UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
(X) QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(D)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarter ended April 2, 1999
Commission File Number 0-23828
Labor Ready, Inc.
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(Exact Name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
Washington 91-1287341
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(State of Incorporation) (Employer Identification No.)
1016 S. 28th Street , Tacoma, Washington 98409
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(Address of Principal Executive Offices) (Zip Code)
(253) 383-9101
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(Registrant's Telephone Number)
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports
required to be filed by Section 13 or 15 (d) of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the
registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such
filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes (X) No ( )
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As of May 5, 1999, the Registrant had 28,328,940 shares of Common Stock
outstanding.
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DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE: None.
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LABOR READY, INC.
INDEX
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Consolidated Balance Sheets
April 2, 1999 and December 31, 1998................... 2
Consolidated Statements of Income
Thirteen Weeks Ended
April 2, 1999 and April 3, 1998....................... 4
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
Thirteen Weeks Ended April 2, 1999
and April 3, 1998..................................... 5
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements............ 6
Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations......... 9
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
Item 6 Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K...................... 14
SIGNATURES...................................................... 14
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Page 1
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LABOR READY, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
IN THOUSANDS
ASSETS
(Unaudited)
April 2, December 31,
1999 1998
-------- --------
CURRENT ASSETS:
Cash and cash equivalents ........................................ $ 24,243 $ 25,940
Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts
of $4,826 and $4,218 ............................................ 64,572 65,484
Workers' compensation deposits and credits ....................... 4,868 2,961
Prepaid expenses and other ....................................... 6,882 4,947
Deferred income taxes ............................................ 6,313 6,601
-------- --------
Total current assets ............................................ 106,878 105,933
-------- --------
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT:
Buildings and land ............................................... 5,182 4,854
Computers and software ........................................... 15,955 13,443
Cash dispensing machines ......................................... 9,920 7,376
Furniture and equipment .......................................... 626 667
-------- --------
31,683 26,340
Less accumulated depreciation .................................... 6,738 6,069
-------- --------
Property and equipment, net ..................................... 24,945 20,271
-------- --------
OTHER ASSETS:
Intangible assets and other, less accumulated
amortization of $187 and $6,383 ................................. 953 2,781
Deferred income taxes ............................................ 4,655 1,751
-------- --------
Total other assets .............................................. 5,608 4,532
-------- --------
Total assets ..................................................... $137,431 $130,736
-------- --------
-------- --------
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
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LABOR READY, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
IN THOUSANDS (EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
(Unaudited)
April 2, December 31,
1999 1998
-------- --------
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
Accounts payable ....................................................... $ 5,455 $ 6,889
Accrued wages and benefits ............................................. 7,456 7,544
Reserve for workers' compensation claims ............................... 13,489 15,300
Income taxes payable ................................................... 3,355 4,355
Current maturities of long-term debt ................................... 765 754
-------- --------
Total current liabilities ............................................. 30,520 34,842
-------- --------
LONG-TERM LIABILITIES:
Long-term debt, less current maturities ................................ 7,204 5,073
Reserve for workers' compensation claims ............................... 13,077 10,324
-------- --------
Total long-term liabilities ........................................... 20,281 15,397
-------- --------
Total liabilities ..................................................... 50,801 50,239
-------- --------
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY:
Preferred stock, $0.197 par value, 20,000 shares authorized;
4,324 shares issued and outstanding .................................... 854 854
Common stock, no par value, 100,000 shares authorized;
28,123 and 27,974 shares issued and outstanding ........................ 57,066 54,131
Retained earnings ...................................................... 28,710 25,512
-------- --------
Total shareholders' equity ............................................ 86,630 80,497
-------- --------
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity ............................ $137,431 $130,736
-------- --------
-------- --------
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
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LABOR READY, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
IN THOUSANDS (EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
(UNAUDITED)
Thirteen Weeks Ended
April 2, April 3,
1999 1998
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Revenues from services ...................................................... $ 156,933 $ 94,030
Cost of services ......................................................... 105,907 65,695
--------- ---------
Gross profit ................................................................ 51,026 28,335
Selling, general and administrative ...................................... 42,662 26,913
Depreciation and amortization ............................................ 676 1,380
Income from operations ...................................................... 7,688 42
--------- ---------
Interest income, net ........................................................ 18 208
Income before taxes on income and cumulative effect of
change in accounting principle ........................................... 7,706 250
Taxes on income ............................................................. 3,019 105
--------- ---------
Income before cumulative effect of change in accounting principle ........... 4,687 145
Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle,
net of income tax benefit of $897 ....................................... (1,453) --
