| Overview and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies) | 12 Months Ended |
| Dec. 31, 2018 |
| Organization Consolidation And Presentation Of Financial Statements [Abstract] | |
| Business | Business — Sykes Enterprises, Incorporated and consolidated subsidiaries (“SYKES” or the “Company”) is a leading provider of multichannel demand generation and global customer engagement services. SYKES provides differentiated full lifecycle customer engagement solutions and services primarily to Global 2000 companies and their end customers principally within the financial services, communications, technology, transportation & leisure, healthcare and other industries. SYKES primarily provides customer engagement solutions and services with an emphasis on inbound multichannel demand generation, customer service and technical support to its clients’ customers. Utilizing SYKES’ integrated onshore/offshore global delivery model, SYKES provides its services through multiple communication channels including phone, e-mail, social media, text messaging, chat and digital self-service. SYKES also provides various enterprise support services in the United States that include services for its clients’ internal support operations, from technical staffing services to outsourced corporate help desk services. In Europe, SYKES also provides fulfillment services, which include order processing, payment processing, inventory control, product delivery and product returns handling. Additionally, through the Company’s acquisition of robotic processing automation (“RPA”) provider Symphony Ventures Ltd (“Symphony”) coupled with our investment in artificial intelligence (“AI”) through XSell Technologies, Inc. (“XSell”) , the Company also provides a suite of solutions such as consulting, implementation, hosting and managed services that optimizes its differentiated full lifecycle management services platform. The Company has operations in two reportable segments entitled (1) the Americas, in which the client base is primarily companies in the United States that are using the Company’s services to support their customer management needs, which includes the United States, Canada, Latin America, Australia and the Asia Pacific Rim; and (2) EMEA, which includes Europe, the Middle East and Africa. U.S. 2017 Tax Reform Act On December 20, 2017, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “2017 Tax Reform Act”) was approved by Congress and received presidential approval on December 22, 2017. In general, the 2017 Tax Reform Act reduced the United States (“U.S.”) corporate income tax rate from 35% to 21%, effective in 2018. The 2017 Tax Reform Act moved from a worldwide business taxation approach to a participation exemption regime. The 2017 Tax Reform Act also imposed base-erosion prevention measures on non-U.S. earnings of U.S. entities, as well as a one-time mandatory deemed repatriation tax on accumulated non-U.S. earnings. The impact of the 2017 Tax Reform Act on the consolidated financial results began with the fourth quarter of 2017, the period of enactment. This impact, along with the transitional taxes discussed in Note 20, Income Taxes, is reflected in the Other segment. Acquisitions On November 1, 2018, the Company completed the acquisition of Symphony, pursuant to a definitive Share Purchase Agreement (the “Symphony Purchase Agreement”) entered into on October 18, 2018 (the “Symphony acquisition”). The Company has reflected Symphony’s results in its consolidated financial statements in the EMEA segment since November 1, 2018. On July 9, 2018, the Company completed the acquisition of WhistleOut Pty Ltd and WhistleOut Inc. (together, “WhistleOut”), pursuant to a definitive Share Sale Agreement (the “WhistleOut Sale Agreement”). The Company has reflected WhistleOut’s results in its consolidated financial statements in the Americas segment since July 9, 2018. In May 2017, the Company completed the acquisition of certain assets of a Global 2000 telecommunications services provider, pursuant to a definitive Asset Purchase Agreement (the “Telecommunications Asset Acquisition Purchase Agreement”) entered into on April 24, 2017 (the “Telecommunications Asset acquisition”). The Company has reflected the Telecommunications Asset acquisition’s results in its consolidated financial statements in the Americas segment since May 31, 2017. In April 2016, the Company completed the acquisition of Clear Link Holdings, LLC (“Clearlink”), pursuant to a definitive Agreement and Plan of Merger (the “Merger Agreement”), dated March 6, 2016. The Company has reflected Clearlink’s results in its consolidated financial statements in the Americas segment since April 1, 2016. The Company’s acquisitions during 2017 and 2018 were immaterial to the Company individually and in the aggregate. See Note 3, Acquisitions, for additional information. |
| Principles of Consolidation | Principles of Consolidation — The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of SYKES and its wholly-owned subsidiaries and controlled majority-owned subsidiaries. Investments in less than majority-owned subsidiaries in which the Company does not have a controlling interest, but does have significant influence, are accounted for as equity method investments. All intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation. |
| Use of Estimates | Use of Estimates — The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“generally accepted accounting principles” or “U.S. GAAP”) requires the Company 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. Actual results could differ from those estimates. |
| Subsequent Events | Subsequent Events — Subsequent events or transactions have been evaluated through the date and time of issuance of the consolidated financial statements. On February 14, 2019, the Company entered into a new credit agreement. See Note 18, Borrowings, for further information. There were no other material subsequent events that required recognition or disclosure in the accompanying consolidated financial statements. |
| Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash | Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted cash — Cash and cash equivalents consist of cash and highly liquid short-term investments, primarily held in non-interest-bearing investments which have original maturities of less than 90 days. Cash in the amount of $128.7 million and $343.7 million at December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively, was primarily held in non-interest bearing accounts. Cash and cash equivalents of $115.7 million and $335.1 million at December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively, were held in international operations. Most of these funds will not be subject to additional taxes if repatriated to the United States. There are circumstances where the Company may be unable to repatriate some of the cash and cash equivalents held by its international operations due to country restrictions. Restricted cash includes cash whereby the Company’s ability to use the funds at any time is contractually limited or is generally designated for specific purposes arising out of certain contractual or other obligations. The following table provides a reconciliation of cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash reported in the Consolidated Balance Sheets that sum to the amounts reported in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (in thousands):
December 31,
2018
2017
2016
2015
Cash and cash equivalents
$
128,697
$
343,734
$
266,675
$
235,358
Restricted cash included in "Other current assets"
149
154
160
207
Restricted cash included in "Deferred charges and other assets"
1,385
917
759
680
$
130,231
$
344,805
$
267,594
$
236,245 |
| Allowance for Doubtful Accounts | Allowance for Doubtful Accounts — The Company maintains allowances for doubtful accounts on trade account receivables for estimated losses arising from the inability of its customers to make required payments. The Company’s estimate is based on qualitative and quantitative analyses, including credit risk measurement tools and methodologies using publicly available credit and capital market information, a review of the current status of the Company’s trade accounts receivable and the historical collection experience of the Company’s clients. It is reasonably possible that the Company’s estimate of the allowance for doubtful accounts will change if the financial condition of the Company’s customers were to deteriorate, resulting in a reduced ability to make payments. |
| Property and Equipment | Property and Equipment — Property and equipment is recorded at cost and depreciated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the respective assets. Improvements to leased premises are amortized over the shorter of the related lease term or the estimated useful lives of the improvements. Cost and related accumulated depreciation on assets retired or disposed of are removed from the accounts and any resulting gains or losses are credited or charged to income. The Company capitalizes certain costs incurred, if any, to internally develop software upon the establishment of technological feasibility. Costs incurred prior to the establishment of technological feasibility are expensed as incurred. The carrying value of property and equipment to be held and used is evaluated for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable in accordance with ASC 360, Property, Plant and Equipment |
| Rent Expense | Rent Expense — The Company has entered into operating lease agreements, some of which contain provisions for future rent increases, rent free periods, or periods in which rent payments are reduced. The total amount of the rental payments due over the lease term is being charged to rent expense on the straight-line method over the term of the lease in accordance with ASC 840, Leases. |
| Goodwill | Goodwill — The Company accounts for goodwill and other intangible assets under ASC 350, Intangibles — Goodwill and Other (“ASC 350”). The Company expects to receive future benefits from previously acquired goodwill over an indefinite period of time. For goodwill and other intangible assets with indefinite lives not subject to amortization, the Company reviews goodwill and intangible assets for impairment at least annually in the third quarter, and more frequently in the presence of certain circumstances. The Company has the option to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether the existence of events or circumstances leads to a determination that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. The Company may elect to forgo this option and proceed to the quantitative goodwill impairment test. If the Company elects to perform the qualitative assessment and it indicates that a significant decline to fair value of a reporting unit is more likely than not, or if a reporting unit’s fair value has historically been closer to its carrying value, or the Company elects to forgo this qualitative assessment, the Company will proceed to the quantitative goodwill impairment test where the fair value of a reporting unit is calculated based on discounted future probability-weighted cash flows. If the quantitative goodwill impairment test indicates that the carrying value of a reporting unit is in excess of its fair value, the Company will recognize an impairment loss for the amount by which the carrying value exceeds the reporting unit’s fair value, not to exceed the total amount of goodwill allocated to that reporting unit. |
| Intangible Assets | Intangible Assets — Definite-lived intangible assets, primarily customer relationships, are amortized using the straight-line method over their estimated useful lives which approximate the pattern in which the economic benefits of the assets are consumed. The Company periodically evaluates the recoverability of intangible assets and takes into account events or changes in circumstances that warrant revised estimates of useful lives or that indicate that impairment exists. Fair value for intangible assets is based on discounted cash flows, market multiples and/or appraised values, as appropriate. |
