UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM
(Mark One)
ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
For the fiscal year ended
OR
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 FOR THE TRANSITION PERIOD FROM TO |
Commission File Number
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its Charter)
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) |
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) |
c/o APi Group, Inc. |
|
(Address of principal executive offices) |
(Zip Code) |
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each class |
|
Trading Symbol(s) |
|
Name of each exchange on which registered |
|
|
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None
Indicate by check mark if the Registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. YES ☐
Indicate by check mark if the Registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Act. YES ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant: (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Registrant was required to submit such files).
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
|
☒ |
|
Accelerated filer |
|
☐ |
|
|
|
|
|
|||
Non-accelerated filer |
|
☐ |
|
Smaller reporting company |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Emerging growth company |
|
|
|
|
|
|
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed a report on and attestation to its management’s assessment of the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting under Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (15 U.S.C. 7262(b)) by the registered public accounting firm that prepared or issued its audit report.
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). YES ☐ NO
The aggregate market value of the voting and non-voting common equity held by non-affiliates of the Registrant, based on the closing price of the shares of common stock on The New York Stock Exchange on June 30, 2021, the last business day of the registrant’s most recently completed second quarter, was $
The number of shares of Registrant’s common stock outstanding as of February 22, 2022 was
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
Portions of the registrant’s definitive proxy statement for the 2022 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, which is to be filed no later than 120 days after December 31, 2021, are incorporated by reference into Part III of this Form 10-K.
i
|
|
|
Page |
PART I |
|
|
|
Item 1. |
|
4 |
|
Item 1A. |
|
11 |
|
Item 1B. |
|
34 |
|
Item 2. |
|
34 |
|
Item 3. |
|
34 |
|
Item 4. |
|
34 |
|
|
|
|
|
PART II |
|
|
|
Item 5. |
|
35 |
|
Item 7. |
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations |
|
36 |
Item 7A. |
|
51 |
|
Item 8. |
|
53 |
|
Item 9. |
Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure |
|
97 |
Item 9A. |
|
97 |
|
Item 9B. |
|
98 |
|
|
|
|
|
PART III |
|
|
|
Item 10. |
|
99 |
|
Item 11. |
|
99 |
|
Item 12. |
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters |
|
99 |
Item 13. |
Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence |
|
99 |
Item 14. |
|
99 |
|
|
|
|
|
PART IV |
|
|
|
Item 15. |
|
100 |
|
Item 16 |
|
104 |
ii
PART I
As used in this Annual Report, the terms “we,” “us,” “our,” the “Company”, and “APG” refer to APi Group Corporation, a Delaware corporation headquartered in New Brighton, Minnesota, and its wholly‑owned subsidiaries (the “Subsidiaries”). Dollars are presented in millions except per share amounts or where otherwise stated.
CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS
This Annual Report on Form 10-K (“Annual Report”) contains “forward-looking statements”. These forward-looking statements are based on beliefs and assumptions as of the date such statements are made and are subject to risks and uncertainties. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause our actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terms including “expect”, “anticipate”, “project”, “will”, “should”, “believe”, “intend”, “plan”, “estimate”, “potential”, “target”, “would”, and similar expressions, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying terms.
These forward-looking statements are based on our current expectations and assumptions and on information currently available to management and include, among others, statements regarding, as of the date such statements are made:
1
These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and assumptions, including those described in “Risk Factors” and in “Risk Factor Summary” below. In light of these risks, uncertainties and assumptions, the forward-looking events and circumstances discussed in this Annual Report may not occur, and actual results could differ materially and adversely from those anticipated or implied in the forward-looking statements. Important factors that may materially affect the forward-looking statements include the risk factors summarized below.
The factors identified below are believed to be important factors, but not necessarily all of the important factors, that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statement made by us. Other factors not discussed herein could also have a material adverse effect on us. You should not rely upon forward-looking statements as predictions of future events. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, we cannot guarantee future results, level of activity, performance or achievements. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this Annual Report. We assume no obligation to update or revise these forward-looking statements for any reason, even if new information becomes available in the future, except as required by applicable law.
RISK FACTOR SUMMARY
Below is a summary of the principal factors that may affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations. This summary does not address all of the risks that we face. Additional discussion of the risks summarized in this risk factor summary, and other risks that we face, can be found below under the heading “Risk Factors” and should be carefully considered, together with other information in this Annual Report and our other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”).
2
3
ITEM 1. BUSINESS
Our Business
We are a global, market-leading business services provider of safety and specialty services in over 500 locations in approximately 20 countries. We provide statutorily mandated and other contracted services to a strong base of long-standing customers across industries. We have a winning leadership culture driven by entrepreneurial business leaders to deliver innovative solutions for our customers.
We believe that our core strategies of driving organic growth and growth through accretive acquisitions, promoting sharing of best practices across all of our businesses, and leveraging our scale and services offerings place us in the position to capitalize on opportunities and trends in the industries we serve, grow our businesses and advance our position in each of our markets. We believe that our revenue diversification across customers, end markets, geographies and projects, combined with our go-to market strategy of selling inspection and installation work first, regional approach to operating our businesses, specialty operations in niche markets, strong commitment to leadership development, long-standing customers with a robust reputation in the industries we serve, and strong safety track record differentiates us from our competitors.
