ASPEN GROUP, INC. - Quarter Report: 2013 October (Form 10-Q)

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 October 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: 000-55107

Aspen Group, Inc.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

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.

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

INDEX

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

ASPEN GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(Continued)

1

ASPEN GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (CONTINUED)

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

2

ASPEN GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(Unaudited)

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

3

ASPEN GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY (DEFICIENCY)

FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED OCTOBER 31, 2013

(Unaudited)

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

4

ASPEN GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(Unaudited)

(Continued)

5

ASPEN GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (CONTINUED)

(Unaudited)

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

6

ASPEN GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

October 31, 2013

(Unaudited)

Note 1.Nature of Operations and Liquidity

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 is no longer 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 October 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

A. 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 and six months ended October 31, 2013 and 2012, our cash flows for the six months ended October 31, 2013 and 2012, and our financial position as of October 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 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.

7

ASPEN GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

October 31, 2013

(Unaudited)

B. 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 is no longer 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 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:

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

C. Liquidity

As a result of the June and September financing transactions disclosed in Notes 6 and 7, the Company has a cash position of approximately $1.4 million as of October 31, 2013. With the additional cash, the growth in the company revenues and improving operating margins the Company believes that it has sufficient cash to allow the Company to grow to positive operating cash flow. Management expects to use approximately $1,000,000 in cash from October 2013 to April 2014, at which time the Company forecasts to begin generating cash from operations.

8

ASPEN GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

October 31, 2013

(Unaudited)

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 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 consolidated financial statements. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Significant estimates in the accompanying unaudited 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 beneficial conversion features in convertible debt, 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 $265,444 as restricted cash (shown as a current asset as of October 31, 2013) until such letter of credit expires on December 31, 2013. As of October 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.

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.

Title IV Funds in Transit

The Company receives Title IV funds from the Department of Education to cover tuition and living expenses. Until forwarded to the student, the amount of living expenses is captured in a current liability account called Title IV Funds in Transit. Typically, the funds are paid to the students within two weeks.

9

ASPEN GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

October 31, 2013

(Unaudited)

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 9,433,092 and 5,942,931 common shares, warrants to purchase 18,249,528 and 5,887,090 common shares, and $3,040,000 and $800,000 of convertible debt (convertible into 8,093,985 and 1,357,143 common shares) were outstanding during the six months ended October 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.

Reclassifications

The Company reclassified $257,378 and $253,883 at October 31, 2013 and April 30, 2013, respectively, from Deferred Revenue to Title IV Funds in Transit.  Both are classified in Current Liabilities.  For the three and six months ended October 31, 2013, the Company reclassified $62,250 and $113,250, respectively, from Cost of Revenues to General and Administrative, both within Operating Expenses.  There were no corresponding reclassifications for the three and six months ended October 31, 2012.   

10

ASPEN GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

October 31, 2013

(Unaudited)

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.

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 recognized an allowance of $502,315 for this account receivable. As of October 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 October 31, 2013 and April 30, 2013:

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ASPEN GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

October 31, 2013

(Unaudited)

Depreciation and amortization expense for the three months ended October 31, 2013 and October 31, 2012 was $92,190 and $70,527, respectively. Depreciation and amortization expense for the six months ended October 31, 2013 and October 31, 2012 was $170,884 and $133,520, respectively.

Amortization expense for software, included in the above amounts, for the three months ended October 31, 2013 and October 31, 2012 was $82,729 and $62,578, respectively. Amortization expense for software, included in the above amounts, for the six months ended October 31, 2013 and October 31, 2012 was $154,648 and $117,790, respectively. Software consisted of the following at October 31, 2013 and April 30, 2013:

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

Note 5. Courseware

Courseware costs capitalized were $1,500 for the six months ended October 31, 2013.

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

Amortization expense of courseware for the three months ended October 31, 2013 and October 31, 2012 was $27,731 and $35,180, respectively. Amortization expense of courseware for the six months ended October 31, 2013 and October 31, 2012 was $58,202 and $70,758, respectively.

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

12

ASPEN GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

October 31, 2013

(Unaudited)

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. On September 25, 2013, as a term of the convertible debenture issued as discussed in Note 7, the maturity of the debt to the CEO has been extended to April 2, 2015.

Note 7. Convertible Notes and Debenture 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 October 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. On September 25, 2013, as a term of the convertible debenture issued as discussed further in this Note, the maturity of the debt to the CEO, has been extended to April 5, 2015. There was no accounting effect for these 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. On September 25, 2013, as a term of the convertible debenture issued as discussed further in this Note, the maturity of the debt to the CEO has been extended to April 5, 2015. There was no accounting effect for this modification. (See Note 10).

On September 26, 2013, the Company and an institutional investor (the "Institutional Investor") signed a Securities Purchase Agreement (the “Agreement”) with respect to a loan of $2,240,000 evidenced by an 18 month original issue discount secured convertible debenture (the "Debenture") with gross proceeds of $2,000,000 prior to fees. Payments on the Debenture 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 Agreement provides that the Debenture may be converted at the holder’s option at $0.3325 per share at any time after the closing and subject to adjustments. The Company evaluated that for the embedded conversion option, there was no beneficial conversion value to record as the conversion price was greater than the fair market value of the common shares on the note issue date. Warrants with a relative fair value of $389,565 were issued for 100% of the number of shares of common stock that could be purchased at the conversion price at closing or 6,736,842. The warrants have a five-year term and are exercisable for cash if an outstanding registration statement is in effect within 90 days of closing. The $389,565 is recorded as a debt discount to be amortized over the debt term. The Debenture bears 8% per annum interest and are amortizable in installments over their term. The financing closed on September 26, 2013 and the Company received proceeds of approximately $1.7 million, net of certain offering costs and before payment of various debt issue costs. Offering costs to the lender included an original issue discount of $240,000 and cash loan fees of $117,846.

13

ASPEN GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

October 31, 2013

(Unaudited)

In September 2013 Company had entered into an engagement agreement with Laidlaw & Co. ("Laidlaw") to act as placement agent for the offering and receive customary compensation. Laidlaw introduced the Institutional Investor. As a placement agent fee, the Company paid Laidlaw $207,500 and issued 1,347,368 five year warrants with an exercise price of $0.3325, valued at $94,316. The warrants and fees paid plus legal fees of $35,356 were recorded as a debt issue cost asset and are being amortized over the debt term.

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 October 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 October 31, 2013 was $244,482. 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 October 31, 2013 was $5,518.

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 October 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 the Company, certain senior management members and our directors in state court in New York seeking damages arising principally from (i) allegedly false and misleading statements in the filings with the SEC and the DOE where the Company disclosed that HEMG and Mr. Spada borrowed $2.2 million without board authority, (ii) the alleged breach of an April 2012 agreement whereby the Company had agreed, subject to numerous conditions and time limitations, to purchase certain shares of the Company from HEMG, and (iii) alleged diminution to the value of HEMG’s shares of the Company due to Mr. Spada’s disagreement with certain business transactions the Company engaged in, all with Board approval. On November 8, 2013, the state court in New York granted the Company’s motion to dismiss all of the derivative claims and all of the fiduciary duty claims. The state court in New York also granted the Company’s motion to dismiss the duplicative breach of good faith and fair dealing claim, as well as the defamation claim. The state court in New York denied the Company’s motion to dismiss as to the defamation per se claim. The Company did not file a motion to dismiss the breach of contract claim, so that claim remains as well. A preliminary conference in state court of New York is scheduled for December 19, 2013 relative to the two remaining claims.

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ASPEN GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

October 31, 2013

(Unaudited)

On November 21, 2013, HEMG and Mr. Spada filed a derivative suit on behalf of the Company against certain former senior management member and our directors in state court in Delaware. The Company is a nominal defendant.  The complaint is substantially similar to the complaint filed in state court of New York, except that if successful, the Company will receive the benefits. While the Company has been advised by its counsel that these lawsuits are baseless, the Company cannot provide any assurance as to the ultimate outcome of the cases. Defending the litigations will be expensive and will require the expenditure of time which could otherwise be spent on the Company’s business. While unlikely, if Mr. Spada’s and HEMG’s claims were to be successful, the damages the Company could pay could potentially be material.

On December 10, 2013, the Company filed a series of counter claims against HEMG and Mr. Spada in state court of New York.

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 2013 represented approximately 26% 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”).

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.

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ASPEN GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

October 31, 2013

(Unaudited)

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.

On June 30, 2013, the Company filed its calendar year 2012 compliance audit with the Department of Education. As a result of the audit findings, the Company recognized that it had not fully complied with all requirements for calculating and making timely returns of Title IV funds (R2T4). In November 2013, the Company returned a total of $102,810 of Title IV funds to the Department of Education.

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 six months ended October 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.

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ASPEN GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

October 31, 2013

(Unaudited)

Warrants

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

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 a thinly trading market, the warrants are excluded from derivative treatment.

On September 26, 2013, warrants were issued in connection with a financing more fully described in Note 7  with a relative fair value of $389,565 were issued for 100% of the number of shares of common stock that could be purchased at the conversion price at closing or 6,736,842. The warrants have a five-year term and are exercisable for cash if an outstanding registration statement is in effect within 90 days of closing.  Also, as a placement agent fee, the Company paid $207,500 and issued 1,347,368 five year warrants with an exercise price of $0.3325, valued at $94,316. The warrants and fees paid were recorded as a debt issue cost asset and are being amortized over the debt term (See Note 7).

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 October 31, 2013, there were no shares 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 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.

17

ASPEN GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

October 31, 2013

(Unaudited)

During the three months ended October 31, 2013, the Company granted to employees 327,500 stock options, all of which were under the Plan, having an exercise price of $0.35 per share. All of these options vest ratably over three years and expire five years from the grant date. The total fair value of stock options granted to employees during the three months ended October 31, 2013 was $39,300, which is being recognized over the respective vesting periods. The Company recorded compensation expense of $147,226 for the three months ended October 31, 2013, in connection with outstanding employee stock options. The Company recorded compensation expense of $99,360 for the three months ended October 31, 2012, in connection with outstanding employee stock options.

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 October 31, 2013:

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 six months ended October 31, 2013 is presented below:

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

18

ASPEN GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

October 31, 2013

(Unaudited)

As of October 31, 2013, there was $509,425 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 years.

Stock Option Grants to Non-Employees

There were no stock options granted to non-employees during the six months ended October 31, 2013. The Company recorded compensation expense of $1,496 for the six months ended October 31, 2013 in connection with non-employee stock options. No expense was recorded during the same periods in 2012.

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 October 31, 2013:

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