UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-K
ý ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended: December 30, 2018
or
¨ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
Commission File Number: 001-14543
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TrueBlue, Inc.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
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Washington | | 91-1287341 |
(State of incorporation) | | (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) |
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1015 A Street, Tacoma, Washington | | 98402 |
(Address of principal executive offices) | | (Zip Code) |
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (253) 383-9101
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Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
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Title of each class | | Name of each exchange on which registered |
Common Stock no par value | | The New York Stock Exchange |
Securities registered under 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 ý No ¨
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 ¨ No ý
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 ý No ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). Yes ý No ¨
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (§ 229.405 of this chapter) is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of 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. ý
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. |
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Large accelerated filer | x | Accelerated filer | ¨ | Non-accelerated filer | ¨ | |
Smaller reporting company | ¨ | Emerging growth company | ¨ | | | |
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ¨
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). Yes ¨ No ý
As of July 1, 2018, the aggregate market value (based on the NYSE quoted closing price) of the common stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant was approximately $1.1 billion.
As of January 31, 2019, there were 40,074,000 shares of the registrant’s common stock outstanding.
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
The information required by Part III of this report is incorporated by reference from the registrant’s definitive proxy statement relating to the Annual Meeting of Shareholders scheduled to be held May 15, 2019, which will be filed no later than 120 days after the end of the fiscal year to which this report relates.
TrueBlue, Inc.
Table of Contents
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PART I |
Item 1. | | |
Item 1A. | | |
Item 1B. | | |
Item 2. | | |
Item 3. | | |
Item 4. | | |
PART II |
Item 5. | | |
Item 6. | | |
Item 7. | | |
Item 7A. | | |
Item 8. | | |
Item 9. | | |
Item 9A. | | |
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Item 9B. | | |
PART III |
Item 10. | | |
Item 11. | | |
Item 12. | | |
Item 13. | | |
Item 14. | | |
PART IV |
Item 15. | | |
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PART I
COMMENT ON FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS
Certain statements in this Form 10-K, other than purely historical information, including estimates, projections, statements relating to our business plans, objectives and expected operating results, and the assumptions upon which those statements are based, are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, and future events and circumstances could differ significantly from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements generally are identified by the words “believe,” “project,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “intend,” “strategy,” “future,” “opportunity,” “goal,” “plan,” “may,” “should,” “will,” “would,” “will be,” “will continue,” “will likely result,” and similar expressions. Forward-looking statements are based on current expectations and assumptions that are subject to risks and uncertainties which may cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in our forward-looking statements, including the risks and uncertainties described in “Risk Factors” (Part I, Item 1A of this Form 10-K), “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk” (Part II, Item 7A of this Form 10-K), and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis” (Part II, Item 7 of this Form 10-K). We undertake no duty to update or revise publicly any of the forward-looking statements after the date of this report, to conform such statements to actual results or to changes in our expectations, whether because of new information, future events, or otherwise.
OUR COMPANY
TrueBlue, Inc. (the “company,” “TrueBlue,” “we,” “us” and “our”) is a leading provider of specialized workforce solutions that help clients achieve growth and improve productivity. We connected approximately 730,000 people with work during fiscal 2018, and served approximately 151,000 clients in a wide variety of industries through our PeopleReady segment which offers industrial staffing services, our PeopleManagement segment which offers contingent and productivity-based on-site industrial staffing services, and our PeopleScout segment which offers recruitment process outsourcing (“RPO”) and managed service provider (“MSP”) services. We are headquartered in Tacoma, Washington.
We began operations in 1989, specializing in on-demand general labor staffing services with the objective of providing clients with talent and flexible workforce solutions to enhance the performance of their businesses. We expanded our on-demand, general labor staffing services through organic geographic expansion throughout the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico. Commencing in 2004, we began expanding through acquisitions to provide a full range of blue-collar staffing solutions, and to help our clients be more productive with a reliable contingent labor workforce and rapidly respond to changing business needs. Commencing in 2014, we expanded through acquisitions to provide complementary outsourced service offerings in permanent employment RPO and employer recruitment branding services, as well as outsourced management of client’s contingent labor vendors.
BUSINESS OVERVIEW
We report our business as three distinct reportable segments described below and in Note 17: Segment Information, to our consolidated financial statements found in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
PeopleReady provides access to reliable workers in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico through a wide range of staffing solutions for on-demand contingent general and skilled labor. PeopleReady connects people to work in a broad range of industries that include construction, manufacturing and logistics, warehousing and distribution, waste and recycling, energy, retail, hospitality, and others.
PeopleReady helped approximately 150,000 clients in fiscal 2018 to be more productive by providing easy access to dependable, blue-collar contingent labor. Through our PeopleReady service line, we connected approximately 310,000 people with work in fiscal 2018. We have a network of 620 branches across all 50 states, Canada and Puerto Rico. Complementing our branch network is our mobile application, JobStackTM, which algorithmically connects workers with jobs, creates a virtual exchange between our workers and clients, and allows our branch resources to expand their recruiting and sales efforts and service delivery. JobStack is increasing the competitive differentiation of our services, expanding our reach into new demographics, and improving both service delivery and work order fill rates.
PeopleManagement provides contingent and productivity-based on-site industrial workforce solutions. In comparison with PeopleReady, services are larger in scale, longer in duration, and provided at the client’s facility.
We use the following distinct brands to market our PeopleManagement contingent workforce solutions:
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• | Staff Management | SMX specializes in exclusive outsourced recruitment and on-premise management of the entire facility’s contingent industrial workforce, full shifts or complete functions of the industrial operations. We work closely with on-site management as an integral part of the production and logistics process. We provide scalable solutions to meet the volume requirements in labor-intensive manufacturing, warehousing and logistics. On-premise staffing is large-scale sourcing, screening, recruiting and management of the contingent workforce at a client’s facility in order to achieve faster hiring, lower total cost of workforce, increased safety and compliance, improved retention, greater volume flexibility, and enhanced strategic decision-making through robust reporting and analytics. Client contracts are generally multi-year in duration and pricing is typically based on an hourly rate per contingent worker. Pricing is impacted by factors such as geography, volume, job type, and degree of recruiting difficulty; |
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• | SIMOS Insourcing Solutions (“SIMOS”) specializes in exclusive outsourced recruitment and on-premise management of the entire warehouse operations or parts of warehouse operations in order to reduce costs and improve performance. SIMOS systematically analyzes and improves business processes in a client’s facilities and manages the contingent workforce with incentives to drive performance improvements in cost, quality and on-time delivery. Our unique productivity model incorporates fixed price-per-unit solutions to drive client value. Additionally, our continuous analysis and improvement of processes and incentive pay drives workforce efficiency, reduces costs, lowers risk of injury and damage, and improves productivity and service levels; |
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• | Centerline Drivers (“Centerline”) specializes in providing dedicated and temporary truck drivers to the transportation and distribution industries. Centerline delivers compliant drivers specifically matched to each client’s needs, allowing them to improve productivity, control costs and deliver improved service. |
Effective March 12, 2018, we divested the PlaneTechs business. For additional information, see Note 3: Acquisitions and Divestiture, to our consolidated financial statements found in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
PeopleScout provides permanent employee RPO for our clients. Our RPO solution serves many major industries and job types. Our RPO solution delivers improved talent quality and candidate experience, faster hiring, increased scalability, reduced turnover, lower cost of recruitment, greater flexibility, and increased compliance. We leverage our proprietary AffinixTM technology platform for sourcing, screening and delivering a permanent workforce, along with dedicated service delivery teams to work as an integrated partner with our clients in providing end-to-end talent acquisition services from employer branding, to candidate sourcing and engagement, through onboarding employees. Our solution is highly scalable and flexible, allowing for outsourcing of all or a subset of skill categories across recruitment marketing and a series of recruitment processes and onboarding steps. Client contracts are generally multi-year in duration and pricing is typically composed of a fee for each hire and talent consulting fees. Pricing is impacted by factors such as geography, volume, job type, degree of recruiting difficulty, and the scope of outsourced recruitment and employer branding services included.
PeopleScout also includes our MSP business which manages our clients’ contingent labor programs including vendor selection, performance management, compliance monitoring and risk management. As the client’s exclusive MSP, we have dedicated service delivery teams which work as an integrated partner with our client to increase the productivity of their contingent workforce program.
Effective June 12, 2018, we acquired TMP Holdings LTD (“TMP”) through our PeopleScout subsidiary. Accordingly, the results associated with the acquisition are included in our PeopleScout operating segment. TMP is a mid-sized RPO and employer branding practice operating in the United Kingdom, which is the second largest RPO market in the world. This acquisition increases our ability to win multi-continent engagements by adding a physical presence in Europe, referenceable clients and employer branding capabilities. For additional information, see Note 3: Acquisitions and Divestiture, to our consolidated financial statements found in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
INDUSTRY AND MARKET DYNAMICS
The staffing industry, which includes our PeopleReady and PeopleManagement services, supplies contingent workforce solutions to minimize the cost and effort of hiring and managing permanent employees. This allows for rapid response to changes in business conditions through the ability to replace absent employees, fill new positions, and convert fixed or permanent labor costs to variable costs. Staffing companies act as intermediaries in matching available temporary workers to employer work assignments. The work assignments vary widely in duration, skill level, and required experience. The staffing industry is large and highly fragmented with many competing companies. No single company has a dominant share of the industry. Staffing companies compete both to recruit and retain a supply of temporary workers, and to attract and retain clients who will employ these workers. Client demand for contingent staffing services is dependent on the overall strength of the economy and workforce flexibility trends. This creates volatility for the staffing industry based on overall economic conditions. Historically, in periods of economic growth, the number of companies providing contingent workforce solutions has increased due to low barriers to entry whereas during recessionary periods, the number of companies has decreased through consolidation, bankruptcies, or other events.
Our solutions address the following key trends contributing to anticipated staffing growth:
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• | Workforce flexibility: The staffing industry continues to experience increased demand in relation to total job growth as demand for a flexible workforce continues to grow with competitive and economic pressures to reduce costs, meet dynamic seasonal demands, and respond to rapidly changing market conditions. |
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• | Workforce productivity: Companies are under increasing competitive pressures to improve productivity through workforce solutions that improve performance. |
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• | Worker preferences and access to talent: Workers are demanding more flexibility in how, when and where they work as well as access to contingent work opportunities through mobile technology. Baby boomers are leaving the workforce and leaving a talent shortage in what have traditionally been blue-collar trades. The remaining workers are in greater demand and have more power to find the employment situation they want or stay busy working on a contingent basis. |
The human resource outsourcing industry involves transitioning various functions handled by internal human resources and labor procurement to outside service providers on a permanent or project basis. Human resource departments are faced with increasingly complex operational and regulatory requirements, a tightening labor market, increased candidate expectations, an expanding talent technology landscape, and pressure to achieve efficiencies, which increase the need to migrate non-core functions to outsourced providers. The human resource outsourcing industry includes RPO and MSP solutions which allow clients to more effectively find and engage high-quality talent, leverage talent acquisition technology, and scale their talent acquisition function to keep pace with changing business needs. PeopleScout is a leader in RPO and MSP services, which are in the early stages of their adoption cycles, and therefore, we believe they continue to have significant growth potential.
Our solutions address the following key trends contributing to anticipated RPO growth:
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• | Talent access and engagement: As competition for qualified candidates increases, clients are relying on RPO providers to elevate the employer brand, build talent communities, create a world class candidate experience, leverage innovative talent technology, and facilitate effective recruitment marketing and candidate communication strategies. |
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• | Leveraging talent acquisition technology: Automation, artificial intelligence and machine learning are transforming talent acquisition, and the fragmented talent technology ecosystem is becoming more crowded, with significant investments flowing in and new technology coming online rapidly. RPO providers are continuously identifying, evaluating and investing in new technology to leverage as part of their talent technology stack to best meet today’s candidate’s expectations of a personalized, mobile-optimized and efficient hiring process. RPO providers are uniquely positioned to successfully integrate and deploy new talent technology based on the volume of candidate engagements they manage and their understanding of the talent landscape, thereby reducing the investments required to be made by clients. |
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• | Scalability: RPO providers can add significant scalability to a company’s recruiting and hiring efforts, including accommodating seasonal, project or peak hiring needs without sacrificing quality. Providers also help clients increase efficiency and drive better performance by standardizing processes and reducing time to fill and onboard the best fit talent into a client’s organization, and enabling clients to focus on their core business. |
Our solutions address the following key trends contributing to anticipated MSP growth:
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• | Vendor consolidation and cost savings: As an organization’s spend on contingent workforce rises, it becomes increasingly interested in reducing the administrative burden of managing multiple outside vendors, having consistency among contractors and processes, and maintaining robust performance tracking and analytics. Vendor consolidation can achieve significant efficiencies through enhanced scale and cost advantages such as single point of contact, standardized contracts, and consolidated invoicing and reporting. |
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• | Access to talent: An MSP solution allows a company access to a large variety of staffing vendors with the efficiency of working with one supplier. An MSP can access numerous vendors to find the best talent at the best price more quickly, thereby delivering a better outcome for the client. |
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• | Compliance pressure: Demand for temporary employee sourcing and workforce vendor management solutions is driven by increasing work eligibility legislation and compliance monitoring to ensure correct worker classification in order to properly address tax withholding, overtime, Social Security, unemployment and health care obligations to avoid government penalties and lawsuits. |
BUSINESS STRATEGY
Market leadership through organic growth of our specialized workforce solutions
Our clients have a variety of challenges in running their businesses, many of which are unique to the industries in which they operate, their competitive pressures, and business performance. We are industry leaders dedicated to staffing solutions tailored to our clients’ needs and the industries in which they operate. Our differentiated solutions keep pace with their changing needs and are as follows:
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• | We will continue to evaluate opportunities to expand our market presence for specialized blue-collar staffing services and expand our geographical reach through new physical locations, expand use of existing locations to provide the full range of blue-collar staffing services, and dispatch of our temporary workers to areas without branches. Continued investment in specialized sales, recruiting and service expertise will create a more seamless experience for our clients to access all of our services with more comprehensive solutions to enhance their performance and our growth. Our service lines offer complementary workforce solutions with unique value propositions to meet our clients’ demand for talent. |
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• | We will continue to invest in technology that increases our ability to attract more clients and employees as well as reduce the cost of delivering our services. We are committed to leveraging technology to improve the temporary worker and client experience. Our technological innovation makes it easier for our clients to do business with us and easier to connect workers to work opportunities. We are making significant investments in online and mobile applications to improve the access, speed and ease of connecting our clients with both high-quality temporary and permanent employee workforce solutions. |
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◦ | We introduced our mobile application, JobStack, and completed the roll out to our temporary workers in 2017. We rolled out JobStack to our clients in 2018 and now over 30% of all PeopleReady jobs are filled through JobStack. This has created a virtual exchange between our workers and clients, which allows our branch resources to expand their recruiting and sales efforts and service delivery. JobStack is increasing the competitive differentiation of our services, expanding our reach into new demographics, and improving both service delivery and work order fill rates. We will be adding functionality to further enhance both client and associate retention. |
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◦ | We introduced a mobile-first, cloud-based proprietary platform, Affinix, in 2017 for sourcing, screening and delivering a permanent workforce. Affinix creates a consumer-like candidate experience and streamlines the sourcing process. Affinix delivers speed and scalability while leveraging recruitment marketing, machine learning, predictive analytics and other emerging technology to make the end-to-end process seamless for the candidate. |
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• | We are well positioned for growth by providing our clients with the talent and flexible workforce solutions they need to enhance business performance. With growing demand for improved productivity and accessing temporary workers, our clients are looking for a full range of workforce services. |
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• | We are recognized as an industry leader for RPO services. The RPO industry is in the early stages of its adoption cycle, and therefore, we believe it has significant growth potential. The success of early adopters is generating greater opportunity to expand our service offering. We have a differentiated service that leverages innovative technology for high-volume sourcing and dedicated client service teams for connecting people to opportunities. We have a track record of helping our clients reduce the cost of hiring, add significant scalability to recruiting and hiring, and access numerous sources to prospect for the best talent quickly, thereby delivering a better outcome for the client. Companies are facing rapidly changing employment demographics, a shortage of talent, and dynamic changes to how people connect to work opportunities. Our solution addresses these growing challenges. We expanded our services with the TMP acquisition. TMP is a mid-sized RPO and employer branding practice operating in the United Kingdom, which is the second largest RPO market in the world. This acquisition increases our ability to win multi-continent engagements by adding a physical presence in Europe, referenceable clients, and employer branding capabilities. |
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• | Our MSP solution is focused on domestic middle-market companies with a growing dependence on contingent labor. Our managed service provider solutions have enabled our clients to efficiently source, engage, fulfill, measure and manage all categories of contingent and externally sourced labor. We believe our MSP solution is uniquely positioned to manage the full range of our clients’ labor needs. |
Growth through strategic acquisitions
Strategic acquisitions continue to be a key growth strategy with a focus on globalizing our RPO services. We believe we have a core competence in assessing, valuing and integrating acquisitions culminating in higher shareholder returns. We are excited about the future of human resource outsourcing and believe we can continue to create shareholder value through acquisitions, which expand our service offerings in high-growth markets, enhance our use of technology to better serve our clients, and increase our own efficiency.
CLIENTS
Our clients range from small and medium-sized businesses to Fortune 100 companies.
During fiscal 2018, we served approximately 151,000 clients in industries including construction, energy, manufacturing, warehousing and distribution, waste and recycling, energy, transportation, retail, hospitality, general labor, and many more. Our ten largest clients accounted for 16.1% of total revenue for fiscal 2018, 17.6% for fiscal 2017 and 19.9% for fiscal 2016. Our single largest client for fiscal 2018 accounted for 2.9% of total company revenue.
No single client represented more than 10.0% of total company revenue for fiscal 2018, 2017 or 2016.
EMPLOYEES
As of December 30, 2018, we employed approximately 6,700 full-time equivalent employees.
TEMPORARY WORKERS
We recruit temporary workers daily so that we can be responsive to the planned and unplanned needs of the clients we serve. We attract our pool of temporary workers through our proprietary mobile applications, online resources, extensive internal databases, advertising, job fairs and various other methods. We identify the skills, knowledge, abilities and personal characteristics of a temporary worker and match their competencies and capabilities to a client’s requirements. This enables our clients to obtain immediate value by placing a highly productive employee on the job site. We use a variety of proprietary programs and methods for identifying and assessing the skill level of our temporary workers when selecting a particular individual for a specific assignment and retaining those workers for future assignments. We believe that our programs and methods enable us to offer a higher quality of service by increasing productivity, decreasing turnover, reducing absenteeism, and improving worker safety.
We provide a bridge to permanent, full-time employment for thousands of temporary workers each year. Workers also come to us because of the flexibility we offer to fill a short-term financial need and/or provide longer-term contingent flexible labor opportunities. Workers may be assigned to different jobs and job sites, and their assignments could last for as little as a few hours or extend for several weeks or months. We provide our workers meaningful work and the opportunity to improve their skills. We are considered the legal employer of our workers, and laws regulating the employment relationship are applicable to our operations. We consider our relations with our temporary workers to be good.
