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Summary of Significant Accounting Policies | 12 Months Ended
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Dec. 29, 2024
Accounting Policies [Abstract] |
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies | 1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Nature of Operations Kelly Services, Inc. is a specialty talent and workforce solutions provider operating throughout the world. Fiscal Year The Company’s fiscal year ends on the Sunday nearest to December 31. The three most recent years ended on December 29, 2024 (2024), December 31, 2023 (2023) and January 1, 2023 (2022), all of which contained 52 weeks. Period costs included in selling, general and administrative ("SG&A") expenses are recorded on a calendar-year basis. The Company’s equity method investment in PersolKelly Pte. Ltd. was accounted for on a one-quarter lag prior to the sale of the majority of the investment in the first quarter of 2022 (see Investment in PersolKelly Pte. Ltd. footnote). Any material transactions in the intervening period were disclosed or accounted for in the current reporting period. Principles of Consolidation The consolidated financial statements include the accounts and operations of the Company and its wholly owned subsidiaries. All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated. Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current presentation. Specifically, as discussed in the Segment Disclosures footnote, the Company has made a change to its reportable segments during the first quarter of 2024. We have also reclassified the presentation of our retirement plan assets, which represents our investment in life insurance contracts, and intangibles, net from the other assets line item to separate line items within our consolidated balance sheet. Investment in Persol Holdings The Company’s previous investment in Persol Holdings, as further described in the Investment in Persol Holdings footnote, was carried at fair value with the changes in fair value recognized in net earnings. The fair value of the investment was based on the quoted market price until the sale of the investment in the first quarter of 2022. Investment in PersolKelly Pte. Ltd. The Company had a 49% ownership interest in its equity affiliate, PersolKelly Pte. Ltd., which was accounted for under the equity method. The operating results of the equity affiliate were recorded on a one-quarter lag and included in equity in net earnings of affiliate in the consolidated statements of earnings, until the Company sold the majority of the investment in the first quarter of 2022 (see Investment in PersolKelly Pte. Ltd. footnote). The remaining investment is accounted for as an equity investment without a readily determinable fair value (see Fair Value Measurements footnote). Foreign Currency Translation All of the Company’s international subsidiaries use their local currency as their functional currency, which is the currency in which they transact the majority of their activities. Revenue and expense accounts of foreign subsidiaries are translated to U.S. dollars at average exchange rates, while assets and liabilities are translated to U.S. dollars at year-end exchange rates. Resulting translation adjustments, net of tax, where applicable, are reported as accumulated foreign currency translation adjustments in stockholders’ equity and are recorded as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). Foreign Currency Forward Contracts The Company is exposed to foreign currency fluctuations and enters into foreign currency forward contracts to manage foreign currency risk. Forward contracts may be designated as a fair value hedge, while other forward contracts are not designated as hedging instruments. Both are used to reduce the exposure to variability in certain expected future cash flows. The Company records designated and non-designated derivatives at mark-to-market with gains and losses recognized in earnings according to their designation on the consolidated statements of earnings. See the Fair Value Measurements footnote for further detail on specific forward contracts including each respective line item in which gains and losses are recorded. We are permitted to net the fair values of derivative assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes, if such assets and liabilities are with the same counterparty and subject to a master netting arrangement. Since these conditions have been met, we elected to employ net presentation of derivative assets and liabilities. Interest Rate Swap Contract The Company is exposed to interest rate fluctuation and enters into interest rate swap contracts that are not designated as hedging instruments to manage fluctuations on our securitization facility due to Secured Overnight Financing Rate ("SOFR") variances (see Fair Value Measurements footnote). The Company records these non-designated derivatives at mark-to-market with gains and losses recognized in other income (expense), net on the consolidated statements of earnings. We are permitted to net the fair values of derivative assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes, if such assets and liabilities are with the same counterparty and subject to a master netting arrangement. Since these conditions have been met, we elected to employ net presentation of derivative assets and liabilities. Revenue Recognition Revenues are recognized when control of the promised services is transferred to our customers, in an amount that reflects the consideration we expect to be entitled to in exchange for those services. Our revenues are recorded net of any sales, value added, or similar taxes collected from our customers. We generate revenue from: the hourly sales of services by our temporary employees to customers ("staffing services" revenue), the recruiting of permanent employees for our customers ("permanent placement" revenue), and through our talent fulfillment and outcome-based activities ("talent solutions" and "outcome-based services" revenue). We record revenues from sales of services and the related direct costs in accordance with the accounting guidance on reporting revenue gross as a principal versus net as an agent. When Kelly is the principal, we demonstrate control over the service by being primarily responsible to our customers for fulfilling the contractual promise to provide