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Robert Half International

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FY2014 Annual Report · Robert Half International
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2014 ANNUAL REPORT

ABOUT ROBERT HALF

Founded in 1948, Robert Half is the world’s first and largest specialized 

staffing firm and a recognized leader in professional consulting and 

staffing services. Robert Half is traded on the New York Stock Exchange 

(symbol: RHI) and is a member of the S&P 500 index and the FTSE4Good 

Responsible Investment Index. We have appeared on Fortune magazine’s 

“Most Admired Companies” list every year since 1998.

PROFESSIONAL STAFFING SERVICES
The company’s specialized staffing divisions include 
Accountemps®, Robert Half® Finance & Accounting and 
Robert Half® Management Resources, for temporary, full-
time and senior-level project professionals, respectively, 
in the fields of accounting and finance; OfficeTeam®, for 
highly skilled administrative support professionals; Robert 
Half® Technology, for project and full-time technology 
professionals; Robert Half® Legal, for project and full-time 
staffing of lawyers, paralegals and legal support personnel; 
and The Creative Group®, for interactive, design, marketing, 
advertising and public relations professionals. We have 341 
staffing locations in 19 countries.

Robert Half is an authoritative resource on hiring and careers 
and publishes an array of hiring and management advice 
regularly via social media and industry-specific blogs. Visit us 
online at roberthalf.com. 

RISK & BUSINESS CONSULTING. 
INTERNAL AUDIT.
Robert Half also is the parent company of Protiviti®, a global 
consulting firm that helps companies solve problems in 
finance, technology, operations, governance, risk and internal 
audit. Protiviti has served 60 percent of Fortune 1000® and 
35 percent of Fortune Global 500® companies. Protiviti also 
works with smaller, growing companies, including those 
looking to go public, as well as with government agencies. 
Protiviti and its independently owned Member Firms serve 
clients through a network of 74 locations in 25 countries. 

In March of this year, Protiviti was named one of the 2015 
Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For®. Connect with 
Protiviti and its social media channels at protiviti.com.

2  

2014 Annual Report • Robert HalfSELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

(in millions, except per share amounts)

YEARS ENDED DEC 31,

2014

2013

2012 

2011 

2010

2009

2008

2007

2006

2005

2004

INCOME  
STATEMENT DATA:
Net service revenues  $  4,695.0  $  4,245.9  $  4,111.2  $  3,777.0  $  3,175.1  $  3,036.5  $  4,600.6  $  4,645.7  $  4,013.5  $  3,338.4  $  2,675.7

Net income 

Net income available 
to common stock- 
holders — diluted 

Diluted net income 
per share 

Diluted shares 

Cash dividends  
declared per share 

CASH FLOW DATA:
Net cash flows  
provided by  
operating activities 

$  305.9  $  252.2  $  209.9  $  149.9  $ 

66.1  $ 

37.3  $   250.2  $  296.2  $  283.2  $   237.9  $   140.6

$  305.9  $  252.2  $  208.9  $  147.8  $  

63.7  $ 

35.1  $  242.7  $   288.8  $  276.8  $  233.8  $  138.5

$ 

2.26  $ 

1.83  $ 

1.50  $ 

1.04  $  

.44  $ 

.24  $ 

1.59  $ 

1.78  $ 

1.62  $ 

1.35  $ 

.79

135.5 

137.6 

139.4 

141.8 

144.0 

146.6 

152.5 

162.6 

170.6 

173.7 

175.6

$ 

.72  $ 

.64  $ 

.60  $ 

.56  $ 

.52  $ 

.48  $ 

.44  $ 

.40  $ 

.32  $ 

.28  $ 

.18

$  340.7  $  309.2  $  289.2  $  256.3  $  175.9  $  240.2  $  447.1  $  411.2  $  376.2  $  327.5  $  161.8

Capital expenditures  $ 

62.8  $ 

53.7  $ 

50.1  $ 

56.5  $ 

35.1  $ 

41.2  $ 

73.4  $ 

83.8  $ 

80.4  $ 

61.8  $ 

32.9

BALANCE SHEET
DATA AT YEAR-END:
Total assets 

$  1,647.3  $  1,490.3  $  1,381.3  $  1,311.8  $  1,274.0  $  1,283.5  $  1,411.9  $  1,450.3  $  1,459.0  $  1,318.7  $  1,198.7

Debt financing 

$ 

1.3  $ 

1.4  $ 

1.5  $ 

1.7  $ 

1.8  $ 

1.9  $ 

2.0  $ 

4.1  $ 

4.2  $ 

3.1  $ 

2.3

Stockholders’ equity 

$  979.9  $  919.6  $  842.0  $  800.5  $  834.4  $  899.8  $  983.9  $  984.0  $  1,042.7  $  970.9  $  911.9

REVENUES (in millions)

NET CASH FLOWS PROVIDED 
BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES (in millions)

$5,000

$4,000

$3,000

$2,000

$1,000

$500

$400

$300

$200

$100

‘04 ‘05 ‘06 ‘07 ‘08 ‘09 ‘10 ‘11 ‘12 ‘13 ‘14

‘04 ‘05 ‘06 ‘07 ‘08 ‘09 ‘10 ‘11 ‘12 ‘13 ‘14

3  

2014 Annual Report • Robert Half 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
TO OUR STOCKHOLDERS

Robert Half had an excellent year in 2014. We are pleased 
to report that last year’s net service revenues, net income 
and diluted earnings per share were all the highest we 
have ever achieved. Annual net service revenues were 
$4.7 billion, an 11 percent increase over the prior year. All 
parts of the business contributed to the advance. Revenue 
momentum improved as the year unfolded, with second-
half increases exceeding those in the first six months. Full-
year 2014 net income was $306 million compared to $252 
million in 2013, a 21 percent gain. Diluted earnings per 
share of $2.26 increased 23 percent from the prior year 
on 1.5 percent fewer shares outstanding. The 2014 final 
quarter was the 19th consecutive quarter of year-over-year, 
double-digit percentage growth in net income and earnings 
per share. 

The 2014 economic backdrop was generally favorable for 
our business. U.S. real gross domestic product (GDP) in 
2014 grew at a 2.4 percent rate, a pace modestly ahead of 
the prior year’s 2.2 percent. A weather-influenced decline in 
first-quarter real GDP was followed by strong advances in 
the spring and summer months and further improvement in 
the fourth quarter. 

Revenue momentum 
improved as the year 
unfolded, with second-half 
increases exceeding those 
in the first six months.

The expansion was accompanied by broad-based 
strengthening in labor markets. Employers in the United 
States added more than 3 million jobs during 2014, the 
best year for employment growth since 1999. More jobs 
and a reduced labor force participation rate enabled the 
unemployment rate to fall below 6 percent for the first 
time since 2008. By year-end, the rate had declined to 5.6 
percent and has slipped further to 5.5 percent since then. 

The demand for temporary workers rose last year as new 
jobs were created. We are finding that, more than ever, 
companies are using interim professionals as part of their 
staffing mix. As 2014 came to a close, temporary workers 
as a percentage of U.S. employment reached an all-time 
high of 2.04 percent. Over the past several years, it has 
become increasingly clear that flexible staffing has become 
an important part of how employers manage their work 
flows and control labor costs.

Outside the United States, economic progress since  
the last recession has been generally slower than our 
experience domestically. Robert Half’s non-U.S. revenues 
last year represented 23 percent of the total and grew  
4 percent compared to the 13 percent gain recorded in the 
United States. The same trends that are affecting our U.S. 
business favorably are present in international markets, 
but the gains in many of those markets have been more 
tentative. We see positive signs that the pace of recovery 
is accelerating, but it is too soon to conclude that a full 
recovery is under way. 

FINANCIAL CONDITION
Our financial condition remains solid. We ended the year 
with total assets of $1.6 billion, which included cash and 
cash equivalents of $287 million, up slightly from the prior 
year-end balance of $276 million. Our balance sheet 
remains virtually debt-free. The great majority of our assets 
are highly liquid; our business requires few fixed assets and 
no inventory. Accounts receivable, our largest single asset, 
totaled $658 million at year-end, or 40 percent of total 
assets. Because of the importance of that asset, we monitor 
outstanding balances closely and focus on timely collections 
of amounts due. Average days’ sales outstanding (DSO) at 
year-end was 49 days, a level consistent throughout the year 
and in line with historical experience. Our customer base is 
diverse without significant exposure to customer or industry 
concentrations. 

The strength of our balance sheet reflects the favorable 
cash-generating characteristic of the business. In both good 
and challenging times, Robert Half has shown that it can 
consistently produce generous amounts of cash. Net cash 
provided by operating activities in 2014 was $341 million.

4  

2014 Annual Report • Robert HalfThat total was up 10 percent from the prior year, despite the 
need to fund higher accounts receivable balances that came 
with 2014’s increased revenue momentum. Over the past 
decade, we generated $3.2 billion in cash from operations. 

Our business is not capital-intensive. Capital expenditures 
last year totaled $63 million, which was as budgeted 
and represented 1.3 percent of full-year revenues, a 
level consistent with a 1.5 percent average over the 
past decade. Although we do not invest much in brick-
and-mortar fixed assets, over the past several years we 
have made capital outlays to enhance our technological 
infrastructure. Much of that spending has been aimed 
at helping our field teams deliver more convenient and 
flexible service to clients and job candidates, while at 
the same time automating many day-to-day business 
processes. Among other things, we have streamlined the 
candidate registration process, introduced remote skills 
assessments and enabled video interviewing in our global 
office network. Improving these functions is a never-ending 
process, and our efforts to leverage new technologies 
are ongoing. A decades-long presence in the staffing 
business provides us with a unique advantage. We have 
accumulated a vast amount of proprietary data over our 
history, which we are pairing with the latest technologies to 
produce operational best practices.

Robert Half made no acquisitions last year. That is not 
unusual. We believe that our industry continues to offer ample 
opportunity to grow the business organically. And, importantly, 
we believe organic growth carries fewer risks. Besides the 
uncertainty that often accompanies growth via acquisition, we 
believe making acquisitions in an intensely personal service 
business such as ours involves special risks. Melding separate 
workforces with distinct personalities and corporate cultures 
carries challenges. Over the years, Robert Half has developed 
a service mentality that is an important part of our culture and 
philosophy. We are protective of our culture and will consider 
acquiring others only when we can be comfortable that 
acquisition candidates can measure up to our high standards.

After netting amounts used in investing activities, last year’s 
free cash flow was $252 million, a 19 percent increase over 
the prior year. In 2014, we continued our long-established 
policy of returning cash to stockholders through open market 

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Harold M. Messmer,  Jr. (right);
Vice Chairman, President and Chief Financial Of icer M. Keith 
Waddell.

Flexible staffing has 
become an important 
part of how employers 
manage their work flows 
and control labor costs.

share repurchases and cash dividend payments. Last year, 
we purchased 3.3 million shares for $162 million. We have 
purchased shares of our stock each year since 1997. At 
year-end, there were 4.8 million board-authorized shares 
available for repurchase. We also distributed quarterly cash 
dividends of $0.18 per share in 2014 for a total outlay of 
$98 million. Subsequent to year-end, our board upped the 
quarterly dividend to $0.20 per share. We have increased 
our quarterly cash dividend every year since our initial 
distribution was made in 2004, and the dividend has grown 
at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.8 percent 
during this period.  

5  

2014 Annual Report • Robert HalfClients place a premium  

on recruiting hard-to-find 

candidates, which is our 

strong suit.

STAFFING OPERATIONS
The majority of our staffing business both domestically  
and internationally is produced by our three accounting  
and finance staffing divisions: Accountemps, Robert Half  
Management Resources and Robert Half Finance & 
Accounting. 

Accountemps provides accounting personnel on a 
temporary basis. Our initial temporary staffing offering, 
Accountemps has roots that go back to the early 1970s; 
today, it is our largest business unit. Its 2014 revenues of 
$1.6 billion represented 35 percent of the consolidated 
total and were 7 percent ahead of those in the prior 
year. This division’s growth was broad-based and 
benefited, particularly late in the year, from an improving 
macroeconomic environment for small and midsize 
businesses, our core client group.

Over the years, Robert 
Half has developed a 
service mentality that is 
an important part of our 
culture and philosophy.

Robert Half Management Resources provides senior-level 
accounting and finance professionals on a project basis, 
often for longer-duration assignments. This business was 
launched in 1997, and its revenues last year of $565 
million, equivalent to 12 percent of the consolidated total, 
were up 13 percent from the prior year. Working together, 
Robert Half Management Resources and Protiviti allow us 
to offer joint services anywhere on the demand continuum, 
from supplemental staffing to deliverables-based consulting 
projects. For example, Robert Half Management Resources 
often partners with Protiviti to provide professional staffing 
resources in support of Protiviti engagements. Last year’s 
combined efforts included work in the areas of risk assessment 
and regulatory compliance, as well as internal control and 
operational-related engagements, among others.

Robert Half Finance & Accounting is our permanent 
placement unit. It places specialized personnel in 
accounting, finance, tax and accounting operations. This 
was our original business dating back to 1948. Last year’s 
revenues were $395 million, or 8 percent of the total, and 
were 13 percent ahead of the prior year. The call for full-
time employees typically accelerates in an up economic 
cycle; this is what we’ve seen play out, especially in 2014. 
The best job candidates increasingly are getting multiple 
offers, which are being met with counteroffers from 
existing employers. As labor markets tighten, clients place 
a premium on recruiting hard-to-find candidates, which is 

6  

2014 Annual Report • Robert Halfour strong suit. We hired additional permanent placement 
recruiters in 2014 to capture more of this business. 

OfficeTeam, our specialty administrative staffing 
unit, was introduced in 1991. It provides temporary 
staffing assistance in roles ranging from executive and 
administrative assistants to receptionists and customer 
service representatives. Last year’s revenues of $917 
million represented 20 percent of the consolidated total 
and grew 10 percent from the prior year. Among other 
things, OfficeTeam served companies needing assistance 
with healthcare open enrollment processes, largely in 
response to the Affordable Care Act. The complexities 
of the Act required many companies to change benefit 
plans, including offering employees access to healthcare 
exchanges. OfficeTeam also provided administrative 
assistance to state exchanges and insurance companies as 
these entities prepared to handle an influx of new enrollees.

Robert Half Technology was launched in 1994 and 
provides information technology support and development 
professionals. Last year’s revenues of $577 million were 
12 percent of the consolidated total and 10 percent ahead 
of those reported in 2013. Technology is the most supply-
constrained area we serve. Because skilled IT candidates 
are difficult to find, starting in the second quarter of 2014 
we began to hire more recruiters. The additional personnel 
helped accelerate the division’s growth rate later in the year. 
Our business in this unit is evolving in an important way. 
Demand in prior years was generated primarily from larger 
companies, particularly in applications development. We 
are now beginning to see demand drift down to our middle-
market sweet spot, where clients are often more reliant on 
the services we offer and we are of proven value. 

PROTIVITI
Protiviti, our global business consulting unit, was launched in 
May 2002. In the first 12 full years of its existence, Protiviti’s 
revenues have grown at a 15-percent CAGR, to $624 million 
in 2014 from $133 million in 2003. Last year’s growth rate 
was higher at 18 percent, with faster growth domestically. 
Protiviti built momentum throughout the year. This business 
now accounts for 13 percent of the consolidated total. Its 
revenues were largely dominated by its three principal service 
areas: internal audit and financial advisory services, risk and 
compliance, and IT consulting.  

Protiviti is highly respected in the marketplace and has 
developed a loyal and expanding client base. A more 
stringent regulatory environment is contributing to increased 
demand for Protiviti’s risk and compliance solutions. Protiviti’s 
internal audit and financial advisory services are benefiting 
from factors such as Public Company Accounting Oversight 
Board (PCAOB) inspections and the revised framework for 
internal controls issued by the Committee of Sponsoring 
Organizations (COSO), which have created internal audit 
demand and opportunities to assist clients in updating their 
systems of internal control. A stronger market for initial public 
offerings also is leading to new business in internal audit and 
financial advisory services. IT consulting demand is largely 
driven by the increased focus on data security and privacy, as 
well as expanded budgets for systems implementation and IT 
governance activities.

We bring hard-to-match  
assets to bear in executing 
our business. It starts with 
decades of experience.

Protiviti added experienced consultants in certain practice 
areas last year to expand its service offerings. Investing 
in senior talent reflects our ongoing effort to balance the 
unit’s annual profitability, now near double-digit percentage 
rates, and future growth. Protiviti serves clients through a 
global network, which includes Member Firms in several 
countries. Member Firms are regional consulting providers 
that operate independently and have licensing agreements 
with us giving them access to training and certain 
intellectual property. Member Firms extend Protiviti’s global 
service capabilities. In many countries, there also are tax 
advantages and other business benefits to this structure. 

LOOKING AHEAD
We are confident in the ability of our corporate and field 
leadership to grow the business. Favorable domestic market 
conditions and selective and gradual improvement in non-
U.S. economies are providing us with a near-term tailwind. 
The percentage of new jobs represented by temporary 
positions is triple what it was in the prior recovery. Industry 

7  

2014 Annual Report • Robert HalfAnd it extends to more than a half-century of efforts to 
create and strengthen our brand name, which we believe 
is unmatched in the professional segment of the staffing 
industry. It includes applying new technology tools to make 
our internal employees more efficient and our customer 
service seamless. Integral to the whole process are our 
core values and a service approach that our clients and 
candidates have told us they appreciate and admire. This 
will not change.  

We would like to thank our tenured management team, 
which we believe is unsurpassed in the industry. Likewise, 
we want to acknowledge the work of our talented and 
dedicated employees who help us delight customers around 
the globe every business day. None of our success would be 
possible without the continued efforts of these professionals. 
We also would like to express our appreciation to our board 
of directors for their wisdom and insights during the year 
and to you, our stockholders, for your continued support 
and encouragement.

Respectfully submitted,

Harold M. Messmer,  Jr. 

M. Keith Waddell

Chairman and  
Chief Executive Officer

Vice Chairman, President and 
Chief Financial Officer

March 13, 2015

March 13, 2015

observers have projected that the expected real growth in 
economies in 2015 should boost staffing revenues in all 
major developed countries. We already are seeing firmer 
recruiting demand in our offices around the world.

In the longer term, we believe that U.S. temporary worker 
penetration rates for the industry, and for Robert Half 
more specifically, have the potential to rise much higher. 
Significantly deeper industry penetration exists in certain 
non-U.S. markets and provides a precedent for what we 
might expect in the future in the United States. We see this 
as a critically important long-term opportunity.

We want to acknowledge 
the work of our talented 
and dedicated employees 
who help us delight 
customers around the 
globe every business day.

We also are optimistic about the opportunity for Protiviti 
with regard to both revenue and profitability upside. Protiviti 
is well positioned in financial services, risk and regulatory 
compliance, IT consulting, and internal audit and financial 
advisory services. There also are emerging opportunities 
in business process improvement and data analytics. We 
expect these opportunities to extend far into the future. 

Protiviti and the Robert Half staffing business are a powerful 
combination. We offer clients a full spectrum of services 
ranging from staff augmentation to full-service consulting 
solutions in a way that no other consulting or staffing firm 
can match. 

On the surface, our business seems quite simple: We find 
great talent for our clients and excellent jobs for our skilled 
professionals. But we bring hard-to-match assets to bear in 
executing our business. It starts with decades of experience. 

8  

2014 Annual Report • Robert Half    
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-K

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

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014

OR

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

 __________________________________________

Commission file number 1-10427

ROBERT HALF INTERNATIONAL INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

DELAWARE
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)

2884 Sand Hill Road, Menlo Park, California
(Address of principal executive offices)

94-1648752
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)

94025
(Zip code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code:  (650) 234-6000
 __________________________________________

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

Title of each class
Common Stock, Par Value $.001 per Share

Name of each exchange
on which registered
New York Stock Exchange

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
None 
__________________________________________

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities 

Act.    Yes   

    No  

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Act.    Yes  

    No  

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 and posted on its corporate Website, if any, every 
Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for 
such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).    Yes  

    No  

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will 

not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III 
of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller 

reporting company. (Check one):

Large accelerated filer  

    Accelerated filer  

    Non-accelerated filer  

    Smaller reporting company  

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company. 

  Yes    

  No

As of June 30, 2014, the aggregate market value of the Common Stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant was approximately 

$6,269,772,207 based on the closing sale price on that date. This amount excludes the market value of 5,760,355 shares of Common 
Stock directly or indirectly held by registrant’s directors and officers and their affiliates.

As of January 31, 2015, there were 135,140,537 outstanding shares of the registrant’s Common Stock.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
Portions of the registrant’s Proxy Statement to be mailed to stockholders in connection with the registrant’s annual meeting of 
stockholders, scheduled to be held in May 2015, are incorporated by reference in Part III of this report. Except as expressly incorporated 
by reference, the registrant’s Proxy Statement shall not be deemed to be part of this report.

2014 Annual Report • Robert Half 
 
 
 
 
 
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2014 Annual Report • Robert HalfItem 1. Business

PART I

Robert Half International Inc. (the “Company”) provides specialized staffing and risk consulting services through such 

divisions as Accountemps®, Robert Half® Finance & Accounting, OfficeTeam®, Robert Half® Technology, Robert Half® 
Management Resources, Robert Half® Legal, The Creative Group®, and Protiviti®. The Company, through its Accountemps, 
Robert Half Finance & Accounting, and Robert Half Management Resources divisions, is the world’s largest specialized 
provider of temporary, full-time, and project professionals in the fields of accounting and finance. OfficeTeam specializes in 
highly skilled temporary administrative support personnel. Robert Half Technology provides information technology 
professionals. Robert Half Legal provides temporary, project, and full-time staffing of attorneys and specialized support 
personnel within law firms and corporate legal departments. The Creative Group provides project staffing in the interactive 
media, design, and marketing fields. Protiviti, which began operations in 2002, is a global business consulting and internal audit 
firm. Protiviti, which primarily employs professionals specializing in risk, advisory and transactional services, is a wholly 
owned subsidiary of the Company.

The Company’s business was originally founded in 1948. Prior to 1986, the Company was primarily a franchisor, under 
the names Accountemps and Robert Half (now called Robert Half Finance & Accounting), of offices providing temporary and 
full-time professionals in the fields of accounting and finance. Beginning in 1986, the Company and its current management 
embarked on a strategy of acquiring franchised locations. All of the franchises have been acquired. The Company believes that 
direct ownership of offices allows it to better monitor and protect the image of its tradenames, promotes a more consistent and 
higher level of quality and service throughout its network of offices and improves profitability by centralizing many of its 
administrative functions. Since 1986, the Company has significantly expanded operations at many of the acquired locations, 
opened many new locations and acquired other local or regional providers of specialized temporary service personnel. The 
Company has also expanded the scope of its services by launching the new product lines OfficeTeam, Robert Half Technology, 
Robert Half Management Resources, Robert Half Legal and The Creative Group.

In 2002, the Company hired more than 700 professionals who had been affiliated with the internal audit and business and 
technology risk consulting practice of Arthur Andersen LLP, including more than 50 individuals who had been partners of that 
firm. These professionals formed the base of the Company’s Protiviti Inc. subsidiary. Protiviti® has enabled the Company to 
enter the market for business consulting and internal audit services, which market the Company believes offers synergies with 
its traditional lines of business.

Accountemps

The Accountemps temporary services division offers customers a reliable and economical means of dealing with uneven 
or peak workloads for accounting, finance, and bookkeeping personnel caused by such predictable events as vacations, taking 
inventories, tax work, month-end activities and special projects, and such unpredictable events as illness and emergencies. 
Businesses view the use of temporary employees as a means of controlling personnel costs and converting such costs from 
fixed to variable. The cost and inconvenience to clients of hiring and firing regular employees are eliminated by the use of 
Accountemps temporaries. The temporary workers are employees of Accountemps and are paid by Accountemps. The customer 
pays a fixed rate only for hours worked.

Accountemps clients may fill their regular employment needs by using an Accountemps employee on a trial basis and, if 

so desired, “converting” the temporary position to a regular position. The client typically pays a one-time fee for such 
conversions.

OfficeTeam

The Company’s OfficeTeam division, which commenced operations in 1991, places temporary and full-time office and 

administrative personnel, ranging from executive and administrative assistants to receptionists and customer service 
representatives. OfficeTeam operates in much the same fashion as the Accountemps division.

Robert Half Finance & Accounting

Established in 1948, the Company’s first division and specialized recruitment pioneer Robert Half Finance & Accounting 

specializes in the placement of full-time accounting, financial, tax and accounting operations personnel. Fees for successful 

1

1
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robert_half_10k_FIN_1-54.indd   1

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3/26/15   1:59 PM

2014 Annual Report • Robert Halfplacements are paid only by the employer and are generally a percentage of the new employee’s annual compensation. No fee 
for placement services is charged to employment candidates.

corporate-maintained social media sites and other online properties. Local employees are encouraged to be active in civic 

organizations and industry trade groups.

Robert Half Technology

The Company’s Robert Half Technology division, which commenced operations in 1994, specializes in providing 
information technology contract consultants and placing full-time employees in areas ranging from multiple platform systems 
integration to end-user support, including specialists in web development, networking, application development, systems 
integration, database design, security and business continuity, and desktop support.

Robert Half Legal

Since 1992, the Company has been placing temporary and full-time employees in attorney, paralegal, legal administrative 

and legal secretarial positions through its Robert Half Legal division. The legal profession’s requirements (the need for 
confidentiality, accuracy and reliability, a strong drive toward cost-effectiveness, and frequent peak caseload periods) are 
similar to the demands of the clients of the Accountemps division. Robert Half Legal offers a full suite of legal staffing and 
consulting services to help organizations manage constantly changing workloads and access expertise across in-demand legal 
practice areas.

Robert Half Management Resources

The Company’s Robert Half Management Resources division, which commenced operations in 1997, specializes in 
providing senior level project professionals in the accounting and finance fields, including chief financial officers, controllers, 
senior financial analysts, internal auditors, and business systems analysts for such tasks as financial systems conversions, 
expansion into new markets, business process reengineering, business systems performance improvement, and post-merger 
financial consolidation.

The Creative Group

The Creative Group division commenced operations in 1999 and specializes in identifying for its clients creative 

professionals in the areas of interactive media, design, marketing, advertising and public relations. The division places freelance 
and project consultants in a variety of positions such as creative directors, graphics designers, web content developers, web 
designers, media buyers, brand managers, and public relations specialists.

Competition

Protiviti

Protiviti is a global consulting firm that helps companies solve problems in finance, technology, operations, governance, 
risk and internal audit. Through its risk management and internal audit heritage, Protiviti has gained unique perspectives on the 
challenges faced by its clients. Protiviti uses these perspectives not only to solve regulatory, risk and compliance problems, but 
also to help clients become more effective and productive. Protiviti provides solutions to its clients in areas such as business 
performance improvement, internal audit and financial advisory, IT consulting, restructuring and litigation, risk and 
compliance, and transaction services.

Marketing and Recruiting

The Company markets its staffing services to clients as well as employment candidates. Local marketing and recruiting 

are generally conducted by each office or related group of offices. Local advertising directed to clients and employment 
candidates consists of radio, digital and social media, websites, job boards, and trade shows. Direct marketing through e-mail, 
regular mail and telephone solicitation also constitutes a significant portion of the Company’s total advertising. National 
advertising conducted by the Company consists primarily of radio, outdoor/billboard, digital and print advertisements in 
national newspapers, magazines, websites, social media sites and trade journals. Additionally, the Company has expanded its 
use of job boards in all aspects of sales and recruitment. Joint marketing arrangements have been entered into with major 
software manufacturers and typically provide for development of proprietary skills tests, cooperative advertising, joint mailings 
and similar promotional activities. The Company also actively seeks endorsements and affiliations with professional 
organizations in the business management, office administration and professional secretarial fields. In addition, the Company 
conducts public relations activities designed to enhance public recognition of the Company and its services. This includes 
outreach to journalists, bloggers and social media influencers, and the distribution of thought leadership via print, video, 

2

2

2

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Protiviti markets its business consulting and internal audit services to a variety of clients in a range of industries. Industry 

and competency teams conduct targeted marketing efforts, both locally and nationally, including print advertising and branded 

speaking events, with support from Protiviti management. National advertising conducted by Protiviti consists primarily of 

print advertisements in national newspapers, magazines and selected trade journals. Protiviti has programs to share its insights 

with clients on current corporate governance and risk management issues. It conducts public relations activities, such as 

distributing press releases, white papers, case studies and newsletters, designed to enhance recognition for the Protiviti brand, 

establish its expertise in key issues surrounding its business and promote its services. Protiviti plans to expand both the services 

and value added content on the Protiviti.com website and increase traffic through targeted Internet advertising. Local employees 

are encouraged to be active in relevant social media communities, civic organizations and industry trade groups.

The Company and its subsidiaries own many trademarks, service marks and tradenames, including the Robert Half® 

Finance & Accounting, Accountemps®, OfficeTeam®, Robert Half® Technology, Robert Half® Management Resources, Robert 

Half® Legal, The Creative Group® and Protiviti® marks, which are registered in the United States and in a number of foreign 

countries.

Organization

Management of the Company’s staffing operations is coordinated from its headquarters facilities in Menlo Park and San 

Ramon, California. The Company’s headquarters provides support and centralized services to its offices in the administrative, 

marketing, public relations, accounting, training and legal areas, particularly as it relates to the standardization of the operating 

procedures of its offices. As of December 31, 2014, the Company conducted its staffing services operations through 341 offices 

in 42 states, the District of Columbia and 18 foreign countries. Office managers are responsible for most activities of their 

offices, including sales, local advertising and marketing and recruitment.

The day-to-day operations of Protiviti are managed by a chief executive officer and a senior management team with 

operational and administrative support provided by individuals located in San Ramon and Menlo Park, California. As of 

December 31, 2014, Protiviti had 57 offices in 23 states and 11 foreign countries.

The Company’s staffing services face competition in attracting clients as well as skilled specialized employment 

candidates. The staffing business is highly competitive, with a number of firms offering services similar to those provided by 

the Company on a national, regional or local basis. In many areas the local companies are the strongest competitors. The most 

significant competitive factors in the staffing business are price and the reliability of service, both of which are often a function 

of the availability and quality of personnel. The Company believes it derives a competitive advantage from its long experience 

with and commitment to the specialized employment market, its national presence, and its various marketing activities.

Protiviti faces competition in its efforts to attract clients and win proposal presentations. The risk consulting and internal 

audit businesses are highly competitive. In addition, the changing regulatory environment is increasing opportunities for non-

attestation audit and risk consulting services. The principal competitors of Protiviti remain the “big four” accounting firms. 

Significant competitive factors include reputation, technology, tools, project methodologies, price of services and depth of skills 

of personnel. Protiviti believes its competitive strengths lie in its unique ability to couple the deep skills and proven 

methodologies of its “big four” heritage with the customer focus and attention of a smaller organization.

Employees

The Company has approximately 14,000 full-time employees, including approximately 2,800 engaged directly in Protiviti 

operations. In addition, the Company placed approximately 211,000 temporary employees on assignments with clients during 

2014. Employees placed by the Company on assignment with clients are the Company’s employees for all purposes while they 

are working on assignments. The Company pays the related costs of employment, such as workers’ compensation insurance, 

state and federal unemployment taxes, social security and certain fringe benefits. The Company provides access to voluntary 

health insurance coverage to interested temporary employees.

3

2014 Annual Report • Robert Halfplacements are paid only by the employer and are generally a percentage of the new employee’s annual compensation. No fee 

for placement services is charged to employment candidates.

corporate-maintained social media sites and other online properties. Local employees are encouraged to be active in civic 
organizations and industry trade groups.

The Company’s Robert Half Technology division, which commenced operations in 1994, specializes in providing 

information technology contract consultants and placing full-time employees in areas ranging from multiple platform systems 

integration to end-user support, including specialists in web development, networking, application development, systems 

integration, database design, security and business continuity, and desktop support.

Robert Half Technology

Robert Half Legal

Since 1992, the Company has been placing temporary and full-time employees in attorney, paralegal, legal administrative 

and legal secretarial positions through its Robert Half Legal division. The legal profession’s requirements (the need for 

confidentiality, accuracy and reliability, a strong drive toward cost-effectiveness, and frequent peak caseload periods) are 

similar to the demands of the clients of the Accountemps division. Robert Half Legal offers a full suite of legal staffing and 

consulting services to help organizations manage constantly changing workloads and access expertise across in-demand legal 

The Company’s Robert Half Management Resources division, which commenced operations in 1997, specializes in 

providing senior level project professionals in the accounting and finance fields, including chief financial officers, controllers, 

senior financial analysts, internal auditors, and business systems analysts for such tasks as financial systems conversions, 

expansion into new markets, business process reengineering, business systems performance improvement, and post-merger 

practice areas.

Robert Half Management Resources

financial consolidation.

The Creative Group

Protiviti

compliance, and transaction services.

Marketing and Recruiting

The Creative Group division commenced operations in 1999 and specializes in identifying for its clients creative 

professionals in the areas of interactive media, design, marketing, advertising and public relations. The division places freelance 

and project consultants in a variety of positions such as creative directors, graphics designers, web content developers, web 

designers, media buyers, brand managers, and public relations specialists.

Protiviti is a global consulting firm that helps companies solve problems in finance, technology, operations, governance, 

risk and internal audit. Through its risk management and internal audit heritage, Protiviti has gained unique perspectives on the 

challenges faced by its clients. Protiviti uses these perspectives not only to solve regulatory, risk and compliance problems, but 

also to help clients become more effective and productive. Protiviti provides solutions to its clients in areas such as business 

performance improvement, internal audit and financial advisory, IT consulting, restructuring and litigation, risk and 

The Company markets its staffing services to clients as well as employment candidates. Local marketing and recruiting 

are generally conducted by each office or related group of offices. Local advertising directed to clients and employment 

candidates consists of radio, digital and social media, websites, job boards, and trade shows. Direct marketing through e-mail, 

regular mail and telephone solicitation also constitutes a significant portion of the Company’s total advertising. National 

advertising conducted by the Company consists primarily of radio, outdoor/billboard, digital and print advertisements in 

national newspapers, magazines, websites, social media sites and trade journals. Additionally, the Company has expanded its 

use of job boards in all aspects of sales and recruitment. Joint marketing arrangements have been entered into with major 

software manufacturers and typically provide for development of proprietary skills tests, cooperative advertising, joint mailings 

and similar promotional activities. The Company also actively seeks endorsements and affiliations with professional 

organizations in the business management, office administration and professional secretarial fields. In addition, the Company 

conducts public relations activities designed to enhance public recognition of the Company and its services. This includes 

outreach to journalists, bloggers and social media influencers, and the distribution of thought leadership via print, video, 

2

Protiviti markets its business consulting and internal audit services to a variety of clients in a range of industries. Industry 
and competency teams conduct targeted marketing efforts, both locally and nationally, including print advertising and branded 
speaking events, with support from Protiviti management. National advertising conducted by Protiviti consists primarily of 
print advertisements in national newspapers, magazines and selected trade journals. Protiviti has programs to share its insights 
with clients on current corporate governance and risk management issues. It conducts public relations activities, such as 
distributing press releases, white papers, case studies and newsletters, designed to enhance recognition for the Protiviti brand, 
establish its expertise in key issues surrounding its business and promote its services. Protiviti plans to expand both the services 
and value added content on the Protiviti.com website and increase traffic through targeted Internet advertising. Local employees 
are encouraged to be active in relevant social media communities, civic organizations and industry trade groups.

The Company and its subsidiaries own many trademarks, service marks and tradenames, including the Robert Half® 
Finance & Accounting, Accountemps®, OfficeTeam®, Robert Half® Technology, Robert Half® Management Resources, Robert 
Half® Legal, The Creative Group® and Protiviti® marks, which are registered in the United States and in a number of foreign 
countries.

Organization

Management of the Company’s staffing operations is coordinated from its headquarters facilities in Menlo Park and San 
Ramon, California. The Company’s headquarters provides support and centralized services to its offices in the administrative, 
marketing, public relations, accounting, training and legal areas, particularly as it relates to the standardization of the operating 
procedures of its offices. As of December 31, 2014, the Company conducted its staffing services operations through 341 offices 
in 42 states, the District of Columbia and 18 foreign countries. Office managers are responsible for most activities of their 
offices, including sales, local advertising and marketing and recruitment.

The day-to-day operations of Protiviti are managed by a chief executive officer and a senior management team with 

operational and administrative support provided by individuals located in San Ramon and Menlo Park, California. As of 
December 31, 2014, Protiviti had 57 offices in 23 states and 11 foreign countries.

Competition

The Company’s staffing services face competition in attracting clients as well as skilled specialized employment 
candidates. The staffing business is highly competitive, with a number of firms offering services similar to those provided by 
the Company on a national, regional or local basis. In many areas the local companies are the strongest competitors. The most 
significant competitive factors in the staffing business are price and the reliability of service, both of which are often a function 
of the availability and quality of personnel. The Company believes it derives a competitive advantage from its long experience 
with and commitment to the specialized employment market, its national presence, and its various marketing activities.

Protiviti faces competition in its efforts to attract clients and win proposal presentations. The risk consulting and internal 

audit businesses are highly competitive. In addition, the changing regulatory environment is increasing opportunities for non-
attestation audit and risk consulting services. The principal competitors of Protiviti remain the “big four” accounting firms. 
Significant competitive factors include reputation, technology, tools, project methodologies, price of services and depth of skills 
of personnel. Protiviti believes its competitive strengths lie in its unique ability to couple the deep skills and proven 
methodologies of its “big four” heritage with the customer focus and attention of a smaller organization.

