hmhco.com
OUR
MISSION:
Changing
People’s Lives
by Fostering
Passionate,
Curious
Learners
HMH by the Numbers
More than
50Million
Students Served
In More than
150 Countries
44%
Market
Share
1
3,300
Employees
More than
15Million
Users of HMH Platforms
54% of Major Education Sales Were Digital
COMMUNITY IMPACT
11,942
Volunteer Hours
$105 Million
in Donations2
1 HMH’s domestic education addressable market is the market in which we primarily sell our instructional
resources for grades K-12.
2 Substantially represents fair value of donated inventory.
HMH’s ELA program took
strong market share in 2014
Debuted at number one
on The New York Times™
bestseller list
E D I T I O N
GO Math!™ led the
market in 2014
Linda K. Zecher
President, Chief Executive
Officer, and Director
Dear Shareholders,
In 2014, HMH® took a focused approach
to the continuing transformation of our
business, by strengthening our core and
investing in key growth areas. Through
this focused strategy and a well-defined
roadmap, we grew our market share
and delivered solid financial results.
We also continued to provide best-in-
class digital content and services, made
acquisitions in key growth areas, and
deepened our bench of talent.
Strengthening the Core
While we believe HMH’s reputation, relationships, and world-class
content capabilities have positioned us as the K–12 provider of choice
for many years now, our 2014 market leadership sets a new bar. We
extended our share in our total addressable domestic education
market3 to 44% and captured 52% share of the new adoption market in
2014. Consider this: our total addressable domestic education market
increased 13% in 2014 from 2013. Without HMH’s contribution, we
believe it would have only grown 2%. We believe this perspective
makes it clear that our customers view us as an indispensable partner
as we work together to enable learning in a changing landscape.
We have recognized for quite some time that shifting to a model
powered by adaptive content and technology would ultimately fuel
a learning transformation. We believe that 2014 marked a tipping
point in the market readiness and demand for the transition to digital.
Following the reengineering of our content development capabilities
in 2013, and with more than 50% of our major education program
billings in 2014 coming from digital content, today we are more
energized than ever for the opportunities that lie ahead to effect a
learning transformation powered by technology.
We believe that our success in the digital space was made possible by
our laser focus on high-quality, smart content designed to make learning
more dynamic, engaging, and effective. Our products, including GO
Math!, Journeys, ScienceFusion, and Collections, all recorded key wins
in adoption states in 2014—specifically the highly populated states of
Texas, Florida, and California—as well as in open territories.
Looking at our Trade Publishing business, 2014 served as a reminder of
our rich heritage of iconic stories and characters. This year marked the
150th anniversary of HMH Books for Young Readers, which now accounts
for more than half of HMH’s 520 annual Trade releases. This year, we
also benefitted from strong sales of key titles, including The Giver by
Lois Lowry and What If?: Serious Scientific Answers to Absurd Hypothetical
Questions by Randall Munroe, which debuted at number one on The New
York Times bestseller list. In 2014, we have continued to explore new
channels of delivery and expansion into new genres, including launching
a new line of business books and expanding our Young Adult offering.
3 HMH’s domestic education addressable market is the market in which we primarily sell
our instructional resources for grades K-12.
Focusing on Key Growth Areas
In 2014, we built upon the strong foundation of our core business and
K–12 expertise to extend our footprint into attractive new growth markets:
• Digital: We believe in the power of technology to drive a learning
transformation for both students and educators. In 2014, we launched
the HMH Player™ app for Google Chrome™ and iPad®, featuring built-in
collaboration and customization tools that help tackle the major pain points
faced by educators as they integrate technology into the classroom. We
also introduced Personal Math Trainer® Powered by Knewton™ as part of
our GO Math! program. With over two million users, it offers an online,
adaptive learning system for students, and intervention and assessment
tools for teachers that allow for a truly personalized learning experience.
• Early Learning: With increased national investment and focus on early
childhood education, we believe the Pre-K space offers a significant
opportunity for HMH to leverage its expertise, relationships, and iconic
brands—both at home and in the classroom. In 2014, we strengthened our
investment in this key market with the acquisition of Curiosityville, the
launch of the Curious World website and app, and new additions to the
Curious George® app series, including Curious About Me.
• Beyond the Classroom: HMH believes in the importance of the home-
to-school connection, and in our unique ability to offer at-home learning
experiences to supplement and complement what kids are learning in
school. To address the growing demand for effective at-home learning
solutions, HMH launched Go Math! Academy in 2014, a subscription-
based program built upon content from our core GO Math! program.
Feedback to date has been encouraging as parents welcome the
opportunity to extend pedagogically sound, curriculum-based learning
beyond the classroom.
Our investment in these focus areas included a series of acquisitions
in 2014, including Channel One News®, Curiosityville, and
SchoolChapters. Not only did these additions bolster our early childhood
and digital offerings, but the talent gained through these transactions
added significant strength to our leadership. For example, CJ Kettler,
CEO of Channel One News, has assumed the role of Executive Vice
President of Consumer Brands and Strategy at HMH, while Susan
Magsamen, co-founder of Curiosityville has become HMH’s Senior Vice
President of Early Learning.
Izzy & Mac
Curious World ™
launched in 2014
Go Math! Academy™,
HMH’s first subscription-
based program
Pablo, Jack, and Rosie
Curiosityville®
acquired in 2014
4
4
Improving
Financial Performance
Our success in core and growth markets yielded strong
financial results this year with increased billings4 of 16%.
Importantly, this increase in billings and the shift to digital
has ushered in sales that are recognized over a longer
period of time, leading to a significant accumulation of
deferred revenue and a strengthening of our cash position.
And because this revenue is recognized over a longer
period of time, we believe this will add increased visibility
and resilience over the long term.
Looking more closely at our 2014 performance, key
highlights included:
• Net sales of $1.372 billion were almost flat to the 2013 level of
$1.379 billion as strong core K–12 billings were partially offset
by increased deferred revenue. The 16% rise in billings led to a
$230 million net increase in deferred revenue.
• Adjusted EBITDA4 for 2014 was $265 million as compared to
$325 million for 2013 and our adjusted cash EBITDA4—which
takes into account deferred revenue—grew $168 million, or
51%, to $495 million for the year.
• We closed 2014 with cash and cash equivalents and short-
term investments of $743 million, 75% higher than our
balance of $425 million at the end of 2013.
Overall, we are proud of our progress in 2014 and confident
that our current position provides us with both the stability
and the flexibility to pursue initiatives for the benefit
of all of our stakeholders. To that effect, we continue to
implement a thoughtful and prudent capital allocation
framework that prioritizes investments in organic growth,
the pursuit of strategic acquisitions and opportunities, and
returning value to our shareholders.
4 See non-GAAP reconciliations on page 7.
Channel One News
acquired in 2014
Curious About Shapes
and Colors launched in
the App StoreSM in 2014
Reflecting on our accomplishments in 2014 emboldens us for what lies ahead. In
2015, we plan to build on our strong foundation by deepening our core business
with K–12 customers, strengthening our digital offerings in early childhood and
consumer, and delivering effective solutions to enable a learning transformation.
More specifically, we will focus on:
• Deepening Our Core K–12 Presence: We believe our leading market position in the
K–12 space provides us with an opportunity to go deeper with our customers. For
example, we recently formed an integrated Education Services group to provide our
customers with meaningful guidance, professional development, and leadership in
this changing educational landscape. We see opportunities to extend our reach within
our Trade business, by expanding into new key genres, growing strategic partnerships,
and leveraging rights in order to engage readers and lifelong learners in new ways.
• Expansion in Growth Markets: In 2015, we will continue to focus on growth within the
early learning and the direct-to-consumer markets, by bolstering our Web presence,
enhancing our consumer product portfolio, and building our profile as a thought leader.
• Focusing on Our Customers: We have launched a new cross-functional Customer
Experience Initiative within our organization, designed to reimagine every step in
the customer journey—from first exposure to HMH products to implementation,
use, and renewal—from the perspective of the customer. We believe this customer-
focused mindset will help enable our solutions to be carefully aligned with the needs of
classroom teachers and their students.
• Investing in Our People: We believe that our people are the foundation of our success.
In 2015, we will continue to focus on empowering and enabling our employees,
through ongoing investment in employee benefits, the launch of a companywide
Employee Recognition Program, and more.
At HMH, there is much to be proud of, and much more to accomplish. As we
execute against these goals and initiatives, we aim to do so in a way that creates
meaningful value for our shareholders. I hope that you are as excited as I am to
continue this journey.
Best regards,
How to Cook Everything Fast
released in 2014
Linda K. Zecher
President, Chief Executive Officer, and Director
Non-GAAP Reconciliations
Consolidated
(in thousands of dollars)
Net loss ............................................................................................
$(111,491)
$(111,186)
Year Ended December 31,
2014
2013
Interest expense ...............................................................................
Provision for income taxes ................................................................
Depreciation expense .......................................................................
Amortization expense .......................................................................
Non-cash charges—stock compensation ..........................................
Non-cash charges—loss on derivative instruments ...........................
Asset impairment charges ................................................................
Purchase accounting adjustments ....................................................
Fees, expenses or charges for equity offerings, debt or acquisitions ..
Restructuring ...................................................................................
Severance separation costs and facility closures ................................
Debt extinguishment loss .................................................................
Adjusted EBITDA ..............................................................................
Change in Deferred Revenue
Adjusted Cash EBITDA
Net Sales ..........................................................................................
Change in Deferred Revenue ............................................................
Billings .............................................................................................
18,245
6,242
72,290
247,487
11,376
1,593
1,679
3,661
4,424
2,577
7,300
21,344
2,347
61,705
280,271
9,524
252
9,000
11,460
23,540
3,123
13,040
—
$265,383
229,956
$495,339
598
$325,018
1,842
$326,860
Year Ended December 31,
2014
$1,372,316
229,956
$1,602,272
2013
$1,378,612
1,842
$1,380,454
Forward-Looking Statements
This Annual Report contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties that could cause
results to differ materially from those projected. These forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of
forward-looking terminology, including the terms “believe,” “estimate,” “project,” “anticipate,” “expect,” “could,”
“intend,” “may,” “will” or “should,” “forecast,” “plan,” “potential,” “project,” “target” or, in each case, their negative,
or other variations or comparable terminology. Factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from those
contemplated by the statements in this Annual Report can be found in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year
ended December 31, 2014, under the heading “Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements.” Accordingly,
you are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any of our forward-looking statements. We disclaim any intention
or obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements. This cautionary statement is applicable to
all forward-looking statements contained in this document.
HMH Executive Officers
Linda K. Zecher
President, Chief Executive
Officer, and Director
Eric L. Shuman
Executive Vice President
and Chief Financial Officer
William F. Bayers
Executive Vice President,
General Counsel and
Secretary
Timothy L. Cannon
Executive Vice President,
International Operations and
Global Strategic Alliances
Brook Colangelo
Executive Vice President
and Chief Technology
Officer
Mary J. Cullinane
Chief Content Officer and
Executive Vice President,
Corporate Affairs
John K. Dragoon
Executive Vice President
and Chief Marketing Officer
Gary L. Gentel
President, Houghton Mifflin
Harcourt Trade Publishing
Bridgett Paradise
Senior Vice President and
Chief People Officer
Lee R. Ramsayer
Executive Vice President,
U.S. Sales
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-K
È ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934, or
‘ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
Commission file number 001-36166
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Company
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
27-1566372
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
222 Berkeley Street
Boston, MA 02116
(617) 351-5000
(Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of registrant’s principal executive offices)
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each class
Common Stock, $0.01 par value
Name of each exchange on which registered
The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC
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 È No ‘
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of
the Act. Yes ‘ No È
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 È 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 È No ‘
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (§ 229.405 of this
chapter) is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of Registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or
information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. ‘
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated
filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller
reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer È
Non-accelerated filer ‘
‘
Accelerated filer
Smaller reporting company ‘
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange
Act). Yes ‘ No È
The aggregate market value of the voting stock held by non-affiliates of the Registrant as of June 30, 2014, was
approximately $2.1 billion.
The number of shares of common stock, par value $0.01 per share, outstanding as of February 12, 2015 was
142,172,861.
Documents incorporated by reference and made a part of this Form 10-K:
The information required by Part III of this Form 10-K, to the extent not set forth herein, is incorporated herein by
reference from the Registrant’s Definitive Proxy Statement for its 2015 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, to be filed with
the Securities and Exchange Commission not later than 120 days after December 31, 2014.
Table of Contents
PART I
Item 1.
Item 1A.
Item 1B.
Item 2.
Item 3.
Item 4.
PART II
Item 5.
Item 6.
Item 7.
Item 7A.
Item 8.
Item 9.
Item 9A.
Item 9B.
PART III
Item 10.
Item 11.
Item 12.
Item 13.
Item 14.
PART IV
Item 15.
Business
Risk Factors
Unresolved Staff Comments
Properties
Legal Proceedings
Mine Safety Disclosures
Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases
of Equity Securities
Selected Financial Data
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
Controls and Procedures
Other Information
Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance
Executive Compensation
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related
Stockholder Matters
Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence
Principal Accounting Fees and Services
Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules
SIGNATURES
Page(s)
4
17
26
26
26
27
27
29
31
59
60
109
109
110
110
110
110
110
110
111
117
2
SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
The statements contained herein include forward-looking statements, which involve risks and uncertainties.
These forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology, including the
terms “believes,” “estimates,” “projects,” “anticipates,” “expects,” “could,” “intends,” “may,” “will” or “should,”
“forecast,” “intend,” “plan,” “potential,” “project,” “target” or, in each case, their negative, or other variations or
comparable terminology. These forward-looking statements include all matters that are not historical facts. They
include statements regarding our intentions, beliefs or current expectations concerning, among other things, our
results of operations, financial condition, liquidity, prospects, growth, strategies, the industry in which we operate
and potential business decisions. We derive many of our forward-looking statements from our operating budgets
and forecasts, which are based upon many detailed assumptions. While we believe that our assumptions are
reasonable, we caution that it is very difficult to predict the impact of known factors, and, of course, it is
impossible for us to anticipate all factors that could affect our actual results. All forward-looking statements are
based upon information available to us on the date of this report.
By their nature, forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties because they relate to events and
depend on circumstances that may or may not occur in the future. We caution you that forward-looking
statements are not guarantees of future performance and that our actual results of operations, financial condition
and liquidity, and the development of the industry in which we operate may differ materially from those made in
or suggested by the forward-looking statements contained herein. In addition, even if our results of operations,
financial condition and liquidity and the development of the industry in which we operate are consistent with the
forward looking statements contained herein, those results or developments may not be indicative of results or
developments in subsequent periods.
Important factors that could cause our results to vary from expectations include, but are not limited to: changes in
state and local education funding and/or related programs, legislation and procurement processes; adverse or
worsening economic trends or the continuation of current economic conditions; changes in consumer demand for,
and acceptance of, our products; changes in competitive factors; offerings by technology companies that compete
with our products; industry cycles and trends; conditions and/or changes in the publishing industry; changes or
the loss of our key third-party print vendors; restrictions under agreements governing our outstanding
indebtedness; changes in laws or regulations governing our business and operations; changes or failures in the
information technology systems we use; demographic trends; uncertainty surrounding our ability to enforce our
intellectual property rights; inability to retain management or hire employees; impact of potential impairment of
goodwill and other intangibles in a challenging economy; decline or volatility of our stock price regardless of our
operating performance; and other factors discussed in the “Risk Factors” section of this Annual Report on Form
10-K (this “Annual Report”). In light of these risks, uncertainties and assumptions, the forward-looking events
described herein may not occur.
We undertake no obligation, and do not expect, to publicly update or publicly revise any forward-looking
statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. All
subsequent written and oral forward-looking statements attributable to us or to persons acting on our behalf are
expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements contained herein.
3
Item 1. Business
As used in this Annual Report, the terms “we,” “us,” “our,” “HMH” and the “Company” refer to Houghton
Mifflin Harcourt Company, formerly known as HMH Holdings (Delaware), Inc., and its consolidated
subsidiaries, unless otherwise expressly stated or the context otherwise requires.
Company Overview
Our mission is to change people’s lives by fostering passionate, curious learners. We believe that by
combining world-class educational content and services with cutting edge technology, we can enable learning in
a changing landscape and make the educational process more dynamic, engaging and effective.
We are a global learning company, specializing in education solutions across a variety of media. We deliver
content, services and technology to both educational institutions and consumers, reaching over 50 million
students in more than 150 countries worldwide. In the United States, we are the leading provider of Kindergarten
through 12th grade (K-12) educational content by market share. We believe that nearly every current K-12 student
in the United States has utilized our content during the course of his or her education. As a result, we believe that
we have an established reputation with students and educators that is difficult for others to replicate and that
positions us to also provide content and services that serve their learning needs beyond the classroom. We
believe our long-standing reputation and well-known brands enable us to capitalize on consumer and digital
trends in the education market through our existing and developing channels. Furthermore, since 1832, we have
published trade and reference materials, including adult and children’s fiction and non-fiction books that have
won industry awards such as the Pulitzer Prize, Newbery and Caldecott medals and National Book Award, all of
which we believe are widely known.
We believe our leadership position in the K-12 market, our primary market, provides us with strong
competitive advantages. We have established relationships with educators, institutions, parents, students and life-
long learners around the world that are founded on our education expertise, content and services that meet the
evolving needs of our customers. Our portfolio of intellectual property spans educational, general interest,
children’s and reference works, and has been developed by award-winning authors—including 9 Nobel Prize
winners, 48 Pulitzer Prize winners and 13 National Book Award winners—and learning architects with expertise
in education pedagogy. Our content includes characters and titles such as Curious George, Carmen Sandiego,
The Oregon Trail, The Little Prince, The Lord of the Rings, Life of Pi, Webster’s New World Dictionary and
Cliffs Notes that we believe are recognized in the United States and internationally. Through our network of over
500 quota-carrying sales professionals, we serve a growing list of institutional customers.
We sell our products and services across multiple media and distribution channels and are expanding our
customer base beyond educational institutions, with an increasing focus on individual consumers who comprise a
significant target audience of life-long learners. Leveraging our portfolio of content, including some of our
children’s brands and titles that we believe are iconic and timeless, such as Carmen Sandiego and Curious
George, we create interactive digital content, mobile apps and educational games, build websites and provide
technology-based educational solutions for the home. Based on the strength of our content portfolio and its
adaptability across multiple distribution channels, we believe that we are also well positioned to expand into the
early learning and global English language learning markets without significant additional costs associated with
content development.
We believe we are a leader in transforming the traditional educational content and services landscape based
on our market share, which is greater than 40% in our addressable market, and the size of our digital products
portfolio, which includes approximately 34,000 titles. Our digital products portfolio, combined with our content
development or distribution agreements with recognized technology leaders, such as Apple, Google, Intel and
Knewton, enables us to bring our next-generation learning solutions and content to learners across virtually all
platforms and devices. These agreements, however, are non-exclusive, and these technology leaders may also
4
have agreements with our competitors who are moving into the digital-content market. Additionally, we believe
our technology and development capabilities allow us to enhance content engagement and effectiveness with
embedded assessment, interactivity, personalization and adaptivity.
In addition to our comprehensive instructional materials, we provide assessment solutions, school
improvement and professional development services, which help teachers and administrators meet their academic
objectives and regulatory mandates. We believe that our research-based education solutions are important for
school systems and educators as they provide a comprehensive set of curriculum and instructional strategy
solutions designed to deliver learning and teaching results both in the classroom and at home.
Market Opportunity
Rising Global Demand for Education
We believe we are a leading provider in the global learning market based on our market share and are well
positioned to take advantage of the continued growth expected to result as more countries transition to
knowledge-based economies, global markets integrate, and consumption, especially in emerging markets, rises.
In International markets, we focus our offerings on English language education and instructional products. The
global education sector, especially in Asia and the Middle East, is experiencing rising enrollments and increasing
government and consumer spending driven by the close connection between levels of educational attainment,
evolving standards, personal career prospects and economic growth that will increase the demand for our English
language products. In particular, we believe that the educational markets where we are focusing our international
growth, such as China, India, Brazil, Mexico and the Middle East, are poised for long-term growth. However,
there can be no guarantee that the global educational markets will continue to rise or that we will be able to
increase our market share in foreign countries or benefit from growth in these markets.
U.S. K-12 Market is Large and Growing
In the United States, which is our primary market today and in which we sell educational content for both
public and private schools, the K-12 education sector represents one of the largest industry segments accounting
for over $632 billion of expenditures, or about 4.4% of the 2011 U.S. gross domestic product as measured by the
U.S Education’s National Center for Education Statistics (“NCES”) for the 2010-2011 school year. The
instructional supplies and services component of this market was estimated to be approximately $30 billion in
2011 and is expected to continue growing as a result of several secular and cyclical factors. From 2000-01 to
2010-11, current expenditures per student in public elementary and secondary schools increased by 14%, after
adjusting for inflation. However, there can be no assurance that the U.S. K-12 market will grow.
In addition to its size, the U.S. K-12 education market is highly decentralized and is characterized by
complex content adoption processes. The sector is comprised of approximately 15,600 public school districts
across the 50 states and 132,000 public and private elementary and secondary schools. We believe this market
structure underscores the importance of scale and industry relationships and the need for broad, diverse coverage
across states, districts and schools. Even while we believe certain initiatives in the education sector such as the
Common Core State Standards, a set of shared math and literacy standards benchmarked to international
standards, have increased standardization in K-12 education content, we believe significant state standard
specific customization still exists, and we believe the need to address customization provides an ongoing need for
companies in the sector to maintain relationships with individual state and district policymakers and expertise in
state-varying academic standards.
Growth in the U.S. K-12 market for educational content and services will be driven by several factors. In the
near term, total spend by institutions, which is largely dependent upon state and local funding, is rebounding in
the wake of the U.S. economic recovery. While the market has historically grown above the pace of inflation,
averaging 7.2% growth annually since 1969, the difficult operating environment stemming from the recession
has caused many states and school districts to defer spending on educational materials. Following the recovery,
5
and as tax revenues collected through income, sales and property taxes continue to rebound, institutional
customers benefit from improved funding cycles. However, the U.S. economic recovery has been slower than
anticipated and there can be no assurance that any further improvement will be significant. Nevertheless, states
such as California, Florida and Texas have been moving forward with major adoptions of instructional materials.
For example, in 2015 California is scheduled to adopt materials in English language arts, Florida is scheduled to
adopt social studies materials, and Texas is expected to purchase social studies and high school mathematics
materials adopted in 2014.
Longer-term growth in the U.S. K-12 market is positively correlated with student enrollments. Compared to
54.7 million students in 2010, total U.S. public school enrollments are expected to increase to approximately
58.0 million by the 2022 school year, according to NCES and the U.S. Census Bureau. Accordingly, NCES
forecasts that the current expenditures in the U.S. K-12 market are expected to grow to approximately $699
billion by 2022-23. The instructional supplies and services market, which uses the types of educational materials
and services that we offer, represents approximately 4.8%, or $33.5 billion, of these expenditures. There is no
guarantee that spending will increase by the amount forecasted and, if it does, there is no guarantee that our sales
will increase accordingly.
In addition, increased investment in areas of government policy focus is expected to further drive market
growth. For example, President Obama has identified early childhood development as an important education
initiative of his administration and has proposed a Preschool for All initiative, which has not been enacted, with a
$75 billion budget over the next 10 years to increase access to high-quality early childhood education. In
addition, according to a January 2015 report from the Education Commission of the States (ECS), state funding
for Preschool programs totaled $6.3 billion in fiscal 2014-15, a 12% increase from the prior fiscal year. We
believe the adoption of new academic standards in many states, including states that have adopted the Common
Core State Standards in mathematics and English language arts, is also expanding the market for teacher
professional development and school improvement services.
Increasing Focus on Accountability and Student Outcomes
U.S. K-12 education has come under significant political scrutiny in recent years, due to recognition of its
importance to the U.S. society at large and concern over the perceived decline in U.S. students’ competitiveness
relative to their international peers. An independent task force report published in March of 2012 by the Council
on Foreign Relations, a non-partisan membership organization and think tank, observed that American students
rank far behind global leaders in international tests of literacy, math and science, and concluded that the current
state of U.S. education severely impairs the United States’ economic, military and diplomatic security as well as
broader components of America’s global leadership.
These concerns helped lead to the passage of No Child Left Behind (“NCLB”), in 2002, which ushered in an
era of stricter accountability, higher standards and increased transparency in education. Since the enactment of
NCLB, states have been required to measure annual progress towards these standards and make results publicly
available. Race to the Top, a competitive grant program initiated by the U.S. Department of Education (“DOE”)
in 2009, continued the push for greater accountability, encouraging states to adopt internationally benchmarked
college and career-ready standards and teacher evaluation systems based in part on standardized test scores.
Since 2009, 46 states have adopted and most are now in the process of implementing new academic standards in
mathematics and English language arts, based on the Common Core State Standards, developed under the
auspices of governors and state chief school officers.
This heightened focus on accountability and the adoption of new, more rigorous standards has elevated the
importance of, and helped drive demand for, high-quality, proven content that is aligned with these standards and
empowers educators to meet new requirements. Schools have also increased their expenditures on services that
provide them with the data management and assessment capabilities they need to measure their progress.
Although this trend may lead to increases in spending by schools and districts, educational mandates and
expenditures can also be affected by other factors.
6
Growing Shift Towards Digital Materials
The digitalization of education content and delivery is also driving a substantial shift in the education
market. An increasing number of schools are utilizing digital content in their classrooms and implementing
online or blended learning environments, which mix the use of print and digital educational materials in the
classroom. Technologies are also being adapted for educational uses on the internet, mobile devices and through
cloud-computing, which permits the sharing of digital files and programs among multiple computers or other
devices at the same time through a virtual network. An analysis conducted by the DOE in 2009 that surveyed
more than a thousand empirical studies of online learning found that, on average, students in online learning
conditions performed modestly better than those receiving face-to-face instruction.
While the adoption of technology within the U.S. K-12 market may differ significantly across districts and
states due to varying resources and infrastructure, most schools are seeking to implement more technology and
are seeking partners to help them create effective digital learning environments. In some cases, districts are
requiring providers of instructional materials to include digital components in their offerings, and are exploring
subscription-based models for acquiring content. Many educators also believe that the increased implementation
of digital learning environments will enable the widespread use of learning analytics, which enhance the ability
to monitor patterns or gather intelligence surrounding student behavior and learning to ultimately help schools
build better pedagogical methods, target at-risk students and improve student retention.
Competitive Strengths
We believe we are a leader in our market based on our decades-long experience developing content and
solutions and forming and maintaining long-term customer and industry relationships. We believe the following
to be our key competitive strengths:
•
•
High-quality content portfolio. Our intellectual property portfolio is one of our most valuable and difficult
to replicate assets. It reflects multi-billion dollar investments over our history in content development,
conceptualization and acquisition, including, on average, $120 million in annual pre-publication content
development expenditures over the past five years. Our portfolio contains almost 500,000 separate
International Standard Book Numbers, including print, digital and bundled titles, spanning education,
general interest, children’s and reference works and includes content developed in collaboration with
respected educational authors such as Irene Fountas, Gay Su Pinnell and Ed Berger. We leverage this
content, which is backed by decades of research, to provide educational products and solutions used and
relied upon daily by thousands of teachers, students, parents and lifelong learners. Our solutions provide
comprehensive and effective educational curricula developed to meet or exceed U.S. and global education
standards, including the Common Core State Standards. As an example of the efficacy of our educational
content, a recent independent, gold standard randomized control trial study (the only research design
meeting What Works Clearinghouse standards for demonstrating effectiveness), conducted by PRES
Associates, concluded that students using HMH Journeys had significantly greater learning gains than
similar students using competitors’ reading programs.
Long-standing relationships with educators and other key education stakeholders. Cultivating
relationships with educators is a critical success factor in our market. Given the nature of K-12 education
and the market’s multi-year usage cycle, wherein schools use a specific curriculum program for several
years, we believe that educators have little room for error in selecting programs for their schools and seek
out relationships with established providers to minimize curriculum selection risk. We believe our
relationships with educators are an important source of competitive advantage. Our relationships reflect a
long history of education policy expertise, unique content development competencies, and results-driven
education solutions, and lead to strong contract retention and better access to new customers and future
growth opportunities. For example, as states have considered adopting the Common Core State Standards
and adding their state-specific academic requirements to Common Core State Standards, we have played an
active role in the changing curriculum landscape. We have met with various state leaders and discussed
generally the transition to Common Core State Standards and related matters, including how our products,
7
•
•
•
services and capabilities can help educators with that transition. Separately, we provide fee-based teacher
training sessions through our educational services offerings for educators adopting the Common Core State
Standards. These services constitute part of our growing suite of professional services provided to improve
educational effectiveness for schools and educators.
Our sales force utilizes a strategic, consultative approach that involves stakeholders at every level of the
decision-making process, from state legislators and school districts to school administrators and teachers.
Our approach positions us to flexibly respond to schools’ and teachers’ needs, as demonstrated by our
growing suite of professional services, which are focused on improving educational effectiveness at both the
institutional and instructor levels.
Iconic brands with international recognition. Our brands include characters and titles that we believe are
recognized in the United States and internationally, such as Curious George, CliffsNotes, Gossie & Gertie,
The Polar Express and Life of Pi, and which we believe resonate with students, teachers, educators and
parents. We believe that nearly every school-aged child in the United States has used our curriculum as part
of their education because we sell our educational products to approximately 13,850 public school districts
and 14,600 private schools in the United States that collectively represent approximately 98% of student
enrollments in the United States. Our comprehensive instructional materials reach 100% of the top 1,000
school districts in the United States. This combination of reach and recognition contributes to what we
believe is a long-lasting relationship with consumers, who are introduced to our brands as children, use our
educational products throughout their pre-K-12 school years, read our general interest titles as adults, and
then purchase our content for their own children. We believe that we have a strong foundation upon which
to further monetize our intellectual property across new media and channels, including websites, mobile
applications, e-books and games.
Strategic relationships with industry and technology thought leaders. Our position as a leader in our
market allows us to continually expand upon our strategic relationships with both industry and technology
thought leaders. These relationships enable us to create innovative solutions that meet the evolving needs of
the global education market. For example, our agreements with technology companies in the U.S. K-12
education market include a non-exclusive digital distribution agreement with Apple under which our
educational content is delivered on the iOS platform as interactive textbooks through the iBookstore and a
non-exclusive agreement with Knewton to deliver adaptive learning solutions to K-12 students in the United
States via the integration of our educational content with Knewton’s proprietary personalized learning
technology. Additionally, we have entered into a series of agreements with A&E, a cable and television
channel, enabling us to develop and offer traditional and digital instructional materials featuring A&E
History multimedia content in co-branded products in the U.S. market.
Strong financial position and scalable business model. Our strong financial position is derived from our
ability to generate significant cash flow from operating activities and the actions that we have taken over the
past few years. For the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, we generated $491.0 million,
$157.2 million and $104.8 million of cash flow from operations, respectively. As a result of the lingering
impact of the economic recession on spending, our significant non-cash charges associated with our 2010
recapitalization, and other factors, we generated net losses for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and
2012 of $111.5 million, $111.2 million and $87.1 million, respectively.
We believe that as we continue to monetize our content across newly developed channels, we will begin to
realize even greater sales while incurring lower incremental costs, which will further improve our operating
margins. In addition, as we distribute more of our content in digital formats, our operating margins will
benefit from lower development and distribution costs relative to print products. We have embraced this
gradual shift to digital through our “hybrid” offerings of print and digital products that allow for flexibility
in the delivery of an education curriculum while allowing us to benefit from better margins as more and
more schools make the transition to digital. Because of these factors, we believe our business model is
scalable since we should be able to generate future revenue without materially increasing our costs as we
8
believe our current infrastructure, warehousing and fulfillment capabilities can support increased sales. Our
debt balance of $243.1 million as of December 31, 2014, current cash and short-term investment position of
$743.3 million as of December 31, 2014 and total available liquidity of $963.4 million as of December 31,
2014 provide the flexibility to continue to invest in new projects and pursue selective acquisitions.
Products and Services
We are organized along two reportable segments: Education and Trade Publishing. Our primary segment
measures are net sales and Adjusted EBITDA. The Education segment is our largest business, representing
approximately 88% of our total net sales for each of the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012.
Education
Our Education segment provides educational products, technology platforms and services to meet the
diverse needs of today’s classrooms. These products and services include print and digital content in the form of
textbooks, digital courseware, instructional aids, educational assessment and intervention solutions, which are
aimed at improving learning outcomes, professional development and school reform services. With an in-house
content development team supplemented by external specialists, we develop programs that can be aligned to state
standards and customized for specific state requests. In addition, our Education segment offers a wide range of
educational, cognitive and developmental standardized testing products in print and digital online formats,
targeting the educational and clinical assessment markets. The principal markets for our Education products are
elementary and secondary school systems.
The Education segment includes, in addition to our Houghton Mifflin Harcourt brand, such brands as
Heinemann, Riverside, Holt McDougal, Great Source, Rigby, Saxon, Steck-Vaughn, and Math in Focus. These
brands offer solutions in reading, language arts, mathematics, intervention, social studies, science and world
languages, as well as curriculum resources, professional development services and an array of highly regarded
educational, cognitive and developmental assessment products. These brands, collectively, benefit from a market
share greater than 40% in our addressable market, which is the portion of the total market in which we sell our
products and services, as well as strong relationships with its customers. Most of these relationships have been
developed over many years through a service-based approach, which entails a member of our sales force
interacting with the customer and providing a product or service tailored to meet the customer’s needs.
The Education segment net sales and Adjusted EBITDA were $1,209.1 million and $298.5 million, $1,207.9
million and $343.2 million and $1,128.6 million and $329.7 million, for the years ended December 31, 2014,
2013 and 2012, respectively.
Our Education products consist of the following offerings:
•
•
Comprehensive Curriculum. The Comprehensive Curriculum group develops comprehensive
educational programs intended to provide a complete course of study in a subject, either at a single
grade level or across multiple grade levels, and serve as the primary source of classroom instruction.
We develop and market Comprehensive Curriculum programs for the pre-K-12 market utilizing the
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt brands. This group focuses its publishing portfolio on the subjects that have
consistently received the highest priority from educators and educational policy makers, namely
reading, literature and language arts, mathematics, science, world languages and social studies. Within
each subject, comprehensive learning programs are designed and then marketed with a variety of
proprietary products to maximize teaching effectiveness, including textbooks, workbooks, teachers’
guides and resources, audio and visual aids and technology-based products.
Supplemental and Intervention Products. We develop products targeted at addressing struggling
learners through comprehensive intervention solutions, products targeted at assisting English language
learners and products providing incremental instruction in a particular subject area. Supplemental
Products are used both as alternatives and as supplements to Comprehensive Curriculum programs,
9
enabling local educators to tailor their education programs in a cost-effective way that is irrespective of
adoption schedules. Included with this group of products are professional books and developmental
resources aimed at empowering pre-K-12 teachers, our Benchmark Assessment System, which allows
teachers to evaluate students’ reading levels three times a year, and our Leveled Literacy Intervention
System, which is a supplementary intervention program for children struggling with reading and
writing. The author base includes prominent experts in teaching, such as Irene Fountas and Gay Su
Pinnell, who support the practice of other teachers through books, videos, workshops and classroom
tools. The Supplemental and Intervention Products group generates net sales and earnings that do not
vary greatly with the adoption cycle. In addition, the development of supplemental and intervention
materials tends to require significantly less capital investment than the development of a
Comprehensive Curriculum program.
Educational Services. To extend our value proposition beyond curriculum, assessment and technology
solutions, we provide consulting services to assist school districts in increasing accountability for
improvement and offering professional development training, comprehensive services and school
turnaround solutions. We believe our educational services offer integrated solutions that combine the
best learning resources available today. These include learning resources that are supported with
professional development in classroom assessment, teacher effectiveness and high-impact leadership,
which have a measurable and sustainable impact on student achievement.
Assessment. Assessment products provide district and state-level solutions focused on clinical, group
and formative assessment tools and platform solutions. Clinical solutions provide psychological and
special needs testing to assess intellectual, cognitive and behavioral development. Our products include
measurement tools and services relating to intellectual ability, academic achievement assessments
around cognitive abilities and several diagnostic and assessment tools that assist in identifying the
learning needs of students.
International. We sell our educational solutions into global education markets predominantly to large
English language schools in high growth territories primarily in Asia, the Pacific, the Middle East,
Latin America, the Caribbean and Africa. In addition to our sales and business development team, we
have a global network of distributors in local markets around the world.
•
•
•
Trade Publishing
Our Trade Publishing segment, which dates back to 1832, primarily develops, markets and sells consumer
books in print and digital formats and licenses book rights to other publishers and electronic businesses in the
United States and abroad. The principal markets for Trade Publishing products are retail stores (both physical
and online) and wholesalers. Reference materials are also sold to schools, colleges, libraries, office supply
distributors and other businesses.
Our Trade Publishing segment offers an extensive library of general interest, young readers and reference
works that include well-known characters and brands. Our award-winning general interest titles encompass
literary fiction, culinary, and non-fiction in hardcover, e-book and paperback formats, including the Mariner
Books paperback line. Among the general interest properties are the popular J.R.R. Tolkien titles and the prolific
Best American series. The general interest group also publishes the CliffsNotes series of test prep and study
guides, branded field guides, such as the Peterson Field Guides and Taylor’s Gardening Guides and extensive
culinary works. With the 2012 acquisition of certain culinary and reference assets, we bolstered our catalog and
increased our market share in those two niches. In culinary, our catalog now includes major cookbook brands
such as Betty Crocker and Better Homes and Gardens in addition to recent best sellers including the How to
Cook Everything series. Our catalog features numerous Nobel and Pulitzer Prize winners and Newbery and
Caldecott medal winners, including a 2014 and 2013 Caldecott Honor winner and a 2014 Pulitzer Prize winner.
In young readers publishing, a segment in which we demonstrated growth in 2014, our list addresses a broad age
group and includes an array of products for the preschool/early learning market, including board books, picture
books and workbooks. This list includes recognized characters such as Curious George and Martha Speaks, both
10
successful television programs featured on PBS, Five Little Monkeys, Gossie & Gertie, and many more. We also
publish novels for young adults, a growing genre which we bolstered with additional editorial talent in 2014. In
the reference category, we are the publisher of the American Heritage and Webster’s New World dictionaries,
and related titles.
Even before e-books gained prominence in the market, we had developed in-house experience in converting,
structuring, storing and distributing dictionary and other reference content for digital platforms, and applied our
knowledge and tools in the digital space to consumer trade content including e-books and applications. In
addition to traditional conversions of print to digital content, we now develop our content digitally in various
formats with minimal incremental investment, and we employ in-house programmers and developers to produce
new digital content based on our trade products. For example, we have brought the Curious George character to
multiple digital platforms with the development of a prominent website, curiousgeorge.com, which is an award-
winning interactive learning tool for pre-school children, and a suite of Curious George apps, which both
entertain and educate early learners at home. As such, we have an established and flexible solution for
converting, manipulating and distributing trade content to the many emerging digital consumer platforms such as
e-readers and tablets. We continue to actively publish into the sizable consumer market for e-books, book or
character-based applications and other digital products with net sales from e-books reaching $24.0 million for the
year ended December 31, 2014, and now representing approximately 15% of our Trade Publishing segment net
sales for the same period. We continue to focus on the development of innovative new digital products which
capitalize on our content, our digital expertise, and the growing consumer demand for these products. In addition,
we are increasingly leveraging the strength of our Trade Publishing brands and characters, such as Curious
George, together with our expertise in developing educational solutions, to further penetrate the large and
growing consumer market for at-home educational products and services.
