Skillsoft Corp. (SKIL) FY 2025 MD&A

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

The following discussion of our financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with our audited consolidated financial statements and the accompanying notes appearing in Item 8 of this Annual Report. This discussion may contain forward-looking statements based upon current expectations that involve risks and uncertainties. Skillsoft’s actual results may differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, including those set forth under “Risk Factors” in Part I, Item 1A of this Annual Report.

Significant Transactions

Completion of the Business Combination

On April 4, 2022, the Company acquired Codecademy, a leading online learning platform for technical skills. Codecademy is part of our Learner platform, which is an innovative and popular learning platform providing high-demand technical skills to approximately 40 million registered learners in nearly every country worldwide. The platform offers interactive, self-paced courses and hands-on learning in 14 programming languages across multiple domains such as application development, data science, cloud and cybersecurity, and is part of the TDS segment. Total consideration for the acquisition was approximately $386.0 million, consisting of the issuance of 1,518,721 shares of common stock and a net cash payment of $203.4 million.

Discontinued Operations

On August 15, 2022, we completed the sale of our SumTotal business to a third party. Net proceeds from the sale were $174.9 million, after final working capital adjustments in April 2023. The disposal of SumTotal assets met the criteria to be reported as held for sale and discontinued operations. As a result, SumTotal’s results of operations are presented, net of tax, separate from the results of continuing operations for all periods presented.

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Results of Operations

Our consolidated results of operations as reported in our Consolidated Financial Statements are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States ("GAAP").

The following sets forth certain items from our consolidated statements of operations as a percentage of total revenues for the periods indicated:

Refer to Note 20 "Segment Information" of our Consolidated Financial Statements for information regarding our segments, including reconciling segment profit or loss for the periods presented to the consolidated statements of operations. Segment ("business unit") contribution profit and business unit contribution margin are internal measures used by our Chief Operating Decision Maker (i.e., our Chief Executive Officer) to evaluate and assess the results of our segments. We disclose these non-GAAP segment results because we believe they provide meaningful supplemental information. Business unit contribution profit is defined as business unit revenue, less business unit cost of revenue, business unit content and software development expenses, and business unit product research and management expenses. We have excluded the following items in our determination of business unit cost of revenues, business unit content and software development expenses, and business unit product research and management expenses, as our Chief Executive Officer does not include them in the measurement of the performance of the segment:

The key performance metric used to assess the segment results is business unit contribution margin, which is defined as business unit contribution profit, divided by business unit revenue for the same period.

The following reflects measures used by our management and Board to evaluate and assess the results of our segments (in thousands, except percentages):

Revenues

We provide, through our TDS and GK segments, enterprise learning solutions designed to prepare organizations for the future of work, and to overcome critical skills gaps, drive demonstrable behavior-change, and unlock the potential in their people.

Our TDS segment generates revenues from its comprehensive suite of premium, original, and authorized partner content, featuring one of the deepest libraries of leadership and business, technology and development, and compliance curricula. With access to a broad spectrum of learning options (including video, audio, books, bootcamps, live events, and practice labs), organizations can meaningfully increase learner engagement and retention. Our TDS offerings are predominantly delivered through Percipio, our award-winning, AI-driven, immersive learning platform purpose built to make learning easier, more accessible, and more effective. In addition, we also have proprietary platforms used for our TDS Learner and Skillsoft Coaching offerings. Our learning solutions are typically sold on a subscription basis for a fixed term.

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Our GK segment generates revenues from virtual, in-classroom, and on-demand training solutions geared at foundational, practitioner and expert information technology professionals. Our offerings include authorized content from various partners aimed at providing professional certifications for individuals that successfully complete all requirements. GK’s digital and in-classroom learning solutions provide enterprises, government agencies, and educational institutions a broad selection of customizable courses to meet their technology and development needs.

Subscription and Non-Subscription Revenues

Software as a service ("SaaS") Subscription Revenue. Represents revenue generated from contracts specifying a minimum fixed fee for services delivered over the life of the contract. The initial term of enterprise contracts is generally one to three years and is usually non-cancellable for the term of the subscription. The fixed fee is commonly paid upfront on an annual basis. These contracts typically consist of subscriptions to our various offerings which provide access to our SaaS platforms, associated content and services, over the contract term.

Non-Subscription Revenue. Primarily comprised of instructor-led training offerings, which consist of both in-person and virtual environments. Instructor-led training, including virtual offerings, are first scheduled, then delivered later, with revenue realized on the delivery date. Non-subscription revenues also include professional services related to implementation of our products and subsequent, ongoing consulting engagements. Our non-subscription services complement our subscription business in creating strong and comprehensive customer relationships.

The following is a summary of our revenues by product and service type for the periods indicated (in thousands, except percentages):

The decline in revenues, when comparing fiscal 2025 to fiscal 2024, in our GK segment was attributable to weaker market demand, non-U.S. denominated revenues being negatively impacted by unfavorable foreign currency exchange rates, as well as a higher proportion of reseller business, which are recognized net of fees. For TDS, the slight increase in total revenues was primarily the result of actions taken by us to focus on the more profitable parts of this market and capitalize on the market shift from learning and skills to talent development, which we discussed at the Company's July 11, 2024 Investor Day.

