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Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 28, 2019

Basis of Presentation and Principles of Consolidation

The consolidated financial statements of the Company are presented in U.S. dollars in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) and have been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its subsidiaries. All intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation.

Fiscal Year

Effective March 7, 2017, the Audit Committee of our Board of Directors and the Board of Directors approved a change in our fiscal year-end and financial accounting cycle. Beginning January 1, 2017, the Company commenced reporting its financial results on a 52/53 week fiscal year ending on the Saturday closest to December 31st (whether or not in the following calendar year), with interim calendar quarters ending on the Saturday closest to the end of such calendar quarter (whether or not in the following calendar quarter).

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. These estimates and assumptions are based on management’s most recent assessment of underlying facts and circumstances using the most recent information available. Actual results could differ significantly from these estimates and assumptions, and the differences could be material.

Estimates and assumptions are evaluated periodically and adjusted when necessary. The more significant estimates affecting amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements include the following:


•	Fair value estimates used in accounting for business combinations including the valuation of identifiable intangible assets and contingent consideration


•	Fair value estimates in determining the fair value of our reporting units for goodwill impairment assessment


•	Revenue recognition over time

•

Allowances for uncollectible accounts

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents include cash on deposit with financial institutions and investments in high quality overnight money market funds, all of which have maturities of three months or less when purchased. The Company from time to time may be exposed to credit risk with its bank deposits in excess of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation insurance limits and with uninsured money market investments. Management believes cash and cash equivalent balances are not exposed to significant credit risk due to the financial position of the depository institutions in which those deposits are held.

Concentration of Credit Risk

Trade receivable balances carried by the Company are comprised of accounts from a diverse client base across a broad range of industries and are not collateralized. However, 27%, 30% and 32% of the Company’s gross revenues for fiscal years 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively, are from California-based projects. The Company did not have any clients representing more than 10% of our gross revenues during 2019, 2018 or 2017. During fiscal years 2019, 2018 and 2017 approximately 68%, 67% and 68%, respectively, of our gross revenues was attributable to the public and quasi-public sector. Management continually evaluates the creditworthiness of these and future clients and provides for bad debt reserves as necessary.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

Fair value is defined as the amount that would be received for selling an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date and is measured using inputs in one of the following three categories:

Level 1 measurements are based on unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that we have the ability to access. Valuation of these items does not entail a significant amount of judgment.

Level 2 measurements are based on quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active or market data other than quoted prices that are observable for the assets or liabilities.

Level 3 measurements are based on unobservable data that are supported by little or no market activity and are significant to the fair value of the assets or liabilities.

The Company considers cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable, income taxes payable, accrued liabilities and debt obligations to meet the definition of financial instruments. As of December 28, 2019 and December 29, 2018, the carrying amount of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable, income taxes payable and accrued liabilities approximate their fair value due to the relatively short period of time between their origination and their expected realization or payment. The carrying amounts of debt obligations approximate their fair values as the terms are comparable to terms currently offered by local lending institutions for arrangements with similar terms to industry peers with comparable credit characteristics.

The Company applies the provisions of the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 805, Business Combinations, in the accounting for its acquisitions, which requires recognition of the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed at their acquisition date fair values, separately from goodwill. Goodwill as of the acquisition date is measured as the excess of consideration transferred and the net of the acquisition date fair values of the tangible and identifiable intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed. The allocation of the purchase price to identifiable intangible assets is based on valuations performed to determine the fair values of such assets as of the acquisition dates. Generally, the Company engages a third-party independent valuation specialist to assist in management’s determination of fair values of tangible and intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed. The fair values of earn-out arrangements are included as part of the purchase price of the acquired companies on their respective acquisition dates. The Company estimates the fair value of contingent earn-out payments as part of the initial purchase price and records the estimated fair value of contingent consideration as a liability on the consolidated balance sheet. Changes in the estimated fair value of contingent earn-out

payments are included in General and Administrative expenses on the Consolidated Statements of Net Income and Comprehensive Income.

