Edgar Filing: StarTek, Inc.

Document

UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

Form 10-K

(Mark One)



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

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017



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

For the transition period from to

Commission file number 1-12793

StarTek, Inc.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)



Delaware		84-1370538
(State or other jurisdiction of		(I.R.S. employer
incorporation or organization)		Identification No.)

8200 E. Maplewood Ave., Suite 100
Greenwood Village, Colorado		80111
(Address of principal executive offices)		(Zip code)

(303) 262-4500

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

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



Title of Each Class		Name of Each Exchange on Which Registered
Common Stock, $.01 par value		New York Stock Exchange, Inc.

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes o No x

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. Yes o No x

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

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Website, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes x No o

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of the registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. ¨

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



Large accelerated filer o		Accelerated filer x

Non-accelerated filer o		Smaller reporting company o
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)

Indicate by checkmark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). Yes o No x

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (§230.405 of this chapter) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (§240.12b-2 of this chapter). Emerging growth company o

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. o

The aggregate market value of the voting and non-voting common stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant on June 30, 2017 was approximately $154.8 million. As of March 12, 2018, there were 16,199,122 shares of Common Stock outstanding.

STARTEK, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

TABLE OF CONTENTS

ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K

For the Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2017




PART I		Page
Item 1	Business	2
Item 1A	Risk Factors	7
Item 1B	Unresolved Staff Comments	12
Item 2	Properties	13
Item 3	Legal Proceedings	13
Item 4	Mine Safety Disclosures	14

PART II
Item 5	Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities	14
Item 6	Selected Financial Data	16
Item 7	Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations	17
Item 7A	Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk	27
Item 8	Financial Statements and Supplementary Data	29
Item 9	Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure	58
Item 9A	Controls and Procedures	58
Item 9B	Other Information	58

PART III
Item 10	Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance	59
Item 11	Executive Compensation	62
Item 12	Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters	76
Item 13	Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence	78
Item 14	Principal Accounting Fees and Services	79

PART IV
Item 15	Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules	81

Part I

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This Form 10-K contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, including the following:


•	certain statements, including possible or assumed future results of operations, in “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations”;


•	any statements regarding the prospects for our business or any of our services;


•	any statements preceded by, followed by or that include the words “may,” “will,” “should,” “seeks,” “believes,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “intends,” “continue,” “estimate,” “plans,” “future,” “targets,” “predicts,” “budgeted,” “projections,” “outlooks,” “attempts,” “is scheduled,” or similar expressions; and


•	other statements regarding matters that are not historical facts.

Our business and results of operations are subject to risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond our ability to control or predict. Because of these risks and uncertainties, actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by forward-looking statements, and investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such statements. All forward-looking statements herein speak only as of the date hereof, and we undertake no obligation to update any such forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from our expectations and may adversely affect our business and results of operations include, but are not limited to those items set forth in Item 1A. “Risk Factors” appearing in this Form 10-K.

Unless otherwise noted in this report, any description of “us," “we” or "our" refers to StarTek, Inc. ("STARTEK") and its subsidiaries. Financial information in this report is presented in U.S. dollars.

ITEM 1. BUSINESS

BUSINESS OVERVIEW

STARTEK is a customer engagement business process outsourcing (BPO) services provider, delivering customer care solutions in a different and more meaningful way. We use “engagement” design principles vs. traditional contact center methods, resulting in added value services that create deeper customer relationships through better customer insights and interactions for our clients. Our unique approach to Omni Channel design and service, and training innovation and analytics, allows STARTEK to deliver full life-cycle care solutions through our engagement centers around the world. Our employees, whom we call Brand Warriors, are at the forefront of our customer engagement services and represent our greatest asset. For over 30 years, STARTEK Brand Warriors have been committed to enhancing the customer experience, providing higher value and making a positive impact for our clients’ business results.

Our vision is to be the most trusted global service provider to customer-centric companies who are looking for more effective ways to engage their customers, on their terms and preferred channels with solutions that are not always available via traditional “contact center” companies.

The STARTEK Advantage System, the sum total of our customer engagement culture, customized solutions, and processes, allows us to always remain focused on enhancing our clients’ customer experience, increasing customer lifetime value and reducing total cost of ownership. STARTEK has proven results for the multiple services we provide, including sales, order management and provisioning, customer care, technical support, receivables management, and retention programs. We service client programs using a variety of multi-channel customer interaction capabilities, including voice, chat, email, social media, interactive voice response, and back-office support. STARTEK has engagement centers in the United States, Canada, Honduras, Jamaica, and the Philippines.

We operate our business within three reportable segments, based on the geographic regions in which our services are rendered: Domestic, Nearshore, and Offshore. As of December 31, 2017, our Domestic segment included the operations of thirteen facilities in the United States and one facility in Canada; our Offshore segment included the operations of four facilities in the Philippines; and our Nearshore segment included the operations of two facilities in Honduras and one facility in Jamaica. The segment information included in Item 8, Note 16 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, is incorporated by reference in partial response to this Item 1.

SERVICE OFFERINGS

We provide customer experience management throughout the life cycle of our clients’ customers. These service offerings include customer care, sales support, inbound sales, complex order processing, accounts receivable management, technical and product support, up-sell and cross-sell opportunities, customer intelligence analytics and other industry-specific processes. We provide these services by leveraging the principles of human communication science, technology, agent performance tools, analytics omni-channel services and self-help applications to enable and empower our Brand Warriors.

Technical and Product Support. Our technical and product support service offering provides our clients’ customers with high-end technical support services through customer preferred channels (telephone, e-mail, chat, facsimile and Internet), 24 hours per day, seven days per week. Technical support inquiries are generally driven by a customer’s purchase and use of a product or service, or by a customer’s need for ongoing technical assistance.

Sales Support. Our revenue generation service supports every stage of the customer life cycle and includes end-to-end pre-sales and post-sales programs. Lead generation, direct sales, account management, retention programs, and marketing analysis and modeling are all available. We have the ability to increase customer purchasing levels, implement product promotion programs, introduce new products and enhanced service offerings, secure additional customer orders and handle inquires related to post-sales support including social media monitoring. Unique service offerings are tailored to meet the specific needs of consumers.

Provisioning and Order Processing. Our suite of order processing services ranges from enterprise level large-scale project management to direct-to-consumer order processing. Complex order processing services provide clients with large-scale project management and direct relationship management for their large enterprise customers. These services include full life cycle order management and technical sales support for high-end telecommunications services, such as wire line, wireless, data and customer premise equipment. In addition, we process order fallout from our clients' automated systems, complete billing review and revenue recovery and perform quality assurance. Direct-to-consumer services include provisioning, order processing and transfer of accounts between client service providers.

Receivables Management. We provide first and third party collections services directly for our clients. We provide these services for our clients in the telecommunication, cable and media and healthcare industries. Our Brand Warriors help our clients reduce bad debt write-offs and recover past due balances in an efficient, compliant and empathetic manner, which promotes and protects our clients' brand and helps them retain customers.

Healthcare Services. Healthcare services focus on four major segments of the market: providers, payers, pharmaceutical and medical devices. Our service offerings include customer care, sales support, accounts receivable management, remote patient care and medical triage. Our healthcare professionals include licensed RN's who support patients and doctors with their healthcare service needs.

Up-sell and Cross-sell Programs. Whether providing direct response services for marketing campaigns or enabling companies to test new offerings with existing customers, STARTEK is an expert at converting opportunities to sales. Companies invest time and money to develop up-sell and cross-sell opportunities with their customers and we consistently outsell other internal and external providers.

Our goal is to provide higher conversion rates and improve the average revenue per sale. We select managers and representatives who not only have a sales mentality, but are dedicated to helping customers. We utilize a proven sales training methodology that all sales and service representatives employ and they are supported by dedicated management teams. By working with our clients and providing a true sales team culture, we are able to achieve superior results.

Customer Intelligence Analytics. Our suite of customer intelligence solutions provides clients with insights and actionable information at every stage of the customer lifecycle. We map the journey and assess the customer experience to design the ideal engagement model. We also select and train our Brand Warriors, applying proven principles of dialogue across engagement specialists and channels to analyze conversations, quality management and customer satisfaction. Additional services include Customer Lifetime Value modeling, Forecast modeling, Customer Segmentation and Profiling, Text Analytics, and Operational modeling.

Additional Services. We provide other industry-specific processes, including training curriculum development, workforce management, customer analytics, quality monitoring services, and dispositions. These services include technology enabled and human interactions.

Our Solutions Team engages with clients to understand their specific goals and anticipate the needs of their customers. By leveraging the STARTEK Advantage System, the Team customizes solutions to meet clients' goals.

CUSTOMER TRENDS

Our clients are increasingly focused on improving customer engagement and reducing total overall cost of ownership. STARTEK delivers a high level of customer satisfaction, as evidenced by our clients’ customer service awards and our ranking relative to other outsourced partners. Our clients also value a combination of onshore, nearshore, and offshore delivery platforms to optimize customer support costs.

Clients are also trying to decrease the number of contacts it takes for their customers to enjoy their products or services as well as increasing the channel options that are available. Process improvement and a push for more omni channel solutions has driven further efficiencies for resolution of those contact issues. We are committed to delivering solutions through which we partner with our clients to achieve and deliver these efficiency gains. We believe we are positioned to benefit from this trend as we have developed a comprehensive suite of services and multi-channel solutions that will drive continuous improvement and customer experience on front and back-office transactions.

KEY COMPETITIVE DIFFERENTIATORS

STARTEK Advantage System

Our culture, “Customer Engagement” Operating Platform and custom solutions for every client program combined with our continuous improvement process is the sum total of our STARTEK Advantage System. The STARTEK Advantage System empowers and enables our leaders to constantly look for new ways to deliver consistent execution of operational results while meeting and/or exceeding our clients’ current and future critical business requirements.

STARTEK’s culture is built on trust and servant leadership. Servant leadership puts the employees first and leads with a focus on solving problems and promoting personal development. We are a gathering of like-minded professionals determined to make a positive impact for our employees, our clients and our stakeholders.

STARTEK’s “Customer Engagement” Operating Platform provides the core processes that allow us to be consistent in our service offering across sites and geographies. It includes execution and innovation in every area of the operation including on-boarding and enabling employees, executing against goals, evaluating and improving performance, and enhancing the total experience of our clients’ customers.

STARTEK deploys solutions that leverage what we know, what we have learned from experience across a breadth of clients and industries, and what we hear and understand from the market and most importantly our clients. We will deliver the right people with the right leadership enabled by the right technology and empowered by the right tools to make a meaningful impact on each and every one of our clients’ businesses. Our customer engagement philosophy offers a solution for improving customer interactions and, subsequently, customer satisfaction. We have developed a unique methodology for training and measuring how we can better engage with customers to improve the customer experience.

We offer a variety of customer engagement management solutions that provide front to back-office capabilities utilizing the right delivery platform including onshore, nearshore, and offshore alternatives. We also offer multi-channel customer interactions, including voice, chat, email and social media. We believe that we are differentiated by our client centric culture, operational flexibility, customer engagement methodology, insights and analytics capabilities, added value approach and most importantly, the quality of execution and results.

Customization

STARTEK is passionate about our client’s current and future objectives. Our solution configuration is aligned with our clients’ unique requirements but more importantly, the desired outcomes they are looking for on optimizing customer satisfaction and retention. We are flexible and keenly aware that designing solutions around clients’ strategic goals is critical. Not only do we provide experienced management teams that bring together a trained, productive workforce, equipped with the right tools and technology, we provide front and back end analytics to develop the right solution and proprietary quality assurance tools that ensure a “closed loop” improvement cycle that is easy to measure and manage.

Consistent Performance

Performance is core to the STARTEK Operating Platform. Our clients expect consistent performance against the fundamentals of the business no matter the location or method of the service delivery. The operating platform sets the stage for us to drive continuous improvement and focus on the added-value aspects of our clients’ businesses.

Cost Competitive

We are confident in our ability to be cost competitive with solutions that meet our clients’ needs. Through clearly understanding their needs and striving to reach goal congruency, we can assure that our collective financial goals are aligned in the most efficient way.

STRATEGY

STARTEK views successful outsourcing partnerships as those that strike a balance by delivering a better customer experience to clients through an efficient, effective and ever improving support model while generating a fair return for our stakeholders. The STARTEK Advantage System and Brand Warrior mindset is behind everything we do. Our managers and customer engagement specialists all have a STARTEK Brand Warrior mindset, because they are on the front lines for our clients’ brands and have the opportunity to create and improve loyalty for our clients’ products and services each and every day. Our mission is to return value to our stakeholders by promoting and protecting our clients' brands by enabling and empowering us, as Brand Warriors, through servant leadership. Our clients’ business objectives become our business objectives, as we seek to become their trusted partner. Every day, we strive to better understand our clients’ markets and competitive challenges so that we can play a more effective role as trusted partner and success driver in their businesses. We seek to build customer loyalty and reduce clients' costs through specific actionable continuous improvement efforts in all areas. We believe that empowering and enabling our engagement center management and front line employees is the most important way we can deliver the best possible consistent customer experience. STARTEK’s leadership team is committed to driving year-over-year continuous improvement and constantly striving for the success of our clients’ businesses.

We seek to become the trusted partner to our clients and provide meaningful customer engagement BPO services. Our approach is to develop relationships with our clients that are truly collaborative in nature where we are focused, flexible and proactive to their business needs. The end result is the delivery of the highest quality customer experience to our clients’ customers. To achieve sustainable, predictable, profitable growth, our strategy is to:

•grow our existing client base by deepening and broadening our relationships;

•diversify our client base by adding new clients and verticals;

•improve our market position by becoming the leader in customer engagement services;

•improve profitability through operational improvements, increased utilization and higher margin accounts;

•expand our global delivery platform to meet our clients' needs; and

•broaden our service offerings through more innovative, technology-enabled and added-value solutions.

We have made a number of strategic acquisitions in the past few years that have enabled us to expand the scope of our service offerings while also bringing expertise to a wider range of verticals. This has driven improvement in revenue diversity, and provided the potential for increased revenue from new high-growth verticals such as financial services, retail and healthcare.

During 2015, STARTEK acquired Accent Marketing Services, L.L.C. ("ACCENT"), a business process outsourcing company with a business model that focuses on data, analytics, and interaction with customers and their constituents to provide excellent service. ACCENT's business model and attention to customer engagement provides an excellent complement to STARTEK's Ideal Dialogue practice. Additionally, the acquisition of ACCENT expands our footprint into Jamaica and enhances our flexibility in meeting customer demands, including more use of internet-based customer service delivery.

HISTORY OF THE BUSINESS

STARTEK was founded in 1987. At that time, our business was centered on supply chain management services, which included packaging, fulfillment, marketing support and logistics services. After our initial public offering on June 19, 1997, we continued to focus on operating customer care contact centers and grew to include our current suite of offerings as described in the “Business Overview” section of this Form 10-K.

SEASONALITY

Our business can be seasonal, dependent on our clients' marketing programs and product launches, which are often geared toward the end of summer and the winter holiday buying season. Healthcare and Educational clients also have some seasonal demands which are somewhat counter to retail.

INDUSTRY

The worldwide outsourced customer care services industry is now projected to be over $70 billion and growing at over 5% per year. Over the past several years, the number of companies handling their own customer care requirements has continued to decrease. Clients are recognizing the value and expertise that can be found by outsourcing activities, such as those we provide. Outsourcing allows them to focus on core competencies, leverage economies of scale and control variable costs of their business while accessing new technology and expert personnel. We believe outsourced service providers, including ourselves, will continue to benefit from these outsourcing trends. The industry continues to be very fragmented with the five largest competitors combined capturing less than 20% of the global market.

COMPETITION

We compete with a number of companies that provide similar services on an outsourced basis, including business process outsourcing companies such as Teleperformance; Convergys Corporation; Transcom; Sitel Corporation; Sykes Enterprises, Incorporated; TeleTech Holdings, Inc. and Alorica. Many of these competitors are significantly larger than us in revenue, income, number of contact centers and customer service agents, number of product offerings and market capitalization. We believe that while smaller than many of our competitors, we are able to compete because of our focus and scale as well as our ability to add value to our clients' business. We believe our success is contingent more on our targeted service offering and performance delivery to our clients than our overall size. Several of our competitors merged during recent years, which may affect our competitive position. There are also many companies actively pursuing sale, indicating further consolidation in the industry is likely. There are integration challenges involved in consolidations, which may provide us with an opportunity to deliver superior customer service to existing and new clients. We have maintained an opportunistic view of acquisitions, primarily focused on diversification and value in line with our strategic plan.

Some competitors offer a broader range of services than we do, which may result in clients and potential clients consolidating their use of outsourced services with larger competitors, rather than using our services. We primarily compete with the aforementioned companies on the basis of price and quality. As such, our strategy is to execute the STARTEK Advantage System on our clients’ metrics and rank among the top of all of their outsourced vendors, while continuing to be a cost-effective solution and driving year over year improvement. We view our competitive advantage as being a large enough company to offer the breadth of service offerings that are often requested by clients while being agile enough to respond quickly to their needs.

CLIENTS

We provide service to clients from locations in the United States, Canada, Honduras, Jamaica, and the Philippines. Approximately 51% of our revenue is derived from clients within the telecommunications industry and 22% from clients within the cable and media industry. These percentages have decreased slightly from the previous year as we continue to focus on diversifying the industries that we serve by targeting sales efforts to verticals such as technology, retail or ecommerce, financial services, education, and healthcare.

Our three largest customers, T-Mobile USA, Inc. (“T-Mobile”), Sprint / United Management Co. ("Sprint"), and AT&T Inc. (“AT&T”), account for a significant percentage of our revenue. While we believe that we have good relationships with these clients, a loss of a large program from one of these clients, a significant reduction in the amount of business we receive from a principal client, renegotiation of pricing on several programs simultaneously for one of these clients, the delay or termination of a principal client's product launch or service offering, or the complete loss of one or more of these principal clients would adversely affect our business and our results of operations (See Item 1A. "Risk Factors").

We enter into master service agreements (MSAs) that cover all of our work for each client. These MSAs are typically multi-year contracts that include auto-renewal provisions. They typically do not include contractual minimum volumes and are generally terminable by the customer without penalty upon prior written notice.

GOVERNMENT AND ENVIRONMENTAL REGULATION

We are subject to numerous federal, state, and local laws in the states and territories in which we operate, including tax, employment, environmental and other laws that govern the way we conduct our business. There are risks inherent in conducting business internationally, including significant changes in domestic government programs, policies, regulatory requirements, and taxation with respect to foreign operations; unexpected changes in foreign government programs, policies, regulatory requirements and labor laws; and difficulties in staffing and effectively managing foreign operations.

EMPLOYEES AND TRAINING

As of December 31, 2017, we employed approximately 13,300 employees. Approximately 4,700 were employed in the United States and approximately 8,600 were employees in foreign countries. None of our employees were members of a labor union or were covered by a collective bargaining agreement during 2017. We believe the overall relations with our workforce are good.

CORPORATE INFORMATION

Our principal executive offices are located at 8200 E. Maplewood Ave., Suite 100, Greenwood Village, Colorado 80111. Our telephone number is (303) 262-4500. Our website address is www.startek.com. Our stock currently trades on the New York Stock Exchange ("NYSE") under the symbol SRT.

Copies of our Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K, and amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) and 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”) are available free of charge through our website (www.startek.com) as soon as practicable after we furnish it to the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). We also make available on the “Investor Relations” page of our corporate website, the charters for the Compensation Committee, Audit Committee and Governance and Nominating Committee of our Board of Directors, as well as our Corporate Governance Guidelines and our Code of Ethics and Business Conduct.

None of the information on our website or any other website identified herein is part of this report. All website addresses in this report are intended to be inactive textual references only.

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

A substantial portion of our revenue is generated by a limited number of clients. The loss or reduction in business from any of these clients would adversely affect our business and results of operations.

Revenue from our three largest clients, T-Mobile, Sprint, and AT&T accounted for 30.4%, 10.2%, and 10.0% respectively, of our revenues for the year ended December 31, 2017.

We may not be able to retain our principal clients. If we were to lose any of our principal clients, we may not be able to replace the revenue on a timely basis. Loss of a principal client could result from many factors, including consolidation or economic downturns in our clients' industries, as discussed further below.

The future revenue we generate from our principal clients may decline or grow at a slower rate than expected or than it has in the past. In the event we lose any of our principal clients or do not receive call volumes anticipated from these clients, we may suffer from the costs of underutilized capacity because of our inability to eliminate all of the costs associated with conducting business with that client, which could exacerbate the effect that the loss of a principal client would have on our operating results and financial condition. Additional productivity gains could be necessary to offset the negative impact that lower per-minute revenue at higher volume levels would have on our margins in future periods.

Our contracts generally do not contain minimum purchase requirements and can generally be terminated by our customers on short notice without penalty.

We enter into written agreements with each client for our services and seek to sign multi-year contracts with our clients. However, these contracts generally permit termination upon 30 to 90 days' notice by our clients, do not designate us as our clients' exclusive outsourced services provider, do not penalize our clients for early termination, hold us responsible for work performed that does not meet predefined specifications and do not contain minimum purchase requirements or volume commitments. Accordingly, we face the risk that our clients may cancel or renegotiate contracts we have with them, which may adversely affect our results. If a principal client canceled or did not renew its contract with us, our results would suffer. In

addition, because the amount of revenue generated from any particular client is generally dependent on the volume and activity of our clients' customers, as described above, our business depends in part on the success of our clients' products. The number of customers who are attracted to the products of our clients may not be sufficient or our clients may not continue to develop new products that will require our services, in which case it may be more likely for our clients to terminate their contracts with us. Clients can generally reduce the volume of services they outsource to us without any penalties, which would have an adverse effect on our revenue, results of operations and overall financial condition.

We depend on several large clients in the telecommunications industry and our strategy partially depends on a trend of telecommunications companies continuing to outsource services. If the telecommunications industry suffers a downturn or the trend toward outsourcing reverses, our business will suffer.

Our key clients in the telecommunications industry include companies in the wire-line, wireless, cable and broadband lines of business. Currently, our business is largely dependent on continued demand for our services from clients in this industry and on trends in this industry to purchase outsourced services. A significant change in this trend could have a materially adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

Client consolidation could result in a loss of business that would adversely affect our operating results.

The telecommunications industry has had a significant level of consolidation discussion. We cannot assure that additional consolidations will not occur in which our clients acquire additional businesses or are acquired themselves. Such consolidations may decrease our business volume and revenue, which could have an adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

Our lack of a wide geographic diversity outside of North America may adversely affect our ability to serve existing customers or limit our ability to obtain new customers.

Although we currently conduct operations in Canada, Honduras, Jamaica, the Philippines and the United States, we do not have a wide geographic diversity. Our lack of such diversity could adversely affect our business if one or more of our clients decide to move their existing business process outsourcing services offshore. It may also limit our ability to gain new clients that may require business process service providers to have this greater flexibility across differing geographies.

If we decide to open facilities in, or otherwise expand into, additional countries, we may not be able to successfully establish operations in the markets that we target. There are certain risks inherent in conducting business in other countries including, but not limited to, exposure to currency fluctuations, difficulties in complying with foreign laws, unexpected changes in government programs, policies, regulatory requirements and labor laws, difficulties in staffing and managing foreign operations, political instability, and potentially adverse tax consequences. There can be no assurance that one or more of such factors will not have a material adverse effect on our business, growth prospects, results of operations, and financial condition.

Our operating results may be adversely affected if we are unable to maximize our facility capacity utilization.

Our profitability is influenced by our facility capacity utilization. The majority of our business involves technical support and customer care services initiated by our clients' customers, and as a result, our capacity utilization varies, and demands on our capacity are, to some degree, beyond our control. We have experienced, and in the future may experience periods of idle capacity from opening new facilities where forecasted volume levels do not materialize. In addition, we have experienced, and in the future may experience idle peak period capacity when we open a new facility or terminate or complete a large client program. These periods of idle capacity may be exacerbated if we expand our facilities or open new facilities in anticipation of new client business because we generally do not have the ability to require a client to enter into a long-term contract or to require clients to reimburse us for capacity expansion costs if they terminate their relationship with us or do not provide us with anticipated service volumes. From time to time, we assess the expected long-term capacity utilization of our facilities. Accordingly, we may, if deemed necessary, consolidate or close under-performing facilities in order to maintain or improve targeted utilization and margins.

We may incur impairment losses and restructuring charges in future years as a result of closing facilities. There can be no assurance that we will be able to achieve or maintain optimal facility capacity utilization.

If client demand declines due to economic conditions or otherwise, we may not be able to leverage our fixed costs as effectively, which would have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.

Our foreign operations subject us to the risk of currency exchange fluctuations.

Because we conduct a material portion of our business outside the United States we are exposed to market risk from changes in the value of the Canadian dollar, the Honduran lempira, the Jamaican dollar, and the Philippine peso. Material fluctuations in exchange rates impact our results through translation and consolidation of the financial results of our foreign operations and, therefore, may negatively impact our results of operations and financial condition. The revenue we earn is generally priced and invoiced in U.S. dollars, but the costs under those contracts may be denominated in Canadian dollars, Philippine pesos and, to a lesser extent, the Honduran lempira and Jamaican dollar. Therefore, the fluctuations in the U.S. dollar to these currencies can cause significant fluctuations in our results of operations. We engage in hedging activities relating to our exposure to such fluctuations in the value of the Canadian dollar and the Philippine peso. We do not enter into hedging agreements for the Honduran lempira or the Jamaican dollar. Our hedging strategy, including our ability to acquire the desired amount of hedge contracts, may not sufficiently protect us from strengthening of these currencies against the U.S. dollar.

Our foreign operations are subject to social, political and economic risks that differ from those in the United States.

We conduct a significant portion of our business and employ a substantial number of people outside of the United States. During 2017, we generated approximately 41.5% or $121.4 million of our revenue from operations outside the United States. Circumstances and developments related to foreign operations that could negatively affect our business, financial condition or results of operations include, but are not limited to, the following factors:


•	difficulties and costs of staffing and managing operations in certain regions;


•	differing employment practices and labor issues;


•	local business and cultural factors that differ from our usual standards and practices;


•	volatility in currencies;


•	currency restrictions, which may prevent the transfer of capital and profits to the United States;


•	unexpected changes in regulatory requirements and other laws;


•	potentially adverse tax consequences;


•	the responsibility of complying with multiple and potentially conflicting laws, e.g., with respect to corrupt practices, employment and licensing;


•	the impact of regional or country-specific business cycles and economic instability;


•	political instability, uncertainty over property rights, civil unrest, political activism or the continuation or escalation of terrorist activities; and


•	access to capital may be more restricted, or unavailable on favorable terms or at all in certain locations.

Our global growth (including growth in new regions in the United States) also subjects us to certain risks, including risks associated with funding increasing headcount, integrating new offices, and establishing effective controls and procedures to regulate the operations of new offices and to monitor compliance with regulations such as the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and similar laws.

Although we have committed substantial resources to expand our global platform, if we are unable to successfully manage the risks associated with our global business or to adequately manage operational fluctuations, our business, financial condition and results of operations could be harmed.

If we are not able to hire and retain qualified employees, our ability to service our existing customers and retain new customers will be adversely affected.

