Edgar Filing: BARRETT BUSINESS SERVICES INC

Large accelerated filer

Accelerated filer

Non-accelerated filer

Smaller reporting company

Form 10-Q

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

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

For the Quarterly Period Ended September 30, 2016

¨	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 0-21886

BARRETT BUSINESS SERVICES, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)


Maryland		52-0812977
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)		(IRS Employer Identification No.)

8100 NE Parkway Drive, Suite 200 Vancouver, Washington		98662
(Address of principal executive offices)		(Zip Code)

(360) 828-0700

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant: (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes ¨ No x

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

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer”, and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

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

As of November 1, 2016, 7,243,667 shares of the registrant’s common stock ($0.01 par value) were outstanding.

BARRETT BUSINESS SERVICES, INC.

INDEX TO FORM 10-Q


		Page
Part I - Financial Information

Item 1.	Unaudited Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

	Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets – September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015		3

	Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations – Three Months Ended September 30, 2016 and 2015		4

	Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations – Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016 and 2015		5

	Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income – Three Months and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016 and 2015		6

	Condensed Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity – Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016 and 2015		7

	Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows – Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016 and 2015		8

	Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements		9

Item 2.	Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations		22

Item 3.	Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk		34

Item 4.	Controls and Procedures		34

Part II - Other Information

Item 1.	Legal Proceedings		39

Item 1A.	Risk Factors		40

Item 2.	Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds		41

Item 6.	Exhibits		41

Signature			42

Exhibit Index			43

PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1.

Unaudited Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

Barrett Business Services, Inc.

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

(Unaudited)

(In Thousands, Except Par Value)


	September 30, 2016		December 31, 2015
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	26,786	$	25,218
Trade accounts receivable, net		140,074		90,529
Income taxes receivable		0		1,038
Prepaid expenses and other		3,637		3,173
Investments		1,013		0
Restricted cash and investments		51,959		86,110
Deferred income taxes		20,906		20,941

Total current assets		244,375		227,009

Investments		863		6,082
Property, equipment and software, net		25,790		22,820
Restricted cash and investments		245,020		187,916
Goodwill		47,820		47,820
Other assets		15,937		5,130

	$	579,805	$	496,777


LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Current portion of long-term debt	$	221	$	19,833
Accounts payable		4,520		3,217
Accrued payroll, payroll taxes and related benefits		161,062		121,343
Income taxes payable		4,797		0
Other accrued liabilities		10,751		6,166
Workers’ compensation claims liabilities		77,683		65,581
Safety incentives liability		24,997		21,253

Total current liabilities		284,031		237,393

Long-term workers’ compensation claims liabilities		214,248		190,094
Long-term debt		4,447		0
Deferred income taxes		13,256		13,256
Customer deposits and other long-term liabilities		1,443		1,483

Total liabilities		517,425		442,226


Commitments and contingencies (Notes 4 and 6)

Stockholders’ equity:
Common stock, $.01 par value; 20,500 shares authorized, 7,244 and 7,203 shares issued and outstanding		72		72
Additional paid-in capital		8,749		6,964
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)		27		(31	)
Retained earnings		53,532		47,546

		62,380		54,551

	$	579,805	$	496,777

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

Barrett Business Services, Inc.

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations

(Unaudited)

(In Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)


	Three Months Ended September 30,
	2016			2015
Revenues:
Professional employer service fees	$	177,229		$	152,108
Staffing services		47,874			46,617


Total revenues		225,103			198,725


Cost of revenues:
Direct payroll costs		37,017			35,308
Payroll taxes and benefits		82,888			75,237
Workers’ compensation		55,639			45,290


Total cost of revenues		175,544			155,835


Gross margin		49,559			42,890

Selling, general and administrative expenses		30,440			25,440
Depreciation and amortization		823			721


Income from operations		18,296			16,729


Other income (expense):
Investment income		194			254
Interest expense		(196	)		(467	)
Loss on litigation		(3,305	)		0
Other, net		27			(3	)


Other expense, net		(3,280	)		(216	)


Income before income taxes		15,016			16,513

Provision for income taxes		4,783			5,540


Net income	$	10,233		$	10,973


Basic earnings per common share	$	1.41		$	1.52


Weighted average number of basic common shares outstanding		7,243			7,201


Diluted earnings per common share	$	1.38		$	1.49


Weighted average number of diluted common shares outstanding		7,405			7,362


Cash dividends per common share		0.22		$	0.22

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

Barrett Business Services, Inc.

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations

(Unaudited)

(In Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)


	Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2016			2015
Revenues:
Professional employer service fees	$	497,682		$	418,954
Staffing services		121,806			128,130


Total revenues		619,488			547,084


Cost of revenues:
Direct payroll costs		92,667			97,260
Payroll taxes and benefits		269,533			235,122
Workers’ compensation		155,089			126,403


Total cost of revenues		517,289			458,785


Gross margin		102,199			88,299

Selling, general and administrative expenses		80,834			63,839
Depreciation and amortization		2,341			2,113


Income from operations		19,024			22,347


Other income (expense):
Investment income		702			570
Interest expense		(704	)		(1,549	)
Loss on litigation		(3,305	)		0
Other, net		26			(82	)


Other expense, net		(3,281	)		(1,061	)


Income before income taxes		15,743			21,286

Provision for income taxes		4,991			7,239


Net income	$	10,752		$	14,047


Basic earnings per common share	$	1.49		$	1.96


Weighted average number of basic common shares outstanding		7,220			7,163


Diluted earnings per common share	$	1.46		$	1.91


Weighted average number of diluted common shares outstanding		7,350			7,340


Cash dividends per common share		0.66		$	0.66

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

Barrett Business Services, Inc.

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income

(Unaudited)

(In Thousands)


	Three Months Ended September 30,
	2016		2015
Net income	$	10,233	$	10,973
Unrealized gains on investments, net of tax of $2 and $4 in 2016 and 2015, respectively		4		6

Comprehensive income	$	10,237	$	10,979


	Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2016		2015
Net income	$	10,752	$	14,047
Unrealized gains on investments, net of tax of $35 and $21 in 2016 and 2015, respectively		58		33

Comprehensive income	$	10,810	$	14,080

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

Barrett Business Services, Inc.

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016 and 2015

(Unaudited)

(In Thousands)


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

Balance, December 31, 2014 (As Restated) ⁽¹⁾		7,126		$	71	$	4,410		$	(23	)	$	28,362		$	32,820

Common stock issued on exercise of options and vesting of restricted stock units		88			1		688			0			0			689
Common stock repurchased on vesting of restricted stock units		(12	)		0		(465	)		0			0			(465	)
Share based compensation expense		0			0		1,727			0			0			1,727
Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation		0			0		56			0			0			56
Cash dividends on common stock		0			0		0			0			(4,726	)		(4,726	)
Unrealized gain on investments, net of tax		0			0		0			33			0			33
Net Income		0			0		0			0			14,047			14,047


Balance, September 30, 2015		7,202		$	72	$	6,416		$	10		$	37,683		$	44,181


Balance, December 31, 2015		7,203		$	72	$	6,964		$	(31	)	$	47,546		$	54,551

Common stock issued on exercise of options and vesting of restricted stock units		52			0		72			0			0			72
Common stock repurchased on vesting of restricted stock units		(11	)		0		(433	)		0			0			(433	)
Share based compensation expense		0			0		1,881			0			0			1,881
Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation		0			0		265			0			0			265
Cash dividends on common stock		0			0		0			0			(4,766	)		(4,766	)
Unrealized gain on investments, net of tax		0			0		0			58			0			58
Net Income		0			0		0			0			10,752			10,752


Balance, September 30, 2016		7,244		$	72	$	8,749		$	27		$	53,532		$	62,380

⁽¹⁾	See restatement disclosure in 2015 Form 10-K

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

Barrett Business Services, Inc.

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(Unaudited)

(In Thousands)


	Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2016			2015
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$	10,752		$	14,047
Reconciliations of net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization		2,341			2,113
Losses (gains) recognized on investments		3			(2	)
Losses recognized on sale of property and equipment		31			0
Deferred income taxes		0			9
Share-based compensation		1,881			1,727
Excess tax benefit from share-based compensation		(265	)		(56	)
Changes in certain operating assets and liabilities:
Trade accounts receivable		(49,545	)		(53,079	)
Income taxes receivable		1,038			12,003
Prepaid expenses and other		(464	)		(455	)
Accounts payable		1,303			463
Accrued payroll, payroll taxes and related benefits		39,719			45,290
Other accrued liabilities		4,585			(3,847	)
Income taxes payable		5,062			4,478
Workers’ compensation claims liabilities		36,256			22,493
Safety incentives liability		3,744			5,728
Customer deposits, long-term liabilities and other assets, net		851			378

Net cash provided by operating activities		57,292			51,290


Cash flows used in investing activities:
Purchase of property and equipment		(5,311	)		(1,903	)
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment		1,478			0
Purchase of investments		(274	)		(2,943	)
Proceeds from sales and maturities of investments		4,504			47,797
Purchase of restricted cash and investments		(127,207	)		(99,482	)
Proceeds from sales and maturities of restricted cash and investments		91,113			25,190

Net cash used in investing activities		(35,697	)		(31,341	)


Cash flows used in financing activities:
Proceeds from credit-line borrowings		14,868			46,106
Payments on credit-line borrowings		(14,868	)		(46,106	)
Payments on long-term debt		(15,165	)		(10,166	)
Common stock repurchased on vesting of restricted stock units		(433	)		(465	)
Dividends paid		(4,766	)		(4,726	)
Proceeds from exercise of stock options and vesting of restricted stock units		72			689
Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation		265			56

Net cash used in financing activities		(20,027	)		(14,612	)


Net increase in cash and cash equivalents		1,568			5,337
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period		25,218			11,544

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	$	26,786		$	16,881

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

Barrett Business Services, Inc.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

Note 1 - Basis of Presentation of Interim Period Statements

The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements are unaudited and have been prepared by Barrett Business Services, Inc. (“BBSI”, the “Company”, “our” or “we”), pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission. Certain information and note disclosures typically included in financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations. In the opinion of management, the condensed consolidated financial statements include all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring adjustments, necessary for a fair statement of the results for the interim periods presented. The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results may differ from such estimates and assumptions. The condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company’s 2015 Annual Report on Form 10-K at pages F1 – F62. The results of operations for an interim period are not necessarily indicative of the results of operations for a full year.

Revenue recognition

We recognize professional employer (“PEO”) service and staffing service revenue as services are rendered by our workforce. PEO services are normally used by organizations to satisfy ongoing needs related to the management of human capital and are governed by the terms of a client services agreement which covers all employees at a particular work site. Our client services agreements have a minimum term of one year, are renewable on an annual basis and typically require 30 days’ written notice to cancel or terminate the contract by either party. In addition, our client services agreements provide for immediate termination upon any default of the client regardless of when notice is given.

We report PEO revenues on a net basis because we are not the primary obligor for the services provided by our clients to their customers pursuant to our client services agreements. We reduce these service fee revenues by the amounts invoiced to our clients for direct payroll expenses such as salaries, wages, health insurance, employee out-of-pocket expenses incurred incidental to employment, and safety incentives. Safety incentives represent cash incentives paid to certain client companies for maintaining safe-work practices and minimizing workplace injuries. The safety incentive is based on a percentage of annual payroll and is paid annually to clients who meet predetermined workers’ compensation claims cost objectives.

Cost of revenues

Our cost of revenues for staffing services includes direct payroll costs, employer payroll related taxes, employee benefits, and workers’ compensation costs. Our cost of revenues for PEO services includes only employer payroll related taxes and workers’ compensation costs. Direct payroll costs represent the gross payroll earned by staffing services employees based on salary or hourly wages. Payroll taxes and employee benefits consist of the employer’s portion of Social Security and Medicare taxes, federal and state unemployment taxes, and staffing services employee reimbursements for materials, supplies and other expenses, which are paid by our customer. Workers’ compensation costs consist primarily

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

of the costs associated with our workers’ compensation program, including claims reserves, claims administration fees, legal fees, medical cost containment (“MCC”) expense, state administrative agency fees, third-party broker commissions, risk manager payroll, and excess insurance premiums for catastrophic injuries. We maintain separate workers’ compensation insurance policies for employees working in states where the Company is not self-insured, including California.

Cash and cash equivalents

We consider non-restricted short-term investments, which are highly liquid, readily convertible into cash, and have maturities at acquisition of less than three months to be cash equivalents for purposes of the condensed consolidated statements of cash flows and condensed consolidated balance sheets. The Company maintains cash balances in bank accounts that normally exceed FDIC insured limits. The Company has not experienced any losses related to its cash concentration.

Investments

As of September 30, 2016, the Company’s investments consisted of municipal bonds and corporate bonds. We classify our investments as trading or available-for-sale. The Company had no trading securities at September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015. The Company classifies money market funds, municipal bonds, and corporate bonds as available for sale. They are reported at fair value with unrealized gains and losses, net of taxes, shown as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) in stockholders’ equity. Management considers available evidence in evaluating potential impairment of investments, including the duration and extent to which fair value is less than cost. Realized gains and losses on sales of investments are included in other income (expense) as other, net in our condensed consolidated statements of operations. In the event a loss is determined to be other-than-temporary, the loss will be recognized in the condensed consolidated statements of operations.

Restricted cash and investments

At September 30, 2016, restricted cash and investments consisted of money market funds, certificates of deposit, U.S. Treasuries, corporate bonds, and municipal bonds with maturities generally from 180 days to two years. At September 30, 2016, the approximate fair value of restricted cash and investments equaled their approximate amortized cost. Restricted investments have been categorized as available-for-sale. They are reported at fair value with unrealized gains and losses, net of taxes, shown as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) in stockholders’ equity. Management considers available evidence in evaluating potential impairment of investments, including the duration and extent to which fair value is less than cost. Realized gains and losses on sales of restricted investments are included in other income (expense) as other, net in our condensed consolidated statements of operations. In the event a loss is determined to be other-than-temporary, the loss will be recognized in the condensed consolidated statements of operations.

Allowance for doubtful accounts

The Company had an allowance for doubtful accounts of $195,000 and $268,000 at September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively. We make estimates of the collectability of our accounts receivable for services provided to our customers. Management analyzes historical bad debts, customer concentrations, customer credit-worthiness, current economic trends and changes in customers’ payment trends when evaluating the adequacy of the allowance for doubtful accounts. If the financial condition of our customers deteriorates, resulting in an impairment of their ability to make payments, additional allowances may be required.

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

Workers’ compensation claims liabilities

Our workers’ compensation claims liabilities do not represent an exact calculation of liability but rather management’s best estimate, utilizing actuarial expertise and projection techniques, at a given reporting date. The estimated liability for open workers’ compensation claims is based on an evaluation of information provided by our internal claims adjusters and our third-party administrators for workers’ compensation claims, coupled with an actuarial estimate of future adverse cost development with respect to reported claims and incurred but not reported claims (together, “IBNR”). At September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, workers’ compensation claims liabilities included case reserve estimates for reported losses, plus additional amounts for estimated future adverse cost development of IBNR claims, MCC and legal costs, and unallocated loss adjustment expenses, including future administrative fees to be paid to third-party service providers. These estimates are reviewed at least quarterly and adjustments to estimated liabilities are reflected in current operating results as they become known.

The process of arriving at an estimate of unpaid claims and claims adjustment expense involves a high degree of judgment and is affected by both internal and external events, including changes in claims handling practices, changes in reserve estimation procedures, changes in individuals involved in the reserve estimation process, inflation, trends in the litigation and settlement of pending claims, and legislative changes.

Our estimates are based on informed judgment, derived from individual experience and expertise applied to multiple sets of data and analyses. We consider significant facts and circumstances known both at the time that loss reserves are initially established and as new facts and circumstances become known. Due to the inherent uncertainty underlying loss reserve estimates, the expenses incurred through final resolution of our liability for our workers’ compensation claims will likely vary from the related loss reserves at the reporting date. Therefore, as specific claims are paid out in the future, actual paid losses may be materially different from our current loss reserves.

The Company’s independent actuary provides management with an estimate of the current and long-term portions of our total workers’ compensation claims, which is an important factor in our process for estimating workers’ compensation claims liabilities. The current portion represents the independent actuary’s best estimate of payments the Company will make related to workers’ compensation claims over the ensuing twelve months. The Company will also pay out a portion of claims first incurred in the ensuing twelve months during that twelve-month period. The long-term portion represents the independent actuary’s best estimate of payments the Company will make related to workers’ compensation claims more than twelve months in the future.

A basic premise in most actuarial analyses is that historical data and past patterns demonstrated in the incurred and paid historical data form a reasonable basis upon which to project future outcomes, absent a material change. Significant structural changes to the available data can materially impact the reserve estimation process. To the extent a material change affecting the ultimate claim liability becomes known, such change is quantified to the extent possible through an analysis of internal Company data and, if available and when appropriate, external data. Nonetheless, actuaries exercise a considerable degree of judgment in the evaluation of these factors and the need for such actuarial judgment is more pronounced when faced with material uncertainties.