Several factors are considered when determining contingent consideration liabilities as part of the purchase price, including whether (i) the valuation of the acquisitions is not supported solely by the initial consideration paid, and the contingent earn-out formula is a critical and material component of the valuation approach to determining the purchase price; and (ii) the former owners of the acquired companies that remain as key employees receive compensation other than contingent earn-out payments at a reasonable level compared with the compensation of other key employees. The contingent earn-out payments are not affected by employment termination.

The Company reviews and re-assesses the estimated fair value of contingent consideration liabilities on a quarterly basis, and the updated fair value could differ from the initial estimates. The Company measures contingent consideration recognized in connection with business combinations at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs classified as Level 3 inputs. The Company uses a probability-weighted discounted cash flow approach as a valuation technique to determine the fair value of the contingent consideration liabilities on the acquisition date and at each reporting period. The significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurements are projections over the earn-out period, and the probability outcome percentages that are assigned to each scenario. Significant increases or decreases to either of these inputs in isolation could result in a significantly higher or lower liability with a higher liability capped by the contractual maximum of the contingent consideration liabilities. Ultimately, the liability will be equivalent to the amount paid, and the difference between the fair value estimate on the acquisition date and amount paid will be recorded in earnings

Property and Equipment

Property and equipment is stated at cost. Property and equipment acquired in a business combination is stated at fair value at the acquisition date. The Company capitalizes the cost of improvements to property and equipment that increase the value or extend the useful lives of the assets. Normal repair and maintenance costs are expensed as incurred. Depreciation and amortization is computed on a straight-line basis over the following estimated useful lives of the assets. Leasehold improvements are amortized on a straight-line basis over the lesser of their estimated useful lives or the remaining terms of the related lease agreement.



Asset		Depreciation Period (in years)
Office furniture and equipment		4
Computer equipment		3
Survey and field equipment		5
Leasehold improvements		Lesser of the estimated useful lives or remaining term of the lease

Property and equipment balances are periodically reviewed by management for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of the asset may not be recoverable. If an indicator of impairment exists, the Company compares the estimated future cash flows of the asset, on an undiscounted basis, to the carrying value of the asset. If the undiscounted cash flows exceed the carrying value, no impairment is indicated. If the undiscounted cash flows do not exceed the carrying value, then impairment is measured as the difference between fair value and carrying value, with fair value typically based on a discounted cash flow model. During fiscal years 2019, 2018 and 2017, no impairment charge relating to property and equipment was recognized.

Goodwill and Intangible Assets

Goodwill is the excess of consideration paid for an acquired entity over the amounts assigned to assets acquired, including other identifiable intangible assets and liabilities assumed in a business combination. To determine the amount of goodwill resulting from a business combination, we perform an assessment to determine the acquisition date fair value of the acquired company’s tangible and identifiable intangible assets and liabilities.

The Company evaluates goodwill annually for impairment on August 1 or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the asset may be impaired. An entity has the option to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether the existence of events or circumstances leads to a determination that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a

reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. These qualitative factors include: macroeconomic and industry conditions, cost factors, overall financial performance and other relevant entity-specific events. If the entity determines that this threshold is met, then performing the two-step quantitative impairment test is unnecessary. The two-step impairment test requires a comparison of the carrying value of the assets and liabilities associated with a reporting unit, including goodwill, with the fair value of the reporting unit. The Company determines fair value through multiple valuation techniques, and weights the results accordingly. NV5 Global is required to make certain subjective and complex judgments in assessing whether an event of impairment of goodwill has occurred, including assumptions and estimates used to determine the fair value of its reporting units. If the carrying value of its reporting unit exceeds the fair value of its reporting unit, the Company would calculate the implied fair value as compared to the carrying value to determine the appropriate impairment charge, if any.

Identifiable intangible assets primarily include customer backlog, customer relationships, finite and indefinite-lived trade names, non-compete agreements, and developed technology. Amortizable intangible assets are amortized on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives and reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the assets may be impaired. If an indicator of impairment exists, the Company compares the estimated future cash flows of the asset, on an undiscounted basis, to the carrying value of the asset. If the undiscounted cash flows exceed the carrying value, no impairment is indicated. If the undiscounted cash flows do not exceed the carrying value, then impairment, if any, is measured as the difference between fair value and carrying value, with fair value typically based on a discounted cash flow model.

During fiscal years 2019, 2018 and 2017, no impairment charge relating to goodwill and intangible assets was recognized. See Note 9, Goodwill and Intangible Assets, for further information on goodwill and identified intangibles.

Earnings Per Share

Revenue Recognition

On the first day of fiscal year 2018, we adopted ASC Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (“Topic 606”), using the modified retrospective approach to all contracts that were not completed as of the beginning of fiscal year 2018. We utilize the contract method, which allows companies to account for contracts on a contract by contract basis. For our time and materials contracts, we apply the as-invoiced practical expedient, which permits us to recognize revenue as the right to invoice for services performed. The new standard did not materially affect our consolidated net income, financial position, or cash flows.

To determine the proper revenue recognition method, we evaluate whether two or more contracts should be combined and accounted for as one single contract and whether the combined or single contract should be accounted for as more than one performance obligation. The majority of our contracts have a single performance obligation as the promise to transfer the individual goods or services is not separately identifiable from other promises in the contracts and, therefore, is not distinct.

The Company’s performance obligations are satisfied as work progresses or at a point in time. Revenue on our cost-reimbursable contracts is recognized over time using direct costs incurred or direct costs incurred to date as compared to the estimated total direct costs for performance obligations because it depicts the transfer of control to the customer. Contract costs include labor, subcontractors’ costs and other direct costs. Gross revenues from services transferred to customers over time accounted for 90% of the Company’s revenues for the period ended December 28, 2019.

Gross revenue from services transferred to customers at a point in time is recognized when the customer obtains control of the asset, which is generally upon delivery and acceptance by the customer of the reports and/or analysis performed. Gross revenue from services transferred to customers at a point in time accounted for 10% and 8% of the Company’s revenues for the period ended December 28, 2019 and December 29, 2018, respectively.

As of December 28, 2019, the Company had $607,482 of remaining performance obligations, of which 493,468 is expected to be recognized over the next 12 months and the majority of the balance over the next 24 months. Contracts for which work authorizations have been received are included in performance obligations. Most of our government contracts are multi-year contracts for which funding is appropriated on an annual basis, therefore performance obligations include only those amounts that have been funded and authorized and does not reflect the full amounts we may receive over the term of such contracts. In the case of non-government contracts and project awards, performance obligations include future revenue at contract or customary 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 performance obligations to the extent of the remaining estimated amount.

Contract modifications are common in the performance of our contracts. Contracts modified typically result from changes in scope, specifications, design, performance, sites, or period of completion. In most cases, contract modifications are for services that are not distinct, and, therefore, are accounted for as part of the existing contract.

Contract estimates are based on various assumptions to project the outcome of future events. These assumptions are dependent upon the accuracy of a variety of estimates, including engineering progress, achievement of milestones, 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 or reduction to the percentage of total contract revenues recognized to date, these losses or reductions are recognized in the period in which the revisions are known. The effect of revisions to revenues, estimated costs to complete contracts, including penalties, incentive awards, change orders, claims, anticipated losses and others are recorded on the cumulative catch-up basis in the period in which the revisions are identified and the loss can be reasonably estimated. Such revisions could occur in any reporting period and the effects on the results of operations for that reporting period may be material depending on the size of the project or the adjustment. During the period ended December 28, 2019, the cumulative catch-up adjustment for contract modifications was not material.

A significant amount of the Company’s revenues are derived under multi-year contracts. The Company enters into contracts with its clients that contain two principal types of pricing provisions: cost-reimbursable and fixed-unit price. The majority of the Company’s contracts are cost-reimbursable contracts that fall under the low-risk subcategory of time and materials contracts.

Cost-reimbursable contracts consist of the following:

•

Time and materials contracts, which are common for smaller scale professional and technical consulting and certification services projects. Under these types of contracts, there is no predetermined fee. Instead, the Company negotiates hourly billing rates and charges the clients based upon actual hours expended on a project. In addition, any direct project expenditures are passed through to the client and are typically reimbursed. These contracts may have an initial not-to-exceed or guaranteed maximum price provision.