| Income Taxes | Income Taxes — The Company accounts for income taxes under ASC 740, Income Taxes (“ASC 740”) which requires recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities to reflect tax consequences of differences between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and their reported amounts in the accompanying consolidated financial statements. Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance if, based on the weight of available evidence, both positive and negative, for each respective tax jurisdiction, it is more likely than not that the deferred tax assets will not be realized in accordance with the criteria of ASC 740 . Valuation allowances are established against deferred tax assets due to an uncertainty of realization. Valuation allowances are reviewed each period on a tax jurisdiction by tax jurisdiction basis to analyze whether there is sufficient positive or negative evidence, in accordance with criteria of ASC 740, to support a change in judgment about the ability to realize the related deferred tax assets. Uncertainties regarding expected future income in certain jurisdictions could affect the realization of deferred tax assets in those jurisdictions. The Company 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 in accordance with ASC 740 ASC 740 |
| Self-Insurance Programs | Self-Insurance Programs — The Company self-insures for certain levels of workers' compensation and self-funds the medical, prescription drug and dental benefit plans in the United States. Estimated costs are accrued at the projected settlements for known and anticipated claims. Amounts related to these self-insurance programs are included in “Accrued employee compensation and benefits” and “Other long-term liabilities” in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets. |
| Deferred Grants | Deferred Grants — Recognition of income associated with grants for land and the acquisition of property, buildings and equipment (together, “property grants”) is deferred until after the completion and occupancy of the building and title has passed to the Company, and the funds have been released from escrow. The deferred amounts for both land and building are amortized and recognized as a reduction of depreciation expense over the corresponding useful lives of the related assets. Amounts received in excess of the cost of the building are allocated to the cost of equipment and, only after the grants are released from escrow, recognized as a reduction of depreciation expense over the weighted average useful life of the related equipment, which approximates five years. Upon sale of the related facilities, any deferred grant balance is recognized in full and is included in the gain on sale of property and equipment. The Company receives government employment grants as an incentive to create and maintain permanent employment positions for a specified time period. These grants are repayable, under certain terms and conditions, if the Company's relevant employment levels do not meet or exceed the employment levels set forth in the grant agreements. Accordingly, grant monies received are deferred and amortized primarily as a reduction to “Direct salaries and related costs” using the proportionate performance model over the required employment period. The Company receives government lease grants as an incentive for leasing space at specific locations or locating engagement centers in a government’s jurisdiction. These grants are repayable under certain terms and conditions, as set forth in the grant agreements. Accordingly, grant monies received are deferred and amortized primarily as a reduction to rent expense included in “General and administrative” over the required lease period. |
| Investments in Equity Method Investees | Investments in Equity Method Investees — The Company uses the equity method to account for investments in companies if the investment provides the ability to exercise significant influence, but not control, over operating and financial policies of the investee. The Company’s proportionate share of the net income or loss of an equity method investment is included in consolidated net income. Judgment regarding the level of influence over an equity method investment includes considering key factors such as the Company’s ownership interest, representation on the board of directors, participation in policy-making decisions and material intercompany transactions. The Company evaluates an equity method investment for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the investment might not be recoverable. Factors considered by the Company when reviewing an equity method investment for impairment include the length of time (duration) and the extent (severity) to which the fair value of the equity method investment has been less than cost, the investee’s financial condition and near-term prospects, and the intent and ability to hold the investment for a period of time sufficient to allow for anticipated recovery. An impairment that is other-than-temporary is recognized in the period identified. As of December 31, 2018 and 2017, the Company did not identify any instances where the carrying values of its equity method investments were not recoverable. In July 2017, the Company made a strategic investment of $10.0 million in XSell for 32.8% of XSell’s preferred stock. The Company is incorporating XSell’s machine learning and AI algorithms into its business. The Company believes this will increase the sales performance of its agents to drive revenue for its clients, improve the experience of the Company’s clients’ end customers and enhance brand loyalty, reduce the cost of customer care and leverage analytics and machine learning to source the best agents and improve their performance. The Company’s net investment in XSell of $9.2 million and $9.8 million was included in “Deferred charges and other assets” in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. The Company’s investment was paid in two installments of $5.0 million, one in July 2017 and one in August 2018. The Company’s proportionate share of XSell’s income (loss) of $(0.7) million and $(0.1) million was included in “Other income (expense), net” in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. |
