Stride, Inc. - Quarter Report: 2021 March (Form 10-Q)

General Education

Career Learning

● Online and blended public school solutions

● Online and blended career learning programs

● Stride private schools

● Galvanize, Tech Elevator and MedCerts

● General Education software and service sales

● Career Learning software and service sales

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UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

Form 10-Q

☒

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

For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2021

☐

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: 001-33883

Stride, Inc.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)


Delaware		95-4774688
(State or other jurisdiction of		(I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization)		Identification No.)

2300 Corporate Park Drive
Herndon, VA 20171		(703) 483-7000
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)		(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

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


Title of each class	Trading Symbol	Name of each exchange on which registered
Common Stock, $0.0001 par value	LRN	New York Stock Exchange (NYSE)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports) and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes ⌧ No ◻

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). Yes ⌧ No ◻

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Large accelerated filer ⌧

Accelerated filer ◻

Non-accelerated filer ◻

Smaller reporting company ☐

Emerging growth company ☐

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) 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 ☐ No ⌧

As of April 16, 2021, the Registrant had 41,541,982 shares of common stock, $0.0001 par value per share outstanding.

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Stride, Inc.

Form 10-Q

For the Quarterly Period Ended March 31, 2021

Index

		Page
		Number

PART I.	Financial Information
Item 1.	Financial Statements (Unaudited)	3
Item 2.	Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations	39
Item 3.	Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk	49
Item 4.	Controls and Procedures	49

PART II.	Other Information
Item 1.	Legal Proceedings	51
Item 1A.	Risk Factors	51
Item 2.	Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds	52
Item 3.	Defaults Upon Senior Securities	52
Item 4.	Mine Safety Disclosures	52
Item 5.	Other Information	52
Item 6.	Exhibits	52

Signatures		54

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PART I — FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Financial Statements (Unaudited).

STRIDE, INC.

UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS


	March 31,		June 30,
	2021		2020
				(audited)
	(In thousands except share and per share data)
ASSETS
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$	329,031	$	212,299
Accounts receivable, net of allowance of $21,697 and $6,808		422,786		236,134
Inventories, net		28,814		28,300
Prepaid expenses		26,656		13,058
Other current assets		22,918		11,480
Total current assets		830,205		501,271
Operating lease right-of-use assets, net		100,027		111,768
Property and equipment, net		82,918		38,668
Capitalized software, net		51,922		48,493
Capitalized curriculum development costs, net		48,482		48,849
Intangible assets, net		103,047		77,451
Goodwill		240,251		174,939
Deposits and other assets		77,316		71,824
Total assets	$	1,534,168	$	1,073,263
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current liabilities
Accounts payable	$	47,043	$	40,428
Accrued liabilities		44,199		27,351
Accrued compensation and benefits		62,816		47,227
Deferred revenue		53,449		24,417
Credit facility		—		100,000
Current portion of finance lease liability		26,036		13,304
Current portion of operating lease liability		21,259		20,689
Total current liabilities		254,802		273,416
Long-term finance lease liability		43,117		4,634
Long-term operating lease liability		82,600		96,544
Long-term debt		295,388		—
Deferred tax liability		31,531		13,771
Other long-term liabilities		39,951		9,569
Total liabilities		747,389		397,934
Commitments and contingencies		—		—
Stockholders’ equity
Preferred stock, par value $0.0001; 10,000,000 shares authorized; zero shares issued or outstanding		—		—
Common stock, par value $0.0001; 100,000,000 shares authorized; 46,877,934 and 46,341,627 shares issued; and 41,543,191 and 41,006,884 shares outstanding		4		4
Additional paid-in capital		788,028		730,761
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)		(427)		93
Retained earnings		101,656		46,953
Treasury stock of 5,334,743 shares at cost		(102,482)		(102,482)
Total stockholders’ equity		786,779		675,329
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$	1,534,168	$	1,073,263

See accompanying notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

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STRIDE, INC.

UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS


	Three Months Ended March 31,				Nine Months Ended March 31,
	2021		2020		2021		2020

	(In thousands except share and per share data)
Revenues	$	392,145	$	257,154	$	1,139,250	$	771,834
Instructional costs and services		253,128		178,968		740,951		515,796
Gross margin		139,017		78,186		398,299		256,038
Selling, general, and administrative expenses		100,464		63,687		309,230		230,622
Income from operations		38,553		14,499		89,069		25,416
Interest income (expense), net		(5,371)		(76)		(12,502)		1,275
Other income (expense), net		486		(1,093)		2,276		(736)
Income before income taxes and income (loss) from equity method investments		33,668		13,330		78,843		25,955
Income tax expense		(10,275)		(4,419)		(18,541)		(5,993)
Income (loss) from equity method investments		396		(157)		654		(344)
Net income attributable to common stockholders	$	23,789	$	8,754	$	60,956	$	19,618
Net income attributable to common stockholders per share:
Basic	$	0.59	$	0.22	$	1.52	$	0.50
Diluted	$	0.57	$	0.22	$	1.46	$	0.48
Weighted average shares used in computing per share amounts:
Basic		40,286,109		39,539,791		40,143,610		39,426,121
Diluted		41,690,509		39,938,898		41,701,955		40,461,290

See accompanying notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

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STRIDE, INC.

UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME


	Three Months Ended March 31,				Nine Months Ended March 31,
	2021		2020		2021		2020

		(In thousands)
Net income	$	23,789	$	8,754	$	60,956	$	19,618
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Foreign currency translation adjustment		(58)		237		(520)		89

Comprehensive income attributable to common stockholders	$	23,731	$	8,991	$	60,436	$	19,707

See accompanying notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

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STRIDE, INC.

UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY


	Stride, Inc. Stockholders' Equity
(In thousands except share data)	Common Stock			Additional Paid-in		Accumulated Other Comprehensive		Retained		Treasury Stock
	Shares	Amount		Capital		Income (Loss)		Earnings		Shares	Amount		Total
Balance, June 30, 2020	46,341,627	$	4	$	730,761	$	93	$	46,953	(5,334,743)	$	(102,482)	$	675,329
Adjustment related to new credit losses guidance	—		—		—		—		(6,253)	—		—		(6,253)
Net income	—		—		—		—		12,666	—		—		12,666
Foreign currency translation adjustment	—		—		—		(192)		—	—		—		(192)
Stock-based compensation expense	—		—		9,009		—		—	—		—		9,009
Exercise of stock options	948,867		—		32		—		—	—		—		32
Withholding of stock options for tax withholding	(655,219)		—		(10,885)		—		—	—		—		(10,885)
Equity component of convertible senior notes, net of issuance costs and taxes	—		—		105,477		—		—	—		—		105,477
Purchases of capped calls in connection with convertible senior notes	—		—		(60,354)		—		—	—		—		(60,354)
Issuance of restricted stock awards	383,223		—		—		—		—	—		—		—
Forfeiture of restricted stock awards	(9,329)		—		—		—		—	—		—		—
Repurchase of restricted stock for tax withholding	(136,194)		—		(5,808)		—		—	—		—		(5,808)
Balance, September 30, 2020	46,872,975	$	4	$	768,232	$	(99)	$	53,366	(5,334,743)	$	(102,482)	$	719,021
Net income	—		—		—		—		24,501	—		—		24,501
Foreign currency translation adjustment	—		—		—		(270)		—	—		—		(270)
Stock-based compensation expense	—		—		9,181		—		—	—		—		9,181
Exercise of stock options	15,000		—		271		—		—	—		—		271
Equity component of convertible senior notes, net of issuance costs and taxes	—		—		25		—		—	—		—		25
Issuance of restricted stock awards	19,500		—		—		—		—	—		—		—
Forfeiture of restricted stock awards	(2,122)		—		—		—		—	—		—		—
Repurchase of restricted stock for tax withholding	(11,419)		—		(300)		—		—	—		—		(300)
Balance, December 31, 2020	46,893,934	$	4	$	777,409	$	(369)	$	77,867	(5,334,743)	$	(102,482)	$	752,429
Net income	—		—		—		—		23,789	—		—		23,789
Foreign currency translation adjustment	—		—		—		(58)		—	—		—		(58)
Stock-based compensation expense	—		—		12,962		—		—	—		—		12,962
Exercise of stock options	24,450		—		421		—		—	—		—		421
Issuance of restricted stock awards	117,085		—		—		—		—	—		—		—
Forfeiture of restricted stock awards	(57,435)		—		—		—		—	—		—		—
Repurchase of restricted stock for tax withholding	(100,100)		—		(2,764)		—		—	—		—		(2,764)
Balance, March 31, 2021	46,877,934	$	4	$	788,028	$	(427)	$	101,656	(5,334,743)	$	(102,482)	$	786,779

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	Stride, Inc. Stockholders' Equity
(In thousands except share data)	Common Stock			Additional Paid-in		Accumulated Other Comprehensive		Retained Earnings (Accumulated		Treasury Stock
	Shares	Amount		Capital		Loss		Deficit)		Shares	Amount		Total

Balance, June 30, 2019	45,575,236	$	4	$	713,436	$	(40)	$	22,447	(5,334,743)	$	(102,482)	$	633,365
Net loss	—		—		—		—		(9,730)	—		—		(9,730)
Foreign currency translation adjustment	—		—		—		139		—	—		—		139
Stock-based compensation expense	—		—		5,594		—		—	—		—		5,594
Exercise of stock options	2,500		—		42		—		—	—		—		42
Issuance of restricted stock awards	918,702		—		—		—		—	—		—		—
Forfeiture of restricted stock awards	(34,090)		—		—		—		—	—		—		—
Repurchase of restricted stock for tax withholding	(171,778)		—		(4,698)		—		—	—		—		(4,698)
Balance, September 30, 2019	46,290,570	$	4	$	714,374	$	99	$	12,717	(5,334,743)	$	(102,482)	$	624,712
Net income	—		—		—		—		20,594	—		—		20,594
Foreign currency translation adjustment	—		—		—		(287)		—	—		—		(287)
Stock-based compensation expense	—		—		6,256		—		—	—		—		6,256
Exercise of stock options	500		—		6		—		—	—		—		6
Issuance of restricted stock awards	18,000		—		—		—		—	—		—		—
Forfeiture of restricted stock awards	(18,019)		—		—		—		—	—		—		—
Repurchase of restricted stock for tax withholding	(8,878)		—		(185)		—		—	—		—		(185)
Balance, December 31, 2019	46,282,173	$	4	$	720,451	$	(188)	$	33,311	(5,334,743)	$	(102,482)	$	651,096
Net income	—		—		—		—		8,754	—		—		8,754
Foreign currency translation adjustment	—		—		—		237		—	—		—		237
Stock-based compensation expense	—		—		6,162		—		—	—		—		6,162
Exercise of stock options	—		—		—		—		—	—		—		—
Issuance of restricted stock awards	108,959		—		—		—		—	—		—		—
Forfeiture of restricted stock awards	(23,900)		—		—		—		—	—		—		—
Repurchase of restricted stock for tax withholding	(92,962)		—		(1,621)		—		—	—		—		(1,621)
Balance, March 31, 2020	46,274,270	$	4	$	724,992	$	49	$	42,065	(5,334,743)	$	(102,482)	$	664,628

See accompanying notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

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STRIDE, INC.

UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS


	Nine Months Ended March 31,
	2021		2020

	(In thousands)
Cash flows from operating activities
Net income	$	60,956	$	19,618
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization expense		65,038		52,790
Stock-based compensation expense		30,821		17,785
Deferred income taxes		2,256		1,151
Provision for (recovery of) doubtful accounts		7,635		(88)
Amortization of discount and fees on debt		8,737		—
Other		22,456		11,605
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable		(197,659)		(76,187)
Inventories, prepaid expenses, deposits and other current and long-term assets		(27,798)		240
Accounts payable		(913)		(20,066)
Accrued liabilities		8,850		6,260
Accrued compensation and benefits		14,913		(15,543)
Operating lease liability		(15,650)		(8,151)
Deferred revenue and other liabilities		31,480		13,611
Net cash provided by operating activities		11,122		3,025
Cash flows from investing activities
Purchase of property and equipment		(2,967)		(1,493)
Capitalized software development costs		(20,189)		(18,825)
Capitalized curriculum development costs		(11,742)		(15,463)
Sale of long-lived assets		223		—
Acquisition of Galvanize, Inc., net of cash acquired		—		(167,995)
Acquisition of MedCerts, LLC, net of cash acquired		(54,795)		—
Acquisition of Tech Elevator, Inc., net of cash acquired		(16,030)		—
Other acquisitions and investments, net of distributions		(1,008)		(4,277)
Net cash used in investing activities		(106,508)		(208,053)
Cash flows from financing activities
Repayments on finance lease obligations		(17,103)		(21,603)
Borrowing from credit facility		—		105,000
Repayments on credit facility		(100,000)		(5,000)
Issuance of convertible senior notes		408,610		—
Purchases of capped calls in connection with convertible senior notes		(60,354)		—
Proceeds from exercise of stock options		724		48
Withholding of stock options for tax withholding		(10,885)		—
Repurchase of restricted stock for income tax withholding		(8,872)		(6,504)
Net cash provided by financing activities		212,120		71,941
Net change in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash		116,734		(133,087)
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, beginning of period		213,299		284,621
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, end of period	$	330,033	$	151,534

Reconciliation of cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash to balance sheet as of March 31st:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	329,031	$	150,034
Other current assets (restricted cash)		502		500
Deposits and other assets (restricted cash)		500		1,000
Total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash	$	330,033	$	151,534

See accompanying notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

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STRIDE, INC.

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1. Description of the Business

Stride, Inc., together with its subsidiaries (“Stride” or the “Company”) is an education services company providing online and blended learning. On December 16, 2020, the Company changed its name from K12 Inc. to Stride, Inc. The brand reflects the Company’s continued growth into lifelong learning, regardless of a student’s age or location. The Company’s technology-based products and services enable its clients to attract, enroll, educate, track progress, and support students on a scalable basis. These products and services, spanning curriculum, systems, instruction, and support services are designed to help learners reach their educational goals through inspired teaching and personalized learning. The Company’s clients are primarily public and private schools, school districts, and charter boards. Additionally, it offers solutions to employers, government agencies and consumers, including through private schools which it operates. These products and services are provided through two lines of revenue:

●

General Education products and services are predominantly focused on kindergarten through twelfth grade students for core subjects including math, English, science and history, to help build a common foundation of knowledge. Programs utilizing General Education products and services are for students that are not specializing in any particular curriculum or course of study. These programs provide an alternative to traditional school options and serve a range of student needs including safety concerns, increased academic support, scheduling flexibility, physical/health restrictions or advanced learning among other reasons. Products and services are sold a la carte or combined into customized customer offerings.

●

Career Learning products and services are focused on developing skills for students, in middle school through high school and adult learners, to enter careers in high-growth, in-demand industries—including information technology, business, and health services. The Company provides middle and high school students with Career Learning programs that complement their core general education coursework in math, English, science and history. Stride offers multiple career pathways supported by a diverse catalog of Career Learning courses. The middle school program spans career exploration, exposes students to a variety of career options, and introduces career skill development. In high school, students may engage in industry content pathway courses, project-based learning in virtual teams, and career development services. High school students also have the opportunity to progress toward certifications, connect with industry professionals, earn college credits while in high school, and participate in job shadowing and/or work based learning experiences that are required to succeed in today’s digital, tech-enabled economy. A student enrolled in a school offering our General Education program may take Career Learning courses but that student and associated revenue is not reported as Career Learning enrollment and revenue. A student and the associated revenue, whether in middle or high school is counted as Career Learning if enrolled in a school offering our Career Learning program and must commit to a career pathway and its associated services, including the Exploratory Pathways. Like General Education, products and services for the Career Learning market are sold a la carte or combined into a Career Learning program or customized customer offering. The Company also offers post-secondary Career Learning programs to adult learners, through its Galvanize, Inc. (“Galvanize”), Tech Elevator, Inc. (“Tech Elevator”), and MedCerts, LLC (“MedCerts”) subsidiaries. These programs include skills training in data science and software engineering, healthcare and medical fields, technology staffing and talent development, and are offered directly to consumers, employers and government agencies.