We remain focused and committed to worker safety. We have developed an integrated risk management program that focuses on loss analysis, education and safety improvement programs to reduce our operational costs and risk exposure. We regularly analyze our workers’ compensation claims to identify trends. This allows us to focus our resources on those areas that may have the greatest impact on us, price our services appropriately, and adjust our sales and operational approach in these areas. We have also developed educational materials for distribution to our clients and workers to address specific safety risks unique to their industry.
COMPETITION
Contingent staffing services
The strongest staffing services competitor in a particular market is a company with established relationships and a track record of meeting the client’s needs. We compete with other large publicly-held staffing companies as well as privately-owned staffing companies on a national, regional and local level. We also experience competition from internet-based companies providing a variety of flexible workforce solutions. Competition exists in attracting clients as well as qualified temporary workers for our clients. No single company has a dominant share of the industry. Competitive forces have historically limited our ability to raise our prices to immediately and fully offset increased costs of doing business, some of which include increased temporary worker wages, costs for workers’ compensation, unemployment insurance and health care.
The most significant competitive factors are price, ability to promptly fill client orders, success in meeting clients’ expectations of recruiting temporary workers, and appropriately addressing client service issues. We believe we derive a competitive advantage from our service history and our specialized approach in serving the industries of our clients. Our national presence, industry specialization, investment in technology, and proprietary systems and processes, together with specialized programs focused on worker safety, risk management, and legal and regulatory compliance are key differentiators from many of our competitors.
Human resource outsourcing
The strongest competitors are companies specializing in RPO services and business process outsourcing companies that also offer RPO services. No one provider dominates the market. Competition also includes internal human resource departments that have not or are not considering outsourcing. The most significant competitive factors for RPO services are the ability to reduce client cost by deploying an RPO solution and reducing the internal human resource cost structure of our clients. Important factors for success in RPO services include the ability to add significant scalability to a client’s recruiting and hiring efforts, including accommodating seasonal and irregular hiring; the ability to increase efficiency by standardizing processes and facilitating transitions for candidates and employees; and the ability to source the most attractive talent at the best price. Our tailored solutions, client partnership, proprietary technology and service delivery are key differentiators from many of our competitors.
CYCLICAL AND SEASONAL NATURE OF OUR BUSINESS
The workforce solutions business has historically been cyclical, often acting as an indicator of both economic downturns and upswings. Clients tend to use temporary workers to supplement their existing workforce and generally hire permanent workers when long-term demand is expected to increase. As a consequence, our revenues tend to increase quickly when the economy begins to grow. Conversely, our revenues also decrease quickly when the economy begins to weaken and thus temporary staff positions are eliminated, permanent hiring is frozen, and turnover replacement diminishes.
Our business experiences seasonal fluctuations for contingent staffing services. Demand is lower during the first and second quarters, in part due to limitations to outside work during the winter months and slowdown in manufacturing and logistics after the holiday season. Our working capital requirements are primarily driven by temporary worker payroll and client accounts receivable. Since receipts from clients lag payroll to temporary workers, working capital requirements increase substantially in periods of growth. Demand for contingent labor peaks during the third quarter for outdoor work and the fourth quarter for manufacturing, assembly, warehousing, distribution and logistics for the holiday season.
REGULATION
Our services are subject to a variety of complex federal and state laws and regulations. We continuously monitor legislation and regulatory changes for their potential effect on our business. We invest in technology and process improvements to implement required changes while minimizing the impact to our operating efficiency and effectiveness. Regulatory cost increases are passed through to our clients to the fullest extent possible.
FINANCIAL INFORMATION ABOUT GEOGRAPHIC AREAS
For information regarding revenue from operations and long-lived assets by domestic and foreign operations, please refer to the information presented in Note 17: Segment Information, to our consolidated financial statements found in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
AVAILABLE INFORMATION
Our Annual Report on Form 10-K, along with all other reports and amendments filed with or furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), are publicly available, free of charge, on our website at www.trueblue.com as soon as reasonably practicable after such reports are filed with, or furnished to, the SEC. Our Corporate Governance Guidelines, Code of Business Conduct and Ethics and Board Committee Charters are also posted to our website. The information on our website is not part of this or any other report we file with, or furnish to, the SEC.
Investing in our securities involves risk. The following risk factors and all other information set forth in this Annual Report on Form 10-K should be considered in evaluating our future prospects. If any of the events described below occur, our business, financial condition, results of operations, liquidity, or access to the capital markets could be materially and adversely affected.
Demand for our workforce solutions is significantly affected by fluctuations in general economic conditions.
The demand for workforce solutions is highly dependent upon the state of the economy and upon the workforce needs of our clients, which creates uncertainty and volatility. National and global economic activity can be slowed by many factors, including rising interest rates and global trade uncertainties. As economic activity slows, companies tend to reduce their use of temporary workers and reduce their recruitment of new employees. Significant declines in demand of any region or industry in which we have a major presence may severely reduce the demand for our services and thereby significantly decrease our revenues and profits. Deterioration in economic conditions or the financial or credit markets could also have an adverse impact on our clients’ ability to pay for services we have already provided.
It is difficult for us to forecast future demand for our services due to the inherent uncertainty in forecasting the direction and strength of economic cycles and the project nature of our staffing assignments. The uncertainty can be exacerbated by volatile economic conditions, which may cause clients to reduce or defer projects for which they utilize our services. The negative impact to our business can occur before a decline in economic activity is seen in the broader economy. When it is difficult for us to accurately forecast future demand, we may not be able to determine the optimal level of personnel and investment necessary to profitably take advantage of growth opportunities.
We may be unable to attract sufficient qualified candidates to meet the needs of our clients.
We compete to meet our clients’ needs for workforce solutions and, therefore, we must continually attract qualified candidates to fill positions. Attracting qualified candidates depends on factors such as desirability of the assignment, location, and the associated wages and other benefits. We have experienced shortages of qualified candidates and we may experience such shortages in the future. Further, if there is a shortage, the cost to employ or recruit these individuals could increase. If we are unable to pass those costs through to our clients, it could materially and adversely affect our business. Organized labor periodically engages in efforts to represent various groups of our temporary workers. If we are subject to unreasonable collective bargaining agreements or work disruptions, our business could be adversely affected.
We may not achieve the intended effects of our business strategy which could negatively impact our results.
Our business strategy focuses on driving growth in our PeopleReady, PeopleManagement and PeopleScout business lines by investing in innovative technology, acquisitions, and initiatives which drive organic growth. Our investments and acquisitions may not achieve our desired returns and the results of our initiatives may not be as expected or may be impacted by matters outside of our control. If we are unsuccessful in executing any of these strategies, we may not achieve our goal of revenue and profitability growth, which could negatively impact financial results.
Our workforce solutions are subject to extensive government regulation and the imposition of additional regulations, which could materially harm our future earnings.
Our workforce solutions are subject to extensive government regulation. The cost to comply, and any inability to comply with government regulation, could have a material adverse effect on our business and financial results. Increases or changes in government regulation of the workplace or of the employer-employee relationship, or judicial or administrative proceedings related to such regulation, could materially harm our business.
Our temporary staffing services employ temporary workers. The wage rates we pay to temporary workers are based on many factors including government-mandated minimum wage requirements, payroll-related taxes and benefits. If we are not able to increase the fees charged to clients to absorb any increased costs related to these factors, our results of operations and financial condition could be adversely affected.
We offer our temporary workers in the United States government-mandated health insurance in compliance with the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010 (collectively, the “ACA”). Because the requirements, regulations, and interpretations of the ACA may change, the ultimate financial effect of the ACA is not yet known, and changes in its requirements and interpretations could increase or change our costs. In addition, because of the uncertainty surrounding a potential repeal or replacement of the ACA, we cannot predict with any certainty the likely impact of the ACA’s repeal or the adoption of any other health care reform legislation on our financial condition or operating results. Whether or not there is a change in health care legislation in the United States, there is likely to be significant disruption to the health care market in the future, and the costs of our health care expenditures may increase. If we are unable to comply with changes to the ACA, or any future health care legislation in the United States, or sufficiently raise the rates we charge our clients to cover any additional costs, such noncompliance or increases in costs could materially harm our business.
We may incur employment related claims and costs that could materially harm our business.
We are in the business of employing people in the workplaces of our clients. We incur a risk of liability for claims for personal injury, wage and hour violations, immigration, discrimination, harassment, and other liabilities arising from the actions of our clients and/or temporary workers. Some or all of these claims may give rise to negative publicity, litigation, settlements, or investigations. We may incur costs, charges or other material adverse impacts on our financial statements for the period in which the effect of an unfavorable final outcome becomes probable and can be reasonably estimated.
We maintain insurance with respect to some potential claims and costs with deductibles. We cannot be certain that our insurance will be available, or if available, will be in sufficient amount or scope to cover all claims that may be asserted against us. Should the ultimate judgments or settlements exceed our insurance coverage, they could have a material effect on our business. We cannot be certain we will be able to obtain appropriate types or levels of insurance in the future, that adequate replacement policies will be available on acceptable terms, or at all, or that our insurance providers will be able to pay claims we make under such policies.
We are dependent on workers’ compensation insurance coverage at commercially reasonable terms. Unexpected changes in claim trends on our workers’ compensation may negatively impact our financial condition.
Our temporary staffing services employ workers for which we provide workers’ compensation insurance. Our workers’ compensation insurance policies are renewed annually. The majority of our insurance policies are with AIG. Our insurance carriers require us to collateralize a significant portion of our workers’ compensation obligation. The majority of collateral is held in trust by a third-party for the payment of these claims. The loss or decline in value of the collateral could require us to seek additional sources of capital to pay our workers’ compensation claims. We cannot be certain we will be able to obtain appropriate types or levels of insurance in the future or that adequate replacement policies will be available on acceptable terms. As our business grows or if our financial results deteriorate, the amount of collateral required will likely increase and the timing of providing collateral could be accelerated. Resources to meet these requirements may not be available. The loss of our workers’ compensation insurance coverage would prevent us from operating as a staffing services business in the majority of our markets. Further, we cannot be certain that our current and former insurance carriers will be able to pay claims we make under such policies.
We self-insure, or otherwise bear financial responsibility for, a significant portion of expected losses under our workers’ compensation program. Unexpected changes in claim trends, including the severity and frequency of claims, changes in state laws regarding benefit levels and allowable claims, actuarial estimates, or medical cost inflation, could result in costs that are significantly different than initially reported. There can be no assurance that we will be able to increase the fees charged to our clients in a timely manner and in a sufficient amount to cover increased costs as a result of any changes in claims-related liabilities.
We actively manage the safety of our temporary workers with our safety programs and actively control costs with our network of workers’ compensation related service providers. These activities have had a positive impact creating favorable adjustments to workers’ compensation liabilities recorded in prior periods. The benefit of these adjustments are likely to decline and there can be no assurance that we will be able to continue to reduce accident rates and control costs to produce these results in the future.
We operate in a highly competitive industry and may be unable to retain clients or market share.
Our industry is highly competitive and rapidly innovating, with low barriers to entry. We compete in global, national, regional and local markets with full-service and specialized temporary staffing companies as well as business process outsourcing companies that also offer our services. Our competitors offer a variety of flexible workforce solutions. Therefore, there is no assurance that we will be able to retain clients or market share in the future, nor can there be any assurance that we will, in light of competitive pressures, be able to remain profitable or maintain our current profit margins.
Advances in technology may disrupt the labor and recruiting markets.
We expect the increased use of internet-based and mobile technology will attract additional technology-oriented companies and resources to the staffing industry. Our candidates and clients increasingly demand technological innovation to improve the access to and delivery of our services. Our clients increasingly rely on automation, artificial intelligence and other new technologies to reduce their dependence on labor needs, which may reduce demand for our services and impact our operations. We face extensive pressure for lower prices and new service offerings and must continue to invest in and implement new technology and industry developments in order to remain relevant to our clients and candidates. If we are unable to do so, our business and results of operations may decline materially.
We are at risk of damage to our brands and reputation, which is important to our success.
Our ability to attract and retain clients, temporary workers, candidates, and employees is affected by external perceptions of our brands and reputation. Negative perceptions or publicity could damage our reputation with current or perspective clients and employees. Negative perceptions or publicity regarding our vendors, clients, or business partners may adversely affect our brand and reputation. We may not be successful in detecting, preventing, or negating all changes in or impacts upon our reputation.
Our level of debt and restrictions in our credit agreement could negatively affect our operations and limit our liquidity and our ability to react to changes in the economy.
Extensions of credit under our credit agreement (“Revolving Credit Facility”) are limited. Our Revolving Credit Facility contains restrictive covenants that require us to maintain certain financial conditions. Our failure to comply with these restrictive covenants could result in an event of default, which, if not cured or waived, could result in our being required to repay these borrowings before their due date. We may not have sufficient funds on hand to repay these loans, and if we are forced to refinance these borrowings on less favorable terms, or are unable to refinance at all, our results of operations and financial condition could be materially adversely affected by increased costs and rates.
Our principal sources of liquidity are funds generated from operating activities, available cash and cash equivalents, and borrowings under our Revolving Credit Facility. We must have sufficient sources of liquidity to meet our working capital requirements, fund our workers’ compensation collateral requirements, service our outstanding indebtedness, and finance investment opportunities. Without sufficient liquidity, we could be forced to curtail our operations or we may not be able to pursue promising business opportunities.
Our debt levels could have significant consequences for the operation of our business including: requiring us to dedicate a significant portion of our cash flow from operations to servicing our debt rather than using it for our operations; limiting our ability to obtain additional debt financing for future working capital, capital expenditures, or other corporate purposes; limiting our ability to take advantage of significant business opportunities, such as acquisition opportunities; limiting our ability to react to changes in market or industry conditions; and putting us at a disadvantage compared to competitors with less debt.
The loss of, or substantial decline in revenue from, larger clients could have a material adverse effect on our revenues, profitability and liquidity.
We experience revenue concentration with large clients. Generally our contracts do not contain guarantees of minimum duration, revenue levels, or profitability and our clients may terminate their contracts or materially reduce their requested levels of service at any time. The loss of, or reduced demand for our services from, larger clients has had, and in the future could have, a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. In addition, client concentration exposes us to concentrated credit risk, as a significant portion of our accounts receivable may be from a small number of clients. If we are unable to collect our receivables or are required to take additional reserves, our results and cash flows will be adversely affected.
Failure of our information technology systems could adversely affect our operating results.
The efficient operation of our business is dependent on our information technology systems. We rely on our information technology systems to monitor and control our operations, adjust to changing market conditions, implement strategic initiatives, and provide services to clients. We rely heavily on proprietary and third-party information technology systems, mobile device technology and related services, and other technology, which may not yield the intended results. Our systems may experience problems with functionality and associated delays. The failure of our systems to perform as anticipated could disrupt our business and could result in decreased revenue and increased overhead costs, causing our business and results of operations to suffer materially.
Our information technology systems may need to be updated or replaced.
We occasionally implement, modify, retire and change our systems. For example, we are in the process of implementing new cloud-based enterprise resource planning and human capital management systems in 2019. These changes to our information technology systems may be disruptive, take longer than desired, be more expensive than anticipated, be distracting to management, or fail, causing our business and results of operations to suffer materially.
The improper disclosure of, or access to, our confidential and/or proprietary information, or a failure to adequately protect this information, could materially harm our business.
Our business requires the use, processing, and storage of confidential information about applicants, candidates, temporary workers, other employees and clients. We experience cyberattacks, computer viruses, social engineering schemes and other means of unauthorized access to our systems. The security controls over sensitive or confidential information and other practices we and our third-party vendors follow may not prevent the improper access to, disclosure of, or loss of such information. We may fail to implement practices and procedures that comply with increasing international and domestic privacy regulations, such as the General Data Protection Regulations or the California Consumer Privacy Act. Failure to protect the integrity and security of such confidential and/or proprietary information could expose us to regulatory fines, litigation, contractual liability, damage to our reputation and increased compliance costs.
A data breach, or improper disclosure of, or access to our clients’ information could materially harm our business.
Our temporary workers and employees may have access to or exposure to confidential information about applicants, candidates, temporary workers, other employees and clients. The security controls over sensitive or confidential information and other practices we, clients and our third-party vendors follow may not prevent the improper access to, disclosure of, or loss of such information. Failure to protect the integrity and security of such confidential and/or proprietary information could expose us to regulatory fines, litigation, contractual liability, damage to our reputation and increased compliance costs.
Our facilities, operations and information technology systems are vulnerable to damage and interruption.
Our primary computer systems, headquarters, support facilities and operations are vulnerable to damage or interruption from power outages, computer and telecommunications failures, computer viruses, employee errors, security breaches, natural disasters and catastrophic events. Failure of our systems or damage to our facilities may cause significant interruption to our business, and require significant additional capital and management resources to resolve, causing material harm to our business.
Acquisitions and new business initiatives may have an adverse effect on our business.
We expect to continue making acquisitions, adjusting the composition of our business lines, and entering into new business initiatives as part of our business strategy. This strategy may be impeded, however, and we may not achieve our long-term growth goals if we cannot identify suitable acquisition candidates or new business initiatives, or if acquisition candidates are not available under acceptable terms.
Future acquisitions could result in incurring additional debt and contingent liabilities, an increase in interest expense, amortization expense, and charges related to integration costs. Additional indebtedness could also include covenants or other restrictions that would impede our ability to manage our operations. We may also issue equity securities to pay for an acquisition, which could result in dilution to our shareholders. Any acquisitions we announce could be viewed negatively by investors, which may adversely affect the price of our common stock.
New business initiatives and changes in the composition of our business mix can be distracting to our management and disruptive to our operations, causing our business and results of operations to suffer materially. We may have difficulty managing growth or integrating acquired companies into our operating, financial planning, and financial reporting systems. Acquisitions and new business initiatives, including initiatives outside of our workforce solutions business, in new markets, or new geographies, could involve significant unanticipated challenges and risks including not advancing our business strategy, not realizing our anticipated return on investment, experiencing difficulty in implementing initiatives or integrating acquired operations, or directing management’s attention from our other businesses. The potential loss of key executives, employees, clients, suppliers, vendors, and other business partners of businesses we acquire may adversely impact the value of the assets, operations, or business we acquire. These events could cause material harm to our business, operating results, or financial condition.
Our results of operations could materially deteriorate if we fail to attract, develop and retain qualified employees.
Our performance is dependent on attracting and retaining qualified employees who are able to meet the needs of our clients. We believe our competitive advantage is providing unique solutions for each client, which requires us to have trained and engaged employees. Our success depends upon our ability to attract, develop and retain a sufficient number of qualified employees, including management, sales, recruiting, service and administrative personnel. The turnover rate in the employment services industry is high, and qualified individuals of the requisite caliber and number needed to fill these positions may be in short supply. Our inability to recruit, train and motivate a sufficient number of qualified individuals may delay or affect the speed and quality of our strategy execution and planned growth. Delayed expansion, significant increases in employee turnover rates, or significant increases in labor costs could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
We may have additional tax liabilities that exceed our estimates.
