TrueBlue 10Q 2024 Q3 Quarterly report

UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

☒ QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended: September 29, 2024

☐ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

Commission File Number: 001-14543

____________________________________

TrueBlue, Inc.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

______________________________________

Washington

91-1287341

(State of incorporation)

(I.R.S. employer identification no.)

1015 A Street, Tacoma, Washington 98402

(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (253) 383-9101

______________________________________

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:


Title of each class	Trading Symbol(s)	Name of each exchange on which registered
Common stock, no par value	TBI	New York Stock Exchange

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 ☒ No ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). Yes ☒ No ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Large accelerated filer

☐

Accelerated filer

☒

Non-accelerated filer

☐

Smaller reporting company

☐

Emerging growth company

☐

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ☐ No ☒

As of October 27, 2024, there were 29,558,940 shares of the registrant’s common stock outstanding.

TrueBlue, Inc.

Table of Contents


		Page
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1.	Consolidated financial statements (unaudited)	3
	Consolidated Balance Sheets	3
	Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss)	4
	Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows	5
	Notes to consolidated financial statements	6
Item 2.	Management’s discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations	20
Item 3.	Quantitative and qualitative disclosures about market risk	32
Item 4.	Controls and procedures	32

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1.	Legal proceedings	34
Item 1A.	Risk factors	34
Item 2.	Unregistered sales of equity securities and use of proceeds	34
Item 3.	Defaults upon senior securities	34
Item 4.	Mine safety disclosures	34
Item 5.	Other information	34
Item 6.	Index to exhibits	35

	Signatures	36

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PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION


Item 1.			CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

TRUEBLUE, INC.

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(unaudited)


(in thousands, except par value and share count data)	September 29, 2024		December 31, 2023
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	14,505	$	61,885
Accounts receivable, net of allowance of $1,508 and $2,005, respectively	225,376		252,538
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	34,532		28,894
Income tax receivable	10,887		11,676
Total current assets	285,300		354,993
Property and equipment, net	91,078		104,906
Restricted cash, cash equivalents and investments	180,124		192,985
Deferred income taxes, net	728		35,465
Goodwill	25,285		84,114
Intangible assets, net	6,428		10,525
Operating lease right-of-use assets, net	51,821		49,819
Workers’ compensation claims receivable, net	48,607		53,841
Other assets, net	13,005		12,735
Total assets	$	702,376	$	899,383
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable and other accrued expenses	$	35,770	$	56,401
Accrued wages and benefits	64,888		80,120
Income tax payable	—		439
Current portion of workers’ compensation claims reserve	36,971		44,866

Current operating lease liabilities	11,856		11,902
Other current liabilities	5,096		10,371
Total current liabilities	154,581		204,099
Workers’ compensation claims reserve, less current portion	129,475		151,649


Long-term deferred compensation liabilities	38,298		35,205
Long-term operating lease liabilities	51,421		49,434

Other long-term liabilities	1,449		1,123
Total liabilities	375,224		441,510

Commitments and contingencies (Note 9)

Shareholders’ equity:
Preferred stock, $0.131 par value, 20,000,000 shares authorized; No shares issued and outstanding	—		—
Common stock, no par value, 100,000,000 shares authorized; 29,497,872 and 31,245,732 shares issued and outstanding	1		1
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(20,112)		(20,712)
Retained earnings	347,263		478,584
Total shareholders’ equity	327,152		457,873
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	$	702,376	$	899,383

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements

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TRUEBLUE, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

(unaudited)


	Thirteen weeks ended				Thirty-nine weeks ended
(in thousands, except per share data)	September 29, 2024		September 24, 2023		September 29, 2024		September 24, 2023
Revenue from services	$	382,357	$	473,196	$	1,181,440	$	1,414,072
Cost of services	282,320		349,023		877,594		1,036,295
Gross profit	100,037		124,173		303,846		377,777
Selling, general and administrative expense	99,973		120,715		303,928		364,642
Depreciation and amortization	6,967		6,184		22,616		18,875
Goodwill and intangible asset impairment charge	—		—		59,674		9,485
Income (loss) from operations	(6,903)		(2,726)		(82,372)		(15,225)


Interest and other income (expense), net	521		390		3,861		1,982
Income (loss) before tax expense (benefit)	(6,382)		(2,336)		(78,511)		(13,243)
Income tax expense (benefit)	1,253		(2,326)		35,532		(1,621)
Net income (loss)	$	(7,635)	$	(10)	$	(114,043)	$	(11,622)

Net income (loss) per common share:
Basic	$	(0.26)	$	0.00	$	(3.75)	$	(0.37)
Diluted	$	(0.26)	$	0.00	$	(3.75)	$	(0.37)

Weighted average shares outstanding:
Basic	29,704		30,932		30,384		31,397
Diluted	29,704		30,932		30,384		31,397

Other comprehensive income (loss):
Foreign currency translation adjustment	$	437	$	(1,305)	$	600	$	(1,052)
Comprehensive income (loss)	$	(7,198)	$	(1,315)	$	(113,443)	$	(12,674)

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements

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TRUEBLUE, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(unaudited)


	Thirty-nine weeks ended
(in thousands)	September 29, 2024		September 24, 2023
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income (loss)	$	(114,043)	$	(11,622)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash (used in) provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	22,616		18,875
Goodwill and intangible asset impairment charge	59,674		9,485
Provision for credit losses	1,577		3,254
Stock-based compensation	5,676		10,219
Deferred income taxes	34,694		(3,344)
Non-cash lease expense	9,145		9,449
Other operating activities	(5,052)		(1,661)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable	25,802		34,790
Income taxes receivable and payable	219		(3,001)

Other assets	8,719		26,795
Accounts payable and other accrued expenses	(18,771)		(26,879)
Accrued wages and benefits	(15,640)		(5,156)

Workers’ compensation claims reserve	(30,069)		(33,558)
Operating lease liabilities	(9,236)		(9,498)
Other liabilities	1,500		1,421
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities	(23,189)		19,569
Cash flows from investing activities:
Capital expenditures	(18,874)		(23,095)

Proceeds from business divestiture, net	2,928		—
Payments for company-owned life insurance	(4,000)		(2,347)
Proceeds from company-owned life insurance	—		1,662


Purchases of restricted held-to-maturity investments	(10,180)		(26,894)
Maturities of restricted held-to-maturity investments	28,688		24,118

Net cash used in investing activities	(1,438)		(26,556)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Purchases and retirement of common stock	(21,301)		(34,178)
Net proceeds from employee stock purchase plans	564		704
Common stock repurchases for taxes upon vesting of restricted stock	(2,221)		(3,759)



Other	(1,807)		(96)
Net cash used in financing activities	(24,765)		(37,329)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash and cash equivalents	(638)		(757)
Net change in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash and cash equivalents	(50,030)		(45,073)
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	99,306		135,631
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash and cash equivalents, end of period	$	49,276	$	90,558

Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
Cash paid during the period for:
Interest	$	778	$	721
Income taxes, net of refunds	$	555	$	4,732
Operating lease liabilities	$	11,522	$	11,718
Non-cash transactions:
Property and equipment purchased but not yet paid	$	1,456	$	3,550
Divestiture non-cash consideration	$	571	$	—
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for new operating lease liabilities	$	11,024	$	10,943

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (unaudited)

NOTE 1: SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Financial statement preparation

The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements (“financial statements”) of TrueBlue, Inc. (the “company,” “TrueBlue,” “we,” “us,” and “our”) are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) and rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) for interim financial information. Accordingly, certain information and footnote disclosures usually found in financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP have been condensed or omitted. The financial statements reflect all adjustments which, in the opinion of management, are necessary to fairly state the financial statements for the interim periods presented. We follow the same accounting policies for preparing both quarterly and annual financial statements.

The preparation of the financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and related notes included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023. The results of operations for the thirty-nine weeks ended September 29, 2024 are not necessarily indicative of the results expected for the full fiscal year nor for any other fiscal period.

Goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets

We evaluate goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment on an annual basis as of the first day of our fiscal second quarter, or whenever events or circumstances make it more likely than not that an impairment may have occurred. These events or circumstances could include a significant change in general economic conditions, deterioration in industry environment, changes in cost factors, declining operating performance indicators, legal factors, competition, client engagement, changes in the carrying amount of net assets, sale or disposition of a significant portion of a reporting unit, or a sustained decrease in stock price. We monitor the existence of potential impairment indicators throughout the fiscal year.

Goodwill

We test for goodwill impairment at the reporting unit level. We consider our operating segments to be our reporting units for goodwill impairment testing. Our reporting units with remaining goodwill as of the first day of our fiscal second quarter were PeopleReady, Centerline, PeopleScout RPO and PeopleScout MSP.

When evaluating goodwill for impairment, we may first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. Qualitative factors include macroeconomic conditions, industry and market conditions and overall company financial performance. If, after assessing the totality of events and circumstances, we determine that it is more likely than not the fair value of the reporting unit is greater than its carrying amount, the quantitative impairment test is unnecessary.

The quantitative impairment test, if necessary, involves comparing the fair value of each reporting unit to its carrying value, including goodwill. Fair value reflects the price a market participant would be willing to pay in a potential sale of the reporting unit. If the fair value exceeds the carrying value, we conclude that no goodwill impairment has occurred. If the carrying value exceeds the fair value, we recognize an impairment charge in an amount equal to the excess, not to exceed the carrying value of the goodwill. We consider a reporting unit’s fair value to be substantially in excess of its carrying value at a 20% premium or greater.

We performed an interim impairment test as of the last day of the fiscal first quarter of 2024, as well as a qualitative assessment for our annual impairment test one day later, which did not result in impairment of goodwill for any reporting unit. During the fiscal second quarter of 2024, management determined that a triggering event had occurred as a result of additional decline in demand for our services, prolonged economic uncertainty, and a further decrease in our stock price. Therefore, we performed an additional interim impairment test as of the last day of fiscal May 2024. Refer to Note 6: Goodwill and Intangible Assets for additional details on the interim impairment test, valuation methodologies, and inputs used in the fair value measurements.

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (unaudited)

Indefinite-lived intangible assets

We have indefinite-lived intangible assets for trade names/trademarks related to businesses within our PeopleScout and PeopleManagement segments. We evaluate our indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment on an annual basis as of the first day of our fiscal second quarter, or whenever events or circumstances make it more likely than not that an impairment may have occurred. These events or circumstances could include significant change in general economic conditions, deterioration in industry environment, changes in cost factors, declining operating performance indicators, legal factors, competition, client engagement, or sale or disposition of a significant portion of the business. We monitor the existence of potential impairment indicators throughout the fiscal year.

