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KELYA US Equity

Kelly Services IncIndustrials · Services-Help Supply Services · CIK 55135 · FY ends Jan 3
$17.09
+0.38 (+2.27%)
USD · as of 2026-08-21 · marketstack

KELYA · 10-K · period ended 2021-01-03

← all KELYA documents
filed 2021-02-18 · EDGAR original ↗

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ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS.

Executive Overview

The COVID-19 pandemic and related containment measures have resulted in dramatic shifts in most aspects of the economy and how professional and private lives are conducted. While the pace of change was unprecedented and the resulting impacts are still being determined, our Noble Purpose, “We connect people to work in ways that enrich their lives,” will continue to guide our strategy and actions. Kelly remains committed to being a leading talent solutions provider among the talent with whom we choose to specialize and in the global markets in which we choose to compete. As we navigate the continued uncertainty, we will continue to demonstrate our expected behaviors and actions:

•Employ a talent-first mentality

•Relentlessly deliver for customers

•Grow through discipline and focus

•Deliver efficiency and effectiveness in everything we do

By aligning ourselves with our Noble Purpose and executing against these behaviors, we intend to weather the current situation and emerge as a more agile and focused organization, prepared to achieve new levels of growth and profitability as we further develop our portfolio of businesses.

The Talent Solutions Industry

Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, labor markets were in the midst of change due to automation, secular shifts in labor supply and demand and skills gaps, and we expect the current economic situation to further accelerate that change. Global demographic trends are reshaping and redefining the way in which companies find and use talent and the COVID-19 pandemic is changing where and how companies expect work to be performed. In response, the talent solutions industry is adjusting how it sources, recruits, trains and places talent.

Our industry is evolving to meet businesses’ growing demand for specialized talent, whether delivered as a single individual or as part of a total workforce solution. Companies in our industry are using novel sourcing approaches—including gig platforms, independent contractors and other talent pools—to create customized workforce solutions that are flexible and responsive to the labor market.

In addition, today’s companies are elevating their commitment to talent, with the growing realization that meeting the changing needs and requirements of talent is essential to remain competitive. The ways in which people view, find and conduct work are undergoing fundamental shifts. And as the demand for skilled talent continues to climb, workers’ changing ideas about the integration of work into life are becoming more important. In this increasingly talent-driven market, a diverse set of workers, empowered by technology, is seeking to take greater control over their career trajectories and Kelly’s Talent Promise confirms our responsibility to workers in search of a better way to work.

Our Business

Kelly is a talent and global workforce solutions company serving customers of all sizes in a variety of industries. We offer innovative outsourcing and consulting services, as well as staffing on a temporary and direct-hire basis. At the beginning of the third quarter, we adopted our new Kelly Operating Model and realigned our business into five specialty business units which are also our reportable segments.

•Professional & Industrial – delivers staffing, outcome-based and direct-hire services focused on office, professional, light industrial and contact center specialties in the U.S. and Canada, including our KellyConnect product

•Science, Engineering & Technology – delivers staffing, outcome-based and direct-hire services focused on science and clinical research, engineering, information technology and telecommunications specialties predominately in the U.S. and Canada and includes our NextGen and Global Technology Associates subsidiaries

•Education – delivers staffing, direct-hire and executive search services to the K-12, early childhood and higher education markets in the U.S., and includes several acquisitions: Teachers On Call, Insight Workforce Solutions and Greenwood/Asher & Associates

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•Outsourcing & Consulting – delivers Master Service Provider ("MSP"), Recruitment Process Outsourcing ("RPO"), Business Process Outsourcing ("BPO") and Advisory Services to customers on a global basis

•International – delivers staffing and direct-hire services in fifteen countries in Europe, as well as Mexico

In addition, we provide staffing services to customers in the Asia-Pacific region through PersolKelly Pte. Ltd., our joint venture with Persol Asia Pacific Pte. Ltd, a wholly owned subsidiary of Persol Holdings, a leading provider of HR solutions in Japan.

We earn revenues from customers that procure the services of our temporary employees on a time and materials basis, that use us to recruit permanent employees, and that rely on our talent advisory and outsourcing services. Our working capital requirements are primarily generated from temporary employee payroll and customer accounts receivable. The nature of our business is such that trade accounts receivable are our most significant asset. Average days sales outstanding varies within and outside the U.S. and was 64 days on a global basis as of the end of 2020 and 58 days as of the end of 2019. Since receipts from customers generally lag temporary employee payroll, working capital requirements increase substantially in periods of growth and decline in periods of economic contraction.

Our Perspective

Short Term

While far from certain, the impacts of COVID-19 on the global economy, the talent solutions industry, our customers and our talent have become more clear since the beginning of the pandemic. Year-over-year revenue declines have been substantial and recent trends have pointed to a gradual recovery in demand. In response to the crisis, in April 2020 we took a series of proactive actions. These actions were designed to reduce spending, minimize layoffs, and bolster the strength and flexibility of Kelly’s finances. These actions included:

•a 10% pay cut for full-time salaried employees in the U.S., Puerto Rico and Canada, in addition to certain actions in Europe and Asia-Pacific;

•substantially reduced CEO compensation and reduced compensation of 10% or more for senior leaders;

•temporary furloughing and/or redeployment of some employees until business conditions improve;

•suspension of the Company match to certain retirement accounts in the U.S. and Puerto Rico;

•reduction of discretionary expenses and projects, including capital expenditures; and

•a hiring freeze with the exception of critical revenue-generating positions.

The actions have generated substantial cost savings and have allowed us the time necessary to assess the variety of impacts the crisis has had on our business. These initial actions were intentionally broad in scope and as we have moved forward our actions are becoming more targeted to the areas of business where demand declines have been more significant and persistent. Actions such as the 10% pay cut, compensation adjustments for senior leaders and temporary furloughs were ended early in the fourth quarter of 2020. The suspension of the Company match to retirement accounts ended in January 2021 and others such as reductions in discretionary spending, capital expenditures and carefully managing staffing levels in non-revenue generating positions will continue. In addition, we benefited from CARES Act provisions allowing deferral of employer social security tax payments. In the fourth quarter of 2020, management reduced staffing levels to align with expected revenue levels and incurred restructuring charges of $4.4 million for severance and related benefits to be paid to impacted employees, and are included in our fourth quarter results.

Given the level of uncertainty surrounding the duration of the COVID-19 crisis, Kelly’s board also voted to suspend the quarterly dividend effective May, 2020 until conditions improve and continues to assess future actions with respect to our dividend policy.

The impact of the pandemic began in March 2020 with the limitations on public life in the U.S. and the European markets we serve and continued through the end of 2020 as the effect of the pandemic response slowed global economic activity. We do expect that there will continue to be a material decline in our year-over-year revenues through the first quarter of 2021 as

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demand for our services gradually recovers from the economic slowdown and the effects of customer and talent concerns related to operating safely during a pandemic. The impact on the revenues of each segment will vary given the differences in pandemic-related measures enacted in each geography, the customer industries served and the skill sets of the talent provided to our customers and their ability to work remotely. We currently expect a gradual return to pre-crisis levels of customer demand, however, the pace of such a return may be delayed by repeated cycles of increased economic activity and subsequent disruption caused by a resurgence in infection leading to additional containment measures. In the first quarter of 2021, while our cost reduction efforts are expected to reduce year-over-year expenses, they will not be enough to completely offset declines in revenue and gross profit. As a result, we expect our first quarter 2021 earnings to decline year-over-year. For the full year of 2021, we expect that our revenue will reflect a continued gradual improvement in demand and result in improvements in year-over-year gross profit and earnings from operations.

In addition, negative market reaction to the COVID-19 crisis in March 2020, including declines in our common stock price, caused our market capitalization to decline significantly. This triggered an interim goodwill impairment test and resulted in a $147.7 million non-cash goodwill impairment charge in the first quarter of 2020.

Moving Forward

While the severity of the economic impacts and their duration cannot be precisely predicted, we believe that the mid-term impacts on how people view, find and conduct work will continue to align with our strategic path.

As a result, we have continued to move forward with our specialization strategy, reinventing our operating model and reorganizing our business into five distinct reporting segments. These specialties represent areas where we see the most robust demand, the most promising growth opportunities, and where we believe we excel in attracting and placing talent. Our new segments also reflect our desire to shift our portfolio toward high-margin, higher-value specialties.

Kelly has done business in these specialties for many years, but our new operating model represents a new approach – one that brings together both staffing and outcome-based pieces of a specialty under a single specialty leader and aggregates assets to accelerate specialty growth and profitability. We believe this new specialty structure will give us greater advantages in the market, and we expect our disciplined focus to deliver profitable growth coming out of the crisis. In addition, we intend to invest in strategic, targeted M&A opportunities in our specialties, while optimizing our portfolio, as demonstrated by the acquisition of Greenwood/Asher & Associates in the fourth quarter of 2020 and the sale of our operations in Brazil during the third quarter of 2020.

Faced with market conditions that may temporarily delay our growth efforts, Kelly continues to focus on accelerating the execution of our strategic plan and making necessary investments to advance that strategy.

•We are making strides in our digital transformation journey, building a technology foundation to sustain growth.

•We are capturing a larger share of voice in the marketplace, using television spots and targeted social media campaigns to re-introduce Kelly to companies, highlight our specialty skills sets, and showcase our refreshed brand.

•We are consistently striving to better understand and support our talent. And we have affirmed our commitment to that talent, recently introducing our five-point Talent Promise and reallocating resources to be solely focused on the temporary worker experience.

•Using our unique position in the middle of the supply and demand equation, we are stepping up with a new platform called Equity@Work to break down long-standing, systemic barriers that make it difficult for many people to secure enriching work. This powerful extension of our Noble Purpose will help more people flow into Kelly’s talent pools, while also helping families, communities and economies thrive.

While the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in uncertainty in the economy and the labor markets that will affect our near-term financial performance, we have determined long-term measures to gauge our progress, including:

•Revenue growth (both organic and inorganic)

•Gross profit rate improvement

•Conversion rate and EBITDA margin improvement

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Financial Measures

The constant currency (“CC”) change amounts in the following tables refer to the year-over-year percentage changes resulting from translating 2020 financial data into U.S. dollars using the same foreign currency exchange rates used to translate financial data for 2019. We believe that CC measurements are a useful measure, indicating the actual trends of our operations without distortion due to currency fluctuations. We use CC results when analyzing the performance of our segments and measuring our results against those of our competitors. Additionally, substantially all of our foreign subsidiaries derive revenues and incur cost of services and selling, general and administrative (“SG&A”) expenses within a single country and currency which, as a result, provides a natural hedge against transactional currency risks in connection with their normal business operations.

CC measures are non-GAAP (Generally Accepted Accounting Principles) measures and are used to supplement measures in accordance with GAAP. Our non-GAAP measures may be calculated differently from those provided by other companies, limiting their usefulness for comparison purposes. Non-GAAP measures should not be considered a substitute for, or superior to, measures of financial performance prepared in accordance with GAAP.

Reported and CC percentage changes in the following tables were computed based on actual amounts in thousands of dollars.

Return on sales (earnings from operations divided by revenue from services) and conversion rate (earnings from operations divided by gross profit) in the following tables are ratios used to measure the Company’s operating efficiency.

Not meaningful ("NM") in the following tables is used in place of percentage changes where: the change is in excess of 500%, the change involves a comparison between earnings and loss amounts, or the comparison amount is zero.

Days sales outstanding (“DSO”) represents the number of days that sales remain unpaid for the period being reported. DSO is calculated by dividing average net sales per day (based on a rolling three-month period) into trade accounts receivable, net of allowances at the period end. Although secondary supplier revenues are recorded on a net basis (net of secondary supplier expense), secondary supplier revenue is included in the daily sales calculation in order to properly reflect the gross revenue amounts billed to the customer.