Total revenues remained relatively flat, when comparing fiscal 2024 to fiscal 2023. A decline in revenues in our GK segment was primarily due to weaker market demand, particularly in Europe, as well as a higher mix of reseller business, which is recorded in revenue net of fees. The decrease was partially offset by both organic growth in our TDS segment due to higher bookings in the prior two years, as revenue from our subscription offerings is typically recognized over the twelve months that follow a booking, and the inclusion of Codecademy’s revenues earned subsequent to its acquisition on April 4, 2022.

Operating Expenses

On July 11, 2024, the Company announced a comprehensive resource reallocation plan ("CRRP") expected to result in approximately $45 million of annualized cost savings. We intend to reinvest up to half of the amount saved in strategic growth initiatives.

Summary of operating expenses

The following provides select operating expenses (in thousands, except percentages), which are discussed in the associated captions that immediately follow:

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Cost of revenues

Cost of revenues consists primarily of employee salaries and benefits for hosting operations, professional service and customer support personnel; royalties; hosting and software maintenance services; facilities and utilities costs; consulting services; and instructor fees, course materials, logistics costs and overhead costs associated with virtual, in-classroom, and on-demand training solutions. The following provides details regarding the changes in components of cost of revenues (in thousands, except percentages):

Cost of revenues is a variable expense that is primarily driven by revenue volume and the composition of product and service types when they have different margins. The decreases in courseware, instructor fees and outside services and compensation and benefits, when comparing fiscal 2025 to fiscal 2024, were primarily attributable to the decline in our GK segment revenues as discussed in Subscription and Non-Subscription Revenue above. The decrease in facilities and utilities expenses, when comparing fiscal 2025 to fiscal 2024, was primarily attributable to cost savings from the consolidation of our facilities.

The costs of revenues rose in fiscal 2024 compared to fiscal 2023 due to Codecademy’s added expenses after its acquisition on April 4, 2022. The decrease in courseware, instructor fees and outside services when comparing these same periods was partially offset by rising third-party costs and product mix in our GK segment. Refer to Subscription and Non-Subscription Revenue above for information related to: 1) the organic growth in our TDS segment, which contributed to the increase in hosting and software maintenance; and 2) the decline in our GK segment. The decrease in facilities and utilities expenses, when comparing fiscal 2024 to fiscal 2023, was primarily attributable to cost savings from consolidation of our facilities.

Content and software development

Content and software development expenses include costs associated with the development of new products and the enhancement of existing products, consisting primarily of employee salaries and benefits; development-related professional services; facilities costs; depreciation; and software maintenance costs. The following provides details regarding the changes in components of content and software development expenses (in thousands, except percentages):

The decreases in compensation and benefits and consulting and outside services, when comparing fiscal 2025 to fiscal 2024, were primarily attributable to productivity gains through leveraging AI and lower stock-compensation expense due to forfeitures and lower grants of share-based payment awards. The decrease in facilities and utilities expenses, when comparing these same periods, was primarily attributable to cost savings from the consolidation of our facilities.

The decrease in consulting and outside services, when comparing fiscal 2024 to fiscal 2023, was primarily attributable to expense reductions and savings from the Company's integration and restructuring activities, partially offset by the inclusion of Codecademy's compensation and benefits, software maintenance, facilities, utilities and other expenses incurred subsequent to its acquisition on April 4, 2022. Refer to Subscription and Non-Subscription Revenue above for additional information related to the organic growth in the non-subscription revenues of our TDS segment.

Selling and marketing

Selling and marketing ("S&M") expenses consist primarily of employee salaries and benefits for selling, marketing and pre-sales support personnel; commissions; travel expenses; advertising and promotional expenses; consulting and outside services; facilities costs; depreciation; and software maintenance costs. The following provides details regarding the changes in components of S&M expenses (in thousands, except percentages):

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The decreases in advertising and promotions and consulting and outside services, when comparing fiscal 2025 to fiscal 2024, were primarily attributable to proactive reductions in branding initiatives and paid media spend, partially offset by targeted strategic go-to-market reinvestments. The decrease in compensation and benefits, when comparing fiscal 2025 to fiscal 2024, were primarily attributable to the CRRP discussed above, partially offset by an S&M executive's forfeiture of a share-based payment award that lowered stock-compensation expense during fiscal year 2024. The decrease in facilities, utilities and other expenses, when comparing fiscal 2025 to fiscal 2024, was primarily attributable to cost savings from the consolidation of our facilities. These decreases were partially offset by the increase in software maintenance expenses, which was primarily the result of investments in our go-to-market transformation activities and enablement programs.

The decrease in advertising and promotions, when comparing fiscal 2024 to fiscal 2023, was primarily attributable to a reduction in branding initiatives and the decline in compensation and benefits was primarily a result of lower stock-based compensation expense due to forfeitures of share-based payment awards. This was partially offset by the increase in software maintenance, which was primarily a result of investments in our go-to-market transformation activities and enablement programs. Also contributing to the increases in software maintenance and facilities, utilities and other expenses, when comparing fiscal 2024 to fiscal 2023, were the inclusion of Codecademy’s expenses subsequent to its acquisition on April 4, 2022.

