Form: 10-Q

Quarterly report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d)

May 11, 2015

Table of Contents

 

 

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 Quarterly Period Ended March 31, 2015

Commission File No. 0-21886

 

 

BARRETT BUSINESS SERVICES, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

 

Maryland   52-0812977

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

 

(IRS Employer

Identification No.)

8100 NE Parkway Drive, Suite 200

Vancouver, Washington

  98662
(Address of principal executive offices)   (Zip Code)

(360) 828-0700

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

 

 

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  ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Website, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).    Yes  x    No  ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

 

Large accelerated filer   ¨    Accelerated filer   x
Non-accelerated filer   ¨    Smaller reporting company   ¨

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

Number of shares of common stock, $.01 par value, outstanding at April 30, 2015 was 7,142,333 shares.

 

 

 


Table of Contents

BARRETT BUSINESS SERVICES, INC.

INDEX

 

          Page  
Part I - Financial Information   

Item 1.

   Unaudited Interim Consolidated Financial Statements   
   Consolidated Balance Sheets - March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014      3   
   Consolidated Statements of Operations - Three Months Ended March 31, 2015 and 2014      4   
   Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss - Three Months Ended March 31, 2015 and 2014      5   
   Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity - Three Months Ended March 31, 2015 and 2014      6   
   Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - Three Months Ended March 31, 2015 and 2014      7   
   Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements      8   

Item 2.

   Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations      19   

Item 3.

   Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk      30   

Item 4.

   Controls and Procedures      30   
Part II - Other Information   

Item 1.

   Legal Proceedings      32   

Item 1A.

   Risk Factors      33   

Item 2.

   Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds      34   

Item 6.

   Exhibits      34   

Signatures

     35   
Exhibit Index      36   

 

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Table of Contents

Part I - Financial Information

 

Item 1. Financial Statements

BARRETT BUSINESS SERVICES, INC.

Consolidated Balance Sheets

(Unaudited)

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

 

     March 31,
2015
     December 31,
2014
 
ASSETS      

Current assets:

     

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 15,205       $ 11,544   

Marketable securities

     21,670         29,957   

Trade accounts receivable, net

     130,376         102,627   

Income taxes receivable

     13,586         11,421   

Prepaid expenses and other

     6,658         3,813   

Restricted marketable securities and workers’ compensation deposits

     12,533         3,776   

Deferred income taxes

     15,763         15,791   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total current assets

  215,791      178,929   

Marketable securities

  6,034      20,930   

Property, equipment and software, net

  22,648      22,675   

Restricted certificates of deposit

  114,335      114,335   

Restricted marketable securities and workers’ compensation deposits

  78,516      58,533   

Other assets

  4,960      5,306   

Goodwill

  47,820      47,820   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
$ 490,104    $ 448,528   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

Current liabilities:

Line of credit

$ 5,772    $ 0   

Current portion of long-term debt

  25,220      25,220   

Accounts payable

  3,500      2,719   

Accrued payroll, payroll taxes and related benefits

  154,508      120,133   

Other accrued liabilities

  1,784      1,917   

Workers’ compensation claims liabilities

  56,480      54,049   

Safety incentives liability

  15,499      14,232   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total current liabilities

  262,763      218,270   

Long-term workers’ compensation claims liabilities

  165,785      161,933   

Long-term debt

  19,778      19,833   

Deferred income taxes

  8,159      8,159   

Customer deposits and other long-term liabilities

  1,534      1,675   

Commitments and contingencies

Stockholders’ equity:

Common stock, $.01 par value; 20,500 shares authorized, 7,141 and 7,126 shares issued and outstanding

  71      71   

Additional paid-in capital

  5,165      4,410   

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)

  21      (23

Retained earnings

  26,828      34,200   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
  32,085      38,658   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
$ 490,104    $ 448,528   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements

 

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Table of Contents

BARRETT BUSINESS SERVICES, INC.

Consolidated Statements of Operations

(Unaudited)

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

 

     Three Months Ended  
     March 31,  
     2015     2014  

Revenues:

    

Professional employer service fees

   $ 127,751      $ 101,689   

Staffing services

     39,166        33,451   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total revenues

  166,917      135,140   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cost of revenues:

Direct payroll costs

  29,764      25,417   

Payroll taxes and benefits

  88,294      72,817   

Workers’ compensation

  39,883      27,600   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total cost of revenues

  157,941      125,834   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Gross margin

  8,976      9,306   

Selling, general and administrative expenses

  16,975      14,369   

Depreciation and amortization

  683      584   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Loss from operations

  (8,682   (5,647
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Other (expense) income:

Investment income

  89      144   

Interest expense

  (520   (44

Other

  (14   (10
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Other (expense) income

  (445   90   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Loss before income taxes

  (9,127   (5,557

Benefit from income taxes

  (3,325   (1,974
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net loss

$ (5,802 $ (3,583
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Basic loss per common share

$ (0.81 $ (0.50
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Weighted average number of basic common shares outstanding

  7,135      7,170   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Diluted loss per common share

$ (0.81 $ (0.50
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Weighted average number of diluted common shares outstanding

  7,135      7,170   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash dividends per common share

$ 0.22    $ 0.18   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements

 

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BARRETT BUSINESS SERVICES, INC.

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss

(Unaudited)

(In thousands)

 

     Three Months Ended  
     March 31,  
     2015     2014  

Net loss

   $ (5,802   $ (3,583

Unrealized gains (losses) on marketable securities, net of tax of $28 and $(7) in 2015 and 2014, respectively

     44        (11
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Comprehensive loss

$ (5,758 $ (3,594
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements

 

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BARRETT BUSINESS SERVICES, INC.

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity

Three Months Ended March 31, 2015 and 2014

(Unaudited)

(In thousands)

 

                          Accumulated              
                          Other              
                   Additional      Comprehensive              
     Common Stock      Paid-in      Income     Retained        
     Shares      Amount      Capital      (Loss)     Earnings     Total  

Balance, December 31, 2013

     7,165       $ 72       $ 5,781       $ (26   $ 66,726      $ 72,553   

Common stock issued on exercise of options

     8         0         76         0        0        76   

Share based compensation expense, net of tax

     0         0         331         0        0        331   

Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation

     0         0         15         0        0        15   

Cash dividends on common stock

     0         0         0         0        (1,291     (1,291

Unrealized holding losses on marketable securities, net of tax

     0         0         0         (11     —          (11

Net loss

     0         0         0         0        (3,583     (3,583
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance, March 31, 2014

  7,173    $ 72    $ 6,203    $ (37 $ 61,852    $ 68,090   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance, December 31, 2014

  7,126    $ 71    $ 4,410    $ (23 $ 34,200    $ 38,658   

Common stock issued on exercise of options and vesting of restricted stock units

  15      0      195      0      0      195   

Share based compensation expense,net of tax

  0      0      545      0      0      545   

Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation

  0      0      15      0      0      15   

Cash dividends on common stock

  0      0      0      0      (1,570   (1,570

Unrealized holding gains on marketable securities, net of tax

  0      0      0      44      0      44   

Net loss

  0      0      0      0      (5,802   (5,802
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance, March 31, 2015

  7,141    $ 71    $ 5,165    $ 21    $ 26,828    $ 32,085   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements

 

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BARRETT BUSINESS SERVICES, INC.

