form10q_1q12.htm

 
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C.  20549
 
FORM 10-Q
 
[X]
Quarterly Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 for the Quarterly Period Ended March 31, 2012.
 
or
 
[  ]   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:  001-14785
 
 
GSE SYSTEMS, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware
52-1868008
(State of incorporation)
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)


1332 Londontown Blvd., Suite 200, Sykesville, MD 21784
(Address of principal executive office and zip code)


Registrant's telephone number, including area code:  (410) 970-7800

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Sections 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 [ X ]   No [   ]
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes [ X ]   No [   ]

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

Large accelerated filer  [  ]
Accelerated filer  [  ]
Non-accelerated filer [  ]
Smaller reporting company [ X ]
   
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
 
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in rule 12(b)-2 of the Exchange Act).    Yes  [  ]  No [X]

There were 18,402,131 shares of common stock, with a par value of $.01 per share outstanding as of May 14, 2012.

 
 
1

 

GSE SYSTEMS, INC.
 
QUARTERLY REPORT ON FORM 10-Q
 
INDEX
 
 
   
PAGE
 
PART I.
 
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
3
Item 1.
Financial Statements:
 
 
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011
3
 
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2012 and March 31, 2011
4
 
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2012 and March 31, 2011
5
 
Consolidated Statement of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2012
6
 
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2012 and March 31, 2011
7
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
8
Item 2.
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
16
Item 3.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
27
Item 4.
Controls and Procedures
27
 
PART II.
 
 
OTHER INFORMATION
 
28
Item 1.
Legal Proceedings
28
Item 1A.
Risk Factors
28
Item 2.
Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
29
Item 3.
Defaults Upon Senior Securities
29
Item 4.
Mine Safety Disclosures
29
Item 5.
Other Information
29
Item 6.
Exhibits
29
 
SIGNATURES
30
     
 

 
2

 
PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
           
Item 1.  Financial Statements
           
GSE SYSTEMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
 
(in thousands, except share data)
 
   
Unaudited
       
   
March 31, 2012
   
December 31, 2011
 
ASSETS
 
Current assets:
           
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 17,185     $ 20,326  
Restricted cash
    3,241       3,505  
Contract receivables, net
    22,998       20,356  
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
    3,668       3,733  
Total current assets
    47,092       47,920  
                 
Equipment and leasehold improvements
    5,672       5,206  
Accumulated depreciation
    (4,335 )     (4,105 )
Equipment and leasehold improvements, net
    1,337       1,101  
                 
Software development costs, net
    1,884       1,815  
Goodwill
    4,492       4,462  
Intangible assets, net
    1,143       1,207  
Long-term restricted cash
    858       897  
Other assets
    1,922       1,413  
Total assets
  $ 58,728     $ 58,815  
                 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
 
Current liabilities:
               
Accounts payable
  $ 3,854     $ 4,077  
Accrued expenses
    1,417       1,581  
Accrued compensation and payroll taxes
    2,206       2,754  
Billings in excess of revenue earned
    5,470       5,261  
Accrued warranty
    2,496       2,300  
Other current liabilities
    1,840       1,707  
Total current liabilities
    17,283       17,680  
                 
Other liabilities
    1,789       2,352  
Total liabilities
    19,072       20,032  
Commitments and contingencies
    -       -  
                 
Stockholders' equity:
               
Preferred stock $.01 par value, 2,000,000 shares authorized, shares issued and outstanding none in 2012 and 2011
    -       -  
Common stock $.01 par value, 30,000,000 shares authorized, shares issued 19,382,400 in 2012 and 19,254,681 in 2011
    194       193  
Additional paid-in capital
    70,596       70,167  
Accumulated deficit
    (28,533 )     (29,063 )
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
    (649 )     (865 )
Treasury stock at cost, 986,761 shares in 2012, 824,374 in 2011
    (1,952 )     (1,649 )
Total stockholders' equity
    39,656       38,783  
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity
  $ 58,728     $ 58,815  
                 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
 
 
3

 
GSE SYSTEMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
 
(in thousands, except per share data)
 
(Unaudited)
 
             
   
Three Months ended
   
March 31,
 
   
2012
   
2011
 
             
Contract revenue
  $ 13,389     $ 12,322  
                 
Cost of revenue
    9,470       8,847  
Gross profit
    3,919       3,475  
                 
Operating expenses:
               
Selling, general and administrative
    3,486       3,420  
Depreciation
    137       125  
Amortization of definite-lived intangible assets
    78       217  
Total operating expenses
    3,701       3,762  
                 
Operating income (loss)
    218       (287 )
                 
Interest income, net
    51       33  
Gain on derivative instruments, net
    400       588  
Other income, net
    86       65  
Income before income taxes
    755       399  
                 
Provision (benefit) for income taxes
    225       (614 )
Net income
  $ 530     $ 1,013  
                 
                 
Basic income per common share
  $ 0.03     $ 0.05  
                 
Diluted income per common share
  $ 0.03     $ 0.05  
                 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
 


 
4

 


GSE SYSTEMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(in thousands)
(Unaudited)
               
               
         
Three Months ended
         
March  31,
         
2012
 
2011
               
               
Net income
 
 $            530
 
 $           1,013
               
Foreign currency translation adjustment
 
               216
 
                382
               
Comprehensive income
 
 $            746
 
 $           1,395
               
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

 
5

 


GSE SYSTEMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
 
(in thousands)
 
(Unaudited)
 
 
Common
Stock
 
Additional
Paid-in
   
Accumulated
 
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
 
 
Treasury
Stock
     
 
Shares
 
Amount
 
Capital
 
Deficit
 
Loss
 
Shares
 
Amount
 
Total
Balance, December 31, 2011
19,255     $ 193     $ 70,167     $ (29,063 )   $ (865 )     (824 )   $ (1,649 )   $ 38,783  
                                                             
Stock-based compensation expense
-       -       220       -       -       -       -       220  
Common stock issued for options exercised
127       1       209       -       -       -       -       210  
Foreign currency translation adjustment
-       -       -       -       216       -       -       216  
Treasury stock at cost
-       -       -       -       -       (163 )     (303 )     (303 )
Net income
-       -       -       530       -       -       -       530  
Balance, March 31, 2012
19,382     $ 194     $ 70,596     $ (28,533 )   $ (649 )     (987 )   $ (1,952 )   $ 39,656  
                                                             
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
 

 
6

 

GSE SYSTEMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
 
(in thousands)
 
(Unaudited)
 
 
Three Months ended
 
 
March 31,
 
 
2012
   
2011
 
Cash flows from operating activities:
         
Net income
$ 530     $ 1,013  
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash used in operating activities:
             
    Depreciation
  137       125  
    Amortization of definite-lived intangible assets
  78       217  
    Capitalized software amortization
  200       192  
    Amortization of deferred financing costs
  3       -  
    Change in fair value of contingent consideration
  45       146  
    Stock-based compensation expense
  220       203  
    Equity gain on investment in GSE-UNIS Simulation Technology Co. Ltd.
  (62 )     (35 )
    Gain on derivative instruments
  (400 )     (588 )
    Changes in assets and liabilities:
             
    Contract receivables
  (2,486 )     (3,466 )
    Prepaid expenses and other assets
  92       336  
    Accounts payable, accrued compensation and accrued expenses
  (1,032 )     361  
    Billings in excess of revenue earned
  297       (648 )
    Accrued warranty reserves
  196       153  
    Other liabilities
  (290 )     (1,053 )
Net cash used in operating activities
  (2,472 )     (3,044 )
               
Cash flows from investing activities:
             
    Capital expenditures
  (350 )     (76 )
    Capitalized software development costs
  (269 )     (180 )
    Investment in GSE-UNIS Simulation Technology Co. Ltd.
  (469 )     -  
    Acquisitions, net of cash acquired
  -       (647 )
    Restrictions of cash as collateral under letters of credit
  (2 )     (3,519 )
    Releases of cash as collateral under letters of credit
  305       66  
    Drawdown of cash collateral on Emirates Simulation Academy, LLC line of credit
  -       (79 )
Net cash used in investing activities
  (785 )     (4,435 )
               
Cash flows from financing activities:
             
    Proceeds from issuance of common stock
  210       92  
    Treasury stock purchases
  (303 )     -  
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
  (93 )     92  
               
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash
  209       263  
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents
  (3,141 )     (7,124 )
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
  20,326       26,577  
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
$ 17,185     $ 19,453  
               
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
 


 
7

 
GSE SYSTEMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
For the Three Months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011
(Unaudited)
 
1.  
Basis of Presentation and Revenue Recognition

Basis of Presentation

The consolidated interim financial statements included herein have been prepared by GSE Systems, Inc. (the “Company” or “GSE”) without independent audit.  In the opinion of the Company's management, all adjustments and reclassifications of a normal and recurring nature necessary to present fairly the financial position, results of operations and cash flows for the periods presented have been made.  Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) have been condensed or omitted.  The results of operations for interim periods are not necessarily an indication of the results for the full year.  These consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the period ended December 31, 2011 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 8, 2012.

