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Overview and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2020
Organization Consolidation And Presentation Of Financial Statements [Abstract]  
Overview and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Note 1. Overview and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Basis of Presentation and Principles of Consolidation

The accompanying consolidated financial statements were prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) and include the accounts of Viad and its subsidiaries. All significant intercompany account balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

Nature of Business

We are a leading provider of experiential leisure travel and face-to-face events and marketing experiences company with operations in the U.S., Canada, the United Kingdom, continental Europe, the United Arab Emirates, and Iceland. We are committed to providing unforgettable experiences to our clients and guests. We operate through three reportable business segments: GES North America, GES EMEA (collectively, “GES”), and Pursuit.

GES

GES is a global, full-service live events company offering a comprehensive range of services to event organizers and corporate brand marketers. Event organizers schedule and run events from start to finish. Corporate brand marketers include exhibitors and domestic and international corporations that want to promote their brands, services and innovations, feature new products, and build business relationships. GES serves corporate brand marketers when they exhibit at shows and when GES is engaged to manage their global exhibit program or produce their proprietary corporate events.

Pursuit

Pursuit is a collection of inspiring and unforgettable travel experiences that includes recreational attractions, unique hotels and lodges, food and beverage, retail, sightseeing, and ground transportation services. Pursuit comprises the Banff Jasper Collection, the Alaska Collection, the Glacier Park Collection, and FlyOver.

Impact of COVID-19

On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a “pandemic.” COVID-19 has spread rapidly, with a high concentration of confirmed cases in the U.S. and other countries in which we operate. The rapid spread has resulted in authorities around the world implementing numerous measures to contain the virus, such as travel bans and restrictions, quarantines, shelter-in-place orders, and business shutdowns. The COVID-19 pandemic and these containment measures have had, and are expected to continue to have, a substantial negative impact on businesses around the world and on global, regional, and national economies.

The COVID-19 pandemic is having and will likely continue to have a significant and negative impact on our operations and financial performance, with live events largely shut down and severe tourism activity disruptions. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, we implemented aggressive cost reduction measures to preserve cash, including furloughs, layoffs, mandatory unpaid time off, or salary reductions for all employees, and the reduction of discretionary spending. We continue to implement measures to successfully adapt for the long-term impact of COVID-19. During 2020, we secured additional capital to strengthen our liquidity position and amended our Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (the “2018 Credit Agreement”) to provide financial covenant relief and financial flexibility.

Investment Agreement

On August 5, 2020, we entered into an investment agreement with funds managed by private equity firm Crestview Partners (the “Investment Agreement”) who made an initial investment of $135 million, offset in part by $9.2 million in fees, in newly issued perpetual convertible preferred stock that carries a 5.5% cumulative quarterly dividend, which is payable in cash or in-kind at Viad’s option (the “Convertible Preferred Stock”). The Convertible Preferred Stock is convertible into shares of our common stock at a conversion price of $21.25 per share. The Investment Agreement also includes a delayed draw commitment of up to $45 million in additional Convertible Preferred Stock, which we may access during the 12 months following the August 5, 2020 closing date on the same terms and conditions as the initial investment. The proceeds from Crestview’s initial investment were used to repay a portion of our 2018 Credit Facility, will provide additional short-term liquidity, will fund capital expenditures, and will support general corporate purposes. Pursuant to the Investment Agreement, two Crestview Partners’ designees joined our Board of Directors, increasing the size of our board from seven to nine directors.

Credit Agreement Amendment

On August 5, 2020, we entered into an amendment to our 2018 Credit Agreement, which, among other things, (i) waives our financial covenants until September 30, 2022 (the “Covenant Waiver Period”) and (ii) requires us to maintain minimum liquidity of $100 million, with liquidity defined as unrestricted cash and available capacity on our 2018 Credit Facility. The interest rate on the borrowings is equal to the London Inter-bank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) plus 350 basis points, with a LIBOR floor of one percent during the Covenant Waiver Period. The LIBOR floor continues until the end of the 2018 Credit Agreement. Viad pledged 100% of the capital stock of its wholly-owned domestic subsidiaries and its top-tier foreign subsidiaries (other than Esja Attractions ehf.). Fees related to the amendment were approximately $1.7 million.

Management anticipates that the initial cash proceeds from Crestview Partners, existing cash and cash equivalents, and the amendment to waive financial covenants within the 2018 Credit Agreement until September 30, 2022 will be sufficient to fund operations for at least the next 12 months.

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets Impairments

Due to the deteriorating macroeconomic environment related to the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in disruptions to our operations and the decline in our stock price, we determined interim triggering events had occurred in the first and second quarters of 2020, which required us to assess the carrying values of goodwill and intangible assets in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) No. 350, Intangibles – Goodwill and Other. Based on this assessment, we recorded non-cash goodwill impairment charges of $185.8 million during 2020, which included a full impairment charge to the remaining GES goodwill balance. Our remaining goodwill balance as of December 31, 2020 of $99.8 million pertains to our Pursuit business. We also recorded a non-cash impairment charge to intangible assets of $15.7 million during 2020 related to our U.S. audio-visual production business. The duration and impact of COVID-19 may result in additional future impairment charges as facts and circumstances evolve. Refer to Note 9 – Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets for additional information.

Correction to Prior Period Financial Statements

Subsequent to the issuance of the December 31, 2019 consolidated financial statements, we identified prior period errors related to the recognition of revenue of GES’ Corporate Accounts’ third-party services. Revenue from these services should have been recorded on a net basis to reflect only the fees received for arranging these services, whereas previously, we recorded this revenue on a gross basis, thus overstating revenue and cost of services by the same amount. As a result, we corrected the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 related to this gross-to-net adjustment.

We determined that the error is not material to the previously issued financial statements. Note 2 – Revenue and Related Contract Costs and Contract Liabilities, Note 23 – Segment Information, and Note 24 – Selected Quarterly Financial Information reflect this correction.

 

 

 

Year Ended December 31,

 

 

 

2019

 

 

2018

 

(in thousands)

 

Services Revenue

 

 

Cost of Services

 

 

Services Revenue

 

 

Cost of Services

 

As previously reported

 

$

1,170,493

 

 

$

1,100,146

 

 

$

1,110,249

 

 

$

1,039,403

 

Gross to net correction for GES North America

 

 

(51,927

)

 

 

(51,927

)

 

 

(43,603

)

 

 

(43,603

)

Gross to net correction for GES EMEA

 

 

(17,032

)

 

 

(17,032

)

 

 

(15,257

)

 

 

(15,257

)

Total as corrected

 

$

1,101,534

 

 

$

1,031,187

 

 

$

1,051,389

 

 

$

980,543

 

Significant Accounting Policies

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reported period. Estimates and assumptions are used in accounting for, among other things: impairment testing of recorded goodwill and intangible assets and long-lived assets; allowances for uncollectible accounts receivable; sales reserve allowances; provisions for income taxes, including uncertain tax positions; valuation allowances related to deferred tax assets; liabilities for losses related to self-insured liability claims; liabilities for losses related to environmental remediation obligations; sublease income associated with restructuring liabilities; pension and postretirement benefit costs and obligations; share-based compensation costs; the discount rates used to value lease obligations; the redemption value of redeemable noncontrolling interests; and the allocation of purchase price of acquired businesses. Actual results could differ from these and other estimates.

Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Restricted Cash

Cash equivalents are highly-liquid investments with remaining maturities when purchased of three months or less. Cash and cash equivalents consist of cash and bank demand deposits and money market funds. Investments in money market funds are classified as available-for-sale and carried at fair value. Restricted cash represents collateral required for surety bonds and letters of credit.

Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash balances presented in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows consisted of the following:

 

 

 

December 31,

 

(in thousands)

 

2020

 

 

2019

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$

39,545

 

 

$

61,999

 

Restricted cash included in other current assets

 

 

2,426

 

 

 

5

 

Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash shown in the statement of cash flows

 

$

41,971

 

 

$

62,004

 

 

Allowances for Doubtful Accounts

Allowances for doubtful accounts reflect the best estimate of probable losses inherent in the accounts receivable balance. The allowances for doubtful accounts, including a sales allowance for discounts at the time of sale, are based upon an evaluation of the aging of receivables, historical trends, and the current economic environment.

Inventories

We state inventories, which consist primarily of exhibit design and construction materials and supplies, as well as retail inventory, at the lower of cost (first-in, first-out and specific identification methods) or net realizable value.

Property and Equipment

Property and equipment are stated at cost, net of accumulated depreciation. Property and equipment are depreciated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets: buildings, 15 to 40 years; equipment, 3 to 12 years; and leasehold improvements, over the shorter of the lease term or useful life. Property and equipment are tested for potential impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the long-lived asset may not be recoverable through undiscounted cash flows.

Leases

We recognize a right-of-use (“ROU”) asset and lease liability on the balance sheet and classify leases as either finance or operating leases. The classification of the lease determines whether the lease expense is recognized on an effective interest method basis (finance lease) or on a straight-line basis (operating lease) over the lease term. In determining whether an agreement contains a lease, we consider if we have a right to control the use of the underlying asset during the lease term in exchange for an obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease. We recognize ROU assets and lease liabilities at commencement date, which is when the underlying asset is available for use to a lessee, based on the present value of lease payments over the lease term.

Our operating and finance leases are primarily facility, equipment, and land leases. Our facility leases comprise mainly manufacturing facilities, sales and design facilities, offices, storage and/or warehouses, and truck marshaling yards. These facility leases generally have lease terms ranging up to 23 years. Our equipment leases comprise mainly vehicles, hardware, and office equipment, each with various lease terms. Our land leases comprise mainly leases in Canada and Iceland on which our hotels or attractions are located and have lease terms ranging up to 47 years.

If a lease contains a renewal option that is reasonably certain to be exercised, then the lease term includes the optional periods in measuring a ROU asset and lease liability. The reasonably certain threshold is evaluated at lease commencement and is typically met if we identify substantial economic incentives or termination penalties. We do not include variable leases and variable non-lease components in the calculation of the ROU asset and corresponding lease liability. For facility leases, variable lease costs include the costs of common area maintenance, taxes, and insurance for which we pay our lessors an estimate that is adjusted to actual expense on a quarterly or annual basis depending on the underlying contract terms. We expense these variable lease payments as incurred. Our lease agreements do not contain any significant residual value guarantees or restrictive covenants.

Substantially all of our lease agreements do not specify an implicit borrowing rate, and as such, we utilize an incremental borrowing rate based on lease term and country, in order to calculate the present value of our future lease payments. The discount rate represents a risk-adjusted rate on a collateralized basis and is the expected rate at which we would borrow funds to satisfy the scheduled lease liability payment streams commensurate with the lease term and the country.  

We are also a lessor to third party tenants who either lease certain portions of facilities that we own or sublease certain portions of facilities that we lease. We record lease income from owned facilities as rental income and we record sublease income from leased

facilities against lease expense in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. We classify all of our leases for which we are the lessor as operating leases.

Goodwill

Goodwill is tested for impairment at the reporting unit level on an annual basis as of October 31, and between annual tests if an event occurs or circumstances change that would more-likely-than-not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying value. We use a discounted expected future cash flow methodology (income approach) in order to estimate the fair value of our reporting units for purposes of goodwill impairment testing. The estimates and assumptions regarding expected future cash flows, discount rates, and terminal values require considerable judgment and are based on market conditions, financial forecasts, industry trends, and historical experience. These estimates, however, have inherent uncertainties and different assumptions could lead to materially different results.

Cash Surrender Value of Life Insurance

We had Company-owned life insurance contracts that were intended to fund the cost of certain employee compensation and benefit programs. These contracts were carried at cash surrender value, net of outstanding policy loans. The cash surrender value represented the amount of cash we could receive if the policies were discontinued before maturity. The changes in the cash surrender value of the policies, net of insurance premiums, were included as a component of “Costs of services” in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. In 2020, we terminated the life insurance policies and received cash proceeds of $24.8 million.

Self-Insurance Liabilities

We are self-insured up to certain limits for workers’ compensation and general liabilities, which includes automobile, product general liability, and client property loss claims. We have also retained and provided for certain workers’ compensation insurance liabilities in conjunction with previously sold operations. We are also self-insured for certain employee health benefits. Provisions for losses for claims incurred, including actuarially derived estimated claims incurred but not yet reported, are made based on historical experience, claims frequency, and other factors. We have purchased insurance for amounts in excess of the self-insured levels.

Environmental Remediation Liabilities

Environmental remediation liabilities represent the estimated cost of environmental remediation obligations primarily associated with previously sold operations. The amounts accrued primarily consist of the estimated direct incremental costs, on an undiscounted basis, for contractor and other services related to remedial actions and post-remediation site monitoring. Environmental remediation liabilities are recorded when the specific obligation is considered probable and the costs are reasonably estimable. Subsequent recoveries from third parties, if any, are recorded through discontinued operations when realized. Environmental insurance is maintained that provides coverage for new and undiscovered pre-existing conditions at both our continuing and discontinued operations.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

The carrying value of cash and cash equivalents, receivables, and accounts payable approximate fair value due to the short-term maturities of these instruments. Refer to Note 12 – Debt and Finance Lease Obligations for the estimated fair value of debt obligations.

Convertible Preferred Stock

We record shares of convertible preferred stock based on proceeds received net of costs on the date of issuance. Redeemable preferred stock (including preferred stock that features redemption rights that are either within the control of the holder or subject to redemption upon the occurrence of uncertain events not solely within our control) is classified as temporary equity and is reported between liabilities and stockholders’ equity in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Noncontrolling Interests – Non-redeemable and Redeemable

Non-redeemable noncontrolling interest represents the portion of equity in a subsidiary that is not attributable, directly or indirectly, to us. Our non-redeemable noncontrolling interest relates to the 20% equity ownership interest that we do not own in Glacier Park, Inc., the 40% equity interest that we do not own in the Mountain Park Lodges, and the 49% equity interest that we do not own in the new entity that will operate the Pursuit Sky Lagoon attraction. We report non-redeemable noncontrolling interest within stockholders’ equity in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The amount of consolidated net income or loss attributable to Viad and the non-redeemable noncontrolling interest is presented in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.  

We consider noncontrolling interests with redemption features that are not solely within our control to be redeemable noncontrolling interests. Our redeemable noncontrolling interest relates to our 54.5% equity ownership interest in Esja Attractions ehf. (“Esja”), which owns the FlyOver Iceland attraction. The Esja shareholders agreement contains a put option that gives the minority Esja shareholders the right to sell (or “put”) their Esja shares to us based on a calculated formula within a predefined term. This redeemable noncontrolling interest is considered temporary equity and we report it between liabilities and stockholders’ equity in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The amount of the net income or loss attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests is recorded in the Consolidated Statements of

Operations and the accretion of the redemption value is recorded as an adjustment to retained earnings (deficit) and is included in our income (loss) per share. Refer to Note 22 – Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest for additional information.

Foreign Currency Translation

Our foreign operations are primarily in Canada, the United Kingdom, Iceland, the Netherlands, Germany, and to a lesser extent, in certain other countries. The functional currency of our foreign subsidiaries is their local currency. Accordingly, for purposes of consolidation, we translate the assets and liabilities of our foreign subsidiaries into U.S. dollars at the foreign exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet date. The unrealized gains or losses resulting from the translation of these foreign denominated assets and liabilities are included as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. For purposes of consolidation, revenue, expenses, gains, and losses related to our foreign operations are translated into U.S. dollars at the average foreign exchange rates for the period.

Revenue Recognition

Revenue is measured based on a specified amount of consideration in a contract with a customer, net of commissions paid to customers and amounts collected on behalf of third parties. We recognize revenue when a performance obligation is satisfied by transferring control of a product or service to a customer.

GES’ service revenue is primarily derived through its comprehensive range of services to event organizers and corporate brand marketers including Core Services, Event Technology, and Audio-visual. GES’ service revenue is earned over time over the duration of the exhibition, conference or corporate event, which generally lasts one to three days. Revenue for goods and services provided for which we do not have control of the goods or services before that good or service is transferred to a customer is recorded on a net basis to reflect only the fees received for arranging these services. GES’ product revenue is derived from the build of exhibits and environments and graphics. GES’ product revenue is recognized at a point in time upon delivery of the product.

Pursuit’s service revenue is derived through its admissions, accommodations, transportation, and travel planning services. Pursuit’s product revenue is derived through food and beverage and retail sales. Pursuit’s revenue is recognized at the time services are performed or upon delivery of the product. Pursuit’s service revenue is recognized over time as the customer simultaneously receives and consumes the benefits. Pursuit’s product revenue is recognized at a point in time.

Share-Based Compensation

Share-based compensation costs related to all share-based payment awards are recognized and measured using the fair value method of accounting. These awards generally include restricted stock awards, restricted stock units, performance units, and stock options, and contain forfeiture and non-compete provisions. We issue share-based payment awards from shares held in treasury. Future vesting is generally subject to continued employment. Holders of share-based awards have the right to receive dividends and vote the shares, but may not sell, assign, transfer, pledge, or otherwise encumber the stock, except to the extent restrictions have lapsed and in accordance with our stock trading policy.

We account for share-based payment awards that will be settled in cash as liability-based awards, which includes performance units and restricted stock units. We measure share-based compensation expense of liability-based awards at fair value at each reporting date until the date of settlement based on the number of units expected to vest and, where applicable, the level of achievement of predefined performance goals. These awards are remeasured on each reporting date based on our stock price and the Monte Carlo simulation model. A Monte Carlo simulation requires the use of several assumptions, including historical volatility and correlation between our stock price and the price of the common shares of a comparator group, a risk-free rate of return, and an expected term. Share-based compensation expense related to liability-based awards is recognized ratably over the requisite service period of approximately three years.

We account for share-based awards that will be settled in shares of our common stock as equity-based awards, which include performance units, restricted stock units, and restricted stock awards. We measure share-based compensation expense of equity-based awards at fair value on the grant date on a straight-line basis over the vesting period. The estimated number of shares to be achieved is updated each reporting period based on the number of units expected to vest and, where applicable, the level of achievement of predefined performance goals, until the date of settlement. Share-based compensation expense related to equity-based awards is recognized ratably over the requisite service period ranging from three months to three years.

The fair value of stock option grants is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes stock option pricing model. We grant non-qualified stock options that are performance-based and service-based. The performance-based awards are recognized on a straight-line basis over the performance period ranging up to 3.4 years, and the underlying shares expected to be settled are adjusted each reporting period based on estimated future achievement of the respective performance metrics. The service-based awards are recognized on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period on a graded-vesting schedule over two years. The exercise price of stock options is based on the market value of our common stock at the date of grant.

Common Stock in Treasury

Common stock purchased for treasury is recorded at historical cost. Subsequent share reissuances are primarily related to share-based compensation programs and recorded at weighted-average cost.

Income (Loss) Per Common Share

Diluted income per common share is calculated using the more dilutive of the two-class method or as-converted method. The two-class method uses net income available to common stockholders and assumes conversion of all potential shares other than the participating securities. The as-converted method uses net income and assumes conversion of all potential shares including the participating securities. Dilutive potential common shares include outstanding stock options, unvested restricted share units and convertible preferred stock. We apply the two-class method in calculating income per common share as unvested share-based payment awards that contain nonforfeitable rights to dividends and preferred stock are considered participating securities. Accordingly, such securities are included in the earnings allocation in calculating income per share. The adjustment to the carrying value of the redeemable noncontrolling interest is reflected in income per common share.

Impact of Recent Accounting Pronouncements

The following table provides a brief description of recent accounting pronouncements:

 

Standard

 

Description

 

Date of adoption

 

Effect on the financial statements

Standards Not Yet Adopted

ASU 2020-06, Debt - Debt with Conversion and Other Options (Subtopic 470-20) and Derivatives and Hedging - Contracts in Entity’s Own Equity (Subtopic 815-40)

 

The amendment simplifies the accounting for convertible instruments by reducing the number of accounting models available for convertible debt instruments and convertible preferred stock. The amendment also requires expanded disclosures about the terms and features of convertible instruments. Early adoption is permitted, but no earlier than fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020.

 

1/1/2022

 

We are currently evaluating the potential impact of the adoption of this new guidance on our consolidated financial statements and if there are applicable provisions that will simplify our accounting or reporting we will likely pursue early adoption.

 

Standard

 

Description

 

Date of adoption

 

Effect on the financial statements

Standards Recently Adopted

ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (Topic 326) - Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments

 

The amendment eliminates the incurred credit loss impairment methodology and replaces it with an expected credit loss concept based on historical experience, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts.

 

1/1/2020

 

We adopted this new standard on a modified retrospective basis. The adoption of this new standard on January 1, 2020 did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

ASU 2020-04, Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848)

 

The amendment provides temporary optional guidance to ease the potential burden in accounting for reference rate reform. Topic 848 provides optional expedients and exceptions for applying U.S. GAAP to transactions affected by reference rate reform if certain criteria are met.

 

3/12/2020

 

Topic 848 was effective beginning on March 12, 2020, and we will apply the amendments prospectively through December 31, 2022. There was no impact to our consolidated financial statements as a result of adopting this amendment.

ASU 2019-12, Income Taxes (Topic 740) Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes

 

The amendment enhances and simplifies various aspects of the income tax accounting guidance, including requirements such as ownership changes in investments, and interim-period accounting for enacted changes in tax law.

 

1/1/2021

 

The adoption of this new standard on January 1, 2021 did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.