--------- ---------
Net income .................................................................. $ 3,234 $ 145
--------- ---------
--------- ---------
Basic income per common share:
Income before cumulative effect of change in accounting principle ........ $ 0.17 $ 0.01
Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle, net ................. (0.05) --
--------- ---------
Net income ............................................................... $ 0.12 $ 0.01
--------- ---------
--------- ---------
Diluted income per common share:
Income before cumulative effect of change in accounting principle ........ $ 0.16 $ 0.01
Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle, net ................. (0.05) --
Net income ............................................................... $ 0.11 $ 0.01
--------- ---------
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Weighted average shares outstanding:
Basic .................................................................... 28,029 27,689
--------- ---------
--------- ---------
Diluted .................................................................. 28,979 28,502
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--------- ---------
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
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LABOR READY, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
IN THOUSANDS
(UNAUDITED)
Thirteen Weeks Ended
April 2, 1999 April 3, 1998
------------- -------------
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTVITIES:
Net income .......................................................... $ 3,234 $ 145
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by
(used in) operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization ....................................... 672 1,380
Provision for doubtful accounts ..................................... 2,751 1,144
Deferred income taxes ............................................... (2,615) (114)
Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle ................. 2,350 --
Changes in assets and liabilities
Accounts receivable ................................................. (1,839) (1,900)
Workers' compensation deposits and credits .......................... (1,907) (1,206)
Prepaid expenses and other .......................................... (1,918) (908)
Accounts payable .................................................... (1,406) (228)
Accrued wages and benefits .......................................... (116) (260)
Reserve for workers' compensation claims ............................ 942 727
Income taxes payable ................................................ 357 (588)
-------- --------
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities .................... 505 (1,808)
-------- --------
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Capital expenditures ................................................ (3,021) (2,708)
Increase in other assets ............................................ (521) (57)
-------- --------
Net cash used in investing activities .................................. (3,542) (2,765)
-------- --------
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Proceeds from options exercised ..................................... 1,370 343
Proceeds from sale of stock through employee stock purchase plan .... 206 100
Payments on capital lease obligations ............................... (181) (95)
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Net cash provided by financing activities .............................. 1,395 348
Effect of exchange rates on cash .................................... (55) (12)
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Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents .............................. (1,697) (4,237)
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, beginning of period ......................... 25,940 22,117
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CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, end of period ............................... $ 24,243 $ 17,880
-------- --------
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See accompanying notes to consolidated inancial statements.
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ITEM 1. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 1. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared
in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles for interim
financial information and rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange
Commission. Accordingly, certain information and footnote disclosures usually
found in financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted
accounting principles have been condensed or omitted. These financial statements
should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and
related notes included in the Company's 1998 annual report on Form 10-K. Certain
amounts in the consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 1998 have been
restated to conform to the 1999 presentation. The accompanying consolidated
financial statements reflect all adjustments, including normal recurring
adjustments, which in the opinion of management, are necessary to present fairly
the financial position, results of operations and cash flows for the interim
periods presented. Operating results for the thirteen-week period ended April 2,
1999 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the
year ending December 31, 1999.
NOTE 2. WORKERS' COMPENSATION
The Company provides workers' compensation insurance to its temporary workers
and regular employees. For workers' compensation claims originating in the
majority of states (the 43 non-monopolistic states), the Company has purchased a
deductible insurance policy. Under terms of the policy, the Company's workers'
compensation exposure is limited to a deductible amount per occurrence and a
maximum aggregate stop-loss limit. Should any single occurrence exceed the
deductible amount per occurrence, all losses and expenses beyond the deductible
amount are paid by independent insurance companies unrelated to the Company.
Similarly, should the total of paid losses related to any one year period exceed
the maximum aggregate stop-loss limit for that year, all losses beyond the
maximum aggregate stop-loss limit are paid by independent insurance companies
unrelated to the Company. In 1997, the per occurrence deductible amount was
$250,000 per claim, to an aggregate maximum of $11.60 per $100 of temporary
worker payroll, or $18.8 million. For claims arising in 1998 and 1999, the per
occurrence deductible amount was increased to $350,000 and the maximum aggregate
stop-loss limit was reduced to $10.41 per $100 of temporary worker payroll, or
$31.7 million for the year ended December 31, 1998 and $8.3 million for the
first quarter of 1999.
For claims arising in years prior to 1997, the Company has insured all losses
beyond amounts reserved in its financial statements with independent insurance
companies unrelated to the Company. The difference between the discounted
maximum aggregate stop-loss limit for claims arising in 1997, 1998 and the first
quarter of 1999 and the total of claims paid and reserved for in the Company's
financial statements for the same periods is $5.5 million. This amount
represents the discounted maximum additional exposure, net of tax, to the
Company before its maximum aggregate stop-loss limits are met for all periods
prior to April 2, 1999.
The Company establishes its reserve for workers' compensation claims using
actuarial estimates of the future cost of claims and related expenses that have
been reported but not settled, and that have been incurred but not reported.
Adjustments to the claims reserve are charged or credited to expense in the
periods in which they occur. Included in the accompanying consolidated balance
sheets as of April 2, 1999 and December 31, 1998, are workers' compensation
claims reserves in the non-monopolistic states of $26.1 million and $24.4
million, respectively. The claims reserves were computed using a discount rate
of 6.0% at April 2, 1999 and December 31, 1998.
Workers' compensation expense totaling $5.6 million, and $4.8 million was
recorded as a component of cost of services in each of the thirteen weeks ended
April 2, 1999 and April 3, 1998, respectively.
For the 1997 and 1998 program years, the Company is required to provide
collateral in the amount of the maximum aggregate stop-loss limits, less claims
paid to date. The Company has provided approximately 50% of the required
collateral in the form of a surety bond, and 50% in letters of credit.
Accordingly, at April 2, 1999, $14.5 million of the collateral was satisfied
with surety bonds and $12.6 million was satisfied with letters of credit for the
1997 and 1998 program years.
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NOTE 2. WORKERS' COMPENSATION, CONTINUED
In December 1998, the Company purchased a deductible insurance policy for the
non-monopolistic states covering the years ended 1999 and 2000. The policy
includes substantially the same terms and limitations as the 1998 policy
described above except that the required collateral was reduced to an amount
equal to 60% of claims reserves. However, the Company was required to provide
approximately half of the estimated collateral for the 1999 program year as of
the beginning of the year. Collateral for the 1999 program year will consist of
50% letters of credit and 50% surety bond. Accordingly, as of April 2, 1999, the
Company has provided the insurance carrier with a letter of credit totaling $4
million and a surety bond for $12.5 million. Subsequent to quarter end, the
Company increased the letter of credit by $4 million. During 1999, the total
amount of the letters of credit and surety bonds for the 1999 program year will
increase to approximately $24.0 million.
For workers' compensation claims originating in Washington, Ohio and West
Virginia (the monopolistic states), Canada and Puerto Rico, the Company pays
workers' compensation insurance premiums as required by state administered
programs. The insurance premiums are established by each jurisdiction, generally
based upon the job classification of the insured workers and the previous claims
experience of the Company.
The Company has established a risk management department at its corporate
headquarters to manage its insurers, third party claims administrators, and
medical service providers. To reduce wage-loss compensation claims, the Company
employs claims coordinators throughout the United States. The claims
coordinators manage the acceptance, processing and final resolution of claims
and administer the Company's return to work program. Workers in the program are
employed on customer assignments that require minimal physical exertion or
within the Company in the local dispatch office. The Company has an on-line
connection with its third party administrators that allow the claims
coordinators to maintain visibility of all claims, manage their progress and
generate required management information.
NOTE 3. CHANGE IN ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLE
In the first quarter of 1999, the Company adopted the provisions of Statement of
Position 98-5, "Reporting on the Costs of Start-up Activities" ("the
Statement"). The Statement establishes new rules for the financial reporting of
start-up costs, and requires the Company to expense the cost of establishing new
dispatch offices as incurred and write off, as a cumulative effect of adopting
the Statement, any capitalized pre-opening costs in the first quarter of the
year adopted. Prior to adopting the Statement, pre-opening costs incurred to
open new dispatch offices, including salaries, recruiting, testing, training,
lease and other related costs, were capitalized and amortized using the
straight-line method over two years. The cumulative effect of adopting the
Statement was to decrease net income by $1.5 million or $0.05 per common share.
NOTE 4. SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION
(Amounts in Thousands)
Thirteen Weeks Ended
----------------------------
April 2, 1999 April 3, 1998
------------- -------------
Cash paid during the period for:
Interest ..................................... $ 160 $ 125
Income taxes ................................. $4,334 $ 815
Non-cash investing and financing activities:
Tax effect of disqualifying dispositions
on options exercised ....................... $1,359 $ 287
Assets acquired with capital lease obligations $2,309 $4,208
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NOTE 5. EARNINGS PER SHARE
Basic earnings per share is computed by dividing net income, less preferred
stock dividends, by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding
during the year. Diluted earnings per share is computed by dividing net income,
less preferred stock dividends, by the weighted average number of common shares
and common share equivalents outstanding during the year. Common share
equivalents for the Company include the dilutive effect of outstanding options,
except where their inclusion would be anti-dilutive.
Basic and diluted earnings per share were calculated as follows (amounts in
thousands, except per share data):
---------------------
Thirteen Weeks Ended
---------------------
April 2, April 3,
1999 1998
-------- --------
Basic:
Net income (loss) ...................................... $ 3,234 $ 145
Less preferred stock dividends ......................... (11) (11)
-------- --------
Income allocable to common shareholders ................ $ 3,223 $ 134
-------- --------
Weighted average shares outstanding .................... 28,029 27,689
-------- --------
Net income per share ................................... $ 0.12 $ 0.01
-------- --------
-------- --------
Diluted:
Income allocable to common shareholders ................ $ 3,223 $ 134
-------- --------
Weighted average shares outstanding .................... 28,029 27,689
Plus options to purchase common stock outstanding at end
of period ............................................ 2,882 2,046
Less shares assumed repurchased ........................ (1,932) (1,233)
-------- --------
Weighted average shares outstanding, including dilutive
effect of options .................................... 28,979 28,502
-------- --------
Net income per share ................................... $ 0.11 $ 0.01
-------- --------
-------- --------
NOTE 6. COMMITTMENTS
During the first quarter of 1999, the Company entered into an agreement to lease
approximately 200 automated Cash Dispensing Machines ("CDMs") for installation
in the Company's dispatch offices opened in 1999. The fair market value of the
CDMs at inception of the lease is approximately $2.6 million. The lease is
payable over 72 months with an imputed interest rate of 6.5% and a residual
payment equal to 20% of the CDM's original cost. The leases are secured by the
CDMs. During the three months ended April 2, 1999, the Company installed
approximately 166 of the CDMs in its new dispatch offices throughout the United
States. Accordingly, the Company recorded assets under capital lease and capital
lease obligations totaling $2.3 million with future minimum lease payments over
the next 6 years of approximately $0.4 million per year. Included as an exhibit
to this Form 10-Q is an example of a CDM lease, all such leases having
substantially identical terms and conditions.
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ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Certain matters discussed in this Form 10-Q, including statements about the
Company's revenue growth, the demand for temporary labor and its plans for
opening new offices, are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the
Private Litigation Reform Act of 1995. As such, these forward-looking statements
may involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may
cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be
different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or
implied by such forward-looking statements. These factors include, but are not
limited to (1) the Company's ability to manage and continue its rapid growth,
(2) economic conditions in its key market areas, and (3) other risks as set
forth in Item 7 of the Company's Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1998.
Although the Company believes the expectations reflected in such forward-looking
statements are based upon reasonable assumptions, it can give no assurance that
its expectations will be attained.
OVERVIEW
Labor Ready is a leading, national provider of temporary workers for manual
labor jobs. The Company's customers are primarily in the freight handling,
warehousing, landscaping, construction, light manufacturing, and other light
industrial businesses. The Company has grown from eight dispatch offices in 1991
to 652 dispatch offices at April 2, 1999. Substantially all of the growth in
dispatch offices was achieved by opening Company-owned locations rather than
through acquisitions or franchising. The Company's annual revenues have grown
from approximately $6 million in 1991 to $607 million in 1998 and $157 million
for the first quarter of 1999. This revenue growth has been generated both by
opening new dispatch offices in markets throughout the U.S., Canada and Puerto
Rico and by continuing to increase sales at existing dispatch offices.
The Company opened 166 dispatch offices during the first quarter of 1999 and
expects to open 34 additional dispatch offices in the second quarter of the
year. The Company expects the average cost of opening each new dispatch office
in 1999 to be approximately $45,000. The cost of opening a new dispatch office
includes extensive management training, the installation of sophisticated
computer and other office systems and a CDM. Further, once open, the Company
invests significant amounts of additional cash into the operations of new
dispatch offices until they begin to generate sufficient revenue to cover their
operating costs, generally within six months. The Company pays its temporary
workers on a daily basis, and generally bills its customers weekly.
Consequently, the Company may experience significant negative cash flow from
operations and investment activities during periods of high growth and may
require additional sources of working capital in order to continue to grow.
Approximately 20% of the Company's customers are construction and landscaping
businesses, which are significantly affected by the weather. Construction and
landscaping businesses and, to a lesser degree, other customer businesses
typically increase activity in spring, summer and early fall months and decrease
activity in late fall and winter months. Further, inclement weather can slow
construction and landscaping activities in such periods. As a result, the
Company has generally experienced a significant increase in temporary labor
demand in the spring, summer and early fall months, and lower demand in the late
fall and winter months.
Depending upon location, new dispatch offices initially target the construction
industry for potential customers. As dispatch offices mature, the customer base
broadens and the customer mix diversifies. From time to time during peak
periods, the Company experiences shortages of available temporary workers. The
Company has completed the installation of the CDMs in substantially all of its
dispatch offices in the United States. The CDMs provide the Company's temporary
workers with the option of receiving cash payment instead of a payroll check.
