The SPAC Advantage in a Volatile or Bear Market


Image Credit: Kampus (Pexels)


Why it May be Prudent in a Down-Market to Allocate to Individual SPACs

 

When the markets were roaring upwards in 2020 investment capital was abundant, the number of Special Purpose Acquisition Companies (SPACs) going public broke records. Competition to find ideal companies to merge with to fulfill the SPAC’s mission, intensified. Almost two years have passed since SPAC IPOs’ popularity emerged following a much quieter period for these equities. The 2020 vintage SPACs are now nearing their deadlines to find acquisitions or disseminate the money held in escrow back to shareholders. What does this mean to stock market investors?

Background

IPOs offered as SPACs in 2020 broke all previous records, in terms of the number of offerings, and gross proceeds. In 2021 there was even more issuance. SPACs are not new; they have existed for decades, they are sometimes referred to as blank check companies and shell companies. They have also been called “backdoor IPOs” because it allows a private company to go public without the normal process of filing and disclosures through the regular IPO filing process. Filing for an IPO with a SPAC is much quicker for private companies than going the traditional IPO route.

Currently, there are 602 SPACs with 162.4 billion in combined funds looking to find acquisitions. There are SPACs succeeding in finding acquisition targets, tickers like BOWL, DWAC, CPSR have recently either merged or are in a deSPAC phase, headed toward merging. But it is unlikely that there are 600 well-suited, private companies looking to go public via SPAC acquisition.  This isn’t necessarily bad for the investors in the stock, if there is a downside it is to the finance entities that went through the expense and management of the SPAC for two years.

Investors lose little more than opportunity while their funds were tied up. This is because when a SPAC fails to merge, the funds from the IPO, less expenses, plus accrued interest, are then all returned to the current holder of shares.

 

Performance

So far this year SPACs have outperformed the market significantly. This may be because SPACs don’t have as much downside, as mentioned, the initial investment is held in an escrow account that typically earns interest. Should the SPAC not merge after 24 months, investors have a fairly good idea of what they can expect to be returned to them. They may not make money, but depending on their purchase price they shouldn’t lose much. The returned cash is most often just below the initial $10 offering price. This protection prevents the SPAC from decreasing in value greatly from its offering price, while still maintaining the potential to find a target that could drive the price significantly upward. The structure demonstrates a level of safety that is not shared by other common stocks.

 

 

There is an enhanced benefit to SPAC owners in 2022 that barely existed in 2020 and early 2021 when so many of the SPACs came to market, interest rates are now averaging 3% in the escrow accounts. This is up from when rates approximated 0% when the older SPACs came to market.

SPCX used in the chart above is an actively managed ETF comprised of SPAC IPOs. Using it as a proxy for the SPAC market and comparing its performance to the S&P 500 YTD, it’s clear that SPAC stocks are a diversifier in a portfolio – they trade off their own fundamentals. The very big risk-flattening mechanism is that they effectively have a price floor for each individual SPAC.

Portfolios looking to reduce downside risk yet maintain upside potential may want to allocate into well-selected individual SPACs. To do this some investors research by evaluating the market value of the issuance and comparing it to escrow trust account value balance. What they are looking for is pre-deal shell companies that are worth more than their market price. These situations where one pays less in cash than the cash the company holds is a strategy that is gaining popularity as all markets weaken. 

 

Source: SPAC Research

 

Take-Away

Competition to find perfect merger candidates intensified to an extreme never before seen for SPACs as issuance rose from 59 deals in 2019, to 248 in 2020, and 613 in 2021. A failed SPAC (one that doesn’t find a target in 24 months) is unfortunate for the finance company issuer, but it is not necessarily bad for the stockholder. Stockholders have the option if the company finds a target, of opting out and collecting their pro-rata share of the trust or retaining the stock and owning the company it acquires. If there is no acquisition within the specified period, the stockholder is cashed out at their pro-rata share of the trust. There are stocks that are trading for less than their escrow value, some investors seek these out.

For updates on small and microcap stocks, including SPACS, sign-up to receive Channelchek daily research and information.

 

Paul Hoffman

Managing Editor, Channelchek

 

Suggested Reading



Investors Watch Media SPAC Stay in the Green as Markets Falter



Analysis of a SPAC





Merger of a SPAC, the De-SPAC Phase Explained



Lifecycle of a SPAC

 

Sources

https://www.spcxetf.com/the-fund/

https://www.spacresearch.com/

 

Stay up to date. Follow us:

 

Scheduled Speakers NobleCon18

NobleCon18 Scheduled Speakers


REGISTER FREE AS AN INVESTOR  |  PRESENTING COMPANY INQUIRIES  |  PRESENTING COMPANIES LIST  |  
SCHEDULE OF PRESENTERS
 |    |  NOBLECON18.COM

   

Bert Alfonso – CFO
Information Services (III)

Shone Anstey – CEO
LQwD FinTech (LQWDF)

Robert Archer – CEO and Director
Newrange Gold (NRGOF)

Douglas Bartole – President / CEO
InPlay Oil (IPOOF)

Tom Bock – EVP
Digital Media Solutions (DMS)

Michael Bondi – CFO
Comtech (CMTL)

Michael Borton – CFO
Flotek Industries (FTK)

Andrew Bowden – CEO
Item 9 Labs (INLB)

David Bruce – CEO
FGI Industries (FGI)

Brian Cantrell – SVP and CFO
Alliance Resource Partners (ARLP)

Daniel Carcillo – CEO
Wesana Health Holdings (WSNAF)

A.J. Cervantes Jr. – Chairman & Founder
Smart for Life (SMFL)

Mark Chalmers – President & CEO
Energy Fuels (UUUU)

Bradley Chhay – CFO
RCI Hospitality Holdings (RICK)

Spencer Cole – EVP North America
Vox Royalty (VOXCF)

Ryan Confer – CFO
Genprex (GNPX)

Michael Connors – CEO
Information Services (III)

Lisa Conte – CEO
Jaguar Health (JAGX)

Robert Crane – CFO
Axcella Therapeutics (AXLA)

Brian Culley – CEO , President & Director (New)
Lineage Cell Therapeutics (LCTX)

Gianni Del Signore – CFO
Pangaea Logistics (PANL)

Warren Duncan – CFO
Filament Health (FLHLF)

Justin Dye – CEO
Schwazze (SHWZ)

Paul Echt – CFO
Media and Games Invest

Stephen Ehrlich – CEO
Voyager Digital (VYGVF)

Mehran Ehsan – President & CEO
Permex Petroleum (OILCF)

Brian Evans – CFO
The GEO Group (GEO)

Michael Federle – CEO
Forbes Global Media

Kyle Floyd – CEO
Vox Royalty (VOXCF)

Scott Frohman – President
Odyssey Wellness

Peter Gianulis – CEO
Allegiant Gold (AUXXF)

John Gibson – CEO
Flotek Industries (FTK)

Ryan Goepel – CFO
Global Crossing Airlines (JETMF)

Ilan Hadar – CEO
PainReform Ltd. (PRFX)

Arjan Haverhals – President & CEO
Milestone Scientific (MLSS)

Wayne W. Heili – CEO
Peninsula Energy (PENMF)

Gerri Henwood – President & CEO
Baudax Bio (BXRX)

Matthew Hornor – President/CEO
Maple Gold Mines (MGMLF)

Nancy Huber – CFO
Schwazze (SHWZ)

Kathryn JohnBull – CFO
DLH (DLHC)

Lauri Kearnes – CFO
Harte Hanks (HHS)

John Keeler – CEO
Blue Star Foods (BSFC)

David Kelley – CEO
Chakana Copper (CHKKF)

Gust Kepler – CEO & Co-Founder
Blackboxstocks (BLBX)

Giorgi Khazaradze – CEO
Aurox

John Kiernan – CEO
Alico (ALCO)

Rani Kohen – Executive Chairman
SQL Technologies (SKYX)

Dmitry Kozko – CEO
Motorsport Games (MSGM)

Sean Krakiwsky – President & CEO
Nanalysis Scientific (NSCIF)

Eric Langan – CEO
RCI Hospitality Holdings (RICK)

Seth Lederman, MD – Co-Founder, CEO & Chairman
Tonix Pharmaceuticals (TNXP)

Arthur Levine – CFO
EZFill (EZFL)

Evan Levine – CEO
PsyBio Therapeutics (PSYBF)

Ben Lightburn – Co-Founder & CEO
Filament Health (FLHLF)

Brian Linscott – CEO
Harte Hanks (HHS)

Ken Londoner – CEO, Executive Chairman & Co-Founder
BioSig Technologies (BSGM)

Frank Lopez-Balboa – CFO
Cumulus Media (CMLS)

Paul Manley – VP Investor Relations
Wrap Technologies (WRAP)

Joe Marinucci – CEO
Digital Media Solutions (DMS)

Cary Marshall – VP, Corp Finance & Treasurer
Alliance Resource Partners (ARLP)

James Martin – CFO & Corporate Secretary
Cocrystal Pharma (COCP)

Evan Masyr – CFO
Salem Media Group (SALM)

Leonard Mazur – Executive Chairman
Citius Pharmaceuticals (CTXR)

Michael McConnell – CEO
EZFill (EZFL)

John McGraw – President & CEO
Izotropic Corporation (IZOZF)

Margot M. Micallef – Founder & CEO
GABY (GABLF)

Bobby Mikkelsen – CFO
Item 9 Labs (INLB)

Tim Millage – Current CFO
Lee Enterprises (LEE)

Darren Minton – President
Smart for Life (SMFL)

John Morrison – CFO
One Stop Systems (OSS)

Kevin Mowbray – President / CEO / Director
Lee Enterprises (LEE)

Shankar Musunuri, PhD – Founder, Chairman & CEO
Ocugen (OCGN)

Nir Naor – CFO
HMNC Brain Health

Jonathan New – CFO
Motorsport Games (MSGM)

Matt Nicosia – CEO
Vivakor (VIVK)

Robert Nistico – CEO
Splash Beverage Group (SBEV)

Steve O’Laughlin – Principal Financial Officer
Actinium Pharmaceuticals (ATNM)

George Palikaras – CEO
Meta Materials Inc. (MMAT)

Christiana Papadopoulos – IR Mgr
Sierra Metals (SMTS)

Zachary Parker – President and CEO
DLH (DLHC)

Eric Pharis – COO
Blackboxstocks (BLBX)

Michael Porcelain – CEO
Comtech (CMTL)

Scott Powell – EVP Investor Relations
VolitionRx (VNRX)

Evan Psaropoulos – CFO
Voyager Digital (VYGVF)

Peter Quigley – President & CEO
Kelly Services (KELYA)

Richard Rallo – CFO & Chief Accounting Officer
Alico (ALCO)

Jeffrey I. Rassás – Chief Strategy Officer
Item 9 Labs (INLB)

David Raun – CEO
One Stop Systems (OSS)

Dave Rosa – CEO
NeuroOne Medical Technologies (NMTC)

Stuart Rosenstein – CFO
Townsquare Media (TSQ)

Christopher Ruddy – CEO
Newsmax

Lena Russomagno – Associate Director of Operations
Tonix Pharmaceuticals (TNXP)

Corey Ruttan – CEO
Alvopetro Energy (ALVOF)

Shane Schaffer – CEO
Cingulate (CING)

Lou Schwartz – CEO
Engine Media and Gaming (GAME)

Tom Shannon – Founder & CEO
Bowlero Corp. (BOWL)

Matt Singh – CCO
Psyched Wellness (PSYCF)

Russell Skibsted – EVP, CFO & CBO
Rockwell Medical (RMTI)

Arthur Smith – CEO
Digerati Technologies (DTGI)

Jeremy Sobotta – President & CEO
Perimeter Medical Imaging AI (PYNKF)

Jeff Stevens – CEO
Psyched Wellness (PSYCF)

Sanjay Subramanian – CFO
Ocugen (OCGN)

Dean Taylor – CEO
Diamcor Mining (DMIFF)

Marie Tedesco – CFO
Beasley Broadcast Group (BBGI)

Olivier Thirot – CFO
Kelly Services (KELYA)

Suresh Venkatachari – Chairman & CEO
Healthcare Triangle (HCTI)

Gary Vogel – CEO
Eagle Bulk Shipping (EGLE)

William Willoughby – Director and CEO
Cypress Development (CYDVF)

Bill Wilson – CEO
Townsquare Media (TSQ)

Mark Wingertzahn – Chief Science Officer
Wesana Health Holdings (WSNAF)

Robert Winspear – CFO
Blackboxstocks (BLBX)

John Wobensmith – CEO
Genco Shipping (GNK)

David Wolfin – President & CEO
Avino Silver & Gold (ASM)

Zhenyu Wu – CFO
Elite Education Group International (EEIQ)

Michael York – CFO
Forbes Global Media

Chris Young – EVP, CFO & Treasurer
Entravision Communications (EVC)

Apostolos Zafolias – CFO
Genco Shipping (GNK)

Scheduled Speakers – NobleCon18

NobleCon18 Confirmed Speakers


REGISTER FREE AS AN INVESTOR  |  PRESENTING COMPANY INQUIRIES  |  NOBLECON18.COM


Bert Alfonso – CFO
Information Services (III)

Robert Archer – CEO and Director
Newrange Gold Corp. (NRGOF)

Douglas Bartole – President / CEO
InPlay Oil (IPOOF)

Michael Bondi – CFO
Comtech (CMTL)

Michael Borton – CFO
Flotek Industries (FTK)

Andrew Bowden – CEO
Item 9 Labs Corp. (INLB)

Brian Cantrell – SVP and CFO
Alliance Resource Partners, L.P. (ARLP)

Daniel Carcillo – CEO
Wesana Health Holdings Inc. (WSNAF)

John Carlesso – CEO
FenixOro Gold Corp. (FDVXF)

Mark Chalmers – President & CEO
Energy Fuels (UUUU)

Bradley Chhay – CFO
RCI Hospitality Holdings, Inc. (RICK)

Michael Connors – CEO
Information Services (III)

Lisa Conte – CEO
Jaguar Health (JAGX)

Robert Crane – CFO
Axcella Therapeutics (AXLA)

Gianni Del Signore – CFO
Pangaea Logistics (PANL)

Warren Duncan – CFO
Filament Health Corp. (FLHLF)

Justin Dye – CEO
Schwazze (SHWZ)

Stephen Ehrlich – CEO
Voyager Digital Ltd. (VYGVF)

Brian Evans – CFO
The GEO Group, Inc. (GEO)

Peter Gianulis – CEO
Allegiant Gold (AUXXF)

John Gibson – CEO
Flotek Industries (FTK)

Ryan Goepel – CFO
Global Crossing Airlines Inc. (JETMF)

Ilan Hadar – CEO
PainReform Ltd. (PRFX)

Arjan Haverhals – President & CEO
Milestone Scientific (MLSS)

Gerri Henwood – President & CEO
Baudax Bio, Inc. (BXRX)

Nancy Huber – CFO
Schwazze (SHWZ)

Kathryn JohnBull – CFO
DLH (DLHC)

Lauri Kearnes – CFO
Harte Hanks (HHS)

John Keeler – CEO
Blue Star Foods Corp. (BSFC)

David Kelley – CEO
Chakana Copper Corp (CHKKF)

Gust Kepler – CEO & Co-Founder
Blackboxstocks Inc. (BLBX)

Giorgi Khazaradze – CEO
Aurox

Eric Langan – CEO
RCI Hospitality Holdings, Inc. (RICK)

Seth Lederman, MD – Co-Founder, CEO & Chairman
Tonix Pharmaceuticals (TNPX)

Ben Lightburn – Co-Founder & CEO
Filament Health Corp. (FLHLF)

Brian Linscott – CEO
Harte Hanks (HHS)

Ken Londoner – CEO, Executive Chairman & Co-Founder
BioSig Technologies (BSGM)

Paul Manley – VP Investor Relations
Wrap Technologies, Inc. (WRAP)

Cary Marshall – VP, Corp Finance & Treasurer
Alliance Resource Partners, L.P. (ARLP)

James Martin – CFO & Corporate Secretary
Cocrystal Pharma Inc. (COCP)

Evan Masyr – CFO
Salem Media Group (SALM)

Margot M. Micallef – Founder & CEO
GABY Inc. (GABLF)

Tim Millage – CFO
Lee Enterprises, Inc. (LEE)

Kevin Mowbray – President / CEO / Director
Lee Enterprises, Inc. (LEE)

Shankar Musunuri, PhD – Founder, Chairman & CEO
Ocugen (OCGN)

Nir Naor – CFO
HMNC Holding GmbH

Chris Naprawa – President
TAAL Distributed Information Technologies (TAALF)

Robert Nistico – CEO
Splash Beverage Group, Inc. (SBEV)

Steve O’Laughlin – Principal Financial Officer
Actinium Pharmaceuticals (ATNM)

Christiana Papadopoulos – IR Mgr
Sierra Metals (SMTS)

Zachary Parker – President and CEO
DLH (DLHC)

Eric Pharis – COO
Blackboxstocks Inc. (BLBX)

Michael Porcelain – CEO
Comtech (CMTL)

Scott Powell – EVP Investor Relations
VolitionRx (VNRX)

Evan Psaropoulos – CFO
Voyager Digital Ltd. (VYGVF)

Peter Quigley – President & CEO
Kelly Services (KELYA)

Jeffrey I. Rassás – Chief Strategy Officer
Item 9 Labs Corp. (INLB)

Dave Rosa – CEO
Neuroone Medical Technologies Corp. (NMTC)

Stuart Rosenstein – CFO
Townsquare Media (TSQ)

Lena Russomagno – Associate Director of Operations
Tonix Pharmaceuticals (TNPX)

Corey Ruttan – CEO
Alvopetro Energy (ALVOF)

David Santrella – President, Broadcast Media
Salem Media Group (SALM)

Matt Singh – CCO
Psyched Wellness Ltd. (PSYCF)

Russell Skibsted – EVP, CFO & CBO
Rockwell Medical (RMTI)

Arthur Smith – CEO
Digerati Technologies, Inc. (DTGI)

Jeff Stevens – CEO
Psyched Wellness Ltd. (PSYCF)

Sanjay Subramanian – CFO
Ocugen (OCGN)

Marie Tedesco – CFO
Beasley Broadcast Group (BBGI)

Olivier Thirot – CFO
Kelly Services (KELYA)

Suresh Venkatachari – Chairman & CEO
Healthcare Triangle (HCTI)

William Willoughby – Director and CEO
Cypress Development Corp. (CYDVF)

Bill Wilson – CEO
Townsquare Media (TSQ)

Mark Wingertzahn – Chief Science Officer
Wesana Health Holdings Inc. (WSNAF)

Robert Winspear – CFO
Blackboxstocks Inc. (BLBX)

David Wolfin – President & CEO
Avino Silver & Gold (ASM)

Zhenyu Wu – CFO
Elite Education Group International Ltd. (EEIQ)

Chris Young – EVP, CFO & Treasurer
Entravision Communications (EVC)

The GEO Group, Inc. (GEO) – Solid Performance in a Challenging Year

Friday, February 18, 2022

The GEO Group, Inc. (GEO)
Solid Performance in a Challenging Year

With over 94,000 beds owned, leased or managed across its business lines and serving over 260,000 people daily, GEO is a leading provider of mission critical real estate to its governmental partners. The Company is the first fully integrated equity REIT specializing in the design, financing, development, and operation of secure facilities, processing centers, and community reentry centers in the U.S., Australia, South Africa, and the U.K.

Joe Gomes, Senior Research Analyst, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.

Joshua Zoepfel, Research Associate, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.

Refer to the full report for the price target, fundamental analysis, and rating.

    4Q21 Results. The GEO Group reported solid results for the fourth quarter of 2021. Total revenue for the quarter was $557.5 million compared to guidance of $554-$559 million. We were at $555 million. GEO reported AFFO of $0.65/sh, compared to guidance of $0.65/sh -$0.67/sh. We were at $0.58/sh. Adjusted earnings were $0.38/sh versus $0.33/sh last year.

    Full Year 2021.  In a difficult year of COVID and non-renewal of contracts, revenue declined 4.0% to $2.26 billion. GAAP EPS was $0.58 and adjusted EPS was $1.32, compared to $0.94 and $1.30, respectively, in 2020. AFFO for 2021 was $2.48 per share, similar to the $2.51 in 2020. Adjusted EBITDA in 2021 was $466.9 million, up from $439.8 million last year …



This Company Sponsored Research is provided by Noble Capital Markets, Inc., a FINRA and S.E.C. registered broker-dealer (B/D).

*Analyst certification and important disclosures included in the full report. NOTE: investment decisions should not be based upon the content of this research summary.  Proper due diligence is required before making any investment decision. 

Is the SEC conducting Unfounded Investigations of Elon Musk


Image Credit: Maurizio Pesce


Musk’s Lawyers Suggest a Rogue U.S. Agency is being Weaponized Against Him

 

Tesla CEO Elon Musk’s legal representatives say the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is conducting ‘unfounded investigations’ on him and the EV company. In a letter, to a federal judge, Tesla’s lawyers accuse the regulator of not distributing a $40 million fine paid after a 2018 settlement to shareholders allegedly harmed over Musk’s Twitter posts.

The correspondence sent Thursday (February 16) accuses the SEC of conducting “unfounded investigations” of Mr. Musk and Tesla. The letter was addressed to the federal judge who oversaw the settlement. As a result, Tesla has essentially become what it sees as a whistleblower against the SEC.

 

Background

Tesla and the SEC settled an enforcement action in 2018 that alleged that Musk had committed fraud by tweeting about a potential buyout of the company. Tesla paid $20 million to settle that case. Musk also personally paid $20 million. He also agreed to have his public statements on social media overseen by Tesla lawyers.

In correspondence sent to Tesla in both 2019 and 2020, the SEC said tweets Musk wrote regarding Tesla’s solar roof production volumes and its stock price hadn’t undergone the required preapproval and supervision.  The communications involving the Commission are part of the tensions between the nation’s public market regulator and the founder of the $927 billion dollar car company. It should also be noted that after the settlement, Musk publicly mocked the SEC.

To date, the SEC hasn’t distributed the $40 million in fine money to those holding shares at the time of his 2018 tweets that claimed he planned to take Tesla private, according to the letter sent to the judge. The part of the agreement that was to be upheld by Tesla (in addition to the $40 million) is that company lawyers would preclear certain of the CEO’s tweets and other public statements. The SEC wants proof of adherence.

Tesla’s New Accusation

According to the letter signed by Tesla attorney Andrew Spiro, “The SEC seems to be targeting Mr. Musk and Tesla for unrelenting investigation largely because Mr. Musk remains an outspoken critic of the government.” The letter addressed to U.S. District Judge Alison Nathan in Manhattan, pointed out that if the Commission was concerned “the SEC has not once come before Your Honor to seek discovery concerning compliance under the consent decree,” the letter continues, “Instead, it has gone rogue, and unilaterally opened its own investigations.”  Then Spiro accuses, “The SEC has conducted these investigations wholly outside of this court’s supervision.”

Take-Away

Tesla attorney Andrew Spiro’s letter suggests that Elon Musk and the company’s board regret settling and agreeing to the social-media oversight policy, and monetary portion, which Judge Nathan approved. Also, the company decided to resolve the lawsuit because it believed that fine money would go to Tesla shareholders. In the absence of, (according to Tesla), the SEC not keeping its part of the deal, and (according to the SEC) Tesla not adequately maintaining its part of the agreement, tensions may soon come to a head.

 

Suggested Reading



Tesla’s Strange Influence on the Markets



Publicly Traded Chinese Companies Duty to Shareholders





Elon Musk Reminds Jeff Bezos that He’s Pulling Away



New Measures to Limit Government Officials Trading

 

Sources

https://www.sec.gov/news/press-release/2018-226

https://www.wsj.com/articles/sec-subpoenas-tesla-seeking-information-linked-to-elon-musk-settlement-11644248873?mod=article_inline

https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2021/jun/02/elon-musk-tweets-tesla-sec-settlement#:~:text=The%20SEC%20had%20sued%20Musk,13.3%25%2C%20violated%20securities%20law.

https://nypost.com/2022/02/17/elon-musk-lawyer-sec-gone-rogue-stiffed-tesla-investors-40m/

https://www.autonews.com/executives/elon-musk-tesla-accuse-sec-unrelenting-probe


 

Stay up to date. Follow us:

 

Is the SEC conducting “Unfounded Investigations” of Elon Musk?


Image Credit: Maurizio Pesce


Musk’s Lawyers Suggest a Rogue U.S. Agency is being Weaponized Against Him

 

Tesla CEO Elon Musk’s legal representatives say the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is conducting ‘unfounded investigations’ on him and the EV company. In a letter, to a federal judge, Tesla’s lawyers accuse the regulator of not distributing a $40 million fine paid after a 2018 settlement to shareholders allegedly harmed over Musk’s Twitter posts.

The correspondence sent Thursday (February 16) accuses the SEC of conducting “unfounded investigations” of Mr. Musk and Tesla. The letter was addressed to the federal judge who oversaw the settlement. As a result, Tesla has essentially become what it sees as a whistleblower against the SEC.

 

Background

Tesla and the SEC settled an enforcement action in 2018 that alleged that Musk had committed fraud by tweeting about a potential buyout of the company. Tesla paid $20 million to settle that case. Musk also personally paid $20 million. He also agreed to have his public statements on social media overseen by Tesla lawyers.

In correspondence sent to Tesla in both 2019 and 2020, the SEC said tweets Musk wrote regarding Tesla’s solar roof production volumes and its stock price hadn’t undergone the required preapproval and supervision.  The communications involving the Commission are part of the tensions between the nation’s public market regulator and the founder of the $927 billion dollar car company. It should also be noted that after the settlement, Musk publicly mocked the SEC.

To date, the SEC hasn’t distributed the $40 million in fine money to those holding shares at the time of his 2018 tweets that claimed he planned to take Tesla private, according to the letter sent to the judge. The part of the agreement that was to be upheld by Tesla (in addition to the $40 million) is that company lawyers would preclear certain of the CEO’s tweets and other public statements. The SEC wants proof of adherence.

Tesla’s New Accusation

According to the letter signed by Tesla attorney Andrew Spiro, “The SEC seems to be targeting Mr. Musk and Tesla for unrelenting investigation largely because Mr. Musk remains an outspoken critic of the government.” The letter addressed to U.S. District Judge Alison Nathan in Manhattan, pointed out that if the Commission was concerned “the SEC has not once come before Your Honor to seek discovery concerning compliance under the consent decree,” the letter continues, “Instead, it has gone rogue, and unilaterally opened its own investigations.”  Then Spiro accuses, “The SEC has conducted these investigations wholly outside of this court’s supervision.”

Take-Away

Tesla attorney Andrew Spiro’s letter suggests that Elon Musk and the company’s board regret settling and agreeing to the social-media oversight policy, and monetary portion, which Judge Nathan approved. Also, the company decided to resolve the lawsuit because it believed that fine money would go to Tesla shareholders. In the absence of, (according to Tesla), the SEC not keeping its part of the deal, and (according to the SEC) Tesla not adequately maintaining its part of the agreement, tensions may soon come to a head.

 

Suggested Reading



Tesla’s Strange Influence on the Markets



Publicly Traded Chinese Companies Duty to Shareholders





Elon Musk Reminds Jeff Bezos that He’s Pulling Away



New Measures to Limit Government Officials Trading

 

Sources

https://www.sec.gov/news/press-release/2018-226

https://www.wsj.com/articles/sec-subpoenas-tesla-seeking-information-linked-to-elon-musk-settlement-11644248873?mod=article_inline

https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2021/jun/02/elon-musk-tweets-tesla-sec-settlement#:~:text=The%20SEC%20had%20sued%20Musk,13.3%25%2C%20violated%20securities%20law.

https://nypost.com/2022/02/17/elon-musk-lawyer-sec-gone-rogue-stiffed-tesla-investors-40m/

https://www.autonews.com/executives/elon-musk-tesla-accuse-sec-unrelenting-probe


 

Stay up to date. Follow us:

 

Release – Kelly Declares Quarterly Dividend



Kelly® Declares Quarterly Dividend

Research, News, and Market Data on Kelly

 

TROY, Mich.
Feb. 16, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — Kelly® (Nasdaq: KELYAKELYB), a leading specialty talent solutions provider, today announced that its Board of Directors has declared a quarterly dividend of 
$0.05 per share on Kelly Services Class A and Class B common stock. The dividend is payable 
March 14, 2022 to shareholders of record at the close of business on 
February 28, 2022.

About Kelly®

Kelly Services, Inc. (Nasdaq: KELYA, KELYB) connects talented people to companies in need of their skills in areas including Science, Engineering, Education, Office, Contact Center, 
Light Industrial, and more. We’re always thinking about what’s next in the evolving world of work, and we help people ditch the script on old ways of thinking and embrace the value of all workstyles in the workplace. We directly employ more than 350,000 people around the world, and we connect thousands more with work through our global network of talent suppliers and partners in our outsourcing and consulting practice. Revenue in 2021 was 
$4.9 billion. Visit kellyservices.com and let us help with what’s next for you.

KLYA-FIN

ANALYST & MEDIA CONTACT:
James Polehna
(248) 244-4586
james_polehna@kellyservices.com

SOURCE 
Kelly Services, Inc.

Kelly® Declares Quarterly Dividend



Kelly® Declares Quarterly Dividend

Research, News, and Market Data on Kelly

 

TROY, Mich.
Feb. 16, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — Kelly® (Nasdaq: KELYAKELYB), a leading specialty talent solutions provider, today announced that its Board of Directors has declared a quarterly dividend of 
$0.05 per share on Kelly Services Class A and Class B common stock. The dividend is payable 
March 14, 2022 to shareholders of record at the close of business on 
February 28, 2022.

About Kelly®

Kelly Services, Inc. (Nasdaq: KELYA, KELYB) connects talented people to companies in need of their skills in areas including Science, Engineering, Education, Office, Contact Center, 
Light Industrial, and more. We’re always thinking about what’s next in the evolving world of work, and we help people ditch the script on old ways of thinking and embrace the value of all workstyles in the workplace. We directly employ more than 350,000 people around the world, and we connect thousands more with work through our global network of talent suppliers and partners in our outsourcing and consulting practice. Revenue in 2021 was 
$4.9 billion. Visit kellyservices.com and let us help with what’s next for you.