During the first quarter of fiscal year 2021, the Company revised its lines of revenue. Previously, the lines of revenue were (i) Managed Public School Programs, (ii) Institutional, and (iii) Private Pay Schools and Other. The Company believes that the change in the lines of revenue will facilitate a better understanding of the markets in which the Company competes.

2. Basis of Presentation

The accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet as of March 31, 2021, the condensed consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income for the three and nine months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, the condensed consolidated statements of cash flows for the nine months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, and the condensed

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STRIDE, INC.

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Continued

consolidated statements of stockholders’ equity for the three and nine months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020 are unaudited. The unaudited interim financial statements have been prepared on the same basis as the annual financial statements, and in the opinion of management, reflect all adjustments, which include only normal recurring adjustments, necessary to present fairly the Company’s financial position and results of operations for the periods presented. The results for the three and nine months ended March 31, 2021 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the year ending June 30, 2021, for any other interim period or for any other future fiscal year. The condensed consolidated balance sheet as of June 30, 2020 has been derived from the audited consolidated financial statements at that date.

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements of the Company have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Rule 10-01 of Regulation S-X of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). Accordingly, the Company does not include all of the information and footnotes required by GAAP for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, these statements include all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring adjustments) considered necessary to present a fair statement of the Company’s condensed consolidated results of operations, financial position and cash flows. Preparation of the Company’s financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts in the financial statements and footnotes. Actual results could differ from those estimates. This quarterly report on Form 10-Q should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and the notes thereto included in the Company’s latest annual report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on August 12, 2020, which contains the Company’s audited financial statements for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2020.

The Company operates in one operating and reportable business segment as a technology-based education company providing proprietary and third party curriculum, software systems and educational services designed to facilitate individualized learning for students primarily in kindergarten through 12th grade. The Chief Operating Decision Maker evaluates profitability based on consolidated results.

3. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

Accounting Standards Adopted

On July 1, 2020, the Company adopted Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 326, Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (“ASC 326”), related to the methodology for recognizing credit losses. The new standard revises the accounting requirements related to the measurement of credit losses. Assets must be presented in the financial statements as the net amount expected to be collected. The allowance is based upon historical losses, customer-specific information, current economic conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts of future economic conditions. The Company adopted this standard using the modified retrospective approach. The adoption of ASC 326 resulted in the recognition of an additional allowance for credit losses of $8.5 million, as well as decreases of $6.2 million and $2.3 million to retained earnings and deferred tax liabilities, respectively, as of July 1, 2020.

On July 1, 2020, the Company adopted Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2017-04, Intangibles – Goodwill and Other (Topic 350) (“ASU 2017-04”). This amendment simplifies how an entity is required to test goodwill for impairment by eliminating Step 2 from the goodwill impairment test. Step 2 measures a goodwill impairment loss by comparing the implied fair value of a reporting unit’s goodwill with the carrying amount of that goodwill. Instead, under the amendments in this update, an entity should perform its annual, or interim, goodwill impairment test by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount. An entity should recognize an impairment charge for the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the reporting unit’s fair value. The Company adopted this standard prospectively without a material impact to its condensed consolidated financial statements.

Accounting Standards Not Yet Adopted

In March 2020, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued ASU 2020-04, Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848) (“ASU 2020-04”) which provides relief to companies that will be impacted by the cessation of reference rate

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STRIDE, INC.

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Continued

reform, e.g. LIBOR, that is tentatively planned for the end of calendar year 2022. The ASU permits an entity to consider contract modifications due to reference rate reform to be an event that does not require contract remeasurement. This ASU will be effective for the Company as of March 12, 2020 through December 31, 2022 and adoption is permitted at any time during the period on a prospective basis. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this ASU on its condensed consolidated financial statements.

In August 2020, the FASB issued ASU 2020-06, Debt—Debt with Conversion and Other Options (Subtopic 470-20) and Derivatives and Hedging— Contracts in Entity’s Own Equity (Subtopic 815-40) which, among other things, simplifies the accounting for convertible instruments by eliminating the requirement to separate conversion features from the host contract. Consequently, a convertible debt instrument will be accounted for as a single liability measured at its amortized cost and interest expense will be recognized at the coupon rate. Early adoption is permitted for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020, including interim periods. The adoption will result in the elimination of the debt discount that had been recorded within equity (see Note 6, “Debt”).

Revenue Recognition

Revenue is recognized when control of the promised goods or services is transferred to the Company’s customers, in an amount that reflects the consideration it expects to be entitled to in exchange for those goods or services using the following steps:

●

identify the contract, or contracts, with a customer;

●

identify the performance obligations in the contract;

●

determine the transaction price;

●

allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract; and

●

recognize revenue when, or as, the Company satisfies a performance obligation.

Revenues related to the products and services that the Company provides to students in kindergarten through twelfth grade or adult learners are considered to be General Education or Career Learning based on the school in which the student is enrolled. General Education products and services are focused on core subjects, including math, English, science and history, for kindergarten through twelfth grade students to help build a common foundation of knowledge. Career Learning products and services are focused on developing skills to enter and succeed in careers in high-growth, in-demand industries—including information technology, business, and health services, for students in middle school through high school and adult learners.

The majority of the Company’s contracts are with the following types of customers:

●

an online or blended school whereby the amount of revenue is primarily determined by funding the school receives;

●

a school or individual who licenses certain curriculum on a subscription or course-by-course basis; or

●

an enterprise who contracts with the Company to provide job training.

Funding-based Contracts

The Company provides an integrated package of systems, services, products, and professional expertise that is administered together to support an online or blended public school. Contractual agreements generally span multiple years with performance obligations being isolated to annual periods which generally coincide with the Company’s fiscal year. Customers of these programs can obtain administrative support, information technology, academic support services, online curriculum, learning systems platforms and instructional services under the terms of a negotiated service agreement. The schools receive funding on a per student basis from the state in which the public school or school district is located. Shipments of materials for schools that occur in the fourth fiscal quarter and for the upcoming school year are recorded in deferred revenue.

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NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Continued

The Company generates revenues under contracts with online and blended public schools and include the following components, where required:

●

providing each of a school’s students with access to the Company’s online school and lessons;

●

offline learning kits, which include books and materials to supplement the online lessons;

●

the use of a personal computer and associated reclamation services;

●

internet access and technology support services;

●

instruction by a state-certified teacher; and

●

management and technology services necessary to support an online or blended school. In certain contracts, revenues are determined directly by per enrollment funding.

To determine the pro rata amount of revenue to recognize in a fiscal quarter, the Company estimates the total expected funds each school will receive in a particular school year. Total funds for a school are primarily a function of the number of students enrolled in the school and established per enrollment funding levels, which are generally published on an annual basis by the state or school district. The Company reviews its estimates of funding periodically, and updates as necessary, by adjusting its year-to-date earned revenues to be proportional to the total expected revenues to be earned during the fiscal year. Actual school funding may vary from these estimates and the impact of these differences could impact the Company’s results of operations. Since the end of the school year coincides with the end of the Company’s fiscal year, annual revenues are generally based on actual school funding and actual costs incurred (including costs for the Company’s services to the schools plus other costs the schools may incur). The Company’s schools’ reported results are subject to annual school district financial audits, which incorporate enrollment counts, funding and other routine financial audit considerations. The results of these audits are incorporated into the Company’s monthly funding estimates for the three and nine months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020.

Each state and/or school district has variations in the school funding formulas and methodologies that it uses to estimate funding for revenue recognition at its respective schools. As the Company estimates funding for each school, it takes into account the state definition for count dates on which reported enrollment numbers will be used for per pupil funding. The parameters the Company considers in estimating funding for revenue recognition purposes include school district count definitions, withdrawal rates, average daily attendance, special needs enrollment, academic progress and historical completion, student location, funding caps and other state specified categorical program funding.

Under the contracts where the Company provides products and services to schools, the Company is responsible for substantially all of the expenses incurred by the school and has generally agreed to absorb any operating losses of the schools in a given school year. These school operating losses represent the excess of costs incurred over revenues earned by the online or blended public school (the school’s expected funding), as reflected in its respective financial statements, including Company charges to the schools. To the extent a school does not receive sufficient funding for each student enrolled in the school, the school would still incur costs associated with serving the unfunded enrollment. If losses due to unfunded enrollments result in a net operating loss for the year that loss is reflected as a reduction in the revenues and net receivables that the Company collects from the school. A school net operating loss in one year does not necessarily mean the Company anticipates losing money on the entire contract with the school. However, a school’s net operating loss may reduce the Company’s ability to collect its management fees in full and recognized revenues are constrained to reflect the expected cash collections from such schools. The Company records the school’s estimated net operating loss against revenues based upon the percentage of actual revenues in the period to total estimated revenues for the fiscal year. Actual school net operating losses may vary from these estimates or revisions, and the impact of these differences could have a material impact on results of operations. For the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, the Company’s revenues included a reduction for net school operating losses at the schools of $13.8 million and $11.0 million, respectively, and $57.9 million and $38.5 million for the nine months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. Because the Company has agreed to absorb any operating losses of the schools, the Company records the expenses incurred by the school as both revenue and expenses in the condensed consolidated statements of operations. Amounts recorded as revenues and expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020 were $105.8 million and $78.3 million, respectively, and for the nine months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020 were $317.9 million and $247.7 million, respectively.

Subscription-based Contracts

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NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Continued

The Company provides certain online curriculum and services to schools and school districts under subscription agreements. Revenues from the licensing of curriculum under subscription arrangements are recognized on a ratable basis over the subscription period. Revenues from professional consulting, training and support services are deferred and recognized ratably over the service period.

In addition, the Company contracts with individual customers who have access for one to two years to company-provided online curriculum and generally prepay for services to be received. Adult learners enroll in courses that provide specialized training in a specific industry. Each of these contracts are considered to be one performance obligation. The Company recognizes these revenues pro rata over the maximum term of the customer contract based on the defined contract price.

Enterprise Contracts

The Company provides job training over a specified contract period to enterprises. Each of these contracts are considered to be one performance obligation. The Company recognizes these revenues based on the number of students trained during the term of the contract based on the defined contract price.

Disaggregated Revenues

The revenue recognition related to the types of contracts discussed above can span both of the Company’s lines of revenue as shown below. For example, a funding-based contract may include both General Education and Career Learning students. In total, there is one performance obligation and revenue is recognized over the Company’s fiscal year. The revenue is then disaggregated between General Education and Career Learning based on the Company’s estimated full-year enrollment totals of each category. During the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, approximately 88% and 89%, respectively, of the Company’s General Education revenues, and 98% and 99%, respectively, of the Company’s Middle – High School Career Learning revenues, were from funding-based contracts. During the nine months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, approximately 88% and 88%, respectively, of the Company’s General Education revenues, and 98% and 99%, respectively, of the Company’s Middle – High School Career Learning revenues, were from funding-based contracts.

The following table presents the Company’s revenues disaggregated based on its two lines of revenue for the three and nine months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020:


	Three Months Ended March 31,				Nine Months Ended March 31,
	2021		2020		2021		2020

	(In thousands)

General Education	$	322,304	$	233,147	$	950,142	$	699,332
Career Learning
Middle - High School		52,382		20,820		152,529		69,315
Adult		17,459		3,187		36,579		3,187
Total Career Learning		69,841		24,007		189,108		72,502
Total Revenues	$	392,145	$	257,154	$	1,139,250	$	771,834

Concentration of Customers

During the three months ended March 31, 2021, the Company had one contract that represented greater than 10% of total revenues. During the nine months ended March 31, 2021, the Company had no contracts that represented greater than 10% of total revenues. During the three and nine months ended March 31, 2020, the Company had no contracts that represented greater than 10% of total revenues.

Contract Balances

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NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Continued

The timing of revenue recognition, invoicing, and cash collection results in accounts receivable, unbilled receivables (a contract asset) and deferred revenue (a contract liability) in the condensed consolidated balance sheets. Accounts receivable are recorded when there is an executed customer contract and the customer is billed. An allowance is recorded to reflect expected losses at the time the receivable is recorded. The collectability of outstanding receivables is evaluated regularly by the Company to determine if additional allowances are needed. Unbilled receivables are created when revenue is earned prior to the customer being billed. Deferred revenue is recorded when customers are billed or cash is collected in advance of services being provided.

The opening and closing balance of the Company’s accounts receivable, unbilled receivables and deferred revenue are as follows:


	March 31,		June 30,
	2021		2020

	(In thousands)

Accounts receivable	$	422,786	$	236,134
Unbilled receivables (included in accounts receivable)		17,536		15,688
Deferred revenue		53,449		24,417
Deferred revenue, long-term (included in other long-term liabilities)		1,880		2,236

The difference between the opening and closing balance of the accounts receivable and unbilled receivables relates to the timing of the Company’s billing in relation to month end and contractual agreements. The difference between the opening and closing balance of the deferred revenue relates to the timing difference between billings to customers and the service periods under the contract. Typically, each of these balances are at their highest during the first quarter of the fiscal year and lowest at the end of the fiscal year. The amount of revenue recognized during the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020 that was included in the previous January 1^st deferred revenue balance was $36.9 million and $29.6 million, respectively. The amount of revenue recognized during the nine months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020 that was included in the previous July 1^st deferred revenue balance was $24.3 million and $19.2 million, respectively. During the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, the Company recorded revenues of ($4.2) million and $1.5 million, respectively, and ($2.6) million and $4.3 million, respectively, during the nine months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, related to performance obligations satisfied in prior periods.

Performance Obligations

A performance obligation is a promise in a contract to transfer a distinct good or service to the customer, and is the unit of account. A contract’s transaction price is allocated to each distinct performance obligation and recognized as revenue when, or as, the performance obligation is satisfied. For the majority of its contracts, the Company’s performance obligations are satisfied over time, as the Company delivers, and the customer receives the services, over the service period of the contract. The Company’s payment terms are generally net 30 or net 45, but can vary depending on the customer or when the school receives its funding from the state.

The Company has elected, as a practical expedient, not to report the value of unsatisfied performance obligations for contracts with customers that have an expected duration of one year or less. The amount of unsatisfied performance obligations for contracts with customers which extend beyond one year as of March 31, 2021 was $1.9 million.

Significant Judgments

The Company determined that the majority of its contracts with customers contain one performance obligation. The Company markets the products and services as an integrated package building off its curriculum offerings. It does not market distinct products or services to be sold independently from the curriculum offering. The Company provides the significant service of integrating the goods and services into the operation of the school and education of its students, for which the customer has contracted.

The Company has determined that the time elapsed method is the most appropriate measure of progress towards the satisfaction of the performance obligation. Generally, the Company delivers the integrated products and services package

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NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Continued

over the course of the Company’s fiscal year. This package includes enrollment, marketing, teacher training, etc. in addition to the core curriculum and instruction. All of these activities are necessary and contribute to the overall education of its students, which occurs evenly throughout the year. Accordingly, the Company recognizes revenue on a straight-line basis.

The Company determined that the expected value method is the most appropriate method to account for variable consideration and the Company’s forecasting method is an estimation process that uses probability to determine expected funding. On a monthly basis, the Company estimates the total funds each school will receive in a particular school year and the amount of full-year school revenues and operating expenses to determine the amount of revenue the Company will recognize. Enrollment and state funding rates are key inputs to this estimate. The estimates are adjusted monthly, and a cumulative catch-up adjustment is recorded to revenue as necessary to reflect the total revenues earned to date to be proportional to the total revenues to be earned in the fiscal year. The Company builds in known constraints (i.e. enrollment, funding, net operating losses, etc.) into the estimate of the variable consideration to record the most probable amount.

Sales Taxes

Sales tax collected from customers is excluded from revenues. Collected but unremitted sales tax is included as part of accrued liabilities in the condensed consolidated balance sheets. Revenues do not include sales tax as the Company considers itself a pass-through conduit for collecting and remitting sales tax.

Consolidation

The condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company, the wholly-owned and affiliated companies that the Company owns, directly or indirectly, and all controlled subsidiaries. All significant intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation.