General and administrative

General and administrative ("G&A") expenses consist primarily of employee salaries and benefits for executive, finance, administrative, and legal personnel; audit, legal and consulting fees; insurance; franchise, sales and property taxes; facilities costs; and depreciation. The following provides details regarding the changes in components of G&A expenses (in thousands, except percentages):

When comparing fiscal 2025 to fiscal 2024, reductions in consulting and outside services, cost savings from the consolidation of our facilities, and lower insurance, contributed to the overall decline in G&A expenses. In addition, compensation and benefits, when comparing these periods increased due to severance costs for our former Chief Executive Officer, whose employment with the Company ended on May 9, 2024, and increases in bonuses, partially offset by cost savings resulting from the CRRP discussed above and lower stock-compensation expense due to forfeitures and lower grants of share-based payment awards. Further, the increases in software maintenance, when comparing fiscal 2025 to fiscal 2024, primarily reflect investments in technology.

The decrease in total G&A expenses, when comparing fiscal 2024 to fiscal 2023, was primarily attributable to expense reductions and savings from the Company's integration and restructuring activities, including cost savings from consolidation of our facilities and lower insurance.

Amortization of intangible assets

Intangible assets arising from business combinations are developed technology, customer-related intangibles, trade names and other identifiable intangible assets with finite lives. These intangible assets are amortized over the estimated useful lives of such assets. We also capitalize certain internal use software development costs related to our SaaS platforms incurred during the application development stage. The internal use software is amortized on a straight-line basis over its estimated useful life.

The decrease in amortization of intangible assets, when comparing fiscal 2025 to fiscal 2024, was primarily due to certain intangible assets becoming fully amortized or written down due to impairment during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2024. The decrease in amortization of intangible assets, when comparing fiscal 2024 to fiscal 2023, was primarily due to certain intangible assets becoming fully amortized or written down as discussed below in Impairment of goodwill and intangible assets.

Impairment of goodwill and intangible assets

Impairment review requirements and assumption uncertainty

The Company monitors adverse events, conditions or changes in circumstances that would indicate impairment of intangible assets that are subject to amortization. When such events, conditions or changes in circumstances occur, we assess the recoverability of the assets by comparing the undiscounted future cash flows attributable to the intangible assets to their carrying amount. If the undiscounted future cash flows are less than the carrying amount, an impairment charge based on the excess of the carrying amount over the fair value of the assets, is recorded.

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The Company evaluates impairment for indefinite-lived intangible assets, including goodwill, on an annual impairment test date (January 1) or more frequently if there are indicators of impairment. In connection with the goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets impairment evaluation, the Company may first consider qualitative factors to determine whether the existence of events or circumstances indicates that it is more likely than not (i.e., a likelihood of more than 50%) that the fair value of a reporting unit or indefinite-lived intangible asset is less than its carrying amount. If the Company fails the qualitative assessment or elects to bypass it, a comparison of the carrying value of the reporting unit or indefinite-lived intangible asset to its fair value is completed. If the carrying value exceeds the fair value, an impairment loss equal to the difference (for goodwill, not to exceed the amount of goodwill allocated to the reporting unit) is recorded.

The fair value of our reporting units is determined using a weighted average valuation model of the income approach (discounted cash flow approach) and market approach. The income approach requires management to make certain assumptions based upon information available at the time the valuations are performed. Actual results could differ from these assumptions. The assumptions used are reflective of what a market participant would have used in calculating fair value considering the then current economic conditions. This process was followed during our annual impairment test as of January 1st of the last three fiscal years.

The fair value of our indefinite-lived trademark intangible is determined using an income approach referred to as the relief-from-royalty method. The relief-from-royalty method requires management to estimate the portion of our earnings attributable to this trademark based on a royalty rate we would have paid for the use of the asset if we did not own it. The determination of fair value involves significant estimates and assumptions, including projected revenue growth rates, the royalty savings rate, and the discount rate applied to future cash flows, which are forward-looking and could be affected by future economic and market conditions. This process was followed during our annual impairment test as of January 1st of the last three fiscal years.

No impairment for fiscal year ended January 31, 2025

As of January 1, 2025, we estimated the fair value of the TDS and GK reporting units, which are the same as our segments, using the weighted average valuation model discussed in
Impairment review r
equirements and assumption uncertainty above and, as of such date, the fair value was in excess of the carrying value for each reporting unit.

As of January 1, 2025, we estimated the fair value of our indefinite-lived trademark intangible using relief-from-royalty method discussed in
Impairment review r
equirements and assumption uncertainty above and, as of such date, the fair value was in excess of the carrying value. However, the excess was not significant and changes in the key assumptions, discussed in
Impairment review requirements and assumption uncertainty above, could materially affect the estimated fair value of the indefinite-lived trademark intangible asset and result in future impairment charges.

Impairment for fiscal year ended January 31, 2024

During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2024, we identified triggering events for impairment primarily attributable to the impact of the observed prolonged and substantial decline in the Company’s stock price and market capitalization, industry analysis and observable industry multiples, which increased our discount rate assumption. In addition, the estimated future cash flows for our two reporting units declined. These declines when comparing fiscal 2024 to fiscal 2023 were due primarily to: (i) increased competition that drove down the growth experience and expectations for the industry in which the TDS reporting unit operates; and (ii) our GK reporting unit experiencing continued declines in bookings and GAAP revenues.

