BARRETT BUSINESS SERVICES INC
For the period ended Mar 31, 2024. Filed May 2, 2024.
View on SEC.govAbout this filing
A company's report for each of its first three quarters. The financial statements are not audited. It shows how the business has moved since the last annual report, and what management says changed.
Mar 31, 2024 · Filed May 2, 2024
Extracted filing text, with the paragraph anchors used by the comparison.
See the whole filing, with its images and exhibitsContents
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
Note 1 - Basis of Presentation of Interim Period Statements
The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements are unaudited and have been prepared by Barrett Business Services, Inc. (“BBSI”, the “Company”, “our” or “we”), pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"). 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 condensed 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 accompanying condensed financial statements are prepared on a consolidated basis. All intercompany account balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. The preparation of condensed consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the condensed consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results may differ from such estimates and assumptions. The condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company’s 2023 Annual Report on Form 10-K at pages 33 - 61. The results of operations for an interim period are not necessarily indicative of the results of operations for a full year.
Revenue recognition
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 which covers all employees at a particular work site. Staffing revenues relate primarily to short-term staffing, contract staffing and on-site management services. The Company’s performance obligations for PEO and staffing services are satisfied, and the related revenue is recognized, as services are rendered by our workforce.
Our PEO client service agreements have a minimum term ofone year, are renewable on an annual basis and typically require 30 days’ written notice to cancel or terminate the contract by either party. In addition, our client service agreements provide for immediate termination upon any payment default of the client regardless of when notice is given. PEO customers are invoiced following the end of each payroll processing cycle, with payment generally due on the invoice date. Staffing customers are generally invoiced weekly based on agreed rates per employee and actual hours worked, typically with payment terms of 30 days. The amount of earned but unbilled revenue is classified as a receivable on the condensed consolidated balance sheets.
We report PEO revenues net of direct payroll costs because we are not the primary obligor for these payments to our clients’ employees. Direct payroll costs include salaries, wages, health insurance, and employee out-of-pocket expenses incurred incidental to employment.
Cost of revenues
Our cost of revenues for PEO services includes employer payroll-related taxes, workers’ compensation costs and employee benefits costs. Our cost of revenues for staffing services includes direct payroll costs, employer payroll-related taxes, and workers’ compensation costs. Direct payroll costs represent the gross payroll earned by staffing services employees based on salary or hourly wages. Payroll taxes and benefits consist of the employer’s portion of Social Security and Medicare taxes, federal and state unemployment taxes, and employee benefit costs, which primarily comprise health insurance premiums paid to third-party insurers and underwriting and benefit consultant payroll. Workers’ compensation costs consist primarily of premiums paid to third-party insurers, claims reserves, claims administration fees, legal fees, medical cost containment (“MCC”) expense, state administrative agency fees, third-party broker commissions, and risk manager payroll, as well as costs associated with operating ourtwo wholly owned insurance companies, Associated Insurance Company for Excess (“AICE”) and Ecole Insurance Company (“Ecole”).
Cash and cash equivalents
We consider non-restricted short-term investments that are highly liquid, readily convertible into cash, and have maturities at acquisition of less than three months to be cash equivalents for purposes of the condensed consolidated statements of cash flows and condensed consolidated balance sheets. The Company maintains cash balances in bank accounts that normally exceed FDIC insured limits. The Company has not experienced any losses related to its cash concentration.
Investments
The Company classifies investments as available-for-sale. The Company’s investments 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. Investments are recorded as current on the condensed consolidated balance sheets as the invested funds are available for current operations. Management considers available evidence in evaluating potential impairment of investments, including the extent to which fair value is less than cost and adverse conditions related to the security. In the event of a credit loss, an allowance would be recognized to the extent that the fair value of the security is less than the present value of the expected future cash flows. Realized gains and losses on sales of investments are included in investment income in our condensed consolidated statements of operations.