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Results of Operations

Total Company

(Dollars in millions)

Goodwill impairment charge 147.7 — NM — — NM

Asset impairment charge — 15.8 NM 15.8 — NM

Gain (loss) on investment in Persol Holdings (16.6) 35.8 NM 35.8 (96.2) NM

Equity in net earnings (loss) of affiliate 0.8 (3.6) NM (3.6) 5.2 NM

2020 vs. 2019

Revenue from services for 2020 declined in all segments, reflecting the impact of COVID-19, and resulting in a decline in demand for both our staffing and permanent placement services across a broad range of industries and geographies. Revenue from staffing services declined 20% compared to 2019. Permanent placement revenue, which is included in revenue from services, decreased 34% year-over-year as the impact of economic uncertainty depressed full-time hiring in all operating segments. These declines were partially offset by a 9% increase in outcome-based services as demand from customers utilizing these services increased during the year. The 2020 fiscal year included a 53rd week. This fiscal leap year occurs every five or six years and is necessary to align the fiscal and calendar periods. The 53rd week added approximately 1% to 2020 reported and CC revenue.

Gross profit declined as a result of lower revenue volume, partially offset by an increase in the gross profit rate. The gross profit rate increased 20 basis points in comparison to 2019. With the exception of Education and International, the gross profit rate increased in all other operating segments, primarily reflecting improved product mix and lower employee-related costs. The gross profit rate for Education declined primarily as a result of increased pricing pressures. International's gross profit rate was negatively impacted by the decrease in permanent placement revenue. The total Company 2020 gross profit rate includes approximately 20 basis points related to COVID-19 government subsidies.

Total SG&A expenses decreased 8.8% in comparison to 2019. This decrease was due primarily to lower administrative salaries and performance-based compensation, including short-term cost reductions implemented to further align costs with revenue volume trends. Included in total SG&A expenses are restructuring charges of $12.8 million in 2020. Actions were taken in the first quarter of 2020 to position the Company to adopt the new operating model and to align the U.S. branch network facilities footprint with a more technology-enabled service delivery methodology. Actions were taken in the fourth quarter of 2020 to

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align costs with expected revenue levels. Restructuring charges of $5.5 million in 2019 represent severance costs primarily related to position eliminations within Professional & Industrial staffing operations.

During 2020, the negative reaction to the pandemic by the global equity markets also resulted in a decline in the Company's common stock price. This triggered an interim goodwill impairment test, resulting in a $147.7 million goodwill impairment charge in the first quarter of 2020.

Gain on sale of assets of $32.1 million represents the excess of the proceeds over the cost of the headquarters properties sold in the first quarter of 2020. The main headquarters building was subsequently leased back to the Company during the first quarter of 2020. Gain on sale of assets in 2019 of $12.3 million primarily represents the excess of the proceeds over the cost upon the sale of an unused parcel of land located near the Company headquarters. Asset impairment charge of $15.8 million in 2019 represents the write-off of previously capitalized costs associated with a new U.S. front and middle office technology development project which management determined would not be completed but replaced by an enhanced and expanded use of an existing technology platform.

The loss from operations for 2020 of $93.6 million reflects a decline from the $81.8 million of earnings from operations in the prior year. Earnings from operations declined as a result of the goodwill impairment charge and lower gross profit as a result of the impact of COVID-19 on demand, partially offset by lower expenses due to cost reduction efforts and higher gain on sale of assets.

Gain (loss) on investment in Persol Holdings represents the gain or loss resulting from changes in the market price of our investment in the common stock of Persol Holdings. The gains or losses fluctuate based on the quoted market price of the Persol Holdings common stock at period end.

Income tax benefit was $34.0 million and expense was $0.4 million for 2020 and 2019, respectively. The 2020 income tax benefited from lower pretax earnings and includes the impairment of goodwill, a decline in the fair value of the Company's investment in Persol Holdings, and a tax loss on the sale of our Brazil operations. These benefits were offset by lower work opportunity credits. The 2019 tax expense benefited from releasing a valuation allowance in the United Kingdom. The work opportunity credit has been extended through 2025 as part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021.

Our tax expense is affected by recurring items, such as the amount of pretax income and its mix by jurisdiction, U.S. work opportunity credits and the change in cash surrender value of tax exempt investments in life insurance policies. It is also affected by discrete items that may occur in any given period but are not consistent from period to period, such as tax law changes, changes in judgment regarding the realizability of deferred tax assets, the tax effects of stock compensation, and changes in the fair value of the Company’s investment in Persol Holdings, which are treated as discrete since they cannot be estimated. The impairment of goodwill in the first quarter of 2020 and the recording of deferred taxes on the Brazil outside basis differences in the second quarter of 2020 were treated as discrete items.

The net loss for 2020 of $72.0 million, a decrease from net earnings of $112.4 million in 2019, was due primarily to lower earnings from operations due to the goodwill impairment charge taken in the first quarter of 2020, combined with increased losses of Persol Holdings common stock, partially offset by the impact of an income tax benefit in comparison to income tax expense in 2019.

2019 vs. 2018

Total Company revenue from services for 2019 declined 2.9% in comparison to 2018. As noted in the following discussions, revenue decreases in Professional & Industrial and International were partially offset by increases in Science, Engineering & Technology, Education and Outsourcing & Consulting revenue. On a total Company basis, revenue from staffing services declined 6% compared to 2019, primarily due to the disruption resulting from the restructure of the U.S. branch-based staffing operations in the first quarter of 2019 and slower achievement of the related benefits. Additionally, permanent placement revenue, which is included in revenue from services, decreased 13% year-over-year.These declines were partially offset by a 30% increase in revenue from outcome-based services as demand increased from both new and existing customers. Revenue from services for 2019 includes the results of NextGen and GTA acquisitions, which added approximately 250 basis points to the total revenue growth rate.

The gross profit rate increased by 50 basis points from the prior year. As noted in the following discussions, increases in the gross profit rate for Professional & Industrial and Science, Engineering & Technology were partially offset by decreases in the gross profit rate for Education and Outsourcing & Consulting. The improved gross profit rate resulted from improved specialty mix in Professional & Industrial and Science, Engineering & Technology, partially offset by pricing pressure in Education. The

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NextGen and GTA acquisitions drove a portion of the improved product mix and accounted for approximately 30 basis points of the gross profit rate growth.

Total SG&A expenses decreased 0.2% on a reported basis, due primarily to the effect of currency exchange rates. On a CC basis, SG&A expenses increased 0.7% due primarily to the addition of SG&A expenses from the NextGen and GTA acquisitions, partially offset by cost reduction efforts in Professional & Industrial and Outsourcing & Consulting. Also included in SG&A expenses for 2019 are restructuring charges of $5.5 million, related primarily to the U.S. branch-based staffing operations.

Gain on sale of assets primarily represents the excess of the proceeds over the cost of an unused parcel of land located near the Company headquarters sold during the second quarter of 2019. Asset impairment charge represents the write-off of previously capitalized costs associated with a new U.S. front and middle office technology development project which management determined would not be completed but replaced by an enhanced and expanded use of an existing technology platform.

Earnings from operations for 2019 of $81.8 million reflects a decline from the $87.4 million of earnings from operations in 2018. Our earnings from operations declined as a result of the asset impairment charge and lower gross profit, partially offset by the gain on sale of assets and lower expenses due to cost reduction efforts.

Gain (loss) on investment in Persol Holdings represents the gain or loss resulting from changes in the market price of our investment in the common stock of Persol Holdings. The gains or losses fluctuate based on the quoted market price of the Persol Holdings common stock at period end.

Income tax expense was $0.4 million for 2019 and benefit was $27.1 million for 2018. The increase in tax expense for 2019 was driven by gains on the Company's investment in Persol Holdings, compared to losses in 2018 and by a decline in work opportunity credits. This was partially offset by improved returns on tax exempt income on life insurance policies, and by higher net valuation allowance releases.

Net earnings for 2019 was $112.4 million, compared to net earnings of $22.9 million for 2018. The increase was primarily due to the impact of the gain on investment in Persol Holding of $35.8 million in 2019, compared to a loss on investment in Persol Holdings of $96.2 million in 2018.

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Operating Results By Segment

(Dollars in millions)

Dollars in millions

Revenue From Services:

2020 vs. 2019

Professional & Industrial revenue from services decreased due primarily to decreases in our hours volume in our staffing product which was impacted by COVID-19. These decreases were partially offset by increased revenue in our outcome-based products due to program expansions. The 53rd week added approximately 1% to 2020 reported revenue from services in Professional & Industrial.

Science, Engineering & Technology revenue from services decreased due to lower hours volume in our staffing product across most specialties due to the continued impact of COVID-19, with the exception of our government staffing business, which has seen increased demand for life sciences support. The 53rd week added approximately 1% to 2020 reported revenue from services in Science, Engineering & Technology.

Education revenue from services decreased due to the impact of COVID-19. Temporary school closures, delayed starts and use of virtual or hybrid instructional delivery reduced the demand. These decreases were partially offset by the revenues from the first quarter 2020 acquisition of Insight. The 53rd week added less than 1% to 2020 reported revenue from services in Education.

Outsourcing & Consulting revenue from services decreased due primarily to decreases in our PPO, MSP and RPO products due in part to COVID-19 demand declines, as well as lower demand from customers in the oil and gas industry. The 53rd week added approximately 2% to 2020 reported revenue from services in Outsourcing & Consulting.

International revenue from services decreased 16.4% on a reported basis and 15.6% on a CC basis. The decline was primarily due to a decrease in hours volume as COVID-19 disruptions continued across operations in all countries, in particular France, Portugal and the U.K. These decreases were partially offset by increased revenue in Russia, due to higher average bill rates. The 53rd week added approximately 1% to 2020 reported and CC revenue from services in International.

2019 vs. 2018

Professional & Industrial revenue from services decreased as a result of lower staffing revenues. This decrease was due to the disruption resulting from the restructure of the U.S. branch-based staffing in the first quarter of 2019 and slower achievement of the related benefits. The reduction in staffing revenue was partially offset by increases in our KellyConnect and outcome-based services revenues as a result of program expansions and new customer contracts.

Science, Engineering & Technology revenue from services increased due to higher staffing services revenue as a result of the acquisitions of Global Technology Associates and NextGen in the first quarter of 2019. Revenues also increased in our outcome-based services due to both adding new customers and existing customer program expansions.

Education revenue from services increased as a result of continued sales growth from new contracts with additional school districts coupled with year-over-year revenue increases in existing school districts.

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Outsourcing & Consulting revenue from services was flat year over year. Revenue increases in our MSP product were offset by decreases in our PPO and RPO products.

International revenue decreased 7.3% on a reported basis and 3.4% on a CC basis. The decline was primarily due to a decrease in hours volume reflecting softening market conditions in Europe, particularly France and Germany. These decreases were partially offset by increased revenue in Russia, due to higher hours volume.

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Operating Results By Segment (continued)

(Dollars in millions)

Dollars in millions

Gross Profit:

Gross Profit Rate:

2020 vs. 2019

Gross profit for the Professional & Industrial segment declined as the result of lower revenue volume, partially offset by an improved gross profit rate. The gross profit rate increased 30 basis points due to lower employee-related costs coupled with improved product mix, as a greater proportion of the segment revenue came from outcome-based services with higher margins.

The Science, Engineering & Technology gross profit declined as lower revenue volume was partially offset by a higher gross profit rate. The gross profit rate increased 50 basis points due to lower employee-related costs, partially offset by specialty and customer mix.