We are subject to federal taxes, a multitude of state and local taxes in the United States, and taxes in foreign jurisdictions. We face continued uncertainty surrounding the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act and any reduction or change in tax credits which we utilize, such as the Work Opportunity Tax Credit. In the ordinary course of our business, there are transactions and calculations where the ultimate tax determination is uncertain. We are regularly subject to audit by tax authorities. Although we believe our tax estimates are reasonable, the final determination of tax audits and any related litigation could be materially different from our historical tax provisions and accruals. The results of an audit or litigation could materially harm our business. The taxing authorities of the jurisdictions in which we operate may challenge our methodologies for valuing intercompany arrangements or may change their laws, which could increase our worldwide effective tax rate and harm our financial position and results of operations.
We cannot guarantee that we will repurchase our common stock pursuant to our share repurchase program or that our share repurchase program will enhance long-term shareholder value.
In September 2017, our Board of Directors authorized a share repurchase program. Under the program, we are authorized to repurchase shares of common stock for an aggregate purchase price not to exceed $100 million, excluding fees, commissions and other ancillary expenses. Although the Board of Directors has authorized a share repurchase program, the share repurchase program does not obligate the company to repurchase any specific dollar amount or to acquire any specific number of shares. The timing and amount of the repurchases, if any, will depend upon several factors, including market and business conditions, the trading price of the company’s common stock and the nature of other investment opportunities. The repurchase program may be limited, suspended or discontinued at any time without prior notice. In addition, repurchases of our common stock pursuant to our share repurchase program could affect our stock price and increase its volatility. The existence of a share repurchase program could cause our stock price to be higher than it would be in the absence of such a program and could potentially reduce the market liquidity for our stock. Additionally, our share repurchase program could diminish our cash reserves, which may impact our ability to finance future growth and to pursue possible future strategic opportunities and acquisitions. There can be no assurance that these share repurchases will enhance shareholder value because the market price of our common stock may decline below the level at which we repurchased shares of stock. Although our share repurchase program is intended to enhance long-term shareholder value, there is no assurance that it will do so and short-term stock price fluctuations could reduce the program’s effectiveness.
Failure to maintain adequate financial and management processes and controls could lead to errors in our financial reporting.
If our management is unable to certify the effectiveness of our internal controls, including those over our third-party vendors, or if our independent registered public accounting firm cannot render an opinion on the effectiveness of our internal controls over financial reporting, or if material weaknesses in our internal controls are identified, we could be subject to regulatory scrutiny and a loss of public confidence. In addition, if we do not maintain adequate financial and management personnel, processes and controls, we may not be able to accurately report our financial performance on a timely basis, which could cause our stock price to fall.
Outsourcing certain aspects of our business could result in disruption and increased costs.
We have outsourced certain aspects of our business to third-party vendors that subject us to risks including disruptions in our business and increased costs. For example, we have engaged third parties to host and manage certain aspects of our data center, information and technology infrastructure, mobile applications, and electronic pay solutions, to provide certain back office support activities, and to support business process outsourcing for our clients. Accordingly, we are subject to the risks associated with the vendors’ ability to provide these services in a manner that meets our needs. If the cost of these services is more than expected, if we or the vendors are unable to adequately protect our data and information is lost, or if our ability to deliver our services is interrupted, then our business and results of operations may be negatively impacted.
If our acquired intangible assets become impaired we may be required to record a significant charge to earnings.
We regularly review acquired intangible assets for impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. We test goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment at least annually. Factors that may be considered a change in circumstances, indicating that the carrying value of the intangible assets may not be recoverable, include: macroeconomic conditions, such as deterioration in general economic conditions; industry and market considerations, such as deterioration in the environment in which we operate; cost factors, such as increases in labor or other costs that have a negative effect on earnings and cash flows; our financial performance, such as negative or declining cash flows or a decline in actual or planned revenue or earnings compared with actual and projected results of relevant prior periods; other relevant entity-specific events, such as changes in management, key personnel, strategy, or clients; and sustained decreases in share price. We may be required to record a significant charge in our financial statements during the period in which we determine an impairment of our acquired intangible assets has occurred, therefore negatively impacting our financial results.
Our stock price may be volatile.
Our stock price may experience substantial fluctuation based on a variety of factors, several of which are beyond our control. Some of these factors include general economic conditions; actual or anticipated variations in our quarterly operating results; changes in financial estimates by securities analysts; changes or volatility in the financial markets; announcements by our competitors related to new services or acquisitions; and shareholder activism. Fluctuations in our stock price could mean that investors will not be able to sell their shares at or above the price they paid and may impair our ability in the future to offer common stock as a source of additional capital.
We face risks in operating internationally.
A portion of our business operations and support functions are located outside of the United States. These international operations are subject to a number of risks, including political and economic conditions in those foreign countries, the burden of complying with various foreign laws and technical standards, unpredictable changes in foreign regulations, U.S. legal requirements governing U.S. companies operating in foreign countries, legal and cultural differences in the conduct of business, potential adverse tax consequences and difficulty in staffing and managing international operations. We recently acquired operations in the United Kingdom, which could be negatively impacted as clients in the United Kingdom encounter uncertainties related to the potential exit from the European Union. We could also be exposed to fines and penalties under U.S. or foreign laws prohibiting improper payments to governmental officials and others for the purpose of obtaining or retaining business. Although we have implemented policies and procedures designed to ensure compliance with these laws, we cannot be sure that our employees, contractors or agents will not violate such policies. Any such violations could materially damage our reputation, brands, business and operating results. Further, changes in U.S. laws and policies governing foreign investment and use of foreign operations or workers, and any negative sentiments towards the United States as a result of such changes, could adversely affect our operations.
Foreign currency fluctuations may have a material adverse effect on our operating results.
We report our results of operations in U.S. dollars. The majority of our revenues are generated in the United States. Our international operations are denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar, and unfavorable fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates could have an adverse effect on our reported financial results. Increases or decreases in the value of the U.S. dollar against other major currencies could affect our revenues, operating profit and the value of balance sheet items denominated in foreign currencies. Our exposure to foreign currencies could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition, cash flow and/or results of operations. Furthermore, the volatility of currencies may impact year-over-year comparability.
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Item 1B. | UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS |
Not applicable.
We lease the building space at all our PeopleReady branches and other offices except for one that we own in Florida. In addition to branches for our PeopleReady operations, we lease office spaces for our PeopleManagement, PeopleScout and PeopleReady centralized support functions. Under the majority of our PeopleReady branch leases, we have the right to terminate the lease with 90 days notice. We do not anticipate any difficulty in renewing these leases or in finding alternative sites in the ordinary course of business. We own an office building in Tacoma, Washington, which serves as our corporate headquarters. Management believes all our facilities are currently suitable for their intended use.
See Note 10: Commitments and Contingencies, to our consolidated financial statements found in Part II of Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
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Item 4. | MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES |
Not applicable.
PART II
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Item 5. | MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES |
Market information
Our common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol TBI.
Holders of the corporation’s common stock
We had approximately 502 shareholders of record as of January 31, 2019. This number does not include shareholders for whom shares were held in “nominee” or “street name.”
Dividends
No cash dividends have been declared on our common stock to date nor have any decisions been made to pay a dividend in the future. Payment of dividends is evaluated on a periodic basis and if a dividend were paid, it would be subject to the covenants of our revolving credit agreement, which may have the effect of restricting our ability to pay dividends.
Stock repurchases
The table below includes repurchases of our common stock pursuant to publicly announced plans or programs and those not made pursuant to publicly announced plans or programs during the thirteen weeks ended December 30, 2018.
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Period | Total number of shares purchased (1) | Weighted average price paid per share (2) | Total number of shares purchased as part of publicly announced plans or programs (3) | Maximum number of shares (or approximate dollar value) that may yet be purchased under plans or programs at period end (4) |
10/01/2018 through 10/28/2018 | 3,017 |
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| $25.39 |
| — |
| $67.8 million |
10/29/2018 through 11/25/2018 | 1,083 |
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| $24.14 |
| 205,100 |
| $62.8 million |
11/26/2018 through 12/30/2018 | 34,373 |
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| $22.19 |
| 204,526 |
| $57.8 million |
Total | 38,473 |
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| $22.49 |
| 409,626 |
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(1) | During the thirteen weeks ended December 30, 2018, we purchased 38,473 shares in order to satisfy employee tax withholding obligations upon the vesting of restricted stock. These shares were not acquired pursuant to any publicly announced purchase plan or program. |
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(2) | Weighted average price paid per share does not include any adjustments for commissions. |
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(3) | The weighted average price per share for shares repurchased under the share repurchase program during the period was $24.41, which does not include any adjustments for commissions. |
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(4) | On September 15, 2017, our Board of Directors authorized a $100 million share repurchase program of our outstanding common stock. The share repurchase program does not obligate us to acquire any particular amount of common stock and does not have an expiration date. As of December 30, 2018, $57.8 million remains available for repurchase under the current authorization. |
TrueBlue stock comparative performance graph
The following graph depicts our stock price performance from December 27, 2013 through December 30, 2018, relative to the performance of the S&P SmallCap 600 Index and S&P 1500 Human Resources and Employment Services Index.
All indices shown in the graph have been reset to a base of 100 as of December 27, 2013 and assume an investment of $100 on that date and the reinvestment of dividends, if any, paid since that date.
COMPARISON OF 5-YEAR CUMULATIVE TOTAL RETURN
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| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total return analysis | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 |
TrueBlue, Inc. | $ | 100 |
| $ | 87 |
| $ | 102 |
| $ | 95 |
| $ | 106 |
| $ | 84 |
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S&P SmallCap 600 Index | 100 |
| 107 |
| 105 |
| 131 |
| 149 |
| 135 |
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S&P 1500 Human Resources and Employment Services Index | 100 |
| 102 |
| 108 |
| 118 |
| 151 |
| 125 |
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Item 6. | SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA |
The following selected financial data is derived from our audited consolidated financial statements. The data below should be read in conjunction with Item 1A. Risk Factors, Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, and Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Summary consolidated financial and operating data
as of and for the fiscal years ended (1)
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Statements of operations data: | (52 weeks) | | (53 weeks) | | (52 weeks) |
(in thousands, except per share data) | 2018 | 2017 | | 2016 | | 2015 | 2014 |
Revenue from services | $ | 2,499,207 |
| $ | 2,508,771 |
| | $ | 2,750,640 |
| | $ | 2,695,680 |
| $ | 2,174,045 |
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Cost of services | 1,833,607 |
| 1,874,298 |
| | 2,070,922 |
| | 2,060,007 |
| 1,637,066 |
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Gross profit | 665,600 |
| 634,473 |
| | 679,718 |
| | 635,673 |
| 536,979 |
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Selling, general and administrative expense | 550,632 |
| 510,794 |
| | 546,477 |
| | 495,988 |
| 425,777 |
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Depreciation and amortization | 41,049 |
| 46,115 |
| | 46,692 |
| | 41,843 |
| 29,474 |
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Goodwill and intangible asset impairment charge | — |
| — |
| | 103,544 |
| | — |
| — |
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Interest and other income (expense), net | 1,744 |
| (14 | ) | | (3,345 | ) | | (1,395 | ) | 116 |
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Income (loss) before tax expense (benefit) | 75,663 |
| 77,550 |
| | (20,340 | ) | | 96,447 |
| 81,844 |
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Income tax expense (benefit) | 9,909 |
| 22,094 |
| | (5,089 | ) | | 25,200 |
| 16,169 |
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Net income (loss) | $ | 65,754 |
| $ | 55,456 |
| | $ | (15,251 | ) | | $ | 71,247 |
| $ | 65,675 |
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Net income (loss) per diluted share | $ | 1.63 |
| $ | 1.34 |
| | $ | (0.37 | ) | | $ | 1.71 |
| $ | 1.59 |
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Weighted average diluted shares outstanding | 40,275 |
| 41,441 |
| | 41,648 |
| | 41,622 |
| 41,176 |
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Balance sheet data(2): | | | | | | | |
(in thousands) | 2018 | 2017 | | 2016 | | 2015 | 2014 |
Working capital | $ | 204,301 |
| $ | 215,860 |
| | $ | 176,668 |
| | $ | 314,989 |
| $ | 223,133 |
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Total assets | 1,114,844 |
| 1,109,031 |
| | 1,130,445 |
| | 1,259,442 |
| 1,061,227 |
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Long-term liabilities | 297,879 |
| 341,765 |
| | 354,131 |
| | 495,893 |
| 404,663 |
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Total liabilities | 523,405 |
| 554,184 |
| | 605,266 |
| | 723,869 |
| 591,893 |
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(1) | In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2016, we changed our fiscal year-end from the last Friday in December to the Sunday closest to the last day in December. In addition, the 2016 fiscal year included 53 weeks, with the 53rd week falling in our fourth quarter. All other years presented include 52 weeks. |
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(2) | Fiscal years 2015 and 2014 data have been impacted by the adoption and retrospective application of ASU 2015-17, which classifies all deferred income taxes as non-current. |
The operating results reported above include the results of acquisitions subsequent to their respective purchase dates. In June 2018, we acquired TMP Holdings LTD. In January 2016, we acquired the recruitment process outsourcing business of Aon Hewitt. In December 2015, we acquired SIMOS Insourcing Solutions Corporation. In June 2014, we acquired Seaton. Additionally, in March 2018, we divested PlaneTechs, LLC.
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Item 7. | MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS |
Management’s discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations (“MD&A”) is designed to provide the reader of our financial statements with a narrative from the perspective of management on our financial condition, results of operations, liquidity and certain other factors that may affect future results. MD&A is provided as a supplement to, and should be read in conjunction with, our consolidated financial statements and the accompanying notes to our financial statements.
OVERVIEW
TrueBlue, Inc. (the “company,” “TrueBlue,” “we,” “us” and “our”) is a leading provider of specialized workforce solutions that help clients achieve growth and improve productivity. We connected approximately 730,000 people with work during fiscal 2018, and served approximately 151,000 clients in a wide variety of industries through our PeopleReady segment which offers industrial staffing services, our PeopleManagement segment which offers contingent and productivity-based on-site industrial staffing services and our PeopleScout segment which offers recruitment process outsourcing (“RPO”) and managed service provider (“MSP”) services.
Fiscal 2018 highlights
Revenue from services
Total company revenue remained relatively flat at $2.5 billion for the year ended December 30, 2018, compared to the same period in the prior year. PeopleReady, our largest segment, returned to revenue growth. PeopleScout, our highest margin segment, delivered double-digit revenue growth. We acquired TMP Holdings LTD (“TMP”), increasing PeopleScout’s ability to compete for more multi-continent business. PeopleManagement, our lowest margin segment, declined primarily due to the loss of a significant customer and the divestiture of PlaneTechs, which further concentrated our focus on more profitable, higher-growth markets.
Gross profit
Total company gross profit as a percentage of revenue for the year ended December 30, 2018 was 26.6%, compared to 25.3% for the same period in the prior year. Our focus on lowering cost of services helped produce our third consecutive year of gross margin expansion.
Selling, general and administrative (“SG&A”) expense
Total company SG&A expense increased by $40 million to $551 million, or 22.0% as a percent of revenue for the year ended December 30, 2018, compared to $511 million, or 20.4% as a percent of revenue for the same period in the prior year. The increase in SG&A is primarily due to the added operating costs of the TMP acquisition, net of the PlaneTechs divestiture, together with transaction and associated costs of integration and divestiture. Increased SG&A expense also included continued investment in strategic cloud-based solutions and support for continued growth of the business.
Income from operations
Total company income from operations was $74 million, or 3.0% as a percent of revenue for the year ended December 30, 2018, compared to $78 million, or 3.1% for the same period in the prior year. The improved gross profit was largely offset by growth in SG&A expense.
Net income
Net income was $66 million, or $1.63 per diluted share for the year ended December 30, 2018, compared to $55 million, or $1.34 per diluted share for the same period in the prior year. The increase to net income per diluted share was primarily due to a lower effective tax rate and share repurchases. Our effective tax rate for the year ended December 30, 2018 was 13.1%, compared to 28.5% for the same period in the prior year. The decrease in our effective income tax rate was primarily due to the enactment of the comprehensive tax legislation in December 2017, referred to as the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, which decreased the federal tax rate from 35% to 21% beginning in 2018, and due to tax benefits from additional prior year Work Opportunity Tax Credits ("WOTC").
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MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS |
Additional highlights
We believe we are taking the right steps to produce long-term growth for shareholders. We also believe we are in a strong financial position to fund working capital needs for growth opportunities. As of December 30, 2018, we had cash and cash equivalents of $47 million and $213 million available under our revolving credit agreement (“Revolving Credit Facility”) for total liquidity of $260 million.