For the reasons discussed above, for our identifiable intangibles subject to amortization, management believed there were unfavorable changes to assumptions and factors that occurred during fiscal 2024 that would indicate impairment or a change in the remaining useful life. Our estimated undiscounted future cash flows attributable to the amortizable intangibles were projected to be less than the carrying values for the GK reporting unit. Therefore, we updated the fair values for identifiable intangibles, including the indefinite-lived lived intangible in our TDS reporting unit, that are fair valued using the income approach, as of January 1, 2024. We compared the fair values to their carrying values, which resulted in aggregate impairment losses of $60.5 million during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2024.

Management next estimated the fair value of the TDS and GK reporting units using the weighted average valuation model discussed in Impairment review requirements and assumption uncertainty above. For the reasons discussed, the discount rate applied to the analysis increased from the prior year, which drove a lower fair value of our reporting units, resulting in goodwill being impaired for the TDS and GK reporting units as of January 1, 2024, as the fair values fell below their respective carrying values. As such, the Company recorded goodwill impairment of $129.1 million for the TDS reporting unit and $12.6 million for the GK reporting unit during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2024.

Impairment for fiscal year ended January 31, 2023

During the second quarter of fiscal 2023, we identified triggering events for impairment in the GK reporting unit due primarily to a significant decline in bookings and GAAP revenue. Management believed the poor performance was due to a variety of factors, including: (i) reduced corporate spending as customers braced for the potential of a recessionary environment; (ii) difficulty maintaining adequate sales capacity in a challenging labor market for employers; and (iii) evolving customer preferences with respect to training in a post-COVID environment.

For the GK reporting unit, as of July 31, 2022, the estimated undiscounted future cash flows attributable to the amortizable intangibles were greater than their carrying values. In addition, the fair values for indefinite-lived intangibles, were also greater than their carrying values. Therefore, during the second quarter of fiscal 2023, management concluded there was no impairment of identifiable intangibles.

Management next estimated the fair value of the GK reporting unit as of July 31, 2022, using the weighted average valuation model discussed in Impairment review requirements and assumption uncertainty above. For the reasons described, the estimated future cash flows declined, and when applied to the analysis drove a lower fair value of the GK reporting unit. As a result, the Company recorded a $70.5 million goodwill impairment for the three months ended July 31, 2022.

During the third quarter of fiscal 2023, we identified triggering events for impairment attributable primarily to deterioration in the equity markets evidenced by sustained declines in the Company’s stock price, those of its peers, and major market indices. In addition, interest rates had risen, which increased our discount rate assumption. Furthermore, the Company lowered its projected operating results primarily due to underperformance of the GK reporting unit and macroeconomic uncertainty.

As of October 31, 2022, the estimated undiscounted future cash flows attributable to the amortizable intangibles, were greater than the carrying values. In addition, the fair values for indefinite-lived intangibles, were also greater than their carrying values. Therefore, during the third quarter of fiscal 2023 there was no impairment of identifiable intangibles.

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Management next estimated the fair value of the TDS and GK reporting units as of October 31, 2022, using the weighted average valuation model discussed in Impairment review requirements and assumption uncertainty above. For the reasons discussed, the valuation results indicated that for each of the TDS and GK reporting units, the fair value fell below their respective carrying value. Therefore, the Company recorded a $569.3 million goodwill impairment for the TDS reporting unit and an additional $1.6 million goodwill impairment for the GK reporting unit during the three months ended October 31, 2022.

As of January 1, 2023, the estimated undiscounted future cash flows attributable to the amortizable intangibles appeared to be greater than the carrying values. In addition, the fair values for indefinite-lived intangibles, were also greater than their carrying values. We performed our annual quantitative goodwill impairment test for our reporting units as of January 1, 2023, using the weighted average valuation model discussed in Impairment review requirements and assumption uncertainty above and, as of such date, the fair value was in excess of each reporting unit's carrying value. Therefore, no intangible or goodwill impairment was recognized during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2023.

Acquisition and integration related costs

Acquisition and integration related costs consist of professional fees for legal, investment banking and other advisor costs incurred in connection with the business combinations completed in April 2022 and the subsequent integration-related activities. The changes during fiscal 2025 and fiscal 2024, when comparing to the sequential prior fiscal years, in acquisition and integration related costs were primarily due to the timing of these aforementioned activities.

Restructuring

In connection with the CRRP discussed above and the acquisition integration process and our workplace flexibility policy, we continued our initiatives and commitment to reduce our costs and better align operating expenses with existing economic conditions and our operating model to improve operating efficiency, competitiveness and business profitability. These included workforce reductions and consolidation of facilities as we adopted new work arrangements for certain locations. Our restructuring charges recognized during fiscal 2025, fiscal 2024, and fiscal 2023 were primarily associated with the severance costs of terminated employees and lease termination and lease impairment charges. Our restructuring charges recognized during fiscal 2025, fiscal 2024 and fiscal 2023 totaling $18.3 million, $14.0 million and $12.3 million, respectively, included $11.9 million, $8.7 million, and $4.2 million, respectively, for severance costs of terminated employees, as well as $1.4 million, $3.6 million, and $3.6 million for lease termination and lease impairment charges, respectively.

