SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
______________________
 FORM 10-Q
______________________
 
(Mark One)
xQUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED MARCH 31, 20162017
OR
¨TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
FOR THE TRANSITION PERIOD FROM                      to                     .
Commission File Number 1-10427
ROBERT HALF INTERNATIONAL INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware 94-1648752
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
 
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
  
2884 Sand Hill Road
Suite 200
Menlo Park, California
 94025
(Address of principal executive offices) (zip-code)
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (650) 234-6000
   
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    Yes  x  No  ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).    Yes  x    No  ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. (Check one):See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer x  Accelerated filer ¨
    
Non-accelerated filer ¨(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
Smaller reporting company ¨Emerging growth company¨
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).    Yes  ¨    No  x
Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock as of April 30, 2016:2017:
131,318,597127,179,472 shares of $.001 par value Common Stock




PART I—FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
ROBERT HALF INTERNATIONAL INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL POSITION (UNAUDITED)
(in thousands, except share amounts)

 March 31,
2016 2017
 December 31, 20152016
ASSETS      
Cash and cash equivalents$214,119
 $224,577
$260,143
 $260,201
Accounts receivable, less allowances of $34,063 and $35,087734,378
 704,640
Current deferred income taxes145,397
 145,684
Accounts receivable, less allowances of $32,047 and $33,133700,419
 703,228
Other current assets286,307
 268,780
335,360
 320,805
Total current assets1,380,201
 1,343,681
1,295,922
 1,284,234
Goodwill209,115
 208,579
209,925
 209,793
Other intangible assets, net4,220
 4,508
3,370
 3,671
Property and equipment, net147,934
 142,906
157,782
 161,509
Other assets3,394
 3,286
Noncurrent deferred income taxes108,211
 118,764
Total assets$1,744,864
 $1,702,960
$1,775,210
 $1,777,971
LIABILITIES      
Accounts payable and accrued expenses$139,026
 $148,108
$117,308
 $135,540
Accrued payroll and benefit costs472,716
 504,782
546,900
 539,048
Income taxes payable43,419
 2,506
18,221
 5,141
Current portion of notes payable and other indebtedness156
 153
171
 167
Total current liabilities655,317
 655,549
682,600
 679,896
Notes payable and other indebtedness, less current portion966
 1,007
795
 840
Other liabilities43,628
 42,623
10,872
 10,636
Total liabilities699,911
 699,179
694,267
 691,372
Commitments and Contingencies (Note F)
 

 
STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY      
Preferred stock, $.001 par value authorized 5,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding
zero shares

 

 
Common stock, $.001 par value authorized 260,000,000 shares; issued and
outstanding 131,318,173 shares and 131,156,043 shares
131
 131
Common stock, $.001 par value authorized 260,000,000 shares; issued and
outstanding 127,179,468 shares and 127,796,558 shares
127
 128
Capital surplus989,425
 979,477
1,032,267
 1,022,411
Accumulated other comprehensive loss(2,308) (10,294)(15,638) (20,502)
Retained earnings57,705
 34,467
64,187
 84,562
Total stockholders’ equity1,044,953
 1,003,781
1,080,943
 1,086,599
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity$1,744,864
 $1,702,960
$1,775,210
 $1,777,971

The accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
are an integral part of these financial statements.

2



ROBERT HALF INTERNATIONAL INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED)
(in thousands, except per share amounts)

Three Months Ended March 31,Three Months Ended 
 March 31,
2016 20152017 2016
      
Net service revenues$1,302,625
 $1,205,563
$1,287,370
 $1,302,625
Direct costs of services, consisting of payroll, payroll taxes, benefit
costs and reimbursable expenses
770,653
 711,476
761,542
 770,653
Gross margin531,972
 494,087
525,828
 531,972
Selling, general and administrative expenses398,074
 365,985
400,249
 398,074
Amortization of intangible assets288
 
301
 288
Interest income, net(181) (72)(223) (181)
Income before income taxes133,791
 128,174
125,501
 133,791
Provision for income taxes50,375
 50,252
46,980
 50,375
Net income$83,416
 $77,922
$78,521
 $83,416
      
Net income per share:      
Basic$.65
 $.59
$.63
 $.65
Diluted$.64
 $.58
$.62
 $.64
      
Shares:      
Basic129,281
 133,077
125,537
 129,281
Diluted130,137
 134,286
126,418
 130,137
Cash dividends declared per share$.22
 $.20
$.24
 $.22

The accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
are an integral part of these financial statements.

3



ROBERT HALF INTERNATIONAL INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (UNAUDITED)
(in thousands)

Three Months Ended March 31,Three Months Ended 
 March 31,
2016 20152017 2016
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME:      
Net income$83,416
 $77,922
$78,521
 $83,416
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax7,986
 (19,962)4,864
 7,986
Total comprehensive income$91,402
 $57,960
$83,385
 $91,402

The accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
are an integral part of these financial statements.

4



ROBERT HALF INTERNATIONAL INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY (UNAUDITED)
(in thousands, except per share amounts)
 
Three Months Ended March 31,Three Months Ended 
 March 31,
2016 20152017 2016
COMMON STOCK—SHARES:      
Balance at beginning of period131,156
 135,134
127,797
 131,156
Net issuances of restricted stock901
 570
807
 901
Repurchases of common stock(741) (672)(1,425) (741)
Exercises of stock options2
 40

 2
Balance at end of period131,318
 135,072
127,179
 131,318
COMMON STOCK—PAR VALUE:      
Balance at beginning of period$131
 $135
$128
 $131
Net issuances of restricted stock1
 1
1
 1
Repurchases of common stock(1) (1)(2) (1)
Balance at end of period$131
 $135
$127
 $131
CAPITAL SURPLUS:      
Balance at beginning of period$979,477
 $928,157
$1,022,411
 $979,477
Net issuances of restricted stock at par value(1) (1)(1) (1)
Stock-based compensation expense10,348
 8,843
9,857
 10,348
Exercises of stock options—excess over par value60
 1,113

 60
Tax impact of equity incentive plans(459) 4,249

 (459)
Balance at end of period$989,425
 $942,361
$1,032,267
 $989,425
ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE (LOSS) INCOME:      
Balance at beginning of period$(10,294) $14,730
$(20,502) $(10,294)
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax7,986
 (19,962)4,864
 7,986
Balance at end of period$(2,308) $(5,232)$(15,638) $(2,308)
RETAINED EARNINGS:      
Balance at beginning of period$34,467
 $36,836
$84,562
 $34,467
Net income83,416
 77,922
78,521
 83,416
Repurchases of common stock—excess over par value(31,366) (40,351)(68,295) (31,366)
Cash dividends ($.22 per share and $.20 per share)(28,812) (27,048)
Cash dividends ($.24 per share and $.22 per share)(30,601) (28,812)
Balance at end of period$57,705
 $47,359
$64,187
 $57,705

The accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
are an integral part of these financial statements.