Gross profit for the Education segment declined as a result of lower revenue volume, combined with a lower gross profit rate. The Education gross profit rate decreased 130 basis points due to increased pricing pressures, partially offset by lower employee-related costs.

The Outsourcing & Consulting gross profit declined on lower revenue volume, partially offset by an improved gross profit rate. The Outsourcing & Consulting gross profit rate increased 60 basis points due to improved customer mix in the RPO product, coupled with lower employee-related costs in the PPO product.

International gross profit declined as a result of lower revenue volume and a decline in the gross profit rate. The International gross profit rate decreased primarily due to lower permanent placement revenue.

2019 vs. 2018

Gross profit for the Professional & Industrial segment declined as the result of lower revenue volume, partially offset by an improved gross profit rate. The gross profit rate increased 20 basis points due to customer and specialty mix.

The Science, Engineering & Technology gross profit increased as the result of higher revenue volume from the GTA and NextGen acquisitions mentioned previously, combined with a higher gross profit rate.The gross profit rate increased 150 basis points due primarily to the impact of these acquisitions coupled with improved specialty mix.

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Gross profit for the Education segment increased as a result of higher revenue volume, partially offset by a lower gross profit rate. The Education gross profit rate decreased 50 basis points due to pricing pressures.

The Outsourcing & Consulting gross profit decreased as a result of a decline in the gross profit rate. The Outsourcing & Consulting gross profit rate decreased 50 basis points due primarily to the reduction in our gross profit rate in our RPO product as a result of customer mix within that product.

International gross profit declined as a result of lower revenue volume and negative currency effects. The International gross profit rate for 2019 was flat against 2018.

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Operating Results By Segment (continued)

(Dollars in millions)

Dollars in millions

SG&A Expenses:

Dollars in millions

Restructuring Charges Included in SG&A Expenses:

Professional & Industrial $ 6.0 $ 5.1 16.8 % $ 5.1 $ — NM %

Science, Engineering & Technology 0.6 0.4 74.1 0.4 — NM

Education 1.0 — NM — — NM

Outsourcing & Consulting 0.3 — NM — — NM

International 1.4 — NM — — NM

Corporate expenses 3.5 — NM — — NM

2020 vs. 2019

Total SG&A expenses in Professional & Industrial decreased due primarily to lower salaries and related costs due to cost management actions and initiatives taken to help mitigate the lower revenue volume as a result of the COVID-19 disruption. The decreased revenue volume also resulted in lower performance-based compensation. In addition, Professional & Industrial took restructuring actions in both 2020 and 2019, which reduced salaries and related costs and facilities expenses. Included in total SG&A expenses for 2020 and 2019 are the costs of those restructuring efforts of $6.0 million and $5.1 million, respectively, representing primarily employee severance costs.

Total SG&A expenses in Science, Engineering & Technology decreased due primarily to cost management actions and initiatives taken to help mitigate the lower revenue volume as a result of the COVID-19 disruption. The decreased revenue volume also resulted in lower performance-based compensation.

Total SG&A expenses in Education decreased due primarily to lower salaries and related costs resulting from the cost management actions and initiatives taken to help mitigate the lower revenue volume as a result of the COVID-19 disruption. The decreased revenue volume also resulted in lower performance-based compensation. These decreases were partially offset by the impact of the acquisition of Insight that took place in the first quarter of 2020.

Total SG&A expenses in Outsourcing & Consulting decreased due primarily to lower salaries and related expenses resulting from cost management actions and initiatives taken to help mitigate the lower revenue volume as a result of the COVID-19 disruption.

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Total SG&A expenses in International decreased 4.2% on a reported basis and 3.6% on a CC basis. Included in International SG&A expenses for 2020 is a $9.5 million non-cash charge related to a customer dispute in Mexico that resulted in an additional uncollectible accounts receivable charge. Excluding this charge, total SG&A expenses decreased 11.0% due primarily to lower salaries, driven by cost management to contend with the COVID-19 disruption, combined with lower incentive-based compensation.

Corporate expenses decreased as a result of lower performance-based compensation expense and lower professional fees, partially offset by restructuring charges incurred during 2020.

2019 vs. 2018

Total SG&A expenses in Professional & Industrial decreased due primarily to lower performance-based compensation as well as the lower cost base from the restructuring efforts in the first quarter of 2019 in the U.S. branch-based staffing operations. Included in the total SG&A expenses for 2019 are the costs of that restructuring effort of $5.1 million, which were primarily severance costs.

Total SG&A expenses in Science, Engineering & Technology increased due primarily to the impact of the acquisition of GTA and NextGen in the first quarter of 2019.

Total SG&A expenses in Education increased due primarily to increased salaries from additional headcount related to an updated infrastructure put in place to deliver services to customers in this business unit in anticipation of the then-expected revenue growth.

Total SG&A expenses in Outsourcing & Consulting decreased due primarily to lower salaries from reduced headcounts as we continued to streamline the service delivery and support infrastructure in the business unit.

Total SG&A expenses in International decreased 5.2% on a reported basis and 1.3% on a CC basis, due primarily to effective cost management to align to revenue trends.

Corporate expenses were flat year over year. Lower performance-based compensation expense was offset by higher depreciation expense related to recently completed information technology projects.

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Operating Results By Segment (continued)

(Dollars in millions)

Dollars in millions

Earnings (Loss) from Operations:

2020 vs. 2019

Professional & Industrial reported earnings of $41.6 million, a 33.4% decrease from 2019. The decrease in earnings was primarily due to the impact of COVID-19 on our staffing product, partially offset by increases in our outcome-based products and the cost management initiatives taken to mitigate the impact of the pandemic on our operations.

Science, Engineering & Technology reported earnings of $75.0 million, a 5.8% decrease from 2019. The decrease in earnings was primarily due to the impact of COVID-19 on demand for our services, partially offset by the cost management initiatives taken to mitigate its impact.

Education reported a loss of $9.0 million, compared to earnings of $15.8 million in 2019. The decrease is due to the impact of COVID-19 on our revenue, partially offset by the cost management initiatives taken to mitigate its impact.

Outsourcing & Consulting reported earnings of $11.5 million, an $8.5 million increase over 2019. The increase in earnings was primarily due to the impact of the cost management initiatives taken to mitigate the impact of COVID-19, partially offset by lower revenue volume due to the impact of COVID-19 and lower customer demand in the oil and gas industry.

International reported a loss of $8.9 million, compared to earnings of $18.7 million in 2019, largely driven by the impact of

COVID-19 on revenue and a charge related to a customer dispute in Mexico, partially offset by cost management initiatives.

Corporate loss from operations of $203.8 million for 2020 includes the goodwill impairment charge of $147.7 million and gain on sale of assets of $32.1 million.

2019 vs. 2018

Professional & Industrial reported earnings of $62.4 million, a 22.8% decrease from 2018. The decrease in earnings was primarily due to decreased revenue in 2019 in our staffing product, partially offset by the reduced expenses as a result of the restructuring efforts and lower performance-based compensation.

Science, Engineering & Technology reported earnings of $79.5 million, a 30.6% increase from 2018. The increase in earnings was primarily due to the impact on earnings from the acquisitions of GTA and NextGen, coupled with continued strong performance and growth in our outcome-based services business.

Education reported earnings of $15.8 million, a 31.0% decrease from 2018. The decrease is due primarily to the increased costs associated with building out the Education service delivery infrastructure in order to prepare for the then-expected future sustained revenue growth. The impact of these additional costs on earnings was partially offset by the additional revenue resulting from new customer contracts and year-over-year increases related to existing customers.

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Outsourcing & Consulting reported earnings of $3.0 million, compared to a loss of $7.0 million in 2018. The increase in earnings was primarily due to lower expenses as a result of actions to streamline operations.

International reported earnings of $18.7 million, a decrease of 21.6% from 2018. The decrease was due to lower revenue volume, reflecting softening market conditions primarily in Europe, partially offset by lower SG&A expenses due to effective cost management.

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Results of Operations

Financial Condition

Historically, we have financed our operations through cash generated by operating activities and access to credit markets. Our working capital requirements are primarily generated from temporary employee payroll, which is generally paid weekly or monthly, and customer accounts receivable, which is generally outstanding for longer periods. Since receipts from customers lag payroll paid to temporary employees, working capital requirements increase substantially in periods of growth. Conversely, when economic activity slows, working capital requirements may substantially decrease. This may result in an increase in our operating cash flows; however, any such increase would not be sustainable in the event that an economic downturn continued for an extended period. The impact of the current economic slow-down resulting from the COVID-19 crisis began in March 2020 and continued through the fourth quarter. Consistent with our historical results, the impact of the current economic conditions resulted in declines in working capital requirements, primarily trade accounts receivable, and increases in cash flows from operations as revenues slowed.

As highlighted in the consolidated statements of cash flows, our liquidity and available capital resources are impacted by four key components: cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, operating activities, investing activities and financing activities.

Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash

Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash totaled $228.1 million at year-end 2020, compared to $31.0 million at year-end 2019. As further described below, during 2020, we generated $186.0 million of cash from operating activities, generated $9.8 million of cash from investing activities and used $8.1 million of cash for financing activities.

Operating Activities

In 2020, we generated $186.0 million of net cash from operating activities, as compared to generating $102.2 million in 2019 and generating $61.4 million in 2018. The change from 2019 to 2020 was primarily due to the deferral of $117.0 million of payroll tax payments, partially offset by the impact of higher global DSO, as discussed below. The change from 2018 to 2019 was primarily driven by working capital changes.

Trade accounts receivable totaled $1.3 billion at year-end 2020 and 2019. Global DSO for the fourth quarter was 64 days for 2020, compared to 58 days for 2019. The increase of six days was due to certain customers taking advantage of full payment terms, along with a shift in customer mix to larger customers with longer payment terms. The accounts receivable balances for a limited number of large customers increased during the fourth quarter of 2020 due to short-term, customer-driven administrative issues, which also contributed to the year-over-year increase in DSO.

Our working capital position (total current assets less total current liabilities) was $624.0 million at year-end 2020, an increase of $102.4 million from year-end 2019. Excluding additional cash, working capital declined $94.8 million from year-end 2019. The current ratio (total current assets divided by total current liabilities) was 1.7 at year-end 2020 and 1.6 at year-end 2019.

Investing Activities

In 2020, we generated $9.8 million of net cash from investing activities, compared to using $94.3 million in 2019 and using $29.8 million in 2018. Included in cash generated from investing activities in 2020 is $55.5 million of proceeds representing the cash received, net of transaction expenses, for the sale of three headquarters properties as a part of a sale and leaseback transaction and $5.6 million received from a payment on the loans to PersolKelly Pte. Ltd. This was partially offset by cash used for the acquisitions of Insight in January 2020 and Greenwood/Asher in November 2020. Cash used for the acquisition of Insight totaled $36.4 million, net of the cash received and including working capital adjustments. Cash used for the acquisition of Greenwood/Asher totaled $2.8 million, net of the cash received and including working capital adjustments.

Included in cash used for investing activities in 2019 is $50.8 million for the acquisition of NextGen in January 2019, net of cash received, $35.6 million for the acquisition of GTA in January 2019, net of cash received, and $4.4 million for loans to PersolKelly Pte. Ltd. to fund working capital requirements. These uses of cash were partially offset by proceeds of $13.8 million primarily from the sale of unused land during the second quarter of 2019.

Capital expenditures totaled $15.5 million in 2020, $20.0 million in 2019 and $25.6 million in 2018. Capital expenditures in 2020 were primarily related to the Company's headquarters building improvements, IT infrastructure and technology programs. Capital expenditures in 2019 primarily related to the Company’s technology programs. Capital expenditures in 2018 primarily related to the Company's technology programs, IT infrastructure and headquarters building improvements.