Employees

The Company has approximately 14,000 full-time employees, including approximately 2,800 engaged directly in Protiviti 

operations. In addition, the Company placed approximately 211,000 temporary employees on assignments with clients during 
2014. Employees placed by the Company on assignment with clients are the Company’s employees for all purposes while they 
are working on assignments. The Company pays the related costs of employment, such as workers’ compensation insurance, 
state and federal unemployment taxes, social security and certain fringe benefits. The Company provides access to voluntary 
health insurance coverage to interested temporary employees.

3

3
3

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2014 Annual Report • Robert HalfOther Information

The Company’s current business constitutes three business segments. (See Note M of Notes to Consolidated Financial 
Statement in Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data for financial information about the Company’s segments.)

The Company is not dependent upon a single customer or a limited number of customers. The Company’s staffing 
services operations are generally more active in the first and fourth quarters of a calendar year. Protiviti is generally more active 
in the third and fourth quarters of a calendar year. Order backlog is not a material aspect of the Company’s staffing services 
business. While backlog is of greater importance to Protiviti, the Company does not believe, based upon the length of time of 
the average Protiviti engagement, that backlog is a material aspect of the Protiviti business. No material portion of the 
Company’s business is subject to government contracts.

Information about foreign operations is contained in Note M of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8. 

The Company does not have export sales.

Available Information

The Company’s Internet address is www.roberthalf.com. The Company makes available, free of charge, through its 
website, its Annual Reports on Form 10-K, proxy statements for its annual meetings of stockholders, its Quarterly Reports on 
Form 10-Q, and Current Reports on Form 8-K, and any amendments to those reports, as soon as is reasonably practicable after 
such reports are filed with or furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission. Also available on the Company’s website 
are its Corporate Governance Guidelines, its Code of Business Conduct and Ethics, and the charters for its Audit Committee, 
Compensation Committee and Nominating and Governance Committee, each of which is available in print to any stockholder 
who makes a request to Robert Half International Inc., 2884 Sand Hill Road, Menlo Park, CA 94025, Attn: Corporate Secretary. 
The Company’s Code of Business Conduct and Ethics is the Code of Ethics required by Item 406 of Securities and Exchange 
Commission Regulation S-K. The Company intends to satisfy any disclosure obligations under Item 5.05 of Form 8-K 
regarding any amendment or waiver relating to its Code of Business Conduct and Ethics by posting such information on its 
website.

Item 1A.    Risk Factors

The Company’s business prospects are subject to various risks and uncertainties that impact its business. The most 

important of these risks and uncertainties are as follows:

The global economic downturn may continue to harm the Company’s business and financial condition.    Many of the 

Company’s markets, particularly in Europe, are currently experiencing a prolonged economic downturn characterized by high 
unemployment, limited availability of credit and decreased consumer and business spending. Given the nature of the 
Company’s business, financial results could be significantly harmed should this downturn continue for an extended period of 
time or intensify. In the past, the Company’s business has suffered during periods of high unemployment as demand for staffing 
services tends to significantly decrease during such periods. The impact of this downturn on the Company’s business could be 
further dramatized given the severe impact it has had and may continue to have on the global labor markets.

Any reduction in global economic activity may harm the Company’s business.    The demand for the Company’s services, 

in particular its staffing services, is highly dependent upon the state of the economy and upon the staffing needs of the 
Company’s clients. Any variation in the economic condition or unemployment levels of the U.S. or of any of the foreign 
countries in which the Company does business, or in the economic condition of any region of any of the foregoing, or in any 
specific industry may severely reduce the demand for the Company’s services and thereby significantly decrease the 
Company’s revenues and profits.

The Company’s business depends on a strong reputation and anything that harms its reputation will likely harm its 
results.    As a provider of temporary and permanent staffing solutions as well as consultant services, the Company’s reputation 
is dependent upon the performance of the employees it places with its clients and the services rendered by its consultants. If the 
Company’s clients become dissatisfied with the performance of those employees or consultants or if any of those employees or 
consultants engage in conduct that is harmful to the Company’s clients, the Company’s ability to maintain or expand its client 
base may be harmed.

The Company and certain subsidiaries are defendants in several lawsuits that could cause the Company to incur 

substantial liabilities.    The Company and certain subsidiaries are defendants in several actual or asserted class and 

4

4

4

representative action lawsuits brought by or on behalf of the Company’s current and former employees alleging violations of 

federal and state law with respect to certain wage and hour related matters, as well as claims challenging the Company’s 

compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act. The various claims made in one or more of such lawsuits include, among other 

things, the misclassification of certain employees as exempt employees under applicable law, failure to comply with wage 

statement requirements and other related wage and hour violations. Such suits seek, as applicable, unspecified amounts for 

unpaid overtime compensation, penalties, and other damages, as well as attorneys’ fees. It is not possible to predict the outcome 

of these lawsuits. However, these lawsuits may consume substantial amounts of the Company’s financial and managerial 

resources and might result in adverse publicity, regardless of the ultimate outcome of the lawsuits. In addition, the Company 

and its subsidiaries may become subject to similar lawsuits in the same or other jurisdictions. An unfavorable outcome with 

respect to these lawsuits and any future lawsuits could, individually or in the aggregate, cause the Company to incur substantial 

liabilities that may have a material adverse effect upon the Company’s business, financial condition or results of operations. In 

addition, an unfavorable outcome in one or more of these cases could cause the Company to change its compensation plans for 

its employees, which could have a material adverse effect upon the Company’s business.

The Company faces risks in operating internationally.    The Company depends on operations in international markets, 

including Europe, for a significant portion of its business. The European market has been experiencing on-going economic 

uncertainty which has adversely affected, and may continue to adversely affect, the Company’s operations in Europe. To the 

extent that these adverse economic conditions in Europe continue or worsen, demand for the Company’s services may decline, 

which could significantly harm its business and results of operations. In addition, these international operations are subject to a 

number of risks, including general political and economic conditions in those foreign countries, the burden of complying with 

various foreign laws and technical standards and unpredictable changes in foreign regulations, U.S. legal requirements 

governing U.S. companies operating in foreign countries, legal and cultural differences in the conduct of business, potential 

adverse tax consequences and difficulty in staffing and managing international operations. In addition, the Company’s business 

may be affected by foreign currency exchange fluctuations. In particular, the Company is subject to risk in translating its results 

in foreign currencies into the U.S. dollar. If the value of the U.S. dollar strengthens relative to other currencies, the Company’s 

reported income from these operations could decrease.  The value of the U.S. dollar has recently strengthened considerably 

against a number of major foreign currencies, and a continuation or extension of this strength relative to these other currencies 

could adversely impact the Company’s reported income from its international markets and cause its revenue in such markets, 

when translated into U.S. dollars, to decline. 

Government regulations may result in prohibition or restriction of certain types of employment services or the imposition 

of additional licensing or tax requirements that may reduce the Company’s future earnings.    In many jurisdictions in which the 

Company operates, the employment services industry is heavily regulated. For example, governmental regulations in some 

countries restrict the length of contracts and the industries in which the Company’s employees may be used. In other countries, 

special taxes, fees or costs are imposed in connection with the use of its employees. Additionally, trade unions in some 

countries have used the political process to target the industry, in an effort to increase the regulatory burden and expense 

associated with offering or utilizing temporary staffing solutions.

The countries in which we operate may, among other things:

• 

• 

• 

• 

create additional regulations that prohibit or restrict the types of employment services that the Company 

currently provides;

require new or additional benefits be paid to the Company’s employees;

require the Company to obtain additional licensing to provide employment services; or

increase taxes, such as sales or value-added taxes, payable by the providers of temporary workers.

Any future regulations may have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business and financial results because they 

may make it more difficult or expensive for the Company to continue to provide employment services. 

The Company may be unable to find sufficient candidates for its staffing business.    The Company’s staffing services 

business consists of the placement of individuals seeking employment. There can be no assurance that candidates for 

employment will continue to seek employment through the Company. Candidates generally seek temporary or regular positions 

through multiple sources, including the Company and its competitors. Any shortage of candidates could materially adversely 

affect the Company.

The Company operates in a highly competitive business and may be unable to retain clients or market share.    The 

staffing services business is highly competitive and, because it is a service business, the barriers to entry are quite low. There 

are many competitors, some of which have greater resources than the Company, and new competitors are entering the market 

all the time. In addition, long-term contracts form a negligible portion of the Company’s revenue. Therefore, there can be no 

assurance that the Company will be able to retain clients or market share in the future. Nor can there be any assurance that the 

5

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2014 Annual Report • Robert HalfOther Information

The Company’s current business constitutes three business segments. (See Note M of Notes to Consolidated Financial 

Statement in Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data for financial information about the Company’s segments.)

The Company is not dependent upon a single customer or a limited number of customers. The Company’s staffing 

services operations are generally more active in the first and fourth quarters of a calendar year. Protiviti is generally more active 

in the third and fourth quarters of a calendar year. Order backlog is not a material aspect of the Company’s staffing services 

business. While backlog is of greater importance to Protiviti, the Company does not believe, based upon the length of time of 

the average Protiviti engagement, that backlog is a material aspect of the Protiviti business. No material portion of the 

Company’s business is subject to government contracts.

Information about foreign operations is contained in Note M of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8. 

The Company does not have export sales.

Available Information

The Company’s Internet address is www.roberthalf.com. The Company makes available, free of charge, through its 

website, its Annual Reports on Form 10-K, proxy statements for its annual meetings of stockholders, its Quarterly Reports on 

Form 10-Q, and Current Reports on Form 8-K, and any amendments to those reports, as soon as is reasonably practicable after 

such reports are filed with or furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission. Also available on the Company’s website 

are its Corporate Governance Guidelines, its Code of Business Conduct and Ethics, and the charters for its Audit Committee, 

Compensation Committee and Nominating and Governance Committee, each of which is available in print to any stockholder 

who makes a request to Robert Half International Inc., 2884 Sand Hill Road, Menlo Park, CA 94025, Attn: Corporate Secretary. 

The Company’s Code of Business Conduct and Ethics is the Code of Ethics required by Item 406 of Securities and Exchange 

Commission Regulation S-K. The Company intends to satisfy any disclosure obligations under Item 5.05 of Form 8-K 

regarding any amendment or waiver relating to its Code of Business Conduct and Ethics by posting such information on its 

website.

Item 1A.    Risk Factors

The Company’s business prospects are subject to various risks and uncertainties that impact its business. The most 

important of these risks and uncertainties are as follows:

The global economic downturn may continue to harm the Company’s business and financial condition.    Many of the 

Company’s markets, particularly in Europe, are currently experiencing a prolonged economic downturn characterized by high 

unemployment, limited availability of credit and decreased consumer and business spending. Given the nature of the 

Company’s business, financial results could be significantly harmed should this downturn continue for an extended period of 

time or intensify. In the past, the Company’s business has suffered during periods of high unemployment as demand for staffing 

services tends to significantly decrease during such periods. The impact of this downturn on the Company’s business could be 

further dramatized given the severe impact it has had and may continue to have on the global labor markets.

Any reduction in global economic activity may harm the Company’s business.    The demand for the Company’s services, 

in particular its staffing services, is highly dependent upon the state of the economy and upon the staffing needs of the 

Company’s clients. Any variation in the economic condition or unemployment levels of the U.S. or of any of the foreign 

countries in which the Company does business, or in the economic condition of any region of any of the foregoing, or in any 

specific industry may severely reduce the demand for the Company’s services and thereby significantly decrease the 

Company’s revenues and profits.

The Company’s business depends on a strong reputation and anything that harms its reputation will likely harm its 

results.    As a provider of temporary and permanent staffing solutions as well as consultant services, the Company’s reputation 

is dependent upon the performance of the employees it places with its clients and the services rendered by its consultants. If the 

Company’s clients become dissatisfied with the performance of those employees or consultants or if any of those employees or 

consultants engage in conduct that is harmful to the Company’s clients, the Company’s ability to maintain or expand its client 

base may be harmed.

The Company and certain subsidiaries are defendants in several lawsuits that could cause the Company to incur 

substantial liabilities.    The Company and certain subsidiaries are defendants in several actual or asserted class and 

4

representative action lawsuits brought by or on behalf of the Company’s current and former employees alleging violations of 
federal and state law with respect to certain wage and hour related matters, as well as claims challenging the Company’s 
compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act. The various claims made in one or more of such lawsuits include, among other 
things, the misclassification of certain employees as exempt employees under applicable law, failure to comply with wage 
statement requirements and other related wage and hour violations. Such suits seek, as applicable, unspecified amounts for 
unpaid overtime compensation, penalties, and other damages, as well as attorneys’ fees. It is not possible to predict the outcome 
of these lawsuits. However, these lawsuits may consume substantial amounts of the Company’s financial and managerial 
resources and might result in adverse publicity, regardless of the ultimate outcome of the lawsuits. In addition, the Company 
and its subsidiaries may become subject to similar lawsuits in the same or other jurisdictions. An unfavorable outcome with 
respect to these lawsuits and any future lawsuits could, individually or in the aggregate, cause the Company to incur substantial 
liabilities that may have a material adverse effect upon the Company’s business, financial condition or results of operations. In 
addition, an unfavorable outcome in one or more of these cases could cause the Company to change its compensation plans for 
its employees, which could have a material adverse effect upon the Company’s business.

The Company faces risks in operating internationally.    The Company depends on operations in international markets, 

including Europe, for a significant portion of its business. The European market has been experiencing on-going economic 
uncertainty which has adversely affected, and may continue to adversely affect, the Company’s operations in Europe. To the 
extent that these adverse economic conditions in Europe continue or worsen, demand for the Company’s services may decline, 
which could significantly harm its business and results of operations. In addition, these international operations are subject to a 
number of risks, including general political and economic conditions in those foreign countries, the burden of complying with 
various foreign laws and technical standards and unpredictable changes in foreign regulations, U.S. legal requirements 
governing U.S. companies operating in foreign countries, legal and cultural differences in the conduct of business, potential 
adverse tax consequences and difficulty in staffing and managing international operations. In addition, the Company’s business 
may be affected by foreign currency exchange fluctuations. In particular, the Company is subject to risk in translating its results 
in foreign currencies into the U.S. dollar. If the value of the U.S. dollar strengthens relative to other currencies, the Company’s 
reported income from these operations could decrease.  The value of the U.S. dollar has recently strengthened considerably 
against a number of major foreign currencies, and a continuation or extension of this strength relative to these other currencies 
could adversely impact the Company’s reported income from its international markets and cause its revenue in such markets, 
when translated into U.S. dollars, to decline. 

Government regulations may result in prohibition or restriction of certain types of employment services or the imposition 
of additional licensing or tax requirements that may reduce the Company’s future earnings.    In many jurisdictions in which the 
Company operates, the employment services industry is heavily regulated. For example, governmental regulations in some 
countries restrict the length of contracts and the industries in which the Company’s employees may be used. In other countries, 
special taxes, fees or costs are imposed in connection with the use of its employees. Additionally, trade unions in some 
countries have used the political process to target the industry, in an effort to increase the regulatory burden and expense 
associated with offering or utilizing temporary staffing solutions.

The countries in which we operate may, among other things:

• 

• 
• 
• 

create additional regulations that prohibit or restrict the types of employment services that the Company 
currently provides;
require new or additional benefits be paid to the Company’s employees;
require the Company to obtain additional licensing to provide employment services; or
increase taxes, such as sales or value-added taxes, payable by the providers of temporary workers.

Any future regulations may have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business and financial results because they 

may make it more difficult or expensive for the Company to continue to provide employment services. 

The Company may be unable to find sufficient candidates for its staffing business.    The Company’s staffing services 

business consists of the placement of individuals seeking employment. There can be no assurance that candidates for 
employment will continue to seek employment through the Company. Candidates generally seek temporary or regular positions 
through multiple sources, including the Company and its competitors. Any shortage of candidates could materially adversely 
affect the Company.

The Company operates in a highly competitive business and may be unable to retain clients or market share.    The 
staffing services business is highly competitive and, because it is a service business, the barriers to entry are quite low. There 
are many competitors, some of which have greater resources than the Company, and new competitors are entering the market 
all the time. In addition, long-term contracts form a negligible portion of the Company’s revenue. Therefore, there can be no 
assurance that the Company will be able to retain clients or market share in the future. Nor can there be any assurance that the 

5
5
5

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2014 Annual Report • Robert HalfCompany will, in light of competitive pressures, be able to remain profitable or, if profitable, maintain its current profit 
margins.

The Company may incur potential liability to employees and clients.    The Company’s temporary services business 
entails employing individuals on a temporary basis and placing such individuals in clients’ workplaces. The Company’s ability 
to control the workplace environment is limited. As the employer of record of its temporary employees, the Company incurs a 
risk of liability to its temporary employees for various workplace events, including claims of physical injury, discrimination, 
harassment or failure to protect confidential personal information. While such claims have not historically had a material 
adverse effect upon the Company, there can be no assurance that such claims in the future will not result in adverse publicity or 
have a material adverse effect upon the Company. The Company also incurs a risk of liability to its clients resulting from 
allegations of errors, omissions or theft by its temporary employees, or allegations of misuse of client confidential information. 
The Company maintains insurance with respect to many of such claims. While such claims have not historically had a material 
adverse effect upon the Company, there can be no assurance that the Company will continue to be able to obtain insurance at a 
cost that does not have a material adverse effect upon the Company or that such claims (whether by reason of the Company not 
having insurance or by reason of such claims being outside the scope of the Company’s insurance) will not have a material 
adverse effect upon the Company.

The Company is dependent on its management personnel and employees and a failure to attract and retain such 

of revenue.

personnel could harm its business.    The Company is engaged in the services business. As such, its success or failure is highly 
dependent upon the performance of its management personnel and employees, rather than upon technology or upon tangible 
assets (of which the Company has few). There can be no assurance that the Company will be able to attract and retain the 
personnel that are essential to its success.

The Company’s business is subject to extensive government regulation and a failure to comply with regulations could 

financial reporting, or if material weaknesses in the Company’s internal controls are identified, the Company could be subject 

harm its business.    The Company’s business is subject to regulation or licensing in many states and in certain foreign 
countries. While the Company has had no material difficulty complying with regulations in the past, there can be no assurance 
that the Company will be able to continue to obtain all necessary licenses or approvals or that the cost of compliance will not 
prove to be material. Any inability of the Company to comply with government regulation or licensing requirements could 
materially adversely affect the Company. In addition, the Company’s temporary services business entails employing individuals 
on a temporary basis and placing such individuals in clients’ workplaces. Increased government regulation of the workplace or 
of the employer-employee relationship, or judicial or administrative proceedings related to such regulation, could materially 
adversely affect the Company. In addition, to the extent that government regulation imposes increased costs upon the Company, 
such as unemployment insurance taxes, there can be no assurance that such costs will not adversely impact the Company’s 
profit margins. Further, lawsuits or other proceedings related to the Company’s compliance with government regulations or 
licensing requirements could materially adversely affect the Company.  For example, the Company is currently named as a 
defendant in litigation challenging its compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.  It is not possible to predict the outcome 
of such litigation; however, such litigation or any future lawsuits or proceedings related to the Company’s compliance with 
government regulation or licensing requirements could consume substantial amounts of the Company’s financial and 
managerial resources and might result in adverse publicity, regardless of the ultimate outcome of any such lawsuits or other 
proceedings.  An unfavorable outcome with respect to such litigation or any future lawsuits or proceedings could, individually 
or in the aggregate, cause the Company to incur substantial liabilities that may have a material adverse effect upon the 
Company’s business, financial condition or results of operations.

Health care reform could increase the costs of the Company’s temporary staffing operations.    In March 2010, the Patient 

Protection and Affordable Care Act and the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010 (the “PPACA”) was signed 
into law in the United States. The PPACA imposed new mandates on individuals and employers, requiring most individuals to 
have health insurance and, beginning in 2015, assessing penalties on large employers that do not offer health insurance that 
meets certain coverage, value, or affordability standards. Beginning 2015, the Company has redesigned its employee benefits to 
offer health insurance coverage to its temporary candidates in a way that it believes will meet the requirements of the PPACA’s 
employer mandate. Providing such additional health insurance benefits and an increase in the number of employees who elect 
to participate in the Company’s health plans may significantly increase the Company’s health care-related costs. While the 
Company will attempt to recover these costs from its customers, there can be no assurance that it will be successfully able to do 
so and, if it cannot recover such costs, its financial results will suffer.

In addition, because the regulations governing the PPACA’s employer mandate are new and subject to interpretation, it is 

possible that despite the Company’s efforts, the Company may incur liability in the form of penalties, fines, or damages if:

• 

• 

the health plans offered to temporary candidates are subsequently found not to meet minimum essential 
coverage, affordability or minimum value standards; 
the Company’s method for determining eligibility for coverage is found inadequate; or 

6
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• 

the Company’s clients seek indemnification for health care claims by candidates working on client assignments. 

The cost of any such penalties, fines, or damages could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial and 

operating results.

The Company’s computer and communications hardware and software systems are vulnerable to damage and 

interruption.    The Company’s ability to manage its operations successfully is critical to its success and largely depends upon 

the efficient and uninterrupted operation of its computer and communications hardware and software systems. The Company’s 

primary computer systems and operations are vulnerable to damage or interruption from power outages, computer and 

telecommunications failures, computer viruses, security breaches, catastrophic events and errors in usage by the Company’s 

employees. In particular, the Company’s employees may have access or exposure to personally identifiable or otherwise 

confidential information and customer data and systems, the misuse of which could result in legal liability. Cyber-attacks, 

including attacks motivated by grievances against the business services industry in general or against the Company in 

particular, may disable or damage its systems. It is possible that the Company’s security controls over personal and other data 

and other practices it follows may not prevent the improper access to or disclosure of personally identifiable or otherwise 

confidential information.  Such disclosure or damage to the Company’s systems could harm its reputation and subject it to 

liability under its contracts and laws that protect personal data and confidential information, resulting in increased costs or loss 

Failure to maintain adequate financial and management processes and controls could lead to errors in the Company’s 

financial reporting.    Failure to maintain adequate financial and management processes and controls could lead to errors in the 

Company’s financial reporting. If the Company’s management is unable to certify the effectiveness of its internal controls or if 

its independent registered public accounting firm cannot render an opinion on the effectiveness of its internal control over 

to regulatory scrutiny and a loss of public confidence. In addition, if the Company does not maintain adequate financial and 

management personnel, processes and controls, it may not be able to accurately report its financial performance on a timely 

basis, which could cause its stock price to fall.

The Company’s results of operations and ability to grow could be materially negatively affected if it cannot successfully 

keep pace with technological changes in the development and implementation of its services.    The Company’s success 

depends on its ability to keep pace with rapid technological changes in the development and implementation of its services. The 

Company’s business is reliant on a variety of technologies, including those which support hiring and tracking, order 

management, billing, and client data analytics. If the Company does not sufficiently invest in new technology and industry 

developments, appropriately implement new technologies, or evolve its business at sufficient speed and scale in response to 

such developments, or if it does not make the right strategic investments to respond to these developments, the Company’s 

services, results of operations, and ability to develop and maintain its business could be negatively affected.

The demand for the Company’s services related to Sarbanes-Oxley or other regulatory compliance may decline.    The 

operations of both the staffing services business and Protiviti include services related to Sarbanes-Oxley and other regulatory 

compliance. There can be no assurance that there will be ongoing demand for these services. For example, the Jumpstart Our 

Business Startup (“JOBS”) Act signed into law in April of 2012 allows most companies going public in the U.S. to defer 

implementation of some of the provisions of Sarbanes-Oxley for up to five years after their initial public offering. Similarly 

there are a number of proposals currently being considered by the U.S. Congress to further delay or, in some cases, remove the 

requirements of Sarbanes-Oxley for a number of public companies. These or other similar delays or modifications of the 

Sarbanes Oxley requirements could decrease demand for Protiviti’s services.

Long-term contracts do not comprise a significant portion of the Company’s revenue.    Because long-term contracts are 

not a significant part of the Company’s staffing services business, future results cannot be reliably predicted by considering past 

trends or extrapolating past results.

Protiviti may be unable to attract and retain key personnel.    Protiviti is a services business, and is dependent upon its 

ability to attract and retain personnel. While Protiviti has retained its key personnel to date, there can be no assurance that it 

will continue to be able to do so.

Protiviti operates in a highly competitive business and faces competitors who are significantly larger and have more 

established reputations.    Protiviti operates in a highly competitive business. As with the Company’s staffing services business, 

the barriers to entry are quite low. There are many competitors, some of which have greater resources than Protiviti and many 

of which have been in operation far longer than Protiviti. In particular, Protiviti faces competition from the “big four” 

accounting firms, which have been in operation for a considerable period of time and have established reputations and client 

bases. Because the principal factors upon which competition is based are reputation, technology, tools, project methodologies, 

2014 Annual Report • Robert HalfCompany will, in light of competitive pressures, be able to remain profitable or, if profitable, maintain its current profit 

• 

the Company’s clients seek indemnification for health care claims by candidates working on client assignments. 

margins.

The Company may incur potential liability to employees and clients.    The Company’s temporary services business 

operating results.

The cost of any such penalties, fines, or damages could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial and 

entails employing individuals on a temporary basis and placing such individuals in clients’ workplaces. The Company’s ability 

to control the workplace environment is limited. As the employer of record of its temporary employees, the Company incurs a 

risk of liability to its temporary employees for various workplace events, including claims of physical injury, discrimination, 

harassment or failure to protect confidential personal information. While such claims have not historically had a material 

adverse effect upon the Company, there can be no assurance that such claims in the future will not result in adverse publicity or 

have a material adverse effect upon the Company. The Company also incurs a risk of liability to its clients resulting from 

allegations of errors, omissions or theft by its temporary employees, or allegations of misuse of client confidential information. 

The Company maintains insurance with respect to many of such claims. While such claims have not historically had a material 

adverse effect upon the Company, there can be no assurance that the Company will continue to be able to obtain insurance at a 

cost that does not have a material adverse effect upon the Company or that such claims (whether by reason of the Company not 

having insurance or by reason of such claims being outside the scope of the Company’s insurance) will not have a material 

adverse effect upon the Company.

The Company is dependent on its management personnel and employees and a failure to attract and retain such 

personnel could harm its business.    The Company is engaged in the services business. As such, its success or failure is highly 

dependent upon the performance of its management personnel and employees, rather than upon technology or upon tangible 

assets (of which the Company has few). There can be no assurance that the Company will be able to attract and retain the 

personnel that are essential to its success.

The Company’s business is subject to extensive government regulation and a failure to comply with regulations could 

harm its business.    The Company’s business is subject to regulation or licensing in many states and in certain foreign 

countries. While the Company has had no material difficulty complying with regulations in the past, there can be no assurance 

that the Company will be able to continue to obtain all necessary licenses or approvals or that the cost of compliance will not 

prove to be material. Any inability of the Company to comply with government regulation or licensing requirements could 

materially adversely affect the Company. In addition, the Company’s temporary services business entails employing individuals 

on a temporary basis and placing such individuals in clients’ workplaces. Increased government regulation of the workplace or 

of the employer-employee relationship, or judicial or administrative proceedings related to such regulation, could materially 

adversely affect the Company. In addition, to the extent that government regulation imposes increased costs upon the Company, 

such as unemployment insurance taxes, there can be no assurance that such costs will not adversely impact the Company’s 

profit margins. Further, lawsuits or other proceedings related to the Company’s compliance with government regulations or 

licensing requirements could materially adversely affect the Company.  For example, the Company is currently named as a 

defendant in litigation challenging its compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.  It is not possible to predict the outcome 

of such litigation; however, such litigation or any future lawsuits or proceedings related to the Company’s compliance with 

government regulation or licensing requirements could consume substantial amounts of the Company’s financial and 

managerial resources and might result in adverse publicity, regardless of the ultimate outcome of any such lawsuits or other 

proceedings.  An unfavorable outcome with respect to such litigation or any future lawsuits or proceedings could, individually 

or in the aggregate, cause the Company to incur substantial liabilities that may have a material adverse effect upon the 

Company’s business, financial condition or results of operations.

Health care reform could increase the costs of the Company’s temporary staffing operations.    In March 2010, the Patient 

Protection and Affordable Care Act and the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010 (the “PPACA”) was signed 

into law in the United States. The PPACA imposed new mandates on individuals and employers, requiring most individuals to 

have health insurance and, beginning in 2015, assessing penalties on large employers that do not offer health insurance that 

meets certain coverage, value, or affordability standards. Beginning 2015, the Company has redesigned its employee benefits to 

offer health insurance coverage to its temporary candidates in a way that it believes will meet the requirements of the PPACA’s 

employer mandate. Providing such additional health insurance benefits and an increase in the number of employees who elect 

to participate in the Company’s health plans may significantly increase the Company’s health care-related costs. While the 

Company will attempt to recover these costs from its customers, there can be no assurance that it will be successfully able to do 

so and, if it cannot recover such costs, its financial results will suffer.

In addition, because the regulations governing the PPACA’s employer mandate are new and subject to interpretation, it is 

possible that despite the Company’s efforts, the Company may incur liability in the form of penalties, fines, or damages if:

• 

• 

the health plans offered to temporary candidates are subsequently found not to meet minimum essential 

coverage, affordability or minimum value standards; 

the Company’s method for determining eligibility for coverage is found inadequate; or 

The Company’s computer and communications hardware and software systems are vulnerable to damage and 

interruption.    The Company’s ability to manage its operations successfully is critical to its success and largely depends upon 
the efficient and uninterrupted operation of its computer and communications hardware and software systems. The Company’s 
primary computer systems and operations are vulnerable to damage or interruption from power outages, computer and 
telecommunications failures, computer viruses, security breaches, catastrophic events and errors in usage by the Company’s 
employees. In particular, the Company’s employees may have access or exposure to personally identifiable or otherwise 
confidential information and customer data and systems, the misuse of which could result in legal liability. Cyber-attacks, 
including attacks motivated by grievances against the business services industry in general or against the Company in 
particular, may disable or damage its systems. It is possible that the Company’s security controls over personal and other data 
and other practices it follows may not prevent the improper access to or disclosure of personally identifiable or otherwise 
confidential information.  Such disclosure or damage to the Company’s systems could harm its reputation and subject it to 
liability under its contracts and laws that protect personal data and confidential information, resulting in increased costs or loss 
of revenue.

Failure to maintain adequate financial and management processes and controls could lead to errors in the Company’s 

financial reporting.    Failure to maintain adequate financial and management processes and controls could lead to errors in the 
Company’s financial reporting. If the Company’s management is unable to certify the effectiveness of its internal controls or if 
its independent registered public accounting firm cannot render an opinion on the effectiveness of its internal control over 
financial reporting, or if material weaknesses in the Company’s internal controls are identified, the Company could be subject 
to regulatory scrutiny and a loss of public confidence. In addition, if the Company does not maintain adequate financial and 
management personnel, processes and controls, it may not be able to accurately report its financial performance on a timely 
basis, which could cause its stock price to fall.

The Company’s results of operations and ability to grow could be materially negatively affected if it cannot successfully 

keep pace with technological changes in the development and implementation of its services.    The Company’s success 
depends on its ability to keep pace with rapid technological changes in the development and implementation of its services. The 
Company’s business is reliant on a variety of technologies, including those which support hiring and tracking, order 
management, billing, and client data analytics. If the Company does not sufficiently invest in new technology and industry 
developments, appropriately implement new technologies, or evolve its business at sufficient speed and scale in response to 
such developments, or if it does not make the right strategic investments to respond to these developments, the Company’s 
services, results of operations, and ability to develop and maintain its business could be negatively affected.

The demand for the Company’s services related to Sarbanes-Oxley or other regulatory compliance may decline.    The 
operations of both the staffing services business and Protiviti include services related to Sarbanes-Oxley and other regulatory 
compliance. There can be no assurance that there will be ongoing demand for these services. For example, the Jumpstart Our 
Business Startup (“JOBS”) Act signed into law in April of 2012 allows most companies going public in the U.S. to defer 
implementation of some of the provisions of Sarbanes-Oxley for up to five years after their initial public offering. Similarly 
there are a number of proposals currently being considered by the U.S. Congress to further delay or, in some cases, remove the 
requirements of Sarbanes-Oxley for a number of public companies. These or other similar delays or modifications of the 
Sarbanes Oxley requirements could decrease demand for Protiviti’s services.

Long-term contracts do not comprise a significant portion of the Company’s revenue.    Because long-term contracts are 

not a significant part of the Company’s staffing services business, future results cannot be reliably predicted by considering past 
trends or extrapolating past results.

Protiviti may be unable to attract and retain key personnel.    Protiviti is a services business, and is dependent upon its 
ability to attract and retain personnel. While Protiviti has retained its key personnel to date, there can be no assurance that it 
will continue to be able to do so.

Protiviti operates in a highly competitive business and faces competitors who are significantly larger and have more 
established reputations.    Protiviti operates in a highly competitive business. As with the Company’s staffing services business, 
the barriers to entry are quite low. There are many competitors, some of which have greater resources than Protiviti and many 
of which have been in operation far longer than Protiviti. In particular, Protiviti faces competition from the “big four” 
accounting firms, which have been in operation for a considerable period of time and have established reputations and client 
bases. Because the principal factors upon which competition is based are reputation, technology, tools, project methodologies, 

6

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7
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2014 Annual Report • Robert Halfprice of services and depth of skills of personnel, there can be no assurance that Protiviti will be successful in attracting and 
retaining clients.

Company intends to continue to vigorously defend against the litigation.

The Company is involved in a number of other lawsuits arising in the ordinary course of business. While management 

Protiviti’s operations could subject it to liability.    The business of Protiviti consists of providing business consulting and 

does not expect any of these other matters to have a material adverse effect on the Company’s results of operations, financial 

internal audit services. Liability could be incurred or litigation could be instituted against the Company or Protiviti for claims 
related to these activities or to prior transactions or activities. There can be no assurance that such liability or litigation will not 
have a material adverse impact on Protiviti or the Company.

Item 1B.    Unresolved Staff Comments.

Not applicable.

Item 2.    Properties

The Company’s headquarters operations are located in Menlo Park and San Ramon, California. As of December 31, 2014, 

placement activities were conducted through 341 offices located in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Belgium, 
Brazil, France, the Netherlands, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, Switzerland, Japan, China, Singapore, Australia, New Zealand, 
Austria, the United Arab Emirates, and Chile. As of December 31, 2014, Protiviti had 57 offices in the United States, Canada, 
Australia, China, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Japan, Singapore, India and the United Kingdom. All of the offices 
are leased.  

Item 3.    Legal Proceedings

On April 23, 2010, Plaintiffs David Opalinski and James McCabe, on behalf of themselves and a putative class of 
similarly situated Staffing Managers, filed a Complaint in the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey 
naming the Company and one of its subsidiaries as Defendants. The Complaint alleges that salaried Staffing Managers located 
throughout the U.S. have been misclassified as exempt from the Fair Labor Standards Act’s overtime pay requirements. 
Plaintiffs seek an unspecified amount for unpaid overtime on behalf of themselves and the class they purport to represent. 
Plaintiffs also seek an unspecified amount for statutory penalties, attorneys’ fees and other damages. On October 6, 2011, the 
Court granted the Company’s motion to compel arbitration of the Plaintiffs’ allegations. At this stage, it is not feasible to predict 
the outcome of or a range of loss, should a loss occur, from these allegations and, accordingly, no amounts have been provided 
in the Company’s Financial Statements. The Company believes it has meritorious defenses to the allegations, and the Company 
intends to continue to vigorously defend against the allegations.

On March 13, 2014, Plaintiff Leonor Rodriguez, on her own behalf and on behalf of a putative class of allegedly 
similarly situated individuals, filed a complaint against the Company in the Superior Court of California, San Diego County. 
The complaint alleges that a putative class of current and former employees of the Company working in California since March 
13, 2011 were denied compensation for the time they spent interviewing with clients of the Company as well as performing 
activities related to the interview process. Rodriguez seeks recovery on her own behalf and on behalf of the putative class in an 
unspecified amount for this allegedly unpaid compensation. Rodriguez also seeks recovery of an unspecified amount for the 
alleged failure of the Company to provide her and the putative class with accurate wage statements. Rodriguez also seeks an 
unspecified amount of other damages, attorneys’ fees, and statutory penalties, including but not limited to statutory penalties on 
behalf of herself and other allegedly “aggrieved employees” as defined by California’s Labor Code Private Attorney General 
Act (“PAGA”). On October 10, 2014, the Court granted a motion by the Company to compel all of Rodriguez’s claims, except 
the PAGA claim, to individual arbitration. At this stage of the litigation, it is not feasible to predict the outcome of or a range of 
loss, should a loss occur, from this proceeding and, accordingly, no amounts have been provided in the Company’s Financial 
Statements. The Company believes it has meritorious defenses to the allegations and the Company intends to continue to 
vigorously defend against the litigation.

On September 5, 2014, Plaintiff Theresa Daniels, on behalf of herself and a putative class of salaried Recruiting  

Managers, filed a complaint in California Superior Court naming the Company as Defendant. The complaint alleges that  
salaried Recruiting Managers based in California have been misclassified under California law as exempt employees, and seeks 
an unspecified amount for unpaid overtime pay alleged to be due to them had they been paid as non-exempt hourly employees, 
as well as statutory penalties for alleged violations of the California Labor Code arising from such alleged misclassification. 
The complaint also alleges a claim under California Business and Professions Code section 17200 for unfair competition. The 
Plaintiff also seeks an unspecified amount for other damages, attorneys’ fees, and statutory penalties. On or about September  
17, 2014, the Plaintiff provided written notice to the California Labor and Workforce Development Agency of her alleged 
claims. On October 27, 2014, the Plaintiff filed a First Amended Complaint adding a representative claim and request for 
penalties under the California Private Attorney General Act. At this stage of the litigation, it is not feasible to predict the 
outcome of or a range of loss, should a loss occur, from this proceeding, and accordingly, no amounts have been provided in the 
Company’s financial statements. The Company believes it has meritorious defenses to the allegations in this case, and the 

8
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position or cash flows, litigation is subject to certain inherent uncertainties.