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

Safety incentives liability

Safety incentives represent cash incentives paid to certain PEO client companies for maintaining safe-work practices and minimizing workplace injuries. The incentive is based on a percentage of annual payroll and is paid annually to customers who meet predetermined workers’ compensation claims cost objectives. Safety incentive payments are made only after closure of all workers’ compensation claims incurred during the customer’s contract period. The safety incentive liability is estimated and accrued each month based upon contract year-to-date payroll and the then current amount of the customer’s estimated workers’ compensation claims reserves as established by us and our third-party administrator and the expected payout as determined by historical incentive payment trends. The Company provided $25.0 million and $21.3 million at September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively, as an estimate of the liability for unpaid safety incentives. Safety incentive costs are netted against PEO service revenue in our condensed consolidated statements of operations.

Statements of cash flows

Interest paid during the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 did not materially differ from interest expense. Income taxes received during the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 totaled $1.1 million and $9.2 million, respectively.

Basic and diluted earnings per share

Basic earnings per share are computed based on the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for each year using the treasury method. Diluted earnings per share reflect the potential effects of the exercise of stock options and the payment of stock awards from other share-based compensation plans that are outstanding at the end of each period presented. Basic and diluted shares outstanding are summarized as follows (in thousands):


	Three Months Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2016		2015		2016		2015
Weighted average number of basic shares outstanding		7,243		7,201		7,220		7,163

Effect of dilutive securities		162		161		130		177


Weighted average number of diluted shares outstanding		7,405		7,362		7,350		7,340

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

Accounting estimates

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

Recent accounting pronouncements

In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (“ASU 2014-09”). The amendments in ASU 2014-09 provide for a single, principles-based model for revenue recognition that replaces the existing revenue recognition guidance. In August 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-14 which defers the effective date of ASU 2014-09 by one year. ASU 2014-09 is discussed in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015. In March and April 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-08 Principal versus Agent Considerations (Reporting Revenue Gross versus Net), ASU 2016-10 Identifying Performance Obligations and Licensing, ASU 2016-11 Revenue Recognition and Derivatives and Hedging: Rescission of SEC Guidance Because of Accounting Standards Updates 2014-09 and 2014-16 Pursuant to Staff Announcements at the March 3, 2016 EITF Meeting, and ASU 2016-12 Revenue from Contracts with Customers: Narrow-Scope Improvements and Practical Expedients, which all provide further clarification to be considered when implementing ASU 2014-09. The new guidance is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017. Early adoption is permitted as of the date of the original effective date, for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016. The Company plans to adopt this ASU on January 1, 2018 and is in the process of evaluating its planned transition method and the impact to its consolidated financial statements and disclosures of the adoption of ASU 2014-09.

In April 2015, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2015-03, Interest—Imputation of Interest (“ASU 2015-03”) to simplify the presentation of debt issuance costs. ASU 2015-03 requires debt issuance costs be presented on the balance sheet as a direct reduction from the carrying amount of the related debt liability. The amendments in this accounting standard update are to be applied retrospectively and are effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2015. We do not expect the adoption of this accounting standard update to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements and disclosures.

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

In May 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-07, Disclosures for Investments in Certain Entities That Calculate Net Asset Value per Share (or Its Equivalent) (“ASU 2015-07”). ASU 2015-07 provides that investments for which the practical expedient is used to measure fair value at net asset value per share (“NAV”) must be removed from the fair value hierarchy. Instead, those investments must be included as a reconciling line item so that the total fair value amount of investments in the disclosure is consistent with the amount on the balance sheet. ASU 2015-07 also includes disclosure requirements for investments for which the NAV practical expedient was used to determine fair value. The adoption of this guidance in the third quarter of 2016 did not impact our financial condition or results of operations.

In November 2015, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2015-17, Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes (“ASU 2015-17”). ASU 2015-17 requires that all deferred tax assets and liabilities, along with any related valuation allowance, be classified as noncurrent on the balance sheet. The guidance becomes effective for the Company beginning with our annual report for the year ending December 31, 2017 with early adoption permitted. The adoption of this standard is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements and disclosures.

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases (“ASU 2016-02”). ASU 2016-02 requires a lessee to record a right of use asset and a corresponding lease liability on the balance sheet for all leases with terms longer than 12 months. ASU 2016-02 is effective for all interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018. Early adoption is permitted. A modified retrospective transition approach is required for lessees for capital and operating leases existing at, or entered into after, the beginning of the earliest comparative period presented in the financial statements, with certain practical expedients available. The Company is in the process of evaluating the impact of ASU 2016-02 on the Company’s consolidated financial statements and disclosures.

In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-09, Compensation—Stock Compensation (“ASU 2016-09”). ASU 2016-09 simplifies the accounting for the taxes related to stock-based compensation, including adjustments to how excess tax benefits and a company’s payments for tax withholdings should be classified. This guidance will be effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016. The Company is currently evaluating the impact that ASU 2016-09 will have on its consolidated financial statements and disclosures.

In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-15, “Statement of Cash Flows: Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments.” ASU No. 2016-15 clarifies and provides specific guidance on eight cash flow classification issues that are not currently addressed by current GAAP, thereby reducing the current diversity in practice. ASU No. 2016-15 is effective for public business entities for annual periods, including interim periods within those annual periods, beginning after December 15, 2017, with early application permitted. This guidance is applicable to the Company’s fiscal year beginning January 1, 2018. The Company is in the process of evaluating the impact of adoption of ASU 2016-15 to the presentation of consolidated cash flows.

Note 2 - Fair Value Measurement

The following table summarizes the Company’s investments at September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 (in thousands):


	September 30, 2016						December 31, 2015
	Cost		Gross Unrealized Gains (Losses)		Recorded Basis		Cost		Gross Unrealized Gains (Losses)			Recorded Basis
Current:
Cash Equivalents:
Money Market Funds	$	176	$	0	$	176	$	21,312	$	0		$	21,312

Investments:
Municipal Bonds		838		0		838		0		0			0
Corporate Bonds		175		0		175		0		0			0

Restricted cash and investments:
Money Market Funds		51,959		0		51,959		76,023		0			76,023
Certificate of Deposit		0		0		0		10,000		0			10,000

Total Current Investments		53,148		0		53,148		107,335		0			107,335


Long term:
Investments:
Corporate Bonds		624		1		625		2,970		(24	)		2,946
Municipal Bonds		238		0		238		3,135		(3	)		3,132
Money Market Funds		0		0		0		4		0			4

Restricted cash and investments ⁽¹⁾:
Money Market Funds		221,901		0		221,901		175,869		0			175,869
Certificates of Deposit		11,776		0		11,776		496		(1	)		495
U.S. Treasuries		5,258		23		5,281		4,752		1			4,753
Corporate Bonds		3,191		14		3,205		2,996		(24	)		2,972
Municipal Bonds		2,547		4		2,551		3,613		(1	)		3,612

Total Long Term Investments		245,535		42		245,577		193,835		(52	)		193,783

Total Investments	$	298,683	$	42	$	298,725	$	301,170	$	(52	)	$	301,118

⁽¹⁾	Restricted cash and investments also includes $306,000 of workers’ compensation deposits.

Note 2 - Fair Value Measurement (Continued)

The following table summarizes the Company’s investments at September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 measured at fair value on a recurring basis by fair value hierarchy level (in thousands):


	September 30, 2016										December 31, 2015
	Total Recorded Basis		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Other ⁽¹⁾		Total Recorded Basis		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Other ⁽¹⁾
Cash Equivalents:
Money Market Funds	$	176	$	0	$	0	$	0	$	176	$	21,312	$	0	$	0	$	0	$	21,312

Investments:
Municipal Bonds		1,076		50		1,026		0		0		3,132		241		2,891		0		0
Corporate Bonds		800		502		298		0		0		2,946		2,291		655		0		0
Money Market Funds		0		0		0		0		0		4		0		0		0		4

Restricted cash and investments:
Money Market Funds		273,860		0		0		0		273,860		251,892		0		0		0		251,892
Certificates of Deposit		11,776		0		11,776		0		0		10,495		0		10,495		0		0
U.S. Treasuries		5,281		5,281		0		0		0		4,753		4,753		0		0		0
Corporate Bonds		3,205		2,163		1,042		0		0		2,972		2,285		687		0		0
Municipal Bonds		2,551		214		2,337		0		0		3,612		389		3,223		0		0

Total Investments	$	298,725	$	8,210	$	16,479	$	0	$	274,036	$	301,118	$	9,959	$	17,951	$	0	$	273,208

⁽¹⁾

In accordance with ASU 2015-07 (see Note 1), investments in money market funds measured at fair value using the NAV per share practical expedient are not subject to hierarchy level classification disclosure. The Company invests in money market funds that seek to maintain a stable net asset value. These investments include commingled funds that comprise high-quality short-term securities representing liquid debt and monetary instruments where the redemption value is likely to be the fair value. Redemption is permitted daily without written notice.

