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Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
12 Months Ended
Dec. 30, 2022
Accounting Policies [Abstract]  
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Note 3—Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Reporting Periods
Leidos' fiscal year ends on the Friday nearest the end of December. Fiscal 2022 ended December 30, 2022. Fiscal 2022, 2021 and 2020 each included 52 weeks.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("GAAP") requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingencies at the date of the financial statements, as well as the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. Management evaluates these estimates and assumptions on an ongoing basis, including those relating to estimated profitability of long-term contracts, indirect billing rates, allowances for doubtful accounts, inventories, right-of-use ("ROU") assets and lease liabilities, fair value and impairment of intangible assets and goodwill, income taxes, pension benefits, stock-based compensation expense and contingencies. These estimates have been prepared by management on the basis of the most current and best available information; however, actual results could differ materially from those estimates.
Operating Cycle
Our operating cycle for long-term contracts may be greater than one year and is measured by the average time intervening between the inception and the completion of those contracts.
Business Combinations, Investments and Variable Interest Entities
Business Combinations
The accounting for business combinations requires management to make judgments and estimates related to the fair value of assets acquired, including the identification and valuation of intangible assets, as well as liabilities and contingencies assumed. Such judgments and estimates directly impact the amount of goodwill recognized in connection with an acquisition. Estimating the fair value of acquired assets and assumed liabilities, including intangibles, requires judgments about expected future cash flows, weighted-average cost of capital, discount rates and expected long-term growth rates.
Investments
Investments in entities and corporate joint ventures where we have a non-controlling ownership interest but over which we have the ability to exercise significant influence, are accounted for under the equity method of accounting. We recognize our proportionate share of the entities' net income or loss and do not consolidate the entities' assets and liabilities.
Equity investments in entities over which we do not have the ability to exercise significant influence and whose securities do not have a readily determinable fair value are carried at cost or cost net of other-than-temporary impairments.
Variable Interest Entities
We occasionally form joint ventures and/or enter into arrangements with special purpose limited liability companies for the purpose of bidding and executing on specific projects. We analyze each such arrangement to determine whether it represents a VIE. If the arrangement is determined to be a VIE, we assess whether we are the primary beneficiary of the VIE and are consequently required to consolidate the VIE.
Divestitures
From time-to-time, we may dispose (or management may commit to plans to dispose) of strategic or non-strategic components of the business. Divestitures representing a strategic shift that has (or will have) a major effect in operations and financial results are classified as discontinued operations, whereas non-strategic divestitures remain in continuing operations.
Restructuring Expenses
Restructuring expenses are incurred in connection with programs aimed at reducing our costs. Restructuring costs may include one-time termination of benefits, costs to terminate contracts and other permanent exit costs to consolidate or close facilities directly related to the restructuring program.
One-time involuntary termination benefits are recognized as a liability at estimated fair value when the plan of termination has been communicated to employees and certain other criteria are met. Ongoing termination benefit arrangements are recognized as a liability at estimated fair value when it is probable that amounts will be paid and such amounts are reasonably estimable. Costs associated with exit or disposal activities, including the related one-time and ongoing involuntary termination benefits, are included as "Acquisition, integration and restructuring costs" on the consolidated statements of income.
Revenue Recognition
Our revenues from contracts with customers are from offerings including digital modernization, cyber operations, mission software systems, integrated systems and mission operations, primarily with the U.S. government and its agencies. We also serve various state and local governments, foreign governments and commercial customers.
We perform under various types of contracts, which include firm-fixed-price ("FFP"), time-and-materials ("T&M"), fixed-price-level-of-effort ("FP-LOE"), cost-plus-fixed-fee ("CPFF"), cost-plus-award-fee, cost-plus-incentive-fee and fixed-price-incentive-fee ("FP-IF") contracts.
To determine the proper revenue recognition, we first evaluate whether we have a duly approved and enforceable contract with a customer, in which the rights of the parties and payment terms are identified, and collectability is probable. We also evaluate whether two or more contracts should be combined and accounted for as a single contract, including the task orders issued under an indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity ("IDIQ") award. In addition, we assess contract modifications to determine whether changes to existing contracts should be accounted for as part of the original contract or as a separate contract. Contract modifications generally relate to changes in contract specifications and requirements and do not add distinct services, and therefore are accounted for as part of the original contract. If contract modifications add distinct goods or services and increase the contract value by an amount that reflects the standalone selling price, those modifications are accounted for as separate contracts.