We continue to return cash to shareholders through our share repurchase program. On September 15, 2017, our Board of Directors authorized a $100 million share repurchase program of our outstanding common stock. During the year ended December 31, 2017, we used $7 million under this new program to repurchase shares. We repurchased an additional $35 million of common stock during the year ended December 30, 2018. As of December 30, 2018, $58 million remains available for repurchase of common stock under the current authorization.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Total company results
The following table presents selected financial data:
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| Years ended |
(in thousands, except percentages and per share data) | 2018 | % of revenue | 2017 | % of revenue | 2016 | % of revenue |
Revenue from services | $ | 2,499,207 |
| | $ | 2,508,771 |
| | $ | 2,750,640 |
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Total revenue growth (decline) % | (0.4 | )% | | (8.8 | )% | | 2.0 | % | |
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Gross profit | $ | 665,600 |
| 26.6 | % | $ | 634,473 |
| 25.3 | % | $ | 679,718 |
| 24.7 | % |
Selling, general and administrative expense | 550,632 |
| 22.0 | % | 510,794 |
| 20.4 | % | 546,477 |
| 19.9 | % |
Depreciation and amortization | 41,049 |
| 1.6 | % | 46,115 |
| 1.8 | % | 46,692 |
| 1.7 | % |
Goodwill and intangible asset impairment charge | — |
|
|
| — |
|
|
| 103,544 |
|
|
|
Income (loss) from operations | 73,919 |
| 3.0 | % | 77,564 |
| 3.1 | % | (16,995 | ) | (0.6 | )% |
Interest and other income (expense), net | 1,744 |
| | (14 | ) | | (3,345 | ) | |
Income (loss) before tax expense (benefit) | 75,663 |
|
|
| 77,550 |
| | (20,340 | ) | |
Income tax expense (benefit) | 9,909 |
| | 22,094 |
| | (5,089 | ) | |
Net income (loss) | $ | 65,754 |
| 2.6 | % | $ | 55,456 |
| 2.2 | % | $ | (15,251 | ) | (0.6 | )% |
Net income (loss) per diluted share | $ | 1.63 |
| | $ | 1.34 |
| | $ | (0.37 | ) | |
Our year-over-year trends are significantly impacted by the following acquisitions and divestiture:
| |
• | Effective June 12, 2018, we acquired TMP, a mid-sized RPO and employer branding services provider operating in the United Kingdom which is the second largest RPO market in the world. This acquisition increases our ability to win multi-continent engagements by adding a physical presence in Europe, referenceable clients and employer branding capabilities. The acquired operations expand and complement our PeopleScout services and will be fully integrated into this service line. |
| |
• | Effective March 12, 2018, we divested the PlaneTechs business from our PeopleManagement reportable segment. |
| |
• | Effective January 4, 2016, we acquired the RPO business of Aon Hewitt, a leading provider of RPO services. The acquired operations expanded and complemented our PeopleScout services and were fully integrated into this service line in 2016. |
We report our business as three distinct segments: PeopleReady, PeopleManagement and PeopleScout. See Note 17: Segment Information, to our consolidated financial statements found in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, for additional details on our service lines and reportable segments.
|
| | |
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS |
| |
• | PeopleReady provides access to reliable workers in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico through a wide range of staffing solutions for on-demand contingent general and skilled labor. PeopleReady connects people to work in a broad range of industries that include construction, manufacturing and logistics, warehousing and distribution, waste and recycling, energy, retail, hospitality, general labor, and others. PeopleReady helped approximately 150,000 clients in fiscal 2018 to be more productive by providing easy access to dependable, blue-collar contingent labor. Through our PeopleReady service line, we connected approximately 310,000 people with work in fiscal 2018. We have a network of 620 branches across all 50 states, Canada and Puerto Rico. Complementing our branch network is our mobile application, JobStackTM, which algorithmically connects workers with jobs, creates a virtual exchange between our workers and clients, and allows our branch resources to expand their recruiting and sales efforts and service delivery. JobStack is increasing the competitive differentiation of our services, expanding our reach into new demographics, and improving both service delivery and work order fill rates. |
| |
• | PeopleManagement predominantly encompasses our on-site placement and management services and provides a wide range of workforce management solutions for blue-collar, contingent, on-premise staffing and management of a facility’s workforce. We use distinct brands to market our PeopleManagement contingent workforce solutions and operate as Staff Management | SMX (“Staff Management”), SIMOS Insourcing Solutions (“SIMOS”), and Centerline Drivers (“Centerline”). Staff Management specializes in exclusive recruitment and on-premise management of a facility’s contingent industrial workforce. SIMOS specializes in exclusive recruitment and on-premise management of warehouse/distribution operations to meet the growing demand for e-commerce and scalable supply chain solutions. Centerline specializes in dedicated and temporary truck drivers to the transportation and distribution industries. |
| |
• | PeopleScout provides permanent employee RPO for our clients for all major industries and jobs. Our RPO solution delivers improved talent quality, faster hiring, increased scalability, reduced turnover, lower cost of recruitment, greater flexibility, and increased compliance. We leverage our proprietary candidate applicant tracking system, along with dedicated service delivery teams to work as an integrated partner with our clients in providing end-to-end talent acquisition services from sourcing candidates through onboarding employees. The solution is highly scalable and flexible, allowing for outsourcing of all or a subset of skill categories across a series of recruitment processes and onboarding steps. Our PeopleScout segment also includes a managed service provider business, which provides clients with improved quality and spend management of their contingent labor vendors. |
In addition, the 2016 fiscal year included 53 weeks, with the 53rd week falling in our fourth quarter. All other years presented include 52 weeks.
FISCAL 2018 AS COMPARED TO FISCAL 2017
Revenue from services
Revenue from services by reportable segment was as follows: |
| | | | | | | | |
| Years ended |
(in thousands, except percentages) | 2018 | Growth (decline) % | 2017 |
Revenue from services: | | | |
PeopleReady | $ | 1,522,076 |
| 0.7 | % | $ | 1,511,360 |
|
PeopleManagement | 728,254 |
| (9.8 | ) | 807,273 |
|
PeopleScout | 248,877 |
| 30.9 |
| 190,138 |
|
Total company | $ | 2,499,207 |
| (0.4 | )% | $ | 2,508,771 |
|
Total company revenue remained relatively flat at $2.5 billion for the year ended December 30, 2018, a 0.4% decrease compared to the same period in the prior year.
PeopleReady
PeopleReady revenue grew to $1.5 billion for the year ended December 30, 2018, a 0.7% increase compared to the same period in the prior year. The increase is primarily due to a return to growth for PeopleReady in the second quarter of 2018, a 1.8% increase compared to the same period in the prior year, and continued year over year growth in the second half of 2018. The growth was broad-based across most geographies and industries we serve, partially offset by energy and natural disaster clean up projects that benefited prior year results. The growth was primarily driven by improvements to local business development activities.
|
| | |
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS |
Wage growth has accelerated due to various minimum wage increases and a need for higher wages to attract talent in tight labor markets. We have increased bill rates for the higher wages, payroll burdens and our traditional mark-ups. While we believe our pricing strategy is the right long-term decision, these actions can have an impact on our revenue trends in the near term.
PeopleManagement
PeopleManagement revenue declined to $728 million for the year ended December 30, 2018, a 9.8% decrease compared to the same period in the prior year. The decline was primarily due to the divestiture of our PlaneTechs business effective March 12, 2018, which accounted for a 4.2% decline and the loss of Amazon’s Canadian business in September 2018, which accounted for a 3.7% decline in PeopleManagement’s revenue compared to the same period in the prior year. The remaining decline of 1.9% was primarily due to lower volumes with existing clients.
PeopleScout
PeopleScout revenue grew to $249 million for the year ended December 30, 2018, a 30.9% increase compared to the same period in the prior year. The acquisition of TMP represented a 16.3% increase in PeopleScout’s revenue compared to the same period in the prior year. The remaining increase in revenue was due to a combination of new client wins and expansion of the scope of services for existing clients. Market interest in our RPO services remains strong and has been accentuated by the launch of our new talent acquisition technology, AffinixTM. Affinix is PeopleScout’s proprietary talent acquisition technology, which we believe has been well received by both current and prospective clients.
Gross profit
Gross profit was as follows: |
| | | | | | |
| Years ended |
(in thousands, except percentages) | 2018 | 2017 |
Gross profit | $ | 665,600 |
| $ | 634,473 |
|
Percentage of revenue | 26.6 | % | 25.3 | % |
Total company gross profit as a percentage of revenue for the year ended December 30, 2018 was 26.6%, compared to 25.3% for the same period in the prior year. Our focus on lowering cost of services helped produce our third consecutive year of gross margin expansion. Gross margin improved in the staffing businesses primarily due to lower workers’ compensation costs and payroll taxes and benefits. The decline in workers’ compensation costs is primarily due to our continued efforts to manage the cost of claims and reduce workplace accidents. Continued favorable adjustments to our workers’ compensation liabilities are dependent on our ability to continue to lower accident rates and claim costs. Gross margin further improved by growth in our higher-margin PeopleScout business and continued efficiency gains in its sourcing and recruitment activities.
Selling, general and administrative expense
SG&A expense was as follows:
|
| | | | | | |
| Years ended |
(in thousands, except percentages) | 2018 | 2017 |
Selling, general and administrative expense | $ | 550,632 |
| $ | 510,794 |
|
Percentage of revenue | 22.0 | % | 20.4 | % |
Total company SG&A expense increased by $40 million to $551 million, or 22.0% as a percent of revenue for the year ended December 30, 2018, compared to $511 million, or 20.4% as a percent of revenue for the same period in the prior year. The acquisition of TMP added operating costs of $8 million together with acquisition and integration costs of $3 million. The divestiture of PlaneTechs reduced operating costs by $4 million. Increased SG&A expense also included continued investment in cloud-based systems of approximately $7 million and $4 million of accelerated stock compensation costs associated with the CEO transition. SG&A expense further increased to support the continued growth of the business.
|
| | |
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS |
Depreciation and amortization
Depreciation and amortization was as follows:
|
| | | | | | |
| Years ended |
(in thousands, except percentages) | 2018 | 2017 |
Depreciation and amortization | $ | 41,049 |
| $ | 46,115 |
|
Percentage of revenue | 1.6 | % | 1.8 | % |
Depreciation and amortization decreased primarily due to a proprietary software application becoming fully depreciated during the fiscal fourth quarter of 2017, which resulted in a decline in depreciation for the year ended December 30, 2018.
Income taxes
The income tax expense and the effective income tax rate were as follows:
|
| | | | | | |
| Years ended |
(in thousands, except percentages) | 2018 | 2017 |
Income tax expense | $ | 9,909 |
| $ | 22,094 |
|
Effective income tax rate | 13.1 | % | 28.5 | % |
Our effective tax rate for the years ended December 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 was 13.1% and 28.5%, respectively. We benefited from the U.S. government enacting comprehensive tax legislation commonly referred to as the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “Tax Act”). The Tax Act made broad and complex changes to the U.S. tax code, including, but not limited to, a federal tax rate reduction from 35.0% to 21.0% beginning in 2018. Additionally, for the year ended December 30, 2018 we recognized $1 million of tax benefits from prior year hiring credits and $0.4 million of detriments from recording foreign withholding taxes related to undistributed foreign earnings. See Note 14: Income Taxes, to our consolidated financial statements found in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, for additional information.
Our tax provision and our effective tax rate are subject to variation due to several factors, including variability in accurately predicting our pre-tax and taxable income and loss by jurisdiction, tax credits, government audit developments, changes in laws, regulations and administrative practices, and relative changes of expenses or losses for which tax benefits are not recognized. Additionally, our effective tax rate can be more or less volatile based on the amount of pre-tax income. For example, the impact of tax credits and non-deductible expenses on our effective tax rate is greater when our pre-tax income is lower.
A significant driver of fluctuations in our effective income tax rate is WOTC. WOTC is designed to encourage hiring of workers from certain disadvantaged targeted categories, and is generally calculated as a percentage of wages over a twelve month period up to worker maximums by targeted category. Based on historical results and business trends, we estimate the amount of WOTC we expect to earn related to wages of the current year. However, the estimate is subject to variation because 1) a small percentage of our workers qualify for one or more of the many targeted categories; 2) the targeted categories are subject to different incentive credit rates and limitations; 3) credits fluctuate depending on economic conditions and qualified worker retention periods; and 4) state and federal offices can delay their credit certification processing and have inconsistent certification rates. We recognize additional prior year hiring credits if credits in excess of original estimates have been certified by government offices. WOTC was restored through December 31, 2019, as a result of the Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes Act of 2015, signed into law on December 18, 2015.
Changes to our effective tax rate as a result of hiring credits were as follows:
|
| | | | |
| Years ended |
| 2018 | 2017 |
Effective income tax rate without adjustments below | 29.1 | % | 41.3 | % |
Hiring credits estimate from current year wages | (14.6 | ) | (10.9 | ) |
Additional hiring credits from prior year wages | (1.4 | ) | (1.9 | ) |
Effective income tax rate | 13.1 | % | 28.5 | % |
|
| | |
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS |
Segment performance
We evaluate performance based on segment revenue and segment profit. Commencing in the fiscal first quarter of 2018, we revised our internal segment performance measure to be segment profit, rather than the previously reported segment earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (segment EBITDA). Segment profit includes revenue, related cost of services, and ongoing operating expenses directly attributable to the reportable segment. Segment profit excludes goodwill and intangible impairment charges, depreciation and amortization expense, unallocated corporate general and administrative expense, interest, other income and expense, income taxes, and costs not considered to be ongoing costs of the segment. The prior year amounts have been recast to reflect this change for consistency purposes. See Note 17: Segment Information, to our consolidated financial statements found in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, for additional details on our reportable segments, as well as a reconciliation of segment profit to income before tax expense.
Segment profit should not be considered a measure of financial performance in isolation or as an alternative to net income in the Consolidated Statements of Operations in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, ("U.S. GAAP") and may not be comparable to similarly titled measures of other companies.
PeopleReady segment performance was as follows:
|
| | | | | | |
| Years ended |
(in thousands, except percentages) | 2018 | 2017 |
Revenue from services | $ | 1,522,076 |
| $ | 1,511,360 |
|
Segment profit | $ | 85,998 |
| $ | 79,044 |
|
Percentage of revenue | 5.7 | % | 5.2 | % |
PeopleReady segment profit grew to $86 million, or 5.7% as a percent of revenue for the year ended December 30, 2018, compared to $79 million, or 5.2% as a percent of revenue for the same period in the prior year. The growth was primarily due to widespread revenue growth, and lower workers’ compensation and payroll tax expenses.
PeopleManagement segment performance was as follows:
|
| | | | | | |
| Years ended |
(in thousands, except percentages) | 2018 | 2017 |
Revenue from services | $ | 728,254 |
| $ | 807,273 |
|
Segment profit | $ | 21,627 |
| $ | 27,216 |
|
Percentage of revenue | 3.0 | % | 3.4 | % |
PeopleManagement segment profit decreased to $22 million, or 3.0% as a percent of revenue for the year ended December 30, 2018, compared to $27 million, or 3.4% as a percent of revenue for the same period in the prior year. The decline in segment profit and related margin was primarily due to the divestiture of our PlaneTechs business effective March 12, 2018, and volume declines for selected industrial workforce clients. This was partially offset by programs to reduce the cost of services and control SG&A expense commencing in the prior year in connection with declining revenues. Those programs continued in the current year and have reduced costs in line with our plans. We will continue to monitor and manage our costs while also investing in growth initiatives.
PeopleScout segment performance was as follows:
|
| | | | | | |
| Years ended |
(in thousands, except percentages) | 2018 | 2017 |
Revenue from services | $ | 248,877 |
| $ | 190,138 |
|
Segment profit | $ | 47,383 |
| $ | 39,354 |
|
Percentage of revenue | 19.0 | % | 20.7 | % |
|
| | |
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS |
PeopleScout segment profit increased to $47 million, or 19.0% as a percent of revenue for the year ended December 30, 2018, compared to $39 million, or 20.7% as a percent of revenue for the same period in the prior year. TMP, which was acquired during 2018, contributed $2 million of segment profit for the year ended December 30, 2018. TMP reduced the segment profit as a percent of revenue due to the pass through nature of media related purchases on behalf of certain clients. Excluding TMP, segment profit as a percentage of revenue increased 0.1%. The slight increase in segment profit as a percent of revenue was driven by continued efficiency gains in sourcing and recruiting activities, partially offset by additional operating costs to support organic growth.
FISCAL 2017 AS COMPARED TO FISCAL 2016
Revenue from services
Revenue from services by reportable segment was as follows:
|
| | | | | | | | |
| Years ended |
(in thousands, except percentages) | 2017 | Growth (decline) % | 2016 |
Revenue from services: | | | |
PeopleReady | $ | 1,511,360 |
| (7.2 | )% | $ | 1,629,455 |
|
PeopleManagement | 807,273 |
| (14.2 | ) | 940,453 |
|
PeopleScout | 190,138 |
| 5.2 |
| 180,732 |
|
Total company | $ | 2,508,771 |
| (8.8 | )% | $ | 2,750,640 |
|
Total company revenue declined to $2.5 billion for the year ended December 31, 2017, an 8.8% decrease compared to the year ended January 1, 2017, primarily due to lower volumes for staffing services within our PeopleReady business and with our former largest client within our PeopleManagement business. Revenue from our former largest client declined by $118 million, or 68.8% for the year ended December 31, 2017, when compared to the year ended January 1, 2017, which represented a decline in total company revenue of 4.0%. Our fiscal 2017 also had nine fewer days when compared to fiscal 2016, which represented a decline in total company revenue of 1.2%. The remaining decrease of 3.6% was primarily due to lower PeopleReady volume partially offset by higher PeopleScout volume.
PeopleReady
PeopleReady revenue declined to $1.5 billion for the year ended December 31, 2017, a 7.2% decrease compared to the year ended January 1, 2017. The nine fewer days in fiscal 2017 represented a decline in PeopleReady revenue of 1.1%. The remaining decline was primarily due to weakness with our residential construction, manufacturing and retail clients. However, this decline was partially offset by an increase in revenue from improving performance in the commercial construction and hospitality clients.
We saw improvement in our year-over-year quarterly revenue trends for the second half of fiscal 2017. We exited fiscal 2017 with a year-over-year quarterly decline of 0.7%, excluding the nine additional days in fiscal 2016. The improving year-over-year results were due to improving client trends across all the industries we serve, with the exception of manufacturing and retail.
Wage growth has accelerated due to various minimum wage increases and a need for higher wages to attract talent in tight labor markets. We have increased bill rates for the higher wages, payroll burdens and our traditional mark-up. While we believe our pricing strategy is the right long-term decision, these actions impact our revenue trends in the near term.
PeopleReady performance was impacted by temporary disruptions from operational changes related to our consolidation of Labor Ready, CLP Resources, and Spartan Staffing into one specialized workforce solutions business in order to create a more seamless experience for our clients to access all of our blue-collar, contingent on-demand general and skilled labor service offerings. The transition was largely complete as of December 31, 2017.
PeopleManagement
PeopleManagement revenue declined to $807 million for the year ended December 31, 2017, a 14.2% decrease compared to the year ended January 1, 2017. Revenue from our former largest client declined by $118 million, or 68.8% to $53 million for the year ended December 31, 2017, compared to the year ended January 1, 2017, which represented a decline in PeopleManagement revenue of 12.2%. Our fiscal 2017 also had nine fewer days when compared to fiscal 2016, which represented a decline in PeopleManagement revenue of 1.3%. During fiscal 2017, revenue trends stabilized with a more diverse client base and we saw modest increases in demand from existing and new clients supporting e-commerce and transportation.
|
| | |
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS |
PeopleScout
PeopleScout revenue grew to $190 million for the year ended December 31, 2017, a 5.2% increase compared to the year ended January 1, 2017. New client wins and expansion of our services with existing clients represented an increase in revenue of 6.4%, partially offset by the nine fewer days in fiscal 2017, which represented a decline in PeopleScout revenue of 1.2%.
Gross profit
Gross profit was as follows: |
| | | | | | |
| Years ended |
(in thousands, except percentages) | 2017 | 2016 |
Gross profit | $ | 634,473 |
| $ | 679,718 |
|
Percentage of revenue | 25.3 | % | 24.7 | % |
Total company gross profit as a percentage of revenue for the year ended December 31, 2017 was 25.3%, compared to 24.7% for the year ended January 1, 2017. The increase was primarily due to favorable mix with less PeopleManagement revenue from our former largest client, which carries a lower gross margin than the blended average, and additional efficiency gains in the sourcing and recruiting activities of PeopleScout as growth has accelerated.
Selling, general and administrative expense
SG&A expense was as follows:
|
| | | | | | |
| Years ended |
(in thousands, except percentages) | 2017 | 2016 |
Selling, general and administrative expense | $ | 510,794 |
| $ | 546,477 |
|
Percentage of revenue | 20.4 | % | 19.9 | % |
Total company SG&A expense decreased by $36 million to $511 million for the year ended December 31, 2017, compared to the year ended January 1, 2017. The nine fewer days in fiscal 2017 represented $8 million of the decrease. Additionally, fiscal 2016 included $7 million of integration costs to fully integrate the RPO business of Aon Hewitt into the PeopleScout segment and $6 million in costs incurred to exit the delivery business of our former largest client and certain other realignment costs. The remaining decrease of $15 million was primarily due to cost control programs commencing in 2016, which continued in 2017.
Total company SG&A expense as a percentage of revenue increased to 20.4% for the year ended December 31, 2017, from 19.9% for the year ended January 1, 2017, largely due to the decline in revenue outpacing the decline in expense.