5



ROBERT HALF INTERNATIONAL INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED)
(in thousands)

Three Months Ended March 31,Three Months Ended 
 March 31,
2016 20152017 2016
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:      
Net income$83,416
 $77,922
$78,521
 $83,416
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:      
Amortization of intangible assets288
 
301
 288
Depreciation expense15,123
 13,006
15,899
 15,123
Stock-based compensation expense—restricted stock and stock units10,348
 8,843
9,857
 10,348
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation(395) (4,256)
 (395)
Deferred income taxes(835) 8,039
10,556
 (835)
Provision for doubtful accounts1,226
 2,551
1,697
 1,226
Changes in assets and liabilities:      
Increase in accounts receivable(25,379) (22,431)
Decrease (increase) in accounts receivable4,296
 (25,379)
Decrease in accounts payable, accrued expenses, accrued payroll
and benefit costs
(35,101) (23,234)(7,498) (35,101)
Increase in income taxes payable42,278
 37,504
27,860
 42,278
Change in other assets, net of change in other liabilities(12,483) (13,464)(17,989) (12,483)
Net cash flows provided by operating activities78,486
 84,480
123,500
 78,486
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:      
Capital expenditures(18,810) (13,346)(10,335) (18,810)
Payments to trusts for employee deferred compensation plans(5,357) (7,455)(4,939) (5,357)
Net cash flows used in investing activities(24,167) (20,801)(15,274) (24,167)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:      
Repurchases of common stock(40,182) (59,196)(80,687) (40,182)
Cash dividends paid(28,748) (27,375)(30,597) (28,748)
Payments for notes payable and other indebtedness(38) (34)(41) (38)
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation395
 4,256

 395
Proceeds from exercises of stock options60
 1,113

 60
Net cash flows used in financing activities(68,513) (81,236)(111,325) (68,513)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents3,736
 (8,677)3,041
 3,736
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents(10,458) (26,234)(58) (10,458)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period224,577
 287,119
260,201
 224,577
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period$214,119
 $260,885
$260,143
 $214,119
      
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION:      
Non-cash items:      
Stock repurchases awaiting settlement$3,120
 $11,308
$2,298
 $3,120

The accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
are an integral part of these financial statements.

6




ROBERT HALF INTERNATIONAL INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
March 31, 20162017


Note A—Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Nature of Operations. Robert Half International Inc. (the “Company”) provides specialized staffing and risk consulting services through such divisions as Accountemps®, Robert Half® Finance & Accounting, OfficeTeam®, Robert Half® Technology, Robert Half® Management Resources, Robert Half® Legal, The Creative Group®, and Protiviti®. The Company, through its Accountemps, Robert Half Finance & Accounting, and Robert Half Management Resources divisions, is a specialized provider of temporary, full-time, and senior-level project professionals in the fields of accounting and finance. OfficeTeam specializes in highly skilled temporary administrative support professionals. Robert Half Technology provides project and full-time technology professionals. Robert Half Legal provides temporary, project, and full-time staffing of lawyers, paralegals and legal support personnel. The Creative Group provides interactive, design, marketing, advertising and public relations professionals. Protiviti is a global consulting firm that helps companies solve problems in finance, technology, operations, data, analytics, governance, risk and internal audit, and is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company. Revenues are predominantly derived from specialized staffing services. The Company operates in North America, South America, Europe, Asia and Australia. The Company is a Delaware corporation.
Basis of Presentation. The unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (“Financial Statements”) of the Company are prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) and the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). The comparative year-end condensed consolidated statement of financial position data presented was derived from audited financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of only normal recurring adjustments) necessary for a fair statement of the financial position and results of operations for the periods presented have been included. These Financial Statements should be read in conjunction with the audited Consolidated Financial Statements of the Company for the year ended December 31, 2015,2016, included in its Annual Report on Form 10-K. The results of operations for any interim period are not necessarily indicative of, nor comparable to, the results of operations for a full year.
Principles of Consolidation. The Financial Statements include the accounts of the Company and its subsidiaries, all of which are wholly-owned. All intercompany balances have been eliminated.
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. As of March 31, 2016,2017, such estimates included allowances for uncollectible accounts receivable, workers’ compensation losses, and income and other taxes. Management estimates are also utilized in the Company’s goodwill impairment assessment and in the valuation of stock grants subject to market conditions.
Advertising Costs. The Company expenses all advertising costs as incurred. Advertising costs for the three months ended March 31, 20162017 and 2015,2016, are reflected in the following table (in thousands):
 Three Months Ended March 31,
 2016 2015
Advertising costs$11,261
 $11,064
  Three Months Ended 
 March 31,
  2017 2016
Advertising costs $11,471  $11,261 

Note B— New Accounting Pronouncements

Customer's Accounting for Fees Paid in a Cloud Computing Arrangement.  In April 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued authoritative guidance designed to assist customers in their determination of whether a cloud computing arrangement includes a software license. If a cloud computing arrangement includes a software license, then the customer should account for the software license element of the arrangement consistent with the acquisition of other software licenses. If a cloud computing arrangement does not include a software license, the customer should account for the arrangement as a service contract. The guidance will not change GAAP for a customer’s accounting for service contracts. This


7




ROBERT HALF INTERNATIONAL INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)—(Continued)
March 31, 20162017

Note B— New Accounting Pronouncements (continued)


guidance was effective for the Company in the first quarter of 2016. The adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on the Company's financial statements.

Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements
Business CombinationsStock Compensation. In September 2015,March 2016, the FASBFinancial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued authoritative guidance that eliminateswhich changes financial reporting as it relates to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting. Under the requirement to restate prior period financial statements for measurement period adjustments following a business combination. The new guidance, requires that an acquirer record in the same period’s financial statements the effectsseveral aspects of the cumulative impactaccounting for share-based payment award transactions will be simplified, including: i) income tax consequences; ii) classification of adjustments including the impact on prior periods. The prior period impact of the adjustments should be presented separatelyawards as either equity or liabilities; and iii) classification on the facestatement of the income statement or disclosed in the notes.cash flows. The new guidance was effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2016 and was adopted by the Company in the first quarter of 2016.effective January 1, 2017. The adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on the Company's financial statements.

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted
Revenue from Contracts with Customers. In May 2014, the FASB issued authoritative guidance that provides companies
with a single model for use in accounting for revenue arising from contracts with customers and supersedes current revenue
recognition guidance, including industry-specific revenue guidance. The new guidance requires a company to recognize
revenue to depict the transfer of goods or services to a customer at an amount that reflects the consideration it expects to receive
in exchange for those goods or services. It also requires additional disclosure about the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty
of revenue and cash flows arising from customer contracts, including significant judgments and changes in judgments and
assets recognized from costs incurred to obtain or fulfill a contract. In August 2015, the FASB issued a decision to delay the
effective date by one year. The new guidance is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2017.
Public entities are not permitted to adopt the standard earlier than the original effective date (that is, no earlier than 2017 for
calendar year-end entities). 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. The Company is in the process
of evaluating the impact of the adoption of thisamended guidance also requires additional quantitative and qualitative disclosures. In March 2016, amended guidance was issued to clarify implementation guidance on its Financial Statements.
Balance Sheet Classificationprincipal versus agent consideration. In April 2016 an amendment provided clarifications on determining whether a promised license provides a customer with a right to use or a right to access an entity’s intellectual property. In May 2016 an amendment provided narrow scope improvements and practical expedients to reduce the potential diversity, cost and complexity of Deferred Taxes. In November 2015,applying new revenue standard. These amendments, as well as the FASB issued authoritativeoriginal guidance, which changes how deferred taxes are classified on a company's balance sheet. The new guidance eliminates the current requirement for companies to present deferred tax liabilities and assets as current and noncurrent in a classified balance sheet. Instead, companies will be required to classify all deferred tax assets and liabilities as noncurrent. The new guidance is effective for annual reportingand interim periods beginning after December 15, 2016. Early adoption is permitted2017. The new standard will be effective for all entities asthe Company beginning January 1, 2018 and the Company intends to implement the standard with the modified retrospective approach, which recognizes the cumulative effect of the beginning of an interim or annual reporting period. The guidance may be applied either prospectively, for all deferred tax assets and liabilities, or retrospectively (i.e., by reclassifying the comparative balance sheet). If applied prospectively, entities are required to include a statementapplication recognized on that prior periods were not retrospectively adjusted. If applied retrospectively, entities are also required to include quantitative information about the effects of the change on prior periods.date. The Company is in the process of evaluating the impact of adoption of this guidance on its Financial Statements.financial statements. Based on our progress to date, the Company does not anticipate any significant changes to systems, processes, or controls, and no one area will be significantly impacted upon adoption. 
Lease Accounting. In February 2016, the FASB issued authoritative guidance which changes financial reporting as it relates to leasing transactions. Under the new guidance, lessees will be required to recognize a lease liability, measured on a discounted basis; and a right-of-use asset, for the lease term. The new guidance is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2018. Early application is permitted for all entities upon issuance. Lessees and lessors must apply a modified retrospective transition approach for leases existing at, or entered into after, the beginning of the earliest comparative period presented in the financial statements.  The Company is in the process of evaluating the impact of the adoption of this guidance on its Financial Statements.financial statements.
Stock Compensation.Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments in Statement of Cash Flows. In MarchAugust 2016, the FASB issued authoritative guidance which changes financial reporting as it relatesdesigned to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting. Under the new guidance, several aspects of the accounting for share-based payment award transactions will be simplified, including: a) income tax consequences; b) classification of awards as either equity or liabilities;address diversity in how certain cash receipts and c) classification oncash payments are presented and classified in the statement of cash flows.flows, including: i) contingent consideration payments made after a business combination; ii) proceeds from the settlement of insurance claims; and iii) proceeds from the settlement of corporate-owned life insurance policies. The new guidance is effective for annual and interim periodsthe Company for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016.2017, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early applicationadoption is permitted for any organization in any interim or annual period. The Company is in the process of evaluating the impact ofbelieves the adoption of this guidance will not have a material impact on its Financial Statements.financial statements.


