grepcent / static financial knowledge base

BARRETT BUSINESS SERVICES INC (BBSI)

CIK: 0000902791. SIC: 7363 Services-Help Supply Services. Latest 10-K as of: 2026-02-26.

SIC breadcrumb: Services > Business Services > SIC 7363 Services-Help Supply Services

SEC company page: https://www.sec.gov/edgar/browse/?CIK=902791. Latest filing source: 0001193125-26-072255.

Informational only - descriptive public-record data, not investment advice.

Business

Read BBSI's verbatim Item 1 Business section from its latest 10-K: Business.

Risk Factors

Read BBSI's verbatim Item 1A Risk Factors from its latest 10-K: Risk Factors.

Selected Fundamentals

MetricValueUnitFYFiled
Revenue1,240,298,000USD20252026-02-26
Net income54,448,000USD20252026-02-26
Assets779,067,000USD20252026-02-26

Financials

Annual standardized facts from SEC companyfacts as of latest extracted filing date 2026-02-26. Source: https://data.sec.gov/api/xbrl/companyfacts/CIK0000902791.json. Derived margins, ratios, and free cash flow are computed from the extracted annual SEC facts.

Download these verified figures (annual + quarterly, with per-value filing provenance): JSON · CSV

Flow metrics use full-year FY periods from 10-K/10-K/A filings; balance-sheet metrics use FY-end instants. Free cash flow = operating cash flow - capital expenditures. Missing metrics are omitted rather than fabricated.

Metric20122013201420152016201720182019202020212022202320242025
Revenue840,586,000920,432,000940,698,000942,311,000880,824,000955,166,0001,054,326,0001,069,307,0001,144,531,0001,240,298,000
Net income18,799,00025,170,00038,062,00048,292,00033,765,00038,079,00047,268,00050,612,00052,993,00054,448,000
Operating income28,941,00029,941,00036,989,00050,488,00036,147,00043,923,00058,975,00060,650,00059,781,00062,163,000
Gross profit145,536,000158,531,000186,673,000208,253,000182,907,000204,508,000234,845,000242,532,000253,251,000260,913,000
Diluted EPS2.553.334.986.274.395.001.641.851.982.08
Operating cash flow80,307,000112,859,00069,784,00077,137,000-27,915,000-15,459,00027,778,00067,222,00010,087,00065,955,000
Capital expenditures3,687,0005,679,00010,798,0008,610,0006,801,00015,973,00011,827,00014,160,00018,777,000
Dividends paid6,359,0007,276,0007,348,0008,208,0009,121,0009,069,0008,524,0008,089,0008,086,0008,182,000
Share buybacks25,432,0000.003,676,0000.008,056,00017,287,00047,168,00034,192,00029,133,00041,958,000
Assets581,888,000682,485,000756,089,000860,929,000774,950,000746,952,000686,938,000721,538,000745,508,000779,067,000
Liabilities512,195,000593,651,000637,052,000689,130,000576,715,000538,422,000509,096,000522,398,000524,104,000538,067,000
Stockholders' equity69,693,00088,834,000119,037,000171,799,000198,235,000208,530,000177,842,000199,140,000221,404,000241,000,000
Cash and cash equivalents50,768,00059,835,00035,371,00044,570,00068,688,00069,405,00091,423,00071,168,00055,367,00095,033,000
Free cash flow109,172,00064,105,00066,339,000-36,525,000-22,260,00011,805,00055,395,000-4,073,00047,178,000

Ratios

ROE and ROA use period-end equity/assets. Liabilities / equity uses total liabilities divided by stockholders' equity. Current ratio uses current assets divided by current liabilities when both are reported.

Metric20122013201420152016201720182019202020212022202320242025
Net margin2.24%2.73%4.05%5.12%3.83%3.99%4.48%4.73%4.63%4.39%
Operating margin3.44%3.25%3.93%5.36%4.10%4.60%5.59%5.67%5.22%5.01%
Return on equity26.97%28.33%31.97%28.11%17.03%18.26%26.58%25.42%23.93%22.59%
Return on assets3.23%3.69%5.03%5.61%4.36%5.10%6.88%7.01%7.11%6.99%
Liabilities / equity7.356.685.354.012.912.582.862.622.372.23
Current ratio0.860.960.981.241.401.291.361.301.321.29

Industry Peer Context

Each number-line places BBSI against the min, median, and max of latest reported values among companies in the same SIC industry when at least three peers report that ratio.

Net margin peer context

BBSI Net margin versus SIC peer range. Source: grepcent computed from latest SEC companyfacts ratios for SIC industry 7363; peer count 14.BBSI Net margin versus SIC peer range. Source: grepcent computed from latest SEC companyfacts ratios for SIC industry 7363; peer count 14.14 SIC peersMin -13.6%Median -0.1%Max 20.7%BBSI 4.4%

Operating margin peer context

BBSI Operating margin versus SIC peer range. Source: grepcent computed from latest SEC companyfacts ratios for SIC industry 7363; peer count 14.BBSI Operating margin versus SIC peer range. Source: grepcent computed from latest SEC companyfacts ratios for SIC industry 7363; peer count 14.14 SIC peersMin -11.5%Median 0.3%Max 20.5%BBSI 5.0%

ROE peer context

BBSI ROE versus SIC peer range. Source: grepcent computed from latest SEC companyfacts ratios for SIC industry 7363; peer count 13.BBSI ROE versus SIC peer range. Source: grepcent computed from latest SEC companyfacts ratios for SIC industry 7363; peer count 13.13 SIC peersMin -170.5%Median -0.6%Max 35.5%BBSI 22.6%

ROA peer context

BBSI ROA versus SIC peer range. Source: grepcent computed from latest SEC companyfacts ratios for SIC industry 7363; peer count 14.BBSI ROA versus SIC peer range. Source: grepcent computed from latest SEC companyfacts ratios for SIC industry 7363; peer count 14.14 SIC peersMin -52.5%Median -0.2%Max 12.2%BBSI 7.0%

Financial Bridges

Waterfall figures reconcile reported SEC companyfacts components. Missing bridges are omitted when required components are not present for the same fiscal year.

Income statement bridge from reported figures

BBSI FY2025 income statement bridge from reported figures.BBSI FY2025 income statement bridge from reported figures.BBSI income bridgeFY2025: revenue to net incomeSource: SEC companyfacts FY2025.Income statement bridgeReported amount$0.0B$1.0B$2.0B$1.2BRevenue-$979.4MCost$260.9MGross-$198.8MOpEx$62.2MOperating-$7.7MOther/tax$54.4MNet income

Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts FY 2025. Revenue: accession 0001193125-26-072255; concept RevenueFromContractWithCustomerIncludingAssessedTax; source concepts us-gaap:RevenueFromContractWithCustomerIncludingAssessedTax | Gross profit: accession 0001193125-26-072255; concept GrossProfit; source concepts us-gaap:GrossProfit | Operating income: accession 0001193125-26-072255; concept OperatingIncomeLoss; source concepts us-gaap:OperatingIncomeLoss | Net income: accession 0001193125-26-072255; concept NetIncomeLoss; source concepts us-gaap:NetIncomeLoss

Free cash flow = operating cash flow - capital expenditures

BBSI FY2025 free cash flow bridge from reported figures.BBSI FY2025 free cash flow bridge from reported figures.BBSI free cash flow bridgeFY2025: operating cash flow less capital expendituresSource: SEC companyfacts FY2025.Free cash flow bridgeReported amount$0.0B$125.0M$250.0M$66.0MOperating cash flow-$18.8MCapex$47.2MFree cash flow

Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts FY 2025. Operating cash flow: accession 0001193125-26-072255; concept NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities; source concepts us-gaap:NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities | Capital expenditures: accession 0001193125-26-072255; concept PaymentsToAcquireProductiveAssets; source concepts us-gaap:PaymentsToAcquireProductiveAssets | Free cash flow: accession 0001193125-26-072255; concept NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities - PaymentsToAcquireProductiveAssets; source concepts us-gaap:NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities; us-gaap:PaymentsToAcquireProductiveAssets

Financial Charts

BBSI revenue, last 5 periods. Source: SEC companyfacts FY2025.BBSI revenue, last 5 periods. Source: SEC companyfacts FY2025.BBSI RevenueLatest point: FY2025 = $1.2BSource: SEC companyfacts FY2025.Fiscal yearReported revenue$0.0B$1.0B$2.0BFY2021FY2022FY2023FY2024FY2025

Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2025 ended 2025-12-31; accession 0001193125-26-072255; filed 2026-02-26. Concept: RevenueFromContractWithCustomerIncludingAssessedTax. Source concepts: us-gaap:RevenueFromContractWithCustomerIncludingAssessedTax.

BBSI net income, last 5 periods. Source: SEC companyfacts FY2025.BBSI net income, last 5 periods. Source: SEC companyfacts FY2025.BBSI Net incomeLatest point: FY2025 = $54.4MSource: SEC companyfacts FY2025.Fiscal yearNet income$0.0B$125.0M$250.0MFY2021FY2022FY2023FY2024FY2025

Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2025 ended 2025-12-31; accession 0001193125-26-072255; filed 2026-02-26. Concept: NetIncomeLoss. Source concepts: us-gaap:NetIncomeLoss.

BBSI operating income, last 5 periods. Source: SEC companyfacts FY2025.BBSI operating income, last 5 periods. Source: SEC companyfacts FY2025.BBSI Operating incomeLatest point: FY2025 = $62.2MSource: SEC companyfacts FY2025.Fiscal yearOperating income$0.0B$125.0M$250.0MFY2021FY2022FY2023FY2024FY2025

Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2025 ended 2025-12-31; accession 0001193125-26-072255; filed 2026-02-26. Concept: OperatingIncomeLoss. Source concepts: us-gaap:OperatingIncomeLoss.

BBSI gross profit, last 5 periods. Source: SEC companyfacts FY2025.BBSI gross profit, last 5 periods. Source: SEC companyfacts FY2025.BBSI Gross profitLatest point: FY2025 = $260.9MSource: SEC companyfacts FY2025.Fiscal yearGross profit$0.0B$250.0M$500.0MFY2021FY2022FY2023FY2024FY2025

Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2025 ended 2025-12-31; accession 0001193125-26-072255; filed 2026-02-26. Concept: GrossProfit. Source concepts: us-gaap:GrossProfit.

BBSI diluted eps, last 5 periods. Source: SEC companyfacts FY2025.BBSI diluted eps, last 5 periods. Source: SEC companyfacts FY2025.BBSI Diluted EPSLatest point: FY2025 = $2.08/shareSource: SEC companyfacts FY2025.Fiscal yearDiluted EPS (USD/share)$0.00/share$3.00/share$6.00/shareFY2021FY2022FY2023FY2024FY2025

Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2025 ended 2025-12-31; accession 0001193125-26-072255; filed 2026-02-26. Concept: EarningsPerShareDiluted. Source concepts: us-gaap:EarningsPerShareDiluted.

BBSI operating cash flow, last 5 periods. Source: SEC companyfacts FY2025.BBSI operating cash flow, last 5 periods. Source: SEC companyfacts FY2025.BBSI Operating cash flowLatest point: FY2025 = $66.0MSource: SEC companyfacts FY2025.Fiscal yearOperating cash flow-$250.0M$0.0B$250.0MFY2021FY2022FY2023FY2024FY2025

Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2025 ended 2025-12-31; accession 0001193125-26-072255; filed 2026-02-26. Concept: NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities. Source concepts: us-gaap:NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities.

BBSI capital expenditures, last 5 periods. Source: SEC companyfacts FY2025.BBSI capital expenditures, last 5 periods. Source: SEC companyfacts FY2025.BBSI Capital expendituresLatest point: FY2025 = $18.8MSource: SEC companyfacts FY2025.Fiscal yearCapital expenditures$0.0B$125.0M$250.0MFY2021FY2022FY2023FY2024FY2025

Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2025 ended 2025-12-31; accession 0001193125-26-072255; filed 2026-02-26. Concept: PaymentsToAcquireProductiveAssets. Source concepts: us-gaap:PaymentsToAcquireProductiveAssets.

BBSI dividends paid, last 5 periods. Source: SEC companyfacts FY2025.BBSI dividends paid, last 5 periods. Source: SEC companyfacts FY2025.BBSI Dividends paidLatest point: FY2025 = $8.2MSource: SEC companyfacts FY2025.Fiscal yearDividends paid$0.0B$125.0M$250.0MFY2021FY2022FY2023FY2024FY2025

Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2025 ended 2025-12-31; accession 0001193125-26-072255; filed 2026-02-26. Concept: PaymentsOfDividends. Source concepts: us-gaap:PaymentsOfDividends.

BBSI share buybacks, last 5 periods. Source: SEC companyfacts FY2025.BBSI share buybacks, last 5 periods. Source: SEC companyfacts FY2025.BBSI Share buybacksLatest point: FY2025 = $42.0MSource: SEC companyfacts FY2025.Fiscal yearShare buybacks$0.0B$125.0M$250.0MFY2021FY2022FY2023FY2024FY2025

Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2025 ended 2025-12-31; accession 0001193125-26-072255; filed 2026-02-26. Concept: PaymentsForRepurchaseOfCommonStock. Source concepts: us-gaap:PaymentsForRepurchaseOfCommonStock.

BBSI assets, last 5 periods. Source: SEC companyfacts FY2025.BBSI assets, last 5 periods. Source: SEC companyfacts FY2025.BBSI AssetsLatest point: FY2025 = $779.1MSource: SEC companyfacts FY2025.Fiscal yearAssets$0.0B$500.0M$1.0BFY2021FY2022FY2023FY2024FY2025

Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2025 ended 2025-12-31; accession 0001193125-26-072255; filed 2026-02-26. Concept: Assets. Source concepts: us-gaap:Assets.

BBSI liabilities, last 5 periods. Source: SEC companyfacts FY2025.BBSI liabilities, last 5 periods. Source: SEC companyfacts FY2025.BBSI LiabilitiesLatest point: FY2025 = $538.1MSource: SEC companyfacts FY2025.Fiscal yearLiabilities$0.0B$375.0M$750.0MFY2021FY2022FY2023FY2024FY2025

Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2025 ended 2025-12-31; accession 0001193125-26-072255; filed 2026-02-26. Concept: Liabilities. Source concepts: us-gaap:Liabilities.

BBSI stockholders' equity, last 5 periods. Source: SEC companyfacts FY2025.BBSI stockholders' equity, last 5 periods. Source: SEC companyfacts FY2025.BBSI Stockholders' equityLatest point: FY2025 = $241.0MSource: SEC companyfacts FY2025.Fiscal yearStockholders' equity$0.0B$125.0M$250.0MFY2021FY2022FY2023FY2024FY2025

Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2025 ended 2025-12-31; accession 0001193125-26-072255; filed 2026-02-26. Concept: StockholdersEquity. Source concepts: us-gaap:StockholdersEquity.

BBSI cash and cash equivalents, last 5 periods. Source: SEC companyfacts FY2025.BBSI cash and cash equivalents, last 5 periods. Source: SEC companyfacts FY2025.BBSI Cash and cash equivalentsLatest point: FY2025 = $95.0MSource: SEC companyfacts FY2025.Fiscal yearCash and cash equivalents$0.0B$125.0M$250.0MFY2021FY2022FY2023FY2024FY2025

Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2025 ended 2025-12-31; accession 0001193125-26-072255; filed 2026-02-26. Concept: CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue. Source concepts: us-gaap:CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue.

BBSI free cash flow, last 5 periods. Source: SEC companyfacts FY2025.BBSI free cash flow, last 5 periods. Source: SEC companyfacts FY2025.BBSI Free cash flowLatest point: FY2025 = $47.2MSource: SEC companyfacts FY2025.Fiscal yearFree cash flow-$250.0M$0.0B$250.0MFY2021FY2022FY2023FY2024FY2025

Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2025 ended 2025-12-31; accession 0001193125-26-072255; filed 2026-02-26. Concept: NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities - PaymentsToAcquireProductiveAssets. Source concepts: us-gaap:NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities; us-gaap:PaymentsToAcquireProductiveAssets.

Quarterly

Quarterly standardized facts from SEC companyfacts as of latest extracted filing date 2026-05-07. Source: https://data.sec.gov/api/xbrl/companyfacts/CIK0000902791.json.

Flow metrics use discrete quarter-length periods from 10-Q/10-Q/A filings. Q4 revenue and net income are derived only when annual FY and nine-month YTD facts exist for the same fiscal year; derived Q4 values are labeled. EPS Q4 is not derived.

QuarterEnd DateRevenueNet IncomeDiluted EPSMethod
2022-Q22022-06-302.48reported discrete quarter
2022-Q32022-09-302.45reported discrete quarter
2023-Q12023-03-310.12reported discrete quarter
2023-Q22023-03-31819,000reported discrete quarter
2023-Q22023-06-30264,630,0002.47reported discrete quarter
2023-Q32023-06-3017,016,000reported discrete quarter
2023-Q32023-09-30273,328,0002.68reported discrete quarter
2023-Q42023-12-31276,682,00014,558,000derived Q4 = FY annual - nine-month YTD
2024-Q12024-03-31265,782,000-136,000-0.02reported discrete quarter
2024-Q22024-03-31-136,000reported discrete quarter
2024-Q22024-06-30279,651,0000.62reported discrete quarter
2024-Q32024-06-3016,701,000reported discrete quarter
2024-Q32024-09-30294,278,0000.74reported discrete quarter
2024-Q42024-12-31304,820,00016,800,000derived Q4 = FY annual - nine-month YTD
2025-Q12025-03-31292,566,000-1,021,000-0.04reported discrete quarter
2025-Q22025-03-31-1,021,000reported discrete quarter
2025-Q22025-06-30307,657,0000.70reported discrete quarter
2025-Q32025-06-3018,454,000reported discrete quarter
2025-Q32025-09-30318,949,0000.79reported discrete quarter
2025-Q42025-12-31321,126,00016,396,000derived Q4 = FY annual - nine-month YTD
2026-Q12026-03-31307,005,000-14,803,000-0.59reported discrete quarter

Quarterly Charts

BBSI quarterly revenue, last 12 periods. Source: SEC companyfacts 2026-Q1.BBSI quarterly revenue, last 12 periods. Source: SEC companyfacts 2026-Q1.BBSI Quarterly RevenueLatest point: 2026-Q1 = $307.0MSource: SEC companyfacts 2026-Q1.Fiscal quarterQuarterly Revenue$0.0B$250.0M$500.0M2023-Q22023-Q32023-Q42024-Q12024-Q22024-Q32024-Q42025-Q12025-Q22025-Q32025-Q42026-Q1

Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2026 ended 2026-03-31; accession 0001193125-26-209466; filed 2026-05-07. Concept: RevenueFromContractWithCustomerIncludingAssessedTax. Source concepts: us-gaap:RevenueFromContractWithCustomerIncludingAssessedTax.

BBSI quarterly net income, last 12 periods. Source: SEC companyfacts 2026-Q1.BBSI quarterly net income, last 12 periods. Source: SEC companyfacts 2026-Q1.BBSI Quarterly Net incomeLatest point: 2026-Q1 = -$14.8MSource: SEC companyfacts 2026-Q1.Fiscal quarterQuarterly Net income-$250.0M$0.0B$250.0M2023-Q22023-Q32023-Q42024-Q12024-Q22024-Q32024-Q42025-Q12025-Q22025-Q32025-Q42026-Q1

Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2026 ended 2026-03-31; accession 0001193125-26-209466; filed 2026-05-07. Concept: NetIncomeLoss. Source concepts: us-gaap:NetIncomeLoss.

BBSI quarterly diluted eps, last 12 periods. Source: SEC companyfacts 2026-Q1.BBSI quarterly diluted eps, last 12 periods. Source: SEC companyfacts 2026-Q1.BBSI Quarterly Diluted EPSLatest point: 2026-Q1 = -$0.59/shareSource: SEC companyfacts 2026-Q1.Fiscal quarterQuarterly Diluted EPS (USD/share)-$1.00/share$0.00/share$4.00/share2022-Q22022-Q32023-Q12023-Q22023-Q32024-Q12024-Q22024-Q32025-Q12025-Q22025-Q32026-Q1

Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2026 ended 2026-03-31; accession 0001193125-26-209466; filed 2026-05-07. Concept: EarningsPerShareDiluted. Source concepts: us-gaap:EarningsPerShareDiluted.

Macro Cross-References

Latest quarter (10-Q)

Latest 10-Q source: 0001193125-26-209466.

Extracted structurally from real Item 2 body heading to real Item 3/4 boundary. Confidence: high. Filing date: 2026-05-07. Report date: 2026-03-31.

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 experienced business generalists and include senior-level professionals with expertise in human resources, organizational development, risk mitigation and workplace safety, recruiting, employee benefits, and various types of administration, including payroll. These teams are responsible for growth and profitability 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.

Services Overview BBSI’s core purpose is to advocate for business owners, particularly in the small and mid-sized business sector. Our evolution from an entrepreneurially run company to a professionally managed organization has helped to form 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 8,200 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, philosophies, 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.

21

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

BBSI also offers employee benefit programs to our clients. The benefit programs available to our clients include medical, dental and vision plans, flexible spending accounts and health savings accounts, life insurance and voluntary accident coverage, and critical illness and disability coverage, among others. These employee benefit programs are offered through fully insured arrangements with third-party carriers and are designed to provide strategic value to our clients through access to best-in-class plans and service.

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 months ended March 31, 2026 and 2025 ($ in thousands):

Percentage of Total Net Revenues
Three Months Ended
March 31,
20262025
Revenues:
Professional employer services$292,99795.4%$274,92694.0%
Staffing services14,0084.617,6406.0
Total revenues307,005100.0292,566100.0
Cost of revenues:
Direct payroll costs10,4823.413,3064.5
Payroll taxes174,09656.7169,39057.9
Benefit costs27,4488.917,6166.0
Workers’ compensation51,79416.949,63017.0
Total cost of revenues263,82085.9249,94285.4
Gross margin43,18514.142,62414.6
Selling, general and administrative expenses47,48015.544,83815.3
Depreciation and amortization2,1730.71,9580.7
Loss from operations(6,468)(2.1)(4,172)(1.4)
Other income, net2,0300.72,6340.9
Loss before income taxes(4,438)(1.4)(1,538)(0.5)
Provision for (benefit from) income taxes10,3653.4(517)(0.2)
Net loss$(14,803)(4.8)%$(1,021)(0.3)%

22

During the first quarter of 2026, the Company recorded tax-effected charges of $11.6 million related to the disallowance of certain wage-based tax credits claimed in prior years. This charge was recorded within provision for (benefit from) income taxes on our condensed consolidated statements of operations. We have excluded this charge from our non-GAAP measures as it relates to prior periods and is not indicative of our current or future operational performance. See “Note 5 – Income Taxes” to the condensed consolidated financial statements included in Item 1 of Part I of this report for additional information.

The reconciliation of net loss and diluted loss per share to non-GAAP net loss and non-GAAP diluted loss per share for the three months ended March 31, 2026 is shown in the table below (in thousands, except per share amounts):

(Unaudited)
Three Months Ended
March 31,
2026
Net LossDiluted Loss Per Share
GAAP net loss$(14,803)$(0.59)
Non-recurring tax adjustment11,5650.46
Non-GAAP net loss$(3,238)$(0.13)
Weighted average number of diluted common shares outstanding25,031

We report PEO revenues net of direct payroll costs because we are not the primary obligor for wage payments to our clients’ employees. However, management believes that gross billings and wages are useful in understanding the volume of our business activity and serve as an important performance metric in managing our operations, including the preparation of internal operating forecasts and establishing executive compensation performance goals. We therefore present for purposes of analysis gross billings and wage information for the three months ended March 31, 2026 and 2025.

(Unaudited)
Three Months Ended
March 31,
(in thousands)20262025
Gross billings$2,161,271$2,088,669
PEO and staffing wages$1,864,665$1,809,468

In monitoring and evaluating the performance of our operations, management also reviews the following ratios, which represent selected amounts as a percentage of gross billings. Management believes these ratios are useful in understanding the efficiency and profitability of our service offerings.

(Unaudited)
Percentage of Gross Billings
Three Months Ended
March 31,
20262025
PEO and staffing wages86.3%86.6%
Payroll taxes8.1%8.1%
Benefit costs1.2%0.9%
Workers' compensation2.4%2.4%
Gross margin2.0%2.0%

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We refer to employees of our PEO clients as worksite employees (“WSEs”). Management reviews average and ending WSE growth to monitor and evaluate the performance of our operations. Average WSEs are calculated by dividing the number of unique individuals paid in each month by the number of months in the period. Ending WSEs represents the number of unique individuals paid in the last month of the period.

(Unaudited)
Three Months Ended
March 31,
2026Year-over-year % Growth2025Year-over-year % Growth
Average WSEs134,9931.9%132,4597.6%
Ending WSEs135,5961.4%133,6997.1%

Three Months Ended March 31, 2026 and 2025

Net loss for the first quarter of 2026 amounted to $14.8 million compared to net loss of $1.0 million for the first quarter of 2025. Diluted net loss per share for the first quarter of 2026 was $0.59 compared to diluted net loss per share of $0.04 for the first quarter of 2025.

Revenue for the first quarter of 2026 totaled $307.0 million, an increase of $14.4 million or 4.9% over the first quarter of 2025, which reflects an increase in the Company’s PEO services revenue of $18.1 million or 6.6% and a decrease in staffing services revenue of $3.6 million or 20.6%.

The increase in PEO services revenue was primarily attributable to a 1.9% increase in the average number of WSEs as well as a 1.7% increase in average billing per WSE per day.

Gross margin for the first quarter of 2026 totaled $43.2 million or 14.1% of revenue compared to $42.6 million or 14.6% of revenue for the first quarter of 2025. The decrease in gross margin as a percentage of revenues is primarily a result of the factors discussed within the separate components of gross margin below.

Direct payroll costs for the first quarter of 2026 totaled $10.5 million or 3.4% of revenue compared to $13.3 million or 4.5% of revenue for the first quarter of 2025. The decrease in direct payroll costs as a percentage of revenues was primarily due to a decrease in staffing services within the mix of our customer base compared to the f

[Excerpt truncated for page length; source filing is linked above.]

Latest 10-K MD&A

Extracted structurally from real Item 7 body heading to real Item 7A/8 boundary. Published MD&A gate trimmed front/tail over-capture. Confidence: high. Filing date: 2026-02-26. Report date: 2025-12-31.

Item 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Overview

The Company 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.

We report revenues in our financial results in two categories of services: professional employer services (“PEO”) and staffing.

With our PEO clients, we enter into a co-employment arrangement in which we become the administrative employer while the client maintains physical care, custody and control of their workforce. Our PEO services are billed as a percentage of client payroll; the gross amount invoiced includes direct payroll costs and employee benefits coverage (if provided), plus an additional percentage amount to cover employer payroll-related taxes, workers’ compensation coverage (if provided), other service-related costs and a margin. However, actual costs can be higher or lower than anticipated. PEO customers are invoiced following the end of each payroll processing cycle, with payment generally due on the invoice date. Revenues for PEO services exclude direct payroll billings because we are not the primary obligor for those payments.

We generate staffing services revenues primarily from short-term staffing, contract staffing, on-site management and direct placement services. For staffing services other than direct placement, invoiced amounts include direct payroll, an amount intended to cover employer payroll-related taxes, workers’ compensation coverage, other service-related costs and a margin. Staffing customers are typically invoiced weekly and generally have payment terms of 30 days. Direct placement services are billed at agreed fees at the time of a successful placement.

Our business is concentrated in California, and we expect to continue to derive a majority of our revenues from this market in the future. Revenues generated in our California operations accounted for 72% of our total revenues in each of 2025, 2024 and 2023. Consequently, weakness in economic conditions, changes in the regulatory or insurance environment, or natural disasters or other major disruptive events in California could have a material adverse effect on our financial results.