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

The Company maintains an allowance for uncollectible accounts primarily for estimated losses resulting from the inability or failure of individual customers to make required payments. The Company analyzes accounts receivable, historical percentages of uncollectible accounts, and changes in payment history when evaluating the adequacy of the allowance for uncollectible accounts. The Company maintains an allowance under ASC 326 based on historical losses, customer-specific information, current economic conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts of future economic conditions. The allowance under ASC 326 is updated as additional losses are incurred or information becomes available related to the customer or economic conditions.

The Company writes-off accounts receivable based on the age of the receivable and the facts and circumstances surrounding the customer and reasons for non-payment. Actual write-offs might differ from the recorded allowance.

Inventories

Inventories consist primarily of textbooks and curriculum materials, a majority of which are supplied to online and blended public schools, and utilized directly by students. Inventories represent items that are purchased and held for sale and are recorded at the lower of cost (first-in, first-out method) or net realizable value. The Company classifies its inventory as current or long-term based on the holding period. As of March 31, 2021 and June 30, 2020, $4.3 million and $5.2 million, respectively, of inventory, net of reserves, was deemed long-term and included in deposits and other assets on the condensed consolidated balance sheets. The provision for excess and obsolete inventory is established based upon the evaluation of the quantity on hand relative to demand. The excess and obsolete inventory reserve was $5.6 million and $4.8 million at March 31, 2021 and June 30, 2020, respectively.

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STRIDE, INC.

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Continued

Other Current Assets

Other current assets consist primarily of textbooks, curriculum materials and other supplies which are expected to be returned upon the completion of the school year. Materials not returned are expensed as part of instructional costs and services.

Property and Equipment

Property and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Depreciation and amortization expense is calculated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful life of the asset (or the lesser of the term of the lease and the estimated useful life of the asset under the finance lease). Amortization of assets capitalized under finance lease arrangements is included in depreciation expense. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the lesser of the lease term or the estimated useful life of the asset. The determination of the lease term is discussed below under “Leases.”

Property and equipment are depreciated over the following useful lives:


		Useful Life
Student and state testing computers		3 - 5 years
Computer hardware		3 - 7 years
Computer software		3 - 5 years
Web site development		3 years
Office equipment		5 years
Furniture and fixtures		7 years
Leasehold improvements		Shorter of useful life or term of the lease

The Company makes an estimate of unreturned student computers based on an analysis of recent trends of returns. The Company recorded accelerated depreciation of $0.8 million and $0.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively, and $2.7 million and $1.8 million for the nine months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively, related to unreturned student computers.

Depreciation expense, including accelerated depreciation, related to computers provided to students and reflected in instructional costs and services for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020 was $8.5 million and $4.6 million, respectively, and $23.3 million and $12.9 million, respectively, during the nine months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020. Depreciation expense related to property and equipment reflected in selling, general, and administrative expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020 was $1.3 million and $1.1 million, respectively and $3.3 million and $3.3 million, respectively, during the nine months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020.

The Company fully expenses computer peripheral equipment (e.g., keyboards, mouses) upon purchase as recovery has been determined to be uneconomical. These expenses totaled $0.7 million and $0.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively, and $6.7 million and $3.9 million for the nine months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively, and are recorded as instructional costs and services.

Capitalized Software Costs

The Company develops software for internal use. Software development costs incurred during the application development stage are capitalized. The Company amortizes these costs over the estimated useful life of the software, which is generally three years. Capitalized software development costs are stated at cost less accumulated amortization.

Capitalized software additions totaled $20.2 million and $18.8 million for the nine months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. The Company recorded amortization expense related to capitalized software of $4.9 million and $5.1 million during the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively, and $14.6 million and $15.7 million during the nine months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively, within instructional costs and services.

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STRIDE, INC.

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Continued

Amortization expense related to capitalized software reflected in selling, general, and administrative expenses during the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020 was $1.0 million and $1.3 million, respectively, and $3.2 million and $4.3 million, respectively, during the nine months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020.

Capitalized Curriculum Development Costs

The Company internally develops curriculum, which is primarily provided as online content and accessed via the Internet. The Company also creates textbooks and other materials that are complementary to online content.

The Company capitalizes curriculum development costs incurred during the application development stage, as well as the design and deployment phases of the project. As a result, a significant portion of the Company’s courseware development costs qualify for capitalization due to the concentration of its development efforts on the content of the courseware. Capitalization ends when a course is available for general release to its customers, at which time amortization of the capitalized costs begins. The period of time over which these development costs are amortized is generally five years.

Total capitalized curriculum development additions were $11.7 million and $15.5 million for the nine months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. These amounts are recorded on the condensed consolidated balance sheets net of amortization charges. Amortization expense for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020 was $4.4 million and $4.5 million, respectively, and $12.7 million and $13.3 million for the nine months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively, and is recorded in instructional costs and services.

Leases

The Company’s principal leasing activities include student computers and peripherals, classified as finance leases, and facilities, classified as operating leases.

Leases are classified as operating leases unless they meet any of the criteria below to be classified as a finance lease:

●

the lease transfers ownership of the asset at the end of the lease;

●

the lease grants an option to purchase the asset which the lessee is expected to exercise;

●

the lease term reflects a major part of the asset’s economic life;

●

the present value of the lease payments equals or exceeds the fair value of the asset; or

●

the asset is specialized with no alternative use to the lessor at the end of the term.

Finance Leases

The Company enters into agreements to finance the purchase of student computers and peripherals provided to students of its schools. Individual leases typically include 1 to 3 year payment terms, at varying rates, with a $1 purchase option at the end of each lease term. The Company pledges the assets financed to secure the outstanding leases.

Operating Leases

The Company enters into agreements for facilities that serve as offices for its headquarters, sales and enrollment teams, and school operations. Initial lease terms vary between 1 and 17 years. Certain leases include renewal options, usually based upon current market rates, as well as termination rights. The Company performs an evaluation of each lease to determine if the lease payments included in the renewal option should be included in the initial measurement of the lease liability.

Discount Rate

The present value of the lease payments is calculated using either the rate implicit in the lease, or the lessee’s incremental borrowing rate, over the lease term. For the Company’s finance leases, the stated rate is defined within the lease terms; while for the Company’s operating leases, the rate is not implicit. For operating leases, the Company uses its

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STRIDE, INC.

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Continued

incremental borrowing rate as the discount rate; determined as the Company’s borrowing rate on a collateralized basis for a similar term and amount to the term and amount of the lease.

For its adoption of ASC Topic 842, Leases (“ASC 842”), the Company utilized its agreements used for its finance leases as the basis for calculating its incremental borrowing rate. The rate was collateralized and its term reflected a similar term of the remaining lease payments of the Company’s largest operating lease. As of the adoption date, the incremental borrowing rate was 3.86%. Upon the execution of its senior secured revolving credit facility in January 2020 (see Note 7, “Credit Facility”), the Company reassessed its incremental borrowing rate as 2.55%. The incremental borrowing rate is subsequently reassessed upon modification of its leasing arrangements or with the execution of a new lease agreement.

Policy Elections

Short-term Leases

The Company has elected as an on-going accounting policy election not to apply ASC 842 to short-term facility leases of 12 months or less. By making this election, the Company will not record a right-of-use asset or lease liability at the commencement of the lease, and will continue to expense its lease payments on a straight-line basis over the lease term. The accounting policy election is made by class of underlying asset to which the right of use relates. The Company has elected to apply the accounting policy election only to operating leases.

Income Taxes

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are computed based on the difference between the financial reporting and income tax bases of assets and liabilities using the enacted marginal tax rate. The net deferred tax asset is reduced by a valuation allowance if, based on the weight of available evidence, it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the net deferred tax asset will not be realized.

Goodwill and Intangible Assets

The Company records as goodwill the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of the identifiable net assets acquired. Finite-lived intangible assets acquired in business combinations subject to amortization are recorded at their fair value. Finite-lived intangible assets include trade names, acquired customers and distributors, developed technology and non-compete agreements. Such intangible assets are amortized on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives. Amortization expense for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020 was $3.5 million and $1.8 million, respectively, and $8.1 million and $3.3 million for the nine months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively, and is included within selling, general, and administrative expenses in the condensed consolidated statements of operations. Future amortization of intangible assets is expected to be $3.3 million, $12.9 million, $12.7 million, $11.8 million, and $10.5 million in the fiscal years ending June 30, 2021 through June 30, 2025, respectively, and $51.5 million thereafter. At March 31, 2021 and June 30, 2020, the goodwill balance was $240.3 million and $174.9 million, respectively.

The Company reviews its finite-lived intangible assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be fully recoverable. If the total of the expected undiscounted future cash flows is less than the carrying amount of the asset, a loss is recognized for the difference between fair value and the carrying value of the asset.

The process for testing goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite lives for impairment is a two-step process that is performed annually, as well as when an event triggering impairment may have occurred. Companies are also allowed to qualitatively assess goodwill impairment through a screening process which would permit companies to forgo Step 1 of their annual goodwill impairment process. This qualitative screening process will hereinafter be referred to as “Step 0”. The Company performs its annual assessment on May 31^st based on the Company’s one reporting unit. During the year ended June 30, 2020, the Company performed “Step 0” of the impairment test and determined that there were no facts and circumstances that indicated that the fair value of the reporting unit may be less than its carrying amount, and as a result, the Company determined that no impairment was required.

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STRIDE, INC.

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Continued

The Company performed a qualitative assessment of Coronavirus disease 2019 (“COVID-19”) as a triggering event related to the value of its goodwill and intangible assets and concluded that there were no indicators of impairment during the three and nine months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020.

The following table represents the balance of the Company’s intangible assets as of March 31, 2021 and June 30, 2020:


	March 31, 2021						June 30, 2020
($ in millions)	Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization		Net Carrying Value		Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization		Net Carrying Value
Trade names	$	84.5	$	(15.9)	$	68.6	$	77.9	$	(12.0)	$	65.9
Customer and distributor relationships		37.7		(19.8)		17.9		25.3		(17.2)		8.1
Developed technology		21.3		(5.0)		16.3		6.6		(3.5)		3.1
Other		1.3		(1.1)		0.2		1.4		(1.0)		0.4
Total	$	144.8	$	(41.8)	$	103.0	$	111.2	$	(33.7)	$	77.5

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

Long-lived assets include property, equipment, right-of-use assets, capitalized curriculum and software developed or obtained for internal use. Management reviews the Company’s recorded long-lived assets for impairment annually or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be fully recoverable. The Company determines the extent to which an asset may be impaired based upon its expectation of the asset’s future usability as well as on a reasonable assurance that the future cash flows associated with the asset will be in excess of its carrying amount. If the total of the expected undiscounted future cash flows is less than the carrying amount of the asset, a loss is recognized for the difference between fair value and the carrying value of the asset. The Company performed a qualitative assessment of COVID-19 as a triggering event related to the value of its long-lived assets and concluded that there were no indicators of impairment during the three and nine months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020.

Fair Value Measurements

Fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability, in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability, in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. Measurements are described in a fair value hierarchy which requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value.

The three levels of inputs used to measure fair value are:

Level 1: Inputs based on quoted market prices for identical assets or liabilities in active markets at the measurement date.

Level 2: Observable inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1, such as quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar assets and liabilities in markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data.

Level 3: Inputs reflect management’s best estimate of what market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability at the measurement date. The inputs are unobservable in the market and significant to the instrument’s valuation.

The carrying values reflected in the condensed consolidated balance sheets for cash and cash equivalents, receivables, and short term debt approximate their fair values, as they are largely short-term in nature. The contingent consideration and Tallo, Inc. convertible note are discussed in more detail in Note 11, “Acquisitions and Investments.” The convertible senior notes due 2027 are discussed in more detail in Note 6, “Debt.”

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STRIDE, INC.

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Continued

The following table summarizes certain fair value information at March 31, 2021 for assets or liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis:


	Fair Value Measurements Using:
			Quoted Prices
			in Active		Significant
			Markets for		Other		Significant
			Identical		Observable		Unobservable
			Assets		Input		Inputs
Description	Fair Value		(Level 1)		(Level 2)		(Level 3)

		(In thousands)
Contingent consideration associated with acquisitions	$	10,833	$	—	$	—	$	10,833
Convertible note received in acquisition		5,006		—		—		5,006
Convertible Senior Notes due 2027		388,786		—		388,786		—

The following table summarizes certain fair value information at June 30, 2020 for assets or liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis:

Fair Value Measurements Using:

Quoted Prices

in Active

Significant

Markets for

Other

Significant

Identical

Observable

Unobservable

Assets

Input

Inputs

Description

Fair Value

(Level 1)

(Level 2)

(Level 3)

(In thousands)

Convertible note received in acquisition

5,006

—

5,006

The following table presents activity related to the Company’s fair value measurements categorized as Level 3 of the valuation hierarchy, valued on a recurring basis, for the three and nine months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020:


	Three Months Ended March 31, 2021
			Purchases,
	Fair Value		Issuances,		Unrealized		Fair Value
Description	December 31, 2020		and Settlements		Gains/(Losses)		March 31, 2021

		(In thousands)
Contingent consideration associated with acquisitions	$	10,833	$	—	$	—	$	10,833
Convertible note received in acquisition		5,006		—		—		5,006

Three Months Ended March 31, 2020

Purchases,

Fair Value

Issuances,

Unrealized

Fair Value

Description

December 31, 2019

and Settlements

Gains/(Losses)

March 31, 2020

(In thousands)

Convertible note received in acquisition

5,006

—

5,006

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NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Continued


		Nine Months Ended March 31, 2021
			Purchases,
	Fair Value		Issuances,		Unrealized		Fair Value
Description	June 30, 2020		and Settlements		Gains (Losses)		March 31, 2021

	(In thousands)
Contingent consideration associated with acquisitions	$	—	$	10,833	$	—	$	10,833
Convertible note received in acquisition		5,006		—		—		5,006

Nine Months Ended March 31, 2020

Purchases,

Fair Value

Issuances,

Unrealized

Fair Value

Description

June 30, 2019

and Settlements

Gains (Losses)

March 31, 2020

(In thousands)

Convertible note received in acquisition

5,006

—

5,006

Net Income (Loss) Per Common Share

Basic net income (loss) per common share is calculated by dividing net income (loss) by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the reporting period. The weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding includes vested restricted stock awards. Diluted net income (loss) per share (“EPS”) reflects the potential dilution that could occur assuming conversion or exercise of all dilutive unexercised stock options and vesting of all dilutive unvested restricted stock awards. The dilutive effect of stock options and restricted stock awards was determined using the treasury stock method. Under the treasury stock method, the proceeds received from the exercise of stock options and restricted stock awards, the amount of compensation cost for future service not yet recognized by the Company and the amount of tax benefits that would be recorded as income tax expense when the stock options become deductible for income tax purposes are all assumed to be used to repurchase shares of the Company’s common stock. Stock options and restricted stock awards are not included in the computation of diluted net income (loss) per share when they are antidilutive. Common stock outstanding reflected in the Company’s condensed consolidated balance sheets includes restricted stock awards outstanding.

The following schedule presents the calculation of basic and diluted net income per share:



	Three Months Ended March 31,				Nine Months Ended March 31,
	2021		2020		2021		2020

	(In thousands except share and per share data)
Basic net income per share computation:

Net income attributable to common stockholders	$	23,789	$	8,754	$	60,956	$	19,618
Weighted average common shares — basic		40,286,109		39,539,791		40,143,610		39,426,121
Basic net income per share	$	0.59	$	0.22	$	1.52	$	0.50

Diluted net income per share computation:

Net income attributable to common stockholders	$	23,789	$	8,754	$	60,956	$	19,618
Share computation:
Weighted average common shares — basic		40,286,109		39,539,791		40,143,610		39,426,121
Effect of dilutive stock options and restricted stock awards		1,404,400		399,107		1,558,345		1,035,169
Weighted average common shares — diluted		41,690,509		39,938,898		41,701,955		40,461,290
Diluted net income per share	$	0.57	$	0.22	$	1.46	$	0.48

For the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, 342,967 and 1,429,479 shares issuable in connection with stock options and restricted stock were excluded from the diluted income per share calculation because the effect would have

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STRIDE, INC.

