemptive rights).  We filed the 
registration statement with the SEC on September 27, 2010 and it was declared effective by the SEC on October 8, 2010. If 
we fail to meet filing or effectiveness deadlines with respect to any additional registration statements required by the Registration 
Rights Agreement, or fail to keep any registration statements continuously effective (with limited exceptions), we will be 
obligated to pay to the holders of the Shares liquidated damages in the amount of 1% of the purchase price for the Shares per 
month, up to a maximum of $2.4 million.  We also agreed, among other things, to indemnify the selling holders under the 
registration statements from certain liabilities and to pay all fees and expenses (excluding underwriting discounts and selling 
commissions and all legal fees of the selling holders in excess of $25,000) incident to our obligations under the Registration 
Rights Agreement. 

68

 
 
GP STRATEGIES CORPORATION 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(12) Business Segments

As of December 31, 2016, we operated through four reportable business segments: (i) Learning Solutions, (ii) Professional 
& Technical Services, (iii) Sandy Training & Marketing, and (iv) Performance Readiness Solutions. Each of our reportable 
segments represents an operating segment under U.S. GAAP.  We are organized by operating group primarily based upon 
the markets served by each group and/or the services performed. Each operating group consists of business units which are 
focused on providing specific products and services to certain classes of customers or within targeted markets. Marketing 
and communications, accounting, tax, finance, legal, human resources, information systems and other administrative 
services are organized at the corporate level. Business development and sales resources are aligned with operating groups 
to support existing customer accounts and new customer development.

Further information regarding our business segments is discussed below.

Learning  Solutions. The  Learning  Solutions  segment  delivers  training,  curriculum  design  and  development,  e-Learning 
services, system hosting, training business process outsourcing and consulting services globally. This segment serves large 
companies  in  the  electronics  and  semiconductors,  healthcare,  software,  financial  services  and  other  industries  as  well  as 
government agencies. This segment also provides apprenticeship and vocational skills training funded by an agency of the 
United Kingdom government.  The ability to deliver a wide range of training services on a global basis allows this segment 
to take over the entire learning function for the client, including their training personnel.

Professional & Technical Services. The Professional & Technical Services segment provides training, consulting, engineering 
and  technical  services,  including  lean  consulting,  emergency  preparedness,  safety  and  regulatory  compliance,  chemical 
demilitarization and environmental services primarily to large companies in the manufacturing, steel, pharmaceutical energy 
and petrochemical industries; federal and state government agencies; and large government contractors.  Our proprietary 
EtaPROTM  Performance and Condition Monitoring System provides a suite of real-time software solutions for power generation 
facilities and is installed on power-generating units across the world.  In addition to providing custom training solutions, this 
segment provides web-based training through our GPiLEARNTM portal, which offers a variety of courses to power plant 
personnel in the U.S. and other countries.  This segment also provides services to users of alternative fuels, including designing 
and constructing liquefied natural gas (LNG), liquid to compressed natural gas (LCNG) and hydrogen fueling stations, as well 
as supplying equipment.

Sandy Training & Marketing. The Sandy Training & Marketing segment provides custom product sales training and has 
been a leader in serving manufacturing customers in the U.S. automotive industry for over 40 years. Sandy provides custom 
product sales training designed to better educate customer sales forces with respect to new vehicle features and designs, in 
effect rapidly increasing the sales force knowledge base and enabling them to address detailed customer queries. Furthermore, 
Sandy helps our clients assess their customer relationship marketing strategy and connect with their customers on a one-to-
one  basis  including  through  custom  publications.  This  segment  also  provides  technical  training  services  to  automotive 
manufacturers as well as customers in other industries.

Performance  Readiness  Solutions.  This  segment  provides  performance  consulting  and  technology  consulting  services, 
including  platform  adoption,  end-user  training,  change  management,  knowledge  management,  customer  product  training 
outsourcing, training content development and sales enablement solutions.  This segment also offers organization performance 
solutions, including leadership development training and employee engagement tools and services.  Industries served include 
manufacturing, aerospace, healthcare, life sciences, consumer products, financial, telecommunications and higher education 
as well as government agencies. 