For the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, Trade Publishing net sales and Adjusted EBITDA
were approximately $163.2 million and $12.7 million, $170.7 million and $24.4 million, and $157.1 million and
$28.8 million, respectively.
Our Industry
K-12 comprehensive curriculum or basal market
The U.S. K-12 comprehensive curriculum or basal market provides educational programs and assessments
to approximately 55.0 million students across approximately 132,000 elementary and secondary schools. Basal
programs cover curriculum standards in a particular subject and include a comprehensive offering of teacher and
student materials required to conduct the class throughout the year. Products and services in basal programs
include students’ print and digital offerings and a variety of supporting materials such as teacher’s editions,
formative assessments, whole group instruction materials, practice aids, educational games and services.
Comprehensive curriculum programs are the primary source of classroom education for most K-12
academic subjects, and as a result, enrollment trends are a major driver of industry growth. Although economic
cycles may affect short-term buying patterns, school enrollments, a driver of growth in the educational
publishing industry, are highly predictable and are expected to trend upward over the longer term.
In addition, the market for comprehensive curriculum programs is affected by changes in state curriculum
standards, which drive instruction, assessment, and accountability in each state. A significant change in state
curriculum standards requires that assessments, teacher training programs, and instructional materials be revised
or replaced to align to the new standards, which historically has driven demand for new comprehensive
curriculum programs.
The majority of states are in the process of implementing or transitioning to new curriculum standards in the
two most important subject areas, mathematics and English language arts. For the most part, these new standards
are based on the Common Core State Standards, the product of a multi-state effort to establish a single set of
11
content standards in mathematics and English language arts for grades K-12. Forty-six states and the District of
Columbia have adopted the Common Core State Standards or curriculum standards based on them. Most of these
states are administering new student assessments aligned to the new standards, including tests developed by two
multistate testing consortia, the Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium and the Partnership for Assessment of
Readiness for College and Careers, beginning in the 2014-15 school year. Schools in these states will need to
augment and replace instructional materials, including comprehensive curriculum programs, to align to the new
standards and to prepare students for the new state assessments.
Instructional material adoption process
The process through which materials and curricula are selected and procured for classroom use varies
throughout the United States. Twenty states, known as adoption states, approve and procure new basal programs
usually every six to eight years on a state-wide basis, and individual schools or school districts typically purchase
instructional materials from the state approved list, although in some adoption states districts may be permitted to
select materials not on the state list. In all remaining states, known as open states or open territories, each
individual school or school district can procure materials at any time, though usually according to a five to ten
year cycle. In adoption states, the states approve curriculum and often provide dedicated funding for educational
and instructional materials, while in open states, local school districts approve curriculum and provide funding.
The following chart illustrates the current adoption and open states:
The student population in adoption states represents over 50% of the U.S. elementary and secondary school-
age population. A number of adoption states provide categorical state funding for instructional materials, that is,
funds that typically cannot be used for any purpose other than to purchase instructional content or, in some cases,
technology equipment used to deliver instruction. In some states, categorical instructional materials funds can be
used only for the purchase of materials on the state-approved list.
In adoption states, the state education board’s decision to approve a certain program developed by an
educational content provider depends on recommendations from instructional materials committees, which are
often comprised of educators and curriculum specialists. Such committees typically recommend a program only
if it aligns to the state’s educational content standards. To ensure the approval and subsequent success of a new
instructional materials program, educational content providers typically conduct extensive market research,
including: discussions of the planned curriculum with the state-level curriculum advisors to secure their support;
development of prototype instructional materials that are focus-tested with educators, often against competing
programs, to gather feedback on the program’s content and design; and incorporation of qualitative input from
existing customers in terms of classroom needs.
In open territories, the procurement process is typically characterized by a presentation and provision of
sample materials to instructional materials selection committees, which subsequently evaluate and recommend a
particular program to district level school boards. Products are generally customized to meet the states’
curriculum standards with similar research methods as in adoption states.
12
We believe that a content provider’s ultimate success in a given state will depend on a variety of factors,
including the quality of its programs and materials, the strength of its relationships with key decision-makers and
the magnitude of its marketing and sales efforts. As a result, educational content providers often implement
formal market research efforts that include educator focus groups, prototypes of student and ancillary materials
and comparisons against competing products. At the same time, marketing and editorial staffs work closely
together to incorporate the results of research into products, while developing the most up-to-date, research- and
needs-based curricula.
Supplemental and Intervention materials market
The supplemental and intervention materials market includes a wide range of product offerings targeted at
addressing specific needs in a district generally not addressed through a comprehensive curriculum solution.
These products are typically offered in the form of print, digital, service and blended product solutions. The
development of supplemental materials and solutions tends to require significantly less capital investment than
the development of a basal program. These materials and solutions enable local educators to tailor their education
programs in a cost-effective way that is not tied to adoption schedules.
Supplemental products and services are funded through state and local resources as well as government
funding allocations as designated through Title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (“ESEA”) and
the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (“IDEA”). Title I distributes funding to those schools and school
districts which are comprised of a relatively high percentage of students from low income families as defined by
the ESEA. In addition, Title I appropriates money for the education system for the prevention of dropouts and the
improvement of schools. IDEA governs how states and public agencies provide early intervention, special
education and related services to children with disabilities. In recent years, the supplemental materials that
schools have purchased have changed as the demands and expectations for educators and students have changed.
Educational institutions have increasingly purchased digital solutions along with traditional supplemental
materials and, with the growing emphasis on accountability, demand for targeted intervention solutions, school
reform and turnaround services has been on the rise.
Assessment market
The assessment market includes summative, formative or in-classroom, and diagnostic assessments.
Summative assessments are concluding or “final” exams that measure students’ proficiency in a particular
subject or group of subjects on an aggregate level or against state standards. Formative assessments are on-going,
in-classroom tests that occur throughout the school year and monitor progress in certain subjects or curriculum
units. Diagnostic assessments are designed to pinpoint areas of need and are often administered by specialists to
identify learning difficulties and qualify individuals for special services under the requirements of IDEA.
Many states and districts are also utilizing teacher evaluation systems that measure teacher performance
based on standardized test scores and other elements required to meet certain benchmarks set by policymakers.
Certain federal agencies are shifting the focus to children at even younger ages to provide intervention before
significant achievement gaps are realized. As a result, this has led to additional opportunities in the early
childhood development market.
Many states are implementing new statewide student assessment programs in the 2014-15 school year,
including those promulgated by the Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium and the Partnership Assessment of
Readiness for College and Careers. Presently, 21 states are participating in the Smarter Balanced Assessment
Consortium, while 12 states and the District of Columbia are participating in the Partnership Assessment of
Readiness for College and Careers.
As states plan for the upcoming new assessments, and districts continue to transition to new standards based
on the Common Core State Standards, demand for quality measures which help the districts prepare for the
content coverage and item types anticipated on the new assessments should continue to increase.
13
International market
The global education market continues to demonstrate strong macroeconomic growth characteristics. There
are 1.4 billion students out of a 7.2 billion world population. Population growth is a leading indicator for pre-
primary school enrollments, which have a subsequent impact on secondary and higher education enrollments.
Globally, according to United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (“UNESCO”), rapid
population growth has caused pre-primary enrollments to grow by 16.2% worldwide from 2007 to 2011.
Additionally, the global population is expected to be approximately 9.0 billion by 2050, as countries develop and
improvements in medical conditions increase the birth rate.
Internationally, we predominantly export and sell K-12 books to premium private schools that utilize the
U.S. curriculum, which are located primarily in Asia, the Pacific, the Middle East, Latin America, the Caribbean
and Africa. Our international sales team utilizes a global network of distributors in local markets around the
world. According to the Book Industry Study Group and the Association of American Publishers, the size of the
K-12 U.S. export market is estimated at $100 million, of which we have a growing market share.
Our immediate strategy is to expand our addressable market through working with local distributors to
localize our K-12 content for sale into public and private schools in targeted international markets and to sell
digitized content through key distributors into global school and consumer markets.
Trade Publishing market
The Trade Publishing market includes works of fiction and non-fiction in the General Interest and Young
Reader’s categories, dictionaries and other reference works. While print remains the primary format in which
trade books are produced and distributed, the market for trade titles in digital format, primarily e-books, has
developed rapidly over the past several years, as the industry evolves to embrace new technologies for
developing, producing, marketing and distributing trade works.
Seasonality
In the K-12 market, we typically receive payments for products and services from individual school
districts, and, to a lesser extent, individual schools and states. In the case of testing and assessment products and
services, payment is received from the individually contracted parties. In the Trade Publishing market, payment
is received for products from book distributors and retail booksellers.
Approximately 88% of our net sales for the year ended December 31, 2014 were derived from our
Education segment, which is a markedly seasonal business. Schools conduct the majority of their purchases in
the second and third quarters of the calendar year in preparation for the beginning of the school year. Thus, over
the past three years, approximately 67% of consolidated net sales were realized in the second and third quarters.
Sales of K-12 instructional materials and customized testing products are also cyclical, with some years offering
more sales opportunities than others. The amount of funding available at the state level for educational materials
also has a significant effect on year-to-year net sales.
Competition
We sell our products in competitive markets. In these markets, product quality, customer service and
perceived stability and longevity are major factors in generating sales growth. Other factors affecting sales
growth in the K-12 market include the level of student enrollment in subjects that are up for adoption and the
level of spending per student appropriated in each state and/or school district. Profitability is affected by industry
developments including: (i) competitive selling, sampling and gratis costs; (ii) development costs for customized
instructional materials and assessment programs; and (iii) higher technology costs due to the increased number of
textbook program components being developed in digital formats. There are three primary traditional
comprehensive curriculum publishers in the K-12 market, which also compete with a variety of specialized or
14
regional publishers that focus on select disciplines and/or geographic regions. There are multiple competitors in
the Trade Publishing, supplemental and assessment markets. Our larger competitors in the educational market
include Pearson Education, Inc., McGraw Hill Education, Cengage Learning, Inc., Scholastic Corporation and
K12 Inc.
Printing and binding; raw materials
We outsource the printing and binding of our products, with approximately 75% of our printing currently
handled by one major supplier and one print services broker who negotiates on our behalf with an extended
supplier base. We have procurement agreements that provide volume and scheduling flexibility and price
predictability. We have a longstanding relationship with these parties. Approximately 20% of our printed
materials (consisting primarily of teacher’s editions and other ancillary components) are printed outside of the
United States and approximately 80% of our printed materials (including most student editions) are printed
within the United States. Paper is one of our principal raw materials. We purchase our paper primarily through
one paper merchant and also directly through suppliers for limited product types. We maintain various
agreements that protect against supply availability and unbound price increases. We manage our paper supply
concentration by having primary and secondary sources and staying ahead of dramatic market changes.
Distribution
We operate three distribution facilities from which we coordinate our own distribution process: one each in
Indianapolis, Indiana; Geneva, Illinois; and Troy, Missouri. We also utilize select suppliers to assist us with
coordinating the distribution process for a limited number of product types. Additionally, some adoption states
require us to use in-state textbook depositories for educational materials sold in that particular state. We utilize
delivery firms including United Parcel Service Inc., FedEx Freight, CH Robinson Worldwide Inc., YRC Freight,
SAIA and USF Holland, Inc. to facilitate the principally ground transportation of products.
Employees
As of December 31, 2014, we had approximately 3,300 employees, none of which were covered by
collective bargaining agreements. These employees are substantially located in the United States with
approximately 230 employees located outside of the United States. We believe that relations with employees are
generally good.
Intellectual property
Our principal intellectual property assets consist of our trademarks and copyrights in our content.
Substantially all of our publications are protected by copyright, whether registered or unregistered, either in our
name as the author of a work made for hire or the assignee of copyright, or in the name of an author who has
licensed us to publish the work. Ownership of such copyrights secures the exclusive right to publish the work in
the United States and in many countries abroad for specified periods: in the United States in most cases either 95
years from publication or for the author’s life plus 70 years, but in any event a minimum of 28 years for works
published prior to 1978 and 35 years for works published thereafter. In most cases, the authors who retain
ownership of their copyright have licensed to us exclusive rights for the full term of copyright. Under U.S.
copyright law, for licenses granted by an author during or after 1978, such exclusive licenses are subject to
termination by the author or certain of the author’s heirs for a five year period beginning at the end of 35 years
after the date of publication of the work or 40 years after the date of the license grant, whichever term ends
earlier.
We do not own any material patents, franchises or concessions, but we have registered certain trademarks
and service marks in connection with our publishing businesses. We believe we have taken, and take in the
ordinary course of business, all appropriate available legal steps to reasonably protect our intellectual property in
all material jurisdictions.
15
Environmental matters
We generally contract with independent printers and binders for their services, and our operations are
generally not otherwise affected by environmental laws and regulations. However, as the owner and lessee of real
property, we are subject to environmental laws and regulations, including those relating to the discharge of
hazardous materials into the environment, the remediation of contaminated sites and the handling and disposal of
wastes. It is possible that we could face liability, regardless of fault, and can be held jointly or severally liable, if
contamination were to be discovered on the properties that we own or lease or on properties that we have
formerly owned or leased. We are currently unaware of any material environmental liabilities or other material
environmental issues relating to our properties or operations and anticipate no material expenditures for
compliance with environmental laws or regulations.
Additional information
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Company was incorporated as a Delaware corporation on March 5, 2010, and
was established as the holding company of the current operating group. The Company changed its name from
HMH Holdings (Delaware), Inc. on October 22, 2013. We make available our annual reports on Form 10-K,
quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and amendments to these reports, as well as other
information, free of charge through our corporate website under the “Corporate Governance” link located at:
ir.hmhco.com, as soon as reasonably practicable after being filed with or furnished to the Securities and
Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). The information found on our website or any other website we refer to in
this Annual Report is not part of this Annual Report or any other report we file with or furnish to the SEC.
16
Item 1A. Risk Factors
Our business and results of operations may be adversely affected by many factors outside of our control,
including changes in federal, state and local education funding, general economic conditions and/or changes
in the state procurement process.
The performance and growth of our U.S. educational comprehensive curriculum, supplemental and
assessment businesses depend in part on federal and state education funding, which in turn is dependent on the
robustness of state finances and the level of funding allocated to educational programs. State, local and municipal
finances were and continue to be adversely affected by the recent U.S. economic recession and are affected by
general economic conditions and factors outside of our control, as well as increasing costs and financial liabilities
of under-funded public pension plans. In response to general economic conditions or budget shortfalls, states and
districts may reduce educational spending to protect against existing or expected economic conditions or seek
cost savings to mitigate budget deficits. Most public school districts, the primary customers for K-12 products
and services, depend largely on state and local funding to purchase materials. In school districts in states that
primarily rely on local tax proceeds, significant reductions in those proceeds for any reason can severely restrict
district purchases of instructional materials. In districts and states that primarily rely on state funding for
instructional materials, a reduction in state funds or loosening of restrictions on the use of those funds may
reduce net sales. Additionally, many school districts receive substantial amounts through Federal education
programs, funding for which may be reduced as a result of Congressional budget actions.
Federal and/or state legislative changes can also affect the funding available for educational expenditure,
which include the impact of education reform, such as the reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary
Education Act (“ESEA”) and the implementation of Common Core State Standards. Existing programs and
funding streams could be changed or eliminated in connection with legislation to reauthorize the ESEA and/or
the federal appropriations process, in ways that could negatively affect demand and sources of funding for our
products and services. Our business, results of operations and financial condition may be materially adversely
affected by many factors outside of our control, including, but not limited to, delays in the timing of adoptions,
changes in curricula and changes in student testing processes. There can be no assurances that states or districts
will have sufficient funding to purchase our products and services, that we will win their business in our
competitive marketplace or that schools or districts that have historically purchased our products and services
will do so again in the future.
There is considerable political controversy in many states surrounding the adoption and implementation of
Common Core State Standards. Legislation has been introduced in a number of states to drop Common Core
standards, and some states are considering revisions to and/or rebranding of the standards. These developments
could disrupt local adoptions of instructional materials and require modifications to our programs offered for sale
in states that adopt such changes.
Similarly, changes in the state procurement process for textbooks, supplemental materials and student tests,
particularly in adoption states, can also affect our markets and sales. A significant portion of our net sales is
derived from sales of K-12 instructional materials pursuant to cyclical adoption schedules. Due to the revolving
and staggered nature of state adoption schedules, sales of K-12 instructional materials have traditionally been
cyclical, with some years offering more sales opportunities than others. In addition, changes in curricula and
changes in the student testing processes can negatively affect our programs and therefore the size of our market
in any given year.
For example, over the next few years, adoptions are scheduled in one or more of the primary subjects of
reading, language arts and literature, social studies and mathematics in, among others, the states of California,
Texas and Florida, the three largest adoption states. The inability to succeed in these states, or reductions in their
anticipated funding levels, could materially and adversely affect net sales for the year of adoption and subsequent
years. Allowing districts flexibility to use state funds previously dedicated exclusively to the purchase of
17
instructional materials and other items such as technology hardware and training could adversely affect district
expenditures on state-adopted instructional materials in the future.
Decreases in federal and state education funding and negative trends or changes in general economic
conditions can have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.
Introduction of new products, services or technologies could impact our profitability.
We operate in highly competitive markets that continue to change to adapt to customer needs. In order to
maintain a competitive position, we must continue to invest in new content and new ways to deliver our products
and services. These investments may not be profitable or may be less profitable than what we have experienced
historically. In particular, in the context of our current focus on key digital opportunities, including e-books, the
market is evolving and we may be unsuccessful in establishing ourselves as a significant competitor. New
distribution channels, such as digital platforms, the internet, online retailers and delivery platforms (e.g., tablets
and e-readers), present both threats and opportunities to our traditional publishing models, potentially impacting
both sales volumes and pricing.
Our operating results fluctuate on a seasonal and quarterly basis and our business is dependent on our results
of operations for the third quarter.
Our business is seasonal. For the year ended December 31, 2014, we derived approximately 88% of net
sales from our Education Segment. For sales of educational products, purchases typically are made primarily in
the second and third quarters of the calendar year, in preparation for the beginning of the school year, though
testing net sales are primarily generated in the second and fourth quarters. We typically realize a significant
portion of net sales during the third quarter, making third-quarter results material to full-year performance. This
sales seasonality affects operating cash flow from quarter to quarter. We normally incur a net cash deficit from
all of our activities through the middle of the third quarter of the year. In addition, changes in our customers’
ordering patterns may impact the comparison of results in a quarter with the same quarter of the previous year, in
a quarter with the consecutive quarter or a fiscal year with the prior fiscal year.
Agreements with Resellers.
We have entered into agreements with resellers from time to time pertaining to certain defined products and
channels. These agreements have been both exclusive and non-exclusive and have pertained to specific products
as well as specific channels. Depending on the timing of when orders with resellers occur, an individual
transaction with a reseller could potentially be material to the quarter or year in which it occurs. Furthermore,
there is no assurance that future orders from resellers will occur within similar timeframes as past orders or be of
similar magnitude. Some of our agreements have performance metrics which allow for one or both parties to
terminate the agreement. If such termination were to occur, our sales could be materially impacted.
Receivables to our two largest resellers comprised approximately 17.0% of our December 31, 2014 accounts
receivable balance. If such resellers are unable to remit contractual payments when due or at all, our financial
results and cash position for the quarter and year could be materially impacted.
Our business is and will continue to be impacted by the rate of and state of technological change, including
the digital evolution and other disruptive technologies, and the presence and development of open-sourced
content could continue to increase, which could adversely affect our net sales.
Our industry has been impacted by the digitalization of content and proliferation of distribution channels,
either over the internet, or via other electronic means, replacing traditional print formats. The digital migration
brings the need for change in product distribution, consumers’ perception of value and the publisher’s position
between retailers and authors. Such digitalization increases competitive threats both from large media players and
18
from smaller businesses, online and mobile portals. If we are unable to continue to adapt and transition to the move
to digitalization at the rate of our competitors, our ability to effectively compete in the marketplace will be affected.
In recent years, there have been initiatives by non-profit organizations such as the Gates Foundation and the
Hewlett Foundation to develop educational content that can be “open sourced” and made available to educational
institutions for free or nominal cost. To the extent that such open sourced content is developed and made
available to educational customers and is competitive with our instructional materials, our sales opportunities and
net sales could be adversely affected.
Technological changes and the availability of free or relatively inexpensive information and materials may
also affect changes in consumer behavior and expectations. Public and private sources of free or relatively
inexpensive information and lower pricing for digital products may reduce demand and impact the prices we can
charge for our products and services. To the extent that technological changes and the availability of free or
relatively inexpensive information and materials limit the prices we can charge or demand for our products and
services, our business, financial position and results of operations may be materially adversely affected.
Changes in product distribution channels and/or customer bankruptcy may restrict our ability to grow and
affect our profitability in our Trade Publishing segment.
New distribution channels such as digital formats, the internet, online retailers, growing delivery platforms
(e.g., tablets and e-readers), combined with the concentration of retailer power, pose threats and provide
opportunities to our traditional consumer publishing models in our Trade Publishing segment, potentially
impacting both sales volumes and pricing. The economic slowdown combined with the trend in distribution
channels toward the use of e-books has created contraction in the consumer books retail market that has
increased the risk of bankruptcy of major retail customers. Additional bankruptcies of traditional “bricks and
mortar” retailers of Trade Publishing could negatively affect our business, financial condition and results of
operations.
Expansion of our investments and business outside of our traditional core U.S. market may result in lower
than expected returns and incremental risks.
To take advantage of international growth opportunities and to reduce our reliance on our core U.S. market,
we are increasing our investments in a number of countries and emerging markets, including Asia and the Middle
East, some of which are inherently more risky than our investments in the U.S. market. Political, economic,
currency, reputational and corporate governance risks, including fraud, as well as unmanaged expansion, are all
factors which could limit our returns on investments made in these markets. For example, political instability in
the Middle East has caused uncertainty in the region, which could affect our results of operations in the region.
Also, certain international customers require longer payment terms, increasing our credit risk. As we expand
internationally, these risks will become more pertinent to us and could have a bigger impact on our business.
We operate in a highly competitive environment that is subject to rapid change and we must continue to invest
and adapt to remain competitive.
Our businesses operate in highly competitive markets, with significant established competitors, such as
Pearson Education, Inc., McGraw Hill Education, Cengage Learning, Inc., Scholastic Corporation, K12 Inc. and
John Wiley & Sons, Inc. These markets continue to change in response to technological innovations and other
factors. Profitability is affected by developments in our markets beyond our control, including: changing U.S.
federal and state standards for educational materials; rising development costs due to customers’ requirements for
more customized instructional materials and assessment programs; changes in prevailing educational and testing
methods and philosophies; higher technology costs due to the trend toward delivering more educational content
in both traditional print and electronic formats; market acceptance of new technology products, including online
or computer-based testing; an increase in the amount of materials given away in the K-12 markets as part of a
19
bundled pack; the impact of the expected increase in turnover of K-12 teachers and instructors on the market
acceptance of our products; customer consolidation in the retail and wholesale trade book market and the
increased dependence on fewer but stronger customers; rising advances for popular authors and market pressures
to maintain competitive retail pricing; a material increase in product returns or in certain costs such as paper; and
overall uncertain economic issues that affect all markets.
We cannot predict with certainty the changes that may occur and the effect of those changes on the
competitiveness of our businesses, and the acceleration of any of these developments may materially and
adversely affect our profitability.
The means of delivering our products may be subject to rapid technological change. Although we have
undertaken several initiatives and invested significant amounts of capital to adapt to and benefit from these
changes, we cannot predict whether technological innovations will, in the future, make some of our products,
particularly those printed in traditional formats, wholly or partially obsolete. If this were to occur, we might be
required to invest significant resources to further adapt to the changing competitive environment. In addition, we
cannot predict whether end customers will have sufficient funding to purchase the equipment needed to use our
new technology products.
In order to maintain a competitive position, we must continue to invest in new offerings and new ways to
deliver our products and services. These investments may not be profitable or may be less profitable than what
we have experienced historically. We could experience threats to our existing businesses from the rise of new
competitors due to the rapidly changing environment within which we operate.
There is a risk that technology companies may offer educational materials that compete with our products.
While our educational content is protected by copyright law, there is nothing to prevent technology
companies from developing their own educational digital products and offering educational content to schools.
Technology companies are free to distribute materials with and on their technology devices and platforms. Many
technology companies have substantial resources that they could devote to expand their business, including the
development of educational digital products. Furthermore, while we have entered into digital distribution
agreements with a number of technology companies, our agreements are non-exclusive arrangements and there is
nothing to prevent such technology companies from developing and distributing other educational content to the
K-12 market. There is a risk that a technology company with significant resources could license or acquire their
own educational content and compete with us, which could negatively affect our business, financial condition
and results of operations.
There is also a risk of further disintermediation, which is the occurrence of state, district and other
customers contracting directly with technology companies. As a result, there is a risk that technology companies
may own direct relationships with our customers, and accordingly, they may have a significant influence over the
pricing and distribution strategies for digital and print education materials.
Our history of operations includes periods of operating and net losses, and we may incur operating and net
losses in the future. Our significant net losses and our significant amount of indebtedness led us to declare
bankruptcy in 2012.
For the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, we generated operating losses of $85.4 million,
$86.6 million and $120.7 million, respectively, and net losses of $111.5 million, $111.2 million, and $87.1
million, respectively. See “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations—Results of Operations” and the consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Annual
Report for more information regarding our results of operations during these periods. If we continue to suffer
operating and net losses, the trading price of our common stock may decline significantly.
20
Our net losses in recent years were impacted from general economic conditions, reductions in significant
markets, federal, state and local budget shortfalls and the contraction of spending throughout most states, non-
cash charges associated with our 2010 recapitalization, among other things. In addition, we had a significant
amount of indebtedness prior to May 2012. During May 2012, as a result of our financial position, results of
operations and significant amount of indebtedness, we filed a voluntary petition for bankruptcy under Chapter 11
of the United States Bankruptcy Code. On June 22, 2012, we emerged from bankruptcy pursuant to a pre-
packaged plan of reorganization. Although we have significantly less interest expense as a result of our
emergence from bankruptcy and have decreased our selling and administrative expenses, we may not generate
sufficient net sales in future periods to pay for all of our operating or other expenses, which could have a material
adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.
Our ability to enforce our intellectual property and proprietary rights may be limited, which may harm our
competitive position and materially and adversely affect our business and results of operations.
Our products are largely comprised of intellectual property content delivered through a variety of media,
including books and digital and web-based media. We rely on copyright, trademark and other intellectual
property laws to establish and protect our proprietary rights in these products. However, we cannot make
assurances that our proprietary rights will not be challenged, invalidated or circumvented. We conduct business
in other countries where the extent of effective legal protection for intellectual property rights is uncertain, and
this uncertainty could affect future growth. Moreover, despite the existence of copyright and trademark
protection under applicable laws, third parties may nonetheless violate our intellectual property rights, and our
ability to remedy such violations, particularly in foreign countries, may be limited. In addition, the copying and
distribution of content over the Internet creates additional challenges for us in protecting our proprietary rights. If
we are unable to adequately protect and enforce our intellectual property and proprietary rights, our competitive
position may be harmed and our business and financial results could be materially and adversely affected.
We are subject to risks based on Information Technology (“IT”) systems and technological change. A major
data privacy breach or unanticipated IT system failure may cause reputational damage to our brands and
financial loss.
Our business is dependent on information technology. We either provide software and/or internet-based
services to our customers or we use complex IT systems and products to support our business activities,
particularly in infrastructure and as we move our products and services to an increasingly digital delivery
platform.
We face several technological risks associated with software product development and service delivery in
our educational businesses, information technology security (including virus and hacker attacks), e-commerce,
enterprise resource planning, system implementations and upgrades. Our growth strategy includes a consumer e-
commerce strategy and an integrated solutions strategy that further subjects us to technological risks. If our e-
commerce and integrated solutions expansion strategy is not successful, our business and growth prospects may
be adversely affected. Additionally, the failure to recruit and retain staff with relevant skills may constrain our
ability to grow as we combine traditional publishing products with online service offerings.
Across our businesses we hold large volumes of personal data, including that of employees, customers and
students. Failure to adequately protect such personal data could lead to penalties, significant remediation costs,
reputational damage, potential cancellation of existing contracts and inability to compete for future business. We
have policies, processes, internal controls and cybersecurity mechanisms in place intended to ensure the stability
of our information technology, provide security from unauthorized access to our systems and maintain business
continuity, but no mechanisms are entirely free from failure and we have no guarantee that our security
mechanisms will be adequate to prevent all possible security threats. Our operating results may be adversely
impacted by unanticipated system failures, data corruption or breaches in security.
21
We rely on third-party software development as part of our digital platform.
Some of the technologies and software that compose our instruction and assessment technologies are
developed by third parties. We rely on those third parties for the development of future components and modules.
Thus, we face risks associated with software product development and the ability of those third parties to meet
our needs and their obligations under our contracts with them.
We may not be able to complete, or achieve the expected benefits from, any future acquisitions, which could
materially and adversely affect our growth.
We have at times used acquisitions as a means of expanding our business and expect that we will continue
to do so. If we do not successfully integrate acquisitions, anticipated operating advantages and cost savings may
not be realized. The acquisition and integration of companies involve a number of risks, including: use of
available cash, new borrowings or borrowings under our revolving credit facility to consummate the acquisition;
demands on management related to the increase in our size after an acquisition; diversion of management’s
attention from existing operations to the integration of acquired companies; integration of companies’ existing
systems into our systems; difficulties in the assimilation and retention of employees; and potential adverse effects
on our operating results.
We may not be able to maintain the levels of operating efficiency that acquired companies achieved
independently. Successful integration of acquired operations will depend upon our ability to manage those
operations and to eliminate redundant and excess costs. We may not be able to achieve the cost savings and other
benefits that we would hope to achieve from acquisitions, which could materially and adversely affect our
business, financial condition and results of operations.
We may not be able to retain or attract the key management, creative, editorial and sales personnel that we
need to remain competitive and grow.
Our success depends, in part, on our ability to continue to retain key management and other personnel. We
operate in a number of highly visible industry segments where there is intense competition for experienced and
highly effective individuals, including authors. Our successful operations in these segments may increase the
market visibility of members of key management, creative and editorial teams and result in their recruitment by
other businesses. There can be no assurance that we can continue to attract and retain the necessary talented
employees, including executive officers and other key members of management and, if we fail to do so, it could
adversely affect our business.
In addition, our sales personnel make up approximately 15% of our employees, and our business results
depend largely upon the experience, knowledge of local market dynamics and long-standing customer
relationships of such personnel. Our inability to retain or hire effective sales people at economically reasonable
compensation levels could materially and adversely affect our ability to operate profitably and grow our business.
A significant increase in operating costs and expenses could have a material adverse effect on our
profitability.
Our major expenses include employee compensation and printing, paper and distribution costs for product-
related manufacturing. We offer competitive salary and benefit packages in order to attract and retain the quality
employees required to grow and expand our businesses. Compensation costs are influenced by general economic
factors, including those affecting the cost of health insurance and post-retirement benefits, and any trends
specific to the employee skillsets we require. We could experience changes in pension costs and funding
requirements due to poor investment returns and/or changes in pension laws and regulations.
Paper is one of our principal raw materials and, for the year ended December 31, 2014, our paper purchases
totaled approximately $57 million while our manufacturing costs totaled approximately $267 million. As a result,
our business may be negatively impacted by an increase in paper prices. Paper prices fluctuate based on the
22
worldwide demand and supply for paper in general and for the specific types of paper used by us. The price of
paper may fluctuate significantly in the future, and changes in the market supply of, or demand for paper, could
affect delivery times and prices. Paper suppliers may consolidate and as a result, there may be future shortfalls in
supplies necessary to meet the demands of the entire marketplace. We may need to find alternative sources for
paper from time to time. Our books and workbooks are printed by third parties and we typically have multi-year
contracts for the production of books and workbooks. Increases in any of our operating costs and expenses could
materially and adversely affect our profitability and our business, financial condition and results of operations.
We make significant investments in information technology data centers and other technology initiatives, as
well as significant investments in the development of programs for the K-12 marketplace. Although we believe
we are prudent in our investment strategies and execution of our implementation plans, there is no assurance as
to the ultimate recoverability of these investments.
We also have other significant operating costs, and unanticipated increases in these costs could adversely
affect our operating margins. Higher energy costs and other factors affecting the cost of publishing, transporting
and distributing our products could adversely affect our financial results. Our inability to absorb the impact of
increases in paper costs and other costs or any strategic determination not to pass on all or a portion of these
increases to customers could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Exposure to litigation could have a material effect on our financial position and results of operations.
We are involved in legal actions and claims arising from our business practices and face the risk that
additional actions and claims will be filed in the future. Litigation alleging infringement of copyrights and other
intellectual property rights has become extensive in the educational publishing industry. At present, there are
various suits pending or threatened which claim that we exceeded the print run limitation or other restrictions in
licenses granted to us to reproduce photographs in our instructional materials. A number of similar claims against
us have already been settled. While management does not expect any of these matters to have a material adverse
effect on our results of operations, financial position or cash flows, due to the inherent uncertainty of the
litigation process, the resolution of any particular legal proceeding or change in applicable legal standards could
have a material effect on our financial position and results of operations.
We have insurance in such amounts and with such coverage and deductibles as management believes is
reasonable. However, there can be no assurance that our liability insurance will cover all events or that the limits
of coverage will be sufficient to fully cover all potential liabilities.
Operational disruption to our business caused by a major disaster, external threats or the loss of one of our
key third-party print vendors could restrict our ability to supply products and services to our customers.
Across all our businesses, we manage complex operational and logistical arrangements including
distribution centers, data centers and large office facilities as well as relationships with third-party print vendors.
We have also outsourced some support functions, including application maintenance support, to third-party
providers. Failure to recover from a major disaster (such as fire, flood or other natural disaster) at a key facility or
the disruption of supply from a key third-party vendor, developer or distributor (e.g., due to bankruptcy) could
restrict our ability to service our customers. External threats, such as terrorist attacks, strikes, weather and
political upheaval, could affect our business and employees, disrupting our daily business activities.
We currently rely on two key third-party print vendors to handle approximately 76% of our printing
requirements, and we expect a small number of print vendors will continue to account for a substantial portion of
our printing requirements for the foreseeable future. The loss of, or a significant adverse change in our
relationships with, our key print vendors could have a material adverse effect on our business and cost of sales.
There can be no assurance that our relationships with our print vendors will continue or that their businesses or
operations will not be affected by major disasters or external factors. If we were to lose one of our key print
23
vendors, if our relationships with these vendors were to adversely change or if their businesses were impacted by
general economic conditions or the factors described above, our business and results of operations may be
materially and adversely affected.
We are subject to contingent liabilities that may affect liquidity and our ability to meet our obligations.
In the ordinary course of business, we issue performance-related surety bonds and letters of credit posted as
security for our operating activities, some of which obligate us to make payments if we fail to perform under
certain contracts in connection with the sale of instructional materials and assessment tests. The surety bonds are
partially backstopped by letters of credit. As of December 31, 2014, our contingent liability for all letters of
credit was approximately $20.2 million, of which $2.4 million were issued to backstop $11.3 million of surety
bonds. The letters of credit reduce the borrowing availability on our revolving credit facility, which could affect
liquidity and, therefore, our ability to meet our obligations. We may increase the number and amount of contracts
that require the use of letters of credit, which may further restrict liquidity and, therefore, our ability to meet our
obligations in the future.
We may be adversely affected by significant changes in interest rates.
Our financing indebtedness, including borrowings under our revolving credit facility, bears interest at
variable rates. As of December 31, 2014, we had $243.1 million of aggregate principal amount indebtedness
outstanding under our term loan facility that bears interest at a variable rate. An increase or decrease of 1% in the
interest rate will change our interest expense by approximately $2.4 million on an annual basis. We also have up
to $250 million of borrowing availability, subject to borrowing base availability, under our revolving credit
facility, and borrowings under the revolving credit facility bear interest at a variable rate. Assuming that the
revolving credit facility is fully drawn, an increase or decrease of 1% in the interest rate will change our interest
expense associated with the revolving credit facility by $2.5 million on an annual basis.
If market interest rates increase, variable-rate debt will create higher debt service requirements, which could
adversely affect our cash flow. If we enter into agreements limiting exposure to higher interest rates in the future,
these agreements may not offer complete protection from this risk.
We may not be able to generate sufficient cash to service all of our indebtedness and may be forced to take
other actions to satisfy our obligations under our indebtedness, which may not be successful.
Our ability to make scheduled payments or to refinance our debt obligations and to fund planned capital
expenditures and other growth initiatives depends on our financial and operating performance, which is subject to
prevailing economic and competitive conditions and to certain financial, business and other factors beyond our
control. We may not be able to maintain a level of cash flow from operating activities sufficient to permit us to
pay the principal, premium, if any, and interest on our indebtedness or to fund our other liquidity needs.
If our cash flows and capital resources are insufficient to fund our debt service obligations, we may be
forced to reduce or delay capital expenditures, sell assets, seek additional capital or seek to restructure or
refinance our indebtedness. These alternative measures may not be successful and may not permit us to meet our
scheduled debt service obligations. In the absence of such operating results and resources, we could face
substantial liquidity problems and might be required to sell material assets or operations to attempt to meet our
debt service and other obligations. Our term loan facility and revolving credit facility restrict our ability to use
the proceeds from asset sales. We may not be able to consummate those asset sales to raise capital or sell assets
at prices that we believe are fair and proceeds that we do receive may not be adequate to meet any debt service
obligations then due.
Despite our current leverage, we may still be able to incur substantially more debt. This could further
exacerbate the risks that we face.
We may be able to incur substantial additional indebtedness, including additional secured indebtedness, in
the future. The terms of the credit agreements do, and the agreements governing our existing and future
24
indebtedness may restrict, but will not completely prohibit, us from doing so. As of December 31, 2014, we had
approximately $220.0 million of borrowing base availability under our revolving credit facility. This may have
the effect of reducing the amount of proceeds in the event of a liquidation. If new debt or other liabilities are
added to our current debt levels, the related risks that we now face could intensify.
We may record future goodwill or indefinite-lived intangibles impairment charges related to our reporting
units, which could materially adversely impact our results of operations.
We test our goodwill and indefinite-lived intangibles asset balances for impairment during the fourth quarter
of each year, or more frequently if indicators are present or changes in circumstances suggest that impairment
may exist. We assess goodwill for impairment at the reporting unit level and, in evaluating the potential for
impairment of goodwill, we make assumptions regarding estimated net sales projections, growth rates, cash
flows and discount rates. Although we use consistent methodologies in developing the assumptions and estimates
underlying the fair value calculations used in our impairment tests, these estimates are uncertain by nature and
can vary from actual results. Declines in the future performance and cash flows of the reporting unit or small
changes in other key assumptions may result future goodwill impairment charges, which could materially
adversely impact our results of operations. We had goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets of
approximately $532.9 million and $439.7 million and $531.8 million and $440.0 million as of December 31,
2014 and 2013, respectively. There were no goodwill impairment charges for the years ended December 31,
2014, 2013 and 2012. For the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, impairment charges for
indefinite-lived intangible assets were $0.4 million, $0.5 million, and $5.0 million, respectively.