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Financing Activities

In 2020, we used $8.1 million of cash for financing activities, as compared to using $16.1 million in 2019 and using $26.5 million in 2018. Changes in net cash from financing activities were primarily related to dividend payments in 2020, 2019 and 2018. Dividends paid per common share were $0.075 in 2020 and $0.30 in 2019 and 2018. Payments of dividends are restricted by the financial covenants contained in our debt facilities. Details of this restriction are contained in the Debt footnote in the notes to our consolidated financial statements.

Changes in net cash from financing activities are also impacted by short-term borrowing activities. Debt totaled $0.3 million at year-end 2020 and was $1.9 million at year-end 2019. Debt-to-total capital (total debt reported in the consolidated balance sheet divided by total debt plus stockholders’ equity) is a common ratio to measure the relative capital structure and leverage of the Company. Our ratio of debt-to-total capital was 0.0% at year-end 2020 and 0.1% at year-end 2019.

In 2020 and 2019, the net change in short-term borrowings was primarily due to payments on local lines of credit. In 2018, the net change in short-term borrowings was primarily due to payments on our revolving credit facility.

Contractual Obligations and Commercial Commitments

Summarized below are our obligations and commitments to make future payments as of year-end 2020:

Payment due by period

Total Less than1 year 1-3 Years 3-5 Years More than5 years

(In millions of dollars)

Short-term borrowings 0.3 0.3 — — —

Purchase obligations above represent unconditional commitments relating primarily to technology services and online tools which we expect to utilize generally within the next two fiscal years, in the ordinary course of business. We have no material, unrecorded commitments, losses, contingencies or guarantees associated with any related parties or unconsolidated entities.

Liquidity

We expect to meet our ongoing short-term and long-term cash requirements principally through cash generated from operations, available cash and equivalents, securitization of customer receivables and committed unused credit facilities. Additional funding sources could include asset-based lending or additional bank facilities. To meet expected future cash requirements related to our nonqualified retirement plan, we may utilize proceeds from Company-owned life insurance policies. During 2020, cash generated from operations will continue to be supplemented by recent enactment of laws providing COVID-19 relief, most notably the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act which allows for the deferral of payments of the Company's U.S. social security taxes. Such deferrals are required to be repaid in 2021 and 2022.

We utilize intercompany loans, dividends, capital contributions and redemptions to effectively manage our cash on a global basis. We periodically review our foreign subsidiaries’ cash balances and projected cash needs. As part of those reviews, we may identify cash that we feel should be repatriated to optimize the Company’s overall capital structure. As of the 2020 year end, these reviews have not resulted in any specific plans to repatriate a majority of our international cash balances. We expect much of our international cash will be needed to fund working capital growth in our local operations as working capital needs, primarily trade accounts receivable, increase during periods of growth. A cash pooling arrangement (the “Cash Pool”) is available to fund general corporate needs internationally. The Cash Pool is a set of cash accounts maintained with a single bank

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that must, as a whole, maintain at least a zero balance; individual accounts may be positive or negative. This allows countries with excess cash to invest and countries with cash needs to utilize the excess cash.

At year-end 2020, we had $200.0 million of available capacity on our $200.0 million revolving credit facility and $97.0 million of available capacity on our $150.0 million securitization facility. The securitization facility carried no short-term borrowings and $53.0 million of standby letters of credit related to workers’ compensation. Together, the revolving credit and securitization facilities provide the Company with committed funding capacity that may be used for general corporate purposes subject to financial covenants and restrictions. While we believe these facilities will cover our working capital needs over the short term, if economic conditions or operating results change significantly from our current expectations, we may need to seek additional sources of funds. Throughout 2020 and as of the 2020 year end, we met the debt covenants related to our revolving credit facility and securitization facility.

At year-end 2020, we also had additional unsecured, uncommitted short-term credit facilities totaling $9.6 million, under which we had $0.3 million of borrowings. Details of our debt facilities as of the 2020 year end are contained in the Debt footnote in the notes to our consolidated financial statements.

We have historically managed our cash and debt very closely to optimize our capital structure. As our cash balances build, we tend to pay down debt as appropriate. Conversely, when working capital needs grow, we tend to use corporate cash and cash available in the Cash Pool first, and then access our borrowing facilities. We believe that we may utilize a portion of our existing cash balances to fund working capital requirements over the next several quarters if demand for our services continues to increase and to pay 50% of deferred payroll tax balances which are due in the fourth quarter of 2021.

We monitor the credit ratings of our major banking partners on a regular basis and have regular discussions with them. Based on our reviews and communications, we believe the risk of one or more of our banks not being able to honor commitments is insignificant. We also review the ratings and holdings of our money market funds and other investment vehicles regularly to ensure high credit quality and access to our invested cash.

Critical Accounting Estimates

We prepare our consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. In this process, it is necessary for us to make certain assumptions and related estimates affecting the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and the attached notes. Actual results can differ from assumed and estimated amounts.

Critical accounting estimates are those that we believe require the 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. We base our estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying value of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Judgments and uncertainties affecting the application of those estimates may result in materially different amounts being reported under different conditions or using different assumptions. We consider the following estimates to be most critical in understanding the judgments involved in preparing our consolidated financial statements.

Workers’ Compensation

In the U.S., we have a combination of insurance and self-insurance contracts under which we effectively bear the first $1.0 million of risk per single accident. There is no aggregate limitation on our per-accident exposure under these insurance and self-insurance programs. We establish accruals for workers’ compensation utilizing actuarial methods to estimate the undiscounted future cash payments that will be made to satisfy the claims, including an allowance for incurred-but-not-reported claims. We retain an independent consulting actuary to establish ultimate loss forecasts for the current and prior accident years of our insurance and self-insurance programs. The consulting actuary establishes loss development factors, based on our historical claims experience as well as industry experience, and applies those factors to current claims information to derive an estimate of our ultimate claims liability. In preparing the estimates, the consulting actuary may consider factors such as the nature, frequency and severity of the claims; reserving practices of our third party claims administrators; performance of our medical cost management and return to work programs; changes in our territory and business line mix; and current legal, economic and regulatory factors such as industry estimates of medical cost trends. Where appropriate, multiple generally accepted actuarial techniques are applied and tested in the course of preparing the loss forecast. We use the ultimate loss forecasts, as developed by the consulting actuary, to establish total expected program costs for each accident year by adding our estimates of non-loss costs such as claims handling fees and excess insurance premiums. When claims exceed the applicable loss limit or self-insured retention and realization of recovery of the claim from existing insurance policies is deemed probable, we record a receivable from the insurance company for the excess amount.

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We evaluate the accrual quarterly and make adjustments as needed. The ultimate cost of these claims may be greater than or less than the established accrual. While we believe that the recorded amounts are reasonable, there can be no assurance that changes to our estimates will not occur due to limitations inherent in the estimation process. In the event we determine that a smaller or larger accrual is appropriate, we would record a credit or a charge to cost of services in the period in which we made such a determination. The accrual for workers’ compensation, net of related receivables which are included in prepaid expenses and other current assets and other assets in the consolidated balance sheet, was $54.6 million and $59.5 million at year-end 2020 and 2019, respectively.

Business Combinations

We account for business combinations using the acquisition method of accounting, in which the purchase price is allocated for assets acquired and liabilities assumed and recorded at the estimated fair values at the date of acquisition. Any excess of the purchase price over the estimated fair values of the net assets acquired is recorded as goodwill. Management is required to make significant assumptions and estimates in determining the fair value of the assets acquired, particularly intangible assets. Purchased intangible assets are primarily comprised of acquired trade names and customer relationships that are recorded at fair value at the date of acquisition. We utilize third-party valuation specialists to assist us in the determination of the fair value of the intangibles. The fair value of trade name intangibles is determined using the relief-from-royalty method, which relies on the use of estimates and assumptions about projected revenue growth and discount rates. The fair value of customer relationship intangibles is determined using the multi-period excess earnings method, which relies on the use of estimates and assumptions about projected revenue growth, customer attrition, and discount rates. Determining the useful lives of intangible assets also requires judgment and are inherently uncertain. There is a measurement period of up to one year in which to finalize the fair value determinations and preliminary fair value estimates may be revised if new information is obtained during this period.

Income Taxes

Income tax expense is based on expected income and statutory tax rates in the various jurisdictions in which we operate. Judgment is required in determining our income tax expense. We establish accruals for uncertain tax positions under generally accepted accounting principles, which require that a position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return be recognized in the consolidated financial statements when it is more likely than not (i.e., a likelihood of more than fifty percent) the position would be sustained upon examination by tax authorities who have full knowledge of all relevant information. A recognized tax position is then measured at the largest amount of benefit that is greater than fifty percent likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement.

Our effective tax rate includes the impact of accruals and changes to accruals that we consider appropriate, as well as related interest and penalties. A number of years may lapse before a particular matter, for which we have or have not established an accrual, is audited and finally resolved. While it is often difficult to predict the final outcome or the timing of resolution of any particular tax matter, we believe that our accruals are appropriate under generally accepted accounting principles. Favorable or unfavorable adjustments of the accrual for any particular issue would be recognized as an increase or decrease to our income tax expense in the period of a change in facts and circumstances. Our current tax accruals are presented in income and other taxes in the consolidated balance sheet and long-term tax accruals are presented in other long-term liabilities in the consolidated balance sheet.

Tax laws require items to be included in the tax return at different times than the items are reflected in the consolidated financial statements. As a result, the income tax expense reflected in our consolidated financial statements is different than the liability reported in our tax return. Some of these differences are permanent, which are not deductible or taxable on our tax return, and some are temporary differences, which give rise to deferred tax assets and liabilities. We establish valuation allowances for our deferred tax assets when the amount of expected future taxable income is not likely to support the use of the deduction or credit. Our net deferred tax asset is recorded using currently enacted tax laws, and may need to be adjusted in the event tax laws change.

The U.S. work opportunity credit is allowed for wages earned by employees in certain targeted groups. The actual amount of creditable wages in a particular period is estimated, since the credit is only available once an employee reaches a minimum employment period and the employee’s inclusion in a targeted group is certified by the applicable state. As these events often occur after the period the wages are earned, judgment is required in determining the amount of work opportunity credits accrued for in each period. We evaluate the accrual regularly throughout the year and make adjustments as needed.

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Equity Method Investment

We account for our investment in PersolKelly Pte. Ltd. under the equity method of accounting on a one-quarter lag. We review our equity method investment for indicators of impairment on a quarterly basis or whenever events or circumstances indicate the carrying amount may be other-than-temporarily impaired. An impairment assessment requires the exercise of judgment related to financial trends, forecasts, relevant events, as well as any operating, economic, legal or regulatory changes that may have an impact on the investment. There were no indicators of an other-than-temporary impairment in 2020 or 2019. As of year-end 2020 and 2019, the equity method investment was $118.5 million and $117.2 million, respectively. See the Investment in PersolKelly Pte. Ltd. footnote in the notes to our consolidated financial statements.

Goodwill

We test goodwill for impairment annually and whenever events or circumstances make it more likely than not that an impairment may have occurred. Generally accepted accounting principles require that goodwill be tested for impairment at a reporting unit level. For segments with a goodwill balance, we have determined that our reporting units are the same as our operating and reportable segments based on our organizational structure.

We may first use a qualitative assessment for the annual impairment test if we have determined that it is more likely than not that the fair value for one or more reporting units is greater than their carrying value. In conducting the qualitative assessment, we assess the totality of relevant events and circumstances that affect the fair value or carrying value of the reporting unit. Such events and circumstances may include macroeconomic conditions, industry and market conditions, cost factors, overall financial performance, entity-specific events and events affecting a reporting unit.

