ManpowerGroup 2012 Annual Report Download - page 56

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
in millions, except share and per share data
01.
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
NATURE OF OPERATIONS
ManpowerGroup Inc. is a world leader in the workforce solutions and services industry. Our worldwide network of 3,500
offices in 80 countries and territories enables us to meet the needs of our clients in all industry segments. Our largest
operations, based on revenues, are located in the United States, France, Italy and the United Kingdom. We specialize in
permanent, temporary and contract recruitment and assessment; training and development; outsourcing; career
management and workforce consulting services. We provide services to a wide variety of clients, none of which individually
comprise a significant portion of revenues for us as a whole.
USE OF ESTIMATES
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States
requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of
contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses
for the reporting period. Actual results could differ from these estimates.
BASIS OF CONSOLIDATION
The consolidated financial statements include our operating results and the operating results of all of our subsidiaries. For
subsidiaries in which we have an ownership interest of 50% or less, but more than 20%, the consolidated financial
statements reflect our ownership share of those earnings using the equity method of accounting. These investments, as
well as certain other relationships, are also evaluated for consolidation under the accounting guidance on consolidation of
variable interest entities. These investments were $85.3 and $75.9 as of December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively, and are
included in other assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Included in shareholders’ equity as of December 31, 2012 and
2011 are $67.2 and $64.7, respectively, of unremitted earnings from investments accounted for using the equity method. All
significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
REVENUES AND RECEIVABLES
We generate revenues from sales of services by our company-owned branch operations and from fees earned on sales of
services by our franchise operations. Revenues are recognized as services are performed. The majority of our revenues are
generated by our recruitment business, where billings are generally negotiated and invoiced on a per-hour basis.
Accordingly, as contingent workers are placed, we record revenues based on the hours worked. Permanent recruitment
revenues are recorded as placements are made. Provisions for sales allowances, based on historical experience, are
recognized at the time the related sale is recognized.
Our franchise agreements generally state that franchise fees are calculated based on a percentage of revenues. We record
franchise fee revenues monthly based on the amounts due under the franchise agreements for that month. Franchise fees,
which are included in revenues from services, were $23.9, $25.2 and $23.6 for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011
and 2010, respectively.
In our outplacement business, we recognize revenues from individual programs over the estimated period in which services
are rendered to candidates. For large projects within the outplacement business, we recognize revenues ratably over the
period in which the services are provided. In our consulting business, revenues are recognized upon the performance of
the service under the consulting service contract. For performance-based contracts, we defer recognizing revenues until
the performance criteria have been met.
The amounts billed for outplacement, consulting services and performance-based contracts in excess of the amount
recognized as revenues are recorded as deferred revenue and included in accrued liabilities for the current portion and
other long-term liabilities for the long-term portion in our Consolidated Balance Sheets. As of December 31, 2012 and 2011,
the current portion of deferred revenue was $55.7 and $54.3, respectively, and the long-term portion of deferred revenue
was $17.1 and $28.6, respectively.
54 ManpowerGroup 2012 Annual Report Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements