GEE Group Announces Results for the Fiscal 2024 First Quarter
- None.
- Revenues for the fiscal 2024 first quarter decreased by 26% compared to the previous year.
- Professional contract services, industrial contract services, and direct hire placement revenues all declined.
- Gross profit and margins decreased, resulting in a net loss for the quarter.
- Adjusted EBITDA and free cash flow were down compared to the previous year.
- Management anticipates lower financial performance for fiscal year 2024 compared to fiscal year 2023.
Insights
The reported decline in revenues and net income for GEE Group reflects a broader trend of economic contraction that is affecting businesses across various sectors. The staffing industry, in particular, serves as a barometer for economic activity, given its sensitivity to labor market dynamics. A decrease of 26% in revenues, alongside a significant drop in direct hire placement revenues, suggests a cautious approach from businesses in committing to new hires amidst recessionary concerns. This contraction in the staffing industry could be indicative of a larger trend of reduced hiring and potentially increasing unemployment rates, which in turn may influence consumer spending and overall economic growth.
Furthermore, the reported decline in gross profit and gross margin, despite a cash balance that remains robust, points to operational challenges in maintaining profitability under adverse economic conditions. The compression of gross profit spread due to rising employment costs amidst inflationary pressures is a critical concern for the staffing industry, which typically operates on narrow margins. This could lead to a reassessment of pricing strategies and cost management within the sector.
Investors and stakeholders should monitor the company's ability to navigate through these macroeconomic headwinds, as well as any strategic measures management might take to mitigate the impact of these conditions on the company's financial health.
The reported financials, with a net loss of $(1.6) million, down from a net income of $0.7 million in the prior year, highlight a significant downturn in the company's profitability. The shift from a positive to a negative adjusted EBITDA further emphasizes the operational challenges faced by the company. These results could have implications for the company's stock performance, as investors typically seek growth and stability in earnings. The decrease in free cash flow, which is a critical measure of a company's financial flexibility, from $(0.3) million to $(0.9) million, may raise concerns about the company's ability to invest in growth opportunities or weather prolonged economic downturns without resorting to additional financing or cost-cutting measures.
Additionally, the share repurchase program, accounting for approximately 5% of JOB shares, may be interpreted as management's confidence in the intrinsic value of the company despite the current challenges. However, investors should consider whether the capital used for repurchases could have been better allocated to bolster the company's balance sheet or invest in strategic initiatives during these uncertain times.
The company's zero long-term debt and a current ratio of 4.2 provide a cushion against liquidity risks, which is a positive sign for creditors and investors alike. However, the tangible book value per share of $0.33, compared to the book value per share of $0.93, suggests that a significant portion of the company's value is derived from intangible assets, which may be less reliable as a source of value during economic downturns.
The staffing industry's performance can often serve as a leading indicator for the overall economy, as companies tend to adjust their labor force in anticipation of economic shifts. The reported decline in GEE Group's revenues and the decrease in job orders reflect broader macroeconomic challenges, including persistent inflation and the threat of recession. Such conditions typically lead to reduced business investment and consumer spending, which can exacerbate economic slowdowns.
It is important to note the implications of interest rate volatility on businesses like GEE Group. As central banks attempt to control inflation through rate hikes, borrowing costs rise, potentially leading to reduced investment and hiring. The information technology sector layoffs mentioned in the report are a testament to the ripple effects of these macroeconomic factors, which could lead to a self-reinforcing cycle of economic contraction if not managed effectively.
The company's expectation of continued challenging conditions into at least the first half of 2024 provides a forward-looking perspective on the economic outlook. Stakeholders should consider the potential for a prolonged period of subdued economic activity and its impact on labor markets, corporate earnings and investment strategies.
JACKSONVILLE, FL / ACCESSWIRE / February 13, 2024 / GEE Group Inc. (NYSE American:JOB) together with its subsidiaries (collectively referred to as the "Company," "GEE Group," "us," "our" or "we"), a provider of professional staffing services and human resource solutions, today announced consolidated results for the fiscal 2024 first quarter ended December 31, 2023. All amounts presented herein are consolidated or derived from consolidated amounts, and are rounded and represent approximations, accordingly.
Fiscal 2024 First Quarter versus Fiscal 2023 First Quarter Highlights
- Revenues for the fiscal 2024 first quarter were
$30.6 million , down$10.5 million , or26% , compared with the fiscal 2023 first quarter revenues of$41.1 million . The decrease in consolidated revenues was mainly attributable to the continuation of macroeconomic weakness and uncertainties, including persistent inflation, threat of recession, interest rate volatility and layoffs in the information technology sector. These factors resulted in the postponement or termination of various client projects and the hiring of personnel all of which negatively impacted the Company's results across all lines of business for the fiscal 2024 first quarter. - Professional contract services revenues for the fiscal 2024 first quarter were
$25.1 million , representing82% of total revenues, and decreased$6.7 million , or21% , compared with the fiscal 2023 first quarter revenues of$31.8 million . Industrial contract services revenues for the fiscal 2024 first quarter were$2.5 million , representing8% of total revenues, and decreased$1.1 million , or31% , compared with the fiscal 2023 first quarter revenues of$3.6 million . These decreases were driven by the macroeconomic factors outlined above which resulted in decreases in job orders from clients, as well as difficulty in filling existing orders due to a shortage of qualified temporary labor. - Direct hire placement revenues for the fiscal 2024 first quarter were
$3.1 million , down$2.6 million , or47% , compared with the fiscal 2023 first quarter revenues of$5.7 million . Direct hire placement opportunities are highly cyclical, tending to rise during the midpoint and latter stages of an economic recovery and lead the decline in hiring during the initial phase of an economic downturn. The Company reported record high direct hire placement revenues in 2022, including the comparable fiscal 2023 first quarter ended December 31, 2022, driven by a post-COVID "bounce" in employment in conjunction with recovery trends at that time. Due to the challenging macroeconomic conditions and the recessionary concerns of customers, direct hire placement is down for the fiscal 2024 first quarter. - Gross profit for the fiscal 2024 first quarter was
$9.7 million , down$4.7 million , or32% , as compared with the fiscal 2023 first quarter gross profit of$14.4 million . Consolidated gross margins were31.8% and35.0% for the fiscal 2024 and 2023 first quarters, respectively. The decreases in gross profit and gross margin correspond with and are attributable to the decline in the volume of direct hire placement revenues (which have a100% gross margin) and, to a lesser extent, increases in temporary help contractor pay and other employment costs associated with the recent rise in inflation resulting in some gross profit spread compression. - Net income (loss) for the fiscal 2024 first quarter was
$(1.6) million , or$(0.01) per diluted share, down$2.3 million , or$0.02 per diluted share, as compared with$0.7 million for the fiscal 2023 first quarter. Adjusted net income (loss) (a non-GAAP financial measure) for the fiscal 2024 first quarter was$(0.9) million , or$(0.01) per diluted share, down$2.0 million , or$0.02 per diluted share, as compared with$1.1 million for the fiscal 2023 first quarter. The Company's net income (loss) and adjusted net income (loss) were similarly affected by the items discussed above with regard to revenue, gross profit and gross margin. Reconciliations of net income (loss) to non-GAAP adjusted net income (loss) are attached hereto. - Adjusted EBITDA (a non-GAAP financial measure) for the fiscal 2024 first quarter was
$(0.2) million , down$2.2 million , as compared with$2.0 million for the fiscal 2023 first quarter. Reconciliations of net income (loss) to non-GAAP Adjusted EBITDA are attached hereto. - Free cash flow (a non-GAAP financial measure) for the fiscal 2024 first quarter ended December 31, 2023 was
$(0.9) million as compared with$(0.3) million for the fiscal 2023 first quarter. Reconciliations of cash flows used in operating activities to non-GAAP free cash flow are attached hereto. - As of December 31, 2023, GEE Group's cash balance was
$19.9 million with borrowing availability on its bank credit facility of$9.3 million . GEE Group's net working capital at the end of the fiscal 2024 first quarter was$28.1 million with a current ratio of 4.2. The Company's shareholders' equity as of December 31, 2023 was$106.3 million with zero long-term debt. - Net book value per share and net tangible book value per share were
$0.93 and$0.33 , respectively, as of December 31, 2023. - As of December 31, 2023, the Company repurchased 6.1 million of its common shares in the aggregate, accounting for approximately
5% of JOB shares issued and outstanding prior to the Share Repurchase Program.
The Company will hold an investor webcast/conference call on Wednesday, February 14, 2024 at 11a.m. EST to review and discuss its December 31, 2023 Fiscal First Quarter results. The Company's prepared remarks will be posted on its website www.geegroup.com prior to the call.
Investor Conference Call/Webcast Information
The investor conference call will be webcast, and you should pre-register in advance for the event to view and/or listen via the internet by clicking on the link below to join the conference call/webcast from your laptop, tablet or mobile device. Audio will stream through your selected device, so be sure to have headphones or your volume turned up. Questions can be submitted via email after the prepared remarks are delivered with management responding real time. A full replay of the investor conference call/webcast will be available at the same link shortly after the conclusion of the live event.
Audience Event Link:
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A confirmatory email will be sent to each registrant to acknowledge a successful registration.
Management Comments
Derek E. Dewan, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of GEE Group, commented, "We are in the midst of a very difficult macroeconomic environment that has severely impacted client demand. These conditions have negatively impacted the number of job orders and candidates available to fill orders for placements across all of our lines of business. Likewise, the U.S. Staffing Industry, as a whole, has experienced declines in overall volume and financial performance and the industry outlook is for these conditions to continue during at least the first half of calendar year 2024. We expect our future near-term financial performance to be similarly impacted, in which case our results for fiscal year 2024 may be expected to be lower than those reported for our most recent fiscal year 2023, accordingly. While we are obviously disappointed about our first quarter results, we also are taking aggressive action in prudently managing our businesses and judiciously adding talent internally to be well prepared for an anticipated eventual recovery. Our people are the best in the business at identifying, recruiting and placing the optimal talent to meet our clients' unique and ever-evolving needs, even through economic challenges."
Mr. Dewan added, "Upon conclusion of our share repurchase program, as of December 31, 2023, the Company repurchased a total of 6.1 million shares of JOB common stock. We continue to evaluate strategic uses of GEE Group's capital including mergers, acquisitions and other opportunities that are available for us to help grow shareholder value and maximize shareholder returns."
Additional Information to Consider in Conjunction with the Press Release
The aforementioned 2024 fiscal first quarter highlights and results should be read in conjunction with all of the financial and other information included in GEE Group's Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Forms 8-K and 8-K/A, Registration Statements and Amendments on Forms S-1 and S-3, and Information Statements on Schedules 14A and 14C, filed with the SEC. The discussion of financial results in this press release, and the information included herein regarding the use of non-GAAP financial measures and the related schedules attached hereto which reconcile the related items prescribed by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States ("GAAP" or "U.S. GAAP") to the non-GAAP financial information presented herein. These non-GAAP financial measures are not a substitute for the comparable measures prescribed by GAAP as further discussed below in this press release. See "Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures" and the reconciliations of Non-GAAP Financial Measures used in this press release with the Company's corresponding financial measures presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP below.
Financial information provided in this press release also may consist of or refer to estimates, projected or pro forma financial information and certain assumptions that are considered forward looking statements, are predictive in nature and depend on future events, and any such predicted or projected financial or other results may not be realized nor are they guarantees of future performance. See "Forward-Looking Statements" below which incorporates risk factors related to potential items which may possibly have a negative effect on the Company's business.
Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures
The Company discloses certain non-GAAP financial measures in this press release, including adjusted net income (loss), EBITDA, adjusted EBITDA, and free cash flow. Management and the Board of Directors use and refer to these non-GAAP financial measures internally as a supplement to financial information presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Non-GAAP financial measures are used for purposes of evaluating operating performance, financial planning purposes, establishing operational and budgetary goals, compensation plans, analysis of debt service capacity, capital expenditure planning and determining working capital needs. The Company also believes that these non-GAAP financial measures are considered useful by investors.
Non-GAAP adjusted net income (loss) is defined as net income (loss) adjusted for non-cash stock compensation expenses, acquisition, integration, restructuring and other non-recurring expenses, capital markets-related expenses, and gains or losses on extinguishment of debt or sale of assets. Non-GAAP EBITDA is defined as net income (loss) before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization. Non-GAAP adjusted EBITDA is defined as EBITDA, adjusted for the same items used to derive non-GAAP adjusted net income (loss). Non-GAAP free cash flow is defined as cash flows from operating activities, less capital expenditures.
Non-GAAP adjusted net income (loss), EBITDA, adjusted EBITDA, and free cash flow are not terms proscribed or defined by GAAP and, as a result, the Company's measure of them may not be comparable to similarly titled measures used by other companies. Generally, a non-GAAP financial measure is a numerical measure of a company's performance, financial position, or cash flow that either excludes or includes amounts that are not normally excluded or included in the most directly comparable measure calculated and presented in accordance with GAAP. The non-GAAP financial measures discussed above should be considered in addition to, and not as substitutes for, nor as being superior to net income (loss) reported in the consolidated statements of income, cash and cash flows reported in the consolidated statements of cash flows, or other measures of financial performance reflected in the Company's consolidated financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP included in Form 10-K and Form 10-Q for their respective periods filed with the SEC, which should be read and referred to in order to obtain a comprehensive and thorough understanding of the Company's financial results. The reconciliations of net income (loss) to non-GAAP adjusted net income (loss), net income (loss) to non-GAAP EBITDA and non-GAAP adjusted EBITDA, and cash flows from operating activities to non-GAAP free cash flows referred to in the highlights or elsewhere in this press release are provided in the following schedules that also form a part of this press release.
| Reconciliation of Net Income (Loss) to Non-GAAP Adjusted Net Income (Loss) Three Month Periods Ended December 31, (In thousands) | ||||||
| 2023 | 2022 | |||||
Net income (loss) | $ | (1,555 | ) | $ | 654 | |
Non-cash stock compensation | 153 | 374 | ||||
Severance agreement | 300 | - | ||||
Acquisition, integration & restructuring | 243 | 44 | ||||
Other losses (gains) | 5 | - | ||||
Non-GAAP adjusted net income (loss) | $ | (854 | ) | $ | 1,072 | |
| Reconciliation of Net Income (Loss) to Non-GAAP EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA Three Month Periods Ended December 31, (In thousands) | |||||||
| 2023 | 2022 | ||||||
Net income (loss) | $ | (1,555 | ) | $ | 654 | ||
Interest expense | 71 | 73 | |||||
Interest income | (190 | ) | (38 | ) | |||
Income taxes | - | 73 | |||||
Depreciation | 84 | 101 | |||||
Amortization | 720 | 720 | |||||
Non-GAAP EBITDA | (870 | ) | 1,583 | ||||
Non-cash stock compensation | 153 | 374 | |||||
Severance agreement | 300 | - | |||||
Acquisition, integration & restructuring | 243 | 44 | |||||
Other losses (gains) | 5 | - | |||||
Non-GAAP adjusted EBITDA | $ | (169 | ) | $ | 2,001 | ||
| Reconciliation of Net Cash used in Operating Activities to Non-GAAP Free Cash Flow Three Month Periods Ended December 31, | |||||||
| (In thousands) | |||||||
| 2023 | 2022 | ||||||