Restricted cash and investments
The Company holds restricted cash and investments primarily for the future payment of insurance premiums and workers’ compensation claims. These investments are categorized 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. Restricted cash and investments are classified as current and noncurrent on the condensed consolidated balance sheets based on the nature of the restriction. Management considers available evidence in evaluating potential impairment of restricted investments, including the extent to which fair value is less than cost and adverse conditions related to the security. In the event of a credit loss, an allowance would be recognized to the extent that the fair value of the security is less than the present value of the expected future cash flows. Realized gains and losses on sales of restricted investments are included in investment income in our condensed consolidated statements of operations.
Restricted cash and investments also includes investments held as part of the Company’s deferred compensation plan. These investments are classified as trading securities and are recorded at fair value with unrealized gains and losses reported as a component of income (loss) from operations.
Allowance for doubtful accounts
The Company had an allowance for doubtful accounts of $0.9 million at March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023. We make estimates of the collectability of our accounts receivable for services provided to our customers based on future expected credit losses. Management analyzes historical bad debts, customer concentrations, customer credit-worthiness, current economic trends 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 liabilities
Our workers’ compensation claims liabilities do not represent an exact calculation of liability but rather management’s best estimate, utilizing actuarial expertise and projection techniques, at a given reporting date. The estimated liability for open workers’ compensation claims is based on an evaluation of information provided by our third-party administrator for workers’ compensation claims, coupled with an actuarial estimate of future loss development with respect to reported claims and incurred but not reported claims (together, “IBNR”). Workers’ compensation claims liabilities include case reserve estimates for reported losses, plus additional amounts for estimated IBNR claims, MCC and legal costs, unallocated loss adjustment expenses and estimated future recoveries. The estimate of incurred costs expected to be paid within one year is included in current liabilities, while the estimate of incurred costs expected to be paid beyond one year is included in long-term liabilities on our condensed consolidated balance sheets. These estimates are reviewed at least quarterly and adjustments to estimated liabilities are reflected in current operating results as they become known.
The process of arriving at an estimate of unpaid claims and claims adjustment expense involves a high degree of judgment and is affected by both internal and external events, including changes in claims handling practices, changes in reserve estimation procedures, inflation, trends in the litigation and settlement of pending claims, and legislative changes.
Our estimates are based on actuarial analysis and informed judgment, derived from individual experience and expertise applied to multiple sets of data and analyses. We consider significant facts and circumstances known both at the time that loss reserves are initially established and as new facts and circumstances become known. Due to the inherent uncertainty underlying loss reserve estimates, the expenses incurred through final resolution of our liability for our workers’ compensation claims will likely vary from the related loss reserves at the reporting date. Therefore, as specific claims are paid out in the future, actual paid losses may be materially different from our current loss reserves.
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. Significant structural changes to the available data can materially impact the reserve estimation process. To the extent a material change affecting the ultimate claim liability becomes known, such change is quantified to the extent possible through an analysis of internal Company data and, if available and when appropriate, external data. Nonetheless, actuaries exercise a considerable degree of judgment in the evaluation of these factors and the need for such actuarial judgment is more pronounced when faced with material uncertainties.
Customer deposits
We require deposits from certain PEO customers to cover a portion of our accounts receivable due from such customers in the event of default of payment.
Comprehensive income(loss)
Comprehensive income (loss) includes all changes in equity during a period except those that resulted from investments by or distributions to the Company’s stockholders.
Other comprehensive income (loss) refers to revenues, expenses, gains and losses that under U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) are included in comprehensive income (loss), but excluded from net income (loss) as these amounts are recorded directly as an adjustment to stockholders’ equity. Our other comprehensive income (loss) comprises unrealized holding gains and losses on our available-for-sale investments.
Statements of cash flows
Interest paid during the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023 did not materially differ from interest expense. Income taxes paid by the Company during the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023 totaled $0.04 million and$0.01 million, respectively.
