ITEM 1. BUSINESS
In this report, we use the terms "AECOM," "the Company," "we," "us" and "our" to refer to AECOM Technology Corporation and its consolidated subsidiaries. Because this report relates to a period ending prior to the consummation of our acquisition of URS Corporation, except as expressly noted, this report, including the discussion of our business below, does not give effect to the URS acquisition. Unless otherwise noted, references to years are for fiscal years. Our fiscal year consists of 52 or 53 weeks, ending on the Friday closest to September 30. For clarity of presentation, we present all periods as if the year ended on September 30. We refer to the fiscal year ended September 30, 2013, as "fiscal 2013" and the fiscal year ended September 30, 2014, as "fiscal 2014."
Overview
We are a leading provider of professional technical and management support services for public and private clients around the world. We provide planning, consulting, architectural and engineering design, and program and construction management services for a broad range of projects, including highways, airports, bridges, mass transit systems, government and commercial buildings, water and wastewater facilities and power transmission and distribution. We also provide program and facilities management and maintenance, training, logistics, security and other support services, primarily for agencies of the U.S. government.
Through our network of approximately 43,300 employees (as of September 30, 2014), we provide our services in a broad range of end markets, including the transportation, facilities, environmental, energy, water and government markets. According to Engineering News-Record's (ENR's) 2014 Design Survey, we are the largest general architectural and engineering design firm in the world, ranked by 2013 design revenue. In addition, we are ranked by ENR as the leading firm in a number of design end markets, including transportation and general building.
We were formed in 1980 as Ashland Technology Company, a Delaware corporation and a wholly owned subsidiary of Ashland, Inc., an oil and gas refining and distribution company. Since becoming independent of Ashland Inc., we have grown by a combination of organic growth and strategic mergers and acquisitions from approximately 3,300 employees and $387 million in revenue in fiscal 1991, the first full fiscal year of independent operations, to approximately 43,300 employees at September 30, 2014, and $8.4 billion in revenue for fiscal 2014. We completed the initial public offering of our common stock in May 2007, and these shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange.
As mentioned above, we have grown in part by strategic mergers and acquisitions. These acquisitions have included: URS Corporation, a leading provider of engineering, construction, and technical services for public agencies and private sector companies around the world, in October 2014; McNeil Technologies, Inc., a leading government national security and intelligence services firm, in August 2010; and Tishman Construction Corporation, a leading provider of construction management services in the United States and the United Arab Emirates, in July 2010.
We offer our services through two business segments: Professional Technical Services and Management Support Services.
Professional Technical Services (PTS). Our PTS segment delivers planning, consulting, architectural and engineering design, and program and construction management services to commercial and government clients worldwide in major end markets such as transportation, facilities, environmental, energy, water and government. For example, we are providing investigation, design and construction supervision services for the relocation of the Shatin Sewage Treatment Works to caverns in Shatin, Hong Kong and advanced conceptual engineering and environmental reviews for the Azusa-to-Montclair segment of California's Foothill Gold Line light-rail system and engineering and environmental
management services to support global energy infrastructure development for a number of large petroleum and mining companies. Our PTS segment contributed $7.6 billion, or 91%, of our fiscal 2014 revenue.
Management Support Services (MSS). Our MSS segment provides program and facilities management and maintenance, training, logistics, consulting, technical assistance and systems integration services, primarily for agencies of the U.S. government. For example, we oversee remote field experiments, multiple laboratory operations, waste management systems, and the design and fabrication of electronic, mechanical and structural systems at the U.S. Department of Energy's Nevada Test Site. Our MSS segment contributed $0.7 billion, or 9%, of our fiscal 2014 revenue.
Our Business Strategy
Our business strategy focuses on leveraging our competitive strengths, leadership positions in our core markets, and client relationships to opportunistically enter new and emerging markets and geographies. We have created an integrated delivery platform with superior capabilities to design, build, finance and operate infrastructure assets around the world. Key elements of our strategy include:
Expand our long-standing client relationships and provide our clients with a broad range of services
We have long-standing relationships with a number of large corporations, public and private institutions and government agencies worldwide. We will continue to focus on client satisfaction along with opportunities to sell a greater range of services to clients and deliver full-service solutions for their needs. For example, as our environmental business has grown, we have provided environmental services for transportation and other infrastructure projects where such services have in the past been subcontracted to third parties.
By integrating and providing a broad range of services, we believe we deliver maximum value to our clients at competitive costs. Also, by coordinating and consolidating our knowledge base, we believe we have the ability to export our leading edge technical skills to any region in the world in which our clients may need them.
We also have formed AECOM Global Fund I, L.P. (AECOM Capital), an investment fund to invest in public-private partnership (P3) and private-sector real estate projects for which we provide a fully integrated solution that includes equity capital, design, engineering and construction services. In addition, we leverage our practical knowledge of P3s and other forms of alternative delivery to enable clients to fund their projects without direct investment by AECOM.
Capitalize on opportunities in our core markets
We intend to leverage our leading positions in the transportation, facilities, environmental, energy, water and government markets to continue to expand our services and revenue. We believe that the need for infrastructure upgrades, environmental management and government outsourcing of support services, among other things, will result in continued opportunities in our core markets. With our track record and our global resources, we believe we are well positioned to compete for projects in these markets.
Continue to pursue our balanced capital allocation strategy
We intend to pursue a balanced capital allocation strategy that includes acquisitions. This approach has served us well as we have strengthened and diversified our leadership positions geographically, technically and across end markets. We believe that the trend towards consolidation in our industry will continue to produce candidates that align with our acquisition strategy. Also, as previously mentioned in our description of services, we have formed AECOM Capital, an investment fund to invest in public-private partnership and private-sector real estate projects for which we can potentially provide a fully integrated solution that includes equity capital, design, engineering and construction services.
Strengthen and support human capital
Our experienced employees and management team are our most valuable resources. Attracting and retaining key personnel has been, and will remain, critical to our success. We will continue to focus on providing our personnel with training and other personal and professional growth opportunities, performance-based incentives, opportunities for stock ownership and other competitive benefits in order to strengthen and support our human capital base. We believe that our employee stock ownership and other programs align the interests of our personnel with those of our clients and stockholders.
Our Business Segments
The following table sets forth the revenue attributable to our business segments for the periods indicated(1):
Our Professional Technical Services Segment
Our PTS segment comprises a broad array of services, generally provided on a fee-for-service basis. These services include planning, consulting, architectural and engineering design, program management and construction management for industrial, commercial, institutional and government clients worldwide. For each of these services, our technical expertise includes civil, structural, process, mechanical, geotechnical systems and electrical engineering, architectural, landscape and interior design, urban and regional planning, project economics, cost consulting and environmental, health and safety work.
With our technical and management expertise, we are able to provide our clients a broad spectrum of services. For example, within our environmental management service offerings, we provide remediation, regulatory compliance planning and management, environmental modeling, environmental impact assessment and environmental permitting for major capital/infrastructure projects.
Our services may be sequenced over multiple phases. For example, in the area of program management and construction management services, our work for a client may begin with a small consulting or planning contract, and may later develop into an overall management role for the project or a series of projects, which we refer to as a program. Program and construction management contracts typically employ a staff of 10 to more than 100 and, in many cases, operate as an outsourcing arrangement with our staff located at the project site. For example, since 1990, we have been managing renovation work at the Pentagon for the U.S. Department of Defense. Other examples include our construction management services for One World Trade Center, the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere, and program management services for Crossrail, the largest addition to the transit system in London and southeast England in half a century.
(1)For additional financial information by segment, see Note 21 in the notes to our consolidated financial statements.
We provide the services in our PTS segment both directly and through joint ventures or similar partner arrangements to the following key end markets:
Transportation.
• Transit and Rail. Projects include light rail, heavy rail (including high-speed, commuter and freight) and multimodal transit projects. For example, we have provided engineering design services for the new World Trade Center Terminal for PATH and the Second Avenue Subway (8.5-mile rail route and 16 stations) in New York City, the Ma On Shan Rail (7-mile elevated railway) in Hong Kong, and Crossrail (74-mile railway) in the United Kingdom. We also are providing design services as part of a consortium that will construct the largest portion of the Riyadh metro system in Saudi Arabia, one of the largest urban infrastructure projects in the world.
• Marine, Ports and Harbors. Projects include wharf facilities and container port facilities for private and public port operators. For example, we have provided marine design and engineering services for container facilities in Hong Kong, the ports of Los Angeles, Long Beach, New York and New Jersey, the new $7 billion Doha Port project in Qatar and waterfront transshipment facilities for oil and liquid natural gas.
• Highways, Bridges and Tunnels. Projects include interstate, primary and secondary urban and rural highway systems and bridge projects. For example, we have provided engineering services for the SH-130 Toll Road (49-mile "greenfield" highway project) in Austin, Texas, the Sydney Orbital Bypass (39 kilometer highway) in Sydney, Australia and the Sutong Bridge in China, which crosses the Yangtze River and was the world's longest cable-stayed bridge at the time of its completion. We also have provided mechanical, structural and environmental planning for Singapore's new North-South Expressway.
• Aviation. Projects include landside terminal and airside facilities and runways as well as taxiways. For example, we have provided program management services to a number of major U.S. airports, including O'Hare International in Chicago, Los Angeles International, John F. Kennedy and La Guardia in New York City, Reagan National and Dulles International in Washington, D.C., and Miami International. We also have provided services to airports in Hong Kong, London, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Cyprus and Qatar. Facilities.
• Government. Projects include our emergency response services for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, including the Federal Emergency Management Agency and engineering and program management services for agencies of the Department of Defense. We also provide architectural and engineering services for several national laboratories, including the laboratories at Hanford, Washington and Los Alamos, New Mexico.
• Industrial. Projects include industrial facilities for a variety of niche end markets such as manufacturing, distribution, aviation, aerospace, communications, media, pharmaceuticals, renewable energy, chemical, and food and beverage facilities.
• Urban Master Planning/Design. Projects include design services, landscape architecture, general policy consulting and environmental planning projects for a variety of government, institutional and private sector clients. For example, we have provided planning and consulting services for the Olympic Games sites in Atlanta, Sydney, Beijing, Salt Lake City, London, Rio de Janeiro and Tokyo. We are providing strategic planning and master planning services for new cities and major mixed use developments in India, China, Southeast Asia, the Middle East, North Africa, the United Kingdom and the United States.
• Commercial and Leisure Facilities. Projects include corporate headquarters, high-rise office towers, historic buildings, hotels, leisure, sports and entertainment facilities and corporate campuses. For example, we provided architecture interior design, structural engineering and cost-estimating services for the West Stadium Center of Bill Snyder Family Stadium at Kansas State University, design services for Barclays Center Arena in Brooklyn and building services, engineering, architectural lighting, advanced modeling, infrastructure and utilities engineering and advanced security for the headquarters of the British Broadcasting Company in London.
• Educational. Projects include engineering services for college and university campuses, including the new Kennedy-King College in Chicago, Illinois. We also have undertaken assignments for Oxford University in the United Kingdom, Pomona College and Loyola Marymount University in California.
• Health Care. Projects include design services for the Mayo Clinic Gonda Building in Rochester, Minnesota, University Hospital in Dubai Healthcare City and the Samsung Cancer Center in Seoul, Korea. We also have undertaken assignments for the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Orlando, Florida, the Minneapolis campus of Children's Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota, the Princess Grace Hospital in Monaco, and a major hospital complex in the Hong Kong Hospital Authority's West Kowloon Cluster.
• Correctional. Projects include the planning, design, and construction of detention and correction facilities throughout the world. For example, we provided construction management services for the construction of the California State Prison-Kern County Delano II, justice design and security consulting services for a multi-custody correctional complex for the Sultanate of Oman, Royal Police Force, architecture and engineering services for the Coleman Federal Correctional Complex in Florida and architecture services for the Grayville, Illinois Maximum Security Correctional Center. Environmental.
• Water and Wastewater. Projects include treatment facilities as well as supply, distribution and collection systems, stormwater management, desalinization, and other water re-use technologies for metropolitan governments. We have provided services to the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago's Calumet and Stickney wastewater treatment plants, two of the largest such plants in the world. Currently, we are working with New York City on the Bowery Bay facility reconstruction, and have had a major role in Hong Kong's Harbor Area Treatment Scheme for Victoria Harbor.
• Environmental Management. Projects include remediation, waste handling, testing and monitoring of environmental conditions and environmental construction management for private sector clients. For example, we have provided environmental remediation, restoration of damaged wetlands, and services associated with reduction of greenhouse gas emissions for large multinational corporations, and we also have provided permitting services for pipeline projects for major energy companies.
• Water Resources. Projects include regional-scale floodplain mapping and analysis for public agencies, along with the analysis and development of protected groundwater resources for companies in the bottled water industry.
Energy/Power.
• Demand Side Management. Projects include energy efficient systems for public K-12 schools and universities, health care facilities, and courthouses and other public buildings, as well as energy conservation systems for utilities.
• Transmission and Distribution. Projects include power stations and electric transmissions and distribution and co-generation systems, including enhanced electrical power generation in Stung Treng, Cambodia, as well as transmission in remote sections of Ontario, Canada and New Zealand. These projects utilize a wide range of services that include consulting, forecasting and surveying to detailed engineering design and construction management.
• Alternative/Renewable Energy. Projects include production facilities such as ethanol plants, wind farms and micro hydropower and geothermal subsections of regional power grids. We typically provide site selection and permitting, engineering, procurement and construction management and related services.
• Hydropower/Dams. Projects include hydroelectric power stations, dams, spillways, and flood control systems including the Song Ba Ha Hydropower Project in Vietnam; the Pine Brook Dam in Boulder County, Colorado; and the Peribonka Hydroelectric Power Plant in Quebec, Canada.
• Solar. Projects include performing environmental work for the solar photovoltaic Brockton Brightfield project in New England, and environmental permitting services for the California Energy Commission to permit the development of a 250 MW solar thermal power plant in the Mojave Desert of California. Our Management Support Services Segment
Through our MSS segment, we offer program and facilities management and maintenance, training, logistics, consulting, technical assistance and systems integration services, primarily for agencies of the U.S. government.
We provide a wide array of services in our MSS segment, both directly and through joint ventures or similar partner arrangements, including:
Installation, Operations and Maintenance. Projects include Department of Defense and Department of Energy installations where we provide comprehensive services for the operation and maintenance of complex government installations, including military bases, test ranges and equipment. We have undertaken assignments in this category in the Middle East and the United States. We also provide services for the operations and maintenance of the Department of Energy's Nevada Test Site.
Logistics. Projects include logistics support services for a number of Department of Defense agencies and defense prime contractors focused on developing and managing integrated supply and distribution networks. We oversee warehousing, packaging, delivery and traffic management for the distribution of government equipment and materials.
Training. Projects include training applications in live, virtual and simulation training environments. We have conducted training at the U.S. Army's Center for Security Training in Maryland for law enforcement and military personnel. We have also supported the training of international police officers and peacekeepers for deployment in various locations around the world in the areas of maintaining electronics and communications equipment.
Systems Support. Projects cover a diverse set of operational and support systems for the maintenance, operation and modernization of Department of Defense and Department of Energy installations. Our services in this area range from information technology and communications to life cycle optimization and engineering, including environmental management services. Through projects such as our joint venture operation at the Nevada Test Site, our team is responsible for facility and infrastructure support for critical missions of the U.S. government in its nonproliferation efforts, emergency response readiness, and force support and sustainment. Enterprise network operations and information systems support, including remote location engineering and operation in classified environments, are also specialized services we provide.
Technical Personnel Placement. Projects include the placement of personnel in key functional areas of military and other government agencies, as these entities continue to outsource critical services to commercial entities. We provide systems, processes and personnel in support of the Department of Justice's management of forfeited assets recovered by law enforcement agencies. We also support the Department of State in its enforcement programs by recruiting, training and supporting police officers for international and homeland security missions.
Field Services. Projects include maintaining, modifying and overhauling ground vehicles, armored carriers and associated support equipment both within and outside of the United States under contracts with the Department of Defense. We also maintain and repair telecommunications systems for military and civilian entities.
Our Clients
Our clients consist primarily of national, state, regional and local governments, public and private institutions and major corporations. The following table sets forth our total revenue attributable to these categories of clients for each of the periods indicated:
Other than the U.S. federal government, no single client accounted for 10% or more of our revenue in any of the past five fiscal years. Approximately 15%, 18% and 18% of our revenue was derived through direct contracts with agencies of the U.S. federal government in the years ended September 30, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. One of these contracts accounted for approximately 3%, 4% and 4% of our revenue in the years ended September 30, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. The work attributed to the U.S. federal government includes our work for the Department of Defense, Department of Energy, Department of Justice and the Department of Homeland Security.
Contracts
The price provisions of the contracts we undertake can be grouped into two broad categories: cost-reimbursable contracts and fixed-price contracts. The majority of our contracts fall under the category of cost-reimbursable contracts, which we believe are generally less subject to loss than fixed-price contracts. As detailed below, our fixed-price contracts relate primarily to design and construction management contracts where we do not self-perform or take the risk of construction.
Cost-Reimbursable Contracts
Cost-reimbursable contracts consist of two similar contract types: cost-plus and time and material.
Cost-Plus. We enter into two major types of cost-plus contracts:
Cost-Plus Fixed Fee. Under cost-plus fixed fee contracts, we charge clients for our costs, including both direct and indirect costs, plus a fixed negotiated fee. The total estimated cost plus the fixed negotiated fee represents the total contract value. We recognize revenue based on the actual labor and other direct costs incurred, plus the portion of the fixed fee earned to date.
Cost-Plus Fixed Rate. Under cost-plus fixed rate contracts, we charge clients for our direct and indirect costs based upon a negotiated rate. We recognize revenue based on the actual total costs expended and the applicable fixed rate.
Certain cost-plus contracts provide for award fees or a penalty based on performance criteria in lieu of a fixed fee or fixed rate. Other contracts include a base fee component plus a performance-based award fee. In addition, we may share award fees with subcontractors. We record accruals for fee-sharing as fees are earned. We generally recognize revenue to the extent of costs actually incurred plus a proportionate amount of the fee expected to be earned. We take the award fee or penalty on contracts into consideration when estimating revenue and profit rates, and record revenue related to the award fees when there is sufficient information to assess anticipated contract performance. On contracts that represent higher than normal risk or technical difficulty, we may defer all award fees until an award fee letter is received. Once an award fee letter is received, the estimated or accrued fees are adjusted to the actual award amount.
Certain cost-plus contracts provide for incentive fees based on performance against contractual milestones. The amount of the incentive fees varies, depending on whether we achieve above, at, or below target results. We originally recognize revenue on these contracts based upon expected results. These estimates are revised when necessary based upon additional information that becomes available as the contract progresses.
Time and Material. Time and material contracts are common for smaller scale engineering and consulting services. Under these types of contracts, we negotiate hourly billing rates and charge our clients based upon actual hours expended on a project. Unlike cost-plus contracts, however, there is no predetermined fee. In addition, any direct project expenditures are passed through to the client and are reimbursed. These contracts may have a fixed-price element in the form of not-to-exceed or guaranteed maximum price provisions.
For fiscal 2014, 2013 and 2012, cost-reimbursable contracts represented approximately 52%, 58% and 53%, respectively, of our total revenue, consisting of cost-plus contracts and time and material contracts as follows:
Fixed-Price Contracts
There are typically two types of fixed-price contracts. The first and more common type, lump-sum, involves performing all of the work under the contract for a specified lump-sum fee. Lump-sum contracts are typically subject to price adjustments if the scope of the project changes or unforeseen conditions arise. In such cases, we will submit formal requests for adjustment of the lump sum via formal change orders or contract amendments. The second type, fixed-unit price, involves performing an estimated number of units
of work at an agreed price per unit, with the total payment under the contract determined by the actual number of units delivered.
Many of our fixed-price contracts are negotiated and arise in the design of projects with a specified scope. Fixed-price contracts often arise in the areas of construction management and design-build services. Construction management services are typically in the form of general administrative oversight (in which we do not assume responsibility for construction means and methods and which is on a cost-reimbursable basis). Under our design-build projects, we are typically responsible for the design of a facility with the fixed contract price negotiated after we have had the opportunity to secure specific bids from various subcontractors (including the contractor that will be primarily responsible for all construction risks) and add a contingency fee.
We typically attempt to mitigate the risks of fixed-price design-build contracts by contracting to complete the projects based on our design as opposed to a third party's design, by not self-performing construction (except for limited environmental tasks), by not guaranteeing new or untested processes or technologies and by working only with experienced subcontractors with sufficient bonding capacity.
Some of our fixed-price contracts require us to provide performance bonds or parent company guarantees to assure our clients that their project will be completed in accordance with the terms of the contracts. In such cases, we typically require our primary subcontractors to provide similar bonds and guarantees and to be adequately insured, and we flow down the terms and conditions set forth in our agreement on to our subcontractors.
For fiscal 2014, 2013 and 2012, fixed-price contracts represented approximately 48%, 42% and 47%, respectively, of our total revenue. There may be risks associated with completing these projects profitably if we are not able to perform our professional services for the amount of the fixed fee. However, we attempt to mitigate these risks as described above.
Joint Ventures
Some of our larger contracts may operate under joint ventures or other arrangements under which we team with other reputable companies, typically companies with which we have worked for many years. This is often done where the scale of the project dictates such an arrangement or when we want to strengthen either our market position or our technical skills.
Backlog
Backlog is expressed in terms of gross revenue and therefore may include significant estimated amounts of third party, or pass-through costs to subcontractors and other parties. Our total backlog comprises contracted backlog and awarded backlog. Our contracted backlog includes revenue we expect to record in the future from signed contracts, and in the case of a public client, where the project has been funded. Our awarded backlog includes revenue we expect to record in the future where we have been awarded the work, but the contractual agreement has not yet been signed. For non-government contracts, our backlog includes future revenue at contract rates, excluding contract renewals or extensions that are at the discretion of the client. For contracts with a not-to-exceed maximum amount, we include revenue from such contracts in backlog to the extent of the remaining estimated amount. We calculate backlog without regard to possible project reductions or expansions or potential cancellations until such changes or cancellations occur. No assurance can be given that we will ultimately realize our full backlog. Backlog fluctuates due to the timing of when contracts are awarded and contracted and when contract revenue is recognized. Many of our contracts require us to provide services over more than one year. Our backlog for the year ended September 30, 2014, increased $8.5 billion, or 52%, to $25.1 billion as compared to $16.6 billion for the corresponding period last year.
The following summarizes contracted and awarded backlog (in billions):
Competition
The professional technical and management support services markets we serve are highly fragmented, and we compete with a large number of regional, national and international companies. Certain of these competitors have greater financial and other resources than we do. Others are smaller and more specialized, and concentrate their resources in particular areas of expertise. The extent of our competition varies according to the particular markets and geographic area. The degree and type of competition we face is also influenced by the type and scope of a particular project. Our clients make competitive determinations based upon qualifications, experience, performance, reputation, price, technology, customer relationships and ability to provide the relevant services in a timely, safe and cost-efficient manner.
Seasonality
We experience seasonal trends in our business. Our revenue is typically higher in the last half of the fiscal year. The fourth quarter of our fiscal year (July 1 to September 30) is typically our strongest quarter. We find that the U.S. federal government tends to authorize more work during the period preceding the end of our fiscal year, September 30. In addition, many U.S. state governments with fiscal years ending on June 30 tend to accelerate spending during their first quarter, when new funding becomes available. Further, our construction management revenue typically increases during the high construction season of the summer months. Within the United States, as well as other parts of the world, our business generally benefits from milder weather conditions in our fiscal fourth quarter, which allows for more productivity from our on-site civil services. Our construction and project management services also typically expand during the high construction season of the summer months. The first quarter of our fiscal year (October 1 to December 31) is typically our weakest quarter. The harsher weather conditions impact our ability to complete work in parts of North America and the holiday season schedule affects our productivity during this period. For these reasons, coupled with the number and significance of client contracts commenced and completed during a particular period, as well as the timing of expenses incurred for corporate initiatives, it is not unusual for us to experience seasonal changes or fluctuations in our quarterly operating results.
Insurance and Risk Management
We maintain insurance covering professional liability and claims involving bodily injury and property damage. We consider our present limits of coverage, deductibles, and reserves to be adequate. Wherever possible, we endeavor to eliminate or reduce the risk of loss on a project through the use of quality assurance/control, risk management, workplace safety and similar methods. A majority of our active operating subsidiaries are quality certified under ISO 9001:2000 or an equivalent standard, and we plan to continue to obtain certification where applicable. ISO 9001:2000 refers to international quality standards developed by the International Organization for Standardization, or ISO.
Risk management is an integral part of our project management approach and our project execution process. We have an Office of Risk Management that reviews and oversees the risk profile of our operations. Also, pursuant to our internal delegations of authority, we have a formal process whereby a group of senior members of our risk management team evaluate risk through internal risk analyses of higher-risk projects, contracts or other business decisions.
Regulation
We are regulated in a number of fields in which we operate. In the United States, we deal with numerous U.S. government agencies and entities, including branches of the Department of Defense, the Department of Energy, intelligence agencies and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. When working with these and other U.S. government agencies and entities, we must comply with laws and regulations relating to the formation, administration and performance of contracts. These laws and regulations, among other things:
• require certification and disclosure of all cost or pricing data in connection with various contract negotiations;
• impose procurement regulations that define allowable and unallowable costs and otherwise govern our right to reimbursement under various cost-based U.S. government contracts; and
• restrict the use and dissemination of information classified for national security purposes and the exportation of certain products and technical data.
Internationally, we are subject to various government laws and regulations (including the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, Arms Export Control Act, Department of Commerce Export and Anti Boycott Regulations, Proceeds of Crime Act, Office of Foreign Assets Control regulations, U.K. Bribery Act and other similar non-U.S. laws and regulations), local government regulations and procurement policies and practices and varying currency, political and economic risks.
To help ensure compliance with these laws and regulations, all of our employees are required to complete tailored ethics and other compliance training relevant to their position and our operations.
Compliance with federal, state, local and foreign laws enacted for the protection of the environment has to date had no significant effect on our capital expenditures, earnings, or competitive position. In the future, compliance with environmental laws could materially adversely affect us. We will continue to monitor the impact of such laws on our business and will develop appropriate compliance programs.
Personnel
Our principal asset is our employees. A large percentage of our employees have technical and professional backgrounds and undergraduate and/or advanced degrees. We believe that we attract and retain talented employees by offering them the opportunity to work on highly visible and technically challenging projects in a stable work environment. The tables below identify our personnel by segment and geographic region.
Personnel by Segment
Personnel by Geographic Region
Personnel by Segment and Geographic Region
*Includes individuals employed by foreign subsidiaries.
A portion of our employees are employed on a project-by-project basis to meet our contractual obligations, generally in connection with government projects in our MSS segment. We believe our employee relations are good.
Geographic Information
For financial geographic information, please refer to Note 21 to the notes to our consolidated financial statements found elsewhere in this Form 10-K.
Additional Information
Following the end of our fiscal 2014, on October 17, 2014, we completed the previously announced acquisition of URS Corporation (URS). URS is a leading provider of engineering, construction, and technical services for public agencies and private sector companies around the world. It offers a full range of program management; planning, design and engineering; systems engineering and technical assistance; construction and construction management; operations and maintenance; management and operations; information technology; and decommissioning and closure services. In particular, URS, with more than 50,000 employees in a network of offices in nearly 50 countries, provides services for federal, oil and gas, infrastructure, power, and industrial projects and programs. With the acquisition, we added additional capabilities in the energy, oil & gas, government services and construction sectors, enhancing our ability to provide integrated services to our clients.
The acquisition was completed pursuant to the terms of the Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of July 11, 2014, by and among AECOM, ACM Mountain I, LLC, a direct wholly-owned subsidiary of AECOM, AECOM Global II, LLC (formerly ACM Mountain II, LLC), a direct wholly-owned subsidiary of AECOM, and URS.
We paid a total consideration of approximately $2.3 billion in cash and issued approximately $1.6 billion of AECOM common stock to the former stockholders and certain equity award holders of URS. In connection with the acquisition, we also assumed URS senior notes totaling $1.0 billion, and subsequently repaid in URS's $0.6 billion 2011 term loan and $0.1 billion revolving line of credit.
In connection with the acquisition, we entered into a new credit agreement consisting of (i) a term loan A facility in an aggregate principal amount of $1.925 billion, (ii) a term loan B facility in an aggregate principal amount of $0.76 billion, (iii) a revolving credit facility in an aggregate principal amount of $1.05 billion, and (iv) an incremental performance letter of credit facility in an aggregate principal amount of $500 million.
Because this report relates to a period prior to the consummation of the acquisition of URS, except as expressly otherwise noted, this report, including the discussion of our business above, does not give effect to the URS acquisition.
Available Information
The reports we file with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and proxy materials, including any amendments, are available free of charge on our website at www.aecom.com. You may read and copy any materials filed with the SEC at the SEC's Public Reference Room at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549. Please call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 for further information about the public reference room. The SEC also maintains a web site (www.sec.gov) containing reports, proxy, and other information that we file with the SEC. Our Corporate Governance Guidelines and our Code of Ethics are available on our website at www.aecom.com under the "Investors" section. Copies of the information identified above may be obtained without charge from us by writing to AECOM Technology Corporation, 1999 Avenue of the Stars, Suite 2600, Los Angeles, California 90067, Attention: Corporate Secretary.
ITEM 1A.
ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
We operate in a changing environment that involves numerous known and unknown risks and uncertainties that could materially adversely affect our operations. The risks described below highlight some of the factors that have affected, and in the future could affect our operations. Additional risks we do not yet know of or that we currently think are immaterial may also affect our business operations. If any of the events or circumstances described in the following risks actually occur, our business, financial condition or results of operations could be materially adversely affected. The recent acquisition of URS exposes us to numerous additional risks and uncertainties that we have noted and described below.
We depend on long-term government contracts, some of which are only funded on an annual basis. If appropriations for funding are not made in subsequent years of a multiple-year contract, we may not be able to realize all of our anticipated revenue and profits from that project.
A substantial majority of our revenue is derived from contracts with agencies and departments of national, state and local governments. During fiscal 2014, 2013 and 2012, approximately 56%, 59% and 60%, respectively, of our revenue was derived from contracts with government entities.
Most government contracts are subject to the government's budgetary approval process. Legislatures typically appropriate funds for a given program on a year-by-year basis, even though contract performance may take more than one year. In addition, public-supported financing such as state and local municipal
bonds may be only partially raised to support existing infrastructure projects. As a result, at the beginning of a program, the related contract is only partially funded, and additional funding is normally committed only as appropriations are made in each subsequent fiscal year. These appropriations, and the timing of payment of appropriated amounts, may be influenced by, among other things, the state of the economy, competing priorities for appropriation, changes in administration or control of legislatures and the timing and amount of tax receipts and the overall level of government expenditures. Similarly, the impact of the economic downturn on state and local governments may make it more difficult for them to fund infrastructure projects. If appropriations are not made in subsequent years on our government contracts, then we will not realize all of our potential revenue and profit from that contract.
The Budget Control Act of 2011 could significantly reduce U.S. government spending for the services we provide.
Under the Budget Control Act of 2011, an automatic sequestration process, or across-the-board budget cuts (a large portion of which was defense-related), was triggered when the Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction, a committee of twelve members of Congress, failed to agree on a deficit reduction plan for the U.S. federal budget. The sequestration began on March 1, 2013. Although the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2013 provided some sequester relief, absent additional legislative or other remedial action, the sequestration requires reduced U.S. federal government spending over a ten-year period. A significant reduction in federal government spending or a change in budgetary priorities could reduce demand for our services, cancel or delay federal projects, and result in the closure of federal facilities and significant personnel reductions, which could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.
Our inability to win or renew government contracts during regulated procurement processes could harm our operations and reduce our profits and revenues.
Government contracts are awarded through a regulated procurement process. The federal government has relied upon multi-year contracts with pre-established terms and conditions, such as indefinite delivery contracts, that generally require those contractors that have previously been awarded the indefinite delivery contract to engage in an additional competitive bidding process before a task order is issued. In addition, we believe that there has been an increase in the award of federal contracts based on a low-price, technically acceptable criteria emphasizing price over qualitative factors, such as past performance. As a result, pricing pressure may reduce our profit margins on future federal contracts. The increased competition and pricing pressure, in turn, may require us to make sustained efforts to reduce costs in order to realize revenues and profits under government contracts. If we are not successful in reducing the amount of costs we incur, our profitability on government contracts will be negatively impacted. In addition, we may not be awarded government contracts because of existing government policies designed to protect small businesses and under-represented minority contractors. Our inability to win or renew government contracts during regulated procurement processes could harm our operations and reduce our profits and revenues.
Governmental agencies may modify, curtail or terminate our contracts at any time prior to their completion and, if we do not replace them, we may suffer a decline in revenue.
Most government contracts may be modified, curtailed or terminated by the government either at its discretion or upon the default of the contractor. If the government terminates a contract at its discretion, then we typically are able to recover only costs incurred or committed, settlement expenses and profit on work completed prior to termination, which could prevent us from recognizing all of our potential revenue and profits from that contract. In addition, the U.S. government has announced its intention to scale back outsourcing of services in favor of "insourcing" jobs to its employees, which could reduce the number of contracts awarded to us. The adoption of similar practices by other government entities could also
adversely affect our revenues. If a government terminates a contract due to our default, we could be liable for excess costs incurred by the government in obtaining services from another source.
Demand for our services is cyclical and may be vulnerable to sudden economic downturns and reductions in government and private industry spending. If economic conditions remain weak and decline further, our revenue and profitability could be adversely affected.
Demand for our services is cyclical and may be vulnerable to sudden economic downturns and reductions in government and private industry spending, such as, for example, changes in oil and natural gas prices, and limited pipeline capacity for oil produced in the Canadian oil sands, which may result in clients delaying, curtailing or canceling proposed and existing projects. Economic conditions in the U.S. and a number of other countries and regions, including the United Kingdom and Australia, have been weak and may remain difficult for the foreseeable future. If global economic and financial market conditions remain weak and/or decline further, some of our clients may face considerable budget shortfalls that may limit their overall demand for our services. In addition, our clients may find it more difficult to raise capital in the future to fund their projects due to uncertainty in the municipal and general credit markets.
Where economies are weakening, our clients may demand more favorable pricing or other terms while their ability to pay our invoices or to pay them in a timely manner may be adversely affected. Our government clients may face budget deficits that prohibit them from funding proposed and existing projects. If economic conditions remain uncertain and/or weaken and/or government spending is reduced, our revenue and profitability could be adversely affected.
Our contracts with governmental agencies are subject to audit, which could result in adjustments to reimbursable contract costs or, if we are charged with wrongdoing, possible temporary or permanent suspension from participating in government programs.
Our books and records are subject to audit by the various governmental agencies we serve and their representatives. These audits can result in adjustments to the amount of contract costs we believe are reimbursable by the agencies and the amount of our overhead costs allocated to the agencies. If such matters are not resolved in our favor, they could have a material adverse effect on our business. In addition, if one of our subsidiaries is charged with wrongdoing as a result of an audit, that subsidiary, and possibly our company as a whole, could be temporarily suspended or could be prohibited from bidding on and receiving future government contracts for a period of time. Furthermore, as a government contractor, we are subject to an increased risk of investigations, criminal prosecution, civil fraud actions, whistleblower lawsuits and other legal actions and liabilities to which purely private sector companies are not, the results of which could materially adversely impact our business.
An impairment charge of goodwill could have a material adverse impact on our financial condition and results of operations.
Because we have grown in part through acquisitions, goodwill and intangible assets-net represent a substantial portion of our assets. Goodwill and intangible assets-net were $2.0 billion as of September 30, 2014. Under GAAP, we are required to test goodwill carried in our Consolidated Balance Sheets for possible impairment on an annual basis based upon a fair value approach and whenever events occur that indicate impairment could exist. These events or circumstances could include a significant change in the business climate, including a significant sustained decline in a reporting unit's market value, legal factors, operating performance indicators, competition, sale or disposition of a significant portion of our business, a significant sustained decline in our market capitalization and other factors.
In connection with our annual goodwill impairment testing for fiscal 2012, we recorded an impairment charge of $336 million due to market conditions and business trends within the Europe, Middle East, and
Africa ("EMEA") and MSS reporting units. We cannot accurately predict the amount and timing of any future impairment. In addition to the goodwill impairment charge we recorded in fiscal 2012, we may be required to take additional goodwill impairment charges relating to certain of our reporting units if the fair value of our reporting units is less than their carrying value. Similarly, certain Company transactions, such as merger and acquisition transactions, could result in additional goodwill impairment charges being recorded.
In addition, if we experience a decrease in our stock price and market capitalization over a sustained period, we would have to record an impairment charge in the future. The amount of any impairment could be significant and could have a material adverse impact on our financial condition and results of operations for the period in which the charge is taken.
Our operations worldwide expose us to legal, political and economic risks in different countries as well as currency exchange rate fluctuations that could harm our business and financial results.
During fiscal 2014, revenue attributable to our services provided outside of the United States to non-U.S. clients was approximately 41% of our total revenue. There are risks inherent in doing business internationally, including:
• imposition of governmental controls and changes in laws, regulations or policies;
• political and economic instability;
• civil unrest, acts of terrorism, force majeure, war, or other armed conflict;
• changes in U.S. and other national government trade policies affecting the markets for our services;
• changes in regulatory practices, tariffs and taxes;
• potential non-compliance with a wide variety of laws and regulations, including anti-corruption, export control and anti-boycott laws and similar non-U.S. laws and regulations;
• changes in labor conditions;
• logistical and communication challenges; and
• currency exchange rate fluctuations, devaluations and other conversion restrictions.
Any of these factors could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations or financial condition.
Political, economic and military conditions in the Middle East, Africa and other regions could negatively impact our business.
In recent years, there has been a substantial amount of hostilities, civil unrest and other political uncertainty in certain areas in the Middle East, North Africa and beyond. If civil unrest were to disrupt our business in any of these regions, and particularly if political activities were to result in prolonged hostilities, unrest or civil war, it could result in operating losses and asset write downs and our financial condition could be adversely affected.
We operate in many different jurisdictions and we could be adversely affected by violations of the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and similar worldwide anti-corruption laws.
The U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act ("FCPA") and similar worldwide anti-corruption laws, including the U.K. Bribery Act of 2010, generally prohibit companies and their intermediaries from making improper payments to non-U.S. officials for the purpose of obtaining or retaining business. Our internal policies mandate compliance with these anti-corruption laws, including the requirements to maintain accurate information and internal controls which may fall within the purview of the FCPA, its books and
records provisions or its anti-bribery provisions. We operate in many parts of the world that have experienced governmental corruption to some degree and, in certain circumstances, strict compliance with anti-corruption laws may conflict with local customs and practices. Despite our training and compliance programs, we cannot assure that our internal control policies and procedures always will protect us from reckless or criminal acts committed by our employees or agents. Our continued expansion outside the U.S., including in developing countries, could increase the risk of such violations in the future. In addition, from time to time, government investigations of corruption in construction-related industries affect us and our peers. Violations of these laws, or allegations of such violations, could disrupt our business and result in a material adverse effect on our results of operations or financial condition.
Many of our project sites are inherently dangerous workplaces. Failure to maintain safe work sites and equipment could result in environmental disasters, employee deaths or injuries, reduced profitability, the loss of projects or clients and possible exposure to litigation.
Our project sites often put our employees and others in close proximity with mechanized equipment, moving vehicles, chemical and manufacturing processes, and highly regulated materials. On some project sites, we may be responsible for safety and, accordingly, we have an obligation to implement effective safety procedures. If we fail to implement these procedures or if the procedures we implement are ineffective, we may suffer the loss of or injury to our employees, as well as expose ourselves to possible litigation. As a result, our failure to maintain adequate safety standards and equipment could result in reduced profitability or the loss of projects or clients, and could have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.
We work in international locations where there are high security risks, which could result in harm to our employees and contractors or material costs to us.
Some of our services are performed in high-risk locations, such as Afghanistan, the Middle East, Iraq and Libya until relatively recently, and Southwest Asia, where the country or location is suffering from political, social or economic problems, or war or civil unrest. In those locations where we have employees or operations, we may incur material costs to maintain the safety of our personnel. Despite these precautions, the safety of our personnel in these locations may continue to be at risk. Acts of terrorism and threats of armed conflicts in or around various areas in which we operate could limit or disrupt markets and our operations, including disruptions resulting from the evacuation of personnel, cancellation of contracts, or the loss of key employees, contractors or assets.
Cyber security breaches of our systems and information technology could adversely impact our ability to operate.
We develop, install and maintain information technology systems for ourselves, as well as for customers. Client contracts for the performance of information technology services, as well as various privacy and securities laws, require us to manage and protect sensitive and confidential information from disclosure. We also need to protect our own internal trade secrets and other business confidential information from disclosure. We face the threat to our computer systems of unauthorized access, computer hackers, computer viruses, malicious code, organized cyber attacks and other security problems and system disruptions, including possible unauthorized access to our and our clients' proprietary or classified information. We rely on industry-accepted security measures and technology to securely maintain all confidential and proprietary information on our information systems. We have devoted and will continue to devote significant resources to the security of our computer systems, but they may still be vulnerable to these threats. A user who circumvents security measures could misappropriate confidential or proprietary information, including information regarding us, our personnel and/or our clients, or cause interruptions or malfunctions in operations. As a result, we may be required to expend significant resources to protect against the threat of these system disruptions and security breaches or to alleviate problems caused by
these disruptions and breaches. Any of these events could damage our reputation and have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
Our business and operating results could be adversely affected by losses under fixed-price contracts.
Fixed-price contracts require us to either perform all work under the contract for a specified lump-sum or to perform an estimated number of units of work at an agreed price per unit, with the total payment determined by the actual number of units performed. In fiscal 2014, approximately 48% of our revenue was recognized under fixed-price contracts. Fixed-price contracts expose us to a number of risks not inherent in cost-plus and time and material contracts, including underestimation of costs, ambiguities in specifications, unforeseen costs or difficulties, problems with new technologies, delays beyond our control, failures of subcontractors to perform and economic or other changes that may occur during the contract period. In addition, our exposure to construction cost overruns may increase over time as we increase our construction services. Losses under fixed-price contracts could be substantial and adversely impact our results of operations.
Our failure to meet contractual schedule or performance requirements that we have guaranteed could adversely affect our operating results.
In certain circumstances, we can incur liquidated or other damages if we do not achieve project completion by a scheduled date. If we or an entity for which we have provided a guarantee subsequently fails to complete the project as scheduled and the matter cannot be satisfactorily resolved with the client, we may be responsible for cost impacts to the client resulting from any delay or the cost to complete the project. Our costs generally increase from schedule delays and/or could exceed our projections for a particular project. In addition, performance of projects can be affected by a number of factors beyond our control, including unavoidable delays from governmental inaction, public opposition, inability to obtain financing, weather conditions, unavailability of vendor materials, changes in the project scope of services requested by our clients, industrial accidents, environmental hazards, labor disruptions and other factors. Although we have not suffered material impacts to our results of operations due to any schedule or performance issues for the periods presented in this report, material performance problems for existing and future contracts could cause actual results of operations to differ from those anticipated by us and also could cause us to suffer damage to our reputation within our industry and client base.
We participate in certain joint ventures where we provide guarantees and may be adversely impacted by the failure of the joint venture or its participants to fulfill their obligations.
We have investments in and commitments to certain joint ventures with unrelated parties, including in connection with the investment activities of AECOM Capital. These joint ventures from time to time borrow money to help finance their activities and in certain circumstances, we are required to provide guarantees of certain obligations of our affiliated entities, including guarantees for completion of projects, repayment of debt, environmental indemnity obligations and acts of willful misconduct. If these entities are not able to honor their obligations, under the guarantees, we may be required to expend additional resources or suffer losses, which could be significant.
We conduct a portion of our operations through joint venture entities, over which we may have limited control.
Approximately 11% of our fiscal 2014 revenue was derived from our operations through joint ventures or similar partnership arrangements, where control may be shared with unaffiliated third parties. As with most joint venture arrangements, differences in views among the joint venture participants may result in delayed decisions or disputes. We also cannot control the actions of our joint venture partners, and we typically have joint and several liability with our joint venture partners under the applicable contracts for joint venture projects. These factors could potentially adversely impact the business and operations of a joint venture and, in turn, our business and operations.
Operating through joint ventures in which we are minority holders results in us having limited control over many decisions made with respect to projects and internal controls relating to projects. Sales of our services provided to our unconsolidated joint ventures were approximately 4% of our fiscal 2014 revenue. We generally do not have control of these unconsolidated joint ventures. These joint ventures may not be subject to the same requirements regarding internal controls and internal control over financial reporting that we follow. As a result, internal control problems may arise with respect to these joint ventures, which could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations and could also affect our reputation in the industries we serve.
Systems and information technology interruption and unexpected data or vendor loss could adversely impact our ability to operate.
We rely heavily on computer, information and communications technology and related systems in order to properly operate. From time to time, we experience occasional system interruptions and delays. If we are unable to continually add software and hardware, effectively upgrade our systems and network infrastructure and take other steps to improve the efficiency of and protect our systems, the operation of our systems could be interrupted or delayed. Our computer and communications systems and operations could be damaged or interrupted by natural disasters, telecommunications failures, acts of war or terrorism and similar events or disruptions. Any of these or other events could cause system interruption, delays and loss of critical data, or delay or prevent operations, and adversely affect our operating results.
We also rely in part on third-party internal and outsourced software to run our critical accounting, project management and financial information systems. We depend on our software vendors to provide long-term software maintenance support for our information systems. Software vendors may decide to discontinue further development, integration or long-term software maintenance support for our information systems, in which case we may need to abandon one or more of our current information systems and migrate some or all of our accounting, project management and financial information to other systems, thus increasing our operational expense, as well as disrupting the management of our business operations..
Misconduct by our employees, partners or consultants or our failure to comply with laws or regulations applicable to our business could cause us to lose customers or lose our ability to contract with government agencies.
As a government contractor, misconduct, fraud or other improper activities caused by our employees', partners' or consultants' failure to comply with laws or regulations could have a significant negative impact on our business and reputation. Such misconduct could include the failure to comply with federal procurement regulations, environmental regulations, regulations regarding the protection of sensitive government information, legislation regarding the pricing of labor and other costs in government contracts, regulations on lobbying or similar activities, and anti-corruption, export control and other applicable laws or regulations. Our failure to comply with applicable laws or regulations, misconduct by any of our employees or consultants or our failure to make timely and accurate certifications to government agencies regarding misconduct or potential misconduct could subject us to fines and penalties, loss of government granted eligibility, cancellation of contracts and suspension or debarment from contracting with government agencies, any of which may adversely affect our business.
We may be required to contribute additional cash to meet our significant underfunded benefit obligations associated with retirement and post-retirement benefit plans we manage or multiemployer pension plans in which we participate.
We have defined benefit pension plans for employees in the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, and Ireland. At September 30, 2014, our defined benefit pension plans had an aggregate deficit (the excess of projected benefit obligations over the fair value of plan assets) of approximately $221.3 million. In the future, our pension deficits may increase or decrease depending on changes in the
levels of interest rates, pension plan performance and other factors. Because the current economic environment has resulted in declining investment returns and interest rates, we may be required to make additional cash contributions to our pension plans and recognize further increases in our net pension cost to satisfy our funding requirements. If we are forced or elect to make up all or a portion of the deficit for unfunded benefit plans, our results of operations could be materially and adversely affected.
A multiemployer pension plan is typically established under a collective bargaining agreement with a union to cover the union-represented workers of various unrelated companies. Our collective bargaining agreements with unions will require us to contribute to various multiemployer pension plans; however, we do not control or manage these plans. Prior to the URS acquisition, for the year ended January 3, 2014, URS contributed $49.7 million to multiemployer pension plans. Under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act, an employer who contributes to a multiemployer pension plan, absent an applicable exemption, may also be liable, upon termination or withdrawal from the plan, for its proportionate share of the multiemployer pension plan's unfunded vested benefit. If we terminate or withdraw from a multiemployer plan, absent an applicable exemption (such as for some plans in the building and construction industry), we could be required to contribute a significant amount of cash to fund the multiemployer plan's unfunded vested benefit, which could materially and adversely affect our financial results; however, since we do not control the multiemployer plans, we are unable to estimate any potential contributions that could be required.
New legal requirements could adversely affect our operating results.
Our business and results of operations could be adversely affected by the passage of U.S. health care reform, climate change, defense, environmental and infrastructure industry specific and other legislation and regulations. We are continually assessing the impact that health care reform could have on our employer-sponsored medical plans. Growing concerns about climate change may result in the imposition of additional environmental regulations. For example, legislation, international protocols, regulation or other restrictions on emissions could increase the costs of projects for our clients or, in some cases, prevent a project from going forward, thereby potentially reducing the need for our services. In addition, relaxation or repeal of laws and regulations, or changes in governmental policies regarding environmental, defense, infrastructure or other industries we serve, could result in a decline in demand for our services, which could in turn negatively impact our revenues.
However, these changes could also increase the pace of development of other projects, which could have a positive impact on our business. We cannot predict when or whether any of these various proposals may be enacted or what their effect will be on us or on our customers.
We may be subject to substantial liabilities under environmental laws and regulations.
Our services are subject to numerous environmental protection laws and regulations that are complex and stringent. Our business involves in part the planning, design, program management, construction and construction management, and operations and maintenance at various sites, including but not limited to pollution control systems, nuclear facilities, hazardous waste and Superfund sites, contract mining sites, hydrocarbon production, distribution and transport sites, military bases and other infrastructure-related facilities. We also regularly perform work, including oil field and pipeline construction services in and around sensitive environmental areas, such as rivers, lakes and wetlands. In addition, we have contracts with U.S. federal government entities to destroy hazardous materials, including chemical agents and weapons stockpiles, as well as to decontaminate and decommission nuclear facilities. These activities may require us to manage, handle, remove, treat, transport and dispose of toxic or hazardous substances. We also own and operate several properties in the U.S. and Canada that have been used for the storage and maintenance of equipment and upon which hydrocarbons or other wastes may have been disposed or released. Past business practices at companies that we have acquired may also expose us to future unknown environmental liabilities.
Significant fines, penalties and other sanctions may be imposed for non-compliance with environmental laws and regulations, and some environmental laws provide for joint and several strict liabilities for remediation of releases of hazardous substances, rendering a person liable for environmental damage, without regard to negligence or fault on the part of such person. These laws and regulations may expose us to liability arising out of the conduct of operations or conditions caused by others, or for our acts that were in compliance with all applicable laws at the time these acts were performed. For example, there are a number of governmental laws that strictly regulate the handling, removal, treatment, transportation and disposal of toxic and hazardous substances, such as Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation and Liability Act of 1980, and comparable state laws, that impose strict, joint and several liabilities for the entire cost of cleanup, without regard to whether a company knew of or caused the release of hazardous substances. In addition, some environmental regulations can impose liability for the entire cleanup upon owners, operators, generators, transporters and other persons arranging for the treatment or disposal of such hazardous substances related to contaminated facilities or project sites. Other federal environmental, health and safety laws affecting us include, but are not limited to, the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, the National Environmental Policy Act, the Clean Air Act, the Clean Air Mercury Rule, the Occupational Safety and Health Act, the Toxic Substances Control Act and the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act and the Energy Reorganization Act of 1974, as well as other comparable national and state laws. Liabilities related to environmental contamination or human exposure to hazardous substances, or a failure to comply with applicable regulations could result in substantial costs to us, including cleanup costs, fines and civil or criminal sanctions, third-party claims for property damage or personal injury or cessation of remediation activities. Our continuing work in the areas governed by these laws and regulations exposes us to the risk of substantial liability.
Demand for our oil and gas services fluctuates.
Our acquisition of URS significantly increased our oil and gas services in North America, particularly to the unconventional segments of this market. Demand for our oil and gas services fluctuates, and we depend on our customers' willingness to make future expenditures to explore for, develop and produce oil and natural gas in the U.S. and Canada. Our customers' willingness to undertake these activities depends largely upon prevailing industry conditions that are influenced by numerous factors over which we have no control, including:
• prices, and expectations about future prices, of oil and natural gas;
• domestic and foreign supply of and demand for oil and natural gas;
• the cost of exploring for, developing, producing and delivering oil and natural gas;
• available pipeline, storage and other transportation capacity;
• availability of qualified personnel and lead times associated with acquiring equipment and products;
• federal, state and local regulation of oilfield activities;
• environmental concerns regarding the methods our customers use to extract natural gas;
• the availability of water resources and the cost of disposal and recycling services; and
• seasonal limitations on access to work locations.
Anticipated future prices for natural gas and crude oil are a primary factor affecting spending and drilling activity by our customers. Lower prices or volatility in prices for oil and natural gas typically decrease spending and drilling activity, which can cause rapid and material declines in demand for our services and in the prices we are able to charge for our services. In addition, should the proposed Canada-U.S. Keystone XL pipeline or other similar proposed pipeline project applications be denied or further delayed by the federal government, then there may be a slowing of spending in the development of
the Canadian oil sands. Worldwide political, economic, military and terrorist events, as well as natural disasters and other factors beyond our control contribute to oil and natural gas price levels and volatility and are likely to continue to do so in the future.
