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Summary of Operations and Significant Accounting Policies | 12 Months Ended
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Dec. 31, 2019
Organization Consolidation And Presentation Of Financial Statements [Abstract] |
Summary of Operations and Significant Accounting Policies | Note 1 - Summary of Operations and Significant Accounting Policies Nature of operations Barrett Business Services, Inc. (“BBSI” or 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 our decentralized organizational structure, differentiates BBSI from our competitors. The Company operates through a network of 64 branch offices throughout California, Oregon, Utah, Washington, Colorado, Idaho, Arizona, Maryland, North Carolina, Nevada, Delaware, Pennsylvania and Virginia. Approximately 77%, 79% and 79%, respectively, of our revenue during 2019, 2018, and 2017 was attributable to our California operations. BBSI was incorporated in Maryland in 1965. The Company operates a wholly owned, fully licensed captive insurance company, Associated Insurance Company for Excess ("AICE") and a wholly owned, fully licensed insurance company, Ecole. AICE and Ecole provide access to more competitive and cost-effective insurance markets and provide cost-effective risk management. See “Note 5 – Workers’ Compensation Claims” for additional information on the Company’s insurance programs. Principles of consolidation The accompanying financial statements are prepared on a consolidated basis. All intercompany account balances and transactions between BBSI, AICE, and Ecole have been eliminated in consolidation. Reportable segment The Company has one operating and reporting segment. The chief operating decision maker (our Chief Executive Officer) regularly reviews the financial information of our business at a consolidated level in deciding how to allocate resources and in assessing performance. Revenue recognition Professional employer (“PEO”) services are normally used by organizations to satisfy ongoing needs related to the management of human capital and are governed by the terms of a client services agreement which covers all employees at a particular work site. Staffing revenues relate primarily to short-term staffing, contract staffing and on-site management services. The Company’s performance obligations for PEO and staffing services are satisfied, and the related revenue is recognized, as services are rendered by our workforce. Our PEO client service agreements have a minimum term of one year, are renewable on an annual basis and typically require 30 days’ written notice to cancel or terminate the contract by either party. In addition, our client service agreements provide for immediate termination upon any default of the client regardless of when notice is given. PEO customers are invoiced following the end of each payroll processing cycle, with payment generally due on the invoice date. Staffing customers are invoiced weekly based on agreed rates per employee and actual hours worked, typically with payment terms of 30 days. The amount of earned but unbilled revenue is classified as a receivable on the consolidated balance sheets. We report PEO revenues net of direct payroll costs because we are not the primary obligor for these payments to our clients’ employees. Direct payroll costs include salaries, wages, health insurance, and employee out-of-pocket expenses incurred incidental to employment. We also present revenue net of customer incentives, including safety incentives, because those incentives represent consideration payable to customers. Cost of revenues 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 claims reserves, 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 the fronted insurance program, as well as costs associated with operating our two wholly owned insurance companies, AICE and Ecole. Cash and cash equivalents We consider non-restricted short-term investments that are highly liquid, readily convertible into cash, and have maturities at acquisition of less than three months to be cash equivalents for purposes of the consolidated statements of cash flows and consolidated balance sheets. The Company maintains cash balances in bank accounts that normally exceed FDIC insured limits. The Company has not experienced any losses related to its cash concentration. Investments The Company classifies investments as available-for-sale. The Company’s investments are reported at fair value with unrealized gains and losses, net of taxes, shown as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) in stockholders' equity. Investments are recorded as current on the consolidated balance sheets as the invested funds are available for current operations. Management considers available evidence in evaluating potential impairment of investments, including the duration and extent to which fair value is less than cost. Realized gains and losses on sales of investments are included in investment income in our consolidated statements of operations. In the event a loss is determined to be other-than-temporary, the loss will be recognized in the consolidated statements of operations. Restricted cash and investments The Company holds restricted cash and investments primarily for the future payment of workers’ compensation claims. These investments are categorized as available-for-sale. They are reported at fair value