UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
☒
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2019
OR
☐
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from________ to ________
Commission File Number 1-32961
CBIZ, Inc.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware
22-2769024
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation
or organization)
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
6050 Oak Tree Boulevard, South, Suite 500, Cleveland, Ohio
44131
(Address of principal executive offices)
(Zip Code)
(216) 447-9000
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
Not Applicable
(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes ☒ No ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). Yes ☒ No ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer
Accelerated filer
Non-accelerated filer
Smaller reporting company
Emerging growth company
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).Yes ☐ No ☒
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each class
Trading Symbol(s)
Name of each exchange on which registered
Class A Common Stock, $0.01 Par Value
CBZ
New York Stock Exchange
Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date:
Class of Common Stock
Outstanding at October 29, 2019
Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share
54,908,734
CBIZ, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PART I.
FINANCIAL INFORMATION:
Page
Item 1.
Condensed Financial Statements (Unaudited)
3
Consolidated Balance Sheets – September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income – Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019 and 2018
4
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity – Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019 and 2018
5
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows – Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019 and 2018
7
Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
8
Item 2.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
26
Item 3.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
37
Item 4.
Controls and Procedures
38
PART II.
OTHER INFORMATION:
Legal Proceedings
39
Item 1A.
Risk Factors
Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
Defaults Upon Senior Securities
40
Mine Safety Disclosures
Item 5.
Other Information
Item 6.
Exhibits
41
Signature
42
2
PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Financial Statements
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Unaudited)
(In thousands)
September 30,
December 31,
2019
2018
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents
$
2,723
640
Restricted cash
35,739
27,481
Accounts receivable, net
260,969
207,287
Other current assets
25,020
26,841
Current assets before funds held for clients
324,451
262,249
Funds held for clients
123,448
161,289
Total current assets
447,899
423,538
Non-current assets:
Property and equipment, net
38,118
34,205
Goodwill and other intangible assets, net
658,442
637,009
Assets of deferred compensation plan
100,529
84,435
Operating lease right-of-use asset, net
148,870
—
Other non-current assets
3,205
3,844
Total non-current assets
949,164
759,493
Total assets
1,397,063
1,183,031
LIABILITIES
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable
63,725
58,630
Income taxes payable
7,104
464
Accrued personnel costs
54,830
63,953
Contingent purchase price liability
15,839
22,538
Operating lease liability
29,513
Other current liabilities
15,937
13,656
Current liabilities before client fund obligations
186,948
159,241
Client fund obligations
123,133
162,073
Total current liabilities
310,081
321,314
Non-current liabilities:
Bank debt
160,000
135,500
Debt issuance costs
(1,256
)
(1,526
Total long-term debt
158,744
133,974
3,681
3,402
Deferred income taxes, net
9,882
6,764
Deferred compensation plan obligations
16,030
17,170
139,796
Other non-current liabilities
2,024
22,309
Total non-current liabilities
430,686
268,054
Total liabilities
740,767
589,368
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Common stock
1,324
1,314
Additional paid in capital
706,450
692,398
Retained earnings
480,729
408,963
Treasury stock
(531,356
(508,530
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
(851
(482
Total stockholders’ equity
656,296
593,663
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
See the accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Unaudited)
(In thousands, except per share data)
Three Months Ended
Nine Months Ended
Revenue
239,790
224,249
745,286
722,980
Operating expenses
209,146
198,607
622,790
608,459
Gross margin
30,644
25,642
122,496
114,521
Corporate general and administrative expenses
11,670
10,279
33,916
30,300
Operating income
18,974
15,363
88,580
84,221
Other income (expense):
Interest expense
(1,521
(1,614
(4,509
(5,211
(Loss) gain on sale of operations, net
(145
402
663
Other income, net
6,767
3,143
12,716
2,544
Total other income (expense), net
5,101
1,529
8,609
(2,004
Income from continuing operations before income tax
expense
24,075
16,892
97,189
82,217
Income tax expense
6,069
3,297
25,004
19,691
Income from continuing operations
18,006
13,595
72,185
62,526
(Loss) gain from discontinued operations, net of tax
(200
(9
(318
17
Net income
17,806
13,586
71,867
62,543
Earnings (loss) per share:
Basic:
Continuing operations
0.33
0.25
1.33
1.15
Discontinued operations
(0.01
1.32
Diluted:
0.32
0.24
1.29
1.11
1.28
Basic weighted average shares outstanding
54,268
54,794
54,215
54,489
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding
55,816
56,740
55,778
56,393
Comprehensive income:
Other comprehensive income, net of tax
(129
55
(470
343
Comprehensive income
17,677
13,641
71,397
62,886
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY (Unaudited)
Accumulated
Issued
Additional
Other
Common
Treasury
Paid-In
Retained
Comprehensive
Shares
Stock
Capital
Earnings
(Loss) Gain
Totals
June 30, 2019
132,108
77,428
1,321
700,800
462,923
(530,262
(722
634,060
Other comprehensive income
Share repurchases
48
(1,094
Stock options exercised
180
1,810
1,812
Share-based compensation
1,859
Business acquisitions
97
1
1,981
1,982
September 30, 2019
132,385
77,476
June 30, 2018
131,132
75,703
1,311
686,983
395,881
(495,455
106
588,826
160
(3,712
Restricted stock
(1
224
1,648
1,651
1,508
September 30, 2018
131,356
75,863
690,140
409,467
(499,167
161
601,915
December 31, 2018
131,404
76,332
Cumulative-effect of accounting
changes adjustment
(101
101
1,144
(22,826
228
(2
558
6
4,849
4,855
5,258
195
3,947
3,949
December 31, 2017
130,075
75,484
1,301
675,504
345,302
(491,046
(182
530,879
1,622
379
(8,121
272
(3
840
6,068
6,076
5,358
169
3,213
3,215
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited)
Nine Months Ended September 30,
Cash flows from operating activities:
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization expense
16,610
17,528
Bad debt expense, net of recoveries
1,974
3,697
Adjustment to contingent earnout liability
322
3,290
Stock-based compensation expense
1,395
(1,989
Changes in assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions and divestitures:
(54,025
(38,937
Other assets
495
(3,474
5,045
108
8,917
9,458
(9,160
8,986
Other liabilities
1,020
(3,134
Operating cash flows provided by continuing operations
49,718
63,434
Operating cash flows used in discontinued operations
(304
(162
Net cash provided by operating activities
49,414
63,272
Cash flows from investing activities:
Business acquisitions and purchases of client lists, net of cash acquired
(11,740
(24,612
Purchases of client fund investments
(21,171
(10,745
Proceeds from the sales and maturities of client fund investments
17,758
8,701
Increase in funds held for clients
406
(3,161
Additions to property and equipment
(10,279
(9,800
335
350
Net cash used in investing activities
(24,691
(39,267
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from bank debt
496,698
563,800
Payment of bank debt
(472,198
(575,200
Payment for acquisition of treasury stock
Decrease in client funds obligations
(45,818
(76,285
Proceeds from exercise of stock options
Payment of contingent consideration for acquisitions
(16,850
(11,677
Other, net
(334
(1,431
Net cash used in financing activities
(56,473
(102,838
Net decrease in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash
(31,750
(78,833
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of year
130,554
182,262
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period
98,804
103,429
Reconciliation of cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash to the
Consolidated Balance Sheets:
3,493
32,551
Cash equivalents included in funds held for clients
60,342
67,385
Total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)
Note 1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Selected Terms Used in Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
ASA – Administrative Service Agreement.
ASC – Accounting Standards Codification.
ASU – Accounting Standards Update.
CPA firm – Certified Public Accounting firm.
FASB – The Financial Accounting Standards Board.
GAAP – United States Generally Accepted Accounting Principles.
LIBOR – London Interbank Offered Rate.
Legacy ASC Topic 840 – ASC Topic 840, Leases.
New Lease Standard – ASU No. 2016-12, Leases.
ROU – Right-of-Use Asset.
SEC – United States Securities and Exchange Commission.
Tax Act – Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017.
Topic 220 – ASU No. 2018-02, Income Statement – Reporting Comprehensive Income.
Topic 606 – ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers.
Topic 815 – ASU No. 2017-12, Derivatives and Hedging.
Description of Business: CBIZ, Inc. is a diversified services company which, acting through its subsidiaries, has been providing professional business services since 1996, primarily to small and medium-sized businesses, as well as individuals, governmental entities, and not-for-profit enterprises throughout the United States and parts of Canada. CBIZ, Inc. manages and reports its operations along three practice groups: Financial Services, Benefits and Insurance Services and National Practices. A further description of products and services offered by each of the practice groups is provided in Note 16. Segment Disclosures, to the accompanying consolidated financial statements.
Basis of Consolidation: The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements include the operations of CBIZ, Inc. and all of its wholly-owned subsidiaries (“CBIZ”, the “Company”, “we”, “us”, or “our”), after elimination of all intercompany balances and transactions. These condensed consolidated financial statements do not reflect the operations or accounts of variable interest entities as the impact is not material to the financial condition, results of operations or cash flows of CBIZ.
Unaudited Interim Financial Statements: The condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with GAAP and applicable rules and regulations of the SEC regarding interim financial reporting. Certain information and note disclosures normally included in the financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations. As such, the information included in this quarterly report on Form 10-Q should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018.
In the opinion of CBIZ management, the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements reflect all normal recurring adjustments necessary to present fairly the financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows for the interim periods presented, but are not necessarily indicative of the results of operations to be anticipated for the full year ending December 31, 2019.
Use of Estimates: The preparation of condensed consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported and disclosed in the financial statements and the accompanying notes. Changes in circumstances could cause actual results to differ materially from these estimates.
Changes in Accounting Policies: Except for the adoption of New Lease Standard, we have consistently applied the accounting policies for the periods presented as described in Note 1. Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies, to the consolidated financial statements contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018. Effective January 1, 2019, we have changed our accounting policy for the New Lease Standard as described below in Note 2. New Accounting Pronouncements.
Correction of Prior Period Errors: The Company has corrected an immaterial error related to the presentation of cash equivalents on the condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows related to amounts included within funds held for clients. The correction resulted in an increase of $81.5 million of cash used in investing activities for the period ended September 30, 2018, an increase of $148.9 million of cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at January 1, 2018 and an increase of $67.4 million of cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash as of September 30, 2018 as reflected on the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows.