The Company has only one reportable segment.  The Company has a wide range of knowledge of simulation systems and the processes those systems are intended to control and model.  The Company’s knowledge is concentrated heavily in simulation technology and model development.  The Company is primarily engaged in simulation for the power generation industry and the process industries.  Contracts typically range from twelve months to three years.
 
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements as well as reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period.  The Company’s most significant estimates relate to revenue recognition, capitalization of software development costs, valuation of intangible assets acquired, contingent consideration issued in business acquisitions, and the recoverability of deferred tax assets.  Actual results could differ from these estimates and those differences could be material.
 
Revenue Recognition
 
The majority of the Company’s revenue is derived through the sale of uniquely designed systems containing hardware, software and other materials under fixed-price contracts.  Revenue under these fixed-price contracts is accounted for on the percentage-of-completion method.  This methodology recognizes revenue and earnings as work progresses on the contract and is based on an estimate of the revenue and earnings earned to date, less amounts recognized in prior periods.  The Company bases its estimate of the degree of completion of the contract by reviewing the relationship of costs incurred to date to the expected total costs that will be incurred on the project. Estimated contract earnings are reviewed and revised periodically as the work progresses, and the cumulative effect of any change in estimate is recognized in the period in which the change is identified.  Estimated losses are charged against earnings in the period such losses are identified.  The Company recognizes revenue arising from contract claims either as income or as an offset against a potential loss only when the amount of the claim can be estimated reliably and realization is probable and there is a legal basis for the claim.
 
Uncertainties inherent in the performance of contracts include labor availability and productivity, material costs, change order scope and pricing, software modification and customer acceptance issues.  The reliability of these cost estimates is critical to the Company’s revenue recognition as a significant change in the estimates can cause the Company’s revenue and related margins to change significantly from the amounts estimated in the early stages of the project.
 
 
8

 
As the Company recognizes revenue under the percentage-of-completion method, it provides an accrual for estimated future warranty costs based on historical experience and projected claims.  The Company’s long-term contracts generally provide for a one-year warranty on parts, labor and any bug fixes as it relates to software embedded in the systems.
 
The Company’s system design contracts do not normally provide for “post customer support service” (“PCS”) in terms of software upgrades, software enhancements or telephone support.  In order to obtain PCS, the customers must normally purchase a separate contract.  Such PCS arrangements are generally for a one-year period renewable annually and include customer support, unspecified software upgrades, and maintenance releases.  The Company recognizes revenue from these contracts ratably over the life of the agreements.
 
Revenue from the sale of software licenses which do not require significant modifications or customization for the Company’s modeling tools are recognized when the license agreement is signed, the license fee is fixed and determinable, delivery has occurred, and collection is considered probable.
 
Revenue from certain consulting or training contracts is recognized on a time-and-material basis.  For time-and-material type contracts, revenue is recognized based on hours incurred at a contracted labor rate plus expenses.
 
The following customer has provided more than 10% of the Company’s consolidated revenue for the indicated periods:

                       
Three Months ended
                       
March 31,
                       
2012
 
2011
Slovenské elektrárne, a.s.
       
8.0%
 
14.2%


2.  
Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements
 
In September 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2011-08, Intangibles — Goodwill and Other (Topic 350) — Testing Goodwill for Impairment (“ASU 2011-08”), to allow entities to use a qualitative approach to test goodwill for impairment. ASU 2011-08 permits an entity to first perform a qualitative assessment to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value.  If it is concluded this is the case, it is necessary to perform the currently prescribed two-step goodwill impairment test.  Otherwise, the two-step goodwill impairment test is not required. ASU 2011-08 is effective for the Company for interim and annual periods ending during 2012, with earlier application permitted.  The adoption of this guidance had no impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
 
In May 2011, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2011-04, Amendments to Achieve Common Fair Value Measurement and Disclosure Requirements in U.S. GAAP and International Financial Reporting Standards (Topic 820) — Fair Value Measurement (“ASU 2011-04”), to provide a consistent definition of fair value and ensure that the fair value measurement and disclosure requirements are similar between U.S. generally accepted accounting principles and International Financial Reporting Standards.  ASU 2011-04 changes certain fair value measurement principles and enhances the disclosure requirements particularly for Level 3 fair value measurements.  ASU 2011-04 is effective for the Company for interim and annual periods ending during 2012 and will be applied prospectively.  The adoption of this guidance had no impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
 
 
3.  
Basic and Diluted Income Per Common Share

Basic income per share is based on the weighted average number of outstanding common shares for the period.  Diluted income per share adjusts the weighted average shares outstanding for the potential dilution that could occur if stock options or warrants were exercised into common stock.  The number of common shares and common share equivalents used in the determination of basic and diluted income per share were as follows:

 
9

 

(in thousands, except for share amounts)
Three Months ended
 
 
March 31,
 
 
2012
 
2011
 
Numerator:
       
Net income
$ 530   $ 1,013  
             
Denominator:
           
Weighted-average shares outstanding for basic earnings per share
  18,395,585     19,210,954  
             
Effect of dilutive securities:
           
Employee stock options
  73,233     287,399  
Adjusted weighted-average shares outstanding and assumed conversion for diluted earnings per share
  18,468,818     19,498,353  
             
Shares related to dilutive securities excluded because inclusion would be anti-dilutive
  2,696,374     1,543,800  

 
4.  
Contract Receivables
 
Contract receivables represent balances due from a broad base of both domestic and international customers.  All contract receivables are considered to be collectible within twelve months. Recoverable costs and accrued profit not billed represent costs incurred and associated profit accrued on contracts that will become billable upon future milestones or completion of contracts.  The components of contract receivables are as follows:

(in thousands)
 
March 31,
   
December 31,
 
   
2012
   
2011
 
             
Billed receivables
  $ 12,918     $ 8,258  
Recoverable costs and accrued profit not billed
    10,216       12,234  
Allowance for doubtful accounts
    (136 )     (136 )
Total contract receivables, net
  $ 22,998     $ 20,356  

Recoverable costs and accrued profit not billed totaled $10.2 million and $12.2 million as of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively.  During April 2012, the Company invoiced $1.3 million of the unbilled amounts; the balance of the March 31, 2012 unbilled amounts is expected to be invoiced and collected within one year.

 
10

 
The following customers account for more than 10% of the Company’s consolidated contract receivables for the indicated periods:

   
March 31,
 
December 31,
 
   
2012
 
2011
 
Slovenské elektrárne, a.s.
25.7%
 
24.2%
 
British Energy Generation Ltd.
10.6%
 
8.5%
 

5.  
Software Development Costs

Certain computer software development costs are capitalized in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.  Capitalization of computer software development costs begins upon the establishment of technological feasibility.  Capitalization ceases and amortization of capitalized costs begins when the software product is commercially available for general release to customers.  Amortization of capitalized computer software development costs is included in cost of revenue and is determined using the straight-line method over the remaining estimated economic life of the product, typically three years.

Software development costs capitalized were $269,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and $180,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2011.  Total amortization expense was $200,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and $192,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2011.


6.  
Fair Value of Financial Instruments

Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures, defines fair value as the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date.  ASC 820 also establishes 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 levels of the fair value hierarchy established by ASC 820 are:

Level 1:  inputs are quoted prices, unadjusted, in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the reporting entity has the ability to access at the measurement date.

Level 2:  inputs are other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly.  A Level 2 input must be observable for substantially the full term of the asset or liability.