We do not allocate the following items to the segments: selling, general & administrative expenses, restructuring charges, 
other income (expense), interest expense, gain (loss) on change in fair value of contingent consideration and income tax 
expense.  Inter-segment revenue is eliminated in consolidation and is not significant.

The  following  table  sets  forth  the  revenue  and  operating  results  attributable  to  each  reportable  segment  and  includes  a 
reconciliation of segment revenue to consolidated revenue and operating results to consolidated income before income tax 
expense (in thousands):

69

 
  
 
  
 
 
GP STRATEGIES CORPORATION 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Revenue:

Learning Solutions
Professional & Technical Services
Sandy Training & Marketing
Performance Readiness Solutions

Gross Profit:

Learning Solutions
Professional & Technical Services
Sandy Training & Marketing
Performance Readiness Solutions

Total gross profit

Selling, general and administrative expenses
Restructuring charges
Gain (loss) on change in fair value of contingent consideration, net

Operating income

Interest expense
Other income (expense)

Income before income tax expense

Years ended December 31,
2015

2014

2016

$

$

$

$

208,998
101,907
101,768
77,886
490,559

38,954
15,803
14,181
11,219
80,157
48,597
—
(136)
31,424
1,568
178
30,034

$

$

$

$

207,039
119,092
87,567
76,582
490,280

36,223
23,621
11,321
10,827
81,992
47,748
1,551
(371)
32,322
1,381
(1,318)
29,623

$

$

$

$

198,242
151,559
67,694
84,372
501,867

32,761
33,350
10,903
12,561
89,575
47,108
—
1,392
43,859
833
(203)
42,823

Additional information relating to our business segments is as follows (in thousands): 

Identifiable assets:

Learning Solutions
Professional & Technical Services
Sandy Training & Marketing
Performance Readiness Solutions

Total assets

December 31,

2016

2015

$

$

147,595
80,033
25,804
62,169
315,601

$

$

140,500
81,183
25,769
55,517
302,969

Corporate and other assets which consist primarily of cash, other assets, and deferred tax assets and liabilities are allocated 
to the segments based on their respective percentage of consolidated revenues.

70

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
GP STRATEGIES CORPORATION 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Additions to property, plant and equipment:

Learning Solutions
Professional & Technical Services
Sandy Training & Marketing
Performance Readiness Solutions
Corporate and other

Depreciation and amortization:

Learning Solutions
Professional & Technical Services
Sandy Training & Marketing
Performance Readiness Solutions
Corporate and other

Years ended December 31,
2015

2014

2016

$

$

$

$

548
146
13
39
656
1,402

2,403
797
429
1,530
1,303
6,462

$

$

$

$

768
269
77
496
747
2,357

3,189
1,152
465
1,446
1,613
7,865

$

$

$

$

1,094
451
8
50
1,154
2,757

3,754
1,333
427
2,029
2,215
9,758

Information about our revenue in different geographic regions, which are attributable to our wholly owned subsidiaries located 
primarily in the United States, United Kingdom and other countries is as follows (in thousands):

United States
United Kingdom
Other

Years ended December 31,
2015

2014

2016

$

$

339,329
93,017
58,213
490,559

$

$

341,581
98,991
49,708
490,280

$

$

380,052
83,652
38,163
501,867

Information about our total assets in different geographic regions is as follows (in thousands): 

United States
United Kingdom
Other

December 31,

2016

2015

$

$

195,693
59,018
60,890
315,601

$

$

182,256
66,241
54,472
302,969

71

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
GP STRATEGIES CORPORATION 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(13) Commitments, Guarantees, and Contingencies

Commitments

Operating Leases

We have various noncancelable leases for real property and machinery and equipment. Such leases expire at various dates 
with, in some cases, options to extend their terms.

