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BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2025
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]  
BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Selected Terms Used in Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
ASA - Administrative Service Agreement.
ASC - Accounting Standards Codification.
ASU - Accounting Standards Update.
CPA firm - Certified Public Accounting firm.
FASB - The Financial Accounting Standards Board.
GAAP - United States Generally Accepted Accounting Principles.
SOFR - The Secured Overnight Financing Rate.
ROU - Right of Use.
SEC - United States Securities & Exchange Commission.
Marcum Acquisition - The Transaction
Organization
CBIZ, Inc. is a leading professional services advisor to middle-market businesses nationwide. With industry knowledge and expertise in accounting, tax, advisory, benefits, insurance, and technology, CBIZ delivers actionable insights to help clients anticipate what is next and discover new ways to accelerate growth to clients throughout the United States and parts of Canada. Acting through its subsidiaries, it has been serving small and medium-sized businesses, as well as individuals, governmental entities, and not-for-profit enterprises. CBIZ, Inc. manages and reports its operations along two practice groups: Financial Services and Benefits and Insurance Services. A further description of products and services offered by each of the practice groups is provided in Note 19, Segment Disclosures, to the accompanying consolidated financial statements.
On November 1, 2025, the Company completed the acquisition of Ian D. Gardenswartz & Associates, P.C.("IDG"), an accounting, tax, and financial advisory services firm based in Denver, Colorado. Refer to Note 2, Business Combinations, for a discussion of the Transaction.
In December 2024, the Company formed CBIZ CC, LLC and CBIZ Campus One Cell, LLC (collectively “Captive Insurance Company”). Registered in the State of Vermont, the Captive Insurance Company commenced operation on January 1, 2025. The Captive Insurance Company recognizes premiums as revenue monthly as monthly coverage expires. For the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2025, revenue from the Captive Insurance Company was not material.
Basis of Presentation
The accompanying consolidated financial statements reflect the operations of CBIZ, Inc. and all of its wholly-owned subsidiaries (“CBIZ,” the “Company,” “we,” “us” or “our”), after elimination of all intercompany accounts and transactions. We have prepared the accompanying consolidated financial statements in accordance with GAAP and pursuant to the rules and regulations of the SEC.
We have determined that our relationship with certain CPA firms with whom we maintain ASAs qualify as variable interest entities ("VIEs"), and we are the primary beneficiary of such VIEs. The accompanying consolidated financial statements do not reflect the results of operations or the financial position of the VIEs as the impact is not material to our consolidated financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.
Fees earned by us under the ASAs are recorded at net realizable value as a component of “Revenue” in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income and were approximately $651.2 million, $306.5 million and $259.6 million for the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023, respectively, the majority of
which was related to services rendered to privately-held clients. As of December 31, 2025 and 2024, we had notes receivable from CBIZ CPAs of $21.7 million and $22.2 million, respectively.
Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current year's presentation.
Significant Accounting Policies
We consider the following policies to be beneficial in understanding the judgments that are involved in the preparation of our consolidated financial statements and the uncertainties that could impact our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
Use of Estimates - The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP and pursuant to the rules and regulations of the SEC requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Management’s estimates and assumptions are derived from and are continually evaluated based upon available information, judgment and experience. Actual results may differ materially from these estimates.
Revenue Recognition - We account for revenue in accordance with Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers. We recognize revenue based on the five-step model; (i) identify the contract with the customer; (ii) identify the performance obligation in the contract; (iii) determine the contract price; (iv) allocate the transaction price; and (v) recognize revenue as each performance obligation is satisfied. If we determine that a contract with enforceable rights and obligations does not exist, revenues are deferred until all criteria for an enforceable contract are met. For further information on our various streams of revenue, refer to Note 3, Revenue, to the accompanying consolidated financial statements.
Operating Expenses - Operating expenses represent costs of service and other costs incurred to operate our business units and are primarily comprised of personnel costs and occupancy related expenses. Personnel costs include (i) salaries and benefits; (ii) commissions paid to producers; (iii) incentive compensation; and (iv) share-based compensation. Incentive compensation costs and share-based compensation are estimated and accrued. The final determination of incentive compensation is made after year-end results are finalized. The largest components of occupancy costs are rent expense and utilities. Base rent expense is recognized over respective lease terms, while utilities and common area maintenance charges are recognized as incurred.
Share-Based Compensation - The measurement of all share-based compensation arrangements is based on their respective grant date fair value. The grant date fair value of restricted stock awards and restricted stock units is based on the closing price of the underlying stock on the date of issuance. The grant date fair value of the performance share units is based on the closing price of the underlying stock on the date of issuance and recorded based on achievement of target performance metrics. The expense related to restricted stock awards and restricted stock units is recognized over the requisite service period which ranges between two and four years. The expense related to performance share units is recorded over the performance period based on the fair value on the grant date and adjusted each reporting period for the achievement of the performance metrics, based on our best estimate using available information. 
Share-based compensation expense is recorded in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income as “Operating expenses” or “Corporate general and administrative expenses,” depending on where the respective individual’s compensation is recorded. For additional discussion regarding share-based awards, refer to Note 15, Employee Stock Plans, to the accompanying consolidated financial statements.
Operating Leases - We determine if a contract is a lease at inception. We have leases for office space and facilities, automobiles, and certain information technology equipment. Certain of these leases include options to extend the lease and some include options to terminate the lease early. As an accounting policy election, we elected not to apply the recognition requirements to short term leases (a lease at commencement date that has a lease term of 12 months or less and does not contain a purchase option that we are reasonably certain to exercise). The ROU assets and lease liabilities are recognized as of the commencement date based on the present value of the lease payments over the lease term. The discount rate utilized for the measurement purpose is based on our secured fixed rate to borrow over a comparable term for the lease because the rate implicit in the lease is not determinable. The lease term may include the options to extend or terminate the lease when it is reasonably certain that we will exercise the applicable option. Related rent expense under such leases is recognized evenly throughout the term of the lease when the total lease commitment is a known amount, and recorded on an as incurred basis when future rent payment increases under the obligation are unknown due to rent escalations being tied to factors that are not
currently measurable (such as increases in the consumer price index). Differences between rent expense recognized and the cash payments required under these leases are recorded as a component of “Lease liability” in the current and non-current liabilities sections of the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets. We may receive incentives to lease office facilities in certain areas. Such incentives are recorded as a change in lease payments and may require us to remeasure the lease liability to reflect the change in lease payments.
Cash and Cash Equivalents - Cash and cash equivalents consist of cash on hand and investments with an original maturity of three months or less when purchased.
Restricted Cash - Restricted cash consists of funds held by us in relation to our capital and investment advisory services as those funds are restricted in accordance with applicable Financial Industry Regulatory Authority regulations. Restricted cash also consists of funds on deposit from clients in connection with the pass-through of insurance premiums to the carrier with the related liability for these funds recorded in “Accounts payable” in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets.  
Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts - Accounts receivable, less allowances for doubtful accounts, reflects the net realizable value of receivables and approximates fair value. Unbilled revenues are recorded at estimated net realizable value. Assessing the collectability of receivables (billed and unbilled) requires management judgment based on a combination of factors. When evaluating the adequacy of the allowance for doubtful accounts and the overall probability of collecting on receivables, we analyze historical experience, client credit-worthiness, the age of the trade receivable balances, current economic conditions that may affect a client’s ability to pay and current and projected economic trends and conditions at the balance sheet date. At December 31, 2025 and 2024, the allowance for doubtful accounts was $49.9 million and $31.7 million, respectively, in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Funds Held for Clients and Client Fund Obligations - Services provided by our payroll operations include the preparation of payroll checks, federal, state, and local payroll tax returns, and flexible spending account administration. In relation to these services, as well as other similar service offerings, we collect funds from our clients’ accounts in advance of paying client obligations. These funds, collected before they are due, are segregated and invested in accordance with our investment policy, which requires all investments carry an investment grade rating at the time of initial investment. These investments, primarily consisting of corporate and municipal bonds and U.S. treasury bills, are classified as available-for-sale and are included in the “Funds held for clients” line item on the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets. The underlying obligation is recorded as “Client fund obligations” on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The balances in these accounts fluctuate with the timing of cash receipts and the related cash payments and may vary significantly during the year based on the timing of client’s payroll periods. Other than certain federal and state regulations pertaining to flexible spending account administration, there are no regulatory or other contractual restrictions placed on these funds. Refer to Note 7, Financial Instruments, to the accompanying consolidated financial statements for further discussion of investments related to funds held for clients.
Property and Equipment - Property and equipment are recorded at cost less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Depreciation and amortization are provided on a straight-line basis over the following estimated useful lives:
Buildings25to40 years
Furniture and fixtures5to10 years
Capitalized software3to5 years
Equipment3to7 years
Leasehold improvements are amortized using the straight-line method over the shorter of their estimated useful lives or the remaining respective lease term. The cost of software purchased or developed for internal use is capitalized and amortized using the straight-line method over an estimated useful life not to exceed five years. We periodically review long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in business circumstances indicate that the carrying value of the assets may not be recoverable. Under those circumstances, if the fair value were less than the carrying amount of the asset, we would recognize a loss for the difference.  
Goodwill - Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price of the acquired businesses over the related fair value of the net assets acquired. At December 31, 2025, the carrying value of goodwill totaled $2,329.8 million,
compared to total assets of $4,409.5 million and total stockholders’ equity of $1,762.1 million. Intangible assets, which represent identifiable intangibles other than goodwill and include client lists and non-compete agreements, require significant judgments in determining fair value. We carry client lists and non-compete agreements at cost, less accumulated amortization, in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Goodwill is reviewed for impairment annually during the fourth quarter or more frequently in the event of an impairment indicator. We are required to consider whether it is more likely than not (defined as a likelihood of more than 50%) that the fair value of a reporting unit has fallen below its carrying value, which would require us to perform an interim goodwill impairment test.
We may use either a qualitative or quantitative approach when testing a reporting unit’s goodwill for impairment. Under the qualitative assessment, we are not required to calculate the fair value of a reporting unit unless we determine that it is more likely than not that its fair value is less than its carrying amount. If under the quantitative assessment the carrying value of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, an impairment loss not to exceed the carrying value of goodwill will be recognized. Any such impairment charge would reduce earnings and could be material.
The goodwill impairment test is performed at a reporting unit level. A reporting unit is an operating segment of a business or one level below an operating segment. During the fourth quarter of 2025, we completed certain organizational reporting changes which resulted in a realignment and re-aggregation of reporting units in both the Financial Services and Benefits and Insurance Services practice groups. These organizational reporting changes resulted in new reporting units that align the internal reporting structure with the services provided by these practice groups. The organizational changes did not result in a change in the reportable segments, nor did they result in a change of the total number of reporting units for goodwill impairment test purposes. As of October 31, 2025, immediately after the organizational changes, there are a total of five reporting units, of which three are within the Financial Services practice group, and two are within the Benefits and Insurances practice group.
As a result of the aforementioned changes in reporting units, we performed a qualitative assessment immediately before the change in reporting units. We concluded that it was more likely than not that the fair values of each of our reporting units immediately before the change exceeded their respective carrying values and, therefore, goodwill related to those reporting units was determined to not be impaired.
The change in reporting units resulted in a triggering event. Accordingly, we performed a quantitative assessment and comparison of the fair value of our reporting units to their respective carrying value on the annual testing date. Based on the results of the quantitative assessment, the estimated fair values of the reporting units are in excess of their respective carrying values, therefore, there was no impairment to goodwill. For further information regarding our goodwill balances and the quantitative assessment performed, refer to Note 6, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, net, to the accompanying consolidated financial statements.
Other Intangible Assets - Intangible assets with definite lives, such as client lists and non-compete agreements, are amortized using the straight-line method over their estimated useful lives (generally ranging from three to fifteen years). We review these assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate an asset’s carrying value may not be recoverable. Recoverability is assessed based on a comparison of the undiscounted cash flows to the recorded value of the asset. If impairment is indicated, the asset is written down to its estimated fair value determined by a discounted cash flow analysis, market comparable method or a combination thereof as determined to be appropriate in the circumstances.
Income Taxes - We account for income taxes under the asset and liability method in accordance with ASC 740, Income Taxes. Income taxes are provided for the tax effects of transactions reported in the consolidated financial statements and consist of taxes currently payable and deferred taxes. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax basis, and operating losses and tax credit carryforwards. State income tax credits are accounted for using the flow-through method, whereby the entire tax benefit is recognized in the income statement in the period in which the credits are realized. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable amounts in the periods in which the related temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled.
A valuation allowance is recognized when it is more-likely-than-not that all or some portion of a deferred tax asset will not be realized. We determine valuation allowances based on all available evidence. Such evidence includes historical results, the reversal of deferred tax liabilities, expectations of future consolidated and/or separate
company profitability and the feasibility of tax-planning strategies. Determining valuation allowances includes significant judgment by management, and different judgments could yield different results.
Accounting for uncertain tax positions requires a more-likely-than-not threshold for recognition in the consolidated financial statements. We recognize the effect of income tax positions only if those positions are more-likely-than-not of being sustained. Recognized income tax positions are measured at the largest amount that is greater than 50% likely of being realized. Changes in recognition or measurement are reflected in the period in which the change in judgment occurs.
Business Combinations - We recognize and measure identifiable tangible and intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of the acquisition date at fair value. Fair value measurements require extensive use of estimates and assumptions, including estimates of future cash flows to be generated by the acquired assets. The operating results of acquired businesses are included in our consolidated financial statements beginning on the date of acquisition. The purchase price is equivalent to the fair value of consideration transferred. Goodwill is recognized for the excess of purchase price over the net fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed.
Contingent Purchase Price Liabilities - Contingent purchase price liabilities consisting of cash payments and common stock issuances resulting from our business acquisitions are recorded at fair value at the time of acquisition as “Contingent purchase price liability - current” and “Contingent purchase price liability - non-current” in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets. We estimate the fair value of our contingent purchase price liabilities using a probability-weighted discounted cash flow model. We probability weight risk-adjusted estimates of future performance of acquired businesses, then calculate the contingent purchase price based on the estimates and discount them to present value representing management’s best estimate of fair value. The fair value of the contingent purchase price liabilities, which is considered a Level 3 unobservable input, is reassessed on a quarterly basis based on assumptions provided by practice group leaders and business unit controllers together with our corporate finance department. Any change in the fair value estimate, including the revaluation of common stock, is recorded in the earnings of that period. For the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023, we recorded other expense of $2.6 million, $7.0 million and $2.7 million, respectively, related to net changes in the fair value of contingent consideration.
Refer to Note 8, Fair Value Measurements, and Note 2, Business Combinations, for further discussion of our contingent purchase price liabilities and acquisitions.
Interest Rate Derivative Instruments - We maintain interest rate swaps that are designated as cash flow hedges to manage the market risk from changes in interest rates on our floating-rate debt under our $2,000.0 million unsecured 2024 Credit Facilities, by and among CBIZ Operations, Inc., CBIZ, Inc. and Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent and bank, and other participating banks. The designation of a derivative instrument as a hedge and its ability to meet the hedge accounting criteria determine how we reflect the change in fair value of the derivative instrument. A derivative qualifies for hedge accounting treatment if, at inception, it meets defined correlation and effectiveness criteria. These criteria require that the anticipated cash flows and/or changes in fair value of the hedging instrument substantially offset those of the position being hedged.
We utilize derivative instruments to manage interest rate risk associated with our floating-rate debt under the credit facility. Interest rate swap contracts mitigate the risk associated with the underlying hedged item. If the contract is designated as a cash flow hedge, the mark-to-market gains or losses on the swap are deferred and included as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax, to the extent effective, and reclassified to interest expense in the same period during which the hedged transaction affects earnings. For further discussion regarding derivative financial instruments, refer to Note 7, Financial Instruments, to the accompanying consolidated financial statements.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
The FASB ASC is the sole source of authoritative GAAP other than the SEC issued rules and regulations that apply only to SEC registrants. The FASB issues an ASU to communicate changes to the FASB codification. We assess and review the impact of all ASUs. ASUs not listed below were reviewed and determined to be either not applicable or are not expected to have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements.