Depreciation and amortization
Depreciation and amortization was as follows:
|
| | | | | | |
| Years ended |
(in thousands, except percentages) | 2017 | 2016 |
Depreciation and amortization | $ | 46,115 |
| $ | 46,692 |
|
Percentage of revenue | 1.8 | % | 1.7 | % |
Depreciation increased due to investments designed to further improve our efficiency and effectiveness in recruiting and retaining our contingent workers, and attracting and retaining clients, which was more than offset by a decline in amortization for the year ended December 31, 2017, due to the intangible asset impairment in 2016.
Goodwill and intangible asset impairment charge
The goodwill and intangible asset impairment charge in 2016 was primarily driven by a change in the scope of services with our former largest client and other changes in our outlook reflecting changes in economic and industry conditions.
|
| | |
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS |
Income taxes
The income tax expense and the effective income tax rate were as follows:
|
| | | | | | |
| Years ended |
(in thousands, except percentages) | 2017 | 2016 |
Income tax expense (benefit) | $ | 22,094 |
| $ | (5,089 | ) |
Effective income tax rate | 28.5 | % | 25.0 | % |
Our effective tax rate for the years ended December 31, 2017 and January 1, 2017 was 28.5% and 25.0%, respectively. We recognized tax benefits from prior years hiring credits of $1 million for the year ended December 31, 2017, compared to $6 million for the year ended January 1, 2017.
On December 22, 2017, the U.S. government enacted comprehensive tax legislation commonly referred to as the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “Tax Act”). The Tax Act made broad and complex changes to the U.S. tax code that affected fiscal 2017, including, but not limited to, requiring a one-time transition tax on deemed repatriated earnings of foreign subsidiaries (payable over eight years) and the revaluation of net deferred tax assets to reflect the federal tax rate reduction from 35.0% to 21.0%.
As a result of the Tax Act, we recognized $2 million of additional tax expense from a one-time transition tax on deemed repatriated earnings of foreign subsidiaries and from the revaluation of net deferred tax assets to reflect the federal tax rate reduction from 35.0% to 21.0%.
Changes to our effective tax rate as a result of hiring credits and impairments were as follows:
|
| | | | |
| Years ended |
| 2017 | 2016 |
Effective income tax rate without hiring credits or impairment | 41.3 | % | 40.5 | % |
Hiring credits estimate from current year wages | (10.9 | ) | (14.4 | ) |
Additional hiring credits from prior year wages | (1.9 | ) | (7.6 | ) |
Goodwill and intangible asset impairment impact | — |
| 6.5 |
|
Effective income tax rate | 28.5 | % | 25.0 | % |
Segment performance
PeopleReady segment performance was as follows:
|
| | | | | | |
| Years ended |
(in thousands, except percentages) | 2017 | 2016 |
Revenue from services | $ | 1,511,360 |
| $ | 1,629,455 |
|
Segment profit | 79,044 |
| 109,063 |
|
Percentage of revenue | 5.2 | % | 6.7 | % |
PeopleReady segment profit decreased to $79 million, or 5.2% as a percent of revenue for the year ended December 31, 2017, compared to $109 million, or 6.7% as a percent of revenue in the year ended January 1, 2017. The revenue decline outpaced the cost control programs primarily due to the de-leveraging effect associated with the fixed costs in a branch network. Through disciplined pricing, we have passed through increased costs for minimum wages, payroll taxes and benefits, together with higher contingent worker wages in a tightening labor market, as well as most of our standard markup on these costs.
|
| | |
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS |
PeopleManagement segment performance was as follows:
|
| | | | | | |
| Years ended |
(in thousands, except percentages) | 2017 | 2016 |
Revenue from services | $ | 807,273 |
| $ | 940,453 |
|
Segment profit | 27,216 |
| 27,557 |
|
Percentage of revenue | 3.4 | % | 2.9 | % |
PeopleManagement segment profit increased to 3.4% as a percent of revenue for the year ended December 31, 2017, compared to 2.9% as a percent of revenue in the year ended January 1, 2017. This improvement in segment profit as a percentage of revenue was primarily due to a more favorable mix of less revenue from our former largest client which carried a lower gross margin than our blended average, and the results of a cost reduction program. Revenue from our former largest client declined by $118 million, or 68.8% to $53 million for the year ended December 31, 2017, compared to the year ended January 1, 2017.
PeopleScout segment performance was as follows:
|
| | | | | | |
| Years ended |
(in thousands, except percentages) | 2017 | 2016 |
Revenue from services | $ | 190,138 |
| $ | 180,732 |
|
Segment profit | 39,354 |
| 34,285 |
|
Percentage of revenue | 20.7 | % | 19.0 | % |
PeopleScout segment profit increased to $39 million, or 20.7% as a percent of revenue for the year ended December 31, 2017, compared to $34 million, or 19.0% as a percent of revenue for the year ended January 1, 2017. The improved performance was due primarily to new client wins and expanding the scope of services with existing clients together with efficiency gains in sourcing and recruiting activities.
FUTURE OUTLOOK
We have limited visibility into future demand for our services. However, we believe there is value in providing highlights of our expectations for future financial performance. The following highlights represent our expectations regarding operating trends for fiscal 2019. These expectations are subject to revision as our business changes with the overall economy.
| |
• | Our top priority remains to produce solid organic revenue and gross profit growth while leveraging our cost structure to increase income from operations as a percentage of revenue. Through disciplined pricing and management of increasing wages in a tightening labor market and minimum wages, taxes and benefits, we expect to pass through the higher cost of our temporary workers. Likewise, cost management programs to lower the cost of services and control operating expenses are key priorities in the short term to position the business for strong operating leverage and profitable long-term growth in the future. |
| |
• | Our PeopleManagement and PeopleScout segments are largely dependent on business from large clients. The loss of a large client or change in demand for our services can have a significant impact on our results and year over year trends. For fiscal 2019, PeopleManagement will experience revenue and segment profit headwinds of approximately $39 million and $7 million, respectively from the loss of our Amazon Canadian business effective September 1, 2018, as well as reduced volume and pricing pressure from another retail client. PeopleScout will experience revenue and segment profit headwinds of approximately $15 million and $11 million, respectively from the loss of a large client, which was acquired during 2018, and less volume and associated margins related to a large industrial client. We expect to see an acceleration in demand for the PeopleReady business. PeopleReady is less dependent on major national clients. |
| |
• | We are committed to technological innovation that makes it easier for our clients to do business with us and easier to connect people to work. We continue making investments in online and mobile applications to improve access, speed and ease of connecting our clients and workers for our staffing businesses, and candidates for our recruitment process outsourcing business. We expect these investments will increase the competitive differentiation of our services, improve the efficiency of our service delivery, and reduce our PeopleReady dependence on local branches to find temporary workers and connect them with work. Examples include our JobStack mobile platform in the PeopleReady business and our Affinix talent acquisition technology in the PeopleScout business. |
|
| | |
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS |
| |
• | PeopleScout is a recognized industry leader of RPO services, which is in the early stages of that industry’s adoption cycle. Due to the industry growth rate for RPO services, our market leading position, and our advances in technology, we expect the revenue growth of this business to continue to exceed the growth of our other segments. We expect our acquisition of TMP to increase our ability to win multi-continent engagements by adding a physical presence in Europe, referenceable clients, and employer branding capabilities. |
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Liquidity
Cash flows from operating activities
Our cash flows from operating activities were as follows:
|
| | | | | | | | | |
| Years ended |
(in thousands) | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 |
Net income (loss) | $ | 65,754 |
| $ | 55,456 |
| $ | (15,251 | ) |
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities: |
|
|
|
| |
Depreciation and amortization | 41,049 |
| 46,115 |
| 46,692 |
|
Goodwill and intangible asset impairment charge | — |
| — |
| 103,544 |
|
Provision for doubtful accounts | 10,042 |
| 6,808 |
| 8,308 |
|
Stock-based compensation | 13,876 |
| 7,744 |
| 9,363 |
|
Deferred income taxes | (1,929 | ) | 2,440 |
| (25,355 | ) |
Other operating activities | 5,154 |
| 2,349 |
| 6,859 |
|
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of amounts acquired and divested: |
|
| |
Accounts receivable | 11,640 |
| (28,483 | ) | 112,785 |
|
Income tax receivable | (996 | ) | 14,875 |
| 9,450 |
|
Accounts payable and other accrued expenses | 2,855 |
| (10,569 | ) | (4,101 | ) |
Accrued wages and benefits | (1,447 | ) | (2,888 | ) | (7,313 | ) |
Workers’ compensation claims reserve | (7,877 | ) | (1,048 | ) | 11,070 |
|
Other assets and liabilities | (12,429 | ) | 7,335 |
| 4,652 |
|
Net cash provided by operating activities | $ | 125,692 |
| $ | 100,134 |
| $ | 260,703 |
|
Fiscal 2018 as compared to fiscal 2017
Net cash provided by operating activities was $126 million for the year ended December 30, 2018, compared to $100 million for the same period in the prior year.
| |
• | Depreciation and amortization decreased primarily due to a proprietary software application becoming fully depreciated during the fiscal fourth quarter of 2017. Additionally, a greater portion of our investment funds are directed towards third-party cloud-based solutions. |
| |
• | The increase in stock-based compensation was primarily due to $4 million of accelerated stock compensation costs associated with the CEO transition in fiscal 2018. |
| |
• | The decrease in accounts receivable in fiscal 2018 was primarily due to improvement in the management of working capital and favorable business mix. The favorable mix impact was primarily due to the return to revenue growth for PeopleReady, our largest segment, which has the lowest days sales outstanding. The favorable mix was further impacted by a decline in PeopleManagement revenue, which carries longer payment terms than PeopleReady, partially offset by revenue growth at PeopleScout, which also carries longer payment terms than PeopleReady. |
The increase in accounts receivable in fiscal 2017 was primarily due to an increase in days sales outstanding caused by new client onboarding in our PeopleScout segment, as well as our fourth quarter of fiscal 2017 mix of local and national clients in our PeopleReady segment shifting slightly toward national clients, which have a longer cash collection cycle.
| |
• | The increase in accounts payable and other accrued expenses was primarily due to normal seasonal patterns and timing of payments. |
|
| | |
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS |
| |
• | Generally, our workers’ compensation claims reserve for estimated claims increases as contingent labor services increases, as is the case in the current year, and decreases as contingent labor services declines, as was the case in the prior year. However, our worker safety programs have had a positive impact and have created favorable adjustments to our workers’ compensation liabilities recorded in each period. Continued favorable adjustments to our workers’ compensation liabilities are dependent on our ability to continue to lower accident rates and claim costs. |
| |
• | The change in other assets and liabilities was primarily due to an increase in other assets related to current year investments in cloud-based systems of $11 million and closing fees of $1 million for our new Revolving Credit Facility entered into on July 13, 2018. See Note 9: Long-term Debt, to our consolidated financial statements found in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, for details on our Revolving Credit Facility. |
Fiscal 2017 as compared to fiscal 2016
Net cash provided by operating activities was $100 million for the year ended December 31, 2017, compared to $261 million for the same period in the prior year.
| |
• | The goodwill and intangible asset impairment charge of $104 million in 2016 was primarily driven by a change in the scope of services with our former largest client and the impact of other changes in economic and industry conditions which lowered future expectations. In addition, it included a $4 million trade name impairment charge in connection with the consolidation of our retail branch network under a common brand name. |
| |
• | The change to deferred income taxes was due primarily to the goodwill and intangible asset impairment charge in fiscal 2016, as well as the impact from the U.S. government enacted comprehensive tax legislation in 2017 commonly referred to as the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “Tax Act”). The Tax Act made broad and complex changes to the U.S. tax code that affected fiscal 2017, including, but not limited to, the revaluation of net deferred tax assets to reflect the federal tax rate reduction from 35.0% to 21.0%. |
| |
• | The increase in accounts receivable in fiscal 2017 was primarily due to an increase in days sales outstanding caused by new client onboarding in our PeopleScout segment, as well as our fourth quarter of fiscal 2017 mix of local and national clients in our PeopleReady segment shifting slightly toward national clients, which have a longer cash collection cycle. Accounts receivable for 2016 declined primarily due to a decline in revenue and associated receivables from our former largest client. |
| |
• | The decline in accounts payable and other accrued expenses was primarily due to cost control programs together with normal seasonal patterns and timing of payments. |
| |
• | Generally, our workers’ compensation claims reserve for estimated claims decreases as contingent labor services decline. |
| |
• | During fiscal 2017, we paid $23 million relating to the contingent consideration associated with our acquisition of SIMOS. The payment included $18 million related to the final purchase price fair value, which is reflected in cash flows used in financing activities. The remaining balance of $4 million was recognized in cash flows used in operating activities as a decrease in other assets and liabilities. |
Cash flows from investing activities
Our cash flows from investing activities were as follows:
|
| | | | | | | | | |
| Years ended |
(in thousands) | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 |
Capital expenditures | $ | (17,054 | ) | $ | (21,958 | ) | $ | (29,042 | ) |
Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired | (22,742 | ) | — |
| (72,476 | ) |
Divestiture of business | 10,587 |
| — |
| — |
|
Change in restricted investments | 8,694 |
| (30,444 | ) | (25,404 | ) |
Other | — |
| (1,979 | ) | 2,979 |
|
Net cash used in investing activities | $ | (20,515 | ) | $ | (54,381 | ) | $ | (123,943 | ) |
Fiscal 2018 as compared to fiscal 2017
Net cash used in investing activities was $21 million for the year ended December 30, 2018, compared to $54 million for the same period in the prior year.
|
| | |
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS |
| |
• | Effective June 12, 2018, the company acquired all of the outstanding equity interests of TMP through PeopleScout for a cash purchase price of $23 million, net of cash acquired of $7 million. See Note 3: Acquisitions and Divestiture, to our consolidated financial statements found in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, for additional details on the purchase of TMP. |
| |
• | Effective March 12, 2018, the company divested substantially all the assets and certain liabilities of its PlaneTechs business for a purchase price of $11 million. See Note 3: Acquisitions and Divestiture, to our consolidated financial statements found in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, for additional details on the divestiture of our PlaneTechs business. |
| |
• | Restricted investments consist primarily of collateral that has been provided or pledged to insurance carriers and state workers’ compensation programs. The decrease in the incremental cash used in investing activities was primarily due to lower collateral requirements from our workers’ compensation insurance providers, as well as the timing of collateral payments. |
Fiscal 2017 as compared to fiscal 2016
Net cash used in investing activities was $54 million for the year ended December 31, 2017, compared to $124 million for the same period in the prior year.
| |
• | Cash used in investing activities of $72 million for the year ended January 1, 2017, was for the acquisition of the RPO business of Aon Hewitt, effective January 4, 2016. |
| |
• | Restricted cash and investments consists primarily of collateral that has been provided or pledged to insurance carriers and state workers’ compensation programs. The decrease in the incremental cash used in investing activities was primarily due to lower collateral requirements from our workers’ compensation insurance providers, as well as the timing of collateral payments. |
Cash flows from financing activities
Our cash flows from financing activities were as follows:
|
| | | | | | | | | |
| Years ended |
(in thousands) | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 |
Purchases and retirement of common stock | $ | (34,818 | ) | $ | (36,680 | ) | $ | (5,748 | ) |
Net proceeds from employee stock purchase plans and stock options exercised | 1,503 |
| 1,646 |
| 1,542 |
|
Common stock repurchases for taxes upon vesting of restricted stock | (3,404 | ) | (3,127 | ) | (2,851 | ) |
Net change in revolving credit facility | (15,900 | ) | (16,607 | ) | (105,579 | ) |
Payments on debt | (22,397 | ) | (2,267 | ) | (2,456 | ) |
Payment of contingent consideration at acquisition date fair value | — |
| (18,300 | ) | — |
|
Other | — |
| — |
| (29 | ) |
Net cash used in financing activities | $ | (75,016 | ) | $ | (75,335 | ) | $ | (115,121 | ) |
Fiscal 2018 as compared to fiscal 2017
Net cash used in financing activities was $75 million for the year ended December 30, 2018, comparable to the same period in the prior year.
| |
• | We repurchased $35 million of common stock during the year ended December 30, 2018. As of December 30, 2018, $58 million remains available for repurchase of common stock under the current authorization. |
| |
• | We borrowed against our Revolving Credit Facility to fund the acquisition of TMP effective June 12, 2018 and liquidation of the Synovus Bank loan. See Note 3: Acquisitions and Divestiture, to our consolidated financial statements found in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, for additional details on the purchase of TMP. |
| |
• | On June 25, 2018, we pre-paid in full our outstanding obligations of approximately $22 million with Synovus Bank, terminating all commitments under this term loan (the “Term Loan”) dated February 4, 2013 (as subsequently amended). We did not incur any early termination penalties in connection with the termination of the Term Loan. |
|
| | |
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS |
Fiscal 2017 as compared to fiscal 2016
Net cash used in financing activities was $75 million for the year ended December 31, 2017, compared to $115 million for the same period in the prior year.
| |
• | During fiscal 2017, we repurchased shares using the remaining $29 million available under our $75 million share repurchase program. Under this program we repurchased and retired 4.8 million shares of our common stock. On September 15, 2017, our Board of Directors authorized a $100 million share repurchase program of our outstanding common stock. During the year ended December 31, 2017, we used $7 million under this new program to repurchase shares. |
| |
• | During fiscal 2017, we paid $23 million relating to contingent consideration in connection with our acquisition of SIMOS in December 2015. The total contingent consideration payment included $18 million related to the final purchase price fair value, which is reflected in cash flows used in financing activities, with the remaining balance of $4 million reflected in cash flows used in operating activities as a decrease in other assets and liabilities. |
Future outlook
Our cash-generating capability provides us with financial flexibility in meeting our operating and investing needs. Our current financial position is highlighted as follows:
| |
• | We had cash and cash equivalents of $47 million at December 30, 2018. |
| |
• | The majority of our workers’ compensation payments are made from restricted cash rather than cash from operations. At December 30, 2018, we had restricted cash and investments totaling $235 million. |
We believe that cash provided from operations and our capital resources will be adequate to meet our cash requirements for the foreseeable future.
Capital resources
Revolving credit facility
See Note 9: Long-term Debt, to our consolidated financial statements found in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, for details on our Revolving Credit Facility.
Restricted cash and investments
Restricted cash and investments consist principally of collateral that has been provided or pledged to insurance carriers for workers’ compensation and state workers’ compensation programs. Our insurance carriers and certain state workers’ compensation programs require us to collateralize a portion of our workers’ compensation obligation. We have agreements with certain financial institutions that allow us to restrict cash and investments for the purpose of providing collateral instruments to our insurance carriers to satisfy workers’ compensation claims. At December 30, 2018, we had restricted cash and investments totaling $235 million. The majority of our collateral obligations are held in a trust at the Bank of New York Mellon (“Trust”). See Note 5: Restricted Cash and Investments, to our consolidated financial statements found in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, for details on our Restricted Cash and Investments.