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(Unaudited)

(In thousands)

 

     Three Months Ended  
     March 31,  
     2015     2014  

Cash flows from operating activities:

    

Net loss

   $ (5,802   $ (3,583

Reconciliations of net loss to net cash provided by operating activities:

    

Depreciation and amortization

     683        584   

Losses recognized on marketable securities

     2        1   

Deferred income taxes

     56        (409

Share-based compensation

     545        331   

Excess tax benefit from share-based compensation

     (15     (15

Changes in certain assets and liabilities:

    

Trade accounts receivable, net

     (27,749     (10,370

Income taxes receivable

     (2,150     (1,596

Prepaid expenses and other

     (2,845     (1,595

Accounts payable

     781        (870

Accrued payroll, payroll taxes and related benefits

     34,375        19,484   

Other accrued liabilities

     (133     98   

Income taxes payable

     0        (1,221

Workers’ compensation claims liabilities

     6,283        7,691   

Safety incentives liability

     1,267        (894

Customer deposits, long-term liabilities and other assets, net

     205        74   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash provided by operating activities

  5,503      7,710   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash flows from investing activities:

Purchase of property and equipment

  (656   (1,814

Proceeds from sales and maturities of marketable securities

  24,651      2,934   

Purchase of marketable securities

  (1,454   (14,936

Proceeds from maturities of restricted marketable securities

  1,192      1,010   

Purchase of restricted marketable securities

  (29,932   (20,938
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash used in investing activities

  (6,199   (33,744
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash flows from financing activities:

Proceeds from credit-line borrowings

  28,251      0   

Payments on credit-line borrowings

  (22,479   0   

Payments on long-term debt

  (55   (55

Dividends paid

  (1,570   (1,291

Proceeds from exercise of stock options

  195      76   

Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation

  15      15   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

  4,357      (1,255
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

  3,661      (27,289

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period

  11,544      93,557   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period

$ 15,205    $ 66,268   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements

 

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BARRETT BUSINESS SERVICES, INC.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

Note 1 - Basis of Presentation of Interim Period Statements

The accompanying consolidated financial statements are unaudited and have been prepared by Barrett Business Services, Inc. (“Barrett”, “BBSI”, the “Company”, “our” or “we”), pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission. Certain information and note disclosures typically included in financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations. In the opinion of management, the consolidated financial statements include all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring adjustments, necessary for a fair statement of the results for the interim periods presented. The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results may differ from such estimates and assumptions. The consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company’s 2014 Annual Report on Form 10-K at pages F1 – F34. The results of operations for an interim period are not necessarily indicative of the results of operations for a full year.

Revenue recognition

We recognize revenue as services are rendered by our workforce. Professional employer (PEO) services are normally used by organizations to satisfy ongoing needs related to the management of human capital and are governed by the terms of a client services agreement with a minimum term of one year, which cover all employees at a particular work site. Our client services agreements are renewable on an annual basis and typically require 30 days’ written notice to cancel or terminate the contract by either party. Our client services agreements provide for immediate termination upon any default of the client regardless of when notice is given. We report PEO revenues on a net basis because we are not the primary obligor for the services provided by our co-employed clients to their customers pursuant to our client services agreements. Consequently, these service fee revenues represent the gross margin generated from our professional employer services after deducting the amounts invoiced to clients for direct payroll expenses such as salaries, wages, health insurance, employee out-of-pocket expenses incurred incidental to employment, and safety incentives. These amounts are also excluded from cost of revenues. Professional employer service fees also include amounts invoiced to our clients for employer payroll-related taxes and workers’ compensation coverage. Staffing services are engaged by customers to meet short-term and long-term personnel needs.

Marketable securities

As of March 31, 2015, the Company’s marketable securities consisted of tax-exempt municipal securities, U.S. Treasuries, variable rate demand notes (VRDN) and corporate bonds. The Company classifies municipal securities, U.S. Treasuries, VRDN and corporate bonds as available for sale; they are reported at fair value with unrealized gains and losses, net of taxes, shown as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) in stockholders’ equity. Management considers available evidence in evaluating potential impairment of investments, including the

 

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BARRETT BUSINESS SERVICES, INC.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

Note 1 - Basis of Presentation of Interim Period Statements (Continued)

 

Marketable securities (Continued)

 

duration and extent to which fair value is less than cost and the Company’s ability and intent to hold the investments. In the event a loss is determined to be other-than-temporary, the loss will be recognized in the statement of operations.

Allowance for doubtful accounts

The Company had an allowance for doubtful accounts of $241,000 and $291,000 at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively. The Company must make estimates of the collectability of accounts receivable for services provided to customers. Management analyzes historical bad debts, customer concentrations, customer credit-worthiness, current economic conditions, and changes in customers’ payment trends when evaluating the adequacy of the allowance for doubtful accounts. If the financial condition of our customers deteriorates, resulting in an impairment of their ability to make payments, additional allowances may be required.

Workers’ compensation claims

The Company is a self-insured employer with respect to workers’ compensation coverage for all of its employees (including employees co-employed through our client service agreements) working in Oregon, Maryland, Delaware and Colorado, except as described below. In the state of Washington, state law allows only the Company’s staffing services and internal management employees to be covered under the Company’s self-insured workers’ compensation program. Additionally, the Company operates a wholly owned fully licensed insurance company, Ecole Insurance Company (“Ecole”), in Arizona to provide workers’ compensation coverage to our employees in Arizona.

Effective January 1, 2015, the Company no longer maintains a certificate to self-insure in the state of California and now maintains individual policies with ACE Group (“ACE”) for all California-based clients. The arrangement, typically known as a fronted program, provides BBSI a licensed, admitted insurance carrier in California to issue policies on behalf of BBSI without the intention of transferring any of the workers’ compensation risk for the first $5.0 million per claim. The risk of loss up to the first $5.0 million per claim is retained by BBSI through an indemnity agreement. While this portion of the risk of loss remains with BBSI, ACE assumes credit risk should BBSI be unable to satisfy its indemnification obligations to ACE. ACE also bears the economic burden for all costs in excess of $5.0 million per claim. The agreement is effective through January 2016 with the potential for continued annual renewals thereafter.

The Company makes monthly payments into a trust account established between the Company and ACE related to the new ACE fronted insurance program to be set aside for the payment of future claims. The balance in the trust account was $78.0 million and $50.1 million at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively. The trust account balance is included as a component of the current and long-term restricted marketable securities and workers’ compensation deposits in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet.

 

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BARRETT BUSINESS SERVICES, INC.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

Note 1 - Basis of Presentation of Interim Period Statements (Continued)

 

Workers’ compensation claims (Continued)

 

To manage our financial exposure, in the event of catastrophic injuries or fatalities, the Company maintains excess workers’ compensation insurance through our wholly owned captive insurance company, Associated Insurance Company for Excess (“AICE”), with a per occurrence retention of $5.0 million, except in Maryland and Colorado, where our per occurrence retention is $1.0 million and $2.0 million, respectively. AICE maintains excess workers’ compensation insurance coverage with ACE, between $5.0 million and $15.0 million per occurrence, except in Maryland, where coverage with ACE is between $1.0 million and $25.0 million per occurrence, and in Colorado, where the coverage with ACE is between $2.0 million and statutory limits per occurrence. The Company continues to evaluate the financial capacity of its insurers to assess the recoverability of the related insurer receivables.

The Company has provided a total of $222.3 million and $216.0 million at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively, as an estimated future liability for unsettled workers’ compensation claims liabilities. The estimated liability for unsettled workers’ compensation claims represents management’s best estimate based upon an actuarial valuation provided by a third party actuary at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014. Included in the claims liabilities are case reserve estimates for reported losses, plus additional amounts based on projections for incurred but not reported claims and anticipated increases in case reserve estimates. Also included in these estimates are amounts for unallocated loss adjustment expenses, including legal costs. These estimates are continually reviewed and adjustments to liabilities are reflected in current operating results as they become known.

Our workers’ compensation claims liabilities do not represent an exact calculation of liability, but instead represent management’s best estimate, generally utilizing actuarial expertise and projection techniques, at a given accounting date. The process of estimating unpaid claims and claim adjustment expense involves a high degree of judgment and is subject to a number of variables. These variables can be affected by both internal and external events such as changes in claims handling procedures, changes in individuals involved in the reserve estimation process, inflation, legal trends and legislative changes.

Safety incentives liability

Safety incentives represent cash incentives paid to certain client companies under client service agreements for maintaining safe-work practices in order to minimize workplace injuries. The Company has provided $15.5 million at March 31, 2015 and $14.2 million at December 31, 2014 as an estimate of the liability for unpaid safety incentives. The incentive is based on a percentage of annual payroll and is paid annually to customers who meet predetermined workers’ compensation claims cost objectives. Safety incentive payments are made only after closure of all workers’ compensation claims incurred during the customer’s contract period. The liability is estimated and accrued each month based upon contract year-to-date payroll and the then-current amount of the customer’s estimated workers’ compensation claims reserves as established by us and our third-party administrator, and the expected payout as determined by historical incentive payment trends. Safety incentive expense is netted against professional employer services revenue in our consolidated statements of operations.

 

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BARRETT BUSINESS SERVICES, INC.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

Note 1 - Basis of Presentation of Interim Period Statements (Continued)

 

Statements of cash flows

Interest paid during the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 did not materially differ from interest expense. Income taxes received by the Company during the three months ended March 31, 2015 totaled $1.2 million compared to income taxes paid during the three months ended March 31, 2014 of $1.2 million.

Accounting estimates

The preparation of our consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. Management bases its estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Estimates are used for carrying values of marketable securities, allowance for doubtful accounts, deferred income taxes, carrying values for goodwill and property and equipment, accrued workers’ compensation liabilities and safety incentive liabilities. Actual results may or may not differ from such estimates.

Note 2 - Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

Revenue recognition

In May 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (“ASU 2014-09”). The amendments in ASU 2014-09 provide for a single, principles-based model for revenue recognition that replaces the existing revenue recognition guidance. In April 2015, the FASB voted for a one-year deferral of the effective date of ASU 2014-09. If approved, the new guidance will be effective for annual and interim periods beginning on or after December 15, 2017 and will replace most existing revenue recognition guidance under U.S. GAAP when it becomes effective. It permits the use of either a retrospective or cumulative effect transition method and early adoption is not permitted. We have not yet selected a transition method and are in the process of evaluating the effect this standard will have on our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

Presentation of debt issuance costs

In April 2015, the FASB issued an accounting standard update to simplify the presentation of debt issuance costs. The amendments in this accounting standard update require debt issuance costs be presented on the balance sheet as a direct reduction from the carrying amount of the related debt liability. The amendments in this accounting standard update are to be applied retrospectively and are effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2015. We do not expect the adoption of this accounting standard update to have a material impact on our consolidated balance sheet.

 

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BARRETT BUSINESS SERVICES, INC.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

Note 3 - Revolving Credit Facility and Long-Term Debt

The Company maintains a credit agreement (the “Agreement”) with its principal bank, Wells Fargo Bank, National Association (the “Bank”). The Agreement includes a $40.0 million term loan maturing December 31, 2016, as well as a $14.0 million revolving credit line, with a $5.0 million sublimit for unsecured standby letters of credit. The outstanding balance on the term loan was $40.0 million at March 31, 2015 and at December 31, 2014. The Company had an outstanding balance of $5.8 million on its revolving credit line at March 31, 2015. The Agreement also includes $114.3 million in cash-secured letters of credit to satisfy collateral requirements associated with various surety deposit requirements for workers’ compensation purposes in the state of California. In conjunction with these letters of credit, the Company posted $114.3 million of certificates of deposit with the Bank as collateral, which is included in long-term assets on the consolidated balance sheet.

The term loan with the Bank requires payments of $3.0 million on June 30, 2015, $7.0 million on September 30, 2015, $15.0 million on December 31, 2015, $5.0 million on June 30, 2016 and $5.0 million on September 30, 2016, with the balance due at maturity. The term loan bears interest at the one month LIBOR plus 4.0%.

Advances under the revolving credit facility bear interest, as selected by the Company, of either (a) a daily floating rate of one month LIBOR plus 2.0% or (b) a fixed rate of LIBOR plus 2.0% The Agreement also provides for an unused commitment fee of 0.35% per year on the average daily unused amount of the revolving credit facility, and a fee of 1.75% of the face amount of each letter of credit.

The credit facility is collateralized by the Company’s accounts receivable and other rights to receive payment, general intangibles, inventory and equipment.

The Agreement requires the satisfaction of certain financial covenants as follows:

 

  •   minimum Fixed Charge Coverage ratio of no less than 1.5:1.0, measured quarterly on a rolling four-quarter basis; and

 

  •   ratio of restricted and unrestricted cash and marketable securities to workers’ compensation and safety incentive liabilities of at least 1.0:1.0, measured quarterly.

The Agreement includes certain additional covenants as follows:

 

  •   capital expenditures may not exceed a total of $5.0 million in 2015 and a total of $4.0 million in 2016 without the Bank’s prior approval;

 

  •   incurring additional indebtedness is prohibited without the prior approval of the Bank, other than up to $200,000 per year in purchase money financing so long as total purchase money indebtedness does not exceed $400,000 at any time;

 

  •   repurchases of the Company’s common stock are prohibited; and

 

  •   quarterly cash dividends up to $0.22 per share may be paid so long as there is no default by the Company and payment would not cause a default.

 

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BARRETT BUSINESS SERVICES, INC.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

Note 3 - Revolving Credit Facility and Long-Term Debt (Continued)

 

The Agreement also contains customary events of default. If an event of default under the Agreement occurs and is continuing, the Bank may declare any outstanding obligations under the Agreement to be immediately due and payable. The Company was in compliance with all applicable financial covenants at March 31, 2015.

Additionally, the Company maintains a term loan with the Bank with a balance of approximately $5.0 million and $5.1 million at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively, secured by the Company’s corporate office building in Vancouver, Washington. The term loan requires payment of monthly installments of $18,375, bearing interest at the one month LIBOR plus 2.25%, with the unpaid principal balance due November 1, 2017.

Note 4 - Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share

Basic earnings per share are computed based on the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period using the treasury method. Diluted earnings per share reflect the potential effects of the exercise of outstanding stock options and vesting of restricted stock units. Basic and diluted shares outstanding are summarized as follows (in thousands):

 

     Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
     2015      2014  

Weighted average number of basic shares outstanding

     7,135         7,170   

Effect of dilutive securities

     0         0   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Weighted average number of diluted shares outstanding

  7,135      7,170   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

As a result of the net loss reported for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, 194 and 298 potential common shares, respectively, have been excluded from the calculation of diluted loss per share because their effect would be anti-dilutive.