8




ROBERT HALF INTERNATIONAL INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)—(Continued)
March 31, 2017

Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment. In January 2017, the FASB issued authoritative guidance to simplify the goodwill impairment testing process. The new standard eliminates Step 2 of the goodwill impairment test. If a company determines in Step 1 of the goodwill impairment test that the carrying value of goodwill is greater than the fair value, an impairment in that amount should be recorded to the income statement, rather than proceeding to Step 2. The new guidance is effective for the Company beginning after December 31, 2019, although early adoption is permitted. The Company believes the adoption of this guidance will not have a material impact on its financial statements.
Note C—Other Current Assets
Other current assets consisted of the following (in thousands):
  March 31, 2017 December 31, 2016
Deposits in trusts for employee deferred compensation plans  $252,446   $236,371
 
Other  82,914   84,434
 
Other current assets  $335,360 

$320,805

Note D—Property and Equipment, Net
Property and equipment consisted of the following (in thousands):
  March 31, 2017 December 31, 2016
Computer hardware  $172,880
  $170,746
 
Computer software  378,076
  374,490
 
Furniture and equipment  99,805
  100,472
 
Leasehold improvements  137,536
  133,541
 
Other  10,241
  9,993
 
Property and equipment, cost 
798,538
  789,242

Accumulated depreciation  (640,756)  (627,733) 
Property and equipment, net 
$157,782
  $161,509

Note E—Accrued Payroll and Benefit Costs
Accrued payroll and benefit costs consisted of the following (in thousands):
  March 31, 2017 December 31, 2016
Payroll and benefits  $238,587
  $243,301
 
Employee deferred compensation plans  257,545
  252,349
 
Workers’ compensation  19,945
  19,361
 
Payroll taxes  30,823
  24,037
 
Accrued payroll and benefit costs  $546,900

 $539,048

Included in employee deferred compensation plans is the following (in thousands):
  March 31, 2017 December 31, 2016
Deferred compensation plan and other benefits related to the Company’s
    Chief Executive Officer
 $83,628  $83,899  


9




ROBERT HALF INTERNATIONAL INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)—(Continued)
March 31, 2016

2017

Note C—Other Current Assets
Other current assets consisted of the following (in thousands):
  March 31, 2016 December 31, 2015
Deposits in trusts for employee deferred compensation plans  $207,986
   $198,256
 
Other  78,321
   70,524
 
Other current assets 
$286,307

 
$268,780

Note D—Property and Equipment, Net
Property and equipment consisted of the following (in thousands):
  March 31, 2016 December 31, 2015
Computer hardware  $166,452
   $162,346
 
Computer software  348,930
   339,634
 
Furniture and equipment  97,270
   96,536
 
Leasehold improvements  122,604
   118,491
 
Other  10,032
   9,560
 
Property and equipment, cost 
745,288

 
726,567

Accumulated depreciation  (597,354)   (583,661) 
Property and equipment, net 
$147,934

 
$142,906

Note E—Accrued Payroll and Benefit Costs
Accrued payroll and benefit costs consisted of the following (in thousands):
  March 31, 2016 December 31, 2015
Payroll and benefits  $214,292
   $240,793
 
Employee deferred compensation plans  209,922
   212,220
 
Workers’ compensation  27,350
   25,834
 
Payroll taxes  21,152
   25,935
 
Accrued payroll and benefit costs 
$472,716

 
$504,782

Included in employee deferred compensation plans is the following (in thousands):
   March 31, 2016  December 31, 2015
Deferred compensation plan and other benefits related to the Company’s
    Chief Executive Officer
  $81,461   $81,874  
Note F—Commitments and Contingencies
On April 23, 2010, Plaintiffs David Opalinski and James McCabe, on behalf of themselves and a putative class of similarly situated Staffing Managers, filed a Complaint in the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey naming the Company and one of its subsidiaries as Defendants. The Complaint alleges that salaried Staffing Managers located throughout the U.S. have been misclassified as exempt from the Fair Labor Standards Act’s overtime pay requirements. Plaintiffs seek an unspecified amount for unpaid overtime on behalf of themselves and the class they purport to represent. Plaintiffs also seek an unspecified amount for statutory penalties, attorneys’ fees and other damages. On October 6, 2011, the Court granted the Company’s motion to compel arbitration of the Plaintiffs’ allegations. At this stage, it is not feasible to predict


9




ROBERT HALF INTERNATIONAL INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)—(Continued)
March 31, 2016
Note F— Commitments and Contingencies (continued)


the outcome of or a range of loss, should a loss occur, from these allegations and, accordingly, no amounts have been provided in the Company’s Financial Statements. The Company believes it has meritorious defenses to the allegations, and the Company intends to continue to vigorously defend against the allegations.
On March 13, 2014, Plaintiff Leonor Rodriguez, on her own behalf and on behalf of a putative class of allegedly similarly situated individuals, filed a complaint against the Company in the Superior Court of California, San Diego County. The complaint alleges that a putative class of current and former employees of the Company working in California since March 13, 2011 were denied compensation for the time they spent interviewing with clients of the Company as well as performing activities related to the interview process. Rodriguez seeks recovery on her own behalf and on behalf of the putative class in an unspecified amount for this allegedly unpaid compensation. Rodriguez also seeks recovery of an unspecified amount for the alleged failure of the Company to provide her and the putative class with accurate wage statements. Rodriguez also seeks an unspecified amount of other damages, attorneys’ fees, and statutory penalties, including but not limited to statutory penalties on behalf of herself and other allegedly “aggrieved employees” as defined by California’s Labor Code Private Attorney General Act (“PAGA”). On October 10, 2014, the Court granted a motion by the Company to compel all of Rodriguez’s claims, except the PAGA claim, to individual arbitration. At this stage of the litigation, it is not feasible to predict the outcome of or a range of loss, should a loss occur, from this proceeding and, accordingly, no amounts have been provided in the Company’s Financial Statements. The Company believes it has meritorious defenses to the allegations and the Company intends to continue to vigorously defend against the litigation.
On March 23, 2015, Plaintiff Jessica Gentry, on her own behalf and on behalf of a putative class of allegedly similarly situated individuals, filed a complaint against the Company in the Superior Court of California, San Francisco County, which was subsequently amended on October 23, 2015. The complaint, which was filed by the same plaintiffs’ law firm that brought the Rodriguez matter described above, alleges claims similar to those alleged in Rodriguez.  Specifically, the complaint alleges that a putative class of current and former employees of the Company working in California since March 13, 2010 were denied compensation for the time they spent interviewing “for temporary and permanent employment opportunities” as well as performing activities related to the interview process. Gentry seeks recovery on her own behalf and on behalf of the putative class in an unspecified amount for this allegedly unpaid compensation. Gentry also seeks recovery of an unspecified amount for the alleged failure of the Company to provide her and the putative class with accurate wage statements. Gentry also seeks an unspecified amount of other damages, attorneys’ fees, and statutory penalties, including penalties for allegedly not paying all wages due upon separation to former employees and statutory penalties on behalf of herself and other allegedly “aggrieved employees” as defined by PAGA. On January 4, 2016, the Court denied a motion by the Company to compel all of Gentry’s claims, except the PAGA claim, to individual arbitration. At this stage of the litigation, it is not feasible to predict the outcome of or a range of loss, should a loss occur, from this proceeding and, accordingly, no amounts have been provided in the Company’s Financial Statements. The Company believes it has meritorious defenses to the allegations and the Company intends to continue to vigorously defend against the litigation.
The Company is involved in a number of other lawsuits arising in the ordinary course of business. While management does not expect any of these other matters to have a material adverse effect on the Company’s results of operations, financial position or cash flows, litigation is subject to certain inherent uncertainties.
Legal costs associated with the resolution of claims, lawsuits and other contingencies are expensed as incurred.


