Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Organization and Nature of Operations

Kforce Inc. and its subsidiaries (collectively, “Kforce”) provide professional staffing services and solutions to customers in the following segments: Technology (“Tech”), Finance and Accounting (“FA”), and Government Solutions (“GS”). Kforce provides flexible staffing services and solutions on both a temporary and full-time basis. Kforce operates through its corporate headquarters in Tampa, Florida and 62 field offices located throughout the United States. Additionally, one of our subsidiaries, Kforce Global Solutions, Inc. (“Global”), provides information technology outsourcing services internationally through an office in Manila, Philippines. Our international operations comprised less than 2% of net service revenues for each of the three years ended December 31, 2015 and are included in our Tech segment.

Kforce serves clients from the Fortune 1000, the Federal Government, state and local governments, local and regional companies and small to mid-sized companies.

Basis of Presentation

The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP") and the rules of the SEC.

Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows to conform to the current year presentation.

Principles of Consolidation

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Kforce Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. All intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation. References in this document to “the Registrant,” “Kforce,” “the Company,” “we,” “the Firm,” “our” or “us” refer to Kforce Inc. and its subsidiaries, except where the context otherwise requires or indicates.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of 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 financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. The most important of these estimates and assumptions relate to the following: allowance for doubtful accounts, fallouts and other accounts receivable reserves; accounting for goodwill and identifiable intangible assets and any related impairment; self-insured liabilities for workers’ compensation and health insurance; stock-based compensation; obligations for pension plans and accounting for income taxes. Although these and other estimates and assumptions are based on the best available information, actual results could be materially different from these estimates.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Kforce classifies all highly liquid investments with an original initial maturity of three months or less as cash equivalents. Cash and cash equivalents consist of cash on hand with banks, either in commercial accounts, or overnight interest-bearing money market accounts and at times may exceed federally insured limits. Cash and cash equivalents are stated at cost, which approximates fair value due to the short duration of their maturities.

Accounts Receivable Reserves

Kforce establishes its reserves for expected credit losses, fallouts, early payment discounts and revenue adjustments based on past experience and estimates of potential future activity. Specific to our allowance for doubtful accounts, which comprises a majority of our accounts receivable reserves, Kforce performs an ongoing analysis of factors including recent write-off and delinquency trends, a specific analysis of significant receivable balances that are past due, the concentration of accounts receivable among clients and higher-risk sectors, and the current state of the U.S. economy. Trade receivables are written off by Kforce after all reasonable collection efforts have been exhausted.

Accounts receivable reserves as a percentage of gross accounts receivable was 1.1% and 1.0% as of December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively.

Revenue Recognition

Kforce considers amounts to be earned once evidence of an arrangement has been obtained, delivery has occurred, fees are fixed or determinable, and collectability is reasonably assured. We earn revenues from two primary sources: Flexible billings and Direct Hire fees.

Flexible billings are recognized as the services are provided by Kforce’s Flexible Consultants. Net service revenues represent services rendered to customers less credits, discounts, rebates and revenue-related reserves. Revenues include reimbursements of travel and out-of-pocket expenses (“billable expenses”) with equivalent amounts of expense recorded in direct costs of services.

Direct Hire fees are recognized by Kforce when employment candidates accept offers of permanent employment and are scheduled to commence employment within 30 days. Kforce records revenues net of an estimated reserve for “fallouts,” which is based on Kforce’s historical fallout experience. Fallouts occur when a candidate does not remain employed with the client through the contingency period, which is typically 90 days or less.

Our GS segment generates its revenues under contracts that are, in general, greater in duration than our other segments and which can often span several years, inclusive of renewal periods. Our GS segment does not generate any Direct Hire fees. Our GS segment, which represents approximately 7% of total revenues, generates revenues under the following contract arrangements.


•	Revenues for time-and-materials contracts, which accounts for approximately 62% of this segment’s revenue, are recognized based on contractually established billing rates at the time services are provided.

•

Revenues for fixed-price contracts are recognized on the basis of the estimated percentage-of-completion. Approximately 16% of this segment’s revenues are recognized under this method. Progress towards completion is typically measured based on costs incurred as a proportion of estimated total costs or other measures of progress when applicable. Profit in a given period is reported at the expected profit margin to be achieved on the overall contract.


•	Revenues for cost-plus arrangements are recognized based on allowable costs incurred plus an estimate of the applicable fees earned. Approximately 6% of this segment’s revenues are recognized under these arrangements.


