Robert Half International (RHI) 10-Q 2004 Q1 Quarterly report

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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 MARCH 31, 2004
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 April 30, 2004:

171,592,510 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)

		March 31, 2004			December 31, 2003
		(Unaudited)
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents		$	368,469		$	376,523
Accounts receivable, less allowances of $13,212 and $13,608			284,202			242,348
Deferred income taxes and other current assets			77,132			79,748
	Total current assets		729,803			698,619
Goodwill and other intangible assets, net			164,580			162,508
Property and equipment, net			108,217			113,119
Deferred and other income taxes			6,438			5,657
	Total assets	$	1,009,038		$	979,903
LIABILITIES
Accounts payable and accrued expenses		$	49,971		$	45,094
Accrued payroll costs and retirement obligations			170,157			143,734
Current portion of notes payable and other indebtedness			72			71
	Total current liabilities		220,200			188,899
Notes payable and other indebtedness, less current portion			2,324			2,343
	Total liabilities		222,524			191,242
Commitments and Contingencies (Note F)
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Common stock, $.001 par value authorized 260,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding 171,056,478 and 171,775,743 shares			171			172
Capital surplus			604,699			595,051
Deferred compensation			(43,105	)		(47,408	)
Accumulated other comprehensive income			19,904			20,018
Retained earnings			204,845			220,828
	Total stockholders' equity		786,514			788,661
	Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$	1,009,038		$	979,903

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

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ROBERT HALF INTERNATIONAL INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

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

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2004			2003
	(Unaudited)
Net service revenues	$	572,282		$	473,228
Direct costs of services, consisting of payroll, payroll taxes and insurance costs for temporary and risk consulting employees		356,255			303,576
Gross margin		216,027			169,652
Selling, general and administrative expenses		191,131			172,908
Amortization of intangible assets		89			2,775
Interest income, net		(634	)		(781	)
Income (loss) before income taxes		25,441			(5,250	)
Provision (benefit) for income taxes		10,025			(1,811	)
Net income (loss)	$	15,416		$	(3,439	)
Basic net income (loss) per share	$	..09		$	(.02	)
Diluted net income (loss) per share	$	.09		$	(.02	)

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

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ROBERT HALF INTERNATIONAL INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
(in thousands)

			Three Months Ended March 31,
			2004			2003
			(Unaudited)
COMMON STOCK—SHARES:
	Balance at beginning of period			171,776			170,909
	Issuances (forfeitures) of restricted stock			70			(5	)
	Repurchases of common stock			(1,415	)		(1,483	)
	Exercises of stock options			625			283
		Balance at end of period		171,056			169,704
COMMON STOCK—PAR VALUE:
	Balance at beginning of period		$	172		$	171
	Issuances of restricted stock			—			—
	Repurchases of common stock			(2	)		(1	)
	Exercises of stock options			1			—
		Balance at end of period	$	171		$	170
CAPITAL SURPLUS:
	Balance at beginning of period		$	595,051		$	543,457
	Issuances (forfeitures) of restricted stock—excess over par value			887			(1,799	)
	Exercises of stock options—excess over par value			6,747			1,943
	Tax impact of equity incentive plans			2,014			(2,453	)
		Balance at end of period	$	604,699		$	541,148
DEFERRED COMPENSATION:
	Balance at beginning of period		$	(47,408	)	$	(46,311	)
	Forfeitures (issuances) of restricted stock			(887	)		1,799
	Amortization of deferred compensation			5,190			5,817
		Balance at end of period	$	(43,105	)	$	(38,695	)
ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME:
	Balance at beginning of period		$	20,018		$	846
	Translation adjustments			(114	)		2,822
		Balance at end of period	$	19,904		$	3,668
RETAINED EARNINGS:
	Balance at beginning of period		$	220,828		$	246,803
	Repurchases of common stock—excess over par value			(31,399	)		(21,295	)
	Net income (loss)			15,416			(3,439	)
		Balance at end of period	$	204,845		$	222,069
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS):
	Net income (loss)		$	15,416		$	(3,439	)
	Translation adjustments			(114	)		2,822
		Total comprehensive income (loss)	$	15,302		$	(617	)