10




ROBERT HALF INTERNATIONAL INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)—(Continued)
March 31, 20162017


Note G— Stockholders' Equity
Stock Repurchase Program. As of March 31, 2016,2017, the Company is authorized to repurchase, from time to time, up to 9.75.2 million additional shares of the Company’s common stock on the open market or in privately negotiated transactions, depending on market conditions. The number and the cost of common stock shares repurchased during the three months ended March 31, 20162017 and 2015,2016, are reflected in the following table (in thousands):
 Three Months Ended 
 March 31,
 Three Months Ended March 31,
 2016 2015 2017 2016
Common stock repurchased (in shares) 682
 481
 1,121
 682
Common stock repurchased $28,777
 $28,898
 $53,586
 $28,777
 
Additional stock repurchases were made in connection with employee stock plans, whereby Company shares were tendered by employees for the payment of exercise price and applicable statutory withholding taxes. The number and the cost of repurchases related to employee stock plan repurchasesplans made during the three months ended March 31, 20162017 and 2015,2016, are reflected in the following table (in thousands):
  Three Months Ended March 31, 
  2016 2015 
Employee stock plan repurchased (in shares) 59
 191
 
Employee stock plan repurchased $2,590
 $11,454
 
  Three Months Ended March 31,
  2017 2016
Repurchases related to employee stock plans (in shares) 304
 59
Repurchases related to employee stock plans $14,711
 $2,590
The repurchased shares are held in treasury and are presented as if constructively retired. Treasury stock is accounted for using the cost method. Repurchase activity for the three months ended March 31, 20162017 and 2015,2016, is presented in the unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity.
Repurchases of shares and issuances of cash dividends are applied first to the extent of retained earnings and any remaining amounts are applied to capital surplus.
Note H—Net Income Per Share
The calculation of net income per share for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015 is reflected in the following table (in thousands, except per share amounts):
 Three Months Ended 
 March 31,
 2016 2015
    
Net income$83,416
 $77,922
Basic:   
Weighted average shares129,281
 133,077
    
Diluted:   
Weighted average shares129,281
 133,077
Dilutive effect of potential common shares856
 1,209
Diluted weighted average shares130,137
 134,286
    
Net income per share:   
Basic$.65
 $.59
Diluted$.64
 $.58



11




ROBERT HALF INTERNATIONAL INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)—(Continued)
March 31, 20162017

Note H—Net Income Per Share

The calculation of net income per share for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016 is reflected in the following table (in thousands, except per share amounts):
 Three Months Ended March 31,
 2017 2016
    
Net income$78,521
 $83,416
Basic:   
Weighted average shares125,537
 129,281
    
Diluted:   
Weighted average shares125,537
 129,281
Dilutive effect of potential common shares881
 856
Diluted weighted average shares126,418
 130,137
    
Net income per share:   
Basic$.63
 $.65
Diluted$.62
 $.64
Note I—Business Segments
The Company, which aggregates its operating segments based on the nature of services, has three reportable segments: temporary and consultant staffing, permanent placement staffing, and risk consulting and internal audit services. The temporary and consultant staffing segment provides specialized staffing in the accounting and finance, administrative and office, information technology, legal, advertising, marketing and web design fields. The permanent placement staffing segment provides full-time personnel in the accounting, finance, administrative and office, and information technology fields. The risk consulting and internal audit services segment provides business and technology risk consulting and internal audit services.
The accounting policies of the segments are set forth in Note A—"Summary of Significant Accounting Policies”Policies" in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015.2016. The Company evaluates performance based on income from operations before net interest income, intangible amortization expense, and income taxes.


12




ROBERT HALF INTERNATIONAL INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)—(Continued)
March 31, 2017

The following table provides a reconciliation of revenue and operating income by reportable segment to consolidated results for the three months ended March 31, 20162017 and 20152016 (in thousands):

Three Months Ended March 31,Three Months Ended March 31,
2016 20152017 2016
Net service revenues      
Temporary and consultant staffing$1,009,165
 $943,518
$987,606
 $1,009,165
Permanent placement staffing106,289
 98,413
103,633
 106,289
Risk consulting and internal audit services187,171
 163,632
196,131
 187,171
$1,302,625
 $1,205,563
$1,287,370
 $1,302,625
Operating income      
Temporary and consultant staffing$97,883
 $92,801
$90,371
 $97,883
Permanent placement staffing21,502
 19,031
18,302
 21,502
Risk consulting and internal audit services14,513
 16,270
16,906
 14,513
133,898
 128,102
125,579
 133,898
Amortization of intangible assets288
 
301
 288
Interest income, net(181) (72)(223) (181)
Income before income taxes$133,791
 $128,174
$125,501
 $133,791
Note J—Subsequent Events
On May 4, 2016,3, 2017, the Company announced the following:
Quarterly dividend per share
$.22
.24
Declaration dateMay 4, 2016
3, 2017
Record dateMay 25, 2016
2017
Payment dateJune 15, 2016
2017



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ITEM 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Certain information contained in Management’s Discussion and Analysis and in other parts of this report may be deemed forward-looking statements regarding events and financial trends that may affect the Company’s future operating results or financial positions. These statements may be identified by words such as “estimate”, “forecast”, “project”, “plan”, “intend”, “believe”, “expect”, “anticipate”, or variations or negatives thereof or by similar or comparable words or phrases. Forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in the statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the following: the global financial and economic situation; changes in levels of unemployment and other economic conditions in the United States or foreign countries where the Company does business, or in particular regions or industries; reduction in the supply of candidates for temporary employment or the Company’s ability to attract candidates; the entry of new competitors into the marketplace or expansion by existing competitors; the ability of the Company to maintain existing client relationships and attract new clients in the context of changing economic or competitive conditions; the impact of competitive pressures, including any change in the demand for the Company’s services, on the Company’s ability to maintain its margins; the possibility of the Company incurring liability for its activities, including the activities of its temporary employees, or for events impacting its temporary employees on clients’ premises; the possibility that adverse publicity could impact the Company’s ability to attract and retain clients and candidates; the success of the Company in attracting, training, and retaining qualified management personnel and other staff employees; the Company’s ability to comply with governmental regulations affecting personnel services businesses in particular or employer/employee relationships in general; whether there will be ongoing demand for Sarbanes-Oxley or other regulatory compliance services; the Company’s reliance on short-term contracts for a significant percentage of its business; litigation relating to prior or current transactions or activities, including litigation that may be disclosed from time to time in the Company’s Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) filings; the ability of the Company to manage its international operations and comply with foreign laws and regulations; the impact of fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates; the possibility that the additional costs the Company will incur as a result of health care reform may adversely affect the Company’s profit margins or the demand for the Company’s services; the possibility that the Company’s computer and communications hardware and software systems could be damaged or their service interrupted; and the possibility that the Company may fail to maintain adequate financial and management controls and as a result suffer errors in its financial reporting. Additionally, with respect to Protiviti, other risks and uncertainties include the fact that future success will depend on its ability to retain employees and attract clients; there can be no assurance that there will be ongoing demand for Sarbanes-Oxley or other regulatory compliance services; failure to produce projected revenues could adversely affect financial results; and there is the possibility of involvement in litigation relating to prior or current transactions or activities. Because long-term contracts are not a significant part of the Company’s business, future results cannot be reliably predicted by considering past trends or extrapolating past results.
Executive Overview
Demand for the Company’s temporary and permanent placement staffing services and risk consulting and internal audit services is
largely dependent upon general economic and labor trends both domestically and abroad. Correspondingly, financial results forwhile the three months ended March 31, 2016 wereU.S. economic environment is largely stable, and the job market is strong, the hiring cycle remains uncharacteristically long as employers take more time to make hiring decisions, which has an adverse impact to revenue growth. Outside the U.S., demand was positively impacted by stable globalimproving economic conditions, largely driven by improvementsparticularly in the United States with more modest growth in the non-U.S. markets we serve.continental Europe. During the first quarter of 2016,2017, net service revenues grew to $1.30were $1.29 billion, an increasea decrease of 8%1% from the prior year. Net income increased 7%decreased 6% to $83$79 million and diluted net income per share increased 10%decreased 3% to $.64. All three of the Company's operating segments$.62. Revenue growth for temporary and permanent placement staffing was down 2%, while risk consulting and internal audit services experienced solid5% revenue growth led by Protiviti which increased 14% for the first quarter of 20162017 compared to the first quarter of last year.

