Robert Half International (RHI) 10-Q 2003 Q3 Quarterly report

QuickLinks -- Click here to rapidly navigate through this document

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)
ý	QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
	FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2003
OR
o	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 (State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)	94-1648752 (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
2884 Sand Hill Road Suite 200 Menlo Park, California (Address of principal executive offices)	94025 (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 ý    No o

        Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).    Yes ý    No o

        Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's classes of common stock as of October 31, 2003:

171,221,306 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
(in thousands, except share amounts)

		September 30, 2003			December 31, 2002
		(Unaudited)
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents		$	344,190		$	316,927
Accounts receivable, less allowances of $13,770 and $12,578			232,774			223,396
Deferred income taxes and other current assets			97,090			102,849
	Total current assets		674,054			643,172
Goodwill and other intangible assets, net			170,132			161,912
Property and equipment, net			119,170			130,587
Deferred and other income taxes			2,641			—
	Total assets	$	965,997		$	935,671
LIABILITIES
Accounts payable and accrued expenses		$	50,468		$	47,807
Accrued payroll costs and retirement obligations			158,062			136,342
Current portion of notes payable and other indebtedness			70			66
	Total current liabilities		208,600			184,215
Notes payable and other indebtedness, less current portion			2,361			2,414
Deferred income taxes and other liabilities			—			4,076
	Total liabilities		210,961			190,705
Commitments and Contingencies (Note F)
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Common stock, $.001 par value authorized 260,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding 170,325,129 and 170,909,002 shares			170			171
Capital surplus			562,871			543,457
Deferred compensation			(35,483	)		(46,311	)
Accumulated other comprehensive income			11,498			846
Retained earnings			215,980			246,803
	Total stockholders' equity		755,036			744,966
	Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$	965,997		$	935,671

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

1

ROBERT HALF INTERNATIONAL INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(in thousands, except per share amounts)

	Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2003			2002			2003			2002
	(Unaudited)						(Unaudited)
Net service revenues	$	501,137		$	484,778		$	1,457,327		$	1,426,370
Direct costs of services, consisting of payroll, payroll taxes and insurance costs for temporary and risk consulting employees		314,026			309,342			923,189			882,915
Gross margin		187,111			175,436			534,138			543,455
Selling, general and administrative expenses		176,097			178,731			524,007			528,806
Amortization of intangible assets		2,791			2,685			8,325			3,544
Interest income, net		(590	)		(1,026	)		(1,961	)		(3,791	)
Income (loss) before income taxes		8,813			(4,954	)		3,767			14,896
Provision (benefit) for income taxes		3,966			(1,882	)		2,225			5,661
Net income (loss)	$	4,847		$	(3,072	)	$	1,542		$	9,235
Basic net income (loss) per share	$	..03		$	(.02	)	$	..01		$	..05
Diluted net income (loss) per share	$	.03		$	(.02	)	$	.01		$	.05

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

2

ROBERT HALF INTERNATIONAL INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
(in thousands)

			Nine Months Ended September 30,
			2003			2002
			(Unaudited)
COMMON STOCK—SHARES:
	Balance at beginning of period			170,909			174,929
	Issuances (forfeitures) of restricted stock			225			(217	)
	Repurchases of common stock			(2,054	)		(6,636	)
	Exercises of stock options			1,245			2,205
		Balance at end of period		170,325			170,281
COMMON STOCK—PAR VALUE:
	Balance at beginning of period		$	171		$	175
	Issuances (forfeitures) of restricted stock			—			—
	Repurchases of common stock			(2	)		(7	)
	Exercises of stock options			1			2
		Balance at end of period	$	170		$	170
CAPITAL SURPLUS:
	Balance at beginning of period		$	543,457		$	487,083
	Issuances (forfeitures) of restricted stock—excess over par value			6,889			(9,221	)
	Exercises of stock options—excess over par value			13,108			33,261
	Tax impact of equity incentive plans			(583	)		10,491
		Balance at end of period	$	562,871		$	521,614
DEFERRED COMPENSATION:
	Balance at beginning of period		$	(46,311	)	$	(64,792	)
	Forfeitures (issuances) of restricted stock			(6,889	)		9,221
	Amortization of deferred compensation			17,717			18,044
		Balance at end of period	$	(35,483	)	$	(37,527	)
ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS):
	Balance at beginning of period		$	846		$	(8,025	)
	Translation adjustments			10,652			6,179
		Balance at end of period	$	11,498		$	(1,846	)
RETAINED EARNINGS:
	Balance at beginning of period		$	246,803		$	391,255
	Repurchases of common stock—excess over par value			(32,365	)		(133,728	)
	Net income			1,542			9,235
		Balance at end of period	$	215,980		$	266,762
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME:
	Net income		$	1,542		$	9,235
	Translation adjustments			10,652			6,179
		Total comprehensive income	$	12,194		$	15,414