The Company’s Statement of Comprehensive Income for the three months ended September 30, 2019 included a correction of an immaterial prior period accounting error related to the gains and losses associated with the value of the investments held in a rabbi trust related to the Company’s deferred compensation plan. The correction resulted in an increase of $6.0 million in “Operating expenses”, $0.7 million in “Corporate general and administrative expenses”, and $6.7 million in “Other income, net” for the three months ended September 30, 2019. The non-qualified deferred compensation plan has no impact on “Income from continuing operations before income tax expense” or diluted earnings per share from continuing operations.
NOTE 2. New Accounting Pronouncements
The FASB ASC is the sole source of authoritative GAAP other than the SEC issued rules and regulations that apply only to SEC registrants. The FASB issues an accounting standard to communicate changes to the FASB codification. We assess and review the impact of all accounting standards. Any accounting standards not listed below were reviewed and determined to be either not applicable or are not expected to have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements of the Company.
Accounting Standards Adopted in 2019
Leases: Effective January 1, 2019, we adopted the New Lease Standard using the modified retrospective method of applying the new standard at the adoption date. We elected the package of practical expedients permitted under the transition guidance which allowed us to carry forward historical lease classifications. The adoption of the New Lease Standard had a significant impact on our consolidated balance sheets and resulted in the recording of the operating lease ROU assets and corresponding operating lease liabilities. The consolidated balance sheet prior to January 1, 2019 was not restated and continues to be reported under the Legacy ASC Topic 840, which did not require the recognition of operating lease ROU assets and liabilities. The expense recognition for operating leases and finance leases under the New Lease Standard is consistent with the Legacy ASC Topic 840, therefore, as a result, there is no significant impact on our results of operations, liquidity or debt covenant compliance under our current credit agreements.
The following table presents the impact of adopting the New Lease Standard on our consolidated balance sheet.
Balance at
New Lease
Standard
January 1,
148,884
1,331,915
Operating lease liability - current
28,407
349,721
Operating lease liability - non-current
120,477
388,531
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity
Office facilities account for approximately 96% of our total lease liability. The lease liability for our office facilities is based on the present value of the remaining minimum lease payments, discounted utilizing our secured incremental borrowing rate at the effective date of January 1, 2019. We also have other leases that consist primarily of information technology equipment and automobiles. The present value of the lease liability associated with other leases are measured based on the discounted remaining minimum lease payments at the effective date of January 1, 2019. The Company has elected not to separate lease and non-lease components and elected the practical expedient to exclude short-term leases at adoption.
9
Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income: On January 1, 2019, we adopted ASU 2018-02 which provides the optional election for the reclassification from accumulated other comprehensive income to retained earnings for stranded tax effects resulting from the Tax Act. The adoption of Topic 220 resulted in a reclassification between accumulated other comprehensive income and retained earnings of $0.1 million, and had no impact on our consolidated financial position or results of operations.
Derivatives and Hedging: On January 1, 2019, we adopted Topic 815 which improved and simplified accounting rules for hedge accounting to better present the economic results of an entity’s risk management activities in its financial statements and improves the disclosures of hedging arrangements. The adoption of Topic 815 did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial position or results of operations.
Accounting Standards Issued But Not Yet Adopted
Internal-Use Software: In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-15, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other - Internal-Use Software (Subtopic 350-40), which aligns the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred in a service contract hosting arrangement with those of developing or obtaining internal-use software. This standard is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2019, and early adoption is permitted. We do not expect this guidance to have a material impact on our consolidated financial position or results of operations.
Fair Value Measurement: In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-13, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Disclosure Framework-Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement. This standard amends existing fair value measurement disclosure requirements by adding, changing, or removing certain disclosures. ASU No. 2018-13 will be effective for us as of January 1, 2020, with early adoption permitted. We are currently reviewing the effect of this new standard on our consolidated financial statements.
Note 3. Revenue
The following table disaggregates our revenue by source (in thousands):
Three Months Ended September 30, 2019
Financial
Benefits &
National
Services
Insurance
Practices
Consolidated
Accounting, tax, advisory and consulting
153,794
Core Benefits and Insurance Services
73,409
Non-core Benefits and Insurance Services
3,551
Managed networking, hardware services
6,553
National Practices consulting
2,483
Total revenue
76,960
9,036
Three Months Ended September 30, 2018
146,145
Core Benefits and Insurance
67,192
Non-core Benefits and Insurance
2,877
5,902
2,133
70,069
8,035
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019
493,311
216,394
8,948
19,499
7,134
225,342
26,633
10
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018
478,485
210,292
9,860
18,211
6,132
220,152
24,343
Financial Services
Revenue primarily consists of professional service fees derived from traditional accounting services, tax return preparation, administrative services, financial and risk advisory, consulting and valuation services. Clients are billed for these services based upon a fixed-fee, an hourly rate, or an outcome-based fee. Time related to the performance of all services is maintained in a time and billing system.
Revenue for fixed-fee arrangements is recognized over time with progress measured in hours worked and anticipated realization. Anticipated realization is defined as the fixed fee divided by the product of the hours anticipated to complete a performance obligation and the standard billing rate. Anticipated realization rates are applied to hours charged to a contract when recognizing revenue. At the end of each reporting period, we evaluate the work performed to date to ensure that the amount of revenue recognized in each reporting period for the client arrangement is equal to the performance obligations met.
Revenue for time and expense arrangements is recognized over time with value being transferred through our hourly fee arrangement at expected net realizable rates per hour, plus agreed-upon out-of-pocket expenses. The cumulative impact on any subsequent revision in the estimated realizable value of unbilled fees for a particular client project is reflected in the period in which the change becomes known.
We applied the guidance of Topic 606 in determining the appropriate accounting for outcome-based arrangements. Prior to recognizing revenue, we estimate the transaction price, including variable consideration that is subject to a constraint based on risks specific to the arrangement. We evaluate the estimate in each reporting period and recognize revenue to the extent it is probable that a significant reversal of revenue will not occur. Revenue is recognized when the constraint is lifted at a point in time when the value is determined and verified by a third party.
Benefits and Insurance Services
Core Benefits and Insurance consists of group health benefits consulting, property and casualty, retirement plan services and payroll processing services. Revenue consists primarily of fee income for administering health and retirement plans and brokerage and agency commissions. Revenue also includes investment income related to client payroll funds that are held in CBIZ accounts, as is industry practice. Under the revenue recognition standard, the cost to obtain a contract must be capitalized unless the contract period is one year or less. We pay commissions monthly and require the recipient of the commission to be employed by us at the time of the payment. Failure to remain employed at the date the commission is payable results in the forfeiture of commissions that would otherwise be due. Therefore, we have determined that the requirement of continued employment is substantive and accordingly, do not consider the commissions to be incremental costs of obtaining the customer contract and consequently a contract acquisition cost is not recognized for those commissions.
Revenue related to group health benefits consulting consists of (i) commissions, (ii) fee income which can be fixed or variable based on a price per participant and (iii) contingent revenue.
•
Commission revenue and fee income are recognized over the contract period as these services are provided to clients continuously throughout the term of the arrangement. Our customers benefit from each month of service on its own and although volume and the number of participants may differ month to month, the obligation to perform substantially remains the same.
Contingent revenue arrangements are related to carrier-based performance targets. Due to the uncertainty of the outcome and the probability that a change in estimate would result in a significant reversal, we have applied a constraint on estimating revenue. Revenue is recognized when the constraint has been lifted which is the earlier of written notification that the target has been achieved or cash collection. Contingent revenue is not a significant revenue stream to our consolidated financial position or results of operations.
11
Revenue related to property and casualty consists of (i) commissions and (ii) contingent revenue.
Commissions relating to agency billing arrangements (pursuant to which we bill the insured, collect the funds and forward the premium to the insurance carrier less our commission) and direct billing arrangements (pursuant to which the insurance carrier bills the insured directly and forwards the commission to us) are both recognized on the effective date of the policy. Commission revenue is reported net of reserves for estimated policy cancellations and terminations. The cancellation and termination reserve is based upon estimates and assumptions using historical cancellation and termination experience and other current factors to project future experience.
Contingent revenue arrangements related to carrier-based performance targets include claim loss experience and other factors. Due to the uncertainty of the outcome and the probability that a change in estimate would result in a significant reversal, we have applied a constraint on estimating revenue. Revenue will be recognized when the constraint has been lifted which is the earlier of written notification that the target has been achieved or cash collection. Contingent revenue is not a significant revenue stream to our consolidated financial position or results of operations.
Revenue related to retirement plan services consist of (i) advisory, (ii) third party administration, and (iii) actuarial services.
Advisory revenue is based on the value of assets under management, as provided by a third party, multiplied by an agreed upon rate. Advisory services revenue is calculated monthly or quarterly based on the estimated value of assets under management, as it is earned over the duration of the reporting period and relates to performance obligations satisfied during that period. The variability related to the estimated asset values used to recognize revenue during the reporting period is resolved and the amount of related revenue recognized is adjusted when the actual value of assets under management is known.
Third party administration revenue is recognized over the contract period as these services are provided to clients continuously throughout the term of the arrangement. Our clients benefit from each month of service on its own and although volume may differ month to month, the obligation to perform substantially remains the same.
Actuarial revenue is recognized over the contract period with performance measured in hours in relation to the expected total hours. Under certain defined benefit plan administration arrangements, we charge new clients an initial, non-refundable, set-up fee as part of a multi-year service agreement. Revenue related to the set-up fees is deferred and recognized over the life of the contract or the expected customer relationship, whichever is longer.
Revenue related to payroll processing consists of a (i) fixed fee or (ii) variable fee based on a price per employee or check processed. Revenue is recognized when the actual payroll processing occurs. Our customers benefit from each month of service on its own and although volume and the variability may differ month to month, the obligation to perform substantially remains the same.
Non-core Benefits and Insurance Services consist of transactional businesses that tend to fluctuate. These include life insurance, wholesale agency benefits and talent and compensation services.
National Practices
Managed networking, hardware services revenue consists of installation, maintenance and repair of computer hardware. These services are charged to a single customer based on cost plus an agreed-upon markup percentage, an arrangement that has existed since 1999.
National Practices consulting revenue is based upon a fixed fee, an hourly rate, or a percentage of savings. Revenue for fixed fee and time and expense arrangements is recognized over the performance period based upon actual hours incurred.