Minimum rentals under long-term operating leases are as follows (in thousands):

 Fiscal year ending:

2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
Thereafter
Total

Real
property

Machinery and
equipment

Total

$

$

7,546
5,652
4,278
3,404
2,960
9,831
33,671

$

$

721
243
69
5
—
—
1,038

$

$

8,267
5,895
4,347
3,409
2,960
9,831
34,709

Certain of the leases contain provisions for rent escalation based primarily on increases in a specified Consumer Price Index, 
real estate taxes and operating costs incurred by the lessor. Rent expense was approximately $9.8 million, $10.2 million and 
$9.8 million for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

Other

As of December 31, 2016, we had ten outstanding letters of credit totaling $5.7 million, which expire in 2017 through 2022. 
In addition, we have two outstanding performance bonds totaling $8.2 million for contracts to be completed in 2017.

72

 
 
 
 
   
 
GP STRATEGIES CORPORATION 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(14) Quarterly Information (unaudited)

Our quarterly financial information has not been audited but, in management’s opinion, includes all adjustments necessary 
for a fair presentation.

(In thousands)
2016

Revenue
Gross profit
Net income

Earnings per share:

Basic
Diluted

2015

Revenue
Gross profit
Net income

Earnings per share:

Basic
Diluted

$

$
$

$

$
$

March 31

June 30

$

$
$

$

115,756
17,927
3,800

0.23
0.23

115,253
19,135
4,107

125,542
20,344
4,913

0.29
0.29

125,665
20,076
4,714

Three months ended

Year ended
September 30 December 31 December 31
490,559
$
80,157
20,247

127,283
21,882
6,732

121,978
20,004
4,802

$

$
$

$

$
$

$

0.29
0.29

122,931
20,369
3,716

$
$

$

0.40
0.40

126,431
22,412
6,252

1.21
1.21

490,280
81,992
18,789

0.24
0.24

$
$

0.27
0.27

$
$

0.22
0.22

$
$

0.37
0.37

$
$

1.10
1.09

The sum of the quarterly earnings per share amounts may not equal the total for the year due to the effects of rounding and dilution 
as a result of issuing common shares during the year.

(15) Subsequent Event

On February 1, 2017, we acquired the business and certain assets of McKinney Rogers, a provider of strategic consulting 
services with offices in New York and London. The upfront purchase price was $4.0 million in cash. In addition, the purchase 
agreement requires up to an additional $18.0 million of consideration, $6.0 million of which is contingent upon the achievement 
of certain earnings targets during the five-month period ending April 30, 2017 and $12.0 million of which is contingent upon 
the achievement of certain earnings targets during the three twelve-month periods following completion of the acquisition. 
The acquired McKinney Rogers business will be included in the Performance Readiness Solutions segment and the results 
of its operations will be included in the consolidated financial statements beginning February 1, 2017.

73

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Item 9: Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

None.

Item 9A: 

Controls and Procedures

(a) Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

We carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of our management including our Chief Executive 
Officer and our Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures 
pursuant to Rule 13a-15(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.  Based on that evaluation, our Chief Executive 
Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures as of December 31, 2016 were effective. 

(b) Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting as defined in 
Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(f).  Our internal control processes and procedures are designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding 
the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of our consolidated financial statements in accordance with United States 
generally accepted accounting principles.  Our internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that 
reasonably allow us to record, process, summarize, and report information and financial data within prescribed time periods and 
in accordance with Rule 13a-15(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

Because  of  its  inherent  limitations,  internal  control  over  financial  reporting  may  not  prevent  or  detect  misstatements. Also, 
projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because 
of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

Under the supervision and with the participation of management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, 
we conducted an evaluation of internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2016 based on the criteria set forth by 
the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission in Internal Control – Integrated Framework (2013)
(“COSO Framework”).  Based upon our evaluation, we concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective 
as of December 31, 2016.

Our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2016 has been audited by KPMG LLP, an independent registered 
public accounting firm, whose report appears in Item 8.