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Continued

been antidilutive. For the nine months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, 326,828 and 855,110 shares were excluded, respectively. As of March 31, 2021, the Company had 46,877,934 shares issued and 41,543,191 shares outstanding.

Reclassifications

As discussed in Note 1, “Description of the Business”, the Company has revised its lines of revenue. There was no impact on the presentation of the Company’s condensed consolidated statements of operations.

4. Income Taxes

The provision for income taxes is based on earnings reported in the condensed consolidated financial statements. A deferred income tax asset or liability is determined by applying currently enacted tax laws and rates to the expected reversal of the cumulative temporary differences between the carrying value of assets and liabilities for financial statement and income tax purposes. Deferred income tax expense or benefit is measured by the change in the deferred income tax asset or liability during the period. For the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, the Company’s effective income tax rate was 30.2% and 33.5%, respectively, and for the nine months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, the rate was 23.3% and 23.4%, respectively.

5. Finance and Operating Leases

Finance Leases

The Company is a lessee under finance leases for student computers and peripherals under agreements with PNC Equipment Finance, LLC (“PNC”) and Banc of America Leasing & Capital, LLC (“BALC”). As of March 31, 2021 and June 30, 2020, the finance lease liability was $69.2 million and $17.9 million, respectively, with lease interest rates ranging from 1.52% to 3.87%. As of March 31, 2021 and June 30, 2020, the balance of the associated right-of-use assets was $55.5 million and $19.8 million, respectively. The right-of-use asset is recorded within property and equipment, net on the condensed consolidated balance sheets. Lease amortization expense associated with the Company’s finance leases is recorded within selling, general, and administrative expenses on the condensed consolidated statements of operations.

Individual leases under the agreement with PNC include 36-month payment terms, at varying rates, with a $1 purchase option at the end of each lease term. The Company has pledged the assets financed to secure the outstanding leases.

The Company entered into an agreement with BALC in April 2020 for $25.0 million (increased to $41.0 million in July 2020) to provide financing for its leases through March 2021 at varying rates. The Company entered into an additional agreement in September 2020 to provide financing of $45.0 million for its leases through August 2021 at varying rates. Individual leases with BALC include 12 month and 36 month payment terms, fixed rates ranging from 1.52% to 2.58%, and a $1 purchase option at the end of each lease term. The Company has pledged the assets financed to secure the outstanding leases.

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NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Continued

The following is a summary, as of March 31, 2021 and June 30, 2020, respectively, of the present value of the net minimum lease payments under the Company’s finance leases:



	March 31, 2021		June 30, 2020

	(in thousands)

2021	$	7,615	$	13,587
2022		26,311		2,653
2023		25,698		2,040
2024		11,904		—
Total minimum payments		71,528		18,280
Less: imputed interest		(2,375)		(342)
Finance lease liability		69,153		17,938
Less: current portion of finance lease liability		(26,036)		(13,304)
Long-term finance lease liability	$	43,117	$	4,634

Operating Leases

The Company is a lessee under operating leases for various facilities to support the Company’s operations. As of March 31, 2021 and June 30, 2020, the operating lease liability was $103.9 million and $117.2 million, respectively. As of March 31, 2021 and June 30, 2020, the balance of the associated right-of-use assets was $100.0 million and $111.8 million, respectively. The impact of Galvanize’s adoption of ASC 842 was part of the purchase price accounting which is discussed in more detail in Note 11, “Acquisitions and Investments.” Lease expense associated with the Company’s operating leases is recorded within selling, general, and administrative expenses on the condensed consolidated statements of operations.

Individual operating leases range in terms of 1 to 11 years and expire on various dates through fiscal year 2031 and the minimum lease payments are discounted using the Company’s incremental borrowing rate.

The following is a summary as of March 31, 2021 and June 30, 2020, respectively, of the present value of the minimum lease payments under the Company’s operating leases:



	March 31, 2021		June 30, 2020

	(in thousands)

2021	$	6,058	$	23,626
2022		23,124		22,326
2023		16,416		15,841
2024		15,148		14,769
2025		14,222		13,949
Thereafter		38,679		38,544
Total minimum payments		113,647		129,055
Less: imputed interest		(9,788)		(11,822)
Operating lease liability		103,859		117,233
Less: current portion of operating lease liability		(21,259)		(20,689)
Long-term operating lease liability	$	82,600	$	96,544

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STRIDE, INC.

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Continued

The Company is subleasing one of its facilities through June 2021, two others through May 2022 and one through July 2023. Sublease income is recorded as an offset to the related lease expense within selling, general, and administrative expenses on the condensed consolidated statements of operations. The following is a summary as of March 31, 2021 and June 30, 2020, respectively, of the expected sublease income:



	March 31, 2021		June 30, 2020

	(in thousands)

2021	$	490	$	1,960
2022		1,496		1,496
2023		797		797
2024		66		66
Total sublease income	$	2,849	$	4,319

The following is a summary of the Company’s lease cost, weighted-average remaining lease term, weighted-average discount rate and certain other cash flows as it relates to its operating leases for the three and nine months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020:


	Three Months Ended March 31,				Nine Months Ended March 31,
	2021		2020		2021			2020
Lease cost

Finance lease cost:
Amortization of right-of-use assets	$	7,987	$	4,232	$	21,165		$	12,418
Interest on lease liabilities		412		276		684			657
Operating lease cost		5,712		4,035		16,825			7,370
Short-term lease cost		232		280		832			987
Sublease income		(514)		(215)		(1,441)			(531)
Total lease cost	$	13,829	$	8,608	$	38,065		$	20,901


Other information

Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities
Operating cash flows from operating leases	$	(5,286)	$	(4,062)	$	(15,650)		$	(8,151)
Financing cash flows from finance leases		(5,648)		(6,644)		(17,103)			(21,603)
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for new finance lease liabilities		14,748		3,715		61,613			16,490
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for new operating lease liabilities		964		502		1,553			5,349
Weighted-average remaining lease term - finance leases						2.68	yrs.		0.90	yrs.
Weighted-average remaining lease term - operating leases						6.67	yrs.		7.32	yrs.
Weighted-average discount rate - finance leases						2.49	%		2.88	%
Weighted-average discount rate - operating leases						2.77	%		2.78	%

6. Debt

The following is a summary, as of March 31, 2021 and June 30, 2020, respectively, of the components of the Company’s outstanding long-term debt:

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STRIDE, INC.

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Continued


	March 31, 2021		June 30, 2020

	(in thousands)

Convertible Senior Notes due 2027	$	420,000	$	—
Less: unamortized discount		(117,027)		—
Less: unamortized debt issuance costs		(7,585)		—
Total debt		295,388		—
Less: current portion of debt		—		—
Long-term debt	$	295,388	$	—

Convertible Senior Notes due 2027

In August and September 2020, the Company issued $420.0 million aggregate principal amount of 1.125% Convertible Senior Notes due 2027 (“Notes”). The Notes are governed by an indenture (the “Indenture”) between the Company and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee. The net proceeds from the offering of the Notes were approximately $408.6 million after deducting the underwriting fees and other expenses paid by the Company.

The Notes bear interest at a rate of 1.125% per annum, payable semi-annually in arrears on March 1^st and September 1^st of each year, beginning on March 1, 2021. The Notes will mature on September 1, 2027. The Company recorded coupon interest expense of $1.2 million and $2.8 million, respectively, for the three and nine months ended March 31, 2021.

The Company separated the Notes into liability and equity components. The initial carrying amount of the liability component was $294.6 million and was calculated using a discount rate of 6.5%. The discount rate was based on the terms of a similar debt instrument as the Notes without the associated conversion feature. The carrying amount of the equity component representing the conversion option was determined by deducting the fair value of the liability component from the principal amount of the Notes, or $125.4 million. The amount recorded in equity is not subject to remeasurement or amortization.

The $125.4 million also represents the initial discount recorded on the Notes. The discount is accreted to interest expense using the effective interest rate method over the contractual term of the Notes. The Company incurred debt issuance costs of $11.4 million. These costs were allocated pro rata to liabilities and equity based upon the initial carrying values attributable to each. The portion of the debt issuance costs allocated to equity is not subject to amortization; while the portion allocated to liabilities is amortized over the contractual term of the Notes. The Company recorded interest expense related to the accretion of the discount and the amortization of the debt issuance costs of $3.6 million and $0.2 million, respectively, during the three months ended March 31, 2021, and $8.3 million and $0.4 million, respectively, during the nine months ended March 31, 2021. Within the next twelve months, the Company will record interest expense related to the accretion of the discount and the amortization of the debt issuance costs of $15.2 million and $0.8 million, respectively. The effective interest rate of the Notes for the three and nine months ended March 31, 2021 was 6.4%.

Before June 1, 2027, noteholders will have the right to convert their Notes only upon the occurrence of certain events. After June 1, 2027, noteholders may convert their Notes at any time at their election until two days prior to the maturity date. The Company will settle conversions by paying or delivering cash, shares of its common stock, or a combination of cash and shares of its common stock, at the Company’s election, with an intent to net settle by settling the outstanding principal in cash and conversion spread in shares of its common stock. The initial conversion rate is 18.9109 shares of common stock per $1,000 principal amount of Notes, which represents an initial conversion price of approximately $52.88 per share of common stock (lower strike price). The Notes will be redeemable at the Company’s option at any time after September 6, 2024 at a cash redemption price equal to the principal amount of the Notes, plus accrued and unpaid interest, subject to certain stock price hurdles as discussed in the Indenture.

In connection with the Notes, the Company entered into privately negotiated capped call transactions (the “Capped Call Transactions”) with certain counterparties. The Capped Call Transactions are expected to cover the aggregate number of shares of the Company’s common stock that initially underlie the Notes, and are expected to reduce potential dilution to the Company’s common stock upon any conversion of Notes and/or offset any cash payments the Company is required to make in excess of the principal amount of converted Notes. The upper strike price of the Capped Call Transactions is

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STRIDE, INC.

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Continued

$86.174 per share. The cost of the Capped Call Transactions was $60.4 million and was recorded within additional paid-in capital.

7. Credit Facility

On January 27, 2020, the Company entered into a $100.0 million senior secured revolving credit facility (“Credit Facility”) to be used for general corporate operating purposes with PNC Capital Markets LLC. The Credit Facility has a five-year term and incorporates customary financial and other covenants, including but not limited to a maximum leverage ratio and a minimum interest coverage ratio. The majority of the Company’s borrowings under the Credit Facility are at LIBOR plus an additional rate ranging from 0.875% - 1.50% based on the Company’s leverage ratio as defined in the agreement. The Credit Facility is secured by the Company’s assets. As of March 31, 2021, the Company was in compliance with the financial covenants. As part of the proceeds received from the Notes, the Company repaid its $100.0 million outstanding balance and as of March 31, 2021, the Company had no amounts outstanding on the Credit Facility. The Credit Facility also includes a $200.0 million accordion feature.

8. Equity Incentive Plan

On December 15, 2016 (the “Effective Date”), the Company’s stockholders approved the 2016 Incentive Award Plan (the “Plan”). The Plan is designed to attract, retain and motivate employees who make important contributions to the Company by providing such individuals with equity ownership opportunities. Awards granted under the Plan may include stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units, and other stock-based awards. Under the Plan, the following types of shares go back into the pool of shares available for issuance:

●

unissued shares related to forfeited or cancelled restricted stock and stock options from Plan awards and Prior Plan awards (that were outstanding as of the Effective Date); and

●

shares tendered to satisfy the tax withholding obligation related to the vesting of restricted stock (but not stock options).

Unlike the Company’s 2007 Equity Incentive Award Plan (the “Prior Plan”), the Plan has no evergreen provision to increase the shares available for issuance; any new shares would require stockholder approval. The Prior Plan expired in October 2017, and the Company no longer awards equity from the Prior Plan. As of March 31, 2021, the remaining aggregate number of shares of the Company’s common stock authorized for future issuance under the Plan was 586,194. As of March 31, 2021, there were 4,399,890 shares of the Company’s common stock that remain outstanding or nonvested under the Plan and Prior Plan.

Compensation expense for all equity-based compensation awards is based on the grant-date fair value. The Company recognizes these compensation costs on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period, which is generally the vesting period of the award. Stock-based compensation expense is recorded within selling, general, and administrative expenses on the consolidated statements of operations.

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STRIDE, INC.

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Continued

Stock Options

Each stock option is exercisable pursuant to the vesting schedule set forth in the stock option agreement granting such stock option, generally over four years. No stock option shall be exercisable after the expiration of its option term. The Company has granted stock options under the Prior Plan and the Company has also granted stock options to executive officers under stand-alone agreements outside the Prior Plan.

Stock option activity including stand-alone agreements during the nine months ended March 31, 2021 was as follows:


				Weighted
		Weighted		Average
		Average		Remaining	Aggregate
		Exercise		Contractual	Intrinsic
	Shares	Price		Life (Years)	Value
Outstanding, June 30, 2020	1,021,517	$	19.73	1.65	$	8,325,869
Granted	—		—
Exercised	(988,317)		19.84
Forfeited or canceled	—		—
Outstanding and exercisable, March 31, 2021	33,200	$	16.44	1.86	$	455,620

The total intrinsic value of options exercised during the nine months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020 was $24.5 million and $0.0 million, respectively. During the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, the Company recognized zero stock-based compensation expense related to stock options; while during the nine months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, the expense was zero and $0.1 million, respectively.

Restricted Stock Awards

The Company has approved grants of restricted stock awards (“RSA”) pursuant to the Plan and Prior Plan. Under the Plan and Prior Plan, employees, outside directors and independent contractors are able to participate in the Company’s future performance through the awards of restricted stock. Each RSA vests pursuant to the vesting schedule set forth in the restricted stock agreement granting such RSAs, generally over three years. Under the Plan and Prior Plan, there have been no awards of restricted stock to independent contractors.

Restricted stock award activity during the nine months ended March 31, 2021 was as follows:


		Weighted
		Average
		Grant-Date
	Shares	Fair Value
Nonvested, June 30, 2020	1,618,604	$	23.73
Granted	519,808		38.93
Vested	(660,909)		21.72
Canceled	(68,886)		27.21
Nonvested, March 31, 2021	1,408,617	$	30.11

Performance-Based Restricted Stock Awards (included above)

During the nine months ended March 31, 2021, 126,417 new performance-based restricted stock awards were granted and 574,611 awards remain nonvested at March 31, 2021. During the nine months ended March 31, 2021, 110,594 performance-based restricted stock awards vested. Vesting of the performance-based restricted stock awards is contingent on the achievement of certain financial performance goals and service vesting conditions.

During the nine months ended March 31, 2021, the Company granted 30,364 performance-based restricted stock awards to the Company’s CEO with a weighted average grant-date fair value of $24.70 per share. These awards were granted pursuant to the Plan and are subject to the achievement of Adjusted EBITDA metrics for the calendar year 2021.

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STRIDE, INC.

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Continued

If achieved, one-third of the award will vest immediately, and the remaining two-thirds will vest annually over two years. The Company is currently amortizing these awards over their vesting periods because it believes that it is probable that the Adjusted EBITDA metric will be achieved at target for calendar year 2021.

During the nine months ended March 31, 2021, the Company granted 82,710 performance-based restricted stock awards to the Company’s named executive officers (“NEOs”) with a weighted average grant-date fair value of $45.33 per share. These awards were granted pursuant to the Plan and are subject to the achievement of Adjusted EBITDA metrics in fiscal year 2021. If achieved, one-third of the award will vest immediately, and the remaining two-thirds will vest annually over two years. The Company is currently amortizing these awards over their vesting periods because it believes that it is probable that the Adjusted EBITDA metric will be achieved at outperform for fiscal year 2021.