We believe that the Company is well positioned in the current macroeconomic environment. The United States economic backdrop duringthroughout the first quarter of 20162017 was stable for the Company as real gross domestic product (GDP) grew 0.5% for the first quarter of 2016,0.7%, while the unemployment rate remained consistent at 5.0% at the end of the first quarter ofdeclined from 4.7% in December 2016 compared to December 2015.4.5% in March 2017. In the United States, the number of job openings has exceeded the number of hires since February 2015, creating competition for skilled talent that increases the Company's value to clients.

A number of professional occupations are nearing full employment, which is placing pressure on the supply of available talent and increasing our value to clients. The secular demand for temporary staffing is also ongoing. The number of temporary workers as a percentage of the overall U.S. workforce remains near an all-time high, a sign employers are building flexible staffing options into their human resource plans with increasing frequency.
Protiviti has successfully diversifiedbeen broadening its service offerings, built a loyalpractice areas and growing client base, and is seeing steady demand in all of its major consulting solutions. Protivitinow serves its clients in areas such asa wide range of consulting areas. These include business performance improvement; data management and advanced analytics; digital transformation; forensics; technology consulting; internal audit and financial advisory services,services; risk and compliance,compliance; and information technology consulting, among others.transaction services.


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We monitor various economic indicators and business trends in all of the countries in which we operate to anticipate
demand for the Company’s services. We evaluate these trends to determine the appropriate level of investment, including
personnel, which will best position the Company for success in the current and future global macroeconomic environment. The
Company’s investments in headcount are typically structured to proactively support and align with expected revenue growth
trends. As such, during the first quarter of 2016, we kept2017, temporary staffing, permanent placement staffing and risk consulting and internal audit headcount was relatively constantconsistent with prior year-end levels.



13



levels, with modest increases in targeted countries outside of the U.S.
We have limited visibility into future revenues not only due to the dependence on macroeconomic conditions noted
above, but also because of the relatively short duration of the Company’s client engagements. Accordingly, we typically assess
headcount and other investments on at least a quarterly basis.

That said, based on current trends and conditions, we expect headcount levels for our full-time staff to remain relatively flat for each of our reporting segments in the US, with modest headcount growth internationally as demand requires it, through the second quarter of 2017.
Capital expenditures for the three months ended March 31, 20162017 totaled $19$10 million, approximately 63%53% of which represented investments in software initiatives and technology infrastructure, both of which are important to the Company’s future growth opportunities. Major software initiatives includeWhile the upgrades to enterprise resource planning and project management applications and the continued implementation of a global customer relationship management application. Infrastructure and computer hardware initiatives for the first quarter of 2016 have focused on delivering mobile technologyCRM application are nearly complete, we continue to the Company's professional staff, upgrading data networks, and enhancing video capabilities and telecommunication systems. Our investmentsinvest in these and otherdigital technology initiatives are expecteddesigned to continue throughout 2016.enhance our service offerings to both clients and candidates. Capital expenditures also included amounts spent on tenant improvements and furniture and equipment in the Company's leased offices. The Company will have more lease expirations in 2016 than in 2015, so we expect higher capital expenditures related to tenant improvements. We currently expect that 20162017 capital expenditures will range from $90$55 million to $100$65 million.
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
The Company’s most critical accounting policies and estimates are those that involve subjective decisions or assessments and are included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015.2016. There were no material changes to the Company's accounting policies or estimates for the three months ended March 31, 2016.2017.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
See Note B—"New Accounting Pronouncements”Pronouncements" to the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included under Part I—Item 1 of this report.
Results of Operations
Demand for the Company’s temporary and permanent placement staffing services and risk consulting and internal audit services is largely dependent upon general economic and labor market conditions both domestically and abroad. All segments ofCorrespondingly, while the business contributedU.S. economic environment is largely stable, and the job market is strong, the hiring cycle remains uncharacteristically long as employers take more time to a solid quarter formake hiring decisions, which has an adverse impact to revenue growth. Outside the Company.U.S., demand was positively impacted by improving economic conditions, particularly in continental Europe. Because of the inherent difficulty in predicting economic trends and the absence of material long-term contracts in any of ourthe Company's business units, future demand for the Company’s services cannot be forecastedforecast with certainty. We believe the Company is well positioned in the current global macroeconomic environment.
The Company’s temporary and permanent placement staffing services business has 330325 offices in 42 states, the District of Columbia and 17 foreign countries, while Protiviti has 56 offices in 23 states and 11 foreign countries.
Non-GAAP Financial Measures
The financial results of the Company are prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("GAAP") and the rules of the SEC. To help readers understand the Company’s financial performance, the Company supplements its GAAP financial results with revenue growth rates derived from non-GAAP revenue amounts. Variations in the Company’s financial results include the impact of changes in foreign currency exchange rates and billing days. The Company provides “same billing days and constant currency” revenue growth calculations to remove the impact of these items. These calculations show the year-over-year revenue growth rates for the Company’s reportable segments on both a reported basis and also on a same day, constant-currency basis for global, U.S. and international operations. The Company has provided this data because management believes it better reflects the Company’s actual revenue growth rates and aids in evaluating revenue trends over time. The Company expresses year-over-year revenue changes as calculated percentages using the same number of billing days and constant currency exchange rates.


15



In order to calculate constant currency revenue growth rates, as reported amounts are retranslated using foreign currency exchange rates from the prior year’s comparable period. Management then calculates a global, weighted-average number of billing days for each reporting period based upon input from all countries and all lines of business. In order to remove the fluctuations caused by comparable periods having different billing days, the Company calculates same billing day revenue growth rates by dividing each comparative period’s reported revenues by the calculated number of billing days for that period to arrive at a per billing day amount. Same billing day growth rates are then calculated based upon the per billing day amounts. The term “same billing days and constant currency” means that the impact of different billing days has been removed from the constant currency calculation.


14



The non-GAAP financial measures provided herein may not provide information that is directly comparable to that provided by other companies in the Company’s industry, as other companies may calculate such financial results differently. The Company’s non-GAAP financial measures are not measurements of financial performance under GAAP, and should not be considered as alternatives to actual revenue growth derived from revenue amounts presented in accordance with GAAP. The Company does not consider these non-GAAP financial measures to be a substitute for, or superior to, the information provided by GAAP financial results. A reconciliation of the same-day, constant-currency revenue growth rates to the reported revenue growth rates is provided herein.
Refer to Item 3. "Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk" for further discussion of the impact of foreign currency exchange rates on the Company's results of operations and financial condition.

