Insperity (NYSE: NSP) reported Q1 EPS of $1.70, $0.09 better than the analyst estimate of $1.61. Revenue for the quarter came in at $1.23 billion versus the consensus estimate of $1.21 billion.

• Q1 revenue increased 7% on worksite employee growth of 5.5%
• Q1 diluted EPS and adjusted EPS of $1.58 and $1.70, respectively
• Q1 net income and adjusted EBITDA of $62 million and $101 million, respectively

“We are pleased with our solid first quarter results, but more importantly, our company-wide response to the COVID-19 pandemic in support of our small to medium size business clients. Small businesses, their employees and families have been deeply affected in every stage of this ongoing health and economic crisis. The Insperity mission of helping small businesses has never been more critical. We have and will continue to stand shoulder-to-shoulder helping businesses navigate these challenges and lead the recovery in the months ahead,” said Paul J. Sarvadi, Insperity chief executive officer and chairman. “Our outlook for the challenging year of 2020 reflects the relative strength and resiliency of our client base and our unique position in the marketplace. We will help our clients meet their objectives including taking care of their people and emerging from this crisis stronger than ever.”

Gross profit increased by 3.2% over the first quarter of 2019 to $234.0 million. The year over year comparison was impacted by a favorable benefit cost trend in Q1 of the prior year. However, we effectively managed overall gross profit for Q1 of this year above budgeted levels, as both benefits and workers’ compensation programs were favorable. Large healthcare claim activity continued to decline from the peak level we experienced during the second quarter of 2019 and the underlying claim cost trend was below our expectations. Operating expenses increased 5% over the first quarter of 2019, slightly below budgeted levels, as continued investments in our growth, including a 13% increase in the average number of trained Business Performance Advisors were partially offset by savings in other areas.

For the first quarter 2020, net income and diluted earnings per share (“EPS”) of $62 million and $1.58 represented decreases of 19% and 15%, respectively, compared to the first quarter of 2019. Adjusted EPS was $1.70, a 14% decrease from the first quarter of 2019, and included an increase in the effective tax rate from 12% in the first quarter of 2019 to 27% in the first quarter of 2020. Adjusted EBITDA remained consistent with the first quarter of 2019 at $101.3 million.

During the quarter, we repurchased a total of 878,000 shares at a cost of $61 million. We also paid $16 million in cash dividends under our regular dividend program and invested $16 million in capital expenditures.

“We expect our resilient business model to continue to generate strong cash flow in spite of the current economic environment associated with the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Douglas S. Sharp, Insperity senior vice president of finance, chief financial officer and treasurer. “We ended the quarter in a strong financial position with $167 million of adjusted cash and $130 million available under our $500 million credit facility.”

GUIDANCE:

Insperity sees Q2 2020 EPS of $1.02-$1.29, versus the consensus of $0.71.

Insperity sees FY2020 EPS of $3.19-$3.86, versus the consensus of $3.54.

• The company also announced its updated guidance for 2020, including the second quarter of 2020. Please refer to the accompanying financial tables at the end of this press release for the reconciliation of non-GAAP financial measures to the comparable GAAP financial measures.

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