Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis
Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
The following analysis of our financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with Part I of this report, as well as our consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes in Item 8. The following analysis contains forward-looking statements about our future results of operations and expectations. Our actual results and the timing of events could differ materially from those described herein. See Part 1, Item 1A, "Risk Factors" for a discussion of the risks, assumptions and uncertainties affecting these statements.
OVERVIEW OF RESULTS AND BUSINESS TRENDS
General. In fiscal 2024, our revenue increased 15.0% compared to fiscal 2023 primarily reflecting increased activity in our U.S. federal and international client sectors. This revenue growth includes $332 million from our recent acquisitions, that did not have comparable revenue for all of fiscal 2023. Excluding the impact of these acquisitions, our revenue increased 7.6% compared to the prior-year period.
The table below presents our revenue by client sector (amounts in thousands):
Fiscal Year Ended
September 29,
2024 October 1,
2023 Change
$ %
Client sector
U.S. federal government (1)
$ 1,675,996 $ 1,387,101 $ 288,895 20.8%
U.S. state and local government 613,185 607,074 6,111 1.0
U.S. commercial 909,642 869,460 40,182 4.6
International (2)
1,999,856 1,658,915 340,941 20.6
Total $ 5,198,679 $ 4,522,550 $ 676,129 15.0%
(1) Includes revenue generated under U.S. federal government contracts performed outside the United States.
(2) Includes revenue generated from non-U.S. clients, primarily in the United Kingdom, Australia and Canada.
U.S. Federal Government
Fiscal Year Ended
September 29,
2024 October 1,
2023 Change
$ %
($ in thousands)
Revenue $ 1,675,996 $ 1,387,101 $ 288,895 20.8%
Our 20.8% growth in U.S. federal revenue in fiscal 2024 compared to fiscal 2023 primarily reflects increased international development activity and increased environmental activity for both civilian and defense agencies. The growth in our international development activity primarily relates to activity in Ukraine to support energy security and other humanitarian needs. In fiscal 2024, our international development revenue increased approximat ely $122 million compa red to fiscal 2023. The overall revenue growth also includes approximately $115 million of revenue from our recent acquisitions, that did not have comparable revenue for all la st year. We expect our U.S. federal government revenue to continue to grow in fiscal 2025. Approximately $1 trillion in new U.S. federal funding passed in 2021 through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, the Inflation Reduction Act and the CHIPS and Science Act. Each of these programs includes substantial planned investments in our key end markets including water, environment and sustainable infrastructure over the next five to ten years.
U.S. State and Local Government
Fiscal Year Ended
September 29,
2024 October 1,
2023 Change
$ %
($ in thousands)
Revenue $ 613,185 $ 607,074 $ 6,111 1.0%
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In fiscal 2024, our U.S. state and local government revenue increased compared to last fiscal year due to continued investment by our clients in clean drinking water; this growth was offset by lower disaster response revenue of approximately $46 million primarily due to the wind-down of hurricane related projects in the southeastern U.S. last year. Excluding our disaster response activities, our U.S. state and local government revenue increased 12.4% in fiscal 2024 compared to fiscal 2023, primarily reflecting continued increased revenue from advanced water treatment projects. Most of our work for U.S. state and local governments relates to critical water and environmental programs, which we expect to continue to grow in fiscal 2025.
U.S. Commercial
Fiscal Year Ended
September 29,
2024 October 1,
2023 Change
$ %
($ in thousands)
Revenue $ 909,642 $ 869,460 $ 40,182 4.6%
Our U.S. commercial revenue growth of 4.6% this fiscal year was primarily due to increased planning and permitting projects related to renewable energy generation and transmission. We expect revenue growth to continue in our U.S. commercial business in fiscal 2025.
International
Fiscal Year Ended
September 29,
2024 October 1,
2023 Change
$ %
($ in thousands)
Revenue 1,999,856 $ 1,658,915 $ 340,941 20.6%
For fiscal 2024, our international revenue increased 20.6% compared to last year primarily due to higher renewable energy revenue and commercial activities related to an increased focus on sustainability in addition to contributions from acquisitions. This revenue growth includes approximately $182 million of revenue from our recent acquisitions, that did not have comparable revenue for all of last year. Excluding the impact of these acquisitions, our revenue increased 9.6% compared to fiscal 2023. We expect growth in our international work to continue in fiscal 2025.
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RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Fiscal 2024 Compared to Fiscal 2023
Consolidated Results of Operations
Fiscal Year Ended
September 29,
2024 October 1,
2023 Change
$ %
($ in thousands, except per share data)
Revenue $ 5,198,679 $ 4,522,550 $ 676,129 15.0%
Subcontractor costs (876,817) (771,461) (105,356) (13.7)
Revenue, net of subcontractor costs (1)
4,321,862 3,751,089 570,773 15.2
Other costs of revenue (3,455,422) (3,026,060) (429,362) (14.2)
Gross profit 866,440 725,029 141,411 19.5
Selling, general and administrative expenses (356,024) (305,107) (50,917) (16.7)
Acquisition and integration expenses (7,138) (33,169) 26,031 78.5
Right-of-use operating lease asset impairment — (16,385) 16,385 NM
Contingent consideration – fair value adjustments (2,541) (12,255) 9,714 79.3
Income from operations 500,737 358,113 142,624 39.8
Interest expense – net (37,271) (46,537) 9,266 19.9
Other non-operating income — 89,402 (89,402) NM
Income before income tax expense 463,466 400,978 62,488 15.6
Income tax expense (130,023) (127,526) (2,497) (2.0)
Net income 333,443 273,452 59,991 21.9
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests (61) (32) (29) (90.6)
Net income attributable to Tetra Tech $ 333,382 $ 273,420 $ 59,962 21.9
Diluted earnings per share $ 1.23 $ 1.02 $ 0.21 20.6%
(1) We believe that the presentation of "Revenue, net of subcontractor costs", which is a non-U.S. GAAP financial measure, enhances investors' ability to analyze our business trends and performance because it substantially measures the work performed by our employees. In the course of providing services, we routinely subcontract various services and, under certain international development programs, issue grants. Generally, these subcontractor costs and grants are passed through to our clients and, in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America ("U.S. GAAP") and industry practice, are included in our revenue when it is our contractual responsibility to procure or manage these activities. Because subcontractor services can vary significantly from project to project and period to period, changes in revenue may not necessarily be indicative of our business trends. Accordingly, we segregate subcontractor costs from revenue to promote a better understanding of our business by evaluating revenue exclusive of costs associated with external service providers.
NM = not meaningful
Our revenue growth in fiscal 2024 reflects increases in both of our reportable segments. Our GSG segment's revenue and revenue, net of subcontractor costs, increased $324.5 million, or 15.0%, and $274.5 million, or 16.8%, respectively, in fiscal 2024 compar ed to last y ear. Our CIG segment's revenue increased $362.1 million, or 14.9%, and revenue, net of subcontractor costs, increased $296.2 million, or 14.0% in fiscal 2024 compared to fiscal 2023. The fiscal 2024 results for GSG and CIG segments are described below under "Government Services Group" and "Commercial/International Group", respectively.
The following table reconciles our reported results to non-U.S. GAAP adjusted results, which exclude acquisition and integration costs and adjustments to contingent consideration liabilities in fiscal 2024. Our fiscal 2023 adjusted results exclude acquisition and integrations costs related to the RPS acquisition and related lease impairment charge and adjustments to contingent consideration liabilities. Our adjusted earnings per share ("EPS") for fiscal 2023 also excludes non-operating gains on a foreign exchange contract of $89.4 million and non-recurring tax expense items. The foreign exchange gain is reported as "Other non-operating income" in our consolidated statements of income. The effective tax rate applied to the adjustments to EPS to arrive at adjusted EPS was 17% and 26% for fisc al 2024 and 2023, r espectively. The fiscal 2024 rate reflects certain integration costs/losses that were not tax deductible. We applied the relevant marginal statutory tax rate based on the nature of the adjustments and the tax jurisdiction in which it occurred. Both EPS and adjusted EPS were calculated using diluted weighted-average common shares outstanding for the respective periods as reflected in our consolidated statem ents of income.
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Fiscal Year Ended
September 29,
2024 October 1,
2023 Change
$ %
($ in thousands, except per share data)
Income from operations $ 500,737 $ 358,113 $ 142,624 39.8%
Acquisition and integration expenses 7,138 33,169 (26,031) (78.5)
Right-of-use operating lease asset impairment — 16,385 (16,385) NM
Earn-out adjustments 2,541 12,255 (9,714) (79.3)
Adjusted income from operations (1)
$ 510,416 $ 419,922 $ 90,494 21.6%
EPS $ 1.23 $ 1.02 $ 0.21 20.6%
Acquisition and integration expenses 0.02 0.11 (0.09) (81.8)
Right-of-use operating lease asset impairment — 0.04 (0.04) NM
Earn-out adjustments 0.01 0.04 (0.03) (75.0)
Foreign exchange forward contract gain — (0.25) 0.25 NM
Non-recurring tax items — 0.08 (0.08) NM
Adjusted EPS (1)
$ 1.26 $ 1.04 $ 0.22 21.2%
NM = not meaningful
(1) Non-U.S. GAAP financial measure
Operating income in fiscal 2024 includes $7.1 million of acquisition and integration expenses (non-cash divestiture and asset impairment charges). The fiscal 2023 results include $33.2 million of acquisition and integration expenses (primarily investment banking, legal and other professional fees) for the RPS acquisition and a related $16.4 million lease right-of-use asset ("ROU") impairment expense. The fiscal 2024 and 2023 results also include charges of $2.5 million and $12.3 million, respectively, related to changes in the estimated fair value of contingent earn-out liabilities. Excluding the acquisition and integration expenses and earn-out charges, our adjusted operating income increased $90.5 million, or 21.6% in fiscal 2024 compared to fiscal 2023. These increases reflect improved results in both of our operating segments, which are described below under "Government Services Group" and "Commercial/International Group", respectively.
Fiscal Year Ended
September 29,
2024 October 1,
2023 Change
$ %
($ in thousands)
Interest expense – net $ 37,271 $ 46,537 $ (9,266) (19.9)%
Net interest expense decreased in fiscal 2024 compared to last fiscal year primarily due to the lower borrowing costs from our convertible notes (the "Convertible Notes") issued in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2023, which we used to refinance the existing higher-cost debt. In fiscal 2023, net interest expense included $2.7 million of additional expense for the write-off of previously deferred debt origination fees due to the cancellation of the bridge loan facility that we entered to support our offer to acquire RPS, which was replaced with an amendment to our existing debt facility and $1.1 million of additional expense for the write-off of previously deferred debt origination fees due to the repayment of RPS' debt facilities. Excluding these write-offs, our interest expense decreased $5.5 million in fiscal 2024 compared to last year.
Fiscal Year Ended
September 29,
2024 October 1,
2023 Change
$ %
($ in thousands)
Other non-operating income $ — $ 89,402 $ (89,402) NM
Other non-operating income in fiscal 2023 reflects gains on a foreign exchange forward contract integrated with the acquisition of RPS. Although an effective economic hedge of our foreign exchange risk related to this transaction, the forward contract did not qualify for hedge accounting. As a result, the forward contract was marked-to-market with changes in fair value
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recognized in earnings each period. The forward contract was settled on January 23, 2023, together with the closing of the RPS acquisition, with a cumulative cash gain of approximately $109 million.
Fiscal Year Ended
September 29,
2024 October 1,
2023 Change
$ %
($ in thousands)
Income tax expense $ 130,023 $ 127,526 $ 2,497 2.0%
The effective tax rates for fiscal 2024 and 2023 were 28.1% and 31.8%, respectively. Income tax expense was reduced by $4.5 millio n and $4.6 million of excess tax benefits on share-based payments in fiscal 2024 and 2023, respectively. In addition, income tax expense in fiscal 2024 included $4.2 million of expense for the settlement of various tax positions that were under audit for fiscal years 2011 through 2021. Furthermore, income tax expense in fiscal 2023 included non-operating income tax expenses totaling $20.6 million to (i) increase the tax liability for uncertain tax positions related to certain U.S. tax credits and an intercompany financing transaction, (ii) recognize the tax liability for foreign earnings, primarily in the United Kingdom and Australia, that are no longer indefinitely reinvested. Excluding the impact of the excess tax benefits on share-based payments in both years, the settlement amount in fiscal 2024 and the non-operating tax expenses in fiscal 2023, our effective tax rates in fiscal 2024 and 2023 were 28.1% and 27.8%, respectively.
In December 2021, the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development ("OECD") released Pillar Two Model Rules (also referred to as the global minimum tax or Global Anti-Base Erosion "GloBE" rules), which were designed to ensure large multinational enterprises pay a minimum 15 percent level of tax on the income arising in each jurisdiction in which they operate. Several jurisdictions in which we operate have enacted these rules, which are effective for the first quarter of fiscal 2025. We are continually monitoring developments and evaluating the potential impacts. At this time, we do not anticipate a material tax charge as a result of implementation of these rules.