(c) Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

During the year ended December 31, 2016, there has been no change in our internal control over financial reporting (as such term 
is defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d—15(f) under the Exchange Act) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to 
materially affect our internal control over financial reporting.

Item 9B: 

Other Information

None.

74

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Part III

Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance

The  additional information  required  by  this item will  be  either set forth  under  the Election of  Directors  section  in  the Proxy 
Statement for the 2017 Annual Meeting of Shareholders and incorporated herein by reference or provided in an amendment to this 
Form 10-K to be filed no later than May 1, 2017.

Compliance with Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act

Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act requires our officers and directors, and persons who own more than 10% of a registered class 
of our securities, to file reports of ownership and changes in ownership with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) 
and the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”), and to furnish us with such reports. Based solely on a review of copies of such 
reports for 2016, we believe that during 2016 all reports applicable to our officers, directors and greater than 10% beneficial owners 
were filed on a timely basis.

Item 11. Executive Compensation

The information required by this item will be either set forth under the Executive Compensation section in the Proxy Statement 
for the 2017 Annual Meeting of Shareholders and incorporated herein by reference or provided in an amendment to this Form 10-
K to be filed no later than May 1, 2017.

Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters

The additional information required by this item will be either set forth under the Principal Stockholders and Security Ownership 
of Directors and Named Executive Officers sections in the Proxy Statement for the 2017 Annual Meeting of Stockholders and 
incorporated herein by reference or provided in an amendment to this Form 10-K to be filed no later than May 1, 2017.

Equity Compensation Plan information as of December 31, 2016 

Plan category:

Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders:

(a) Number of securities to be issued upon exercise of outstanding options
(b) Weighted average exercise price of outstanding options
(c) Number of securities remaining available for future issuance under equity
        compensation plans (excluding securities reflected in row (a))

Equity compensation plans approved by security holders:

(a) Number of securities to be issued upon exercise of outstanding options
(b) Weighted average exercise price of outstanding options
(c) Number of securities remaining available for future issuance under equity
        compensation plans

$

$

37,350
13.20

—

30,200
18.00

729,095

For a description of the material terms of our stock-based compensation plans, see Note 10 to the Consolidated Financial Statements 
in Item 8 of this report.

75

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence

The information required by this item will be either set forth in the Certain Relationships and Related Transactions section of the 
Proxy Statement for the 2017 Annual Meeting of Shareholders and incorporated herein by reference or provided in an amendment 
to this Form 10-K to be filed no later than May 1, 2017.

Item 14. Principal Accounting Fees and Services

The information required by this item will be either set forth in the Ratification of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
section of the Proxy Statement for the 2017 Annual Meeting of Shareholders and incorporated herein by reference or provided in 
an amendment to this Form 10-K to be filed no later than May 1, 2017.

76

 
 
 
Part IV

Item 15:         Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules

(a)

(1)

The following documents are filed as a part of this Report:

Financial Statements of GP Strategies Corporation and Subsidiaries (Part II, Item 8):

Reports of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

Consolidated Balance Sheets – December 31, 2016 and 2015

Consolidated Statements of Operations – Years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income – Years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity – Years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows – Years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(2)

Financial Statement Schedules:

Other financial statement schedules are omitted because they are not required or applicable, or the required information 
is shown in the financial statements or notes thereto, or contained in this report.

(3)

Exhibits required by Item 601 of Regulation S-K.

Exhibit number

3.1

3.2

10.1

10.2

10.3

Composite  of  the  Restated  Certificate  of  Incorporation  of  GP  Strategies  Corporation  including  all 
amendments through December 31, 2011.  Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of GP Strategies 
Corporation’s Form 8-K filed on January 3, 2012.
GP Strategies Corporation Amended and Restated By-Laws, including all amendments through February 
19, 2015. Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of GP Strategies Corporation’s Form 8-K filed 
on February 23, 2015.