Interest and other

Interest and other, net, consists of gain or loss on derivative instruments, interest income, interest expense, and other expense and income (in thousands, except percentages):

Other income (expense), net consists primarily of foreign exchange gains and losses (specifically, resulting from foreign currency denominated transactions and the revaluation of foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities), which fluctuate as the U.S. dollar appreciates or depreciates against other currencies and, to a lesser extent, impairments associated with the carrying amounts of property, equipment and other assets not considered recoverable. Interest income for fiscal 2025 and fiscal 2024, compared to fiscal 2023, increased primarily due to the use of money market investments to realize increased returns on cash balances. The decrease in interest expense, when comparing fiscal 2025 to fiscal 2024, was primarily due to the decision to reduce the borrowings under our accounts receivable facility (described below) during fiscal 2025. The increase in interest expense, when comparing fiscal 2024 to fiscal 2023, was primarily due to the additional $160 million of term loans in connection with the closing of the Codecademy acquisition on April 4, 2022, and higher interest rates. As a result of the interest rate swaps we executed on June 17, 2022, we have a fixed cash interest rate of 8.94% on $300 million of our outstanding term loans.

Fair value adjustment of warrants

The gains attributable to warrants are primarily a result of the Company's underlying common stock performance during fiscal 2024 and fiscal 2023. As of January 31, 2025 and 2024, the fair value of our liability-classified warrants was insignificant, however, prior to then, they were marked-to-market each balance sheet date, with gains and losses being recorded in current period earnings.

Fair value adjustment of interest rate swaps

We entered into two fixed-rate interest rate swap agreements on June 17, 2022 for a combined notional amount of $300 million and a maturity date of June 5, 2027. The objective of the interest rate swaps is to eliminate fluctuations in cash flows for interest payments on $300 million of variable rate debt attributable to changes in benchmark one-month Secured Overnight Financing Rate ("SOFR") interest rates. The interest rate swaps are not designated for hedge accounting and are carried on the consolidated balance sheets at their fair value. Unrealized gains and losses from changes in fair value of the interest rate swaps, which arise from variations in the forward-looking yield curve, are included in the income statement as they occur.

The gains (losses) reflected for the change in value of the interest rate swaps are primarily attributable to increases (decreases) in the expectation for one-month SOFR interest rates through June 5, 2027, during fiscal 2025, fiscal 2024 and fiscal 2023.

Gain on sale of business

On June 12, 2022, we entered into the Purchase Agreement to sell our SumTotal business to a third party for $200 million in cash, subject to adjustments set forth in the Purchase Agreement. The sale was completed on August 15, 2022. Net proceeds from the sale were $174.9 million, after final working capital adjustments in April 2023. In accordance with ASC 810, Consolidation ("ASC 810"), we recorded a gain on sale upon completion of the transaction. The $55.9 million net gain, including a loss of $0.7 million recognized in the first quarter of fiscal 2024, was calculated by measuring the difference between the fair value of consideration received less the carrying amount of assets and liabilities sold.

Provision for (benefit from) income taxes

The following provides select provision for (benefit from) income taxes information (in thousands, except percentages):

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The effective income tax rate for fiscal 2025 differed from the United States federal statutory rate of 21.0% due primarily to the impact of tax return to book provision adjustments, foreign rate differential, global intangible low-taxed income, and changes in the valuation allowance on the Company’s deferred tax assets.

The effective income tax rate for fiscal 2024 differed from the United States federal statutory rate of 21.0% due primarily to the impact of non-deductible items, foreign rate differential, changes in uncertain tax positions, and changes in the valuation allowance on the Company’s deferred tax assets.

The effective income tax rate for fiscal 2023 differed from the United States federal statutory rate of 21.0% due primarily to the impact of non-deductible items, foreign rate differential, changes in uncertain tax positions and changes in the valuation allowance on the Company’s deferred tax assets. Due to the acquisition of Codecademy on April 4, 2022, the Company analyzed the realizability of its existing deferred tax assets with the addition of the Codecademy assets and liabilities. Based on this analysis, the Company determined that a valuation allowance release of $28.8 million was required and recorded in full as a discrete income tax benefit.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Liquidity and sources of cash

As of January 31, 2025, we had $100.8 million of cash and cash equivalents. Our investment policy is approved by the Board and reviewed annually by the Audit Committee. Our current investment policy’s primary objectives when investing excess cash are, in order of importance: (1) preservation of capital and protection of principal; (2) maintenance of liquidity that is sufficient to meet cash flow needs; and (3) maximize rate of return. Pursuant to this policy, as of January 31, 2025, most of our cash and cash equivalents were held at large financial institutions with high rating agency designations and our exposure to regional banks was not significant. We have funded operations primarily through the use of cash collected from our customers and the proceeds received from the Term Loan Facility (defined below), supplemented with borrowings under our accounts receivable facility (described below). Our cash requirements from period to period vary depending on factors such as the growth of the business, changes in working capital needs, and capital expenditures. We expect to operate the business and execute our strategic initiatives principally with funds generated from operations and supplemented by borrowings up to a maximum of $75.0 million under our accounts receivable facility. Based on our current cash flow budgets and forecasts of our short-term and long-term liquidity needs, we anticipate that we will have sufficient internal and external sources of liquidity to fund operations and anticipated working capital and other expected cash needs for at least the next twelve months, as well as for the foreseeable future with capital sources currently available. Specifically, we believe that cash flow from operating activities, together with cash on hand and availability under our accounts receivable facility, will be sufficient to fund our anticipated working capital needs, planned capital spending, contractual obligations and other cash requirements, including debt repayments and finance costs. While our Term Loan Facility does include restrictions on the ability of our guarantor subsidiaries to pay dividends or make other intercompany payments to us, these limitations are subject to certain qualifications and exceptions, which are expected to permit distributions to enable us to make required principal and interest payments on our indebtedness. However, in the event that we are not able to receive cash from our subsidiaries, we will be unable to make such required payments. In addition, although we anticipate that we will be able to refinance outstanding obligations under our credit agreement when they mature (our primary current long-term cash liquidity requirement), there can be no assurance we will be able to do so, or that the terms of any refinancing will be favorable. In addition, we may require additional capital in the future to fund capital expenditures, acquisitions (including contingent consideration payments), strategic transactions or other investments. We will continue to assess our liquidity position and potential sources of supplemental liquidity in view of our objectives, operating performance, economic and capital market conditions and other relevant circumstances. Our operating performance may also be affected by matters discussed under the Risk Factors section of this Annual Report. These risks and uncertainties may adversely affect our long-term liquidity.