| Customer-Acquisition Advertising Costs | Customer-Acquisition Advertising Costs — The Company’s advertising costs are expensed as incurred. Total advertising costs included in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations were as follows (in thousands):
Years Ended December 31,
2018
2017
2016
Customer-acquisition advertising costs included in "Direct salaries and related costs"
$
49,657
$
36,659
$
28,116
Customer-acquisition advertising costs included in "General and administrative"
60
115
— |
| Stock-Based Compensation | Stock-Based Compensation — The Company has three stock-based compensation plans: the 2011 Equity Incentive Plan (for employees and certain non-employees), approved by the Company’s shareholders, the Non-Employee Director Fee Plan (for non-employee directors) and the Deferred Compensation Plan (for certain eligible employees). All of these plans are discussed more fully in Note 24, Stock-Based Compensation. Stock-based awards under these plans may consist of common stock, stock options, cash-settled or stock-settled stock appreciation rights, restricted stock and other stock-based awards. The Company issues common stock and uses treasury stock to satisfy stock option exercises or vesting of stock awards. In accordance with ASC 718, Compensation — Stock Compensation |
| Fair Value of Financial Instruments | Fair Value of Financial Instruments — The following methods and assumptions were used to estimate the fair value of each class of financial instruments for which it is practicable to estimate that value:
•
Cash, short-term and other investments, investments held in rabbi trust and accounts payable —
•
Foreign currency forward contracts and options —
•
Embedded derivatives — Embedded derivatives within certain hybrid lease agreements are bifurcated from the host contract and recognized at fair value based on pricing models or formulas using significant unobservable inputs, including adjustments for credit risk.
•
Long-term debt —
•
Contingent consideration — Fair Value Measurements — ASC 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures (“ASC 820”) defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. ASC 820-10-20 clarifies that fair value is an exit price, representing the amount that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants. ASC 825, Financial Instruments permits an entity to measure certain financial assets and financial liabilities at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in earnings each period. The Company has not elected to use the fair value option permitted under ASC 825 for any of its financial assets and financial liabilities that are not already recorded at fair value. A description of the Company’s policies regarding fair value measurement is summarized below. Fair Value Hierarchy — ASC 820-10-35 requires disclosure about how fair value is determined for assets and liabilities and establishes a hierarchy for which these assets and liabilities must be grouped, based on significant levels of observable or unobservable inputs. Observable inputs reflect market data obtained from independent sources, while unobservable inputs reflect the Company’s market assumptions. This hierarchy requires the use of observable market data when available. These two types of inputs have created the following fair value hierarchy:
•
Level 1 —
•
Level 2 —
•
Level 3 — . Determination of Fair Value — The Company generally uses quoted market prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the Company has the ability to access to determine fair value and classifies such items in Level 1. Fair values determined by Level 2 inputs utilize inputs other than quoted market prices included in Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. Level 2 inputs include quoted market prices in active markets for similar assets or liabilities, and inputs other than quoted market prices that are observable for the asset or liability. Level 3 inputs are unobservable inputs for the asset or liability, and include situations where there is little, if any, market activity for the asset or liability. If quoted market prices are not available, fair value is based upon internally developed valuation techniques that use, where possible, current market-based or independently sourced market parameters, such as interest rates, currency rates, etc. Assets or liabilities valued using such internally generated valuation techniques are classified according to the lowest level input or value driver that is significant to the valuation. Thus, an item may be classified in Level 3 even though there may be some significant inputs that are readily observable. The following section describes the valuation methodologies used by the Company to measure assets and liabilities at fair value on a recurring basis, including an indication of the level in the fair value hierarchy in which each asset or liability is generally classified. Money Market and Open-End Mutual Funds — The Company uses quoted market prices in active markets to determine the fair value. These items are classified in Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy. Foreign Currency Forward Contracts and Options — The Company enters into foreign currency forward contracts and options over-the-counter and values