Three Months EndedMarch 31, 20162017 and 20152016
Revenues. The Company’s revenues were $1.29 billion for the three months ended March 31, 2017, decreasing by 1.2% compared to $1.30 billion for the three months ended March 31, 2016, compared to $1.21 billion2016. Revenues from foreign operations represented 20% of total revenues for the three months ended March 31, 2015. Revenues2017, up slightly from foreign operations represented 19% of total revenues for the three months ended March 31, 2016, compared to 20% for the three months ended March 31, 2015.2016. The Company analyzes its revenues for three reportable segments: temporary and consultant staffing, permanent placement staffing, and risk consulting and internal audit services. For the three months ended March 31, 20162017, revenue for risk consulting and internal audit services was up and revenues for each of the Company’s reportable segmentstemporary and consultant staffing and permanent placement staffing were updown compared to the same period in 2015. Results were2016. Revenue growth was strongest domestically with demand also improving in several other countries,internationally, most notably within Europe. Risk consulting and internal audit services continued to post strongpositive growth rates. Contributing factors for each reportable segment are discussed below in further detail.
Temporary and consultant staffing revenues were $988 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017, decreasing by 2.1% compared to revenues of $1.01 billion for the three months ended March 31, 2016, increasing by 7.0% compared to revenues of $944 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015.2016. Key drivers of temporary and consultant staffing services revenues include average hourly bill rates and the number of hours worked by the Company’s temporary employees on client engagements. On a same-day, constant-currency basis, temporary and consultant staffing revenues increased 6.7%decreased 2.8% for the first quarter of 20162017 compared to the first quarter of 2015,2016, due primarily to a 4.7% increase in average bill rates and inclusive of an increase in the number offewer hours worked by the Company's temporary employees.employees, partially offset by a 3.7% increase in average bill rates. In the U.S., revenues in the first quarter of 2016 increased 8.5%, or 7.3%2017 decreased 4.4% on an as reported basis and 5.6% on a same-day basis, compared to the first quarter of 2015.2016. For the Company’s international operations, 20162017 first quarter revenues increased 0.5%, or 4.5%8.1% on an as reported basis and 9.4% on a same-day, constant-currency basis, compared to the first quarter of 2015.2016.
Permanent placement staffing revenues were $104 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017, decreasing by 2.5% compared to revenues of $106 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016, increasing by 8.0% compared to revenues of $98 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015.2016. Key drivers of permanent placement staffing revenues consist of the number of candidate placements and average fees earned per placement. On a same-day, constant-currency basis, permanent placement staffing revenues increased 8.6%decreased 3.1% for the first quarter of 20162017 compared to the first quarter of 2015,2016. The decrease in as reported revenue was driven primarily by an increasea decrease in the number of placements. In the U.S., revenues for the first quarter of 2016 increased 12.9%, or 11.6%2017 decreased 6.4% on an as reported basis and 7.6% on a same-day basis, compared to the first quarter of 2015.2016. For the Company’s international operations, revenues for the first quarter of 2016 decreased 2.8%, but2017 increased 7.6% on an as reported basis and 8.4% on a same-day, constant-currency basis, increased 2.0%, compared to the first quarter of 2015.2016. Historically, demand for permanent placement staffing is even more sensitive to economic and labor market conditions than demand for temporary and consultingconsultant staffing services and this is expected to continue.
Risk consulting and internal audit services revenues were $196 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017, increasing by 4.8% compared to revenues of $187 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016, increasing by 14.4% compared to revenues of $164 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015.2016. Key drivers of risk consulting and internal audit services revenues are the billable hours worked by consultants on client engagements and average hourly bill rates. On a same-day, constant-currency basis, risk consulting and internal audit services revenues increased 13.7%4.2% for the first quarter of 20162017 compared to the first quarter of 2015,2016, due primarily to an increaseincreases in billablenumber of hours worked.worked and


16



average hourly bill rates. In the U.S., revenues in the first quarter of 20162017 increased 16.2%, or 14.9%4.8% on an as reported basis and 3.6% on a same-day basis, compared to the first quarter of 2015.2016. Contributing to the U.S. increase was continued growth in services related to the internal audit and financial advisory solution and risk and compliance and information technology consulting.solution. The Company’s risk consulting and internal audit services revenues from international operations increased 5.4%,4.5% on an as reported basis and 7.2% on a same-day, constant-currency basis, increased 8.0%, compared to the first quarter of 2015.


15



2016.
A reconciliation of the non-GAAP year-over-year revenue growth rates to the as reported year-over-year revenue growth rates for the three months ended March 31, 2016,2017, is presented in the following table:
 Global United States InternationalGlobal United States International
Temporary and consultant staffing               
As Reported 7.0 % 8.5 % 0.5 % -2.1% -4.4% 8.1% 
Billing Days Impact -1.3 % -1.2 % -1.2 % -1.2% -1.2% -1.4% 
Currency Impact 1.0 % 
 5.2 % 0.5%   2.7% 
Same Billing Days and Constant Currency 6.7 % 7.3 % 4.5 % -2.8% -5.6% 9.4% 
Permanent placement staffing              
As Reported 8.0 % 12.9 % -2.8 % -2.5% -6.4% 7.6% 
Billing Days Impact -1.2 % -1.3 % -1.1 % -1.2% -1.2% -1.3% 
Currency Impact 1.8 % 
 5.9 % 0.6%   2.1% 
Same Billing Days and Constant Currency 8.6 % 11.6 % 2.0 % -3.1% -7.6% 8.4% 
Risk consulting and internal audit services              
As Reported 14.4 % 16.2 % 5.4 % 4.8% 4.8% 4.5% 
Billing Days Impact -1.4 % -1.3 % -1.3 % -1.2% -1.2% -1.3% 
Currency Impact 0.7 % 
 3.9 % 0.6%   4.0% 
Same Billing Days and Constant Currency 13.7 % 14.9 % 8.0 % 4.2% 3.6% 7.2% 
Gross Margin. The Company’s gross margin dollars were $526 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017, decreasing by 1.2% compared to $532 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016, increasing by 7.7% compared to $494 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015. In the first quarter of 2016, gross margin dollars increased for all three of the Company’s reportable segments compared to the first quarter of 2015.2016. Contributing factors for each reportable segment are discussed below in further detail.
Gross margin dollars from the Company’s temporary and consultant staffing represent revenues less direct costs of services, which consist of payroll, payroll taxes and benefit costs for temporary employees, and reimbursable expenses. The key drivers of gross margin are: i) pay/billpay-bill spreads, which represent the differential between wages paid to temporary employees and amounts billed to clients; ii) fringe costs, which are primarily composed of payroll taxes and benefit costs for temporary and consultant staffing employees; and iii) conversion revenues, which are earned when a temporary position converts to a permanent position with the Company's client. Gross margin dollars for the Company’s temporary and consultant staffing division were $369 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017, decreasing 1.4% compared to $375 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016, up 7.4% compared to $349 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015.2016. As a percentage of revenues, gross margin for temporary and consultant staffing was 37.4% in the first quarter of 2017, up slightly from 37.1% in the first quarter of 2016, up slightly from 37.0%2016. This year-over-year improvement in the first quarter of 2015.gross margin percentage is primarily attributable to higher pay-bill spreads.
Gross margin dollars from permanent placement staffing represent revenues less reimbursable expenses. Gross margin dollars for the Company’s permanent placement staffing division were $104 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017, decreasing 2.6% from $106 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016, compared to $98 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015.2016. Because reimbursable expenses for permanent placement staffing are de minimis, gross margin dollars are substantially explained by revenues previously discussed.
Gross margin dollars for risk consulting and internal audit services represent revenues less direct costs of services, which consist primarily of professional staff payroll, payroll taxes, benefit costs and reimbursable expenses. The primary drivers of risk consulting and internal audit services gross margin are: i) the relative composition of and number of professional staff and their respective pay and bill rates; and ii) staff utilization, which is the relationship of time spent on client engagements in proportion to the total time available for the Company’s risk consulting and internal audit services staff. Gross margin dollars for the Company’s risk consulting and internal audit division were $53 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017, increasing 3.5% compared to $51 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016, up 8.8% compared to $47 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015.2016. As a percentage of revenues, gross margin for risk consulting and internal audit services in the first quarter of 2016 was 27.4%27.0%, down slightly from 28.8%27.4% in the