Level 3:  inputs are unobservable and reflect the reporting entity’s own assumptions about the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability.

The Company considers the recorded value of certain of its financial assets and liabilities, which consist primarily of cash, accounts receivable and accounts payable, to approximate the fair value of the respective assets and liabilities at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011 based upon the short-term nature of the assets and liabilities.  The Company values goodwill, intangible assets, and contingent consideration using significant inputs which are not observable in the market which are defined as Level 3 inputs pursuant to fair value measurement accounting.


 
11

 
The following table presents assets and liabilities measured at fair value at March 31, 2012:

 
Quoted Prices
 
Significant
         
 
in Active
 
Other
 
Significant
     
 
Markets for
 
Observable
 
Unobservable
     
 
Identical Assets
 
Inputs
 
Inputs
     
(in thousands)
(Level 1)
 
(Level 2)
 
(Level 3)
 
Total
                       
                       
                       
Money market fund
$ 7,757     $ -     $ -     $ 7,757  
Certificates of deposit
  5,246       -       -       5,246  
Foreign exchange contracts
  -       467       -       467  
                               
       Total assets
$ 13,003     $ 467     $ -     $ 13,470  
                               
Foreign exchange contracts
$ -     $ (107 )   $ -     $ (107 )
                               
       Total liabilities
$ -     $ (107 )   $ -     $ (107 )
 
The following table presents assets and liabilities measured at fair value at December 31, 2011:

 
Quoted Prices
 
Significant
           
 
in Active
 
Other
 
Significant
     
 
Markets for
 
Observable
 
Unobservable
     
 
Identical Assets
 
Inputs
 
Inputs
     
(in thousands)
(Level 1)
 
(Level 2)
 
(Level 3)
 
Total
                       
                       
                       
Money market fund
$ 8,163     $ -     $ -     $ 8,163  
Certificates of deposit
  5,976       -       -       5,976  
Foreign exchange contracts
  -       483       -       483  
                               
       Total assets
$ 14,139     $ 483     $ -     $ 14,622  
                               
Foreign exchange contracts
$ -     $ (314 )   $ -     $ (314 )
                               
       Total liabilities
$ -     $ (314 )   $ -     $ (314 )

7.  
Derivative Instruments
 
The Company utilizes forward foreign currency exchange contracts to manage market risks associated with the fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates.  It is the Company's policy to use such derivative financial instruments to protect against market risk arising in the normal course of business in order to reduce the impact of these exposures.  The Company minimizes credit exposure by limiting counterparties to nationally recognized financial institutions.
 
 
12

 
As of March 31, 2012, the Company had foreign exchange contracts outstanding of approximately 2.4 million Pounds Sterling, 13.7 million Euro, and 378.6 million Japanese Yen at fixed rates.  The contracts expire on various dates through May 2016.  At December 31, 2011, the Company had contracts outstanding of approximately 3.1 million Pounds Sterling, 12.0 million Euro, and 383.5 million Japanese Yen at fixed rates.  The Company has not designated any of the foreign exchange contracts outstanding as hedges and has recorded the estimated fair value of the contracts in the consolidated balance sheets as follows:

 
March 31,
   
December 31,
(in thousands)
2012
   
2011
           
Asset derivatives
         
       Prepaid expenses and other current assets
$ 451     $ 393  
       Other assets
  16       90  
    467       483  
Liability derivatives
             
       Other current liabilities
  (90 )     (258 )
       Other liabilities
  (17 )     (56 )
    (107 )     (314 )
               
Net fair value
$ 360     $ 169  
               

The changes in the fair value of the foreign exchange contracts are included in net gain on derivative instruments in the consolidated statements of operations.
 
The foreign currency denominated contract receivables, billings in excess of revenue earned and subcontractor accruals that are related to the outstanding foreign exchange contracts are remeasured at the end of each period into the functional currency using the current exchange rate at the end of the period.  The gain or loss resulting from such remeasurement is also included in net gain on derivative instruments in the consolidated statements of operations.
 
For the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, the Company recognized a net gain on its derivative instruments as outlined below:

 
Three Months ended
 
 
March 31,
 
(in thousands)
2012
   
2011
 
           
Foreign exchange contracts- change in fair value
$ 186     $ 560  
Remeasurement of related contract receivables, billings in excess of revenue earned, and subcontractor accruals
  214       28  
               
Gain on derivative instruments, net
$ 400     $ 588  
               

8.  
Stock-Based Compensation

The Company recognizes compensation expense for all equity-based compensation awards issued to employees, directors and non-employees that are expected to vest.  Compensation cost is based on the fair value of awards as of the grant date.  The Company recognized $220,000 and $203,000 of pre-tax stock-based compensation expense for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively, under the fair value method.  The Company granted 92,870 and 42,000 stock options in the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.  The fair value of these options at grant date were $64,000 and $60,000, respectively.
13

 
9.  
Long-Term Debt

At March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, the Company had no long-term debt.
 
Line of Credit
 
The Company has a Master Loan and Security Agreement and Revolving Credit Note with Susquehanna Bank (“Susquehanna”).  The Company and its subsidiaries, GSE Power Systems, Inc., and GSE EnVision LLC, are jointly and severally liable as co-borrowers.  The Loan Agreement provides a $7.5 million revolving line of credit for the purpose of (i) issuing stand-by letters of credit and (ii) providing working capital. Working capital advances bear interest at a rate equal to the Wall Street Journal Prime Rate of Interest, floating with a floor of 4 ½%.  The two-year agreement is to expire on November 1, 2013.
 
As collateral for the Company’s obligations, the Company granted a first lien and security interest in all of the assets of the Company, including but not limited to, accounts receivable, inventory, proceeds and products, intangibles, trademarks, patents, intellectual property, machinery and equipment.
 
Issuances of stand-by letters of credit and advances of working capital (collectively referred to as the “Advances”) require that the Company maintain a minimum cash balance of $3.0 million at all times (the "Cash Balance Requirement").  The Cash Balance Requirement will remain at the minimum amount as long as the Company’s quarterly consolidated net income (exclusive of gains and losses on derivative instruments and stock option expenses) as defined ("Net Income") remains positive and the Company is in compliance with the covenants.  If the Company’s quarterly Net Income is negative or the Company is not in compliance with the covenants, the Cash Balance Requirement will revert to the amount of the Advances, until the Company attains positive Net Income for two consecutive quarters.  The credit agreements contain certain restrictive covenants regarding future acquisitions, and incurrence of debt.  In addition, the credit agreements contained financial covenants with respect to the Company’s cash flow coverage ratio, minimum tangible capital base, quick ratio, and tangible capital base ratio.  At March 31, 2012, the Company had not paid any interest or principal payments related to any borrowings for over one year.  As such the cash flow coverage ratio is not applicable at March 31, 2012.

     
As of
 
Covenant
 
March 31, 2012
       
Minimum tangible capital base
Must Exceed $26.0 million
 
$32.1 million
Quick ratio
Must Exceed 2.00 : 1.00
 
2.72 : 1.00
Tangible capital base ratio
Not to Exceed .75 : 1.00
 
.59 : 1.00

As the Company’s Net Income and for the three months ended March 31, 2012 was positive, the Company is currently required to maintain cash balances of $3.0 million with Susquehanna.  At March 31, 2012, the Company had $635,000 in Advances, all of which consisted of outstanding stand-by letters of credit.
 
 
14

 
As of March 31, 2012, the Company was contingently liable for nine standby letters of credit and three surety bonds totaling $5.7 million which represent performance and bid bonds on nine contracts.  The Company has deposited the full value of five standby letters of credit in certificates of deposit ($3.9 million) which have been restricted in that the Company does not have access to these funds until the related letters of credit have expired.  The cash has been recorded on the Company’s balance sheet at March 31, 2012 as restricted cash.
 