Our cost of revenues for PEO services includes employer payroll-related taxes, workers’ compensation costs and employee benefits costs. Our cost of revenues for staffing services includes direct payroll costs, employer payroll-related taxes, and workers’ compensation costs. Direct payroll costs represent the gross payroll earned by staffing services employees based on salary or hourly wages. Payroll taxes and benefits consist of the employer’s portion of Social Security and Medicare taxes, federal and state unemployment taxes, and employee benefit costs, which primarily comprise health insurance premiums paid to third-party insurers and underwriting and benefit consultant payroll. Workers’ compensation costs consist primarily of premiums paid to third-party insurers, claims reserves, third-party broker commissions, risk manager payroll, claims administration fees, legal fees, medical cost containment (“MCC”) expense, state administrative agency fees, as well as costs associated with operating our two wholly owned insurance companies, Associated Insurance Company for Excess (“AICE”) and Ecole Insurance Company (“Ecole”).

Selling, general and administrative expenses consist primarily of payroll and personnel related costs, incentive compensation, information systems costs, rent and professional and legal fees.

Depreciation and amortization represent depreciation of property and equipment, leasehold improvements and internally developed software costs. Property, equipment and internally developed software costs are depreciated using the straight-line method over their estimated useful lives, which range from 3 to 39 years. Leasehold improvements are amortized using the straight-line method over the shorter of the lease term or estimated useful life.

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Critical Accounting Estimate

We have identified the following accounting estimate as critical to our business and the understanding of our results of operations. For a detailed discussion of the application of this and other accounting policies, see “Note 1 - Summary of Operations and Significant Accounting Policies” to the consolidated financial statements in Item 8 of Part II of this report. The preparation of this Annual Report on Form 10-K requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. 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. Actual results may differ from these estimates.

Workers' Compensation Costs

Under the Company’s workers’ compensation programs, we estimate ultimate losses, which represent the amount necessary to pay claims and related expenses associated with workplace injuries that have occurred under the programs.

When a claim involving a probable loss is reported, our independent third-party administrator for workers’ compensation claims (“TPA”) establishes a case reserve for the estimated amount of ultimate loss. The estimate reflects a judgment based on established case reserving practices and the experience and knowledge of the TPA regarding the nature and expected amount of the claim, as well as the estimated expenses of settling the claim, including legal and other fees and expenses of claims administration. The adequacy of such case reserves depends in part on the professional judgment of the TPA to evaluate the economic consequences of each claim properly and comprehensively.

Our estimate of ultimate losses includes an additional component for potential future increases in the cost to finally resolve open injury claims and claims incurred in prior periods but not reported (together, "IBNR") based on actuarial estimates provided by the Company’s independent actuary. IBNR does not apply to a specific claim but rather applies to the entire population of claims arising from a specific time period. IBNR primarily covers costs relating to:


Future claim payments in excess of case reserves on recorded open claims;


Additional claim payments on closed claims; and


Claims that have occurred but have not yet been reported to us.

The process of estimating 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, modifications 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 actuarial analyses and informed judgment, derived from individual experience and expertise applied to multiple sets of data and analyses. We consider significant facts and circumstances known both at the time that loss reserves are initially established and as new facts and circumstances become known. Due to the inherent uncertainty underlying loss estimates, the ultimate expense incurred will likely vary from the related loss estimate 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 estimates.

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 estimation process. To the extent a material change affecting the ultimate claim amount 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. 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.

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For claims incurred under the Company's self-insured programs, we record reserves equal to our estimate of the ultimate losses up to the retention limit, reduced by claim payments made.

Third-party insurers assume substantially all risk of loss for claims incurred under the Company's fully insured arrangement. However, the Company's fully insured policies allow for return premiums if claims develop favorably, ranging from $20.0 million to $30.0 million depending on the policy period. For the policy period beginning July 1, 2021, BBSI can incur additional premiums up to $7.5 million if claims develop adversely. For all other policy years, no additional premiums can be charged based on claim performance. Our estimate of the losses associated with claims incurred under the fully insured policies directly impacts our estimate of the return premiums we may realize or the additional premiums that we may incur.

The estimate we recorded for workers’ compensation costs was reduced by $18.7 million and $18.5 million in 2025 and 2024, respectively, due to changes in estimated losses for prior accident years.

We believe that the amounts that we have recorded for our estimated workers’ compensation costs are reasonable. Nevertheless, adjustments to such estimates will be required in future periods if the development of claim costs varies materially from our estimates, and such future adjustments may be material to our results of operations.

To illustrate the sensitivity of changes in our estimate of workers’ compensation costs, a 5% increase in estimated ultimate losses for the 2025 accident year would result in a $0.6 million increase in workers’ compensation expense, and a 5% decrease in estimated ultimate losses for the 2025 accident year would result in a $7.5 million decrease to workers’ compensation expense. This asymmetric impact on workers’ compensation expense is due to our insured program, which limits our expense if claim costs increase but passes through savings if claim costs are lower than expected.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

For a discussion of recent accounting pronouncements and their potential effect on the Company's results of operations and financial condition, see “Note 1 - Summary of Operations and Significant Accounting Policies” to the consolidated financial statements in Item 8 of Part II of this report.

Forward-Looking Information

Statements in this Annual Report on Form 10-K include forward-looking statements, which are not historical in nature and are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements include, among others, discussion of economic conditions in our market areas, especially in California, and their effect on revenue levels; the competitiveness of our service offerings; the availability of certain fully insured medical and other health and welfare benefits to qualifying worksite employees; our ability to attract and retain clients and to achieve revenue growth; the effect of changes in our mix of services on gross margin; labor market conditions, including the impact of AI and automation on workplace displacement; the adequacy of our workers' compensation reserves; the effect of changes in estimates of our future claims liabilities on our workers’ compensation reserves, including the effect of changes in our reserving practices and claims management process on our actuarial estimates; expected levels of required surety deposits and letters of credit; the outcome of audits; the effect of our formation and operation of two wholly owned licensed insurance subsidiaries; the risks of operation and cost of our insured program; the financial viability of our excess insurance carriers; the effectiveness of our management information systems; our relationship with our primary bank lender and the availability of financing and working capital to meet our funding requirements; litigation costs; the effect of inflationary pressures or changes in the interest rate environment on the value of our investment securities; the adequacy of our allowance for expected credit losses; and the potential for and effect of acquisitions.

All 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 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

29

attract new clients; technology disruption, including the displacement of employees through the adoption of AI and automation by our clients; difficulties associated with integrating clients into our operations; economic trends in our service areas and the potential effects of changing governmental policies, including those related to immigration, tariffs, other trade policies, or climate regulation; risks to our business and the business of our clients arising from current or future tariffs or other trade restrictions, supply chain issues, changes in labor force, or geopolitical instability, including the war in Ukraine, conflicts in the Middle East, and the potential for future conflicts or disruptions in other parts of the world; natural disasters; the potential for material deviations from expected future workers’ compensation claims experience; changes in the workers’ compensation regulatory environment in our primary markets; PEO client benefit costs, particularly with regard to health insurance benefits; security breaches or failures in the Company’s information technology systems; collectability of accounts receivable; changes in executive management; changes in effective payroll tax rates and federal and state income tax rates; the carrying values of deferred income tax assets and goodwill (which may be affected by our future operating results); the effects of inflation on our operating expenses and those of our clients; the impact of and potential changes to the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, escalating medical costs, and other health care legislative initiatives on our business; the effect of changing monetary policy, interest rates and 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 insured program. Additional risk factors affecting our business are discussed in Item 1A of Part I of this report. We disclaim any obligation to publicly announce any revisions to any of the forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect future events or developments.

Results of Operations

The following table sets forth the percentages of total revenues represented by selected items in the Company's consolidated statements of operations for the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023, included in Item 8 of Part II of this report.

Percentage of Total Net Revenues
($ in thousands)Years Ended December 31,
202520242023
Revenues:
Professional employer services$1,168,33494.2%$1,063,38692.9%$982,26891.9%
Staffing services71,9645.881,1457.187,0398.1
Total revenues1,240,298100.01,144,531100.01,069,307100.0
Cost of revenues:
Direct payroll costs54,4434.461,0105.365,0426.1
Payroll taxes and benefits720,79858.1628,53454.9555,75852.0
Workers’ compensation204,14416.5201,73617.6205,97519.2
Total cost of revenues979,38579.0891,28077.8826,77577.3
Gross margin260,91321.0253,25122.2242,53222.7
Selling, general and administrative expenses190,49415.4185,86916.2174,77216.3
Depreciation and amortization8,2560.77,6010.77,1100.7
Income from operations62,1634.959,7815.360,6505.7
Other income, net9,2360.711,0411.08,3380.8
Income before income taxes71,3995.670,8226.368,9886.5
Provision for income taxes16,9511.417,8291.618,3761.7
Net income$54,4484.2%$52,9934.7%$50,6124.8%

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We report PEO revenues net of direct payroll costs because we are not the primary obligor for wage payments to our clients’ employees. However, management believes that gross billings and wages are useful in understanding the volume of our business activity and serve as an important performance metric in managing our operations, including the preparation of internal operating forecasts and establishing executive compensation performance goals. We therefore present for purposes of analysis gross billings and wage information for the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023.

Year Ended
December 31,
(in thousands)202520242023
Gross billings$9,042,132$8,327,091$7,716,152
PEO and staffing wages$7,856,320$7,245,093$6,711,115

In monitoring and evaluating the performance of our operations, management also reviews the following ratios, which represent selected amounts as a percentage of gross billings. Management believes these ratios are useful in understanding the efficiency and profitability of our service offerings.

Percentage of Gross Billings
Year Ended
December 31,
202520242023
PEO and staffing wages86.9%87.0%87.0%
Payroll taxes and benefits7.9%7.6%7.2%
Workers' compensation2.3%2.4%2.7%
Gross margin2.9%3.0%3.1%

We refer to employees of our PEO clients as worksite employees (“WSEs”). Management reviews average and ending WSE growth to monitor and evaluate the performance of our operations. Average WSEs are calculated by dividing the number of unique individuals paid in each month by the number of months in the period. Ending WSEs represents the number of unique individuals paid in the last month of the period.

Year Ended
December 31,
2025Year-over-year % Growth2024Year-over-year % Growth2023
Average WSEs138,2186.7%129,5774.2%124,306
Ending WSEs138,6054.9%132,0694.4%126,446

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Years Ended December 31, 2025 and 2024

Net income for 2025 was $54.4 million compared to net income of $53.0 million for 2024. Diluted net income per share for 2025 was $2.08 compared to diluted income per share of $1.98 for 2024.

Revenue for 2025 totaled $1,240.3 million, an increase of $95.8 million or 8.4% over 2024, which reflects an increase in the Company’s PEO service revenue of $104.9 million or 9.9% and a decrease in staffing services revenue of $9.2 million or 11.3%.

The increase in PEO services revenues was primarily attributable to a 6.7% increase in average number of WSEs as well as a 2.4% increase in average billing per WSE per day.

Gross margin for 2025 totaled $260.9 million or 21.0% of revenue compared to $253.3 million or 22.2% of revenue for 2024. The decrease in gross margin as a percentage of revenues is primarily a result of the factors discussed within the separate components of gross margin below.

Direct payroll costs for 2025 totaled $54.4 million or 4.4% of revenue compared to $61.0 million or 5.3% of revenue for 2024. The decrease in direct payroll costs as a percentage of revenues was primarily due to a decrease in staffing services within the mix of our customer base in 2025 as compared to 2024.

Payroll taxes and benefits for 2025 totaled $720.8 million or 58.1% of revenue compared to $628.5 million or 54.9% of revenue for 2024. The increase in payroll taxes and benefits expense as a percentage of revenue was primarily due to higher average payroll tax rates in 2025 and PEO client benefit costs of $75.6 million in 2025 compared to $33.4 million in 2024.

Workers’ compensation expense for 2025 totaled $204.1 million or 16.5% of revenue compared to $201.7 million or 17.6% of revenue for 2024. The decrease in workers’ compensation expense as a percentage of revenue was primarily due to lower workers' compensation costs in the current year, which included favorable prior year liability and premium adjustments of $18.7 million in 2025, compared to favorable prior year liability and premium adjustments of $18.5 million in 2024.

Selling, general and administrative (“SG&A”) expenses for 2025 totaled $190.5 million or 15.4% of revenue compared to $185.9 million or 16.2% of revenue for 2024. The increase of $4.6 million in SG&A expense was primarily attributable to increased employee-related costs.

Other income, net for 2025 totaled $9.2 million compared to other income of $11.0 million for 2024. The decrease was primarily attributable to a decrease in investment income in 2025.

Our effective income tax rate for 2025 was 23.7% compared to 25.2% for 2024. Our income tax rate typically differs from the federal statutory tax rate of 21% primarily due to state taxes as well as federal and state tax credits. See “Note 8 - Income Taxes” to the consolidated financial statements included in Item 8 of Part II of this report for additional information regarding income taxes.

A discussion of our financial condition and results of operations for 2024 compared to 2023 can be found in Part II, Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024, filed with the SEC on February 28, 2025.

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Fluctuations in Quarterly Operating Results

We historically have experienced significant fluctuations in our quarterly operating results, including losses or minimal income 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. Positive or 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.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

The Company's cash balance of $126.3 million at December 31, 2025, which includes cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash, increased $43.7 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2025, compared to the cash balance of $82.6 million at December 31, 2024, with an increase of $7.7 million compared to 2024. The increase in cash at December 31, 2025 as compared to December 31, 2024 was primarily due to the factors discussed below.

Net cash provided by operating activities in 2025 amounted to $66.0 million, compared to net cash provided by operating activities of $10.1 million for the comparable period of 2024. In 2025, net cash provided by operating activities was primarily due to net income of $54.4 million, increased accrued payroll and related benefits of $22.6 million, increased payroll taxes payable of $12.8 million, share-based compensation of $10.4 million, increased other accrued liabilities of $8.8 million and depreciation and amortization of $8.3 million, partially offset by decreased workers’ compensation claims liabilities of $23.6 million, decreased premium payable of $16.0 million and increased trade accounts receivable of $14.1 million.

Net cash provided by investing activities totaled $30.8 million in 2025, compared to net cash provided by investing activities of $38.8 million for the comparable period of 2024. In 2025, net cash provided by investing activities consisted primarily of proceeds from the sale and maturity of investments and restricted investments of $93.6 million, partially offset by the purchases of investments and restricted investments of $44.0 million and the purchase of property, equipment and software of $18.8 million.