We have a disciplined acquisition platform which has historically provided strategic acquisitions that are integrated into our operations. Since 2005, we have completed more than 85 acquisitions. We target companies that align with our strategic priorities and demonstrate key value drivers such as culture, geography, end markets and client base, capabilities and leadership. Our priorities are unified around maintaining business continuity while identifying and implementing operational efficiencies, cost synergies, and integration of organizational processes to drive margin expansion.
We employ a regional operating model designed to improve speed and responsiveness to our customers across our businesses, empower leadership of our businesses to drive business performance and execute key decisions, and foster cross-functional sharing of best practices. This structure promotes a business-owner mindset among our individual business leaders and combines the personal attention of a small-to-medium sized company with the strength and support of an industry leader. It also allows each of our businesses to remain highly focused on best positioning itself within the categories in which it competes and reinforces strong accountability for operational and financial performance.
As of December 31, 2021, we operated our business under three primary operating segments, which were also our reportable segments:
4
On January 3, 2022, we completed the acquisition of the Chubb fire and security business (the "Chubb Business"), which will be reported within the Safety Services segment. Following the Chubb Acquisition, we combined the leadership responsibility and full accountability for two of our reportable segments to fully integrate the Industrial Services and Specialty Services segments. As a result, beginning in 2022, the information for the Industrial Services segment will be combined with the Specialty Services segment and we will present financial information for the Safety Services and Specialty Services segments, which will be our two primary operating segments and also our reportable segments. Our chief operating decision maker regularly reviews financial information to allocate resources and assess performance utilizing these reorganized segments.
Our Industry
The industries in which we operate are highly fragmented and comprised of national, regional and local companies that provide services to customers across various end markets and geographies. We believe the following industry trends are affecting, and will continue to affect, demand for our services.
Increased Regulation. The life safety industry is highly regulated at the federal, state and local levels and continuous regulatory changes, including mandated building codes and inspections and maintenance requirements, continue to generate increasing demand for our services, often on a recurring basis. Specifically, the Uniform Building Codes written by the National Fire Protection Association and the International Code Council regulate fire suppression and sprinkler systems. Among other things, these codes require testing, inspections, repair, maintenance and specific retrofits of building fire suppression and sprinkler systems, which generates recurring revenue related to those services. As these associations and government agencies continue to adopt new, more stringent regulations, the demand for our services increases.
Deferred Infrastructure Investment. Following several years of deferred investment, the aging U.S. infrastructure system requires significant maintenance, repair and retrofit services which has spurred demand in our industry. State and local municipalities have deferred infrastructure spending for many years which has resulted in the need to rebuild or retrofit a large portion of the U.S. infrastructure. The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act signed into law on November 15, 2021 includes $550 billion of newly authorized infrastructure spending over the next 5 years.
COVID-19 and Non-Residential Construction. The negative economic impacts of COVID-19 have had an overall negative effect on the non-residential construction market. As a leading provider of specialty contracting services, we have encountered some headwinds due to these macroeconomic events. However, certain end markets we serve have been less impacted, such as data centers, distribution warehouses, and healthcare. We believe the demand for our services necessitated by regulatory requirements has, and will continue to, provide opportunities even in tough markets.
Our Competitive Strengths
We believe that the following are our key competitive strengths:
Leading Market Positions in Diverse Set of Niche Industries. We believe that we are one of the leaders in each of the niche industries we serve, including the industry leader in fire protection and sprinkler services, among the top five specialty contractors in North America, and a large provider of fire and security solutions in many of the international markets we serve. We believe that our revenue diversification across customers, end markets, geographies and projects, combined with our go-to market strategy of selling inspection and installation work first, regional approach to operating our businesses, operations in niche industries with strong cross-selling opportunities and recurring revenue potential, strong commitment to leadership development, long-standing customer relationships with a robust reputation in the industries we serve, and strong safety track record differentiates us from our competitors. As a result of our strong global brand recognition, we believe we have better access to new business opportunities, allowing us to maintain and advance our market share positions.
Repeat Revenue with Diverse Mix of Customers, End Markets, Geographies and Projects. We have repeat revenue from a diverse set of long-standing blue chip customers who are spread across a variety of end markets and geographies with low concentration. Many of our customers have high creditworthiness in a direct service relationship or contracting role, providing stable cash flows and a platform for organic growth. Service inspections are often required by legislation or insurance mandates, providing a strong recurring revenue stream. Following the Chubb Acquisition, our broad geographic footprint expanded to over 500 locations throughout approximately 20 countries, and allows us to maintain relationships with local decision makers while also having the ability to execute multi-site services for national and international account customers.
5
Differentiated Business Model Focused on Growing Service Revenue. Our market strategy in life safety is to sell inspection work first, because we estimate that every dollar sold can lead to subsequent service work. In most cases, our inspection work is covered by statutory or insurance requirements. Nearly all facilities that have existing life safety systems are required by law to have that system inspected on an annual basis. This strategy differentiates us from our peers and ultimately creates a stickier client relationship that we believe leads to recurring revenue, higher margins and growth opportunities.