12
Transaction Price Allocated to Future Obligations
We are required to disclose the aggregate amount of transaction price allocated to performance obligations that have not yet been satisfied as of the reporting date. The guidance provides certain practical expedients that limit this requirement, including performance obligations that are part of a contract that has the duration of one year or less. Since the majority of our contracts are one year or less in duration, we have applied this practical expedient related to quantifying remaining performance obligations. In regards to contracts with terms in excess of one year, certain contract periods related to our government healthcare consulting, group health and benefits consulting, and property and casualty insurance businesses have an original specified contract duration in excess of one year; however, the agreements provide CBIZ and the client with the right to cancel or terminate the contract with no substantial penalty. We have applied the provisions of Topic 606 and the FASB Transition Resource Group memo number 10-14, and note that the definition of contract duration does not extend beyond the goods and services already transferred for contracts that provide both the Company and the client with the right to cancel or terminate the contract with no substantial penalty.
Note 4. Accounts Receivable, Net
Accounts receivable, net, at September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018 were as follows (in thousands):
Trade accounts receivable
175,724
159,992
Unbilled revenue, at net realizable value
98,606
60,684
Total accounts receivable
274,330
220,676
Allowance for doubtful accounts
(13,361
(13,389
Note 5. Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, Net
The components of goodwill and other intangible assets, net, at September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018 were as follows (in thousands):
Goodwill
588,213
564,300
Intangible assets:
Client lists
189,120
181,564
Other intangible assets
9,878
9,447
Total intangible assets
198,998
191,011
Total goodwill and intangibles assets
787,211
755,311
Accumulated amortization:
(122,595
(112,905
(6,174
(5,397
Total accumulated amortization
(128,769
(118,302
Note 6. Depreciation and Amortization
Depreciation and amortization expense for property and equipment and intangible assets for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018 was as follows (in thousands):
5,599
5,794
16,505
17,301
35
58
105
227
Total depreciation and amortization expense
5,634
5,852
13
Note 7. Debt and Financing Arrangements
Our primary financing arrangement is the $400 million unsecured credit facility, by and among CBIZ Operations, Inc., CBIZ, Inc. and Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent and bank, and other participating banks (as amended and restated, the “2018 credit facility” and, prior to being amended and restated by the 2018 credit facility, the “2014 credit facility”), which provides us with the capital necessary to meet our working capital needs as well as the flexibility to continue with our strategic initiatives, including business acquisitions and share repurchases. The 2018 credit facility will mature in 2023. We also have an unsecured $20 million line of credit used to support our short-term funding requirements of payroll client fund obligations due to the investment of client funds, rather than liquidating client funds that have already been invested in available-for-sale securities. The line of credit, which was renewed in August 2019, and will terminate on August 6, 2020, did not have a balance outstanding at September 30, 2019. Refer to our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018 for additional details of our debt and financing arrangements.
The balance outstanding under the 2018 credit facility was $160.0 million and $135.5 million at September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively. Interest expense for the three months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018 was $1.5 million and $1.6 million, respectively. During the nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, interest expense under the 2018 credit facility and 2014 credit facility was $4.5 million and $5.2 million, respectively. We had approximately $233.6 million of available funds under the 2018 credit facility at September 30, 2019, net of outstanding letters of credit of $1.3 million. As of September 30, 2019, we were in compliance with our debt covenants.
Interest rates for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018 were as follows:
Weighted average rates
3.16%
3.07%
Range of effective rates
2.12% - 5.50%
2.37% - 5.25%
Note 8. Commitments and Contingencies
Letters of Credit and Guarantees
We provide letters of credit to landlords (lessors) of our leased premises in lieu of cash security deposits, which totaled $1.3 million and $1.1 million at September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively. In addition, we provide license bonds to various state agencies to meet certain licensing requirements. The amount of license bonds outstanding was $2.5 million and $2.9 million at September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively.
In 2010, CBIZ, Inc. and its subsidiary, CBIZ MHM, LLC (fka CBIZ Accounting, Tax & Advisory Services, LLC) (the “CBIZ Parties”), were named as defendants in lawsuits filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Arizona and the Superior Court for Maricopa County, Arizona. The federal court case is captioned Robert Facciola, et al v. Greenberg Traurig LLP, et al, and the state court cases are captioned Victims Recovery, LLC v. Greenberg Traurig LLP, et al, Roger Ashkenazi, et al v. Greenberg Traurig LLP, et al, Mary Marsh, et al v. Greenberg Traurig LLP, et al; and ML Liquidating Trust v. Mayer Hoffman McCann, P.C. (“Mayer Hoffman”), et al. Prior to these suits CBIZ MHM, LLC was named as a defendant in Jeffrey C. Stone v. Greenberg Traurig LLP, et al.
These lawsuits arose out of the bankruptcy of Mortgages Ltd., a mortgage lender to developers in the Phoenix, Arizona area. Various other professional firms and individuals not related to the Company were also named defendants in these lawsuits. The lawsuits asserted claims for, among others things, violations of the Arizona Securities Act, common law fraud, and negligent misrepresentation, and sought to hold the CBIZ Parties vicariously liable for Mayer Hoffman’s conduct as Mortgage Ltd.’s auditor, as either a statutory control person under the Arizona Securities Act or a joint venturer under Arizona common law.
With the exception of claims being pursued by two plaintiffs from the Ashkenazi lawsuit (“Baldino Group”), all other related matters have been dismissed or settled without payment by the CBIZ Parties. The Baldino Group’s claims, which allege damages of approximately $16.0 million, are currently pending, though no trial date has been set.
14
On September 16, 2016, CBIZ, Inc. and its subsidiary CBIZ Benefits & Insurance Services, Inc. (“CBIZ Benefits”) were named as defendants in a lawsuit filed in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania. The federal court case is brought by UPMC, d/b/a University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, and a health system it acquired, UPMC Altoona (formerly, Altoona Regional Health System). The lawsuit asserts professional negligence, breach of contract, and negligent misrepresentation claims against CBIZ, CBIZ Benefits and a former employee of CBIZ Benefits in connection with actuarial services provided by CBIZ Benefits to Altoona Regional Health System. The complaint seeks damages in an amount of no less than $142.0 million.
We cannot predict the outcome of the above matters or estimate the possible loss or range of possible loss, if any. Although the proceedings are subject to uncertainties inherent in the litigation process and the ultimate disposition of these proceedings is not presently determinable, we intend to vigorously defend these cases.
In addition to those items disclosed above, we are, from time to time, subject to claims and suits arising in the ordinary course of business.
Note 9. Financial Instruments
Available-for-sale Debt Securities
In connection with certain services provided by our payroll operations, we collect funds from our clients’ accounts in advance of paying client obligations. These funds held for clients are segregated and invested in accordance with our investment policy, which requires all investments carry an investment grade rating at the time of initial investment. These investments, primarily consisting of corporate and municipal bonds and US treasury bills, are classified as available-for-sale and are included in the “Funds held for clients” line item on the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets. The par value of these investments totaled $59.1 million and $55.7 million at September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively, and had maturity or callable dates ranging from October 2019 through February 2024. The following table summarizes activities related to these investments for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 and the twelve months ended December 31, 2018 (in thousands):
Twelve Months Ended
Fair value at beginning of period
56,556
51,101
Purchases
21,171
18,426
Redemptions
(311
(1,793
Maturities
(17,447
(10,445
Decrease in bond premium
(390
(377
Fair market value adjustment
1,243
(356
Fair value at end of period
60,822
In addition to the available-for-sale securities discussed above, we also hold certified deposits and other depository assets in the amount of $2.3 million and $2.3 million at September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively, related to the funds held for clients.
Interest Rate Swaps
We do not purchase or hold any derivative instruments for trading or speculative purposes. We utilize interest rate swaps to manage interest rate risk exposure associated with our floating-rate debt under the credit facility. Under these interest rate swap contracts, we receive cash flows from counterparties at variable rates based on the LIBOR and pay the counterparties a fixed rate. Refer to the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018 for further discussion on our interest rate swaps.
15
The following table summarizes our outstanding interest rate swaps and their classification in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets at September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018 (in thousands):
Notional
Fair
Amount
Value
Balance Sheet Location
Interest rate swaps
70,000
(688)
Other non-current liability
1,096
Under the terms of the interest rate swaps, we pay interest at a fixed rate of interest plus applicable margin as stated in the agreement, and receive interest that varies with the one-month LIBOR. The notional value, fixed rate of interest and expiration date of each interest rate swap as of September 30, 2019 was (i) $25 million – 1.300% - October 2020, (ii) $10 million – 1.120% - February 2021, (iii) $20 million – 1.770% - May 2022 and (iv) $15 million – 2.640% - June 2023. Refer to Note 10. Fair Value Measurements, for additional disclosures regarding fair value measurements.
The following table summarizes the effects of the interest rate swaps on the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018 (in thousands):
(Loss) Gain Recognized
in AOCL, net of tax
(Loss) Reclassified
from AOCL into Expense
Interest rate swap
(194)
123
(98
(104
(1,351)
749
(371
(229
Note 10. Fair Value Measurements
The following table summarizes our assets and (liabilities) at September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively, that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis subsequent to initial recognition and indicates the fair value hierarchy of the valuation techniques utilized by us to determine such fair value (in thousands):
Level
Deferred compensation plan assets
Available-for-sale debt securities
Certified deposits and other depository assets
2,284
2,300
Deferred compensation plan liabilities
(100,529
(84,435
Contingent purchase price liabilities
(31,869
(39,708
16
During the nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, there were no transfers between the valuation hierarchy Levels 1, 2 and 3. The following table summarizes the change in Level 3 fair values of our contingent purchase price liabilities for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018 (pre-tax basis) (in thousands):
Beginning balance – January 1
(37,574
Additions from business acquisitions
(10,150
(12,361
Settlement of contingent purchase price liabilities
18,311
13,329
Change in fair value of contingencies
222
(2,574
Change in net present value of contingencies
(544
(716
Ending balance – September 30
(39,896
Contingent Purchase Price Liabilities
Contingent purchase price liabilities result from our business acquisitions and are recorded at fair value at the time of acquisition and are presented as “Contingent purchase price liability — current” and “Contingent purchase price liability — non-current” in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets. We estimate the fair value of our contingent purchase price liabilities using a probability-weighted discounted cash flow model. This fair value measure is based on significant inputs not observed in the market and thus represents a Level 3 measurement. Fair value measurements characterized within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy are measured based on unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and reflect our own assumptions in measuring fair value.
We probability weight risk-adjusted estimates of future performance of acquired businesses, then calculate the contingent purchase price based on the estimates and discount them to present value representing management’s best estimate of fair value. The fair value of the contingent purchase price liabilities are reassessed quarterly based on assumptions provided by practice group leaders and business unit controllers together with our corporate finance department. Any change in the fair value estimate is recorded in the earnings of that period. Refer to Note 14. Acquisitions, for further discussion of our acquisitions and contingent purchase price liabilities.