with unrealized gains and losses, net of taxes, shown as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) in stockholders’ equity. Restricted cash and investments are classified as current and noncurrent on the consolidated balance sheets based on the nature of the restriction. Management considers available evidence in evaluating potential impairment of restricted investments, including the duration and extent to which fair value is less than cost. Realized gains and losses on sales of restricted investments are included in investment income in our consolidated statements of operations. In the event a loss is determined to be other-than-temporary, the loss will be recognized in the consolidated statements of operations. Restricted cash and investments also includes investments held as part of the Company’s deferred compensation plan. These investments are classified as trading securities and are recorded at fair value with unrealized gains and losses reported as a component of other income (expense), net. Allowance for doubtful accounts The Company had an allowance for doubtful accounts of $888,000 and $533,000 at December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively. We make estimates of the collectability of our accounts receivable for services provided to our customers. Management analyzes historical bad debts, customer concentrations, customer credit-worthiness, current economic trends and changes in customers' payment trends when evaluating the adequacy of the allowance for doubtful accounts. If the financial condition of our customers deteriorates resulting in an impairment of their ability to make payments, additional allowances may be required. Our allowance for doubtful accounts activity is summarized as follows (in thousands):
|  | 2019 |  |  | 2018 |  |  | 2017 |
Balance at January 1, |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Allowance for doubtful accounts |  | $ | 533 |  |  | $ | 265 |  |  | $ | 78 |
Charges to expense |  |  | 459 |  |  |  | 268 |  |  |  | 192 |
Write-offs of uncollectible accounts, net of recoveries |  |  | (104 | ) |  |  | — |  |  |  | (5 | )
Balance at December 31, |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Allowance for doubtful accounts |  | $ | 888 |  |  | $ | 533 |  |  | $ | 265 |
Income taxes Our income taxes are accounted for using an asset and liability approach. This requires the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of temporary differences between the financial statement and tax basis of assets and liabilities at the applicable tax rates. A valuation allowance is recorded against deferred tax assets if, based on the weight of the available evidence, it is more likely than not that some or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The factors used to assess the likelihood of realization include the Company’s forecast of the reversal of temporary differences, future taxable income and available tax planning strategies that could be implemented to realize the net deferred tax assets. Failure to achieve forecasted taxable income in applicable tax jurisdictions could affect the ultimate realization of deferred tax assets and could result in an increase in the Company’s effective tax rate on future earnings. The determination of our provision for income taxes requires significant judgment, the use of estimates, and the interpretation and application of complex tax laws. Significant judgment is required in assessing the timing and amounts of deductible and taxable items and the probability of sustaining uncertain tax positions. The Company recognizes the tax benefit from uncertain tax positions if it is more likely than not that the tax positions will be sustained on examination by the tax authorities. The tax benefit is measured based on the largest benefit that has a greater than 50% likelihood of being realized upon ultimate settlement. As facts and circumstances change, we reassess these probabilities and record any changes in the consolidated financial statements as appropriate. The Company recognizes interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in income tax expense. Goodwill and intangible assets Goodwill is recorded as the difference, if any, between the aggregate consideration paid for a business combination and the fair value of the net assets acquired. Goodwill is not amortized but is evaluated for impairment annually, or more frequently if circumstances indicate that it is more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting unit is below its carrying value. The Company has one reporting unit and evaluates the carrying value of goodwill annually at December 31. No impairment has been recognized in the periods presented. Property, equipment and software Property, equipment and software are stated at cost. Expenditures for maintenance and repairs are charged to selling, general and administrative expenses as incurred and expenditures for additions and improvements are capitalized. The cost of assets sold or otherwise disposed of and the related accumulated depreciation are eliminated from the accounts, and any resulting gain or loss is reflected in the consolidated statements of operations. Depreciation of property, equipment and software is calculated using the straight-line method over estimated useful lives of the related assets or lease terms, as follows:
|  | Years
Buildings |  | 39
Office furniture and fixtures |  | 7
Computer hardware and software |  | 3-10
Leasehold improvements |  | Shorter of lease term or estimated useful life
Impairment of long-lived assets Long-lived assets, such as property, equipment and software and acquired intangibles subject to amortization, are reviewed for impairment annually, or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the remaining estimated useful life may warrant revision or that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Some of the events or changes in circumstances that would trigger an impairment review include, but are not limited to, significant under-performance relative to expected and/or historical results, significant negative industry or economic trends, or knowledge of transactions involving the sale of similar property at amounts below the carrying value. Assets are grouped for measurement of impairment at the lowest level for which identifiable cash flows are largely independent of the cash flows of other assets. If the carrying amount of an asset group exceeds the estimated undiscounted future cash flows expected to be generated by the asset group, then an impairment charge is recognized to the extent the carrying amount exceeds the asset group’s fair value. In determining fair value, management considers current results, trends, future prospects, and other economic factors. Leases The Company leases office facilities and equipment under operating leases. In February 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued ASU No. 2016-02, “Leases” (Topic 842) which requires lessees to recognize a right-of-use (“ROU”) asset and a lease liability for all leases with terms greater than 12 months and also requires disclosures by lessees and lessors about the amount, timing and uncertainty of cash flows arising from leases. On January 1, 2019, we adopted (“ASC”) Topic 842 “Leases” using the optional transition method. Results for the reporting period beginning January 1, 2019 are presented under ASC 842, while prior period amounts were not adjusted and continue to be reported in accordance with the previously applicable lease accounting guidance. See “Note 8 – Leases” for additional information. Workers’ compensation claims liabilities Our workers’ compensation claims liabilities do not represent an exact calculation of liability but rather management’s best estimate, utilizing actuarial expertise and projection techniques, at a given reporting date. The estimated liability for open workers’ compensation claims is based on an evaluation of information provided by our third-party administrators for workers’ compensation claims, coupled with an actuarial estimate of future adverse loss development with respect to reported claims and incurred but not reported claims (together, “IBNR”). Workers’ compensation claims liabilities include case reserve estimates for reported losses, plus additional amounts for estimated IBNR claims, MCC and legal costs, and unallocated loss adjustment expenses. The estimate of incurred costs expected to be paid within one year is included in current liabilities, while the estimate of incurred costs expected to be paid beyond one year is included in long-term liabilities on our consolidated balance sheets. These estimates are reviewed at least quarterly and adjustments to estimated liabilities are reflected in current operating results as they become known. The process of arriving at an estimate of unpaid claims and claims adjustment expense involves a high degree of judgment and is affected by both internal and external events, including changes in claims handling practices, changes in reserve estimation procedures, inflation, trends in the litigation and settlement of pending claims, and legislative changes. Our estimates are based on informed judgment, derived from individual experience and expertise applied to multiple sets of data and analyses. We consider significant facts and circumstances known both at the time that loss reserves are initially established and as new facts and circumstances become known. Due to the inherent uncertainty underlying loss reserve estimates, the expenses incurred through final resolution of our liability for our workers’ compensation claims will likely vary from the related loss reserves at the reporting date. Therefore, as specific claims are paid out in the future, actual paid losses may be materially different from our current loss reserves. A basic premise in most actuarial analyses is that historical data and past patterns demonstrated in the incurred and paid historical data form a reasonable basis upon which to project future outcomes, absent a material change. Significant structural changes to the available data can materially impact the reserve estimation process. To the extent a material change affecting the ultimate claim liability becomes known, such change is quantified to the extent possible through an analysis of internal Company data and, if available and when appropriate, external data. Nonetheless, actuaries exercise a considerable degree of judgment in the evaluation of these factors and the need for such actuarial judgment is more pronounced when faced with material uncertainties. Customer incentives We accrue for and present expected customer incentives as a reduction of revenue. Safety incentives represent cash incentives paid to certain PEO client companies for maintaining safe work practices and minimizing workplace injuries. The incentive is based on a percentage of annual payroll and is paid annually to customers who meet predetermined workers’ compensation claims cost objectives. Safety incentive payments are made only after closure of all workers' compensation claims incurred during the customer’s contract period. The safety incentive liability is estimated and accrued each month based upon contract year-to-date payroll and the then current amount of the customer’s estimated workers’ compensation claims reserves as established by us and our third party administrator. The Company provided $28.0 million and $29.2 million at December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively, as an estimate of the liability for unpaid safety incentives. Also, a one-time customer incentive of $9.8 million was declared in December 2018. At December 31, 2019 the remaining unpaid amount of this incentive was $2.4 million and is included in other accrued liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets. Customer deposits We require deposits from certain PEO customers to cover a portion of our accounts receivable due from such customers in the event of default of payment. Comprehensive income (loss) Comprehensive income (loss) includes all changes in equity during a period except those that resulted from investments by or distributions to the Company's stockholders. Other comprehensive income (loss) refers to revenues, expenses, gains and losses that under U.S. GAAP are included in comprehensive income (loss), but excluded from net income (loss) as these amounts are recorded directly as an adjustment to stockholders' equity. Our other comprehensive income (loss) comprises unrealized holding gains and losses on our available-for-sale investments. Statements of cash flows Interest paid in 2019, 2018, and 2017 did not materially differ from interest expense. Income taxes paid by the Company totaled $15.4 million, $1.8 million, and $9.9 million in 2019, 2018, and 2017, respectively. Bank deposits and other cash equivalents that are restricted for use are classified as restricted cash. The table below reconciles the cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash balances from our consolidated balance sheets to the amounts reported on the consolidated statements of cash flows (in thousands):
|  | December 31, |  |  | December 31, |  |  | December 31, |
|  | 2019 |  |  | 2018 |  |  | 2017 |
Cash and cash equivalents |  | $ | 44,570 |  |  | $ | 35,371 |  |  | $ | 59,835 |
Restricted cash, included in restricted cash and investments |  |  | 228,771 |  |  |  | 105,331 |  |  |  | 60,370 |
Total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash shown in the statement of cash flows |  | $ | 273,341 |  |  | $ | 140,702 |  |  | $ | 120,205 |
Basic and diluted earnings per share Basic earnings per share are computed based on the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for each year using the treasury method. Diluted earnings per share reflect the potential effects of the exercise of outstanding stock options and the issuance of stock associated with outstanding restricted stock units. Basic and diluted shares outstanding are summarized as follows (in thousands):
|  | Year Ended |
|  | December 31, |
|  | 2019 |  |  | 2018 |  |  | 2017 |
Weighted average number of basic shares outstanding |  |  | 7,451 |  |  |  | 7,342 |  |  |  | 7,275 |
Effect of dilutive securities |  |  | 248 |  |  |  | 305 |  |  |  | 276 |
Weighted average number of diluted shares outstanding |  |  | 7,699 |  |  |  | 7,647 |  |  |  | 7,551 |
Accounting estimates The preparation of our consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. Management bases its estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Estimates are used for fair value measurement of investments, allowance for doubtful accounts, income taxes, carrying values for goodwill and property and equipment, accrued workers' compensation liabilities and customer incentive liabilities. Actual results may or may not differ from such estimates. Recent accounting pronouncements In February 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued ASU No. 2016-02, “Leases.” The core principle is that a lessee should recognize the assets and liabilities that arise from leases, including operating leases. Under the new guidance, a lessee should recognize in the statement of financial position a liability to make lease payments (the lease liability) and a right-of-use asset representing its right to use the underlying asset for the lease term. For leases with a term of 12 months or less, a lessee is permitted to make an accounting policy election by class of underlying asset not to recognize lease assets and lease liabilities. The amendments in this update were adopted using the optional transition method, effective January 1, 2019. The lease commitments appear on our consolidated balance sheets as operating lease right-of-use assets and current and long-term operating lease liabilities. Such amounts are based on the present value of such commitments using our incremental borrowing rate. We have utilized the transition package of practical expedients permitted within the new standard, which allows us to carry forward the historical lease classification. See “Note 8 – Leases” for additional information.

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