If we elect to forgo the qualitative assessment for a reporting unit, goodwill is tested for impairment by comparing the estimated fair value of a reporting unit to its carrying value. If the estimated fair value of a reporting unit exceeds the carrying value of the net assets assigned to a reporting unit, goodwill is not considered impaired and no further testing is required. If the carrying value of the net assets assigned to a reporting unit exceeds the estimated fair value of a reporting unit, goodwill is deemed impaired and is written down to the extent of the difference.

During the first quarter of 2020, negative market reaction to the COVID-19 crisis, including declines in our common stock price, caused our market capitalization to decline significantly compared to the fourth quarter of 2019, causing a triggering event. Therefore, we performed an interim step one quantitative test for our reporting units with goodwill and determined that the estimated fair values of both reporting units no longer exceeded their carrying values. Based on the result of our interim goodwill impairment test as of the first quarter of 2020, we recorded a goodwill impairment charge of $147.7 million to write off the entire goodwill balance.

To derive the estimated fair value of reporting units, we primarily relied on an income approach, which was validated through reconciliation to observable market capitalization data. Under the income approach, estimated fair value is determined based on estimated future cash flows discounted by an estimated market participant weighted-average cost of capital, which reflects the overall level of inherent risk of the reporting unit being measured. Estimated future cash flows are based on our internal projection model and reflects management’s outlook for the reporting units. Assumptions and estimates about future cash flows and discount rates are complex and often subjective. They can be affected by a variety of factors, including external factors such as industry and economic trends, and internal factors such as changes in our business strategy and our internal forecasts. Our analysis used significant assumptions by reporting unit, including: expected future revenue and expense growth rates, profit margins, discount rate, forecasted capital expenditures and working capital.

In the fourth quarter of 2020, the Company elected to perform a qualitative analysis (a "step zero" test) to determine whether a further quantitative assessment was necessary for the reporting unit with goodwill. The step zero test included making judgments and assessments to determine whether any events or circumstances have occurred that makes it more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. As a result of this qualitative assessment, a step one quantitative analysis was not deemed necessary and the goodwill was not impaired.

We completed our annual impairment test for all reporting units with goodwill in the fourth quarter for the fiscal year ended 2019 and determined that goodwill was not impaired. In 2019, we performed a step one quantitative assessment for the Americas Staffing and GTS reporting units.

At year-end 2020 and 2019, total goodwill amounted to $3.5 million and $127.8 million, respectively. See the Goodwill and Intangible Assets footnote in the notes to our consolidated financial statements for more information.

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Litigation

Kelly is subject to legal proceedings, investigations and claims arising out of the normal course of business. Kelly routinely assesses the likelihood of any adverse judgments or outcomes to these matters, as well as ranges of probable losses. A determination of the amount of the accruals required, if any, for these contingencies is made after analysis of each known issue. Development of the analysis includes consideration of many factors including: potential exposure, the status of proceedings, negotiations, discussions with our outside counsel and results of similar litigation. The required accruals may change in the future due to new developments in each matter. For further discussion, see the Contingencies footnote in the notes to our consolidated financial statements. At year-end 2020 and 2019, the gross accrual for litigation costs amounted to $1.4 millionand $9.9 million, respectively, which are included in accounts payable and accrued liabilities and in accrued workers’ compensation and other claims in the consolidated balance sheet.

NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

See New Accounting Pronouncements footnote in the notes to our consolidated financial statements presented in Part II, Item 8 of this report for a description of new accounting pronouncements.

CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Certain statements contained herein and in our investor conference call related to these results are “forward-looking” statements within the meaning of the applicable securities laws and regulations. These forward-looking statements are based on current expectations and assumptions and are subject to a number of significant risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements include statements which are predictive in nature, which depend upon or refer to future events or conditions, or which include words such as “expects,” “anticipates,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “estimates,” or variations or negatives thereof or by similar or comparable words or phrases. In addition, any statements concerning future financial performance (including future revenues, earnings or growth rates), ongoing business strategies or prospects, and possible future actions by us that may be provided by management, including oral statements or other written materials released to the public, are also forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on current expectations and projections about future events and are subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions about our Company and economic and market factors in the countries in which we do business, among other things. These statements are not guarantees of future performance, and we have no specific intention to update these statements.

Actual events and results may differ materially from those expressed or forecasted in forward-looking statements due to a number of factors. The principal important risk factors that could cause our actual performance and future events and actions to differ materially from such forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, changing market and economic conditions, the recent novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, competitive market pressures including pricing and technology introductions and disruptions, disruption in the labor market and weakened demand for human capital resulting from technological advances, competition law risks, the impact of changes in laws and regulations (including federal, state and international tax laws), unexpected changes in claim trends on workers’ compensation, unemployment, disability and medical benefit plans, or the risk of additional tax liabilities in excess of our estimates, our ability to achieve our business strategy, our ability to successfully develop new service offerings, material changes in demand from or loss of large corporate customers as well as changes in their buying practices, risks particular to doing business with government or government contractors, the risk of damage to our brand, our exposure to risks associated with services outside traditional staffing, including business process outsourcing, services of licensed professionals and services connecting talent to independent work, our increasing dependency on third parties for the execution of critical functions, our ability to effectively implement and manage our information technology strategy, the risks associated with past and future acquisitions, including risk of related impairment of goodwill and intangible assets, exposure to risks associated with investments in equity affiliates including PersolKelly Pte. Ltd., risks associated with conducting business in foreign countries, including foreign currency fluctuations, the exposure to potential market and currency exchange risks relating to our investment in Persol Holdings, risks associated with violations of anti-corruption, trade protection and other laws and regulations, availability of qualified full-time employees, availability of temporary workers with appropriate skills required by customers, liabilities for employment-related claims and losses, including class action lawsuits and collective actions, our ability to sustain critical business applications through our key data centers, risks arising from failure to preserve the privacy of information entrusted to us or to meet our obligations under global privacy laws, the risk of cyberattacks or other breaches of network or information technology security, our ability to realize value from our tax credit and net operating loss carryforwards, our ability to maintain specified financial covenants in our bank facilities to continue to access credit markets, and other risks, uncertainties and factors discussed in this report and in our other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Actual results may differ materially from any forward-looking statements contained herein, and we undertake no duty to update any forward-looking statement to conform the statement to actual results or changes in the Company’s expectations. Certain risk factors are discussed more fully under “Risk Factors” in Part I, Item 1A of this report.

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ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK.

We are exposed to foreign currency risk primarily related to our foreign subsidiaries. Exchange rates impact the U.S. dollar value of our reported earnings, our investments in and held by subsidiaries, local currency denominated borrowings and intercompany transactions with and between subsidiaries. Our foreign subsidiaries primarily derive revenues and incur expenses within a single country and currency which, as a result, provide a natural hedge against currency risks in connection with normal business operations. Accordingly, changes in foreign currency rates vs. the U.S. dollar, euro or Swiss franc generally do not impact local cash flows. Intercompany transactions which create transactional foreign currency risk include services, royalties, loans, contributions and distributions.

In addition, we are exposed to interest rate risks through our use of the multi-currency line of credit and other borrowings. A hypothetical fluctuation of 10% of market interest rates would not have had a material impact on 2020 earnings.

We are exposed to market and currency risks on our investment in Persol Holdings, which may be material. The investment is stated at fair value and is marked to market through net earnings. Foreign currency fluctuations on this yen-denominated investment are reflected as a component of other comprehensive income. See Fair Value Measurements footnote in the notes to our consolidated financial statements of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further discussion.

We are exposed to market risk as a result of our obligation to pay benefits under our nonqualified deferred compensation plan and our related investments in company-owned variable universal life insurance policies. The obligation to employees increases and decreases based on movements in the equity and debt markets. The investments in mutual funds, as part of the company-owned variable universal life insurance policies, are designed to mitigate, but not eliminate, this risk with offsetting gains and losses.

ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA.

The financial statements and supplementary data required by this Item are set forth in the accompanying index on page 50 of this filing and are presented in pages 51-100.

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ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE.

None.

ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES.

Conclusion Regarding the Effectiveness of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

Based on their evaluation as of the end of the period covered by this report, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) are effective at a reasonable assurance level.

Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

Management’s report on internal control over financial reporting is presented preceding the consolidated financial statements on page 51 of this report.

Attestation Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, independent registered public accounting firm, has audited the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of January 3, 2021, as stated in their report which appears herein.

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during our fourth fiscal quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION.

None.

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PART III

Information required by Part III with respect to Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance (Item 10), Executive Compensation (Item 11), Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters (Item 12), Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence (Item 13) and Principal Accounting Fees and Services (Item 14), except as set forth under the titles “Executive Officers of the Registrant,” which is included on pages 45-46, and “Code of Business Conduct and Ethics,” which is included on page 47, (Item 10), and except as set forth under the title “Equity Compensation Plan Information,” which is included on pages 47-48, (Item 12), is to be included in a definitive proxy statement filed not later than 120 days after the close of our fiscal year and the proxy statement, when filed, is incorporated in this report by reference.

ITEM 10. EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT.

The following individuals serve as executive officers of the Company as of January 3, 2021:

Name/Office Age Served as anOfficer Since Business ExperienceDuring Last 5 Years

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ITEM 10. EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT (continued)

Name/Office Age Served as anOfficer Since Business ExperienceDuring Last 5 Years

46

CODE OF BUSINESS CONDUCT AND ETHICS.

We have adopted a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics that applies to our directors, officers and employees, including our principal executive officer, principal financial officer and principal accounting officer or controller or persons performing similar functions. The Code of Business Conduct and Ethics is included as Exhibit 14 in the Index to Exhibits on page 101. We have posted our Code of Business Conduct and Ethics on our website at www.kellyservices.com. We intend to post any changes in or waivers from our Code of Business Conduct and Ethics applicable to any of these officers on our website.

ITEM 12. SECURITIES AUTHORIZED FOR ISSUANCE UNDER EQUITY COMPENSATION PLANS.

Equity Compensation Plan Information

The following table shows the number of shares of our Class A common stock that may be issued upon the exercise of outstanding options, warrants and rights, the weighted-average exercise price of outstanding options, warrants and rights, and the number of securities remaining available for future issuance under our equity compensation plans as of the fiscal year end for 2020.

Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders (4) — — —

(1)The equity compensation plan approved by our stockholders is our Equity Incentive Plan.

(2)The Evergreen provision applied to shares granted prior to May 10, 2017, and the Equity Incentive Plan provided that the maximum number of shares available for grants, including restricted stock, was 15 percent of the outstanding Class A common stock, adjusted for plan activity over the preceding five years. The Company has no plans to issue additional shares under the Evergreen provision that was in effect prior to May 10, 2017.

The number of shares to be issued upon exercise of outstanding options, warrants and rights under the Evergreen provision excludes: 24,550 shares of restricted stock; zero shares of financial measure performance shares that have been earned but not yet vested, zero shares of total shareholder return performance awards, and 3,632 shares of single financial measure performance awards.

(3)The Fixed Share provision applies to shares granted on and after May 10, 2017, and the amended Equity Incentive Plan provides that the maximum number of shares available for grants is 4,700,000.

The number of shares to be issued upon exercise of outstanding options, warrants and rights under the Fixed Share provision excludes: 256,310 shares of restricted stock; performance shares that have been earned but not yet vested totaling zero of financial measure performance awards, zero total shareholder return performance awards, and 136,226 single financial measure performance awards; and performance shares granted to employees and not yet earned or

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vested totaling 264,160 shares of financial measure performance awards, calculated using an assumed maximum award performance level of 200%, at January 3, 2021.