We established investment policy directives for the Trust with the first priority to ensure sufficient liquidity to pay workers’ compensation claims, second to maintain and ensure a high degree of liquidity, and third to maximize after-tax returns. Trust investments must meet minimum acceptable quality standards. The primary investments include U.S. Treasury securities, U.S. agency debentures, U.S. agency mortgages, corporate securities and municipal securities. For those investments rated by nationally recognized rating organizations the minimum ratings are:
|
| | | |
| S&P | Moody’s | Fitch |
Short-term rating | A-1/SP-1 | P-1/MIG-1 | F-1 |
Long-term rating | A | A2 | A |
|
| | |
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS |
Workers’ compensation insurance, collateral and claims reserves
Workers’ compensation insurance
We provide workers’ compensation insurance for our temporary and permanent employees. The majority of our current workers’ compensation insurance policies cover claims for a particular event above a $2 million deductible limit, on a “per occurrence” basis and accordingly, we are substantially self-insured.
For workers’ compensation claims originating in Washington, North Dakota, Ohio, Wyoming, Canada and Puerto Rico (our “monopolistic jurisdictions”), we pay workers’ compensation insurance premiums and obtain full coverage under government-administered programs (with the exception of our PeopleReady service lines in Ohio where we have a self-insured policy). Accordingly, because we are not the primary obligor, our financial statements do not reflect the liability for workers’ compensation claims in these monopolistic jurisdictions.
Workers’ compensation collateral
Our insurance carriers and certain state workers’ compensation programs require us to collateralize a portion of our workers’ compensation obligation, for which they become responsible should we become insolvent. The collateral typically takes the form of cash and cash-backed instruments, highly rated investment grade securities, letters of credit and/or surety bonds. On a regular basis, these entities assess the amount of collateral they will require from us relative to our workers’ compensation obligation. Such amounts can increase or decrease independent of our assessments and reserves. We generally anticipate that our collateral commitments will continue to grow as we grow our business. We pay our premiums and deposit our collateral in installments. The majority of the restricted cash and investments collateralizing our self-insured workers’ compensation policies are held in the Trust.
Our total collateral commitments were made up of the following components for the fiscal period end dates presented:
|
| | | | | | |
(in thousands) | December 30, 2018 | December 31,
2017 |
Cash collateral held by workers’ compensation insurance carriers | $ | 22,264 |
| $ | 22,148 |
|
Cash and cash equivalents held in Trust | 28,021 |
| 16,113 |
|
Investments held in Trust | 156,618 |
| 171,752 |
|
Letters of credit (1) | 6,691 |
| 7,748 |
|
Surety bonds (2) | 21,881 |
| 19,829 |
|
Total collateral commitments | $ | 235,475 |
| $ | 237,590 |
|
| |
(1) | We have agreements with certain financial institutions to issue letters of credit as collateral. |
| |
(2) | Our surety bonds are issued by independent insurance companies on our behalf and bear annual fees based on a percentage of the bond, which is determined by each independent surety carrier. These fees do not exceed 2.0% of the bond amount, subject to a minimum charge. The terms of these bonds are subject to review and renewal every one to four years and most bonds can be canceled by the sureties with as little as 60 days notice. |
|
| | |
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS |
Workers’ compensation reserve
The following table provides a reconciliation of our collateral commitments to our workers’ compensation reserve as of the fiscal period end dates presented:
|
| | | | | | |
(in thousands) | December 30, 2018 | December 31,
2017 |
Total workers’ compensation reserve | $ | 266,446 |
| $ | 274,323 |
|
Add back discount on workers’ compensation reserve (1) | 18,179 |
| 19,277 |
|
Less excess claims reserve (2) | (48,229 | ) | (48,826 | ) |
Reimbursable payments to insurance provider (3) | 7,866 |
| 5,492 |
|
Less portion of workers’ compensation not requiring collateral (4) | (8,787 | ) | (12,676 | ) |
Total collateral commitments | $ | 235,475 |
| $ | 237,590 |
|
| |
(1) | Our workers’ compensation reserves are discounted to their estimated net present value while our collateral commitments are based on the gross, undiscounted reserve. |
| |
(2) | Excess claims reserve includes the estimated obligation for claims above our deductible limits. These are the responsibility of the insurance carriers against which there are no collateral requirements. |
| |
(3) | This amount is included in restricted cash and represents a timing difference between claim payments made by our insurance carrier and the reimbursement from cash held in the Trust. When claims are paid by our carrier, the amount is removed from the workers’ compensation reserve but not removed from collateral until reimbursed to the carrier. |
| |
(4) | Represents deductible and self-insured reserves where collateral is not required. |
Our workers’ compensation reserve is established using estimates of the future cost of claims and related expenses, which are discounted to their estimated net present value. We discount our workers’ compensation liability as we believe the estimated future cash outflows are readily determinable.
Our workers’ compensation reserve for deductible and self-insured claims is established using estimates of the future cost of claims and related expenses that have been reported but not settled, as well as those that have been incurred but not reported. Reserves are estimated for claims incurred in the current year, as well as claims incurred during prior years.
Management evaluates the adequacy of the workers’ compensation reserves in conjunction with an independent quarterly actuarial assessment. Factors considered in establishing and adjusting these reserves include, among other things:
| |
• | changes in medical and time loss (“indemnity”) costs; |
| |
• | changes in mix between medical only and indemnity claims; |
| |
• | regulatory and legislative developments impacting benefits and settlement requirements; |
| |
• | type and location of work performed; |
| |
• | the impact of safety initiatives; and |
| |
• | positive or adverse development of claims. Our workers’ compensation claims reserves are discounted to their estimated net present value using discount rates based on returns of “risk-free” U.S. Treasury instruments with maturities comparable to the weighted average lives of our workers’ compensation claims. At December 30, 2018, the weighted average discount rate was 2.0%. The claim payments are made over an estimated weighted average period of approximately 4.5 years. |
Our workers’ compensation reserves include estimated expenses related to claims above our self-insured limits (“excess claims”), and a corresponding receivable for the insurance coverage on excess claims based on the contractual policy agreements we have with insurance carriers. We discount this reserve and corresponding receivable to its estimated net present value using the discount rates based on average returns of “risk-free” U.S. Treasury instruments available during the year in which the liability was incurred. At December 30, 2018, the weighted average rate was 2.9%. The claim payments are made and the corresponding reimbursements from our insurance carriers are received over an estimated weighted average period of approximately 16 years. The discounted workers’ compensation reserve for excess claims and the corresponding receivable for the insurance on excess claims were $48 million and $49 million as of December 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively.
|
| | |
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS |
The following table provides an analysis of changes in our workers’ compensation claims reserves:
|
| | | | | | | | | |
| Years ended |
(in thousands) | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 |
Beginning balance | $ | 274,323 |
| $ | 277,351 |
| $ | 266,280 |
|
Self-insurance reserve expenses related to current year, net | 79,874 |
| 83,966 |
| 88,753 |
|
Payments related to current year claims (1) | (17,413 | ) | (17,123 | ) | (16,529 | ) |
Payments related to claims from prior years (1) | (47,242 | ) | (49,668 | ) | (57,093 | ) |
Changes to prior years’ self-insurance reserve, net (2) | (24,899 | ) | (14,349 | ) | (12,992 | ) |
Amortization of prior years’ discount (3) | 2,404 |
| (1,754 | ) | 5,029 |
|
Net change in excess claims reserve (4) | (601 | ) | (4,100 | ) | 3,903 |
|
Ending balance | 266,446 |
| 274,323 |
| 277,351 |
|
Less current portion | 76,421 |
| 77,218 |
| 79,126 |
|
Long-term portion | $ | 190,025 |
| $ | 197,105 |
| $ | 198,225 |
|
| |
(1) | Payments made against self-insured claims are made over a weighted average period of approximately 4.5 years at December 30, 2018. |
| |
(2) | Changes in reserve estimates are reflected in the statement of operations in the period when the changes in estimates are made. |
| |
(3) | The discount is amortized over the estimated weighted average life. In addition, any changes to the estimated weighted average lives and corresponding discount rates for actual payments made are reflected in the statement of operations in the period when the changes in estimates are made. |
| |
(4) | Changes to our excess claims are discounted to its estimated net present value using the risk-free rates associated with the actuarially determined weighted average lives of our excess claims. Certain workers’ compensation insurance companies with which we formerly did business are in liquidation and have failed to pay a number of excess claims to date. We have recorded a valuation allowance against all of the insurance receivables from the insurance companies in liquidation. |
Certain workers’ compensation insurance companies with which we formerly did business are in liquidation and have failed to pay a number of excess claims to date. We have recorded a valuation allowance against all of the insurance receivables from the insurance companies in liquidation.
We continue to actively manage workers’ compensation expense through the safety of our temporary workers with our safety programs and actively control costs with our network of service providers. These actions have had a positive impact creating favorable adjustments to workers’ compensation liabilities recorded in prior periods. Continued favorable adjustments to our workers’ compensation liabilities are dependent on our ability to continue to aggressively lower accident rates and costs of our claims. We expect favorable adjustments to our workers’ compensation liabilities to decrease as the opportunity for significant reduction to frequency and severity of accident rates decline.
|
| | |
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS |
CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS AND COMMITMENTS
The following table provides a summary of our contractual obligations as of the end of fiscal 2018. We expect to fund these commitments with existing cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash and investments, and cash flows from operations.
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Payments due by period (in thousands) |
Contractual obligations | Total | Less than 1 year | 1-3 years | 3-5 years | More than 5 years |
Long-term debt obligations, including interest and fees (1): | $ | 104,537 |
| $ | 3,890 |
| $ | 7,790 |
| $ | 92,857 |
| $ | — |
|
Workers’ compensation claims (2) | 236,387 |
| 77,150 |
| 67,771 |
| 27,575 |
| 63,891 |
|
Deferred compensation (3) | 4,498 |
| 1,352 |
| 1,481 |
| 955 |
| 710 |
|
Operating leases (4) | 24,984 |
| 8,337 |
| 12,182 |
| 3,766 |
| 699 |
|
Purchase obligations (5) | 28,043 |
| 14,687 |
| 10,754 |
| 2,602 |
| — |
|
Total contractual cash obligations | $ | 398,449 |
| $ | 105,416 |
| $ | 99,978 |
| $ | 127,755 |
| $ | 65,300 |
|
| |
(1) | Interest and fees are calculated based on the rates in effect at December 30, 2018. Our Revolving Credit Facility expires in 2023. For additional information, see Note 9: Long-term Debt to the consolidated financial statements included in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. |
| |
(2) | Excludes estimated expenses related to claims above our self-insured limits, for which we have a corresponding receivable based on the contractual policy agreements we have with insurance carriers. For additional information, see Note 8: Workers’ Compensation Insurance and Reserves to the consolidated financial statements included in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. |
| |
(3) | Represents scheduled distributions based on the elections of plan participants. Additional payments may be made if plan participants terminate, retire, or schedule distributions during the periods presented. For additional information, see Note 13: Defined Contribution Plans to the consolidated financial statements included in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. |
| |
(4) | Excludes all payments related to branch leases with short-term cancellation provisions, typically within 90 days. For additional information, see Note 10: Commitments and Contingencies to the consolidated financial statements included in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. |
| |
(5) | Purchase obligations include agreements to purchase goods and services that are enforceable, legally binding and specify all significant terms. Purchase obligations do not include agreements that are cancelable without significant penalty. |
Liability for unrecognized tax benefits has been excluded from the table above, as the timing and/or amounts of any cash payment is uncertain. For additional information, see Note 14: Income Taxes, to the consolidated financial statements included in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
SUMMARY OF CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES
Management’s discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations discusses our consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP. The preparation of these financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. On an ongoing basis, management evaluates its estimates and judgments. Management bases its estimates and judgments on historical experience and on various other factors that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying value of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.
Management believes that the following accounting estimates are the most critical to understand and evaluate our reported financial results, and they require management’s most subjective or complex judgments, resulting from the need to make estimates about the effect of matters that are inherently uncertain.
Workers’ compensation reserve
We maintain reserves for workers’ compensation claims, including the excess claims portion above our deductible, using actuarial estimates of the future cost of claims and related expenses. These estimates include claims that have been reported but not settled and claims that have been incurred but not reported. These reserves, which reflect potential liabilities to be paid in future periods based on estimated payment patterns, are discounted to estimated net present value using discount rates based on average returns on “risk-free” U.S. Treasury instruments, which are evaluated on a quarterly basis. We evaluate the reserves regularly throughout the year and make adjustments accordingly. If the actual cost of such claims and related expenses exceed the amount estimated, additional reserves may be required. Changes in reserve estimates are reflected on the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) in the period when the changes in estimates are made.
|
| | |
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS |
Our workers’ compensation reserves include estimated expenses related to excess claims and a corresponding receivable for the insurance coverage on excess claims based on the contractual policy agreements we have with insurance companies. We discount the reserve and its corresponding receivable to their estimated net present values using the risk-free rates associated with the actuarially determined weighted average lives of our excess claims. When appropriate, we record a valuation allowance against the insurance receivable to reflect amounts that may not be realized.
There are two main factors that impact workers’ compensation expense: the number of claims and the cost per claim. The number of claims is driven by the volume of hours worked, the business mix which reflects the type of work performed, and the safety of the environment where the work is performed. The cost per claim is driven primarily by the severity of the injury, the state in which the injury occurs, related medical costs, and lost-time wage costs. A 6% change in one or more of the above factors would result in a change to workers’ compensation expense of approximately $4 million. Our reserve balances have been positively impacted primarily by the success of our accident prevention programs. In the event that we are not able to further reduce our accident rates, the positive impacts to our reserve balance will diminish.
Allowance for doubtful accounts
We establish an allowance for doubtful accounts for estimated probable losses resulting from the failure of our clients to make required payments. The allowance for doubtful accounts is determined based on historical write-off experience, expectations of future write-offs, and current economic data, and represents our best estimate of the amount of probable credit losses. The allowance for doubtful accounts is reviewed quarterly and past due balances are written-off when it is likely the receivable will not be collected. If the financial condition of our clients were to deteriorate, resulting in an impairment of their ability to make payments, additional allowances may be required.
Business combinations
We account for our business acquisitions using the acquisition method of accounting. The purchase price of an acquisition is allocated to the underlying assets acquired and liabilities assumed based upon their estimated fair values at the date of acquisition. We determine the estimated fair values after review and consideration of relevant information including discounted cash flows, quoted market prices and estimates made by management. Determining the fair value of an acquired company is judgmental in nature and involves the use of significant estimates and assumptions. The significant judgments include estimation of future cash flows, which is dependent on forecasts; estimation of the long-term rate of growth; estimation of the useful life over which cash flows will occur; and determination of a weighted average cost of capital, which is risk-adjusted to reflect the specific risk profile of the business being purchased. Intangible assets that arise from contractual/legal rights, or are capable of being separated, are measured and recorded at fair value and amortized over the estimated useful life. If practicable, assets acquired and liabilities assumed arising from contingencies are measured and recorded at fair value. If not practicable, such assets and liabilities are measured and recorded when it is probable that a gain or loss has occurred and the amount can be reasonably estimated. The residual balance of the purchase price, after fair value allocations to all identified assets and liabilities, represents goodwill.
Goodwill acquired in business combinations is assigned to the reporting unit(s) expected to benefit from the combination as of the acquisition date. Acquisition-related costs are expensed as incurred. Our acquisitions may include contingent consideration, which require us to recognize the fair value of the estimated liability at the time of the acquisition. Subsequent changes in the estimate of the amount to be paid under the contingent consideration arrangement are recognized on the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss). Cash payments for contingent or deferred consideration are classified within cash flows from investing activities for the purchase price fair value of the contingent consideration while amounts paid in excess are classified within cash flows from operating activities on the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.
Goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets
We evaluate goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment on an annual basis as of the first day of our fiscal second quarter, and whenever events or circumstances make it more likely than not that an impairment may have occurred. These events or circumstances could include a significant change in the business climate, legal factors, operating performance indicators, competition, client engagement, or sale or disposition of a significant portion of a reporting unit. We monitor the existence of potential impairment indicators throughout the fiscal year.
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MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS |
Goodwill
We test for goodwill impairment at the reporting unit level. We consider our operating segments to be our reporting units for goodwill impairment testing. Our operating segments are PeopleReady, Centerline, Staff Management, SIMOS, PeopleScout, and PeopleScout MSP. The impairment test involves comparing the fair value of each reporting unit to its carrying value, including goodwill. Fair value reflects the price a market participant would be willing to pay in a potential sale of the reporting unit. If the fair value exceeds the carrying value, we conclude that no goodwill impairment has occurred. If the carrying value of the reporting unit exceeds its fair value, we recognize an impairment loss in an amount equal to the excess, not to exceed the carrying value of the goodwill.
Determining the fair value of a reporting unit involves the use of significant estimates and assumptions to evaluate the impact of operational and macroeconomic changes on each reporting unit. The fair value of each reporting unit is a weighted average of the income and market valuation approaches. The income approach applies a fair value methodology based on discounted cash flows. This analysis requires significant estimates and judgments, including estimation of future cash flows, which is dependent on internal forecasts, estimation of the long-term rate of growth for our business, estimation of the useful life over which cash flows will occur, and determination of our weighted average cost of capital, which is risk-adjusted to reflect the specific risk profile of the reporting unit being tested. Our weighted average cost of capital for our most recent annual impairment test ranged from 10.5% to 11.5%. We also apply a market approach, which identifies similar publicly traded companies and develops a correlation, referred to as a multiple, to apply to the operating results of the reporting units. The primary market multiples to which we compare are revenue and earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization. The income and market approaches were equally weighted in our most recent annual impairment test. These combined fair values are reconciled to our aggregate market value of our shares of common stock outstanding on the date of valuation, resulting in a reasonable control premium of 13.2%. We base fair value estimates on assumptions we believe to be reasonable but that are unpredictable and inherently uncertain. Actual future results may differ from those estimates. We consider a reporting unit’s fair value to be substantially in excess of its carrying value at a 20% premium or greater.
Based on our test performed as of the first day of our fiscal second quarter of 2018, all reporting units’ fair values were substantially in excess of their respective carrying values. Accordingly, no impairment loss was recognized for the years ended December 30, 2018 or December 31, 2017. During fiscal 2016, we recognized an impairment charge of $66 million. See Note 7: Goodwill and Intangible Assets, to our consolidated financial statements found in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for additional details.
The estimated fair value of our Staff Management and SIMOS reporting units were in excess of their carrying value, however, the operations of these reporting units are largely dependent on major national clients. The loss of a major national client could give rise to an impairment. In that event, we would be required to record a goodwill impairment. We will continue to closely monitor the operational performance of these reporting units.
Indefinite-lived intangible assets
We have indefinite-lived intangible assets related to our Staff Management and PeopleScout trade names. We test our trade names annually for impairment, and when indicators of potential impairment exist. We utilize the relief from royalty method to determine the fair value of each of our trade names. If the carrying value exceeds the fair value, we recognize an impairment loss in an amount equal to the excess, not to exceed the carrying value. Management uses considerable judgment to determine key assumptions, including projected revenue, royalty rates and appropriate discount rates.