KLYA-FIN

ANALYST & MEDIA CONTACT:
James Polehna
(248) 244-4586
james_polehna@kellyservices.com

SOURCE 
Kelly Services, Inc.

SPAC to Merge With Cannabis Financial Services Pioneer


Image Credit: Safe Harbor Financial


Cannabis Bank Sowing New Seeds as it Announces SPAC Merger

 

The latest SPAC or “blank check company” to find the desired target will help fulfill the growing need for banking services for cannabis-related businesses (CRB) in Colorado, and beyond. At the helm of the soon to be merged institution will be one of the pioneers that has helped lead the way by overcoming barriers to financial services for CRBs.

Career banker Sundie Seefried literally wrote the book on cannabis banking back in 2015. She says she was inspired by public safety risks posed by what was largely an all-cash business. After Colorado eased marijuana restrictions, she worked to serve this sector’s financial needs. Sundie became a leader in cannabis banking and has been providing guidance to other bankers, business owners, and policymakers.  Ms. Seefried, who runs Safe Harbor Financial Corp. will soon be sowing more potent seeds within the industry.


Picture: Sundie Seefried

Seefried’s Safe Harbor Financial announced a definitive agreement Monday to be taken public by Northern Lights Acquisition (NLIT) which was formed as a special purpose acquisition corporation (SPAC).

In a news release, Seefried explained the deal will position Safe Harbor to expand its financial services and support the growth of the cannabis industry. “Our goal is to become a ‘one stop-shop’ for cannabis business financial needs,” she added.

 

Terms of the Agreement

Under the merger, New York-based Northern Lights (NLIT), an affiliate of Luminous Capital, will pay $70 million in cash and $115 million in common stock to acquire Safe Harbor, a subsidiary of Colorado-based Partner Colorado Credit Union. The post-transaction equity value of the company is expected to be $327 million, according to the release.

The deal has already been approved by the board of directors and managers of Northern Lights, Partners Colorado and Safe Harbor, according to the news release. It remains subject to other closing conditions including approval by the stockholders of Northern Lights.

 

About Safe Harbor

Safe Harbor has nearly 600 accounts across 20 states. During 2021 it processed $4 billion in transactions, for a total of $11 billion since it began operations, according to the release.

Last year, Safe Harbor unveiled a commercial cannabis lending platform. Currently, it has an actionable pipeline of more than $300 million, including both existing and new customers, the release said.

John Darwin and Joshua Mann, co-CEOs of Northern Lights, will remain on Northern Lights’ board of directors after the sale is finalized. Sundie Seefried will serve as CEO of the merged company.

 

Suggested Reading



Banks and Credit Unions Are Now Allowing Services For Marijuana And Cannabis Businesses



What’s in the Senate’s Marijuana Tax Proposal





Marijuana is Winning the Sports Battle



Clarence Thomas’ Statement on Half-in, Half-out Marijuana Laws

 

Sources

https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/northern-lights-acquisition-corp-announces-entering-into-a-business-combination-agreement-with-safe-harbor-financial-the-leading-provider-of-financial-services-and-access-to-banking-solutions-for-the-us-cannabis-industry-301481232.html

https://financialregnews.com/northern-lights-details-acquisition-of-leading-financial-services-provider-for-cannabis-industry/

https://shfinancial.org/resources/

https://www.facebook.com/SafeHarborFinancialLLC/photos/a.278325677682904/316238937224911


 

Stay up to date. Follow us:

 

Kelly Services (KELYA) – Gearing Up For Meaningful Change

Tuesday, February 15, 2022

Kelly Services (KELYA)
Gearing Up For Meaningful Change

Kelly Services Inc is a provider of workforce solutions and consulting and staffing services. The company’s operations are divided into three business segments namely Americas Staffing, Global Talent Solutions (“GTS”) and International Staffing. It provides staffing solutions through its branch networks in Americas and International operations and also provides a suite of innovative talent fulfilment and outcome-based solutions through GTS segment. Americas Staffing generates maximum revenue from its operations.

Joe Gomes, Senior Research Analyst, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.

Joshua Zoepfel, Research Associate, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.

Refer to the full report for the price target, fundamental analysis, and rating.

    4Q21. Revenue of $1.25 billion was up 0.7% year-over-year (1.1% in constant currency) but up 6% when adjusting for the additional week in 2021. Consensus was $1.3 billion and we were at $1.31 billion. Kelly reported operating earnings of $15.3 million, compared to $9.5 million in 4Q20, and $19.4 million versus $13.9 million on an adjusted basis. GAAP EPS for 4Q21 was $1.80 compared to $0.59 in 4Q20. Adjusted EPS for the fourth quarter was $0.65 versus $0.41 last year. We had projected adjusted EPS of $0.32.

    Monetization of APAC.  Kelly entered into an agreement to sell nearly all of its PersolKelly JV and its shareholdings in Persol Group. Net cash proceeds are anticipated to be approximately $255 million, or $6.75 per KELYA share. Combined with availability under its credit facilities, Kelly has about $0.5 billion of capital to accelerate its growth in high-margin, high-growth specialties …



This Company Sponsored Research is provided by Noble Capital Markets, Inc., a FINRA and S.E.C. registered broker-dealer (B/D).

*Analyst certification and important disclosures included in the full report. NOTE: investment decisions should not be based upon the content of this research summary.  Proper due diligence is required before making any investment decision. 

Release – Kelly Reports Fourth-Quarter and Full-Year Earnings 2021



Kelly® Reports Fourth-Quarter and Full-Year Earnings 2021

Research, News, and Market Data on Kelly

 

– Q4 revenue increased 0.7%, or 6% as adjusted

– Q4 gross profit rate of 19.7%, improved 160 bps

– Q4 operating earnings of $15.3 million, or earnings of $19.4 million as adjusted, compared to earnings of $13.9 million in the corresponding quarter of 2020 as adjusted, up 40% on an adjusted basis

– Full year 2021 operating earnings of $48.6 million, or earnings of $52.6 million as adjusted, compared to adjusted earnings of $44.3 million last year, up 19% on an adjusted basis

– To unlock capital to accelerate Kelly’s specialty strategy, Kelly and Persol Holdings will unwind cross-ownership and Kelly will reduce its ownership interest in PersolKelly, the companies’ joint venture in the APAC region, in Q1 2022

 

TROY, Mich.
Feb. 14, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — Kelly® (Nasdaq: KELYA, KELYB), a leading specialty talent solutions provider, today announced results for the fourth quarter and full year of 2021. The company’s 2021 fiscal year is a 52-week year, and the fourth quarter of 2021 includes 13 weeks. The company’s 2020 fiscal year was a 53-week year, and the fourth quarter of 2020 included 14 weeks.

Peter Quigley, president and chief executive officer, announced revenue for the fourth quarter of 2021 totaled 
$1.3 billion, a 0.7% increase compared to the corresponding quarter of 2020. Year-over-year revenue trends were negatively impacted by the additional week in the 2020 period. Adjusted for the impact of the additional week in 2020, revenue for the fourth quarter of 2021 increased 6.0%. Improving year-over-year revenues in the quarter reflect increasing customer demand compared to the COVID-19-impacted prior year period. 

Earnings from operations in the fourth quarter of 2021 totaled 
$15.3 million, compared to earnings of 
$9.5 million reported in the fourth quarter of 2020. The 2021 fourth-quarter results include a 
$4.1 million restructuring charge. The 2020 fourth-quarter results included a 
$4.4 million restructuring charge. On an adjusted basis, earnings from operations were 
$19.4 million compared to 
$13.9 million in the corresponding quarter of 2020.

Diluted earnings per share in the fourth quarter of 2021 were 
$1.80 compared to 
$0.59 per share in the fourth quarter of 2020. Included in the earnings per share in the fourth quarter of 2021 is a non-cash gain, net of tax, on Kelly’s investment in Persol Holdings common stock of 
$0.87 and a gain on insurance settlement, net of tax, of 
$0.36, partially offset by a loss of 
$0.08 related to restructuring charges, net of tax. Included in the earnings per share in the fourth quarter of 2020 is 
$0.26 from a non-cash gain per share on Kelly’s investment in Persol Holdings common stock, net of tax, partially offset by a loss of 
$0.08 related to restructuring charges, net of tax. On an adjusted basis, earnings per share were 
$0.65 in the fourth quarter of 2021 compared to 
$0.41 in the corresponding quarter of 2020.

“Our fourth-quarter results reflect that the economic recovery continues. While our revenue growth in the quarter was affected by talent supply, we are pleased with our ability to leverage growth into solid gross profit and earnings improvements,” said Quigley.

Operating earnings for the full year of 2021 totaled 
$48.6 million, compared to a loss of 
$93.6 million reported for the full year of 2020. The 2021 full-year results included a 
$4.0 million restructuring charge. The 2020 full-year results include a 
$147.7 million goodwill impairment charge, 
$12.8 million of restructuring charges, a 
$9.5 million customer dispute charge and a 
$32.1 million gain on sale of assets. On an adjusted basis, earnings from operations for the full year of 2021 were 
$52.6 million compared to 
$44.3 million for the full year of 2020.

Diluted earnings per share for the full year of 2021 were 
$3.91 compared to a loss per share of 
$1.83 for the full year of 2020. Included in the earnings per share for the full year of 2021 is 
$2.12 from a non-cash gain on Kelly’s investment in Persol Holdings common stock, net of tax, and a 
$0.36 gain on insurance settlement, net of tax, partially offset by a 
$0.07 per share restructuring charge, net of tax. Included in the loss per share for the full year of 2020 is a non-cash goodwill impairment charge, net of tax, of 
$3.17; restructuring charges, net of tax, of 
$0.24; a 
$0.17 customer dispute charge, net of tax; and a non-cash loss, net of tax, on Kelly’s investment in Persol Holdings common stock of 
$0.29, partially offset by a gain of 
$0.61 related to the gain on sale of assets, net of tax. On an adjusted basis, earnings per share were 
$1.51 for the full year of 2021 compared to 
$1.44 for the full year of 2020.

In other actions taken today, Persol Holdings and Kelly have agreed to changes in their relationship in the APAC region.  

First, Kelly will reduce its ownership interest in 
PersolKelly Pte. Ltd., the staffing joint venture established between Kelly and Persol in 2016, from 49% to 2.5%. Persol will acquire 46.5% of the shares held by Kelly through a Persol subsidiary. These changes will have no impact on the operations of PersolKelly, which remains a premier staffing supplier across the region. PersolKelly will continue to use the brand name, PersolKelly, for a period of time.

Second, Kelly and Persol will discontinue their cross-shareholding. Kelly holds 9,106,800 shares of Persol Holdings common stock, and Persol owns 1,576,169 shares of Kelly’s Class A common stock and 1,475 shares of its Class B common stock. Kelly will monetize its equity holdings in Persol by selling all its shares in an open market transaction. Kelly will also buy back from Persol its equity position in Kelly. These actions will allow Kelly to realize the appreciation of its equity investment in Persol and enable the company to reinvest in Kelly’s specialty growth strategy. Both stock transactions are expected to be completed within two business days.

Persol Holdings continues to be a valued partner to Kelly, and the companies’ senior leaders will continue to regularly meet as part of this valued business partnership. PersolKelly, under the leadership of CEO  Francis Koh, will continue to provide workforce solutions to customers across 13 markets in the 
Asia Pacific market and Kelly, under the leadership of  Pete Hamilton, will continue to operate KellyOCG in the region.

“Kelly is already building on our momentum from 2021, which included 
Softworld, our largest acquisition to date, the creation of a strong, diverse leadership team, and the introduction of new solutions and products in our specialty businesses,” said Quigley. “With the additional transactions announced today, Kelly will free up significant capital to invest in our specialty strategy, positioning us to elevate growth and profitability in 2022 and beyond.”

In conjunction with its fourth-quarter earnings release, Kelly has published a financial presentation on the Investor Relations page of its public website and will host a conference call at 
9 a.m. ET on February 14 to review the results and answer questions. The call may be accessed in one of the following ways:

Via the Internet:
Kellyservices.com

Via the Telephone
(877) 692-8955 (toll free) or (234) 720-6979 (caller paid)
Enter access code 5728672
After the prompt, please enter ”#”

A recording of the conference call will be available after 
1:30 p.m. ET on 
February 14, 2022, at (866) 207-1041 (toll-free) and (402) 970-0847 (caller-paid). The access code is 7976390#. The recording will also be available at kellyservices.com during this period.

This release contains statements that are forward looking in nature and, accordingly, are subject to risks and uncertainties. These factors include, but are not limited to, changing market and economic conditions, the impact of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, competitive market pressures including pricing and technology introductions and disruptions, disruption in the labor market and weakened demand for human capital resulting from technological advances, competition law risks, the impact of changes in laws and regulations (including federal, state and international tax laws), unexpected changes in claim trends on workers’ compensation, unemployment, disability and medical benefit plans, or the risk of additional tax liabilities in excess of our estimates, our ability to achieve our business strategy, our ability to successfully develop new service offerings, material changes in demand from or loss of large corporate customers as well as changes in their buying practices, risks particular to doing business with government or government contractors, the risk of damage to our brand, our exposure to risks associated with services outside traditional staffing, including business process outsourcing, services of licensed professionals and services connecting talent to independent work, our increasing dependency on third parties for the execution of critical functions, our ability to effectively implement and manage our information technology strategy, the risks associated with past and future acquisitions, including risk of related impairment of goodwill and intangible assets, exposure to risks associated with investments in equity affiliates including 
PersolKelly Pte. Ltd., risks associated with conducting business in foreign countries, including foreign currency fluctuations, the exposure to potential market and currency exchange risks relating to our investment in Persol Holdings, risks associated with violations of anti-corruption, trade protection and other laws and regulations, availability of qualified full-time employees, availability of temporary workers with appropriate skills required by customers, liabilities for employment-related claims and losses, including class action lawsuits and collective actions, our ability to sustain critical business applications through our key data centers, risks arising from failure to preserve the privacy of information entrusted to us or to meet our obligations under global privacy laws, the risk of cyberattacks or other breaches of network or information technology security, our ability to realize value from our tax credit and net operating loss carryforwards, our ability to maintain specified financial covenants in our bank facilities to continue to access credit markets, and other risks, uncertainties and factors discussed in this release and in the Company’s filings with the 
Securities and Exchange Commission.  Actual results may differ materially from any forward-looking statements contained herein, and we undertake no duty to update any forward-looking statement to conform the statement to actual results or changes in the Company’s expectations.

About Kelly®

Kelly Services, Inc. (Nasdaq: KELYA, KELYB) connects talented people to companies in need of their skills in areas including Science, Engineering, Education, Office, Contact Center, 
Light Industrial, and more. We’re always thinking about what’s next in the evolving world of work, and we help people ditch the script on old ways of thinking and embrace the value of all workstyles in the workplace. We directly employ more than 350,000 people around the world, and we connect thousands more with work through our global network of talent suppliers and partners in our outsourcing and consulting practice. Revenue in 2021 was 
$4.9 billion. Visit kellyservices.com and let us help with what’s next for you.

MEDIA CONTACT:

ANALYST CONTACT:

Jane Stehney

James Polehna

(248) 765-6864

(248) 244-4586

stehnja@kellyservices.com

polehjm@kellyservices.com

KELLY SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS

FOR THE 13 WEEKS ENDED JANUARY 2, 2022 AND 14 WEEKS ENDED JANUARY 3, 2021

(UNAUDITED)

(In millions of dollars except per share data)

%

CC %

2021

2020

Change

Change

Change

Revenue from services

$

1,250.3

$

1,241.4

$

8.9

0.7

%

1.1

%

Cost of services

1,004.3

1,017.3

(13.0)

(1.3)

Gross profit

246.0

224.1

21.9

9.8

10.1

Selling, general and administrative expenses

230.7

214.6

16.1

7.5

7.9

Earnings from operations

15.3

9.5

5.8

60.7

Gain (loss) on investment in Persol Holdings

50.0

14.8

35.2

236.8

Gain on insurance settlement

19.0

19.0

NM

Other income (expense), net

0.4

(0.2)

0.6

277.9

Earnings before taxes and equity in net earnings (loss) of affiliate

84.7

24.1

60.6

251.5

Income tax expense (benefit)

16.1

2.5

13.6

NM

Net earnings before equity in net earnings (loss) of affiliate

68.6

21.6

47.0

218.4

Equity in net earnings (loss) of affiliate

3.1

1.8

1.3

72.2

Net earnings

$

71.7

$

23.4

$

48.3

207.1

%

Basic earnings per share

$

1.80

$

0.59

$

1.21

205.1

%

Diluted earnings per share

$

1.80

$

0.59

$

1.21

205.1

%

STATISTICS:

Permanent placement income (included in revenue from services)

$

21.1

$

10.8

$

10.3

94.7

%

95.0

%

Gross profit rate

19.7

%

18.1

%

1.6

pts.

Conversion rate

6.2

4.2

2.0

Adjusted EBITDA

$

27.7

$

20.4

$

7.3

Adjusted EBITDA margin

2.2

%

1.6

%

0.6

pts.

Effective income tax rate

19.0

%

10.6

%

8.4

pts.

Average number of shares outstanding (millions):

     Basic

39.4

39.3

     Diluted

39.6

39.4

KELLY SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS

FOR THE 52 WEEKS ENDED JANUARY 2, 2022 AND 53 WEEKS ENDED JANUARY 3, 2021

(UNAUDITED)

(In millions of dollars except per share data)

%

CC %

2021

2020

Change

Change

Change

Revenue from services

$

4,909.7

$

4,516.0

$

393.7

8.7

%

7.8

%

Cost of services

3,990.5

3,688.4

302.1

8.2

Gross profit

919.2

827.6

91.6

11.1

10.1

Selling, general and administrative expenses

870.6

805.6

65.0

8.1

7.3

Goodwill impairment charge

147.7

(147.7)

NM

Gain on sale of assets

(32.1)

32.1

NM

Earnings (loss) from operations

48.6

(93.6)

142.2

NM

Gain (loss) on investment in Persol Holdings

121.8

(16.6)

138.4

NM

Gain on insurance settlement

19.0

19.0

NM

Other income (expense), net

(3.6)

3.4

(7.0)

(206.5)

Earnings (loss) before taxes and equity in net earnings (loss) of affiliate

185.8

(106.8)

292.6

NM

Income tax expense (benefit)

35.1

(34.0)

69.1

203.4

Net earnings (loss) before equity in net earnings (loss) of affiliate

150.7

(72.8)

223.5

NM

Equity in net earnings (loss) of affiliate

5.4

0.8

4.6

NM

Net earnings (loss)

$

156.1

$

(72.0)

$

228.1

NM

%

Basic earnings (loss) per share

$

3.93

$

(1.83)

$

5.76

NM

%

Diluted earnings (loss) per share

$

3.91

$

(1.83)

$

5.74

NM

%

STATISTICS:

Permanent placement income (included in revenue from services)

$

75.4

$

39.7

$

35.7

89.7

%

87.4

%

Gross profit rate

18.7

%

18.3

%

0.4

pts.

Conversion rate

5.3

(11.3)

16.6

Adjusted EBITDA

$

84.1

$

69.0

$

15.1

Adjusted EBITDA margin

1.7

%

1.5

%

0.2

pts.

Effective income tax rate

18.9

%

31.8

%

(12.9)

pts.

Average number of shares outstanding (millions):

     Basic

39.4

39.3

     Diluted

39.5

39.3

KELLY SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS BY SEGMENT

(UNAUDITED)

(In millions of dollars)

Fourth Quarter

2021
(13 Wks)

2020
(14 Wks)

%
Change

CC %
Change

Professional & Industrial

  Revenue from services

$

450.7

$

511.7

(11.9)

%

(12.1)

%

  Gross profit

82.3

89.1

(7.7)

(7.9)

  SG&A expenses excluding restructuring charges

70.8

76.5

(7.4)

(7.6)

  Restructuring charges

1.7

NM

NM

  Total SG&A expenses

70.8

78.2

(9.5)

(9.6)

  Earnings (loss) from operations

11.5

10.9

5.3

  Earnings (loss) from operations excluding restructuring charges

11.5

12.6

(9.2)

  Gross profit rate

18.2

%

17.4

%

0.8

pts.

Science, Engineering & Technology

  Revenue from services

$

297.7

$

257.6

15.5

%

15.5

%

  Gross profit

66.1

53.4

23.7

23.7

  SG&A expenses excluding restructuring charges

49.2

35.2

39.7

39.6

  Restructuring charges

0.1

NM

NM

  Total SG&A expenses

49.2

35.3

39.3

39.3

  Earnings (loss) from operations

16.9

18.1

(6.7)

  Earnings (loss) from operations excluding restructuring charges

16.9

18.2

(7.1)

  Gross profit rate

22.2

%

20.7

%

1.5

pts.

Education

  Revenue from services

$

132.4

$

91.8

44.3

%

44.3

%

  Gross profit

21.1

13.4

57.6

57.6

  SG&A expenses excluding restructuring charges

15.6

13.3

17.1

17.1

  Restructuring charges

0.2

NM

NM

  Total SG&A expenses

15.6

13.5

15.3

15.3

  Earnings (loss) from operations

5.5

(0.1)

NM

  Earnings (loss) from operations excluding restructuring charges

5.5

0.1

NM

  Gross profit rate

15.9

%

14.6

%

1.3

pts.

Outsourcing & Consulting

Revenue from services

$

112.1

$

102.5

9.3

%

9.4

%

Gross profit

38.0

32.7

16.3

16.5

SG&A expenses excluding restructuring charges

33.5

28.9

16.2

16.4

Restructuring charges

0.3

NM

NM

Total SG&A expenses

33.5

29.2

15.1

15.4

Earnings (loss) from operations

4.5

3.5

26.2

Earnings (loss) from operations excluding restructuring charges

4.5

3.8

17.6

Gross profit rate

34.0

%

31.9

%

2.1

pts.

International

  Revenue from services

$

257.7

$

278.0

(7.2)

%

(5.4)

%

  Gross profit

38.5

35.5

8.6

11.0

  SG&A expenses excluding restructuring charges

35.5

33.2

6.9

9.2

  Restructuring charges

1.2

0.3

365.5

384.5

  Total SG&A expenses

36.7

33.5

9.6

12.1

  Earnings (loss) from operations

1.8

2.0

(7.7)

  Earnings (loss) from operations excluding restructuring charges

3.0

2.3

35.1

  Gross profit rate

15.0

%

12.8

%

2.2

pts.

KELLY SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS BY SEGMENT

(UNAUDITED)

(In millions of dollars)

December Year to Date

2021
(52 Wks)

2020
(53 Wks)

%
Change

CC %
Change

Professional & Industrial

  Revenue from services

$

1,837.4

$

1,858.4

(1.1)

%

(1.5)

%

  Gross profit

310.0

330.2

(6.1)

(6.5)

  SG&A expenses excluding restructuring charges

278.6

282.6

(1.4)

(1.7)

  Restructuring charges

6.0

NM

NM

  Total SG&A expenses

278.6

288.6

(3.5)

(3.8)

  Earnings (loss) from operations

31.4

41.6

(24.4)

  Earnings (loss) from operations excluding restructuring charges

31.4

47.6

(34.0)

  Gross profit rate

16.9

%

17.8

%

(0.9)

pts.

Science, Engineering & Technology

  Revenue from services

$

1,156.8

$

1,019.1

13.5

%

13.3

%

  Gross profit

253.9

209.4

21.3

21.1

  SG&A expenses excluding restructuring charges

180.2

133.8

34.7

34.5

  Restructuring charges

0.6

NM

NM

  Total SG&A expenses

180.2

134.4

34.1

33.9

  Earnings (loss) from operations

73.7

75.0

(1.7)

  Earnings (loss) from operations excluding restructuring charges

73.7

75.6

(2.5)

  Gross profit rate

21.9

%

20.5

%

1.4

pts.

Education

  Revenue from services

$

416.5

$

286.9

45.2

%

45.2

%

  Gross profit

65.1

42.2

54.1

54.1

  SG&A expenses excluding restructuring charges

62.1

50.2

23.6

23.6

  Restructuring charges

1.0

NM

NM

  Total SG&A expenses

62.1

51.2

21.1

21.1

  Earnings (loss) from operations

3.0

(9.0)

NM

  Earnings (loss) from operations excluding restructuring charges

3.0

(8.0)

NM

  Gross profit rate

15.6

%

14.7

%

0.9

pts.

Outsourcing & Consulting

  Revenue from services

$

432.1

$

363.5

18.9

%

17.9

%

  Gross profit

141.4

119.8

18.0

16.3

  SG&A expenses excluding restructuring charges

122.7

108.0

13.6

12.4

  Restructuring charges

0.3

NM

NM

  Total SG&A expenses

122.7

108.3

13.3

12.0

  Earnings (loss) from operations

18.7

11.5

62.7

  Earnings (loss) from operations excluding restructuring charges

18.7

11.8

58.3

  Gross profit rate

32.7

%

33.0

%

(0.3)

pts.

International

  Revenue from services

$

1067.8

$

988.6

8.0

%

4.9

%

  Gross profit

148.8

126.0

18.1

14.8

  SG&A expenses excluding restructuring charges

137.7

133.5

3.1

0.2

  Restructuring charges

1.2

1.4

(10.2)

(6.6)

  Total SG&A expenses

138.9

134.9

2.9

0.1

  Earnings (loss) from operations

9.9

(8.9)

NM

  Earnings (loss) from operations excluding restructuring charges

11.1

(7.5)

NM

  Gross profit rate

13.9

%

12.7

%

1.2

pts.

KELLY SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(UNAUDITED)

(In millions of dollars)

Jan.  2, 2022

Jan.  3, 2021

Current Assets

  Cash and equivalents

$

112.7

$

223.0

  Trade accounts receivable, less allowances of

    $12.6 and $13.3, respectively

1,423.2

1,265.2

  Prepaid expenses and other current assets

52.8

61.4

Total current assets

1,588.7

1,549.6

Noncurrent Assets

Property and equipment, net

35.3

41.0

Operating lease right-of-use assets

75.8

83.2

Deferred taxes

302.8

282.0

Goodwill, net

114.8

3.5

Investment in Persol Holdings

264.3

164.2

Investment in equity affiliate

123.4

118.5

Other assets

389.1

319.9

Total noncurrent assets

1,305.5

1,012.3

Total Assets

$

2,894.2

$

2,561.9

Current Liabilities

  Short-term borrowings

$

$

0.3

  Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

687.2

536.8

Operating lease liabilities

17.5

19.6

  Accrued payroll and related taxes

318.4

293.0

  Accrued workers’ compensation and other claims

20.8

22.7

  Income and other taxes

51.3

53.2

Total current liabilities

1,095.2

925.6

Noncurrent Liabilities

Operating lease liabilities

61.4

67.5

Accrued payroll and related taxes

57.6

58.5

  Accrued workers’ compensation and other claims

37.0

42.2

  Accrued retirement benefits

220.0

205.8

  Other long-term liabilities

86.8

59.3

Total noncurrent liabilities

462.8

433.3

Stockholders’ Equity

  Common stock

40.1

40.1

  Treasury stock

(15.1)

(17.1)

  Paid-in capital

23.9

21.3

  Earnings invested in the business

1,315.0

1,162.9

  Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)

(27.7)

(4.2)

Total stockholders’ equity

1,336.2

1,203.0

Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity

$

2,894.2

$

2,561.9

Statistics:

 Working Capital

$

493.5

$

624.0

 Current Ratio

1.5

1.7

 Debt-to-capital %

0.0

%

0.0

%

 Global Days Sales Outstanding

60

64

 Year-to-Date Free Cash Flow

$

73.8

$

170.5

KELLY SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

FOR THE 52 WEEKS ENDED JANUARY 2, 2022 AND 53 WEEKS ENDED JANUARY 3, 2021

(UNAUDITED)

(In millions of dollars)

2021

2020

Cash flows from operating activities:

  Net earnings (loss)

$

156.1

$

(72.0)

  Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash from operating activities:

    Goodwill impairment charge

147.7

    Deferred income taxes

21.6

(57.1)

    Depreciation and amortization

29.8

24.2

    Operating lease asset amortization

21.2

21.1

    Provision for credit losses and sales allowances

1.6

12.8

    Stock-based compensation

5.1

3.9

    (Gain) loss on investment in Persol Holdings

(121.8)

16.6

    Gain on insurance settlement

(19.0)

    Gain on sale of assets

(32.1)

    Equity in net (earnings) loss of PersolKelly Pte. Ltd.

(5.4)

(0.8)

    Other, net

6.0

1.4

  Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions

(10.2)

120.3

  Net cash from operating activities

85.0

186.0

Cash flows from investing activities:

  Capital expenditures

(11.2)

(15.5)

  Proceeds from sale of assets

55.5

  Acquisition of companies, net of cash received

(213.0)

(39.2)

  Proceeds from company-owned life insurance

12.2

2.3

  Proceeds from insurance settlement

19.0

  Proceeds from sale of Brazil, net of cash disposed

1.2

  Proceeds (payments) related to loans to equity affiliate

5.9

5.6

  Proceeds from (investment in) equity securities

5.0

(0.2)

  Other investing activities

1.4

0.1

    Net cash (used in) from investing activities

(180.7)

9.8

Cash flows from financing activities:

  Net change in short-term borrowings

(0.2)

(1.7)

  Financing lease payments

(1.5)

(2.0)

  Dividend payments

(4.0)

(3.0)

  Payments of tax withholding for stock awards

(0.6)

(1.2)

  Contingent consideration payments

(1.6)

  Other financing activities

(0.2)

(0.2)

    Net cash used in financing activities

(8.1)

(8.1)

Effect of exchange rates on cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash

(4.8)

9.4

Net change in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash

(108.6)

197.1

Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of year

228.1

31.0

Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of year

$

119.5

$

228.1

KELLY SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

REVENUE FROM SERVICES

(UNAUDITED)

(In millions of dollars)

Fourth Quarter

2021

2020

%

CC %

(13 Wks)

(14 Wks)

Change

Change

Americas

  United States

$

908.6

$

891.0

2.0

%

2.0

%

  Canada

38.1

33.8

12.6

8.6

  Puerto Rico

25.5

20.9

21.6

21.6

  Mexico

10.6

35.8

(70.5)

(70.1)

Total Americas Region

982.8

981.5

0.1

Europe

  Switzerland

61.0

59.2

3.1

4.9

  France

55.0

57.0

(3.5)

0.5

  Portugal

37.3

42.6

(12.4)

(8.6)

  Russia

32.9

29.9

9.8

4.9

  Italy

18.2

15.7

15.8

20.7

  United Kingdom

16.4

17.2

(4.5)

(6.7)

  Germany

9.4

8.0

17.4

22.3

  Ireland

8.0

5.9

36.9

42.4

  Other

18.1

15.9

13.5

17.4

Total Europe Region

256.3

251.4

2.0

4.0

Total Asia-Pacific Region

11.2

8.5

33.3

34.5

Total Kelly Services, Inc.

