Item 1. Business.
General
The Davey Tree Expert Company, which was founded in 1880 and incorporated in Ohio in 1909, and its subsidiaries ("we" or "us") provide a wide range of arboricultural, horticultural, environmental and consulting services to our customers throughout the United States and Canada. We have two reportable operating segments organized by type or class of customer: Residential and Commercial, and Utility.
Our Residential and Commercial segment provides services to our residential and commercial customers including: the treatment, preservation, maintenance, removal and planting of trees, shrubs and other plant life; the practice of landscaping, grounds maintenance, tree surgery, tree feeding and tree spraying; the application of fertilizer, herbicides and insecticides; and natural resource management and consulting, forestry research and development, and environmental planning.
Our Utility segment is principally engaged in providing services to our utility customers--investor-owned, municipal utilities, and rural electric cooperatives--including: the practice of line-clearing and vegetation management around power lines and rights-of-way and chemical brush control, natural resource management and consulting, forestry research and development and environmental planning.
We also maintain research, technical support and laboratory diagnostic facilities.
Competition and Customers
Our Residential and Commercial segment is one of the largest national tree care organizations in the United States, and competes with other national and local firms with respect to its services. On a national level, our competition is primarily landscape construction and maintenance companies as well as residential and commercial lawn care companies. At a local and regional level, our competition comes mainly from small, local companies which are engaged primarily in tree care and lawn services. Our Utility segment is the second largest organization in the industry in the United States, and competes principally with one major national competitor, Asplundh Tree Expert, LLC, as well as several smaller regional firms.
Principal methods of competition in both operating segments are customer service, marketing, image, performance and reputation. Our program to meet our competition stresses the necessity for our employees to have and project to customers a thorough knowledge of all horticultural services provided, and utilization of modern, well-maintained equipment. Pricing is not always a critical factor in a customer's decision with respect to our Residential and Commercial segment; however, pricing is generally the principal method of competition for our Utility segment, although in most instances consideration is given to reputation and past production performance.
We provide a wide range of horticultural services to private companies, public utilities, local, state and federal agencies, and a variety of industrial, commercial and residential customers. During 2020, we had revenues of approximately $216 million, or approximately 17% of total revenues, from Pacific Gas & Electric Company ("PG&E"), our largest customer.
Regulation and Environment
We are subject to various federal, state and local laws, rules and regulations relating to, among other things, labor, wages, health and safety matters, immigration, employee benefits and privacy and customer data security as well as requirements of federal and state transportation
agencies with respect to vehicles in our fleet. Noncompliance with these laws and regulations can subject us to fines or civil or criminal prosecution and could have a material adverse effect on our reputation, business, and results of operations.
Additionally, our facilities and operations, in common with those of the industry generally, are subject to governmental regulations designed to protect the environment. This is particularly important with respect to our services regarding insect and disease control, because these services involve, to a considerable degree, the blending and application of spray materials, which require formal licensing in most areas. Constant changes in environmental conditions, environmental awareness, technology and social attitudes make it necessary for us to maintain a high degree of awareness of the impact such changes have on the market for our services. We believe that we comply in all material respects with existing federal, state and local laws regulating the use of materials in our spraying operations as well as the other aspects of our business that are subject to any such regulation.
Marketing
We solicit business from residential customers principally through referrals, direct mail programs and to a lesser extent through the placement of advertisements in national magazines and trade journals, local newspapers and "yellow pages" telephone directories. We also employ online marketing and lead generation strategies, including email marketing campaigns, search engine optimization, search engine marketing, and social media communication. Business from utility and commercial customers is obtained principally through negotiated contracts and competitive bidding. We carry out all of our sales and services through our employees. We generally do not use agents, and do not franchise our name or business.
Seasonality
Our business is seasonal, primarily due to fluctuations in horticultural services provided to Residential and Commercial customers. We can also be affected to a lesser extent by budget constraints of our Utility customers. Because of this seasonality, we have historically incurred losses in the first quarter, while sales and earnings are generally highest in the second and third quarters of the calendar year. Consequently, this has created heavy demands for additional working capital at various times throughout the year. We borrow primarily against bank commitments in the form of a revolving credit facility and issue notes to provide the necessary funds for our operations. You can find more information about our bank commitments in “Liquidity and Capital Resources” of this report under “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.”
Other Factors
Due to rapid changes in equipment technology and intensity of use, we must constantly update our equipment and processes to ensure that we provide competitive services to our customers and continue our compliance with the Occupational Safety and Health Act.
We own several trademarks including "Davey," "Davey and Design," "Arbor Green Pro," "Arbor Green," and "Davey Resource Group." Through substantial advertising and use, we believe that these trademarks have become of value in the identification and acceptance of our products and services.
Human Capital
Our values - safety, integrity, expertise, leadership, stewardship and perseverance - are built on the foundation that our people are the key to our success and sustainability as a company. We aim to engage and inspire our employees every day, providing them with education and development opportunities to help them grow personally and professionally. As of December 31, 2020, we employed approximately
9,600 people, of which approximately 92% were in the United States and 8% were in our Canadian locations. Of our active employees, 98% are full time, 2% are part time and 17% are covered by a collective bargaining agreement. We consider our employee relations to be good.
We encourage you to visit our website for more detailed information regarding our Human Capital programs and initiatives. Nothing on our website shall be deemed incorporated by reference into this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Oversight
Our board of directors provides oversight on certain human capital matters, including employee ownership programs and employee relations issues. The compensation committee of our board of directors oversees risks related to our employment policies and our compensation and benefit arrangements. Our Human Resource and Legal departments also have responsibility for advising, educating, and assisting the business on human resource matters and executing our overall human capital management strategies. In addition, the board of directors and the compensation committee receive regular updates from our Chief Executive Officer regarding human capital matters.
Employee Attraction and Retention
As a provider of arboricultural, horticultural, environmental and consulting services, attracting and retaining top talent is critical to our success. We actively recruit candidates who share our commitment to advance the green industry. While our industry faces challenges of seasonal employment and high average turnover, our structure as an employee-owned company enables our talented employees to invest in us as we invest in them. Our recruiting and employee development team cultivates employee strength by recruiting, training and retaining a diverse and talented workforce. The team supports the hiring and early employee experiences of our workforce by utilizing recruiting hubs, which allow for better support to our employees while addressing hiring needs across the U.S. and Canada. We also offer a referral bonus program which encourages current employees to recommend people to join our Company. Employees receive a cash bonus for referring an individual who becomes an employee and remains employed at least 90 days.
We recognize that everyone deserves respect and equal treatment, regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, cultural background or religious belief. As of December 31, 2020, women represented 12% of our total employees, and minorities (defined as those who identify as Black/African American, Hispanic/Latino, American Indian/Alaskan Native, Asian, Hawaiian/Pacific Islander and/or two or more races) represented 30% of our U.S. employees.
Education and Development
To sustain our growth, it is imperative that we invest in our employees’ personal and professional development. For nearly 140 years, employee education has been fundamental to our success, equipping each employee with the tools they need to deliver the best possible care to our clients. Through our Learning Management System ("LMS"), employees can access our extensive online education and development programs, consisting of over 640 courses covering 15 topics. In addition to online LMS training, we offer multiple in-person training opportunities at our Davey Institute and regional workshop sessions. The largest onsite training-the Davey Institute of Tree Sciences ("D.I.T.S.")-takes place each February in Kent, Ohio. A modern-day take on the original experiences taught by John Davey, D.I.T.S. is open to employees from all over the U.S. and Canada, and the program still uses a combination of lecture and outdoor experiential learning. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, in-person trainings have been moved to a virtual format.
Additionally, ongoing partnerships with trade associations as well as an associate’s degree program offered through Kent State University provide Davey employees with opportunities to continue their education and advance their careers at Davey.
Safe Business Practices
Safety lies at the heart of our company. Our safety program - The Road to Zero - encourages a culture of communication, collaboration and consistency. We view safety and skills training as a continuous development tool and we provide both in-person and distance learning activities to 100% of our field employees each year through our safety department. Davey operates in regions across the United States and Canada where fire seasons and changing climate increase the risk of fire on and around our job sites. In areas with increased fire risk, employees complete an annual fire prevention curriculum developed in collaboration with multiple fire safety and forestry agencies.
In 2017, we implemented our Close Call Communicator, an electronic company-wide platform for safety communication. The platform allows employees to report a close call incident and share those incidents across the company to build tools and tactics for prevention. Employees are encouraged to watch out for potential situations that may put themselves or their co-workers at risk and to speak up if they see something. These efforts serve to improve the holistic management of safety across our operations.
Compensation, Benefits and Well-being
We offer fair, competitive compensation and benefits that support our employees’ overall health and well-being but recognize that supporting our employees does not end there. We encourage employees to plan for their future, and after one year of service, our employees are eligible to invest in our 401(k) plan, where we will match up to 5% of employees’ contributions, or by becoming a shareholder and enrolling in our stock purchase plan, where they can purchase shares of the company at a 15% discount. Both are great ways to save for retirement. We also offer a family scholarship program to assist employees with approved college education tuition and expenses for their children and legal wards.
We have a long-standing tradition of giving back to our communities across the U.S. and Canada, and we encourage our employees to get involved in the communities where they live and work to help grow a better future. In 2018, we launched the Green Leaders program, which recognizes employees’ volunteer activities that are meaningful to them, as well as supporting initiatives that promote trees, sustainable landscapes and the environment. In 2020, employees invested over 8,900 hours to organizations that were meaningful to them. We also encourage employees to give back by offering a charitable matching gift program whereby we match employees’ eligible contributions up to a preset limit.
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, we implemented additional changes that we determined were in the best interest of our employees as well as the communities in which we operate. This included having our employees work from home to the extent possible, implementing additional safety measures for employees and customers to ensure social distancing when providing services, additional personal protective equipment and additional paid administrative leave of up to ten working days per employee for those who cannot work due to circumstances related to COVID-19.
Core to our values is being there for our people when the unexpected happens. We have two employee assistance programs in place to support our employees. The first is our emergency employee assistance program, which provides grants to employees for food, shelter and other basic needs due to unexpected financial hardships. The second, is our COVID-19 relief program through the Davey Company Foundation, which provides tax-free payments to employees for eligible expenses incurred as a result of the pandemic.
Domestic and Foreign Operations
We sell our services to customers in the United States and Canada.
We do not consider the risks associated with our business with foreign customers, other than currency exchange risks, to be materially different from those of our domestic customers.
Access to Company Information
Davey Tree’s internet address is http://www.davey.com. Through our internet website, by hyperlink to the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) website (http://www.sec.gov), we make available, free of charge, our Annual Report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, and all amendments to those reports. Availability of the reports occurs contemporaneously with the electronic posting to the SEC’s website as the reports are electronically filed with or furnished to the SEC. The information on our website is not a part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
The following documents are also made available on our website and a copy will be mailed, without charge, upon request to our Corporate Secretary:
▪Code of Ethics
▪Code of Ethics for Financial Matters
Item 1A.
Item 1A. Risk Factors.
The factors described below represent the material risks we face. Except as otherwise indicated, these factors may or may not occur and we are not in a position to express a view on the likelihood of any such factor occurring. Other factors may exist that we do not consider to be material based on information that is currently available or that we are not currently able to anticipate.
Risk Related to the COVID-19 Pandemic
Our business, results of operations, financial position or cash flow could in the future be materially adversely impacted by the coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19).
The global spread of the coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19) has created significant volatility and uncertainty and economic disruption. The extent to which COVID-19 impacts our business, operations and financial results will depend on numerous evolving factors that we may not be able to accurately predict including: the duration and scope of the pandemic, including any surge in cases in the United States and potential challenges caused by an increase in indoor activities due to cold and/or inclement weather, as well as the emergence of new COVID-19 variants, some of which may be more transmissible than the initial strain, and the availability and effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines and other treatments; the impact of the pandemic on economic activity, including the current recession in the United States and the possibility that any future recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic and related impact may also be slowed or reversed by a number of factors, including new or additional resurgences in COVID-19 infections; government imposed restrictions in response to the pandemic and the possibility that previously-lifted restrictions will be reimposed, or additional restrictions put in place; the effect on our customers and their demand for our services; and the ability of our customers to pay for our services. Clients may slow down decision making, delay planned work or seek to terminate existing agreements. The degree of impact of COVID-19 on our customer sales demand will depend on the extent and duration of the economic contraction.
We have taken steps to support our employees and protect their health and safety, while also ensuring that our business can continue to operate and provide services to our customers. Where possible, we have transitioned our employees to work from home and implemented measures to ensure social distancing when providing services to our customers. The resources available to employees working remotely may not enable them to maintain the same level of productivity and efficiency, and these and other employees may face additional
demands on their time, such as increased responsibilities resulting from school closures or the illness of family members. Our increased reliance on remote access to our information systems could also increase our exposure to potential data breaches. There is no certainty that such measures will be sufficient to mitigate the risks posed by COVID-19, in which case our employees may become sick, our ability to perform critical functions could be harmed, and our business and operations could be negatively impacted.
While COVID-19 did not have a material adverse effect on our reported results for the year ended December 31, 2020, due to the inherent uncertainty surrounding COVID-19 given its continual evolution, such as the previous resurgences in cases and the emergence of new strains of COVID-19, we are unable to predict the ultimate impact that it may have on our business, including how it will impact our customers, employees, supply chain and liquidity. The situation surrounding COVID-19 remains fluid, and the potential for a material impact on our business increases the longer the coronavirus impacts the level of economic activity in the U.S. and globally. Even after the COVID-19 pandemic has subsided, we may experience an impact to our business as a result of the current economic recession and any economic downturn or recession that may occur in the future.
Risks Related to Our Industry in Which We Intend to Compete
We may be unable to employ a sufficient workforce for our field operations.
Our industry operates in an environment that requires heavy manual labor. We may experience slower growth in the labor force for this type of work than in the past. As a result, we may experience labor shortages or the need to pay more to attract and retain qualified employees. Additionally, changes to the laws and regulations that govern the classification or wages of workers may require us to make changes to our operations and may negatively impact our business, increase our costs and expose us to various liabilities.
We may be unable to attract and retain skilled management.
Our success depends, in part, on our ability to attract and retain key managers. Competition for the best people can be intense and we may not be able to promote, hire or retain skilled managers. The loss of services of one or more of our key managers could have a material adverse impact on our business because of the loss of the manager's skills, knowledge of our industry and years of industry experience, and the difficulty of promptly finding qualified replacement personnel.
We are subject to intense competition.
We believe that each aspect of our business is highly competitive. Principal methods of competition in our operating segments are customer service, marketing, image, performance and reputation. Pricing is not always a critical factor in a customer’s decision with respect to our Residential and Commercial segment; however, pricing is generally the principal method of competition for our Utility segment, although in most instances consideration is also given to reputation and past production performance. On a national level, our competition is primarily landscape construction and maintenance companies as well as residential and commercial lawn care companies. At a local and regional level, our competition comes mainly from small, local companies which are engaged primarily in tree care and lawn services. Our Utility segment competes principally with one major national competitor, as well as several smaller regional firms. Furthermore, competitors may have lower costs because privately-owned companies operating in a limited geographic area may have significantly lower labor and overhead costs. Our competitors may develop the expertise, experience and resources to provide services that are superior in both price and quality to our services. These strong competitive pressures could inhibit our success in bidding for profitable business and may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. We may also seek acquisitions or other transactions to further enhance our competitive position, and have, in the past, acquired businesses aimed at
expanding the geography and scope of our services. Such acquisitions or other transactions involve risks and may present financial or operational challenges and may not provide the benefits intended.
We could be materially adversely affected by wildfires in California and other areas and other severe weather events and natural disasters, including negative impacts to our business, reputation, financial condition, results of operations, liquidity and cash flows.
Our financial condition, results of operations, liquidity and cash flows could be materially affected by potential losses resulting from the impact of wildfires and other major weather events and natural disasters, in California and other areas, which have in the past and could in the future expose the Company to litigation and liabilities pursuant to the Company’s indemnification obligations to its customers. Such weather events and natural disasters could result in severe business disruptions, property damage, injuries or loss of life. Such events could result in significant decreases in revenues, cost increases, and other financial difficulties to the Company’s customers and could cause them to file for bankruptcy protection, as occurred with PG&E in 2019, which emerged from bankruptcy in July 2020. Any such event could have a material adverse effect on our business, reputation, financial condition, results of operations, liquidity and cash flows. Further, these events could result in government enforcement actions or regulatory penalties, litigation and/or civil or governmental actions, including investigations, citations and fines, against our customers and against us if any related losses are found to be the result of their or our activities and services. Any litigation relating to wildfires could take a number of years to resolve due to the complexity of the matters, including ongoing investigations into the cause of the fire and the number of claims or parties that may be involved.
Any regulatory responses or wildfire reforms taken by the state of California or any other jurisdiction where we have operations could adversely impact our business, financial condition, results of operations, liquidity and cash flows.
Our business is dependent upon service to our utility customers and we may be affected by developments in the utility industry.
We derive approximately 57% of our total revenues from our Utility segment. Significant adverse developments in the utility industry generally, or specifically for our major utility customers, including the January 2019 Chapter 11 filing by PG&E, from which it emerged July 2020, could result in pressure to reduce costs by utility industry service providers (such as us), delays in payments of our accounts receivable, or increases in uncollectible accounts receivable, among other things. As a result, such developments could have an adverse effect on our results of operations.
Risks Related to Our Business and Financial Condition
We could be negatively impacted if our self-insurance accruals or our insurance coverages prove to be inadequate.
We are generally self-insured for losses and liabilities related to workers' compensation, vehicle liability and general liability claims (including any wildfire-related claims, up to certain retained coverage limits). A liability for unpaid claims and associated expenses, including incurred but not reported losses, is actuarially determined and reflected in our consolidated balance sheet as an accrued liability. The determination of such claims and expenses, and the extent of the need for accrued liabilities, are continually reviewed and updated. If we were to experience insurance claims or costs above our estimates and were unable to offset such increases with earnings, our business could be adversely affected. Also, where we self-insure, a deterioration in claims management, whether by our management or by a third-party claims administrator, could lead to delays in settling claims, thereby increasing claim costs, particularly as it relates to workers’ compensation. In addition, catastrophic uninsured claims filed against us or the inability of our insurance carriers to pay otherwise-insured claims would have an adverse effect on our financial condition.
Furthermore, many customers, particularly utilities, prefer to do business with contractors with significant financial resources, who can provide substantial insurance coverage. Should we be unable to renew our excess liability insurance and other commercial insurance policies at competitive rates, this loss would have an adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.
The unavailability or cancellation of third-party insurance coverage may have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations as well as disrupt our operations.
Any of our existing excess insurance coverage may not be renewed upon the expiration of the coverage period or future coverage may not be available at competitive rates for the required limits. In addition, our third-party insurers could fail, suddenly cancel our coverage or otherwise be unable to provide us with adequate insurance coverage. If any of these events occur, they may have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations as well as disrupt our operations. For example, we have operations in California, which has an environment prone to wildfires. Should our third-party insurers determine to exclude coverage for wildfires in the future, we could be exposed to significant liabilities, which would have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations and potentially disrupt our California operations.
Our business is highly seasonal and weather dependent.
Our business, other than tree services to utility customers, is highly seasonal and weather dependent, primarily due to fluctuations in horticultural services provided to Residential and Commercial customers. We have historically incurred losses in the first quarter, while revenue and operating income are generally highest in the second and third quarters of the calendar year. Inclement weather, such as uncharacteristically low or high (drought) temperatures, in the second and third quarters could dampen the demand for our horticultural services, resulting in reduced revenues that would have an adverse effect on our results of operations.
