Note 1 - Summary of Operations and Significant Accounting Policies

Nature of operations

Barrett Business Services, Inc. (“BBSI” or the “Company”), is a leading provider of business management solutions for small and mid-sized companies. The Company has developed a management platform that integrates a knowledge-based approach from the management consulting industry with tools from the human resource outsourcing industry. This platform, through the effective leveraging of human capital, helps our business owner clients run their businesses more effectively.

We believe this platform, delivered through our decentralized organizational structure, differentiates BBSI from our competitors. The Company operates through a network of 58 branch offices throughout California, Oregon, Utah, Washington, Idaho, Arizona, Colorado, Maryland, North Carolina, Delaware, Nevada, Pennsylvania and Virginia. Approximately 79%, 78% and 78%, respectively, of our revenue during 2017, 2016, and 2015 was attributable to our California operations. BBSI was incorporated in Maryland in 1965.

The Company operates a wholly owned captive insurance company, Associated Insurance Company for Excess ("AICE"). AICE is a fully licensed captive insurance company holding a certificate of authority from the Arizona Department of Insurance. The purpose of AICE is twofold: (1) to provide access to more competitive and cost effective insurance markets and (2) to provide additional flexibility in cost effective risk management. AICE provides the Company with reinsurance coverage up to $5.0 million per occurrence, except in Maryland and Colorado, where our retention per occurrence is $1.0 million and $2.0 million, respectively. The Company maintains excess workers’ compensation insurance coverage with Chubb Limited (“Chubb”) between $5.0 million and statutory limits per occurrence, except in Maryland, where coverage with Chubb is between $1.0 million and statutory limits per occurrence, and in Colorado, where the coverage with Chubb is between $2.0 million and statutory limits per occurrence.

The Company also operates a fully licensed, wholly owned insurance company, Ecole Insurance Company (“Ecole”). Ecole is a fully licensed insurance company holding a certificate of authority from the Arizona Department of Insurance. Ecole provides workers’ compensation coverage to the Company’s employees working in Arizona, Utah and Nevada.

Principles of consolidation

The accompanying financial statements are prepared on a consolidated basis. All intercompany account balances and transactions between BBSI, AICE, and Ecole have been eliminated in consolidation.

Reportable segment

The Company has one operating and reporting segment. The chief operating decision maker (our Chief Executive Officer) regularly reviews the financial information of our business at a consolidated level in deciding how to allocate resources and in assessing performance.

Revenue recognition

We recognize professional employer (“PEO”) service and staffing service revenue as services are rendered by our workforce. PEO services are normally used by organizations to satisfy ongoing needs related to the management of human capital and are governed by the terms of a client services agreement which covers all employees at a particular work site. Our client services agreements have a minimum term of one year, are renewable on an annual basis and typically require 30 days’ written notice to cancel or terminate the contract by either party. In addition, our client services agreements provide for immediate termination upon any default of the client regardless of when notice is given.

We report PEO revenues net of direct payroll costs because we are not the primary obligor for these payments to our clients’ employees. Direct payroll costs include salaries, wages, health insurance, and employee out-of-pocket expenses incurred incidental to employment. Safety incentives represent consideration payable to PEO customers, and therefore safety incentive costs are also netted against PEO revenue. Safety incentives are paid to certain client companies for maintaining safe-work practices and minimizing workplace injuries. The safety incentive is based on a percentage of annual payroll and is paid annually to clients who meet predetermined workers' compensation claims cost objectives.

Cost of revenues

Our cost of revenues for PEO services includes employer payroll-related taxes and workers' compensation costs. Our cost of revenues for staffing services includes direct payroll costs, employer payroll-related taxes, employee benefits, and workers’ compensation costs. Direct payroll costs represent the gross payroll earned by staffing services employees based on salary or hourly wages. Payroll taxes and employee benefits consist of the employer's portion of Social Security and Medicare taxes, federal and state unemployment taxes, and staffing services employee reimbursements for materials, supplies and other expenses, which are paid by our customer. Workers' compensation costs consist primarily of claims reserves, claims administration fees, legal fees, medical cost containment (“MCC”) expense, state administrative agency fees, third-party broker commissions, risk manager payroll, premiums for excess insurance, and the fronted insurance program, and costs associated with operating our two wholly owned insurance companies, AICE and Ecole.

Cash and cash equivalents

We consider non-restricted short-term investments, which are highly liquid, readily convertible into cash, and have maturities at acquisition of less than three months to be cash equivalents for purposes of the consolidated statements of cash flows and consolidated balance sheets. The Company maintains cash balances in bank accounts that normally exceed FDIC insured limits. The Company has not experienced any losses related to its cash concentration.

Investments

The Company classifies investments as trading or available-for-sale. We had no trading securities at December 31, 2017 and 2016. The Company’s investments are reported at fair value with unrealized gains and losses, net of taxes, shown as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) in stockholders' equity. Management considers available evidence in evaluating potential impairment of investments, including the duration and extent to which fair value is less than cost. Realized gains and losses on sales of investments are included in investment income in our consolidated statements of operations. In the event a loss is determined to be other-than-temporary, the loss will be recognized in the consolidated statements of operations.

Restricted cash and investments

The Company holds restricted cash and investments primarily for the future payment of workers’ compensation claims. Restricted investments have been categorized as available-for-sale. They are reported at fair value with unrealized gains and losses, net of taxes, shown as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) in stockholders’ equity. Management considers available evidence in evaluating potential impairment of restricted investments, including the duration and extent to which fair value is less than cost. Realized gains and losses on sales of restricted investments are included in investment income in our consolidated statements of operations. In the event a loss is determined to be other-than-temporary, the loss will be recognized in the consolidated statements of operations.

Allowance for doubtful accounts

The Company had an allowance for doubtful accounts of $265,000 and $78,000 at December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. We make estimates of the collectability of our accounts receivable for services provided to our customers. Management analyzes historical bad debts, customer concentrations, customer credit-worthiness, current economic trends and changes in customers' payment trends when evaluating the adequacy of the allowance for doubtful accounts. If the financial condition of our customers deteriorates resulting in an impairment of their ability to make payments, additional allowances may be required.

Our allowance for doubtful accounts activity is summarized as follows (in thousands):

	2017			2016			2015
Balance at January 1,
Allowance for doubtful accounts	$	78		$	268		$	291
Charges to expense		192			(115	)		116
Write-offs of uncollectible accounts, net of recoveries		(5	)		(75	)		(139	)
Balance at December 31,
Allowance for doubtful accounts	$	265		$	78		$	268

Income taxes

Our income taxes are accounted for using an asset and liability approach. This requires the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of temporary differences between the financial statement and tax basis of assets and liabilities at the applicable tax rates. A valuation allowance is recorded against deferred tax assets if, based on the weight of the available evidence, it is more likely than not that some or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The factors used to assess the likelihood of realization include the Company’s forecast of the reversal of temporary differences, future taxable income and available tax planning strategies that could be implemented to realize the net deferred tax assets. Failure to achieve forecasted taxable income in applicable tax jurisdictions could affect the ultimate realization of deferred tax assets and could result in an increase in the Company’s effective tax rate on future earnings.

The determination of our provision for income taxes requires significant judgment, the use of estimates, and the interpretation and application of complex tax laws. Significant judgment is required in assessing the timing and amounts of deductible and taxable items and the probability of sustaining uncertain tax positions. The Company recognizes the tax benefit from uncertain tax positions if it is more likely than not that the tax positions will be sustained on examination by the tax authorities. The tax benefit is measured based on the largest benefit that has a greater than 50% likelihood of being realized upon ultimate settlement. As facts and circumstances change, we reassess these probabilities and record any changes in the consolidated financial statements as appropriate. The Company recognizes interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in income tax expense.

Goodwill and intangible assets

Goodwill is recorded as the difference, if any, between the aggregate consideration paid for a business combination and the fair value of the net assets acquired. Goodwill is not amortized but is evaluated for impairment annually, or more frequently if circumstances indicate that it is more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting unit is below its carrying value. The Company has one reporting unit and evaluates the carrying value of goodwill annually at December 31. No impairment has been recognized in the periods presented.

Property, equipment and software

Property, equipment and software are stated at cost. Expenditures for maintenance and repairs are charged to selling, general and administrative expenses as incurred and expenditures for additions and improvements are capitalized. The cost of assets sold or otherwise disposed of and the related accumulated depreciation are eliminated from the accounts, and any resulting gain or loss is reflected in the consolidated statements of operations.

Depreciation of property, equipment and software is calculated using either straight-line or accelerated methods over estimated useful lives of the related assets or lease terms, as follows:

		Years
Buildings		39
Office furniture and fixtures		7
Computer hardware and software		3-10
Leasehold improvements		Shorter of lease term or estimated useful life

Impairment of long-lived assets

Long-lived assets, such as property, equipment and software and acquired intangibles subject to amortization, are reviewed for impairment annually, or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the remaining estimated useful life may warrant revision or that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Some of the events or changes in circumstances that would trigger an impairment review include, but are not limited to, significant under-performance relative to expected and/or historical results, significant negative industry or economic trends or knowledge of transactions involving the sale of similar property at amounts below the carrying value.

Assets are grouped for measurement of impairment at the lowest level for which identifiable cash flows are largely independent of the cash flows of other assets. If the carrying amount of an asset group exceeds the estimated undiscounted future cash flows expected to be generated by the asset group, then an impairment charge is recognized to the extent the carrying amount exceeds the asset group’s fair value. In determining fair value, management considers current results, trends, future prospects, and other economic factors.

Leases

The Company leases office facilities and equipment under operating leases. For significant lease agreements that provide for escalating rent payments or free-rent occupancy periods, the Company recognizes rent expense on a straight-line basis over the non-cancelable lease term. Deferred rent is included in other accrued liabilities and customer deposits and other long-term liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets.

Workers’ compensation claims liabilities

Our workers’ compensation claims liabilities do not represent an exact calculation of liability but rather management’s best estimate, utilizing actuarial expertise and projection techniques, at a given reporting date. The estimated liability for open workers’ compensation claims is based on an evaluation of information provided by our third-party administrators for workers’ compensation claims, coupled with an actuarial estimate of future adverse loss development with respect to reported claims and incurred but not reported claims (together, “IBNR”). At December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, workers' compensation claims liabilities included case reserve estimates for reported losses, plus additional amounts for estimated IBNR claims, MCC and legal costs, and unallocated loss adjustment expenses. These estimates are reviewed at least quarterly and adjustments to estimated liabilities are reflected in current operating results as they become known.

The process of arriving at an estimate of unpaid claims and claims adjustment expense involves a high degree of judgment and is affected by both internal and external events, including changes in claims handling practices, changes in reserve estimation procedures, inflation, trends in the litigation and settlement of pending claims, and legislative changes.

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

The Company’s independent actuary provides management with an estimate of the current and long-term portions of our total workers’ compensation claims, which is an important factor in our process for estimating workers' compensation claims liabilities. The current portion represents the independent actuary’s best estimate of payments the Company will make related to workers’ compensation claims over the ensuing twelve months.

A basic premise in most actuarial analyses is that historical data and past patterns demonstrated in the incurred and paid historical data form a reasonable basis upon which to project future outcomes, absent a material change. Significant structural changes to the available data can materially impact the reserve estimation process. To the extent a material change affecting the ultimate claim liability becomes known, such change is quantified to the extent possible through an analysis of internal Company data and, if available and when appropriate, external data. Nonetheless, actuaries exercise a considerable degree of judgment in the evaluation of these factors and the need for such actuarial judgment is more pronounced when faced with material uncertainties.

Safety incentives liability

Safety incentives represent cash incentives paid to certain PEO client companies for maintaining safe-work practices and minimizing workplace injuries. The incentive is based on a percentage of annual payroll and is paid annually to customers who meet predetermined workers’ compensation claims cost objectives. Safety incentive payments are made only after closure of all workers' compensation claims incurred during the customer’s contract period. The safety incentive liability is estimated and accrued each month based upon contract year-to-date payroll and the then current amount of the customer’s estimated workers’ compensation claims reserves as established by us and our third party administrator. The Company provided $28.5 million and $24.8 million at December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively, as an estimate of the liability for unpaid safety incentives.

Customer deposits

We require deposits from certain PEO customers to cover a portion of our accounts receivable due from such customers in the event of default of payment.

Comprehensive income (loss)

Comprehensive income (loss) includes all changes in equity during a period except those that resulted from investments by or distributions to the Company's stockholders.

Other comprehensive income (loss) refers to revenues, expenses, gains and losses that under U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) are included in comprehensive income (loss), but excluded from net income (loss) as these amounts are recorded directly as an adjustment to stockholders' equity. Our other comprehensive income (loss) comprises unrealized holding gains and losses on our available-for-sale investments.

Statements of cash flows

Interest paid during 2017, 2016, and 2015 did not materially differ from interest expense. Income taxes paid (received) by the Company totaled $9.9 million, $4.2 million and $($4.1) million in 2017, 2016, and 2015, respectively.

Basic and diluted earnings per share

Basic earnings per share are computed based on the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for each year using the treasury method. Diluted earnings per share reflect the potential effects of the exercise of outstanding stock options and the issuance of stock associated with outstanding restricted stock units. Basic and diluted shares outstanding are summarized as follows (in thousands):

	Year Ended
	December 31,
	2017		2016		2015
Weighted average number of basic shares outstanding		7,275		7,226		7,173
Effect of dilutive securities		276		152		180
Weighted average number of diluted shares outstanding		7,551		7,378		7,353

Reclassifications

Due to the adoption of Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2015-17, Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes, prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation. Such reclassifications had no impact on the Company’s financial condition, operating results, cash flows or stockholders’ equity.