Future sales of our common stock, or the perception in the public markets that these sales may occur, may
depress the price of our common stock.
Additional sales of a substantial number of our shares of common stock in the public market, or the
perception that such sales may occur, could have a material adverse effect on the price of our common stock and
could materially impair our ability to raise capital through the sale of additional shares. As of February 12, 2015,
we had 142,172,861 shares of common stock issued and outstanding that were freely tradable without restriction
under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), except for any shares held or acquired by
our directors, executive officers and other affiliates (as that term is defined in the Securities Act), which are
restricted securities under the Securities Act. Restricted securities may not be sold in the public market unless the
sale is registered under the Securities Act or an exemption from registration is available. The sale of such shares
by our directors, executive officers or other stockholders in the public market, or the perception that these sales
may occur, could cause the market price of our common stock to decrease significantly.
A significant amount of shares of our common stock have been registered for resale under a shelf
registration statement. Pursuant to the Company’s investor rights agreement, certain of our stockholders have
certain demand and piggyback rights that have, in the past, and may, in the future, require us to file registration
statements registering their common stock or to include sales of such common stock in registration statements
that we may file for ourselves or other stockholders. Any shares of common stock sold under these registration
statements will be freely tradable in the public market. In the event such rights are exercised and a large number
of common stock is sold in the public market, such sales could reduce the trading price of our common stock.
These sales also could impede our ability to raise future capital. Additionally, we will bear all expenses in
connection with any such registrations, except that the selling stockholders may be responsible for their pro rata
shares of underwriters’ fees, commissions and discounts, stock transfer taxes and certain legal expenses.
Affiliates of Paulson & Co., Inc. own a significant portion of our outstanding common stock and have the
right to nominate one director for election to our board of directors.
As of February 12, 2015, investment funds and managed accounts affiliated with Paulson & Co., Inc.
(“Paulson”) beneficially owned, in the aggregate, approximately 22.5% of our outstanding common stock. We
25
have entered into an amended and restated director nomination agreement with these stockholders, under which
Paulson has the right to nominate one director for election to our board of directors, so long as Paulson holds at
least 15% of our issued and outstanding common stock, and we have agreed to take certain actions in furtherance
of Paulson’s rights under the director nomination agreement. In addition, if requested by Paulson, we have agreed
to cause the director nominated by Paulson to be designated as a member of each committee of our board of
directors, unless the designation would violate legal restrictions or the rules and regulations of the national
securities exchange on which our common stock is listed. As a result of their ownership interests and director
nomination rights, the stockholders affiliated with Paulson may have the ability to influence the outcome of
matters that require approval of our stockholders or to otherwise influence the Company. The interests of these
stockholders might conflict with, or differ from, other stockholder interests, and may cause us to pursue
transactions or take actions that could enhance their equity investments, even though such transactions or actions
may involve risks to other stockholders.
None.
Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments
Item 2. Properties
Our principal executive office is located at 222 Berkeley Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02116. The
following table describes the approximate building areas in square feet, principal uses and the years of expiration
on leased premises of our significant operating properties as of December 31, 2014. We believe that these
properties are suitable and adequate for our present and anticipated business needs, satisfactory for the uses to
which each is put, and, in general, fully utilized.
Location
Owned Premises:
Indianapolis, Indiana . . . . . . . . . . . . . Owned
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Owned
Troy, Missouri
Expiration
year
Leased Premises:
Orlando, Florida . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Evanston, Illinois . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rolling Meadows, Illinois . . . . . . . . .
Geneva, Illinois . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wilmington, Massachusetts . . . . . . . .
Boston, Massachusetts (Corporate
office) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Portsmouth, New Hampshire . . . . . . .
New York, New York . . . . . . . . . . . .
Austin, Texas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Dublin, Ireland . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Orlando, Florida . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2019
2017
2015
2019
2015
2017
2019
2016
2016
2025
2016
Approximate area
Principal use of space
Segment used by
491,779
575,000
Warehouse
Office and warehouse
All segments
Education
250,842
150,050
112,014
485,989
22,102
328,686
25,145
28,704
195,230
39,944
25,400
Office
Office
Office
Office and warehouse
Office
Education
Education
Education
Education
Education
Office
Office
Office
Office
Office
Warehouse
All segments
Education
Trade Publishing
Education
Education
Corporate Records
Center
Education
Itasca, Illinois . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2016
46,823
Warehouse
In addition, we lease several other offices that are not material to our operations and, in some instances, are
partially or fully subleased.
Item 3. Legal Proceedings
We are involved in ordinary and routine litigation and matters incidental to our business. Specifically, there
have been various settled, pending and threatened litigation that allege we exceeded the print run limitation or
other restrictions in licenses granted to us to reproduce photographs in our instructional materials. While
26
management believes that there is a reasonable possibility we may incur a loss associated with the pending and
threatened litigation, we are not able to estimate such amount, but we do not expect any of these matters to have
a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial position or cash flows. We have insurance in such
amounts and with such coverage and deductibles as management believes is reasonable. There can be no
assurance that our liability insurance will cover all events or that the limits of coverage will be sufficient to fully
cover all liabilities.
Not applicable.
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures
Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and
Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
Market information. Our common stock has been listed on the NASDAQ Global Select Market
(“NASDAQ”) under the symbol “HMHC” since November 14, 2013. The following table sets forth, for the
periods indicated, the high and low closing sales prices for our common stock as reported by NASDAQ.
2013
Fourth Quarter (from November 14, 2013)
2014
First Quarter
Second Quarter
Third Quarter
Fourth Quarter
High
Low
$18.73
$13.74
$20.55
20.82
20.62
20.91
$17.07
17.66
17.26
18.88
The closing price of our common stock on NASDAQ on February 12, 2015, was $20.07 per share.
Holders. As of February 12, 2015, there were approximately 27 stockholders of record of our common
stock, one of which was Cede & Co., a nominee for The Depository Trust Company. All of our common stock
held by brokerage firms, banks and other financial institutions as nominees for beneficial owners are considered
to be held of record by Cede & Co., who is considered to be one stockholder of record. A substantially greater
number of holders of our common stock are “street name” or beneficial holders, whose shares of common stock
are held of record by banks, brokers and other financial institutions. Because such shares of common stock are
held on behalf of stockholders, and not by the stockholders directly, and because a stockholder can have multiple
positions with different brokerage firms, banks and other financial institutions, we are unable to determine the
total number of stockholders we have.
Dividends. We have never paid or declared any cash dividends on our common stock. At present, we intend
to retain our future earnings, if any, to fund the operations and growth of our business. Our future decisions
concerning the payment of dividends on our common stock will depend upon our results of operations, financial
condition and capital expenditure plans, as well as other factors as our board of directors, in its discretion, may
consider relevant, and the extent to which the declaration or payment of dividends may be limited by agreements
we have entered or cause us to lose the benefits of certain of our agreements. See “Management’s Discussion and
Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Liquidity and Capital Resources.”
Securities authorized for issuance under equity compensation plans. The equity compensation plan
information set forth in Part III, Item 12 of this Annual Report is incorporated by reference herein.
27
Performance Graph. The graph below matches the cumulative return of holders of the Company’s common stock
with the cumulative returns of the Dow Jones Publishing index, the S&P 500 index, the NASDAQ Composite
index, the Russell 2000 index, and our Peer Group index, which is comprised of Pearson PLC, Scholastic
Corporation, K-12 Inc., and John Wiley & Sons, Inc. The Russell 2000 index was included as the Company was
added to that index during 2014. The graph assumes that the value of the investment in the Company’s common
stock, in each index (including reinvestment of dividends) was $100 on November 14, 2013 and tracks it through
February 12, 2015. All prices reflect closing prices on the last day of trading at the end of each period.
135
125
115
105
95
85
75
11/14/2013
2/14/2014
5/14/2014
8/14/2014
11/14/2014
2/12/2015
HMHC
NASDAQ Composite
Dow Jones Publishing Index
Russell 2000
S&P 500
Peer Group
11/14/2013 2/14/2014
5/14/2014
8/14/2014 11/14/2014 2/12/2015
HMHC
Dow Jones
Publishing Index
S&P 500
NASDAQ Composite
Russell 2000
Peer Group
100
100
100
100
100
100
121
99
103
107
103
86
116
99
105
103
99
89
119
109
109
112
103
87
129
106
114
118
106
92
124
110
115
120
108
106
The stock price performance shown on the graph is not necessarily indicative of future price performance.
Information used in the graph was obtained from a source we believe to be reliable, but we do not assume
responsibility for any errors or omissions in such information.
Recent sales of unregistered securities. None.
28
Item 6. Selected Financial Data
The following table summarizes the consolidated historical financial data of Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Company (Successor) and HMH Publishing Company (Predecessor) for the periods presented. We derived the
consolidated historical financial data as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 and for the years ended December 31,
2014, 2013, and 2012 from our audited consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report. We
derived the consolidated historical financial statement data as of December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 (Successor),
for the year ended December 31, 2011 and the periods March 10, 2010 to December 31, 2010 (Successor) and
January 1, 2010 to March 9, 2010 (Predecessor) from our audited consolidated financial statements for such
years, which are not included in this Annual Report. Historical results for any prior period are not necessarily
indicative of results to be expected in any future period. The data set forth in the following table should be read
together with the section entitled “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations” and our consolidated financial statements and related notes thereto.
(in thousands, except share and per share data)
Operating Data:
Net sales . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Cost and expenses:
Cost of sales, excluding pre-publication and
publishing rights amortization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Publishing rights amortization (1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Pre-publication amortization (2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cost of sales . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Selling and administrative . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other intangible asset amortization . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Impairment charge for investment in preferred
stock, goodwill, intangible assets, pre-publication
costs and fixed assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Severance and other charges (3) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gain on bargain purchase . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Successor
Year Ended
December 31,
2014
2013
2012
2011
March 10,
2010 to
December 31,
2010
Predecessor
January 1,
2010 to
March 9,
2010
1,372,316 $
1,378,612 $
1,285,641 $
1,295,295 $
1,397,142
$
109,905
588,726
105,624
129,693
824,043
612,535
12,170
585,059
139,588
121,715
846,362
580,887
18,968
515,948
177,747
137,729
831,424
533,462
54,815
512,612
230,624
176,829
920,065
638,023
67,372
559,593
235,977
181,521
977,091
597,628
57,601
1,679
7,300
—
9,000
10,040
—
8,003
9,375
(30,751)
1,674,164
32,801
—
103,933
(11,243)
—
45,270
48,336
37,923
131,529
119,039
2,006
4,028
—
—
Operating loss . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(85,411)
(86,645)
(120,687)
(2,037,130)
(327,868)
(146,697)
Other Income (expense)
Interest expense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other (loss) income, net
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Loss on extinguishment of debt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Change in fair value of derivative instruments . . . . .
(18,245)
—
—
(1,593)
(21,344)
—
(598)
(252)
(123,197)
(244,582)
—
—
1,688
—
—
(811)
(258,174)
(6)
—
90,250
Loss before reorganization items and taxes . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Reorganization items, net (4)
Income tax expense (benefit)
(105,249)
(108,839)
—
6,242
—
2,347
(242,196)
(149,114)
(5,943)
(2,282,523)
(495,798)
—
(100,153)
—
11,929
(157,947)
9
—
(7,361)
(311,996)
—
(220)
Net loss . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
(111,491)$
(111,186)$
(87,139)$ (2,182,370) $
(507,727) $
(311,776)
Net loss per share—basic and diluted (5) . . . . . . . . . $
(0.79)$
(0.79)$
(0.26)$
(3.85) $
(0.90) $(100,572.90)
Net loss per share attributable to common
stockholders—basic and diluted (5) . . . . . . . . . . . $
(0.79)$
(0.79)$
(0.26)$
(3.85) $
(0.90) $(100,572.90)
Weighted average number of common shares used
in net loss per share attributable to common
stockholders—basic and diluted (5) . . . . . . . . . . . 140,594,689 139,928,650 340,918,128 567,272,470
567,272,470
3,100
Balance Sheet Data (as of period end):
Cash, cash equivalents and short-term
investments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Working capital . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Debt (short-term and long-term) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Stockholders’ equity (deficit) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
743,345 $
771,468
3,011,107
243,125
1,759,680
425,349 $
606,001
2,910,386
245,625
1,850,276
475,119 $
599,085
3,029,584
248,125
1,943,701
413,610 $
440,844
3,263,903
3,011,588
(674,552)
397,740
380,678
5,257,155
2,861,594
1,517,828
29
Successor
Year Ended
December 31,
2014
2013
2012
2011
March 10,
2010 to
December 31,
2010
Predecessor
January 1,
2010 to
March 9,
2010
(in thousands, except share and per share data)
Statement of Cash Flows Data:
Net cash provided by (used in):
Operating activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Investing activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Financing activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
491,043
(367,619)
19,529
157,203
(168,578)
(4,075)
104,802
(295,998)
106,664
132,796
(195,300)
96,041
182,966
(232,122)
402,289
$(41,296)
(25,616)
(150)
Other Data:
Capital expenditures:
Pre-publication capital expenditures (6) . . . . . .
Other capital expenditures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Pre-publication amortization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Depreciation and intangible asset amortization . . . .
115,509
67,145
129,693
190,084
126,718
59,803
121,715
220,264
114,522
50,943
137,729
290,693
122,592
71,817
176,829
356,388
96,613
64,139
181,521
342,227
22,057
3,559
37,923
61,242
(1) Publishing rights are intangible assets that allow us to publish and republish existing and future works as well as create new works based
on previously published materials and are amortized on an accelerated basis over periods estimated to represent the useful life of the
content.
(2) We capitalize the art, prepress, manuscript and other costs incurred in the creation of the master copy of a book or other media and
amortize such costs from the year of sale typically over five years on an accelerated basis.
(3) Represents severance and real estate charges. The credit balance in 2010 relates to the reversal of certain charges recorded in prior
periods due to a change in estimate.
(4) Represents net gain associated with our Chapter 11 reorganization in 2012.
(5) Gives retroactive effect to the Stock Split for all periods subsequent to our March 9, 2010 restructuring.
(6) Represents capital expenditures for the art, prepress, manuscript and other costs incurred in the creation of the master copy of a book or
other media.
30
Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
The following discussion and analysis is intended to facilitate an understanding of our results of operations
and financial condition and should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and the
accompanying notes included elsewhere in this Annual Report. The following discussion and analysis of our
financial condition and results of operations contains forward-looking statements about our business, operations
and industry that involve risks and uncertainties, such as statements regarding our plans, objectives, expectations
and intentions. Actual results and the timing of events may differ materially from those expressed or implied in
such forward-looking statements due to a number of factors, including those set forth under “Risk Factors” and
elsewhere in this Annual Report. See “Risk Factors” and “Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking
Statements.”
Overview
We are a global learning company, specializing in education solutions across a variety of media. We deliver
content, services and technology to both educational institutions and consumers, reaching over 50 million
students in more than 150 countries worldwide. In the United States, we are the leading provider of K-12
educational content by market share. Furthermore, since 1832, we have published trade and reference materials,
including adult and children’s fiction and non-fiction books that have won industry awards such as the Pulitzer
Prize, Newbery and Caldecott medals and National Book Award, all of which we believe are widely known. We
believe our long-standing reputation and well-known brands enable us to capitalize on consumer and digital
trends in the education market through our existing and developing channels.
Corporate History
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Company was incorporated as a Delaware corporation on March 5, 2010, and
was established as the holding company of the current operating group. The Company changed its name from
HMH Holdings (Delaware), Inc. on October 22, 2013. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt was formed in December 2007
with the acquisition of Harcourt Education Group, then the second-largest K-12 U.S. publisher, by Houghton
Mifflin Group. Houghton Mifflin Group was previously formed in December 2006 by the acquisition of
Houghton Mifflin Publishers Inc. by Riverdeep Group plc. We are headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts.
Key Aspects and Trends of Our Operations
Business Segments
We are organized along two business segments: Education and Trade Publishing. Our Education segment is
our largest segment and represented approximately 88% of our total net sales for each of the years ended
December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012. Our Trade Publishing segment represented approximately 12% of our total
net sales for each of the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012. The Corporate and Other category
represents certain general overhead costs not fully allocated to the business segments, such as legal, accounting,
treasury, human resources and executive functions.
Net Sales
We derive revenue primarily from the sale of print and digital content and instructional materials, trade
books, reference materials, multimedia instructional programs, license fees for book rights, content, software and
services, test scoring, consulting and training. We primarily sell to customers in the United States. Our net sales
are driven primarily as a function of volume and, to a certain extent, changes in price. Our net sales consist of our
billings for products and services, less revenue that will be deferred until future recognition and a provision for
product returns. Deferred revenues primarily derive from work-texts, workbooks, online interactive digital
content, digital and on-line learning components. The work-texts and workbooks are deferred until delivered,
31
which often extends over the life of the contract and the online and digital content is typically recognized ratably
over the life of the contract. The digitalization of education content and delivery is driving a substantial shift in
the education market. An increasing number of schools are utilizing digital content in their classrooms and
implementing online or blended learning environments, which is altering the historical mix of print and digital
educational materials in the classroom. As a result, our business model has shifted to more digital and on-line
learning components to address the needs of the education marketplace; thus, resulting in an increase in the
percentage of our net sales being deferred.
Basal programs, which represent the most significant portion of our Education segment net sales, cover
curriculum standards in a particular K-12 academic subject and include a comprehensive offering of teacher and
student materials required to conduct the class throughout the school year. Products and services in basal programs
include print and digital offerings for students and a variety of supporting materials such as teacher’s editions,
formative assessments, whole group instruction materials, practice aids, educational games and services. The
process through which materials and curricula are selected and procured for classroom use varies throughout the
United States. Twenty states, known as adoption states, approve and procure new basal programs usually every five
to seven years on a state-wide basis, before individual schools or school districts are permitted to schedule the
purchase of materials. In all remaining states, known as open states or open territories, each individual school or
school district can procure materials at any time, though usually according to a five to nine year cycle. The student
population in adoption states represents over 50% of the U.S. elementary and secondary school-age population.
Many adoption states provide “categorical funding” for instructional materials, which means that state funds cannot
be used for any other purpose. Our basal programs, primarily in adoption states, typically have the higher deferred
sales than other parts of the business. The higher deferred sales are primarily due to the length of time that our
programs are being delivered, along with greater component and digital product offerings. A significant portion of
our Education segment net sales is dependent upon our ability to maintain residual sales, which are subsequent sales
after the year of the original adoption, and our ability to continue to generate new business. In addition, our market
is affected by changes in state curriculum standards, which drive instruction, assessment and accountability in each
state. Changes in state curriculum standards require that instructional materials be revised or replaced to align to the
new standards, which historically has driven demand for basal programs.
We also derive our Education segment net sales from the sale of summative, formative or in-classroom and
diagnostic assessments to districts and schools in all 50 states. Summative assessments are concluding or “final”
exams that measure students’ proficiency in a particular academic subject or group of subjects on an aggregate
level or against state standards. Formative assessments are on-going, in-classroom tests that occur throughout the
school year and monitor progress in certain subjects or curriculum units. Additionally, our offerings include
supplemental products that target struggling learners through comprehensive intervention solutions along with
products targeted at assisting English language learners.
In international markets, our Education segment predominantly exports and sells K-12 books to premium
private schools that utilize the U.S. curriculum, which are located primarily in Asia, the Pacific, the Middle East,
Latin America and the Caribbean. Our international sales team utilizes a global network of distributors in local
markets around the world.
Our Trade Publishing segment sells works of fiction and non-fiction for adults and children, dictionaries and
other reference works through physical and online retail outlets and book distributors, as well as through our e-
commerce platform.
Factors affecting our net sales include:
Education
•
•
state or district per student funding levels;
the cyclicality of the purchasing schedule for adoption states;
32
•
•
•
•
student enrollments;
adoption of new education standards;
technological advancement and the introduction of new content and products that meet the needs of
students, teachers and consumers, including through strategic agreements pertaining to content
development and distribution; and
the amount of net sales subject to deferrals which is impacted by the mix of product offering between
digital and non-digital products along with the mix of product delivered immediately or over time.
Trade Publishing
•
•
•
•
consumer spending levels as influenced by various factors, including the U.S. economy and consumer
confidence;
the transition to e-books and any resulting impact on market growth;
the publishing of bestsellers along with obtaining recognized authors; and
movie tie-ins to our titles that spur sales of current and backlist titles, which are titles that have been on
sale for more than a year.
State or district per student funding levels, which closely correlate with state and local receipts from income,
sales and property taxes, impact our sales as institutional customers are affected by funding cycles. Most public
school districts, the primary customers for K-12 products and services, are largely dependent on state and local
funding to purchase materials. Recently, total educational materials expenditures by institutions in the
United States is rebounding in the wake of the economic recovery. Globally, education expenditures are
projected to grow at 7% through 2018, according to GSV Asset Management.
We monitor the purchasing cycles for specific disciplines in the adoption states in order to manage our
product development and to plan sales campaigns. Our sales may be materially impacted during the years that
major adoption states, such as Florida, California and Texas, are or are not scheduled to make significant
purchases. For example, Florida implemented a language arts adoption in 2014 and is scheduled to adopt social
studies materials in 2015, for purchase in 2016. Texas school districts purchased mathematics and science
materials in 2014, and adopted social studies and high school math materials for purchase in 2015. California
adopted math materials in 2013, with purchases expected to be spread over 2014-15, and is scheduled to adopt
English language arts materials in 2015 for purchase beginning in 2016. Both Florida and Texas, along with
several other adoption states, provide dedicated state funding for instructional materials and classroom
technology, with funding typically appropriated by the legislature in the first half of the year in which materials
are to be purchased. Texas has a two-year budget cycle and in the 2015 legislative session will appropriate funds
for purchases in 2015 and 2016. California funds instructional materials in part with a dedicated portion of state
lottery proceeds and in part out of general formula funds, with the minimum overall level of school funding
determined according to the Proposition 98 funding guarantee. Nationally, total state funding for public schools
has been trending upward as state revenues recover from the lows of the 2008-2009 economic recession. While
we do not currently have contracts with these states for future instructional materials adoptions and there is no
guarantee that we will continue to capture the same market share in the future, we have historically captured
approximately 50% of the market share in these states in the years that they adopt educational materials for
various subjects.
Longer-term growth in the U.S. K-12 market is positively correlated with student enrollments, which is a
driver of growth in the educational publishing industry. Although economic cycles may affect short-term buying
patterns, school enrollments are highly predictable and are expected to trend upward over the longer term.
According to NCES, student enrollments are expected to increase from 54.7 million in 2010, to over 58.0 million
by the 2022 school year. Outside the United States, the global education market continues to demonstrate strong
33
macroeconomic growth characteristics. Population growth is a leading indicator for pre-primary school
enrollments, which have a subsequent impact on secondary and higher education enrollments. Globally,
according to UNESCO, rapid population growth has caused pre-primary enrollments to grow by 16.2%
worldwide from 2007 to 2011. The global population is expected to be approximately 9.0 billion by 2050, as
countries develop and improvements in medical conditions increase the birth rate.
The digitalization of education content and delivery is also driving a substantial shift in the education
market. As the K-12 educational market transitions to purchasing more digital solutions, our ability to offer
embedded assessments, adaptive learning, real-time interaction and student specific personalization in addition to
our core educational content in a platform- and device-agnostic manner will provide new opportunities for
growth.
Our Trade Publishing segment is heavily influenced by the U.S. and broader global economy, consumer
confidence and consumer spending. As the economy continues to recover, both consumer confidence and
consumer spending have increased and are at their highest level since 2008.
While print remains the primary format in which trade books are produced and distributed, the market for
trade titles in digital format, primarily e-books, has developed rapidly over the past several years, as the industry
evolves to embrace new technologies for developing, producing, marketing and distributing trade works. We
continue to focus on the development of innovative new digital products which capitalize on our strong content,
our digital expertise and the growing consumer demand for these products.
In the Trade Publishing segment, annual results can be driven by bestselling trade titles. Furthermore,
backlist titles can experience resurgence in sales when made into films. Over the past several years, a number of
our backlist titles such as The Hobbit, The Lord of the Rings, Life of Pi, Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close,
The Giver and The Time Traveler’s Wife have benefited in popularity due to movie releases and have
subsequently resulted in increased trade sales.
We employ several pricing models to serve various customer segments, including institutions, consumers,
other government agencies (e.g., penal institutions, community centers, etc.) and other third parties. In addition to
traditional pricing models where a customer receives a product in return for a payment at the time of product
receipt, we currently use the following pricing models:
•
•
•
Pay-up-front: Customer makes a fixed payment at time of purchase and we provide a specific product/
service in return;
Pre-pay Subscription: Customer makes a one-time payment at time of purchase, but receives a stream
of goods/services over a defined time horizon; for example, we currently provide customers the option
to purchase a multi-year subscription to textbooks where for a one-time charge, a new copy of the work
text is delivered to the customer each year for a defined time period. Pre-pay subscriptions to online
textbooks are another example where the customer receives access to an online book for a specific
period of time; and
Pay-as-you-go Subscription: Similar to the Pre-pay subscription, except that the customer makes
periodic payments in a pre-described manner.
Cost of sales, excluding pre-publication and publishing rights
Cost of sales, excluding pre-publication and publishing rights, include expenses directly attributable to the
production of our products and services, including the non-capitalizable costs associated with our content
operations department. The expenses within cost of sales include variable costs such as paper, printing and
binding costs of our print materials, royalty expenses paid to our authors, gratis costs or products provided at no
charge as part of the sales transaction, and inventory obsolescence. Also included in cost of sales are labor costs
34
related to professional services. We also include amortization expense associated with our software platforms.
Certain products such as trade books and those products associated with our renowned authors carry higher
royalty costs; conversely, digital offerings usually have a lower cost of sales due to lower costs associated with
their production. Also, sales to adoption states usually contain higher cost of sales. A change in the sales mix of
these products can impact consolidated profitability.
Pre-publication amortization and publishing rights amortization
A publishing right is an acquired right which allows us to publish and republish existing and future works as
well as create new works based on previously published materials. As part of our March 9, 2010 restructuring,
we recorded an intangible asset for publishing rights and amortize such asset on an accelerated basis over the
useful lives of the various copyrights involved. See Note 1 to our consolidated financial statements included
elsewhere in this Annual Report.
We capitalize the art, prepress, manuscript and other costs incurred in the creation of the master copy of a
book or other media, known as the pre-publication costs. Pre-publication costs are primarily amortized from the
year of sale over five years using the sum-of-the-years-digits method, which is an accelerated method for
calculating an asset’s amortization. Under this method, the amortization expense recorded for a pre-publication
cost asset is approximately 33% (year 1), 27% (year 2), 20% (year 3), 13% (year 4) and 7% (year 5). We utilize
this policy for all pre-publication costs, except with respect to our Trade Publishing consumer books, for which
we generally expense such costs as incurred, and our assessment products, for which we use the straight-line
amortization method. The amortization methods and periods chosen best reflect the pattern of expected sales
generated from individual titles or programs. We periodically evaluate the remaining lives and recoverability of
capitalized pre-publication costs, which are often dependent upon program acceptance by state adoption
authorities.
Selling and administrative expenses
Our selling and administrative expenses include the salaries, benefits and related costs of employees
engaged in sales and marketing, fulfillment and administrative functions. Also included within selling and
administrative costs are variable costs such as commission expense, outbound transportation costs, sampling and
depository fees, which are fees paid to state mandated depositories which fulfill centralized ordering and
warehousing functions for specific states. Additionally, significant fixed and discretionary costs include facilities,
telecommunications, professional fees, promotions and advertising. We expect our selling and administrative
costs in dollars to increase as we invest in new growth initiatives.
Other intangible asset amortization
Our other intangible asset amortization expense primarily includes the amortization of acquired intangible
assets consisting of customer relationships, content rights and licenses. Our customer relationships, which
constituted the largest component of the amortization expense over the past two years, pertained to our
assessment customers and was fully amortized as of March 31, 2013. The existing software, content rights and
licenses will be amortized over varying periods of 6 to 25 years. The expense for the year ending December 31,
2014 was $12.2 million.
Interest expense
Our interest expense includes interest accrued on our term loan facility along with, to a lesser extent, our
revolving credit facility, capital leases and the amortization of any deferred financing fees and loan discounts.
Our interest expense for the year ended December 31, 2014 was $18.2 million.
35
Reorganization items, net
Our reorganization items, net represents expense and income amounts that were recorded to the statement of
operations as a result of the bankruptcy proceedings. The amount is primarily attributed to cancellation of debt
income net of related expenses and the elimination of deferred costs related to the cancelled debt. Reorganization
items were incurred starting with the date of the bankruptcy filing through the date of bankruptcy emergence.
Chapter 11 Reorganization
On May 10, 2012, we entered into a Restructuring Support Agreement (the “Plan Support Agreement”) with
consenting creditors holding greater than 74% of the principal amount of the then-outstanding senior secured
indebtedness of the Company and with equity owners holding approximately 64% of the Company’s then-
outstanding common stock. The consenting creditors agreed to support the Company’s Pre-Packaged Chapter 11
Plan of Reorganization (“Plan”).
On May 21, 2012 (the “Petition Date”), the U.S.-based entities that borrowed or guaranteed the debt of the
Company (collectively the “Debtors”), filed voluntary petitions for relief under Chapter 11 of the United States
Bankruptcy Code (“Chapter 11”) in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York
(“Court”). The Debtors also concurrently filed the Plan, the Disclosure Statement in support of the Plan and filed
various motions seeking relief to continue operations. Following the Petition Date, the Debtors operated their
business as “debtors in possession” (“DIP”) under the jurisdiction of the Court and in accordance with the
applicable provisions of the Bankruptcy Code and orders of the Court.
On June 22, 2012, the Company successfully emerged from bankruptcy as a reorganized company pursuant
to the Plan. The financial restructuring realized by the confirmation of the Plan was accomplished through a debt-
for-equity exchange. The Plan deleveraged the Company’s balance sheet by eliminating the Company’s secured
indebtedness in exchange for new equity in the Company. Existing stockholders, in their capacity as
stockholders, received warrants for the new equity in the Company in exchange for the existing equity.
Subsequent to the Petition Date, the provisions in U.S. GAAP guidance for reorganizations applied to the
Company’s financial statements while it operated under the provisions of Chapter 11. The accounting guidance
did not change the application of generally accepted accounting principles in the preparation of financial
statements. However, it does require that the financial statements, for periods including and subsequent to the
filing of the Chapter 11 petition, distinguish transactions and events that are directly associated with the
reorganization from the ongoing operations of the business. Accordingly, all transactions (including, but not
limited to, all professional fees, realized gains and losses and provisions for losses) directly associated with the
reorganization and restructuring of our businesses are reported separately in our financial statements. All such
expense or income amounts are reported in reorganization items in our consolidated statements of operations for
the year ended December 31, 2012. The Company was not required to apply fresh-start accounting based on
U.S. GAAP guidance for reorganizations due to the fact that the pre-petition holders who owned more than 50%
of the Company’s outstanding common stock immediately before confirmation of the Plan received more than
50% of the Company’s outstanding common stock upon emergence. Accordingly, a new reporting entity was not
created for accounting purposes.
Below is a summary of the significant transactions affecting the Company’s capital structure as a result of
the effectiveness of the Plan.
Equity Transactions
On June 22, 2012, pursuant to the Plan, all of the issued and outstanding shares of common stock of the
Company, including all options, warrants or any other agreements to acquire shares of common stock of the
Company that existed prior to the Petition Date, were cancelled and in exchange, holders of such interests
received distributions pursuant to the terms of the Plan. The distributions received by holders of interests in our
36
common stock prior to the petition date on June 22, 2012 pursuant to the terms of the Plan included adequate
protection payments and conversion fees of approximately $60.1 million and $26.1 million, respectively. These
amounts represent only the portion attributable to the existing stockholders prior to the petition date. There were
$69.7 million of adequate protection payments and $30.3 million of conversion fee payments made in total.
Following the emergence on June 22, 2012, the authorized capital stock of the Company consisted of
(i) 380,000,000 shares of common stock and (ii) 20,000,000 shares of preferred stock, $0.01 par value per share.
On June 22, 2012, the Company issued an aggregate of 140,000,000 post-emergence shares of new common
stock pursuant to the final Plan, of which 82,022 are treasury shares, on a pro rata basis to the holders of the then-
existing first lien term loan (the “Term Loan”), the then-existing first lien revolving loan facility (the “Revolving
Loan”) and the 10.5% Senior Secured Notes due 2019 (the “10.5% Senior Notes”) as of the Petition Date. The
Company issued the new common stock pursuant to Section 1145(a)(1) of the Bankruptcy Code.
Our MIP became effective upon emergence. The MIP provides for grants of options and restricted stock at a
strike price equal to or greater than the fair value per share of common stock as of the date of the grant and
reserved for management and employees up to 10% of the new common stock of the Company. On June 22,
2012, in connection with our emergence from bankruptcy, the Company granted 9,251,462 stock options to
executive officers with an exercise price of $12.50. Each of the stock options granted have an exercise price
equal to or greater than the fair value on the date of grant and generally vest over a three or four year period.
Also, on June 22, 2012, the Company granted 24,000 restricted stock units to independent directors which vest
after one year.
Debt Transactions
On June 22, 2012, the Company’s creditors converted the Term Loan with an aggregate outstanding
principal balance of $2.6 billion and the Revolving Loan with an aggregate outstanding principal balance of
$235.8 million, and the outstanding $300.0 million principal amount of 10.5% Senior Notes to 100 percent pro
rata ownership of the Company’s common stock, subject to dilution pursuant to the MIP and the exercise of the
new warrants, and received $30.3 million in cash.
In connection with the Chapter 11 filing on May 22, 2012, the Company entered into a new $500.0 million
senior secured credit facility, which converted into an exit facility on the effective date of the emergence from
Chapter 11. This exit facility consists of a $250.0 million revolving credit facility, which is secured by the
Company’s accounts receivable and inventory, and a $250.0 million term loan credit facility. The proceeds of the
exit facility were used to fund the costs of the reorganization and are providing working capital to the Company
since its emergence from Chapter 11.
A summary of the transactions affecting the Company’s debt balances is as follows (in thousands):
Debt balance prior to emergence from bankruptcy (including accrued interest)
. . . . . . .
Exchange of debt for new shares of common stock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Elimination of debt discount and deferred financing fees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Adequate protection payments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Conversion fees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Professional fees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$(3,142,234)
1,750,000
98,352
69,701
30,299
21,726
(Gain) loss on extinguishment of debt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$(1,172,156)
37
Results of Operations
Consolidated Operating Results for the Years Ended December 31, 2014 and 2013
(dollars in thousands)
Year
Ended
December 31,
2014
Year
Ended
December 31,
2013
Dollar
change
Percent
Change
Net sales . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$1,372,316
$1,378,612
$ (6,296)
(0.5)%
Costs and expenses:
Cost of sales, excluding pre-publication and publishing rights
amortization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Publishing rights amortization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Pre-publication amortization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cost of sales . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Selling and administrative . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other intangible asset amortization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Impairment charge for investment in preferred stock, intangible
assets, pre-publication costs and fixed assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Severance and other charges . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
588,726
105,624
129,693
824,043
612,535
12,170
585,059
139,588
121,715
846,362
580,887
18,968
3,667
(33,964)
7,978
(22,319)
31,648
(6,798)
0.6%
(24.3)%
6.6%
(2.6)%
5.4%
(35.8)%
1,679
7,300
9,000
10,040
(7,321)
(2,740)
(81.3)%
(27.3)%
Operating loss . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(85,411)
(86,645)
(1,234)
(1.4)%
Other income (expense):
Interest expense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Change in fair value of derivative instruments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Loss on debt extinguishment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(18,245)
(1,593)
—
(21,344)
(252)
(598)
(14.5)%
(3,099)
(1,341) NM
NM
598
Loss before taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Income tax expense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(105,249)
6,242
(108,839)
2,347
(3,590)
3,895
(3.3)%
NM
Net loss . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$ (111,491) $ (111,186) $
305
NM
NM = not meaningful
Net sales for the year ended December 31, 2014 decreased $6.3 million, or 0.5%, from $1,378.6 million for
the same period in 2013, to $1,372.3 million. The decrease was largely driven by $18.0 million lower net sales of
professional development and professional services, primarily due to the prior year period benefitting $8.0
million from the completion of a contract that led to the recognition of net sales previously deferred, coupled
with lower learning management system sales and services as we have exited that business. Further, there was a
$9.0 million decrease in net sales of traditional print supplemental products due to an aging product base and a
$3.0 million decline in international sales due to a decline in licensing revenue. Additionally, there was a
decrease of $8.0 million in Trade Publishing net sales, as the prior year period benefitted from strong net sales of
backlist titles associated with the theatrical releases of The Hobbit and Life of Pi, which did not occur in the
current period. Partially offsetting the decreases were higher net sales of $13.0 million from our Heinemann
products, primarily related to the Leveled Literacy Intervention product line along with $13.0 million of higher
assessment net sales driven by the release of a new version of the Woodcock Johnson program and higher sales
directly to consumers. Additionally, there were net sales of $230.0 million during 2014 that were deferred,
compared to net sales of $2.0 million in the prior year, and will be recognized up to seven years rather than
immediately due to the increase in digital and subscription components within our programs along with the
length of our programs. Our billings increased $221.8 million, or 16%, from 2013 to 2014 primarily due to large
Texas Math and Science adoptions and, to a lesser extent, adoptions in California and Florida.
38
Operating loss for the year ended December 31, 2014 decreased $1.2 million, or 1.4%, from a loss of $86.6
million for the same period in 2013, to a loss of $85.4 million, due primarily to the following:
• A $32.8 million net reduction in amortization expense related to publishing rights, pre-publication and
other intangible assets compared to the prior year due to our use of accelerated amortization methods,
•
•
Further, there was a $7.3 million reduction in impairment costs compared to the prior year. In 2013,
there were $7.4 million of software development costs impaired, $1.1 million of pre-publication costs
impaired and $0.5 million of tradenames impaired. In 2014, we recorded a $1.3 million impairment
charge related to an investment in preferred stock and a $0.4 million impairment charge related to
tradenames,
Partially offsetting the aforementioned, our cost of sales, excluding pre-publication and publishing
rights amortization, increased $3.7 million compared to the prior year. As a percent of net sales, our
cost of sales, excluding pre-publication and publishing rights amortization increased to 42.9% from
42.4%, resulting in an approximate $6.3 million decrease in profitability partially offset by a $2.6
million decrease attributed to lower volume. The increase in our costs was primarily attributed to a
1.3% increase in royalties as a percent of net sales, attributed to the increased billings, which had a
negative impact on profitability of an approximate $17.7 million, along with higher depreciation
expense of $9.7 million, attributed to increased platform spend over the past several years. The
increases were partially offset by a reduction in our product cost of $14.5 million and $6.6 million of
lower inventory obsolescence expense,
• Also, there was an increase in selling and administrative costs of $31.6 million compared to the prior
year, primarily due to increased variable costs of $34.9 million of commissions associated with the
approximately $221.8 million increase in our billings, higher technology costs of $12.3 million, an
increase of $3.0 million of outside labor to support the increased billings, and a $1.9 million increase in
stock-based compensation due to additional equity award issuances, partially offset by a $19.1 million
decline in fees associated with the registration of securities.