Note 3 - Workers’ Compensation Claims

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


	Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2016			2015			2016			2015
Beginning balance
Workers’ compensation claims liabilities	$	277,050		$	239,245		$	255,675		$	225,278

Add: claims expense accrual:
Current period		38,094			29,723			103,875			84,943
Prior periods		(999	)		(2,424	)		(1,547	)		(9,659	)

		37,095			27,299			102,328			75,284

Less: claim payments related to:
Current period		5,596			4,974			10,565			8,730
Prior periods		16,618			13,799			55,507			44,061

		22,214			18,773			66,072			52,791

Ending balance
Workers’ compensation claims liabilities	$	291,931		$	247,771		$	291,931		$	247,771

Incurred but not reported (IBNR)	$	145,722		$	125,574		$	145,722		$	125,574

The states of California, Maryland, Oregon, Washington, Colorado and Delaware required us to maintain specified investment balances or other financial instruments totaling $159.0 million at September 30, 2016 to cover potential workers’ compensation claims losses related to the Company’s current and former status as a self-insured employer. In addition to restricted cash and investments held to satisfy these requirements at September 30, 2016, we have provided surety bonds and standby letters of credit totaling $152.9 million, including a California requirement of $147.2 million.

The Company also operates a wholly owned insurance company, Ecole Insurance Company (“Ecole”). Ecole is a fully licensed insurance company holding a certificate of authority from the Arizona Department of Insurance. Ecole provides workers’ compensation coverage to the Company’s employees working in Arizona, Utah and Nevada. The surplus of Ecole was $10.8 million and $9.5 million at September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively, and is included in long-term restricted cash and investments in our condensed consolidated balance sheets.

As part of its fronted workers’ compensation insurance program with Chubb Limited (“Chubb”, formerly ACE Group) in the states of California, Delaware, Virginia, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, New Jersey, West Virginia and the District of Columbia, the Company makes payments into a trust account (“the Chubb trust account”) to be used for the payment of future claims. The balance in the Chubb trust account was $235.2 million and $166.6 million at September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively. The Chubb trust account balances are included as a component of the current and long-term restricted cash and investments in the Company’s condensed consolidated balance sheets.

Note 3 - Workers’ Compensation Claims (Continued)

At September 30, 2016 the Company recorded an asset of $13.2 million related to a payment remitted to Chubb on September 29, 2016 but not deposited into the Chubb trust account until October 2016. This amount is included in other assets in the condensed consolidated balance sheet.

Note 4 - Revolving Credit Facility and Long-Term Debt

The Company maintains a credit agreement (the “Agreement”) with its principal bank, Wells Fargo Bank, National Association (the “Bank”). The Agreement provided for a $40.0 million term loan maturing December 31, 2016, as well as a $14.0 million revolving credit line, with a $6.0 million sublimit for unsecured standby letters of credit. As of September 30, 2016, the term loan has been paid off completely, compared to an outstanding balance of $15.0 million at December 31, 2015.

The Agreement also included $42.3 million in cash-secured letters of credit at September 30, 2016 to satisfy collateral requirements associated with the Company’s former status as a self-insured employer in California. In conjunction with these letters of credit, the Company posted with the Bank as collateral $44.1 million in restricted money market funds and restricted certificates of deposit.

Advances under the revolving credit facility bear interest as selected by the Company of either (a) a daily floating rate of one month LIBOR plus 2.0% or (b) a fixed rate of LIBOR plus 2.0%. The Agreement also provides for an unused commitment fee of 0.35% per year on the average daily unused amount of the revolving credit facility, and a fee of 1.75% of the face amount of each letter of credit. The Company had no outstanding borrowings on its revolving credit line at September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015. The revolving credit line expires on October 1, 2017.

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

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

•

minimum Fixed Charge Coverage ratio of no less than 2.25:1.0, measured quarterly on a rolling four-quarter basis, with Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio defined as (i) EBITDA (net profit before taxes plus interest expense, net of capitalized interest expense, depreciation expense and amortization expense) minus distributions, dividends and cash taxes paid, divided by (ii) $9,425,000. Prior to September 30, 2016, the minimum Fixed Charge Coverage ratio was no less than 1.50:1.0, measured quarterly on a rolling four-quarter basis.

•

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

The Agreement includes certain additional restrictions as follows:

•

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

Note 4 - Revolving Credit Facility and Long-Term Debt (Continued)

•

incurring additional indebtedness is prohibited without the prior approval of the Bank, other than up to $200,000 per year in purchase money financing and the aggregate of all purchase money indebtedness may not exceed $400,000 at any time;

•

repurchases of the Company’s common stock are prohibited.

•

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

•

delisting of the Company’s common stock by The Nasdaq Stock Market (“Nasdaq”) is an event of default.

The Agreement also contains customary events of default. If an event of default under the Agreement occurs and is continuing, the Bank may declare any outstanding obligations under the Agreement to be immediately due and payable.

At September 30, 2016, the Company was in violation of the capital expenditure restriction. The Bank agreed to waive this covenant violation.

The Company maintains a mortgage loan with the Bank with a balance of approximately $4.7 million and $4.8 million at September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively, secured by the Company’s corporate office building in Vancouver, Washington. This loan requires payment of monthly principal payments of $18,375 plus interest at a rate of one month LIBOR plus 2.25%, with the unpaid principal balance due November 1, 2017.

Note 5 - Income Taxes

Under ASC 740, “Income Taxes,” management evaluates the realizability of the deferred tax assets on a quarterly basis under a “more-likely than not” standard. As part of this evaluation, management reviews all evidence both positive and negative to determine if a valuation allowance is needed. One component of this analysis is to determine whether the Company was in a cumulative loss position for the most recent 12 quarters. The Company was in a cumulative income position for the 12 quarters ended September 30, 2016. Based on management’s analysis, no valuation allowance of deferred tax assets was recorded at September 30, 2016.

The Internal Revenue Service is examining the Company’s federal tax returns for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2014.

Note 6 - Litigation

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

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

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

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

On March 21, 2016, before the court had ruled on the defendants’ motion to dismiss the plaintiffs’ first amended consolidated complaint, the plaintiffs filed a second amended consolidated complaint, naming the same defendants. The second amended consolidated complaint dropped certain allegations from the first amended complaint and added new allegations relating to disclosures in BBSI’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on March 9, 2016. The defendants filed a motion to dismiss the second amended consolidated complaint on May 23, 2016.

On October 26, 2016, before the court ruled on the motion to dismiss, the parties entered into a Stipulation and Agreement of Settlement dated as of October 26, 2016 (the “Settlement”), to settle the litigation. The settlement class includes all persons and entities who purchased or otherwise acquired BBSI common stock in the period beginning February 12, 2013, through March 9, 2016, and were damaged thereby, with certain exclusions.

The Settlement is intended to fully, finally and forever compromise, settle, release, resolve, and dismiss with prejudice the purported class action and all claims asserted therein against the named defendants. In the Settlement, the defendants have denied all allegations of wrongdoing and the plaintiffs have not conceded any infirmities in their positions.

Note 6 – Litigation (Continued)

The Settlement calls for the payment in cash of $12.0 million (the “Settlement Fund”) into escrow by November 29, 2016, which is 15 business days after the court entered an order preliminarily approving the Settlement. Of this amount, approximately $8.7 million will be paid by BBSI’s insurance carriers and approximately $3.3 million will be paid by BBSI. The amount to be paid by BBSI has been accrued at September 30, 2016 and is included in other accrued liabilities in our condensed consolidated balance sheet. The fees of counsel for the plaintiffs will be paid out of the Settlement Fund following approval by the court.

The Settlement is subject to approval by the court and to other customary terms and conditions, including the right of BBSI to terminate the Settlement under specified circumstances. All potential class members will be notified of the Settlement in November 2016. The court has scheduled a hearing for February 22, 2017, to consider final approval of the Settlement. If the Settlement is not approved by the court, or is otherwise terminated before it is finalized, BBSI is unable to predict the final outcome of the litigation or to estimate its effect on BBSI, which may be material and adverse.