The carrying amounts of our cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable and accounts payable approximate fair value because of the short maturity of these instruments, and the carrying value of bank debt approximates fair value as the interest rate on the bank debt is variable and approximates current market rates. As a result, the fair value measurement of our bank debt is considered to be Level 2.
Note 11. Other Comprehensive Income
The following table is a summary of other comprehensive income and discloses the tax impact of each component of other comprehensive income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018 (in thousands):
Net unrealized gain (loss) on available-for-sale
securities, net of income taxes (1)
72
(65
894
(391
Net unrealized (loss) gain on interest rate swaps, net
of income taxes (2)
(194
(1,351
Foreign currency translation
(7
(13
(15
Total other comprehensive income
(1)
Net of income tax expense (benefit) of $27 and ($24) for the three months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively, and net of income tax expense (benefit) of $331 and ($145) for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively.
(2)
Net of income tax (benefit) expense of ($61) and $38 for the three months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively, and net of income tax (benefit) expense of ($419) and $230 for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively.
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax, was approximately $0.9 million and $0.5 million for the period ending September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively. Accumulated other comprehensive loss consisted of adjustments, net of tax, for unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities and interest rate swaps, and foreign currency translation.
Note 12. Employee Share Plans
On May 9, 2019, the CBIZ shareholders approved CBIZ, Inc. 2019 Stock Omnibus Incentive Plan, which amended and restated the CBIZ, Inc. 2014 Stock Incentive Plan (as amended and restated, the “2019 Plan”). The 2019 Plan expires in 2029 and provides for the grant of restricted stock awards, stock options and performance awards. The terms and vesting schedules for the share-based awards vary by type and date of grant. A maximum of 9.6 million stock-based compensation awards may be granted. Shares subject to award under the 2019 Plan may be either authorized but unissued shares of our common stock or treasury shares. Compensation expense for stock-based awards recognized during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018 was as follows (in thousands):
Stock options
425
531
1,423
2,078
Restricted stock awards
1,146
978
3,228
3,280
Performance share units
288
607
Total stock-based compensation expense
1,509
Stock Options and Restricted Stock Awards – The following table presents our stock options and restricted stock award activity during the nine months ended September 30, 2019 (in thousands, except per share data):
Stock Options
Restricted Stock Awards
Number of
Options
Weighted Average Exercise Price
Per Share
Weighted Average
Grant-Date
Fair Value (1)
Outstanding at beginning of year
3,622
11.97
632
15.35
Granted
19.78
Exercised or released
(558
8.70
(282
13.76
Expired or canceled
Outstanding at September 30, 2019
3,064
12.57
577
17.88
Exercisable at September 30, 2019
2,107
10.71
Represents weighted average market value of the shares; awards are granted at no cost to the recipients.
Performance Share Units (“PSUs”) – PSUs are earned based on our financial performance over a contractual term of three years and the associated expense is recognized over that period based on the fair value of the award. A three-year cliff vesting schedule of the PSUs is dependent upon the Company’s performance relative to pre-established goals based on earnings per share target (weighted 70%) and total growth in revenue (weighted 30%). The fair value of PSUs is calculated using the market value of a share of our common stock on the date of grant. For performance achieved above specified levels, the recipient may earn additional shares of stock, not to exceed 200% of the number of PSUs initially granted.
The following table presents our PSU award activity during the nine months ended September 30, 2019 (in thousands, except per share data):
PSUs
Fair Value
Per Unit
173
19.82
Vested
Adjustments for performance results
Expired or cancelled
18
Note 13. Earnings Per Share
The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share from continuing operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018 (in thousands, except per share data).
Numerator:
Denominator:
Basic
Weighted average common shares outstanding
Diluted
Stock options (1)
1,279
1,654
1,267
1,573
Restricted stock awards (1)
185
268
212
307
Contingent shares (2)
84
24
Diluted weighted average common shares
outstanding (3)
Basic earnings per share from continuing operations
Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations
A total of 0.5 million and 0.5 million share based awards were excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019, respectively, and a total of 0.5 million and 0.3 million share based awards were excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018, respectively, as their effect would be anti-dilutive.
Contingent shares represent additional shares to be issued for purchase price earned by former owners of businesses acquired by us once future considerations have been met. Refer to Note 14. Acquisitions, for further details.
(3)
The denominator used in calculating diluted earnings per share did not include 173 thousand PSUs granted in March 2019. As of September 30, 2019, the performance conditions associated with these PSUs were not met and consequently none of these PSUs were considered as issuable for the three months and nine months periods ended September 30, 2019.
Note 14. Acquisitions
Our acquisition strategy focuses on businesses with a leadership team that is committed to best in class culture, extraordinary client service and cross-serving potential. CBIZ has a long history of acquiring businesses that share common cultural values with us and provide value-added services to the small and midsize business market. The valuation of any business is a subjective process and includes industry, geography, profit margins, expected cash flows, client retention, nature of recurring or non-recurring project-based work, growth rate assumptions and competitive market conditions.
Business Acquisitions in 2019
During the nine months ended September 30, 2019, we have acquired substantially all of the assets of the following businesses:
Effective January 1, 2019, we acquired substantially all of the assets of Wenner Group, LLC (“Wenner”), located in Denver, Colorado. Wenner is a full service accounting, tax, compliance and financial consulting firm. Wenner is included as a component of our Financial Services practice group.
Effective July 1, 2019, we acquired substantially all of the assets of Paydayta, Inc. (d.b.a. Paytime) (“Paytime”), an Ohio-based payroll service provider. Paytime is included as a component of our Benefit and Insurance Services practice group.
19
Effective July 1, 2019, we acquired substantially all of the assets of Gavion, LLC (“Gavion”), a registered investment advisor based in Memphis, Tennessee. Gavion provides investment consulting services to a diverse base of institutional clients. Gavion is included as a component of our Benefit and Insurance Services practice group.
Effective August 1, 2019, we acquired substantially all of the assets of QBA Benefits, LLC. (“QBA”), an employee benefits agency based in Cleveland, Ohio. QBA provides employee benefits related services to small and mid-sized clients across multiple industries such as services, technology, energy, and manufacturing. QBA is included as a component of our Benefit and Insurance Services practice group.
Effective August 1, 2019, we acquired substantially all of the assets of Ericson CPAs (“Ericson”), an accounting firm based in San Luis Obispo, California. Ericson provides tax compliance, consulting, and planning services to a diverse base of clients. Ericson is included as a component of our Financial Services practice group.
Effective September 1, 2019, we acquired substantially all of the assets of Brinig Taylor Zimmer, Inc. (“BTZ”), a specialized financial consulting firm based in San Diego, California. BTZ provides forensic accounting, litigation consulting and business valuation services to a wide range of clients from individual to small business and large public traded entities. BTZ is included as a component of our Financial Services practice group.
Aggregated consideration for these six acquisitions consisted of approximately $19.4 million in cash (including $6.9 million acquired client funds and $0.8 million cash acquired), $2.0 million in our common stock, and $11.2 million in contingent considerations. The maximum potential undiscounted amount of all future payments that we could be required to make under the contingent arrangements is $11.6 million. As of September 30, 2019, the aggregated fair value of the contingent considerations related to these acquisitions was $10.3 million, of which $2.9 million was recorded in “Contingent purchase price liability – current” and $7.4 million was recorded in “Contingent purchase price liability – non-current” in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets at September 30, 2019. Refer to Note 10. Fair Value Measurements, for additional information regarding contingent purchase price liability fair value and fair value adjustments.
Annualized aggregated revenue for these acquisitions is estimated to be approximately $17.4 million. Pro forma results of operations for these acquisitions are not presented because the effects of these acquisitions were not significant either individually or in aggregate to our consolidated “Income from continuing operations before income taxes.”
Business Acquisitions in 2018
During the nine months ended September 30, 2018, we acquired substantially all of the assets of two businesses; InR Advisory Services, LLC (“InR”), effective April 1, 2018, and Laurus Transaction Advisors, LLC (“Laurus”), effective February 1, 2018. InR, located in Media, Pennsylvania, provides investment advisory services for public and private sector clients and non-profit organizations. Operating results of InR are reported in the Benefits and Insurance Services practice group. Laurus, located in Denver, Colorado, provides financial and accounting due diligence and advisory services with respect to mergers and acquisition transactions to private equity groups and public and private sector companies. Operating results for Laurus are reported in the Financial Services practice group.
Aggregate consideration for the InR and Laurus acquisitions consisted of approximately $23.4 million in cash consideration, $0.9 million in CBIZ common stock and $12.4 million in contingent consideration. Under the terms of these acquisition agreements, a portion of the purchase price is contingent on future performance of the business acquired. The maximum potential undiscounted amount of all future payments that we could be required to make under the contingent arrangements is $12.4 million, of which $3.4 million was recorded in “Contingent purchase price liability – current” and $9.0 million was recorded in “Contingent purchase price liability – non-current” in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets at September 30, 2018. Refer to Note 10. Fair Value Measurements, for additional information regarding contingent purchase price liability fair value and fair value adjustments.
Annualized revenue for these acquisitions is estimated to be approximately $9.1 million. Pro forma results of operations for these acquisitions have not been presented because the effects of the acquisitions were not significant either individually or in aggregate to our consolidated “Income from continuing operations before income taxes.”
20
The following table summarizes the amounts of identifiable assets acquired, liabilities assumed and aggregate purchase price for the acquisitions for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018 (in thousands):
Cash
826
306
1,843
1,920
6,878
2,789
99
Identifiable intangible assets
7,725
3,864
(1,013
Other current liability
(2,245
(1,717
Operating lease liability - noncurrent
(1,776
(6,878
Total identifiable net assets
8,248
4,385
24,369
32,255
Aggregate purchase price
32,617
36,640
The goodwill of $24.4 million and $32.3 million arising from the acquisitions for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively, primarily results from expected future earnings and cash flows from the existing management team, as well as the synergies created by the integration of the new business within our organization, including cross-selling opportunities expected with our Financial Services practice group and the Benefits and Insurance Services practice group, to help strengthen our existing service offerings and expand our market position. All of the goodwill is deductible for income tax purposes.
Acquisitions of Client Lists
During the nine months ended September 30, 2019, we purchased one client list, reported in the Benefits and Insurance Services practice group, for $0.3 million, which included $0.2 million in contingent consideration. During the nine months ended September 30, 2018, we purchased one client list, reported in the Financial Services practice group, for $0.3 million in contingent consideration.