Financial difficulties or the bankruptcy of one or more of our major customers could adversely affect our results.
Our ability to collect our accounts receivable and future sales depends, in part, on the financial strength of our customers. We grant credit, generally without collateral, to our customers. Consequently, we are subject to credit risk related to changes in business and economic factors throughout the United States and Canada. In the event customers experience financial difficulty, and particularly if bankruptcy results, our profitability may be adversely impacted by our failure to collect our accounts receivable in excess of our estimated allowance for uncollectible accounts. Additionally, our future revenues could be reduced by the loss of a customer due to bankruptcy. Our failure to collect accounts receivable and/or the loss of one or more major customers could have an adverse effect on our net income and financial condition.
On January 29, 2019, our largest customer, PG&E, filed for bankruptcy under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code, from which it emerged in July 2020. Our total outstanding pre-petition receivables from PG&E as of December 31, 2019 were approximately $15 million, for which the Company received payment in full during the third and fourth quarters of 2020. The Company's primary contracts were assumed by PG&E and we continue to perform work for PG&E under the terms of our contract.
We are subject to third-party and governmental regulatory claims and litigation and adverse litigation judgments or settlements resulting from those claims could materially adversely affect our business.
From time-to-time, customers, vendors, employees, governmental regulatory authorities and others may make claims and take legal action against us. Allegations, claims or proceedings may, for example, relate to personal injury, property damage, general liability claims, vehicle accidents involving our vehicles and our employees, regulatory issues, contract disputes or employment matters and may include class actions. Defending against these and other such claims and proceedings is costly and time consuming and may divert management’s
attention and personnel resources from our normal business operations, and the outcome of many of these claims and proceedings cannot be predicted. Whether these claims and legal actions are founded or unfounded, if such claims and legal actions are not resolved in our favor, they may result in significant financial liability. Any such financial liability could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations. While we carry a broad range of insurance for the protection of our assets and operations, such insurance may not fully cover all material expenses related to potential allegations, claims and proceedings, or any adverse judgments, fines or settlements that may result. We reserve currently for anticipated losses and related expenses in excess of anticipated insurance coverage that may exist.
We are subject to the risk of changes in fuel costs.
The cost of fuel is a major operating expense of our business. Significant increases in fuel prices for extended periods of time will cause our operating expenses to fluctuate. An increase in cost with partial or no corresponding compensation from customers would lead to lower margins that would have an adverse effect on our results of operations.
We cannot predict the impact that policies regarding changing climate conditions, including legal, regulatory and social responses thereto, may have on our business.
Many scientists, environmentalists, international organizations, political activists, regulators and other commentators believe that global climate change has added, and will continue to add, to the unpredictability, frequency and severity of natural disasters in certain parts of the world. In response, a number of legal and regulatory measures and social initiatives have been introduced in an effort to reduce greenhouse gas and other carbon emissions that these parties believe may be contributors to global climate change. These proposals, if enacted, could result in a variety of regulatory programs, including potential new regulations, additional charges and taxes to fund energy efficiency activities, or other regulatory actions. The change in the U.S. presidential administration may result in the prioritization of environmental policies, such as climate change mitigation and adaptation measures. Any of these actions could result in increased costs associated with our operations and impact the prices we charge our customers.
We cannot predict the impact, if any, that changing climate conditions will have on us or our customers. However, it is possible that the legal, regulatory and social responses to real or perceived climate change could have a negative effect on our results of operations or our financial condition.
Our quarterly results may fluctuate.
We have experienced and expect to continue to experience quarterly variations in revenues and operating income as a result of many factors, including:
▪the seasonality of our business;
▪the timing and volume of customers' projects;
▪budgetary spending patterns of customers;
▪the commencement or termination of service agreements;
▪costs incurred to support growth internally or through acquisitions;
▪changes in our mix of customers, contracts and business activities;
▪fluctuations in insurance expense due to changes in claims experience and actuarial assumptions; and
▪general and local economic conditions, including the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and resulting recession in the United States.
Accordingly, our operating results in any particular quarter may not be indicative of the results that you can expect for any other quarter or for the entire year.
We may be adversely affected if we enter into a major unprofitable contract.
Our Residential and Commercial segment and our Utility segment frequently operate in a competitive bid contract environment. As a result, we may misjudge a bid and be contractually bound to an unprofitable contract, which could adversely affect our results of operations.
A disruption in our information technology systems, including a disruption related to cybersecurity, could adversely affect our financial performance.
We rely on the accuracy, capacity and security of our information technology systems. Despite the security measures that we have implemented, including those measures related to cybersecurity, our systems, or the systems of third parties upon whom we rely, could be breached or damaged by computer viruses, natural or man-made incidents or disasters or unauthorized physical or electronic access. A cyberattack or breach involving our information technology systems or those of our suppliers or other partners could result in business disruption, including disruptions in critical systems, corruption or loss of data, loss or theft of funds, theft of our intellectual property, trade secrets, customer information or other data and unauthorized access to, or release of, personnel information. To the extent that our business is interrupted or data is lost, destroyed or inappropriately used or disclosed, such disruptions could adversely affect our competitive position, reputation, relationships with our customers, financial condition, operating results and cash flows and could expose us to data loss, allow others to unfairly compete with us, and subject us to litigation, government enforcement actions, regulatory penalties and costly response measures. In addition, we may be required to incur significant costs to protect against the damage caused by these disruptions or security breaches in the future, and we may not have adequate insurance coverage to compensate us for any losses relating to such events.
Because the techniques used to obtain unauthorized access to, or disable, degrade or sabotage, information technology systems change frequently and often are not recognized until launched against a target, we may be unable to anticipate these techniques, implement adequate preventative measures or remediate any intrusion on a timely or effective basis. Moreover, the development and maintenance of these preventative and detective measures is costly and requires ongoing monitoring and updating as technologies change and efforts to overcome security measures become more sophisticated. We, therefore, remain potentially vulnerable to additional known or yet unknown threats, as in some instances, we, or our suppliers and other partners, may be unaware of an incident or its magnitude and effects. We also face the risk that we may expose our customers or partners to cybersecurity attacks. Any of these factors could have a material adverse effect on us.
In addition, we may incur costs in order to comply with cybersecurity or data privacy regulations in the regions in which we operate. Such regulations may impose additional requirements on us and increase our regulatory and litigation risk.
We may be adversely affected if our reputation is damaged.
We are dependent, in part, upon our reputation of quality, integrity and performance. If our reputation were damaged in some way, it may impact our ability to grow or maintain our business.
Our failure to comply with environmental laws could result in significant liabilities.
Our facilities and operations are subject to governmental regulations designed to protect the environment, particularly with respect to our services regarding insect and tree, shrub and lawn disease management, because these services involve to a considerable degree the
blending and application of spray materials, which require formal licensing in most areas. Continual changes in environmental laws, regulations and licensing requirements, environmental conditions, environmental awareness, technology and social attitudes make it necessary for us to maintain a high degree of awareness of the impact such changes have on our compliance programs and the market for our services. We are subject to existing federal, state and local laws, regulations and licensing requirements regulating the use of materials in our spraying operations as well as certain other aspects of our business. If we fail to comply with such laws, regulations or licensing requirements, we may become subject to significant liabilities, fines and/or penalties, which could adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.
We may be adversely affected if we are unable to obtain necessary surety bonds or letters of credit.
We utilize surety bonds and letters of credit on a project-by-project basis and for our self-insurance program. If surety providers were to limit or eliminate our access to bonding, we would need to post other forms of collateral for project performance, such as letters of credit or cash. We may be unable to secure sufficient letters of credit on acceptable terms, or at all. Accordingly, if we were to experience an interruption or reduction in the availability of bonding capacity, our liquidity may be adversely affected.
Economic conditions may adversely impact our customers’ future spending as well as pricing and payment for our services, thus negatively impacting our operations and growth.
Various economic factors, such as the current U.S. economic recession caused by the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, may adversely impact the demand for our services and potentially result in depressed prices for our services and the delay or cancellation of projects. That may make it difficult to estimate our customers' requirements for our services and, therefore, add uncertainty to customer demand. Various economic factors, such as the recession, and customers' confidence in future economic conditions may cause a reduction in our customers' spending for our services and impact the ability of our customers to pay amounts owed, which could reduce our cash flow and adversely impact our debt or equity financing. These events could have a material adverse effect on our operations and our ability to grow at historical levels.
We may not have access to capital in the future due to uncertainties in the financial and credit markets.
We may need new or additional financing in the future to conduct our operations, expand our business or refinance existing indebtedness. Future changes in the general economic conditions and/or financial markets in the United States or globally could affect adversely our ability to raise capital on favorable terms or at all. From time-to-time we have relied, and may also rely in the future, on access to financial markets as a source of liquidity for working capital requirements, acquisitions and general corporate purposes. Our access to funds under our revolving credit facility is dependent on the ability of the financial institutions that are parties to the facility to meet their funding commitments. Those financial institutions may not be able to meet their funding commitments if they experience shortages of capital and liquidity or if they experience excessive volumes of borrowing requests within a short period of time. Economic disruptions, such as the current recession, and any resulting limitations on future funding, including any restrictions on access to funds under our revolving credit facility, could have a material adverse effect on us.
We are subject to the effect of foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations, which may have a material adverse impact on us.
We are exposed to foreign currency exchange rate risk resulting from our operations in Canada, where we provide a comprehensive range of horticultural services. Our financial results could be affected by factors such as changes in the foreign currency exchange rate or differing economic conditions in the Canadian markets as compared with the markets for our services in the United States. Our earnings are affected by translation exposures from currency fluctuations in the value of the U.S. dollar as compared to the Canadian dollar.
Revenues from customers in Canada are subject to foreign currency exchange. Thus, certain revenues and expenses have been, and are expected to be, subject to the effect of foreign currency fluctuations, and these fluctuations may have a material adverse impact on our operating results and asset values and could reduce shareholders’ equity. In addition, if we expand our Canadian operations, exposures to gains and losses on foreign currency transactions may increase.
Increases in our health insurance costs and uncertainty about federal health care policies could adversely affect our results of operations and cash flows.
Our ability to offer affordable health care coverage to our employees is a significant expense to the business. Changes in our employees' behavior, cost of health care programs offered by third party providers or any future legislation or regulations that may be implemented at the federal or state level could impact our ability to provide health care coverage. Significant increases in the cost of health care coverage over time could have a material negative impact on our financial position, results of operations and cash flows and may also limit our ability to attract and retain qualified employees.
Our inability to properly verify the employment eligibility of our employees could adversely affect our business.
We utilize the U.S. government’s E-Verify program to assist in verifying the employment eligibility of potential new employees and require all new potential employees provide us with government-specified documentation evidencing their employment eligibility. However, the use of E-Verify does not guarantee that we will successfully identify all applicants who are ineligible for employment. While we believe we are in compliance with applicable laws and regulations of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, it is possible some of our employees may, without our knowledge, be unauthorized workers. The employment of unauthorized workers may subject the Company to fines, penalties and other costs related to compliance with laws and regulations as well as adverse publicity that negatively impacts our reputation and brand and may make it more difficult to hire and retain qualified employees. Our operations may also be impacted by additional costs to hire and train new employees. Furthermore, immigration laws have been an area of considerable political focus in recent years, and, from time-to-time, the U.S. government considers or implements changes to federal immigration laws, regulations or enforcement programs. Changes in immigration or work authorization laws may increase our obligations for compliance and oversight, which could subject us to additional costs and potential liability and make our hiring process more cumbersome, or reduce the availability of potential employees.
Our business could be negatively impacted by corporate citizenship and environmental, social and governance matters and/or our reporting of such matters.
There is an increasing focus from certain customers, consumers, employees, and other stakeholders concerning corporate citizenship and sustainability matters. From time to time, we communicate certain initiatives, including goals, regarding environmental matters, responsible sourcing and social investments, including pursuant to our Corporate Responsibility Report. We could fail, or be perceived to fail, in our achievement of such initiatives or goals, or we could fail in fully and accurately reporting our progress on such initiatives and goals. In addition, we could be criticized for the scope of such initiatives or goals or perceived as not acting responsibly in connection with these matters. Our business could be negatively impacted by such matters. Any such matters, or related corporate citizenship and sustainability matters, could have a material adverse effect on our business.
Because no public market exists for our common shares, the ability of shareholders to sell their common shares may be limited.
Our common shares are not traded on any national exchange, market system or over-the-counter bulletin board. Because no public market exists for our common shares, the ability of shareholders to sell these shares is limited. While we have provided a ready market for
shareholders through our direct purchase of common shares, we are generally under no obligation to do so and may discontinue such purchases at any time. In addition, pursuant to our Articles of Incorporation and other plans and agreements pursuant to which our employees and non-employee directors have received our common shares, our common shares are subject to transfer restrictions that may limit the ability of shareholders to transfer their shares to individuals or entities other than our employees or our subsidiaries, including rights of first refusal and repurchase rights held by us and the Employee Stock Ownership Trust, which is the trust for the Company's Employee Stock Ownership Plan.
There can be no assurance that we will continue to declare cash dividends.
Our Board of Directors has adopted a dividend policy pursuant to which we currently pay a cash dividend on our common stock on a quarterly basis. Our ability to pay cash dividends depends on, among other things, our cash flows from operations, our cash requirements, our financial condition, the degree to which we are/or become leveraged, contractual restrictions binding on us, provisions of applicable law and other factors that our Board of Directors may deem relevant. The declaration and payment of any dividend is subject to the approval of our Board of Directors and our dividend may be discontinued or reduced at any time. There can be no assurance that we will declare cash dividends in the future in any particular amounts, or at all.
Natural disasters, pandemics, terrorist attacks and other external events could adversely affect our business.
Natural disasters, public health epidemics or pandemics, such as the COVID-19 coronavirus, terrorist attacks and other adverse external events could materially damage our facilities or disrupt our operations, or damage the facilities or disrupt the operations of our customers or vendors, and may pose the risk that we or our employees, contractors, suppliers, customers and other business partners may be prevented from conducting business activities for an indefinite period of time. The occurrence of any such event could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Item 1B.
Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments.
There are no unresolved comments from the Staff of the SEC.
Item 2.
Item 2. Properties.
Our corporate headquarters campus is located in Kent, Ohio, which, along with several other properties in the surrounding area, includes The Davey Institute's research, technical support and laboratory diagnostic facilities.
We conduct administrative functions through our headquarters and our offices in Livermore, California (Utility Services). Our Canadian operations’ administrative functions are conducted through properties located in the provinces of Ontario and British Columbia. We believe our properties are well maintained, in good condition and suitable for our present operations. A summary of our owned properties follows:
We also lease approximately 197 properties in 31 states and five provinces.
None of our owned or leased properties used by our business segments is individually material to our operations.
Item 3.
Item 3. Legal Proceedings.
We are party to a number of lawsuits, threatened lawsuits and other claims arising out of the normal course of business. On a quarterly basis, we assess our liabilities and contingencies in connection with outstanding legal proceedings utilizing the latest information available. Where it is probable that we will incur a loss and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated, we record a liability in our consolidated financial statements. These legal accruals may be increased or decreased to reflect any relevant developments on a quarterly basis. Where a loss is not probable or the amount of the loss is not estimable, we do not record a legal accrual, consistent with applicable accounting guidance. Based on information currently available to us, advice of counsel, and available insurance coverage, we believe that our established accruals are adequate and the liabilities arising from the legal proceedings will not have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial condition. We note, however, that in light of the inherent uncertainty in legal proceedings there can be no assurance that the ultimate resolution of a matter will not exceed established accruals. As a result, the outcome of a particular matter or a combination of matters may be material to our results of operations for a particular period, depending upon the size of the loss or our income for that particular period.
In November 2017, a suit was filed in Savannah, Georgia state court (“State Court”) against Davey Tree, its subsidiary, Wolf Tree, Inc. ("Wolf Tree"), a former Davey employee, two Wolf Tree employees, and a former Wolf Tree employee alleging various acts of negligence and seeking compensatory and punitive damages for wrongful death and assault and battery of the plaintiff’s husband, a Wolf Tree employee, who was shot and killed in August 2017.
In July 2018, a related survival action was filed by the deceased’s estate against Davey Tree, its subsidiary, Wolf Tree, and four current and former employees in Savannah, Georgia, which arises out of the same allegations, seeks compensatory and punitive damages and also includes three Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act ("RICO") claims under Georgia law seeking compensatory damages, treble damages, and punitive damages. The 2018 case was removed to the United States District Court for the Southern District of Georgia, Savannah Division (“Federal Court”), on August 2, 2018. The Company filed a motion to dismiss the RICO claims. Plaintiffs filed a motion to remand the case to state court, which the Company has opposed.
The cases were mediated unsuccessfully in December 2018 and the State Court case was originally set for trial on January 22, 2019. However, as discussed below, all of the civil cases were later stayed on December 28, 2018 until the conclusion of criminal proceedings against individuals and currently remain stayed.
On December 6, 2018, a former Wolf Tree employee pled guilty to conspiracy to conceal, harbor, and shield illegal aliens. On December 21, 2018, the United States federal prosecutors filed a motion to stay both actions on the grounds that on December 13, 2018, an indictment was issued charging two former Wolf Tree employees and one other individual with various crimes, including conspiracy to murder the deceased. On December 17, 2018, the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Georgia informed the Company and Wolf Tree that they are also under investigation for potential violations of immigration and other laws relating to the subject matter of the ongoing criminal investigation referenced above. The Company and Wolf Tree are cooperating with the investigation and have met with both the civil and criminal divisions of the Department of Justice ("DOJ") to resolve the matter. Due to pandemic-related issues and delays on the side of the DOJ, the matter currently remains unresolved.
On December 28, 2018, the State Court granted the United States’ motion to stay but indicated that it would nonetheless consider certain pending matters, including: (1) Plaintiff and a co-defendant’s motions that Davey Tree be forced to produce privileged documents and
testimony, which had been submitted to a Special Master for recommendation; and (2) the Defendants’ motions for summary judgment. On January 11, 2019, the Special Master issued his recommendation that both Plaintiff and the co-defendant’s motions to force Davey to disclose privileged information be denied. The State Court judge has not yet moved on the recommendation. On January 29, 2019, the State Court heard oral argument on Defendants’ motions for summary judgment, and the motions remain pending during the stay of the cases.
On January 28, 2019, the Federal Court also granted the United States’ motion to stay. On January 29, 2019, the State Court ordered the parties to return to mediation, which occurred on April 17, 2019 but was unsuccessful in resolving the matters. All civil cases continue to remain stayed.
In both cases, the Company has denied all liability and is vigorously defending the action. It also has retained separate counsel for some of the individual defendants, each of whom has denied all liability and also is vigorously defending the action.
Item 4.
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures.
Not applicable.
Information about our Executive Officers.
Our executive officers and their present positions and ages as of March 1, 2021 follow:
Mr. Covey was appointed Chairman effective March 6, 2020, Chief Executive Officer effective July 21, 2017 and served as President and Chief Operating Officer since March 4, 2016 and as a Director since May 20, 2014. He previously served as President and Chief Operating Officer, U.S. Operations, having been appointed in April 2014, and as Chief Operating Officer, U.S. Operations, having been appointed in February 2012. Prior to that time, Mr. Covey served as Executive Vice President, having been appointed in January 2007, Vice President and General Manager of the Davey Resource Group, having been appointed in March 2005, and Vice President, Southern Operations, Utility Services, having been appointed in January 2003. Previously, having joined Davey Tree in August 1991, Mr. Covey held various managerial positions, including Manager of Systems and Process Management and Administrative Manager, Utility Services.
Mr. Paul was elected Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Secretary effective March 4, 2016 and previously served as Chief Financial Officer and Secretary, having been appointed in March 2013. Prior to that time, he served as Vice President and Treasurer, having been appointed in May 2011. Mr. Paul joined Davey Tree as Treasurer in December 2005.