•	Revenues for the product-based business, which accounts for approximately 16% of this segment's revenues, are recognized at the time of shipment.

Direct Costs of Services

Direct costs of services are composed of all related costs of employment for its Flexible Consultants, including payroll wages, payroll taxes, payroll-related insurance and certain fringe benefits, as well as subcontractor costs. Direct costs of services exclude depreciation and amortization expense, which is presented on a separate line in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income.

Taxes Assessed by Governmental Agencies – Revenue Producing Transactions

Kforce collects sales tax for various taxing authorities and it is our policy to record these amounts on a net basis; thus, sales tax amounts are not included in net service revenues.

Income Taxes

Kforce accounts for income taxes using the asset and liability approach to the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of differences between the financial statement carrying amounts and the tax basis of assets and liabilities. Unless it is more likely than not that a deferred tax asset can be utilized to offset future taxes, a valuation allowance is recorded against that asset. The excess tax benefits of deductions attributable to employees’ disqualifying dispositions of shares obtained from incentive stock options, exercises of non-qualified stock options, and vesting of restricted stock are reflected as increases in additional paid-in capital.

Kforce evaluates tax positions that have been taken or are expected to be taken in its tax returns, and records a liability for uncertain tax positions. Kforce uses a two-step approach to recognize and measure uncertain tax positions. First, tax positions are recognized if the weight of available evidence indicates that it is more likely than not that the position will be sustained upon examination, including resolution of related appeals or litigation processes, if any. Second, tax positions are measured as the largest amount of tax benefit that has a greater than 50% likelihood of being realized upon settlement. Kforce recognizes interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in Income tax expense in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income.

Fair Value Measurements

Kforce uses fair value measurements in areas that include, but are not limited to: the impairment testing of goodwill and intangible and long-lived assets; stock-based compensation arrangements; valuing the investment in money market funds within Kforce’s deferred compensation plan; and a contingent consideration liability. The carrying values of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable, and other current assets and liabilities approximate fair value because of the short-term nature of these instruments. Using available market information and appropriate valuation methodologies, Kforce has determined the estimated fair value measurements; however, considerable judgment is required in interpreting data to develop the estimates of fair value.

Fixed Assets

Fixed assets are carried at cost, less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets. The cost of leasehold improvements is amortized using the straight-line method over the shorter of the estimated useful lives of the assets or the terms of the related leases, which generally range from three to five years. Upon sale or disposition of our fixed assets, the cost and accumulated depreciation are removed and any resulting gain or loss, net of proceeds, is reflected in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income.

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

Goodwill

Kforce performs a goodwill impairment analysis, using the two-step analysis method, on an annual basis and whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable unless it is determined, based upon a review of the qualitative factors of a reporting unit, that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit exceeds its carrying amount, including goodwill. Under the two-step analysis method, the recoverability of goodwill is measured at the reporting unit level, which Kforce has determined to be consistent with its operating segments, by comparing the reporting unit’s carrying amount, including goodwill, to the fair market value of the reporting unit. Kforce determines the fair market value of its reporting units based on a weighting of the present value of projected future cash flows (the “income approach”) and the use of comparative market approaches under both the guideline company method and guideline transaction method (collectively, the “market approach”). Fair market value using the income approach is based on Kforce’s estimated future cash flows on a discounted basis. The market approach compares each of Kforce’s reporting units to other comparable companies based on valuation multiples derived from operational and transactional data to arrive at a fair value. Factors requiring significant judgment include, among others, the assumptions related to discount rates, forecasted operating results, long-term growth rates, the determination of comparable companies, and market multiples. Changes in economic or operating conditions or changes in Kforce’s business strategies that occur after the annual impairment analysis and which impact these assumptions may result in a future goodwill impairment charge, which could be material to Kforce’s consolidated financial statements.

Other Intangible Assets

Identifiable intangible assets arising from certain of Kforce’s acquisitions include non-compete and employment agreements, contractual relationships, customer contracts, technology, and a trade name and trademark. Our trade names and trademarks, and derivatives thereof, and GS’s “Data Confidence” trademark are important to our business. Our primary trade names and trademark are registered with the United States Patent and Trademark Office.

For definite-lived intangible assets, Kforce has determined that the straight-line method is an appropriate methodology to allocate the cost over the period of expected benefit, which ranges from one to fifteen years. The impairment evaluation for indefinite-lived intangible assets, which for Kforce consists of a trademark and trade name, is conducted on an annual basis or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that an asset may be impaired.