Most of our contracts are comprised of multiple promises including the design and build of software-based systems, integration of hardware and software solutions, running and maintaining of IT infrastructure and procurement services. In all cases, we assess if the multiple promises should be accounted for as separate performance obligations or combined into a single performance obligation. We generally separate multiple promises in a contract as separate performance obligations if those promises are distinct, both individually and in the context of the contract. If multiple promises in a contract are highly interrelated or require significant integration or customization within a group, they are combined and accounted for as a single performance obligation.
Our contracts with the U.S. government often contain options to renew existing contracts for an additional period of time (generally a year at a time) under the same terms and conditions as the original contract, and generally do not provide the customer any material rights under the contract. We account for renewal options as separate contracts when they include distinct goods or services at standalone selling prices.
Contracts with the U.S. government are subject to the Federal Acquisition Regulation ("FAR") and priced on estimated or actual costs of providing the goods or services. The FAR provides guidance on types of costs that are allowable in establishing prices for goods and services provided to the U.S. government and its agencies. Each contract is competitively priced and bid separately. Pricing for non-U.S. government agencies and commercial customers is based on specific negotiations with each customer. In circumstances where the standalone selling price is not directly observable, we estimate the standalone selling price using the expected cost-plus margin approach. Any taxes collected or imposed when determining the transaction price are excluded.
Certain cost-plus and fixed-price contracts contain award fees, incentive fees or other provisions that may either increase or decrease the transaction price. These variable amounts generally are awarded upon achievement of certain performance metrics, program milestones or cost targets and can be based upon customer discretion. We estimate variable consideration at the most probable amount that we expect to be entitled to, based on the assessment of the contractual variable fee criteria, complexity of work and related risks, extent of customer discretion, amount of variable consideration received historically and the potential of significant reversal of revenue.
We allocate the transaction price of a contract to its performance obligations in the proportion of its respective standalone selling prices. The standalone selling price of the performance obligations is generally based on an expected cost-plus margin approach, in accordance with the FAR. For certain product sales, prices from other standalone sales are used. Substantially all of our contracts do not contain a significant financing component, which would require an adjustment to the transaction price of the contract.
We recognize revenue on our service-based contracts primarily over time as there is continuous transfer of control to the customer over the duration of the contract as the promised services are performed. For U.S. government contracts, continuous transfer of control to the customer is evidenced by clauses in the contract that allow the customer to unilaterally terminate the contract for convenience, pay for costs incurred plus a reasonable profit and take control of any work-in-process. Similarly, for non-U.S. government contracts, the customer typically controls the work-in-process as evidenced by rights to payment for work performed to date plus a reasonable profit to deliver products or services for which we do not have an alternate use. Anticipated losses on service-based contracts are recognized when incurred (generally on a straight-line basis) over the contract term. In certain product sales, where the products have an alternate use, revenue is recognized at a point in time when the customer takes control of the asset usually denoted by possession, transfer of legal title and acceptance by the customer.
On FFP contracts requiring system integration and cost-plus contracts with variable consideration, revenue is recognized over time generally using a method that measures the extent of progress towards completion of a performance obligation, principally using a cost-input method (referred to as the cost-to-cost method). Under the cost-to-cost method, revenue is recognized based on the proportion of total costs incurred to estimated total costs-at-completion ("EAC"). A performance obligation's EAC includes all direct costs such as materials, labor, subcontract costs, overhead and a ratable portion of general and administrative costs. In addition, an EAC of a performance obligation includes future losses estimated to be incurred on onerous contracts, as and when known. On certain other contracts, principally T&M, FP-LOE and CPFF, revenue is generally recognized using the right-to-invoice practical expedient as we are contractually able to invoice the customer based on the control transferred to the customer. Additionally, on maintenance (generally FFP) performance obligations, revenue is recognized over time using a straight-line method as the control of the services is provided to the customer evenly over the period of performance.
For certain performance obligations where we are not primarily responsible for fulfilling the promise to provide the goods or service to the customer, do not have inventory risk and do not have discretion in establishing the price for the goods or service, we recognize revenue on a net basis.
Contract Costs
Contract costs generally include direct costs such as labor, materials, subcontract costs and indirect costs identifiable with or allocable to a specific contract. Costs are expensed as incurred unless they qualify for deferral and capitalization. Contract costs incurred for U.S. government contracts, including indirect costs, are subject to audit and adjustment by the Defense Contract Audit Agency ("DCAA") (see "Note 21—Commitments and Contingencies").
Pre-contract Costs
Costs incurred on projects as pre-contract costs are deferred as assets when we have been requested by the customer to begin work under a new arrangement prior to contract execution and it is probable that we will recover the costs through the issuance of a contract. Pre-contract costs are amortized over the contract period of performance or a specified period of performance.
Transition Costs
Under certain service contracts, costs are incurred, usually at the beginning of the contract performance, to transition the services, employees and equipment to or from the customer, a prior contract or prior contractor. These costs are generally capitalized as deferred assets and amortized on a straight-line basis over the anticipated term of the contract or a specified period of performance, including unexercised option periods that are reasonably certain of being exercised.
Project Assets
Purchases of project assets are capitalized for specific contracts where we maintain ownership of the asset over the life of the contract and the benefit is received over a period of time. Project assets include enterprise software licenses, dedicated hardware, maintenance agreements and significant material purchases and other costs incurred on contracts. Project assets are amortized from the balance sheet using the straight-line method over the estimated useful life of the asset or over the expected term of the period of performance, whichever is shorter.
Changes in Estimates on Contracts
Changes in estimates related to contracts accounted for using the cost-to-cost method of accounting are recognized in the period in which such changes are made for the inception-to-date effect of the changes, with the exception of contracts acquired through a business combination, where the adjustment is made for the period commencing from the date of acquisition.
Changes in estimates on contracts for the periods presented were as follows:
Year Ended
December 30,
2022
December 31,
2021
January 1,
2021
(in millions, except for per share amounts)
Favorable impact
$146 $149 $137 
Unfavorable impact
(113)(102)(61)
Net favorable impact to income before income taxes
$33 $47 $76 
Impact on diluted EPS attributable to Leidos common stockholders
$0.17 $0.25 $0.39 
The impact on diluted earnings per share ("EPS") attributable to Leidos common stockholders is calculated using our statutory tax rate.
Revenue Recognized from Prior Obligations
During fiscal 2022, 2021 and 2020, revenue recognized from performance obligations satisfied in previous periods was $9 million, $26 million and $40 million, respectively. The changes primarily relate to revisions of variable consideration, including award and incentive fees, and revisions to estimates at completion resulting from changes in contract scope, mitigation of contract risks or due to true-ups of contract estimates at the end of contract performance.
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
We classify indirect costs incurred within or allocated to our U.S. government customers as overhead (included in "Cost of revenues") or general and administrative expenses in the same manner as such costs are defined in our disclosure statements under U.S. government Cost Accounting Standards.
Selling, general and administrative expenses include general and administrative, bid and proposal, company-funded research and development expenses, and legal fees and settlements.
We conduct research and development activities under customer-funded contracts and with company-funded research and development funds. Company-funded research and development expense was $116 million, $109 million and $73 million for fiscal 2022, 2021 and 2020, respectively. Expenses for research and development activities performed under customer contracts are charged directly to cost of revenues for those contracts.
Income Taxes
We account for income taxes under the asset and liability method in accordance with the accounting standard for income taxes. The asset and liability method requires the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of temporary differences between the carrying amounts and tax bases of assets and liabilities. Under this method, changes in tax rates and laws are recognized in income in the period such changes are enacted.
We record net deferred tax assets to the extent we believe these assets will more likely than not be realized. In making such determination, we consider all available positive and negative evidence, including future reversals of existing taxable temporary differences, projected future taxable income, tax planning strategies and recent results of operations. If we were to determine that we would be able to realize our deferred income tax assets in the future in excess of their net recorded amount or would no longer be able to realize our deferred income tax assets in the future as currently recorded, we would make an adjustment to the valuation allowance which would decrease or increase the provision for income taxes.
The provision for federal, state, foreign and local income taxes is calculated on income before income taxes based on current tax law and includes the cumulative effect of any changes in tax rates from those used previously in determining deferred tax assets and liabilities. Such provision differs from the amounts currently payable because certain items of income and expense are recognized in different reporting periods for financial reporting purposes than for income tax purposes.
We record liabilities for uncertain tax positions in accordance with ASC 740 on the basis of a two-step process in which we determine whether it is more likely than not that the tax positions will be sustained on the basis of the technical merits of the position and for those tax positions that meet the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold, we recognize the largest amount of tax benefit that is more than 50 percent likely to be realized upon ultimate settlement with the related tax authority. We recognize interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions in our income tax expense.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Our cash equivalents are primarily comprised of investments in several large institutional money market accounts, with original maturity of three months or less. Outstanding payments are included within "Cash and cash equivalents" and "Accounts payable and accrued liabilities" correspondingly on the consolidated balance sheets. At December 30, 2022, and December 31, 2021, $158 million and $138 million, respectively, of outstanding payments were included within "Cash and cash equivalents."