When evaluating indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment, we may first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not the fair value of the indefinite-lived intangible asset is less than its carrying amount. Qualitative factors include macroeconomic conditions, industry and market conditions and overall company financial performance. If, after assessing the totality of events and circumstances, we determine that it is more likely than not the fair value of the indefinite-lived intangible asset is greater than its carrying amount, the quantitative impairment test is unnecessary.

During the fiscal second quarter of 2024, we performed an impairment test for indefinite-lived intangible assets. Refer to Note 6: Goodwill and Intangible Assets for additional details on the impairment test, valuation methodologies, and inputs used in the fair value measurements.

Government assistance

As there is limited U.S. GAAP accounting guidance for for-profit business entities that receive government assistance, we have elected to analogize to International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”), specifically International Accounting Standards (“IAS”) 20, Accounting for Government Grants and Disclosures of Government Assistance. Following IAS 20, we recognize government assistance on a systematic basis over the periods in which we recognize the related costs for which the grant is intended to compensate, but only when there is reasonable assurance we will comply with all conditions attached to the grant and there is reasonable assurance the assistance will be received. We have interpreted “reasonable assurance” to mean “probable,” as defined in loss contingencies guidance in U.S. GAAP.

During the fiscal second quarter of 2024, management determined the reasonable assurance criteria was met for certain payroll tax credits for which recognition was previously deferred. As a result, $2.9 million and $7.6 million was recognized within cost of services and selling, general and administrative (“SG&A”) expense, respectively, on the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the thirty-nine weeks ended September 29, 2024. Also, this resulted in a reversal of previously accrued interest related to these benefits of $1.1 million, offset by recognition of related professional fees of $0.8 million, which were recorded within interest and other income (expense), net and SG&A expense, respectively, on the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the thirty-nine weeks ended September 29, 2024.

As of September 29, 2024, we have deferred recognition of $15.4 million within accrued wages and benefits on our Consolidated Balance Sheets related to certain payroll tax credits, including accrued interest, until recognition becomes probable.

Recently adopted accounting standards

There were no new accounting standards adopted during the thirty-nine weeks ended September 29, 2024 that had a material impact on our financial statements.

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (unaudited)

Recently issued accounting standards and disclosure rules not yet adopted

Segments

In November 2023, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2023-07, “Segment Reporting (Topic 280): Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures,” which requires disclosure of incremental segment information on an interim and annual basis, primarily regarding significant segment expenses and information used to assess segment performance. This ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023 (fiscal 2024 for TrueBlue), and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2024 (Q1 2025 for TrueBlue). Retrospective application is required for all periods presented. We are currently evaluating the impact of this ASU on our required disclosures.

Income Taxes

In December 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-09, “Income Taxes (Topic 740) - Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures,” which requires enhancements and further transparency to certain income tax disclosures, primarily to the tax rate reconciliation and income taxes paid. This ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024 (fiscal 2025 for TrueBlue), on a prospective basis with retrospective application permitted. We are currently evaluating the impact of this ASU on our required disclosures.

Climate

In March 2024, the SEC issued its final climate disclosure rule, which requires the disclosure of Scope 1 and Scope 2 greenhouse gas emissions and other climate-related topics in annual reports and registration statements, when material. Disclosure requirements will begin phasing in for fiscal years beginning on or after January 1, 2025. While the SEC issued an order to stay the final rule in April 2024 due to certain legal challenges, we continue to evaluate the impact of this new rule on our required disclosures.

There are no other accounting standards which have not yet been adopted that are expected to have a significant impact on our financial statements and related disclosures.

NOTE 2: DIVESTITURE

Effective February 26, 2024, we entered into a share purchase agreement (the “Agreement”) to sell Labour Ready Temporary Services, Ltd. (“PeopleReady Canada”) to Vertical Staffing Resources (“Vertical”) for a preliminary sale price of $4.3 million, plus contingent consideration of up to $2.5 million based on the achievement of the results of the business as specified in the Agreement. The sale price is subject to adjustment based on the closing working capital of the divested business. We received cash proceeds of $2.9 million, net of $0.8 million of transaction costs and $0.6 million held in escrow until finalization of the closing working capital and expiration of the indemnification period. We recognized a pre-tax gain on the divestiture of $0.7 million, which is included in interest and other income (expense), net on the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the thirty-nine weeks ended September 29, 2024. The operating results for PeopleReady Canada were reported in the PeopleReady reportable segment through the closing date, including $2.6 million in revenue. The divestiture of PeopleReady Canada did not represent a strategic shift with a major effect on the company's operations and financial results and, therefore was not reported as a discontinued operation, nor was it an individually significant component of the company.

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (unaudited)

NOTE 3: FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENT

Assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis

Our assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis consisted of the following:


	September 29, 2024
(in thousands)	Total fair value		Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (level 1)		Significant other observable inputs (level 2)		Significant unobservable inputs (level 3)
Cash and cash equivalents	$	14,505	$	14,505	$	—	$	—
Restricted cash and cash equivalents	34,771		34,771		—		—
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash and cash equivalents (1)	$	49,276	$	49,276	$	—	$	—

Municipal debt securities	$	23,546	$	—	$	23,546	$	—
Corporate debt securities	67,736		—		67,736		—
Agency mortgage-backed securities	11,495		—		11,495		—
U.S. government and agency securities	983		—		983		—
Restricted investments classified as held-to-maturity (2)	$	103,760	$	—	$	103,760	$	—


	December 31, 2023
(in thousands)	Total fair value		Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (level 1)		Significant other observable inputs (level 2)		Significant unobservable inputs (level 3)
Cash and cash equivalents	$	61,885	$	61,885	$	—	$	—
Restricted cash and cash equivalents	37,421		37,421		—		—
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash and cash equivalents (1)	$	99,306	$	99,306	$	—	$	—

Municipal debt securities	$	31,804	$	—	$	31,804	$	—
Corporate debt securities	74,912		—		74,912		—
Agency mortgage-backed securities	13,235		—		13,235		—
U.S. government and agency securities	962		—		962		—
Restricted investments classified as held-to-maturity (2)	$	120,913	$	—	$	120,913	$	—

(1)Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash and cash equivalents include money market funds and deposits.

(2)Refer to Note 4: Restricted Cash, Cash Equivalents and Investments for additional details on our held-to-maturity debt securities.

Assets measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis

In addition to assets that are recorded at fair value on a recurring basis, annual and interim impairment tests may subject our reporting units with goodwill and other intangible assets to nonrecurring fair value measurement. We performed impairment tests for goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets during our fiscal second quarter of 2024. Refer to Note 6: Goodwill and Intangible Assets for additional details on the impairment charges, valuation methodologies, and inputs used in the fair value measurements.

For our interim goodwill impairment test as of the last day of fiscal May 2024, the fair value of each reporting unit was estimated using an equal weighting of the income and market approaches, except for PeopleScout MSP, which relied only on the income approach. The various inputs to these fair value models are considered Level 3. As a result of the test, goodwill with a carrying value of $59.1 million associated with the PeopleReady reporting unit was impaired, and an impairment charge of $59.1 million was recognized on our Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the thirty-nine weeks ended September 29, 2024.

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (unaudited)

For our indefinite-lived intangible asset impairment test performed during the fiscal second quarter of 2024, the fair values of our trade names/trademarks were estimated utilizing the relief from royalty method. The various inputs to this fair value model are considered Level 3. As a result of the test, one of our trade names/trademarks with a carrying value of $3.3 million was written down to its fair value, and an impairment charge of $0.6 million was recognized on our Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the thirty-nine weeks ended September 29, 2024.

NOTE 4: RESTRICTED CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS AND INVESTMENTS

The following is a summary of the carrying value of our restricted cash, cash equivalents and investments:


(in thousands)	September 29, 2024		December 31, 2023
Cash collateral held by insurance carriers	$	22,215	$	23,598
Cash and cash equivalents held in Trust	12,187		12,703
Investments held in Trust	103,627		122,659

Company-owned life insurance policies	41,726		32,905
Other restricted cash and cash equivalents	369		1,120
Total restricted cash, cash equivalents and investments	$	180,124	$	192,985

Held-to-maturity

Restricted cash, cash equivalents and investments include collateral that has been provided or pledged to insurance carriers for workers’ compensation and state workers’ compensation programs. Our insurance carriers and certain state workers’ compensation programs require us to collateralize a portion of our workers’ compensation obligation. The collateral typically takes the form of cash and cash equivalents and highly rated investment grade securities, primarily in debt and asset-backed securities. The majority of our collateral obligations are held in a trust at the Bank of New York Mellon (“Trust”).

The amortized cost and estimated fair value of each of our held-to-maturity investments held in Trust, aggregated by investment category as of September 29, 2024 and December 31, 2023, were as follows:


	September 29, 2024
(in thousands)	Amortized cost		Gross unrealized gains		Gross unrealized losses		Fair value
Municipal debt securities	$	23,632	$	8	$	(94)	$	23,546
Corporate debt securities	67,780		810		(854)		67,736
Agency mortgage-backed securities	11,216		279		—		11,495
U.S. government and agency securities	999		—		(16)		983
Total held-to-maturity investments	$	103,627	$	1,097	$	(964)	$	103,760


	December 31, 2023
(in thousands)	Amortized cost		Gross unrealized gains		Gross unrealized losses		Fair value
Municipal debt securities	$	32,042	$	4	$	(242)	$	31,804
Corporate debt securities	76,578		333		(1,999)		74,912
Agency mortgage-backed securities	13,039		196		—		13,235
U.S. government and agency securities	1,000		—		(38)		962
Total held-to-maturity investments	$	122,659	$	533	$	(2,279)	$	120,913

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (unaudited)

The amortized cost and fair value by contractual maturity of our held-to-maturity investments are as follows:


	September 29, 2024
(in thousands)	Amortized cost		Fair value
Due in one year or less	$	28,069	$	27,869
Due after one year through five years	63,408		63,346
Due after five years through ten years	6,212		6,415
Due after ten years	5,938		6,130
Total held-to-maturity investments	$	103,627	$	103,760

Actual maturities may differ from contractual maturities because the issuers of certain debt securities have the right to call or prepay their obligations without penalty. We have no significant concentrations of counterparties in our held-to-maturity investment portfolio.