Term Loans

On July 16, 2021, Skillsoft Finance II, Inc. (“Skillsoft Finance II”), a subsidiary of Skillsoft Corp., entered into a Credit Agreement (the “Credit Agreement”), by and among Skillsoft Finance II, as borrower, another subsidiary Skillsoft Finance I, Inc. (“Holdings”), the lenders party thereto and Citibank, N.A., as administrative agent and collateral agent, pursuant to which the lenders provided a $480 million term loan facility (the “Term Loan Facility”). Term loans under the Term Loan Facility (“Original Term Loans”) were drawn in full on the closing date thereof, and are scheduled to mature on July 16, 2028 (the “Maturity Date”).

In connection with the closing of our Codecademy acquisition, Skillsoft Finance II entered into Amendment No. 1 to the Credit Agreement, dated as of April 4, 2022 (the “First Amendment”), among Skillsoft Finance II, Holdings, certain subsidiaries of Skillsoft Finance II, as guarantors, Citibank N.A., as administrative agent, and the financial institutions party thereto as Term B-1 Lenders, which amended the Credit Agreement (as amended by the First Amendment, the “Amended Credit Agreement”).

The First Amendment provided for the incurrence of up to an additional $160 million of Term B-1 Loans (the “Term B-1 Loans”) under the Term Loan Facility, which was drawn in full on the closing date thereof, and are scheduled to mature on the Maturity Date. In addition, the First Amendment, among other things, (a) provided for early opt-in to SOFR subject to a 0.75% floor, for the Original Term Loans (the Original Term Loans together with the Term B-1 Loans, the “Initial Term Loans”) and (b) provided for the applicable margin for the Initial Term Loans at 4.25% with respect to base rate borrowings and 5.25% with respect to SOFR borrowings.

Prior to the maturity thereof, the Initial Term Loans are subject to quarterly amortization payments of $1.6 million. The proceeds of the Term B-1 Loans were used by the Company to finance, in part, the Codecademy acquisition, and to pay costs, fees, and expenses related thereto.

Interest rates applicable to the Initial Terms Loans are described in Note 13. As of January 31, 2025, the outstanding principal balance of $594.6 million of Initial Term Loans bears interest at a rate equal to SOFR plus a credit premium of 0.11% plus a margin of 5.25%, per annum, with a SOFR floor of 0.75%. As a result of our interest rate swaps, we have a fixed cash interest rate of 8.94% on $300 million of our outstanding term loans.

We are also required to make annual prepayments of outstanding obligations under the Amended Credit Facility of specified excess cash flow for the prior fiscal year. In addition, prepayments of outstanding obligations under the Amended Credit Facility may also be required in the amount of specified net cash proceeds received above a specified annual threshold. Loan parties are subject to various affirmative and negative covenants and reporting obligations under the Amended Credit Agreement, as described in Note 13. As of January 31, 2025, the Company is in compliance with all such covenants.

The Amended Credit Agreement contains customary events of default. If an event of default occurs and is continuing (and is not waived), the administrative agent may declare all amounts outstanding thereunder to be immediately due and payable. In the event of a payment or other specified defaults, outstanding obligations accrue interest at the then applicable rate plus 2.00%.

All obligations under the Amended Credit Agreement, and the guarantees of those obligations (as well as certain cash management obligations and interest rate hedging or other swap agreements), are secured by substantially all of Skillsoft Finance II’s personal property as well as the assets of each subsidiary guarantor.

SumTotal proceeds

On August 15, 2022, we completed the sale of our SumTotal business to a third party. Net proceeds from the sale were $174.9 million, after final working capital adjustments in April 2023. Under the terms of our Amended Credit Agreement, the net proceeds attributable to the sale of SumTotal required a mandatory prepayment of $31.4 million which was made in August 2022. The remaining net cash proceeds attributable to the sale of SumTotal were subject to reinvestment provisions and could not be used for general corporate purposes. Under the terms of the Amended Credit Agreement, no additional repayment was required.