 

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Table of Contents

BARRETT BUSINESS SERVICES, INC.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

Note 5 - Workers’ Compensation

The following table summarizes the aggregate workers’ compensation reserve activity (in thousands):

 

     Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
     2015      2014  

Balance at January 1,

     

Workers’ compensation claims liabilities

   $ 215,982       $ 112,444   

Claims expense accrual:

     

Current period

     26,236         16,351   

Prior periods

     (3,186      3,801   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
  23,050      20,152   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Claim payments related to:

Current period

  776      399   

Prior periods

  15,991      12,062   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
  16,767      12,461   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Balance at March 31,

Workers’ compensation claims liabilities

$ 222,265    $ 120,135   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Incurred but not reported (IBNR)

$ 115,661    $ 69,185   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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Table of Contents

BARRETT BUSINESS SERVICES, INC.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

Note 6 - Fair Value Measurement

Marketable securities consist of the following investments (in thousands):

 

     March 31, 2015      December 31, 2014  
     Cost      Gross
Unrealized
Gains
     Recorded
Basis
     Cost      Gross
Unrealized
(Losses)
Gains
    Recorded
Basis
     Fair
Value
Category
 

Current:

                   

Available-for-sale:

                   

VRDN

   $ 21,670       $ 0       $ 21,670       $ 21,670       $ 0      $ 21,670         2   

Certificates of deposit

     0         0         0         8,330         (43     8,287         2   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    
$ 21,670    $ 0    $ 21,670    $ 30,000    $ (43 $ 29,957   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

Long term:

Available-for-sale:

Municipal bonds

$ 3,547    $ 14    $ 3,561    $ 3,843    $ 7    $ 3,850      2   

Corporate bonds

  2,472      1      2,473      2,153      (3   2,150      2   

Certificates of deposit

  0      0      0      14,944      (14   14,930      2   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    
$ 6,019    $ 15    $ 6,034    $ 20,940    $ (10 $ 20,930   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

The Company’s long-term restricted marketable securities component of restricted marketable securities and workers’ compensation deposits consists of the following (in thousands):

 

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Table of Contents

BARRETT BUSINESS SERVICES, INC.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

Note 6 - Fair Value Measurement (Continued)

 

 

     March 31, 2015      December 31, 2014  
     Cost      Gross
Unrealized
Gains
     Recorded
Basis
     Cost      Gross
Unrealized
Gains
    Recorded
Basis
     Fair
Value
Category
 

Current:

                   

Available-for-sale:

                   

Money market funds held in trust

   $ 12,533       $ 0       $ 12,533       $ 3,776       $ 0      $ 3,776         2   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

Long term:

Available-for-sale:

Money market funds held in trust

$ 65,505    $ 0    $ 65,505    $ 46,310    $ 0    $ 46,310      2   

Municipal bonds

  4,217      20      4,237      4,352      21      4,373      2   

Corporate bonds

  3,704      1      3,705      3,540      (3   3,537      2   

U.S. treasuries

  4,752      0      4,752      3,963      0      3,963      1   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    
$ 78,178    $ 21    $ 78,199    $ 58,165    $ 18    $ 58,183   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

The Company’s long-term restricted certificates of deposit are summarized as follows (in thousands):

 

     March 31, 2015      December 31, 2014  
     Cost      Gross
Unrealized
Gains
     Recorded
Basis
     Cost      Gross
Unrealized
Gains
     Recorded
Basis
     Fair
Value
Category
 

Restricted certificates of deposit

   $ 114,335       $ 0       $ 114,335       $ 114,335       $ 0       $ 114,335         2   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

Note 7 - Income Taxes

Under ASC 740, “Income Taxes,” management evaluates the realizability of the deferred tax assets on a quarterly basis under a “more-likely than not” standard. As part of this evaluation, management reviews all evidence both positive and negative to determine if a valuation allowance is needed. One component of this analysis is to determine whether the Company was in a cumulative loss position for the most recent 12 quarters. The Company was in a cumulative income position for the 12 quarters ended March 31, 2015. Management’s review of positive evidence included the existence of federal and California taxable income in eligible carryback years, reversal of temporary items, and projection of future taxable income. Management concluded that no additional valuation allowance, other than those previously recorded against particular deferred tax assets, was required at March 31, 2015. Management will monitor the need for an additional valuation allowance at each quarter in the future and, if the negative evidence outweighs the positive evidence, an allowance will be recorded.

 

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Table of Contents

BARRETT BUSINESS SERVICES, INC.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

Note 8 - Litigation

On November 6, 2014, plaintiffs in Michael Arciaga, et al. v. Barrett Business Services, Inc., et al., filed an action in the United States District Court for the Western District of Washington against BBSI and Michael L. Elich and James D. Miller, BBSI’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, respectively. The action purports to be a class action brought on behalf of all Company shareholders alleging violations of the federal securities laws. The claims arise from the decline in the market price for BBSI common stock following announcement of a charge for increased workers compensation reserves expense. The lawsuit seeks compensatory damages (in an amount to be determined at trial), plus interest, and costs and expenses (including attorney fees and expert fees).

On November 13, 2014, a second purported shareholder class action was filed in the United States District Court for the Western District of Washington, entitled Christopher P. Carnes, et al. v. Barrett Business Services, Inc., et al. The Carnes complaint names the same defendants as the Arciaga case and asserts similar claims for relief.

Similarly, on November 17, 2014, a third purported shareholder class action was filed in the United States District Court for the Western District of Washington, entitled Shiva Stein, et al. v. Barrett Business Services, Inc., et al. The Stein complaint names the same defendants as the Arciaga and Carnes cases and asserts similar claims for relief.

On February 25, 2015, the court ordered consolidation of the three cases, and any new or other cases involving the same subject matter, into a single action for pretrial purposes. The court also appointed the Painters & Allied Trades District Council No. 35 Pension and Annuity Funds as the lead plaintiff.

On April 29, 2015, the plaintiffs in the class action filed a consolidated amended complaint that asserts the same legal claims as the original lawsuits. BBSI intends to file a motion to dismiss the complaint no later than June 12, 2015. Discovery has not been undertaken as it is automatically stayed under the federal Private Securities Litigation Reform Act.

On February 27, 2015, BBSI received a letter from counsel for an alleged stockholder accusing each of the Company’s directors and officers with having breached his fiduciary duties of loyalty and good faith based on the same facts as those alleged in the three lawsuits described above and alleging that the Company has sustained and continues to sustain damages, including the costs and expenses incurred in connection with the Company’s reserve strengthening process, reserve study and consultants, the cost of stock repurchases in October 2014, compensation paid to the Company’s officers, and costs of negotiating the Company’s credit facility with its principal lender. The letter demands that BBSI’s Board of Directors take action against each of the Company’s officers and directors to recover these damages and the proceeds of sales of stock by the officers and directors during 2013 and 2014. The letter states that if the Board does not take these actions within a reasonable period, the stockholder will commence a shareholder derivative action on behalf of the Company. With the assistance of outside counsel, the Board conducted an investigation of the allegations made by the stockholder and responded on May 4, 2015, that it found no basis for taking legal action against any of BBSI’s officers or directors.

 

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Table of Contents

BARRETT BUSINESS SERVICES, INC.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

Note 8 - Litigation (Continued)

 

Management is unable to estimate the probability, or the potential range, of loss arising from these legal actions.

The Company is subject to other legal proceedings and claims, which arise in the ordinary course of our business. In the opinion of management, the amount of ultimate liability with respect to currently pending or threatened actions is not expected to materially affect the consolidated financial position or results of operations of the Company.

 

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Table of Contents
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Overview

Barrett Business Services, Inc. (“BBSI,” the “Company,” “our” or “we”), is a leading provider of business management solutions for small-and mid-sized companies. The Company has developed a management platform that integrates tools from the human resource outsourcing industry and a knowledge-based approach from the management consulting industry. This platform, through the effective leveraging of human capital, assists our business owner clients in more effectively running their business. We believe this platform, delivered through local teams of professionals, differentiates BBSI from our competitors. BBSI was incorporated in Maryland in 1965.

Business Strategy

Our strategy is to align local operations teams with the mission of small and mid-sized business owners, driving value to their business. To do so, BBSI:

 

  •   partners with business owners to leverage their investment in human capital through a high-touch, results-oriented approach;

 

  •   brings predictability to each client organization through a three-tiered management platform; and

 

  •   enables business owners to focus on their core business by reducing organizational complexity and maximizing productivity.

Business Organization.

