KFORCE INC - Quarter Report: 2023 September (Form 10-Q)
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
____________________________________________________________________________________________
FORM 10-Q
________________________________________________________
☒ | QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2023
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 000-26058
_________________________________________________________________
Kforce Inc.
Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter
_______________________________________________________________
Florida | 59-3264661 | |||||||
State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization | IRS Employer Identification No. |
1150 Assembly Drive, Suite 500, Tampa, Florida | 33607 | |||||||
Address of principal executive offices | Zip Code |
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (813) 552-5000
_______________________________________________________
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each class | Trading Symbol(s) | Name of each exchange on which registered | ||||||
Common Stock, $0.01 per share | KFRC | NASDAQ |
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 every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). Yes x No ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “non-accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act:
Large accelerated filer | x | Accelerated filer | ☐ | |||||||||||||||||
Non-accelerated filer | ☐ | Smaller reporting company | ☐ | |||||||||||||||||
Emerging growth company | ☐ |
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act.): Yes ☐ No x
If securities are registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act, indicate by check mark whether the financial statements of the registrant included in the filing reflect the correction of an error to previously issued financial statements ☐
Indicate by check mark whether any of those error corrections are restatements that required a recovery analysis of incentive-based compensation received by any of the registrant’s executive officers during the relevant recovery period pursuant to §240.10D-1(b). ☐
The number of shares outstanding of the registrant’s common stock as of October 27, 2023 was 19,759 thousand.
KFORCE INC.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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Item 2. | ||||||||
Item 3. | ||||||||
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Item 1. | ||||||||
Item 1A. | ||||||||
Item 2. | ||||||||
Item 3. | ||||||||
Item 4. | ||||||||
Item 5. | ||||||||
Item 6. | ||||||||
CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
References in this document to the “Registrant,” “Kforce,” the “Company,” “we,” the “Firm,” “management,” “our” or “us” refer to Kforce Inc. and its subsidiaries, except where the context otherwise requires or indicates.
This report, particularly Part I, Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (“MD&A”), and Part II, Item 1A. Risk Factors, and the documents we incorporate into this report contain certain statements that are, or may be deemed to be, forward-looking statements within the meaning of that term in Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), and are made in reliance upon the protections provided by such acts for forward-looking statements. Such statements may include, but may not be limited to: expectations of financial or operational performance, including our expectations regarding the future changes in revenue of each segment of our business; the impact of the economic environment on our business; our ability to control discretionary spending and decrease operating costs; the Firm’s commitment and ability to return significant capital to its shareholders; our ability to meet capital expenditure and working capital requirements of our operations; the intent and ability to declare and pay quarterly dividends; growth rates in temporary staffing; a constraint in the supply of consultants and candidates or the Firm’s ability to attract such individuals; changes in client demand for our services and our ability to adapt to such changes; the ability of the Firm to maintain and attract clients in the face of changing economic or competitive conditions; expected incurrence of stock-based compensation; the impact of the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 on our stock repurchases and financial condition; our beliefs regarding the expected future benefits of our flexible working environment; our ability to maintain compliance with our credit facility's covenants; potential government actions or changes in laws and regulations; anticipated costs and benefits of acquisitions, divestitures, joint ventures and other investments; effects of interest rate variations; financing needs or plans; estimates concerning the effects of litigation or other disputes; the occurrence of unanticipated expenses; as well as assumptions as to any of the foregoing and all statements that are not based on historical fact, but rather reflect our current expectations concerning future results and events. For a further list and description of various risks, relevant factors and uncertainties that could cause future results or events to differ materially from those expressed or implied in our forward-looking statements, refer to the MD&A and Risk Factors sections. In addition, when used in this discussion, the terms “anticipate,” “assume,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe,” “will,” “may,” “likely,” “could,” “should,” “future” and variations thereof and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements.
Forward-looking statements are inherently subject to risks and uncertainties, some of which cannot be predicted. Future events and actual results could differ materially from those set forth in or underlying the forward-looking statements. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements contained in this report, which speak only as of the date of this report. Kforce undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements.
2
PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
KFORCE INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
Three Months Ended September 30, | Nine Months Ended September 30, | ||||||||||||||||||||||
2023 | 2022 | 2023 | 2022 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Revenue | $ | 373,122 | $ | 437,620 | $ | 1,168,309 | $ | 1,291,103 | |||||||||||||||
Direct costs | 269,661 | 310,950 | 840,606 | 909,475 | |||||||||||||||||||
Gross profit | 103,461 | 126,670 | 327,703 | 381,628 | |||||||||||||||||||
Selling, general and administrative expenses | 86,226 | 94,306 | 258,558 | 285,502 | |||||||||||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization | 1,202 | 1,045 | 3,776 | 3,214 | |||||||||||||||||||
Income from operations | 16,033 | 31,319 | 65,369 | 92,912 | |||||||||||||||||||
Other expense (income), net | 181 | 906 | 1,539 | (333) | |||||||||||||||||||
Income from operations, before income taxes | 15,852 | 30,413 | 63,830 | 93,245 | |||||||||||||||||||
Income tax expense | 5,277 | 8,151 | 18,471 | 24,886 | |||||||||||||||||||
Net income | 10,575 | 22,262 | 45,359 | 68,359 | |||||||||||||||||||
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Change in fair value of interest rate swaps | — | — | — | (615) | |||||||||||||||||||
Comprehensive income | $ | 10,575 | $ | 22,262 | $ | 45,359 | $ | 67,744 | |||||||||||||||
Earnings per share – basic | $ | 0.55 | $ | 1.11 | $ | 2.35 | $ | 3.38 | |||||||||||||||
Earnings per share – diluted | $ | 0.54 | $ | 1.09 | $ | 2.31 | $ | 3.31 | |||||||||||||||
Weighted average shares outstanding – basic | 19,158 | 20,022 | 19,317 | 20,206 | |||||||||||||||||||
Weighted average shares outstanding – diluted | 19,518 | 20,450 | 19,621 | 20,634 |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
3
KFORCE INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(IN THOUSANDS EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
September 30, 2023 | December 31, 2022 | ||||||||||
ASSETS | |||||||||||
Current assets: | |||||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 122 | $ | 121 | |||||||
Trade receivables, net of allowances of $1,454 and $1,575, respectively | 248,291 | 269,496 | |||||||||
Prepaid expenses and other current assets | 9,498 | 8,143 | |||||||||
Total current assets | 257,911 | 277,760 | |||||||||
Fixed assets, net | 9,489 | 8,647 | |||||||||
Other assets, net | 71,779 | 75,771 | |||||||||
Deferred tax assets, net | 5,543 | 4,786 | |||||||||
Goodwill | 25,040 | 25,040 | |||||||||
Total assets | $ | 369,762 | $ | 392,004 | |||||||
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY | |||||||||||
Current liabilities: | |||||||||||
Accounts payable and other accrued liabilities | $ | 67,253 | $ | 72,792 | |||||||
Accrued payroll costs | 42,740 | 48,369 | |||||||||
Current portion of operating lease liabilities | 3,850 | 4,576 | |||||||||
Income taxes payable | 5,429 | 5,696 | |||||||||
Total current liabilities | 119,272 | 131,433 | |||||||||
Long-term debt – credit facility | 21,400 | 25,600 | |||||||||
Other long-term liabilities | 50,138 | 52,773 | |||||||||
Total liabilities | 190,810 | 209,806 | |||||||||
Commitments and contingencies (Note L) | |||||||||||
Stockholders’ equity: | |||||||||||
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value; 15,000 shares authorized, none issued and outstanding | — | — | |||||||||
Common stock, $0.01 par value; 250,000 shares authorized, 73,224 and 73,242 issued, respectively | 732 | 732 | |||||||||
Additional paid-in capital | 523,669 | 507,734 | |||||||||
Accumulated other comprehensive income | — | 6 | |||||||||
Retained earnings | 516,540 | 492,764 | |||||||||
Treasury stock, at cost; 53,464 and 52,744 shares, respectively | (861,989) | (819,038) | |||||||||
Total stockholders’ equity | 178,952 | 182,198 | |||||||||
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity | $ | 369,762 | $ | 392,004 |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
4
KFORCE INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
(IN THOUSANDS)