Change in Contingent Purchase Price Liability for Previous Acquisitions
During the nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, the fair value of the contingent purchase price liability related to prior acquisitions increased by $0.3 million and $3.3 million, respectively. The change in fair value during the nine months ended September 30, 2019 is mostly attributable to the change in stock price related to the mark-to-market adjustment of future common stock issuances and net present value adjustments, offset by subsequent measurement adjustments based on projected future results of the acquired businesses, while the change in fair value for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 is mostly attributable to the change in stock price related to the mark-to-market adjustment of future common stock issuances. These adjustments are included in “Other income (expense), net” in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income.
Contingent Payments for Previous Business Acquisitions and Client Lists
We paid $16.3 million in cash and issued approximately 98,000 shares of our common stock during the nine months ended September 30, 2019 for previous acquisitions. For the same period in 2018, we paid $11.0 million in cash and issued approximately 66,000 shares of our common stock for previous acquisitions. During the nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, we paid approximately $0.7 million and $1.1 million, respectively, in cash for previous client list purchases.
21
Note 15. Discontinued Operations and Divestitures
We will divest (through sale or closure) business operations that do not contribute to our long-term objectives for growth, or that are not complementary to our target service offerings and markets.
Discontinued Operations
Divestitures are classified as discontinued operations provided they meet the criteria and treatment as discontinued operations. Discontinued operations primarily consist of two insignificant businesses units under the Financial Services practice group that were sold in 2015. During the nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, we did not discontinue the operations of any of our businesses.
Divestitures
Divested operations and assets that do not qualify for treatment as discontinued operations are recorded as “Gain on sale of operations, net” in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income. We recorded a gain of $0.4 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2019 related to a small accounting firm in the Financial Services practice group. We recorded a gain of $0.7 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2018 related to a small book of business under the Benefits and Insurance Services practice group.
Note 16. Segment Disclosures
Our business units have been aggregated into three practice groups: Financial Services, Benefits and Insurance Services and National Practices. The business units have been aggregated based on the following factors: similarity of the products and services provided to clients; similarity of the regulatory environment in which they operate; and similarity of economic conditions affecting long-term performance. The business units are managed along these segment lines. A general description of services provided by each practice group is provided in the table below.
• Accounting and Tax
• Government Healthcare Consulting
• Financial Advisory
• Valuation
• Risk & Advisory Services
• Group Health Benefits Consulting
• Payroll
• Property & Casualty
• Retirement Plan Services
• Managed Networking and Hardware Services
• Healthcare Consulting
Corporate and Other. Included in “Corporate and Other” are operating expenses that are not directly allocated to the individual business units. These expenses are primarily comprised of certain health care costs, gains or losses attributable to assets held in our non-qualified deferred compensation plan, share-based compensation, consolidation and integration charges, certain professional fees, certain advertising costs and other various expenses.
Accounting policies of the practice groups are the same as those described in Note 1. Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies, to the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018. Upon consolidation, intercompany accounts and transactions are eliminated, thus inter-segment revenue is not included in the measure of profit or loss for the practice groups. Performance of the practice groups is evaluated on operating income excluding those costs listed above, which are reported in the “Corporate and Other” segment.
22
Segment information for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018 is presented below. We do not manage our assets on a segment basis, therefore segment assets are not presented below.
Benefits
and
Corporate
Total
128,231
63,390
8,104
9,421
25,563
13,570
932
(9,421
Corporate general & admin
Operating income (loss)
(21,091
(14
(1,507
Gain (loss) on sale of operations, net
(161
6,744
Total other income (expense)
30
(5
5,076
Income (loss) from continuing operations before
income tax expense
25,593
13,565
(16,015
124,546
59,399
7,514
7,148
21,599
10,670
521
(7,148
(17,427
Other (expense) income:
(1,607
Other (expense) income, net
(142
129
3,156
Total other (expense) income
122
1,549
21,457
10,792
(15,878
Segment information for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018 was as follows (in thousands):
390,847
185,836
24,308
21,799
102,464
39,506
2,325
(21,799
(55,715
Other income:
(38
(4,471
563
(188
204
12,699
Total other income
375
166
8,067
102,839
39,672
2,326
(47,648
23
386,649
181,697
22,356
17,757
91,836
38,455
1,987
(17,757
(48,057
(96
(5,115
Gain on sale of operations, net
Other income (expense), net
351
2,087
255
(2,365
91,942
38,710
(50,422
NOTE 17. LEASES
We have operating leases primarily for office facilities, automobiles and information technology equipment. Office facilities account for approximately 97% of our total lease liability.
Balance sheet information related to the Company’s operating leases as of September 30, 2019 was as follows (in thousands):
Operating lease ROU assets
Current portion of operating lease liabilities
Noncurrent portion of operating lease liabilities
Total operating lease liabilities
169,309
Weighted-average remaining lease term
6.9 years
Weighted-average discount rate
3.9%
The components of lease expense and other lease information as of and during the three-month period ended September 30, 2019 are as follows (in thousands):
Operating lease cost
9,406
Cash paid for amounts included in measurement of lease liabilities
Operating cash flows from operating leases
9,535
The components of lease expense and other lease information as of and during the nine-month period ended September 30, 2019 are as follows (in thousands):
27,864
27,994
Our leases have remaining lease terms of 1 year to 11 years. These leases generally contain renewal options for periods ranging from two to five years. Because the Company is not reasonably certain to exercise these renewal options, the options are not considered in determining the lease term, and associated potential option payments are excluded from lease payments. Expenses associated with operating leases was $38.0 million, $38.4 million and $37.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively.
A number of businesses acquired by us are located in properties owned indirectly by and leased from persons employed by the Company, none of whom are members of our senior management. In the aggregate, for the three and nine month periods ending September 30, 2019 and 2018, we made lease payments to those related parties of approximately $0.6 million and $0.8 million, respectively, and $1.8 million and $2.5 million, respectively,
The following table summarizes the maturity of our operating lease liabilities as of September 30, 2019 (in thousands):
Operating Leases
8,965
2020
34,067
2021
31,135
2022
25,068
2023
23,342
Thereafter
84,910
Total undiscounted lease payments
207,487
Less: imputed interest
(38,178
Total lease liabilities
The following table summarizes the maturity of our operating lease commitments as of December 31, 2018 (in thousands):
34,256
30,419
26,172
20,358
18,981
65,854
Total future minimum rental commitments
196,040
25
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Unless the context otherwise requires, references in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q to “we”, “us”, “our”, "CBIZ" or the "Company" shall mean CBIZ, Inc., a Delaware corporation, and its operating subsidiaries.
The following discussion is intended to assist in the understanding of our financial position at September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, results of operations for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, and cash flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, and should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and related notes included elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and with our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018. This discussion and analysis contains forward-looking statements and should also be read in conjunction with the disclosures and information contained in “Forward-Looking Statements” included elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and in “Item 1A. Risk Factors” included in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018.
Overview
We provide professional business services, products and solutions that help our clients grow and succeed by better managing their finances and employees. These services are provided to businesses of various sizes, as well as individuals, governmental entities and not-for-profit enterprises throughout the United States and parts of Canada. We deliver integrated services through three practice groups: Financial Services, Benefits and Insurance Services, and National Practices. Refer to Note 16, Segment Disclosures, to the accompanying consolidated financial statements for a general description of services provided by each practice group.
Refer to the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018 for further discussion of our business and strategies, as well as the external relationships and regulatory factors that currently impact our operations.
Executive Summary
Revenue for the three months ended September 30, 2019 increased $15.5 million, or 6.9%, to $239.8 million from $224.2 million for the same period in 2018. The increase was mainly attributable to an increase in same-unit revenue of $12.4 million, or 5.6%. In addition, revenue from newly acquired operations, net of divestitures, contributed $3.1 million, or 1.3%, of the growth.
Revenue for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 increased $22.3 million, or 3.1%, to $745.3 million from $723.0 million for the same period in 2018. The increase in revenue was mainly attributable to an increase in same-unit revenue of $18.0 million, or 2.5%. In addition, revenue from newly acquired operations, net of divestitures, contributed $4.3 million, or 0.6%, of the growth. A detailed discussion of revenue by practice group is included under “Operating Practice Groups”.
Income from continuing operations was $18.0 million, or $0.32 per diluted share, in the third quarter of 2019, compared to $13.6 million, or $0.24 per diluted share, in the third quarter of 2018. For the nine months ended September 30, 2019, income from continuing operations was $72.2 million, or $1.29 per diluted share, compared to $62.5 million, or $1.11 per diluted share, for the same period in 2018. Refer to “Results of Operations – Continuing Operations” for a detailed discussion of the components of income from continuing operations.
Strategic Use of Capital
Our first priority for the use of capital is to make strategic acquisitions. During the nine months ended September 30, 2019, we have made the following strategic acquisitions:
Effective August 1, 2019, we acquired substantially all of the assets of QBA Benefits, LLC (“QBA”), an employee benefits agency based in Cleveland, Ohio. QBA provides employee benefits related services to small and mid-sized clients across multiple industries such as services, technology, energy, and manufacturing. QBA is included as a component of our Benefit and Insurance Services practice group.
We also have the financing flexibility and the capacity to take an opportunistic approach towards share repurchases. We believe that repurchasing shares of our common stock is a prudent use of our financial resources, and that investing in our stock is an attractive use of capital and an efficient means to provide value to our shareholders. We repurchased 1.1 million shares of our common stock at a total cost of approximately $22.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2019.
During the first quarter of 2019, the CBIZ Board of Directors authorized the purchase of up to 5.0 million shares of our common stock under our Share Repurchase Program (the “Share Repurchase Program”), which may be suspended or discontinued at any time and expires on April 1, 2020. The shares may be purchased in open market, privately negotiated or Rule 10b5-1 trading plan purchases, which may include purchases from our employees, officers and directors, in accordance with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) rules. CBIZ management will determine the timing and amount of the transactions based on its evaluation of market conditions and other factors.
Results of Operations – Continuing Operations
The following tables summarize total revenue for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018 (in thousands except percentages).
Three Months Ended September 30,
% of
Change
%
64.1
65.2
7,649
5.2
32.1
31.2
6,891
9.8
3.8
3.6
1,001
12.5
Total CBIZ
100.0
15,541
6.9
66.2
14,826
3.1
30.2
30.5
5,190
2.4
3.4
2,290
9.4
22,306
A detailed discussion of same-unit revenue by practice group is included under “Operating Practice Groups.”
