The consolidated financial statements of Quanta include the accounts of Quanta Services, Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiaries, which are also referred to as its operating units. The consolidated financial statements also include the accounts of certain of Quanta’s investments in joint ventures, which are either consolidated or proportionately consolidated, as discussed in the following summary of significant accounting policies. Investments in affiliated entities in which Quanta does not have a controlling financial interest, but over which Quanta has significant influence, usually because Quanta holds a voting interest of between 20% and 50%, are accounted for using the equity method. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. Unless the context requires otherwise, references to Quanta include Quanta Services, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries.

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States requires the use of estimates and assumptions by management in determining the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities known to exist as of the date the financial statements are published, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses recognized during the periods presented. Quanta reviews all significant estimates affecting its consolidated financial statements on a recurring basis and records the effect of any necessary adjustments prior to their publication. Judgments and estimates are based on Quanta’s beliefs and assumptions derived from information available at the time such judgments and estimates are made. Uncertainties with respect to such estimates and assumptions are inherent in the preparation of financial statements. Estimates are primarily used in Quanta’s assessment of the allowance for doubtful accounts, valuation of inventory, useful lives of assets, fair value assumptions in analyzing goodwill, other intangibles and long-lived asset impairments, equity and other investments, purchase price allocations, acquisition-related contingent consideration liabilities, multiemployer pension plan withdrawal liabilities, contingent liabilities associated with, among other things, legal proceedings and claims, parent guarantees and indemnity obligations, revenue recognition for construction contracts inclusive of contractual change orders and claims, estimated insurance claim recoveries, stock-based compensation, operating results of reportable segments, provision for income taxes and uncertain tax positions.

Contracts. Quanta designs, installs, upgrades, repairs and maintains infrastructure for customers in the electric power, energy and communications industries. These services may be provided pursuant to master service agreements (MSAs), repair and maintenance contracts and fixed price and non-fixed price installation contracts. These contracts are classified into three categories based on how transaction prices are determined and revenue is recognized: unit-price contracts, cost-plus contracts and fixed price contracts. Transaction prices for unit-price contracts are determined on a per unit basis, transaction prices for cost-plus contracts are determined by applying a profit margin to costs incurred on the contracts and transaction prices for fixed price contracts are determined on a lump-sum basis. All of Quanta’s revenues are recognized from contracts with its customers. In addition to the considerations described below, revenue is not recognized unless collectability under the contract is considered probable, the contract has commercial substance and the contract has been approved. Additionally, the contract must contain payment terms, as well as the rights and commitments of both parties.

Performance Obligations. A performance obligation is a promise in a contract with a customer to transfer a distinct good or service. Most of Quanta’s contracts are considered to have a single performance obligation, whereby Quanta is required to integrate complex activities and equipment into a deliverable for a customer. For contracts with multiple performance obligations, Quanta allocates a portion of the total transaction price to each performance obligation using its best estimate of the standalone selling price of the distinct good or service associated with each performance obligation. Standalone selling price is estimated using the expected costs plus a margin.

realized from the remaining portion of firm orders under fixed price contracts not yet completed or for which work had not yet begun. For purposes of calculating remaining performance obligations, Quanta includes all estimated revenues attributable to consolidated joint ventures and variable interest entities, revenues from funded and unfunded portions of government contracts to the extent they are reasonably expected to be realized and revenues from change orders and claims to the extent management believes additional contract revenues will be earned and are deemed probable of collection. Excluded from remaining performance obligations are potential orders under MSAs and non-fixed price contracts expected to be completed within one year.

Recognition of Revenue Upon Satisfaction of Performance Obligations. A transaction price is determined for each contract, and that amount is allocated to each performance obligation within the contract and recognized as revenue when, or as, the performance obligation is satisfied. Quanta generally recognizes revenue over time as it performs its obligations because there is a continuous transfer of control of the deliverable to the customer. Under unit-price contracts with an insignificant amount of partially completed units, Quanta recognizes revenue as units are completed based on contractual pricing amounts. Under unit-price contracts with more than an insignificant amount of partially completed units and fixed price contracts, Quanta recognizes revenues as performance obligations are satisfied over time, with the percentage completion generally measured as the percentage of costs incurred to total estimated costs for such performance obligation. Under cost-plus contracts, Quanta recognizes revenue on an input basis, as labor hours are incurred, materials are utilized and services are performed.

Contract Estimates. Actual revenues and project costs can vary, sometimes substantially, from previous estimates due to changes in a variety of factors, including unforeseen or changed circumstances not included in Quanta’s cost estimates or covered by its contracts. The estimating process is based on the professional knowledge and experience of Quanta’s project estimators, project managers and finance professionals. Some of the factors that may lead to changes in estimates include concealed or unknown site conditions; changes in the cost of equipment, commodities, materials or labor; unanticipated costs or claims due to delays caused by customers or third parties; customer failure to provide required materials or equipment; errors in engineering, specifications or designs; project modifications or contract termination; adverse weather conditions and natural disasters; changes in estimates related to the length of time to complete a performance obligation; and performance and quality issues requiring rework or replacement. These factors, along with other risks inherent in performing services under fixed price contracts, are routinely evaluated by management. Any changes in estimates could result in changes to profitability or losses associated with the related performance obligations. For example, estimated costs for a performance obligation may increase from an original estimate and contractual provisions may not allow for adequate compensation or reimbursement for such additional costs. Changes in estimated revenues, costs and profit are recorded in the period they are determined to be probable and can be reasonably estimated. Contract losses are recognized in full when they are determined to be probable and can be reasonably estimated.