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

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ROBERT HALF INTERNATIONAL INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(in thousands)

				Three Months Ended March 31,
				2004			2003
				(Unaudited)
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
	Net income (loss)			$	15,416		$	(3,439	)
		Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
			Amortization of intangible assets		89			2,775
			Amortization of deferred compensation		5,190			5,817
			Depreciation expense		13,113			13,762
			Provision for deferred income taxes		4,157			2,680
			Tax impact of equity incentive plans		2,014			(2,453	)
			Provision for doubtful accounts		1,158			2,793
		Changes in assets and liabilities, net of effects of acquisitions:
			Increase in accounts receivable		(42,859	)		(789	)
			Increase in accounts payable, accrued expenses and accrued payroll costs		29,086			9,492
			Change in other assets, net of change in other liabilities		(2,247	)		(7,364	)
	Net cash flows provided by operating activities				25,117			23,274
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
	Purchase of goodwill and other intangible assets and other assets				—			(5,091	)
	Capital expenditures				(8,601	)		(11,010	)
	Deposits to trusts for employee benefits and retirement plans				565			871
	Net cash flows used in investing activities				(8,036	)		(15,230	)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
	Repurchases of common stock				(31,401	)		(22,259	)
	Principal payments on notes payable and other indebtedness				(18	)		(16	)
	Proceeds from exercises of stock options				6,748			1,943
	Net cash flows used in financing activities				(24,671	)		(20,332	)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents					(464	)		1,819
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents					(8,054	)		(10,469	)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period					376,523			316,927
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period				$	368,469		$	306,458
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION:
Cash paid during the period for:
	Interest			$	120		$	105
	Income taxes, net of refunds			$	8,103		$	815
Purchase of goodwill and other intangible assets and other assets:
	Assets acquired
		Goodwill and other intangible assets		$	—		$	5,059
		Other			—			39
	Liabilities incurred
		Other			—			(7	)
	Cash paid, net of cash acquired			$	—		$	5,091

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

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ROBERT HALF INTERNATIONAL INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

March 31, 2004

(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,Robert Half® Legal,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.Robert Half Legal (formerlyThe 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 of America ("GAAP") and the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission for interim financial information. In the opinion of management, all normal recurring 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, 2003, 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 intercompany balances have been eliminated. Certain reclassifications have been made to the 2003 financial statements to conform to the 2004 presentation.

        Use of Estimates.    The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. As of March 31, 2004, such estimates included allowances for uncollectible accounts receivable, workers' compensation losses, income and other taxes, and certain employee retirement plans.

        Revenue Recognition.    The Company derives its revenues from three segments: temporary and consultant staffing, permanent placement staffing, and risk consulting and internal audit services. Net service revenues as presented on the unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations represent services rendered to customers less sales adjustments and allowances. The Company records revenue gross as a principal versus net as an agent in the presentation of revenues and expenses. The

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Company has concluded that gross reporting is appropriate because the Company (i) has the risk of identifying and hiring qualified employees, (ii) has the discretion to select the employees and establish their price and duties and (iii) bears the risk for services that are not fully paid for by customers.

        Temporary and consultant staffing revenues—Temporary and consultant staffing revenues are recognized when the services are rendered by the Company's temporary employees. Temporary employees placed by the Company are the Company's legal employees while they are working on assignments. The Company pays all related costs of employment, including workers' compensation insurance, state and federal unemployment taxes, social security and certain fringe benefits. The Company assumes the risk of acceptability of its employees to its customers.

        Permanent placement staffing revenues—Permanent placement staffing revenues are recognized when employment candidates accept offers of permanent employment. The Company has a substantial history of estimating the effect of permanent placement candidates who do not remain with its clients through the 90-day guarantee period. Allowances are established to estimate these losses. Fees to clients are generally calculated as a percentage of the new employee's annual compensation. No fees for permanent placement services are charged to employment candidates.

