Forward-looking statements are inherently subject to risks and uncertainties, some of which cannot be predicted. Future events and actual results could differ materially from those set forth in or underlying the forward-looking statements. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements contained in this report, which speak only as of the date of this report. Kforce undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements.
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Note A - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Unless otherwise noted below, there have been no material changes to the accounting policies presented in Note 1 - “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, included in Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data of our 2023 Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Basis of Presentation
The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations of the SEC regarding interim financial reporting. Accordingly, certain information and footnotes normally required by GAAP for complete financial statements have been condensed or omitted pursuant to those rules and regulations, although management believes that the disclosures made are adequate to make the information not misleading. These unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in our 2023 Annual Report on Form 10-K. In management’s opinion, the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments considered necessary for a fair presentation. The Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2023, was derived from our audited Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2023, as presented in our 2023 Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform with the current period presentation.
Our quarterly operating results are affected by the seasonality of our clients’ businesses and changes in holiday and vacation days taken. In addition, we typically experience higher costs in the first quarter of each fiscal year as a result of certain U.S. state and federal employment tax resets, which adversely affects our gross profit and overall profitability relative to the remainder of the fiscal year. As such, the results of operations for any interim period may be impacted by these factors, among others, and are not necessarily indicative of, nor comparable to, the results of operations for a full year.
Principles of Consolidation
The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Kforce Inc. and its subsidiaries. All intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation. References in this document to “Kforce,” the “Company,” the “Firm,” “management,” “we,” “our” or “us” refer to Kforce Inc. and its subsidiaries, except where the context indicates otherwise.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. The most critical of these estimates and assumptions relate to the following: allowance for credit losses; income taxes; self-insured liabilities for health insurance; and the impairment of goodwill. Although these and other estimates and assumptions are based on the best available information, actual results could be materially different from these estimates. Therefore, our accounting estimates and assumptions may change materially in future periods.
Earnings per Share
Basic earnings per share is computed as net income divided by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding (“WASO”) during the period. WASO excludes unvested shares of restricted stock. Diluted earnings per share is computed by dividing net income by diluted WASO. Diluted WASO includes the effect of potentially dilutive securities, such as unvested shares of restricted stock using the treasury stock method, except where the effect of including potential common shares would be anti-dilutive.
The following table provides information on potentially dilutive securities (shares in thousands):
2024
2023
Three Months Ended September 30,
Common stock equivalents
245
360
Anti-dilutive shares
4
95
Nine Months Ended September 30,
Common stock equivalents
212
304
Anti-dilutive shares
4
186
New Accounting Standards
Accounting Standards Not Yet Adopted
In November 2023, the FASB issued guidance intended to improve reportable segment disclosure requirements through enhancements for significant segment expenses. These amendments clarify circumstances in which an entity can disclose multiple segment measures of profit or loss, provide new segment disclosure requirements for entities with a single reportable segment, and contain other disclosure requirements. This guidance was effective for Kforce on January 1, 2024, and the presentation and disclosure requirements will be first applied retrospectively to our annual disclosures for the year ending December 31, 2024 and interim disclosures beginning January 1, 2025. This new guidance may modify our disclosures, but we do not expect this standard to have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements.
The following table provides the disaggregation of revenue by segment and type (in thousands):
Technology
FA
Total
Three Months Ended September 30,
2024
Flex revenue
$
322,118
$
23,714
$
345,832
Direct Hire revenue
3,393
4,094
7,487
Total Revenue
$
325,511
$
27,808
$
353,319
2023
Flex revenue
$
334,253
$
29,908
$
364,161
Direct Hire revenue
4,036
4,925
8,961
Total Revenue
$
338,289
$
34,833
$
373,122
Nine Months Ended September 30,
2024
Flex revenue
$
964,696
$
74,644
$
1,039,340
Direct Hire revenue
10,773
11,413
22,186
Total Revenue
$
975,469
$
86,057
$
1,061,526
2023
Flex revenue
$
1,040,103
$
98,060
$
1,138,163
Direct Hire revenue
15,055
15,091
30,146
Total Revenue
$
1,055,158
$
113,151
$
1,168,309
Note D - Allowance for Credit Losses
The following table presents the activity within the allowance for credit losses on trade receivables for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 (in thousands):
Allowance for credit losses, January 1, 2024
$
1,106
Current period provision
136
Write-offs charged against the allowance, net of recoveries of amounts previously written off
(266)
Allowance for credit losses, September 30, 2024
$
976
The allowances on trade receivables presented in the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets include $0.6 million and $0.5 million at September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively, for reserves unrelated to credit losses.
Other assets, net consisted of the following (in thousands):
September 30, 2024
December 31, 2023
Assets held in Rabbi Trust
$
48,404
$
40,389
Capitalized software, net (1)
24,638
16,434
ROU assets for operating leases, net
14,231
14,368
Deferred loan costs, net
479
658
Other non-current assets
2,862
4,075
Total Other assets, net
$
90,614
$
75,924
(1) Accumulated amortization of capitalized software was $41.0 million and $37.6 million as of September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively.
Note F - Current Liabilities
The following table provides information on certain current liabilities (in thousands):
September 30, 2024
December 31, 2023
Accounts payable
$
42,517
$
42,842
Deferred compensation payable
7,126
5,927
Accrued liabilities
5,802
8,699
Customer rebates payable
4,820
7,327
Total Accounts payable and other accrued liabilities
$
60,265
$
64,795
Payroll and benefits
$
40,776
$
28,110
Health insurance liabilities
3,154
3,727
Payroll taxes
1,888
1,705
Workers’ compensation liabilities
624
426
Total Accrued payroll costs
$
46,442
$
33,968
Note G - Credit Facility
On October 20, 2021, the Firm entered into an amended and restated credit agreement with Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as administrative agent, Wells Fargo Securities, LLC, as lead arranger and bookrunner, Bank of America, N.A., as syndication agent, BMO Harris Bank, N.A., as documentation agent, and the lenders referred to therein (the “Amended and Restated Credit Facility”). Under the Amended and Restated Credit Facility, the Firm has a maximum borrowing capacity of $200.0 million, which may, subject to certain conditions and the participation of the lenders, be increased up to an aggregate additional amount of $150.0 million. The maturity date of the Amended and Restated Credit Facility is October 20, 2026.
As of September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, $26.9 million and $41.6 million was outstanding under the Amended and Restated Credit Facility, respectively. As of September 30, 2024, we were in compliance with all of our financial covenants contained in the Amended and Restated Credit Facility.
Note H - Other Long-Term Liabilities
Other long-term liabilities consisted of the following (in thousands):
The following table presents the restricted stock activity for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 (in thousands, except per share amounts):
Number of Restricted Stock
Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value
Total Intrinsic Value of Restricted Stock Vested
Outstanding at December 31, 2023
798
$
60.80
Granted
39
$
62.80
Forfeited
(17)
$
54.53
Vested
(42)
$
43.07
$
2,745
Outstanding at September 30, 2024
778
$
62.00
As of September 30, 2024, total unrecognized stock-based compensation expense related to restricted stock was $32.3 million, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average remaining period of 3.9 years.
During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024, stock-based compensation expense was $3.5 million and $10.5 million, respectively. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023, stock-based compensation expense was $6.0 million and $14.6 million, respectively. Stock-based compensation is included in Selling, general and administrative expenses (“SG&A”) in the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Note J - Commitments and Contingencies
Employment Agreements
Kforce has employment agreements with certain executives that provide for certain post-employment benefits under certain circumstances. At September 30, 2024, our liability would be approximately $30.4 million if, following a change in control, all of the executives under contract were terminated without cause by the employer or if the executives resigned for good reason, and $11.5 million if, in the absence of a change in control, all of the executives under contract were terminated by Kforce without cause or if the executives resigned for good reason.
Litigation
We are involved in legal proceedings, claims and administrative matters that arise in the ordinary course of business, and we have made accruals with respect to certain of these matters, where appropriate, that are reflected in our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements but are not, individually or in the aggregate, considered material. For other matters for which an accrual has not been made, we have not yet determined that a loss is probable, or the amount of loss cannot be reasonably estimated. The outcome of any litigation is inherently uncertain, but we do not expect that these proceedings and claims, individually or in the aggregate, will have a material effect on our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements; however, if decided adversely to us, or if we determine that settlement of particular litigation is appropriate, we may be subject to additional liabilities that could have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows. Kforce maintains liability insurance that insures us against workers’ compensation, personal and bodily injury, property damage, directors’ and officers’ liability, errors and omissions, cyber liability, employment practices liability and fidelity losses. There can be no assurance that Kforce’s liability insurance will cover all events or that the limits of coverage will be sufficient to fully cover all liabilities.
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The following is an executive summary of what Kforce believes are highlights as of and for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, which should be considered in the context of the additional discussions herein and in conjunction with the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and notes thereto.
•Revenue for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 decreased 9.1% to $1.06 billion from $1.17 billion in the comparable period in 2023. Revenue decreased 7.6% and 23.9% for Technology and FA, respectively, primarily driven by the ongoing macroeconomic uncertainty.
•Flex revenue for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 decreased 8.7% (9.2% on a billing day basis) to $1.04 billion from $1.14 billion in the comparable period in 2023. Flex revenue decreased 7.2% (7.7% on a billing day basis) for Technology and 23.9% (24.3% on a billing day basis) for FA. These decreases were driven by a decrease in the number of consultants on assignment, although our 2024 sequential trends in Technology Flex revenue have shown stabilization.
•Direct Hire revenue for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 decreased 26.4% to $22.2 million from $30.1 million in the comparable period in 2023.