Common Stock | Additional Paid-In Capital | Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income | Treasury Stock | Total Stockholders’ Equity | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Shares | Amount | Retained Earnings | Shares | Amount | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance, December 31, 2022 | 73,242 | $ | 732 | $ | 507,734 | $ | 6 | $ | 492,764 | 52,744 | $ | (819,038) | $ | 182,198 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net income | — | — | — | — | 16,210 | — | — | 16,210 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Issuance for stock-based compensation and dividends, net of forfeitures | 5 | — | 340 | — | (341) | — | — | (1) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Stock-based compensation expense | — | — | 4,326 | — | — | — | — | 4,326 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Employee stock purchase plan | — | — | 172 | — | — | (5) | 73 | 245 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Dividends ($0.36 per share) | — | — | — | — | (7,003) | — | — | (7,003) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Repurchases of common stock | — | — | — | — | — | 181 | (10,244) | (10,244) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other | — | — | — | (6) | — | — | — | (6) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance, March 31, 2023 | 73,247 | 732 | 512,572 | — | 501,630 | 52,920 | (829,209) | 185,725 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net income | — | — | — | — | 18,574 | — | — | 18,574 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Issuance for stock-based compensation and dividends, net of forfeitures | 32 | — | 322 | — | (322) | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Stock-based compensation expense | — | — | 4,309 | — | — | — | — | 4,309 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Employee stock purchase plan | — | — | 219 | — | — | (5) | 77 | 296 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Dividends ($0.36 per share) | — | — | — | — | (6,945) | — | — | (6,945) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Repurchases of common stock | — | — | — | — | 248 | (14,341) | (14,341) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance, June 30, 2023 | 73,279 | 732 | 517,422 | — | 512,937 | 53,163 | (843,473) | 187,618 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net income | — | — | — | — | 10,575 | — | — | 10,575 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Issuance for stock-based compensation and dividends, net of forfeitures | (55) | — | 78 | — | (78) | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Stock-based compensation expense | — | — | 5,967 | — | — | — | — | 5,967 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Employee stock purchase plan | — | — | 202 | — | — | (4) | 74 | 276 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Dividends ($0.36 per share) | — | — | — | — | (6,894) | — | — | (6,894) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Repurchases of common stock | — | — | — | — | — | 305 | (18,590) | (18,590) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance, September 30, 2023 | 73,224 | $ | 732 | $ | 523,669 | $ | — | $ | 516,540 | 53,464 | $ | (861,989) | $ | 178,952 |
5
Common Stock | Additional Paid-In Capital | Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income | Treasury Stock | Total Stockholders’ Equity | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Shares | Amount | Retained Earnings | Shares | Amount | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance, December 31, 2021 | 72,997 | $ | 730 | $ | 488,036 | $ | 621 | $ | 442,596 | 51,492 | $ | (743,577) | $ | 188,406 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net income | — | — | — | — | 19,181 | — | — | 19,181 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Issuance for stock-based compensation and dividends, net of forfeitures | (1) | — | 319 | — | (318) | — | — | 1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Stock-based compensation expense | — | — | 4,437 | — | — | — | — | 4,437 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Employee stock purchase plan | — | — | 193 | — | — | (3) | 49 | 242 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Dividends ($0.30 per share) | — | — | — | — | (6,094) | — | — | (6,094) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Change in fair value of interest rate swap, net of tax benefit of $780 | — | — | — | 2,302 | — | — | — | 2,302 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Repurchases of common stock | — | — | — | — | — | 147 | (10,270) | (10,270) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance, March 31, 2022 | 72,996 | 730 | 492,985 | 2,923 | 455,365 | 51,636 | (753,798) | 198,205 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net income | — | — | — | — | 26,916 | — | — | 26,916 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Issuance for stock-based compensation and dividends, net of forfeitures | 11 | — | 298 | — | (298) | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Stock-based compensation expense | — | — | 4,410 | — | — | — | — | 4,410 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Employee stock purchase plan | — | — | 234 | — | — | (4) | 61 | 295 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Dividends ($0.30 per share) | — | — | — | — | (6,093) | — | — | (6,093) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Change in fair value of interest rate swaps, net of tax expense of $989 | — | — | — | (2,917) | — | — | — | (2,917) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Repurchases of common stock | — | — | — | — | — | 162 | (10,283) | (10,283) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance, June 30, 2022 | 73,007 | 730 | 497,927 | 6 | 475,890 | 51,794 | (764,020) | 210,533 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net income | — | — | — | — | 22,262 | — | — | 22,262 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Issuance for stock-based compensation and dividends, net of forfeitures | (1) | — | 318 | — | (319) | — | — | (1) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Stock-based compensation expense | — | — | 4,445 | — | — | — | — | 4,445 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Employee stock purchase plan | — | — | 219 | — | — | (5) | 75 | 294 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Dividends ($0.30 per share) | — | — | — | — | (5,977) | — | — | (5,977) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Repurchases of common stock | — | — | — | — | — | 383 | (22,580) | (22,580) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance, September 30, 2022 | 73,006 | $ | 730 | $ | 502,909 | $ | 6 | $ | 491,856 | 52,172 | $ | (786,525) | $ | 208,976 |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
6
KFORCE INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(IN THOUSANDS)
Nine Months Ended September 30, | |||||||||||
2023 | 2022 | ||||||||||
Cash flows from operating activities: | |||||||||||
Net income | $ | 45,359 | $ | 68,359 | |||||||
Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash provided by operating activities: | |||||||||||
Deferred income tax provision, net | (757) | 4,386 | |||||||||
Provision for credit losses | 325 | (231) | |||||||||
Depreciation and amortization | 3,776 | 3,214 | |||||||||
Stock-based compensation expense | 14,602 | 13,293 | |||||||||
Noncash lease expense | 3,111 | 4,313 | |||||||||
Loss on equity method investment | 750 | 2,737 | |||||||||
Other | 675 | (167) | |||||||||
(Increase) decrease in operating assets | |||||||||||
Trade receivables, net | 20,880 | (15,571) | |||||||||
Other assets | (289) | (1,989) | |||||||||
Increase (decrease) in operating liabilities | |||||||||||
Accrued payroll costs | (4,812) | 11,025 | |||||||||
Payment of benefit under terminated pension plan | — | (19,965) | |||||||||
Other liabilities | (14,564) | 8,659 | |||||||||
Cash provided by operating activities | 69,056 | 78,063 | |||||||||
Cash flows from investing activities: | |||||||||||
Capital expenditures | (6,076) | (4,656) | |||||||||
Proceeds from the sale of our joint venture interest | 5,059 | — | |||||||||
Premiums paid for company-owned life insurance policies | (765) | — | |||||||||
Equity method investment | (750) | (500) | |||||||||
Note receivable issued to our joint venture | — | (4,500) | |||||||||
Cash used in investing activities | (2,532) | (9,656) | |||||||||
Cash flows from financing activities: | |||||||||||
Proceeds from credit facility | 426,400 | — | |||||||||
Payments on credit facility | (430,600) | (100,000) | |||||||||
Repurchases of common stock | (41,470) | (42,103) | |||||||||
Cash dividends | (20,842) | (18,164) | |||||||||
Other | (11) | (40) | |||||||||
Cash used in financing activities | (66,523) | (160,307) | |||||||||
Change in cash and cash equivalents | 1 | (91,900) | |||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period | 121 | 96,989 | |||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period | $ | 122 | $ | 5,089 |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
7
Nine Months Ended September 30, | |||||||||||
Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information | 2023 | 2022 | |||||||||
Cash Paid During the Period For: | |||||||||||
Income taxes | $ | 19,323 | $ | 14,348 | |||||||
Operating lease liabilities | 3,937 | 5,413 | |||||||||
Interest, net | 623 | 918 | |||||||||
Non-Cash Investing and Financing Transactions: | |||||||||||
ROU assets obtained from operating leases | $ | 3,692 | $ | 274 | |||||||
Employee stock purchase plan | 817 | 831 | |||||||||
Unsettled repurchases of common stock | 2,292 | 1,030 | |||||||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
8
KFORCE INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Note A - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Unless otherwise noted below, there have been no material changes to the accounting policies presented in Note 1 - “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, included in Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data of the 2022 Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Basis of Presentation
The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations of the SEC regarding interim financial reporting. Accordingly, certain information and footnotes normally required by GAAP for complete financial statements have been condensed or omitted pursuant to those rules and regulations, although management believes that the disclosures made are adequate to make the information not misleading. These unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in our 2022 Annual Report on Form 10-K. In management’s opinion, the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments considered necessary for a fair presentation. The Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2022, was derived from our audited Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2022, as presented in our 2022 Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Our quarterly operating results are affected by the number of billing days in a particular quarter, the seasonality of our clients’ businesses and changes in holiday and vacation days taken. In addition, we typically experience higher costs in the first quarter of each fiscal year as a result of certain U.S. state and federal employment tax resets, which adversely affects our gross profit and overall profitability relative to the remainder of the fiscal year. As such, the results of operations for any interim period may be impacted by these factors, among others, and are not necessarily indicative of, nor comparable to, the results of operations for a full year.
Principles of Consolidation
The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Kforce Inc. and its subsidiaries. All intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation. References in this document to “Kforce,” the “Company,” “we,” the “Firm,” “management,” “our” or “us” refer to Kforce Inc. and its subsidiaries, except where the context indicates otherwise.
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. The most critical of these estimates and assumptions relate to the following: allowance for credit losses; income taxes; self-insured liabilities for health insurance; and the impairment of goodwill and other long-lived assets. Although these and other estimates and assumptions are based on the best available information, actual results could be materially different from these estimates. Therefore, our accounting estimates and assumptions might change materially in future periods.
Health Insurance
Except for certain fully insured health insurance lines of coverage, Kforce retains the risk of loss per participant for each health insurance claim up to $600 thousand in claims annually. Additionally, for all claim amounts exceeding $600 thousand, Kforce retains the risk of loss up to an aggregate annual loss of those claims of $280 thousand. For its partially self-insured lines of coverage, health insurance costs are accrued using estimates to approximate the liability for reported claims, and incurred but not reported claims, which are primarily based upon an evaluation of historical claims experience, completion factors determined by an actuary, and a qualitative review of our health insurance exposure, including the extent of outstanding claims and expected changes in health insurance costs.
Earnings per Share
Basic earnings per share is computed as net income divided by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding (“WASO”) during the period. WASO excludes unvested shares of restricted stock. Diluted earnings per share is computed by dividing net income by diluted WASO. Diluted WASO includes the dilutive effect of potentially dilutive securities, such as unvested shares of restricted stock using the treasury stock method, except where the effect of including potential common shares would be anti-dilutive.
9
For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023, 360 thousand and 304 thousand common stock equivalents were included in the diluted WASO, respectively. For each of the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022, 428 thousand common stock equivalents were included in the diluted WASO. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023, there were 95 thousand and 186 thousand anti-dilutive common stock equivalents, respectively. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022, there were 304 thousand and 301 thousand anti-dilutive common stock equivalents, respectively.
Equity Method Investment and Note Receivable
In June 2019, we entered into a joint venture whereby Kforce obtained a 50% noncontrolling interest in WorkLLama, LLC (“WorkLlama”), which was accounted for as an equity method investment. As of December 31, 2022, the equity method investment was fully impaired. During the three months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, we recorded a loss related to our equity method investment of nil and $0.9 million, respectively. We recorded a loss related to our equity method investment of $0.8 million and $2.7 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively.
During the year ended December 31, 2022, Kforce executed a series of promissory notes (the “Note Receivable”) to our joint venture for a total of $6.8 million and recorded a credit loss of $1.9 million, resulting in a balance of $4.8 million at December 31, 2022. There were no payments received on the Note Receivable during the year ended December 31, 2022.
On February 23, 2023, Kforce received $6.0 million in exchange for the sale of our 50% noncontrolling interest in WorkLLama to an unaffiliated third party and in full settlement of the outstanding balance of the Note Receivable. These proceeds, net of customary transaction costs, amounted to $5.1 million and is presented in the investing section of the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.
Excise Tax
On August 16, 2022, the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (the “IRA”) was signed into Federal law. The IRA provides for, among other things, a new U.S. Federal 1% nondeductible excise tax on certain repurchases of stock by publicly-traded U.S. domestic corporations occurring after December 31, 2022. The excise tax is imposed on the repurchasing corporation itself, not its shareholders from which shares are repurchased. The amount of the excise tax is generally 1% of the fair market value of the shares repurchased. For purposes of calculating the excise tax, repurchasing corporations are permitted to net the fair market value of certain stock issuances against the fair market value of stock repurchases during the same taxable year, with certain exceptions. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023, we recorded $0.2 million and $0.4 million, respectively, in excise tax related to the IRA, which was included in Treasury stock in the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
New Accounting Standards
Recently Adopted Accounting Standards
In March 2020, the FASB issued guidance for reference rate reform, which provided temporary optional guidance to ease the potential burden in accounting for reference rate reform in contracts and other transactions that reference LIBOR, or another reference rate expected to be discontinued because of reference rate reform, if certain criteria are met. The FASB has since issued subsequent updates to the initial guidance in December 2022, which extends the final sunset date for reference rate reform from December 31, 2022 to December 31, 2024. We adopted this standard as of January 1, 2023, and it did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.
Accounting Standards Not Yet Adopted
In October 2023, the FASB issued guidance for disclosure improvements in accordance with the SEC’s simplification initiative. These amendments are intended to align FASB’s accounting standards and eliminate disclosures that are “redundant, duplicative, overlapping, outdated, or superseded.”. The effective date for each amendment will be the date on which the SEC’s removal of that related disclosure requirement from Regulation S-X or Regulation S-K becomes effective, with early adoption prohibited. We are evaluating this new guidance, which may modify our disclosures, but we do not expect this standard to have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements.
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Note B - Reportable Segments
Kforce provides services through our Technology and Finance and Accounting (“FA”) segments. Historically, and for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023, we have reported sales and gross profit information on a segment basis. Total assets, liabilities and operating expenses are not reported separately by segment as our operations are largely combined.
The following table provides information on the operations of our segments (in thousands):
Technology | FA | Total | |||||||||||||||
Three Months Ended September 30, | |||||||||||||||||
2023 | |||||||||||||||||
Revenue | $ | 338,289 | $ | 34,833 | $ | 373,122 | |||||||||||
Gross profit | $ | 89,401 | $ | 14,060 | $ | 103,461 | |||||||||||
Operating and other expenses | $ | 87,609 | |||||||||||||||
Income from operations, before income taxes | $ | 15,852 | |||||||||||||||
2022 | |||||||||||||||||
Revenue | $ | 390,496 | $ | 47,124 | $ | 437,620 | |||||||||||
Gross profit | $ | 107,793 | $ | 18,877 | $ | 126,670 | |||||||||||
Operating and other expenses | $ | 96,257 | |||||||||||||||
Income from operations, before income taxes | $ | 30,413 | |||||||||||||||
Nine Months Ended September 30, | |||||||||||||||||
2023 | |||||||||||||||||
Revenue | $ | 1,055,158 | $ | 113,151 | $ | 1,168,309 | |||||||||||
Gross profit | $ | 283,297 | $ | 44,406 | $ | 327,703 | |||||||||||
Operating and other expenses | $ | 263,873 | |||||||||||||||
Income from operations, before income taxes | $ | 63,830 | |||||||||||||||
2022 | |||||||||||||||||
Revenue | $ | 1,134,996 | $ | 156,107 | $ | 1,291,103 | |||||||||||
Gross profit | $ | 320,160 | $ | 61,468 | $ | 381,628 | |||||||||||
Operating and other expenses | $ | 288,383 | |||||||||||||||
Income from operations, before income taxes | $ | 93,245 |
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Note C - Disaggregation of Revenue
The following table provides the disaggregation of revenue by segment and type (in thousands):
Technology | FA | Total | |||||||||||||||
Three Months Ended September 30, | |||||||||||||||||
2023 | |||||||||||||||||
Revenue by type: | |||||||||||||||||
Flex revenue | $ | 334,253 | $ | 29,908 | $ | 364,161 | |||||||||||
Direct Hire revenue | 4,036 | 4,925 | 8,961 | ||||||||||||||
Total Revenue | $ | 338,289 | $ | 34,833 | $ | 373,122 | |||||||||||
2022 | |||||||||||||||||
Revenue by type: | |||||||||||||||||
Flex revenue | $ | 382,072 | $ | 40,896 | $ | 422,968 | |||||||||||
Direct Hire revenue | 8,424 | 6,228 | 14,652 | ||||||||||||||
Total Revenue | $ | 390,496 | $ | 47,124 | $ | 437,620 | |||||||||||
Nine Months Ended September 30, | |||||||||||||||||
2023 | |||||||||||||||||
Revenue by type: | |||||||||||||||||
Flex revenue | $ | 1,040,103 | $ | 98,060 | $ | 1,138,163 | |||||||||||
Direct Hire revenue | 15,055 | 15,091 | 30,146 | ||||||||||||||
Total Revenue | $ | 1,055,158 | $ | 113,151 | $ | 1,168,309 | |||||||||||
2022 | |||||||||||||||||
Revenue by type: | |||||||||||||||||
Flex revenue | $ | 1,109,294 | $ | 135,239 | $ | 1,244,533 | |||||||||||
Direct Hire revenue | 25,702 | 20,868 | 46,570 | ||||||||||||||
Total Revenue | $ | 1,134,996 | $ | 156,107 | $ | 1,291,103 |
Note D - Allowance for Credit Losses
The allowance for credit losses on trade receivables is determined by estimating and recognizing lifetime expected losses, rather than incurred losses, which results in the earlier recognition of credit losses even if the expected risk of credit loss is remote. As part of our analysis, we apply credit loss rates to outstanding receivables by aging category. For certain clients, we perform a quarterly credit review, which considers the client’s credit rating and financial position as well as our total credit loss exposure. Trade receivables are written off after all reasonable collection efforts have been exhausted. Recoveries of trade receivables previously written off are recorded when received and are immaterial for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023.
The following table presents the activity within the allowance for credit losses on trade receivables for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 (in thousands):
Allowance for credit losses, January 1, 2023 | $ | 1,006 | |||
Current period provision | 560 | ||||
Write-offs charged against the allowance, net of recoveries of amounts previously written off | (708) | ||||
Allowance for credit losses, September 30, 2023 | $ | 858 |
The allowances on trade receivables presented in the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets include $0.6 million at September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, for reserves unrelated to credit losses.
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Note E - Other Assets, Net
Other assets, net consisted of the following (in thousands):
September 30, 2023 | December 31, 2022 | ||||||||||
Assets held in Rabbi Trust | $ | 35,881 | $ | 31,976 | |||||||
14,937 | 17,102 | ||||||||||
Capitalized software, net (1) | 16,009 | 16,149 | |||||||||
Deferred loan costs, net | 718 | 881 | |||||||||
Notes receivable, net (2) | — | 4,825 | |||||||||
Other non-current assets | 4,234 | 4,838 | |||||||||
Total Other assets, net | $ | 71,779 | $ | 75,771 |
(1) Accumulated amortization of capitalized software was $37.8 million and $36.6 million as of September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively.
(2) Refer to Note A - “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” for more details on the sale of our joint venture and the settlement of the Note Receivable.
Note F - Current Liabilities
The following table provides information on certain current liabilities (in thousands):
September 30, 2023 | December 31, 2022 | ||||||||||
Accounts payable and other accrued liabilities: | |||||||||||
Accounts payable | $ | 47,073 | $ | 49,600 | |||||||
Accrued liabilities | 20,180 | 23,192 | |||||||||
Total Accounts payable and other accrued liabilities | $ | 67,253 | $ | 72,792 | |||||||
Accrued payroll costs: | |||||||||||
Payroll and benefits | $ | 36,698 | $ | 41,506 | |||||||
Payroll taxes | 1,838 | 2,633 | |||||||||
Health insurance liabilities | 3,721 | 3,481 | |||||||||
Workers’ compensation liabilities | 483 | 749 | |||||||||
Total Accrued payroll costs | $ | 42,740 | $ | 48,369 |
Our accounts payable balance includes vendor and third-party payables. Our accrued liabilities balance includes the current portion of our deferred compensation plans liability, contract liabilities from contracts with customers (such as customer rebates) and other accrued liabilities.
Note G - Credit Facility
On October 20, 2021, the Firm entered into an amended and restated credit agreement with Wells Fargo Bank, National Association (“Wells Fargo”), as administrative agent, Wells Fargo Securities, LLC, as lead arranger and bookrunner, Bank of America, N.A., as syndication agent, BMO Harris Bank, N.A., as documentation agent, and the lenders referred to therein (the “Amended and Restated Credit Facility”). Under the Amended and Restated Credit Facility, the Firm has a maximum borrowing capacity of $200.0 million, which may, subject to certain conditions and the participation of the lenders, be increased up to an aggregate additional amount of $150.0 million. The maturity date of the Amended and Restated Credit Facility is October 20, 2026.
In June 2023, Kforce entered into the First Amendment to the Amended and Restated Credit Facility (the “First Amendment”), by and among Wells Fargo, as administrative agent, and the lenders and financial institutions from time to time party thereto, to replace the LIBOR-based benchmark interest rates with Secured Overnight Financing Rate benchmark interest rates (“SOFR Rate”).
As of September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, $21.4 million and $25.6 million was outstanding under the Amended and Restated Credit Facility, respectively. As of September 30, 2023, we were in compliance with all of our financial covenants contained in the Amended and Restated Credit Facility.
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Note H - Other Long-Term Liabilities
Other long-term liabilities consisted of the following (in thousands):
September 30, 2023 | December 31, 2022 | ||||||||||
Deferred compensation plan | $ | 37,550 | $ | 36,390 | |||||||
12,560 | 16,380 | ||||||||||
Other long-term liabilities | 28 | 3 | |||||||||
Total Other long-term liabilities | $ | 50,138 | $ | 52,773 |
Note I - Stock-based Compensation
On April 20, 2023, Kforce’s shareholders approved the 2023 Stock Incentive Plan (the “2023 Plan”). The 2023 Plan allows for the issuance of stock options, stock appreciation rights (“SAR”), stock awards (including restricted stock awards (“RSAs”) and restricted stock units (“RSUs”)) and other stock-based awards. The aggregate number of shares reserved under the 2023 Plan is approximately 3.2 million. Grants of an option or SAR reduce the reserve by one share, while a restricted stock award reduces the reserve by 2.72 shares. The 2023 Plan terminates on April 20, 2033.
Restricted stock (including RSAs and RSUs) is granted to directors, executives and management either for awards related to Kforce’s annual long-term incentive program or as part of a compensation package for attraction and retention purposes.
The following table presents the restricted stock activity for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 (in thousands, except per share amounts):
Number of Restricted Stock | Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value | Total Intrinsic Value of Restricted Stock Vested | |||||||||||||||
Outstanding at December 31, 2022 | 911 | $ | 54.42 | ||||||||||||||
Granted | 70 | $ | 57.40 | ||||||||||||||
Forfeited | (89) | $ | 53.59 | ||||||||||||||
Vested | (49) | $ | 48.41 | $ | 2,952 | ||||||||||||
Outstanding at September 30, 2023 | 843 | $ | 55.11 |
As of September 30, 2023, total unrecognized stock-based compensation expense related to restricted stock was $29.5 million, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average remaining period of 4.5 years.
During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023, stock-based compensation expense was $6.0 million and $14.6 million, respectively. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022, stock-based compensation expense was $4.5 million and $13.3 million, respectively. Stock-based compensation expense is included in Selling, general and administrative expenses (“SG&A”) in the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income.
Note J - Derivative Instrument and Hedging Activity
The Firm maintained two swap instruments, Swap A and Swap B, which were designated as cash flow hedges and were used as interest rate risk management tools to mitigate the potential impact of rising interest rates on variable rate debt. The fixed interest rate for each Swap, plus the applicable interest margin under our Amended and Restated Credit Facility, was recorded in Other expense (income), net in the accompanying Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income. Swap A matured on April 29, 2022 and Swap B was terminated in May 2022. As of September 30, 2023 and 2022, the Firm did not have any outstanding derivative instruments.
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The following table sets forth the activity in the accumulated derivative instrument activity (in thousands):
Nine Months Ended September 30, | |||||||||||
2023 | 2022 | ||||||||||
Accumulated derivative instrument gain, beginning of period | $ | — | $ | 823 | |||||||
Net change associated with current period hedging transactions | — | (823) | |||||||||
Accumulated derivative instrument gain, end of period | $ | — | $ | — |
Note K - Fair Value Measurements
Our interest rate swaps were previously measured at fair value using readily observable inputs, which are considered to be Level 2 inputs. In April 2022, Swap A matured and in May 2022, we terminated Swap B. Refer to Note J - “Derivative Instrument and Hedging Activity” for a complete discussion of the interest rate swap derivative instruments.
There were no transfers into or out of Level 1, 2 or 3 assets or liabilities during the nine months ended September 30, 2023.
Note L - Commitments and Contingencies
Employment Agreements
Kforce has employment agreements with certain executives that provide for certain post-employment benefits under certain circumstances. At September 30, 2023, our liability would be approximately $35.0 million if, following a change in control, all of the executives under contract were terminated without cause by the employer or if the executives resigned for good reason, and $15.7 million if, in the absence of a change in control, all of the executives under contract were terminated by Kforce without cause or if the executives resigned for good reason.
Litigation
We are involved in legal proceedings, claims, and administrative matters that arise in the ordinary course of business, and we have made accruals with respect to certain of these matters, where appropriate, that are reflected in our consolidated financial statements but are not, individually or in the aggregate, considered material. For other matters for which an accrual has not been made, we have not yet determined that a loss is probable, or the amount of loss cannot be reasonably estimated. The outcome of any litigation is inherently uncertain, but we do not expect that these proceedings and claims, individually or in the aggregate, will have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements; however, if decided adversely to us, or if we determine that settlement of particular litigation is appropriate, we may be subject to additional liabilities that could have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows. Kforce maintains liability insurance that insures us against workers’ compensation, personal and bodily injury, property damage, directors’ and officers’ liability, errors and omissions, cyber liability, employment practices liability and fidelity losses. There can be no assurance that Kforce’s liability insurance will cover all events or that the limits of coverage will be sufficient to fully cover all liabilities.
As previously reported, on December 17, 2019, Kforce Inc., et al., was served with a complaint brought in Superior Court of the State of California, Alameda County. Kathleen Wahrer, et al. v. Kforce Inc., et al., Case Number: RG19047269. The former employee purports to bring a representative action on her own behalf and on behalf of other allegedly aggrieved employees pursuant to the California Private Attorneys General Act of 2004, California Labor Code Section 2968, et seq. (“PAGA”) alleging violations of the California Labor Code, §201, et seq. (“Labor Code”). The plaintiff seeks civil penalties, interest, attorneys’ fees, and costs under the Labor Code for alleged failure to: provide and pay for work performed during meal and rest periods; properly calculate and pay all earned minimum and overtime wages; provide compliant wage statements; timely pay wages during employment and upon termination; and reimburse business expenses. On September 18, 2023, the parties reached a preliminary agreement to resolve this matter, which is subject to final approval by the Court, and we have set reserves accordingly. We do not believe that this matter has had or will have a material adverse effect on our business, consolidated financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.
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As previously reported, on November 18, 2020, Kforce Inc., et al. was served with a complaint brought in the Superior Court of the State of California, San Diego County, which was subsequently amended on January 21, 2021, to add Kforce Flexible Solutions as a party. Bernardo Buchsbaum, et al. v. Kforce Inc., et al., Case Number: 37-2020-00030994-CU-OE-CTL. The Court entered a written order granting final approval of the parties’ settlement agreement in March 2023, and the case has been dismissed. This matter did not have a material adverse effect on our business, consolidated financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.