10.  
Product Warranty

As the Company recognizes revenue under the percentage-of-completion method, it provides an accrual for estimated future warranty costs based on historical experience and projected claims.  The activity in the warranty account is as follows:

(in thousands)
 
   
Balance at December 31, 2011
 $    2,300
Warranty provision
         317
Warranty claims
        (141)
Currency adjustment
           20
Balance at March 31, 2012
 $    2,496

11.  
Income Taxes
 
The Company files in the United States federal jurisdiction and in several state and foreign jurisdictions. Because of the net operating loss carryforwards, the Company is subject to U.S. federal and state income tax examinations from years 1997 forward and is subject to foreign tax examinations by tax authorities for years 2005 and forward. Open tax years related to state and foreign jurisdictions remain subject to examination but are not considered material to our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
 
An uncertain tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return is recognized in the financial statements when it is more likely than not (i.e., a likelihood of more than fifty percent) that the position would be sustained upon examination by tax authorities that have full knowledge of all relevant information. A recognized tax position is then measured at the largest amount of benefit that is greater than fifty percent likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement. Interest and penalties related to income taxes are accounted for as income tax expense.
 
The Company, through its acquisition of EnVision Systems Inc. ("EnVision") on January 4, 2011, recognized deferred tax liabilities of $1.0 million.  As a result of this acquisition, in accordance with ASC-805 Business Combinations, the Company reduced the valuation allowance on its U.S. net deferred tax assets and recognized the change in the valuation allowance ($1.0 million) through the income tax provision in the three months ended March 31, 2011.
 
The Company, through its acquisition of EnVision on January 4, 2011, also recorded $320,000 of unrecognized tax benefits as well as a receivable from the EnVision shareholders for the same amount as indemnity for this tax position.  During 2011, the Company also recorded $126,000 of unrecognized tax benefits in 2011 for certain foreign tax contingencies.  The Company records interest and penalties associated with uncertain tax positions as a component of income tax expense.  The Company does not expect any material changes to its uncertain tax positions in the next twelve months.

The Company expects to pay income taxes in Sweden, India, China and England in 2012.  In addition, the Company will pay foreign income tax withholding on several non-U.S. contracts.  The Company has a full valuation allowance on its U.S. and Scottish net deferred tax assets at March 31, 2012.


 
15

 
12.  
 Preferred Stock Rights
 
On March 21, 2011, the Board of Directors of the Company declared a dividend, payable to holders of record as of the close of business on April 1, 2011, of one preferred stock purchase right (a Right) for each outstanding share of common stock, par value $0.01 per share, of the Company (the Common Stock).  In addition, the Company will issue one Right with each new share of Common Stock issued.  In connection therewith, on March 21, 2011, the Company entered into a Stockholder Protection Rights Agreement (as amended from time to time, the Rights Agreement) with Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company, as Rights Agent, which has a term of three years, unless amended by the Board of Directors in accordance with the terms of the Rights Agreement.  Upon approval of both an independent committee of the Board of Directors and the Board of Directors, the Rights Plan can be extended for up to three years.  The Rights will initially trade with and be inseparable from the Common Stock and will not be evidenced by separate certificates unless they become exercisable.  Each Right entitles its holder to purchase from the Company one-hundredth of a share of participating preferred stock having economic and voting terms similar to the Common Stock at an exercise price of $8.00 per Right, subject to adjustment in accordance with the terms of the Rights Agreement, once the Rights become exercisable.  Under the Rights Agreement, the Rights become exercisable if any person or group acquires 20% or more of the Common Stock or, in the case of any person or group that owned 20% or more of the Common Stock as of March 21, 2011, upon the acquisition of any additional shares by such person or group.  The Company, its subsidiaries, employee benefit plans of the Company or any of its subsidiaries and any entity holding Common Stock for or pursuant to the terms of any such plan are excepted.  Upon exercise of the Right in accordance with the Rights Agreement, the holder would be able to purchase a number of shares of Common Stock from the Company having an aggregate market price (as defined in the Rights Agreement) equal to twice the then-current exercise price for an amount in cash equal to the then-current exercise price.  In addition, the Company may, in certain circumstances and pursuant to the terms of the Rights Agreement, exchange the Rights for one share of Common Stock or an equivalent security for each Right or, alternatively, redeem the Rights for $0.001 per Right.  The Rights will not prevent a takeover of our Company, but may cause substantial dilution to a person that acquires 20% or more of the Company’s Common Stock.
 

13.  
Share Repurchase Plan
 
On March 21, 2011, the Board of Directors authorized the purchase of up to $3.0 million of the Company’s common stock in accordance with the safe harbor provisions of Rule 10b-18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.  During the three months ended March 31, 2012 the Company repurchased 162,387 shares at an aggregate cost of $303,000.  The Company did not repurchase any shares during the three months ended March 31, 2011.
 
Item 2.  Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

GSE Systems, Inc. (“GSE Systems”, “GSE” or the “Company”) is a world leader in real-time high fidelity simulation.  The Company provides simulation and educational solutions and services to the nuclear and fossil electric utility industry, and the chemical and petrochemical industries.

GSE is the parent company of:
¨  
GSE Power Systems, Inc., a Delaware corporation;
¨  
GSE Power Systems, AB, a Swedish corporation;
¨  
GSE Engineering Systems (Beijing) Co. Ltd., a Chinese limited liability company;
¨  
GSE Systems, Ltd., a Scottish limited liability company;
¨  
TAS Engineering Consultants Ltd., an English limited liability company;
¨  
GSE EnVision, LLC, a New Jersey limited-liability company; and
¨  
EnVision Systems (India) Pvt. Ltd., an Indian limited liability company.
 
The Company has a 49% minority interest in GSE-UNIS Simulation Technology Co., Ltd., a Chinese limited liability company and has a 10% minority interest in Emirates Simulation Academy, LLC, a United Arab Emirates limited liability company.  The Company has only one reportable segment.
 
16

 
Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This report contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.  The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 provides a “safe harbor” for forward looking statements.  Forward-looking statements are not statements of historical facts, but rather reflect our current expectations concerning future events and results.  We use words such as “expects”, “intends”, “believes”, “may”, “will” and “anticipates” to indicate forward-looking statements. Because these forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, there are important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, those factors set forth under Item 1A - Risk Factors of the Company’s 2011 Annual Report on Form 10-K and those other risks and uncertainties detailed in the Company’s periodic reports and registration statements filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. We caution that these risk factors may not be exhaustive.  We operate in a continually changing business environment, and new risk factors emerge from time to time.  We cannot predict these new risk factors, nor can we assess the effect, if any, of the new risk factors on our business or the extent to which any factor or combination of factors may cause actual results to differ from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements.
 
If any one or more of these expectations and assumptions proves incorrect, actual results will likely differ materially from those contemplated by the forward-looking statements.  Even if all of the foregoing assumptions and expectations prove correct, actual results may still differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements as a result of factors we may not anticipate or that may be beyond our control.  While we cannot assess the future impact that any of these differences could have on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows or the market price of shares of our common stock, the differences could be significant.  We do not undertake to update any forward-looking statements made by us, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.  You are cautioned not to unduly rely on such forward-looking statements when evaluating the information presented in this report.
 
17

 
General Business Environment

It has now been over one year since a 9.0 magnitude earthquake and subsequent tsunami occurred along the northeast coast of Japan which damaged the Fukushima Daiichi I Nuclear Power Plant, which is maintained by the Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO).
 
Most countries with nuclear programs reacted to the Fukushima disaster by announcing the delay of new nuclear plants while they conducted reviews of their programs.  In February 2012, the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) voted to issue the first three new rules to deal with safety issues based on eight changes identified by the NRC’s Fukushima task force, with implementation expected by the end of 2016.  The rules, subject to review and commission action, will require all U.S. nuclear operators to develop plans to deal with extreme situations, such as earthquakes, floods and other natural disasters that could affect multiple reactors operating at a single site.  In addition, all plants would have to improve instrumentation in the pools used to store spent nuclear fuel and have to make changes to containment “vent” structures at plants similar in design to the Daiichi nuclear plant.
 
In early March 2012, the state-run China Daily cited Deputy Director of the Committee of Population, Resources and Environment of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference National Committee, Wang Yuqing, as saying that the ban on the proposed new atomic energy plants that was put in place following the Fukushima disaster would soon be removed as a comprehensive plan on nuclear safety control has been submitted to the State Council.
 