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

3

ROBERT HALF INTERNATIONAL INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(in thousands)

				Nine Months Ended September 30,
				2003			2002
				(Unaudited)
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
	Net income			$	1,542		$	9,235
		Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
			Amortization of intangible assets		8,325			3,544
			Depreciation expense		41,703			50,934
			Provision for deferred income taxes		(3,464	)		(9,265	)
			Tax impact of equity incentive plans		(583	)		10,491
		Changes in assets and liabilities, net of effects of acquisitions:
			(Increase) decrease in accounts receivable		(8,923	)		35,190
			Increase in accounts payable, accrued expenses and accrued payroll costs		18,304			22,057
			Change in other assets, net of change in other liabilities, including deferred compensation amortization of $17,717 and $18,044		31,012			10,821
	Net cash flows provided by operating activities				87,916			133,007
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
	Purchase of intangible assets and other assets				(18,109	)		(19,228	)
	Capital expenditures				(29,567	)		(40,823	)
	Increase in deposits to trusts for employee benefits and retirement plans				(541	)		(20,962	)
	Net cash flows used in investing activities				(48,217	)		(81,013	)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
	Repurchases of common stock				(25,496	)		(129,371	)
	Principal payments on notes payable and other indebtedness				(49	)		(186	)
	Proceeds from exercises of stock options				13,109			33,263
	Net cash flows used in financing activities				(12,436	)		(96,294	)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents					27,263			(44,300	)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period					316,927			346,768
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period				$	344,190		$	302,468
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION:
Cash paid (received) during the period for:
	Interest			$	314		$	242
	Income taxes, net of refunds			$	(2,939	)	$	11,428
Purchase of intangible assets and other assets:
	Assets acquired
		Intangible assets		$	17,580		$	17,926
		Other			539			1,490
	Liabilities incurred
		Other			(10	)		(188	)
	Cash paid, net of cash acquired			$	18,109		$	19,228
Non-cash items:
	Stock repurchases awaiting settlement			$	7,834		$	4,364

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

4

ROBERT HALF INTERNATIONAL INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SEPTEMBER 30, 2003

(Unaudited)

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 asAccountemps®, Robert Half® Finance & Accounting, OfficeTeam®, Robert Half® Technology, Robert Half® Management Resources, The Affiliates®, The Creative Group®, andProtiviti®. The Company, through itsAccountemps,Robert Half Finance & Accounting, andRobert Half Management Resources divisions, is the world's largest specialized provider of temporary, full-time, and project professionals in the fields of accounting and finance.OfficeTeam specializes in highly skilled temporary administrative support personnel.Robert Half Technology provides information technology professionals.The Affiliates provides temporary, project, and full-time staffing of attorneys and specialized support personnel within law firms and corporate legal departments.The Creative Group provides project staffing in the advertising, marketing, and web design fields.Protiviti began operations on May 24, 2002, and provides business and technology risk consulting and internal audit services.Protiviti, which primarily employs risk-consulting and internal audit professionals formerly associated with major accounting firms, is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company. Revenues are predominantly derived from specialized staffing services. The Company operates in the United States, Canada, Europe, Asia, Australia and New Zealand. The Company is a Delaware corporation.