Segment Results of Operations
Government Services Group ("GSG")
Fiscal Year Ended
September 29,
2024 October 1,
2023 Change
$ %
($ in thousands)
Revenue $ 2,483,355 $ 2,158,889 $ 324,466 15.0%
Subcontractor costs (573,377) (523,449) (49,928) (9.5)
Revenue, net of subcontractor costs $ 1,909,978 $ 1,635,440 $ 274,538 16.8
Income from operations $ 281,026 $ 231,762 $ 49,264 21.3%
For fiscal 2024, the revenue growth of 15.0% compared to fiscal 2023 primarily reflects higher U.S. federal government activities related to international development, U.S. state and local government activities related to advanced water treatment and contributions from our recent acquisitions. This growth was partially offset by lower disaster response activity. The revenue growth in fiscal 2024 include s a $122 million increase from the aforementioned international development activities in Ukraine compared to last year. For fiscal 2024, our revenue growth also includes approximately $128 million of revenue from our recent acquisitions, that did not have comparable revenue for all of fiscal 2023. Conversely, our revenue growth also includes decreased revenue from disaster response activities, which was approximately $46 million lower in fiscal 2024 compared to fiscal 2023. Excluding the acquisitions, increased activity in Ukraine and the partially offsetting lower disaster response revenue, our revenue increased 6.7% in fiscal 2024 compared to last year.
Operating income increased primarily due to the aforementioned revenue growth. Additionally, our fiscal 2023 operating income was reduced by $6.8 million of the aforementioned lease impairment charge. Excluding last year's lease impairment charge, our operating margin, based on revenue, net of subcontractor costs, increased to 14.7% in fiscal 2024 compared to 14.6% in fiscal 2023.
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Commercial/International Services Group ("CIG")
Fiscal Year Ended
September 29,
2024 October 1,
2023 Change
$ %
($ in thousands)
Revenue $ 2,786,731 $ 2,424,649 $ 362,082 14.9%
Subcontractor costs (374,847) (309,000) (65,847) (21.3)
Revenue, net of subcontractor costs $ 2,411,884 $ 2,115,649 $ 296,235 14.0
Income from operations $ 328,510 $ 243,750 $ 84,760 34.8%
For fiscal 2024, the revenue growth of 14.9% compared to fiscal 2023 primarily reflects increased activities related to renewable energy and international sustainable infrastructure in addition to contributions from acquisitions. The revenue growth in fiscal 2024 includes approximately $205 million from the RPS acquisition that did not have comparable revenue in fiscal 2023. Excluding the impact of the RPS acquisition, our revenue increased 6.5% in fiscal 2024 compared to last year.
For fiscal 2024, our operating income increased due to the aforementioned revenue growth. Additionally, our operating income in fiscal 2023 was reduced by $8.3 million of the aforementioned lease impairment charge. Our operating margin also improved in fiscal 2024 compared to last year resulting in enhanced operating income. Excluding the lease impairment charge last year, our operating margin, based on revenue, net of subcontractor costs, improved approximately 170 basis points from 11.9% in fiscal 2023 to 13.6% in this fiscal year. The improved operating margin was primarily due to our increased focus on high-end consulting services, and improved project execution, particularly in the RPS operations.
Fiscal 2023 Compared to Fiscal 2022
Consolidated Results of Operations
Fiscal Year Ended
October 1,
2023 October 2, 2022 Change
$ %
($ in thousands, except per share data)
Revenue $ 4,522,550 $ 3,504,048 $ 1,018,502 29.1%
Subcontractor costs (771,461) (668,468) (102,993) (15.4)
Revenue, net of subcontractor costs (1)
3,751,089 2,835,580 915,509 32.3
Other costs of revenue (3,026,060) (2,260,021) (766,039) (33.9)
Gross profit 725,029 575,559 149,470 26.0
Selling, general and administrative expenses (305,107) (234,784) (70,323) (30.0)
Acquisition and integration expenses (33,169) — (33,169) NM
Right-of-use operating lease asset impairment (16,385) — (16,385) NM
Contingent consideration – fair value adjustments (12,255) (329) (11,926) NM
Income from operations 358,113 340,446 17,667 5.2
Interest expense – net (46,537) (11,584) (34,953) (301.7)
Other non-operating income 89,402 19,904 69,498 349.2
Income before income tax expense 400,978 348,766 52,212 15.0
Income tax expense (127,526) (85,602) (41,924) (49.0)
Net income 273,452 263,164 10,288 3.9
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests (32) (39) 7 17.9
Net income attributable to Tetra Tech $ 273,420 $ 263,125 $ 10,295 3.9
Diluted earnings per share $ 1.02 $ 0.97 $ 0.05 5.2%
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(1) We believe that the presentation of "Revenue, net of subcontractor costs", which is a non-U.S. GAAP financial measure, enhances investors' ability to analyze our business trends and performance because it substantially measures the work performed by our employees. In the course of providing services, we routinely subcontract various services and, under certain international development programs, issue grants. Generally, these subcontractor costs and grants are passed through to our clients and, in accordance with U.S. GAAP and industry practice, are included in our revenue when it is our contractual responsibility to procure or manage these activities. Because subcontractor services can vary significantly from project to project and period to period, changes in revenue may not necessarily be indicative of our business trends. Accordingly, we segregate subcontractor costs from revenue to promote a better understanding of our business by evaluating revenue exclusive of costs associated with external service providers.
NM = not meaningful
In fiscal 2023, revenue and revenue, net of subcontractor costs, increased $1.02 billion, or 29.1%, and $915.5 million, or 32.3%, respectively, compared to fiscal 2022. Excluding the contribution from RPS, our revenue increased 12.0% in fiscal 2023 compared to the previous year. Our GSG segment's revenue and revenue, net of subcontractor costs, increased $338.0 million, or 18.6%, and $299.0 million, or 22.4%, respectively, in fiscal 2023 compared to fiscal 2022. Our CIG segment's revenue increased $686.2 million, or 39.5%, and revenue, net of subcontractor costs, increased $616.5 million, or 41.1% in fiscal 2023 compared to the previous year. Excluding the contribution from RPS, our CIG segment's revenue increased approximately 6.7% in fiscal 2023 compared to fiscal 2022 (9.5% on a constant currency basis). The fiscal 2023 results for GSG and CIG segments are described below under "Government Services Group" and "Commercial/International Services Group", respectively.
The following table reconciles our reported results to non-U.S. GAAP adjusted results, which exclude our acquisition and integration costs related to the RPS acquisition, a related lease impairment charge and adjustments to contingent consideration liabilities in fiscal 2023, and a non-operating benefit from Employee Retention Credits ("ERC's") received in fiscal 2022. Our adjusted EPS also excludes non-operating gains on a foreign exchange contract of $89.4 million for fiscal 2023 and $19.9 million for fiscal 2022, as well as non-recurring tax expense items for fiscal 2023. The foreign exchange gain is reported as "Other non-operating income" in our consolidated statements of income. The effective tax rates applied to the adjustments to EPS to arrive at adjusted EPS average 26% for both fiscal 2023 and 2022. We applied the relevant marginal statutory tax rate based on the nature of the adjustments and the tax jurisdiction in which it occurred. Both EPS and adjusted EPS were calculated using diluted weighted-average common shares outstanding for the respective periods as reflected in our consolidated statements of income.
Fiscal Year Ended
October 1,
2023 October 2, 2022 Change
$ %
($ in thousands, except per share data)
Income from operations $ 358,113 $ 340,446 $ 17,667 5.2%
Employee retention credits — (6,486) 6,486 NM
Acquisition and integration expenses 33,169 — 33,169 NM
Right-of-use operating lease asset impairment 16,385 — 16,385 NM
Earn-out adjustments 12,255 — 12,255 NM
Adjusted income from operations (1)
$ 419,922 $ 333,960 $ 85,962 25.7%
EPS $ 1.02 $ 0.97 $ 0.05 5.2%
Employee retention credits — (0.02) 0.02 NM
Acquisition and integration expenses 0.11 — 0.11 NM
Right-of-use operating lease asset impairment 0.04 — 0.04 NM
Earn-out adjustments 0.04 — 0.04 NM
Foreign exchange forward contract gain (0.25) (0.06) (0.19) NM
Non-recurring tax items 0.08 — 0.08 NM
Adjusted EPS (1)
$ 1.04 $ 0.89 $ 0.15 16.9%
NM = not meaningful
(1) Non-U.S. GAAP financial measure
Operating income increased $17.7 million, or 5.2%, in fiscal 2023 compared to fiscal 2022. The fiscal 2023 results include $33.2 million of acquisition and integration expenses (primarily investment banking, legal and other professional fees) for the RPS acquisition and a related $16.4 million of ROU lease asset impairment expense. The fiscal 2023 results also include losses of $12.3 million, related to changes in the estimated fair value of contingent earn-out liabilities. The fiscal 2022 results include the benefit of Employee Retention Credits ("ERC's") totaling $6.5 million, which represents reimbursement from the U.S. federal government under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (the "CARES Act") for the costs that
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we incurred during fiscal 2020 to address the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. These amounts were recognized in fiscal 2022 when the funds were received due to the uncertainty related to the computation of qualifying amounts and delayed processing times for our application. These amounts were primarily reflected as a reduction to "Other costs of revenue" in our consolidated statement of income and an increase to "Net cash provided by operating activities" in our consolidated statement of cash flows for fiscal 2022, consistent with the presentation of the related costs recognized in fiscal 2020.
Excluding the acquisition and integration expenses, ROU asset impairment, earn-out losses and the ERC's, our adjusted operating income increased $86.0 million, or 25.7% in fiscal 2023 compared to fiscal 2022. These increases reflect improved results in both GSG and CIG segments, which are described below under "Government Services Group" and "Commercial/International Group", respectively.
Our net interest expense was $46.5 million and $11.6 million in fiscal 2023 and 2022, respectively. Net interest expense in fiscal 2023 included $2.7 million of additional expense for the write-off of previously deferred debt origination fees due to the cancellation of the bridge loan facility that we entered to support our offer to acquire RPS, which was replaced with an amendment to our existing debt facility and $1.1 million of additional expense for the write-off of previously deferred debt origination fees due to the repayment and cancellation of RPS' debt facilities. Excluding these write-offs, our interest expense increased $31.2 million in fiscal 2023 compared to fiscal 2022 primarily due to the additional borrowings to fund the RPS acquisition.
Other non-operating income of $89.4 million in fiscal 2023 and $19.9 million in fiscal 2022, reflect the previously described gain on a foreign exchange forward contract integrated with the RPS acquisition.
The effective tax rates for fiscal 2023 and 2022 were 31.8% and 24.5%, respectively. Income tax expense in fiscal 2023 included non-operating income tax expenses totaling $20.6 million to (i) increase the tax liability for uncertain tax positions related to certain U.S. tax credits and an intercompany financing transaction, (ii) recognize the tax liability for foreign earnings, primarily in the United Kingdom and Australia, that are no longer indefinitely reinvested. In addition, income tax expense was reduced by $4.6 million and $10.3 million of excess tax benefits on share-based payments in fiscal 2023 and 2022, respectively. Excluding the impact of the non-operating tax expenses in fiscal 2023 and the excess tax benefits on share-based payments in both years, our effective tax rates in fiscal 2023 and 2022 were 27.8% and 27.5%.
Segment Results of Operations
Government Services Group ("GSG")
Fiscal Year Ended
October 1,
2023 October 2, 2022 Change
$ %
($ in thousands)
Revenue $ 2,158,889 $ 1,820,868 $ 338,021 18.6%
Subcontractor costs (523,449) (484,412) (39,037) (8.1)
Revenue, net of subcontractor costs $ 1,635,440 $ 1,336,456 $ 298,984 22.4
Income from operations $ 231,762 $ 198,448 $ 33,314 16.8%
Revenue and revenue, net of subcontractor costs, increased $338.0 million, or 18.6%, and increased $299.0 million, or 22.4%, respectively, in fiscal 2023 compared to fiscal 2022. This increase includes approximately $70 million in revenue in the second quarter of fiscal 2023 related to a distinct international development funded energy program in Ukraine. In addition, the increases reflect higher U.S. state and local government activities related to digital water and U.S. federal programs, partially offset by lower disaster response revenue.
Operating income increased $33.3 million in fiscal 2023 compared to fiscal 2022. The increase in operating income is consistent with the revenue increase noted above. The fiscal 2023 results were reduced by $6.8 million of the aforementioned lease impairment charge and the fiscal 2022 results included $4.4 million of the aforementioned ERC's. Our operating margin, based on revenue, net of subcontractor costs, was 14.2% in fiscal 2023 compared to 14.8% the previous year. Excluding the lease impairment charge in fiscal 2023 and the ERC's in fiscal 2022, our operating margin increased to 14.6% in fiscal 2023 from 14.5% in fiscal 2022.
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Commercial/International Services Group ("CIG")
Fiscal Year Ended
October 1,
2023 October 2, 2022 Change
$ %
($ in thousands)
Revenue $ 2,424,649 $ 1,738,436 $ 686,213 39.5%
Subcontractor costs (309,000) (239,312) (69,688) (29.1)
Revenue, net of subcontractor costs $ 2,115,649 $ 1,499,124 $ 616,525 41.1
Income from operations $ 243,750 $ 194,142 $ 49,608 25.6%
Revenue and revenue, net of subcontractor costs, increased $686.2 million, or 39.5%, and increased $616.5 million, or 41.1%, respectively, in fiscal 2023 compared to fiscal 2022. The RPS acquisition contributed approximately $570 million to revenue growth in fiscal 2023. The remaining revenue growth in fiscal 2023 primarily reflects increased activity on high-performance buildings, clean energy and international infrastructure.
Operating income increased $49.6 million in fiscal 2023 compared to fiscal 2022. The RPS acquisition contributed approximately $34 million to operating income in fiscal 2023. Conversely, the fiscal 2023 results were reduced by $8.3 million of the aforementioned lease impairment charge. The fiscal 2022 operating income included $1.9 million of the aforementioned ERC's. Our operating margin, based on revenue, net of subcontractor costs, was 11.5% in fiscal 2023 compared to 13.0% in fiscal 2022. Excluding the lease impairment and RPS in fiscal 2023 and the ERC's in fiscal 2022, our operating margin was 13.3% in fiscal 2023 compared to 12.8% in fiscal 2022. The improved operating margin was primarily due to our increased focus on high-end consulting services, project execution and higher labor utilization.
FINANCIAL CONDITION, LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Capital Requirements. At September 29, 2024, we had $232.7 million of cash and cash equivalents and access to an additional $800 million of borrowing available under our credit facility. We generated $358.7 million of cash from operations in fiscal 2024. Our primary sources of liquidity are cash flows from operations and borrowings under our credit facilities. Our primary uses of cash are to fund working capital, cash dividends, capital expenditures and repayment of debt, as well as to fund acquisitions and earn-out obligations from prior acquisitions. We believe that our existing cash and cash equivalents, operating cash flows and borrowing capacity under our credit agreement as described below, will be sufficient to meet our capital requirements for at least the next 12 months.
On October 5, 2021, our Board of Directors authorized a new stock repurchase program under which we could repurchase up to $400 million of our common stock. In fiscal 2024 and 2023, we did not repurchase any shares of our common stock. At fiscal 2024 year-end, we had a remaining balance of $347.8 million under our stock repurchase program. We declared and paid common stock dividends totaling $58.8 million, or $0.220 per share, in fiscal 2024 compared to $52.1 million, or $0.196 per share, in fiscal 2023.
Subsequent Events. On November 11, 2024, our Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.058 per share payable on December 13, 2024 to stockholders of record as of the close of business on November 27, 2024.
Cash and Cash Equivalents. The following tables summarize information regarding our cash and cash equivalents (amounts in thousands):
Fiscal Year Ended
September 29,
2024 October 1, 2023 Change
$ %
Cash and cash equivalents $ 232,689 $ 168,831 $ 63,858 37.8%
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Fiscal Year Ended
September 29,
2024 October 1,
2023 Change
$ %
Net cash provided by (used in):
Operating activities $ 358,708 $ 368,463 $ (9,755) (2.6)%
Investing activities (111,043) (771,199) 660,156 85.6
Financing activities (191,380) 382,380 (573,760) (150.0)
Effect of exchange rate changes 7,573 4,093 3,480 85.0
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents $ 63,858 $ (16,263) $ 80,121 492.7%
Operating Activities. Cash from operations in fiscal 2024 decreased 2.6% compared to fiscal 2023. Our cash flow from operations in fiscal 2023 benefited from improved management of working capital through faster collection of accounts receivable compared to previous years. This trend was stable in fiscal 2024. For fiscal 2024, we paid $10.5 million less in interest compared to last year, primarily due the lower borrowing costs from our convertible notes issued in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2023, which we used to refinance the existing higher-cost debt incurred to fund the RPS acquisition in the second quarter of fiscal 2023. This improvement and the benefit of higher earnings in fiscal 2024 were substantially offset by higher income tax payments. We paid $27 million in U.S. federal income tax in the first quarter of fiscal 2024 that typically would have been made in fiscal 2023, but the IRS permitted, and we elected, 2023 federal tax payment deferrals for entities in disaster zones.
Investing Activities. For fiscal 2024, the cash used in investing activities includes net payments of $94 million for the acquisitions completed during the year. The fiscal 2023 period reflects $854 million of net payments for the acquisitions completed last year (primarily RPS), net of the $109 million of related foreign exchange hedge proceeds received in the second quarter of fiscal 2023.
Financing Activities. For fiscal 2024, net cash provided by financing activities declined. The decrease was due to a net borrowing of $544 million in fiscal 2023 versus net debt repayments of $70 million in fiscal 2024. The fiscal 2023 borrowings were used primarily to fund our fiscal 2023 acquisitions. To a lesser extent, the decline in our net cash provided by financing activities was due to $25 million more cash used for contingent earn-out payments in fiscal 2024 compared to last year.
Debt Financing. On October 26, 2022, we entered into a Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement that provides for an additional $500 million senior secured term loan facility (the "New Term Loan Facility") increasing our total borrowing capacity to $1.55 billion. On January 23, 2023, we drew the entire amount of the New Term Loan Facility to partially finance the RPS acquisition. The New Term Loan Facility is not subject to any amortization payments of principal and matures in January 2026.
On February 18, 2022, we entered into Amendment No. 2 to our Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (“Amended Credit Agreement”) with a total borrowing capacity of $1.05 billion that will mature in February 2027. The Amended Credit Agreement is a $750 million senior secured, five-year facility that provides for a $250 million term loan facility (the “Amended Term Loan Facility”) and a $500 million revolving credit facility (the “Amended Revolving Credit Facility”). In addition, the Amended Credit Agreement includes a $300 million accordion feature that allows us to increase the Amended Credit Agreement to $1.05 billion subject to lender approval. The Amended Credit Agreement provides for, among other things, (i) refinance indebtedness under our Credit Agreement dated as of July 30, 2018; (ii) finance open market repurchases of common stock, acquisitions and cash dividends and distributions; and (iii) utilize the proceeds for working capital, capital expenditures and other general corporate purposes. The Amended Credit Agreement provides for a reduction in the interest grid for meeting certain sustainability targets related to the (i) reduction of greenhouse gas emissions through the Company’s projects and operational sustainability initiatives and (ii) improvement of peoples’ lives as a result of the Company’s projects that provide environmental, social and governance benefits. The Amended Revolving Credit Facility includes a $100 million sublimit for the issuance of standby letters of credit, a $20 million sublimit for swingline loans and a $300 million sublimit for multicurrency borrowings and letters of credit.
The entire Amended Term Loan Facility was drawn on February 18, 2022. We may borrow on the Amended Revolving Credit Facility, at our option, at either (a) a benchmark rate plus a margin that ranges from 1.000% to 1.875% per annum, or (b) a base rate for loans in U.S. dollars (the highest of the U.S. federal funds rate plus 0.50% per annum, the bank’s prime rate or the Secured Overnight Financing Rate ("SOFR") rate plus 1.00%, plus a margin that ranges from 0% to 0.875% per annum. In each case, the applicable margin is based on our Consolidated Leverage Ratio, calculated quarterly. The Amended Term Loan Facility is subject to the same interest rate provisions. The Amended Credit Agreement expires on February 18, 2027, or earlier at our discretion upon payment in full of loans and other obligations. In fiscal 2023, we repaid the Amended Term Loan Facility in full with the Convertible Notes proceeds.
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On August 22, 2023, we issued $575.0 million in convertible notes that bear interest at 2.25% per annum payable semiannually in arrears on February 15 and August 15 of each year, beginning on February 15, 2024 with a maturity date of August 15, 2028 (the "Convertible Notes"). As of October 1, 2023, $560.8 million of the Convertible Notes was included in long-term debt in our consolidated balance sheets, which is net of $14.2 million of unamortized debt issuance costs. The net proceeds from the Convertible Notes were $560.5 million, $51.8 million of which were used to purchase related capped call transactions on the issue date. The remaining proceeds were used to prepay and terminate the $234.4 million outstanding under the Amended Term Loan Facility, to prepay $89.4 million outstanding under the New Term Loan Facility and to pay down borrowings of $185.0 million under the Amended Revolving Credit Facility. See Note 9, "Long-Term Debt" of the "Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements" in Item 8 for further discussion.
At fiscal 2024 year-end, we had $250 million in outstanding borrowings under the Amended Credit Agreement, which consisted of $250 million under the New Term Loan Facility and no borrowings under the Amended Revolving Credit Facility. The weighted-average interest rate of the outstanding borrowings under the Amended Credit Agreement during fiscal 2024 was 6.70%. In addition, we had $0.7 million in standby letters of credit under the Amended Credit Agreement. At September 29, 2024, we had $499.3 million of available credit under the Amended Revolving Credit Facility, all of which could be borrowed without a violation of our debt covenants. Commitment fees related to our revolving credit facilities were $0.8 million, $0.6 million, and $0.7 million for fiscal year 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively.
The Amended Credit Agreement contains certain affirmative and restrictive covenants, and customary events of default. The financial covenants provide for a maximum Consolidated Leverage Ratio of 3.25 to 1.00 (total funded debt/EBITDA, as defined in the Amended Credit Agreement) and a minimum Consolidated Interest Coverage Ratio of 3.00 to 1.00 (EBITDA/Consolidated Interest Charges, as defined in the Amended Credit Agreement). Our obligations under the Amended Credit Agreement are guaranteed by certain of our domestic subsidiaries and are secured by first priority liens on (i) the equity interests of certain of our subsidiaries, including those subsidiaries that are guarantors or borrowers under the Amended Credit Agreement, and (ii) the accounts receivable, general intangibles and intercompany loans, and those of our subsidiaries that are guarantors or borrowers. At September 29, 2024, we were in compliance with these covenants with a consolidated leverage ratio of 1.38x and a consolidated interest coverage ratio of 13.94x.
In addition to the Amended Credit Agreement, we maintain other credit facilities, which may be used for short-term cash advances and bank guarantees. At September 29, 2024, there were no outstanding borrowings under these facilities, and the aggregate amount of standby letters of credit outstanding was $43.3 million. As of September 29, 2024, we had no bank overdrafts related to our disbursement bank accounts.
Inflation. We believe our operations have not been, and, in the foreseeable future, are not expected to be, materially adversely affected by inflation or changing prices due to the average duration of our projects and our ability to negotiate prices as contracts end and new contracts begin.
Dividends. Our Board of Directors has authorized the following dividends:
Dividend Per Share Record Date Total Maximum
Payment
(in thousands) Payment Date
November 13, 2023 $ 0.052 November 30, 2023 $ 13,873 December 13, 2023
January 29, 2024 $ 0.052 February 14, 2024 $ 13,908 February 27, 2024
April 29, 2024 $ 0.058 May 20, 2024 $ 15,522 May 31, 2024
July 29, 2024 $ 0.058 August 15, 2024 $ 15,525 August 30, 2024
November 11, 2024 $ 0.058 November 27, 2024 N/A December 13, 2024
Income Taxes
We evaluate the realizability of our deferred tax assets by assessing the valuation allowance and adjust the allowance, if necessary. The factors used to assess the likelihood of realization are our forecast of future taxable income and available tax planning strategies that could be implemented to realize the net deferred tax assets. The ability or failure to achieve the forecasted taxable income in the applicable taxing jurisdictions could affect the ultimate realization of deferred tax assets. Based on future operating results in certain jurisdictions, it is unlikely that the current valuation allowance positions of those jurisdictions could be adjusted in the next 12 months.
At the end of fiscal 2024 and 2023, the liability for income taxes associated with uncertain tax positions was $50.1 million and $62.0 million, respectively.
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It is reasonably possible that the amount of the unrecognized benefit with respect to certain of our unrecognized tax positions may not significantly decrease within the next 12 months. These liabilities represent our current estimates of the additional tax liabilities that we may be assessed when the related audits are concluded. If these audits are resolved in a manner more unfavorable than our current expectations, our additional tax liabilities could be materially higher than the amounts currently recorded resulting in additional tax expense.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
In the ordinary course of business, we may use off-balance sheet arrangements if we believe that such arrangements would be an efficient way to lower our cost of capital or help us manage the overall risks of our business operations. We do not believe that such arrangements have had a material adverse effect on our financial position or our results of operations.
The following is a summary of our off-balance sheet arrangements:
• Letters of credit and bank guarantees are used primarily to support project performance and insurance programs. We are required to reimburse the issuers of letters of credit and bank guarantees for any payments they make under the outstanding letters of credit or bank guarantees. Our Amended Credit Agreement and additional letter of credit facilities cover the issu ance of our standby letters of credit and bank guarantees and are critical for our normal operations. If we default on the Amended Credit Agreement or additional credit facilities, our inability to issue or renew standby letters of credit and bank guarantees would impair our ability to maintain normal operations. At fiscal 2024 year-end, we had $0.7 million in standby letters of credit outstanding under our Amended Credit Agreement and $43.3 million in standby letters of credit outstanding under our additional letter of credit facilities.
• From time to time, we provide guarantees and indemnifications related to our services. If our services under a guaranteed or indemnified project are later determined to have resulted in a material defect or other material deficiency, then we may be responsible for monetary damages or other legal remedies. When sufficient information about claims on guaranteed or indemnified projects is available and monetary damages or other costs or losses are determined to be probable, we recognize such guaranteed losses.
• In the ordinary course of business, we enter into various agreements as part of certain unconsolidated subsidiaries, joint ventures and other jointly executed contracts where we are jointly and severally liable. We enter into these agreements primarily to support the project execution commitments of these entities. The potential payment amount of an outstanding performance guarantee is typically the remaining cost of work to be performed by or on behalf of third parties under engineering and construction contracts. However, we are not able to estimate other amounts that may be required to be paid in excess of estimated costs to complete contracts and, accordingly, the total potential payment amount under our outstanding performance guarantees cannot be estimated. For cost-plus contracts, amounts that may become payable pursuant to guarantee provisions are normally recoverable from the client for work performed under the contract. For lump sum or fixed-price contracts, this amount is the cost to complete the contracted work less amounts remaining to be billed to the client under the contract. Remaining billable amounts could be greater or less than the cost to complete. In those cases where costs exceed the remaining amounts payable under the contract, we may have recourse to third parties, such as owners, co-venturers, subcontractors or vendors, for claims.
• In the ordinary course of business, our clients may request that we obtain surety bonds in connection with contract performance obligations that are not required to be recorded in our consolidated balance sheets. We are obligated to reimburse the issuer of our surety bonds for any payments made thereunder. Each of our commitments under performance bonds generally ends concurrently with the expiration of our related contractual obligation.
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES
The preparation of our financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires us to make estimates and assumptions in the application of certain accounting policies that affect amounts reported in our consolidated financial statements and accompanying footnotes included in Item 8 of this report. In order to understand better the changes that may occur to our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows, readers should be aware of the critical accounting policies we apply and estimates we use in preparing our consolidated financial statements. Although such estimates and assumptions are based on management's best knowledge of current events and actions we may undertake in the future, actual results could differ materially from those estimates.
Our significant accounting policies are described in the "Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements" included in Item 8. Highlighted below are the accounting policies that management considers most critical to investors' understanding of our financial results and condition, and that require complex judgments by management.
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Revenue Recognition and Contract Costs
To determine the proper revenue recognition method for contracts under Accounting Standards Codification Topic 606, "Revenue from Contracts with Customers", we evaluate whether multiple contracts should be combined and accounted for as a single contract and whether the combined or single contract should be accounted for as having more than one performance obligation. The decision to combine a group of contracts or separate a combined or single contract into multiple performance obligations may impact the amount of revenue recorded in a given period. Contracts are considered to have a single performance obligation if the promises are not separately identifiable from other promises in the contracts.
At contract inception, we assess the goods or services promised in a contract and identify, as a separate performance obligation, each distinct promise to transfer goods or services to the customer. The identified performance obligations represent the “units of account” for purposes of determining revenue recognition. In order to properly identify separate performance obligations, we apply judgment in determining whether each good or service provided is: (a) capable of being distinct, whereby the customer can benefit from the good or service either on its own or together with other resources that are readily available to the customer, and (b) distinct within the context of the contract, whereby the transfer of the good or service to the customer is separately identifiable from other promises in the contract.
Contracts are often modified to account for changes in contract specifications and requirements. We consider contract modifications to exist when the modification either creates new or changes the existing enforceable rights and obligations. Most of our contract modifications are for goods or services that are not distinct from existing contracts due to the significant integration provided or significant interdependencies in the context of the contract and are accounted for as if they were part of the original contract. The effect of a contract modification on the transaction price and our measure of progress for the performance obligation to which it relates, is recognized as an adjustment to revenue (either as an increase in or a reduction of revenue) on a cumulative catch-up basis.
We account for contract modifications as a separate contract when the modification results in the promise to deliver additional goods or services that are distinct and the increase in price of the contract is for the same amount as the stand-alone selling price of the additional goods or services included in the modification.
The transaction price represents the amount of consideration to which we expect to be entitled in exchange for transferring promised goods or services to our customers. The consideration promised within a contract may include fixed amounts, variable amounts or both. The nature of our contracts gives rise to several types of variable consideration, including claims, award fee incentives, fiscal funding clauses and liquidated damages. We recognize revenue for variable consideration when it is probable that a significant reversal in the amount of cumulative revenue recognized for the contract will not occur. We estimate the amount of revenue to be recognized on variable consideration using either the expected value or the most likely amount method, whichever is expected to better predict the amount of consideration to be received. Project mobilization costs are generally charged to project costs as incurred when they are an integrated part of the performance obligation being transferred to the client.
For contracts with multiple performance obligations, we allocate the transaction price to each performance obligation using a best estimate of the standalone selling price of each distinct good or service in the contract. The standalone selling price is typically determined using the estimated cost of the contract plus a margin approach. For contracts containing variable consideration, we allocate the variability to a specific performance obligation within the contract if such variability relates specifically to our efforts to satisfy the performance obligation or transfer the distinct good or service, and the allocation depicts the amount of consideration to which we expect to be entitled.
We recognize revenue over time as the related performance obligation is satisfied by transferring control of a promised good or service to our customers. Progress toward complete satisfaction of the performance obligation is primarily measured using a cost-to-cost measure of progress method. The cost input is based primarily on contract cost incurred to date compared to total estimated contract cost. This measure includes forecasts based on the best information available and reflects our judgment to faithfully depict the value of the services transferred to the customer. For certain on-call engineering or consulting and similar contracts, we recognize revenue in the amount which we have the right to invoice the customer if that amount corresponds directly with the value of our performance completed to date.
Due to uncertainties inherent in the estimation process, it is possible that estimates of costs to complete a performance obligation will be revised in the near-term. For those performance obligations for which revenue is recognized using a cost-to-cost measure of progress method, changes in total estimated costs, and related progress towards complete satisfaction of the performance obligation, are recognized on a cumulative catch-up basis in the period in which the revisions to the estimates are made. When the current estimate of total costs indicates a loss, a provision for the entire estimated loss on the contract is made in the period in which the loss becomes evident.
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Contract Types
Our services are performed under three principal types of contracts: fixed-price, time-and-materials and cost-plus. Customer payments on contracts are typically due within 60 days of billing, depending on the contract.
Fixed-Price . Under fixed-price contracts, clients pay us an agreed fixed-amount negotiated in advance for a specified scope of work.
Time-and-Materials . Under time-and-materials contracts, we negotiate hourly billing rates and charge our clients based on the actual time that we spend on a project. In addition, clients reimburse us for our actual out-of-pocket costs for materials and other direct incidental expenditures that we incur in connection with our performance under the contract. Most of our time-and-material contracts are subject to maximum contract values, and also may include annual billing rate adjustment provisions.
Cost-Plus . Under cost-plus contracts, we are reimbursed for allowed or otherwise defined costs incurred plus a negotiated fee. The contracts may also include incentives for various performance criteria, including quality, timeliness, ingenuity, safety and cost-effectiveness. In addition, our costs are generally subject to review by our clients and regulatory audit agencies, and such reviews could result in costs being disputed as non-reimbursable under the terms of the contract.
Goodwill and Intangibles
The cost of an acquired company is assigned to the tangible and intangible assets purchased and the liabilities assumed on the basis of their fair values at the date of acquisition. The determination of fair values of assets and liabilities acquired requires us to make estimates and use valuation techniques when a market value is not readily available. Any excess of purchase price over the fair value of net tangible and intangible assets acquired is allocated to goodwill. Goodwill typically represents the value paid for the assembled workforce and enhancement of our service offerings.
Identifiable intangible assets primarily include backlog, client relations and trade names. The costs of these intangible assets are amortized over their contractual or economic lives, which range from one to 12 years. We assess the recoverability of the unamortized balance of our intangible assets when indicators of impairment are present based on expected future profitability and undiscounted expected cash flows and their contribution to our overall operations. Should the review indicate that the carrying value is not fully recoverable, the excess of the carrying value over the fair value of the intangible assets would be recognized as an impairment loss.