        Risk consulting and internal audit revenues—Risk consulting and internal audit services are generally provided on a time-and-material basis or fixed-fee basis. Revenues earned under time-and-material arrangements are recognized as services are provided. Revenues on fixed-fee arrangements are recognized using a proportional performance method as hours are incurred relative to total estimated hours for the engagement. The Company periodically evaluates the need to provide for any losses on these projects, and losses are recognized when it is probable that a loss will be incurred. Reimbursements, including those relating to travel and out-of-pocket expenses, are included in risk consulting and internal audit service revenues, and equivalent amounts of reimbursable expenses are included in direct costs of services.

        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's annual goodwill impairment analysis will be performed during the second quarter. No events have occurred since the most recent goodwill impairment analysis which would require interim testing.

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        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 accumulated other 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 all periods presented.

        Stock Option Plans.    The Company accounts for its stock option plans in accordance with Accounting Principles Board 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 and net income 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 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 March 31,
			2004		2003
			(Unaudited)
Net Income (Loss)
	As reported		$	15,416	$	(3,439	)
	Stock-based employee compensation expense, net of income tax effects			4,537		5,811
	Pro forma		$	10,879	$	(9,250	)
Net Income (Loss) Per Share
	Basic
		As reported	$	.09	$	(.02	)
		Pro forma	$	.06	$	(.05	)
	Diluted
		As reported	$	.09	$	(.02	)
		Pro forma	$	.06	$	(.05	)

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        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 2004 and 2003: no dividend yield for any year; expected volatility of 51%; risk-free interest rates of 2.9% to 3.3%; and expected lives of 6.0 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 incurred in the development of internal-use software. Amounts capitalized are reported as a component of computer software within property and equipment. The Company capitalized approximately $1.9 million of internal-use software development costs for the three months ended March 31, 2004.

Note B—Deferred Income Taxes and Other Current Assets

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

	March 31, 2004		December 31, 2003
	(Unaudited)
Deferred income taxes	$	22,198	$	27,102
Deposits in trusts for employee benefits and retirement plans		30,673		31,238
Income taxes receivable		6,577		4,048
Other		17,684		17,360
	$	77,132	$	79,748

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Note C—Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, Net

        The following table sets forth the activity in goodwill and other intangible assets from December 31, 2003 through March 31, 2004 (in thousands):

	Goodwill			Other Intangible Assets			Total
Balance as of December 31, 2003	$	161,963		$	545		$	162,508
Translation adjustments		(39	)		—			(39	)
Increase in unamortized retirement costs		—			2,200			2,200
		161,924			2,745			164,669
Amortization of intangible assets		—			(89	)		(89	)
Balance as of March 31, 2004 (unaudited)	$	161,924		$	2,656		$	164,580

        The estimated remaining amortization expense is $0.2 million for 2004, and $0.4 million thereafter.

Note D—Property and Equipment, Net

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

	March 31, 2004			December 31, 2003
	(Unaudited)
Computer hardware	$	97,911		$	96,425
Computer software		160,811			155,523
Furniture and equipment		97,437			96,754
Leasehold improvements		61,819			61,294
Other		10,705			10,648
Property and equipment, cost		428,683			420,644
Accumulated depreciation		(320,466	)		(307,525	)
Property and equipment, net	$	108,217		$	113,119

Note E—Accrued Payroll Costs and Retirement Obligations

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

	March 31, 2004		December 31, 2003
	(Unaudited)
Payroll and bonuses	$	80,690	$	69,586
Employee benefits and retirement obligations		46,838		44,105
Workers' compensation		16,483		15,090
Payroll taxes		26,146		14,953
	$	170,157	$	143,734

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        Included in employee benefits and retirement obligations is $39 million at March 31, 2004 and $36 million at December 31, 2003 related to a defined benefit retirement agreement for the Company's key executive. The amount of this obligation has been calculated in accordance with the current provisions of the employee's retirement agreement, which was initially entered into in 1985. The key assumptions used in this calculation include: expected retirement age, mortality, expected post retirement Consumer Price Index increases of 2.8% and 3.1%, and discount rates of 4.1% and 4.7% at March 31, 2004 and December 31, 2003, respectively.