Item 4.    Mine Safety Disclosure

Not applicable.

9

2014 Annual Report • Robert Halfprice of services and depth of skills of personnel, there can be no assurance that Protiviti will be successful in attracting and 

Company intends to continue to vigorously defend against the litigation.

retaining clients.

Protiviti’s operations could subject it to liability.    The business of Protiviti consists of providing business consulting and 

internal audit services. Liability could be incurred or litigation could be instituted against the Company or Protiviti for claims 

related to these activities or to prior transactions or activities. There can be no assurance that such liability or litigation will not 

have a material adverse impact on Protiviti or the Company.

The Company is involved in a number of other lawsuits arising in the ordinary course of business. While management 
does not expect any of these other matters to have a material adverse effect on the Company’s results of operations, financial 
position or cash flows, litigation is subject to certain inherent uncertainties.

Item 4.    Mine Safety Disclosure

Not applicable.

9
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Item 1B.    Unresolved Staff Comments.

Not applicable.

Item 2.    Properties

are leased.  

Item 3.    Legal Proceedings

The Company’s headquarters operations are located in Menlo Park and San Ramon, California. As of December 31, 2014, 

placement activities were conducted through 341 offices located in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Belgium, 

Brazil, France, the Netherlands, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, Switzerland, Japan, China, Singapore, Australia, New Zealand, 

Austria, the United Arab Emirates, and Chile. As of December 31, 2014, Protiviti had 57 offices in the United States, Canada, 

Australia, China, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Japan, Singapore, India and the United Kingdom. All of the offices 

On April 23, 2010, Plaintiffs David Opalinski and James McCabe, on behalf of themselves and a putative class of 

similarly situated Staffing Managers, filed a Complaint in the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey 

naming the Company and one of its subsidiaries as Defendants. The Complaint alleges that salaried Staffing Managers located 

throughout the U.S. have been misclassified as exempt from the Fair Labor Standards Act’s overtime pay requirements. 

Plaintiffs seek an unspecified amount for unpaid overtime on behalf of themselves and the class they purport to represent. 

Plaintiffs also seek an unspecified amount for statutory penalties, attorneys’ fees and other damages. On October 6, 2011, the 

Court granted the Company’s motion to compel arbitration of the Plaintiffs’ allegations. At this stage, it is not feasible to predict 

the outcome of or a range of loss, should a loss occur, from these allegations and, accordingly, no amounts have been provided 

in the Company’s Financial Statements. The Company believes it has meritorious defenses to the allegations, and the Company 

intends to continue to vigorously defend against the allegations.

On March 13, 2014, Plaintiff Leonor Rodriguez, on her own behalf and on behalf of a putative class of allegedly 

similarly situated individuals, filed a complaint against the Company in the Superior Court of California, San Diego County. 

The complaint alleges that a putative class of current and former employees of the Company working in California since March 

13, 2011 were denied compensation for the time they spent interviewing with clients of the Company as well as performing 

activities related to the interview process. Rodriguez seeks recovery on her own behalf and on behalf of the putative class in an 

unspecified amount for this allegedly unpaid compensation. Rodriguez also seeks recovery of an unspecified amount for the 

alleged failure of the Company to provide her and the putative class with accurate wage statements. Rodriguez also seeks an 

unspecified amount of other damages, attorneys’ fees, and statutory penalties, including but not limited to statutory penalties on 

behalf of herself and other allegedly “aggrieved employees” as defined by California’s Labor Code Private Attorney General 

Act (“PAGA”). On October 10, 2014, the Court granted a motion by the Company to compel all of Rodriguez’s claims, except 

the PAGA claim, to individual arbitration. At this stage of the litigation, it is not feasible to predict the outcome of or a range of 

loss, should a loss occur, from this proceeding and, accordingly, no amounts have been provided in the Company’s Financial 

Statements. The Company believes it has meritorious defenses to the allegations and the Company intends to continue to 

vigorously defend against the litigation.

On September 5, 2014, Plaintiff Theresa Daniels, on behalf of herself and a putative class of salaried Recruiting  

Managers, filed a complaint in California Superior Court naming the Company as Defendant. The complaint alleges that  

salaried Recruiting Managers based in California have been misclassified under California law as exempt employees, and seeks 

an unspecified amount for unpaid overtime pay alleged to be due to them had they been paid as non-exempt hourly employees, 

as well as statutory penalties for alleged violations of the California Labor Code arising from such alleged misclassification. 

The complaint also alleges a claim under California Business and Professions Code section 17200 for unfair competition. The 

Plaintiff also seeks an unspecified amount for other damages, attorneys’ fees, and statutory penalties. On or about September  

17, 2014, the Plaintiff provided written notice to the California Labor and Workforce Development Agency of her alleged 

claims. On October 27, 2014, the Plaintiff filed a First Amended Complaint adding a representative claim and request for 

penalties under the California Private Attorney General Act. At this stage of the litigation, it is not feasible to predict the 

outcome of or a range of loss, should a loss occur, from this proceeding, and accordingly, no amounts have been provided in the 

Company’s financial statements. The Company believes it has meritorious defenses to the allegations in this case, and the 

8

2014 Annual Report • Robert HalfPART II

Stock Performance Graph

Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity 

Securities

Market Price, Dividends and Related Matters

The following graph compares, through December 31, 2014, the cumulative total return of the Company’s Common 

Stock, an index of certain publicly traded employment services companies, and the S&P 500. The graph assumes the investment 

of $100 at the beginning of the period depicted in the chart and reinvestment of all dividends. The information presented in the 

graph was obtained by the Company from outside sources it considers to be reliable but has not been independently verified by 

The Company’s Common Stock is listed for trading on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “RHI”. On 

the Company.

January 31, 2015, there were 1,406 holders of record of the Common Stock.

Following is a list by fiscal quarters of the sales prices of the stock:

2014
4th Quarter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3rd Quarter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2nd Quarter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1st Quarter. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

2013
4th Quarter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3rd Quarter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2nd Quarter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1st Quarter. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Sales Prices

High
$ 59.45
$ 53.08
$ 48.13
$ 43.06

Low
$ 45.30
$ 46.98
$ 39.57
$ 38.62

Sales Prices

High
$ 42.33
$ 39.23
$ 37.75
$ 37.59

Low
$ 37.16
$ 30.64
$ 31.08
$ 32.22

Cash dividends of $.18 per share were declared and paid in each quarter of 2014. Cash dividends of $.16 per share were 

declared and paid in each quarter of 2013.

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

October 1, 2014 to October 31, 2014 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
November 1, 2014 to November 30, 2014 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
December 1, 2014 to December 31, 2014 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total October 1, 2014 to December 31, 2014 . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Total
Number of
Shares
Purchased
4,995

(a) 

—   

Average
Price Paid
per Share
$50.84

—

984,635
989,630

(b) 

$57.78

Total
Number of
Shares
Purchased
as Part of
Publicly
Announced
Plans

—
—
792,491
792,491

Maximum
Number of
Shares that May
Yet Be
Purchased
Under Publicly
Announced
Plans (c)
5,548,243
5,548,243
4,755,752

(a) 

(b) 

(c) 

Represents shares repurchased in connection with employee stock plans, whereby Company shares were tendered by 
employees for the payment of applicable withholding taxes and/or exercise price.
Includes 192,144 shares repurchased in connection with employee stock plans, whereby Company shares were tendered 
by employees for the payment of applicable withholding taxes and/or exercise price.
Commencing in October 1997, the Company’s Board of Directors has, at various times, authorized the repurchase, from 
time to time, of the Company’s common stock on the open market or in privately negotiated transactions depending on 
market conditions. Since plan inception, a total of 98,000,000 shares have been authorized for repurchase of which 
93,244,248 shares have been repurchased as of December 31, 2014.

The remainder of the information required by this item is incorporated by reference to Part III, Item 12 of this Form 10-K.

10
10

10

11

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(a) 

This index represents the cumulative total return of the Company and the following corporations providing temporary or 

permanent employment services: CDI Corp.; Kelly Services, Inc.; Kforce Inc.; ManpowerGroup; and Resources Connection 

Inc.

2014 Annual Report • Robert Half 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity 

Securities

Market Price, Dividends and Related Matters

The Company’s Common Stock is listed for trading on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “RHI”. On 

January 31, 2015, there were 1,406 holders of record of the Common Stock.

Following is a list by fiscal quarters of the sales prices of the stock:

Sales Prices

High

Low

$ 59.45

$ 53.08

$ 48.13

$ 43.06

$ 45.30

$ 46.98

$ 39.57

$ 38.62

Sales Prices

High

Low

$ 42.33

$ 39.23

$ 37.75

$ 37.59

$ 37.16

$ 30.64

$ 31.08

$ 32.22

4th Quarter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

3rd Quarter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

2nd Quarter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

1st Quarter. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

2014

2013

4th Quarter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

3rd Quarter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

2nd Quarter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

1st Quarter. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Cash dividends of $.18 per share were declared and paid in each quarter of 2014. Cash dividends of $.16 per share were 

declared and paid in each quarter of 2013.

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

Total

Number of

Shares

Purchased

Average

Price Paid

per Share

October 1, 2014 to October 31, 2014 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

4,995

(a) 

$50.84

November 1, 2014 to November 30, 2014 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

—   

—

December 1, 2014 to December 31, 2014 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

984,635

(b) 

$57.78

Total October 1, 2014 to December 31, 2014 . . . . . . . . . . . . .

989,630

Total

Number of

Shares

Purchased

as Part of

Publicly

Announced

Plans

—

—

792,491

792,491

Maximum

Number of

Shares that May

Yet Be

Purchased

Under Publicly

Announced

Plans (c)

5,548,243

5,548,243

4,755,752

(a) 

Represents shares repurchased in connection with employee stock plans, whereby Company shares were tendered by 

employees for the payment of applicable withholding taxes and/or exercise price.

(b) 

Includes 192,144 shares repurchased in connection with employee stock plans, whereby Company shares were tendered 

by employees for the payment of applicable withholding taxes and/or exercise price.

(c) 

Commencing in October 1997, the Company’s Board of Directors has, at various times, authorized the repurchase, from 

time to time, of the Company’s common stock on the open market or in privately negotiated transactions depending on 

market conditions. Since plan inception, a total of 98,000,000 shares have been authorized for repurchase of which 

93,244,248 shares have been repurchased as of December 31, 2014.

The remainder of the information required by this item is incorporated by reference to Part III, Item 12 of this Form 10-K.

PART II

Stock Performance Graph

The following graph compares, through December 31, 2014, the cumulative total return of the Company’s Common 
Stock, an index of certain publicly traded employment services companies, and the S&P 500. The graph assumes the investment 
of $100 at the beginning of the period depicted in the chart and reinvestment of all dividends. The information presented in the 
graph was obtained by the Company from outside sources it considers to be reliable but has not been independently verified by 
the Company.

(a) 

This index represents the cumulative total return of the Company and the following corporations providing temporary or 
permanent employment services: CDI Corp.; Kelly Services, Inc.; Kforce Inc.; ManpowerGroup; and Resources Connection 
Inc.

10

11

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2014 Annual Report • Robert Half 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
Item 6. Selected Financial Data

The selected five-year financial data presented below should be read in conjunction with the information contained in 

Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, and the Company’s 
Consolidated Financial Statements and the Notes thereto contained in Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data. 

Income Statement Data:
Net service revenues. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Direct costs of services, consisting of

payroll, payroll taxes, benefit costs and
reimbursable expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gross margin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Years Ended December 31,

2014

2013

2012

2011

2010

(in thousands)

$4,695,014

$ 4,245,895

$4,111,213

$3,776,976

$3,175,093

2,772,098

2,522,803

2,462,153

2,287,374

1,981,060

1,922,916

1,723,092

1,649,060

1,489,602

1,194,033

Selling, general and administrative expenses. . . . . . . . . .
Amortization of intangible assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Interest income, net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Income before income taxes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Provision for income taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

1,425,734
557
(724)
497,349
191,421
$ 305,928

1,324,815
1,700
(1,002)
397,579
145,384
$ 252,195

1,305,614
398
(1,197)
344,245
134,303
$ 209,942

1,240,184
153
(951)
250,216
100,294
$ 149,922

Net income available to common stockholders . . . . . . . .

$ 305,928

$ 252,192

$ 208,867

$ 147,772

1,079,033
411
(579)
115,168
49,099
66,069

63,729

$

$

Years Ended December 31,

2014

2013

2012

2011

2010

(in thousands, except per share amounts)

Net Income Per Share:

Basic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Diluted. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Shares:

Basic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Diluted. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cash Dividends Declared Per Share. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$
$

$

2.28
2.26

134,358
135,541
.72

$
$

$

1.85
1.83

136,153
137,589
.64

$
$

$

1.51
1.50

138,201
139,409
.60

$
$

$

1.05
1.04

140,479
141,790
.56

$
$

$

.45
.44

142,833
144,028
.52

December 31,

2014

2013

2012

2011

2010

(in thousands)

Balance Sheet Data:
Total assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Notes payable and other indebtedness, less

current portion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Stockholders’ equity. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$1,647,267

$ 1,490,271

$1,381,271

$1,311,836

$1,273,984

$

1,159

$

1,300

$

1,428

$

1,545

$

1,656

$ 979,858

$ 919,643

$ 842,011

$ 800,505

$ 834,371

12

12

12

   Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Certain information contained in Management’s Discussion and Analysis and in other parts of this report may be deemed 

forward-looking statements regarding events and financial trends that may affect the Company’s future operating results or 

financial positions. These statements may be identified by words such as “estimate”, “forecast”, “project”, “plan”, “intend”, 

“believe”, “expect”, “anticipate”, or variations or negatives thereof or by similar or comparable words or phrases. Forward-

looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed 

in the statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the following: the global financial and economic 

situation; changes in levels of unemployment and other economic conditions in the United States or foreign countries where the 

Company does business, or in particular regions or industries; reduction in the supply of candidates for temporary employment 

or the Company’s ability to attract candidates; the entry of new competitors into the marketplace or expansion by existing 

competitors; the ability of the Company to maintain existing client relationships and attract new clients in the context of 

changing economic or competitive conditions; the impact of competitive pressures, including any change in the demand for the 

Company’s services, on the Company’s ability to maintain its margins; the possibility of the Company incurring liability for its 

activities, including the activities of its temporary employees, or for events impacting its temporary employees on clients’ 

premises; the possibility that adverse publicity could impact the Company’s ability to attract and retain clients and candidates; 

the success of the Company in attracting, training, and retaining qualified management personnel and other staff employees; the 

Company’s ability to comply with governmental regulations affecting personnel services businesses in particular or employer/

employee relationships in general; whether there will be ongoing demand for Sarbanes-Oxley or other regulatory compliance 

services; the Company’s reliance on short-term contracts for a significant percentage of its business; litigation relating to prior 

or current transactions or activities, including litigation that may be disclosed from time to time in the Company’s SEC filings; 

the ability of the Company to manage its international operations and comply with foreign laws and regulations; the impact of 

fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates; the possibility that the additional costs the Company will incur as a result of 

health care reform legislation may adversely affect the Company’s profit margins or the demand for the Company’s services; 

the possibility that the Company’s computer and communications hardware and software systems could be damaged or their 

service interrupted; and the possibility that the Company may fail to maintain adequate financial and management controls and 

as a result suffer errors in its financial reporting. Additionally, with respect to Protiviti, other risks and uncertainties include the 

fact that future success will depend on its ability to retain employees and attract clients; there can be no assurance that there will 

be ongoing demand for Sarbanes-Oxley or other regulatory compliance services; failure to produce projected revenues could 

adversely affect financial results; and there is the possibility of involvement in litigation relating to prior or current transactions 

or activities. Because long-term contracts are not a significant part of the Company’s business, future results cannot be reliably 

predicted by considering past trends or extrapolating past results. Further information regarding these and other risks and 

uncertainties is contained in Item 1A. “Risk Factors.”

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

As described below, the Company’s most critical accounting policies and estimates are those that involve subjective 

decisions or assessments.

Accounts Receivable Allowances.    The Company maintains allowances for estimated losses resulting from (i) the 

inability of its customers to make required payments, (ii) temporary placement sales adjustments, and (iii) permanent placement 

candidates not remaining with the client through the 90-day guarantee period, commonly referred to as “fall offs”. The 

Company establishes these allowances based on its review of customers’ credit profiles, historical loss statistics and current 

trends. The adequacy of these allowances is reviewed each reporting period. Historically, the Company’s actual losses and 

credits have been consistent with these allowances. As a percentage of gross accounts receivable, the Company’s accounts 

receivable allowances totaled 4.4% and 4.7% as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. As of December 31, 2014, a 

five-percentage point deviation in the Company’s accounts receivable allowances balance would have resulted in an increase or 

decrease in the allowance of $1.5 million. Although future results cannot always be predicted by extrapolating past results, 

management believes that it is reasonably likely that future results will be consistent with historical trends and experience. 

However, if the financial condition of the Company’s customers were to deteriorate, resulting in an impairment of their ability 

to make payments, or if unexpected events or significant future changes in trends were to occur, additional allowances may be 

required.

Income Tax Assets and Liabilities.    In establishing its deferred income tax assets and liabilities, the Company makes 

judgments and interpretations based on the enacted tax laws and published tax guidance that are applicable to its operations. 

13

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2014 Annual Report • Robert Half 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Item 6. Selected Financial Data

The selected five-year financial data presented below should be read in conjunction with the information contained in 

Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, and the Company’s 

Consolidated Financial Statements and the Notes thereto contained in Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data. 

2014

2013

2012

2011

2010

Years Ended December 31,

(in thousands)

Net service revenues. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$4,695,014

$ 4,245,895

$4,111,213

$3,776,976

$3,175,093

Income Statement Data:

Direct costs of services, consisting of

payroll, payroll taxes, benefit costs and

reimbursable expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

2,772,098

2,522,803

2,462,153

2,287,374

1,981,060

Gross margin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

1,922,916

1,723,092

1,649,060

1,489,602

1,194,033

Selling, general and administrative expenses. . . . . . . . . .

1,425,734

1,324,815

1,305,614

1,240,184

1,079,033

Amortization of intangible assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Interest income, net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Income before income taxes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Provision for income taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

557

(724)

497,349

191,421

1,700

(1,002)

397,579

145,384

398

(1,197)

344,245

134,303

153

(951)

250,216

100,294

Net income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$ 305,928

$ 252,195

$ 209,942

$ 149,922

Net income available to common stockholders . . . . . . . .

$ 305,928

$ 252,192

$ 208,867

$ 147,772

63,729

411

(579)

115,168

49,099

66,069

$

$

Years Ended December 31,

2014

2013

2012

2011

2010

(in thousands, except per share amounts)

Net Income Per Share:

Shares:

Basic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Diluted. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$

$

2.28

2.26

$

$

1.85

1.83

$

$

1.51

1.50

$

$

1.05

1.04

$

$

.45

.44

Basic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Diluted. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

134,358

135,541

136,153

137,589

138,201

139,409

140,479

141,790

142,833

144,028

Cash Dividends Declared Per Share. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$

.72

$

.64

$

.60

$

.56

$

.52

2014

2013

2012

2011

2010

December 31,

(in thousands)

Balance Sheet Data:

Total assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$1,647,267

$ 1,490,271

$1,381,271

$1,311,836

$1,273,984

Notes payable and other indebtedness, less

current portion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$

1,159

$

1,300

$

1,428

$

1,545

$

1,656

Stockholders’ equity. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$ 979,858

$ 919,643

$ 842,011

$ 800,505

$ 834,371

12

   Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Certain information contained in Management’s Discussion and Analysis and in other parts of this report may be deemed 

forward-looking statements regarding events and financial trends that may affect the Company’s future operating results or 
financial positions. These statements may be identified by words such as “estimate”, “forecast”, “project”, “plan”, “intend”, 
“believe”, “expect”, “anticipate”, or variations or negatives thereof or by similar or comparable words or phrases. Forward-
looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed 
in the statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the following: the global financial and economic 
situation; changes in levels of unemployment and other economic conditions in the United States or foreign countries where the 
Company does business, or in particular regions or industries; reduction in the supply of candidates for temporary employment 
or the Company’s ability to attract candidates; the entry of new competitors into the marketplace or expansion by existing 
competitors; the ability of the Company to maintain existing client relationships and attract new clients in the context of 
changing economic or competitive conditions; the impact of competitive pressures, including any change in the demand for the 
Company’s services, on the Company’s ability to maintain its margins; the possibility of the Company incurring liability for its 
activities, including the activities of its temporary employees, or for events impacting its temporary employees on clients’ 
premises; the possibility that adverse publicity could impact the Company’s ability to attract and retain clients and candidates; 
the success of the Company in attracting, training, and retaining qualified management personnel and other staff employees; the 
Company’s ability to comply with governmental regulations affecting personnel services businesses in particular or employer/
employee relationships in general; whether there will be ongoing demand for Sarbanes-Oxley or other regulatory compliance 
services; the Company’s reliance on short-term contracts for a significant percentage of its business; litigation relating to prior 
or current transactions or activities, including litigation that may be disclosed from time to time in the Company’s SEC filings; 
the ability of the Company to manage its international operations and comply with foreign laws and regulations; the impact of 
fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates; the possibility that the additional costs the Company will incur as a result of 
health care reform legislation may adversely affect the Company’s profit margins or the demand for the Company’s services; 
the possibility that the Company’s computer and communications hardware and software systems could be damaged or their 
service interrupted; and the possibility that the Company may fail to maintain adequate financial and management controls and 
as a result suffer errors in its financial reporting. Additionally, with respect to Protiviti, other risks and uncertainties include the 
fact that future success will depend on its ability to retain employees and attract clients; there can be no assurance that there will 
be ongoing demand for Sarbanes-Oxley or other regulatory compliance services; failure to produce projected revenues could 
adversely affect financial results; and there is the possibility of involvement in litigation relating to prior or current transactions 
or activities. Because long-term contracts are not a significant part of the Company’s business, future results cannot be reliably 
predicted by considering past trends or extrapolating past results. Further information regarding these and other risks and 
uncertainties is contained in Item 1A. “Risk Factors.”

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

As described below, the Company’s most critical accounting policies and estimates are those that involve subjective 

decisions or assessments.

Accounts Receivable Allowances.    The Company maintains allowances for estimated losses resulting from (i) the 
inability of its customers to make required payments, (ii) temporary placement sales adjustments, and (iii) permanent placement 
candidates not remaining with the client through the 90-day guarantee period, commonly referred to as “fall offs”. The 
Company establishes these allowances based on its review of customers’ credit profiles, historical loss statistics and current 
trends. The adequacy of these allowances is reviewed each reporting period. Historically, the Company’s actual losses and 
credits have been consistent with these allowances. As a percentage of gross accounts receivable, the Company’s accounts 
receivable allowances totaled 4.4% and 4.7% as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. As of December 31, 2014, a 
five-percentage point deviation in the Company’s accounts receivable allowances balance would have resulted in an increase or 
decrease in the allowance of $1.5 million. Although future results cannot always be predicted by extrapolating past results, 
management believes that it is reasonably likely that future results will be consistent with historical trends and experience. 
However, if the financial condition of the Company’s customers were to deteriorate, resulting in an impairment of their ability 
to make payments, or if unexpected events or significant future changes in trends were to occur, additional allowances may be 
required.

Income Tax Assets and Liabilities.    In establishing its deferred income tax assets and liabilities, the Company makes 
judgments and interpretations based on the enacted tax laws and published tax guidance that are applicable to its operations. 

13

13
13

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2014 Annual Report • Robert Half 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured and recorded using current enacted tax rates, which the Company expects will 
apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are recovered or settled. The likelihood of a material 
change in the Company’s expected realization of these assets is dependent on future taxable income, its ability to use foreign 
tax credit carryforwards and carrybacks, final U.S. and foreign tax settlements, and the effectiveness of its tax planning in the 
various relevant jurisdictions.

The Company also evaluates the need for valuation allowances to reduce the deferred tax assets to realizable amounts. 

Management evaluates all positive and negative evidence and uses judgment regarding past and future events, including 
operating results, to help determine when it is more likely than not that all or some portion of the deferred tax assets may not be 
realized. When appropriate, a valuation allowance is recorded against deferred tax assets to offset future tax benefits that may 
not be realized. Valuation allowances of $29.6 million and $37.0 million were recorded as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, 
respectively. The valuation allowances recorded related primarily to net operating losses in certain foreign operations. If such 
losses are ultimately utilized to offset future operating income, the Company will recognize a tax benefit up to the full amount 
of the related valuation reserve.

While management believes that its judgments and interpretations regarding income taxes are appropriate, significant 

differences in actual experience may materially affect the future financial results of the Company.

Goodwill Impairment.    The Company assesses the impairment of goodwill annually in the second quarter, or more often 

claims in excess of $0.5 million, claims administration fees charged by the Company’s workers’ compensation administrator, 

if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable in accordance with Financial 
Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) authoritative guidance. The Company completed its annual goodwill impairment 
analysis as of June 30, 2014, and determined that no adjustment to the carrying value of goodwill was required. There were no 
events or changes in circumstances during the six months ended December 31, 2014 that caused the Company to perform an 
interim impairment assessment.

The Company follows FASB authoritative guidance utilizing a two-step approach for determining goodwill impairment. 
In the first step the Company determines the fair value of each reporting unit utilizing a present value technique derived from a 
discounted cash flow methodology. For purposes of this assessment the Company’s reporting units are its lines of business. The 
fair value of the reporting unit is then compared to its carrying value. If the fair value of the reporting unit exceeds the carrying 
value of the net assets assigned to that unit, goodwill is not impaired and no further testing is performed. The second step under 
the FASB guidance is contingent upon the results of the first step. To the extent a reporting unit’s carrying value exceeds its fair 
value, an indication exists that the reporting unit’s goodwill may be impaired and the Company must perform a second more 
detailed impairment assessment. The second step involves allocating the reporting unit’s fair value to its net assets in order to 
determine the implied fair value of the reporting unit’s goodwill as of the assessment date. The implied fair value of the 
reporting unit’s goodwill is then compared to the carrying amount of goodwill to quantify an impairment charge as of the 
assessment date.

The Company’s reporting units are Accountemps, Robert Half Finance & Accounting, OfficeTeam, Robert Half 

Technology, Robert Half Management Resources and Protiviti, which had goodwill balances at December 31, 2014, of 
$127.0 million, $26.4 million, $0.0 million, $7.0 million, $0.0 million and $39.1 million, respectively, totaling $199.5 million. 
There were no changes to the Company’s reporting units or to the allocations of goodwill by reporting unit for the year ended 
December 31, 2014.

The goodwill impairment assessment is based upon a discounted cash flow analysis. The estimate of future cash flows is 

based upon, among other things, a discount rate and certain assumptions about expected future operating performance. The 
discount rate for all reporting units was determined by management based on estimates of risk free interest rates, beta and 
market risk premiums. The discount rate used was compared to the rate published in various third party research reports, which 
indicated that the rate was within a range of reasonableness. The primary assumptions related to future operating performance 
include revenue growth rates and profitability levels. In addition, the impairment assessment requires that management make 
certain judgments in allocating shared assets and liabilities to the balance sheets of the reporting units. Solely for purposes of 
establishing inputs for the fair value calculations described above related to its annual goodwill impairment testing, the 
Company made the following assumptions. The Company assumed that year-to-date trends through the date of the last 
assessment would continue for all reporting units through 2014, using unique assumptions for each reporting unit. In addition, 
the Company applied profitability assumptions consistent with each reporting unit’s historical trends at various revenue levels 
and, for years 2016 and beyond, used a 5% growth factor.  This rate is comparable to the Company’s most recent ten-year 
annual compound revenue growth rate.  The future cash flows used to calculate fair value go out a total of 10 years with a 
terminal value calculation at the end of the 10 year period.  In its most recent calculation, the Company used a 10.2% discount 

14

14

14

robert_half_10k_FIN_1-54.indd   14

3/26/15   1:59 PM

rate, which is slightly lower than the 10.5% discount rate used for the Company’s test during the second quarter of 2013. This 

decrease in discount rate is attributable to decreases in the risk free rate, beta and equity market risk premium.

In order to evaluate the sensitivity of the fair value calculations on the goodwill impairment test, the Company applied 

hypothetical decreases to the fair values of each reporting unit. The Company determined that hypothetical decreases in fair 

value of at least 70% would be required before any reporting unit would have a carrying value in excess of its fair value.

Given the current economic environment and the uncertainties regarding the impact on the Company’s business, there can 

be no assurance that the Company’s estimates and assumptions made for purposes of the Company’s goodwill impairment 

testing will prove to be accurate predictions of the future. If the Company’s assumptions regarding forecasted revenue or 

profitability growth rates of certain reporting units are not achieved, the Company may be required to recognize goodwill 

impairment charges in future periods. It is not possible at this time to determine if any such future impairment charge would 

result or, if it does, whether such charge would be material.

Workers’ Compensation.    Except for states which require participation in state-operated insurance funds, the Company 

retains the economic burden for the first $0.5 million per occurrence in workers’ compensation claims. Workers’ compensation 

includes ongoing healthcare and indemnity coverage for claims and may be paid over numerous years following the date of 

injury. Claims in excess of $0.5 million are insured. Workers’ compensation expense includes the insurance premiums for 

premiums paid to state-operated insurance funds, and an estimate for the Company’s liability for Incurred But Not Reported 

(“IBNR”) claims and for the ongoing development of existing claims. Total workers’ compensation expense was $5.7 million, 

$7.0 million and $10.9 million, representing 0.16%, 0.22% and 0.36% of applicable U.S. revenue for the years ended 

December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

The reserves for IBNR claims and for the ongoing development of existing claims in each reporting period include 

estimates. The Company has established reserves for workers’ compensation claims using loss development rates which are 

estimated using periodic third party actuarial valuations based upon historical loss statistics which include the Company’s 

historical frequency and severity of workers’ compensation claims, and an estimate of future cost trends. While management 

believes that its assumptions and estimates are appropriate, significant differences in actual experience or significant changes in 

assumptions may materially affect the Company’s future results. Based on the Company’s results for the year ended 

December 31, 2014, a five-percentage point deviation in the Company’s estimated loss development rates would have resulted 

in an increase or decrease in the reserve of $0.2 million.

Stock-based Compensation.    Under various stock plans, officers, employees and outside directors have received or may 

receive grants of restricted stock, stock units, stock appreciation rights or options to purchase common stock.

The Company recognizes compensation expense equal to the grant-date fair value for all stock-based payment awards 

that are expected to vest. This expense is recorded on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period of the entire award, 

unless the awards are subject to performance conditions, in which case the Company recognizes compensation expense over the 

requisite service period of each separate vesting tranche. The Company determines the grant-date fair value of its restricted 

stock and stock unit awards using the fair market value of its stock on the grant date, unless the awards are subject to market 

conditions, in which case the Company utilizes a binomial-lattice model (i.e., Monte Carlo simulation model). The Monte Carlo 

simulation model utilizes multiple input variables to determine the stock-based compensation expense. For grants with market 

conditions made in the year ended December 31, 2014, the Company utilized an historical volatility of 31.55%, a 0% dividend 

yield and a risk-free interest rate of 0.79%. The historical volatility was based on the most recent 2.75-year period for the 

Company and the components of the peer group. The stock price projection for the Company and the components of the peer 

group assumes a 0% dividend yield. This is mathematically equivalent to reinvesting dividends in the issuing entity over the 

performance period. The risk-free interest rate is equal to the yield, as of the measurement date, of the zero-coupon U.S. 

Treasury bill that is commensurate with the remaining performance measurement period.

No stock appreciation rights have been granted under the Company’s existing stock plans. The Company has not granted 

any options to purchase common stock since 2006. 

For the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, compensation expense related to restricted stock and stock units 

was $40.8 million, $38.9 million and $41.5 million, respectively, of which $11.7 million, $9.9 million and $11.4 million was 

related to grants made in 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.  Based on the Company’s results for the year ended December 31, 

15

2014 Annual Report • Robert HalfDeferred tax assets and liabilities are measured and recorded using current enacted tax rates, which the Company expects will 

apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are recovered or settled. The likelihood of a material 

change in the Company’s expected realization of these assets is dependent on future taxable income, its ability to use foreign 

tax credit carryforwards and carrybacks, final U.S. and foreign tax settlements, and the effectiveness of its tax planning in the 

various relevant jurisdictions.

The Company also evaluates the need for valuation allowances to reduce the deferred tax assets to realizable amounts. 

Management evaluates all positive and negative evidence and uses judgment regarding past and future events, including 

operating results, to help determine when it is more likely than not that all or some portion of the deferred tax assets may not be 

realized. When appropriate, a valuation allowance is recorded against deferred tax assets to offset future tax benefits that may 

not be realized. Valuation allowances of $29.6 million and $37.0 million were recorded as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, 

respectively. The valuation allowances recorded related primarily to net operating losses in certain foreign operations. If such 

losses are ultimately utilized to offset future operating income, the Company will recognize a tax benefit up to the full amount 

of the related valuation reserve.

While management believes that its judgments and interpretations regarding income taxes are appropriate, significant 

differences in actual experience may materially affect the future financial results of the Company.

Goodwill Impairment.    The Company assesses the impairment of goodwill annually in the second quarter, or more often 

if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable in accordance with Financial 

Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) authoritative guidance. The Company completed its annual goodwill impairment 

analysis as of June 30, 2014, and determined that no adjustment to the carrying value of goodwill was required. There were no 

events or changes in circumstances during the six months ended December 31, 2014 that caused the Company to perform an 

interim impairment assessment.

The Company follows FASB authoritative guidance utilizing a two-step approach for determining goodwill impairment. 

In the first step the Company determines the fair value of each reporting unit utilizing a present value technique derived from a 

discounted cash flow methodology. For purposes of this assessment the Company’s reporting units are its lines of business. The 

fair value of the reporting unit is then compared to its carrying value. If the fair value of the reporting unit exceeds the carrying 

value of the net assets assigned to that unit, goodwill is not impaired and no further testing is performed. The second step under 

the FASB guidance is contingent upon the results of the first step. To the extent a reporting unit’s carrying value exceeds its fair 

value, an indication exists that the reporting unit’s goodwill may be impaired and the Company must perform a second more 

detailed impairment assessment. The second step involves allocating the reporting unit’s fair value to its net assets in order to 

determine the implied fair value of the reporting unit’s goodwill as of the assessment date. The implied fair value of the 

reporting unit’s goodwill is then compared to the carrying amount of goodwill to quantify an impairment charge as of the 

assessment date.

December 31, 2014.

The Company’s reporting units are Accountemps, Robert Half Finance & Accounting, OfficeTeam, Robert Half 

Technology, Robert Half Management Resources and Protiviti, which had goodwill balances at December 31, 2014, of 

$127.0 million, $26.4 million, $0.0 million, $7.0 million, $0.0 million and $39.1 million, respectively, totaling $199.5 million. 

There were no changes to the Company’s reporting units or to the allocations of goodwill by reporting unit for the year ended 

The goodwill impairment assessment is based upon a discounted cash flow analysis. The estimate of future cash flows is 

based upon, among other things, a discount rate and certain assumptions about expected future operating performance. The 

discount rate for all reporting units was determined by management based on estimates of risk free interest rates, beta and 

market risk premiums. The discount rate used was compared to the rate published in various third party research reports, which 

indicated that the rate was within a range of reasonableness. The primary assumptions related to future operating performance 

include revenue growth rates and profitability levels. In addition, the impairment assessment requires that management make 

certain judgments in allocating shared assets and liabilities to the balance sheets of the reporting units. Solely for purposes of 

establishing inputs for the fair value calculations described above related to its annual goodwill impairment testing, the 

Company made the following assumptions. The Company assumed that year-to-date trends through the date of the last 

assessment would continue for all reporting units through 2014, using unique assumptions for each reporting unit. In addition, 

the Company applied profitability assumptions consistent with each reporting unit’s historical trends at various revenue levels 

and, for years 2016 and beyond, used a 5% growth factor.  This rate is comparable to the Company’s most recent ten-year 

annual compound revenue growth rate.  The future cash flows used to calculate fair value go out a total of 10 years with a 

terminal value calculation at the end of the 10 year period.  In its most recent calculation, the Company used a 10.2% discount 

14

rate, which is slightly lower than the 10.5% discount rate used for the Company’s test during the second quarter of 2013. This 
decrease in discount rate is attributable to decreases in the risk free rate, beta and equity market risk premium.

In order to evaluate the sensitivity of the fair value calculations on the goodwill impairment test, the Company applied 
hypothetical decreases to the fair values of each reporting unit. The Company determined that hypothetical decreases in fair 
value of at least 70% would be required before any reporting unit would have a carrying value in excess of its fair value.

Given the current economic environment and the uncertainties regarding the impact on the Company’s business, there can 

be no assurance that the Company’s estimates and assumptions made for purposes of the Company’s goodwill impairment 
testing will prove to be accurate predictions of the future. If the Company’s assumptions regarding forecasted revenue or 
profitability growth rates of certain reporting units are not achieved, the Company may be required to recognize goodwill 
impairment charges in future periods. It is not possible at this time to determine if any such future impairment charge would 
result or, if it does, whether such charge would be material.