Company-owned life insurance policies

We hold company-owned life insurance policies to support our deferred compensation liability. Unrealized gains and losses related to investments still held at September 29, 2024 and September 24, 2023, which are included in SG&A expense on our Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss), were as follows:


	Thirteen weeks ended				Thirty-nine weeks ended
(in thousands)	September 29, 2024		September 24, 2023		September 29, 2024		September 24, 2023
Unrealized gains (losses)	$	2,099	$	(493)	$	4,821	$	1,482

NOTE 5: SUPPLEMENTAL BALANCE SHEET INFORMATION

Accounts receivable allowance for credit losses

The activity related to the accounts receivable allowance for credit losses was as follows:


	Thirty-nine weeks ended
(in thousands)	September 29, 2024		September 24, 2023
Beginning balance	$	2,005	$	3,212

Current period provision	1,577		3,254
Write-offs	(2,073)		(3,702)
Foreign currency translation	(1)		(2)
Ending balance	$	1,508	$	2,762

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

The balance of prepaid expenses and other current assets was made up of the following:


(in thousands)	September 29, 2024		December 31, 2023
Prepaid software agreements	$	8,816	$	8,435
Other prepaid expenses	8,848		9,355
Assets held-for-sale	11,759		4,845
Other current assets	5,109		6,259
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	$	34,532	$	28,894

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (unaudited)

Assets held-for-sale

On April 11, 2024, following an evaluation of our office space and business requirements, management, with approval from the Board of Directors, entered into an agreement to sell our Tacoma headquarters building for $15.0 million. The sale is expected to be finalized within one year, subject to customary closing conditions. As a result, during the fiscal second quarter, we classified these assets as held-for-sale and ceased recording depreciation. As the estimated fair value of the disposal group, less costs to sell, exceeded its carrying value of $11.8 million, no impairment charge was recorded during the thirty-nine weeks ended September 29, 2024.

Assets held-for-sale as of December 31, 2023 represented the assets included as part of the disposal group related to the eventual divestiture of PeopleReady Canada, which was finalized during the fiscal first quarter of 2024. Refer to Note 2: Divestiture for additional details.

NOTE 6: GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS

Goodwill

The following table reflects changes in the carrying amount of goodwill during the period by reportable segment:


(in thousands)		PeopleReady		PeopleScout		PeopleManagement		Total company
Balance at	December 31, 2023
Goodwill before impairment		$	105,284	$	142,191	$	81,092	$	328,567
Accumulated impairment charge		(46,210)		(118,642)		(79,601)		(244,453)
Goodwill, net		59,074		23,549		1,491		84,114

Impairment charge		(59,074)		—		—		(59,074)
Foreign currency translation		—		245		—		245

Balance at	September 29, 2024
Goodwill before impairment		105,284		142,436		81,092		328,812
Accumulated impairment charge		(105,284)		(118,642)		(79,601)		(303,527)
Goodwill, net		$	—	$	23,794	$	1,491	$	25,285

Annual impairment test

We performed an interim impairment test as of the last day of the fiscal first quarter of 2024, as management determined that a triggering event had occurred as a result of continued decline for our services, overall economic uncertainty, and a sustained decrease in our stock price, which did not result in impairment of goodwill for any reporting unit. Given the proximity of our first quarter interim impairment measurement date to our annual goodwill impairment measurement date (first day of the fiscal second quarter), we performed a qualitative assessment to determine whether it was more likely than not that the fair value of any of our reporting units was less than the carrying value. We considered the current and expected future economic and market conditions and concluded it was unlikely the goodwill associated with our reporting units was impaired as of the first day of our fiscal second quarter.

Interim impairment test

During the fiscal second quarter of 2024, subsequent to our annual test as of the first day of our fiscal second quarter, management determined that a triggering event had occurred as a result of additional decline in demand for our services, prolonged economic uncertainty, and a further decrease in our stock price. Therefore, we performed an interim impairment test as of the last day of fiscal May 2024 for our reporting units with remaining goodwill.

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (unaudited)

The fair value of each reporting unit was estimated using a weighting of the income and market valuation approaches. The income approach applied a fair value methodology to each reporting unit based on discounted cash flows. This analysis requires significant judgments, including estimation of future cash flows, which is dependent on internally-developed forecasts of revenue and profitability, estimation of the long-term rate of growth for our business, estimation of the useful life over which cash flows will occur, and determination of our weighted average cost of capital, which is risk-adjusted to reflect the specific risk profile of the reporting unit being tested. The weighted average cost of capital used in our most recent impairment test ranged from 13.5% to 14.5%. We also applied a market approach, which develops a value correlation based on the market capitalization of similar publicly traded companies, referred to as a multiple, to apply to the operating results of the reporting units. The primary market multiples used are revenue and earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization. The income and market approaches were equally weighted in our most recent annual impairment test, except for PeopleScout MSP which relied only on the income approach.

The combined fair values for all reporting units were then reconciled to the aggregate market value of our shares of common stock on the date of valuation, while considering a reasonable control premium. We consider a reporting unit’s fair value to be substantially in excess of its carrying value at a 20% premium or greater. Based on our most recent impairment test, all of our reporting units’ fair values were substantially in excess of their respective carrying values, except PeopleReady.

As a result of our May 2024 interim impairment test, we concluded that the carrying amount of the PeopleReady reporting unit exceeded its estimated fair value. Thus, we recorded a non-cash goodwill impairment charge of $59.1 million, representing the remaining goodwill balance for PeopleReady, which was included in goodwill and intangible asset impairment charge on our Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the thirty-nine weeks ended September 29, 2024. The goodwill impairment was primarily driven by recent performance of the PeopleReady reporting unit and the temporary industrial staffing industry since our annual impairment testing date, as well as a delay in the projected timing of recovery.

Additionally, following performance of the interim impairment test as of the last day of fiscal May 2024, we did not identify any events or conditions that make it more likely than not an additional impairment may have occurred. Accordingly, no further impairment charge was recognized during the thirteen or thirty-nine weeks ended September 29, 2024.

Indefinite-lived intangible assets

We held indefinite-lived trade names/trademarks of $4.8 million and $5.4 million as of September 29, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively, related to businesses within our PeopleScout and PeopleManagement segments.

During the fiscal second quarter of 2024, we concluded that the carrying amount of a trade name/trademark related to the PeopleManagement segment exceeded its estimated fair value and we recorded a non-cash impairment charge of $0.6 million, which was included in goodwill and intangible asset impairment charge on our Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the thirty-nine weeks ended September 29, 2024. The charge was primarily driven by recent revenue performance of the related business given a decline in demand and overall economic uncertainty. The remaining balance for this trade name/trademark was $2.7 million as of September 29, 2024. As of our fiscal second quarter impairment test, the fair value of the trade name/trademark related to the PeopleScout segment was substantially in excess of its carrying amount of $2.1 million, and therefore did not result in an impairment.

Additionally, following performance of the fiscal second quarter impairment test, we did not identify any additional events or conditions that make it more likely than not an additional impairment may have occurred. Accordingly, no further impairment charge was recognized during the thirteen or thirty-nine weeks ended September 29, 2024.

Finite-lived intangible assets

We did not identify any events or conditions that make it more likely than not an impairment of our finite-lived intangible assets may have occurred during the thirteen or thirty-nine weeks ended September 29, 2024.

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (unaudited)

NOTE 7: WORKERS' COMPENSATION INSURANCE AND RESERVES

We provide workers’ compensation insurance for our associates and permanent employees. The majority of our current workers’ compensation insurance policies cover claims for a particular event above our $5.0 million deductible limit, on a “per occurrence” basis. This results in our business being substantially self-insured.

Our workers’ compensation reserve for claims below the deductible limit is discounted to its estimated net present value. The discount rates used to estimate net present value are based on average returns of “risk-free” U.S. Treasury instruments available during the year in which the liability was incurred and the weighted average duration of the payments against the self-insured claims. Payments made against self-insured claims are made over a weighted average period of approximately 5.5 years as of September 29, 2024. The weighted average discount rate was 2.6% and 2.4% at September 29, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively.

The following table presents a reconciliation of the undiscounted workers’ compensation reserve to the discounted workers’ compensation reserve for the periods presented:


(in thousands)	September 29, 2024		December 31, 2023
Undiscounted workers’ compensation reserve	$	182,837	$	214,611
Less discount on workers’ compensation reserve	16,391		18,096
Workers’ compensation reserve, net of discount	166,446		196,515
Less current portion	36,971		44,866
Long-term portion	$	129,475	$	151,649

Payments made against self-insured claims were $31.1 million and $32.6 million for the thirty-nine weeks ended September 29, 2024 and September 24, 2023, respectively.

Our workers’ compensation reserve includes estimated expenses related to claims above our self-insured limits (“excess claims”), and we record a corresponding receivable for the insurance coverage on excess claims based on the contractual policy agreements we have with insurance carriers. We discount this reserve and corresponding receivable to its estimated net present value using the discount rates based on average returns of “risk-free” U.S. Treasury instruments available during the year in which the liability was incurred and the weighted average duration of the payments against the excess claims. The claim payments are made and the corresponding reimbursements from our insurance carriers are received over an estimated weighted average period of approximately 18 years. The rates used to discount excess claims incurred during the thirty-nine weeks ended September 29, 2024 and fifty-three weeks ended December 31, 2023 were 4.5% and 4.1%, respectively. The discounted workers’ compensation reserve for excess claims was $49.4 million and $54.9 million as of September 29, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively. The discounted receivables from insurance companies, net of valuation allowance, were $48.6 million and $53.8 million as of September 29, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively.

Workers’ compensation cost consists primarily of changes in self-insurance reserves net of changes in discount, monopolistic jurisdictions’ premiums, insurance premiums and other miscellaneous expenses. Workers’ compensation cost of $1.6 million and $7.8 million was recorded in cost of services on our Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the thirteen weeks ended September 29, 2024 and September 24, 2023, respectively, and $11.7 million and $18.5 million for the thirty-nine weeks ended September 29, 2024 and September 24, 2023, respectively.

NOTE 8: LONG-TERM DEBT

We have a revolving credit agreement with Bank of America, N.A., PNC Bank, N.A., HSBC Bank USA, N.A., Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., and Key Bank, N.A. dated as of February 9, 2024 (the “Revolving Credit Facility”). The Revolving Credit Facility provides for a revolving line of credit of up to $255.0 million, and matures on February 9, 2029. We have an option to increase the amount to $405.0 million, subject to lender approval. Included in the Revolving Credit Facility is a $25.0 million sub-limit for “Swingline” loans and a $25.0 million sub-limit for letters of credit. As of September 29, 2024, $2.7 million was utilized by outstanding standby letters of credit, leaving $252.3 million unused under the Revolving Credit Facility, which is constrained by our most restrictive covenant, making $132.5 million available for additional borrowing. As of December 31, 2023, $6.2 million was utilized by outstanding standby letters of credit.

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (unaudited)

Under the terms of the Revolving Credit Facility, we pay a variable rate of interest on funds borrowed under the revolving line of credit in excess of the Swingline loans, based on the Secured Overnight Financing Rate, plus an adjustment of 0.10%, plus an applicable spread between 1.75% and 3.50%. Alternatively, at our option, we may pay interest based on a base rate plus an applicable spread between 0.75% and 2.50%. The base rate is the greater of the prime rate (as announced by Bank of America), or the federal funds rate plus 0.50%. The applicable spread is determined by the consolidated leverage ratio, as defined in the Revolving Credit Facility.