Changes in cost estimates on certain contracts may result in the issuance of change orders, which can be approved or unapproved by the customer, or the assertion of contract claims. Quanta determines the probability that costs associated with change orders and claims will be recovered based on, among other things, contractual entitlement, past practices with the customer, specific discussions or preliminary negotiations with the customer and verbal approvals by the customer. Quanta recognizes amounts associated with change orders and claims as revenue if it is probable that the contract price will be adjusted and the amount of any such adjustment can be reliably estimated. Most of Quanta’s change orders are for services that are not distinct from an existing contract and are accounted for as part of an existing contract on a cumulative catch-up basis. Quanta accounts for a change order as a separate contract if the additional goods or services are distinct from and increase the scope of the contract, and the price of the contract increases by an amount commensurate to Quanta’s standalone selling price for the additional goods or services.

As of December 31, 2019 and 2018, Quanta had recognized revenues of $170.0 million and $121.8 million related to change orders and claims included as contract price adjustments and that were in the process of being negotiated in the normal course of business. These aggregate amounts, which are included in “Contract assets” in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets, represent management’s estimates of additional contract revenues that have been earned and are probable of collection. However,

Variable consideration amounts, including performance incentives, early pay discounts and penalties, may also cause changes in contract estimates. The amount of variable consideration is estimated based on the most likely amount that is deemed probable of realization. Contract consideration is adjusted for variable consideration when it is probable that a significant reversal in the amount of cumulative revenue recognized will not occur once the uncertainty related to the variable consideration is resolved.

Changes in contract estimates are recognized on a cumulative catch-up basis in the period in which the revisions to the estimates are made. Such changes in estimates can result in the recognition of revenue in a current period for performance obligations that were satisfied or partially satisfied in prior periods or the reversal of previously recognized revenue if the current estimate differs from the previous estimate. The impact of a change in estimate is measured as the difference between the revenue or gross profit recognized in the prior period as compared to the revenue or gross profit which would have been recognized had the revised estimate been used as the basis of recognition in the prior period.

Certain projects were materially impacted by changes to estimated contract revenues and/or project costs during the year ended December 31, 2019. The following amounts were recorded during the year ended December 31, 2019 but were related to prior periods. Quanta successfully completed an electric transmission project in Canada ahead of schedule during the three months ended March 31, 2019, which resulted in a reduction in estimated project costs and positively impacted gross profit related to work performed in prior periods by $30.1 million. Quanta also successfully executed through project risks on a larger pipeline transmission project, which resulted in a reduction of estimated project costs and positively impacted gross profit related to work performed in prior periods by $22.9 million. Quanta also settled claims related to a larger natural gas transmission project that experienced losses in 2018, which increased revenues and gross profit related to work performed in prior periods by $16.2 million. Additionally, Quanta experienced rework and start-up delays on a processing facility construction project, which resulted in additional estimated project costs and liquidated damages payable to the customer and negatively impacted gross profit related to work performed in prior periods by $29.4 million. As of December 31, 2019, this project had a contract value of approximately $144 million and was approximately 98% complete. Quanta also experienced unfavorable weather and labor-related impacts, as well as a project scope reduction, on an electric transmission project in southern California, which resulted in an increase in estimated project costs and a reduction in expected project earnings. These changes negatively impacted gross profit related to work performed in prior periods by $21.1 million. As of December 31, 2019, this project had a contract value of approximately $400 million and was approximately 73% complete. Additionally, the changes in contract estimates include the negative impact of the correction of $9.6 million of prior period errors related to the determination of total estimated project costs and the resulting revenue recognized on a large telecommunications project in Peru that was terminated during 2019.

Certain projects were materially impacted by changes to estimated contract revenues and/or project costs during the year ended December 31, 2018. The following amounts were recorded during the year ended December 31, 2018 but were related to prior periods. Quanta experienced engineering and production delays on the processing facility construction project discussed above, which resulted in additional estimated construction costs. These changes in estimates negatively impacted gross profit related to work performed in prior periods by $34.2 million. Quanta also experienced unexpected site conditions, adverse weather conditions and material delivery delays on a renewable energy power project in Australia that negatively impacted gross profit related to work performed in prior periods by $22.3 million. Additionally, a natural gas pipeline construction project in the northeast United States experienced weather delays and project performance issues resulting in additional estimated construction costs that negatively impacted gross profit related to work performed in prior periods by $17.3 million. Quanta also successfully executed through project procurement, winter schedule challenges and productivity risks on the electrical transmission project in Canada mentioned above, resulting in reductions to the estimated total costs necessary to complete the project. These changes positively impacted gross profit related to work performed in prior periods by $52.2 million.

As described above, under unit-price contracts with more than an insignificant amount of partially completed units and fixed price contracts, revenue is recognized as performance obligations are satisfied over time, with the percentage completion generally measured as the percentage of costs incurred to total estimated costs for such performance obligation. Approximately 50.0% and 57.7% of Quanta’s revenues recognized during the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 were associated with this revenue recognition method.

Contract Assets and Liabilities. With respect to Quanta’s contracts, interim payments are typically received as work progresses in accordance with agreed-upon contractual terms, either at periodic intervals or upon achievement of contractual milestones. As a result, under fixed price contracts the timing of revenue recognition and contract billings results in contract assets and contract liabilities. Contract assets represent revenues recognized in excess of amounts billed for fixed price contracts and are current assets that are transferred to accounts receivable when billed or the billing rights become unconditional. Contract assets are not considered a significant financing component as they are intended to protect the customer in the event Quanta does not perform on its obligations under the contract.

Conversely, contract liabilities represent billings in excess of revenues recognized for fixed price contracts. These arise under certain contracts that allow for upfront payments from the customer or contain contractual billing milestones, which result in billings that exceed the amount of revenues recognized for certain periods. Contract liabilities are current liabilities and are not considered a significant financing component, as they are used to meet working capital requirements that are generally higher in the early stages of a contract and are intended to protect Quanta from the other party failing to meet its obligations under the contract. Contract assets and liabilities are recorded on a performance obligation basis at the end of each reporting period.