The Company believes this additional feature is unique among its direct
competitors and should increase the Company's ability to attract available
temporary workers.
Revenue from services includes revenues earned on services provided by the
Company's temporary workers and fees generated by the CDMs.
Cost of services includes the wages and related payroll taxes of temporary
workers, workers' compensation expense, unemployment compensation insurance and
transportation. Cost of services as a percentage of revenues has historically
been affected by numerous factors, including the use of lower introductory rates
to attract new customers at new dispatch offices, the use of higher pay rates to
attract more skilled workers, changes in the Company's workers' compensation
reserve rates and the changing geographic mix of new and established, more
mature markets. Although the Company has implemented policies and procedures to
prevent unplanned increases in pay rates, and is no longer required to discount
billing rates to attract new customers, significant continuing fluctuations in
cost of services may be experienced as the Company pursues further aggressive
growth.
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Selling, general and administrative expenses include the salaries and wages of
the Company's operations and administrative personnel, dispatch office operating
expenses, corporate office operating expenses and the costs of the CDM program.
Temporary workers assigned to customers remain Labor Ready employees. Labor
Ready is responsible for the employee-related expenses of its temporary workers,
including workers' compensation coverage, unemployment compensation insurance,
and Social Security and Medicare taxes. The Company does not provide health,
dental, disability or life insurance to its temporary workers. Generally, the
Company bills its customers for the hours worked by its temporary workers
assigned to the customer. Because the Company pays its temporary workers only
for the hours actually worked, wages for the Company's temporary workers are a
variable cost that increases or decreases directly in proportion to revenue. The
Company has one franchisee which operates five dispatch offices. The Company
does not intend to grant additional franchises. Royalty revenues from the
franchised dispatch offices are not material during any period presented herein.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following table compares the operating results of the Company for the
thirteen weeks ended April 2, 1999 and April 3, 1998:
Thirteen Weeks Ended
--------------------
April 2, April 3,
-------- --------
1999 1998
-------- --------
Revenues from services ....................... 100.0% 100.0%
Cost of services .............................. (67.5) (69.9)
Selling, general and administrative expenses ... (27.2) (28.6)
Depreciation and amortization ................ (0.4) (1.5)
Interest income, net .......................... 0.01 0.2
Income before income taxes and cumulative
effect of change in accounting principles . 4.9 0.3
Net income ..................................... 2.1 0.2
THIRTEEN WEEKS ENDED APRIL 2, 1999 COMPARED TO THIRTEEN WEEKS ENDED APRIL 3,
1998
DISPATCH OFFICES
The number of offices grew to 652 at April 2, 1999 from 486 locations at
December 31, 1998, a net increase of 166 dispatch offices, or 34.2%. During
the thirteen weeks ended April 3, 1998, the number of offices grew to 420
from 316 locations at December 31, 1997, a net increase of 104 dispatch
offices, or 32.9%. The Company expects to open 34 additional dispatch
offices in the second quarter of 1999 and 300 dispatch offices in 2000. The
Company estimates that its aggregate costs of opening 166 new dispatch
offices in the first quarter of 1999 were approximately $7.5 million, an
average of approximately $45,000 per dispatch office, compared to aggregate
costs of approximately $5.2 million, an average of approximately $50,000
per dispatch office, to open 104 new stores in the first quarter of 1998.
The decrease in per-store costs in 1999 was primarily the result of a
decline in equipment costs. Approximately $1.1 million of first quarter
1998 costs includes dispatch office pre-opening costs such as salaries,
recruiting, testing, training, lease and other related costs, which were
capitalized and amortized using the straight-line method over two years.
The remaining approximately $4.1 million includes computer systems and
other equipment related costs, CDMs, and leasehold improvements.
REVENUES FROM SERVICES
The Company's revenues from services increased to $156.9 million for the
thirteen weeks ended April 2, 1999, as compared to $94.0 million for the
thirteen weeks ended April 3, 1998, an increase of $62.9 million or 66.9%.
The increase in revenues is due primarily to the increase in the number of
dispatch offices and continued increases in revenues from mature dispatch
offices. Additionally, the Company opened more stores in the first quarter
of 1999 than in the same period in 1998. Finally, the Company continues to
consolidate its position in the marketplace and build brand awareness,
allowing the Company to increase its average bill rates over the same
period a year ago. Included in revenues from services for the thirteen
weeks ended April 2, 1999 and April 3, 1998 are CDM fees of $1.2 million
and $0.2 million, respectively.
