volt-20210502

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

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

For the quarterly period ended May 2, 2021

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

For the transition period from to .

Commission File Number: 001-09232

VOLT INFORMATION SCIENCES, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)


New York			13-5658129
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)			(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
2401 N. Glassell Street, Orange, California			92865
(Address of principal executive offices)			(Zip Code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code:

(714) 921-8800

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


Title of each class	Trading Symbol(s)	Name of each exchange on which registered
Common Stock, par value $0.10	VOLT	NYSE American

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports) and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. ☒ Yes ☐ No

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

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

Large accelerated filer

☐

Accelerated filer

☐

Non-accelerated filer

☒

Smaller reporting company

☒

Emerging growth company

☐

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

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

As of June 11, 2021, there were 21,736,575 shares of common stock outstanding.

PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

VOLT INFORMATION SCIENCES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

(unaudited)


	Three Months Ended				Six Months Ended
	May 2, 2021		May 3, 2020		May 2, 2021		May 3, 2020
NET REVENUE	$	222,092	$	207,275	$	440,050	$	425,041
Cost of services	185,613		175,038		370,889		361,377
GROSS MARGIN	36,479		32,237		69,161		63,664

EXPENSES
Selling, administrative and other operating costs	32,950		36,189		66,697		75,686
Restructuring and severance costs	595		411		1,227		1,657
Impairment charges	261		—		292		11
OPERATING INCOME (LOSS)	2,673		(4,363)		945		(13,690)

OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE), NET
Interest income (expense), net	(430)		(621)		(907)		(1,321)
Foreign exchange gain (loss), net	71		(266)		313		(594)
Other income (expense), net	(147)		(152)		(303)		(410)
TOTAL OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE), NET	(506)		(1,039)		(897)		(2,325)

INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE INCOME TAXES	2,167		(5,402)		48		(16,015)
Income tax provision	288		23		615		218
NET INCOME (LOSS)	$	1,879	$	(5,425)	$	(567)	$	(16,233)

PER SHARE DATA:
Basic:
Net income (loss)	$	0.09	$	(0.25)	$	(0.03)	$	(0.76)
Weighted average number of shares	21,793		21,416		21,793		21,416

Diluted:
Net income (loss)	$	0.08	$	(0.25)	$	(0.03)	$	(0.76)
Weighted average number of shares	22,588		21,416		21,793		21,416

See accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

VOLT INFORMATION SCIENCES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss)

(In thousands)

(unaudited)


	Three Months Ended				Six Months Ended
	May 2, 2021		May 3, 2020		May 2, 2021		May 3, 2020
NET INCOME (LOSS)	$	1,879	$	(5,425)	$	(567)	$	(16,233)
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Foreign currency translation adjustments net of taxes of $0 and $0, respectively	160		(602)		1,091		(238)
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)	$	2,039	$	(6,027)	$	524	$	(16,471)

See accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

VOLT INFORMATION SCIENCES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

(In thousands, except share amounts)


	May 2, 2021		November 1, 2020
	(unaudited)
ASSETS
CURRENT ASSETS:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	47,231	$	38,550
Restricted cash and short-term investments	12,788		20,736
Trade accounts receivable, net of allowances of $156 and $219, respectively	127,435		121,916
Other current assets	7,567		7,058
TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS	195,021		188,260
Property, equipment and software, net	20,180		22,167
Right of use assets - operating leases	23,513		25,107
Other assets, excluding current portion	6,633		6,311
TOTAL ASSETS	$	245,347	$	241,845
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
Accrued compensation	$	18,630	$	18,357
Accounts payable	24,793		31,221
Accrued taxes other than income taxes	31,828		12,983
Accrued insurance and other	17,710		15,908
Operating lease liabilities	6,817		7,144
Income taxes payable	515		891
TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES	100,293		86,504
Accrued payroll taxes and other, excluding current portion	21,237		29,988
Operating lease liabilities, excluding current portion	35,424		38,232
Income taxes payable, excluding current portion	90		90
Deferred income taxes	—		3
Long-term debt, net	59,153		59,154
TOTAL LIABILITIES	216,197		213,971
Commitments and contingencies

STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY:
Preferred stock, par value $1.00; Authorized - 500,000 shares; Issued - none	—		—
Common stock, par value $0.10; Authorized - 120,000,000 shares; Issued - 23,738,003 shares; Outstanding - 21,736,575 shares and 21,729,400 shares, respectively	2,374		2,374
Paid-in capital	80,673		79,937
Accumulated deficit	(30,505)		(29,793)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(5,367)		(6,458)
Treasury stock, at cost; 2,001,428 and 2,008,603 shares, respectively	(18,025)		(18,186)
TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY	29,150		27,874
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY	$	245,347	$	241,845

See accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

VOLT INFORMATION SCIENCES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity

(In thousands, except number of share data)

(unaudited)


	Six Months Ended May 2, 2021
	Common Stock $0.10 Par Value			Paid-in Capital		Accumulated Deficit		Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)		Treasury Stock		Total Stockholders’ Equity
	Shares	Amount
BALANCE AT NOVEMBER 1, 2020	23,738,003	$	2,374	$	79,937	$	(29,793)	$	(6,458)	$	(18,186)	$	27,874
Net loss	—	—		—		(2,446)		—		—		(2,446)
Share-based compensation	—	—		226		—		—		—		226
Issuance of common stock	—	—		(21)		(145)		—		161		(5)
Other comprehensive income	—	—		—		—		931		—		931
BALANCE AT JANUARY 31, 2021	23,738,003	$	2,374	$	80,142	$	(32,384)	$	(5,527)	$	(18,025)	$	26,580
Net income	—	—		—		1,879		—		—		1,879
Share-based compensation	—	—		531		—		—		—		531

Other comprehensive income	—	—		—		—		160		—		160
BALANCE AT MAY 2, 2021	23,738,003	$	2,374	$	80,673	$	(30,505)	$	(5,367)	$	(18,025)	$	29,150


	Six Months Ended May 3, 2020
	Common Stock $0.10 Par Value			Paid-in Capital		Accumulated Deficit		Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)		Treasury Stock		Total Stockholders’ Equity
	Shares	Amount
BALANCE AT NOVEMBER 3, 2019	23,738,003	$	2,374	$	77,688	$	(10,917)	$	(6,801)	$	(26,155)	$	36,189
Effect of new accounting principle	—	—		—		22,216		—		—		22,216
Net loss	—	—		—		(10,808)		—		—		(10,808)
Share-based compensation	—	—		511		—		—		—		511
Issuance of common stock	—	—		(114)		(739)		—		846		(7)
Other comprehensive income	—	—		—		—		364		—		364
BALANCE AT FEBRUARY 2, 2020	23,738,003	$	2,374	$	78,085	$	(248)	$	(6,437)	$	(25,309)	$	48,465
Net loss	—	—		—		(5,425)		—		—		(5,425)
Share-based compensation	—	—		508		—		—		—		508
Other comprehensive loss	—	—		—		—		(602)		—		(602)
BALANCE AT MAY 3, 2020	23,738,003	$	2,374	$	78,593	$	(5,673)	$	(7,039)	$	(25,309)	$	42,946

See accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

VOLT INFORMATION SCIENCES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(In thousands)

(unaudited)


	Six Months Ended
	May 2, 2021		May 3, 2020
CASH FLOWS (USED IN) PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net loss	$	(567)	$	(16,233)
Adjustment to reconcile net loss to cash (used in) provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	3,656		4,000
Non-cash operating lease expense	4,521		4,043
Release of doubtful accounts and sales allowances	(9)		(7)
Unrealized foreign currency exchange loss	511		293
Impairment charges	292		11
Gain on dispositions of property, equipment and software	—		(287)
Share-based compensation	757		1,019
Change in operating assets and liabilities:
Trade accounts receivable	(5,479)		19,407
Other assets	(431)		(283)
Accounts payable	(6,439)		(6,611)
Accrued expenses and other liabilities	5,432		(2,531)
Income taxes	(432)		89
Net cash provided by operating activities	1,812		2,910
CASH FLOWS (USED IN) PROVIDED BY INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Sales of investments	207		547
Purchases of investments	(263)		(284)
Proceeds from sale of property, equipment and software	16		352
Purchases of property, equipment and software	(1,755)		(3,092)
Net cash used in investing activities	(1,795)		(2,477)
CASH (USED IN) PROVIDED BY FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Repayment of borrowings	—		(15,000)
Draw-down on borrowings	—		20,000
Debt issuance costs	(166)		(243)
Other	23		(6)
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities	(143)		4,751
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash	281		(521)
Net increase in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash	155		4,663
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, beginning of period	56,433		38,444
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, end of period	$	56,588	$	43,107

Cash paid during the period:
Interest	$	917	$	1,382
Income taxes	$	142	$	258

Reconciliation of cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash:
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	47,231	$	26,223
Restricted cash included in Restricted cash and short-term investments	9,357		16,884
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, end of period	$	56,588	$	43,107

See accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

VOLT INFORMATION SCIENCES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

For the Fiscal Periods Ended May 2, 2021 and May 3, 2020

(Unaudited)

NOTE 1: Basis of Presentation

Basis of Presentation

The accompanying interim condensed consolidated financial statements of Volt Information Sciences, Inc. (“Volt” or the “Company”) have been prepared in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”), consistent in all material respects with those applied in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended November 1, 2020. The Company makes estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported. Actual results could differ from those estimates and changes in estimates are reflected in the period in which they become known. Accounting for certain expenses, including income taxes, is based on full year assumptions, and the financial statements reflect all normal adjustments that, in the opinion of management, are necessary for fair presentation of the interim periods presented. The interim information is unaudited and is prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations of the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), which provides for omission of certain information and footnote disclosures. This interim financial information should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended November 1, 2020.

NOTE 2: Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

New Accounting Standards Not Yet Adopted by the Company

In June 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2016-13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 326), as clarified in ASU 2019-04, ASU 2019-05, ASU 2019-11 and ASU 2018-19, amending how entities will measure credit losses for most financial assets and certain other instruments that are not measured at fair value through net income. The guidance requires the application of a current expected credit loss model, which is a new impairment model based on expected losses. Under this model, an entity recognizes an allowance for expected credit losses based on historical experience, current conditions and forecasted information rather than the current methodology of delaying recognition of credit losses until it is probable a loss has been incurred. The amendments are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2022, which for the Company will be the first quarter of fiscal 2024. Although the impact upon adoption will depend on the financial instruments held by the Company at that time, the Company does not anticipate a significant impact on its consolidated financial statements based on the instruments currently held and its historical trend of bad debt expense relating to trade accounts receivable.