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Accounts Receivable Facility

We also have access to up to $75.0 million of borrowings under an accounts receivable credit agreement (the “A/R Agreement”) with First Citizens Bank and Trust Company. Pursuant to this agreement, certain of our accounts receivable are pledged as security for loans made by participating lenders. In November 2024, the A/R Agreement was amended to, among other things: (a) extend the maturity date from December 27, 2024 to the earlier of (i) November 26, 2029 or (ii) 90 days prior to the maturity of any corporate debt (including the Initial Term Loans); (b) reduce the fixed component of the interest rate to 2.61% per annum from 3.11% per annum; (c) increase the highest advance rate on certain eligible receivables from 85% to 90%; (d) reduce the minimum outstanding balance requirement from $10 million to $1 million; and (e) allow for ad hoc borrowings and repayments. Based on seasonality of billings and the characteristics of accounts receivable, some of which are not eligible for advances, we are not always able to access the full $75.0 million available capacity. As of January 31, 2025, $1.0 million was drawn under the A/R Agreement. As of January 31, 2024, $45.0 million was drawn under the A/R Agreement. Under this agreement, the Company receives the net present value of the accounts receivable balances used to calculate the borrowing base. The interest rate on borrowings outstanding under the accounts receivable facility was 6.95% as of January 31, 2025.

The lenders require the Company to deposit receipts from pledged receivables to a restricted concentration account within two business days of receipt by the Company. A reconciliation detailing collections against the prior month’s borrowing base and additional receivables to be pledged is submitted monthly. If additional pledged receivables exceed the prior month’s collections, funds from the concentration account are returned to the Company. The reserve balance was $0.2 million as of January 31, 2025, and is classified as restricted cash on the consolidated balance sheets.

Share Repurchase Authorization

On July 10, 2024, the Board of Directors authorized and approved a share repurchase authorization for up to $10 million of the Company’s outstanding shares of common stock. The share repurchase authorization commenced on July 11, 2024, and will terminate on the fourth anniversary of such date. Under the share repurchase authorization, we may purchase shares of common stock in the open market, in private negotiated transactions, or by other means from time to time. We cannot predict when or if we will repurchase any shares of common stock. The timing and number of shares of common stock that may be purchased will depend on a variety of factors, including the share price of the common stock, general market conditions, alternative uses for capital, our financial performance, and other considerations. This authorization does not obligate us to purchase any minimum number of shares of common stock, and the authorization may be suspended, modified, or discontinued at any time without prior notice. As of January 31, 2025, no common stock had been repurchased under the share repurchase authorization.

Cash Flows

The following summarizes our cash flows for the periods presented (in thousands, except percentages):

NCM above stands for not considered meaningful.

Cash flows from operating activities

The increase in cash flows provided by operating activities in fiscal 2025, compared to fiscal 2024, was primarily the result of improved margins and the timing of working capital settlements, slightly offset by cash outflows for restructuring actions under the CRRP. Similarly, the increase in cash flows from operating activities in fiscal 2024, compared to fiscal 2023, was largely attributable to favorable changes in working capital, net of acquisition-related impacts.

Cash flows from investing activities

Cash flows used in investing activities in fiscal 2025, fiscal 2024, and fiscal 2023 included $16.8 million, $13.7 million, and $10.4 million of cash payments for internally developed software, respectively.

Cash flows from investing activities in fiscal 2023 include $172.0 million of net cash proceeds from the sale of the SumTotal business, and $198.9 million of cash payments related to the acquisition of Codecademy. See Note 3 “Business Combinations” and Note 4 "Discontinued Operations" for more details.

Our purchases of property and equipment largely consist of computer hardware and software.

Capital expenditures for fiscal 2023 included $0.1 million attributable to the SumTotal business that was disposed of on August 15, 2022.

Cash flows from financing activities

Cash flows used in financing activities consist primarily of borrowings and repayments under our Amended Credit Agreement and A/R Agreement, and payments for share repurchases. The increase in cash flows used in financing activities was primarily due to payments under our A/R Agreement during fiscal 2025, partially offset by the acquisition of treasury stock during fiscal 2024.

The Company received $157.1 million of net proceeds from the Term B-1 Loans on April 4, 2022, which, combined with cash on hand, was used for the closing of the Codecademy acquisition. We were required to prepay $31.4 million of principal outstanding under the Amended Credit Agreement from the proceeds of the SumTotal sale in August 2022. See Note 3 "Business Combinations" for more details.

Contractual and Commercial Obligations

The scheduled maturities of our debt and future minimum rental commitments under non-cancelable lease agreements as of January 31, 2025 were as set forth below (in thousands):

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Contingencies

From time to time, we are a party to or may be threatened with litigation in the ordinary course of our business. We regularly analyze then current information, including, as applicable, our defense and insurance coverage and, as necessary, provide accruals for probable and estimable liabilities for the eventual disposition of these matters. For information regarding legal proceedings see Note 12 – “Leases, Commitments and Contingencies”.

Critical Accounting Estimates

Our consolidated financial statements and the related notes have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”). The preparation of these consolidated financial statements requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the consolidated financial statements, and the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses during the reporting period. We regularly reevaluate our estimates and judgments, including those related to the following: business combinations, revenue recognition, impairment of goodwill and intangible assets, the remaining useful lives of capitalized assets, income tax assets and liabilities, and restructuring charges and accruals. We base our estimates and judgments on historical experience and various other factors we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities and the amounts of revenues and expenses that are not readily apparent from other sources. The economic environment also impacts certain estimates and discount rates necessary to prepare our consolidated financial statements, including significant estimates and discount rates applicable to the determination of the fair value used in the impairment testing of our assets. To the extent that there are material differences between these estimates and actual results, our future financial statement presentation, financial condition, or results of operations could be impacted.

