Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Our Company
We are a provider of professional, technical and consulting services to utilities, private industry, and public agencies at all levels of government. As resources and infrastructures undergo continuous change, we help organizations and their communities evolve and thrive by providing a wide range of technical services for energy solutions and government infrastructure. Through engineering, program management, policy advisory, and software and data management, we design and deliver trusted, comprehensive, innovative, and proven solutions to improve efficiency, resiliency, and sustainability in energy and infrastructure to our customers.
Our broad portfolio of services operates within two reporting segments: (1) Energy and (2) Engineering and Consulting. The interfaces and synergies between these segments are important elements of our strategy to design and deliver trusted, comprehensive, innovative, and proven solutions for our customers.
Our Energy segment provides specialized, innovative, comprehensive energy solutions to businesses, utilities, state agencies, municipalities, and non-profit organizations in the U.S. Our experienced engineers, consultants, and staff help our clients realize cost and energy savings by tailoring efficient and cost-effective solutions to assist in optimizing energy spend. Our energy efficiency services include comprehensive audit and surveys, program design, master planning, demand reduction, grid optimization, benchmarking analyses, design engineering, construction management, performance contracting, installation, alternative financing, measurement and verification services, and advances in software and data analytics.
Our Engineering and Consulting segment provides civil engineering-related construction management, building and safety, city engineering, city planning, geotechnical, material testing and other engineering consulting services to our clients. Our engineering services include rail, port, water, mining and other civil engineering projects. We also provide economic and financial consulting to public agencies along with national preparedness and interoperability services, communications, and technology solutions. Lastly, we supplement the engineering services that we offer our clients by offering expertise and support for the various financing techniques public agencies utilize to finance their operations and infrastructure. We also support the mandated reporting and other requirements associated with these financings. We provide financial advisory services for municipal securities but do not provide underwriting services.
Impact of Covid-19 on Our Business
On January 30, 2020, the spread of a novel strain of coronavirus (“Covid-19”) was declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern by the World Health Organization (“WHO”). On March 11, 2020, WHO characterized the Covid-19 outbreak as a pandemic. The Covid-19 pandemic has resulted in governmental authorities around the world implementing numerous measures to try to contain the virus, such as travel bans and restrictions, quarantines, shelter-in-place or total lock-down orders and business limitations and shutdowns (subject to exceptions for certain essential operations and businesses). Although some of these measures have since been lifted or scaled back, ongoing resurgences of Covid-19 in the United States has resulted in the reimposition of certain restrictions and may lead to other restrictions being reimplemented in response to efforts to reduce the spread of Covid-19. The Covid-19 outbreak and restrictions intended to slow the spread of Covid-19 have caused economic and social disruption on an unprecedented scale. It is unclear how long these restrictions will remain in place and they may remain in place in some form for an extended period of time. Given the uncertainties associated with the duration of the pandemic, we cannot reasonably estimate the ultimate impacts of Covid-19 and efforts to limit its spread on our business, financial condition, results of operations or cash flows for the foreseeable future or whether our assumptions used to estimate our future liquidity requirements will be correct .
Health and Safety
In response to the Covid-19 pandemic, we have taken and will continue to take temporary precautionary measures intended to help minimize the risk of Covid-19 to our employees, including requiring the majority of our employees to work remotely, suspending non-essential travel and restricting in-person work-related meetings. We expect
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to continue to implement these measures until we determine that the Covid-19 pandemic is adequately contained for purposes of our business, and we may take further actions as government authorities require or recommend or as we determine to be in the best interests of our employees, customers, business partners and third-party service providers.
Financial Position and Results of Operations
The Covid-19 pandemic and efforts to limit its spread negatively impacted our business during our fiscal year 2020. In California and New York, the states in which we have historically derived a majority of our revenue, mandatory shutdown orders were issued in March 2020. In New York, phased re-openings began in June 2020 and our business in New York has been improving since and all of our New York utility programs have restarted. In California, phased re-openings began in May 2020, followed by periods of curtailments as a result of resurgences of Covid-19 cases, and subsequent re-openings. As a result, the most significant pandemic related impacts to our business are now occurring in California to our direct install business.
In the Energy segment, we have experienced and expect to continue to experience a negative impact on our direct install programs that serve small businesses as a result of restrictions put in place by governmental authorities that have required temporary shutdowns of all “non-essential” businesses. In fiscal year 2019, we derived approximately 40% of our gross revenue from our direct install programs that serve small businesses, and a significant portion of our direct install work on these programs was suspended for varying periods of time during fiscal year 2020. With the exception of our direct install programs in California, phased re-openings have continued to progress since the second quarter of 2020. Our other programs, which generated approximately 60% of our revenue in fiscal 2019, are either businesses that have been determined to be “essential” by government authorities or have continued to progress during the pandemic.
In the Engineering and Consulting segment, our revenues have been less affected by Covid-19 than our revenues in the Energy segment. The services in this segment have generally been deemed “essential” by the government and have continued to operate while abiding social distancing measures.
As of March 15, 2021, though some of our work has been suspended as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic and efforts to limit its spread, none of our contracts have been cancelled and proposal activities for new programs have continued to advance. We estimate that pandemic related slowdowns and work suspensions reduced our fiscal 2020 revenue by approximately 20% from our planned pre-pandemic levels for 2020.
In response to the Covid-19 pandemic and efforts to prevent its spread, we began taking a number of steps during the first quarter of fiscal 2020 aimed at preserving liquidity and positioning ourselves to resume our growth trajectory after work restrictions are lifted. These steps include:
● Executing a reduction in workforce, primarily through an unpaid furlough, impacting approximately 300 members of our staff. The largest reductions were a result of government-mandated work restrictions impacting our direct install programs in California and New York. During our second fiscal quarter, furloughed employees began to return to work as government authorities began lifting restrictions through phased re-openings and, by the end of the third fiscal quarter, the majority of our furloughed employees had returned to work ;
● A temporary freeze on all non-critical spending for travel, capital expenditures, and other discretionary expenses;
● A temporary cash wage reduction for salaried employees, ranging from 0% for lower salary bands up to 75% for senior management, all of which had been restored by the end of July 2020;
● Suspension of cash fees for our Board of Directors, which was lifted during our third fiscal quarter;
● Implementing a temporary hiring freeze; and
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● Amending our credit facility for increased flexibility.
We believe our financial position is sufficiently flexible to enable us to maneuver in the current economic environment. Throughout our fiscal year 2020, we enhanced liquidity by minimizing working capital and significantly improving cash collections. In addition, in May 2020, we amended our credit facility to temporarily modify, among other things, certain covenants to increase our financial flexibility. Combined with availability under our credit facilities, we believe our enhanced liquidity position provides a cushion against liquidity disruptions.
Asset and liability valuation and other estimates used in preparation of financial statements
As of January 1, 2021, we did not have any impairment with respect to our goodwill or long-lived assets, including intangible assets. Because the full extent and duration of the impact of the Covid-19 outbreak and efforts to slow its spread are unknown at this time, they could, under certain circumstances, cause impairment and result in a non-cash impairment charge being recorded in future periods.
Changes to the estimated future profitability of the business may require that we establish an additional valuation allowance against all or some portion of our net deferred tax assets.
Impact on Clients and Subcontractors and Other Risks
We primarily work for utilities, municipalities and other public agencies. We expect many governmental and other public agencies could have significant budget shortfalls for 2020 and potentially beyond as a result of the economic slowdown from the measures taken to mitigate the Covid-19 pandemic. Although none of our contracts with governmental or other public agencies were materially modified during our fiscal year 2020, these potential budget deficits could result in delayed funding for existing contracts with us, postponements of new contracts or price concessions. Further, most of our clients are not committed to purchase any minimum amount of our services, as our agreements with them are based on a “purchase order” model. As a result, they may discontinue utilizing some or all of our services with little or no notice.
In addition, we rely on subcontractors and material suppliers to complete a substantial portion of our work, especially in our Energy segment. If our significant subcontractors and material suppliers suffer significant economic harm and must limit or cease operations or file for bankruptcy as a result of the current economic slowdown, our subcontractors and material suppliers may not be able to fulfill their contractual obligations satisfactorily and we may not have the ability to select our subcontractors and material suppliers of choice for new contracts. If our subcontractors and material suppliers are not able to fulfill their contractual obligations, it could result in a significant increase in costs for us to complete the projects or cause significant delays to the realization of revenues under those projects. The ultimate impact of Covid-19 on our financial condition and results of operations will depend on all of the factors noted above, including other factors that we may not be able to forecast at this time. See the risk factor “ The Covid-19 pandemic and health and safety measures intended to slow its spread have adversely affected, and may continue to adversely affect, our business, results of operations and financial condition.” under Part I, Item 1A, “ Risk Factors ” of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. While Covid-19 has had, and we expect it to continue to have, an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations, we are unable to predict the extent or duration of these impacts at this time.
Recent Developments
During our fourth quarter of fiscal 2020, we signed a total of $781 million in new California Investor Owned Utility (“IOU”) Contracts. These six contracts are three to five years in duration, and on a weighted average basis, represent approximately $150 million per year in incremental contract revenue on average over the next three to five years if we successfully execute the work. The new work is expected to begin slowly and accelerate throughout 2021, with most of the contribution expected in the back half of the year. We anticipate increased working capital requirements
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related to these newly signed $781 million in California Owned Utility Contracts, and thus may seek to modify certain terms under our bank borrowing facilities to ensure an adequate margin for certain covenant compliance obligations.
Results of Operations
Summary Comparison of 2020, 2019, and 2018
The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, certain information derived from our consolidated statements of comprehensive income (1) :
Fiscal Year
2020
2019
2018
(in thousands, except percentages)
Contract revenue
$
390,980
100.0
%
$
443,099
100.0
%
$
272,252
100.0
%
Direct costs of contract revenue (inclusive of directly related depreciation and amortization):
Salaries and wages
65,149
16.7
64,485
14.6
46,588
17.1
Subcontractor services and other direct costs
196,438
50.2
243,641
55.0
132,693
48.7
Total direct costs of contract revenue
261,587
66.9
308,126
69.5
179,281
65.9
General and administrative expenses:
Salaries and wages, payroll taxes and employee benefits
71,229
18.2
66,303
15.0
45,248
16.6
Facilities and facility related
10,481
2.7
8,568
1.9
5,600
2.1
Stock-based compensation
16,113
4.1
12,112
2.7
6,262
2.3
Depreciation and amortization
18,743
4.8
15,027
3.4
6,060
2.2
Other
29,054
7.4
23,600
5.3
17,030
6.3
Total general and administrative expenses
145,620
37.2
125,610
28.3
80,200
29.5
Income from operations
(16,227)
(4.2)
9,363
2.1
12,771
4.7
Other income (expense):
Interest expense, net
(5,068)
(1.3)
(4,900)
(1.1)
(700)
(0.3)
Other, net
1,626
0.4
193
0.0
90
0.0
Total other expense, net
(3,442)
(0.9)
(4,707)
(1.1)
(610)
(0.2)
Income before income taxes
(19,669)
(5.0)
4,656
1.1
12,161
4.5
Income tax expense (benefit)
(5,173)
(1.3)
(185)
(0.0)
2,131
0.8
Net income
$
(14,496)
(3.7)
%
$
4,841
1.1
%
$
10,030
3.7
%
(1) Percentages are expressed as a percentage of contract revenue and may not total due to rounding.
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The following tables provides information about disaggregated revenue of the Company’s two segments Energy and Engineering and Consulting by contract type, client type and geographical region:
2020
Energy
Engineering and
Consulting
Total
(in thousands, except percentage)
Contract Type
Time-and-materials
$
47,912
$
53,840
$
101,752
Unit-based
170,991
9,195
180,186
Fixed price
105,275
3,767
109,042
Total
$
324,178
$
66,802
$
390,980
Client Type
Commercial
$
36,212
$
5,155
$
41,367
Government
93,821
61,412
155,233
Utilities
194,145
235
194,380
Total
$
324,178
$
66,802
$
390,980
Geography (1)
Domestic
$
324,178
$
66,802
$
390,980
2019
Energy
Engineering and
Consulting
Total
(in thousands, except percentage)
Contract Type
Time-and-materials
$
18,625
$
54,560
$
73,185
Unit-based
272,978
14,391
287,369
Fixed price
79,112
3,433
82,545
Total
$
370,715
$
72,384
$
443,099
Client Type
Commercial
$
39,311
$
4,895
$
44,206
Government
57,020
67,049
124,069
Utilities
274,384
440
274,824
Total
$
370,715
$
72,384
$
443,099
Geography (1)
Domestic
$
370,715
$
72,384
$
443,099
2018
Energy
Engineering and
Consulting
Total
(in thousands, except percentage)
Contract Type
Time-and-materials
$
13,790
$
59,744
$
73,534
Unit-based
113,749
13,300
127,049
Fixed price
69,294
2,375
71,669
Total
$
196,833
$
75,419
$
272,252
Client Type
Commercial
$
20,715
$
4,882
$
25,597
Government
62,897
70,091
132,988
Utilities
113,221
446
113,667
Total
$
196,833
$
75,419
$
272,252
Geography (1)
Domestic
$
196,833
$
75,419
$
272,252
(1) Revenue from our Canadian operations were not material for fiscal years 2020, 2019, and 2018.