•Gross profit margin for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 decreased 40 basis points to 27.6% from 28.0% in the comparable period in 2023 as a result of a decline in the mix of Direct Hire revenue and Flex gross profit margins.
•Flex gross profit margin for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 decreased 10 basis points to 26.0% from 26.1% in the comparable period in 2023.
•SG&A expenses as a percentage of revenue for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 remained flat at 22.1% as compared to the same period in 2023.
•Net income for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 decreased 13.2% to $39.4 million, or $2.08 per share, from $45.4 million, or $2.31 per share, for the nine months ended September 30, 2023.
•The Firm returned $41.6 million of capital to our shareholders in the form of open market repurchases totaling $20.3 million and quarterly dividends totaling $21.3 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2024.
•Cash provided by operating activities was $65.1 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2024, as compared to $69.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2023.
Kforce is a leading domestic provider of technology and finance and accounting talent solutions to innovative and industry-leading companies. As of September 30, 2024, Kforce employed over 1,700 associates and had approximately 7,900 consultants on assignment. Kforce serves clients across a diverse set of industries and organizations of all sizes, but we place a particular focus on serving Fortune 500 and other large companies.
Our strategic priorities for 2024 are to (a) continue transforming our back-office capabilities, inclusive of the implementation of Workday as our enterprise cloud application for human capital management and financial reporting; (b) further integrate our project solutions capabilities by capitalizing the strong relationships with our world-class clients utilizing our sales teams, recruiters and consultants; and (c) evolving our nearshore and offshore delivery capabilities. We have made significant progress across each of these strategic priorities.
As it relates to our strategic priority related to nearshore and offshore delivery capability, we have been intently listening to our clients and actively monitoring industry trends. An increasingly important vehicle to providing cost-effective solutions is the ability to source highly skilled talent outside of the United States. Following an executive trip in August 2024, management made the strategic decision to establish a development center in Pune, India. Pune is one of the leading technology cities in India, and we are tremendously excited about leveraging this capability to further enhance our service offerings to our clients. This development center is expected to begin supporting project engagements with our U.S.-based clients in January 2025.
Our results continue to be negatively impacted by the ongoing macroeconomic uncertainty though we have recently experienced stability (albeit at lower levels) in our Technology business. There are continuing significant geopolitical concerns including, but not limited to, U.S. political uncertainties (including the upcoming presidential election), tensions in the Middle East, and ongoing global supply chain issues. While it has largely been anticipated that the U.S. economy would fall into a recession given the aggressive interest rate increases since March 2022 by the Federal Reserve to combat significant inflation, the Federal Reserve reduced rates by 50 basis points in September and has signaled the possibility of further rate reductions. The rate reductions have strengthened expectations for a soft landing in the U.S.
Based on data published by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and Staffing Industry Analysts (“SIA”), temporary employment figures and trends are important indicators of staffing demand from an economic standpoint. The national U.S. unemployment rate increased to 4.1% in September 2024 as compared to 3.7% in December 2023. In the latest U.S. staffing industry forecast published by SIA in September 2024, the technology temporary staffing industry and finance and accounting temporary staffing industry are estimated to decline 7% and 9% in 2024, respectively.
Operating Results - Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2024 and 2023
The following table presents certain items in our Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations as a percentage of revenue:
Revenue. The following table presents revenue by type for each segment and the percentage change from the prior period (in thousands):
Three Months Ended September 30,
Nine Months Ended September 30,
2024
Increase (Decrease)
2023
2024
Increase (Decrease)
2023
Technology
Flex revenue
$
322,118
(3.6)
%
$
334,253
$
964,696
(7.2)
%
$
1,040,103
Direct Hire revenue
3,393
(15.9)
%
4,036
10,773
(28.4)
%
15,055
Total Technology revenue
$
325,511
(3.8)
%
$
338,289
$
975,469
(7.6)
%
$
1,055,158
FA
Flex revenue
$
23,714
(20.7)
%
$
29,908
$
74,644
(23.9)
%
$
98,060
Direct Hire revenue
4,094
(16.9)
%
4,925
11,413
(24.4)
%
15,091
Total FA revenue
$
27,808
(20.2)
%
$
34,833
$
86,057
(23.9)
%
$
113,151
Total Flex revenue
$
345,832
(5.0)
%
$
364,161
$
1,039,340
(8.7)
%
$
1,138,163
Total Direct Hire revenue
7,487
(16.4)
%
8,961
22,186
(26.4)
%
30,146
Total Revenue
$
353,319
(5.3)
%
$
373,122
$
1,061,526
(9.1)
%
$
1,168,309
Flex Revenue. The key drivers of Flex revenue are the number of consultants on assignment, billable hours, the bill rate per hour and, to a limited extent, the amount of billable expenses incurred by Kforce and billable to our clients.
Technology Flex revenue decreased during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024 by 3.6% (5.1% on a billing day basis) and 7.2%, respectively, as compared to the same periods in 2023, primarily driven by a decrease in the number of consultants on assignment. Technology Flex revenue decreased 0.6% for the three months ended September 30, 2024 on a sequential basis. In the fourth quarter, we expect revenue in our Technology Flex business to remain stable to slightly up sequentially on a billing day basis and decline in the mid-single digits year over year on a billing day basis.
Our FA segment experienced a decrease in Flex revenue of 20.7% (21.9% on a billing day basis) and 23.9% during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024, respectively, as compared to the same periods in 2023, primarily driven by a decrease in the number of consultants on assignment. Our average bill rates improved by 2.7% and 3.4% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024, respectively, as compared to the same periods in 2023. In the fourth quarter, we expect FA Flex revenue to decline in the low single digits sequentially on a billing day basis and in the mid 20% range year over year on a billing day basis.
The following table presents the key drivers for the change in Flex revenue by segment over the prior period (in thousands):
Three Months Ended
Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2024 vs. September 30, 2023
September 30, 2024 vs. September 30, 2023
Key Drivers - Increase (Decrease)
Technology
FA
Technology
FA
Volume - hours billed
$
(12,337)
$
(6,810)
$
(77,868)
$
(25,926)
Bill rate
259
613
2,726
2,482
Billable expenses
(57)
3
(265)
28
Total change in Flex revenue
$
(12,135)
$
(6,194)
$
(75,407)
$
(23,416)
The following table presents total Flex hours billed by segment and percentage change over the prior period (in thousands):
Three Months Ended September 30,
Nine Months Ended September 30,
2024
Increase (Decrease)
2023
2024
Increase (Decrease)
2023
Technology
3,553
(3.7)
%
3,690
10,683
(7.5)
%
11,550
FA
455
(22.8)
%
589
1,449
(26.4)
%
1,970
Total Flex hours billed
4,008
(6.3)
%
4,279
12,132
(10.3)
%
13,520
Direct Hire Revenue. The key drivers of Direct Hire revenue are the number of placements and the associated placement fee. Direct Hire revenue also includes conversion revenue, which may occur when a consultant initially assigned to a client on a temporary basis is later converted to a permanent placement for a fee.
Direct Hire revenue decreased 16.4% and 26.4% during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024, respectively, as compared to the same periods in 2023, which was primarily driven by a decrease in placements, partially offset by an increase in placement fee.
Gross Profit.Gross profit is calculated by deducting direct costs (primarily consultant compensation, payroll taxes, payroll-related insurance and certain fringe benefits, as well as third-party compliance costs) from total revenue. There are no consultant payroll costs associated with Direct Hire placements; accordingly, all Direct Hire revenue increases gross profit by the full amount of the placement fee.
The following table presents the gross profit percentage (gross profit as a percentage of total revenue) by segment and percentage change over the prior period:
Three Months Ended September 30,
Nine Months Ended September 30,
2024
Increase (Decrease)
2023
2024
Increase (Decrease)
2023
Technology
26.9
%
1.9
%
26.4
%
26.6
%
(0.7)
%
26.8
%
FA
39.8
%
(1.5)
%
40.4
%
38.8
%
(1.0)
%
39.2
%
Total gross profit percentage
27.9
%
0.7
%
27.7
%
27.6
%
(1.4)
%
28.0
%
The total gross profit percentage for the three months ended September 30, 2024 increased 20 basis points as compared to the same period in 2023 and was primarily driven by an increase in Technology Flex gross profit margins, which more than offset the lower mix of Direct Hire revenue. The total gross profit percentage for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 decreased 40 basis points as compared to the same period in 2023 and was primarily due to a decline in the mix of Direct Hire revenue and Flex gross profit margins.
Flex gross profit percentage (Flex gross profit as a percentage of Flex revenue) provides management with helpful insights into the other drivers of total gross profit percentage driven by our Flex business, such as changes in the spread between the consultants’ bill rate and pay rate, changes in payroll tax rates or benefits costs, as well as the impact of billable expenses, which provide no profit margin.
The following table presents the Flex gross profit percentage by segment and percentage change over the prior period:
Three Months Ended September 30,
Nine Months Ended September 30,
2024
Increase (Decrease)
2023
2024
Increase (Decrease)
2023
Technology
26.1
%
2.4
%
25.5
%
25.8
%
—
%
25.8
%
FA
29.4
%
(3.6)
%
30.5
%
29.4
%
(1.7)
%
29.9
%
Total Flex gross profit percentage
26.3
%
1.5
%
25.9
%
26.0
%
(0.4)
%
26.1
%
Our Flex gross profit percentage increased 40 and decreased 10basis points for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024, respectively, as compared to the same periods in 2023.
•Technology Flex gross profit margins increased 60 basis points and remained flat for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024, respectively, as compared to the same periods in 2023. For the three months ended September 30, 2024, the increase was primarily driven by improvement in the spread between bill and pay rates and lower healthcare costs. For the nine months ended September 30, 2024, the impact from a tighter pricing environment was offset by lower healthcare costs. In the fourth quarter, we expect Technology Flex gross profit margins to decline sequentially due to the typical season impact of increases in vacation days taken by our consultants.
•FA Flex gross profit margins decreased110 and 50basis points for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024, respectively, as compared to the same periods in 2023, primarily driven by a tighter pricing environment and a greater mix of lower margin projects, which was partially offset by lower healthcare costs. In the fourth quarter, we expect FA Flex gross profit margins to decline slightly due to seasonality.
The following table presents the key drivers for the change in Flex gross profit by segment over the prior period (in thousands):
Three Months Ended
Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2024 vs. September 30, 2023
September 30, 2024 vs. September 30, 2023
Key Drivers - Increase (Decrease)
Technology
FA
Technology
FA
Revenue impact (volume)
$
(3,099)
$
(1,892)
$
(19,447)
$
(7,000)
Profitability impact (rate)
1,835
(263)
(140)
(365)
Total change in Flex gross profit
$
(1,264)
$
(2,155)
$
(19,587)
$
(7,365)
SG&A Expenses. Total compensation, commissions, payroll taxes and benefit costs as a percentage of SG&A expenses represented 84.5% and 84.2%for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024, respectively, as compared to 83.8% and 84.6%for the comparable periods in 2023, respectively. Commissions and bonus incentives are variable costs driven primarily by revenue and gross profit levels. Therefore, as those levels change, SG&A expenses would also generally be anticipated to change.
The following table presents certain components of SG&A expenses as a percentage of total revenue (in thousands):
2024
% of Revenue
2023
% of Revenue
Three Months Ended September 30,
Compensation, commissions, payroll taxes and benefits costs
$
66,188
18.7
%
$
72,232
19.4
%
Other (1)
12,120
3.5
%
13,994
3.7
%
Total SG&A
$
78,308
22.2
%
$
86,226
23.1
%
Nine Months Ended September 30,
Compensation, commissions, payroll taxes and benefits costs
$
197,221
18.6
%
$
218,850
18.7
%
Other (1)
36,995
3.5
%
39,708
3.4
%
Total SG&A
$
234,216
22.1
%
$
258,558
22.1
%
(1) Includes items such as credit loss expense, lease expense, professional fees, travel, communication and office-related expense, and certain other expenses.
SG&A expenses as a percentage of revenue decreased 90 basis points and remained flat for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024, respectively, as compared to the same periods in 2023.
The decrease in SG&A expenses for the three months ended September 30, 2024 relates to costs in the prior period associated with our organizational realignment and actions taken to reduce our structural costs, and legal costs.
For the nine months ended September 30, 2024, the impact of the aforementioned items were offset by the degree of SG&A deleverage for our compensation and related expenses as we aim to retain our most productive and tenured associates for an improved demand environment in the future. We are also investing in the enterprise priorities that we believe put our Firm in the best position to achieve our longer-term financial objectives.
We continue to prioritize investments in our strategic initiatives, including our integrated strategy, nearshore and offshore delivery capabilities and the implementation of Workday as part of our back-office transformation program. We are also continuing to exercise tight discretionary spend control and take appropriate actions to mitigate the impact of lower revenue and gross profit levels on our profitability.
Depreciation and Amortization. The following table presents depreciation and amortization expense and percentage change over the prior period by major category (in thousands):
Three Months Ended September 30,
Nine Months Ended September 30,
2024
Increase (Decrease)
2023
2024
Increase (Decrease)
2023
Fixed asset depreciation
$
802
(2.0)
%
$
818
$
2,421
3.6
%
$
2,336
Capitalized software amortization
741
93.0
%
384
2,010
39.6
%
1,440
Total Depreciation and amortization
$
1,543
28.4
%
$
1,202
$
4,431
17.3
%
$
3,776
Other Expense, Net. Other expense, net for the three months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023 was $0.4 million and $0.2 million, respectively. Other expense, net for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023 was $1.6 million and $1.5 million, respectively. Other expense, net primarily includes interest expense related to outstanding borrowings under our Amended and Restated Credit Facility.
During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023, this balance also included our proportionate share of losses related to our equity method investment of nil and $0.8 million, respectively. In February 2023, Kforce sold its 50% noncontrolling interest in our joint venture to an unaffiliated third party.
Income Tax Expense.Income tax expense as a percentage of income from operations, before income taxes (our “effective tax rate”) for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023 was 25.1% and 28.9%, respectively. The primary driver for the decrease relates to a reduction in nondeductible executive compensation, the receipt of non-taxable proceeds from company-owned life insurance, and the recognition of research and development tax credits.
Non-GAAP Financial Measures
Revenue Growth Rates. “Revenue growth rates,” a non-GAAP financial measure, is defined by Kforce as revenue growth after removing the impacts on reported revenues from the changes in the number of billing days. Management believes this data is particularly useful because it aids in evaluating revenue trends over time. The impact of billing days is calculated by dividing each comparative period’s reported revenues by the number of billing days for the respective period to arrive at a per billing day amount for each quarter. Growth rates are then calculated using the per billing day amounts as a percentage change compared to the respective period. Management calculates the number of billing days for each reporting period based on the number of holidays and business days in the quarter.
Free Cash Flow. “Free Cash Flow,” a non-GAAP financial measure, is defined by Kforce as net cash provided by operating activities determined in accordance with GAAP, less capital expenditures. Management believes this provides an additional way of viewing our liquidity that, when viewed with our GAAP results, provides a more complete understanding of factors and trends affecting our cash flows and is useful information to investors as it provides a measure of the amount of cash generated from the business that can be used for strategic opportunities, including investing in our business, repurchasing common stock, paying dividends or making acquisitions. Free Cash Flow is limited, however, because it does not represent the residual cash flow available for discretionary expenditures. Therefore, we believe it is important to view Free Cash Flow as a complement to (but not a replacement of) our Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. The following table presents Free Cash Flow (in thousands):
Nine Months Ended September 30,
2024
2023
Net cash provided by operating activities
$
65,084
$
69,056
Capital expenditures
(8,501)
(6,076)
Free cash flow
56,583
62,980
Change in debt
(14,700)
(4,200)
Repurchases of common stock
(21,189)
(41,470)
Cash dividends
(21,282)
(20,842)
Proceeds from company-owned life insurance
2,377
—
Premiums paid for company-owned life insurance
(1,777)
(765)
Proceeds from the sale of our joint venture interest
—
5,059
Note receivable issued to our joint venture
—
(750)
Other
(4)
(11)
Change in cash and cash equivalents
$
8
$
1
Adjusted EBITDA. “Adjusted EBITDA,” a non-GAAP financial measure, is defined by Kforce as net income before depreciation and amortization, stock-based compensation expense, interest expense, net, income tax expense, organizational realignment activities, legal settlement expense and loss from equity method investment. Adjusted EBITDA should not be considered a measure of financial performance under GAAP. Items excluded from Adjusted EBITDA are significant components in understanding and assessing our past and future financial performance, and this presentation should not be construed as an inference by us that our future results will be unaffected by those items excluded from Adjusted EBITDA. Adjusted EBITDA is a key measure used by management to assess our operations including our ability to generate cash flows and our ability to repay our debt obligations and management believes it provides a good metric of our core profitability in comparing our performance to our competitors, as well as our performance over different time periods. Consequently, management believes it is useful information to investors. The measure should not be considered in isolation or as an alternative to net income, cash flows or other financial statement information presented in the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements as indicators of financial performance or liquidity. The measure is not determined in accordance with GAAP and is thus susceptible to varying calculations. Also, Adjusted EBITDA, as presented, may not be comparable to similarly titled measures of other companies.
In addition, although we excluded stock-based compensation expense because it is a non-cash expense, we expect to continue to incur stock-based compensation expense in the future and the associated stock issued may result in an increase in our outstanding shares of stock, which may result in the dilution of our shareholder ownership interest. We suggest that you evaluate these items and the potential risks of excluding such items when analyzing our financial position.
The following table presents a reconciliation of net income to Adjusted EBITDA (in thousands):
2024
2023
Three Months Ended September 30,
Net income
$
14,209
$
10,575
Depreciation and amortization
1,543
1,202
Stock-based compensation expense
3,549
5,967
Interest expense, net
429
181
Income tax expense
4,078
5,277
Organizational realignment activities
—
3,662
Legal settlement expense
—
2,175
Adjusted EBITDA
$
23,808
$
29,039
Nine Months Ended September 30,
Net income
$
39,353
$
45,359
Depreciation and amortization
4,431
3,776
Stock-based compensation expense
10,548
14,602
Interest expense, net
1,589
789
Income tax expense
13,201
18,471
Organizational realignment activities
—
3,662
Legal settlement expense
—
2,175
Loss from equity method investment
—
750
Adjusted EBITDA
$
69,122
$
89,584
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
To meet our capital and liquidity requirements, we primarily rely on our operating cash flows and borrowings under our credit facility. At September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, we had $26.9 million and $41.6 million outstanding under our Amended and Restated Credit Facility, respectively, and the borrowing availability was $172.1 million and $157.2 million, respectively, subject to certain covenants. At September 30, 2024, Kforce had $123.4 million in working capital compared to $141.5 million at December 31, 2023.
Cash Flows
We are principally focused on generating positive cash flows from operating activities, investing in our business to sustain our long-term growth and profitability objectives, and returning capital to our shareholders through our quarterly dividends and common stock repurchase program.
Cash provided by operating activities was $65.1 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2024, as compared to $69.1 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2023. Our largest source of operating cash flows is the collection of trade receivables, and our largest use of operating cash flows is the payment of our associate and consultant compensation. The year-over-year decrease in cash provided by operating activities was primarily driven by lower profitability levels and collections on trade receivables, partially offset by the timing of payments.
Cash used in investing activities during the nine months ended September 30, 2024 was $7.9 million and primarily consisted of cash used for capital expenditures of $8.5 million and premiums paid on company-owned life insurance of $1.8 million, partially offset by proceeds from company-owned life insurance of $2.4 million.
Cash used in investing activities during the nine months ended September 30, 2023 was $2.5 million and primarily consisted of cash used for capital expenditures of $6.1 million, partially offset by the proceeds from the sale of our joint venture interest of $5.1 million.
Cash used in financing activities was $57.2 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2024, compared to $66.5 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2023. The decrease in cash used in financing activities was primarily driven by a decrease in repurchases of common stock, partially offset by net payments on our Credit Facility.
The following table presents the cash flow impact of the common stock repurchase activity (in thousands):
Nine Months Ended September 30,
2024
2023
Open market repurchases
$
20,729
$
40,716
Repurchased shares withheld for tax withholding upon vesting of restricted stock
460
754
Total cash flow impact from Repurchases of common stock
$
21,189
$
41,470
Cash paid in current year for settlement of prior year repurchases
$
920
$
974
During the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, Kforce declared and paid quarterly dividends of $21.3 million ($1.14 per share) and $20.9 million ($1.08 per share), respectively, which represents a 6% increase on a per share basis. While the Firm’s Board of Directors (the “Board”) has declared and paid quarterly dividends since the fourth quarter of 2014, and intends to in the foreseeable future, dividends will be subject to determination by our Board each quarter following its review of, among other things, the Firm’s current and expected financial performance as well as the ability to pay dividends under applicable law.
We believe that existing cash and cash equivalents, operating cash flows and available borrowings under our Amended and Restated Credit Facility will be adequate to meet the capital expenditure and working capital requirements of our operations for at least the next 12 months, and the foreseeable future, which we believe will provide us the flexibility to continue returning significant capital to our shareholders. However, a material deterioration in the macroeconomic environment or market conditions, among other things, could adversely affect operating results and liquidity, as well as the ability of our lenders to fund borrowings. Actual results could also differ materially from these indicated as a result of a number of factors, including the use of currently available resources for capital expenditures, investments, additional common stock repurchases or dividends.
Credit Facility
On October 20, 2021, the Firm entered into the Amended and Restated Credit Facility, which has a maximum borrowing capacity of $200.0 million, and subject to certain conditions and the participation of the lenders, may be increased up to an aggregate additional amount of $150.0 million. As of September 30, 2024, $26.9 million was outstanding and $172.1 million was available on our Amended and Restated Credit Facility, and as of December 31, 2023, $41.6 million was outstanding. As of September 30, 2024, we were in compliance with all of our financial covenants contained in the Amended and Restated Credit Facility as described in our 2023 Annual Report on Form 10-K, and we currently expect that we will be able to maintain compliance with these covenants.
Stock Repurchases
In February 2024, the Board approved an increase in our stock repurchase authorization, bringing the total authorization to $100.0 million. During the nine months ended September 30, 2024, Kforce repurchased approximately 324 thousand shares of common stock on the open market at a total cost of approximately $20.3 million, and $79.7 million remained available for further repurchases under the Board-authorized common stock repurchase program at September 30, 2024.
Contractual Obligations and Commitments
Other than the changes described below and elsewhere in this Quarterly Report, there have been no material changes during the period covered by this report on Form 10-Q to our contractual obligations previously disclosed in Part II, Item 7. “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” included in our 2023 Annual Report on Form 10-K.
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES
Our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with GAAP. In connection with the preparation of our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements, we are required to make assumptions and estimates about future events and apply judgments that affect the reported amount of assets, liabilities, revenues, expenses and the related disclosures. We base our assumptions, estimates and judgments on historical experience, current trends and other factors that management believes to be relevant at the time our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements are prepared. On a regular basis, management reviews the accounting policies, estimates, assumptions and judgments to ensure that our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements are presented fairly and in accordance with GAAP. However, because future events and their effects cannot be determined with certainty, actual results could differ from our assumptions and estimates, and such differences could be material.
Refer to Note 1 - “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements, included in Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data in our 2023 Annual Report on Form 10-K, for a discussion of new accounting standards.
ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK.
With respect to our quantitative and qualitative disclosures about market risk, there have been no material changes to the information included in Part II, Item 7A. “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk” in our 2023 Annual Report on Form 10-K.
ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES.
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
As of September 30, 2024, we carried out an evaluation required by Rules 13a-15 and 15d-15 under the Exchange Act (the “Evaluation”), under the supervision and with the participation of our CEO and CFO, of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as defined in Rules 13a-15 and 15d-15 under the Exchange Act (“Disclosure Controls”). Based on the Evaluation, our CEO and CFO concluded that the design and operation of our Disclosure Controls were effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is: (1) recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms; and (2) accumulated and communicated to management, including the principal executive officer and the principal financial officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding disclosure.
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
Management has evaluated, with the participation of our CEO and CFO, whether any changes in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during our last fiscal quarter have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting. Based on the evaluation we conducted, management has concluded that no such changes have occurred.
Inherent Limitations of Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
Because of the inherent limitations of internal control over financial reporting, including the possibility of collusion or improper management override of controls, material misstatements due to error or fraud may not be prevented or detected on a timely basis. Also, projections of any evaluation of the effectiveness of the internal control over financial reporting to future periods are subject to the risk that the controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
CEO and CFO Certifications
Exhibits 31.1 and 31.2 are the Certifications of the CEO and the CFO, respectively. The Certifications are required in accordance with Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (the “Section 302 Certifications”). This section contains the information concerning the Evaluation referred to in the Section 302 Certifications and this information should be read in conjunction with the Section 302 Certifications for a more complete understanding of the topics presented.
PART II - OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS.
We are involved in legal proceedings, claims and administrative matters that arise in the ordinary course of business, and we have made accruals with respect to certain of these matters, where appropriate, that are reflected in our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements but are not, individually or in the aggregate, considered material. For other matters for which an accrual has not been made, we have not yet determined that a loss is probable, or the amount of loss cannot be reasonably estimated. The outcome of any litigation is inherently uncertain, but we do not expect that these proceedings and claims, individually or in the aggregate, will have a material effect on our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements; however, if decided adversely to us, or if we determine that settlement of particular litigation is appropriate, we may be subject to additional liabilities that could have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows. Kforce maintains liability insurance that insures us against workers’ compensation, personal and bodily injury, property damage, directors’ and officers’ liability, errors and omissions, cyber liability, employment practices liability and fidelity losses. There can be no assurance that Kforce’s liability insurance will cover all events or that the limits of coverage will be sufficient to fully cover all liabilities.
There have been no material changes in the risk factors previously disclosed in our 2023 Annual Report on Form 10-K.
ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS.
Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer
Purchases of common stock under the Board authorized stock repurchase plan (the “Plan”) are subject to certain price, market, volume and timing constraints, which are specified in the Plan. The following table presents information with respect to our repurchases of Kforce common stock during the three months ended September 30, 2024:
Period
Total Number of
Shares Purchased
(1)
Average Price Paid per Share
Total Number of Shares
Purchased as Part of
Publicly Announced
Plans or Programs
(2)
Approximate Dollar Value
of Shares that May Yet Be
Purchased Under the
Plans or Programs
(2)
July 1, 2024 to July 31, 2024
—
$
—
—
$
89,691,557
August 1, 2024 to August 31, 2024
912
$
65.26
—
$
89,691,557
September 1, 2024 to September 30, 2024
160,105
$
62.47
160,105
$
79,690,545
Total
161,017
$
62.48
160,105
$
79,690,545
(1) Includes 912 repurchased shares withheld for tax withholding upon vesting of restricted stock for the period August 1, 2024 to August 31, 2024.
(2) In February 2024, the Board approved an increase in our stock repurchase authorization, bringing the total authorization to $100.0 million.
ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES.
None.
ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES.
None.
ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION.
Insider Trading Arrangements
During the three months ended September 30, 2024, none of the Company’s officers or directors adopted or terminated any contract, instruction, or written plan for the purchase or sale of Company securities that was intended to satisfy the affirmative defense conditions of Rule 10b5-1(c) or any “non-Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement” as defined in Item 408(c) of Regulation S-K.
Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation, incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 33-91738) filed with the SEC on April 28, 1995.
Articles of Amendment to Articles of Incorporation, incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-4/A (File No. 333-111566) filed with the SEC on February 9, 2004, as amended.
Articles of Amendment to Articles of Incorporation, incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-4/A (File No. 333-111566) filed with the SEC on February 9, 2004, as amended.
Articles of Amendment to Articles of Incorporation, incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-4/A (File No. 333-111566) filed with the SEC on February 9, 2004, as amended.
Articles of Amendment to Articles of Incorporation, incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 000-26058) filed with the SEC on May 17, 2000.
Articles of Amendment to Articles of Incorporation, incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K (File No. 000-26058) filed with the SEC on March 29, 2002.
Amended & Restated Bylaws, incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 000-26058) filed with the SEC on April 29, 2013.
Certification by the Chief Executive Officer of Kforce Inc. pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
Certification by the Chief Financial Officer of Kforce Inc. pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 2350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
101.1
The following material from this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Kforce Inc. for the period ended September 30, 2024, formatted in XBRL Part I, Item 1 of this Form 10-Q formatted in XBRL (Extensible Business Reporting Language): (i) Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations; (ii) Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets; (iii) Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statement of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity; (iv) Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows; and (v) related notes to these financial statements.
104
Cover Page Interactive Data File - formatted in Inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.