Estimated fair value measurements for intangible assets are made using Level 3 inputs including discounted cash flow techniques. Fair value is estimated using a multi-period excess earnings method for backlog and client relations and a relief from royalty method for trade names. The significant assumptions used in estimating fair value of backlog and client relations include (i) the estimated life the asset will contribute to cash flows, such as remaining contractual terms, (ii) revenue growth rates and EBITDA margins, (iii) attrition rate of customers, and (iv) the estimated discount rates that reflect the level of risk associated with receiving future cash flows. The significant assumptions used in estimating fair value of trade names include the royalty rates and discount rates.
We perform our annual goodwill impairment review at the beginning of our fiscal fourth quarter. In addition, we regularly evaluate whether events and circumstances have occurred that may indicate a potential change in recoverability of goodwill. We perform interim goodwill impairment reviews between our annual reviews if certain events and circumstances have occurred, including a deterioration in general economic conditions, an increased competitive environment, a change in management, key personnel, strategy or customers, negative or declining cash flows or a decline in actual or planned revenue or earnings compared with actual and projected results of relevant prior periods (se e Note 6, "Goodwill and Intangible Assets" of the "Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements" in Item 8 for further discussion).
We believe the methodology that we use to review impairment of goodwill, which includes a significant amount of judgment and estimates, provides us with a reasonable basis to determine whether impairment has occurred. However, many of the factors employed in determining whether our goodwill is impaired are outside of our control, and it is reasonably likely that assumptions and estimates will change in future periods. These changes could result in future impairments.
The goodwill impairment review involves the determination of the fair value of our reporting units, which for us are the components one level below our reportable segments. This process requires us to make significant judgments and estimates, including assumptions about our strategic plans with regard to our operations as well as the interpretation of current economic indicators and market valuations. Furthermore, the development of the present value of future cash flow projections includes assumptions and estimates derived from a review of our expected revenue growth rates, operating profit margins, business plans, discount rates and terminal growth rates. We also make certain assumptions about future market conditions, market prices, interest rates and changes in business strategies. Changes in assumptions or estimates could materially affect the determination of the fair value of a reporting unit. This could eliminate the excess of fair value over carrying value of a reporting unit entirely and, in some cases, result in impairment. Such changes in assumptions could be caused by a loss of one or more significant contracts, reductions in government or commercial client spending or a decline in the demand for our services due to changing economic conditions. In the event that we determine that our goodwill is impaired, we would be
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required to record a non-cash charge that could result in a material adverse effect on our results of operations or financial position.
We use two methods to determine the fair value of our reporting units: (i) the Income Approach and (ii) the Market Approach. While each of these approaches is initially considered in the valuation of the business enterprises, the nature and characteristics of the reporting units indicate which approach is most applicable. The Income Approach utilizes the discounted cash flow method, which focuses on the expected cash flow of the reporting unit. In applying this approach, the cash flow available for distribution is calculated for a finite period of years. Cash flow available for distribution is defined, for purposes of this analysis, as the amount of cash that could be distributed as a dividend without impairing the future profitability or operations of the reporting unit. The cash flow available for distribution and the terminal value (the value of the reporting unit at the end of the estimation period) are then discounted to present value to derive an indication of the value of the business enterprise. The Market Approach is comprised of the guideline company method and the similar transactions method. The guideline company method focuses on comparing the reporting unit to select reasonably similar (or "guideline") publicly traded companies. Under this method, valuation multiples are (i) derived from the operating data of selected guideline companies; (ii) evaluated and adjusted based on the strengths and weaknesses of the reporting units relative to the selected guideline companies; and (iii) applied to the operating data of the reporting unit to arrive at an indication of value. In the similar transactions method, consideration is given to prices paid in recent transactions that have occurred in the reporting unit's industry or in related industries. For our annual impairment analysis, we weighted the Income Approach and the Market Approach at 70% and 30%, respectively. The Income Approach was given a higher weight because it has the most direct correlation to the specific economics of the reporting unit, as compared to the Market Approach, which is based on multiples of broad-based (i.e., less comparable) companies . Our last review at July 1, 2024 (i.e., the first day of our fourth quarter in fiscal 2024), indicated that we had no impairment of goodwill, and all of our reporting units had estimated fair values that were in excess of their carrying values, including goodwill. We had no reporting units that had estimated fair values that exceeded their carrying values by less than 72%.
Contingent Consideration
Certain of our acquisition agreements include contingent earn-out arrangements, which are generally based on the achievement of future operating income thresholds. The contingent earn-out arrangements are based upon our valuations of the acquired companies and reduce the risk of overpaying for acquisitions if the projected financial results are not achieved.
The fair values of these earn-out arrangements are included as part of the purchase price of the acquired companies on their respective acquisition dates. For each transaction, we estimate the fair value of contingent earn-out payments as part of the initial purchase price and record the estimated fair value of contingent consideration as a liability in "Estimated contingent earn-out liabilities" and "Long-term estimated contingent earn-out liabilities" on the consolidated balance sheets. We consider several factors when determining that contingent earn-out liabilities are part of the purchase price, including the following: (1) the valuation of our acquisitions is not supported solely by the initial consideration paid, and the contingent earn-out formula is a critical and material component of the valuation approach to determining the purchase price; and (2) the former shareholders of acquired companies that remain as key employees receive compensation other than contingent earn-out payments at a reasonable level compared with the compensation of our other key employees. The contingent earn-out payments are not affected by employment termination.
We measure our contingent earn-out liabilities at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs classified within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy (See Note 2, "Basis of Presentation – Fair Value of Financial Instruments" of the "Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements" included in Item 8). We use a probability weighted discounted income approach as a valuation technique to convert future estimated cash flows to a single present value amount. The significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurements are operating income projections over the earn-out period (generally two or three years), and the probability outcome percentages we assign to each scenario. Significant increases or decreases to either of these inputs in isolation would result in a significantly higher or lower liability with a higher liability capped by the contractual maximum of the contingent earn-out obligation. Ultimately, the liability will be equivalent to the amount paid, and the difference between the fair value estimate and amount paid will be recorded in earnings. The amount paid that is less than or equal to the liability on the acquisition date is reflected as cash used in financing activities in our consolidated statements of cash flows. Any amount paid in excess of the liability on the acquisition date is reflected as cash used in operating activities in our consolidated statements of cash flows.
We review and re-assess the estimated fair value of contingent consideration on a quarterly basis, and the updated fair value could differ materially from the initial estimates. Changes in the estimated fair value of our contingent earn-out liabilities related to the time component of the present value calculation are reported in interest expense. Adjustments to the estimated fair value related to changes in all other unobservable inputs are reported in operating income.
RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
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For a discussion of recent accounting standards and the effect they could have on the consolidated financial statements, see Note 2, "Basis of Presentation" of the "Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements" included in Item 8.