XML 24 R13.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT v3.22.0.1
Acquisitions
3 Months Ended
Jan. 02, 2022
Business Combination and Asset Acquisition [Abstract]  
Acquisitions Acquisitions
In the first quarter of fiscal 2022, our acquisition activity was immaterial. In fiscal 2021, we acquired Coanda Research and Development Corporation ("CRD"), The Kaizen Company (“KZN”), IBRA-RMAC Automation Solutions (“IRM”), and the partnership interests of Hoare Lea, LLP and Subsidiaries ("HLE"). CRD is based in Burnaby, British Columbia and provides world-class expertise in computational fluid dynamics and utilizes industry-leading capabilities to solve complex engineering science problems for commercial customers, across a broad range of industries. KZN is based in Washington, DC and provides international development advisory and management consulting services offering a suite of innovative tools that support advanced solutions in health, education, governance, peace and stability, and sustainable economic growth. IRM is based in San Diego, California, and provides digital water transformation consulting services and an innovative suite of tools to address complex water system modernization challenges. HLE is a leader in sustainable engineering design based in Bristol, United Kingdom. It was established in 1862 and is an award-winning high-end consultancy firm in the United Kingdom, with more than 900 employees, providing innovative solutions to complex engineering and design challenges for sustainable infrastructure and high performance buildings. CRD and HLE are part of our CIG segment, and KZN and IRM are part of our GSG segment. The total fair value of the purchase price for these acquisitions was $151.7 million. This amount was comprised of $101.4 million in initial cash payments made to the sellers, and $50.3 million for the estimated fair value of contingent earn-out obligations, with a maximum of $74.0 million, based upon the achievement of specified operating income targets in each of the three to four years following the acquisitions.

Goodwill additions resulting from the above business combinations are primarily attributable to the existing workforce of the acquired companies and the synergies expected to arise after the acquisitions. The fiscal 2021 goodwill additions represent the significant technical expertise residing in embedded workforces that are sought out by clients and the long-standing reputation of HLE. In addition, these acquired capabilities, when combined with our existing global consulting and engineering business, result in opportunities that allow us to provide services under contracts that could not have been pursued individually by either us or the acquired companies. The results of these acquisitions were included in our consolidated financial statements from their respective closing dates. These acquisitions were not considered material, individually or in the aggregate, to our consolidated financial statements. As a result, no pro forma information has been provided.

Backlog, client relations and trade name intangible assets include the fair value of existing contracts and the underlying customer relationships with lives ranging from one to ten years, and trade names with lives ranging from three to five years. For detailed information regarding our intangible assets, see Note 5, “Goodwill and Intangible Assets”.

Most of our acquisition agreements include contingent earn-out agreements, which are generally based on the achievement of future operating income thresholds. The contingent earn-out arrangements are based on our valuations of the acquired companies and reduce the risk of overpaying for acquisitions if the projected financial results are not achieved. The fair values of any earn-out arrangements are included as part of the purchase price of the acquired companies on their respective acquisition dates. For each transaction, we estimate the fair value of contingent earn-out payments as part of the initial purchase price and record the estimated fair value of contingent consideration as a liability in “Current contingent earn-out liabilities”
and “Long-term contingent earn-out liabilities” on the consolidated balance sheets. We consider several factors when determining that contingent earn-out liabilities are part of the purchase price, including the following: (1) the valuation of our acquisitions is not supported solely by the initial consideration paid, and the contingent earn-out formula is a critical and material component of the valuation approach to determining the purchase price; and (2) the former owners of acquired companies that remain as key employees receive compensation other than contingent earn-out payments at a reasonable level compared with the compensation of our other key employees. The contingent earn-out payments are not affected by employment termination.

We measure our contingent earn-out liabilities at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs classified within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy. We use a probability-weighted discounted income approach as a valuation technique to convert future estimated cash flows to a single present value amount. The significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurements are operating income projections over the earn-out period (generally three to five years), and the probability outcome percentages we assign to each scenario. Significant increases or decreases to either of these inputs in isolation would result in a significantly higher or lower liability, with a higher liability capped by the contractual maximum of the contingent earn-out obligation. Ultimately, the liability will be equivalent to the amount paid, and the difference between the fair value estimate and amount paid will be recorded in earnings. The amount paid that is less than or equal to the contingent earn-out liability on the acquisition date is reflected as cash used in financing activities in our consolidated statements of cash flows. Any amount paid in excess of the contingent earn-out liability on the acquisition date is reflected as cash used in operating activities in our consolidated statements of cash flows.

We review and re-assess the estimated fair value of contingent consideration on a quarterly basis, and the updated fair value could differ materially from the initial estimates. Changes in the estimated fair value of our contingent earn-out liabilities related to the time component of the present value calculation are reported in interest expense. Adjustments to the estimated fair value related to changes in all other unobservable inputs are reported in operating income. In the first quarter of fiscal 2022, we evaluated our estimates for contingent consideration liabilities for the remaining earn-out periods for each individual acquisition, which included a review of their financial results to-date, the status of ongoing projects in their RUPO, and the inventory of prospective new contract awards. In addition, we considered the potential impact of the global economic disruption due to the COVID-19 pandemic on our operating income projections over the various earn-out periods. For the first quarters of fiscal 2022 and 2021, we had no material adjustments to our contingent earn-out liabilities in operating income.

At January 2, 2022, there was a total potential maximum of $119.4 million of outstanding contingent consideration related to acquisitions. Of this amount, $65.8 million was estimated as the fair value and accrued on our consolidated balance sheet. If the global economic disruption related to the COVID-19 pandemic is prolonged, we could have significant reductions in our contingent earn-out liabilities and related gains in our operating income in future periods.