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Operating Expenses
(In thousands, except percentages)
10,539
5.3
Operating expenses % of revenue
87.2
88.6
14,331
83.6
84.2
Non-qualified Deferred Compensation Plan
We sponsor a non-qualified deferred compensation plan, under which a CBIZ employee’s compensation deferral is held in a rabbi trust and invested accordingly as directed by the employee. Income and expenses related to the non-qualified deferred compensation plan are included in “Operating expenses”, “Gross margin” and “Corporate general and administrative expenses” and are directly offset by deferred compensation gains or losses in “Other income (expense), net” in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income. The non-qualified deferred compensation plan has no impact on “Income from continuing operations before income tax expense” or diluted earnings per share from continuing operations.
The amounts recorded in the third quarter of 2019 related to the deferred compensation plan included a correction of an immaterial prior period accounting error. The correction resulted in an increase of $6.0 million in “Operating expenses”, $0.7 million in “Corporate general and administrative expenses”, and $6.7 million in “Other income, net” for the three months ended September 30, 2019.
Three months ended September 30, 2019 compared to September 30, 2018. Total operating expenses for the third quarter of 2019 increased by $10.5 million, or 5.3%, to $209.1 million as compared to $198.6 million in the third quarter of 2018. The non-qualified deferred compensation contributed $6.5 million operating expense in the third quarter of 2019 as compared to $3.0 million during the same period in 2018. Excluding the non-qualified deferred compensation expenses, operating expenses would have been $202.7 million and $195.6 million, or 84.5% and 87.1% of revenue, for the third quarter of 2019 and 2018, respectively.
The majority of our operating expenses relate to personnel costs, which includes (i) salaries and benefits, (ii) commissions paid to producers, (iii) incentive compensation, and (iv) share-based compensation. The increase in operating expense during the third quarter of 2019 as compared to the same period in 2018 was primarily driven by a $6.2 million increase in personnel costs to support growth in revenue as well as the impact of acquisitions. Personnel costs are discussed in further detail under “Operating Practice Groups”. In addition, other components of operating expense increased by approximately $0.9 million primarily due to higher travel and entertainment as well as marketing related costs to support revenue growth.
Nine months ended September 30, 2019 compared to September 30, 2018. Total operating expenses for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 increased by $14.3 million, or 2.4%, to $622.8 million as compared to $608.5 million in the same period of 2018. The non-qualified deferred compensation added $11.7 million of expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 compared to $4.7 million during the same period in 2018. Excluding the non-qualified deferred compensation expenses, operating expenses would have been $611.1 million and $603.7 million, or 82.0% and 83.5% of revenue, for the nine months ending September 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively.
The increase in operating expense was primarily driven by a $8.1 million increase in personnel costs to support growth in revenue as well as the impact of acquisitions. The increase in personnel costs was offset by approximately $0.8 million decrease in other components of operating expense due to continued improvement in operation efficiency.
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Corporate General & Administrative (“G&A”) Expenses
G&A expenses
1,391
13.5
G&A expenses % of revenue
4.9
4.5
3,616
11.9
4.6
4.2
Three months ended September 30, 2019 compared to September 30, 2018. The increase in our G&A expenses is primarily due to higher general corporate costs and personnel costs to support revenue growth. Other general corporate costs increased by approximately $1.4 million primarily driven by facility costs, IT-related expenses, travel and entertainment related costs, and professional fees. Personnel costs were $5.7 million, or 2.4% of revenue, in the third quarter of 2019 compared to $5.6 million, or 2.5% of revenue, for the same period in 2018. G&A expenses, excluding the impact of the non-qualified deferred compensation plan, would have been $10.9 million and $9.9 million, or 4.6% and 4.4% of revenue, for the third quarter of 2019 and 2018, respectively.
Nine months ended September 30, 2019 compared to September 30, 2018. Our G&A expenses increased primarily due to the same factors as discussed above in the quarterly section. Personnel costs increased by $0.5 million, or 2.9%, due to an increase in compensation expense. Other general corporate costs increased by approximately $2.1 million, primarily driven by facility costs, IT-related expenses, travel and entertainment related costs, and professional fees. G&A expenses, excluding the impact of the non-qualified deferred compensation plan, would have been $32.6 million and $29.8 million, or 4.4% and 4.1% of revenue, for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively.
Other Income (Expense), Net
93
(5.8
)%
Loss on sale of operations, net
NM
Other income, net (1)
3,624
115.3
Total other income, net
3,572
233.6
702
(13.5
(261
(39.4
Other income, net (2)
10,172
10,613
(529.6
Other income, net includes a net gain of $7.3 million in the third quarter of 2019, compared to a net gain of $3.4 million for the same period in 2018, associated with the value of investments held in a rabbi trust related to the deferred compensation plan. The adjustments to the investments held in a rabbi trust related to the deferred compensation plan are offset by a corresponding increase or decrease to compensation expense, which is recorded as “Operating expenses” and “G&A expenses” in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income. The deferred compensation plan has no impact on “Income from continuing operations before income tax expense” or diluted earnings per share from continuing operations.
Other income, net includes a net gain of $13.0 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2019, compared to a net gain of $5.2 million for the same period in 2018, associated with the value of investments held in a rabbi trust related to the deferred compensation plan. The adjustments to the investments held in a rabbi trust related to the deferred compensation plan are offset by a corresponding increase or decrease to compensation expense, which is recorded as “Operating expenses” and “G&A expenses” in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income. The deferred compensation plan has no impact on “Income from continuing operations before income tax expense” or diluted earnings per share from continuing operations.
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Interest Expense
Three and nine months ended September 30, 2019 compared with September 30, 2018. Our primary financing arrangement is the 2018 credit facility. For the third quarter of 2019, our average debt balance and interest rate was $166.8 million and 3.10%, compared to $209.1 million and 3.07% for the third quarter of 2018. For the nine months ended September 30, 2019, our average debt balance and interest rate was $163.3 million and 3.16%, compared to $192.4 million and 3.07% for the nine months ended September 30, 2018. The decrease in interest expense for the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2019 as compared to the same periods in 2018 was primarily driven by lower average debt balances. Our indebtedness is further discussed in Note 7. Debt and Financing Arrangements, to the accompanying consolidated financial statements.
Gain on Sale of Operations, Net
Three and nine months ended September 30, 2019 compared with September 30, 2018. We sold a small accounting firm in the Financial Services practice group during the nine months ended September 30, 2019 for a net gain of $0.4 million. As a result of reassessing the net realizable value of the small accounting firm, we recorded a $0.1 million reduction of gain on sale in the third quarter of 2019. During the nine months ended September 30, 2018, we sold a book of business under the Benefits and Insurance Services practice group for a net gain of $0.7 million.
Other Income, Net
Three and nine months ended September 30, 2019 compared with September 30, 2018. For the third quarter of 2019, other income, net, includes a net gain of $7.3 million associated with the non-qualified deferred compensation plan and a $0.5 million net increase to the fair value of our contingent purchase price liability related to prior acquisitions. For the same period in 2018, other income, net, includes a net gain of $3.4 million associated with the non-qualified deferred compensation plan and a $0.2 million net increase to the fair value of our contingent purchase price liability related to prior acquisitions.
For the nine months ended September 30, 2019, other income, net, includes a net gain of $13.0 million associated with the non-qualified deferred compensation plan as well as a $0.3 million net increase to the fair value of our contingent purchase price liability related to prior acquisitions. For the same period in 2018, other income, net, includes a net gain of $5.2 million associated with the non-qualified deferred compensation plan as well as a $3.3 million net increase to the fair value of our contingent purchase price liability related to prior acquisitions. Also included in other income net, for the nine months ended 2018 is $0.6 million in proceeds from business interruption insurance related to Hurricane Irma which did not recur during the same period in 2019.
Income Tax Expense
2,772
84.1
Effective tax rate
25.2
19.5
5,313
27.0
25.7
24.0
Three and nine months ended September 30, 2019 compared with September 30, 2018. Income tax expense for the third quarter of 2019 was $6.1 million, which resulted in an effective tax rate of 25.2%, compared to income tax expense of $3.3 million, which resulted in an effective tax rate of 19.5%, for the third quarter of 2018. The increase in the effective tax rate in the third quarter of 2019 compared to the third quarter of 2018 was primarily due to a decrease in the tax benefit recognized for share based compensation expense along with the reversal of an estimated tax reserve in the third quarter of 2018 due to the expiration of certain statutes of limitations.
Income tax expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 was $25.0 million, which resulted in an effective tax rate of 25.7%, compared to income tax expense of $19.7 million, which resulted in an effective tax rate of 24.0%, for the nine months ended September 30, 2018. The increase in the effective tax rate for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 compared to the same period in 2018 was primarily due to a decrease in the tax benefit recognized for share based compensation expense along with the reversal of an estimated tax reserve in the third quarter of 2018 due to the expiration of certain statutes of limitations.
Operating Practice Groups
We deliver our integrated services through three practice groups: Financial Services, Benefits and Insurance Services, and National Practices. A description of these groups' operating results and factors affecting their businesses is provided below.
Same-unit revenue represents total revenue adjusted to reflect comparable periods of activity for acquisitions and divestitures. Divested operations represent operations that did not meet the criteria for treatment as discontinued operations.
Same-unit
152,625
145,259
7,366
5.1
Acquired businesses
1,169
Divested operations
886
(886
3,685
3.0
3,964
18.4
Gross margin percent
16.6
14.8
489,997
474,660
15,337
3.2
3,314
3,825
(3,825
4,198
1.1
10,628
11.6
20.8
19.2
Three months ended September 30, 2019 compared to September 30, 2018
The Financial Services practice group revenue during the third quarter of 2019 grew by 5.2% to $153.8 million from $146.1 million in the third quarter of 2018, primarily reflecting same-unit growth of $7.4 million, or 5.1%, driven by those units that provide traditional accounting and tax related services. Revenue from traditional accounting and tax related services increased by $5.6 million, or 6.5%, primarily due to an increase in billable hours. Same-unit revenue from business units that provide consulting services also increased by approximately $2.0 million, or 3.3%, compared to the third quarter of 2018 primarily driven by growth in the government healthcare compliance business and project work.
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The acquisitions of Wenner, Ericson, and BTZ contributed approximately $1.2 million of incremental revenue for the third quarter of 2019. Divested operations consists of two small accounting offices, which did not have material financial impact to the overall operation of the Financial Services practice group. Refer to Note 14. Acquisitions, to the accompanying consolidated financial statements for further discussions on acquisitions.
We provide a range of services to affiliated CPA firms under joint referral and administrative service agreements (“ASAs”). Fees earned under the ASAs are recorded as revenue in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income and were approximately $33.8 million and $33.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively.