17



first quarter of 2015.2016. The slight decline in the first quarter of 20162017 gross margin compared to the first quarter of 20152016 was primarily due to an increase in pay rates for professional staff an increase in investment in hiring and slightly lower staff utilization.utilization rates.
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses. The Company's selling, general and administrative expenses consist primarily of staff compensation, advertising, depreciation and occupancy costs. The Company’s selling, general and administrative expenses were $400 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017, increasing 0.5% from $398 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016, up 8.8% from $366 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015.2016. As a percentage of revenues, the Company’s selling, general and administrative expenses were 31.1% for the first quarter of 2017, up from 30.6% for the first quarter of 2016, up from 30.4% for the first quarter of 2015. In the first quarter of 2016, selling,


16



general and administrative expenses increased for all three of the Company's reportable segments compared to the first quarter of 2015. As percentage of revenue, selling, general and administrative expenses for the Company's permanent placement staffing division decreased in the first quarter of 2016 compared to the first quarter of 2015, however for the temporary and consulting staffing and risk consulting and internal audit services divisions, selling, general and administrative expenses increased as percentage of revenue.2016. Contributing factors for each reportable segment are discussed below in further detail.
Selling, general and administrative expenses for the Company’s temporary and consultant staffing division were $279 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017, increasing 0.8% from $277 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016, up 8.1% from $256 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015.2016. As a percentage of revenues, selling, general and administrative expenses for temporary and consultant staffing were 28.2% in the first quarter of 2017, up from 27.4% in the first quarter of 2016 up slightly from 27.1% in the first quarter of 2015 due primarily to costs related to infrastructure improvements.increases in staff compensation costs.
Selling, general and administrative expenses for the Company’s permanent placement staffing division were $85 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017, increasing by 0.6% compared to $84 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016, increasing by 6.9% compared to $79 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015.2016. As a percentage of revenues, selling, general and administrative expenses for permanent placement staffing were 82.1% in the first quarter of 2017, up from 79.6% in the first quarter of 2016 down from 80.5%due primarily to an increase in the first quarter of 2015. For the first quarter of 2016 compared to the first quarter of 2015, the decrease in selling, general and administrative expenses as a percentage of revenue is primarily due to a decrease in field staffingstaff compensation as a percentage of revenue.costs.
Selling, general and administrative expenses for the Company’s risk consulting and internal audit services division were $36 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017, decreasing by 1.6% compared to $37 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016, increasing by 19.2% compared to $31 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015.2016. As a percentage of revenues, selling, general and administrative expenses for risk consulting and internal audit services were 18.4% in the first quarter of 2017, down from 19.6% in the first quarter of 2016 up from 18.8% in the first quarter of 2015. For the first quarter of 2016 compared to the first quarter of 2015, the increase in selling, general and administrative expenses as a percentage of revenue isdue primarily due to an increaseimprovement in administrative compensation.leverage resulting from increased revenue.
Operating Income. The Company’s total operating income was $126 million, or 9.8% of revenues, for the three months ended March 31, 2017, down from $134 million, or 10.3% of revenues, for the three months ended March 31, 2016, increasing by 4.5% from $128 million, or 10.6% of revenues, for the three months ended March 31, 2015.2016. For the Company’s temporary and consultant staffing division, operating income was $90 million, or 9.2% of applicable revenues, down from $98 million, or 9.7% of applicable revenues, up from $93 million, or 9.8% of applicable revenues, in the first quarter of 2015.2016. For the Company’s permanent placement staffing division, operating income was $21$19 million, or 20.2%17.7% of applicable revenues, updown from an operating income of $19$21 million, or 19.3%20.2% of applicable revenues, in the first quarter of 2015.2016. For the Company’s risk consulting and internal audit services division, operating income was $15$17 million, or 7.8%8.6% of applicable revenues, downup from an operating income of $16$15 million, or 9.9%7.8% of applicable revenues, in the first quarter of 2015.2016.
Provision for income taxes. The provision for income taxes was 37.7%37.4% and 39.2%37.7% for the three months ended March 31, 20162017 and 2015,2016, respectively. The slightly lower tax rate is primarily due to foreign investment elections thatthe impact from restricted stock vesting at an average price higher than the provision positively comparedaverage fair market value of the grants, pursuant to the same periodstock compensation accounting guidance adopted in 2015.the first quarter of 2017.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
The change in the Company’s liquidity during the three months ended March 31, 20162017 and 20152016 is primarily the net effect of funds generated by operations and the funds used for capital expenditures, repurchases of common stock and payment of dividends.
Cash and cash equivalents were $214$260 million and $261$214 million at March 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. Operating activities provided $124 million during the three months ended March 31, 2017, which was offset by $15 million and 2015,$111 million of net cash used in investing activities and financing activities, respectively. Operating activities provided $78 million during the three months ended March 31, 2016, which was partially offset by $24 million and $69 million of net cash used in investing activities and financing activities, respectively. Operating activities provided $84 million during the three months ended March 31, 2015, which was partially offset by $21 million and $81 million of net cash used in investing activities and financing activities, respectively.
Operating activities—Net cash provided by operating activities for the three months ended March 31, 2017, was composed of net income of $79 million, adjusted upward for non-cash items of $38 million and cash provided by changes in working capital of $7 million. Net cash provided by operating activities for the three months ended March 31, 2016, was composedcomprised of net income of $83 million, adjusted upward for non-cash items of $26 million, and offset by net cash used in changes in working capital of $31 million.


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Investing activities—Net cash provided by operatingused in investing activities for the three months ended March 31, 2015,2017, was comprised$15 million. This was composed of net incomecapital expenditures of $78 million, adjusted upward for non-cash items of $28$10 million and offset by changes in working capitaldeposits to trusts for employee deferred compensation plans of $22$5 million.
Investing activities—Net cash used in investing activities for the three months ended March 31, 2016, was $24 million. This was composedcomprised of capital expenditures of $19 million and deposits to trusts for employee deferred compensationbenefits and retirement plans of $5 million.


