COLUMBIA, Md., Feb. 24, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Global performance improvement solutions provider GP Strategies Corporation (NYSE: GPX) today reported financial results for the quarter and fiscal year ended December 31, 2014.

Overview of Fourth Quarter 2014 Results:


    --  Revenue of $125.2 million for fourth quarter of 2014 compared to $117.2
        million for fourth quarter of 2013, and record revenue for full year
        2014 surpassing $500 million
    --  Gross profit of $23.9 million, or 19.1% of revenue, for the fourth
        quarter of 2014 compared to $21.6 million, or 18.5% of revenue, for the
        fourth quarter of 2013
    --  Diluted earnings per share of $0.43 for fourth quarter of 2014 compared
        to $0.38 per share for fourth quarter of 2013
    --  Cash flow from operations of $14.3 million for fourth quarter of 2014
        compared to $6.0 million in 2013

The Company's revenue increased $8.0 million or 6.8% during the fourth quarter of 2014 compared to the fourth quarter of 2013. The revenue growth is largely attributable to organic growth due to increased e-Learning content development and managed learning services under outsourcing contracts. Operating income was $11.6 million for the fourth quarter of 2014 compared to $12.1 million for the fourth quarter of 2013. Included in operating income is a net loss on the change in fair value of contingent consideration of $0.1 million in the fourth quarter of 2014 compared to a net gain of $1.2 million in the fourth quarter of 2013. Excluding the net gain (loss) on contingent consideration in both quarters, operating income increased 8.1% or $0.9 million during the fourth quarter of 2014. The improved operating income was a result of a $2.3 million or 10.7% increase in gross profit which was partially offset by a $1.4 million or 13.3% increase in SG&A expenses during the fourth quarter of 2014 primarily due to increased costs associated with the Company's global expansion to support outsourcing contracts. Net income was $7.4 million, or $0.43 per diluted share, for the fourth quarter of 2014 compared to $7.4 million, or $0.38 per diluted share, for the fourth quarter of 2013.

The Company reported revenue of $501.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2014, representing a 14.9% increase over 2013 revenue of $436.7 million. Operating income increased $5.5 million or 14.4% in 2014 to $43.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2014. Net income was $27.1 million, or $1.43 per diluted share, for the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to $23.8 million, or $1.23 per diluted share, for the year ended December 31, 2013.

"I am proud to report that GP Strategies reached a milestone of over $500 million of annual revenue for the first time in its history and finished the 2014 year with 12% organic growth," commented Scott N. Greenberg, Chief Executive Officer of GP Strategies. "The Company reported strong financial results for the fourth quarter despite a decline in alternative fuels revenues. In addition, the Company maintained its operating margins in 2014 while investing heavily in global expansion. These investments have enabled us to deliver comprehensive solutions to our customers on a global basis, which we believe differentiates GP Strategies in the training and performance improvement industry."

Balance Sheet and Cash Flow Highlights

As of December 31, 2014, the Company had cash and cash equivalents of $14.5 million compared to $5.6 million as of December 31, 2013. Cash provided by operating activities was $31.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to $16.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2013.

On October 3, 2014, the Company completed a modified "Dutch auction" tender offer in which it repurchased 2.1 million shares of its outstanding common stock for $61.7 million, excluding fees and expenses. To fund the share repurchase, the Company used borrowings under an amended credit agreement which included a $40 million term loan, payable over three years, and additional borrowings under its revolving credit facility. As of December 31, 2014, the Company had long-term debt outstanding of $37.8 million. In addition, there were $20.8 million of short-term borrowings outstanding and $43.3 million of available borrowings under a revolving credit facility as of December 31, 2014.

Investor Call

The Company has scheduled an investor conference call for 10:00 a.m. ET on February 24, 2015. In addition to prepared remarks from management, there will be a question and answer session on the call. The dial-in numbers for the live conference call are 800-750-5861 or 212-231-2911, using conference ID number 21762010. A telephone replay of the call will also be available beginning at 12:00 p.m. on February 24(th), until 12:00 p.m. on March 10(th). To listen to the replay, dial 800-633-8284 or 402-977-9140, using conference ID number 21762010. A replay will also be available on GP Strategies' website shortly after the conclusion of the call.

Presentation of Non-GAAP Information

This press release contains non-GAAP financial measures, including EBITDA (earnings before interest, income taxes, depreciation and amortization). The Company believes this non-GAAP financial measure is useful to investors in evaluating the Company's results. This measure should be considered in addition to, and not as a replacement for, or superior to, either net income, as an indicator of the Company's operating performance, or cash flow, as a measure of the Company's liquidity. In addition, because EBITDA may not be calculated identically by all companies, the presentation here may not be comparable to other similarly titled measures of other companies. For a reconciliation of this non-GAAP financial measure to the most comparable GAAP equivalent, see the Non-GAAP Reconciliation - EBITDA, along with related footnotes, below.