Mr. Bast was elected Vice President effective September 18, 2017 having previously served as Treasurer since April 2013. Mr. Bast joined Davey Tree in March 2013 and prior to joining us, served in various management positions from 1994 to 2013 at Diebold, Incorporated, a provider of self-service delivery and security systems.
Mr. Doyle was elected Executive Vice President and General Manager, Davey Tree Expert Co. of Canada, Limited (“Davey Tree Limited”), effective May 21, 2014 and previously served as Vice President and General Manager, Davey Tree Limited, having been appointed in February 2012. Prior to that time, he served as Vice President and General Manager, Operations, Davey Tree Limited, having been appointed in May 2011, and Vice President, Operations, Davey Tree Limited, having been appointed in January 2006. Previously, having joined Davey Tree in 1989, Mr. Doyle held various managerial positions, including District Manager and Operations Manager.
Mr. Ina was elected Executive Vice President, The Davey Institute and Employee Development in July 2017, having previously served as Vice President and General Manager of Research, Recruiting and Human Resource Development effective April 4, 2016, and having previously been elected an officer effective March 4, 2016. Prior to this time, he served as Vice President and General Manager of the Davey Institute, having been appointed in May 2009, and General Manager of the Davey Institute, having been appointed in May 2006. Previously, having joined Davey Tree in 1996, Mr. Ina held various managerial and operational positions in the Davey Institute and Davey Resource Group.
Mr. Joy was elected Executive Vice President and General Manager, Commercial Landscape Services and Operations Support Services, effective August 15, 2014 and previously served as Executive Vice President and General Manager, Commercial Landscape Services, having been appointed in May 2014. Prior to that time, he served as Vice President and General Manager, Commercial Landscape Services, having been appointed in May 2013, and Vice President, Commercial Landscape Services, having been appointed in December 2004. Previously, having joined Davey Tree in 1976, Mr. Joy held various managerial positions, including Operations Manager, District Manager and Assistant District Manager.
Mr. Repenning was elected Executive Vice President, U.S. Utility and Davey Resource Group in July 2017, having previously served as Senior Vice President, Davey Resource Group and Eastern Utility, effective October 2, 2016 and as Vice President and General Manager, Davey Resource Group, having been appointed in June 2010. Prior to that time, he served as Vice President, Davey Resource Group, having been appointed in October 2009. Previously, having joined Davey Tree in 1994, Mr. Repenning held various managerial and operational positions, including Regional Manager, Production Manager and Supervisor.
Ms. Schoenberger was elected Assistant Secretary in September 2018 having joined the Company in August 2018 as Vice President and General Counsel. Prior to joining Davey Tree, Ms. Schoenberger served as General Counsel, Corporate Secretary and Senior Vice
President at the Oneida Group, Inc., a global marketer of tabletop and food preparation products from September 2013 until she joined the Company. Prior to that, she was a Partner at Frost Brown Todd, LLC, a national full service law firm.
Ms. Sears was elected Vice President effective September 18, 2017 having served as Controller since September 16, 2016 and prior to that, served as Assistant Controller, having been appointed in May 2010. Prior to that time, she served as Manager of Financial Accounting, having been appointed in April 1998, and as Supervisor of Financial Accounting, having been appointed in September 1995. Having joined Davey Tree in 1993, Ms. Sears has held a variety of roles in financial reporting, managerial reporting and operations accounting.
Mr. Stief was elected Executive Vice President, U.S. Residential Operations, effective February 12, 2012 and previously served as Vice President and General Manager, Residential/Commercial Services, since January 2010. Prior to that time, Mr. Stief served as Vice President and General Manager, South, West and Central Residential/Commercial Operations, having been appointed in January 2007, and Vice President South, West and Central Residential/Commercial Operations, having been appointed in January 1997. Previously, having joined Davey Tree in 1978, Mr. Stief held various managerial positions, including Operations Manager and District Manager.
Our officers serve from the date of their election to the next organizational meeting of the Board of Directors and until their respective successors are elected.
PART II
Item 5.
Item 5. Market for Company’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities.
Our common shares are not listed or traded on an established public trading market and market prices are, therefore, not available. Semiannually, for purposes of the Davey 401KSOP and ESOP, the fair market value of our common shares is determined by an independent stock valuation firm, based upon our performance and financial condition, using a peer group of comparable companies selected by that firm. The peer group currently consists of: ABM Industries Incorporated; Comfort Systems USA, Inc.; Dycom Industries, Inc.; FirstService Corporation; MYR Group, Inc.; Quanta Services, Inc.; Rollins, Inc.; and Scotts Miracle-Gro Company. The semiannual valuations are effective for a period of six months and the per-share price established by those valuations is the price at which our Board of Directors has determined our common shares will be bought and sold during that six-month period in transactions involving Davey Tree or one of its employee benefit or stock purchase plans. Since 1979, we have provided a ready market for all shareholders through our direct purchase of their common shares, although we are under no obligation to do so (other than for repurchases pursuant to the put option under The Davey 401KSOP and ESOP Plan, as described in Note M). These purchases are added to our treasury stock.
The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, the high and low common share price (in dollars) and the cash dividends declared per common share (in cents).
On December 4, 2020, our Board of Directors approved a change to our dividend policy. Under the revised dividend policy, on an annual basis, we will now target a dividend yield in the range of .4% to .5%. The Board will evaluate the dividend on a semiannual basis in conjunction with our independent stock valuation and if the current annual dividend is less than .4% of our current stock price, the Board intends to increase the quarterly cash dividend.
The declaration of future cash dividends will be subject to the Board's final determination based on a number of factors, including our financial performance and available cash resources, the terms of our indebtedness, our cash requirements and alternative uses of cash that the Board may conclude would represent an opportunity to generate a greater return on investment for us. The dividend policy may be revised, suspended or cancelled at the discretion of the Board at any time.
Record Holders and Common Shares
On March 5, 2021, we had 4,371 record holders of our common shares.
On March 5, 2021, we had 22,824,170 common shares outstanding and options exercisable to purchase 940,277 common shares.
Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities
None.
Purchases of Equity Securities
The following table provides information on purchases made by the Company of our common shares during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020.
At the Annual Meeting of Shareholders of the Company held on May 16, 2017, the shareholders of the Company approved proposals to amend the Company's Articles of Incorporation to (i) expand the Company's right of first refusal with respect to proposed transfers of shares of the Company's common shares, (ii) clarify provisions regarding when the Company may provide notice of its decision to exercise its right of first refusal with respect to proposed transfers of common shares by the estate or personal representative of a deceased shareholder, and (iii) grant the Company a right to repurchase common shares held by certain shareholders of the Company.
On May 10, 2017, the Board of Directors of the Company adopted a policy regarding the Company's exercise of the repurchase rights granted to the Company through amendments to the Company's Articles of Incorporation, as approved by shareholders on May 16, 2017.
Until further action by the Board, it is the policy of the Company not to exercise its repurchase rights under the amended Articles with respect to shares of the Company's common shares held by current and retired employees and current and former directors of the Company (subject to exceptions set forth in the policy) (collectively, "Active Shareholders"), their spouses, their first-generation descendants and trusts established exclusively for their benefit.
Until further action by the Board, it is also the policy of the Company not to exercise its rights under the amended Articles to repurchase shares of the Company's common shares proposed to be transferred by an Active Shareholder to his or her spouse, a first-generation descendant, or a trust established exclusively for the benefit of one or more of an Active Shareholder, his or her spouse and first-generation descendants of an Active Shareholder, or upon the death of an Active Shareholder, such transfers from the estate or personal representative of a deceased Active Shareholder. The Board may suspend, change or discontinue the policy at any time without prior notice.
In accordance with the amendments to the Articles approved by the Company's shareholders at the 2017 Annual Meeting on May 17, 2017, the Company's Board of Directors authorized the Company to repurchase up to 200,000 common shares, which authorization was increased by an additional 1,000,000 common shares in May 2018. Of the 1,200,000 total shares authorized, 690,960 remain available under the program. Share repurchases may be made from time to time and the timing of any repurchases and the actual number of shares repurchased will depend on a variety of factors. The Company is not obligated to purchase any shares, and repurchases may be commenced, suspended or discontinued from time to time without prior notice. The repurchase program does not have an expiration date.
Stock Performance Graph
Comparison of five-year cumulative return among The Davey Tree Expert Company, S&P 500 Stock Index and Selected Peer Group Companies Index
The following Performance Graph compares cumulative total shareholder returns (assuming an initial investment of $100 on December 31, 2015 and reinvestment of dividends) for The Davey Tree Expert Company common shares during the last five years to the Standard & Poor’s 500 Stock Index (the "S&P 500 Index") and to an index of selected peer group companies. The peer group, which is the same group used by Davey’s independent stock valuation firm, consists of: ABM Industries Incorporated; Comfort Systems USA, Inc.; Dycom Industries, Inc.; FirstService Corporation; MYR Group, Inc.; Quanta Services, Inc.; Rollins, Inc.; and Scotts Miracle-Gro Company. The peer group are all publicly held companies deemed to be engaged in similar lines of business.
The Performance Graph and related information above shall not be deemed “soliciting material” or to be “filed” with the SEC, nor shall such information be incorporated by reference into any future filing under the Securities Act of 1933 or Securities Exchange Act of 1934, each as amended, except to the extent that we specifically incorporate it by reference into such filing.
Item 6.
Item 6. Selected Financial Data.
* 2016 has been adjusted for a two-for-one stock split, effective June 1, 2017.
Certain amounts in prior years have been recast as a result of the change in accounting principle as discussed in Note B
Item 7.
Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
(Amounts in thousands, except share data)
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (“MD&A”) is provided as a supplement to the accompanying consolidated financial statements and notes to help provide an understanding of our financial condition, cash flows and results of operations. MD&A is organized as follows:
▪Overview of 2020 Results;
▪Results of Operations, including fiscal 2020 compared to fiscal 2019;
▪Liquidity and Capital Resources, including cash flow summary, contractual obligations summary, off-balance sheet arrangements, and capital resources;
▪Recent Accounting Guidance;
▪Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates; and
▪Market Risk Information, including interest rate risk and foreign currency exchange rate risk.
OVERVIEW OF 2020 RESULTS
General
We provide a wide range of arboricultural, horticultural, environmental and consulting services to residential, utility, commercial and governmental entities throughout the United States and Canada.
Our Business--We have two reportable operating segments organized by type or class of customer: Residential and Commercial, and Utility.
Residential and Commercial--Residential and Commercial provides services to our residential and commercial customers including: the treatment, preservation, maintenance, removal and planting of trees, shrubs and other plant life; the practice of landscaping, grounds maintenance, tree surgery, tree feeding and tree spraying; the application of fertilizer, herbicides and insecticides; and natural resource management and consulting, forestry research and development, and environmental planning.
Utility--Utility is principally engaged in providing services to our utility customers--investor-owned, municipal utilities, and rural electric cooperatives--including: the practice of line-clearing and vegetation management around power lines and rights-of-way and chemical brush control, natural resource management and consulting, forestry research and development and environmental planning.
All other operating activities, including research, technical support and laboratory diagnostic facilities, are included in “All Other.”
Impact of COVID-19
While the coronavirus ("COVID-19") pandemic did not have a material adverse effect on our reported results for the year ended December 31, 2020, the overall extent and duration of the impact of COVID-19 on businesses and economic activity generally remains unclear due to the inherent uncertainty surrounding COVID-19, given its continual evolution.
We have taken steps to support our employees and protect their health and safety, while also ensuring that our business can continue to operate and provide services to our customers. Where possible, we have transitioned our employees to work from home and implemented measures to ensure social distancing when providing services to our customers, including providing personal protective equipment and limiting contact within vehicles. We have also provided additional administrative leave for employees affected by COVID-19 directly or indirectly and converted our 2020 Annual Meeting of Shareholders to a virtual-only format. During 2020, we incurred expenses of $4,627 as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic mainly for administrative leave and personal protective equipment. We have also experienced a reduction of travel expenses of approximately $5,800 largely related to restrictions imposed as a response to the pandemic.
The extent to which our operations may be impacted by COVID-19 will depend largely on future developments, which are highly uncertain and cannot be accurately predicted, including new information which may emerge concerning the severity of the outbreak, any resurgence of cases in the United States and potential challenges caused by the colder winter months, including the onset of the cold and flu season, and actions by government authorities to contain the pandemic or treat its impact, including reimposing previously-lifted measures and the possibility additional restrictions will be put in place, among other things. The situation surrounding COVID-19 remains fluid, and the potential for a material impact on our business increases the longer the coronavirus impacts the level of economic activity in the U.S. and globally. Even after the COVID-19 pandemic has subsided, we may experience an impact to our business as a result of the current economic recession and any economic downturn or recession that may occur in the future.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following table sets forth our consolidated results of operations as a percentage of revenues and the percentage change in dollar amounts of the results of operations for the periods presented:
Fiscal 2020 Compared to Fiscal 2019
A comparison of our fiscal year 2020 results to 2019 follows:
Revenues--Revenues of $1,287,552 increased $143,832 compared with the $1,143,720 reported in 2019. Utility increased $131,562, or 21.7%, from the prior year. The increase was primarily attributable to additional revenues from increased work year-over-year on existing accounts, rate increases and new accounts. Most of our Utility Services segment work was deemed essential services and was not significantly affected by COVID-19. Residential and Commercial increased $10,702, or 2.0%, from 2019. Increases, primarily in tree surgery, plant care, storm damage services and consulting services, were partially offset by decreases in grounds maintenance. While our Residential and Commercial Services segment work was deemed essential services in most states, we experienced temporary shutdowns or work restrictions related to COVID-19 in a few states and certain Canadian provinces. Where possible, Residential and Commercial Services employees affected by a shutdown or work restrictions were reassigned to assist with Utility Services operations.
Operating Expenses--Operating expenses of $823,297 increased $93,201 from the prior year, but as a percentage of revenues remained at 63.8%. Utility experienced an increase of $86,160, or 19.5%, from 2019, but as a percentage of revenues decreased to 71.4% from 72.7%. Increases in employee labor and benefits expense, equipment expense, subcontractor expense, and crew expenses were partially offset by decreases in fuel expense and disposal expense. Residential and Commercial decreased $3,585, or 1.3%, compared with 2019 and as a percentage of revenue decreased to 51.1% from 52.8%. Decreases in materials expense, subcontractor expense, and fuel expense, were offset by increases in employee labor and benefits expense and equipment expense.
Operating expenses for the period also included $4,627 of expenses related directly to COVID-19, including $3,080 for additional administrative leave offered to employees who have been unable to work due to COVID-19 imposed restrictions whether from the virus itself or government imposed restrictions or closures.
Fuel costs decreased in 2020 as compared with fuel costs for 2019 and impacted operating expenses within both segments. During 2020, fuel expense of $31,597 decreased $4,713, or 13.0%, from the $36,310 incurred in 2019. The $4,713 decrease included price decreases approximating $4,981 and usage increases approximating $268.
Selling Expenses--Selling expenses of $227,392 increased $18,244 from 2019 but as a percentage of revenues decreased to 17.7% from 18.3%. Utility increased $9,727, or 13.6%, from 2019 but as a percentage of revenue decreased to 11.0% from 11.8%. Increases in wages and incentive expense, rent expense, utilities expense and taxes were partially offset by decreases in travel expense and employee development expense. Residential and Commercial increased $7,962, or 5.6%, from 2019 and as a percentage of revenue increased to 27.3% from 26.4%. Increases in field management wages and incentive expense, office rent and marketing expenses were partially offset by decreases in travel expense and employee development expense.
General and Administrative Expenses--General and administrative expenses increased $12,790 to $89,528, an increase of 16.7% from the $76,738 experienced in 2019 and as a percentage of revenues increased to 7.0% from 6.7%. Increases in salary and incentive expense and computer expense were partially offset by reductions in travel expense and professional service expenses.
Depreciation and Amortization Expense--Depreciation and amortization expense of $56,715 decreased $3,122 from the prior year and as a percentage of revenues decreased to 4.4% from 5.2%. The decrease was attributable to lower capital expenditures in recent years and an increased use of operating leases for equipment.
Gain on Sale of Assets--Gain on the sale of assets of $3,581 increased $1,526 from the $2,055 recognized in 2019. The increase is the result of the sale of more vehicles and equipment in 2020 as in 2019, at a higher average gain per unit in 2020 as compared with our average gain in 2019.
Interest Expense--Interest expense of $6,899 decreased $1,615 from the $8,514 incurred in 2019. The decrease is attributable to lower average debt levels and borrowing rates necessary to fund operations and capital expenditures.
Interest Income--Interest income of $2,135 increased 1,787 from the $348 of interest income in 2019. The increase is attributable to interest on PG&E pre-petition receivables which was approved by the United States Bankruptcy Court and received during the third and fourth quarter of 2020.
Other, Net--Other, net of $5,555 decreased $2,557 from the $8,112 experienced in 2019. Other, net, consisted of nonoperating income and expense, including pension expense and foreign currency gains/losses on the intercompany account balances of our Canadian operations.
Income Taxes--Income taxes for 2020 were $22,945, an effective tax rate of 27.4%, compared with income taxes for 2019 of $12,628, or an effective tax rate of 23.4%. The increase of 4.0% in the effective tax rate as compared to 2019 relates primarily to the termination of the pension plan in 2019 and the discrete benefit to the rate which occurred as a result, as well as the variance in the exercise of equity awards, which were significantly less in 2020 as compared to 2019, resulting in a smaller tax benefit in 2020.
Net Income--Net income of $60,937 was $19,887 more than the $41,050 earned in 2019.
Fiscal 2019 Compared to Fiscal 2018
A detailed discussion of the prior year 2019 to 2018 year-over-year changes has been omitted from this Form 10-K and can be found in Part II, Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis, in the 2019 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on March 9, 2020; which specific discussion is incorporated herein by reference.
Goodwill-Impairment Tests
Annually, we perform the impairment tests for goodwill during the fourth quarter. Impairment of goodwill is tested at the reporting-unit level, which for us are also our business segments. Impairment of goodwill is tested by comparing the reporting unit’s carrying value, including goodwill, to the fair value of the reporting unit. The fair values of the reporting units are estimated using discounted projected cash flows. If the carrying value of the reporting unit exceeds its fair value, goodwill is considered impaired and an impairment charge is recognized for the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the reporting unit's fair value, not to exceed the carrying value of the goodwill allocated to that reporting unit. We conducted our annual impairment tests and determined that no impairment loss was required to be recognized in 2020 or for any prior periods. There were no events or circumstances from the date of our assessment through December 31, 2020 that would impact this conclusion.
The fair values of the reporting units were estimated using discounted projected cash flows for the goodwill impairment tests and analysis that required judgmental assumptions about revenues, operating margins, growth rates, discount rates, and working capital requirements. In determining those judgmental assumptions, we consider data, including--for each reporting unit--its annual budget for the upcoming year, its longer-term performance expectations, anticipated future cash flows and market data. Assumptions were also made for perpetual growth rates for periods beyond the forecast period.
If the fair values of the reporting units were less than the carrying values of the reporting units (including recorded goodwill), determined through the discounted projected cash flow methodology, goodwill impairment may be present. In such an instance, an impairment charge would be recognized for the amount by which the reporting unit’s carrying amount of goodwill exceeded the reporting unit's fair value of goodwill, not to exceed the carrying value of the goodwill allocated to that reporting unit.
The carrying value of the recorded goodwill for all reporting units totaled approximately $48,256 at December 31, 2020. Based upon the goodwill impairment analysis conducted in the fourth quarter 2020, the determined fair value of the reporting units exceeded their carrying value by more than a significant amount.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Our principal financial requirements are for capital spending, working capital and business acquisitions. Cash generated from operations, our revolving credit facility and note issuances are our primary sources of capital.
Cash Flow Summary
Our cash flows from operating, investing and financing activities, as reflected in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flow for the years ended December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, are summarized as follows:
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities--Operating activities in 2020 provided cash of $152,081 as compared to $83,353 provided in 2019. The $68,728 net increase was primarily attributable to (i) an increase of $4,806 in the change in self-insurance accruals, (ii) an
increase of $45,389 in the change in accounts payable and accrued expenses, and (iii) an $11,207 decrease in the change in accounts receivable.
Overall, accounts receivable increased $21,366 in 2020 as compared to the increase of $32,573 experienced in 2019. The increase in 2020 was attributable to the timing of payments from Utility segment customers including payment in full of the pre-petition receivables of approximately $15,000 from PG&E. With respect to the change in accounts receivable arising from business levels, the “days-sales-outstanding” in accounts receivable (“DSO”) at the end of 2020 decreased by six days to 67 days, as compared to 2019. The DSO at December 31, 2019 was 73 days, with the prior year being impacted by the PG&E pre-petition receivables. DSO excluding PG&E pre-petition receivables would have been 69 days at the end of 2019. We use DSO to monitor trends in customer payment patterns and collection efforts.
Accounts payable and accrued expenses increased $52,577 in 2020, a $45,389 change from the increase of $7,188 experienced in 2019. The increase was primarily attributable to increases in payroll taxes payable, trade payables, and employee compensation accruals. The increase in payroll taxes payable are attributable to the deferral of certain federal payroll taxes under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security ("CARES") Act. Accounts payable was impacted by lower payables for equipment and income taxes payable were impacted by the timing of estimated payments.
Self-insurance accruals increased $13,597 in 2020, a change of $4,806 compared to the increase of $8,791 experienced in 2019. The increase occurred within our workers compensation and general liability classifications and resulted primarily from an overall increase in deductible amounts under commercial insurance or the self-insured risk retention.
Net Cash Used in Investing Activities--Investing activities used $54,928 in cash, $8,394 less than the $63,322 used in 2019. The decrease was primarily attributable to a decrease in expenditures for equipment. Our decrease in capital expenditures is partially the result of our increased use of operating leases for equipment.
Net Cash Used in Financing Activities--Financing activities used $92,059 in cash in 2020, $60,235 more than the $31,824 of cash used in 2019. Our borrowing on our revolving credit facility decreased $62,000 as compared with the $31,500 decrease during 2019. We use the revolving credit facility primarily for capital expenditures and payments of notes payable, primarily related to acquisitions. Proceeds from notes payable totaled $269,445 and payments of notes payable totaled $281,985 during 2020. Purchases of common shares for treasury of $39,079 were partially offset by net cash received of $25,827 from the sale of common shares. Dividends paid during 2020 totaled $2,271.
The Company currently repurchases common shares at the shareholders’ request in accordance with the terms of the Davey 401KSOP and ESOP Plan and also repurchases common shares from time to time at the Company’s discretion. The amount of common shares offered to the Company for repurchase by the holders of shares distributed from the Davey 401KSOP and ESOP Plan is not within the control of the Company, but is at the discretion of the shareholders. The Company expects to continue to repurchase its common shares, as offered by its shareholders from time to time, at their then current fair value. However, other than for repurchases pursuant to the put option under the Davey 401KSOP and ESOP Plan, as described in Note M, such purchases are not required, and the Company retains the right to discontinue them at any time. Repurchases of redeemable common shares from the Davey 401KSOP and ESOP at the shareholders’ request approximated $8,206 and $12,051 in 2020 and 2019, respectively. Purchases of common shares, other than redeemable common shares, approximated $30,873 and $22,596 in 2020 and 2019, respectively.
Revolving Credit Facility--In October 2017, we amended and restated our revolving credit facility, as further amended in September 2018, as discussed below. The Amended and Restated Credit Agreement provides for a revolving credit facility with a group of banks under
which up to an aggregate of $250,000 is available, with a letter of credit sublimit of $100,000 and a swing line commitment of $25,000. Under certain circumstances, the amount available under the revolving credit facility may be increased to $325,000.
The Amended and Restated Credit Agreement extended the term of the revolving credit facility to October 6, 2022 from November 7, 2018. The revolving credit facility contains certain affirmative and negative covenants customary for this type of facility and includes financial covenant ratios with respect to a maximum leverage ratio (not to exceed 3.00 to 1.00 with exceptions in case of material acquisitions) and a minimum interest coverage ratio (not less than 3.00 to 1.00), in each case subject to certain further restrictions as described in the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement. As of December 31, 2020, we were in compliance with all financial covenants contained in our revolving credit facility.
As of December 31, 2020, we had unused commitments under the facility approximating $247,123, and $2,877 committed, which consisted of issued letters of credit of $2,877. Borrowings outstanding bear interest, at our option, of either (a) the base rate or (b) LIBOR plus a margin adjustment ranging from .875% to 1.50%--with the margin adjustments based on the Company's leverage ratio at the time of borrowing. The base rate is the greater of (i) the agent bank’s prime rate, (ii) LIBOR plus 1.5%, or (iii) the federal funds rate plus .5%. A commitment fee ranging from .10% to .225% is also required based on the average daily unborrowed commitment.
5.09% Senior Unsecured Notes--On July 22, 2010, we issued 5.09% Senior Unsecured Notes, Series A (the "5.09% Senior Notes") in the aggregate principal amount of $30,000 pursuant to a Master Note Purchase Agreement (the “Purchase Agreement”), between Davey Tree and the purchasers of the 5.09% Senior Notes. The 5.09% Senior Notes were due and repaid in full on July 22, 2020.
The 5.09% Senior Notes were equal in right of payment with our revolving credit facility and all other senior unsecured obligations of the Company. Interest was payable semiannually and five equal, annual principal payments commenced on July 22, 2016 (the sixth anniversary of issuance). The Purchase Agreement contained customary events of default and covenants related to limitations on indebtedness and transactions with affiliates and the maintenance of certain financial ratios.
3.99% Senior Unsecured Notes--On September 21, 2018, we issued 3.99% Senior Notes, Series A (the "3.99% Senior Notes"), in the aggregate principal amount of $50,000. The 3.99% Senior Notes are due September 21, 2028. The 3.99% Senior Notes were issued pursuant to a Note Purchase and Private Shelf Agreement (the “Note Purchase and Shelf Agreement”) between the Company, PGIM, Inc. and the purchasers of the 3.99% Senior Notes. Subsequent series of promissory notes may be issued pursuant to the Note Purchase and Shelf Agreement (the "Shelf Notes") in an aggregate additional principal amount not to exceed $50,000 ($25,000 of which was issued on February 5, 2019).
The 3.99% Senior Notes are equal in right of payment with our revolving credit facility and all other senior unsecured obligations of the Company. Interest is payable semiannually and five equal, annual principal payments of $10,000 commence on September 21, 2024 (the sixth anniversary of issuance). The Note Purchase and Shelf Agreement contains customary events of default and covenants related to limitations on indebtedness and transactions with affiliates and the maintenance of certain financial ratios. The Company may prepay at any time all, or from time to time any part of, the outstanding principal amount of the 3.99% Senior Notes, subject to the payment of a make-whole amount.
In conjunction with the issuance of the 3.99% Senior Notes, on September 21, 2018, the Company entered into an amendment to its revolving credit facility. The amendment amended certain provisions and covenants in the credit agreement to generally conform them to the corresponding provisions and covenants in the Note Purchase and Shelf Agreement. The amendment also permitted the Company to incur indebtedness arising under the Note Purchase and Shelf Agreement in an aggregate principal amount not to exceed $75,000, which included the $50,000 of 3.99% Senior Notes, plus an additional $25,000 in Shelf Notes (which were issued on February 5, 2019).
4.00% Senior Unsecured Notes--On February 5, 2019, we issued 4.00% Senior Notes, Series B (the "4.00% Senior Notes") pursuant to the Note Purchase and Shelf Agreement in the aggregate principal amount of $25,000. The 4% Senior Notes are due September 21, 2028. Subsequent series of shelf notes may be issued pursuant to the Note Purchase and Shelf Agreement in an aggregate additional principal amount not to exceed $25,000. A further amendment to the revolving credit facility would be required for such a transaction to be permissible under the revolving credit facility. The 4.00% Senior Notes are equal in right of payment with our revolving credit facility and all other senior unsecured obligations of the Company. Interest is payable semiannually and five equal, annual principal payments commence on September 21, 2024 (the sixth anniversary of issuance of the 3.99% Senior Notes).
The net proceeds of all senior notes were used to pay down borrowings under our revolving credit facility.
As of December 31, 2020, we were in compliance with all financial covenants contained in our senior notes.
Term loans--Periodically, the company will enter into term loans for the procurement of insurance or to finance acquisitions.
Accounts Receivable Securitization Facility--In May 2020, the Company amended its Accounts Receivable Securitization Facility (the "AR Securitization program") to extend the scheduled termination date for an additional one year period, to May 18, 2021. In addition to extending the termination date, the amendment included a change to the letter of credit ("LC") issuance fee payable under the terms of the agreement.
The AR Securitization program has a limit of $100,000, of which $83,355 and $76,732 were issued for LCs as of December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively.
Under the AR Securitization program, Davey Tree transfers by selling or contributing current and future trade receivables to a wholly-owned, bankruptcy-remote financing subsidiary which pledges a perfected first priority security interest in the trade receivables--equal to the issued LCs as of December 31, 2020--to the bank in exchange for the bank issuing LCs.
Fees payable to the bank include: (a) an LC issuance fee, payable on each settlement date, in the amount of 1.00% per annum on the aggregate amount of all LCs outstanding plus outstanding reimbursement obligations (e.g., arising from drawn LCs), if any, and (b) an unused LC fee, payable monthly, equal to (i) .35% per annum for each day on which the sum of the total LCs outstanding plus any outstanding reimbursement obligations is greater than or equal to 50% of the facility limit and (ii) .45% per annum for each day on which the sum of the total LCs outstanding plus any outstanding reimbursement obligations is less than 50% of the facility limit. If an LC is drawn and the bank is not immediately reimbursed in full for the drawn amount, any outstanding reimbursement obligation will accrue interest at a per annum rate equal to a reserve-adjusted LIBOR or, in certain circumstances, a base rate equal to the higher of (i) the bank’s prime rate and (ii) the federal funds rate plus .50% and, following any default, 2.00% plus the greater of (a) adjusted LIBOR and (b) a base rate equal to the higher of (i) the bank’s prime rate and (ii) the federal funds rate plus .50%.
The agreements underlying the AR Securitization program contain various customary representations and warranties, covenants, and default provisions which provide for the termination and acceleration of the commitments under the AR Securitization program in circumstances including, but not limited to, failure to make payments when due, breach of a representation, warranty or covenant, certain insolvency events or failure to maintain the security interest in the trade receivables, and defaults under other material indebtedness.
Contractual Obligations Summary
The following is a summary of our long-term contractual obligations, at December 31, 2020, to make future payments for the periods indicated:
The self-insurance accruals in the summary above reflect the total of the undiscounted amount accrued, for which amounts estimated to be due each year may differ from actual payments required to fund claims. Purchase obligations in the summary above represent open purchase-order amounts that we anticipate will become payable within the next year for goods and services we have negotiated for delivery as of December 31, 2020. Other liabilities include estimates of future expected funding requirements related to retirement plans and other sundry items. Because their future cash outflows are uncertain, accrued income tax liabilities for uncertain tax positions, as of December 31, 2020, have not been included in the summary above. Noncurrent deferred taxes are also not included in the summary.
As of December 31, 2020, total commitments related to issued letters of credit were $88,242, of which $2,877 were issued under the revolving credit facility, $83,355 were issued under the AR securitization facility, and $2,010 were issued under short-term lines of credit. As of December 31, 2019, total commitments related to issued letters of credit were $81,619, of which $2,877 were issued under the revolving credit facility, $76,732 were issued under the AR securitization facility, and $2,010 were issued under short-term lines of credit.
Also, as is common with our industry, we have performance obligations that are supported by surety bonds, which expire during 2021 through 2023. We intend to renew the performance bonds where appropriate and as necessary.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
There are no “off-balance sheet arrangements” as that term is defined in Regulation S-K, Item 303(a)(4)(ii) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
Capital Resources
Cash generated from operations and our revolving credit facility are our primary sources of capital.
Cash of $16,201 as of December 31, 2020 included $12,967 in the U.S. and $3,234 in Canada, all of which is subject to U.S. federal income taxes and Canadian taxes if repatriated to the U.S. Currently, we do not expect to repatriate any portion of our 2020 Canadian earnings to satisfy our 2021 U.S. based cash flow needs.
Business seasonality results in higher revenues during the second and third quarters as compared with the first and fourth quarters of the year, while our methods of accounting for fixed costs, such as depreciation and interest expense, are not significantly impacted by business seasonality. Capital resources during these periods are equally affected. We satisfy seasonal working capital needs and other financing
requirements with the revolving credit facility and several other short-term lines of credit. We are continually reviewing our existing sources of financing and evaluating alternatives. At December 31, 2020, we had working capital of $85,190, unused short-term lines of credit approximating $9,168, and $247,123 available under our revolving credit facility.
Our sources of capital presently allow us the financial flexibility to meet our capital spending plan and to complete business acquisitions for at least the next twelve months and for the foreseeable future.
RECENT ACCOUNTING GUIDANCE
See Note C - Recent Accounting Guidance for a discussion of our recent accounting guidance.
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES
Our consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. The preparation of these financial statements requires the use of estimates, judgments and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the periods presented.
On an ongoing basis, we evaluate our estimates and assumptions, including those related to accounts receivable, specifically those receivables under contractual arrangements primarily arising from Utility customers; allowance for credit losses; and self-insurance accruals. We base our estimates on historical experience and on various other factors that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results could differ from these estimates.
We believe the following are our “critical accounting policies and estimates”--those most important to the financial presentations and those that require the most difficult, subjective or complex judgments.
Revenue Recognition--We recognize revenue in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers. Performance obligations are satisfied as our services are provided to customers. See Note S for a detailed description of our revenue recognition policy.
Allowance for Credit Losses--In determining the allowance for credit losses, we evaluate the collectibility of our accounts receivable based on a combination of factors. In circumstances where we are aware of a specific customer’s inability to meet its financial obligations to us (e.g., bankruptcy filings), we evaluate each specific situation to determine the collectibility given the facts and circumstances and if necessary, record a specific allowance for credit losses against amounts due to reduce the net recognized receivable to the amount we reasonably believe will be collected. For all other customers, we recognize allowances for credit losses based on the length of time the receivables are past due. If circumstances change (e.g., unexpected material adverse changes in a major customer’s ability to meet its financial obligation to us or higher than expected customer defaults), our estimates of the recoverability of amounts could differ from the actual amounts recovered.
Self-Insurance Accruals--We are generally self-insured for losses and liabilities related primarily to workers’ compensation, vehicle liability and general liability claims. We use commercial insurance as a risk-reduction strategy to minimize catastrophic losses. Self-insurance accruals consist of the projected settlement value of reported and unreported claims. Ultimate losses are accrued based upon estimates of the aggregate liability for claims incurred using certain actuarial assumptions followed in the insurance industry and based on Company-specific experience.
Our self-insurance accruals include claims for which the ultimate losses will develop over a period of years. Estimating ultimate losses of reported and unreported claims is subject to a high degree of variability as it involves complex estimates that are generally derived using a variety of actuarial estimation techniques and numerous assumptions and expectations about future events, many of which are highly uncertain. Accordingly, our estimates of ultimate losses can change as claims mature. Our accruals also are affected by changes in the number of new claims incurred and claim severity. The methods for estimating the ultimate losses and the total cost of claims were determined by third-party consulting actuaries; the resulting accruals are reviewed by management, and any adjustments arising from changes in estimates are reflected in income.
Our self-insurance accruals are based on estimates and, while we believe that the amounts accrued are adequate and not excessive, the ultimate claims may be in excess of or less than the amounts provided. Changes in claims incurred, claim severity, or other estimates and judgments used by management could have a material impact on the amount and timing of expense for any period.
Stock Valuation--On March 15, 1979, we consummated a plan, which transferred control of the Company to our employees. The Employee Stock Ownership Plan (“ESOP”), in conjunction with the related Employee Stock Ownership Trust ("ESOT"), provided for the grant to certain employees of certain ownership rights in, but not possession of, the common shares held by the trustee of the ESOT. Annual allocations of shares have been made to individual accounts established for the benefit of the participants. Since our common stock is not currently traded on an established securities market, if the owners of distributed shares desire to sell their shares, the Company is required to purchase the shares at fair value for two 60-day periods after distribution of the shares from the Davey 401KSOP and ESOP.
Because there is no trading of the Company’s common stock on an established securities market, the market price of the Company’s common stock is determined by the Company. As part of the process to determine the market price, an independent valuation is obtained, which is approved by the Company's Board of Directors. The process includes comparing the Company’s financial results to those of comparable companies that are publicly traded ("comparable publicly traded companies"). The purpose of the process is to determine a value for the Company’s common stock that is comparable to the stock value of comparable publicly traded companies by considering both the results of the stock market and the relative financial results of comparable publicly traded companies. The fair valuation of the shares utilizes two valuation approaches, the Market Approach and the Income Approach, to derive a basis of value. Some key assumptions used in the stock valuation include growth rate, discount rate, rate of capital expenditures, net worth, earnings and appropriate valuation multiples.
If circumstances change (e.g., change in the macro economic factors, key assumptions included within valuation), our estimates of the share price could differ from time to time.
MARKET RISK INFORMATION
In the normal course of business, we are exposed to market risk related to changes in interest rates, changes in foreign currency exchange rates and changes in the price of fuel. We do not hold or issue derivative financial instruments for trading or speculative purposes. We use derivative financial instruments to manage risk, in part, associated with changes in interest rates and changes in fuel prices.
Interest Rate Risk
We are exposed to market risk related to changes in interest rates on long-term debt obligations. We regularly monitor and measure our interest rate risk and, to the extent that we believe we are exposed, from time-to-time we have entered into interest rate swap contracts--derivative financial instruments--with the objective of altering interest rate exposures related to a portion of our variable debt.
The following table provides information, as of December 31, 2020, about our debt obligations, including principal cash flows, weighted-average interest rates by expected maturity dates and fair values. Weighted-average interest rates used for variable-rate obligations are based on rates as derived from published spot rates, in effect as of December 31, 2020.
The interest rate on the variable-rate debt, as of December 31, 2020, was 3.3%.
Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Risk
We are exposed to market risk related to foreign currency exchange rate risk resulting from our operations in Canada, where we provide a comprehensive range of horticultural services. Our financial results could be affected by factors such as changes in the foreign currency exchange rate or differing economic conditions in the Canadian markets as compared with the markets for our services in the United States. Our earnings are affected by translation exposures from currency fluctuations in the value of the U.S. dollar as compared to the Canadian dollar. Similarly, the Canadian dollar-denominated assets and liabilities may result in financial exposure as to the timing of transactions and the net asset / liability position of our Canadian operations.
For the year ended December 31, 2020, the result of a hypothetical 10% uniform change in the value of the U.S. dollar as compared with the Canadian dollar would not have a material effect on our results of operations or our financial position. Our sensitivity analysis of the effect of changes in foreign currency exchange rates does not factor in a potential change in sales levels or local currency prices. Presently, we do not engage in hedging activities related to our foreign currency exchange rate risk.
Commodity Price Risk
We are subject to market risk from fluctuating prices of fuel--both diesel and gasoline. In prior years we have used fuel derivatives as "economic hedges" related to fuel consumed by Davey Tree service vehicles. Presently, we are not engaged in any hedging or derivative activities.
Impact of Inflation
The impact of inflation on the results of operations has not been significant in recent years.
Item 7A.
Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.
The information set forth in “Market Risk Information” under Item 7. “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” is incorporated herein by reference.
Item 8.
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.
Our consolidated financial statements are attached hereto and listed on page of this annual report.
Item 9.
Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure.
None.
Item 9A.
Item 9A. Controls and Procedures.
Management’s Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
As of the end of the period covered by this Form 10-K, we carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 as amended (the “Exchange Act”)). Based on that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures were effective at the reasonable assurance level as of the end of the period covered by this Form 10-K in ensuring that information required to be disclosed in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms and is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting. Our internal control framework and processes were designed to provide reasonable assurance to management and the Board of Directors that our financial reporting is reliable and that our consolidated financial statements for external purposes have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“U.S. GAAP”).
Our management recognizes its responsibility for fostering a strong ethical climate so that our affairs are conducted according to the highest standards of personal and corporate conduct.
Our internal control over financial reporting includes policies and procedures that: (i) provide for the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect our business transactions; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded properly to allow for the preparation of financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance that the unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of our assets will be prevented or detected in a timely manner. We maintain a dynamic system of internal controls and processes--including internal control over financial reporting-designed to ensure reliable financial recordkeeping, transparent financial reporting and protection of physical and intellectual property.
All internal control systems, no matter how well designed, have inherent limitations. Therefore, even those systems determined to be effective can provide only reasonable assurance with respect to financial statement preparation and presentation.
Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, we conducted an evaluation as of December 31, 2020, as to the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting based on the framework in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway
Commission. Based on that evaluation, our management concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2020.
Our independent registered public accounting firm has issued an audit report on our internal control over financial reporting, which is included in this report.
/s/ Patrick M. Covey /s/ Joseph R. Paul /s/ Thea R. Sears
Patrick M. Covey
Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer
Joseph R. Paul
Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Secretary
Thea R. Sears
Vice President and Controller
Kent, Ohio
March 8, 2021
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting during the fourth quarter 2020 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the Shareholders and the Board of Directors of The Davey Tree Expert Company
Opinion on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
We have audited the internal control over financial reporting of The Davey Tree Expert Company (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2020, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). In our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2020, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by COSO.
We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2020, of the Company and our report dated March 8, 2021, expressed an unqualified opinion on those financial statements and included an explanatory paragraph regarding a change in accounting for its workers’ compensation accruals.
Basis for Opinion
The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.  
Definition and Limitations of Internal Control over Financial Reporting
A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP
Cleveland, Ohio
March 8, 2021
Item 9B.
Item 9B. Other Information.
None.
PART III
Item 10.
Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance.
Information about our executive officers is included in the section "Information about our Executive Officers,” pursuant to Instruction G of Form 10-K as an unnumbered item to Part I of this report.
Information about our directors will be included in the sections "Proposal One-Election of Directors" and "Corporate Governance-Board Independence" of our 2021 Proxy Statement, which is incorporated into this report by reference.
Information about our audit committee and our audit committee financial experts will be included in the sections "Corporate Governance-Audit Committee” and "Corporate Governance-Committees of the Board of Directors" of our 2021 Proxy Statement, which are incorporated into this report by reference.
Information required by Item 405 of Regulation S-K will be included in the section "Ownership of Common Shares-Delinquent Section 16(a) Reports” of our 2021 Proxy Statement, which is incorporated into this report by reference. See also the section titled "Corporate Governance-Shareholder Nominations for Director," which is incorporated into this report by reference.
We have adopted a Code of Ethics for Financial Matters that applies to our principal executive officer, principal financial officer and principal accounting officer, or persons performing similar functions. That Code is available on our website or upon request, as described in this report in Item 1. “Business - Access to Company Information.” We intend to disclose, on our website at www.davey.com, any amendments to, or waiver of, any provision of that Code that would otherwise be required to be disclosed under the rules of the SEC.
Item 11.
Item 11. Executive Compensation.
Information about executive and director compensation will be included in the sections “Compensation Discussion and Analysis,” "Report of the Compensation Committee," "Compensation Risk Analysis," "Compensation of Named Executive Officers," "2020 Director Compensation", and "Corporate Governance-Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation" of our 2021 Proxy Statement, which are incorporated into this report by reference.
Item 12.
Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters.
Information about ownership of our common shares by certain persons will be included in the section "Ownership of Common Shares" of our 2021 Proxy Statement, which is incorporated into this report by reference. Information about our securities authorized for issuance under equity compensation plans will be included in the section “Compensation of Named Executive Officers-Equity Compensation Plan Information” of our 2021 Proxy Statement, which is incorporated into this report by reference.
Item 13.
Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence.
Information about certain transactions between us and our affiliates and certain other persons and the independence of directors will be included in the sections “Corporate Governance-Board Independence” and "Corporate Governance-Transactions with Related Persons, Promoters and Certain Control Persons" of our 2021 Proxy Statement, which are incorporated into this report by reference.
Item 14.
Item 14. Principal Accountant Fees and Services.
Information about our principal accountant’s fees and services is in the section “The Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm” of our 2021 Proxy Statement, which is incorporated into this report by reference.
PART IV
Item 15.
Item 15. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules.
(a) (1) and (a) (2) Financial Statements and Schedules.
The response to this portion of Item 15 is set forth on page of this report.
(b) Exhibits.
The exhibits to this Form 10-K are submitted as a separate section of this report. See Exhibit Index.
Item 16. Form 10-K Summary.
None.
The Registrant is a party to certain instruments, copies of which will be furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission upon request, defining the rights of holders of long-term debt.
THE DAVEY TREE EXPERT COMPANY
/s/ Patrick M. Covey
Patrick M. Covey
Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities indicated on March 8, 2021.
/s/ Donald C. Brown /s/ Catherine M. Kilbane
Donald C. Brown
Director
Catherine M. Kilbane
Director
/s/ Patrick M. Covey /s/ Charles D. Stapleton
Patrick M. Covey
Director, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer)
Charles D. Stapleton
Director
/s/ Alejandra Evans /s/ Karl J. Warnke
Alejandra Evans
Director
Karl J. Warnke
Director
/s/ William J. Ginn /s/ Joseph R. Paul
William J. Ginn
Director
Joseph R. Paul
Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer
and Secretary
(Principal Financial Officer)
/s/ Douglas K. Hall /s/ Thea R. Sears
Douglas K. Hall
Director
Thea R. Sears
Vice President and Controller
(Principal Accounting Officer)
/s/ Sandra W. Harbrecht
Sandra W. Harbrecht
Director
ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K
ITEM 8, ITEM 15(a)(1) and (2)
LIST OF FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
CERTAIN EXHIBITS
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS SCHEDULES
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2020
THE DAVEY TREE EXPERT COMPANY
KENT, OHIO
All schedules for which provision is made in the applicable accounting regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission are not required under the related instructions or are inapplicable and therefore have been omitted.
List of Financial Statements and Financial Statements Schedules
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the Shareholders and the Board of Directors of The Davey Tree Expert Company
Opinion on the Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of The Davey Tree Expert Company (the "Company") as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income, shareholders' equity, and cash flows, for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2020, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the "financial statements"). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2020, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2020, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission and our report dated March 8, 2021, expressed an unqualified opinion on the Company's internal control over financial reporting.
Change in Accounting Principle
As discussed in Note B to the financial statements, the Company has elected to change its method of accounting for its workers’ compensation accruals from measuring those liabilities at a discounted amount to measuring them at an undiscounted amount during the year-ended December 31, 2020. The change in accounting principle has been retrospectively applied to the consolidated financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018.
Basis for Opinion
These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company's financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
Critical Audit Matter
The critical audit matter communicated below is a matter arising from the current-period audit of the financial statements that was communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that (1) relates to accounts or disclosures that are material to the financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. The communication of critical audit
List of Financial Statements and Financial Statements Schedules
matters does not alter in any way our opinion on the financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matter below, providing a separate opinion on the critical audit matter or on the accounts or disclosures to which it relates.
Self-Insurance Accruals - Refer to Notes B and I to the financial statements
Critical Audit Matter Description
The Company is generally self-insured for losses and liabilities related primarily to workers’ compensation, vehicle liability, and general liability claims. The Company uses commercial insurance as a risk-reduction strategy to minimize catastrophic losses. Self-insurance accruals consist of the projected settlement value of reported and unreported claims. Ultimate losses are accrued based upon estimates of the aggregate liability for claims incurred using certain actuarial assumptions followed in the insurance industry and based on Company-specific experience. Self-insurance accruals as of December 31, 2020, were $109 million.
We identified self-insurance accruals as a critical audit matter because estimating ultimate losses of reported and unreported claims is subject to a high degree of variability as it involves complex estimates that are generally derived using a variety of actuarial estimation techniques and numerous assumptions and expectations about future events, many of which are highly uncertain. Changes in claims incurred, claim severity, or other estimates and judgments used by management could have a material impact on the amount and timing of expense for any period.
Given the degree of subjectivity related to estimating self-insurance losses and liabilities, auditing these accruals required a higher degree of auditor judgment and an increased extent of effort, including the need to involve our actuarial specialists, when performing audit procedures to evaluate whether self-insurance accruals were appropriately recorded as of December 31, 2020.
How the Critical Audit Matter Was Addressed in the Audit
Our audit procedures related to the self-insurance accrual included the following, among others:
•We tested the effectiveness of controls related to the self-insurance accruals, including management’s control over the projection of settlement value of reported and unreported claims.
•We evaluated the methods and assumptions used by management to understand the claims incurred in order to estimate the self-insurance accruals by:
-Testing the underlying data that served as the basis for the actuarial analysis, including historical claims, to test that the inputs to the actuarial estimate were accurate and complete.
-Comparing management’s historical estimates to actual payments during the current year to identify potential bias in the determination of the self-insurance accruals.
•With the assistance of our actuarial specialists, we developed independent estimates of the self-insurance accruals using actuarial valuation methods and loss development factors derived from both the Company’s own experience as well as insurance industry information. We used the results from each analysis to form a range of ultimate and unpaid losses and then compared our estimates to management’s estimates.
/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP
Cleveland, Ohio
March 8, 2021
We have served as the Company's auditor since 2018.
List of Financial Statements and Financial Statements Schedules
THE DAVEY TREE EXPERT COMPANY
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In thousands, except per share dollar amounts)
List of Financial Statements and Financial Statements Schedules
THE DAVEY TREE EXPERT COMPANY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(In thousands, except per share dollar amounts)
List of Financial Statements and Financial Statements Schedules
THE DAVEY TREE EXPERT COMPANY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(In thousands)
List of Financial Statements and Financial Statements Schedules
THE DAVEY TREE EXPERT COMPANY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
(In thousands, except per share data)
List of Financial Statements and Financial Statements Schedules
THE DAVEY TREE EXPERT COMPANY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(In thousands)
List of Financial Statements and Financial Statements Schedules
The Davey Tree Expert Company
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2020
(In thousands, except share data)
A. Our Business
We provide a wide range of arboricultural, horticultural, environmental and consulting services to residential, utility, commercial and government entities throughout the United States and Canada. We have two reportable operating segments organized by type or class of customer: Residential and Commercial, and Utility.
Residential and Commercial--Residential and Commercial provides services to our residential and commercial customers including: the treatment, preservation, maintenance, removal and planting of trees, shrubs and other plant life; the practice of landscaping, grounds maintenance, tree surgery, tree feeding and tree spraying; the application of fertilizer, herbicides and insecticides; and natural resource management and consulting, forestry research and development, and environmental planning.
Utility--Utility is principally engaged in providing services to our utility customers--investor-owned, municipal utilities, and rural electric cooperatives--including: the practice of line-clearing and vegetation management around power lines and rights-of-way and chemical brush control, natural resource management and consulting, forestry research and development and environmental planning.
We also maintain research, technical support and laboratory diagnostic facilities.
When we refer to “we,” “us,” “our,” “Davey Tree,” and the “Company,” we mean The Davey Tree Expert Company, unless the context indicates otherwise.
B. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Principles of Consolidation and Basis of Presentation--The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Davey Tree and our wholly-owned subsidiaries and were prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) as codified in the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC"). Intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation and certain prior-year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation. In addition, our financial statements and corresponding footnotes for prior periods have been recast to reflect the retrospective application of the change in accounting principle discussed in the Self-Insurance Accruals section of this note.
Use of Estimates in Financial Statement Preparation--The preparation of financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect reported amounts. Estimates are used for, but not limited to, accounts receivable valuation, depreciable lives of fixed assets, self-insurance accruals, stock valuation and revenue recognition. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
While the coronavirus ("COVID-19") pandemic did not have a material adverse effect on our reported results for our fiscal year, the overall extent and duration of the impact of COVID-19 on businesses and economic activity generally remains unclear. The extent to which our operations may be impacted by COVID-19 will depend largely on future developments, which are highly uncertain due to its continual evolution, such as the previous resurgences in cases and the emergence of new strains of COVID-19, and cannot be accurately predicted, including new information which may emerge concerning the severity of the outbreak and actions by government authorities to
List of Financial Statements and Financial Statements Schedules
The Davey Tree Expert Company
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2020
(In thousands, except share data)
contain the pandemic or treat its impact, including reimposing previously-lifted measures and the possibility additional measures will be put in place, among other things.
The Company’s fiscal quarters each contain thirteen operating weeks, with the exception of the fourth quarter of a 53-week fiscal year, which contains fourteen operating weeks.
Property and Equipment--Property and equipment are stated at cost. Repair and maintenance costs are expensed as incurred. Depreciation is computed for financial reporting purposes by the straight-line method for land improvements, building and leasehold improvements and by the declining-balance method for equipment, based on the estimated useful lives of the assets, as follows:
Intangible Assets--Intangible assets with finite lives, primarily customer lists, noncompete agreements and tradenames, are amortized by the straight-line method based on their estimated useful lives, ranging from one year to seven years.
Long-Lived Assets--We assess potential impairment to our long-lived assets, other than goodwill, when there is evidence that events or changes in circumstances have made recovery of the asset’s carrying value unlikely and the carrying amount of the asset exceeds the estimated future undiscounted cash flow. In the event the assessment indicates that the carrying amounts may not be recoverable, an impairment loss would be recognized to reduce the asset’s carrying amount to its estimated fair value based on the present value of the estimated future cash flows.
Goodwill--Goodwill is recorded when the cost of acquired businesses exceeds the fair value of the identified net assets acquired. Goodwill is not amortized, but tested for impairment annually or when events or circumstances indicate that impairment may have occurred. Annually, we perform the impairment tests for goodwill during the fourth quarter. Our annual impairment assessment date has been designated as the first day of our fourth fiscal quarter. Impairment of goodwill is tested at the reporting-unit level, which for us are also our business segments. Impairment of goodwill is tested by comparing the reporting unit’s carrying value, including goodwill, to the fair value of the reporting unit. The fair values of the reporting units are estimated using discounted projected cash flows. If the carrying value of the reporting unit exceeds its fair value, goodwill is considered impaired and an impairment loss should be recognized for the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the reporting unit’s fair value, not to exceed the carrying value of the goodwill allocated to that reporting unit. We conducted our annual impairment tests and determined that no impairment loss was required to be recognized in 2020 or for any prior periods. There were no events or circumstances from the date of our assessment through December 31, 2020 that would impact this conclusion.
Self-Insurance Accruals--We are generally self-insured for losses and liabilities related primarily to workers’ compensation, vehicle liability and general liability claims. We use commercial insurance as a risk-reduction strategy to minimize catastrophic losses. Self-insurance accruals consist of the projected settlement value of reported and unreported claims. Ultimate losses are accrued based upon estimates of the aggregate liability for claims incurred using certain actuarial assumptions followed in the insurance industry and based on Company-specific experience.
List of Financial Statements and Financial Statements Schedules
The Davey Tree Expert Company
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2020
(In thousands, except share data)
Our self-insurance accruals include claims for which the ultimate losses will develop over a period of years. Estimating ultimate losses of reported and unreported claims is subject to a high degree of variability as it involves complex estimates that are generally derived using a variety of actuarial estimation techniques and numerous assumptions and expectations about future events, many of which are highly uncertain. Accordingly, our estimates of ultimate losses can change as claims mature. Our accruals also are affected by changes in the number of new claims incurred and claim severity. The methods for estimating the ultimate losses and the total cost of claims were determined by third-party consulting actuaries; the resulting accruals are reviewed by management, and any adjustments arising from changes in estimates are reflected in income.
Our self-insurance accruals are based on estimates and, while we believe that the amounts accrued are adequate and not excessive, the ultimate claims may be in excess of or less than the amounts provided. Changes in claims incurred, claim severity, or other estimates and judgments used by management could have a material impact on the amount and timing of expense for any period.
During the year ended December 31, 2020, we changed our method of accounting for our workers' compensation accruals from measuring the liabilities on a discounted basis to an undiscounted basis. We believe that measuring the workers' compensation accruals on an undiscounted basis is preferable because it simplifies the accounting for the liabilities, provides consistency with our other lines of coverage (vehicle liability and general liability) and results in financial statement presentation consistent with our industry peers.
As a result of this change in method of accounting, our financial statements and corresponding footnotes for all prior periods have been recast to reflect the retrospective application of the change in accounting principle. We recorded the cumulative effect for the change in accounting principle as a decrease of $1,693 to retained earnings as of January 1, 2018. This change decreased our retained earnings by $2,059 and $2,312 at December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively.
The following tables present the effects of the change in accounting principle to our financial statements:
List of Financial Statements and Financial Statements Schedules
The Davey Tree Expert Company
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2020
(In thousands, except share data)
List of Financial Statements and Financial Statements Schedules
The Davey Tree Expert Company
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2020
(In thousands, except share data)
List of Financial Statements and Financial Statements Schedules
The Davey Tree Expert Company
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2020
(In thousands, except share data)
Stock-Based Compensation--Stock-based compensation cost for all share-based payment plans is measured at fair value on the date of grant and recognized over the employee service period on the straight-line recognition method for awards expected to vest. The fair value of all stock-based payment plans-stock option plans, stock-settled stock appreciation rights, and performance-based restricted stock units as well as our Employee Stock Purchase Plan-is determined by the number of awards granted and the price of our common stock. The fair value of each award is estimated on the date of grant using a binomial option-pricing model. The binomial model considers a range of assumptions related to volatility, risk-free interest rate and employee exercise behavior. Expected volatilities utilized in the binomial model are based on historical volatility of our share prices and other factors. Similarly, the dividend yield is based on historical experience and expected future changes. The binomial model also incorporates exercise assumptions based on an analysis of historical data. The expected life of the stock-based awards is derived from the output of the binomial model and represents the period of time that awards granted are expected to be outstanding.
Defined Benefit Pension Plans--We record annual expenses relating to our defined benefit pension plans based on calculations that include various actuarial assumptions, including discount rates and expected long-term rates of return on plan assets. Actuarial assumptions are reviewed annually with modifications made to the assumptions, if necessary, based on current rates and trends. The effects of the actuarial gains or losses are amortized over future service periods. The funded status (that is, the projected benefit obligation less the fair value of plan assets) for each plan is reported in our balance sheet using a December 31 measurement date. Changes in the funded status of the plans are recognized in the year in which the changes occur and reported in comprehensive income (loss).
Income Taxes--We compute taxes on income in accordance with the tax rules and regulations where the income is earned. The income tax rates imposed by these taxing authorities vary. Taxable income may differ from pretax income for financial reporting purposes. We compute and recognize deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of temporary differences between the financial statement carrying amounts and the tax bases of our assets and liabilities. Changes in tax rates and laws are reflected in income in the period when such changes are enacted. We account for uncertain tax positions by recognizing the financial statement effects of a tax position only when, based upon the technical merits, it is more-likely-than-not that the position will be sustained upon examination.
Earnings Per Share--Basic earnings per share is determined by dividing the income available to common shareholders by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding. Diluted earnings per share is computed similarly to basic earnings per share except that the weighted-average number of shares is increased to include the effect of stock awards that were granted and outstanding during the period.
Revenue Recognition--We recognize revenue in accordance with ASC Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers. See Note S for a detailed description of our revenue recognition policy.
Concentration of Credit Risk--Credit risk represents the accounting loss that would be recognized if the counterparties failed to perform as contracted. The principal financial instruments subject to credit risk are as follow:
Cash--To limit our exposure, we transact our business and maintain banking relationships with high credit-quality financial institutions.
Accounts Receivable--Our residential and commercial customers are located geographically throughout the United States and Canada and, as to commercial customers, within differing industries; thus, minimizing credit risk. The credit exposure of utility services customers is directly affected by conditions within the utility industries as well as the financial condition of individual customers. One utility customer approximated 17% of revenues during 2020, 12% in 2019 and 12% in 2018. To reduce credit risk, we evaluate the credit
List of Financial Statements and Financial Statements Schedules
The Davey Tree Expert Company
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2020
(In thousands, except share data)
of customers, but generally do not require advance payments or collateral. Exposure to losses on receivables is principally dependent on each customer’s financial condition.
Foreign Currency Translation and Transactions--Assets and liabilities of our Canadian operations are translated into U.S. dollars using year-end exchange rates, and revenues and expenses are translated using exchange rates as determined throughout the year. Gains or losses resulting from translation are included in the consolidated balance sheet, classified in shareholders’ equity as a separate component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). Gains or losses resulting from Canadian-dollar transactions with the Canadian operations are converted to U.S. dollars at the rates of exchange prevailing at the dates of the transactions. The effect of the transactions gain or loss is classified in the statement of operations as a component of other nonoperating income (expense), net.
Comprehensive Income (Loss)--Comprehensive income (loss) includes net income and other comprehensive income or loss. Other comprehensive income (loss) refers to revenues, expenses, gains and losses that under U.S. GAAP are included in comprehensive income but are excluded from net income as these amounts are recorded directly as an adjustment to shareholders’ equity, net of tax.
C. Recent Accounting Guidance
Accounting Standards Adopted in 2019
Accounting Standards Update 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842)--In February 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2016-02, “Leases (Topic 842).” ASU 2016-02, along with several subsequent updates, requires lessees to recognize assets and liabilities created by leases on their balance sheet along with additional disclosure information. The Company adopted the standard on January 1, 2019 using the Comparative Under ASC 840 approach, which permitted the Company to not recast historical periods for the adoption, and utilized practical expedients as available. The adoption of the new standard resulted in the recording, as of January 1, 2019, of operating right-of-use assets and lease liabilities of $37,429. The adoption of the new standard did not impact our consolidated results of operations and had no impact on our cash flows.
Accounting Standards Update 2018-02, Income Statement - Reporting Comprehensive Income (Topic 220)--In February 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-02, "Income Statement - Reporting Comprehensive Income (Topic 220)." ASU 2018-02 provides an option to reclassify the stranded tax effects within accumulated other comprehensive income to retained earnings as a result of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017. The Company adopted ASU 2018-02 effective January 1, 2019 and did not elect to reclassify the income tax effects of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act from accumulated other comprehensive income to retained earnings.
SEC Release No. 33-10532, Disclosure Update and Simplification--In August 2018, the SEC adopted the final rule under SEC Release No. 33-10532, Disclosure Update and Simplification, amending certain disclosure requirements that were redundant, duplicative, overlapping, outdated or superseded. In addition, the amendments expanded the disclosure requirements on the analysis of shareholders' equity for interim financial statements. Under the amendments, an analysis of changes in each caption of shareholders' equity presented in the balance sheet must be provided in a note or separate statement. The analysis should present a reconciliation of the beginning balance to the ending balance of each period for which a statement of comprehensive income is required to be filed. We have incorporated the changes required by SEC Release No. 33-10532 in this report.
List of Financial Statements and Financial Statements Schedules
The Davey Tree Expert Company
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2020
(In thousands, except share data)
Accounting Standard Adopted in 2020
Accounting Standards Update 2016-13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326)--In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, "Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326)." ASU 2016-13 replaced the incurred loss impairment methodology in U.S. GAAP for most financial instruments, including trade receivables, with an impairment model, known as the current expected credit loss model, that is based on expected losses rather than incurred losses. The Company adopted the new standard effective January 1, 2020, and it did not have a material effect on the Company's results of operations.
Accounting Standard Not Yet Adopted
Accounting Standards Update 2019-12, Income Taxes (Topic 740)- Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes--In December 2019, the FASB issued ASU No. 2019-12, "Income Taxes (Topic 740): Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes (ASU 2019-12)", which simplifies the accounting for income taxes by removing certain exceptions to the general principles in ASC 740 and also clarifies and amends existing guidance to improve consistent application. ASU 2019-12 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020, including applicable interim periods. The Company will adopt ASU 2019-12 beginning January 1, 2021. The adoption of ASU 2019-12 is not anticipated to have a material effect on the Company's financial statements.
D. Business Combinations
Our investments in businesses were: (a) $11,150 in 2020, including liabilities assumed of $613 and debt issued of $2,472; (b) $12,620 in 2019, including liabilities assumed of $1,479 and debt issued of $2,612; and (c) $13,244 in 2018, including $2,381 of liabilities assumed and debt issued of $2,402.
The net assets of the businesses acquired are accounted for under the acquisition method and were recorded at their fair values at the dates of acquisition. The measurement period for purchase price allocations ends as soon as information of the facts and circumstances becomes available, but does not exceed one year from the acquisition date.
The Company’s intangible assets consist of tradenames, non-competition agreements and customer relationships. The tradenames and customer relationships intangible assets were assigned an average six-year useful life, and the non-competition agreements were assigned an average five-year useful life.
The excess of the purchase price over the estimated fair values of the net assets acquired was recorded as an increase in goodwill of approximately $5,635 in 2020 (all of which is deductible for tax purposes), $4,174 in 2019 ($1,610 of which is deductible for tax purposes) and $2,840 in 2018 (all of which is deductible for tax purposes).
The results of operations of acquired businesses have been included in the consolidated statements of operations beginning as of the effective dates of acquisition. The effect of these acquisitions on our consolidated revenues and results of operations, either individually or in the aggregate, for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 or 2018 was not significant.
Subsequent to December 31, 2020 and through March 8, 2021, we acquired three businesses approximating $10,522 with $53 liabilities assumed and debt issued of $2,263. The acquired companies are in our Residential and Commercial segment. We do not expect the effect of this acquisition on our consolidated revenues and results of operations to be significant.
List of Financial Statements and Financial Statements Schedules
The Davey Tree Expert Company
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2020
(In thousands, except share data)
E. Accounts Receivable, Net and Supplemental Balance Sheet Information
Accounts receivable, net, consisted of the following:
(1) Unbilled receivables consist of work-in-process in accordance with the terms of contracts, primarily with utility services customers.
The following items comprise the amounts included in the balance sheets. Certain amounts in prior years have been recast as a result of the change in accounting principle as discussed in Note B:
List of Financial Statements and Financial Statements Schedules
The Davey Tree Expert Company
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2020
(In thousands, except share data)
F. Supplemental Cash Flow Information
Supplemental cash flow information follows:
List of Financial Statements and Financial Statements Schedules
The Davey Tree Expert Company
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2020
(In thousands, except share data)
G. Intangible Assets and Goodwill, Net
The carrying amount of the identified intangible assets and goodwill acquired in connection with our acquisitions were as follows:
The changes in the carrying amounts of goodwill, by segment, for the years ended December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019 were as follow:
Future aggregate amortization expense of intangible assets--The aggregate amortization expense of intangible assets, as of December 31, 2020, in each of the next five years was as follows:
List of Financial Statements and Financial Statements Schedules
The Davey Tree Expert Company
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2020
(In thousands, except share data)
H. Short and Long-Term Debt and Commitments Related to Letters of Credit
Short-term debt consisted of the following:
At December 31, 2020, we also had unused short-term lines of credit with several banks totaling $9,168, generally bearing interest at the banks' prime rate or LIBOR plus a margin adjustment of .75% to 1.50%. Long-term debt consisted of the following:
Revolving Credit Facility--In October 2017, the Company amended and restated its revolving credit facility, as further amended in September 2018, as discussed below. The amended and restated credit agreement, which expires in October 2022, permits borrowings, as defined, up to $250,000, including a letter of credit sublimit of $100,000 and a swing-line commitment of $25,000. Under certain circumstances, the amount available under the revolving credit facility may be increased to $325,000. The revolving credit facility contains certain affirmative and negative covenants customary for this type of facility and includes financial covenant ratios with respect to a maximum leverage ratio (not to exceed 3.00 to 1.00 with exceptions in case of material acquisitions) and a minimum interest coverage ratio (not less than 3.00 to 1.00), in each case subject to certain further restrictions as described in the credit agreement.
As of December 31, 2020, we had unused commitments under the revolving credit facility approximating $247,123 and $2,877 committed, which consisted of no borrowings and issued letters of credit of $2,877. Borrowings outstanding bear interest, at the Company's option, of either (a) the base rate or (b) LIBOR plus a margin adjustment ranging from .875% to 1.50%--with the margin adjustments based on the Company's leverage ratio at the time of borrowing. The base rate is the greater of (i) the agent bank’s prime rate, (ii) LIBOR plus 1.5%, or
List of Financial Statements and Financial Statements Schedules
The Davey Tree Expert Company
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2020
(In thousands, except share data)
(iii) the federal funds rate plus .5%. A commitment fee ranging from .10% to .225% is also required based on the average daily unborrowed commitment.
5.09% Senior Unsecured Notes--On July 22, 2010, we issued 5.09% Senior Unsecured Notes, Series A, (the "5.09% Senior Notes"), in the aggregate principal amount of $30,000 pursuant to a Master Note Purchase Agreement (the “Purchase Agreement”), between the Company and the purchasers of the 5.09% Senior Notes. The 5.09% Senior Notes were due and repaid on July 22, 2020.
The 5.09% Senior Notes were equal in right of payment with our revolving credit facility and all other senior unsecured obligations of the Company. Interest was payable semiannually and five equal, annual principal payments commenced on July 22, 2016 (the sixth anniversary of issuance). The Purchase Agreement contained customary events of default and covenants related to limitations on indebtedness and transactions with affiliates and the maintenance of certain financial ratios.
3.99% Senior Unsecured Notes--On September 21, 2018, we issued 3.99% Senior Notes, Series A (the "3.99% Senior Notes"), in the aggregate principal amount of $50,000. The 3.99% Senior Notes are due September 21, 2028. The 3.99% Senior Notes were issued pursuant to a Note Purchase and Private Shelf Agreement (the “Note Purchase and Shelf Agreement”) between the Company, PGIM, Inc. and the purchasers of the 3.99% Senior Notes. Subsequent series of promissory notes may be issued pursuant to the Note Purchase and Shelf Agreement (the "Shelf Notes") in an aggregate additional principal amount not to exceed $50,000 ($25,000 of which was issued on February 5, 2019).
The 3.99% Senior Notes are equal in right of payment with our revolving credit facility and all other senior unsecured obligations of the Company. Interest is payable semiannually and five equal, annual principal payments of $10,000 commence on September 21, 2024 (the sixth anniversary of issuance). The Note Purchase and Shelf Agreement contains customary events of default and covenants related to limitations on indebtedness and transactions with affiliates and the maintenance of certain financial ratios. The Company may prepay at any time all, or from time to time any part of, the outstanding principal amount of the 3.99% Senior Notes, subject to the payment of a make-whole amount.
In conjunction with the issuance of the 3.99% Senior Notes, on September 21, 2018, the Company entered into an amendment to its revolving credit facility. The amendment amended certain provisions and covenants in the credit agreement to generally conform them to the corresponding provisions and covenants in the Note Purchase and Shelf Agreement. The amendment also permitted the Company to incur indebtedness arising under the Note Purchase and Shelf Agreement in an aggregate principal amount not to exceed $75,000, which included the $50,000 of 3.99% Senior Notes, plus an additional $25,000 in Shelf Notes (which were issued on February 5, 2019).
4.00% Senior Unsecured Notes--On February 5, 2019, we issued 4.00% Senior Notes, Series B (the "4.00% Senior Notes") pursuant to the Note Purchase and Shelf Agreement in the aggregate principal amount of $25,000. The 4.00% Senior Notes are due September 21, 2028. Subsequent series of Shelf Notes may be issued pursuant to the Note Purchase and Shelf Agreement in an aggregate additional principal amount not to exceed $25,000. A further amendment to the revolving credit facility would be required for such a transaction to be permissible under the revolving credit facility. The 4.00% Senior Notes are equal in right of payment with our revolving credit facility and all other senior unsecured obligations of the Company. Interest is payable semiannually and five equal, annual principal payments commence on September 21, 2024.
The net proceeds of all senior notes were used to pay down borrowings under our revolving credit facility.
List of Financial Statements and Financial Statements Schedules
The Davey Tree Expert Company
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2020
(In thousands, except share data)
Term loans--Periodically, the Company will enter into term loans for the procurement of insurance or to finance acquisitions.
Term Loans, Weighted-Average Interest Rate--The weighted-average interest on the term loans approximated 3.89% at December 31, 2020 and 4.02% at December 31, 2019.
Aggregate Maturities of Long-Term Debt--Aggregate maturities of long-term debt for the five years subsequent to December 31, 2020 were as follows: 2021--$19,539; 2022--$1,673; 2023--$652; 2024--$15,000; 2025--$15,000; and thereafter $45,000.
Accounts Receivable Securitization Facility--In May 2020, the Company amended its Accounts Receivable Securitization Facility (the "AR Securitization program") to extend the scheduled termination date for an additional one year period, to May 18, 2021. In addition to extending the termination date, the amendment included a change to the letter of credit ("LC") issuance fee payable under the terms of the agreement.
The AR Securitization program has a limit of $100,000, of which $83,355 and $76,732 were issued for LCs as of December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively.
Under the AR Securitization program, Davey Tree transfers by selling or contributing current and future trade receivables to a wholly-owned, bankruptcy-remote financing subsidiary which pledges a perfected first priority security interest in the trade receivables--equal to the issued LCs as of December 31, 2020--to the bank in exchange for the bank issuing LCs.
Fees payable to the bank include: (a) an LC issuance fee, payable on each settlement date, in the amount of 1.00% per annum on the aggregate amount of all LCs outstanding plus outstanding reimbursement obligations (e.g., arising from drawn LCs), if any, and (b) an unused LC fee, payable monthly, equal to (i) .35% per annum for each day on which the sum of the total LCs outstanding plus any outstanding reimbursement obligations is greater than or equal to 50% of the facility limit and (ii) .45% per annum for each day on which the sum of the total LCs outstanding plus any outstanding reimbursement obligations is less than 50% of the facility limit. If an LC is drawn and the bank is not immediately reimbursed in full for the drawn amount, any outstanding reimbursement obligation will accrue interest at a per annum rate equal to a reserve-adjusted LIBOR or, in certain circumstances, a base rate equal to the higher of (i) the bank’s prime rate and (ii) the federal funds rate plus .50% and, following any default, 2.00% plus the greater of (a) adjusted LIBOR and (b) a base rate equal to the higher of (i) the bank’s prime rate and (ii) the federal funds rate plus .50%.
The agreements underlying the AR Securitization program contain various customary representations and warranties, covenants, and default provisions which provide for the termination and acceleration of the commitments under the AR Securitization program in circumstances including, but not limited to, failure to make payments when due, breach of a representation, warranty or covenant, certain insolvency events or failure to maintain the security interest in the trade receivables, and defaults under other material indebtedness.
Total Commitments Related to Issued Letters of Credit--As of December 31, 2020, total commitments related to issued LCs were $88,242, of which $2,877 were issued under the revolving credit facility, $83,355 were issued under the AR securitization facility and $2,010 were issued under short-term lines of credit. As of December 31, 2019, total commitments related to issued letters of credit were $81,619, of which $2,877 were issued under the revolving credit facility, $76,732 were issued under the AR securitization facility and $2,010 were issued under short-term lines of credit.
As of December 31, 2020, we were in compliance with all debt covenants.
List of Financial Statements and Financial Statements Schedules
The Davey Tree Expert Company
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2020
(In thousands, except share data)
I. Self-Insurance Accruals
Components of our self-insurance accruals for workers’ compensation, vehicle liability and general liability were as follows (Certain amounts in prior years have been recast as a result of the change in accounting principle as discussed in Note B):
The changes in our self-insurance accruals are summarized in the table below.
J. Leases
We lease certain office and parking facilities, warehouse space, equipment, vehicles and information technology equipment under operating leases. Lease expense for these leases is recognized within the Consolidated Statements of Operations on a straight-line basis over the lease term, with variable lease payments recognized in the period those payments are incurred.
List of Financial Statements and Financial Statements Schedules
The Davey Tree Expert Company
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2020
(In thousands, except share data)
The following table summarizes the amounts recognized in our Consolidated Balance Sheet related to leases:
The components of lease cost recognized within our Consolidated Statement of Operations were as follows:
We often have options to renew lease terms for buildings and other assets. The exercise of lease renewal options is generally at our sole discretion. In addition, certain lease agreements may be terminated prior to their original expiration date at our discretion. We evaluate each renewal and termination option at the lease commencement date to determine if we are reasonably certain to exercise the option on the basis of economic factors.
List of Financial Statements and Financial Statements Schedules
The Davey Tree Expert Company
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2020
(In thousands, except share data)
The table below summarizes the weighted average remaining lease term as of December 31, 2020.
The discount rate implicit within our leases is generally not determinable and therefore the Company determines the discount rate based on its incremental borrowing rate. The incremental borrowing rate for each lease is determined based on its term and the currency in which lease payments are made, adjusted for the impacts of collateral. The table below summarizes the weighted average discount rate used to measure our lease liabilities as of December 31, 2020.
Supplemental Cash Flow Information Related to Leases
Maturity Analysis of Lease Liabilities
List of Financial Statements and Financial Statements Schedules
The Davey Tree Expert Company
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2020
(In thousands, except share data)
K. Common Shares, Redeemable Common Shares and Preferred Shares
Preferred Shares--We have authorized a class of 4,000,000 preferred shares, no par value, of which none were issued as of December 31, 2020.
Redeemable Common Shares-Our Davey 401KSOP and ESOP Plan includes a put option for shares of the Company’s common stock distributed from the plan. Due to the Company’s obligation under the put option, shares held in the Davey 401KSOP and ESOP Plan as well as distributed shares subject to the put option are reclassified from permanent equity to temporary equity. The number of redeemable common shares for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2020 was as follows: 2020--5,112,884; 2019--5,146,882; and 2018--5,642,155.
Common Shares--The number of common shares authorized is 48,000,000, par value $1.00. The number of common shares issued during each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2020 was as follows: 2020--37,800,876; 2019--37,766,878; and 2018--37,271,606. The number of shares in the treasury for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2020 was as follows: 2020--20,093,608; 2019--19,736,957; and 2018--20,033,108.
Our common and redeemable common shares are not listed or traded on an established public trading market, and market prices are, therefore, not available. Semiannually, an independent stock valuation firm determines the fair market value of our common and redeemable common shares based upon our performance and financial condition. Since 1979, we have provided a ready market for all shareholders through our direct purchase of their common shares, although we are under no obligation to do so (other than repurchases pursuant to the put option under the Davey 401KSOP and ESOP Plan, as described in Note M). During 2020, purchases of common shares, both redeemable and common, totaled 1,597,929 shares for $39,079 in cash; we also had direct sales to directors and employees of 17,315 shares for $430, excluding those shares issued through either the exercise of options or the Employee Stock Purchase Plan. We also sold 179,445 shares to our 401(k) plan for $4,376 and issued 420,719 shares to participant accounts to satisfy our liability for the 2019 and 2020 employer match in the amount of $10,282. The liability accrued at December 31, 2020 for the 2020 employer match was $1,800. There were also 393,568 shares purchased during 2020 under the Employee Stock Purchase Plan.
List of Financial Statements and Financial Statements Schedules
The Davey Tree Expert Company
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2020
(In thousands, except share data)
Common and Redeemable Shares Outstanding--The table below reconciles the activity of the common and redeemable shares outstanding:
On December 31, 2020, we had 22,820,152 common shares outstanding and employee options exercisable to purchase 940,277 common shares.
Stock Subscription Offering--Beginning May 2012, the Company offered to eligible employees and nonemployee directors the right to subscribe to common shares of the Company at $9.85 per share in accordance with the provisions of The Davey Tree Expert Company 2004 Omnibus Stock Plan and the rules of the Compensation Committee of the Company's Board of Directors (collectively, the "plan"). The offering period ended on August 1, 2012 and resulted in the subscription of 1,275,428 common shares for $12,563 at $9.85 per share.
Under the plan, a participant in the offering purchasing common shares for an aggregate purchase price of less than $5 was required to pay with cash. All participants (excluding Company directors and officers) purchasing $5 or more of the common shares had an option to finance their purchase through a down-payment of at least 10% of the total purchase price and a seven-year promissory note for the balance due with interest at 2%. Payments on the promissory note were made either by payroll deductions or annual lump-sum payments of both principal and interest.
Common shares purchased under the plan were pledged as security for the payment of the promissory note and the common shares were not issued until the promissory note was paid-in-full. Dividends were paid on all subscribed shares, subject to forfeiture to the extent that payment was not ultimately made for the shares.
All participants in the offering purchasing in excess of $5 of common shares were granted a "right" to purchase one additional common share at a price of $9.85 per share for every three common shares purchased under the plan. As a result of the stock subscription, employees were granted rights to purchase 423,600 common shares. Each right could have been exercised at the rate of one-seventh per year and expired seven years after the date that the right was granted. All rights expired in August 2019. Employees could not exercise a right if they ceased to be employed by the Company.
List of Financial Statements and Financial Statements Schedules
The Davey Tree Expert Company
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2020
(In thousands, except share data)
L. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Comprehensive income (loss) is comprised of net income and other adjustments that relate to foreign currency translation adjustments and defined benefit pension plan adjustments. We do not provide income taxes on currency translation adjustments, as the earnings of our Canadian operations are considered to be indefinitely reinvested.
The following summarizes the components of other comprehensive income (loss) accumulated in shareholders’ equity:
The amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) related to defined benefit pension plans for 2020, 2019 and 2018 are included in net periodic pension expense classified in the statement of operations as general and administrative expense or other income (expense).
List of Financial Statements and Financial Statements Schedules
The Davey Tree Expert Company
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2020
(In thousands, except share data)
M. The Davey 401KSOP and Employee Stock Ownership Plan
On March 15, 1979, we consummated a plan, which transferred control of the Company to our employees. As a part of this plan, we initially sold 120,000 common shares (presently, 23,040,000 common shares adjusted for stock splits) to our Employee Stock Ownership Trust (“ESOT”) for $2,700. The Employee Stock Ownership Plan (“ESOP”), in conjunction with the related ESOT, provided for the grant to certain employees of certain ownership rights in, but not possession of, the common shares held by the trustee of the ESOT. Annual allocations of shares have been made to individual accounts established for the benefit of the participants.
Defined Contribution and Savings Plans--Most employees are eligible to participate in The Davey 401KSOP and ESOP Plan. Effective January 1, 1997, the plan commenced operations and retained the existing ESOP participant accounts and incorporated a deferred savings plan (a "401(k) plan") feature. Participants in the 401(k) plan are allowed to make before-tax contributions, within Internal Revenue Service established limits, through payroll deductions. Effective January 1, 2020, we amended the 401(k) plan to be a safe harbor 401K plan. Under the amendment, the Company made changes to the hardship provisions and will make quarterly contributions in Company stock equal to, 100% of the first three percent and 50% of the next two percent of each participant's before-tax contributions, subject to IRS limitations, which will be fully vested. This represents a potential maximum contribution of 4%. All nonbargaining domestic employees who attained 21 years of age and completed one year of service are eligible to participate. In May 2004, we adopted the 401K Match Restoration Plan, a defined contribution plan that supplements the retirement benefits of certain employees that participate in the savings plan feature of The Davey 401KSOP and ESOP Plan, but are limited in contributions because of tax rules and regulations.
Our common shares are not listed or traded on an established public trading market, and market prices are, therefore, not available. Semiannually, an independent stock valuation firm determines the fair market value of our common shares based upon our performance and financial condition. The Davey 401KSOP and ESOP Plan includes a put option for shares of the Company’s common stock distributed from the plan. Shares are distributed from the Davey 401KSOP and ESOP Plan to former participants of the plan, their beneficiaries, donees or heirs (each, a “participant”). Since our common stock is not currently traded on an established securities market, if the owners of distributed shares desire to sell their shares, the Company is required to purchase the shares at fair value for two 60-day periods after distribution of the shares from the Davey 401KSOP and ESOP. The fair value of distributed shares subject to the put option totaled $3,298 and $4,749 as of December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively. The fair value of the shares held in the Davey 401KSOP and ESOP totaled $150,089 and $119,806 as of December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively. Due to the Company’s obligation under the put option, the distributed shares subject to the put option and the shares held in the Davey 401KSOP and ESOP (collectively referred to as 401KSOP and ESOP related shares) are recorded at fair value, classified as temporary equity in the mezzanine section of the consolidated balance sheets and totaled $153,387 and $124,555 as of December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively. Changes in the fair value of the Davey 401KSOP and ESOP Plan related shares are reflected in retained earnings while net share activity associated with the Davey 401KSOP and ESOP Plan related shares are first reflected in additional paid-in capital and then retained earnings if additional paid-in capital is insufficient.
Total compensation for these plans, consisting primarily of the employer match, was $7,687 in 2020, $4,600 in 2019, and $4,053 in 2018.
List of Financial Statements and Financial Statements Schedules
The Davey Tree Expert Company
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2020
(In thousands, except share data)
N. Stock-Based Compensation
Our shareholders approved the 2014 Omnibus Stock Plan (the “2014 Stock Plan”) at our annual meeting of shareholders on May 20, 2014. The 2014 Stock Plan replaced the expired 2004 Omnibus Stock Plan (the “2004 plan”) previously approved by the shareholders in 2004. The 2014 Stock Plan is administered by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors and has a term of ten years. All directors of the Company and employees of the Company and its subsidiaries are eligible to participate in the 2014 Stock Plan. The 2014 Stock Plan (similar to the 2004 plan) continues the maintenance of the Employee Stock Purchase Plan, as well as provisions for the grant of stock options and other stock-based incentives. The 2014 Stock Plan provides for the grant of five percent of the number of the Company’s common shares outstanding as of the first day of each fiscal year plus the number of common shares that were available for grant of awards, but not granted, in prior years. In no event, however, may the number of common shares available for the grant of awards in any fiscal year exceed ten percent of the common shares outstanding as of the first day of that fiscal year. Common shares subject to an award that is forfeited, terminated, or canceled without having been exercised are generally added back to the number of shares available for grant under the 2014 Stock Plan.
Stock-based compensation expense under all share-based payment plans-our Employee Stock Purchase Plan, stock option plans, stock-settled stock appreciation rights ("SSARs"), and restricted stock units ("RSUs")-included in the results of operations was as follows:
Stock-based compensation consisted of the following:
Employee Stock Purchase Plan--Under the Employee Stock Purchase Plan, all full-time employees with one year of service are eligible to purchase, through payroll deduction, common shares. Employee purchases under the Employee Stock Purchase Plan are at 85% of the fair market value of the common shares--a 15% discount. Compensation costs are recognized as payroll deductions are made. The 15% discount of total shares purchased under the plan resulted in compensation cost recognized of $1,442 in 2020, $1,118 in 2019 and $998 in 2018.
Stock Options Plan--The stock options outstanding were awarded under a graded vesting schedule, measured at fair value, and have a term of ten years. Compensation costs for stock options are recognized over the requisite service period on the straight-line recognition method. Compensation cost recognized for stock options was $517 in 2020, $550 in 2019 and $663 in 2018.
Stock-Settled Stock Appreciation Rights--A SSAR is an award that allows the recipient to receive common shares equal to the appreciation in the fair value of our common shares between the date the award was granted and the conversion date of the shares vested. Effective January 1, 2019, management and the Compensation Committee replaced the issuance of future SSARs with performance-based RSUs ("PRSUs") for certain management employees.
List of Financial Statements and Financial Statements Schedules
The Davey Tree Expert Company
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2020
(In thousands, except share data)
The following table summarizes the SSARs as of December 31, 2020:
Compensation costs for SSARs are determined using a fair-value method and amortized over the requisite service period. “Intrinsic value” is defined as the amount by which the fair market value of a common share exceeds the grant date price of a SSAR. Compensation expense for SSARs totaled $282 in 2020, $363 in 2019 and $540 in 2018.
Restricted Stock Units--During the year ended December 31, 2020, the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors awarded 86,959 PRSUs to certain management employees and 11,904 RSUs to nonemployee directors. The Compensation Committee made similar awards in prior periods. The awards vest over specified periods. The following table summarizes PRSUs and RSUs as of December 31, 2020:
Compensation cost for PRSUs and RSUs is determined using a fair-value method and amortized on the straight-line recognition method over the requisite service period. “Intrinsic value” is defined as the amount by which the fair market value of a common share exceeds the grant date price of a PRSUs or an RSUs . Compensation expense on PRSUs and RSUs totaled $1,166 in 2020, $814 in 2019 and $1,169 in 2018.
The fair value of each stock-based award was estimated on the date of grant using a binomial option-pricing model. The binomial model considers a range of assumptions related to volatility, risk-free interest rate and employee exercise behavior. Expected volatilities utilized in the binomial model are based on historical volatility of our share prices and other factors. Similarly, the dividend yield is based on historical experience and expected future changes. The binomial model also incorporates exercise and forfeiture assumptions based on an
List of Financial Statements and Financial Statements Schedules
The Davey Tree Expert Company
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2020
(In thousands, except share data)
analysis of historical data. The expected life of the stock-based awards is derived from the output of the binomial model and represents the period of time that awards granted are expected to be outstanding.
The fair values of stock-based awards granted were estimated at the dates of grant with the following weighted-average assumptions:
General Stock Option Information--The following table summarizes activity under the stock option plans for the year ended December 31, 2020:
“Intrinsic value” is defined as the amount by which the market price of a common share exceeds the exercise price of an option.
List of Financial Statements and Financial Statements Schedules
The Davey Tree Expert Company
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2020
(In thousands, except share data)
Information regarding the stock options outstanding at December 31, 2020 is summarized below:
We issue common shares from treasury upon the exercise of stock options, SSARs, PRSUs, RSUs or purchases under the Employee Stock Purchase Plan.
Tax Benefits of Stock-Based Compensation--Our total income tax benefit from share-based awards--as recognized in our consolidated statement of operations--for the last three years was: $538 in 2020, $404 in 2019, and $602 in 2018. Tax benefits for share-based awards are accrued as stock compensation expense and recognized in our consolidated statement of operations. Tax benefits on share-based awards are realized when: (a) SSARs are exercised; (b) PRSUs and RSUs vest; and (c) stock options are exercised.
When actual tax benefits realized exceed the tax benefits accrued for share-based awards, we realize an excess tax benefit. We had excess tax benefits of: $530 in 2020, $1,181 in 2019, and $453 in 2018.
O. Defined Benefit Pension Plans
We have two defined benefit pension plans covering certain current and retired U.S. employees. Plans include: (i) a Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (“SERP”) for which future benefit accruals were frozen effective at the end of the second quarter 2015; and (ii) a Benefit Restoration Pension Plan (“Restoration Plan”) for certain key employees hired prior to January 1, 2009.
Both the SERP and the Restoration Plan are defined benefit plans under which nonqualified supplemental pension benefits will be paid, subject to Internal Revenue Service limitations on covered compensation.
Effective December 31, 2008, enhanced benefits were implemented to our defined contribution savings plan--The Davey 401KSOP and ESOP--at which time, the Board of Directors approved an amendment to freeze the Restoration Plan. In connection with the freeze of the Restoration Plan and the SERP, all balances remain intact and participant account balances, as well as service credits for vesting and
List of Financial Statements and Financial Statements Schedules
The Davey Tree Expert Company
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2020
(In thousands, except share data)
retirement eligibility, remain intact and continue in accordance with the terms of the plans. Only future accruals were eliminated with: (i) the 2008 freeze of the Restoration Plan and (ii) the 2015 freeze of the SERP.
During the second quarter of 2019, the Company terminated its Employee Retirement Plan (“ERP”) for employees hired prior to January 1, 2009 and for which future benefits were frozen effective December 31, 2008. We purchased a group annuity contract from a third-party insurance company which unconditionally and irrevocably guarantees the full-payment of all annuity payments to the remaining 231 participants in our ERP. The agreement transferred all remaining ERP benefit obligations to the third-party insurance company, resulting in a pretax actuarial settlement loss of $1,677.
The change in benefit obligations and the fair value of plans assets follows:
With the termination of the ERP plan, future benefit payments made to participants under the remaining SERP and Restoration Plan are made from the Company's general assets.
List of Financial Statements and Financial Statements Schedules
The Davey Tree Expert Company
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2020
(In thousands, except share data)
Amounts included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), related to our defined benefit pension plans follow:
To the extent actuarial losses exceed the greater of 10% of the projected benefit obligation or market-related value of plan assets, the unrecognized actuarial losses will be amortized straight-line on a plan-by-plan basis, over the remaining expected future working lifetime of active participants, except for the SERP, which, after the plan freeze, is being amortized based on the remaining life expectancy of plan participants. The total amount of unrecognized prior service cost was amortized straight-line on a plan-by-plan basis.
List of Financial Statements and Financial Statements Schedules
The Davey Tree Expert Company
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2020
(In thousands, except share data)
The total amortization associated with these amounts that is expected to be recognized in net periodic benefit expense for 2021 follows:
The aggregate projected benefit obligation, accumulated benefit obligation and fair value of plan assets for plans in which the fair value of plan assets is less than either the projected benefit obligation or accumulated benefit obligation follow:
The discount rates used to measure the year-end benefit obligation and compute pension expense for the subsequent year were:
Net periodic benefit expense (income) associated with the defined benefit pension plans included the following components:
List of Financial Statements and Financial Statements Schedules
The Davey Tree Expert Company
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2020
(In thousands, except share data)
Expected Benefit Plan Payments--The benefits, as of December 31, 2020, expected to be paid to defined-benefit plan participants in each of the next five years, and in the aggregate for the five years thereafter, follows:
Multiemployer Defined Benefit Pension Plans--In providing services to our utility services customers, we contribute to multiemployer defined benefit pension plans under the terms of collective-bargaining agreements that cover certain of our union-represented employees.
These plans generally provide retirement benefits to participants based on their service to contributing employers. We do not administer these multiemployer plans. In general, these plans are managed by a board of trustees with the unions appointing certain trustees and other contributing employers of the plan appointing certain members. We generally are not represented on the board of trustees.
The risks of participating in these multiemployer plans are different from single-employer plans in that: (a) assets contributed to the multiemployer plan by one employer may be used to provide benefits to employees of other participating employers; (b) if a participating employer stops contributing to the plan, the unfunded obligations of the plan may be assumed by the remaining participating employers; and, (c) if we choose to stop participating in a multiemployer plan, we may be required to pay the plan an amount based on the underfunded status of the plan, referred to as a withdrawal liability.
Our participation in the multiemployer defined benefit pension plans is summarized in the table below. The “EIN/Pension Plan Number” column provides the Employer Identification Number (“EIN”) and the three-digit plan number. The most recent Pension Protection Act of 2006 (the “PPA”) zone status is from the Form 5500, “Annual Return/Report of Employee Benefit Plan,” filed by the plan and certified by the plan's actuary. The PPA zone status describes plans that are underfunded. Among other factors, plans in the “critical” red zone are generally less than 65% funded; plans in the “endangered” yellow zone are less than 80% funded; and plans in the “safe” green zone are at least 80% funded.
We were not listed in the Form 5500 for either plan as having provided more than 5% of the total contributions.
List of Financial Statements and Financial Statements Schedules
The Davey Tree Expert Company
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2020
(In thousands, except share data)
Both the National Electric Benefit Fund and the Eighth District Electrical Pension Fund are green zone status--safe--which represents at least 80% funded and does not require a “financial improvement plan” (“FIP”) or a “rehabilitation plan” (“RP”).
We are party to twelve collective-bargaining agreements with the National Electric Benefit Fund, with expiration dates ranging from December 31, 2020 to December 31, 2023, and one collective-bargaining agreement with Eighth District Electrical Pension Fund which expires on December 21, 2023. Expired agreements are currently being renegotiated.
P. Income Taxes
On March 27, 2020, Congress approved and the President signed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security ("CARES") Act into law. The CARES Act is a tax-and-spending package intended to provide economic relief to address the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. After evaluating several significant business tax provisions, such as net operating losses and employee retention credits, the Company has determined that there is no significant impact on the Company. Certain amounts in prior years have been recast as a result of the change in accounting principle as discussed in Note B.
Income (loss) before income taxes was attributable to the following sources:
The provision for income taxes follows:
List of Financial Statements and Financial Statements Schedules
The Davey Tree Expert Company
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2020
(In thousands, except share data)
A reconciliation of the expected statutory U.S. federal rate to our actual effective income tax rate follows:
Deferred income taxes reflect the tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying amount of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes. A valuation allowance is recorded when it is more-likely-than-not that an income tax benefit will not be realized.
Significant components of our noncurrent net deferred tax assets and liabilities at December 31, were as follows:
We treat all of our Canadian subsidiary earnings through December 31, 2020 as permanently reinvested and have not provided any U.S. federal or state tax thereon. As of December 31, 2020, approximately $29,390 of undistributed earnings attributable to our Canadian operations was considered to be indefinitely invested. Presently, our intention is to reinvest the earnings permanently.
List of Financial Statements and Financial Statements Schedules
The Davey Tree Expert Company
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2020
(In thousands, except share data)
If, in the future, these earnings are distributed to the U.S. in the form of dividends or otherwise, or if the Company determines such earnings will be remitted in the foreseeable future, the Company would be subject to Canadian withholding taxes. It is not practicable to estimate the amount of taxes that would be payable upon remittance of these earnings given the various tax planning alternatives that we could employ should we decide to repatriate those earnings.
As of December 31, 2020, we recorded a valuation allowance on foreign tax credit carryforwards that arose due to the transition toll tax on the deemed repatriation of deferred foreign earnings of non-U.S. operations due to the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. Management presently believes that it is more-likely-than-not that the deferred tax asset, related to the foreign tax credits that expire in 2027, will not be fully realized. The criteria considered in making the determination included the ability to utilize tax-planning strategies, historical and projected operating results, and the period of time over which the foreign tax credit can be utilized.
The amount of income taxes that we pay is subject to audit by U.S. federal, state, local and Canadian tax authorities, which may result in proposed assessments. Our estimate for the potential outcome for any uncertain tax issue is highly judgmental. Uncertain tax positions are recognized only if they are more-likely-than-not to be upheld during examination based on their technical merits. The measurement of the uncertain tax position is based on the largest benefit amount that is more-likely-than-not (determined on a cumulative probability basis) to be realized upon settlement of the matter. If payment of these amounts ultimately proves to be unnecessary, the reversal of the liabilities would result in tax benefits being recognized in the period when we determine the liabilities are no longer necessary. If the estimate of tax liabilities proves to be less than the ultimate settlement, a further charge to expense may result.
The balance of unrecognized benefits and the amount of related interest and penalties at December 31, were as follows:
We recognize interest accrued related to unrecognized tax benefits in income tax expense. Penalties, if incurred, would be recognized as a component of income tax expense.
The Company is routinely under audit by U.S. federal, state, local and Canadian authorities in the area of income tax. These audits include questioning the timing and the amount of income and deductions and the allocation of income and deductions among various tax jurisdictions. With the exception of U.S. state jurisdictions and Canada, the Company is no longer subject to examination by tax authorities for the years through 2016. As of December 31, 2020, we believe it is reasonably possible that the total amount of unrecognized tax benefits will not significantly increase or decrease.
List of Financial Statements and Financial Statements Schedules
The Davey Tree Expert Company
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2020
(In thousands, except share data)
The changes in our unrecognized tax benefits are summarized in the table below:
Q. Earnings Per Share Information
Earnings per share is computed as follows:
R. Operations by Business Segment and Geographic Information
We provide a wide range of arboricultural, horticultural, environmental and consulting services to residential, utility, commercial and government entities throughout the United States and Canada. We have two reportable operating segments organized by type or class of customer: Residential and Commercial, and Utility.
Residential and Commercial--Residential and Commercial provides services to our residential and commercial customers including: the treatment, preservation, maintenance, removal and planting of trees, shrubs and other plant life; the practice of landscaping, grounds
List of Financial Statements and Financial Statements Schedules
The Davey Tree Expert Company
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2020
(In thousands, except share data)
maintenance, tree surgery, tree feeding and tree spraying; the application of fertilizer, herbicides and insecticides; and natural resource management and consulting, forestry research and development, and environmental planning.
Utility--Utility is principally engaged in providing services to our utility customers--investor-owned, municipal utilities, and rural electric cooperatives--including: the practice of line-clearing and vegetation management around power lines and rights-of-way and chemical brush control, natural resource management and consulting, forestry research and development and environmental planning.
All other operating activities, including research, technical support and laboratory diagnostic facilities, are included in “All Other.”
Measurement of Segment Profit and Loss and Segment Assets--We evaluate performance and allocate resources based primarily on operating income and also actively manage business unit operating assets. The accounting policies of the reportable segments are the same as those described in the summary of significant accounting policies except that (a) we compute and recognize depreciation expense for our segments only by the straight-line method and (b) state income taxes are allocated to the segments. Corporate expenses are substantially allocated among the operating segments, but the nature of expenses allocated may differ from year-to-year. There are no intersegment revenues. Segment assets are those generated or directly used by each segment, and include accounts receivable, operating supplies, and property and equipment.
List of Financial Statements and Financial Statements Schedules
The Davey Tree Expert Company
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2020
(In thousands, except share data)
Information on reportable segments and reconciliation to the consolidated financial statements follows:
Reconciling adjustments from segment reporting to consolidated external financial reporting include unallocated corporate items:
(a)Reclassification of depreciation expense and allocation of corporate expenses.
List of Financial Statements and Financial Statements Schedules
The Davey Tree Expert Company
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2020
(In thousands, except share data)
(b)Adjustments to declining-balance method depreciation expense from straight-line method and depreciation and amortization of corporate assets.
(c)Corporate assets include cash, prepaid expenses, corporate facilities, enterprise-wide information systems and other nonoperating assets.
Geographic Information--The following presents revenues and long-lived assets by geographic territory:
S. Revenue Recognition
We recognize revenue in accordance with ASC Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers.
Nature of Performance Obligations and Significant Judgments
At contract inception, the Company assesses the goods and services promised in its contracts with customers and identifies a performance obligation for each promised good or service (or bundle of goods and services) that is distinct. To identify the performance obligations, the Company considers all of the goods or services promised in the contract regardless of whether they are explicitly stated or are implied by customary business practices. A description of our performance obligations is included below.
•Residential and Commercial Services - We provide a wide array of services for our residential and commercial customers including the treatment, preservation, maintenance, removal and planting of trees, shrubs and other plant life, landscaping, grounds maintenance, the application of fertilizer, herbicides and insecticides, natural resource management and consulting, forestry research and development, and environmental planning. A contract with a customer may include only one of these services, all of these services, or a combination of these services. For contracts in which we provide all, or a combination of, these services, we believe that the nature of our promise is to provide an integrated property management service for our customer. In these contracts, the customer has effectively outsourced the care and maintenance of its property grounds to us during the duration of the contract as we are responsible for providing a continuous delivery of outsourced maintenance activities over the contract term. As such, for contracts that contain a combination of services, we have concluded that we have a single performance obligation, which is accounted for as a series of distinct services.
List of Financial Statements and Financial Statements Schedules
The Davey Tree Expert Company
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2020
(In thousands, except share data)
•Utility Services - We provide a suite of vegetation management or arboricultural services to our utility customers (investor-owned, municipal utilities, and rural electric cooperatives) including the practice of line-clearing and vegetation management around power lines and rights-of-way, chemical brush control, natural resource management and consulting, forestry research and development, and environmental planning. A contract with a customer may include only one of these services, all of these services, or a combination of these services. For contracts in which we provide all, or a combination of, these services, we believe that the nature of our promise is to provide an integrated overall vegetation management service, rather than the performance of discrete activities or services for the customer. As such, for contracts that contain a combination of services, we have concluded that we have a single performance obligation, which is accounted for as a series of distinct services.
Our contracts with our customers generally originate upon the completion of a quote for services for residential and commercial customers or the receipt of a purchase order (or similar work order) for utility customers. In some cases, our contracts are governed by master services agreements, in which case our contract under ASC 606 consists of the combination of the master services agreement and the quote/purchase order. Many of our contracts have a stated duration of one year or less or contain termination clauses that allow the customer to cancel the contract after a specified notice period, which is typically less than 90 days. Due to the fact that many of our arrangements allow the customer to terminate for convenience, the duration of the contract for revenue recognition purposes generally does not extend beyond the services that we have actually transferred. As a result, many of our contracts are, in effect, day-to-day or month-to-month contracts.
Revenue from our residential, commercial, and utility performance obligations is recognized over time as the customer simultaneously receives and consumes the benefits of our services as we perform them. Many of our contracts compensate us based on an agreed upon price for each increment of service provided to the customer. Therefore, revenue is mainly recognized as each increment of service is provided to the customer at the amount that we are contractually entitled to. For contracts that contain a fixed price, we generally use a units-delivered based output method to measure progress. Revenue from our consulting services is also recognized over time and we use a cost-based input method to measure progress. Payment for our services is generally due within 30 days of such services being provided to the customer.
The transaction price for our contracts is determined upon establishment of the contract that contains the final terms of the sale, including the description, quantity, and price of each service purchased. Certain of our contracts contain variable consideration, including index-based pricing, chargebacks, and prompt payment discounts. The Company estimates variable consideration and performs a constraint analysis for these contracts on the basis of both historical information and current trends. However, these types of variable consideration do not have a material effect on the Company’s revenue, either individually or in the aggregate. In addition, although our contracts generally include fixed pricing for each increment of service, the ultimate quantity of services that will be required in order to fulfill our performance obligations is unknown at contract inception. Therefore, our total transaction price ultimately varies based on the quantity and types of services provided to our customer. However, this type of variable consideration is allocated entirely to the distinct services within the series to which it relates.
List of Financial Statements and Financial Statements Schedules
The Davey Tree Expert Company
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2020
(In thousands, except share data)
Disaggregation of Revenue
The following tables disaggregate our revenue for the years ended December 31, 2020, December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018 by major sources:
List of Financial Statements and Financial Statements Schedules
The Davey Tree Expert Company
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2020
(In thousands, except share data)
Contract Balances
Our contract liabilities consist of advance payments, billings in excess of costs incurred and deferred revenue. The Company has recognized $1,530 and $2,230 of revenue for the twelve months ended December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively, that was included in the contract liability balance at December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively. Net contract liabilities consisted of the following:
Practical Expedients & Accounting Policy Elections
•Remaining performance obligations - The Company’s contracts for service revenue have an original duration of one year or less. Therefore, because of the short duration of these contracts, the Company has not disclosed the transaction price for the future performance obligations as of the end of each reporting period or when the Company expects to recognize this revenue.
•Incremental costs of obtaining a contract - The Company’s contracts for service revenue have an original duration of one year or less. Therefore, the Company has elected to expense these costs as incurred.
•Right to invoice - For the Company’s contracts in which it has the right to invoice the customer on the basis of actual work performed (i.e., output), the Company has elected to measure the satisfaction of performance obligation(s) on the basis of actual work performed, as the invoiced amount directly corresponds to the value transferred to the customer.
•Sales taxes - The Company has, as an accounting policy election, decided to exclude from the measurement of the transaction price all sales taxes assessed by a governmental authority.
•Significant financing component - The Company’s contracts do not allow for payment terms which exceed one year, and thus need not account for the effects of a significant financing component.
T. Fair Value Measurements and Financial Instruments
FASB ASC 820, “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures" (“Topic 820”) defines fair value based on the price that would be received to sell an asset or the exit price that would be paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. Market participants are defined as buyers or sellers in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability that are independent of the reporting entity, knowledgeable and able and willing to transact for the asset or liability.
Valuation Hierarchy--Topic 820 establishes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes observable and unobservable inputs used to measure fair value. The hierarchy prioritizes the inputs into three broad levels:
Level 1 inputs are quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the entity has the ability to access.
List of Financial Statements and Financial Statements Schedules
The Davey Tree Expert Company
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2020
(In thousands, except share data)
Level 2 inputs are observable inputs other than prices included in Level 1, such as quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar assets and liabilities in markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated with observable market data.
Level 3 inputs are unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of the assets and liabilities. This includes certain pricing models, discounted cash flow methodologies and similar techniques that use significant unobservable inputs.
Our assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis at December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, were as follows:
The assets invested for self-insurance are certificates of deposits--classified as Level 1--based on quoted market prices of the identical underlying securities in active markets. The estimated fair value of the deferred compensation--classified as Level 2--is based on the value of the Company's common shares, determined by independent valuation.
List of Financial Statements and Financial Statements Schedules
The Davey Tree Expert Company
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2020
(In thousands, except share data)
Fair Value of Financial Instruments--The fair values of our current financial assets and current liabilities, including cash, accounts receivable, accounts payable, and accrued expenses among others, approximate their reported carrying values because of their short-term nature. Financial instruments classified as noncurrent liabilities and their carrying values and fair values were as follows:
The carrying value of our revolving credit facility approximates fair value--classified as Level 2--as the interest rates on the amounts outstanding are variable. The fair value of our senior unsecured notes and term loans--classified as Level 2--is determined based on expected future weighted-average interest rates with the same remaining maturities.
Market Risk--In the normal course of business, we are exposed to market risk related to changes in foreign currency exchange rates, changes in interest rates and changes in fuel prices. We do not hold or issue derivative financial instruments for trading or speculative purposes. In prior years, we have used derivative financial instruments to manage risk, in part, associated with changes in interest rates and changes in fuel prices. Presently, we are not engaged in any hedging or derivative activities.
U. Commitments and Contingencies
Letters of Credit
At December 31, 2020, we were contingently liable to our principal banks in the amount of $88,242 for letters of credit outstanding primarily related to insurance coverage.
Surety Bonds
In certain circumstances, we have performance obligations that are supported by surety bonds in connection with our contractual commitments.
Litigation
We are party to a number of lawsuits, threatened lawsuits and other claims arising out of the normal course of business. On a quarterly basis, we assess our liabilities and contingencies in connection with outstanding legal proceedings utilizing the latest information available. Where it is probable that we will incur a loss and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated, we record a liability in our consolidated financial statements. These legal accruals may be increased or decreased to reflect any relevant developments on a quarterly basis. Where a loss is not probable or the amount of the loss is not estimable, we do not record a legal accrual, consistent with applicable accounting guidance. Based on information currently available to us, advice of counsel, and available insurance coverage, we believe that our established accruals are adequate and the liabilities arising from the legal proceedings will not have a material adverse effect on our
List of Financial Statements and Financial Statements Schedules
The Davey Tree Expert Company
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2020
(In thousands, except share data)
consolidated financial condition. We note, however, that in light of the inherent uncertainty in legal proceedings there can be no assurance that the ultimate resolution of a matter will not exceed established accruals. As a result, the outcome of a particular matter or a combination of matters may be material to our results of operations for a particular period, depending upon the size of the loss or our income for that particular period.
In November 2017, a suit was filed in Savannah, Georgia state court (“State Court”) against Davey Tree, its subsidiary, Wolf Tree, Inc. ("Wolf Tree"), a former Davey employee, two Wolf Tree employees, and a former Wolf Tree employee alleging various acts of negligence and seeking compensatory and punitive damages for wrongful death and assault and battery of the plaintiff’s husband, a Wolf Tree employee, who was shot and killed in August 2017.
In July 2018, a related survival action was filed by the deceased’s estate against Davey Tree, its subsidiary, Wolf Tree, and four current and former employees in Savannah, Georgia, which arises out of the same allegations, seeks compensatory and punitive damages and also includes three Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act ("RICO") claims under Georgia law seeking compensatory damages, treble damages, and punitive damages. The 2018 case was removed to the United States District Court for the Southern District of Georgia, Savannah Division ("Federal Court"), on August 2, 2018. The Company filed a motion to dismiss the RICO claims. Plaintiffs filed a motion to remand the case to state court, which the Company has opposed.
The cases were mediated unsuccessfully in December 2018 and the State Court case was originally set for trial on January 22, 2019. However, as discussed below, all of the civil cases were later stayed on December 28, 2018 until the conclusion of criminal proceedings against individuals and currently remain stayed.
On December 6, 2018, a former Wolf Tree employee pled guilty to conspiracy to conceal, harbor, and shield illegal aliens. On December 21, 2018, the United States federal prosecutors filed a motion to stay both actions on the grounds that on December 13, 2018, an indictment was issued charging two former Wolf Tree employees and one other individual with various crimes, including conspiracy to murder the deceased. On December 17, 2018, the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Georgia informed the Company and Wolf Tree that they are also under investigation for potential violations of immigration and other laws relating to the subject matter of the ongoing criminal investigation referenced above. The Company and Wolf Tree are cooperating with the investigation and have met with both the civil and criminal divisions of the Department of Justice ("DOJ") to resolve the matter. Due to pandemic-related issues and delays on the side of the DOJ, the matter currently remains unresolved.
On December 28, 2018, the State Court granted the United States’ motion to stay but indicated that it would nonetheless consider certain pending matters, including: (1) Plaintiff and a co-defendant’s motions that Davey Tree be forced to produce privileged documents and testimony, which had been submitted to a Special Master for recommendation; and (2) the Defendants’ motions for summary judgment. On January 11, 2019, the Special Master issued his recommendation that both Plaintiff and the co-defendant’s motions to force Davey to disclose privileged information be denied. The State Court judge has not yet moved on the recommendation. On January 29, 2019, the State Court heard oral argument on Defendants’ motions for summary judgment, and the motions remain pending during the stay of the cases.
List of Financial Statements and Financial Statements Schedules
The Davey Tree Expert Company
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2020
(In thousands, except share data)
On January 28, 2019, the Federal Court also granted the United States’ motion to stay. On January 29, 2019, the State Court ordered the parties to return to mediation, which occurred on April 17, 2019 but was unsuccessful in resolving the matters. All civil cases continue to remain stayed.
In both cases, the Company has denied all liability and is vigorously defending the action. It also has retained separate counsel for some of the individual defendants, each of whom has denied all liability and also is vigorously defending the action.
PG&E Bankruptcy Filing
On January 29, 2019, Pacific Gas & Electric Company, and its parent company PG&E Corporation, our largest utility customer, filed voluntary bankruptcy petitions under Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of California. PG&E accounted for approximately 12% of revenues during 2019, and 12% in 2018. As a utility company, PG&E serves residential and industrial customers in California and has an ongoing obligation to continue to serve its customers, and we continue to perform under our contracts with PG&E post-petition. As of the date of the bankruptcy filing, we had pre-petition accounts receivable of approximately $15,000.
On July 1, 2020, PG&E emerged from Chapter 11, successfully completing its restructuring process and implementing its Plan of Reorganization ("the Plan"). Davey Tree has been paid in full on all amounts outstanding, including interest accrued on the past amounts due at the federal judgment rate. Further, Davey Tree's primary contracts were assumed by PG&E. Due to PG&E’s implementation of the Plan, we do not anticipate PG&E's bankruptcy will have a material impact on our future cash flows or results of operations.
Northern California Wildfires
On October 7, 2019 and October 8, 2019, four lawsuits were filed against multiple vegetation management contractors to PG&E, including Davey Tree, for damages resulting from the Northern California wildfires. The filing dates - exactly two years after the start of the fires - suggest that these lawsuits were intended to preserve any claims that might otherwise have become barred by the applicable statute of limitations. Davey Tree has been served with only one of the four complaints, in the case of Quinisha Kyree Abram v. ACRT, Inc., et. al, Case No. CGC-19-579861 filed in the Superior Court of the State of California, County of San Francisco (the “Abram case”). Davey Tree has filed a demurrer and motion to dismiss the Abram case, which has not yet been heard by the court. The Abram case has been stayed by the court until July 29, 2021.
In addition, a fifth action was brought against Davey Tree in Napa County Superior Court, entitled Donna Walker, et al. v. Davey Tree Surgery Company, et. al, Case No. 19CV001194, on August 8, 2019 (the "Walker Case"). Davey Tree filed a demurrer and motion to dismiss the Walker case, which has not yet been heard by the court. The Walker case has been stayed by the court until April 21, 2021.
In the PG&E bankruptcy, the official Tort Claimants’ Committee, representing wildfire victims and other claimants, served subpoenas related to the Northern California wildfires on numerous contractors of PG&E, including Davey Tree Surgery Company, Davey Resource Group, and Davey Tree, to which we responded.
In the PG&E bankruptcy, the Plan was confirmed on June 20, 2020 and became effective on July 1, 2020. The Plan created and assigned certain claims against PG&E’s contractors, including Davey Tree and its subsidiaries, to a Fire Victim Trust. On January 28, 2021, John K. Trotter, Jr., in his capacity of the Trustee of the PG&E Fire Victim Trust, filed three additional lawsuits in San Francisco County Superior
List of Financial Statements and Financial Statements Schedules
The Davey Tree Expert Company
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2020
(In thousands, except share data)
Court naming Davey Tree and its subsidiaries, Davey Tree Surgery Company and Davey Resource Group, Inc., among other contractors. The suits allege that Davey Tree and its subsidiaries are liable under the claims assigned by PG&E to the Fire Victim Trust. In total there are eight pending lawsuits related to the 2017 Northern California Fires filed against Davey Tree and various other contractors.
In all of the foregoing actions related to the Northern California fires, the Company intends to deny all liability and vigorously defend the actions.
V. Quarterly Results of Operations (Unaudited)
The following is a summary of the results of operations for each quarter of 2020 and 2019.