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Fiscal Year 2020 Compared to Fiscal Year 2019
Contract revenue. Consolidated contract revenue decreased $52.1 million, or 11.8%, in fiscal year 2020 compared to fiscal year 2019, primarily due to decreased contract revenues from our direct install programs for small businesses in our Energy segment, partially offset by $31.2 million of incremental contract revenue generated from government projects and $22.0 million of incremental contract revenue from the acquisitions of Energy and Environmental Economics, Inc. (“E3, Inc.”) and Onsite Energy Corporation (“Onsite Energy”) on October 28, 2019, and July 2, 2019, respectively. Contract revenues for our direct install programs for small businesses decreased as a result of the business suspensions resulting from the Covid-19 pandemic and efforts to limit its spread that started in March 2020, which we estimate to have reduced our contract revenue by approximately 20% from our planned pre-pandemic levels.
Contract revenue in our Energy segment decreased $46.5 million, or 12.6%, in fiscal year 2020 compared to fiscal year 2019. Contract revenue for the Energy segment primarily decreased as a result of reduced contract revenues from our direct install programs for small businesses as a result of the effects of Covid-19 noted above, partially offset by $36.8 million of incremental contract revenue generated from government projects and $22.0 million of incremental contract revenue from the acquisitions of E3, Inc. and Onsite Energy.
Contract revenue in our Engineering and Consulting segment decreased $5.6 million, or 7.7%, in fiscal year 2020 compared to fiscal year 2019. Contract revenue for the Engineering and Consulting segment decreased primarily due to decreased subcontractor revenues combined with a $2 million reduction of scope of work related to one of our customers implemented during the second quarter of 2020. Contract revenue in our Engineering and Consulting segment has been less affected by Covid-19 than contract revenue in our Energy segment as the services in the Engineering and Consulting segment have generally been deemed “essential” by the government and continue to operate while abiding social distancing measures.
Direct costs of contract revenue. Direct costs of consolidated contract revenue decreased $46.5 million, or 15.1%, in fiscal year 2020 compared to fiscal year 2019. Direct costs of consolidated contract revenue decreased as a result of decreased contract revenues from our direct install programs for small businesses in our Energy segment, partially offset by $31.2 million of incremental contract revenue generated from government projects combined with an additional $7.9 million of incremental direct costs of contract revenue related to our acquisitions of E3, Inc. and Onsite Energy.
Direct cost of contract revenue in our Energy segment decreased $41.3 million, or 15.5%, in the fiscal year 2020 compared to the fiscal year 2019, primarily as a result of the decrease in our contract revenues related to direct install programs for small businesses as described above, which generally use a higher percentage of materials and subcontractor services than other projects in our Energy segment, partially offset by $36.8 million of incremental contract revenues related to government projects combined with an incremental $7.9 million in direct costs of contract revenue contributed from the acquisitions of E3, Inc. and Onsite Energy in the Energy segment. Direct costs of contract revenue for the Engineering and Consulting segment decreased $5.2 million, or 12.6%, for the fiscal year 2020 compared to fiscal year 2019, primarily due to the reduction of revenues described above.
Subcontractor services and other direct costs decreased $47.2 million and salaries and wages increased by $0.7 million for the fiscal year 2020 compared to the fiscal year 2019. As a percentage of contract revenue, salaries and wages increased to 16.7% of contract revenue for the fiscal year 2020 from 14.6% for the fiscal year 2019 and subcontractor services and other direct costs decreased to 50.2% of contract revenue for the fiscal year 2020 from 55.0% of contract revenue for the fiscal year 2019. Salaries and wages within direct costs of contract revenue increased as a
percentage of contract revenue primarily as a result of our acquisition of E3, Inc. and Onsite Energy which contain a higher percentage of labor costs and lower percentage of material costs and installation subcontracting. Subcontractor services and other direct costs decreased as a percentage of contract revenue primarily as a result of the decrease in contract revenues from our direct install programs for small businesses, as described above.
General and administrative expenses. General and administrative (“G&A”) expenses increased by $20.0 million, or 15.9%, in the fiscal year 2020 compared to the fiscal year 2019. The increase in G&A expenses consisted of an increase of $12.2 million in the Energy segment and an increase of $8.5 million in the unallocated
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corporate expenses, partially offset by a decrease of $0.7 million in the Engineering and Consulting segment. The increase in G&A expenses in the Energy segment was primarily attributed to incremental expenses of $13.0 million from the addition of E3, Inc. and Onsite Energy, combined with increases in stock-based compensation, intangible asset amortization, and other corporate general and administrative expenses, partially offset by our cost-saving measures instituted, as described earlier, in response to Covid-19.
Of the $20.0 million increase in G&A expenses, $4.9 million resulted from an increase in salaries and wages, payroll taxes and employee benefits, $4.0 million resulted from an increase in stock-based compensation, $3.7 million resulted from an increase in depreciation and amortization, $1.9 million resulted from an increase in facilities and facility related expenses, and $5.4 million resulted from an increase in other general and administrative expenses. The increase in other general and administrative expenses was primarily due to an increase of $6.5 million in the liability for contingent consideration, partially offset by lower traveling expenses as a result of the measures put in place for Covid-19, combined with lower acquisition costs and lower professional services. The increase in salaries and wages, payroll taxes and employee benefits was primarily attributable to the addition of employees from the acquisition of E3, Inc. and Onsite Energy, partially offset by our actions related to placing a temporary cash wage reduction for salaried employees, as well as instituting a reduction in workforce, primarily through unpaid furloughs, aimed at preserving liquidity as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic. During the second half of the three months ended July 3, 2020, furloughed employees began to return to work as government authorities began loosening restrictions through phased re-openings and, by the end of the third fiscal quarter, the majority of furloughed employees had returned to work. In addition, as the initial impact of Covid-19 was ascertained and operations were adjusted accordingly, salaries were reinstituted in June 2020 with the exception of corporate staff, whose salaries were reinstituted at the end of July 2020. The increase in facilities and facility related expenses was primarily due to the addition of offices in connection with the acquisition of E3, Inc., and Onsite Energy. The increase in stock-based compensation expenses was primarily related to new stock grants to current employees and executives. The increase in depreciation and amortization was primarily due to an increase in amortization of intangible assets derived from the acquisition of E3, Inc., and Onsite Energy.
Income (loss) from operations. Our operating loss was $16.2 million for fiscal year 2020, compared to operating income of $9.4 million for fiscal year 2019, as a result of the factors noted above. As a percentage of contract revenue, operating loss was 4.2% for the fiscal year 2020 compared to an operating income of 2.1% for the fiscal year 2019. The decrease in operating margin was primarily attributable to decreases in contract revenue as a result of Covid-19 combined with increases in stock-based compensation and intangible asset amortization from the acquisition of E3, Inc. and Onsite Energy, partially offset by increases in governmental contract revenue.
Total other expense, net. Total other expense, net was $3.4 million for fiscal year 2020 compared to $4.7 million for fiscal year 2019. The decrease in total other expense, net was primarily the result of the recognition of $0.6 million in income from an indemnification agreement and higher interest income. Interest expense was relatively flat year over year.
Income tax expense (benefit). We recorded an income tax benefit of $5.2 million for the fiscal year 2020 compared to a tax benefit of $0.2 million for the fiscal year 2019. The effective tax rate for fiscal year 2020 was (26.3)% as compared to (4.0)% for fiscal year 2019. The increase in the year-over-year effective tax rate for fiscal year 2020 is primarily attributable to our loss before income tax, reduced energy efficient commercial building deductions and increased nondeductible compensation recognized in 2020.
Net income (loss). As a result of the above factors, our net loss was $14.5 million for the fiscal year ended 2020, as compared to a net income of $4.8 million for the fiscal year 2019.
Fiscal Year 2019 Compared to Fiscal Year 2018
Contract revenue. Consolidated contract revenue increased $170.8 million, or 62.4%, in fiscal year 2019 compared to fiscal year 2018, primarily as a result of a full year of contract revenue related to our acquisition of Lime Energy Co. (“Lime Energy”) in October 1, 2018, compared to a partial year of such revenues in the prior year, and increases in contract revenue related to our acquisitions of E3, Inc., Onsite Energy, and the Weidt Group during fiscal year 2019. This increase was partially offset by a decrease in contract revenue in the Engineering and Consulting segment due to normal fluctuations in the level of services provided.
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Contract revenue in our Energy segment increased $173.9 million, or 88.0%, in fiscal year 2019 compared to fiscal year 2018. Contract revenue in our Engineering and Consulting segment decreased $3.0 million, or 4.0%, in fiscal year 2019 compared to fiscal year 2018. Contract revenue for the Energy segment increased as a result of the reasons mentioned above as Lime Energy, E3 Inc., Onsite Energy, and the Weidt Group are included in our Energy segment. Contract revenue for the Engineering and Consulting segment decreased primarily as a result of lower subcontracted revenue during fiscal year 2019.
Direct costs of contract revenue. Direct costs of consolidated contract revenue increased $128.8 million, or 71.4%, in fiscal year 2019 compared to fiscal year 2018, primarily as a result of a full year of direct costs of contract revenue related to Lime Energy, compared to a partial year of such costs in the prior year, and an increase in direct costs of contract revenues related to our acquisitions of E3, Inc., Onsite Energy, and the Weidt Group during fiscal year 2019.
Direct cost of contract revenue in our Energy segment increased $129.4 million, or 94.7%, to $266.0 million for fiscal year 2019 from $136.6 million for fiscal year 2018 as a result of the acquisitions in the Energy segment mentioned above which collectively contributed $132.3 million in direct costs of contract revenue in fiscal year 2019. Direct costs of contract revenue for the Engineering and Consulting segment decreased $1.3 million, or 3.0%, to $41.4 million for fiscal year 2019 from $42.7 million for fiscal year 2018 in conjunction with the decrease in revenue in this segment.
Subcontractor services and other direct costs increased by $110.2 million and salaries and wages increased by $17.9 million compared to the prior year. Within direct costs of contract revenue, salaries and wages decreased to 14.6% of contract revenue for fiscal year 2019 from 17.1% for fiscal year 2018. Subcontractor services and other direct costs increased to 55.0% of contract revenue for fiscal year 2019 from 48.7% of contract revenue for fiscal year 2018. Salaries and wages within direct costs of contract revenue decreased as a percentage of contract revenue and subcontractor services increased as a percentage of contract revenue, primarily as a result of increased mix of revenues derived from the Lime acquisition which contain a higher percentage of material costs and installation subcontracting and a lower percentage of labor costs compared to the previous year.
General and administrative expenses. General and administrative (“G&A”) expenses increased by $45.4 million, or 56.6%, to $125.6 million for fiscal year 2019 from $80.2 million for fiscal year 2018. The increase in G&A expenses consisted of an increase of $43.3 million in the Energy segment and an increase of $2.4 million in the unallocated corporate expenses, partially offset by a decrease of $3.0 million in the Engineering and Consulting segment. The increase in G&A expenses in the Energy segment was primarily attributed of a full year of G&A expenses related to our acquisition of Lime Energy, compared to a partial year of such expenses in the prior year, and an increase in G&A expenses related to our acquisitions of E3, Inc., Onsite Energy, and The Weidt Group during fiscal year 2019, which collectively contributed $40.9 million in G&A expenses in fiscal year 2019. The increase in our unallocated corporate expenses is primarily attributable to increased acquisition-related costs related to E3, Inc., Onsite Energy, and the Weidt Group. The decrease in G&A expenses in the Engineering and Consulting segment was primarily attributed to lower contract revenues in that segment as described above.
Of the $42.7 million increase in G&A expenses, $18.3 million resulted from an increase in salaries and wages, payroll taxes and employee benefits, $5.9 million resulted from an increase in stock-based compensation, $9.0 million resulted from an increase in depreciation and amortization, $6.7 million resulted from an increase in other general and administrative expenses and $3.0 million resulted from an increase in facilities and facility related expenses. The increase in salaries and wages, payroll taxes and employee benefits was primarily attributable to the addition of employees from the acquisitions of Lime Energy, The Weidt Group, Onsite Energy, and E3, Inc. The increase in facilities and facility related expenses was primarily due to the addition of offices in connection with our fiscal year 2019 acquisitions. The increase in stock-based compensation expenses was primarily related to an increase in stock grants to current employees and executives. The increase in depreciation and amortization was primarily due to an increase in amortization of intangible assets derived from the acquisitions of Lime Energy, The Weidt Group, Onsite Energy, and E3, Inc. The increase in other general and administrative expenses was primarily due to acquisition costs related to the acquisition of the Weidt Group, Onsite Energy, and E3, Inc.
Income from operations. Our operating income decreased by $0.8 million, or 6.3% as a result of the factors noted above. As a percentage of contract revenue, operating income decreased to 2.7% in fiscal year 2019 compared to
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4.7% in fiscal year 2018. This decrease was primarily attributable to higher direct costs of contract revenue, as a percentage of revenue, partially offset by lower G&A expenses, as a percentage of contract revenue.
Total other expense, net. Total other expense, net, increased to $4.7 million for fiscal year 2019 as compared $610,000 for fiscal year 2018. This increase in total other expense, net is primarily the result of higher interest expense during fiscal year 2019 as a result of borrowings under our credit facilities related to our acquisitions of Lime Energy, the Weidt Group, Onsite Energy, and E3, Inc.
Income tax (benefit) expense. We recorded an income tax benefit of $0.2 million for fiscal year 2019, as compared to $2.1 million expense for fiscal year 2018. The effective tax rate for fiscal year 2019 was (4.0)%, as compared to 17.5% for fiscal year 2018. The decrease in the year-over-year effective tax rate for fiscal year 2019 and the difference between the tax expense recorded and the expense that would be recorded by applying the federal statutory rate was primarily attributable to increased deductions for stock options, increased research and development credits, and the impact of the energy efficient commercial building deductions recognized in 2019.
Net income. As a result of the above factors, our net income was $4.8 million for fiscal year 2019, as compared to net income of $10.0 million for fiscal year 2018.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Fiscal Year
2020
2019
2018
(in thousands)
Net Cash Provided by (used in):
Operating activities
$
47,025
$
11,621
$
7,568
Investing activities
(5,059)
(78,348)
(126,390)
Financing activities
(19,013)
56,920
119,657
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
$
22,953
$
(9,807)
$
835
We believe that our cash and cash equivalents on hand, cash generated by operating activities and available borrowings under our revolving credit facility will be sufficient to finance our operating activities for at least the next 12 months. However, as a result of forecasted increased working capital requirements related to our newly signed $781 million in California Owned Utility Contracts, we may seek to modify certain terms under our bank borrowing facilities to ensure an adequate margin for certain covenant compliance obligations. As of January 1, 2021, we had $28.4 million of cash and cash equivalents. Our cash increased by $22.9 million since December 27, 2019. We generated cash flow from operations of $47.0 million during fiscal year 2020, partially offset by net cash used for capital expenditures. Our primary source of liquidity is cash generated from operations. In addition, as of January 1, 2021, we had $85.0 million outstanding in Term A Loan, a $50.0 million Revolving Credit Facility with no amounts outstanding and $2.7 million in letters of credit issued, and a $50.0 million Delayed Draw Term Loan with $27.0 million outstanding, each scheduled to mature on June 26, 2024. However, as described in Part II, Item 8, Note 5, “Debt Obligations”, of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in this quarterly report on Form 10-Q, we are not able to access additional borrowings under the Delayed Draw Term Loan during our Covenant Relief Period.
Cash Flows from Operating Activities
Cash flows provided by operating activities were $47.0 million for fiscal year 2020, as compared to $11.6 million and $7.6 million for fiscal years 2019 and 2018, respectively. Cash flow from operating activities primarily consists of net income, adjusted for non-cash charges, such as depreciation and amortization and stock-based compensation, plus or minus changes in operating assets and liabilities. Changes in cash flows provided by operating activities for fiscal year 2020 resulted primarily due to improvements in cash collections, reductions in working capital requirements as a result of the reduction of revenues from the suspension of our small business energy programs, and incremental operating cash flow from our acquisitions of E3, Inc. and Onsite Energy. Cash flows provided by operating activities for fiscal year 2019 resulted primarily as a result of our fiscal year 2019 acquisitions, combined with a decrease in accounts receivable and an increase in accrued liabilities, partially offset by an increase in contract assets. Cash flows
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provided by operating activities for fiscal year 2018 resulted primarily from our net income, as adjusted for non-cash activity such as depreciation and amortization and stock-based compensation and collections of accounts receivable, partially offset by increases in contract assets combined with decreases in accrued liabilities and accounts payable.
Cash Flows used in Investing Activities
Cash flows used in investing activities were $5.0 million for fiscal year 2020, as compared to $78.3 million and $126.4 million for fiscal years 2019 and 2018, respectively. Cash flows used in investing activities for fiscal year 2020 were primarily due to cash paid for the purchase of equipment, the enhancement of internal operating software, and leasehold improvements. Cash flows used in investing activities for fiscal year 2019 were primarily due to cash paid for the acquisitions of The Weidt Group, Onsite Energy, and E3, Inc. Cash flows used in investing activities for fiscal year 2018 were primarily due to cash paid for the acquisition of Lime Energy.
Cash Flows used in Financing Activities
Cash flows used in financing activities were $19.0 million for fiscal year 2020, as compared to cash flows provided by financing activities of $56.9 million and $119.7 million for fiscal years 2019 and 2018, respectively. Cash flows used in financing activities for fiscal year 2020 were primarily attributable to repayments of $42.0 million under our term loan facility and revolving line of credit, a payment of $2.9 million in employee payroll taxes related to the vesting of performance-based restricted stock units, and payments of $1.4 million for contingent consideration related to prior acquisitions, partially offset by $24.0 million of borrowings under our revolving line of credit. Cash flows provided by financing activities for fiscal year 2019 were primarily attributable to borrowings under our credit facilities related to our acquisitions of The Weidt Group, Onsite Energy, and E3, Inc. Cash flows provided by financing activities for fiscal year 2018 were primarily attributable to borrowings under our Delayed Draw Term Loan Facility and the net proceeds from our equity offering, each related to our acquisition of Lime Energy.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
Other than operating lease commitments, we do not have any off-balance sheet financing arrangements or liabilities. In addition, our policy is not to enter into futures or forward contracts. Finally, we do not have any majority-owned subsidiaries or any interests in, or relationships with, any special-purpose entities that are not included in the consolidated financial statements. We have, however, an administrative services agreement with Genesys in which we provide Genesys with ongoing administrative, operational and other non-professional support services. We manage Genesys and have the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact Genesys’ performance, in addition to being obligated to absorb expected losses from Genesys. Accordingly, we are the primary beneficiary of Genesys and consolidate Genesys as a variable interest entity.
Short and Long-term Liquidity
Contractual Obligations
The following table sets forth our known contractual obligations as of January 1, 2021:
Less than
More than
Contractual Obligations
Total
1 Year
1 - 3 Years
3 - 5 Years
5 Years
( in thousands)
Long term debt (1)
$
113,174
$
14,996
$
25,469
$
72,709
$
—
Interest payments on debt outstanding (2)
9,473
3,733
4,776
964
—
Operating leases
23,634
5,844
10,602
4,699
2,489
Finance leases
503
248
239
16
—
Total contractual cash obligations
$
146,784
$
24,822
$
41,086
$
78,389
$
2,489
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(1) Long-term debt includes $85.0 million outstanding on our Term A Loan, no amounts outstanding on our Revolving Credit Facility, and $27.0 million outstanding on our Delayed Draw Term Loan as of January 1, 2021. We have assumed no future borrowings or repayments (other than at maturity) for purposes of this table.
(2) Borrowings under our Delayed Draw Term Loan bear interest at a variable rate. Future interest payments on our Delayed Draw Term Loan Facility are estimated using floating rates in effect as of January 1, 2021.
We are obligated to pay earn-out payments in connection with our 2019 and 2017 acquisitions of E3, Inc. and Integral Analytics, respectively. We are obligated to pay up to (i) $12.0 million in cash if E3, Inc. exceeds certain financial targets during the three years after the E3, Inc. closing date, and (ii) $12.0 million in cash based on future work obtained from the business of Integral Analytics during the four years after the closing of the acquisition, payable in installments, if certain financial targets are met during the four years. As of January 1, 2021, we had contingent consideration payable of $15.3 million related to these acquisitions. For fiscal 2020, our statement of operations includes $7.7 million of accretion (excluding fair value adjustments) related to the contingent consideration.
Outstanding Indebtedness
See part II, Item 8, Note 5, “ Debt Obligations ”, of the Notes to consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for information regarding our indebtedness, including information about new borrowings and repayments, principal repayment terms, interest rates, covenants, and other key terms of our outstanding indebtedness.
Insurance Premiums
We have also financed, from time to time, insurance premiums by entering into unsecured notes payable with insurance companies. See part II, Item 8, Note 5, “ Debt Obligations ”, of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for information regarding our financing arrangements related to our insurance premiums including principal repayment terms, interest rates, and other related key terms.
Interest Rate Swap
We have entered into an interest rate swap agreement to moderate our exposure to fluctuations in interest rates underlying our variable rate debt. For more information, see Part II, Item 7A, “ Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk ”, and Note 4, “ Derivatives ”, to the Notes of Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Impact of Inflation
Due to the average duration of our projects and our ability to negotiate prices as contracts end and new contracts begin, we believe our operations have not been, and, in the foreseeable future, are not expected to be, materially impacted by inflation.
Components of Revenue and Expense
Contract Revenue
We generally provide our services under contracts, purchase orders or retainer letters. The agreements we enter into with our clients typically incorporate one of three principal types of pricing provisions: time-and-materials, unit-based, and fixed price. Revenue on our time-and-materials and unit-based contracts are recognized as the work is performed in accordance with specific terms of the contract. As of January 1, 2021, approximately 26% of our contracts are time-and-materials contracts and approximately 46% of our contracts are unit-based contracts, compared to approximately 17% for time-and-materials contracts and approximately 65% for unit-based contracts as of December 27, 2019. The shifts in percentages are attributable to the impact resulting from the Covid-19 pandemic and efforts to limit its spread that started in March 2020 which resulted in decreases in our direct install programs for small businesses.
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Some of these contracts include maximum contract prices, but contract maximums are often adjusted to reflect the level of effort to achieve client objectives and thus the majority of these contracts are not expected to exceed the maximum. Contract revenue on our fixed price contracts is determined on the percentage of completion method based generally on the ratio of direct costs incurred to date to estimated total direct costs at completion. Many of our fixed price contracts involve a high degree of subcontracted fixed price effort and are relatively short in duration, thereby lowering the risks of not properly estimating the percent complete.
Adjustments to contract cost estimates are made in the periods in which the facts requiring such revisions become known. When the revised estimate indicates a loss, such loss is recognized in the current period in its entirety. Claims and change orders that have not been finalized are evaluated to determine whether or not a change has occurred in the enforceable rights and obligations of the original contract. If these non-finalized changes qualify as a contract modification, a determination is made whether to account for the change in contract value as a modification to the existing contract, or a separate contract and revenue under the claims or change orders is recognized accordingly. Costs related to un-priced change orders are expensed when incurred, and recognition of the related revenue is based on the assessment above of whether or not a contract modification has occurred. Estimated profit for un-priced change orders is recognized only if collection is probable.
Our contracts come up for renewal periodically and at the time of renewal may be subject to renegotiation, which could impact the profitability on that contract. In addition, during the term of a contract, public agencies may request additional or revised services which may impact the economics of the transaction. Most of our contracts permit our clients, with prior notice, to terminate the contracts at any time without cause. While we have a large volume of contracts, the renewal, termination or modification of a contract, in particular contracts with Consolidated Edison, the City of Elk Grove, DASNY, and utility programs associated with Los Angeles Department of Water and Power and Duke Energy Corp., may have a material effect on our consolidated operations.
Some of our contracts include certain performance guarantees, such as a guaranteed energy saving quantity. Such guarantees are generally measured upon completion of a project. In the event that the measured performance level is less than the guaranteed level, any resulting financial penalty, including any additional work that may be required to fulfill the guarantee, is estimated and charged to direct expenses in the current period. We have not experienced any significant costs under such guarantees.
Direct Costs of Contract Revenue
Direct costs of contract revenue consist primarily of that portion of salaries and wages that have been incurred in connection with revenue producing projects. Direct costs of contract revenue also include material costs, subcontractor services, equipment and other expenses that are incurred in connection with revenue producing projects. Direct costs of contract revenue exclude that portion of salaries and wages related to marketing efforts, vacations, holidays and other time not spent directly generating revenue under existing contracts. Such costs are included in general and administrative expenses. Additionally, payroll taxes, bonuses and employee benefit costs for all of our personnel are included in general and administrative expenses since no allocation of these costs is made to direct costs of contract revenue.
Other companies may classify as direct costs of contract revenue some of the costs that we classify as general and administrative costs. We expense direct costs of contract revenue when incurred.
General and Administrative Expenses
G&A expenses include the costs of the marketing and support staffs, other marketing expenses, management and administrative personnel costs, payroll taxes, bonuses and employee benefits for all of our employees and the portion of salaries and wages not allocated to direct costs of contract revenue for those employees who provide our services. G&A expenses also include facility costs, depreciation and amortization, professional services, legal and accounting fees and administrative operating costs. Within G&A expenses, “Other” includes expenses such as professional services, legal and accounting, computer costs, travel and entertainment, marketing costs and acquisition costs. We expense general and administrative costs when incurred.
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Critical Accounting Policies
This discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations is based upon our consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the U.S. (“GAAP”). To prepare these financial statements in conformity with GAAP, we must make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amount of revenue and expenses in the reporting period. Our actual results may differ from these estimates. We have provided a summary of our significant accounting policies in Part II, Item 8, Note 1, Organization and Operations of the Company , of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. We describe below those accounting policies that require material subjective or complex judgments and that have the most significant impact on our financial condition and results of operations. Our management evaluates these estimates on an ongoing basis, based upon information currently available and on various assumptions management believes are reasonable as of the date of this report.
Contract Assets and Liabilities
Billing practices are governed by the contract terms of each project based upon costs incurred, achievement of milestones or pre-agreed schedules. Billings in any given fiscal period do not necessarily correlate with revenue recognized for that period. Contract assets include unbilled amounts typically resulting from revenue under contracts where the percentage-of-completion method of revenue recognition is utilized and revenue recognized exceeds the amount billed to the customer and right to repayment is not unconditional. Contract assets also include retainage amounts withheld from billings to our clients pursuant to provisions in our contracts and other revenues earned but not billed in the current period. Contract liabilities consist of advance payments and billings in excess of revenue recognized and deferred revenue.
Contract Accounting
We enter into contracts with our clients that contain various types of pricing provisions, including fixed price, time-and-materials, and unit-based provisions. We recognize revenues in accordance with ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customer, codified as ASC Topic 606 and the related amendments (collectively, “ASC 606”). As such, we identify a contract with a customer, identify the performance obligations in the contract, determine the transaction price, allocate the transaction price to each performance obligation in the contract and recognize revenue when (or as) we satisfy a performance obligation.
The following table reflects our two reportable segments and the types of contracts that each most commonly enters into for revenue generating activities.
Segment
Contract Type
Revenue Recognition Method
Time-and-materials
Time-and-materials
Energy
Unit-based
Unit-based
Software license
Unit-based
Fixed price
Percentage-of-completion
Time-and-materials
Time-and-materials
Engineering and Consulting
Unit-based
Unit-based
Fixed price
Percentage-of-completion
Revenue on the vast majority of our contracts will continue to be recognized over time because of the continuous transfer of control to the customer. Revenue on fixed price contracts is recognized on the percentage-of-completion method based generally on the ratio of direct costs incurred-to-date to estimated total direct costs at completion. We use the percentage-of-completion method to better match the level of work performed at a certain point in time in relation to our effort that will be required to complete a project. In addition, the percentage-of-completion method is a common method of revenue recognition in our industry.
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Many of our fixed price contracts involve a high degree of subcontracted fixed price effort and are relatively short in duration, thereby lowering the risks of not properly estimating the percent complete. Revenue on time-and-materials and unit-based contracts is recognized as the work is performed in accordance with the specific rates and terms of the contract. We recognize revenues for time-and-materials contracts based upon the actual hours incurred during a reporting period at contractually agreed upon rates per hour and also include in revenue all reimbursable costs incurred during a reporting period. Certain of our time-and-materials contracts are subject to maximum contract values and, accordingly, when revenue is expected to exceed the maximum contract value, these contracts are generally recognized under the percentage-of-completion method, consistent with fixed price contracts. For unit-based contracts, we recognize the contract price of units of a basic production product as revenue when the production product is delivered during a period. Revenue recognition for software licenses issued by the Energy segment is generally recognized utilizing the unit-based revenue recognition method at a point in time, upon acceptance of the software by the customer and in recognition of the fulfillment of the performance obligation. Certain additional performance obligations beyond the base software license may be separated from the gross license fee and recognized on a straight-line basis over time. Revenue for amounts that have been billed but not earned is deferred and such deferred revenue is referred to as contract liabilities in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets.
To determine the proper revenue recognition method for contracts, we evaluate whether two or more contracts should be combined and accounted for as one single contract and whether the combined contract should be accounted for as one performance obligation. With respect to our contracts, it is rare that multiple contracts should be combined into a single performance obligation. This evaluation requires significant judgment and the decision to combine a group of contracts or separate a single contract into multiple performance obligations could change the amount of revenue and profit recorded in a given period. Contracts are considered to have a single performance obligation if the promise to transfer the individual goods or services is not separately identifiable from other promises in the contracts, which is mainly because we provide a significant service of integrating a complex set of tasks and components into a single project or capability.
We may enter into contracts that include separate phases or elements. If each phase or element is negotiated separately based on the technical resources required and/or the supply and demand for the services being provided, we evaluate if the contracts should be segmented. If certain criteria are met, the contracts would be segmented which could result in revenues being assigned to the different elements or phases with different rates of profitability based on the relative value of each element or phase to the estimated total contract revenue. Segmented contracts may comprise up to approximately 2.0% to 3.0% of our consolidated contract revenue.
Contracts that cover multiple phases or elements of the project or service lifecycle (development, design, construction and maintenance and support) may be considered to have multiple performance obligations even when they are part of a single contract. For contracts with multiple performance obligations, we allocate the transaction price to each performance obligation using the best estimate of the standalone selling price of each distinct good or service in the contract. For the periods presented, the value of the separate performance obligations under contracts with multiple performance obligations (generally measurement and verification tasks under certain energy performance contracts) were not material. In cases where we do not provide the distinct good or service on a standalone basis, the primary method used to estimate standalone selling price is the expected cost plus a margin approach, under which we forecast our expected costs of satisfying a performance obligation and then adds an appropriate margin for the distinct good or service.
We provide quality of workmanship warranties to customers that are included in the sale and are not priced or sold separately or do not provide customers with a service in addition to assurance of compliance with agreed-upon specifications and industry standards. We do not consider these types of warranties to be separate performance obligations.
In some cases, we have a master service or blanket agreement with a customer under which each task order releases us to perform specific portions of the overall scope in the service contract. Each task order is typically accounted for as a separate contract because the task order establishes the enforceable rights and obligations, and payment terms.
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Under ASC 606, variable consideration should be considered when determining the transaction price and estimates should be made for the variable consideration component of the transaction price, as well as assessing whether an estimate of variable consideration is constrained. For certain of our contracts, variable consideration can arise from modifications to the scope of services resulting from unapproved change orders or customer claims. Variable consideration is included in the transaction price to the extent it is probable that a significant reversal of cumulative revenue recognized will not occur when the uncertainty associated with the variable consideration is resolved. Our estimates of variable consideration and determination of whether to include estimated amounts in the transaction price are based largely on assessments of legal enforceability, our performance, and all information (historical, current and forecasted) that is reasonably available to us.
Due to the nature of the work required to be performed on many of our performance obligations, the estimation of total revenue and cost at completion is complex, subject to many variables and requires significant judgment. As a significant change in one or more of these estimates could affect the profitability of our contracts, we review and update our contract-related estimates regularly through a company-wide disciplined project review process in which management reviews the progress and execution of our performance obligations and the estimate at completion (“EAC”). As part of this process, management reviews information including, but not limited to, any outstanding key contract matters, progress towards completion and the related program schedule and the related changes in estimates of revenues and costs. Management must make assumptions and estimates regarding labor productivity and availability, the complexity of the work to be performed, the cost and availability of materials, the performance of subcontractors, and the availability and timing of funding from the customer, among other variables.
We recognize adjustments in estimated profit on contracts under the cumulative catch-up method. Under this method, the impact of the adjustment on profit recorded to date is recognized in the period the adjustment is identified. Revenue and profit in future periods of contract performance is recognized using the adjusted estimate. If at any time the estimate of contract profitability indicates an anticipated loss on the contract, we recognize the total loss in the period it is identified.
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 rights or obligations or changes the existing enforceable rights or obligations. Most of our contract modifications are for goods or services that are not distinct from existing contracts due to the significant integration provided 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 that is not distinct from the existing contract 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.
For contract modifications that result in the promise to deliver goods or services that are distinct from the existing contract and the increase in price of the contract is for the same amount as the standalone selling price of the additional goods or services included in the modification, we account for such contract modifications as a separate contract.
We include claims to vendors, subcontractors and others as a receivable and a reduction in recognized costs when enforceability of the claim is established by the contract and the amounts are reasonably estimable and probable of being recovered. The amounts are recorded up to the extent of the lesser of the amounts management expects to recover or to costs incurred.
Billing practices are governed by the contract terms of each project based upon costs incurred, achievement of milestones or pre-agreed schedules. Billings do not necessarily correlate with revenue recognized using the percentage-of-completion method of revenue recognition.
Accounts receivable are carried at original invoice amount less an estimate made for doubtful accounts based upon our review of all outstanding amounts on a quarterly basis. Management determines allowances for doubtful accounts through specific identification of amounts considered to be uncollectible and potential write-offs, plus a non-specific allowance for other amounts for which some potential loss has been determined to be probable based on current and past experience. Historical credit losses have been minimal with governmental entities and large public utilities, but
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disputes may arise related to these receivable amounts. Accounts receivable are written off when deemed uncollectible. Recoveries of accounts receivable previously written off are recorded when received.
In addition to the above, we derive revenue from software licenses and professional services and maintenance fees. In accordance with ASC 606, we perform an assessment of each contract to identify the performance obligations, determine the overall transaction price for the contract, allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations, and recognize the revenue when the performance obligations are satisfied.
We utilize the residual approach by which we estimate the standalone selling price by reference to the total transaction price less the sum of the observable standalone selling prices of other goods or services promised in the contract. The software license revenue is typically recognized at a point in time when control is transferred to the client, which is defined as the point in time when the client can use and benefit from the license. The software license is delivered before related services are provided and is functional without services, updates, or technical support. Related professional services include training and support services in which the standalone selling price is determined based on an input measure of hours incurred to total estimated hours and is recognized over time, usually which is the life of the contract.
For further information on the types of contracts under which we perform our services, see Part II, Item 8, Note 1, Organization and Operations of the Company, of the Notes to consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Goodwill
We test our goodwill at least annually for possible impairment. We complete our annual testing of goodwill as of the last day of the first month of our fourth fiscal quarter each year to determine whether there is impairment. In addition to our annual test, we regularly evaluate whether events and circumstances have occurred that may indicate a potential impairment of goodwill. We did not recognize any goodwill impairment charges in fiscal years 2020, 2019, or 2018.
We test our goodwill for impairment at the level of our reporting units, which are components of our operating segments. In January 2017, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the “FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) Update No. 2017-04 (“ASU 2017-04”), Intangibles—Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Testing Goodwill for Impairment . This accounting guidance eliminates the requirement to compare the implied fair value of reporting unit goodwill with the carrying amount of that goodwill (commonly referred to as Step 2) from the goodwill impairment test. The new standard does not change how a goodwill impairment is identified. We will continue to perform our quantitative and qualitative goodwill impairment test by comparing the fair value of each reporting unit to its carrying amount, but if we are required to recognize a goodwill impairment charge, under the new standard the amount of the charge will be calculated by subtracting the reporting unit’s fair value from its carrying amount. Under the prior standard, if we were required to recognize a goodwill impairment charge, Step 2 required us to calculate the implied value of goodwill by assigning the fair value of a reporting unit to all of its assets and liabilities as if that reporting unit had been acquired in a business combination and the amount of the charge was calculated by subtracting the reporting unit’s implied fair value of goodwill from its actual goodwill balance.
To estimate the fair value of our reporting units, we use both an income approach based on management’s estimates of future cash flows and other market data and a market approach based upon multiples of earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, or EBITDA, earned by similar public companies. Once the fair value is determined, we then compare the fair value of the reporting unit to its carrying value, including goodwill. If the fair value of the reporting unit is determined to be less than the carrying value, we perform an additional assessment to determine the extent of the impairment based on the implied fair value of goodwill compared with the carrying amount of the goodwill. In the event that the current implied fair value of the goodwill is less than the carrying value, an impairment charge is recognized.
Inherent in such fair value determinations are significant judgments and estimates, including but not limited to assumptions about our future revenue, profitability and cash flows, our operational plans and our interpretation of
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current economic indicators and market valuations. To the extent these assumptions are incorrect or economic conditions that would impact the future operations of our reporting units change, any goodwill may be deemed to be impaired, and an impairment charge could have in a material impact on our financial position or results of operation. Almost all of our goodwill is contained in our Energy segment, with the remainder in our Engineering and Consulting segment. At our measurement date, the estimated fair value of our Energy segment exceeded its carrying value. Any reduction in the estimated fair value of our Energy segment could result in an impairment charge of goodwill associated with this segment in future periods.
Business Combinations
The acquisition method of accounting for business combinations requires us to use significant estimates and assumptions, including fair value estimates, as of the business combination date. For reporting periods prior to the completion of our procedures to value assets and liabilities, the acquisition method requires us to refine those estimates as necessary during the measurement period (defined as the period, not to exceed one year, in which we may adjust the provisional amounts recognized for a business combination) based upon new information about facts that existed on the business combination date.
Under the acquisition method of accounting, we recognize separately from goodwill the identifiable assets acquired, the liabilities assumed, and any non-controlling interests in an acquiree, at the acquisition date fair value. We measure goodwill as of the acquisition date as the excess of consideration transferred over the net of the acquisition date amounts of the identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed. Costs that we incur to complete the business combination such as investment banking, legal and other professional fees are not considered part of consideration. We charge these acquisition costs to other general and administrative expense as they are incurred.
Should the initial accounting for a business combination be incomplete by the end of a reporting period that falls within the measurement period, we report provisional amounts in our financial statements. During the measurement period, we adjust the provisional amounts recognized at the acquisition date to reflect new information obtained about facts and circumstances that existed as of the acquisition date that, if known, would have affected the measurement of the amounts recognized as of that date and we record those adjustments to our financial statements. We recognize adjustments to provisional amounts that are identified during the measurement period in the reporting period in which the adjustment amounts are determined, including the effect on earnings of changes in depreciation, amortization or other income effects, if any, as a result of the change to the provisional amounts, calculated as if the accounting had been completed at the acquisition date. For further discussion of our acquisitions, see Part II, Item 8, Note 13, “ Business Combinations ” of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Income Taxes
Income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences of temporary differences between the financial reporting basis and tax basis of our assets and liabilities, subject to a judgmental assessment of the recoverability of deferred tax assets. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. A valuation allowance is recorded when it is more-likely-than-not that some of the deferred tax assets may not be realized. Significant judgment is applied when assessing the need for valuation allowances and includes the evaluation of historical income (loss) adjusted for the effects of non-recurring items and the impact of recent business combinations. Areas of estimation include our consideration of future taxable income which is driven by verifiable signed contracts and ongoing prudent and feasible tax planning strategies. Should a change in circumstances lead to a change in judgment about the utilization of deferred tax assets in future years, we would adjust the related valuation allowances in the period that the change in circumstances occurs, along with a corresponding increase or charge to income.
For acquired business entities, if we identify changes to acquired deferred tax asset valuation allowances or liabilities related to uncertain tax positions during the measurement period and they relate to new information obtained about facts and circumstances that existed as of the acquisition date, those changes are considered a measurement period
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adjustment and we record the offset to goodwill. We record all other changes to deferred tax asset valuation allowances and liabilities related to uncertain tax positions in current period income tax expense.
We recognize the tax benefit from uncertain tax positions if it is more-likely-than-not that the tax positions will be sustained on examination by the tax authorities, based on the technical merits of the position. The tax benefit is measured based on the largest benefit that has a greater than 50% likelihood of being realized upon ultimate settlement. We recognize interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in income tax expense.
For further discussion of our income taxes, see Part II, Item 8, Note 11, “ Income Taxes ” of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Recent Accounting Standards
For a description of recently issued and adopted accounting pronouncements, including adoption dates and expected effects on our results of operations and financial condition, see Part II, Item 8, Note 2, “ Recent Accounting Pronouncements ”, of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.