Workers’ Compensation.    Except for states which require participation in state-operated insurance funds, the Company 
retains the economic burden for the first $0.5 million per occurrence in workers’ compensation claims. Workers’ compensation 
includes ongoing healthcare and indemnity coverage for claims and may be paid over numerous years following the date of 
injury. Claims in excess of $0.5 million are insured. Workers’ compensation expense includes the insurance premiums for 
claims in excess of $0.5 million, claims administration fees charged by the Company’s workers’ compensation administrator, 
premiums paid to state-operated insurance funds, and an estimate for the Company’s liability for Incurred But Not Reported 
(“IBNR”) claims and for the ongoing development of existing claims. Total workers’ compensation expense was $5.7 million, 
$7.0 million and $10.9 million, representing 0.16%, 0.22% and 0.36% of applicable U.S. revenue for the years ended 
December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

The reserves for IBNR claims and for the ongoing development of existing claims in each reporting period include 

estimates. The Company has established reserves for workers’ compensation claims using loss development rates which are 
estimated using periodic third party actuarial valuations based upon historical loss statistics which include the Company’s 
historical frequency and severity of workers’ compensation claims, and an estimate of future cost trends. While management 
believes that its assumptions and estimates are appropriate, significant differences in actual experience or significant changes in 
assumptions may materially affect the Company’s future results. Based on the Company’s results for the year ended 
December 31, 2014, a five-percentage point deviation in the Company’s estimated loss development rates would have resulted 
in an increase or decrease in the reserve of $0.2 million.

Stock-based Compensation.    Under various stock plans, officers, employees and outside directors have received or may 

receive grants of restricted stock, stock units, stock appreciation rights or options to purchase common stock.

The Company recognizes compensation expense equal to the grant-date fair value for all stock-based payment awards 

that are expected to vest. This expense is recorded on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period of the entire award, 
unless the awards are subject to performance conditions, in which case the Company recognizes compensation expense over the 
requisite service period of each separate vesting tranche. The Company determines the grant-date fair value of its restricted 
stock and stock unit awards using the fair market value of its stock on the grant date, unless the awards are subject to market 
conditions, in which case the Company utilizes a binomial-lattice model (i.e., Monte Carlo simulation model). The Monte Carlo 
simulation model utilizes multiple input variables to determine the stock-based compensation expense. For grants with market 
conditions made in the year ended December 31, 2014, the Company utilized an historical volatility of 31.55%, a 0% dividend 
yield and a risk-free interest rate of 0.79%. The historical volatility was based on the most recent 2.75-year period for the 
Company and the components of the peer group. The stock price projection for the Company and the components of the peer 
group assumes a 0% dividend yield. This is mathematically equivalent to reinvesting dividends in the issuing entity over the 
performance period. The risk-free interest rate is equal to the yield, as of the measurement date, of the zero-coupon U.S. 
Treasury bill that is commensurate with the remaining performance measurement period.

No stock appreciation rights have been granted under the Company’s existing stock plans. The Company has not granted 

any options to purchase common stock since 2006. 

For the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, compensation expense related to restricted stock and stock units 

was $40.8 million, $38.9 million and $41.5 million, respectively, of which $11.7 million, $9.9 million and $11.4 million was 
related to grants made in 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.  Based on the Company’s results for the year ended December 31, 

15

15
15

robert_half_10k_FIN_1-54.indd   15

3/26/15   1:59 PM

2014 Annual Report • Robert Half2014,  a one-percentage point deviation in the estimated forfeiture rates would have resulted in a $0.4 million increase or 
decrease in compensation expense related to restricted stock and stock units.

Years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

See Note B—“New Accounting Pronouncements” to the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements included under 

Part II—Item 8 of this report.

Results of Operations

Demand for the Company’s temporary and permanent staffing services and risk consulting and internal audit services is 
largely dependent upon general economic and labor market conditions both domestically and abroad. Correspondingly, results 
of operations were positively impacted by improving global economic conditions during 2014. Because of the inherent 
difficulty in predicting economic trends and the absence of material long-term contracts in any of our business units, future 
demand for the Company’s services cannot be forecast with certainty. The Company believes it is well positioned to benefit in 
the current United States macro environment. The Company is making investments in people and infrastructure to support 
business expansion, and is confident in the ability of its field and corporate leadership teams to grow the business. 

The Company’s temporary and permanent staffing services business has 341 offices in 42 states, the District of Columbia 

permanent placement revenues increased 14.3% for 2014 compared to 2013. In the U.S., 2014 revenues increased 17.8% on 

and 18 foreign countries, while Protiviti has 57 offices in 23 states and 11 foreign countries.

Because fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates have an impact on the Company’s results, the Company provides 

selected growth percentages below on a constant-currency basis. Constant-currency percentages are calculated using as-
reported amounts which have been retranslated using foreign currency exchange rates from the prior year’s comparable period.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

        The financial results of the Company are prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the 
United States of America ("GAAP") and the rules of the SEC.  To help readers understand the Company’s financial 
performance, the Company supplements its GAAP financial results with revenue growth rates derived from non-GAAP revenue 
amounts. Variations in the Company’s financial results include the impact of changes in foreign currency exchange rates and 
billing days. The Company provides “same billing days and constant currency” revenue growth calculations to remove the 
impact of these items. These calculations show the year-over-year revenue growth rates for the Company’s reportable segments 
on both a reported basis and also on a same day, constant-currency basis for global, U.S. and international operations. The 
Company has provided this data because management believes it better reflects the Company’s actual revenue growth rates and 
aids in evaluating revenue trends over time. The Company expresses year-over-year revenue changes as calculated percentages 
using the same number of billing days and constant currency exchange rates.

In order to calculate constant currency revenue growth rates, as reported amounts are retranslated using foreign currency 

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

The non-GAAP financial measures provided herein may not provide information that is directly comparable to that 

provided by other companies in the Company’s industry, as other companies may calculate such financial results differently. 
The Company’s non-GAAP financial measures are not measurements of financial performance under GAAP, and should not be 
considered as alternatives to actual revenue growth derived from revenue amounts presented in accordance with GAAP. The 
Company does not consider these non-GAAP financial measures to be a substitute for, or superior to, the information provided 
by GAAP financial results. A reconciliation of the same-day, constant-currency revenue growth rates to the reported revenue 
growth rates is provided herein.

16

16

16

robert_half_10k_FIN_1-54.indd   16

3/26/15   1:59 PM

Revenues.    The Company’s revenues were $4.70 billion for the year ended December 31, 2014, increasing by 10.6% 

compared to $4.25 billion for the year ended December 31, 2013. Revenues from foreign operations represented 23% and 24% 

of total revenues for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The Company analyzes its revenues for three 

reportable segments: temporary and consultant staffing, permanent placement staffing and risk consulting and internal audit 

services. In 2014, revenues for all three of the Company’s reportable segments were up compared to 2013.  Results were 

strongest domestically with broad-based revenue expansion across the Company’s staffing and consulting operations.  

Contributing factors for each reportable segment are discussed below in further detail.

Temporary and consultant staffing services revenues were $3.68 billion for the year ended December 31, 2014, increasing 

by 9.1% compared to revenues of $3.37 billion for the year ended December 31, 2013. On a same-day, constant-currency basis, 

temporary and consultant staffing services revenues increased 9.5% for 2014, compared to 2013. In the U.S., 2014 revenues 

increased 10.6% on both an as reported and a same-day basis, compared to 2013. For the Company’s international operations, 

2014 revenues increased 4.2% and on a same-day, constant-currency basis increased 5.9%, compared to 2013.

Permanent placement staffing revenues were $395 million for the year ended December 31, 2014, increasing by 13.5% 

compared to revenues of $348 million for the year ended December 31, 2013. On a same-day, constant-currency basis, 

both an as reported and same-day basis, compared to 2013. For the Company’s international operations, 2014 revenues 

increased 6.3%, and on a same-day, constant-currency basis increased 8.5%, compared to 2013. Historically, demand for 

permanent placement services is even more sensitive to economic and labor market conditions than demand for temporary and 

consulting staffing services and this is expected to continue.

Risk consulting and internal audit services revenues were $624 million for the year ended December 31, 2014, increasing 

by 18.1% compared to revenues of $528 million for the year ended December 31, 2013. On a same-day, constant-currency 

basis, risk consulting and internal audit services revenues increased 17.5% for 2014 compared to 2013. In the U.S., 2014 

revenues increased 21.9%, or 21.0% on a same-day basis, compared to 2013. For the Company’s international operations, 2014 

revenues increased 3.8% and on a same-day, constant-currency basis increased 4.1%, compared to 2013.

A reconciliation of the non-GAAP year-over-year revenue growth rates to the as reported year-over-year revenue 

growth rates for the year ended December 31, 2014, is presented in the following table:

Global

United States

International

Temporary and consultant staffing

As Reported . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Billing Days Impact. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Currency Impact . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Same Billing Days and Constant Currency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

9.1%

0.0%

0.4%

9.5%

Permanent placement staffing

As Reported . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

13.5%

Billing Days Impact. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Currency Impact . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

0.0%

0.8%

Same Billing Days and Constant Currency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

14.3%

Risk consulting and internal audit services

As Reported . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Billing Days Impact. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Currency Impact . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Same Billing Days and Constant Currency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

18.1%

-0.8%

0.2%

17.5%

10.6%

0.0%

—

10.6%

17.8%

0.0%

—

17.8%

21.9%

-0.9%

—

21.0%

4.2%

0.0%

1.7%

5.9%

6.3%

0.0%

2.2%

8.5%

3.8%

-0.8%

1.1%

4.1%

Gross Margin.    The Company’s gross margin dollars were $1.92 billion for the year ended December 31, 2014, up 

11.6% from $1.72 billion for the year ended December 31, 2013. For 2014 compared to 2013, gross margin dollars for all three 

of the Company’s reportable segments increased. Gross margin dollars as a percentage of revenues increased for both the 

17

2014 Annual Report • Robert Half 
 
2014,  a one-percentage point deviation in the estimated forfeiture rates would have resulted in a $0.4 million increase or 

Years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 

decrease in compensation expense related to restricted stock and stock units.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

Part II—Item 8 of this report.

Results of Operations

See Note B—“New Accounting Pronouncements” to the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements included under 

Demand for the Company’s temporary and permanent staffing services and risk consulting and internal audit services is 

largely dependent upon general economic and labor market conditions both domestically and abroad. Correspondingly, results 

of operations were positively impacted by improving global economic conditions during 2014. Because of the inherent 

difficulty in predicting economic trends and the absence of material long-term contracts in any of our business units, future 

demand for the Company’s services cannot be forecast with certainty. The Company believes it is well positioned to benefit in 

the current United States macro environment. The Company is making investments in people and infrastructure to support 

business expansion, and is confident in the ability of its field and corporate leadership teams to grow the business. 

The Company’s temporary and permanent staffing services business has 341 offices in 42 states, the District of Columbia 

and 18 foreign countries, while Protiviti has 57 offices in 23 states and 11 foreign countries.

Because fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates have an impact on the Company’s results, the Company provides 

selected growth percentages below on a constant-currency basis. Constant-currency percentages are calculated using as-

reported amounts which have been retranslated using foreign currency exchange rates from the prior year’s comparable period.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

        The financial results of the Company are prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the 

United States of America ("GAAP") and the rules of the SEC.  To help readers understand the Company’s financial 

performance, the Company supplements its GAAP financial results with revenue growth rates derived from non-GAAP revenue 

amounts. Variations in the Company’s financial results include the impact of changes in foreign currency exchange rates and 

billing days. The Company provides “same billing days and constant currency” revenue growth calculations to remove the 

impact of these items. These calculations show the year-over-year revenue growth rates for the Company’s reportable segments 

on both a reported basis and also on a same day, constant-currency basis for global, U.S. and international operations. The 

Company has provided this data because management believes it better reflects the Company’s actual revenue growth rates and 

aids in evaluating revenue trends over time. The Company expresses year-over-year revenue changes as calculated percentages 

using the same number of billing days and constant currency exchange rates.

In order to calculate constant currency revenue growth rates, as reported amounts are retranslated using foreign currency 

exchange rates from the prior year’s comparable period. Management then calculates a global, weighted-average number of 

billing days for each reporting period based upon input from all countries and all lines of business. In order to remove the 

fluctuations caused by comparable periods having different billing days, the Company calculates same billing day revenue 

growth rates by dividing each comparative period’s reported revenues by the calculated number of billing days for that period, 

to arrive at a per billing day amount. Same billing day growth rates are then calculated based upon the per billing day amounts. 

The term “same billing days and constant currency” means that the impact of different billing days has been removed from the 

constant currency calculation.

The non-GAAP financial measures provided herein may not provide information that is directly comparable to that 

provided by other companies in the Company’s industry, as other companies may calculate such financial results differently. 

The Company’s non-GAAP financial measures are not measurements of financial performance under GAAP, and should not be 

considered as alternatives to actual revenue growth derived from revenue amounts presented in accordance with GAAP. The 

Company does not consider these non-GAAP financial measures to be a substitute for, or superior to, the information provided 

by GAAP financial results. A reconciliation of the same-day, constant-currency revenue growth rates to the reported revenue 

growth rates is provided herein.

16

Revenues.    The Company’s revenues were $4.70 billion for the year ended December 31, 2014, increasing by 10.6% 

compared to $4.25 billion for the year ended December 31, 2013. Revenues from foreign operations represented 23% and 24% 
of total revenues for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The Company analyzes its revenues for three 
reportable segments: temporary and consultant staffing, permanent placement staffing and risk consulting and internal audit 
services. In 2014, revenues for all three of the Company’s reportable segments were up compared to 2013.  Results were 
strongest domestically with broad-based revenue expansion across the Company’s staffing and consulting operations.  
Contributing factors for each reportable segment are discussed below in further detail.

Temporary and consultant staffing services revenues were $3.68 billion for the year ended December 31, 2014, increasing 
by 9.1% compared to revenues of $3.37 billion for the year ended December 31, 2013. On a same-day, constant-currency basis, 
temporary and consultant staffing services revenues increased 9.5% for 2014, compared to 2013. In the U.S., 2014 revenues 
increased 10.6% on both an as reported and a same-day basis, compared to 2013. For the Company’s international operations, 
2014 revenues increased 4.2% and on a same-day, constant-currency basis increased 5.9%, compared to 2013.

Permanent placement staffing revenues were $395 million for the year ended December 31, 2014, increasing by 13.5% 

compared to revenues of $348 million for the year ended December 31, 2013. On a same-day, constant-currency basis, 
permanent placement revenues increased 14.3% for 2014 compared to 2013. In the U.S., 2014 revenues increased 17.8% on 
both an as reported and same-day basis, compared to 2013. For the Company’s international operations, 2014 revenues 
increased 6.3%, and on a same-day, constant-currency basis increased 8.5%, compared to 2013. Historically, demand for 
permanent placement services is even more sensitive to economic and labor market conditions than demand for temporary and 
consulting staffing services and this is expected to continue.

Risk consulting and internal audit services revenues were $624 million for the year ended December 31, 2014, increasing 

by 18.1% compared to revenues of $528 million for the year ended December 31, 2013. On a same-day, constant-currency 
basis, risk consulting and internal audit services revenues increased 17.5% for 2014 compared to 2013. In the U.S., 2014 
revenues increased 21.9%, or 21.0% on a same-day basis, compared to 2013. For the Company’s international operations, 2014 
revenues increased 3.8% and on a same-day, constant-currency basis increased 4.1%, compared to 2013.

A reconciliation of the non-GAAP year-over-year revenue growth rates to the as reported year-over-year revenue 

growth rates for the year ended December 31, 2014, is presented in the following table:

Global

United States

International

Temporary and consultant staffing

As Reported . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Billing Days Impact. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Currency Impact . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Same Billing Days and Constant Currency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Permanent placement staffing

As Reported . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Billing Days Impact. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Currency Impact . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Same Billing Days and Constant Currency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Risk consulting and internal audit services

As Reported . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Billing Days Impact. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Currency Impact . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Same Billing Days and Constant Currency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

9.1%
0.0%
0.4%
9.5%

13.5%
0.0%
0.8%
14.3%

18.1%
-0.8%
0.2%
17.5%

10.6%
0.0%
—
10.6%

17.8%
0.0%
—
17.8%

21.9%
-0.9%
—
21.0%

4.2%
0.0%
1.7%
5.9%

6.3%
0.0%
2.2%
8.5%

3.8%
-0.8%
1.1%
4.1%

Gross Margin.    The Company’s gross margin dollars were $1.92 billion for the year ended December 31, 2014, up 
11.6% from $1.72 billion for the year ended December 31, 2013. For 2014 compared to 2013, gross margin dollars for all three 
of the Company’s reportable segments increased. Gross margin dollars as a percentage of revenues increased for both the 

17

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2014 Annual Report • Robert Half 
 
staffing division, operating income was $78 million, or 19.9% of applicable revenues, up 44.0% from operating income of $54 

million, or 15.6% of applicable revenues, in 2013. For the Company’s risk consulting and internal audit services division, 

operating income was $60 million, or 9.7% of applicable revenues, up 41.2% from operating income of $43 million, or 8.1% of 

applicable revenues, in 2013.

Provision for income taxes.    The provision for income taxes was 38.5% and 36.6% for the years ended December 31, 

2014 and 2013, respectively. The 2014 increase is primarily due to fewer available foreign tax benefits and a decrease in federal 

tax credits.

Years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 

Revenues.    The Company’s revenues were $4.25 billion for the year ended December 31, 2013, increasing by 3.3% 

compared to $4.11 billion for the year ended December 31, 2012. Revenues from foreign operations represented 24% and 26% 

of total revenues for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. The Company analyzes its revenues for three 

reportable segments: temporary and consultant staffing, permanent placement staffing and risk consulting and internal audit 

services. In 2013, revenues for all three of the Company’s reportable segments were up compared to 2012. Results were 

strongest domestically, with growth rates outside the United States impacted by weaker economies in several countries, most 

notably within Europe. Contributing factors for each reportable segment are discussed below in further detail.

Temporary and consultant staffing services revenues were $3.37 billion for the year ended December 31, 2013, increasing 

by 1.4% compared to revenues of $3.32 billion for the year ended December 31, 2012. On a same-day, constant-currency basis, 

temporary and consultant staffing services revenues increased 1.6% for 2013 compared to 2012. In the U.S., 2013 revenues 

increased 4.1%, or 4.3% on a same-day basis, compared to 2012. For the Company’s international operations, 2013 revenues 

decreased 6.7% and on a same-day, constant-currency basis decreased 6.5%, compared to 2012.

Permanent placement staffing revenues were $348 million for the year ended December 31, 2013, increasing by 4.0% 

compared to revenues of $334 million for the year ended December 31, 2012. On a same-day, constant-currency basis, 

permanent placement revenues increased 5.1% for 2013 compared to 2012. In the U.S., 2013 revenues increased 12.5%, or 

12.7% on a same-day basis, compared to 2012. For the Company’s international operations, 2013 revenues decreased 7.5%, and 

on a same-day, constant-currency basis decreased 5.3%, compared to 2012. Historically, demand for permanent placement 

services is even more sensitive to economic and labor market conditions than demand for temporary and consulting staffing 

services and this is expected to continue.

Risk consulting and internal audit services revenues were $528 million for the year ended December 31, 2013 increasing 

by 16.7% compared to revenues of $453 million for the year ended December 31, 2012.   On a same-day, constant-currency 

basis, risk consulting and internal audit services revenues increased 18.0% for 2013 compared to 2012.   Contributing to the 

increase was higher demand in the U.S. In the U.S., 2013 revenues increased 20.5%, or 21.1% on a same-day basis, compared 

to 2012.  For the Company’s international operations, 2013 revenues increased 4.2% and on a same-day, constant-currency 

basis increased 8.1%, compared to 2012.

Company’s temporary and consultant staffing services segment and the risk consulting and internal audit services segment on a 
year-over-year basis. Contributing factors for each reportable segment are discussed below in further detail.

Gross margin dollars from the Company’s temporary and consultant staffing services represent revenues less direct costs 

of services, which consist of payroll, payroll taxes and benefit costs for temporary employees, and reimbursable expenses. 
Gross margin dollars for the Company’s temporary and consultant staffing services division were $1.35 billion for the year 
ended December 31, 2014 , up 10.2% from $1.22 billion for the year ended December 31, 2013. As a percentage of revenues, 
gross margin dollars for temporary and consultant staffing services were 36.6% in 2014, up from 36.2% in 2013.  This year-
over-year improvement in gross margin percentage was primarily attributable to higher conversion revenues and lower fringe 
costs in 2014 compared to 2013.  Conversion revenues are earned when a temporary position converts to a permanent position. 
As there are no direct costs related to conversion revenues, the gross margin percentage is favorably impacted as the mix of 
conversion revenues increases.  Fringe costs are primarily composed of payroll taxes and benefit costs for temporary 
employees.

Gross margin dollars from permanent placement staffing services represent revenues less reimbursable expenses. Gross 
margin dollars for the Company’s permanent placement staffing division were $394 million for the year ended December 31, 
2014, up 13.5% from $348 million for the year ended December 31, 2013. Because reimbursable expenses for permanent 
placement staffing services are de minimis, the increase in gross margin dollars is substantially explained by the increase in 
revenues previously discussed.

Gross margin dollars for risk consulting and internal audit services represent revenues less direct costs of services, which 
consist primarily of professional staff payroll, payroll taxes, benefit costs and reimbursable expenses. Gross margin dollars for 
the Company’s risk consulting and internal audit division were $183 million for the year ended December 31, 2014, up 18.5% 
from $155 million for the year ended December 31, 2013. As a percentage of revenues, gross margin dollars for risk consulting 
and internal audit services were 29.4% in 2014, up from 29.3% in 2013. 

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses.    The Company’s selling, general and administrative expenses consist 

primarily of staff compensation, advertising, depreciation and occupancy costs. The Company’s selling, general and 
administrative expenses were $1.43 billion for the year ended December 31, 2014, up 7.6% from $1.32 billion for the year 
ended December 31, 2013. As a percentage of revenues, the Company’s selling, general and administrative expenses were 
30.4% for 2014, down from 31.2% for 2013. In 2014, selling, general and administrative expenses increased for all three of the 
Company’s reportable segments compared to 2013. As percentage of revenue, selling, general and administrative expenses for 
all three of the Company’s reportable segments decreased in 2014 compared to 2013. Contributing factors for each reportable 
segment are discussed below in further detail.

Selling, general and administrative expenses for the Company’s temporary and consultant staffing services division were 

$987 million for the year ended December 31, 2014, up 7.3% from $920 million for the year ended December 31, 2013. As a 
percentage of revenues, selling, general and administrative expenses for temporary and consultant staffing services were 26.8% 
in 2014, down from 27.3% in 2013. For 2014 compared to 2013, the decrease in selling, general and administrative expenses as 
a percentage of revenue is primarily due to an improvement in leverage resulting from higher revenue in 2014.

Selling, general and administrative expenses for the Company’s permanent placement staffing division were $316 million 

for the year ended December 31, 2014, up 7.8% from $293 million for the year ended December 31, 2013. As a percentage of 
revenues, selling, general and administrative expenses for permanent placement staffing services were 80.1% in 2014, down 
from 84.3% in 2013. For 2014 compared to 2013, decreases in field compensation, administrative compensation and fixed 
overhead drove the overall decrease as a percentage of revenues.

Selling, general and administrative expenses for the Company’s risk consulting and internal audit services division were 
$123 million for the year ended December 31, 2014, up 9.8% from $112 million for the year ended December 31, 2013. As a 
percentage of revenues, selling, general and administrative expenses for risk consulting and internal audit services were 19.7% 
in 2014, down from 21.2% in 2013. For 2014 compared to 2013, improved leverage in general and administrative expenses, as 
a result of higher revenue, drove the overall decrease as a percentage of revenues.

Operating Income.    The Company’s total operating income was $497 million, or 10.6% of revenues, for the year ended 

December 31, 2014, up 24.8% from $398 million, or 9.4% of revenues, for the year ended December 31, 2013. For the 
Company’s temporary and consultant staffing services division, operating income was $359 million, or 9.8% of applicable 
revenues, up 19.0% from $301 million, or 8.9% of applicable revenues, in 2013. For the Company’s permanent placement 

18

18

18

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2014 Annual Report • Robert HalfCompany’s temporary and consultant staffing services segment and the risk consulting and internal audit services segment on a 

year-over-year basis. Contributing factors for each reportable segment are discussed below in further detail.

Gross margin dollars from the Company’s temporary and consultant staffing services represent revenues less direct costs 

of services, which consist of payroll, payroll taxes and benefit costs for temporary employees, and reimbursable expenses. 

Gross margin dollars for the Company’s temporary and consultant staffing services division were $1.35 billion for the year 

ended December 31, 2014 , up 10.2% from $1.22 billion for the year ended December 31, 2013. As a percentage of revenues, 

gross margin dollars for temporary and consultant staffing services were 36.6% in 2014, up from 36.2% in 2013.  This year-

over-year improvement in gross margin percentage was primarily attributable to higher conversion revenues and lower fringe 

costs in 2014 compared to 2013.  Conversion revenues are earned when a temporary position converts to a permanent position. 

As there are no direct costs related to conversion revenues, the gross margin percentage is favorably impacted as the mix of 

conversion revenues increases.  Fringe costs are primarily composed of payroll taxes and benefit costs for temporary 

employees.

Gross margin dollars from permanent placement staffing services represent revenues less reimbursable expenses. Gross 

margin dollars for the Company’s permanent placement staffing division were $394 million for the year ended December 31, 

2014, up 13.5% from $348 million for the year ended December 31, 2013. Because reimbursable expenses for permanent 

placement staffing services are de minimis, the increase in gross margin dollars is substantially explained by the increase in 

revenues previously discussed.

Gross margin dollars for risk consulting and internal audit services represent revenues less direct costs of services, which 

consist primarily of professional staff payroll, payroll taxes, benefit costs and reimbursable expenses. Gross margin dollars for 

the Company’s risk consulting and internal audit division were $183 million for the year ended December 31, 2014, up 18.5% 

from $155 million for the year ended December 31, 2013. As a percentage of revenues, gross margin dollars for risk consulting 

and internal audit services were 29.4% in 2014, up from 29.3% in 2013. 

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses.    The Company’s selling, general and administrative expenses consist 

primarily of staff compensation, advertising, depreciation and occupancy costs. The Company’s selling, general and 

administrative expenses were $1.43 billion for the year ended December 31, 2014, up 7.6% from $1.32 billion for the year 

ended December 31, 2013. As a percentage of revenues, the Company’s selling, general and administrative expenses were 

30.4% for 2014, down from 31.2% for 2013. In 2014, selling, general and administrative expenses increased for all three of the 

Company’s reportable segments compared to 2013. As percentage of revenue, selling, general and administrative expenses for 

all three of the Company’s reportable segments decreased in 2014 compared to 2013. Contributing factors for each reportable 

segment are discussed below in further detail.

Selling, general and administrative expenses for the Company’s temporary and consultant staffing services division were 

$987 million for the year ended December 31, 2014, up 7.3% from $920 million for the year ended December 31, 2013. As a 

percentage of revenues, selling, general and administrative expenses for temporary and consultant staffing services were 26.8% 

in 2014, down from 27.3% in 2013. For 2014 compared to 2013, the decrease in selling, general and administrative expenses as 

a percentage of revenue is primarily due to an improvement in leverage resulting from higher revenue in 2014 .

Selling, general and administrative expenses for the Company’s permanent placement staffing division were $316 million 

for the year ended December 31, 2014, up 7.8% from $293 million for the year ended December 31, 2013. As a percentage of 

revenues, selling, general and administrative expenses for permanent placement staffing services were 80.1% in 2014, down 

from 84.3% in 2013. For 2014 compared to 2013, decreases in field compensation, administrative compensation and fixed 

overhead drove the overall decrease as a percentage of revenues.

Selling, general and administrative expenses for the Company’s risk consulting and internal audit services division were 

$123 million for the year ended December 31, 2014, up 9.8% from $112 million for the year ended December 31, 2013. As a 

percentage of revenues, selling, general and administrative expenses for risk consulting and internal audit services were 19.7% 

in 2014, down from 21.2% in 2013. For 2014 compared to 2013, improved leverage in general and administrative expenses, as 

a result of higher revenue, drove the overall decrease as a percentage of revenues.

Operating Income.    The Company’s total operating income was $497 million, or 10.6% of revenues, for the year ended 

December 31, 2014, up 24.8% from $398 million, or 9.4% of revenues, for the year ended December 31, 2013. For the 

Company’s temporary and consultant staffing services division, operating income was $359 million, or 9.8% of applicable 

revenues, up 19.0% from $301 million, or 8.9% of applicable revenues, in 2013. For the Company’s permanent placement 

18

staffing division, operating income was $78 million, or 19.9% of applicable revenues, up 44.0% from operating income of $54 
million, or 15.6% of applicable revenues, in 2013. For the Company’s risk consulting and internal audit services division, 
operating income was $60 million, or 9.7% of applicable revenues, up 41.2% from operating income of $43 million, or 8.1% of 
applicable revenues, in 2013.

Provision for income taxes.    The provision for income taxes was 38.5% and 36.6% for the years ended December 31, 
2014 and 2013, respectively. The 2014 increase is primarily due to fewer available foreign tax benefits and a decrease in federal 
tax credits.

Years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 

Revenues.    The Company’s revenues were $4.25 billion for the year ended December 31, 2013, increasing by 3.3% 
compared to $4.11 billion for the year ended December 31, 2012. Revenues from foreign operations represented 24% and 26% 
of total revenues for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. The Company analyzes its revenues for three 
reportable segments: temporary and consultant staffing, permanent placement staffing and risk consulting and internal audit 
services. In 2013, revenues for all three of the Company’s reportable segments were up compared to 2012. Results were 
strongest domestically, with growth rates outside the United States impacted by weaker economies in several countries, most 
notably within Europe. Contributing factors for each reportable segment are discussed below in further detail.

Temporary and consultant staffing services revenues were $3.37 billion for the year ended December 31, 2013, increasing 
by 1.4% compared to revenues of $3.32 billion for the year ended December 31, 2012. On a same-day, constant-currency basis, 
temporary and consultant staffing services revenues increased 1.6% for 2013 compared to 2012. In the U.S., 2013 revenues 
increased 4.1%, or 4.3% on a same-day basis, compared to 2012. For the Company’s international operations, 2013 revenues 
decreased 6.7% and on a same-day, constant-currency basis decreased 6.5%, compared to 2012.

Permanent placement staffing revenues were $348 million for the year ended December 31, 2013, increasing by 4.0% 

compared to revenues of $334 million for the year ended December 31, 2012. On a same-day, constant-currency basis, 
permanent placement revenues increased 5.1% for 2013 compared to 2012. In the U.S., 2013 revenues increased 12.5%, or 
12.7% on a same-day basis, compared to 2012. For the Company’s international operations, 2013 revenues decreased 7.5%, and 
on a same-day, constant-currency basis decreased 5.3%, compared to 2012. Historically, demand for permanent placement 
services is even more sensitive to economic and labor market conditions than demand for temporary and consulting staffing 
services and this is expected to continue.

Risk consulting and internal audit services revenues were $528 million for the year ended December 31, 2013 increasing 

by 16.7% compared to revenues of $453 million for the year ended December 31, 2012.   On a same-day, constant-currency 
basis, risk consulting and internal audit services revenues increased 18.0% for 2013 compared to 2012.   Contributing to the 
increase was higher demand in the U.S. In the U.S., 2013 revenues increased 20.5%, or 21.1% on a same-day basis, compared 
to 2012.  For the Company’s international operations, 2013 revenues increased 4.2% and on a same-day, constant-currency 
basis increased 8.1%, compared to 2012.

19

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2014 Annual Report • Robert HalfA reconciliation of the non-GAAP year-over-year revenue growth rates to the as reported year-over-year revenue growth 

of revenues decreased for the Company’s temporary and consultant and risk consulting and internal audit services segments and 

rates for the year ended December 31, 2013, is presented in the following table:

increased for the Company’s permanent placement staffing services segment in 2013 compared to 2012. Contributing factors 

Global

United States

International

Temporary and consultant staffing

As Reported . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Billing Days Impact . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Currency Impact . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Same Billing Days and Constant Currency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Permanent placement staffing

As Reported . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Billing Days Impact . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Currency Impact . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Same Billing Days and Constant Currency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

1.4%
0.2%
0.0%
1.6%

4.0%
0.2%
0.9%
5.1%

Risk consulting and internal audit services

As Reported . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Billing Days Impact . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Currency Impact . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Same Billing Days and Constant Currency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

16.7%
0.5%
0.8%
18.0%

4.1%
0.2%
—
4.3%

12.5%
0.2%
—
12.7%

20.5%
0.6%
—
21.1%

-6.7%
0.2%
0.0%
-6.5%

-7.5%
0.2%
2.0%
-5.3%

4.2%
0.5%
3.4%
8.1%

Gross Margin.    The Company’s gross margin dollars were $1.72 billion for the year ended December 31, 2013, up 4.5% 
from $1.65 billion for the year ended December 31, 2012. For 2013 compared to 2012, gross margin dollars for all three of the 
Company’s reportable segments increased. Gross margin dollars as a percentage of revenues increased for both the Company’s 
temporary and consultant staffing services segment and the risk consulting and internal audit services segment on a year-over-
year basis. Contributing factors for each reportable segment are discussed below in further detail.

Gross margin dollars from the Company’s temporary and consultant staffing services represent revenues less direct costs 

of services, which consist of payroll, payroll taxes and benefit costs for temporary employees, and reimbursable expenses. 
Gross margin dollars for the Company’s temporary and consultant staffing services division were $1.22 billion for the year 
ended December 31, 2013, up 1.9% from $1.20 billion for the year ended December 31, 2012. As a percentage of revenues, 
gross margin dollars for temporary and consultant staffing services were 36.2% in 2013, up from 36.0% in 2012.

Gross margin dollars from permanent placement staffing services represent revenues less reimbursable expenses. Gross 
margin dollars for the Company’s permanent placement staffing division were $348 million for the year ended December 31, 
2013, up 4.1% from $334 million for the year ended December 31, 2012. Because reimbursable expenses for permanent 
placement staffing services are de minimis, the increase in gross margin dollars is substantially explained by the increase in 
revenues previously discussed.

Gross margin dollars for risk consulting and internal audit services represent revenues less direct costs of services, which 
consist primarily of professional staff payroll, payroll taxes, benefit costs and reimbursable expenses. Gross margin dollars for 
the Company’s risk consulting and internal audit division were $155 million for the year ended December 31, 2013, up 32.0% 
from $117 million for the year ended December 31, 2012. As a percentage of revenues, gross margin dollars for risk consulting 
and internal audit services were 29.3% in 2013, up from 25.9% in 2012. The increase in 2013 gross margin percentage was 
primarily the result of higher staff utilization rates. Utilization is the relationship of the time spent on client engagements to the 
total time available for the Company's risk consulting and internal audit services staff.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses.    The Company’s selling, general and administrative expenses consist 

primarily of staff compensation, advertising, depreciation and occupancy costs. The Company’s selling, general and 
administrative expenses were $1.32 billion for the year ended December 31, 2013, up 1.5% from $1.31 billion for the year 
ended December 31, 2012. As a percentage of revenues, the Company’s selling, general and administrative expenses were 
31.2% for 2013, down from 31.8% for 2012. For 2013 compared to 2012, selling, general and administrative expenses 
decreased for the Company’s temporary and consultant segment and increased for the Company's permanent placement staffing 
services and risk consulting and internal audit services segments. Selling, general and administrative expenses as a percentage 
20

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for each reportable segment are discussed below in further detail.

Selling, general and administrative expenses for the Company’s temporary and consultant staffing services division were 

$920 million for the year ended December 31, 2013, down 0.2% from $921 million for the year ended December 31, 2012. As a 

percentage of revenues, selling, general and administrative expenses for temporary and consultant staffing services were 27.3% 

in 2013, down from 27.7% in 2012. For 2013 compared to 2012, the decrease in selling, general and administrative expenses as 

a percentage of revenue is primarily due to a $19 million, or 0.6% of revenues, charge in 2012 related to a litigation settlement 

disclosed in the Company’s July 5, 2012, Form 8-K.

Selling, general and administrative expenses for the Company’s permanent placement staffing division were $293 million 

for the year ended December 31, 2013, up 5.4% from $278 million for the year ended December 31, 2012. As a percentage of 

revenues, selling, general and administrative expenses for permanent placement staffing services were 84.3% in 2013, up from 

83.3% in 2012. For 2013 compared to 2012, increases in field compensation and variable overhead, partially offset by decreases 

in advertising expenses and fixed overhead, drove the overall increase as a percentage of revenues.

Selling, general and administrative expenses for the Company’s risk consulting and internal audit services division were 

$112 million for the year ended December 31, 2013, up 5.3% from $106 million for the year ended December 31, 2012. As a 

percentage of revenues, selling, general and administrative expenses for risk consulting and internal audit services were 21.2% 

in 2013, down from 23.5% in 2012. For 2013 compared to 2012, improved leverage in general and administrative expenses, as 

a result of higher revenue, drove the overall decrease as a percentage of revenues.