Our success is largely dependent on our ability to recruit, hire, train and retain qualified employees. Our business is labor intensive and, as is typical for our industry, continues to experience high personnel turnover. Our operations, especially our technical support and customer care services, generally require specially trained employees, which, in turn, requires significant recruiting and training costs. Such turnover adversely affects our operating efficiency, productivity and ability to fully respond to client demand, thereby adversely impacting our operating results. Some of this turnover can be attributed to the fact that we compete for labor not only with other call centers but also with other similar-paying jobs, including retail, services industries, food service, etc. As such, improvements in the local economies in which we operate can adversely affect our ability to recruit agents in those locations. Further increases in employee turnover or failure to effectively manage these high attrition rates would have an adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.

The addition of new clients or implementation of new projects for existing clients may require us to recruit, hire, and train personnel at accelerated rates. We may not be able to successfully recruit, hire, train, and retain sufficient qualified personnel to adequately staff for existing business or future growth, particularly if we undertake new client relationships in industries in

which we have not previously provided services. Because a substantial portion of our operating expenses consists of labor-related costs, labor shortages or increases in wages (including minimum wages as mandated by the U.S. and Canadian federal governments, employee benefit costs, employment tax rates, and other labor related expenses) could cause our business, operating profits, and financial condition to suffer. Economic and legislative changes in the U.S. may encourage organizing efforts in the future which, if successful, could further increase our recruiting and training costs and could decrease our operating efficiency and productivity.

Our operating costs may increase as a result of higher labor costs.

We, like a number of companies in our industry, have sought to contain our labor costs by limiting salary increases and payment of cash bonuses to our employees. From time to time, the local economies in some of the locations in which we operate experience growth, which causes pressure on labor rates to remain competitive within the local economies. If these growth trends continue, we may need to further increase salaries or otherwise compensate our employees at higher levels in order to remain competitive. Recent legislation with respect to raising the minimum wage has been passed in certain U.S. states in which we operate, which will likely lead to higher wages in certain facilities. Higher salaries or other forms of compensation are likely to increase our cost of operations. If such increases are not offset by increased revenue, they will negatively impact our financial results. Conversely, if labor rates decrease due to higher unemployment in the current economic downturn, our cost of operations may decrease. In the past, some of our employees have attempted to organize a labor union, and economic and legislative changes may encourage organizing efforts in the future, which, if successful, could further increase our recruiting and training costs and could decrease our operating efficiency and productivity.

Failure to attract and retain key management personnel may adversely impact our strategy execution and financial results.

Our ability to attract, successfully integrate and retain key management personnel could have a significant impact on our ability to compete or to execute on our business strategy. Changes in key management personnel may temporarily disrupt our operations as the new management becomes familiar with our business. Accordingly, our future financial performance will depend to a significant extent on our ability to attract, motivate and retain key management personnel.

Our strategy depends on companies continuing to outsource non-core services.

Some of our clients have been decreasing the number of firms they rely on to provide outsourced services. Due to financial uncertainties and the potential reduction in demand for our clients' products and services, our clients and prospective clients may decide to further consolidate the number of firms on which they rely for outsourced services. Under these circumstances, our clients may cancel current contracts with us, or we may fail to attract new clients, which will adversely affect our financial condition.

Our business relies heavily on technology and computer systems, which subjects us to various uncertainties.

We have invested in sophisticated and specialized telecommunications and computer technology and have focused on the application of this technology to meet our clients' needs. We anticipate that it will be necessary to continue to invest in and develop new and enhanced technology on a timely basis to maintain our competitiveness. Capital expenditures may be required to keep our technology up-to-date. There can be no assurance that any of our information systems will be adequate to meet our future needs or that we will be able to incorporate new technology to enhance and develop our existing services. There can be no assurance that any technology or computer system will not encounter outages or disruptions. When outages occur we may incur remediation expenses, penalties under customer contracts or loss of customer confidence. Moreover, investments in technology, including future investments in upgrades and enhancements to software, may not necessarily maintain our competitiveness. Our future success will also depend in part on our ability to anticipate and develop information technology solutions that keep pace with evolving industry standards and changing client demands.

Increases in the cost of telephone and data services or significant interruptions in such services could adversely affect our business.

We depend on telephone and data services provided by various local and long distance telephone companies. Because of this dependence, any change to the telecommunications market that would disrupt these services or limit our ability to obtain services at favorable rates could affect our business. We have taken steps to mitigate our exposure to the risks associated with rate fluctuations and service disruption by entering into long-term contracts with various providers for telephone and data services and by investing in redundant circuits. There is no obligation, however, for the vendors to renew their contracts with us or to offer the same or lower rates in the future, and such contracts are subject to termination or modification for various reasons outside of our control.

In addition, there is no assurance that a redundant circuit would not also be disrupted. A significant increase in the cost of telephone services that is not recoverable through an increase in the price of our services or any significant interruption in telephone services, could adversely affect our business.

Unauthorized disclosure of sensitive or confidential client and customer data could expose us to protracted and costly litigation and penalties and may cause us to lose clients.

We are dependent on IT networks and systems to process, transmit and store electronic information and to communicate among our locations around the world and with our alliance partners and clients. Security breaches of this infrastructure could lead to shutdowns or disruptions of our systems and potential unauthorized disclosure of confidential information. We are also required at times to manage, utilize and store sensitive or confidential client or customer data. As a result, we are subject to contractual terms and numerous U.S. and foreign laws and regulations designed to protect this information, such as various U.S. federal and state laws governing the protection of health or other individually identifiable information. If any person, including any of our employees, negligently disregards or intentionally breaches our established controls with respect to such data or otherwise mismanages or misappropriates that data, we could be subject to monetary damages, fines and/or criminal prosecution. Although we maintain cyber liability insurance, such insurance may not adequately or timely compensate us for all losses we may incur. Unauthorized disclosure of sensitive or confidential client or customer data, whether through systems failure, employee negligence, fraud or misappropriation, could damage our reputation and cause us to lose clients. Similarly, unauthorized access to or through our information systems or those we develop for our clients, whether by our employees or third parties, could result in negative publicity, legal liability and damage to our reputation, business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

We process, transmit and store personally identifiable information and unauthorized access to or the unintended release of this information could result in a claim for damage or loss of business and create unfavorable publicity.

We process, transmit and store personally identifiable information, both in our role as a service provider and as an employer. This information may include social security numbers, financial and health information, as well as other personal information. As a result, we are subject to certain contractual terms as well as federal, state and foreign laws and regulations designed to protect personally identifiable information. We take measures to protect against unauthorized access and to comply with these laws and regulations. We use the Internet as a mechanism for delivering our services to clients, which may expose us to potential disruptive intrusions. Unauthorized access, system denials of service, or failure to comply with data privacy laws and regulations may subject us to contractual liability and damages, loss of business, damages from individual claimants, fines, penalties, criminal prosecution and unfavorable publicity, any of which could negatively affect our operating results and financial condition. In addition, third party vendors that we engage to perform services for us may have an unintended release of personally identifiable information.

We are required to comply with laws governing the transmission, security and privacy of protected health information.

We are required to comply with applicable laws governing the transmission, security and privacy of health information, including, among others, the standards of The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (“HIPAA”). The failure to comply with any of these laws could make it difficult to expand our health care business process outsourcing business and/or cause us to incur significant liabilities.

The failure to comply with debt collection and consumer credit reporting regulations could subject us to fines and other liabilities, which could harm our reputation and business, and could make it more difficult for us to retain existing customers or attract new customers.

The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act ("FDCPA") regulates persons who regularly collect or attempt to collect, directly or indirectly, consumer debts owed or asserted to be owed to another person, which includes our debt collection business. Many states impose additional requirements on debt collection communications and some of those requirements may be more stringent than the federal requirements. In addition, many U.S. states require a debt collector to apply for, be granted and maintain a license to engage in debt collection activities in a state. We are currently licensed (or exempt from licensing requirements) to provide debt collection services in most U.S. states. Moreover, regulations governing debt collection are subject to changing interpretations that may be inconsistent among different jurisdictions. We could be subject to fines or other penalties if we are determined to have violated the FDCPA, the Fair Credit Reporting Act or analogous state laws, which could make it more difficult to retain existing customers or attract new customers and could otherwise harm our business.

When we make acquisitions, we could encounter difficulties that harm our business.

We may acquire companies, products, or technologies that we believe to be complementary to our business. If we engage in such acquisitions, we may have difficulty integrating the acquired personnel, operations, products or technologies. Acquisitions may dilute our earnings per share, disrupt our ongoing business, distract our management and employees, increase our expenses, subject us to liabilities, and increase our risk of litigation, all of which could harm our business. If we use cash to acquire companies, products, or technologies, it may divert resources otherwise available for other purposes or increase our debt.

If we are unable to meet the debt covenant requirements under our revolving credit facility, potential growth and results of operations may suffer.

Our secured revolving credit facility contains certain affirmative and negative covenants that may limit or restrict our ability to engage in certain activities, including but not limited to, making certain investments, limiting capital expenditures, incurring additional indebtedness, and engaging in mergers and acquisitions. If we are not able to meet these covenants, our ability to respond to changes in the business or economic conditions may be limited, and we may be unable to engage in certain activities that otherwise may be beneficial to our business. We can provide no assurance that we will be able to meet the financial covenants under our credit facility, or that in the event of noncompliance, we will be able to obtain waivers or amendments from our lender. If we fail to comply with the terms of the agreement, our lender could decide to call any amounts outstanding immediately, and there can be no assurance that we would have adequate resources or collateral to satisfy the demand. Any such scenario would have a material adverse impact on our financial condition.

Our largest stockholder has the ability to significantly influence corporate actions.

A. Emmet Stephenson, Jr., one of our co-founders, owns approximately 18% of our outstanding common stock. Under an agreement we have entered into with Mr. Stephenson, so long as Mr. Stephenson beneficially owns 10% or more (but less than 30%) of our outstanding common stock, Mr. Stephenson will be entitled to designate one of our nominees for election to the board, although he has not currently exercised this right. In addition, our bylaws allow that any holder of 10% or more of our outstanding common stock may call a special meeting of our stockholders. The concentration of voting power in Mr. Stephenson's hands, and the control Mr. Stephenson may exercise over us as described above, may discourage, delay or prevent a change in control that might otherwise benefit our stockholders.

Our stock price has been volatile and may decline significantly and unexpectedly.

The market price of our common stock has been volatile, and could be subject to wide fluctuations, in response to quarterly variations in our operating results, changes in management, the degree of success in implementing our business and growth strategies, announcements of new contracts or contract cancellations, announcements of technological innovations or new products and services by us or our competitors, changes in financial estimates by securities analysts, the perception that significant stockholders may sell or intend to sell their shares, or other events or factors we cannot currently foresee. We are also subject to broad market fluctuations, given the overall volatility of the current U.S. and global economies, where the market prices of equity securities of many companies experience substantial price and volume fluctuations that have often been unrelated to the operating performance of such companies. These broad market fluctuations may adversely affect the market price of our common stock. Additionally, because our common stock trades at relatively low volume levels, any change in demand for our stock can be expected to substantially influence market prices thereof.

Implementation of changes in tax law could have an adverse impact on our financial results

The Tax Cut and Jobs Act was signed by the President on December 22, 2017 and has significant changes to the tax laws applicable to us including a reduction in the corporate tax rate to 21%, the enactment of 100% depreciation expensing for capital expenditures and other items. We are still reviewing the potential impacts of the recent changes; however, we cannot predict any future tax law changes which could have an impact on our future tax liabilities.

ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

None.

ITEM 2. PROPERTIES

As of December 31, 2017, we had operating centers in the following cities, containing in the aggregate approximately 1,010,000 square feet:



Properties	Approximate Square Feet
Domestic:
U.S. Facilities
Bismarck, North Dakota	5,200
Colorado Springs, Colorado	41,000
Farmington, Missouri	33,800
Grand Junction, Colorado	54,500
Greeley, Colorado	35,000
Greenwood Village, Colorado (Headquarters)	13,300
Hamilton, Ohio	40,200
Hot Springs, Arkansas	38,800
Jeffersonville, Indiana	34,000
Lutz, Florida	6,300
Lynchburg, Virginia	41,300
Mansfield, Ohio	50,000
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina	54,500
San Antonio, Texas	35,700

Canadian Facilities
Kingston, Ontario	49,000

Offshore:
Philippine Facilities
Angeles City, Philippines	62,200
Frontera Verde, Philippines	93,400
Iloilo, Philippines	96,400
Makati City, Philippines	99,690

Nearshore:
Honduras Facilities
San Pedro Sula, Honduras	65,200
Tegucigalpa, Honduras	34,800
Jamaican Facility
Kingston, Jamaica	25,300

All the above facilities are leased. Sites that are not currently operating as of December 31, 2017 are not included in the list above.

Substantially all of our facility space can be used to support any of our business process outsourced services. We believe our existing facilities are adequate for our current operations. We intend to maintain efficient levels of excess capacity to enable us to readily provide for needs of new clients and increasing needs of existing clients.

ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

None.

ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

Not applicable.

Part II

ITEM 5. MARKET FOR THE REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

MARKET FOR COMMON STOCK

Our common stock has been listed on the NYSE under the symbol “SRT” since the effective date of our initial public offering on June 19, 1997. The following table sets forth the quarterly high and low sales prices of our common stock as reported on the NYSE for the periods shown:



	High	Low
2017
First Quarter	$9.80	$7.75
Second Quarter	$12.67	$8.49
Third Quarter	$14.78	$10.45
Fourth Quarter	$12.58	$9.55
2016
First Quarter	$5.02	$3.41
Second Quarter	$4.85	$3.74
Third Quarter	$6.40	$4.15
Fourth Quarter	$9.22	$5.70
2015
First Quarter	$10.12	$7.40
Second Quarter	$8.51	$5.75
Third Quarter	$6.05	$2.86
Fourth Quarter	$4.72	$3.25

HOLDERS OF COMMON STOCK

As of March 12, 2018, there were approximately 26 record holders and 16,199,122 shares of common stock outstanding. See Item 1A. “Risk Factors,” set forth in this Form 10-K for a discussion of risks related to control that may be exercised over us by our principal stockholders.

DIVIDEND POLICY

On January 22, 2007, our board of directors announced it would not declare a quarterly dividend on our common stock in the first quarter of 2007, and did not expect to declare dividends in the near future, making the dividend paid in November 2006 the last quarterly dividend that will be paid for the foreseeable future. We plan to invest in growth initiatives and pay down debt in lieu of paying dividends.

STOCK REPURCHASE PROGRAM

Effective November 4, 2004, our board of directors authorized repurchases of up to $25 million of our common stock. The repurchase program will remain in effect until terminated by the board of directors, and will allow us to repurchase shares of our common stock from time to time on the open market, in block trades and in privately-negotiated transactions. Repurchases will be implemented by the Chief Financial Officer consistent with the guidelines adopted by the board of directors, and will depend on market conditions and other factors. Any repurchased shares will be held as treasury stock, and will be available for general corporate purposes. Any repurchases will be made in accordance with SEC rules. As of the date of this filing, no shares have been repurchased under this program.

STOCK PERFORMANCE GRAPH

The graph below compares the cumulative total stockholder return on our common stock over the past five years with the cumulative total return of the New York Stock Exchange Composite Index ("NYSE Composite") and of the Russell 2000 Index ("Russell 2000") over the same period. We do not believe stock price performance shown on the graph is necessarily indicative of future price performance.

The information set forth under the heading "Stock Performance Graph" is not deemed to be "soliciting material" or to be "filed" with the SEC or subject to the SEC's proxy rules or to the liabilities of Section 18 of the Exchange Act, and the graph shall not be deemed to be incorporated into any of our prior or subsequent filings under the Securities Act or the Exchange Act.

ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

The following selected financial data should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes thereto which are included in Item 8, "Financial Statements and Supplementary Financial Data," of this Form 10-K. Additionally, the following selected financial data should be read in conjunction with "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations," which is included in Item 7.



	Year Ended December 31,
Consolidated Statement of Operations Data	2017			2016			2015			2014		2013
	(In thousands, except per share data)
Revenue	$	292,604		$	307,200		$	282,134		250,080		231,257
Cost of services	260,242			270,779			257,830			219,608		206,932
Gross profit	32,362			36,421			24,304			30,472		24,325
Selling, general and administrative expenses	32,584			33,196			34,427			31,397		28,828
Impairment losses and restructuring charges, net	520			364			3,890			3,965		94
Operating income (loss)	(742		)	2,861			(14,013		)	(4,890	)	(4,597	)
Interest and other (expense), net	(970		)	(1,748		)	(1,139		)	(6	)	(1,579	)
Income (loss) before income taxes	(1,712		)	1,113			(15,152		)	(4,896	)	(6,176	)
Income tax expense (benefit)	(436		)	718			464			564		230
Net income (loss)	$	(1,276	)	$	395		$	(15,616	)	(5,460	)	(6,406	)


Net income (loss) per common share - basic	(0.08		)	0.03			(1.01		)	(0.35	)	(0.42	)
Net income (loss) per common share - diluted	(0.08		)	0.02			(1.01		)	(0.35	)	(0.42	)

Weighted average common shares outstanding - basic	15,966			15,731			15,529			15,394		15,339
Weighted average common shares outstanding - diluted	15,966			16,258			15,529			15,394		15,339

Balance Sheet Data
Total assets	$	95,998		$	106,808		$	114,804		93,793		89,717
Long Term Liabilities	23,111			7,700			10,445			7,440		3,045
Total stockholders’ equity	46,939			44,744			41,925			54,681		58,174

Other Selected Financial Data
Capital expenditures, net of proceeds	7,185			3,797			7,722			11,661		8,843
Depreciation and amortization	11,080			12,250			13,261			10,379		12,527
Cash dividends declared per common share	—			—			—			—		—

ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The following discussion and analysis of the results of operations and financial condition should be read in conjunction with the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements included elsewhere in this annual report.

OVERVIEW

STARTEK is a business process outsourcing services company with employees we call Brand Warriors who, for over 30 years, have been committed to making a positive impact on our clients’ business results. Our mission is to enable and empower our Brand Warriors to promote our clients’ brands every day and bring value to our stakeholders. We accomplish this by aligning with our clients’ business objectives.

STARTEK has proven results for the multiple services we provide, including sales, order management and provisioning, customer care, technical support, receivables management, and retention programs. We manage programs using a variety of multi-channel customer interactions, including voice, chat, email, social media and back-office support. STARTEK has facilities in Canada, Honduras, Jamaica, United States, and the Philippines.

We operate our business within three reportable segments, based on the geographic regions in which our services are rendered: Domestic, Nearshore and Offshore. For the year-ended December 31, 2017, our Domestic segment included the operations of thirteen facilities in the U.S. and one facility in Canada. Our Nearshore segment included the operations of two facilities in Honduras and one facility in Jamaica. Our Offshore segment included the operations of four facilities in the Philippines.

We primarily evaluate segment operating performance in each reporting segment based on revenue and gross profit. Certain operating expenses are not allocated to each reporting segment; therefore, we do not present income statement information by reporting segment below the gross profit level.

SIGNIFICANT DEVELOPMENTS

New Facilities

In November 2017, we commenced operations in San Antonio, Texas. We entered into a one year sublease for the fully furnished facility.

In January 2018, we entered into a lease agreement for a new facility in Kingston, Jamaica.

Site Closures

In June 2017, we ceased operations in Tell City, Indiana. Accordingly, we recorded a restructuring reserve of $0.4 million for employee related and facility related costs. The restructuring plan will be completed in second quarter 2018.

In January 2018, we made the decision to discontinue our operation in Colorado Springs, Colorado. We plan to vacate the facility in March.

Amazon Agreement

On January 23, 2018, we and Amazon.com, Inc. (“Amazon”) entered into a transaction agreement, pursuant to which we issued to Amazon.com NV Investment Holdings LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Amazon, a warrant to acquire up to 4,000,000 shares (the “Warrant Shares”) of our common stock, subject to certain vesting events. We and Amazon entered into the transaction agreement in connection with existing commercial arrangements pursuant to which we provide and will continue to provide commercial services to Amazon. The vesting of the Warrant Shares is linked to payments made by Amazon or its affiliates (directly or indirectly through third parties) pursuant to the existing commercial arrangements, with full vesting tied to Amazon's payment of up to $600 million to us in connection with Amazon's receipt of commercial services from us.

Aegis Transaction Agreement

On March 14, 2018 we entered into a Transaction Agreement (the “Transaction Agreement”) with CSP Alpha Midco Pte Ltd, a Singapore private limited company (“Aegis”), and CSP Alpha Holdings Parent Pte Ltd, a Singapore private limited company (the “Aegis Stockholder”) pursuant to which we, Aegis and the Aegis Stockholder agreed to, among other things: (1) the sale of all of the issued and outstanding shares of the common stock of Aegis by the Aegis Stockholder to us; (2) the issuance of 20,600,000 shares, as may be adjusted for stock splits, consolidation and other similar corporate events, of our common stock in consideration of such sale; (3) the amendment of our Restated Certificate of Incorporation, as amended from time to time, in

order to effect such issuance and the other transactions contemplated by the Transaction Agreement; and (4) in addition to the transactions set forth above, the purchase at the closing of additional shares of our common stock by the Aegis Stockholder, for $10 million at a price of $12 per share, subject to adjustment as set forth in the Transaction Agreement.

Immediately following the consummation of the transactions contemplated by the Transaction Agreement, Aegis will become a wholly-owned subsidiary of us and the Aegis Stockholder will hold approximately 55% of our outstanding common stock. We, Aegis and the Aegis Stockholder have each agreed to customary representations, warranties and covenants in the Transaction Agreement and the transactions contemplated by the Transaction Agreement are subject to specified closing conditions.

Notice of Client Termination

On March 9, 2018, we received an unsigned letter from Sprint purporting to notify us that they would be eliminating all business with us by June 29, 2018, unless mutually agreed otherwise by the parties. The unsigned letter is not effective notice under the terms of the contract between the parties and we remain in discussions with Sprint regarding termination and exit.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS — YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2017 AND 2016

The following table summarizes our revenues and gross profit for the periods indicated, by reporting segment:



	For the Years Ended December 31,
	2017					2016
	(in 000s)			(% of Total)		(in 000s)			(% of Total)
Domestic:
Revenue	$	171,188		58.5	%	$	186,061		60.6	%
Cost of services	163,859			63.0	%	173,669			64.1	%
Gross profit	$	7,329		22.6	%	$	12,392		34.0	%
Gross profit %	4.3		%			6.7		%
Offshore
Revenue	77,074			26.3	%	76,868			25.0	%
Cost of services	58,281			22.4	%	60,261			22.3	%
Gross profit	$	18,793		58.1	%	$	16,607		45.6	%
Gross profit %	24.4		%			21.6		%
Nearshore
Revenue	44,342			15.2	%	44,271			14.4	%
Cost of services	38,102			14.6	%	36,849			13.6	%
Gross profit	$	6,240		19.3	%	$	7,422		20.4	%
Gross profit %	14.1		%			16.8		%
Company Total:
Revenue	$	292,604		100.0	%	$	307,200		100.0	%
Cost of services	260,242			100.0	%	270,779			100.0	%
Gross profit	$	32,362		100.0	%	$	36,421		100.0	%
Gross profit %	11.1		%			11.9		%

Revenue

Revenue decreased by $14.6 million, or 4.8%, from $307.2 million in 2016 to $292.6 million in 2017. The decrease was due to $34.8 million in reductions related to the Company's margin improvement initiative and the related temporary decline in production billings, and $8.0 million in lost programs, partially offset by $28.2 million net growth from new and existing clients. The Domestic segment decrease of $14.9 million was due to $27.8 million in reductions from the Company's margin improvement initiative and $5.9 million of lost programs, partially offset by $18.8 million net growth from new and existing clients. Offshore revenues increased by $0.2 million due to $5.9 million of growth from new and existing clients, partially offset by $5.1 million in reductions related to the Company's margin improvement initiative and $0.6 million of lost programs. The increase in the Nearshore segment of $0.1 million was due to $3.4 growth from new and existing clients, partially offset by $1.9 million in reductions related to the Company's margin improvement initiative and $1.4 million of lost programs.

Cost of Services and Gross Profit

Gross profit as a percentage of revenue decreased 0.8%, primarily due to the Company's margin improvement initiative with flat fixed costs and the related temporary decline in production billings. Domestic gross profit as a percentage of revenue decreased to 4.3% in 2017 from 6.7% in 2016 primarily due to the Company's margin improvement initiative and the related temporary decline in production billings. The Offshore increase of 2.8% was primarily due to increased volumes and the resulting increase in capacity utilization, and the Company's margin improvement initiative resulting in a greater concentration of higher margin clients. Nearshore gross profit as a percentage of revenue decreased 2.7%, due to the Company's margin improvement initiative and the related temporary decline in production billings, primarily relating to the business mix within existing clients during this transition.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

Selling, general and administrative expenses were 11.1% and 10.8% of revenue for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. The percentage increase was primarily due to the decrease in revenue year over year, while the decrease of $0.6 million was driven primarily by lower payroll-related expenses.

Impairment Losses and Restructuring Charges, Net

During 2017 and 2016, we recognized $0.1 million and $0.2 million, respectively, in impairment losses in our Domestic and Nearshore segments associated with closure of a facility and the impairment of certain assets after an analysis indicated estimated future cash flows were insufficient to support the carrying values.

Restructuring charges totaled $0.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2017, which primarily consisted of costs related to a site closure in the Domestic segment.

Interest and Other Income (Expense), Net

Interest and other income (expense), net for 2017 was ($1.0) million, which consists primarily of ($1.6) million of interest expense on our revolving line of credit and other debt, offset by a recovery of $0.5 million during the second quarter.

Income Tax Expense (Benefit)

Income tax benefit for 2017 was ($0.4) million, compared to $0.7 million of expense in 2016. Income tax benefit in 2017 is primarily related to the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “Act”) affecting our U.S. operations, offset by income tax expense primarily related to our Canadian operations. The Act, signed into law on December 22, 2017, makes significant modifications to U.S. federal income tax laws including reducing the corporate tax rate to 21 percent starting January 1, 2018 and transitioning the U.S. to a territorial tax regime. Consequently, we recorded an adjustment to the Company’s deferred tax liability and a corresponding net adjustment to deferred income tax (benefit) for the year ended December 31, 2017. Our U.S. operations have a valuation allowance recorded on deferred tax assets and we have tax holidays in Honduras, Jamaica, and for certain facilities in the Philippines. For more information, refer to Note 13, “Income Taxes” to our Consolidated Financial Statements, included in Item 8, “Financial Statements and Supplementary Financial Data.”