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 of Protiviti, the Company became the guarantor of certain employee notes totaling $2.2 million at March 31, 2004.

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 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, 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.

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Note H—Net Income (Loss) Per Share

        The calculation of net income (loss) per share for the three months ended March 31, 2004 and 2003 is reflected in the following table (in thousands, except per share amounts):

		Three Months Ended March 31,
		2004		2003
		(Unaudited)
Net Income (Loss)		$	15,416	$	(3,439	)
Basic:
	Weighted average shares		169,311		168,352
Diluted:
	Weighted average shares		169,311		168,352
	Common stock equivalents—stock options		5,460		—
	Diluted shares		174,771		168,352
Net Income (Loss) Per Share:
	Basic	$	.09	$	(.02	)
	Diluted	$	.09	$	(.02	)

        The weighted average diluted common shares outstanding for the three months ended March 31, 2004 excludes the dilutive effect of approximately 2.3 million options, since such options have an exercise price in excess of the 2004 average market value of the Company's common stock. Had such options been included, the dilutive effect would have been calculated using the treasury method.

Note I—Business Segments

        The Company, which defines its segments based on the nature of services, has three reportable segments: temporary and consultant staffing, permanent placement staffing, and risk consulting and internal audit services. The temporary and consultant segment provides specialized staffing in the accounting and finance, administrative and office, information technology, legal, advertising, 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 income or loss from operations before interest income, intangible amortization expense, and income taxes.

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

		Three Months Ended March 31,
		2004			2003
		(Unaudited)
Net service revenues
	Temporary and consultant staffing	$	489,714		$	426,780
	Permanent placement staffing		28,858			22,340
	Risk consulting and internal audit services		53,710			24,108
		$	572,282		$	473,228
Operating income (loss)
	Temporary and consultant staffing	$	18,999		$	8,591
	Permanent placement staffing		2,673			(629	)
	Risk consulting and internal audit services		3,224			(11,218	)
			24,896			(3,256	)
Amortization of intangible assets			89			2,775
Interest income, net			(634	)		(781	)
Income (loss) before income taxes		$	25,441		$	(5,250	)

Note J—Subsequent Event

        On April 22, 2004, the Company announced a quarterly dividend of $.06 per share to be paid to all shareholders of record on May 25, 2004. The dividend will be paid on June 15, 2004.

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ITEM 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

        Certain information contained in Management's Discussion and Analysis and in other parts of this report may be deemed forward-looking statements regarding events and financial trends that may affect the Company's future operating results or financial positions. These statements may be identified by words such as "estimate", "forecast", "project", "plan", "intend", "believe", "expect", "anticipate", or variations or negatives thereof or by similar or comparable words or phrases. Forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in the statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the following: changes in levels of unemployment and other economic conditions in the United States or foreign countries where the Company does business, or in particular regions or industries; reduction in the supply of 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 profit 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; and whether governments will impose additional regulations or licensing requirements on personnel services businesses in particular or on employer/employee relationships in general. With respect to Protiviti, other risks and uncertainties include the fact that future success will depend on its ability to retain employees and attract clients; significant costs and diversion of management time could be incurred in integrating key personnel into Protiviti; there can be no assurance that there will be ongoing demand for Sarbanes-Oxley or other regulatory compliance services; failure to produce projected revenues could adversely affect financial results; and the Company could become involved in litigation relating to prior or current transactions or activities. Because long-term contracts are not a significant part of the Company's business, future results cannot be reliably predicted by considering past trends or extrapolating past results.

Critical Accounting Policies

        As described below, the Company's most critical accounting policies are 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.