Fifth Amended and Restated Financing and Security Agreement, dated December 15, 2016, by and between 
GP Strategies Corporation as Borrower, as US Borrower, and General Physics (UK) Ltd., GP Strategies 
Holdings Limited, GP Strategies Limited and GP Strategies Training Limited, collectively as UK Borrowers, 
and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as Lender. Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 
of GP Strategies Corporation’s Form 8-K filed on December 21, 2016.

Short-term Incentive Plan approved by the Board of Directors on March 29, 2016. Incorporated herein by 
reference to Exhibit 10.1 of GP Strategies Corporation's Form 10-Q filed on April 28, 2016.

GP Strategies Corporation 2011 Stock Incentive Plan. Incorporated herein by reference to Appendix B of 
GP Strategies Corporation’s Definitive Proxy Statement filed on November 1, 2011.

77

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
10.4

10.5

10.5

10.6

10.7

10.8

10.9

10.10

10.11

10.12

10.13

10.14

10.15

10.16

10.17

10.18

1973 Non-Qualified Stock Option Plan of GP Strategies Corporation, as amended on December 28, 2006. 
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of GP Strategies Corporation’s Form 10-K for the year ended 
December 31, 2006.

GP Strategies Corporation 2003 Incentive Stock Plan. Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4 of GP 
Strategies Corporation’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2003.

Employment Agreement,  dated  as  of  July  1,  1999,  between  GP  Strategies  Corporation’s  and  Scott  N. 
Greenberg. Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of GP Strategies Corporation’s Form 10-Q for 
the quarter ended September 30, 1999.

Amendment, dated January 21, 2005, to Employment Agreement dated as of July 1, 1999 between GP 
Strategies Corporation and Scott N. Greenberg. Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of GP 
Strategies Corporation’s Form 8-K filed on January 25, 2005.

Amendment, dated June 20, 2007, to Employment Agreement dated as of July 1, 1999 between GP Strategies 
Corporation and Scott N. Greenberg. Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of GP Strategies 
Corporation’s Form 8-K filed on June 26, 2007.

Amendment,  dated  December  30,  2008,  to  Employment  Agreement  by  and  between  GP  Strategies 
Corporation and Scott N. Greenberg dated July 1, 1999. Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 
of GP Strategies Corporation’s Form 8-K filed on January 6, 2009.

Amendment,  dated  December  30,  2009,  to  Employment  Agreement  by  and  between  GP  Strategies 
Corporation and Scott N. Greenberg dated July 1, 1999. Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.3 
to GP Strategies Corporation’s Form 8-K filed December 31, 2009.

Amendment, dated December 30, 2011, to Employment Agreement dated as of July 1, 1999 between General 
Physics  Corporation  and  Scott  N.  Greenberg.  Incorporated  herein  by  reference  to  Exhibit  10.1  of  GP 
Strategies Corporation’s Form 8-K filed on January 3, 2012.

Employment Agreement, dated as of July 1, 1999, between General Physics Corporation and Douglas E. 
Sharp. Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.11 of GP Strategies Corporation’s Form 10-K for the 
year ended December 31, 2003.

Amendment, dated January 21, 2005, to Employment Agreement dated as of July 1, 1999 between General 
Physics Corporation and Douglas E. Sharp. Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of GP Strategies 
Corporation’s Form 8-K filed on January 25, 2005.

Amendment, dated June 20, 2007, to Employment Agreement dated as of July 1, 1999 between General 
Physics Corporation and Douglas E. Sharp. Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of GP Strategies 
Corporation’s Form 8-K filed on June 26, 2007.

Amendment,  dated  December  30,  2008,  to  Employment Agreement  by  and  between  General  Physics 
Corporation and Douglas Sharp dated July 1, 1999. Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of GP 
Strategies Corporation’s Form 8-K filed on January 6, 2009.

Amendment,  dated  December  30,  2009,  to  Employment Agreement  by  and  between  General  Physics 
Corporation and Douglas Sharp dated July 1, 1999. Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to GP 
Strategies Corporation’s Form 8-K filed December 31, 2009.

Amendment, dated December 30, 2011, to Employment Agreement dated as of July 1, 1999 between General 
Physics Corporation and Douglas E. Sharp. Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.3 of GP Strategies 
Corporation’s Form 8-K filed on January 3, 2012.
Form of Employment Agreement between General Physics Corporation and certain of its executive vice 
presidents. Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of GP Strategies Corporation’s Form 8-K filed 
on October 4, 2007.

Form  of  Employment Agreement  between  General  Physics  Corporation  and  certain  of  its  senior  vice 
presidents. Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.4 of GP Strategies Corporation’s Form 10-Q for 
the quarter ended September 30, 2007.

78

10.19

10.20

10.21

10.22

10.23

10.24

10.25

10.26

10.27

10.28

10.29

10.30

10.31

10.32

21

23

31.1

31.2

32.1

101

Amendment,  dated  December 30,  2011,  to  Form of  Employment Agreement  between  General  Physics 
Corporation and certain of its executive officers. Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.3 of GP 
Strategies Corporation’s Form 8-K filed on January 3, 2012.

Form of Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement between GP Strategies Corporation and certain officers, 
dated June 26, 2007. Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of GP Strategies Corporation’s Form 
10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2007.

Form of Stock Unit Agreement between GP Strategies Corporation and certain officers, dated November 
7, 2008. Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.15 of GP Strategies Corporation’s Form 10-K for 
the year ended December 31, 2008.

Form of Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement between GP Strategies Corporation and certain officers, 
dated January 21, 2010. Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.23 to GP Strategies Corporation’s 
Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009.

Form of Performance-Based Restricted Stock Unit Agreement. Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 
10.1 of GP Strategies Corporation's Form 10-Q filed on May 5, 2015.

Form of Time-Based Restricted Stock Unit Agreement. Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of 
GP Strategies Corporation's Form 10-Q filed on May 5, 2015.

Cash Bonus Plan of GP Strategies Corporation, as amended on March 30, 2015. Incorporated herein by 
reference to Exhibit 10.3 of GP Strategies Corporation's Form 10-Q filed on May 5, 2015.

Lease Agreement, entered into as of February 28, 2013 by and between 70 CC, LLC, a Delaware limited 
liability  company  (“Landlord”)  and  GP  Strategies  Corporation,  a  Delaware  corporation  (“Tenant”). 
Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to GP Strategies Corporation’s Form 8-K filed on March 
5, 2013.

Securities Purchase Agreement, dated as of December 30, 2009, between GP Strategies Corporation and 
Sagard Capital Partners, L.P. Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to GP Strategies Corporation’s 
Form 8-K filed December 31, 2009.

Amendment, dated December 30, 2011, to Securities Purchase Agreement, dated as of December 30, 2009, 
between GP Strategies Corporation and Sagard Capital Partners, L.P. Incorporated herein by reference to 
Exhibit 10.4 of GP Strategies Corporation’s Form 8-K filed on January 3, 2012.

Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of December 30, 2009, between GP Strategies Corporation and 
Sagard Capital Partners, L.P. Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to GP Strategies Corporation’s 
Form 8-K filed December 31, 2009.

Code of Ethics Policy. Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 14.1 of GP Strategies Corporation’s Form 
10-K for the year ended December 31, 2003.

Form of Indemnification Agreement. Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of GP Strategies 
Corporation’s Form 8-K dated December 23, 2005.

Global Outsourcing Services Agreement dated July 2, 2013 between HSBC Holdings plc and GP Strategies 
Managed Services Limited relating to the Provision of Global Learning Services. Incorporated herein by 
reference to Exhibit 10.1 of GP Strategies Corporation’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 
2013.

Subsidiaries of GP Strategies Corporation*

Consent of KPMG LLP, Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm*

Certification of Chief Executive Officer*

Certification of Chief Financial Officer*

Certification Pursuant to Section 18 U.S.C. Section 1350*

The following materials from GP Strategies Corporation’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended 
December  31,  2016,  formatted  in  XBRL  (eXtensible  Business  Reporting  Language):  (i)  Consolidated 
Balance Sheets; (ii) Consolidated Statements of Operations; (iii) Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive 
Income, (iv) Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity; (v) Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows; 
and (vi) Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.*

* Filed herewith.