Restricted Cash
We have restricted cash balances, primarily representing advances from customers that are restricted as to use for certain expenditures related to that customer's contract. Restricted cash balances are included as "Other current assets" on the consolidated balance sheets. Our restricted cash balances were $167 million and $148 million at December 30, 2022, and December 31, 2021, respectively.
Receivables
Receivables include amounts billed and currently due from customers, amounts billable where the right to consideration is unconditional and amounts unbilled. Amounts billable and unbilled amounts are recognized at estimated realizable value and consist of costs and fees, substantially all of which are expected to be billed and collected generally within one year. Unbilled amounts also include rate variances that are billable upon negotiation of final indirect rates with the Defense Contract Management Agency.
Cost-reimbursable and T&M contracts are generally billed as costs are incurred. FFP contracts are billed either based on milestones, which are the achievement of specific events as defined in the contract, or based on progress payments, which are interim payments up to a designated amount of costs incurred as work progresses. On certain contracts, the customer withholds a certain percentage of the contract price (retainage). These withheld amounts are included within unbilled receivables and are billed upon contract completion or the occurrence of a specified event, and when negotiation of final indirect rates with the U.S. government is complete. Based on our historical experience, the write-offs of retention balances have not been significant.
When events or conditions indicate that amounts outstanding from customers may become uncollectible, an allowance is estimated and recorded.
Amounts billed and collected on contracts but not yet recorded as revenue because we have not performed our obligation under the arrangement with a customer are deferred and included within "Accounts payable and accrued liabilities" or "Other long-term liabilities" on the consolidated balance sheets.
Concentration of Credit Risk
Financial instruments that potentially subject us to concentrations of credit risk primarily consist of accounts receivable and derivatives. Since our receivables are primarily with the U.S. government, we do not have exposure to a material credit risk. We manage our credit risk related to derivatives through the use of multiple counterparties with high credit standards.
Inventories
Inventories are valued at the lower of cost or estimated net realizable value. Generally, raw material inventory is valued using the average cost method. Work-in-process inventory may include material costs, labor and allocable overhead costs. The majority of finished goods inventory consists of technology and security products, inspection systems, baggage scanning equipment and small glide munitions. Inventory is evaluated against historical or planned usage to determine appropriate provisions for obsolete inventory.
Goodwill
Goodwill represents the excess of the fair value of consideration transferred, plus the fair value of any non-controlling interests in the acquiree, over the fair value of the net assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of the acquisition date. Goodwill is not amortized, but instead is tested annually for impairment at the reporting unit level and tested more frequently if events or circumstances indicate that the carrying value of the reporting unit may not be recoverable. Our policy is to perform our annual goodwill impairment evaluation as of the first day of the fourth quarter of our fiscal year. During both fiscal 2022 and 2021, we had seven reporting units for the purpose of testing goodwill for impairment.
Goodwill is evaluated for impairment either under a qualitative assessment option or a quantitative approach, which depends on the facts and circumstances of a reporting unit, consideration of the excess of a reporting unit's fair value over its carrying amount in previous assessments and changes in business environment.
When performing a qualitative assessment, we consider factors including, but not limited to, current macroeconomic conditions, industry and market conditions, cost factors, financial performance and other events relevant to the entity or reporting unit under evaluation to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value. If we determine that it is more likely than not that a reporting unit's fair value is less than its carrying value, a quantitative goodwill impairment test is performed.
When performing a quantitative goodwill impairment test, the reporting unit carrying value is compared to its fair value. Goodwill is deemed impaired if, and the impairment loss is recognized for the amount by which, the reporting unit carrying value exceeds its fair value.
We estimate the fair value of each reporting unit using Level 3 inputs when a quantitative analysis is performed. These analyses rely on significant judgements and assumptions about expected future cash flows, weighted-average cost of capital, discount rates, expected long-term growth rates, operating margins and on the selection of guideline public companies.
Intangible Assets
Acquired intangible assets with finite lives and internally developed software are amortized using the method that best reflects how their economic benefits are utilized or, if a pattern of economic benefits cannot be reliably determined, on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives. Program intangible assets are amortized over their respective estimated useful lives in proportion to the pattern of economic benefit based on expected future discounted cash flows. Backlog and trade name intangible assets are amortized on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives. Customer relationships and software and technology intangible assets are amortized either on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives or over their respective estimated useful lives in proportion to the pattern of economic benefit based on expected future discounted cash flows, as deemed appropriate.