As previously reported, on December 24, 2020, a complaint was filed against Kforce Inc., et al. in Superior Court of the State of California, Los Angeles County. Sydney Elliott-Brand, et al. v. Kforce Inc., et al., Case Number: 20STCV49193. On January 7, 2022, the lawsuit was amended to add Bernardo Buchsbaum and Josie Meister as plaintiffs and to add claims under PAGA and the Fair Labor Standards Act, 29 U.S.C. §§ 201, et seq. The Court entered a written order granting final approval of the parties’ settlement agreement in March 2023, and the matter is considered closed. This matter did not have a material adverse effect on our business, consolidated financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.
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ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The following is an executive summary of what Kforce believes are highlights as of and for the nine months ended September 30, 2023, which should be considered in the context of the additional discussions herein and in conjunction with the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and notes thereto.
•Revenue for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 decreased 9.5% to $1.17 billion from $1.29 billion in the comparable period in 2022. Revenue decreased 7.0% and 27.5% for Technology and FA, respectively, primarily driven by the impact of the macro environment on our business and the result of our repositioning efforts for FA.
•Flex revenue for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 decreased 8.5% (8.1% on a billing day basis) to $1.14 billion from $1.24 billion in the comparable period in 2022. Flex revenue decreased 6.2% (5.7% on a billing day basis) for Technology and 27.5% (27.1% on a billing day basis) for FA.
•Direct Hire revenue for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 decreased 35.3% to $30.1 million from $46.6 million in the comparable period in 2022.
•Gross profit margin for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 decreased 160 basis points to 28.0%, compared to September 30, 2022, as a result of a decline in the mix of Direct Hire revenue and Technology Flex gross profit margins.
•Flex gross profit margin for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 decreased 80 basis points to 26.1%, compared to September 30, 2022, primarily due to a continued tighter pricing environment and changes in the mix of business.
•SG&A expenses as a percentage of revenue for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 remained flat at 22.1%, compared to September 30, 2022.
•Net income for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 decreased 33.6% to $45.4 million, or $2.31 per share, from $68.4 million, or $3.31 per share, for the nine months ended September 30, 2022.
•SG&A expenses for the three months ended September 30, 2023 include costs of $8.4 million related to (i) organizational realignment activities and actions taken to reduce our costs to better align with the lower revenue levels and (ii) legal costs for settlements. These costs, net of related tax benefits, impacted our earnings per share in the third quarter by $0.36 per share.
•The Firm returned $62.9 million of capital to our shareholders in the form of open market repurchases totaling $42.0 million and quarterly dividends totaling $20.9 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2023.
•Cash provided by operating activities was $69.1 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2023, as compared to $78.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2022.
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RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Business Overview
Kforce is a leading domestic provider of technology and finance and accounting talent solutions to innovative and industry-leading companies. Our corporate headquarters is in Tampa, Florida. As of September 30, 2023, Kforce employed approximately 1,800 associates and had approximately 8,600 consultants on assignment providing flexible staffing services and solutions to our clients. Kforce serves clients across a diverse set of industries and organizations of all sizes, but we place a particular focus on serving Fortune 500 companies and other large consumers of our services.
From an economic standpoint, total and temporary employment figures and trends have historically been important indicators of staffing demand. The national unemployment rate was 3.8% in September 2023 compared to 3.5% in December 2022. In the latest U.S. staffing industry forecast published by Staffing Industry Analysts (“SIA”) in September 2023, the technology temporary staffing industry and finance and accounting temporary staffing industry are estimated to decline 3% and 6% in 2023, respectively, and grow 5% and 4% in 2024, respectively.
There has been heightened uncertainty in the macroeconomic environment, and concerns that the U.S. economy may fall into a recession, since the Federal Reserve began aggressively raising interest rates in March 2022 to address persistently high inflation. The U.S. Treasury’s yield curve has also recently been significantly inverted, which, for more than 50 years, has been a very strong indicator of a likely recession. There are also significant geopolitical concerns including, but not limited to, the Ukraine-Russia War, ongoing supply chain issues, U.S. political uncertainties and the Israel-Hamas War.
The uncertainty in the economy has had a negative impact on our results of operations since the second half of 2022. During the third quarter of 2023, Kforce took certain actions to realign our organization and reduce costs to better align with lower revenue levels. We anticipate that these actions will reduce annual operating costs by at least $14.0 million.
Operating Results - Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2023 and 2022
The following table presents certain items in our Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income as a percentage of revenue:
Three Months Ended September 30, | Nine Months Ended September 30, | ||||||||||||||||||||||
2023 | 2022 | 2023 | 2022 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Revenue by segment: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Technology | 90.7 | % | 89.2 | % | 90.3 | % | 87.9 | % | |||||||||||||||
FA | 9.3 | 10.8 | 9.7 | 12.1 | |||||||||||||||||||
Total Revenue | 100.0 | % | 100.0 | % | 100.0 | % | 100.0 | % | |||||||||||||||
Revenue by type: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Flex | 97.6 | % | 96.7 | % | 97.4 | % | 96.4 | % | |||||||||||||||
Direct Hire | 2.4 | 3.3 | 2.6 | 3.6 | |||||||||||||||||||
Total Revenue | 100.0 | % | 100.0 | % | 100.0 | % | 100.0 | % | |||||||||||||||
Gross profit | 27.7 | % | 29.0 | % | 28.0 | % | 29.6 | % | |||||||||||||||
Selling, general and administrative expenses | 23.1 | % | 21.6 | % | 22.1 | % | 22.1 | % | |||||||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization | 0.3 | % | 0.2 | % | 0.3 | % | 0.2 | % | |||||||||||||||
Income from operations | 4.3 | % | 7.2 | % | 5.6 | % | 7.2 | % | |||||||||||||||
Income from operations, before income taxes | 4.2 | % | 6.9 | % | 5.5 | % | 7.2 | % | |||||||||||||||
Net income | 2.8 | % | 5.1 | % | 3.9 | % | 5.3 | % |
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Revenue. The following table presents revenue by type for each segment and the percentage change from the prior period (in thousands):
Three Months Ended September 30, | Nine Months Ended September 30, | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2023 | Increase (Decrease) | 2022 | 2023 | Increase (Decrease) | 2022 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Technology | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Flex revenue | $ | 334,253 | (12.5) | % | $ | 382,072 | $ | 1,040,103 | (6.2) | % | $ | 1,109,294 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Direct Hire revenue | 4,036 | (52.1) | % | 8,424 | 15,055 | (41.4) | % | 25,702 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total Technology revenue | $ | 338,289 | (13.4) | % | $ | 390,496 | $ | 1,055,158 | (7.0) | % | $ | 1,134,996 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
FA | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Flex revenue | $ | 29,908 | (26.9) | % | $ | 40,896 | $ | 98,060 | (27.5) | % | $ | 135,239 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Direct Hire revenue | 4,925 | (20.9) | % | 6,228 | 15,091 | (27.7) | % | 20,868 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total FA revenue | $ | 34,833 | (26.1) | % | $ | 47,124 | $ | 113,151 | (27.5) | % | $ | 156,107 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Total Flex revenue | $ | 364,161 | (13.9) | % | $ | 422,968 | $ | 1,138,163 | (8.5) | % | $ | 1,244,533 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Total Direct Hire revenue | 8,961 | (38.8) | % | 14,652 | 30,146 | (35.3) | % | 46,570 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total Revenue | $ | 373,122 | (14.7) | % | $ | 437,620 | $ | 1,168,309 | (9.5) | % | $ | 1,291,103 |
Our quarterly operating results are affected by the number of billing days in a quarter. The following table presents the year-over-year changes in Flex revenue, on a billing day basis, for the last five quarters:
Changes in Year-Over-Year Flex Revenue | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(Per Billing Day) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Q3 2023 | Q2 2023 | Q1 2023 | Q4 2022 | Q3 2022 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Billing Days | 63 | 64 | 64 | 61 | 64 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Technology | (11.1) | % | (7.8) | % | 2.2 | % | 8.5 | % | 15.7 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||
FA | (25.7) | % | (27.3) | % | (28.2) | % | (28.8) | % | (30.7) | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Total Flex Revenue | (12.5) | % | (9.8) | % | (1.6) | % | 3.1 | % | 8.7 | % |
Flex Revenue. The key drivers of Flex revenue are the number of consultants on assignment, billable hours, the bill rate per hour and, to a limited extent, the amount of billable expenses incurred by Kforce and billable to our clients.
Flex revenue in our Technology business decreased during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023 by 12.5% (11.1% on a billing day basis) and 6.2% (5.7% on a billing day basis), respectively, as compared to the same periods in 2022, primarily due to a decrease in consultants on assignment, which was partially offset by higher average bill rates. We began to experience a softening in the demand environment beginning in the second half of 2022 as our clients began to exercise restraint in initiating new technology initiatives against the backdrop of the current macroeconomic environment. Our average bill rates remained strong and increased 2.3% and 3.4% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023, respectively, as compared to the same periods in 2022. In the fourth quarter, we expect revenue in our Technology Flex business to remain stable sequentially and to decline in the low double digits given the trends that we have experienced in 2023 on a year-to-date basis as well as difficult comparisons on a year-over-year basis.
Our FA segment experienced a decrease in Flex revenue of 26.9% (25.7% on a billing day basis) and 27.5% (27.1% on a billing day basis) during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023, respectively, as compared to the same periods in 2022, primarily driven by the repositioning efforts of our business towards more high-skilled roles and the continued uncertainty in the macroeconomic environment. We have seen solid indicators of success in our repositioning efforts as our average bill rates continued to improve by 1.4% and 6.9% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023, respectively, as compared to the same periods in 2022 and our Flex margins have improved significantly as well. In the fourth quarter, we expect a sequential decline in FA Flex revenue in the mid-single digits.
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The following table presents the key drivers for the change in Flex revenue by segment over the prior period (in thousands):
Three Months Ended | Nine Months Ended | ||||||||||||||||||||||
September 30, 2023 vs. September 30, 2022 | September 30, 2023 vs. September 30, 2022 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Technology | FA | Technology | FA | ||||||||||||||||||||
Key Drivers - Increase (Decrease) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Volume - hours billed | $ | (54,566) | $ | (11,385) | $ | (101,682) | $ | (43,474) | |||||||||||||||
Bill rate | 7,385 | 407 | 34,176 | 6,311 | |||||||||||||||||||
Billable expenses | (638) | (10) | (1,685) | (16) | |||||||||||||||||||
Total change in Flex revenue | $ | (47,819) | $ | (10,988) | $ | (69,191) | $ | (37,179) |
The following table presents total Flex hours billed by segment and percentage change over the prior period (in thousands):
Three Months Ended September 30, | Nine Months Ended September 30, | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2023 | Increase (Decrease) | 2022 | 2023 | Increase (Decrease) | 2022 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Technology | 3,690 | (14.3) | % | 4,308 | 11,550 | (9.2) | % | 12,722 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
FA | 589 | (27.8) | % | 816 | 1,970 | (32.2) | % | 2,904 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total Flex hours billed | 4,279 | (16.5) | % | 5,124 | 13,520 | (13.5) | % | 15,626 |
Direct Hire Revenue. The key drivers of Direct Hire revenue are the number of placements and the associated placement fee. Direct Hire revenue also includes conversion revenue, which may occur when a consultant initially assigned to a client on a temporary basis is later converted to a permanent placement for a fee.
Direct Hire revenue decreased 38.8% and 35.3% during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023, respectively, as compared to the same periods in 2022, which was primarily driven by a decrease in placements stemming from the uncertainties in the macroeconomic environment.
Gross Profit. Gross profit is calculated by deducting direct costs (primarily consultant compensation, payroll taxes, payroll-related insurance and certain fringe benefits, as well as third-party compliance costs) from total revenue. There are no consultant payroll costs associated with Direct Hire placements; accordingly, all Direct Hire revenue increases gross profit by the full amount of the placement fee.
The following table presents the gross profit percentage (gross profit as a percentage of total revenue) by segment and percentage change over the prior period:
Three Months Ended September 30, | Nine Months Ended September 30, | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2023 | Increase (Decrease) | 2022 | 2023 | Increase (Decrease) | 2022 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Technology | 26.4 | % | (4.3) | % | 27.6 | % | 26.8 | % | (5.0) | % | 28.2 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||
FA | 40.4 | % | 0.7 | % | 40.1 | % | 39.2 | % | (0.5) | % | 39.4 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Total gross profit percentage | 27.7 | % | (4.5) | % | 29.0 | % | 28.0 | % | (5.4) | % | 29.6 | % |
The total gross profit percentage for each of the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023 decreased 130 and 160 basis points, respectively, as compared to the same periods in 2022, primarily due to a decline in the mix of Direct Hire revenue and Technology Flex gross profit margins.
Flex gross profit percentage (Flex gross profit as a percentage of Flex revenue) provides management with helpful insights into the other drivers of total gross profit percentage driven by our Flex business, such as changes in the spread between the consultants’ bill rate and pay rate, changes in payroll tax rates or benefits costs, as well as the impact of billable expenses, which provide no profit margin.
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The following table presents the Flex gross profit percentage by segment and percentage change over the prior period:
Three Months Ended September 30, | Nine Months Ended September 30, | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2023 | Increase (Decrease) | 2022 | 2023 | Increase (Decrease) | 2022 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Technology | 25.5 | % | (1.9) | % | 26.0 | % | 25.8 | % | (2.6) | % | 26.5 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||
FA | 30.5 | % | (1.3) | % | 30.9 | % | 29.9 | % | (0.3) | % | 30.0 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Total Flex gross profit percentage | 25.9 | % | (2.3) | % | 26.5 | % | 26.1 | % | (3.0) | % | 26.9 | % |
Our Flex gross profit percentage decreased 60 and 80 basis points for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023, respectively, as compared to same periods in 2022.
•Technology Flex gross profit margin decreased 50 and 70 basis points for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023, respectively, as compared to the same periods in 2022, primarily due to a tighter pricing environment. We expect Technology Flex gross profit margins for the fourth quarter to be relatively stable sequentially or to be slightly down as a result of typical seasonal impacts.
•FA Flex gross profit margins decreased 40 and 10 basis points for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023, respectively, as compared to the same periods in 2022. The decrease for the three months ended is primarily due to a change in our client portfolio mix.
The following table presents the key drivers for the change in Flex gross profit by segment over the prior period (in thousands):
Three Months Ended | Nine Months Ended | ||||||||||||||||||||||
September 30, 2023 vs. September 30, 2022 | September 30, 2023 vs. September 30, 2022 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Technology | FA | Technology | FA | ||||||||||||||||||||
Key Drivers - Increase (Decrease) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Revenue impact | $ | (12,436) | $ | (3,399) | $ | (18,367) | $ | (11,162) | |||||||||||||||
Profitability impact | (1,568) | (115) | (7,850) | (124) | |||||||||||||||||||
Total change in Flex gross profit | $ | (14,004) | $ | (3,514) | $ | (26,217) | $ | (11,286) |
SG&A Expenses. Total compensation, commissions, payroll taxes and benefit costs as a percentage of SG&A represented 83.8% and 84.6% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023, respectively, as compared to 85.3% and 85.1% for the comparable periods in 2022, respectively. Commissions and bonus incentives are variable costs driven primarily by revenue and gross profit levels. Therefore, as those levels change, these expenses would also generally be anticipated to change.
The following table presents components of SG&A expenses, and expressed as a percentage of revenue (in thousands):
2023 | % of Revenue | 2022 | % of Revenue | ||||||||||||||||||||
Three Months Ended September 30, | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Compensation, commissions, payroll taxes and benefits costs | $ | 72,232 | 19.4 | % | $ | 80,425 | 18.4 | % | |||||||||||||||
Other (1) | 13,994 | 3.7 | % | 13,881 | 3.2 | % | |||||||||||||||||
Total SG&A | $ | 86,226 | 23.1 | % | $ | 94,306 | 21.6 | % | |||||||||||||||
Nine Months Ended September 30, | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Compensation, commissions, payroll taxes and benefits costs | $ | 218,850 | 18.7 | % | $ | 243,017 | 18.8 | % | |||||||||||||||
Other (1) | 39,708 | 3.4 | % | 42,485 | 3.3 | % | |||||||||||||||||
Total SG&A | $ | 258,558 | 22.1 | % | $ | 285,502 | 22.1 | % |
(1) Includes credit loss expense, lease expense, professional fees, travel, telephone, computer, and certain other expenses.
SG&A as a percentage of revenue increased 150 basis points for the three months ended September 30, 2023, as compared to the same period in 2022, which was primarily related to $8.4 million of costs associated with organizational realignment activities, actions taken to reduce our structural costs, and legal costs for settlements. SG&A as a percentage of revenue remained flat for the nine months ended September 30, 2023, as compared to the same period in 2022, primarily as a result of a decrease in performance-based compensation given lower revenues, offset by the aforementioned items.
Despite the uncertainties in the macroeconomic environment, we are continuing to prioritize investments in our strategic initiatives, including our integrated strategy and multi-year efforts to transform our back office, but are exercising tighter discretionary spend control, taking certain actions to align our costs with the lower revenue levels and generating other cost efficiencies, where appropriate.
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Depreciation and Amortization. The following table presents depreciation and amortization expense and percentage change over the prior period by major category (in thousands):
Three Months Ended September 30, | Nine Months Ended September 30, | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2023 | Increase (Decrease) | 2022 | 2023 | Increase (Decrease) | 2022 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Fixed asset depreciation (includes finance leases) | $ | 818 | 37.0 | % | $ | 597 | $ | 2,336 | 22.8 | % | $ | 1,902 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Capitalized software amortization | 384 | (14.3) | % | 448 | 1,440 | 9.8 | % | 1,312 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total Depreciation and amortization | $ | 1,202 | 15.0 | % | $ | 1,045 | $ | 3,776 | 17.5 | % | $ | 3,214 |
Other Expense (Income), Net. Other expense, net for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023 was $0.2 million and $1.5 million, respectively. Other expense (income), net for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022 was expense of $0.9 million and income of $0.3 million, respectively. This line item primarily includes interest expense related to outstanding borrowings under our Amended and Restated Credit Facility and our proportionate share of losses related to our equity method investment prior to the sale of our noncontrolling interest in WorkLLama in February 2023, as discussed below.
During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023, our proportionate share of losses related to our equity method investment was nil and $0.8 million, respectively. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022, our proportionate share of losses related to our equity method investment was $0.9 million and $2.7 million, respectively. On February 23, 2023, Kforce sold its 50% noncontrolling interest in WorkLLama to an unaffiliated third party. Refer to Note A - “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” in the Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, included in Item 1 of this report, for more details.
During the nine months ended September 30, 2022, Other expense (income), net also includes a $4.1 million gain recognized as a result of the termination of an interest rate swap agreement in May 2022. Refer to Note J - “Derivative Instrument and Hedging Activity” in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, included in Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, for a complete discussion of the interest rate swap derivative instruments.
Income Tax Expense. Income tax expense as a percentage of income from operations, before income taxes (our “effective tax rate”) for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022 was 28.9% and 26.7%, respectively. The primary differences between the U.S. statutory rate and our effective tax rate are related to nondeductible items such as Internal Revenue Code Section 162(m).
Non-GAAP Financial Measures
Free Cash Flow. “Free Cash Flow,” a non-GAAP financial measure, is defined by Kforce as net cash provided by operating activities determined in accordance with GAAP, less capital expenditures. Management believes this provides an additional way of viewing our liquidity that, when viewed with our GAAP results, provides a more complete understanding of factors and trends affecting our cash flows and is useful information to investors as it provides a measure of the amount of cash generated from the business that can be used for strategic opportunities, including investing in our business, repurchasing common stock, paying dividends or making acquisitions. Free Cash Flow is limited, however, because it does not represent the residual cash flow available for discretionary expenditures. Therefore, we believe it is important to view Free Cash Flow as a complement to (but not a replacement of) our Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. The following table presents Free Cash Flow (in thousands):
Nine Months Ended September 30, | |||||||||||
2023 | 2022 | ||||||||||
Net cash provided by operating activities | $ | 69,056 | $ | 78,063 | |||||||
Capital expenditures | (6,076) | (4,656) | |||||||||
Free cash flow | 62,980 | 73,407 | |||||||||
Change in debt | (4,200) | (100,000) | |||||||||
Repurchases of common stock | (41,470) | (42,103) | |||||||||
Cash dividends | (20,842) | (18,164) | |||||||||
Equity method investment | (750) | (500) | |||||||||
Proceeds from the sale of our joint venture interest | 5,059 | — | |||||||||
Premiums paid for company-owned life insurance policies | (765) | — | |||||||||
Note receivable issued to our joint venture | — | (4,500) | |||||||||
Other | (11) | (40) | |||||||||
Change in cash and cash equivalents | $ | 1 | $ | (91,900) |
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Adjusted EBITDA. “Adjusted EBITDA,” a non-GAAP financial measure, is defined by Kforce as net income before depreciation and amortization, stock-based compensation expense, interest expense, net, income tax expense, organizational realignment activities, legal settlement expense, loss from equity method investment and gain from swap termination. Adjusted EBITDA should not be considered a measure of financial performance under GAAP. Items excluded from Adjusted EBITDA are significant components in understanding and assessing our past and future financial performance, and this presentation should not be construed as an inference by us that our future results will be unaffected by those items excluded from Adjusted EBITDA. Adjusted EBITDA is a key measure used by management to assess our operations including our ability to generate cash flows and our ability to repay our debt obligations and management believes it provides a good metric of our core profitability in comparing our performance to our competitors, as well as our performance over different time periods. Consequently, management believes it is useful information to investors. The measure should not be considered in isolation or as an alternative to net income, cash flows or other financial statement information presented in the consolidated financial statements as indicators of financial performance or liquidity. The measure is not determined in accordance with GAAP and is thus susceptible to varying calculations. Also, Adjusted EBITDA, as presented, may not be comparable to similarly titled measures of other companies.
In addition, although we excluded amortization of stock-based compensation expense because it is a non-cash expense, we expect to continue to incur stock-based compensation expense in the future and the associated stock issued may result in an increase in our outstanding shares of stock, which may result in the dilution of our shareholder ownership interest. We suggest that you evaluate these items and the potential risks of excluding such items when analyzing our financial position.
The following table presents a reconciliation of net income to Adjusted EBITDA (in thousands):
2023 | 2022 | ||||||||||
Three Months Ended September 30, | |||||||||||
Net income | $ | 10,575 | $ | 22,262 | |||||||
Depreciation and amortization | 1,202 | 1,045 | |||||||||
Stock-based compensation expense | 5,967 | 4,445 | |||||||||
Interest expense, net | 181 | 9 | |||||||||
Income tax expense | 5,277 | 8,151 | |||||||||
Organizational realignment activities | 3,662 | — | |||||||||
Legal settlement expense | 2,175 | — | |||||||||
Loss from equity method investment | — | 896 | |||||||||
Adjusted EBITDA | $ | 29,039 | $ | 36,808 | |||||||
Nine Months Ended September 30, | |||||||||||
Net income | $ | 45,359 | $ | 68,359 | |||||||
Depreciation and amortization | 3,776 | 3,214 | |||||||||
Stock-based compensation expense | 14,602 | 13,293 | |||||||||
Interest expense, net | 789 | 988 | |||||||||
Income tax expense | 18,471 | 24,886 | |||||||||
Organizational realignment activities | 3,662 | — | |||||||||
Legal settlement expense | 2,175 | — | |||||||||
Loss from equity method investment | 750 | 2,737 | |||||||||
Gain from swap termination | — | 4,059 | |||||||||
Adjusted EBITDA | $ | 89,584 | $ | 117,536 |
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LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
To meet our capital and liquidity requirements, we primarily rely on our operating cash flows and borrowings under our credit facility. At September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, we had $21.4 million and $25.6 million outstanding under our Amended and Restated Credit Facility, respectively, and the borrowing availability was $177.4 million and $173.1 million, respectively, subject to certain covenants.
Cash Flows
We are principally focused on generating positive cash flows from operating activities, investing in our business to sustain our long-term growth and profitability objectives, and returning capital to our shareholders through our quarterly dividends and common stock repurchase program.
Cash provided by operating activities was $69.1 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2023, as compared to $78.1 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2022. Our largest source of operating cash flows is the collection of trade receivables, and our largest use of operating cash flows is the payment of our associate and consultant compensation. The year-over-year decrease in cash provided by operating activities was primarily driven by lower profitability levels and the timing of payments.
Cash used in investing activities during the nine months ended September 30, 2023 was $2.5 million and primarily consisted of cash used for capital expenditures of $6.1 million, partially offset by the proceeds from the sale of our joint venture interest of $5.1 million. Cash used in investing activities was $9.7 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2022, and primarily consisted of cash used for capital expenditures and contributions to our joint venture.
Cash used in financing activities was $66.5 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2023, compared to $160.3 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2022. The change was primarily driven by the repayment of $100.0 million outstanding on our Amended and Restated Credit Facility in the prior period.
The following table presents the cash flow impact of the common stock repurchase activity (in thousands):
Nine Months Ended September 30, | ||||||||||||||
2023 | 2022 | |||||||||||||
Open market repurchases | $ | 40,716 | $ | 41,572 | ||||||||||
Repurchase of shares related to tax withholding requirements for vesting of restricted stock | 754 | 531 | ||||||||||||
Total cash flow impact of common stock repurchases | $ | 41,470 | $ | 42,103 | ||||||||||
Cash paid in current year for settlement of prior year repurchases | $ | 974 | $ | 181 | ||||||||||
During the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, Kforce declared and paid quarterly dividends of $20.9 million ($1.08 per share) and $18.2 million ($0.90 per share), respectively, which represents a 20% increase on a per share basis. While the Board of Directors (the “Board”) has declared and paid quarterly dividends since the fourth quarter of 2014, and intends to in the foreseeable future, dividends will be subject to determination by our Board each quarter following its review of, among other things, the Firm’s current and expected financial performance as well as the ability to pay dividends under applicable law.
We believe that existing cash and cash equivalents, operating cash flows and available borrowings under our Amended and Restated Credit Facility will be adequate to meet the capital expenditure and working capital requirements of our operations for at least the next 12 months and give us the flexibility to continue returning significant capital to our shareholders. However, a material deterioration in the economic environment or market conditions, among other things, could adversely affect operating results and liquidity, as well as the ability of our lenders to fund borrowings. Actual results could also differ materially from these indicated as a result of a number of factors, including the use of currently available resources for capital expenditures, investments, additional common stock repurchases or dividends.
Credit Facility
On October 20, 2021, the Firm entered into the Amended and Restated Credit Facility, which has a maximum borrowing capacity of $200.0 million, and subject to certain conditions and the participation of the lenders, may be increased up to an aggregate additional amount of $150.0 million. As of September 30, 2023, $21.4 million was outstanding and $177.4 million was available on our Amended and Restated Credit Facility, and as of December 31, 2022, $25.6 million was outstanding. As of September 30, 2023, we were in compliance with all of our financial covenants contained in the Amended and Restated Credit Facility as described in the 2022 Annual Report on Form 10-K, and currently expect that we will be able to maintain compliance with these covenants.
In June 2023, Kforce entered into the First Amendment, among Wells Fargo, as administrative agent, and the lenders and financial institutions from time to time party thereto, to replace the LIBOR-based benchmark interest rates with the SOFR Rate. Refer to Note G - “Credit Facility” in the Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, included in this report, for a complete discussion of our Amended and Restated Credit Facility.
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In April 2017 and March 2020, Kforce entered into two forward-starting interest rate swap agreements to mitigate the risk of rising interest rates. As of September 30, 2023 and 2022, the Firm did not have any outstanding interest rate swap derivative instruments. Refer to Note J - “Derivative Instrument and Hedging Activity” in the Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, included in this report, for a complete discussion of our interest rate swaps.
Stock Repurchases
In February 2023, the Board approved an increase in our stock repurchase authorization, bringing the total authorization to $100.0 million. During the nine months ended September 30, 2023, Kforce repurchased approximately 722 thousand shares of common stock on the open market at a total cost of approximately $42.0 million, and $66.8 million remained available for further repurchases under the Board-authorized common stock repurchase program at September 30, 2023.
As a result of the newly enacted IRA, the Company recorded a 1% nondeductible excise tax on certain repurchases of stock, net of issuances. The IRA is not expected to have a material impact on our cash flows, results of operations or financial position. Refer to Note A - “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” in the Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, included in Item 1 of this report, for a complete discussion of the new excise tax related to the IRA.
Contractual Obligations and Commitments
Other than the changes described below and elsewhere in this Quarterly Report, there have been no material changes during the period covered by this report on Form 10-Q to our contractual obligations previously disclosed in Part II, Item 7. “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” included in our 2022 Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Our purchase obligations consist of agreements to purchase goods and services entered into in the ordinary course of business. As of September 30, 2023, the value of our non-cancellable unconditional purchase obligations was $33.1 million.
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES
Our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with GAAP. In connection with the preparation of our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements, we are required to make assumptions and estimates about future events and apply judgments that affect the reported amount of assets, liabilities, revenues, expenses and the related disclosures. We base our assumptions, estimates and judgments on historical experience, current trends and other factors that management believes to be relevant at the time our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements are prepared. On a regular basis, management reviews the accounting policies, estimates, assumptions and judgments to ensure that our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements are presented fairly and in accordance with GAAP. However, because future events and their effects cannot be determined with certainty, actual results could differ from our assumptions and estimates, and such differences could be material.
NEW ACCOUNTING STANDARDS
Refer to Note A - “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” in the Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, included in Item 1. Financial Statements of this report for a discussion of new accounting standards.
ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK.
With respect to our quantitative and qualitative disclosures about market risk, there have been no material changes to the information included in Part II, Item 7A. “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk” in our 2022 Annual Report on Form 10-K.
ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES.
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
As of September 30, 2023, we carried out an evaluation required by Rules 13a-15 and 15d-15 under the Exchange Act (the “Evaluation”), under the supervision and with the participation of our CEO and CFO, of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as defined in Rules 13a-15 and 15d-15 under the Exchange Act (“Disclosure Controls”). Based on the Evaluation, our CEO and CFO concluded that the design and operation of our Disclosure Controls were effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is: (1) recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms; and (2) accumulated and communicated to management, including the principal executive officer and the principal financial officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding disclosure.
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
Management has evaluated, with the participation of our CEO and CFO, whether any changes in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during our last fiscal quarter have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting. Based on the evaluation we conducted, management has concluded that no such changes have occurred.
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Inherent Limitations of Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
Because of the inherent limitations of internal control over financial reporting, including the possibility of collusion or improper management override of controls, material misstatements due to error or fraud may not be prevented or detected on a timely basis. Also, projections of any evaluation of the effectiveness of the internal control over financial reporting to future periods are subject to the risk that the controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
CEO and CFO Certifications
Exhibits 31.1 and 31.2 are the Certifications of the CEO and the CFO, respectively. The Certifications are required in accordance with Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (the “Section 302 Certifications”). This section contains the information concerning the Evaluation referred to in the Section 302 Certifications and this information should be read in conjunction with the Section 302 Certifications for a more complete understanding of the topics presented.
PART II - OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS.
We are involved in legal proceedings, claims and administrative matters that arise in the ordinary course of business. For further information regarding legal proceedings, refer to Note L - "Commitments and Contingencies" in the Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements in the section entitled "Litigation," included in Item 1. Financial Statements of this report. While the ultimate outcome of these legal proceedings cannot be determined, we currently do not expect that these matters, individually or in the aggregate, will have a material effect on our financial position.
ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS.
There have been no material changes in the risk factors previously disclosed in our 2022 Annual Report on Form 10-K.
ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS.
Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer
Purchases of common stock under the Board authorized stock repurchase plan (the “Plan”) are subject to certain price, market, volume and timing constraints, which are specified in the Plan. The following table presents information with respect to our repurchases of Kforce common stock during the three months ended September 30, 2023:
Period | Total Number of Shares Purchased (1) (2) | Average Price Paid per Share (3) | Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs | Approximate Dollar Value of Shares that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs (3)(4) | |||||||||||||||||||
July 1, 2023 to July 31, 2023 | 4,806 | $ | 63.45 | — | $ | 84,852,288 | |||||||||||||||||
August 1, 2023 to August 31, 2023 | 82,250 | $ | 61.86 | 80,807 | $ | 79,851,735 | |||||||||||||||||
September 1, 2023 to September 30, 2023 | 218,945 | $ | 59.51 | 218,945 | $ | 66,822,516 | |||||||||||||||||
Total | 306,001 | $ | 60.20 | 299,752 | $ | 66,822,516 |
(1) Includes 4,806 shares received upon vesting of restricted stock to satisfy tax withholding requirements for the period July 1, 2023 to July 31, 2023.
(2) Includes 1,443 shares received upon vesting of restricted stock to satisfy tax withholding requirements for the period August 1, 2023 to August 31, 2023.
(3) The IRA imposed a 1% nondeductible excise tax on the net value of certain open market stock repurchases made after December 31, 2022. All dollar amounts presented exclude such excise tax, as applicable. Refer to Note A - “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” in the Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, included in this report, for a complete discussion of the new excise tax related to the IRA.
(4) In February 2023, the Board approved a change in our stock repurchase authorization increasing the available authorization to $100.0 million.
ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES.
None.
ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES.
None.
ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION.
Insider Trading Arrangements
During the three months ended September 30, 2023, none of the Company’s officers or directors adopted or terminated any contract, instruction, or written plan for the purchase or sale of Company securities that was intended to satisfy the affirmative defense conditions of Rule 10b5-1(c) or any “non-Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement” as defined in Item 408(c) of Regulation S-K.
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ITEM 6. EXHIBITS.
Exhibit Number | Description | ||||
3.1 | Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation, incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 33-91738) filed with the SEC on April 28, 1995. | ||||
Articles of Amendment to Articles of Incorporation, incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-4/A (File No. 333-111566) filed with the SEC on February 9, 2004, as amended. | |||||
Articles of Amendment to Articles of Incorporation, incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-4/A (File No. 333-111566) filed with the SEC on February 9, 2004, as amended. | |||||
Articles of Amendment to Articles of Incorporation, incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-4/A (File No. 333-111566) filed with the SEC on February 9, 2004, as amended. | |||||
Articles of Amendment to Articles of Incorporation, incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 000-26058) filed with the SEC on May 17, 2000. | |||||
Articles of Amendment to Articles of Incorporation, incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K (File No. 000-26058) filed with the SEC on March 29, 2002. | |||||
Amended & Restated Bylaws, incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 000-26058) filed with the SEC on April 29, 2013. | |||||
Form of Employee Restricted Stock Award Agreement under the 2023 Stock Incentive Plan filed herewith. | |||||
Certification by the Chief Executive Officer of Kforce Inc. pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. | |||||
Certification by the Chief Financial Officer of Kforce Inc. pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. | |||||
Certification by the Chief Executive Officer of Kforce Inc. pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. | |||||
Certification by the Chief Financial Officer of Kforce Inc. pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 2350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. | |||||
101.1 | The following material from this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Kforce Inc. for the period ended September 30, 2023, formatted in XBRL Part I, Item 1 of this Form 10-Q formatted in XBRL (Extensible Business Reporting Language): (i) Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income; (ii) Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets; (iii) Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statement of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity; (iv) Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows; and (v) related notes to these financial statements. | ||||
104 | Cover Page Interactive Data File - the cover page interactive data file does not appear in the Interactive Data File because its XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document. |
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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
KFORCE INC. | ||||||||||||||
Date: | November 1, 2023 | By: | /s/ JEFFREY B. HACKMAN | |||||||||||
Jeffrey B. Hackman | ||||||||||||||
Chief Financial Officer | ||||||||||||||
(Principal Financial and Chief Accounting Officer) |
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