Management has evaluated other recently issued accounting pronouncements and does not believe that any of these pronouncements will have a significant impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

Recently Adopted by the Company

In March 2020, the FASB issued ASU 2020-04, Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848) - Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting (“ASU 2020-04”). ASU 2020-04 provides optional expedients and exceptions for applying GAAP to contracts, hedging relationships and other transactions affected by reference rate reform if certain criteria are met. The amendments in this update apply only to contracts, hedging relationships and other transactions that reference LIBOR or another reference rate expected to be discontinued because of reference rate reform. ASU 2020-04 was effective for the Company in the first quarter of fiscal 2021. The Company’s securitization program references the LIBOR rate but only as a secondary rate to be used under specific circumstances. The adoption of this guidance had no significant impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-13, Fair Value Measurement: Disclosure Framework - Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement (“ASU 2018-13”), which changes the fair value measurement disclosure requirements of ASC 820. ASU 2018-13 is effective for all entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, including interim periods therein. Early adoption is permitted for any eliminated or modified disclosures upon issuance of ASU 2018-13. ASU 2018-13 was effective for the Company in the first quarter of fiscal 2021. The adoption of this guidance had no significant impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

All other ASUs that became effective for Volt in the first six months of fiscal 2021 were not applicable to the Company at this time and therefore, did not have any impact during the period.

NOTE 3: Leases

The Company’s material operating leases consist of branch locations, as well as corporate office space. Our leases have remaining terms of 1 - 9 years. The lease term is the minimum of the non-cancelable period of the lease or the lease term inclusive of reasonably certain renewal option periods. Volt determines if an arrangement meets the criteria of a lease at inception, at which time it also performs an analysis to determine whether the lease qualifies as operating or financing.

Operating leases are included in Right of use assets - operating leases and Operating lease liabilities, current and long-term, in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. Lease expense for operating leases is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term and is included in Selling, administrative and other operating costs in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations. The Company’s finance lease arrangements are immaterial.


Components of Lease Expense (in thousands)	Three Months Ended				Six Months Ended
	May 2, 2021		May 3, 2020		May 2, 2021		May 3, 2020
Operating lease expense	$	2,225	$	3,003	$	4,494	$	5,924
Sublease income	(408)		(394)		(810)		(788)
Variable lease expense	362		126		743		327
Total (1)(2)	$	2,179	$	2,735	$	4,427	$	5,463

(1) The Company has minimal short-term lease expense.

(2) Lease expense included in restructuring is approximately $0.5 million and $1.1 million for the three and six months ended May 2, 2021 and $0.1 million and $0.1 million for the three and six months ended May 3, 2020.


	Six Months Ended
Supplemental Cash Flows Information (in thousands)	May 2, 2021		May 3, 2020
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of operating lease liabilities	$	5,656	$	5,868
Operating ROU assets obtained in exchange for operating lease liabilities	$	1,138	$	680


	Six Months Ended
Weighted Average Remaining Lease Term and Discount Rate	May 2, 2021		May 3, 2020
Weighted average remaining lease term (years)	7.7		8.2
Weighted average discount rate	6.3	%	6.3	%


Maturities of Lease Liabilities (in thousands)	As of May 2, 2021
Fiscal Year:	Amount
Remainder of 2021	$	4,878
2022	8,350
2023	7,042
2024	5,676
2025	5,275
Thereafter	22,901
Total future lease payments	$	54,122
Less: Imputed interest	11,735
Total lease liabilities	$	42,387

NOTE 4: Revenue Recognition

Revenue Recognition

All of the Company’s revenue and trade receivables are generated from contracts with customers. Revenue is recognized when control of the promised services is transferred to the Company’s customers at an amount that reflects the consideration the Company expects to be entitled to in exchange for those services. The Company’s revenue is recorded net of any sales or other similar taxes collected from its customers.

Revenue Service Types

Staffing Services

Volt’s primary service is providing contingent (temporary) workers to its customers. These services are primarily provided through direct agreements with customers and Volt provides these services using its employees and, in some cases, by subcontracting with other vendors of contingent workers. Volt’s costs in providing these services consist of the wages and benefits provided to the contingent workers as well as the recruiting costs, payroll department costs and other administrative costs.

Direct Placement Services

Direct placement services include providing qualified candidates to the Company’s customers to hire on a permanent basis. Direct placement revenue is recognized net of a reserve for permanent placement candidates that do not remain with the customer through the contingency period, which is typically 60 days or less. This contingency is estimated based on historical data and recorded as a refund liability.

Managed Service Programs (“MSP”)

The Company’s MSP programs provide comprehensive solutions for delivery of contingent labor for assignment to customers, including supplier and worker sourcing, selecting, qualifying, on/off-boarding, time and expense recordation, reporting and approved invoicing and payment processing procedures. The Company’s fee for these MSP services is a fixed percentage of the staffing services spend that is managed through the program.

Disaggregation of Revenues

The following table presents our segment revenues disaggregated by service type (in thousands):


	Three Months Ended May 2, 2021
Segment	Total		North American Staffing		International Staffing		North American MSP		Corporate and Other		Eliminations
Service Revenues:
Staffing Services	$	211,907	$	182,353	$	22,535	$	6,934	$	117	$	(32)
Direct Placement Services	3,749		1,942		1,276		531		—		—
Managed Service Programs	6,436		—		4,069		2,367		—		—
	$	222,092	$	184,295	$	27,880	$	9,832	$	117	$	(32)

Geographical Markets:
Domestic	$	193,043	$	183,323	$	—	$	9,745	$	—	$	(25)
International	29,049		972		27,880		87		117		(7)
	$	222,092	$	184,295	$	27,880	$	9,832	$	117	$	(32)


	Three Months Ended May 3, 2020
Segment	Total		North American Staffing		International Staffing		North American MSP		Corporate and Other		Eliminations
Service Revenues:
Staffing Services	$	199,443	$	171,966	$	21,499	$	6,137	$	187	$	(346)
Direct Placement Services	3,151		1,420		875		856		—		—
Managed Service Programs	4,681		—		1,929		2,752		—		—
	$	207,275	$	173,386	$	24,303	$	9,745	$	187	$	(346)

Geographical Markets:
Domestic	$	181,870	$	172,548	$	—	$	9,648	$	—	$	(326)
International	25,405		838		24,303		97		187		(20)
	$	207,275	$	173,386	$	24,303	$	9,745	$	187	$	(346)


	Six Months Ended May 2, 2021
Segment	Total		North American Staffing		International Staffing		North American MSP		Corporate and Other		Eliminations
Service Revenues:
Staffing Services	$	421,175	$	364,919	$	42,530	$	13,581	$	236	$	(91)
Direct Placement Services	6,814		3,592		2,155		1,067		—		—
Managed Service Programs	12,061		—		7,208		4,853		—		—
	$	440,050	$	368,511	$	51,893	$	19,501	$	236	$	(91)

Geographical Markets:
Domestic	$	385,875	$	366,619	$	—	$	19,317	$	—	$	(61)
International	54,175		1,892		51,893		184		236		(30)
	$	440,050	$	368,511	$	51,893	$	19,501	$	236	$	(91)


	Six Months Ended May 3, 2020
Segment	Total		North American Staffing		International Staffing		North American MSP		Corporate and Other		Eliminations
Service Revenues:
Staffing Services	$	409,486	$	352,829	$	45,106	$	11,931	$	390	$	(770)
Direct Placement Services	6,368		2,952		1,883		1,533		—		—
Managed Service Programs	9,187		—		3,537		5,650		—		—
	$	425,041	$	355,781	$	50,526	$	19,114	$	390	$	(770)

Geographical Markets:
Domestic	$	372,553	$	354,316	$	—	$	18,966	$	—	$	(729)
International	52,488		1,465		50,526		148		390		(41)
	$	425,041	$	355,781	$	50,526	$	19,114	$	390	$	(770)

Unsatisfied Performance Obligations

The Company does not disclose the value of unsatisfied performance obligations for (i) contracts with an original expected length of one year or less and (ii) contracts for which they will recognize revenue at the amount to which it has the right to invoice for services performed. Unsatisfied performance obligations for contracts not meeting the aforementioned criteria are immaterial.

Accounts Receivable, Contract Assets and Contract Liabilities

The Company records accounts receivable when its right to consideration becomes unconditional and records a sales allowance as a liability. As of May 2, 2021, the change in the reserve balance from November 1, 2020 was immaterial. Contract assets primarily relate to the Company’s rights to consideration for services provided that are conditional on satisfaction of future performance obligations. The Company records contract liabilities when payments are made or due prior to the related performance obligations being satisfied. The current portion of contract liabilities is included in Accrued insurance and other in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. The Company does not have any material contract assets or long-term contract liabilities as of May 2, 2021 and November 1, 2020.

Economic Factors

The Company’s operations are subject to variations in the economic condition and regulatory environment in their jurisdictions of operations. Adverse economic conditions may severely reduce the demand for the Company’s services and directly impact the revenue. In addition, the Company faces risks in complying with various legal requirements and unpredictable changes in both U.S. and foreign regulations which may have a financial impact on the business and operations.

The global spread of COVID-19, or coronavirus, created significant volatility, uncertainty and global macroeconomic disruption. This was due to related government actions, non-governmental agency recommendations and public perceptions and disruption in global economic and labor market conditions. Our business, results of operations and financial condition have been and may continue to be impacted by the coronavirus pandemic, related government actions and any future adverse impacts could be material and are difficult to predict.

NOTE 5: Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss

The changes in accumulated other comprehensive loss for the three and six months ended May 2, 2021 were (in thousands):


	Three Months Ended		Six Months Ended
	May 2, 2021
	Foreign Currency Translation
Accumulated other comprehensive loss at beginning of the period	$	(5,527)	$	(6,458)
Other comprehensive income	160		1,091
Accumulated other comprehensive loss at May 2, 2021	$	(5,367)	$	(5,367)

There were no reclassifications from accumulated other comprehensive loss for the three and six months ended May 2, 2021 and May 3, 2020.

NOTE 6: Restricted Cash and Short-Term Investments

Restricted cash primarily includes amounts related to requirements under certain contracts with managed service program customers, for whom the Company manages the customers’ contingent staffing requirements, including processing of associate vendor billings into single, combined customer billings and distribution of payments to associate vendors on behalf of customers, as well as minimum cash deposits required to be maintained as collateral. Distribution of payments to associate vendors is generally made shortly after receipt of payment from customers, with undistributed amounts included in restricted cash and accounts payable between receipt and distribution of these amounts, where contractually required. At May 2, 2021 and November 1, 2020, restricted cash included $4.6 million and $9.2 million, respectively, restricted for payment to associate vendors, and $0.6 million and $0.5 million, respectively, restricted for other collateral accounts.