Intangible assets with finite lives are amortized over the following periods:
 Estimated useful lives (in years)
Backlog
1
Customer relationships
8-10
Programs
4-13
Software and technology
3-15
Trade names3
Intangible assets with finite lives are assessed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable.
Intangible assets with indefinite lives are not amortized but are assessed for impairment at the beginning of the fourth quarter and whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable.
Property, Plant and Equipment
Purchases of property, plant and equipment, including purchases of software and software licenses, as well as costs associated with major renewals and improvements are capitalized. Maintenance, repairs and minor renewals and improvements are expensed as incurred.
Construction in Progress ("CIP") is used to accumulate all costs for projects that are not yet complete. CIP balances are transferred to the appropriate asset account when the asset is capitalized and ready for its intended use.
When assets are sold or otherwise disposed of, the cost and related accumulated depreciation or amortization are removed from the accounts and any resulting gain or loss is recognized. Depreciation is recognized using the methods and estimated useful lives as follows:
 Depreciation methodEstimated useful lives (in years)
Computers and other equipmentStraight-line or declining-balance
2-15
Buildings Straight-line
Not to exceed 40
Building improvements and leasehold improvements
Straight-lineShorter of useful life of asset or remaining lease term
Vehicles and transportation equipmentStraight-line
2-15
Office furniture and fixturesStraight-line or declining-balance
6-9
We evaluate our long-lived assets for potential impairment whenever there is evidence that events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable and the carrying value of the asset exceeds its estimated fair value.
Leases
Lessee
We have facilities and equipment lease arrangements. An arrangement is determined to be a lease at inception if it conveys the right to control the use of identified property, plant, or equipment for a period of time in exchange for consideration. Right-of-use ("ROU") assets represent the right to use an underlying asset over the lease term and lease liabilities represent the obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease.
ROU assets and lease liabilities are recorded on the consolidated balance sheet at lease commencement date based on the present value of the future minimum lease payments over the lease term. We generally do not know the discount rate implicit in our leases; therefore, the discount rate used is our incremental borrowing rate which is determined based on the rate of interest that we would have to pay to borrow an amount equal to the lease payments on a collateralized basis over a similar term. An ROU asset is initially measured by the present value of the remaining lease payments, plus initial direct costs and prepaid lease payments, less any lease incentives received before commencement. The remaining lease cost is allocated over the remaining lease term on a straight-line basis unless another systematic or rational basis is more representative of the pattern in which the underlying asset is expected to be used.
Certain facility leases contain options to renew or extend the terms of the lease which are included in the determination of the ROU assets and lease liabilities when it is reasonably certain that we will exercise the option. Leases may also include variable lease payments such as an escalation clause based on consumer price index rates, maintenance costs and utilities. Variable lease payments that depend on an index or a rate are included in the determination of ROU assets and lease liabilities using the index or rate at the lease commencement date, whereas variable lease payments that do not depend on an index or rate are recorded as lease expense in the period incurred. At December 30, 2022, certain of the Company's equipment leases include residual value guarantees.
We use the practical expedient to not separate non-lease components from lease components and instead account for both components as a single lease. The practical expedient is applied to all material classes of leased assets except for aircraft, for which we account for the lease component and non-lease component separately.
The related lease payments on short-term facilities and equipment leases are recognized as expense on a straight-line basis over the lease term.
ROU assets are evaluated for impairment in a manner consistent with the treatment of other long-lived assets. ROU assets are assessed for potential impairment whenever there is evidence that events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of the asset may not be recoverable and the carrying amount of the asset exceeds its estimated fair value. This includes an establishment of a plan of abandonment, which occurs when we have committed to a plan to abandon the lease before the end of its previously estimated useful life and there is no expectation that we will re-enter or re-purpose the space.
Lessor
We are a lessor on certain equipment sales-type and operating lease arrangements with our customers. To be considered lease revenue, the contract must contain a specified asset, we must not have a substantive substitution right, the customer must have the right to direct the use of the specified asset during the period of use and the customer must have the right to obtain substantially all of the economic benefit of the specified asset.
Certain arrangements may contain variable payments that depend on an index or rate and are measured using the index or rate on the commencement date. Variable payments that are not included in the net investments are recorded as revenue as incurred. Arrangements may also contain options to renew or extend the performance period. Option periods are included in the lease term if we determine that it is reasonably certain the customer will exercise an option.