(4)The Non-Employee Directors Deferred Compensation Plan is an equity compensation plan that has not been approved by our stockholders. This plan provides non-employee directors with the opportunity to defer all or a portion of the fees they receive. Participants may elect to have director fees that are paid in either cash or common stock, deferred into the plan. Participants choose from a list of investment funds as determined by the Company for their deferrals of cash. Deferrals of common stock must remain in common stock. Amounts deferred under the plan are subject to applicable tax withholding. The plan is intended to be a non-qualified deferred compensation arrangement in compliance with Section 409A of the Code. Shares acquired by participants in this plan will be issued from the share reserve stated in the Equity Incentive Plan.

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PART IV

ITEM 15. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES.

(a)The following documents are filed as part of this report:

(i)Financial statements:

Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

Consolidated Statements of Earnings for the three fiscal years ended January 3, 2021

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the three fiscal years ended January 3, 2021

Consolidated Balance Sheets at January 3, 2021 and December 29, 2019

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity for the three fiscal years ended January 3, 2021

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the three fiscal years ended January 3, 2021

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(ii)Financial Statement Schedule -

For the three fiscal years ended January 3, 2021:

Schedule II - Valuation Reserves

All other schedules are omitted because they are not applicable or the required information is shown in the financial statements or notes thereto.

(iii)The Exhibits are listed in the Index to Exhibits included beginning at page 101, which is incorporated herein by reference.

(b)The Index to Exhibits and required Exhibits are included following the Financial Statement Schedule beginning at page 101 of this filing.

(c)None.

ITEM 16. FORM 10-K SUMMARY.

None.

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KELLY SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND

SUPPLEMENTAL SCHEDULE

Page Referencein Report onForm 10-K

Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting 51

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm 52

Consolidated Balance Sheets at January 3, 2021 and December 29, 2019 57

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 62

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Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

The management of Kelly Services, Inc. (the “Company”), is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting. Internal control over financial reporting is defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 as a process designed by, or under the supervision of, the Company’s principal executive and principal financial officers and effected by the Company’s board of directors, management and other personnel, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and includes those policies and procedures that:

•Pertain to the maintenance of records that in reasonable detail accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the Company;

•Provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the Company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the Company;

•Provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of the Company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may change.

The Company’s management assessed the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of January 3, 2021. In making this assessment, the Company’s management used the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) in Internal Control-Integrated Framework (2013).

Based on our assessment, management determined that, as of January 3, 2021, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting was effective based on those criteria.

The effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of January 3, 2021 has been audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report which appears on pages 52-54.

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Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of Kelly Services, Inc.

Opinions on the Financial Statements and Internal Control over Financial Reporting

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Kelly Services, Inc. and its subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of January 3, 2021 and December 29, 2019, and the related consolidated statements of earnings, comprehensive income, stockholders’ equity and cash flows for the years ended January 3, 2021, December 29, 2019, and December 30, 2018, including the related notes and financial statement schedule listed in the accompanying index (collectively referred to as the “consolidated financial statements”). We also have audited the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of January 3, 2021, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO).

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of January 3, 2021 and December 29, 2019, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the years ended January 3, 2021, December 29, 2019, and December 30, 2018, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Also in our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of January 3, 2021, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the COSO.

Changes in Accounting Principles

As discussed in Note 26 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company changed the manner in which it accounts for leases in 2019 and the manner in which it accounts for revenue from contracts with customers and investments in equity securities in 2018.

Basis for Opinions

The Company's management is responsible for these consolidated financial statements, for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting, and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express opinions on the Company’s consolidated financial statements and on the Company's internal control over financial reporting based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud, and whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects.

Our audits of the consolidated financial statements included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statements. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audits also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions.

Definition and Limitations of Internal Control over Financial Reporting

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the

52

company; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

Critical Audit Matters

The critical audit matters communicated below are matters arising from the current period audit of the consolidated financial statements that were communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that (i) relate to accounts or disclosures that are material to the consolidated financial statements and (ii) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. The communication of critical audit matters does not alter in any way our opinion on the consolidated financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matters below, providing separate opinions on the critical audit matters or on the accounts or disclosures to which they relate.

Workers’ Compensation

As described in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements, in the U.S., the Company has a combination of insurance and self-insurance contracts under which they effectively bear the first $1.0 million of risk per single accident. Management establishes the accrual for workers’ compensation claims utilizing actuarial methods to estimate the undiscounted future cash payments that will be made to satisfy the claims, including an allowance for incurred-but-not-reported claims. As of January 3, 2021, the accrual for workers’ compensation, net of related receivables, is $54.6 million. Management retains an independent consulting actuary to establish loss development factors, based on historical claims experience as well as industry experience, and applies those factors to current claims information to derive an estimate of the ultimate claims liability. In preparing the estimates, the consulting actuary considers a number of assumptions and multiple generally accepted actuarial methods in the course of preparing the loss forecast for claims. When claims exceed the applicable loss limit or self-insured retention and realization of recovery of the claim from existing insurance policies is deemed probable, management records a receivable from the insurance company for the excess amount. Management evaluates the accrual quarterly throughout the year and makes adjustments as needed.

The principal considerations for our determination that performing procedures relating to workers’ compensation is a critical audit matter are (i) the significant judgment by management when determining the actuarial methods and the significant assumptions to use in establishing the accrual for workers’ compensation claims; (ii) a high degree of auditor judgment, subjectivity, and effort in performing procedures and evaluating management’s actuarial methods and significant assumptions related to the loss development factors; and (iii) the audit effort involved the use of professionals with specialized skill and knowledge.

Addressing the matter involved performing procedures and evaluating audit evidence in connection with forming our overall opinion on the consolidated financial statements. These procedures included testing the effectiveness of controls relating to management’s accrual for workers’ compensation claims, including controls over the actuarial methods and development of significant assumptions. These procedures also included, among others (i) the involvement of professionals with specialized skill and knowledge to assist in developing an independent estimate for the accrual for workers’ compensation claims and (ii) comparing the independent estimate to management’s estimate to evaluate the reasonableness of management’s estimate. Developing the independent estimate involved (i) testing the completeness and accuracy of underlying data provided by management; (ii) evaluating management’s actuarial methods and significant assumptions related to the loss development factors; and (iii) independently developing the loss development factors and actuarial methods used.

Goodwill Impairment Assessment - Americas Staffing and Global Talent Solutions (“GTS”) Reporting Units

As described in Note 10 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company’s consolidated goodwill balance was $3.5 million as of January 3, 2021. Management performs its annual goodwill impairment testing in the fourth quarter each year and regularly assesses whenever events or circumstances make it more likely than not that an impairment may have occurred. During the first quarter of 2020, negative market reaction to the COVID-19 crisis, including declines in the Company’s common stock price, caused the market capitalization to decline significantly compared to the fourth quarter of 2019, causing a triggering event. Therefore, management performed an interim step one quantitative test for reporting units with goodwill, Americas Staffing and GTS, and determined that the estimated fair values of both reporting units no longer exceeded their carrying values. Based on the result of the interim goodwill impairment test in the first quarter of 2020, management recorded a goodwill impairment charge of $147.7 million to write off goodwill for both reporting units. Management determined the fair value of each reporting unit using the income approach, which was validated through reconciliation to observable market

53

capitalization data. Management’s analysis used significant assumptions including expected future revenue and expense growth rates, profit margins, discount rate, forecasted capital expenditures and working capital.

The principal considerations for our determination that performing procedures relating to the goodwill impairment assessment for the Americas Staffing and GTS reporting units is a critical audit matter are (i) the significant judgment by management when developing the fair value measurement of the reporting units; (ii) a high degree of auditor judgment, subjectivity, and effort in performing procedures and evaluating management’s significant assumptions related to expected future revenue growth rates, profit margins and the discount rate; and (iii) the audit effort involved the use of professionals with specialized skill and knowledge.

Addressing the matter involved performing procedures and evaluating audit evidence in connection with forming our overall opinion on the consolidated financial statements. These procedures included testing the effectiveness of controls relating to management’s goodwill impairment assessment, including controls over the valuation of the Americas Staffing and GTS reporting units. These procedures also included, among others (i) testing management’s process for developing the fair value measurement of the reporting units; (ii) evaluating the appropriateness of the income approach, including testing management’s reconciliation to observable market capitalization data; (iii) testing the completeness and accuracy of underlying data used in the model; and (iv) evaluating the significant assumptions used by management related to the expected future revenue growth rates, profit margins and the discount rate. Evaluating management’s assumptions related to the expected future revenue growth rates and profit margins involved evaluating whether the assumptions used by management were reasonable considering (i) the current and past performance of the reporting units; (ii) the consistency with external market and industry data; and (iii) whether these assumptions were consistent with evidence obtained in other areas of the audit. Professionals with specialized skill and knowledge were used to assist in the evaluation of management’s income approach and the discount rate assumption.

/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

Detroit, Michigan

February 18, 2021

We have served as the Company’s auditor since 1960.

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KELLY SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS

(In millions of dollars except per share items)

Selling, general and administrative expenses 805.6 883.1 884.8

Goodwill impairment charge 147.7 — —

Gain on sale of assets (32.1) (12.3) —

Asset impairment charge — 15.8 —

Earnings (loss) from operations (93.6) 81.8 87.4

Gain (loss) on investment in Persol Holdings (16.6) 35.8 (96.2)

Other income (expense), net 3.4 (1.2) (0.6)

Income tax expense (benefit) (34.0) 0.4 (27.1)

Net earnings before equity in net earnings (loss) of affiliate (72.8) 116.0 17.7

Equity in net earnings (loss) of affiliate 0.8 (3.6) 5.2

Basic earnings (loss) per share $ (1.83) $ 2.85 $ 0.59

Diluted earnings (loss) per share $ (1.83) $ 2.84 $ 0.58

Average shares outstanding (millions):

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

55

KELLY SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(In millions of dollars)

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:

Less: Reclassification adjustments included in net earnings (1.5) — (0.4)

Foreign currency translation adjustments 12.4 2.5 (8.8)

Less: Reclassification adjustments included in net earnings 0.1 0.1 0.1

Pension liability adjustments (0.8) (1.2) 0.9

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax 11.6 1.3 (7.9)

Comprehensive income (loss) $ (60.4) $ 113.7 $ 15.0

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

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KELLY SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(In millions of dollars)

Assets

Current Assets

Prepaid expenses and other current assets 61.4 76.5

Properties held for sale — 21.2

Noncurrent Assets

Property and equipment:

Net property and equipment 41.0 43.1

Operating lease right-of-use assets 83.2 60.4

Investment in Persol Holdings 164.2 173.2

Investment in equity affiliate 118.5 117.2

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

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KELLY SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(In millions of dollars)

Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity

Current Liabilities

Short-term borrowings $ 0.3 $ 1.9

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities 536.8 503.6

Operating lease liabilities 19.6 20.1

Accrued payroll and related taxes 293.0 267.6

Accrued workers' compensation and other claims 22.7 25.7

Income and other taxes 53.2 65.2

Noncurrent Liabilities

Operating lease liabilities 67.5 43.3

Accrued payroll and related taxes 58.5 —

Accrued workers' compensation and other claims 42.2 45.8

Other long-term liabilities 59.3 55.5

Commitments and contingencies (See Commitments and Contingencies footnotes)

Stockholders' Equity

Capital stock, $1.00 par value

Treasury stock, at cost

Class B common stock (0.6) (0.6)

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (4.2) (15.8)

Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity $ 2,561.9 $ 2,480.6

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

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KELLY SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

(In millions of dollars)

Capital Stock

Class A common stock

Balance at beginning of year $ 36.6 $ 36.6 $ 36.6

Conversions from Class B 0.1 — —

Class B common stock

Balance at beginning of year 3.5 3.5 3.5

Conversions to Class A (0.1) — —

Balance at end of year 3.4 3.5 3.5

Treasury Stock

Class A common stock

Balance at beginning of year (20.3) (25.4) (34.6)

Net issuance of stock awards 3.8 5.1 9.2

Class B common stock

Balance at beginning of year (0.6) (0.6) (0.6)

Net issuance of stock awards — — —

Balance at end of year (0.6) (0.6) (0.6)

Paid-in Capital

Net issuance of stock awards (1.2) (1.9) (7.8)

Earnings Invested in the Business

Cumulative-effect adjustment from adoption of ASU 2014-09, Revenue — — 3.4

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax 11.6 1.3 (7.9)

Balance at end of year (4.2) (15.8) (17.1)

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

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KELLY SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(In millions of dollars)

Cash flows from operating activities:

Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash from operating activities:

Goodwill impairment charge 147.7 — —

Operating lease asset amortization 21.1 22.3 —

Provision for credit losses and sales allowances 12.8 4.1 3.0

Stock-based compensation 3.9 5.6 8.1

(Gain) loss on investment in Persol Holdings 16.6 (35.8) 96.2

(Gain) loss on sale of assets (32.1) (12.3) —

Asset impairment charge — 15.8 —

Equity in net (earnings) loss of PersolKelly Pte. Ltd. (0.8) 3.6 (5.2)

Cash flows from investing activities:

Proceeds from sale of assets 55.5 13.8 —

Acquisition of companies, net of cash received (39.2) (86.4) —

Proceeds from company-owned life insurance 2.3 3.0 7.9

Proceeds from sale of Brazil, net of cash disposed 1.2 — —

Proceeds (payments) related to loans to equity affiliate 5.6 (4.4) (7.0)

Investment in equity securities (0.2) (1.0) (5.0)

Other investing activities 0.1 0.7 (0.1)

Net cash from (used in) investing activities 9.8 (94.3) (29.8)

Cash flows from financing activities:

Net change in short-term borrowings (1.7) (0.3) (7.8)

Financing lease payments (2.0) (0.7) —

Payments of tax withholding for stock awards (1.2) (2.5) (6.9)

Other financing activities (0.2) (0.7) —

Net cash used in financing activities (8.1) (16.1) (26.5)

Net change in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash 197.1 (9.1) 3.2

Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of year 31.0 40.1 36.9

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KELLY SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (continued)

(1) The following table provides a reconciliation of cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash to the amounts reported in our consolidated balance sheet:

(In millions of dollars)

Reconciliation of cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash:

Current assets:

Restricted cash included in prepaid expenses and other current assets — 0.2 0.1

Noncurrent assets:

Restricted cash included in other assets 5.1 5.0 4.7

Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of year $ 228.1 $ 31.0 $ 40.1

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

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KELLY SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Nature of Operations Kelly Services, Inc. is a specialty talent and workforce solutions provider operating throughout the world.

Fiscal Year The Company’s fiscal year ends on the Sunday nearest to December 31. The three most recent years ended on January 3, 2021 (2020, which contained 53 weeks), December 29, 2019 (2019, which contained 52 weeks) and December 30, 2018 (2018, which contained 52 weeks). Period costs included in selling, general and administrative (“SG&A”) expenses are recorded on a calendar-year basis. The Company’s operations in Brazil were accounted for on a one-month lag, until the Company sold the Brazil operations in the third quarter of 2020. The Company’s equity method investment in PersolKelly Pte. Ltd. are accounted for on a one-quarter lag (see Investment in PersolKelly Pte. Ltd. footnote). Any material transactions in the intervening period are disclosed or accounted for in the current reporting period.

Principles of Consolidation The consolidated financial statements include the accounts and operations of the Company and its wholly owned subsidiaries. All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated. Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current presentation.

Investment in Persol Holdings The Company’s investment in Persol Holdings, as further described in the Investment in Persol Holdings footnote, is carried at fair value with the changes in fair value recognized in net earnings. The fair value of the investment is based on the quoted market price.

Investment in PersolKelly Pte. Ltd. The Company has a 49% ownership interest in its equity affiliate, PersolKelly Pte. Ltd., which is accounted for under the equity method. The operating results of the equity affiliate are recorded on a one-quarter lag and included in equity in net earnings (loss) of affiliate in the consolidated statements of earnings.

Foreign Currency Translation All of the Company’s international subsidiaries use their local currency as their functional currency, which is the currency in which they transact the majority of their activities. Revenue and expense accounts of foreign subsidiaries are translated to U.S. dollars at average exchange rates, while assets and liabilities are translated to U.S. dollars at year-end exchange rates. Resulting translation adjustments, net of tax, where applicable, are reported as accumulated foreign currency translation adjustments in stockholders’ equity and are recorded as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss).

Revenue Recognition Revenues are recognized when control of the promised services is transferred to our customers, in an amount that reflects the consideration we expect to be entitled to in exchange for those services. Our revenues are recorded net of any sales, value added, or similar taxes collected from our customers. We generate revenue from: the hourly sales of services by our temporary employees to customers (“staffing services” revenue), the recruiting of permanent employees for our customers (“permanent placement” revenue), and through our talent fulfillment and outcome-based activities (“talent solutions” and “outcome-based services” revenue).

We record revenues from sales of services and the related direct costs in accordance with the accounting guidance on reporting revenue gross as a principal versus net as an agent. When Kelly is the principal, we demonstrate control over the service by being the employer of record for the individuals performing the service, by being primarily responsible to our customers and by having a level of discretion in establishing pricing in which the gross amount is recorded as revenues. When Kelly arranges for other contingent labor suppliers and/or service providers to perform services for the customer, we do not control those services before they are transferred, and therefore, the amounts billed to our customers are net of the amounts paid to the secondary suppliers/service providers and the net amount is recorded as revenues.

Staffing Services Revenue

Staffing services contracts are short-term in nature. Billings are generally negotiated and invoiced on a per-hour or per-unit basis as the temporary staffing services are transferred to the customer. Revenue from the majority of our staffing services continues to be recognized over time as the customer simultaneously receives and consumes the services we provide. We have applied the practical expedient to recognize revenue for these services over the term of the agreement in proportion to the amount we have the right to invoice the customer.

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KELLY SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

Permanent Placement Revenue

Permanent placement revenue is recorded at the point in time the permanent placement candidate begins full-time employment. On the candidate start date, the customer accepts the candidate and can direct the use of the candidate as well as obtains the significant risk and rewards of the candidate. We consider this the point the control transfers to the customer.

Outcome-Based Services Revenue

Billings are generally negotiated and invoiced on a measure of time (hours, weeks, months) or per-unit basis for our services performed. We continue to recognize revenue from the majority of our outcome-based services over time as the customer simultaneously receives and consumes the services we provide. For the majority of our outcome-based services, we have applied the practical expedient to recognize revenue for these services over the term of the agreement in proportion to the amount we have the right to invoice the customer.

Talent Solutions Revenue

Talent Solution services include: overall program management of our client’s contingent workforce, external vendors and/or independent contractors, end-to-end talent acquisition, and payroll outsourcing. Billings are generally negotiated and invoiced as a fee-based commission contingent on the amount of services managed through the program, a monthly management fee, measure of time (hours), or a per-unit basis for our services performed. We continue to recognize revenue for talent solution services over time as the customer simultaneously receives and consumes the services we provide. We have applied the practical expedient to recognize revenue for these services over the term of the agreement in proportion to the amount we have the right to invoice the customer.

Variable Consideration

Certain customers may receive cash-based incentives or credits, which are accounted for as a form of variable consideration. We estimate these amounts based on the expected or likely amount to be provided to customers and reduce revenues recognized to the extent that it is probable that a significant reversal of such adjustment will not occur. Provisions for sales allowances (billing adjustments related to errors, service issues and compromises on billing disputes), based on historical experience, are recognized at the time the related sale is recognized as a reduction in revenue from services.

Payment Terms

Customer payments are typically due within 60 days of invoicing, but may be shorter or longer depending on contract terms. Management does not assess whether a contract has a significant financing component if the expectation at contract inception is that the period between payment by the customer and the transfer of the services to the customer will be less than one year. We do not have any significant financing components or extended payment terms.

Deferred Revenue

Items which are billed to the customer at a point in time, rather than billed over time as the services are delivered to the customer, are assessed for potential revenue deferral. At this time, the balance of the contract liability as well as the amount of revenue recognized in the reporting period that was included in the deferred revenue balance at the beginning of the period is not material.

Deferred Costs

Sales commissions paid at initial contract inception and upon contract renewal by our sales team are considered incremental and recoverable costs of obtaining a contract with a customer. The sales commissions (and related fringe benefits such as taxes and benefits) are deferred and then amortized on a straight-line basis over an appropriate period of benefit that we have determined to be contract duration. We determined the period of benefit by taking into consideration our customer contracts and other relevant factors. Anticipated renewal periods are not included in the amortization period of the initial commission. Amortization expense is included in SG&A expenses in the consolidated statements of earnings. As a practical expedient, sales commissions with amortization periods of 12 months or less are expensed as incurred. These costs are recorded in SG&A expenses in the consolidated statements of earnings.

Occasionally, fulfillment costs are incurred after obtaining a contract in order to generate a resource that will be used to provide our services. These costs are considered incremental and recoverable costs to fulfill our contract with the customer. These costs to fulfill a contract are deferred and then amortized on a straight-line basis over a period of benefit that we have determined to be the average length of assignment of the employees. We determined the period of benefit by taking into consideration our customer contracts, attrition rates and other relevant factors. Amortization expense is included in SG&A expenses in the consolidated statements of earnings.

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KELLY SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

Unsatisfied Performance Obligations

The Company does not disclose the value of unsatisfied performance obligations for (i) contracts with an original expected length of one year or less and (ii) contracts for which we recognize revenue at the amount to which we have the right to invoice for services performed.

Allowance for Credit Losses - Trade Accounts Receivable The Company records an allowance for uncollectible accounts receivable, billed and unbilled, based on historical loss experience, customer payment patterns, current economic trends, and reasonable and supportable forecasts, as applicable. The reserve for sales allowances is also included in the allowance for uncollectible accounts receivable. The Company estimates the current expected credit losses by applying internally developed loss rates to all outstanding receivable balances by aging category. Accounts receivable are written-off against the allowance when they are deemed uncollectible. The Company reviews the adequacy of the allowance for uncollectible accounts receivable on a quarterly basis and, if necessary, increases or decreases the balance by recording a charge or credit to SG&A expenses for the portion of the adjustment relating to uncollectible accounts receivable, and a charge or credit to revenue from services for the portion of the adjustment relating to sales allowances.

We are exposed to credit losses primarily through our sales of workforce solution services to customers. We establish an allowance for estimated credit losses in the current period resulting from the failure of our customers to make required payments on their trade accounts receivable in future periods. We pool such assets by geography and other similar risk characteristics, such as accounts in collection, and apply an aging method to estimate future credit losses utilizing inputs such as historical write-off experience, customer payment patterns, current collection data, and reasonable and supportable forecasts, as applicable. Credit risk with respect to accounts receivable is limited due to short payment terms. The Company also performs ongoing credit evaluations using applicable credit ratings of its customers to help analyze credit risk. We monitor ongoing credit exposure through frequent review of past due accounts (based on the payment terms of the contract) and follow-up with customers, as appropriate.We may employ collection agencies and legal counsel to pursue recovery of defaulted receivables.

Allowance for Credit Losses - Other Financial Assets The Company measures expected credit losses on qualified financial assets that do not result from revenue transactions using a probability of default method by type of financing receivable. The estimate of expected credit losses considers credit ratings, financial data, historical write-off experience, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts, as applicable, to estimate the risk of loss.