Bank deposits and other cash equivalents that are restricted for use are classified as restricted cash. The table below reconciles the cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash balances from our condensed consolidated balance sheets to the amounts reported on the condensed consolidated statements of cash flows (in thousands):
| March 31, | December 31, | March 31, | December 31, | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2023 | 2023 | 2022 | |
| Cash and cash equivalents | $51,267 | $71,168 | $52,635 | $91,423 |
| Restricted cash, included in restricted cash and investments | 36,562 | 3,673 | 15,424 | 15,955 |
| Total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash shown in the statements of cash flows | $87,829 | $74,841 | $68,059 | $107,378 |
Basic and diluted earnings per share
Basic earnings per share are computed based on the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for each year using the treasury method. Diluted earnings per share reflect the potential effects of the issuance of shares in connection with the exercise of outstanding stock options, vesting of outstanding restricted stock units and performance share units, and the Company’s employee stock purchase plan. Basic and diluted shares outstanding are summarized as follows (in thousands):
| Three Months Ended | ||
|---|---|---|
| March 31, | ||
| 2024 | 2023 | |
| Weighted average number of basic shares outstanding | 6,570 | 6,866 |
| Effect of dilutive securities | — | 119 |
| Weighted average number of diluted shares outstanding | 6,570 | 6,985 |
As a result of the net loss for the three months ended March 31, 2024,135,405 potential common shares have been excluded from the calculation of diluted loss per share because their effect would be anti-dilutive.
Accounting estimates
The preparation of our condensed consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions. These affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the condensed 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 fair value measurement of investments, allowance for doubtful accounts, deferred income taxes, carrying values for goodwill and property, equipment and software, and accrued workers’ compensation liabilities. Actual results may or may not differ from such estimates.
Reclassifications
To conform to the current period’s presentation, safety incentives liability of $1.3 million was reclassified to other accrued liabilities in the prior period condensed consolidated balance sheets, and net cash outflows related to safety incentives liability of $0.3 million was reclassified to other accrued liabilities in the prior period condensed consolidated statements of cash flows. Additionally, to conform the current period’s presentation to reclassifications made in 2023, net cash outflows associated with premiums payable to third party insurance carriers of $1.4 million were reclassified from other accrued liabilities to premium payable in the prior period condensed consolidated statements of cash flows.
Recent accounting pronouncements
The following Accounting Standards Updates (ASUs) have been recently issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB).
ASU 2023-07, Segment Reporting (Topic 280): Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures
In November 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-07, which expands annual and interim reportable segment disclosure requirements, primarily through enhanced disclosures about significant segment expenses. All disclosure requirements under the new guidance are also required for public entities with a single reportable segment. ASU 2023-07 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023, and interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024. Early adoption is permitted. The amendments should be applied retrospectively to all prior periods presented in the financial statements. We are evaluating the impact of applying this new accounting guidance to our financial statement disclosures.
ASU 2023-09, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures
In December 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-09, which requires disaggregated information about a reporting entity’s effective tax rate reconciliation as well as information on income taxes paid. The standard is intended to benefit investors by providing more detailed income tax disclosures that would be useful in making capital allocation decisions. The ASU applies to all entities subject to income taxes. The new requirements will be effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2024. The guidance will be applied on a prospective basis with the option to apply the standard retrospectively. Early adoption is permitted. We are evaluating the impact of applying this new accounting guidance to our income tax disclosures.