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

Kforce reviews long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of such assets may not be recoverable. Recoverability of long-lived assets is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of the asset group to the future undiscounted net cash flows expected to be generated by those assets. If such assets are considered to be impaired, the impairment charge recognized is the amount by which the carrying amounts of the assets exceed the fair value of the assets, as determined based on the present value of projected future cash flows.

Capitalized Software

Kforce purchases, develops, and implements new computer software to enhance the performance of our technology infrastructure. Direct internal costs, such as payroll and payroll-related costs, and external costs incurred during the development stage are capitalized and classified as capitalized software. Kforce capitalized development-stage implementation costs of $0.3 million, $0.4 million and $1.0 million during the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Capitalized software development costs are classified as Other assets, net in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets and are being amortized over the estimated useful lives of the software, which range from one to five years, using the straight-line method.

Commissions

Our associates make placements and earn commissions as a percentage of revenues (for Direct Hire revenues) or gross profit (for Flex revenues) pursuant to a calendar-year-basis commission plan. The amount of commissions paid as a percentage of revenues or gross profit increases as volume increases. Kforce accrues commissions for revenues or gross profit at a percentage equal to the percent of total expected commissions payable to total revenues or gross profit for the year, as applicable.

Stock-Based Compensation

Kforce accounts for stock-based compensation by measuring the cost of employee services received in exchange for an award of equity instruments based on the grant-date fair value of the award. The cost is recognized over the requisite service period, net of estimated forfeitures. If the actual number of forfeitures differs from those estimated, additional adjustments to compensation expense may be required in future periods.

Workers’ Compensation

Kforce retains the economic burden for the first $250 thousand per occurrence in workers’ compensation claims except: (1) in states that require participation in state-operated insurance funds and (2) for its GS segment which is fully insured for workers’ compensation claims. Workers’ compensation includes ongoing health care and indemnity coverage for claims and may be paid over numerous years following the date of injury. Workers’ compensation expense includes insurance premiums paid, claims administration fees charged by Kforce’s workers’ compensation administrator, premiums paid to state-operated insurance funds and an estimate for Kforce’s liability for IBNR claims and for the ongoing development of existing claims.

Kforce estimates its workers’ compensation liability based upon historical claims experience, actuarially determined loss development factors, and qualitative considerations such as claims management activities.

Health Insurance

Except for certain fully insured health insurance lines of coverage, Kforce retains the risk of loss for each health insurance plan participant up to $300 thousand in claims annually. Additionally, for all claim amounts exceeding $300 thousand, Kforce retains the risk of loss up to an aggregate annual loss of those claims of $450 thousand. For its partially self-insured lines of coverage, health insurance costs are accrued using estimates to approximate the liability for reported claims and IBNR claims, which are primarily based upon an evaluation of historical claims experience, actuarially-determined completion factors and a qualitative review of our health insurance exposure including the extent of outstanding claims and expected changes in health insurance costs.

Accounting for Pension Benefits

Kforce recognizes the underfunded status of its defined benefit pension plans as a liability in its Consolidated Balance Sheets and recognizes changes in that funded status in the year in which the changes occur through other comprehensive income (loss). Kforce also measures the funded status of the defined benefit pension plans as of the date of its fiscal year-end, with limited exceptions.

Amortization of a net unrecognized gain or loss in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) is included as a component of net periodic benefit cost if, as of the beginning of the year, that net gain or loss exceeds 10% of the projected benefit obligation. If amortization is required, the minimum amortization shall be that excess divided by the average remaining service period of active plan participants.

Earnings per Share

Basic earnings per share is computed as earnings divided by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Basic weighted average shares outstanding excludes unvested shares of restricted stock. Diluted earnings per common share is computed by dividing the earnings attributable to common shareholders for the period by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period plus the dilutive effect of stock options and other potentially dilutive securities such as unvested shares of restricted stock using the treasury stock method, except where the effect of including potential common shares would be anti-dilutive.

The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share for the three years ended December 31 (in thousands, except per share amounts):



	Years Ended December 31,
	2015		2014		2013
Numerator:
Income from continuing operations	$	42,824	$	29,398	$	5,294
Income from discontinued operations, net of tax	—		61,517		5,493
Net income	$	42,824	$	90,915	$	10,787
Denominator:
Weighted average shares outstanding – basic	27,910		31,475		33,511
Common stock equivalents	280		216		132
Weighted average shares outstanding – diluted	28,190		31,691		33,643
Earnings per share – basic:
From continuing operations	$	1.53	$	0.94	$	0.16
From discontinued operations	—		1.95		0.16
Earnings per share – basic	$	1.53	$	2.89	$	0.32
Earnings per share – diluted:
From continuing operations	$	1.52	$	0.93	$	0.16
From discontinued operations	—		1.94		0.16
Earnings per share – diluted	$	1.52	$	2.87	$	0.32

For the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, there were inconsequential common stock equivalents excluded from the weighted average diluted common shares based on the fact that their inclusion would have had an anti-dilutive effect on earnings per share.

Treasury Stock

Kforce’s Board of Directors (“Board”) may authorize share repurchases of Kforce’s common stock. Shares repurchased under Board authorizations are held in treasury for general corporate purposes, including issuances under the 2009 ESPP. Treasury shares are accounted for under the cost method and reported as a reduction of stockholders’ equity in the accompanying consolidated financial statements.

Comprehensive Income (Loss)

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) represents the net after-tax impact of unrecognized actuarial gains and losses related to the SERP which covers a limited number of executives and a defined benefit plan covering all eligible employees in our Philippine operations. Because each of these plans is unfunded as of December 31, 2015, the actuarial gains and losses arise as a result of the actuarial experience of the plans, as well as changes in actuarial assumptions in measuring the associated obligation as of year-end, or an interim date if any re-measurement is necessary. This information is provided in our Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income.

Dividends

Kforce’s Board may, at its discretion, declare and pay dividends on the outstanding shares of Kforce’s common stock out of retained earnings, subject to statutory requirements. Dividends for any outstanding and unvested restricted stock as of the record date are awarded in the form of additional shares of forfeitable restricted stock, at the same rate as the cash dividend on common stock and based on the closing stock price on the record date. Such additional shares have the same vesting terms and conditions as the outstanding and unvested restricted stock. The following summarizes the cash dividends declared for the three years ended December 31:



	YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
	2015		2014		2013
Cash dividends declared per share	$	0.45	$	0.41	$	0.10

Kforce currently expects to continue to declare and pay quarterly dividends of a similar amount. However, the declaration, payment and amount of future dividends are discretionary and will be subject to determination by Kforce’s Board of Directors each quarter following its review of, among other things, the Firm’s financial performance and our legal ability to pay dividends.

New Accounting Standards

In February 2016, the FASB issued authoritative guidance regarding the accounting for leases. The guidance is to be applied for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018 and interim periods within those annual periods, and early adoption is permitted. The guidance requires companies to apply the requirements retrospectively to all prior periods presented, including interim periods. Kforce elected not to adopt this standard early. Kforce is currently evaluating the potential impact on the consolidated financial statements.

In November 2015, the FASB issued authoritative guidance requiring that deferred tax liabilities and assets be classified as noncurrent in a classified statement of financial position. This guidance is to be applied for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016, and interim periods within those annual periods, and early adoption is permitted. Kforce is still determining if it will early adopt this standard. Kforce anticipates a change to the presentation of the deferred tax liabilities and assets on the consolidated balance sheets upon adoption.

In April 2015, the FASB issued authoritative guidance regarding a customer's accounting for fees paid in a cloud computing arrangement. This guidance is to be applied for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2015 and interim periods within those annual periods, and early adoption is permitted. Kforce elected not to adopt this standard early. Kforce does not anticipate a material impact to the consolidated financial statements upon adoption.

In April 2015, the FASB issued authoritative guidance requiring that debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability be presented in the balance sheet as a direct reduction from the carrying amount of the debt liability, similar to debt discounts. The guidance is to be applied for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015 and interim periods within those fiscal years, and early adoption is permitted. Kforce elected not to adopt this standard early. Kforce does not anticipate a material impact to the consolidated financial statements upon adoption.

In May 2014, the FASB issued authoritative guidance regarding revenue from contracts with customers, which specifies that revenue should be recognized when promised goods or services are transferred to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration which the company expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. In August 2015, the FASB issued authoritative guidance deferring the effective date of the new revenue standard by one year for all entities. The one year deferral results in the guidance being effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2017 and entities are not permitted to adopt the standard earlier than the original effective date. The guidance permits companies to either apply the requirements retrospectively to all prior periods presented, or apply the requirements in the year of adoption, through a cumulative adjustment. We have not yet selected a transition method. We do not currently anticipate a material impact to the consolidated financial statements upon adoption; however, we do anticipate an increase in the level of disclosure around revenue.