Operating expenses increased by $3.7 million, or 3.0%, during the third quarter of 2019 primarily driven by higher personnel costs. Personnel costs increased by $3.0 million, or 3.0%, with acquisitions contributing approximately $0.9 million to the increase in personnel costs. Operating expense as a percentage of revenue decreased to 83.4% from 85.2% for the prior year period, primarily due to the increase in revenue and the improvement in operating efficiency caused by leveraging personnel cost and controlling other operating expenses.
Nine months ended September 30, 2019 compared to September 30, 2018
Revenue for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 grew by 3.1% to $493.3 million from $478.5 million in 2018. Same-unit growth of $15.3 million, or 3.2%, was driven by those units that provide traditional accounting and tax related services, which increased by $13.5 million, or 4.7%, due to the same factors as discussed above in the quarterly section. Same-unit revenue from business units that provide consulting services also increased by approximately $2.0 million, or 1.0%, compared to the same year-to-date period in 2018 primarily driven by the same factors as discussed above in the quarterly section.
The acquisitions of Wenner, Ericson, and BTZ in 2019 as well as the acquisition of Laurus in the first quarter of 2018 contributed approximately $3.3 million of incremental revenue for the nine months ended September 30, 2019. Divested operations consists of two small accounting offices. Refer to Note 14. Acquisitions, to the accompanying consolidated financial statements for further discussions on acquisitions.
Fees earned under the ASAs, as described above, were approximately $125.6 million and $124.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively.
Operating expenses increased by $4.2 million, or 1.1%, for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 primarily driven by higher personnel cost. Personnel costs increased by $5.0 million, or 1.6%, with acquisitions contributing approximately $1.8 million to the increase in personnel costs. The increase in personnel costs was partially offset by a reduction in other operating expenses. Operating expense as a percentage of revenue decreased to 79.2% from 80.8% for the prior year period, primarily due to the increase in revenue and the improvement in operating efficiency caused by leveraging personnel cost and controlling other operating expenses.
74,120
4,051
5.8
2,840
3,991
6.7
2,900
27.2
17.6
15.2
32
220,527
0.2
4,815
4,139
2.3
1,051
2.7
17.5
The Benefits and Insurance Services practice group revenue during the third quarter of 2019 increased by $6.9 million, or 9.8%, to $77.0 million compared to $70.1 million for the same period in 2018, primarily due to an increase in same-unit revenue of $4.1 million, or 5.8%, primarily driven by property and casualty group and retirement plan services. The acquisitions of Gavion, QBA, and Paytime in 2019 and acquisitions of Sequoia in the third quarter of 2018 contributed $2.8 million in incremental revenue for the third quarter of 2019. Refer to Note 14. Acquisitions, to the accompanying consolidated financial statements for further discussions on acquisitions.
Operating expenses increased by $4.0 million, or 6.7%, during the third quarter of 2019. Operating expense as a percentage of revenue decreased to 82.4% from 84.8% for the same period in 2018, primarily due to higher revenue and improved operating efficiency. Personnel costs increased by $3.3 million, or 7.5%, with acquisitions contributing approximately $1.7 million to the increase in personnel costs.
Revenue for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 increased by $5.2 million, or 2.4%, to $225.3 million compared to $220.2 million for the same period in 2018, primarily due to incremental revenue contributed from acquisitions. The acquisitions of Gavion, QBA, and Paytime in 2019 and acquisitions of Sequoia and InR in the second and third quarters of 2018 contributed $4.8 million in incremental revenue for the nine months ended September 30, 2019. In addition, same-unit revenue increased by $0.4 million, or 0.2%, primarily driven by increased revenues from our property and casualty group and retirement plan services, offset by year over year decline in non-recurring project based revenue which is transactional in nature. Refer to Note 14. Acquisitions, to the accompanying consolidated financial statements for further discussions on acquisitions.
Operating expenses increased by $4.1 million, or 2.3%, for the nine months ended September 30, 2019. Operating expense as a percentage of revenue remained unchanged at 82.5%. Personnel costs increased by $3.7 million, or 2.7%, with acquisitions contributing approximately $2.7 million to the increase in personnel costs.
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Same-unit revenue
590
7.9
411
78.9
10.3
6.5
1,952
8.7
338
17.0
8.2
Three and nine months ended September 30, 2019 compared to September 30, 2018
Revenue and Operating Expenses
The National Practices group is primarily driven by a cost-plus contract with a single client, which has existed since 1999. The cost-plus contract is a five year contract with the most recent renewal through December 31, 2023. Revenues from this single client accounted for approximately 75% of the National Practice group’s revenue. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019, revenue increased by $1.0 million, or 12.5%, and $2.3 million, or 9.4%, respectively, while operating expenses increased $0.6 million, or 7.9%, and $2.0 million, or 8.7%, driven by an increase in salaries and benefits.
LIQUIDITY
Our principal sources of liquidity are cash generated from operating activities and financing activities. Our cash flows from operating activities are driven primarily by our operating results and changes in our working capital requirements while our cash flows from financing activities are dependent upon our ability to access credit or other capital. We historically maintain low cash levels and apply any available cash to pay down the outstanding debt balance.
We historically experience a use of cash to fund working capital requirements during the first quarter of each fiscal year. This is primarily due to the seasonal accounting and tax services period under the Financial Services practice group. Upon completion of the seasonal accounting and tax services period, cash provided by operations during the remaining three quarters of the fiscal year substantially exceeds the use of cash in the first quarter of the fiscal year.
Accounts receivable balances increase in response to the increase in first quarter revenue generated by the Financial Services practice group. A significant amount of this revenue is billed and collected in subsequent quarters. Days sales outstanding (“DSO”) from continuing operations represent accounts receivable and unbilled revenue (net of realization adjustments) at the end of the period, divided by trailing twelve months daily revenue. We provide DSO data because such data is commonly used as a performance measure by analysts and investors and as a measure of our ability to collect on receivables in a timely manner. DSO was 93 days and 70 days at September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively. DSO at September 30, 2018 was 87 days.
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The following table presents selected cash flow information (in thousands). For additional details, refer to the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.
Net increase in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash
Operating Activities
Cash provided by operating activities was $49.4 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2019 primarily due to $71.9 million of net income and certain non-cash items, such as depreciation and amortization expense, totaling approximately $25.6 million. This cash inflow was offset by $47.7 million cash used to fund accounts receivable and other working capital needs. On January 1, 2019, we adopted the New Lease Standard, which had a significant impact on total assets and liabilities, but had no impact on results of operations or operating cash flow. Cash provided by operating activities was $63.3 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2018 primarily due to net income of $62.5 million and certain non-cash items, such has depreciation and amortization expense, of $27.9 million in aggregate. This cash inflow was offset by working capital use of cash of $27.0 million to fund operations.
Investing Activities
Cash used in investing activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 consisted primarily of $11.7 million net cash used for acquisitions, $10.3 million capital expenditures, and $3.0 million net activity related to funds held for clients. Cash used in investing activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 consisted primarily of $24.6 million of cash used for acquisitions, $9.8 million capital expenditures, and $5.2 million net activity related to funds held for clients.
The balances in funds held for clients and client fund obligations can fluctuate with the timing of cash receipts and the related cash payments. The nature of these accounts is further described in Note 1. Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, to the consolidated financial statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018.
Financing Activities
Cash used in financing activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 primarily consisted of $45.8 million net decrease in client fund obligations, $22.8 million used to repurchase our common stock, as well as $16.9 million in contingent consideration payments related to prior acquisitions, partially offset by $24.5 million in net proceeds from additional borrowings under our 2018 credit facility.
Cash used in financing activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 primarily consisted of $76.3 million net decrease in client fund obligations, $11.7 million in contingent consideration payments related to prior acquisitions, $11.4 million in net payments on our 2018 credit facility, and $8.1 million used to repurchase our common stock.
Capital Resources
2018 Credit Facility
At September 30, 2019, we had $160.0 million outstanding under the 2018 credit facility as well as letters of credit and performance guarantees totaling $1.3 million. Available funds under the 2018 credit facility, based on the terms of the commitment, were approximately $233.6 million at September 30, 2019. The weighted average interest rate under the 2018 credit facility was 3.16% in the first nine months of 2019, compared to 3.07% for the same period in 2018. The 2018 credit facility allows for the allocation of funds for future strategic initiatives, including acquisitions and the repurchase of our common stock, subject to the terms and conditions of the 2018 credit facility.
Debt Covenant Compliance
We are required to meet certain financial covenants with respect to (i) total leverage ratio and (ii) a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio. We are in compliance with our covenants as of September 30, 2019. Our ability to service our debt and to fund future strategic initiatives will depend upon our ability to generate cash in the future.
For further discussion regarding our 2018 credit facility and debt, refer to Note 7. Debt and Financing Arrangements, to the accompanying consolidated financial statements.
Use of Capital
Our first priority for the use of capital is to make strategic acquisitions. We have the financing flexibility and the capacity to carry out an active acquisition program and to take an opportunistic approach towards using funds to repurchase shares. We believe that repurchasing shares of our common stock under the Share Repurchase Program is a prudent use of our financial resources, and that investing in our shares is an attractive use of capital and an efficient means to provide value to our shareholders.
We completed several strategic acquisitions during the nine months ended September 30, 2019. For further details on acquisitions, refer to Note 14. Acquisitions, to the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements.
During the nine months ended September 30, 2019, we repurchased approximately 1.0 million shares of our common stock at a total cost of approximately $21.0 million, compared to 0.3 million shares of our common stock at a total cost of approximately $6.2 million for the same period in 2018. For the nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, we withheld approximately 0.1 million and 0.1 million shares, respectively, with an aggregate value of approximately $1.9 million and $1.9 million, respectively, from employees who exercised stock options or who received vested restricted stock awards. Such shares were withheld, if applicable, to cover the required tax withholdings.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
We maintain administrative service agreements with independent CPA firms (as described more fully under “Business – Financial Services” and in Note 1. Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies, to the consolidated financial statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018), which qualify as variable interest entities. The accompanying consolidated financial statements do not reflect the operations or accounts of variable interest entities as the impact is not material to the financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows of CBIZ.
We provide letters of credit to landlords (lessors) of our leased premises in lieu of cash security deposits, which totaled $1.3 million at both September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018. In addition, we provide license bonds to various state agencies to meet certain licensing requirements. The amount of license bonds outstanding at September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018 totaled $2.5 million and $2.9 million, respectively.