        Basis of Presentation.    The unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements of the Company are prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States ("GAAP") for interim financial information and the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"). In the opinion of management, all adjustments necessary for a fair presentation of the financial position and results of operations for the periods presented have been included. These unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements should be read in conjunction with the audited Consolidated Financial Statements of the Company for the year ended December 31, 2002, included in the 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 unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of the Company and its subsidiaries, all of which are wholly-owned. All significant 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 September 30, 2003, such estimates included reserves for uncollectible accounts receivable, workers' compensation losses, legal claims, income and other taxes, and certain employee retirement plans.

        Revenue Recognition.    Temporary and consultant staffing services revenues are recognized when the services are rendered by the Company's temporary employees. Permanent placement staffing revenues are recognized when employment candidates accept offers of permanent employment. Allowances are established to estimate losses due to placed candidates not remaining employed for the Company's guarantee period, typically 90 days. Risk consulting and internal audit services revenues are recognized as services are provided. Reimbursements, including those relating to travel and out-of-pocket expenses, are included in revenues, and equivalent amounts of reimbursable expenses are included in direct costs of services.

5

        Costs of Services.    Direct costs of staffing services consist of payroll, payroll taxes and insurance costs for the Company's temporary employees. There are no direct costs associated with permanent placement staffing services. Risk consulting and internal audit costs of services include professional staff payroll, payroll taxes and insurance costs, as well as reimbursable expenses.

        Advertising Costs.    The Company expenses all advertising costs as incurred.

        Cash and Cash Equivalents.    The Company considers all highly liquid investments with a maturity at the date of purchase of three months or less as cash equivalents.

        Intangible Assets.    Intangible assets primarily consist of the cost of acquired companies in excess of the fair market value of their net tangible assets at the date of acquisition. The Company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 142,Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets ("SFAS 142"), on January 1, 2002. Under SFAS 142, goodwill is no longer subject to amortization over its estimated useful life. The methods used for evaluating and measuring impairment of certain intangible assets have changed in accordance with the provisions of SFAS 142. The Company completed its annual goodwill impairment test during the period ended June 30, 2003 and determined that no adjustment to the carrying value of goodwill was required. No events have occurred during the three months ended September 30, 2003 that would require interim testing.

        Income Tax Assets and Liabilities.    In establishing its deferred income tax assets and liabilities, the Company makes judgments and interpretations based on the enacted tax laws and published tax guidance that are applicable to its operations. The Company records deferred tax assets and liabilities and evaluates the need for valuation allowances to reduce the deferred tax assets to realizable amounts. The likelihood of a material change in the Company's expected realization of these assets is dependent on future taxable income, its ability to use foreign tax credit carryforwards and carrybacks, final U.S. and foreign tax settlements, and the effectiveness of its tax planning strategies in the various relevant jurisdictions.

        Foreign Currency Translation.    The results of operations of the Company's foreign subsidiaries are translated at the monthly average exchange rates prevailing during the period. The financial position of the Company's foreign subsidiaries is translated at the current exchange rates at the end of the period, and the related translation adjustments are recorded as a component of comprehensive income within Stockholders' Equity. Gains and losses resulting from foreign currency transactions are included in the unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations, and have not been material for the periods presented.

        Stock Option Plans.    The Company accounts for its stock option plans in accordance with APB Opinion No. 25,Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees ("APB 25"). Under APB 25, the intrinsic value of the options is used to record compensation expense and, as a result, no compensation expense related to stock options is included in determining net income (loss) and net income (loss) per share in the unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements. Had compensation expense for the stock options granted been based on the estimated fair value at the award dates, as prescribed by SFAS No. 123,Accounting for

6

Stock-Based Compensation ("SFAS 123"), the Company's pro forma net income (loss) and net income (loss) per share would have been as follows (in thousands, except per share amounts):

			Three Months Ended September 30,					Nine Months Ended September 30,
			2003		2002			2003			2002
			(Unaudited)					(Unaudited)
Net Income (Loss)
	As reported		$	4,847	$	(3,072	)	$	1,542		$	9,235
	Stock-based employee compensation expense, net of income tax effects			4,696		7,409			17,903			21,861
	Pro forma		$	151	$	(10,481	)	$	(16,361	)	$	(12,626	)
Net Income (Loss) Per Share
	Basic
		As reported	$	.03	$	(.02	)	$	.01		$	.05
		Pro forma	$	.00	$	(.06	)	$	(.10	)	$	(.07	)
	Diluted
		As reported	$	.03	$	(.02	)	$	.01		$	.05
		Pro forma	$	.00	$	(.06	)	$	(.10	)	$	(.07	)

