For the quarterly period ended Septemeber 30, 2009

 

 

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)

 

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

FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2009

OR

 

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

FOR THE TRANSITION PERIOD FROM                      to                     .

 

 

Commission File Number 1-10427

ROBERT HALF INTERNATIONAL INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Delaware   94-1648752

(State or other jurisdiction

of incorporation or organization)

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification No.)

2884 Sand Hill Road

Suite 200

Menlo Park, California

  94025
(Address of principal executive offices)   (zip-code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (650) 234-6000

 

 

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 Web site, 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 for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).    Yes  ¨    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. (Check one): Large accelerated filer  x    Accelerated filer  ¨    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

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock as of September 30, 2009:

150,969,067 shares of $.001 par value Common Stock

 

 

 


PART I—FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

ROBERT HALF INTERNATIONAL INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL POSITION (UNAUDITED)

(in thousands, except share amounts)

 

     September 30,
2009
   December 31,
2008
ASSETS      

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 407,641    $ 354,756

Accounts receivable, less allowances of $21,951 and $34,217

     364,533      484,808

Deferred income taxes and other current assets

     189,378      193,335
             

Total current assets

     961,552      1,032,899

Goodwill and other intangible assets, net

     189,798      189,382

Property and equipment, net

     129,744      145,699

Deferred income taxes

     45,150      43,870
             

Total assets

   $ 1,326,244    $ 1,411,850
             
LIABILITIES      

Accounts payable and accrued expenses

   $ 104,257    $ 111,645

Accrued payroll costs and retirement obligations

     257,730      301,102

Current portion of notes payable and other indebtedness

     111      105
             

Total current liabilities

     362,098      412,852

Notes payable and other indebtedness, less current portion

     1,808      1,892

Other liabilities

     14,340      13,218
             

Total liabilities

     378,246      427,962
             

Commitments and Contingencies (Note G)

     
STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY      

Preferred stock, $.001 par value authorized 5,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding zero shares

     —        —  

Common stock, $.001 par value authorized 260,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding 150,750,933 shares and 150,943,324 shares

     151      151

Capital surplus

     896,927      949,474

Accumulated other comprehensive income

     50,920      34,263

Retained earnings

     —        —  
             

Total stockholders’ equity

     947,998      983,888
             

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

   $ 1,326,244    $ 1,411,850
             

The accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements are

an integral part of these financial statements.

 

2


ROBERT HALF INTERNATIONAL INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED)

(in thousands, except per share amounts)

 

     Three Months Ended
September 30,
    Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
     2009     2008     2009     2008  

Net service revenues

   $ 725,912      $ 1,160,086      $ 2,299,124      $ 3,610,717   

Direct costs of services, consisting of payroll, payroll taxes, insurance costs and reimbursable expenses

     459,501        676,513        1,473,928        2,099,532   
                                

Gross margin

     266,411        483,573        825,196        1,511,185   

Selling, general and administrative expenses

     248,870        374,120        780,927        1,161,944   

Amortization of intangible assets

     281        618        1,179        1,877   

Interest income, net

     (159     (1,318     (1,234     (4,838
                                

Income before income taxes

     17,419        110,153        44,324        352,202   

Provision for income taxes

     7,888        44,332        20,589        141,029   
                                

Net income

   $ 9,531      $ 65,821      $ 23,735      $ 211,173   
                                

Net income available to common stockholders

   $ 8,988      $ 63,839      $ 22,098      $ 204,977   
                                

Net income per share (Note J):

        

Basic

   $ .06      $ .42      $ .15      $ 1.34   

Diluted

   $ .06      $ .42      $ .15      $ 1.33   

Shares:

        

Basic

     146,227        150,838        146,514        152,754   

Diluted

     147,123        151,945        147,101        153,851   

Cash dividends declared per share

   $ .12      $ .11      $ .36      $ .33   

The accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements are

an integral part of these financial statements.

 

3


ROBERT HALF INTERNATIONAL INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY (UNAUDITED)

(in thousands, except per share amounts)

 

     Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
     2009     2008  

COMMON STOCK—SHARES:

    

Balance at beginning of period

     150,943        158,058   

Net issuances of restricted stock

     2,280        2,213   

Repurchases of common stock

     (3,992     (6,809

Exercises of stock options

     1,520        1,619   
                

Balance at end of period

     150,751        155,081   
                

COMMON STOCK—PAR VALUE:

    

Balance at beginning of period

   $ 151      $ 158   

Net issuances of restricted stock

     2        2   

Repurchases of common stock

     (4     (7

Exercises of stock options

     2        2   
                

Balance at end of period

   $ 151      $ 155   
                

CAPITAL SURPLUS:

    

Balance at beginning of period

   $ 949,474      $ 915,038   

Net issuances, and other changes to, restricted stock—excess over par value

     (2     (2

Repurchases of common stock—excess over par value

     (67,863     (34,251

Cash dividends ($.36 per share)

     (54,625     —     

Stock-based compensation expense—restricted stock and stock units

     45,202        48,656   

Stock-based compensation expense—stock options

     711        3,803   

Exercises of stock options—excess over par value

     22,134        27,096   

Tax impact of equity incentive plans

     1,896        4,258   
                

Balance at end of period

   $ 896,927      $ 964,598   
                

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME:

    

Balance at beginning of period

   $ 34,263      $ 68,853   

Translation adjustments, net of tax

     16,657        (18,130
                

Balance at end of period

   $ 50,920      $ 50,723   
                

RETAINED EARNINGS:

    

Balance at beginning of period

   $ —        $ —     

Repurchases of common stock—excess over par value

     (23,735     (135,593

Cash dividends ($.33 per share)

     —          (52,006

Net income

     23,735        211,173   
                

Balance at end of period

   $ —        $ 23,574   
                

The accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements are

an integral part of these financial statements.

 

4


ROBERT HALF INTERNATIONAL INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED)

(in thousands)

 

     Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
     2009     2008  

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:

    

Net income

   $ 23,735      $ 211,173   

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:

    

Amortization of intangible assets

     1,179        1,877   

Depreciation expense

     48,246        53,885   

Stock-based compensation expense—restricted stock and stock units

     45,202        48,656   

Stock-based compensation expense—stock options

     711        3,803   

Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation

     (2,372     (44

Provision for deferred income taxes

     2,600        (9,663

Provision for doubtful accounts

     (2,238     12,596   

Changes in assets and liabilities:

    

Decrease (increase) in accounts receivable

     132,262        (19,185

(Decrease) increase in accounts payable, accrued expenses, accrued payroll costs and retirement obligations

     (62,368     43,729   

Decrease in income taxes payable

     (3,014     (11,301

Change in other assets, net of change in other liabilities

     8,405        (2,159
                

Net cash flows provided by operating activities

     192,348        333,367   
                

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:

    

Purchase of goodwill and other intangible assets and other assets

     —          (272

Capital expenditures

     (31,000     (55,487

Increase in trusts for employee benefits and retirement plans

     (3,364     (7,063
                

Net cash flows used in investing activities

     (34,364     (62,822
                

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:

    

Repurchases of common stock

     (86,605     (168,825

Cash dividends paid

     (54,394     (52,006

Decrease in notes payable and other indebtedness

     (78     (345

Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation

     2,372        44   

Proceeds from exercises of stock options

     22,136        27,098   
                

Net cash flows used in financing activities

     (116,569     (194,034
                

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents

     11,470        (12,819
                

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents

     52,885        63,692   

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

     354,756        310,000   
                

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

   $ 407,641      $ 373,692   
                

SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION:

    

Cash paid during the period for:

    

Interest

   $ 320      $ 364   

Income taxes, net of refunds

   $ 10,414      $ 156,441   

Non-cash items:

    

Stock repurchases awaiting settlement

   $ 4,997      $ 1,026   

The accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements are

an integral part of these financial statements.

 

5


ROBERT HALF INTERNATIONAL INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

September 30, 2009

Note A—Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Nature of Operations. Robert Half International Inc. (the “Company”) provides specialized staffing and risk consulting services through such divisions as Accountemps®, Robert Half® Finance & Accounting, OfficeTeam®, Robert Half® Technology, Robert Half® Management Resources, Robert Half® Legal, The Creative Group®, and Protiviti®. The Company, through its Accountemps, Robert Half Finance & Accounting, and Robert Half Management Resources divisions, is a specialized provider of temporary, full-time, and project professionals in the fields of accounting and finance. OfficeTeam specializes in highly skilled temporary administrative support personnel. Robert Half Technology provides information technology professionals. Robert Half Legal provides temporary, project, and full-time staffing of attorneys and specialized support personnel within law firms and corporate legal departments. The Creative Group provides project staffing in the advertising, marketing, and web design fields. Protiviti provides business consulting and internal audit services, and is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company. Revenues are predominantly derived from specialized staffing services. The Company operates in North America, South America, Europe, Asia and Australia. The Company is a Delaware corporation.

Basis of Presentation. The unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (“Financial Statements”) of the Company are prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) and the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). The comparative year-end condensed consolidated statement of financial position data presented was derived from audited financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of only normal recurring adjustments) necessary for a fair statement of the financial position and results of operations for the periods presented have been included. These Financial Statements should be read in conjunction with the audited Consolidated Financial Statements of the Company for the year ended December 31, 2008, included in its annual report on Form 10-K. The results of operations for any interim period are not necessarily indicative of, nor comparable to, the results of operations for a full year. The Company has performed an evaluation of subsequent events through October 29, 2009, which is the date the Financial Statements were issued.