In Japan, all of the country’s 54 commercial nuclear reactors have gone offline since the Fukushima disaster, with the last 2 units shutting down in May 2012.   The Japanese government has asked the plant operators to conduct stress tests: computer simulations designed to show how the reactors would hold up during a large natural disaster. In April, 2012, the Japanese nuclear regulators issued a list of 30 lessons from the Fukushima disaster.  Although the Japanese Prime Minister, Yoshihiko Noda, has called for restarting the plants as soon as possible, he has said that the reactors will not restart without the approval of local community leaders.  Many such local leaders have stated that the stress tests are not enough and want additional guidelines issued before the nuclear reactors are restarted.
 
Previous nuclear accidents have resulted in new regulations requiring additional operator training, higher fidelity models and new testing scenarios.  Accordingly, as evidenced by the new safety rules that the NRC has recently voted to issue, the comments in the China Daily, and the debate in Japan as to the need for new regulatory guidelines, it is likely that there will be additional governmental regulations requiring plant modifications and new testing scenarios that will result in the need for higher simulator fidelity, such as that designed and supplied by GSE.
 
GSE has developed PSA-HD™, an engineering-grade nuclear simulation solution that allows operations personnel to train for and develop responses to severe accident scenarios based on the operations of their specific facility.  PSA-HD utilizes MAAP 5.0 as the calculation engine, with GSE’s real-time executive and graphical interface to provide a dynamic, real-time solution for severe accident analysis.  MAAP 5.0 is an Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) software program that performs severe accident analysis for nuclear power plants including assessments of core damage and radiological transport.  A valid license to MAAP 5.0 from EPRI is required to use MAAP 5.0 with PSA-HD.  PSA-HD’s real-time code can be integrated with a nuclear plant’s existing full-scope training simulator and is applicable to all current nuclear plant designs.  PSA-HD can be used to validate the utility’s severe accident management guidelines (SAMGs), demonstrate the safety of current plant designs to regulators and stakeholders, and identify potential issues with existing plant design that may require modification.  PSA-HD includes high-fidelity models of the plant’s reactor core, containment structures and spent fuel pool.  The models simulate severe accident conditions which mirror those that occurred at the Fukushima facility, such as the release of radioactive materials due to overheating of the core, exposure of the fuel rods in the spent fuel pool, and hydrogen build up in the containment building.
 
 
18

 
 
In order to meet the world’s growing energy needs, the growth of all forms of energy is critical.  Per the ExxonMobil 2012 the Outlook for Energy: A View to 2040, “By 2040 electricity generation will account for more than 40% of global energy consumption.  Oil will remain the most widely used fuel, but natural gas will grow fast enough to overtake coal for the number-two position.  For both oil and natural gas, an increasing share of global supply will come from unconventional sources, such as those from shale formations.  Demand for natural gas will rise by more than 60% through 2040.”  For more than three decades, GSE has leveraged the simulation capability that we initially developed for nuclear power for non-nuclear projects.  Globally we have delivered 121 fossil power plant simulators and 96 process industry simulators.  Our EnVision™ products include interactive multi-media tutorials and simulation models primarily for the petrochemical and oil & gas refining industries.  These products provide a foundation in process fundamentals, as well as plant operations and interaction.  GSE now has a tiered offering when it comes to simulation, as well as a large library of training content in multiple languages.
 
According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, world energy consumption is forecasted to increase by 52% from 505 quadrillion BTU in 2008 to 770 quadrillion BTU in 2035.  New consumption means new production, which means new plants, new workers, and an enormous amount of training to provide a skilled workforce.  GSE recognized this growing need for energy industry training several years ago and began developing various training solutions leveraging the use of our simulation technology.  GSE created a 163 module, five-simulator training course that was sold to the Emirates Simulation Academy LLC, in the UAE, a training academy that was created by GSE and two other partners in 2007. The Company worked with the University of Strathclyde in Glasgow, Scotland to incorporate GSE’s simulation into the University’s degreed and industrial education programs.  GSE developed a 20-week “Nuclear Operator Jump Start Training Program” for Southern Nuclear Company in Augusta, GA utilizing the Company’s VPanel™ interactive visual training simulator.  The advantage of the VPanel™ simulator is its scalability and ease of configuration for both team and individual training, plant specific or cross training.  The VPanel™ allows customers to utilize their existing simulator load while bringing many full scope simulator capabilities directly into the classroom for a fraction of the cost.  The “Operator Jump Start” program helps customers screen and train new operator candidates.  This training program is designed to provide essential knowledge and skills to potential nuclear plant operators and to determine if candidates have the ability to successfully complete the customer’s own operator licensing programs.  The program includes instruction on fundamental sciences (including Generic Fundamentals Examinations “GFES”), plant components, systems, and operations.
 
 A compounding problem is facing the energy industry.  While experiencing rapid growth requiring new plants and new workers, the incumbent industry workforce is aging and facing dramatic turnover.  Per the Nuclear Energy Institute, as of 2008 nearly 38% of the U.S. nuclear power industry would be eligible to retire by 2013.  According to the Center for Energy Workforce Development, an estimated 46% of the current energy industry workforce may need to be replaced by 2015 due to attrition and retirement.  While the data is readily available in the nuclear industry because it is so heavily regulated, similar demographics exist in the fossil, oil & gas, chemical and petrochemical industries.  The impact of this pending workforce turnover has been somewhat delayed due to the recent global economic downturn which has forced many employees to postpone their retirements.  Accordingly, the Company anticipates that in the near future, a larger number of employees are likely to retire within a shorter time span and the need to find qualified employees to replace them will become an acute issue.
 

 
19

 
 
Except for some insightful early adopters, many companies tend to put off spending on training until their training needs become acute. Often it is viewed as a cost rather than an investment, and is often one of the first expenditures to be reduced during economic downturns. However, the statistics associated with new plant builds and the aging workforce are undeniable, and training will be required to supply the skilled employees that will be needed to staff the new plants and replace the retirees. Therefore, when the energy industry recognizes the need to train, they will want training that is faster and better than what is traditionally available. Additionally, they will have to consider the nature of the next generation workforce who has grown up with a computer and vast amounts of interactive multimedia. Standard classroom training will not provide the efficacy that will be needed nor satisfy the interest level of the new workforce.
 
In fact, according to the NTL Institute’s statistics on adult learner retention only 5% of information is retained from lecture, and only 10% from reading.  However, 75% retention is accomplished when learners practice by doing.  These statistics support GSE’s success with the Nuclear Operator Jump Start Training Program at Southern Nuclear Company, as our design combines traditional instructor-led classroom training with structured simulator exercises supporting the concepts learned.  This model is transportable globally to anywhere a new energy workforce is needed.
 
Case studies demonstrate that the inclusion of “serious gaming” technology such as immersive 3D environments can reduce training time and improve learning significantly.  In fact, the Royal Canadian Army was able to reduce the cost of training and increase the pass rate of students by incorporating gaming into the curriculum.  Due to the advancement of computer processing power and graphics technology, immersive commercially viable off-the-shelf 3D game engines are readily available.  Additionally, this style of learning also lends itself to the next generation workforce, and as such GSE is investing significantly in 3D visualization training products.  This investment comes in the form of strategic hires, investment in technology, and software product development.  Through development efforts already undertaken, GSE’s engineers have discovered how to link our industry-leading, high fidelity models to commercially off-the-shelf game engines.  This enables us to make the invisible visible, for example seeing the inside of an operating reactor, steam generator, or turbine generator.  Blending the learning strategy by incorporating 3D visualization interfacing high fidelity real time simulation models will allow GSE to provide the energy industry with better, faster, less costly training ideally suited for the next generation workforce, which we have branded as ACTIV-3Di.  We received our first 3D visualization orders in 2011 and will incurred modest revenue from 3D visualization training products in 2012.  However, we anticipate 3D visualization training product revenues to scale dramatically over the coming years.
 
Besides new employees, the dramatic increase in energy demand world-wide over the next 30 years will require new plants of all sources, too.  Obviously, these new plants will need to be engineered and designed prior to construction, and GSE’s modeling tools are being used more and more to verify and validate control system design and overall plant designs.  Finding design errors during engineering rather than construction allows plant startup to occur sooner saving countless dollars and allowing revenue generation sooner.  GSE is developing new design solutions leveraging our high fidelity simulation models to improve and streamline the plant engineering process.