Operating Income.    The Company’s total operating income was $398 million, or 9.4% of revenues, for the year ended 

December 31, 2013, up 16.0% from $343 million, or 8.4% of revenues, for the year ended December 31, 2012. For the 

Company’s temporary and consultant staffing services division, operating income was $301 million, or 8.9% of applicable 

revenues, up 8.8% from $277 million, or 8.3% of applicable revenues, in 2012. For the Company’s permanent placement 

staffing division, operating income was $54 million, or 15.6% of applicable revenues, down 2.4% from operating income of 

$55 million, or 16.7% of applicable revenues, in 2012. For the Company’s risk consulting and internal audit services division, 

operating income was $43 million, or 8.1% of applicable revenues, up 292.7% from operating income of $11 million, or 2.4% 

Provision for income taxes.    The provision for income taxes was 36.6% and 39.0% for the years ended December 31, 

2013 and 2012, respectively. The 2013 decrease is primarily due to foreign restructuring, improving foreign results, and 

The change in the Company’s liquidity during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, is primarily the net 

effect of funds generated by operations and the funds used for capital expenditures, repurchases of common stock and payment 

Cash and cash equivalents were $287 million, $276 million and $288 million at December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, 

respectively. Operating activities provided $341 million during the year ended December 31, 2014, offset by $89 million and 

$230 million of net cash used in investing activities and financing activities, respectively. Operating activities provided $309 

million during the year ended December 31, 2013, partially offset by $98 million and $220 million of net cash used in investing 

activities and financing activities, respectively. Operating activities provided $289 million during the year ended December 31, 

2012, offset by $73 million and $210 million of net cash used in investing activities and financing activities, respectively.

Operating activities—Net cash provided by operating activities for the year ended December 31, 2014, was composed of 

net income of $306 million adjusted for non-cash items of $90 million, offset by net cash used in changes in working capital of 

$55 million. Net cash provided by operating activities for the year ended December 31, 2013, was composed of net income of 

$252 million adjusted for non-cash items of $74 million, offset by net cash used in changes in working capital of $17 million. 

Net cash provided by operating activities for the year ended December 31, 2012, was composed of net income of $210 million 

adjusted for non-cash items of $74 million, and net cash provided by changes in working capital of $5 million.

Investing activities—Cash used in investing activities for the year ended December 31, 2014, was $89 million. This was 

primarily composed of capital expenditures of $63 million and deposits to trusts for employee deferred compensation plans of 

21

of applicable revenues, in 2012.

increased federal tax credits.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

of dividends.

2014 Annual Report • Robert HalfA reconciliation of the non-GAAP year-over-year revenue growth rates to the as reported year-over-year revenue growth 

rates for the year ended December 31, 2013, is presented in the following table:

Global

United States

International

Temporary and consultant staffing

As Reported . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Billing Days Impact . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Currency Impact . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Same Billing Days and Constant Currency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Permanent placement staffing

As Reported . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Billing Days Impact . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Currency Impact . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Same Billing Days and Constant Currency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

1.4%

0.2%

0.0%

1.6%

4.0%

0.2%

0.9%

5.1%

Risk consulting and internal audit services

As Reported . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

16.7%

Billing Days Impact . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Currency Impact . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

0.5%

0.8%

Same Billing Days and Constant Currency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

18.0%

4.1%

0.2%

—

4.3%

12.5%

0.2%

—

12.7%

20.5%

0.6%

—

21.1%

-6.7%

0.2%

0.0%

-6.5%

-7.5%

0.2%

2.0%

-5.3%

4.2%

0.5%

3.4%

8.1%

Gross Margin.    The Company’s gross margin dollars were $1.72 billion for the year ended December 31, 2013, up 4.5% 

from $1.65 billion for the year ended December 31, 2012. For 2013 compared to 2012, gross margin dollars for all three of the 

Company’s reportable segments increased. Gross margin dollars as a percentage of revenues increased for both the Company’s 

temporary and consultant staffing services segment and the risk consulting and internal audit services segment on a year-over-

year basis. Contributing factors for each reportable segment are discussed below in further detail.

Gross margin dollars from the Company’s temporary and consultant staffing services represent revenues less direct costs 

of services, which consist of payroll, payroll taxes and benefit costs for temporary employees, and reimbursable expenses. 

Gross margin dollars for the Company’s temporary and consultant staffing services division were $1.22 billion for the year 

ended December 31, 2013, up 1.9% from $1.20 billion for the year ended December 31, 2012. As a percentage of revenues, 

gross margin dollars for temporary and consultant staffing services were 36.2% in 2013, up from 36.0% in 2012.

Gross margin dollars from permanent placement staffing services represent revenues less reimbursable expenses. Gross 

margin dollars for the Company’s permanent placement staffing division were $348 million for the year ended December 31, 

2013, up 4.1% from $334 million for the year ended December 31, 2012. Because reimbursable expenses for permanent 

placement staffing services are de minimis, the increase in gross margin dollars is substantially explained by the increase in 

revenues previously discussed.

Gross margin dollars for risk consulting and internal audit services represent revenues less direct costs of services, which 

consist primarily of professional staff payroll, payroll taxes, benefit costs and reimbursable expenses. Gross margin dollars for 

the Company’s risk consulting and internal audit division were $155 million for the year ended December 31, 2013, up 32.0% 

from $117 million for the year ended December 31, 2012. As a percentage of revenues, gross margin dollars for risk consulting 

and internal audit services were 29.3% in 2013, up from 25.9% in 2012. The increase in 2013 gross margin percentage was 

primarily the result of higher staff utilization rates. Utilization is the relationship of the time spent on client engagements to the 

total time available for the Company's risk consulting and internal audit services staff.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses.    The Company’s selling, general and administrative expenses consist 

primarily of staff compensation, advertising, depreciation and occupancy costs. The Company’s selling, general and 

administrative expenses were $1.32 billion for the year ended December 31, 2013, up 1.5% from $1.31 billion for the year 

ended December 31, 2012. As a percentage of revenues, the Company’s selling, general and administrative expenses were 

31.2% for 2013, down from 31.8% for 2012. For 2013 compared to 2012, selling, general and administrative expenses 

decreased for the Company’s temporary and consultant segment and increased for the Company's permanent placement staffing 

services and risk consulting and internal audit services segments. Selling, general and administrative expenses as a percentage 

20

of revenues decreased for the Company’s temporary and consultant and risk consulting and internal audit services segments and 
increased for the Company’s permanent placement staffing services segment in 2013 compared to 2012. Contributing factors 
for each reportable segment are discussed below in further detail.

Selling, general and administrative expenses for the Company’s temporary and consultant staffing services division were 

$920 million for the year ended December 31, 2013, down 0.2% from $921 million for the year ended December 31, 2012. As a 
percentage of revenues, selling, general and administrative expenses for temporary and consultant staffing services were 27.3% 
in 2013, down from 27.7% in 2012. For 2013 compared to 2012, the decrease in selling, general and administrative expenses as 
a percentage of revenue is primarily due to a $19 million, or 0.6% of revenues, charge in 2012 related to a litigation settlement 
disclosed in the Company’s July 5, 2012, Form 8-K.

Selling, general and administrative expenses for the Company’s permanent placement staffing division were $293 million 

for the year ended December 31, 2013, up 5.4% from $278 million for the year ended December 31, 2012. As a percentage of 
revenues, selling, general and administrative expenses for permanent placement staffing services were 84.3% in 2013, up from 
83.3% in 2012. For 2013 compared to 2012, increases in field compensation and variable overhead, partially offset by decreases 
in advertising expenses and fixed overhead, drove the overall increase as a percentage of revenues.

Selling, general and administrative expenses for the Company’s risk consulting and internal audit services division were 
$112 million for the year ended December 31, 2013, up 5.3% from $106 million for the year ended December 31, 2012. As a 
percentage of revenues, selling, general and administrative expenses for risk consulting and internal audit services were 21.2% 
in 2013, down from 23.5% in 2012. For 2013 compared to 2012, improved leverage in general and administrative expenses, as 
a result of higher revenue, drove the overall decrease as a percentage of revenues.

Operating Income.    The Company’s total operating income was $398 million, or 9.4% of revenues, for the year ended 

December 31, 2013, up 16.0% from $343 million, or 8.4% of revenues, for the year ended December 31, 2012. For the 
Company’s temporary and consultant staffing services division, operating income was $301 million, or 8.9% of applicable 
revenues, up 8.8% from $277 million, or 8.3% of applicable revenues, in 2012. For the Company’s permanent placement 
staffing division, operating income was $54 million, or 15.6% of applicable revenues, down 2.4% from operating income of 
$55 million, or 16.7% of applicable revenues, in 2012. For the Company’s risk consulting and internal audit services division, 
operating income was $43 million, or 8.1% of applicable revenues, up 292.7% from operating income of $11 million, or 2.4% 
of applicable revenues, in 2012.

Provision for income taxes.    The provision for income taxes was 36.6% and 39.0% for the years ended December 31, 

2013 and 2012, respectively. The 2013 decrease is primarily due to foreign restructuring, improving foreign results, and 
increased federal tax credits.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

The change in the Company’s liquidity during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, is primarily the net 

effect of funds generated by operations and the funds used for capital expenditures, repurchases of common stock and payment 
of dividends.

Cash and cash equivalents were $287 million, $276 million and $288 million at December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, 

respectively. Operating activities provided $341 million during the year ended December 31, 2014, offset by $89 million and 
$230 million of net cash used in investing activities and financing activities, respectively. Operating activities provided $309 
million during the year ended December 31, 2013, partially offset by $98 million and $220 million of net cash used in investing 
activities and financing activities, respectively. Operating activities provided $289 million during the year ended December 31, 
2012, offset by $73 million and $210 million of net cash used in investing activities and financing activities, respectively.

Operating activities—Net cash provided by operating activities for the year ended December 31, 2014, was composed of 
net income of $306 million adjusted for non-cash items of $90 million, offset by net cash used in changes in working capital of 
$55 million. Net cash provided by operating activities for the year ended December 31, 2013, was composed of net income of 
$252 million adjusted for non-cash items of $74 million, offset by net cash used in changes in working capital of $17 million. 
Net cash provided by operating activities for the year ended December 31, 2012, was composed of net income of $210 million 
adjusted for non-cash items of $74 million, and net cash provided by changes in working capital of $5 million.

Investing activities—Cash used in investing activities for the year ended December 31, 2014, was $89 million. This was 
primarily composed of capital expenditures of $63 million and deposits to trusts for employee deferred compensation plans of 

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2014 Annual Report • Robert Halftwelve months. The remaining $2.4 million of unrecognized tax benefits have been classified as a non-current liability, as a 

reasonably reliable estimate of the period of future payments, if any, could not be determined.

Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

The Company is exposed to the impact of foreign currency fluctuations. The Company’s exposure to foreign currency 

exchange rates relates primarily to the Company’s foreign subsidiaries. Exchange rates impact the U.S. dollar value of the 

Company’s reported earnings, investments in its foreign subsidiaries, and the intercompany transactions with its foreign 

subsidiaries.

For the year ended December 31, 2014, approximately 23% of the Company’s revenues were generated outside of the 

United States. These operations transact business in their functional currency. As a result, fluctuations in the value of foreign 

currencies against the U.S. dollar, particularly the Canadian dollar, British pound, Euro, and Australian dollar have an impact 

on the Company’s reported results. Revenues and expenses denominated in foreign currencies are translated into U.S. dollars at 

the monthly average exchange rates prevailing during the period. Consequently, as the value of the U.S. dollar changes relative 

to the currencies of the Company’s non-U.S. markets, the Company’s reported results vary.

Fluctuations in currency exchange rates impact the U.S. dollar amount of the Company’s stockholders’ equity. The assets 

and liabilities of the Company’s non-U.S. subsidiaries are translated into U.S. dollars at the exchange rates in effect at period 

end. The resulting translation adjustments are recorded in stockholders’ equity as a component of accumulated other 

comprehensive income.

$26 million. Cash used in investing activities for the year ended December 31, 2013, was $98 million. This was primarily 
composed of capital expenditures of $54 million and deposits to trusts for employee deferred compensation plans of $44 
million. Cash used in investing activities for the year ended December 31, 2012, was $73 million. This was primarily composed 
of capital expenditures of $50 million, deposits to trusts for employee deferred compensation plans of $9 million and payments 
for acquisitions, net of cash acquired of $14 million.

Financing activities—Cash used in financing activities for the year ended December 31, 2014, was $230 million. This 

included repurchases of $154 million in common stock and $97 million in cash dividends to stockholders, offset by the 
proceeds of $14 million from exercises of stock options and the excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation of $7 
million. Cash used in financing activities for the year ended December 31, 2013, was $220 million. This included repurchases 
of $168 million in common stock, $89 million in cash dividends to stockholders and $4 million of payments of notes payable 
and other indebtedness, offset by proceeds of $33 million from exercises of stock options and the excess tax benefits from 
stock-based compensation of $8 million. Cash used in financing activities for the year ended December 31, 2012, was $210 
million. This included repurchases of $177 million in common stock and $84 million in cash dividends to stockholders, offset 
by proceeds of $43 million from exercises of stock options and the excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation of $8 
million.

As of December 31, 2014, the Company is authorized to repurchase, from time to time, up to 4.8 million additional shares 

of the Company’s common stock on the open market or in privately negotiated transactions, depending on market conditions. 
During the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, the Company repurchased approximately 3.3 million shares, 
3.3 million shares and 4.7 million shares of common stock on the open market for a total cost of $162 million, $118 million and 
$133 million, respectively. Additional stock repurchases were made in connection with employee stock plans, whereby 
Company shares were tendered by employees for the payment of exercise price and applicable statutory withholding taxes. 
During the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, such repurchases totaled approximately 0.5 million shares, 
1.2 million shares and 1.7 million shares at a cost of $22 million, $44 million and $50 million, respectively. Repurchases of 
shares have been funded with cash generated from operations.

The Company’s working capital at December 31, 2014, included $287 million in cash and cash equivalents. The 
Company expects that internally generated cash will be sufficient to support the working capital needs of the Company, the 
Company’s fixed payments, dividends, and other obligations on both a short-term and long-term basis.

On February 11, 2015, the Company announced a quarterly dividend of $0.20 per share to be paid to all shareholders of 

record on February 25, 2015. The dividend will be paid on March 13, 2015.

The Company’s cash flows generated from operations are also the primary source for funding various contractual 

obligations. The table below summarizes the Company’s major commitments as of December 31, 2014 (in thousands):

Contractual Obligations
Long-term debt obligations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Operating lease obligations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Purchase obligations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

2015

$

252
84,458
42,632
1,288
$128,630

Payments due by period

2016
and 2017
505
$
118,587
33,758
2,143
$154,993

2018
and 2019
505
$
63,193
412
1,262
$ 65,372

Thereafter
505
$
77,567
13
9,524
$ 87,609

$

Total
1,767
343,805
76,815
14,217
$436,604

Long-term debt obligations consist of promissory notes and related interest as well as other forms of indebtedness issued 

in connection with certain acquisitions and other payment obligations. Operating lease obligations consist of minimum rental 
commitments for 2015 and thereafter under non-cancelable leases in effect at December 31, 2014. Purchase obligations consist 
of purchase commitments primarily related to telecom service agreements, software licenses and subscriptions, and computer 
hardware and software maintenance agreements. Other liabilities consist of asset retirement and deferred compensation 
obligations.

The above table does not reflect $4.6 million of gross unrecognized tax benefits which the Company has accrued for 
uncertain tax positions in accordance with FASB authoritative guidance. As of December 31, 2014, the Company classified 
$2.2 million of its unrecognized tax benefits as a current liability, as these amounts are expected to be resolved in the next 

22

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2014 Annual Report • Robert Half 
 
$26 million. Cash used in investing activities for the year ended December 31, 2013, was $98 million. This was primarily 

composed of capital expenditures of $54 million and deposits to trusts for employee deferred compensation plans of $44 

million. Cash used in investing activities for the year ended December 31, 2012, was $73 million. This was primarily composed 

of capital expenditures of $50 million, deposits to trusts for employee deferred compensation plans of $9 million and payments 

for acquisitions, net of cash acquired of $14 million.

Financing activities—Cash used in financing activities for the year ended December 31, 2014, was $230 million. This 

included repurchases of $154 million in common stock and $97 million in cash dividends to stockholders, offset by the 

proceeds of $14 million from exercises of stock options and the excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation of $7 

million. Cash used in financing activities for the year ended December 31, 2013, was $220 million. This included repurchases 

of $168 million in common stock, $89 million in cash dividends to stockholders and $4 million of payments of notes payable 

and other indebtedness, offset by proceeds of $33 million from exercises of stock options and the excess tax benefits from 

stock-based compensation of $8 million. Cash used in financing activities for the year ended December 31, 2012, was $210 

million. This included repurchases of $177 million in common stock and $84 million in cash dividends to stockholders, offset 

by proceeds of $43 million from exercises of stock options and the excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation of $8 

million.

As of December 31, 2014, the Company is authorized to repurchase, from time to time, up to 4.8 million additional shares 

of the Company’s common stock on the open market or in privately negotiated transactions, depending on market conditions. 

During the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, the Company repurchased approximately 3.3 million shares, 

3.3 million shares and 4.7 million shares of common stock on the open market for a total cost of $162 million, $118 million and 

$133 million, respectively. Additional stock repurchases were made in connection with employee stock plans, whereby 

Company shares were tendered by employees for the payment of exercise price and applicable statutory withholding taxes. 

During the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, such repurchases totaled approximately 0.5 million shares, 

1.2 million shares and 1.7 million shares at a cost of $22 million, $44 million and $50 million, respectively. Repurchases of 

shares have been funded with cash generated from operations.

The Company’s working capital at December 31, 2014, included $287 million in cash and cash equivalents. The 

Company expects that internally generated cash will be sufficient to support the working capital needs of the Company, the 

Company’s fixed payments, dividends, and other obligations on both a short-term and long-term basis.

On February 11, 2015, the Company announced a quarterly dividend of $0.20 per share to be paid to all shareholders of 

record on February 25, 2015. The dividend will be paid on March 13, 2015.

The Company’s cash flows generated from operations are also the primary source for funding various contractual 

obligations. The table below summarizes the Company’s major commitments as of December 31, 2014 (in thousands):

Contractual Obligations

Long-term debt obligations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$

252

$

505

$

505

$

505

$

1,767

Operating lease obligations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Purchase obligations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Other liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

84,458

42,632

1,288

118,587

33,758

2,143

63,193

412

1,262

77,567

343,805

13

9,524

76,815

14,217

Total. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$128,630

$154,993

$ 65,372

$ 87,609

$436,604

Payments due by period

2015

2016

and 2017

2018

and 2019

Thereafter

Total

Long-term debt obligations consist of promissory notes and related interest as well as other forms of indebtedness issued 

in connection with certain acquisitions and other payment obligations. Operating lease obligations consist of minimum rental 

commitments for 2015 and thereafter under non-cancelable leases in effect at December 31, 2014. Purchase obligations consist 

of purchase commitments primarily related to telecom service agreements, software licenses and subscriptions, and computer 

hardware and software maintenance agreements. Other liabilities consist of asset retirement and deferred compensation 

obligations.

The above table does not reflect $4.6 million of gross unrecognized tax benefits which the Company has accrued for 

uncertain tax positions in accordance with FASB authoritative guidance. As of December 31, 2014, the Company classified 

$2.2 million of its unrecognized tax benefits as a current liability, as these amounts are expected to be resolved in the next 

22

twelve months. The remaining $2.4 million of unrecognized tax benefits have been classified as a non-current liability, as a 
reasonably reliable estimate of the period of future payments, if any, could not be determined.

Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

The Company is exposed to the impact of foreign currency fluctuations. The Company’s exposure to foreign currency 

exchange rates relates primarily to the Company’s foreign subsidiaries. Exchange rates impact the U.S. dollar value of the 
Company’s reported earnings, investments in its foreign subsidiaries, and the intercompany transactions with its foreign 
subsidiaries.

For the year ended December 31, 2014, approximately 23% of the Company’s revenues were generated outside of the 
United States. These operations transact business in their functional currency. As a result, fluctuations in the value of foreign 
currencies against the U.S. dollar, particularly the Canadian dollar, British pound, Euro, and Australian dollar have an impact 
on the Company’s reported results. Revenues and expenses denominated in foreign currencies are translated into U.S. dollars at 
the monthly average exchange rates prevailing during the period. Consequently, as the value of the U.S. dollar changes relative 
to the currencies of the Company’s non-U.S. markets, the Company’s reported results vary.

Fluctuations in currency exchange rates impact the U.S. dollar amount of the Company’s stockholders’ equity. The assets 

and liabilities of the Company’s non-U.S. subsidiaries are translated into U.S. dollars at the exchange rates in effect at period 
end. The resulting translation adjustments are recorded in stockholders’ equity as a component of accumulated other 
comprehensive income.

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2014 Annual Report • Robert Half 
 
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

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

ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Accounts receivable, less allowances of $30,544 and $27,261 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Current deferred income taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other current assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Total current assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Goodwill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other intangible assets, net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Property and equipment, net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

LIABILITIES
Accounts payable and accrued expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Accrued payroll and benefit costs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Current portion of notes payable and other indebtedness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total current liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Notes payable and other indebtedness, less current portion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other liabilities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Commitments and Contingencies (Note I)

STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

December 31,

2014

2013

$ 287,119
657,676
133,151
245,337

1,323,283
199,488
—
121,754
2,742
$1,647,267

$ 275,764
551,905
112,881
231,978

1,172,528
200,833
556
112,644
3,710
$1,490,271

$ 175,107
448,115
140
623,362
1,159
42,888
667,409

$ 139,683
396,042
128
535,853
1,300
33,475
570,628

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

zero shares . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Common stock, $.001 par value authorized 260,000,000 shares; issued and

outstanding 135,134,064 and 137,466,421 shares . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Capital surplus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Accumulated other comprehensive income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Retained earnings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total stockholders’ equity. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

—

—

135
928,157
14,730
36,836
979,858

137
868,120
38,071
13,315
919,643

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$1,647,267

$1,490,271

ROBERT HALF INTERNATIONAL INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(in thousands, except per share amounts)

Years Ended December 31,

2014

2013

2012

Net service revenues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $4,695,014

$4,245,895

$4,111,213

Direct costs of services, consisting of payroll, payroll taxes, benefit

costs and reimbursable expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

2,772,098

2,522,803

2,462,153

Gross margin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

1,922,916

1,723,092

1,649,060

Selling, general and administrative expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

1,425,734

1,324,815

1,305,614

Amortization of intangible assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Interest income, net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Income before income taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Provision for income taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

557

(724)

497,349

191,421

1,700

(1,002)

397,579

145,384

398

(1,197)

344,245

134,303

Net income. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 305,928

$ 252,195

$ 209,942

Net income available to common stockholders—diluted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 305,928

$ 252,192

$ 208,867

Net income per share (Note L):

Shares:

Basic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $

Diluted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $

2.28

2.26

$

$

1.85

1.83

$

$

1.51

1.50

Basic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Diluted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

134,358

135,541

136,153

137,589

138,201

139,409

Cash dividends declared per share . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $

.72

$

.64

$

.60

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

24
24

24

The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 are an integral part of these financial statements.

25

robert_half_10k_FIN_1-54.indd   24

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2014 Annual Report • Robert Half 
 
 
 
 
 
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

ROBERT HALF INTERNATIONAL INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL POSITION

(in thousands, except share amounts)

December 31,

2014

2013

ASSETS

Cash and cash equivalents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$ 287,119

$ 275,764

Accounts receivable, less allowances of $30,544 and $27,261 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Current deferred income taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Other current assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

657,676

133,151

245,337

551,905

112,881

231,978

Total current assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

1,323,283

1,172,528

Goodwill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

199,488

200,833

Other intangible assets, net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Property and equipment, net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Other assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

—

121,754

2,742

556

112,644

3,710

Total assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$1,647,267

$1,490,271

LIABILITIES

Accounts payable and accrued expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$ 175,107

$ 139,683

Accrued payroll and benefit costs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

448,115

396,042

Current portion of notes payable and other indebtedness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

140

128

Total current liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

623,362

535,853

Notes payable and other indebtedness, less current portion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Other liabilities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

1,159

42,888

1,300

33,475

Total liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

667,409

570,628

Commitments and Contingencies (Note I)

STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

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

zero shares . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Common stock, $.001 par value authorized 260,000,000 shares; issued and

outstanding 135,134,064 and 137,466,421 shares . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Capital surplus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Accumulated other comprehensive income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Retained earnings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Total stockholders’ equity. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

—

135

928,157

14,730

36,836

979,858

—

137

868,120

38,071

13,315

919,643

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$1,647,267

$1,490,271

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

Years Ended December 31,

2014

2013

2012

Net service revenues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Direct costs of services, consisting of payroll, payroll taxes, benefit

costs and reimbursable expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$4,695,014

$4,245,895

$4,111,213

2,772,098

2,522,803

2,462,153

Gross margin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Selling, general and administrative expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Amortization of intangible assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Interest income, net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

1,922,916
1,425,734
557
(724)

1,723,092
1,324,815
1,700
(1,002)

1,649,060
1,305,614
398
(1,197)

Income before income taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Provision for income taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

497,349
191,421

397,579
145,384

344,245
134,303

Net income. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$ 305,928

$ 252,195

$ 209,942

Net income available to common stockholders—diluted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$ 305,928

$ 252,192

$ 208,867

Net income per share (Note L):

Basic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Diluted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$
$

2.28
2.26

$
$

1.85
1.83

$
$

1.51
1.50

Shares:

Basic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Diluted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

134,358
135,541

136,153
137,589

138,201
139,409

Cash dividends declared per share . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$

.72

$

.64

$

.60

The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 are an integral part of these financial statements.

24

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

25
25
25

robert_half_10k_FIN_1-54.indd   25

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2014 Annual Report • Robert Half 
 
 
 
 
 
ROBERT HALF INTERNATIONAL INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(in thousands)

 ROBERT HALF INTERNATIONAL INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

(in thousands, except per share amounts)

Years Ended December 31,

2014

2013

2012

Years Ended December 31,

2014

2013

2012

COMPREHENSIVE INCOME:

COMMON STOCK—SHARES:

Net income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total comprehensive income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$305,928
(23,341)
$282,587

$252,195
(5,708)
$246,487

$209,942
2,892
$212,834

Balance at beginning of period . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

137,466

139,439

142,086

Net issuances of restricted stock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Repurchases of common stock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Exercises of stock options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

938

(3,798)

528

1,091

(4,461)

1,397

1,443

(6,350)

2,260

Balance at end of period. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

135,134

137,466

139,439

COMMON STOCK—PAR VALUE:

Balance at beginning of period . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $

137

$

139

$

142

Net issuances of restricted stock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Repurchases of common stock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Exercises of stock options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(4)

1

1

(1)

—

(4)

1

1

(1)

—

(6)

1

2

(1)

(7,715)

(49,971)

41,464

42,936

11,904

Balance at end of period. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $

135

$

137

$

139

CAPITAL SURPLUS:

Balance at beginning of period . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 868,120

$ 798,093

$ 759,476

Net issuances of restricted stock at par value . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Repurchases of common stock—excess over par value . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Cash dividends ($.64 per share and $.60 per share) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

— (12,256)

Stock-based compensation expense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Exercises of stock options—excess over par value. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Tax impact of equity incentive plans. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

40,821

14,323

4,894

38,867

33,285

10,132

Balance at end of period. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 928,157

$ 868,120

$ 798,093

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME:

Balance at beginning of period . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 38,071

$ 43,779

$ 40,887

Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(23,341)

(5,708)

2,892

Balance at end of period. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 14,730

$ 38,071

$ 43,779

RETAINED EARNINGS:

Balance at beginning of period . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 13,315

$

— $

—

Net income. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

305,928

252,195

209,942

Repurchases of common stock—excess over par value . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(183,969)

(162,029)

(175,015)

Cash dividends ($.72 per share, $.64 per share and $.60 per share) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(98,438)

(76,851)

(34,927)

Balance at end of period. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 36,836

$ 13,315

$

—

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

26
26

26

The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 are an integral part of these financial statements.

27

robert_half_10k_FIN_1-54.indd   26

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2014 Annual Report • Robert Half 
 
 
 
 
 
ROBERT HALF INTERNATIONAL INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(in thousands)

 ROBERT HALF INTERNATIONAL INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
(in thousands, except per share amounts)

COMPREHENSIVE INCOME:

COMMON STOCK—SHARES:

Years Ended December 31,

2014

2013

2012

Years Ended December 31,

2014

2013

2012

Net income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$305,928

$252,195

$209,942

Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(23,341)

(5,708)

2,892

Total comprehensive income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$282,587

$246,487

$212,834

Balance at beginning of period . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net issuances of restricted stock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Repurchases of common stock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Exercises of stock options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

137,466
938
(3,798)
528

139,439
1,091
(4,461)
1,397

142,086
1,443
(6,350)
2,260

Balance at end of period. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

135,134

137,466

139,439

COMMON STOCK—PAR VALUE:

Balance at beginning of period . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net issuances of restricted stock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Repurchases of common stock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Exercises of stock options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$

$

137
1
(4)
1

$

139
1
(4)
1

Balance at end of period. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$

135

$

137

$

142
1
(6)
2

139

CAPITAL SURPLUS:

Balance at beginning of period . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net issuances of restricted stock at par value . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Repurchases of common stock—excess over par value . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cash dividends ($.64 per share and $.60 per share) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Stock-based compensation expense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Exercises of stock options—excess over par value. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tax impact of equity incentive plans. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$ 798,093
$ 868,120
(1)
(1)
—
—
— (12,256)
38,867
33,285
10,132

40,821
14,323
4,894

$ 759,476
(1)
(7,715)
(49,971)
41,464
42,936
11,904

Balance at end of period. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$ 928,157

$ 868,120

$ 798,093

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME:

Balance at beginning of period . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Balance at end of period. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$ 38,071
(23,341)
$ 14,730

$ 43,779
(5,708)
$ 38,071

$ 40,887
2,892
$ 43,779

RETAINED EARNINGS:

Balance at beginning of period . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net income. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Repurchases of common stock—excess over par value . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cash dividends ($.72 per share, $.64 per share and $.60 per share) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Balance at end of period. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$ 13,315
305,928
(183,969)
(98,438)
$ 36,836

$

— $

252,195
(162,029)
(76,851)
$ 13,315

—
209,942
(175,015)
(34,927)
—

$

The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 are an integral part of these financial statements.

26

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

27
27
27

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2014 Annual Report • Robert Half 
 
 
 
 
 
ROBERT HALF INTERNATIONAL INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(in thousands)

Years Ended December 31,

2014

2013

2012

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$ 305,928

$ 252,195

$ 209,942

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:

Amortization of intangible assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Depreciation expense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Stock-based compensation expense—restricted stock and stock

units . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Deferred income taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Provision for doubtful accounts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

557
49,124

40,821
(7,174)
(3,643)
9,825

1,700
47,072

398
48,326

38,867
(8,103)
(13,259)
7,467

41,464
(8,475)
(14,993)
7,133

Changes in assets and liabilities, net of effects of acquisitions:

Increase in accounts receivable. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Increase in accounts payable, accrued expenses, accrued payroll and benefit

costs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Increase (decrease) in income taxes payable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Change in other assets, net of change in other liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(134,917)

(47,699)

(21,354)

71,740
16,359
(7,922)

38,356
(11,927)
4,548

16,672
15,160
(5,096)

Net cash flows provided by operating activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

340,698

309,217

289,177

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:

Payments for acquisitions, net of cash acquired . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Capital expenditures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Payments to trusts for employee deferred compensation plans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

—
(62,830)
(25,811)

— (14,393)
(50,056)
(8,577)

(53,725)
(44,052)

Net cash flows used in investing activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(88,641)

(97,777)

(73,026)

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:

Repurchases of common stock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cash dividends paid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Decrease in notes payable and other indebtedness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Proceeds from exercises of stock options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net cash flows used in financing activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(153,821)
(97,604)
(128)
7,174
14,324
(230,055)

(167,975)
(89,187)
(4,496)
8,103
33,285
(220,270)

(176,794)
(84,129)
(107)
8,475
42,939
(209,616)

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(10,647)

(3,041)

1,764

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

11,355
275,764
$ 287,119

(11,871)
287,635
$ 275,764

8,299
279,336
$ 287,635

SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION:

Cash paid during the year for:

Interest. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Income taxes, net of refunds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$
330
$ 178,375

$
315
$ 168,407

$
405
$ 136,023

Non-cash items:

Stock repurchases awaiting settlement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$ 30,152

$

— $

5,942

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

28
28

28

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note A—Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Nature of Operations.    Robert Half International Inc. (the “Company”) provides specialized staffing and risk consulting 

services through such divisions as Accountemps®, Robert Half® Finance & Accounting, OfficeTeam®, Robert Half® Technology, 

Robert Half® Management Resources, Robert Half® Legal, The Creative Group®, and Protiviti®. The Company, through its 

Accountemps, Robert Half Finance & Accounting, and Robert Half Management Resources divisions, is a specialized provider 

of temporary, full-time, and senior-level project professionals in the fields of accounting and finance. OfficeTeam specializes in 

highly skilled temporary administrative support professionals. Robert Half Technology provides project and full-time 

technology professionals. Robert Half Legal provides temporary, project, and full-time staffing of lawyers, paralegals and legal 

support personnel. The Creative Group provides interactive, design, marketing, advertising and public relations professionals. 

Protiviti is a global consulting firm that helps companies solve problems in finance, technology, operations, governance, risk 

and internal audit, and is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company. Revenues are predominantly derived from specialized 

staffing services. The Company operates in North America, South America, Europe, Asia and Australia. The Company is a 

Delaware corporation.

Basis of Presentation.    The Consolidated Financial Statements (“Financial Statements”) of the Company are prepared in 

conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) and the rules of the 

Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). 

Principles of Consolidation.    The Financial Statements include the accounts of the Company and its subsidiaries, all of 

which are wholly-owned. All intercompany balances have been eliminated.

Use of Estimates. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make 

estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and 

liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. 

As of December 31, 2014, such estimates included allowances for uncollectible accounts receivable, workers’ compensation 

losses and income and other taxes. Management estimates are also utilized in the Company’s goodwill impairment assessment 

and in the valuation of stock grants subject to market conditions.

Revenue Recognition.    The Company derives its revenues from three segments: temporary and consultant staffing, 

permanent placement staffing, and risk consulting and internal audit services. Net service revenues as presented on the 

Consolidated Statements of Operations represent services rendered to customers less sales adjustments and allowances. 

Reimbursements, including those related to travel and out-of-pocket expenses, are also included in net service revenues, and 

equivalent amounts of reimbursable expenses are included in direct costs of services. The Company records revenue on a gross 

basis as a principal versus on a net basis as an agent in the presentation of revenues and expenses. The Company has concluded 

that gross reporting is appropriate because the Company (i) has the risk of identifying and hiring qualified employees, (ii) has 

the discretion to select the employees and establish their price and duties and (iii) bears the risk for services that are not fully 

paid for by customers.

Temporary and consultant staffing revenues—Temporary and consultant staffing revenues are recognized when the 

services are rendered by the Company’s temporary employees. Employees placed on temporary assignment by the Company 

are the Company’s legal employees while they are working on assignments. The Company pays all related costs of 

employment, including workers’ compensation insurance, state and federal unemployment taxes, social security and certain 

fringe benefits. The Company assumes the risk of acceptability of its employees to its customers.

Permanent placement staffing revenues—Permanent placement staffing revenues are recognized when employment 

candidates accept offers of permanent employment. The Company has a substantial history of estimating the effect of 

permanent placement candidates who do not remain with its clients through the 90-day guarantee period. Allowances are 

established to estimate these losses. Fees to clients are generally calculated as a percentage of the new employee’s annual 

compensation. No fees for permanent placement services are charged to employment candidates.

Risk consulting and internal audit revenues—Risk consulting and internal audit services are generally provided on a time-

and-material basis or fixed-fee basis. Revenues earned under time-and-material arrangements are recognized as services are 

provided. Revenues on fixed-fee arrangements are recognized using a proportional performance method as hours are incurred 

relative to total estimated hours for the engagement. The Company periodically evaluates the need to provide for any losses on 

these projects, and losses are recognized when it is probable that a loss will be incurred.

Costs of Services.    Direct costs of temporary and consultant staffing services consist of payroll, payroll taxes and benefit 

costs for the Company’s temporary employees, as well as reimbursable expenses. Direct costs of permanent placement staffing 

29

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2014 Annual Report • Robert Half 
 
ROBERT HALF INTERNATIONAL INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(in thousands)

Years Ended December 31,

2014

2013

2012

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:

Net income. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$ 305,928

$ 252,195

$ 209,942

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:

Amortization of intangible assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Depreciation expense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Stock-based compensation expense—restricted stock and stock

units . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Deferred income taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Provision for doubtful accounts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

557

49,124

40,821

(7,174)

(3,643)

9,825

1,700

47,072

398

48,326

38,867

(8,103)

(13,259)

7,467

41,464

(8,475)

(14,993)

7,133

Changes in assets and liabilities, net of effects of acquisitions:

Increase in accounts receivable. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(134,917)

(47,699)

(21,354)

Increase in accounts payable, accrued expenses, accrued payroll and benefit

costs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Increase (decrease) in income taxes payable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Change in other assets, net of change in other liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

71,740

16,359

(7,922)

38,356

(11,927)

4,548

16,672

15,160

(5,096)

Net cash flows provided by operating activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

340,698

309,217

289,177

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:

Payments for acquisitions, net of cash acquired . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Capital expenditures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Payments to trusts for employee deferred compensation plans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

—

(62,830)

(25,811)

— (14,393)

(53,725)

(44,052)

(50,056)

(8,577)

Net cash flows used in investing activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(88,641)

(97,777)

(73,026)

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:

Repurchases of common stock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(153,821)

(167,975)

(176,794)

Cash dividends paid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(97,604)

Decrease in notes payable and other indebtedness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Proceeds from exercises of stock options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(128)

7,174

14,324

(89,187)

(4,496)

8,103

33,285

(84,129)

(107)

8,475

42,939

Net cash flows used in financing activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(230,055)

(220,270)

(209,616)

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(10,647)

(3,041)

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

11,355

(11,871)

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

275,764

287,635

279,336

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$ 287,119

$ 275,764

$ 287,635

1,764

8,299

SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION:

Cash paid during the year for:

Interest. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$

330

$

315

$

405

Income taxes, net of refunds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$ 178,375

$ 168,407

$ 136,023

Non-cash items:

Stock repurchases awaiting settlement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$ 30,152

$

— $

5,942

The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 are an integral part of these financial statements.

28

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note A—Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Nature of Operations.    Robert Half International Inc. (the “Company”) provides specialized staffing and risk consulting 
services through such divisions as Accountemps®, Robert Half® Finance & Accounting, OfficeTeam®, Robert Half® Technology, 
Robert Half® Management Resources, Robert Half® Legal, The Creative Group®, and Protiviti®. The Company, through its 
Accountemps, Robert Half Finance & Accounting, and Robert Half Management Resources divisions, is a specialized provider 
of temporary, full-time, and senior-level project professionals in the fields of accounting and finance. OfficeTeam specializes in 
highly skilled temporary administrative support professionals. Robert Half Technology provides project and full-time 
technology professionals. Robert Half Legal provides temporary, project, and full-time staffing of lawyers, paralegals and legal 
support personnel. The Creative Group provides interactive, design, marketing, advertising and public relations professionals. 
Protiviti is a global consulting firm that helps companies solve problems in finance, technology, operations, governance, risk 
and internal audit, and is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company. Revenues are predominantly derived from specialized 
staffing services. The Company operates in North America, South America, Europe, Asia and Australia. The Company is a 
Delaware corporation.

Basis of Presentation.    The Consolidated Financial Statements (“Financial Statements”) of the Company are prepared in 

conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) and the rules of the 
Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). 

Principles of Consolidation.    The Financial Statements include the accounts of the Company and its subsidiaries, all of 

which are wholly-owned. All intercompany balances have been eliminated.

Use of Estimates. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make 

estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and 
liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. 
As of December 31, 2014, such estimates included allowances for uncollectible accounts receivable, workers’ compensation 
losses and income and other taxes. Management estimates are also utilized in the Company’s goodwill impairment assessment 
and in the valuation of stock grants subject to market conditions.

Revenue Recognition.    The Company derives its revenues from three segments: temporary and consultant staffing, 

permanent placement staffing, and risk consulting and internal audit services. Net service revenues as presented on the 
Consolidated Statements of Operations represent services rendered to customers less sales adjustments and allowances. 
Reimbursements, including those related to travel and out-of-pocket expenses, are also included in net service revenues, and 
equivalent amounts of reimbursable expenses are included in direct costs of services. The Company records revenue on a gross 
basis as a principal versus on a net basis as an agent in the presentation of revenues and expenses. The Company has concluded 
that gross reporting is appropriate because the Company (i) has the risk of identifying and hiring qualified employees, (ii) has 
the discretion to select the employees and establish their price and duties and (iii) bears the risk for services that are not fully 
paid for by customers.

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

Permanent placement staffing revenues—Permanent placement staffing revenues are recognized when employment 

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

Risk consulting and internal audit revenues—Risk consulting and internal audit services are generally provided on a time-

and-material basis or fixed-fee basis. Revenues earned under time-and-material arrangements are recognized as services are 
provided. Revenues on fixed-fee arrangements are recognized using a proportional performance method as hours are incurred 
relative to total estimated hours for the engagement. The Company periodically evaluates the need to provide for any losses on 
these projects, and losses are recognized when it is probable that a loss will be incurred.

Costs of Services.    Direct costs of temporary and consultant staffing services consist of payroll, payroll taxes and benefit 
costs for the Company’s temporary employees, as well as reimbursable expenses. Direct costs of permanent placement staffing 

29
29
29

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2014 Annual Report • Robert Half 
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

Note A—Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued)

Note A—Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued)

services consist of reimbursable expenses. Risk consulting and internal audit costs of services include professional staff payroll, 
payroll taxes and benefit costs, as well as reimbursable expenses.

Advertising Costs.    The Company expenses all advertising costs as incurred. Advertising costs for the years ended 

December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, are reflected in the following table (in thousands):

Advertising Costs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Years Ended December 31,

2014
$ 42,335

2013
$ 38,845

2012
$ 42,256

Comprehensive Income.    Comprehensive income includes net income and certain other items that are recorded directly 

to Stockholders’ Equity. The Company’s only source of other comprehensive income is foreign currency translation 
adjustments.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments.    The Company does not have any financial instruments which require re-

measurement to fair value. The carrying values of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable and accrued 
expenses represent fair value based upon their short-term nature.

Cash and Cash Equivalents.    The Company considers all highly liquid investments with a maturity at the date of 

purchase of three months or less as cash equivalents.

Goodwill and Intangible Assets.    Goodwill and intangible assets primarily consist of the cost of acquired companies in 
excess of the fair market value of their net tangible assets at the date of acquisition. Identifiable intangible assets are amortized 
over their lives, typically ranging from two to five years. Goodwill is not amortized, but is tested at least annually for 
impairment. The Company completed its annual goodwill impairment analysis as of June 30 in each of the three years ended 
December 31, 2014, and determined that no adjustment to the carrying value of goodwill was required. There were no events or 
changes in circumstances during the six months ended December 31, 2014 that caused the Company to perform an interim 
impairment assessment.

Income Tax Assets and Liabilities.    In establishing its deferred income tax assets and liabilities, the Company makes 
judgments and interpretations based on the enacted tax laws and published tax guidance that are applicable to its operations. 
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured and recorded using current enacted tax rates, which the Company expects will 
apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are recovered or settled. The likelihood of a material 
change in the Company’s expected realization of these assets is dependent on future taxable income, its ability to use foreign 
tax credit carryforwards and carrybacks, final U.S. and foreign tax settlements, and the effectiveness of its tax planning 
strategies in the various relevant jurisdictions.

The Company also evaluates the need for valuation allowances to reduce the deferred tax assets to realizable amounts. 

Management evaluates all positive and negative evidence and uses judgment regarding past and future events, including 
operating results, to help determine when it is more likely than not that all or some portion of the deferred tax assets may not be 
realized. When appropriate, a valuation allowance is recorded against deferred tax assets to offset future tax benefits that may 
not be realized. Valuation allowances of $29.6 million and $37.0 million were recorded as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, 
respectively. The valuation allowances recorded related primarily to net operating losses in certain foreign operations. If such 
losses are ultimately utilized to offset future operating income, the Company will recognize a tax benefit up to the full amount 
of the valuation reserve.

Workers’ Compensation.    Except for states which require participation in state-operated insurance funds, the Company 
retains the economic burden for the first $0.5 million per occurrence in workers’ compensation claims. Workers’ compensation 
includes ongoing healthcare and indemnity coverage for claims and may be paid over numerous years following the date of 
injury. Claims in excess of $0.5 million are insured. Workers’ compensation expense includes the insurance premiums for 
claims in excess of $0.5 million, claims administration fees charged by the Company’s workers’ compensation administrator, 
premiums paid to state-operated insurance funds, and an estimate for the Company’s liability for Incurred But Not Reported 
(“IBNR”) claims and for the ongoing development of existing claims.

The reserves for IBNR claims and for the ongoing development of existing claims in each reporting period includes 

estimates. The Company has established reserves for workers’ compensation claims using loss development rates which are 

estimated using periodic third party actuarial valuations based upon historical loss statistics which include the Company’s 

historical frequency and severity of workers’ compensation claims, and an estimate of future cost trends. While management 

believes that its assumptions and estimates are appropriate, significant differences in actual experience or significant changes in 

assumptions may materially affect the Company’s future results.

Foreign Currency Translation.    The results of operations of the Company’s foreign subsidiaries are translated at the 

monthly average exchange rates prevailing during the period. The financial position of the Company’s foreign subsidiaries is 

translated at the current exchange rates at the end of the period, and the related translation adjustments are recorded as a 

component of accumulated other comprehensive income within Stockholders’ Equity. Gains and losses resulting from foreign 

currency transactions are included as a component of selling, general and administrative expenses in the Consolidated 

Statements of Operations, and have not been material for all periods presented.

Stock-based Compensation.    Under various stock plans, officers, employees and outside directors have received or may 

receive grants of restricted stock, stock units, stock appreciation rights or options to purchase common stock.

The Company recognizes compensation expense equal to the grant-date fair value for all stock-based payment awards 

that are expected to vest. This expense is recorded on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period of the entire award, 

unless the awards are subject to performance conditions, in which case the Company recognizes compensation expense over the 

requisite service period of each separate vesting tranche. The Company determines the grant-date fair value of its restricted 

stock and stock unit awards using the fair market value of its stock on the grant date, unless the awards are subject to market 

conditions, in which case the Company utilizes a binomial-lattice model (i.e., Monte Carlo simulation model). The Monte Carlo 

simulation model utilizes multiple input variables to determine the stock-based compensation expense.

No stock appreciation rights have been granted under the Company’s existing stock plans. The Company has not granted 

any options to purchase common stock since 2006.

Property and Equipment.    Property and equipment are recorded at cost. Depreciation expense is computed using the 

straight-line method over the following useful lives:

Computer hardware . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 to 3 years

Computer software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 to 5 years

Furniture and equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 years

Leasehold improvements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Term of lease,

5 years maximum

Internal-use Software.    The Company capitalizes direct costs incurred in the development of internal-use software. 

Amounts capitalized are reported as a component of computer software within property and equipment. Internal-use software 

development costs capitalized for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, are reflected in the following table (in 

thousands):

Internal-use software development costs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 24,367

$ 13,027

$ 19,083

Years Ended December 31,

2014

2013

2012

30
30

30

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2014 Annual Report • Robert Half 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

Note A—Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued)

Note A—Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued)

services consist of reimbursable expenses. Risk consulting and internal audit costs of services include professional staff payroll, 

The reserves for IBNR claims and for the ongoing development of existing claims in each reporting period includes 

payroll taxes and benefit costs, as well as reimbursable expenses.

Advertising Costs.    The Company expenses all advertising costs as incurred. Advertising costs for the years ended 

December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, are reflected in the following table (in thousands):

Years Ended December 31,

2014

2013

2012

Advertising Costs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$ 42,335

$ 38,845

$ 42,256

Comprehensive Income.    Comprehensive income includes net income and certain other items that are recorded directly 

to Stockholders’ Equity. The Company’s only source of other comprehensive income is foreign currency translation 

adjustments.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments.    The Company does not have any financial instruments which require re-

measurement to fair value. The carrying values of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable and accrued 

expenses represent fair value based upon their short-term nature.

Cash and Cash Equivalents.    The Company considers all highly liquid investments with a maturity at the date of 

purchase of three months or less as cash equivalents.

Goodwill and Intangible Assets.    Goodwill and intangible assets primarily consist of the cost of acquired companies in 

excess of the fair market value of their net tangible assets at the date of acquisition. Identifiable intangible assets are amortized 

over their lives, typically ranging from two to five years. Goodwill is not amortized, but is tested at least annually for 

impairment. The Company completed its annual goodwill impairment analysis as of June 30 in each of the three years ended 

December 31, 2014, and determined that no adjustment to the carrying value of goodwill was required. There were no events or 

changes in circumstances during the six months ended December 31, 2014 that caused the Company to perform an interim 

impairment assessment.

Income Tax Assets and Liabilities.    In establishing its deferred income tax assets and liabilities, the Company makes 

judgments and interpretations based on the enacted tax laws and published tax guidance that are applicable to its operations. 

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured and recorded using current enacted tax rates, which the Company expects will 

apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are recovered or settled. The likelihood of a material 

change in the Company’s expected realization of these assets is dependent on future taxable income, its ability to use foreign 

tax credit carryforwards and carrybacks, final U.S. and foreign tax settlements, and the effectiveness of its tax planning 

strategies in the various relevant jurisdictions.

The Company also evaluates the need for valuation allowances to reduce the deferred tax assets to realizable amounts. 

Management evaluates all positive and negative evidence and uses judgment regarding past and future events, including 

operating results, to help determine when it is more likely than not that all or some portion of the deferred tax assets may not be 

realized. When appropriate, a valuation allowance is recorded against deferred tax assets to offset future tax benefits that may 

not be realized. Valuation allowances of $29.6 million and $37.0 million were recorded as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, 

respectively. The valuation allowances recorded related primarily to net operating losses in certain foreign operations. If such 

losses are ultimately utilized to offset future operating income, the Company will recognize a tax benefit up to the full amount 

of the valuation reserve.

Workers’ Compensation.    Except for states which require participation in state-operated insurance funds, the Company 

retains the economic burden for the first $0.5 million per occurrence in workers’ compensation claims. Workers’ compensation 

includes ongoing healthcare and indemnity coverage for claims and may be paid over numerous years following the date of 

injury. Claims in excess of $0.5 million are insured. Workers’ compensation expense includes the insurance premiums for 

claims in excess of $0.5 million, claims administration fees charged by the Company’s workers’ compensation administrator, 

premiums paid to state-operated insurance funds, and an estimate for the Company’s liability for Incurred But Not Reported 

(“IBNR”) claims and for the ongoing development of existing claims.

estimates. The Company has established reserves for workers’ compensation claims using loss development rates which are 
estimated using periodic third party actuarial valuations based upon historical loss statistics which include the Company’s 
historical frequency and severity of workers’ compensation claims, and an estimate of future cost trends. While management 
believes that its assumptions and estimates are appropriate, significant differences in actual experience or significant changes in 
assumptions may materially affect the Company’s future results.

Foreign Currency Translation.    The results of operations of the Company’s foreign subsidiaries are translated at the 

monthly average exchange rates prevailing during the period. The financial position of the Company’s foreign subsidiaries is 
translated at the current exchange rates at the end of the period, and the related translation adjustments are recorded as a 
component of accumulated other comprehensive income within Stockholders’ Equity. Gains and losses resulting from foreign 
currency transactions are included as a component of selling, general and administrative expenses in the Consolidated 
Statements of Operations, and have not been material for all periods presented.

Stock-based Compensation.    Under various stock plans, officers, employees and outside directors have received or may 

receive grants of restricted stock, stock units, stock appreciation rights or options to purchase common stock.

The Company recognizes compensation expense equal to the grant-date fair value for all stock-based payment awards 

that are expected to vest. This expense is recorded on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period of the entire award, 
unless the awards are subject to performance conditions, in which case the Company recognizes compensation expense over the 
requisite service period of each separate vesting tranche. The Company determines the grant-date fair value of its restricted 
stock and stock unit awards using the fair market value of its stock on the grant date, unless the awards are subject to market 
conditions, in which case the Company utilizes a binomial-lattice model (i.e., Monte Carlo simulation model). The Monte Carlo 
simulation model utilizes multiple input variables to determine the stock-based compensation expense.

No stock appreciation rights have been granted under the Company’s existing stock plans. The Company has not granted 

any options to purchase common stock since 2006.

Property and Equipment.    Property and equipment are recorded at cost. Depreciation expense is computed using the 

straight-line method over the following useful lives:

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

5 years maximum

Internal-use Software.    The Company capitalizes direct costs incurred in the development of internal-use software. 
Amounts capitalized are reported as a component of computer software within property and equipment. Internal-use software 
development costs capitalized for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, are reflected in the following table (in 
thousands):

Internal-use software development costs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Years Ended December 31,

2014
$ 24,367

2013
$ 13,027

2012
$ 19,083

30

31
31
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2014 Annual Report • Robert Half 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

Note B—New Accounting Pronouncements

Income Taxes.    In September 2013, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued authoritative guidance 
in regards to the presentation of unrecognized tax benefits when a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax 
credit carryforward exists. The amendment states that an unrecognized tax benefit or a portion of the unrecognized tax benefit 
should be presented in the financial statements as a reduction to a deferred tax asset for a net operating loss carryforward, a 
similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward. This authoritative guidance is to be applied for fiscal years, and interim periods 
within those years, beginning after December 15, 2013. The adoption of this guidance in 2014 did not have an impact on the 
Company’s Financial Statements.

Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity. In April 2014, the FASB 

issued authoritative guidance in regards to the criteria for reporting discontinued operations while enhancing disclosures in this 
area. Under the new guidance, only disposals representing a strategic shift in operations should be presented as discontinued 
operations. In addition, the new guidance requires expanded disclosures about discontinued operations that will provide 
financial statement users with more information about the assets, liabilities, income, and expenses of discontinued operations. 
The amendments in the authoritative guidance are effective in the first quarter of 2015 for public organizations with calendar 
year-ends.  The Company does not expect the adoption of this guidance to have a material impact on its Financial Statements.

Revenue from Contracts with Customers. In May 2014, the FASB issued authoritative guidance that provides companies 

with a single model for use in accounting for revenue arising from contracts with customers and supersedes current revenue 
recognition guidance, including industry-specific revenue guidance.  The new guidance requires a company to recognize 
revenue to depict the transfer of goods or services to a customer at an amount that reflects the consideration it expects to receive 
in exchange for those goods or services. It also requires additional disclosure about the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty 
of revenue and cash flows arising from customer contracts, including significant judgments and changes in judgments and 
assets recognized from costs incurred to obtain or fulfill a contract.  The new guidance is effective for annual reporting periods 
beginning after December 15, 2016. Early adoption is not permitted. The guidance permits companies to either apply the 
requirements retrospectively to all prior periods presented, or apply the requirements in the year of adoption, through a 
cumulative adjustment. The Company is in the process of evaluating the impact of adoption of this guidance on its Financial 
Statements.

Note C—Other Current Assets

Other current assets consisted of the following (in thousands):

Deposits in trusts for employee deferred compensation plans. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

December 31,

2014
$172,237
73,100
$245,337

2013
$149,391
82,587
$231,978

Note D—Goodwill

thousands):

The following table sets forth the activity in goodwill from December 31, 2012, through December 31, 2014 (in 

Balance as of December 31, 2012 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $201,339

Acquisitions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Foreign currency translation adjustments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

13

(519)

Balance as of December 31, 2013 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $200,833

Acquisitions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

—

Foreign currency translation adjustments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(1,345)

Balance as of December 31, 2014 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $199,488

Goodwill

Note E—Property and Equipment, Net

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

December 31,

2014

2013

Computer hardware . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 159,309

$ 148,541

Computer software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Furniture and equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Leasehold improvements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Other. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Property and equipment, cost . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

312,968

105,262

113,782

9,045

700,366

288,532

111,426

118,868

11,488

678,855

Accumulated depreciation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(578,612)

(566,211)

Property and equipment, net. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 121,754

$ 112,644

Note F—Accrued Payroll and Benefit Costs 

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

Payroll and benefits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $213,962

$184,084

Employee deferred compensation plans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

181,709

150,629

Workers’ compensation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Payroll taxes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Included in employee deferred compensation plans is the following (in thousands):

December 31,

2014

2013

26,127

26,317

26,671

34,658

$448,115

$396,042

December 31,

2014

2013

Deferred compensation plan and other benefits related to the

Company’s Chief Executive Officer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 79,060

$ 75,745

32
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2014 Annual Report • Robert Half 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income Taxes.    In September 2013, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued authoritative guidance 

in regards to the presentation of unrecognized tax benefits when a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax 

credit carryforward exists. The amendment states that an unrecognized tax benefit or a portion of the unrecognized tax benefit 

should be presented in the financial statements as a reduction to a deferred tax asset for a net operating loss carryforward, a 

similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward. This authoritative guidance is to be applied for fiscal years, and interim periods 

within those years, beginning after December 15, 2013. The adoption of this guidance in 2014 did not have an impact on the 

Company’s Financial Statements.

Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity. In April 2014, the FASB 

issued authoritative guidance in regards to the criteria for reporting discontinued operations while enhancing disclosures in this 

area. Under the new guidance, only disposals representing a strategic shift in operations should be presented as discontinued 

operations. In addition, the new guidance requires expanded disclosures about discontinued operations that will provide 

financial statement users with more information about the assets, liabilities, income, and expenses of discontinued operations. 

The amendments in the authoritative guidance are effective in the first quarter of 2015 for public organizations with calendar 

year-ends.  The Company does not expect the adoption of this guidance to have a material impact on its Financial Statements.

Revenue from Contracts with Customers. In May 2014, the FASB issued authoritative guidance that provides companies 

with a single model for use in accounting for revenue arising from contracts with customers and supersedes current revenue 

recognition guidance, including industry-specific revenue guidance.  The new guidance requires a company to recognize 

revenue to depict the transfer of goods or services to a customer at an amount that reflects the consideration it expects to receive 

in exchange for those goods or services. It also requires additional disclosure about the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty 

of revenue and cash flows arising from customer contracts, including significant judgments and changes in judgments and 

assets recognized from costs incurred to obtain or fulfill a contract.  The new guidance is effective for annual reporting periods 

beginning after December 15, 2016. Early adoption is not permitted. The guidance permits companies to either apply the 

requirements retrospectively to all prior periods presented, or apply the requirements in the year of adoption, through a 

cumulative adjustment. The Company is in the process of evaluating the impact of adoption of this guidance on its Financial 

Statements.

Note C—Other Current Assets

Other current assets consisted of the following (in thousands):

Deposits in trusts for employee deferred compensation plans. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$172,237

$149,391

Other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

73,100

82,587

December 31,

2014

2013

$245,337

$231,978

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

Note B—New Accounting Pronouncements

Note D—Goodwill

The following table sets forth the activity in goodwill from December 31, 2012, through December 31, 2014 (in 

thousands):

Goodwill

Acquisitions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Foreign currency translation adjustments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Balance as of December 31, 2012 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $201,339
13
(519)
Balance as of December 31, 2013 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $200,833
—
(1,345)
Balance as of December 31, 2014 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $199,488

Acquisitions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Foreign currency translation adjustments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Note E—Property and Equipment, Net

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

Computer hardware . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Computer software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Furniture and equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Leasehold improvements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Property and equipment, cost . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Accumulated depreciation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Property and equipment, net. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Note F—Accrued Payroll and Benefit Costs 

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

Payroll and benefits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Employee deferred compensation plans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Workers’ compensation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Payroll taxes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Included in employee deferred compensation plans is the following (in thousands):

December 31,

2014
$ 159,309
312,968
105,262
113,782
9,045
700,366
(578,612)
$ 121,754

2013
$ 148,541
288,532
111,426
118,868
11,488
678,855
(566,211)
$ 112,644

December 31,

2014
$213,962
181,709
26,127
26,317
$448,115

2013
$184,084
150,629
26,671
34,658
$396,042

December 31,

2014

2013

Deferred compensation plan and other benefits related to the

Company’s Chief Executive Officer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 79,060

$ 75,745

32

33
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2014 Annual Report • Robert Half 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

Note H—Income Taxes (continued)

Note G—Notes Payable and Other Indebtedness

The Company issued promissory notes as well as other forms of indebtedness in connection with certain acquisitions and 

other payment obligations. These are due in varying installments, carry varying interest rates and, in aggregate, amounted to 
$1.3 million at December 31, 2014, and $1.4 million at December 31, 2013. At December 31, 2014, $1.3 million of the notes 
were collateralized by a standby letter of credit. The following table shows the schedule of maturities for notes payable and 
other indebtedness at December 31, 2014 (in thousands):

2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 140
153
2016 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
167
2017 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
183
2018 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
200
2019 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
456
Thereafter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$1,299

At December 31, 2014, the notes carried fixed rates and the weighted average interest rate for the above was 9.0% for 

each of the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012.

The Company has an uncommitted letter of credit facility (the “facility”) of up to $35.0 million, which is available to 
cover the issuance of debt support standby letters of credit. The Company had used $16.6 million in debt support standby letters 
of credit as of December 31, 2014 and $18.6 million as of December 31, 2013. Of the debt support standby letters of credit 
outstanding, $15.3 million as of December 31, 2014 and $17.1 million as of December 31, 2013, satisfies workers’ 
compensation insurer’s collateral requirements. There is a service fee of 1.125% on the used portion of the facility. The facility 
is subject to certain financial covenants and expires on August 31, 2015. The Company intends to renew this facility prior to its 
August 31, 2015 expiration.

Note H—Income Taxes

The provision (benefit) for income taxes for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, consisted of the 

following (in thousands):

The income taxes shown above varied from the statutory federal income tax rates for these periods as follows:

Years Ended December 31,

2014

2013

2012

Federal U.S. income tax rate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

35.0% 35.0% 35.0%

State income taxes, net of federal tax benefit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Non-deductible expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Non-U.S. income taxed at different rates, net of foreign tax

credits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Federal tax credits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Tax impact of uncertain tax positions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Valuation allowance release, net. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Other, net. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

4.2

0.6

(0.2)

(0.6)

(0.1)

(0.3)

(0.1)

4.3

0.7

(1.0)

(1.3)

0.1

(1.0)

(0.2)

4.0

0.8

0.7

(0.3)

(1.2)

—

—

Effective tax rate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

38.5% 36.6% 39.0%

The deferred portion of the tax provision (benefit) consisted of the following (in thousands):

Years Ended December 31,

2014

2013

2012

Amortization of franchise rights. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $

514

$

Amortization of other intangibles. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

1,241

514

621

$

514

1,180

Accrued expenses, deducted for tax when paid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(14,221)

(11,190)

(13,494)

Capitalized costs for books, deducted for tax. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Depreciation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Federal impact of unrecognized tax benefits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Foreign tax credit carryforwards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Other, net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

8,809

(4,147)

44

(186)

4,303

3,019

(2,597)

(274)

(3,449)

7,395

(7,813)

478

—

97

(3,253)

$ (3,643) $(13,259) $(14,993)

The deferred income tax amounts included on the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position are composed of the 

following (in thousands):

Current deferred income tax assets, net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 133,151

$ 112,881

Long-term deferred income tax liabilities, net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(26,807)

(10,601)

December 31,

2014

2013

$ 106,344

$ 102,280

Years Ended December 31,
2013

2012

2014

Current:

Federal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
State . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Foreign. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$146,633
33,054
15,377

$114,687
27,358
16,598

$ 99,354
24,339
25,603

Deferred:

Federal and state . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Foreign. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(4,626)
983
$191,421

(7,759)
(5,500)
$145,384

(15,188)
195
$134,303

Income before the provision for income taxes for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, consisted of the 

following (in thousands):

Domestic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Foreign . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Years Ended December 31,
2013
$357,382
40,197
$397,579

2012
$286,537
57,708
$344,245

2014
$449,834
47,515
$497,349

34
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2014 Annual Report • Robert Half 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Note G—Notes Payable and Other Indebtedness

The Company issued promissory notes as well as other forms of indebtedness in connection with certain acquisitions and 

other payment obligations. These are due in varying installments, carry varying interest rates and, in aggregate, amounted to 

$1.3 million at December 31, 2014, and $1.4 million at December 31, 2013. At December 31, 2014, $1.3 million of the notes 

were collateralized by a standby letter of credit. The following table shows the schedule of maturities for notes payable and 

other indebtedness at December 31, 2014 (in thousands):

2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 140

2016 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

2017 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

2018 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

2019 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Thereafter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

153

167

183

200

456

$1,299

The Company has an uncommitted letter of credit facility (the “facility”) of up to $35.0 million, which is available to 

cover the issuance of debt support standby letters of credit. The Company had used $16.6 million in debt support standby letters 

of credit as of December 31, 2014 and $18.6 million as of December 31, 2013. Of the debt support standby letters of credit 

outstanding, $15.3 million as of December 31, 2014 and $17.1 million as of December 31, 2013, satisfies workers’ 

compensation insurer’s collateral requirements. There is a service fee of 1.125% on the used portion of the facility. The facility 

is subject to certain financial covenants and expires on August 31, 2015. The Company intends to renew this facility prior to its 

August 31, 2015 expiration.

Note H—Income Taxes

following (in thousands):

The provision (benefit) for income taxes for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, consisted of the 

Current:

Deferred:

Federal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$146,633

$114,687

$ 99,354

State . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Foreign. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

33,054

15,377

27,358

16,598

24,339

25,603

Federal and state . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Foreign. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(4,626)

983

(7,759)

(5,500)

(15,188)

195

$191,421

$145,384

$134,303

Income before the provision for income taxes for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, consisted of the 

following (in thousands):

Domestic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$449,834

$357,382

$286,537

Foreign . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

47,515

40,197

57,708

$497,349

$397,579

$344,245

Years Ended December 31,

2014

2013

2012

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

Note H—Income Taxes (continued)

The income taxes shown above varied from the statutory federal income tax rates for these periods as follows:

Years Ended December 31,

Federal U.S. income tax rate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
State income taxes, net of federal tax benefit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Non-deductible expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Non-U.S. income taxed at different rates, net of foreign tax

credits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Federal tax credits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tax impact of uncertain tax positions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Valuation allowance release, net. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other, net. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Effective tax rate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

2012

2014
2013
35.0% 35.0% 35.0%
4.3
4.2
0.7
0.6

4.0
0.8

(1.0)
(0.2)
(1.3)
(0.6)
0.1
(0.1)
(1.0)
(0.3)
(0.1)
(0.2)
38.5% 36.6% 39.0%

0.7
(0.3)
(1.2)
—
—

At December 31, 2014, the notes carried fixed rates and the weighted average interest rate for the above was 9.0% for 

The deferred portion of the tax provision (benefit) consisted of the following (in thousands):

each of the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012.

Years Ended December 31,
2013

2012

2014

Amortization of franchise rights. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Amortization of other intangibles. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Accrued expenses, deducted for tax when paid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Capitalized costs for books, deducted for tax. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Depreciation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Federal impact of unrecognized tax benefits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Foreign tax credit carryforwards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other, net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$

$

$

514
1,241
(14,221)
8,809
(4,147)
44
(186)
4,303

514
1,180
(13,494)
7,395
(7,813)
478
—
(3,253)
$ (3,643) $(13,259) $(14,993)

514
621
(11,190)
3,019
(2,597)
(274)
(3,449)
97

Years Ended December 31,

2014

2013

2012

following (in thousands):

The deferred income tax amounts included on the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position are composed of the 

Current deferred income tax assets, net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Long-term deferred income tax liabilities, net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

December 31,

2014
$ 133,151
(26,807)
$ 106,344

2013
$ 112,881
(10,601)
$ 102,280

34

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2014 Annual Report • Robert Half 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

Note H—Income Taxes (continued)

Note H—Income Taxes (continued)

The components of the deferred income tax amounts at December 31, 2014 and 2013, were as follows (in thousands):

December 31,

2014

2013

Deferred Income Tax Assets

Provision for bad debts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Deferred compensation and other benefit obligations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Workers’ compensation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Stock-based compensation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Credits and net operating loss carryforwards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$

9,210
83,065
9,138
14,572
39,309
25,316

$

8,012
72,227
9,538
12,067
49,556
25,953

Total deferred income tax assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

180,610

177,353

Deferred Income Tax Liabilities

Amortization of intangible assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Property and equipment basis differences . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Total deferred income tax liabilities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Valuation allowance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(25,060)
(12,384)
(7,261)

(44,705)
(29,561)

(23,305)
(8,098)
(6,626)

(38,029)
(37,044)

Total deferred income tax assets, net. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$106,344

$102,280

Credits and net operating loss carryforwards primarily include net operating losses in foreign countries of $29.9 million 

that expire in 2015 and later; foreign tax credits of $3.6 million that expire in 2024; and California enterprise zone tax credits of 
$5.7 million that expire in 2023. Of the $5.7 million of California enterprise zone credits, the Company expects that it will 
utilize $3.1 million of these credits prior to expiration.

The Company has not provided deferred income taxes or foreign withholding taxes on $3.7 million and $2.8 million of 

undistributed earnings of its non-U.S. subsidiaries as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, since the Company intends 
to reinvest these earnings indefinitely. The U.S. tax impact upon repatriation, net of foreign tax credits, would be zero for the 
years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013.

FASB authoritative guidance prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement attribute criteria for the financial 
statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. The literature also 
provides guidance on derecognition, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosure and 
transition.

The following table reconciles the total amounts of gross unrecognized tax benefits from January 1, 2012 to 

December 31, 2014 (in thousands):

Balance at beginning of period . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gross increases—tax positions in prior years . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gross decreases—tax positions in prior years . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gross increases—tax positions in current year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Settlements. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lapse of statute of limitations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Balance at end of period . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

December 31,
2013

$ 7,097
559
(369)
38
—
(1,215)
$ 6,110

2014

$ 6,110
1
(333)
35
—
(1,240)
$ 4,573

2012

$11,669
352
(273)
42
(252)
(4,441)
$ 7,097

The total amount of unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would impact the effective tax rate is $0.9 million, $1.3 

million and $1.0 million for 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

36
36

36

The Company’s continuing practice is to recognize interest and penalties related to income tax matters in income tax 

expense. The total amount of interest and penalties accrued as of December 31, 2014, is $2.5 million, including a $0.3 million 

reduction recorded in income tax expense during the year. The total amount of interest and penalties accrued as of 

December 31, 2013, was $2.8 million, including a $0.3 million reduction recorded in income tax expense during the year. The 

total amount of interest and penalties accrued as of December 31, 2012, was $3.1 million, including a $2.3 million reduction 

recorded in income tax expense during the year.

The Company believes it is reasonably possible that the settlement of certain tax uncertainties could occur within the next 

twelve months; accordingly, $2.2 million of the unrecognized gross tax benefit has been classified as a current liability as of 

December 31, 2014. This amount primarily represents unrecognized tax benefits composed of items related to assessed state 

income tax audits and negotiations.

The Company’s major income tax jurisdictions are the United States, Australia, Belgium, Canada, France, Germany and 

the United Kingdom. For U.S. federal income tax, the Company remains subject to examination for 2011 and subsequent years. 

For major U.S. states, with few exceptions, the Company remains subject to examination for 2010 and subsequent years. 

Generally, for the foreign countries, the Company remains subject to examination for 2007 and subsequent years.

Note I—Commitments and Contingencies

Rental expense, primarily for office premises, amounted to $89.9 million, $92.7 million and $96.8 million for the years 

ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. The approximate minimum rental commitments for 2015 and thereafter 

under non-cancelable leases in effect at December 31, 2014 were as follows (in thousands):

2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 84,458

2016 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

2017 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

2018 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

2019 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Thereafter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

66,375

52,212

36,751

26,442

77,567

$343,805

Additionally, as of December 31, 2014, the Company had future purchase commitments of approximately $76 million 

over the next three years primarily related to telecom service agreements, software licenses and subscriptions, and computer 

hardware and software maintenance agreements.

On April 23, 2010, Plaintiffs David Opalinski and James McCabe, on behalf of themselves and a putative class of 

similarly situated Staffing Managers, filed a Complaint in the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey 

naming the Company and one of its subsidiaries as Defendants. The Complaint alleges that salaried Staffing Managers located 

throughout the U.S. have been misclassified as exempt from the Fair Labor Standards Act’s overtime pay requirements. 

Plaintiffs seek an unspecified amount for unpaid overtime on behalf of themselves and the class they purport to represent. 

Plaintiffs also seek an unspecified amount for statutory penalties, attorneys’ fees and other damages. On October 6, 2011, the 

Court granted the Company’s motion to compel arbitration of the Plaintiffs’ allegations. At this stage, it is not feasible to predict 

the outcome of or a range of loss, should a loss occur, from these allegations and, accordingly, no amounts have been provided 

in the Company’s financial statements. The Company believes it has meritorious defenses to the allegations, and the Company 

intends to continue to vigorously defend against the allegations.

On March 13, 2014, Plaintiff Leonor Rodriguez, on her own behalf and on behalf of a putative class of allegedly similarly 

situated individuals, filed a complaint against the Company in the Superior Court of California, San Diego County. The 

complaint alleges that a putative class of current and former employees of the Company working in California since March 13, 

2011 were denied compensation for the time they spent interviewing with clients of the Company as well as performing 

activities related to the interview process. Rodriguez seeks recovery on her own behalf and on behalf of the putative class in an 

unspecified amount for this allegedly unpaid compensation. Rodriguez also seeks recovery of an unspecified amount for the 

alleged failure of the Company to provide her and the putative class with accurate wage statements. Rodriguez also seeks an 

unspecified amount of other damages, attorneys’ fees, and statutory penalties, including but not limited to statutory penalties on 

37

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2014 Annual Report • Robert Half 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

Note H—Income Taxes (continued)

Note H—Income Taxes (continued)

The components of the deferred income tax amounts at December 31, 2014 and 2013, were as follows (in thousands):

December 31,

2014

2013

Deferred Income Tax Assets

Provision for bad debts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$

9,210

$

8,012

Deferred compensation and other benefit obligations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Workers’ compensation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Stock-based compensation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Credits and net operating loss carryforwards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Other. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

83,065

9,138

14,572

39,309

25,316

72,227

9,538

12,067

49,556

25,953

Total deferred income tax assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

180,610

177,353

Deferred Income Tax Liabilities

Amortization of intangible assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Property and equipment basis differences . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Other. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(25,060)

(12,384)

(7,261)

(23,305)

(8,098)

(6,626)

Total deferred income tax liabilities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(44,705)

(38,029)

Valuation allowance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(29,561)

(37,044)

Total deferred income tax assets, net. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$106,344

$102,280

Credits and net operating loss carryforwards primarily include net operating losses in foreign countries of $29.9 million 

that expire in 2015 and later; foreign tax credits of $3.6 million that expire in 2024; and California enterprise zone tax credits of 

$5.7 million that expire in 2023. Of the $5.7 million of California enterprise zone credits, the Company expects that it will 

utilize $3.1 million of these credits prior to expiration.

The Company has not provided deferred income taxes or foreign withholding taxes on $3.7 million and $2.8 million of 

undistributed earnings of its non-U.S. subsidiaries as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, since the Company intends 

to reinvest these earnings indefinitely. The U.S. tax impact upon repatriation, net of foreign tax credits, would be zero for the 

years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013.

FASB authoritative guidance prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement attribute criteria for the financial 

statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. The literature also 

provides guidance on derecognition, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosure and 

transition.

December 31, 2014 (in thousands):

The following table reconciles the total amounts of gross unrecognized tax benefits from January 1, 2012 to 

Balance at beginning of period . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$ 6,110

$ 7,097

$11,669

Gross increases—tax positions in prior years . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Gross decreases—tax positions in prior years . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(333)

Gross increases—tax positions in current year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Settlements. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Lapse of statute of limitations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(1,240)

(1,215)

Balance at end of period . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$ 4,573

$ 6,110

$ 7,097

December 31,

2014

2013

2012

1

35

—

559

(369)

38

—

352

(273)

42

(252)

(4,441)

The total amount of unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would impact the effective tax rate is $0.9 million, $1.3 

million and $1.0 million for 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

The Company’s continuing practice is to recognize interest and penalties related to income tax matters in income tax 

expense. The total amount of interest and penalties accrued as of December 31, 2014, is $2.5 million, including a $0.3 million 
reduction recorded in income tax expense during the year. The total amount of interest and penalties accrued as of 
December 31, 2013, was $2.8 million, including a $0.3 million reduction recorded in income tax expense during the year. The 
total amount of interest and penalties accrued as of December 31, 2012, was $3.1 million, including a $2.3 million reduction 
recorded in income tax expense during the year.

The Company believes it is reasonably possible that the settlement of certain tax uncertainties could occur within the next 

twelve months; accordingly, $2.2 million of the unrecognized gross tax benefit has been classified as a current liability as of 
December 31, 2014. This amount primarily represents unrecognized tax benefits composed of items related to assessed state 
income tax audits and negotiations.

The Company’s major income tax jurisdictions are the United States, Australia, Belgium, Canada, France, Germany and 

the United Kingdom. For U.S. federal income tax, the Company remains subject to examination for 2011 and subsequent years. 
For major U.S. states, with few exceptions, the Company remains subject to examination for 2010 and subsequent years. 
Generally, for the foreign countries, the Company remains subject to examination for 2007 and subsequent years.

Note I—Commitments and Contingencies

Rental expense, primarily for office premises, amounted to $89.9 million, $92.7 million and $96.8 million for the years 

ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. The approximate minimum rental commitments for 2015 and thereafter 
under non-cancelable leases in effect at December 31, 2014 were as follows (in thousands):

2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 84,458
66,375
2016 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
52,212
2017 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
36,751
2018 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
26,442
2019 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
77,567
Thereafter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$343,805

Additionally, as of December 31, 2014, the Company had future purchase commitments of approximately $76 million 
over the next three years primarily related to telecom service agreements, software licenses and subscriptions, and computer 
hardware and software maintenance agreements.

On April 23, 2010, Plaintiffs David Opalinski and James McCabe, on behalf of themselves and a putative class of 
similarly situated Staffing Managers, filed a Complaint in the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey 
naming the Company and one of its subsidiaries as Defendants. The Complaint alleges that salaried Staffing Managers located 
throughout the U.S. have been misclassified as exempt from the Fair Labor Standards Act’s overtime pay requirements. 
Plaintiffs seek an unspecified amount for unpaid overtime on behalf of themselves and the class they purport to represent. 
Plaintiffs also seek an unspecified amount for statutory penalties, attorneys’ fees and other damages. On October 6, 2011, the 
Court granted the Company’s motion to compel arbitration of the Plaintiffs’ allegations. At this stage, it is not feasible to predict 
the outcome of or a range of loss, should a loss occur, from these allegations and, accordingly, no amounts have been provided 
in the Company’s financial statements. The Company believes it has meritorious defenses to the allegations, and the Company 
intends to continue to vigorously defend against the allegations.

On March 13, 2014, Plaintiff Leonor Rodriguez, on her own behalf and on behalf of a putative class of allegedly similarly 

situated individuals, filed a complaint against the Company in the Superior Court of California, San Diego County. The 
complaint alleges that a putative class of current and former employees of the Company working in California since March 13, 
2011 were denied compensation for the time they spent interviewing with clients of the Company as well as performing 
activities related to the interview process. Rodriguez seeks recovery on her own behalf and on behalf of the putative class in an 
unspecified amount for this allegedly unpaid compensation. Rodriguez also seeks recovery of an unspecified amount for the 
alleged failure of the Company to provide her and the putative class with accurate wage statements. Rodriguez also seeks an 
unspecified amount of other damages, attorneys’ fees, and statutory penalties, including but not limited to statutory penalties on 

36

37
37
37

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2014 Annual Report • Robert Half 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

Note I—Commitments and Contingencies (continued)

Note J—Stockholders’ Equity (continued)

behalf of herself and other allegedly “aggrieved employees” as defined by California’s Labor Code Private Attorney General 
Act (“PAGA”). On October 10, 2014, the Court granted a motion by the Company to compel all of Rodriguez’s claims, except 
the PAGA claim, to individual arbitration. At this stage of the litigation, it is not feasible to predict the outcome of or a range of 
loss, should a loss occur, from this proceeding and, accordingly, no amounts have been provided in the Company’s Financial 
Statements. The Company believes it has meritorious defenses to the allegations and the Company intends to continue to 
vigorously defend against the litigation.

On September 5, 2014, Plaintiff Theresa Daniels, on behalf of herself and a putative class of salaried Recruiting  

Managers, filed a complaint in California Superior Court naming the Company as Defendant. The complaint alleges that  
salaried Recruiting Managers based in California have been misclassified under California law as exempt employees, and seeks 
an unspecified amount for unpaid overtime pay alleged to be due to them had they been paid as non-exempt hourly employees, 
as well as statutory penalties for alleged violations of the California Labor Code arising from such alleged misclassification. 
The complaint also alleges a claim under California Business and Professions Code section 17200 for unfair competition. The 
Plaintiff also seeks an unspecified amount for other damages, attorneys’ fees, and statutory penalties. On or about September  
17, 2014, the Plaintiff provided written notice to the California Labor and Workforce Development Agency of her alleged 
claims. On October 27, 2014, the Plaintiff filed a First Amended Complaint adding a representative claim and request for 
penalties under  the California Private Attorney General Act. At this stage of the litigation, it is not feasible to predict the 
outcome of or a range of loss, should a loss occur, from this proceeding, and accordingly, no amounts have been provided in the 
Company’s financial statements. The Company believes it has meritorious defenses to the allegations in this case, and the 
Company intends to continue to vigorously defend against the litigation.

The Company is involved in a number of other lawsuits arising in the ordinary course of business. While management 
does not expect any of these other matters to have a material adverse effect on the Company’s results of operations, financial 
position or cash flows, litigation is subject to certain inherent uncertainties.

Legal costs associated with the resolution of claims, lawsuits and other contingencies are expensed as incurred.

Note J—Stockholders’ Equity

Stock Repurchase Program.    As of December 31, 2014, the Company is authorized to repurchase, from time to time, up 

to 4.8 million additional shares of the Company’s common stock on the open market or in privately negotiated transactions, 
depending on market conditions. The number and the cost of common stock shares repurchased during the years ended 
December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, are reflected in the following table (in thousands):

Common stock repurchased (in shares) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Common stock repurchased . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Years Ended December 31,

2014
3,336
$161,587

2013
3,305
$117,864

2012
4,689
$132,691

Additional stock repurchases were made in connection with employee stock plans, whereby Company shares were 
tendered by employees for the payment of exercise price and applicable statutory withholding taxes. The number and the cost of 
employee stock plan repurchases made during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, are reflected in the 
following table (in thousands):

Employee stock plan repurchased (in shares) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Employee stock plan repurchased. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

462
$ 22,386

2014

2013
1,157
$ 44,169

2012
1,661
$ 50,045

Years Ended December 31,

The repurchased shares are held in treasury and are presented as if constructively retired. Treasury stock is accounted for 
using the cost method. Treasury stock activity for each of the three years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 (consisting 
of stock option exercises and the purchase of shares for the treasury) is presented in the Consolidated Statements of 
Stockholders’ Equity.

Cash Dividends. The Company’s Board of Directors may at their discretion declare and pay dividends upon the shares of 

the Company’s stock either out of the Company’s retained earnings or capital surplus. The cash dividends declared during the 

years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, are reflected in the following table:

Cash dividends declared per share . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ .72

$ .64

$ .60

Repurchases of shares and issuances of cash dividends are applied first to the extent of retained earnings and any 

remaining amounts are applied to capital surplus.

Years Ended December 31,

2014

2013

2012

Note K—Stock Plans

Under various stock plans, officers, employees, and outside directors have received or may receive grants of restricted 

stock, stock units, stock appreciation rights or options to purchase common stock. Grants have been made at the discretion of 

the Committees of the Board of Directors. Grants generally vest either on a straight-line basis over four years or on a cliff basis 

over three years. Shares offered under the plan are authorized but unissued shares or treasury shares.

Options currently outstanding under the plans have an exercise price equal to the fair market value of the Company’s 

common stock at the date of grant and consist of non-statutory stock options under the Internal Revenue Code, and generally 

have a term of 10 years.  The Company has not granted any options to purchase common stock since 2006.

Recipients of restricted stock do not pay any cash consideration to the Company for the shares, have the right to vote all 

shares subject to such grant, and for grants made prior to July 28, 2009, receive all dividends with respect to such shares on the 

dividend payment dates, whether or not the shares have vested as long as any performance condition has been met. Restricted 

stock grants made on or after July 28, 2009, contain forfeitable rights to dividends. Dividends for these grants are accrued on 

the dividend payment dates but are not paid until the shares vest, and dividends accrued for shares that ultimately do not vest 

are forfeited. Recipients of stock units do not pay any cash consideration for the units, do not have the right to vote, and do not 

receive dividends with respect to such units. 

FASB authoritative guidance requires that excess tax benefits be recognized as an addition to capital surplus and that 

unrealized tax benefits be recognized as income tax expense unless there are excess tax benefits from previous equity awards to 

which it can be offset. The Company calculates the amount of eligible excess tax benefits that are available to offset future tax 

shortfalls in accordance with the long-form method described in the FASB authoritative guidance.

The Company recognizes compensation expense equal to the grant-date fair value for all stock-based payment awards 

that are expected to vest. This expense is recorded on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period of the entire award, 

unless the awards are subject to performance conditions, in which case the Company recognizes compensation expense over the 

requisite service period of each separate vesting tranche. The Company determines the grant-date fair value of its restricted 

stock and stock unit awards using the fair market value on the grant date, unless the awards are subject to market conditions, in 

which case the Company utilizes a binomial-lattice model (i.e., Monte Carlo simulation model). The Monte Carlo simulation 

model utilizes multiple input variables to determine the stock-based compensation expense.

During the year ended December 31, 2014, the Company granted performance shares to its executives in the form of 

restricted stock. The shares granted contain (1) a performance condition based on target net income per share, and (2) a market 

condition based on Total Shareholder Return (“TSR”). The TSR market condition measures the Company’s performance 

against a peer group. Shares will be delivered at the end of the three year vesting and TSR performance period based on the 

Company’s actual performance compared to the peer group. Actual shares earned will range from fifty percent (50%) to one 

hundred fifty percent (150%) of the target award after any adjustment made for the performance condition. The fair value of 

this award was determined using a Monte Carlo simulation with the following assumptions: an historical volatility of 31.55%, 

0% dividend yield and a risk-free interest rate of 0.79%. The historical volatility was based on the most recent 2.75-year period 

for the Company and the components of the peer group. The stock price projection for the Company and the components of the 

peer group assumes a 0% dividend yield. This is mathematically equivalent to reinvesting dividends in the issuing entity over 

38
38

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2014 Annual Report • Robert Half 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

Note I—Commitments and Contingencies (continued)

Note J—Stockholders’ Equity (continued)

behalf of herself and other allegedly “aggrieved employees” as defined by California’s Labor Code Private Attorney General 

Act (“PAGA”). On October 10, 2014, the Court granted a motion by the Company to compel all of Rodriguez’s claims, except 

the PAGA claim, to individual arbitration. At this stage of the litigation, it is not feasible to predict the outcome of or a range of 

loss, should a loss occur, from this proceeding and, accordingly, no amounts have been provided in the Company’s Financial 

Statements. The Company believes it has meritorious defenses to the allegations and the Company intends to continue to 

vigorously defend against the litigation.

On September 5, 2014, Plaintiff Theresa Daniels, on behalf of herself and a putative class of salaried Recruiting  

Managers, filed a complaint in California Superior Court naming the Company as Defendant. The complaint alleges that  

salaried Recruiting Managers based in California have been misclassified under California law as exempt employees, and seeks 

an unspecified amount for unpaid overtime pay alleged to be due to them had they been paid as non-exempt hourly employees, 

as well as statutory penalties for alleged violations of the California Labor Code arising from such alleged misclassification. 

The complaint also alleges a claim under California Business and Professions Code section 17200 for unfair competition. The 

Plaintiff also seeks an unspecified amount for other damages, attorneys’ fees, and statutory penalties. On or about September  

17, 2014, the Plaintiff provided written notice to the California Labor and Workforce Development Agency of her alleged 

claims. On October 27, 2014, the Plaintiff filed a First Amended Complaint adding a representative claim and request for 

penalties under  the California Private Attorney General Act. At this stage of the litigation, it is not feasible to predict the 

outcome of or a range of loss, should a loss occur, from this proceeding, and accordingly, no amounts have been provided in the 

Company’s financial statements. The Company believes it has meritorious defenses to the allegations in this case, and the 

Company intends to continue to vigorously defend against the litigation.

The Company is involved in a number of other lawsuits arising in the ordinary course of business. While management 

does not expect any of these other matters to have a material adverse effect on the Company’s results of operations, financial 

position or cash flows, litigation is subject to certain inherent uncertainties.

Legal costs associated with the resolution of claims, lawsuits and other contingencies are expensed as incurred.

Note J—Stockholders’ Equity

Stock Repurchase Program.    As of December 31, 2014, the Company is authorized to repurchase, from time to time, up 

to 4.8 million additional shares of the Company’s common stock on the open market or in privately negotiated transactions, 

depending on market conditions. The number and the cost of common stock shares repurchased during the years ended 

December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, are reflected in the following table (in thousands):

Common stock repurchased (in shares) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Common stock repurchased . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$161,587

$117,864

$132,691

Years Ended December 31,

2014

3,336

2013

3,305

2012

4,689

Additional stock repurchases were made in connection with employee stock plans, whereby Company shares were 

tendered by employees for the payment of exercise price and applicable statutory withholding taxes. The number and the cost of 

employee stock plan repurchases made during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, are reflected in the 

following table (in thousands):

Employee stock plan repurchased (in shares) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Employee stock plan repurchased. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$ 22,386

$ 44,169

$ 50,045

Years Ended December 31,

2014

462

2013

1,157

2012

1,661

The repurchased shares are held in treasury and are presented as if constructively retired. Treasury stock is accounted for 

using the cost method. Treasury stock activity for each of the three years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 (consisting 

of stock option exercises and the purchase of shares for the treasury) is presented in the Consolidated Statements of 

Stockholders’ Equity.

Cash Dividends. The Company’s Board of Directors may at their discretion declare and pay dividends upon the shares of 

the Company’s stock either out of the Company’s retained earnings or capital surplus. The cash dividends declared during the 
years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, are reflected in the following table:

Cash dividends declared per share . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Years Ended December 31,

2014
$ .72

2013
$ .64

2012
$ .60

Repurchases of shares and issuances of cash dividends are applied first to the extent of retained earnings and any 

remaining amounts are applied to capital surplus.

Note K—Stock Plans

Under various stock plans, officers, employees, and outside directors have received or may receive grants of restricted 
stock, stock units, stock appreciation rights or options to purchase common stock. Grants have been made at the discretion of 
the Committees of the Board of Directors. Grants generally vest either on a straight-line basis over four years or on a cliff basis 
over three years. Shares offered under the plan are authorized but unissued shares or treasury shares.

Options currently outstanding under the plans have an exercise price equal to the fair market value of the Company’s 

common stock at the date of grant and consist of non-statutory stock options under the Internal Revenue Code, and generally 
have a term of 10 years.  The Company has not granted any options to purchase common stock since 2006.

Recipients of restricted stock do not pay any cash consideration to the Company for the shares, have the right to vote all 
shares subject to such grant, and for grants made prior to July 28, 2009, receive all dividends with respect to such shares on the 
dividend payment dates, whether or not the shares have vested as long as any performance condition has been met. Restricted 
stock grants made on or after July 28, 2009, contain forfeitable rights to dividends. Dividends for these grants are accrued on 
the dividend payment dates but are not paid until the shares vest, and dividends accrued for shares that ultimately do not vest 
are forfeited. Recipients of stock units do not pay any cash consideration for the units, do not have the right to vote, and do not 
receive dividends with respect to such units. 

FASB authoritative guidance requires that excess tax benefits be recognized as an addition to capital surplus and that 
unrealized tax benefits be recognized as income tax expense unless there are excess tax benefits from previous equity awards to 
which it can be offset. The Company calculates the amount of eligible excess tax benefits that are available to offset future tax 
shortfalls in accordance with the long-form method described in the FASB authoritative guidance.

The Company recognizes compensation expense equal to the grant-date fair value for all stock-based payment awards 

that are expected to vest. This expense is recorded on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period of the entire award, 
unless the awards are subject to performance conditions, in which case the Company recognizes compensation expense over the 
requisite service period of each separate vesting tranche. The Company determines the grant-date fair value of its restricted 
stock and stock unit awards using the fair market value on the grant date, unless the awards are subject to market conditions, in 
which case the Company utilizes a binomial-lattice model (i.e., Monte Carlo simulation model). The Monte Carlo simulation 
model utilizes multiple input variables to determine the stock-based compensation expense.

During the year ended December 31, 2014, the Company granted performance shares to its executives in the form of 
restricted stock. The shares granted contain (1) a performance condition based on target net income per share, and (2) a market 
condition based on Total Shareholder Return (“TSR”). The TSR market condition measures the Company’s performance 
against a peer group. Shares will be delivered at the end of the three year vesting and TSR performance period based on the 
Company’s actual performance compared to the peer group. Actual shares earned will range from fifty percent (50%) to one 
hundred fifty percent (150%) of the target award after any adjustment made for the performance condition. The fair value of 
this award was determined using a Monte Carlo simulation with the following assumptions: an historical volatility of 31.55%, 
0% dividend yield and a risk-free interest rate of 0.79%. The historical volatility was based on the most recent 2.75-year period 
for the Company and the components of the peer group. The stock price projection for the Company and the components of the 
peer group assumes a 0% dividend yield. This is mathematically equivalent to reinvesting dividends in the issuing entity over 

38

39
39
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2014 Annual Report • Robert Half 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

Note K—Stock Plans (continued)

Note K—Stock Plans (continued)

the performance period. The risk-free interest rate is equal to the yield, as of the measurement date, of the zero-coupon U.S. 
Treasury bill that is commensurate with the remaining performance measurement period.

The total pre-tax intrinsic value of stock options exercised and the total fair value of shares vested during the years ended 

December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, are reflected in the following table (in thousands):

Stock-based compensation expense consisted of the following (in thousands):

Restricted stock and stock units . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Years Ended December 31,

2014
$ 40,821

2013
$ 38,867

2012
$ 41,464

         Unrecognized compensation cost is expected to be recognized over the next four years.  Total unrecognized compensation 
cost, net of estimated forfeitures, consisted of the following (in thousands):

Restricted stock and stock units . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

December 31,

2014
$ 54,968

2013
$ 53,646

2012
$ 51,877

The following table reflects activity under all stock plans from December 31, 2011 through December 31, 2014, and the 

weighted average exercise prices (in thousands, except per share amounts):

Restricted Stock Plans
without Market-Condition

Restricted Stock Plans
with Market-Condition

Number of
Shares/
Units

Weighted
Average
Grant Date
Fair Value

Number of
Shares/
Units

Weighted
Average
Grant Date
Fair Value

Stock Option Plans

Number of
Shares/
Units

Weighted
Average Exercise
Price Per Share

523
517
—
(240)
(42)

758
400
—
(259)
—

899
335
—
—
—

1,234

$33.42
$29.53
—
$33.42
$33.42

$30.77
$42.04
—
$29.53
—

$36.58
$50.09
—
—
—

$40.24

4,450
—
(2,260)
—
(99)

2,091
—
(1,397)
—
(62)

632
—
(528)
—
(27)

77

$21.85
—
$19.00
—
$24.74

$24.80
—
$23.82
—
$20.48

$27.41
—
$27.12
—
$27.83

$29.22

Outstanding, December 31, 2011 . . . . .
Granted. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Exercised . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Restrictions lapsed . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Forfeited. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Outstanding, December 31, 2012 . . . . .
Granted. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Exercised . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Restrictions lapsed . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Forfeited. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Outstanding, December 31, 2013 . . . . .
Granted. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Exercised . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Restrictions lapsed . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Forfeited. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

2,392
937
—
(1,550)
(42)

1,737
688
—
(1,087)
(21)

1,317
585
—
(712)
(25)

Outstanding, December 31, 2014 . . . . .

1,165

$24.47
$27.71
—
$22.20
$24.26

$28.25
$35.34
—
$28.53
$31.29

$31.68
$41.60
—
$31.96
$32.82

$36.47

40
40

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robert_half_10k_FIN_1-54.indd   40

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Total pre-tax intrinsic value of stock options exercised . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 9,150

Total fair value of shares vested . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 38,566

$ 17,092

$ 53,931

$ 23,678

$ 55,186

The following table summarizes information about options outstanding and exercisable as of December 31, 2014 (in 

thousands, except number of years and per share amounts):

Years Ended December 31,

2014

2013

2012

Range of

Exercise Prices

$25.34 to $25.34

$30.34 to $30.34

$32.36 to $32.36

$33.89 to $33.89

Options Outstanding and Exercisable

Number

Outstanding

and Exercisable as of

December 31,

2014

Weighted

Average

Remaining

Contractual

Weighted

Average

Exercise

Price

$25.34

$30.34

$32.36

$33.89

$29.22

Aggregate

Intrinsic

Value

$ 991

601

477

184

$2,253

Life

0.34

0.08

1.58

0.58

0.59

30

21

18

8

77

The aggregate intrinsic value in the preceding table represents the total pre-tax intrinsic value, based on the Company’s 

closing stock price of $58.38 as of December 31, 2014, which would have been received by the option holders had they 

exercised their in-the-money options as of that date.

At December 31, 2014, the total number of available shares to grant under the plans (consisting of either restricted stock, 

stock units, stock appreciation rights or options to purchase common stock) was approximately 6.5 million. All of the 77 

thousand options outstanding at December 31, 2014, were exercisable with a weighted average exercise price of $29.22.

41

2014 Annual Report • Robert Half 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

Note K—Stock Plans (continued)

Note K—Stock Plans (continued)

the performance period. The risk-free interest rate is equal to the yield, as of the measurement date, of the zero-coupon U.S. 

The total pre-tax intrinsic value of stock options exercised and the total fair value of shares vested during the years ended 

Treasury bill that is commensurate with the remaining performance measurement period.

December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, are reflected in the following table (in thousands):

Years Ended December 31,

2014

2013

2012

Total pre-tax intrinsic value of stock options exercised . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total fair value of shares vested . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Years Ended December 31,

2014
$ 9,150
$ 38,566

2013
$ 17,092
$ 53,931

2012
$ 23,678
$ 55,186

The following table summarizes information about options outstanding and exercisable as of December 31, 2014 (in 

thousands, except number of years and per share amounts):

Range of
Exercise Prices
$25.34 to $25.34
$30.34 to $30.34
$32.36 to $32.36
$33.89 to $33.89

Options Outstanding and Exercisable

Number
Outstanding
and Exercisable as of
December 31,
2014
30
21
18
8
77

Weighted
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Life
0.34
0.08
1.58
0.58
0.59

Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
$25.34
$30.34
$32.36
$33.89
$29.22

Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value
$ 991
601
477
184
$2,253

The aggregate intrinsic value in the preceding table represents the total pre-tax intrinsic value, based on the Company’s 

closing stock price of $58.38 as of December 31, 2014, which would have been received by the option holders had they 
exercised their in-the-money options as of that date.

At December 31, 2014, the total number of available shares to grant under the plans (consisting of either restricted stock, 

stock units, stock appreciation rights or options to purchase common stock) was approximately 6.5 million. All of the 77 
thousand options outstanding at December 31, 2014, were exercisable with a weighted average exercise price of $29.22.

41
41
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robert_half_10k_FIN_1-54.indd   41

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Stock-based compensation expense consisted of the following (in thousands):

Restricted stock and stock units . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$ 40,821

$ 38,867

$ 41,464

         Unrecognized compensation cost is expected to be recognized over the next four years.  Total unrecognized compensation 

cost, net of estimated forfeitures, consisted of the following (in thousands):

Restricted stock and stock units . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$ 54,968

$ 53,646

$ 51,877

December 31,

2014

2013

2012

The following table reflects activity under all stock plans from December 31, 2011 through December 31, 2014, and the 

weighted average exercise prices (in thousands, except per share amounts):

Restricted Stock Plans

without Market-Condition

Restricted Stock Plans

with Market-Condition

Number of

Shares/

Units

Weighted

Average

Grant Date

Fair Value

Number of

Shares/

Units

Weighted

Average

Grant Date

Fair Value

Stock Option Plans

Number of

Shares/

Units

Weighted

Average Exercise

Price Per Share

Outstanding, December 31, 2011 . . . . .

2,392

Outstanding, December 31, 2012 . . . . .

1,737

Granted. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Exercised . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Restrictions lapsed . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Forfeited. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Granted. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Exercised . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Restrictions lapsed . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Forfeited. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Granted. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Exercised . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Restrictions lapsed . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Forfeited. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

937

—

(1,550)

(42)

688

—

(1,087)

(21)

585

—

(712)

(25)

Outstanding, December 31, 2013 . . . . .

1,317

523

517

—

(240)

(42)

758

400

—

(259)

—

899

335

—

—

—

$33.42

$29.53

—

$33.42

$33.42

$30.77

$42.04

$29.53

—

—

$36.58

$50.09

—

—

—

4,450

—

(2,260)

—

(99)

2,091

—

(1,397)

—

(62)

632

—

(528)

—

(27)

77

$21.85

$19.00

—

—

$24.74

$24.80

$23.82

—

—

$20.48

$27.41

$27.12

—

—

$27.83

$29.22

Outstanding, December 31, 2014 . . . . .

1,165

1,234

$40.24

$24.47

$27.71

—

$22.20

$24.26

$28.25

$35.34

—

$28.53

$31.29

$31.68

$41.60

—

$31.96

$32.82

$36.47

40

2014 Annual Report • Robert Half 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

Note M—Business Segments (continued)

Note L—Net Income Per Share

The calculation of net income per share for the three years ended December 31, 2014 is reflected in the following table 

(in thousands, except per share amounts):

results (in thousands):

The following table provides a reconciliation of revenue and operating income by reportable segment to consolidated 

Years Ended December 31,

2014

2013

2012

Basic net income per share:

Net income. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Income allocated to participating securities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net income available to common

stockholders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Basic weighted average shares . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Basic net income per share . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$305,928
—

$252,195
3

$209,942
1,081

$305,928

$252,192

$208,861

134,358
2.28

$

136,153
1.85

$

138,201
1.51

$

Diluted net income per share:

Net income. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Income allocated to participating securities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net income available to common

stockholders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Basic weighted average shares . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Dilutive effect of potential common shares. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Diluted weighted average shares . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Diluted net income per share. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$305,928
—

$252,195
3

$209,942
1,075

$305,928
134,358
1,183

135,541
2.26

$

$252,192
136,153
1,436

137,589
1.83

$

$208,867
138,201
1,208

139,409
1.50

$

Potential common shares include the dilutive effect of stock options, unvested performance-based restricted stock, 
restricted stock which contains forfeitable rights to dividends, and stock units. The weighted average diluted common shares 
outstanding for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, excludes the effect of the following (in thousands):

Years Ended December 31,

2014

2013

2012

Net service revenues

Temporary and consultant staffing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $3,676,281

$3,369,840

$3,324,286

Permanent placement staffing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

394,515

347,715

334,198

Risk consulting and internal audit

services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

624,218

528,340

452,729

$4,695,014

$4,245,895

$4,111,213

Operating income

Temporary and consultant staffing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 358,533

$ 301,185

$ 276,826

Permanent placement staffing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

78,333

54,390

55,745

Risk consulting and internal audit

services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Amortization of intangible assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Interest income, net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Income before income taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 497,349

$ 397,579

$ 344,245

60,316

497,182

557

(724)

42,702

398,277

1,700

(1,002)

10,875

343,446

398

(1,197)

The Company does not report total assets by segment. The following tables represent identifiable assets by business 

segment (in thousands):

Accounts receivable

Temporary and consultant staffing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $403,615

$349,364

$336,468

Permanent placement staffing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Risk consulting and internal audit services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

December 31,

2014

2013

2012

115,563

169,042

100,550

129,252

88,436

112,800

$688,220

$579,166

$537,704

December 31,

2014

2013

2012

Goodwill

Temporary and consultant staffing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $133,964

$134,692

$134,756

Permanent placement staffing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Risk consulting and internal audit services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

26,450

39,074

26,574

39,567

26,586

39,997

$199,488

$200,833

$201,339

Employee stock options will have a dilutive effect under the treasury method only when the respective period’s average 

market value of the Company’s common stock exceeds the exercise proceeds. Under the treasury method, exercise proceeds 
include the amount the employee must pay for exercising stock options, the amount of compensation cost for future service that 
the Company has not yet recognized, and the amount of tax benefits that would be recorded in capital surplus, if the options 
were exercised and the stock units and performance-based restricted stock had vested.

Note M—Business Segments

The Company, which aggregates its operating segments based on the nature of services, has three reportable segments: 

temporary and consultant staffing, permanent placement staffing, and risk consulting and internal audit services. The temporary 
and consultant segment provides specialized staffing in the accounting and finance, administrative and office, information 
technology, legal, advertising, marketing and web design fields. The permanent placement segment provides full-time personnel 
in the accounting, finance, administrative and office, and information technology fields. The risk consulting segment provides 
business and technology risk consulting and internal audit services.

The accounting policies of the segments are set forth in Note A—Summary of Significant Accounting Policies. The 
Company evaluates performance based on income or loss from operations before net interest income, intangible amortization 
expense, and income taxes.

42
42

42

43

robert_half_10k_FIN_1-54.indd   42

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Total number of anti-dilutive potential common shares. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Years Ended
December 31,
2013

2012
— 227

2014
1

2014 Annual Report • Robert Half 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

Note M—Business Segments (continued)

Note L—Net Income Per Share

(in thousands, except per share amounts):

The calculation of net income per share for the three years ended December 31, 2014 is reflected in the following table 

The following table provides a reconciliation of revenue and operating income by reportable segment to consolidated 

results (in thousands):

Years Ended December 31,

2014

2013

2012

Basic net income per share:

Net income. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$305,928

$252,195

$209,942

Income allocated to participating securities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

—

3

1,081

Net income available to common

stockholders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$305,928

$252,192

$208,861

Basic weighted average shares . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

134,358

136,153

138,201

Basic net income per share . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$

2.28

$

1.85

$

1.51

Diluted net income per share:

Net income. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$305,928

$252,195

$209,942

Income allocated to participating securities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

—

3

1,075

Net income available to common

stockholders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$305,928

$252,192

$208,867

Basic weighted average shares . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

134,358

136,153

138,201

Dilutive effect of potential common shares. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

1,183

1,436

1,208

Diluted weighted average shares . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

135,541

137,589

139,409

Diluted net income per share. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$

2.26

$

1.83

$

1.50

Potential common shares include the dilutive effect of stock options, unvested performance-based restricted stock, 

restricted stock which contains forfeitable rights to dividends, and stock units. The weighted average diluted common shares 

outstanding for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, excludes the effect of the following (in thousands):

Total number of anti-dilutive potential common shares. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

1 — 227

Employee stock options will have a dilutive effect under the treasury method only when the respective period’s average 

market value of the Company’s common stock exceeds the exercise proceeds. Under the treasury method, exercise proceeds 

include the amount the employee must pay for exercising stock options, the amount of compensation cost for future service that 

the Company has not yet recognized, and the amount of tax benefits that would be recorded in capital surplus, if the options 

were exercised and the stock units and performance-based restricted stock had vested.

Note M—Business Segments

The Company, which aggregates its operating segments based on the nature of services, has three reportable segments: 

temporary and consultant staffing, permanent placement staffing, and risk consulting and internal audit services. The temporary 

and consultant segment provides specialized staffing in the accounting and finance, administrative and office, information 

technology, legal, advertising, marketing and web design fields. The permanent placement segment provides full-time personnel 

in the accounting, finance, administrative and office, and information technology fields. The risk consulting segment provides 

business and technology risk consulting and internal audit services.

The accounting policies of the segments are set forth in Note A—Summary of Significant Accounting Policies. The 

Company evaluates performance based on income or loss from operations before net interest income, intangible amortization 

expense, and income taxes.

Net service revenues

Temporary and consultant staffing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Permanent placement staffing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Risk consulting and internal audit

services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Operating income

Temporary and consultant staffing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Permanent placement staffing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Risk consulting and internal audit

services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Amortization of intangible assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Interest income, net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Income before income taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Years Ended December 31,

2014

2013

2012

$3,676,281
394,515

$3,369,840
347,715

$3,324,286
334,198

624,218

528,340

452,729

$4,695,014

$4,245,895

$4,111,213

$ 358,533
78,333

$ 301,185
54,390

$ 276,826
55,745

60,316
497,182
557
(724)
$ 497,349

42,702
398,277
1,700
(1,002)
$ 397,579

10,875
343,446
398
(1,197)
$ 344,245

The Company does not report total assets by segment. The following tables represent identifiable assets by business 

segment (in thousands):

Years Ended

December 31,

2014

2013

2012

Accounts receivable

Temporary and consultant staffing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Permanent placement staffing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Risk consulting and internal audit services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Goodwill

Temporary and consultant staffing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Permanent placement staffing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Risk consulting and internal audit services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

December 31,
2013

2012

2014

$403,615
115,563
169,042
$688,220

$349,364
100,550
129,252
$579,166

$336,468
88,436
112,800
$537,704

December 31,

2014

2013

2012

$133,964
26,450
39,074
$199,488

$134,692
26,574
39,567
$200,833

$134,756
26,586
39,997
$201,339

42

43
43
43

robert_half_10k_FIN_1-54.indd   43

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2014 Annual Report • Robert Half 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

Note M—Business Segments (continued)

The Company operates internationally, with operations in North America, South America, Europe, Asia and Australia. 

The following tables represent revenues and long-lived assets by geographic location (in thousands):

Note O—Subsequent Events

On February 11, 2015 the Company announced the following:

Net service revenues

Domestic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Foreign . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Assets, long-lived

Domestic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Foreign . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Years Ended December 31,

2014

2013

2012

$3,623,812
1,071,202
$4,695,014

$3,219,820
1,026,075
$4,245,895

$3,022,274
1,088,939
$4,111,213

December 31,

2014

2013

2012

$ 101,181
20,573
$ 121,754

$

92,252
20,392
$ 112,644

$

86,239
21,441
$ 107,680

Note N—Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)

The following tabulation shows certain quarterly financial data for 2014 and 2013 (in thousands, except per share 

amounts):

Quarterly dividend per share. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Declaration date . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Record date . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Payment date . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$.20

February 11, 2015

February 25, 2015

March 13, 2015

On January 23, 2015, Plaintiff April Washington, on her own behalf and on behalf of two separate putative subclasses, 

filed a complaint against the Company in the Superior Court of California, San Mateo County.  The complaint alleges that the 

Company violated the disclosure requirements of the Fair Credit Reporting Act (the “FCRA”) by:  (i) procuring background 

checks on Plaintiff and other putative class members for employment purposes without first making all required disclosures in a 

standalone document; and (ii) procuring drug tests on Plaintiff and other putative class members for employment purposes 

without first making all required disclosures in a standalone document.  Washington seeks recovery on her own behalf and on 

behalf of the putative subclasses in an unspecified amount for statutory damages of not less than $100 and not more than $1,000 

for each class member, punitive damages, attorneys’ fees, litigation expenses, and costs. At this stage of the litigation, it is not 

feasible to predict the outcome of or a range of loss, should a loss occur, from this proceeding and, accordingly, no amounts 

have been provided in the Company’s Financial Statements. The Company believes it has meritorious defenses to the 

allegations and the Company intends to vigorously defend against the litigation.

2014
Net service revenues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1,084,342
Gross margin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 438,495
Income before income taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 102,014
Net income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
61,551
Net income available to common

1

stockholders - diluted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Basic net income per share . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Diluted net income per share . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $

61,551
.45
.45

2013
Net service revenues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1,023,684
Gross margin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 410,290
89,376
Income before income taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Net income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
55,863
Net income available to common

1

stockholders - diluted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Basic net income per share . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Diluted net income per share . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $

55,861

.41

.40

44
44

44

Quarter

2
$1,164,914
$ 478,444
$ 123,653
75,140
$

$
$
$

75,140
.56
.55

3
$1,224,308
$ 505,220
$ 138,361
85,184
$

$
$
$

85,184
.64
.63

Quarter

2
$1,063,228
$ 432,108
$ 100,596
63,089
$

$

$

$

63,088

.46

.46

3
$1,075,119
$ 437,478
$ 103,713
66,358
$

$

$

$

66,358

.49

.48

4
$1,221,450
$ 500,757
$ 133,321
84,053
$

$
$
$

84,053
.63
.62

4
$1,083,864
$ 443,216
$ 103,894
66,885
$

$

$

$

66,885

.49

.49

45

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2014 Annual Report • Robert Half 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

Note M—Business Segments (continued)

The Company operates internationally, with operations in North America, South America, Europe, Asia and Australia. 

The following tables represent revenues and long-lived assets by geographic location (in thousands):

Note O—Subsequent Events

On February 11, 2015 the Company announced the following:

Quarterly dividend per share. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Declaration date . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Record date . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Payment date . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$.20
February 11, 2015
February 25, 2015
March 13, 2015

On January 23, 2015, Plaintiff April Washington, on her own behalf and on behalf of two separate putative subclasses, 

filed a complaint against the Company in the Superior Court of California, San Mateo County.  The complaint alleges that the 
Company violated the disclosure requirements of the Fair Credit Reporting Act (the “FCRA”) by:  (i) procuring background 
checks on Plaintiff and other putative class members for employment purposes without first making all required disclosures in a 
standalone document; and (ii) procuring drug tests on Plaintiff and other putative class members for employment purposes 
without first making all required disclosures in a standalone document.  Washington seeks recovery on her own behalf and on 
behalf of the putative subclasses in an unspecified amount for statutory damages of not less than $100 and not more than $1,000 
for each class member, punitive damages, attorneys’ fees, litigation expenses, and costs. At this stage of the litigation, it is not 
feasible to predict the outcome of or a range of loss, should a loss occur, from this proceeding and, accordingly, no amounts 
have been provided in the Company’s Financial Statements. The Company believes it has meritorious defenses to the 
allegations and the Company intends to vigorously defend against the litigation.

Net service revenues

Domestic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$3,623,812

$3,219,820

$3,022,274

Foreign . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

1,071,202

1,026,075

1,088,939

Years Ended December 31,

2014

2013

2012

$4,695,014

$4,245,895

$4,111,213

December 31,

2014

2013

2012

Assets, long-lived

Domestic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$ 101,181

$

Foreign . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

20,573

92,252

20,392

$

86,239

21,441

$ 121,754

$ 112,644

$ 107,680

Note N—Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)

amounts):

The following tabulation shows certain quarterly financial data for 2014 and 2013 (in thousands, except per share 

2014

1

2

3

4

Net service revenues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1,084,342

Gross margin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 438,495

Income before income taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 102,014

Net income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $

61,551

Net income available to common

stockholders - diluted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $

61,551

Basic net income per share . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $

Diluted net income per share . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $

.45

.45

$1,164,914

$ 478,444

$ 123,653

$1,224,308

$ 505,220

$ 138,361

$1,221,450

$ 500,757

$ 133,321

75,140

75,140

.56

.55

85,184

85,184

.64

.63

84,053

84,053

.63

.62

2013

1

2

3

4

Net service revenues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1,023,684

Gross margin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 410,290

Income before income taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $

Net income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $

89,376

55,863

Net income available to common

stockholders - diluted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $

55,861

Basic net income per share . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $

Diluted net income per share . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $

.41

.40

$1,063,228

$ 432,108

$ 100,596

$1,075,119

$ 437,478

$ 103,713

$1,083,864

$ 443,216

$ 103,894

63,089

63,088

.46

.46

66,358

66,358

.49

.48

66,885

66,885

.49

.49

Quarter

Quarter

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

44

45
45
45

robert_half_10k_FIN_1-54.indd   45

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2014 Annual Report • Robert Half 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of Robert Half International Inc.:

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements listed in the index appearing under Item 15(a)(1) present fairly, in 
all material respects, the financial position of Robert Half International Inc. and its subsidiaries at December 31, 2014 and 2013, 
and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2014 in 
conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.  In addition, in our opinion, the 
financial statement schedule listed in the index appearing under Item 15(a)(2) presents fairly, in all material respects, the 
information set forth therein when read in conjunction with the related consolidated financial statements.  Also in our opinion, 
the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2014, 
based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring 
Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO).  The Company's management is responsible for these financial statements 
and financial statement schedule, for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the 
effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in Management's Report on Internal Control over Financial 
Reporting appearing in Item 9A.  Our responsibility is to express opinions on these financial statements, on the financial 
statement schedule, and on the Company's internal control over financial reporting based on our integrated audits.  We 
conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States).  
Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial 
statements are free of material misstatement and whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in 
all material respects.  Our audits of the financial statements included examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the 
amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by 
management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.  Our audit of internal control over financial reporting 
included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness 
exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk.  Our 
audits also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our 
audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions.

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding 

the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with 
generally accepted accounting principles.  A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and 
procedures that (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions 
and dispositions of the assets of the company; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to 
permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and 
expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the 
company; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or 
disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements.  

Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become 
inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

San Francisco, California
February 13, 2015

None.

Item 9A. Controls and Procedures

Disclosure Controls and Procedures. Management, including the Company’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer and 

the Vice Chairman and Chief Financial Officer, evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s 

disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based upon that evaluation, the Chairman 

and Chief Executive Officer and the Vice Chairman and Chief Financial Officer concluded that the disclosure controls and 

procedures were effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the reports the Company files and submits 

under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the rules and 

forms of the Securities and Exchange Commission and that information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports 

that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to the Company’s management, including its 

principal executive and principal financial officers, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting. There have been no changes in the Company’s internal controls 

over financial reporting identified in connection with the evaluation required by Rule 13a-15 of the Securities Exchange Act of 

1934 that occurred during the Company’s fourth quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, 

the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Management is responsible for establishing and 

maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act 

of 1934, as amended). Management assessed the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of 

December 31, 2014, using criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of 

Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) and concluded that the Company maintained effective internal 

control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2014.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. 

Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become 

inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies and procedures may deteriorate.

The effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2014, has been audited 

by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report which is included 

herein.

Item 9B. Other Information

None.

46

46

46

47

robert_half_10k_FIN_1-54.indd   46

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2014 Annual Report • Robert Half 
 
 
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

None.

Item 9A. Controls and Procedures

all material respects, the financial position of Robert Half International Inc. and its subsidiaries at December 31, 2014 and 2013, 

Disclosure Controls and Procedures. Management, including the Company’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer and 

the Vice Chairman and Chief Financial Officer, evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s 
disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based upon that evaluation, the Chairman 
and Chief Executive Officer and the Vice Chairman and Chief Financial Officer concluded that the disclosure controls and 
procedures were effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the reports the Company files and submits 
under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the rules and 
forms of the Securities and Exchange Commission and that information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports 
that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to the Company’s management, including its 
principal executive and principal financial officers, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting. There have been no changes in the Company’s internal controls 

over financial reporting identified in connection with the evaluation required by Rule 13a-15 of the Securities Exchange Act of 
1934 that occurred during the Company’s fourth quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, 
the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Management is responsible for establishing and 

maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act 
of 1934, as amended). Management assessed the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of 
December 31, 2014, using criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of 
Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) and concluded that the Company maintained effective internal 
control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2014.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. 

Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become 
inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies and procedures may deteriorate.

The effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2014, has been audited 
by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report which is included 
herein.

Item 9B. Other Information

None.

To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of Robert Half International Inc.:

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements listed in the index appearing under Item 15(a)(1) present fairly, in 

and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2014 in 

conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.  In addition, in our opinion, the 

financial statement schedule listed in the index appearing under Item 15(a)(2) presents fairly, in all material respects, the 

information set forth therein when read in conjunction with the related consolidated financial statements.  Also in our opinion, 

the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2014, 

based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring 

Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO).  The Company's management is responsible for these financial statements 

and financial statement schedule, for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the 

effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in Management's Report on Internal Control over Financial 

Reporting appearing in Item 9A.  Our responsibility is to express opinions on these financial statements, on the financial 

statement schedule, and on the Company's internal control over financial reporting based on our integrated audits.  We 

conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States).  

Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial 

statements are free of material misstatement and whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in 

all material respects.  Our audits of the financial statements included examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the 

amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by 

management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.  Our audit of internal control over financial reporting 

included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness 

exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk.  Our 

audits also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our 

audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions.

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding 

the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with 

generally accepted accounting principles.  A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and 

procedures that (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions 

and dispositions of the assets of the company; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to 

permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and 

expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the 

company; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or 

disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements.  

Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become 

inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

San Francisco, California

February 13, 2015

46

47

47
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2014 Annual Report • Robert Half 
 
 
Except as provided below in this Part III, the information required by Items 10 through 14 of Part III is incorporated by 

Item 15.    Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules

PART III

PART IV

reference from Item 1 of this Report and from the registrant’s Proxy Statement, under the captions “Nomination and Election of 
Directors,” “Beneficial Stock Ownership,” “Compensation Discussion and Analysis,” “Compensation Tables,” “Corporate 
Governance,” “The Board and Committees” and “Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm” which Proxy Statement 
will be mailed to stockholders in connection with the registrant’s annual meeting of stockholders which is scheduled to be held 
in May 2015.

Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters.

Equity Compensation Plan Information

Plan Category

Equity compensation plans approved by security

holders. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Equity compensation plan not approved by

security holders(a) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Number of securities
to be issued upon
exercise of
outstanding options,
warrants and rights
A

Weighted average
exercise price of
outstanding options,
warrants and rights
B

Number of securities
remaining available for
future issuance under
equity compensation plans
(excluding securities
reflected in column A)
C

55,827

21,439
77,266

$28.79

$30.34
$29.22

6,504,020

—
6,504,020

(a) 

This plan, by its terms, expressly prohibited any grants to directors or executive officers. The plan was terminated in May 
2005, and no future grants may be made under it. The information in the table reflects shares issuable upon the exercise 
of options granted before the plan was terminated.

Since May 2005, all grants have been made pursuant to the Stock Incentive Plan, which was approved by stockholders in 

May 2005 and re-approved in May 2008, May 2011, May 2013, and May 2014. Such plan authorizes the issuance of stock 
options, restricted stock, stock units and stock appreciation rights to directors, executive officers and employees.

Description of Equity Plan Not Approved by Stockholders

The following plan was terminated in May 2005 and no future grants may be made under it.

StockPlus Plan. The StockPlus Plan authorized the grant of stock options to employees other than directors and executive 

officers. No option could have a term of more than ten years and the last outstanding options expired as of January 31, 2015.

(a)  1.    Financial Statements

The following consolidated financial statements of the Company and its subsidiaries are included in Item 8 of this report:

Consolidated statements of financial position at December 31, 2014 and 2013.

Consolidated statements of operations for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012.

Consolidated statements of comprehensive income for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012.

Consolidated statements of stockholders’ equity for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012.

Consolidated statements of cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012.

Selected quarterly financial data for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 are set forth in Note N—Quarterly 

Notes to consolidated financial statements.

Report of independent registered public accounting firm.

Financial Data (Unaudited) included in Item 8 of this report.

2. Financial Statement Schedules

Schedule II—Valuation and Qualifying Accounts

Schedules I, III, IV and V have been omitted as they are not applicable.

48

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2014 Annual Report • Robert Half 
 
 
Except as provided below in this Part III, the information required by Items 10 through 14 of Part III is incorporated by 

Item 15.    Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules

PART III

PART IV

reference from Item 1 of this Report and from the registrant’s Proxy Statement, under the captions “Nomination and Election of 

Directors,” “Beneficial Stock Ownership,” “Compensation Discussion and Analysis,” “Compensation Tables,” “Corporate 

Governance,” “The Board and Committees” and “Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm” which Proxy Statement 

will be mailed to stockholders in connection with the registrant’s annual meeting of stockholders which is scheduled to be held 

in May 2015.

Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters.

Equity Compensation Plan Information

Number of securities

to be issued upon

exercise of

outstanding options,

warrants and rights

A

Weighted average

exercise price of

outstanding options,

warrants and rights

B

Number of securities

remaining available for

future issuance under

equity compensation plans

(excluding securities

reflected in column A)

Plan Category

Equity compensation plans approved by security

holders. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Equity compensation plan not approved by

security holders(a) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

55,827

21,439

77,266

$28.79

$30.34

$29.22

C

—

6,504,020

6,504,020

(a) 

This plan, by its terms, expressly prohibited any grants to directors or executive officers. The plan was terminated in May 

2005, and no future grants may be made under it. The information in the table reflects shares issuable upon the exercise 

of options granted before the plan was terminated.

Since May 2005, all grants have been made pursuant to the Stock Incentive Plan, which was approved by stockholders in 

May 2005 and re-approved in May 2008, May 2011, May 2013, and May 2014. Such plan authorizes the issuance of stock 

options, restricted stock, stock units and stock appreciation rights to directors, executive officers and employees.

Description of Equity Plan Not Approved by Stockholders

The following plan was terminated in May 2005 and no future grants may be made under it.

StockPlus Plan. The StockPlus Plan authorized the grant of stock options to employees other than directors and executive 

officers. No option could have a term of more than ten years and the last outstanding options expired as of January 31, 2015.

(a)  1.    Financial Statements

The following consolidated financial statements of the Company and its subsidiaries are included in Item 8 of this report:

Consolidated statements of financial position at December 31, 2014 and 2013.

Consolidated statements of operations for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012.

Consolidated statements of comprehensive income for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012.

Consolidated statements of stockholders’ equity for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012.

Consolidated statements of cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012.

Notes to consolidated financial statements.

Report of independent registered public accounting firm.

Selected quarterly financial data for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 are set forth in Note N—Quarterly 

Financial Data (Unaudited) included in Item 8 of this report.

2. Financial Statement Schedules

Schedule II—Valuation and Qualifying Accounts

Schedules I, III, IV and V have been omitted as they are not applicable.

48

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2014 Annual Report • Robert Half 
 
 
3. Exhibits

Exhibit
No.
3.1

3.2

4.1

*10.1

*10.2

*10.3  

*10.4

*10.5  

*10.6  

*10.7  

*10.8

Exhibit

Restated Certificate of Incorporation, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to
Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended March 31, 2009.

By-Laws, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to Registrant’s Annual Report on Form
10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2003.

Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Registrant (filed as Exhibit 3.1).

Form of Power of Attorney and Indemnification Agreement, incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended
September 30, 2002.

Employment Agreement between the Registrant and Harold M. Messmer, Jr., incorporated
by reference to (i) Exhibit 10.(c) to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the
fiscal year ended December 31, 1985, (ii) Exhibit 10.2(b) to Registrant’s Registration
Statement on Form S-1 (No. 33-15171), (iii) Exhibit 10.2(c) to the Registrant’s Annual
Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1987, (iv) Exhibit 10.2(d) to
the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1988,
(v) Exhibit 28.1 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter
ended March 31, 1990, (vi) Exhibit 10.8 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K
for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1991, (vii) Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Quarterly
Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended June 30, 1993, (viii) Exhibit 10.7 to the
Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1993,
(ix) Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter
ended March 31, 1995, (x) Exhibit 10.7 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for
the fiscal year ended December 31, 1995, (xi) Exhibit 10.2 to the Registrant’s Annual
Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1996, (xii) Exhibit 10.2 to the
Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1997,
(xiii) Exhibit 10.2 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended
December 31, 1998, (xiv) Exhibit 10.2 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for
the fiscal year ended December 31, 1999, (xv) Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Quarterly
Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended March 31, 2004, (xvi) Exhibit 10.5 to the
Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended June 30, 2008, and
(xvii) Exhibit 10.2 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year
ended December 31, 2010.

Amended and Restated Retirement Agreement between Registrant and Harold M. Messmer
Jr., incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.2 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-
K dated December 7, 2006.

Amended and Restated Deferred Compensation Plan, incorporated by reference to Exhibit
10.4 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended
June 30, 2008.

Amended and Restated Severance Agreement dated as of February 9, 2011, between
Registrant and Paul F. Gentzkow, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.8 to Registrant’s
Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2010.

Agreement dated as of July 31, 1995, between Registrant and Paul F. Gentzkow,
incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q
for the fiscal quarter ended September 30, 2000.

Form of Amended and Restated Severance Agreement, incorporated by reference to Exhibit
10.10 to Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31,
2010.

Form of Indemnification Agreement for Directors of the Registrant, incorporated by
reference to (i) Exhibit 10.27 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal
year ended December 31, 1989 and (ii) Exhibit 10.19 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on
Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1993.

50

50

50

Exhibit

No.

*10.9

*10.10

*10.11

*10.12

*10.13

*10.14

*10.15

*10.16

*10.17

*10.18

*10.19

*10.20

*10.21

*10.22

*10.23

21.1

23.1

31.1

Exhibit

Form of Indemnification Agreement for Executive Officers of Registrant, incorporated by

reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal

quarter ended September 30, 2000.

Senior Executive Retirement Plan, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.13 to

Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2010.

Collateral Assignment of Split Dollar Insurance Agreement, incorporated by reference to

(i) Exhibit 10.3 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter

ended September 30, 2000, and (ii) Exhibit 10.18 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on

Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2003.

Form of Part-Time Employment Agreement, as amended and restated, incorporated by

reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal

quarter ended September 30, 2014.

Annual Performance Bonus Plan, as amended and restated, incorporated by reference to

Exhibit 99.1 to Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated May 23, 2013.

Summary of Outside Director Cash Remuneration, incorporated by reference to Exhibit

10.2 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended March

31, 2010.

2014.

Stock Incentive Plan, as amended and restated, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to

the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended September 30,

Stock Incentive Plan—Form of Restricted Share Agreement for Executive Officers effective

April 15, 2013, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Registrant’s Quarterly Report

on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended March 31, 2013.

Stock Incentive Plan—Form of Restricted Share Agreement for Executive Officers effective

through April 14, 2013, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.3 to Registrant’s Current

Report on Form 8-K dated May 3, 2005.

Amendment to Restricted Share Agreement dated as of May 9, 2012, between Registrant

and Harold M. Messmer, Jr., incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Registrant’s

Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended June 30, 2012.

Form of Amendment to Restricted Share Agreement dated as of May 9, 2012, incorporated

by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal

quarter ended June 30, 2012.

Form of Amendment to Restricted Share Agreement dated as of November 8, 2012,

incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.27 to Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for

the fiscal year ended December 31, 2012.

Stock Incentive Plan—Form of Stock Option Agreement for Executive Officers,

incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.4 to Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated

May 3, 2005.

Stock Incentive Plan—Form of Restricted Share Agreement for Outside Directors,

incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q

for the fiscal quarter ended March 31, 2006.

Stock Incentive Plan—Form of Stock Option Agreement for Outside Directors,

incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.6 to Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated

May 3, 2005.

Subsidiaries of the Registrant.

Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm’s Consent.

Rule 13a-14(a) Certification of Chief Executive Officer.

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2014 Annual Report • Robert Half  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
3. Exhibits

Exhibit

No.

3.1

3.2

4.1

*10.1

*10.2

*10.3  

*10.4

*10.5  

*10.6  

*10.7  

*10.8

Exhibit

Restated Certificate of Incorporation, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to

Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended March 31, 2009.

By-Laws, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to Registrant’s Annual Report on Form

10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2003.

Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Registrant (filed as Exhibit 3.1).

Form of Power of Attorney and Indemnification Agreement, incorporated by reference to

Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended

September 30, 2002.

Employment Agreement between the Registrant and Harold M. Messmer, Jr., incorporated

by reference to (i) Exhibit 10.(c) to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the

fiscal year ended December 31, 1985, (ii) Exhibit 10.2(b) to Registrant’s Registration

Statement on Form S-1 (No. 33-15171), (iii) Exhibit 10.2(c) to the Registrant’s Annual

Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1987, (iv) Exhibit 10.2(d) to

the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1988,

(v) Exhibit 28.1 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter

ended March 31, 1990, (vi) Exhibit 10.8 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K

for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1991, (vii) Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Quarterly

Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended June 30, 1993, (viii) Exhibit 10.7 to the

Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1993,

(ix) Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter

ended March 31, 1995, (x) Exhibit 10.7 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for

the fiscal year ended December 31, 1995, (xi) Exhibit 10.2 to the Registrant’s Annual

Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1996, (xii) Exhibit 10.2 to the

Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1997,

(xiii) Exhibit 10.2 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended

December 31, 1998, (xiv) Exhibit 10.2 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for

the fiscal year ended December 31, 1999, (xv) Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Quarterly

Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended March 31, 2004, (xvi) Exhibit 10.5 to the

Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended June 30, 2008, and

(xvii) Exhibit 10.2 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year

ended December 31, 2010.

Amended and Restated Retirement Agreement between Registrant and Harold M. Messmer

Jr., incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.2 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-

K dated December 7, 2006.

Amended and Restated Deferred Compensation Plan, incorporated by reference to Exhibit

10.4 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended

June 30, 2008.

Amended and Restated Severance Agreement dated as of February 9, 2011, between

Registrant and Paul F. Gentzkow, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.8 to Registrant’s

Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2010.

Agreement dated as of July 31, 1995, between Registrant and Paul F. Gentzkow,

incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q

for the fiscal quarter ended September 30, 2000.

Form of Amended and Restated Severance Agreement, incorporated by reference to Exhibit

10.10 to Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31,

2010.

Form of Indemnification Agreement for Directors of the Registrant, incorporated by

reference to (i) Exhibit 10.27 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal

year ended December 31, 1989 and (ii) Exhibit 10.19 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on

Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1993.

50

Exhibit
No.
*10.9

*10.10

*10.11

*10.12

*10.13

*10.14

*10.15

*10.16

*10.17

*10.18

*10.19

*10.20

*10.21

*10.22

*10.23

21.1

23.1

31.1

Exhibit
Form of Indemnification Agreement for Executive Officers of Registrant, incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal
quarter ended September 30, 2000.

Senior Executive Retirement Plan, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.13 to
Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2010.

Collateral Assignment of Split Dollar Insurance Agreement, incorporated by reference to
(i) Exhibit 10.3 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter
ended September 30, 2000, and (ii) Exhibit 10.18 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on
Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2003.

Form of Part-Time Employment Agreement, as amended and restated, incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal
quarter ended September 30, 2014.

Annual Performance Bonus Plan, as amended and restated, incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 99.1 to Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated May 23, 2013.

Summary of Outside Director Cash Remuneration, incorporated by reference to Exhibit
10.2 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended March
31, 2010.

Stock Incentive Plan, as amended and restated, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to
the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended September 30,
2014.

Stock Incentive Plan—Form of Restricted Share Agreement for Executive Officers effective
April 15, 2013, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Registrant’s Quarterly Report
on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended March 31, 2013.

Stock Incentive Plan—Form of Restricted Share Agreement for Executive Officers effective
through April 14, 2013, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.3 to Registrant’s Current
Report on Form 8-K dated May 3, 2005.

Amendment to Restricted Share Agreement dated as of May 9, 2012, between Registrant
and Harold M. Messmer, Jr., incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Registrant’s
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended June 30, 2012.

Form of Amendment to Restricted Share Agreement dated as of May 9, 2012, incorporated
by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal
quarter ended June 30, 2012.

Form of Amendment to Restricted Share Agreement dated as of November 8, 2012,
incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.27 to Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for
the fiscal year ended December 31, 2012.

Stock Incentive Plan—Form of Stock Option Agreement for Executive Officers,
incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.4 to Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated
May 3, 2005.

Stock Incentive Plan—Form of Restricted Share Agreement for Outside Directors,
incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q
for the fiscal quarter ended March 31, 2006.

Stock Incentive Plan—Form of Stock Option Agreement for Outside Directors,
incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.6 to Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated
May 3, 2005.

Subsidiaries of the Registrant.

Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm’s Consent.

Rule 13a-14(a) Certification of Chief Executive Officer.

51

51
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2014 Annual Report • Robert Half  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
Exhibit
No.
31.2

32.1

32.2

101.1

Exhibit

Rule 13a-14(a) Certification of Chief Financial Officer.

Rule 1350 Certification of Chief Executive Officer.

Rule 1350 Certification of Chief Financial Officer.

Part II, Item 8 of this Form 10-K formatted in XBRL.

*    Management contract or compensatory plan.

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.

SIGNATURES

ROBERT HALF INTERNATIONAL INC.

(Registrant)

/s/ M. KEITH WADDELL

M. Keith Waddell

Vice Chairman, President and

Chief Financial Officer

(Principal Financial Officer)

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following 

persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

52

52

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Date: February 13, 2015

Date: February 13, 2015

Date: February 13, 2015

Date: February 13, 2015

Date: February 13, 2015

Date: February 13, 2015

Date: February 13, 2015

Date: February 13, 2015

/s/ HAROLD M. MESSMER, JR.

Harold M. Messmer, Jr.

Chairman of the Board,

Chief Executive Officer,

and a Director

(Principal Executive Officer)

/s/ ANDREW S. BERWICK, JR.

Andrew S. Berwick, Jr., Director

/s/ BARBARA J. NOVOGRADAC

Barbara J. Novogradac, Director

/s/ ROBERT J. PACE

Robert J. Pace, Director

/s/ FREDERICK A. RICHMAN

Frederick A. Richman, Director

/s/ M. KEITH WADDELL

M. Keith Waddell

Vice Chairman, President,

Chief Financial Officer and a Director

(Principal Financial Officer)

/s/ MICHAEL C. BUCKLEY

Michael C. Buckley

Executive Vice President and Treasurer

(Principal Accounting Officer)

By:

By:

By:

By:

By:

By:

By:

By:

53

2014 Annual Report • Robert Half 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
Exhibit

No.

31.2

32.1

32.2

101.1

Exhibit

Rule 13a-14(a) Certification of Chief Financial Officer.

Rule 1350 Certification of Chief Executive Officer.

Rule 1350 Certification of Chief Financial Officer.

Part II, Item 8 of this Form 10-K formatted in XBRL.

*    Management contract or compensatory plan.

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.

SIGNATURES

ROBERT HALF INTERNATIONAL INC.

(Registrant)

Date: February 13, 2015

By:

/s/ M. KEITH WADDELL
M. Keith Waddell
Vice Chairman, President and
Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial Officer)

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following 

persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

Date: February 13, 2015

Date: February 13, 2015

Date: February 13, 2015

Date: February 13, 2015

Date: February 13, 2015

Date: February 13, 2015

Date: February 13, 2015

/s/ HAROLD M. MESSMER, JR.
Harold M. Messmer, Jr.
Chairman of the Board,
Chief Executive Officer,
and a Director
(Principal Executive Officer)

/s/ ANDREW S. BERWICK, JR.
Andrew S. Berwick, Jr., Director

/s/ BARBARA J. NOVOGRADAC
Barbara J. Novogradac, Director

/s/ ROBERT J. PACE
Robert J. Pace, Director

/s/ FREDERICK A. RICHMAN
Frederick A. Richman, Director

/s/ M. KEITH WADDELL
M. Keith Waddell
Vice Chairman, President,
Chief Financial Officer and a Director
(Principal Financial Officer)

/s/ MICHAEL C. BUCKLEY
Michael C. Buckley
Executive Vice President and Treasurer
(Principal Accounting Officer)

By:

By:

By:

By:

By:

By:

By:

53
53
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52

2014 Annual Report • Robert Half 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
Schedule II—Valuation and Qualifying Accounts
(in thousands)

Year Ended December 31, 2012

Allowance for doubtful accounts

receivable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Deferred tax valuation allowance . . . . . . .

Year Ended December 31, 2013

Allowance for doubtful accounts

receivable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Deferred tax valuation allowance . . . . . . .

Year Ended December 31, 2014

Allowance for doubtful accounts

receivable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Deferred tax valuation allowance . . . . . . .

Balance at
Beginning of
Period

$22,627
$36,334

$24,852
$39,310

$27,261
$37,044

Charged to
Expenses

Deductions

Translation
Adjustments

Balance at
End of Period

7,133
6,558

7,467
7,053

9,825
1,742

(3,845)
(2,774)

(4,313)
(8,135)

(3,670)
(6,056)

(1,063)
(808)

(745)
(1,184)

(2,872)
(3,169)

$24,852
$39,310

$27,261
$37,044

$30,544
$29,561

54

54

54

robert_half_10k_FIN_1-54.indd   54

3/26/15   1:59 PM

2014 Annual Report • Robert HalfSUBSIDIARIES OF ROBERT HALF INTERNATIONAL INC.

Name of Subsidiary

RH Holding Company, Inc.

Benchmark Staffing Inc.

BMK Resources, Inc.

Robert Half of California, Inc.

Robert Half Staffing, LLC

Robert Half Temporaries, Inc.

Jersey Temporaries, Inc.

Protiviti Inc.

Protiviti Holdings Inc.

RH-TM Resources, Inc.

Protiviti Government Services, Inc.

Penta Advisory Services, LLC

Robert Half Corporation

Robert Half Nevada Staff, Inc.

EXHIBIT 21.1

Jurisdiction of
Incorporation

California

California

California

California

California

California

Delaware

Delaware

Delaware

Delaware

Maryland

Maryland

Nevada

Nevada

Robert Half of Pennsylvania, Inc.

Pennsylvania

Protiviti Pty. Limited

Robert Half Australia Pty. Limited

Robert Half Austria GmbH

Robert Half BVBA

Robert Half Consulting Services BVBA

Robert Half Trabalho Temporário Ltda.

Australia

Australia

Austria

Belgium

Belgium

Brazil

2014 Annual Report • Robert Half 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
Name of Subsidiary

Protiviti EOOD

Robert Half Canada Inc.

Robert Half Internacional Empresa De Servicios Transitorios Limitada

Protiviti Shanghai Co. Ltd.

Robert Half Human Resources Shanghai Company Limited

Robert Half Hong Kong Limited

Protiviti Hong Kong Co. Limited

Protiviti SAS

Robert Half International France SAS

Robert Half SAS

Protiviti GmbH

Robert Half Deutschland Beteiligungsgesellschaft GmbH

Robert Half Deutschland GmbH & Co. KG

Protiviti Consulting Private Limited

Protiviti S.r.l.

Robert Half S.r.l.

Protiviti LLC

Robert Half Japan Ltd.

Robert Half Sarl

Robert Half Holding Sarl

Protiviti B.V.

Robert Half International B.V.

Robert Half Nederland B.V.

Jurisdiction of
Incorporation

Bulgaria

Canada

Chile

China

China

China, Hong Kong SAR

China, Hong Kong SAR

France

France

France

Germany

Germany

Germany

India

Italy

Italy

Japan

Japan

Luxembourg

Luxembourg

Netherlands

Netherlands

Netherlands

2014 Annual Report • Robert Half  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
Name of Subsidiary

Robert Half New Zealand Limited

Protiviti Pte. Ltd.

Robert Half International Pte. Ltd.

Robert Half S.L.

Robert Half GmbH

Jurisdiction of
Incorporation

New Zealand

Singapore

Singapore

Spain

Switzerland

Robert Half International (Dubai) Ltd.

United Arab Emirates

Protiviti Limited

Robert Half Holdings Limited

Robert Half Limited

United Kingdom

United Kingdom

United Kingdom

2014 Annual Report • Robert Half  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

EXHIBIT 23.1

We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement on Form S-8 (Nos. 33-14706, 
33-32622, 33-32623, 33-39187, 33-39204, 33-40795, 33-52617, 33-56639, 33-56641, 33-57763, 33-62138, 33-62140, 
33-65401, 33-65403, 333-05743, 333-05745, 333-18283, 333-18339, 333-38786, 333-38820, 333-42471, 333-42573, 
333-42343, 333-42269, 333-50068, 333-50094, 333-66038, 333-66042, 333-68193, 333-68135, 333-68273, 333-75694, 
333-79793, 333-79829, 333-88001, 333-91173, 333-91151, 333-91167, 333-98737, 333-125044, 333-151015, and 
333-196291) of Robert Half International Inc., of our report dated February 13, 2015, relating to the consolidated financial 
statements, financial statement schedule and the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, which appears in this 
Form 10-K.

/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

San Francisco, California

February 13, 2015

2014 Annual Report • Robert Half 
EXHIBIT 31.1

Certification Pursuant to Rule 13a-14 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

I, Harold M. Messmer, Jr., certify that:

1. 

2. 

3. 

4. 

 I have reviewed this report on Form 10-K of Robert Half International Inc.;

 Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a 
material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were 
made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

 Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly 
present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and 
for, the periods presented in this report;

The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and 
procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting 
(as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

(a) 

(b) 

(c) 

(d) 

Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be 
designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its 
consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period 
in which this report is being prepared;

Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial 
reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of 
financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with 
generally accepted accounting principles;

Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report 
our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period 
covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred 
during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual 
report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control 
over financial reporting; and

5. 

The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control 
over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of registrant’s board of directors (or 
persons performing the equivalent functions):

a) 

b) 

all significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over 
financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, 
summarize and report financial information; and

any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role 
in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

Date: February 13, 2015

/s/ HAROLD M. MESSMER, JR.    
Harold M. Messmer, Jr.
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

2014 Annual Report • Robert Half 
 
EXHIBIT 31.2

Certification Pursuant to Rule 13a-14 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

I, M. Keith Waddell, certify that:

1. 

2. 

3. 

4. 

I have reviewed this report on Form 10-K of Robert Half International Inc.;

Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material 
fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not 
misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly 
present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and 
for, the periods presented in this report;

The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and 
procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting 
(as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

(a) 

(b) 

(c) 

(d) 

Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be 
designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its 
consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period 
in which this report is being prepared;

Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial 
reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of 
financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with 
generally accepted accounting principles;

Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report 
our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period 
covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred 
during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual 
report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control 
over financial reporting; and

5. 

The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control 
over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of registrant’s board of directors (or 
persons performing the equivalent functions):

a) 

b) 

 all significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over 
financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, 
summarize and report financial information; and

any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role 
in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

Date: February 13, 2015

/s/ M. KEITH WADDELL    
M. Keith Waddell
Vice Chairman, President and
Chief Financial Officer

2014 Annual Report • Robert Half

 
 
EXHIBIT 32.1

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. 1350, AS ADOPTED PURSUANT
TO SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

In connection with the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014 of Robert Half 
International Inc. (the “Form 10-K”), I, Harold M. Messmer, Jr., Chief Executive Officer of Robert Half International Inc., 
certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:

1.    The Form 10-K fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

2.    The information contained in the Form 10-K fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of 
operations of Robert Half International Inc.

A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906, or other document authenticating, acknowledging, or 

otherwise adopting the signature that appears in typed form within the electronic version of this written statement required by 
Section 906, has been provided to Robert Half International Inc. and will be retained by Robert Half International Inc. and 
furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.

February 13, 2015

/s/ Harold M. Messmer, Jr.
Harold M. Messmer, Jr.
Chief Executive Officer
Robert Half International Inc.

2014 Annual Report • Robert Half

 
 
 
EXHIBIT 32.2

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. 1350, AS ADOPTED PURSUANT
TO SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

In connection with the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014 of Robert Half 
International Inc. (the “Form 10-K”), I, M. Keith Waddell, Chief Financial Officer of Robert Half International Inc., certify, 
pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:

1.    The Form 10-K fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

2.    The information contained in the Form 10-K fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of 
operations of Robert Half International Inc.

A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906, or other document authenticating, acknowledging, or 

otherwise adopting the signature that appears in typed form within the electronic version of this written statement required by 
Section 906, has been provided to Robert Half International Inc. and will be retained by Robert Half International Inc. and 
furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.

February 13, 2015

/s/ M. Keith Waddell
M. Keith Waddell
Chief Financial Officer
Robert Half International Inc.

2014 Annual Report • Robert Half 
 
 
CORPORATE DIRECTORY

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Andrew S. Berwick, Jr.

President and Chief Executive Officer of  
Berwick-Pacific Corporation, a real estate  
development company 

Harold M. Messmer, Jr.

Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive  
Officer of Robert Half International 

Barbara J. Novogradac

President of Novogradac Investment Company,  
a private real estate investment company

Robert J. Pace

Retired partner and Managing Director of  
Goldman, Sachs & Co., a global investment  
banking and securities firm 

Frederick A. Richman

Consultant to Deloitte Tax LLP 

M. Keith Waddell

Vice Chairman of the Board, President  
and Chief Financial Officer of Robert Half  
International 

Corporate Headquarters
2884 Sand Hill Road 
Menlo Park, California  94025 
650.234.6000  
www.roberthalf.com

MANAGEMENT 

Executive Officers

Harold M. Messmer, Jr.

Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer 

M. Keith Waddell

Vice Chairman of the Board, President and  
Chief Financial Officer  

Paul F. Gentzkow

President and Chief Operating Officer  – Staffing Services 

Robert W. Glass

Executive Vice President, Corporate Development 

Michael C. Buckley

Executive Vice President, Chief Administrative Officer,  
Treasurer and Assistant Secretary

Officers 

Evelyn Crane-Oliver

Senior Vice President  – Legal and Secretary

Lex Doherty

Senior Vice President, Corporate Controller  

Kenneth D. Gitlin 

Senior Vice President, Operational Support  

Tami A. Munns

Senior Vice President, Corporate Services – Staffing

M. Sean Perry

Senior Vice President, Chief Information Officer 

Registrar and Stock Transfer Agent

Lynda Ward Pierce

Computershare 
211 Quality Circle, Suite 210 
College Station, Texas  77845 
800.676.0894 
800.952.9245 (Hearing Impaired) 
201.680.6578 (Foreign Shareholders) 
www.computershare.com/investor

Senior Vice President, Human Resources and Compensation

Reesa M. Staten

Senior Vice President, Corporate Communications 

Paula M. Streit

Senior Vice President, Corporate Services – Protiviti

2014 Annual Report • Robert HalfACCOUNTEMPS®

ROBERT HALF® FINANCE & ACCOUNTING

ROBERT HALF® MANAGEMENT RESOURCES

ROBERT HALF® TECHNOLOGY

OFFICETEAM®

ROBERT HALF® LEGAL

THE CREATIVE GROUP®

PROTIVITI ®

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