As referenced previously, contract assets and liabilities fluctuate period to period based on various factors, including, among others, changes in the number and size of projects in progress at period end and variability in billing and payment terms, such as up-front or advance billings, interim or milestone billings, or deferred billings. The increase in contract assets from December 31, 2018 to December 31, 2019 was partially due to billing process changes for certain customers that impacted Quanta’s ability to timely invoice and collect for services performed. Offsetting these increases was a contract asset impairment of $29.4 million that was recognized during the year ended December 31, 2019 in connection with a charge to earnings on the large telecommunications project in Peru that was terminated during the period. The increase in contract assets from December 31, 2017 to December 31,

Current and Long-Term Accounts Receivable, Notes Receivable and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts. Quanta provides an allowance for doubtful accounts when collection of an account or note receivable is considered doubtful, and receivables are written off against the allowance when deemed uncollectible. The assessment of the allowance for doubtful accounts involves certain judgments and estimates regarding, among other factors, the customer’s access to capital, the customer’s willingness or ability to pay, general economic and market conditions, the ongoing relationship with the customer and uncertainties related to the resolution of disputed matters. Quanta considers accounts receivable delinquent after 30 days but does not generally include delinquent accounts in its analysis of the allowance for doubtful accounts unless the accounts receivable have been outstanding for at least 90 days. Quanta includes accounts receivable balances that relate to customers in bankruptcy or with other known difficulties in its analysis of the allowance for doubtful accounts. Material changes to a customer’s business, cash flows or financial condition, which may be impacted by negative economic and market conditions, could affect Quanta’s ability to collect amounts due. Should anticipated recoveries relating to receivables fail to materialize, including anticipated recoveries relating to existing bankruptcies or other workout situations, Quanta could experience reduced cash flows and losses in excess of current allowances provided. As of December 31, 2019 and 2018, Quanta had allowances for doubtful accounts on current receivables of $9.4 million and $5.8 million. See Note 14 for additional information related to the bankruptcy matter involving PG&E Corporation and its primary operating subsidiary, Pacific Gas and Electric Company (collectively PG&E), a significant customer of Quanta.

Certain contracts allow customers to withhold a small percentage of billings pursuant to retainage provisions, and such amounts are generally due upon completion of the contract and acceptance of the project by the customer. Based on Quanta’s experience in recent years, the majority of these retainage balances are expected to be collected within approximately twelve months. Current retainage balances as of December 31, 2019 and 2018 were $299.6 million and $337.1 million and are included in “Accounts receivable.” Retainage balances with expected settlement dates beyond the next twelve months are included in “Other assets, net,” and as of December 31, 2019 and 2018 were $54.2 million and $99.6 million.

Quanta recognizes unbilled receivables for non-fixed price contracts within “Accounts receivable” in certain circumstances, such as when revenues have been earned and recorded but the amount cannot be billed under the terms of the contract until a later date or amounts arise from routine lags in billing (for example, work completed one month but not billed until the next month). These balances do not include revenues recognized for work performed under fixed-price contracts as these amounts are recorded as “Contract assets.” At December 31, 2019 and 2018, unbilled receivables included in “Accounts receivable” were $524.3 million and $434.9 million. Quanta also recognizes unearned revenues for non-fixed price contracts when cash is received prior to recognizing revenues for the related performance obligation. Unearned revenues, which are included in “Accounts payable and accrued expenses,” were $33.2 million, $40.1 million and $16.0 million at December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017.

Cash consisting of interest-bearing demand deposits is carried at cost, which approximates fair value. Quanta considers all highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less at the time of purchase to be cash equivalents, which are carried at fair value. At December 31, 2019 and 2018, cash equivalents were $37.8 million and $37.2 million and consisted primarily of money market investments and money market mutual funds and are discussed further in Fair Value Measurements below.

Cash and cash equivalents held by joint ventures, which are either consolidated or proportionately consolidated, are available to support joint venture operations, but Quanta cannot utilize those assets to support its other operations. Quanta generally has no right to cash and cash equivalents held by a joint venture other than participating in distributions and in the event of dissolution. Amounts related to cash and cash equivalents held by joint ventures, which are included in Quanta’s total cash and cash equivalents balances, were as follows (in thousands):

Property and equipment are stated at cost, and depreciation is computed using the straight-line method, net of estimated salvage values, over the estimated useful lives of the assets. Leasehold improvements are capitalized and amortized over the lesser of the life of the lease or the estimated useful life of the asset. Depreciation expense related to property and equipment is recognized on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the assets and was $218.1 million, $202.5 million and $183.8 million for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017.

Expenditures for repairs and maintenance are charged to expense when incurred. Expenditures for major renewals and betterments, which extend the useful lives of existing equipment, are capitalized and depreciated over the adjusted remaining useful lives of the assets. Upon retirement or disposition of property and equipment, the cost and related accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts and any resulting gain or loss is reflected in selling, general and administrative expenses.

Management reviews long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be realizable. When an evaluation is required, the estimated future undiscounted cash flows associated with the asset group are compared to the asset group’s carrying amount to determine if an impairment is necessary. The effect of any impairment involves expensing the difference between the fair value of the asset group and its carrying amount in the period incurred.

Quanta recorded asset impairments of $13.9 million during the year ended December 31, 2019 related to the winding down and exit of certain oil-influenced operations and assets, the replacement of an internally-developed software application and the planned sale and exit of certain foreign operations and assets. Quanta also recorded asset impairments of $49.4 million during the year ended December 31, 2018 primarily related to the winding down of certain oil-influenced operations and assets. The long-lived assets related to the December 31, 2018 impairment were written down to their estimated fair value of $14.0 million and were classified as assets held for sale and recorded in “Prepaid expenses and other current assets” in the accompanying December 31, 2018 consolidated balance sheet, $6.3 million of which remains in the accompanying December 31, 2019 consolidated balance sheet.

Capitalized debt issuance and amendment costs related to Quanta’s senior secured credit facility are included in “Other assets, net” in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and are amortized to interest expense on a straight-line basis over the terms of the respective agreements giving rise to the costs, which Quanta believes approximates the effective interest rate method. During 2019, 2018 and 2017, Quanta incurred $2.3 million, $2.0 million and $1.5 million of debt issuance and amendment costs related to amendments and a restatement of its credit agreement. As of December 31, 2019 and 2018, capitalized debt issuance costs were $17.2 million and $14.9 million, with accumulated amortization of $10.5 million and $8.6 million. For the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017, amortization expense related to capitalized debt issuance and amendment costs was $1.9 million, $1.3 million and $1.3 million.

Goodwill, net of accumulated impairment losses represents the excess of cost over the fair market value of net tangible and identifiable intangible assets of acquired businesses and is stated at cost. Quanta has recorded goodwill in connection with its historical acquisitions of businesses. Upon acquisition, these businesses were either combined into one of Quanta’s existing operating units or managed on a stand-alone basis as an individual operating unit. Quanta’s operating units are organized into two divisions: the Electric Power Infrastructure Services Division and the Pipeline and Industrial Infrastructure Services Division. As most of the companies acquired by Quanta provide multiple types of services for multiple types of customers, these divisional designations are based on the predominant type of work performed by an operating unit at the point in time the divisional designation is made. Goodwill is required to be measured for impairment at the reporting unit level, which represents the operating segment level or one level below the operating segment level for which discrete financial information is available. Quanta has determined that its individual operating units represent its reporting units for the purpose of assessing goodwill impairment.

Goodwill is not amortized but is tested for impairment annually in the fourth quarter of the fiscal year, or more frequently if events or circumstances arise which indicate that goodwill may be impaired. The assessment can be performed by first completing a qualitative assessment on none, some or all of Quanta’s reporting units. Quanta can also bypass the qualitative assessment for any reporting unit in any period and proceed directly to a quantitative impairment test, and then resume the qualitative assessment in any subsequent period. Qualitative indicators that may trigger the need for annual or interim quantitative impairment testing include, among other things, deterioration in macroeconomic conditions, declining financial performance, deterioration in the operational environment, or an expectation of selling or disposing of a portion of a reporting unit. Additionally, an interim impairment test of an operating unit may be triggered by a significant change in market, management, business strategy or business climate; a loss of a significant customer; increased competition; a sustained decrease in share price; or a decrease in Quanta’s market capitalization below book value.

If Quanta believes that, as a result of its qualitative assessment, it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, the quantitative impairment test is required. The quantitative test involves comparing the fair value of each of Quanta’s reporting units with its carrying amount, including goodwill. If the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, an impairment loss is recorded as a reduction to goodwill with a corresponding charge to “Asset impairment charges” in the consolidated statements of operations. The income tax effect associated with an impairment of tax-deductible goodwill is also considered in the measurement of the goodwill impairment. A goodwill impairment for any reporting unit is limited to the total amount of goodwill allocated to such reporting unit.

Quanta determines the fair value of its reporting units using a weighted combination of the income approach (discounted cash flow method) and market multiples valuation techniques (market guideline transaction method and market guideline public company method), with greater weight placed on the discounted cash flow method because management believes this method results in the most appropriate calculation of fair value and reflects an expectation of market value as determined by a “held and used” model.

Under the discounted cash flow method, Quanta determines fair value based on the estimated future cash flows for each reporting unit, discounted to present value using a risk-adjusted industry weighted average cost of capital, which reflects the overall level of inherent risk for each reporting unit and the rate of return an outside investor would expect to earn. Cash flow projections are derived from budgeted amounts (typically a one-year model) and subsequent period cash flows are developed for each reporting unit using growth rates that management believes are reasonably likely to occur. A terminal value is derived from a multiple of the reporting unit’s earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA). The EBITDA multiples for each reporting unit are based on observed purchase transactions for similar businesses adjusted for size, volatility and risk.

Under the market guideline transaction and market guideline public company methods, Quanta determines the estimated fair value for each of its reporting units by applying transaction multiples and public company multiples, respectively, to each reporting unit’s projected EBITDA and then averaging that estimate with similar historical calculations using either a one, two or three year average. The transaction multiples are based on observed purchase transactions for similar businesses adjusted for size,



	2019	2018	2017
Years of cash flows before terminal value	5 years	5 years	5 years
Weighted average cost of capital	12.5%	12.0% to 15.0%	12.0% to 14.0%
Transaction multiple(s) applied to EBITDA	6.0	6.5 to 9.0	5.5 to 7.0
Guideline public company multiple(s) applied to EBITDA	6.5	6.5 to 9.5	6.5 to 8.0
Five-year revenue compounded annual growth rate(s)	-9%	-14% to 8%	-14% to 17%
Weighting of three methods:
Discounted cash flows	70%	70%	70%
Market multiple	15%	15%	15%
Market capitalization	15%	15%	15%

For Quanta’s annual goodwill impairment assessment performed during the fourth quarter of 2019, Quanta assessed qualitative factors to determine whether it was necessary to perform a quantitative fair value impairment analysis and identified one reporting unit for which a quantitative goodwill impairment assessment was deemed appropriate based on financial performance indicators. The subsequent quantitative analysis indicated that the fair value of the reporting unit was in excess of its carrying amount. Accordingly, Quanta did not record any impairment charges related to goodwill during the fourth quarter of 2019. In connection with the 2018 annual goodwill assessment, there were certain reporting units for which a quantitative goodwill impairment assessment was determined appropriate based on either changes in market conditions or specific performance indicators. No impairment charges resulted from the 2018 assessment. In connection with the 2017 annual goodwill assessment, Quanta recorded a $57.0 million impairment associated with two reporting units. Specifically, a reporting unit that provides material handling services had experienced lower operating margins and was expected to continue to face a highly competitive environment in its select markets, and a reporting unit that provides marine and offshore services had experienced prolonged periods of reduced revenues and operating margins and was expected to continue to experience lower levels of activity in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico and other offshore markets.

The determination of a reporting unit’s fair value requires judgment and the use of significant estimates and assumptions. Quanta believes the estimates and assumptions used in its impairment assessments are reasonable and based on available market information obtained from relevant industry sources; however, variations in any of the assumptions could result in materially different calculations of fair value and impairment determinations. Accordingly, management considered the sensitivity of its fair value estimates to changes in certain valuation assumptions. After taking into account a 10% decrease in the fair value of the reporting unit for which a quantitative impairment test was performed, the reporting unit’s fair value exceeded its carrying amount.

Due to the cyclical nature of Quanta’s business, and the other factors described above, the profitability of its individual reporting units may suffer from decreases in customer demand and other factors. These factors may have a disproportionate impact on individual reporting units as compared to Quanta as a whole and might adversely affect the fair value of individual reporting units. If material adverse conditions occur, Quanta’s future estimates of fair value may not support the carrying amount of one or more of its reporting units, and the related goodwill would need to be written down to an amount considered recoverable.

Quanta’s intangible assets include customer relationships, backlog, trade names, non-compete agreements, patented rights and developed technology and curriculum, all of which are subject to amortization, as well as an engineering license, which is not subject to amortization. The fair value of customer relationships is estimated as of the date a business is acquired based on the value-in-use concept utilizing the income approach, specifically the multi-period excess earnings method. This method discounts to present value the projected cash flows attributable to the customer relationships, with consideration given to customer contract renewals and estimated customer attrition rates. The significant estimates used by management in determining the fair values of

Quanta values backlog for acquired businesses as of the acquisition date based upon the contractual nature of the backlog within each service line, discounted to present value. The values of trade names and curriculum are estimated using the relief-from-royalty method of the income approach, which is based on the assumption that in lieu of ownership, a company would be willing to pay a royalty for use of the trade name or curriculum. The value of a non-compete agreement is estimated based on the difference between the present value of the prospective cash flows with the agreement in place and the present value of the prospective cash flows without the agreement in place. The value of the engineering license is based on cash paid to acquire the asset.

Quanta amortizes the intangible assets that are subject to amortization based upon the estimated consumption of their economic benefits, or on a straight-line basis if the pattern of economic benefit cannot otherwise be reliably estimated. Intangible assets are reviewed for impairment and tested for recoverability whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. For instance, a significant change in business climate or a loss of a significant customer, among other things, may trigger the need for interim impairment testing of intangible assets. An impairment loss is recognized if the carrying amount of an intangible asset is not recoverable and its carrying amount exceeds its fair value. Intangible asset impairments are included within “Asset impairment charges” in the consolidated statements of operations, when applicable.

As described further in Note 3, effective January 1, 2019, Quanta adopted the new lease accounting standard utilizing the transition method that allows recognition of a cumulative-effect adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings in the period of adoption, if applicable. Quanta’s financial results for reporting periods beginning on or after January 1, 2019 are presented under the new standard, while financial results for prior periods continue to be reported in accordance with the prior standard and Quanta’s historical accounting policy. The adoption of the new standard resulted in the recording of operating lease right-of-use assets and operating lease liabilities of $301.1 million as of January 1, 2019. Lease liabilities are recognized as the present value of the future minimum lease payments over the lease term as of the commencement date. Lease assets are recognized as the present value of future minimum lease payments over the lease term as of the commencement date, plus any initial direct costs incurred and lease payments made, less any lease incentives received. Although the adoption of the new standard had a material impact on Quanta’s consolidated balance sheet, there was not a material impact on its consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income, cash flows or equity.

Quanta determines if an arrangement contains a lease at inception. If an arrangement is considered a lease, Quanta determines at the commencement date whether the lease is an operating or finance lease. In accordance with the new standard, finance leases are leases that meet any of the following criteria: the lease transfers ownership of the underlying asset at the end of the lease term; the lessee is reasonably certain to exercise an option to purchase the underlying asset; the lease term is for the major part of the remaining economic life of the underlying asset (except when the commencement date falls at or near the end of such economic life); the present value of the sum of the lease payments and any additional residual value guarantee by the lessee equals or exceeds substantially all of the fair value of the underlying asset; or the underlying asset is of such a specialized nature that it is expected to have no alternative use to the lessor at the end of the lease term. A lease that does not meet any of these criteria is considered an operating lease. After the commencement date, lease cost for an operating lease is recognized over the remaining lease term on a straight-line basis, while lease cost for a finance lease is based on the depreciation of the lease asset and interest on the lease liability.

The terms of Quanta’s lease arrangements vary, and certain leases include one or more of the following: renewal option(s), a cancellation option, a residual value guarantee, a purchase option or an escalation clause. An option to extend or terminate a lease is accounted for when assessing a lease term when it is reasonably certain that Quanta will exercise such option. Quanta has made a policy election to classify leases with an initial lease term of 12 months or less as short-term leases, and these leases are not recorded in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets unless the lease contains a purchase option that is reasonably certain to be exercised. Lease cost related to short-term leases is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term.

Determinations with respect to lease term (including any extension thereof), discount rate, variable lease cost and future minimum lease payments require the use of judgment based on the facts and circumstances related to each lease. Quanta considers various factors, including economic incentives and penalties and business need, to determine the likelihood that a renewal option will be exercised. Unless a renewal option is reasonably certain to be exercised, which is typically at Quanta’s sole discretion, the

In the normal course of business, Quanta enters into various types of investment arrangements, each having unique terms and conditions. These investments may include equity interests held by Quanta in business entities, including general or limited partnerships, contractual joint ventures, or other forms of equity or profit participation. These investments may also include Quanta’s participation in different financing structures, such as the extension of loans to project-specific entities, the acquisition of convertible notes issued by project specific entities, or other strategic financing arrangements. Quanta also enters into strategic partnerships with customers and infrastructure investors to provide fully integrated infrastructure services on certain projects, including planning and feasibility analyses, engineering, design, procurement, construction and project operation and maintenance. These projects include public-private partnerships and concessions, along with private infrastructure projects such as build, own, operate (and in some cases transfer) and build-to-suit arrangements.

Quanta determines whether investments involve a variable interest entity (VIE) based on the characteristics of the subject entity. If the entity is determined to be a VIE, then management determines if Quanta is the primary beneficiary of the entity and whether or not consolidation of the VIE is required. The primary beneficiary consolidating the VIE must normally have both (i) the power to direct the activities that most significantly affect the VIE’s economic performance and (ii) the obligation to absorb significant losses of, or the right to receive significant benefits, from the VIE. When Quanta is deemed to be the primary beneficiary, the VIE is consolidated and the other party’s equity interest in the VIE is accounted for as a non-controlling interest. In cases where Quanta determines that it has an undivided interest in the assets, liabilities, revenues and profits of an unincorporated VIE (e.g., a general partnership interest), such amounts are consolidated on a basis proportional to Quanta’s ownership interest in the unincorporated entity.

Investments in entities of which Quanta is not the primary beneficiary, but over which Quanta has the ability to exercise significant influence, are accounted for using the equity method of accounting. Quanta’s share of net income or losses from unconsolidated equity investments is reported as equity in earnings (losses) of unconsolidated affiliates, which is included in “Other income (expense), net” in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations. Equity investments are reviewed for impairment by assessing whether there has been a decline in the fair value of the investment below the carrying amount and the decline is other-than-temporary. In making this determination, factors such as the ability to recover the carrying amount of the investment and the inability of the investee to sustain its earnings capacity are evaluated in determining whether a loss in value should be recognized. Any impairment losses related to investments would be recognized in equity in earnings (losses) of unconsolidated affiliates. Equity method investments are carried at original cost adjusted for Quanta’s proportionate share of the investees’ income, losses and distributions and are included in “Other assets, net” in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.

Investments in entities which Quanta is not the primary beneficiary, and over which Quanta does not have the ability to exercise significant influence, are accounted for using the cost method of accounting. These investments are required to be measured at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in net income unless the investments do not have readily determinable fair values, in which case the investments are measured at cost minus impairment, if any, plus or minus observable price changes in orderly transactions for an identical or similar investment in the same company.

As part of Quanta’s investment strategy, Quanta formed a partnership with select investors that provides up to $1.0 billion of capital, including approximately $80.0 million from Quanta, available to invest in certain specified infrastructure projects through August 2024. Wholly-owned subsidiaries of Quanta serve as the general partner of this partnership and as a separately operated registered investment adviser that manages the invested capital. As of December 31, 2019, Quanta had contributed $20.0 million to this partnership in connection with certain investments. However, in October 2019, due to certain management changes at the registered investment adviser, the partnership entered into a 180-day period during which the investors and Quanta will evaluate the partnership. During this period, the partnership may make additional investments with the consent of the investors, and, at the end of the period, the investors or Quanta may elect to end the investment period for any future investments or dissolve the partnership.

Quanta had a minority ownership interest in a limited partnership that was selected during 2014 to build, own and operate a new 500-kilometer electric transmission line and two 500 kV substations in Alberta, Canada and has accounted for this interest as an equity-method investment. The limited partnership contracted with a Quanta subsidiary to perform the EPC services for the project, and the Quanta subsidiary recognized revenue and related cost of services as performance progressed on the project. However, due to Quanta’s ownership interest, a proportional amount of the EPC profit was deferred until the electric transmission line and related substations were constructed and ownership of the assets was deemed to be transferred to the third-party customer, which occurred in the three months ended March 31, 2019. The deferral of earnings and recognition of such earnings deferral were recorded as components of equity in earnings (losses) of unconsolidated affiliates, which is included in “Other income (expense), net” in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations. During the three months ended March 31, 2019,

deferred earnings of $60.3 million were recognized, the majority of which was attributable to profit earned and deferred in the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017. During the three months ended December 31, 2019, Quanta sold its minority ownership interest in the limited partnership and recognized a gain of $13.0 million related to the sale. The gain was recorded in equity in earnings (losses) of unconsolidated affiliates, which is included in “Other income (expense), net” in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.

During 2018, Quanta acquired a 30% equity interest in a water and gas pipeline infrastructure contractor located in Australia for $22.2 million. This investment includes an option to acquire the remaining equity of the company and provides for certain additional earnings and distribution participation rights during a designated 25-month post-investment period, as well as preferential liquidation rights. Quanta’s equity interest has been recorded at cost and will be adjusted for impairment, if any, plus or minus observable changes in the value of the investee’s equity. Earnings on this investment are recognized as dividends are received and are reported in “Other income (expense), net” in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations. Quanta recognized $1.1 million and $3.9 million in cash dividends from this investment during 2019 and 2018. During 2018, Quanta also acquired a 49% equity interest in an electric power infrastructure services company together with certain related customer relationship and other intangible assets for $12.3 million. See Notes 11 and 14 for additional information related to investments.