We operate a decentralized delivery model using locally based teams, typically located within 50 miles of our client companies. We recruit senior level managers to oversee, develop and expand our business at the branch-office level. Additionally, we recruit professionals with expertise in human resources, risk management and workplace safety and various types of administration, including payroll, to field our client delivery teams. This structure fosters autonomous decision-making, allowing local teams of professionals to deliver plans that most closely align with the needs of each business owner client. It also assists us by incubating talent to support increased growth and capacity. We have clients with employees located in 22 states and the District of Columbia, through a network of 54 branch locations in California, Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Arizona, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Maryland, Delaware and North Carolina. We also have several smaller recruiting locations in our general market areas, which are under the direction of a branch office.

BBSI believes that making significant investments in the best talent available allows us to leverage the value of this investment many times over. We motivate our management employees through a compensation package that includes a competitive base salary and the opportunity for profit sharing. At the branch level, profit sharing is in direct correlation to client performance, reinforcing a culture focused on achievement of client goals.

 

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Table of Contents
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (Continued)

 

Services Overview.

BBSI’s core purpose is to advocate for business owners, particularly in the small-and mid-sized business segment. Our evolution from an entrepreneurially run company to a professionally managed organization has helped to form our view that all businesses experience inflection points at key stages of growth. The insights gained through our own growth, along with the trends we see in working with more than 3,000 companies each day, define our approach to guiding business owners through the challenges associated with being an employer.

BBSI’s business teams align with each business owner client through a structured three-tiered progression. In doing so, business teams focus on the objectives of each business owner and deliver planning, guidance and resources in support of those objectives.

Tier 1: Tactical Alignment

The first stage focuses on the mutual setting of expectations and is essential to a successful client relationship. It begins with a process of assessment and discovery in which the business owners’ business objectives, attitudes, and culture are aligned with BBSI’s processes, controls and culture. This stage includes an implementation process, which addresses the administrative components of employment.

Tier 2: Dynamic Relationship

The second stage of the relationship emphasizes organizational development as a means of achieving each client’s business objectives. There is a focus on process improvement, development of best practices, supervisor training and leadership development.

Tier 3: Strategic Counsel

With an emphasis on advocacy on behalf of the business owner, the third stage of the relationship is more strategic and forward-looking with a goal of cultivating an environment in which all efforts are directed by the mission and long-term objectives of the business owner.

In addition to serving as resource and guide, BBSI has the ability to provide workers’ compensation coverage as a means of meeting statutory requirements and protecting our clients from employment-related injury claims. Through our internal claims managers and our third-party administrators, we provide claims management services for our co-employed clients. We work aggressively to manage and reduce job injury claims, identify fraudulent claims and structure optimal work programs, including modified duty employees.

Results of Operations

The following table sets forth percentages of total revenues represented by selected items in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014.

 

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Table of Contents
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (Continued)

 

Results of Operations (Continued)

 

     Percentage of Total Revenue  
     Three Months Ended  
     March 31,  
     2015     2014  

Revenues:

    

Professional employer service fees

     76.5     75.2

Staffing services

     23.5        24.8   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total revenues

  100.0      100.0   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cost of revenues:

Direct payroll costs

  17.8      18.8   

Payroll taxes and benefits

  52.9      53.9   

Workers’ compensation

  23.9      20.4   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total cost of revenues

  94.6      93.1   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Gross margin

  5.4      6.9   

Selling, general and administrative expenses

  10.2      10.6   

Depreciation and amortization

  0.4      0.5   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Loss from operations

  (5.2   (4.2

Other (expense) income, net

  (0.3   0.1   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Loss before income taxes

  (5.5   (4.1

Benefit from income taxes

  (2.0   (1.4
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net loss

  (3.5 )%    (2.7 )% 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

We report professional employer services revenues on a net basis because we are not the primary obligor for the services provided by our co-employed clients to their customers pursuant to our client service agreements. The presentation of revenues on a net basis and the relative contributions of staffing and professional employer services revenues can create volatility in our gross margin percentage. The general impact of fluctuations in our revenue mix is described below.

 

  •   A relative increase in professional employer services revenue will generally increase our gross margin percentage. Improvement in gross margin percentage occurs because incremental client services revenue dollars are reported as revenue net of all related direct costs.

 

  •   A relative increase in staffing revenues will typically decrease our gross margin percentage. Staffing revenues are presented at gross with the related direct costs reported in cost of sales. While staffing relationships typically have higher margins than co-employment relationships, an increase in staffing revenues and related costs presented at gross dilutes the impact of the net professional employer services revenue on gross margin percentage.

 

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Table of Contents
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (Continued)

 

Results of Operations (Continued)

 

We present for comparison purposes the gross revenues and cost of revenues information set forth in the table below. Although not in accordance with GAAP, management believes this information is more informative as to the level of our business activity and more illustrative of how we manage our operations, including the preparation of our internal operating forecasts, because it presents our professional employer services on a basis comparable to our staffing services.

 

     Unaudited  
     Three Months Ended  
(in thousands)    March 31,  
     2015      2014  

Revenues:

     

Professional employer services

   $ 857,760       $ 693,926   

Staffing services

     39,166         33,451   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total revenues

  896,926      727,377   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Cost of revenues:

Direct payroll costs

  754,435      613,320   

Payroll taxes and benefits

  88,294      72,817   

Workers’ compensation

  45,221      31,934   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total cost of revenues

  887,950      718,071   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Gross margin

$ 8,976    $ 9,306   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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Table of Contents
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (Continued)

 

Results of Operations (Continued)

 

A reconciliation of non-GAAP gross professional employer services revenues to net professional employer services revenues is as follows:

 

     Unaudited  
     Three Months Ended March 31,  
     Gross Revenue            Net Revenue  
(in thousands)    Reporting Method      Reclassification     Reporting Method  
     2015      2014      2015     2014     2015      2014  

Revenues:

               

Professional employer services

   $ 857,760       $ 693,926       $ (730,009   $ (592,237   $ 127,751       $ 101,689   

Staffing services

     39,166         33,451         0        0        39,166         33,451   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total revenues

$ 896,926    $ 727,377    $ (730,009 $ (592,237 $ 166,917    $ 135,140   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Cost of revenues

$ 887,950    $ 718,071    $ (730,009 $ (592,237 $ 157,941    $ 125,834   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

The amount of the reclassification is comprised of direct payroll costs and safety incentives attributable to our co-employed client companies.

Three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014

Net loss for the first quarter of 2015 amounted to $5.8 million, as compared to a net loss of $3.6 million for the first quarter of 2014. Diluted loss per share for the first quarter of 2015 was $0.81 compared to diluted loss per share of $0.50 for the comparable 2014 period.

Revenues for the first quarter of 2015 totaled $166.9 million, an increase of approximately $31.8 million or 23.5% over the first quarter of 2014, which reflects an increase in the Company’s professional employer service fee revenue of $26.1 million or 25.6%, coupled with an increase in staffing services revenue of $5.7 million or 17.1%. Approximately 78% of our revenue during the three months ended March 31, 2015, and 2014 was attributable to our California operations.

Our growth in professional employer service revenues continues to be primarily attributable to new customers, resulting from continued strength in our referral channels as business from new customers during the first quarter of 2015 nearly doubled our lost business from former customers. Professional employer service revenues from continuing customers reflected a 7.6% increase compared to the first quarter of 2014, primarily resulting from increases in employee headcount and hours worked. The increase in staffing revenues was due primarily to an increase in revenue from the addition of new business, coupled with an increase in revenue from continuing customers, partially offset by lost business from former customers.