such contracts using quoted market prices of comparable instruments or, if none are available, on pricing models or formulas using current market and model assumptions, including adjustments for credit risk. The key inputs include forward or option foreign currency exchange rates and interest rates. These items are classified in Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. Embedded Derivatives — The Company uses significant unobservable inputs to determine the fair value of embedded derivatives, which are classified in Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy. These unobservable inputs include expected cash flows associated with the lease, currency exchange rates on the day of commencement, as well as forward currency exchange rates; results of which are adjusted for credit risk. These items are classified in Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy. See Note 11, Financial Derivatives, for further information. Investments Held in Rabbi Trust — The investment assets of the rabbi trust are valued using quoted market prices in active markets, which are classified in Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy. For additional information about the deferred compensation plan, refer to Note 12, Investments Held in Rabbi Trust, and Note 24, Stock-Based Compensation. Contingent Consideration — The Company uses significant unobservable inputs to determine the fair value of contingent consideration, which is classified in Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy. The contingent consideration recorded related to the Qelp B.V. (“Qelp”) acquisition and liabilities assumed as part of the Clearlink acquisition was recognized at fair value using a discounted cash flow methodology and a discount rate of approximately 14.0% and 10.0%, respectively. The discount rates vary dependent on the specific risks of each acquisition including the country of operation, the nature of services and complexity of the acquired business, and other similar factors, all of which are significant inputs not observable in the market. Significant increases or decreases in any of the inputs in isolation would result in a significantly higher or lower fair value measurement. |
| Foreign Currency Translation | Foreign Currency Translation — The assets and liabilities of the Company’s foreign subsidiaries, whose functional currency is other than the U.S. Dollar, are translated at the exchange rates in effect on the balance sheet date, and income and expenses are translated at the weighted average exchange rate during the period. The net effect of translation gains and losses is not included in determining net income, but is included in “Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)” (“AOCI”), which is reflected as a separate component of shareholders’ equity until the sale or until the complete or substantially complete liquidation of the net investment in the foreign subsidiary. Foreign currency transactional gains and losses are included in “Other income (expense), net” in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations. |
| Foreign Currency and Derivative Instruments | Foreign Currency and Derivative Instruments — The Company accounts for financial derivative instruments under ASC 815, Derivatives and Hedging (“ASC 815”). The Company generally utilizes non-deliverable forward contracts and options expiring within one to 24 months to reduce its foreign currency exposure due to exchange rate fluctuations on forecasted cash flows denominated in non-functional foreign currencies and net investments in foreign operations. In using derivative financial instruments to hedge exposures to changes in exchange rates, the Company exposes itself to counterparty credit risk. The Company designates derivatives as either (1) a hedge of a forecasted transaction or of the variability of cash flows to be received or paid related to a recognized asset or liability (“cash flow” hedge); (2) a hedge of a net investment in a foreign operation; or (3) a derivative that does not qualify for hedge accounting. To qualify for hedge accounting treatment, a derivative must be highly effective in mitigating the designated risk of the hedged item. Effectiveness of the hedge is formally assessed at inception and throughout the life of the hedging relationship. Even if a derivative qualifies for hedge accounting treatment, there may be an element of ineffectiveness of the hedge. Changes in the fair value of derivatives that are highly effective and designated as cash flow hedges are recorded in AOCI, until the forecasted underlying transactions occur. Any realized gains or losses resulting from the cash flow hedges are recognized together with the hedged transaction within “Revenues”. Changes in the fair value of derivatives that are highly effective and designated as a net investment hedge are recorded in cumulative translation adjustment in AOCI, offsetting the change in cumulative translation adjustment attributable to the hedged portion of the Company’s net investment in the foreign operation. Any realized gains and losses from settlements of the net investment hedge remain in AOCI until partial or complete liquidation of the net investment. Ineffectiveness is measured based on the change in fair value of the forward contracts and options and the fair value of the hypothetical derivatives with terms that match the critical terms of the risk being hedged. Hedge ineffectiveness is recognized within “Revenues” for cash flow hedges and within “Other income (expense), net” for net investment hedges. Cash flows from the derivative contracts are classified within the operating section in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. The Company formally documents all relationships between hedging instruments and hedged items, as well as its risk management objective and strategy for undertaking various hedging activities. This process includes