Quanta regularly evaluates valuation allowances established for deferred tax assets for which future realization is uncertain, including in connection with changes in tax laws. The estimation of required valuation allowances includes estimates of future taxable income. The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income during the periods in which those temporary differences become deductible. Quanta considers projected future taxable income and tax planning strategies in making this assessment. If actual future taxable income differs from these estimates, Quanta may not realize deferred tax assets to the extent estimated.

Quanta records reserves for income taxes related to certain tax positions when management considers it more likely than not that additional taxes may be due in excess of amounts reflected on income tax returns filed. When recording these reserves, Quanta assumes that taxing authorities have full knowledge of the position and all relevant facts. Quanta continually reviews exposure to additional tax obligations, and as further information is known or events occur, changes in tax reserves may be recorded. To the extent interest and penalties may be assessed by taxing authorities on any underpayment of income tax, such amounts have been accrued and included in the provision for income taxes.

As of December 31, 2019, the total amount of unrecognized tax benefits relating to uncertain tax positions was $40.9 million, a $0.2 million decrease from December 31, 2018. This decrease resulted primarily from a favorable settlement of $9.1 million related to certain non-U.S. income tax obligations of an acquired business and the expiration of U.S. state income tax statutes, partially offset by a $7.7 million increase in reserves for uncertain tax positions expected to be taken in 2019 and a $1.2 million increase in reserves for uncertain tax positions taken in prior years. Quanta and certain subsidiaries remain under examination by various U.S. state and Canadian and other foreign tax authorities for multiple periods. Quanta believes it is reasonably possible that within the next 12 months unrecognized tax benefits may decrease by up to $6.3 million as a result of settlement of these examinations or as a result of the expiration of certain statute of limitations periods.

U.S. federal and state and foreign income tax laws and regulations are voluminous and often ambiguous. As such, Quanta is required to make many subjective assumptions and judgments regarding its tax positions that could materially affect amounts recognized in future consolidated balance sheets, statements of operations and statements of comprehensive income. For example, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (the Tax Act) significantly revised the U.S. corporate tax regime which, among other things, resulted in a reduction of Quanta’s current and estimated future effective tax rate and a remeasurement of its deferred tax assets and liabilities. For additional information on the Tax Act, refer to Note 10.

Basic and diluted earnings per share attributable to common stock are computed using the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the applicable period. Exchangeable shares that were issued pursuant to certain of Quanta’s historical acquisitions (as further discussed in Note 11), which are exchangeable on a one-for-one basis with shares of Quanta common stock, have been included in the calculation of weighted average shares outstanding for basic and diluted earnings per share attributable to common stock for the portion of the periods that they were outstanding. Additionally, unvested stock-based awards that contain non-forfeitable rights to dividends or dividend equivalents (participating securities) have been included

in the calculation of basic and diluted earnings per share attributable to common stock for the portion of the periods that the awards were outstanding. Diluted earnings per share attributable to common stock is computed using the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the period adjusted for all potentially dilutive common stock equivalents, except in cases where the effect of the common stock equivalents would be antidilutive.

Quanta is insured for employer’s liability, workers’ compensation, auto liability and general liability claims. Under these programs, the deductible for employer’s liability is $1.0 million per occurrence, the deductible for workers’ compensation is $5.0 million per occurrence, and the deductibles for auto liability and general liability are $10.0 million per occurrence. Quanta manages and maintains a portion of its casualty risk through its wholly-owned captive insurance company, which insures all claims up to the amount of the applicable deductible of its third-party insurance programs. In connection with Quanta’s casualty insurance programs, Quanta is required to issue letters of credit to secure its obligations. Quanta also has employee health care benefit plans for most employees not subject to collective bargaining agreements, of which the primary plan is subject to a deductible of $0.5 million per claimant per year.

Losses under all of these insurance programs are accrued based upon Quanta’s estimate of the ultimate liability for claims reported and an estimate of claims incurred but not reported, with assistance from third-party actuaries. These insurance liabilities are difficult to assess and estimate due to unknown factors, including the severity of an injury, the extent of damage, the determination of Quanta’s liability in proportion to other parties and the number of incidents not reported. The accruals are based upon known facts and historical trends, and management believes such accruals are adequate.

Certain of Quanta’s operating units are parties to collective bargaining agreements with unions that represent certain of their employees. The collective bargaining agreements expire at various times and have typically been renegotiated and renewed on terms similar to those in the expiring agreements. The agreements require the operating units to pay specified wages, provide certain benefits to union employees and contribute certain amounts to multiemployer pension plans and employee benefit trusts pursuant to specified rates. Quanta’s multiemployer pension plan contribution rates generally are made to the plans on a “pay-as-you-go” basis based on its union employee payrolls. The location and number of union employees that Quanta employs at any given time and the plans in which they may participate vary depending on Quanta’s need for union resources in connection with its ongoing projects. Therefore, Quanta is unable to accurately predict its union employee payroll and the resulting multiemployer pension plan contribution obligations for future periods.

Quanta recognizes compensation expense for restricted stock units (RSUs) and performance stock units (PSUs) to be settled in common stock based on the fair value of the awards, net of estimated forfeitures. The fair value of these awards is generally determined based on the number of units granted and the closing price of Quanta’s common stock on the date of grant. However, for PSUs with market-based performance metrics, the fair value is determined using a Monte Carlo simulation valuation methodology. An estimate of future forfeitures, based on historical data, is also utilized to determine compensation expense for the period, and these forfeiture estimates are subject to change and may impact the value that will ultimately be recognized as compensation expense. The resulting compensation expense for PSU and time-based RSU awards is recognized on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period, which is generally the vesting period, and the resulting compensation expense for performance-based RSU awards is recognized using the graded vesting method over the requisite service period. The compensation expense related to outstanding PSUs can also vary from period to period based on changes in forecasted achievement of established performance goals and the total number of shares of common stock that Quanta anticipates will be issued upon vesting of such PSUs. Payments made by Quanta to satisfy employee tax withholding obligations associated with awards settled in common stock are classified as financing cash flows.