the service. When Kelly does not demonstrate control over the service, which may be evident through the arrangement of other contingent labor suppliers and/or service providers to perform services for the customer or by Kelly not holding primary responsibility for the fulfillment of the contractual promise to provide services to the customer, the amounts billed to our customers are net of the amounts paid to the secondary suppliers/service providers and the net amount is recorded as revenues. Staffing Services Revenue Staffing services contracts are generally negotiated and invoiced on a per-hour or per-unit basis as the temporary staffing services are transferred to the customer. Revenue from the majority of our staffing services continues to be recognized over time as the customer simultaneously receives and consumes the services we provide. We have applied the practical expedient to recognize revenue for these services over the term of the agreement in proportion to the amount we have the right to invoice the customer. Permanent Placement Revenue Permanent placement revenue is recorded at the point in time the permanent placement candidate begins full-time employment. On the candidate start date, the customer accepts the candidate and can direct the use of the candidate as well as obtains the significant risk and rewards of the candidate. We consider this the point the control transfers to the customer. Outcome-Based Services Revenue Billings are generally negotiated and invoiced on a measure of time (hours, weeks, months) or per-unit basis for our services performed. We continue to recognize revenue from the majority of our outcome-based services over time as the customer simultaneously receives and consumes the services we provide. For the majority of our outcome-based services, we have applied the practical expedient to recognize revenue for these services over the term of the agreement in proportion to the amount we have the right to invoice the customer. Talent Solutions Revenue Talent Solutions services include: overall program management of our client’s contingent workforce, external vendors and/or independent contractors, end-to-end talent acquisition, and payroll outsourcing. Billings are generally negotiated and invoiced as a fee-based commission contingent on the amount of services managed through the program, a monthly management fee, measure of time (hours), or a per-unit basis for our services performed. We continue to recognize revenue for talent solution services over time as the customer simultaneously receives and consumes the services we provide. We have applied the practical expedient to recognize revenue for these services over the term of the agreement in proportion to the amount we have the right to invoice the customer. Variable Consideration Certain customers may receive cash-based incentives or credits, which are accounted for as a form of variable consideration. We estimate these amounts based on the expected or likely amount to be provided to customers and reduce revenues recognized to the extent that it is probable that a significant reversal of such adjustment will not occur. Provisions for sales allowances (billing adjustments related to errors, service issues and compromises on billing disputes), based on historical experience, are recognized at the time the related sale is recognized as a reduction in revenue from services. Payment Terms Customer payments are typically due within 60 days of invoicing, but may be shorter or longer depending on contract terms. Management does not assess whether a contract has a significant financing component if the expectation at contract inception is that the period between payment by the customer and the transfer of the services to the customer will be less than one year. We do not have any significant financing components or extended payment terms. Deferred Revenue Items which are billed to the customer at a point in time, rather than billed over time as the services are delivered to the customer, are assessed for potential revenue deferral. At this time, the balance of the contract liability as well as the amount of revenue recognized in the reporting period that was included in the deferred revenue balance at the beginning of the period is not material. Deferred Costs Occasionally, fulfillment costs are incurred after obtaining a contract in order to generate a resource that will be used to provide our services. These costs are considered incremental and recoverable costs to fulfill our contract with the customer. These costs to fulfill a contract are deferred and then amortized on a straight-line basis over a period of benefit that we have determined to be the average length of assignment of the employees. We determined the period of benefit by taking into consideration our customer contracts, attrition rates and other relevant factors. Amortization expense is included in SG&A expenses in the consolidated statements of earnings. Unsatisfied Performance Obligations In accordance with the applicable guidance, the Company does not disclose the value of unsatisfied performance obligations for (i) contracts with an original expected length of one year or less and (ii) contracts for which we recognize revenue at the amount to which we have the right to invoice for services performed. Allowance for Credit Losses - Trade Accounts Receivable The Company records an allowance for uncollectible accounts receivable, billed and unbilled, based on historical loss experience, customer payment patterns, current economic trends, and reasonable and supportable forecasts, as applicable. The reserve for sales allowances is also included in the allowance for uncollectible accounts receivable. The Company estimates the current expected credit losses by applying internally developed loss rates to all outstanding receivable balances by aging category. Accounts receivable are written-off against the allowance when they are deemed uncollectible. The Company reviews the adequacy of the allowance for uncollectible accounts receivable on a quarterly basis and, if necessary, increases or decreases the balance by recording a charge or credit to SG&A expenses for the portion of the adjustment relating to uncollectible accounts receivable, and a charge or credit to revenue from services for the portion of the adjustment relating to sales allowances. We are exposed to credit losses primarily through our sales of workforce solution services to customers. We establish an allowance for estimated credit losses in the current period resulting from the failure of our customers to make required payments on their trade accounts receivable in future periods. We pool such assets by geography and other similar risk characteristics, such as accounts in collection, and apply an aging method to estimate future credit losses utilizing inputs such as historical write-off experience, customer payment patterns, current collection data, and reasonable and supportable forecasts, as applicable. Credit risk with respect to accounts receivable is limited due to short payment terms. The Company also performs ongoing credit evaluations using applicable credit ratings of its customers to help analyze credit risk. We monitor ongoing credit exposure thr ough frequent review of past due accounts (based on the payment terms of the contract) and follow-up with customers, as appropriate. We may employ collection agencies and legal counsel to pursue recovery of defaulted receivables. Allowance for Credit Losses - Other Financial Assets The Company measures expected credit losses on qualified financial assets that do not result from revenue transactions using a probability of default method by type of financing receivable. The estimate of expected credit losses considers credit ratings, financial data, historical write-off experience, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts, as applicable, to estimate the risk of loss. Cost of Services Cost of services are those costs directly associated with the earning of revenue. The primary examples of these types of costs are temporary employee wages, along with other employee related costs, including associated payroll taxes, temporary employee benefits, such as service bonus and holiday pay and health insurance, and workers’ compensation costs. These costs differ fundamentally from SG&A expenses in that they arise specifically from the action of providing our services to customers whereas SG&A costs are incurred regardless of whether or not we place temporary employees with our customers. Advertising Expenses Advertising expenses, which are expensed as incurred and are included in SG&A expenses, were $9.6 million in 2024, $7.8 million in 2023 and $6.4 million in 2022. Use of Estimates The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Estimates are used for, but not limited to, the accounting for the allowance for uncollectible accounts receivable and credit losses, workers’ compensation, goodwill and long-lived asset impairment, valuation of acquired intangibles, litigation costs and income taxes. Actual results could differ materially from those estimates. Cash and Equivalents Cash and equivalents are stated at fair value. The Company considers securities with original maturities of three months or less to be cash and equivalents. Property and Equipment Property and equipment are stated at cost and are depreciated on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives. Cost and estimated useful lives of property and equipment by function are as follows (in millions of dollars):
Category |  | 2024 |  | 2023 |  | Useful Life
Land |  | $ | — |  |  | $ | — |  |  |  | — |
Work in process |  | 2.3 |  |  | 6.7 |  |  |  | — |
Buildings and improvements |  | 0.4 |  |  | 0.4 |  |  |  | 30 | years
Computer hardware and software |  | 119.9 |  |  | 123.1 |  |  | 3 | to | 12 years
Equipment, furniture and fixtures |  | 10.9 |  |  | 22.6 |  |  |  | 5 | years
Leasehold improvements |  | 6.5 |  |  | 13.1 |  |  | HQ: 15 years
|  |  |  |  |  | Branches: Lesser of the lease or 5 years
Total property and equipment |  | $ | 140.0 |  |  | $ | 165.9 |  |  |
The property and equipment at cost for 2023 in the table above includes $27.8 million of assets held for sale (see Acquisitions and Dispositions footnote). The Company capitalizes external costs and internal payroll costs directly incurred in the development of software for internal use as required by the Internal-Use Software Subtopic of the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC"). Work in process represents capitalized costs for internal-use software not yet in service. Depreciation expense was $12.5 million for 2024, $12.4 million for 2023 and $13.6 million for 2022. Cloud Computing Arrangements The Company has cloud computing arrangements that are comprised of internal-use software platforms that are accounted for as service contracts. The Company does not have the ability to take possession of the software without significant penalty nor can the Company run the software on its own hardware or contract with another party unrelated to the vendor to host the software. Implementation costs associated with these cloud computing arrangements are capitalized when incurred during the application development phase. Amortization is calculated on a straight-line basis and is a component of SG&A expenses in our consolidated statements of earnings. Amortization expense was $11.6 million for 2024, $6.9 million for 2023, and $4.2 million for 2022. The related accumulated amortization totaled $23.5 million in 2024 and $14.2 million in 2023, of which $2.3 million was held for sale. Capitalized amounts related to such arrangements are recorded within prepaid and other current assets and non-current other assets in the consolidated balance sheet. The Company had $4.5 million as of year-end 2024 and $4.9 million, of which $0.1 million was held for sale, as of year-end 2023 recorded in prepaid expenses and other current assets in the consolidated balance sheet. The Company had $41.4 million as of year-end 2024 and $27.3 million, of which $3.4 million was held for sale, as of year-end 2023 recorded in non-current other assets in the consolidated balance sheet related to capitalized cloud computing arrangements (see Other Assets). Leases Right-of-use ("ROU") assets represent our right to use an underlying asset for the lease term and lease liabilities represent our obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease. Operating lease ROU assets and liabilities are recognized at commencement date based on the present value of lease payments over the lease term. Since most of the Company’s leases do not have an implicit borrowing rate, we use our incremental borrowing rate based on the information available at commencement date in determining the present value of lease payments. Our leases may include options allowing us in our sole discretion to extend or terminate the lease, and when it is reasonably certain that we will exercise those options, we will include those periods in our lease term. Variable costs, such as payments for insurance and tax payments, are expensed when the obligation for those payments is incurred. Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the acquisition date fair value of net assets acquired. Purchased intangible assets are primarily comprised of acquired trade names and customer relationships that are recorded at fair value at the date of acquisition. The fair value of trade name intangibles is determined using the relief-from-royalty method, which relies on the use of estimates and assumptions about expected future revenue growth rates, royalty rates and discount rates. The fair value of customer relationship intangibles is determined using the multi-period excess earnings method, which relies on the use of estimates and assumptions about expected future revenue growth rates, customer attrition rates, profit margins and discount rates. Purchased intangible assets with definite lives are amortized over their respective useful lives (from 5 to 15 years) on a straight-line basis. Impairment of Long-Lived Assets, Intangible Assets, Goodwill, Equity Method Investments and Equity Securities The Company evaluates long-lived assets and intangible assets with definite lives for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. When estimated undiscounted future cash flows will not be sufficient to recover the carrying amount of the asset group, in which the long-lived asset being tested for impairment resides, the asset is written down to its estimated fair value. Assets to be disposed of by sale, if any, are reported at the lower of the carrying amount or estimated fair value less cost to sell. We test goodwill for impairment annually and whenever events or circumstances make it more likely than not that an impairment may have occurred. Generally accepted accounting principles require that goodwill be tested for impairment at a reporting unit level. For segments with a goodwill balance, we have determined that our reporting units are the same as our operating and reportable segments based on our organizational structure or one level below our operating segments (the component level). We may first use a qualitative assessment ("step zero") for the annual impairment test if we have determined that it is more likely than not that the fair value for one or more reporting units is greater than their carrying value. The step zero analysis includes making judgments and assessments to determine whether any events or circumstances have occurred that makes it more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. In conducting the qualitative assessment, we assess the totality of relevant events and circumstances that affect the fair value or carrying value of the reporting unit. Such events and circumstances may include macroeconomic conditions, industry and market conditions, cost factors, overall financial performance, entity-specific events and events affecting a reporting unit. If we elect to forgo the qualitative assessment for a reporting unit, goodwill is tested for impairment by comparing the estimated fair value of a reporting unit to its carrying value ("step one"). If the estimated fair value of a reporting unit exceeds the carrying value of the net assets assigned to a reporting unit, goodwill is not considered impaired and no further testing is required. If the carrying value of the net assets assigned to a reporting unit exceeds the estimated fair value of a reporting unit, goodwill is deemed impaired and is written down to the extent of the difference. For the step one quantitative test, we determine the fair value of our reporting units using the income approach. Under the income approach, estimated fair value is determined based on estimated future cash flows discounted by an estimated market participant weighted-average cost of capital, which reflects the overall level of inherent risk of the reporting unit being measured. Estimated future cash flows are based on our internal projection model and reflects management’s outlook for the reporting unit. Assumptions and estimates about future cash flows and discount rates are complex and often subjective. They can be affected by a variety of factors, including external factors such as industry and economic trends, and internal factors such as changes in our business strategy and our internal forecasts. Our analysis used the following significant assumptions: expected future revenue growth rates, profit margins and discount rates. Prior to the sale of the majority of our investment in our equity affiliate, we evaluated our equity method investment on a quarterly basis or whenever events or circumstances indicated the carrying amount may be other-than-temporarily impaired. If we had concluded that there was an other-than-temporary impairment of our equity method investment, we would have adjusted our carrying amount of our investment to the adjusted fair value. We evaluate our equity securities measured under the measurement alternative for indicators of impairment on a quarterly basis and whenever observable price changes occur. The measurement alternative represents cost, less impairment, plus or minus observable price changes. Quarterly, we also confirm the securities still qualify to be measured in accordance with the measurement alternative. The value of the securities will be adjusted for any increases or decreases as a result of an observable price change. Accounts Payable Included in accounts payable balances are book overdrafts, which are outstanding checks in excess of funds on deposit. Such amounts totaled $5.1 million and $1.2 million at year-end 2024 and 2023, respectively. Accrued Payroll and Related Taxes Included in current accrued payroll and related taxes are book overdrafts, which are outstanding checks in excess of funds on deposit. Such amounts totaled $11.4 million and $9.6 million at year-end 2024 and 2023, respectively. Payroll taxes for temporary employees are recognized proportionately to direct wages for interim periods based on expected full-year amounts. Income Taxes The Company accounts for income taxes using the liability method. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the expected tax consequences of temporary differences between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and their reported amounts. Valuation allowances are provided against deferred tax assets when it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax asset will not be realized. The U.S. work opportunity credit is allowed for wages earned by employees in certain targeted groups. The actual amount of creditable wages in a particular period is estimated, since the credit is only available once an employee reaches a minimum employment period and the employee’s inclusion in a targeted group is certified by the applicable state. As these events often occur after the period the wages are earned, judgment is required in determining the amount of work opportunity credits accrued for in each period. We evaluate the accrual regularly throughout the year and make adjustments as needed. Uncertain tax positions that are taken or expected to be taken in a tax return are recognized in the financial statements when it is more likely than not (i.e., a likelihood of more than fifty percent) that the position would be sustained upon examination by tax authorities that have full knowledge of all relevant information. A recognized tax position is then measured at the largest amount of benefit that is greater than fifty percent likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement. Interest and penalties related to income taxes are classified as income tax expense. U.S. taxes on global intangible low-taxed income ("GILTI") are accounted for as incurred. Stock-Based Compensation The Company may grant restricted stock awards and units (collectively, “restricted stock”) and performance awards of the Company's Class A stock to key employees. The Company utilizes the market price on the date of grant as the fair value for restricted stock and the market price on the date of grant less the present value of the expected dividends not received during the vesting period for performance awards. The value of awards is recognized as expense, net of forfeitures as they occur, over the requisite service periods in SG&A expenses in the Company’s consolidated statements of earnings. Earnings Per Share Restricted stock that entitle their holders to receive nonforfeitable dividends before vesting are considered participating securities and, therefore, are included in the calculation of earnings per share using the two-class method. The two-class method is an earnings allocation formula that determines earnings per share for each class of common stock and participating security according to dividends declared and participation rights in undistributed earnings. Under this method, earnings from continuing operations (or net earnings) is reduced by the amount of dividends declared, and the remaining undistributed earnings is allocated to common stock and participating securities based on the proportion of each class’s weighted average shares outstanding to the total weighted average shares outstanding. The calculation of diluted earnings per share includes the effect of potential common shares outstanding in the average weighted shares outstanding. Workers’ Compensation In the U.S., the Company has a combination of insurance and self-insurance contracts under which we effectively bear the first $1.0 million of risk per single accident. The Company establishes accruals for workers’ compensation claims utilizing actuarial methods to estimate the undiscounted future cash payments that will be made to satisfy the claims, including an allowance for incurred-but-not-reported claims. The Company retains an independent consulting actuary to establish loss development factors and loss rates, based on historical claims experience as well as industry experience, and applies those factors to current claims information to derive an estimate of the ultimate claims liability. In preparing the estimates, the consulting actuary considers a number of assumptions and multiple generally accepted actuarial methods in the course of preparing the loss forecast for claims. When claims exceed the applicable loss limit or self-insured retention and realization of recovery of the claim from existing insurance policies is deemed probable, the Company records a receivable from the insurance company for the excess amount. The receivable is included in prepaid expenses and other current assets and other assets in the consolidated balance sheet at year end. The Company evaluates the accrual quarterly throughout the year and makes adjustments as needed, and the ultimate cost of these claims may be greater than or less than the established accrual.

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- Definition The entire disclosure for the organization, consolidation and basis of presentation of financial statements disclosure, and significant accounting policies of the reporting entity. May be provided in more than one note to the financial statements, as long as users are provided with an understanding of (1) the significant judgments and assumptions made by an enterprise in determining whether it must consolidate a VIE and/or disclose information about its involvement with a VIE, (2) the nature of restrictions on a consolidated VIE's assets reported by an enterprise in its statement of financial position, including the carrying amounts of such assets, (3) the nature of, and changes in, the risks associated with an enterprise's involvement with the VIE, and (4) how an enterprise's involvement with the VIE affects the enterprise's financial position, financial performance, and cash flows. Describes procedure if disclosures are provided in more than one note to the financial statements. + References Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Topic 235 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/235/tableOfContent Reference 2: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Topic 275 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/275/tableOfContent Reference 3: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Topic 810 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/810/tableOfContent Reference 4: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Topic 205 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/205/tableOfContent + Details
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