COST OF SERVICES
Cost of services increased to $105.9 million for the thirteen weeks ended
April 2, 1999 as compared to $65.7 million for the thirteen weeks ended
April 3, 1998, an increase of $40.2 million or 61.2%. This increase is
directly related to the corresponding increase in revenues during the
period. Cost of services was 67.5% of revenue in the first quarter of 1999
compared to 69.9% of revenue in the first quarter of 1998. Cost of services
as a percentage of revenues decreased 2.4% as compared to the first quarter
of 1998 because the company was able to increase its billing rates over the
same period a year ago while the average wage paid to temporary workers did
not increase. Additionally, the Company experienced a decline in workers
compensation expense due to continuous improvements in workers'
compensation claims experience. Significant continuing fluctuations in cost
of services may be expected as the Company pursues further aggressive
growth.
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SELLING, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES
Selling, general and administrative expenses were $42.7 million in the
first quarter of 1999 as compared to $26.9 million in the first quarter of
1998, an increase of $15.8 million or 58.7%. The increase was largely due
to the 66.9% increase in revenue from 1998 to 1999. Selling, general and
administrative expenses were 27.2% of revenues in the first quarter of 1999
as compared to 28.6% of revenues in the first quarter of 1998. The decrease
in selling, general and administrative expenses as a percentage of revenue
in the first quarter of 1999 is due mainly to continued economies of scale
on fixed and semi-fixed dispatch office operating and corporate
administrative costs. Included in selling, general and administrative
expense for the thirteen weeks ended April 2, 1999 and April 3, 1998 are
CDM related expenses of $0.5 million and $0.08 million, respectively.
The Company expects that selling, general and administrative expenses as a
percentage of revenues may fluctuate in future periods as the Company from
time to time adjusts its staffing model at the dispatch offices and
upgrades its operating and administrative capabilities to accommodate
anticipated revenue and dispatch office growth.
DEPRECIATION AND AMORTIZATION EXPENSE.
Depreciation and amortization expense was $0.7 million in the first quarter
of 1999 and $1.4 million in the first quarter of 1998, a decrease of $0.7
million or 50.0%. The decrease in depreciation and amortization expense is
primarily the result of the elimination of amortization expense when the
Company adopted the provisions of SOP 98-5. The Statement required the
Company to expense as incurred, pre-opening costs for new dispatch offices,
and recognize as a cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle, a
one-time charge for the unamortized balance of pre-opening costs. Prior to
the change, the Company had capitalized pre-opening costs and amortized
them over two years. Offsetting this decrease is higher levels of
depreciation resulting from the addition of $12.6 million of property and
equipment since the first quarter of 1998. These additions primarily
include the CDMs and computer equipment, software, and other equipment
needed for the new stores opened during the period and to expand the
Company's data processing capabilities to accommodate the growth in
dispatch offices. Included in depreciation and amortization expense for the
thirteen weeks ended April 2, 1999 and April 3, 1998 are depreciation on
CDMs of $0.3 million and $0.1, respectively.
INTEREST INCOME, NET
The Company recorded net interest income of $18,000 in the first quarter of
1999 as compared to interest income of $0.2 million in the first quarter of
1998, a decrease of $0.2 million or 91.3%. The decrease in net interest
income was the result of increases in interest expense on CDM leases,
higher letter of credit and line of credit fees than in 1998 as a result of
providing additional collateral to the Company's workers' compensation
insurers and increasing the line of credit to $60 million, and a decline in
market interest rates on invested cash balances. Additionally, the Company
had cash balances of approximately $13.3 million held in the CDMs at April
2, 1999 compared to $12.3 million at April 3, 1998.
The Company expects to incur interest expense during the balance of 1999 as
the cash demands of the Company's busiest time of year will require
borrowing on the Company's revolving line of credit. Additionally, cash
balances held in the CDMs for payment of temporary worker payrolls, will
continue to reduce cash available for investing.
TAXES ON INCOME
Taxes on income increased to a provision of $3.0 million in the first
quarter of 1999 from a provision of $0.1 million in the first quarter of
1998, an increase of $2.9 million. The increase in taxes was due to the
increase in income before taxes and cumulative effect of change in
accounting principle to $7.7 million in the first quarter of 1999 from
pretax income of $0.3 million in the first quarter of 1998. The Company's
effective tax rate was 39.2% in the first quarter of 1999 as compared to
42.0% in the first quarter of 1998. The decrease in the effective rate was
primarily due to reductions in the Company's expected state income tax
rates. The principal difference between the statutory federal income tax
rate and the Company's effective income tax rate result from state income
taxes and certain non-deductible expenses.
The Company had a net deferred tax asset of approximately $11.0 million at
April 2, 1999, resulting primarily from workers' compensation claims
reserves. The Company has not established a valuation allowance against
this net deferred tax asset as management believes that it is more likely
than not that the tax benefits will be realized in the future based on the
historical levels of pre-tax income and expected future taxable income.