About GP Strategies

GP Strategies Corporation (NYSE: GPX) is a global performance improvement solutions provider of sales and technical training, eLearning solutions, management consulting and engineering services. GP Strategies' solutions improve the effectiveness of organizations by delivering innovative and superior training, consulting and business improvement services, customized to meet the specific needs of its clients. Clients include Fortune 500 companies, manufacturing, process and energy industries, and other commercial and government customers. Additional information may be found at www.gpstrategies.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

We make statements in this press release that are considered forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. These statements are not guarantees of our future performance and are subject to risks, uncertainties and other important factors that could cause our actual performance or achievements to be materially different from those we project. For a full discussion of these risks, uncertainties and factors, we encourage you to read our documents on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including those set forth in our periodic reports under the forward-looking statements and risk factors sections. Except as required by law, we do not intend to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.


                                                                                                GP STRATEGIES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

                                                                                                   CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

                                                                                                   (In thousands, except per share data)

                                                                                                                (Unaudited)


                                                                                                                    Quarter ended                                       Year ended

                                               December 31,                                                        December 31,
                                               ------------                                                        ------------

                                                                                                               2014                      2013                      2014                      2013
                                                                                                               ----                      ----                      ----                      ----


    Revenue                                                                                                             $125,200                              $117,220                               $501,867                              $436,689

    Cost of revenue                                                                                         101,265                    95,592                   412,292                   360,424
                                                                                                            -------                    ------                   -------                   -------

    Gross profit                                                                                             23,935                    21,628                    89,575                    76,265

    Selling, general and administrative expenses                                                             12,194                    10,764                    47,108                    39,589

    Gain (loss) on change in fair value of                                                                    (121)                    1,249                     1,392                     1,676
        contingent consideration, net


    Operating income                                                                                         11,620                    12,113                    43,859                    38,352

    Interest expense                                                                                            434                       110                       833                       366

    Other income (expense)                                                                                    (388)                      176                     (203)                      502
                                                                                                               ----

       Income before income tax expense                                                                      10,798                    12,179                    42,823                    38,488

    Income tax expense                                                                                        3,374                     4,738                    15,725                    14,732
                                                                                                              -----                     -----

    Net income                                                                                                            $7,424                                $7,441                                $27,098                               $23,756
                                                                                                                          ======                                ======                                =======                               =======


                                                                                                             17,166                    19,144                    18,641                    19,103

    Basic weighted average shares outstanding

    Diluted weighted average shares outstanding                                                              17,336                    19,416                    18,887                    19,362



    Per common share data:

    Basic earnings per share                                                                                               $0.43                                 $0.39                                  $1.45                                 $1.24

    Diluted earnings per share                                                                                             $0.43                                 $0.38                                  $1.43                                 $1.23


    Other data:

    EBITDA(1)                                                                                                            $13,513                               $14,651                                $53,414                               $47,471


    (1) The term EBITDA (earnings before interest, income taxes, depreciation and amortization) is a non-GAAP financial measure that the Company believes is useful to investors in evaluating its results. For a reconciliation of this non-GAAP financial measure to the
     most comparable GAAP equivalent, see the Non-GAAP Reconciliation - EBITDA, along with related footnotes, below.


                                              GP STRATEGIES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

                                                  SUPPLEMENTAL FINANCIAL INFORMATION

                                                            (In thousands)

                                                              (Unaudited)


                                                                 Quarter ended                       Year ended

                                                                December 31,                  December 31,
                                                                ------------                  ------------

                                                            2014                      2013      2014                  2013
                                                            ----                      ----      ----                  ----

    Revenue by segment:

    Learning Solutions                                                $65,596               $52,676                        $241,344 $189,899

    Professional & Technical Services                     20,649                    18,357    79,574                72,577

    Sandy Training & Marketing                            17,330                    18,638    67,694                70,699

    Performance Readiness Solutions                       10,470                    12,391    50,924                53,882

    Energy Services                                       11,155                    15,158    62,331                49,632
                                                          ------                    ------    ------                ------

    Total revenue                                                    $125,200              $117,220                        $501,867 $436,689
                                                                     ========              ========                        ======== ========


    Gross profit by segment:

    Learning Solutions                                                $11,807                $9,542                         $36,605  $33,540

    Professional & Technical Services                      4,400                     3,126    16,041                12,320

    Sandy Training & Marketing                             3,176                     3,453    10,903                10,748

    Performance Readiness Solutions                        1,359                     1,994     8,054                 7,515

    Energy Services                                        3,193                     3,513    17,972                12,142
                                                           -----                     -----    ------                ------

    Total gross profit                                                $23,935               $21,628                         $89,575  $76,265
                                                                      =======               =======                         =======  =======


    Operating income by segment:

    Learning Solutions                                                 $5,365                $4,324                         $12,721  $15,210

    Professional & Technical Services                      2,521                     1,475     8,905                 5,810

    Sandy Training & Marketing                             1,525                      1875     4,729                 4,672

    Performance Readiness Solutions                          111                       886     3,064                 2,688

    Energy Services                                        2,219                     2,304    13,048                 8,296

    Gain (loss) on change in fair value of                 (121)                    1,249     1,392                 1,676
           contingent consideration, net


    Total operating income                                            $11,620               $12,113                         $43,859  $38,352
                                                                      =======               =======                         =======  =======


    Supplemental Cash Flow Information:

    Net cash provided by operating activities                         $14,334                $6,004                         $30,998  $16,253

    Capital expenditures                                   (442)                  (2,106)  (2,757)              (6,714)
                                                            ----                    ------    ------                ------

    Free cash flow                                                    $13,892                $3,898                         $28,241   $9,539
                                                                      =======                ======                         =======   ======


                                                                         GP STRATEGIES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

                                                                            Non-GAAP Reconciliation - EBITDA (2)

                                                                                       (In thousands)

                                                                                         (Unaudited)


                                                                                  Quarter ended                      Year ended

                                   December 31,                                            December 31,
                                   ------------                                            ------------

                                                                              2014                   2013                    2014                   2013
                                                                              ----                   ----                    ----                   ----


    Net income                                                                          $7,424                            $7,441                            $27,098                           $23,756

    Interest expense                                                           434                    110                     833                    366

    Income tax expense (3)                                                   3,374                  4,738                  15,725                 14,732

    Depreciation and amortization                                            2,281                  2,362                   9,758                  8,617

    EBITDA                                                                             $13,513                           $14,651                            $53,414                           $47,471
                                                                                       =======                           =======                            =======                           =======



    (2) Earnings before interest, income taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) is a widely used non-GAAP financial measure of operating performance. It is presented as supplemental information that the
     Company believes is useful to investors to evaluate its results because it excludes certain items that are not directly related to the Company's core operating performance. EBITDA is calculated by adding
     back to net income interest expense, income tax expense, depreciation and amortization. EBITDA should not be considered as a substitute either for net income, as an indicator of the Company's operating
     performance, or for cash flow, as a measure of the Company's liquidity. In addition, because EBITDA may not be calculated identically by all companies, the presentation here may not be comparable to other
     similarly titled measures of other companies.


    (3) Income tax expense includes a $0.3 million benefit in the fourth quarter and $0.9 million benefit for the year ended December 31, 2014 resulting from a claim for a deduction under Internal Revenue Code
     Section 199 for the Domestic Production Deduction on the Company's 2013 U.S. federal income tax return which was not taken in previous years, and similar claims it expects to make for tax years 2011 and
     2012.


                                                  GP STRATEGIES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

                                                    CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

                                                            (Dollars in thousands)


                                                                                             December 31,          December 31,

                                                                                                     2014                   2013
                                                                                                     ----                   ----

                                                                                             (Unaudited)

    Current assets:

    Cash and cash equivalents                                                                              $14,541                   $5,647

    Accounts and other receivables                                                                 99,638                   94,662

       Costs and estimated earnings in excess of                                                   30,211                   22,706
               billings on uncompleted contracts

    Prepaid expenses and other current assets                                                      15,967                   13,523
                                                                                                   ------                   ------

    Total current assets                                                                          160,357                  136,538

    Property, plant and equipment, net                                                              7,864                    9,231

    Goodwill and other intangibles, net                                                           136,292                  132,116

    Other assets                                                                                      939                    2,271
                                                                                                      ---                    -----

    Total assets                                                                                          $305,452                 $280,156
                                                                                                          ========                 ========


    Current liabilities:

    Short-term borrowings                                                                                  $20,799                     $407

    Current portion of long-term debt                                                              13,333                        -

    Accounts payable and accrued expenses                                                          59,018                   55,339

       Billings in excess of costs and estimated                                                   23,670                   22,062
                earnings on uncompleted contracts


    Total current liabilities                                                                     116,820                   77,808

    Long-term debt                                                                                 24,444                        -

    Other noncurrent liabilities                                                                   12,463                    9,321
                                                                                                   ------                    -----

    Total liabilities                                                                             153,727                   87,129

    Total stockholders' equity                                                                    151,725                  193,027
                                                                                                  -------                  -------

    Total liabilities and stockholders' equity                                                            $305,452                 $280,156
                                                                                                          ========                 ========

© 2014 GP Strategies Corporation. All rights reserved. GP Strategies and the GP Strategies logo design are trademarks of GP Strategies Corporation.

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