Note 2 - Fair Value Measurement
The following table summarizes the Company’s investments at March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023 measured at fair value on a recurring basis (in thousands):
| March 31, 2024 · December 31, 2023 | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gross · Gross | ||||||
| Unrealized · Recorded · Unrealized · Recorded | ||||||
| (Losses) | (Losses) | |||||
| Cost | Gains | Basis | Cost | Gains | Basis | |
| Current: | ||||||
| Cash equivalents: | ||||||
| Money market funds | $18,549 | $— | $18,549 | $19,539 | $— | $19,539 |
| Total cash equivalents | 18,549 | — | 18,549 | 19,539 | — | 19,539 |
| Investments: | ||||||
| Corporate bonds | 32,319 | (3,123) | 29,196 | 34,472 | (3,159) | 31,313 |
| U.S. government agency securities | 12,806 | (395) | 12,411 | 12,830 | (408) | 12,422 |
| U.S. treasuries | 12,451 | (1,369) | 11,082 | 12,448 | (1,253) | 11,195 |
| Mortgage backed securities | 12,908 | (2,677) | 10,231 | 13,084 | (2,454) | 10,630 |
| Asset backed securities | 9,647 | (157) | 9,490 | 13,659 | (187) | 13,472 |
| Emerging markets | — | — | — | 2,003 | (8) | 1,995 |
| Total current investments | 80,131 | (7,721) | 72,410 | 88,496 | (7,469) | 81,027 |
| Restricted cash and investments (1): | ||||||
| U.S. treasuries | 125,052 | (7,032) | 118,020 | 109,020 | (6,415) | 102,605 |
| Corporate bonds | 82,816 | (9,022) | 73,794 | 82,481 | (8,454) | 74,027 |
| Mortgage backed securities | 42,418 | (5,874) | 36,544 | 42,077 | (5,216) | 36,861 |
| U.S. government agency securities | 16,854 | (1,170) | 15,684 | 16,863 | (1,199) | 15,664 |
| Mutual funds | 9,641 | — | 9,641 | 8,941 | — | 8,941 |
| Asset backed securities | 799 | (2) | 797 | 799 | — | 799 |
| Emerging markets | 200 | 3 | 203 | 200 | 2 | 202 |
| Money market funds | 107 | — | 107 | 337 | — | 337 |
| Total restricted cash and investments | 277,887 | (23,097) | 254,790 | 260,718 | (21,282) | 239,436 |
| Total investments | $376,567 | $(30,818) | $345,749 | $368,753 | $(28,751) | $340,002 |
(1) Included in restricted cash and investments within the condensed consolidated balance sheets as of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023 is restricted cash of $11.8 million and $3.6 million, respectively, which is excluded from the table above. Restricted cash and investments are classified as current and noncurrent on the balance sheet based on the nature of the restriction.
The following table summarizes the Company’s investments at March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023 measured at fair value on a recurring basis by fair value hierarchy level (in thousands):
| March 31, 2024 · December 31, 2023 | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total · Total | ||||||||
| Recorded | Recorded | |||||||
| Basis | Level 1 | Level 2 | Other (1) | Basis | Level 1 | Level 2 | Other (1) | |
| Cash equivalents: | ||||||||
| Money market funds | $18,549 | $— | $— | $18,549 | $19,539 | $— | $— | $19,539 |
| Investments: | ||||||||
| Corporate bonds | 29,196 | — | 29,196 | — | 31,313 | — | 31,313 | — |
| U.S. government agency securities | 12,411 | — | 12,411 | — | 12,422 | — | 12,422 | — |
| U.S. treasuries | 11,082 | — | 11,082 | — | 11,195 | — | 11,195 | — |
| Mortgage backed securities | 10,231 | — | 10,231 | — | 10,630 | — | 10,630 | — |
| Asset backed securities | 9,490 | — | 9,490 | — | 13,472 | — | 13,472 | — |
| Emerging markets | — | — | — | — | 1,995 | — | 1,995 | — |
| Restricted cash and investments: | ||||||||
| U.S. treasuries | 118,020 | — | 118,020 | — | 102,605 | — | 102,605 | — |
| Corporate bonds | 73,794 | — | 73,794 | — | 74,027 | — | 74,027 | — |
| Mortgage backed securities | 36,544 | — | 36,544 | — | 36,861 | — | 36,861 | — |
| U.S. government agency securities | 15,684 | — | 15,684 | — | 15,664 | — | 15,664 | — |
| Mutual funds | 9,641 | 9,641 | — | — | 8,941 | 8,941 | — | — |
| Asset backed securities | 797 | — | 797 | — | 799 | — | 799 | — |
| Emerging markets | 203 | — | 203 | — | 202 | — | 202 | — |
| Money market funds | 107 | — | — | 107 | 337 | — | — | 337 |
| Total investments | $345,749 | $9,641 | $317,452 | $18,656 | $340,002 | $8,941 | $311,185 | $19,876 |
(1)Investments in money market funds measured at fair value using the net asset value per share practical expedient are not subject to hierarchy level classification disclosure. The Company invests in money market funds that seek to maintain a stable net asset value. These investments include commingled funds that comprise high-quality short-term securities representing liquid debt and monetary instruments where the redemption value is likely to be the fair value. Redemption is permitted daily without written notice.