Under the terms of the Revolving Credit Facility, we are required to pay a variable rate of interest on funds borrowed under the Swingline loan based on the base rate plus applicable spread between 0.75% and 2.50%, as described above.

A commitment fee between 0.35% and 0.50% is applied against the Revolving Credit Facility’s unused borrowing capacity, with the specific rate determined by the consolidated leverage ratio, as defined in the Revolving Credit Facility. Letters of credit are priced at a margin between 1.50% and 3.25%, plus a fronting fee of 0.25%.

Obligations under the Revolving Credit Facility are guaranteed by TrueBlue and material U.S. domestic subsidiaries, and are secured by substantially all of the assets of TrueBlue and material U.S. domestic subsidiaries. The Revolving Credit Facility contains customary representations and warranties, events of default, and affirmative and negative covenants, including, among others, financial covenants.

The following financial covenants, as defined in the Revolving Credit Facility, were in effect as of September 29, 2024:

•Consolidated fixed charge coverage ratio greater than 1.25, defined as the trailing twelve months bank-adjusted cash flow divided by cash interest expense. As of September 29, 2024, our consolidated fixed charge coverage ratio was 1.69.

•Asset coverage ratio of greater than 1.00, defined as the ratio of (a) 60% of accounts receivable to (b) total debt outstanding less unrestricted cash in excess of $50.0 million, subject to certain minimums. Under this covenant we are limited to $25.0 million in aggregate share repurchases in any twelve-month period. As of September 29, 2024, our asset coverage ratio was 50.21.

The following financial covenant, as defined in the Revolving Credit Facility, will replace the asset coverage ratio beginning the fiscal first quarter of 2026, or earlier at our discretion, subject to the terms of the agreement:

•Consolidated leverage ratio less than 3.00, defined as our funded indebtedness divided by trailing twelve months consolidated EBITDA, as defined in the Revolving Credit Facility.

As of September 29, 2024, we were in compliance with all effective covenants related to the Revolving Credit Facility.

NOTE 9: COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

Workers’ compensation commitments

We have provided our insurance carriers and certain states with commitments in the form and amounts listed below:


(in thousands)	September 29, 2024		December 31, 2023
Cash collateral held by workers’ compensation insurance carriers	$	18,201	$	17,737
Cash and cash equivalents held in Trust	12,187		12,703
Investments held in Trust	103,627		122,659
Letters of credit (1)	2,605		6,077
Surety bonds (2)	19,831		20,725
Total collateral commitments	$	156,451	$	179,901

(1)We have agreements with certain financial institutions to issue letters of credit as collateral.

(2)Our surety bonds are issued by independent insurance companies on our behalf and bear annual fees based on a percentage of the bond, which are determined by each independent surety carrier. These fees do not exceed 2.0% of the bond amount, subject to a minimum charge. The terms of these bonds are subject to review and renewal every one to four years and most bonds can be canceled by the sureties with as little as 60 days’ notice.

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (unaudited)

Legal contingencies and developments

We are involved in various proceedings arising in the normal course of conducting business. We believe the liabilities included in our financial statements reflect the probable loss that can be reasonably estimated and are immaterial. We also believe that the aggregate range of reasonably possible losses for the Company's exposure in excess of the amount accrued is expected to be immaterial to the Company. It remains possible that despite our current belief, material differences in actual outcomes or changes in management's evaluation or predictions could arise that could have a material effect on the Company's financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

NOTE 10: SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

Changes in the balance of each component of shareholders’ equity during the reporting periods were as follows:


	Thirteen weeks ended				Thirty-nine weeks ended
(in thousands)	September 29, 2024		September 24, 2023		September 29, 2024		September 24, 2023

Common stock shares
Beginning balance	29,959		30,996		31,246		32,730
Purchases and retirement of common stock	(478)		—		(1,967)		(1,877)
Net issuance under equity plans, including tax benefits	17		113		219		256
Stock-based compensation	—		—		—		—
Ending balance	29,498		31,109		29,498		31,109

Common stock amount
Beginning balance	$	1	$	1	$	1	$	1
Current period activity	—		—		—		—
Ending balance	1		1		1		1

Retained earnings
Beginning balance	358,312		473,809		478,584		516,332
Net income (loss)	(7,635)		(10)		(114,043)		(11,622)
Purchases and retirement of common stock (1)	(4,315)		22		(21,301)		(34,178)
Net issuance under equity plans, including tax benefits	69		(1,051)		(1,653)		(3,056)
Stock-based compensation	832		4,925		5,676		10,219

Ending balance	347,263		477,695		347,263		477,695

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
Beginning balance, net of tax	(20,549)		(19,765)		(20,712)		(20,018)
Foreign currency translation adjustment before reclassification	437		(1,305)		1,573		(1,052)
Reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (2)	—		—		(973)		—
Foreign currency translation adjustment	437		(1,305)		600		(1,052)
Ending balance, net of tax	(20,112)		(21,070)		(20,112)		(21,070)

Total shareholders’ equity ending balance	$	327,152	$	456,626	$	327,152	$	456,626

(1)Under applicable Washington State law, shares purchased are not displayed separately as treasury stock on our Consolidated Balance Sheets and are treated as authorized but unissued shares. It is our accounting policy to first record these purchases and the related excise tax as a reduction to our common stock account. Once the common stock account has been reduced to a nominal balance, remaining purchases are recorded as a reduction to our retained earnings. Furthermore, activity in our common stock account related to stock-based compensation is also recorded to retained earnings until such time as the reduction to retained earnings due to stock repurchases has been recovered.

(2)Foreign currency translation adjustments related to PeopleReady Canada that were recognized through net income (loss) upon the divestiture of the business during the thirty-nine weeks ended September 29, 2024.

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (unaudited)

NOTE 11: INCOME TAXES

Our income tax provision for interim periods is determined using an estimate of our annual effective tax rate, adjusted for any discrete items that are taken into account in the relevant period. Each quarter we update our estimate of the annual effective tax rate and, if our estimated tax rate changes, we make a cumulative adjustment. Our quarterly tax provision and quarterly estimate of our annual effective tax rate are subject to variation due to several factors, including variability in accurately predicting our full year pre-tax income or loss by jurisdiction, tax credits, government audit developments, changes in laws, regulations and administrative practices, valuation allowances recorded on deferred tax assets, and relative changes in expenses or losses for which tax benefits are not recognized. Additionally, our effective tax rate can be more or less volatile based on the amount of pre-tax income or loss. For example, the impact of discrete items, tax credits, and non-deductible expenses on our effective tax rate is greater when our pre-tax income or loss is lower.

We recognize deferred tax assets to the extent we believe it is more likely than not the asset will be realized. Quarterly, management assesses the available positive and negative evidence to estimate whether sufficient future taxable income will be generated to permit the use of existing deferred tax assets, including future reversals of existing taxable temporary differences, projected taxable income, tax-planning strategies, carryback potential if permitted, and the results of recent operations. A significant piece of objective negative evidence is the existence of a three-year cumulative loss. Such objective negative evidence limits the ability of management to consider other subjective evidence, such as projected taxable income. When appropriate, we record a valuation allowance to reduce deferred tax assets to the amount that is more likely than not to be realized.

During the thirty-nine weeks ended September 29, 2024, we performed our deferred tax asset realizability assessments, and as a result we recorded a valuation allowance against our U.S. federal, state and certain foreign deferred tax assets. Our conclusion was driven by U.S. and foreign pre-tax losses beginning in 2023, combined with the significant non-cash goodwill impairment charge of $59.1 million recorded during the thirty-nine weeks ended September 29, 2024.

Our effective income tax rate for the thirty-nine weeks ended September 29, 2024 was (45.3)%. The difference between the statutory federal income tax rate of 21.0% and our effective tax rate was primarily due to the valuation allowance against our U.S. federal and state deferred tax assets.

NOTE 12: NET INCOME (LOSS) PER SHARE

Diluted common shares were calculated as follows:


	Thirteen weeks ended				Thirty-nine weeks ended
(in thousands, except per share data)	September 29, 2024		September 24, 2023		September 29, 2024		September 24, 2023
Net income (loss)	$	(7,635)	$	(10)	$	(114,043)	$	(11,622)

Weighted average number of common shares used in basic net income (loss) per common share	29,704		30,932		30,384		31,397
Dilutive effect of non-vested stock-based awards	—		—		—		—
Weighted average number of common shares used in diluted net income (loss) per common share	29,704		30,932		30,384		31,397

Net income (loss) per common share:
Basic	$	(0.26)	$	0.00	$	(3.75)	$	(0.37)
Diluted	$	(0.26)	$	0.00	$	(3.75)	$	(0.37)

Anti-dilutive shares	1,464		945		1,422		937

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (unaudited)

NOTE 13: SEGMENT INFORMATION

Our operating segments and reportable segments are described below:

Our PeopleReady reportable segment provides blue-collar, contingent staffing through the PeopleReady operating segment. PeopleReady provides on-demand and skilled labor in a broad range of industries that include construction, transportation, manufacturing, retail, hospitality and renewable energy.

Our PeopleScout reportable segment provides high-volume, permanent employee recruitment process outsourcing, employer branding services and management of outsourced labor service providers through the following operating segments, which we have aggregated into one reportable segment in accordance with U.S. GAAP:

•PeopleScout RPO: Outsourced recruitment of permanent employees on behalf of clients and employer branding services; and

•PeopleScout MSP: Management of multiple third-party staffing vendors on behalf of clients.

Our PeopleManagement reportable segment provides contingent labor and outsourced industrial workforce solutions, primarily on-site at the client’s facility, through the following operating segments, which we have aggregated into one reportable segment in accordance with U.S. GAAP:

•OnSite: On-site management and recruitment for the contingent industrial workforce of manufacturing, warehousing and distribution facilities; and

•Centerline: Recruitment and management of contingent and dedicated commercial drivers to the transportation and distribution industries.