Net Income / Loss

As a result of the factors described above, the net loss was $1.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2017, compared to net income of $0.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2016.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS — YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016 AND 2015



	For the Years Ended December 31,
	2016					2015
	(in 000s)			(% of Total)		(in 000s)			(% of Total)
Domestic:
Revenue	$	186,061		60.6	%	$	169,945		60.2	%
Cost of services	173,669			64.1	%	158,331			61.4	%
Gross profit	$	12,392		34.0	%	$	11,614		47.8	%
Gross profit %	6.7		%			6.8		%
Offshore
Revenue	76,868			25.0	%	72,914			25.8	%
Cost of services	60,261			22.3	%	66,242			25.7	%
Gross profit	$	16,607		45.6	%	$	6,672		27.5	%
Gross profit %	21.6		%			9.2		%
Nearshore
Revenue	44,271			14.4	%	39,275			13.9	%
Cost of services	36,849			13.6	%	33,257			12.9	%
Gross profit	$	7,422		20.4	%	$	6,018		24.8	%
Gross profit %	16.8		%			15.3		%
Company Total:
Revenue	$	307,200		100.0	%	$	282,134		100.0	%
Cost of services	270,779			100.0	%	257,830			100.0	%
Gross profit	$	36,421		100.0	%	$	24,304		100.0	%
Gross profit %	11.9		%			8.6		%

Revenue

Revenue increased by $25.1 million, or 8.9%, from $282.1 million in 2015 to $307.2 million in 2016. This includes ACCENT revenue of $28.0 million and $20.8 million of new business and growth from existing clients, partially offset by $23.7 million of lost programs. The Domestic segment increase of $16.1 million was due to $24.5 million from the acquisition of ACCENT and $11.0 million of new business and growth from existing clients, partially offset by $19.4 million of lost programs. Offshore revenues increased by $4.0 million due to $6.2 million of growth from existing and new clients, partially offset by$2.2 of lost programs. The increase in the Nearshore segment of $5.0 million was due to $3.5 million from the acquisition of ACCENT and $4.3 million of growth from existing and new clients, partially offset by $2.8 million of lost revenue.

Cost of Services and Gross Profit

Gross profit as a percentage of revenue increased 3.3%, primarily due to the benefit of ongoing contract optimization efforts and increased capacity utilization. Domestic gross profit as a percentage of revenue remained steady at 6.7% in 2016 compared to 6.8% in 2015. The Offshore increase of 12.4% was primarily due to an increase in capacity utilization. Nearshore gross profit as a percentage of revenue increased 1.5%, due to continuing increased capacity utilization.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

Selling, general and administrative expenses were 10.8% and 12.2% of revenue for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. The decrease was primarily due to the full year impact of synergies realized from recent acquisitions and continued expense management efforts.

Impairment Losses and Restructuring Charges, Net

During 2016 and 2015, we recognized $0.2 million and $0.3 million, respectively, in impairment losses in our Nearshore and Domestic segments associated with certain assets after an impairment analysis indicated estimated future cash flows were insufficient to support the carrying values.

Restructuring charges totaled $0.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2016, which primarily consisted of costs related to site closures in the Domestic and Nearshore segments.

Interest and Other Income (Expense), Net

Interest and other income (expense), net for 2016 was $1.7 million of expense, which consists primarily of $1.6 million of interest expense on our revolving line of credit and other debt.

Income Tax Expense

Income tax expense for 2016 was $0.7 million, compared to $0.5 million in 2015. 2016 income tax expense is related to the tax provisions for the U.S., Canada, and the Philippines. Our U.S. operations have a valuation allowance recorded on deferred tax assets and we have tax holidays in Honduras, Jamaica, and for certain facilities in the Philippines.

Net Income / Loss

As a result of the factors described above, net income was $0.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2016, compared to a loss of $15.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2015.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

Our primary sources of liquidity are cash flows generated by operating activities and from available borrowings under our secured revolving credit facility. We have historically utilized these resources to finance our operations and make capital expenditures associated with capacity expansion, upgrades of information technologies and service offerings, and business acquisitions. Due to the timing of our collections of receivables due from our major customers, we have historically needed to draw on the line of credit and factor accounts receivable for ongoing working capital needs. We believe our cash and cash equivalents, cash from operations and available credit will be sufficient to operate our business for the next 12 months.

As of December 31, 2017, working capital totaled $32.2 million and our current ratio was 2.24:1, compared to working capital of $10.7 million and a current ratio of 1.2:1 at December 31, 2016. The increase in 2017 was primarily driven by the reclassification of the revolving credit facility balance from short-term to long-term liabilities. See Note 10, "Debt," to our consolidated financial statements included in Item 8, "Financial Statements" for additional details.

We operate our treasury department from our headquarters office in Greenwood Village, Colorado. Our policy is to centralize and protect our global cash balances by holding balances in the US and primarily in U.S. dollar ("USD"). We fund our operating subsidiaries as payments are due and attempt to minimize subsidiary cash balances to the extent possible.

We are exposed to foreign currency exchange fluctuations in the foreign countries in which we operate. We enter into foreign currency exchange contracts to mitigate these risks where possible. Please refer to Item 7A. "Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk," for more information.

The following discussion highlights our cash flow activities during the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015.

Cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents held by the Company's foreign subsidiaries was $1.4 million and $1.0 million at December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. Under current tax laws and regulations, if cash and cash equivalents held outside the United States are distributed to the United States in the form of dividends or otherwise, we may be subject to additional U.S. income taxes and foreign withholding taxes.

Cash and cash equivalents was $1.5 million at December 31, 2017, compared to a balance of $1.0 million at December 31, 2016.

Cash flows from operating activities

For the years 2017, 2016 and 2015 we reported net cash flows from operating activities of $15.5 million, $10.9 million and $(4.6) million, respectively. The increase from 2016 to 2017 was driven primarily by an increase in cash flows related to net changes in operating assets and liabilities, offset by decreases in net income and non-cash items. Cash flows from operating activities can vary significantly from year to year depending upon the timing of operating cash receipts and payments, especially accounts receivable and accounts payable.

Cash flows used in investing activities

For the years 2017, 2016 and 2015 we reported net cash outflows from investing activities of $(6.8) million, $(4.6) million and $(25.0) million, respectively. Net cash used in investing activities of $(6.8) million in 2017 primarily consisted of $7.2 million of capital expenditures partially offset by the proceeds from the sale of assets of $0.4 million. In 2016, we paid $0.8 million for acquisitions and $3.8 million for capital expenditures. In 2015, we paid $18.3 million for acquisitions and $7.7 million for capital expenditures and we sold assets for proceeds of $1.0 million.

Cash flows from (used in) financing activities

For the years 2017, 2016 and 2015 we reported net cash flows from (used in) financing activities of $(8.8) million, $(8.8) million and $26.5 million respectively. In 2017 we paid down $6.9 million on our line of credit and $2.9 million on other financing arrangements, in addition to collecting $1.0 million from the issuance of stock. In 2016, we paid down $6.2 million on our line of credit and $3.1 million on other financing arrangements, in addition to collecting $0.4 million from the issuance of stock. In 2015, we borrowed an additional $27.6 million on our line of credit primarily to fund the acquisition and integration of ACCENT, paid down $2.0 million on other financing arrangements and collected $0.9 million from the issuance of stock.

Other factors impacting liquidity

Our business currently has a high concentration in a few principal clients. The loss of a principal client and/or changes in timing or termination of a principal client's product launches or service offerings could have a material adverse effect on our business, liquidity, operating results, or financial condition. These client relationships are further discussed in Item 1A, "Risk Factors" and in Note 6. "Principal Clients," to our Consolidated Financial Statements, which are included at Item 8. "Financial Statements and Supplementary Financial Data," of this form 10-K. To limit our credit risk, management from time to time will perform credit evaluations of our clients. Although we are directly impacted by the economic conditions in which our clients operate, management does not believe substantial credit risk existed as of December 31, 2017.

There is a risk that the counterparties to our hedging instruments could suffer financial difficulties due to economic conditions or other reasons and we could realize losses on these arrangements which could impact our liquidity. However, we do not believe we are exposed to more than a nominal amount of credit risk in our derivative hedging activities, as the counterparties are established, well-capitalized financial institutions.

Because we service relatively few, large clients, the availability of cash is highly dependent on the timing of collections of our accounts receivable. As a result, we borrow cash from our line of credit facility to cover short-term cash needs. These borrowings are typically outstanding for a short period of time before they are repaid. However, our debt balance can fluctuate significantly during any given quarter as part of our ordinary course of business. Accordingly, our debt balance at the end of any given period is not necessarily indicative of the debt balance at any other time during that period.

We have entered into factoring agreements with financial institutions to sell certain of our accounts receivable under non-recourse agreements. These transactions are accounted for as a reduction in accounts receivable because the agreements transfer effective control over and risk related to the receivables to the buyers. We do not service any factored accounts after the factoring has occurred. We utilize factoring arrangements as part of our financing for working capital. The aggregate gross amount factored under these agreements was $82,690, $51,684 and $33,980 for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

Although management cannot accurately anticipate effects of domestic and foreign inflation on our operations, management does not believe inflation has had a material adverse effect on our results of operations or financial condition. However, there is a risk that inflation could occur in certain countries in which we operate which could have an adverse effect on our financial results. We engage in hedging activities which may reduce this risk; however, currency hedges do not, and will not, eliminate our exposure to foreign inflation.

CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS

Other than operating leases for certain equipment, real estate and commitments to purchase goods and services in the future, in each case as reflected in the table below, we have no off-balance sheet transactions, unconditional purchase obligations or similar instruments and we are not guarantor of any other entities' debt or other financial obligations. The following table presents a summary (in thousands), by period, of our future contractual obligations and payments as of December 31, 2017.



	2018		2019		2020		2021		2022		Thereafter		Total
Operating leases	$	11,228	$	7,561	$	4,335	$	2,985	$	2,610	$	3,689	$	32,408
Capital leases	2,134		2,049		487		—		—		—		4,670
Notes payable	566		566		330		—		—		—		1,462
Purchase obligations⁽¹⁾	7,481		3,567		1,088		—		—		—		12,136
Line of Credit	546		546		19,260		—		—		—		20,352
Total contractual obligations	$	21,955	$	14,289	$	25,500	$	2,985	$	2,610	$	3,689	$	71,027

⁽¹⁾ Purchase obligations include commitments to purchase goods and services that in some cases may include provisions for cancellation.

Debt instruments and related covenants

On April 29, 2015, we entered into a secured revolving credit facility ("Credit Agreement") with BMO Harris Bank N.A. ("Lender"). The Credit Agreement is effective through April 2020 and the amount we may borrow under the agreement is the lesser of the borrowing base calculation or $50,000, and so long as no default has occurred and with the Administrative Agent’s consent, we may increase the maximum availability to $70,000 in $5,000 increments. We may request letters of credit under the Credit Agreement in an aggregate amount equal to the lesser of the borrowing base calculation (minus outstanding advances) and $5,000. The borrowing base is generally defined as 85% of our eligible accounts receivable less certain reserves as defined in the Credit Agreement.

Our borrowings bear interest at one-month LIBOR plus 1.50% to 1.75%, depending on current availability. We will pay letter of credit fees equal to the applicable margin times the daily maximum amount available to be drawn under all letters of credit outstanding and a monthly unused fee at a rate per annum of 0.25% on the aggregate unused commitment under the Credit Agreement. As of December 31, 2017, outstanding letters of credit totaled $893.

The Credit Agreement contains standard affirmative and negative covenants that may restrict or limit our ability to sell assets, incur additional indebtedness and engage in mergers and acquisitions. We are required to maintain a minimum consolidated fixed charge coverage ratio of 1.00 to 1.00 if a reporting trigger period commences.

On November 6, 2015, we entered into a second amendment to our Credit Agreement with the Lender. The amendment replaced the fixed charge coverage ratio with a Consolidated EBITDA covenant, modified the Consolidated EBITDA definition, and decreased the limits on future capital expenditures.

On January 20, 2016, we entered into a third amendment to our Credit Agreement with the Lender. The amendment established the Consolidated EBITDA covenants for each month of 2016 that apply if we cross the availability threshold in the Credit Agreement.

On March 28, 2017, we entered into a fourth amendment to our Credit Agreement with BMO Harris Bank N.A. (the “Lender”). The fourth amendment extends the term of the agreement until March 28, 2022 while also amending certain of the financial covenants as follows: 1) reduces the maximum consolidated fixed charge coverage ratio and 2) removes the monetary cap on non-financed capital expenditures for 2017 and each fiscal year thereafter during the term of the Credit Agreement. In addition, the amendment removes the requirement that funds collected be automatically applied to our credit facility balance, unless a trigger event occurs. As a result, the balance sheet classification has been changed from short-term liabilities to long-term liabilities beginning in the first quarter of 2017.

As of December 31, 2017, we were in compliance with all debt covenants, and we had outstanding borrowings of $19,078, and our remaining borrowing capacity was $29,602.

Other debt

From time to time, we enter into financing agreements such as notes payable and capital lease obligations, in order to facilitate the fit-out of new locations. The implied interest rates for these agreements range from 3% to 20%; the terms range from five to seven years.

VARIABILITY OF OPERATING RESULTS

We have experienced and expect to continue to experience some quarterly variations in revenue and operating results due to a variety of factors, many of which are outside our control, including: (i) timing and amount of costs incurred to expand capacity in order to provide for volume growth from existing and future clients; (ii) changes in the volume of services provided to principal clients; (iii) expiration or termination of client projects or contracts; (iv) timing of existing and future client product launches or service offerings; (v) seasonal nature of certain clients’ businesses; and (vi) variability in demand for our services by our clients depending on demand for their products or services and/or depending on our performance.

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES

The preparation of consolidated financial statements requires us to make estimates and assumptions. These estimates and assumptions affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. We base our accounting estimates on historical experience and other factors that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

We have discussed the development and selection of critical accounting policies and estimates with our Audit Committee. We believe that the following critical accounting policies involve our more significant judgments and estimates used in the preparation of our consolidated financial statements.

Revenue Recognition

We invoice our business process outsourcing services clients monthly in arrears and recognize revenue for such services when completed. For substantially all of our contractual arrangements for business process outsourcing services, we recognize revenue based either on the billable hours or minutes of each customer service representative, at rates provided in the client contract, or on a rate-per-transaction basis. The contractual rates can fluctuate based on our performance against certain pre-determined criteria related to quality and performance. Additionally, some clients are contractually entitled to penalties when we are out of compliance with certain quality and/or performance obligations defined in the client contract. Such penalties are recorded as a reduction to revenue as incurred. As a general rule, our contracts are not multiple element contracts. We provide initial training to customer service representatives upon commencement of new contracts and recognize revenues for such training as the services are provided based upon the production rate (i.e., billable hours and rates related to the training services as stipulated in our contractual arrangements). Accordingly, the corresponding training costs, consisting primarily of labor and related expenses, are recognized as incurred. We have assessed the impact of ASU 2014-09 Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) (“ASU 2014-09”) and have determined that our current revenue recognition process is in compliance with the ASU. Therefore, we do not anticipate any impact to our consolidated financial statements upon adoption on January 1, 2018. We will use the Modified Retrospective transition method of adoption for ASU 2014-09. We have determined that we will need to include information on disaggregated revenue, as well as additional detail related to performance obligations and information about the methods, inputs and assumptions used in recognizing revenue, in the disclosures to our consolidated financial statements beginning in the first quarter of 2018.

For more information, refer to Note 1, “Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” to our Consolidated Financial Statements, included in Item 8, “Financial Statements and Supplementary Financial Data.”

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

Fair value is the price that would be received from selling an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. When determining the fair value measurements for assets and liabilities, which are required to be recorded at fair value, we consider the principal or most advantageous market in which we would transact and the market-based risk measurements or assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability, such as inherent risk, transfer restrictions, and credit risk.

The fair value hierarchy prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value. The hierarchy requires that the Company maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs. The levels of the fair value hierarchy are described below:

Level 1 - Quoted prices for identical instruments traded in active markets.

Level 2 - Quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active, and model-based valuation techniques for which all significant assumptions are observable in the market.

Level 3 - Unobservable inputs that cannot be supported by market activity and that are significant to the fair value of the asset or liability, such as the use of certain pricing models, discounted cash flow models and similar techniques that use significant assumptions. These unobservable inputs reflect our own estimates of assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability.

When determining the fair value measurements for assets and liabilities required or permitted to be recorded at and/or marked to fair value, we consider the principal or most advantageous market in which it would transact and consider assumptions that market participants would use when pricing the asset or liability. When possible, we look to active and observable markets to price identical assets or liabilities. When identical assets and liabilities are not traded in active markets, we look to market observable data for similar assets and liabilities. Nevertheless, if certain assets and liabilities are not actively traded in observable markets, we must use alternative valuation techniques to derive a fair value measurement.

For more information, refer to Note 8, “Fair Value Measurements,” to our Consolidated Financial Statements, included in Item 8, “Financial Statements and Supplementary Financial Data.”

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

We periodically, on at least an annual basis, evaluate potential impairments of our long-lived assets. In our annual evaluation or when we determine that the carrying value of a long-lived asset may not be recoverable based upon the existence of one or more indicators of impairment, we evaluate the projected undiscounted cash flows related to the assets. If these cash flows are less than the carrying values of the assets, we measure the impairment based on the excess of the carrying value of the long-lived asset over the long-lived asset’s fair value. Our projections contain assumptions pertaining to anticipated levels of utilization and revenue that may or may not be under contract but are based on our experience and/or projections received from our customers. Refer to Note 4 “Impairment Losses and Restructuring Charges” for additional information on impairment of long-lived assets recognized during the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015.

Impairment of Goodwill and Intangible Assets

Goodwill is recorded at fair value and not amortized, but is reviewed for impairment at least annually or more frequently if impairment indicators arise. Our goodwill is allocated by reporting unit and is evaluated for impairment by first performing a qualitative assessment ("Step 0") to determine whether a quantitative goodwill test is necessary. If it is determined, based on qualitative factors, the fair value of the reporting unit is "more likely than not" less than the carrying amount or if significant changes related to the reporting unit have occurred that could materially impact fair value, a quantitative goodwill impairment test would be required. We can elect to forgo the qualitative assessment and perform the quantitative test.

If the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, "Step 1" is performed to determine if goodwill is impaired and to measure the amount of impairment loss to recognize, if any. This step compares the implied fair value of goodwill with the carrying amount of goodwill. If the carrying amount of goodwill exceeds the implied fair value, an impairment loss is recognized in an amount equal to that excess.

The implied fair value of goodwill is determined by assigning the fair value of the reporting unit to all the assets and liabilities of that unit (including any unrecognized intangible assets) as if the reporting unit had been acquired in a business combination. We define our reporting units to be the same as our operating segments and have elected to perform the annual impairment assessment for goodwill in the fourth quarter. Refer to Note 3 "Goodwill and Intangible Assets" for additional information on impairment of goodwill recognized during the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015.

Restructuring Charges

On an ongoing basis, management assesses the profitability and utilization of our facilities and in some cases management has chosen to close facilities. Severance payments that occur from reductions in workforce are in accordance with our postemployment plans and/or statutory requirements that are communicated to all employees upon hire date; therefore, severance liabilities are recognized when they are determined to be probable and reasonably estimable. Other liabilities for costs associated with an exit or disposal activity are recognized when the liability is incurred, instead of upon commitment to an exit plan. A significant assumption used in determining the amount of the estimated liability for closing a facility is the estimated liability for future lease payments on vacant facilities. We determine our estimate of sublease payments based on our ability to successfully negotiate early termination agreements with landlords, a third-party broker or management’s assessment of our ability to sublease the facility based upon the market conditions in which the facility is located. If the assumptions regarding early termination and the timing and amounts of sublease payments prove to be inaccurate, we may be required to record additional losses, or conversely, a future gain.

For more information, refer to Note 4, “Impairment Losses and Restructuring Charges,” to our Consolidated Financial Statements, included in Item 8, “Financial Statements and Supplementary Financial Data.”

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities

We record derivative instruments as either an asset or liability measured at its fair value with changes in the fair value of qualifying hedges recorded in other comprehensive income. Changes in a derivative’s fair value are recognized currently in earnings unless specific hedge accounting criteria are met. Special accounting for qualifying hedges allows a derivative’s gains and losses to offset the related results of the hedged item and requires that we must formally document, designate and assess the effectiveness of transactions that receive hedge accounting treatment.

We are generally able to apply cash flow hedge accounting, which associates the results of the hedges with forecasted future expenses. The current mark-to-market gain or loss is recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income and will be re-classified to operations as the forecasted expenses are incurred, typically within one year. While we expect that our derivative instruments that have been designated as hedges will continue to meet the conditions for hedge accounting, if hedges do not qualify as highly effective or if we do not believe that forecasted transactions will occur, the changes in the fair value of the derivatives used as hedges will be reflected in earnings.

For more information, refer to Note 7, “Derivative Instruments,” to our Consolidated Financial Statements, included in Item 8, “Financial Statements and Supplementary Financial Data.”

Income Taxes

Income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method. Deferred income taxes reflect net effects of temporary differences between carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and amounts used for income tax purposes. We are subject to foreign income taxes on our foreign operations. We are required to estimate our income taxes in each jurisdiction in which we operate. This process involves estimating our actual current tax exposure, together with assessing temporary differences resulting from differing treatment of items for tax and financial reporting purposes. The tax effects of these temporary differences are recorded as deferred tax assets or deferred tax liabilities. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect of a change in tax rates on deferred tax assets and liabilities is recognized in income in the period during which such rates are enacted. We record a valuation allowance when it is "more likely than not" that we will not realize the net deferred tax assets in a certain jurisdiction.

We consider all available evidence to determine whether it is "more likely than not" that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will be realized. The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income during the periods in which those temporary differences become realizable. Management considers the scheduled reversal of deferred tax liabilities (including the impact of available carryback and carryforward periods), and projected taxable income in assessing the validity of deferred tax assets. In making such judgments, significant weight is given to evidence that can be objectively verified. In order to fully realize the U.S. deferred tax assets, we will need to generate sufficient taxable income in future periods before the expiration of the deferred tax assets governed by the tax code.

We do not provide for deferred taxes on the excess of the financial reporting basis over the tax basis in our investments in foreign subsidiaries that are essentially permanent in duration or not subject to taxation in the US or in the local country. In general, it is our practice and intention to reinvest the earnings of our foreign subsidiaries in those operations. Generally, the

earnings of our foreign subsidiaries become subject to U.S. taxation based on certain provisions in U.S. tax law such as the recently enacted territorial transition tax under section 965 and under certain other circumstances. Exceptions may be made on a year-by-year basis to repatriate current year earnings of certain foreign subsidiaries based on cash needs in the U.S.

Based on all available evidence, in particular our historical cumulative losses and recent operating losses, we recorded a valuation allowance against our U.S. net deferred tax assets. The valuation allowance for deferred tax assets as of December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015 was $18.9 million, $27.4 million and $28.2 million, respectively. In order to fully realize the U.S. deferred tax assets, we will need to generate sufficient taxable income in future periods before the expiration of the deferred tax assets governed by the tax code. As of December 31, 2017, we had gross federal net operating loss carry forwards of approximately $49.9 million expiring beginning in 2030 and gross state net operating loss carry forwards of approximately $70.0 million expiring beginning in 2018.

For more information, refer to Note 13, “Income Taxes,” to our Consolidated Financial Statements, included in Item 8, “Financial Statements and Supplementary Financial Data.”

Stock-Based Compensation

We recognize expense related to all share-based payments to employees, including grants of employee stock options, in our Consolidated Statements of Operations and Other Comprehensive Loss based on the share-based payments’ fair values amortized straight-line over the period during which the employees are required to provide services in exchange for the equity instruments. We estimate forfeitures when calculating compensation expense. We use the Black-Scholes method for valuing stock-based awards.

For more information, refer to Note 11, “Share-Based Compensation,” to our Consolidated Financial Statements, included in Item 8. “Financial Statements and Supplementary Financial Data.”

ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

Foreign Currency Exchange Risks

Market risk relating to our foreign operations results primarily from changes in foreign exchange rates. To address this risk, we enter into foreign currency forward and options contracts. The contracts cover periods commensurate with expected exposure, generally three to twelve months, and are secured through a reserve on our availability calculation with our Lender. The cumulative translation effects for subsidiaries using functional currencies other than the USD are included in accumulated other comprehensive loss in stockholders’ equity. Movements in non-USD currency exchange rates may negatively or positively affect our competitive position, as exchange rate changes may affect business practices and/or pricing strategies of non-U.S. based competitors.

We serve many of our U.S.-based clients in non-U.S. locations. Our client contracts are primarily priced and invoiced in USD; however, the functional currencies of our Canadian, Philippine, and Jamaican operations are the Canadian dollar ("CAD") and the Philippine peso ("PHP"), and the Jamaican Dollar ("JMD"), respectively. In Honduras, our functional currency is the USD and the majority of our costs are denominated in USD.

In order to hedge our exposure to foreign currency and short-term intercompany transactions denominated in the CAD and PHP, we had outstanding foreign currency forward and option contracts as of December 31, 2017 with notional amounts totaling $33 million. The average contractual exchange rate for the CAD contracts is 1.31 and for the PHP contracts is 51.95.

As of December 31, 2017, we had derivative assets and liabilities associated with these contracts with a fair value of $0.6 million and $0.2 million, respectively, which will settle within the next 12 months. If the USD were to weaken against the CAD and PHP by 10% from current period-end levels, we would incur a loss of approximately $5.1 million on the underlying exposures of the derivative instruments. As of December 31, 2017, we have not entered into any arrangements to hedge our exposure to fluctuations in the Honduran lempira or the Jamaican dollar relative to the USD.

Interest Rate Risk

We currently have a $50.0 million secured credit facility, which, if certain conditions are met, can increase to $70.0 million. The interest rate on our credit facility is variable based upon the LIBOR index, and, therefore, is affected by changes in market

interest rates. If the LIBOR increased 100 basis points, there would not be a material impact to our consolidated financial statements.

ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

StarTek, Inc. and Subsidiaries:

Reports of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015

Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2017 and 2016

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Board of Directors and Stockholders

StarTek, Inc.

Greenwood Village, Colorado

OPINIONS ON THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of StarTek, Inc. (the "Company") as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, and the related consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss, stockholders' equity, and cash flows, for each year in the three‑year period ended December 31, 2017, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the "financial statements"). We have also audited the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017, based on the criteria established in Internal Control ‑ Integrated Framework: (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission ("COSO").

In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each year in the three‑year period ended December 31, 2017, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Also, in our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017, based on criteria established in Internal Control ‑ Integrated Framework: (2013) issued by COSO.

BASIS FOR OPINIONS

The Company's management is responsible for these financial statements, for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting, and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management's Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company's financial statements and an opinion on the Company's internal control over financial reporting based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) ("PCAOB") and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud, and whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects.

Our audits of the financial statements included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audits also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions.

Definition and Limitations of Internal Control over Financial Reporting

A company's internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company's internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company's assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

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.

EKS&H LLLP

March 16, 2018

Denver, Colorado

We have served as the Company's auditor since 2014.

STARTEK, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

(In thousands, except per share data)



	Year Ended December 31,
	2017			2016			2015
Revenue	$	292,604		$	307,200		$	282,134
Cost of services	260,242			270,779			257,830
Gross profit	32,362			36,421			24,304
Selling, general and administrative expenses	32,584			33,196			34,427
Impairment losses and restructuring charges, net	520			364			3,890
Operating income (loss)	(742		)	2,861			(14,013		)
Interest and other (expense), net	(970		)	(1,748		)	(1,139		)
Income (loss) before income taxes	(1,712		)	1,113			(15,152		)
Income tax expense (benefit)	(436		)	718			464
Net income (loss)	$	(1,276	)	$	395		$	(15,616	)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Foreign currency translation adjustments	141			297			(47		)
Change in fair value of derivative instruments	691			(248		)	(427		)
Pension remeasurement	601			253			—
Comprehensive income (loss)	$	157		$	697		$	(16,090	)

Net income (loss) per common share - basic	$	(0.08	)	$	0.03		$	(1.01	)
Net income (loss) per common share - diluted	(0.08		)	0.02			(1.01		)

Weighted average common shares outstanding - basic	15,966			15,731			15,529
Weighted average common shares outstanding - diluted	15,966			16,258			15,529

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

STARTEK, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(In thousands, except share data)



	As of December 31,
	2017			2016
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	1,456		$	1,039
Trade accounts receivable, net	53,052			60,179
Prepaid expenses	2,351			2,140
Other current assets	1,290			1,670
Total current assets	58,149			65,028
Property, plant and equipment, net	19,943			23,276
Intangible assets, net	5,557			6,697
Goodwill	9,077			9,077
Other long-term assets	3,272			2,730
Total assets	$	95,998		$	106,808
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	$	7,019		$	7,612
Accrued liabilities:
Accrued employee compensation and benefits	12,850			13,767
Other accrued liabilities	2,105			2,083
Line of credit	—			26,025
Other current debt	2,725			2,740
Other current liabilities	1,249			2,137
Total current liabilities	25,948			54,364
Line of credit	19,078			—
Other debt	3,128			5,500
Other liabilities	905			2,200
Total liabilities	49,059			62,064
Commitments and contingencies
Stockholders’ equity:
Common stock, 32,000,000 non-convertible shares, $0.01 par value, authorized; 16,175,351 and 15,811,516 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively	162			158
Additional paid-in capital	82,594			80,560
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	1,384			(49		)
Accumulated deficit	(37,201		)	(35,925		)
Total stockholders’ equity	46,939			44,744
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$	95,998		$	106,808

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

STARTEK, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS



(In thousands)	Year Ended December 31,
	2017			2016			2015
Operating Activities
Net income (loss)	$	(1,276	)	$	395		$	(15,616	)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	11,080			12,250			13,261
Impairment losses	109			174			323
Provision for doubtful accounts	(40		)	112			132
Gain (loss) on sale of assets	3			(3		)	(509		)
Share-based compensation expense	1,015			1,722			1,469
Amortization of deferred gain on sale leaseback transaction	—			—			(168		)
Deferred income taxes	(327		)	265			210
Income tax benefit related to other comprehensive income	(511		)	(31		)	(282		)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Trade accounts receivable, net	7,187			(2,343		)	(2,580		)
Prepaid expenses and other assets	781			723			(490		)
Accounts payable	(537		)	(2,331		)	764
Accrued and other liabilities	(1,956		)	4			(1,150		)
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	15,528			10,937			(4,636		)

Investing Activities
Proceeds from sale of assets	350			40			982
Purchases of property, plant and equipment	(7,185		)	(3,797		)	(7,722		)
Cash paid for acquisitions of businesses	—			(825		)	(18,258		)
Net cash used in investing activities	(6,835		)	(4,582		)	(24,998		)

Financing Activities
Proceeds from the issuance of common stock	1,023			400			917
Proceeds from line of credit	307,866			302,711			318,890
Principal payments on line of credit	(314,813		)	(308,900		)	(291,316		)
Principal payments on other debt	(2,860		)	(3,055		)	(1,972		)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	(8,784		)	(8,844		)	26,519
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	508			902			435
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	417			(1,587		)	(2,680		)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	$	1,039		$	2,626		$	5,306
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$	1,456		$	1,039		$	2,626

Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information
Cash paid for interest	$	1,623		$	1,553		$	1,601
Cash paid for income taxes	$	373		$	564		$	348

Supplemental Disclosure of Noncash Investing Activities
Assets acquired through capital lease and direct financing	$	—		$	54		$	7,388

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

STARTEK, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

(In thousands, except share data)



	Common Stock			Additional Paid-In Capital		Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)			Accumulated Deficit			Total Stockholders' Equity
	Shares	Amount		Additional Paid-In Capital		Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)			Accumulated Deficit			Total Stockholders' Equity
Balance, January 1, 2015	15,414,803	$	154	$	76,056	$	(825	)	$	(20,704	)	$	54,681
Issuance of common stock	284,595	3		936		—			—			939
Share-based compensation expense	—	—		1,447		—			—			1,447
Net loss	—	—		—		—			(15,616		)	(15,616		)
Change in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	—	—		—		474			—			474
Balance, December 31, 2015	15,699,398	$	157	$	78,439	$	(351	)	$	(36,320	)	$	41,925
Issuance of common stock	112,118	1		399		—			—			400
Share-based compensation expense	—	—		1,722		—			—			1,722
Net income	—	—		—		—			395			395
Change in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	—	—		—		302			—			302
Balance, December 31, 2016	15,811,516	$	158	$	80,560	$	(49	)	$	(35,925	)	$	44,744
Issuance of common stock	363,835	4		1,019		—			—			1,023
Share-based compensation expense	—	—		1,015		—			—			1,015
Net loss	—	—		—		—			(1,276		)	(1,276		)
Change in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	—	—		—		1,433			—			1,433
Balance, December 31, 2017	16,175,351	$	162	$	82,594	$	1,384		$	(37,201	)	$	46,939

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

STARTEK, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

DECEMBER 31, 2017

(In thousands, except share and per share data)

1. BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

StarTek, Inc. ("STARTEK") is a comprehensive contact center and business process outsourcing services company. For over 25 years, we have partnered with our clients to effectively handle their customers throughout the customer life cycle. We have provided customer experience management solutions that solve strategic business challenges so that businesses can effectively manage customer relationships across all contact points. Headquartered in Greenwood Village, Colorado, we operate facilities in the U.S., Canada, Honduras, Jamaica, and the Philippines. We operate within three business segments: Domestic, Nearshore, and Offshore. Refer to Note 16, "Segment Information," for further information.

Consolidation

Our consolidated financial statements include the accounts of all wholly-owned subsidiaries after elimination of significant intercompany balances and transactions.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of our consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP") requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts included in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Estimates and assumptions are reviewed periodically, and the effects of revisions are reflected in the period they are determined to be necessary.

Concentration of Credit Risk

We are exposed to credit risk in the normal course of business, primarily related to accounts receivable and derivative instruments. Historically, the losses related to credit risk have been immaterial. We regularly monitor credit risk to mitigate the possibility of current and future exposures resulting in a loss. We evaluate the creditworthiness of clients prior to entering into an agreement to provide services and on an on-going basis as part of the processes of revenue recognition and accounts receivable. We do not believe we are exposed to more than a nominal amount of credit risk in our derivative hedging activities, as the counter parties are established, well-capitalized financial institutions.

Foreign Currency

The assets and liabilities of our foreign operations that are recorded in foreign currencies are translated into U.S. dollars at exchange rates prevailing at the balance sheet date. Revenues and expenses are translated at the weighted-average exchange rate during the reporting period. Resulting translation adjustments, net of applicable deferred income taxes, are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income. Foreign currency transaction gains and losses are included in interest and other income (expense), net in our consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss. Such gains and losses were not material for any period presented.

Revenue Recognition

We invoice our clients monthly in arrears and recognize revenues for such services when completed. Substantially all of our contractual arrangements are based either on a production rate, meaning that we recognize revenue based on the billable hours or minutes of each call center agent, or on a rate per transaction basis. These rates could be based on the number of paid hours the agent works, the number of minutes the agent is available to answer calls, or the number of minutes the agent is actually handling calls for the client, depending on the client contract. Production rates vary by client contract and can fluctuate based on our performance against certain pre-determined criteria related to quality and performance. Additionally, some clients are contractually entitled to penalties when we are out of compliance with certain quality and/or performance obligations defined in the client contract. Such penalties are recorded as a reduction to revenue as incurred based on a measurement of the appropriate penalty under the terms of the client contract. Likewise, some client contracts stipulate that we are entitled to bonuses should we meet or exceed these predetermined quality and/or performance obligations. These bonuses are recognized as incremental revenue in the period in which they are earned.

As a general rule, our contracts do not qualify for separate unit of accounting for multiple deliverables. We provide initial training to customer service representatives upon commencement of new contracts and recognize revenues for such training as the services are provided based upon the production rate (i.e., billable hours and rates related to the training services as stipulated in our contractual arrangements). Accordingly, the corresponding training costs, consisting primarily of labor and related expenses, are expensed as incurred.

We have assessed the impact of ASU 2014-09 and have determined that our current revenue recognition process is substantially in compliance with the ASU. We will use the Modified Retrospective transition method for adoption of ASU 2014-09, therefore, we do not anticipate any impact to our consolidated financial statements upon adoption on January 1, 2018.

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

An allowance for doubtful accounts is provided for known and estimated potential losses arising from sales to customers based on a periodic review of these accounts. The allowance for doubtful accounts was $52 and $244, as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

Fair Value Measurements

The carrying value of our cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, notes receivable, accounts payable, restructuring liabilities, and line of credit approximate fair value because of their short-term nature.

Level 1 - Quoted prices for identical instruments traded in active markets.

Refer to Note 8, “Fair Value Measurements,” for additional information on how we determine fair value for our assets and liabilities.

Cash and cash equivalents

We consider cash equivalents to be short-term, highly liquid investments readily convertible to known amounts of cash and so near their maturity at purchase that they present insignificant risk of changes in value because of changes in interest rates.

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities

Our derivative instruments consist of foreign currency forward and option contracts and are recorded as either an asset or liability measured at its fair value, with changes in the fair value of qualifying hedges recorded in other comprehensive income. Changes in a derivative’s fair value are recognized currently in the statements of operations unless specific hedge accounting criteria are met. Special accounting for qualifying hedges allows a derivative’s gains and losses to offset the related results of the hedged item and requires that we must formally document, designate and assess the effectiveness of transactions that receive hedge accounting treatment.

We generally are able to apply cash flow hedge accounting which associates the results of the hedges with forecasted future intercompany expenses. The current mark-to-market gain or loss is recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income and will be re-classified to operations as the forecasted intercompany expenses are incurred, typically within one year. During

2017, 2016, and 2015, our cash flow hedges were highly effective and hedge ineffectiveness was not material. While we expect that our derivative instruments that have been designated as hedges will continue to meet the conditions for hedge accounting, if hedges do not qualify as highly effective or if we do not believe that forecasted transactions will occur, the changes in the fair value of the derivatives used as hedges will be reflected in earnings.

Property, Plant and Equipment

Property, plant, and equipment, are stated at depreciated cost. Additions and improvement activities are capitalized. Maintenance and repairs are expensed as incurred. Assets held under capital leases are recorded at the lower of the net present value of the minimum lease payments or the fair value of the leased asset at the inception of the lease. Depreciation and amortization is computed using the straight-line method based on their estimated useful lives, as follows:



	Estimated Useful Life
Buildings and building improvements	10-30 years
Telephone and computer equipment	3-5 years
Software	3 years
Furniture, fixtures, and miscellaneous equipment	5-7 years

We depreciate leasehold improvements associated with operating leases over the shorter of 7 years or remaining life of the lease plus renewal term, if renewal is more likely than not. Amortization expense related to assets recorded under capital leases is included in depreciation and amortization expense.

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

Goodwill

Intangible Assets

We amortize all acquisition-related intangible assets that are subject to amortization using the straight-line method over the estimated useful life based on economic benefit as follows:



	Estimated Useful Life
Developed technology	8 years
Customer relationships	3-10 years
Trade name	6-7 years

We perform a review of intangible assets to determine if facts and circumstances indicate that the useful life is shorter than we had originally estimated or that the carrying amount of assets may not be recoverable. If such facts and circumstances exist, we assess recoverability by comparing the projected undiscounted net cash flows associated with the related asset or group of assets over their remaining lives against their respective carrying amounts. Impairments, if any, are based on the excess of the carrying amount over the fair value of those assets. If the useful life is shorter than originally estimated, we accelerate the rate of amortization and amortize the remaining carrying value over the new shorter useful life.

For further discussion of goodwill and identified intangible assets, refer to Note 3, "Goodwill and Intangible Assets."

Restructuring Charges

On an ongoing basis, management assesses the profitability and utilization of our facilities and in some cases management has chosen to close facilities. Severance payments that occur from reductions in workforce are in accordance with our postemployment policy and/or statutory requirements that are communicated to all employees upon hire date; therefore, severance liabilities are recognized when they are determined to be probable and estimable. Other liabilities for costs associated with an exit or disposal activity are recognized when the liability is incurred, instead of upon commitment to an exit plan. A significant assumption used in determining the amount of the estimated liability for closing a facility is the estimated liability for future lease payments on vacant facilities. We determine our estimate of sublease payments based on our ability to successfully negotiate early termination agreements with landlords, a third-party broker or management’s assessment of our ability to sublease the facility based upon the market conditions in which the facility is located. If the assumptions regarding early termination and the timing and amounts of sublease payments prove to be inaccurate, we may be required to record additional losses, or conversely, a future gain.

Leases

Rent holidays, landlord/tenant incentives and escalations are included in some instances in the base price of our rent payments over the term of our operating leases. We recognize rent holidays and rent escalations on a straight-line basis over the lease term. The landlord/tenant incentives are recorded as deferred rent and amortized on a straight line basis over the lease term.

Assets held under capital leases are included in property, plant and equipment, net in our consolidated balance sheets and depreciated over the term of the lease. Rent payments under the leases are recognized as a reduction of the capital lease obligation and interest expense.

Income Taxes

Income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method. Deferred income taxes reflect net effects of temporary differences between carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and amounts used for income tax purposes. We are subject to foreign income taxes on our foreign operations. We are required to estimate our income taxes in each jurisdiction in which we operate. This process involves estimating our actual current tax exposure, together with assessing temporary differences resulting from differing treatment of items for tax and financial reporting purposes. The tax effects of these temporary differences are recorded as deferred tax assets or deferred tax liabilities. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect of a change in tax rates on deferred tax assets and liabilities is recognized in income in the period during which such rates are enacted. We record a valuation allowance when it is more likely than not that we will not realize the net deferred tax assets in a certain jurisdiction.

We record tax benefits when they are more likely than not to be realized. Our policy is to reflect penalties and interest as part of income tax expense as they become applicable.

Stock-Based Compensation

We recognize expense related to all share-based payments to employees, including grants of employee stock options, based on the grant-date fair values amortized straight-line over the period during which the employees are required to provide services in exchange for the equity instruments. We include an estimate of forfeitures when calculating compensation expense. We use the Black-Scholes method for valuing stock-based awards. See Note 11, “Share-Based Compensation and Employee Benefit Plans,” for further information regarding the assumptions used to calculate share-based payment expense.

Recently Issued Accounting Standards

In February 2018, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2018-02, Income Statement - Reporting Comprehensive Income (Topic 220) (“ASU 2018-02”), Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, which allows for stranded tax effects in accumulated other comprehensive income resulting from the U.S. Tax Cuts and Jobs Act to be reclassified to retained earnings. The guidance is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2018. Early adoption is permitted. We are currently evaluating the impact of adopting the new standard.

In August 2017, FASB issued ASU 2017-12, Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815) ("ASU 2017-12"), Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities. The amendments in this ASU better align an entity’s risk management activities and financial reporting for hedging relationships through changes to both the designation and measurement guidance for qualifying hedging relationships and the presentation of hedge results. To meet that objective, the amendments expand and refine hedge accounting for both nonfinancial and financial risk components and align the recognition and presentation of the effects of the hedging instrument and the hedged item in the financial statements. The guidance is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim reporting periods within those annual reporting periods. We do not expect the adoption of ASU 2017-12 will have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

In May 2017, FASB issued ASU 2017-09, Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718) ("ASU 2017-09"), Scope of Modification Accounting. The amendments in this ASU provide guidance about which changes to the terms or conditions of a share-based payment award require an entity to apply modification accounting in Topic 718. An entity should account for the effects of a modification unless all the following are met: 1. The fair value of the modified award is the same as the fair value of the original award immediately before the original award is modified. If the modification does not affect any of the inputs to the valuation technique that the entity uses to value the award, the entity is not required to estimate the value immediately before and after the modification; 2. The vesting conditions of the modified award are the same as the vesting conditions of the original award immediately before the original award is modified; and 3. The classification of the modified award as an equity instrument or a liability instrument is the same as the classification of the original award immediately before the original award is modified. The guidance is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim reporting periods within those annual reporting periods. We do not expect the adoption of ASU 2017-09 will have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

In January 2017, FASB issued ASU 2017-04, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other (Topic 350) ("ASU 2017-04"), Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment. To simplify the subsequent measurement of goodwill, the amendments eliminate Step 2 from the goodwill impairment test. The annual, or interim, goodwill impairment test is performed by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount. An impairment charge should be recognized for the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the reporting unit’s fair value; however, the loss recognized should not exceed the total amount of goodwill allocated to that reporting unit. In addition, income tax effects from any tax-deductible goodwill on the carrying amount of the reporting unit should be considered when measuring the goodwill impairment loss, if applicable. The guidance is effective for annual or any interim goodwill impairment tests in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019 and early adoption is permitted for interim or annual goodwill impairment tests performed on testing dates after January 1, 2017. We do not expect the adoption of ASU 2017-04 will have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

In October 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2016-16, Income Taxes (Topic 740) ("ASU 2016-16"), Intra-Entity Transfers of Assets Other Than Inventory. The purpose of ASU 2016-16 is to simplify the income tax accounting of an intra-entity transfer of an asset other than inventory and to record its effect when the transfer occurs. The guidance is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim reporting periods within those annual reporting periods and early adoption is permitted. We do not expect the adoption of ASU 2016-16 will have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

In June 2016, FASB issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2016-13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326) ("ASU 2016-13"), Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments. The standard significantly changes how entities will measure credit losses for most financial assets and certain other instruments that aren't measured at fair value through net income. The standard will replace today's "incurred loss" approach with an "expected loss" model for instruments measured at amortized cost. For available-for-sale debt securities, entities will be required to record allowances rather than reduce the carrying amount, as they do today under the other-than-temporary impairment model. It also simplifies the accounting model for purchased credit-impaired debt securities and loans. This ASU is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2019, and interim periods therein. Early adoption is permitted for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018, and interim periods therein. We do not expect the adoption of ASU 2016-13 will have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

In March 2016, FASB issued ASU 2016-09, Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718) ("ASU2016-09"), Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting. The amendments in ASU 2016-09 address multiple aspects of the accounting for share-based payment transactions, including income tax consequences, classification of awards as either equity or liability, and classification on the statements of cash flows. This ASU is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018. Early adoption is permitted in any interim or annual period. An entity that elects early adoption must adopt all of the amendments in the same period, and any adjustments should be reflected as of the beginning of the fiscal year that includes the interim period. We adopted this ASU for the first quarter of 2017 and it did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

In February 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842) (“ASU 2016-02”). These amendments require the recognition of lease assets and lease liabilities on the balance sheet by lessees for those leases currently classified as operating leases under ASC 840 “Leases”. These amendments also require qualitative disclosures along with specific quantitative disclosures. These amendments are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early application is permitted. Entities are required to apply the amendments at the beginning of the earliest period presented using a modified retrospective approach. We are currently evaluating the impact that the adoption of ASU 2016-02 will have on our consolidated financial statements, and we anticipate that adoption of ASU 2016-02 will have an impact to the financial statement presentation of right of use asset, lease liability, amortization expense, and lease expense.

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) (“ASU 2014-09”). ASU 2014-09 amends the guidance for revenue recognition to replace numerous, industry-specific requirements and converges areas under this topic with those of the International Financial Reporting Standards. The ASU implements a five-step process for customer contract revenue recognition that focuses on transfer of control, as opposed to transfer of risk and rewards. The amendment also requires enhanced disclosures regarding the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenues and cash flows from contracts with customers. Other major provisions include the capitalization and amortization of certain contract costs, ensuring the time value of money is considered in the transaction price, and allowing estimates of variable consideration to be recognized before contingencies are resolved in certain circumstances. The amendments in this ASU are effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, and early adoption is prohibited. Entities can transition to the standard either retrospectively or as a cumulative-effect adjustment as of the date of adoption. We have assessed the impact that the adoption of ASU 2014-09 will have on our financial statements. We have assessed the impact of ASU 2014-09 and have determined that our current revenue recognition process is in compliance with the ASU. Therefore, we do not anticipate any impact to our consolidated financial statements upon adoption on January 1, 2018. We will use the Modified Retrospective transition method of adoption for ASU 2014-09. We are currently evaluating the additional disclosures that will be required upon adoption.

2. ACQUISITIONS

Accent Marketing Services

On June 1, 2015, we acquired 100% of the membership interests of Accent Marketing Services, L.L.C. ("ACCENT") for $17,492, pursuant to a Membership Interest Purchase Agreement with MDC Corporate (US) Inc. and MDC Acquisition Inc. ACCENT is a business process outsourcing company providing contact center services and customer engagement solutions across six locations in the U.S. and Jamaica.

During the first quarter of 2016, we finalized the valuation of the identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of the acquisition date resulting in an immaterial adjustment to accounts payable and goodwill.

3. GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS

Goodwill

As of December 31, 2017, we have recognized $9,077 of goodwill related to business acquisitions. All goodwill is assigned to our Domestic segment.

We perform a goodwill impairment analysis at least annually (in the fourth quarter of each year), unless indicators of impairment exist in interim periods. We performed a quantitative assessment to determine if it was more likely than not that the fair value of each of our reporting units with goodwill exceeded its carrying value. In making this assessment, we evaluated overall business and overall economic conditions since the date of our acquisitions as well as expectations of projected revenues and cash flows, assumptions impacting the weighted average cost of capital and overall global industry and market conditions.

We concluded that the fair value of the domestic reporting unit was in excess of its carrying value and goodwill was not impaired as of December 31, 2017.

Intangible Assets

The following table presents our intangible assets as of December 31, 2017:



	Gross Intangibles		Accumulated Amortization		Net Intangibles		Weighted Average Amortization Period (years)
Developed technology	$	390	$	231	$	159	2.15
Customer relationships	7,550		2,720		4,830		3.11
Trade name	1,050		482		568		2.24
	$	8,990	$	3,433	$	5,557	2.99

Amortization expense of intangible assets was $1,140, $1,150, and $852 for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. We estimated future amortization expense for the succeeding years relating to the intangible assets resulting from acquisitions as follows:



Year Ending December 31,	Amount
2018	$	1,140
2019	1,131
2020	1,128
2021	1,004
2022	862
Thereafter	292

We evaluated our intangible assets based on current economic and business indicators and determined they were not impaired

as of December 31, 2017.

4. IMPAIRMENT LOSSES AND RESTRUCTURING CHARGES

Impairment Losses

During the second quarter of 2017, we closed our facility in Tell City, Indiana. The closure resulted in the recognition of an impairment loss of $53 related to the disposal of certain assets.

During the fourth quarter of 2017, we evaluated certain equipment and recognized an impairment loss of $56 related to items that were no longer useful.

During 2015, we pursued opening additional capacity in our Nearshore segment. When it became evident that this additional capacity was not necessary, we recognized $323 of impairment losses related to certain assets we determined to be no longer

useful. In September 2016, we impaired the remaining value of the assets when we determined that we would not be able to sell them, resulting in an additional loss of $174.

During 2015, we terminated the lease on a portion of under-utilized space in the Offshore segment. As part of this transaction, we sold the assets that were occupying this space to the new lessee and recognized a gain on sale of $509, which is included in interest and other income (expense), net.

Restructuring Charges

The table below summarizes the balance of accrued restructuring costs by segment, which is included in other current liabilities in our consolidated balance sheets, and the changes during the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015:



	Facility-Related and Employee Related Costs
	Domestic		Nearshore		Offshore		Total
Balance as of January 1, 2015	96		9		—		105
Expense (reversal)	1,561		112		64		1,737
Payments, net of receipts for sublease	(855	)	(9	)	(64	)	(928	)
Balance as of December 31, 2015	802		112		—		914
Expense (reversal)	(129	)	25		—		(104	)
Payments, net of receipts for sublease	(673	)	(137	)	—		(810	)
Balance as of December 31, 2016	—		—		—		—
Expense (reversal)	411		—		—		411
Payments, net of receipts for sublease	(402	)	—		—		(402	)
Balance as of December 31, 2017	9		—		—		9

Domestic Segment

In 2017, we established restructuring reserves in our Tell City location for employee related costs of $262 when the decision was made and facility related costs of $97 at the time the facilities were vacated. We recognized $52 as incurred for certain expenses, and expect to pay the remaining accrued costs by the end of second quarter 2018.

In 2015, we decided to close facilities in Enid, Oklahoma, and Kansas City, Missouri, as well as Accent's former headquarters office in Jeffersonville, Indiana. In conjunction with the ACCENT acquisition, we also eliminated a number of positions that were considered redundant. We established restructuring reserves for employee related costs of $1,289 at the time the decisions were made, and facility related costs of $272 at the time the facilities were vacated. All costs were paid as of the end of 2016.

Nearshore Segment

During 2015, we pursued opening additional capacity in our nearshore segment. When it became evident that this additional capacity was not necessary, we decided to abandon the plan and establish a restructuring reserve of $112 for the remaining facility costs. All costs were paid as of the end of 2016.

Offshore Segment

During 2015, we continued to pursue operating efficiencies through streamlining our organizational structure and leveraging our shared services centers in low-cost regions. We eliminated several positions as a result and incurred restructuring charges of $64. We paid all of these costs in 2015 and the restructuring plan is complete.

IT Transformation

During the third quarter 2015, we completed our initiative to outsource our data centers and move to a hosted solutions model. We recognized $1,461 and $1,704 as incurred, on this project in 2015 and 2014, respectively.

5. NET INCOME (LOSS) PER SHARE

Basic net income (loss) per common share is computed based on our weighted average number of common shares outstanding. Diluted earnings per share is computed based on our weighted average number of common shares outstanding plus the effect of dilutive stock options, non-vested restricted stock, and deferred stock units, using the treasury stock method.

When a net loss is reported, potentially issuable common shares are excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share as their effect would be anti-dilutive.

The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted shares for the periods indicated (in thousands):



	Twelve Months Ended December 31,
	2017	2016		2015
Shares used in basic earnings per share calculation:	15,966	15,731	15,731	15,529
Effect of dilutive securities:
Stock options	—	455		—
Restricted stock/Deferred stock units	—	72		—
Total effects of dilutive securities	—	527		—
Shares used in dilutive earnings per share calculation:	15,966	16,258		15,529

The following shares were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share because the exercise price exceeded the value of the shares, or we reported a net loss, and the effect would have been anti-dilutive (in thousands):



	Twelve Months Ended December 31,
	2017	2016	2015
Anti-dilutive securities:
Stock options	2,322	83	2,405
Restricted stock/Deferred stock units	50	1	9
Total anti-dilutive securities	2,372	84	2,414

6. PRINCIPAL CLIENTS

The following table represents revenue concentration of our principal clients:



	Year Ended December 31,
	2017				2016				2015
	Revenue		Percentage		Revenue		Percentage		Revenue		Percentage
T-Mobile	$	88,975	30.4	%	$	74,686	24.3	%	$	69,427	24.6	%
Sprint	$	29,732	10.2	%	$	45,137	14.7	%	$	25,422	9.0	%
AT&T	$	29,184