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NET INCOME
The Company reported net income of $3.2 million for the thirteen weeks
ended April 2, 1999, as compared to net income of $0.1 million, for the
thirteen weeks ended April 3, 1998, an increase of $3.1 million. As a
percentage of revenues from services, net income increased to 2.1% for the
first quarter of 1999, which compares to 0.2%, for the first quarter of
1998, an increase of 1.9%. This increase in net income is primarily the
result of increased revenues and gross margins, economies of scale realized
on selling, general and administrative expenses and decreases in
amortization expense, offset by a one-time charge of $1.5 million related
to the change in accounting principle for dispatch office pre-opening costs
discussed above.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Net cash provided by operating activities was $0.5 million in the first
quarter of 1999 compared to a use of cash of $1.8 million in the first
quarter of 1998. The increase in cash provided by operations in 1999 is
largely due to net income for the quarter, and non-cash expenses including
depreciation and amortization and the one-time charge for the cumulative
effect of a change in accounting principle offset by an increase in the
Company's net deferred asset during the period. Additionally, increases in
accounts receivable, workers' compensation deposits and credits and prepaid
expenses and a decrease in accounts payable were offset in part by
increases in the reserve for workers' compensation and income taxes
payable.
The Company used net cash in investing activities of $3.5 million in first
quarter of 1999, compared to $2.8 million in the first quarter of 1998. The
increase in cash used in investing activities in 1999 as compared to 1998
is due primarily to an increase in capital expenditures to open 166 new
stores and increase the Company data processing capabilities to accommodate
the growth in dispatch offices. The Company's capital expenditures in 1999
and 1998 include property and equipment acquired other than through capital
lease. Capital expenditures in the first quarter of 1998 includes store
pre-opening costs of $1.1 million and expenditures for property and
equipment of $1.6 million.
Net cash provided by financing activities was $1.4 million in the first
quarter of 1999 and $0.3 million in the first quarter of 1998. The increase
in cash provided by financing activities in 1999 as compared to 1998 is due
mainly to proceeds from the exercise of employee stock options.
In February 1999, the Company entered into a new line of credit agreement
with U.S. Bank. The new agreement allows the company to borrow up to the
lesser of $60 million or 80% of eligible accounts receivable, as defined by
the bank, with interest at the lesser of the bank's prime rate (7.75% at
April 2, 1999) or the London Inter-Bank Offering Rate (LIBOR) plus 1.25%.
The line of credit is secured primarily by the Company's accounts
receivable and is due in full on June 30, 2000. The line of credit
agreement requires that the Company maintain certain minimum net worth and
working capital amounts and ratios. The Company was in compliance with the
requirements at April 2, 1999.
As discussed further in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements,
the Company is required by the workers' compensation program to
collateralize a portion of its workers' compensation liability with
irrevocable letters of credit. At April 2, 1999, the Company had provided
its insurance carriers with letters of credit totaling $16.6 million. The
letters of credit bear fees of .75% per year and are supported by an equal
amount of available borrowings on the line-of-credit. Accordingly, at April
2, 1999, no borrowings were outstanding on the line-of-credit, $16.6
million was committed by the letters of credit and $43.4 million was
available for borrowing. Subsequent to quarter-end, the Company increased
its outstanding letters of credit by $4.0 million.
During the first quarter of 1999, the Company entered into an agreement to
lease approximately 200 automated Cash Dispensing Machines ("CDMs") for
installation in the Company's dispatch offices opened in 1999. The fair
market value of the CDMs at inception of the lease is approximately $2.7
million. The lease is payable over 72 months with an imputed interest rate
of 6.5% and a residual payment equal to 20% of the CDM's original cost. The
leases are secured by the CDMs. During the three months ended April 2,
1999, the Company installed approximately 166 CDMs in dispatch offices
throughout the United States. Accordingly, the Company recorded assets
under capital lease and capital lease obligations totaling $2.3 million
with future minimum lease payments over the next 6 years of approximately
$0.4 million per year. Included as an exhibit to this Form 10-Q is an
example of a CDM lease, all such leases having substantially identical
terms and conditions.
Included in cash and cash equivalents at April 2, 1999, is approximately
$13.3 million of cash which is located in the CDMs for payment of temporary
worker payrolls. The Company anticipates further increases in cash held in
the CDMs as it enters the busiest time of its year and completes the
installation of CDMs at all of its dispatch offices in the United States.
Historically, the Company has financed its operations through cash
generated by external financing including term loans, credit lines and
stock offerings. The principal use of cash is to finance the growth in
receivables, and fund the cost of opening new dispatch offices. The Company
may experience cash flow deficits from operations and investing activities
while the Company expands its operations, including the acceleration of
opening new dispatch offices. Management expects cash flow deficits to be
financed by profitable operations, the use of the Company's line of credit,
and may consider other equity or debt financings as necessary. The Company
analyzes acquisition opportunities from time to time and may pursue
acquisitions in certain circumstances. Any acquisitions the Company enters
into may require additional equity or debt financing.
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INFORMATION PROCESSING SYSTEMS AND THE YEAR 2000
As the Year 2000 approaches, there are uncertainties concerning whether
computer systems and electronic equipment with date functions will properly
recognize date-sensitive information when the year changes to 2000. Systems
that do not properly recognize such information could generate erroneous
data or fail. Due to the Company's reliance on its management information
systems, failure of the management information systems for any reason
(including Year 2000 noncompliance) could result in the loss of
communications with its dispatch offices and could result in unforeseeable
but potentially material losses to the Company. However, management
believes that the Year 2000 does not pose a significant operational problem
for the Company's computer systems.
The Company has developed and is currently implementing a significant
upgrade to its proprietary management information systems to address the
dramatic growth (and expected future growth) in the number of the Company's
dispatch offices and provide certain enhanced features. The software
upgrade is Year 2000 compliant. Through April 2, 1999, the Company has
incurred approximately $1.4 million in development costs which is included
in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets in "Computers and
Software". The Company expects that the upgrade will be installed
Company-wide not later than September 30, 1999.
Management has identified three systems with potential Year 2000 problems:
(1) the existing management information system, which is being replaced as
discussed above, (2) the communication system currently used to exchange
point of sale information between corporate headquarters and the dispatch
offices and, (3) the payroll system for corporate employees (but not for
temporary employees dispatched to customers). The Company expects to
correct the Year 2000 problem related to its system for communicating point
of sale information with an upgrade supplied by the vendor. Alternatively,
the Company believes that it could implement an alternative, Year 2000
compliant system with minimal cost. The Company expects to upgrade the
payroll system by year-end, but will use, if necessary, a third party
capable of providing payroll services. The Company has not negotiated the
cost of such services but believes there are alternative providers to
assure that any costs incurred are at competitive rates.
The Company has tested and will continue to test other computer components
and software including its non-information processing systems such as its
data and phone communications systems for Year 2000 compliance. Based on
such testing, the Company expects to replace its voice mail system for a
total cost of approximately $50,000. Testing to date has indicated no other
year 2000 compliance problems. If other systems fail, the Company will be
required to replace them. Replacement systems are mass produced and
available from a large number of vendors and would constitute an immaterial
expense relative to the operating budget of the Company.
Management believes that as a result of the nature of the Company's
business the Company bears little exposure to risk of Year 2000
non-compliance by third parties. The Company acquires supplies (e.g.,
personal safety equipment, office supplies) that are mass-produced and
readily available from a large number of suppliers. None of the Company's
customers represent more than 2% of the Company's revenues, so that, unless
a significant number of the Company's customers experience complete
disruptions to their business, the Company is unlikely to experience
significant loss of revenue. Nevertheless, the Company is currently
conducting a survey of its largest vendors and customers in order to assess
the readiness of these third parties with which it deals. If the Company
determines that any of its vendors are unable to adequately address Year
2000 issues, the Company believes that alternatives could be found before
the Year 2000.
The Company has a contingency plan for certain Year 2000 issues, however,
the Company believes that its systems will be Year 2000 compliant by year
end, if not before, and that the Year 2000 issue will not materially impact
its operations. The forward looking statements referenced above, including
the preceding sentence, are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties,
including the ability of customers, vendors and other third parties to
solve timely their Year 2000 issues, the accuracy of Year 2000 testing
methods and that remediation of Year 2000 issues will be correctly
implemented.
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PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 6. EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K
(a) EXHIBITS:
THE FOLLOWING EXHIBITS ARE BEING FILED AS A PART OF THIS REPORT:
EXHIBIT NO. DESCRIPTION
10.10 Form of equipment lease and related schedules at
various dates Between the Company as lessor and
Wells Fargo Equipment Finance, Inc. as lessee.
27 Financial Data Schedules as of April 3, 1999 and
April 2, 1998 and for each of the thirteen week
periods then ended.
(b) REPORTS ON FORM 8-K
None.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on
its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
REGISTRANT: LABOR READY, INC.
By: /S/ GLENN A. WELSTAD MAY 14, 1999
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Glenn A. Welstad Date
Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive
Officer and President
By: /S/ JOSEPH P. SAMBATARO, JR. MAY 14, 1999
-------------------------------------- ------------
Joseph P. Sambataro, Jr. Date
Executive Vice President,
Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer
and Assistant Secretary
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