The following table presents our revenue disaggregated by major source and segment and a reconciliation of segment revenue from services to total company revenue:


	Thirteen weeks ended				Thirty-nine weeks ended
(in thousands)	September 29, 2024		September 24, 2023		September 29, 2024		September 24, 2023
Revenue from services:
Contingent staffing
PeopleReady	$	214,792	$	283,187	$	660,862	$	811,133
PeopleManagement	130,852		137,065		396,463		420,809
Human resource outsourcing
PeopleScout	36,713		52,944		124,115		182,130
Total company	$	382,357	$	473,196	$	1,181,440	$	1,414,072

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (unaudited)

The following table presents a reconciliation of segment profit to income (loss) before tax expense:


	Thirteen weeks ended				Thirty-nine weeks ended
(in thousands)	September 29, 2024		September 24, 2023		September 29, 2024		September 24, 2023
Segment profit (loss):
PeopleReady	$	3,043	$	9,656	$	(1,621)	$	18,686
PeopleManagement	3,278		2,134		9,424		4,182
PeopleScout	2,542		6,272		10,851		24,012
Total segment profit	8,863		18,062		18,654		46,880
Corporate unallocated expense	(4,184)		(8,122)		(16,386)		(23,045)
Third-party processing fees for hiring tax credits	30		(90)		(150)		(320)
Amortization of software as a service assets	(1,615)		(1,064)		(4,410)		(2,884)

Goodwill and intangible asset impairment charge	—		—		(59,674)		(9,485)

PeopleReady technology upgrade costs	(65)		(696)		(489)		(902)
COVID-19 government subsidies, net of fees	—		(525)		9,652		(525)
Executive leadership transition costs	—		(2,492)		—		(2,492)
Other costs, net	(2,965)		(1,615)		(6,953)		(3,577)
Depreciation and amortization	(6,967)		(6,184)		(22,616)		(18,875)
Income (loss) from operations	(6,903)		(2,726)		(82,372)		(15,225)
Interest and other income (expense), net	521		390		3,861		1,982
Income (loss) before tax expense (benefit)	$	(6,382)	$	(2,336)	$	(78,511)	$	(13,243)

Asset information by reportable segment is not presented as we do not manage our segments on a balance sheet basis.

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Item 2.			MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

COMMENT ON FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Certain statements in this Form 10-Q, other than purely historical information, including estimates, projections, statements relating to our business plans, objectives and expected operating results, and the assumptions upon which those statements are based, are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, and future events and circumstances could differ significantly from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements generally are identified by the words “believe,” “project,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “intend,” “strategy,” “future,” “opportunity,” “goal,” “plan,” “may,” “should,” “will,” “would,” “will be,” “will continue,” “will likely result,” and similar expressions. Forward-looking statements are based on current expectations and assumptions that are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in our forward-looking statements, including the risks and uncertainties described in “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” (Part I, Item 2 of this Form 10-Q),“Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk” (Part I, Item 3 of this Form 10-Q), and “Risk Factors” (Part II, Item 1A of this Form 10-Q). Except as required by law, we undertake no duty to update or revise publicly any of the forward-looking statements after the date of this report or to conform such statements to actual results or to changes in our expectations, whether because of new information, future events, or otherwise.

BUSINESS OVERVIEW

TrueBlue, Inc. (the “company,” “TrueBlue,” “we,” “us” and “our”) is a leading provider of specialized workforce solutions that help our clients improve productivity and grow their businesses. Client demand for contingent workforce solutions and outsourced recruiting services is cyclical and dependent on the overall strength of the economy and labor market, as well as trends in workforce flexibility. During periods of rising economic uncertainty, clients reduce their contingent labor in response to lower volumes and reduced appetite for expanding production or inventory, which reduces the demand for our services. That environment also reduces demand for permanent placement recruiting, whether outsourced or in-house. However, as the economy emerges from periods of uncertainty, contingent labor providers are uniquely positioned to respond quickly to increasing demand for labor and rapidly fill new or temporary positions, replace absent employees, and convert fixed labor costs to variable costs. Similarly, companies turn to hybrid or fully outsourced recruiting models during periods of rapid re-hiring and high employee turnover. Our business strategy is focused on growth in each of our business segments by accelerating our digital transformation, expanding in attractive end markets and simplifying our organizational structure, which will enable us to capture market share, deliver more sustainable growth, and enhance our long-term profitability.

PeopleReady

PeopleReady provides clients with dependable access to qualified associates for their on-demand, contingent general and skilled labor needs to supplement their permanent workforce. Our services range from providing one associate to hundreds, and are generally short-term in nature as they are filling the contingent staffing needs of our clients. PeopleReady connects people with work in a broad range of industries through our network of branches across all 50 states in the United States (“U.S.”) and Puerto Rico. Our local presence is digitally enabled by our industry-leading mobile app, JobStack®, which connects people with work 24 hours a day, seven days a week. JobStack creates a digital exchange between our associates and clients, competitively differentiates us, and allows our branch resources to expand their sales, recruiting and service delivery efforts. Our primary focus at PeopleReady is the continued development of our new, proprietary version of the JobStack app, and expansion in attractive end markets, including renewable energy.

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MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

PeopleScout

PeopleScout offers recruitment process outsourcing (“RPO”), managed service provider (“MSP”) solutions and talent advisory services to a wide variety of industries, primarily in the U.S., Canada, the United Kingdom and Australia. Our RPO solutions are generally multi-year in duration, highly scalable, and provide clients the support they need as their hiring volumes fluctuate. Our services are designed to lower client recruiting costs while improving the candidate experience by creating strategies that facilitate our clients’ talent acquisition, development and retention goals. We tailor our services based on individual client needs by offering multiple solutions, including full-cycle RPO, project RPO, recruiter on demand, and talent advisory. Our proprietary technology platform (Affinix®) uses machine learning to rapidly source a qualified talent pool within minutes, and further engages candidates through a seamless digital experience. Our MSP business manages our clients’ contingent labor programs, including vendor selection, performance management, compliance monitoring and risk management. Our primary focus at PeopleScout is leveraging our strong brand reputation, flexible solutions, international footprint and Affinix technology to continue to gain market share in high-growth sectors.

PeopleManagement

PeopleManagement, through our OnSite business, provides and manages contingent associates at clients’ facilities throughout the U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico. Our client engagements are generally multi-location and multi-year, and include scalable recruiting, screening, hiring and management of the contingent workforce. We deploy dedicated management and service teams that work side-by-side with a client’s full-time workforce. Our teams are an integral part of the production and logistics process, and specialize in labor-intensive manufacturing, warehousing and distribution. Our proprietary hiring and workforce management software (Stafftrack®) enables us to recruit and connect the best candidates with on-site assignments. PeopleManagement also provides dedicated and contingent commercial drivers to the transportation and distribution industries through our Centerline Drivers (“Centerline”) brand. Centerline matches drivers to each client’s specific needs, allowing them to improve productivity, control costs, ensure compliance and deliver improved service. Our primary focus at PeopleManagement is growing our client base across the transportation, manufacturing, professional services and retail sectors, while creating efficiencies in our operating model.

Fiscal third quarter of 2024 summary

Total company revenue declined 19.2% to $382.4 million for the thirteen weeks ended September 29, 2024, compared to the same period in the prior year. Demand for temporary labor and permanent hiring continues to be suppressed, as clients focus on reducing operating costs and remain uncertain about future workforce needs.

Total company gross profit as a percentage of revenue for the thirteen weeks ended September 29, 2024 remained flat at 26.2%, compared to the same period in the prior year. Changes in revenue mix towards our lower margin staffing businesses and pricing pressures were offset by lower workers’ compensation costs resulting from favorable development of prior year reserves.

Total company selling, general and administrative (“SG&A”) expense decreased 17.2% to $100.0 million for the thirteen weeks ended September 29, 2024, compared to the same period in the prior year. SG&A expense decreased as a result of continued operational cost management actions in response to the decline in demand for our services, and simplification of our organizational structure in line with our strategic plan.

The items above resulted in a net loss of $7.6 million for the thirteen weeks ended September 29, 2024, compared to a net loss of $0.0 million for the same period in the prior year.

As of September 29, 2024, we had cash and cash equivalents of $14.5 million, no debt, and $132.5 million available under the most restrictive covenant of our revolving credit agreement (“Revolving Credit Facility”), for total liquidity of $147.0 million.

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RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Total company results

The following table presents selected financial data:


	Thirteen weeks ended								Thirty-nine weeks ended
(in thousands, except percentages and per share data)	Sep 29, 2024		% of revenue		Sep 24, 2023		% of revenue			Sep 29, 2024		% of revenue		Sep 24, 2023		% of revenue
Revenue from services	$	382,357			$	473,196				$	1,181,440			$	1,414,072

Gross profit	$	100,037	26.2	%	$	124,173	26.2	%		$	303,846	25.7	%	$	377,777	26.7	%
Selling, general and administrative expense	99,973		26.2		120,715		25.5			303,928		25.7		364,642		25.8
Depreciation and amortization	6,967		1.8		6,184		1.3			22,616		1.9		18,875		1.3
Goodwill and intangible asset impairment charge	—		—		—		—			59,674		5.1		9,485		0.7
Income (loss) from operations	(6,903)		(1.8)	%	(2,726)		(0.6)	%		(82,372)		(7.0)	%	(15,225)		(1.1)	%
Interest and other income (expense), net	521				390					3,861				1,982
Income (loss) before tax expense (benefit)	(6,382)				(2,336)					(78,511)				(13,243)
Income tax expense (benefit)	1,253				(2,326)					35,532				(1,621)
Net income (loss)	$	(7,635)	(2.0)	%	$	(10)	0.0	%		$	(114,043)	(9.7)	%	$	(11,622)	(0.8)	%

Net income (loss) per diluted share	$	(0.26)			$	0.00				$	(3.75)			$	(0.37)

Revenue from services


	Thirteen weeks ended										Thirty-nine weeks ended
(in thousands, except percentages)	Sep 29, 2024		Growth (decline) %		Segment % of total		Sep 24, 2023		Segment % of total		Sep 29, 2024		Growth (decline) %		Segment % of total		Sep 24, 2023		Segment % of total
Revenue from services:
PeopleReady	$	214,792	(24.2)	%	56.2	%	$	283,187	59.8	%	$	660,862	(18.5)	%	55.9	%	$	811,133	57.4	%
PeopleScout	36,713		(30.7)	%	9.6		52,944		11.2		124,115		(31.9)	%	10.5		182,130		12.8
PeopleManagement	130,852		(4.5)	%	34.2		137,065		29.0		396,463		(5.8)	%	33.6		420,809		29.8
Total company	$	382,357	(19.2)	%	100.0	%	$	473,196	100.0	%	$	1,181,440	(16.5)	%	100.0	%	$	1,414,072	100.0	%

Total company revenue declined 19.2% to $382.4 million for the thirteen weeks ended September 29, 2024, and declined 16.5% to $1,181.4 million for the thirty-nine weeks ended September 29, 2024, compared to the same periods in the prior year. Demand for temporary labor and permanent hiring continues to be suppressed, as clients are hesitant to make staffing decisions due to uncertainty around future workforce needs and are utilizing their existing workforce to reduce operating costs.

PeopleReady

PeopleReady revenue declined 24.2% to $214.8 million for the thirteen weeks ended September 29, 2024, and declined 18.5% to $660.9 million for the thirty-nine weeks ended September 29, 2024, compared to the same periods in the prior year. PeopleReady revenue declined as a result of continued labor market uncertainty, leading our clients to reduce their dependence on contingent labor to supplement their core workforce. Declines in demand were seen across most industries and geographies. For the thirteen weeks ended September 29, 2024, revenue from clients in the renewable energy industry declined due to project delays caused by weather and other external factors. However, increased demand from clients in the renewable energy industry for the thirty-nine weeks ended September 29, 2024 helped partially offset demand declines in other industries.