The following table summarizes the contractual maturities of the Company’s available-for-sale securities at March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023. Actual maturities may differ from contractual maturities because borrowers may have the right to prepay obligations with or without prepayment penalties. The table also includes money market funds, which are classified as cash and cash equivalents on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets.
| (In thousands) | Less than1 Year | Between 1 to5 Years | Between 5 to10 Years | After 10 Years | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| U.S. treasuries | $71,700 | $32,671 | $24,731 | — | $129,102 |
| Corporate bonds | 4,920 | 67,561 | 30,339 | 170 | 102,990 |
| U.S. government agency securities | 39 | 27,018 | 1,038 | — | 28,095 |
| Money market funds | 18,656 | — | — | — | 18,656 |
| Asset backed securities | — | 797 | 8,199 | 1,291 | 10,287 |
| Emerging markets | — | — | 203 | — | 203 |
| Total | $95,315 | $128,047 | $64,510 | $1,461 | $289,333 |
| (In thousands) | Less than1 Year | Between 1 to5 Years | Between 5 to10 Years | After 10 Years | Total |
| U.S. treasuries | $55,955 | $32,706 | $25,139 | $— | $113,800 |
| Corporate bonds | 6,859 | 67,731 | 30,574 | 176 | 105,340 |
| U.S. government agency securities | 39 | 27,018 | 1,029 | — | 28,086 |
| Money market funds | 19,876 | — | — | — | 19,876 |
| Asset backed securities | — | 799 | 12,182 | 1,290 | 14,271 |
| Emerging markets | 1,995 | — | 202 | — | 2,197 |
| Total | $84,724 | $128,254 | $69,126 | $1,466 | $283,570 |
The average contractual maturity of mortgage backed securities, which are excluded from the table above, was 21 and 23 years as of March 31,2024 and December 31,2023, respectively.
Note 3 – Workers’ Compensation Claims
The following table summarizes the aggregate workers’ compensation reserve activity (in thousands):
| Three Months Ended | ||
|---|---|---|
| March 31, | ||
| 2024 | 2023 | |
| Beginning balance | ||
| Workers' compensation claims liabilities | $167,763 | $215,987 |
| Add: claims expense accrual | ||
| Current period | 3,600 | 4,362 |
| Prior periods | (2,992) | (1,114) |
| 608 | 3,248 | |
| Less: claim payments related to | ||
| Current period | 954 | 180 |
| Prior periods | 9,489 | 17,480 |
| 10,443 | 17,660 | |
| Change in claims incurred in excess of retention limits | 126 | 66 |
| Ending balance | ||
| Workers' compensation claims liabilities | $158,054 | $201,641 |
Insured program
The Company provides workers’ compensation coverage for client employees primarily through arrangements with fully licensed, third-party insurers (the “insured program”). Under this program, carriers issue policies or afford coverage to the Company’s clients under a program maintained by the Company. Approximately 85% of the Company’s workers’ compensation exposure is covered through the insured program.
Effective July 1, 2021, the Company entered into a new arrangement for its insured program, whereby third-party insurers assumed all risk of loss for claims incurred from July 1, 2021 to June 30, 2022 (the “2021-2022 Policy”). The arrangement for the insured program was extended for claims incurred from July 1, 2022 to June 30, 2023 (the “2022-2023 Policy”) and for claims incurred from July 1, 2023 to June 30, 2024 (the “2023-2024 Policy”).
The 2021-2022 Policy, 2022-2023 Policy, and 2023-2024 Policy allow for premium adjustments depending on overall policy performance. If claims develop favorably, BBSI can participate in savings up to $20.0 million, $22.5 million, and $28.5 million for the 2021-2022 Policy, 2022-2023 Policy, and 2023-2024 Policy, respectively. If claims develop adversely, additional premium may be charged up to $7.5 million under the 2021-2022 Policy. No additional premiums may be charged if claims develop adversely under the 2022-2023 Policy and the 2023-2024 Policy.
For the above policies, premium amounts incurred but not paid are recorded as either current or long-term premium payable on the consolidated balance sheets based on the expected timing of the payments.
For claims incurred under the insured program prior to July 1, 2021, the Company retains risk of loss up to the first $3.0 million per occurrence on policies issued after June 30, 2020 and $5.0 million per occurrence on policies issued before that date.
Claim obligations for policies issued under the insured program between February 1, 2014 and June 30, 2018 were removed through loss portfolio transfers in 2020 and 2021.
The following is a summary of the risk retained by the Company under its insured program after considering the effects of the loss portfolio transfers and current insurance arrangements:
| Year | Claims risk retained |
| 2014 | No |
| 2015 | No |
| 2016 | No |
| 2017 | No |
| 2018 (1) | No |
| 2019 (1) | Yes |
| 2020 | Yes |
| 2021 - Through June 30 | Yes |
| 2021 - July 1 and after | No |
| 2022 | No |
| 2023 | No |
| 2024 | No |
(1) The loss portfolio transfers excluded approximately 10% of claims from 2018 and included an approximately offsetting amount of claims from 2019.
The Company is required to maintain minimum collateral levels for certain policies issued under the insured program, which is held in a trust account (the “trust account”). The balance in the trust account was $234.2 million and $210.9 million at March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively. The trust account balance is included as a component of the current and long-term restricted cash and investments in the Company’s condensed consolidated balance sheets.
Self-insured programs
The Company is a self-insured employer with respect to workers' compensation coverage for all employees, including employees of PEO clients that elect to participate in our workers’ compensation program, working in Colorado, Maryland, Ohio, and Oregon. 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. The Company also operates a wholly owned, fully licensed insurance company, Ecole, which provides workers’ compensation coverage to client employees working in Arizona and Utah. Approximately 15% of the Company’s workers’ compensation exposure is covered through self-insurance or Ecole (the “self-insured programs”).
For all claims incurred under the Company’s self-insured programs, the Company retains risk of loss up to the first $3.0 million per occurrence, except in Maryland and Colorado, where the Company’s retention per occurrence is $1.0 million and $2.0 million, respectively. For claims incurred under the Company’s self-insured programs prior to July 1, 2020, the Company retains risk of loss up to the first $5.0 million per occurrence, except in Maryland and Colorado, where the retention per occurrence is $1.0 million and $2.0 million, respectively.
The states of California, Maryland, Oregon, Washington, Colorado and Delaware required the Company to maintain collateral totaling $48.1 million at both March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023 to cover potential workers’ compensation claims losses related to the Company’s current and former status as a self-insured employer. At March 31, 2024, the Company provided surety bonds totaling $48.1 million.
Claims liabilities
The Company provided a total of $158.1 million and $167.8 million at March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively, as an estimated future liability for unsettled workers' compensation claims liabilities. Of this amount, $6.1 million and$6.0 million at March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively, represent case reserves and IBNR in excess of the Company’s retention. The accrual for costs incurred in excess of retention limits is offset by a receivable from insurance carriers of $6.1 million and$6.0 million at March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively, included in other assets in the condensed consolidated balance sheets.
Note 4 - Revolving Credit Facility and Long-Term Debt
The Company maintains an agreement (the "Agreement") with Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. (the "Bank") for a revolving credit line of $50.0 million and a sublimit for standby letters of credit of $25.0 million. Advances under the revolving credit line bear interest, as selected by the Company, of (a)the daily Simple Secured Overnight Financing Rate (“SOFR”) plus 1.75% or (b)one-month Term SOFR plus 1.75%. The Agreement also provides for an unused commitment fee of 0.35% per year on the average daily unused amount of the revolving credit line, as well as a fee of 1.75% of the face amount of each letter of credit reserved under the line of credit. The Company hadno outstanding borrowings on its revolving credit lineat March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023. The credit facility is collateralized by the Company’s accounts receivable and other rights to receive payment.
The Agreement requires the satisfaction of certain financial covenants as follows:
adjusted free cash flow [net profit after taxes plus interest expense (net of capitalized interest), depreciation expense, and amortization expense, less dividends/distributions] not less than $10 million as of each fiscal quarter end, determined on a rolling 4-quarter basis; and
tangible net worth [aggregate of total stockholders' equity plus subordinated debt less any intangible assets and less any loans or advances to, or investments in, any related entities or individuals] not less than $50 million at each fiscal quarter end.
The Agreement imposes certain additional restrictions unless the Bank provides its prior written consent as follows:
incurring additional indebtedness is prohibited, other than purchase financing for the acquisition of assets, provided that the aggregate of all purchase financing does not exceed $1 million at any time;
the Company may not terminate or cancel any of the AICE policies; and
if an event of default would occur, and is continuing, including on a pro forma basis, no dividends or distributions would be permitted to be paid and redemptions and repurchases of the Company's stock would be permitted only up to $15 million in any rolling 12-month period.
The Agreement also contains customary events of default and specified cross-defaults under the Company's workers' compensation insurance arrangements. 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. At March 31, 2024, the Company was in compliance with all covenants.
Note 5 – 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, 2024.
The Company’s realization of a portion of net deferred tax assets is based in part on our estimates of the timing of reversals of certain temporary differences and on the generation of taxable income before such reversals.
The Company is subject to income taxes in U.S. federal and multiple state and local tax jurisdictions. The Internal Revenue Service (the "IRS") is examining the Company’s federal tax returns for the years ended December 31,2017 through 2021. BBSI received notice that the IRS intends to disallow certain wage-based tax credits claimed for the years 2017 through 2020, which could result in estimated total additional taxes of $7.4 million and penalties of $1.7 million. Tax year 2021 remains under audit; disallowance of similar wage-based credits would result in additional estimated tax due of $0.6 million. The Company disagrees with the IRS determination to disallow certain wage-based credits taken by the Company and believes that the Company has the technical merits to defend its position. Based on management’s more-likely-than-not assessment that the position is sustainable, no reserve for the aforementioned IRS notices ofdisallowance of wage-based tax credits or underpayment penalties has been recorded in the financial statements.
In the major jurisdictions where it operates, the Company is generally no longer subject to income tax examinations by tax authorities for tax years before 2017. As of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, total gross unrecognized tax benefits, excluding interest and penalties, of $0.5 million and $0.8 million, respectively, would affect the Company's effective tax rate if recognized in future periods. The Company does not anticipate any material changes to the reserve in the next 12 months.
A portion of the consolidated income the Company generates is not subject to state income tax. Depending on the percentage of this income as compared to total consolidated income, the Company's state effective tax rate could fluctuate from expectations.
At March 31, 2024, the Company hadno state operating loss carryforwards. At March 31, 2024, the Company didnot have a federal general business tax credit carryforward or an alternative minimum tax credit carryforward.
Note 6 – Litigation
On April 5, 2011, several individual plaintiffs filed a wage and hour class action in the California Superior Court, County of Fresno, naming as defendants their employer, a Merry Maids franchisee; BBSI, which was providing PEO services to the franchisee; and various parties related to the franchisor. Plaintiffs claimed, among other things, that BBSI and the franchisor were their joint employer with franchisee and therefore jointly responsible for the alleged wage and hour violations. The case was subsequently removed to the United States District Court for the Eastern District of California, and on January 18, 2019, the District Court certified a class of former non-exempt employees who resided in California and worked for the franchisee in certain positions during the period from April 6, 2007 through January 19, 2019. On November 30, 2020, the District Court granted BBSI’s motion for summary judgment to be removed from the case. Thereafter the plaintiffs appealed to the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, and on June 2, 2022, the Court of Appeals reversed the order granting summary judgment to BBSI. The court held that there is a triable issue of fact concerning whether or not BBSI was a joint-employer under applicable California law. BBSI intends to vigorously defend the claim, including continuing to assert its defense on the ground that it was not a joint-employer of plaintiffs. Given the uncertainties surrounding this litigation, management is unable to estimate a potential range of loss.
In addition to the matter above, BBSI is subject to other legal proceedings and claims that arise in the ordinary course of our business. There are significant uncertainties surrounding litigation. For all other cases not discussed above, management has recorded estimated liabilities totaling $0.1 million in other accrued liabilities in the condensed consolidated balance sheets.
Note 7 – Subsequent Events
We have evaluated events and transactions occurring after the balance sheet date through our filing date and noted no events that are subject to recognition or disclosure.
The text of this filing, as the company filed it with the SEC, without its images or exhibits. This is not investment advice.