SEC Form 10-Q filed by National Research Corporation
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM
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QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
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For the quarterly period ended |
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TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
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For the transition period from ________ to ________ |
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Securities registered pursuant to 12(b) of the Act:
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Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files).
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of "large accelerated filer," "accelerated filer," "smaller reporting company," and "emerging growth company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
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If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act.) Yes
Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock as of the latest practicable date.
Common Stock, $.001 par value, outstanding as of October 31, 2025:
FORM 10-Q INDEX
For the Quarter Ended September 30, 2025
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Page No. |
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PART I. |
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Item 1. |
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Item 2. |
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations |
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Item 3. |
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Item 4. |
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PART II. |
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Item 1. |
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Item 1A. |
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Item 2. |
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Item 5. |
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Item 6. |
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Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
Certain matters discussed in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These forward-looking statements can generally be identified as such because the context of the statement includes phrases such as National Research Corporation, doing business as NRC Health (“NRC Health,” the “Company,” “we,” “our,” “us” or similar terms), “believes,” “expects,” “may,” “could,” “anticipates,” “estimates,” “plans,” “creates,” “intends,” or the use of words such as “would,” “will,” “may,” “could,” “goal,” “focus,” or “should,” or other words of similar import. Similarly, statements that describe our future plans, objectives or goals are also forward-looking statements. In this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, statements regarding the value and utility of, and market demand for, our service offerings, future opportunities for growth with respect to new and existing clients, our future ability to compete and the types of firms with which we will compete, future adequacy of our liquidity sources, future revenue sources, future revenue, expenses, and margins, future revenue estimates used to calculate recurring contract value, the expected impact of economic factors, including interest rates and inflation, future capital expenditures and the timing, amount, and sources of cash to fund such capital expenditures, future stock repurchases and dividends, the expected impact of pending claims and contingencies, the future outcome of uncertain tax positions, and future non-cash charges related to executive equity awards, among others, are forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties which could cause actual results or outcomes to differ materially from those currently anticipated. Factors that could affect actual results or outcomes include, without limitation, the following factors:
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The possibility of non-renewal of our client service contracts, reductions in services purchased or prices, and failure to retain key clients; |
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Our ability to compete in our markets, which are highly competitive with new market entrants and subject to consolidation among existing competitors, and the possibility of increased price pressure and expenses; |
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The possibility that our solutions and technology do not perform as expected; |
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The possibility that our acquisitions and partnerships do not achieve the increased demand/profitability expected; |
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The likelihood that a pandemic will adversely affect our operations, sales, earnings, financial condition and liquidity; |
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The likelihood that global conflicts or tariffs will adversely affect our operations, sales, earnings, financial condition and liquidity; |
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The effects of an economic downturn; |
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The impact of consolidation in the healthcare industry; |
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The impact of federal healthcare and budget legislation, executive orders, cost-saving measures, and other regulatory changes; |
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Our ability to attract and retain key managers and other personnel; |
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The possibility that our intellectual property and other proprietary information technology could be copied or independently developed by our competitors; |
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Our ability to maintain effective internal controls; |
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The possibility for failures or deficiencies in our information technology platform; |
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The possibility that we or our third-party providers could be subject to cyber-attacks, security breaches or computer viruses; and |
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The factors set forth under the caption “Risk Factors” in Part I, Item 1A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K, as such section may be updated or supplemented by Part II, Item 1A of our subsequently filed Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q (including this Report) and various disclosures in our press releases, stockholder reports, and other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. |
Shareholders, potential investors and other readers are urged to consider these and other factors in evaluating the forward-looking statements and are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements included are only made as of the date of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and we undertake no obligation to publicly update such forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent events or circumstances, except as required by the federal securities laws.
PART I – Financial Information
ITEM 1. Financial Statements
NATIONAL RESEARCH CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In thousands, except share amounts and par value)
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September 30, |
December 31, 2024 |
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(unaudited) |
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Assets |
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Current assets: |
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Cash and cash equivalents |
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Trade accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $ |
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Prepaid expenses |
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Income taxes receivable |
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Other current assets |
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Total current assets |
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Net property and equipment |
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Intangible assets, net |
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Goodwill |
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Operating lease right-of-use assets |
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Deferred contract costs, net |
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Other noncurrent assets |
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Total assets |
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Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity |
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Current liabilities: |
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Current portion of notes payable, net of unamortized debt issuance costs |
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Accounts payable |
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Accrued wages and bonuses |
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Accrued expenses |
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Dividends payable |
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Deferred revenue |
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Income taxes payable |
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Other current liabilities |
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Total current liabilities |
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Notes payable, net of current portion and unamortized debt issuance costs |
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Deferred income taxes |
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Other long-term liabilities |
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Total liabilities |
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Shareholders’ equity: |
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Preferred stock, $ |
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Common stock, $ |
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Additional paid-in capital |
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Retained earnings (accumulated deficit) |
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Treasury stock, at cost; |
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Total shareholders’ equity |
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Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity |
$ | $ | ||||||
See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
NATIONAL RESEARCH CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(In thousands, except for per share amounts, unaudited)
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2025 |
2024 |
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Revenue |
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Operating expenses: |
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Direct |
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Selling, general and administrative |
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Depreciation and amortization |
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Total operating expenses |
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Operating income |
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Other income (expense): |
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Interest income |
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Interest expense |
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Other, net |
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Total other expense |
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Income before income taxes |
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Provision for income taxes |
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Net income |
$ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||
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Earnings per share of common stock: |
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Basic |
$ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||
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Diluted |
$ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||
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Weighted average shares and share equivalents outstanding: |
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Basic |
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Diluted |
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See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
NATIONAL RESEARCH CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
(In thousands except share and per share amounts, unaudited)
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Common |
Additional |
Retained (Deficit) |
Treasury Stock |
Total |
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Balances at December 31, 2024 |
$ | $ | $ | ( |
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Purchase of |
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Issuance of |
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Non-cash stock compensation expense |
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Dividends declared of $ |
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Net income |
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Balances at March 31, 2025 |
$ | $ | $ | ( |
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Purchase of |
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Dividends declared of $ |
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Net loss |
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Balances at June 30, 2025 |
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Purchase of |
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Issuance of |
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Non-cash stock compensation expense |
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Dividends declared of $ |
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Net income |
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Balances at September 30, 2025 |
$ | $ | $ | ( |
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See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
NATIONAL RESEARCH CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
(In thousands except share and per share amounts, unaudited)
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Common |
Additional |
Retained (Deficit) |
Treasury Stock |
Total |
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Balances at December 31, 2023 |
$ | $ | $ | ( |
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Purchase of |
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Issuance of |
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Non-cash stock compensation (benefit) |
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Dividends declared of $ |
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Net income |