 

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Table of Contents
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (Continued)

 

Results of Operations (Continued)

 

Three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 (Continued)

 

Gross margin for the first quarter of 2015 totaled approximately $9.0 million or 5.4% of revenue compared to $9.3 million or 6.9% for the first quarter of 2014. The 1.5% decline in gross margin percentage was primarily due to an increase in workers’ compensation expense, as a percentage of revenues, partially offset by a decline in payroll taxes and benefits, and direct payroll costs, as a percentage of revenues.

Workers’ compensation expense, in terms of dollars and as a percentage of revenues, increased from $27.6 million or 20.4% in the first quarter of 2014 to $39.9 million or 23.9% in the first quarter of 2015. Our provision for current year claims of $26.2 million was based on the loss rate as a percentage of payroll calculated by our independent actuary at March 31, 2015. The percentage rate increase was primarily due to completing the transition to the ACE fronted insurance program, an increase in the provision for claim cost related to current year claims, and increased cost for surety bonds and standby letters of credit.

As described in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014, we maintain reserves (recorded as accrued liabilities on our balance sheet) to cover our estimated liabilities for our self-insured workers’ compensation claims. The adequacy of reserves can be affected by both internal and external events, including adverse development on existing claims, changes in medical, administrative and legal costs, and legislative or systemic changes.

The Company has provided a total of $222.3 million and $216.0 million at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively, as an estimated future liability for unsettled workers’ compensation claims liabilities. The estimated liability for unsettled workers’ compensation claims represents management’s best estimate based upon an actuarial valuation provided by a third party actuary at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014. Included in the claims liabilities are case reserve estimates for reported losses, plus additional amounts based on projections for incurred but not reported claims and anticipated increases in case reserve estimates. Also included in these estimates are amounts for unallocated loss adjustment expenses, including legal costs. These estimates are continually reviewed and adjustments to liabilities are reflected in current operating results as they become known.

Incurred but not reported (“IBNR”) is based upon an estimate of future claim payments beyond those considered in the specific case reserve estimates and claims arising from injuries that occurred during a particular time period on or prior to the balance sheet date. Therefore, IBNR is the compilation of the estimated ultimate losses for each accident year less amounts that have been paid and specific case reserves. IBNR reserves, unlike specific case reserves, do not apply to a specific claim, but rather apply to the entire body of claims arising from a specific time period. IBNR primarily provides for costs due to:

 

  1) Future claim payments in excess of case reserves on recorded open claims;

 

  2) Additional claim payments on closed claims; and

 

  3) Claims that have been incurred but have not yet been reported to us.

 

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Table of Contents
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (Continued)

 

Results of Operations (Continued)

 

Three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 (Continued)

 

Our workers’ compensation claims liabilities do not represent an exact calculation of liability, but instead represent management’s best estimate, generally utilizing actuarial expertise and projection techniques, at a given accounting date. The process of estimating unpaid claims and claim adjustment expense involves a high degree of judgment and is subject to a number of variables. These variables can be affected by both internal and external events such as changes in claims handling and reserve estimation procedures, changes in individuals involved in the reserve estimation process, inflation, legal trends and legislative changes.

A basic premise in most actuarial analyses is that historical data and past patterns demonstrated in the incurred and paid historical data form a reasonable basis upon which to project future outcomes, absent a material change. To the extent a material change affecting the ultimate claim liability is known, such change is quantified to the extent possible through an analysis of internal company data and, if available and when appropriate, external data. Significant structural changes to the available data can materially impact the reserve estimation process. Actuaries exercise a considerable degree of judgment in the evaluation of these factors in their analysis of reserves. The application of actuarial judgment is unavoidable when faced with material uncertainty. Different actuaries may choose different assumptions when faced with such uncertainty, based on their individual backgrounds, professional experiences and the context in which they are reviewing the reserves. Hence, the estimates selected by different actuaries may differ materially from each other.

We use informed judgment throughout the process, derived from individual experiences and expertise applied to multiple sets of data and analysis. We consider all significant facts and circumstances known at the time loss reserves are established and as new facts and circumstances become known. Due to the inherent uncertainty underlying loss reserve estimates including, but not limited to, the future settlement environment, final resolution of our estimated liability for our workers’ compensation claims will likely be higher or lower than the related loss reserves at the reporting date. Therefore, actual paid losses, as specific claims are settled in the future, may be materially different in amount from our current loss reserves.

Payroll taxes and benefits, as a percentage of revenues, for the first quarter of 2015 was 52.9% compared to 53.9% for the first quarter of 2014. The percentage rate decrease was primarily due to a slight decline in the overall state unemployment tax rates where the Company does business and to a small rise in the overall average wage rates which allowed the tax ceilings to be reached sooner in 2015 as compared to 2014.

Direct payroll costs, as a percentage of revenues, decreased from 18.8% for the first quarter of 2014 to 17.8% for the first quarter of 2015, primarily due to the increase in our mix of professional employer services in the Company’s customer base compared to the first quarter of 2014 and the effect of each customer’s unique mark-up percent.

Selling, general and administrative (“SG&A”) expenses for the first quarter of 2015 totaled approximately $17.0 million, an increase of $2.6 million or 18.1% over the first quarter of 2014. The increase was primarily attributable to increases in management payroll, increased

 

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Table of Contents
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (Continued)

 

Results of Operations (Continued)

 

Three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 (Continued)

 

information technology (“IT”) expenses, and other variable expense components within SG&A to support our business growth. The increased IT expenses relate to projects designed to enhance access and delivery of information to the field as well as, improve efficiencies over time.

The income tax rate for the 2015 first quarter was 36.4% compared to the 2014 first quarter rate of 35.5%. We expect the effective income tax rate for the balance of 2015 to remain at a similar rate to the 2015 first quarter income tax rate.

Factors Affecting Quarterly Results

The Company has historically experienced significant fluctuations in its quarterly operating results and expects such fluctuations to continue in the future. The Company’s operating results may fluctuate due to a number of factors such as seasonality, wage limits on statutory payroll taxes, claims experience for workers’ compensation, demand for the Company’s services, competition, and the effect of acquisitions. The Company’s revenue levels may fluctuate from quarter to quarter primarily due to the impact of seasonality on its staffing services business and on certain of its co-employed clients in the agriculture, food processing and construction-related industries. As a result, the Company may have greater revenues and net income in the third quarter of its fiscal year. Revenue levels in the fourth quarter may be affected by many customers’ practice of operating on holiday-shortened schedules. Payroll taxes and benefits fluctuate with the level of direct payroll costs, but tend to represent a smaller percentage of revenues and direct payroll later in the Company’s fiscal year as federal and state statutory wage limits for unemployment and Social Security taxes are exceeded on a per employee basis. Workers’ compensation expense varies with both the frequency and severity of workplace injury claims reported during a quarter and the estimated future costs of such claims. Adverse loss development of prior period claims during a subsequent quarter may also contribute to volatility in the Company’s estimated workers’ compensation expense.

We have begun offering healthcare coverage to eligible staffing employees in compliance with the employer mandate provision of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010 (collectively, the “Acts”). The Acts represent comprehensive U.S. healthcare reform legislation that, in addition to other provisions, would subject us to potential penalties unless we offer to our employees minimum essential healthcare coverage that is affordable. While it is still early in the adoption phase of the Acts’ employer mandate provision, our initial price increases appear to be sufficient to cover implementation and operating costs of offering healthcare coverage to staffing employees.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

The Company’s cash position for the three months ended March 31, 2015 increased $3.7 million from December 31, 2014, compared to a decrease of $27.3 million for the comparable period in 2014. The increase in cash at March 31, 2015 as compared to cash at December 31, 2014, was primarily due to an increase in accrued payroll, payroll taxes and

 

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Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (Continued)

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources (Continued)

 

benefits of $34.4 million, net proceeds from credit-line borrowings of $5.8 million, sales and maturities of marketable securities of $24.7 million, and an increase in workers’ compensation claims liabilities of $6.3 million. These factors were partially offset by the net loss of $5.8 million, purchases of restricted marketable securities of $29.9 million, and an increase of $27.7 million in trade accounts receivables.