        The fair value of each option is estimated, as of the grant date, using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following assumptions used for grants in 2003 and 2002: no dividend yield for any year; expected volatility of 51% to 55%; risk-free interest rates of 2.1% to 4.9%; and expected lives of 1.5 to 5.8 years.

        Property and Equipment.    Property and equipment are recorded at cost. Depreciation expense is computed using the straight-line method over the following useful lives:

Computer hardware	3 years
Computer software	2 to 5 years
Furniture and equipment	5 years
Leasehold improvements	Term of lease, 5 years maximum

        Internal-use Software.    The Company capitalizes direct costs of services used in the development of internal-use software. Amounts capitalized are reported as a component of computer software within property and equipment. During the nine months ended September 30, 2003, the Company capitalized approximately $8.6 million of internal-use software development costs.

7

Note B—Deferred Income Taxes and Other Current Assets

        Deferred income taxes and other current assets consisted of the following (in thousands):

	September 30, 2003		December 31, 2002
	(Unaudited)
Deferred income taxes	$	26,501	$	28,893
Deposits in trusts for employee benefits and retirement plans		30,249		29,707
Income taxes receivable		17,016		24,094
Other		23,324		20,155
	$	97,090	$	102,849

Note C—Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, Net

        The following table sets forth the activity in the intangible assets from December 31, 2002 through September 30, 2003 (in thousands):

	Goodwill		Other Intangible Assets			Total
Balance as of December 31, 2002	$	143,965	$	17,947		$	161,912
Purchase of intangible assets		16,602		978			17,580
Translation adjustments		888		—			888
Decrease in unamortized retirement costs		—		(1,923	)		(1,923	)
		161,455		17,002			178,457
Amortization of intangible assets		—		(8,325	)		(8,325	)
Balance as of September 30, 2003 (unaudited)	$	161,455	$	8,677		$	170,132

        The estimated remaining amortization expense is $2.0 million for 2003, and $0.7 million thereafter.

        On July 1, 2003, the Company completed the acquisition of its last independent Robert Half franchise with offices in Overland Park, Kansas, and Kansas City, Missouri. The Company paid approximately $13 million for the purchase of intangibles and other assets, including goodwill of $11.7 million and amortizable intangible assets of approximately $0.8 million that are being amortized over 2 to 4 years.

8

Note D—Property and Equipment, Net

        Property and equipment consisted of the following (in thousands):

	September 30, 2003			December 31, 2002
	(Unaudited)
Furniture and equipment	$	93,068		$	87,154
Computer hardware		94,630			88,724
Computer software		152,590			137,182
Leasehold improvements		60,470			56,851
Other		10,459			11,027
Property and equipment, cost		411,217			380,938
Accumulated depreciation		(292,047	)		(250,351	)
Property and equipment, net	$	119,170		$	130,587

Note E—Accrued Payroll Costs and Retirement Obligations

        Accrued payroll costs and retirement obligations consisted of the following (in thousands):

	September 30, 2003		December 31, 2002
	(Unaudited)
Payroll and bonuses	$	85,250	$	65,944
Employee benefits and retirement obligations		49,314		48,198
Workers' compensation		12,410		14,083
Payroll taxes		11,088		8,117
	$	158,062	$	136,342

Note F—Commitments and Contingencies

        The Company is involved in a number of lawsuits arising in the ordinary course of business. While management does not expect any of these 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.

        In connection with the formation ofProtiviti, the Company became the guarantor of certain employee notes totaling $3.0 million at September 30, 2003.

Note G—Stock Plans

        Under various stock plans, officers, employees and outside directors may receive grants of restricted stock or options to purchase common stock. Grants are made at the discretion of a Committee of the Board of Directors. Grants generally vest between two and four years.