At May 2, 2021 and November 1, 2020, restricted cash also included $4.2 million and $8.2 million, respectively, restricted under the Company’s long-term accounts receivable securitization program (“DZ Financing Program”) with DZ Bank AG Deutsche Zentral-Genossenschaftsbank (“DZ Bank”). At May 2, 2021, this cash was restricted as it supplemented collateral provided by accounts receivable towards the Company’s aggregate borrowing base usage of $82.1 million, inclusive of $60.0 million outstanding and $22.1 million in issued letters of credit. At November 1, 2020, this cash was restricted as it supplemented collateral provided by accounts receivable towards the Company’s aggregate borrowing base usage of $84.5 million, inclusive of $60.0 million outstanding and $24.5 million in issued letters of credit.

Short-term investments were $3.4 million and $2.9 million at May 2, 2021 and November 1, 2020, respectively. These short-term investments consisted primarily of the fair value of deferred compensation investments corresponding to employees’ selections, primarily in mutual funds, based on quoted prices in active markets.

NOTE 7: Fair Value Measurements

Assets and liabilities recorded at fair value are measured and classified in accordance with a three-tier fair value hierarchy based on the observability of the inputs available in the market to measure fair value, as described below:

a.Level 1 measurements consist of unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.

b.Level 2 measurements include quoted prices in markets that are not active or model inputs that are observable either directly or indirectly for substantially the full term of the asset or liability.

c.Level 3 measurements include significant unobservable inputs.

The carrying amounts of the Company’s financial instruments, which include cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash, accounts receivable and accounts payable, approximated their fair values due to the short-term nature of these instruments.

The Company holds mutual funds to satisfy its obligations under its employee deferred compensation plan, which is carried at fair value based on quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1). These short-term investments were $3.4 million and $2.9 million at May 2, 2021 and November 1, 2020, respectively. The carrying amounts of long-term debt recorded in the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets was $59.2 million at May 2, 2021 and November 1, 2020. This amount was net of deferred financing fees and approximated its fair value, which is determinable based on the interest rates the Company believes it could obtain for borrowings with similar terms (Level 2).

Certain assets, such as goodwill, are not measured at fair value on an ongoing basis but are subject to fair value adjustments in certain circumstances. Upon a triggering event or evidence of impairment, the Company determines the fair value of these assets using Level 3 inputs, typically within a discounted cash flow model.

There have been no changes in the methodology used to measure fair value of the financial instruments as well as any transfer of Level 3 assets or liabilities during the three and six months ended May 2, 2021.

NOTE 8: Income Taxes

The income tax provision reflects the geographic mix of earnings in various federal, state and foreign tax jurisdictions and their applicable rates resulting in a composite effective tax rate. The Company’s cumulative results for substantially all United States (“U.S.”) and certain non-U.S. jurisdictions for the most recent three-year period is a loss. Accordingly, a valuation allowance has been established for substantially all loss carryforwards and other net deferred tax assets for these jurisdictions, resulting in an effective tax rate that is significantly different than the statutory rate.

The Company adjusts its effective tax rate for each quarter to be consistent with the estimated annual effective tax rate, consistent with ASC 270, Interim Reporting, and ASC 740-270, Income Taxes – Intra Period Tax Allocation. Jurisdictions with a projected loss for the full year where no tax benefit can be recognized are excluded from the calculation of the estimated annual effective tax rate. The Company’s future effective tax rates could be affected by earnings being different than anticipated in countries with differing statutory rates, increases in recorded valuation allowances of tax assets, or changes in tax laws.

The Company’s provision for income taxes primarily includes foreign jurisdictions and state taxes. The income tax provision in the second quarter of fiscal 2021 and 2020 were $0.3 million and less than $0.1 million, respectively, primarily related to locations outside of the United States. For the first six months ended May 2, 2021 and May 3, 2020, the income tax provision was $0.6 million and $0.2 million, respectively, primarily related to locations outside of the United States. The Company’s quarterly provision for income taxes is measured using an estimated annual effective tax rate, adjusted for discrete items that occur within the periods presented.

The Company has analyzed the income tax impacts of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (“CARES Act”) and has determined that it will not have a material impact to the Company.

NOTE 9: Debt

The Company’s primary sources of liquidity are cash flows from operations and proceeds from its financing arrangements. Both operating cash flows and borrowing capacity under the Company’s financing arrangements are directly related to the levels of accounts receivable generated by its businesses. The Company’s operating cash flows consist primarily of collections of customer receivables offset by payments for payroll and related items for the Company’s contingent staff and in-house employees; federal, foreign, state and local taxes; and trade payables. The Company’s level of borrowing capacity under its financing arrangements increases or decreases in tandem with any change in accounts receivable based on revenue fluctuations.

The Company manages its cash flow and related liquidity on a global basis. The weekly payroll payments inclusive of employment-related taxes and payments to vendors are approximately $17.0 million. The Company generally targets minimum global liquidity to be approximately 1.5 times its average weekly requirements. The Company also maintains minimum effective cash balances in foreign operations and uses a multi-currency netting and overdraft facility for its European entities to further minimize overseas cash requirements.

On March 27, 2020, the U.S. government enacted the CARES Act which, among other things, permits the deferral of the employer’s portion of social security tax payments between March 27, 2020 and December 31, 2020. As a result, as of May 2, 2021, $26.2 million of employer payroll tax payments were deferred with 50% due by December 31, 2021 and the remaining 50% by December 31, 2022.

The DZ Financing Program is fully collateralized by certain receivables of the Company that are sold to a wholly-owned, consolidated, bankruptcy-remote subsidiary. To finance the purchase of such receivables, that subsidiary may request that DZ Bank make loans from time-to-time to that subsidiary which are secured by liens on those receivables.

In July 2019, the Company amended and restated its long-term DZ Financing Program, which was originally executed on January 25, 2018. The restated agreement allows for the inclusion of certain accounts receivable from originators in the United Kingdom, which added an additional $5.0 - $7.0 million in borrowing availability. In June 2020, the Maximum Facility Amount, as defined in the DZ Financing Program, was reduced from $115.0 million to $100.0 million.

In December 2020, the Company amended the DZ Financing Program. The modifications to the agreement were to (1) extend the Amortization Date, as defined in the DZ Financing Program, from January 25, 2023 to January 25, 2024; (2) extend the Facility Maturity Date, as defined in the DZ Financing Program, from July 25, 2023 to July 25, 2024; (3) revise an existing covenant to maintain positive net income in any fiscal year ending after 2020 to any fiscal year ending after 2021; (4) replace the existing Tangible Net Worth (“TNW”) covenant requirement, as defined in the DZ Financing Program, to a minimum TNW of $20.0 million through the Company’s fiscal quarter ending on or about July 31, 2021 and $25.0 million in each quarter thereafter; and (5) revise the eligibility threshold for the receivables of a large North American Staffing customer from 5% of eligible receivables to 8%, which increased our overall availability under the Program by $1.0 - $3.0 million. All other terms and conditions of the DZ Financing Program remain substantially unchanged.

Loan advances may be made under the DZ Financing Program through January 25, 2024 and all loans will mature no later than July 25, 2024. Loans will accrue interest (i) with respect to loans that are funded through the issuance of commercial paper notes, at the commercial paper (“CP”) rate and (ii) otherwise, at a rate per annum equal to adjusted LIBOR. The CP rate will be based on the rates paid by the applicable lender on notes it issues to fund related loans. Adjusted LIBOR is based on LIBOR for the applicable interest period and the rate prescribed by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System for determining the reserve requirements with respect to Eurocurrency funding. If an event of default occurs, all loans shall bear interest at a rate per annum equal to the prime rate (the federal funds rate plus 3%) plus 2.5%.

The DZ Financing Program also includes a letter of credit sub-facility with a sub-limit of $35.0 million. As of May 2, 2021, the letter of credit participation was $22.1 million inclusive of $20.9 million for the Company’s casualty insurance program and $1.2 million for the security deposit required under certain real estate lease agreements.

The DZ Financing Program contains customary representations and warranties as well as affirmative and negative covenants. The agreement also contains customary default, indemnification and termination provisions. The DZ Financing Program is not an off-balance sheet arrangement, as the bankruptcy-remote subsidiary is a 100%-owned consolidated subsidiary of the Company.

The Company is subject to certain financial and portfolio performance covenants under the DZ Financing Program, including (1) a minimum TNW, as defined under the DZ Financing Program, of at least $20.0 million through the Company's fiscal quarter ending on or about July 31, 2021 and $25.0 million in each quarter thereafter; (2) positive net income in any fiscal year ending after 2021; (3) maximum debt to tangible net worth ratio of 3:1; and (4) a minimum of $15.0 million in liquid assets, as defined under the DZ Financing Program. At May 2, 2021, the Company was in compliance with all debt covenants. At May 2, 2021, there was $2.9 million of borrowing availability, as defined under the DZ Financing Program.

At May 2, 2021, the Company had outstanding borrowings under the DZ Financing Program of $60.0 million, with a weighted average annual interest rate of 1.9% during both the second quarter of fiscal 2021 and for the first six months of fiscal 2021. At May 3, 2020, the Company had outstanding borrowings under the DZ Financing Program of $60.0 million, with a weighted average annual rate of 3.3% during the second quarter of fiscal 2020 and 3.2% during the first six months of fiscal 2020.

Long-term debt consists of the following (in thousands):


	May 2, 2021		November 1, 2020
Financing programs	$	60,000	$	60,000
Less:
Deferred financing fees	847		846
Total long-term debt, net	$	59,153	$	59,154

NOTE 10: Earnings (Loss) Per Share

Basic and diluted net loss per share are calculated as follows (in thousands, except per share amounts):


	Three Months Ended				Six Months Ended
	May 2, 2021		May 3, 2020		May 2, 2021		May 3, 2020
Numerator
Net income (loss)	$	1,879	$	(5,425)	$	(567)	$	(16,233)

Denominator
Basic weighted average number of shares	21,793		21,416		21,793		21,416
Diluted weighted average number of shares	22,588		21,416		21,793		21,416

Net income (loss) per share:
Basic	$	0.09	$	(0.25)	$	(0.03)	$	(0.76)
Diluted	$	0.08	$	(0.25)	$	(0.03)	$	(0.76)

The diluted earnings per share for the three months ended May 2, 2021 did not include the effect of potentially dilutive outstanding shares comprised of 212,170 RSUs (defined below), 331,944 stock options and 124,987 PSUs (defined below) because the effect would have been anti-dilutive. The diluted earnings per share for the six months ended May 2, 2021 did not include the effect of potentially dilutive outstanding shares comprised of 937,662 RSUs, 331,944 stock options and 194,417 PSUs because the effect would have been anti-dilutive.

The diluted earnings per share for the three and six months ended May 3, 2020 did not include the effect of potentially dilutive outstanding shares comprised of 653,210 RSUs, 401,053 stock options and 376,986 PSUs because the effect would have been anti-dilutive.

NOTE 11: Share-Based Compensation Plans

For the three and six months ended May 2, 2021, the Company recognized share-based compensation expense of $0.5 million and $0.7 million, respectively. For the three and six months ended May 3, 2020, the Company recognized share-based compensation expense of $0.2 million and $0.7 million, respectively. These expenses are included in Selling, administrative and other operating costs in the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations.

2021 Equity Incentive Plan

On April 20, 2021, the stockholders of the Company approved the Company’s 2021 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2021 Plan”). The 2021 Plan permits the granting of (1) stock options, including incentive stock options, (2) stock appreciation rights, (3) restricted stock, (4) restricted stock units, (5) performance awards, and (6) other awards valued in whole or in part by reference to or otherwise based on our common stock (as defined in the 2021 Plan, “other share-based awards”). Subject to adjustment as provided in the 2021 Plan, up to an aggregate of 3,700,000 shares of the Company’s common stock will be available for awards under the 2021 Plan, plus any shares granted under the Company’s 2019 and 2015 Equity Incentive Plans that become available for awards under such plans.

Fiscal 2020 Awards

During fiscal 2020, the Company granted restricted stock units (“RSUs”) to executive management and, due to limited share availability under its long-term incentive plan, issued deferred cash awards to certain employees including executive management. The RSUs and cash awards vest in equal annual tranches over three years, provided the employees remain employed with the Company on the applicable vesting date. The grant date fair value for the RSUs is measured using the closing stock price on the grant date and the total grant date fair value was $0.7 million. The deferred cash awards totaled $2.2 million. In addition, due to limited share availability, cash payments in the aggregate amount of $0.4 million were made in lieu of equity awards to non-executive directors of the Company.

Fiscal 2019 Awards

During fiscal 2019, the Company granted performance stock units (“PSUs”) to executive management, RSUs to certain employees including executive management and its annual equity grant of RSUs to the Board of Directors.

The PSUs are eligible to vest in three equal tranches at the end of each performance period. Vesting of the PSUs is dependent on the achievement of the adjusted Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization margin percentage goals based on adjusted revenues at the end of each fiscal year of the one-year, two-year and three-year performance periods and provided that the employees remain employed with the Company on the applicable vesting date. The payout percentages can range from 0% to 150%. The RSUs for the employees vest in equal annual tranches over three years, provided the employees remain employed with the Company on the applicable vesting date. The RSUs for the Board of Directors vested one year from the grant date provided that the director provides continued service through the vesting date. The grant date fair value for the PSUs and RSUs is measured using the closing stock price on the grant date. The PSUs and RSUs had a total grant date fair value of approximately $1.2 million and $2.1 million, respectively.

Summary of Equity and Liability Awards

The following tables summarize the activities related to the Company’s share-based equity and liability awards for the six months ended May 2, 2021:


Performance Share Units	Number of	Weighted Average
	Shares	Grant Date Fair Value
Outstanding at November 1, 2020	209,662	$3.91
Forfeited	(15,245)	$4.04
Outstanding at May 2, 2021	194,417	$3.90


Restricted Stock Units	Number of	Weighted Average
	Shares	Grant Date Fair Value
Outstanding at November 1, 2020	976,180	$2.08
Forfeited	(29,033)	$3.33
Vested	(9,485)	$4.10
Outstanding at May 2, 2021	937,662	$2.02


Stock Options	Number of Shares	Weighted Average Exercise Price	Weighted Average Contractual Life (in years)	Aggregate Intrinsic Value (in thousands)

Outstanding at November 1, 2020	331,944	$5.73	6.22	$—

Outstanding and Exercisable at May 2, 2021	331,944	$5.73	5.72	$—

For the six months ended May 2, 2021, there was no exercise of stock options. As of May 2, 2021, total unrecognized compensation expense of $0.7 million related to PSUs, stock options and RSUs will be recognized over the remaining weighted average vesting period of 1.6 years of which $0.3 million, $0.3 million and $0.1 million are expected to be recognized in fiscal 2021, 2022 and 2023 respectively.

NOTE 12: Restructuring and Severance Charges

The Company incurred total restructuring and severance costs of $0.6 million and $0.4 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2021 and 2020, respectively, and $1.2 million and $1.7 million for the six months ended May 2, 2021 and May 3, 2020, respectively.

2020 Restructuring Plan

In the first quarter of fiscal 2020, the Company approved a restructuring plan (the “2020 Plan”) as part of its strategic initiative to optimize the Company’s cost infrastructure. The 2020 Plan leveraged the global capabilities of the Company's staffing operations based in Bangalore, India and off-shored a significant number of strategically identified roles to this location. The total costs incurred in connection with the 2020 Plan were $1.2 million, consisting of $0.1 million in North American Staffing, $0.1 million in International Staffing and $1.0 million in the Corporate and Other category.

Other Restructuring Costs

As part of its continued efforts to reduce costs, the Company recorded other restructuring costs. In the second quarter of fiscal 2021, the Company recorded severance costs of $0.1 million primarily resulting from the elimination of certain positions and $0.5 million related to ongoing costs of facilities impaired in the second half of fiscal 2020. In the second quarter of fiscal 2020, the Company recorded severance costs of $0.4 million primarily resulting from the elimination of certain positions.

Accrued restructuring and severance costs are included in Accrued compensation and Accrued insurance and other in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. Activity for the first six months of fiscal 2021 is summarized as follows (in thousands):


	May 2, 2021
Balance, beginning of year	$	212
Charged to expense	1,227
Cash payments	(1,219)
Ending Balance	$	220

The remaining balance as of May 2, 2021 was $0.2 million, primarily related to other restructuring costs in the Corporate and Other category.

NOTE 13: Commitments and Contingencies

Legal Proceedings

The Company is involved in various claims and legal actions arising in the ordinary course of business. The Company’s loss contingencies not discussed elsewhere consist primarily of claims and legal actions arising in the normal course of business related to contingent worker employment matters in the staffing services segments. These matters are at varying stages of investigation, arbitration or adjudication. The Company has accrued for losses on individual matters that are both probable and reasonably estimable.

Estimates are based on currently available information and assumptions. Significant judgment is required in both the determination of probability and the determination of whether a matter is reasonably estimable. The Company’s estimates may change and actual expenses could differ in the future as additional information becomes available.

NOTE 14: Related Party Transactions

For the six months ended May 2, 2021 and May 3, 2020, the Company provided staffing services in the aggregate amount of $91,000 and $86,000, respectively, to a company where Volt’s Chairman of the Board, William J. Grubbs, serves as President.

NOTE 15: Segment Data

We report our segment data in accordance with the provisions of ASC 280, Segment Reporting, aligning with the way the Company evaluates its business performance and manages its operations. Our current reportable segments are (i) North American Staffing, (ii) International Staffing and (iii) North American MSP. The non-reportable businesses are combined and disclosed with corporate services under the category Corporate and Other.

Segment operating income (loss) is comprised of segment net revenue less cost of services, selling, administrative and other operating costs, restructuring and severance costs, and impairment charges. The Company allocates to the segments all operating costs except for costs not directly related to the operating activities such as corporate-wide general and administrative costs. These costs are not allocated because doing so would not enhance the understanding of segment operating performance and are not used by management to measure segment performance.

Financial data concerning the Company’s segment revenue and operating income (loss) as well as results from Corporate and Other are summarized in the following tables (in thousands):


	Three Months Ended May 2, 2021
	Total		North American Staffing		International Staffing		North American MSP		Corporate and Other		Eliminations
Net revenue	$	222,092	$	184,295	$	27,880	$	9,832	$	117	$	(32)
Cost of services	185,613		154,871		22,688		8,018		68		(32)
Gross margin	36,479		29,424		5,192		1,814		49		—

Selling, administrative and other operating costs	32,950		19,870		4,086		1,497		7,497		—
Restructuring and severance costs	595		83		9		8		495		—
Impairment charges	261		—		—		—		261		—
Operating income (loss)	2,673		9,471		1,097		309		(8,204)		—
Other income (expense), net	(506)
Income tax provision	288
Net income	$	1,879


	Three Months Ended May 3, 2020
	Total		North American Staffing		International Staffing		North American MSP		Corporate and Other		Eliminations
Net revenue	$	207,275	$	173,386	$	24,303	$	9,745	$	187	$	(346)
Cost of services	175,038		147,423		20,282		7,582		97		(346)
Gross margin	32,237		25,963		4,021		2,163		90		—

Selling, administrative and other operating costs	36,189		23,043		3,714		1,672		7,760		—
Restructuring and severance costs	411		344		111		—		(44)		—

Operating income (loss)	(4,363)		2,576		196		491		(7,626)		—
Other income (expense), net	(1,039)
Income tax provision	23
Net loss	$	(5,425)


	Six Months Ended May 2, 2021
	Total		North American Staffing		International Staffing		North American MSP		Corporate and Other		Eliminations
Net revenue	$	440,050	$	368,511	$	51,893	$	19,501	$	236	$	(91)
Cost of services	370,889		312,507		42,539		15,802		132		(91)
Gross margin	69,161		56,004		9,354		3,699		104		—

Selling, administrative and other operating costs	66,697		40,516		7,874		2,850		15,457		—
Restructuring and severance costs	1,227		(158)		1		8		1,376		—
Impairment charges	292		—		—		—		292		—
Operating income (loss)	945		15,646		1,479		841		(17,021)		—
Other income (expense), net	(897)
Income tax provision	615
Net loss	$	(567)


	Six Months Ended May 3, 2020
	Total		North American Staffing		International Staffing		North American MSP		Corporate and Other		Eliminations
Net revenue	$	425,041	$	355,781	$	50,526	$	19,114	$	390	$	(770)
Cost of services	361,377		304,817		42,312		14,837		181		(770)
Gross margin	63,664		50,964		8,214		4,277		209		—

Selling, administrative and other operating costs	75,686		47,852		7,533		3,032		17,269		—
Restructuring and severance costs	1,657		426		111		—		1,120		—
Impairment charge	11		11		—		—		—		—
Operating income (loss)	(13,690)		2,675		570		1,245		(18,180)		—
Other income (expense), net	(2,325)
Income tax provision	218
Net loss	$	(16,233)

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

Management’s discussion and analysis (“MD&A”) of financial condition and results of operations is provided as a supplement to and should be read in conjunction with the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and related notes to enhance the understanding of our results of operations, financial condition and cash flows. This MD&A contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, including statements that involve expectations, plans or intentions (such as those relating to future business, future results of operations or financial condition, including with respect to the anticipated effects of COVID-19 and related government actions). You can identify these forward-looking statements by words such as “may,” “will,” “would,” “should,” “could,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “intend,” “plan” and other similar expressions. These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in our forward-looking statements. This MD&A should be read in conjunction with the MD&A included in our Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended November 1, 2020, as filed with the SEC on January 14, 2021 (the “2020 Form 10-K”). References in this document to “Volt,” “Company,” “we,” “us” and “our” mean Volt Information Sciences, Inc. and our consolidated subsidiaries, unless the context requires otherwise. The statements below should also be read in conjunction with the description of the risks and uncertainties set forth from time to time in our reports and other filings made with the SEC, including under Part I, “Item 1A. Risk Factors” of the 2020 Form 10-K and Part II, “Item 1A. Risk Factors” of this report. We do not intend, and undertake no obligation except as required by law, to update any of our forward-looking statements after the date of this report to reflect actual results or future events or circumstances. Given these risks and uncertainties, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements.

Note Regarding the Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures

We have provided certain Non-GAAP financial information, which includes adjustments for special items and certain line items on a constant currency basis, as additional information for segment revenue, our consolidated net income (loss) and segment operating income (loss). These measures are not in accordance with, or an alternative for, measures prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) and may be different from Non-GAAP measures reported by other companies. Our Non-GAAP measures are generally presented on a constant currency basis, and exclude (i) the impact of businesses sold or exited, (ii) the impact from the migration of certain clients from a traditional staffing model to a managed service model (“MSP transitions”) as we believe that the difference in revenue recognition accounting under each model of the MSP transitions could be misleading on a comparative period basis and (iii) the elimination of special items. Special items generally include impairments, restructuring and severance costs, as well as certain income or expenses which the Company does not consider indicative of the current and future period performance. We believe that the use of Non-GAAP measures provides useful information to management and investors regarding certain financial and business trends relating to our financial condition and results of operations because they permit evaluation of the results of operations without the effect of currency fluctuations or special items that management believes make it more difficult to understand and evaluate our results of operations.

Segments

Our reportable segments are (i) North American Staffing, (ii) International Staffing and (iii) North American MSP. All other business activities that do not meet the criteria to be reportable segments are aggregated with corporate services under the category Corporate and Other. Our reportable segments have been determined in accordance with our internal management structure, which is based on operating activities. We evaluate business performance based upon several metrics, primarily using revenue and segment operating income as the primary financial measures. We believe segment operating income provides management and investors a measure to analyze operating performance of each business segment against historical and competitors’ data, although historical results, including operating income, may not be indicative of future results as operating income is highly contingent on many factors including the state of the economy, competitive conditions and customer preferences.

We allocate all support-related costs to the operating segments except for costs not directly relating to our operating activities such as corporate-wide general and administrative costs. These costs are not allocated to individual operating segments because we believe that doing so would not enhance the understanding of segment operating performance and such costs are not used by management to measure segment performance.

We report our segment information in accordance with the provisions of the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification 280, Segment Reporting (“ASC 280”), aligning with the way the Company evaluates its business performance and manages its operations.

Overview

We are a global provider of staffing services (traditional time and materials-based as well as project-based). Our staffing services consist of workforce solutions that include providing contingent workers, personnel recruitment services and managed staffing services programs supporting primarily administrative and light industrial (commercial) as well as technical, information technology and engineering (professional) positions. Our managed service programs (“MSP”) involves managing the procurement and on-boarding of contingent workers from multiple providers.

We operate in approximately 60 of our own locations and have an on-site presence in over 50 customer locations. Approximately 88% of our revenue is generated in the United States. Our principal international markets include Europe, Asia Pacific and Canada locations. The industry is highly fragmented and very competitive in all of the markets we serve.

Employees and Human Capital Resource Management

Volt operates on the fundamental philosophy that people are our most valuable asset as every person who works for us has the potential to impact our success as well as the success of our clients. As a staffing company, identifying quality talent is at the core of everything we do and our success is dependent upon our ability to attract, develop and retain highly qualified employees, both in-house and for our clients. The Company’s core values of integrity, customer centric, ownership, innovation, empowerment, collaborative change and teamwork establish the foundation on which the culture is built and represent the key expectations we have of our employees. We believe our culture and commitment to our employees attract and retain our qualified talent, while simultaneously providing significant value to our Company and its shareholders.

Demographics

As of May 2, 2021, we employed approximately 14,200 people, including 13,100 who were on contingent staffing assignments with our clients, and the remainder as full-time in-house employees. Approximately 70% of the full-time in-house employees are located in North America and the remaining are within Asia Pacific and Europe. The workers on contingent staffing assignments are on our payroll for the length of their assignment with the client.

Diversity and Inclusion

Volt values building diverse teams, embracing different perspectives and fostering an inclusive, empowering work environment for our employees and clients. We have a long-standing commitment to equal employment opportunity as evidenced by the Company’s EEO policy. Of our North American in-house employee population, approximately 70% are women and approximately 40% have self-identified as Hispanic or Latino, Native American, Pacific Islander, Asian, Black or African American, or of two or more races. As part of Volt’s commitment to continued enhancements in this area, we launched our Expert Momentum Diversity and Inclusion Program. This program involved the creation of a task force made up of a group of employees from across the organization. The program has established initiatives to strengthen the promotion of workplace diversity for our employees and clients, to create a collaborative environment that promotes authenticity and a culture that celebrates our differences, and embraces a collaborative environment with unique experiences and diverse perspectives. The program’s task force will enhance company-wide engagement on diversity and inclusion, provide education opportunities for our employees, help identify areas for improvement and monitor progress in achieving these initiatives.

Compensation and Benefits

Critical to our success is identifying, recruiting, retaining, and incentivizing our existing and future employees. We strive to attract and retain the most talented employees in the staffing industry by offering competitive compensation and benefits. Our pay-for-performance compensation philosophy is based on rewarding each employee’s individual contributions and striving to achieve equal pay for equal work regardless of gender, race or ethnicity. We use a combination of fixed and variable pay including base salary, bonus, commissions and merit increases which vary across the business. In addition as part of our long-term incentive plan for executives and certain employees, we provide share-based compensation to foster our pay-for-performance culture and to attract, retain and motivate our key leaders.

As the success of our business is fundamentally connected to the well-being of our people, we offer benefits that support their physical, financial and emotional well-being. We provide our employees with access to flexible and convenient medical programs intended to meet their needs and the needs of their families. In addition to standard medical coverage, we offer eligible employees dental and vision coverage, health savings and flexible spending accounts, paid time off, employee assistance programs, voluntary short-term and long-term disability insurance and term life insurance. Additionally, we offer a 401(k) Savings Plan and Deferred Compensation Plan to certain employees. Our benefits vary by location and are designed to meet or exceed local laws and to be competitive in the marketplace.

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, government legislation and key authorities, we implemented changes that we determined were in the best interest of our employees, as well as the communities in which we operate. This included having the majority of our employees work from home, while implementing additional safety measures for employees continuing critical on-site work. We continue to embrace a flexible working arrangement for a majority of our in-house employees, as well as a portion of our contingent workforce where we continue to provide key services to customers remotely.

Commitment to Values and Ethics

Along with our core values, we act in accordance with our Code of Business Conduct and Ethics (“Code of Conduct”), which sets forth expectations and guidance for employees to make appropriate decisions. Our Code of Conduct covers topics such as anti-corruption, discrimination, harassment, privacy, appropriate use of company assets, protecting confidential information, and reporting Code of Conduct violations. The Code of Conduct reflects our commitment to operating in a fair, honest, responsible and ethical manner and also provides direction for reporting complaints in the event of alleged violations of our policies (including through an anonymous hotline). Our executive officers and supervisors maintain “open door” policies and any form of retaliation is strictly prohibited.

Professional Development and Training

We believe a key factor in employee retention is training and professional development for our talent. We have training programs across all levels of the Company to meet the needs of various roles, specialized skill sets and departments across the Company. All field associates receive Volt’s General Safety Orientation prior to assignment and site-specific job task training from our clients. Volt offers the Federal Ten Hour and other specialty safety programs to key employees and clients as a value-add feature of our services. Volt is committed to the security and confidentiality of our employees’ personal information and employs software tools and periodic employee training programs to promote security and information protection at all levels. Additionally, in the second quarter of fiscal 2021, we invested in an online educational platform to upskill our field associates across North America. This platform provides significant benefit and support to our employees in furthering their education and achieving their personal and professional goals, while at the same time cultivating a better-skilled pool of talent for our clients.

We utilize certain employee turnover rates and productivity metrics in assessing our employee programs to ensure that they are structured to instill high levels of in-house employee tenure, low levels of voluntary turnover and the optimization of productivity and performance across our entire workforce. Additionally, we have implemented a new performance evaluation program which adopts a modern approach to valuing and strengthening individual performance through on-going interactive progress assessments related to established goals and objectives.

Communication and Engagement

We strongly believe that Volt’s success depends on employees understanding how their work contributes to the Company’s overall strategy. To this end, we communicate with our workforce through a variety of channels and encourage open and direct communication, including: (i) quarterly company-wide CEO update calls; (ii) regular company-wide calls with executives; (iii) frequent Corporate email communications and (iv) employee engagement surveys.

COVID-19 and Our Response

The global spread of COVID-19, which was declared a global pandemic by the World Health Organization (“WHO”) on March 11, 2020, created significant volatility, uncertainty and global macroeconomic disruption. Our business experienced significant changes in revenue trends at the mid-point of our second quarter of fiscal 2020 as market conditions rapidly deteriorated and continued to decline through the beginning of our third quarter of fiscal 2020. Beginning in the second half of fiscal 2020 however, revenue increased sequentially as a result of a combination of existing customers returning to work, expanding business with existing customers and winning new customers.

Beginning in mid-March 2020, a number of countries and U.S. federal, state and local governments issued varying levels of stay-at-home orders requiring persons who were not engaged in essential activities and businesses as defined in those specific orders to remain at home or requiring reduced operations and capacity to comply with social distancing. Our first priority, with regard to the COVID-19 pandemic, was to ensure the health and safety of our employees, clients, suppliers and others with whom we partner in our business activities to continue our business operations in this unprecedented business environment. Our business was largely converted to a remote in-house workforce and remained open as we provided key services to essential businesses, both remotely and onsite at our customers’ locations.

We continue to operate on a hybrid-model with certain locations fully staffed and others opening on a limited voluntary basis. Our COVID-19 Incident Response Team, comprised of key senior leaders in the organization, continues to monitor the most up-to-date developments and safety standard from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, WHO, Occupational Safety and Health Administration and other key authorities to determine an appropriate response for our employees and clients. While this team is

currently monitoring COVID-19 developments globally, we remain focused on the regulations and vaccine requirements in the U.S. to ensure we are complying with all relevant regulations.

While our global business environment is and will continue to operate in various stages of economic turbulence, we are encouraged by the increase in order activity and demand throughout the Company, including the efficacy and availability of vaccines and the positive impacts of customers reopening previously shut down site operations or increasing capacity.