•	Cost-plus contracts are the predominant contracting method used by U.S. federal, state, and local governments. Under these types of contracts, the Company charges clients for its costs, including both direct and indirect costs, plus a negotiated fee. The total estimated cost plus the negotiated fee represents the total contract value.

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Lump-sum contracts typically require the performance of all of the work under the contract for a specified lump-sum fee, subject to price adjustments if the scope of the project changes or unforeseen conditions arise. Many of the Company’s lump-sum contracts are negotiated and arise in the design of projects with a specified scope and project deliverables. In most cases, we can bill additional fees if the construction schedule is modified and lengthened.

Fixed-unit price contracts typically require the performance of 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 performed.

Federal Acquisition Regulations (“FAR”), which are applicable to the Company’s federal government contracts and may be incorporated in local and state agency contracts, limit the recovery of certain specified indirect costs on contracts. Cost-plus contracts covered by FAR or certain state and local agencies also may require an audit of actual costs and provide for upward or downward adjustments if actual recoverable costs differ from billed recoverable costs.

Contract Balances

The timing of revenue recognition, billings and cash collections results in billed receivables, unbilled receivables (contract assets), and billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings on uncompleted contracts (contract liabilities) on the Consolidated Balance Sheet.

Billed receivables, net represents amounts billed to clients that remain uncollected as of the balance sheet date. The amounts are stated at their estimated realizable value. The Company maintains an allowance for doubtful accounts to provide for the estimated amount of receivables that will not be collected. The allowance is estimated based on management’s evaluation of the contracts involved and the financial condition of clients. Factors the Company considers include, but are not limited to:


•	Client type (governmental or commercial client)


•	Historical performance


•	Historical collection trends


•	General economic conditions

Billed receivables are generally collected within less than 12 months. The allowance is increased by the Company’s provision for doubtful accounts which is charged against income. All recoveries on receivables previously charged off are included in income, while direct charge-offs of receivables are deducted from the allowance.

Unbilled receivables, net represents recognized amounts pending billing pursuant to contract terms or accounts billed after period end, and are expected to be billed and collected within the next 12 months. Generally, billing occurs subsequent to revenue recognition, resulting in contract assets. Unbilled receivables (contract assets) are generally classified as current.

In certain circumstances, the contract may allow for billing terms that result in the cumulative amounts billed in excess of revenues recognized. The liability “Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings on uncompleted contracts” represents billings in excess of revenues recognized on these contracts as of the reporting date. This liability is generally classified as current. During fiscal 2019, the Company performed services and recognized $7,625 of revenue related to its contract liabilities that existed as of December 29, 2018.

Advertising

Advertising costs are charged to expense in the period incurred and amounted to $939, $1,019 and $1,048 during fiscal years 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively, which is included in General and Administrative Expenses on the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Net Income and Comprehensive Income.

Income Taxes

The Company accounts for income taxes in accordance with ASC Topic No. 740 “Income Taxes” (“Topic No. 740”). Deferred income taxes reflect the impact of temporary differences between amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and such amounts as measured by tax laws. A valuation allowance against the Company’s deferred tax assets is recorded when it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. In determining the need for a valuation allowance, management is required to make assumptions and to apply judgment, including forecasting future earnings, taxable income, and the mix of earnings in the jurisdictions in which the Company operates. Management periodically assesses the need for a valuation allowance based on the Company’s current and anticipated results of operations. The need for and the amount of a valuation allowance can change in the near term if operating results and projections change significantly.

The Company recognizes the consolidated financial statement benefit of a tax position only after determining that the relevant tax authority would more likely than not sustain the position following an audit. For tax positions meeting the more likely-than-not threshold, the amount recognized in the consolidated financial statements is the largest benefit that has a greater than 50 percent likelihood of being realized upon ultimate settlement with the relevant tax authority. The Company applies the uncertain tax position guidance to all tax positions for which the statute of limitations remains open. The Company’s policy is to classify interest and penalties as income tax expense.