linking all derivatives that are designated as cash flow hedges to forecasted transactions. Hedges of a net investment in a foreign operation are linked to the specific foreign operation. The Company also formally assesses, both at the hedge’s inception and on an ongoing basis, whether the derivatives that are used in hedging transactions are highly effective on a prospective and retrospective basis. When it is determined that a derivative is not highly effective as a hedge or that it has ceased to be a highly effective hedge or if a forecasted hedge is no longer probable of occurring, or if the Company de-designates a derivative as a hedge, the Company discontinues hedge accounting prospectively. At December 31, 2018 and 2017, all hedges were determined to be highly effective. The Company also periodically enters into forward contracts that are not designated as hedges as defined under ASC 815. The purpose of these derivative instruments is to reduce the effects from fluctuations caused by volatility in currency exchange rates on the Company’s operating results and cash flows. Changes in the fair value of the derivative instruments are included in “Revenues” or “Other income (expense), net”, depending on the underlying risk exposure. See Note 11, Financial Derivatives, for further information on financial derivative instruments. |
| Reclassifications | Reclassifications — Certain balances in prior years have been reclassified to conform to current year presentation. |
| New Accounting Standards Not Yet Adopted | New Accounting Standards Not Yet Adopted Leases In February 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842) Leases The Company’s implementation team has compiled a detailed inventory of leases, performed a preliminary analysis of the impact to the financial statements, and implemented a lease accounting software solution to assist in complying with ASC 842. Additionally, the implementation team is evaluating the impact of ASC 842 on the Company’s business processes, systems and internal controls, and has begun the process of instituting changes where needed. The Company elected to use the package of practical expedients that allows it to not reassess: (1) whether any expired or existing contracts are or contain leases, (2) lease classification for any expired or existing leases and (3) initial direct costs for any expired or existing leases. The Company additionally elected to use the practical expedients that allows lessees to treat the lease and non-lease components of leases as a single lease component as well as the short-term lease recognition exemption for certain of the Company’s asset classes. The Company will adopt this guidance at the adoption date of January 1, 2019, using the transition method that allows it to initially apply ASC 842 as of January 1, 2019 and recognize a cumulative-effect adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings in the period of adoption. The Company does not expect to recognize a material adjustment to retained earnings upon adoption. The adoption of ASC 842 will have a material impact on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheet due to the recognition of the right-of-use (“ROU”) assets and lease liabilities. The Company believes that the majority of its leases will maintain their current lease classification under ASC 842. Fair Value Measurements In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-13, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820) – Disclosure Framework – Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement (“ASU 2018-13”). These amendments These amendments are effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2019. Certain of the amendments will be applied prospectively in the initial year of adoption while the remainder are required to be applied retrospectively to all periods presented upon their effective date. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is evaluating the timing of its adoption of ASU 2018-13 but does not expect a material impact on its disclosures. Retirement Benefits In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-14, Compensation – Retirement Benefits – Defined Benefit Plans - General (Subtopic 715-20) – Disclosure Framework – Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Defined Benefit Plans (“ASU 2018-14”). These amendments These amendments are effective for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2020, with early adoption permitted. The Company is evaluating the timing of its adoption of ASU 2018-14 but does not expect a material impact on its disclosures. Cloud Computing In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-15, Intangibles – Goodwill and Other – Internal-Use Software (Subtopic 350-40) – Customer’s Accounting for Implementation Costs Incurred in a Cloud Computing Arrangement That Is a Service Contract (“ASU 2018-15”). These amendments These amendments are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, and interim periods within those fiscal years, with early application permitted in any interim period after issuance of this update. The amendments should be applied either retrospectively or prospectively to all implementation costs incurred after the date of adoption. The Company is evaluating the timing of its adoption of ASU 2018-15 but does not expect a material impact on its financial condition, results of operations, cash flows and disclosures. Derivatives and Hedging In August 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-12, Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815) – Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedge Activities (“ASU 2017-12”). These amendments These amendments are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, and interim periods within those fiscal years, with early application permitted in any interim period after issuance of this update. The Company does not expect the adoption of ASU 2017-12 to materially impact its financial condition, results of operations, cash flows and disclosures. Financial Instruments – Credit Losses In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (Topic 326) – Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments (“ASU 2016-13”). These amendments held. In November 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-19, Codification Improvements to Topic 326, Financial Instruments—Credit Losses (“ASU 2018-19”). These amendments clarify that receivables arising from operating leases are accounted for using the lease guidance in ASC 842 and not as financial instruments. These amendments are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted. The Company expects ASU 2016-13 to apply to its trade receivables but does not expect the adoption of the amendments to have a material impact on its financial condition, results of operations or cash flows because credit losses associated from trade receivables have historically been insignificant. Additionally, the Company does not anticipate early adopting ASU 2016-13. |
| New Accounting Standards Recently Adopted | New Accounting Standards Recently Adopted Revenue from Contracts with Customers In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) See Note 2, Revenues, for further details as well as the Company’s significant accounting policy for the Recognition of Revenues. Financial Instruments In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-01, Financial Instruments - Overall (Subtopic 825-10) Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities Fair Value Measurements Statement of Cash Flows In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230) – Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments (“ASU 2016-15”). These amendments clarify the presentation of cash receipts and payments in eight specific situations. These amendments are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within those fiscal years. These amendments have been applied using a retrospective transition method to each period presented. The adoption of ASU 2016-15 on January 1, 2018 did not have a material impact on the Company’s cash flows. In November 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-18, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230) – Restricted Cash (A Consensus of the FASB Emerging Issues Task Force (“ASU 2016-18”). These amendments clarify how entities should present restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents in the statement of cash flows, requiring entities to show the changes in the total of cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents. These amendments are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within those fiscal years. These amendments have been applied using a retrospective transition method to each period presented. The inclusion of restricted cash increased the beginning balance of cash in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows by $1.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2018, increased the beginning and ending balance of cash by $0.9 million and $1.1 million, respectively, for the year ended December 31, 2017 and increased the beginning and ending balances of cash by $0.9 million and $0.9 million, respectively, for the year ended December 31, 2016. Other than the change in presentation within the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, the retrospective adoption of ASU 2016-18 on January 1, 2018 did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. Income Taxes In October 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-16, Income Taxes (Topic 740) – Intra-Entity Transfers of Assets Other than Inventory (“ASU 2016-16”). These amendments These amendments are effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim reporting periods within those annual reporting periods. The adoption of ASU 2016-16 on January 1, 2018 did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements and no cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings was required. In January 2018, the FASB released guidance on the accounting for tax on the global intangible low-taxed income ("GILTI") provisions of the 2017 Tax Reform Act. The GILTI provisions impose a tax on foreign income in excess of a deemed return on tangible assets of foreign corporations. The guidance indicates that either accounting for deferred taxes related to GILTI inclusions or to treat any taxes on GILTI inclusions as period costs are both acceptable methods subject to an accounting policy election. The Company evaluated the accounting treatment options related to the GILTI provisions and elected to treat any potential GILTI inclusions as a current period cost. The election did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. In March 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-05, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Amendments to SEC paragraphs pursuant to SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 118 Income Tax Accounting Implications of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act Other Comprehensive Income In February 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-02, Income Statement – Reporting Comprehensive Income (Topic 220) These amendments can be applied either in the period of adoption or retrospectively to each period (or periods) in which the effect of the change in the U.S. federal corporate tax rate in the 2017 Tax Reform Act is recognized. The early adoption of ASU 2018-02 on June 30, 2018 had no impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements or disclosures. Business Combinations In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-01, Business Combinations (Topic 805) – Clarifying the Definition of a Business (“ASU 2017-01”). These amendments These amendments are effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those periods. These amendments were applied prospectively. The adoption of ASU 2017-01 on January 1, 2018 did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. Retirement Benefits In March 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-07, Compensation – Retirement Benefits (Topic 715) – Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost (“ASU 2017-07”). These amendments These amendments are effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those annual periods. These amendments were applied retrospectively for the presentation of the service cost component and the other components of net periodic pension cost and net periodic postretirement benefit cost in the income statement and prospectively, on and after the effective date, for the capitalization of the service cost component of net periodic pension cost and net periodic postretirement benefit in assets. The amendments allow a practical expedient that permits an employer to use the amounts disclosed in its pension and other postretirement benefit plan note for the prior comparative periods as the estimation basis for applying the retrospective presentation requirements. The Company adopted the income statement presentation aspects of ASU 2017-07 on a retrospective basis effective January 1, 2018. The following is a reconciliation of the effect of the reclassification of the interest cost and amortization of actuarial gain (loss) from operating expenses to other income (expense) in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 (in thousands):
As Previously Reported
Adjustments Due to the Adoption of ASU 2017-07
As Revised
Year Ended December 31, 2017:
Direct salaries and related costs
$
1,039,790
$
(113
)
$
1,039,677
General and administrative
376,863
(38
)
376,825
Income from operations
86,891
151
87,042
Other income (expense), net
(5,584
)
(151
)
(5,735
)
Year Ended December 31, 2016:
Direct salaries and related costs
$
947,677
$
(84
)
$
947,593
General and administrative
351,722
(41
)
351,681
Income from operations
92,248
125
92,373
Other income (expense), net
(3,364
)
(125
)
(3,489
) |
| Recognition of Revenues Accounting Policy | Recognition of Revenues Accounting Policy The Company recognizes revenues in accordance with ASC 606, whereby revenues are recognized when control of the promised goods or services is transferred to the Company’s customers, in an amount that reflects the consideration it expects to be entitled to in exchange for those goods or services. Deferred Revenue The Company receives up-front fees in connection with certain contracts. In accordance with ASC 606, the up-front fees are recorded as a contract liability only to the extent a legally enforceable contract exists. The termination right notice period, which typically vary up to 180 days, is the portion of the contract that is legally enforceable. Accordingly, the up-front fees allocated to the notification period are recorded as deferred revenue, while the fees that extend beyond the notification period are classified as a customer arrangement with termination rights. These up-front fees do not represent a significant financing component since they were structured primarily to reduce the administrative burden in managing the operations of certain contracts, to provide the customer with un-interrupted service, and to assist in managing the overall risk and profitability of providing the services. Revenues of $4.4 million were recognized during the year ended December 31, 2018 from amounts included in deferred revenue at January 1, 2018. The Company expects to recognize the majority of its deferred revenue as of December 31, 2018 over the next 180 days. Customer Liabilities – Customer Arrangements with Termination Rights Customer arrangements with termination rights represent the amount of up-front fees received for unsatisfied performance obligations for periods that extend beyond the legally enforceable contract period. All customer arrangements with termination rights are classified as current as the customer can terminate the contracts and demand pro-rata refunds of the up-front fees over varying periods, typically up to 180 days. The Company expects to recognize the majority of the customer arrangements with termination rights into revenue as the Company has not historically experienced a high rate of contract terminations. Customer Liabilities – Refund Liabilities Refund liabilities represent consideration received under the contract that the Company expects to ultimately refund to the customer and primarily relates to estimated penalties, holdbacks and chargebacks. Penalties and holdbacks result from the failure to meet specified minimum service levels in certain contracts and other performance-based contingencies. Chargebacks reflect the right of certain of the Company’s clients to chargeback accounts that do not meet certain requirements for specified periods after a sale has occurred. Refund liabilities are generally resolved in 180 days, once it is determined whether the requisite service levels and client requirements were achieved to settle the contingency. |
| Segments and Geographic Information | The Company operates within two regions, the Americas and EMEA. Each region represents a reportable segment comprised of aggregated regional operating segments, which portray similar economic characteristics. The Company aligns its business into two segments to effectively manage the business and support the customer care needs of every client and to respond to the demands of the Company’s global customers. |
| Earnings Per Share | Basic earnings per share are based on the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the periods. Diluted earnings per share includes the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the respective periods and the further dilutive effect, if any, from stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units and shares held in rabbi trust using the treasury stock method. |