BBSI received a subpoena from the San Francisco office of the Division of Enforcement of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) in May 2015 in connection with the SEC’s investigation of BBSI’s accounting practices with regard to its workers’ compensation reserves. In April 2016, the SEC issued a second subpoena to BBSI for documents relating to the disclosures made by BBSI following Mr. Miller’s termination. BBSI was also advised by the United States Department of Justice in mid-June 2016 that it has commenced an investigation. BBSI is cooperating fully with the investigations.

On June 17, 2015, Daniel Salinas (“Salinas”) filed a shareholder derivative lawsuit against BBSI and certain of its officers and directors in the Circuit Court for Baltimore City, Maryland. The complaint alleges breaches of fiduciary duty, unjust enrichment and other violations of law and seeks recovery of various damages, including the costs and expenses incurred in connection with BBSI’s reserve strengthening process, reserve study and consultants, the cost of stock repurchases by BBSI in October 2014, compensation paid to BBSI’s officers, and costs of negotiating BBSI’s credit facility with its principal lender, as well as the proceeds of sales of stock by certain of BBSI’s officers and directors during 2013 and 2014. On September 28, 2015, BBSI and the individual defendants filed motions to dismiss the derivative suit and a motion to stay pending resolution of In re Barrett Business Services Securities Litigation. On December 4, 2015, Salinas filed an opposition to each motion. On January 27, 2016, the defendants filed a reply to the opposition brief. On February 11, 2016, Judge Michel Pierson heard oral argument on the motions. A decision has not been issued.

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

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

Item 2.

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

General

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

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

•

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

•

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

•

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

Business Organization. We operate a decentralized delivery model using operationally-focused business teams, typically located within 50 miles of our client companies. These teams are led by senior level business generalists and comprise senior level professionals with expertise in human resources, organizational development, risk mitigation and workplace safety and various types of administration, including payroll. These teams are responsible for growth of their operations and for providing strategic leadership, guidance and expert consultation to our client companies. The decentralized structure fosters autonomous decision-making in which business teams deliver plans that closely align with the objectives of each business owner client. This structure also provides a means of incubating talent to support increased growth and capacity. We support clients with employees located in 22 states and the District of Columbia through a network of 55 branch locations in California, Oregon, Washington, Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Nevada, Utah, Delaware, Maryland, North Carolina and Virginia. We also have several smaller recruiting locations in our general market areas, which are under the direction of a branch office.

Item 2.

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

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

Services Overview. BBSI’s core purpose is to advocate for business owners, particularly in the small and mid-sized business segment. Our evolution from an entrepreneurially run company to a professionally managed organization has helped inform our view that all businesses experience inflection points at key stages of growth. The insights gained through our own growth, along with the trends we see in working with more than 4,100 companies each day, define our approach to guiding business owners through the challenges associated with being an employer. BBSI’s business teams align with each business owner client through a structured three-tiered progression. In doing so, business teams focus on the objectives of each business owner and deliver planning, guidance and resources in support of those objectives.

Tier 1: Tactical Alignment

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

Tier 2: Dynamic Relationship

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

Tier 3: Strategic Counsel

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

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

Item 2.

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

Results of Operations

The following table sets forth the percentages of total revenues represented by selected items in the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015.


	Percentage of Total Revenue
	Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2016			2015			2016			2015
Revenues:
Professional employer service fees		78.7	%		76.5	%		80.3	%		76.6	%
Staffing services		21.3			23.5			19.7			23.4


Total revenues		100.0			100.0			100.0			100.0


Cost of revenues:
Direct payroll costs		16.4			17.8			15.0			17.8
Payroll taxes and benefits		36.8			37.8			43.5			43.0
Workers’ compensation		24.7			22.8			25.0			23.1


Total cost of revenues		77.9			78.4			83.5			83.9


Gross margin		22.1			21.6			16.5			16.1

Selling, general and administrative expenses		13.5			12.8			13.0			11.7
Depreciation and amortization		0.4			0.4			0.4			0.4


Income from operations		8.2			8.4			3.1			4.0

Other income (expense), net		(1.6	)		(0.1	)		(0.6	)		(0.1	)


Income before income taxes		6.6			8.3			2.5			3.9

Provision for income taxes		2.1			2.8			0.8			1.3


Net income		4.5	%		5.5	%		1.7	%		2.6	%

We report professional employer service revenues on a net basis because we are not the primary obligor for the services provided by our co-employed clients to their customers pursuant to our client service agreements. We present for comparison purposes the gross revenues and cost of revenues information for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 in the table below. Although not in accordance with GAAP, management believes this information is informative as to the level of our business activity and illustrative of how we manage our operations, including the preparation of our internal operating forecasts, because it presents our professional employer services on a basis comparable to our staffing services.

The presentation of revenues on a net basis and the relative contributions of staffing and professional employer services revenues can create volatility in our gross margin percentage. The general impact of fluctuations in our revenue mix is described below.

•

A relative increase in professional employer services revenue will result in higher gross margin percentage. Improvement in gross margin percentage occurs because incremental client service revenue dollars are reported as revenue net of all related direct payroll and safety incentive costs.

Item 2.

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

•

A relative increase in staffing revenues will typically result in a lower gross margin percentage. Staffing revenues are presented at gross with the related direct costs reported in cost of revenues. While staffing relationships typically have higher margins than professional employer service relationships, an increase in staffing revenues and related costs increases the impact of the net professional employer services revenue on gross margin percentage.


	(Unaudited) Three Months Ended September 30,				(Unaudited) Nine Months Ended September 30,
Non-GAAP (in thousands)	2016		2015		2016		2015
Gross revenues:
Professional employer services	$	1,184,159	$	1,010,757	$	3,314,641	$	2,798,039
Staffing services		47,874		46,617		121,806		128,130


Total gross revenues		1,232,033		1,057,374		3,436,447		2,926,169


Gross cost of revenues:
Direct payroll costs		1,036,769		886,984		2,889,278		2,457,193
Payroll taxes and benefits		82,888		75,237		269,533		235,122
Workers’ compensation		62,817		52,263		175,437		145,555


Total gross cost of revenues		1,182,474		1,014,484		3,334,248		2,837,870



Gross margin	$	49,559	$	42,890	$	102,199	$	88,299

A reconciliation of net revenue to non-GAAP gross revenues is as follows for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 (in thousands):


	(Unaudited)
	Three Months Ended September 30,
	Net Revenue Reporting Method (GAAP)				Non-GAAP Adjustments				Gross Revenue Reporting Method (Non-GAAP)
	2016		2015		2016		2015		2016		2015
Revenues:
Professional employer services	$	177,229	$	152,108	$	1,006,930	$	858,649	$	1,184,159	$	1,010,757
Staffing services		47,874		46,617		0		0		47,874		46,617

Total revenues	$	225,103	$	198,725	$	1,006,930	$	858,649	$	1,232,033	$	1,057,374

Cost of revenues	$	175,544	$	155,835	$	1,006,930	$	858,649	$	1,182,474	$	1,014,484

Item 2.

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


	(Unaudited)
	Nine Months Ended September 30,
	Net Revenue Reporting Method (GAAP)				Non-GAAP Adjustments				Gross Revenue Reporting Method (Non-GAAP)
	2016		2015		2016		2015		2016		2015
Revenues:
Professional employer services	$	497,682	$	418,954	$	2,816,959	$	2,379,085	$	3,314,641	$	2,798,039
Staffing services		121,806		128,130		0		0		121,806		128,130

Total revenues	$	619,488	$	547,084	$	2,816,959	$	2,379,085	$	3,436,447	$	2,926,169

Cost of revenues	$	517,289	$	458,785	$	2,816,959	$	2,379,085	$	3,334,248	$	2,837,870

The non-GAAP adjustments comprise direct payroll costs and safety incentives attributable to our professional employer services client companies.

Three months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015

Net income for the third quarter of 2016 amounted to $10.2 million compared to net income of $11.0 million for the third quarter of 2015. Diluted income per share for the third quarter of 2016 was $1.38 compared to diluted income per share of $1.49 for 2015.

Revenues for the third quarter of 2016 totaled $225.1 million, an increase of approximately $26.4 million or 13.3% over the third quarter of 2015, which reflects an increase in the Company’s professional employer service fee revenue of $25.1 million or 16.5%, and an increase in staffing services revenue of $1.3 million or 2.7%.

Approximately 78% and 77%, respectively, of our total net revenues during the third quarter of 2016 and 2015 was attributable to our California operations.

Our growth in professional employer service revenues was attributable to both new and existing customers. Due to continued strength in our referral channels, business from new customers during the third quarter of 2016 nearly doubled business lost from former customers. Professional employer service revenue from continuing customers reflected a 9.1% increase compared to the third quarter of 2015, primarily resulting from increases in employee headcount and hours worked. The increase in staffing services revenue was due primarily to an increase in new staffing business.