We performed our annual indefinite-lived intangible asset impairment test as of the first day of our fiscal second quarter of 2018 and determined that the estimated fair values exceeded the carrying amounts for our indefinite-lived trade names. Accordingly, no impairment loss was recognized for the years ended December 30, 2018 or December 31, 2017. During fiscal 2016, we recognized an impairment charge on indefinite-lived intangible assets of $5 million. See Note 7: Goodwill and Intangible Assets, to our consolidated financial statements found in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for additional details.
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| | |
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS |
Intangible assets and other long-lived assets
We review intangible assets that have finite useful lives and other long-lived assets whenever an event or change in circumstances indicates that the carrying value of the asset may not be recoverable. Factors considered important that could result in an impairment review include, but are not limited to, significant underperformance relative to historical or planned operating results, or significant changes in business strategies. We estimate the recoverability of these assets by comparing the carrying amount of the asset to the future undiscounted cash flows that we expect the asset to generate. An impairment loss is recognized when the estimated undiscounted cash flows expected to result from the use of the asset plus net proceeds expected from disposition of the asset (if any) are less than the carrying value of the asset. When an impairment loss is recognized, the carrying amount of the asset is reduced to its estimated fair value based on discounted cash flow analysis or other valuation techniques.
No impairment loss was recognized for the years ended December 30, 2018 or December 31, 2017. During fiscal 2016, we recognized an impairment to our acquired trade names/trademarks intangible assets of $4 million and an impairment to our customer relationships intangible assets of $29 million. See Note 7: Goodwill and Intangible Assets, to our consolidated financial statements found in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for additional details.
Estimated contingent legal and regulatory liabilities
From time to time we are subject to compliance audits by federal, state and local authorities relating to a variety of regulations including wage and hour laws, taxes, workers’ compensation, immigration, and safety. We are also subject to legal proceedings in the ordinary course of our operations. We have established reserves for contingent legal and regulatory liabilities. We record a liability when our management determines that it is probable that a legal claim will result in an adverse outcome and the amount of liability can be reasonably estimated. To the extent that an insurance company is contractually obligated to reimburse us for a liability, we record a receivable for the amount of the probable reimbursement. We evaluate our estimated liability regularly throughout the year and make adjustments as needed. If the actual outcome of these matters is different than expected, an adjustment is charged or credited to expense in the period the outcome occurs or the period in which the estimate changes.
Income taxes and related valuation allowances
We account for income taxes by recording taxes payable or refundable for the current year and deferred tax assets and liabilities for the future tax consequences of events that have been recognized in our financial statements or tax returns. We measure these expected future tax consequences based upon the provisions of tax law as currently enacted; the effects of future changes in tax laws are not anticipated. Future tax law changes, such as changes to federal and state corporate tax rates and the mix of states and their taxable income, could have a material impact on our financial condition or results of operations. When appropriate, we record a valuation allowance against deferred tax assets to offset future tax benefits that may not be realized. In determining whether a valuation allowance is appropriate, we consider whether it is more likely than not that all or some portion of our deferred tax assets will not be realized, based in part upon management’s judgments regarding future events and past operating results.
NEW ACCOUNTING STANDARDS
See Note 1: Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, to our consolidated financial statements included in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
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Item 7A. | QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK |
We are exposed to market risk related to changes in interest rates and foreign currency exchange rates, each of which could adversely affect the value of our investments. We do not currently use derivative financial instruments.
Interest rate risks
Our exposure to market risk for changes in interest rates relates primarily to our investment portfolio and our long-term debt.
Trust assets
Restricted cash and investments consist principally of collateral that has been provided or pledged to insurance carriers for workers’ compensation and state workers’ compensation programs. Our insurance carriers and certain state workers’ compensation programs require us to collateralize a portion of the workers’ compensation obligation. The collateral typically takes the form of cash and cash equivalents and highly rated investment grade securities, primarily in municipal debt securities, corporate debt securities and agency mortgage-backed securities. The majority of our collateral obligations are held in a trust (“Trust”) at the Bank of New York Mellon. The individual investments within the Trust are subject to credit risk due to possible rating changes, default, or impairment.
We monitor the portfolio to ensure this risk does not exceed prudent levels. We consistently apply and adhere to our investment policy of holding high-quality, diversified securities. We have the positive intent and ability to hold these investments until maturity and accordingly have classified them as held-to-maturity. For additional information, see Note 5: Restricted Cash and Investments, to the consolidated financial statements included in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Long-term debt
We are subject to the risk of fluctuating interest rates under our revolving credit agreement (“Revolving Credit Facility”), which bears interest at variable rates. For additional information, see Note 9: Long-term Debt, to the consolidated financial statements included in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Based on the principal balance of our outstanding Revolving Credit Facility of $80 million as of December 30, 2018, an increase or decrease of the interest rate by 10% over the next year would not have a material effect on our annual interest expense.
Foreign currency exchange rate risk
The majority of our revenue, expense, liabilities and capital purchasing activities are transacted in U.S. dollars. However, because a portion of our operations consists of activities outside of the United States, we have minimal transactions in other currencies, primarily the Canadian and Australian dollar, and Great Britain pound. We have not hedged our foreign currency translation risk. We have the ability to hold our foreign currency denominated assets indefinitely and do not expect that a sudden or significant change in foreign exchange rates will have a material impact on future operating results or cash flows.
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Item 8. | FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA |
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Shareholders and the Board of Directors of TrueBlue, Inc.
Opinion on the Consolidated Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of TrueBlue, Inc. and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, and the related consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss), shareholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 30, 2018 and the related notes and schedule listed in the Index at Item 15(a)(2) (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 30, 2018, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 30, 2018, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission and our report dated February 22, 2019 expressed an unqualified opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
Basis for Opinion
These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s consolidated financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the 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 audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated 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 consolidated 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 consolidated financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
/s/ Deloitte & Touche, LLP
Seattle, Washington
February 22, 2019
We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2009.
TRUEBLUE, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
|
| | | | | | |
(in thousands, except par value data) | December 30,
2018 | December 31,
2017 |
ASSETS | | |
Current assets: | | |
Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 46,988 |
| $ | 28,780 |
|
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $5,026 and $4,344 | 355,373 |
| 374,273 |
|
Prepaid expenses, deposits and other current assets | 22,141 |
| 20,605 |
|
Income tax receivable | 5,325 |
| 4,621 |
|
Total current assets | 429,827 |
| 428,279 |
|
Property and equipment, net | 57,671 |
| 60,163 |
|
Restricted cash and investments | 235,443 |
| 239,231 |
|
Deferred income taxes, net | 4,388 |
| 3,783 |
|
Goodwill | 237,287 |
| 226,694 |
|
Intangible assets, net | 91,408 |
| 104,615 |
|
Workers’ compensation claims receivable, net | 44,915 |
| 45,048 |
|
Other assets, net | 13,905 |
| 1,218 |
|
Total assets | $ | 1,114,844 |
| $ | 1,109,031 |
|
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY | | |
Current liabilities: | | |
Accounts payable and other accrued expenses | $ | 69,814 |
| $ | 55,091 |
|
Accrued wages and benefits | 77,089 |
| 76,894 |
|
Current portion of workers’ compensation claims reserve | 76,421 |
| 77,218 |
|
Other current liabilities | 2,202 |
| 3,216 |
|
Total current liabilities | 225,526 |
| 212,419 |
|
Workers’ compensation claims reserve, less current portion | 190,025 |
| 197,105 |
|
Long-term debt, less current portion | 80,000 |
| 116,489 |
|
Long-term deferred compensation liabilities | 21,747 |
| 21,866 |
|
Other long-term liabilities | 6,107 |
| 6,305 |
|
Total liabilities | 523,405 |
| 554,184 |
|
| | |
Commitments and contingencies (Note 10) |
|
|
| | |
Shareholders’ equity: | | |
Preferred stock, $0.131 par value, 20,000 shares authorized; No shares issued and outstanding | — |
| — |
|
Common stock, no par value, 100,000 shares authorized; 40,054 and 41,098 shares issued and outstanding | 1 |
| 1 |
|
Accumulated other comprehensive loss | (14,649 | ) | (6,804 | ) |
Retained earnings | 606,087 |
| 561,650 |
|
Total shareholders’ equity | 591,439 |
| 554,847 |
|
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity | $ | 1,114,844 |
| $ | 1,109,031 |
|
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements
TRUEBLUE, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
|
| | | | | | | | | |
| Years ended |
(in thousands, except per share data) | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 |
Revenue from services | $ | 2,499,207 |
| $ | 2,508,771 |
| $ | 2,750,640 |
|
Cost of services | 1,833,607 |
| 1,874,298 |
| 2,070,922 |
|
Gross profit | 665,600 |
| 634,473 |
| 679,718 |
|
Selling, general and administrative expense | 550,632 |
| 510,794 |
| 546,477 |
|
Depreciation and amortization | 41,049 |
| 46,115 |
| 46,692 |
|
Goodwill and intangible asset impairment charge | — |
| — |
| 103,544 |
|
Income (loss) from operations | 73,919 |
| 77,564 |
| (16,995 | ) |
Interest expense | (4,881 | ) | (5,494 | ) | (7,166 | ) |
Interest and other income | 6,625 |
| 5,480 |
| 3,821 |
|
Interest and other income (expense), net | 1,744 |
| (14 | ) | (3,345 | ) |
Income (loss) before tax expense (benefit) | 75,663 |
| 77,550 |
| (20,340 | ) |
Income tax expense (benefit) | 9,909 |
| 22,094 |
| (5,089 | ) |
Net income (loss) | $ | 65,754 |
| $ | 55,456 |
| $ | (15,251 | ) |
| | | |
Net income (loss) per common share: | | | |
Basic | $ | 1.64 |
| $ | 1.35 |
| $ | (0.37 | ) |
Diluted | $ | 1.63 |
| $ | 1.34 |
| $ | (0.37 | ) |
| | | |
Weighted average shares outstanding: | | | |
Basic | 39,985 |
| 41,202 |
| 41,648 |
|
Diluted | 40,275 |
| 41,441 |
| 41,648 |
|
| | | |
Other comprehensive income (loss): | | | |
Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of tax | $ | (6,320 | ) | $ | 3,355 |
| $ | 1,830 |
|
Unrealized gain on investments, net of tax | — |
| 1,274 |
| 750 |
|
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax | (6,320 | ) | 4,629 |
| 2,580 |
|
Comprehensive income (loss) | $ | 59,434 |
| $ | 60,085 |
| $ | (12,671 | ) |
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements
TRUEBLUE, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Common stock | | Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) | Total shareholders’ equity |
(in thousands) | Shares | Amount | Retained earnings |
Balances, | December 25, 2015 | 42,024 |
| $ | 1 |
| $ | 549,585 |
| $ | (14,013 | ) | $ | 535,573 |
|
Net loss | — |
| — |
| (15,251 | ) | — |
| (15,251 | ) |
Other comprehensive income, net of tax | — |
| — |
| — |
| 2,580 |
| 2,580 |
|
Purchases and retirement of common stock | (332 | ) | — |
| (5,748 | ) | — |
| (5,748 | ) |
Issuances under equity plans, including tax benefits | 445 |
| — |
| (1,338 | ) | — |
| (1,338 | ) |
Stock-based compensation | 34 |
| — |
| 9,363 |
| — |
| 9,363 |
|
Balances, | January 1, 2017 | 42,171 |
| 1 |
| 536,611 |
| (11,433 | ) | 525,179 |
|
Net income | — |
| — |
| 55,456 |
| — |
| 55,456 |
|
Other comprehensive income, net of tax | — |
| — |
| — |
| 4,629 |
| 4,629 |
|
Purchases and retirement of common stock | (1,530 | ) | — |
| (36,680 | ) | — |
| (36,680 | ) |
Issuances under equity plans, including tax benefits | 418 |
| — |
| (1,481 | ) | — |
| (1,481 | ) |
Stock-based compensation | 39 |
| — |
| 7,744 |
| — |
| 7,744 |
|
Balances, | December 31, 2017 | 41,098 |
| 1 |
| 561,650 |
| (6,804 | ) | 554,847 |
|
Net income | — |
| — |
| 65,754 |
| — |
| 65,754 |
|
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax | — |
| — |
| — |
| (6,320 | ) | (6,320 | ) |
Purchases and retirement of common stock | (1,371 | ) | — |
| (34,818 | ) | — |
| (34,818 | ) |
Issuances under equity plans, including tax benefits | 299 |
| — |
| (1,900 | ) | — |
| (1,900 | ) |
Stock-based compensation | 28 |
| — |
| 13,876 |
| — |
| 13,876 |
|
Change in accounting standard cumulative-effect adjustment | — |
| — |
| 1,525 |
| (1,525 | ) | — |
|
Balances, | December 30, 2018 | 40,054 |
| $ | 1 |
| $ | 606,087 |
| $ | (14,649 | ) | $ | 591,439 |
|
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements
TRUEBLUE, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
|
| | | | | | | | | |
| Years ended |
(in thousands) | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 |
Cash flows from operating activities: | | | |
Net income (loss) | $ | 65,754 |
| $ | 55,456 |
| $ | (15,251 | ) |
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities: | | | |
Depreciation and amortization | 41,049 |
| 46,115 |
| 46,692 |
|
Goodwill and intangible asset impairment charge | — |
| — |
| 103,544 |
|
Provision for doubtful accounts | 10,042 |
| 6,808 |
| 8,308 |
|
Stock-based compensation | 13,876 |
| 7,744 |
| 9,363 |
|
Deferred income taxes | (1,929 | ) | 2,440 |
| (25,355 | ) |
Other operating activities | 5,154 |
| 2,349 |
| 6,859 |
|
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of amounts acquired and divested: | | | |
Accounts receivable | 11,640 |
| (28,483 | ) | 112,785 |
|
Income tax receivable | (996 | ) | 14,875 |
| 9,450 |
|
Other assets | (12,928 | ) | 5,289 |
| 470 |
|
Accounts payable and other accrued expenses | 2,855 |
| (10,569 | ) | (4,101 | ) |
Accrued wages and benefits | (1,447 | ) | (2,888 | ) | (7,313 | ) |
Workers’ compensation claims reserve | (7,877 | ) | (1,048 | ) | 11,070 |
|
Other liabilities | 499 |
| 2,046 |
| 4,182 |
|
Net cash provided by operating activities | 125,692 |
| 100,134 |
| 260,703 |
|
Cash flows from investing activities: | | | |
Capital expenditures | (17,054 | ) | (21,958 | ) | (29,042 | ) |
Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired | (22,742 | ) | — |
| (72,476 | ) |
Divestiture of business | 10,587 |
| — |
| — |
|
Purchases of restricted investments | (12,941 | ) | (50,601 | ) | (42,648 | ) |
Maturities of restricted investments | 21,635 |
| 20,157 |
| 17,244 |
|
Other | — |
| (1,979 | ) | 2,979 |
|
Net cash used in investing activities | (20,515 | ) | (54,381 | ) | (123,943 | ) |
Cash flows from financing activities: | | | |
Purchases and retirement of common stock | (34,818 | ) | (36,680 | ) | (5,748 | ) |
Net proceeds from employee stock purchase plans and stock options exercised | 1,503 |
| 1,646 |
| 1,542 |
|
Common stock repurchases for taxes upon vesting of restricted stock | (3,404 | ) | (3,127 | ) | (2,851 | ) |
Net change in revolving credit facility | (15,900 | ) | (16,607 | ) | (105,579 | ) |
Payments on debt | (22,397 | ) | (2,267 | ) | (2,456 | ) |
Payment of contingent consideration at acquisition date fair value | — |
| (18,300 | ) | — |
|
Other | — |
| — |
| (29 | ) |
Net cash used in financing activities | (75,016 | ) | (75,335 | ) | (115,121 | ) |
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash | (1,542 | ) | 191 |
| 1,772 |
|
Net change in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash | 28,619 |
| (29,391 | ) | 23,411 |
|
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, beginning of period | 73,831 |
| 103,222 |
| 79,811 |
|
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, end of period | $ | 102,450 |
| $ | 73,831 |
| $ | 103,222 |
|
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information: | | | |
Cash paid during the period for: | | | |
Interest | $ | 4,373 |
| $ | 3,811 |
| $ | 4,083 |
|
Income taxes | 12,898 |
| 4,593 |
| 10,312 |
|
Non-cash transactions: | | | |
Property, plant, and equipment purchased but not yet paid | 1,553 |
| 375 |
| 1,471 |
|
Divestiture non-cash consideration | 798 |
| — |
| — |
|
Non-cash acquisition adjustments | — |
| — |
| 3,783 |
|
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements
|
|
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
| |
NOTE 1: | SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES |
Description of business
TrueBlue, Inc. (the “company,” “TrueBlue,” “we,” “us” and “our”) is a leading provider of specialized workforce solutions that help clients achieve growth and improve productivity. We serve clients in a wide variety of industries through our PeopleReady segment which offers industrial staffing services, our PeopleManagement segment which offers contingent and productivity-based on-site industrial staffing services, and our PeopleScout segment which offers recruitment process outsourcing and managed service provider services. We are headquartered in Tacoma, Washington.
Basis of presentation
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of TrueBlue and all of its wholly-owned subsidiaries. Intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. The consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”).
Fiscal period end
The consolidated financial statements are presented on a 52/53-week fiscal year-end basis, with the last day of the fiscal year ending on the Sunday closest to the last day of December. In fiscal years consisting of 53 weeks, the final quarter will consist of 14 weeks while fiscal years consisting of 52 weeks, all quarters will consist of 13 weeks. The fiscal year ended 2016 included 53 weeks, with the 53rd week falling in our fourth quarter. All other years presented include 52 weeks.
Revenue recognition
We account for a contract when both parties to the contract have approved the contract, the rights of the parties are identified, payment terms are identified, the contract has commercial substance, and collectability of consideration is probable. Revenues are recognized over time using an output measure, as the control of the promised services is transferred to the client, in an amount that reflects the consideration we expect to be entitled to in exchange for those services. The majority of our contracts are short-term in nature as they are filling the temporary staffing needs of our clients, or include termination clauses that allow either party to cancel within a short notice period, without cause. Revenue includes billable travel and other reimbursable costs and are reported net of sales, use or other transaction taxes collected from clients and remitted to taxing authorities. Payment terms vary by client and the services offered, however we do not extend payment terms beyond one year. Substantially all of our contracts include payment terms of 90 days or less.
We primarily record revenue on a gross basis as a principal versus on a net basis as an agent on the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss). We have determined that gross reporting as a principal is the appropriate treatment based upon the following key factors:
| |
• | We maintain the direct contractual relationship with the client and are responsible for fulfilling the service promised to the client. |
| |
• | We demonstrate control over the services provided to our clients by being the employer of record for the individuals performing the service. |
| |
• | We establish our worker’s billing rate. |
Contingent staffing
We recognize revenue for our PeopleReady and PeopleManagement contingent staffing services over time as services are performed in an amount that reflects the consideration we expect to be entitled to in exchange for our services, which is generally calculated as hours worked multiplied by the agreed-upon hourly bill rate. The client simultaneously receives and consumes the benefits of the services as they are provided. We do not incur costs to obtain our contingent staffing contracts. Costs are incurred to fulfill some contingent staffing contracts, however these costs are not material and are expensed as incurred.