 
20

 

Results of Operations

The following table sets forth the results of operations for the periods presented expressed in thousands of dollars and as a percentage of revenue:

(in thousands)
 
Three Months ended March 31,
 
   
2012
   
%
   
2011
   
%
 
Contract revenue
  $ 13,389       100.0 %   $ 12,322       100.0 %
Cost of revenue
    9,470       70.7 %     8,847       71.8 %
                                 
Gross profit
    3,919       29.3 %     3,475       28.2 %
Operating expenses:
                               
    Selling, general and administrative
    3,486       26.1 %     3,420       27.8 %
    Depreciation
    137       1.0 %     125       1.0 %
    Amortization of definited-lived intangible assets
    78       0.6 %     217       1.8 %
Total operating expenses
    3,701       27.7 %     3,762       30.6 %
                                 
Operating income (loss)
    218       1.6 %     (287 )     (2.4 )%
                                 
Interest income, net
    51       0.4 %     33       0.3 %
Gain on derivative instruments, net
    400       3.0 %     588       4.8 %
Other income, net
    86       0.6 %     65       0.5 %
                                 
Income before income taxes
    755       5.6 %     399       3.2 %
                                 
Provision (benefit) for income taxes
    225       1.6 %     (614 )     (5.0 )%
                                 
Net income
  $ 530       4.0 %   $ 1,013       8.2 %

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Our estimates, judgments and assumptions are continually evaluated based on available information and experience.  Because of the use of estimates inherent in the financial reporting process, actual results could differ from those estimates.

A summary of the Company’s significant accounting policies as of December 31, 2011 is included in Note 2 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011.  Certain of our accounting policies require higher degrees of judgment than others in their application.  These include revenue recognition on long-term contracts, capitalization of computer software development costs, and deferred income tax valuation allowances.  These critical accounting policies and estimates are discussed in the Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations section in the 2011 Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011.


 
21

 

Results of Operations - Three Months ended March 31, 2012 versus Three Months ended March 31, 2011

Contract Revenue.  Total contract revenue for the quarter ended March 31, 2012 totaled $13.4 million, which was 8.7% greater than the $12.3 million total revenue for the quarter ended March 31, 2011.  The Company recorded total orders of $17.8 million in the three months ended March 31, 2012 versus $10.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011.  The increase in revenue is primarily due to additional revenue generated from the Company's fossil fuel simulation projects.  Fossil fuel simulation revenue increased 30% from $2.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011 to $3.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2012.  Revenue related to the $26.8 million full scope simulator and digital control system order from a Slovak utility was $1.1 million or (8.0% of revenue) and $1.7 million or (14.2% of revenue) for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.  At March 31, 2012, the Company’s backlog was $56.5 million, of which $4.7 million related to the Slovakia contract.  The backlog increased 9.6% from December 31, 2011 when the Company’s backlog totaled $51.5 million.

Gross Profit.  Gross profit totaled $3.9 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2012 versus $3.5 million for the same quarter in 2011.  As a percentage of revenue, gross profit increased from 28.2% for the three months ended March 31, 2011 to 29.3% for the three months ended March 31, 2012.  The decrease in revenue on the Slovakia contract, which has an overall gross profit lower than the Company’s normal gross profits, along with an increase in revenue from our core business have contributed to the increase in gross profit for the three months ended March 31, 2012.
 
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses.  Selling, general and administrative (“SG&A”) expenses totaled $3.5 million in the quarter ended March 31, 2012, a 2% increase from the $3.4 million for the same period in 2011.  The increase reflects the following spending variances:

¨  
Business development and marketing costs increased from $1.0 million in the first quarter 2011 to $1.2 million in the first quarter of 2012.  Bidding and proposal costs, which are the costs of operations personnel assisting with the preparation of contract proposals, increased by $78,000 in the first quarter 2012 to $475,000 as compared to the first quarter 2011.  The Company hired an additional business development resource in in the United States during the fourth quarter 2011 and hired an additional business development resource in Europe during the first quarter 2012.

¨  
The Company’s general and administrative expenses (“G&A”) were $1.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2012 as compared to $1.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011. The decrease is primarily attributable to the following:
o  
In the first quarter of 2011, the Company incurred $204,000 of acquisition related expenses, primarily composed of legal, audit, and due diligence expenses. 
o  
The change in the fair value of contingent consideration (accretion expense) related to the TAS and EnVision acquisitions totaled $45,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2012 versus $146,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2011.
o  
TAS incurred $131,000 and $197,000 of G&A expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

¨  
Gross spending on software product development (“development”) expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2012 totaled $670,000 as compared to $343,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2011.  The Company capitalized $269,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and $180,000 for the same period in 2011.  Net development spending increased from $163,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2011 to $401,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2012.
 
o  
The Company created a 3D visualization team in January 2011 to develop 3D technology to add to our training programs.  The Company incurred $47,000 and $114,000 of costs related to this effort as headcount increased from one to seven in the three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2012, respectively.
 
22

 
 
o  
Spending on other software product development totaled $556,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2012.  For the three months ended March 31, 2011, development expense totaled $296,000.  The Company’s development expenses were mainly related to advancements of new configuration management system which is a central data warehouse that supports various forms of data on a simulator, as well as development of a new product, PSA-HDTM, which is used to train operators and power plant personnel on the sequence of events during severe accident conditions.

Depreciation.  Depreciation expense totaled $137,000 and $125,000 during the quarters ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

Amortization of definite-lived intangible assets. Amortization expense related to definite-lived intangible assets totaled $78,000 and $217,000 for the quarters ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.  The Company recorded intangible assets of $1.5 million in conjunction with the EnVision acquisition which included the following:
 
¨  
Contractual customer relationships acquired totaled $438,000 and are being amortized in proportion to the projected revenue streams of the related contracts over three years.
¨  
Non-contractual customer relationships acquired totaled $433,000 and are being amortized in proportion to the projected revenue streams of the related relationships over eight years.
¨  
Developed technology acquired totaled $471,000 and is being amortized on a straight line method over an eight year period.
¨  
In process research and development acquired totaled $152,000 and is being amortized over eight years in proportion to the projected revenue streams of the related in-process research and development.
¨  
Domain names and other marketing related intangibles acquired totaled $15,000 and are being amortized on a straight line method over an estimated useful life of three years.
 
Operating Income (loss).  The Company had operating income of $218,000 (1.6% of revenue) in the first quarter 2012, as compared with an operating loss of $287,000 (-2.4% of revenue) for the same period in 2011.  The variances were due to the factors outlined above.
 
Interest Income, Net.  Net interest income totaled $51,000 and $33,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
 
Gain on Derivative Instruments, Net.  The Company periodically enters into forward foreign exchange contracts to manage market risks associated with the fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates on foreign-denominated trade receivables.  As of March 31, 2012, the Company had foreign exchange contracts outstanding of approximately 2.4 million Pounds Sterling, 13.7 million Euro, and 378.6 million Japanese Yen at fixed rates.  The contracts expire on various dates through May 2016.  The Company has not designated the contracts as hedges and has recognized a gain on the change in the estimated fair value of the contracts of $186,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2012.
 
At March 31, 2011, the Company had foreign exchange contracts for sale of approximately 2.6 million Pounds Sterling, 14.6 million Euro and 763.8 million Japanese Yen at fixed rates.  The contracts expire on various dates through February 2014.  The Company had not designated the contracts as hedges and had recognized a gain on the change in the estimated fair value of the contracts of $560,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2011.

The foreign currency denominated contract receivables, billings in excess of revenue earned, and subcontractor accruals that are related to the outstanding foreign exchange contracts were remeasured into the functional currency using the current exchange rate at the end of the period.  For the three months ended March 31, 2012, the Company recognized a gain of $214,000, from the remeasurement of such contract receivables and billings in excess of revenue earned.  For the same periods in 2011, the Company recognized a $28,000 gain.
23

 

Other Income, net.  For the three Months ended March 31, 2012, other income, net was $86,000.  For the three months ended March 31, 2011, other income, net was $65,000.  The major components of other income, net included the following items:

¨  
For the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, the Company recognized a gain of $62,000 and $35,000, respectively, relating to its pro rata share of operating results from GSE-UNIS Simulation Technology Co., Ltd.
¨  
The Company had other miscellaneous income for the three months ended March 31, 2012 of $24,000.  For the three months ended March 31, 2011, other miscellaneous income amounted to $30,000.
 