$

1,250.3

$

1,241.4

0.7

%

1.1

%

KELLY SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

REVENUE FROM SERVICES

(UNAUDITED)

(In millions of dollars)

December Year to Date

2021

2020

%

CC %

(52 Wks)

(53 Wks)

Change

Change

Americas

  United States

$

3,513.4

$

3,260.2

7.8

%

7.8

%

  Canada

155.0

122.5

26.5

18.2

  Puerto Rico

102.1

77.0

32.5

32.5

  Mexico

92.7

114.4

(19.0)

(23.2)

  Brazil

17.0

NM

NM

Total Americas Region

3,863.2

3,591.1

7.6

7.2

Europe

  France

223.1

198.2

12.5

8.6

  Switzerland

222.2

200.4

10.9

8.2

  Portugal

158.2

141.7

11.7

7.6

  Russia

132.2

118.5

11.5

14.3

  Italy

74.2

58.2

27.4

23.0

  United Kingdom

68.3

73.7

(7.4)

(13.7)

  Germany

34.0

30.1

13.0

9.7

  Ireland

26.8

19.9

34.9

31.4

  Other

68.0

54.6

24.5

20.4

Total Europe Region

1,007.0

895.3

12.5

9.5

Total Asia-Pacific Region

39.5

29.6

33.8

27.7

Total Kelly Services, Inc.

$

4,909.7

$

4,516.0

8.7

%

7.8

%

 KELLY SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 RECONCILIATION OF NON-GAAP MEASURES

FOURTH QUARTER

 (UNAUDITED)

 (In millions of dollars)

2021

2020

SG&A Expenses:

As Reported

Restructuring(5)

Adjusted

Adjusted

Professional & Industrial

$                    70.8

$                       —

$               70.8

$               76.5

Science, Engineering & Technology

49.2

49.2

35.2

Education

15.6

15.6

13.3

Outsourcing & Consulting

33.5

33.5

28.9

International

36.7

(1.2)

35.5

33.2

Corporate

24.9

(2.9)

22.0

23.1

Total Company

$                  230.7

$                     (4.1)

$            226.6

$            210.2

2021

2020

Earnings (Loss) from Operations:

As Reported

Restructuring(5)

Adjusted

Adjusted

Professional & Industrial

$                    11.5

$                       —

$               11.5

$               12.6

Science, Engineering & Technology

16.9

16.9

18.2

Education

5.5

5.5

0.1

Outsourcing & Consulting

4.5

4.5

3.8

International

1.8

1.2

3.0

2.3

Corporate

(24.9)

2.9

(22.0)

(23.1)

Total Company

$                    15.3

$                      4.1

$               19.4

$               13.9

 KELLY SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 RECONCILIATION OF NON-GAAP MEASURES

FOURTH QUARTER

 (UNAUDITED)

 (In millions of dollars)

2020

SG&A Expenses:

As Reported

Restructuring(5)

Adjusted

Professional & Industrial

$                    78.2

$                     (1.7)

$               76.5

Science, Engineering & Technology

35.3

(0.1)

35.2

Education

13.5

(0.2)

13.3

Outsourcing & Consulting

29.2

(0.3)

28.9

International

33.5

(0.3)

33.2

Corporate

24.9

(1.8)

23.1

Total Company

$                  214.6

$                     (4.4)

$            210.2

2020

Earnings (Loss) from Operations:

As Reported

Restructuring(5)

Adjusted

Professional & Industrial

$                    10.9

$                      1.7

$               12.6

Science, Engineering & Technology

18.1

0.1

18.2

Education

(0.1)

0.2

0.1

Outsourcing & Consulting

3.5

0.3

3.8

International

2.0

0.3

2.3

Corporate

(24.9)

1.8

(23.1)

Total Company

$                      9.5

$                      4.4

$               13.9

KELLY SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

RECONCILIATION OF NON-GAAP MEASURES

DECEMBER YEAR TO DATE

(UNAUDITED)

(In millions of dollars)

2021

2020

SG&A Expenses:

As Reported

Restructuring(5)

Adjusted

Adjusted

Professional & Industrial

$                  278.6

$                       —

$            278.6

$            282.6

Science, Engineering & Technology

180.2

180.2

133.8

Education

62.1

62.1

50.2

Outsourcing & Consulting

122.7

122.7

108.0

International

138.9

(1.2)

137.7

124.0

Corporate

88.1

(2.8)

85.3

84.7

Total Company

$                  870.6

$                     (4.0)

$            866.6

$            783.3

2021

2020

Earnings (Loss) from Operations:

As Reported

Restructuring(5)

Adjusted

Adjusted

Professional & Industrial

$                    31.4

$                       —

$               31.4

$               47.6

Science, Engineering & Technology

73.7

73.7

75.6

Education

3.0

3.0

(8.0)

Outsourcing & Consulting

18.7

18.7

11.8

International

9.9

1.2

11.1

2.0

Corporate

(88.1)

2.8

(85.3)

(84.7)

Total Company

$                    48.6

$                      4.0

$               52.6

$               44.3

 KELLY SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 RECONCILIATION OF NON-GAAP MEASURES

DECEMBER YEAR TO DATE

 (UNAUDITED)

 (In millions of dollars)

2020

SG&A Expenses:

As Reported

Customer Dispute(4)

Restructuring(5)

Adjusted

Professional & Industrial

$                  288.6

$                       —

$                     (6.0)

$            282.6

Science, Engineering & Technology

134.4

(0.6)

133.8

Education

51.2

(1.0)

50.2

Outsourcing & Consulting

108.3

(0.3)

108.0

International

134.9

(9.5)

(1.4)

124.0

Corporate

88.2

(3.5)

84.7

Total Company

$                  805.6

$                     (9.5)

$                  (12.8)

$            783.3

2020

Earnings (Loss) from Operations:

As Reported

Goodwill Impairment(1)

Gain on sale of assets(3)

Customer Dispute(4)

Restructuring(5)

Adjusted

Professional & Industrial

$               41.6

$                     —

$                  —

$                  —

$                      6.0

$               47.6

Science, Engineering & Technology

75.0

0.6

75.6

Education

(9.0)

1.0

(8.0)

Outsourcing & Consulting

11.5

0.3

11.8

International

(8.9)

9.5

1.4

2.0

Corporate

(203.8)

147.7

(32.1)

3.5

(84.7)

Total Company

$             (93.6)

$               147.7

$             (32.1)

$                 9.5

$                    12.8

$               44.3

KELLY SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

RECONCILIATION OF NON-GAAP MEASURES

(UNAUDITED)

(In millions of dollars except per share data)

Fourth Quarter

December Year to Date

2021

2020

2021

2020

Income tax expense (benefit)

$             16.1

$               2.5

$             35.1

$           (34.0)

Taxes on goodwill impairment charge(1)

23.0

Taxes on investment in Persol Holdings(2)

(15.3)

(4.5)

(37.3)

5.1

Taxes on gain on sale of assets(3)

(8.1)

Taxes on customer dispute(4)

2.8

Taxes on restructuring charges(5)

1.0

1.0

1.0

3.2

Taxes on gain on insurance settlement(6)

(4.8)

(4.8)

Adjusted income tax expense (benefit)

$             (3.0)

$             (1.0)

$             (6.0)

$             (8.0)

Fourth Quarter

December Year to Date

2021

2020

2021

2020

Net earnings (loss)

$             71.7

$             23.4

$          156.1

$           (72.0)

Goodwill impairment charge, net of taxes(1)

124.7

(Gain) loss on investment in Persol Holdings, net of taxes(2)

(34.7)

(10.3)

(84.5)

11.5

(Gain) loss on sale of assets, net of taxes(3)

(23.9)

Customer dispute, net of taxes(4)

6.7

Restructuring charges, net of taxes(5)

3.1

3.4

3.0

9.6

Gain on insurance settlement, net of taxes(6)

(14.2)

(14.2)

Adjusted net earnings

$             25.9

$             16.5

$             60.4

$             56.6

Fourth Quarter

December Year to Date

2021

2020

2021

2020

Per Share

Per Share

Net earnings (loss)

$             1.80

$             0.59

$             3.91

$           (1.83)

Goodwill impairment charge, net of taxes(1)

3.17

(Gain) loss on investment in Persol Holdings, net of taxes(2)

(0.87)

(0.26)

(2.12)

0.29

Gain on sale of assets, net of taxes(3)

(0.61)

Customer dispute, net of taxes(4)

0.17

Restructuring charges, net of taxes(5)

0.08

0.08

0.07

0.24

Gain on insurance settlement, net of taxes(6)

(0.36)

(0.36)

Adjusted net earnings

$             0.65

$             0.41

$             1.51

$             1.44

Note: Earnings per share amounts for each quarter are required to be computed independently and may not equal the amounts computed for the total year.