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| | |
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
Human resource outsourcing
We primarily recognize revenue for our PeopleScout outsourced recruitment of permanent employees over time in an amount that reflects the consideration we expect to be entitled to in exchange for our services. The client simultaneously receives and consumes the benefits of the services as they are provided. We do not incur costs to obtain our outsourced recruitment of permanent employees’ contracts. The costs to fulfill these contracts are not material and are expensed as incurred.
Unsatisfied performance obligations
As a practical expedient, we do not disclose the value of unsatisfied performance obligations for (i) contracts with an expected original duration of one year or less and (ii) contracts for which we recognize revenue at the amount to which we have the right to invoice for services performed.
Cost of services
Cost of services refers to costs directly associated with the earning of revenue and primarily includes wages and related payroll taxes and workers’ compensation expenses. Cost of services also includes billable travel as well as other reimbursable and non-reimbursable expenses.
Advertising costs
Advertising costs consist primarily of print and other promotional activities. We expense advertisements as of the first date the advertisements take place. Advertising expenses included in selling, general and administrative expense were $8.1 million, $7.3 million and $7.8 million in fiscal 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively.
Cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities
We consider all highly liquid instruments purchased with an original maturity of three months or less at date of purchase to be cash equivalents. Investments with original maturities greater than three months are classified as marketable securities. We do not buy and hold securities principally for the purpose of selling them in the near future. Our investment policy is focused on the preservation of capital, liquidity and return. From time to time, we may sell certain securities but the objective is not to generate profits on short-term differences in price. We manage our cash equivalents and marketable securities as a single portfolio of highly liquid securities.
Accounts receivable and allowance for doubtful accounts
Accounts receivable are recorded at the invoiced amount. We establish an allowance for doubtful accounts for estimated losses resulting from the failure of our clients to make required payments. The allowance for doubtful accounts is determined based on current collection efforts, historical collection trends, write-off experience, client credit risk and current economic data. The allowance for doubtful accounts is reviewed quarterly and represents our best estimate of the amount of probable credit losses. Past due balances are written off when it is probable the receivable will not be collected.
Restricted cash and investments
Cash and investments pledged as collateral and restricted to use for workers’ compensation insurance programs are included as restricted cash and investments on our Consolidated Balance Sheets. Our investments consist of highly-rated investment grade debt securities, which are rated A1/P1 or higher for short-term securities and A or higher for long-term securities, by nationally recognized rating organizations. We have the positive intent and ability to hold our restricted investments until maturity in accordance with our investment policy and, accordingly, all of our restricted investments are classified as held-to-maturity. In the event that an investment is downgraded, it is replaced with a highly-rated investment grade security. We review for impairment on a quarterly basis and do not consider temporary unrealized losses to be an impairment.
We have an agreement with American International Group, Inc. and the Bank of New York Mellon Corporation creating a trust (“Trust”), which holds the majority of our collateral obligations under existing workers’ compensation insurance policies. Placing the collateral in the Trust allows us to manage the investment of the assets and provides greater protection of those assets.
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
Fair value of financial instruments and investments
Fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. For assets and liabilities recorded or disclosed at fair value on a recurring basis, we determine fair value based on the following:
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• | Level 1: The carrying value of cash and cash equivalents and mutual funds approximates fair value because of the short-term nature of these instruments. Inputs are valued using quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. |
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• | Level 2: Inputs other than quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities are used. We use quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets or quoted prices or we estimate the fair value using a variety of valuation methodologies, which include observable inputs for comparable instruments and unobservable inputs. |
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• | Level 3: For assets and liabilities with unobservable inputs, we typically rely on management’s estimates of assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. |
The carrying value of our cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash approximates fair value because of the short-term maturity of those instruments. We hold mutual funds classified as available-for-sale to support our deferred compensation liability, which are carried at fair value based on quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets. There are inherent limitations when estimating the fair value of financial instruments, and the fair values reported are not necessarily indicative of the amounts that would be realized in current market transactions.
The carrying value of our accounts receivable, accounts payable and other accrued expenses, and accrued wages and benefits approximates fair value due to their short-term nature. We also hold certain restricted investments which collateralize workers’ compensation programs and are classified as held-to-maturity and carried at amortized cost on our Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Certain items such as goodwill and other intangible assets are recognized or disclosed at fair value on a non-recurring basis. We determine the fair value of these items using level 3 inputs.
Property and equipment
Property and equipment are recorded at cost. We compute depreciation using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets as follows:
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| Years |
Buildings | 40 |
Computers and software | 3 - 10 |
Furniture and equipment | 3 - 10 |
Leasehold improvements are amortized over the shorter of the related non-cancelable lease term or their estimated useful lives.
Non-capital expenditures associated with opening new locations are expensed as incurred.
When property is retired or otherwise disposed of, the cost and accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts and any resulting gain or loss, net of proceeds, is reflected on the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss).
Repairs and maintenance costs are charged directly to expense as incurred. Major renewals or replacements that substantially extend the useful life of an asset are capitalized and depreciated.
Costs associated with the acquisition or development of software for internal use are capitalized and amortized over the expected useful life of the software, from three to ten years. A subsequent addition, modification or upgrade to internal-use software is capitalized to the extent that it enhances the software’s functionality or extends its useful life. Software maintenance and training costs are expensed in the period incurred.
Leases
We conduct our branch office operations from leased locations. We also lease office spaces for our centralized support functions, vehicles and equipment. Many leases require payment of property taxes, insurance and common area maintenance, in addition to
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
rent. The terms of our lease agreements generally range from three to five years, majority containing options to renew or cancel with 90 days notice.
Operating lease expense is included within selling, general and administrative expense on our Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss). For operating leases that contain predetermined fixed escalations of the minimum rent, we recognize the related rent expense on a straight-line basis from the date we take possession of the property to the end of the minimum lease term. We record any difference between the straight-line rent amounts and amounts payable under the leases as part of deferred rent, in accrued liabilities or long-term liabilities, as appropriate.
Cash or lease incentives received upon entering into certain operating leases (“tenant allowances”) are recognized on a straight-line basis as a reduction to rent from the date we take possession of the property through the end of the initial lease term. We record the unamortized portion of tenant allowances as a part of deferred rent, in accrued liabilities or long-term liabilities, as appropriate.
Intangible assets and other long-lived assets
Long-lived assets include property and equipment, and finite-lived intangible assets. These assets are tested for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of the assets may not be recoverable.
We have indefinite-lived intangible assets related to our Staff Management | SMX (“Staff Management”) and PeopleScout trade names. We test our trade names annually for impairment, and when indications of potential impairment exist.
Goodwill
We evaluate goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment on an annual basis as of the first day of our second quarter, or more frequently if an event occurs or circumstances change that would indicate impairment may exist. These events or circumstances could include a significant change in the business climate, operating performance indicators, competition, client engagement, legal factors or sale or disposition of a significant portion of a reporting unit. We monitor the existence of potential impairment indicators throughout the fiscal year.
Business combinations
We account for our business acquisitions using the acquisition method of accounting. The fair value of the net assets acquired and the results of the acquired business are included in the financial statements from the acquisition date forward. We are required to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and results of operations during the reporting period. Estimates are used in accounting for, among other things, the fair value of acquired net operating assets, property and equipment, intangible assets, useful lives of property and equipment, and amortizable lives for acquired intangible assets. Any excess of the purchase consideration over the identified fair value of the assets and liabilities acquired is recognized as goodwill. Goodwill acquired in business combinations is assigned to the reporting unit(s) expected to benefit from the combination as of the acquisition date. We estimate the fair value of acquired assets and liabilities as of the date of the acquisition based on information available at that time. The valuation of these tangible and identifiable intangible assets and liabilities is subject to further management review and may change between the preliminary allocation and the final allocation.
All acquisition-related costs are expensed as incurred and recorded in selling, general and administrative expense on the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss). Additionally, we recognize liabilities for anticipated restructuring costs that will be necessary due to the elimination of excess capacity, redundant assets or unnecessary functions, and record them as selling, general and administrative expense on the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss).
Workers’ compensation claims reserves
We maintain reserves for workers’ compensation claims using actuarial estimates of the future cost of claims and related expenses. These estimates include claims that have been reported but not settled and claims that have been incurred but not reported. These reserves, which reflect potential liabilities to be paid in future periods based on estimated payment patterns, are discounted to estimated net present value using discount rates based on average returns of “risk-free” U.S. Treasury instruments, which are evaluated on a quarterly basis. We evaluate the reserves regularly throughout the year and make adjustments accordingly. If the actual cost of such claims and related expenses exceeds the amounts estimated, additional reserves may be required. Changes in reserve estimates are reflected on the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) in the period when the changes in estimates are made.
Our workers’ compensation reserves include estimated expenses related to claims above our self-insured limits (“excess claims”) and a corresponding receivable for the insurance coverage on excess claims based on the contractual policy agreements we have
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
with insurance companies. We discount the liability and its corresponding receivable to its estimated net present value using the “risk-free” rates associated with the actuarially determined weighted average lives of our excess claims. When appropriate, based on our best estimate, we record a valuation allowance against the insurance receivable to reflect amounts that may not be realized.
Legal contingency reserves and regulatory liabilities
From time to time we are subject to compliance audits by federal, state and local authorities relating to a variety of regulations including wage and hour laws, taxes, workers’ compensation, immigration and safety. In addition, we are subject to legal proceedings in the ordinary course of our operations. We establish accruals for contingent legal and regulatory liabilities when management determines that it is probable that a legal claim will result in an adverse outcome and the amount of liability can be reasonably estimated. We evaluate our reserve regularly throughout the year and make adjustments as needed. If the actual outcome of these matters is different than expected, an adjustment is charged or credited to expense in the period the outcome occurs or the period in which the estimate changes.
Income taxes and related valuation allowance
We account for income taxes by recording taxes payable or receivable for the current year and deferred tax assets and liabilities for the future tax consequences of events that have been recognized in our financial statements or tax returns. These expected future tax consequences are measured based on provisions of tax law as currently enacted; the effects of future changes in tax laws are not anticipated. Future tax law changes, such as changes to the federal and state corporate tax rates and the mix of states and their taxable income, could have a material impact on our financial condition or results of operations. When appropriate, we record a valuation allowance against deferred tax assets to offset future tax benefits that may not be realized. In determining whether a valuation allowance is appropriate, we consider whether it is more likely than not that all or some portion of our deferred tax assets will not be realized, based in part upon management’s judgments regarding future events and past operating results. Based on that analysis, we have determined that a valuation allowance is appropriate for certain net operating losses and tax credits that we expect will not be utilized within the permitted carryforward periods as of December 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017.
A significant driver of fluctuations in our effective income tax rate is the Work Opportunity Tax Credit (“WOTC”). WOTC is designed to encourage hiring of workers from certain disadvantaged targeted categories, and is generally calculated as a percentage of wages over a twelve month period up to worker maximum by targeted category. Based on historical results and business trends, we estimate the amount of WOTC we expect to earn related to wages of the current year. However, the estimate is subject to variation because 1) a small percentage of our workers qualify for one or more of the many targeted categories; 2) the targeted categories are subject to different incentive credit rates and limitations; 3) credits fluctuate depending on economic conditions and qualified worker retention periods; and 4) state and federal offices can delay their credit certification processing and have inconsistent certification rates. We recognize additional prior year hiring credits if credits in excess of original estimates have been certified by government offices.
Deferred compensation plan
We offer a non-qualified defined contribution plan (the “Plan”) to eligible employees. Participating employees may elect to defer and contribute a portion of their eligible compensation. The Plan allows participants to direct their account based on the investment options determined by TrueBlue and offers discretionary matching contributions.
The current portion of the deferred compensation liability is included in other current liabilities on our Consolidated Balance Sheets. The total deferred compensation liability is largely offset by deferred compensation mutual funds classified as available-for-sale recorded in restricted cash and investments on our Consolidated Balance Sheets. These mutual funds are measured at fair value, with changes in market value recognized in selling, general and administrative expense on our Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss).
Stock-based compensation
Under various plans, officers, employees and non-employee directors have received or may receive grants of stock, restricted stock awards, performance share units or options to purchase common stock. We also have an employee stock purchase plan ("ESPP").
Compensation expense for restricted stock awards and performance share units is generally recognized on a straight-line basis over the vesting period, based on the stock’s fair market value on the grant date. For restricted stock and performance share unit grants issued with performance conditions, compensation expense is recognized over each vesting period based on assessment of the likelihood of meeting these conditions. We recognize compensation expense for only the portion of restricted stock and performance share units that is expected to vest, rather than record forfeitures when they occur. If the actual number of forfeitures differs from those estimated by management, additional adjustments to compensation expense may be required in the future periods.
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
Foreign currency
Our consolidated financial statements are reported in U.S. dollars. Assets and liabilities of international subsidiaries with non-U.S. dollar functional currencies are translated to U.S. dollars at the exchange rates in effect on the balance sheet date. Revenues and expenses for each subsidiary are translated to U.S. dollars using a weighted average rate for the relevant reporting period. Translation adjustments resulting from this process are included, net of tax, in other comprehensive income (“OCI”), when applicable. Currency gains and losses on intercompany loans with international subsidiaries are included, net of tax, in OCI.
Purchases and retirement of our common stock
We purchase our common stock under a program authorized by our Board of Directors. Under applicable Washington State law, shares purchased are not displayed separately as treasury stock on the Consolidated Balance Sheets and are treated as authorized but unissued shares. It is our accounting policy to first record these purchases as a reduction to our common stock account. Once the common stock account has been reduced to a nominal balance, remaining purchases are recorded as a reduction to our retained earnings. Furthermore, activity in our common stock account related to stock-based compensation is also recorded to retained earnings until such time as the reduction to retained earnings due to stock repurchases has been recovered.
Net income (loss) per share
Basic net income (loss) per share is calculated by dividing net income (loss) by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted net income per share is calculated by dividing net income by the weighted average number of common shares and potential common shares outstanding during the period. Potential common shares include the dilutive effects of vested and non-vested restricted stock, performance share units and shares issued under the ESPP, except where their inclusion would be anti-dilutive.
Anti-dilutive shares primarily include non-vested restricted stock and performance share units for which the sum of the assumed proceeds, including unrecognized compensation expense, exceeds the average stock price during the periods presented. Anti-dilutive shares associated with our stock options relate to those stock options with an exercise price higher than the average market value of our stock during the periods presented.
Use of estimates
Preparing financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses. Estimates in our financial statements include, but are not limited to, purchase accounting, allowance for doubtful accounts, estimates for asset and goodwill impairments, stock-based performance awards, assumptions underlying self-insurance reserves, contingent legal and regulatory liabilities, and the potential outcome of future tax consequences of events that have been recognized in the financial statements. Actual results and outcomes may differ from these estimates and assumptions.
Recently adopted accounting standards
Stock compensation
In May 2017, the Financial Accounting Standing Board (“FASB”) issued guidance to provide clarity and reduce diversity in practice when accounting for a change to the terms or conditions of share-based payment awards. The objective was to reduce the scope of transactions that would require modification accounting. Disclosure requirements remain unchanged. This amended guidance was effective for our fiscal years and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2017 (Q1 2018 for TrueBlue), with early adoption permitted. We adopted this guidance for our fiscal first quarter of 2018. The adoption of the new standard did not have a material impact on our financial statements.
Business combinations
In January 2017, the FASB issued guidance clarifying the definition of a business, which revises the definition of a business and provides new guidance in evaluating when a set of transferred assets and activities is a business. This guidance was effective for fiscal years and interim periods beginning December 15, 2017 (Q1 2018 for TrueBlue) on a prospective basis. This standard did not have a material impact on our financial statements.
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
Restricted cash and cash equivalents
In November 2016, the FASB issued guidance to amend the presentation of restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents on the statement of cash flows. The standard requires restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents be included with cash and cash equivalents when reconciling the beginning-of-period and end-of-period total amounts shown on the statement of cash flows. This amended guidance was effective for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2017 (Q1 2018 for TrueBlue). We adopted this guidance for our fiscal first quarter of 2018 using the retrospective transition method. Accordingly, the change in restricted cash and cash equivalents is no longer segregated on our Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, and the $21.5 million and $19.8 million previously presented in the investing section for the years ended December 31, 2017 and January 1, 2017, respectively, are now included when reconciling the beginning-of-period and end-of-period cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash shown on our Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.
Accounting for income taxes - intra-entity asset transfers
In October 2016, the FASB issued guidance on the accounting for income tax effects of intercompany sales or transfers of assets other than inventory. The guidance requires entities to recognize the income tax impact of an intra-entity sale or transfer of an asset other than inventory when the sale or transfer occurs, rather than when the asset has been sold to an outside party. This guidance was effective for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2017 (Q1 2018 for TrueBlue). The guidance requires a modified retrospective application with a cumulative catch-up adjustment to opening retained earnings. We adopted this guidance for our fiscal first quarter of 2018. The adoption of the new standard did not have a material impact on our financial statements.
Statement of cash flows classification
In August 2016, the FASB issued guidance relating to how certain cash receipts and cash payments should be presented and classified in the statement of cash flows. The update was intended to reduce the existing diversity in practice. The amended guidance was effective for fiscal years, and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2017 (Q1 2018 for TrueBlue). We adopted this guidance for our fiscal first quarter of 2018. The adoption of the new standard did not have an impact on our financial statements.
Financial instruments – recognition, measurement, presentation, and disclosure
In January 2016, the FASB issued guidance on the accounting for equity investments, financial liabilities under the fair value option, and the presentation and disclosure requirements for financial instruments. The guidance was effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2017 (Q1 2018 for TrueBlue). Early adoption of the amendments in the guidance was not permitted, with limited exceptions. The guidance required a cumulative-effect adjustment be made to reclassify unrealized gains and losses related to available-for-sale equity securities from accumulated other comprehensive income, to retained earnings as of the beginning of the fiscal year of adoption. We adopted this guidance as of the first day of our fiscal first quarter of 2018 and reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss to retained earnings, $1.5 million in unrealized gains, net of tax on available-for-sale equity securities. Beginning in Q1 2018, change in market value for our available-for-sale equity securities is included in selling, general and administrative expense on our Consolidated Statements of Operation and Comprehensive Income (Loss).
Revenue from contracts with customers
In May 2014, the FASB issued guidance outlining a single comprehensive model for accounting for revenue arising from contracts with clients, which supersedes the previous revenue recognition accounting guidance. The guidance was effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2017 (Q1 2018 for TrueBlue). This guidance required an entity to recognize revenue when it transfers promised goods or services to clients in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. We adopted this new guidance as of January 1, 2018 using the modified retrospective transition method. Results for reporting periods beginning after January 1, 2018 are presented under the new revenue recognition guidance, while prior period amounts were not adjusted and continue to be reported in accordance with previous accounting guidance. The adoption of this new guidance did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements as of the adoption date, or for the year ended December 30, 2018, except for expanded disclosures.