79

 
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

Dated: February 28, 2017

GP STRATEGIES CORPORATION

By  /s/ Scott N. Greenberg
Scott N. Greenberg
Chief Executive Officer

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following 
persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

Signatures

Title

Date

/s/ Scott N. Greenberg
Scott N. Greenberg  

/s/ Sharon Esposito-Mayer
Sharon Esposito-Mayer

/s/ Harvey P. Eisen
Harvey P. Eisen

/s/ Marshall S. Geller
Marshall S. Geller

/s/ Steven E. Koonin
Steven E. Koonin

/s/ Richard C. Pfenniger, Jr.
Richard C. Pfenniger, Jr.

/s/ Samuel D. Robinson
Samuel D. Robinson

/s/ A. Marvin Strait
A. Marvin Strait

Chief Executive Officer (Principal
Executive Officer and Director)

February 28, 2017

Executive Vice President and Chief
Financial Officer (Principal Financial and
Accounting Officer)

February 28, 2017

Chairman of the Board of Directors

February 28, 2017

February 28, 2017

February 28, 2017

February 28, 2017

February 28, 2017

February 28, 2017

Director

Director

Director

Director

Director

80

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
Board of Directors

Executive Leadership

HARVEY P. EISEN  
Non-Executive Chairman of the Board; Executive Committee

SCOTT N. GREENBERG 
Chief Executive Officer

MARSHALL S. GELLER 
Compensation (Chair), Executive and Nominating/Corporate 

DOUGLAS E. SHARP
President

Governance Committees

SCOTT N. GREENBERG 
Executive Committee and Government Security Committees

STEVEN E. KOONIN
Government Security Committee (Chair)

RICHARD C. PFENNIGER, JR. 
Nominating/Corporate Governance Committee (Chair),  

Audit Committee

SAMUEL D. ROBINSON
Audit, Compensation, Executive and Nominating/Corporate 

Governance Committees

A. MARVIN STRAIT 
Audit Committee (Chair), Compensation Committee 

SHARON ESPOSITO-MAYER
Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer

KARL BAER
Executive Vice President 

DONALD R. DUQUETTE
Executive Vice President 

KENNETH L. CRAWFORD
Senior Vice President, General Counsel & Secretary

DAVID A. GUGALA
Executive Vice President

DEBORAH T. UNG
Executive Vice President

Information Available To Shareholders 
Copies of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K,  

proxy statement, press releases, committee charters, corporate  

Certifications Regarding Public Disclosures   
and L isting Standards
As required by the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, we have filed the 

governance guidelines, code of business conduct, code of  

Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer certifications 

ethics and other documents are available through GP Strategies’  

in our 2016 Annual Report on Form 10-K. In addition, the annual 

Investors page on the Internet at: www.gpstrategies.com. 

certification of the Chief Executive Officer regarding compliance 

Copies of these materials are also available without charge  

by request to Investor Relations at 443.367.9600 or  

investors@gpstrategies.com or by writing to our corporate 

by GP Strategies with the corporate governance listing standards 

of the New York Stock Exchange was submitted without  

qualification following the 2016 annual meeting of shareholders.

headquarters at:

GP Strategies Corporation

Attn: Investor Relations

70 Corporate Center
11000 Broken Land Parkway, Suite 200

Columbia, MD 21044

Independent Auditors
KPMG LLP

1 E. Pratt Street

Baltimore, MD 21202

Registrar and   
Transfer Agent 
Computershare Trust Company N.A.

P.O. Box 30170 

College Station, TX 77842-3170

1.800.962.4284

www.computershare.com/investor 

©2017 GP Strategies Corporation. All rights reserved. GP Strategies and GP Strategies with logo design are registered trademarks of 
GP Strategies Corporation. All other trademarks are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners.

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