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PeopleScout

PeopleScout revenue declined 30.7% to $36.7 million for the thirteen weeks ended September 29, 2024, and declined 31.9% to $124.1 million for the thirty-nine weeks ended September 29, 2024, compared to the same periods in the prior year. PeopleScout revenue declined as clients are experiencing less employee turnover, and labor market conditions are leading to uncertainty around future workforce needs. This has resulted in clients reducing hiring volumes, sourcing candidates with internal resources, and initiating hiring freezes to control costs. Revenue for the current year periods were also impacted by the loss of a large hospitality client due to their decision to insource hiring for high-volume roles.

PeopleManagement

PeopleManagement revenue declined 4.5% to $130.9 million for the thirteen weeks ended September 29, 2024, and declined 5.8% to $396.5 million for the thirty-nine weeks ended September 29, 2024, compared to the same periods in the prior year. PeopleManagement revenue declined as clients in our on-site business continue to be hesitant to make significant changes to their workforce strategies after taking steps to reduce their dependence on variable labor, primarily within the retail industry. These declines were partially offset by growth within our commercial driving business.

Gross profit


	Thirteen weeks ended						Thirty-nine weeks ended
(in thousands, except percentages)	Sep 29, 2024			Sep 24, 2023			Sep 29, 2024			Sep 24, 2023
Gross profit	$	100,037		$	124,173		$	303,846		$	377,777
Percentage of revenue	26.2		%	26.2		%	25.7		%	26.7		%

Gross profit as a percentage of revenue remained flat at 26.2% for the thirteen weeks ended September 29, 2024, compared to the same period in the prior year. Changes in revenue mix resulted in a contraction of 80 basis points, driven in part by revenue shifts toward our lower margin staffing businesses. Our staffing businesses contributed an additional 60 basis points of contraction as a result of pricing pressure typical of a low demand environment. These contractions were offset by 140 basis points of expansion from lower workers’ compensation costs driven by favorable development of prior year reserves.

Gross profit as a percentage of revenue declined 100 basis points to 25.7% for the thirty-nine weeks ended September 29, 2024, compared to 26.7% for the same period in the prior year. Changes in revenue mix resulted in a contraction of 130 basis points driven by revenue growth from renewable energy clients within PeopleReady, which have lower margins than average PeopleReady clients due to pass-through travel costs, as well as the decline in revenue in our highest margin business, PeopleScout. Our staffing businesses contributed an additional 30 basis points of contraction as a result of pricing pressure typical of a low demand environment. These contractions were partially offset by 40 basis points of expansion from lower workers’ compensation costs driven by favorable development of prior year reserves, as well as 20 basis points of expansion from recognition of certain COVID-19 government subsidies in the current year.

SG&A expense


	Thirteen weeks ended						Thirty-nine weeks ended
(in thousands, except percentages)	Sep 29, 2024			Sep 24, 2023			Sep 29, 2024			Sep 24, 2023
Selling, general and administrative expense	$	99,973		$	120,715		$	303,928		$	364,642
Percentage of revenue	26.2		%	25.5		%	25.7		%	25.8		%

Total company SG&A expense decreased by $20.7 million, or 17.2% for the thirteen weeks ended September 29, 2024, and decreased by $60.7 million, or 16.7% for the thirty-nine weeks ended September 29, 2024, compared to the same periods in the prior year. We have continued to execute operational cost management actions in response to the decline in demand for our services, and simplification of our organizational structure in line with our strategic plan. In addition, the thirty-nine weeks ended September 29, 2024 included a benefit, net of related fees, of $6.8 million for recognition of certain COVID-19 government subsidies.

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Depreciation and amortization


	Thirteen weeks ended						Thirty-nine weeks ended
(in thousands, except percentages)	Sep 29, 2024			Sep 24, 2023			Sep 29, 2024			Sep 24, 2023
Depreciation and amortization	$	6,967		$	6,184		$	22,616		$	18,875
Percentage of revenue	1.8		%	1.3		%	1.9		%	1.3		%

Depreciation and amortization increased for the thirteen weeks and thirty-nine weeks ended September 29, 2024, compared to the same periods in the prior year, due to assets placed into service at the end of 2023, primarily related to PeopleReady technology.

Goodwill and intangible asset impairment charge

A summary of the goodwill and intangible asset impairment charge for the thirty-nine weeks ended September 29, 2024, by reportable segment, is as follows:


(in thousands)	PeopleReady		PeopleScout		PeopleManagement		Total company
Goodwill	$	59,074	$	—	$	—	$	59,074
Trade names/trademarks	—		—		600		600
Total	$	59,074	$	—	$	600	$	59,674

Goodwill

We performed an interim impairment test as of the last day of fiscal May 2024 following the determination by management that a triggering event had occurred. As a result of this impairment test, we concluded that the carrying amount of our PeopleReady reporting unit exceeded its fair value and we recorded a non-cash goodwill impairment charge of $59.1 million, which was included in goodwill and intangible asset impairment charge on our Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the thirty-nine weeks ended September 29, 2024. As a result of this impairment charge, the goodwill carrying value of $59.1 million for PeopleReady was fully impaired. The goodwill impairment was primarily driven by recent performance of the PeopleReady reporting unit and the temporary industrial staffing industry since our annual impairment testing date, as well as a delay in the projected timing of recovery. No further impairment charge was recognized during the thirteen weeks ended September 29, 2024. See Note 6: Goodwill and Intangible Assets, to our consolidated financial statements found in Item 1 of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, for additional details.

Indefinite-lived intangible assets

We performed an impairment test during our fiscal second quarter of 2024. As a result of this impairment test, we concluded that a trade name/trademark related to our PeopleManagement segment exceeded its estimated fair value and we recorded a non-cash impairment charge of $0.6 million, which was included in goodwill and intangible asset impairment charge on our Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the thirty-nine weeks ended September 29, 2024. The charge was primarily driven by recent revenue performance of the related business given a decline in demand and overall economic uncertainty. The remaining balance for this trade name/trademark was $2.7 million as of September 29, 2024.

Income tax expense


	Thirteen weeks ended						Thirty-nine weeks ended
(in thousands, except percentages)	Sep 29, 2024			Sep 24, 2023			Sep 29, 2024			Sep 24, 2023
Income tax expense (benefit)	$	1,253		$	(2,326)		$	35,532		$	(1,621)
Effective income tax rate	(19.6)		%	99.6		%	(45.3)		%	12.2		%

Our tax provision and our effective tax rate are subject to variation due to several factors, including variability in accurately predicting our full year pre-tax income or loss by jurisdiction, tax credits, government audit developments, changes in laws, regulations and administrative practices, valuation allowances recorded on deferred tax assets, and relative changes in expenses or losses for which tax benefits are not recognized. Additionally, our effective tax rate can be more or less volatile based on the amount of pre-tax income or loss. For example, the impact of discrete items, tax credits, and non-deductible expenses on our effective tax rate is greater when our pre-tax income or loss is lower.

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The items creating a difference between income taxes computed at the statutory federal income tax rate and income taxes reported on the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) are as follows:


	Thirteen weeks ended						Thirty-nine weeks ended
(in thousands, except percentages)	Sep 29, 2024		%	Sep 24, 2023		%	Sep 29, 2024		%	Sep 24, 2023		%
Income (loss) before tax expense (benefit)	$	(6,382)		$	(2,336)		$	(78,511)		$	(13,243)

Federal income tax expense (benefit) at statutory rate	$	(1,340)	21.0%	$	(491)	21.0%	$	(16,487)	21.0%	$	(2,781)	21.0%
Increase (decrease) resulting from:
State income taxes, net of federal benefit	129		(2.0)	107		(4.6)	306		(0.4)	(442)		3.3
Non-deductible goodwill impairment charge	—		—	—		—	—		—	2,287		(17.3)
Valuation allowance	1,247		(19.5)	—		—	54,021		(68.8)	—		—
Hiring tax credits, net	309		(4.8)	(2,895)		123.9	(2,611)		3.3	(1,594)		12.0
Non-deductible and non-taxable items	(143)		2.2	542		(23.2)	(339)		0.4	376		(2.8)
Stock-based compensation	107		(1.7)	391		(16.7)	834		(1.1)	625		(4.7)
Other, net	944		(14.8)	20		(0.8)	(192)		0.3	(92)		0.7
Income tax expense (benefit)	$	1,253	(19.6)%	$	(2,326)	99.6%	$	35,532	(45.3)%	$	(1,621)	12.2%

Significant fluctuations in our effective tax rate are primarily due to changes in the valuation allowance against our U.S. federal, state and certain foreign deferred tax assets, as well as tax benefits from hiring credits and non-deductible goodwill impairment charges.

Based on our deferred tax asset realizability assessments performed during the thirty-nine weeks ended September 29, 2024, we recorded a valuation allowance against U.S. federal, state and certain foreign deferred tax assets. Our conclusion was driven by U.S. and foreign pre-tax losses beginning in 2023, combined with the significant non-cash goodwill impairment charge of $59.1 million recorded during the thirty-nine weeks ended September 29, 2024.

The federal Work Opportunity Tax Credit (“WOTC”), our primary hiring tax credit, is designed to encourage employers to hire workers from certain targeted groups with higher than average unemployment rates. WOTC is generally calculated as a percentage of wages over a twelve-month period up to worker maximums by targeted groups. Based on historical results and business trends, we estimate the amount of WOTC we expect to earn related to wages of the current year. However, the estimate is subject to variation because 1) a small percentage of our workers qualify for one or more of the many targeted groups; 2) the targeted groups are subject to different incentive credit rates and limitations; 3) credits fluctuate depending on economic conditions and qualified worker retention periods; and 4) state and federal offices can delay their credit certification processing and have inconsistent certification rates. We recognize an adjustment to prior year hiring tax credits if credits certified by government offices differ from original estimates. The U.S. Congress has approved the WOTC program through the end of 2025.

Segment performance

We evaluate performance based on segment revenue and segment profit (loss). Segment profit (loss) includes revenue, related cost of services, and ongoing operating expenses directly attributable to the reportable segment. Segment profit (loss) excludes goodwill and intangible asset impairment charges, depreciation and amortization expense, unallocated corporate general and administrative expense, interest expense, other income and expense, income taxes, and other costs and benefits not considered to be ongoing. See Note 13: Segment Information, to our consolidated financial statements found in Item 1 of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, for additional details on our reportable segments, as well as a reconciliation of segment profit to income (loss) before tax expense (benefit).

Segment profit should not be considered a measure of financial performance in isolation or as an alternative to net income (loss) on the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) calculated in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, and may not be comparable to similarly titled measures of other companies.