Goodwill

We perform our annual impairment test for goodwill during the second quarter of the fiscal year and when a triggering event occurs between annual impairment tests. When testing goodwill, the Company has the option to first assess qualitative factors for reporting units that carry goodwill. International Staffing is the only segment which carries goodwill. The qualitative assessment includes assessing the totality of relevant events and circumstances that affect the fair value or carrying value of the reporting unit. These events and circumstances include macroeconomic conditions, industry and competitive environment conditions, overall financial performance, reporting unit specific events and market considerations. We may also consider recent valuations of the reporting unit, including the magnitude of the difference between the most recent fair value estimate and the carrying value, as well as both positive and adverse events and circumstances, and the extent to which each of the events and circumstances identified may affect the comparison of a reporting unit’s fair value with its carrying value. If the qualitative assessment results in a conclusion that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit exceeds the carrying value, then no further testing is performed for that reporting unit.

When a qualitative assessment is not used, or if the qualitative assessment is not conclusive and it is necessary to calculate fair value of a reporting unit, then the impairment analysis for goodwill is performed at the reporting unit level using a one-step approach (“Step 1”) under Accounting Standards Update 2017-04, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other (Topic 350) Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment. In conducting our goodwill impairment testing, we compare the fair value of the reporting unit with goodwill to the carrying value, using various valuation techniques including income (discounted cash flow) and market approaches. The Company believes the blended use of both approaches compensates for the inherent risk associated with using either one on a standalone basis, and this combination is indicative of the factors a market participant would consider when performing a similar valuation.

Our fiscal 2021 annual test performed in the second quarter used significant assumptions, including expected revenue and expense growth rates, forecasted capital expenditures, working capital levels and a discount rate of 13.0%. Under the market-based approach, significant assumptions included relevant comparable company earnings multiples including the determination of whether a premium or discount should be applied to those comparables. It was determined that the fair value of the reporting unit exceeded its carrying value, therefore no adjustment to the carrying value of goodwill of $5.8 million was required as of the end of the second quarter of fiscal 2021.

Long-lived Assets

Long-lived assets primarily consist of right-of-use assets, capitalized software costs, leasehold improvements and office equipment. We review these assets for impairment under Accounting Standards Codification 360 Property, Plant and Equipment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Factors that could trigger an impairment review include a current period operating or cash flow loss combined with a history of operating or cash flow losses and a projection or forecast that demonstrates continuing losses or insufficient income associated with the use of a long-lived asset or asset group. Other factors include a significant change in the manner of the use of the asset or a significant negative industry or economic trend. If circumstances require a long-lived asset or asset group be reviewed for possible impairment, the Company first compares undiscounted cash flows expected to be generated by each asset or asset group to its carrying value. An impairment loss is recognized when the estimated undiscounted cash flows expected to result from the use of the asset plus net proceeds expected from disposition of the asset (if any) are less than the carrying value of the asset. When an impairment loss is recognized, the carrying amount of the asset is reduced to its estimated fair value based on discounted cash flow analysis or other valuation techniques. In the second quarter of fiscal 2021, we recorded an impairment charge of $0.3 million of capitalized software costs related to a change in the expected use of certain assets.

Due to the economic impact and continued uncertainty related to the COVID-19 pandemic, we continue to assess our real estate footprint to evaluate potential opportunities for consolidation and downscaling. During the second half of fiscal 2020, the Company made decisions that impacted several leased office locations throughout North America, triggering impairment reviews which resulted in impairment charges of $16.1 million to reduce the carrying value of these assets to their estimated fair value.

Recent Developments

None

Consolidated Results by Segment


	Three Months Ended May 2, 2021
(in thousands)	Total		North American Staffing		International Staffing		North American MSP		Corporate and Other		Eliminations
Net revenue	$	222,092	$	184,295	$	27,880	$	9,832	$	117	$	(32)
Cost of services	185,613		154,871		22,688		8,018		68		(32)
Gross margin	36,479		29,424		5,192		1,814		49		—

Selling, administrative and other operating costs	32,950		19,870		4,086		1,497		7,497		—
Restructuring and severance costs	595		83		9		8		495		—
Impairment charges	261		—		—		—		261		—
Operating income (loss)	2,673		9,471		1,097		309		(8,204)		—
Other income (expense), net	(506)
Income tax provision	288
Net income	$	1,879


	Three Months Ended May 3, 2020
(in thousands)	Total		North American Staffing		International Staffing		North American MSP		Corporate and Other		Eliminations
Net revenue	$	207,275	$	173,386	$	24,303	$	9,745	$	187	$	(346)
Cost of services	175,038		147,423		20,282		7,582		97		(346)
Gross margin	32,237		25,963		4,021		2,163		90		—

Selling, administrative and other operating costs	36,189		23,043		3,714		1,672		7,760		—
Restructuring and severance costs	411		344		111		—		(44)		—

Operating income (loss)	(4,363)		2,576		196		491		(7,626)		—
Other income (expense), net	(1,039)
Income tax provision	23
Net loss	$	(5,425)

Results of Operations Consolidated (Q2 2021 vs. Q2 2020)

Net revenue in the second quarter of fiscal 2021 increased $14.8 million, to $222.1 million from $207.3 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2020. The net revenue increase was primarily due to an increase in our North American Staffing segment, net of eliminations, of $11.2 million and an increase in our International Staffing segment of $3.6 million. Excluding the positive impact of foreign currency fluctuations of $2.4 million, net revenue increased $12.4 million, or 5.9%.

Operating results in the second quarter of fiscal 2021 improved $7.1 million, to operating income of $2.7 million from an operating loss of $4.4 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2020. Excluding the restructuring and severance costs and impairment charges, operating loss decreased $7.5 million to operating income of $3.5 million. This increase in operating results of $7.5 million was primarily the result of improvements in our North American Staffing segment of $6.6 million and our International Staffing segment of $0.8 million.

Results of Operations by Segment (Q2 2021 vs. Q2 2020)

Net Revenue

The North American Staffing segment revenue in the second quarter of fiscal 2021 increased $10.9 million, or 6.3%, to $184.3 million from $173.4 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2020. The increase is attributable to new business wins in a combination of retail and mid-market clients, combined with the expansion of business within existing clients. In addition, revenue was negatively impacted at the mid-point of our second quarter of fiscal 2020 with the outbreak of COVID-19.

The International Staffing segment revenue in the second quarter of fiscal 2021 increased $3.6 million, or 14.7%, to $27.9 million from $24.3 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2020, primarily due to increase managed service business and direct hire revenue in

the United Kingdom and increased staffing revenue in France, partially offset by lower staffing revenue in the United Kingdom. Excluding the positive impact of foreign exchange rate fluctuations of $2.4 million, revenue increased $1.2 million, or 4.3%.

The North American MSP segment revenue in the second quarter of fiscal 2021 increased $0.1 million, or 0.9%, to $9.8 million from $9.7 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2020. The increase is primarily attributable to increased demand in its payroll service business partially offset by declines in managed service business.

Cost of Services and Gross Margin

Cost of services in the second quarter of fiscal 2021 increased $10.6 million, or 6.0%, to $185.6 million from $175.0 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2020. This increase is primarily due to a $7.4 million increase in the North American Staffing segment related to the 6.3% increase in revenue partially offset by a $1.3 million benefit from government wage subsidies. In addition, our International Staffing segment increased $2.4 million related to the 14.7% increase in revenue.

Gross margin as a percent of revenue in the second quarter of fiscal 2021 increased to 16.4% from 15.6% in the second quarter of fiscal 2020. Our North American Staffing segment margin as a percent of revenue increased primarily due to lower employee-related costs and a mix of higher margin business. Our International Staffing segment margin as a percent of revenue primarily increased due to higher margin business in the United Kingdom. Our North American MSP segment margin as a percent of revenue decreased primarily due to an increase in lower-margin payroll service business. Government wage subsidies accounted for 60 basis points of the increase in the second quarter of fiscal 2021.

Selling, Administrative and Other Operating Costs

Selling, administrative and other operating costs in the second quarter of fiscal 2021 decreased $3.2 million, or 9.0%, to $33.0 million from $36.2 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2020. The decrease was primarily due to certain cost reductions, including $3.3 million in labor and related costs due to lower headcount, a government wage subsidy in the current quarter and higher medical claims in the prior year as well as $1.3 million in lower facility related costs due to consolidating our real estate footprint and $0.5 million in lower consulting fees. These decreases were partially offset by $2.0 million increase in incentives on the higher sales volume. As a percent of revenue, selling, administrative and other operating costs were 14.8% and 17.5% in the second quarter of fiscal 2021 and 2020, respectively.

Restructuring and Severance Costs

Restructuring and severance costs in the second quarter of fiscal 2021 increased $0.2 million, to $0.6 million from $0.4 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2020. Restructuring and severance costs in the second quarter of fiscal 2021 primarily included $0.1 million of severance costs resulting from the elimination of certain positions as part of our continued efforts to reduce costs and $0.5 million related to the ongoing costs of facilities impaired in the second half of fiscal 2020. The restructuring and severance costs in the second quarter of fiscal 2020 were primarily due to actions taken by the Company as part of its continued efforts to reduce costs and achieve operational efficiency.

Impairment Charges

In the second quarter of fiscal 2021, we recorded an impairment charge of $0.3 million of capitalized software costs.

Other Income (Expense), net

Other expense in the second quarter of fiscal 2021 decreased $0.5 million, to $0.5 million from $1.0 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2020 due to a decrease in non-cash foreign exchange losses primarily on intercompany balances and lower interest expense due to lower rates.

Income Tax Provision

The income tax provisions of $0.3 million and less than $0.1 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2021 and 2020, respectively, were primarily related to locations outside of the United States.

Consolidated Results by Segment


	Six Months Ended May 2, 2021
(in thousands)	Total		North American Staffing		International Staffing		North American MSP		Corporate and Other		Eliminations
Net revenue	$	440,050	$	368,511	$	51,893	$	19,501	$	236	$	(91)
Cost of services	370,889		312,507		42,539		15,802		132		(91)
Gross margin	69,161		56,004		9,354		3,699		104		—

Selling, administrative and other operating costs	66,697		40,516		7,874		2,850		15,457		—
Restructuring and severance costs	1,227		(158)		1		8		1,376		—
Impairment charges	292		—		—		—		292		—
Operating income (loss)	945		15,646		1,479		841		(17,021)		—
Other income (expense), net	(897)
Income tax provision	615
Net loss	$	(567)


	Six Months Ended May 3, 2020
(in thousands)	Total		North American Staffing		International Staffing		North American MSP		Corporate and Other		Eliminations
Net revenue	$	425,041	$	355,781	$	50,526	$	19,114	$	390	$	(770)
Cost of services	361,377		304,817		42,312		14,837		181		(770)
Gross margin	63,664		50,964		8,214		4,277		209		—

Selling, administrative and other operating costs	75,686		47,852		7,533		3,032		17,269		—
Restructuring and severance costs	1,657		426		111		—		1,120		—
Impairment charges	11		11		—		—		—		—
Operating income (loss)	(13,690)		2,675		570		1,245		(18,180)		—
Other income (expense), net	(2,325)
Income tax provision	218
Net loss	$	(16,233)

Results of Operations Consolidated (Q2 2021 YTD vs. Q2 2020 YTD)

Net revenue in the first six months of fiscal 2021 increased $15.1 million, to $440.1 million from $425.0 million in the first six months of fiscal 2020. The net revenue increase was primarily due to increases in our North American Staffing segment, net of eliminations, of $13.4 million, International Staffing segment of $1.4 million and North American MSP segment of $0.4 million. Excluding $2.0 million related to MSP transitions and the positive impact of foreign currency fluctuations of $3.8 million, net revenue increased $13.2 million, or 3.1%.