Net cash used in financing activities in 2025 was $53.0 million compared to net cash used in financing activities of $41.1 million for the comparable period of 2024. In 2025, net cash used in financing activities primarily consisted of repurchases of common stock of $42.0 million and dividend payments of $8.2 million.

The Company is required to maintain minimum collateral levels for certain policies issued under the insured program, which is held in a trust account (the “trust account”). The balance in the trust account was $175.3 million and $197.1 million at December 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024, respectively. The trust account balance is included as a component of the current and long-term restricted cash and investments in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets.

See “Note 5 - Revolving Credit Facility” to the consolidated financial statements included in Item 8 of Part II of this report for information regarding the Company’s credit agreement with Wells Fargo Bank, N.A.

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Contractual Obligations

The Company's contractual obligations as of December 31, 2025 are summarized below:

As of December 31, 2025
Payments Due by Period
(in thousands)Less than1 - 34 - 5After
Total1 YearYearsYears5 Years
Operating leases (1)$27,516$8,164$12,135$5,159$2,058
Total contractual obligations$27,516$8,164$12,135$5,159$2,058

(1) As of December 31, 2025, the Company had no additional operating leases that have not yet commenced and remaining balances on short-term operating leases of $0.2 million, included in the table above. The Company has no long-term debt obligations as of December 31, 2025.

MD&A history

Prior-year 10-K MD&A spans are extracted from SEC filings with the same bounded parser used for the latest filing. The latest 10-K appears above; prior years are below.

FY 2024 10-K MD&A

SEC filing source: 0000950170-25-029516.

Extracted structurally from real Item 7 body heading to real Item 7A/8 boundary. Published MD&A gate trimmed front/tail over-capture. Confidence: high. Filing date: 2025-02-28. Report date: 2024-12-31.

Item 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Overview

The Company 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.

We report revenues in our financial results in two categories of services: professional employer services (“PEO”) and staffing.

With our PEO clients, we enter into a co-employment arrangement in which we become the administrative employer while the client maintains physical care, custody and control of their workforce. Our PEO services are billed as a percentage of client payroll; the gross amount invoiced includes direct payroll costs plus an additional percentage amount to cover employer payroll-related taxes, workers’ compensation coverage (if provided), other service-related costs and a margin. However, actual costs can be higher or lower than anticipated. PEO customers are invoiced following the end of each payroll processing cycle, with payment generally due on the invoice date. Revenues for PEO services exclude direct payroll billings because we are not the primary obligor for those payments.

We generate staffing services revenues primarily from short-term staffing, contract staffing, on-site management and direct placement services. For staffing services other than direct placement, invoiced amounts include direct payroll, an amount intended to cover employer payroll-related taxes, workers’ compensation coverage, other service-related costs and a margin. Staffing customers are invoiced weekly and typically have payment terms of 30 days. Direct placement services are billed at agreed fees at the time of a successful placement.

Our business is concentrated in California, and we expect to continue to derive a majority of our revenues from this market in the future. Revenues generated in our California operations accounted for 72% of our total revenues in 2024, 72% in 2023 and 73% in 2022. Consequently, weakness in economic conditions, changes in the regulatory or insurance environment, or natural disasters or other major disruptive events in California could have a material adverse effect on our financial results.

Our cost of revenues for PEO services includes employer payroll-related taxes, workers’ compensation costs and employee benefits costs. Our cost of revenues for staffing services includes direct payroll costs, employer payroll-related taxes, and workers’ compensation costs. Direct payroll costs represent the gross payroll earned by staffing services employees based on salary or hourly wages. Payroll taxes and benefits consist of the employer’s portion of Social Security and Medicare taxes, federal and state unemployment taxes, and employee benefit costs, which primarily comprises health insurance premiums paid to third-party insurers and underwriting and benefit consultant payroll. Workers’ compensation costs consist primarily of premiums paid to third-party insurers, claims reserves, claims administration fees, legal fees, medical cost containment (“MCC”) expense, state administrative agency fees, third-party broker commissions, and risk manager payroll, as well as costs associated with operating our two wholly owned insurance companies, Associated Insurance Company for Excess (“AICE”) and Ecole Insurance Company (“Ecole”).

Selling, general and administrative expenses consist primarily of payroll and personnel related costs, incentive compensation, information systems costs, rent and professional and legal fees.

Depreciation and amortization represent depreciation of property and equipment, leasehold improvements, software and internally developed software costs. Property, equipment, software and internally developed software costs are depreciated using the straight-line method over their estimated useful lives, which range from 3 to 39 years. Leasehold improvements are amortized using the straight-line method over the shorter of the lease term or estimated useful life.

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Critical Accounting Estimate

We have identified the following accounting estimate as critical to our business and the understanding of our results of operations. For a detailed discussion of the application of this and other accounting policies, see “Note 1 - Summary of Operations and Significant Accounting Policies” to the consolidated financial statements in Item 8 of Part II of this report. The preparation of this Annual Report on Form 10-K requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. 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. Actual results may differ from these estimates.

Workers' Compensation Costs

For all claims incurred under the Company’s workers’ compensation programs, we record an estimate for the total amount of workers’ compensation costs, which represents the amount necessary to pay claims and related expenses, including premiums to third-party insurers, with respect to workplace injuries that have occurred under our various workers’ compensation insurance programs.

When a claim involving a probable loss is reported, our independent third-party administrator for workers’ compensation claims (“TPA”) establishes a case reserve for the estimated amount of ultimate loss. The estimate reflects a judgment based on established case reserving practices and the experience and knowledge of the TPA regarding the nature and expected amount of the claim, as well as the estimated expenses of settling the claim, including legal and other fees and expenses of claims administration. The adequacy of such case reserves depends in part on the professional judgment of the TPA to evaluate the economic consequences of each claim properly and comprehensively.

Our estimate of ultimate losses includes an additional component for potential future increases in the cost to finally resolve open injury claims and claims incurred in prior periods but not reported (together, "IBNR") based on actuarial estimates provided by the Company’s independent actuary. IBNR does not apply to a specific claim but rather applies to the entire population of claims arising from a specific time period. IBNR primarily covers costs relating to:


Future claim payments in excess of case reserves on recorded open claims;


Additional claim payments on closed claims; and


Claims that have occurred but have not yet been reported to us.

The process of estimating 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, modifications 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 actuarial analyses and informed judgment, derived from individual experiences 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 estimates, the ultimate expense incurred will likely vary from the related loss estimate 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 estimates.

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 estimation process. To the extent a material change affecting the ultimate claim amount 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. 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.

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To illustrate the sensitivity of changes in our estimate of workers’ compensation costs, a 5% increase in estimated ultimate losses for 2024 would result in a $0.5 million increase in workers’ compensation expense, and a 5% decrease in estimated ultimate losses would result in a $7.1 million decrease to workers’ compensation expense. This asymmetric impact on workers’ compensation expense is due to our insured program, which limits our expense if claim costs increase but passes through savings if claim costs are lower than expected.

We believe that the amounts that we have recorded for our estimated workers’ compensation costs are reasonable. Nevertheless, adjustments to such estimates will be required in future periods if the development of claim costs varies materially from our estimates, and such future adjustments may be material to our results of operations.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

For a discussion of recent accounting pronouncements and their potential effect on the Company's results of operations and financial condition, see “Note 1 - Summary of Operations and Significant Accounting Policies” to the consolidated financial statements in Item 8 of Part II of this report.

Forward-Looking Information

Statements in this Item or in Items 1, 1A, 3 and 9A of this report include forward-looking statements, which are not historical in nature and are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements include, among others, discussion of economic conditions in our market areas, especially in California, and their effect on revenue levels; the competitiveness of our service offerings; the availability of certain fully insured medical and other health and welfare benefits to qualifying worksite employees; our ability to attract and retain clients and to achieve revenue growth; the effect of changes in our mix of services on gross margin; labor market conditions; the adequacy of our workers' compensation reserves; the effect of changes in estimates of our future claims liabilities on our workers’ compensation reserves, including the effect of changes in our reserving practices and claims management process on our actuarial estimates; expected levels of required surety deposits and letters of credit; the outcome of audits; the effect of our formation and operation of two wholly owned licensed insurance subsidiaries; the risks of operation and cost of our insured program; the financial viability of our excess insurance carriers; the effectiveness of our management information systems; our relationship with our primary bank lender and the availability of financing and working capital to meet our funding requirements; litigation costs; the effect of changes in the interest rate environment on the value of our investment securities; the adequacy of our allowance for expected credit losses; and the potential for and effect of acquisitions.

All 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 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 and the potential effects of changing governmental policies and natural disasters; the potential for material deviations from expected future workers’ compensation claims experience; changes in the workers’ compensation regulatory environment in our primary markets; PEO client benefit costs, particularly with regard to health insurance benefits; security breaches or failures in the Company’s information technology systems; collectability of accounts receivable; changes in executive management; changes in effective payroll tax rates and federal and state income tax rates; the carrying values of deferred income tax assets and goodwill (which may be affected by our future operating results); the effects of inflation on our operating expenses and those of our clients; the impact of and potential changes to the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, escalating medical costs, and other health care legislative initiatives on our business; the effect of changing interest rates and 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 insured program. Additional risk factors affecting our business are discussed in Item 1A

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of Part I of this report. We disclaim any obligation to publicly announce any revisions to any of the forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect future events or developments.

Results of Operations

The following table sets forth the percentages of total revenues represented by selected items in the Company's consolidated statements of operations for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022, included in Item 8 of Part II of this report.

Percentage of Total Net Revenues
($ in thousands)Years Ended December 31,
202420232022
Revenues:
Professional employer services$1,063,38692.9%$982,26891.9%$937,36388.9%
Staffing services81,1457.187,0398.1116,96311.1
Total revenues1,144,531100.01,069,307100.01,054,326100.0
Cost of revenues:
Direct payroll costs61,0105.365,0426.187,9448.3
Payroll taxes and benefits628,53454.9555,75852.0522,39249.5
Workers’ compensation201,73617.6205,97519.2209,14519.8
Total cost of revenues891,28077.8826,77577.3819,48177.7
Gross margin253,25122.2242,53222.7234,84522.3
Selling, general and administrative expenses185,86916.2174,77216.3169,64216.1
Depreciation and amortization7,6010.77,1100.76,2280.6
Income from operations59,7815.360,6505.758,9755.6
Other income, net11,0411.08,3380.86,3280.6
Income before income taxes70,8226.368,9886.565,3036.2
Provision for income taxes17,8291.618,3761.718,0351.7
Net income$52,9934.7%$50,6124.8%$47,2684.5%

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We report PEO revenues net of direct payroll costs because we are not the primary obligor for wage payments to our clients’ employees. However, management believes that gross billings and wages are useful in understanding the volume of our business activity and serve as an important performance metric in managing our operations, including the preparation of internal operating forecasts and establishing executive compensation performance goals. We therefore present for purposes of analysis gross billings and wage information for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022.

Year Ended
December 31,
(in thousands)202420232022
Gross billings$8,327,091$7,716,152$7,393,808
PEO and staffing wages$7,245,093$6,711,115$6,425,286

In monitoring and evaluating the performance of our operations, management also reviews the following ratios, which represent selected amounts as a percentage of gross billings. Management believes these ratios are useful in understanding the efficiency and profitability of our service offerings.

Percentage of Gross Billings
Year Ended
December 31,
202420232022
PEO and staffing wages87.0%87.0%86.9%
Payroll taxes and benefits7.6%7.2%7.0%
Workers' compensation2.4%2.7%2.9%
Gross margin3.0%3.1%3.2%

We refer to employees of our PEO clients as worksite employees (“WSEs”). Management reviews average and ending WSE growth to monitor and evaluate the performance of our operations. Average WSEs are calculated by dividing the number of unique individuals paid in each month by the number of months in the period. Ending WSEs represents the number of unique individuals paid in the last month of the period.

Year Ended
December 31,
2024Year-over-year % Growth2023Year-over-year % Growth2022
Average WSEs129,5774.2%124,3061.9%122,001
Ending WSEs132,0694.4%126,4463.4%122,306

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Years Ended December 31, 2024 and 2023

Net income for 2024 was $53.0 million compared to net income of $50.6 million for 2023. Diluted net income per share for 2024 was $1.98 compared to diluted income per share of $1.85 for 2023.

Revenue for 2024 totaled $1,144.5 million, an increase of $75.2 million or 7.0% over 2023, which reflects an increase in the Company’s PEO service revenue of $81.1 million or 8.3% and a decrease in staffing services revenue of $5.9 million or 6.8%.

The increase in PEO services revenues was primarily attributable to a 4.2% increase in average number of WSEs as well as a 3.4% increase in average billing per WSE.

Gross margin for 2024 totaled $253.3 million or 22.2% of revenue compared to $242.5 million or 22.7% of revenue for 2023. The decrease in gross margin as a percentage of revenues is primarily a result of the factors discussed within the separate components of gross margin below.

Direct payroll costs for 2024 totaled $61.0 million or 5.3% of revenue compared to $65.0 million or 6.1% of revenue for 2023. The decrease in direct payroll costs as a percentage of revenues was primarily due to a decrease in staffing services within the mix of our customer base in 2024 as compared to 2023.

Payroll taxes and benefits for 2024 totaled $628.5 million or 54.9% of revenue compared to $555.8 million or 52.0% of revenue for 2023. The increase in payroll taxes and benefits expense as a percentage of revenue was primarily due to higher average payroll tax rates in 2024 and PEO client benefit costs of $33.4 million in 2024 compared to $10.5 million in 2023.

Workers’ compensation expense for 2024 totaled $201.7 million or 17.6% of revenue compared to $206.0 million or 19.2% of revenue for 2023. The decrease in workers’ compensation expense as a percentage of revenue was primarily due to lower workers' compensation costs in the current year as well as favorable prior year liability and premium adjustments of $18.5 million in 2024, compared to prior year liability and premium adjustments of $14.9 million in 2023.

Selling, general and administrative (“SG&A”) expenses for 2024 totaled $185.9 million or 16.2% of revenue compared to $174.8 million or 16.3% of revenue for 2023. The increase of $11.1 million in SG&A expense was primarily attributable to increased employee-related costs, including increased variable employee compensation and incentive pay related to stronger financial results compared to 2023.

Other income, net for 2024 totaled $11.0 million compared to other income of $8.3 million for 2023. The increase was primarily attributable to an increase in investment income in 2024.

Our effective income tax rate for 2024 was 25.2% compared to 26.6% for 2023. Our income tax rate typically differs from the federal statutory tax rate of 21% primarily due to state taxes as well as federal and state tax credits. See “Note 8 - Income Taxes” to the consolidated financial statements included in Item 8 of Part II of this report for additional information regarding income taxes.

A discussion of our financial condition and results of operations for 2023 compared to 2022 can be found in Part II, Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, filed with the SEC on March 1, 2024.

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Fluctuations in Quarterly Operating Results

We historically have experienced significant fluctuations in our quarterly operating results, including losses or minimal income 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. Positive or 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.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

The Company's cash balance of $82.6 million, which includes cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash, increased $7.7 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2024, compared to a decrease of $32.5 million for the comparable period of 2023. The increase in cash at December 31, 2024 as compared to December 31, 2023 was primarily due to proceeds from the sale and maturities of investments and restricted investments, increased accrued payroll and related benefits, and net income, partially offset by increased trade accounts receivable, decreased workers' compensation claim liabilities, purchases of investments and restricted investments, and repurchases of common stock.

Net cash provided by operating activities in 2024 amounted to $10.1 million, compared to net cash provided of $67.2 million for the comparable period of 2023. In 2024, net cash provided by operating activities was primarily due to increased accrued payroll and related benefits of $55.2 million and net income of $53.0 million, largely offset by increased trade accounts receivable of $63.1 million and decreased workers’ compensation claims liabilities of $39.4 million.

Net cash provided by investing activities totaled $38.8 million in 2024, compared to net cash used of $55.2 million for the comparable period of 2023. In 2024, net cash provided by investing activities consisted primarily of proceeds from the sale and maturity of investments and restricted investments of $90.8 million, partially offset by the purchases of investments and restricted investments of $37.9 million and the purchase of property, equipment and software of $14.2 million.

Net cash used in financing activities in 2024 was $41.1 million compared to net cash used of $44.6 million for the comparable period of 2023. In 2024, net cash used in financing activities primarily consisted of repurchases of common stock of $29.1 million and dividend payments of $8.1 million.

The Company is required to maintain minimum collateral levels for certain policies issued under the insured program, which is held in a trust account (the “trust account”). The balance in the trust account was $197.1 million and $210.9 million at December 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively. The trust account balance is included as a component of the current and long-term restricted cash and investments in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets.

See “Note 5 - Revolving Credit Facility and Long-Term Debt” to the consolidated financial statements included in Item 8 of Part II of this report for information regarding the Company’s credit agreement with Wells Fargo Bank, N.A.

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Contractual Obligations

The Company's contractual obligations as of December 31, 2024 are summarized below:

As of December 31, 2024
Payments Due by Period
(in thousands)Less than1 - 34 - 5After
Total1 YearYearsYears5 Years
Operating leases (1)$30,755$7,772$13,397$7,063$2,523
Total contractual obligations$30,755$7,772$13,397$7,063$2,523

(1) As of December 31, 2024, the Company has additional operating leases that have not yet commenced of $7.1 million and remaining balances on short-term operating leases of $0.06 million, included in the table above. In January 2022, the Company paid off all of its long-term debt.

FY 2023 10-K MD&A

SEC filing source: 0000950170-24-024024.

Extracted structurally from real Item 7 body heading to real Item 7A/8 boundary. Confidence: high. Filing date: 2024-03-01. Report date: 2023-12-31.

Item 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Overview

The Company 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.

We report revenues in our financial results in two categories of services: professional employer services (“PEO”) and staffing.

With our PEO clients, we enter into a co-employment arrangement in which we become the administrative employer while the client maintains physical care, custody and control of their workforce. Our PEO services are billed as a percentage of client payroll; the gross amount invoiced includes direct payroll costs plus an additional percentage amount to cover employer payroll-related taxes, workers’ compensation coverage (if provided), other service-related costs and a margin. However, actual costs can be higher or lower than anticipated. PEO customers are invoiced following the end of each payroll processing cycle, with payment generally due on the invoice date. Revenues for PEO services exclude direct payroll billings because we are not the primary obligor for those payments.

We generate staffing services revenues primarily from short-term staffing, contract staffing, on-site management and direct placement services. For staffing services other than direct placement, invoiced amounts include direct payroll, an amount intended to cover employer payroll-related taxes, workers’ compensation coverage, other service-related costs and a margin. Staffing customers are invoiced weekly and typically have payment terms of 30 days. Direct placement services are billed at agreed fees at the time of a successful placement.

Our business is concentrated in California, and we expect to continue to derive a majority of our revenues from this market in the future. Revenues generated in our California operations accounted for 72% of our total revenues in 2023, 73% in 2022 and 73% in 2021. Consequently, weakness in economic conditions, changes in the regulatory or insurance environment, or natural disasters or other major disruptive events in California could have a material adverse effect on our financial results.

Our cost of revenues for PEO services includes employer payroll-related taxes, workers’ compensation costs and employee benefits costs. Our cost of revenues for staffing services includes direct payroll costs, employer payroll-related taxes, and workers’ compensation costs. Direct payroll costs represent the gross payroll earned by staffing services employees based on salary or hourly wages. Payroll taxes and benefits consist of the employer’s portion of Social Security and Medicare taxes, federal and state unemployment taxes, and employee benefit costs, which primarily comprises health insurance premiums paid to third-party insurers and underwriting and benefit consultant payroll. Workers’ compensation costs consist primarily of premiums paid to third-party insurers, claims reserves, claims administration fees, legal fees, medical cost containment (“MCC”) expense, state administrative agency fees, third-party broker commissions, and risk manager payroll, as well as costs associated with operating our two wholly owned insurance companies, Associated Insurance Company for Excess (“AICE”) and Ecole Insurance Company (“Ecole”).

Selling, general and administrative expenses represent both branch office and corporate-level operating expenses. Branch operating expenses consist primarily of branch office staff payroll and personnel related costs, advertising, rent, office supplies, professional and legal fees and branch incentive compensation. Corporate-level operating expenses consist primarily of executive and office staff payroll and personnel related costs, professional and legal fees, travel, occupancy costs, information systems costs, and executive and corporate staff incentive compensation.

Depreciation and amortization represent depreciation of property and equipment, leasehold improvements, software and internally developed software costs. Property, equipment, software and

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internally developed software costs are depreciated using the straight-line method over their estimated useful lives, which range from 3 to 39 years. Leasehold improvements are amortized using the straight-line method over the shorter of the lease term or estimated useful life.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

We have identified the following accounting estimate as critical to our business and the understanding of our results of operations. For a detailed discussion of the application of this and other accounting policies, see “Note 1 - Summary of Operations and Significant Accounting Policies” to the consolidated financial statements in Item 8 of Part II of this report. The preparation of this Annual Report on Form 10-K requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. 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. Actual results may differ from these estimates.

Workers' Compensation Reserves

We recognize our liability for the ultimate payment of incurred claims and claims adjustment expenses by establishing a reserve that represents our estimates of future amounts necessary to pay claims and related expenses with respect to workplace injuries that have occurred. When a claim involving a probable loss is reported, our independent third-party administrator for workers’ compensation claims (“TPA”) establishes a case reserve for the estimated amount of ultimate loss. The estimate reflects a judgment based on established case reserving practices and the experience and knowledge of the TPA regarding the nature and expected amount of the claim, as well as the estimated expenses of settling the claim, including legal and other fees and expenses of claims administration. The adequacy of such case reserves depends in part on the professional judgment of the TPA to evaluate the economic consequences of each claim properly and comprehensively.

Our reserves include an additional component for potential future increases in the cost to finally resolve open injury claims and claims incurred in prior periods but not reported (together, "IBNR") based on actuarial estimates provided by the Company’s independent actuary. IBNR reserves, unlike specific case reserves, do not apply to a specific claim but rather apply to the entire population of claims arising from a specific time period. IBNR primarily covers costs relating to:


Future claim payments in excess of case reserves on recorded open claims;


Additional claim payments on closed claims; and


Claims that have occurred but have not yet been reported to us.

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

A basic premise in most actuarial analyses is that historical data and past patterns demonstrated in the incurred and paid historical data form a reasonable basis upon which to project future outcomes, absent a material change. Significant structural changes to the available data can materially impact the reserve estimation process. To the extent a material change affecting the ultimate claim liability becomes known,

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such change is quantified to the extent possible through an analysis of internal company data and, if available and when appropriate, external data. 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.

We believe that the amounts recorded for our estimated liabilities for workers’ compensation claims, which are based on informed judgment, analysis of data, actuarial estimates, and analysis of other trends associated with the Company’s historical universe of claims data, are reasonable. Nevertheless, adjustments to such estimates will be required in future periods if the development of claim costs varies materially from our estimates, and such future adjustments may be material to our results of operations.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

For a discussion of recent accounting pronouncements and their potential effect on the Company's results of operations and financial condition, see “Note 1 - Summary of Operations and Significant Accounting Policies” to the consolidated financial statements in Item 8 of Part II of this report.

Forward-Looking Information

Statements in this Item or in Items 1, 1A, 3 and 9A of this report include forward-looking statements, which are not historical in nature and are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements include, among others, discussion of economic conditions in our market areas and their effect on revenue levels, the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on our business operations, the competitiveness of our service offerings, the availability of certain fully insured medical and other health and welfare benefits to qualifying worksite employees, our ability to attract and retain clients and to achieve revenue growth, the effect of changes in our mix of services on gross margin, labor market conditions, the adequacy of our workers' compensation reserves, the effect of changes in estimates of our future claims liabilities on our workers’ compensation reserves, including the effect of changes in our reserving practices and claims management process on our actuarial estimates, expected levels of required surety deposits and letters of credit, 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 licensed insurance subsidiaries, the risks of operation and cost of our insured program, the financial viability of our excess insurance carriers, the effectiveness of our management information systems, our relationship with our primary bank lender and the availability of financing and working capital to meet our funding requirements, litigation costs, the effect of changes in the interest rate environment on the value of our investment securities, the adequacy of our allowance for doubtful accounts, and the potential for and effect of acquisitions.

All 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; changes in the workers’ compensation regulatory environment in our primary markets; security breaches or failures in the Company’s information technology systems; collectability of accounts receivable; changes in executive management; changes in effective payroll tax rates and federal and state income tax rates; the carrying values of deferred income tax assets and goodwill (which may be affected by our future operating results); the effects of inflation on our operating expenses and those of our clients; the impact of and potential changes to the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, escalating medical costs, and other health care legislative initiatives 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 insured program. Additional risk factors affecting our business are discussed in Item 1A of Part I of this report. We disclaim any obligation to publicly announce any revisions to any of the forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect future events or developments.

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Results of Operations

The following table sets forth the percentages of total revenues represented by selected items in the Company's consolidated statements of operations for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, included in Item 8 of Part II of this report.

Percentage of Total Net Revenues
($ in thousands)Years Ended December 31,
202320222021
Revenues:
Professional employer services$982,26891.9%$937,36388.9%$843,81588.3%
Staffing services87,0398.1116,96311.1111,35111.7
Total revenues1,069,307100.01,054,326100.0955,166100.0
Cost of revenues:
Direct payroll costs65,0426.187,9448.383,8218.8
Payroll taxes and benefits555,75852.0522,39249.5469,88849.2
Workers’ compensation205,97519.2209,14519.8196,94920.6
Total cost of revenues826,77577.3819,48177.7750,65878.6
Gross margin242,53222.7234,84522.3204,50821.4
Selling, general and administrative expenses174,77216.3169,64216.1155,25916.3
Depreciation and amortization7,1100.76,2280.65,3260.6
Income from operations60,6505.758,9755.643,9234.6
Other income, net8,3380.86,3280.66,7380.7
Income before income taxes68,9886.565,3036.250,6615.3
Provision for income taxes18,3761.718,0351.712,5821.3
Net income$50,6124.8%$47,2684.5%$38,0794.0%

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We report PEO revenues net of direct payroll costs because we are not the primary obligor for wage payments to our clients’ employees. However, management believes that gross billings and wages are useful in understanding the volume of our business activity and serve as an important performance metric in managing our operations, including the preparation of internal operating forecasts and establishing executive compensation performance goals. We therefore present for purposes of analysis gross billings and wage information for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021.

Year Ended
December 31,
(in thousands)202320222021
Gross billings$7,716,152$7,393,808$6,569,986
PEO and staffing wages6,711,1156,425,2865,693,903

In monitoring and evaluating the performance of our operations, management also reviews the following ratios, which represent selected amounts as a percentage of gross billings. Management believes these ratios are useful in understanding the efficiency and profitability of our service offerings.

Percentage of Gross Billings
Year Ended
December 31,
202320222021
PEO and staffing wages87.0%86.9%86.7%
Payroll taxes and benefits7.2%7.0%7.2%
Workers' compensation2.7%2.9%3.0%
Gross margin3.1%3.2%3.1%

The presentation of revenue on a net basis and the relative contributions of staffing and PEO services revenue can create volatility in our gross margin as a percentage of revenue. Generally, a relative increase in PEO services revenue will result in a higher gross margin as a percentage of revenue. Improvement in gross margin percentage occurs because incremental client services revenue dollars are reported as revenue net of all related direct payroll and safety incentive costs.

We refer to employees of our PEO clients as worksite employees (“WSEs”). Management reviews average and ending WSE growth to monitor and evaluate the performance of our operations. Average WSEs are calculated by dividing the number of unique individuals paid in each month by the number of months in the period. Ending WSEs represents the number of unique individuals paid in the last month of the period.

Year Ended
December 31,
2023% Change2022% Change2021
Average WSEs124,3061.9%122,0018.0%112,928
Ending WSEs126,4463.4%122,3065.3%116,154

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Years Ended December 31, 2023 and 2022

Net income for 2023 was $50.6 million compared to net income of $47.3 million for 2022. Diluted net income per share for 2023 was $7.39 compared to diluted income per share of $6.54 for 2022.

Revenue for 2023 totaled $1,069.3 million, an increase of $15.0 million or 1.4% over 2022, which reflects an increase in the Company’s PEO service revenue of $44.9 million or 4.8% and a decrease in staffing services revenue of $29.9 million or 25.6%.

The increase in PEO services revenues was primarily attributable to an increase in average number of WSEs as well as an increase in average billing per WSE.

Gross margin for 2023 totaled $242.5 million or 22.7% of revenue compared to $234.8 million or 22.3% of revenue for 2022. The increase in gross margin as a percentage of revenues is primarily a result of the factors discussed within the separate components of gross margin below.

Direct payroll costs for 2023 totaled $65.0 million or 6.1% of revenue compared to $87.9 million or 8.3% of revenue for 2022. The decrease in direct payroll costs as a percentage of revenues was primarily due to a decrease in staffing services within the mix of our customer base in 2023 as compared to 2022.

Payroll taxes and benefits for 2023 totaled $555.8 million or 52.0% of revenue compared to $522.4 million or 49.5% of revenue for 2022. The increase in payroll taxes and benefits expense as a percentage of revenue was primarily due to higher average payroll tax rates in 2023, in addition to PEO client benefit costs of $10.5 million related to the availability of employee benefits to our PEO clients beginning in 2023.

Workers’ compensation expense for 2023 totaled $206.0 million or 19.3% of revenue compared to $209.1 million or 19.8% of revenue for 2022. The decrease in workers’ compensation expense as a percentage of revenue was primarily due to lower workers' compensation costs in the current year as well as favorable prior year liability and premium adjustments of $14.9 million in 2023, compared to prior year liability and premium adjustments of $13.4 million in 2022.

Selling, general and administrative (“SG&A”) expenses for 2023 totaled $174.8 million or 16.3% of revenue compared to $169.6 million or 16.1% of revenue for 2022. The increase as a percentage of revenue was primarily due to the decrease in staffing services within the mix of our customer base. The increase of $5.2 million in SG&A expense was primarily attributable to increased employee-related costs.

Other income, net for 2023 totaled $8.3 million compared to other income of $6.3 million for 2022. The increase was primarily attributable to an increase in investment income in 2023.

Our effective income tax rate for 2023 was 26.6% compared to 27.6% for 2022. Our income tax rate typically differs from the federal statutory tax rate of 21% primarily due to state taxes as well as federal and state tax credits. See “Note 8 - Income Taxes” to the consolidated financial statements included in Item 8 of Part II of this report for additional information regarding income taxes.

A discussion of our financial condition and results of operations for 2022 compared to 2021 can be found in Part II, Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022, filed with the SEC on March 6, 2023.

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Fluctuations in Quarterly Operating Results

We have historically experienced significant fluctuations in our quarterly operating results, including losses or minimal income 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, positive or 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.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

The Company's cash balance of $74.8 million, which includes cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash, decreased $32.5 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2023, compared to an increase of $28.7 million for the comparable period of 2022. The decrease in cash at December 31, 2023 as compared to December 31, 2022 was primarily due to the purchase of investments and restricted investments, decreased workers' compensation claim liabilities, and repurchases of common stock partially offset by increased premium payable, net income, and proceeds from the sale and maturities of investments and restricted investments.

Net cash provided by operating activities in 2023 amounted to $67.2 million, compared to net cash provided of $27.8 million for the comparable period of 2022. In 2023, net cash provided by operating activities was primarily due to increased premium payable of $54.2 million, net income of $50.6 million, and increased accrued payroll, payroll taxes and related benefits of $12.7 million, partially offset by decreased workers’ compensation claims liabilities of $51.2 million.

Net cash used in investing activities totaled $55.2 million in 2023, compared to net cash provided of $61.2 million for the comparable period of 2022. In 2023, net cash used in investing activities consisted primarily of purchase of investments and restricted investments of $71.1 million and purchase of property, equipment and software of $11.8 million, partially offset by proceeds from the sale and maturity of investments and restricted investments of $27.6 million.

Net cash used in financing activities in 2023 was $44.6 million compared to net cash used of $60.2 million for the comparable period of 2022. In 2023, net cash used in financing activities primarily consisted of repurchases of common stock of $34.2 million and dividend payments of $8.1 million.

The Company is required to maintain minimum collateral levels for certain policies issued under the insured program, which is held in a trust account (the “trust account”). The balance in the trust account was $210.9 million and $188.2 million at December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively. The trust account balance is included as a component of the current and long-term restricted cash and investments in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets.

See “Note 5 - Revolving Credit Facility and Long-Term Debt” to the consolidated financial statements included in Item 8 of Part II of this report for information regarding the Company’s credit agreement with Wells Fargo Bank, N.A.

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Contractual Obligations

The Company's contractual obligations as of December 31, 2023 are summarized below:

As of December 31, 2023
Payments Due by Period
(in thousands)Less than1 - 34 - 5After
Total1 YearYearsYears5 Years
Operating leases (1)$24,311$7,571$10,171$5,767$802
Total contractual obligations$24,311$7,571$10,171$5,767$802

(1) As of December 31, 2023, the Company has additional operating leases that have not yet commenced of $1.0 million and remaining balances on short-term operating leases of $60,332. In January 2022, the Company paid off all of its long-term debt.

FY 2022 10-K MD&A

SEC filing source: 0000950170-23-006131.

Extracted structurally from real Item 7 body heading to real Item 7A/8 boundary. Confidence: high. Filing date: 2023-03-06. Report date: 2022-12-31.

Item 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Overview

The Company 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.

We report revenues in our financial results in two categories of services: professional employer services (“PEO”) and staffing.

With our PEO clients, we enter into a co-employment arrangement in which we become the administrative employer while the client maintains physical care, custody and control of their workforce. Our PEO services are billed as a percentage of client payroll; the gross amount invoiced includes direct payroll costs plus an additional percentage amount to cover employer payroll-related taxes, workers’ compensation coverage (if provided), other service related costs and a margin. However, actual costs can be higher or lower than anticipated. PEO customers are invoiced following the end of each payroll processing cycle, with payment generally due on the invoice date. Revenues for PEO services exclude direct payroll billings because we are not the primary obligor for those payments.

We generate staffing services revenues primarily from short-term staffing, contract staffing, on-site management and direct placement services. For staffing services other than direct placement, invoiced amounts include direct payroll, an amount intended to cover employer payroll-related taxes, workers’ compensation coverage, other service related costs and a margin. Staffing customers are invoiced weekly and typically have payment terms of 30 days. Direct placement services are billed at agreed fees at the time of a successful placement.

Our business is concentrated in California, and we expect to continue to derive a majority of our revenues from this market in the future. Revenues generated in our California operations accounted for 73% of our total revenues in 2022, 73% in 2021 and 75% in 2020. Consequently, any weakness in economic conditions, changes in the regulatory or insurance environment, or natural disasters or other major events in California could have a material adverse effect on our financial results.

Our cost of revenues for PEO services includes employer payroll-related taxes and workers' compensation costs. Our cost of revenues for staffing services includes direct payroll costs, employer payroll-related taxes, employee benefits, 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 of the costs associated with our workers' compensation program, including premiums for the insured program, claims reserves for the self-insured program, claims administration fees, legal fees, medical cost containment (“MCC”) expense, state administrative agency fees, third-party broker commissions, risk manager payroll, premiums for excess insurance, and costs associated with operating our two wholly owned insurance companies, AICE and Ecole.

Selling, general and administrative expenses represent both branch office and corporate-level operating expenses. Branch operating expenses consist primarily of branch office staff payroll and personnel related costs, advertising, rent, office supplies, professional and legal fees and branch incentive compensation. Corporate-level operating expenses consist primarily of executive and office staff payroll and personnel related costs, professional and legal fees, travel, occupancy costs, information systems costs, and executive and corporate staff incentive compensation.

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Depreciation and amortization represent depreciation of property and equipment, leasehold improvements, software and internally developed software costs. Property, equipment, software and internally developed software costs are depreciated using the straight-line method over their estimated useful lives, which range from 3 to 39 years. Leasehold improvements are amortized using the straight-line method over the shorter of the lease term or estimated useful life.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

We have identified the following accounting estimate as critical to our business and the understanding of our results of operations. For a detailed discussion of the application of this and other accounting policies, see “Note 1 - Summary of Operations and Significant Accounting Policies” to the consolidated financial statements in Item 8 of Part II of this report. The preparation of this Annual Report on Form 10-K requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. 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. Actual results may differ from these estimates.

Workers' Compensation Reserves

We recognize our liability for the ultimate payment of incurred claims and claims adjustment expenses by establishing a reserve that represents our estimates of future amounts necessary to pay claims and related expenses with respect to workplace injuries that have occurred. When a claim involving a probable loss is reported, our independent third-party administrator for workers’ compensation claims (“TPA”) establishes a case reserve for the estimated amount of ultimate loss. The estimate reflects a judgment based on established case reserving practices and the experience and knowledge of the TPA regarding the nature and expected amount of the claim, as well as the estimated expenses of settling the claim, including legal and other fees and expenses of claims administration. The adequacy of such case reserves depends in part on the professional judgment of the TPA to evaluate the economic consequences of each claim properly and comprehensively.

Our reserves include an additional component for potential future increases in the cost to finally resolve open injury claims and claims incurred in prior periods but not reported (together, "IBNR") based on actuarial estimates provided by the Company’s independent actuary. IBNR reserves, unlike specific case reserves, do not apply to a specific claim but rather apply to the entire population of claims arising from a specific time period. IBNR primarily covers costs relating to:


Future claim payments in excess of case reserves on recorded open claims;


Additional claim payments on closed claims; and


Claims that have occurred but have not yet been reported to us.

The process of estimating 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, modifications 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 actuarial analyses and informed judgment, derived from individual experiences 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.

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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. 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.

We believe that the amounts recorded for our estimated liabilities for workers’ compensation claims, which are based on informed judgment, analysis of data, actuarial estimates, and analysis of other trends associated with the Company’s historical universe of claims data, are reasonable. Nevertheless, adjustments to such estimates will be required in future periods if the development of claim costs varies materially from our estimates, and such future adjustments may be material to our results of operations.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

For a discussion of recent accounting pronouncements and their potential effect on the Company's results of operations and financial condition, see “Note 1 - Summary of Operations and Significant Accounting Policies” to the consolidated financial statements in Item 8 of Part II of this report.

Forward-Looking Information

Statements in this Item or in Items 1, 1A, 3 and 9A of this report include forward-looking statements, which are not historical in nature and are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements include, among others, discussion of economic conditions in our market areas and their effect on revenue levels, the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on our business operations, the competitiveness of our service offerings, the availability of certain fully insured medical and other health and welfare benefits to qualifying worksite employees beginning in 2023, our ability to attract and retain clients and to achieve revenue growth, the effect of changes in our mix of services on gross margin, the effect of tight labor market conditions, the adequacy of our workers' compensation reserves, the effect of changes in estimates of our future claims liabilities on our workers’ compensation reserves, including the effect of changes in our reserving practices and claims management process on our actuarial estimates, expected levels of required surety deposits and letters of credit, 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 licensed insurance subsidiaries, the risks of operation and cost of our insured program, the financial viability of our excess insurance carriers, the effectiveness of our management information systems, our relationship with our primary bank lender and the availability of financing and working capital to meet our funding requirements, litigation costs, the effect of changes in the interest rate environment on the value of our investment securities, the adequacy of our allowance for doubtful accounts, and the potential for and effect of acquisitions.

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All 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; the effects of governmental orders, laws or regulations imposing requirements related to the COVID-19 pandemic; 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; changes in the workers’ compensation regulatory environment in our primary markets; security breaches or failures in the Company’s information technology systems; collectability of accounts receivable; changes in effective payroll tax rates and federal and state income tax rates; the carrying values of deferred income tax assets and goodwill (which may be affected by our future operating results); the effects of inflation on our operating expenses and those of our clients; the impact of and potential changes to the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, escalating medical costs, and other health care legislative initiatives 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 insured program. Additional risk factors affecting our business are discussed in Item 1A of Part I of this report. We disclaim any obligation to publicly announce any revisions to any of the forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect future events or developments.

Results of Operations

The following table sets forth the percentages of total revenues represented by selected items in the Company's consolidated statements of operations for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020, included in Item 8 of Part II of this report.

Percentage of Total Net Revenues
($ in thousands)Years Ended December 31,
202220212020
Revenues:
Professional employer services$937,36388.9%$843,81588.3%$777,43088.3%
Staffing services116,96311.1111,35111.7$103,39411.7
Total revenues1,054,326100.0955,166100.0880,824100.0
Cost of revenues:
Direct payroll costs87,9448.383,8218.878,3808.9
Payroll taxes and benefits522,39249.5469,88849.2418,79347.5
Workers’ compensation209,14519.8196,94920.6200,74422.8
Total cost of revenues819,48177.7750,65878.6697,91779.2
Gross margin234,84522.3204,50821.4182,90720.8
Selling, general and administrative expenses169,64216.1155,25916.3141,91616.1
Depreciation and amortization6,2280.65,3260.64,8440.5
Income from operations58,9755.643,9234.636,1474.1
Other income, net6,3280.66,7380.76,4490.7
Income before income taxes65,3036.250,6615.342,5964.8
Provision for income taxes18,0351.712,5821.38,8311.0
Net income$47,2684.5%$38,0794.0%$33,7653.8%

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We report PEO revenues net of direct payroll costs because we are not the primary obligor for wage payments to our clients’ employees. However, management believes that gross billings and wages are useful in understanding the volume of our business activity and serve as an important performance metric in managing our operations, including the preparation of internal operating forecasts and establishing executive compensation performance goals. We therefore present for purposes of analysis gross billings and wage information for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020.

Year Ended
December 31,
(in thousands)202220212020
Gross billings$7,393,808$6,569,986$5,924,539
PEO and staffing wages6,425,2865,693,9035,098,604

Because safety incentives represent consideration payable to PEO customers, safety incentive costs are netted against PEO revenue in our consolidated statements of operations. We therefore present below for purposes of analysis non-GAAP gross workers’ compensation expense, which represents workers’ compensation costs including safety incentive costs. We believe this non-GAAP measure is useful in evaluating the total costs of our workers’ compensation program. In July 2020, the Company began limiting its safety incentive offering in certain markets, resulting in a substantial reduction in safety incentive costs.

Year Ended
December 31,
(in thousands)202220212020
Workers' compensation$209,145$196,949$200,744
Safety incentive costs1,8522,98523,544
Non-GAAP gross workers' compensation$210,997$199,934$224,288

In monitoring and evaluating the performance of our operations, management also reviews the following ratios, which represent selected amounts as a percentage of gross billings. Management believes these ratios are useful in understanding the efficiency and profitability of our service offerings.

Percentage of Gross Billings
Year Ended
December 31,
202220212020
PEO and staffing wages86.9%86.7%86.1%
Payroll taxes and benefits7.0%7.2%7.1%
Non-GAAP gross workers' compensation2.9%3.0%3.8%
Gross margin3.2%3.1%3.1%

The presentation of revenue on a net basis and the relative contributions of staffing and PEO services revenue can create volatility in our gross margin as a percentage of revenue. A relative increase in PEO services revenue will result in a higher gross margin as a percentage of revenue. Improvement in gross margin percentage occurs because incremental client services revenue dollars are reported as revenue net of all related direct payroll and safety incentive costs.

We refer to employees of our PEO clients as worksite employees (“WSEs”). Management reviews average and ending WSE growth to monitor and evaluate the performance of our operations. Average WSEs are calculated by dividing the number of unique individuals paid in each month by the number of months in the period. Ending WSEs represents the number of unique individuals paid in the last month of the period.

Year Ended
December 31,
2022% Change2021% Change2020
Average WSEs122,0018.0%112,9284.3%108,249
Ending WSEs122,3065.3%116,1546.3%109,292

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Years Ended December 31, 2022 and 2021

Net income for 2022 was $47.3 million compared to net income of $38.1 million for 2021. Diluted net income per share for 2022 was $6.54 compared to diluted income per share of $5.00 for 2021.

Revenue for 2022 totaled $1,054.3 million, an increase of $99.2 million or 10.4% over 2021, which reflects an increase in the Company’s PEO service revenue of $93.5 million or 11.1% and an increase in staffing services revenue of $5.6 million or 5.0%.

The increase in PEO services revenues was primarily attributable to an increase in average number of WSEs as well as an increase in average billing per WSE.

Gross margin for 2022 totaled $234.8 million or 22.3% of revenue compared to $204.5 million or 21.4% of revenue for 2021. The increase in gross margin as a percentage of revenues is primarily a result of the factors discussed within the separate components of gross margin below.

Direct payroll costs for 2022 totaled $87.9 million or 8.3% of revenue compared to $83.8 million or 8.8% of revenue for 2021. The decrease in direct payroll costs as a percentage of revenues was primarily due to a decrease in staffing services within the mix of our customer base in 2022 as compared to 2021.

Payroll taxes and benefits for 2022 totaled $522.4 million or 49.5% of revenue compared to $469.9 million or 49.2% of revenue for 2021. The increase in payroll taxes and benefits expense as a percentage of revenue was primarily due to the relative decrease in workers' compensation costs and an increase in federal payroll tax rates, partially offset by lower average state payroll tax rates in 2022.

Workers’ compensation expense for 2022 totaled $209.1 million or 19.8% of revenue compared to $196.9 million or 20.6% of revenue for 2021. The decrease in workers’ compensation expense as a percentage of revenue was primarily due to favorable adjustments of $11.3 million related to prior period claims in 2022, compared to favorable adjustments of $9.2 million in 2021.

Selling, general and administrative (“SG&A”) expenses for 2022 totaled $169.6 million or 16.1% of revenue compared to $155.3 million or 16.3% of revenue for 2021. The increase of $14.3 million in SG&A expense in 2022 was primarily attributable to increased employee related costs, as well as increased travel and marketing expenses due to more in-person meetings and events.

Other income, net for 2022 totaled $6.3 million compared to other income of $6.7 million for 2021. The decrease was primarily attributable to a decrease in investment income in 2022.

Our effective income tax rate for 2022 was 27.6% compared to 24.8% for 2021. Our income tax rate typically differs from the federal statutory tax rate of 21% primarily due to state taxes as well as federal and state tax credits. See “Note 8 - Income Taxes” to the consolidated financial statements included in Item 8 of Part II of this report for additional information regarding income taxes.

A discussion of our financial condition and results of operations for 2021 compared to 2020 can be found in Part II, Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021, filed with the SEC on March 7, 2022.

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Fluctuations in Quarterly Operating Results

We have historically experienced significant fluctuations in our quarterly operating results, including losses or minimal income 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, positive or 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.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

The Company's cash balance of $107.4 million, which includes cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash, increased $28.7 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2022, compared to a decrease of $155.2 million for the comparable period of 2021. The increase in cash at December 31, 2022 as compared to December 31, 2021 was primarily due to proceeds from the sales and maturities of investments and restricted investments, net income, increased accrued payroll, payroll taxes and related benefits, and increased other accrued liabilities, partially offset by decreased workers' compensation claims liabilities, repurchase of common stock, and purchase of property, equipment and software.

Net cash provided by operating activities in 2022 amounted to $27.8 million, compared to net cash used of $15.5 million for the comparable period of 2021. In 2022, net cash provided by operating activities was primarily due to net income of $47.3 million, increased accrued payroll, payroll taxes and related benefits of $24.9 million and increased other accrued liabilities of $15.7 million, partially offset by decreased workers’ compensation claims liabilities of $64.2 million and increased trade accounts receivable of $8.1 million.

Net cash provided by investing activities totaled $61.2 million in 2022, compared to net cash used of $112.9 million for the comparable period of 2021. In 2022, net cash provided by investing activities consisted primarily of proceeds from sales and maturities of investments and restricted investments of $81.5 million, partially offset by purchase of property, equipment and software of $16.0 million, and purchase of restricted investments of $4.3 million.

Net cash used in financing activities in 2022 was $60.2 million compared to net cash used of $26.9 million for the comparable period of 2021. In 2022, net cash used in financing activities primarily consisted of repurchases of common stock of $47.2 million, dividend payments of $8.5 million and the payoff of the outstanding mortgage loan balance of $3.5 million.

The Company is required to maintain minimum collateral levels for certain policies issued under the insured program, which is held in a trust account (the “trust account”). The balance in the trust account was $188.2 million and $273.6 million at December 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021, respectively. The trust account balance is included as a component of the current and long-term restricted cash and investments in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets.

See “Note 5 - Revolving Credit Facility and Long-Term Debt” to the consolidated financial statements included in Item 8 of Part II of this report for information regarding the Company’s credit agreement with Wells Fargo Bank, N.A.

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Contractual Obligations

The Company's contractual obligations as of December 31, 2022 are summarized below:

As of December 31, 2022
Payments Due by Period
(in thousands)Less than1 - 34 - 5After
Total1 YearYearsYears5 Years
Operating leases (1)$24,624$7,870$10,303$5,221$1,230
Total contractual obligations$24,624$7,870$10,303$5,221$1,230

(1) As of December 31, 2022, the Company has additional operating leases that have not yet commenced of $1.7 million and remaining balances on short-term operating leases of $37,301. In January 2022, the Company paid off all of its long-term debt.

FY 2021 10-K MD&A

SEC filing source: 0001564590-22-008865.

Extracted structurally from real Item 7 body heading to real Item 7A/8 boundary. Confidence: high. Filing date: 2022-03-07. Report date: 2021-12-31.

Item 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Overview

The Company 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.

We report revenues in our financial results in two categories of services: professional employer services (“PEO”) and staffing.

With our PEO clients, we enter into a co-employment arrangement in which we become the administrative employer while the client maintains physical care, custody and control of their workforce. Our PEO services are billed as a percentage of client payroll; the gross amount invoiced includes direct payroll costs plus an additional percentage amount to cover employer payroll-related taxes, workers’ compensation coverage (if provided), other service related costs and a margin. However, actual costs can be higher or lower than anticipated. PEO customers are invoiced following the end of each payroll processing cycle, with payment generally due on the invoice date. Revenues for PEO services exclude direct payroll billings because we are not the primary obligor for those payments.

We generate staffing services revenues primarily from short-term staffing, contract staffing, on-site management and direct placement services. For staffing services other than direct placement, invoiced amounts include direct payroll, an amount intended to cover employer payroll-related taxes, workers’ compensation coverage, other service related costs and a margin. Staffing customers are invoiced weekly and typically have payment terms of 30 days. Direct placement services are billed at agreed fees at the time of a successful placement.

Our business is concentrated in California, and we expect to continue to derive a majority of our revenues from this market in the future. Revenues generated in our California operations accounted for 73% of our total revenues in 2021, 75% in 2020 and 77% in 2019. Consequently, any weakness in economic conditions or changes in the regulatory or insurance environment in California could have a material adverse effect on our financial results.

Our cost of revenues for PEO services includes employer payroll-related taxes and workers' compensation costs. Our cost of revenues for staffing services includes direct payroll costs, employer payroll-related taxes, employee benefits, 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 of the costs associated with our workers' compensation program, including premiums for the insured program, claims reserves for the self-insured program, claims administration fees, legal fees, medical cost containment (“MCC”) expense, state administrative agency fees, third-party broker commissions, risk manager payroll, premiums for excess insurance, and costs associated with operating our two wholly owned insurance companies, AICE and Ecole.

Selling, general and administrative expenses represent both branch office and corporate-level operating expenses. Branch operating expenses consist primarily of branch office staff payroll and personnel related costs, advertising, rent, office supplies, professional and legal fees and branch incentive compensation. Corporate-level operating expenses consist primarily of executive and office staff payroll and personnel related costs, professional and legal fees, travel, occupancy costs, information systems costs, and executive and corporate staff incentive compensation.

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Depreciation and amortization represent depreciation of property and equipment, leasehold improvements, software and internally developed software costs. Property, equipment, software and internally developed software costs are depreciated using the straight-line method over their estimated useful lives, which range from 3 to 39 years. Leasehold improvements are amortized using the straight-line method over the shorter of the lease term or estimated useful life.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

We have identified the following accounting estimate as critical to our business and the understanding of our results of operations. For a detailed discussion of the application of this and other accounting policies, see “Note 1 - Summary of Operations and Significant Accounting Policies” to the consolidated financial statements in Item 8 of Part II of this report. The preparation of this Annual Report on Form 10-K requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. 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. Actual results may differ from these estimates.

Workers' Compensation Reserves

We recognize our liability for the ultimate payment of incurred claims and claims adjustment expenses by establishing a reserve that represents our estimates of future amounts necessary to pay claims and related expenses with respect to workplace injuries that have occurred. When a claim involving a probable loss is reported, our independent third-party administrator for workers’ compensation claims (“TPA”) establishes a case reserve for the estimated amount of ultimate loss. The estimate reflects a judgment based on established case reserving practices and the experience and knowledge of the TPA regarding the nature and expected amount of the claim, as well as the estimated expenses of settling the claim, including legal and other fees and expenses of claims administration. The adequacy of such case reserves depends in part on the professional judgment of the TPA to properly and comprehensively evaluate the economic consequences of each claim.

Our reserves include an additional component for potential future increases in the cost to finally resolve open injury claims and claims incurred in prior periods but not reported (together, "IBNR") based on actuarial estimates provided by the Company’s independent actuary. IBNR reserves, unlike specific case reserves, do not apply to a specific claim but rather apply to the entire population of claims arising from a specific time period. IBNR primarily covers costs relating to:

Column 1Column 2Column 3
Future claim payments in excess of case reserves on recorded open claims;
Column 1Column 2Column 3
Additional claim payments on closed claims; and
Column 1Column 2Column 3
Claims that have occurred but have not yet been reported to us.

The process of estimating 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, modifications 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 actuarial analyses and informed judgment, derived from individual experiences 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.

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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. 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.

We believe that the amounts recorded for our estimated liabilities for workers’ compensation claims, which are based on informed judgment, analysis of data, actuarial estimates, and analysis of other trends associated with the Company’s historical universe of claims data, are reasonable. Nevertheless, adjustments to such estimates will be required in future periods if the development of claim costs varies materially from our estimates, and such future adjustments may be material to our results of operations.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

For a discussion of recent accounting pronouncements and their potential effect on the Company's results of operations and financial condition, see “Note 1 - Summary of Operations and Significant Accounting Policies” to the consolidated financial statements in Item 8 of Part II of this report.

Forward-Looking Information

Statements in this Item or in Items 1, 1A, 3 and 9A of this report include forward-looking statements, which are not historical in nature and are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements include, among others, discussion of economic conditions in our market areas and their effect on revenue levels, the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on our business operations, the competitiveness of our service offerings, our ability to attract and retain clients and to achieve revenue growth, the effect of changes in our mix of services on gross margin, the effect of tight labor market conditions, the adequacy of our workers' compensation reserves, the effect of changes in estimates of our future claims liabilities on our workers’ compensation reserves, including the effect of changes in our reserving practices and claims management process on our actuarial estimates, expected levels of required surety deposits and letters of credit, 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 licensed insurance subsidiaries, the risks of operation and cost of our insured program, the financial viability of our excess insurance carriers, the effectiveness of our management information systems, our relationship with our primary bank lender and the availability of financing and working capital to meet our funding requirements, litigation costs, 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.

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All of 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, the effects of governmental orders, laws or regulations imposing requirements related to the COVID-19 pandemic, 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, changes in the workers’ compensation regulatory environment in our primary markets, security breaches or failures in the Company’s information technology systems, collectability of accounts receivable, changes in effective payroll tax rates and federal and state income tax rates, the carrying values of deferred income tax assets and goodwill (which may be affected by our future operating results), the effects of inflation on our operating expenses and those of our clients, the impact of and potential changes to the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, escalating medical costs, and other health care legislative initiatives 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 insured program. Additional risk factors affecting our business are discussed in Item 1A of Part I of this report. We disclaim any obligation to publicly announce any revisions to any of the forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect future events or developments.

Results of Operations

The spread of COVID-19 and resulting restrictions and labor shortages across the United States are having, and will continue to have, a negative impact on the operating results of the Company. As our clients respond to the effects of efforts to address the consequences of the pandemic, including the measures taken at various levels of government to contain the virus’s spread, we expect that our ability to add new customers, as well as to grow revenues from existing customers, will be adversely affected due to economic slowdown, business closures, labor shortages and reductions in hours worked.

The following table sets forth the percentages of total revenues represented by selected items in the Company's consolidated statements of operations for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019, included in Item 8 of Part II of this report.

Percentage of Total Net Revenues
($ in thousands)Years Ended December 31,
202120202019
Revenues:
Professional employer service fees$843,81588.3%$777,43088.3%$819,87387.0%
Staffing services111,35111.7103,39411.7$122,43813.0
Total revenues955,166100.0880,824100.0942,311100.0
Cost of revenues:
Direct payroll costs83,8218.878,3808.992,4559.8
Payroll taxes and benefits469,88849.2418,79347.5429,71345.6
Workers’ compensation196,94920.6200,74422.8211,89022.5
Total cost of revenues750,65878.6697,91779.2734,05877.9
Gross margin204,50821.4182,90720.8208,25322.1
Selling, general and administrative expenses155,25916.3141,91616.1153,87916.3
Depreciation and amortization5,3260.64,8440.63,8860.4
Income from operations43,9234.636,1474.150,4885.4
Other income, net6,7380.76,4490.710,6501.1
Income before income taxes50,6615.342,5964.861,1386.5
Provision for income taxes12,5821.38,8311.012,8461.4
Net income$38,0793.9%$33,7653.8%$48,2925.2%

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We report PEO revenues net of direct payroll costs because we are not the primary obligor for wage payments to our clients’ employees. However, management believes that gross billings and wages are useful in understanding the volume of our business activity and serve as an important performance metric in managing our operations, including the preparation of internal operating forecasts and establishing executive compensation performance goals. We therefore present for purposes of analysis gross billings and wage information for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019.

Year Ended
December 31,
(in thousands)202120202019
Gross billings$6,569,986$5,924,539$5,971,008
PEO and staffing wages5,693,9035,098,6045,090,943

Because safety incentives represent consideration payable to PEO customers, safety incentive costs are netted against PEO revenue in our consolidated statements of operations. We therefore present below for purposes of analysis non-GAAP gross workers’ compensation expense, which represents workers’ compensation costs including safety incentive costs. We believe this non-GAAP measure is useful in evaluating the total costs of our workers’ compensation program. In July 2020, the Company began limiting its safety incentive offering in certain markets, resulting in a substantial reduction in safety incentive costs.

Year Ended
December 31,
(in thousands)202120202019
Workers' compensation$196,949$200,744$211,890
Safety incentive costs2,98523,54431,663
Non-GAAP gross workers' compensation$199,934$224,288$243,553

In monitoring and evaluating the performance of our operations, management also reviews the following ratios, which represent selected amounts as a percentage of gross billings. Management believes these ratios are useful in understanding the efficiency and profitability of our service offerings.

Percentage of Gross Billings
Year Ended
December 31,
202120202019
PEO and staffing wages86.7%86.1%85.3%
Payroll taxes and benefits7.2%7.1%7.2%
Non-GAAP gross workers' compensation3.0%3.8%4.1%
Gross margin3.1%3.1%3.5%

The presentation of revenue on a net basis and the relative contributions of staffing and PEO services revenue can create volatility in our gross margin as a percentage of revenue. A relative increase in PEO services revenue will result in a higher gross margin as a percentage of revenue. Improvement in gross margin percentage occurs because incremental client services revenue dollars are reported as revenue net of all related direct payroll and safety incentive costs.

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We refer to employees of our PEO clients as worksite employees (“WSEs”). Management reviews average and ending WSE growth to monitor and evaluate the performance of our operations. Average WSEs are calculated by dividing the number of unique individuals paid in each month by the number of months in the period. Ending WSEs represents the number of unique individuals paid in the last month of the period.

Year Ended
December 31,
2021% Change2020% Change2019
Average WSEs112,9284.3%108,249-5.3%114,341
Ending WSEs116,1546.3%109,292-4.6%114,584

Years Ended December 31, 2021 and 2020

Net income for 2021 was $38.1 million compared to net income of $33.8 million for 2020. Diluted income per share for 2021 was $5.00 compared to diluted income per share of $4.39 for 2020.

Revenue for 2021 totaled $955.2 million, an increase of $74.3 million or 8.4% over 2020, which reflects an increase in the Company’s PEO service fee revenue of $66.4 million or 8.5% and an increase in staffing services revenue of $8.0 million or 7.7%.

The increase in PEO services revenues was primarily attributable to an increase in average billing per WSE as well as an increase in the average number of WSEs. The increase in staffing services revenue was due primarily to the reopening of business after the impacts of COVID-19 during the prior year period.

Gross margin for 2021 totaled $204.5 million or 21.4% of revenue compared to $182.9 million or 20.8% of revenue for 2020. The increase in gross margin as a percentage of revenues is primarily a result of the factors discussed within the separate components of gross margin below.

Direct payroll costs for 2021 totaled $83.8 million or 8.8% of revenue compared to $78.4 million or 8.9% of revenue for 2020. The decrease in direct payroll costs percentage was primarily due to the increase in PEO services and decrease in staffing services within the mix of our customer base in 2021 as compared to 2020.

Payroll taxes and benefits for 2021 totaled $469.9 million or 49.2% of revenue compared to $418.8 million or 47.5% of revenue for 2020. The increase in payroll taxes and benefits as a percentage of revenues is due primarily to an increase in newly hired WSEs, which increased the amount of payroll subject to payroll taxes in 2021 as compared to 2020.

Workers’ compensation expense for 2021 totaled $196.9 million or 20.6% of revenue compared to $200.7 million or 22.8% of revenue for 2020. The decrease in workers’ compensation expense as a percentage of revenue was primarily due to favorable claims development as well as a favorable adjustment of $9.2 million related to prior period claims in 2021, compared to a favorable adjustment of $6.4 million in 2020.

Selling, general and administrative (“SG&A”) expenses for 2021 totaled $155.3 million or 16.3% of revenue compared to $141.9 million or 16.1% of revenue for 2020. The increase of $13.4 million in SG&A expense in 2021 was primarily attributable to an increase in IT expense related to the launch of our myBBSI portal in 2020 and increased employee related expenses due to prior year reductions during the COVID-19 pandemic that have since been reversed, as well as increased variable employee compensation and incentive pay in 2021 related to stronger than expected financial results.

Other income, net for 2021 totaled $6.7 million compared to other income of $6.4 million for 2020. The increase was primarily attributable to a decrease in interest expense, partially offset by decreased investment income due to lower interest rates.

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Our effective income tax rate for 2021 was 24.8% compared to 20.7% for 2020. Our income tax rate typically differs from the federal statutory tax rate of 21% primarily due to state taxes as well as federal and state tax credits. See “Note 9 - Income Taxes” to the consolidated financial statements included in Item 8 of Part II of this report for additional information regarding income taxes.

A discussion of our financial condition and results of operations for 2020 compared to 2019 can be found in Part II, Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020, filed with the SEC on March 8, 2021.

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, positive or 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.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

The Company's cash balance of $78.6 million, which includes cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash, decreased $155.2 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2021, compared to a decrease of $39.5 million for the comparable period of 2020. The decrease in cash at December 31, 2021 as compared to December 31, 2020 was primarily due to purchases of investments and restricted investments, decreased workers’ compensation claims liabilities, increased trade accounts receivable and repurchase of common stock, partially offset by proceeds from the sales and maturities of investments and restricted investments, increased accrued payroll, payroll taxes and related benefits and net income.

Net cash used in operating activities in 2021 amounted to $15.5 million, compared to net cash used in $27.9 million for the comparable period of 2020. In 2021, cash used in operating activities was primarily due to decreased workers’ compensation claims liabilities of $77.6 million, increased trade accounts receivable of $37.2 million and decreased safety incentive of $14.5 million, partially offset by increased accrued payroll, payroll taxes and related benefits of $49.7 million and net income of $38.1 million.

Net cash used in investing activities totaled $112.9 million in 2021, compared to net cash provided of $4.1 million for the comparable period of 2020. In 2021, net cash used in investing activities consisted primarily of proceeds from sales and maturities of investments and restricted investments of $202.6 million, partially offset by purchases of investments and restricted investments of $308.6 million and purchases of property, equipment and software of $6.8 million.

Net cash used in financing activities in 2021 was $26.9 million compared to net cash used of $15.7 million for the comparable period of 2020. In 2021, cash used in financing activities primarily consisted of repurchases of common stock of $17.3 million, dividend payments of $9.1 million and common stock repurchased on vesting of stock awards to settle income tax obligations of $1.5 million, partially offset by proceeds from exercises of stock options of $1.2 million.

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The Company is required to maintain minimum collateral levels for certain policies issued under the insured program, which is held in trust accounts (the “trust accounts”). The balance in the trust accounts was $273.6 million and $290.7 million at December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively. The trust account balances are included as a component of the current and long-term restricted cash and investments in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets.

On June 30, 2021, the Company entered into a loss portfolio transfer agreement to remove all remaining outstanding workers’ compensation claims obligations for client policies issued under its insured program up to June 30, 2018. This transaction reduced the Company’s outstanding workers’ compensation liabilities by $53.1 million. The payment terms of the LPT required $5.0 million to be paid prior to June 30, 2021, with the remaining amount paid in July 2021.

In March 2022, the Company entered into an amended credit agreement (the “Amended Agreement”) with Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. (the “Bank”), which supersedes the previous agreement. The Amended Agreement increased the revolving credit line from $33.0 million to $50.0 million and maintained the sublimit for standby letters of credit at $8.0 million. Advances under the credit line bear interest, as selected by the Company, of (a) the daily Simple Secured Overnight Financing Rate (“SOFR”) plus 1.75% or (b) the one-month Term SOFR plus 1.75%. The Amended Agreement also provides for an unused commitment fee of 0.30% per year on the average daily unused amount of the revolving credit line.

The Amended Agreement replaced the financial covenants in the Agreement (as defined below) with the following financial covenants:

Column 1Column 2Column 3
adjusted free cash flow [net profit after taxes plus interest expense (net of capitalized interest), depreciation, expense and amortization expense, less dividends/distributions] not less than $10 million as of each fiscal quarter end, determined on a rolling 4-quarter basis.
Column 1Column 2Column 3
tangible net worth [aggregate of total stockholders' equity plus subordinated debt less any intangible assets and less any loans or advances to, or investments in, any related entities or individuals] not less than $100 million at each fiscal quarter end.

Other than as described above, the Agreement (as defined below) previously in place during 2021 is substantially unchanged.

At December, 31, 2021, the Company maintained an agreement (the “Agreement”) with the Bank for a revolving credit line of $33.0 million and a sublimit for standby letters of credit of $8.0 million. At December 31, 2021, $6.2 million of the sublimit for standby letters of credit was used. Advances under the revolving credit line bear interest, as selected by the Company, of (a) the daily floating rate of one-month London Inter-Bank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) plus 1.75% or (b) the fixed rate of LIBOR plus 1.75%. The Agreement also provided for an unused commitment fee of 0.375% per year on the average daily unused amount of the revolving credit line, as well as a fee of 1.75% of the face amount of each letter of credit reserved under the line of credit. The Company had no outstanding borrowings on its revolving credit line at December 31, 2021 and 2020. The credit facility was collateralized by the Company’s accounts receivable and other rights to receive payment.

The Agreement also provided a $63.7 million standby letter of credit (the “Letter of Credit”). In April 2021, the Company and the insurance carrier reached an agreement to replace the Letter of Credit with other collateral assets and cancel the Letter of Credit in its entirety. As part of the transaction, the Bank released the $38.7 million of collateral held in support of the Letter of Credit, and the Company transferred the $38.7 million along with an additional $25.0 million to the trust accounts to satisfy the collateral requirements of the insured program.

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

Column 1Column 2Column 3
EBITDA [net income before taxes plus interest expense (net of capitalized interest expense), depreciation expense, and amortization expense] on a rolling four-quarter basis must be not less than $30 million at the end of each fiscal quarter; and
Column 1Column 2Column 3
the ratio of restricted and unrestricted cash and investments to workers’ compensation and safety incentive liabilities must be at least 1.0:1.0, measured quarterly.

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The Agreement imposed certain additional restrictions unless the Bank provides its prior written consent as follows:

Column 1Column 2Column 3
incurring additional indebtedness is prohibited, other than purchase financing for the acquisition of assets, provided that the aggregate of all purchase financing does not exceed $1 million at any time;
Column 1Column 2Column 3
the Company may not terminate or cancel any of the AICE policies; and
Column 1Column 2Column 3
if an event of default would occur, and is continuing, including on a pro forma basis, no dividends or distributions would be permitted to be paid and redemptions and repurchases of the Company’s stock would be permitted only up to $15 million in any rolling 12-month period.

The Agreement also contained customary events of default and specified cross-defaults under the Company's workers' compensation insurance arrangements. If an event of default under the Agreement occurs and is continuing, the Bank may declare any outstanding obligations under the Agreement to be immediately due and payable. At December 31, 2021, the Company was in compliance with all covenants.

The Company maintained a mortgage loan with the Bank with a balance of approximately $3.5 million and $3.7 million at December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively, secured by the Company’s corporate office building in Vancouver, Washington. This loan required payment of monthly installments of $18,375, bearing interest at the one-month LIBOR plus 2.0%, with the unpaid principal balance due July 1, 2022. On January 31, 2022, the Company paid the outstanding balance of the mortgage loan.

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.

Contractual Obligations

The Company's contractual obligations as of December 31, 2021 are summarized below:

As of December 31, 2021
Payments Due by Period
(in thousands)Less than1 - 34 - 5After
Total1 YearYearsYears5 Years
Operating leases (1)$25,409$8,129$11,377$4,201$1,702
Long-term debt3,5103,510
Total contractual obligations$28,919$11,639$11,377$4,201$1,702

(1) As of December 31, 2021, the Company has additional operating leases that have not yet commenced of $2.1 million and remaining balances on short-term operating leases of $22,394. In January 2022, the Company paid off all of its long-term debt.