Net cash provided by operating activities for the three months ended March 31, 2015 amounted to $5.5 million compared to $7.7 million for the comparable 2014 period. For the three months ended March 31, 2015, cash flow was primarily due to increases of $34.4 million in accrued payroll, payroll taxes and benefits and $6.3 million in workers’ compensation claims liabilities, partially offset by the net loss of $5.8 million and an increase of $27.7 million in trade account receivables.

Net cash used in investing activities for the three months ended March 31, 2015 was $6.2 million as compared to $33.7 million for the comparable 2014 period. For the 2015 period, cash from investing activities was primarily used to purchase $29.9 million of restricted marketable securities, partially offset by proceeds from sales and maturities of marketable securities of $24.7 million.

Net cash provided by financing activities for the three months ended March 31, 2015 was $4.4 million as compared to $1.3 million of net cash used in financing activities for the comparable 2014 period. For the 2015 period, the cash was primarily provided by proceeds of $28.3 million from credit-line borrowings, partially offset by payments of $22.5 million on credit-line borrowings.

The Company’s business strategy continues to focus on growth through the expansion of operations at existing offices, together with the possibility of selective acquisition of additional personnel-related businesses, both in its existing markets and other strategic geographic markets. The Company periodically evaluates proposals for various acquisition opportunities, but there can be no assurance that any additional transactions will be consummated.

As disclosed in Note 3 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in this Report, the Company maintains a credit agreement (the “Agreement”) with its principal bank, Wells Fargo Bank, National Association (the “Bank”). The Agreement includes a $40.0 million term loan maturing December 31, 2016, as well as a $14.0 million revolving credit line, with a $5.0 million sublimit for unsecured standby letters of credit. The outstanding balance on the term loan was $40.0 million at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014. The Company had an outstanding balance of $5.8 million on its revolving credit line at March 31, 2015. The Agreement also includes $114.3 million in cash-secured letters of credit to satisfy collateral requirements associated with various surety deposit requirements for workers’ compensation purposes in the state of California. In conjunction with the letters of credit, the Company posted $114.3 million of certificates of deposit with the Bank as collateral, which is included in long-term assets on the consolidated balance sheet.

 

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Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (Continued)

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources (Continued)

 

The term loan with the Bank requires payments of $3.0 million on June 30, 2015, $7.0 million on September 30, 2015, $15.0 million on December 31, 2015, $5.0 million on June 30, 2016 and $5.0 million on September 30, 2016, with the balance due at maturity. The term loan bears interest at the one month LIBOR plus 4.0%.

Advances under the revolving credit facility bear interest, as selected by the Company, of either (a) a daily floating rate of one month LIBOR plus 2.0% or (b) a fixed rate of LIBOR plus 2.0%. The Agreement also provides for an unused commitment fee of 0.35% per year on the average daily unused amount of the revolving credit facility, and a fee of 1.75% of the face amount of each letter of credit.

The states of California, Oregon, Maryland, Washington, Delaware and Colorado require us to maintain specified investment balances or other financial instruments, totaling $199.3 million at March 31, 2015, to cover potential workers’ compensation claims losses related to the Company’s status or former status as a self-insured employer. In partial satisfaction of these requirements, at March 31, 2015, we have provided surety bonds and standby letters of credit totaling $194.9 million. The State of California requires the Company to maintain a surety deposit of $190.6 million (which is included in the total $194.9 million of surety bonds and standby letters of credit), which the Company satisfied through the posting of third party issued surety bonds, backed by a total of $114.3 million in letters of credit. In conjunction with these letters of credit, the Company posted $114.3 million of certificates of deposit with the Bank as collateral.

Management expects future amounts of the certificates of deposit and the letters of credit to decrease as a result of a declining self-insured liability as the Company’s ability to self-insure in California ended December 31, 2014. Consequently, management expects the Company’s working capital position to improve in future quarters as the related collateral requirements ease.

The credit facility is collateralized by the Company’s accounts receivable and other rights to receive payment, general intangibles, inventory and equipment.

The Agreement requires the satisfaction of certain financial covenants as follows:

 

  •   minimum Fixed Charge Coverage ratio of no less than 1.5:1.0, measured quarterly on a rolling four-quarter basis; and

 

  •   ratio of restricted and unrestricted cash and marketable securities to workers’ compensation and safety incentive liabilities of at least 1.0:1.0, measured quarterly.

The Agreement includes certain additional covenants as follows:

 

  •   capital expenditures may not exceed a total of $5.0 million in 2015 and of $4.0 million in 2016 without the Bank’s prior approval;

 

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Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (Continued)

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources (Continued)

 

  •   incurring additional indebtedness is prohibited without the prior approval of the Bank, other than up to $200,000 per year in purchase money financing so long as total purchase money indebtedness does not exceed $400,000 at any time;

 

  •   repurchases of the Company’s common stock are prohibited; and

 

  •   quarterly cash dividends up to $0.22 per share may be paid so long as there is no default by the Company and payment would not cause a default.

The Agreement also contains customary events of default. If an event of default under the Agreement occurs and is continuing, the Bank may declare any outstanding obligations under the Agreement to be immediately due and payable. The Company was in compliance with all applicable financial covenants at March 31, 2015.

Additionally, the Company maintains a term loan with the Bank with a balance of approximately $5.0 million at March 31, 2015, secured by the Company’s corporate office building in Vancouver, Washington. The term loan requires payment of monthly installments of $18,375, bearing interest at the one month LIBOR plus 2.25%, with the unpaid principal balance due November 1, 2017.

Management expects that the funds anticipated to be generated from operations and availability under its revolving credit facility will be sufficient in the aggregate to fund the Company’s working capital needs for the next twelve months.

Inflation

Inflation generally has not been a significant factor in the Company’s operations during the periods discussed above. The Company has taken into account the impact of escalating medical and other costs in establishing reserves for future expenses for workers’ compensation claims.

Forward-Looking Information

Statements in this report which are not historical in nature, including discussion of economic conditions in the Company’s market areas and effect on revenue levels, the effect of changes in the Company’s mix of services on gross margin, the adequacy of the Company’s workers’ compensation reserves, the effect of changes in its reserving practices and claims management process on its actuarial estimates and workers’ compensation reserves, the effect of changes in the interest rate environment on the value of the Company’s investment securities and long-term debt, the adequacy of the Company’s allowance for doubtful accounts, the effect of the Company’s formation and operation of two wholly owned, fully licensed captive insurance subsidiaries and becoming self-insured for certain business risks, the operation and cost of the Company’s fronted insurance program with ACE in California, the financial viability of the Company’s excess insurance carriers, the effectiveness of the Company’s management information systems, payment of future dividends, the availability of working capital to meet the Company’s funding requirements, and the potential for and effect of acquisitions, are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.

 

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Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (Continued)

 

Forward-Looking Information (Continued)

 

Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company or industry to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors with respect to the Company include the ability to retain current clients and attract new clients, difficulties associated with integrating acquired businesses and clients into the Company’s operations, economic trends in the Company’s service areas, the potential for material deviations from expected future workers’ compensation claims experience, the effect of changes in the workers’ compensation regulatory environment in one or more of the Company’s primary markets, collectability of accounts receivable, the carrying values of deferred income tax assets and goodwill, which may be affected by the Company’s future operating results, the impact of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act on our business, the effect of conditions in the global capital markets on the Company’s investment portfolio, and the availability of capital, borrowing capacity on the Company’s revolving credit facility, or letters of credit necessary to meet state-mandated surety deposit requirements for maintaining the Company’s status as a qualified self-insured employer for workers’ compensation coverage or its fronted insurance program, among others. The Company disclaims any obligation to update any such factors or to publicly announce the result of any revisions to any of the forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect future events or developments.