We have various agreements under which it may be obligated to indemnify the other party with respect to certain matters. Generally, these indemnification clauses are included in contracts arising in the normal course of business under which we customarily agree to hold the other party harmless against losses arising from a breach of representations, warranties, covenants or agreements, related to matters such as title to assets sold and certain tax matters. Payment by us under such indemnification clauses is generally conditioned upon the other party making a claim. Such claims are typically subject to challenge by us and to dispute resolution procedures specified in the particular contract. Further, our obligations under these agreements may be limited in terms of time and/or amount and, in some instances, we may have recourse against third parties for certain payments made by us. It is not possible to predict the maximum potential amount of future payments under these indemnification agreements due to the conditional nature of our obligations and the unique facts of each particular agreement. Historically, we have not made any payments under these agreements that have been material individually or in the aggregate. As of September 30, 2019, we are not aware of any material obligations arising under indemnification agreements that would require payment.
Critical Accounting Policies
The SEC defines critical accounting policies as those that are most important to the portrayal of a company’s financial condition and results and that require management’s most difficult, subjective or complex judgments, often as a result of the need to make estimates about the effect of matters that are inherently uncertain.
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Our discussion and analysis of our results of operations, financial condition and liquidity are based upon our consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. The preparation of these financial statements requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect the amounts of assets and liabilities, revenues and expenses and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the financial statements. As more information becomes known, these estimates and assumptions could change, which would have an impact on actual results that may differ materially from these estimates and judgments under different assumptions. We have not made any changes in estimates or judgments that have had a significant effect on the reported amounts as previously disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018.
New Accounting Pronouncements
Refer to Note 2. New Accounting Pronouncements, to the accompanying consolidated financial statements for a discussion of recently issued accounting pronouncements.
Forward-Looking Statements
This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). All statements other than statements of historical fact included in this Quarterly Report, including without limitation, "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" regarding our financial position, business strategy and plans and objectives for future performance are forward-looking statements. You can identify these statements by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts. Forward-looking statements are commonly identified by the use of such terms and phrases as "intends", "believes", "estimates", "expects", "projects", "anticipates", "foreseeable future", "seeks", and words or phrases of similar import in connection with any discussion of future operating or financial performance. In particular, these include statements relating to future actions, future performance or results of current and anticipated services, sales efforts, expenses, and financial results. From time to time, we also may provide oral or written forward-looking statements in other materials we release to the public. Any or all of our forward-looking statements in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and in any other public statements that we make, are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected. Such forward-looking statements can be affected by inaccurate assumptions we might make or by known or unknown risks and uncertainties. Should one or more of these risks or assumptions materialize, or should the underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those anticipated, estimated or projected.
Consequently, no forward-looking statement can be guaranteed. A more detailed description of risk factors may be found in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018. Except as required by the federal securities laws, we undertake no obligation to publicly update forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. You are advised, however, to consult any further disclosures we make on related subjects in our filings with the SEC, such as quarterly, periodic and annual reports.
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
Our floating rate debt under our 2018 credit facility exposes us to interest rate risk. Interest rate risk results when the maturity or repricing intervals of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities are different. A change in the Federal Funds Rate, or the reference rate set by Bank of America, N.A., would affect the rate at which we could borrow funds under the credit facility. Balance outstanding under our credit facility at September 30, 2019 was $160.0 million, of which $90.0 million is subject to rate risk. If market rates were to increase or decrease 100 basis points from the levels at September 30, 2019, interest expense would increase or decrease approximately $0.9 million annually.
We do not engage in trading market risk sensitive instruments. We periodically use interest rate swaps to manage interest rate risk exposure. The interest rate swaps effectively modify our exposure to interest rate risk, primarily through converting portions of its floating rate debt under the credit facility to a fixed rate basis. These agreements involve the receipt or payment of floating rate amounts in exchange for fixed rate interest payments over the life of the agreements without an exchange of the underlying principal amounts.
At September 30, 2019, we had four interest rate swaps with notional values, fixed rates of interest and expiration dates of (i) $25.0 million – 1.300% - October 2020; (ii) $10.0 million – 1.120% - February 2021, (iii) $20.0 million – 1.770% - May 2022; and (iv) $15.0 million – 2.640% - June 2023, respectively. Management will continue to evaluate the potential use of interest rate swaps as we deem appropriate under certain operating and market conditions. We do not enter into derivative instruments for trading or speculative purposes.
In connection with the services provided by our payroll operations, funds collected from our clients’ accounts in advance are segregated and may be invested in short-term investments, such as corporate and municipal bonds. In accordance with our investment policy, all investments carry an investment grade rating at the time of the initial acquisition, and are classified as available-for-sale securities. At each respective balance sheet date, these investments are adjusted to fair value with fair value adjustments being recorded to other comprehensive income or loss and reflected in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the respective period. If an investment is deemed to be other-than-temporarily impaired due to credit loss, then the adjustment is recorded to “Other income (expense), net” in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income. Refer to Note 9. Financial Instruments, and Note 10. Fair Value Measurements, to the accompanying consolidated financial statements for further discussion regarding these investments and the related fair value assessments.
Item 4. Controls and Procedures
(a) Disclosure Controls and Procedures
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
Management has evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (“Disclosure Controls”) as of the end of the period covered by this report. This evaluation (“Controls Evaluation”) was done with the participation of the Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) and Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”). Disclosure Controls are controls and other procedures of an issuer that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC's rules and forms. Disclosure Controls include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to management, including the CEO and CFO as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
Limitations on the Effectiveness of Controls
Management, including our CEO and CFO, does not expect that our Disclosure Controls or our internal control over financial reporting (“Internal Controls”) will prevent all error and all fraud. Although our Disclosure Controls are designed to provide reasonable assurance of achieving their objective, a control system, no matter how well conceived and operated, can provide only reasonable, but not absolute, assurance that the objectives of a control system are met. Further, any control system reflects limitations on resources, and the benefits of a control system must be considered relative to its costs. Because of the inherent limitations in all control systems, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, within CBIZ have been detected. These inherent limitations include the realities that judgments in decision-making can be faulty and that breakdowns can occur because of simple error or mistake. Additionally, controls can be circumvented by the individual acts of some persons, by collusion of two or more people, or by management override of a control. A design of a control system is also based upon certain assumptions about the likelihood of future events, and there can be no assurance that any design will succeed in achieving its stated goals under all potential future conditions; over time, controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate. Because of the inherent limitations in a cost-effective control system, misstatements due to error or fraud may occur and may not be detected.
Conclusions
Our Disclosure Controls are designed to provide reasonable assurance of achieving their objectives and, based upon the Controls Evaluation, our CEO and CFO have concluded that as of the end of the period covered by this report, CBIZ’s Disclosure Controls were effective at that reasonable assurance level.
(b) Internal Control over Financial Reporting
There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended September 30, 2019 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting. We implemented internal controls to ensure we adequately evaluated our operating lease contracts and properly assessed the impact of the new accounting standard related to leases on our financial statements to facilitate the adoption on January 1, 2019. There were no significant changes to our internal control over financial reporting due to the adoption of the lease standard. Refer to Note 2. New Accounting Pronouncements, for further information.
PART II – OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1. Legal Proceedings
Information regarding certain legal proceedings in which we are involved is incorporated by reference from Note 8, Commitments and Contingencies, to the accompanying consolidated financial statements.
Item 1A. Risk Factors
In addition to the other information set forth in this Quarterly Report, you should carefully consider the factors discussed under “Risk Factors” in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018 as filed with the SEC. These risks could materially and adversely affect the business, financial condition and results of operations of CBIZ.
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
(a) Recent sales of unregistered securities
During the nine months ended September 30, 2019, we issued approximately 195 thousand shares of our common stock as payment for contingent consideration for previous acquisitions and as consideration for current year acquisitions. The foregoing shares were issued in transactions not involving a public offering in reliance on the exemption from registration afforded by Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act. The persons to whom the shares were issued had access to full information about the Company and represented that they acquired the shares for their own account and not for the purpose of distribution. The certificates for the shares contain a restrictive legend advising that the shares may not be offered for sale, sold, or otherwise transferred without having first been registered under the Securities Act or pursuant to an exemption from the Securities Act.
(c) Issuer purchases of equity securities
During the first quarter of 2019, our Board of Directors authorized the continuation of the Share Repurchase Program, which has been renewed annually for the past fifteen years. It is effective beginning April 1, 2019, to which the amount of shares to be purchased will be reset to 5.0 million, and expires one year from the effective date. The Share Repurchase Program allows us to purchase shares of our common stock (i) in the open market, (ii) in privately negotiated transactions, and (iii) under Rule 10b5-1 trading plans. Privately negotiated transactions may include purchases from our employees, Officers and Directors, in accordance with SEC rules. Rule 10b5-1 trading plans allow for repurchases during periods when we would not normally be active in the trading market due to regulatory restrictions. The Share Repurchase Program does not obligate us to acquire any specific number of shares and may be suspended at any time.
Shares repurchased during the three months ended September 30, 2019 (reported on a trade-date basis) are summarized in the table below (in thousands, except per share data). Average price paid per share includes fees and commissions.
Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
Third Quarter Purchases
Purchased
Average
Price Paid
Per
Share
Total Number of
Purchased as
Part of Publicly
Announced Plan
Maximum
Shares That
May Yet Be
Under the Plan
July 1 – July 31, 2019
4,484
August 1 – August 31, 2019
22.71
4,450
September 1 – September 30, 2019
22.80
4,436
Third quarter purchases
22.74
According to the terms of our 2018 credit facility, we are not permitted to declare or make any dividend payments, other than dividend payments made by one of our wholly owned subsidiaries to the parent company. Refer to Note 9. Debt and Financing Arrangements, to the consolidated financial statements in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018 for a description of working capital restrictions and limitations on the payment of dividends.
Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities
Not applicable.
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures
Item 5. Other Information
Item 6. Exhibits
10.1 *
First Amendment to Loan Agreement by and among CBIZ Benefits and Insurance, Inc. and The Huntington National Bank.
31.1 *
Certification of President and Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes Oxley Act of 2002.
31.2 *
Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.1 **
Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.2 **
Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
101.INS
XBRL Instance Document - the instance document does not appear in the Interactive Data File because its XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document*
101.SCH
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document*
101.DEF
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document*
101.CAL
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document*
101.LAB
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document*
101.PRE
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document*
104
Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted as Inline XBRL and contained in the Exhibit 101 attachments)
*
Indicates documents filed herewith.
**
Indicates document furnished herewith.
SIGNATURE
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
(Registrant)
Date:
November 1, 2019
By:
/s/ Ware H. Grove
Ware H. Grove
Chief Financial Officer
Duly Authorized Officer and Principal Financial Officer