Compensation expense associated with liability-based awards, such as RSUs that are expected to or may settle in cash, is recognized based on a remeasurement of the fair value of the award at the end of each reporting period. Upon settlement, the holders receive for each RSU an amount in cash equal to the fair market value of one share of Quanta common stock on the settlement date, as specified in the applicable award agreement. For additional information on Quanta’s RSU and PSU awards, see Note 12.

The U.S. dollar is the functional currency for the majority of Quanta’s operations, which are primarily located within the United States. The functional currency for Quanta’s foreign operations, which are primarily located in Canada and Australia, is typically the currency of the country where the foreign operating unit is located and transacts the majority of its activities, including billings, financing, payroll and other expenditures. When preparing its consolidated financial statements, Quanta translates the

financial statements of its foreign operating units from their functional currency into U.S. dollars. Statements of operations, comprehensive income and cash flows are translated at average monthly rates, while balance sheets are translated at month-end exchange rates. The translation of the balance sheet results in translation gains or losses, which are included as a separate component of equity under “Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss).” Gains and losses arising from transactions not denominated in functional currencies are included within “Other income (expense), net” in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.

For disclosure purposes, qualifying assets and liabilities are categorized into three broad levels based on the priority of the inputs used to determine their fair values. The fair value hierarchy gives the highest priority to quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3). Certain assumptions and other information as they relate to these qualifying assets and liabilities are described below.

Contingent Consideration Liabilities. As of December 31, 2019 and 2018, financial instruments required to be measured at fair value on a recurring basis consisted primarily of Quanta’s liabilities related to contingent consideration associated with certain acquisitions, the payment of which is contingent upon the achievement of certain performance objectives by the acquired businesses during designated post-acquisition periods and, if earned, would be payable to the former owners of the acquired businesses. The liabilities recorded represent the estimated fair values of future amounts payable to the former owners of the acquired businesses and are estimated by management based on entity-specific assumptions that are evaluated on an ongoing basis. Quanta expects a significant portion of these liabilities to be settled by late 2020 or early 2021.

The fair values of these liabilities were primarily determined using a Monte Carlo simulation valuation methodology based on probability-weighted performance projections and other inputs, including a discount rate and an expected volatility factor for each acquisition. The expected volatility factor ranged from 20.4% to 30.0% based on historical asset volatility of selected guideline public companies. Depending on contingent consideration payment terms, the present values of the estimated payments are discounted based on a risk-free rate and/or Quanta’s cost of debt and ranged from 1.6% to 3.9%. The fair value determinations incorporate significant inputs not observable in the market. Accordingly, the level of inputs used for these fair value measurements is the lowest level (Level 3). Significant changes in any of these assumptions could result in a significantly higher or lower potential liability.

Quanta’s aggregate contingent consideration liabilities can change due to additional business acquisitions, settlement of outstanding liabilities, changes in the fair value of amounts owed based on performance in post-acquisition periods and accretion in present value. During the year ended December 31, 2019, Quanta recognized a net increase in the fair value of its aggregate contingent consideration liabilities of $13.4 million, while during the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, Quanta recognized

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets. As discussed in the Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets sections within this Note 2 above, Quanta has recorded goodwill and identifiable intangible assets in connection with certain of its historical business acquisitions. Quanta utilizes the fair value premise as the primary basis for its impairment valuation procedures. The Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets sections provide information regarding valuation methods, including the income approach, market approach and cost approach, and assumptions used to determine the fair value of these assets based on the appropriateness of each method in relation to the type of asset being valued. Quanta believes that these valuation methods appropriately represent the methods that would be used by other market participants in determining fair value, and periodically engages the services of an independent valuation firm when a new business is acquired to assist management with the valuation process, including assistance with the selection of appropriate valuation methodologies and the development of market-based valuation assumptions. The level of inputs used for these fair value measurements is the lowest level (Level 3).

Investments and Financial Instruments. Quanta also uses fair value measurements in connection with the valuation of its investments in private company equity interests and financial instruments. These valuations require significant management judgment due to the absence of quoted market prices, the inherent lack of liquidity and their long-term nature. Typically, the initial costs of these investments are considered to represent fair market value, as such amounts are negotiated between willing market participants. On a quarterly basis, Quanta performs an evaluation of its investments to determine if an other-than-temporary decline in the value of each investment has occurred and whether the recorded amount of each investment will be recoverable. If an other-than-temporary decline in the value of an investment occurs, a fair value analysis is performed to determine the degree to which the investment is impaired and a corresponding charge to earnings is recorded during the period. These types of fair market value assessments are similar to other nonrecurring fair value measures used by Quanta, which include the use of significant judgments and available relevant market data. Such market data may include observations of the valuation of comparable companies, risk-adjusted discount rates and an evaluation of the expected performance of the underlying portfolio asset, including historical and projected levels of profitability or cash flows. In addition, a variety of additional factors may be reviewed by management, including, but not limited to, contemporaneous financing and sales transactions with third parties, changes in market outlook and the third-party financing environment. The level of inputs used for these fair value measurements is the lowest level (Level 3).

Other. The carrying amounts of cash equivalents, accounts receivable and accounts payable and accrued expenses approximate fair value due to the short-term nature of these instruments. All of Quanta’s cash equivalents were categorized as Level 1 assets at December 31, 2019 and 2018, as all values were based on unadjusted quoted prices for identical assets in an active market that Quanta has the ability to access. The carrying amount of variable rate debt also approximates fair value.