Provision for Income Taxes.

The Company files in the United States federal jurisdiction and in several state and foreign jurisdictions. Because of the net operating loss carryforwards, the Company is subject to U.S. federal and state income tax examinations from years 1997 and forward and is subject to foreign tax examinations by tax authorities for years 2005 and forward.  Open tax years related to state and foreign jurisdictions remain subject to examination but are not considered material to our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
 
An uncertain tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return is recognized in the financial statements when it is more likely than not (i.e., a likelihood of more than fifty percent) that the position would be sustained upon examination by tax authorities that have full knowledge of all relevant information.  A recognized tax position is then measured at the largest amount of benefit that is greater than fifty percent likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement.  Interest and penalties related to income taxes are accounted for as income tax expense.
 
The Company, through its acquisition of EnVision on January 4, 2011, recognized deferred tax liabilities of $1.0 million.  As a result of this acquisition, in accordance with ASC-805 Business Combinations, the Company reduced the valuation allowance on its U.S. net deferred tax assets and recognized the change in the valuation allowance ($1.0 million) through the income tax provision in the three months ended March 31, 2011.
 
The Company, through its acquisition of EnVision on January 4, 2011, also recorded $320,000 of unrecognized tax benefits as well as a receivable from the EnVision shareholders for the same amount as indemnity for this tax position.  During 2011, the Company also recorded $126,000 of unrecognized tax benefits in 2011 for certain foreign tax contingencies.  The Company records interest and penalties associated with uncertain tax positions as a component of income tax expense.  The Company does not expect any material changes to its uncertain tax positions in the next twelve months.

The Company expects to pay income taxes in Sweden, India, China and England in 2012.  In addition, the Company will pay foreign income tax withholding on several non-U.S. contracts.  The Company has a full valuation allowance on its U.S. and Scottish net deferred tax assets at March 31, 2012.


 
24

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

As of March 31, 2012, the Company’s cash and cash equivalents totaled $17.2 million compared to $20.3 million at December 31, 2011.

Cash used in operating activities.  For the three months ended March 31, 2012, net cash used in operations totaled $2.5 million.  Significant changes in the Company’s assets and liabilities in the three months ended March 31, 2012 included:
¨  
A $2.5 million increase in the Company’s contract receivables.  The Company’s trade receivables, net of the allowance for doubtful accounts, increased from $8.1 million at December 31, 2011 to $12.8 million at March 31, 2012.  At March 31, 2012, trade receivables outstanding for more than 90 days, net of the bad debt reserve, totaled approximately $1.2 million versus $278,000 at December 31, 2011.  The Company’s unbilled receivables decreased by approximately $2.0 million to $10.2 million at March 31, 2012.  The decrease in the unbilled receivables is due to the timing of contracted billing milestones of the Company’s current projects.  In April 2011, the Company invoiced $1.3 million of the unbilled amounts; the balance is expected to be invoiced and collected within one year.
¨  
A $1.0 million decrease in accounts payable, accrued compensation and accrued expenses.  The decrease is due to the timing of payments made by the Company to vendors and subcontractors, as well as payments made to employees and management for bonuses and excess vacation payouts during the three months ended March 31, 2012.

Net cash provided by operations for the three months ended March 31, 2011, totaled $3.0 million.  Significant changes in the Company’s assets and liabilities in the three months ended March 31, 2011 included:
¨  
A $3.5 million increase in the Company’s contract receivables.  The Company’s trade receivables, net of the allowance for doubtful accounts, increased from $5.7 million at December 31, 2010 to $9.0 million at March 31, 2011.  At March 31, 2011, trade receivables outstanding for more than 90 days, net of the bad debt reserve, totaled approximately $613,000 versus $318,000 at December 31, 2010.  The Company’s unbilled receivables increased by approximately $1.5 million to $13.0 million at March 31, 2011.
¨  
A $361,000 increase in accounts payable, accrued compensation and accrued expenses.  The Company’s accounts payable increased due to material purchases and the utilization of subcontractors on several of the Company’s projects.
¨  
A $648,000 decrease in billings in excess of revenue earned.  The decrease was due to the timing of the contracted billing milestones of the Company’s projects..

Cash used in investing activities.  Net cash used in investing activities totaled $785,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2012.

During the three months ended March 31, 2012, the Company made its final equity contribution of $469,000 to GSE-UNIS Simulation Technology Co., Ltd. (“GSE-UNIS”).  GSE-UNIS is 51% owned by Beijing UNIS Investment Co., Ltd. and 49% owned by GSE.

Capital expenditures totaled $350,000 and capitalized software development costs totaled $269,000. Cash provided by the release of cash as collateral under letters of credit totaled $305,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2012.
 
Net cash used in investing activities totaled $4.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011.  The increase was primarily the result of Bank of America’s amendments to the Company’s revolving credit agreements effective March 14, 2011, which required the Company to cash collateralize all existing and future letters of credit.  At March 31, 2011 the Company had cash collateralized $3.7 million of standby letters of credit. This balance represented a $3.5 million increase from December 31, 2010.
 
Capital expenditures totaled $76,000 and capitalized software development costs totaled $180,000.  $79,000 of cash which GSE had on deposit with Union National Bank (“UNB”) as a partial guarantee against ESA’s line of credit was withdrawn by UNB during the three months ended March 31, 2011.  As of March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010, GSE had a full reserve for the amount in the restricted cash account.
 
 
25

 
The Company acquired EnVision Systems Inc. on January 4, 2011.  The purchase price totaled $4.0 million with $1.2 million paid in cash at closing and the balance deferred until the first, second, third and fourth anniversaries of the closing date.  GSE acquired approximately $550,000 in cash through the acquisition of EnVision.
 
Cash provided by (used in) financing activities.  Net cash used in financing activities totaled $93,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2012.  The Company repurchased 162,387 shares of the Company’s common stock at an aggregate cost of $303,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2012.  Proceeds from the issuance of common stock for the three months ended March 31, 2012 totaled $210,000.  For the three months ended March 31, 2011, net cash provided by financing activities totaled $92,000 from the issuance of common stock.
 
At March 31, 2012, the Company had cash and cash equivalents of $17.2 million.  Based on the Company’s forecasted expenditures and cash flow, the Company believes that it will generate sufficient cash through its normal operations to meet its liquidity and working capital needs for the next twelve months.

Credit Facilities
 
The Company has a Master Loan and Security Agreement and Revolving Credit Note with Susquehanna.  The Company and its subsidiaries, GSE Power Systems, Inc., and GSE EnVision LLC, are jointly and severally liable as co-borrowers.  The Loan Agreement provides a $7.5 million revolving line of credit for the purpose of (i) issuing stand-by letters of credit and (ii) providing working capital. Working capital advances bear interest at a rate equal to the Wall Street Journal Prime Rate of Interest, floating with a floor of 4 ½%.  The two-year agreement is to expire on November 1, 2013.
 
As collateral for the Company’s obligations, the Company granted a first lien and security interest in all of the assets of the Company, including but not limited to, accounts receivable, inventory, proceeds and products, intangibles, trademarks, patents, intellectual property, machinery and equipment.
 
Issuances of stand-by letters of credit and advances of working capital (collectively referred to as the “Advances”) require that the Company maintain a minimum cash balance of $3.0 million at all times (the "Cash Balance Requirement").  The Cash Balance Requirement will remain at the minimum amount as long as the Company’s quarterly consolidated net income (exclusive of gains and losses on derivative instruments and stock option expenses) as defined ("Net Income") remains positive and the Company is in compliance with the covenants.  If the Company’s quarterly Net Income is negative or the Company is not in compliance with the covenants, the Cash Balance Requirement will revert to the amount of the Advances, until the Company attains positive Net Income for two consecutive quarters.  The credit agreements contained certain restrictive covenants regarding future acquisitions, and incurrence of debt.  In addition, the credit agreements contained financial covenants with respect to the Company’s cash flow coverage ratio, minimum tangible capital base, quick ratio, and tangible capital base ratio.  At March 31, 2012, the Company had not paid any interest or principal payments related to any borrowings for over one year.  As such the cash flow coverage ratio is not applicable at March 31, 2012.
 