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        Employee Retirement Plans.    The determination of the Company's obligations for certain employee retirement plans is dependent upon various assumptions, including, among others, discount rates and service periods. 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 Statement of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 142,Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets ("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's annual goodwill impairment analysis, which will be performed during the second quarter, is not expected to have a material effect on the financial statements.

        Workers' Compensation.    The Company self-insures or retains a portion of the exposure for losses related to workers' compensation. The Company has established reserves for workers' compensation claims based on historical loss statistics and periodic independent actuarial valuations. 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. Accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America allow alternative methods of accounting for these plans. The Company has chosen to account for its stock option plans under Accounting Principles Board 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 and net income per share in the unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements. As required by SFAS No. 148,Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation—Transition and Disclosures, calculations of pro forma net income (loss) and net income (loss) per share, computed in accordance with the method prescribed by SFAS No. 123,Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation, are set forth in Note A to the unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

Results of Operations for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2004 and 2003

        Temporary and consultant staffing services revenues were $490 million and $427 million for the three months ended March 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively, increasing by 15% during the three months ended March 31, 2004 compared to the same period in 2003. Permanent placement revenues were $29 million and $22 million for the three months ended March 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively, increasing by 29% during the three months ended March 31, 2004 compared to the same period in 2003. Improvement in the U.S. labor markets contributed to the increase in temporary and permanent staffing services revenues for the three months ended March 31, 2004. Risk consulting and internal audit services revenues were $54 million and $24 million for the three months ended March 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively, increasing by 123% during the three months ended March 31, 2004 compared to the same period in 2003. The 2004 increase in risk consulting and internal audit services revenues is primarily due to increased brand acceptance in the marketplace and expanding demand related to increased focus on internal accounting controls and other corporate governance requirements. We expect total Company revenues to continue to be impacted by general macroeconomic conditions in 2004.

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        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, while Protiviti has more than 30 offices in 20 states and six foreign countries. Revenues from domestic operations represented 81% and 82% of revenues for the three months ended March 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively. Revenues from foreign operations represented 19% and 18% of revenues for the three months ended March 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively.

        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 $171 million and $149 million for the three months ended March 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively, increasing by 15% during the three months ended March 31, 2004 compared to the same period in 2003. Gross margin amounts equaled 35% of revenues for temporary and consultant staffing services for both the three months ended March 31, 2004 and 2003. Gross margin dollars for the Company's permanent placement staffing division were $29 million and $22 million for the three months ended March 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively, increasing by 29% in 2004. Gross margin dollars for the Company's risk consulting and internal audit division were $16 million and negative $1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively. The 2004 improvement in risk consulting and internal audit services gross margin dollars is primarily the result of higher revenues and improved staff utilization.

        Selling, general and administrative expenses were $191 million in the three months ended March 31, 2004, compared to $173 million in the same period in 2003. Selling, general and administrative expenses as a percentage of revenues were 33% and 37% for the three months ended March 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively. Selling, general and administrative expenses consist primarily of staff compensation, advertising, depreciation and occupancy costs. The lower 2004 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's annual goodwill impairment analysis, which is not expected to have a material effect on the financial statements, will be performed in the second quarter. Net intangible assets, consisting primarily of goodwill, represented 16% of total assets and 21% of total stockholders' equity at March 31, 2004.

        Interest income for the three months ended March 31, 2004 and 2003 was $0.8 million and $0.9 million, respectively, while interest expense for the three months ended March 31, 2004 and 2003 was $0.2 million and $0.1 million, respectively.

        The provision for income taxes was 39% and 35% of income before taxes for the three months ended March 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively. The increase in 2004 is due primarily to the impact of 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 three months ended March 31, 2004 is the net effect of funds generated by operations and the funds used for capital expenditures, repurchases of common stock, and principal payments on outstanding notes payable. As of March 31, 2004, the Company is authorized to repurchase, from time to time, up to 8.7 million additional shares of the Company's common stock on the open market or in privately negotiated transactions, depending on market conditions. During

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the three months ended March 31, 2004, the Company repurchased approximately 0.9 million shares of common stock on the open market for a total cost of $19.9 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 three months ended March 31, 2004, such repurchases totaled approximately 0.5 million shares at a cost of $11.5 million. Repurchases of securities have been funded with cash generated from operations. For the three months ended March 31, 2004, the Company generated $25.1 million from operations, used $8.0 million in investing activities and used $24.7 million in financing activities. This is further enumerated in the unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.

        The Company's working capital at March 31, 2004 included $368 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. In connection with the formation of Protiviti, the Company became the guarantor of certain former Andersen partners' capital notes, which totaled approximately $2.2 million at March 31, 2004.

        On April 22, 2004, the Company announced a quarterly dividend of $.06 per share to be paid to all shareholders of record on May 25, 2004. The dividend will be paid on June 15, 2004.

ITEM 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

        The Company is exposed to the impact of foreign currency fluctuations. The Company's exposure to foreign currency exchange rates relates primarily to the Company's foreign subsidiaries. Exchange rates impact the U.S. dollar value of the Company's reported earnings, investments in its foreign subsidiaries, and the intercompany transactions with its foreign subsidiaries.

        For the three months ended March 31, 2004, approximately 19% of the Company's revenues were generated outside of the United States. These operations transact business in their functional currency. As a result, fluctuations in the value of foreign currencies against the U.S. dollar have an impact on the Company's reported results. Revenues and expenses denominated in foreign currencies are translated into U.S. dollars at the monthly average exchange rates prevailing during the period. Consequently, as the value of the U.S. dollar changes relative to the currencies of the Company's non-U.S. markets, the Company's reported results vary.

        Fluctuations in currency exchange rates impact the U.S. dollar amount of the Company's stockholders' equity. The assets and liabilities of the Company's non-U.S. subsidiaries are translated into U.S. dollars at the exchange rates in effect at year-end. The resulting translation adjustments are recorded in stockholders' equity as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income.

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 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.

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PART II—OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1.    Legal Proceedings

        None

Item 2.    Changes in Securities, Use of Proceeds and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

	Total Number of Shares Purchased		Average Price Paid per Share		Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans	Maximum Number of Shares that May Yet Be Purchased Under Publicly Announced Plans(c)
January 1, 2004 to January 31, 2004	254,689	(a)	$	23.68	—	9,580,082
February 1, 2004 to February 29, 2004	598,517	(b)	$	22.21	358,100	9,221,982
March 1, 2004 to March 31, 2004	561,000		$	21.48	561,000	8,660,982

(a)

Represents shares repurchased in connection with employee stock plans, whereby Company shares were tendered by employees for the payment of applicable withholding taxes and/or exercise price.

(b)

Includes 240,417 shares repurchased in connection with employee stock plans, whereby Company shares were tendered by employees for the payment of applicable withholding taxes and/or exercise price.

(c)

In October 1997, the Company's Board of Directors authorized the repurchase, from time to time, of the Company's common stock on the open market or in privately negotiated transactions, depending on market conditions. Since plan inception a total of 38,000,000 shares have been authorized for repurchase, of which 29,339,018 shares have been repurchased as of March 31, 2004.

Item 3.    Defaults upon Senior Securities

        None

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

        None

Item 5.    Other Information

        None

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Item 6.    Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K

(a)

Exhibits.

10.1	Fifteenth Amendment to Employment Agreement between the registrant and Harold M. Messmer, Jr. The original Employment Agreement and the first fourteen amendments thereto are incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2003.
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
January 27, 2004	Item 7.	Financial Statements and Exhibits.
	Item 12.	Results of Operations and Financial Condition.

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SIGNATURES

        Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

ROBERT HALF INTERNATIONAL INC.
(Registrant)

/s/  M. KEITH WADDELLM. Keith Waddell
Vice Chairman, President and Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial Officer and
duly authorized signatory)

Date: May 6, 2004

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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 March 31, 2004 (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, Use of Proceeds and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
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