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$5 million. Financing activities—Net cash used in investingfinancing activities for the three months ended March 31, 2015,2017, was $21$111 million. This was comprisedincluded repurchases of capital expenditures of $13$81 million in common stock and deposits$30 million in cash dividends to trusts for employee benefits and retirement plans of $8 million.
Financing activities—stockholders. Net cash used in financing activities for the three months ended March 31, 2016, was $69 million. This included repurchases of $40 million in common stock and $29 million in cash dividends to stockholders. Net cash used in financing activities for the three months ended March 31, 2015, was $81 million. This included repurchases of $59 million in common stock and $27 million in cash dividends to stockholders, offset by $4 million in excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation and proceeds of $1 million from exercises of stock options.
As of March 31, 2016,2017, the Company is authorized to repurchase, from time to time, up to 9.75.2 million additional shares of the Company’s common stock on the open market or in privately negotiated transactions, depending on market conditions. During the three months ended March 31, 20162017 and 2015,2016, the Company repurchased 0.71.1 million shares, at a cost of $54 million, and 0.50.7 million shares of common stock, at a cost of $29 million, on the open market, for a total cost of $29 million in both periods.respectively. Additional stock repurchases were made in connection with employee stock plans, whereby Company shares were tendered by employees for the payment of exercise price and applicable statutory withholding taxes. During the three months ended March 31, 20162017 and 2015,2016, such repurchases totaled 0.3 million shares, at a cost of $15 million, and 0.1 million shares, at a cost of $3 million, and 0.2 million shares, at a cost of $11 million, respectively. Repurchases of shares have been funded with cash generated from operations.
The Company’s working capital at March 31, 2016,2017, included $214$260 million in cash and cash equivalents. The Company expects that internally generated cash will be sufficient to support the working capital needs of the Company, the Company’s fixed payments, dividends, and other obligations on both a short-term and long-term basis.
On May 4, 2016,3, 2017, the Company announced a quarterly dividend of $.22$.24 per share to be paid to all shareholders of record as of May 25, 2016.2017. The dividend will be paid on June 15, 2016.2017.
ITEM 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
Because a portion of the Company’s net revenues are derived from its operations outside the U.S. and are denominated in local currencies, the Company is exposed to the impact of foreign currency fluctuations. The Company's exposure to foreign currency exchange rates relates primarily to the Company's foreign subsidiaries. Exchange rates impact the U.S. dollar value of the Company’s reported revenues, expenses, earnings, assets and liabilities.
For the three months ended March 31, 2016,2017, approximately 19%20% of the Company’s revenues were generated outside of the United States. These operations transact business in their functional currency, which is the same as their local currency. As a result, fluctuations in the value of foreign currencies against the U.S. dollar, particularly the Canadian dollar, British pound, Euro, and Australian dollar, have an impact on the Company’s reported results. Under GAAP, revenues and expenses denominated in foreign currencies are translated into U.S. dollars at the monthly average exchange rates prevailing during the period. Consequently, as the value of the U.S. dollar changes relative to the currencies of the Company’s non-U.S. markets, the Company’s reported results vary.
During the first three months of 2016,2017, the U.S. dollar fluctuated, but generally strengthened, against the primary currencies in which the Company conducts business, compared to one year ago. Currency exchange rates had the effect of decreasing reported net service revenues by $12$7 million, or 1%, in the first quarter of 20162017 compared to the same period one year ago. The general strengthening of the U.S. dollar also affected the reported level of expenses incurred in our foreign operations. Because substantially all our foreign operations generated revenues and incurred expenses within the same country and currency, the favorable effect of lower reported operating expenses largely offset the decline in reported revenues. Reported net income was lower by $0.2 million, or 0.2%, lower in the first quarter of 20162017 compared to the same period one year ago due to the effect of currency exchange rates.
For the one month ended April 30, 2016,2017, the U.S. dollar has strengthened against the Australian Dollar and Canadian Dollar but weakened against the Euro, British Pound and Canadian Dollar since March 31, 2016.Euro. If currency exchange rates were to remain at April 2016March 2017 levels throughout the remainder of 2016,2017, the exchange rate impact on the Company’s 20162017 full-year reported revenues and operating expenses would be slightly unfavorablenearly flat compared to full year 2015 results, mostly offset by a favorable impact to operating expenses.2016 results. Thus, the impact to reported net income, should current trends continue, would likely be immaterial.
Fluctuations in currency exchange rates impact the U.S. dollar amount of the Company’s stockholders’ equity. The assets and liabilities of the Company’s non-U.S. subsidiaries are translated into U.S. dollars at the exchange rates in effect at period


19



end. The resulting translation adjustments are recorded in stockholders’ equity as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income. Although currency fluctuations impact the Company’s reported results and shareholders’ equity, such fluctuations generally do not affect cash flow or result in actual economic gains or losses. The Company generally has few


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cross-border transfers of funds, except for transfers to the U.S. for payment of intercompany loans, working capital loans made between the U.S. and the Company’s foreign subsidiaries, and dividends from the Company’s foreign subsidiaries.
ITEM 4. Controls and Procedures
Management, including the Company’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer and the Vice Chairman and Chief Financial Officer, evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based upon that evaluation, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer and the Vice Chairman and Chief Financial Officer concluded that the disclosure controls and procedures were effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the reports the Company files and submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the rules and forms of the Securities and Exchange Commission and that information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to the Company’s management, including its principal executive and principal financial officers, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
There have been no changes in the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting identified in connection with the evaluation required by Rule 13a-15 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 that occurred during the Company’s last fiscal quarter that materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.



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PART II—OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 1. Legal Proceedings
There have been no material developments with regard to the legal proceedings previously disclosed in the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015.2016.
ITEM 1A. Risk Factors
There have not been any material changes with regard to the risk factors previously disclosed in the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015.2016.
ITEM 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
  
Total
Number
of Shares
Purchased
   
Average
Price Paid
per Share
 
Total
Number of
Shares
Purchased
as Part of
Publicly
Announced
Plans
 
Maximum
Number of
Shares that May
Yet Be
Purchased
Under Publicly
Announced
Plans (c)
January 1, 2016 to January 31, 2016 58,585
 (a)  $43.77
 
 10,412,594
February 1, 2016 to February 29, 2016 164,233
 
 $39.16
 164,233
 10,248,361
March 1, 2016 to March 31, 2016 518,461
 (b)  $43.15
 517,841
 9,730,520
Total January 1, 2016 to March 31, 2016 741,279
      682,074
  
  
Total
Number
of Shares
Purchased
   
Average
Price Paid
per Share
 
Total
Number of
Shares
Purchased
as Part of
Publicly
Announced
Plans
 
Maximum
Number of
Shares that May
Yet Be
Purchased
Under Publicly
Announced
Plans (d)
January 1, 2017 to January 31, 2017 76,581
 (a) $46.80
 17,204
 6,349,383
February 1, 2017 to February 28, 2017 451,799
 (b) $47.57
 423,361
 5,926,022
March 1, 2017 to March 31, 2017 895,850
 (c) $48.25
 679,896
 5,246,126
Total January 1, 2017 to March 31, 2017 1,424,230
      1,120,461
  
  
(a)RepresentsIncludes 59,377 shares repurchased in connection with employee stock plans, whereby Company shares were tendered by employees for the payment of applicable withholding taxes and/or exercise price.
(b)Includes 62028,438 shares repurchased in connection with employee stock plans, whereby Company shares were tendered by employees for the payment of applicable withholding taxes and/or exercise price.
(c)Includes 215,954 shares repurchased in connection with employee stock plans, whereby Company shares were tendered by employees for the payment of applicable withholding taxes and/or exercise price.
(d)Commencing in October 1997, the Company's Board of Directors has, at various times, authorized the repurchase, from time to time, of the Company's common stock on the open market or in privately negotiated transactions depending on market conditions. Since plan inception, a total of 108,000,000 shares have been authorized for repurchase of which 98,269,480102,753,874 shares have been repurchased as of March 31, 2016.2017.


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ITEM 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities
None.
ITEM 4. Mine Safety Disclosure
Not applicable.


21



ITEM 5. Other Information
None.
ITEM 6. Exhibits
3.1Restated Certificate of Incorporation, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended March 31, 2009.
  
3.2Amended and Restated By-Laws, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to Registrant’s AnnualQuarterly Report on Form 10-K10-Q for the fiscal yearquarter ended December 31, 2003.June 30, 2016.
  
31.1Rule 13a-14(a) Certification of Chief Executive Officer.
  
31.2Rule 13a-14(a) Certification of Chief Financial Officer.
  
32.1Section 1350 Certification of Chief Executive Officer.
  
32.2Section 1350 Certification of Chief Financial Officer.
  
101.1Part I, Item 1 of this Form 10-Q formatted in XBRL.


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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
 
ROBERT HALF INTERNATIONAL INC.
(Registrant)
  
 
/S/    M. KEITH WADDELL        
 
M. Keith Waddell
Vice Chairman, President and Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial Officer and
duly authorized signatory)
Date: May 6, 20165, 2017


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