Cost of Services Cost of services are those costs directly associated with the earning of revenue. The primary examples of these types of costs are temporary employee wages, along with other employee related costs, including associated payroll taxes, temporary employee benefits, such as service bonus and holiday pay, and workers’ compensation costs. These costs differ fundamentally from SG&A expenses in that they arise specifically from the action of providing our services to customers whereas SG&A costs are incurred regardless of whether or not we place temporary employees with our customers.

Advertising Expenses Advertising expenses, which are expensed as incurred and are included in SG&A expenses, were $8.1 million in 2020, $9.4 million in 2019 and $8.7 million in 2018.

Use of Estimates The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Estimates are used for, but not limited to, the accounting for the allowance for uncollectible accounts receivable and credit losses, workers’ compensation, goodwill and long-lived asset impairment, valuation of acquired intangibles, impairment of equity affiliates, litigation costs and income taxes. Actual results could differ materially from those estimates.

Cash and Equivalents Cash and equivalents are stated at fair value. The Company considers securities with original maturities of three months or less to be cash and equivalents.

Property and Equipment Property and equipment are stated at cost and are depreciated on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives. Cost and estimated useful lives of property and equipment by function are as follows:

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KELLY SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

(In millions of dollars)

Land $ — $ — —

Work in process 0.4 2.7 —

Buildings and improvements 12.9 13.0 15 to 40 years

Computer hardware and software 152.3 153.1 3 to 12 years

Equipment, furniture and fixtures 34.8 34.1 5 years

Leasehold improvements 21.9 22.9 HQ: 15 years

Branches: Lesser of the lease or 5 years

Total property and equipment $ 222.3 $ 225.8

The Company capitalizes external costs and internal payroll costs directly incurred in the development of software for internal use as required by the Internal-Use Software Subtopic of the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”). Work in process represents capitalized costs for internal use software not yet in service. Depreciation expense was $16.8 million for 2020, $25.3 million for 2019 and $24.0 million for 2018.

Leases Right-of-use("ROU") assets represent our right to use an underlying asset for the lease term and lease liabilities represent our obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease. Operating lease ROU assets and liabilities are recognized at commencement date based on the present value of lease payments over the lease term. Since most of the Company’s leases do not have an implicit borrowing rate, we use our incremental borrowing rate based on the information available at commencement date in determining the present value of lease payments. Our leases may include options allowing us in our sole discretion to extend or terminate the lease, and when it is reasonably certain that we will exercise those options, we will include those periods in our lease term. Variable costs, such as payments for insurance and tax payments, are expensed when the obligation for those payments is incurred.

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the acquisition date fair value of net assets acquired. Purchased intangible assets are primarily comprised of acquired trade names and customer relationships that are recorded at fair value at the date of acquisition. The fair value of trade name intangibles is determined using the relief-from-royalty method, which relies on the use of estimates and assumptions about projected revenue growth and discount rates. The fair value of customer relationship intangibles is determined using the multi-period excess earnings method, which relies on the use of estimates and assumptions about projected revenue growth, customer attrition, and discount rates.

Purchased intangible assets with definite lives are amortized over their respective useful lives (from 4 to 15 years) on a straight-line basis.

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets, Intangible Assets, Goodwill, Equity Method Investmentsand Equity Securities The Company evaluates long-lived assets and intangible assets with definite lives for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. When estimated undiscounted future cash flows will not be sufficient to recover the carrying amount of the asset group, in which the long-lived asset being tested for impairment resides, the asset is written down to its estimated fair value. Assets to be disposed of by sale, if any, are reported at the lower of the carrying amount or estimated fair value less cost to sell.

We test goodwill for impairment annually and whenever events or circumstances make it more likely than not that an impairment may have occurred. Generally accepted accounting principles require that goodwill be tested for impairment at a reporting unit level. For segments with a goodwill balance, we have determined that our reporting units are the same as our operating and reportable segments based on our organizational structure.

We may first use a qualitative assessment for the annual impairment test if we have determined that it is more likely than not that the fair value for one or more reporting units is greater than their carrying value. In conducting the qualitative assessment, we assess the totality of relevant events and circumstances that affect the fair value or carrying value of the reporting unit. Such events and circumstances may include macroeconomic conditions, industry and market conditions, cost factors, overall financial performance, entity-specific events and events affecting a reporting unit.

If we elect to forgo the qualitative assessment for a reporting unit, goodwill is tested for impairment by comparing the estimated fair value of a reporting unit to its carrying value. If the estimated fair value of a reporting unit exceeds the carrying value of

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the net assets assigned to a reporting unit, goodwill is not considered impaired and no further testing is required. If the carrying value of the net assets assigned to a reporting unit exceeds the estimated fair value of a reporting unit, goodwill is deemed impaired and is written down to the extent of the difference.

To derive the estimated fair value of reporting units, we primarily relied on an income approach, which was validated through reconciliation to observable market capitalization data. Under the income approach, estimated fair value is determined based on estimated future cash flows discounted by an estimated market participant weighted-average cost of capital, which reflects the overall level of inherent risk of the reporting unit being measured. Estimated future cash flows are based on our internal projection model and reflects management’s outlook for the reporting units. Assumptions and estimates about future cash flows and discount rates are complex and often subjective. They can be affected by a variety of factors, including external factors such as industry and economic trends, and internal factors such as changes in our business strategy and our internal forecasts. Our analysis used significant assumptions by reporting unit, including: expected future revenue and expense growth rates, profit margins, discount rate, forecasted capital expenditures and working capital.

We evaluate our equity method investment on a quarterly basis or whenever events or circumstances indicate the carrying amount may be other-than-temporarily impaired. If we conclude that there is an other-than-temporary impairment of our equity method investment, we will adjust our carrying amount of our investment to the adjusted fair value.

We evaluate our equity securities measured under the measurement alternative for indicators of impairment on a quarterly basis and whenever observable price changes occur. The measurement alternative represents cost, less impairment, plus or minus observable price changes. Quarterly, we also confirm the securities still qualify to be measured in accordance with the measurement alternative. The value of the securities will be adjusted for any increases or decreases as a result of an observable price change.

Accounts Payable Included in accounts payable are book overdrafts, which are outstanding checks in excess of funds on deposit. Such amounts totaled $9.3 million and $5.9 million at year-end 2020 and 2019, respectively.

Accrued Payroll and Related Taxes Included in current accrued payroll and related taxes are book overdrafts, which are outstanding checks in excess of funds on deposit. Such amounts totaled $11.0 million and $21.9 million at year-end 2020 and 2019, respectively. Payroll taxes for temporary employees are recognized proportionately to direct wages for interim periods based on expected full-year amounts. Included in current and noncurrent accrued payroll and related taxes are deferred U.S. payroll tax payments as allowed by COVID-19 economic relief legislation.

Income Taxes The Company accounts for income taxes using the liability method. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the expected tax consequences of temporary differences between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and their reported amounts. Valuation allowances are provided against deferred tax assets when it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax asset will not be realized.

The U.S. work opportunity credit is allowed for wages earned by employees in certain targeted groups. The actual amount of creditable wages in a particular period is estimated, since the credit is only available once an employee reaches a minimum employment period and the employee’s inclusion in a targeted group is certified by the applicable state. As these events often occur after the period the wages are earned, judgment is required in determining the amount of work opportunity credits accrued for in each period. We evaluate the accrual regularly throughout the year and make adjustments as needed.

Uncertain tax positions that are taken or expected to be taken in a tax return are recognized in the financial statements when it is more likely than not (i.e., a likelihood of more than fifty percent) that the position would be sustained upon examination by tax authorities that have full knowledge of all relevant information. A recognized tax position is then measured at the largest amount of benefit that is greater than fifty percent likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement.

Interest and penalties related to income taxes are classified as income tax expense. U.S. taxes on global intangible low-taxed income (“GILTI”) are accounted for as incurred.

Stock-Based Compensation The Company may grant restricted stock awards and units (collectively, “restricted stock”) and performance awards to key employees associated with the Company’s Class A stock. The Company utilizes the market price on the date of grant as the fair value for restricted stock and the market price on the date of grant less the present value of the expected dividends not received during the vesting period for performance awards. The Company also estimates the fair value of performance awards related to relative total shareholder return or awards with a total shareholder return modifier using a Monte Carlo simulation model. The value of awards is recognized as expense, net of forfeitures as they occur, over the requisite service periods in SG&A expense in the Company’s consolidated statements of earnings.

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Earnings Per Share Restricted stock that entitle their holders to receive nonforfeitable dividends before vesting are considered participating securities and, therefore, are included in the calculation of earnings per share using the two-class method. The two-class method is an earnings allocation formula that determines earnings per share for each class of common stock and participating security according to dividends declared and participation rights in undistributed earnings. Under this method, earnings from continuing operations (or net earnings) is reduced by the amount of dividends declared, and the remaining undistributed earnings is allocated to common stock and participating securities based on the proportion of each class’s weighted average shares outstanding to the total weighted average shares outstanding. The calculation of diluted earnings per share includes the effect of potential common shares outstanding in the average weighted shares outstanding.

Workers’ Compensation In the U.S., the Company has a combination of insurance and self-insurance contracts under which we effectively bear the first $1.0 million of risk per single accident. The Company establishes accruals for workers’ compensation claims utilizing actuarial methods to estimate the undiscounted future cash payments that will be made to satisfy the claims, including an allowance for incurred-but-not-reported claims. The Company retains an independent consulting actuary to establish loss development factors, based on historical claims experience as well as industry experience, and applies those factors to current claims information to derive an estimate of the ultimate claims liability.

In preparing the estimates, the consulting actuary considers a number of assumptions and multiple generally accepted actuarial methods in the course of preparing the loss forecast for claims. When claims exceed the applicable loss limit or self-insured retention and realization of recovery of the claim from existing insurance policies is deemed probable, the Company records a receivable from the insurance company for the excess amount. The receivable is included in prepaid expenses and other current assets and other assets in the consolidated balance sheet at year end. The Company evaluates the accrual quarterly throughout the year and makes adjustments as needed, and the ultimate cost of these claims may be greater than or less than the established accrual.

2. Revenue

Adoption of ASC Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers

On January 1, 2018, we adopted ASC Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (“ASC 606”), using the modified retrospective method applied to those contracts which were not completed as of January 1, 2018. Results for reporting periods beginning after January 1, 2018 are presented under ASC 606, while prior period amounts are not adjusted and continue to be reported in accordance with our historic accounting under ASC 605.

We recorded a net increase to opening earnings invested in the business of $3.4 million as of January 1, 2018 due to the cumulative impact of adopting ASC 606. The impact is primarily driven by the deferral of contract costs related to our customer contracts of $5.2 million, partially offset by deferring revenue billed at a point in time for services performed over time of $0.6 million and a deferred tax liability of $1.2 million. As of and for year to date 2018, the consolidated financial statements were not materially impacted as a result of the application of Topic 606 compared to Topic 605.

Revenue Disaggregated by Service Type

Kelly has five operating segments: Professional & Industrial (“P&I” formerly Commercial), Science, Engineering & Technology (“SET”), Education, Outsourcing & Consulting Group ("Outsourcing & Consulting," "OCG") and International. Other than OCG, each segment delivers talent through staffing services, permanent placement or outcome-based services. Our OCG segment delivers talent solutions including managed service provider ("MSP"), payroll process outsourcing ("PPO"), recruitment process outsourcing ("RPO"), and talent advisory services.

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Source: SEC EDGAR (public domain) · 10-K for the period ended 2021-01-03, filed 2021-02-18 · accession 0000055135-21-000004

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