KELLY SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

RECONCILIATION OF NON-GAAP MEASURES

(UNAUDITED)

(In millions of dollars)

Fourth Quarter

December Year to Date

2021

2020

2021

2020

Net earnings (loss)

$                71.7

$                23.4

$              156.1

$               (72.0)

Other (income) expense, net

(0.4)

0.2

3.6

(3.4)

Income tax expense (benefit)

16.1

2.5

35.1

(34.0)

Depreciation and amortization

8.3

6.5

31.5

24.7

EBITDA

95.7

32.6

226.3

(84.7)

Equity in net (earnings) loss of affiliate

(3.1)

(1.8)

(5.4)

(0.8)

Goodwill impairment charge(1)

147.7

(Gain) loss on investment in Persol Holdings(2)

(50.0)

(14.8)

(121.8)

16.6

Gain on sale of assets(3)

(32.1)

Customer dispute(4)

9.5

Restructuring(5)

4.1

4.4

4.0

12.8

Gain on insurance settlement(6)

(19.0)

(19.0)

Adjusted EBITDA

$                27.7

$                20.4

$                84.1

$                69.0

Adjusted EBITDA margin

2.2   %

1.6   %

1.7   %

1.5   %

KELLY SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
RECONCILIATION OF NON-GAAP MEASURES
(UNAUDITED)

Management believes that the non-GAAP (Generally Accepted Accounting Principles) information excluding the 2020 goodwill impairment charge, the 2021 and 2020 gains and losses on the investment in Persol Holdings, the 2020 gain on sale of assets, the 2020 customer dispute, the 2021 and 2020 restructuring charges and the 2021 gain on insurance settlement are useful to understand the Company’s fiscal 2021 financial performance and increases comparability.  Specifically, Management believes that removing the impact of these items allows for a meaningful comparison of current period operating performance with the operating results of prior periods.  Management also believes that such measures are used by those analyzing performance of companies in the staffing industry to compare current performance to prior periods and to assess future performance.

Management uses Adjusted EBITDA (adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization) and Adjusted EBITDA Margin (percent of total GAAP revenue) which Management believes is useful to compare operating performance compared to prior periods and uses it in conjunction with GAAP measures to assess performance. Our calculation of Adjusted EBITDA may not be consistent with similarly titled measures of other companies and should be used in conjunction with GAAP measurements.

These non-GAAP measures may have limitations as analytical tools because they exclude items which can have a material impact on cash flow and earnings per share.  As a result, Management considers these measures, along with reported results, when it reviews and evaluates the Company’s financial performance.  Management believes that these measures provide greater transparency to investors and provide insight into how Management is evaluating the Company’s financial performance.  Non-GAAP measures should not be considered a substitute for, or superior to, measures of financial performance prepared in accordance with GAAP.

(1)

The goodwill impairment charge is the result of an interim impairment test the Company performed during the first quarter of 2020, due to a triggering event caused by a decline in the Company’s common stock price.

(2)

The gains and losses on the investment in Persol Holdings represent the change in fair value of the investment during the period presented and the related tax expense and benefit.

(3)

Gain on sale of assets in 2020 primarily represents the excess of the proceeds over the cost of the headquarters properties sold during the first quarter of 2020.

(4)

Customer dispute in 2020 represents a non-cash charge in Mexico to increase the reserve against a long-term receivable from a former customer based on an updated probability of loss assessment.

(5)

Restructuring charges in 2021 represent severance costs as part of cost management actions designed to increase operational efficiencies within enterprise functions that provide centralized support to operating units.  Restructuring charges in 2020 represent severance costs and lease terminations in preparation for the new operating model adopted in the third quarter of 2020.

(6)

Gain on insurance settlement represents a payment received in the fourth quarter of 2021 related to the settlement of claims under a representations and warranties insurance policy purchased by the Company in connection with the acquisition of Softworld.

SOURCE Kelly Services, Inc.

How Last Years Retail Traders Have Transformed


Image Credit: Diverse Stock Photos (Flickr)


Individual Investors are Finding Investment Styles to Match Today’s Market Landscape

 

In a research note last week, JP Morgan (JPM) wrote that Self Directed Investors influence over the direction of stocks, and the overall market is declining. A decline in trading activity was confirmed by the number of transactions at Robinhood and other brokers and even r/wallstreetbets activity. The accounts are still exposed to the stock market according to JPM, their exposure however has shifted.

Past Circumstance

While other venues of “entertainment” or “past times” were idle, the stock market never closed in response to the reality of coronavirus. This helped create over a year of focused retail trading. The booming stock market rewarded its participants and even became a source of entertainment for some.  Many who had free time at home with their stimulus checks, perhaps deferring their mortgage or rent payments, joined the online trading craze that included social media interaction, and meme stock potential riches. This set of circumstances is now unwinding, and retail investors are doing less “me too” trading and investing their assets using more hands-off, long-term methods.

The JPM research note reported that the online trading app Robinhood experienced a decline in stock market transactions in December. The level of trading approached the pre-pandemic activity level. While Robinhood is a focus of many newer market participants, a decline in trading activity was also observed at other retail brokerage firms, including E*Trade and Charles Schwab.

 

The note also points to reduced activity on popular stock market social media forums like those on Reddit. The Reddit WallStreetBets community boomed from about 1.5 million Redditors in 2020 to more than 11 million current subscribers. JPM says that growth has plateaued, and the daily number of comments has fallen well below the peak one year ago.

The decline in trading and sharing stock ideas (and memes) coincides with the decline in value of high-flying stocks that drew the attention of investors with their spectacular growth in 2020/21. Many of these stocks that retail investors helped drive to dizzying levels have since given up all of their gains. These include Netflix, Peloton, and PayPal. “Whether one looks at the proportion of retail investors in total US stock trading or the number of stocks traded by retail investors, it is clear that US retail activity had peaked at the beginning of 2021 with diminishing peaks since then,” JPMorgan said.

Take-Away

While retail investors are abandoning the type of trades they put on in 2020 and 2021, they are still sticking with equity funds, with strong 2021 inflows into equity ETFs and mutual funds continuing into 2022, the JPM said. It’s unclear if this is due to less time to be involved, or market softness providing fewer hyped stocks. At Channelchek we have noticed a surge in traffic to our research and articles. In January 2022 we experienced a record number of visitors to our sight, presumably searching for more fundamental analysis and actionable opportunities.

Channelchek is a no-cost distribution platform for small and microcap equity research. These are the stocks that have the potential to reward investors that have a longer time horizon. Given the information provided by JPM, it is no wonder Reddit WSB traffic which has been more short-term trading oriented has declined, while Channelchek continues to see new sign-ups and is breaking records with the pace of visitors.

Paul Hoffman

Managing Editor, Channelchek

 

Suggested Reading



Super Bowl is Set to Become the Biggest Legal Gambling Event in Football History



Analyst Sees Evidence these Sectors are Just Beginning to Benefit from Reduced Mandates





How Much is Spent Saying ‘I Love You’ on Valentine’s?



The Big Challenges for Supply Chains in 2022

 

Sources

https://am.jpmorgan.com/content/dam/jpm-am-aem/global/en/insights/portfolio-insights/ltcma/ltcma-full-report.pdf

https://www.thestreet.com/investing/jp-morgan-stocks-far-from-over

https://markets.businessinsider.com/news/stocks/retail-investors-influence-over-stock-market-declining-meme-stock-mania-2022-2?utm_medium=ingest&utm_source=markets

 


 

Stay up to date. Follow us:

 

How Last Year’s Retail Traders Have Transformed


Image Credit: Diverse Stock Photos (Flickr)


Individual Investors are Finding Investment Styles to Match Today’s Market Landscape

 

In a research note last week, JP Morgan (JPM) wrote that Self Directed Investors influence over the direction of stocks, and the overall market is declining. A decline in trading activity was confirmed by the number of transactions at Robinhood and other brokers and even r/wallstreetbets activity. The accounts are still exposed to the stock market according to JPM, their exposure however has shifted.

Past Circumstance

While other venues of “entertainment” or “past times” were idle, the stock market never closed in response to the reality of coronavirus. This helped create over a year of focused retail trading. The booming stock market rewarded its participants and even became a source of entertainment for some.  Many who had free time at home with their stimulus checks, perhaps deferring their mortgage or rent payments, joined the online trading craze that included social media interaction, and meme stock potential riches. This set of circumstances is now unwinding, and retail investors are doing less “me too” trading and investing their assets using more hands-off, long-term methods.

The JPM research note reported that the online trading app Robinhood experienced a decline in stock market transactions in December. The level of trading approached the pre-pandemic activity level. While Robinhood is a focus of many newer market participants, a decline in trading activity was also observed at other retail brokerage firms, including E*Trade and Charles Schwab.

 

The note also points to reduced activity on popular stock market social media forums like those on Reddit. The Reddit WallStreetBets community boomed from about 1.5 million Redditors in 2020 to more than 11 million current subscribers. JPM says that growth has plateaued, and the daily number of comments has fallen well below the peak one year ago.

The decline in trading and sharing stock ideas (and memes) coincides with the decline in value of high-flying stocks that drew the attention of investors with their spectacular growth in 2020/21. Many of these stocks that retail investors helped drive to dizzying levels have since given up all of their gains. These include Netflix, Peloton, and PayPal. “Whether one looks at the proportion of retail investors in total US stock trading or the number of stocks traded by retail investors, it is clear that US retail activity had peaked at the beginning of 2021 with diminishing peaks since then,” JPMorgan said.

Take-Away

While retail investors are abandoning the type of trades they put on in 2020 and 2021, they are still sticking with equity funds, with strong 2021 inflows into equity ETFs and mutual funds continuing into 2022, the JPM said. It’s unclear if this is due to less time to be involved, or market softness providing fewer hyped stocks. At Channelchek we have noticed a surge in traffic to our research and articles. In January 2022 we experienced a record number of visitors to our sight, presumably searching for more fundamental analysis and actionable opportunities.

Channelchek is a no-cost distribution platform for small and microcap equity research. These are the stocks that have the potential to reward investors that have a longer time horizon. Given the information provided by JPM, it is no wonder Reddit WSB traffic which has been more short-term trading oriented has declined, while Channelchek continues to see new sign-ups and is breaking records with the pace of visitors.

Paul Hoffman

Managing Editor, Channelchek

 

Suggested Reading



Super Bowl is Set to Become the Biggest Legal Gambling Event in Football History



Analyst Sees Evidence these Sectors are Just Beginning to Benefit from Reduced Mandates





How Much is Spent Saying ‘I Love You’ on Valentine’s?



The Big Challenges for Supply Chains in 2022

 

Sources

https://am.jpmorgan.com/content/dam/jpm-am-aem/global/en/insights/portfolio-insights/ltcma/ltcma-full-report.pdf

https://www.thestreet.com/investing/jp-morgan-stocks-far-from-over

https://markets.businessinsider.com/news/stocks/retail-investors-influence-over-stock-market-declining-meme-stock-mania-2022-2?utm_medium=ingest&utm_source=markets

 


 

Stay up to date. Follow us: