Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2013

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Principles of Consolidation

These financial statements are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. The accompanying consolidated financial statements include our accounts and those of our subsidiaries in which we have a controlling interest. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.

Reclassifications

Reclassifications

Certain reclassifications have been made in prior period financial statements to conform to current period presentation. These reclassifications are either of a normal and recurring nature or are due to discontinued operations accounting related to the shutdown of our Delaware operation in 2012. Neither have resulted in any changes to previously reported net income for any periods.

Accounting Adjustment

Accounting Adjustment

The accompanying financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2013 includes the correction of prior period accounting errors which resulted in additional net after-tax income in the period of approximately $1.3 million. We determined that the errors primarily impacted years prior to 2010. These corrections are reflected on a pretax basis in revenue, cost of sales and selling, general, and administrative expenses, which include $3.3 million, $0.8 million and $0.3 million, respectively.

We have considered the guidance found in ASC 250-10 and ASC 270-10 (SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 99, Materiality, Accounting Bulletin No. 108, Considering the Effects of Prior Year Misstatements when Quantifying Misstatements in Current Year Financial Statements), in evaluating whether a restatement of prior financial statements is required as a result of the misstatement to such financial statements. ASC 250 requires that corrections of errors be recorded by restatement of prior periods if the error is material. We quantitatively and qualitatively assessed the materiality of the errors and concluded that the errors were not material to our earnings for the year ended December 31, 2013, and any of our previously issued financial statements.

Use of Estimates

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires the use of estimates and assumptions by management in determining the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, revenue and expenses and disclosures regarding contingent assets and liabilities. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The most significant estimates used in our financial statements affect revenue and cost recognition for construction contracts, the allowance for doubtful accounts, self-insurance accruals, deferred tax assets, warranty accruals, fair value accounting for acquisitions and the quantification of fair value for reporting units in connection with our goodwill impairment testing.

Cash Flow Information

Cash Flow Information

We consider all highly liquid investments purchased with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents.

Cash paid (in thousands) for:

	Year Ended December 31,

	2013		2012		2011
Interest	$	799	$	1,326	$	1,720
Income taxes for continuing operations		15,821		13,948		1,613
Income taxes for discontinued operations		—		5		8


Total	$	16,620	$	15,279	$	3,341

Revenue Recognition

Revenue Recognition

Approximately 83% of our revenue was earned on a project basis and recognized through the percentage of completion method of accounting. Under this method, contract revenue recognizable at any time during the life of a contract is determined by multiplying expected total contract revenue by the percentage of contract costs incurred at any time to total estimated contract costs. More specifically, as part of the negotiation and bidding process in connection with obtaining installation contracts, we estimate our contract costs, which include all direct materials (exclusive of rebates), labor and subcontract costs and indirect costs related to contract performance, such as indirect labor, supplies, tools, repairs and depreciation costs. These contract costs are included in our results of operations under the caption "Cost of Services." Then, as we perform under those contracts, we measure costs incurred, compare them to total estimated costs to complete the contract and recognize a corresponding proportion of contract revenue. Labor costs are considered to be incurred as the work is performed. Subcontractor labor is recognized as the work is performed, but is generally subjected to approval as to milestones or other evidence of completion. Non-labor project costs consist of purchased equipment, prefabricated materials and other materials. Purchased equipment on our projects is substantially produced to job specifications and is a value added element to our work. The costs are considered to be incurred when title is transferred to us, which typically is upon delivery to the work site. Prefabricated materials, such as ductwork and piping, are generally performed at our shops and recognized as contract costs when fabricated for the unique specifications of the job. Other materials costs are not significant and are generally recorded when delivered to the work site. This measurement and comparison process requires updates to the estimate of total costs to complete the contract, and these updates may include subjective assessments.

We generally do not incur significant costs prior to receiving a contract, and therefore, these costs are expensed as incurred. In limited circumstances, when significant pre-contract costs are incurred, they are deferred if the costs can be directly associated with a specific contract and if their recoverability from the contract is probable. Upon receiving the contract, these costs are included in contract costs. Deferred costs associated with unsuccessful contract bids are written off in the period that we are informed that we will not be awarded the contract.

Project contracts typically provide for a schedule of billings or invoices to the customer based on reaching agreed upon milestones or as we incur costs. The schedules for such billings usually do not precisely match the schedule on which costs are incurred. As a result, contract revenue recognized in the statement of operations can and usually does differ from amounts that can be billed or invoiced to the customer at any point during the contract. Amounts by which cumulative contract revenue recognized on a contract as of a given date exceed cumulative billings to the customer under the contract are reflected as a current asset in our balance sheet under the caption "Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings." Amounts by which cumulative billings to the customer under a contract as of a given date exceed cumulative contract revenue recognized on the contract are reflected as a current liability in our balance sheet under the caption "Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings."

Contracts in progress are as follows (in thousands):

	December 31,

	2013			2012
Costs incurred on contracts in progress	$	989,072		$	1,182,085
Estimated earnings, net of losses		126,431			134,534
Less—Billings to date		(1,151,969	)		(1,364,229	)


	$	(36,466	)	$	(47,610	)




Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings	$	28,122		$	26,204
Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings		(64,588	)		(73,814	)


	$	(36,466	)	$	(47,610	)

Accounts receivable include amounts billed to customers under retention or retainage provisions in construction contracts. Such provisions are standard in our industry and usually allow for a small portion of progress billings or the contract price to be withheld by the customer until after we have completed work on the project, typically for a period of six months. Based on our experience with similar contracts in recent years, the majority of our billings for such retention balances at each balance sheet date are finalized and collected within the subsequent year. Retention balances at December 31, 2013 and 2012 are $51.4 million and $48.0 million, respectively, and are included in accounts receivable.

Accounts payable at December 31, 2013 and 2012 included $10.3 million and $11.3 million of retainage under terms of contracts with subcontractors, respectively. The majority of the retention balances at each balance sheet date are finalized and paid within the subsequent year.

The percentage of completion method of accounting is also affected by changes in job performance, job conditions and final contract settlements. These factors may result in revisions to estimated costs and, therefore, revenue. Such revisions are frequently based on further estimates and subjective assessments. The effects of these revisions are recognized in the period in which the revisions are determined. When such revisions lead to a conclusion that a loss will be recognized on a contract, the full amount of the estimated ultimate loss is recognized in the period such a conclusion is reached, regardless of the percentage of completion of the contract.

Revisions to project costs and conditions can give rise to change orders under which the customer agrees to pay additional contract price. Revisions can also result in claims we might make against the customer to recover project variances that have not been satisfactorily addressed through change orders with the customer. Except in certain circumstances, we do not recognize revenue or margin based on change orders or claims until they have been agreed upon with the customer. The amount of revenue associated with unapproved change orders and claims is currently immaterial.

Variations from estimated project costs could have a significant impact on our operating results, depending on project size, and the recoverability of the variation via additional customer payments.

Revenue associated with maintenance, repair and monitoring services and related contracts are recognized as services are performed. Amounts associated with unbilled service work orders are reflected as a current asset in our balance sheet under the caption "Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings" and amounts billed in advance of work orders being performed are reflected as a current liability in our balance sheet under the caption "Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings."

Accounts Receivable

Accounts Receivable

The carrying value of our receivables, net of the allowance for doubtful accounts, represents the estimated net realizable value. We estimate our allowance for doubtful accounts based upon the creditworthiness of our customers, prior collection history, ongoing relationships with our customers, the aging of past due balances, our lien rights, if any, in the property where we performed the work and the availability, if any, of payment bonds applicable to the contract. The receivables are written off when they are deemed to be uncollectible.

Inventories

Inventories

Inventories consist of parts and supplies that we purchase and hold for use in the ordinary course of business and are stated at the lower of cost or market using the first-in, first-out method.

Property and Equipment

Property and Equipment

Property and equipment are stated at cost, and depreciation is computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets. Leasehold improvements are capitalized and amortized over the lesser of the expected life of the lease or the estimated useful life of the asset.

Expenditures for repairs and maintenance are charged to expense when incurred. Expenditures for major renewals and betterments, which extend the useful lives of existing equipment, are capitalized and depreciated over the remaining useful life of the equipment. Upon retirement or disposition of property and equipment, the cost and related accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts and any resulting gain or loss is recognized in "Gain on sale of assets" in the statement of operations.

Recoverability of Goodwill and Identifiable Intangible Assets

Recoverability of Goodwill and Identifiable Intangible Assets

Goodwill is the excess of purchase price over the fair value of the net assets of acquired businesses. We assess goodwill for impairment each year, and more frequently if circumstances suggest an impairment may have occurred.

When the carrying value of a given reporting unit exceeds its fair value, an impairment loss is recorded to the extent that the implied fair value of the goodwill of the reporting unit is less than its carrying value. If other reporting units have had increases in fair value, such increases may not be recorded. Accordingly, such increases may not be netted against impairments at other reporting units. The requirements for assessing whether goodwill has been impaired involve market-based information. This information, and its use in assessing goodwill, entails some degree of subjective assessment.

We currently perform our annual impairment testing as of October 1 and any impairment charges resulting from this process are reported in the fourth quarter. We segregate our operations into reporting units based on the degree of operating and financial independence of each unit and our related management of them. We perform our annual goodwill impairment testing at the reporting unit level.

In the evaluation of goodwill for impairment, we have the option to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether the existence of events or circumstances lead to a determination that it is more likely than not that the fair value of one of our reporting units is greater than its carrying value. If, after completing such assessment, we determine it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is greater than its carrying amount, then there is no need to perform any further testing. If we conclude otherwise, then we perform the first step of a two-step impairment test by calculating the fair value of the reporting unit and comparing the fair value with the carrying value of the reporting unit.

We estimate the fair value of the reporting unit based on two market approaches and an income approach, which utilizes discounted future cash flows. Assumptions critical to the fair value estimates under the discounted cash flow model include discount rates, cash flow projections, projected long-term growth rates and the determination of terminal values. The market approaches utilized market multiples of invested capital from comparable publicly traded companies ("public company approach") and comparable transactions ("transaction approach"). The market multiples from invested capital include revenue, book equity plus debt and earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization ("EBITDA").

We amortize identifiable intangible assets with finite lives over their useful lives. Changes in strategy and/or market condition may result in adjustments to recorded intangible asset balances.

Long-Lived Assets

Long-Lived Assets

Long-lived assets are comprised principally of goodwill, identifiable intangible assets, property and equipment, and deferred income tax assets. We periodically evaluate whether events and circumstances have occurred that indicate that the remaining balances of these assets may not be recoverable. We use estimates of future income from operations and cash flows, as well as other economic and business factors, to assess the recoverability of these assets.

Acquisitions

Acquisitions

We recognize assets acquired and liabilities assumed in business combinations, including contingent assets and liabilities, based on fair value estimates as of the date of acquisition.

Contingent Consideration—In certain acquisitions, we agree to pay additional amounts to sellers contingent upon achievement by the acquired businesses of certain predetermined profitability targets. We have recognized liabilities for these contingent obligations based on their estimated fair value at the date of acquisition with any differences between the acquisition date fair value and the ultimate settlement of the obligations being recognized in income from operations.

Contingent Assets and Liabilities—Assets and liabilities arising from contingencies are recognized at their acquisition date fair value when their respective fair values can be determined. If the fair values of such contingencies cannot be determined, they are recognized at the acquisition date if the contingencies are probable and an amount can be reasonably estimated. Acquisition date fair value estimates are revised as necessary if, and when, additional information regarding these contingencies becomes available to further define and quantify assets acquired and liabilities assumed.

Self-Insurance Liabilities

Self-Insurance Liabilities

We are substantially self-insured for workers' compensation, employer's liability, auto liability, general liability and employee group health claims, in view of the relatively high per-incident deductibles we absorb under our insurance arrangements for these risks. Losses up to deductible amounts are estimated and accrued based upon known facts, historical trends and industry averages. Loss estimates associated with the larger and longer-developing risks—workers' compensation, auto liability and general liability—are reviewed by a third-party actuary quarterly. Our self-insurance arrangements are further discussed in Note 12 "Commitments and Contingencies."

Warranty Costs

Warranty Costs

We typically warrant labor for the first year after installation on new HVAC systems. We generally warrant labor for thirty days after servicing of existing HVAC systems. A reserve for warranty costs is estimated and recorded based upon the historical level of warranty claims and management's estimate of future costs.

Income Taxes

Income Taxes

We are subject to income tax in the United States and Puerto Rico and file a consolidated return for federal income tax purposes. Income taxes are provided for under the liability method, which takes into account differences between financial statement treatment and tax treatment of certain transactions.

Deferred income taxes are based on the difference between the financial reporting and tax basis of assets and liabilities. The deferred income tax provision represents the change during the reporting period in the deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities, net of the effect of acquisitions and dispositions. Deferred tax assets include tax loss and credit carryforwards and are reduced by a valuation allowance if, based on available evidence, it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized.

We regularly evaluate valuation allowances established for deferred tax assets for which future realization is uncertain. We perform this evaluation quarterly. In assessing the realizability of deferred tax assets, we must consider whether it is more likely than not that some portion, or all, of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. We consider all available evidence, both positive and negative, in determining whether a valuation allowance is required. Such evidence includes the scheduled reversal of deferred tax liabilities, projected future taxable income, taxable income in prior carryback years and tax planning strategies in making this assessment, and judgment is required in considering the relative weight of negative and positive evidence.

Significant judgment is required in assessing the timing and amounts of deductible and taxable items. We establish reserves when, despite our belief that our tax return positions are fully supportable, we believe that certain positions may be disallowed. When facts and circumstances change, we adjust these reserves through our provision for income taxes.

To the extent interest and penalties may be assessed by taxing authorities on any underpayment of income tax, such amounts have been accrued and are classified as a component of income tax expense in our Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Segment Disclosure

Segment Disclosure

Our activities are within the mechanical services industry, which is the single industry segment we serve. Each operating subsidiary represents an operating segment and these segments have been aggregated, as the operating units meet all of the aggregation criteria.

Concentrations of Credit Risk

Concentrations of Credit Risk

We provide services in a broad range of geographic regions. Our credit risk primarily consists of receivables from a variety of customers including general contractors, property owners and developers and commercial and industrial companies. We are subject to potential credit risk related to changes in business and economic factors throughout the United States within the nonresidential construction industry. However, we are entitled to payment for work performed and have certain lien rights in that work. Further, we believe that our contract acceptance, billing and collection policies are adequate to manage potential credit risk. We regularly review our accounts receivable and estimate an allowance for uncollectible amounts. We have a diverse customer base, with no single customer accounting for more than 3% of consolidated 2013 revenue.

Financial Instruments

Financial Instruments

Our financial instruments consist of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, other receivables, accounts payable, notes to former owners and a revolving credit facility. We believe that the carrying values of these instruments on the accompanying balance sheets approximate their fair values.