UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

 

FORM 10-Q

 

þ QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

For the quarterly period ended July 31, 2013

  

OR

 

o TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

For the transition period from ________ to ________

 

Commission file number: 333-165685

 

Aspen Group, Inc.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Delaware

27-1933597

(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)

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

 

 

720 South Colorado Boulevard, Suite 1150N

Denver, CO

 

80246

(Address of principal executive offices)

(Zip Code)

 

Registrants telephone number: (646) 450-1843

 

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 þ  No o

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes þ  No o

 

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

o

Accelerated filer

o

Non-accelerated filer 

o (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)

Smaller reporting company

þ

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes o  No þ

 

Class

 

Outstanding as of September 13, 2013

Common Stock, $0.001 par value per share

 

59,190,365 shares

 

 




INDEX


 

PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

                      

 

 

Item 1.

Financial Statements

1

 

 

 

 

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

1

 

 

 

 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited)

3

 

 

 

 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders Equity (Deficiency) (Unaudited)

4

 

 

 

 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited)

5

 

 

 

 

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

6

 

 

 

Item 2.

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

19

 

 

 

Item 3.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.

27

,

 

 

Item 4.

Controls and Procedures.

27

 

 

 

 

PART II – OTHER INFORMATION

 

 

 

 

Item 1.

Legal Proceedings.

28

 

 

 

Item 1A.

Risk Factors.

28

 

 

 

Item 2.

Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds.

28

 

 

 

Item 3.

Defaults Upon Senior Securities.

28

 

 

 

Item 4.

Mine Safety Disclosures.

28

 

 

 

Item 5.

Other Information.

28

 

 

 

Item 6.

Exhibits.

28


SIGNATURES

29







PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION


ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


ASPEN GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS


 

 

July 31,

 

 

April 30,

 

 

 

2013

 

 

2013

 

 

 

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

 

Assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$

641,009

 

 

$

724,982

 

Restricted cash

 

 

265,310

 

 

 

265,173

 

Accounts receivable, net of allowance of $86,372 and $72,535, respectively

 

 

493,587

 

 

 

364,788

 

Prepaid expenses

 

 

350,022

 

 

 

165,426

 

Net assets from discontinued operations (Note 1)

 

 

257,322

 

 

 

113,822

 

Total current assets

 

 

2,007,250

 

 

 

1,634,191

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Property and equipment:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Call center equipment

 

 

121,313

 

 

 

121,313

 

Computer and office equipment

 

 

64,336

 

 

 

61,036

 

Furniture and fixtures

 

 

32,914

 

 

 

32,914

 

Library (online)

 

 

100,000

 

 

 

100,000

 

Software

 

 

1,619,226

 

 

 

1,518,142

 

 

 

 

1,937,789

 

 

 

1,833,405

 

Less accumulated depreciation and amortization

 

 

(648,629

)

 

 

(569,665

)

Total property and equipment, net

 

 

1,289,160

 

 

 

1,263,740

 

Courseware, net

 

 

178,124

 

 

 

208,095

 

Accounts receivable, secured - related party, net of allowance of $502,315 and $502,315, respectively

 

 

270,478

 

 

 

270,478

 

Other assets

 

 

25,181

 

 

 

25,181

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total assets

 

$

3,770,193

 

 

$

3,401,685

 




The accompanying unaudited notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.


1



ASPEN GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (CONTINUED)


 

 

July 31,

 

 

April 30,

 

 

 

2013

 

 

2013

 

 

 

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

 

Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity (Deficiency)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts payable

 

$

431,855

 

 

$

313,405

 

Accrued expenses

 

 

126,462

 

 

 

128,569

 

Deferred revenue

 

 

997,662

 

 

 

1,158,473

 

Loan payable to stockholders

 

 

1,000,491

 

 

 

491

 

Deferred rent, current portion

 

 

11,238

 

 

 

10,418

 

Convertible notes payable, current portion

 

 

200,000

 

 

 

200,000

 

Net liabilities from discontinued operations (Note 1)

 

 

332,817

 

 

 

124,504

 

Total current liabilities

 

 

3,100,525

 

 

 

1,935,860

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Line of credit

 

 

245,482

 

 

 

250,000

 

Convertible notes payable (related party)

 

 

600,000

 

 

 

600,000

 

Deferred rent

 

 

18,271

 

 

 

21,450

 

Total liabilities

 

 

3,964,278

 

 

 

2,807,310

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Commitments and contingencies - See Note 8

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stockholders’ equity (deficiency):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Preferred stock, $0.001 par value; 10,000,000 shares authorized

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

Common stock, $0.001 par value; 120,000,000 shares authorized, 59,390,365 issued and 59,190,365 outstanding at July 31, 2013 and 58,573,222 issued and 58,373,222 outstanding at April 30, 2013

 

 

59,190

 

 

 

58,573

 

Additional paid-in capital

 

 

13,662,387

 

 

 

13,345,888

 

Treasury stock (200,000 shares)

 

 

(70,000

)

 

 

(70,000

)

Accumulated deficit

 

 

(13,845,662

)

 

 

(12,740,086

)

Total stockholders’ equity (deficiency)

 

 

(194,085

)

 

 

594,375

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity (deficiency)

 

$

3,770,193

 

 

$

3,401,685

 




The accompanying unaudited notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.


2



ASPEN GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(Unaudited)


 

 

For the Three Months Ended

 

 

 

July 31,

 

 

 

2013

 

 

2012

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenues

 

$

929,993

 

 

$

698,152

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating expenses

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cost of revenues (exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately below)

 

 

559,470

 

 

 

611,772

 

General and administrative

 

 

1,373,056

 

 

 

1,393,282

 

Receivable collateral valuation reserve

 

 

-

 

 

 

309,117

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

 

109,435

 

 

 

98,571

 

Total operating expenses

 

 

2,041,961

 

 

 

2,412,742

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating loss from continuing operations

 

 

(1,111,968

)

 

 

(1,714,590

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other income (expense):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest income

 

 

289

 

 

 

104

 

Interest expense

 

 

(16,160

)

 

 

(127,784

)

Total other expense, net

 

 

(15,871

)

 

 

(127,680

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Loss from continuing operations before income taxes

 

 

(1,127,839

)

 

 

(1,842,270

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income tax expense (benefit)

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Loss from continuing operations

 

 

(1,127,839

)

 

 

(1,842,270

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Discontinued operations (Note 1)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income from discontinued operations, net of income taxes

 

 

22,263

 

 

 

90,043

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net loss

 

$

(1,105,576

)

 

$

(1,752,227

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Loss per share from continuing operations - basic and diluted

 

$

(0.02

)

 

$

(0.05

)

Income per share from discontinued operations - basic and diluted

 

$

0.00

 

 

$

0.00

 

Net loss per share - basic and diluted

 

$

(0.02

)

 

$

(0.05

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted average number of common shares outstanding:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

basic and diluted

 

 

58,527,790

 

 

 

35,295,204

 




The accompanying unaudited notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.


3



ASPEN GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY (DEFICIENCY)

FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED JULY 31, 2013

(Unaudited)


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Additional

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stockholders'

 

 

 

Common Stock

 

 

Paid-In

 

 

Treasury

 

 

Accumulated

 

 

Equity

 

 

 

Shares

 

 

Amount

 

 

Capital

 

 

Stock

 

 

Deficit

 

 

(Deficiency)

 

Balance at April 30, 2013

 

 

58,573,222

 

 

$

58,573

 

 

$

13,345,888

 

 

$

(70,000

)

 

$

(12,740,086

)

 

$

594,375

 

Issuance of common shares for investor relations services

 

 

617,143

 

 

 

617

 

 

 

215,383

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

216,000

 

Offering cost for professional services from private placement

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

(48,240

)

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

(48,240

)

Stock-based compensation

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

149,356

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

149,356

 

Net loss, three months ended July 31, 2013

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

(1,105,576

)

 

 

(1,105,576

)

Balance at July 31, 2013

 

 

59,190,365

 

 

$

59,190

 

 

$

13,662,387

 

 

$

(70,000

)

 

$

(13,845,662

)

 

$

(194,085

)




The accompanying unaudited notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.


4



ASPEN GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(Unaudited)


 

 

For the Three Months Ended

 

 

 

July 31,

 

 

 

2013

 

 

2012

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash flows from operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net loss

 

$

(1,105,576

)

 

$

(1,752,227

)

Less income (loss) from discontinued operations

 

 

22,263

 

 

 

90,043

 

Loss from continuing operations

 

 

(1,127,839

)

 

 

(1,842,270

)

Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bad debt expense

 

 

13,837

 

 

 

51,521

 

Receivable collateral valuation reserve

 

 

-

 

 

 

309,117

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

 

109,435

 

 

 

98,571

 

Stock-based compensation

 

 

149,356

 

 

 

52,701

 

Amortization of prepaid shares for services

 

 

25,060

 

 

 

-

 

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts receivable

 

 

(142,635

)

 

 

(184,347

)

Prepaid expenses

 

 

6,345

 

 

 

31,187

 

Other assets

 

 

-

 

 

 

(20,000

)

Accounts payable

 

 

118,450

 

 

 

48,867

 

Accrued expenses

 

 

(2,107

)

 

 

(23,561

)

Deferred rent

 

 

(2,359

)

 

 

(1,430

)

Deferred revenue

 

 

(160,811

)

 

 

16,862

 

Net cash used in operating activities

 

 

(1,013,268

)

 

 

(1,462,782

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash flows from investing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Purchases of property and equipment

 

 

(104,385

)

 

 

(91,661

)

Purchases of courseware

 

 

(500

)

 

 

(13,200

)

Increase in restricted cash

 

 

(137

)

 

 

-

 

Net cash used in investing activities

 

 

(105,022

)

 

 

(104,861

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash flows from financing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Proceeds from (repayments on) line of credit, net

 

 

(4,518

)

 

 

25,000

 

Proceeds from loan from related party

 

 

1,000,000

 

 

 

22,000

 

Proceeds received from issuance of convertible notes and warrants

 

 

-

 

 

 

947,000

 

Offering costs associated with private placement

 

 

(48,240

)

 

 

-

 

Disbursements for debt issuance costs

 

 

-

 

 

 

(68,888

)

Net cash provided by financing activities

 

 

947,242

 

 

 

925,112

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash flows from discontinued operations:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash flows from operating activities

 

 

87,075

 

 

 

255,774

 

Net cash provided by discontinued operations

 

 

87,075

 

 

 

255,774

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents

 

 

(83,973

)

 

 

(386,757

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

 

 

724,982

 

 

 

591,990

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

 

$

641,009

 

 

$

205,233

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash paid for interest

 

$

11,158

 

 

$

2,196

 

Cash paid for income taxes

 

$

-

 

 

$

-

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Supplemental disclosure of non-cash investing and financing activities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common stock issued for prepaid services

 

$

216,000

 

 

$

-

 




The accompanying unaudited notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.


5



ASPEN GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

July 31, 2013

(Unaudited)


Note 1.Nature of Operations and Going Concern


Overview


Aspen Group, Inc. (together with its subsidiary, the “Company” or “Aspen”) was founded in Colorado in 1987 as the International School of Information Management. On September 30, 2004, it was acquired by Higher Education Management Group, Inc. (“HEMG”) and changed its name to Aspen University Inc. On March 13, 2012, the Company was recapitalized in a reverse merger. All references to the Company or Aspen before March 13, 2012 are to Aspen University Inc.


On April 5, 2013, the Company gave 120-day notice to CLS 123, LLC of its intent to terminate the agreement between the Company and CLS 123, LLC dated November 9, 2011. Moreover, at the end of the 120-day period, the Company shall no longer be offering the “Certificate in Information Technology with a specialization in Smart Home Integration” program. Accordingly, the activities related to CLS (or the “Smart Home Integration Certificate” program) are treated as discontinued operations. As this component of the business was not sold, there was no gain or loss on the disposition of this component (see below “Basis of Presentation”).


On April 25, 2013, our Board of Directors approved a change in our fiscal year-end from December 31 to April 30, with the change to the calendar year reporting cycle beginning May 1, 2013. Consequently, we filed a Transition Report on Form 10-KT for the four-month transition period ended April 30, 2013.


Aspen’s mission is to become an institution of choice for adult learners by offering cost-effective, comprehensive, and relevant online education. One of the key differences between Aspen and other publicly-traded, exclusively online, for-profit universities is that approximately 86% of our full-time degree-seeking students (as of July 31, 2013) were enrolled in graduate degree programs (Master or Doctorate degree program). Since 1993, we have been nationally accredited by the Distance Education and Training Council (“DETC”), a national accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education (the “DOE”).


Basis of Presentation


1. Interim Financial Statements


The interim condensed consolidated financial statements included herein have been prepared by the Company, without audit, pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). In the opinion of the Company’s management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring adjustments and reclassifications and non-recurring adjustments) necessary to present fairly our results of operations for the three months ended July 31, 2013 and 2012, our cash flows for the three months ended July 31, 2013 and 2012, and our financial position as of July 31, 2013 have been made. The results of operations for such interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the operating results to be expected for the full year.


Certain information and disclosures normally included in the notes to the annual consolidated financial statements have been condensed or omitted from these interim consolidated financial statements. Accordingly, these interim condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in our Report on Form 10-KT for the period ended April 30, 2013 as filed with the SEC on July 30, 2013. The April 30, 2013 balance sheet is derived from those statements.




6



ASPEN GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

July 31, 2013

(Unaudited)



2. Discontinued Operations


As of March 31, 2013, the Company decided to discontinue business activities related to its “Certificate in Information Technology with a specialization in Smart Home Integration” program so that it may focus on growing its full-time, degree-seeking student programs, which have higher gross margins. On April 5, 2013, the Company gave 120-day notice to CLS 123, LLC of its intent to terminate the agreement between the Company and CLS 123, LLC dated November 9, 2011. Thus, as of August 3, 2013, the Company shall no longer be offering the “Certificate in Information Technology with a specialization in Smart Home Integration” program. The termination of the “Smart Home Integration Certificate” program qualifies as a discontinued operation and accordingly the Company has excluded results for this component from its continuing operations in the condensed consolidated statements of operations for all periods presented. The following table shows the results of the “Smart Home Integration Certificate” program component included in the income (loss) from discontinued operations:


 

 

For the

Three Months Ended

 

 

 

July 31,

 

 

 

2013

 

 

2012

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenues

 

$

222,625

 

 

$

659,790

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Costs and expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Instructional costs and services

 

 

200,362

 

 

 

569,747

 

Total costs and expenses

 

 

200,362

 

 

 

569,747

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income taxes

 

$

22,263

 

 

$

90,043

 


The major classes of assets and liabilities of discontinued operations on the balance sheet are as follows:


 

 

July 31,

 

 

April 30,

 

 

 

2013

 

 

2013

 

Assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$

-

 

 

$

-

 

Accounts receivable, net of allowance of $295,045 and $295,045, respectively

 

 

257,322

 

 

 

113,822

 

Other current assets

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

Net assets from discontinued operations

 

$

257,322

 

 

$

113,822

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts payable

 

$

1,178

 

 

$

1,178

 

Accrued expenses

 

 

202,389

 

 

 

70,201

 

Deferred revenue

 

 

129,250

 

 

 

53,125

 

Net liabilities from discontinued operations

 

$

332,817

 

 

$

124,504

 


Going Concern


The Company had a net loss of $1,105,576 and negative cash flows from operations of $1,013,268 for the three months ended July 31, 2013. While management expects operating trends to improve over the course of 2013, if the realization of the expected improvement fails to occur, it is possible the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern may be contingent on securing additional debt or equity financing from outside investors. These matters raise substantial doubt about the Company's ability to continue as a going concern.




7



ASPEN GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

July 31, 2013

(Unaudited)



Management has continued to implement its business plan and fund operations through equity securities and convertible debt. In September 2013, the Company and an institutional investor (the "Institutional Investor") signed a Term Sheet with respect to a loan of up to $2,240,000 to be evidenced by 18 month original issue discount convertible debentures (the "Debentures") with gross proceeds of $2,000,000. The investor has agreed, subject to completion of due diligence, execution of a definitive Securities Purchase Agreement and customary closing conditions to lend the Company $1,500,000. The Company expects to receive the remaining $500,000 from other investors. To this end, in September 2013 Company entered into an engagement agreement with Laidlaw & Co. ("Laidlaw") to act as placement agent for the offering and receive customary compensation. Laidlaw has introduced the Institutional Investor. In addition, in September 2013 the Company entered into a letter of intent with Olympus Securities, LLC to raise the remaining $500,000 in exchange for customary compensation.


The unaudited consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments relating to the recovery of the recorded assets or the classification of the liabilities that might be necessary should the Company be unable to continue as a going concern.


Note 2. Significant Accounting Policies


Principles of Consolidation


The unaudited consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Aspen Group, Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.


Use of Estimates


The preparation of the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts in the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Significant estimates in the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements include the allowance for doubtful accounts and other receivables, the valuation of collateral on certain receivables, amortization periods and valuation of courseware and software development costs, valuation of stock-based compensation, the valuation of net assets and liabilities from discontinued operations and the valuation allowance on deferred tax assets.


Restricted Cash


Restricted cash represents amounts pledged as security for letters of credit for transactions involving Title IV programs. The Company considers $265,310 as restricted cash (shown as a current asset as of July 31, 2013) until such letter of credit expires on December 31, 2013. As of July 31, 2013, the account bears interest of 0.20%.


Fair Value Measurements


Fair value is the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants. The Company classifies assets and liabilities recorded at fair value under the fair value hierarchy based upon the observability of inputs used in valuation techniques. Observable inputs (highest level) reflect market data obtained from independent sources, while unobservable inputs (lowest level) reflect internally developed market assumptions. The fair value measurements are classified under the following hierarchy:


Level 1—Observable inputs that reflect quoted market prices (unadjusted) for identical assets and liabilities in active markets;

Level 2—Observable inputs, other than quoted market prices, that are either directly or indirectly observable in the marketplace for identical or similar assets and liabilities, quoted prices in markets that are not active, or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets and liabilities; and

Level 3—Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity that are significant to the fair value of assets or liabilities.



8



ASPEN GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

July 31, 2013

(Unaudited)



The estimated fair value of certain financial instruments, including cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable and accrued expenses are carried at historical cost basis, which approximates their fair values because of the short-term nature of these instruments.


Revenue Recognition and Deferred Revenue


Revenues consist primarily of tuition and fees derived from courses taught by the Company online as well as from related educational resources that the Company provides to its students, such as access to our online materials and learning management system. Tuition revenue is recognized pro-rata over the applicable period of instruction. The Company maintains an institutional tuition refund policy, which provides for all or a portion of tuition to be refunded if a student withdraws during stated refund periods. Certain states in which students reside impose separate, mandatory refund policies, which override the Company’s policy to the extent in conflict. If a student withdraws at a time when a portion or none of the tuition is refundable, then in accordance with its revenue recognition policy, the Company recognizes as revenue the tuition that was not refunded. Since the Company recognizes revenue pro-rata over the term of the course and because, under its institutional refund policy, the amount subject to refund is never greater than the amount of the revenue that has been deferred, under the Company’s accounting policies revenue is not recognized with respect to amounts that could potentially be refunded. The Company’s educational programs have starting and ending dates that differ from its fiscal quarters. Therefore, at the end of each fiscal quarter, a portion of revenue from these programs is not yet earned and is therefore deferred. The Company also charges students annual fees for library, technology and other services, which are recognized over the related service period. Deferred revenue represents the amount of tuition, fees, and other student payments received in excess of the portion recognized as revenue and it is included in current liabilities in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. Other revenues may be recognized as sales occur or services are performed.


Revenue Recognition and Deferred Revenue - Discontinued Operations


The Company enters into certain revenue sharing arrangements with consultants whereby the consultants will develop course content primarily for technology-related courses, recommend, but not select, faculty, lease equipment on behalf of the Company for instructional purposes for the on-site laboratory portion of distance learning courses and make introductions to corporate and government sponsoring organizations that provide students for the courses. The Company has evaluated ASC 605-45 "Principal Agent Considerations" and determined that there are more indicators than not that the Company is the primary obligor in the arrangements since the Company establishes the tuition, interfaces with the student or sponsoring organization, selects the faculty, is responsible for delivering the course, is responsible for issuing any degrees or certificates, and is responsible for collecting the tuition and fees. The gross tuition and fees are included in revenues while the revenue sharing payments are included in instructional costs and services, an operating expense. As a result of presenting this component as discontinued operations, the revenues are now included in income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income taxes for all periods presented (See Note 1).


Net Loss Per Share


Net loss per common share is based on the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during each period. Options to purchase 9,110,592 and 2,070,000 common shares, warrants to purchase 9,090,292 and 882,500 common shares, and $800,000 and $650,000 of convertible debt (convertible into 1,357,143 and 951,126 common shares) were outstanding during the three months ended July 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively, but were not included in the computation of diluted loss per share because the effects would have been anti-dilutive. The options, warrants and convertible debt are considered to be common stock equivalents and are only included in the calculation of diluted earnings per common share when their effect is dilutive.


Recent Accounting Pronouncements


We have implemented all new accounting standards that are in effect and that may impact our unaudited consolidated financial statements and do not believe that there are any other new accounting pronouncements that have been issued that might have a material impact on our consolidated financial position or results of operations.



9



ASPEN GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

July 31, 2013

(Unaudited)



Note 3. Secured Note and Accounts Receivable – Related Parties


On March 30, 2008 and December 1, 2008, the Company sold courseware pursuant to marketing agreements to HEMG, a related party and principal stockholder of the Company whose president is Mr. Patrick Spada, the former Chairman of the Company, in the amount of $455,000 and $600,000, respectively; UCC filings were filed accordingly. Under the marketing agreements, the receivables are due net 60 months. On September 16, 2011, HEMG pledged 772,793 Series C preferred shares (automatically converted to 654,850 common shares on March 13, 2012) of the Company as collateral for this account receivable. On March 8, 2012, due to the impending reduction in the value of the collateral as the result of the Series C conversion ratio and the Company’s inability to engage Mr. Spada in good faith negotiations to increase HEMG’s pledge, Michael Mathews, the Company’s CEO, pledged 117,943 common shares of the Company, owned personally by him, valued at $1.00 per share based on recent sales of capital stock as additional collateral to the accounts receivable, secured – related party. On March 13, 2012, the Company deemed the receivables stemming from the sale of courseware curricula to be in default. On April 4, 2012, the Company entered into an agreement with: (i) an individual, (ii) HEMG, a related party and principal stockholder of the Company whose president is Mr. Patrick Spada, the former Chairman of the Company and (iii) Mr. Patrick Spada. Under the agreement, (a) the individual purchased and HEMG sold to the individual 400,000 common shares of the Company at $0.50 per share; (b) the Company guaranteed it would purchase at least 600,000 common shares of the Company at $0.50 per share within 90 days of the agreement and the Company would use its best efforts to purchase from HEMG and resell to investors an additional 1,400,000 common shares of the Company at $0.50 per share within 180 days of the agreement; (c) provided HEMG and Mr. Patrick Spada fulfilled their obligations under (a) and (b) above, the Company shall consent to additional private transfers by HEMG and/or Mr. Patrick Spada of up to 500,000 common shares of the Company on or before March 13, 2013; (d) HEMG agreed to not sell, pledge or otherwise transfer 142,500 common shares of the Company pending resolution of a dispute regarding the Company’s claim that HEMG sold 131,500 common shares of the Company without having enough authorized shares and a stockholder did not receive 11,000 common shares of the Company owed to him as a result of a stock dividend; and (e) the Company waived any default of the accounts receivable, secured - related party and extend the due date to September 30, 2014. As of September 30, 2012, third party investors purchased 336,000 shares for $168,000 and the Company purchased 264,000 shares for $132,000 per section (b) above. Based on proceeds received on September 28, 2012 under a Unit private placement that equates to approximately $0.35 per common share, the value of the aforementioned collateral decreased. Accordingly, as of December 31, 2012, the Company has recognized an allowance of $502,315 for this account receivable. As of July 31, 2013 and April 30, 2013, the balance of the account receivable, net of allowance, was $270,478, based on continuing private placement sales equating to approximately $0.35 per share, and is shown as accounts receivable, secured – related party, net (See Note 10).


Note 4. Property and Equipment


Property and equipment consisted of the following at July 31, 2013 and April 30, 2013:


 

 

July 31,

 

 

April 30,

 

 

 

2013

 

 

2013

 

Call center equipment

 

$

121,313

 

 

$

121,313

 

Computer and office equipment

 

 

64,336

 

 

 

61,036

 

Furniture and fixtures

 

 

32,914

 

 

 

32,914

 

Library (online)

 

 

100,000

 

 

 

100,000

 

Software

 

 

1,619,226

 

 

 

1,518,142

 

 

 

 

1,937,789

 

 

 

1,833,405

 

Accumulated depreciation and amortization

 

 

(648,629

)

 

 

(569,665

)

Property and equipment, net

 

$

1,289,160

 

 

$

1,263,740

 


Depreciation and amortization expense for the three months ended July 31, 2013 and July 31, 2012 was $78,694 and $62,994, respectively.



10



ASPEN GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

July 31, 2013

(Unaudited)



Amortization expense for software, included in the above amounts, for the three months ended July 31, 2013 and July 31, 2012 was $71,920 and $55,755, respectively. Software consisted of the following at July 31, 2013 and April 30, 2013:


 

 

July 31,

 

 

April 30,

 

 

 

2013

 

 

2013

 

Software

 

$

1,619,226

 

 

$

1,518,142

 

Accumulated amortization

 

 

(458,519

)

 

 

(386,599

)

Software, net

 

$

1,160,707

 

 

$

1,131,543

 


The following is a schedule of estimated future amortization expense of software at July 31, 2013:


Year Ending April 30,

 

 

 

2014

 

$

242,884

 

2015

 

 

323,845

 

2016

 

 

322,999

 

2017

 

 

200,267

 

2018

 

 

70,712

 

Total

 

$

1,160,707

 


Note 5. Courseware


Courseware costs capitalized were $500 for the three months ended July 31, 2013.


Courseware consisted of the following at July 31, 2013 and April 30, 2013:


 

 

July 31,

 

 

April 30,

 

 

 

2013

 

 

2013

 

Courseware

 

$

2,098,038

 

 

$

2,097,538

 

Accumulated amortization

 

 

(1,919,914

)

 

 

(1,889,443

)

Courseware, net

 

$

178,124

 

 

$

208,095

 


Amortization expense of courseware for the three months ended July 31, 2013 and July 31, 2012 was $30,471 and $35,578, respectively.


The following is a schedule of estimated future amortization expense of courseware at July 31, 2013:


Year Ending April 30,

 

 

 

2014

 

$

74,859

 

2015

 

 

65,117

 

2016

 

 

27,830

 

2017

 

 

9,196

 

2018

 

 

1,122

 

Total

 

$

178,124

 


Note 6. Loans Payable


On June 28, 2013, the Company received $1,000,000 as a loan from the Chief Executive Officer. This loan is for a term of 6 months with an annual interest rate of 10%, payable monthly. The loan is included with current liabilities and has a due date of December 31, 2013.




11



ASPEN GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

July 31, 2013

(Unaudited)



Note 7. Convertible Notes Payable


On February 25, 2012, February 27, 2012 and February 29, 2012, loans payable of $100,000, $50,000 and $50,000, respectively, were converted into two-year convertible promissory notes, bearing interest of 0.19% per annum. Beginning March 31, 2012, the notes are convertible into common shares of the Company at the rate of $1.00 per share. The Company evaluated the convertible notes and determined that, for the embedded conversion option, there was no beneficial conversion value to record as the conversion price is considered to be the fair market value of the common shares on the note issue dates. As these loans (now convertible promissory notes) are due in February 2014, they have been included in current liabilities as of July 31, 2013 and April 30, 2013.


On March 13, 2012, the Company’s CEO loaned the Company $300,000 and received a convertible promissory note due March 31, 2013, bearing interest at 0.19% per annum. The note is convertible into common shares of the Company at the rate of $1.00 per share upon five days written notice to the Company. The Company evaluated the convertible note and determined that, for the embedded conversion option, there was no beneficial conversion value to record as the conversion price is considered to be the fair market value of the common shares on the note issue date. On September 4, 2012, the maturity date was extended to August 31, 2013. On December 17, 2012, the maturity date was extended to August 31, 2014. There was no accounting effect for these two modifications (See Note 10).