Significant accounting policies and methods used in the preparation of our consolidated financial statements are described in Note 2 to our Consolidated Financial Statements. The following is a discussion of accounting estimates which management considers to be "critical," defined as accounting estimates made in accordance with GAAP that involve a significant level of estimation uncertainty, and have had, or are reasonably likely to have, a material impact on the Company's financial condition or results of operations.

Revenue recognition

The Company enters into contracts that provide customers access to a broad spectrum of learning options including cloud-based learning content, talent management solutions, virtual, on-demand and classroom training, and individualized coaching. The Company recognizes revenue that reflects the consideration that we expect to be entitled to receive in exchange for these services. We apply judgment in determining our customer’s ability and intent to pay, which is based on a variety of factors, including the customer’s historical payment experience, credit, or financial information. The Company is not required to exercise significant judgment in determining the timing for the satisfaction of performance obligations or the transaction price.

While the majority of the Company’s revenue relates to SaaS and subscription services where the entire arrangement fee is recognized on a straight-line basis over the contractual term, the Company sometimes enters into contractual arrangements that have multiple distinct performance obligations, one or more of which have different periods over which the services or products are delivered. These arrangements may include a combination of subscriptions and non-subscription products such as professional services. The Company allocates the transaction price of the arrangement based on the relative estimated standalone selling price of each distinct performance obligation. The Company’s cloud-based solutions generally do not provide customers with the right to take possession of the software supporting the platform or to download course content without continuing to incur fees for hosting services and, as a result, are accounted for as service arrangements. Access to the platform and course content represents a series of distinct services as the Company continually provides access to, and fulfills its obligation to, the end customer over the subscription term. The series of distinct services represents a single performance obligation that is satisfied over time. Accordingly, the fixed consideration related to subscription revenue is generally recognized on a straight-line basis over the contract term, beginning on the date the service is made available to the customer. The Company’s subscription contracts typically vary from one year to three years. The Company’s cloud-based solutions arrangements are generally non-cancellable and non-refundable.

Revenue from classroom training and individual coaching is recognized in the period in which the services are rendered. Revenue from virtual and on-demand training for time-based access to unlimited sessions is recognized on a straight-line basis over the period these services are available to the customers.

The Company also sells professional services related to its cloud solutions which are typically considered distinct performance obligations and are recognized over time as services are performed. For fixed-price contracts, revenue is recognized over time based on a measure of progress that reasonably reflects our advancement toward satisfying the performance obligation.

Reimbursements received from customers for out-of-pocket expenses are recorded as revenues, with related costs recorded as cost of revenues. The Company presents revenues net of any taxes collected from customers and remitted to government authorities.

As the Company’s contractual agreements predominantly call for advanced billing, contract assets are rarely generated.

Intangible assets, including goodwill

We recognize the excess of the purchase price, plus the fair value of any noncontrolling interest in an acquiree, over the fair value of identifiable net assets acquired, which includes the fair value of specifically identifiable intangible assets, as goodwill.

The Company amortizes its finite-lived intangible assets, including customer contracts and internally developed software, over their estimated useful life. The Company reviews the carrying values of intangible assets subject to amortization at least annually to determine if any adverse conditions exist or a change in circumstances has occurred that would indicate impairment or a change in remaining useful life. Conditions that would indicate impairment and trigger a more frequent impairment assessment include, but are not limited to, a significant adverse change in legal factors or business climate that could affect the value of an asset, or an adverse action or assessment by a regulator.

In addition, the Company reviews the carrying values of its indefinite-lived intangible assets, including goodwill and the Skillsoft trademark, during the fourth fiscal quarter of each year for impairment, or more frequently if certain indicators are present or changes in circumstances suggest that impairment may exist and reassesses their classification as indefinite-lived assets.

The fair value of our indefinite-lived trademark intangible is determined using an income approach referred to as the relief-from-royalty method. The relief-from-royalty method requires management to estimate the portion of our earnings attributable to this trademark based on a royalty rate we would have paid for the use of the asset if we did not own it. The determination of fair value involves significant estimates and assumptions, including projected revenue growth rates, the royalty savings rate, and the discount rate applied to future cash flows, which are forward-looking and could be affected by future economic and market conditions. Changes in these key assumptions could materially affect the estimated fair value of the indefinite-lived trademark intangible asset and result in future impairment charges.

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If current discount rates rise or if relevant market-based inputs for our impairment assessment worsen, subsequent reviews of goodwill and intangibles could result in impairment. Factors that could result in an impairment include, but are not limited to, the following:

For additional information on goodwill and intangibles see Note 5 to our Consolidated Financial Statements.

Income taxes

We provide for deferred income taxes resulting from temporary differences between the basis of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes as compared to tax purposes, using rates expected to be in effect when such differences reverse. We record valuation allowances to reduce deferred tax assets to the amount that is more likely than not to be realized.

We follow the authoritative guidance on accounting for and disclosure of uncertainty in tax positions which requires us to determine whether a tax position of the Company is more likely than not to be sustained upon examination, including resolution of any related appeals of litigation processes, based on the technical merits of the position. For tax positions meeting the more likely than not threshold, the tax amount recognized in the financial statements is reduced to the largest benefit that has a greater than fifty percent likelihood of being realized upon the ultimate settlement with the relevant taxing authority. Interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions are included in the caption "provision for (benefits from) income taxes" in the consolidated statements of operations.

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

Our recently issued accounting pronouncements are set forth in Note 2 to our Consolidated Financial Statements.