Accounting estimates

The preparation of our consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. Management bases its estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Estimates are used for fair value measurement of investments, allowance for doubtful accounts, deferred income taxes, carrying values for goodwill and property and equipment, accrued workers' compensation liabilities and safety incentive liabilities. Actual results may or may not differ from such estimates.

Recent accounting pronouncements

In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued ASU No. 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers.” The core principle of the update is that an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which an entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The update also requires disclosure of sufficient information to enable users of financial statements to understand the nature, amount, timing, and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from contracts with customers.

In August 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-14, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers: Deferral of the Effective Date.” The update defers the effective date of ASU 2014-09 by one year, requiring public business entities to apply the guidance in ASU 2014-09 to annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim reporting periods within that reporting period.

In March, April and May 2016, the FASB issued the following ASUs: ASU No. 2016-08, “Principal versus Agent Considerations - Reporting Revenue Gross versus Net;” ASU No. 2016-10, “Identifying Performance Obligations and Licensing”; and ASU No. 2016-12, “Narrow-Scope Improvements and Practical Expedients.” The amendments in these updates do not change the core principles of the guidance in ASU 2014-09. The effective date and transition requirements for these updates are the same as the effective date and transition requirements in ASU 2015-14. We have adopted ASU 2014-09 and all related ASUs effective January 1, 2018 using the modified retrospective method. We have determined that there are no material changes to our revenue recognition policies or to our consolidated financial statements as a result of adopting the standard.

In November 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-17, “Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes.” The amendments in this update simplify the presentation of deferred income taxes by requiring that deferred tax liabilities and assets be classified as noncurrent on the consolidated balance sheets. The amendments in this update are effective for financial statements issued for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016, and interim periods within those years. The Company adopted this standard in the first interim period for the year ending December 31, 2017. The adoption of this standard resulted in a current to noncurrent adjustment to the Company’s current deferred tax asset balance of $25.2 million at December 31, 2016.

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, “Leases.” The core principle is that a lessee should recognize the assets and liabilities that arise from leases, including operating leases. Under the new guidance, a lessee should recognize in the statement of financial position a liability to make lease payments (the lease liability) and a right-of-use asset representing its right to use the underlying asset for the lease term. For leases with a term of 12 months or less, a lessee is permitted to make an accounting policy election by class of underlying asset not to recognize lease assets and lease liabilities. The recognition, measurement, and presentation of expenses and cash flows arising from a lease by a lessee have not significantly changed from previous GAAP. The amendments in this update are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, and interim periods within those years. The Company is currently evaluating the standard and the impact on its consolidated financial statements and footnote disclosures.

In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-09, “Compensation – Stock Compensation.” The amendments in this update simplify several aspects of the accounting for share-based payment transactions, including the income tax consequences, classification of awards as either equity or liabilities, and classification on the statement of cash flows. The amendments in this update are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016, and interim periods within those years. The Company adopted this standard in the first interim period for the year ending December 31, 2017, resulting in an immaterial amount of excess tax benefit being recognized in income tax benefit on the consolidated statement of operations, which was classified along with other income tax cash flows as an operating activity on the statement of cash flows.

In November 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-18, “Statement of Cash Flows: Restricted Cash.” The amendments in this update require that a statement of cash flows explain the change during the period in the total of cash, cash equivalents, and amounts generally described as restricted cash or restricted cash equivalents. Therefore, amounts generally described as restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents should be included with cash and cash equivalents when reconciling the beginning-of-period and end-of-period total amounts shown on the statement of cash flows. The amendments in this update are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within those years. The Company is adopting this standard in the first interim period for the year ending December 31, 2018. The Company’s balance of restricted cash, which is within restricted cash and investments under current and non-current assets on the consolidated balance sheets, was $70.6 million for the period ended December 31, 2017.

In March 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-08, “Premium Amortization on Purchased Callable Debt.” The amendments in this update shorten the amortization period for certain callable debt securities held at a premium. Specifically, the amendments require the premium to be amortized to the earliest call date. Under current GAAP, premiums and discounts on callable debt securities generally are amortized to the maturity date. The amendments do not require an accounting change for securities held at a discount; the discount continues to be amortized to maturity. The amendments in this update are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, and interim periods within those years. As of December 31, 2017, the amendments in this update would not have a material impact on the Company.