We have arrangements that contain both lease and non-lease components. We account for them as one unit of account if the timing and pattern of transfer is identical for both the lease and the non-lease components and the lease component would be classified as an operating lease if accounted for separately. If both criteria are met and the predominant component is a lease, then the entire arrangement will be accounted for in accordance with ASC 842. If we account for an arrangement both as a lease and non-lease component, then the allocation of consideration for each component will be based on the relative standalone sales price.
Fair Value Measurements
The accounting standard for fair value measurements establishes a three-level fair value hierarchy, which prioritizes the inputs used in measuring fair value as follows: observable inputs such as quoted prices in active markets (Level 1); inputs other than quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that are observable either directly or indirectly or quoted prices that are not active (Level 2); and unobservable inputs in which there is little or no market data (e.g., discounted cash flow and other similar pricing models), which requires us to develop our own assumptions about the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability (Level 3).
The accounting guidance for fair value measurements requires that we maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs in determining fair value. The accounting guidance provides for the irrevocable option to elect, on a contract-by-contract basis, to measure certain financial assets and liabilities at fair value at inception of the contract and record any subsequent changes in fair value in earnings. We have not made fair value option elections on any of our financial assets and liabilities.
The fair value of financial instruments is determined based on quoted market prices, if available, or management's best estimate (see "Financial Instruments" below).
Management evaluates its investments for other-than-temporary impairment at each balance sheet date. When testing long-term investments for recovery of carrying value, the fair value of long-term investments is determined using various valuation techniques and factors, such as market prices of comparable companies (Level 2 input), discounted cash flow models (Level 3 input). If management determines that an other-than-temporary decline in the fair value of an investment has occurred, an impairment loss is recognized to reduce the investment to its estimated fair value.
Our non-financial instruments measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis include goodwill, indefinite-lived intangible assets and long-lived tangible assets. The valuation methods used to determine fair value require a significant degree of management judgment to determine the key assumptions. As such, we generally classify non-financial instruments as either Level 2 or Level 3 fair value measurements.
Financial Instruments
We are exposed to certain market risks which are inherent in certain transactions entered into during the normal course of business. These transactions include sales or purchase contracts denominated in foreign currencies and exposure to changing interest rates. We manage our risk to changes in interest rates and foreign currency exchange rates through the use of derivative instruments.
For fixed rate borrowings, we use variable interest rate swaps, effectively converting fixed rate borrowings to variable rate borrowings. These swaps are designated as fair value hedges. The fair value of these interest rate swaps is determined based on observed values for underlying interest rates on the LIBOR yield curve (Level 2).
For variable rate borrowings, we use fixed interest rate swaps, effectively converting a portion of the variable interest rate payments to fixed interest rate payments. These swaps are designated as cash flow hedges. The fair value of these interest rate swaps is determined based on observed values for the underlying interest rates (Level 2).
We enter into foreign currency forward contracts in order to mitigate fluctuations in our earnings and cash flows due to changes in foreign currency exchange rates. The foreign currency forward contracts are not designated as hedges and hedge accounting does not apply. We do not hold derivative instruments for trading or speculative purposes.
Our defined benefit plan assets consist of investments in pooled funds that contain investments with values based on quoted market prices, but for which the pools are not valued on a daily quoted market basis (Level 2).
Stock-Based Compensation
We account for stock-based compensation at the grant date based on the fair value of the award and recognize expense over the requisite service period, which is generally the vesting period, net of an estimated forfeiture rate.
The fair value of restricted stock awards and performance-based stock awards is based on the closing price of Leidos common stock on the date of grant. The fair value of performance-based stock awards with market conditions is based on using a Monte Carlo simulation.
The fair value of stock option awards granted is based on using the Black-Scholes-Merton option pricing model. The estimation of stock option fair value requires management to make estimates and judgments about, among other things, employee exercise behavior, forfeiture rates and the expected volatility of Leidos common stock over the expected option term. These judgments directly affect the amount of compensation expense that will ultimately be recognized.
Foreign Currency
The financial statements of consolidated international subsidiaries, for which the functional currency is not the U.S. dollar, are translated into U.S. dollars using the exchange rate at each balance sheet date for assets and liabilities and a weighted average exchange rate over the reporting period for revenues, expenses, gains and losses. Translation adjustments are recorded as accumulated other comprehensive loss in stockholders' equity. Gains and losses due to movements in foreign currency exchange rates are recognized as "Other expense, net" on the consolidated statements of income.