 

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

The Company’s exposure to market risk for changes in interest rates primarily relates to its investment portfolio of liquid assets and its outstanding borrowings on its line of credit and long-term debt. As of March 31, 2015, the Company’s investment portfolio consisted principally of approximately $114.3 million in restricted certificates of deposit, $78.0 million in money market funds held in trust, $21.7 million in VRDN, $7.8 million in municipal bonds, $6.2 million in corporate bonds, and $4.8 million in U.S. treasuries. The Company’s outstanding long-term debt totaled approximately $19.8 million at March 31, 2015. Based on the Company’s overall interest exposure at March 31, 2015, a 100 basis point increase in market interest rates would not have a material effect on the fair value of the Company’s investment portfolio of liquid assets, its outstanding borrowings or its results of operations because of the predominantly short maturities of the securities within the investment portfolio and the relative size of the outstanding borrowings.

 

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

As of March 31, 2015 the Company carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of the Company’s management, including the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures, as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Based on the evaluation, the Company’s Chief Executive

 

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Item 4. Controls and Procedures (Continued)

 

Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports it files or submits under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in Securities and Exchange Commission rules and forms and is accumulated and communicated to our management as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

There have been no changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the Company’s fiscal quarter ended March 31, 2015 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

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Part II – Other Information

 

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

On November 6, 2014, plaintiffs in Michael Arciaga, et al. v. Barrett Business Services, Inc., et al., filed an action in the United States District Court for the Western District of Washington against BBSI and Michael L. Elich and James D. Miller, BBSI’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, respectively. The action purports to be a class action brought on behalf of all Company shareholders alleging violations of the federal securities laws. The claims arise from the decline in the market price for BBSI common stock following announcement of a charge for increased workers compensation reserves expense. The lawsuit seeks compensatory damages (in an amount to be determined at trial), plus interest, and costs and expenses (including attorney fees and expert fees).

On November 13, 2014, a second purported shareholder class action was filed in the United States District Court for the Western District of Washington, entitled Christopher P. Carnes, et al. v. Barrett Business Services, Inc., et al. The Carnes complaint names the same defendants as the Arciaga case and asserts similar claims for relief.

Similarly, on November 17, 2014, a third purported shareholder class action was filed in the United States District Court for the Western District of Washington, entitled Shiva Stein, et al. v. Barrett Business Services, Inc., et al. The Stein complaint names the same defendants as the Arciaga and Carnes cases and asserts similar claims for relief.

On February 25, 2015, the court ordered consolidation of the three cases, and any new or other cases involving the same subject matter, into a single action for pretrial purposes. The court also appointed the Painters & Allied Trades District Council No. 35 Pension and Annuity Funds as the lead plaintiff.

On April 29, 2015, the plaintiffs in the class action filed a consolidated amended complaint that asserts the same legal claims as the original lawsuits. BBSI intends to file a motion to dismiss the complaint no later than June 12, 2015. Discovery has not been undertaken as it is automatically stayed under the federal Private Securities Litigation Reform Act.

On February 27, 2015, BBSI received a letter from counsel for an alleged stockholder accusing each of the Company’s directors and officers with having breached his fiduciary duties of loyalty and good faith based on the same facts as those alleged in the three lawsuits described above and alleging that the Company has sustained and continues to sustain damages, including the costs and expenses incurred in connection with the Company’s reserve strengthening process, reserve study and consultants, the cost of stock repurchases in October 2014, compensation paid to the Company’s officers, and costs of negotiating the Company’s credit facility with its principal lender. The letter demands that BBSI’s Board of Directors take action against each of the Company’s officers and directors to recover these damages and the proceeds of sales of stock by the officers and directors during 2013 and 2014. The letter states that if the Board does not take these actions within a reasonable period, the stockholder will commence a shareholder derivative action on behalf of the Company. With the assistance of outside counsel, the Board conducted an investigation of the allegations made by the stockholder and responded on May 4, 2015, that it found no basis for taking legal action against any of BBSI’s officers or directors.

 

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Part II – Other Information (Continued)

 

Item 1. Legal Proceedings (Continued)

 

We intend to vigorously defend against the foregoing actions. We have not recorded any liabilities with respect to the claims in our consolidated balance sheets as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014. We believe that the claims are covered under our directors’ and officers’ liability insurance, and we have notified our insurance carriers of the claims. The insurers have responded by requesting additional information and by reserving their rights under the policies, including the right to deny coverage under various policy exclusions. Subject to their reservation of rights and the satisfaction of applicable deductibles, we expect to be reimbursed for substantially all legal fees relating to our defense of the claims.

The Company is subject to other legal proceedings and claims, which arise in the ordinary course of our business. In the opinion of management, the amount of ultimate liability with respect to currently pending or threatened actions is not expected to materially affect the consolidated financial position or results of operations of the Company.

BBSI has been informed by staff at the San Francisco office of the Division of Enforcement of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) that it has obtained a Formal Order of Investigation in connection with its review of the Company’s accounting practices with regard to its workers’ compensation reserves. The Company is cooperating fully with the SEC staff in providing the requested information.

 

Item 1A. Risk Factors

In addition to the risk factors included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014, which was filed with the SEC on March 16, 2015, the following risk factor should be considered:

In March 2010, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010 (collectively, the “Acts”) were signed into U.S. law. The Acts represent comprehensive U.S. healthcare reform legislation that, in addition to other provisions, subjects us to potential penalties unless we offer to our employees minimum essential healthcare coverage that is affordable. In order to comply with the employer mandate provision of the Acts, we have begun offering health care coverage to all temporary and permanent employees eligible for coverage under the Acts. Designating employees as eligible is complex, and is subject to challenge by employees and the Internal Revenue Service. While we believe we have properly identified eligible employees, a later determination that we failed to offer the required health coverage to eligible employees could result in penalties that may materially harm our business. We cannot be certain that compliant insurance coverage will remain available to us on reasonable terms, and we could face additional risks arising from future changes to the Acts or changed interpretations of our obligations under the Acts. There can be no assurance that we will be able to recover all related costs through increased pricing to our customers or that such costs will be recovered in the period in which costs are incurred, and the net financial impact on our results of operations could be significant.

 

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Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

There were no common stock repurchases during the quarter ended March 31, 2015. In November 2006, the Board adopted a stock repurchase program and authorized the repurchase of up to 500,000 common shares of the Company’s common stock from time to time to open market purchases. In November 2007, the Board approved an increase in the authorized shares to be repurchased up to 1.0 million common shares. In October 2008, the Board approved a second increase in the authorized common shares to be repurchased up to 3.0 million shares. At March 31, 2015, 1,121,013 shares could be repurchased under the program.

 

Item 6. Exhibits

The exhibits filed with this report are listed in the Exhibit Index following the signature page of this report.

 

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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

 

BARRETT BUSINESS SERVICES, INC.

(Registrant)

Date: May 11, 2015

/s/ James D. Miller

James D. Miller
Vice President-Finance, Treasurer and Secretary
(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)

 

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EXHIBIT INDEX

 

Exhibit

    
  31.1    Certification of the Chief Executive Officer under Rule 13a-14(a).
  31.2    Certification of the Chief Financial Officer under Rule 13a-14(a).
  32.    Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350.
101.    INS XBRL Instance Document
101.    SCH XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
101.    CAL XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
101.    DEF XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
101.    LAB XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
101.    PRE XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document

 

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