Interest expense for the year ended December 31, 2014 decreased $3.1 million, or 14.5%, to $18.2 million
from $21.3 million for the same period in 2013 primarily as a result of Amendment No. 4 to our term loan
facility, which reduced the interest rate applicable to borrowings thereunder by 1.0%.
Change in fair value of derivative instruments for the year ended December 31, 2014 unfavorably
changed by $1.3 million from an expense of $0.3 million in 2013 to an expense of $1.6 million in 2014. The loss
on change in fair value of derivative instruments was related to unfavorable foreign exchange forward and option
contracts executed on the Euro that were adversely impacted by the stronger U.S. dollar.
Income tax expense for the year ended December 31, 2014 increased $3.9 million from an expense of $2.3
million for the year ended December 31, 2013, to an expense of $6.2 million. For both periods, the income tax
expense was impacted by certain discrete tax items including the accrual of potential interest and penalties on
uncertain tax positions. Including the tax effects of these discrete tax items, the effective rate was 5.9% and 2.2%
for the year ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
For the year ended December 31, 2014, we recorded no tax benefit on the year-to-date loss, except for the
country of Ireland where we released the valuation allowance by approximately $3.0 million. The income tax
expense of $6.2 million was primarily related to movement in the deferred tax liability associated with tax
amortization on indefinite lived intangibles, and accrual of interest and penalties on uncertain tax positions.
39
Consolidated Operating Results for the Years Ended December 31, 2013 and 2012
(dollars in thousands)
Year
Ended
December 31,
2013
Year
Ended
December 31,
2012
Dollar
change
Percent
Change
Net sales . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$1,378,612
$1,285,641
$ 92,971
7.2%
Costs and expenses:
Cost of sales, excluding pre-publication and publishing rights
amortization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Publishing rights amortization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Pre-publication amortization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cost of sales . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Selling and administrative . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other intangible asset amortization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Impairment charge for intangible assets, pre-publication costs
and fixed assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Severance and other charges . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gain on bargain purchase . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
585,059
139,588
121,715
846,362
580,887
18,968
9,000
10,040
—
515,948
177,747
137,729
831,424
533,462
54,815
69,111
(38,159)
(16,014)
14,938
47,425
(35,847)
13.4%
(21.5)%
(11.6)%
1.8%
8.9%
(65.4)%
8,003
9,375
(30,751)
997
665
30,751
12.5%
7.1%
NM
Operating loss . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(86,645)
(120,687)
(34,042)
(28.2)%
Other income (expense):
Interest expense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Change in fair value of derivative instruments . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Loss on debt extinguishment
Loss before reorganization items and taxes . . . . . . . . . . .
Reorganization items, net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Income tax expense (benefit) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(21,344)
(252)
(598)
(108,839)
—
2,347
(123,197)
1,688
—
(242,196)
(149,114)
(5,943)
(101,853)
(1,940)
(598)
(133,357)
149,114
8,290
(82.7)%
NM
NM
(55.1)%
NM
139.5%
Net loss . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$ (111,186)
$ (87,139) $ 24,047
27.6%
NM = not meaningful
Net sales for the year ended December 31, 2013 increased $93.0 million, or 7.2%, from $1,285.6 million for
the same period in 2012, to $1,378.6 million. The increase was largely driven by $34.0 million of increased
adoptions sales, primarily in Florida and Tennessee, due to new adoptions that did not exist in the prior year,
together with $12.0 million of increased sales in the open territory market driven by a large sale to the New York
City school district of our Go Math! product. Also benefitting sales for the year ended December 31, 2013 was an
incremental $37.0 million of sales of intervention and professional development products, $12.0 million of
higher international, professional services and assessment sales and $13.7 million additional net sales from our
culinary product line. Additionally, we were able to increase sales in the private, parochial and charter school
channel through an agreement with a reseller. The private, parochial and charter school channel incremental sales
along with the sale of consumable backlist products sold to both other resellers and directly to customers,
resulted in an increase of $16.0 million in 2013 as compared to 2012. Offsetting the above positive factors were
lower residual sales of $13.0 million, which are typically lower in years of larger adoption sales; lower
supplemental product sales due to an aging products, and $16.0 million of lower sales of learning management
systems as we migrate to a new learning management system partner strategy.
Operating loss for the year ended December 31, 2013 decreased $34.0 million, or 28.2%, from a loss of
$120.7 million for the same period in 2012, to a loss of $86.6 million, due primarily to the following:
•
a $90.0 million reduction in amortization expense related to publishing rights, pre-publication and
other intangible assets due to our use of accelerated amortization methods and lower pre-publication
spending over the past several years as compared to previous years.
40
•
•
Increased sales of $93.0 million, however, our cost of sales, excluding pre-publication and publishing
rights amortization, as a percent of sales increased to 42.4% from 40.1% resulting in an approximate
$31.7 million adverse impact on profitability. This increase was the result of a shift in our product mix
impacting production costs by $7.5 million and royalty costs by $4.7 million. Additionally, our gratis
costs were $12.1 million higher due to increased sales to adoption states and we incurred $10.2 million
of higher depreciation on digital platforms. The net effect of the increased sales was an improvement of
approximately $24 million on the operating loss from the prior year.
Offsetting the favorable impacts on our operating loss was a $47.4 million increase in selling and
administrative costs primarily due to approximately $20 million of costs associated with our initial
public offering in November 2013 and a $16.7 million increase in commission expense, a $5.3 million
increase in stock compensation costs and a $8.3 million increase in sampling expenses in advance of
the 2014 scheduled adoptions and transportation expenses associated with the increase in sales;
•
Partially offset by a $30.8 million gain on bargain purchase in 2012 that did not occur in 2013.
Interest expense for the year ended December 31, 2013 decreased $101.9 million, or 82.7%, to $21.3
million from $123.2 million for the same period in 2012, primarily as a result of our emergence from bankruptcy
with substantially reduced debt.
Change in fair value of derivative instruments for the year ended December 31, 2013 unfavorably
changed by $1.9 million from income of $1.7 million to an expense of $0.3 million. The loss on change in fair
value of derivative instruments was related to unfavorable foreign exchange forward and option contracts
executed on the Euro.
Income tax expense for the year ended December 31, 2013 increased $8.3 million from a tax benefit of
$5.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2012, to a tax expense of $2.3 million. For both periods, the
income tax expense was impacted by certain discrete tax items including the accrual of potential interest and
penalties on uncertain tax positions. Including the tax effects of these discrete tax items, the effective rate was
2.1% and (6.4)% for the year ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
For the year ended December 31, 2013, we recorded no tax benefit on the year-to-date loss. The income tax
expense of $2.3 million was primarily related to movement in the deferred tax liability associated with tax
amortization on indefinite lived intangibles, accrual of interest and penalties on uncertain tax positions and to a
tax benefit allocated to continuing operations as a result of recording gains in other comprehensive income (loss).
Similar to 2012, such gains provide a source of income that enables realization of the tax benefit of the current
year’s loss in continuing operations.
The income tax benefit for the year ended December 31, 2012 was primarily due to a tax benefit allocated to
continuing operations after considering the gain recorded in the second quarter of 2012 in additional paid-in
capital as a result of the reorganization. This tax benefit in continuing operations was offset by the deferred tax
liabilities associated with tax amortization on indefinite-lived intangibles, as well as expected foreign, state and
local taxes.
Adjusted EBITDA
To supplement our financial statements presented in accordance with GAAP, we have presented Adjusted
EBITDA in addition to our GAAP results. This information should be considered as supplemental in nature and
should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for the related financial information prepared in
accordance with GAAP. Management believes that the presentation of Adjusted EBITDA provides useful
information to investors regarding our results of operations because it assists both investors and management in
analyzing and benchmarking the performance and value of our business. Adjusted EBITDA provides an indicator
41
of general economic performance that is not affected by debt restructurings, fluctuations in interest rates or
effective tax rates, non-cash charges, or levels of depreciation or amortization along with costs such as severance,
facility closure costs, and acquisition costs. Accordingly, our management believes that this measurement is
useful for comparing general operating performance from period to period. In addition, targets and positive
trends in Adjusted EBITDA are used as performance measures and to determine certain compensation of
management. Other companies may define Adjusted EBITDA differently and, as a result, our measure of
Adjusted EBITDA may not be directly comparable to Adjusted EBITDA of other companies. Although we use
Adjusted EBITDA as a financial measure to assess the performance of our business, the use of Adjusted
EBITDA is limited because it does not include certain material costs, such as interest and taxes, necessary to
operate our business. Adjusted EBITDA should be considered in addition to, and not as a substitute for, net
earnings in accordance with GAAP as a measure of performance. Adjusted EBITDA is not intended to be a
measure of liquidity or free cash flow for discretionary use. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on
Adjusted EBITDA.
Below is a reconciliation of our net loss to Adjusted EBITDA for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and
2012:
Year Ended December 31,
2014
2013
2012
Net loss . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Interest expense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Provision (benefit) for income taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Depreciation expense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Amortization expense (1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Non-cash charges—stock compensation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Non-cash charges—gain (loss) on derivative instruments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Asset impairment charges . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Purchase accounting adjustments (2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fees, expenses or charges for equity offerings, debt or acquisitions . . . . . . .
Restructuring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Severance separation costs and facility closures (3) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Reorganization items, net (4) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Debt extinguishment loss . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$(111,491) $(111,186) $ (87,139)
123,197
(5,943)
58,131
370,291
4,227
(1,688)
8,003
(16,511)
267
6,716
9,375
(149,114)
21,344
2,347
61,705
280,271
9,524
252
9,000
11,460
23,540
3,123
13,040
—
598
18,245
6,242
72,290
247,487
11,376
1,593
1,679
3,661
4,424
2,577
7,300
—
—
—
Adjusted EBITDA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$ 265,383
$ 325,018
$ 319,812
(1)
Includes pre-publication amortization of $129,693, $121,715 and $137,729 for the years ended
December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 respectively.
(2) Represents certain non-cash accounting adjustments, most significantly relating to deferred revenue and
inventory costs.
(3) Represents costs associated with restructuring. Included in such costs are severance, facility integration
(including inventory excess) and vacancy of excess facilities.
(4) Represents net gain associated with our Chapter 11 reorganization in 2012.
42
Segment Operating Results
Results of Operations—Comparing Years Ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 and 2012
Education
Year Ended December 31,
2014
2013
2012
2014 vs. 2013
2013 vs. 2012
Dollar
change
Percent
change
Dollar
change
Percent
change
Net sales . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1,209,142 $1,207,908 $1,128,591 $ 1,234
Costs and expenses:
Cost of sales, excluding pre-
0.1% $ 79,317
7.0%
publication and publishing rights
amortization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Publishing rights amortization . . . . . . .
Pre-publication amortization . . . . . . . .
Cost of sales . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Selling and administrative . . . . . . . . . .
Other intangible asset amortization . . .
Impairment charge for investment in
preferred stock, intangible assets,
pre-publication costs and fixed
assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
482,765
94,225
128,793
705,783
495,421
9,865
476,488
126,781
120,562
723,831
452,561
17,079
424,205
161,649
136,361
722,215
438,503
54,542
6,277
(32,556)
8,231
(18,048)
42,860
(7,214)
1.3% 52,283
12.3%
(25.7)% (34,868) (21.6)%
6.8% (15,799) (11.6)%
(2.5)% 1,616
9.5% 14,058
0.2%
3.2%
(42.2)% (37,463) (68.7)%
1,279
8,500
8,003
(7,221)
(85.0)%
497
6.2%
Operating income (loss) . . . . . . . . . . . . $
(3,206) $
5,937 $ (94,672) $ (9,143) (154.0)% $100,609 106.3%
Net income (loss) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
(3,206) $
5,937 $ (94,672) $ (9,143) (154.0)% $100,609 106.3%
Adjustments from net income (loss) to
Education segment Adjusted
EBITDA
Depreciation expense . . . . . . . . . .
Amortization expense . . . . . . . . . .
Non-cash charges—asset
63,865
232,884
53,875
264,422
49,600
352,552
9,990
(31,538)
18.5%
8.6%
4,275
(11.9)% (88,130) (25.0)%
impairment charges . . . . . . . . .
1,279
8,500
8,003
(7,221)
(85.0)%
497
6.2%
Purchase accounting
adjustments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3,661
10,449
14,240
(6,788)
(65.0)% (3,791) (26.6)%
Education segment Adjusted
EBITDA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 298,483 $ 343,183 $ 329,723 $(44,700)
(13.0)% $ 13,460
4.1%
Education segment Adjusted
EBITDA as a % of net sales . . .
24.7%
28.4%
29.2%
NM = not meaningful
Our Education segment net sales for the year ended December 31, 2014 increased $1.2 million, or 0.1%, from
$1,207.9 million for the same period in 2013, to $1,209.1 million. The increase was largely driven by higher net
sales of $13.0 million from the Heinemann business, primarily related to the Leveled Literacy Intervention product
line along with $13.0 million of higher assessment net sales driven by the release of a new version of the Woodcock
Johnson program and higher sales directly to consumers. Additionally, there were net sales of $230.0 million during
2014 that were deferred, compared to net sales of $2.0 million in the prior year, and will be recognized up to seven
years rather than immediately due to the increase in digital and subscription components within our programs along
with the length of our programs. Our billings increased $221.8 million, or 16%, from 2013 to 2014 primarily due to
large Texas Math and Science adoptions and, to a lesser extent, adoptions in California and Florida. Partially
offsetting the increase were lower net sales of professional development and professional services, primarily due to
the prior year period benefitting $8.0 million from the completion of a contract that led to the recognition of revenue
previously deferred, coupled with lower learning management system sales and services as we have exited those
43
offerings. Further, there was a $9.0 million decrease in net sales of traditional print supplemental products due to
an aging product base and a $3.0 million decline in international sales due to a decline in licensing revenue.
Our Education segment net sales for the year ended December 31, 2013 increased $79.3 million, or 7.0%, from
$1,128.6 million for the same period in 2012, to $1,207.9 million. The increase was largely driven by $34.0 million
of increased adoptions sales, primarily in Florida and Tennessee, due to new adoptions that did not exist in the prior
year, together with $12.0 million of increased sales in the open territory market driven by a large sale to the New
York City school district of our Go Math! product. Also benefitting sales for the year ended December 31, 2013 was
an incremental $37.0 million of sales of intervention and professional development products along with $12.0
million of higher international, professional services and assessment sales. Additionally, we were able to increase
sales in the private, parochial and charter school channel through an agreement with a reseller. The private,
parochial and charter school channel incremental sales along with the sale of consumable backlist products sold to
both other resellers and directly to customers resulted in an increase of $16.0 million in 2013 as compared to 2012.
Offsetting the above positive factors were lower residual sales of $13.0 million, which are typically lower in years
of larger adoption sales; lower supplemental product sales due to an aging products, and $16.0 million of lower
sales of learning management systems as we migrate to a new learning management system partner strategy.
Our Education segment cost of sales for the year ended December 31, 2014, decreased $18.0 million, or 2.5%,
from $723.8 million for the same period in 2013, to $705.8 million. The decrease was attributed to a $24.3 million
reduction in net amortization expense related to publishing rights and pre-publication amortization due to our use of
accelerated amortization methods. Partially offsetting the aforementioned decrease was an increase in cost of sales,
excluding pre-publication and publishing rights amortization, of $6.3 million as our cost of sales, excluding pre-
publication and publishing rights amortization, as a percent of net sales, increased to 39.9% from 39.4%, resulting in
higher product cost of approximately $5.8 million with $0.6 million of the increase due to higher volume. The
increase in product cost was primarily due to higher royalty costs, which as a percent of net sales, increased to 7.2%
from 5.8%, resulting in an approximate $16.9 million of decreased profitability offset by lower production costs of
$7.6 million attributed to longer print runs along with $3.5 million of lower inventory obsolescence.
Our Education segment cost of sales for the year ended December 31, 2013, increased $1.6 million, or 0.2%,
from $722.2 million for the same period in 2012, to $723.8 million. The increase was attributed to a
$52.3 million increase in cost of sales, excluding pre-publication and publishing rights amortization. This
increase was primarily due to $12.1 million of higher gratis costs due to increased sales to adoption states, which
typically carry higher gratis, $5.0 million increase in production cost, $11.5 million increase in royalties
associated with our product mix, $10.2 million of higher amortization on digital platforms, and $13.5 million due
to the increase in sales volume. Offsetting the increase in cost of sales, excluding pre-publication and publishing
rights amortization, was $50.7 million reduction in amortization expense related to publishing rights and pre-
publication costs due to our use of accelerated amortization methods and lower pre-publication spending over the
past several years as compared to previous years.
Our Education segment selling and administrative expense for the year ended December 31, 2014, increased
$42.9 million, or 9.5%, from $452.6 million for the same period in 2013, to $495.4 million. The increase was
primarily due to increased variable costs of $35.5 million of commissions, associated with the approximately
$221.8 million increase in our billings. Additionally, both labor-related and marketing and promotion costs
increased modestly.
Our Education segment selling and administrative expense for the year ended December 31, 2013, increased
$14.1 million, or 3.2%, from $438.5 million for the same period in 2012, to $452.6 million. The increase was due
to an increase of $24.5 million in variable costs pertaining to commissions, transportation, samples and
depository fees associated with higher sales and sales mix along with $3.9 million of higher technology and
professional fees. Offsetting the increase in selling and administrative expenses was a reduction in labor related
costs of $9.5 million related to reduced head count, and lower depreciation of $6.0 million.
44
Our Education segment Adjusted EBITDA for the year ended December 31, 2014, decreased $44.7 million,
or 13.0%, from income of $343.2 million for the same period in 2013, to income of $298.5 million. Our
Education segment Adjusted EBITDA excludes depreciation, amortization, impairment charges and purchase
accounting adjustments. The purchase accounting adjustments for both 2014 and 2013 related to adjustments to
deferred revenue for the 2010 restructuring where we adjusted our balance sheet to fair value. The purchase
accounting adjustments will gradually decrease each year. Our Education segment Adjusted EBITDA as a
percentage of net sales were 24.7% and 28.4% for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively,
due to the identified factors impacting net sales, cost of sales and selling and administrative expense after
removing those items not included in Education segment Adjusted EBITDA.
Our Education segment Adjusted EBITDA for the year ended December 31, 2013, increased $13.5 million,
or 4.1%, from $329.7 million for the same period in 2012, to $343.2 million. Our Education segment Adjusted
EBITDA excludes depreciation, amortization, impairment charges and purchase accounting adjustments. The
impairment charge of $8.5 million pertains primarily to the write off of platforms and programs that will not be
utilized in the future. The purchase accounting adjustments for both 2013 and 2012 related to adjustments to
deferred revenue for the 2010 restructuring where we adjusted our balance sheet to fair value. The purchase
accounting adjustments will gradually decrease each year. The decrease in our Education segment Adjusted
EBITDA as a percentage of net sales, from 29.2% of net sales for the year ended December 31, 2012 to 28.4%
for the same period in 2013, was due to the identified factors impacting net sales, cost of sales and selling and
administrative expense after removing those items not included in Education segment Adjusted EBITDA.
45
Trade Publishing
Net sales . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Costs and expenses:
Cost of sales, excluding pre-
publication and publishing rights
amortization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Publishing rights amortization . . . . .
Pre-publication amortization . . . . . .
Cost of sales . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Selling and administrative . . . . . . . .
Other intangible asset
Year Ended December 31,
2014
2013
2012
2014 vs. 2013
2013 vs. 2012
Dollar
change
Percent
change
Dollar
change
Percent
change
$163,174
$170,704
$157,050
$ (7,530)
(4.4)% $ 13,654
8.7%
105,961
11,399
900
118,260
45,128
105,571
12,807
1,153
119,531
42,227
91,743
16,098
1,368
109,209
36,994
390
(1,408)
(253)
(1,271)
2,901
0.4% 13,828
(11.0)% (3,291)
(215)
(21.9)%
15.1%
(20.4)%
(15.7)%
(1.1)% 10,322
5,233
6.9%
9.5%
14.1%
amortization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2,305
1,889
273
416
22.0%
1,616
NM
Impairment charge for intangible
assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gain on bargain purchase . . . . . . . . .
400
—
500
—
—
(30,751)
(100)
—
(20.0)%
NM
500
30,751
NM
NM
Operating Income (loss) . . . . . . . . . .
$ (2,919) $
6,557
$ 41,325
$ (9,476) NM $(34,768)
(84.1)%
Net Income (loss) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$ (2,919) $
6,557
$ 41,325
$ (9,476) NM $(34,768)
(84.1)%
Adjustments from Net Income (loss)
to Trade Publishing segment
Adjusted EBITDA
Depreciation expense . . . . . . . .
Amortization expense . . . . . . . .
Non-cash charges—asset
impairment charges . . . . . . . .
Purchase accounting
adjustments . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Trade Publishing segment
591
14,603
531
15,849
461
17,739
60
(1,246)
11.3%
70
(7.9)% (1,890)
15.2%
(10.7)%
400
—
500
—
(100)
(20.0)%
500
NM
1,011
(30,751)
(1,011) NM
31,762
NM
Adjusted EBITDA . . . . . . . .
$ 12,675
$ 24,448
$ 28,774
$(11,773)
(48.2)% $ (4,326)
(15.0)%
Trade Publishing segment
Adjusted EBITDA as a % of
net sales . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
7.8%
14.3%
18.3%
NM = not meaningful
Our Trade Publishing segment net sales for the year ended December 31, 2014, decreased $7.5 million, or
4.4%, from $170.7 million for the same period in 2013, to $163.2 million. The decrease was largely driven by the
prior year period benefitting from strong net sales of backlist titles associated with the theatrical releases of The
Hobbit and Life of Pi, which did not occur in the current period. Additionally, sales of General Interests front list
titles were down from the prior year as the prior year benefited from successful front list titles such as Francona.
While 2014 did have strong front list titles, The Giver movie tie-in title and New York Times number one best
seller What If, these titles could not offset the strength of the prior year titles.
Our Trade Publishing segment net sales for the year ended December 31, 2013, increased $13.7 million, or
8.7%, from $157.0 million for the same period in 2012, to $170.7 million. The increase was attributed to
additional net sales from the culinary product line in connection with our 2012 acquisition of certain assets as
well as increases in the General Interest and Young Readers products.
46
Our Trade Publishing segment cost of sales for the year ended December 31, 2014, decreased $1.3 million,
or 1.1%, from $119.5 million for the same period in 2013, to $118.3 million. The decrease is primarily related to
decreased net sales and lower amortization expense of $1.4 million related to publishing rights, which was lower
due to our use of accelerated amortization methods. Our cost of sales, excluding pre-publication and publishing
rights amortization, as a percent of net sales, increased to 64.9% from 61.8%, resulting in an approximate $5.0
million of loss in profitability. The decrease in product profitability was the result of product mix and higher
royalties. The decrease was offset by a $4.7 million lower cost of sales, excluding pre-publication and publishing
rights amortization, due to less volume.
Our Trade Publishing segment cost of sales for the year ended December 31, 2013, increased $10.3 million,
or 9.5%, from $109.2 million for the same period in 2012, to $119.5 million. The increase is primarily related to
increased sales and a change in the sales mix offset by lower amortization expense of $3.3 million related to
publishing rights, which was lower due to our use of accelerated amortization methods.
Our Trade Publishing segment selling and administrative expense for the year ended December 31, 2014,
increased $2.9 million, or 6.9%, from $42.2 million for the same period in 2013, to $45.1 million. The increase
was primarily related to higher promotional expenses and development costs of $1.4 million.
Our Trade Publishing segment selling and administrative expense for the year ended December 31, 2013,
increased $5.2 million, or 14.1%, from $37.0 million for the same period in 2012, to $42.2 million. The increase
was primarily related to higher labor costs of $3.3 million, higher promotional expense of $1.0 million and $0.7
million of higher variable expenses for transportation fees and commissions associated with the increased sales.
Our Trade Publishing segment Adjusted EBITDA for the year ended December 31, 2014, decreased $11.8
million, or 48.2%, from $24.4 million for the same period in 2013, to $12.7 million. Our Trade Publishing
segment Adjusted EBITDA excludes depreciation, amortization, impairment charges and purchase accounting
adjustments. Our Trade Publishing segment Adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of net sales was 7.8% for the year
ended December 31, 2014, which was down from 14.3% for the same period in 2013, due to the identified factors
impacting net sales, cost of sales and selling and administrative expenses after removing those items not included
in segment adjusted EBITDA.
Our Trade Publishing segment Adjusted EBITDA for the year ended December 31, 2013, decreased $4.3
million, or 15.0%, from $28.8 million for the same period in 2012, to $24.4 million. Our Trade Publishing
segment Adjusted EBITDA excludes depreciation, amortization, impairment charges and purchase accounting
adjustments. The purchase accounting adjustment pertains to the step-up of acquired assets in November 2012
and the impairment pertains to the write-down to fair value of a certain tradename imprint. Our Trade Publishing
segment Adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of net sales was 14.3% for the year ended December 31, 2013, which
was down from 18.3% for the same period in 2012 due to the identified factors impacting, cost of sales and
selling and administrative expenses after removing those items not included in segment adjusted EBITDA.
47
2014 vs. 2013
2013 vs. 2012
Year Ended December 31,
2014
2013
2012
Dollar
change
Percent
change
Dollar
change
Percent
change
— $
— $
— $ —
NM $
—
NM
Corporate and Other
Net sales . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Costs and expenses:
Cost of sales, excluding pre-
publication and publishing rights
amortization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Publishing rights amortization . . . . . .
Pre-publication amortization . . . . . . .
Cost of sales . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Selling and administrative . . . . . . . . .
Severance and other charges . . . . . . . .
—
71,986
7,300
—
—
—
3,000
—
—
3,000
86,099
10,040
—
—
—
(3,000) NM
NM
NM
—
—
3,000
—
—
—
57,965
9,375
(3,000) NM
(14,113)
(2,740)
3,000
(16.4)% 28,134
665
(27.3)%
NM
NM
NM
NM
48.5%
7.1%
47.2%
(1,940)
(598)
67,516
8,290
NM
NM
(35.8)%
NM
Operating loss . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ (79,286) $ (99,139) $ (67,340) $(19,853)
(20.0)%$ 31,799
(18,245)
(21,344)
(123,197)
(3,099)
(14.5)% (101,853)
(82.7)%
Interest expense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Change in fair value of derivative
instruments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . .
Loss on debt extinguishment
(1,593)
—
(252)
(598)
1,688
—
(1,341) NM
NM
598
Loss before taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Income tax expense (benefit) . . . . . . .
(99,124)
6,242
(121,333)
2,347
(188,849)
(5,943)
22,209
3,895
18.3%
NM
Net loss . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $(105,366) $(123,680) $(182,906) $(18,314)
(12.3)%$ (59,226)
(32.4)%
Adjustments from net loss to
Corporate and Other
Adjusted EBITDA
Interest expense . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Provision for income taxes . . . . .
Depreciation expense . . . . . . . . .
Non-cash charges—(gain) loss
18,245
6,242
7,834
21,344
2,347
7,299
123,197
(5,943)
8,070
(3,099) (14.52)% (101,853)
3,895
535
(82.7)%
8,290 (139.4)%
(9.6)%
(771)
NM
7.3%
on derivative instruments . . . .
1,593
252
(1,688)
1,341
NM
1,940 (114.9)%
Non-cash charges—stock
compensation . . . . . . . . . . . . .
11,376
9,524
4,227
1,852
19.4%
5,297
125.3%
Fees, expenses or charges for
equity offerings, debt or
acquisitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Restructuring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Severance separation costs and
facility closures . . . . . . . . . . . .
Debt extinguishment loss . . . . . .
Corporate and Other
4,424
2,577
7,300
—
23,540
3,123
13,040
598
267
6,716
(19,116)
(546)
(81.2)% 23,273
(17.5)% (3,593)
NM
(53.5)%
9,375
—
(5,740)
(44.0)%
(598) NM
3,665
598
39.1%
NM
Adjusted EBITDA . . . . . . . . . $ (45,775) $ (42,613) $ (38,685) $ (3,162)
7.4% $
(3,928)
10.2%
NM= not meaningful
The Corporate and Other category represents certain general overhead costs not fully allocated to the
business segments such as legal, accounting, treasury, human resources, technology and executive functions.
Our cost of sales for the Corporate and Other category for the year ended December 31, 2014 decreased
$3.0 million. The decrease was attributed to a non-recurring $3.0 million inventory reserve associated with the
closure of a warehouse in 2013, which from a segment perspective is considered Other.
48
Our cost of sales for the Corporate and Other category for the year ended December 31, 2013 increased $3.0
million. The increase was attributed to a $3.0 million increase in inventory reserve associated with the closure of
a warehouse, which from a segment perspective is considered Other.
Our selling and administrative expense for the Corporate and Other category for year ended December 31,
2014, decreased $14.1 million, or 16.4%, from $86.1 million for the same period in 2013, to $72.0 million. The
decrease was attributed to a $19.1 million decline in costs related to our initial public offering, along with
acquisition related activity along with lower severance, facility closure, and restructuring cost of $6.3 million
partially offset by higher legal, consulting and professional fees of $6.7 million and a $1.9 million increase in
equity compensation charges due to additional equity award issuances.
Our selling and administrative expense for the Corporate and Other category for year ended December 31,
2013, increased $28.1 million, or 48.5%, from $58.0 million for the same period in 2012, to $86.1 million. The
increase was attributed to a $5.3 million increase in equity compensation charges, and a $23.3 million increase
which pertained to costs related to our initial public offering, along with acquisition related activity. Partially
offsetting the increase in selling and administrative costs was $0.8 million of lower depreciation and a $2.7
million gain on an asset sale.
Adjusted EBITDA for the Corporate and Other category for the year ended December 31, 2014, decreased
$3.2 million, or 7.4%, from a loss of $42.6 million for the same period in 2013, to a loss of $45.8 million. Our
Adjusted EBITDA for the Corporate and Other category excludes depreciation, equity compensation charges,
initial public offering costs, acquisition related activity, restructuring costs, severance and facility costs. The
decrease in our Adjusted EBITDA for the Corporate and Other category was due to the factors described above
after removing those items not included in Adjusted EBITDA for the Corporate and Other category.
Adjusted EBITDA for the Corporate and Other category for the year ended December 31, 2013, decreased
$3.9 million, or 10.2%, from a loss of $38.7 million for the same period in 2012, to a loss of $42.6 million. Our
Adjusted EBITDA for the Corporate and Other category excludes depreciation, equity compensation charges,
initial public offering costs, acquisition related activity, restructuring costs, severance and facility costs. The
increase in our Adjusted EBITDA for the Corporate and Other category was due to the factors described above
after removing those items not included in Adjusted EBITDA for the Corporate and Other category.
Seasonality and Comparability
Our net sales, operating profit or loss and net cash provided by or used in operations are impacted by the
inherent seasonality of the academic calendar. Consequently, the performance of our businesses may not be
comparable quarter to consecutive quarter and should be considered on the basis of results for the whole year or
by comparing results in a quarter with results in the same quarter for the previous year.
In the K-12 market, we typically receive payments for products and services from individual school
districts, and, to a lesser extent, individual schools and states. In the Trade Publishing markets, payment is
received for products and services from book distributors and retail booksellers. In the case of testing and
assessment products and services, payment is received from the individually contracted parties.
Approximately 88% of our net sales for the year ended December 31, 2014 were derived from our
Education segment, which is a markedly seasonal business. Schools conduct the majority of their purchases in
the second and third quarters of the calendar year in preparation for the beginning of the school year. Thus, over
the past three years, approximately 67% of our consolidated net sales were realized in the second and third
quarters. Sales of K-12 instructional materials and customized testing products are also cyclical, with some years
offering more sales opportunities than others. The amount of funding available at the state level for educational
materials also has a significant effect on year-to-year net sales. Although the loss of a single customer would not
have a material adverse effect on our business, schedules of school adoptions and market acceptance of our
products can materially affect year-to-year net sales performance.
49
The following table is indicative of the seasonality of our business and the related results:
Quarterly Results of Operations
(in thousands)
First
Quarter
2013
Second
Quarter
2013
Third
Quarter
2013
Fourth
Quarter
2013
First
Quarter
2014
Second
Quarter
2014
Third
Quarter
2014
Fourth
Quarter
2014
Education segment
Trade Publishing segment . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . $ 126,827 $323,733 $504,585 $252,763 $ 121,874 $364,618 $504,724 $217,926
47,559
46,114
46,284
45,605
37,272
32,059
39,767
39,218
Net sales . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Costs and expenses:
Cost of sales, excluding pre-
publication and publishing
rights amortization . . . . . . . . . .
Publishing rights amortization . . .
Pre-publication amortization . . . .
Cost of sales . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Selling and administrative . . . . . .
Other intangible asset
amortization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Impairment charge for investment
in preferred stock, intangible
assets, pre-publication costs and
fixed assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Severance and other charges . . . . .
166,594 362,951 550,190 298,877
153,933 401,890 551,008 265,485
87,060 158,756 214,750 124,493
33,500
39,450
33,247
26,157
33,501
31,815
33,137
30,496
92,648 166,796 205,395 123,887
25,049
30,751
35,193
28,974
24,776
32,063
25,048
33,463
152,667 222,389 280,066 191,240
130,236 133,467 156,592 160,592
152,373 223,635 263,906 184,129
137,010 152,283 167,741 155,501
10,752
2,681
2,654
2,881
2,945
3,007
3,029
3,189
—
1,928
8,500
1,553
—
3,343
500
3,216
—
1,757
1,279
3,362
—
181
400
2,000
Operating income (loss) . . . .
(128,989)
(5,639) 107,535
(59,552) (140,152)
18,324 116,151
(79,734)
Other income (expense)
Interest expense . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Change in fair value of derivative
instruments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. .
Loss on extinguishment of debt
(5,907)
(5,678)
(5,041)
(4,718)
(4,297)
(4,395)
(4,662)
(4,891)
(530)
—
51
(598)
250
—
(23)
—
(103)
—
(205)
—
(1,252)
—
(33)
—
Income (loss) before taxes . .
Income tax expense (benefit) . . . .
(135,426)
1,955
(11,864) 102,744
(2,368)
2,402
(64,293) (144,552)
1,783
358
13,724 110,237
3,207
2,176
(84,658)
(924)
Net income (loss) . . . . . . . . . $(137,381)$ (14,266)$105,112 $ (64,651)$(146,335)$ 11,548 $107,030 $ (83,734)
During the first quarter of 2014, we recorded an out-of-period correction of approximately $1.1 million reducing net
sales and increasing deferred revenue that should have been deferred previously. In addition, during the first quarter
of 2014, we recorded approximately $3.5 million of incremental expense, primarily commissions, related to the
prior year. These out-of-period corrections had no impact on our debt covenant compliance. Management believes
these out-of-period corrections are not material to the current period financial statements or any previously issued
financial statements and does not expect them to be material for the full fiscal year 2014. Additionally, we revised
previously reported balance sheet amounts to severance and other charges of $7.3 million, which has been
reclassified as long-term and to current deferred revenue of $5.2 million which has also been reclassified as long-
term. The revision was not material to the reported consolidated balance sheet for any previously filed periods.
During the fourth quarter of 2013, we recorded an out-of-period correction of approximately $5.7 million of
additional net sales that was deferred and should have been recognized previously in 2011 ($4.5 million), 2012
($0.9 million), and the first nine months of 2013 ($0.3 million). In addition, during 2013, we recorded
approximately $2.6 million of incremental expense related to prior years. These out-of-period corrections had no
impact on cash or debt covenants compliance. Management believes these out-of-period corrections are not
material to the current period financial statements or any previously issued financial statements.
50
The fourth quarter of 2013 was positively impacted by an agreement with a reseller for product sales in private,
parochial, and charter school markets.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
(in thousands)
December 31,
2014
2013
2012
Cash and cash equivalents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Short-term investments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Current portion of long-term debt
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Long-term debt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$456,581
286,764
67,500
175,625
$313,628
111,721
2,500
243,125
$329,078
146,041
2,500
245,625
For the year ended December 31,
2014
2013
2012
Net cash provided by operating activities . . . . . . . . . .
$491,043
$157,203
$104,802
On June 22, 2012, our creditors converted the First Lien Credit Agreement consisting of the Term Loan with
an aggregate outstanding principal balance of $2.6 billion and the Revolving Loan with an aggregate outstanding
principal balance of $235.8 million and the outstanding $300.0 million principal amount of 10.5% Senior Notes
to 100 percent pro rata ownership of our common stock.
On May 22, 2012, we entered into a new $500.0 million senior secured credit facility, which was converted
into an exit facility on the effective date of the emergence from Chapter 11. As a result, our existing senior
secured credit facilities consist of a $250.0 million asset-based revolving credit facility and a $250.0 million term
loan facility. The proceeds from the initial borrowings under the senior secured credit facilities were used to fund
the costs of the reorganization and provide post-closing working capital to the Company.
Under both the revolving credit facility and the term loan facility, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Publishers Inc., HMH Publishers LLC and Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company are the borrowers
(the “Borrowers”), and Citibank, N.A. acts as both the administrative agent and the collateral agent.
The obligations under our senior secured credit facilities are guaranteed by the Company and each of its
direct and indirect for profit domestic subsidiaries (other than the Borrowers) (collectively, the “Guarantors”) and
are secured by all capital stock and other equity interests of the Borrowers and the Guarantors and substantially
all of the other tangible and intangible assets of the Borrowers and the Guarantors, including without limitation,
receivables, inventory, equipment, contract rights, securities, patents, trademarks, other intellectual property,
cash, bank accounts and securities accounts and owned real estate. The revolving credit facility is secured by first
priority liens on receivables, inventory, deposit accounts, securities accounts, instruments, chattel paper and other
assets related to the foregoing (the “Revolving First Lien Collateral”), and second priority liens on the collateral
which secures the term loan facility on a first priority basis. The term loan facility is secured by first priority liens
on the capital stock and other equity interests of the Borrower and the Guarantors, equipment, owned real estate,
trademarks and other intellectual property, general intangibles that are not Revolving First Lien Collateral and
other assets related to the foregoing, and second priority liens on the Revolving First Lien Collateral.
Borrowings under the term loan facility are payable in equal quarterly amounts totaling 1.0% per annum of
the original term loan facility amount prior to the maturity date of the term loan facility, with the remaining
unpaid balance due and payable at maturity. No amortization payments are required with respect to the revolving
credit facility.
The revolving credit facility is available based on a borrowing base comprised of eligible inventory and
eligible receivables. Up to $40.0 million of the revolving credit facility is available for issuances of letters of
credit. The amount of any outstanding letters of credit reduce availability under the revolving credit facility on a
dollar for dollar basis.
51
The revolving credit facility has a term of five years and the interest rate for borrowings under the revolving
credit facility is based on, at the Borrowers’ election, LIBOR or an alternate base rate, plus in each case a margin
that is determined based on average daily availability. The term loan facility has a term of six years and the
interest rate for borrowings under the term loan facility is based on, at the Borrowers’ election, LIBOR plus
3.25% per annum or the alternate base rate plus 2.25%. The LIBOR rate under the term loan facility is subject to
a minimum “floor” of 1.00%. As of December 31, 2014, the interest rate of the term loan facility was 4.25%. As
of December 31, 2014, we had approximately $243.1 million outstanding under our term loan facility and no
amounts outstanding under our revolving credit facility. We had approximately $220.0 million of borrowing
availability under our revolving credit facility and approximately $20.2 million of outstanding letters of credit as
of December 31, 2014.
On January 15, 2014, we amended our term loan facility to, among other things, reduce the interest rates
applicable to the loans under the term loan facility. As a result of the amendment, interest rates for loans under
the term loan facility are (i) the alternate base rate plus 2.25% per annum, a reduction from the alternate base rate
plus 3.25% in effect prior to the amendment, and (ii) LIBOR plus 3.25% per annum, a reduction from LIBOR
plus 4.25% in effect prior to the amendment.
The term loan facility contains financial covenants based on a defined EBITDA calculation requiring the
Company, on a consolidated basis, to maintain a certain minimum interest coverage ratio and a certain maximum
leverage ratio. The interest coverage ratio is now 9.0 to 1.0 for fiscal quarters through maturity. The maximum
leverage ratio is now 2.0 to 1.0 for fiscal quarters through maturity. The revolving credit facility contains a
minimum fixed charge coverage ratio which is tested if availability is less than the greater of $31.25 million and
15% of the lesser of the total commitment and the borrowing base then in effect, or less than $20.0 million if
certain conditions are met. We were in compliance with each of these covenants in the term loan facility as of
December 31, 2014, and the minimum fixed charge coverage ratio was not applicable under the revolving credit
facility. The senior secured credit facilities also contain customary restrictive covenants, including limitations on
incurrence of indebtedness, incurrence of liens, transactions with affiliates, mergers, dividends and other
distributions, asset dispositions and investments.
Additionally, we are subject to Excess Cash Flow provisions under the term loan facility which are
predicated upon our leverage ratio and cash flow. As of December 31, 2014, we are required to pay
approximately $65.0 million under this provision. Accordingly, this amount has been classified in our current
portion of long-term debt.
Our senior secured credit facilities contain customary events of default, subject to applicable grace periods,
including for nonpayment of principal, interest or other amounts, violation of covenants, incorrectness of
representations or warranties in any material respect, cross default to material indebtedness, material monetary
judgments, ERISA defaults, insolvency, actual or asserted invalidity of loan documents or material security and
change of control.
We had $456.6 million of cash and cash equivalents and $286.8 million of short-term investments as of
December 31, 2014. We had $313.6 million of cash and cash equivalents and $111.7 million of short-term
investments as of December 31, 2013.
We expect our net cash provided by operations combined with our cash and cash equivalents and
borrowings under our revolving credit facility to provide sufficient liquidity to fund our current obligations,
capital spending, debt service requirements and working capital requirements over at least the next twelve
months.
52
Operating activities
Net cash provided by operating activities was $491.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2014, a
$333.8 million increase from the $157.2 million provided by operating activities for the year ended
December 31, 2013. The increase in cash provided by operating activities from 2013 to 2014 was primarily
driven by favorable net changes in operating assets and liabilities of $354.4 million. These changes were
primarily due to favorable changes in deferred revenue of $228.4 million attributed to increased billings and
change in product mix, favorable changes in accounts receivable of $153.5 million, favorable changes in
royalties of $7.4 million, partially offset by unfavorable changes in inventories and accounts payable of $17.2
million and $4.5 million, respectively, and unfavorable net changes in other operating assets and liabilities of
$13.2 million. Further, the increase was partially offset by less profitable operations, net of non-cash charges, of
$20.6 million.
Net cash provided by operating activities was $157.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2013, a
$52.4 million increase from the $104.8 million provided by operating activities for the year ended December 31,
2012. The increase in cash provided by operating activities from 2012 to 2013 was primarily driven by lower
interest of $101.9 million, a direct result of the substantial reduction in debt related to our Chapter 11
reorganization, offset by $22.1 million of less profitable operations, and by unfavorable net changes in operating
assets and liabilities of $27.4 million. These changes were primarily as a result of unfavorable changes in
accounts receivable of $113.9 million due to timing, unfavorable changes in inventory of $29.1 million and in
other assets and liabilities of $0.1 million partially offset by favorable changes in deferred revenue of $55.3
million, as deferred revenue declined in 2012 as a result of the lower adoption market, which is the primary
driver of deferred revenue, and accounts payable of $45.7 million due to the timing of payments, and favorable
changes in severance of $14.7 million.
Investing activities
Net cash used in investing activities was $367.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2014, an increase
of $199.0 million from the $168.6 million used in investing activities for the year ended December 31, 2013. The
increase in cash investing expenditures is primarily attributed to a $209.2 million increase in net purchases of
short-term investments attributed to the 2014 cash generation. Further, there was a decrease in proceeds from sale
of assets of $4.8 million for 2013 activity that did not occur in 2014. The overall increase in net cash used in
investing activities was offset by a decrease in acquisition of business activity expenditures of $9.6 million and
$3.9 million in pre-publication costs and property, plant and equipment, due to improvements in capital
allocation management.
Net cash used in investing activities was $168.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2013, a decrease
of $127.4 million from the $296.0 million used in investing activities for the year ended December 31, 2012. The
decrease in cash investing expenditures is primarily attributed to an increase in net proceeds of $179.3 million
from short-term investment activity, offset by a $21.1 million increase in additions to pre-publication costs and
property, plant and equipment, primarily platforms. Although a portion of the increase is attributed to timing,
there is a portion of the increase due to incremental spending as we prepare programs for an increase in
upcoming adoptions over the next couple of years.
Financing activities
Net cash provided by financing activities was $19.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2014, an
increase of $23.6 million from the $4.1 million of net cash used in financing activities for the year ended
December 31, 2013. The increase was due to proceeds from stock option exercises of $22.7 million, partially
offset by tax withholding payments related to net share settlements of restricted stock units of $0.7 million.
Further, in 2013, there were $1.6 million of contingent consideration payments related to prior year acquisitions
that did not occur in 2014.
53
Net cash used in financing activities was $4.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2013, a decrease of
$110.7 million from the $106.7 million net cash provided by financing activities for the year ended December 31,
2012. We paid $2.5 million of principal payments in 2013 for our outstanding indebtedness under the term loan
facility during 2013. During the year ended December 31, 2012, we received proceeds of $250.0 million in
connection with the initial borrowings under our term-loan facility. This amount was partially offset by our
Chapter 11 reorganization costs and principal payments of long term debt of $12.7 million.
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires the use of estimates,
assumptions and judgments by management that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, net sales,
expenses and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities in the amounts reported in the financial
statements and accompanying notes. On an on-going basis, we evaluate our estimates and assumptions,
including, but not limited to, book returns, allowance for bad debts, recoverability of advances to authors,
valuation of inventory, financial instruments, depreciation and amortization periods, recoverability of long-term
assets such as property, plant and equipment, capitalized pre-publication costs, other identified intangibles,
goodwill, deferred revenue, income taxes, pensions and other postretirement benefits, contingencies, litigation
and purchase accounting. We base our estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that
we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments
about the carrying value of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results
may differ from those estimates. For a complete description of our significant accounting policies, see Note 3 of
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8, “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.”
The following policies and account descriptions include those identified as critical to our business operations and
the understanding of our results of operations.
Revenue Recognition
Revenue is recognized only once persuasive evidence of an arrangement with the customer exists, the sales
price is fixed or determinable, delivery of products or services has occurred, title and risk of loss with respect to
products have transferred to the customer, all significant obligations, if any, have been performed, and collection
is probable.
We enter into certain contractual arrangements that have multiple elements, one or more of which may be
delivered subsequent to the delivery of other elements. These multiple-deliverable arrangements may include
print and digital media, professional development services, training, software licenses, access to hosted content,
and various services related to the software including but not limited to hosting, maintenance and support, and
implementation. For these multiple-element arrangements, we allocate revenue to each deliverable of the
arrangement based on the relative selling prices of the deliverables. In such circumstances, we first determine the
selling price of each deliverable based on (i) vendor-specific objective evidence of fair value (“VSOE”) if that
exists, (ii) third-party evidence of selling price (“TPE”) when VSOE does not exist, or (iii) our best estimate of
the selling price when neither VSOE nor TPE exists. Revenue is then allocated to the non-software deliverables
as a group and to the software deliverables as a group using the relative selling prices of each of the deliverables
in the arrangement, based on the selling price hierarchy. Non-software deliverables include print and digital
textbooks and instructional materials, trade books, reference materials, assessment materials and multimedia
instructional programs; licenses to book rights and content; access to hosted content; and services including test
development, test delivery, test scoring, professional development, consulting and training when those services
do not relate to software deliverables. Software deliverables include software licenses, software maintenance and
support services, professional services and training when those services relate to software deliverables.
For the non-software deliverables, we determine the revenue for each deliverable based on its relative
selling price in the arrangement and we recognize revenue upon delivery of the product or service, assuming all
other revenue recognition criteria have been met. Revenue for test delivery, test scoring and training is
54
recognized when the service has been completed. Revenue for test development, professional development,
consulting and training is recognized as the service is provided. Revenue for access to hosted interactive content
is recognized ratably over the term of the arrangement.
For the software deliverables as a group, we recognize revenue in accordance with the authoritative
guidance for software revenue recognition. As our software licenses are typically sold with maintenance and
support, professional services or training, we use the residual method to determine the amount of software license
revenue to be recognized.
Under the residual method, arrangement consideration of the software deliverables as a group is allocated to
the undelivered elements based upon VSOE of those elements, with the residual amount of the arrangement fee
allocated to and recognized as license revenue upon delivery, assuming all other revenue recognition criteria
have been met. If VSOE of one or more of the undelivered services or other elements does not exist, all revenues
of the software-deliverables arrangement are deferred until delivery of all of those services or other elements has
occurred, or until VSOE of each of those services or other elements can be established.
As products are shipped with right of return, a provision for estimated returns on these sales is made at the
time of sale based on historical experience.
Shipping and handling fees charged to customers are included in net sales.
Accounts Receivable
Accounts receivable are recorded net of allowances for doubtful accounts and reserves for book returns. In
the normal course of business, we extend credit to customers that satisfy predefined criteria. We estimate the
collectability of our receivables. Allowances for doubtful accounts are established through the evaluation of
accounts receivable aging and prior collection experience to estimate the ultimate collectability of these
receivables. Reserves for book returns are based on historical return rates and sales patterns. We determine the
required reserves by segregating our returns into the applicable product or sales channel pools. Returns in the K-
12 market have been historically low. We have experienced higher returns with respect to sales to resellers,
international sales and Trade Publishing sales, which all result in a greater degree of risk and subjectivity when
establishing the appropriate level of reserves for this customer base. At the time we determine that a receivable
balance, or any portion thereof, is deemed to be permanently uncollectible, the balance is written off. The
allowance for doubtful accounts and reserve for returns are reported as reductions of the accounts receivable
balance and amounted to $5.6 million and $5.1 million, and $22.2 million and $35.5 million as of December 31,
2014 and 2013, respectively.
Inventories
Inventories are stated at the lower of weighted average cost or net realizable value. The level of obsolete and
excess inventory is estimated on a program or title level-basis by comparing the number of units in stock with the
expected future demand. The expected future demand of a program or title is determined by the copyright year,
the previous years’ sales history, the subsequent year’s sales forecast, known forward-looking trends including
our development cycle to replace the title or program and competing titles or programs. A change in sales trends
could affect the estimated reserve. The inventory obsolescence reserve is reported as a reduction of the
inventories balance and amounted to $59.0 million and $60.6 million as of December 31, 2014 and 2013,
respectively.
Pre-publication Costs
Pre-publication costs are capitalized and are primarily amortized from the year of sale over five years using
the sum-of-the-years-digits method, which is an accelerated method for calculating an asset’s amortization.
Under this method, the amortization expense recorded for a pre-publication cost asset is approximately 33%
55
(year 1), 27% (year 2), 20% (year 3), 13% (year 4) and 7% (year 5). We utilize this policy for all pre-publication
costs, except with respect to our Trade Publishing young readers and general interest books, for which we
expense such costs as incurred, and our assessment products, for which we use the straight-line amortization
method. The amortization methods and periods chosen best reflect the pattern of expected sales generated from
individual titles or programs. We periodically evaluate the remaining lives and recoverability of capitalized pre-
publication costs, which are often dependent upon program acceptance by state adoption authorities.
Amortization expense related to pre-publication costs for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and
2012 were $129.7 million, $121.7 million and $137.7 million, respectively.
For the year ended December 31, 2014, no pre-publication costs were deemed to be impaired. For the years
ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, pre-publication costs of $1.1 million and $0.4 million, respectively, were
deemed to be impaired. The impairment was included as a charge to the statement of operations in the
impairment charge for investment in preferred stock, intangible assets, pre-publication costs and fixed assets
caption.
Goodwill and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets
Goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets (certain trade names) are not amortized but are reviewed at
least annually for impairment or earlier, if an indication of impairment exists. Recoverability of goodwill and
indefinite lived intangibles is evaluated using a two-step process. In the first step, the fair value of a reporting
unit is compared to its carrying value. If the fair value of a reporting unit exceeds the carrying value of the net
assets assigned to a reporting unit, goodwill is considered not impaired and no further testing is required. If the
carrying value of the net assets assigned to a reporting unit exceeds the fair value of a reporting unit, the second
step of the impairment test is performed in order to determine the implied fair value of a reporting unit’s
goodwill. Determining the implied fair value of goodwill requires valuation of a reporting unit’s tangible and
intangible assets and liabilities in a manner similar to the allocation of purchase price in a business combination.
If the carrying value of a reporting unit’s goodwill exceeds its implied fair value, goodwill is deemed impaired
and is written down to the extent of the difference. We estimate total fair value of each reporting unit using
discounted cash flow analysis, and make assumptions regarding future net sales, gross margins, working capital
levels, investments in new products, capital spending, tax, cash flows and the terminal value of the reporting unit.
With regard to other intangibles with indefinite lives, we determine the fair value by asset, which is then
compared to its carrying value to determine if the assets are impaired.
Goodwill is allocated entirely to our Education reporting unit. 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 may include net sales growth rates and operating margins used to calculate projected future cash
flows, risk-adjusted discount rates, future economic and market conditions, the determination of appropriate
market comparables as well as the fair value of individual assets and liabilities. Consistent with prior years, we
used an income approach to establish the fair value of the reporting unit as of October 1, 2014. As in prior years,
we used the most recent five year strategic plan as the initial basis of our analysis.
We completed our annual goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible asset impairment tests as of October 1, 2014,
2013, and 2012 and recorded a non-cash impairment charge of $0.4 million, $0.5 million and $5.0 million for the years
ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively. The impairments principally related to two specific
tradenames within the Trade Publishing segment in 2014 and 2013 and one specific tradename within the Education
segment in 2012. The impairment charges resulted primarily from a decline in revenue from previously projected
amounts as a result of the economic downturn and reduced educational spending by states and school districts.
Royalty Advances
Royalty advances to authors are capitalized and represent amounts paid in advance of the sale of an author’s
product and are recovered as earned. As advances are recorded, a partial reserve may be recorded immediately
based primarily upon historical sales experience to estimate the likelihood of recovery. Advances are evaluated
56
periodically to determine if they are expected to be recovered. Any portion of a royalty advance that is not
expected to be recovered is fully reserved. The reserve for royalty advances is reported as a reduction of the
royalty advances to authors balance and amounted to $55.0 million and $41.2 million as of December 31, 2014
and 2013, respectively.
Stock-Based Compensation
The fair value of each stock option grant was estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option
pricing model, which requires management’s use of highly subjective estimates and assumptions. The use of
different estimates and assumptions in the option pricing model could have a material impact on the estimated
fair value of option grants and the related expense. Historically, as a private company, we lacked company-
specific historical and implied volatility information. Therefore, we estimate our expected volatility based on the
historical volatility of our publicly traded peer companies and expect to continue to do so until such time as we
have adequate historical data regarding the volatility of our traded stock price. The expected life assumption is
based on the simplified method for estimating expected term for awards. This option has been elected as we do
not have sufficient stock option exercise experience to support a reasonable estimate of the expected term. The
risk-free interest rate is the yield currently available on U.S. Treasury zero-coupon issues with a remaining term
approximating the expected term of the option. The expected dividend yield is based on actual dividends paid or
to be paid. We recognize compensation expense for only the portion of stock based awards that are expected to
vest. Accordingly, we have estimated expected forfeitures of stock based awards based on our historical
forfeiture rate and used these rates in developing a future forfeiture rate. If our actual forfeiture rate varies from
our historical rates and estimates, additional adjustments to compensation expense may be required in future
periods.
Impact of Inflation and Changing Prices
Although inflation is currently well below levels in prior years and has, therefore, benefited recent results,
particularly in the area of manufacturing costs, there are offsetting costs. Our ability to adjust selling prices has
always been limited by competitive factors and long-term contractual arrangements which either prohibit price
increases or limit the amount by which prices may be increased. Further, a weak domestic economy at a time of
low inflation could cause lower tax receipts at the state and local level, and the funding and buying patterns for
textbooks and other educational materials could be adversely affected. Prices for paper moderated during the last
three years.
The most significant assets affected by inflation include pre-publication, other property, plant and
equipment and inventories. We use the weighted average cost method to value substantially all inventory. We
have negotiated favorable pricing through contractual agreements with our two top print and sourcing vendors,
and from our other major vendors, which has helped to stabilize our unit costs, and therefore our cost of
inventories sold. Our publishing business requires a high level of investment in pre-publication for our
educational and reference works, and in other property, plant and equipment. We expect to continue to commit
funds to the publishing areas through both internal growth and acquisitions. We believe that by continuing to
emphasize cost controls, technological improvements and quality control, we can continue to moderate the
impact of inflation on our operating results and financial position.
Covenant Compliance
As of December 31, 2014, we were in compliance with all of our debt covenants.
We are currently required to meet certain restrictive financial covenants as defined under our term loan
facility and revolving credit facility. We have financial covenants primarily pertaining to interest coverage and
maximum leverage ratios. A breach of any of these covenants, ratios, tests or restrictions, as applicable, for
which a waiver is not obtained could result in an event of default, in which case our lenders could elect to declare
57
all amounts outstanding to be immediately due and payable and result in a cross-default under other
arrangements containing such provisions. A default would permit lenders to accelerate the maturity for the debt
under these agreements and to foreclose upon any collateral securing the debt owed to these lenders and to
terminate any commitments of these lenders to lend to us. If the lenders accelerate the payment of the
indebtedness, our assets may not be sufficient to repay in full the indebtedness and any other indebtedness that
would become due as a result of any acceleration. Further, in such an event, the lenders would not be required to
make further loans to us, and assuming similar facilities were not established and we are unable to obtain
replacement financing, it would materially affect our liquidity and results of operations.
Additionally, we are subject to Excess Cash Flow provisions under the term loan facility which are
predicated upon our leverage ratio and cash flow. As of December 31, 2014, we are required to pay
approximately $65.0 million under this provision. Accordingly, we have classified this amount in our current
portion of long-term debt.
Contractual Obligations
The following table provides information with respect to our estimated commitments and obligations as of
December 31, 2014:
Contractual Obligations
Term loan facility due May 2018 (1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Interest payable on term loan facility due May
2018 (2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Capital leases . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Operating leases (3) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Purchase obligations (4) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total
Less than
1 year
1-3 years
3-5 years
More than
5 years
$243,125
$ 67,500
(in thousands)
5,000
$
$170,625
$ —
35,327
3,813
158,762
89,029
10,479
2,408
42,547
53,160
20,634
1,405
55,832
32,425
4,214
—
26,783
2,096
—
—
33,600
1,348
Total cash contractual obligations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$530,056
$176,094
$115,296
$203,718
$34,948
(1) The term loan facility amortizes at a rate of 1% per annum of the original $250.0 million amount.
(2) As of December 31, 2014, the interest rate was 4.25%.
(3) Represents minimum lease payments under non-cancelable operating leases.
(4) Purchase obligations are agreements to purchase goods or services that are enforceable and legally binding.
These goods and services consist primarily of author advances, subcontractor expenses, information
technology licenses, and outsourcing arrangements.
In addition to the payments described above, we have employee benefit obligations that require future
payments. For example, we have made $13.9 million in cash contributions to our pension and postretirement
benefit plans in 2014 and expect to make another $8.8 million of contributions in 2015 relating to our pension
and postretirement benefit plans although we are not obligated to do so. We expect to periodically draw and
repay borrowings under the revolving credit facility. We believe that we will be able to meet our cash interest
obligations on our outstanding debt when they are due and payable.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangement
We have no off-balance sheet arrangements.
58
Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
We are exposed to market risk from foreign currency exchange rates and interest rates, which could affect
operating results, financial position and cash flows. We manage exposure to these market risks through our
regular operating and financing activities and, when appropriate, through the use of derivative financial
instruments. These derivative financial instruments are utilized to hedge economic exposures, as well as reduce
our earnings and cash flow volatility resulting from shifts in market rates. As permitted, we may designate
certain of these derivative contracts for hedge accounting treatment in accordance with authoritative guidance
regarding accounting for derivative instruments and hedging activities. However, certain of these instruments
may not qualify for, or we may choose not to elect, hedge accounting treatment and, accordingly, the results of
our operations may be exposed to some level of volatility. Volatility in our results of operations will vary with
the type and amount of derivative hedges outstanding, as well as fluctuations in the currency and interest rate
market during the period. Periodically, we may enter into derivative contracts, including interest rate swap
agreements and interest rate caps and collars to manage interest rate exposures, and foreign currency spot,
forward, swap and option contracts to manage foreign currency exposures. The fair market values of all of these
derivative contracts change with fluctuations in interest rates and/or currency rates and are designed so that any
changes in their values are offset by changes in the values of the underlying exposures. Derivative financial
instruments are held solely as risk management tools and not for trading or speculative purposes.
By their nature, all derivative instruments involve, to varying degrees, elements of market and credit risk not
recognized in our financial statements. The market risk associated with these instruments resulting from currency
exchange and interest rate movements is expected to offset the market risk of the underlying transactions, assets
and liabilities being hedged. Our policy is to deal with counterparties having a single A or better credit rating at
the time of the execution. We manage credit risk through the continuous monitoring of exposures to such
counterparties.
We continue to review liquidity sufficiency by performing various stress test scenarios, such as cash flow
forecasting, which considers hypothetical interest rate movements. Furthermore, we continue to closely monitor
current events and the financial institutions that support our credit facility, including monitoring their credit
ratings and outlooks, credit default swap levels, capital raising and merger activity.
As of December 31, 2014, we have $243.1 million of aggregate principal amount indebtedness outstanding
under our term loan facility that bears interest at a variable rate. An increase or decrease of 1% in the interest rate
will change our interest expense by approximately $2.4 million on an annual basis. We also have up to $250.0
million of borrowing availability, subject to borrowing base availability, under our revolving credit facility, and
borrowings under the revolving credit facility bear interest at a variable rate. We have no borrowings outstanding
under the revolving credit facility at December 31, 2014. Assuming that the revolving credit facility is fully
drawn, an increase or decrease of 1% in the interest rate will change our interest expense associated with the
revolving credit facility by $2.5 million on an annual basis.
We conduct various digital development activities in Ireland, and as such, our cash flows and costs are
subject to fluctuations from changes in foreign currency exchange rates. We manage our exposures to this market
risk through the use of short-term foreign exchange forward and option contracts, when deemed appropriate,
which were not significant as of December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013. We do not enter into derivative
transactions or use other financial instruments for trading or speculative purposes.
59
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Company:
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements listed in the index appearing under Item 15(a)(1) present
fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Company and its subsidiaries
at December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of
the three years in the period ended December 31, 2014 in conformity with accounting principles generally
accepted in the United States of America. Also in our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects,
effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2014, based on criteria established in
Internal Control—Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the
Treadway Commission (COSO). The Company’s management is responsible for these financial statements, for
maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of
internal control over financial reporting, included in Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial
Reporting appearing under Item 9A. Our responsibility is to express opinions on these financial statements and
on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audits (which was an integrated audit in
2014). 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 audits to obtain reasonable
assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement and whether effective internal
control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audits of the financial statements
included examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements,
assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the
overall financial statement presentation. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining
an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists,
and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk.
Our audits also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We
believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions.
A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed 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 (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail,
accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (ii) 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 (iii) 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.
/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Boston, Massachusetts
February 26, 2015
60
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Company
Consolidated Balance Sheets
(in thousands of dollars, except share information)
Assets
Current assets
December 31,
2014
December 31,
2013
Cash and cash equivalents
Short-term investments
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for bad debts and book returns of $27.8 million and
$
456,581
286,764
$
313,628
111,721
$40.6 million, respectively
Inventories
Deferred income taxes
Prepaid expenses and other assets
Total current assets
Property, plant, and equipment, net
Pre-publication costs, net
Royalty advances to authors, net of allowance of $55.0 million and $41.2 million, respectively
Goodwill
Other intangible assets, net
Deferred income taxes
Other assets
Total assets
Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity
Current liabilities
Current portion of long-term debt
Accounts payable
Royalties payable
Salaries, wages, and commissions payable
Deferred revenue
Interest payable
Severance and other charges
Accrued postretirement benefits
Other liabilities
Total current liabilities
Long-term debt
Royalties payable
Long-term deferred revenue
Accrued pension benefits
Accrued postretirement benefits
Deferred income taxes
Other liabilities
Total liabilities
Commitments and contingencies (Note 13)
Stockholders’ equity
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value: 20,000,000 shares authorized; no shares issued and
outstanding at December 31, 2014 and 2013
Common stock, $0.01 par value: 380,000,000 shares authorized; 142,000,019 and
140,044,400 shares issued at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively; and
141,917,997 and 139,962,378 shares outstanding at December 31, 2014 and 2013,
respectively
Treasury stock, 82,022 shares as of December 31, 2014 and 2013
Capital in excess of par value
Accumulated deficit
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
Total stockholders’ equity
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
255,669
183,961
20,459
18,665
1,222,099
138,362
236,995
46,777
532,921
801,969
3,705
28,279
318,101
182,194
29,842
16,130
971,616
140,848
269,488
46,881
531,786
919,994
—
29,773
$ 3,011,107
$ 2,910,386
$
67,500
51,266
80,089
59,733
157,016
47
5,928
2,037
27,015
450,631
175,625
—
370,103
18,525
26,500
112,220
97,823
$
2,500
105,012
65,387
29,945
107,905
55
8,184
2,141
32,002
353,131
243,125
1,520
189,258
24,405
23,860
116,999
107,812
1,251,427
1,060,110
—
—
1,420
—
4,784,962
(2,999,913)
(26,789)
1,400
—
4,750,589
(2,888,422)
(13,291)
1,759,680
1,850,276
$ 3,011,107
$ 2,910,386
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
61
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Company
Consolidated Statements of Operations
(in thousands of dollars, except share and per share data)
Net sales
Costs and expenses
Cost of sales, excluding pre-publication and publishing rights
amortization
Publishing rights amortization
Pre-publication amortization
Cost of sales
Selling and administrative
Other intangible asset amortization
Impairment charge for investment in preferred stock, intangible
assets, pre-publication costs and fixed assets
Severance and other charges
Gain on bargain purchase
Operating loss
Other income (expense)
Interest expense
Change in fair value of derivative instruments
Loss on extinguishment of debt
Loss before reorganization items and taxes
Reorganization items, net
Income tax expense (benefit)
Net loss
Net loss per share attributable to common stockholders
Basic
Diluted
Weighted average shares outstanding
Basic
Diluted
Years Ended December 31,
2014
2013
2012
$
1,372,316
$
1,378,612
$
1,285,641
588,726
105,624
129,693
824,043
612,535
12,170
1,679
7,300
—
585,059
139,588
121,715
846,362
580,887
18,968
9,000
10,040
—
515,948
177,747
137,729
831,424
533,462
54,815
8,003
9,375
(30,751)
(85,411)
(86,645)
(120,687)
(18,245)
(1,593)
—
(21,344)
(252)
(598)
(105,249)
(108,839)
—
6,242
—
2,347
(123,197)
1,688
—
(242,196)
(149,114)
(5,943)
(111,491) $
(111,186) $
(87,139)
(0.79) $
(0.79) $
(0.79) $
(0.79) $
(0.26)
(0.26)
$
$
$
140,594,689
139,928,650
340,918,128
140,594,689
139,928,650
340,918,128
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
62
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Company
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss
(in thousands of dollars)
Net loss
Other comprehensive income (loss)
Foreign currency translation adjustments
Change in pension and benefit plan liability, net of tax expense of
$4,977 and $85 for 2013 and 2012, respectively
Unrealized gain (loss) on short-term investments, net of tax
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes
Comprehensive loss
Years Ended December 31,
2014
2013
2012
$(111,491) $(111,186) $(87,139)
(29)
404
(465)
(13,380)
(89)
(13,498)
7,846
(13)
8,237
2,378
12
1,925
$(124,989) $(102,949) $(85,214)
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
63
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Company
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(in thousands of dollars)
Cash flows from operating activities
Net loss
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by operating activities
Gain on bargain purchase
Gain on sale of assets
Depreciation and amortization expense
Amortization of debt discount and deferred financing costs
Deferred income taxes (benefit)
Noncash stock-based compensation expense
Noncash issuance of warrants
Reorganization items
Loss on extinguishment of debt
Impairment charge for investment in preferred stock, intangible assets, pre-publication costs
and fixed assets
Change in fair value of derivative instruments
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions
Accounts receivable
Inventories
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
Royalties, net
Deferred revenue
Interest payable
Severance and other charges
Accrued pension and postretirement benefits
Other, net
Net cash provided by operating activities
Cash flows from investing activities
Proceeds from restricted cash accounts
Proceeds from sales and maturities of short-term investments
Purchases of short-term investments
Additions to pre-publication costs
Additions to property, plant, and equipment
Proceeds from sale of assets
Acquisition of business, net of cash acquired
Investment in preferred stock
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities
Cash flows from financing activities
Proceeds from term loan
Payments of long-term debt
Tax withholding payments related to net share settlements of restricted stock units
Proceeds from stock option exercises
Payments of deferred financing fees
Payment of capital restructuring costs
Payments of contingent consideration
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents
Beginning of period
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents
End of period
Supplementary disclosure of cash flow information
Income taxes paid
Interest paid
Pre-publication costs included in accounts payable (non cash)
Property, plant, and equipment included in accounts payable (non cash)
Property, plant, and equipment acquired under capital leases (non cash)
Years Ended December 31,
2014
2013
2012
$(111,491) $(111,186) $ (87,139)
—
—
319,777
4,750
899
11,376
—
—
—
(30,751)
—
—
(2,720)
428,422
341,979
24,584
4,797
(10,076)
(3,121)
6,254
9,524
10,747
—
— (179,024)
598
—
1,679
1,593
9,000
252
8,003
(1,688)
65,519
(1,763)
(3,432)
13,286
229,105
(8)
(5,210)
(16,724)
(18,313)
(88,029)
15,419
1,076
5,851
702
(32)
(2,759)
(15,057)
(9,091)
25,826
44,549
(44,594)
9,478
(54,615)
4,912
(17,460)
(19,710)
(12,916)
491,043
157,203
104,802
—
134,275
(310,149)
(115,509)
(67,145)
—
(9,091)
—
—
251,168
(217,855)
(126,718)
(59,803)
4,825
(18,695)
(1,500)
26,495
19,575
(165,603)
(114,522)
(50,943)
—
(11,000)
—
(367,619)
(168,578)
(295,998)
—
(2,500)
(723)
22,752
—
—
—
19,529
—
250,000
(2,500)
(12,750)
—
—
—
—
(26,586)
—
— (104,000)
(1,575)
—
(4,075)
106,664
142,953
(15,450)
(84,532)
313,628
142,953
329,078
(15,450)
413,610
(84,532)
$ 456,581 $ 313,628 $ 329,078
$
2,336 $
12,328
6,102
2,663
3,495
1,220 $
17,595
24,499
6,162
4,289
7,699
92,481
15,070
3,659
4,799
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
64
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Company
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity
Common Stock
Shares
Par Value
Treasury Stock
(in thousands of dollars, except
share information)
Balance at December 31, 2011
Net loss
Other comprehensive income (loss), net
of tax expense of $85
Issuance of common stock
Gain on debt-for-equity exchange, net of
tax expense of $73,801
Issuance of warrants
Stock compensation
Addition of treasury stock, 82,022
shares
Balance at December 31, 2012
Net loss
Other comprehensive income (loss), net
of tax expense of $4,977
Issuance of common stock for vesting of
restricted stock units
Stock compensation
Balance at December 31, 2013
Net loss
Other comprehensive income
(loss), net
Issuance of common stock for
567,272,470
—
$ 567
—
—
140,000,000
—
1,400
(567,272,470)
—
—
—
(567)
—
—
—
140,000,000
—
$1,400
—
—
44,400
—
—
—
—
140,044,400
—
$1,400
—
—
—
vesting of restricted stock units
95,553
Issuance of common stock for
exercise of stock options
Stock withheld to cover tax
withholdings requirements upon
vesting of restricted stock units
Stock compensation
1,860,066
—
—
1
19
—
—
Balance at December 31, 2014
142,000,019
$1,420
$—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
$—
—
—
—
—
$—
—
—
—
—
—
—
$—
Capital
in excess
of Par
Value
Accumulated
Deficit
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
Total
$2,038,431
—
$(2,690,097)
(87,139)
$(23,453)
—
$ (674,552)
(87,139)
—
1,748,600
937,033
10,747
6,254
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
1,925
—
1,925
1,750,000
—
—
—
—
936,466
10,747
6,254
—
$4,741,065
—
$(2,777,236)
(111,186)
$(21,528)
—
$1,943,701
(111,186)
—
—
9,524
$4,750,589
—
—
(1)
23,721
(723)
11,376
—
—
—
8,237
—
—
8,237
—
9,524
$(2,888,422)
(111,491)
$(13,291)
—
$1,850,276
(111,491)
—
—
—
—
—
(13,498)
(13,498)
—
—
—
—
—
23,740
(723)
11,376
$4,784,962
$(2,999,913)
$(26,789)
$1,759,680
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
65
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Company
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(in thousands of dollars, except share and per share information)
1. Basis of Presentation
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Company, formerly known as HMH Holdings (Delaware), Inc. (“HMH”,
“Houghton Mifflin Harcourt”, “we”, “us”, “our”, or the “Company”), is a global learning company,
specializing in education solutions across a variety of media, delivering content, services and technology to
over 50 million students in over 150 countries worldwide. We deliver our offerings to both educational
institutions and consumers around the world. In the United States, we are the leading provider of
Kindergarten through twelfth grade (K-12) educational content by market share. We believe that nearly
every current K-12 student in the United States has utilized our content during the course of his or her
education. As a result, we believe that we have an established reputation with students and educators that is
difficult for others to replicate and positions us to also provide broader content and services to serve their
learning needs beyond the classroom. We believe our long-standing reputation and well-known brands
enable us to capitalize on consumer and digital trends in the education market through our existing and
developing channels. Furthermore, since 1832, we have published trade and reference materials, including
adult and children’s fiction and non-fiction books that have won industry awards such as the Pulitzer Prize,
Newbery and Caldecott medals and National Book Award, all of which are widely known.
The consolidated December 31, 2014 and 2013 financial statements of HMH include the accounts of all of
our wholly-owned subsidiaries as of and for the periods ended December 31, 2014, December 31, 2013 and
December 31, 2012.
The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting
principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”). All intercompany accounts and
transactions have been eliminated.
During the first quarter of 2014, we recorded an out-of-period correction of approximately $1.1 million
reducing net sales and increasing deferred revenue that should have been deferred previously. In addition,
during the first quarter of 2014, we recorded approximately $3.5 million of incremental expense, primarily
commissions, related to the prior year. These out-of-period corrections had no impact on our debt covenant
compliance. Management believes these out-of-period corrections are not material to the current period
financial statements or any previously issued financial statements. Additionally, we revised previously
reported balance sheet amounts to severance and other charges of $7.3 million, which has been reclassified
as long-term and to current deferred revenue of $5.2 million which has also been reclassified as long-term.
The revision was not material to the reported consolidated balance sheet for any previously filed periods.
During the fourth quarter of 2013, we recorded an out-of-period correction of approximately $5.7 million of
additional net sales that was deferred and should have been recognized previously in 2011 ($4.5 million),
2012 ($0.9 million), and the first nine months of 2013 ($0.3 million). In addition, during 2013, we recorded
approximately $2.6 million of incremental expense related to prior years. These out-of-period corrections
had no impact on cash or debt covenants compliance. Management believes these out-of-period corrections
are not material to the current period financial statements or any previously issued financial statements.
Seasonality and Comparability
Our net sales, operating profit and operating cash flows are impacted by the inherent seasonality of the
academic calendar. Consequently, the performance of our businesses may not be comparable quarter to
consecutive quarter and should be considered on the basis of results for the whole year or by comparing
results in a quarter with results in the same quarter for the previous year.
Schools make most of their purchases in the second and third quarters of the calendar year in preparation for
the beginning of the school year. Thus, over the past three years, approximately 67% of consolidated net
66
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Company
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(in thousands of dollars, except share and per share information)
sales have historically been realized in the second and third quarters. Sales of K-12 instructional materials
and customized testing products are also cyclical, with some years offering more sales opportunities than
others. The amount of funding available at the state level for educational materials also has a significant
effect on year-to-year net sales. Although the loss of a single customer would not have a material adverse
effect on our business, schedules of school adoptions and market acceptance of our products can materially
affect year-to-year net sales performance.
Chapter 11 Reorganization
On May 10, 2012, we entered into a Restructuring Support Agreement (“Plan Support Agreement”) with
consenting creditors holding greater than 74% of the principal amount of the then-outstanding senior
secured indebtedness of the Company and with equity owners holding approximately 64% of the
Company’s then-outstanding common stock. The consenting creditors agreed to support the Company’s Pre-
Packaged Chapter 11 Plan of Reorganization (“Plan”). Pursuant to the Plan Support Agreement, the
Company agreed to use its best efforts to (i) support and complete the restructuring and all transactions
contemplated by the Plan, (ii) take any and all necessary and appropriate actions in furtherance of the
restructuring contemplated under the Plan, (iii) complete the restructuring and all transactions contemplated
under the Plan within set time-frames, (iv) obtain any and all required regulatory and/or third-party
approvals for the restructuring, and (v) not directly or indirectly, seek, solicit, support, or engage in the
negotiation or formulation of alternate plans of reorganization that were inconsistent with the reorganization
as contemplated by the Plan Support Agreement.
On May 21, 2012 (the “Petition Date”), the U.S. based entities that borrowed or guaranteed the debt of the
Company (collectively the “Debtors”), filed voluntary petitions for relief under Chapter 11 of the United
States Bankruptcy Code (“Chapter 11”) in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of
New York (“Court”). The Debtors also concurrently filed the Plan, the Disclosure Statement in support of
the Plan and filed various motions seeking relief to continue operations. Following the Petition Date, the
Debtors operated their business as “debtors in possession” (“DIP”) under the jurisdiction of the Court and in
accordance with the applicable provisions of the Bankruptcy Code and orders of the Court. Under Chapter
11, certain claims against us in existence before the Petition Date were stayed while we operated our
business as a DIP, including any actions that might be commenced with regards to secured claims, although
the holders of such claims had the right to move the Court for relief from the stay. Subsequent to the
Petition Date, these claims were reflected in the balance sheet as liabilities subject to compromise. Secured
claims were secured primarily by liens on the Company’s accounts receivable. Additional claims (liabilities
subject to compromise) could have potentially arisen after the filing date resulting from rejection of
executory contracts or from the determination by the Court (or agreed to by parties in interest).
On June 22, 2012, the Company successfully emerged from bankruptcy as a reorganized company pursuant
to the Plan. Ultimately, the Debtors did not reject any executory contracts during the bankruptcy case, and
the Company continues to review and reconcile claims that were filed against it by creditors.
Stock Split and Name Change
The Board of Directors approved a 2-for-1 stock split of the Company’s common stock, which occurred on
October 22, 2013. In addition, the Board of Directors and stockholders approved an increase to the number
of authorized shares of preferred stock and common stock to 20,000,000 shares authorized and 380,000,000
shares authorized, respectively. The accompanying financial statements and notes to the financial statements
give retroactive effect to the stock split for all periods presented.
67
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Company
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(in thousands of dollars, except share and per share information)
On October 22, 2013, the Company changed its name from “HMH Holdings (Delaware), Inc.” to
“Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Company.”
2. Chapter 11 Reorganization Disclosures
As discussed in Note 1, the Company filed voluntary petitions for relief under Chapter 11. On June 21,
2012, the Bankruptcy Court entered an order confirming and approving the Plan for the Debtors.
Subsequently, the Plan became effective and the transactions contemplated under the Plan were
consummated on June 22, 2012.
Subsequent to the Petition Date, the provisions in GAAP guidance for reorganizations applied to the
Company’s financial statements while it operated under the provisions of Chapter 11. The accounting
guidance did not change the application of GAAP in the preparation of financial statements. However, it
does require that the financial statements, for periods including and subsequent to the filing of the Chapter
11 petition, distinguish transactions and events that are directly associated with the reorganization from the
ongoing operations of the business. Accordingly, all transactions (including, but not limited to, all
professional fees, realized gains and losses and provisions for losses) directly associated with the
reorganization and restructuring of our businesses are reported separately in our financial statements. All
such expense or income amounts are reported in reorganization items in the accompanying consolidated
statements of operations for the year ended December 31, 2012.
Summary of Emergence
On June 22, 2012, the Company successfully emerged from bankruptcy as a reorganized company pursuant
to the Plan. The financial restructuring realized by the confirmation of the Plan was accomplished through a
debt-for-equity exchange. The Plan deleveraged the Company’s balance sheet by eliminating the
Company’s secured indebtedness in exchange for new equity in the Company. Existing stockholders, in
their capacity as stockholders, received warrants for the new equity in the Company in exchange for the
existing equity.
Upon the Company’s emergence from Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings on June 22, 2012, the Company
was not required to apply fresh-start accounting based on U.S. GAAP guidance for reorganizations due to
the fact that the pre-petition holders who owned more than 50% of the Company’s outstanding common
stock immediately before confirmation of the Plan received more than 50% of the Company’s outstanding
common stock upon emergence. Accordingly, a new reporting entity was not created for accounting
purposes.
Below is a summary of the significant transactions affecting the Company’s capital structure as a result of
the effectiveness of the Plan.
Equity Transactions
On June 22, 2012, pursuant to the Plan, all of the issued and outstanding shares of common stock of the
Company, including all options, warrants or any other agreements to acquire shares of common stock of the
Company that existed prior to the Petition Date, were cancelled and in exchange, holders of such interests
received distributions pursuant to the terms of the Plan. The distributions received by holders of interests in
our common stock prior to the petition date on June 22, 2012 pursuant to the terms of the Plan included
adequate protection payments and conversion fees of approximately $60.1 million and $26.1 million,
respectively. These amounts represent only the portion attributable to the existing shareholders prior to the
petition date. There were $69.7 million of adequate protection payments and $30.3 million of conversion fee
68
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Company
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(in thousands of dollars, except share and per share information)
payments made in total. Following the emergence on June 22, 2012, the authorized capital stock of the
Company consists of (i) 380,000,000 shares of common stock and (ii) 20,000,000 shares of preferred stock,
$0.01 par value per share. There are no other outstanding obligations, warrants, options, or other rights to
subscribe for or purchase from the Company any class of capital stock of the Company.
A Management Incentive Plan (“MIP”) became effective upon emergence. The MIP provides for grants of
options and restricted stock at a strike price equal to or greater than the fair value per share of common stock
as of the date of the grant and reserved for management and employees up to 10% of the new common stock
of the Company. On June 22, 2012, in connection with our emergence from bankruptcy, the Company
granted 9,251,462 stock options to executive officers with an exercise price of $12.50. Each of the stock
options granted have an exercise price equal to or greater than the fair value on the date of grant and
generally vest over a three or four year period. Also, on June 22, 2012, the Company granted 24,000
restricted stock units to independent directors which vest after one year.
Debt Transactions
On June 22, 2012, the Company’s creditors converted the First Lien Credit Agreement consisting of the
then-existing first lien term loan (the “Term Loan”) with an aggregate outstanding principal balance of
$2.6 billion and the then-existing first lien revolving loan facility (the “Revolving Loan”) with an aggregate
outstanding principal balance of $235.8 million, and the outstanding $300.0 million principal amount of
10.5% Senior Secured Notes due 2019 (the “10.5% Senior Notes”) to 100 percent pro rata ownership of the
Company’s common stock, subject to dilution pursuant to the MIP and the exercise of any existing common
stockholder’s pro rata share of warrants to purchase 5% of the common stock of the Company pursuant to
the Plan, and received $30.3 million in cash.
In connection with the Chapter 11 filing on May 22, 2012, the Company entered into a new $500.0 million
senior secured credit facility (“DIP Facility”), which converted into an exit facility on the effective date of
the emergence from Chapter 11. This exit facility consists of a $250.0 million revolving credit facility,
which is secured by the Company’s accounts receivable and inventory, and a $250.0 million term loan credit
facility. The proceeds from the initial borrowings under the term loan credit facility were used to fund the
costs of the reorganization and provide post-closing working capital to the Company.
A summary of the transactions affecting the Company’s debt balances is as follows:
Debt balance prior to emergence from bankruptcy (including accrued interest)
Exchange of debt for new common shares
Elimination of debt discount and deferred financing fees
Adequate protection payments
Conversion fees
Professional fees
(Gain) loss on extinguishment
$(3,142,234)
1,750,000
98,352
69,701
30,299
21,726
$(1,172,156)
Reorganization Items
Reorganization items represent expense or income amounts that were recorded in the consolidated financial
statements as a result of the bankruptcy proceedings. Reorganization items were incurred starting with the
date of the bankruptcy filing through the date of bankruptcy emergence. Approximately 86.2% of the (gain)
loss on extinguishment was allocated to capital in excess of par value in the consolidated balance sheet
based on the percentage of the Company’s creditors that converted their debt to equity who were also
69
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Company
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(in thousands of dollars, except share and per share information)
equityholders as of the date of the bankruptcy filing. The remaining portion of the (gain) loss on
extinguishment of debt was allocated to reorganization items, net in the consolidated statement of operations
based on the percentage of the Company’s creditors that converted their debt to equity who did not have a
pre-existing equity ownership in the Company as of the date of the bankruptcy filing. The gain from
reorganization items for the year ended December 31, 2012 were as follows:
Debt to equity conversion
Elimination of debt discount and deferred financing fees
Adequate protection payments
Conversion fees
Professional fees
(Gain) loss on extinguishment
Stock compensation
Issuance of warrants
Total
$(1,392,234)
98,352
69,701
30,299
21,726
(1,172,156)
2,027
10,747
Adjusted to
Capital in excess
of par value
$(1,199,549)
84,740
60,054
26,106
18,381
(1,010,268)
—
—
Reorganization
items, net
$(192,685)
13,612
9,647
4,193
3,345
(161,888)
2,027
10,747
Reorganization items, net
$(1,159,382)
$(1,010,268)
$(149,114)
Liabilities Subject to Compromise
Certain pre-petition liabilities and indebtedness were subject to compromise under the Plan and were
reported at amounts allowed or expected to be allowed by the Court. A summary of liabilities subject to
compromise reflected in the consolidated balance sheet as of May 21, 2012 is as follows:
$2,668,690 Term Loan due June 12, 2014
$235,751 Revolving Loan due December 12, 2013
$300,000 10.5% senior secured notes due June 1, 2019
Accrued interest
Total
May 21,
2012
$2,570,815
235,751
300,000
35,668
$3,142,234
As of December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, there were no liabilities subject to compromise.
All pre-petition claims were considered liabilities subject to compromise at May 21, 2012. As discussed
above, the Term Loan, the Revolving Loan, the 10.5% Senior Notes, and the associated accrued interest
were exchanged for new common stock in the Company. There were no other liabilities subject to
compromise as of May 21, 2012. We honored other prepetition obligations, including employee wages and
trade payables in the ordinary course of business.
3.
Significant Accounting Policies
Principles of Consolidation
Our accompanying consolidated financial statements include the results of operations of the Company and
our wholly-owned subsidiaries. All material intercompany accounts and transactions are eliminated in
consolidation.
70
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Company
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(in thousands of dollars, except share and per share information)
Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the
United States of America requires the use of estimates, assumptions and judgments by management that
affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues, expenses, and related disclosure of contingent
assets and liabilities in the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. On an
ongoing basis, we evaluate our estimates and assumptions including, but not limited to, book returns,
allowance for bad debts, recoverability of advances to authors, valuation of inventory, depreciation and
amortization periods, recoverability of long-term assets such as property, plant, and equipment, capitalized
pre-publication costs, other identified intangibles, goodwill, deferred revenue, income taxes, pensions and
other postretirement benefits, contingencies, and litigation. We base our estimates on historical experience
and on various other assumptions that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of
which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying value of assets and liabilities that are not
readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from those estimates.
Revenue Recognition
We derive revenue primarily from the sale of print and digital content and instructional materials, trade
books, reference materials, assessment materials and multimedia instructional programs; license fees for
book rights, content and software; and services that include test development, test delivery, test scoring,
professional development, consulting and training as well as access to hosted interactive content. Revenue is
recognized only once persuasive evidence of an arrangement with the customer exists, the sales price is
fixed or determinable, delivery of products or services has occurred, title and risk of loss with respect to
products have transferred to the customer, all significant obligations, if any, have been performed, and
collection is probable.
We enter into certain contractual arrangements that have multiple elements, one or more of which may be
delivered subsequent to the delivery of other elements. These multiple-deliverable arrangements may
include print and digital media, professional development services, training, software licenses, access to
hosted content, and various services related to the software including but not limited to hosting,
maintenance and support, and implementation. For these multiple-element arrangements, we allocate
revenue to each deliverable of the arrangement based on the relative selling prices of the deliverables. In
such circumstances, we first determine the selling price of each deliverable based on (i) vendor-specific
objective evidence of fair value (“VSOE”) if that exists, (ii) third-party evidence of selling price (“TPE”)
when VSOE does not exist, or (iii) our best estimate of the selling price when neither VSOE nor TPE exists.
Revenue is then allocated to the non-software deliverables as a group and to the software deliverables as a
group using the relative selling prices of each of the deliverables in the arrangement, based on the selling
price hierarchy. Non-software deliverables include print and digital textbooks and instructional materials,
trade books, reference materials, assessment materials and multimedia instructional programs; licenses to
book rights and content; access to hosted content; and services including test development, test delivery, test
scoring, professional development, consulting and training when those services do not relate to software
deliverables. Software deliverables include software licenses, software maintenance and support services,
professional services and training when those services relate to software deliverables.
For the non-software deliverables, we determine the revenue for each deliverable based on its relative
selling price in the arrangement and we recognize revenue upon delivery of the product or service, assuming
all other revenue recognition criteria have been met. Revenue for test delivery, test scoring and training is
recognized when the service has been completed. Revenue for test development, professional development,
consulting and training is recognized as the service is provided. Revenue for access to hosted interactive
content is recognized ratably over the term of the arrangement.
71
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Company
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(in thousands of dollars, except share and per share information)
For the software deliverables as a group, we recognize revenue in accordance with the authoritative
guidance for software revenue recognition. As our software licenses are typically sold with maintenance and
support, professional services or training, we use the residual method to determine the amount of software
license revenue to be recognized. Under the residual method, arrangement consideration of the software
deliverables as a group is allocated to the undelivered elements based upon VSOE of those elements, with
the residual amount of the arrangement fee allocated to and recognized as license revenue upon delivery,
assuming all other revenue recognition criteria have been met. If VSOE of one or more of the undelivered
services or other elements does not exist, all revenues of the software-deliverables arrangement are deferred
until delivery of all of those services or other elements has occurred, or until VSOE of each of those services
or other elements can be established.
As products are shipped with right of return, a provision for estimated returns on these sales is made at the
time of sale based on historical experience.
Shipping and handling fees charged to customers are included in net sales.
Advertising Costs and Sample Expenses
Advertising costs are charged to selling and administrative expenses as incurred. Advertising costs were
$8.6 million, $8.0 million and $6.7 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012,
respectively. Sample expenses are charged to selling and administrative expenses when the samples are
shipped.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents consist primarily of cash in banks and highly liquid investment securities that
have maturities of three months or less when purchased. The carrying amount of cash equivalents
approximates fair value because of the short term maturity of these investments.
Short-term Investments
Short-term investments typically consist of marketable securities with maturities between three and twelve
months at the balance sheet date. We have classified all of our short-term investments as available-for-sale
at December 31, 2014 and 2013. The investments are reported at fair value, with any unrealized gains or
losses excluded from earnings and reported as a separate component of stockholders’ equity as other
comprehensive income (loss).
Accounts Receivable
Accounts receivable are recorded net of allowances for doubtful accounts and reserves for book returns. In
the normal course of business, we extend credit to customers that satisfy predefined criteria. We estimate the
collectability of our receivables. Allowances for doubtful accounts are established through the evaluation of
accounts receivable aging and prior collection experience to estimate the ultimate collectability of these
receivables. Reserves for book returns are based on historical return rates and sales patterns.
Inventories
Inventories are stated at the lower of weighted average cost or net realizable value. The level of obsolete and
excess inventory is estimated on a program or title level-basis by comparing the number of units in stock
72
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Company
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(in thousands of dollars, except share and per share information)
with the expected future demand. The expected future demand of a program or title is determined by the
copyright year, the previous years’ sales history, the subsequent year’s sales forecast, and known forward-
looking trends including our development cycle to replace the title or program and competing titles or
programs.
Property, Plant, and Equipment
Property, plant, and equipment are stated at cost, or in the case of assets acquired in business combinations,
at fair value as of the acquisition date, less accumulated depreciation. Equipment under capital lease is
stated at fair value at inception of the lease, less accumulated depreciation. Maintenance and repair costs are
charged to expense as incurred, and renewals and improvements that extend the useful life of the assets are
capitalized. Depreciation on property, plant, and equipment is calculated using the straight-line method over
the estimated useful lives of the assets or, in the case of assets acquired in business combinations, over their
remaining lives. Equipment held under capital leases and leasehold improvements are amortized using the
straight-line method over the shorter of the lease term or estimated useful life of the asset. Estimated useful
lives of property, plant, and equipment are as follows:
Estimated
Useful Life
Building and building equipment
Machinery and equipment
Capitalized software
Leasehold improvements
10 to 35 years
2 to 15 years
3 to 5 years
Lesser of useful life or lease term
Capitalized Internal-Use and External-Use Software
Capitalized internal-use and external-use software is included in property, plant and equipment on the
consolidated balance sheets.
We capitalize certain costs related to obtaining or developing computer software for internal use including
external customer-facing websites. Costs incurred during the application development stage, including
external direct costs of materials and services, and payroll and payroll related costs for employees who are
directly associated with the internal-use software project, are capitalized and amortized on a straight-line
basis over the expected useful life of the related software. The application development stage includes
design of chosen path, software configuration and integration, coding, hardware installation and testing.
Costs incurred during the preliminary stage, as well as maintenance, training and upgrades that do not result
in additional functionality are expensed as incurred.
Certain computer software development costs for software that is to be sold or marketed are capitalized in
the consolidated balance sheets. Capitalization of computer software development costs begins upon the
establishment of technological feasibility. We define the establishment of technological feasibility as a
working model. Amortization of capitalized computer software development costs is provided on a product-
by-product basis using the straight-line method, beginning upon commercial release of the product, and
continuing over the remaining estimated economic life of the product. The carrying amounts of computer
software development costs are periodically compared to net realizable value and impairment charges are
recorded, as appropriate, when amounts expected to be realized are lower.
We review internal and external software development costs for impairment. There was no such impairment
for the year ended December 31, 2014. For the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, software
73
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Company
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(in thousands of dollars, except share and per share information)
development costs of $7.4 million and $2.6 million, respectively, were impaired. All impairments were
included as a charge to the statement of operations in the impairment charge for investment in preferred
stock, intangible assets, pre-publication costs and fixed assets caption.
Pre-publication costs
We capitalize the art, prepress, manuscript and other costs incurred in the creation of the master copy of a
book or other media (the “pre-publication costs”). Pre-publication costs are primarily amortized from the
year of sale over five years using the sum-of-the-years-digits method, which is an accelerated method for
calculating an asset’s amortization. Under this method, the amortization expense recorded for a pre-
publication cost asset is approximately 33% (year 1), 27% (year 2), 20% (year 3), 13% (year 4) and 7%
(year 5). This policy is used throughout the Company, except for the Trade Publishing young readers and
general interest books, which generally expenses such costs as incurred, and the assessment products, which
uses the straight-line amortization method. The amortization methods and periods chosen best reflect the
pattern of expected sales generated from individual titles or programs. We periodically evaluate the
remaining lives and recoverability of capitalized pre-publication costs, which are often dependent upon
program acceptance by state adoption authorities.
Amortization expense related to pre-publication costs for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and
2012 were $129.7 million, $121.7 million and $137.7 million, respectively.
There was no impairment for the year ended December 31, 2014. For the years ended December 31, 2013
and 2012, pre-publication costs of $1.1 million, and $0.4 million respectively, were impaired. The
impairment was included as a charge to the statement of operations in the impairment charge for investment
in preferred stock, intangible assets, pre-publication costs and fixed assets caption.
Goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets
Goodwill is the excess of the purchase price paid over the fair value of the net assets of the business
acquired. Other intangible assets principally consist of branded trademarks and trade names, acquired
publishing rights and customer relationships. Goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets (certain trade
names) are not amortized but are reviewed at least annually for impairment or earlier, if an indication of
impairment exists. Recoverability of goodwill and indefinite lived intangibles is evaluated using a two-step
process. In the first step, the fair value of a reporting unit is compared to its carrying value. If the fair value
of a reporting unit exceeds the carrying value of the net assets assigned to a reporting unit, goodwill is
considered not impaired and no further testing is required. If the carrying value of the net assets assigned to
a reporting unit exceeds the fair value of a reporting unit, the second step of the impairment test is
performed in order to determine the implied fair value of a reporting unit’s goodwill. Determining the
implied fair value of goodwill requires valuation of a reporting unit’s tangible and intangible assets and
liabilities in a manner similar to the allocation of purchase price in a business combination. If the carrying
value of a reporting unit’s goodwill exceeds its implied fair value, goodwill is deemed impaired and is
written down to the extent of the difference. We estimate total fair value of each reporting unit using market
approaches and also a discounted cash flow analysis, and make assumptions regarding future revenue, gross
margins, working capital levels, investments in new products, capital spending, tax, cash flows and the
terminal value of the reporting unit. With regard to other intangibles with indefinite lives, we determine the
fair value by asset, which is then compared to its carrying value to determine if the assets are impaired.
Goodwill is allocated entirely to our Education reporting unit. 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 may include revenue growth rates and operating margins used to calculate projected future cash
74
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Company
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(in thousands of dollars, except share and per share information)
flows, risk-adjusted discount rates, future economic and market conditions, the determination of appropriate
market comparables as well as the fair value of individual assets and liabilities. Consistent with prior years,
we used a combination of a market approach and income approach to establish the fair value of the reporting
unit as of October 1, 2014.
We completed our annual goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible asset impairment tests as of October 1,
2014, 2013, and 2012 and recorded a noncash impairment charge of $0.4 million, $0.5 million and $5.0
million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. The impairments principally
related to two specific tradenames within the Trade Publishing segment in both 2014 and 2013 and one
specific tradename within the Education segment in 2012. The impairment charges resulted primarily from a
decline in revenue from previously projected amounts.
Publishing Rights
A publishing right is an acquired right that allows us to publish and republish existing and future works as
well as create new works based on previously published materials. We determine the fair market value of
the publishing rights arising from business combinations by discounting the after-tax cash flows projected to
be derived from the publishing rights and titles to their net present value using a rate of return that accounts
for the time value of money and the appropriate degree of risk. The useful life of the publishing rights is
based on the lives of the various copyrights involved. We calculate amortization using the percentage of the
projected operating income before taxes derived from the titles in the current year as a percentage of the
total estimated operating income before taxes over the remaining useful life. Acquired publication rights, as
well as customer-related intangibles with definitive lives, are primarily amortized on an accelerated basis
over periods ranging from three to 20 years.
Impairment of other long-lived assets
We review our other long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate
that the carrying amount of an asset may not be fully recoverable. If the future undiscounted cash flows are
less than their book value, impairment exists. The impairment is measured as the difference between the
book value and the fair value of the underlying asset. Fair value is normally determined using a discounted
cash flow model.
Severance
We accrue postemployment benefits if the obligation is attributable to services already rendered, rights to
those benefits accumulate, payment of benefits is probable, and amount of benefit is reasonably estimated.
Postemployment benefits include severance benefits.
Subsequent to recording such accrued severance liabilities, changes in market or other conditions may result
in changes to assumptions upon which the original liabilities were recorded that could result in an
adjustment to the liabilities.
Royalty advances
Royalty advances to authors are capitalized and represent amounts paid in advance of the sale of an author’s
product and are recovered as earned. As advances are recorded, a partial reserve may be recorded
immediately based primarily upon historical sales experience. Advances are evaluated periodically to
determine if they are expected to be recovered. Any portion of a royalty advance that is not expected to be
75
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Company
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(in thousands of dollars, except share and per share information)
recovered is fully reserved. Cash payments for royalty advances are included within cash flows from
operating activities, under the caption “Royalties, net,” in our consolidated statements of cash flows.
Income taxes
We record income taxes using the asset and liability method. Deferred income 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 income tax basis, and operating loss and tax
credit carryforwards. Our consolidated financial statements contain certain deferred tax assets which have
arisen primarily as a result of interest expense limitations, as well as other temporary differences between
financial and tax accounting. We establish a valuation allowance if the likelihood of realization of the
deferred tax assets is reduced based on an evaluation of objective verifiable evidence. Significant
management judgment is required in determining our provision for income taxes, our deferred tax assets and
liabilities and any valuation allowance recorded against those deferred tax assets. We evaluate the weight of
all available evidence to determine whether it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred
income tax assets will not be realized.
We also evaluate any uncertain tax positions and only recognize the tax benefit from an uncertain tax
position if it is more likely than not that the tax position will be sustained on examination by the taxing
authorities, based on the technical merits of the position. The tax benefits recognized in the financial
statements from such positions are then measured based on the largest benefit that has a greater than 50
percent likelihood of being realized upon settlement. We record a liability for unrecognized tax benefits
resulting from uncertain tax positions taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. Any change in judgment
related to the expected ultimate resolution of uncertain tax positions is recognized in earnings in the period
in which such change occurs. Interest and penalties, if any, related to unrecognized tax benefits are recorded
in income tax expense.
Stock-Based Compensation
Certain employees and or directors have been granted stock options and restricted stock awards in the
Company’s common stock. Stock based compensation expense reflects the fair value of stock-based awards
measured at the grant date and recognized over the relevant service period. We estimate the fair value of
each stock-based award on the measurement date using either the current market price or the Black-Scholes
option valuation model. The Black-Scholes option valuation model incorporates assumptions as to stock
volatility, the expected life of the options, risk-free interest rate and dividend yield for time-vested stock
options and restricted stock. We recognize compensation cost on a straight-line basis over the awards’
vesting periods.
Comprehensive Loss
Comprehensive loss is defined as changes in the equity of an enterprise except those resulting from
stockholder transactions. The amounts shown on the consolidated statements of stockholders’ equity and
comprehensive loss relate to the cumulative effect of changes in pension and postretirement liabilities,
foreign currency translation gain and loss adjustments, and unrealized gains and losses on short-term
investments.
Foreign Currency Translation
The functional currency for each of our subsidiaries is the currency of the primary economic environment in
which the subsidiary operates, generally defined as the currency in which the entity generates and expends
76
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Company
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(in thousands of dollars, except share and per share information)
cash. Foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities are translated into United States dollars at current
rates as of the balance sheet date and the revenue, costs and expenses are translated at the average rates
established during each reporting period. Cumulative translation gains or losses are recorded in equity as an
element of accumulated other comprehensive income.
Financial instruments
Derivative financial instruments are employed to manage risks associated with interest rate exposures and
are not used for trading or speculative purposes. We recognize all derivative instruments, such as foreign
exchange forward and option contracts, in our consolidated balance sheets at fair value. Changes in the fair
value of derivatives are recognized periodically either in earnings or in stockholders’ equity as a component
of accumulated other comprehensive loss, depending on whether the derivative financial instrument
qualifies for hedge accounting and, if so, whether it qualifies as a fair value hedge or a cash flow hedge.
Gains and losses on derivatives designated as hedges, to the extent they are effective, are recorded in other
comprehensive income, and subsequently reclassified to earnings to offset the impact of the hedged items
when they occur. Changes in the fair value of derivatives not qualifying as hedges are reported in earnings.
Our foreign exchange forward and option contracts did not qualify for hedge accounting because we did not
contemporaneously document our hedging strategy upon entering into the hedging arrangements. There
were no derivative instruments that qualified for hedge accounting during 2014, 2013 and 2012.
Treasury Stock
We account for treasury stock under the cost method. When shares are reissued or retired from treasury
stock they are accounted for at an average price. Upon retirement the excess over par value is charged
against capital in excess of par value.
Net Loss per Share
Basic net loss per share attributable to common stockholders is computed by dividing net loss attributable to
common stockholders by the weighted-average common shares outstanding during the period. Except where
the result would be anti-dilutive, net loss per share is computed using the treasury stock method for the
exercise of stock options. For periods in which the Company has reported net losses, diluted net loss per
share attributable to common stockholders is the same as basic net loss per share attributable to common
stockholders, since dilutive common shares are not assumed to have been issued if their effect is anti-
dilutive. Diluted net loss per share attributable to common stockholders is the same as basic net loss per
share attributable to common stockholders for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
Recent accounting pronouncements, not included below, are not expected to have a material impact on our
consolidated financial position and results of operations.
In August 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued new guidance related to the
disclosures around going concern. The new standard provides guidance around management’s responsibility
to evaluate whether there is substantial doubt about an entity’s ability to continue as a going concern and to
provide related footnote disclosures. The new standard is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods
within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2016. Early adoption is permitted. The adoption of
this standard is not expected to have an impact on our consolidated financial statements or disclosures.
77
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Company
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(in thousands of dollars, except share and per share information)
In June 2014, the FASB issued new guidance related to stock compensation. The new standard requires that
a performance target that affects vesting, and that could be achieved after the requisite service period, be
treated as a performance condition. As such, the performance target should not be reflected in estimating the
grant date fair value of the award. This update further clarifies that compensation cost should be recognized
in the period in which it becomes probable that the performance target will be achieved and should represent
the compensation cost attributable to the periods for which the requisite service has already been rendered.
The new standard is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after
December 15, 2015 and can be applied either prospectively or retrospectively to all awards outstanding as of
the beginning of the earliest annual period presented as an adjustment to opening retained earnings. Early
adoption is permitted. We do not believe the adoption of this new accounting standard will impact our
consolidated financial statements.
In May 2014, the FASB issued new accounting guidance related to revenue recognition. This new standard
will replace all current U.S. GAAP guidance on this topic and eliminate all industry-specific guidance. The
new revenue recognition standard provides a unified model to determine when and how revenue is
recognized. The core principle is that a company should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised
goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration for which the entity expects to be
entitled in exchange for those goods or services. This guidance will be effective beginning January 1, 2017
and can be applied either retrospectively to each period presented or as a cumulative-effect adjustment as of
the date of adoption. We are in the process of evaluating the impact of adopting this new accounting
standard on our consolidated financial statements.
In April 2014, the FASB issued new guidance related to reporting discontinued operations. This new
standard raises the threshold for a disposal to qualify as a discontinued operation and requires new
disclosures of both discontinued operations and certain other disposals that do not meet the definition of a
discontinued operation. The new standard is effective for fiscal years beginning on or after December 15,
2014. Early adoption is permitted but only for disposals that have not been reported in financial statements
previously issued. We do not believe the adoption of this new accounting standard will impact our
consolidated financial statements.
4. Acquisitions
On May 12, 2014, we completed the acquisition of certain assets and liabilities of Channel One News,
which is a digital content provider dedicated to encouraging kids to be informed, digitally-savvy global
citizens. The acquisition allows for continued development of high-quality digital content for students,
teachers and parents across multiple modalities, and brings video and cross-media production capabilities to
HMH.
On May 19, 2014, we completed the acquisition of 100% of the stock of Curiosityville, which is an online
personalized learning environment that helps children ages 3-8 learn through playful exploration and
discovery both at home and in pre-school settings. The acquisition also includes its proprietary data
collection and analytics engine, the Learning Tree, which provides real-time information on individual
learners and personalized recommendations for learning, both online and offline.
On June 30, 2014, we completed the acquisition of 100% of the stock of School Chapters, which is an
educational solutions provider dedicated to standards-based education quality management, accreditation
services and community-based resources for educators and learners across the pre-K-12 and college
spectrum.
The total aggregate purchase price for the three acquisitions described above was approximately $9.5
million, which consisted of cash at closing of approximately $9.1 million, and amounts in accrued liabilities
78
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Company
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(in thousands of dollars, except share and per share information)
of approximately $0.4 million. Goodwill, other intangible assets, accounts receivable, property, plant, and
equipment, other assets and other liabilities recorded as part of the acquisitions totaled approximately $1.1
million, $0.2 million, $3.1 million, $6.8 million, $0.4 million and $1.7 million, respectively.
In 2013, we made a $1.5 million investment in preferred stock. Based on impairment indicators, we were
required to remeasure the fair value of our 2013 investment with any resulting gain or loss recognized in the
statement of operations. Based on the implied fair value of the investment, we recorded an impairment
charge of approximately $1.3 million during the year ended December 31, 2014 relating to the fair value
remeasurement.
On October 28, 2013, we completed the acquisition of Choice Solutions, Inc., which is an educational
technology company focused on educational data science, analytics, integrated solutions, and professional
services for a total purchase price of approximately $15.9 million, which consisted of cash at closing,
subject to a closing working capital adjustment. The transaction was accounted for under the acquisition
method of accounting. Goodwill, other intangible assets, cash, other assets, other liabilities and deferred tax
liabilities recorded as part of the acquisition totaled approximately $7.6 million, $10.4 million, $2.5 million,
$0.8 million, $1.4 million and $4.0 million, respectively.
On April 10, 2013, we completed the acquisition of Tribal Nova, Inc., which is an educational technology
company focused on the development of digital games, products and services for pre-school children for a
total purchase price of approximately $7.3 million. The purchase price consisted of approximately $5.8
million of cash at closing and promissory notes due over two years totaling approximately $1.5 million,
subject to a closing working capital adjustment which increased the amount due by approximately $0.1
million. The acquisition provides us with an increased capacity to create entertaining and innovative online
educational games. The transaction was accounted for under the acquisition method of accounting.
Goodwill, other intangible assets, cash, other assets and other liabilities recorded as part of the acquisition
totaled approximately $4.1 million, $1.6 million, $0.5 million, $1.7 million and $2.2 million, respectively.
During 2012, we acquired certain asset product lines from a third party for a total purchase price of
approximately $11.0 million, which was paid in cash at closing. The acquisition provides us with the
copyrights, trademarks and intellectual property of the acquired product lines for our Trade Publishing
segment. In connection with the acquisition, we entered into a transition services agreement whereby the
third party provided certain transitional services to us for the acquired product lines. Since the fair value
assigned to the net assets acquired exceeded the consideration paid, we recorded a $30.8 million gain on
bargain purchase on the transaction in 2012. Intangible assets, author advances, and other assets recorded as
part of the acquisition totaled approximately $30.4 million, $6.2 million, and $5.1 million, respectively.
All transactions above were accounted for under the acquisition method of accounting. We allocated the
purchase price to each of the assets and liabilities acquired at estimated fair values as of the acquisition date.
The excess of the purchase price over the net amounts assigned to the fair value of the assets acquired and
liabilities assumed was recorded as goodwill. The financial results of each company acquired were included
within our financial statements from their respective dates of acquisition. The acquisitions were not
considered to be material for purposes of additional disclosure.
79
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Company
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(in thousands of dollars, except share and per share information)
5. Balance Sheet Information
Short-term Investments
The estimated fair value of our short-term investments classified as available for sale, is as follows:
Short-term investments:
U.S. Government and agency securities
Short-term investments:
U.S. Government and agency securities
December 31, 2014
Amortized
Cost
Unrealized
Gains
Unrealized
Losses
Estimated
Fair Value
$286,675
$286,675
$10
$10
$(99)
$(99)
$286,764
$286,764
December 31, 2013
Amortized
Cost
Unrealized
Gains
Unrealized
Losses
Estimated
Fair Value
$111,721
$111,721
$4
$4
$(4)
$(4)
$111,721
$111,721
The contractual maturities of our short-term investments are one year or less.
Account Receivable
Accounts receivable at December 31, 2014 and 2013 consisted of the following:
Accounts receivable
Allowance for bad debt
Reserve for book returns
Inventories
Inventories at December 31, 2014 and 2013 consisted of the following:
Finished goods
Raw materials
Inventory
2014
2013
$283,453
(5,625)
(22,159)
$358,734
(5,084)
(35,549)
$255,669
$318,101
2014
2013
$178,812
5,149
$177,017
5,177
$183,961
$182,194
80
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Company
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(in thousands of dollars, except share and per share information)
Property, Plant, and Equipment
Balances of major classes of assets and accumulated depreciation and amortization at December 31, 2014
and 2013 were as follows:
Land and land improvements
Building and building equipment
Machinery and equipment
Capitalized software
Leasehold improvements
Less: Accumulated depreciation and amortization
Property, plant, and equipment, net
2014
2013
$
4,717
9,723
18,766
350,179
28,719
$
4,717
9,505
15,223
294,361
27,961
412,104
(273,742)
351,767
(210,919)
$ 138,362
$ 140,848
For the year ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, depreciation and amortization expense related to
property, plant, and equipment were $72.3 million, $61.7 million and $58.1 million, respectively.
Property, plant, and equipment at December 31, 2014 and 2013 included approximately $6.9 million and
$6.0 million, respectively, acquired under capital lease agreements, of which the majority is included in
machinery and equipment. The future minimum lease payments required under non-cancelable capital
leases as of December 31, 2014 is as follows: $2.4 million in 2015 and $1.4 million in 2016.
Substantially all property, plant, and equipment are pledged as collateral under our Term Loan and
Revolving Credit Facility.
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
Accumulated other comprehensive loss consisted of the following at December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012:
Net change in pension and benefit plan liability
Foreign currency translation adjustments
Unrealized gain on short-term investments
2014
2013
2012
$(24,198)
(2,502)
(89)
$(10,818)
(2,473)
—
$(18,664)
(2,877)
13
$(26,789)
$(13,291)
$(21,528)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss for the years ended December 31, 2014,
2013 and 2012 relating to the amortization of defined benefit pension and postretirement benefit plans
totaled approximately $(1.4) million, $0.6 million and $0.9 million, respectively, and affected the selling
and administrative line item in the consolidated statement of operations. These accumulated other
comprehensive loss components are included in the computation of net periodic benefit cost.
81
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Company
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(in thousands of dollars, except share and per share information)
6. Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
Goodwill and other intangible assets consisted of the following:
Goodwill
Trademarks and tradenames
Publishing rights
Customer related and other
December 31, 2014
December 31, 2013
Cost
$ 532,921
439,719
1,180,000
283,225
Accumulated
Amortization
—
$
—
(889,560)
(211,415)
Cost
$ 531,786
440,005
1,180,000
283,172
Accumulated
Amortization
$
—
—
(783,937)
(199,246)
$2,435,865
$(1,100,975)
$2,434,963
$(983,183)
The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 are as
follows:
Balance at December 31, 2012
Goodwill
Accumulated impairment losses
Acquisitions
Balance at December 31, 2013
Goodwill
Accumulated impairment losses
Acquisitions
Balance at December 31, 2014
$
520,088
1,962,588
(1,442,500)
11,698
$
531,786
1,974,286
(1,442,500)
1,135
$
532,921
We had goodwill of $532.9 million and $531.8 million at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The
additions to goodwill relate to our acquisitions described in Note 4 of approximately $1.1 million and $11.7
million for the year ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. There was no goodwill impairment
charge for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013.
In accordance with the provisions of the accounting standard for goodwill and other intangible assets,
goodwill and certain indefinite-lived tradenames are not amortized. We recorded an impairment charge of
approximately $0.4 million, $0.5 million, and $5.0 million for certain of our indefinite-lived intangible
assets at October 1, 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively. Amortization expense for publishing rights and
customer related and other intangibles were $117.8 million, $158.6 million and $232.6 million for the year
ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
Estimated aggregate amortization expense expected for each of the next five years related to intangibles
subject to amortization is as follows:
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
Thereafter
Publishing
Rights
Other
Intangible
Assets
81,007
61,350
46,238
34,713
26,557
40,575
12,346
11,201
10,080
9,053
6,488
22,642
82
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Company
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(in thousands of dollars, except share and per share information)
7. Debt
Long-term debt at December 31, 2014 and 2013 consisted of the following:
$250,000 Term Loan due May 21, 2018
interest payable monthly
Less: Current portion of long-term debt
Total long-term debt
2014
2013
$243,125
67,500
$245,625
2,500
$175,625
$243,125
Included in the Current portion of long-term debt is $65.0 million payable under the Excess Cash Flow
provisions of the Term Loan Facility, which are predicated upon our leverage ratio and cash flow.