        Options granted under the plans have exercise prices ranging from 85% to 100% of the fair market value of the Company's common stock at the date of grant and may consist of both incentive stock options

9

and nonstatutory stock options under the Internal Revenue Code. The terms range from 27 months to 10 years.

        Recipients of restricted stock do not pay any cash consideration to the Company for the shares, have the right to vote all shares subject to such grant, and receive all dividends with respect to such shares, whether or not the shares have vested. Compensation expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the vesting period. Vesting is accelerated upon the death or disability of the recipients.

        The Company accounts for these plans under APB 25. Therefore, the intrinsic value of the options is used to record compensation expense and, as a result, no compensation expense has been recognized for its stock option plans. As required by SFAS No. 148,Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation—Transition and Disclosure ("SFAS 148"), calculations of pro forma net income and net income per share, computed in accordance with the method prescribed by SFAS 123, are set forth in Note A to the unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

Note H—Net Income (Loss) Per Share

        The calculation of net income (loss) per share for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2003 and 2002 is reflected in the following table (in thousands, except per share amounts):

		Three Months Ended September 30,					Nine Months Ended September 30,
		2003		2002			2003		2002
		(Unaudited)					(Unaudited)
Net Income (Loss)		$	4,847	$	(3,072	)	$	1,542	$	9,235
Basic:
	Weighted average shares		168,797		171,550			168,584		173,466
Diluted:
	Weighted average shares		168,797		171,550			168,584		173,466
	Common stock equivalents—stock options		4,897		—			3,556		5,637
	Diluted shares		173,694		171,550			172,140		179,103
Net Income (Loss) Per Share:
	Basic	$	.03	$	(.02	)	$	.01	$	.05
	Diluted	$	.03	$	(.02	)	$	.01	$	.05

Note I—Business Segments

        The Company has three reportable segments: temporary and consultant staffing, permanent placement staffing, and risk consulting services. The temporary and consultant segment provides specialized staffing in the accounting and finance, administrative and office, information technology, legal, advertising,

10

marketing and web design fields. The permanent placement segment provides full-time personnel in the accounting, finance, administrative and office, and information technology fields. The risk consulting 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. The Company evaluates performance based on profit or loss from operations before interest income, intangible amortization expense, and income taxes.

        The following table provides a reconciliation of revenue and operating income (loss) by reportable segment to consolidated results (in thousands):

		Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
		2003			2002			2003			2002
		(Unaudited)						(Unaudited)
Net Service Revenues
	Temporary and consultant staffing	$	439,468		$	442,262		$	1,294,555		$	1,324,730
	Permanent placement staffing		23,599			24,742			69,930			77,056
	Risk consulting and internal audit services		38,070			17,774			92,842			24,584
		$	501,137		$	484,778		$	1,457,327		$	1,426,370
Operating Income (Loss)
	Temporary and consultant staffing	$	11,428		$	13,438		$	29,843		$	39,345
	Permanent placement staffing		505			(2,026	)		1,233			(4,208	)
	Risk consulting and internal audit services		(919	)		(14,707	)		(20,945	)		(20,488	)
			11,014			(3,295	)		10,131			14,649
Amortization of intangible assets			2,791			2,685			8,325			3,544
Interest income, net			(590	)		(1,026	)		(1,961	)		(3,791	)
Income (loss) before income taxes		$	8,813		$	(4,954	)	$	3,767		$	14,896

11

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: changes in levels of unemployment and other economic conditions in the U.S. or foreign countries where the Company does business, or in particular regions or industries; reduction in the supply of qualified candidates for temporary employment or the Company's ability to attract qualified 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 success of the Company in attracting, training and retaining qualified management personnel and other staff employees; whether governments will impose additional regulations or licensing requirements on personnel services businesses in particular or on employer/employee relationships in general; future success of the new Protiviti subsidiary will depend on its ability to retain employees and attract clients; significant costs and diversion of management time could be incurred in integrating key personnel into Protiviti; certain capitalizable costs associated with the Protiviti employment arrangements could become impaired and written off; failure of Protiviti to produce projected revenues could adversely affect financial results; and the possibility of involvement in litigation relating to prior 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.

Critical Accounting Policies

        In response to the SEC's Release No. 33-8040, "Cautionary Advice Regarding Disclosure About Critical Accounting Policies," we identified the Company's most critical accounting policies to be those that involve subjective decisions, assessments or estimates.

        Accounts Receivable Allowances.    The Company maintains accounts receivable allowances for estimated losses resulting from the inability of its customers to make required payments. If the financial condition of the Company's customers were to deteriorate, resulting in an impairment of their ability to make payments, additional allowances may be required. Estimates used in determining the accounts receivable allowances were based on current trends and historical loss statistics. Actual results may differ from these estimates, which may materially affect the Company's future financial results.

        Income Tax Assets and Liabilities.    In establishing its deferred income tax assets and liabilities, the Company makes judgments and interpretations based on the enacted tax laws and published tax guidance that are applicable to its operations. The Company records deferred tax assets and liabilities and evaluates the need for valuation allowances to reduce the deferred tax assets to realizable amounts. The likelihood of a material change in the Company's expected realization of these assets is dependent on future taxable income, its ability to use foreign tax credit carryforwards and carrybacks, final U.S. and foreign tax settlements, and the effectiveness of its tax planning strategies in the various relevant jurisdictions. While management believes that its judgments and interpretations regarding deferred income tax assets and liabilities are appropriate, significant differences in actual experience may materially affect the future financial results of the Company.

12

        Employee Retirement Plans.    The determination of the Company's obligations for certain employee retirement plans is dependent upon various assumptions, including, among others, interest rates, service periods, and future compensation levels. Management believes its assumptions are appropriate, however significant differences in actual experience or significant changes in assumptions may materially affect the Company's future financial results.

        Goodwill Impairment.    In accordance with the provisions of SFAS 142, the Company assesses the impairment of goodwill and identifiable intangible assets annually, or more often if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. This assessment is based upon a discounted cash flow analysis. The estimate of cash flow is based upon, among other things, certain assumptions about expected future operating performance and an appropriate discount rate determined by management. The Company's estimates of discounted cash flow may differ from actual cash flow due to, among other things, economic conditions, changes to its business model or changes in its operating performance. Significant differences between these estimates and actual cash flow could materially affect the future financial results of the Company. The Company completed its annual goodwill impairment test during the period ended June 30, 2003 and determined that no adjustment to the carrying value of goodwill was required. The Company has determined that no events have occurred during the three months ended September 30, 2003 that would require interim testing.

        Workers' Compensation.    The Company has established reserves for workers' compensation claims based on historical loss statistics. The Company self-insures or retains a portion of the exposure for losses related to workers' compensation. It is the Company's policy to record self-insurance reserves based upon claims filed and an estimate of claims incurred but not yet reported. While management believes that its assumptions and estimates are appropriate, significant differences in actual experience or significant changes in assumptions may materially affect the Company's future financial results.

        Stock Option Plans.    The Company has a long history of issuing stock options to employees and directors as an integral part of its compensation programs. Generally accepted accounting principles allow alternative methods of accounting for these plans. The Company has chosen to account for its stock option plans in accordance with APB 25. Under APB 25, the intrinsic value of the options is used to record compensation expense and, as a result, no compensation expense related to stock options is included in determining net income (loss) and net income (loss) per share in the unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements. As required by SFAS 148, calculations of pro forma net income (loss) and net income (loss) per share, computed in accordance with the method prescribed by SFAS 123, are set forth in Note A to the unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

Results of Operations for Each of the Three Months and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2003 and 2002

        Temporary and consulting staffing services revenues were $439 million and $442 million for the three months ended September 30, 2003 and 2002, respectively, decreasing by 1% during the three months ended September 30, 2003 compared to the same period in 2002. Temporary and consultant staffing services revenues were $1.3 billion for both the nine months ended September 30, 2003 and 2002. Permanent placement revenues were $24 million and $25 million for the three months ended September 30, 2003 and 2002, respectively, decreasing by 4% during the three months ended September 30, 2003 compared to the same period in 2002. Permanent placement revenues were $70 million and $77 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2003 and 2002, respectively, decreasing by 9% during the nine months ended September 30, 2003 compared to the same period in 2002. Staffing services revenue results for the nine months ended September 30, 2003 were adversely impacted by weak labor markets and soft general economic conditions, particularly in the United States. We expect staffing revenues to continue to be impacted by general macroeconomic conditions. Risk consulting and internal audit services revenues were $38 million and $93 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2003. This compares