Failure to successfully execute our acquisition strategy may inhibit our growth.
We have grown in part as a result of our acquisitions over the last several years, and we expect continued growth in the form of additional acquisitions and expansion into new markets. If we are unable to pursue suitable acquisition opportunities, as a result of global economic uncertainty or other factors, our growth may be inhibited. We cannot assure that suitable acquisitions or investment opportunities will continue to be identified or that any of these transactions can be consummated on favorable terms or at all. Any future acquisitions will involve various inherent risks, such as:
• our ability to accurately assess the value, strengths, weaknesses, liabilities and potential profitability of acquisition candidates;
• the potential loss of key personnel of an acquired business;
• increased burdens on our staff and on our administrative, internal control and operating systems, which may hinder our legal and regulatory compliance activities;
• liabilities related to pre-acquisition activities of an acquired business and the burdens on our staff and resources to comply with, conduct or resolve investigations into such activities;
• post-acquisition integration challenges; and
• post-acquisition deterioration in an acquired business that could result in lower or negative earnings contribution and/or goodwill impairment charges.
Furthermore, during the acquisition process and thereafter, our management may need to assume significant transaction-related responsibilities, which may cause them to divert their attention from our existing operations. If our management is unable to successfully integrate acquired companies or implement our growth strategy, our operating results could be harmed. In addition, even if the operations of an acquisition are integrated successfully, we may not realize the full benefits of the acquisition, including the synergies, cost savings, or sales or growth opportunities that we expect. These benefits may not be achieved within the anticipated time frame, or at all. Moreover, we cannot assure that we will continue to successfully expand or that growth or expansion will result in profitability.
Uncertainties associated with the URS acquisition may cause a loss of management personnel and other key employees which could adversely affect our future business, operations and financial results following the URS acquisition.
We and our subsidiaries are dependent on the experience and industry knowledge of our senior management and other key employees to execute our business plans. Our success following the URS acquisition will continue to depend in part upon our ability to retain key management personnel and other key employees. Our current and prospective employees may experience uncertainty about their roles within our company, which may have an adverse effect on the ability of each of us to attract or retain key management and other key personnel.
Accordingly, no assurance can be given that we will be able to attract or retain our key management personnel and other key employees to the same extent that our companies have previously been able to attract or retain employees prior to the URS acquisition. In addition, we might not be able to locate suitable replacements for any such key employees who leave us or offer employment to potential replacements on reasonable terms.
Although we expect to realize certain benefits as a result of the URS acquisition, there is the possibility that we may be unable to successfully integrate our and URS's businesses in order to realize the anticipated benefits of the URS acquisition or do so within the intended timeframe.
As a result of the URS acquisition, we have been, and will continue to be, required to devote significant management attention and resources to integrating the business practices and operations of URS with our business. Difficulties we may encounter as part of the integration process include the following:
• the consequences of a change in tax treatment, including the costs of integration and compliance and the possibility that the full benefits anticipated from the URS acquisition will not be realized;
• any delay in the integration of management teams, strategies, operations, products and services;
• diversion of the attention of each company's management as a result of the URS acquisition;
• differences in business backgrounds, corporate cultures and management philosophies that may delay successful integration;
• the ability to retain key employees;
• the ability to create and enforce uniform standards, controls, procedures, policies and information systems;
• the challenge of integrating complex systems, technology, networks and other assets of URS into those of us in a seamless manner that minimizes any adverse impact on customers, suppliers, employees and other constituencies;
• potential unknown liabilities and unforeseen increased expenses or delays associated with the URS acquisition, including costs to integrate URS beyond current estimates;
• the ability to deduct or claim certain tax attributes or benefits such as operating losses, business or foreign tax credits; and
• the disruption of, or the loss of momentum in, each company's ongoing businesses or inconsistencies in standards, controls, procedures and policies.
Any of these factors could adversely affect each company's ability to maintain relationships with customers, suppliers, employees and other constituencies or our ability to achieve the anticipated benefits of the URS acquisition or could reduce each company's earnings or otherwise adversely affect our business and financial results.
Our substantial leverage and significant debt service obligations could adversely affect our financial condition and our ability to fulfill our obligations and operate our business.
After giving pro forma effect to the URS acquisition and the financing transactions in connection with the URS acquisition, we and our subsidiaries would have had approximately $5.2 billion of indebtedness (excluding intercompany indebtedness) outstanding as of September 30, 2014, of which $3.2 billion was secured obligations (exclusive of $104 million of outstanding undrawn letters of credit) and we had an additional $601 million of availability under our new credit facility entered into on October 17, 2014 as described in Note 24. "Subsequent Events," of this report (the "New Credit Facility") (after giving effect to outstanding letters of credit), all of which would be secured debt if drawn. Our financial performance could be adversely affected by our substantial leverage. We may also incur significant additional indebtedness in the future, subject to certain conditions.
This high level of indebtedness could have important negative consequences to us, including, but not limited to:
• we may have difficulty satisfying our obligations with respect to outstanding debt obligations;
• we may have difficulty obtaining financing in the future for working capital, acquisitions, capital expenditures or other purposes;
• we may need to use all, or a substantial portion, of our available excess cash flow to pay interest and principal on our debt, which will reduce the amount of money available to finance our operations and other business activities, including, but not limited to, working capital requirements, acquisitions, capital expenditures or other general corporate or business activities;
• our debt level increases our vulnerability to general economic downturns and adverse industry conditions;
• our debt level could limit our flexibility in planning for, or reacting to, changes in our business and in our industry in general;
• our substantial amount of debt and the amount we must pay to service our debt obligations could place us at a competitive disadvantage compared to our competitors that have less debt;
• we may have increased borrowing costs;
• our clients, surety providers or insurance carriers may react adversely to our significant debt level;
• we may have insufficient funds, and our debt level may also restrict us from raising the funds necessary, to retire certain of our debt instruments tendered to us upon maturity of our debt or the occurrence of a change of control, which would constitute an event of default under certain of our debt instruments; and
• our failure to comply with the financial and other restrictive covenants in our debt instruments which, among other things, require us to maintain specified financial ratios and limit our ability to incur debt and sell assets, could result in an event of default that, if not cured or waived, could have a material adverse effect on our business or prospects.
Our high level of indebtedness requires that we use a substantial portion of our cash flow from operations to pay principal of, and interest on, our indebtedness, which will reduce the availability of cash to fund working capital requirements, future acquisitions, capital expenditures or other general corporate or business activities.
In addition, a substantial portion of our indebtedness bears interest at variable rates, including borrowings under our New Credit Facility. If market interest rates increase, debt service on our variable-rate debt will rise, which could adversely affect our cash flow, results of operations and financial position. Although we may employ hedging strategies such that a portion of the aggregate principal amount of our term loans carries a fixed rate of interest, any hedging arrangement put in place may not offer complete protection from this risk. Additionally, the remaining portion of borrowings under our New Credit Facility that is not hedged will be subject to changes in interest rates.
The agreements governing our debt contain a number of restrictive covenants which will limit our ability to finance future operations, acquisitions or capital needs or engage in other business activities that may be in our interest.
The credit agreement that governs the New Credit Facility and the indenture governing the senior unsecured notes in the principal amount of $1.6 billion offered by us through a private offering on October 6, 2014 contain a number of significant covenants that impose operating and other restrictions on
us and our subsidiaries. Such restrictions affect or will affect, and in many respects limit or prohibit, among other things, our ability and the ability of certain of our subsidiaries to:
• incur additional indebtedness;
• create liens;
• pay dividends and make other distributions in respect of our equity securities;
• redeem our equity securities;
• distribute excess cash flow from foreign to domestic subsidiaries;
• make certain investments or certain other restricted payments;
• sell certain kinds of assets;
• enter into certain types of transactions with affiliates; and
• effect mergers or consolidations.
In addition, our New Credit Facility will also require us to comply with an interest coverage ratio and consolidated leverage ratio. Our ability to comply with these ratios may be affected by events beyond our control.
These restrictions could limit our ability to plan for or react to market or economic conditions or meet capital needs or otherwise restrict our activities or business plans, and could adversely affect our ability to finance our operations, acquisitions, investments or strategic alliances or other capital needs or to engage in other business activities that would be in our interest.
A breach of any of these covenants or our inability to comply with the required financial ratios could result in a default under all or certain of our debt instruments. If an event of default occurs, our creditors could elect to:
• declare all borrowings outstanding, together with accrued and unpaid interest, to be immediately due and payable;
• require us to apply all of our available cash to repay the borrowings; or
• prevent us from making debt service payments on certain of our borrowings.
If we were unable to repay or otherwise refinance these borrowings when due, the applicable creditors could sell the collateral securing certain of our debt instruments, which constitutes substantially all of our domestic and foreign, wholly owned subsidiaries' assets.
Our variable rate indebtedness subjects us to interest rate risk, which could cause our debt service obligations to increase significantly.
Borrowings under our New Credit Facility are at variable rates of interest and expose us to interest rate risk. If interest rates increase, our debt service obligations on the variable rate indebtedness will increase even though the amount borrowed remains the same, and our net income and cash flows, including cash available for servicing our indebtedness, will correspondingly decrease. A 0.125% increase in such interest rates would increase total interest expense under our New Credit Facility for the twelve months ended September 30, 2014 on a pro forma basis by $2 million, and a 0.125% decrease in such interest rates would decrease total interest expense for the term loan under our New Credit Facility for the same period on a pro forma basis by $2 million, without giving effect to any interest rate swaps that we may enter into. We may, from time to time, enter into interest rate swaps that involve the exchange of floating for fixed rate interest payments in order to reduce interest rate volatility. However, we may not maintain
interest rate swaps with respect to all of our variable rate indebtedness, and any swaps we enter into may not fully mitigate our interest rate risk and could be subject to credit risk themselves.
If we are unable to continue to access credit on acceptable terms, our business may be adversely affected.
The state of the global credit markets could make it more difficult for us to access funds, refinance our existing indebtedness, enter into agreements for uncommitted bond facilities and new indebtedness, replace our existing revolving and term credit agreements or obtain funding through the issuance of our securities. We use credit facilities to support our working capital and acquisition needs. There is no guarantee that we can continue to renew our credit facility on terms as favorable as those in our existing credit facility and, if we are unable to do so, our costs of borrowing and our business may be adversely affected.
Our ability to grow and to compete in our industry will be harmed if we do not retain the continued services of our key technical and management personnel and identify, hire, and retain additional qualified personnel.
There is strong competition for qualified technical and management personnel in the sectors in which we compete. We may not be able to continue to attract and retain qualified technical and management personnel, such as engineers, architects and project managers, who are necessary for the development of our business or to replace qualified personnel in the timeframe demanded by our clients. Our planned growth may place increased demands on our resources and will likely require the addition of technical and management personnel and the development of additional expertise by existing personnel. In addition, we may occasionally enter into contracts before we have hired or retained appropriate staffing for that project. Also, some of our personnel hold government granted eligibility that may be required to obtain certain government projects. If we were to lose some or all of these personnel, they would be difficult to replace. In addition, we rely heavily upon the expertise and leadership of our senior management. If we are unable to retain executives and other key personnel, the roles and responsibilities of those employees will need to be filled, which may require that we devote time and resources to identify, hire and integrate new employees. Loss of the services of, or failure to recruit, key technical and management personnel could limit our ability to successfully complete existing projects and compete for new projects.
Our revenue and growth prospects may be harmed if we or our employees are unable to obtain government granted eligibility or other qualifications we and they need to perform services for our customers.
A number of government programs require contractors to have certain kinds of government granted eligibility, such as security clearance credentials. Depending on the project, eligibility can be difficult and time-consuming to obtain. If we or our employees are unable to obtain or retain the necessary eligibility, including local ownership requirements, we may not be able to win new business, and our existing customers could terminate their contracts with us or decide not to renew them. To the extent we cannot obtain or maintain the required security clearances for our employees working on a particular contract, we may not derive the revenue or profit anticipated from such contract.
Our industry is highly competitive and we may be unable to compete effectively, which could result in reduced revenue, profitability and market share.
We are engaged in a highly competitive business. The professional technical and management support services markets we serve are highly fragmented and we compete with a large number of regional, national and international companies. Certain of these competitors have greater financial and other resources than we do. Others are smaller and more specialized, and concentrate their resources in particular areas of expertise. The extent of our competition varies according to the particular markets and geographic area. In addition, the technical and professional aspects of some of our services generally do not require large upfront capital expenditures and provide limited barriers against new competitors.
The degree and type of competition we face is also influenced by the type and scope of a particular project. Our clients make competitive determinations based upon qualifications, experience, performance, reputation, technology, customer relationships and ability to provide the relevant services in a timely, safe and cost-efficient manner. Increased competition may result in our inability to win bids for future projects and loss of revenue, profitability and market share.
If we extend a significant portion of our credit to clients in a specific geographic area or industry, we may experience disproportionately high levels of collection risk and nonpayment if those clients are adversely affected by factors particular to their geographic area or industry.
Our clients include public and private entities that have been, and may continue to be, negatively impacted by the changing landscape in the global economy. While outside of the U.S. federal government no one client accounted for over 10% of our revenue for fiscal 2014, we face collection risk as a normal part of our business where we perform services and subsequently bill our clients for such services, or when we make equity investments in majority or minority controlled large-scale client projects and other long-term capital projects before the project completes operational status or completes its project financing. In the event that we have concentrated credit risk from clients in a specific geographic area or industry, continuing negative trends or a worsening in the financial condition of that specific geographic area or industry could make us susceptible to disproportionately high levels of default by those clients. Such defaults could materially adversely impact our revenues and our results of operations.
Our services expose us to significant risks of liability and our insurance policies may not provide adequate coverage.
Our services involve significant risks of professional and other liabilities that may substantially exceed the fees that we derive from our services. In addition, we sometimes contractually assume liability to clients on projects under indemnification agreements. We cannot predict the magnitude of potential liabilities from the operation of our business. In addition, in the ordinary course of our business, we frequently make professional judgments and recommendations about environmental and engineering conditions of project sites for our clients. We may be deemed to be responsible for these judgments and recommendations if such judgments and recommendations are later determined to be inaccurate. Any unfavorable legal ruling against us could result in substantial monetary damages or even criminal violations.
Our professional liability policies cover only claims made during the term of the policy. Additionally, our insurance policies may not protect us against potential liability due to various exclusions in the policies and self-insured retention amounts. Partially or completely uninsured claims, if successful and of significant magnitude, could have a material adverse effect on our business.
Unavailability or cancellation of third-party insurance coverage would increase our overall risk exposure as well as disrupt the management of our business operations.
We maintain insurance coverage from third-party insurers as part of our overall risk management strategy and because some of our contracts require us to maintain specific insurance coverage limits. If any of our third-party insurers fail, suddenly cancel our coverage or otherwise are unable to provide us with adequate insurance coverage then our overall risk exposure and our operational expenses would increase and the management of our business operations would be disrupted. In addition, there can be no assurance that any of our existing insurance coverage will be renewable upon the expiration of the coverage period or that future coverage will be affordable at the required limits.
If we do not have adequate indemnification for our services related to nuclear materials, it could adversely affect our business and financial condition.
We provide services to the Department of Energy relating to our nuclear weapons facilities and the nuclear energy industry in the ongoing maintenance and modification, as well as the decontamination and
decommissioning, of our nuclear energy plants. Indemnification provisions under the Price-Anderson Act available to nuclear energy plant operators and Department of Energy contractors do not apply to all liabilities that we might incur while performing services as a radioactive materials cleanup contractor for the Department of Energy and the nuclear energy industry. If the Price-Anderson Act's indemnification protection does not apply to our services or if our exposure occurs outside the U.S., our business and financial condition could be adversely affected either by our client's refusal to retain us, by our inability to obtain commercially adequate insurance and indemnification, or by potentially significant monetary damages we may incur.
We also provide services to the United Kingdom's Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA) relating to clean-up and decommissioning of the United Kingdom's public sector nuclear sites. Indemnification provisions under the Nuclear Installations Act 1965 available to nuclear site licensees, the Atomic Energy Authority, and the Crown, and contractual indemnification from the NDA do not apply to all liabilities that we might incur while performing services as a clean-up and decommissioning contractor for the NDA. If the Nuclear Installations Act 1965 and contractual indemnification protection does not apply to our services or if our exposure occurs outside the United Kingdom, our business and financial condition could be adversely affected either by our client's refusal to retain us, by our inability to obtain commercially adequate insurance and indemnification, or by potentially significant monetary damages we may incur.
Our backlog of uncompleted projects under contract is subject to unexpected adjustments and cancellations and, thus, may not accurately reflect future revenue and profits.
At September 30, 2014, our contracted backlog was approximately $11.4 billion and our awarded backlog was approximately $13.7 billion for a total backlog of $25.1 billion. Our contracted backlog includes revenue we expect to record in the future from signed contracts and, in the case of a public sector client, where the project has been funded. Our awarded backlog includes revenue we expect to record in the future where we have been awarded the work, but the contractual agreement has not yet been signed. We cannot guarantee that future revenue will be realized from either category of backlog or, if realized, will result in profits. Many projects may remain in our backlog for an extended period of time because of the size or long-term nature of the contract. In addition, from time to time, projects are delayed, scaled back or canceled. These types of backlog reductions adversely affect the revenue and profits that we ultimately receive from contracts reflected in our backlog.
We have submitted claims to clients for work we performed beyond the initial scope of some of our contracts. If these clients do not approve these claims, our results of operations could be adversely impacted.
We typically have pending claims submitted under some of our contracts for payment of work performed beyond the initial contractual requirements for which we have already recorded revenue. In general, we cannot guarantee that such claims will be approved in whole, in part, or at all. Often, these claims can be the subject of lengthy arbitration or litigation proceedings, and it is difficult to accurately predict when these claims will be fully resolved. When these types of events occur and unresolved claims are pending, we have used working capital in projects to cover cost overruns pending the resolution of the relevant claims. If these claims are not approved, our revenue may be reduced in future periods.
In conducting our business, we depend on other contractors, subcontractors and equipment and material providers. If these parties fail to satisfy their obligations to us or other parties or if we are unable to maintain these relationships, our revenue, profitability and growth prospects could be adversely affected.
We depend on contractors, subcontractors and equipment and material providers in conducting our business. There is a risk that we may have disputes with our subcontractors arising from, among other things, the quality and timeliness of work performed by the subcontractor, customer concerns about the subcontractor, or our failure to extend existing task orders or issue new task orders under a subcontract.
Also, to the extent that we cannot acquire equipment and materials at reasonable costs, or if the amount we are required to pay exceeds our estimates, our ability to complete a project in a timely fashion or at a profit may be impaired. In addition, if any of our subcontractors fail to deliver on a timely basis the agreed-upon supplies and/or perform the agreed-upon services, our ability to fulfill our obligations as a prime contractor may be jeopardized, we could be held responsible for such failures and/or we may be required to purchase the supplies or services from another source at a higher price. This may reduce the profit to be realized or result in a loss on a project for which the supplies or services are needed.
We also rely on relationships with other contractors when we act as their subcontractor or joint venture partner. Our future revenue and growth prospects could be adversely affected if other contractors eliminate or reduce their subcontracts or joint venture relationships with us, or if a government agency terminates or reduces these other contractors' programs, does not award them new contracts or refuses to pay under a contract. In addition, due to "pay when paid" provisions that are common in subcontracts in certain countries, including the U.S., we could experience delays in receiving payment if the prime contractor experiences payment delays.
If clients use our reports or other work product without appropriate disclaimers or in a misleading or incomplete manner, or if our reports or other work product are not in compliance with professional standards and other regulations, our business could be adversely affected.
The reports and other work product we produce for clients sometimes include projections, forecasts and other forward-looking statements. Such information by its nature is subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, any of which could cause the information produced by us to ultimately prove inaccurate. While we include appropriate disclaimers in the reports that we prepare for our clients, once we produce such written work product, we do not always have the ability to control the manner in which our clients use such information. As a result, if our clients reproduce such information to solicit funds from investors for projects without appropriate disclaimers and the information proves to be incorrect, or if our clients reproduce such information for potential investors in a misleading or incomplete manner, our clients or such investors may threaten to or file suit against us for, among other things, securities law violations. If we were found to be liable for any claims related to our client work product, our business could be adversely affected.
In addition, our reports and other work product may need to comply with professional standards, licensing requirements, securities regulations and other laws and rules governing the performance of professional services in the jurisdiction where the services are performed. We could be liable to third parties who use or rely upon our reports and other work product even if we are not contractually bound to those third parties. These events could in turn result in monetary damages and penalties.
Our quarterly operating results may fluctuate significantly.
We experience seasonal trends in our business with our revenue typically being higher in the last half of the fiscal year. Our fourth quarter (July 1 to September 30) typically is our strongest quarter, and our first quarter is typically our weakest quarter. Our quarterly revenue, expenses and operating results may fluctuate significantly because of a number of factors, including:
• the spending cycle of our public sector clients;
• employee hiring and utilization rates;
• the number and significance of client engagements commenced and completed during a quarter;
• the ability of clients to terminate engagements without penalties;
• the ability of our project managers to accurately estimate the percentage of the project completed;
• delays incurred as a result of weather conditions;
• delays incurred in connection with an engagement;
• the size and scope of engagements;
• the timing and magnitude of expenses incurred for, or savings realized from, corporate initiatives;
• changes in foreign currency rates;
• the seasonality of our business;
• the impairment of goodwill or other intangible assets; and
• general economic and political conditions.
Variations in any of these factors could cause significant fluctuations in our operating results from quarter to quarter.
Failure to adequately protect, maintain, or enforce our rights in our intellectual property may adversely limit our competitive position.
Our success depends, in part, upon our ability to protect our intellectual property. We rely on a combination of intellectual property policies and other contractual arrangements to protect much of our intellectual property where we do not believe that trademark, patent or copyright protection is appropriate or obtainable. Trade secrets are generally difficult to protect. Although our employees are subject to confidentiality obligations, this protection may be inadequate to deter or prevent misappropriation of our confidential information and/or the infringement of our patents and copyrights. Further, we may be unable to detect unauthorized use of our intellectual property or otherwise take appropriate steps to enforce our rights. Failure to adequately protect, maintain, or enforce our intellectual property rights may adversely limit our competitive position.
Negotiations with labor unions and possible work actions could divert management attention and disrupt operations. In addition, new collective bargaining agreements or amendments to agreements could increase our labor costs and operating expenses.
We regularly negotiate with labor unions and enter into collective bargaining agreements. The outcome of any future negotiations relating to union representation or collective bargaining agreements may not be favorable to us. We may reach agreements in collective bargaining that increase our operating expenses and lower our net income as a result of higher wages or benefit expenses. In addition, negotiations with unions could divert management attention and disrupt operations, which may adversely affect our results of operations. If we are unable to negotiate acceptable collective bargaining agreements, we may have to address the threat of union-initiated work actions, including strikes. Depending on the nature of the threat or the type and duration of any work action, these actions could disrupt our operations and adversely affect our operating results.
Our charter documents contain provisions that may delay, defer or prevent a change of control.
Provisions of our certificate of incorporation and bylaws could make it more difficult for a third party to acquire control of us, even if the change in control would be beneficial to stockholders. These provisions include the following:
• removal of directors for cause only;
• ability of our Board of Directors to authorize the issuance of preferred stock in series without stockholder approval;
• two-thirds stockholder vote requirement to approve specified business combinations, which include a sale of substantially all of our assets;
• vesting of exclusive authority in our Board of Directors to determine the size of the board (subject to limited exceptions) and to fill vacancies;
• advance notice requirements for stockholder proposals and nominations for election to our Board of Directors; and
• prohibitions on our stockholders from acting by written consent and limitations on calling special meetings.
ITEM 1B.
ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
None.
ITEM 2.
ITEM 2. PROPERTIES
Our corporate offices are located in approximately 22,000 square feet of space at 1999 Avenue of the Stars, Los Angeles, California. Our other offices consist of an aggregate of approximately 6.7 million square feet worldwide. We also maintain smaller administrative or project offices. Virtually all of our offices are leased. See Note 13 in the notes to our consolidated financial statements for information regarding our lease obligations. We believe our current properties are adequate for our business operations and are not currently underutilized. We may add additional facilities from time to time in the future as the need arises.
ITEM 3.
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
As a government contractor, we are subject to various laws and regulations that are more restrictive than those applicable to non-government contractors. Intense government scrutiny of contractors' compliance with those laws and regulations through audits and investigations is inherent in government contracting and, from time to time, we receive inquiries, subpoenas, and similar demands related to our ongoing business with government entities. Violations can result in civil or criminal liability as well as suspension or debarment from eligibility for awards of new government contracts or option renewals.
We are involved in various investigations, claims and lawsuits in the normal conduct of our business. Although the outcome of our legal proceedings cannot be predicted with certainty and no assurances can be provided, in the opinion of our management, based upon current information and discussions with counsel, with the exception of the matters noted below, none of the investigations, claims and lawsuits in which we are involved is expected to have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial position, results of operations, cash flows or our ability to conduct business in Note 20, "Commitments and Contingencies," of this report, the information set forth in such note is incorporated by reference into this Item 3. The resolution of these matters is subject to inherent uncertainty, and it is reasonably possible that resolution of any of these outstanding matters could have a material adverse effect on us. From time to time, we establish reserves for litigation when we consider it probable that a loss will occur.
ITEM 4.
ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES
Not applicable.
PART II
ITEM 5.
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
Our common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE). According to the records of our transfer agent, there were 2,141 stockholders of record as of November 5, 2014. The following table sets forth the low and high closing sales prices of a share of our common stock during each of the fiscal quarters presented, based upon quotations on the NYSE consolidated reporting system:
Our policy is to use cash flow from operations to fund future growth and pay down debt. Accordingly, we have not paid a cash dividend since our inception and we currently have no plans to pay cash dividends in the foreseeable future. Additionally, our term credit agreement and revolving credit facility restrict our ability to pay cash dividends. Our debt agreements do not permit us to pay cash dividends unless at the time of and immediately after giving effect to the dividend, (a) there is no default or event of default and (b) the leverage ratio (as defined in the debt agreements) is less than 3.00 to 1.00.
Equity Compensation Plans
The following table presents certain information about our equity compensation plans as of September 30, 2014:
(a)The AECOM Technology Corporation Global Stock Program consists of our plans in Australia, Hong Kong, New Zealand, Singapore, United Arab Emirates/Qatar, and United Kingdom; and for North America, the Retirement & Savings Plan and Equity Investment Plan.
Performance Measurement Comparison(1)
The following chart compares the percentage change of AECOM stock (ACM) with that of the S&P MidCap 400 and the S&P 1500 SuperComposite Engineering and Construction indices from October 1, 2009 to September 30, 2014. We believe the S&P MidCap 400, on which we are listed, is an appropriate independent broad market index, since it measures the performance of similar mid-sized companies in numerous sectors. In addition, we believe the S&P 1500 SuperComposite Engineering and Construction Index is an appropriate published industry index since it measures the performance of engineering and construction companies.
(1)This section is not "soliciting material," is not deemed "filed" with the SEC and is not incorporated by reference in any of our filings under the Securities Act or Exchange Act whether made before or after the date hereof and irrespective of any general incorporation language in any such filing.
Comparison of Percentage Change
October 1, 2009-September 30, 2014
End-of-Month Prices by Quarter
Stock Repurchase Program
The Company's Board of Directors has authorized the repurchase of up to $1.0 billion in Company stock. Share repurchases can be made through open market purchases or other methods, including pursuant to a Rule 10b5-1 plan. From the inception of the stock repurchase program, the Company has purchased a total of 27.4 million shares at an average price of $24.10 per share, for a total cost of $660.1 million as of September 30, 2014.
ITEM 6.
ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA
You should read the following selected consolidated financial data along with "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and our consolidated financial statements and the accompanying notes, which are included in this Form 10-K. We derived the selected consolidated financial data from our audited consolidated financial statements.
(1)Includes amortization of deferred debt issuance costs.
(2)Included in depreciation and amortization above.
ITEM 7.
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
You should read the following discussion in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and the related notes included in this report. In addition to historical consolidated financial information, the following discussion contains forward-looking statements that reflect our plans, estimates and beliefs. You should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. Our actual results could differ materially. Factors that could cause or contribute to these differences include those discussed below and elsewhere in this report, particularly in "Risk Factors."
Overview
We are a leading provider of professional technical and management support services for public and private clients around the world. We provide our services in a broad range of end markets through a network of approximately 43,300 employees.
Our business focuses primarily on providing fee-based professional technical and support services and therefore our business is labor and not capital intensive. We derive income from our ability to generate revenue and collect cash from our clients through the billing of our employees' time spent on client projects and our ability to manage our costs. We report our business through two segments: Professional Technical Services (PTS) and Management Support Services (MSS).
Our PTS segment delivers planning, consulting, architectural and engineering design, and program and construction management services to commercial and government clients worldwide in major end markets such as transportation, facilities, environmental, energy, water and government. PTS revenue is primarily derived from fees from services that we provide, as opposed to pass-through fees from subcontractors and other direct costs. Our PTS segment contributed $7,609.9 million, or 91%, of our fiscal 2014 revenue.
Our MSS segment provides program and facilities management and maintenance, training, logistics, consulting, technical assistance and systems integration services, primarily for agencies of the U.S. government. MSS revenue typically includes a significant amount of pass-through fees from subcontractors and other direct costs. Our MSS segment contributed $746.9 million, or 9%, of our fiscal 2014 revenue.
Our revenue is dependent on our ability to attract and retain qualified and productive employees, identify business opportunities, integrate and maximize the value of our recent acquisitions, allocate our labor resources to profitable and high growth markets, secure new contracts and renew existing client agreements. Demand for our services is cyclical and may be vulnerable to sudden economic downturns and reductions in government and private industry spending, which may result in clients delaying, curtailing or canceling proposed and existing projects. Moreover, as a professional services company, maintaining the high quality of the work generated by our employees is integral to our revenue generation and profitability.
Our costs consist primarily of the compensation we pay to our employees, including salaries, fringe benefits, the costs of hiring subcontractors and other project-related expenses, and sales, general and administrative costs.
We define revenue provided by acquired companies as revenue included in the current period up to twelve months subsequent to their acquisition date. Throughout this section, we refer to companies we acquired in the last twelve months as "acquired companies."
Acquisitions
The aggregate value of all consideration for our acquisitions consummated during the year ended September 30, 2014, 2013, and 2012 was $88.5 million, $82.0 million, and $15.4 million, respectively.
All of our acquisitions have been accounted for as business combinations and the results of operations of the acquired companies have been included in our consolidated results since the dates of the acquisitions.
Components of Income and Expense
Our management analyzes the results of our operations using several financial measures not in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). A significant portion of our revenue relates to services provided by subcontractors and other non-employees that we categorize as other direct costs. Those costs are typically paid to service providers upon our receipt of payment from the client. We segregate other direct costs from revenue resulting in a measurement that we refer to as "revenue, net of other direct costs," which is a measure of work performed by AECOM employees. A large portion of our fees are derived through work performed by AECOM employees rather than other parties. We have included information on revenue, net of other direct costs, as we believe that it is useful to view our revenue exclusive of costs associated with external service providers, and the related gross margins, as discussed in "Results of Operations" below. Because of the importance of maintaining the high quality of work generated by our employees, gross margin is an important metric that we review in evaluating our operating performance.
The following table presents, for the periods indicated, a presentation of the non-GAAP financial measures reconciled to the closest GAAP measure:
(1)Non-GAAP measure
Revenue
We generate revenue primarily by providing professional technical and management support services for commercial and government clients around the world. Our revenue consists of both services provided by our employees and pass-through fees from subcontractors and other direct costs. We generally utilize a cost-to-cost approach in applying the percentage-of-completion method of revenue recognition. Under this approach, revenue is earned in proportion to total costs incurred, divided by total costs expected to be incurred.
Other Direct Costs
In the course of providing our services, we routinely subcontract for services and incur other direct costs on behalf of our clients. These costs are passed through to our clients and, in accordance with industry practice and GAAP, are included in our revenue and cost of revenue. Since subcontractor services and other direct costs can change significantly from project to project and period to period, changes in revenue may not accurately reflect business trends.
Revenue, Net of Other Direct Costs
Our discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations uses revenue, net of other direct costs as a point of reference. Revenue, net of other direct costs is a non-GAAP measure and may not be comparable to similarly titled items reported by other companies.
Cost of Revenue, Net of Other Direct Costs
Cost of revenue, net of other direct costs reflects the cost of our own personnel (including fringe benefits and overhead expense) associated with revenue, net of other direct costs.
Amortization Expense of Acquired Intangible Assets
Included in our cost of revenue, net of other direct costs is amortization of acquired intangible assets. We have ascribed value to identifiable intangible assets other than goodwill in our purchase price allocations for companies we have acquired. These assets include, but are not limited, to backlog and customer relationships. To the extent we ascribe value to identifiable intangible assets that have finite lives, we amortize those values over the estimated useful lives of the assets. Such amortization expense, although non-cash in the period expensed, directly impacts our results of operations. It is difficult to predict with any precision the amount of expense we may record relating to acquired intangible assets.
Equity in Earnings of Joint Ventures
Equity in earnings of joint ventures includes our portion of fees charged by our unconsolidated joint ventures to clients for services performed by us and other joint venture partners along with earnings we receive from investments in unconsolidated joint ventures.
General and Administrative Expenses
General and administrative expenses include corporate overhead expenses, including personnel, occupancy, and administrative expenses.
Acquisition and Integration Expenses
Acquisition and integration expenses are comprised of transaction costs, professional fees, and personnel costs, including due diligence and integration activities, primarily related to the acquisition of URS Corporation.
Goodwill Impairment
See Critical Accounting Policies and Consolidated Results below.
Income Tax Expense
Income tax expense varies as a function of income before income tax expense and permanent non-tax deductible expenses. As a global enterprise, our effective tax rates can be affected by many factors, including changes in our worldwide mix of pre-tax earnings, the extent to which those earnings are indefinitely reinvested outside of the United States, our acquisition strategy, changes in judgment regarding the realizability of our deferred tax assets, and changes to existing tax legislation. Our tax returns are routinely audited and settlements of issues raised in these audits can also sometimes affect our tax provisions.
Critical Accounting Policies
Our financial statements are presented in accordance with GAAP. Highlighted below are the accounting policies that management considers significant to understanding the operations of our business.
Revenue Recognition
We generally utilize a cost-to-cost approach in applying the percentage-of-completion method of revenue recognition, under which revenue is earned in proportion to total costs incurred, divided by total costs expected to be incurred. Recognition of revenue and profit under this method is dependent upon a number of factors, including the accuracy of a variety of estimates, including engineering progress, material quantities, the achievement of milestones, penalty provisions, labor productivity and cost estimates. Due to uncertainties inherent in the estimation process, it is possible that actual completion costs may vary from
estimates. If estimated total costs on contracts indicate a loss, we recognize that estimated loss in the period the estimated loss first becomes known.
Claims Recognition
Claims are amounts in excess of the agreed contract price (or amounts not included in the original contract price) that we seek to collect from customers or others for delays, errors in specifications and designs, contract terminations, change orders in dispute or unapproved contracts as to both scope and price or other causes of unanticipated additional costs. We record contract revenue related to claims only if it is probable that the claim will result in additional contract revenue and if the amount can be reliably estimated. In such cases, we record revenue only to the extent that contract costs relating to the claim have been incurred. The amounts recorded, if material, are disclosed in the notes to the financial statements. Costs attributable to claims are treated as costs of contract performance as incurred.
Government Contract Matters
Our federal government and certain state and local agency contracts are subject to, among other regulations, regulations issued under the Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR). These regulations can limit the recovery of certain specified indirect costs on contracts and subject us to ongoing multiple audits by government agencies such as the Defense Contract Audit Agency (DCAA). In addition, most of our federal and state and local contracts are subject to termination at the discretion of the client.
Audits by the DCAA and other agencies consist of reviews of our overhead rates, operating systems and cost proposals to ensure that we account for such costs in accordance with the Cost Accounting Standards of the FAR (CAS). If the DCAA determines we have not accounted for such costs consistent with CAS, the DCAA may disallow these costs. There can be no assurance that audits by the DCAA or other governmental agencies will not result in material cost disallowances in the future.
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
We record accounts receivable net of an allowance for doubtful accounts. This allowance for doubtful accounts is estimated based on management's evaluation of the contracts involved and the financial condition of its clients. The factors we consider in our contract evaluations include, but are not limited to:
• Client type-federal or state and local government or commercial client;
• Historical contract performance;
• Historical collection and delinquency trends;
• Client credit worthiness; and
• General economic conditions.
Unbilled Accounts Receivable and Billings in Excess of Costs on Uncompleted Contracts
Unbilled accounts receivable represents the contract revenue recognized but not yet billed pursuant to contract terms or accounts billed after the period end.
Billings in excess of costs on uncompleted contracts represent the billings to date, as allowed under the terms of a contract, but not yet recognized as contract revenue using the percentage-of-completion accounting method.
Investments in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures
We have noncontrolling interests in joint ventures accounted for under the equity method. Fees received for and the associated costs of services performed by us and billed to joint ventures with respect to
work done by us for third-party customers are recorded as our revenues and costs in the period in which such services are rendered. In certain joint ventures, a fee is added to the respective billings from both ourselves and the other joint venture partners on the amounts billed to the third-party customers. These fees result in earnings to the joint venture and are split with each of the joint venture partners and paid to the joint venture partners upon collection from the third-party customer. We record our allocated share of these fees as equity in earnings of joint ventures.
Income Taxes
We provide for income taxes in accordance with principles contained in ASC Topic 740, Income Taxes. Under these principles, we recognize the amount of income tax payable or refundable for the current year and deferred tax assets and liabilities for the future tax consequences of events that have been recognized in our financial statements or tax returns.
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in earnings in the period when the new rate is enacted. Deferred tax assets are evaluated for future realization and reduced by a valuation allowance if it is more likely than not that a portion will not be realized.
We measure and recognize the amount of tax benefit that should be recorded for financial statement purposes for uncertain tax positions taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. With respect to uncertain tax positions, we evaluate the recognized tax benefits for derecognition, classification, interest and penalties, interim period accounting and disclosure requirements. Judgment is required in assessing the future tax consequences of events that have been recognized in our financial statements or tax returns.
Valuation Allowance. Deferred income taxes are provided on the liability method whereby deferred tax assets and liabilities are established for the difference between the financial reporting and income tax basis of assets and liabilities, as well as operating loss and tax credit carry forwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are adjusted for the effects of changes in tax laws and rates on the date of enactment of such changes to laws and rates.
Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance when, in our opinion, it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets may not be realized. The evaluation of the recoverability of the deferred tax asset requires the Company to weigh all positive and negative evidence to reach a conclusion that it is more likely than not that all or some portion of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The weight given to the evidence is commensurate with the extent to which it can be objectively verified. Whether a deferred tax asset may be realized requires considerable judgment by us. In considering the need for a valuation allowance, we consider a number of factors including the nature, frequency, and severity of cumulative financial reporting losses in recent years, the future reversal of existing temporary differences, predictability of future taxable income exclusive of reversing temporary differences of the character necessary to realize the asset, relevant carry forward periods, taxable income in carry-back years if carry-back is permitted under tax law, and prudent and feasible tax planning strategies that would be implemented, if necessary, to protect against the loss of the deferred tax asset. Whether a deferred tax asset will ultimately be realized is also dependent on varying factors, including, but not limited to, changes in tax laws and audits by tax jurisdictions in which we operate.
If changes in judgment regarding the realizability of our deferred tax assets lead us to determine that it is more likely than not that we will not realize all or part of our deferred tax asset in the future, we will record an additional valuation allowance. Conversely, if a valuation allowance exists and we determine that the ultimate realizability of all or part of the net deferred tax asset is more likely than not to be realized, then the amount of the valuation allowance will be reduced. This adjustment will increase or decrease income tax expense in the period of such determination.
Undistributed Non-U.S. Earnings. The results of our operations outside of the United States are consolidated for financial reporting; however, earnings from investments in non-U.S. operations are included in domestic U.S. taxable income only when actually or constructively received. No deferred taxes have been provided on the undistributed pre-tax earnings of non-U.S. operations of approximately $976.7 million because we have the ability to and intend to permanently reinvest these earnings overseas. If we were to repatriate these earnings, additional taxes would be due at that time.
The Company continually explores initiatives to better align our tax and legal entity structure with the footprint of our non-U.S. operations and recognizes the tax impact of these initiatives, including changes in assessment of its uncertain tax positions, indefinite reinvestment exception assertions and realizability of deferred tax assets earliest in the period when management believes all necessary internal and external approvals associated with such initiatives have been obtained, or when the initiatives are materially complete. It is possible that the completion of one or more of these initiatives may occur within the next 12 months.
Goodwill and Acquired Intangible Assets
Goodwill represents the excess of amounts paid over the fair value of net assets acquired from an acquisition. In order to determine the amount of goodwill resulting from an acquisition, we perform an assessment to determine the value of the acquired company's tangible and identifiable intangible assets and liabilities. In our assessment, we determine whether identifiable intangible assets exist, which typically include backlog and customer relationships.
We test goodwill for impairment annually for each reporting unit in the fourth quarter of the fiscal year, and between annual tests if events occur or circumstances change which suggest that goodwill should be evaluated. Such events or circumstances include significant changes in legal factors and business climate, recent losses at a reporting unit, and industry trends, among other factors. A reporting unit is defined as an operating segment or one level below an operating segment. Our impairment tests are performed at the operating segment level as they represent our reporting units.
The impairment test is a two-step process. During the first step, we estimate the fair value of the reporting unit using income and market approaches, and compare that amount to the carrying value of that reporting unit. In the event the fair value of the reporting unit is determined to be less than the carrying value, a second step is required. The second step requires us to perform a hypothetical purchase allocation for that reporting unit and to compare the resulting current implied fair value of the goodwill to the current carrying value of the goodwill for that reporting unit. In the event that the current implied fair value of the goodwill is less than the carrying value, an impairment charge is recognized.
During the fourth quarter, we conduct our annual goodwill impairment test. The impairment evaluation process includes, among other things, making assumptions about variables such as revenue growth rates, profitability, discount rates, and industry market multiples, which are subject to a high degree of judgment.
As a result of the first step of the fiscal 2012 impairment analysis, we identified adverse market conditions and business trends within the Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) and MSS reporting units, which led us to determine that goodwill was impaired. The second step of the analysis was performed to measure the impairment as the excess of the goodwill carrying value over its implied fair value. This analysis resulted in an impairment of $336.0 million, or $317.2 million, net of tax.
Material assumptions used in the impairment analysis included the weighted average cost of capital (WACC) percent and terminal growth rates. For example, a 1% increase in the WACC rate represents a $500 million decrease to the fair value of our reporting units. A 1% decrease in the terminal growth rate represents a $400 million decrease to the fair value of our reporting units.
Pension Plans
A number of assumptions are necessary to determine our pension liabilities and net periodic costs. These liabilities and net periodic costs are sensitive to changes in those assumptions. The assumptions include discount rates, long- term rates of return on plan assets and inflation levels limited to the United Kingdom and are generally determined based on the current economic environment in each host country at the end of each respective annual reporting period. We evaluate the funded status of each of our retirement plans using these current assumptions and determine the appropriate funding level considering applicable regulatory requirements, tax deductibility, reporting considerations and other factors. Based upon current assumptions, we expect to contribute $17.0 million to our international plans in fiscal 2015. We do not have a required minimum contribution for our U.S. plans; however, we may make additional discretionary contributions. We currently expect to contribute $5.4 million to our U.S. plans in fiscal 2015. If the discount rate was reduced by 25 basis points, plan liabilities would increase by approximately $37.2 million. If the discount rate and return on plan assets were reduced by 25 basis points, plan expense would increase by approximately $0.5 million and $1.6 million, respectively. If inflation increased by 25 basis points, plan liabilities in the United Kingdom would increase by approximately $15.4 million and plan expense would increase by approximately $1.1 million.
At each measurement date, all assumptions are reviewed and adjusted as appropriate. With respect to establishing the return on assets assumption, we consider the long term capital market expectations for each asset class held as an investment by the various pension plans. In addition to expected returns for each asset class, we take into account standard deviation of returns and correlation between asset classes. This is necessary in order to generate a distribution of possible returns which reflects diversification of assets. Based on this information, a distribution of possible returns is generated based on the plan's target asset allocation.
Capital market expectations for determining the long term rate of return on assets are based on forward-looking assumptions which reflect a 20-year view of the capital markets. In establishing those capital market assumptions and expectations, we rely on the assistance of our actuary and our investment consultant. We and the plan trustees review whether changes to the various plans' target asset allocations are appropriate. A change in the plans' target asset allocations would likely result in a change in the expected return on asset assumptions. In assessing a plan's asset allocation strategy, we and the plan trustees consider factors such as the structure of the plan's liabilities, the plan's funded status, and the impact of the asset allocation to the volatility of the plan's funded status, so that the overall risk level resulting from our defined benefit plans is appropriate within our risk management strategy.
Between September 30, 2013 and September 30, 2014, the aggregate worldwide pension deficit increased from $192.7 million to an estimated $221.3 million. The increase in the aggregate worldwide pension deficit is primarily driven by decreases in U.S. and international discount rates. Although funding rules are subject to local laws and regulations and vary by location, we expect to reduce this deficit over a period of 7 to 10 years. If the various plans do not experience future investment gains to reduce this shortfall, the deficit will be reduced by additional contributions.
Accrued Professional Liability Costs
We carry professional liability insurance policies or self-insure for our initial layer of professional liability claims under our professional liability insurance policies and for a deductible for each claim even after exceeding the self-insured retention. We accrue for our portion of the estimated ultimate liability for the estimated potential incurred losses. We establish our estimate of loss for each potential claim in consultation with legal counsel handling the specific matters and based on historic trends taking into account recent events. We also use an outside actuarial firm to assist us in estimating our future claims exposure. It is possible that our estimate of loss may be revised based on the actual or revised estimate of liability of the claims.
Foreign Currency Translation
Our functional currency is the U.S. dollar. Results of operations for foreign entities are translated to U.S. dollars using the average exchange rates during the period. Assets and liabilities for foreign entities are translated using the exchange rates in effect as of the date of the balance sheet. Resulting translation adjustments are recorded as a foreign currency translation adjustment into other accumulated comprehensive income/(loss) in stockholders' equity.
We limit exposure to foreign currency fluctuations in most of our contracts through provisions that require client payments in currencies corresponding to the currency in which costs are incurred. As a result of this natural hedge, we generally do not need to hedge foreign currency cash flows for contract work performed. However, we will use foreign exchange derivative financial instruments from time to time to mitigate foreign currency risk. The functional currency of all significant foreign operations is the respective local currency.
Fiscal year ended September 30, 2014 compared to the fiscal year ended September 30, 2013
Consolidated Results
*Not meaningful
The following table presents the percentage relationship of certain items to revenue, net of other direct costs:
Revenue
Our revenue for the year ended September 30, 2014 increased $203.3 million, or 2.5%, to $8,356.8 million as compared to $8,153.5 million for the corresponding period last year. Revenue provided by acquired companies was $189.1 million for the year ended September 30, 2014. Excluding the revenue provided by acquired companies, revenue increased $14.2 million, or 0.2%, from the year ended September 30, 2013.
The increase in revenue, excluding acquired companies, for the year ended September 30, 2014 was primarily attributable to an increase in the Europe, Middle East, and Africa region of $340 million, including $150 million provided by newly consolidated AECOM Arabia, an increase in Americas construction services of approximately $290 million and an increase in Asia of $60 million. These increases were partially offset by decreases in the Americas of approximately $310 million substantially from engineering and program management services, in Australia of approximately $150 million, and in our MSS segment of $164 million, as noted below coupled with a negative foreign exchange impact of $70 million.
Revenue, Net of Other Direct Costs
Our revenue, net of other direct costs, for the year ended September 30, 2014 decreased $121.4 million, or 2.4%, to $4,855.6 million as compared to $4,977.0 million for the corresponding period last year. Revenue, net of other direct costs, of $38.6 million was provided by acquired companies. Excluding revenue, net of other direct costs, provided by acquired companies, revenue, net of other direct costs, decreased $160.0 million, or 3.2%, over the year ended September 30, 2013.
The decrease in revenue, net of other direct costs, excluding revenue, net of other direct costs provided by acquired companies, for the year ended September 30, 2014 was primarily due to decreases in our MSS segment of $168 million, as noted below, and in the Americas of approximately $120 million substantially from a decline in engineering and program management services, and in Australia of approximately $120 million, coupled with a negative foreign exchange impact of $50 million. These decreases were partially offset by an increase in the Europe, Middle East, and Africa region of $230 million, including revenue, net of other direct costs provided by newly consolidated AECOM Arabia of $90 million, an increase in Asia of $50 million and an increase in the Americas construction services of approximately $20 million.
Gross Profit
Our gross profit for the year ended September 30, 2014 decreased $46.8 million, or 10.4%, to $403.2 million as compared to $450.0 million for the corresponding period last year. Gross profit provided by acquired companies was $2.7 million. Excluding gross profit provided by acquired companies, gross profit decreased $49.5 million, or 11.0%, from the year ended September 30, 2013. For the year ended September 30, 2014, gross profit, as a percentage of revenue, net of other direct costs, decreased to 8.3% from 9.0% in the year ended September 30, 2013.
The decreases in gross profit and gross profit as a percentage of revenue, net of other direct costs, for the year ended September 30, 2014 were primarily due to the reasons discussed within the reportable segments below.
Equity in Earnings of Joint Ventures
Our equity in earnings of joint ventures for the year ended September 30, 2014 was $57.9 million as compared to $24.3 million in the corresponding period last year.
The increase in earnings of joint ventures for the year ended September 30, 2014 was primarily due to a $37.4 million gain on change in control of an unconsolidated joint venture that performs engineering and program management services in the Middle East and is included in our PTS segment. The gain relates to the excess of fair value over the carrying value of the previously held equity interest in the unconsolidated joint venture. See further discussion in Note 7 to the accompanying financial statements. The gain on change in control was partially offset by an impairment of an unrelated joint venture investment.
General and Administrative Expenses
Our general and administrative expenses for the year ended September 30, 2014 decreased $16.4 million, or 16.9%, to $80.9 million as compared to $97.3 million for the corresponding period last year. As a percentage of revenue, net of other direct costs, general and administrative expenses decreased to 1.6% for the year ended September 30, 2014 from 1.9% for the year ended September 30, 2013.
The decrease in general and administrative expenses was primarily due to decreased personnel costs.
Acquisition and Integration Expenses
Our acquisition and integration expenses for the year ended September 30, 2014 were $27.3 million, which included $15.2 million of external transaction costs and professional fees, and $12.1 million of personnel costs associated with the acquisition and integration of URS.
Other Income
Our other income for the year ended September 30, 2014 decreased $0.8 million to $2.7 million as compared to $3.5 million for the year ended September 30, 2013.
Interest Expense
Our interest expense for the year ended September 30, 2014 was $40.8 million as compared to $44.7 million of interest expense for the year ended September 30, 2013.
Income Tax Expense
Our income tax expense for the year ended September 30, 2014 decreased $10.6 million, or 11.4%, to $82.0 million as compared to $92.6 million for the year ended September 30, 2013. The effective tax rate was 26.1% and 27.6% for the years ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
The decrease in income tax expense for the year ended September 30, 2014 was primarily due to lower overall pretax income, a change in the geographical mix of earnings, and an incremental tax benefit related to a US manufacturing deduction claimed on prior year U.S. corporate income tax returns.
Net Income Attributable to AECOM
The factors described above resulted in the net income attributable to AECOM of $229.9 million for the year ended September 30, 2014, as compared to the net income attributable to AECOM of $239.2 million for the year ended September 30, 2013.
Results of Operations by Reportable Segment
Professional Technical Services
The following table presents the percentage relationship of certain items to revenue, net of other direct costs:
Revenue
Revenue for our PTS segment for the year ended September 30, 2014 increased $367.0 million, or 5.1%, to $7,609.9 million as compared to $7,242.9 million for the corresponding period last year. Revenue provided by acquired companies was $189.1 million. Excluding revenue provided by acquired companies, revenue increased $177.9 million, or 2.5%, over the year ended September 30, 2013.
The increase in revenue, excluding acquired companies, for the year ended September 30, 2014 was primarily attributable to an increase in the Europe, Middle East, and Africa region of $340 million, including $150 million provided by newly consolidated AECOM Arabia, an increase in Americas construction services of approximately $290 million, and an increase in Asia of $60 million. These increases were partially offset by decreases in the Americas of approximately $310 million substantially from engineering and program management services, in Australia of approximately $150 million, coupled with a negative foreign exchange impact of $70 million.
Revenue, Net of Other Direct Costs
Revenue, net of other direct costs, for our PTS segment for the year ended September 30, 2014 increased $46.3 million, or 1.0%, to $4,462.7 million as compared to $4,416.4 million for the corresponding
period last year. Revenue, net of other direct costs provided by acquired companies was $38.6 million. Excluding revenue, net of other direct costs, provided by acquired companies, revenue, net of other direct costs, increased $7.7 million, or 0.2%, over the year ended September 30, 2013.
The increase in revenue, net of other direct costs, excluding revenue, net of other direct costs provided by acquired companies, for the year ended September 30, 2014 was primarily due to an increase in the Europe, Middle East, and Africa region of $230 million, including revenue, net of other direct costs provided by newly consolidated AECOM Arabia of $90 million, an increase in Asia of $50 million and an increase in the Americas construction services of approximately $20 million. These increases were partially offset by a decrease in the Americas of approximately $120 million substantially from a decline in engineering and program management services, and in Australia of approximately $120 million, coupled with a negative foreign exchange impact of $50 million.
Gross Profit
Gross profit for our PTS segment for the year ended September 30, 2014 decreased $51.7 million, or 12.4%, to $365.2 million as compared to $416.9 million for the corresponding period last year. Gross profit provided by acquired companies was $2.7 million. Excluding gross profit provided by acquired companies, gross profit decreased $54.4 million, or 13.0%, from the year ended September 30, 2013. As a percentage of revenue, net of other direct costs, gross profit decreased to 8.2% of revenue, net of other direct costs, for the year ended September 30, 2014, from 9.4% in the corresponding period last year.
The decrease in gross profit and gross profit as a percentage of revenue, net of other direct costs, for the year ended September 30, 2014 was primarily attributable to a decline in revenue in engineering and program management services in the Americas, as discussed above, partially offset by the collection of a previously reserved receivable.
Management Support Services
The following table presents the percentage relationship of certain items to revenue, net of other direct costs:
Revenue
Revenue for our MSS segment for the year ended September 30, 2014, decreased $163.7 million, or 18.0%, to $746.9 million as compared to $910.6 million for the corresponding period last year.
The decrease in revenue for the year ended September 30, 2014 was primarily due to decreased services provided to the U.S. government in the Middle East.
Revenue, Net of Other Direct Costs
Revenue, net of other direct costs, for our MSS segment for the year ended September 30, 2014 decreased $167.7 million, or 29.9%, to $392.9 million as compared to $560.6 million for the corresponding period last year.
The decrease in revenue, net of other direct costs for the year ended September 30, 2014 was primarily due to decreased services provided to the U.S. government in the Middle East.
Gross Profit
Gross profit for our MSS segment for the year ended September 30, 2014 was $38.0 million as compared to $33.1 million for the corresponding period last year. As a percentage of revenue, net of other direct costs, gross profit increased to 9.7% of revenue, net of other direct costs, for the year ended September 30, 2014 from 5.9% in the corresponding period last year.
The increase in gross profit and gross profit, as a percentage of revenue, net of other direct costs, for the year ended September 30, 2014 was primarily due to the collection of a previously reserved Libya-related project receivable, partially offset by decreased services provided to the U.S. government in the Middle East.
Fiscal year ended September 30, 2013 compared to the fiscal year ended September 30, 2012
Consolidated Results
*Not meaningful
The following table presents the percentage relationship of certain items to revenue, net of other direct costs:
Revenue
Our revenue for the year ended September 30, 2013 decreased $64.7 million, or 0.8%, to $8,153.5 million as compared to $8,218.2 million for the year ended September 30, 2012. Revenue provided by acquired companies was $166.9 million for the year ended September 30, 2013. Excluding the revenue provided by acquired companies, revenue decreased $231.6 million, or 2.8%, from the year ended September 30, 2012.
The decrease in revenue, excluding acquired companies, for the year ended September 30, 2013 was primarily attributable to a decrease in Australia of approximately $300 million substantially from decreased mining related services. These decreases were partially offset by an increase in Asia of approximately $60 million primarily from engineering and program management services on infrastructure projects.
Revenue, Net of Other Direct Costs
Our revenue, net of other direct costs, for the year ended September 30, 2013 decreased $206.9 million, or 4.0%, to $4,977.0 million as compared to $5,183.9 million for the year ended September 30, 2012. Revenue, net of other direct costs, of $128.3 million was provided by acquired companies. Excluding revenue, net of other direct costs, provided by acquired companies, revenue, net of other direct costs, decreased $335.2 million, or 6.5%, over the year ended September 30, 2012.
The decrease in revenue, net of other direct costs, excluding revenue, net of other direct costs provided by acquired companies, for the year ended September 30, 2013 was primarily due to a decrease in Australia of approximately $190 million substantially from decreased mining related services and a reduction in engineering and program management services in the Americas of approximately $180 million, partially offset by an increase in Asia of approximately $70 million primarily from engineering and program management services on infrastructure projects.
Gross Profit
Our gross profit for the year ended September 30, 2013 increased $28.1 million, or 6.7%, to $450.0 million as compared to $421.9 million for the year ended September 30, 2012. Gross profit provided by acquired companies was $10.5 million. Excluding gross profit provided by acquired companies, gross profit increased $17.6 million, or 4.2%, from the year ended September 30, 2012. For the year ended September 30, 2013, gross profit, as a percentage of revenue, net of other direct costs, increased to 9.0% from 8.1% in the year ended September 30, 2012.
The increases in gross profit and gross profit as a percentage of revenue, net of other direct costs, for the year ended September 30, 2013 were primarily due to improved project performance in our MSS reportable segment.
Equity in Earnings of Joint Ventures
Our equity in earnings of joint ventures for the year ended September 30, 2013 was $24.3 million compared to $48.6 million for the year ended September 30, 2012.
The decrease in equity in earnings of joint ventures for the year ended September 30, 2013 was primarily due to reduced earnings on MSS joint ventures that support the United States Army in the Middle East.
General and Administrative Expenses
Our general and administrative expenses for the year ended September 30, 2013 increased $16.4 million, or 20.3%, to $97.3 million as compared to $80.9 million for the year ended September 30, 2012. As a percentage of revenue, net of other direct costs, general and administrative expenses increased to 1.9% for the year ended September 30, 2013 from 1.5% for the year ended September 30, 2012.
The increases in general administrative expenses were primarily due to increased performance-based compensation.
Other Income
Our other income for the year ended September 30, 2013 decreased $7.1 million to $3.5 million as compared to $10.6 million for the year ended September 30, 2012.
The decrease in other income for the year ended September 30, 2013 was primarily due to decreased earnings from investments.
Interest Expense
Our interest expense for the year ended September 30, 2013 was $44.7 million as compared to $46.7 million of interest expense for the year ended September 30, 2012.
Income Tax Expense
Our income tax expense for the year ended September 30, 2013 increased $18.2 million, or 24.5%, to $92.6 million as compared to $74.4 million for the year ended September 30, 2012. The effective tax rate was 27.6% and 425.7% for the years ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
The increase in income tax expense for the year ended September 30, 2013 was primarily due to the change in tax jurisdictional mix of income, a higher pretax income than the prior year, and a current year restructuring transaction that resulted in U.S. income tax expense.
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to AECOM
The factors described above resulted in the net income attributable to AECOM of $239.2 million for year ended September 30, 2013, as compared to the net loss attributable to AECOM of $58.6 million for the year ended September 30, 2012.
Results of Operations by Reportable Segment
Professional Technical Services
The following table presents the percentage relationship of certain items to revenue, net of other direct costs:
Revenue
Revenue for our PTS segment for the year ended September 30, 2013 decreased $34.0 million, or 0.5%, to $7,242.9 million as compared to $7,276.9 million for the year ended September 30, 2012. Revenue provided by acquired companies was $166.9 million. Excluding revenue provided by acquired companies, revenue decreased $200.9 million, or 2.8%, over the year ended September 30, 2012.
The decrease in revenue, excluding acquired companies, for the year ended September 30, 2013 was primarily attributable to a decrease in Australia of approximately $300 million substantially from decreased mining related services. These decreases were partially offset by an increase in Asia of approximately $60 million primarily from engineering and program management services on infrastructure projects.
Revenue, Net of Other Direct Costs
Revenue, net of other direct costs, for our PTS segment for the year ended September 30, 2013 decreased $190.9 million, or 4.1%, to $4,416.4 million as compared to $4,607.3 million for the year ended September 30, 2012. Revenue, net of other direct costs provided by acquired companies was $128.3 million. Excluding revenue, net of other direct costs, provided by acquired companies, revenue, net of other direct costs, decreased $319.2 million, or 6.9%, over the year ended September 30, 2012.
The decrease in revenue, net of other direct costs, excluding revenue, net of other direct costs provided by acquired companies, for the year ended September 30, 2013 was primarily due to a decrease in Australia of approximately $190 million substantially from decreased mining related services, and a reduction in engineering and program management services in the Americas of approximately $180 million, partially offset by an increase in Asia of approximately $70 million primarily from engineering and program management services on infrastructure projects.
Gross Profit
Gross profit for our PTS segment for the year ended September 30, 2013 decreased $6.9 million, or 1.6%, to $416.9 million as compared to $423.8 million for the year ended September 30, 2012. Gross profit provided by acquired companies was $10.5 million. Excluding gross profit provided by acquired companies, gross profit decreased $17.4 million, or 4.1%, from the year ended September 30, 2012. As a percentage of revenue, net of other direct costs, gross profit increased to 9.4% of revenue, net of other direct costs, for the year ended September 30, 2013, from 9.2% in the year ended September 30, 2012.
The decrease in gross profit, excluding gross profit provided by acquired companies, for the year ended September 30, 2013 was primarily attributable to a decline in our Australian mining related services, which led us to incur severance costs of approximately $15 million.
Management Support Services
*Not meaningful
The following table presents the percentage relationship of certain items to revenue, net of other direct costs:
Revenue
Revenue for our MSS segment for the year ended September 30, 2013, decreased $30.7 million, or 3.3%, to $910.6 million as compared to $941.3 million for the year ended September 30, 2012.
Revenue, Net of Other Direct Costs
Revenue, net of other direct costs, for our MSS segment for the year ended September 30, 2013 decreased $16.0 million, or 2.8%, to $560.6 million as compared to $576.6 million for the year ended September 30, 2012.
Gross Profit (Loss)
Gross profit (loss) for our MSS segment for the year ended September 30, 2013 was $33.1 million as compared to $(1.9) million for the year ended September 30, 2012. As a percentage of revenue, net of other direct costs, gross profit (loss) increased to 5.9% of revenue, net of other direct costs, for the year ended September 30, 2013 from (0.3)% in the year ended September 30, 2012.
The increase in gross profit (loss) and gross profit (loss), as a percentage of revenue, net of other direct costs, for the year ended September 30, 2013 was primarily due to improved project performance.
Seasonality
We experience seasonal trends in our business. Our revenue is typically higher in the last half of the fiscal year. The fourth quarter of our fiscal year (July 1 to September 30) is typically our strongest quarter. We find that the U.S. Federal Government tends to authorize more work during the period preceding the end of our fiscal year, September 30. In addition, many U.S. state governments with fiscal years ending on June 30 tend to accelerate spending during their first quarter, when new funding becomes available. Further, our construction management revenue typically increases during the high construction season of the summer months. Within the United States, as well as other parts of the world, our business generally benefits from milder weather conditions in our fiscal fourth quarter, which allows for more productivity from our on-site civil services. Our construction and project management services also typically expand during the high construction season of the summer months. The first quarter of our fiscal year (October 1 to December 31) is typically our weakest quarter. The harsher weather conditions impact our ability to complete work in parts of North America and the holiday season schedule affects our productivity during this period. For these reasons, coupled with the number and significance of client contracts commenced and completed during a particular period, as well as the timing of expenses incurred for corporate initiatives, it is not unusual for us to experience seasonal changes or fluctuations in our quarterly operating results.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Cash Flows
Our principal sources of liquidity are cash flows from operations, borrowings under our credit facilities, and access to financial markets. Our principal uses of cash are operating expenses, capital expenditures, working capital requirements, acquisitions, repurchases of stock under our stock repurchase program and repayment of debt. We believe our anticipated sources of liquidity including operating cash flows, existing cash and cash equivalents, borrowing capacity under our revolving credit facility, the financing entered into in connection with the acquisition of URS Corporation, and our ability to issue debt or equity, if required, will be sufficient to meet our projected cash requirements for at least the next 12 months.
At September 30, 2014, cash and cash equivalents were $574.2 million, a decrease of $26.5 million, or 4.4%, from $600.7 million at September 30, 2013. The decrease in cash and cash equivalents was primarily attributable to net repayments of borrowings under credit agreements, cash payments for capital expenditures, business acquisitions, investments in joint ventures, and stock repurchases, partially offset by cash provided by operating activities.
Net cash provided by operating activities was $360.6 million for the year ended September 30, 2014, a decrease of $48.0 million, or 11.7%, from $408.6 million for the year ended September 30, 2013. The decrease was primarily attributable to the timing of receipts and payments of working capital, which includes accounts receivable, accounts payable, accrued expenses, and billings in excess of costs on uncompleted contracts. The sale of trade receivables to financial institutions during the year ended September 30, 2014 provided a net benefit of $10.8 million as compared to $64.9 million during the year ended September 30, 2013, giving effect to a decrease in cash provided by operating activities of $54.1 million. We expect to continue to sell trade receivables in the future as long as the terms continue to remain favorable to AECOM.
Net cash used in investing activities was $142.8 million for the year ended September 30, 2014, compared with $139.5 million for the year ended September 30, 2013. This increase was primarily attributable to an increase in net investment in unconsolidated joint ventures, increased payments for business acquisitions, net of cash acquired, and an increase in cash payments for capital expenditures, partially offset by a benefit from the sale of investments and cash acquired from the consolidation of a joint venture.
Net cash used in financing activities was $233.8 million for the year ended September 30, 2014, compared with $254.4 million for the year ended September 30, 2013. The decrease was primarily attributable to a decrease in payments to repurchase common stock of $353.2 million, partially offset by an increase in net repayments and borrowings under credit agreements of $312.2 million and an increase in distributions to noncontrolling interests.
URS Acquisition
We expect to incur approximately $250 million of amortization of intangible assets expense and $290 million of acquisition and integration expense in the next 12 months.
Working Capital
Working capital, or current assets less current liabilities, decreased $99.8 million, or 9.3%, to $978.3 million at September 30, 2014 from $1,078.1 million at September 30, 2013. Net accounts receivable, which includes billed and unbilled costs and fees, net of billings in excess of costs on uncompleted contracts, increased $255.6 million, or 12.7%, to $2,275.4 million at September 30, 2014.
Accounts receivable increased 13.4%, or $312.7 million, to $2,655.0 million at September 30, 2014 from $2,342.3 million at September 30, 2013.
Days Sales Outstanding (DSO), which includes accounts receivable, net of billings in excess of costs on uncompleted contracts, was 85 days at September 30, 2014 compared to 88 days at September 30, 2013.
In Note 5, Accounts Receivable-Net, in the notes to our consolidated financial statements, a comparative analysis of the various components of accounts receivable is provided. Substantially all unbilled receivables are expected to be billed and collected within twelve months.
Unbilled receivables related to claims are recorded only if it is probable that the claim will result in additional contract revenue and if the amount can be reliably estimated. In such cases, revenue is recorded only to the extent that contract costs relating to the claim have been incurred. Other than as disclosed, there were no significant net receivables related to contract claims as of September 30, 2014 and 2013. Award fees in unbilled receivables are accrued only when there is sufficient information to assess contract performance. On contracts that represent higher than normal risk or technical difficulty, award fees are generally deferred until an award fee letter is received.
Because our revenue depends to a great extent on billable labor hours, most of our charges are invoiced following the end of the month in which the hours were worked, the majority usually within
15 days. Other direct costs are normally billed along with labor hours. However, as opposed to salary costs, which are generally paid on either a bi-weekly or monthly basis, other direct costs are generally not paid until payment is received (in some cases in the form of advances) from the customers.
Debt
Debt consisted of the following:
The following table presents, in millions, scheduled maturities of our debt as of September 30, 2014:
Unsecured Term Credit Agreement
In June 2013, we entered into a Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (Term Credit Agreement) with Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent and a lender, and the other lenders party thereto. Pursuant to the Term Credit Agreement, we borrowed $750 million and may borrow up to an additional $100 million subject to certain conditions, including Company and lender approval. We used approximately $675 million of the proceeds from the loans to repay indebtedness under our prior term loan facility. The loans under the Term Credit Agreement bear interest, at our option, at either the Base Rate (as defined in the Term Credit Agreement) plus an applicable margin or the Eurodollar Rate (as defined in the Term Credit Agreement) plus an applicable margin. The applicable margin for the Base Rate loans is a range of 0.125% to 1.250% and the applicable margin for Eurodollar Rate loans is a range of 1.125% to 2.250%, both based on our debt-to-earnings leverage ratio at the end of each fiscal quarter. For the years ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, the average interest rate of our term loan facility was 1.66% and 1.98%, respectively. Payments of the initial principal amount outstanding under the Term Credit Agreement are required on an annual basis and began on June 30, 2014 with the final principal balance of $600 million due on June 7, 2018. We may, at our option, prepay the loans at any time, without penalty. Our obligations under the Term Credit Agreement are guaranteed by certain of our subsidiaries pursuant to one or more subsidiary guarantees.
Unsecured Senior Notes
In July 2010, we issued $300 million of notes to private institutional investors. The notes consisted of $175.0 million of 5.43% Senior Notes, Series A, due July 2020 and $125.0 million of 1.00% Senior Discount Notes, Series B, due July 2022 for net proceeds of $249.8 million. The outstanding accreted balance of Series B Notes, which have an effective interest rate of 5.62%, was $88.9 million and $85.2 million at September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The fair value of our unsecured senior notes was approximately $287.4 million and $269.4 million at September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively. We calculated the fair values based on model-derived valuations using market observable inputs, which are Level 2 inputs under the accounting guidance. Our obligations under the notes are guaranteed by certain of our subsidiaries pursuant to one or more subsidiary guarantees. We have the option to prepay the notes at any time at their called principal amount, together with any accrued and unpaid interest, plus a make-whole premium.
Unsecured Revolving Credit Facility
In January 2014, we entered into a Fourth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (Revolving Credit Agreement), which provides for a borrowing capacity of $1.05 billion. The Revolving Credit Agreement expires on January 29, 2019, and prior to this expiration date, principal amounts outstanding under the Revolving Credit Agreement may be repaid and reborrowed at our option without prepayment or penalty, subject to certain conditions including the absence of any event of default. We may request an increase in capacity of up to a total of $1.25 billion, subject to certain conditions including the absence of any event of default. The loans under the Revolving Credit Agreement may be borrowed in dollars or in certain foreign currencies and bear interest, at our option, at either the Base Rate (as defined in the Revolving Credit Agreement) plus an applicable margin or the Eurocurrency Rate (as defined in the Revolving Credit Agreement) plus an applicable margin. The applicable margin for the Base Rate loans is a range of 0.125% to 1.250% and the applicable margin for the Eurocurrency Rate loans is a range of 1.125% to 2.250%, both based on our debt-to-earnings leverage ratio at the end of each fiscal quarter. In addition to these borrowing rates, there is a commitment fee which ranges from 0.125% to 0.350% on any unused commitment. At September 30, 2014 and 2013, $0.0 million and $114.7 million, respectively, were outstanding under our revolving credit facility. At September 30, 2014 and 2013, outstanding standby letters of credit totaled $12.1 million and $35.5 million, respectively, under our revolving credit facility. As of September 30, 2014, we had $1,037.9 million available under our Revolving Credit Agreement.
Covenants and Restrictions
Under our debt agreements relating to our unsecured revolving credit facility, unsecured term credit agreement, and unsecured senior notes, we are subject to a maximum consolidated leverage ratio at the end of each fiscal quarter. This ratio is calculated by dividing consolidated funded debt (including financial letters of credit and other adjustments per our debt agreements) by consolidated earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA). Subject to certain differences among our debt agreements, EBITDA is defined as consolidated net income attributable to AECOM plus interest, depreciation and amortization expense, amounts set aside for taxes and other non-cash items (including a calculated annualized EBITDA from our acquisitions). As of September 30, 2014, our most restrictive consolidated leverage ratio under our debt agreements was 2.55, which did not exceed our maximum consolidated leverage ratio permitted under our debt agreements of 3.0.
Our Revolving Credit Agreement and Term Credit Agreement also contain certain covenants that limit our ability to, among other things, (i) merge with other entities, (ii) enter into a transaction resulting in a change of control, (iii) create new liens, (iv) sell assets outside of the ordinary course of business, (v) enter into transactions with affiliates, (vi) substantially change the general nature of our Company and our subsidiaries taken as a whole, and (vii) incur indebtedness and contingent obligations.
Additionally, our unsecured senior notes contain covenants that limit (i) certain types of indebtedness, which include indebtedness incurred by subsidiaries and indebtedness secured by a lien, (ii) merging with other entities, (iii) entering into a transaction resulting in a change of control, (iv) creating new liens, (v) selling assets outside of the ordinary course of business, (vi) entering into transactions with affiliates, and (vii) substantially changing the general nature of our Company and our subsidiaries taken as a whole. The unsecured senior notes also contain a financial covenant that requires us to maintain a net worth above a calculated threshold. The threshold is calculated as $1.2 billion plus 40% of the consolidated net income for each fiscal quarter commencing with the fiscal quarter ending June 30, 2010. In the calculation of this threshold, we cannot include a consolidated net loss that may occur in any fiscal quarter. Our net worth for this financial covenant is defined as total AECOM stockholders' equity, which is consolidated stockholders' equity, including any redeemable common stock and stock units and the liquidation preference of any preferred stock. As of September 30, 2014, this amount was $2.2 billion, which exceeds the calculated threshold of $1.7 billion.
Should we fail to comply with these covenants, all or a portion of our borrowings under the unsecured senior notes and unsecured term credit agreements could become immediately payable and our unsecured revolving credit facility could be terminated. At September 30, 2014 and 2013, we were in compliance with all such covenants.
Our average effective interest rate on total borrowings, including the effects of the interest rate swap agreements, during the year ended September 30, 2014, 2013 and 2012 was 2.8%, 3.0% and 3.1%, respectively.
Other Debt
Other debt consists primarily of bank overdrafts and obligations under capital leases and other unsecured credit facilities. In addition to the unsecured revolving credit facility discussed above, we also have other unsecured credit facilities primarily used for standby letters of credit issued for payment of performance guarantees. At September 30, 2014 and 2013, these outstanding standby letters of credit totaled $301.0 million and $236.4 million, respectively. As of September 30, 2014 and 2013, we had $327.4 million and $331.8 million, respectively, available under our unsecured credit facilities.
Commitments and Contingencies
Other than normal property and equipment additions and replacements, expenditures to further the implementation of our enterprise resource planning system, commitments under our incentive compensation programs, amounts we may expend to repurchase stock under our stock repurchase program and acquisitions from time to time, we currently do not have any significant capital expenditures or outlays planned except as described below. However, if we acquire additional businesses in the future or if we embark on other capital-intensive initiatives, additional working capital may be required.
Under our unsecured revolving credit facility and other facilities discussed in Other Debt above, as of September 30, 2014, there was approximately $313.1 million outstanding under standby letters of credit issued primarily in connection with general and professional liability insurance programs and for contract performance guarantees. For those projects for which we have issued a performance guarantee, if the project subsequently fails to meet guaranteed performance standards, we may either incur significant additional costs or be held responsible for the costs incurred by the client to achieve the required performance standards. See Note 24 in the notes to our consolidated financial statements for information regarding the consideration paid and debt obligation incurred in connection with our acquisition of URS Corporation.
We recognized on our balance sheet the funded status (measured as the difference between the fair value of plan assets and the projected benefit obligation) of our pension plans. The total amounts of employer contributions paid for the year ended September 30, 2014 were $4.9 million for U.S. plans and $16.4 million for non-U.S. plans. Funding requirements for each plan are determined based on the local laws of the country where such plan resides. In certain countries, the funding requirements are mandatory while in other countries, they are discretionary. We do not have a required minimum contribution for our domestic plans; however, we may make additional discretionary contributions. In the future, such pension funding may increase or decrease depending on changes in the levels of interest rates, pension plan performance and other factors.
Tishman Inquiry
The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of New York (USAO) has informed our subsidiary Tishman Construction Corporation (TCC) that, in connection with a wage and hour investigation of several New York area contractors, the USAO is investigating potential improper overtime payments to union workers on projects managed by TCC and other contractors in New York dating back to 1999. TCC, which was acquired by us in 2010, has cooperated fully with the investigation and, as of this date, no actions have been filed.
AECOM Australia
In 2005 and 2006, the Company's main Australian subsidiary, AECOM Australia Pty Ltd (AECOM Australia), performed a traffic forecast assignment for a client consortium as part of the client's project to design, build, finance and operate a tolled motorway tunnel in Australia. To fund the motorway's design and construction, the client formed certain special purpose vehicles (SPVs) that raised approximately $700 million Australian dollars through an initial public offering (IPO) of equity units in 2006 and approximately an additional $1.4 billion Australian dollars in long term bank loans. The SPVs went into insolvency administrations in February 2011.
KordaMentha, the receivers for the SPVs (the RCM Applicants), caused a lawsuit to be filed against AECOM Australia by the RCM Applicants in the Federal Court of Australia on May 14, 2012. Portigon AG (formerly WestLB AG), one of the lending banks to the SPVs, filed a lawsuit in the Federal Court of Australia against AECOM Australia on May 18, 2012. Separately, a class action lawsuit, which has been amended to include approximately 770 of the IPO investors, was filed against AECOM Australia in the Federal Court of Australia on May 31, 2012.
All of the lawsuits claim damages that purportedly resulted from AECOM Australia's role in connection with the above described traffic forecast. The RCM Applicants have claimed damages of approximately $1.68 billion Australian dollars (including interest, as of March 31, 2014). The damages claimed by Portigon as of June 17, 2014 were also recently quantified at approximately $76 million Australian dollars (including interest). We believe this claim is duplicative of damages already included in the RCM Applicants' claim to the extent Portigon receives a portion of the RCM Applicants' recovery. The class action applicants claim that they represent investors who acquired approximately $155 million Australian dollars of securities.
AECOM Australia disputes the claimed entitlements to damages asserted by all applicants and is vigorously defending the claims brought against it. The likely resolution of these matters cannot be reasonably determined at this time. However, if these matters are not resolved in AECOM Australia's favor then, depending upon the outcome, such resolution could have a material adverse effect on the Company's results of operations.
Contractual Obligations and Commitments
The following summarizes our contractual obligations and commercial commitments as of September 30, 2014:
New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting
In February 2013, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued new accounting guidance to update the presentation of reclassifications from comprehensive income to net income in consolidated financial statements. Under this new guidance, an entity is required to present information about the amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income either by the respective line items of net income or by cross-reference to other required disclosures. The new guidance does not change the requirements for reporting net income or other comprehensive income in financial statements. This guidance was effective for our fiscal year beginning October 1, 2013 and did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.
In February 2013, the FASB issued new accounting guidance for the recognition, measurement, and disclosure of obligations resulting from joint and several liability arrangements for which the total amount of the obligation (within the scope of this guidance) is fixed at the reporting date. Examples of obligations within the scope of this guidance include debt arrangements, other contractual obligations, and settled litigation and judicial rulings. This new guidance was effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2013 and subsequent interim periods. This guidance is effective for our fiscal year beginning October 1, 2014 and it is not expected to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.
In July 2013, the FASB issued new accounting guidance that requires the presentation of unrecognized tax benefits as a reduction of the deferred tax assets, when a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward exists at the reporting date. This new guidance was effective for annual reporting periods beginning on or after December 15, 2013 and subsequent interim periods. This guidance is effective for our fiscal year beginning October 1, 2014 and it is not expected to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.
In May 2014, the FASB issued new accounting guidance which amended the existing accounting standards for revenue recognition. The new accounting guidance establishes principles for recognizing revenue upon the transfer of promised goods or services to customers, in an amount that reflects the expected consideration received in exchange for those goods or services. This guidance is effective for our fiscal year beginning October 1, 2017. Early adoption is not permitted. The amendments may be applied retrospectively to each prior period presented or retrospectively with the cumulative effect recognized as of the date of initial application. We have not selected a transition method and are currently in the process of evaluating the impact of adoption of the new accounting guidance on our consolidated financial statements.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
We enter into various joint venture arrangements to provide architectural, engineering, program management, construction management and operations and maintenance services. The ownership percentage of these joint ventures is typically representative of the work to be performed or the amount of risk assumed by each joint venture partner. Some of these joint ventures are considered variable interest entities. We have consolidated all joint ventures for which we have control. For all others, our portion of the earnings are recorded in equity in earnings of joint ventures. See Note 7 in the notes to our consolidated financial statements. We do not believe that we have any off-balance sheet arrangements that have or are reasonably likely to have a current or future effect on our financial condition, changes in financial condition, revenues or expenses, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources that would be material to investors.
ITEM 7A.
ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
Financial Market Risks
We are exposed to market risk, primarily related to foreign currency exchange rates and interest rate exposure of our debt obligations that bear interest based on floating rates. We actively monitor these exposures. Our objective is to reduce, where we deem appropriate to do so, fluctuations in earnings and cash flows associated with changes in foreign exchange rates and interest rates. In order to accomplish this objective, we sometimes enter into derivative financial instruments, such as forward contracts and interest rate hedge contracts. It is our policy and practice to use derivative financial instruments only to the extent necessary to manage our exposures. We do not use derivative financial instruments for trading purposes.
Foreign Exchange Rates
We are exposed to foreign currency exchange rate risk resulting from our operations outside of the U.S. We use foreign currency forward contracts from time to time to mitigate foreign currency risk. We limit exposure to foreign currency fluctuations in most of our contracts through provisions that require client payments in currencies corresponding to the currency in which costs are incurred. As a result of this natural hedge, we generally do not need to hedge foreign currency cash flows for contract work performed. The functional currency of our significant foreign operations is the respective local currency.
Interest Rates
Our senior revolving credit facility and certain other debt obligations are subject to variable rate interest which could be adversely affected by an increase in interest rates. As of September 30, 2014 and 2013, we had $712.5 million and $864.7 million, respectively, in outstanding borrowings under our unsecured term credit agreements and our unsecured revolving credit facility. Interest on amounts borrowed under these agreements is subject to adjustment based on certain levels of financial performance. The applicable margin that is added to the borrowing's base rate can range from 0.0% to 2.5%. For the year ended September 30, 2014, our weighted average floating rate borrowings were $945.2 million, or $457.7 million excluding borrowings with effective fixed interest rates due to interest rate swap agreements. If short term floating interest rates had increased or decreased by 1%, our interest expense for the year ended September 30, 2014 would have increased or decreased by $4.6 million. We invest our cash in a variety of financial instruments, consisting principally of money market securities or other highly liquid, short-term securities that are subject to minimal credit and market risk.
ITEM 8.
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
AECOM Technology Corporation
Index to Consolidated Financial Statements
September 30, 2014
Audited Annual Financial Statements
Reports of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Consolidated Balance Sheets at September 30, 2014 and 2013
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Years Ended September 30, 2014, 2013 and 2012
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the Years Ended September 30, 2014, 2013 and
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity for the Years Ended September 30, 2014, 2013 and 2012
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended September 30, 2014, 2013 and 2012
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
The Board of Directors and Stockholders of AECOM Technology Corporation
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of AECOM Technology Corporation (the "Company") as of September 30, 2014 and 2013, and the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income (loss), stockholders' equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended September 30, 2014. Our audits also included the financial statement schedule listed in the Index at Item 15(a). These financial statements and schedule are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and schedule based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of AECOM Technology Corporation at September 30, 2014 and 2013, and the consolidated results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended September 30, 2014, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. Also, in our opinion, the related financial statement schedule, when considered in relation to the basic financial statements taken as a whole, present fairly in all material respects the information set forth therein.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), AECOM Technology Corporation's internal control over financial reporting as of September 30, 2014, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (1992 framework) and our report dated November 17, 2014 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.
/s/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP
Los Angeles, California
November 17, 2014
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
The Board of Directors and Stockholders of AECOM Technology Corporation
We have audited AECOM Technology Corporation's (the "Company") internal control over financial reporting as of September 30, 2014, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (1992 framework) (the "COSO criteria"). AECOM Technology Corporation'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 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 conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). 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.
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.
In our opinion, AECOM Technology Corporation maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of September 30, 2014, based on the COSO criteria.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheets of AECOM Technology Corporation as of September 30, 2014 and 2013, and the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income (loss), stockholders' equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended September 30, 2014 and our report dated November 17, 2014 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.
/s/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP
Los Angeles, California
November 17, 2014
AECOM Technology Corporation
Consolidated Balance Sheets
(in thousands, except share data)
See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
AECOM Technology Corporation
Consolidated Statements of Operations
(in thousands, except per share data)
See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
AECOM Technology Corporation
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss)
(in thousands)
See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
AECOM Technology Corporation
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity
(in thousands)
See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
AECOM Technology Corporation
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(in thousands)
See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
AECOM TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1. Significant Accounting Policies
Organization-AECOM Technology Corporation and its consolidated subsidiaries (the Company) provide professional technical and management support services for commercial and government clients around the world. These services encompass a variety of technical disciplines, including consulting, planning, architectural and engineering design, and program and construction management for a broad range of projects. These services are applied to a number of areas and industries, including transportation infrastructure; research, testing and defense facilities; water, wastewater and other environmental programs; land development; security and communication systems; institutional, mining, industrial and commercial and energy-related facilities. The Company also provides operations and maintenance services to governmental agencies throughout the U.S. and abroad.
Fiscal Year-The Company reports results of operations based on 52 or 53-week periods ending on the Friday nearest September 30. For clarity of presentation, all periods are presented as if the year ended on September 30. Fiscal years 2014, 2013 and 2012 contained 53, 52 and 52 weeks, respectively, and ended on October 3, September 27, and September 28, respectively.
Use of Estimates-The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (GAAP) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. The more significant estimates affecting amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements relate to revenues under long-term contracts and self-insurance accruals. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Principles of Consolidation and Presentation-The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of all majority-owned subsidiaries and material joint ventures in which the Company is the primary beneficiary. All inter-company accounts have been eliminated in consolidation. Also see Note 7 regarding joint ventures and variable interest entities.
Revenue Recognition-The Company generally utilizes a cost-to-cost approach in applying the percentage-of-completion method of revenue recognition. Under this approach, revenue is earned in proportion to total costs incurred, divided by total costs expected to be incurred. Recognition of revenue and profit is dependent upon a number of factors, including the accuracy of a variety of estimates made at the balance sheet date, engineering progress, materials quantities, the achievement of milestones, penalty provisions, labor productivity and cost estimates made at the balance sheet date. Due to uncertainties inherent in the estimation process, actual completion costs may vary from estimates. If estimated total costs on contracts indicate a loss, the Company recognizes that estimated loss in the period the estimated loss first becomes known.
In the course of providing its services, the Company routinely subcontracts for services and incurs other direct costs on behalf of its clients. These costs are passed through to clients and, in accordance with industry practice and GAAP, are included in the Company's revenue and cost of revenue. Because subcontractor services and other direct costs can change significantly from project to project and period to period, changes in revenue may not be indicative of business trends. These other direct costs for the years ended September 30, 2014, 2013 and 2012 were $3.5 billion, $3.2 billion and $3.0 billion, respectively.
AECOM TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
1. Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)
Cost-Plus Contracts. The Company enters into two major types of cost-plus contracts:
Cost-Plus Fixed Fee. Under cost-plus fixed fee contracts, the Company charges clients for its costs, including both direct and indirect costs, plus a fixed negotiated fee. The total estimated cost plus the fixed negotiated fee represents the total contract value. The Company recognizes revenue based on the actual labor and other direct costs incurred, plus the portion of the fixed fee it has earned to date.
Cost-Plus Fixed Rate. Under the Company's cost-plus fixed rate contracts, the Company charges clients for its direct and indirect costs based upon a negotiated rate. The Company recognizes revenue based on the actual total costs it has expended and the applicable fixed rate.
Certain cost-plus contracts provide for award fees or a penalty based on performance criteria in lieu of a fixed fee or fixed rate. Other contracts include a base fee component plus a performance-based award fee. In addition, the Company may share award fees with subcontractors. The Company records accruals for fee-sharing as fees are earned. The Company generally recognizes revenue to the extent of costs actually incurred plus a proportionate amount of the fee expected to be earned. The Company takes the award fee or penalty on contracts into consideration when estimating revenue and profit rates, and it records revenue related to the award fees when there is sufficient information to assess anticipated contract performance. On contracts that represent higher than normal risk or technical difficulty, the Company may defer all award fees until an award fee letter is received. Once an award fee letter is received, the estimated or accrued fees are adjusted to the actual award amount.
Certain cost-plus contracts provide for incentive fees based on performance against contractual milestones. The amount of the incentive fees varies, depending on whether the Company achieves above, at, or below target results. The Company originally recognizes revenue on these contracts based upon expected results. These estimates are revised when necessary based upon additional information that becomes available as the contract progresses.
Time-and-Materials Contracts.
Time-and-Materials. Under time-and-materials contracts, the Company negotiates hourly billing rates and charges its clients based on the actual time that it expends on a project. In addition, clients reimburse the Company for its actual out-of-pocket costs of materials and other direct incidental expenditures that it incurs in connection with its performance under the contract. Profit margins on time-and-materials contracts fluctuate based on actual labor and overhead costs that it directly charges or allocates to contracts compared to negotiated billing rates. Many of the Company's time-and-materials contracts are subject to maximum contract values and, accordingly, revenue relating to these contracts is recognized as if these contracts were a fixed-price contract.
Fixed-Price Contracts.
Fixed-Price. Fixed-price contracting is the predominant contracting method outside of the United States. There are typically two types of fixed-price contracts. The first and more common type, lump-sum, involves performing all of the work under the contract for a specified lump-sum fee. Lump-sum contracts are typically subject to price adjustments if the scope of the project changes or unforeseen conditions arise. The second type, fixed-unit price, involves performing an estimated number of units of work at an agreed price per unit, with the total payment under the contract determined by the actual number of units delivered. The Company recognizes revenue on fixed-price contracts using the percentage-of-completion
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
1. Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)
method described above. Prior to completion, recognized profit margins on any fixed-price contract depend on the accuracy of the Company's estimates and will increase to the extent that its actual costs are below the estimated amounts. Conversely, if the Company's costs exceed these estimates, its profit margins will decrease and the Company may realize a loss on a project. The Company recognizes anticipated losses on contracts in the period in which they become evident.
Service-Related Contracts.
Service-Related. Service-related contracts, including operations and maintenance services and a variety of technical assistance services, are accounted for over the period of performance, in proportion to the costs of performance.
Contract Claims-Claims are amounts in excess of the agreed contract price (or amounts not included in the original contract price) that the Company seeks to collect from customers or others for delays, errors in specifications and designs, contract terminations, change orders in dispute or unapproved as to both scope and price or other causes of unanticipated additional costs. The Company records contract revenue related to claims only if it is probable that the claim will result in additional contract revenue and if the amount can be reliably estimated. In such cases, the Company records revenue only to the extent that contract costs relating to the claim have been incurred. As of September 30, 2014 and 2013, the Company had no significant net receivables related to contract claims.
Government Contract Matters-The Company's federal government and certain state and local agency contracts are subject to, among other regulations, regulations issued under the Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR). These regulations can limit the recovery of certain specified indirect costs on contracts and subjects the Company to ongoing multiple audits by government agencies such as the Defense Contract Audit Agency (DCAA). In addition, most of the Company's federal and state and local contracts are subject to termination at the discretion of the client.
Audits by the DCAA and other agencies consist of reviews of the Company's overhead rates, operating systems and cost proposals to ensure that the Company accounted for such costs in accordance with the Cost Accounting Standards of the FAR (CAS). If the DCAA determines the Company has not accounted for such costs consistent with CAS, the DCAA may disallow these costs. There can be no assurance that audits by the DCAA or other governmental agencies will not result in material cost disallowances in the future.
Cash and Cash Equivalents-The Company's cash equivalents include highly liquid investments which have an initial maturity of three months or less.
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts-The Company records its accounts receivable net of an allowance for doubtful accounts. This allowance for doubtful accounts is estimated based on management's evaluation of the contracts involved and the financial condition of its clients. The factors the Company considers in its contract evaluations include, but are not limited to:
• Client type-federal or state and local government or commercial client;
• Historical contract performance;
• Historical collection and delinquency trends;
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
1. Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)
• Client credit worthiness; and
• General economic conditions.
Derivative Financial Instruments-The Company accounts for its derivative instruments as either assets or liabilities and carries them at fair value.
For derivative instruments that hedge the exposure to variability in expected future cash flows that are designated as cash flow hedges, the effective portion of the gain or loss on the derivative instrument is reported as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income in stockholders' equity and reclassified into income in the same period or periods during which the hedged transaction affects earnings. The ineffective portion of the gain or loss on the derivative instrument, if any, is recognized in current income. To receive hedge accounting treatment, cash flow hedges must be highly effective in offsetting changes to expected future cash flows on hedged transactions.
The net gain or loss on the effective portion of a derivative instrument that is designated as an economic hedge of the foreign currency translation exposure generated by the re-measurement of certain assets and liabilities denominated in a non-functional currency in a foreign operation is reported in the same manner as a foreign currency translation adjustment. Accordingly, any gains or losses related to these derivative instruments are recognized in current income.
Derivatives that do not qualify as hedges are adjusted to fair value through current income.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments-The Company determines the fair values of its financial instruments, including short-term investments, debt instruments and derivative instruments, and pension and post-retirement plan assets based on inputs or assumptions that market participants would use in pricing an asset or a liability. The Company categorizes its instruments using a valuation hierarchy for disclosure of the inputs used to measure fair value. This hierarchy prioritizes the inputs into three broad levels as follows: Level 1 inputs are quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities; Level 2 inputs are quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets or inputs that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly through market corroboration, for substantially the full term of the financial instrument; Level 3 inputs are unobservable inputs based on the Company's assumptions used to measure assets and liabilities at fair value. The classification of a financial asset or liability within the hierarchy is determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement.
The carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable and accounts payable approximate fair value because of the short maturities of these instruments. The carrying amount of the revolving credit facility approximates fair value because the interest rates are based upon variable reference rates. See also Notes 9 and 11.
The Company's fair value measurement methods may produce a fair value calculation that may not be indicative of net realizable value or reflective of future fair values. Although the Company believes its valuation methods are appropriate and consistent with those used by other market participants, the use of different methodologies or assumptions to determine fair value could result in a different fair value measurement at the reporting date.
Property and Equipment-Property and equipment are recorded at cost and are depreciated over their estimated useful lives using the straight-line method. Expenditures for maintenance and repairs are
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
1. Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)
expensed as incurred. Typically, estimated useful lives range from three to ten years for equipment, furniture and fixtures. Leasehold improvements are amortized on a straight-line basis over the shorter of their estimated useful lives or the remaining terms of the underlying lease agreement.
Long-lived Assets-Long-lived assets to be held and used are reviewed for impairment whenever events or circumstances indicate that the assets may be impaired. For assets to be held and used, impairment losses are recognized based upon the excess of the asset's carrying amount over the fair value of the asset. For long-lived assets to be disposed, impairment losses are recognized at the lower of the carrying amount or fair value less cost to sell.
Goodwill and Acquired Intangible Assets-Goodwill represents the excess of amounts paid over the fair value of net assets acquired from an acquisition. In order to determine the amount of goodwill resulting from an acquisition, the Company performs an assessment to determine the value of the acquired company's tangible and identifiable intangible assets and liabilities. In its assessment, the Company determines whether identifiable intangible assets exist, which typically include backlog and customer relationships. Intangible assets are amortized over the period in which the contractual or economic benefits of the intangible assets are expected to be realized.
The Company tests goodwill for impairment annually for each reporting unit in the fourth quarter of the fiscal year, and between annual tests if events occur or circumstances change which suggest that goodwill should be evaluated. Such events or circumstances include significant changes in legal factors and business climate, recent losses at a reporting unit, and industry trends, among other factors. A reporting unit is defined as an operating segment or one level below an operating segment. The Company's impairment tests are performed at the operating segment level as they represent the Company's reporting units.
The impairment test is a two-step process. During the first step, the Company estimates the fair value of the reporting unit using income and market approaches, and compares that amount to the carrying value of that reporting unit. In the event the fair value of the reporting unit is determined to be less than the carrying value, a second step is required. The second step requires the Company to perform a hypothetical purchase allocation for that reporting unit and to compare the resulting current implied fair value of the goodwill to the current carrying value of the goodwill for that reporting unit. In the event that the current implied fair value of the goodwill is less than the carrying value, an impairment charge is recognized. See also Note 4.
Pension Plans-The Company has certain defined benefit pension plans. The Company calculates the market-related value of assets, which is used to determine the return-on-assets component of annual pension expense and the cumulative net unrecognized gain or loss subject to amortization. This calculation reflects the Company's anticipated long-term rate of return and amortization of the difference between the actual return (including capital, dividends, and interest) and the expected return over a five-year period. Cumulative net unrecognized gains or losses that exceed 10% of the greater of the projected benefit obligation or the market related value of plan assets are subject to amortization.
Insurance Reserves-The Company maintains insurance for certain insurable business risks. Insurance coverage contains various retention and deductible amounts for which the Company accrues a liability based upon reported claims and an actuarially determined estimated liability for certain claims incurred but not reported. It is the Company's policy not to accrue for any potential legal expense to be incurred in
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
1. Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)
defending the Company's position. The Company believes that its accruals for estimated liabilities associated with professional and other liabilities are sufficient and any excess liability beyond the accrual is not expected to have a material adverse effect on the Company's results of operations or financial position.
Foreign Currency Translation-The Company's functional currency is the U.S. dollar. Results of operations for foreign entities are translated to U.S. dollars using the average exchange rates during the period. Assets and liabilities for foreign entities are translated using the exchange rates in effect as of the date of the balance sheet. Resulting translation adjustments are recorded as a foreign currency translation adjustment into other accumulated comprehensive income/(loss) in stockholders' equity.
The Company uses foreign currency forward contracts from time to time to mitigate foreign currency risk. The Company limits exposure to foreign currency fluctuations in most of its contracts through provisions that require client payments in currencies corresponding to the currency in which costs are incurred. As a result of this natural hedge, the Company generally does not need to hedge foreign currency cash flows for contract work performed. The functional currency of all significant foreign operations is the respective local currency.
Noncontrolling Interests-Noncontrolling interests represent the equity investments of the minority owners in our joint ventures and other subsidiary entities that we consolidate in our financial statements.
Income Taxes-The Company files a consolidated federal income tax return and combined / consolidated state tax returns and separate company state tax returns. The Company accounts for certain income and expense items differently for financial reporting and income tax purposes. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on the difference between the financial statement and tax basis of assets and liabilities, applying enacted statutory tax rates in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to reverse. In determining the need for a valuation allowance, management reviews both positive and negative evidence, including the nature, frequency, and severity of cumulative financial reporting losses in recent years, the future reversal of existing temporary differences, predictability of future taxable income exclusive of reversing temporary differences of the character necessary to realize the asset, relevant carry forward periods, taxable income in carry-back years if carry-back is permitted under tax law, and prudent and feasible tax planning strategies that would be implemented, if necessary, to protect against the loss of the deferred tax asset. Based upon management's assessment of all available evidence, the Company has concluded that it is more likely than not that the deferred tax assets, net of valuation allowance, will be realized.
In July 2013, the FASB issued new accounting guidance that requires the presentation of unrecognized tax benefits as a reduction of the deferred tax assets, when a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward exists at the reporting date. This new guidance was effective for annual reporting periods beginning on or after December 15, 2013 and subsequent interim periods. This guidance is effective for the Company's fiscal year beginning October 1, 2014 and it is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.
Acquisition and Integration Expenses-Acquisition and integration expenses are comprised of transaction costs, professional fees, and personnel costs, including due diligence and integration activities, primarily related to the acquisition of URS Corporation (Note 24).
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
2. New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting
In February 2013, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued new accounting guidance to update the presentation of reclassifications from comprehensive income to net income in consolidated financial statements. Under this new guidance, an entity is required to present information about the amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income either by the respective line items of net income or by cross-reference to other required disclosures. The new guidance does not change the requirements for reporting net income or other comprehensive income in financial statements. This guidance was effective for the Company's fiscal year beginning October 1, 2013 and did not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.
In February 2013, the FASB issued new accounting guidance for the recognition, measurement, and disclosure of obligations resulting from joint and several liability arrangements for which the total amount of the obligation (within the scope of this guidance) is fixed at the reporting date. Examples of obligations within the scope of this guidance include debt arrangements, other contractual obligations, and settled litigation and judicial rulings. This new guidance was effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2013 and subsequent interim periods. This guidance is effective for the Company's fiscal year beginning October 1, 2014 and it is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.
In July 2013, the FASB issued new accounting guidance that requires the presentation of unrecognized tax benefits as a reduction of the deferred tax assets, when a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward exists at the reporting date. This new guidance was effective for annual reporting periods beginning on or after December 15, 2013 and subsequent interim periods. This guidance is effective for the Company's fiscal year beginning October 1, 2014 and it is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.
In May 2014, the FASB issued new accounting guidance which amended the existing accounting standards for revenue recognition. The new accounting guidance establishes principles for recognizing revenue upon the transfer of promised goods or services to customers, in an amount that reflects the expected consideration received in exchange for those goods or services. This guidance is effective for the Company's fiscal year beginning October 1, 2017. Early adoption is not permitted. The amendments may be applied retrospectively to each prior period presented or retrospectively with the cumulative effect recognized as of the date of initial application. The Company has not selected a transition method and is currently in the process of evaluating the impact of adoption of the new accounting guidance on its consolidated financial statements.
3. Stock Repurchase Program
The Company's Board of Directors has authorized the repurchase of up to $1.0 billion in Company stock. Share repurchases can be made through open market purchases or other methods, including pursuant to a Rule 10b5-1 plan. From the inception of the stock repurchase program, the Company has purchased a total of 27.4 million shares at an average price of $24.10 per share, for a total cost of $660.1 million as of September 30, 2014.
4. Business Acquisitions, Goodwill, and Intangible Assets
The Company completed two, two and one business acquisitions during the years ended September 30, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Business acquisitions completed during the years ended September 30, 2014, 2013 and 2012 did not meet the quantitative thresholds to require pro forma
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
4. Business Acquisitions, Goodwill, and Intangible Assets (Continued)
disclosures of operating results, either individually or in the aggregate, based on the Company's consolidated assets, investments and net income. The Company also obtained control of an unconsolidated joint venture that resulted in its consolidation during the year ended September 30, 2014, as further discussed in Note 7.
Business acquisitions during the year ended September 30, 2014 included Hunt Construction Group, a United States-based commercial construction management firm which serves clients in both the public and private sectors, and Spain-based ACE International Consultants S.L., a leading consulting firm specializing in economic and social development cooperation and private sector development.
Business acquisitions during the year ended September 30, 2013 included South Africa-based BKS Group and Asia-based KPK Quantity Surveyors.
During the year ended September 30, 2012, the Company acquired an environmental engineering firm in Asia.
The aggregate value of all consideration for acquisitions consummated during the years ended September 30, 2014, 2013 and 2012 were $88.5 million, $82.0 million and $15.4 million, respectively. The following table summarizes the estimated fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed, as of the acquisition dates, from acquisitions consummated during the fiscal years presented:
Acquired intangible assets above includes the following:
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
4. Business Acquisitions, Goodwill, and Intangible Assets (Continued)
Consideration for acquisitions above includes the following:
All of the above acquisitions were accounted for under the purchase method of accounting. As such, the purchase consideration of each acquired company was allocated to acquired tangible and intangible assets and liabilities based upon their fair values. The final purchase price allocation has not been completed for acquisitions made during the year ended September 30, 2014. The excess of the purchase consideration over the fair value of the net tangible and identifiable intangible assets acquired was recorded as goodwill. The determination of fair values of assets and liabilities acquired requires the Company to make estimates and use valuation techniques when market value is not readily available. The results of operations of each company acquired have been included in the Company's financial statements from the date of acquisition. Transaction costs associated with business acquisitions are expensed as they are incurred.
At the time of acquisition, the Company preliminarily estimates the amount of the identifiable intangible assets acquired based upon historical valuations of similar acquisitions and the facts and circumstances available at the time. The Company determines the final value of the identifiable intangible assets as soon as information is available, but not more than 12 months from the date of acquisition. Post-acquisition adjustments primarily relate to project related liabilities.
During the fourth quarter of its fiscal year, the Company conducts its annual goodwill impairment test. The impairment evaluation process includes, among other things, making assumptions about variables such as revenue growth rates, profitability, discount rates, and industry market multiples, which are subject to a high degree of judgment.
As a result of the first step of the fiscal 2012 impairment analysis, the Company identified adverse market conditions and business trends within the Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) and MSS reporting units, which led the Company to determine that goodwill was impaired. Adverse market conditions included prolonged and sustained deterioration of European macroeconomic conditions in EMEA and decreased U.S. government military activities and unsuccessful contract pursuits in MSS. The reporting units' goodwill impairments largely relate to the following acquired businesses:
• MSS-McNeil Technologies, Inc.
• EMEA-Davis Langdon Europe and Middle East
Significant changes to the assumptions used in the September 30, 2012 as compared to the September 30, 2011 analysis were financial forecasts and market multiples. While both the MSS and the EMEA reporting units have historically generated positive cash flows, and are expected to continue to generate positive cash flows, the fair value of future cash flows of the Company's EMEA and MSS
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
4. Business Acquisitions, Goodwill, and Intangible Assets (Continued)
reporting units decreased. Additionally, the market multiples for the two reporting units decreased. The market multiples used were as follows:
The second step of the analysis was performed to measure the impairment as the excess of the goodwill carrying value over its implied fair value. This analysis resulted in an impairment of $336.0 million, or $317.2 million, net of tax. The goodwill carrying values of the EMEA and MSS reporting units before and after the goodwill impairment expense were as follows:
The changes in the carrying value of goodwill by reportable segment for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 were as follows:
Included in the acquired goodwill above for the year ended September 30, 2014 is $79.1 million of recorded goodwill as a result of the consolidation of an unconsolidated joint venture, as further discussed in Note 7.
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
4. Business Acquisitions, Goodwill, and Intangible Assets (Continued)
The gross amounts and accumulated amortization of the Company's acquired identifiable intangible assets with finite useful lives as of September 30, 2014 and 2013, included in intangible assets-net, in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets, were as follows:
Amortization expense of acquired intangible assets included within cost of revenue was $24.0 million and $21.2 million for the years ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The following table presents estimated amortization expense of existing intangible assets for the succeeding years:
5. Accounts Receivable-Net
Net accounts receivable consisted of the following:
Billed accounts receivable represent amounts billed to clients that have yet to be collected. Unbilled accounts receivable represents the contract revenue recognized but not yet billed pursuant to contract terms or accounts billed after the period end. Substantially all unbilled receivables as of September 30,
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
5. Accounts Receivable-Net (Continued)
and 2013 are expected to be billed and collected within twelve months. Contract retentions represent amounts invoiced to clients where payments have been withheld pending the completion of certain milestones, other contractual conditions or upon the completion of the project. These retention agreements vary from project to project and could be outstanding for several months or years.
Allowances for doubtful accounts have been determined through specific identification of amounts considered to be uncollectible and potential write-offs, plus a non-specific allowance for other amounts for which some potential loss has been determined to be probable based on current and past experience.
Other than the U.S. government, no single client accounted for more than 10% of the Company's outstanding receivables at September 30, 2014 and 2013.
The Company sold trade receivables to financial institutions, of which $111.9 million and $100.2 million were outstanding as of September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The Company does not retain financial or legal obligations for these receivables that would result in material losses. The Company's ongoing involvement is limited to the remittance of customer payments to the financial institutions with respect to the sold trade receivables.
6. Property and Equipment
Property and equipment, at cost, consists of the following:
Depreciation expense for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2014, 2013 and 2012 were $69.1 million, $70.7 million and $77.1 million, respectively. Included in depreciation expense is amortization of capitalized software costs in the years ended September 30, 2014, 2013 and 2012 of $7.3 million, $6.4 million and $6.2 million, respectively. Unamortized capitalized software costs at September 30, 2014, 2013 and 2012 were $39.9 million, $29.6 million and $24.1 million, respectively.
Depreciation is calculated using primarily the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets, or in the case of leasehold improvements and capitalized leases, the lesser of the remaining term of the lease or its estimated useful life.
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
7. Joint Ventures and Variable Interest Entities
The Company's joint ventures provide architecture, engineering, program management, construction management and operations and maintenance services. Joint ventures, the combination of two or more partners, are generally formed for a specific project. Management of the joint venture is typically controlled by a joint venture executive committee, comprised of representatives from the joint venture partners. The joint venture executive committee normally provides management oversight and controls decisions which could have a significant impact on the joint venture.
Some of the Company's joint ventures have no employees and minimal operating expenses. For these joint ventures, the Company's employees perform work for the joint venture, which is then billed to a third-party customer by the joint venture. These joint ventures function as pass through entities to bill the third-party customer. For consolidated joint ventures of this type, the Company records the entire amount of the services performed and the costs associated with these services, including the services provided by the other joint venture partners, in the Company's result of operations. For certain of these joint ventures where a fee is added by an unconsolidated joint venture to client billings, the Company's portion of that fee is recorded in equity in earnings of joint ventures.
The Company also has joint ventures that have their own employees and operating expenses, and to which the Company generally makes a capital contribution. The Company accounts for these joint ventures either as consolidated entities or equity method investments based on the criteria further discussed below.
The Company follows guidance issued by the FASB on the consolidation of variable interest entities (VIEs) that requires companies to utilize a qualitative approach to determine whether it is the primary beneficiary of a VIE. The process for identifying the primary beneficiary of a VIE requires consideration of the factors that indicate a party has the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the joint ventures' economic performance, including powers granted to the joint venture's program manager, powers contained in the joint venture governing board and, to a certain extent, a company's economic interest in the joint venture. The Company analyzes its joint ventures and classifies them as either:
• a VIE that must be consolidated because the Company is the primary beneficiary or the joint venture is not a VIE and the Company holds the majority voting interest with no significant participative rights available to the other partners; or
• a VIE that does not require consolidation and is treated as an equity method investment because the Company is not the primary beneficiary or the joint venture is not a VIE and the Company does not hold the majority voting interest.
As part of the above analysis, if it is determined that the Company has the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the joint venture's economic performance, the Company considers whether or not it has the obligation to absorb losses or rights to receive benefits of the VIE that could potentially be significant to the VIE.
Contractually required support provided to the Company's joint ventures is discussed in Note 20.
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
7. Joint Ventures and Variable Interest Entities (Continued)
Summary of unaudited financial information of the consolidated joint ventures is as follows:
Total revenue of the consolidated joint ventures was $614.5 million, $490.9 million and $468.6 million for the years ended September 30, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. The assets of the Company's consolidated joint ventures are restricted for use only by the particular joint venture and are not available for the general operations of the Company.
Summary of unaudited financial information of the unconsolidated joint ventures is as follows:
Total revenue of the unconsolidated joint ventures was $2.0 billion, $2.1 billion and $2.0 billion for the years ended September 30, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Total operating income of the unconsolidated joint ventures were $57.7 million, $70.1 million and $127.5 million for the years ended September 30, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
7. Joint Ventures and Variable Interest Entities (Continued)
Summary of AECOM's equity in earnings of unconsolidated joint ventures is as follows:
Included in equity in earnings above is a $37.4 million gain recognized upon change in control ($23.4 million, net of tax) of an unconsolidated joint venture in the year ended September 30, 2014. The Company obtained control of the joint venture through modifications to the joint venture's operating agreement, which required the Company to consolidate the joint venture. The acquisition date fair value of the previously held equity interest was $58.0 million, excluding the control premium. The measurement of the fair value of the equity interest immediately before obtaining control of the joint venture resulted in the pre-tax gain of $37.4 million. The Company utilized income and market approaches, in addition to obtaining an independent third party valuation, in determining the joint venture's fair value, which includes making assumptions about variables such as revenue growth rates, profitability, discount rates, and industry market multiples. These assumptions are subject to a high degree of judgment. Total assets and liabilities of this entity included in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet at the acquisition date were $207.8 million and $48.1 million, respectively. This acquisition did not meet the quantitative thresholds to require pro forma disclosures of operating results based on the Company's consolidated assets, investments and net income. This joint venture performs engineering and program management services in the Middle East and is included in the Company's PTS segment.
8. Pension Plans
In the U.S., the Company sponsors a Defined Benefit Pension Plan (the Pension Plan) which covers substantially all permanent employees hired as of March 1, 1998, subject to eligibility and vesting requirements, and required contributions from participating employees through March 31, 1998. Benefits under this plan generally are based on the employee's years of creditable service and compensation. Effective April 1, 2004, the Company set a maximum on the amount of compensation used to determine pension benefits based on the highest calendar year of compensation earned in the 10 completed calendar years from 1994 through 2003, or the relevant IRS annual compensation limit, whichever is lower. Outside the U.S., the Company sponsors various pension plans, which are appropriate to the country in which the Company operates, some of which are government mandated.
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
8. Pension Plans (Continued)
The following tables provide reconciliations of the changes in the U.S. and international plans' benefit obligations, reconciliations of the changes in the fair value of assets for the last three years ended September 30, and reconciliations of the funded status as of September 30 of each year.
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
8. Pension Plans (Continued)
The following table sets forth the amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheets as of September 30, 2014, 2013 and 2012:
The following table details the reconciliation of amounts in the consolidated statements of stockholders' equity for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2014, 2013 and 2012:
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
8. Pension Plans (Continued)
The following table details the components of net periodic benefit cost for the plans in fiscal 2014, 2013 and 2012:
The amount, net of applicable deferred income taxes, included in other comprehensive income arising from a change in net prior service cost and net gain/loss was $7.6 million, $2.6 million and $9.0 million in the years ended September 30, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
Amounts included in accumulated other comprehensive loss as of September 30, 2014 that are expected to be recognized as components of net periodic benefit cost during fiscal 2015 are (in millions):
The table below provides additional year-end information for pension plans with accumulated benefit obligations in excess of plan assets.
Funding requirements for each plan are determined based on the local laws of the country where such plan resides. In certain countries, the funding requirements are mandatory while in other countries, they are discretionary. The Company currently intends to contribute $17.0 million to the international plans in fiscal 2015. The Company does not have a required minimum contribution for the U.S. plans; however, the
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
8. Pension Plans (Continued)
Company may make discretionary contributions. The Company currently intends to contribute $5.4 million to U.S. plans in fiscal 2015.
The table below provides the expected future benefit payments, in millions:
The underlying assumptions for the pension plans are as follows:
Pension costs are determined using the assumptions as of the beginning of the plan year, October 1. The funded status is determined using the assumptions as of the end of the plan year.
The following table summarizes the Company's target allocation for 2014 and pension plan asset allocation, both U.S. and international, as of September 30, 2014 and 2013:
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
8. Pension Plans (Continued)
The Company's policy is to minimize the risk of large losses through diversification in a portfolio of stocks, bonds, and cash equivalents, as appropriate, which may reflect varying rates of return. The percentage of assets allocated to cash is to assure liquidity to meet benefit disbursements and general operating expenses.
To develop the expected long-term rate of return on assets assumption, the Company considered the historical returns and the future expectations for returns for each asset class, as well as the target asset allocation of the pension portfolio and the diversification of the portfolio. This resulted in the selection of a 7.5% and 5.4% weighted-average long-term rate of return on assets assumption for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2014 for U.S. and non-U.S. plans, respectively.
As of September 30, 2014, the fair values of the Company's post- retirement benefit plan assets by major asset categories were as follows:
As of September 30, 2013, the fair values of the Company's post- retirement benefit plan assets by major asset categories are as follows:
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
8. Pension Plans (Continued)
Changes for the year ended September 30, 2014, in the fair value of the Company's recurring post-retirement plan Level 3 assets are as follows:
Changes for the year ended September 30, 2013, in the fair value of the Company's recurring post-retirement plan Level 3 assets are as follows:
Cash equivalents are mostly comprised of short-term money-market instruments and are valued at cost, which approximates fair value.
For equity investment funds not traded on an active exchange, or if the closing price is not available, the trustee obtains indicative quotes from a pricing vendor, broker, or investment manager. These funds are categorized as Level 2 if the custodian obtains corroborated quotes from a pricing vendor or categorized as Level 3 if the custodian obtains uncorroborated quotes from a broker or investment manager.
Fixed income investment funds categorized as Level 2 are valued by the trustee using pricing models that use verifiable observable market data (e.g., interest rates and yield curves observable at commonly quoted intervals), bids provided by brokers or dealers, or quoted prices of securities with similar characteristics.
Hedge funds categorized as Level 3 are valued based on valuation models that include significant unobservable inputs and cannot be corroborated using verifiable observable market data. Hedge funds are valued by independent administrators. Depending on the nature of the assets, the general partners or independent administrators use both the income and market approaches in their models. The market approach consists of analyzing market transactions for comparable assets while the income approach uses earnings or the net present value of estimated future cash flows adjusted for liquidity and other risk factors. As of September 30, 2014, there were no material changes to the valuation techniques.
AECOM TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
9. Debt
Debt consisted of the following:
The following table presents, in millions, scheduled maturities of our debt as of September 30, 2014:
Unsecured Term Credit Agreement
In June 2013, the Company entered into a Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (Term Credit Agreement) with Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent and a lender, and the other lenders party thereto. Pursuant to the Term Credit Agreement, the Company borrowed $750 million and may borrow up to an additional $100 million subject to certain conditions, including Company and lender approval. The Company used approximately $675 million of the proceeds from the loans to repay indebtedness under our prior term loan facility. The loans under the Term Credit Agreement bear interest, at our option, at either the Base Rate (as defined in the Term Credit Agreement) plus an applicable margin or the Eurodollar Rate (as defined in the Term Credit Agreement) plus an applicable margin. The applicable margin for the Base Rate loans is a range of 0.125% to 1.250% and the applicable margin for Eurodollar Rate loans is a range of 1.125% to 2.250%, both based on our debt-to-earnings leverage ratio at the end of each fiscal quarter. For the years ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, the average interest rate of the Company's term loan facility was 1.66% and 1.98%, respectively. Payments of the initial principal amount outstanding under the Term Credit Agreement are required on an annual basis and began on June 30, 2014 with the final principal balance of $600 million due on June 7, 2018. The Company may, at its option, prepay the loans at any time, without penalty. The Company's obligations under the Term Credit Agreement are guaranteed by certain of our subsidiaries pursuant to one or more subsidiary guarantees.
AECOM TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
9. Debt (Continued)
Unsecured Senior Notes
In July 2010, the Company issued $300 million of notes to private institutional investors. The notes consisted of $175.0 million of 5.43% Senior Notes, Series A, due July 2020 and $125.0 million of 1.00% Senior Discount Notes, Series B, due July 2022 for net proceeds of $249.8 million. The outstanding accreted balance of Series B Notes, which have an effective interest rate of 5.62%, was $88.9 million and $85.2 million at September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The fair value of the Company's unsecured senior notes was approximately $287.4 million and $269.4 million at September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The Company calculated the fair values based on model-derived valuations using market observable inputs, which are Level 2 inputs under the accounting guidance. The Company's obligations under the notes are guaranteed by certain of its subsidiaries pursuant to one or more subsidiary guarantees. The Company has the option to prepay the notes at any time at their called principal amount, together with any accrued and unpaid interest, plus a make-whole premium.
Unsecured Revolving Credit Facility
In January 2014, the Company entered into a Fourth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (Revolving Credit Agreement), which provides for a borrowing capacity of $1.05 billion. The Revolving Credit Agreement expires on January 29, 2019, and prior to this expiration date, principal amounts outstanding under the Revolving Credit Agreement may be repaid and reborrowed at the Company's option without prepayment or penalty, subject to certain conditions including the absence of any event of default. The Company may request an increase in capacity of up to a total of $1.25 billion, subject to certain conditions including the absence of any event of default. The loans under the Revolving Credit Agreement may be borrowed in dollars or in certain foreign currencies and bear interest, at our option, at either the Base Rate (as defined in the Revolving Credit Agreement) plus an applicable margin or the Eurocurrency Rate (as defined in the Revolving Credit Agreement) plus an applicable margin. The applicable margin for the Base Rate loans is a range of 0.125% to 1.250% and the applicable margin for the Eurocurrency Rate loans is a range of 1.125% to 2.250%, both based on the Company's debt-to-earnings leverage ratio at the end of each fiscal quarter. In addition to these borrowing rates, there is a commitment fee which ranges from 0.125% to 0.350% on any unused commitment. At September 30, 2014 and 2013, $0.0 million and $114.7 million, respectively, were outstanding under the Company's revolving credit facility. At September 30, 2014 and 2013, outstanding standby letters of credit totaled $12.1 million and $35.5 million, respectively, under the Company's revolving credit facility. As of September 30, 2014, the Company had $1,037.9 million available under our Revolving Credit Agreement.
Covenants and Restrictions
Under the Company's debt agreements relating to its unsecured revolving credit facility, unsecured term credit agreement, and unsecured senior notes, the Company is subject to a maximum consolidated leverage ratio at the end of each fiscal quarter. This ratio is calculated by dividing consolidated funded debt (including financial letters of credit and other adjustments per its debt agreements) by consolidated earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA). Subject to certain differences among our debt agreements, EBITDA is defined as consolidated net income attributable to AECOM plus interest, depreciation and amortization expense, amounts set aside for taxes and other non-cash items (including a calculated annualized EBITDA from our acquisitions). As of September 30, 2014, the Company's most restrictive consolidated leverage ratio under its debt agreements was 2.55, which did not exceed the Company's maximum consolidated leverage ratio permitted under its debt agreements of 3.0.
AECOM TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
9. Debt (Continued)
Our Revolving Credit Agreement and Term Credit Agreement also contain certain covenants that limit our ability to, among other things, (i) merge with other entities, (ii) enter into a transaction resulting in a change of control, (iii) create new liens, (iv) sell assets outside of the ordinary course of business, (v) enter into transactions with affiliates, (vi) substantially change the general nature of the Company and its subsidiaries taken as a whole, and (vii) incur indebtedness and contingent obligations.
Additionally, the Company's unsecured senior notes contain covenants that limit (i) certain types of indebtedness, which include indebtedness incurred by subsidiaries and indebtedness secured by a lien, (ii) merging with other entities, (iii) entering into a transaction resulting in a change of control, (iv) creating new liens, (v) selling assets outside of the ordinary course of business, (vi) entering into transactions with affiliates, and (vii) substantially changing the general nature of our Company and our subsidiaries taken as a whole. The unsecured senior notes also contain a financial covenant that requires us to maintain a net worth above a calculated threshold. The threshold is calculated as $1.2 billion plus 40% of the consolidated net income for each fiscal quarter commencing with the fiscal quarter ending June 30, 2010. In the calculation of this threshold, the Company cannot include a consolidated net loss that may occur in any fiscal quarter. The Company's net worth for this financial covenant is defined as total AECOM stockholders' equity, which is consolidated stockholders' equity, including any redeemable common stock and stock units and the liquidation preference of any preferred stock. As of September 30, 2014, this amount was $2.2 billion, which exceeds the calculated threshold of $1.7 billion.
Should the Company fail to comply with these covenants, all or a portion of its borrowings under the unsecured senior notes and unsecured term credit agreements could become immediately payable and its unsecured revolving credit facility could be terminated. At September 30, 2014 and 2013, the Company was in compliance with all such covenants.
The Company's average effective interest rate on total borrowings, including the effects of the interest rate swap agreements, during the year ended September 30, 2014, 2013 and 2012 was 2.8%, 3.0% and 3.1%, respectively.
Other Debt
Other debt consists primarily of bank overdrafts, obligations under capital leases, and other unsecured credit facilities. In addition to the unsecured revolving credit facility discussed above, the Company also has other unsecured credit facilities primarily used for standby letters of credit issued for payment of performance guarantees. At September 30, 2014 and 2013, these outstanding standby letters of credit totaled $301.0 million and $236.4 million, respectively. As of September 30, 2014 and 2013, the Company had $327.4 million and $331.8 million, respectively, available under these unsecured credit facilities.
10. Derivative Financial Instruments
The Company uses certain interest rate derivative contracts to hedge interest rate exposures on the Company's variable rate debt. The Company enters into foreign currency derivative contracts with financial institutions to reduce the risk that its cash flows and earnings will be adversely affected by foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations. The Company's hedging program is not designated for trading or speculative purposes.
The Company recognizes derivative instruments as either assets or liabilities on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets at fair value. The Company records changes in the fair value (i.e., gains or
AECOM TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
10. Derivative Financial Instruments (Continued)
losses) of the derivatives that have been designated as accounting hedges in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations as cost of revenue, interest expense or to accumulated other comprehensive loss in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.
Cash Flow Hedges
The Company uses interest rate swap agreements designated as cash flow hedges to fix the variable interest rates on portions of the Company's debt. The Company also uses foreign currency options designated as cash flow hedges to hedge forecasted revenue transactions denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar. The Company initially reports any gain on the effective portion of a cash flow hedge as a component of accumulated other comprehensive loss. Depending on the type of cash flow hedge, the gain is subsequently reclassified to either interest expense when the interest expense on the variable rate debt is recognized, or to cost of revenue when the hedged revenues are recorded. If the hedged transaction becomes probable of not occurring, any gain or loss related to interest rate swap agreements or foreign currency options would be recognized in other income (expense). Further, the Company excludes the change in the time value of the foreign currency options from the assessment of hedge effectiveness. The Company records the premium paid or time value of an option on the date of purchase as an asset. Thereafter, the Company recognizes any change to this time value in cost of revenue.
The notional principal, fixed rates and related expiration dates of the Company's outstanding interest rate swap agreements were as follows:
There were no foreign currency options to purchase British Pounds (GBP) with Brazilian Reals (BRL) at September 30, 2014. The notional principal of foreign currency options to purchase GBP with BRL was BRL 2.1 million (or approximately $0.9 million) at September 30, 2013.
Foreign Currency Forward Contracts
The Company uses foreign currency forward contracts, which are not designated as accounting hedges, to hedge intercompany transactions and other monetary assets or liabilities denominated in currencies other than the functional currency of a subsidiary. Gains and losses on these contracts are recognized in cost of revenue for those instruments related to the provision of their respective services or general and administrative expenses, along with the offsetting losses and gains of the related hedged items.
AECOM TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
10. Derivative Financial Instruments (Continued)
The notional principal of foreign currency forward contracts to purchase U.S. dollars with foreign currencies was $69.5 million at September 30, 2014. The notional principal of foreign currency forward contracts to sell U.S. dollars for foreign currencies was $71.5 million at September 30, 2014. The notional principal of foreign currency forward contracts to purchase GBP with BRL was BRL 1.1 million (or approximately $0.4 million) at September 30, 2014. The notional principal of foreign currency forward contracts to purchase U.S. dollars with foreign currencies was $171.8 million at September 30, 2013. The notional principal of foreign currency forward contracts to sell U.S. dollars for foreign currencies was $174.2 million at September 30, 2013. The notional principal of foreign currency forward contracts to purchase GBP with BRL was BRL 4.0 million (or approximately $1.8 million) at September 30, 2013. The notional principal of foreign currency forward contracts to sell GBP for BRL was BRL 8.2 million (or approximately $3.6 million) at September 30, 2013.
Other Derivatives
Other derivatives that are not designated as hedging instruments consist of option contracts that the Company uses to hedge anticipated transactions in currencies other than the functional currency of a subsidiary. The Company recognizes gains and losses on these contracts as well as the offsetting losses and gains of the related hedged item costs in cost of revenue. The Company records the premium paid or time value of an option on the date of purchase as an asset. Thereafter, the Company recognizes any change to this time value in cost of revenue. There were no such option contracts were outstanding at September 30, 2014 and 2013.
The fair values of our outstanding derivative instruments were as follows (in millions):
AECOM TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
10. Derivative Financial Instruments (Continued)
At September 30, 2014, the effective portion of the Company's interest rate swap agreements designated as cash flow hedges before tax effect was $3.0 million, of which $4.8 million is expected to be reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss to interest expense within the next 12 months. At September 30, 2014, the effective portion of the Company's foreign currency options designated as cash flow hedges before tax effect were immaterial.
The effect of derivative instruments in cash flow hedging relationships on income and other comprehensive income is summarized below (in millions):
(1)Losses related to the ineffective portion of the hedges were not material in all periods presented.
The gain recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss from the Company's foreign currency options was immaterial for all years presented. The gain reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss into income from the foreign currency options was immaterial for all years presented. Additionally, there were no losses recognized in income due to amounts excluded from effectiveness testing from the Company's interest rate swap agreements.
AECOM TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
10. Derivative Financial Instruments (Continued)
The effect of derivative instruments not designated as hedging instruments on income is summarized below (in millions):
(1)Losses related to the ineffective portion of the hedges were not material in all periods presented.
11. Fair Value Measurements
Fair value is the price that would be received from selling an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. When determining fair value, the Company considers the principal or most advantageous market in which it would transact, and the Company considers assumptions that market participants would use when pricing the asset or liability. It measures certain financial and nonfinancial assets and liabilities at fair value on a recurring and nonrecurring basis.
Nonfinancial assets and liabilities include items such as goodwill and long lived assets that are measured at fair value resulting from impairment, if deemed necessary. During the year ended September 30, 2012, the Company recognized an impairment of goodwill within both its PTS and MSS reportable segments. For further information regarding the impairment of goodwill refer to Note 4 herein.
Fair Value Hierarchy
The three levels of inputs may be used to measure fair value, as discussed in Note 1. There were no significant transfers between any of the levels of the fair value hierarchy during the years ended September 30, 2014 and 2013. The Company classifies its derivative financial instruments within Level 2 as the valuation inputs are based on quoted prices and market observable data of similar instruments.
AECOM TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
11. Fair Value Measurements (Continued)
The following table summarizes the Company's non-pension financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis (at least annually) in millions:
For additional information about the Company's derivative financial instruments refer to Note 10 herein.
12. Concentration of Credit Risk
Financial instruments which potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk consist principally of cash investments and trade receivables. The Company's cash balances and short-term investments are maintained in accounts held by major banks and financial institutions located primarily in the U.S., Canada, Europe, Australia, Middle East and Hong Kong. If the Company extends significant credit to clients in a specific geographic area or industry, the Company may experience disproportionately high levels of default if those clients are adversely affected by factors particular to their geographic area or industry. Concentrations of credit risk with respect to trade receivables are limited due to the large number of customers comprising the Company's customer base, including, in large part, governments, government agencies and quasi-government organizations, and their dispersion across many different industries and geographies. See Note 21 regarding the Company's foreign revenues. In order to mitigate credit risk, the Company continually reviews the credit worthiness of its major private clients.
AECOM TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
13. Leases
The Company and its subsidiaries are lessees in non-cancelable leasing agreements for office buildings and equipment. The related payments are expensed on a straight-line basis over the lease term, including, as applicable, any free-rent period during which the Company has the right to use the asset. For leases with renewal options where the renewal is reasonably assured, the lease term, including the renewal period is used to determine the appropriate lease classification and to compute periodic rental expense. The following table presents, in millions, amounts payable under non-cancelable operating lease commitments during the following fiscal years:
Rent expense for leases for the years ended September 30, 2014, 2013 and 2012 was approximately $210.4 million, $225.4 million and $237.4 million, respectively. When the Company is required to restore leased facilities to original condition, provisions are made over the period of the lease.
14. Other Financial Information
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities consist of the following:
Accrued contract costs above include balances related to professional liability accruals of $120.2 million and $121.3 million as of September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The remaining accrued contract costs primarily relate to costs for services provided by subcontractors and other non-employees.
AECOM TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
14. Other Financial Information (Continued)
Other long-term liabilities consist of the following:
15. Reclassifications out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
The accumulated balances and reporting period activities for the years ended September 30, 2014, 2013 and 2012 related to reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive loss are summarized as follows (in millions):
AECOM TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
15. Reclassifications out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Continued)
(1)This accumulated other comprehensive component is reclassified in Interest expense in our Consolidated Statements of Income. See Note 10, Derivative Financial Instruments, for more information.
(2)This accumulated other comprehensive component is reclassified in Cost of revenue and General and administrative expenses in our Consolidated Statements of Income. See Note 8, Pension Benefit Obligations, for more information.
16. Stockholders' Equity
Common Stock Units-Common stock units are only redeemable for common stock. In the event of liquidation of the Company, holders of stock units are entitled to no greater rights than holders of common stock. See also Note 17.
17. Stock Plans
Defined Contribution Plans-Substantially all permanent employees are eligible to participate in defined contribution plans provided by the Company. Under these plans, participants may make contributions into a variety of funds, including a fund that is fully invested in Company stock. Employees are not required to allocate any funds to Company stock. Employees may generally reallocate their account balances on a daily basis; however, employees classified as insiders are restricted under the Company's insider trading policy.
AECOM TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
17. Stock Plans (Continued)
Stock compensation expense relating to employer contributions under defined contribution plans for fiscal years ended September 30, 2014, 2013 and 2012 was $14.4 million, $14.6 million and $15.9 million, respectively. Issuances of AECOM common stock related to employee participants' contributions to these defined contribution plans are included as issuances of stock in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity and of Cash Flows.
Stock Incentive Plans-Under the 2006 Stock Incentive Plan, the Company has up to 19.8 million securities remaining available for future issuance under stock options or up to 9.9 million securities remaining available for restricted stock awards and performance stock awards as of September 30, 2014. Stock options may be granted to employees and non-employee directors with an exercise price not less than the fair market value of the stock on the date of grant. Unexercised options expire seven years after date of grant.
During the three years in the period ended September 30, 2014, option activity was as follows:
AECOM TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
17. Stock Plans (Continued)
The following table summarizes information concerning outstanding and exercisable options as of September 30, 2014:
The remaining contractual life of options outstanding at September 30, 2014 range from 0.03 to 9.43 years and have a weighted average remaining contractual life of 4.69 years. The aggregate intrinsic value of stock options exercised during the years ended September 30, 2014, 2013 and 2012 was $4.3 million, $7.9 million and $3.9 million, respectively.
The fair value of the Company's employee stock option awards is estimated on the date of grant. The expected term of awards granted represents the period of time the awards are expected to be outstanding. The risk-free interest rate is based on U.S. Treasury bond rates with maturities equal to the expected term of the option on the grant date. The Company uses historical data as a basis to estimate the probability of forfeitures. The weighted average grant-date fair value of stock options granted during the year ended September 30, 2014 was $7.83.
The Company grants stock units to employees under the Performance Earnings Program (PEP), whereby units are earned and issued dependent upon meeting established performance objectives and vesting over a three-year period. Additionally, the Company issues restricted stock units, which are earned based on service conditions. The grant date fair value of PEP awards and restricted stock unit awards is that day's closing market price of the Company's common stock. The weighted average grant date fair value of PEP awards was $29.32, $22.27, and $20.58 during the years ended September 30, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. The weighted average grant date fair value of restricted stock unit awards was $29.60, $22.83, and $20.62 during the years ended September 30, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Total compensation expense related to these share-based payments including stock options was $34.4 million, $32.6 million and $26.6 million during the years ended September 30, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Unrecognized compensation expense related to total share-based payments outstanding as of September 30, 2014 was $62.4 million, to be recognized on a straight-line basis over the awards' respective vesting periods which are generally three years.
Cash flow attributable to tax benefits resulting from tax deductions in excess of compensation cost recognized for those stock options (excess tax benefits) is classified as financing cash flows. Excess tax benefits of $0.7 million, $1.8 million and $1.3 million for the years ended September 30, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively, have been classified as financing cash inflows in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.
AECOM TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
18. Income Taxes
Income before income taxes included income (loss) from domestic operations of $138.2 million, $111.8 million and $(89.2) million for fiscal years ended September 30, 2014, 2013 and 2012 and income from foreign operations of $176.6 million, $224.0 million and $106.7 million for fiscal years ended September 30, 2014, 2013 and 2012.
Income tax expense (benefit) on continuing operations is comprised of:
The major elements contributing to the difference between the U.S. federal statutory rate of 35.0% and the effective tax rate are as follows:
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
18. Income Taxes (Continued)
The deferred tax assets (liabilities) are as follows:
As of September 30, 2014, the Company has available unused state net operating loss (NOL) carry forwards of $230.6 million and foreign NOL carry forwards of $260.2 million which expire at various dates. In addition, as of September 30, 2014, the Company has unused state research and development credits of $17.5 million and California Enterprise Zone Tax Credits of $4.6 million which can be carried forward indefinitely.
As of September 30, 2014 and 2013, gross deferred tax assets were $367.1 million and $359.4 million, respectively. The Company has recorded a valuation allowance of approximately $27.1 million and $20.8 million at September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively, related to state and foreign net operating loss carry forwards and credits. The Company has performed an assessment of positive and negative evidence, including the nature, frequency, and severity of cumulative financial reporting losses in recent years, the future reversal of existing temporary differences, predictability of future taxable income exclusive of reversing temporary differences of the character necessary to realize the asset, relevant carry forward periods, taxable income in carry-back years if carry-back is permitted under tax law, and prudent and feasible tax planning strategies that would be implemented, if necessary, to protect against the loss of the deferred tax asset. Although realization is not assured, based on the Company's assessment, the Company has concluded that it is more likely than not that the remaining gross deferred tax asset (exclusive of
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
18. Income Taxes (Continued)
deferred tax liabilities) of $340.0 million will be realized and, as such, no additional valuation allowance has been provided.
As of September 30, 2014 and 2013, the Company has remaining tax-deductible goodwill of $251.6 million and $283.9 million, respectively, resulting from acquisitions. The amortization of this goodwill is deductible over various periods ranging up to 15 years.
The Company does not provide for U.S. taxes or foreign withholding taxes on undistributed earnings from non-U.S. subsidiaries because such earnings are able to and intended to be reinvested indefinitely. The undistributed earnings are approximately $976.7 million. If undistributed pre-tax earnings were distributed, foreign tax credits could become available under current law to partially or fully reduce the resulting U.S. income tax liability. If such earnings were repatriated, additional tax expense may result, although the calculation of such additional taxes is not practicable.
As of September 30, 2014 and 2013, the Company had a liability for unrecognized tax benefits, including potential interest and penalties, net of related tax benefit, totaling $52.6 million and $60.2 million, respectively. The gross unrecognized tax benefits as of September 30, 2014 and 2013 were $47.5 million and $53.7 million, respectively, excluding interest, penalties, and related tax benefit. Of the $47.5 million, approximately $28.6 million would be included in the effective tax rate if recognized in the fiscal year ended September 30, 2014. The adoption of ASC 805, "Accounting for Business Combinations," at the beginning of the fiscal year ended September 30, 2010 changed the treatment of the reversal of unrecognized tax benefits related to acquired companies which prior to adoption of ASC 805 would have impacted goodwill, but after the adoption of ASC 805, results in the recognition of income tax benefit. A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of gross unrecognized tax benefits is as follows:
The Company classifies interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions within the income tax expense line in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations. At September 30, 2014, the accrued interest and penalties were $6.2 million and $2.9 million, respectively, excluding any related income tax benefits. As of September 30, 2013, the accrued interest and penalties were $7.3 million and $2.7 million, respectively, excluding any related income tax benefits.
The Company files income tax returns in numerous tax jurisdictions, including the U.S., and numerous U.S. states and non-U.S. jurisdictions around the world. The statute of limitations varies by jurisdiction in which the Company operates. Because of the number of jurisdictions in which the Company files tax
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
18. Income Taxes (Continued)
returns, in any given year the statute of limitations in certain jurisdictions may expire without examination within the 12-month period from the balance sheet date.
The Company is currently under examination by the U.S. Internal Revenue Service for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2010 and September 30, 2011. With a few exceptions, the Company is no longer subject to U.S. state or non-U.S. income tax examinations by tax on authorities for years before fiscal year 2009. The Company anticipates that some of the audits may be concluded in the foreseeable future, including in fiscal year ending September 30, 2015. Based on the status of these audits, it is reasonably possible that the conclusion of the audits may result in a reduction of unrecognized tax benefits. It is not possible to estimate the impact of any change at this time.
19. Earnings Per Share
Basic earnings per share (EPS) excludes dilution and is computed by dividing net income available for common stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted EPS is computed by dividing net income by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding and potential common shares for the period. The Company includes as potential common shares the weighted average dilutive effects of outstanding stock options and restricted stock units using the treasury stock method. The computation of diluted loss per share for the year ended September 30, 2012 excludes 0.7 million of potential common shares due to their antidilutive effect.
The following table sets forth a reconciliation of the denominators of basic and diluted earnings per share:
As discussed in Note 3, EPS includes the effect of repurchased shares. For the years ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, options excluded from the calculation of potential common shares were not significant.
20. Commitments and Contingencies
The Company records amounts representing its probable estimated liabilities relating to claims, guarantees, litigation, audits and investigations. The Company relies in part on qualified actuaries to assist it in determining the level of reserves to establish for insurance-related claims that are known and have been asserted against it, and for insurance-related claims that are believed to have been incurred based on actuarial analysis, but have not yet been reported to the Company's claims administrators as of the respective balance sheet dates. The Company includes any adjustments to such insurance reserves in its consolidated results of operations.
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
20. Commitments and Contingencies (Continued)
The Company is a defendant in various lawsuits arising in the normal course of business. In the opinion of management, based upon current information and discussions with counsel, with the exception of the matters noted below, the ultimate resolution of these matters will not have a material adverse effect on its consolidated balance sheet or statements of operations or cash flows.
In some instances, the Company guarantees that a project, when complete, will achieve specified performance standards. If the project subsequently fails to meet guaranteed performance standards, the Company may either incur additional costs or be held responsible for the costs incurred by the client to achieve the required performance standards. At September 30, 2014, the Company was contingently liable in the amount of approximately $313.1 million under standby letters of credit issued primarily in connection with general and professional liability insurance programs and for payment of performance guarantees.
In the ordinary course of business, the Company enters into various agreements providing financial or performance assurances to clients on behalf of certain unconsolidated partnerships, joint ventures and other jointly executed contracts. These agreements are entered into primarily to support the project execution commitments of these entities. In addition, in connection with the investment activities of AECOM Capital, we provide guarantees of certain obligations, including guarantees for completion of projects, repayment of debt, environmental indemnity obligations and acts of willful misconduct. The guarantees have various expiration dates. The maximum potential payment amount of an outstanding performance guarantee is the remaining cost of work to be performed by or on behalf of third parties. Generally, under joint venture arrangements, if a partner is financially unable to complete its share of the contract, the other partner(s) will be required to complete those activities. The Company generally only enters into joint venture arrangements with partners who are reputable, financially sound and who carry appropriate levels of surety bonds for the project in order to adequately assure completion of their assignments. The Company does not expect that these guarantees will have a material adverse effect on its consolidated balance sheet or statements of operations or cash flows.
Tishman Inquiry
The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of New York (USAO) has informed the Company's subsidiary Tishman Construction Corporation (TCC) that, in connection with a wage and hour investigation of several New York area contractors, the USAO is investigating potential improper overtime payments to union workers on projects managed by TCC and other contractors in New York dating back to 1999. TCC, which was acquired by the Company in 2010, has cooperated fully with the investigation and, as of this date, no actions have been filed.
AECOM Australia
In 2005 and 2006, the Company's main Australian subsidiary, AECOM Australia Pty Ltd (AECOM Australia), performed a traffic forecast assignment for a client consortium as part of the client's project to design, build, finance and operate a tolled motorway tunnel in Australia. To fund the motorway's design and construction, the client formed certain special purpose vehicles (SPVs) that raised approximately $700 million Australian dollars through an initial public offering (IPO) of equity units in 2006 and approximately an additional $1.4 billion Australian dollars in long term bank loans. The SPVs went into insolvency administrations in February 2011.
AECOM TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
20. Commitments and Contingencies (Continued)
KordaMentha, the receivers for the SPVs (the RCM Applicants), caused a lawsuit to be filed against AECOM Australia by the RCM Applicants in the Federal Court of Australia on May 14, 2012. Portigon AG (formerly WestLB AG), one of the lending banks to the SPVs, filed a lawsuit in the Federal Court of Australia against AECOM Australia on May 18, 2012. Separately, a class action lawsuit, which has been amended to include approximately 770 of the IPO investors, was filed against AECOM Australia in the Federal Court of Australia on May 31, 2012.
All of the lawsuits claim damages that purportedly resulted from AECOM Australia's role in connection with the above described traffic forecast. The RCM Applicants have claimed damages of approximately $1.68 billion Australian dollars (including interest, as of March 31, 2014). The damages claimed by Portigon as of June 17, 2014 were also recently quantified at approximately $76 million Australian dollars (including interest). The Company believes this claim is duplicative of damages already included in the RCM Applicants' claim to the extent Portigon receives a portion of the RCM Applicants' recovery. The class action applicants claim that they represent investors who acquired approximately $155 million Australian dollars of securities.
AECOM Australia disputes the claimed entitlements to damages asserted by all applicants and is vigorously defending the claims brought against it. The likely resolution of these matters cannot be reasonably determined at this time. However, if these matters are not resolved in AECOM Australia's favor then, depending upon the outcome, such resolution could have a material adverse effect on the Company's results of operations.
21. Reportable Segments and Geographic Information
The Company's operations are organized into two reportable segments: Professional Technical Services (PTS) and Management Support Services (MSS). The Company's PTS reportable segment delivers planning, consulting, architectural and engineering design, and program and construction management services to commercial and government clients worldwide. The Company's MSS reportable segment provides program and facilities management and maintenance, training, logistics, consulting, and technical assistance and systems integration services, primarily for agencies of the U.S. government. These reportable segments are organized by the types of services provided, the differing specialized needs of the respective clients, and how the Company manages its business. The Company has aggregated operating segments into its PTS reportable segment based on their similar characteristics, including similar long term financial performance, the nature of services provided, internal processes for delivering those services, and types of customers.
Management internally analyzes the results of its operations using several non-GAAP measures. A significant portion of the Company's revenues relates to services provided by subcontractors and other non-employees that it categorizes as other direct costs. Other direct costs are segregated from cost of revenues resulting in revenue, net of other direct costs, which is a measure of work performed by Company employees. The Company has included information on revenue, net of other direct costs, as it believes that it is useful to view its revenue exclusive of costs associated with external service providers.
AECOM TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
21. Reportable Segments and Geographic Information (Continued)
The following tables set forth unaudited summarized financial information concerning the Company's reportable segments:
(1)Non-GAAP measure.
AECOM TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
21. Reportable Segments and Geographic Information (Continued)
Geographic Information:
The Company attributes revenue by geography based on the external customer's country of origin. Long-lived assets consist of noncurrent assets excluding deferred tax assets.
22. Major Clients
Other than the U.S. federal government, no single client accounted for 10% or more of the Company's revenue in any of the past five fiscal years. Approximately 15%, 18% and 18% of the Company's revenue was derived through direct contracts with agencies of the U.S. federal government in the years ended September 30, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. One of these contracts accounted for approximately 3%, 4% and 4% of the Company's revenue in the years ended September 30, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
AECOM TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
23. Quarterly Financial Information-Unaudited
In the opinion of management, the following unaudited quarterly data reflects all adjustments necessary for a fair statement of the results of operations. All such adjustments are of a normal recurring nature.
AECOM TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
23. Quarterly Financial Information-Unaudited (Continued)
24. Subsequent Events
Acquisition of URS Corporation
On October 17, 2014, the Company completed the acquisition of the U.S. headquartered URS Corporation (URS), a leading international provider of engineering, construction, and technical services, by purchasing 100% of the outstanding shares of URS common stock. The Company paid a total consideration of approximately $2.3 billion in cash and issued approximately $1.6 billion of AECOM common stock to the former stockholders and certain equity award holders of URS. In connection with the acquisition, the Company also assumed URS's senior notes totaling $1.0 billion, and subsequently repaid in full URS's $0.6 billion 2011 term loan and URS's $0.1 billion revolving line of credit. Upon the occurrence of a change in control of URS, the URS senior noteholders had a right to redeem their notes at a cash price equal to 101% of the principal amount of the notes. The acquisition of URS was considered a change in control of URS and, as a result on October 24, 2014, the Company purchased $0.6 billion of URS's senior notes from the noteholders.
Senior Unsecured Notes
On October 6, 2014, the Company completed a private placement offering of $800,000,000 aggregate principal amount of its 5.750% Senior Notes due 2022 (the 2022 Notes) and $800,000,000 aggregate
AECOM TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
24. Subsequent Events (Continued)
principal amount of its 5.875% Senior Notes due 2024 (the 2024 Notes and, together with the 2022 Notes, the Notes).
At any time prior to October 15, 2017, the Company may redeem all or part of the 2022 Notes, at a redemption price equal to 100% of their principal amount, plus a "make whole" premium as of the redemption date, and accrued and unpaid interest (subject to the rights of holders of record on the relevant record date to receive interest due on the relevant interest payment date). In addition, at any time prior to October 15, 2017, the Company may redeem up to 35% of the original aggregate principal amount of the 2022 Notes with the proceeds of one or more equity offerings, at a redemption price equal to 105.750%, plus accrued and unpaid interest. Furthermore, at any time on or after October 15, 2017, the Company may redeem the 2022 Notes, in whole or in part, at once or over time, at the specified redemption prices plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon to the redemption date. At any time prior to July 15, 2024, the Company may redeem on one or more occasions all or part of the 2024 Notes at a redemption price equal to the sum of (i) 100% of the principal amount thereof, plus (ii) a "make-whole" premium as of the date of the redemption, plus any accrued and unpaid interest to the date of redemption. In addition, on or after July 15, 2024, the 2024 Notes may be redeemed by the Company at a redemption price of 100% of the principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest to the date of redemption.
The indenture contains customary events of default, including, among other things, payment default, exchange default, failure to provide certain notices thereunder and certain provisions related to bankruptcy events. The indenture also contains customary negative covenants.
In connection with the offering of the Notes, the Company and the guarantors entered into a Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of October 6, 2014 and agreed to use commercially reasonable efforts to (i) file with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) a registration statement relating to the registered exchange offer (the Exchange Offer) to exchange the Notes for a new series of the Company's exchange notes having terms substantially identical in all material respects to, and in the same aggregate principal amount as the Notes, (ii) cause the Exchange Offer registration statement to be declared effective by the SEC on or prior to the 390th day following October 6, 2014 (or if such 390th day is not a business day, the next succeeding business day (the Exchange Date)), (iii) cause the Exchange Offer registration statement to be effective continuously and keep the exchange offer open for a period not less than 30 days after the date notice of the exchange offer is mailed to the holders of the Notes and (iv) cause the Exchange Offer to be consummated in no event later than the Exchange Date.
Under certain circumstances, the Company and the guarantors have agreed to use their commercially reasonable efforts to (i) file a shelf registration statement relating to the resale of the Notes on or prior to the Exchange Date (such date being the Shelf Filing Deadline), (ii) cause the shelf registration statement to be declared effective not later than the 60th day after the Shelf Filing Deadline (or if such 60th day is not a business day, the next succeeding business day) and (iii) keep such shelf registration continuously effective until two years after its effective date (or such shorter period that will terminate when all the Notes covered thereby have been sold pursuant thereto).
If the Company fails to meet any of these targets, the annual interest rate on the Notes will increase by 0.25%, and will increase by an additional 0.25% for each subsequent 90-day period during which the default continues, up to a maximum additional interest rate of 1.0% per year. If the Company cures the default, the interest rate on the Notes will revert to the original level.
AECOM TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
24. Subsequent Events (Continued)
Credit Agreement; Security Agreement
In connection with the acquisition of URS, on October 17, 2014, the Company entered into a new credit agreement (the Credit Agreement). The Credit Agreement consists of (i) a term loan A facility in an aggregate principal amount of $1.925 billion, (ii) a term loan B facility in an aggregate principal amount of $0.76 billion, (iii) a revolving credit facility in an aggregate principal amount of $1.05 billion, and (iv) an incremental performance letter of credit facility in an aggregate principal amount of $500 million. These facilities under the Credit Agreement may be increased by an additional amount of up to $500 million.
Pursuant to the Credit Agreement, certain subsidiaries of the Company (the Guarantors) have guaranteed the obligations of the borrowers under the Credit Agreement. The borrowers' obligations under the Credit Agreement are secured by a lien on substantially all of the assets of the Company and the Guarantors pursuant to a security and pledge agreement (the Security Agreement). The collateral under the Security Agreement is subject to release upon fulfillment of certain conditions specified in the Credit Agreement and Security Agreement.
The Credit Agreement and related loan documents contain covenants that limit the ability of the Company and certain of its subsidiaries to, among other things:
• create, incur, assume, or suffer to exist liens;
• incur or guarantee indebtedness;
• pay dividends or repurchase stock;
• enter into transactions with affiliates;
• consummate asset sales, acquisitions or mergers;
• enter into certain type of burdensome agreements; or
• make investments.
The Credit Agreement also requires compliance with certain financial covenants, including a maximum consolidated leverage ratio and a minimum consolidated interest coverage ratio, in each case calculated as set forth in the Credit Agreement.
The Credit Agreement contains customary events of default, including:
• a change of control;
• failure to make required payments;
• failure to comply with certain agreements or covenants;
• failure to pay, or acceleration of, certain other indebtedness;
• certain events of bankruptcy and insolvency; and
• failure to pay certain judgments.
The Credit Agreement replaced (i) the Company's Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of June 7, 2013, and (ii) the Company's Fourth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of January 29, 2014, which such prior facilities were terminated and repaid in full on October 17, 2014 in connection with the entry into the Credit Agreement.
AECOM TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
24. Subsequent Events (Continued)
In connection with the consummation of the URS acquisition on October 17, 2014, AECOM also prepaid in full $300 million face value (plus accrued interest as well as a prepayment penalty of $56 million) of its 5.43% Series A notes due July 2020 and 1.00% Senior Discount Notes, Series B, due July 2022. Borrowings under the Credit Agreement were used to prepay the Senior Notes.
URS Senior Notes
The URS senior notes are general unsecured senior obligations of AECOM Global II, LLC (as successor in interest to URS) and URS Fox US LP and are fully and unconditionally guaranteed on a joint-and-several basis by certain former URS domestic subsidiary guarantors.
AECOM Technology Corporation
Schedule II: Valuation and Qualifying Accounts
(amounts in millions)
(a)Primarily relates to accounts written-off and recoveries
ITEM 9.
ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
None.
ITEM 9A.
ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
Our management, with the participation of our CEO and CFO, are responsible for establishing and maintaining "disclosure controls and procedures" (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Exchange Act) for our company. Based on their evaluation as of the end of the period covered by this report, our CEO and CFO have concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective to ensure that the information required to be disclosed by us in this Annual Report on Form 10-K was (i) recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC's rules and (ii) accumulated and communicated to our management, including our principal executive and principal financial officers, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosures.
Management's Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting. Internal control over financial reporting is defined in Rule 13a-15(f) or 15d-15(f) promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, as a process designed by, or under the supervision of, the company's principal executive and principal financial officers and effected by the company's board of directors, management and other personnel, 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. Internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that in reasonable detail accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (ii) 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 (iii) 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. Projections of any evaluation of the 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.
Our management, with the participation of our CEO and CFO, assessed the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of September 30, 2014, the end of our fiscal year. Our management based its assessment on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (1992 framework). Our management's assessment included evaluation and testing of the design and operating effectiveness of key financial reporting controls, process documentation, accounting policies, and our overall control environment.
Based on our management's assessment, our management has concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of September 30, 2014. Our management communicated the results of its assessment to the Audit Committee of our Board of Directors.
Our independent registered public accounting firm, Ernst & Young LLP, audited our financial statements for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2014 included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, and
has issued an audit report on our assessment of the Company's internal control over financial reporting, a copy of which is included earlier in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
Our management, including our CEO and CFO, confirm that there were no changes in our company's internal control over financial reporting during the fiscal quarter ended September 30, 2014 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our company's internal control over financial reporting.
ITEM 9B.
ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION
None.
PART III
ITEM 10.
ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
Incorporated by reference from our definitive proxy statement for the 2015 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, to be filed within 120 days of our fiscal 2014 year end.
ITEM 11.
ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Incorporated by reference from our definitive proxy statement for the 2015 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, to be filed within 120 days of our fiscal 2014 year end.
ITEM 12.
ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDERS MATTERS
Other than with respect to the information relating to our equity compensation plans, which is incorporated herein by reference to Part II, Item 5, "Equity Compensation Plans" of this Form 10-K, the information required by this item is incorporated by reference from our definitive proxy statement for the 2015 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, to be filed within 120 days of our fiscal 2014 year end.
ITEM 13.
ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE
Incorporated by reference from our definitive proxy statement for the 2015 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, to be filed within 120 days of our fiscal 2014 year end.
ITEM 14.
ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES
Incorporated by reference from our definitive proxy statement for the 2015 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, to be filed within 120 days of our fiscal 2014 year end.
PART IV
ITEM 15.
ITEM 15. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
(a)Documents filed as part of this report:
(1)The company's Consolidated Financial Statements at September 30, 2014 and 2013 and for each of the three years in the period ended September 30, 2014 and the notes thereto, together with the report of the independent auditors on those Consolidated Financial Statements are hereby filed as part of this report.
(2)Financial Statement Schedule II-Valuation and Qualifying Accounts for the Years Ended September 30, 2014, 2013 and 2012.
(3)See Exhibits and Index to Exhibits, below.
(b)Exhibits.
#Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.
SIGNATURE
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
AECOM TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
By:
/s/ MICHAEL S. BURKE
Michael S. Burke
Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer)
Date:
November 17, 2014
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 in the capacities and on the date indicated.