On August 14, 2012, the Company’s CEO loaned the Company $300,000 and received a convertible promissory note, payable on demand, bearing interest at 5% per annum. The note is convertible into shares of common stock of the Company at a rate of $0.35 per share (based on proceeds received on September 28, 2012 under a private placement at $0.35 per unit). The Company evaluated the convertible notes and determined that, for the embedded conversion option, there was no beneficial conversion value to record as the conversion price is considered to be the fair market value of the shares of common stock on the note issue date. On September 4, 2012, the maturity date was extended to August 31, 2013. On December 17, 2012 the maturity date was extended to August 31, 2014 (See Note 10.


As of July 31, 2013, the aggregate amount of convertible notes payable outstanding was $800,000, of which $200,000 is included in current liabilities and $600,000 due August 31, 2014 is included in long-term liabilities.


Note 8. Commitments and Contingencies


Line of Credit


The Company maintains a line of credit with a bank, up to a maximum credit line of $250,000. The line of credit bears interest equal to the prime rate plus 0.50% (overall interest rate of 3.75% at July 31, 2013). The line of credit requires minimum monthly payments consisting of interest only. The line of credit is secured by all business assets, inventory, equipment, accounts, general intangibles, chattel paper, documents, instruments and letter of credit rights of the Company. The line of credit is for an unspecified time until the bank notifies the Company of the Final Availability Date, at which time payments on the line of credit become the sum of: (a) accrued interest and (b) 1/60th of the unpaid principal balance immediately following the Final Availability Date, which equates to a five-year payment period. The balance due on the line of credit as of July 31, 2013 was $245,482. Since the earliest the line of credit is due and payable is over a five year period and the Company believes that it could obtain a comparable replacement line of credit elsewhere, the entire line of credit is included in long-term liabilities. The unused amount under the line of credit available to the Company at July 31, 2013 was $4,518.




12



ASPEN GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

July 31, 2013

(Unaudited)



Employment Agreements


From time to time, the Company enters into employment agreements with certain of its employees. These agreements typically include bonuses, some of which were performance-based in nature. During the three months ended July 31, 2013, the Company renegotiated employment agreements.  In contrast to the previous employment agreement, the new employment agreements do not include any guaranteed annual bonuses.


Legal Matters


From time to time, we may be involved in litigation relating to claims arising out of our operations in the normal course of business. As of July 31, 2013, there were no pending or threatened lawsuits that could reasonably be expected to have a material effect on the results of our operations and there are no proceedings in which any of our directors, officers or affiliates, or any registered or beneficial shareholder, is an adverse party or has a material interest adverse to our interest other than described below.


On February 11, 2013, HEMG and Mr. Spada sued us, certain senior management members and our directors in state court in New York seeking damages arising from losses and other matters incurred in the operation of the Company’s business since May 2011, our filings with the SEC and the DOE where we stated that HEMG and Mr. Spada borrowed $2.2 million without board authority and our failure to use our best efforts to purchase certain shares of common stock from HEMG following an April 2012 agreement. While we have been advised by our counsel that the lawsuit is baseless, we cannot assure you that we will be successful. Defending the litigation will be expensive and divert our management from the Company’s business. If we are unsuccessful, the damages we pay may be material.


Regulatory Matters


The Company’s subsidiary, Aspen University Inc. (“Aspen University”), is subject to extensive regulation by Federal and State governmental agencies and accrediting bodies. In particular, the Higher Education Act (the “HEA”) and the regulations promulgated thereunder by the DOE subject Aspen University to significant regulatory scrutiny on the basis of numerous standards that schools must satisfy to participate in the various types of federal student financial assistance programs authorized under Title IV of the HEA. Aspen University has had provisional certification to participate in the Title IV programs. That provisional certification imposes certain regulatory restrictions including, but not limited to, a limit of 1,200 student recipients for Title IV funding for the duration of the provisional certification. The provisional certification restrictions continue with regard to Aspen University’s participation in Title IV programs.


To participate in the Title IV programs, an institution must be authorized to offer its programs of instruction by the relevant agencies of the State in which it is located, and since July 2011, potentially in the States where an institution offers postsecondary education through distance education. In addition, an institution must be accredited by an accrediting agency recognized by the DOE and certified as eligible by the DOE. The DOE will certify an institution to participate in the Title IV programs only after the institution has demonstrated compliance with the HEA and the DOE’s extensive academic, administrative, and financial regulations regarding institutional eligibility and certification. An institution must also demonstrate its compliance with these requirements to the DOE on an ongoing basis. Aspen University performs periodic reviews of its compliance with the various applicable regulatory requirements. As Title IV funds received in fiscal 2012 represented approximately 18% of the Company's cash revenues (including revenues from discontinued operations), as calculated in accordance with Department of Education guidelines, the loss of Title IV funding would have a material effect on the Company's future financial performance.


On March 27, 2012 and on August 31, 2012, Aspen University provided the DOE with letters of credit for which the due date was extended to December 31, 2013. The DOE may impose additional or different terms and conditions in any final provisional program participation agreement that it may issue (See Note 2 “Restricted Cash”).



13



ASPEN GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

July 31, 2013

(Unaudited)



The HEA requires accrediting agencies to review many aspects of an institution's operations in order to ensure that the education offered is of sufficiently high quality to achieve satisfactory outcomes and that the institution is complying with accrediting standards. Failure to demonstrate compliance with accrediting standards may result in the imposition of probation, the requirements to provide periodic reports, the loss of accreditation or other penalties if deficiencies are not remediated.


Because Aspen University operates in a highly regulated industry, it may be subject from time to time to audits, investigations, claims of noncompliance or lawsuits by governmental agencies or third parties, which allege statutory violations, regulatory infractions or common law causes of action.


Return of Title IV Funds


An institution participating in Title IV programs must correctly calculate the amount of unearned Title IV program funds that have been disbursed to students who withdraw from their educational programs before completion and must return those unearned funds in a timely manner, generally within 45 days of the date the school determines that the student has withdrawn. Under Department regulations, failure to make timely returns of Title IV program funds for 5% or more of students sampled on the institution's annual compliance audit in either of its two most recently completed fiscal years can result in the institution having to post a letter of credit in an amount equal to 25% of its required Title IV returns during its most recently completed fiscal year. If unearned funds are not properly calculated and returned in a timely manner, an institution is also subject to monetary liabilities or an action to impose a fine or to limit, suspend or terminate its participation in Title IV programs.


Delaware Approval to Confer Degrees


Aspen University is a Delaware corporation. Delaware law requires an institution to obtain approval from the Delaware Department of Education (“Delaware DOE”) before it may incorporate with the power to confer degrees. On July 3, 2012, Aspen University received notice from the Delaware DOE that it is granted provisional approval status effective until June 30, 2015. Aspen University is authorized by the Colorado Commission on Education to operate in Colorado as a degree granting institution.


Letter of Credit


The Company maintains a letter of credit under a DOE requirement (See Note 2 “Restricted Cash”).


Note 9. Stockholders’ Equity


Common Stock


As part of two contracts entered into during the three months ended July 31, 2013, the Company issued restricted stock to two firms as part of their fees for services. The fair value of the stock issued was set up as a prepaid expense and is being amortized over the service period of the contract. On June 27, 2013, the Company issued one firm 317,143 shares of its common stock valued at $0.35 per share (based on recent sales of shares by the Company) to an investor relations firm pursuant to a service agreement with two service components, one for three months and one for 12 months. The $111,000 of expense is being recognized in two pieces, $90,000 over 12 months and $21,000 over three months. On July 24, 2013, the Company issued the second firm 300,000 shares of its common stock valued at $0.35 per share (based on recent sales of shares by the Company) to a business development consultant pursuant to a six month consulting agreement. The $105,000 of expense is being recognized over the service period of the contract.




14



ASPEN GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

July 31, 2013

(Unaudited)



Warrants


A summary of the Company’s warrant activity during the three months ended July 31, 2013 is presented below:


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted

 

 

Average

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Average

 

 

Remaining

 

 

Aggregate

 

 

 

Number of

 

 

Exercise

 

 

Contractual

 

 

Intrinsic

 

Warrants

 

Shares

 

 

Price

 

 

Term

 

 

Value

 

Balance Outstanding, April 30, 2013

 

 

9,090,292

 

 

$

0.46

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Granted

 

 

1,115,026

 

 

 

0.33

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Exercised

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Forfeited

 

 

(40,000

)

 

 

0.50

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Expired

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance Outstanding, July 31, 2013

 

 

10,165,318

 

 

$

0.45

 

 

 

4.1

 

 

$

51,862

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Exercisable, July 31, 2013

 

 

10,165,318

 

 

$

0.45

 

 

 

4.1

 

 

$

51,862

 


The Company issued 1,115,026 warrants to a placement agent as a fee related to prior investments. There was no accounting effect for this warrant issuance.


Certain of the Company’s warrants contain price protection. The Company evaluated whether the price protection provision of the warrant would cause derivative treatment. In its assessment, the Company determined that since its shares are not readily convertible to cash due to an inactive trading market, the warrants are excluded from derivative treatment.


Stock Incentive Plan and Stock Option Grants to Employees and Directors


Immediately following the closing of the Reverse Merger, on March 13, 2012, the Company adopted the 2012 Equity Incentive Plan (the “Plan”) that provides for the grant of 2,500,000 shares (increased to 5,600,000 shares effective September 28, 2012, to 8,000,000 shares effective January 16, 2013 and to 9,300,000 on May 14, 2013) in the form of incentive stock options, non-qualified stock options, restricted shares, stock appreciation rights and restricted stock units to employees, consultants, officers and directors. On January 16, 2013, 1,291,167 options were modified to be Plan options. There was no accounting effect for such modifications. As of July 31, 2013, 459,408 shares were remaining under the Plan for future issuance.


During the three months ended July 31, 2013, the Company granted to employees 1,536,211 stock options, all of which were under the Plan, having an exercise price of $0.35 per share. 200,000 of these options vest pro rata over two years on each anniversary date, 545,000 of these options vest pro rata over three years on each anniversary date and 791,211 vest over 7 months starting June 30, 2013. All options expire five years from the grant date. The total fair value of stock options granted to employees during the three months ended July 31, 2013 was $184,345, which is being recognized over the respective vesting periods. The Company recorded compensation expense of $148,608 for the three months ended July 31, 2013, in connection with outstanding employee stock options. The Company recorded compensation expense of $52,701 for the three months ended July 31, 2012, in connection with outstanding employee stock options.




15



ASPEN GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

July 31, 2013

(Unaudited)



The Company estimates the fair value of share-based compensation utilizing the Black-Scholes option pricing model, which is dependent upon several variables such as the expected option term, expected volatility of the Company’s stock price over the expected term, expected risk-free interest rate over the expected option term, expected dividend yield rate over the expected option term, and an estimate of expected forfeiture rates. The Company believes this valuation methodology is appropriate for estimating the fair value of stock options granted to employees and directors which are subject to ASC Topic 718 requirements. These amounts are estimates and thus may not be reflective of actual future results, nor amounts ultimately realized by recipients of these grants. The Company recognizes compensation on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period for each award. The following table summarizes the assumptions the Company utilized to record compensation expense for stock options granted to employees during the three months ended July 31, 2013:


 

 

July 31,

Assumptions

 

2013

Expected life (years)

 

3.5

Expected volatility

 

46.5%

Weighted-average volatility

 

46.5%

Risk-free interest rate

 

0.38%

Dividend yield

 

0.00%

Expected forfeiture rate

 

3.9%


The Company utilized the simplified method to estimate the expected life for stock options granted to employees. The simplified method was used as the Company does not have sufficient historical data regarding stock option exercises. The expected volatility is based on the average of the expected volatilities from the most recent audited financial statements available for comparative public companies that are deemed to be similar in nature to the Company. The risk-free interest rate is based on the U.S. Treasury yields with terms equivalent to the expected life of the related option at the time of the grant. Dividend yield is based on historical trends. While the Company believes these estimates are reasonable, the compensation expense recorded would increase if the expected life was increased, a higher expected volatility was used, or if the expected dividend yield increased.


A summary of the Company’s stock option activity for employees and directors during the three months ended July 31, 2013 is presented below:


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted

 

 

Average

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Average

 

 

Remaining

 

 

Aggregate

 

 

 

Number of

 

 

Exercise

 

 

Contractual

 

 

Intrinsic

 

Options

 

Shares

 

 

Price

 

 

Term

 

 

Value

 

Balance Outstanding, April 30, 2013

 

 

7,344,381

 

 

$

0.35

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Granted

 

 

1,536,211

 

 

$

0.35

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Exercised

 

 

-

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Forfeited

 

 

(40,000

)

 

$

0.35

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Expired

 

 

-

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance Outstanding, July 31, 2013

 

 

8,840,592

 

 

$

0.35

 

 

 

4.2

 

 

$

-

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Exercisable, July 31, 2013

 

 

2,051,998

 

 

$

0.35

 

 

 

4.1

 

 

$

-

 


The weighted-average grant-date fair value of options granted to employees during the three months ended July 31, 2013 was $0.12.


As of July 31, 2013, there was $494,292 of total unrecognized compensation costs related to nonvested share-based compensation arrangements. That cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 4.23 years.




16



ASPEN GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

July 31, 2013

(Unaudited)



Stock Option Grants to Non-Employees


On March 15, 2012, the Company granted 175,000 stock options to non-employees, all of which were under the Plan, having an exercise price of $1.00 per share. The options vest pro rata over three years on each anniversary date; all options expire five years from the grant date. The total fair value of the stock options granted was $57,750, all of which was recognized immediately as these stock options were issued for prior services rendered. On December 17, 2012, the Company repriced the stock options issued from having an exercise price of $1.00 per share to $0.35 per share. Accordingly, the incremental increase in the fair value of $15,750 was recognized immediately.


There were no stock options granted to non-employees during the three months ended July 31, 2013. The Company recorded compensation expense of $748 and $0 for the three months ended July 31, 2013 and 2012, in connection with non-employee stock options.


The following table summarizes the assumptions the Company utilized to record compensation expense for stock options granted to non-employees during the three months ended July 31, 2013:


 

 

July 31,

Assumptions

 

2013

Expected life (years)

 

N/A

Expected volatility

 

N/A

Weighted-average volatility

 

N/A

Risk-free interest rate

 

N/A

Dividend yield

 

N/A


A summary of the Company’s stock option activity for non-employees during the three months ended July 31, 2013 is presented below:


 

 

 

 

 

Weighted

 

 

Average

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Average

 

 

Remaining

 

 

Aggregate

 

 

 

Number of

 

 

Exercise

 

 

Contractual

 

 

Intrinsic

 

Options

 

Shares

 

 

Price

 

 

Term

 

 

Value

 

Balance Outstanding, April 30, 2013

 

 

270,000

 

 

$

0.35

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Granted

 

 

-

 

 

$

-

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Exercised

 

 

-

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Forfeited

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Expired

 

 

-

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance Outstanding, July 31, 2013

 

 

270,000

 

 

$

0.35

 

 

 

4.3

 

 

$

-

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Exercisable, July 31, 2013

 

 

47,250

 

 

 

N/A

 

 

 

N/A

 

 

 

N/A

 


Note 10. Related Party Transactions


See Note 3 for discussion of secured note and account receivable to related parties and see Notes 6 and 7 for discussion of loans payable and convertible notes payable to related parties.




17



ASPEN GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

July 31, 2013

(Unaudited)



Note 11. Subsequent Events


In September 2013, the Company and an institutional investor (the "Institutional Investor") signed a Term Sheet with respect to a loan of up to $2,240,000 to be evidenced by 18 month original issue discount convertible debentures (the "Debentures") with gross proceeds of $2,000,000. The investor has agreed, subject to completion of due diligence, execution of a definitive Securities Purchase Agreement and customary closing conditions to lend the Company $1,500,000.  Payments on the Debentures are due 25% on November 1, 2014, 25% on January 1, 2015 and the remaining 50% on April 1, 2015 as a final payment. The Company has the option to pay the interest or principal in stock subject to certain “Equity Conditions” such as giving notice of its intent 20 trading days beforehand. The Company expects to receive the remaining $500,000 from other investors. To this end, in September 2013 Company entered into an engagement agreement with Laidlaw & Co. ("Laidlaw") to act as placement agent for the offering and receive customary compensation. Laidlaw has introduced the Institutional Investor. In addition, in September 2013 the Company entered into a letter of intent with Olympus Securities, LLC to raise the remaining $500,000 in exchange for customary compensation.


The Term Sheet provides that the Debentures may be converted at the holder’s option at $0.3325 per share at any time after the closing. Warrants for 100% of the number of shares of common stock that could be bought at the conversion price will be issued at closing.  The warrants will have a five-year term and be exercisable for cash if an outstanding registration statement is in effect within 90 days of closing. The Debentures will bear 8% per annum interest and be amortizable in installments over their term. There can be no assurances that the offering will close and that the Company will receive any net proceeds.




18





ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

You should read the following discussion in conjunction with our unaudited consolidated financial statements, which are included elsewhere in this Form 10-Q. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations contain forward-looking statements that reflect our plans, estimates, and beliefs. Our actual results could differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause or contribute to these differences include those discussed in the Risk Factors contained in the Prospectus dated August 13, 2013, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, or the SEC.


All references to “we,” “our” and “us” refer to Aspen Group, Inc. and its subsidiaries (including Aspen), unless the context otherwise indicates. In referring to academic matters, these words refer solely to Aspen University.


This discussion should be read in conjunction with the other sections contained in this report, including the unaudited consolidated financial statements and the related exhibits contained herein. The various sections of this discussion contain a number of forward-looking statements, all of which are based on our current expectations and could be affected by the uncertainties and risk factors described throughout this report as well as other matters over which we have no control. Our actual results may differ materially. See “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements.”

 

Company Overview


Founded in 1987, Aspen’s mission is to become an institution of choice for adult learners by offering cost-effective, comprehensive, and relevant online education. One of the key differences between Aspen and other publicly-traded, exclusively online, for-profit universities is that a majority of our full-time degree-seeking students are enrolled in a graduate degree program (master or doctorate degree program). According to publicly available information, Aspen enrolls a larger percentage of its full-time degree-seeking students in graduate degree programs than its publicly-traded competitors. As of July 31, 2013, 2,016 students were enrolled as full-time degree seeking students with 1,739 of those students or 86% in a master or doctoral graduate degree program. In addition, a further 999 students are engaged in part time programs, such as continuing education courses, certificate level programs and military undergraduate programs. Therefore, Aspen’s student body totaled 3,015 as of July 31, 2013.


Among online, for-profit universities, Aspen ranks among the leaders relative to the closely analyzed industry metrics such as high student graduation rates, high student course completion rates and high student satisfaction rates. During 2012, Aspen had a student graduation rate of 58%, a student course completion rate of 90% and a student satisfaction rate of 95% (calculated in accordance with DETC guidelines which is the average completion and satisfaction rate of students in our top 10 most popular courses).


Student Population


Aspen’s degree-seeking student body increased by 21% during the three month period ended July 31, 2013 or the 2013 Quarter from 2,024 to 2,453 students. Among Aspen’s degree seeking programs, the Master of Nursing program grew 25% during this quarter from 375 students to 467 students. When compared to the number of students in the Master of Nursing program at July 31, 2012 to July 31, 2013, the program grew from 141 students to 467 or 231%. As of July 31, 2013, Aspen’s School of Nursing now represents 23% of the full-time, degree-seeking student body.


In April 2013, Aspen terminated its relationship with CLS 123, LLC, or CLS, which referred Verizon certificate and military students, a step allowing Aspen to focus its efforts on its core business of building a predominantly graduate student body. The 120-day exit period under the partnership ended on August 3, 2013. For 2013, Aspen management expects the total student body growth rate to lag that of the full-time degree-seeking student population as a result of this partnership being terminated.

 



19





Results of Operations


For the Three Months Ended July 31, 2013 Compared with the Three Months Ended July 31, 2012

 

Revenue


Revenue from continuing operations for the 2013 Quarter increased to $929,993 from $698,152 for the three months ended July 31, 2012, or the 2012 Quarter, an increase of 33%. The increase is primarily attributable to the growth in Aspen student enrollments and the increase in average tuition rates from approximately $500 to $700 for the comparable periods. Of particular note, revenues from Aspen’s Nursing degree program increased to $231,980 during the 2013 Quarter from $69,825 during the 2012 Quarter, an increase of 232%.

 

Our 2013 Quarter and 2012 Quarter revenues were impacted by the 2011 (and previous years) pre-payment tuition plan, or the Legacy Tuition Plan, which was discontinued on July 15, 2011. The Legacy Tuition Plan had students pre-paying tuition for a degree program’s first four courses ($675/course) and a steeply discounted tuition rate for the program’s eight course balance ($112.50/course). Specifically, the Legacy Tuition Plan produced immediate cash flow, but unsustainably low gross profit margins over the length of the degree program. As of July 31, 2013, 668 of our full-time degree-seeking students were still enrolled under the Legacy Tuition Plan. However the contribution from Legacy Tuition Plan students to overall Aspen revenue and profits diminished steadily as the population of full-time degree-seeking students paying regular tuition rates increased to 68% of the population and the population of Legacy Tuition Plan students fell to 32%. Accordingly, as much as fiscal 2013 (April 30, 2013 year end) was affected negatively by the lingering impact of the Legacy Tuition Plan, future revenue should demonstrate a dramatically diminished effect from the Legacy Tuition Plan and a much greater contribution from the growing number of regular rate students. In fact, Aspen Group expects Legacy Tuition Plan students’ contribution to financial results to be immaterial for the full year 2014 (ending April 30, 2014), and on a quarterly basis to be immaterial no later than the second quarter of fiscal 2014.


Cost of Revenues (exclusive of depreciation and amortization)


The Company’s cost of revenues consist of instructional costs and services and marketing and promotional costs.


Instructional Costs and Services


Instructional costs and services for the 2013 Quarter rose to $224,381 from $223,889 for the 2012 Quarter, an increase of $492 or less than 0.25%. As student enrollment levels increase, instructional costs and services should rise proportionately. However, as Aspen increases its full-time degree-seeking student enrollments and related class starts, the higher gross margins associated with such students should lead to the growth rate in instructional costs and services to significantly lag that of overall revenues growth.


Marketing and Promotional

 

Marketing and promotional costs for the 2013 Quarter was $335,089 compared to $387,883 for the 2012 Quarter, a decrease of $52,795 or 14%. These expenses are primarily attributable to marketing efficiency. If Aspen accelerates its growth, it is highly likely that these expenditures will increase in future quarters as enrollment continues to grow. Factors that may mitigate the expected increase include the economies realized in cost per lead as well as the yield realized in terms of higher enrollments per unit of marketing and promotional spending and potential organic growth opportunities.




20





Costs and Expenses


General and Administrative


General and administrative costs for the 2013 Quarter were $1,373,056 compared to $1,393,282 during the 2012 Quarter, a decrease of $20,225 or 2%. Although the difference is only $20,225, several components have changed significantly year over year. Professional accounting fees declined $89,533 during the 2013 Quarter as compared to 2012 Quarter, particularly as a result of reducing accounting consulting fees and reduced audit fees related to various reporting requirements. Offsetting the reduced professional expense were Investor Relations fees of $59,010 in 2013 Quarter as well as Aspen’s biannual formal graduation ceremony in July 2013. Investor relations fees increased 100% over the 2012 Quarter and graduation expenses were $24,789, an increase of 100% over 2012 Quarter. Payroll expense in 2013 Quarter was up $93,254 or 15%. Offsetting these increases was a $112,527 decrease or 62% in consulting expense reflecting the hiring of third parties to perform important functions. Stock based compensation included in general and administration expense increased by $96,655 or 83% as a stock option grants under the 2012 Equity Incentive Plan.


Overall general and administrative costs are expected to experience moderate growth in fiscal 2014 from fiscal 2013 as the cost associated with state regulatory compliance and DOE reporting requirements on topics such as gainful employment standards will continue to increase in the future.


Receivable Collateral Valuation Reserve


A non-cash valuation reserve of $309,117 was recorded for the quarter ended July 31, 2012 to reflect the drop in the collateral supporting the related accounts receivable. An additional $193,198 was recorded in September 2012. No additional reserve has been required since that time.


Depreciation and Amortization


Depreciation and amortization costs for the 2013 Quarter rose to $109,435 from $98,571 for the 2012 Quarter, an increase of 11%. The increase is primarily attributable to higher levels of capitalized technology costs as Aspen continues the infrastructure build-out initiated in 2011.


Interest Income (Expense)


Interest income for the 2013 Quarter increased to $289 from $104 in the 2012 Quarter, an increase of $185. Interest expense decreased $111,624 or 87% primarily due to the amortization of debt issuance costs of $85,565 and interest on notes payable of $23,857 in the 2012 Quarter. In the 2013 Quarter, there was the addition of $8,333 of interest expense on the loan payable to the CEO.


Income Taxes

 

Income taxes expense (benefit) for the 2013 Quarter and 2012 Quarter was $0 as Aspen Group experienced operating losses in both periods. As management made a full valuation allowance against the deferred tax assets stemming from these losses, there was no tax benefit recorded in the statement of operations in both periods.

 

Net Loss

 

Net loss for the 2013 Quarter was ($1,105,576) as compared to ($1,752,227) for the 2012 Quarter, a decrease of $646,651 or approximately 37%. The decrease is primarily attributable to the improvement in revenue and other improvements discussed above.




21





Discontinued Operations


As of March 31, 2013, Aspen Group discontinued business activities related to its agreement with CLS. See Note 1 of the unaudited consolidated financial statements contained herein. The following table details the results of the discontinued operations for the 2013 Quarter and 2012 Quarter:


 

 

For the Three Months

 

 

 

Ended July 31,

 

 

 

2013

 

 

2012

 

 

 

(Unaudited)

Revenues

 

$

222,625

 

 

$

659,790

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Costs and expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cost of revenue

 

 

200,362

 

 

 

569,747

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total costs and expenses

 

 

200,362

 

 

 

569,747

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income taxes

 

$

22,263

 

 

$

90,043

 


Non-GAAP – Financial Measures


The following discussion and analysis includes both financial measures in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, or GAAP, as well as non-GAAP financial measures. Generally, a non-GAAP financial measure is a numerical measure of a company’s performance, financial position or cash flows that either excludes or includes amounts that are not normally included or excluded in the most directly comparable measure calculated and presented in accordance with GAAP. Non-GAAP financial measures should be viewed as supplemental to, and should not be considered as alternatives to net income, operating income, and cash flow from operating activities, liquidity or any other financial measures. They may not be indicative of the historical operating results of Aspen Group nor are they intended to be predictive of potential future results. Investors should not consider non-GAAP financial measures in isolation or as substitutes for performance measures calculated in accordance with GAAP.


Our management uses and relies on Adjusted EBITDA and Gross Profit (exclusive of depreciation and amortization), which are non-GAAP financial measures. We believe that both management and shareholders benefit from referring to the following non-GAAP financial measures in planning, forecasting and analyzing future periods. Our management uses these non-GAAP financial measures in evaluating its financial and operational decision making and as a means to evaluate period-to-period comparison. Our management recognizes that the non-GAAP financial measures have inherent limitations because of the described excluded items.


Aspen Group defines Adjusted EBITDA as earnings (or loss) from continuing operations before interest expense, income taxes, bad debt expense, depreciation and amortization, and amortization of stock-based compensation. Adjusted EBITDA is an important measure of our operating performance because it allows management, investors and analysts to evaluate and assess our core operating results from period-to-period after removing the impact of items of a non-operational nature that affect comparability.


Aspen Group defines Gross Profit (exclusive of depreciation and amortization), a non-GAAP financial measure, as revenues less cost of revenues (instructional costs and services and marketing and promotional costs) excluding the amortization of courseware and software. This measure excludes non-cash items and permits our management to focus on core operating results.


We have included a reconciliation of our non-GAAP financial measures to the most comparable financial measure calculated in accordance with GAAP. We believe that providing the non-GAAP financial measures, together with the reconciliation to GAAP, helps investors make comparisons between Aspen Group and other companies. In making any comparisons to other companies, investors need to be aware that companies use different non-GAAP measures to evaluate their financial performance. Investors should pay close attention to the specific definition being used and to the reconciliation between such measure and the corresponding GAAP measure provided by each company under applicable SEC rules.




22





The following table presents a reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA to Net loss allocable to common shareholders, a GAAP financial measure:


 

 

Three Months Ended

July 31,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2013

 

 

2012

 

 

Difference

 

 

Change %

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net loss

 

$

(1,105,576

)

 

$

(1,752,227

)

 

$

646,651

 

 

  

(37

)%

Interest Expense, net of interest income

 

 

15,871

 

 

 

127,680

 

 

 

(111,809

)

 

 

(88

)%

Amortization of Prepaid Stock Issued for Services

 

 

25,060

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

25,060

 

 

 

100

%

Bad Debt Expense

 

 

13,837

 

 

 

51,521

 

 

 

(37,684

)

 

 

(73

)%

Depreciation & Amortization

 

 

109,435

 

 

 

98,571

 

 

 

10,864

 

 

 

11

%

Stock-based compensation

 

 

149,356

 

 

 

52,701

 

 

 

96,655

 

 

 

183

%

Adjusted EBITDA (Loss)

 

$

(792,017

)

 

$

(1,421,754

)

 

$

629,737

 

 

 

 

 


In the 2013 Quarter, Aspen Group narrowed the Adjusted EBITDA loss by 44% as a result of the growth in tuition revenues as well as the reduction in operating expenses previously noted.


The following table presents a reconciliation of Gross Profit (exclusive of depreciation and amortization), a non-GAAP financial measure, to gross profit calculated in accordance with GAAP:


 

 

For the Three Months Ended

 

 

 

July 31,

 

 

 

2013

 

 

2012

 

 

 

(Unaudited)

 

Revenues

 

$

929,993

 

 

$

698,152

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cost of revenues (exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately)

 

 

559,470

 

 

 

611,772

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gross Profit (exclusive of depreciation and amortization)

 

 

370,523

 

 

 

86,380

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Amortization expenses excluded from cost of revenues

 

 

109,435

 

 

 

98,571

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

GAAP gross profit

 

$

261,088

 

 

$

(12,191

)


For the 2013 Quarter, the Gross Profit (exclusive of depreciation and amortization) was $370,523 or 40% vs. a gross profit (exclusive of depreciation and amortization) of $86,380 or 12% for the comparable period in the prior year, an increase of $284,143 or a margin increase of 28%. The increase in Gross Profit (exclusive of depreciation and amortization) and gross margin percentage is primarily the result of the growth in tuition revenues and the increase in average tuition rates, coupled with the efficiencies realized in lower cost per exclusive leads and higher enrollments noted above.


By the end of fiscal year 2014 (April 30, 2014), Aspen Group expects its gross margin percentage (exclusive of depreciation and amortization) to increase to at least 60%, resulting from the majority of the Legacy Tuition Plan students graduating or ceasing to take courses.


Liquidity and Capital Resources


A summary of our cash flows is as follows:


 

 

Three Months Ended

July 31,

 

 

 

2013

 

 

2012

 

Net cash used in operating activities

 

$

(1,013,268

)

 

$

(1,462,782

)

Net cash used in investing activities

 

 

(105,022

)

 

 

(104,861

)

Net cash provided by financing activities

 

 

947,242

 

 

 

925,112

 

Net cash provided by discontinued operations

 

 

87,075

 

 

 

255,774

 

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

 

$

(83,973

)

 

$

(386,757

)



23





Net Cash Used in Operating Activities


Net cash used in operating activities during the 2013 Quarter totaled ($1,013,268) and resulted primarily from a net loss from continuing operations of ($1,127,839) offset by non-cash items of $297,688, of which the $109,435 in depreciation and amortization and $149,356 in stock based compensation were the most significant, and a net change in operating assets and liabilities of $(183,117), of which the $(160,811), decrease in deferred revenue was the most significant.


Net cash used in operating activities during the 2012 Quarter totaled ($1,462,782) and resulted primarily from a net loss from continuing operations of $(1,842,270) offset by non-cash items of $511,911 and a net change in operating assets and liabilities of $(132,423).


Net Cash Used in Investing Activities


Net cash used in investing activities during the 2013 Quarter totaled ($105,022) and resulted primarily from capitalized technology expenditures.


Net cash used in investing activities during the 2012 Quarter totaled ($104,861), resulting primarily from capitalized technology expenditures.


Net Cash Provided By Financing Activities


Net cash provided by financing activities during the 2013 Quarter totaled $947,242 which resulted primarily from the receipt of a $1,000,000 loan from the CEO.


Net cash provided by financing activities during the 2012 Quarter totaled $925,112 and resulted primarily from proceeds from the issuance of convertible notes.


Historically, our primary source of liquidity is cash receipts from tuition and the issuances of debt and equity securities. The primary uses of cash are payroll related expenses, professional expenses and instructional and marketing expenses.


From September 2012 through April 2013, we raised gross proceeds of approximately $4.6 million through the sale of 13,249,503 shares of common stock and 6,624,751 five-year warrants exercisable at $0.50 per share. On July 1, 2013, Mr. Michael Mathews, our Chief Executive Officer, loaned Aspen Group $1 million and was issued a $1 million promissory note due December 31, 2013. The promissory note bears 10% interest per annum, payable monthly in arrears. Mr. Mathews also holds two $300,000 convertible notes which are due on August 31, 2014, one of which is convertible at $0.35 per share and the other at $1.00 per share. Additionally, $200,000 in notes convertible at $1.00 per share come due in February of 2014.


As of September 16, 2013, Aspen Group had borrowed approximately $245,000 under its line of credit and had approximately $635,000 in cash, of which $345,000 was restricted. The restricted cash is comprised of approximately $80,000 in Title IV accounts that may be disbursed to Aspen Group in the future if participating students complete their given courses, and approximately $265,000 pledged as security in the form of a letter of credit as required by the DOE. Aspen Group has executed a letter of intent with an institutional investor to lend the Company $1.5 million through the issuance of an 18-month $1,680,000 original issue discount debentures convertible at $0.3325 per share together with 5.05 million five-year warrants exercisable at $0.3325 per share. We have executed engagement letters with two broker-dealers, one of which has introduced the institutional investor and the second of which has obtained indications of interest from three institutional investors to lend us $500,000 on identical terms to those disclosed in this paragraph. Assuming we close this financing, and secure at least $1.7 million in net proceeds and if our business improvement continues, we expect to achieve positive Adjusted EBITDA prior to mid-year calendar 2014. The net proceeds will be used to meet cash flow deficits and to accelerate the growth of the business. If our future contemplated offering is not successful and we are unable to raise capital by other means, we believe that, with our current available cash along with anticipated revenues, we will need to reduce operating expenses.




24





Depending on our cash position, we may spend $250,000 in capital expenditures over the next 12 months. These capital expenditures will be allocated across growth initiatives including expansion of Aspen’s call center activities subject to academic courseware development and further improvements in Aspen’s technology infrastructure. Depending on management’s efforts to realize efficiencies in technology development, our capital expenditures may be less than anticipated.


Our cash balances are kept liquid to support our growing infrastructure needs. The majority of our cash is concentrated in large financial institutions.


Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates


In response to financial reporting release FR-60, Cautionary Advice Regarding Disclosure About Critical Accounting Policies, from the SEC, we have selected our more subjective accounting estimation processes for purposes of explaining the methodology used in calculating the estimate, in addition to the inherent uncertainties pertaining to the estimate and the possible effects on the our financial condition. The accounting estimates are discussed below and involve certain assumptions that, if incorrect, could have a material adverse impact on our results of operations and financial condition.


Revenue Recognition and Deferred Revenue


Revenue consisting primarily of tuition and fees derived from courses taught by Aspen online as well as from related educational resources that Aspen provides to its students, such as access to our online materials and learning management system. Tuition revenue is recognized pro-rata over the applicable period of instruction. Aspen maintains an institutional tuition refund policy, which provides for all or a portion of tuition to be refunded if a student withdraws during stated refund periods. Certain states in which students reside impose separate, mandatory refund policies, which override Aspen’s policy to the extent in conflict. If a student withdraws at a time when a portion or none of the tuition is refundable, then in accordance with its revenue recognition policy, Aspen recognizes as revenue the tuition that was not refunded. Since Aspen recognizes revenue pro-rata over the term of the course and because, under its institutional refund policy, the amount subject to refund is never greater than the amount of the revenue that has been deferred, under Aspen’s accounting policies revenue is not recognized with respect to amounts that could potentially be refunded. Aspen’s educational programs have starting and ending dates that differ from its fiscal quarters. Therefore, at the end of each fiscal quarter, a portion of revenue from these programs is not yet earned and is therefore deferred. Aspen also charges students annual fees for library, technology and other services, which are recognized over the related service period. Deferred revenue represents the amount of tuition, fees, and other student payments received in excess of the portion recognized as revenue and it is included in current liabilities in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. Other revenue may be recognized as sales occur or services are performed.


Revenue Recognition and Deferred Revenue – Discontinued Operations


Aspen entered into certain revenue sharing arrangements with consultants whereby the consultants developed course content primarily for technology related courses, recommend, but not select, faculty, lease equipment on behalf of Aspen for instructional purposes for the on-site laboratory portion of distance learning courses and make introductions to corporate and government sponsoring organizations who provide students for the courses. Aspen has evaluated ASC 605-45 "Principal Agent Considerations" and determined that there are more indicators than not that Aspen is the primary obligor in the arrangements since Aspen establishes the tuition, interfaces with the student or sponsoring organization, selects the faculty, is responsible for delivering the course, is responsible for issuing any degrees or certificates, and is responsible for collecting the tuition and fees. The gross tuition and fees are included in revenue while the revenue sharing payments are included in instructional costs and services, an operating expense. As a result of presenting this component as discontinued operations, the revenue is now included in income from discontinued operations for all periods presented.




25





Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable


All students are required to select both a primary and secondary payment option with respect to amounts due to Aspen for tuition, fees and other expenses. The most common payment option for Aspen’s students is personal funds or payment made on their behalf by an employer. In instances where a student selects financial aid as the primary payment option, he or she often selects personal cash as the secondary option. If a student who has selected financial aid as his or her primary payment option withdraws prior to the end of a course but after the date that Aspen’s institutional refund period has expired, the student will have incurred the obligation to pay the full cost of the course. If the withdrawal occurs before the date at which the student has earned 100% of his or her financial aid, Aspen will have to return all or a portion of the Title IV funds to the DOE and the student will owe Aspen all amounts incurred that are in excess of the amount of financial aid that the student earned and that Aspen is entitled to retain. In this case, Aspen must collect the receivable using the student’s second payment option.


For accounts receivable from students, Aspen records an allowance for doubtful accounts for estimated losses resulting from the inability, failure or refusal of its students to make required payments, which includes the recovery of financial aid funds advanced to a student for amounts in excess of the student’s cost of tuition and related fees. Aspen determines the adequacy of its allowance for doubtful accounts using a general reserve method based on an analysis of its historical bad debt experience, current economic trends, and the aging of the accounts receivable and student status. Aspen applies reserves to its receivables based upon an estimate of the risk presented by the age of the receivables and student status. Aspen writes off accounts receivable balances at the time the balances are deemed uncollectible. Aspen continues to reflect accounts receivable with an offsetting allowance as long as management believes there is a reasonable possibility of collection.


For accounts receivable from primary payors other than students, Aspen estimates its allowance for doubtful accounts by evaluating specific accounts where information indicates the customers may have an inability to meet financial obligations, such as bankruptcy proceedings and receivable amounts outstanding for an extended period beyond contractual terms. In these cases, Aspen uses assumptions and judgment, based on the best available facts and circumstances, to record a specific allowance for those customers against amounts due to reduce the receivable to the amount expected to be collected. These specific allowances are re-evaluated and adjusted as additional information is received. The amounts calculated are analyzed to determine the total amount of the allowance. Aspen may also record a general allowance as necessary.


Direct write-offs are taken in the period when Aspen has exhausted its efforts to collect overdue and unpaid receivables or otherwise evaluate other circumstances that indicate that Aspen should abandon such efforts.


Related Party Transactions


On July 1, 2013, Mr. Michael Mathews, our Chief Executive Officer, loaned Aspen Group $1 million and was issued a $1 million promissory note due December 31, 2013. The promissory note bears 10% interest per annum, payable monthly in arrears.


At July 31, 2013, we included as a long term asset an account receivable of $270,478 net of an allowance of $502,315 from Aspen’s former Chairman. Although it is secured by stock pledges, there is a risk that we may not collect all or any of this sum.


See Note 10 to our July 31, 2013 unaudited consolidated financial statements included herein for additional description of related party transactions that had a material effect on our consolidated financial statements.


Off Balance Sheet Arrangements

 

We do not engage in any activities involving variable interest entities or off-balance sheet arrangements.


New Accounting Pronouncements


See Note 2 to our July 31, 2013 unaudited consolidated financial statements included herein for discussion of recent accounting pronouncements.

 



26





Cautionary Note Regarding Forward Looking Statements

 

This report contains forward-looking statements including revenue and gross profit growth, achieving positive Adjusted EBITDA, expected increase or decrease in expenses, capital expenditures, and liquidity. All statements other than statements of historical facts contained in this report, including statements regarding our future financial position, liquidity, business strategy and plans and objectives of management for future operations, are forward-looking statements. The words “believe,” “may,” “estimate,” “continue,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “should,” “plan,” “could,” “target,” “potential,” “is likely,” “will,” “expect” and similar expressions, as they relate to us, are intended to identify forward-looking statements. We have based these forward-looking statements largely on our current expectations and projections about future events and financial trends that we believe may affect our financial condition, results of operations, business strategy and financial needs.

 

The results anticipated by any or all of these forward-looking statements might not occur. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ from those in the forward-looking statements include the failure to maintain regulatory approvals including our ability to obtain permanent certification from our accreditor, competition, ineffective media and/or marketing, failure to maintain growth in degree seeking students and the failure to generate sufficient revenue. Further information on our risk factors is contained in our filings with the SEC, including the Prospectus dated August 13, 2013. Additionally, our ability to achieve positive Adjusted EBITDA is dependent upon raising at least $1.7 million in net proceeds from the convertible note offering discussed above. Any forward-looking statement made by us in this report speaks only as of the date on which it is made. Factors or events that could cause our actual results to differ may emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for us to predict all of them. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as the result of new information, future events or otherwise.

 

ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

 

Not applicable


ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

 

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures. Our management carried out an evaluation, with the participation of our Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer, required by Rule 13a-15 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”) of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Exchange Act. Based on their evaluation, our Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures are effective as of the end of the period covered by this report to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in the 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 is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

 

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Exchange Act that occurred during the period covered by this report that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

 

 



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PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

 

ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

 

From time to time, we are periodically a party to or otherwise involved in legal proceedings arising in the normal and ordinary course of business. As of the date of this report, we are not aware of any proceeding, threatened or pending, against us which, if determined adversely, would have a material effect on our business, results of operations, cash flows or financial position, except litigation filed by our former chairman, which has been previously reported. There were no material developments during the quarter ended July 31, 2013.


See Note 8 to the July 31, 2013 unaudited consolidated financial statements contained in this report for information on specific matters.


ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS


Not applicable to smaller reporting companies.


ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

 

In addition to those unregistered securities previously disclosed in filings with the SEC, we have sold securities which are not registered under the Securities Act of 1933 (the “Securities Act”), as described below. All securities were issued in reliance upon the exemptions provided by Section 4(a)(2) and Rule 506 under the Securities Act.

 

Name or Class of
Investor

 

Date Issued

 

No. of Securities

 

Consideration

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Placement Agents

 

May 2013

 

 

1,394,047 warrants (1)

 

Placement Agent Services

Consultant

 

July 16, 2013

 

 

317,143

 

Consulting Services

Consultant

 

June 26, 2013

 

 

300,000

 

Consulting Services

———————

(1)

Of these warrants, 279,021 are exercisable at $0.50 per share, 581,714 are exercisable at $0.35 per share and 533,312 are exercisable at $0.3325 per share.

 

ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

 

Not applicable.

 

ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

 

Not applicable.

 

ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION


None. 


ITEM 6. EXHIBITS

 

See the Exhibit Index at the end of this report.

 

 



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SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.


 

Aspen Group, Inc.

 

 

 

 

 

September 16, 2013

By:

/s/ Michael Mathews

 

 

 

Michael Mathews

 

 

 

Chief Executive Officer

 

 

 

(Principal Executive Officer)

 

 

 

 

 

September 16, 2013

By:

/s/ Michael Matte

 

 

 

Michael Matte

 

 

 

Chief Financial Officer

 

 

 

(Principal Financial Officer)

 

 



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EXHIBIT INDEX

 

 

 

 

 

 

Incorporated by Reference

 

Filed or Furnished

Exhibit #

 

Exhibit Description

 

 

Form

 

Date

 

 

Number

 

Herewith

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2.1

 

Certificate of Merger

 

 

8-K

 

3/19/12

 

 

2.1

 

 

2.2

 

Agreement and Plan of Merger

 

 

8-K

 

3/19/12

 

 

2.2

 

 

2.3

 

Agreement and Plan of Merger – DE Reincorporation

 

 

8-K

 

3/19/12

 

 

2.3

 

 

2.4

 

Articles of Merger – DE Reincorporation

 

 

8-K

 

3/19/12

 

 

2.4

 

 

2.5

 

Certificate of Merger – DE Reincorporation

 

 

8-K

 

3/19/12

 

 

2.5

 

 

3.1

 

Certificate of Incorporation, as amended

 

 

8-K

 

3/19/12

 

 

2.6

 

 

3.2

 

Bylaws

 

 

8-K

 

3/19/12

 

 

2.7

 

 

3.3

 

Certificate of Incorporation – Acquisition Sub

 

 

8-K

 

3/19/12

 

 

2.8

 

 

3.4

 

Articles of Amendment to FL Articles of Incorporation

 

 

8-K

 

3/19/12

 

 

2.9

 

 

3.5

 

Articles of Amendment to FL Articles of Incorporation

 

 

8-K

 

6/20/11

 

 

3.3

 

 

3.6

 

FL Articles of Incorporation

 

 

S-1/A

 

5/5/10

 

 

3.1

 

 

10.1

 

Mathews’ Promissory Note dated July 1, 2013

 

 

S-1

 

7/3/13

 

 

10.40

 

 

10.2

 

Employment Agreement – Matte*

 

 

S-1

 

7/3/13

 

 

10.7

 

 

10.3

 

Addendum to Employment Agreement – Garrity

 

 

S-1

 

7/3/13

 

 

10.39

 

 

10.4

 

Michael Matte Stock Option Agreement

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Filed

10.5

 

David Garrity Stock Option Agreement

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Filed

31.1

 

Certification of Principal Executive Officer (302)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Filed

31.2

 

Certification of Principal Financial Officer (302)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Filed

32.1

 

Certification of Principal Executive and Principal Financial Officer (906)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Furnished**

101.INS

 

XBRL Instance Document

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Furnished***

101.SCH

 

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Furnished***

101.CAL

 

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Furnished***

101.DEF

 

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Furnished***

101.LAB

 

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Furnished***

101.PRE

 

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Furnished***

———————

*

Management contract or compensation plan.


**

This exhibit is being furnished rather than filed and shall not be deemed incorporated by reference into any filing, in accordance with Item 601 of Regulation S-K.


***

Attached as Exhibit 101 to this report are the Company’s financial statements for the quarter ended July 31, 2013 and 2012 formatted in XBRL (eXtensible Business Reporting Language). The XBRL-related information in Exhibit 101 to this report shall not be deemed “filed” or a part of a registration statement or prospectus for purposes of Sections 11 or 12 of the Securities Act, and is not filed for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, or otherwise subject to the liabilities of those sections.


Copies of the exhibits referred to above will be furnished at no cost to our shareholders who make a written request to Aspen Group, Inc., 224 West 30th Street, Suite 604 New York, New York 10001 Attention: Corporate Secretary.

 



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