       
As of
   
Covenant
 
March 31, 2012
         
Minimum tangible capital base
 
Must Exceed $26.0 million
 
$32.1 million
Quick ratio
 
Must Exceed 2.00 : 1.00
 
2.72: 1.00
Tangible capital base ratio
 
Not to Exceed .75 : 1.00
 
.59: 1.00
 
As the Company’s Net Income and for the three months ended March 31, 2012 is positive, the Company is currently required to maintain cash balances of $3.0 million with Susquehanna.  At March 31, 2012, the Company had $635,000 in Advances, all of which consisted of outstanding stand-by letters of credit.
 
 
26

 
As of March 31, 2012, the Company was contingently liable for nine standby letters of credit and three surety bonds totaling $5.7 million which represent performance and bid bonds on nine contracts.  The Company has deposited the full value of five standby letters of credit in certificates of deposit ($3.9 million) which have been restricted in that the Company does not have access to these funds until the related letters of credit have expired.  The cash has been recorded on the Company’s balance sheet at March 31, 2012 as restricted cash.
 
Item 3.  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure about Market Risk

The Company’s market risk is principally confined to changes in foreign currency exchange rates.  The Company’s exposure to foreign exchange rate fluctuations arises in part from customer contracts that are denominated in currencies other than the Company's functional currency as well as from inter-company accounts in which costs incurred in one entity are charged to other entities in different foreign jurisdictions.  The Company is also exposed to foreign exchange rate fluctuations as the financial results of all foreign subsidiaries are translated into U.S. dollars in consolidation.  As exchange rates vary, those results when translated may vary from expectations and adversely impact overall expected profitability.
 
The Company utilizes forward foreign currency exchange contracts to manage market risks associated with the fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates.  The principal currencies for which such forward exchange contracts are entered into are the Pound Sterling, the Euro and the Japanese Yen.  It is the Company’s policy to use such derivative financial instruments to protect against market risk arising in the normal course of business in order to reduce the impact of these exposures.  The Company minimizes credit exposure by limiting counterparties to nationally recognized financial institutions.
 
As of March 31, 2012, the Company had foreign exchange contracts outstanding of approximately 2.4 million Pounds Sterling, 13.7 million Euro, and 378.6 million Japanese Yen at fixed rates.  The contracts expire on various dates through May 2016.  The Company had not designated the contracts as hedges and has recognized a gain on the change in the estimated fair value of the contracts of $186,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2012.  A 10% fluctuation in the foreign currency exchange rates up or down as of March 31, 2012 would have increased/decreased the change in the estimated fair value of the contracts by $18,600.

As of March 31, 2011, the Company had foreign exchange contracts for sale of approximately 2.6 million Pounds Sterling, 14.6 million Euro and 763.8 million Japanese Yen at fixed rates.  The contracts expire on various dates through February 2014.  The Company had not designated the contracts as hedges and recognized a gain on the change in the estimated fair value of the contracts of $560,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2011.

Item 4.  Controls and Procedures

(a) Evaluation of disclosure controls and procedures.  The Company maintains adequate internal disclosure controls and procedures (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”), as amended) as of the end of the period covered by this quarterly report on Form 10-Q pursuant to Rule 13a-15(b) under the Exchange Act that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by it in its reports filed or submitted pursuant to the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Commission’s rules and forms and that information required to be disclosed by the Company in its Exchange Act reports is accumulated and communicated to management, including the Company’s Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”), who is its principal executive officer, and Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”), who is its principal financial officer, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
 
The Company’s CEO and CFO are responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over the Company’s financial reporting. They have reviewed and evaluated the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 13a-14 as of March 31, 2012 in order to ensure the reporting of material information required to be included in the Company’s periodic filings with the Commission comply with the Commission’s requirements for certification of this Form 10-Q. Based on that evaluation, the Company’s CEO and CFO have concluded that as of March 31, 2012 the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective.
 
(b) Changes in internal control.   There were no changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the most recent fiscal quarter that have materially affected or are reasonably likely to materially affect the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
 
27

 
Limitation of Effectiveness of Controls
 
It should be noted that any system of controls, however well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable, and not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the system will be met.  The design of any control system is based, in part, upon the benefits of the control system relative to its costs.  Because of the inherent limitations in all control systems, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, within the Company have been detected.  These inherent limitations include the realities that judgments in decision making can be faulty, and that controls can be circumvented by the individual acts of some persons, by collusion of two or more people or by management override of control.  In addition, over time, controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.  In addition, the design of any control system is based in part upon certain assumptions about the likelihood of future events.  Because of inherent limitation in a cost-effective control system, misstatements due to error or fraud may occur and not be detected.  The Company’s controls and procedures are designed to provide a reasonable level of assurance of achieving their objectives.
 
 
PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1.  Legal Proceedings

None.

Item 1A.  Risk Factors
 
Risks related to contract with Slovenské elektrárne, a.s.

In 2009, the Company entered into a contract with Slovenské elektrárne, a.s. (“SE”) to provide a full scope simulator for a two unit reactor plant in Slovakia.  To date, the Company has recognized $22.0 million of revenue under the terms of the contract.  In September 2011, the Company received a $3.0 million change order for this contract which increased its total contractual value to $26.8 million.  $2.1 million of the $3.0 million change order related to compensation provided by SE to the Company for a nine and half month delay caused by SE.

In November and December 2011 and January 2012, SE notified the Company of various alleged breaches of the contract.  In the notification, SE claimed a contractual penalty for delay in the amount of $1.0 million related to the Company’s failure to complete Factory Acceptance Testing (“FAT”) for the simulator and unspecified potential damages for other alleged breaches of the contract.

Based upon the schedule for the completion of FAT contained in the contract, which currently does not take into account the acknowledged nine and a half month delay caused by SE, the Company does not believe that it is responsible for the delay in FAT completion.  After engaging in discussions with SE, the Company formally responded to all of the claims in January 2012.  In March 2012, the Company completed a modified FAT.

In May 2012, SE notified the Company of its decision to suspend work under the contract due to changes in the Slovakian regulation requiring SE to redesign certain aspects of the plant.  SE has requested that the Company provide a proposal to SE covering the cost of (i) demobilization and mobilization of GSE’s project team and the monthly suspension costs and (ii) reduction of GSE’s project team and the costs related thereto.  The reduced team would provide support services to SE during the project suspension.

The Company and SE are currently discussing a resolution of all of their outstanding issues, including the Company’s support of the project during the suspension period, and other hardware and software changes that SE would like to incorporate into the final simulator.  At March 31, 2012, the Company has a $5.6 million outstanding invoice included in accounts receivable, $360,000 of recoverable costs and accrued profit not billed, and a $2.9 million performance bond in place to secure completion of the contract.

 
28

 

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

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

The following table provides information about the Company’s share repurchase activity for the three months ended March 31, 2012:

 
Month
   
Total number of shares purchased
 
 
Average price paid per share
    Total number of shares purchased as part of publicly announced program
 
Approximate dollar value of shares that may yet be purchased under the program
January 1 - January 31
 
                     68,684
 
 $                     1.87
 
                   893,058
 
 $              1,222,521
February 1 - February 29
 
                     59,878
 
 $                     1.89
 
                   952,936
 
 $              1,109,569
March 1 - March 31
 
                     33,825
 
 $                     1.81
 
                   986,761
 
 $              1,048,231
 
Item 3.  Defaults Upon Senior Securities

None

Item 4.  Mine Safety Disclosures

Not applicable.

Item 5.  Other Information

None

Item 6.  Exhibits
              
31.1
 
Certification of the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes- Oxley Act of 2002, filed herewith.
 
31.2
 
Certification of the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, filed herewith.
 
32.1
 
Certification of the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, filed herewith.
 
101.INS*
 
XBRL Instance Document
 
101.SCH*
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema
 
101.CAL*
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase
 
101.DEF*
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase
 
101.LAB*
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase
 
101.PRE*
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase

 
29

 

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.

Date:  May 15, 2012                                                
GSE SYSTEMS, INC.
 

 
/S/ JAMES A. EBERLE
James A. Eberle
Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer)



/S/ JEFFERY G. HOUGH
Jeffery G. Hough
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)