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Balances at March 31, 2024 |
$ | $ | $ | ( |
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Non-cash stock compensation (benefit) |
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Dividends declared of $ |
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Net income |
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Balances at June 30, 2024 |
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Purchase of |
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Non-cash stock compensation (benefit) |
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Dividends declared of $ |
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Net income |
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Balances at September 30, 2024 |
$ | $ | $ | ( |
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See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
NATIONAL RESEARCH CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(In thousands, unaudited)
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Nine months ended |
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September 30, |
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2025 |
2024 |
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Cash flows from operating activities: |
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Net income |
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Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: |
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Depreciation and amortization |
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Deferred income taxes |
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Reserve for uncertain tax positions |
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Non-cash share-based compensation expense |
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Change in fair value of contingent consideration |
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Loss on extinguishment of debt |
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Amortization of debt issuance costs |
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Net changes in assets and liabilities: |
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Trade accounts receivable |
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Prepaid expenses and other current and noncurrent assets |
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Deferred contract costs, net |
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Operating lease assets and liabilities, net |
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Accounts payable |
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Accrued expenses, wages and bonuses |
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Income taxes receivable and payable |
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Deferred revenue |
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Net cash provided by operating activities |
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Cash flows from investing activities: |
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Purchases of property and equipment |
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Acquisitions, net of cash acquired |
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Net cash used in investing activities |
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Cash flows from financing activities: |
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Borrowings on notes payable |
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Payments on notes payable |
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Borrowings on revolving loan |
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Payments on revolving loan |
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Payment of debt issuance costs |
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Payments on finance lease obligations |
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Proceeds from the exercise of share-based awards |
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Payment of payroll tax withholdings on share-based awards exercised |
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Payment of acquisition contingent consideration |
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Repurchase of shares for treasury |
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Payment of dividends on common stock |
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Net cash used in financing activities |
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Change in cash and cash equivalents |
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Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period |
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Cash and cash equivalents at end of period |
$ | $ | ||||||
See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
NATIONAL RESEARCH CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS, Continued
(In thousands, unaudited)
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Nine months ended |
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September 30, |
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2025 |
2024 |
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Supplemental disclosure of cash paid for: |
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Interest expense, net of capitalized amounts |
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Income taxes |
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Supplemental disclosure of non-cash investing and financing activities: |
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Stock tendered to the Company for cashless exercise of stock options in connection with equity incentive plans |
$ | $ | ||||||
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Purchase of property and equipment in accounts payable and accrued expenses |
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Repurchase of shares for treasury in accounts payable and accrued expenses |
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Debt extinguished with new debt |
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Noncash borrowings on long-term debt for accrued interest and debt issuance costs |
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Contingent consideration recorded in connection with acquisition |
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See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
NATIONAL RESEARCH CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
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(1) |
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES |
Description of business and basis of presentation
National Research Corporation, doing business as NRC Health (“NRC Health,” the “Company,” “we,” “our,” “us” or similar terms), has led the charge to humanize healthcare and support organizations in their understanding of each unique individual. NRC Health’s commitment to Human Understanding® helps leading healthcare systems get to know each person they serve not as point-in-time insights, but as an ongoing relationship. Guided by its uniquely empathic heritage, NRC Health’s patient-focused approach, unmatched market research, and emphasis on consumer preferences are transforming the healthcare experience, leading to strong outcomes for patients and health systems.
Our portfolio of Artificial Intelligence (“AI”)-enabled subscription-based solutions provides actionable information and analysis to healthcare organizations across a range of mission-critical, constituent-related elements, including patient experience, service recovery, care transitions, employee engagement, reputation management, rounding, and brand loyalty. We partner and engage deeply with clients across the continuum of healthcare services and believe this cross-continuum positioning is a unique and an increasingly important capability as evolving payment models drive healthcare providers and payers towards a more collaborative and integrated service model. We believe access to and analysis of our extensive consumer-driven information is increasingly valuable as healthcare providers need to better understand and engage the people they serve to create long-term relationships and build loyalty.
Our condensed consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2024 was derived from our audited consolidated balance sheet as of that date. All other financial statements contained herein are unaudited and, in the opinion of management, include all adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring adjustments) that we consider necessary for a fair presentation of financial position, results of operations and cash flows in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States.
Information and footnote disclosures included in financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States have been condensed or omitted. These condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto that are included in our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on March 17, 2025.
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make certain estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
The condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and our wholly-owned subsidiary, National Research Corporation Canada, until it was dissolved in August 2024. All significant intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated.
Revenue Recognition
We derive a majority of our revenues from our renewable subscription-based service agreements with our customers, which include performance measurement and improvement services, healthcare analytics, and governance education services. See Note 2 for further information about our contracts with customers. We account for revenue using the following steps:
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Identify the contract, or contracts, with a customer; |
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Identify the performance obligations in the contract; |
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Determine the transaction price; |
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Allocate the transaction price to the identified performance obligations; and |
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Recognize revenue when, or as, we satisfy the performance obligations. |
Our revenue arrangements with a client may include combinations of more than one service offering which may be executed at the same time, or within close proximity of one another. We combine contracts with the same customer into a single contract for accounting purposes when the contract is entered into at or near the same time and the contracts are negotiated together. For contracts that contain more than one separately identifiable performance obligation, the total transaction price is allocated to the identified performance obligations based upon the relative stand-alone selling prices of the performance obligations. The stand-alone selling prices are based on an observable price for services sold to other comparable customers, when available, or an estimated selling price using a cost-plus margin or residual approach. We estimate the amount of total contract consideration we expect to receive for variable arrangements based on the most likely amount we expect to earn from the arrangement based on the expected quantities of services we expect to provide and the contractual pricing based on those quantities. We only include some or a portion of variable consideration in the transaction price when it is probable that a significant reversal in the amount of cumulative revenue recognized will not occur. We consider the sensitivity of the estimate, our relationship and experience with the client and variable services being performed, the range of possible revenue amounts, and the magnitude of the variable consideration to the overall arrangement. Our revenue arrangements do not contain any significant financing element due to the contract terms and the timing between when consideration is received and when the service is provided.
Our arrangements with customers consist principally of four different types of arrangements: 1) subscription-based service agreements; 2) one-time specified services performed at a single point in time; 3) fixed, non-subscription service agreements; and 4) unit-priced service agreements.
Subscription-based services – Services that are provided under subscription-based service agreements are a single promise to stand ready to provide reporting, tools, and services throughout the subscription period as requested by the customer. These agreements are renewable at the option of the customer at the completion of the initial contract term. These agreements represent a series of distinct monthly services that are substantially the same, with the same pattern of transfer to the customer as the customer receives and consumes the benefits throughout the contract period. Accordingly, subscription services are recognized ratably over the subscription period. Subscription services are typically billed either annually or quarterly in advance but may also be billed on a monthly basis.
One-time services – These agreements typically require us to perform a specific one-time service in a particular month. We are entitled to a fixed payment upon completion of the service. Under these arrangements, we recognize revenue at the point in time we complete the service and it is accepted by the customer.
Fixed, non-subscription services – These arrangements typically require us to perform an unspecified amount of services for a fixed price during a fixed period of time. Revenues are recognized over time based upon the costs incurred to date in relation to the total estimated contract costs. In determining cost estimates, management uses historical and forecasted cost information which is based on estimated volumes, external and internal costs, and other factors necessary in estimating the total costs over the term of the contract. Changes in estimates are accounted for using a cumulative catch-up adjustment which could impact the amount and timing of revenue for any period.
Unit-price services – These arrangements typically require us to perform certain services on a periodic basis as requested by the customer for a per-unit amount which is typically billed in the month following the performance of the service. Revenue under these arrangements is recognized over the time the services are performed at the per-unit amount.
Revenue is presented net of any sales tax charged to our clients that we are required to remit to taxing authorities. We recognize contract assets or unbilled receivables related to revenue recognized for services completed but not invoiced to the clients. Unbilled receivables are classified as receivables when we have an unconditional right to contract consideration. A contract liability is recognized as deferred revenue when we invoice clients in advance of performing the related services under the terms of a contract. Deferred revenue is recognized as revenue when we have satisfied the related performance obligation.