Operating results in the first six months of fiscal 2021 improved $14.6 million, to operating income of $0.9 million from an operating loss of $13.7 million in the first six months of fiscal 2020. Excluding the restructuring and severance costs and impairment charges, operating loss decreased $14.5 million to operating income of $2.5 million. This decrease in operating loss of $14.5 million was primarily the result of improvements in our North American Staffing segment of $12.4 million and our International Staffing segment of $0.8 million partially offset by a $0.4 million decrease in the North American MSP segment. In addition, the Corporate and Other category improved $1.7 million primarily as a result of reductions in corporate support costs.

Results of Operations by Segment (Q2 2021 YTD vs. Q2 2020 YTD)

Net Revenue

The North American Staffing segment revenue in the first six months of fiscal 2021 increased $12.7 million, or 3.6%, to $368.5 million from $355.8 million in the first six months of fiscal 2020. Excluding $2.1 million in revenue from MSP transitions, adjusted revenue increased $14.8 million, or 4.2%. The increase is attributable to new business wins in a combination of retail and mid-market clients, combined with the expansion of business within existing clients. In addition, revenue was negatively impacted with the outbreak of COVID-19 in the last month of the prior year period.

The International Staffing segment revenue in the first six months of fiscal 2021 increased $1.4 million, or 2.7%, to $51.9 million from $50.5 million in the first six months of fiscal 2020, primarily due to the positive impact of foreign exchange rate fluctuations as well as increases in managed service business and direct hire revenue. In addition, staffing business in France and Singapore increased partially offset by decreases in United Kingdom and Belgium. Excluding the impact of foreign exchange rate fluctuations of $3.8 million, revenue decreased $2.4 million, or 4.5%.

The North American MSP segment revenue in the first six months of fiscal 2021 increased $0.4 million, or 2.0%, to $19.5 million from $19.1 million in the first six months of fiscal 2020. The increase is primarily attributable to increased demand in its payroll service business, partially offset by declines in managed service business.

Cost of Services and Gross Margin

Cost of services in the first six months of fiscal 2021 increased $9.5 million, or 2.6%, to $370.9 million from $361.4 million in the first six months of fiscal 2020. This increase is primarily due to a $7.7 million increase in the North American Staffing segment related to the 3.6% increase in revenue, partially offset by a $1.8 million benefit from government wage subsidies. In addition, the North American MSP segment increased $1.0 million related to the 2.0% increase in revenue.

Gross margin as a percent of revenue in the first six months of fiscal 2021 increased to 15.7% from 15.0% in the first six months of fiscal 2020. Our North American Staffing segment margin as a percent of revenue increased primarily due to lower employee-related costs and a mix of higher margin business. Our International Staffing segment margin as a percent of revenue increased primarily due to higher margin business in the United Kingdom, including an increase in direct hire revenue. Our North American MSP segment margin as a percent of revenue decreased primarily due to an increase in lower-margin payroll service business. Government wage subsidies accounted for 40 basis points of the increase in the first six months of fiscal 2021.

Selling, Administrative and Other Operating Costs

Selling, administrative and other operating costs in the first six months of fiscal 2021 decreased $9.0 million, or 11.9%, to $66.7 million from $75.7 million in the first six months of fiscal 2020. The decrease was primarily due to certain cost reductions, including $7.1 million in labor and related costs due to lower headcount and a government wage subsidy in the current year as well as $2.6 million in lower facility related costs due to consolidating our real estate footprint and $1.0 million in lower consulting fees. These decreases were partially offset by a $2.7 million increase in incentives on the higher sales volume. As a percent of revenue, selling, administrative and other operating costs were 15.2% and 17.8% in the first six months of fiscal 2021 and 2020, respectively.

Restructuring and Severance Costs

Restructuring and severance costs in the first six months of fiscal 2021 decreased $0.4 million, to $1.2 million from $1.6 million in the first six months of fiscal 2020. Restructuring and severance costs in the first six months of fiscal 2021 primarily included $0.4 million of severance costs resulting from the elimination of certain positions as part of our continued efforts to reduce costs and $1.1 million related to the ongoing costs of facilities impaired in the second half of fiscal 2020 offset by a $0.3 million lease termination gain. The restructuring and severance costs in the first six months of fiscal 2020 were primarily due to our plan to leverage the global capabilities of our staffing operations based in Bangalore, India and offshore a significant number of strategically identified roles to this location.

Other Income (Expense), net

Other expense in the first six months of fiscal 2021 decreased $1.4 million, to $0.9 million from $2.3 million in the first six months of fiscal 2020 due to a decrease in non-cash foreign exchange losses primarily on intercompany balances and lower interest expense resulting from lower rates.

Income Tax Provision

The income tax provisions of $0.6 million and $0.2 million in the first six months of fiscal 2021 and 2020, respectively, were primarily related to locations outside of the United States.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

Our primary sources of liquidity are cash flows from operations and proceeds from our financing arrangement (“DZ Financing Program”) with DZ Bank AG Deutsche Zentral-Genossenschaftsbank (“DZ Bank”). Borrowing capacity under this arrangement is directly impacted by the level of accounts receivable, which fluctuates during the year due to seasonality and other factors. Our business is subject to seasonality with our fiscal first quarter billings typically the lowest due to the holiday season and generally increasing in the fiscal third and fourth quarters when our customers increase the use of contingent labor. Generally, the first and fourth quarters of our fiscal year are the strongest for operating cash flows. Our operating cash flows consist primarily of collections of customer receivables offset by payments for payroll and related items for our contingent staff and in-house employees; federal, foreign, state and local taxes; and trade payables. We generally provide customers with 15 - 45 day credit terms, with few extenuating exceptions, while our payroll and certain taxes are paid weekly.

We manage our cash flow and related liquidity on a global basis. We fund payroll, taxes and other working capital requirements using cash supplemented as needed from our borrowings. Our weekly payroll payments inclusive of employment-related taxes and payments to vendors are approximately $17.0 million. We generally target minimum global liquidity to be approximately 1.5 times our average weekly requirements. We also maintain minimum effective cash balances in foreign operations and use a multi-currency netting and overdraft facility for our European entities to further minimize overseas cash requirements. We believe our cash flow from operations and planned liquidity will be sufficient to meet our cash needs for the next twelve months.

On March 27, 2020, the U.S. government enacted the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (the “CARES Act”) which, among other things, permits the deferral of the employer’s portion of social security tax payments between March 27, 2020 and December 31, 2020. As a result, $26.2 million of employer payroll tax payments were deferred with 50% due by December 31, 2021 and the remaining 50% by December 31, 2022. In addition, certain state governments have delayed payment of various state payroll taxes for a shorter period of time. State payroll taxes of approximately $5.2 million deferred from the first quarter of fiscal 2021 were paid in the second quarter of fiscal 2021. The Company’s payment of approximately $6.8 million of state payroll taxes will be deferred from the second quarter of fiscal 2021 with payments scheduled to begin in the third quarter of fiscal 2021. We also benefited from certain government wage subsidies during the first six months of fiscal 2021. We are in the process of assessing our benefit and further potential credits as well as other impacts of the CARES Act on our business.

Capital Allocation

We have prioritized our capital allocation strategy to strengthen our balance sheet and increase our competitiveness in the marketplace. The timing of these capital allocation priorities is highly dependent upon attaining the profitability objectives outlined in our plan and the generation of positive cash flow. We also see this as an opportunity to demonstrate our ongoing commitment to Volt shareholders as we continue to execute on our plan and return to sustainable profitability. Our capital allocation strategy includes the following elements:

•Maintaining appropriate levels of working capital. Our business requires a certain level of cash resources to efficiently execute operations. We estimate the amount to be 1.5 times our weekly cash distributions on a global basis and must accommodate seasonality and cyclical trends;

•Reinvesting in our business. We continue to execute on our company-wide initiative of disciplined reinvestment in our business including new information technology systems, which will support our front-end recruitment and placement capabilities as well as increase efficiencies in our back-office financial suite. We are also investing in our sales and recruiting process and resources, which are critical to drive profitable revenue growth;

•Deleveraging our balance sheet. By lowering our debt level, we will strengthen our balance sheet, reduce interest costs and reduce risk going forward;

Recent Initiatives to Improve Operating Income, Cash Flows and Liquidity

We continue to make progress on several initiatives undertaken to enhance our liquidity position and shareholder value.

Maturity Date, as defined in the DZ Financing Program, from July 25, 2023 to July 25, 2024; (3) revise an existing covenant to maintain positive net income in any fiscal year ending after 2020 to any fiscal year ending after 2021; (4) replace the existing Tangible Net Worth (“TNW”) covenant requirement, as defined in the DZ Financing Program, to a minimum TNW of $20.0 million through the Company’s fiscal quarter ending on or about July 31, 2021 and $25.0 million in each quarter thereafter; and (5) revise the eligibility threshold for the receivables of a large North American Staffing customer from 5% of eligible receivables to 8%, which increased our overall availability under the Program by $1.0 - $3.0 million. All other terms and conditions of the DZ Financing Program remain substantially unchanged.

Entering fiscal 2021, we have significant tax benefits including federal net operating loss carryforwards of $212.0 million, U.S. state net operating loss carryforwards of $230.0 million, international NOL carryforwards of $10.3 million and federal tax credits of $54.7 million, which are fully reserved with a valuation allowance which we will be able to utilize against future profits. As of November 1, 2020, the U.S. federal NOL carryforwards will expire at various dates beginning in 2031 (with some indefinite), the U.S. state NOL carryforwards will expire at various dates beginning in 2021 (with some indefinite), the international NOL carryforwards will expire at various dates beginning in 2021 (with some indefinite) and federal tax credits will expire between 2021 and 2040.

Liquidity Outlook and Further Considerations

As previously noted, our primary sources of liquidity are cash flows from operations and proceeds from our financing arrangements. Both operating cash flows and borrowing capacity under our financing arrangements are directly related to the levels of accounts receivable generated by our businesses. Our level of borrowing capacity under the DZ Financing Program increases or decreases in tandem with any increases or decreases in accounts receivable based on revenue fluctuations.

We experienced a decline in the demand for our services in fiscal 2020 due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, our operating cash flow increased and accounts receivable balances decreased as customer collections outpaced sales. This pattern is not sustainable in the event the pandemic continues at resurgence levels or an economic downturn continues for an extended period. However, we experienced improved client payment patterns beginning in the second half of fiscal 2020 and we expect this trend to continue through fiscal 2021. We will continue to monitor default risks and diligently pursue payments from our customers consistent with original payment terms.

Many governments in countries and territories in which we do business have announced that certain payroll, income and other tax payments may be deferred without penalty for a certain period of time as well as providing other cash flow related relief packages. We determined that we qualify for the payroll tax deferral which allows us to delay payment of the employer portion of payroll taxes and we are evaluating whether we qualify for certain employment tax credits. If we qualify for such credits, the credits will be treated as government wage subsidies which will offset related operating expenses. We continue to actively monitor these relief packages to take advantage of all of those which are available to us.

At May 2, 2021, the Company had outstanding borrowings under the DZ Financing Program of $60.0 million. Borrowing availability, as defined under the DZ Financing Program, was $2.9 million and global liquidity was $42.2 million at May 2, 2021.

Our DZ Financing Program is subject to termination under certain events of default such as breach of covenants, including the financial covenants. At May 2, 2021, we were in compliance with all debt covenants. We believe, based on our current outlook, we will continue to be able to meet our financial covenants.

The following table sets forth our cash and global liquidity levels at the end of our last five quarters (in thousands):


Global Liquidity
	May 3, 2020		August 2, 2020		November 1, 2020		January 31, 2021		May 2, 2021
Cash and cash equivalents (a)	$	26,223	$	30,928	$	38,550	$	40,062	$	47,231

Total outstanding debt	$	60,000	$	60,000	$	60,000	$	60,000	$	60,000

Cash in banks (b)(c)	$	22,876	$	26,126	$	36,218	$	36,962	$	39,288
DZ Financing Program	4,202		5,122		2,828		2,225		2,868
Global liquidity	27,078		31,248		39,046		39,187		42,156
Minimum liquidity threshold	15,000		15,000		15,000		15,000		15,000
Available liquidity	$	12,078	$	16,248	$	24,046	$	24,187	$	27,156

a.Per financial statements.

b.Amount generally includes outstanding checks.

c.Amounts in the USB collections account are excluded from cash in banks as the balance is included in the borrowing availability under the DZ Financing Program. As of May 2, 2021, the balance in the USB collections account included in the DZ Financing Program availability was $7.1 million.

Cash flows from operating, investing and financing activities, as reflected in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, are summarized in the following table (in thousands):


	Six Months Ended
	May 2, 2021		May 3, 2020
Net cash provided by operating activities	$	1,812	$	2,910
Net cash used in investing activities	(1,795)		(2,477)
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities	(143)		4,751
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash	281		(521)
Net increase in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash	$	155	$	4,663

Cash Flows - Operating Activities

The net cash provided by operating activities in the six months ended May 2, 2021 decreased $1.1 million from the cash provided by operating activities in the six months ended May 3, 2020. This decrease resulted primarily from a $17.4 million decrease in cash provided by operating assets and liabilities, primarily from an increase in accounts receivable due to increased sales volume partially offset by an increase in accrued expenses. This decrease in cash used in operating activities was partially offset by a decrease in net loss of $15.7 million.

Cash Flows - Investing Activities

The net cash used in investing activities in the six months ended May 2, 2021 was $1.8 million, as a result of purchases of property, equipment and software. The net cash used in investing activities in the six months ended May 3, 2020 was $2.5 million, principally for the purchases of property, equipment and software of $3.1 million, partially offset by proceeds of $0.4 million from the sale of property, equipment and software.

Cash Flows - Financing Activities

The net cash used in financing activities was $0.1 million in the six months ended May 2, 2021 as a result of debt issuance costs. The net cash provided by financing activities in the six months ended May 3, 2020 was $4.8 million as a result of a $5.0 million net drawdown of borrowing under the DZ Financing Program.

Financing Program

Loan advances may be made under the DZ Financing Program through January 25, 2024 and all loans will mature no later than July 25, 2024. Loans will accrue interest (i) with respect to loans that are funded through the issuance of commercial paper notes, at the CP rate, and (ii) otherwise, at a rate per annum equal to adjusted LIBOR. The CP rate will be based on the rates paid by the applicable lender on notes it issues to fund related loans. Adjusted LIBOR is based on LIBOR for the applicable interest period and the rate prescribed by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System for determining the reserve requirements with respect to Eurocurrency funding. If an event of default occurs, all loans shall bear interest at a rate per annum equal to the prime rate (the federal funds rate plus 3%) plus 2.5%.

The Company is subject to certain financial and portfolio performance covenants under the DZ Financing Program, including (1) a minimum TNW, as defined in the DZ Financing Program, of $20.0 million through the Company's fiscal quarter ending on or about July 31, 2021 and $25.0 million in each quarter thereafter; (2) positive net income in any fiscal year ending after 2021; (3) maximum debt to TNW ratio of 3:1; and (4) a minimum of $15.0 million in liquid assets, as defined in the DZ Financing Program. At May 2, 2021, there was $2.9 million of borrowing availability, as defined in the DZ Financing Program, and the Company was in compliance with all debt covenants, as amended.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

As of May 2, 2021, we had no off-balance sheet arrangements that have, or are reasonably likely to have, a current or future material effect on our consolidated financial condition, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures, or capital resources.

ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

The information in this section should be read in conjunction with the information on financial market risk related to non-U.S. currency exchange rates, changes in interest rates and other financial market risks in Part II, Item 7A., “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk,” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended November 1, 2020.

Market risk is the potential economic gain or loss that may result from changes in market rates and prices. In the normal course of business, the Company’s earnings, cash flows and financial position are exposed to market risks relating to the impact of interest rate changes and foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations. We limit these risks through risk management policies and procedures.

Interest Rate Risk

We centrally manage our debt and investment portfolios considering investment opportunities and risks, tax consequences and overall financing strategies. At May 2, 2021, we had cash and cash equivalents on which interest income is earned at variable rates. At May 2, 2021, we had a long-term $100.0 million accounts receivable securitization program, which can be increased subject to credit approval from DZ Bank, to provide additional liquidity to meet our short-term financing needs.

The interest rates on these borrowings and financings are variable and, therefore, net interest expense and other expense are affected by the general level of U.S. and foreign interest rates. Based upon the current levels of cash invested and utilization of the securitization program, on a short-term basis, a hypothetical 1-percentage-point increase in interest rates would have increased net interest expense by less than $0.1 million and a hypothetical 1-percentage-point decrease in interest rates would have decreased net interest expense by $0.3 million in the first six months of fiscal 2021.

Foreign Currency Risk

We have operations in several foreign countries and conduct business in the local currency in these countries. As a result, we have risk associated with currency fluctuations as the value of foreign currencies fluctuates against the dollar, in particular the British Pound, Euro, Canadian Dollar and Indian Rupee. These fluctuations impact reported earnings.

Fluctuations in currency exchange rates also impact the U.S. dollar amount of our net investment in foreign operations. The assets and liabilities of our foreign subsidiaries are translated into U.S. dollars at the exchange rates in effect on the fiscal period balance sheet date. Income and expenses accounts are translated at an average exchange rate during the year which approximates the rates in effect

on the transaction dates. The resulting translation adjustments are recorded in stockholders’ equity as a component of Accumulated other comprehensive loss. The U.S. dollar weakened relative to many foreign currencies as of May 2, 2021 compared to November 1, 2020. Consequently, stockholders’ equity increased $1.1 million as a result of the foreign currency translation as of May 2, 2021.

Based upon the current levels of net foreign assets, a hypothetical 10% devaluation of the U.S. dollar as compared to these currencies as of May 2, 2021 would result in an approximate $1.8 million positive translation adjustment recorded in Accumulated other comprehensive loss within stockholders’ equity. Conversely, a hypothetical 10% appreciation of the U.S. dollar as compared to these currencies as of May 2, 2021 would result in an approximate $1.8 million negative translation adjustment recorded in Accumulated other comprehensive loss within stockholders’ equity. We do not use derivative instruments for trading or other speculative purposes.

ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Volt maintains “disclosure controls and procedures,” as such term is defined in Rule 13a-15(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”), which are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in our Exchange Act reports is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosures. In designing and evaluating the disclosure controls and procedures, Volt’s management recognizes that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving the desired control objectives, and Volt’s management necessarily is required to apply its judgment in evaluating the cost-benefit relationship of possible controls and procedures. Volt has carried out an evaluation, as of the end of the period covered by this report, under the supervision and with the participation of Volt’s management, including its Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of Volt’s disclosure controls and procedures. Based upon their evaluation and subject to the foregoing, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that Volt’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective.

There have been no significant changes in Volt’s internal controls over financial reporting that occurred during the fiscal quarter ended May 2, 2021 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal controls over financial reporting.

PART II – OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

From time to time, the Company is subject to claims and legal proceedings arising in the ordinary course of its business, including payroll-related and various employment-related matters. Litigation currently pending against the Company relates to matters that have arisen in the ordinary course of business and the Company believes that such matters will not have a material adverse effect on its consolidated financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

Since our 2020 Form 10-K, there have been no material developments in the material legal proceedings in which we are involved.

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

There are no material changes from the risk factors set forth in Part I, “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in the 2020 Form 10-K.

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

None

ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

None

ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURE

Not applicable

ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION

None

ITEM 6. EXHIBITS

The following exhibits are filed as part of, or incorporated by reference into, this report:


Exhibits						Description

3.1						Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Company, as amended (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended May 3, 2015 filed June 10, 2015; File No. 001-09232)

3.2						Amended and Restated By-Laws of the Company, as amended through September 7, 2017 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed September 12, 2017; File No. 001-9232)

31.1						Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

31.2						Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

32.1						Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and 18 U.S.C. Section 1350

32.2						Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and 18 U.S.C. Section 1350

101.INS						XBRL Instance Document

101.SCH						XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document

101.CAL						XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document

101.DEF						XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document

101.LAB						XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document

101.PRE						XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document

104						Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted as Inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101)

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, the registrant has duly caused this Report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

VOLT INFORMATION SCIENCES, INC.

Date: June 15, 2021

By:

/s/ Linda Perneau

Linda Perneau

President and Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer)

Date: June 15, 2021

By:

/s/ Herbert M. Mueller

Herbert M. Mueller

Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial Officer)

Date: June 15, 2021

By:

/s/ Leonard Naujokas

Leonard Naujokas

Controller, Chief Accounting Officer and Treasurer
(Principal Accounting Officer)