Principles of Consolidation. The Financial Statements include the accounts of the Company and its subsidiaries, all of which are wholly owned. All intercompany balances have been eliminated.

Use of Estimates. The preparation of 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 financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. As of September 30, 2009, such estimates included allowances for uncollectible accounts receivable, workers’ compensation losses and income and other taxes. Management estimates are also utilized in the Company’s goodwill impairment assessment.

Revenue Recognition. The Company derives its revenues from three segments: temporary and consultant staffing, permanent placement staffing, and risk consulting and internal audit services. Net service revenues as presented on the unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations represent services rendered to customers less sales adjustments and allowances. Reimbursements, including those related to travel and out-of-pocket expenses, are also included in net service revenues, and equivalent amounts of reimbursable expenses are included in direct costs of services. The Company records revenue on a gross basis as a principal versus on a net basis as an agent in the presentation of revenues and expenses. The Company has concluded that gross reporting is appropriate because the Company (i) has the risk of identifying and hiring qualified employees, (ii) has the discretion to select the employees and establish their price and duties and (iii) bears the risk for services that are not fully paid for by customers.

Temporary and consultant staffing revenues—Temporary and consultant staffing revenues are recognized when the services are rendered by the Company’s temporary employees. Employees placed on temporary

 

6


ROBERT HALF INTERNATIONAL INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)—(Continued)

September 30, 2009

Note A—Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)

 

assignment by the Company are the Company’s legal employees while they are working on assignments. The Company pays all related costs of employment, including workers’ compensation insurance, state and federal unemployment taxes, social security and certain fringe benefits. The Company assumes the risk of acceptability of its employees to its customers.

Permanent placement staffing revenues—Permanent placement staffing revenues are recognized when employment candidates accept offers of permanent employment. The Company has a substantial history of estimating the effect of permanent placement candidates who do not remain with its clients through the 90-day guarantee period. Allowances are established to estimate these losses. Fees to clients are generally calculated as a percentage of the new employee’s annual compensation. No fees for permanent placement services are charged to employment candidates.

Risk consulting and internal audit revenues—Risk consulting and internal audit services are generally provided on a time-and-material basis or fixed-fee basis. Revenues earned under time-and-material arrangements are recognized as services are provided. Revenues on fixed-fee arrangements are recognized using a proportional performance method as hours are incurred relative to total estimated hours for the engagement. The Company periodically evaluates the need to provide for any losses on these projects, and losses are recognized when it is probable that a loss will be incurred.

Costs of Services. Direct costs of temporary and consultant staffing services consist of payroll, payroll taxes and insurance costs for the Company’s temporary employees, as well as reimbursable expenses. Direct costs of permanent placement staffing services consist of reimbursable expenses. Risk consulting and internal audit costs of services include professional staff payroll, payroll taxes and insurance costs, as well as reimbursable expenses.

Advertising Costs. The Company expenses all advertising costs as incurred. Advertising expense totaled $23.9 million and $39.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively.

Comprehensive Income. Comprehensive income includes net income and certain other items that are recorded directly to Stockholders’ Equity. The Company’s only source of other comprehensive income is foreign currency translation adjustments. The components of comprehensive income, net of tax, are as follows (in thousands):

 

     Three Months Ended
September 30,
    Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
     2009    2008     2009    2008  

Net income

   $ 9,531    $ 65,821      $ 23,735    $ 211,173   

Translation adjustments, net of tax

     9,260      (25,888     16,657      (18,130
                              

Total comprehensive income

   $ 18,791    $ 39,933      $ 40,392    $ 193,043   
                              

Cash and Cash Equivalents. The Company considers all highly liquid investments with a maturity at the date of purchase of three months or less as cash equivalents.

Accounts Receivable Allowances. The Company maintains allowances for estimated losses resulting from (i) the inability of its customers to make required payments, (ii) temporary placement sales adjustments, and (iii) permanent placement candidates not remaining with the client through the 90-day guarantee period, commonly referred to as “fall offs”. The Company establishes these allowances based on its review of customers’ credit profiles, historical loss statistics and current trends.

 

7


ROBERT HALF INTERNATIONAL INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)—(Continued)

September 30, 2009

Note A—Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)

 

Goodwill and Intangible Assets. Goodwill and intangible assets primarily consist of the cost of acquired companies in excess of the fair market value of their net tangible assets at the date of acquisition. Identifiable intangible assets are amortized over their lives, typically ranging from two to five years. Goodwill is not amortized, but is tested at least annually for impairment. The Company completed its annual goodwill impairment analysis during the three months ended June 30, 2009, and determined that no adjustment to the carrying value of goodwill was required.

Income Tax Assets and Liabilities. In establishing its deferred income tax assets and liabilities, the Company makes judgments and interpretations based on the enacted tax laws and published tax guidance that are applicable to its operations. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured and recorded using current enacted tax rates, which the Company expects will apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are recovered or settled. The likelihood of a material change in the Company’s expected realization of these assets is dependent on future taxable income, its ability to use foreign tax credit carryforwards and carrybacks, final U.S. and foreign tax settlements, and the effectiveness of its tax planning in the various relevant jurisdictions.

Workers’ Compensation. Except for states which require participation in state-operated insurance funds, the Company retains the economic burden for the first $0.5 million per occurrence in workers’ compensation claims. Workers’ compensation includes ongoing healthcare and indemnity coverage for claims and may be paid over numerous years following the date of injury. Claims in excess of $0.5 million are insured. Workers’ compensation expense includes the insurance premiums for claims in excess of $0.5 million, claims administration fees charged by the Company’s workers’ compensation administrator, premiums paid to state-operated insurance funds, and an estimate for the Company’s liability for Incurred But Not Reported (“IBNR”) claims and for the ongoing development of existing claims.

The accrual for IBNR claims and for the ongoing development of existing claims in each reporting period includes estimates. The Company has established reserves for workers’ compensation claims using loss development rates which are estimated using periodic third-party actuarial valuations based upon historical loss statistics which include the Company’s historical frequency and severity of workers’ compensation claims, and an estimate of future cost trends. While management believes that its assumptions and estimates are appropriate, significant differences in actual experience or significant changes in assumptions may materially affect the Company’s future results.

Foreign Currency Translation. The results of operations of the Company’s foreign subsidiaries are translated at the monthly average exchange rates prevailing during the period. The financial position of the Company’s foreign subsidiaries is translated at the current exchange rates at the end of the period, and the related translation adjustments are recorded as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income within Stockholders’ Equity. Gains and losses resulting from foreign currency transactions are included as a component of selling, general and administrative expenses in the unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations, and have not been material for all periods presented.

Stock-based Compensation. Under various stock plans, officers, employees and outside directors have received or may receive grants of restricted stock, stock units, stock appreciation rights or options to purchase common stock.

Compensation expense for restricted stock and stock units is generally recognized on a straight-line basis over the vesting period, based on the stock’s fair market value on the grant date. For restricted stock grants issued

 

8


ROBERT HALF INTERNATIONAL INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)—(Continued)

September 30, 2009

Note A—Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)

 

with performance conditions, compensation expense is recognized over each vesting tranche. The Company recognizes compensation expense for only the portion of restricted stock and stock units that is expected to vest, rather than record forfeitures when they occur. If the actual number of forfeitures differs from those estimated by management, additional adjustments to compensation expense may be required in future periods. For purposes of calculating stock-based compensation expense for retirement-eligible employees, the service period is assumed to be met on the grant date or retirement-eligible date, whichever is later.

No stock appreciation rights have been granted under the Company’s existing stock plans.

The Company determines the fair value of options to purchase common stock using the Black-Scholes valuation model. The Company recognizes expense over the service period for options that are expected to vest and records adjustments to compensation expense at the end of the service period if actual forfeitures differ from original estimates. The Company has not granted any options to purchase common stock since 2006.

Property and Equipment. Property and equipment are recorded at cost. Depreciation expense is computed using the straight-line method over the following useful lives:

 

Computer hardware

   2 to 3 years

Computer software

   2 to 5 years

Furniture and equipment

   5 years

Leasehold improvements

   Term of lease, 5 years maximum

Internal-use Software. The Company capitalizes direct costs incurred in the development of internal-use software. Amounts capitalized are reported as a component of computer software within property and equipment. The Company capitalized $15.1 million and $10.4 million of internal-use software development costs for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively.

Note B—New Accounting Pronouncements

Accounting Standards Codification. In June 2009, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued authoritative guidance which establishes the FASB Accounting Standards Codification as the single source of authoritative U.S. generally accepted accounting principles recognized by the FASB to be applied by nongovernmental entities. The FASB Accounting Standards Codification is effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. The adoption of the FASB Accounting Standards Codification during the three months ended September 30, 2009, did not have a material effect on the Company’s Financial Statements.

Transfers of Financial Assets. In June 2009, the FASB issued authoritative guidance which requires entities to provide more information regarding sales of securitized financial assets and similar transactions, particularly if the seller retains some risk with respect to the assets. This authoritative guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2009. The Company does not expect the adoption of this guidance to have a material effect on its Financial Statements.

Variable Interest Entities. In June 2009, the FASB issued authoritative guidance designed to improve financial reporting by companies involved with variable interest entities and to provide more relevant and reliable information to users of financial statements. This authoritative guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2009. The Company does not expect the adoption of this guidance to have a material effect on its Financial Statements.

 

9


ROBERT HALF INTERNATIONAL INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)—(Continued)

September 30, 2009

Note B—New Accounting Pronouncements (Continued)

 

Fair Value Measurement of Liabilities. In August 2009, the FASB issued authoritative guidance which provides clarification regarding the required techniques for the fair value measurement of liabilities. This update applies to all entities that measure liabilities at fair value, and is effective for the first interim or annual reporting period beginning after its issuance in August 2009. The Company does not expect the adoption of this guidance to have a material effect on its Financial Statements.

Note C—Deferred Income Taxes and Other Current Assets

Deferred income taxes and other current assets consisted of the following (in thousands):

 

     September 30,
2009
   December 31,
2008

Deferred income taxes

   $ 57,912    $ 61,955

Deposits in trusts for employee benefits and retirement plans

     75,659      72,295

Other

     55,807      59,085
             
   $ 189,378    $ 193,335
             

Note D—Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, Net

The following table sets forth the activity in goodwill and other intangible assets from December 31, 2008, through September 30, 2009 (in thousands):

 

     Goodwill    Other
Intangible
Assets
    Total  

Balance as of December 31, 2008

   $ 187,530    $ 1,852      $ 189,382   

Translation adjustments

     1,595      —          1,595   

Amortization of intangible assets

     —        (1,179     (1,179
                       

Balance as of September 30, 2009

   $ 189,125    $ 673      $ 189,798   
                       

The estimated remaining amortization expense is $0.3 million for 2009 and $0.4 million for 2010.

Note E—Property and Equipment, Net

Property and equipment consisted of the following (in thousands):

 

     September 30,
2009
    December 31,
2008
 

Computer hardware

   $ 120,746      $ 161,696   

Computer software

     251,784        259,790   

Furniture and equipment

     130,741        129,628   

Leasehold improvements

     126,377        121,861   

Other

     15,335        16,112   
                

Property and equipment, cost

     644,983        689,087   

Accumulated depreciation

     (515,239     (543,388
                

Property and equipment, net

   $ 129,744      $ 145,699   
                

 

10


ROBERT HALF INTERNATIONAL INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)—(Continued)

September 30, 2009

Note F—Accrued Payroll Costs and Retirement Obligations

 

Accrued payroll costs and retirement obligations consisted of the following (in thousands):

 

     September 30,
2009
   December 31,
2008

Payroll and benefits

   $ 130,861    $ 170,123

Employee retirement obligations

     73,314      69,868

Workers’ compensation

     31,490      29,630

Payroll taxes

     22,065      31,481
             
   $ 257,730    $ 301,102
             

Included in employee retirement obligations is $63 million at September 30, 2009, and $61 million at December 31, 2008, related to the Company’s Chief Executive Officer for a deferred compensation plan and other benefits.

Note G—Commitments and Contingencies

On September 10, 2004, Plaintiff Mark Laffitte, on behalf of himself and a putative class of salaried Account Executives and Staffing Managers, filed a complaint in California Superior Court naming the Company and three of its wholly owned subsidiaries as Defendants. The complaint alleges that salaried Account Executives and Staffing Managers based in California have been misclassified under California law as exempt employees and seeks an unspecified amount for unpaid overtime pay alleged to be due to them had they been paid as non-exempt hourly employees. In addition, the Plaintiff seeks an unspecified amount for statutory penalties for alleged violations of the California Labor Code arising from the alleged misclassification of these employees as exempt employees. On September 18, 2006, the Court issued an order certifying a class with respect to claims for alleged unpaid overtime pay but denied certification with respect to claims relating to meal periods and rest time breaks. On August 15, 2008, the Court stayed the litigation pending the California Supreme Court’s ruling in another case unrelated to the Company titled Harris v. Superior Court. The ruling in such case may have a material adverse bearing on the Company’s position in this litigation. At this stage of the litigation, it is not feasible to predict the outcome of or a range of loss, should a loss occur, from this proceeding, and accordingly, no amounts have been provided in the accompanying financial statements. The Company believes it has meritorious defenses to the allegations, and the Company intends to continue to vigorously defend against the litigation.

On May 4, 2006, Plaintiff Don Tran, on behalf of himself and a putative class of salaried Consultants and Senior Consultants, and a sub-class of terminated salaried Consultants and Senior Consultants, filed a complaint in California Superior Court naming Protiviti Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company (“Protiviti”), as Defendant. The complaint alleges that salaried consultants based in California have been misclassified under California law as exempt employees and seeks an unspecified amount for unpaid overtime pay alleged to be due to them had they been paid as non-exempt, hourly employees. Plaintiff also seeks an unspecified amount for statutory penalties for alleged violations of the California Labor Code arising from the alleged misclassification of these employees as exempt employees. The complaint further seeks damages and penalties for the failure to provide meal and rest periods, and for the failure to reimburse business expenses, including, without limitation, parking and cellular telephone expenses. On February 28, 2008, the Court allowed Plaintiff to amend the complaint to name as class representatives two additional former Protiviti Consultants, who had worked for Protiviti’s “Internal Audit” business line. Plaintiff Tran had worked for Protiviti’s “Technology Risk” business

 

11


ROBERT HALF INTERNATIONAL INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)—(Continued)

September 30, 2009

Note G—Commitments and Contingencies (Continued)

 

line. On April 3, 2008, Plaintiffs agreed in open court to dismiss their claim for failure to reimburse business expenses. Plaintiffs filed a motion to certify the class on May 12, 2008 and Protiviti filed a motion to strike the class allegations on the same date. On December 18, 2008, the Court ruled that it would certify two classes, one of California Consultants and another of California Senior Consultants, on the overtime pay claims. The Court also ruled that it would deny certification, without prejudice, on the claims for alleged unpaid meal and rest breaks. Further, it ruled that the Plaintiffs must submit a detailed trial plan, which the Court may use to revisit the class certification issue. On February 6, 2009, the Court issued its order certifying the two classes described above on the overtime pay claims. Subsequent thereto, notice of the lawsuit was mailed to the two classes by Defendant. The period for potential class members to opt out of the classes closed on September 5, 2009. The Court has set a trial date for July 12, 2010. A ruling in the unrelated Harris case referenced in the first paragraph of this Note G may have a material adverse bearing on Protiviti’s position in this litigation. At this stage of the litigation, it is not feasible to predict the outcome of or a range of loss, should a loss occur, from this proceeding, and accordingly, no amounts have been provided in the accompanying financial statements. Protiviti believes it has meritorious defenses to the allegations, and Protiviti intends to continue to vigorously defend against the litigation.

On September 24, 2007, Plaintiff Van Williamson, on behalf of himself and a putative class of salaried Account Executives and Staffing Managers, filed a complaint in California Superior Court naming the Company and three of its wholly owned subsidiaries as Defendants. The complaint alleges that salaried Account Executives and Staffing Managers based in California were not provided meal periods, paid rest periods, and accurate itemized wage statements. It seeks one hour of wages for each employee for each meal and rest period missed during the statutory liability period. It also seeks an unspecified amount for statutory penalties for alleged violations of the California Labor Code arising from the alleged failure to provide the meal and rest periods and accurate itemized wage statements. The allegations in the complaint are substantially similar to the allegations included in the complaint filed by Mark Laffitte described above. On August 28, 2008, the Court stayed the litigation pending the California Supreme Court’s decision on whether to review a case unrelated to the Company titled Brinker Restaurant Corp. v. Superior Court. On October 22, 2008, the California Supreme Court granted such review. A ruling in the unrelated Harris case referenced in the first paragraph of this Note G and/or the Brinker case referenced above may have a material adverse bearing on the Company’s position in this litigation. At this stage of the litigation, it is not feasible to predict the outcome of or a range of loss, should a loss occur, from this proceeding, and accordingly, no amounts have been provided in the accompanying financial statements. The Company believes it has meritorious defenses to the allegations, and the Company intends to continue to vigorously defend against the litigation.

On September 16, 2008, Plaintiff Donald R. Green, on behalf of himself and a putative class of all temporary staffing employees in California, filed a complaint in California Superior Court naming the Company and one of its wholly owned subsidiaries as Defendants. The complaint alleges that temporary employees in California were improperly denied expense reimbursement and wages for time purportedly spent preparing for interviews, and traveling to and attending interviews with, alleged clients of Defendants. Plaintiff seeks penalties and equitable and legal remedies under Section 17200 of the California Business and Professions Code and Sections 1194 and 2802 of the California Labor Code. At this stage of the litigation, it is not feasible to predict the outcome of or a range of loss, should a loss occur, from this proceeding, and accordingly, no amounts have been provided in the accompanying financial statements. The Company believes it has meritorious defenses to the allegations, and the Company intends to vigorously defend against the litigation.

 

12


ROBERT HALF INTERNATIONAL INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)—(Continued)

September 30, 2009

Note G—Commitments and Contingencies (Continued)

 

The Company is involved in a number of other lawsuits arising in the ordinary course of business. While management does not expect any of these other matters to have a material adverse effect on the Company’s results of operations, financial position or cash flows, litigation is subject to certain inherent uncertainties.

Legal costs associated with the resolution of claims, lawsuits and other contingencies are expensed as incurred.

Note H—Stockholders’ Equity

Stock Repurchase Program. As of September 30, 2009, the Company is authorized to repurchase, from time to time, up to 7.1 million additional shares of the Company’s common stock on the open market or in privately negotiated transactions, depending on market conditions. During the nine months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008, the Company repurchased 2.7 million shares and 5.4 million shares of common stock on the open market for a total cost of $63 million and $131 million, respectively. Additional stock repurchases were made in connection with employee stock plans, whereby Company shares were tendered by employees for the payment of exercise price and applicable statutory withholding taxes. During the nine months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008, such repurchases totaled 1.3 million shares and 1.5 million shares, at a cost of $29 million and $38 million, respectively. Repurchases of shares have been funded with cash generated from operations.

The repurchased shares are held in treasury and are presented as if constructively retired. Treasury stock is accounted for using the cost method. Treasury stock activity for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008 (consisting of stock option exercises and the purchase of shares for the treasury), is presented in the unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity.

Cash Dividends. The Company’s Board of Directors may at their discretion declare and pay dividends upon the shares of the Company’s stock either out of the Company’s retained earnings or capital surplus. During the nine months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008, the Company declared cash dividends of $.36 per share and $.33 per share, respectively.

Repurchases of shares and issuances of cash dividends are applied first to the extent of retained earnings and any remaining amounts are applied to capital surplus. As a result, the Company had no retained earnings as of September 30, 2009, and December 31, 2008.

Note I—Stock Plans

Under various stock plans, officers, employees and outside directors have received or may receive grants of restricted stock, stock units, stock appreciation rights or options to purchase common stock. Grants have been made at the discretion of the Committees of the Board of Directors. Grants generally vest over four years. Shares offered under the plan are authorized but unissued shares or treasury shares.

Options currently outstanding under the plans have an exercise price equal to the fair market value of the Company’s common stock at the date of grant and consist of non-statutory stock options under the Internal Revenue Code, and generally have a term of 10 years.

Recipients of restricted stock do not pay any cash consideration to the Company for the shares, have the right to vote all shares subject to such grant, and for grants made prior to July 28, 2009, receive all dividends with respect to such shares on the dividend payment dates, whether or not the shares have vested as long as any performance condition has been met. Restricted stock grants made on or after July 28, 2009, contain forfeitable rights to dividends. Dividends for these grants are accrued on the dividend payment dates but are not paid until

 

13


ROBERT HALF INTERNATIONAL INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)—(Continued)

September 30, 2009

Note I—Stock Plans (Continued)

 

the shares vest, and dividends accrued for shares that ultimately do not vest are forfeited. Recipients of stock units do not pay any cash consideration for the units, do not have the right to vote, and do not receive dividends with respect to such units. Compensation expense for restricted stock and stock units is generally recognized on a straight-line basis over the vesting period, based on the stock’s fair market value on the grant date. For restricted stock grants issued with performance conditions, compensation expense is recognized over each vesting tranche.

Note J—Net Income Per Share

The calculation of net income per share for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008, is reflected in the following table (in thousands, except per share amounts):

 

     Three Months Ended
September 30,
   Nine Months Ended
September 30,
     2009    2008    2009    2008

Basic net income per share:

           

Net income

   $ 9,531    $ 65,821    $ 23,735    $ 211,173

Income allocated to participating securities

     543      1,992      1,637      6,229
                           

Net income available to common stockholders

   $ 8,988    $ 63,829    $ 22,098    $ 204,944
                           

Basic weighted average shares

     146,227      150,838      146,514      152,754

Basic net income per share

   $ .06    $ .42    $ .15    $ 1.34

Diluted net income per share:

           

Net income

   $ 9,531    $ 65,821    $ 23,735    $ 211,173

Income allocated to participating securities

     543      1,982      1,637      6,196
                           

Net income available to common stockholders

   $ 8,988    $ 63,839    $ 22,098    $ 204,977
                           

Basic weighted average shares

     146,227      150,838      146,514      152,754

Dilutive effect of potential common shares

     896      1,107      587      1,097
                           

Diluted weighted average shares

     147,123      151,945      147,101      153,851
                           

Diluted net income per share

   $ .06    $ .42    $ .15    $ 1.33

Based on FASB authoritative guidance which became effective January 1, 2009, the Company’s unvested restricted stock awards, other than for grants that contain a performance condition and grants made on or after July 28, 2009, contain non-forfeitable rights to dividends and are therefore participating securities that are included in the earnings allocation in computing net income per share pursuant to the two-class method.

Upon implementation, the Company retrospectively adjusted its net income per share data to conform to the aforementioned FASB authoritative guidance. For the three months ended September 30, 2008, the retrospective application resulted in a $.02 per share reduction in basic net income per share and a $.01 per share reduction in diluted net income per share. For the nine months ended September 30, 2008, the retrospective application resulted in a $.04 per share reduction in both basic net income per share and diluted net income per share.

Potential common shares include the dilutive effect of stock options, unvested performance-based restricted stock, restricted stock which contain forfeitable rights to dividends, and stock units. The weighted average diluted common shares outstanding for the three months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively, excludes the effect of 2.2 million and 2.5 million anti-dilutive potential common shares. The weighted average diluted common

 

14


ROBERT HALF INTERNATIONAL INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)—(Continued)

September 30, 2009

Note J—Net Income Per Share (Continued)

 

shares outstanding for the nine months ended September 30, 2009, excludes the effect of 4.9 million anti-dilutive potential common shares. The weighted average diluted common shares outstanding for the nine months ended September 30, 2008, excludes the effect of 2.6 million anti-dilutive potential common shares. Employee stock options will have a dilutive effect under the treasury method only when the respective period’s average market value of the Company’s common stock exceeds the exercise proceeds. Under the treasury method, exercise proceeds include the amount the employee must pay for exercising stock options, the amount of compensation cost for future service that the Company has not yet recognized, and the amount of tax benefits that would be recorded in capital surplus, if the options were exercised and the stock units and performance-based restricted stock had vested.

Note K—Business Segments

The Company, which aggregates its operating segments based on the nature of services, has three reportable segments: temporary and consultant staffing, permanent placement staffing, and risk consulting and internal audit services. The temporary and consultant segment provides specialized staffing in the accounting and finance, administrative and office, information technology, legal, advertising, marketing and web design fields. The permanent placement segment provides full-time personnel in the accounting, finance, administrative and office, and information technology fields. The risk consulting segment provides business and technology risk consulting and internal audit services.

The accounting policies of the segments are set forth in Note A—Summary of Significant Accounting Policies. The Company evaluates performance based on income or loss from operations before interest income, intangible amortization expense, and income taxes.

The following table provides a reconciliation of revenue and operating income (loss) by reportable segment to consolidated results (in thousands):

 

     Three Months Ended
September 30,
    Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
     2009     2008     2009     2008  

Net service revenues

        

Temporary and consultant staffing

   $ 585,971      $ 912,168      $ 1,874,889      $ 2,836,108   

Permanent placement staffing

     42,955        108,457        136,422        351,921   

Risk consulting and internal audit services

     96,986        139,461        287,813        422,688   
                                
   $ 725,912      $ 1,160,086      $ 2,299,124      $ 3,610,717   
                                

Operating income (loss)

        

Temporary and consultant staffing

   $ 17,264      $ 90,148      $ 82,309      $ 285,542   

Permanent placement staffing

     (781     15,317        (6,979     57,893   

Risk consulting and internal audit services

     1,058        3,988        (31,061     5,806   
                                
     17,541        109,453        44,269        349,241   

Amortization of intangible assets

     281        618        1,179        1,877   

Interest income, net

     (159     (1,318     (1,234     (4,838
                                

Income before income taxes

   $ 17,419      $ 110,153      $ 44,324      $ 352,202   
                                

Note L—Subsequent Events

On October 27, 2009, the Company announced a quarterly dividend of $.12 per share to be paid to all shareholders of record on November 25, 2009. The dividend will be paid on December 15, 2009.

 

15


ITEM 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Certain information contained in Management’s Discussion and Analysis and in other parts of this report may be deemed forward-looking statements regarding events and financial trends that may affect the Company’s future operating results or financial positions. These statements may be identified by words such as “estimate”, “forecast”, “project”, “plan”, “intend”, “believe”, “expect”, “anticipate”, or variations or negatives thereof or by similar or comparable words or phrases. Forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in the statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the following: the global financial and economic situation; changes in levels of unemployment and other economic conditions in the United States or foreign countries where the Company does business, or in particular regions or industries; reduction in the supply of candidates for temporary employment or the Company’s ability to attract candidates; the entry of new competitors into the marketplace or expansion by existing competitors; the ability of the Company to maintain existing client relationships and attract new clients in the context of changing economic or competitive conditions; the impact of competitive pressures, including any change in the demand for the Company’s services, on the Company’s ability to maintain its margins; the possibility of the Company incurring liability for its activities, including the activities of its temporary employees, or for events impacting its temporary employees on clients’ premises; the possibility that adverse publicity could impact the Company’s ability to attract and retain clients and candidates; the success of the Company in attracting, training, and retaining qualified management personnel and other staff employees; the Company’s ability to comply with governmental regulations affecting personnel services businesses in particular or employer/employee relationships in general; whether there will be ongoing demand for Sarbanes-Oxley or other regulatory compliance services; the Company’s reliance on short-term contracts for a significant percentage of its business; litigation relating to prior or current transactions or activities, including litigation that may be disclosed from time to time in the Company’s SEC filings; the ability of the Company to manage its international operations and comply with foreign laws and regulations; the impact of fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates; the possibility that the Company’s computer and communications hardware and software systems could be damaged or their service interrupted; and the possibility that the Company may fail to maintain adequate financial and management controls and as a result suffer errors in its financial reporting. Additionally, with respect to Protiviti, other risks and uncertainties include the fact that future success will depend on its ability to retain employees and attract clients; there can be no assurance that there will be ongoing demand for Sarbanes-Oxley or other regulatory compliance services; failure to produce projected revenues could adversely affect financial results; and there is the possibility of involvement in litigation relating to prior or current transactions or activities. Because long-term contracts are not a significant part of the Company’s business, future results cannot be reliably predicted by considering past trends or extrapolating past results.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

As described below, the Company’s most critical accounting policies and estimates are those that involve subjective decisions or assessments.

Accounts Receivable Allowances. The Company maintains allowances for estimated losses resulting from (i) the inability of its customers to make required payments, (ii) temporary placement sales adjustments, and (iii) permanent placement candidates not remaining with the client through the 90-day guarantee period, commonly referred to as “fall offs”. The Company establishes these allowances based on its review of customers’ credit profiles, historical loss statistics and current trends. The adequacy of these allowances is reviewed each reporting period. Historically, the Company’s actual losses and credits have been consistent with these allowances. As a percentage of gross accounts receivable, the Company’s accounts receivable allowances totaled 5.7% and 6.6% as of September 30, 2009, and December 31, 2008, respectively. As of September 30, 2009, a five-percentage point deviation in the Company’s accounts receivable allowances balance would have resulted in an increase or decrease in the allowance of $1.1 million. Although future results cannot always be predicted by extrapolating past results, management believes that it is reasonably likely that future results will be consistent with historical trends and experience. However, if the financial condition of the Company’s customers

 

16


were to deteriorate, resulting in an impairment of their ability to make payments, or if unexpected events or significant future changes in trends were to occur, additional allowances may be required.

Income Tax Assets and Liabilities. In establishing its deferred income tax assets and liabilities, the Company makes judgments and interpretations based on the enacted tax laws and published tax guidance that are applicable to its operations. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured and recorded using current enacted tax rates, which the Company expects will apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are recovered or settled. The likelihood of a material change in the Company’s expected realization of these assets is dependent on future taxable income, its ability to use foreign tax credit carryforwards and carrybacks, final U.S. and foreign tax settlements, and the effectiveness of its tax planning in the various relevant jurisdictions.

The Company also evaluates the need for valuation allowances to reduce the deferred tax assets to realizable amounts. Management evaluates all positive and negative evidence and uses judgment regarding past and future events, including operating results, to help determine when it is more likely than not that all or some portion of our deferred tax assets may not be realized. When appropriate, a valuation allowance is recorded against deferred tax assets to offset future tax benefits that may not be realized. In relation to actual net operating losses in certain foreign operations, valuation allowances of $20.9 million were recorded as of September 30, 2009. If such losses are ultimately utilized to offset future operating income, the Company will benefit its deferred tax assets up to the full amount of the valuation reserve.

While management believes that its judgments and interpretations regarding income taxes are appropriate, significant differences in actual experience may materially affect the future financial results of the Company.

Goodwill Impairment. The Company assesses the impairment of goodwill annually in the second quarter, or more often if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) authoritative guidance. The Company completed its annual goodwill impairment analysis during the three months ended June 30, 2009, and determined that no adjustment to the carrying value of goodwill was required. There were no events or changes in circumstances during the three months ended September 30, 2009, that caused the Company to perform an interim impairment assessment.

FASB authoritative guidance requires a two-step approach for determining goodwill impairment. In the first step the Company determines the fair value of each reporting unit utilizing a present value technique derived from a discounted cash flow methodology. For purposes of this assessment the Company’s reporting units are its lines of business. The fair value of the reporting unit is then compared to its carrying value. If the fair value of the reporting unit exceeds the carrying value of the net assets assigned to that unit, goodwill is not impaired and no further testing is performed. The second step under the FASB guidance is contingent upon the results of the first step. To the extent a reporting unit’s carrying value exceeds its fair value, an indication exists that the reporting unit’s goodwill may be impaired and the Company must perform a second more detailed impairment assessment. The second impairment assessment involves allocating the reporting unit’s fair value to its net assets in order to determine the implied fair value of the reporting unit’s goodwill as of the assessment date. The implied fair value of the reporting unit’s goodwill is then compared to the carrying amount of goodwill to quantify an impairment charge as of the assessment date.

The Company’s reporting units are Accountemps, Robert Half Finance & Accounting, OfficeTeam, Robert Half Technology, Robert Half Management Resources and Protiviti, which had goodwill balances at September 30, 2009, of $127.6 million, $26.5 million, $0.0 million, $7.2 million, $0.0 million and $27.8 million, respectively, totaling $189.1 million. There were no changes to the Company’s reporting units or to the allocations of goodwill by reporting unit through September 30, 2009.

The goodwill impairment assessment is based upon a discounted cash flow analysis. The estimate of future cash flows is based upon, among other things, a discount rate and certain assumptions about expected future

 

17


operating performance. The discount rate for all reporting units was determined by management based on estimates of risk free interest rates, beta and market risk premiums. The discount rate used was compared to the rate published in various third party research reports, which indicated that the rate was within a range of reasonableness. The primary assumptions related to future operating performance include revenue growth rates and profitability levels. In addition, the impairment assessment requires that management make certain judgments in allocating shared assets and liabilities to the balance sheets of the reporting units. Solely for purposes of establishing inputs for the fair value calculations described above related to its annual goodwill impairment testing, the Company made the following assumptions. The Company assumed that the current economic downturn would continue for all reporting units through 2010, followed by a recovery period in 2011 and 2012, using unique assumptions for each reporting unit. In addition, the Company applied profitability assumptions consistent with each reporting unit’s historical trends at various revenue levels and, for years beyond 2012, used a 5% growth factor to calculate the terminal value at the end of ten years for each unit. This rate is consistent with the rate used for the Company’s interim test during the first quarter of 2009, and is significantly lower than the Company’s historical ten-year annual compound revenue growth rate. In its most recent calculation, the Company used a 10.7% discount rate, which is slightly lower than the 10.9% discount rate used for the Company’s interim test during the first quarter of 2009. This decline in discount rate is primarily due to a decline in the market risk premium partially offset by an increase in the risk free rate.

In order to evaluate the sensitivity of the fair value calculations on the goodwill impairment test, the Company applied hypothetical decreases to the fair values of each reporting unit. The Company determined that hypothetical decreases in fair value of at least 30% would be required before any reporting unit would have a carrying value in excess of its fair value.

Given the current economic environment and the uncertainties regarding the impact on the Company’s business, there can be no assurance that the Company’s estimates and assumptions regarding the duration of the ongoing economic downturn, or the period or strength of recovery, made for purposes of the Company’s goodwill impairment testing will prove to be accurate predictions of the future. If the Company’s assumptions regarding forecasted revenue or profitability growth rates of certain reporting units are not achieved, the Company may be required to recognize goodwill impairment charges in future periods. It is not possible at this time to determine if any such future impairment charge would result or, if it does, whether such charge would be material.

Workers’ Compensation. Except for states which require participation in state-operated insurance funds, the Company retains the economic burden for the first $0.5 million per occurrence in workers’ compensation claims. Workers’ compensation includes ongoing healthcare and indemnity coverage for claims and may be paid over numerous years following the date of injury. Claims in excess of $0.5 million are insured. Workers’ compensation expense includes the insurance premiums for claims in excess of $0.5 million, claims administration fees charged by the Company’s workers’ compensation administrator, premiums paid to state-operated insurance funds, and an estimate for the Company’s liability for Incurred But Not Reported (“IBNR”) claims and for the ongoing development of existing claims. Total workers’ compensation expense was $8.4 million and $14.0 million, representing 0.51% and 0.54% of applicable U.S. revenue for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively.

The accrual for IBNR claims and for the ongoing development of existing claims in each reporting period includes estimates. The Company has established reserves for workers’ compensation claims using loss development rates which are estimated using periodic third-party actuarial valuations based upon historical loss statistics which include the Company’s historical frequency and severity of workers’ compensation claims, and an estimate of future cost trends. While management believes that its assumptions and estimates are appropriate, significant differences in actual experience or significant changes in assumptions may materially affect the Company’s future results. Based on the Company’s results for the nine months ended September 30, 2009, a five-percentage point deviation in the Company’s estimated loss development rates would have resulted in an increase or decrease in the allowance of $0.3 million.

 

18


Stock-based Compensation. Under various stock plans, officers, employees and outside directors have received or may receive grants of restricted stock, stock units, stock appreciation rights or options to purchase common stock.

Compensation expense for restricted stock and stock units is generally recognized on a straight-line basis over the vesting period, based on the stock’s fair market value on the grant date. For restricted stock grants issued with performance conditions, compensation expense is recognized over each vesting tranche. The Company recognizes compensation expense for only the portion of restricted stock and stock units that is expected to vest, rather than record forfeitures when they occur. If the actual number of forfeitures differs from those estimated by management, additional adjustments to compensation expense may be required in future periods. For purposes of calculating stock-based compensation expense for retirement-eligible employees, the service period is assumed to be met on the grant date or retirement-eligible date, whichever is later.

No stock appreciation rights have been granted under the Company’s existing stock plans.

The Company determines the fair value of options to purchase common stock using the Black-Scholes valuation model. The Company recognizes expense over the service period for options that are expected to vest and records adjustments to compensation expense at the end of the service period if actual forfeitures differ from original estimates. The Company has not granted any options to purchase common stock since 2006.

For the three months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008, compensation expense related to restricted stock and stock units was $15.1 million and $16.5 million, respectively, of which $3.5 million and $5.1 million was related to grants made in 2009 and 2008, respectively. A one-percentage point deviation in the estimated forfeiture rates would have resulted in a $0.2 million increase or decrease in compensation expense related to restricted stock and stock units for both the three months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008. For the nine months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008, compensation expense related to restricted stock and stock units was $45.2 million and $48.7 million, respectively, of which $8.4 million and $12.4 million was related to grants made in 2009 and 2008, respectively. A one-percentage point deviation in the estimated forfeiture rates would have resulted in a $0.5 million increase or decrease in compensation expense related to restricted stock and stock units for both the nine months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

Accounting Standards Codification. In June 2009, the FASB issued authoritative guidance which establishes the FASB Accounting Standards Codification as the single source of authoritative U.S. generally accepted accounting principles recognized by the FASB to be applied by nongovernmental entities. The FASB Accounting Standards Codification is effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. The adoption of the FASB Accounting Standards Codification during the three months ended September 30, 2009, did not have a material effect on the Company’s Financial Statements.

Transfers of Financial Assets. In June 2009, the FASB issued authoritative guidance which requires entities to provide more information regarding sales of securitized financial assets and similar transactions, particularly if the seller retains some risk with respect to the assets. This authoritative guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2009. The Company does not expect the adoption of this guidance to have a material effect on its Financial Statements.

Variable Interest Entities. In June 2009, the FASB issued authoritative guidance designed to improve financial reporting by companies involved with variable interest entities and to provide more relevant and reliable information to users of financial statements. This authoritative guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2009. The Company does not expect the adoption of this guidance to have a material effect on its Financial Statements.

 

19


Fair Value Measurement of Liabilities. In August 2009, the FASB issued authoritative guidance which provides clarification regarding the required techniques for the fair value measurement of liabilities. This update applies to all entities that measure liabilities at fair value, and is effective for the first interim or annual reporting period beginning after its issuance in August 2009. The Company does not expect the adoption of this guidance to have a material effect on its Financial Statements.

Results of Operations

Demand for the Company’s temporary and permanent staffing services and risk consulting and internal audit services is largely dependent upon general economic and labor market conditions both domestically and abroad. Correspondingly, results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2009, were negatively impacted by difficult global economic conditions. Because of the inherent difficulty in predicting economic trends and the absence of material long-term contracts in any of our business units, future demand for the Company’s services cannot be forecasted with certainty. We expect the Company’s results to continue to be negatively impacted by a relatively prolonged period of global economic contraction.

The Company’s temporary and permanent staffing services business has more than 365 offices in 42 states, the District of Columbia and 20 foreign countries, while Protiviti has more than 60 offices in 23 states and 16 foreign countries.

Because fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates have an impact on the Company’s results, the Company provides selected growth percentages below on a constant-currency basis. Constant-currency percentages are calculated using as-reported amounts which have been retranslated using foreign currency exchange rates from the prior year’s comparable period.

Three months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008

Revenues. The Company’s revenues were $726 million for the three months ended September 30, 2009, decreasing by 37% compared to $1.2 billion for the three months ended September 30, 2008. Revenues from foreign operations represented 29% and 30% of total revenues for the three months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively. The Company analyzes its revenues for three reportable segments: temporary and consultant staffing, permanent placement staffing, and risk consulting and internal audit services. In the third quarter of 2009, revenues for all three of the Company’s reportable segments were down compared to the third quarter of 2008. Contributing factors for each reportable segment are discussed below in further detail.

Temporary and consultant staffing services revenues were $586 million for the three months ended September 30, 2009, decreasing by 36% compared to revenues of $912 million for the three months ended September 30, 2008. On a constant-currency basis, temporary and consultant staffing services revenues decreased 34% for the third quarter of 2009 compared to the third quarter of 2008. In the third quarter of 2009, demand for the Company’s temporary and consultant staffing services decreased as global labor markets and general macroeconomic conditions remained weak. In the United States, revenues in the third quarter of 2009 decreased 35% compared to the third quarter of 2008. For the Company’s foreign operations, constant-currency revenues in the third quarter of 2009 decreased 32% compared to the third quarter of 2008.

Permanent placement staffing revenues were $43 million for the three months ended September 30, 2009, decreasing by 60% compared to revenues of $108 million for the three months ended September 30, 2008. On a constant-currency basis, permanent placement revenues decreased 59% for the third quarter of 2009 compared to the third quarter of 2008. In the United States, revenues in the third quarter of 2009 decreased 66% compared to the third quarter of 2008. Historically, demand for permanent placement services is even more sensitive to economic and labor market conditions than demand for temporary and consulting staffing services and this is expected to continue. The September 2009 unemployment rate in the U.S. was 9.8%, its highest level since 1983. For the Company’s foreign operations, constant-currency revenues in the third quarter of 2009 decreased 51% compared to the third quarter of 2008.

 

20


Risk consulting and internal audit services revenues were $97 million for the three months ended September 30, 2009, decreasing by 30% compared to revenues of $139 million for the three months ended September 30, 2008. On a constant-currency basis, risk consulting and internal audit services revenues decreased 30% for the third quarter of 2009 compared to the third quarter of 2008 as weak global macroeconomic conditions negatively impacted demand. Contributing to the decrease was a significant decline in revenues produced by compliance-related projects, mainly those tied to the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, a trend which may continue. In the United States, revenues in the third quarter of 2009 decreased 30% compared to the third quarter of 2008. For the Company’s foreign operations, constant-currency revenues in the third quarter of 2009 decreased 28% compared to the third quarter of 2008.

Gross Margin. The Company’s gross margin dollars were $266 million for the three months ended September 30, 2009, decreasing by 45% compared to $484 million for the three months ended September 30, 2008. For the third quarter of 2009 compared to the third quarter of 2008, gross margin dollars for all three of the Company’s reportable segments decreased under difficult economic conditions. Gross margin as a percentage of revenues also decreased for the Company’s temporary and consultant staffing services and risk consulting and internal audit services divisions on a year-over-year basis. Contributing factors for each reportable segment are discussed below in further detail.

Gross margin dollars from the Company’s temporary and consultant staffing services represent revenues less direct costs of services, which consist of payroll, payroll taxes and insurance costs for temporary employees, and reimbursable expenses. Gross margin dollars for the Company’s temporary and consultant staffing services division were $196 million for the three months ended September 30, 2009, decreasing by 41% compared to $334 million for the three months ended September 30, 2008. On a constant-currency basis, temporary and consultant staffing services gross margin dollars decreased 40% for the third quarter of 2009 compared to the third quarter of 2008. As a percentage of revenues, gross margin for temporary and consultant staffing services was 33.5% in the third quarter of 2009, down from 36.7% in the third quarter of 2008. This year-over-year decrease was the result of significantly lower conversion revenues and compression of pay/bill spreads in the third quarter of 2009. Conversion revenues are earned when a temporary position converts to a permanent position. As there are no direct costs related to conversion revenues, the gross margin percentage is favorably impacted as the mix of conversion revenues increases. Pay/bill spreads represent the differential between wages paid to temporary employees and amounts billed to clients.

Gross margin dollars from permanent placement staffing services represent revenues less reimbursable expenses. Gross margin dollars for the Company’s permanent placement staffing division were $43 million for the three months ended September 30, 2009, decreasing by 60% compared to $109 million for the three months ended September 30, 2008. On a constant-currency basis, permanent placement gross margin dollars decreased 59% for the third quarter of 2009 compared to the third quarter of 2008. Because reimbursable expenses for permanent placement staffing services are de minimis, the decrease in gross margin dollars is substantially explained by the decrease in revenues previously discussed.

Gross margin dollars for risk consulting and internal audit services represent revenues less direct costs of services, which consist primarily of professional staff payroll, payroll taxes, insurance costs and reimbursable expenses. Gross margin dollars for the Company’s risk consulting and internal audit division were $27 million for the three months ended September 30, 2009, decreasing by 34% compared to $41 million for the three months ended September 30, 2008. On a constant-currency basis, risk consulting and internal audit gross margin dollars decreased 33% for the third quarter of 2009 compared to the third quarter of 2008. As a percentage of revenues, gross margin for risk consulting and internal audit services was 27.8% in the third quarter of 2009, down from 29.2% in the third quarter of 2008. The year-over-year margin decline is primarily due to lower staff utilization levels resulting from lower revenues as well as higher staff reduction charges.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses. The Company’s selling, general and administrative expenses were $249 million for the three months ended September 30, 2009, decreasing by 33% compared to $374 million for the three months ended September 30, 2008. As a percentage of revenues, the Company’s selling, general and

 

21


administrative expenses were 34.3% for the third quarter of 2009, up from 32.2% for the third quarter of 2008. For the third quarter of 2009 compared to the third quarter of 2008, selling, general and administrative expenses decreased for all three of the Company’s reportable segments. Selling, general and administrative expenses as a percentage of revenues increased for all three of the Company’s reportable segments in the third quarter of 2009 compared to the third quarter of 2008. Contributing factors for each reportable segment are discussed below in further detail.

Selling, general and administrative expenses for the Company’s temporary and consultant staffing services division were $179 million for the three months ended September 30, 2009, down 27% from $244 million for the three months ended September 30, 2008. As a percentage of revenues, selling, general and administrative expenses for temporary and consultant staffing services were 30.6% in the third quarter of 2009, up from 26.8% in the third quarter of 2008. For the third quarter of 2009 compared to the third quarter of 2008, increases as a percentage of revenues for administration costs, fixed overhead, variable overhead and advertising were partially offset by decreases as a percentage of revenues for field compensation and expenses related to doubtful accounts receivable.

Selling, general and administrative expenses for the Company’s permanent placement staffing division were $44 million for the three months ended September 30, 2009, decreasing by 53% compared to $93 million for the three months ended September 30, 2008. As a percentage of revenues, selling, general and administrative expenses for permanent placement staffing services were 101.7% in the third quarter of 2009, up from 85.8% in the third quarter of 2008. For the third quarter of 2009 compared to the third quarter of 2008, increases as a percentage of revenues for fixed overhead, administration costs, variable overhead and advertising were partially offset by decreases as a percentage of revenues for field compensation and expenses related to doubtful accounts receivable.

Selling, general and administrative expenses for the Company’s risk consulting and internal audit services division were $26 million for the three months ended September 30, 2009, decreasing by 29% compared to $37 million for the three months ended September 30, 2008. As a percentage of revenues, selling, general and administrative expenses for risk consulting and internal audit services were 26.8% in the third quarter of 2009, up from 26.4% in the third quarter of 2008. For the third quarter of 2009 compared to the third quarter of 2008, increases as a percentage of revenues for fixed overhead were partially offset by decreases as a percentage of revenues for expenses related to doubtful accounts receivable, advertising and variable overhead.

Operating Income. The Company’s total operating income was $17 million, or 2.4% of revenues, for the three months ended September 30, 2009, decreasing by 84% from $109 million, or 9.4% of revenues, for the three months ended September 30, 2008. For the Company’s temporary and consultant staffing services division, operating income was $17 million, or 2.9% of applicable revenues, down from $90 million, or 9.9% of applicable revenues, in the third quarter of 2008. For the Company’s permanent placement staffing division, operating loss was $1 million, or negative 1.8% of applicable revenues, down from operating income of $15 million, or 14.1% of applicable revenues, in the third quarter of 2008. For the Company’s risk consulting and internal audit services division, operating income was $1 million, or 1.1% of applicable revenues, down from $4 million, or 2.9% of applicable revenues, in the third quarter of 2008.

Amortization of intangible assets. Amortization of intangible assets was $0.3 and $0.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively. Intangible assets result from the Company’s acquisitions. For acquisitions, the Company allocates the excess of cost over the fair market value of the net tangible assets first to identifiable intangible assets, if any, and then to goodwill. Identifiable intangible assets are amortized over their lives, typically ranging from two to five years. Goodwill is not amortized, but is tested at least annually for impairment. Net intangible assets, consisting primarily of goodwill, represented 14% of total assets and 20% of total stockholders’ equity at September 30, 2009.

 

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Interest income and expense. Interest income for the three months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008, was $0.3 million and $2.8 million, respectively. Lower third quarter 2009 interest income was due to lower interest rates partially offset by higher average cash balances. Interest expense for the three months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008, was $0.1 million and $1.5 million, respectively.

Provision for income taxes. The provision for income taxes was 45% and 40% for the three months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively. The 2009 increase is partially due to losses in international locations where corresponding tax benefits are not being recognized. Also contributing to the increase is the larger percentage impact that permanent non-deductible tax items have on lower year-over-year income before taxes.

Nine months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008

Revenues. The Company’s revenues were $2.3 billion for the nine months ended September 30, 2009, decreasing by 36% compared to $3.6 billion for the nine months ended September 30, 2008. Revenues from foreign operations represented 28% and 29% of total revenues for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively. The Company analyzes its revenues for three reportable segments: temporary and consultant staffing, permanent placement staffing and risk consulting and internal audit services. In the first three quarters of 2009, revenues for all three of the Company’s reportable segments were down compared to the first three quarters of 2008. Contributing factors for each reportable segment are discussed below in further detail.

Temporary and consultant staffing services revenues were $1.9 billion for the nine months ended September 30, 2009, decreasing by 34% compared to revenues of $2.8 billion for the nine months ended September 30, 2008. On a constant-currency basis, temporary and consultant staffing services revenues decreased 31% for the first three quarters of 2009 compared to the first three quarters of 2008. In the first three quarters of 2009, demand for the Company’s temporary and consultant staffing services decreased as global labor markets and general macroeconomic conditions remained weak. In the United States, revenues in the first three quarters of 2009 decreased 34% compared to the first three quarters of 2008. For the Company’s foreign operations, constant-currency revenues in the first three quarters of 2009 decreased 24% compared to the first three quarters of 2008.

Permanent placement staffing revenues were $136 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2009, decreasing by 61% compared to revenues of $352 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2008. On a constant-currency basis, permanent placement revenues decreased 59% for the first three quarters of 2009 compared to the first three quarters of 2008. In the United States, revenues in the first three quarters of 2009 decreased 65% compared to the first three quarters of 2008. Historically, demand for permanent placement services is even more sensitive to economic and labor market conditions than demand for temporary and consulting staffing services and this is expected to continue. The September 2009 unemployment rate in the U.S. was 9.8%, its highest level since 1983. For the Company’s foreign operations, constant-currency revenues in the first three quarters of 2009 decreased 50% compared to the first three quarters of 2008.

Risk consulting and internal audit services revenues were $288 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2009, decreasing by 32% compared to revenues of $423 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2008. On a constant-currency basis, risk consulting and internal audit services revenues decreased 30% for the first three quarters of 2009 compared to the first three quarters of 2008 as weak global macroeconomic conditions negatively impacted demand. Contributing to the decrease was a significant decline in revenues produced by compliance-related projects, mainly those tied to the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, a trend which may continue. In the United States, revenues in the first three quarters of 2009 decreased 31% compared to the first three quarters of 2008. For the Company’s foreign operations, constant-currency revenues in the first three quarters of 2009 decreased 27% compared to the first three quarters of 2008.

Gross Margin. The Company’s gross margin dollars were $825 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2009, decreasing by 45% compared to $1.5 billion for the nine months ended September 30, 2008.

 

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For the first three quarters of 2009 compared to the first three quarters of 2008, gross margin dollars for all three of the Company’s reportable segments decreased under difficult economic conditions. Gross margin as a percentage of revenues also decreased for the Company’s temporary and consultant staffing services and risk consulting and internal audit services divisions on a year-over-year basis. Contributing factors for each reportable segment are discussed below in further detail.

Gross margin dollars from the Company’s temporary and consultant staffing services represent revenues less direct costs of services, which consist of payroll, payroll taxes and insurance costs for temporary employees, and reimbursable expenses. Gross margin dollars for the Company’s temporary and consultant staffing services division were $637 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2009, decreasing by 39% compared to $1.0 billion for the nine months ended September 30, 2008. On a constant-currency basis, temporary and consultant staffing services gross margin dollars decreased 36% for the first three quarters of 2009 compared to the first three quarters of 2008. As a percentage of revenues, gross margin for temporary and consultant staffing services was 33.9% in the first three quarters of 2009, down from 36.6% in the first three quarters of 2008. This year-over-year decrease was the result of significantly lower conversion revenues and compression of pay/bill spreads in the first three quarters of 2009. Conversion revenues are earned when a temporary position converts to a permanent position. As there are no direct costs related to conversion revenues, the gross margin percentage is favorably impacted as the mix of conversion revenues increases. Pay/bill spreads represent the differential between wages paid to temporary employees and amounts billed to clients.

Gross margin dollars from permanent placement staffing services represent revenues less reimbursable expenses. Gross margin dollars for the Company’s permanent placement staffing division were $136 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2009, decreasing by 61% compared to $352 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2008. On a constant-currency basis, permanent placement gross margin dollars decreased 59% for the first three quarters of 2009 compared to the first three quarters of 2008. Because reimbursable expenses for permanent placement staffing services are de minimis, the decrease in gross margin dollars is substantially explained by the decrease in revenues previously discussed.

Gross margin dollars for risk consulting and internal audit services represent revenues less direct costs of services, which consist primarily of professional staff payroll, payroll taxes, insurance costs and reimbursable expenses. Gross margin dollars for the Company’s risk consulting and internal audit division were $52 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2009, decreasing by 56% compared to $120 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2008. On a constant-currency basis, risk consulting and internal audit gross margin dollars decreased 56% for the first three quarters of 2009 compared to the first three quarters of 2008. As a percentage of revenues, gross margin for risk consulting and internal audit services was 18.2% in the first three quarters of 2009, down from 28.5% in the first three quarters of 2008. The year-over-year margin decline is primarily due to lower staff utilization levels resulting from lower revenues as well as higher staff reduction charges.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses. The Company’s selling, general and administrative expenses were $781 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2009, decreasing by 33% compared to $1.2 billion for the nine months ended September 30, 2008. As a percentage of revenues, the Company’s selling, general and administrative expenses were 34.0% for the first three quarters of 2009, up from 32.2% for the first three quarters of 2008. For the first three quarters of 2009 compared to the first three quarters of 2008, selling, general and administrative expenses decreased for all three of the Company’s reportable segments. Selling, general and administrative expenses as a percentage of revenues increased for all three of the Company’s reportable segments in the first three quarters of 2009 compared to the first three quarters of 2008. Contributing factors for each reportable segment are discussed below in further detail.

Selling, general and administrative expenses for the Company’s temporary and consultant staffing services division were $554 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2009, down 26% from $753 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2008. As a percentage of revenues, selling, general and administrative expenses for temporary and consultant staffing services were 29.6% in the first three quarters of 2009, up from 26.6% in the first three quarters of 2008. For the first three quarters of 2009 compared to the first three quarters

 

24


of 2008, increases as a percentage of revenues for administration costs, fixed overhead, variable overhead, field compensation and advertising were partially offset by decreased expenses related to doubtful accounts receivable as a percentage of revenues.

Selling, general and administrative expenses for the Company’s permanent placement staffing division were $143 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2009, decreasing by 51% compared to $294 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2008. As a percentage of revenues, selling, general and administrative expenses for permanent placement staffing services were 105.0% in the first three quarters of 2009, up from 83.5% in the first three quarters of 2008. For the first three quarters of 2009 compared to the first three quarters of 2008, increases as a percentage of revenues for fixed overhead, administration costs, field compensation, variable overhead and advertising drove the overall increase.

Selling, general and administrative expenses for the Company’s risk consulting and internal audit services division were $83 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2009, decreasing by 27% compared to $115 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2008. As a percentage of revenues, selling, general and administrative expenses for risk consulting and internal audit services were 29.0% in the first three quarters of 2009, up from 27.1% in the first three quarters of 2008. For the first three quarters of 2009 compared to the first three quarters of 2008, increases as a percentage of revenues for variable overhead, expenses related to doubtful accounts and advertising were partially offset by decreases as a percentage of revenues for fixed overhead and administration costs.

Operating Income. The Company’s total operating income was $44 million, or 1.9% of revenues, for the nine months ended September 30, 2009, decreasing by 87% from $349 million, or 9.7% of revenues, for the nine months ended September 30, 2008. For the Company’s temporary and consultant staffing services division, operating income was $82 million, or 4.4% of applicable revenues, down from $286 million, or 10.1% of applicable revenues, in the first three quarters of 2008. For the Company’s permanent placement staffing division, operating loss was $7 million, or negative 5.1% of applicable revenues, down from operating income of $58 million, or 16.5% of applicable revenues, in the first three quarters of 2008. For the Company’s risk consulting and internal audit services division, operating loss was $31 million, or negative 10.8% of applicable revenues, down from operating income of $6 million, or 1.4% of applicable revenues, in the first three quarters of 2008.

Amortization of intangible assets. Amortization of intangible assets was $1.2 and $1.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively. Intangible assets result from the Company’s acquisitions. For acquisitions, the Company allocates the excess of cost over the fair market value of the net tangible assets first to identifiable intangible assets, if any, and then to goodwill. Identifiable intangible assets are amortized over their lives, typically ranging from two to five years. Goodwill is not amortized, but is tested at least annually for impairment. Net intangible assets, consisting primarily of goodwill, represented 14% of total assets and 20% of total stockholders’ equity at September 30, 2009.

Interest income and expense. Interest income for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008, was $1.5 million and $8.8 million, respectively. Lower interest income in the first three quarters of 2009 was due to lower interest rates partially offset by higher average cash balances. Interest expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008, was $0.3 million and $4.0 million, respectively.

Provision for income taxes. The provision for income taxes was 46.5% and 40% for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively. The 2009 increase is partially due to losses in international locations where corresponding tax benefits are not being recognized. Also contributing to the increase is the larger percentage impact that permanent non-deductible tax items have on lower year-over-year income before taxes.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

The change in the Company’s liquidity during the nine months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008, is primarily the net effect of funds generated by operations and the funds used for capital expenditures, repurchases of common stock and payment of dividends.

 

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Cash and cash equivalents were $408 million and $374 million at September 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively. Operating activities provided $192 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2009, partially offset by $34 million and $117 million of net cash used in investing activities and financing activities, respectively. Operating activities provided $333 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2008, partially offset by $63 million and $194 million of net cash used in investing activities and financing activities, respectively.

Operating activities—Net cash provided by operating activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2009, was comprised of net income of $24 million, adjusted for non-cash items of $93 million, and net cash provided by changes in working capital of $75 million. Net cash provided by operating activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2008, was comprised of net income of $211 million, adjusted for non-cash items of $111 million, and net cash provided by changes in working capital of $11 million.

Investing activities—Cash used in investing activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2009, was $34 million. This was comprised of capital expenditures of $31 million and deposits to trusts for employee benefits and retirement plans of $3 million. Cash used in investing activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2008, was $63 million. This was primarily comprised of capital expenditures of $55 million and deposits to trusts for employee benefits and retirement plans of $7 million.

Financing activities—Cash used in financing activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2009, was $117 million. This included repurchases of $87 million in common stock and $54 million in cash dividends to stockholders, offset by proceeds of $22 million from exercises of stock options and $2 million in excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation. Cash used in financing activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2008, was $194 million. This included repurchases of $169 million in common stock and $52 million in cash dividends to stockholders, offset primarily by proceeds of $27 million from exercises of stock options.

As of September 30, 2009, the Company is authorized to repurchase, from time to time, up to 7.1 million additional shares of the Company’s common stock on the open market or in privately negotiated transactions, depending on market conditions. During the nine months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008, the Company repurchased 2.7 million shares and 5.4 million shares of common stock on the open market for a total cost of $63 million and $131 million, respectively. Additional stock repurchases were made in connection with employee stock plans, whereby Company shares were tendered by employees for the payment of exercise price and applicable statutory withholding taxes. During the nine months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008, such repurchases totaled 1.3 million shares and 1.5 million shares, at a cost of $29 million and $38 million, respectively. Repurchases of shares have been funded with cash generated from operations.

The Company’s working capital at September 30, 2009, included $408 million in cash and cash equivalents. The Company’s working capital requirements relate primarily to accounts receivable. While there can be no assurances in this regard, the Company expects that internally generated cash will be sufficient to support the working capital needs of the Company, the Company’s fixed payments, dividends, and other obligations on both a short- and long-term basis. However, continued or increased volatility and disruption in the global capital and credit markets could negatively impact the Company’s business operations and therefore its liquidity and ability to meet working capital needs.

On October 27, 2009, the Company announced a quarterly dividend of $.12 per share to be paid to all shareholders of record on November 25, 2009. The dividend will be paid on December 15, 2009.

 

ITEM 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

The Company is exposed to the impact of foreign currency fluctuations. The Company’s exposure to foreign currency exchange rates relates primarily to the Company’s foreign subsidiaries. Exchange rates impact the U.S. dollar value of the Company’s reported earnings, investments in its foreign subsidiaries, and the intercompany transactions with its foreign subsidiaries.

 

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For the nine months ended September 30, 2009, approximately 28% of the Company’s revenues were generated outside of the United States. These operations transact business in their functional currency. As a result, fluctuations in the value of foreign currencies against the U.S. dollar, particularly the Canadian dollar, British pound, and Euro, have an impact on the Company’s reported results. Revenues and expenses denominated in foreign currencies are translated into U.S. dollars at the monthly average exchange rates prevailing during the period. Consequently, as the value of the U.S. dollar changes relative to the currencies of the Company’s non-U.S. markets, the Company’s reported results vary.

Fluctuations in currency exchange rates impact the U.S. dollar amount of the Company’s stockholders’ equity. The assets and liabilities of the Company’s non-U.S. subsidiaries are translated into U.S. dollars at the exchange rates in effect at period end. The resulting translation adjustments are recorded in stockholders’ equity as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income.

 

ITEM 4. Controls and Procedures

Management, including the Company’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer and the Vice Chairman and Chief Financial Officer, evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based upon that evaluation, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer and the Vice Chairman and Chief Financial Officer concluded that the disclosure controls and procedures were effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the reports the Company files and submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the rules and forms of the Securities and Exchange Commission and that information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to the Company’s management, including its principal executive and principal financial officers, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

There have been no changes in the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting identified in connection with the evaluation required by Rule 13a-15 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 that occurred during the Company’s last fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is 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

There have been no material developments with regard to the legal proceedings previously disclosed in the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008 and its quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended June 30, 2009.

 

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

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

 

     Total
Number
of Shares
Purchased
    Average
Price Paid
per Share
   Total
Number of
Shares
Purchased
as Part of
Publicly
Announced
Plans
   Maximum
Number of
Shares that
May Yet Be
Purchased
Under
Publicly
Announced
Plans (c)

July 1, 2009 to July 31, 2009

   85,163 (a)    $ 24.72    —      8,279,466

August 1, 2009 to August 31, 2009

   4,413 (a)    $ 23.87    —      8,279,466

September 1, 2009 to September 30, 2009

   1,205,773 (b)    $ 26.31    1,204,100    7,075,366
                

Total July 1, 2009 to September 30, 2009

   1,295,349         1,204,100   

 

(a) Represents shares repurchased in connection with employee stock plans, whereby Company shares were tendered by employees for the payment of applicable withholding taxes and/or exercise price.
(b) Includes 1,673 shares repurchased in connection with employee stock plans, whereby Company shares were tendered by employees for the payment of applicable withholding taxes and/or exercise price.
(c) Commencing in October 1997, the Company’s Board of Directors has, at various times, authorized the repurchase, from time to time, of the Company’s common stock on the open market or in privately negotiated transactions depending on market conditions. Since plan inception, a total of 78,000,000 shares have been authorized for repurchase of which, 70,924,634 shares have been repurchased as of September 30, 2009.

 

ITEM 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities

None.

 

ITEM 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

None.

 

ITEM 5. Other Information

None.

 

ITEM 6. Exhibits

 

  3.1    Restated Certificate of Incorporation, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended March 31, 2009.
  3.2    By-Laws, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2003.
31.1    Rule 13a-14(a) Certification of Chief Executive Officer.
31.2    Rule 13a-14(a) Certification of Chief Financial Officer.
32.1    Section 1350 Certification of Chief Executive Officer.
32.2    Section 1350 Certification of Chief Financial Officer.

 

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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.

 

ROBERT HALF INTERNATIONAL INC.

(Registrant)

/s/    M. KEITH WADDELL        

 

M. Keith Waddell

Vice Chairman, President and Chief Financial Officer

(Principal Financial Officer and

duly authorized signatory)

Date: October 29, 2009

 

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