Net cash used in operating activities | $ | (919 | ) | $ | (277 | ) | |
Acquisition of property and equipment | (26 | ) | (50 | ) | |||
Non-GAAP free cash flow | $ | (945 | ) | $ | (327 | ) | |
GEE GROUP INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (unaudited)
(Amounts in thousands except per share data)
| Three Months Ended | |||||||
| December 31, | |||||||
| 2023 | 2022 | ||||||
NET REVENUES: | |||||||
Contract staffing services | $ | 27,576 | $ | 35,401 | |||
Direct hire placement services | 3,055 | 5,747 | |||||
NET REVENUES | 30,631 | 41,148 | |||||
Cost of contract services | 20,895 | 26,757 | |||||
GROSS PROFIT | 9,736 | 14,391 | |||||
Selling, general and administrative expenses | 10,606 | 12,808 | |||||
Depreciation expense | 84 | 101 | |||||
Amortization of intangible assets | 720 | 720 | |||||
INCOME (LOSS) FROM OPERATIONS | (1,674 | ) | 762 | ||||
Interest expense | (71 | ) | (73 | ) | |||
Interest income | 190 | 38 | |||||
INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE INCOME TAX PROVISION | (1,555 | ) | 727 | ||||
Provision for income tax expense | - | 73 | |||||
NET INCOME (LOSS) | $ | (1,555 | ) | $ | 654 | ||
BASIC EARNINGS (LOSS) PER SHARE | $ | (0.01 | ) | $ | 0.01 | ||
DILUTED EARNINGS (LOSS) PER SHARE | $ | (0.01 | ) | $ | 0.01 | ||
WEIGHTED AVERAGE SHARES OUTSTANDING: | |||||||
BASIC | 109,907 | 114,450 | |||||
DILUTED | 109,907 | 114,885 | |||||
GEE GROUP INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (unaudited)
(Amounts in thousands)
| December 31, 2023 | September 30, 2023 | |||||||
ASSETS | ||||||||
CURRENT ASSETS: | ||||||||
Cash | $ | 19,910 | $ | 22,471 | ||||
Accounts receivable, less allowances ( | 15,853 | 18,451 | ||||||
Prepaid expenses and other current assets | 1,286 | 847 | ||||||
Total current assets | 37,049 | 41,769 | ||||||
Property and equipment, net | 780 | 846 | ||||||
Goodwill | 61,293 | 61,293 | ||||||
Intangible assets, net | 7,686 | 8,406 | ||||||
Deferred tax assets, net | 7,064 | 7,064 | ||||||
Right-of-use assets | 3,274 | 3,637 | ||||||
Other long-term assets | 480 | 596 | ||||||
TOTAL ASSETS | $ | 117,626 | $ | 123,611 | ||||
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY | ||||||||
CURRENT LIABILITIES: | ||||||||
Accounts payable | $ | 2,486 | $ | 2,762 | ||||
Accrued compensation | 3,358 | 5,464 | ||||||
Current operating lease liabilities | 1,377 | 1,475 | ||||||
Other current liabilities | 1,705 | 1,778 | ||||||
Total current liabilities | 8,926 | 11,479 | ||||||
Noncurrent operating lease liabilities | 2,186 | 2,470 | ||||||
Other long-term liabilities | 190 | 361 | ||||||
Total liabilities | 11,302 | 14,310 | ||||||
Commitments and contingencies | ||||||||
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY: | ||||||||
Common stock, no par value; authorized - 200,000 shares; 114,900 shares | ||||||||
issued and 108,772 shares outstanding at December 31, 2023, and 114,900 | ||||||||
shares issued and 111,489 shares outstanding at September 30, 2023 | 113,068 | 112,915 | ||||||
Accumulated deficit | (3,185 | ) | (1,630 | ) | ||||
Treasury stock; at cost - 6,128 shares at December 31, 2023 and 3,411 shares | ||||||||
at September 30, 2023 | (3,559 | ) | (1,984 | ) | ||||
Total shareholders' equity | 106,324 | 109,301 | ||||||
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY | $ | 117,626 | $ | 123,611 | ||||
About GEE Group
GEE Group Inc. is a provider of specialized staffing solutions and is the successor to employment offices doing business since 1893. The Company operates in two industry segments, providing professional staffing services and solutions in the information technology, engineering, finance and accounting specialties and commercial staffing services through the names of Access Data Consulting, Agile Resources, Ashley Ellis, General Employment, Omni-One, Paladin Consulting and Triad. Also, in the healthcare sector, GEE Group, through its Scribe Solutions brand, staffs medical scribes who assist physicians in emergency departments of hospitals and in medical practices by providing required documentation for patient care in connection with electronic medical records ("EMR"). Additionally, the Company provides contract and direct hire professional staffing services through the following SNI brands: Accounting Now®, SNI Technology®, Legal Now®, SNI Financial®, Staffing Now®, SNI Energy®, and SNI Certes.
Forward-Looking Statements
In addition to historical information, this press release contains statements relating to possible future events and/or the Company's future results (including results of business operations, certain projections, future financial condition, pro forma financial information, and business trends and prospects) that are "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Act of 1934, as amended, (the "Exchange Act"), and the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and are subject to the "safe harbor" created by those sections. The statements made in this press release that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements that are predictive in nature and depend upon or refer to future events. Such forward-looking statements often contain, or are prefaced by, words such as "will," "may," "plans," "expects," "anticipates," "projects," "predicts," "pro forma," "estimates," "aims," "believes," "hopes," "potential," "intends," "suggests," "appears," "seeks," or variations of such words or similar words and expressions. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance, are based on certain assumptions, and are subject to various known risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the Company's control, and cannot be predicted or quantified and, consequently, as a result of a number of factors, the Company's actual results could differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements.
Certain other factors that might cause the Company's actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements include, without limitation: (i) the loss, default or bankruptcy of one or more customers; (ii) changes in general, regional, national or international economic conditions; (iii) an act of war or terrorism, industrial accidents, or cyber security breach that disrupts business; (iv) changes in the law and regulations; (v) the effect of liabilities and other claims asserted against the Company including the failure to repay indebtedness or comply with lender covenants including the lack of liquidity to support business operations and the inability to refinance debt, failure to obtain necessary financing or the inability to access the capital markets and/or obtain alternative sources of capital; (vi) changes in the size and nature of the Company's competition; (vii) the loss of one or more key executives; (viii) increased credit risk from customers; (ix) the Company's failure to grow internally or by acquisition or the failure to successfully integrate acquisitions; (x) the Company's failure to improve operating margins and realize cost efficiencies and economies of scale; (xi) the Company's failure to attract, hire and retain quality recruiters, account managers and salesmen; (xii) the Company's failure to recruit qualified candidates to place at customers for contract or full-time hire; (xiii) the adverse impact of geopolitical events, government mandates, natural disasters or health crises, force majeure occurrences, global pandemics such as the deadly coronavirus ("COVID") or other harmful viral or non-viral rapidly spreading diseases and such other factors as set forth under the heading "Forward-Looking Statements" in the Company's annual reports on Form 10-K, its quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and in the Company's other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC").
More detailed information about the Company and the risk factors that may affect the realization of forward-looking statements is set forth in the Company's filings with the SEC. Investors and security holders are urged to read these documents free of charge on the SEC's web site at http://www.sec.gov. The Company is under no obligation to (and expressly disclaims any such obligation to) and does not intend to publicly update, revise, or alter its forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
Contact:
GEE Group Inc.
Kim Thorpe
630.954.0400
invest@geegroup.com
SOURCE: GEE Group Inc.
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