Item 2.

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

Three months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 (Continued)

Gross margin for the third quarter of 2016 totaled approximately $49.6 million or 22.0% of revenue compared to $42.9 million or 21.6% of revenue for the third quarter of 2015. The increase in gross margin percentage was primarily due to a decrease in direct payroll costs along with payroll taxes and benefits, as a percentage of revenues, partially offset by an increase in workers’ compensation expense, as a percentage of revenues.

Direct payroll costs for the third quarter of 2016 totaled approximately $37.0 million or 16.4% of revenue compared to $35.3 million or 17.8% of revenue for the third quarter of 2015. The decrease in direct payroll costs percentage was primarily due to the increase in professional employer services and the decrease of staffing services within the mix of our customer base compared to the third quarter of 2015.

Payroll taxes and benefits for the third quarter of 2016 totaled approximately $82.9 million or 36.8% of revenue compared to $75.2 million or 37.8% of revenue for the third quarter of 2015. The decrease in payroll taxes and benefits percentage was due to a $3.8 million federal unemployment tax credit recognized in the third quarter of 2016. This included $2.9 million for tax years 2013, 2014 and 2015. Adjusting for this credit, payroll taxes and benefits as a percentage of revenues was 38.5% in the third quarter of 2016. This increase is in line with the growth in professional employer services where payroll taxes and benefits are presented at gross cost.

Workers’ compensation expense for the third quarter of 2016 totaled approximately $55.6 million or 24.7% of revenue compared to $45.3 million or 22.8% of revenue for the third quarter of 2015. The increase in workers’ compensation expense percentage was primarily due to an increase in current period claims expense from $29.7 million in the third quarter of 2015 to $38.1 million in the third quarter of 2016, coupled with a reduction in prior periods claims expense of $2.4 million in the third quarter of 2015 compared to a reduction of $1.0 million in the third quarter of 2016.

Selling, general and administrative (“SG&A”) expenses for the third quarter of 2016 totaled approximately $30.4 million or 13.5% of revenue compared to $25.4 million or 12.8% of revenue for the third quarter of 2015. The increase as a percentage of revenue was primarily due to $1.7 million in legal and accounting costs associated with financial restatements, outside investigations and legal proceedings related to securities law issues.

Other expense, net for the third quarter of 2016 totaled approximately $3.3 million as compared to an expense of $216,000 for the third quarter of 2015. The change was attributable to a $3.3 million litigation settlement.

Our effective income tax rate for the third quarter of 2016 was 31.9%, compared to 33.5% for the third quarter of 2015. Our income tax rate typically differs from the federal statutory tax rate of 35% primarily due to federal and state tax credits.

Item 2.

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

Nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015

Net income for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 amounted to $10.8 million compared to a net income of $14.0 million for the first nine months of 2015. Diluted income per share for the first nine months of 2016 was $1.46 compared to diluted income per share of $1.91 for 2015.

Revenues for the first nine months of 2016 totaled $619.5 million, an increase of approximately $72.4 million or 13.2% over the similar period of 2015, which reflects an increase in the Company’s professional employer service fee revenue of $78.7 million or 18.8%, offset by a decrease in staffing services revenue of $6.3 million or 4.9%.

Approximately 78% of our total net revenues during the first nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 was attributable to our California operations.

Our growth in professional employer service revenues was attributable to both new and existing customers. Due to continued strength in our referral channels, business from new customers during the first nine months of 2016 nearly doubled business lost from former customers. Professional employer service revenue from continuing customers reflected an 8.1% increase compared to the first nine months of 2015, primarily resulting from increases in employee headcount and hours worked. The decrease in staffing services revenue was due primarily to a decrease in net staffing business as lost business from former customers exceeded the addition of new business, coupled with a decrease in revenue from continuing customers.

Gross margin for the first nine months of 2016 totaled approximately $102.2 million or 16.5% of revenue compared to $88.3 million or 16.1% of revenue for the first nine months of 2015. The increase in gross margin percentage was primarily due to a decrease in direct payroll costs as a percentage of revenues, partially offset by increases in workers’ compensation expense and payroll taxes and benefits as a percentage of revenues.

Direct payroll costs for the first nine months of 2016 totaled approximately $92.7 million or 15.0% of revenue compared to $97.3 million or 17.8% of revenue for the first nine months of 2015. The decrease in direct payroll costs percentage was primarily due to the increase in professional employer services and the decrease of staffing services within the mix of our customer base compared to the first nine months of 2015.

Payroll taxes and benefits for the first nine months of 2016 totaled approximately $269.5 million or 43.5% of revenue compared to $235.1 million or 43.0% of revenue for the first nine months of 2015. The increase in payroll taxes and benefits percentage was primarily due to the effect of growth in professional employer services, where payroll taxes and benefits are presented at gross cost. The effect of the growth in professional employer services on payroll taxes and benefits was partially offset by a $3.8 million federal unemployment tax credit recognized in the third quarter of 2016.

Item 2.

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

Nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 (Continued)

Workers’ compensation expense for the first nine months of 2016 totaled approximately $155.1 million or 25.0% of revenue compared to $126.4 million or 23.1% of revenue for the first nine months of 2015. The increase in workers’ compensation expense percentage was primarily due to the reduction in prior periods’ claims expense of $9.7 million in the first nine months of 2015 compared to a reduction of $1.5 million in the first nine months of 2016, coupled with an increase in current period claims expense from $84.9 million in the first nine months of 2015 to $103.9 million in the first nine months of 2016.

SG&A expenses for the first nine months of 2016 totaled $80.8 million, or 13.0% of revenue compared to $63.8 million or 11.7% of revenue for the first nine months of 2015. A portion of the increase was due to $6.1 million in legal and accounting costs associated with financial restatements, outside investigations and legal proceedings related to securities law issues.

Other expense, net for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 totaled approximately $3.3 million as compared to $1.1 million for the first nine months of 2015. The change was attributable to a $3.3 million litigation settlement recognized in the third quarter of 2016, partially offset by a decline in interest expense and an increase in investment income.

Our effective income tax rate for the first nine months of 2016 was 31.7%, compared to 34.0% for the first nine months of 2015. Our income tax rate typically differs from the federal statutory tax rate of 35% primarily due to federal and state tax credits.

Fluctuations in Quarterly Operating Results

We have historically experienced significant fluctuations in our quarterly operating results, including losses in the first quarter of each year, and expect such fluctuations to continue in the future. Our operating results may fluctuate due to a number of factors such as seasonality, wage limits on statutory payroll taxes, claims experience for workers’ compensation, demand for our services and competition. Payroll taxes, as a component of cost of revenues, generally decline throughout a calendar year as the applicable statutory wage bases for federal and state unemployment taxes and Social Security taxes are exceeded on a per employee basis. Our revenue levels may be higher in the third quarter due to the effect of increased business activity of our customers’ businesses in the agriculture, food processing and forest products-related industries. In addition, revenues in the fourth quarter may be reduced by many customers’ practice of operating on holiday-shortened schedules. Workers’ compensation expense varies with both the frequency and severity of workplace injury claims reported during a quarter and the estimated future costs of such claims. In addition, adverse loss development of prior period claims during a subsequent quarter may also contribute to the volatility in the Company’s estimated workers’ compensation expense.

Item 2.

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

Liquidity and Capital Resources

The Company’s cash position of $26.8 million at September 30, 2016 increased $1.6 million from December 31, 2015, compared to an increase of $5.3 million for the comparable period of 2015. The increase in cash at September 30, 2016, as compared to December 31, 2015, was primarily due to net income of $10.8 million, proceeds from securities of $95.6 million, an increase in accrued payroll, payroll taxes and related benefits of $39.7 million and an increase in workers’ compensation claims liabilities of $36.3 million, partially offset by purchases of securities of $127.5 million and an increase in trade accounts receivable of $49.5 million.

Net cash provided by operating activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 amounted to $57.3 million, compared to cash provided by operating activities of $51.3 million for the comparable period of 2015. For the nine months ended September 30, 2016, cash flow was primarily due to net income of $10.8 million, an increase in accrued payroll, payroll taxes and related benefits of $39.7 million and an increase in workers’ compensation claims liabilities of $36.3 million, partially offset by an increase in trade accounts receivable of $49.5 million.

Net cash used in investing activities totaled $35.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016, compared to net cash used of $31.3 million for the comparable period of 2015. For the nine months ended September 30, 2016, cash used in investing activities consisted primarily of purchases of restricted cash and investments of $127.2 million, partially offset by proceeds from sales and maturities of restricted cash and investments of $91.1 million.

Net cash used in financing activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 was $20.0 million, compared to net cash used in financing activities of $14.6 million for the comparable period of 2015. For the nine months ended September 30, 2016, cash was primarily used for debt payments of $15.2 million and dividend payments of $4.8 million.

Due to a decrease in our California workers’ compensation claims liability during the first nine months of 2016, the surety insurers decreased their letter of credit requirement to $42.3 million at September 30, 2016 from $88.3 million at December 31, 2015. The collateral associated with the letters of credit decreased to $44.1 million at September 30, 2016 from $92.4 million at December 31, 2015.

Item 2.

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

Management expects the letters of credit and related collateral to decrease over time as a result of a declining self-insured liability in California. The Company’s self-insured status in California ended on December 31, 2014.

Ecole, our wholly owned insurance company, provides workers’ compensation coverage to the Company’s employees working in Arizona, Utah and Nevada. The surplus of Ecole was $10.8 million and $9.5 million at September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively, and is included in long-term restricted cash and investments in our condensed consolidated balance sheets.

As part of the Chubb fronted workers’ compensation insurance program, the Company makes monthly payments into the Chubb trust account, to be used for the payment of future claims. The balance in the Chubb trust account was $235.2 million and $166.6 million at September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively. The Chubb trust account balance is made up of money market funds, included as a component of the current and long-term restricted cash and investments in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets.

Item 2.

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

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

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

•

minimum Fixed Charge Coverage ratio of no less than 2.25:1.0, measured quarterly on a rolling four-quarter basis, with Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio defined as (i) EBITDA (net profit before taxes plus interest expense, net of capitalized interest expense, depreciation expense and amortization expense) minus distributions, dividends and cash taxes paid, divided by (ii) $9,425,000. Prior to June 30, 2016, the minimum Fixed Charge Coverage ratio was no less than 1.50:1.0, measured quarterly on a rolling four-quarter basis.

•

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

The Agreement includes certain additional restrictions as follows:

•

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

•

repurchases of the Company’s common stock are prohibited.

•

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

•

delisting of the Company’s common stock by The Nasdaq Stock Market (“Nasdaq”) is an event of default.

At September 30, 2016, the Company was in violation of the capital expenditure restriction. The Bank agreed to waive this covenant violation.

The Company maintains a mortgage loan with the Bank with a balance of approximately $4.7 million and $4.8 million at September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively, secured by the Company’s corporate office building in Vancouver, Washington. This loan requires payment of monthly installments of $18,375, bearing interest at the one month LIBOR plus 2.25%, with the unpaid principal balance due November 1, 2017.

Item 2.

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

The Company is self-insured for certain business insurance risks such as general liability, errors and omissions and umbrella coverage. Management may explore in the future whether to pursue other vehicles to provide coverage including coverages provided by the Company’s captive insurance companies.

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

Inflation

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

Forward-Looking Information

Statements in this report which are not historical in nature, including discussion of economic conditions in our market areas and their effect on revenue levels, the effect of changes in our mix of services on gross margin, the adequacy of our workers’ compensation reserves, the effect of changes in estimates of our future claims liabilities on our workers’ compensation reserves, the effect of changes in our reserving practices and claims management process on our actuarial estimates and workers’ compensation reserves, our ability to generate sufficient taxable income in the future to utilize our deferred tax assets, the effect of our formation and operation of two wholly owned fully licensed insurance subsidiaries, the effects of becoming self-insured for certain business risks, the risks of operation and cost of our fronted insurance program with Chubb, our ability to pass on increased costs relating to the mandate to provide health insurance coverage to our clients, the effects of material weaknesses in our internal control environment, the effectiveness of our management information systems, payment of future dividends, our relationship with our primary bank lender and the availability of financing and working capital to meet our funding requirements, compliance with the continued listing requirements of The Nasdaq Stock Market (“Nasdaq”), current and future shareholder litigation, the ongoing investigations by the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), and the United States Department of Justice (the “DOJ”), the effect of changes in the interest rate environment on the value of our investment securities and long-term debt, the adequacy of our allowance for doubtful accounts, and the potential for and effect of acquisitions, are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Our forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company or industry to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors with respect to the Company include our ability to retain current clients and attract new clients, difficulties associated with integrating clients into our operations, economic trends in our service areas, the potential for material deviations from expected future workers’ compensation claims experience, the effect of changes in the workers’ compensation regulatory environment in one or more of our primary markets, collectability of accounts receivable, the carrying values of deferred income tax assets and goodwill, which may be affected by our future operating results, the outcome of the examination of our federal tax returns for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2014 by the Internal Revenue Service, the cost of defending against or settling

Item 2.

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

Forward-Looking Information (Continued)

shareholder litigation, the expenses associated with cooperating in the SEC and DOJ investigations and the potential imposition of fines, penalties and other remedies, the costs of remediating material weaknesses in our internal control environment, the effect on our stock price if our Common Stock is delisted by Nasdaq, the impact of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and escalating medical costs on our business, the effect of conditions in the global capital markets on our investment portfolio, and the availability of capital, borrowing capacity on our revolving credit facility, or letters of credit necessary to meet state-mandated surety deposit requirements for maintaining our status as a qualified self-insured employer for workers’ compensation coverage or our fronted insurance program. We disclaim any obligation to update any such factors or to publicly announce any revisions to any of the forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect future events or developments.

Item 3.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

The Company’s exposure to market risk for changes in interest rates primarily relates to its investment portfolio of liquid assets and its outstanding borrowings on its line of credit and long-term debt. As of September 30, 2016, the Company’s investments consisted principally of approximately $274.0 million in money market funds, $11.8 million in certificates of deposit, $5.3 million in U.S. Treasuries, $4.0 million in corporate bonds, and $3.6 million in municipal bonds. The Company’s outstanding long-term debt totaled approximately $4.4 million at September 30, 2016. Based on the Company’s overall interest exposure at September 30, 2016, a 100 basis point increase in market interest rates would not have a material effect on the fair value of the Company’s investment portfolio of liquid assets, its outstanding borrowings or its results of operations because of the predominantly short maturities of the securities within the investment portfolio and the relative size of the outstanding borrowings.

Item 4.

Controls and Procedures

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining for our Company adequate internal control over financial reporting as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act.

We maintain “disclosure controls and procedures” that are designed with the objective of providing reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed in the reports we file or submit under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) and Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”), as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. In designing and evaluating our disclosure controls and procedures, our management recognizes that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving the desired control objectives, and our management is required to apply their judgment in evaluating the cost-benefit relationship of possible controls and procedures.

Item 4.

Controls and Procedures (Continued)

Based on their evaluation, the Company’s CEO and CFO have concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act) were not effective as of September 30, 2016 because of the material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting (“ICFR”) described below.

Previously Identified Material Weaknesses

As reported in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015, management identified the following material weaknesses in internal control over financial reporting:

The control environment, which includes the Company’s Code of Business Conduct, is the responsibility of senior management and the Company’s Audit and Compliance Committee of the Board of Directors (the “Audit Committee”), sets the tone of our organization, influences the control consciousness of employees and is the foundation for the other components of ICFR. On March 3, 2016, the Audit Committee met with James D. Miller, the Company’s then CFO. Mr. Miller reported that he had made unsupported journal entries in the Company’s financial records in circumvention of the Company’s ICFR. Based on information provided by Mr. Miller and additional investigation undertaken at the direction of the Audit Committee, the primary effect of the unsupported, non-GAAP journal entries, confirmed as such through the investigation, was the understatement of workers’ compensation expense and overstatement of payroll taxes and benefits expense during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012. Following these events, the Company determined that the former CFO did not promote an attitude of integrity and control consciousness, leading to insufficient attention to his responsibilities and the Company’s ICFR. As a result of the actions of the former CFO, we have determined that our management review controls were not operating effectively, leading to additional material weaknesses as noted below. Further, effective mitigating controls were not in place elsewhere among senior management or the Board of Directors to discourage, prevent or detect management override of internal controls related to the Company’s financial reporting process.

The Company did not maintain effective internal control over the process for deriving accounting estimates related to workers’ compensation expense. Specifically, the Company did not ensure appropriate review of the data provided to its actuary or the analysis underlying actuarial reports provided by the actuary. As a result of this control deficiency, the Company failed to detect on a timely basis errors in its workers’ compensation expense with respect to MCC fees incurred for the administration of workers’ compensation claims, unallocated loss adjustment expense, and costs related to development of prior period claims.

The Company did not maintain effective internal control over the review, approval, and documentation of journal entries. Specifically, the Company failed to detect on a timely basis the recording of unsupported journal entries in the Company’s books and records relating primarily to payroll taxes and benefits and workers’ compensation expense.