During fiscal year 2020, the Company granted 358,294 performance-based restricted stock awards to the Company’s then CEO with a weighted average grant-date fair value of $27.91 per share. These awards were granted pursuant to the Plan and are subject to the achievement of target free cash flow metrics in each of the fiscal years 2020 through 2022. The metrics are measured at the end of each fiscal year; however the first two-thirds of the award will not vest until fiscal year 2021. The remaining one-third will vest in fiscal year 2022, if achieved. Additionally, if either of the first two tranches are not achieved, the awards may still vest if the free cash flow metric in aggregate is met over the three-year life of the award. The Company is currently amortizing the second and third tranches over their vesting periods because it believes that it is probable that the free cash flow targets will be met each year. The free cash flow metric was not met for fiscal year 2020, however, the Company believes that it will be met in aggregate, and therefore is amortizing the first tranche over a three-year period.

During fiscal year 2020, the Company granted 141,524 performance-based restricted stock awards to the Company’s NEOs with a weighted average grant-date fair value of $27.91 per share. These awards were granted pursuant to the Plan and are subject to the achievement of Adjusted EBITDA metrics in fiscal year 2020. In August 2020, achievement was certified at 109% of target, which resulted in an additional 13,343 shares, and one-third of the award vested; the remaining two-thirds will vest annually over two years.

Service-Based Restricted Stock Awards (included above)

During the nine months ended March 31, 2021, 393,391 new service-based restricted stock awards were granted and 834,007 awards remain nonvested at March 31, 2021. During the nine months ended March 31, 2021, 550,315 service-based restricted stock awards vested.

Summary of All Restricted Stock Awards

As of March 31, 2021, there was $28.6 million of total unrecognized compensation expense related to nonvested restricted stock awards. The cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.4 years. The fair value of restricted stock awards granted for the nine months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020 was $20.2 million and $28.4 million, respectively. The total fair value of shares vested for the nine months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020 was $23.2 million and $17.2 million, respectively. During the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, the Company recognized $5.5 million and $4.5 million, respectively, of stock-based compensation expense related to restricted stock awards. During the nine months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, the expense was $16.6 million and $12.9 million, respectively.

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STRIDE, INC.

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Continued

Performance Share Units

The Company has approved grants of performance share units (“PSU”) pursuant to the Plan. Each PSU is earned through the achievement of a performance-based metric, combined with the continuation of employee service over a defined period. The level of performance determines the number of PSUs earned, and is generally measured against threshold, target and outperform achievement levels of the award. Each PSU represents the right to receive one share of the Company’s common stock, or at the option of the Company, an equivalent amount of cash, and is classified as an equity or liability award. When the grant is a fixed monetary amount, and the number of shares is not determined until achievement and the value of the Company’s stock on that day, the PSU is a liability-classified award. Each PSU vests pursuant to the vesting schedule found in the respective PSU agreement.

In addition to the performance conditions of the PSUs, there is a service vesting condition which is dependent upon continuing service by the grantee as an employee of the Company, unless the grantee is eligible for earlier vesting upon a change in control and qualifying termination, as defined by the PSU agreement. PSUs are generally subject to graduated vesting schedules and stock-based compensation expense is computed by tranche and recognized on a straight-line basis over the tranches’ applicable vesting period based on the expected achievement level.

Performance share unit activity (excluding liability-classified awards) during the nine months ended March 31, 2021 was as follows:


		Weighted
		Average
		Grant-Date
	Shares	Fair Value
Nonvested, June 30, 2020	2,464,853	$	10.78
Granted	477,700		40.17
Vested	—		—
Canceled	(43,834)		28.10
Nonvested, March 31, 2021	2,898,719	$	15.36

Fiscal Year 2021 MIP

During the nine months ended March 31, 2021, the Company granted, to the executive team of Tech Elevator, a time-based award with a value of $4.0 million and a performance-based award with a target value of $4.0 million under a Management Incentive Plan (“MIP”). The time-based award vests equally over three years on the anniversary of the closing date of the acquisition of Tech Elevator (see Note 11, “Acquisitions and Investments” for additional detail on the Company’s acquisition). The performance-based award is tied to the achievement of certain revenue and EBITDA targets of Tech Elevator. Seventy percent of the award is based on Tech Elevator’s revenues for the calendar year 2023 (“Tranche #1”) and thirty percent of the earned award is based on Tech Elevator’s EBITDA for the calendar year 2023 (“Tranche #2”), both of which are expected to vest after achievement is certified in January 2024. The level of performance will determine the number of PSUs earned as measured against threshold and target achievement levels. In all cases, vesting is dependent upon continuing service by the grantee as an employee of the Company. The MIP is a liability-classified award. The Company determined the likelihood of achievement of the performance conditions are not able to be determined at this time.

Fiscal Year 2021 LTIP

During the nine months ended March 31, 2021, the Company granted 111,450 PSUs at target under a Long Term Incentive Plan (“LTIP”) which are tied to the achievement of certain individualized financial and non-financial performance targets. These PSUs had a grant date fair value of $2.7 million, or a weighted average grant-date fair value of $24.15 per share. Forty percent will vest after achievement is certified during the first quarter of fiscal year 2023 and sixty percent will vest one year later. The level of performance will determine the number of PSUs earned as measured against threshold, target and outperform achievement levels. In all cases, vesting is dependent upon continuing service by

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STRIDE, INC.

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Continued

the grantee as an employee of the Company. The fiscal year 2021 LTIP is an equity-classified award. The Company determined the likelihood of achievement of the performance conditions are not able to be determined at this time.

Fiscal Year 2021 Career Learning PSUs

During the nine months ended March 31, 2021, the Company granted 366,250 PSUs at target which are tied to the achievement of Career Learning revenues targets for fiscal years 2021 – 2023. These PSUs had a grant date fair value of $16.5 million, or a weighted average grant-date fair value of $45.05 per share. The vesting is as follows:

●

77,690 PSUs relate to fiscal year 2021 revenues and if achieved, one-third of the award will vest immediately, and the remaining two-thirds will vest annually over two years;

●

122,080 PSUs relate to fiscal year 2022 revenues and if achieved, two-thirds of the award will vest immediately, and the remaining one-third will vest the following year; and

●

166,480 PSUs relate to fiscal year 2023 revenues and if achieved, the award will vest immediately.

The level of performance will determine the number of PSUs earned as measured against threshold, target and outperform achievement levels. In all cases, vesting is dependent upon continuing service by the grantee as an employee of the Company. The fiscal year 2021 Career Learning PSUs are an equity-classified award. During the three months ended December 31, 2020, the Company determined the achievement of the performance conditions associated with the fiscal year 2021 revenues was probable at the target level. The Company determined the likelihood of achievement of the performance conditions associated with the fiscal year 2022 and 2023 revenues are not able to be determined at this time.

Fiscal Year 2020 TRIP

During fiscal year 2020, the Company granted, to the executive team of Galvanize, a target level of $12.3 million under a Transaction Related Incentive Plan (“TRIP”) which is tied to the achievement of certain revenue and EBITDA targets of Galvanize. Seventy percent of the earned award is based on the performance of Galvanize for the calendar year 2021 (“Tranche #1”) and thirty percent of the earned award is based on the performance of Galvanize for the calendar year 2022 (“Tranche #2”), both of which are expected to vest after achievement is certified in January following each of the calendar year ends. The revenue and EBITDA targets are split sixty percent and forty percent, respectively, for both tranches. In all cases, vesting is dependent upon continuing service by the grantee as an employee of the Company. The level of performance will determine the number of PSUs earned as measured against threshold, target and outperform achievement levels. The TRIP is a liability-classified award. The Company determined the likelihood of achievement of the performance conditions associated with all tranches are not able to be determined at this time.

Fiscal Year 2019 LTIP

During fiscal year 2019, the Company granted 263,936 PSUs at target under a LTIP which are tied to certain revenue targets and enrollment levels, as well as students’ academic progress. These PSUs had a grant date fair value of $7.9 million, or a weighted average grant-date fair value of $30.05 per share. During fiscal year 2020, the Company granted an additional 34,030 PSUs at target with a grant date fair value of $0.8 million, or $23.51 per share. Forty-five percent of the earned award is based on students’ academic progress (“Tranche #1”) and twenty-five percent of the earned award is based on certain enrollment levels (“Tranche #2”), both of which will vest after achievement is certified on October 15, 2021. The remaining thirty percent of the earned award is based on certain revenue targets (“Tranche #3”) and will vest after achievement is certified on August 15, 2022. The level of performance will determine the number of PSUs earned as measured against threshold, target and outperform achievement levels. In all cases, vesting is dependent upon continuing service by the grantee as an employee of the Company. During the three months ended March 31, 2021, the Company updated its assumptions around the achievement of the performance condition for Tranche #2 and Tranche #3 to the outperform level for both and also determined that the achievement of the Tranche #1 performance condition was probable between the threshold and target level.

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STRIDE, INC.

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Continued

Fiscal Year 2019 SPP

During fiscal year 2019, the Company adopted a new long-term shareholder performance plan (“2019 SPP”) that provides for incentive award opportunities to its key senior executives. The awards were granted in the form of PSUs and will be earned based on the Company’s market capitalization growth over a completed three-year performance period. The 2019 SPP was designed to provide the executives with a percentage of shareholder value growth. No amounts will be earned if total stock price growth over the three-year period is below 25% (7.6% annualized). An amount of 6% of total value growth will be earned based on achieving total stock price growth of 33% (10% annualized) and a maximum of 7.5% of total value growth will be earned if total stock price growth equals or exceeds 95% (25% annualized).

During fiscal year 2019, the Company granted 2,108,305 PSUs at a weighted average grant-date fair value of $8.18 per share, based on the highest level of performance. During fiscal year 2020, the Company granted an additional 66,934 PSUs at a weighted average grant-date fair value of $12.56 per share, based on the highest level of performance. The final amount of PSUs will be determined (and vesting will occur) based on the 30-day average price of the Company’s stock subsequent to seven days after the release of fiscal year 2021 results. The fair value was determined using a Monte Carlo simulation model and is amortized on a straight-line basis over the vesting period. The SPP is a market-based award, and therefore is not subject to any probability assessment by the Company.

Summary of All Performance Share Units

As of March 31, 2021, there was $11.6 million of total unrecognized compensation expense related to nonvested PSUs. The cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 0.7 years. During the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, the Company recognized $7.4 million and $1.5 million, respectively, of stock-based compensation expense related to PSUs. During the nine months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, the expense was $14.2 million and $4.6 million, respectively.

Deferred Stock Units (“DSU”)

The DSUs vest on the grant-date anniversary and are settled in the form of shares of common stock issued to the holder upon separation from the Company.

Deferred stock unit activity during the nine months ended March 31, 2021 was as follows:


		Weighted
		Average
		Grant-Date
	Shares	Fair Value
Nonvested, June 30, 2020	42,102	$	22.42
Granted	17,252		21.01
Vested	—		—
Canceled	—		—
Nonvested, March 31, 2021	59,354	$	22.01

Summary of All Deferred Stock Units

As of March 31, 2021, there was $0.3 million of total unrecognized compensation expense related to nonvested DSUs. The cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 0.8 years. During the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, the Company recognized $0.1 million and $0.2 million, respectively, of stock-based compensation expense related to DSUs. During the nine months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, the expense was $0.3 million and $0.4 million, respectively.

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NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Continued

9. Related Party Transactions

The Company contributed to Future of School, a charity focused on access to quality education. Future of School is a related party as an executive officer of the Company serves on its Board of Directors. For the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, contributions made by the Company to Future of School were $0.2 million and $0.2 million, respectively, and $1.2 million and $1.0 million, respectively, for the nine months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020. In fiscal year 2019, the Company accrued $2.5 million for contributions to be made in subsequent years. The amounts shown for the three and nine months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020 reduced that obligation and as of March 31, 2021, $0.2 million remains outstanding.

10. Commitments and Contingencies

Litigation

In the ordinary conduct of the Company’s business, the Company is subject to lawsuits, arbitrations and administrative proceedings from time to time. The Company vigorously defends these claims; however, no assurances can be given as to the outcome of any pending legal proceedings. The Company believes, based on currently available information, that the outcome of any existing or known threatened proceedings, even if determined adversely, should not have a material adverse effect on its business, financial condition, liquidity or results of operations.

On November 19, 2020, a putative securities class action lawsuit captioned Yun Chau Lee v. K12 Inc., et al was filed against the Company and two of its officers in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, Case No. 1:20-cv-01419 (“Lee Case”). The plaintiff purports to represent a class of persons who purchased or otherwise acquired the Company’s common stock between April 27, 2020 and September 18, 2020, inclusive, and alleges violations by the Company and the individual defendants of Section 10(b) of the Exchange Act, and Rule 10b-5 promulgated under the Exchange Act, and violations by the individual defendants of Section 20(a) of the Exchange Act. The complaint alleges, among other things, that the Company and the individual defendants made false or misleading statements and/or omitted to disclose material facts concerning the Company’s technological capabilities and expertise to support increased demand for virtual and blended education related to the global emergence of COVID-19, the Company’s cybersecurity protocols and protections, and the Company’s administrative support and training to teachers, students, and parents. The complaint seeks unspecified monetary damages and other relief. Additionally, on December 11, 2020, a second putative securities class action lawsuit captioned Jennifer Baig v. K12 Inc., et al was filed against the Company and the same two officers in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, Case No. 1:20-cv-01528 (“Baig Case”). The plaintiff in the Baig Case alleges violations of the same statutes, based on the same or substantially similar alleged conduct, and on behalf of the same purported class of persons as the plaintiff in the Lee Case. Subsequently, on December 21, 2020, a related derivative lawsuit captioned Larry Shemen, et al v. Aida M. Alvarez, et al was filed by two of our shareholders in the United States District Court for the District of Delaware, Case No. 1:20-cv-01731 (“Shemen Case”). The plaintiffs in the Shemen Case allege substantially the same facts alleged in the Lee and Baig Cases, and purport to assert claims on our behalf against certain of our officers and directors for breach of fiduciary duty and waste of corporate assets, and against two of our officers for contribution under Sections 10(b) and 21D of the Exchange Act based on the purported Exchange Act violations alleged in the Lee Case.

On February 17, 2021, the Court consolidated the Lee Case and the Baig Case under the caption In re K12 Inc. Securities Litigation, Case No. 1:20-cv-01419 (the “Consolidated Securities Class Action”), and appointed a lead plaintiff. Pursuant to the case management schedule previously approved by the Court, the lead plaintiff filed an amended complaint on April 5, 2021. In the interim, the Shemen Case is stayed by court order pending resolution of our anticipated motion to dismiss in the Consolidated Securities Class Action. We intend to defend vigorously against each and every allegation and asserted claim in these matters.

Employment Agreements

The Company has entered into employment agreements with certain executive officers that provide for severance payments and, in some cases other benefits, upon certain terminations of employment. Except for the agreement with the Company’s Executive Chairman with an amended extended term to September 30, 2022, all other agreements provide for

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STRIDE, INC.

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Continued

employment on an “at-will” basis. If the employee resigns for “good reason” or is terminated without cause, the employee is entitled to salary continuation, and in some cases benefit continuation, for varying periods depending on the agreement.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

As of March 31, 2021, the Company provided guarantees of approximately $0.6 million related to lease commitments on the buildings for certain of the Company’s schools.

In addition, the Company contractually guarantees that certain schools under the Company’s management will not have annual operating deficits and the Company’s management fees from these schools may be reduced accordingly to cover any school operating deficits.

Other than these lease and operating deficit guarantees, the Company did not have any off-balance sheet arrangements that have or are reasonably likely to have a current or future effect on the Company’s financial condition, changes in financial condition, revenues or expenses, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources.

Risks and Uncertainties

Impacts of COVID-19 on Stride’s Business

While the long-term impact of the global emergence of COVID-19 is not estimable or determinable, the Company is currently experiencing increased demand for its products and services. The Company is unable to predict to what extent, if any, this increased level of demand will remain after the pandemic subsides. It remains too early in the enrollment season to determine the impact of the pandemic on next year’s financial results.

The Company continues to conduct business as usual with some modifications to employee travel, employee work locations, and cancellation of certain events. The Company will continue to actively monitor the situation and may take further actions that alter its business operations as may be required by federal, state or local authorities or that it determines is in the best interests of its employees, customers, partners, suppliers and stockholders. It is not clear what the potential effects any such alterations or modifications may have on the Company’s business, including the effects on its customers and prospects, or on its long-term financial results.

On March 27, 2020, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (“CARES”) Act was enacted and signed into law. The Company has evaluated the business provisions in the CARES Act and adopted the deferral of the employer portion of the social security payroll tax (6.2%) outlined within. The deferral is effective from the enactment date through December 31, 2020. The deferred amount of $14.1 million will be paid in two installments, 50% of the deferred amount by December 31, 2021 and the remainder by December 31, 2022. The deferred payroll taxes due on December 31, 2021 are recorded within accrued liabilities and the deferred payroll taxes due on December 31, 2022 are recorded within other long-term liabilities on the condensed consolidated balance sheets.

11. Acquisitions and Investments

Acquisition of MedCerts, LLC

On November 30, 2020, the Company acquired 100% of MedCerts in exchange for $70.0 million and estimated contingent consideration of $10.8 million. The purchase price is payable in two tranches; $55.0 million was paid at closing, and $15.0 million plus the final contingent consideration will be paid on the 18-month anniversary of the closing. MedCerts students participate in online, hands-on career training courses in the healthcare and medical fields as they prepare for more than a dozen national healthcare certifications. The acquisition of MedCerts further expands the Company’s post-secondary skills training in the healthcare and medical fields. The Company also plans to use MedCerts’ curriculum to create appropriate content to offer high school students.

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NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Continued

the acquisition date. As of the acquisition date, goodwill was measured as the excess of consideration transferred over the fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed.

Based on management’s preliminary valuation of the fair value of tangible and intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed, which was based on estimates and assumptions that are subject to change, the preliminary estimated purchase price was allocated as follows (in thousands):


Allocation of Purchase Price

Cash	$	205
Current assets, excluding cash		5,074
Property and equipment, net		1,896
Intangible assets, net		26,607
Goodwill		50,814
Current liabilities		(2,201)
Deferred revenue		(1,562)
Total consideration	$	80,833

The final purchase price allocation will be completed within one year of the acquisition date (“measurement period”). If information becomes available which would indicate material adjustments are required to the purchase price allocation, such adjustments will be included in the purchase price allocation retrospectively. The estimated fair values for deferred revenue, contingent consideration and the intangible assets are considered preliminary and are subject to change based on final purchase price valuation amounts. The purchase price valuation is still under review.

The fair value of the identified intangible assets was determined primarily using an income-based approach of either the multi-period excess earnings method or relief from royalty method, as appropriate. Intangible assets are amortized on a straight-line basis over the amortization periods noted below.


Intangible Assets
			Estimated
Intangible Assets		Amount	Useful Life
		(In thousands)	(In years)
Customer relationships	$	12,072	5.84
Developed technology		11,970	7.00
Trade names		2,565	5.00
	$	26,607

The contingent consideration represents the fair value of additional consideration payable to the seller, estimated using a Monte Carlo simulation model. The amount of consideration to be distributed on the 18-month anniversary of the closing is based on a multiplier calculated using the annualized earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (“EBITDA”) for the period December 2021 – May 2022. This multiplier is applied to the annualized trailing EBITDA for the period March 2022 – May 2022 to calculate an enterprise value of MedCerts as of May 2022. The payment, if any, will equal 49% of the enterprise value less 49% of original purchase price of $70.0 million ($34.3 million).

Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price of an acquired business over the fair value of the tangible and intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed. Goodwill will not be amortized but instead will be tested for impairment at least annually (or more frequently if indicators of impairment arise). In the event that management determines that the goodwill has become impaired, the Company will incur an accounting charge for the amount of the impairment during the fiscal quarter in which the determination is made. Goodwill is deductible for tax purposes.

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STRIDE, INC.

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Continued

Included in the Company’s condensed consolidated results of operations for the three and nine months ended March 31, 2021 are revenues of $5.3 million and $6.4 million, respectively, and a loss from operations of $2.1 million and $3.3 million, related to MedCerts.

Acquisition of Tech Elevator, Inc.

On November 30, 2020, the Company acquired 100% of Tech Elevator in exchange for $23.5 million, plus working capital of $2.2 million. Like Galvanize, Tech Elevator provides talent development for individuals and enterprises in information technology fields. The acquisition of Tech Elevator expands Galvanize’s student demographic profile, geographic footprint, and hiring partner portfolio; as well as provides additional curriculum to create appropriate content to offer high school students.

The acquisition has been accounted for as a business combination under the acquisition method of accounting, which results in acquired assets and assumed liabilities being measured at their estimated fair values as of November 30, 2020, the acquisition date. As of the acquisition date, goodwill was measured as the excess of consideration transferred over the fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed.


Allocation of Purchase Price

Cash	$	1,813
Current assets, excluding cash		518
Property and equipment, net		513
Operating lease right-of-use assets, net		724
Intangible assets, net		7,105
Goodwill		18,014
Other assets		377
Current liabilities		(461)
Deferred revenue		(534)
Deferred tax liability		(1,650)
Current operating lease liability		(420)
Long-term operating lease liability		(304)
Total consideration	$	25,695

The final purchase price allocation will be completed within one year of the acquisition date (“measurement period”). If information becomes available which would indicate material adjustments are required to the purchase price allocation, such adjustments will be included in the purchase price allocation retrospectively. The estimated fair values for deferred revenue and the intangible assets are considered preliminary and are subject to change based on final purchase price valuation amounts. The purchase price valuation is still under review.

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STRIDE, INC.

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Continued


Intangible Assets
			Estimated
Intangible Assets		Amount	Useful Life
		(In thousands)	(In years)
Customer relationships	$	311	3.92
Developed technology		2,796	5.00
Trade names		3,998	15.00
	$	7,105

Included in the Company’s condensed consolidated results of operations for the three and nine months ended March 31, 2021 are revenues of $3.4 million and $4.0 million, respectively, and income from operations of $0.3 million and $0.0 million, respectively.

Acquisition of Galvanize, Inc.

On January 27, 2020, the Company acquired 100% of Galvanize in exchange for $165.0 million, plus working capital of $9.2 million. Galvanize provides talent development for individuals and enterprises in information technology fields. The acquisition of Galvanize expands the Company’s offerings to include post-secondary skills training in data science and software engineering, technology staffing and developing talent and capabilities for companies. The Company also plans to use Galvanize’s curriculum to create appropriate content to offer high school students.

The acquisition has been accounted for as a business combination under the acquisition method of accounting, which results in acquired assets and assumed liabilities being measured at their fair values as of January 27, 2020, the acquisition date. As of the acquisition date, goodwill was measured as the excess of consideration transferred over the fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed.

Based on management’s valuation of the fair value of tangible and intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed, the purchase price was allocated as follows (in thousands):


Allocation of Purchase Price

Cash	$	9,232
Current assets, excluding cash		8,888
Property and equipment, net		11,270
Operating lease right-of-use assets, net		100,232
Intangible assets, net		68,483
Goodwill		81,225
Other assets		1,802
Current liabilities		(4,370)
Deferred revenue		(3,374)
Deferred tax asset (liability)		2,372
Current operating lease liability		(11,620)
Long-term operating lease liability		(89,782)
Other long-term liabilities		(130)
Total consideration	$	174,228

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STRIDE, INC.

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Continued

The Company made several adjustments to its fiscal year 2020 allocation of the preliminary purchase price during fiscal year 2021.

●

The value of the operating lease right-of-use assets, net increased from $99.7 million to $100.2 million. Lease expense in fiscal year 2021 was not significantly impacted by the updated balance as of the acquisition date.

●

The Company and the sellers finalized its working capital calculation resulting in an adjustment to the purchase price of $3.0 million.

●

Goodwill decreased from $84.7 million to $81.2 million as a result of the adjustments above.

The fair value of the identified intangible assets was determined primarily using an income-based approach of either the multi-period excess earnings method or relief from royalty method, as well as the replacement cost approach, as appropriate. Intangible assets are amortized on a straight-line basis over the amortization periods noted below.


Intangible Assets
			Estimated
Intangible Assets		Amount	Useful Life
		(In thousands)	(In years)
Customer relationships	$	4,785	4.22
Developed technology		3,357	4.00
Trade names		60,341	15.00
	$	68,483

Included in the Company’s condensed consolidated results of operations for the three and nine months ended March 31, 2021 are revenues of $8.7 million and $26.2 million, respectively, and loss from operations of $11.2 million and $30.9 million, respectively, related to Galvanize. Included in the Company’s condensed consolidated results of operations for the three and nine months ended March 31, 2020 are revenues of $3.2 million and loss from operations of $8.1 million.

Pro Forma Combined Results of Operations

The following unaudited pro forma combined results of operations give effect to the acquisition of MedCerts, Tech Elevator and Galvanize as if they had occurred on July 1, 2019. The unaudited pro forma combined results of operations are provided for informational purposes only and do not purport to represent the Company’s actual consolidated results of operations had the acquisitions occurred on the dates assumed, nor are these financial statements necessarily indicative of the Company’s future consolidated results of operations. The unaudited pro forma combined results of operations do not reflect the costs of any integration activities or any benefits that may result from operating efficiencies or revenue synergies.


		Three Months Ended March 31,				Nine Months Ended March 31,
(In thousands)		2021		2020		2021		2020
Revenues	$	392,145	$	267,398	$	1,154,663	$	810,621
Income (loss) from operations		38,553		(4,706)		89,900		(9,557)
Net income (loss)		23,789		(10,360)		61,948		(13,447)

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NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Continued

Investments in Limited Partnerships

During fiscal year 2019, the Company invested in two early stage funds focused on career education with a total commitment of $13.0 million. The Company invested in Rethink Education III, LP (“Rethink”) and New Markets Education Partners II, L.P. (“New Markets”) to support the development of new technologies that will advance online learning, to find early opportunities to adopt those new technologies at Stride, and to simultaneously achieve a reasonable return on investment. As of March 31, 2021, the Company has contributed an aggregate $6.2 million to these funds: $1.9 million is an investment in New Markets and is recorded at cost and will be adjusted, as necessary, for impairment; and $4.3 million is an investment in Rethink and is recorded under the equity method of accounting. The Company’s investments in these funds are included in deposits and other assets on the condensed consolidated balance sheets.

Investment in Tallo, Inc.

In August 2018, the Company made an initial investment of $6.7 million for a 39.5% minority interest in Tallo, Inc. (“Tallo”). In August 2020, the Company invested an additional $2.3 million which increased its minority interest to 46.1%. These investments in preferred stock contain additional rights over common stock and have no readily determinable fair value, were recorded at cost and will be adjusted, as necessary, for impairment. In the event Tallo issues equity at a materially different price than what the Company paid, the Company would also assess changing the carrying value. Tallo also issued a convertible note to the Company for $5.0 million that will be accounted for as an available-for-sale debt security and adjusted to fair value quarterly. The note bears interest at the mid-term Applicable Federal Rate plus 25 bps per annum with a maturity of 48 months. The note is convertible at the Company’s option into 3.67 million Series D Preferred Shares that would give the Company an effective ownership of 53% if exercised. The Company’s investment in Tallo is included in deposits and other assets on the condensed consolidated balance sheets.

12. Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information


	Nine Months Ended March 31,
	2021		2020

	(In thousands)
Cash paid for interest	$	4,024	$	660
Cash paid for taxes	$	15,212	$	2,796

Supplemental disclosure of non-cash financing activities:
Right-of-use assets obtained as a result of the adoption of ASC 842	$	—	$	17,652
Right-of-use assets obtained from acquisitions		1,280		90,716
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for new finance lease liabilities		61,613		16,490

Supplemental disclosure of non-cash investing activities:
Stock-based compensation expense capitalized on software development	$	186	$	92
Stock-based compensation expense capitalized on curriculum development		145		135

Business combinations:
Acquired assets	$	11,120	$	129,982
Intangible assets		33,712		32,162
Goodwill		68,828		107,606
Assumed liabilities		(5,036)		(88,873)
Deferred revenue		(2,096)		(3,649)

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Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

Certain statements in Management’s Discussion and Analysis or MD&A, other than purely historical information, including estimates, projections, statements relating to our business plans, objectives and expected operating results, and the assumptions upon which those statements are based, are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Act, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or the Exchange Act. These forward-looking statements generally are identified by the words “believe,” “project,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “intend,” “strategy,” “plan,” “may,” “should,” “will,” “would,” “will be,” “will continue,” “will likely result,” and similar expressions. Historical results may not indicate future performance. Our forward-looking statements reflect our current views about future events, are based on assumptions and are subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated by these statements. Factors that may cause differences between actual results and those contemplated by forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, those discussed in “Risk Factors” in Part I, Item 1A, of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2020, which we refer to as our Annual Report, and in Part II, Item 1A of this Quarterly Report. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, including any changes that might result from any facts, events or circumstances after the date hereof that may bear upon forward-looking statements. Furthermore, we cannot guarantee future results, events, levels of activity, performance or achievements.

This MD&A is intended to assist in understanding and assessing the trends and significant changes in our results of operations and financial condition. As used in this MD&A, the words, “we,” “our” and “us” refer to Stride, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries. This MD&A should be read in conjunction with our condensed consolidated financial statements and related notes included elsewhere in this report, as well as the consolidated financial statements and MD&A of our Annual Report. The following overview provides a summary of the sections included in our MD&A:

●

Executive Summary — a general description of our business and key highlights of the nine months ended March 31, 2021.

●

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates — a discussion of critical accounting policies requiring judgments and estimates.

●

Results of Operations — an analysis of our results of operations in our condensed consolidated financial statements.

●

Liquidity and Capital Resources — an analysis of cash flows, sources and uses of cash, commitments and contingencies and quantitative and qualitative disclosures about market risk.

Executive Summary

We are an education services company providing online and blended learning. Our technology-based products and services enable our clients to attract, enroll, educate, track progress, and support students on a scalable basis. These products and services, spanning curriculum, systems, instruction, and support services are designed to help learners reach their educational goals through inspired teaching and personalized learning.

Our clients are primarily public and private schools, school districts, and charter boards. Additionally, we offer solutions to employers, government agencies and consumers, including through private schools which we operate.

We offer a wide range of individual products and services, as well as customized solutions, such as our most comprehensive “School-as-a-service” offering which supports our clients in operating full-time online or blended schools. More than two million students have attended schools powered by Stride curriculum and services since the Company’s inception. In our most recent academic year ended June 30, 2020, we graduated 8,559 high school students.

Our solutions address two growing markets; (1) General Education and (2) Career Learning.

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For both the General Education and Career Learning markets the majority of revenue is derived from our most comprehensive “School-as-a-service” offering which includes an integrated package of curriculum, systems, instruction, and support services that we administer on behalf of our customers so that they may operate an online or blended public school. The average duration of the agreements for our School-as-a-service offering is greater than 5 years, and most provide for automatic renewals absent a customer notification within a negotiated time frame. During any fiscal year, we may enter into new agreements, receive non-automatic renewal notices, and negotiate replacement agreements, terminate the contract or receive notice of termination. For the 2020-2021 school year, we provide our School-as-a-service offering for 77 schools in 30 states and the District of Columbia in the General Education market, and 33 schools or programs in 20 states in the Career Learning market.

As overseers of risk and stewards of long-term enterprise value, Stride’s Board of Directors plays a vital role in assessing our organization’s environmental and social impacts. They are also responsible for understanding the potential impact and related risks of environmental, social and governance issues on the organization’s operating model. Our Board and management are committed to identifying those environmental, social and governance (“ESG”) issues most likely to impact business operations and growth. We craft policies that are appropriate for our industry and that are of primary concern to our employees, investors, customers and other key stakeholders. Our Board ensures that the Company’s leaders have ample opportunity to leverage ESG for the long-term good of the organization, its stakeholders, and society. Each Committee of the Board monitors ESG efforts in their respective areas, with the Nominating and Governance Committee coordinating across all Committees.

Since our inception twenty years ago, we have removed barriers that impact academic equity. We provide high-quality education for anyone—particularly those in underserved communities—as a means to foster economic empowerment and address societal inequities from kindergarten all the way through college and career readiness. We

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recently reinforced our commitment in this area by launching several initiatives including offering scholarships to advance education and career opportunities for black students, expanding career pathways in socially responsible law enforcement and increasing employment of black teachers at Stride-powered schools. We are also designing interactive courses on the history of systemic racism that we will make available for free to every public school. On February 3, 2021, we convened a national forum of educational leaders focused on creating more equitable access to high-quality educational opportunities for students from underserved communities.

Among the many ESG issues we support within the Company, we endeavor to promote diversity and inclusion across every aspect of the organization. We sponsor employee resource groups to provide support for female, minority, differently abled, LGBTQ+, and veteran employees and support employee volunteer efforts. Our commitment is evident in the make-up of our leadership team. We have more minorities in executive management and more women in executive management than the representative population. Importantly, our Board of Directors is also diverse with female, Hispanic, and African American members.

Our commitment to ESG initiatives is an endeavor both the Board and management undertake for the general betterment of those both inside and outside of our Company.

The nature of our business supports environmental sustainability. Most of our employees work from home and most students at Stride-powered schools attend virtual classes, even prior to the COVID-19 crisis, reducing the carbon output from commuting in cars or buses. Our online curriculum reduces the need for paper. Our meetings are most often held virtually using digital first presentations rather than paper.

For the nine months ended March 31, 2021, revenues increased to $1,139.3 million from $771.8 million in the prior year, an increase of 47.6%. Over the same period, operating income increased to $89.1 million from $25.4 million in the prior year, an increase of 250.8%. Net income to common stockholders was $61.0 million from $19.6 million in the prior year, an increase of 211.2%.

Recent Developments

On January 26, 2021, we filed a Form 8-K to report that Nathaniel A. Davis, Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, notified our Board of Directors (the “Board”) that he resigned from his position as Chief Executive Officer, effective January 26, 2021. Mr. Davis will continue to serve as Executive Chairman of the Company. In addition, the Board appointed James J. Rhyu, formerly President, Corporate Strategy, Marketing and Technology, to succeed Mr. Davis as Chief Executive Officer, effective January 26, 2021.

On December 16, 2020, we changed our name from K12 Inc. to Stride, Inc.

On November 30, 2020, we acquired MedCerts in exchange for $70.0 million, plus estimated contingent consideration of $10.8 million. MedCerts students participate in online, hands-on career training courses in the healthcare and medical fields as they prepare for more than a dozen national healthcare certifications. The acquisition of MedCerts further expands the Company’s post-secondary skills training in the healthcare and medical fields. The Company also plans to use MedCerts’ curriculum to create appropriate content to offer high school students.

On November 30, 2020, we acquired Tech Elevator in exchange for $23.5 million, plus working capital. Like Galvanize, Tech Elevator provides talent development for individuals and enterprises in information technology fields. The acquisition of Tech Elevator expands Galvanize’s student demographic profile, geographic footprint, and hiring partner portfolio; as well as provides additional curriculum to create appropriate content to offer high school students.

On January 27, 2020, we acquired Galvanize in exchange for $165.0 million, plus working capital. Galvanize provides talent development for individuals and enterprises in information technology fields. The acquisition of Galvanize expands the Company’s offerings to include post-secondary skills training in data science and software engineering, technology staffing and developing talent and capabilities for companies. The Company also plans to use Galvanize’s curriculum to create appropriate content to offer high school students.

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Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) requires us to make estimates and assumptions about future events that affect the amounts reported in our condensed consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Future events and their effects cannot be determined with certainty. Therefore, the determination of estimates requires the exercise of judgment. Actual results could differ from those estimates, and any such differences may be material to our consolidated financial statements. Critical accounting policies are disclosed in our Annual Report. There have been no significant updates to our critical accounting policies disclosed in our Annual Report.

Results of Operations

Impacts of COVID-19 on Stride’s Business

While the long-term impact of the global emergence of COVID-19 is not estimable or determinable, we are currently experiencing increased demand for our products and services. We are unable to predict to what extent, if any, this increased level of demand will remain after the pandemic subsides. It remains too early in the enrollment season to determine the impact of the pandemic on next year’s financial results.

We continue to conduct business as usual with some modifications to employee travel, employee work locations, and cancellation of certain events. We will continue to actively monitor the situation and may take further actions that alter our business operations as may be required by federal, state or local authorities or that we determine is in the best interests of our employees, customers, partners, suppliers and stockholders. It is not clear what the potential effects any such alterations or modifications may have on our business, including the effects on our customers and prospects, or on our long-term financial results.

Lines of Revenue

We operate in one operating and reportable business segment as a technology-based education company providing proprietary and third-party curriculum, software systems and educational services designed to facilitate individualized learning. The Chief Operating Decision Maker evaluates profitability based on consolidated results. We have two lines of revenue: (i) General Education and (ii) Career Learning. Our previous lines of revenue were (i) Managed Public School Programs, (ii) Institutional, and (ii) Private Pay Schools and Other. The prior year comparable enrollment and revenue data has been revised to conform to the current year presentation. Additionally, we have provided a reconciliation of the prior lines of revenue to the current lines of revenue for both the enrollment and revenue data to facilitate a period-over-period comparison. We believe that the change in the lines of revenue will facilitate a better understanding of the markets in which we compete.

Enrollment Data

The following table sets forth total enrollment data for students in our General Education and Career Learning lines of revenue. Enrollments for General Education and Career Learning only include those students in full service public or private programs where Stride provides a combination of curriculum, technology, instructional and support services inclusive of administrative support. No enrollments are included in Career Learning for Galvanize, Tech Elevator or MedCerts. This data includes enrollments for which Stride receives no public funding or revenue.

If the mix of enrollments changes, our revenues will be impacted to the extent the average revenues per enrollments are significantly different. We do not award or permit incentive compensation to be paid to our public school program enrollment staff or contractors based on the number of students enrolled.

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Reconciliation of Prior and Current Enrollment

The following is a reconciliation of our prior reporting structure to our current reporting structure for each of the periods indicated:


	Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
	March 31,				March 31,
	2021		2020		2021		2020

	(In thousands)
Managed Public School Programs		180.6		119.7		184.7		119.1
Non-managed Public School Programs		55.4		16.2		54.8		15.9
Total Old Reporting		236.0		135.9		239.5		135.0
Add:
Private Pay		4.7		2.4		4.7		2.4
Less:
Non-managed Public School Programs		(55.4)		(16.2)		(54.8)		(15.9)
Net Changes - Old vs New Reporting		(50.7)		(13.8)		(50.1)		(13.5)
Total New Reporting		185.3		122.1		189.4		121.5

The following represents our current enrollment for each of the periods indicated:


	Three Months Ended							Nine Months Ended
	March 31,				2021 / 2020			March 31,				2021 / 2020
	2021		2020		Change		Change %	2021		2020		Change		Change %

	(In thousands, except percentages)

General Education (1)		155.8		108.9		46.9	43.1%		159.4		108.3		51.1	47.2%
Career Learning (1) (2)		29.5		13.2		16.3	123.5%		30.0		13.2		16.8	127.3%
Total Enrollment		185.3		122.1		63.2	51.8%		189.4		121.5		67.9	55.9%

(1)	Enrollments reported for the first quarter are equal to the official count date number, which was October 1, 2020 for the first quarter of fiscal year 2021 and October 2, 2019 for the first quarter of fiscal year 2020.

(2)	No enrollments are included in Career Learning for Galvanize, Tech Elevator or MedCerts.

Revenue Data

Revenues are captured by market based on the underlying customer contractual agreements. Where customers purchase products and services for both General Education and Career Learning markets we allocate revenues based on the program each student selects for enrollment. All kindergarten through fifth grade students are considered General Education students. Periodically, a middle school or high school student enrollment may change line of revenue classification.

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Reconciliation of Prior and Current Revenues

The following is a reconciliation of our prior reporting structure to our current reporting structure for each of the periods indicated:


	Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
General Education	March 31,				March 31,
	2021		2020		2021		2020

	(In thousands)
Managed Public School Programs	$	336,281	$	228,335	$	989,312	$	685,445
Add:
Private Pay Schools and Other		12,241		8,879		33,211		26,164
Institutional (Non-managed and Software & Services)		26,164		16,753		80,148		57,038
Less:
Career Learning - Managed Public School Programs		(51,178)		(20,586)		(149,399)		(68,365)
Career Learning - Non-managed Public School Programs		(541)		(82)		(1,583)		(671)
Career Learning - Private Pay Schools and Other		(663)		(152)		(1,547)		(279)
Total General Education Revenues	$	322,304	$	233,147	$	950,142	$	699,332


	Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
Career Learning	March 31,				March 31,
	2021		2020		2021		2020

	(In thousands)
Career Learning - Managed Public School Programs	$	51,178	$	20,586	$	149,399	$	68,365
Career Learning - Non-managed Public School Programs		541		82		1,583		671
Career Learning - Private Pay Schools and Other		663		152		1,547		279
Private Pay Schools and Other (Galvanize, MedCerts and Tech Elevator)		17,459		3,187		36,579		3,187
Total Career Learning Revenues	$	69,841	$	24,007	$	189,108	$	72,502

The following represents our current revenues for each of the periods indicated:




	Three Months Ended							Nine Months Ended
	March 31,				Change 2021 / 2020			March 31,				Change 2021 / 2020
	2021		2020		$		%	2021		2020		$		%

	(In thousands, except percentages)

General Education	$	322,304	$	233,147	$	89,157	38.2%	$	950,142	$	699,332	$	250,810	35.9%
Career Learning
Middle - High School		52,382		20,820		31,562	151.6%		152,529		69,315		83,214	120.1%
Adult		17,459		3,187		14,272	447.8%		36,579		3,187		33,392	1,047.8%
Total Career Learning		69,841		24,007		45,834	190.9%		189,108		72,502		116,606	160.8%
Total Revenues	$	392,145	$	257,154	$	134,991	52.5%	$	1,139,250	$	771,834	$	367,416	47.6%

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Products and Services

Stride has invested over $500 million in the last twenty years to develop curriculum, systems, instructional practices and support services that enable us to support hundreds of thousands of students. The following describes the various products and services that we are capable of providing to customers. Products and services are provided on an individual basis as well as customized solutions, such as our most comprehensive “School-as-a-service” offering which supports our clients in operating full-time online or blended schools. Stride is continuously innovating to remain at the forefront of effective educational techniques to meet students’ changing needs. It continues to expand upon its personalized learning model, improve the user experience of its products, and develop beneficial tools and partnerships to more effectively engage and serve students, teachers, and administrators.

Curriculum and Content – Stride has one of the largest digital research-based curriculum portfolios for the K-12 online education industry that includes some of the best in class content available in the market. Our customers can select from hundreds of high-quality, engaging, online coursework and content, as well as many state customized versions of those courses, electives, and instructional supports. Since our inception, we have built core courses on a foundation of rigorous standards, following the guidance and recommendations of leading educational organizations at the national and state levels. State standards are continually evolving, and we continually invest in our curriculum to meet these changing requirements. Through our subsidiaries Galvanize, Tech Elevator and MedCerts, we have added high-quality, engaging, online coursework and content in software engineering, data science and the healthcare and medical fields.

Systems – We have established a secure, reliable and scalable technology platform, which integrates proprietary and third-party systems, to provide a high-quality educational environment and give us the capability to grow our customer programs and enrollment. Our end-to-end platform includes single-sign on capability for our content management, learning management, student information, data reporting and analytics, and various support systems that allow customers to provide a high-quality and personalized educational experience for students. A la carte offerings can provide curriculum and content hosting on customers’ learning management systems, or integration with customers’ student information systems.

Instructional Services – We offer a broad range of instructional services that includes customer support for instructional teams, including recruitment of state certified teachers, training in research-based online instruction methods and Stride systems, oversight and evaluation services, and ongoing professional development. Stride also provides training options to support teachers and parents to meet students’ learning needs. Stride’s range of training options are designed to enhance skills needed to teach using an online learning platform, and include hands-on training, on-demand courses, and support materials.

Support Services – We offer a broad range of support services, including marketing and enrollment, supporting prospective students through the admission process, assessment management, administrative support (e.g., budget proposals, financial reporting, and student data reporting), and technology and materials support (e.g., provisioning of student computers, offline learning kits, internet access and technology support services).

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Financial Information

The following table sets forth statements of operations data and the amounts as a percentage of revenues for each of the periods indicated:


	Three Months Ended March 31,								Nine Months Ended March 31,
	2021				2020				2021				2020

		(Dollars in thousands)
Revenues	$	392,145	100.0	%	$	257,154	100.0	%	$	1,139,250	100.0	%	$	771,834	100.0	%
Instructional costs and services		253,128	64.5			178,968	69.6			740,951	65.0			515,796	66.8
Gross margin		139,017	35.5			78,186	30.4			398,299	35.0			256,038	33.2
Selling, general, and administrative expenses		100,464	25.6			63,687	24.8			309,230	27.1			230,622	29.9
Income from operations		38,553	9.8			14,499	5.6			89,069	7.8			25,416	3.3
Interest income (expense), net		(5,371)	(1.4)			(76)	(0.0)			(12,502)	(1.1)			1,275	0.2
Other income (expense), net		486	0.1			(1,093)	(0.4)			2,276	0.2			(736)	(0.1)
Income before income taxes and income (loss) from equity method investments		33,668	8.6			13,330	5.2			78,843	6.9			25,955	3.4
Income tax expense		(10,275)	(2.6)			(4,419)	(1.7)			(18,541)	(1.6)			(5,993)	(0.8)
Income (loss) from equity method investments		396	0.1			(157)	(0.1)			654	0.1			(344)	(0.0)
Net income attributable to common stockholders	$	23,789	6.1	%	$	8,754	3.4	%	$	60,956	5.4	%	$	19,618	2.5	%

Comparison of the Three Months Ended March 31, 2021 and 2020

Revenues. Our revenues for the three months ended March 31, 2021 were $392.1 million, representing an increase of $134.9 million, or 52.4%, from $257.2 million for the same period in the prior year. General Education revenues increased $89.2 million, or 38.2%, year over year. The increase in General Education revenues was primarily due to the 43.1% increase in enrollments, school mix (distribution of enrollments by school), and other factors. Career Learning revenues increased $45.8 million, or 190.9%, primarily due to a 123.5% increase in enrollments, school mix, as well as from the acquisition of Galvanize.

Instructional costs and services expenses. Instructional costs and services expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2021 were $253.1 million, representing an increase of $74.1 million, or 41.4%, from $179.0 million for the same period in the prior year. This increase in expense was primarily due to the incremental personnel and related benefit costs associated with supporting higher enrollments. Instructional costs and services expenses were 64.5% of revenues during the three months ended March 31, 2021, a decrease from 69.6% for the three months ended March 31, 2020.

Selling, general, and administrative expenses. Selling, general, and administrative expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2021 were $100.5 million, representing an increase of $36.8 million, or 57.8% from $63.7 million for the same period in the prior year. The increase was primarily due to an increase in personnel and related benefit costs as well as an increase in professional services and computer maintenance expenses. Selling, general, and administrative expenses were 25.6% of revenues during the three months ended March 31, 2021, a slight increase from 24.8% for the three months ended March 31, 2020.

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Income tax expense. Income tax expense was $10.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021, or 30.2% of income before income taxes, as compared to $4.4 million, or 33.5% of income before income taxes for the same period in the prior year. The decrease in the effective tax rate for the three months ended March 31, 2021 was primarily due to the impact of non-deductible compensation.

Net income. Net income was $23.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021, compared to $8.8 million for the same period in the prior year, representing an increase of $15.0 million.

Comparison of the Nine Months Ended March 31, 2021 and 2020

Revenues. Our revenues for the nine months ended March 31, 2021 were $1,139.3 million, representing an increase of $367.5 million, or 47.6%, from $771.8 million for the same period in the prior year. General Education revenues increased $250.8 million, or 35.9%, year over year. The increase in General Education revenues was primarily due to the 47.2% increase in enrollments, school mix (distribution of enrollments by school), and other factors. Career Learning revenues increased $116.6 million, or 160.8%, primarily due to a 127.3% increase in enrollments, school mix, as well as from the acquisition of Galvanize.

Instructional costs and services expenses. Instructional costs and services expenses for the nine months ended March 31, 2021 were $741.0 million, representing an increase of $225.2 million, or 43.7%, from $515.8 million for the same period in the prior year. This increase in expense was primarily due to the incremental personnel and related benefit costs associated with supporting higher enrollments. Instructional costs and services expenses were 65.0% of revenues during the nine months ended March 31, 2021, a decrease from 66.8% for the nine months ended March 31, 2020.

Selling, general, and administrative expenses. Selling, general, and administrative expenses for the nine months ended March 31, 2021 were $309.2 million, representing an increase of $78.6 million, or 34.1% from $230.6 million for the same period in the prior year. The increase was primarily due to an increase in personnel and related benefit costs and also an increase in professional services expenses. Selling, general, and administrative expenses were 27.1% of revenues during the nine months ended March 31, 2021, a decrease from 29.9% for the nine months ended March 31, 2020.

Income tax expense. Income tax expense was $18.5 million for the nine months ended March 31, 2021, or 23.3% of income before income taxes, as compared to $6.0 million, or 23.4% of income before income taxes for the same period in the prior year.

Net income. Net income was $61.0 million for the nine months ended March 31, 2021, compared to $19.6 million for the same period in the prior year, representing an increase of $41.4 million.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

As of March 31, 2021, we had net working capital, or current assets minus current liabilities, of $575.4 million. Our working capital includes cash and cash equivalents of $329.0 million and accounts receivable of $422.8 million. Our working capital provides a significant source of liquidity for our normal operating needs. Our accounts receivable balance fluctuates throughout the fiscal year based on the timing of customer billings and collections and tends to be highest in our first fiscal quarter as we begin billing for students. In addition, our cash and accounts receivable were significantly in excess of our accounts payable and short-term accrued liabilities at March 31, 2021.

During the first quarter of fiscal year 2021, we issued $420.0 million aggregate principal amount of 1.125% Convertible Senior Notes due 2027 (“Notes”). The Notes are governed by an indenture (the “Indenture”) between us and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee. The net proceeds from the offering of the Notes were approximately $408.6 million after deducting the underwriting fees and other expenses paid by the Company. The Notes bear interest at a rate of 1.125% per annum, payable semi-annually in arrears on March 1^st and September 1^st of each year, beginning on March 1, 2021. The Notes will mature on September 1, 2027. In connection with the Notes, we entered into privately negotiated capped call transactions (the “Capped Call Transactions”) with certain counterparties. The Capped Call Transactions are expected to cover the aggregate number of shares of the Company’s common stock that initially underlie the Notes, and are expected to reduce potential dilution to the Company’s common stock upon any conversion of Notes and/or offset any cash payments the Company is required to make in excess of the principal amount of converted Notes. The upper strike price of the Capped Call Transactions is $86.174 per share. The cost of the Capped Call Transactions was

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$60.4 million and was recorded within additional paid-in capital.

Before June 1, 2027, noteholders will have the right to convert their Notes only upon the occurrence of certain events. After June 1, 2027, noteholders may convert their Notes at any time at their election until two days prior to the maturity date. The Company will settle conversions by paying or delivering cash, shares of its common stock, or a combination of cash and shares of its common stock, at the Company’s election, with an intent to net settle by settling the outstanding principal in cash and conversion spread in shares of its common stock. The initial conversion rate is 18.9109 shares of common stock per $1,000 principal amount of Notes, which represents an initial conversion price of approximately $52.88 per share of common stock. The Notes will be redeemable at the Company’s option at any time after September 6, 2024 at a cash redemption price equal to the principal amount of the Notes, plus accrued and unpaid interest, subject to certain stock price hurdles as discussed in the Indenture.

On January 27, 2020, we entered into a $100.0 million senior secured revolving credit facility (“Credit Facility”) to be used for general corporate operating purposes with PNC Capital Markets LLC. The Credit Facility has a five-year term and incorporates customary financial and other covenants, including but not limited to a maximum leverage ratio and a minimum interest coverage ratio. The majority of our borrowings under the Credit Facility are at LIBOR plus an additional rate ranging from 0.875% - 1.50% based on our leverage ratio as defined in the agreement. The Credit Facility is secured by our assets. As of March 31, 2021, we were in compliance with the financial covenants. As part of the proceeds received from the Notes, we repaid our $100.0 million outstanding balance and as of March 31, 2021, we had no amounts outstanding on the Credit Facility. The Credit Facility also includes a $200.0 million accordion feature.

We are a lessee under finance lease obligations for student computers and peripherals under loan agreements with PNC Equipment Finance, LLC (“PNC”) and Banc of America Leasing & Capital, LLC (“BALC”). As of March 31, 2021 and June 30, 2020, the finance lease liability was $69.2 million and $17.9 million, respectively, with lease interest rates ranging from 1.52% to 3.87%.

Individual leases under the agreement with PNC include 36-month payment terms at varying rates, with a $1 purchase option at the end of each lease term. We have pledged the assets financed to secure the outstanding leases.

We entered into an agreement with BALC in April 2020 for $25.0 million (increased to $41.0 million in July 2020) to provide financing for our leases through March 2021 at varying rates. We entered into an additional agreement in September 2020 to provide financing of $45.0 million for our leases through August 2021 at varying rates. Individual leases with BALC include 12 month and 36 month payment terms, fixed rates ranging from 1.52% to 2.58%, and a $1 purchase option at the end of each lease term. We pledged the assets financed to secure the outstanding leases.

Our cash requirements consist primarily of day-to-day operating expenses, capital expenditures and contractual obligations with respect to interest on our Notes, office facility leases, capital equipment leases and other operating leases. We expect to make future payments on existing leases from cash generated from operations. We believe that the combination of funds to be generated from operations, proceeds from our Notes, borrowing on our Credit Facility and net working capital on hand will be adequate to finance our ongoing operations for the foreseeable future. In addition, we continue to explore acquisitions, strategic investments and joint ventures related to our business that we may acquire using cash, stock, debt, contribution of assets or a combination thereof.

Operating Activities

Net cash provided by operating activities for the nine months ended March 31, 2021 was $11.1 million compared to $3.0 million for the nine months ended March 31, 2020. The increase of $8.1 million was primarily due to an increase in net income, accrued compensation and benefits, and deferred revenue, partially offset by an increase in accounts receivable.

Investing Activities

Net cash used in investing activities for the nine months ended March 31, 2021 was $106.5 million compared to $208.1 million for the nine months ended March 31, 2020, a decrease of $101.6 million. The decrease was primarily due to the acquisition of Galvanize in fiscal year 2020 offset by the acquisitions of MedCerts and Tech Elevator in fiscal year 2021.

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Financing Activities

Net cash provided by financing activities for the nine months ended March 31, 2021 was $212.1 million compared to $71.9 million during the nine months ended March 31, 2020, an increase of $140.2 million. The increase was primarily due to the net proceeds from the issuance of our Notes of $408.6 million, partially offset by capped call purchases related to the Notes of $60.4 million and the repayment on our Credit Facility of $100.0 million.

Off Balance Sheet Arrangements, Contractual Obligations and Commitments

As of March 31, 2021, we provided guarantees of approximately $0.6 million related to lease commitments on the buildings for certain of our schools.

In addition, we contractually guarantee that certain schools under our management will not have annual operating deficits and our management fees from these schools may be reduced accordingly to cover any school operating deficits.

Other than these lease and operating deficit guarantees, we did not have any off-balance sheet arrangements that have or are reasonably likely to have a current or future effect on our financial condition, changes in financial condition, revenues or expenses, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources.

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.

Interest Rate Risk

As of March 31, 2021 and June 30, 2020, we had cash and cash equivalents totaling $329.0 million and $212.3 million, respectively. Our excess cash has been invested primarily in U.S. Treasury money market funds although we may also invest in money market accounts, government securities, corporate debt securities and similar investments. Future interest and investment income is subject to the impact of interest rate changes and we may be subject to changes in the fair value of our investment portfolio as a result of changes in interest rates. At March 31, 2021, a 1% gross increase in interest rates earned on cash would result in a $3.3 million annualized increase in interest income.

Our short-term debt obligations under our Credit Facility are subject to interest rate exposure. At March 31, 2021, we had no outstanding balance on our Credit Facility.

Foreign Currency Exchange Risk

We currently operate in several foreign countries, but we do not transact a material amount of business in a foreign currency. If we enter into any material transactions in a foreign currency or establish or acquire any subsidiaries that measure and record their financial condition and results of operations in a foreign currency, we will be exposed to currency transaction risk and/or currency translation risk. Exchange rates between U.S. dollars and many foreign currencies have fluctuated significantly over the last few years and may continue to do so in the future. Accordingly, we may decide in the future to undertake hedging strategies to minimize the effect of currency fluctuations on our financial condition and results of operations.

Item 4. Controls and Procedures.

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

We maintain disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) of the Exchange Act) that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in our Exchange Act reports is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. In designing and evaluating the disclosure controls and procedures, management recognizes that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving the desired control objectives, and management necessarily was required to apply its judgment in evaluating the cost benefit relationship of possible controls and procedures.

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We carried out an evaluation, required by paragraph (b) of Rule 13a-15 or Rule 15d-15 under the Exchange Act, under the supervision and with the participation of management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) or Rule 15d-15(e) of the Exchange Act) as of the end of the period covered by this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. Based on this review, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of March 31, 2021.

Changes to Internal Control over Financial Reporting

There have been no changes in our internal controls over financial reporting during our most recent fiscal quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal controls over financial reporting. We are not required to include an assessment of the internal control over financial reporting of an entity acquired during the reporting period in our evaluation of internal control over financial reporting for Stride. We are in the process of incorporating MedCerts’ and Tech Elevator’s operations into our internal control over financial reporting and intend to complete this within one year of the acquisition date.

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Part II. Other Information

Item 1. Legal Proceedings.

In the ordinary conduct of our business, we are subject to lawsuits, arbitrations and administrative proceedings from time to time. We vigorously defend these claims; however, no assurances can be given as to the outcome of any pending legal proceedings. We believe, based on currently available information, that the outcome of any existing or known threatened proceedings, even if determined adversely, should not have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, liquidity or results of operations.

On November 19, 2020, a putative securities class action lawsuit captioned Yun Chau Lee v. K12 Inc., et al was filed against us and two of our officers in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, Case No. 1:20-cv-01419 (“Lee Case”). The plaintiff purports to represent a class of persons who purchased or otherwise acquired our common stock between April 27, 2020 and September 18, 2020, inclusive, and alleges violations by us and the individual defendants of Section 10(b) of the Exchange Act, and Rule 10b-5 promulgated under the Exchange Act, and violations by the individual defendants of Section 20(a) of the Exchange Act. The complaint alleges, among other things, that we and the individual defendants made false or misleading statements and/or omitted to disclose material facts concerning our technological capabilities and expertise to support increased demand for virtual and blended education related to the global emergence of COVID-19, our cybersecurity protocols and protections, and our administrative support and training to teachers, students, and parents. The complaint seeks unspecified monetary damages and other relief. Additionally, on December 11, 2020, a second putative securities class action lawsuit captioned Jennifer Baig v. K12 Inc., et al was filed against us and the same two officers in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, Case No. 1:20-cv-01528 (“Baig Case”). The plaintiff in the Baig Case alleges violations of the same statutes, based on the same or substantially similar alleged conduct, and on behalf of the same purported class of persons as the plaintiff in the Lee Case. Subsequently, on December 21, 2020, a related derivative lawsuit captioned Larry Shemen, et al v. Aida M. Alvarez, et al was filed by two of our shareholders in the United States District Court for the District of Delaware, Case No. 1:20-cv-01731 (“Shemen Case”). The plaintiffs in the Shemen Case allege substantially the same facts alleged in the Lee and Baig Cases, and purport to assert claims on our behalf against certain of our officers and directors for breach of fiduciary duty and waste of corporate assets, and against two of our officers for contribution under Sections 10(b) and 21D of the Exchange Act based on the purported Exchange Act violations alleged in the Lee Case.

Item 1A. Risk Factors.

The risks described in “Risk Factors” in Part I, Item 1A, of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2020, as filed with the SEC on August 12, 2020, remain current in all material aspects, except as amended and supplemented by the additional risk factors below.

The failure to prevent a cybersecurity incident affecting our systems could result in the disruption of our services and the disclosure or misappropriation of sensitive information, which could harm our reputation, decrease demand for our services and products, expose us to liability, penalties, and remedial costs, or otherwise adversely affect our financial performance.

In order to provide our services and solutions, we depend on various information-technology systems, including those of third parties, to process, transmit, host and securely store electronic information, including confidential employee, customer, student, and parent information. Any information-technology systems are at risk of being compromised, whether through malicious activity or human or technological error. Although we dedicate personnel and resources toward protecting against such cybersecurity risks, our efforts may fail to prevent a security incident.

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For example, on December 1, 2020, we announced a security incident involving a ransomware attack. The incident resulted in the attacker accessing certain parts of our corporate back-office systems, including some student and employee information on those systems. Based on the information currently known and our investigation to date, we do not believe the incident will have a material impact on our business, operations or financial results. However, the investigation is ongoing, and we do not yet know the full scope of the incident and impacted information. We worked with our cyber insurance provider to make a payment to the ransomware attacker, as a proactive and preventive step to prevent the information obtained by the attacker from being released on the Internet or otherwise disclosed, although there is always a risk that the threat actor will not adhere to negotiated terms. Any remediation measures that we have taken or that we may undertake in the future in response to this security incident may be insufficient to prevent future attacks.

Any security incident that results in employee, customer, student, or parent information being accessed without authorization, or that otherwise disrupts or negatively impacts our operations, could harm our reputation, lead to customer attrition, and expose us to regulatory enforcement action or litigation. We may also be required to expend significant capital and other resources in response to a security breach, including notification under data privacy laws and regulations, and incur expenses related to containing the incident and remediating our information security systems. Monetary damages and penalties and other costs or losses could be significant and may exceed insurance policy limits or not covered by our insurance at all. In addition, a security breach could require that we expend substantial additional resources related to the security of our information systems, diverting resources from other projects and disrupting our businesses.

Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds.

None.

Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities.

None.

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures.

None.

Item 5. Other Information.

None.

Item 6. Exhibits.

(a) Exhibits.

Number		Description

3.1		Fifth Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Stride, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on December 16, 2020, File No. 001-33883).
3.2		Third Amended and Restated Bylaws of Stride, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.3 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on December 16, 2020, File No. 001-33883).
10.1		Letter Agreement, dated January 22, 2021, between Stride, Inc. and James Rhyu (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the SEC on January 26, 2021, File No. 001-33883).
10.2		Fourth Amendment to Second Amended and Restated Employment Agreement of Nathaniel A. Davis, dated January 22, 2021 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the SEC on January 26, 2021, File No. 001-33883).
31.1		Certification of Principal Executive Officer Required Under Rule 13a-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
31.2		Certification of Principal Financial Officer Required Under Rule 13a-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
32.1		Certification of Principal Executive Officer Required Under Rule 13a-14(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and 18 U.S.C. Section 1350.

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32.2		Certification of Principal Financial Officer Required Under Rule 13a-14(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and 18 U.S.C. Section 1350.
101		The following financial statements and footnotes from the Stride, Inc. Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended March 31, 2021, formatted in Inline XBRL (Inline eXtensible Business Reporting Language): (i) Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (unaudited), (ii) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (unaudited), (iii) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income, (iv) Condensed Consolidated Statement of Equity (unaudited), (v) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (unaudited), and (vi) Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited).
104		The cover page from this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, formatted in Inline XBRL (contained in Exhibit 101).

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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 thereunto duly authorized.

		Stride, Inc.

		/s/ TIMOTHY J. MEDINA
	Name:	Timothy J. Medina
	Title:	Chief Financial Officer, Principal Accounting Officer and Authorized Signatory

Date: April 21, 2021