Accounting Standards Adopted in 2025
In December 2023, the FASB issued ASU No. 2023-09, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures, which requires additional income tax disclosures on an annual basis, specifically related to the rate
reconciliation and income taxes paid. The guidance in this ASU is effective for public companies with fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024. The Company adopted the amendment on a prospective basis for the year ended December 31, 2025, while continuing to present the pre-ASU 2023-09 disclosures for prior periods, as disclosed in Note 9, Income Taxes.
Accounting Standards Issued But Not Yet Adopted
In November 2024, the FASB issued ASU No. 2024-03, Income Statement - Reporting Comprehensive Income - Expense Disaggregation Disclosure (Subtopic 220-40): Disaggregation of Income Statement Expenses, which requires disaggregated disclosure of certain costs and expenses on an interim and annual basis in the notes to the financial statements. The guidance in this ASU is effective for public companies with annual periods beginning after December 15, 2026, and interim periods within the annual period beginning after December 15, 2027. We plan to adopt the guidance for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2027. We are currently evaluating the effect of adopting this ASU will have on our consolidated financial statements.
In May 2025, the FASB issued ASU No. 2025-03, Business Combinations (Topic 805) and Consolidation (Topic 810): Determining the Accounting Acquirer in the Acquisition of a Variable Interest Entity (VIE). This standard clarifies the guidance in determining the accounting acquirer in a business combination effected primarily by exchanging equity interests when the acquiree is a VIE that meets the definition of a business. The guidance in this ASU is effective for public companies with annual periods beginning after December 15, 2026, and interim periods within those fiscal years. We plan to adopt the guidance for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2027. We are currently evaluating the effect of adopting this ASU will have on our consolidated financial statements.
In July 2025, the FASB issued ASU No. 2025-05, Financial Instruments-Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses for Accounts Receivable and Contract Assets (“ASU 2025-05”). This standard introduces a practical expedient for all entities when estimating expected credit losses on current accounts receivable and contract assets arising from transactions under ASC Topic 606. Under the practical expedient, entities may assume that conditions at the balance sheet date remain unchanged over the life of the asset, reducing the need to prepare complex macroeconomic forecasts for short-term balances. ASU 2025-05 is effective for public companies with annual periods beginning after December 15, 2025, and interim periods within such fiscal years, with prospective application required. Early adoption is permitted. We do not expect adoption of ASU 2025-05 to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.
In September 2025, the FASB issued ASU No. 2025-06, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other Internal-Use Software (Subtopic 350-40): Targeted Improvement to the Accounting for Internal-Use Software ("ASU 2025-06"). This ASU modernizes the recognition and disclosure framework for internal-use software by removing all references to software project development stages and providing new guidance on how to evaluate whether the probable-to-complete recognition threshold has been met. This ASU is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2027, and interim periods within those annual reporting periods. We plan to adopt the guidance for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2028. We are currently evaluating the effect of adopting this ASU on our consolidated financial statements.
In November 2025, the FASB issued ASU No. 2025-09, Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): Hedge Accounting Improvements ("ASU 2025-09"). This ASU introduces five targeted improvements to better align hedge accounting with entities’ risk management activities. The update will be effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2026, and interim periods within those annual reporting periods. Early adoption is permitted. We are currently evaluating the effect of this update on our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.
In December 2025, FASB issued ASU No. 2025-11, Interim Reporting (Topic 270): Narrow-Scope Improvements ("ASU 2025-11"). This ASU clarifies the applicability of the interim reporting guidance, the types of interim reporting, and the form and content of interim financial statements in accordance with U.S GAAP. Per the FASB, the amendment does not intend to change the fundamental nature of interim reporting or expand or reduce current interim disclosure requirements but rather provide clarity and improve navigability of the existing interim reporting requirements. The update will be effective for interim reporting periods within annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2027. We are currently evaluating the effect of adopting this ASU on our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.
In December 2025, the FASB issued ASU No. 2025-12, Codification Improvements ("ASU 2025-12"). This ASU addresses suggestions received from stakeholders on the ASC and to make other incremental improvements to GAAP. The amendments make the ASC easier to understand and apply. The guidance is effective for fiscal years
beginning after December 15, 2026, including interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company does not expect the adoption to have a material impact on its results of operations, financial position or disclosures.