Deferred Contract Costs
Deferred contract costs, net is stated at gross deferred costs less accumulated amortization. We defer commissions and incentives, including payroll taxes, if they are incremental and recoverable costs of obtaining a renewable customer contract. Deferred contract costs are amortized over the estimated term of the contract, including renewals, which generally ranges from to years. The contract term was estimated by considering factors such as historical customer attrition rates and product life. The amortization period is adjusted for significant changes in the estimated remaining term of a contract. An impairment of deferred contract costs is recognized when the unamortized balance of deferred contract costs exceeds the remaining amount of consideration we expect to receive net of the expected future costs directly related to providing those services. We have elected the practical expedient to expense contract costs when incurred for any nonrenewable contracts with a term of one year or less. We deferred incremental costs of obtaining a contract of $
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Three months ended September 30, |
Nine months ended September 30, |
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2025 |
2024 |
2025 |
2024 |
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Direct Expenses |
$ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||
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Selling, general and administrative expenses |
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Total amortization |
$ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||
Additional expense included in selling, general and administrative expenses for impairment of costs capitalized due to lost clients was $
Trade Accounts Receivable
The allowance for doubtful accounts is our best estimate of the amount of probable credit losses in our existing accounts receivable, determined based on our historical write-off experience, current economic conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts about the future. We review the allowance for doubtful accounts monthly. Account balances are charged off against the allowance after all means of collection have been exhausted and the potential for recovery is considered remote.
The following table provides the activity in the allowance for doubtful accounts for the nine month periods ended September 30, 2025 and 2024 (in thousands):
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Balance at Beginning of Period |
Bad Debt Expense (Benefit) |
Write-offs |
Recoveries |
Balance at End of Period |
||||||||||||||||
|
Nine months ended September 30, 2025 |
$ | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||
|
Nine months ended September 30, 2024 |
$ | $ | ( |
) | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||
Leases
We determine whether a lease is included in an agreement at inception. We recognize a lease liability and a right-of-use (“ROU”) asset on the balance sheet for our operating leases under which we are lessee. Operating lease ROU assets are included in operating lease right-of-use assets in our condensed consolidated balance sheet. Finance lease assets are included in property and equipment. Operating and finance lease liabilities are included in other current liabilities and other long-term liabilities. Certain lease arrangements may include options to extend or terminate the lease. We include these provisions in the ROU asset and lease liabilities only when it is reasonably certain that we will exercise that option. Lease expense for operating lease payments is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term and is included in direct expenses and selling, general and administrative expenses. Our lease agreements do not contain any residual value guarantees.
ROU assets represent our right to use an underlying asset for the lease term and lease liabilities represent our obligation to make lease payments during the lease term. ROU assets and lease liabilities are recorded at lease commencement based on the estimated present value of lease payments. Because the rate of interest implicit in each lease is not readily determinable, we use our estimated incremental collateralized borrowing rate at lease commencement, to calculate the present value of lease payments. When determining the appropriate incremental borrowing rate, we consider our available credit facilities, recently issued debt, and public interest rate information.
Due to remote working arrangements, we reassessed our office needs and subleased our Seattle location under an agreement considered to be an operating lease beginning in May 2021. We had not been legally released from our primary obligations under the original lease and therefore we continued to account for the original lease separately until the lease terminated at August 30, 2025. Rent income from the sublessee is included in the statement of operations on a straight-line basis as an offset to rent expense associated with the original operating lease included in other expenses.
Fair Value Measurements
Our valuation techniques are based on maximizing observable inputs and minimizing the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value. Observable inputs reflect readily obtainable data from independent sources, while unobservable inputs reflect our market assumptions. The inputs are then classified into the following hierarchy: (1) Level 1 Inputs—quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities; (2) Level 2 Inputs—observable market-based inputs other than Level 1 inputs, such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for similar or identical assets or liabilities in markets that are not active, or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data; (3) Level 3 Inputs—unobservable inputs.
The following details our financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis within the fair value hierarchy (in thousands):
|
Level 1 |
Level 2 |
Level 3 |
Total |
|||||||||||||
|
As of September 30, 2025 |
||||||||||||||||
|
Financial Assets: |
||||||||||||||||
|
Money Market Funds |
$ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||
|
Total Cash Equivalents |
$ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||
|
Financial Liabilities: |
||||||||||||||||
|
Contingent Consideration Liability |
$ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||
|
As of December 31, 2024 |
||||||||||||||||
|
Financial Assets: |
||||||||||||||||
|
Money Market Funds |
$ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||
|
Total Cash Equivalents |
$ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||
|
Financial Liabilities: |
||||||||||||||||
|
Contingent Consideration Liability |
$ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||
There were no transfers between levels during the nine months ended September 30, 2025 and 2024.
Our contingent consideration liability relates to potential future payments to the former owners of Nobl Health (“Nobl”), which was acquired in the third quarter of 2024. The potential future payments are contingent upon the achievement of certain customer contract metrics. Contingent consideration is remeasured at each reporting date at its estimated fair value. The remeasured fair value could differ materially from the initial estimate and uses significant unobservable inputs classified as Level 3 inputs. We measured fair value using a discounted cash flow model based on the present value of expected future payments, which considers the likelihood of meeting contract thresholds at future payment dates. Significant increases or decreases to any of the inputs in isolation could result in a significantly higher or lower liability. The change to the contingent consideration liability from the acquisition date, at each reporting date and the final amount paid, which is capped at $
The following summarizes the changes in the fair value of our contingent consideration liability during the nine month period ended September 30, 2025 (in thousands):
|
Contingent Consideration Liability, December 31, 2024 |
$ | |||
|
Increase to fair value included in selling, general and administrative expenses |
||||
|
Payments made |
( |
) | ||
|
Contingent Consideration Liability, September 30, 2025 |
$ |
Our long-term debt described in Note 4 is recorded at amortized cost. The fair value of our variable rate long-term debt is believed to approximate the carrying value because we believe the current rate reasonably estimates the current market rate for our debt. The fair value of the debt is considered a Level 1 estimate within the fair value hierarchy.
The carrying amounts of accounts receivable, revolving loan, accounts payable, and accrued expenses approximate their fair value. All non-financial assets that are not recognized or disclosed at fair value in the financial statements on a recurring basis, which includes ROU assets, property and equipment, goodwill, intangibles, and cost method investments, are measured at fair value in certain circumstances (for example, when there is evidence of impairment). As of September 30, 2025 and December 31, 2024, there was indication of impairment related to these assets.
From time to time, we are involved in certain claims and litigation arising in the normal course of business. Management assesses the probability of loss for such contingencies and recognizes a liability when a loss is probable and estimable. Legal fees, net of estimated insurance recoveries, are expensed as incurred. We do not believe the final disposition of claims at September 30, 2025, will have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial position, results of operations, or liquidity.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted
The Company monitors recently issued accounting pronouncements to assess their potential impact on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures. The following Accounting Standards Updates (“ASUs”) have been issued but not yet adopted. The Company has evaluated or is currently evaluating each standard to determine the impact of adoption.
In December 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-09, which provides improvements to the disclosure requirements for income taxes. The update primarily impacts disclosures by requiring enhanced information regarding the rate reconciliation and disaggregation of income taxes paid by jurisdiction to increase transparency of income tax information. ASU 2023-09 is effective for the Company for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2024, and interim periods thereafter. The Company does not expect the adoption of this standard to have a material impact on its consolidated financial position or results of operations, but it will result in expanded income tax disclosures beginning with the Company's annual financial statements for the year ending December 31, 2025.
In February 2024, the FASB issued ASU 2024-03, which provides improvements to the disclosure requirements for expenses. The update primarily impacts disclosures by requiring entities to provide additional detail about the natural classification of significant expenses that are included in relevant income statement line items. ASU 2024-03 is effective for the Company for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2026, and interim periods thereafter. The Company does not expect the adoption of this standard to have a material impact on its consolidated financial position or results of operations, but it will result in expanded expense disclosures beginning with the Company's annual financial statements for the year ending December 31, 2027.
In September 2025, the FASB issued ASU 2025-06, which provides targeted improvements to the accounting for internal-use software. The update replaces the current project stage model with a principles-based framework and requires capitalization to begin when management authorizes and commits funding, and project completion is probable. ASU 2025-06 is effective for the Company for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2027, including interim periods within those years. The Company is currently evaluating the effect of adopting this standard, and the impact is not yet known or reasonably estimable. The Company will determine the transition method for adoption and does not plan to adopt before the effective date.
|
(2) |
CONTRACTS WITH CUSTOMERS |
The following table disaggregates revenue for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2025 and 2024, based on timing of revenue recognition (in thousands):
|
Three months ended September 30, |
Nine months ended September 30, |
|||||||||||||||
|
2025 |
2024 |
2025 |
2024 |
|||||||||||||
|
Subscription services recognized ratably over time |
$ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||
|
Services recognized at a point in time |
||||||||||||||||
|
Fixed, non-subscription recognized over time |
||||||||||||||||
|
Unit price services recognized over time |
||||||||||||||||
|
Total revenue |
$ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||
The following table provides information about receivables, contract assets, and contract liabilities from contracts with customers (in thousands):
|
September 30, 2025 |
December 31, 2024 |
|||||||
|
Trade accounts receivable |
$ | $ | ||||||
|
Contract assets included in other current assets |
$ | $ | ||||||
|
Deferred revenue, current portion |
$ | $ | ||||||
|
Noncurrent deferred revenue included in other long-term liabilities |
$ | $ | ||||||
Significant changes in contract assets and contract liabilities during the nine month periods ended September 30, 2025 and 2024, are as follows (in thousands):
|
2025 |
2024 |
|||||||||||||||
|
Contract Asset |
Deferred Revenue |
Contract Asset |
Deferred Revenue |
|||||||||||||
|
Increase (Decrease) |
||||||||||||||||
|
Revenue recognized that was included in deferred revenue at beginning of year due to completion of services |
$ | - | $ | ( |
) | $ | - | $ | ( |
) | ||||||
|
Increases due to invoicing of client, net of amounts recognized as revenue |
- | - | ||||||||||||||
|
Increases due to acquisition |
- | - | ||||||||||||||
|
Decreases due to completion of services (or portion of services) and transferred to accounts receivable |
( |
) | - | ( |
) | - | ||||||||||
|
Change due to cumulative catch-up adjustments arising from changes in expected contract consideration |
- | - | ( |
) | ||||||||||||
|
Increases due to revenue recognized in the period with additional performance obligations before invoicing |
- | - | ||||||||||||||
We have elected to apply the practical expedient to not disclose the value of unsatisfied performance obligations for contracts with an original expected length of one year or less. Total remaining contract revenue for contracts with original duration of greater than one year expected to be recognized in the future related to performance obligations that are unsatisfied at September 30, 2025, approximated $
|
(3) |
INCOME TAXES |
The effective tax rate for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2025, increased to
On July 4, 2025, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act was signed into law in the U.S., which contains a broad range of tax reform provisions affecting businesses. We are evaluating the full effects of the legislation on our estimated annual effective tax rate and cash tax position, but we do not expect that the legislation will have a material impact on our financial statements.
|
(4) |
NOTES PAYABLE |
Our long-term debt consists of the following (in thousands):
|
September 30, |
December 31, 2024 |
|||||||
|
Delayed Draw Term Loan |
$ | $ | ||||||
|
Former Term Loan |
||||||||
|
Less: current portion |
( |
) | ( |
) | ||||
|
Less: unamortized debt issuance costs |
( |
) | ( |
) | ||||
|
Notes payable, net of current portion |
$ | $ | ||||||
In February 2025, we entered a new credit agreement (the “Credit Agreement”) with a group of lenders that amended and restated the terms of our then existing credit agreement, as amended. We recognized a loss on extinguishment of debt of $
Interest accrues and is payable monthly at a floating rate equal to the one-month Term SOFR plus a percentage per annum determined by our cash flow leverage ratio, ranging from
Principal amounts outstanding under the Delayed Draw Term Loan are due and payable monthly during the term of the Delayed Draw Term Loan, in equal monthly installments to amortize the aggregate outstanding principal balance by (i)
Principal amounts outstanding under the Revolving Loan are due and payable in full at maturity at February 6, 2028. As of September 30, 2025, we had
We are obligated to pay ongoing unused commitment fees quarterly in arrears at a percentage per annum determined by our cash flow leverage ratio, ranging from
The Credit Agreement is collateralized by substantially all of our assets, subject to permitted liens and other agreed exceptions, and contains customary representations, warranties, affirmative and negative covenants (including financial covenants), and events of default. The negative covenants include, among other things, restrictions regarding the incurrence of indebtedness and liens, repurchases of our common stock, and acquisitions, subject in each case to certain exceptions. Pursuant to the Credit Agreement, we are required to maintain a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio of
|
(5) |
SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION |
We measure and recognize compensation expense for all share-based payments based on the grant-date fair value of those awards. All of our existing stock option awards and unvested stock awards have been determined to be equity-classified awards. We account for forfeitures as they occur.
Our 2004 Non-Employee Director Stock Plan, as amended (the “2004 Director Plan”), was a nonqualified plan that provided for the granting of options with respect to
Our 2006 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2006 Equity Incentive Plan”), as amended, provided for the granting of stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, performance shares, and other share-based awards and benefits up to an aggregate of
In May 2025, our shareholders approved the National Research Corporation 2025 Omnibus Incentive Plan (the “2025 Omnibus Incentive Plan”), which became effective on May 7, 2025, and replaced the 2004 Director Plan and the 2006 Equity Incentive Plan. The 2025 Omnibus Incentive Plan provides for the granting of performance awards, stock options, stock appreciation rights, stock awards, restricted stock, and other share-based awards and benefits up to an aggregate of
Service-Based Stock Option Awards
We grant stock options to directors and selected executives with vesting based on specified service periods. Vesting terms vary with each grant and option terms are generally to years following the date of grant. We recognize compensation expense on a straight-line basis over the service period specified in the award. We granted
The fair value of service-based stock options granted in 2025 was estimated using a Black-Scholes valuation model with the following weighted average assumptions:
|
2025 |
||||
|
Expected dividend yield at date of grant |
% | |||
|
Expected stock price volatility |
% | |||
|
Risk-free interest rate |
% | |||
|
Expected life of options (in years) |
||||
The risk-free interest rate assumptions were based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of the grant. The expected volatility was based on historical monthly price changes of our stock based on the expected life of the options at the date of grant. The expected life of options is the average number of years we estimate that options will be outstanding. We consider groups of associates that have similar historical exercise behavior separately for valuation purposes.
The following table summarizes service-based stock option activity for the nine month period ended September 30, 2025:
|
Number of |
Weighted Average Exercise Price |
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Terms (Years) |
Aggregate Intrinsic Value (In thousands) |
|||||||||||||
|
Outstanding at December 31, 2024 |
$ | |||||||||||||||
|
Granted |
$ | |||||||||||||||
|
Exercised |
$ | |||||||||||||||
|
Expired |
$ | |||||||||||||||
|
Forfeited |
$ | |||||||||||||||
|
Outstanding at September 30, 2025 |
$ | $ | ||||||||||||||
|
Exercisable at September 30, 2025 |
$ | $ | ||||||||||||||
Performance-Based Stock Option Awards
We also grant stock options to selected executives with vesting contingent upon meeting certain Company-wide performance goals. The performance goals for options issued in 2024 are based on reaching a total recurring contract value target, measured at the end of the performance period, December 31, 2026. Vesting is also dependent upon remaining in our employment through the performance period. The performance awards issued in 2024 have a -year contractual term. We recognize compensation expense prospectively from the date it is deemed probable that the performance goal will be met through the end of the performance period. We did not recognize compensation expense related to performance-based awards in 2025 or 2024 since achieving the performance goals was not deemed probable. We granted
The following table summarizes performance-based stock option activity for the nine month period ended September 30, 2025:
|
Number of |
Weighted Average Exercise Price |
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Terms (Years) |
Aggregate Intrinsic Value (In thousands) |
|||||||||||||
|
Outstanding at December 31, 2024 |
$ | |||||||||||||||
|
Granted |
||||||||||||||||
|
Exercised |
||||||||||||||||
|
Forfeited |
$ | |||||||||||||||
|
Outstanding at September 30, 2025 |
$ | $ | ||||||||||||||
|
Exercisable at September 30, 2025 |
||||||||||||||||
As of September 30, 2025, the total unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested performance-based and service-based stock option awards was approximately $
There was $
Non-vested Stock Awards
We granted
|
Common Stock Outstanding |
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Share |
|||||||
|
Outstanding at December 31, 2024 |
||||||||
|
Granted |
||||||||
|
Vested |
||||||||
|
Forfeited |
||||||||
|
Outstanding at September 30, 2024 |
$ | |||||||
As of September 30, 2025, the total unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested common stock awards was approximately $
|
(6) |
GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS |
The carrying amount of goodwill totaled $
Intangible assets consisted of the following (in thousands):
|
September 30, |
December 31, |
|||||||
|
Non-amortizing intangible assets: |
||||||||
|
Indefinite trade name |
$ | $ | ||||||
|
Amortizing intangible assets: |
||||||||
|
Customer related |
||||||||
|
Technology |
||||||||
|
Trade names |
||||||||
|
Total amortizing intangible assets |
||||||||
|
Accumulated amortization |
( |
) | ( |
) | ||||
|
Other intangible assets, net |
$ | $ | ||||||
Amortizing intangible assets are amortized on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives, which range from
|
(7) |
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT |
|
September 30, |
December 31, 2024 |
|||||||
|
(In thousands) |
||||||||
|
Property and equipment |
$ | $ | ||||||
|
Accumulated depreciation |
( |
) | ( |
) | ||||
|
Property and equipment, net |
$ | $ | ||||||
|
(8) |
EARNINGS PER SHARE |
Basic net income per share was computed using the weighted-average shares of common stock outstanding during the period.
Diluted net income per share was computed using the weighted-average shares of common stock and, if dilutive, the potential common stock outstanding during the period. Potential shares of common stock consist of the incremental common stock issuable upon the exercise of stock options and vesting of restricted stock. The dilutive effect of outstanding stock options is reflected in diluted earnings per share by application of the treasury stock method.
We had
|
Three months ended September 30, |
Nine months ended September 30, |
|||||||||||||||
|
2025 |
2024 |
2025 |
2024 |
|||||||||||||
|
(In thousands, except per share data) |
||||||||||||||||
|
Numerator for net income per share – basic: |
||||||||||||||||
|
Net income |
$ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||
|
Allocation of distributed and undistributed income to unvested restricted stock shareholders |
( |
) | ( |
) | ( |
) | ||||||||||
|
Net income attributable to common shareholders |
||||||||||||||||
|
Denominator for net income per share – basic: |
||||||||||||||||
|
Weighted average common shares outstanding – basic |
||||||||||||||||
|
Net income per share – basic |
$ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||
|
Numerator for net income per share – diluted: |
||||||||||||||||
|
Net income attributable to common shareholders for basic computation |
||||||||||||||||
|
Denominator for net income per share – diluted: |
||||||||||||||||
|
Weighted average common shares outstanding – basic |
||||||||||||||||
|
Weighted average effect of dilutive securities – stock options |
||||||||||||||||
|
Denominator for diluted earnings per share – adjusted weighted average shares |
||||||||||||||||
|
Net income per share – diluted |
$ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||
|
(9) |
SEGMENT INFORMATION |
We assess segment reporting in accordance with FASB Accounting Standards Codification Topic 280, Segment Reporting, each reporting period, including evaluating the reporting package provided and reviewed by the Chief Operating Decision Maker (“CODM”). We have concluded that our Chief Executive Officer is our CODM at September 30, 2025.
Based on the way our business is managed and reported to our CODM, we believe we have a operating segment. We also have reportable segment. Our revenue is primarily derived and our long-lived assets are primarily held in the United States and our business is managed on a consolidated basis. All of our solutions within our one reporting segment provide analytics and insights that facilitate the measurement and improvement of patient and employee experience for healthcare organizations related to marketing, experience, reputation, and governance.
The accounting policies for our operating segment are consistent with those described in the summary of significant accounting policies. The CODM assesses performance of our segment and allocates resources based on revenue and associate expenses based on three team categories: delivery, growth and support. The CODM uses net income, cash balances, and debt availability to make decisions related to dividend distributions, acquisitions, and stock repurchases. Our segment results for our one reportable segment are the same as presented in our Consolidated Statements of Income. We do not have intra-entity sales or transfers. The measure of segment assets is reported on our consolidated balance sheet as total consolidated assets.
The table below presents our segment results, including other significant expenses reported to our CODM and other information related to our segment for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2025 and 2024 (in thousands):
|
Three months ended September 30, |
Nine months ended September 30, |
|||||||||||||||
|
2025 |
2024 |
2025 |
2024 |
|||||||||||||
|
Revenue |
$ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||
|
Less: |
||||||||||||||||
|
Delivery associate expense |
||||||||||||||||
|
Delivery other operating expenses |
||||||||||||||||
|
Delivery total operating expenses |
||||||||||||||||
|
Growth associate expenses |
||||||||||||||||
|
Growth other operating expenses |
||||||||||||||||
|
Growth total operating expenses |
||||||||||||||||
|
Support associate expenses |
||||||||||||||||
|
Support other operating expenses |
||||||||||||||||
|
Support total operating expenses |
||||||||||||||||
|
Operating income |
||||||||||||||||
|
Interest income |
||||||||||||||||
|
Interest expense |
( |
) | ( |
) | ( |
) | ( |
) | ||||||||
|
Other non-operating income (expense) |
( |
) | ( |
) | ( |
) | ( |
) | ||||||||
|
Provision for income taxes |
( |
) | ( |
) | ( |
) | ( |
) | ||||||||
|
Net income |
$ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||
|
Other significant expenses provided to CODM* |
||||||||||||||||
|
Variable direct expenses |
$ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||
|
Fixed direct expenses |
||||||||||||||||
|
Non-recurring and non-cash executive compensation** |
||||||||||||||||
|
Tax effect of executive share-based compensation and cash bonus |
( |
) | ( |
) | ( |
) | ( |
) | ||||||||
|
IT operational expenses |
||||||||||||||||
|
Total expenditures for purchases of long-lived assets*** |
$ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||
|
* |
|
|
|
** |
|
|
|
*** |
|
|
Three months ended September 30, |
Nine months ended September 30, |
|||||||||||||||
|
2025 |
2024 |
2025 |
2024 |
|||||||||||||
|
Other significant noncash items* |
||||||||||||||||
|
Depreciation and amortization expense |
$ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||
|
Deferred income tax expense (benefit) |
( |
) | ( |
) | ( |
) | ||||||||||
|
Reserve for uncertain tax positions |
( |
) | ||||||||||||||
|
Share-based compensation expense |
||||||||||||||||
|
Change in fair value of contingent consideration |
||||||||||||||||
|
* |
|
|
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations |
The following discussion of our results of operations and financial conditions should be read in conjunction with our condensed consolidated financial statements and related notes appearing elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.
We have led the charge to humanize healthcare and support organizations in their understanding of each unique individual. Our commitment to Human Understanding® helps leading healthcare systems get to know each person they serve not as point-in-time insights, but as an ongoing relationship. Guided by its uniquely empathic heritage, our patient-focused approach, unmatched market research, and emphasis on consumer preferences are transforming the healthcare experience, leading to strong outcomes for patients and health systems.
Our portfolio of Artificial Intelligence (“AI”)-enabled subscription-based solutions provides actionable information and analysis to healthcare organizations across a range of mission-critical, constituent-related elements, including patient experience, service recovery, care transitions, employee engagement, reputation management, rounding, and brand loyalty. We partner and engage deeply with clients across the continuum of healthcare services and believe this cross-continuum positioning is a unique and an increasingly important capability as evolving payment models drive healthcare providers and payers towards a more collaborative and integrated service model. We believe access to and analysis of our extensive consumer-driven information is increasingly valuable as healthcare providers need to better understand and engage the people they serve to create long-term relationships and build loyalty.
Effective September 29, 2025, Shane Harrison began serving as our Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. Mr. Harrison brings a strong background in finance and strategic planning, most recently serving as Senior Vice President – Corporate Finance and Investor Relations at PowerSchool, a leading K-12 education SaaS provider. Upon the effectiveness of Mr. Harrison’s appointment as Chief Financial Officer he became our principal financial officer and Michael D. Hays, the Company’s Chairman, ceased serving as our principal financial officer.
Results of Operations
The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, selected financial information derived from our condensed consolidated financial statements and the percentage change in such items versus the prior comparable period, as well as other key financial metrics. The discussion that follows the information should be read in conjunction with our condensed consolidated financial statements.
Three Months Ended September 30, 2025, Compared to Three Months Ended September 30, 2024
|
Three months ended September 30, |
Increase (Decrease) |
|||||||||||
|
2025 |
2024 |
2025 over 2024 |
||||||||||
|
(In thousands, except percentages) |
(Percentage) |
|||||||||||
|
Revenue |
$ | 34,608 | $ | 35,819 | (3 | ) | ||||||
|
Direct expenses |
12,404 | 15,305 | (19 | ) | ||||||||
|
Selling, general, and administrative |
12,271 | 10,988 | 12 | |||||||||
|
Depreciation and amortization |
2,195 | 1,546 | 42 | |||||||||
|
Operating income |
7,738 | 7,980 | (3 | ) | ||||||||
|
Total other expense |
(1,465 | ) | (684 | ) | 114 | |||||||
|
Provision for income taxes |
2,151 | 1,608 | 34 | |||||||||
|
Effective Tax Rate |
34 | % | 22 | % | 12 | |||||||
|
Operating margin |
22 | % | 22 | % | - | |||||||
|
Total Recurring Contract Value (as of the end of the period) |
$ | 141,664 | $ | 131,596 | 8 | |||||||
Revenue. Revenue in the 2025 period decreased compared to the 2024 period by $1.2 million. This was mainly from decreased recurring revenue of $1.6 million in our existing client base, partially offset by an increase in revenue from new clients of $0.3 million. We view Total Recurring Contract Value, or TRCV, a measure of revenue under all renewable contracts for their respective renewal periods, as a leading indicator of revenue expectations. Our TRCV metric represents the total revenue projected under all renewable contracts for their respective next renewal periods, assuming no upsells, downsells, price increases, or cancellations, measured as of the most recent quarter end. TRCV increased slightly in the fourth quarter of 2024 and increased further sequentially in each of the first, second, and third quarters of 2025. There is a lag between changes in TRCV (next twelve months) and revenue (trailing twelve months). Generally, if we are able to sustain growth in TRCV, we would expect revenue growth to follow within the next few quarters (and vice versa). However, intervening events, such as upsells, downsells, price increases, or cancellations, may affect this general expectation.
Direct expenses. Variable expenses decreased $1.8 million in the 2025 period compared to the 2024 period primarily due to lower conference costs due to the timing of our annual Human Understanding Beyond (HUB) event which occurred in the fourth quarter of 2025 compared to the third quarter of 2024. Variable expenses as a percentage of revenue were 14% and 19% in the 2025 and 2024 periods, respectively. Fixed expenses decreased $1.1 million primarily due to decreased salary and benefit costs from workforce reduction and automation implemented in the fourth quarter of 2024.
Selling, general and administrative expenses. Selling, general and administrative expenses increased in the 2025 period compared to the 2024 period primarily due to increased salary and benefits of $1.1 million and legal and accounting expenses of $0.3 million. The increase in salaries and benefits is primarily due to implementing new compensation arrangements in 2025 for our CEO and executive leaders. These increases were partially offset by decreased marketing expenses of $0.5 million.
Depreciation and amortization. Depreciation and amortization expenses increased in 2025 compared to the 2024 period due to increased depreciation on our building and related furnishings due to our building renovations being completed during 2025.
Total other expense. Total other expense increased in the 2025 period compared to the 2024 period primarily due to higher interest expense of $0.8 million mainly from higher borrowings outstanding on our Delayed Draw Term Loan, partially offset by lower average borrowings and interest rates on the Revolving Loan.
Provision for income taxes and effective tax rate. The effective tax rate increased in the 2025 period compared to the 2024 period primarily due to deductible limitations on executive compensation related to cash bonuses in the second quarter of 2025. The provision for income taxes increased due to the increase in the effective tax rate partially offset by the decrease in income before income taxes.
Total Recurring Contract Value. TRCV at September 30, 2025 was higher compared to September 30, 2024, primarily due to the growth in new subscription product sales, which was partially offset by customer subscription losses and reductions.
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2025, Compared to Nine Months Ended September 30, 2024
|
Nine months ended September 30, |
Increase (Decrease) |
|||||||||||
|
2025 |
2024 |
2025 over 2024 |
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|
(In thousands, except percentages) |
(Percentage) |
|||||||||||
|
Revenue |
$ | 102,196 | $ | 106,154 | (4 | ) | ||||||
|
Direct expenses |
38,436 | 42,583 | (10 | ) | ||||||||
|
Selling, general, and administrative |
40,360 | 33,459 | 21 | |||||||||
|
Depreciation and amortization |
5,479 | 4,506 | 22 | |||||||||
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Operating income |
17,921 | 25,606 | (30 | ) | ||||||||
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Total other expense |
(3,345 | ) | (1,791 | ) | 87 | |||||||
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Provision for income taxes |
4,774 | 5,592 | (15 | ) | ||||||||
|
Effective Tax Rate |
33 | % | 23 | % | 10 | |||||||
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Operating margin |
18 | % | 24 | % | (6 | ) | ||||||
|
Cash provided by operating activities |
19,271 | 28,246 | (32 | ) | ||||||||
Revenue. Revenue in the 2025 period decreased compared to the 2024 period by $4.0 million. This was mainly from decreased recurring revenue of $5.0 million in our existing client base, partially offset by an increase in revenue from new clients of $1.1 million.
Direct expenses. Variable expenses decreased $1.8 million in the 2025 period compared to the 2024 period primarily from lower conference expenses due to the timing of our annual Human Understanding Beyond (HUB) event which occurred in the fourth quarter of 2025 compared to the third quarter of 2024 and lower data collection expenses. Variable expenses as a percentage of revenue were 15% and 16% in the 2025 and 2024 periods, respectively. Fixed expenses decreased $2.3 million primarily due to decreased salary and benefit costs from workforce reduction and automation implemented in the fourth quarter of 2024 partially offset by increased computer equipment and supplies to support product development. We expect to continue to invest in providing innovative solutions to our clients, which could cause direct expenses to fluctuate as a percentage of revenue.
Selling, general and administrative expenses. Selling, general and administrative expenses increased in the 2025 period compared to the 2024 period primarily due to increased salary and benefits, including stock compensation expense, of $8.6 million and legal and accounting expenses of $0.6 million. The increase in salaries and benefits is primarily due to implementing new compensation arrangements for our CEO and executive leaders. These increases were partially offset by decreased marketing expenses of $2.3 million and reduced recruiting expenses of $0.4 million.
Depreciation and amortization. Depreciation and amortization expenses increased in 2025 compared to the 2024 period due to increased depreciation on our building and furnishings due to our building renovations completed during 2025 and increased intangible amortization from the Nobl acquisition.
Total other expense. Total other expense increased in the 2025 period compared to the 2024 period primarily due to higher interest expense of $1.5 million mainly from higher borrowings outstanding on our Delayed Draw Term Loan, partially offset by lower average borrowings and interest rates on the Revolving Loan.
Provision for income taxes and effective tax rate. The provision for income taxes decreased due to the decrease in income before income taxes, partially offset by the increase in the effective tax rate. The effective tax rate increased in the 2025 period compared to the 2024 period primarily due to deductible limitations on executive compensation related to cash bonuses in the second quarter of 2025.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Our Board of Directors has established priorities for capital allocation, which prioritize funding of innovation and growth investments, including merger and acquisition activity, as well as internal projects. The secondary priority is capital allocation for quarterly dividends and share repurchases.
As of September 30, 2025, our principal sources of liquidity included $2.2 million of cash and cash equivalents, up to $30 million of unused borrowings under our Revolving Loan, and an additional $27.6 million on our Delayed Draw Term Loan, excluding the accordion feature.
Our cash flows from operating activities consist of net income adjusted for non-cash items including depreciation and amortization, deferred income taxes, share-based compensation, reserve for uncertain tax positions, loss on extinguishment of debt, change in fair value of contingent consideration, and the effect of working capital changes. Cash provided by operating activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2025 decreased compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2024, primarily due to the decrease in net income, and working capital changes that reduced cash flow. Working capital changes mainly consisted of changes in trade accounts receivable and prepaid expenses and other current assets primarily due to the timing of our annual business insurance and other service agreements. These reductions in cash flow were partially offset by changes in accrued expenses, wages and bonuses, deferred revenue and income taxes payable and receivable mainly due to the timing of payments. Accounts receivable and deferred revenue vary based on the timing and frequency of billings and payments on customer agreements.
See the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows included in this report for the detail of our operating cash flows.
We had a working capital deficit of $18.2 million and $16.3 million on September 30, 2025 and December 31, 2024, respectively. The change was primarily due to decreases in cash and cash equivalents and increases in accrued wages and bonuses, deferred revenue, and income taxes payable. These changes were partially offset by increases in accounts receivable and prepaid expenses primarily due to the timing of our annual business insurance payment and other service agreements, and decreases in the current portion of our long-term debt and accrued expenses. Cash and cash equivalents decreased mainly due to the repurchase of shares of our common stock for treasury, payments for building renovations and dividend paid on common stock. Accrued expenses vary due to the timing of payments. Trade accounts receivable increased due to timing of billing and collections. Our working capital is significantly impacted by our large deferred revenue balances which will vary based on the timing and frequency of billings on annual agreements. Notwithstanding our working capital deficit on September 30, 2025, we believe that our existing sources of liquidity, including cash and cash equivalents, borrowing availability, and operating cash flows will be sufficient to meet our projected capital and debt maturity needs for the foreseeable future.
Cash used in investing activities primarily consisted of purchases of property and equipment including computer software and hardware, building improvements, and furniture and equipment.
Cash used in financing activities primarily consisted of repurchases of our common stock for treasury, payment of dividends on common stock, payments on our Revolving Loan, and payoff of our Former Term Loan. These were partially offset by net borrowings under our Delayed Draw Term Loan.
Cash dividends of $8.3 million were paid in the nine months ended September 30, 2025. Dividends of $2.7 million were declared in the three months ended September 30, 2025, and paid in October 2025. The dividends were paid from cash on hand and borrowings on our Revolving Loan. Our board of directors considers whether to declare a dividend and the amount of any dividends declared on a quarterly basis.
Capital Expenditures
We paid cash of $9.6 million for capital expenditures in the nine months ended September 30, 2025. These expenditures consisted mainly of building renovations to our headquarters and computer software development for our product portfolio solutions.
Debt
Our Credit Agreement includes (i) a $30.0 million revolving credit facility (the “Revolving Loan”) and (ii) a $110.0 million delayed draw-down term facility (the “Delayed Draw Term Loan” and, together with the Revolving Loan, the “Credit Facilities”). The Delayed Draw Term Loan includes an accordion feature that, so long as no event of default exists or would exist after giving effect to such increase, allows us to request an increase in the Delayed Draw Term Loan of up to the lesser of (x) $25.0 million and (y) our EBITDA as of the preceding four fiscal quarters, exercisable in increments of $10.0 million (or the remaining available amount of the accordion, if less). We may use the Delayed Draw Term Loan to fund permitted future business acquisitions, repurchases of our common stock, capital expenditures, or payment of dividends and the Revolving Loan to fund ongoing working capital needs and for other general corporate purposes.
Interest accrues and is payable monthly at a floating rate equal to the one-month Term SOFR plus a percentage per annum determined by our cash flow leverage ratio, ranging from 2.25% to 2.75% (6.63% at September 30, 2025).
The outstanding balance on the Delayed Draw Term Loan was $80.4 million at September 30, 2025. Principal amounts outstanding are due and payable monthly during the term of the Delayed Draw Term Loan, in equal monthly installments to amortize the aggregate outstanding principal balance by (i) 5% during each of the first three years and (ii) 7.5% during each of the fourth and fifth years following the date of such loan. All outstanding principal and interest on the Delayed Draw Term Loan are due and payable in full at the maturity date, February 6, 2030. We had the availability to borrow an additional $27.6 million on the Delayed Draw Term Loan at September 30, 2025, excluding the accordion feature.
Principal amounts outstanding under the Revolving Loan are due and payable in full at maturity at February 6, 2028. As of September 30, 2025, we had no borrowings outstanding and the availability to borrow $30.0 million on the Revolving Loan. Our weighted average short-term borrowings for the three month periods ended September 30, 2025 and 2024, were $1.1 million and $8.0 million, respectively. Our weighted average short-term borrowings for the nine month periods ended September 30, 2025 and 2024, were $3.8 million and $9.0 million, respectively. The weighted average interest rate on short-term borrowings during the three month periods ended September 30, 2025 and 2024, was 6.68% and 7.65%, respectively. The weighted average interest rate on short-term borrowings during the nine month periods ended September 30, 2025 and 2024, was 6.67% and 7.67%, respectively.
We are obligated to pay ongoing unused commitment fees quarterly in arrears at a percentage per annum determined by our cash flow leverage ratio, ranging from 0.15% to 0.30%, based on the actual daily unused portions of the Revolving Loan and the Delayed Draw Term Loan, respectively.
The Credit Agreement is collateralized by substantially all of our assets, subject to permitted liens and other agreed exceptions, and contains customary representations, warranties, affirmative and negative covenants (including financial covenants), and events of default. The negative covenants include, among other things, restrictions regarding the incurrence of indebtedness and liens, repurchases of our common stock, and acquisitions, subject in each case to certain exceptions. Pursuant to the Credit Agreement, we are required to maintain a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio of 1.10x and a cash flow leverage ratio of 3.50x or less for all testing periods throughout the term of the Credit Facilities. As of September 30, 2025, we were in compliance with our financial covenants.
Leases
We have lease arrangements for certain computer, office, printing, and inserting equipment as well as office space. As of September 30, 2025, we had fixed lease payments of $514,000 and $10,000 for operating and finance leases, respectively payable within 12 months.
Taxes
The liability for gross unrecognized tax benefits related to uncertain tax positions was $2.4 million as of September 30, 2025. See Note 3, "Income Taxes", to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements contained in this report for income tax related information.
On July 4, 2025, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act was signed into law in the U.S., which contains a broad range of tax reform provisions affecting businesses. We are evaluating the full effects of the legislation on our estimated annual effective tax rate and cash tax position, but we do not expect that the legislation will have a material impact on our financial statements.
Stock Repurchase Program
In April 2025 our Board of Directors approved a stock repurchase authorization of up to 1.0 million shares of our common stock (the “2025 Program”). We are authorized to repurchase shares of our outstanding common stock from time-to-time on the open market or in privately negotiated transactions, provided that the maximum dollar amount repurchased shall not exceed $20 million without further consent. The timing and amount of stock repurchases will depend on a variety of factors, including market conditions as well as corporate and regulatory considerations. The stock repurchase authorization may be suspended, modified, or discontinued at any time and we have no obligation to repurchase any amount of our common stock in connection with the repurchase authorization. The repurchase authorization has no set expiration date. The authorization follows our recent repurchase of all shares remaining under the prior repurchase authorization.
During the three months ended September 30, 2025, we repurchased 618,264 shares of our common stock under the 2025 Program for an aggregate of $9.3 million. As of September 30, 2025, there are no remaining shares authorized for repurchase under the 2025 Program.
Critical Accounting Estimates
There have been no changes to our critical accounting estimates described in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024, that have a material impact on our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and the related Notes.
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Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk |
There are no material changes to the disclosures regarding our market risk exposures made in its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024.
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Controls and Procedures |
Our management, with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, has evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of our 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) as of the end of the period covered by this report, and our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer have concluded that, as of the end of such period, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate. Accordingly, even effective internal control over financial reporting can only provide reasonable assurance of achieving its control objectives.
We have confidence in our internal controls and procedures. Nevertheless, our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer, does not expect that our disclosure procedures and controls or our internal controls will prevent all errors or intentional fraud. An internal control system, no matter how well-conceived and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the objectives of such internal controls are met. Further, the design of an internal control system must reflect the fact that there are resource constraints, and the benefits of controls must be considered relative to their costs. As a result of the inherent limitations in all internal control systems, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all our control issues and instances of fraud, if any, have been detected.
There have been no changes in our internal control over financial reporting (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) that occurred during the quarter ended September 30, 2025 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
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Legal Proceedings |
From time to time, we are involved in certain claims and litigation arising in the normal course of business. Management assesses the probability of loss for such contingencies and recognizes a liability when a loss is probable and estimable. For additional information, see Note 1, under the heading “Commitments and Contingencies,” to our condensed consolidated financial statements. Regardless of the final outcome, any legal proceedings, claims, inquiries, and investigations, however, can impose a significant burden on management and employees, may include costly defense and settlement costs, and could cause harm to our reputation and brand, and other factors.
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Risk Factors |
The significant risk factors known to us that could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition, or operating results are described in Part I, Item 1A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024.
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Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds |
In April 2025 our Board of Directors authorized the 2025 Program.
Our Credit Agreement provides that, in order for us to pay dividends or repurchase our common stock, there must be no default or event of default existing or that would result from such payment and we must show that we would comply with the Credit Agreement’s fixed charge coverage ratio and consolidated cash flow leverage ratio after giving pro forma effect to such payment.
The table below summarizes repurchases of common stock during the three months ended September 30, 2025.
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Period |
Total Number of Shares Purchased |
Average Price Paid per Share (1) |
Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs(2) |
Maximum Number of Shares that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs |
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Jul 1 – Jul 30, 2025 |
40,168 | 12.84 | 40,168 | 578,096 | ||||||||||||
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Aug 1 – Aug 31, 2025 |
344,843 | 14.92 | 344,843 | 233,253 | ||||||||||||
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Sep 1 – Sep 30, 2025 |
233,253 | 15.48 | 233,253 | - | ||||||||||||
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Total |
618,264 | 618,264 | ||||||||||||||
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(1) |
The average price paid per share excludes excise tax incurred on stock repurchases. For the quarter ended September 30, 2025, excise tax expense totaled $92,693. |
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(2) |
Shares were repurchased pursuant to the 2025 Program. |
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Other Information |
During the third quarter of 2025, director or officer adopted or terminated a Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement or non-Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement.
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Exhibits |
The exhibits listed in the exhibit index below are filed as part of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.
EXHIBIT INDEX
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Exhibit |
Exhibit Description |
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(3.1) |
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(3.2) |
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(4.1) |
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(4.2) |
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(10.1)#** |
Executive Employment Agreement between Shane Harrison and the Corporation |
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(10.2)#** |
Incentive Stock Award Notice between Shane Harrison and the Corporation |
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(31.1)** |
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(31.2)** |
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(32)*** |
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(101)** |
Financial statements from the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of National Research Corporation for the quarter ended September 30, 2025, formatted in Inline eXtensible Business Reporting Language (iXBRL): (i) the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets, (ii) the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income, (iii) the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income, (iv) the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, (v) the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, and (vi) document and entity information. |
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(104) ** |
Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted in the Inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101). |
** Filed herewith
*** Furnished herewith
# Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement
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.
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NATIONAL RESEARCH CORPORATION |
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Date: November 7, 2025 |
By: |
/s/ Trent S. Green |
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Trent S. Green |
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Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer) |
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Date: November 7, 2025 |
By: |
/s/ Shane Harrison |
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Shane Harrison Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer) |
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