Long-term debt repayments due in each of the next five years and thereafter is as follows:
Year
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
Thereafter
67,500
2,500
2,500
170,625
—
—
$243,125
On January 15, 2014, we entered into Amendment No. 4 to our Term Loan Facility, which reduced the
interest rate applicable to outstanding borrowings by 1.0%. The transaction was accounted for under the
accounting guidance for debt modifications and extinguishments. We recorded an expense of approximately
$1.0 million relating to third party transaction fees which was included in the selling and administrative line
item in its consolidated statements of operations for the year ended December 31, 2014.
On May 24, 2013, we entered into Amendment No. 3 to the Term Loan Facility. Amendment No. 3 primarily
reduced the term loan spread by 1.75% and reduced the LIBOR floor by 0.25% resulting in an overall decrease
in the Term Loan Facility interest rate of 2.00%. The Term Loan Facility has a term of six years and the
interest rate for borrowings under the Term Loan Facility is based on the borrowers’ election, LIBOR plus
4.25% per annum or the alternate base rate plus 3.25%. The LIBOR rate under the Term Loan Facility is
subject to a minimum “floor” of 1.00%. As of December 31, 2013, the interest rate of the Term Loan Facility
is 5.25%. During the year ended December 31, 2013, due to the change in syndication, we recorded a loss on
debt extinguishment of approximately $0.6 million relating to the write off of capitalized deferred financing
fees in accordance with the accounting guidance for debt modifications and extinguishments.
On May 22, 2012, we entered into a new $500.0 million DIP facility which was converted into an exit
facility upon emergence from Chapter 11. This exit facility consists of a $250.0 million revolving credit
facility (“Revolving Credit Facility”), which is secured by the Company’s accounts receivable and
inventory, and a $250.0 million term loan credit facility (“Term Loan”). The Revolving Credit Facility has a
term of five years and the interest rate is determined by a combination of LIBOR rate and average daily
availability. No funds have been drawn on the Revolving Credit Facility as of December 31, 2012. The
Term Loan has a term of six years and the interest rate is based on the LIBOR plus 6.0%. The actual LIBOR
is subject to a minimum “floor” of 1.25%. The proceeds of the Term Loan were used to fund the costs of the
reorganization and provide post-closing working capital to the Company.
83
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Company
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(in thousands of dollars, except share and per share information)
On June 11, 2012 and June 20, 2012, respectively, we entered into Amendment No. 1 and Amendment
No. 2 to the Term Loan. Amendment No. 1 modified definitions by reducing LIBOR from 1.50% to 1.25%
along with a reduction in the interest rate from 6.25% to 6.0%. Amendment No. 2 related to administrative
matters modifying the notice requirement, which enabled the Company to move from a DIP facility to an
exit facility upon emergence from bankruptcy.
On June 20, 2012, we entered into Amendment No. 1 and Amendment No. 2 to our Revolving Credit
Facility. Amendment No. 1 modified definitions relating to administrative matters releasing our restricted
cash of $26.5 million, which was collateralizing our letters of credit. Amendment No. 2 modified certain
provisions of the agreement with regard to same day borrowing.
In 2012, the contractual interest exceeded the amount reported in the statement of operations by $19.2
million as interest ceased accruing on the Term Loan, Revolving Loan and 10.5% Senior Notes at the date
of the bankruptcy filing.
Loan Covenants
We are required to meet certain restrictive financial covenants as defined under our Term Loan and
Revolving Credit Facility. We have financial covenants pertaining to interest coverage, maximum leverage,
and fixed charge ratios. The interest coverage ratio is now 9.0 to 1.0 for all fiscal quarters ending through
maturity. The maximum leverage ratio is now 2.0 to 1.0 for fiscal quarters ending through maturity. The
fixed charge ratio, which only pertains to the revolving credit facility and is only tested in limited situations,
is 1.0 to 1.0 through the end of the facility. As of December 31, 2014, we were in compliance with all of our
debt covenants.
Loan Guarantees
Under both the revolving credit facility and the term loan facility, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishers
Inc., HMH Publishers LLC and Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company are the borrowers
(collectively, the “Borrowers”), and Citibank, N.A. acts as both the administrative agent and the collateral
agent.
The obligations under our senior secured credit facilities are guaranteed by the Company and each of its
direct and indirect-for-profit domestic subsidiaries (other than the Borrowers) (collectively, the
“Guarantors”) and are secured by all capital stock and other equity interests of the Borrowers and the
Guarantors and substantially all of the other tangible and intangible assets of the Borrowers and the
Guarantors, including without limitation, receivables, inventory, equipment, contract rights, securities,
patents, trademarks, other intellectual property, cash, bank accounts and securities accounts and owned real
estate. The revolving credit facility is secured by first priority liens on receivables, inventory, deposit
accounts, securities accounts, instruments, chattel paper and other assets related to the foregoing (the
“Revolving First Lien Collateral”), and second priority liens on the collateral which secures the term loan
facility on a first priority basis. The term loan facility is secured by first priority liens on the capital stock
and other equity interests of the Borrower and the Guarantors, equipment, owned real estate, trademarks and
other intellectual property, general intangibles that are not Revolving First Lien Collateral and other assets
related to the foregoing, and second priority liens on the Revolving First Lien Collateral.
84
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Company
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(in thousands of dollars, except share and per share information)
8.
Severance and Other Charges
2014
During the year ended December 31, 2014, $7.9 million of severance payments were made to employees
whose employment ended in 2014 and prior years and $4.6 million of net payments for office space no
longer utilized by the Company. Further, we recorded an expense in the amount of $5.0 million to reflect
additional costs for severance, which we expect to pay the remaining $1.3 million over the next twelve
months, along with a $2.3 million accrual for additional space vacated or revised estimates for space
previously vacated.
2013
During the year ended December 31, 2013, $5.8 million of severance payments were made to employees
whose employment ended in 2013 and prior years and $7.0 million of net payments for office space no
longer utilized by the Company. Further, we recorded an expense in the amount of $10.0 million to reflect
additional costs for severance and revised estimates for office space no longer utilized in connection to our
continuing strategic alignment of the business.
2012
During the year ended December 31, 2012, $19.2 million of severance payments were made to employees
whose employment ended in 2012 and prior years and $7.6 million of net payments for office space no
longer utilized by the Company. Further, we recorded an expense in the amount of $9.4 million to reflect
additional costs for severance and revised estimates for office space no longer utilized in connection to our
continuing strategic alignment of the business.
A summary of the significant components of the severance/restructuring and other charges is as follows:
Severance costs
Other accruals
Severance costs
Other accruals
Severance costs
Other accruals
Severance/
restructuring
accrual at
December 31, 2013
$ 4,115
11,416
$15,531
Severance/
restructuring
expense
$5,022
2,278
$7,300
Severance/
restructuring
accrual at
December 31, 2012
$ 2,142
16,148
$18,290
Severance/
restructuring
expense
$ 7,801
2,239
$10,040
2014
Cash payments
$ (7,866)
(4,644)
$(12,510)
2013
Cash payments
$ (5,828)
(6,971)
$(12,799)
2012
Severance/
restructuring
accrual at
December 31, 2011
$16,071
19,679
$35,750
Severance/
restructuring
expense
$5,284
4,091
$9,375
Cash payments
$(19,213)
(7,622)
$(26,835)
Severance/
restructuring
accrual at
December 31, 2014
$ 1,271
9,050
$10,321
Severance/
restructuring
accrual at
December 31, 2013
$ 4,115
11,416
$15,531
Severance/
restructuring
accrual at
December 31, 2012
$ 2,142
16,148
$18,290
85
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Company
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(in thousands of dollars, except share and per share information)
The current portion of the severance and other charges was $5.9 million and $8.2 million as of
December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
9.
Income Taxes
The components of loss before taxes by jurisdiction are as follows:
U.S.
Foreign
For the Year
Ended
December 31, 2014
$(102,284)
(2,945)
For the Year
Ended
December 31, 2013
$ (80,969)
(27,870)
For the Year
Ended
December 31, 2012
$(47,755)
(45,327)
Loss before taxes
$(105,249)
$(108,839)
$(93,082)
Total income taxes by jurisdiction are as follows:
Income tax expense (benefit)
U.S.
Foreign
For the Year
Ended
December 31, 2014
For the Year
Ended
December 31, 2013
For the Year
Ended
December 31, 2012
$ 9,632
(3,390)
$ 6,242
$1,496
851
$2,347
$(7,045)
1,102
$(5,943)
Significant components of the expense (benefit) for income taxes attributable to loss from continuing
operations consist of the following:
Current
Foreign
U.S.—Federal
U.S.—State and other
Total current
Deferred
Foreign
U.S.—Federal
U.S.—State and other
Total deferred
Income tax expense (benefit)
For the Year
Ended
December 31, 2014
For the Year
Ended
December 31, 2013
For the Year
Ended
December 31, 2012
$
588
—
4,633
5,221
(3,633)
3,889
765
1,021
$ 6,242
$
760
—
3,734
4,494
91
(1,417)
(821)
(2,147)
$ 2,347
$ 1,102
—
3,031
4,133
—
(9,201)
(875)
(10,076)
$ (5,943)
86
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Company
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(in thousands of dollars, except share and per share information)
The reconciliation of the income tax rate computed at the statutory tax rate to the reported income tax
expense (benefit) attributable to continuing operations is as follows:
For the Year
Ended
December 31, 2014
For the Year
Ended
December 31, 2013
For the Year
Ended
December 31, 2012
Statutory rate
Permanent items
UTP interest
Transfer pricing adjustments
Reorganization expense
Bargain purchase gain
Foreign rate differential
State and local taxes
Increase in valuation allowance
Effective tax rate
(35.0)%
1.0
3.3
—
—
—
0.1
1.2
35.3
5.9%
(35.0)%
2.5
—
—
—
—
6.0
0.3
28.4
2.2%
(35.0)%
3.7
—
(0.1)
5.9
(11.6)
10.3
—
20.4
(6.4)%
The significant components of the net deferred tax assets and liabilities are shown in the following table:
Tax asset related to
Net operating loss and other carryforwards
Returns reserve/inventory expense
Pension and postretirement benefits
Deferred interest (1)
Deferred revenue
Deferred compensation
Other, net
Valuation allowance
Tax liability related to
Intangible assets
Depreciation and amortization expense
Other, net
Net deferred tax liabilities
2014
2013
$ 71,565
61,124
8,122
463,013
75,577
23,084
26,394
(550,660)
$ 40,021
64,264
10,488
483,143
109,240
17,182
21,163
(527,960)
178,219
217,541
(211,805)
(54,201)
(269)
(231,186)
(73,512)
—
(266,275)
(304,698)
$ (88,056)
$ (87,157)
(1) The Deferred Interest tax asset represents disallowed interest deductions under IRC Section 163(j)
(Limitation on Deduction for interest on Certain Indebtedness) for the current and prior years. The
disallowed interest is able to be carried forward and utilized in future years pursuant to IRC
Section 163(j)(1)(B). A full valuation allowance has been provided against deferred tax assets net of
deferred tax liabilities, with the exception of deferred tax liabilities resulting from long lived intangibles.
The net deferred tax liability balance is stated at prevailing statutory income tax rates. Deferred tax assets
and liabilities are reflected on our consolidated balance sheets as follows:
Current deferred tax assets
Non-current deferred tax assets
Noncurrent deferred tax liability
87
2014
$ 20,459
3,705
(112,220)
2013
$ 29,842
—
(116,999)
$ (88,056)
$ (87,157)
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Company
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(in thousands of dollars, except share and per share information)
A reconciliation of the gross amount of unrecognized tax benefits, excluding accrued interest and penalties,
is as follows:
Balance at December 31, 2011
Reductions based on tax positions related to the prior year
Additions based on tax positions related to the current year
Balance at December 31, 2012
Reductions based on tax positions related to the prior year
Additions based on tax positions related to the current year
Balance at December 31, 2013
Reductions based on tax positions related to the prior year
Additions based on tax positions related to the current year
Balance at December 31, 2014
$70,774
(105)
3,965
$74,634
(1,984)
2,853
$75,503
—
3,131
$78,634
The above table has been revised to include the effects of an uncertain tax position in a foreign jurisdiction.
At December 31, 2014, we had $78.6 million of gross unrecognized tax benefits (excluding interest and
penalties), of which $68.5 million, if recognized, would reduce the Company’s effective tax rate. The
Company expects the amount of unrecognized tax benefit disclosed to be reduced by $52.1 million over the
next twelve months.
With a few exceptions, we are currently open for audit under the statute of limitation for Federal, state and
foreign jurisdictions for years 2011 to 2013. However, carryforward attributes from prior years may still be
adjusted upon examination by tax authorities if they are used in a future period.
We report penalties and tax-related interest expense on unrecognized tax benefits as a component of the
provision for income taxes in the accompanying consolidated statement of operations. At December 31,
2014 and 2013, we had $10.9 million and $8.3 million, respectively, of accrued interest and penalties in the
accompanying consolidated balance sheet. Interest and penalties included in the provision for income taxes
for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 were $3.5 million and $2.4 million, respectively.
On January 1, 2013, as part of the 2012 Chapter 11 Reorganization, we realized approximately $1.3 billion
of cancellation of debt income. We have excluded cancellation of debt income of $1.3 billion from taxable
income since the Company was insolvent (liabilities greater than the fair value of its assets) by this amount
at the time of the exchange. Although we did not have to pay current cash taxes from this transaction, it
reduced our tax attributes, such as net operating loss carryovers and tax credit carryovers and also reduced
our tax basis of our assets to offset the $1.3 billion of taxable income that did not have to be recognized due
to insolvency. As a result, our net operating losses and credit carryforwards were reduced on January 1,
2013, and a portion of our tax basis in our assets were reduced at that time.
As of December 31, 2014, we have approximately $127.3 million of Federal tax loss carryforwards, which
will expire between 2033 and 2034. The Company has approximately $124.8 million of state tax loss
carryforward, which will expire between 2018 and 2034. In addition, we have foreign tax credit
carryforwards of $1.5 million, which will expire through 2023. The Company’s United Kingdom and Irish
net operating losses of $11.1 million and $27.2 million, respectively, are not subject to expiration. The
Canadian losses ($3.3 million federal and $3.6 million for province purposes) will expire between
December 31, 2029 and December 31, 2033.
88
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Company
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(in thousands of dollars, except share and per share information)
In accordance with IRC Sec. 382, if certain substantial changes in the entity’s ownership occur, there would
be an annual limitation on the amount of the carryforward(s) that can be utilized.
The Company’s deferred tax assets in the table above as of December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, do
not include reductions of $9.1 million and $0.6 million, respectively, related to excess tax benefits from the
exercise of employee stock options that are a component of NOLs as these benefits can only be recognized
when the related tax deduction reduces income taxes payable.
Based on our assessment of historical pre-tax losses and the fact that we did not anticipate sufficient future
taxable income in the near term to assure utilization of certain deferred tax assets, the Company recorded a
valuation allowance at December 31, 2014 and 2013 of $550.7 million and $528.0 million, respectively. We
have increased our valuation allowance by $22.7 million and $15.8 million in 2014 and 2013, respectively.
As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company had $9.7 million and $0.6 million of unrecorded
additional paid in capital net operating losses, respectively. All of the Company’s undistributed international
earnings are intended to be indefinitely reinvested in operations outside of the United States as of
December 31, 2014.
10. Retirement and Postretirement Benefit Plans
Retirement Plan
We have a noncontributory, qualified defined benefit pension plan (the “Retirement Plan”), which covers
certain employees. The Retirement Plan is a cash balance plan, which accrues benefits based on pay, length
of service, and interest. The funding policy is to contribute amounts subject to minimum funding standards
set forth by the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 and the Internal Revenue Code. The
Retirement Plan’s assets consist principally of common stocks, fixed income securities, investments in
registered investment companies, and cash and cash equivalents. We also have a nonqualified defined
benefit plan, or nonqualified plan, that previously covered employees who earned over the qualified pay
limit as determined by the Internal Revenue Service. The nonqualified plan accrues benefits for the
participants based on the cash balance plan calculation. The nonqualified plan is not funded. We use a
December 31 date to measure the pension and postretirement liabilities. In 2007, both the qualified and
nonqualified pension plans eliminated participation in the plans for new employees hired after October 31,
2007.
We also had a foreign defined benefit plan. On May 28, 2014, the plan was converted to individual annuity
policies and the liability discharge occurred, which resulted in a settlement charge of approximately $1.7
million. This amount has been recorded to the selling and administrative line in our consolidated statements
of operations for the year ended December 31, 2014. The foreign defined benefit plan is included in the
accompanying table for year ended December 31, 2013.
We are required to recognize the funded status of defined benefit pension and other postretirement plans as
an asset or liability in the balance sheet and are required to recognize actuarial gains and losses and prior
service costs and credits in other comprehensive income and subsequently amortize those items in the
statement of operations. Further, we are required to use a measurement date equal to the fiscal year end.
89
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Company
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(in thousands of dollars, except share and per share information)
The following table summarizes the Accumulated Benefit Obligations (“ABO”), the change in Projected
Benefit Obligation (“PBO”), and the funded status of our plans as of and for the financial statement period
ended December 31, 2014 and 2013:
ABO at end of period
Change in PBO
PBO at beginning of period
Foreign defined benefit plan termination
Service cost
Interest cost on PBO
Plan settlements
Actuarial (gain) loss
Benefits paid
Exchange rates
PBO at end of period
Change in plan assets
Fair market value at beginning of period
Foreign defined benefit plan termination
Plan settlements
Actual return
Company contribution
Benefits paid
Exchange rates
Fair market value at end of period
Funded status
2014
$184,510
2013
$191,519
$191,519
(14,934)
—
7,671
—
13,338
(13,084)
—
$204,420
—
—
7,405
(1,446)
(9,671)
(9,424)
235
$184,510
$191,519
$167,114
(15,152)
—
13,069
14,038
(13,084)
—
$155,706
—
(1,446)
11,540
10,615
(9,424)
123
$165,985
$167,114
$ (18,525)
$ (24,405)
Amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheets at December 31, 2014 and 2013 consist of:
Noncurrent liabilities
2014
$(18,525)
2013
$(24,405)
Additional year-end information for pension plans with ABO in excess of plan assets at December 31, 2014
and 2013 consist of:
PBO
ABO
Fair value of plan assets
2014
$184,510
184,510
165,985
2013
$176,585
176,585
151,962
Amounts not yet reflected in net periodic benefit cost and recognized in accumulated other comprehensive
income at December 31, 2014 and 2013 consist of:
Net gain (loss)
2014
$(18,143)
2013
$(9,536)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
$(18,143)
$(9,536)
90
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Company
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(in thousands of dollars, except share and per share information)
Weighted average assumptions used to determine the benefit obligations (both PBO and ABO) at
December 31, 2014 and 2013 are:
Discount rate
Increase in future compensation
Net periodic pension cost includes the following components:
2014
3.8%
N/A
2013
4.6%
N/A
Interest cost on projected benefit obligation
Expected return on plan assets
Amortization of net (gain) loss
Net pension expense
Loss (gain) due to settlement
For the Year
Ended
December 31,
2014
$ 7,671
(10,122)
—
(2,451)
—
For the Year
Ended
December 31,
2013
$ 7,405
(10,124)
337
(2,382)
167
For the Year
Ended
December 31,
2012
$ 8,288
(9,047)
13
(746)
84
Net cost (gain) recognized for the period
$ (2,451)
$ (2,215)
$ (662)
Significant actuarial assumptions used to determine net periodic pension cost at December 31, 2014, 2013
and 2012 are:
Discount rate
Increase in future compensation
Expected long-term rate of return on assets
2013
2012
2014
4.6% 3.8% 4.4%
N/A
7.0% 6.7% 6.7%
N/A
N/A
Assumptions on Expected Long-Term Rate of Return as Investment Strategies
We employ a building block approach in determining the long-term rate of return for plan assets. Historical
markets are studied and long-term relationships between equities and fixed income are preserved congruent
with the widely accepted capital market principle that assets with higher volatility generate a greater return
over the long run. Current market factors such as inflation and interest rates are evaluated before long-term
capital market assumptions are determined. The long-term portfolio return is established via a building
block approach and proper consideration of diversification and rebalancing. Peer data and historical returns
are reviewed for reasonability and appropriateness. We regularly review the actual asset allocation and
periodically rebalances investments to a targeted allocation when appropriate. The current targeted asset
allocation is 30% with equity managers, 55% with fixed income managers, 5% with real-estate investment
trust managers and 10% with hedge fund managers. For 2014, we will use a 7.0% long-term rate of return
for the Retirement Plan. We will continue to evaluate the expected rate of return assumption, at least
annually, and will adjust as necessary.
Plan Assets
Plan assets for the U.S. tax qualified plans consist of a diversified portfolio of fixed income securities,
equity securities, real estate, and cash equivalents. Plan assets do not include any of our securities. The U.S.
pension plan assets are invested in a variety of funds within a Collective Trust (“Trust”). The Trust is a
group trust designed to permit qualified trusts to comingle their assets for investment purposes on tax-
exempt basis. As of December 31, 2013, the U.K pension plan assets were invested in a single bulk annuity
policy with a third party.
91
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Company
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(in thousands of dollars, except share and per share information)
Investment Policy and Investment Targets
The tax qualified plans consist of the U.S. pension plan and the U.K. pension scheme (prior to May 28,
2014). It is our practice to fund amounts for our qualified pension plans at least sufficient to meet minimum
requirements of local benefit and tax laws. The investment objectives of our pension plan asset investments
is to provide long-term total growth and return, which includes capital appreciation and current income. The
nonqualified noncontributory defined benefit pension plan is generally not funded. Assets were invested
among several asset classes.
The percentage of assets invested in each asset class at December 31, 2014 and 2013 is shown below.
2014
Asset Class
Equity
Fixed income
Real estate investment trust
Other
2013
Asset Class
Equity
Fixed income
Real estate investment trust
Annuity policies
Other
Percentage
in Each
Asset Class
29.7%
55.1
5.1
10.1
100.0%
Percentage
in Each
Asset Class
37.8%
43.7
3.9
8.9
5.7
100.0%
Fair Value Measurements
The fair value of our pension plan assets by asset category and by level at December 31 were as follows:
Cash and cash equivalents
Equity securities
U.S. equity
Non U.S. equity
Emerging markets equity
Fixed Income
Government bonds
Corporate bonds
Mortgage-backed securities
Asset-backed securities
Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities
International Fixed Income
Alternatives
Real Estate
Hedge funds
Other
92
Year ended
December 31,
2014
1,436
$
Markets for
Identical Assets
(Level 1)
$1,436
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
$ —
28,630
14,844
5,763
22,430
47,774
9,742
1,534
2,291
6,610
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
28,630
14,844
5,763
22,430
47,774
9,742
1,534
2,291
6,610
8,472
15,283
1,176
$165,985
—
—
—
$1,436
8,472
15,283
1,176
$164,549
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Company
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(in thousands of dollars, except share and per share information)
Cash and cash equivalents
Equity securities
U.S. equity
Non U.S. equity
Emerging markets equity
Fixed Income
Government bonds
Corporate bonds
Mortgage-backed securities
Asset-backed securities
Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities
International Fixed Income
Alternatives
Real Estate
Hedge funds
Annuity policies
Other
For the
Year ended
December 31,
2013
1,619
$
Quoted Prices
in Active
Markets for
Identical Assets
(Level 1)
$1,619
Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
$ —
41,544
20,156
1,550
20,230
38,050
10,750
700
513
2,767
6,485
7,017
14,932
801
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
41,544
20,156
1,550
20,230
38,050
10,750
700
513
2,767
6,485
7,017
14,932
801
$167,114
$1,619
$165,495
We recognize that risk and volatility are present to some degree with all types of investments. However,
high levels of risk are minimized through diversification by asset class, by style of each fund.
Estimated Future Benefit Payments
The following benefit payments are expected to be paid.
Fiscal Year Ended
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020—2024
Pension
17,225
17,258
18,061
17,969
9,901
48,154
Expected Contributions
We expect to contribute approximately $6.8 million in 2015; however, the actual funding decision will be
made after the 2015 valuation is completed.
Postretirement Benefit Plan
We also provide postretirement medical benefits to retired full-time, nonunion employees hired before
April 1, 1992, who have provided a minimum of five years of service and attained age 55.
93
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Company
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(in thousands of dollars, except share and per share information)
During 2012, we amended the postretirement medical benefits plan, resulting in the benefit contributions for
certain participants to remain at the current year level for all future years. The result of the plan change was to
reduce our accrued postretirement benefits liability by approximately $8.7 million with the offset to other
comprehensive income in accordance with the accounting guidance for other postretirement defined benefit plans.
The following table summarizes the Accumulated Postretirement Benefit Obligation (“APBO”), the changes
in plan assets, and the funded status of our plan as of and for the financial statement periods ended
December 31, 2014 and 2013.
Change in APBO
APBO at beginning of period
Service cost (benefits earned during the period)
Interest cost on APBO
Employee contributions
Actuarial (gain) loss
Benefits paid
APBO at end of period
Change in plan assets
Fair market value at beginning of period
Company contributions
Employee contributions
Benefits paid
Fair market value at end of period
Funded status
2014
2013
$ 26,001
179
1,361
591
3,611
(3,206)
$ 28,537
$ 29,573
222
1,275
641
(2,513)
(3,197)
$ 26,001
$ —
$ —
2,615
591
(3,206)
2,556
641
(3,197)
$ —
$ —
$(28,537)
$(26,001)
Amounts for postretirement benefits accrued in the consolidated balance sheets at December 31, 2014 and
2013 consist of:
Current liabilities
Noncurrent liabilities
Net amount recognized
2014
$ (2,037)
(26,500)
2013
$ (2,141)
(23,860)
$(28,537)
$(26,001)
Amounts not yet reflected in net periodic benefit cost and recognized in accumulated other comprehensive
income at December 31, 2014 and 2013 consist of:
Net gain (loss)
Prior service cost
2014
$(6,087)
4,876
2013
$(2,476)
6,257
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
$(1,211)
$ 3,781
Weighted average actuarial assumptions used to determine APBO at year-end December 31, 2014 and 2013
are:
Discount rate
Health care cost trend rate assumed for next year
Rate to which the cost trend rate is assumed to decline
(ultimate trend rate)
Year that the rate reaches the ultimate trend rate
94
2014
2013
3.9% 4.7%
6.9% 7.1%
4.5% 4.5%
2027
2027
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Company
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(in thousands of dollars, except share and per share information)
Net periodic postretirement benefit cost included the following components:
Service cost
Interest cost on APBO
Amortization of unrecognized prior service cost
Amortization of net (gain) loss
$
2014
179
1,183
(1,381)
—
$
2013
222
1,095
(1,381)
309
$
2012
250
1,269
(1,035)
—
Net periodic postretirement benefit expense
$
(19)
$
245
$
484
Significant actuarial assumptions used to determine postretirement benefit cost at December 31, 2014, 2013
and 2012 are:
Discount rate
Health care cost trend rate assumed for next year
Rate to which the cost trend rate is assumed to decline (ultimate trend rate)
Year that the rate reaches the ultimate trend rate
2014
2013
2012
4.7% 3.8% 4.5%
7.1% 7.4% 7.6%
4.5% 4.5% 4.5%
2027
2027
2027
Assumed health care trend rates have a significant effect on the amounts reported for the health care plans.
A one-percentage-point change in assumed health care cost trend rates would have the following effects on
the expense recorded in 2014 and 2013 for the postretirement medical plan:
One-percentage-point increase
Effect on total of service and interest cost components
Effect on postretirement benefit obligation
$ 12
246
$ 12
298
One-percentage-point decrease
Effect on total of service and interest cost components
Effect on postretirement benefit obligation
(11)
(223)
(11)
(190)
2014
2013
The following table presents the change in other comprehensive income for the year ended December 31,
2014 related to our pension and postretirement obligations.
Sources of change in accumulated other comprehensive loss
Net loss arising during the period
Amortization of prior service credit
Total accumulated other comprehensive loss recognized
Pension
Plans
Postretirement
Benefit
Plan
Total
$(10,370)
—
$(3,611)
(1,381)
$(13,981)
(1,381)
during the period
$(10,370)
$(4,992)
$(15,362)
Estimated amounts that will be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) over the
next fiscal year.
Prior service credit (cost)
Net gain (loss)
95
Total
Pension
Plans
$ —
(331)
$(331)
Total
Postretirement
Plan
$1,381
(220)
$1,161
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Company
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(in thousands of dollars, except share and per share information)
Estimated Future Benefit Payments
The following benefit payments, which reflect expected future service, are expected to be paid:
Fiscal Year Ended
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020-2024
Postretirement
Plan
2,037
1,951
1,925
1,858
1,844
8,918
Expected Contribution
We expect to contribute approximately $2.0 million in 2015.
Defined Contribution Retirement Plan
We maintain a defined contribution retirement plan, the Houghton Mifflin 401(k) Savings Plan, which
conforms to Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code, and covers substantially all of our eligible
employees. Participants may elect to contribute up to 50.0% of their compensation subject to an annual
limit. We provide a matching contribution in amounts up to 3.0% of employee contributions. The 401(k)
contribution expense amounted to $5.7 million, $5.4 million and $4.9 million for the years ended
December 31, 2014, December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. We did not make any additional
discretionary contributions in 2014, 2013 and 2012.
11. Stock-Based Compensation
The Management Incentive Plan (“MIP”) became effective on June 22, 2012. The MIP provides for grants
of stock options to employees, restricted stock and restricted stock units to employees and independent
members of the board of directors at a strike price equal to or greater than the fair value per share of
common stock as of the date of grant. The stock related to award forfeitures and stock withheld to cover tax
withholding requirements upon vesting of restricted stock units remains outstanding and may be reallocated
to new recipients. There were 16,374,270 shares authorized and available for issuance on June 22, 2012. As
of December 31, 2014, there were 3,217,734 shares of common stock underlying awards reserved for future
issuance under the MIP.
The vesting terms for equity awards generally range from 1 to 4 years over equal annual installments and
generally expire seven years after the date of grant. Restricted stock is common stock that is subject to a risk
of forfeiture only upon voluntary termination or termination for cause, as defined. Total compensation
expense related to stock option grants and restricted stock issuances recorded in the years ended
December 31, 2014 and 2013 was approximately $11.4 million and $9.5 million respectively, and was
recorded in selling and administrative expense. Total compensation expense related to stock option grants
and restricted stock issuances recorded in the year ended December 31, 2012 was approximately $6.3
million of which approximately $4.3 million was recorded in selling and administrative expense and
approximately $2.0 million was recorded in reorganization items, net.
96
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Company
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(in thousands of dollars, except share and per share information)
Stock Options
The following tables summarize option activity for HMH employees in stock options for the periods ended
December 31, 2014 and 2013:
Balance at December 31, 2012
Granted
Forfeited
Balance at December 31, 2013
Granted
Exercised
Forfeited
Balance at December 31, 2014
Options Exercisable at end of year
Number of
Shares
9,904,562
3,632,012
(994,456)
Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
$12.50
13.32
12.51
12,542,118
$12.74
943,600
(1,876,566)
(641,000)
19.86
12.65
13.31
10,968,152
$13.33
4,357,248
$12.66
The intrinsic value of a stock option is the amount by which the current market value of the underlying stock
exceeds the exercise price of the option as of the balance sheet date. The intrinsic value of options
outstanding and exercisable was approximately $81.0 million and $35.1 million, respectively, at
December 31, 2014 and approximately $53.0 million and $14.1 million, respectively, at December 31, 2013.
There was no intrinsic value of options outstanding and exercisable at December 31, 2012.
We estimate the fair value of stock options using the Black-Scholes valuation model. Key input assumptions
used to estimate the fair value of stock options include the exercise price of the award, the expected
volatility of our stock over the option’s expected term, the risk-free interest rate over the option’s expected
term, and our expected annual dividend yield.
The fair value of each option granted was estimated on the grant date using the Black-Scholes valuation
model with the following assumptions:
For the
Year Ended
December 31,
2014
For the
Year Ended
December 31,
2013
For the
Year Ended
December 31,
2012
Expected term (years) (a)
Expected dividend yield
Expected volatility (b)
Risk-free interest rate (c)
4.75
0.00%
4.0
0.00%
20.40%-22.63% 21.42%-24.55% 24.21%-26.54%
0.67%-0.76%
0.75%-1.71%
4.75
0.00%
1.49%-1.82%
(a) The expected term is the number of years that we estimate that options will be outstanding prior to exercise.
(b) We have estimated volatility for options granted based on the historical volatility for a group of
companies believed to be a representative peer group, selected based on industry and market
capitalization, due to lack of sufficient historical publicly traded prices of our own common stock.
(c) The risk-free interest rate is based on the U.S. Treasury yield for a period commensurate with the
expected life of the option.
The accounting standard for stock-based compensation requires companies to estimate forfeitures at the time of
grant and periodically revise those estimates in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ from those estimates.
Stock-based compensation expense is recorded only for those awards expected to vest using an estimated
forfeiture rate based on historical forfeiture data coupled with and estimated derived forfeiture rate of peers.
97
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Company
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(in thousands of dollars, except share and per share information)
As of December 31, 2014, there remained approximately $13.5 million of unearned compensation expense
related to unvested stock options to be recognized over a weighted average term of 2.0 years.
The weighted average grant date fair value was $4.18, $2.82 and $2.76 for options granted in 2014, 2013
and 2012, respectively.
The following tables summarize information about stock options outstanding and exercisable under the plan
at December 31, 2014:
Options Outstanding
Options
Outstanding at
December 31,
2014
Weighted
Average
Remaining
Contractual life
Options Exercisable
Weighted
Average
Exercise Price
Options
Exercisable at
December 31,
2014
Weighted
Average
Exercise Price
Range of
Exercise
Price
$12.50
$13.48
$14.78—$17.84
$18.28
$18.51
$18.80
$19.24
$19.89
$20.35
$20.49
8,193,586
1,666,966
324,000
6,600
40,000
20,000
10,000
32,000
50,000
625,000
$12.50—$20.49
10,968,152
Restricted Stock Units
4.6
5.5
6.4
6.4
6.4
6.7
6.0
9.2
6.3
6.9
4.9
$12.50
$13.48
$16.67
$18.28
$18.51
$18.80
$19.24
$19.89
$20.35
$20.49
$13.33
4,017,380
236,868
71,000
—
—
—
—
32,000
—
—
4,357,248
$12.50
$13.48
$15.60
—
—
—
—
$19.89
—
—
$12.66
The following table summarizes restricted stock activity for grants to certain employees and independent
members of the board of directors in our restricted stock units:
Balance at December 31, 2012
Granted
Vested
Balance at December 31, 2013
Granted
Vested
Forfeited
Balance at December 31, 2014
Numbers of
Units
44,400
221,802
(44,400)
221,802
86,239
(135,136)
(1,040)
171,865
Weighted
Average
Grant Date
Fair Value
$12.50
14.11
12.50
$14.11
$18.82
13.12
19.24
$17.22
98
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Company
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(in thousands of dollars, except share and per share information)
12. Fair Value Measurements
The accounting standard for fair value measurements among other things, defines fair value, establishes a
consistent framework for measuring fair value and expands disclosure for each major asset and liability
category measured at fair value on either a recurring or nonrecurring basis. The accounting standard establishes
a three-tier fair value hierarchy which prioritizes the inputs used in measuring fair value as follows:
Level 1
Observable input such as quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities;
Level 2
Level 3
Observable inputs, other than the quoted prices in active markets, that are observable either
directly or indirectly; and
Unobservable inputs in which there is little or no market data, which require the reporting entity
to develop its own assumptions.
Assets and liabilities measured at fair value are based on one or more of three valuation techniques
identified in the tables below. Where more than one technique is noted, individual assets or liabilities were
valued using one or more of the noted techniques. The valuation techniques are as follows:
(a) Market approach: Prices and other relevant information generated by market transactions involving
identical or comparable assets or liabilities;
(b) Cost approach: Amount that would be currently required to replace the service capacity of an asset
(current replacement cost); and
(c)
Income approach: Valuation techniques to convert future amounts to a single present amount based on
market expectations (including present value techniques).
On a recurring basis, we measure certain financial assets and liabilities at fair value, including our money
market funds, short-term investments which consist of U.S. treasury securities and U.S. agency securities,
and foreign exchange forward and option contracts. The accounting standard for fair value measurements
defines fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an
orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. As such, fair value is a market-
based measurement that should be determined based on assumptions that market participants would use in
pricing an asset or liability. In determining fair value, we utilize valuation techniques that maximize the use
of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs to the extent possible as well as consider
counterparty and its credit risk in its assessment of fair value.
The following tables present our financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis at
December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013:
Financial assets
Money market funds
U.S. treasury securities
U.S. agency securities
Financial liabilities
Foreign exchange derivatives
Quoted Prices
in Active
Markets for
Identical Assets
(Level 1)
Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
Valuation
Technique
2014
$438,907
93,004
194,028
$725,939
$438,907
93,004
—
$531,911
$
$
1,370
1,370
$ —
$ —
99
$ —
—
194,028
$194,028
$
$
1,370
1,370
(a)
(a)
(a)
(a)
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Company
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(in thousands of dollars, except share and per share information)
Financial assets
Money market funds
U.S. treasury securities
U.S. agency securities
Foreign exchange derivatives
Quoted Prices
in Active
Markets for
Identical Assets
(Level 1)
Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
Valuation
Technique
$259,031
57,076
—
—
$316,107
$ —
—
54,645
222
$54,867
(a)
(a)
(a)
(a)
2013
$259,031
57,076
54,645
222
$370,974
Our money market funds and U.S. treasury securities are classified within Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy
because they are valued using quoted prices in active markets for identical instruments. Our U.S. agency
securities are classified within level 2 of the fair value hierarchy because they are valued using other than
quoted prices in active markets. In addition to $438.9 million and $259.0 million invested in money market
funds as of December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively, we had $17.7 million and $54.6
million of cash invested in bank accounts as of December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively.
Our foreign exchange derivatives consist of forward and option contracts and are classified within Level 2
of the fair value hierarchy because they are valued based on observable inputs and are available for
substantially the full term of our derivative instruments. We use foreign exchange forward and option
contracts to fix the functional currency value of forecasted commitments, payments and receipts. The
aggregate notional amount of the outstanding foreign exchange forward and option contracts was $18.7
million and $24.1 million at December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively. Our foreign
exchange forward and option contracts contain netting provisions to mitigate credit risk in the event of
counterparty default, including payment default and cross default. At December 31, 2014 and December 31,
2013, the fair value of our counterparty default exposure was less than $1.0 million and spread across
several highly rated counterparties.
The following table presents our nonfinancial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a nonrecurring
basis during 2014 and 2013:
Nonfinancial assets
Investment in preferred stock
Other intangible assets
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
Total
Impairment
Valuation
Technique
$ —
3,800
$3,800
$1,279
400
$1,679
(b)
(a)(c)
2014
$ —
3,800
$3,800
100
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Company
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(in thousands of dollars, except share and per share information)
Nonfinancial assets
Property, plant, and equipment
Pre-publication costs
Other intangible assets
Nonfinancial liabilities
Contingent consideration liability associated
with acquisitions
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
$ —
—
4,200
$4,200
2013
$ —
—
4,200
$4,200
Total
Impairment
Valuation
Technique
$7,439
1,061
500
$9,000
(b)
(b)
(a)(c)
$1,881
$1,881
$1,881
$1,881
$ —
$ —
(c)
Our nonfinancial assets, which include goodwill, other intangible assets, property, plant, and equipment, and
pre-publication costs, are not required to be measured at fair value on a recurring basis. However, if certain
trigger events occur, or if an annual impairment test is required, we evaluate the nonfinancial assets for
impairment. If an impairment did occur, the asset is required to be recorded at the estimated fair value.
We review software and platform development costs, included within property, plant, and equipment, for
impairment. There was no impairment for the year ended December 31, 2014. For the year ended
December 31, 2013, software development costs of $7.4 million were impaired as the products will not be
sold in the marketplace.
Pre-publication costs recorded on the balance sheet are periodically reviewed for impairment by comparing
the unamortized capitalized costs of the assets to the fair value of those assets. There was no impairment for
the year ended December 31, 2014. For the year ended December 31, 2013, pre-publication costs of $1.1
million were impaired as the programs will not be sold in the marketplace.
In evaluating goodwill for impairment, we first compare our reporting unit’s fair value to its carrying value.
We estimate the fair values of our reporting units by considering market multiple and recent transaction
values of peer companies, where available, and projected discounted cash flows, if reasonably estimable.
There was no impairment recorded for goodwill for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013.
We perform an impairment test for our other intangible assets by comparing the assets fair value to its
carrying value. Fair value is estimated based on recent market transactions, where available, and projected
discounted cash flows, if reasonably estimable. There was a $0.4 million and $0.5 million impairment
recorded for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, relating to two specific tradename
intangible assets. The fair value of goodwill and other intangible assets are estimates, which are inherently
subject to significant uncertainties, and actual results could vary significantly from these estimates.
Other accruals include restructuring charges which were valued using our internal estimates using a
discounted cash flow model, and we have classified the other accruals as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy.
The fair value of an acquisition-related contingent consideration liability is affected most significantly by
changes in the estimated probabilities of the contingencies being achieved.
101
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Company
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(in thousands of dollars, except share and per share information)
The following table presents a summary of changes in fair value of the Company’s Level 3 liabilities
measured on a recurring basis for 2014 and 2013:
Level 3
Inputs
Liabilities
Balance at December 31, 2012 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Change in fair value of contingent consideration liability, included in selling and
administrative expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Change in fair value of contingent consideration liability, included in interest expense . . . .
Payments of contingent consideration liability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Balance at December 31, 2013 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Change in fair value of contingent consideration liability, included in selling and
administrative expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Change in fair value of contingent consideration liability, included in interest expense . . . .
$ 5,055
(1,781)
182
(1,575)
1,881
(2,000)
119
Balance at December 31, 2014 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$ —
Fair Value of Debt
The following table presents the carrying amounts and estimated fair market values of our debt at
December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013. The fair value of debt is deemed to be the amount at which the
instrument could be exchanged in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement
date.
Debt
$250,000 Term loan
December 31, 2014
December 31, 2013
Carrying
Amount
Estimated
Fair Value
Carrying
Amount
Estimated
Fair Value
$243,125
$242,517
$245,625
$247,774
The fair market values of our debt were estimated based on quoted market prices on a private exchange for
those instruments that are traded and are classified as level 2 within the fair value hierarchy, at
December 31, 2014 and, 2013. The fair market values require varying degrees of management judgment.
The factors used to estimate these values may not be valid on any subsequent date. Accordingly, the fair
market values of the debt presented may not be indicative of their future values.
13. Commitments and Contingencies
Lease Obligations
We have operating leases for various real property, office facilities, and warehouse equipment that expire at
various dates through 2019. Certain leases contain renewal and escalation clauses for a proportionate share
of operating expenses.
102
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Company
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(in thousands of dollars, except share and per share information)
The future minimum rental commitments under all noncancelable leases (with initial or remaining lease
terms in excess of one year) for real estate and equipment are payable as follows:
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
Thereafter
Total minimum lease payments
Total future minimal rentals under subleases
Operating
Leases
42,547
36,883
18,949
14,786
11,997
33,600
158,762
26,239
For the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 rent expense, net of sublease income, was $26.8
million, $33.9 million and $38.0 million, respectively. For the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and
2012, the rent expense included a $2.3 million, $2.2 million and $4.1 million charge as additional real estate
was vacated.
Contingencies
We are involved in ordinary and routine litigation and matters incidental to our business. Litigation alleging
infringement of copyrights and other intellectual property rights has become extensive in the educational
publishing industry. Specifically, there have been various settled, pending and threatened litigation that
allege we exceeded the print run limitation or other restrictions in licenses granted to us to reproduce
photographs in our textbooks. While management believes that there is a reasonable possibility we may
incur a loss associated with the pending and threatened litigation, we are not able to estimate such amount,
but we do not expect any of these matters to have a material adverse effect on our results of operations,
financial position or cash flows. We have insurance over such amounts and with coverage and deductibles
as management believes is reasonable. There can be no assurance that our liability insurance will cover all
events or that the limits of coverage will be sufficient to fully cover all liabilities. We were contingently
liable for $11.3 million and $23.0 million of performance related surety bonds for our operating activities as
of December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. An aggregate of $20.2 million and $19.7 million of letters of
credit existed each year at December 31, 2014 and 2013 of which $2.4 million backed the aforementioned
performance related surety bonds each year in 2014 and 2013.
We routinely enter into standard indemnification provisions as part of license agreements involving use of
our intellectual property. These provisions typically require us to indemnify and hold harmless licensees in
connection with any infringement claim by a third party relating to the intellectual property covered by the
license agreement. The assessment business routinely enters into contracts with customers that contain
provisions requiring us to indemnify the customer against a broad array of potential liabilities resulting from
any breach of the contract or the invalidity of the test. Although the term of these provisions and the
maximum potential amounts of future payments we could be required to make is not limited, we have never
incurred any costs to defend or settle claims related to these types of indemnification provisions. We
therefore believe the estimated fair value of these provisions is inconsequential, and have no liabilities
recorded for them as of December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013.
103
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Company
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(in thousands of dollars, except share and per share information)
Concentration of Credit Risk and Significant Customers
As of December 31, 2014, no individual customer comprised more than 10% of our accounts receivable
balance. We believe that our accounts receivable credit risk exposure is limited and we have not experienced
significant write-downs in our accounts receivable balances.
As of December 31, 2013, two customers represented approximately $104.8 million, or 32.9%, of our
accounts receivable, net balance and there existed a payable by the Company to one of the same customers
in the amount of $4.6 million and there is a contractual right to offset with such customer.
14. Related Party Transactions
As discussed in Note 2, upon the Company’s emergence from Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings, holders
of the Term Loan, Revolving Loan, and 10.5% Senior Notes were issued post-emergence shares of new
common stock pursuant to the final Plan on a pro rata basis. Certain of these holders of the Term Loan,
Revolving Loan, and 10.5% Senior Notes were also equity holders prior to the consummation of the Plan.
The amount of the gain attributable to the debt to equity conversion, net of elimination of fees and other
charges, of $1,010.3 million, which is associated to the holders of the Term Loan, Revolving Loan, and
10.5% Senior Notes that were also equity holders prior to the consummation of the Plan, was charged to
capital in excess of par value.
A company controlled by an immediate family member of our Chief Executive Officer performed web-
design services for the Company in 2014. For the year ended December 31, 2014, we were billed $0.4
million for those services.
15. Net Loss Per Share
The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share (“EPS”):
Numerator
Net loss attributable to common stockholders
Denominator
Weighted average shares outstanding
Basic
Diluted
Net loss per share attributable to common stockholders
Basic
Diluted
For the Year
Ended
December 31,
2014
For the Year
Ended
December 31,
2013
For the Year
Ended
December 31,
2012
$
(111,491) $
(111,186) $
(87,139)
140,594,689
140,594,689
139,928,650
139,928,650
340,918,128
340,918,128
$
$
(0.79) $
(0.79) $
(0.79) $
(0.79) $
(0.26)
(0.26)
As we incurred a net loss in each of the periods presented above, all outstanding stock options and restricted
stock units have an anti-dilutive effect and therefore are excluded from the computation of diluted weighted
average shares outstanding. Accordingly, basic and diluted weighted average shares outstanding are equal
for such periods.
104
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Company
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(in thousands of dollars, except share and per share information)
The following table summarizes our weighted average outstanding common stock equivalents that were
anti-dilutive due to the net loss attributable to common stockholders during the periods, and therefore
excluded from the computation of diluted EPS:
Stock options
Restricted stock units
16. Segment Reporting
For the Year
Ended
December 31,
2014
10,341,948
153,314
For the Year
Ended
December 31,
2013
10,921,049
166,928
For the Year
Ended
December 31,
2012
6,609,382
141,086
As of December 31, 2014, we had two reportable segments (Education and Trade Publishing). Our
Education segment provides educational products, technology platforms and services to meet the diverse
needs of today’s classrooms. These products and services include print and digital content in the form of
textbooks, digital courseware, instructional aids, educational assessment and intervention solutions, which
are aimed at improving achievement and supporting learning for students that are not keeping pace with
peers, professional development and school reform services. Our Trade Publishing segment primarily
develops, markets and sells consumer books in print and digital formats and licenses book rights to other
publishers and electronic businesses in the United States and abroad. The principal markets for Trade
Publishing products are retail stores, both physical and online, and wholesalers. Reference materials are also
sold to schools, colleges, libraries, office supply distributors and other businesses.
We measure and evaluate our reportable segments based on segment Adjusted EBITDA. We exclude from
segment Adjusted EBITDA certain corporate related expenses, as our corporate functions do not meet the
definition of a segment, as defined in the accounting guidance relating to segment reporting. In addition,
certain transactions or adjustments that our Chief Operating Decision Maker considers to be unusual and/or
non-operational, such as amounts related to goodwill and other intangible asset impairment charges and
restructuring related charges, as well as amortization expenses, are excluded from segment Adjusted
EBITDA. Although we exclude these amounts from segment Adjusted EBITDA, they are included in
reported consolidated operating income (loss) and are included in the reconciliation below.
(in thousands)
Year Ended December 31,
Total
2014
Net sales
Segment adjusted EBITDA
2013
Net sales
Segment adjusted EBITDA
2012
Net sales
Segment adjusted EBITDA
Education
Trade
Publishing
Corporate/
Other
$1,209,142
298,483
$163,174
12,675
$ — $1,372,316
265,383
(45,775)
$1,207,908
343,183
$170,704
24,448
$ — $1,378,612
325,018
(42,613)
$1,128,591
329,723
$157,050
28,774
$ — $1,285,641
319,812
(38,685)
105
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Company
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(in thousands of dollars, except share and per share information)
Reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA to the consolidated statements of operations is as follows:
(in thousands)
Total Segment Adjusted EBITDA
Interest expense
Depreciation expense
Amortization expense
Stock compensation
Gain (loss) on derivative instruments
Asset impairment charges
Purchase accounting adjustments
Fees, expenses or charges for equity offerings, debt or
acquisitions
Debt restructuring
Restructuring
Severance, separation costs and facility closures
Reorganization items, net
Year Ended December 31,
2014
2013
2012
$ 265,383
(18,245)
(72,290)
(247,487)
(11,376)
(1,593)
(1,679)
(3,661)
$ 325,018
(21,344)
(61,705)
(280,271)
(9,524)
(252)
(9,000)
(11,460)
$ 319,812
(123,197)
(58,131)
(370,291)
(4,227)
1,688
(8,003)
16,511
(4,424)
—
(2,577)
(7,300)
—
(23,540)
(598)
(3,123)
(13,040)
—
(267)
—
(6,716)
(9,375)
149,114
Loss from continuing operations before taxes
(105,249)
(108,839)
(93,082)
Provision (benefit) for income taxes
Net loss
6,242
2,347
(5,943)
$(111,491) $(111,186) $ (87,139)
Segment information as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 is as follows:
(in thousands)
Total assets—Education segment
Total assets—Trade Publishing segment
Total assets—Corporate and Other
2014
2013
$2,003,683
218,530
788,894
$2,206,690
231,918
471,778
$3,011,107
$2,910,386
Schedule of long-lived assets as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 is as follows:
The following represents long-lived assets outside of the United States, which are substantially in Ireland.
All other long-lived assets are located in the United States.
(in thousands)
Long-lived assets - International
2014
2013
$4,239
$13,425
106
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Company
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(in thousands of dollars, except share and per share information)
The following is a schedule of net sales by geographic region:
(in thousands)
Year Ended December 31, 2014
Net sales—U.S.
Net sales—International
Total net sales
Year Ended December 31, 2013
Net sales—U.S.
Net sales—International
Total net sales
Year Ended December 31, 2012
Net sales—U.S.
Net sales—International
Total net sales
$1,291,199
81,117
$1,372,316
$1,296,563
82,049
$1,378,612
$1,206,972
78,669
$1,285,641
17. Valuation and Qualifying Accounts
2014
Allowance for doubtful accounts
Reserve for returns
Reserve for royalty advances
Deferred tax valuation allowance
2013
Allowance for doubtful accounts
Reserve for returns
Reserve for royalty advances
Deferred tax valuation allowance
2012
Allowance for doubtful accounts
Reserve for returns
Reserve for royalty advances
Deferred tax valuation allowance (1)
Balance at
Beginning
of Year
$
5,084
35,548
41,248
527,960
$ 10,543
25,784
26,194
512,234
$ 18,229
25,614
12,252
822,485
Net Charges
to Revenues
or Expenses
and
Additions
Utilization of
Allowances
Balance at
End of
Year
$ 3,274
53,877
13,829
25,947
$ 2,261
58,290
16,949
15,726
$ 2,113
44,213
14,536
—
$
$
(2,733)
(67,266)
(77)
(3,247)
$
5,625
22,159
55,000
550,660
(7,720)
(48,526)
(1,895)
—
$
5,084
35,548
41,248
527,960
$
(9,799)
(44,043)
(594)
(310,251)
$ 10,543
25,784
26,194
512,234
(1) Deferred tax valuation allowance was reduced in connection with the accounting for emergence from
bankruptcy in the year ended December 31, 2012.
107
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Company
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(in thousands of dollars, except share and per share information)
18. Quarterly Results of Operations (Unaudited)
2014:
Net sales
Gross profit
Operating income (loss)
Net income (loss)
2013:
Net sales
Gross profit
Operating income (loss)
Net income (loss)
Three Months Ended
March 31,
June 30,
September 30, December 31,
$ 153,933
1,560
(140,152)
(146,335)
$401,890
178,255
18,324
11,548
$ 166,594
13,927
(128,989)
(137,381)
$362,951
140,562
(5,639)
(14,266)
$551,008
287,102
116,151
107,030
$550,190
270,124
107,535
105,112
$265,485
81,356
(79,734)
(83,734)
$298,877
107,637
(59,552)
(64,651)
Our net sales, operating profit or loss and net cash provided by or used in operations are impacted by the
inherent seasonality of the academic calendar. Consequently, the performance of our businesses may not be
comparable quarter to consecutive quarter and should be considered on the basis of results for the whole
year or by comparing results in a quarter with results in the same quarter for the previous year.
During the first quarter of 2014, we recorded an out-of-period correction of approximately $1.1 million
reducing net sales and increasing deferred revenue that should have been deferred previously. In addition,
during the first quarter of 2014, we recorded approximately $3.5 million of incremental expense, primarily
commissions, related to the prior year. These out-of-period corrections had no impact on our debt covenant
compliance. Management believes these out-of-period corrections are not material to the current period
financial statements or any previously issued financial statements. Additionally, we revised previously
reported balance sheet amounts to severance and other charges of $7.3 million, which has been reclassified
as long-term, and to current deferred revenue of $5.2 million, which has also been reclassified as long-term.
The revision was not material to the reported consolidated balance sheet for any previously filed periods.
During the fourth quarter of 2013, we recorded an out-of-period correction of approximately $5.7 million of
additional net sales that was deferred and should have been recognized previously in 2011 ($4.5 million),
2012 ($0.9 million), and the first nine months of 2013 ($0.3 million). In addition, during 2013, we recorded
approximately $2.6 million of incremental expense related to prior years. These out-of-period corrections
had no impact on cash or debt covenants compliance. Management believes these out-of-period corrections
are not material to the current period financial statements or any previously issued financial statements.
The fourth quarter of 2013 was positively impacted by an agreement with a reseller for product sales in
private, parochial, and charter school markets. The net effect of reseller activity was a decrease in net sales
of $62.6 million for the fourth quarter of 2014 as compared to the same period in 2013.
108
Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
None.
Item 9A. Controls and Procedures
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
We carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our
Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and
procedures, as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (as amended, the
“Exchange Act”). Based on that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have
concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures as of December 31, 2014 were effective to provide
reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed by us in reports that we file or submit under the
Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s
rules and forms and the information required to be disclosed by us is accumulated and communicated to our
management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, to allow timely decisions
regarding required disclosure.
In designing and evaluating the disclosure controls and procedures, management recognizes that any controls and
procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving the
desired control objectives. In addition, the design of disclosure controls and procedures must reflect the fact that
there are resource constraints and that management is required to apply judgment in evaluating the benefits of
possible controls and procedures relative to their costs.
Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
Management of the Company is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over
financial reporting as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) or 15d-15(f) promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of
1934. 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 and includes those policies and procedures that:
•
•
•
Pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the
transactions and disposition of the assets of the Company;
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
Provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use
or dispositions 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.
The Company’s management assessed the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial
reporting as of December 31, 2014. In making this assessment, the Company’s management used the criteria
established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring
Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO).
Based on our assessment and those criteria, management concluded that, as of December 31, 2014, the
Company’s internal control over financial reporting was effective.
109
The effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2014 has been
audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their
report which appears herein in Item 8 of this Annual Report.
Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting in the quarter ended December 31, 2014
that materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
None.
Item 9B. Other Information
Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance
Except to the extent provided below, the information required by this Item shall be set forth in our Proxy
Statement for our 2015 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, to be filed with the SEC within 120 days of
December 31, 2014, and is incorporated into this Annual Report by reference.
We have adopted a Code of Conduct that applies to our principal executive officer, principal financial officer and
principal accounting officer or any person performing similar functions, which we post on our website in the
“Corporate Governance” link located at: ir.hmhco.com. We intend to publish any amendment to, or waiver from,
the Code of Conduct on our website. We will provide any person, without charge, a copy of such Code of
Conduct upon written request, which may be mailed to 222 Berkeley Street, Boston, MA 02116, Attn: Corporate
Secretary.
Item 11. Executive Compensation
The information required by this Item shall be set forth in our Proxy Statement for our 2015 Annual Meeting of
Stockholders to be filed with the SEC within 120 days of December 31, 2014, and is incorporated into this
Annual Report by reference.
Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholders
Matters
The information required by this Item shall be set forth in our Proxy Statement for our 2015 Annual Meeting of
Stockholders to be filed with the SEC within 120 days of December 31, 2014, and is incorporated into this
Annual Report by reference.
Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions
The information required by this Item shall be set forth in our Proxy Statement for our 2015 Annual Meeting of
Stockholders to be filed with the SEC within 120 days of December 31, 2014, and is incorporated into this
Annual Report by reference.
Item 14. Principal Accounting Fees and Services
The information required by this Item shall be set forth in our Proxy Statement for our 2015 Annual Meeting of
Stockholders to be filed with the SEC within 120 days of December 31, 2014, and is incorporated into this
Annual Report by reference.
110
Item 15. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules
(a) Documents filed as part of the report.
(1) Consolidated Financial Statements
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2014 and 2013
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and
2012
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and
2012
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(2) Financial Statement Schedules.
Schedule II—“Valuation and Qualifying Accounts” is included herein as Note 17 in the Notes to
Consolidated Financial Statements.
(3) Exhibits.
See the Exhibit Index.
60
61
62
63
64
65
66
112
111
EXHIBIT INDEX
Exhibit
No.
2.1
3.1
3.2
3.3
4.1
4.2
4.3
4.4
4.5
Description
Prepackaged Joint Plan of Reorganization of the Debtors Under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code by
and among Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishers
Inc., HMH Publishers, LLC, Houghton Mifflin Holding Company, Inc., Houghton Mifflin, LLC,
Houghton Mifflin Finance, Inc., Houghton Mifflin Holdings, Inc., HM Publishing Corp., Riverdeep
Inc., A Limited Liability Company, Broderbund LLC, RVDP, Inc., HRW Distributors, Inc., Greenwood
Publishing Group, Inc., Classroom Connect, Inc., Achieve! Data Solutions, LLC, Steck-Vaughn
Publishing LLC, HMH Supplemental Publishers Inc., HMH Holdings (Delaware), Inc., Sentry Realty
Corporation, Houghton Mifflin Company International, Inc., The Riverside Publishing Company,
Classwell Learning Group Inc., Cognitive Concepts, Inc., Edusoft And Advanced Learning Centers,
Inc. (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit No. 2.1 to Amendment No. 1 to the Company’s
Registration Statement on Form S-1, filed September 13, 2013 (File No. 333-190356)).
Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit
No. 3.1 to Amendment No. 4 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1, filed
October 25, 2013 (File No. 333-190356)).
Certificate of Amendment to Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation (incorporated herein
by reference to Exhibit No. 3.2 to Amendment No. 4 to the Company’s Registration Statement on
Form S-1, filed October 25, 2013 (File No. 333-190356)).
Amended and Restated By-laws (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit No. 3.1 to the
Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed November 19, 2013 (File No. 001-36166)).
Investor Rights Agreement, dated as of June 22, 2012, by and among HMH Holdings (Delaware),
Inc. and the stockholders party thereto (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit No. 4.1 to
Amendment No. 1 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1, filed September 13, 2013
(File No. 333-190356)).
Amended and Restated Director Nomination Agreement, dated as of August 2, 2013, by and among
the Company, Paulson Advantage Master Ltd., Paulson Advantage Plus Master Ltd., Paulson
Advantage Select Master Fund Ltd., Paulson Credit Opportunities Master Ltd. and PP Opportunities
Ltd. (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit No. 4.2 to Amendment No. 1 to the Company’s
Registration Statement on Form S-1, filed September 13, 2013 (File No. 333-190356)).
Specimen Common Stock Certificate (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit No. 4.3 to
Amendment No. 4 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1, filed October 25, 2013
(File No. 333-190356)).
Form of Warrant Certificate (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit No. 4.4 to Amendment
No. 2 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1, filed October 4, 2013
(File No. 333-190356)).
Warrant Agreement, dated as of June 22, 2012, among HMH Holdings (Delaware), Inc.,
Computershare Inc. and Computershare Trust Company, N.A. (incorporated herein by reference to
Exhibit No. 4.5 to Amendment No. 2 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1, filed
October 4, 2013 (File No. 333-190356)).
10.1†
10.2†
HMH Holdings (Delaware), Inc. 2012 Management Incentive Plan (incorporated herein by reference
to Exhibit No. 10.1 to Amendment No. 1 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1, filed
September 13, 2013 (File No. 333-190356)).
HMH Holdings (Delaware), Inc. 2012 Management Incentive Plan Form of Stock Option Award
Notice (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit No. 10.2 to Amendment No. 1 to the Company’s
Registration Statement on Form S-1, filed September 13, 2013 (File No. 333-190356)).
112
Exhibit
No.
10.3†
10.4†
10.5†
10.6†
10.7†
10.8†
10.9†
10.11†
10.12†
10.13
10.14
Description
HMH Holdings (Delaware), Inc. 2012 Management Incentive Plan Form of Restricted Stock Unit
Award Notice (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit No. 10.3 to Amendment No. 1 to the
Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1, filed September 13, 2013 (File No. 333-190356)).
HMH Holdings (Delaware), Inc. 2012 Management Incentive Plan Form of Non-Employee Grantee
Restricted Stock Unit Award Notice (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit No. 10.4 to
Amendment No. 1 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1, filed September 13, 2013
(File No. 333-190356)).
HMH Holdings (Delaware), Inc. Change in Control Severance Plan (incorporated herein by
reference to Exhibit No. 10.5 to Amendment No. 1 to the Company’s Registration Statement on
Form S-1, filed September 13, 2013 (File No. 333-190356)).
Employment Agreement, effective as of August 1, 2013, by and between HMH Holdings
(Delaware), Inc. and Linda K. Zecher (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit No. 10.6 to
Amendment No. 1 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1, filed September 13, 2013
(File No. 333-190356)).
Employment Agreement, effective as of August 1, 2013, by and between HMH Holdings
(Delaware), Inc. and Eric L. Shuman (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit No. 10.7 to
Amendment No. 1 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1, filed September 13, 2013
(File No. 333-190356)).
John Dragoon Offer Letter dated March 27, 2012 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit
No. 10.8 to Amendment No. 1 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1, filed
September 13, 2013 (File No. 333-190356)).
William Bayers Offer Letter dated April 10, 2007, as amended on May 14, 2009 (incorporated
herein by reference to Exhibit No. 10.9 to Amendment No. 1 to the Company’s Registration
Statement on Form S-1, filed September 13, 2013 (File No. 333-190356)).
Form of Director Compensation Letter (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit No. 10.11 to
Amendment No. 1 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1, filed September 13, 2013
(File No. 333-190356)).
Form of Indemnification Agreement (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit No. 10.12 to
Amendment No. 1 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1, filed September 13, 2013
(File No. 333-190356)).
Superpriority Senior Secured Debtor-in-Possession and Exit Term Loan Credit Agreement, dated as
of May 22, 2012 by and among HMH Holdings (Delaware), Inc. as Holdings, Houghton Mifflin
Harcourt Publishers Inc., HMH Publishers, LLC, and Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing
Company as Borrowers, the subsidiary guarantors and lenders party thereto, and Citibank, N.A. as
Administrative Agent and Collateral Agent (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit No. 10.13
to Amendment No. 1 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1, filed September 13,
2013 (File No. 333-190356)).
First Amendment to DIP/Exit Term Loan Credit Agreement, dated as of June 11, 2012, by and
among HMH Holdings (Delaware), Inc., Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishers Inc.,
HMH Publishers, LLC, and Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company, the subsidiary
guarantors and lenders party thereto, and Citibank, N.A. as Administrative Agent and Collateral
Agent (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit No. 10.14 to Amendment No. 1 to the
Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1, filed September 13, 2013 (File No. 333-190356)).
113
Exhibit
No.
10.15
10.16
10.17
10.18
10.19
10.20
10.21
10.22
Description
Letter Waiver and Amendment No. 2 to Credit Agreement, dated as of June 20, 2012, by and among
HMH Holdings (Delaware), Inc., Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishers Inc., HMH Publishers, LLC,
and Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company, the subsidiary guarantors thereto, and Citibank,
N.A. as a lender (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit No. 10.15 to Amendment No. 1 to the
Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1, filed September 13, 2013 (File No. 333-190356)).
Term Facility Guarantee and Collateral Agreement, dated as of May 22, 2012, by and among the
Company and HMH Holdings (Delaware), Inc., Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishers Inc.,
HMH Publishers, LLC, and Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company, the subsidiaries of
HMH Holdings (Delaware), Inc. from time to time party thereto, and Citibank, N.A. as Collateral
Agent. (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit No. 10.16 to Amendment No. 1 to the
Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1, filed September 13, 2013 (File No. 333-190356)).
Amendment No. 3 to Superpriority Senior Secured Debtor-in-Possession and Exit Term Loan Credit
Agreement, and Amendment No. 1 to Term Facility Guarantee and Collateral Agreement, dated as
of May 24, 2013, by and among HMH Holdings (Delaware), Inc., Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Publishers Inc., HMH Publishers, LLC, and Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company, the
subsidiary guarantors and lenders party thereto, and Citibank, N.A. as Administrative Agent and
Collateral Agent (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit No. 10.17 to Amendment No. 1 to the
Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1, filed September 13, 2013 (File No. 333-190356)).
Superpriority Senior Secured Debtor-in-Possession and Exit Revolving Loan Credit Agreement, dated as
of May 22, 2012, by and among HMH Holdings (Delaware), Inc. as Holdings, Houghton Mifflin
Harcourt Publishers Inc., HMH Publishers, LLC, and Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company
as Borrowers, the subsidiary guarantors and lenders party thereto, and Citibank, N.A. as Administrative
Agent and Collateral Agent (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit No. 10.18 to Amendment No. 1
to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1, filed September 13, 2013 (File No. 333-190356)).
First Amendment to DIP/Exit Revolving Loan Credit Agreement, dated as of June 20, 2012, by and
among HMH Holdings (Delaware), Inc., Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishers Inc.,
HMH Publishers, LLC, and Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company, the subsidiary
guarantors and lenders party thereto, and Citibank, N.A. as Administrative Agent and Collateral
Agent (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit No. 10.19 to Amendment No. 1 to the
Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1, filed September 13, 2013 (File No. 333-190356)).
Second Amendment to DIP/Exit Revolving Loan Credit Agreement, dated as of June 20, 2012, by
and among HMH Holdings (Delaware), Inc., Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishers Inc.,
HMH Publishers, LLC, and Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company, the subsidiary
guarantors and lenders party thereto, and Citibank, N.A. as Administrative Agent and Collateral
Agent (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit No. 10.20 to Amendment No. 1 to the
Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1, filed September 13, 2013 (File No. 333-190356)).
Revolving Facility Guarantee and Collateral Agreement, dated as of May 22, 2012, by and among
HMH Holdings (Delaware), Inc., Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishers Inc., HMH Publishers,
LLC, and Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company, the subsidiaries of HMH Holdings
(Delaware), Inc. from time to time party thereto, and Citibank, N.A. as Collateral Agent
(incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit No. 10.21 to Amendment No. 1 to the Company’s
Registration Statement on Form S-1, filed September 13, 2013 (File No. 333-190356)).
Term Loan/Revolving Facility Lien Subordination and Intercreditor Agreement, dated as of May 22,
2012, by and among Citibank, N.A., as Revolving Facility Agent, and Citibank, N.A., as Term Facility
Agent, HMH Holdings (Delaware), Inc. as Holdings, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishers Inc., HMH
Publishers, LLC, and Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company as Borrowers, and the subsidiary
guarantors named therein (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit No. 10.22 to Amendment No. 1 to
the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1, filed September 13, 2013 (File No. 333-190356)).
114
Exhibit
No.
10.23
10.24†
10.25†
10.26†
10.27†
10.28†
10.29†
10.30†
10.31†
Description
Amendment No. 4 to the Superpriority Senior Secured Debtor-In-Possession and Exit Term Loan
Credit Agreement, dated as of January 15, 2014, by and among Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Company, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishers Inc., HMH Publishers LLC, Houghton Mifflin
Harcourt Publishing Company, certain other subsidiaries of Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Company,
as Subsidiary Guarantors, the lenders party thereto and Citibank, N.A., as administrative agent and
collateral agent (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit No. 10.1 to the Company’s Current
Report on Form 8-K, filed January 16, 2014 (File No. 001-36166)).
HMH Holdings (Delaware), Inc. 2012 Management Incentive Plan Form of Restricted Stock Unit
Award Notice (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit No. 10.1 to the Company’s Current
Report on Form 8-K, filed February 6, 2014 (File No. 001-36166)).
HMH Holdings (Delaware), Inc. 2012 Management Incentive Plan Restricted Stock Unit Award
Notice, dated January 31, 2014, by and between Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Company and Eric
Shuman (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit No. 10.2 to the Company’s Current Report on
Form 8-K, filed February 6, 2014 (File No. 001-36166)).
HMH Holdings (Delaware), Inc. 2012 Management Incentive Plan Restricted Stock Unit Award
Notice, dated January 31, 2014, by and between Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Company and William
F. Bayers (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit No. 10.3 to the Company’s Current Report on
Form 8-K, filed February 6, 2014 (File No. 001-36166)).
HMH Holdings (Delaware), Inc. 2012 Management Incentive Plan Restricted Stock Unit Award
Notice, dated January 31, 2014, by and between Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Company and John
Dragoon (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit No. 10.4 to the Company’s Current Report on
Form 8-K, filed February 6, 2014 (File No. 001-36166)).
Mary Cullinane Offer Letter dated October 21, 2011 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit
No. 10.28 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed March 27, 2014
(File No. 001-36166)).
Lee R. Ramsayer Offer Letter dated January 25, 2012 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit
No. 10.29 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed March 27, 2014
(File No. 001-36166)).
Brook M. Colangelo Offer Letter dated November 2, 2012 (incorporated herein by reference to
Exhibit No. 10.30 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed March 27, 2014
(File No. 001-36166)).
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Severance Plan, dated September 5, 2014 (incorporated herein by
reference to Exhibit No. 10.01 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, filed November
6, 2014 (File No. 001-36166)).
10.32†*
Bridgett P. Paradise Offer Letter dated June 11, 2014.
10.33†*
10.34†*
10.35†*
10.36†*
HMH Holdings (Delaware), Inc. 2012 Management Incentive Plan Performance-Based Restricted
Stock Award Notice
HMH Holdings (Delaware), Inc. 2012 Management Incentive Plan Performance-Based Restricted
Stock Unit Award Notice
HMH Holdings (Delaware), Inc. 2012 Management Incentive Plan Time-Based Restricted Stock
Award Notice
HMH Holdings (Delaware), Inc. 2012 Management Incentive Plan Time-Based Restricted Stock
Unit Award Notice
115
Exhibit
No.
21.1*
23.1*
31.1*
31.2*
32.1**
32.2**
List of Subsidiaries of the Registrant.
Description
Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, independent registered public accounting firm.
Certification of CEO Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or 15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
Certification of CFO Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or 15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
Certification of CEO Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
Certification of CFO Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
101.INS* XBRL Instance Document.
101.SCH* XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document.
101.CAL* XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document.
101.DEF* XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document.
101.LAB* XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document.
101.PRE* XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document.
Identifies a management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.
Filed herewith
†
*
** This certification shall not be deemed “filed” for the purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act
of 1934 or otherwise subject to the liabilities under that section. Furthermore, this certification shall not be
deemed to be incorporated by reference into the filings of the Company under the Securities Act of 1933 or
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, regardless of any general incorporation language in such filing.
116
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
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Company
(Registrant)
By: /s/ Linda K. Zecher
Linda K. Zecher
President, Chief Executive Officer
(On behalf of the registrant)
February 26, 2015
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the
following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
Signature
Title
Date
/s/ Linda K. Zecher
Linda K. Zecher
/s/ Eric L. Shuman
Eric L. Shuman
/s/ Michael J. Dolan
Michael J. Dolan
/s/ Lawrence K. Fish
Lawrence K. Fish
/s/ Sheru Chowdhry
Sheru Chowdhry
/s/ L. Gordon Crovitz
L. Gordon Crovitz
/s/ Jill A. Greenthal
Jill A. Greenthal
/s/ John F. Killian
John F. Killian
/s/ John R. McKernan, Jr.
John R. McKernan, Jr.
/s/ Jonathan F. Miller
Jonathan F. Miller
/s/ E. Rogers Novak, Jr.
E. Rogers Novak, Jr.
President, Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer) and Director
February 26, 2015
Executive Vice President and Chief
Financial Officer
(Principal Financial Officer)
Senior Vice President and Corporate
Controller
(Principal Accounting Officer)
February 26, 2015
February 26, 2015
Chairman of the Board of Directors
February 26, 2015
Director
Director
Director
Director
Director
Director
Director
117
February 26, 2015
February 26, 2015
February 26, 2015
February 26, 2015
February 26, 2015
February 26, 2015
February 26, 2015
HMH Corporate Information
William F. Bayers
Executive Vice President, General
Counsel and Secretary
Timothy L. Cannon
Executive Vice President,
International Operations and Global
Strategic Alliances
Brook Colangelo
Executive Vice President and Chief
Technology Officer
Mary J. Cullinane
Chief Content Officer and Executive
Vice President, Corporate Affairs
John K. Dragoon
Executive Vice President and Chief
Marketing Officer
Gary L. Gentel
President, Houghton Mifflin
Harcourt Trade Publishing
Bridgett Paradise
Senior Vice President and Chief
People Officer
Lee R. Ramsayer
Executive Vice President,
U.S. Sales
Form 10-K
A copy of the Company’s Form 10-K
filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission is available on the
Company’s website hmhco.com and
also available without charge upon
written request to: Houghton Mifflin
Harcourt, Investor Relations, 222
Berkeley Street, Boston, MA 02116;
by calling 617.351.3309;
or by emailing Rima Hyder at
rima.hyder@hmhco.com.
BOARD OF
DIRECTORS
CHAIRMAN
Lawrence K. Fish
Retired Chairman and Chief
Executive Officer, Citizens Financial
Group, Inc.
DIRECTORS
Sheru Chowdhry
Managing Director, Paulson &
Company, Inc.
L. Gordon Crovitz
Retired Publisher of The Wall
Street Journal
Jill A. Greenthal
Senior Advisor, Blackstone Group
John F. Killian
Retired Executive Vice President
and Chief Financial Officer, Verizon
Communications Inc.
John R. McKernan Jr.
Chief Executive Officer of McKernan
Enterprises and former
Governor of Maine
Jon Miller
Former Chief Executive Officer of the
Digital Media Group at News Corp.
E. Rogers Novak
Founder and Managing Member of
Novak Biddle Venture Partners
Linda K. Zecher
President and Chief Executive Officer
of Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
HMH
EXECUTIVE
OFFICERS
Linda K. Zecher
President, Chief Executive
Officer, and Director
Eric L. Shuman
Executive Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer
Corporate Headquarters
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
222 Berkeley Street
Boston, MA 02116
Phone: 617.351.5000
Outside Legal Counsel
Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton, &
Garrison LLP
1285 Avenue of the Americas
New York, NY 10019-6064
Phone: 212.373.3000
Website
hmhco.com
Transfer Agent
Computershare Trust Company, N.A
250 Royall Street
Canton, MA 02021
Phone: 781.575.2000
Independent Registered
Public Accounting Firm
PriceWaterhouseCoopers LLP
125 High Street
Boston, MA 02110-1707
Phone: 617.530.5000
Annual Meeting
Date: May 19, 2015
Time: 8:00 am
Location: Boston Common
Hotel and Conference Center,
40 Trinity Place,
Boston, MA 02116
Ticker Symbol
NASDAQ:HMHC
Investor Relations
Rima Hyder
Vice President, Investor Relations
Phone: 617.351.3309
Connect with us:
HISTORY®, Bio®, A&E®, and related logos are the property of A&E Television Networks (AETN). The New York Times™ is a trademark of The New York Times Company.
Knewton™ is a trademark of Knewton, Inc. Curiosityville® is a registered trademark of Curiosityville LLC. Google Chrome™ is a trademark of Google Inc. iPad is a trademark
of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. App Store is a service mark of Apple Inc. CURIOUS GEORGE, created by Margret and H.A. Rey, is copyrighted and
trademarked by Houghton Miffl in Harcourt Publishing Company. © 2015 by Houghton Miffl in Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved. Houghton Miffl in Harcourt™,
HMH®, GO Math!™, Curious World™, HMH Player™, Personal Math Trainer™ and design, Go Math! Academy™ and the Go Math! Academy logo, and Channel One News® are
trademarks or registered trademarks of Houghton Miffl in Harcourt. © Houghton Miffl in Harcourt. All rights reserved. 03/15 MS131826
hmhco.com