13

to $18 million for the three months ended September 30, 2002 and $25 million for the period May 24, 2002 (inception) to September 30, 2002. The 2003 increase in risk consulting and internal audit services revenues is primarily due to increased brand acceptance in the marketplace and expanding demand for alternatives to the Big Four accounting firms in providing risk consulting services.

        The Company's temporary and permanent staffing services business has more than 325 offices in 43 states, the District of Columbia and ten foreign countries, whileProtiviti has more than 30 offices in 21 states and four foreign countries. Revenues from domestic operations represented 83% of revenues for the three months ended September 30, 2003 and 2002, and 82% of revenues for the nine months ended September 2003 and 2002. Revenues from foreign operations represented 17% of revenues for the three months ended September 30, 2003 and 2002, and 18% of revenues for the nine months ended September 2003 and 2002.

        Gross margin dollars from the Company's temporary and consultant staffing services represent revenues less direct costs of services, which consist of payroll, payroll taxes and insurance costs for temporary employees. Gross margin dollars from permanent placement staffing services are equal to revenues, as there are no direct costs associated with such revenues. 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, insurance costs and reimbursable expenses. Gross margin dollars for the Company's temporary and consultant staffing services were $154 million and $453 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2003, respectively, compared to $156 million and $474 million for the comparable periods in 2002, decreasing by 1% and 4% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2003, respectively. Gross margin amounts equaled 35% of revenues for temporary and consultant staffing services for both the three and nine months ended September 30, 2003, compared to 35% and 36% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2002, respectively. The lower 2003 temporary and consulting margin percentages are primarily due to higher unemployment insurance costs. Gross margin dollars for the Company's permanent placement staffing division were $24 million and $70 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2003, respectively, compared to $25 million and $77 million for the comparable periods in 2002, decreasing by 4% and 9% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2003, respectively. Gross margin dollars for the Company's risk consulting and internal audit division were $9 million and $11 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2003, respectively. This compares to negative $6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2002, and negative $8 million for the period May 24, 2002 (inception) to September 30, 2002. The 2003 improvement in risk consulting and internal audit services gross margin dollars is primarily the result of higher revenues coupled with improved staff utilization.

        Selling, general and administrative expenses were $176 million and $524 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2003, respectively, compared to $179 million and $529 million during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2002, respectively. Selling, general and administrative expenses as a percentage of revenues were 35% and 36% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2003, respectively, compared to 37% for both the three and nine months ended September 30, 2002. Selling, general and administrative expenses consist primarily of staff compensation, advertising, depreciation and occupancy costs. The lower selling, general and administrative expense percentage resulted primarily from leveraging fixed operating costs.

        For acquisitions, the Company allocates the excess of cost over the fair market value of the net tangible assets first to identifiable intangible assets, if any, and then to goodwill. The Company adopted SFAS 142 on January 1, 2002, resulting in the discontinuance of the amortization of goodwill that was being amortized over 40 years. The methods used for evaluating and measuring impairment of certain intangible assets have changed in accordance with the provisions of SFAS 142. The Company completed its annual goodwill impairment test during the period ended June 30, 2003 and determined that no adjustment to the carrying value of goodwill was required. The Company has determined that no events have occurred during the three months ended September 30, 2003 that would require interim testing. Net

14

intangible assets represented 18% of total assets and 23% of total stockholders' equity at September 30, 2003.

        Interest income for the three months ended September 30, 2003 and 2002 was $0.8 million and $1.3 million, respectively, while interest expense for the three months ended September 30, 2003 and 2002 was $0.2 million. Interest income for the nine months ended September 30, 2003 and 2002 was $2.5 million and $4.5 million, respectively, while interest expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2003 and 2002 was $0.5 million and $0.7 million, respectively. Lower average cash balances and lower interest rates during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2003 resulted in lower interest income.

        The provision for income taxes was 45% and 59% of income before taxes for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2003, respectively, and 38% for both the three and nine months ended September 30, 2002. The increase in 2003 is due primarily to Protiviti's losses in certain states and international locations where corresponding tax benefits are not being recognized.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

        The change in the Company's liquidity during the nine months ended September 30, 2003 is the net effect of funds generated by operations and the funds used for capital expenditures, the purchase of intangible assets, repurchases of common stock, and principal payments on outstanding notes payable. As of September 30, 2003, the Company has authorized the repurchase, from time to time, of up to 9.6 million additional shares of the Company's common stock on the open market or in privately negotiated transactions, depending on market conditions. During the nine months ended September 30, 2003, the Company repurchased 1.6 million shares of common stock on the open market for a total cost of $24.6 million. Additional stock repurchases were made in connection with employee stock plans, whereby Company shares were tendered by employees for the payment of applicable withholding taxes. During the nine months ended September 30, 2003, such repurchases totaled 0.5 million shares at a cost of $7.8 million. Repurchases of securities have been funded with cash generated from operations. For the nine months ended September 30, 2003, the Company generated $87.9 million from operations, used $48.2 million in investing activities and used $12.4 million in financing activities. This is further enumerated in the unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.

        The Company's working capital at September 30, 2003, included $344 million in cash and cash equivalents. The Company's working capital requirements consist primarily of the financing of accounts receivable. While there can be no assurances in this regard, the Company expects that internally generated cash will be sufficient to support the working capital needs of the Company, the Company's fixed payments, and other obligations on both a short- and long-term basis. As of September 30, 2003, the Company had no material capital commitments. In connection with the formation of Protiviti, the Company became the guarantor of certain former Andersen partners' capital notes, which totaled $3.0 million at September 30, 2003.

ITEM 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

        The Company's market risk sensitive instruments do not subject the Company to material market risk exposures.

ITEM 4. Controls and Procedures

        Management, including the Company's Chairman and Chief Executive Officer and 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 Vice Chairman and Chief Financial Officer concluded that the disclosure controls and procedures were effective, in all material respects, to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the reports the Company files and submits under the Exchange

15

Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the rules and forms of the Securities and Exchange Commission.

        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 has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company's internal control over financial reporting.

16

PART II—OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1.    Legal Proceedings

        None

Item 2.    Changes in Securities and Use of Proceeds

        None

Item 3.    Defaults upon Senior Securities

        None

Item 4.    Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

        None

Item 5.    Other Information

        None

Item 6.    Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K

(a)

Exhibits.

10.1	Outside Directors' Option Plan, as amended.
31.1	Rule 13a-14(a) Certification of Chief Executive Officer.
31.2	Rule 13a-14(a) Certification of Chief Financial Officer.
32.1	Section 1350 Certification of Chief Executive Officer.
32.2	Section 1350 Certification of Chief Financial Officer.

(b)

The registrant filed the following current report on Form 8-K during the quarter covered by this report:

Date	Items
July 17, 2003	Item 7. Financial Statements and Exhibits. Item 9. Regulation FD Disclosure.

17

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 WADDELLM. Keith Waddell Vice Chairman, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer (Principal Financial Officer and duly authorized signatory)
Date: November 13, 2003

18

QuickLinks

PART I—FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

ROBERT HALF INTERNATIONAL INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL POSITION (in thousands, except share amounts)
ROBERT HALF INTERNATIONAL INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (in thousands, except per share amounts)
ROBERT HALF INTERNATIONAL INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (in thousands)
ROBERT HALF INTERNATIONAL INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (in thousands)
ROBERT HALF INTERNATIONAL INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS SEPTEMBER 30, 2003 (Unaudited)

ITEM 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
ITEM 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
ITEM 4. Controls and Procedures

PART II—OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1. Legal Proceedings
Item 2. Changes in Securities and Use of Proceeds
Item 3. Defaults upon Senior Securities
Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
Item 5. Other Information
Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K

SIGNATURES