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PeopleReady segment performance was as follows:


	Thirteen weeks ended						Thirty-nine weeks ended
(in thousands, except percentages)	Sep 29, 2024			Sep 24, 2023			Sep 29, 2024			Sep 24, 2023
Revenue from services	$	214,792		$	283,187		$	660,862		$	811,133
Segment profit (loss)	$	3,043		$	9,656		$	(1,621)		$	18,686
Percentage of revenue	1.4		%	3.4		%	(0.2)		%	2.3		%

PeopleReady segment profit declined $6.6 million and $20.3 million for the thirteen and thirty-nine weeks ended September 29, 2024, and also declined as a percentage of revenue, compared to the same periods in the prior year, respectively. These declines were primarily due to the decline in revenue and the relatively high level of fixed versus variable costs within SG&A expense which resulted in lower operating leverage, the effects of which were softened by our cost management actions.

PeopleScout segment performance was as follows:


	Thirteen weeks ended						Thirty-nine weeks ended
(in thousands, except percentages)	Sep 29, 2024			Sep 24, 2023			Sep 29, 2024			Sep 24, 2023
Revenue from services	$	36,713		$	52,944		$	124,115		$	182,130
Segment profit	$	2,542		$	6,272		$	10,851		$	24,012
Percentage of revenue	6.9		%	11.8		%	8.7		%	13.2		%

PeopleScout segment profit declined $3.7 million and $13.2 million for the thirteen and thirty-nine weeks ended September 29, 2024, and also declined as a percentage of revenue, compared to the same periods in the prior year, respectively. These declines were a result of the decline in revenue, including the loss of a large hospitality client due to their decision to insource hiring for high-volume roles, the effects of which were softened by our cost management actions.

PeopleManagement segment performance was as follows:


	Thirteen weeks ended						Thirty-nine weeks ended
(in thousands, except percentages)	Sep 29, 2024			Sep 24, 2023			Sep 29, 2024			Sep 24, 2023
Revenue from services	$	130,852		$	137,065		$	396,463		$	420,809
Segment profit	$	3,278		$	2,134		$	9,424		$	4,182
Percentage of revenue	2.5		%	1.6		%	2.4		%	1.0		%

PeopleManagement segment profit grew $1.1 million and $5.2 million for the thirteen and thirty-nine weeks ended September 29, 2024, and also grew as a percentage of revenue, compared to the same periods in the prior year, respectively. This growth was primarily due to disciplined cost management actions to better align our cost structure with client demand, as well as growth within our commercial driving business.

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FUTURE OUTLOOK

The following highlights represent our operating outlook. These expectations are subject to revision as our business changes with the overall economy. As part of our strategic plan to simplify our organizational structure, create efficiencies and bring our teams closer to our clients and associates, we continue to consolidate administrative, recruiting and support costs that serve our broader commercial staffing businesses, further leverage existing systems, and refocus our team on sales efforts to deliver future growth.

Operating outlook

•We expect total revenue for the fiscal fourth quarter of 2024 to decline between 24% and 18% as compared to the same period in the prior year. The decline assumes current market conditions continue, and includes a 6% headwind due to the extra week in our fiscal fourth quarter of 2023, and 1% due to the sale of Labour Ready Temporary Services, Ltd. (“PeopleReady Canada”) in early 2024.

•We anticipate gross profit as a percentage of revenue to decline between 100 and 60 basis points for the fiscal fourth quarter of 2024, compared to the same period in the prior year, due to prior year workers’ compensation reserve adjustments not expected to repeat at the same level, and changes in business mix.

•For the fiscal fourth quarter of 2024, we anticipate SG&A expense to be between $98 million and $102 million, representing a decline compared to the same period in the prior year due to ongoing cost management efforts.

•We expect basic weighted average shares outstanding to be approximately 30 million for the fiscal fourth quarter of 2024. This expectation does not include the impact of potential share repurchases.

•Due to the valuation allowance against our U.S. federal, state and certain foreign deferred tax assets, we expect minimal income tax expense for the fiscal fourth quarter of 2024.

Liquidity outlook

•We expect capital expenditures and spending for software as a service assets to be between $4 million and $8 million for the fiscal fourth 2024. Approximately $1 million relates to spending for software as a service assets.

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LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

We believe we have a strong financial position and sufficient sources of funding to meet our short- and long-term obligations. As of September 29, 2024, we had $14.5 million in cash and cash equivalents and no debt outstanding. Under the Revolving Credit Facility, $2.7 million was utilized by outstanding standby letters of credit, leaving $252.3 million unused, of which $132.5 million is available for additional borrowing after considering our most restrictive covenant. We have an option to increase the total line of credit amount under the Revolving Credit Facility from $255.0 million to $405.0 million, subject to lender approval.

Cash generated through our core operations is generally our primary source of liquidity. Our principal ongoing cash needs are to finance working capital, fund capital expenditures, repay outstanding Revolving Credit Facility balances, and execute share repurchases. We manage working capital through timely collection of accounts receivable, which we achieve through focused collection efforts and tightly monitoring trends in days sales outstanding. While client payment terms are generally 90 days or less, we pay our associates daily and weekly, so additional financing through the use of our Revolving Credit Facility is sometimes necessary to support working capital needs in times of revenue growth. We also manage working capital through efficient cost management and strategically timing payments of accounts payable.

We continue to make investments in online and mobile apps to increase the competitive differentiation of our services long-term and improve the efficiency of our service delivery model. In addition, we continue to transition our technology from on-premise software platforms to cloud-based software solutions to increase automation and the efficiency of running our business.

Outside of ongoing cash needed to support core operations, our insurance carriers and certain state workers’ compensation programs require us to collateralize a portion of our workers’ compensation obligation, for which they become responsible should we become insolvent. On a regular basis, these entities assess the amount of collateral they will require from us relative to our workers’ compensation obligation. Such amounts can increase or decrease independent of our assessments and reserves. We continue to have risk that these collateral requirements may be increased by our insurers due to our loss history and market dynamics. We generally anticipate that our collateral commitments will grow as our business grows. We pay our premiums and deposit our collateral, if required, in installments. The collateral typically takes the form of cash and cash-backed instruments, highly rated investment grade securities, letters of credit, and surety bonds. Restricted cash, cash equivalents and investments supporting our self-insured workers’ compensation obligation are held in a trust at the Bank of New York Mellon (“Trust”) and are used to pay workers’ compensation claims as they are filed. See Note 7: Workers' Compensation Insurance and Reserves, and Note 4: Restricted Cash, Cash Equivalents and Investments, to our consolidated financial statements found in Item 1 of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, for details on our workers’ compensation program as well as the restricted cash, cash equivalents and investments held in Trust.

We have established investment policy directives for the Trust with the first priority to preserve capital, second to ensure sufficient liquidity to pay workers’ compensation claims, third to diversify the investment portfolio and fourth to maximize after-tax returns. Trust investments must meet minimum acceptable quality standards. The primary investments include U.S. Treasury securities, U.S. agency debentures, U.S. agency mortgages, corporate securities and municipal securities. For those investments rated by nationally recognized statistical rating organizations the minimum ratings at time of purchase are:


	S&P	Moody’s	Fitch
Short-term rating	A-1/SP-1	P-1/MIG-1	F-1
Long-term rating	A	A2	A

Total collateral commitments decreased $23.5 million during the thirty-nine-week period ended September 29, 2024, primarily due to the use of collateral to satisfy workers’ compensation claims. See Note 9: Commitments and Contingencies, to our consolidated financial statements found in Item 1 of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, for additional details on our workers’ compensation commitments. We continue to actively manage workers’ compensation cost by focusing on improving our associate safety programs, and actively control costs with our network of service providers. These actions have had a positive impact creating favorable adjustments to workers’ compensation liabilities recorded in the prior periods. Continued favorable adjustments to our prior year workers’ compensation liabilities are dependent on our ability to continue to aggressively lower accident rates and costs of our claims. Due to our progress in worker safety improvements and the resulting reduction in the frequency and severity of accident rates, we expect diminishing favorable adjustments to our workers' compensation liabilities going forward.

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Restricted cash, cash equivalents and investments also includes collateral to support our non-qualified deferred compensation plan in the form of company-owned life insurance policies. Our non-qualified deferred compensation plan is managed by a third-party service provider, and the investments backing the company-owned life insurance policies align with the amount and timing of payments based on employee elections.

A summary of our cash flows for each period are as follows:


	Thirty-nine weeks ended
(in thousands)	Sep 29, 2024		Sep 24, 2023
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities	$	(23,189)	$	19,569
Net cash used in investing activities	(1,438)		(26,556)
Net cash used in financing activities	(24,765)		(37,329)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash and cash equivalents	(638)		(757)
Net change in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash and cash equivalents	$	(50,030)	$	(45,073)

Cash flows from operating activities

Operating cash flows consist of net income (loss) adjusted for non-cash benefits and expenses, and changes in operating assets and liabilities.

As client demand declines, the result is a deleveraging of accounts receivable and accounts payable. Accrued wages and benefits can fluctuate based on whether the period end requires the accrual of one or two weeks of payroll, the amount and timing of bonus payments, and timing of payroll tax payments.

Net cash provided by accounts receivable collections through deleveraging during the thirty-nine weeks ended September 29, 2024 was partially offset by an increase in days sales outstanding of approximately seven days for the fiscal third quarter of 2024 compared to the fiscal fourth quarter of 2023, primarily due to a higher percentage of receivables with longer payment terms. Net cash used for payments on accounts payable and accrued expenses was primarily related to timing of payments to vendors as well as a decrease in certain accrued expenses that fluctuate with revenue. In addition, our workers’ compensation claims reserve for estimated claims decreases as contingent labor services decline, as was the case in the current period.

Cash flows from investing activities

Investing cash flows consist of capital expenditures, net proceeds from divestiture, and purchases, sales, and maturities of restricted investments, which are managed in line with our workers’ compensation collateral funding requirements and timing of claim payments.

Capital expenditures for the thirty-nine weeks ended September 29, 2024 included continued investments to upgrade our PeopleReady technology platform. Our capital expenditures were partially offset by proceeds from the divestiture of PeopleReady Canada, net of transaction costs, as well as cash provided by maturities of restricted investments to pay workers’ compensation claims exceeding purchases of new restricted investments.

Cash flows from financing activities

Financing cash flows consist primarily of repurchases of common stock as part of our publicly announced share repurchase program, amounts to satisfy employee tax withholding obligations upon the vesting of restricted stock, the net change in our Revolving Credit Facility, and proceeds from the sale of common stock through our employee stock purchase plan.

Net cash used in financing activities during the thirty-nine weeks ended September 29, 2024 was primarily due to the repurchase of $21.3 million of our common stock in the open market. As of September 29, 2024, $33.5 million remains available for repurchase under existing authorizations, though we are limited to $25.0 million in aggregate share repurchases in any twelve-month period by our financial covenants.

SUMMARY OF CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES

Our critical accounting estimates are discussed in Part II, Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations; Summary of Critical Accounting Estimates” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023. The following has been updated to reflect the result of our interim goodwill impairment analysis.

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MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

Goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets

Goodwill

When evaluating goodwill for impairment, we may first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. Qualitative factors include economic conditions, industry and market conditions and overall company financial performance. If, after assessing the totality of events and circumstances, we determine that it is more likely than not the fair value of the reporting unit is greater than its carrying amount, the quantitative impairment test is unnecessary.

Determining the fair value of a reporting unit when performing a quantitative impairment test involves the use of significant estimates and assumptions to evaluate the impact of operational and economic changes on each reporting unit. We estimate the fair value using a weighting of the income and market valuation approaches. The income approach applies a fair value methodology to each reporting unit based on discounted cash flows. This analysis requires significant estimates and judgments, including estimation of future cash flows, which is dependent on internal forecasts, estimation of the long-term rate of growth for our business, estimation of the useful life over which cash flows will occur, and determination of our weighted average cost of capital, which is risk-adjusted to reflect the specific risk profile of the reporting unit being tested. We also apply a market approach, which develops a value correlation based on the market capitalization of similar publicly traded companies, referred to as a multiple, to apply to the operating results of the reporting units. The primary market multiples to which we compare are revenue and earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization.

We base fair value estimates on assumptions we believe to be reasonable but that are unpredictable and inherently uncertain. Actual future results may differ from those estimates. We confirm the reasonableness of the valuation conclusions by comparing the indicated values of all the reporting units to the overall company value indicated by the stock price and outstanding shares as of the valuation date, or market capitalization.

Impairment test

During the fiscal second quarter of 2024, management determined that a triggering event had occurred as a result of additional decline in demand for our services, prolonged economic uncertainty, and a further decrease in our stock price. Therefore, we performed an interim impairment test as of the last day of fiscal May 2024. The weighted average cost of capital used in our most recent impairment test was risk-adjusted to reflect the specific risk profile of the reporting units and ranged from 13.5% to 14.5%. The combined fair values for all reporting units were then reconciled to the aggregate market value of our shares of common stock on the date of valuation.

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MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

Based on the results of our interim impairment test, we concluded that the carrying amount of goodwill for the PeopleReady reporting unit exceeded the estimated fair value and we recorded a non-cash impairment charge of $59.1 million, which was included in goodwill and intangible asset impairment charge on our Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the thirty-nine weeks ended September 29, 2024. As a result of this impairment charge, the total goodwill carrying value of $59.1 million for PeopleReady was fully impaired. The goodwill impairment was primarily driven by recent performance of the PeopleReady reporting unit and the temporary industrial staffing industry since our annual impairment testing date, as well as a delay in the projected timing of recovery. Based on our interim impairment test, we concluded the fair values of all other reporting units were substantially in excess of their carrying values, and the goodwill associated with those reporting units was not impaired.

Additionally, following performance of the interim impairment test, we did not identify any events or conditions that make it more likely than not an additional impairment may have occurred during the thirteen or thirty-nine weeks ended September 29, 2024.

Indefinite-lived intangible assets

We have indefinite-lived intangible assets for trade names/trademarks related to business within our PeopleManagement and PeopleScout segments. We evaluate our indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment on an annual basis as of the first day of our fiscal second quarter, or whenever events or circumstances make it more likely than not that an impairment may have occurred. These events or circumstances could include significant change in general economic conditions, deterioration in industry environment, changes in cost factors, declining operating performance indicators, legal factors, competition, client engagement, or sale or disposition of a significant portion of the business. We monitor the existence of potential impairment indicators throughout the fiscal year.

The quantitative impairment test, if necessary, utilizes the relief from royalty method to determine the fair value of each of our trade names/trademarks. If the carrying value exceeds the fair value, we recognize an impairment charge in an amount equal to the excess, not to exceed the carrying value. Management uses considerable judgment to determine key assumptions, including projected revenue, royalty rates and appropriate discount rates.

Impairment test

We performed an indefinite-lived intangible asset impairment test during our fiscal second quarter of 2024. As a result of this impairment test, we concluded that a trade name/trademark related to the PeopleManagement segment exceeded its estimated fair value and we recorded a non-cash impairment charge of $0.6 million, which was included in goodwill and intangible asset impairment charge on our Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the thirty-nine weeks ended September 29, 2024. The charge was primarily driven by recent revenue performance of the related business given a decline in demand and overall economic uncertainty. The remaining balance for this trade name/trademark was $2.7 million as of September 29, 2024. As of our impairment testing date, the fair value of the trade name/trademark related to the PeopleScout segment was substantially in excess of its carrying amount of $2.1 million, and therefore did not result in an impairment.

Additionally, following performance of the impairment test, we did not identify any events or conditions that make it more likely than not a further impairment may have occurred during the thirteen or thirty-nine weeks ended September 29, 2024.

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MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

Income taxes and related valuation allowances

We account for income taxes by recording taxes payable or receivable for the current year and deferred tax assets and liabilities for the future tax consequences of events that have been recognized in our financial statements or tax returns. These expected future tax consequences are measured based on provisions of tax law as currently enacted; the effects of future changes in tax laws are not anticipated. We recognize deferred tax assets to the extent we believe it is more likely than not the asset will be realized. We consider available positive and negative evidence when making such determination, including future reversals of existing taxable temporary differences, projected future taxable income, tax-planning strategies, carryback potential if permitted, and results of recent operations. When appropriate, we record a valuation allowance against deferred tax assets to reduce deferred tax assets to the amount that is more likely than not to be realized.

Interim periods

Quarterly, management assesses the available positive and negative evidence to estimate whether sufficient future taxable income will be generated to permit the use of existing deferred tax assets, including future reversals of existing taxable temporary differences, projected taxable income, tax-planning strategies, carryback potential if permitted, and the results of recent operations. A significant piece of objective negative evidence is the existence of a three-year cumulative loss. Such objective negative evidence limits the ability of management to consider other subjective evidence, such as projected taxable income.

Based on our interim deferred tax asset realizability assessments, we determined that a valuation allowance was appropriate against our U.S. federal, state and certain foreign deferred tax assets as of September 29, 2024. See Note 11: Income Taxes, to our consolidated financial statements found in Item 1 of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, for further details.

NEW ACCOUNTING STANDARDS

See Note 1: Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, to our consolidated financial statements found in Item 1 of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.


Item 3.			QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

Our quantitative and qualitative disclosures about market risk are discussed in Part II, Item 7A, “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023, and have not changed materially.


Item 4.			CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

We maintain disclosure controls and procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in our periodic reports filed or submitted under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms. Our disclosure controls and procedures are also designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the reports we file or submit under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

During the fiscal third quarter of 2024, we carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures at a reasonable assurance level, as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act. Based upon that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective at a reasonable assurance level, as of September 29, 2024.

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There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) of the Exchange Act) during our most recently completed fiscal quarter that materially affected or are reasonably likely to materially affect our internal control over financial reporting.

The certifications required by Rule 13a-14 of the Exchange Act are filed as exhibits 31.1 and 31.2, respectively, to this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

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PART II. OTHER INFORMATION


Item 1.			LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

See Note 9: Commitments and Contingencies, to our consolidated financial statements found in Part I, Item 1 of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.


Item 1A.			RISK FACTORS

There have been no material changes in the Company's risk factors previously disclosed in Part I, Item 1A of the Company's Annual Report filed on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023.


Item 2.			UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

The table below includes repurchases of our common stock pursuant to publicly announced plans or programs and those not made pursuant to publicly announced plans or programs during the thirteen weeks ended September 29, 2024.


Period	Total number of shares purchased (1)	Weighted average price paid per share (2)	Total number of shares purchased as part of publicly announced plans or programs	Approximate dollar value that may yet be purchased under plans or programs at period end (3)
07/01/2024 through 07/28/2024	136,138	$10.54	134,877	$36.4 million
07/29/2024 through 08/25/2024	172,641	$8.81	170,506	$34.9 million
08/26/2024 through 09/29/2024	173,380	$7.80	172,699	$33.5 million
Total	482,159	$8.93	478,082

(1)Includes 4,077 shares we purchased in order to satisfy employee tax withholding obligations upon the vesting of restricted stock. These shares were not acquired pursuant to our publicly announced share repurchase program.

(2)Weighted average price paid per share does not include any adjustments for commissions or excise tax on share repurchases.

(3)On January 31, 2022, our Board of Directors authorized a $100.0 million addition to our share repurchase program of our outstanding common stock. The share repurchase program does not obligate us to acquire any particular amount of common stock and does not have an expiration date. As of September 29, 2024, $33.5 million remains available for repurchase under the existing authorization.


Item 3.			DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

Not applicable.


Item 4.			MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

Not applicable.


Item 5.			OTHER INFORMATION

Trading plans

During the fiscal third quarter of 2024, none of our directors or executive officers adopted or terminated a “Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement” or a “non-Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement,” as such terms are defined in paragraphs (a) and (c), respectively, of Item 408 of Regulation S-K promulgated under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

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Item 6.			INDEX TO EXHIBITS

Incorporated by reference

Exhibit number

Exhibit description

Filed herewith

Form

File no.

Date of first filing

3.1

Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation.

8-K

001-14543

05/12/2016

3.2

Amended and Restated Bylaws.

10-Q

001-14543

10/30/2017

31.1

Certification of Taryn R. Owen, Chief Executive Officer of TrueBlue, Inc., Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a), as Adopted Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

31.2

Certification of Carl R. Schweihs, Chief Financial Officer of TrueBlue, Inc., Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a), as Adopted Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

32.1

Certification of Taryn R. Owen, Chief Executive Officer of TrueBlue, Inc. and Carl R. Schweihs, Chief Financial Officer of TrueBlue, Inc., Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

101

The following financial statements from the Company’s 10-Q, formatted as Inline XBRL: (i) Consolidated Balance Sheets, (ii) Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss), (iii) Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, and (iv) Notes to consolidated financial statements.

104

Cover page interactive data file - The cover page from this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q is formatted as Inline XBRL


*			Indicates a management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement

Copies of Exhibits may be obtained upon request directed to Mr. Garrett Ferencz, TrueBlue, Inc., PO Box 2910, Tacoma, Washington, 98401 and many are available at the SEC’s website found at www.sec.gov.

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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) 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.

TrueBlue, Inc.

/s/ Taryn R. Owen

11/4/2024

Signature

Date

By:

Taryn R. Owen, Chief Executive Officer and President

/s/ Carl R. Schweihs

11/4/2024

Signature

Date

By:

Carl R. Schweihs, Chief Financial Officer and Executive Vice President

/s/ Jason M. Embick

11/4/2024

Signature

Date

By:

Jason M. Embick, Chief Accounting Officer, Senior Vice President

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TrueBlue (TBI) 10-Q2024 Q3 Quarterly report

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