Investment in PersolKelly Pte. Ltd.

12 Months Ended

Jan. 02, 2022

Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract]

Investment in PersolKelly Pte. Ltd.

Investment in PersolKelly Pte. Ltd.

The Company has a 49% ownership interest in the JV (see Investment in Persol Holdings footnote above), a staffing services business operating in ten geographies in the Asia-Pacific region. The operating results of the Company’s interest in the JV are accounted for on a one-quarter lag under the equity method and are reported in equity in net earnings (loss) of affiliate in the consolidated statements of earnings, which amounted to earnings of $5.4 million in 2021, earnings of $0.8 million in 2020 and a loss of $3.6 million in 2019. This investment is evaluated for indicators of impairment on a quarterly basis or whenever events or circumstances indicate the carrying amount may be other-than-temporarily impaired. If we conclude that there is an other-than-temporary impairment of this equity method investment, we will adjust the carrying amount of the investment to the current fair value.

The investment in equity affiliate on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet totaled $123.4 million as of year-end 2021 and $118.5 million as of year-end 2020. The Company made loans in prior years, proportionate to its 49% ownership, to the JV to fund working capital requirements as a result of their sustained revenue growth. In the fourth quarter of 2020, the JV repaid $5.6 million of the outstanding loan balance and in the second quarter of 2021, the JV repaid the remaining $5.8 million of the loan balance. As of year-end 2021, there is no outstanding loan balance or accrued interest receivable relating to the loan. The net amount due to the JV, a related party, was not material as of year-end 2021 and the net amount due from the JV was $5.6 million as of year-end 2020. Accrued interest receivable, which is included in prepaid expenses and other current assets in the consolidated balance sheet, was not material at year-end 2021 or year-end 2020. The JV is a supplier to certain MSP programs in the region and the amounts for services provided to the Company, which are included in accounts payable and accrued liabilities in the consolidated balance sheet, are not material.

Prior to receiving full repayment of the loans, the expected credit losses were estimated over the contractual term of the loans. The required allowance was based on current and projected financial information from the JV, market-specific information and other relevant data available to the Company, as applicable. The allowance was not material at year-end 2020.

The Company had accrued interest receivable from our loan to the JV. If applicable, we write off the uncollectible accrued interest receivable balance related to our loan to the JV within the same quarter the interest is determined to be uncollectible, which is considered timely. As such, an allowance for credit losses was not deemed necessary. Any write offs, if necessary, are recorded by reversing interest income.

On April 1, 2020, 100% of the shares of Kelly Services Australia Pty Ltd and Kelly Services (New Zealand) Limited, both subsidiaries of the JV, were sold to an affiliate of Persol Holdings. The JV received proceeds of $17.5 million upon the sale and the Company received a direct royalty payment of $0.7 million.

Refer to Subsequent Event footnote for a description of transactions with Persol Holdings.