The Company did not design and maintain effective internal control over account reconciliation procedures related to workers’ compensation accruals. As a result of this deficiency, the Company failed to detect on a timely basis errors related to workers’ compensation liability and workers’ compensation expense.

Item 4.

Controls and Procedures (Continued)

The Company did not maintain effective internal controls related to its information and technology systems. Specifically the Company did not maintain effective controls over program changes and access to programs and data, and mitigating controls were ineffective.

The Company did not maintain effective internal control over the review of payroll tax accruals and payroll tax expense, allowing for management override of controls. As a result of this deficiency, the Company failed to detect on a timely basis errors in the calculation of its federal and state payroll tax accruals and payroll tax expense.

Plan for Remediation of Material Weaknesses and Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

The Company’s Board of Directors, Audit Committee, and management are actively engaged in the planning for and implementation of remediation efforts to address the material weaknesses identified above. The following actions have been taken to address the material weaknesses:

•

Terminated the employment of the former CFO following his report to the Audit Committee regarding his actions in recording unsupported journal entries in the Company’s financial records.

•

The Audit Committee engaged an independent public accounting firm to perform a forensic accounting investigation for the period from January 1, 2009, through March 31, 2016. This investigation has been completed.

•

Hired a permanent CFO and new Controller and Assistant Controller with meaningful industry, public company accounting and financial experience.

•

The Board of Directors increased the number of positions on the Board from six to seven and appointed an individual with extensive financial management and public company experience to fill the new vacancy. Having met all applicable financial literacy and independence requirements, this individual was appointed to serve as a member of the Audit Committee and as the Audit Committee financial expert. The Board of Directors is continuing their search for an additional individual to add in the ensuing months.

•

Directed the Audit Committee to ensure timely review by the Audit Committee of all engagements entered into by management relating to actuaries, specialists or other professionals whose consulting work could have an impact on the Company’s financial reporting.

•

Established a Workers’ Compensation Committee (“WCC”) consisting of the Chief Operating Officer – Corporate Operations, Chief Financial Officer, Corporate Controller and Director of Insurance to oversee the Company’s controls and procedures related to workers’ compensation claims administration and expense and its process for developing reserve estimates, as well as to participate in substantive communications with the Company’s independent actuary with regard to the Company’s reserve for workers’ compensation liabilities.

Item 4.

Controls and Procedures (Continued)

•

Established a procedure for quarterly meetings of the WCC with the Company’s independent actuary with the goal of ensuring that the actuary is fully informed and has a complete understanding of the components included in the payroll and workers’ compensation claims data provided to the actuary by the Company and to examine fully the quarterly actuarial report produced by the actuary. Meetings occurred in April, July, and October 2016.

•

Directed the Company’s CFO to implement a process of regular communication with the Audit Committee regarding management initiatives that may have a material effect on the Company’s financial statements or involve material changes in the Company’s accounting practices or ICFR.

•

Met with members of the Company’s accounting staff to ensure their understanding of the requirements and importance of the Company’s Code of Ethics for Senior Financial Officers, a specific section of the Company’s Code of Business Conduct.

•

Retained an outside third-party expert to provide an in-depth education and training for all BBSI accounting staff and other relevant personnel regarding the disclosure and financial records requirements of the federal securities laws applicable to public companies, and the requirements and significance of the Company’s Code of Ethics for Senior Financial Officers.

•

Engaged a Big 4 public accounting firm to conduct training for all BBSI accounting staff and other relevant personnel on the requirements and importance of ICFR, including risk assessment, internal control design and control performer responsibilities.

•

Implemented a process of regular communication by the Board of Directors, Audit Committee, and executive officers to all employees regarding the ethical values of the Company and the requirement on the part of all directors, officers, and employees to comply with applicable law, the Company’s Code of Business Conduct, and the Company’s accounting policies and ICFR. As an initial step, the CEO distributed a written communication companywide reiterating the Company’s focus on honesty and integrity, establishing at the Director level a designated liaison at the Company who employees may contact to discuss a potential ethical issue and reminding employees of their ability to report concerns anonymously through the Company’s whistleblower hotline in place since 2004. The Company’s new permanent CFO distributed an additional written communication companywide after his arrival reiterating these themes and also reminding employees of the Company’s whistleblower hotline.

•

Increased and enhanced resources within the accounting and finance group to address standardization of processes, training regarding critical accounting policies affecting the Company and development of competencies and understanding of relevant accounting policies and ICFR.

•

Engaged a Big 4 public accounting firm to assist management with assessing and enhancing the Company’s control environment. The engagement is currently in progress and includes performing a risk assessment and evaluating the design of controls related to:

•

The determination of certain accounting estimates, and in particular, appropriate review of the inputs and data used in the formulation of the estimates, including data provided to actuaries, review of actuarial reports, and review, approval and application of appropriate GAAP for transactions and accounting methodology changes.

Item 4.

Controls and Procedures (Continued)

•

Manual journal entries, including implementation of new controls over the review, approval and recording of manual journal entries to ensure that manual journal entries recorded in the financial records are properly prepared, supported by adequate documentation, and independently reviewed and approved.

•

Effective and timely reconciliations of balance sheet accounts.

•

Restrictions on access to and segregation of duties within the Company’s information and technology systems.

•

Implementation of improvements to the Company’s information and technology systems.

Management believes the measures described above will remediate the identified material weaknesses in future periods. As it continues to evaluate and improve ICFR, management may determine to take additional measures to address control deficiencies or to modify certain of the remediation measures described above.

Inherent Limitations

Control systems, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the control systems’ objectives are being met. Further, the design of any control systems must reflect the fact that there are resource constraints, and the benefits of all controls must be considered relative to their costs. Due to the inherent limitations in all control systems, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, within our Company have been detected. These inherent limitations include the realities that judgments in decision making can be faulty and that breakdowns can occur because of simple errors or mistakes. Control systems can also be circumvented by the individual acts of some persons, by collusion of two or more people, or by management override of the controls. The design of any system of controls is based in part on certain assumptions about the likelihood of future events, and there can be no assurance that any design will succeed in achieving its stated goals under all potential future conditions. Over time, controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions or deterioration in the degree of compliance with policies or procedures.

PART II-OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1.

Legal Proceedings

Item 1.

Legal Proceedings (Continued)

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

Item 1A.

Risk Factors

There have been no material changes in the risk factors included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015, which was filed with the SEC on May 25, 2016.

Item 2.

Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

Effective September 23, 2016, the Company granted a Company employee restricted stock units (“RSUs”) relating to a total of 2,000 shares of Company common stock. Each RSU represents a contingent right to receive one share of Company common stock. The award vests in four equal annual installments, commencing September 23, 2017, and is subject to continued service as an employee of the Company.

The award described above was granted pursuant to the Company’s stockholder-approved 2015 Stock Incentive Plan and issued as consideration for services rendered by the recipient. The Company did not receive any cash consideration in connection with the award.

The securities described above were issued in reliance on the exemption from registration afforded by Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act of 1933.

The Company maintains a Board-approved stock repurchase program, which in October 2008 authorized up to 3.0 million shares of the Company’s common stock to be repurchased from time to time in open market purchases. The repurchase program allows for the repurchase of approximately 1.1 million shares as of September 30, 2016. The Company’s credit agreement with its primary bank currently prohibits the repurchase of any Company common stock.

Item 6.

Exhibits

Exhibits are listed in the Exhibit Index that follows the signature page of this report.

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.


	BARRETT BUSINESS SERVICES, INC.
	Registrant

Date: November 9, 2016	By:	/s/ Gary E. Kramer
		Gary E. Kramer
		Vice President-Finance, Treasurer and Secretary

EXHIBIT INDEX**


10.1		Change in Control Employment Agreement between the Registrant and Gary Kramer, dated August 19, 2016.

10.2		Form of Employee Restricted Stock Units Award Agreement for Executive Officers for awards granted during 2016 under the 2015 Stock Incentive Plan of the Registrant (the “2015 Plan”).

10.3		Form of Non-Employee Director Restricted Stock Units Award Agreement for awards granted during 2016 under the 2015 Plan.

10.4		Form of Performance Share Award Agreement for Executive Officers for awards granted under the 2015 Plan.

10.5		Nonqualified Stock Option Award Agreement between the Registrant and Thomas J. Carley dated July 1, 2016.

31.1		Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a).

31.2		Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a).

32.		Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350.

101.		INS XBRL Instance Document

101.		SCH XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document

101.		CAL XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document

101.		DEF XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document

101.		LAB XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document

101.		PRE XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document

**	Except as otherwise indicated, the SEC File Number for all exhibits is 000-21866.