Attractive Industry Fundamentals. We believe that the diversity of end markets we serve and the regulatory-driven demand for certain of our services will enable us to better withstand various economic cycles. We believe that the industries in which we operate are subject to increasingly complex and evolving regulatory environments and have experienced pent-up demand resulting from years of deferred maintenance and retrofit investment. We believe this presents great opportunities for us to drive growth in our businesses and enhance our market share positions.
Disciplined Acquisition Platform with History of Strategic Acquisitions. We have a disciplined acquisition platform through which we systematically target, execute and integrate strategic acquisitions. Since 2005, we have completed over 85 acquisitions. Through our selective approach, we identify and assess companies that align with our strategic priorities and demonstrate key value drivers such as culture, geography, end markets and client base, capabilities and leadership, opportunity to expand our service offering or geographic footprint, or provide a competitive opportunity such as new end markets or client base. Each of our businesses maintains its identity, reputation, customer relationships and culture following acquisition while benefiting from the resources of the APG network, which we believe is an important differentiator. Our acquired businesses benefit from direct access to the APG network, which facilitates organizational sharing of knowledge and best practices, increases collaboration across our businesses and develops cross-brand solutions which foster enhanced experience, quality and efficiency.
Differentiated Leadership Culture and Operating Model. We believe that one of our core pillars of success is our distinct leadership development culture predicated on Building Great Leaders®, our cross-functional leadership development platform designed to enable independent company leadership, cultivate broad management skills, enhance organizational flexibility, and empower the next cohort of leaders across our businesses. This culture of investing in leadership development at all levels of the organization has created an empowered, entrepreneurial atmosphere which facilitates organizational sharing of knowledge and best practices and enables the development of cross-brand solutions and innovation. Another important initiative is our field-based leadership programs. We believe our approach to field leadership is different from our peers’ field-based programs, which tend to focus on technical competence as opposed to leadership. Moreover, we employ a decentralized operating model which improves speed and responsiveness to customers in industries with strict requirements. This also empowers the leaders of our businesses to drive business performance and execute key decisions, while highlighting the significant focus we place on ensuring members of our team receive continuous investment in their development.
Resilient Business Model with Multiple Levers to Navigate Downturns. Our proactive approach to managing risk across our platform, recurring revenue services-focused business model and highly variable cost structure provide significant flexibility to effectively navigate downturns. Our significant union labor force in the U.S. and subcontract labor force internationally allow us to flex our workforce capacity as market conditions dictate without incurring significant trailing costs or severance. Our average project duration is relatively short, which helps mitigate inflationary exposure to cost of goods sold or changes in labor expense that some peers may experience in an inflationary environment. Historically, we have managed inflationary pressure through cost efficiency and cost saving actions, when needed. We believe that our broad mix of customers across many sectors and strong recurring revenue streams help us mitigate the impact of economic downturns on our business. In a downturn we have multiple levers to pull to preserve cash due to a high proportion of variable costs.
Attractive Financial Performance and Strong Margin and Cash Flow Profile. We believe that, due to our differentiated operating model, diversified services offerings, historically strong organic growth and disciplined acquisition strategy, we have an attractive financial performance profile. In addition, we support margin growth by leveraging our scale to benefit from procurement savings resulting from enhanced purchasing power and serving higher-margin, niche industries. We also have a stable cash flow profile driven by our focus on recurring services-based revenue and our asset-light business model, which requires minimal ongoing maintenance and capital expenditures (which are typically approximately 1.5% of total net revenues). The mission-critical nature of our services and regulatory-driven inspection requirements provide predictable, recurring revenue stream opportunities. Maintenance and services revenues are less cyclical, and are reasonably recurring due to the consistent renewal rates and deep customer relationships.
Our Business Strategy
We intend to continue to grow our businesses, both organically and through acquisitions, and advance our position in each of the markets we serve by pursuing the following integrated business strategies:
6
Drive Organic Growth. We believe that we can continue to grow our businesses organically and capture additional market share across each of our segments by focusing on growing maintenance, inspection, and service revenue and maximizing cross-selling opportunities.
Accelerate Growth through Acquisitions. We have a well-established acquisition platform with a track record of executing accretive acquisitions through our selective approach to targeting and assessing potential acquisitions that align with our values and strategic priorities. We have a disciplined acquisition platform through which we systematically target, execute and integrate strategic acquisitions. We believe that the markets in which we operate, which are expanding internationally, are fragmented and lend themselves to continued opportunistic acquisitions. We have grown, and plan to continue to drive growth, through accretive acquisitions, targeting businesses in our existing segments and those complementary to our service offerings.
Continue to Foster Leadership Development throughout All Levels and Geographies of the Organization. We plan to continue to invest in and support our leadership development culture through our Building Great Leaders® platform, which we believe will continue to empower the leaders across our businesses, drive business performance and create future cross-selling opportunities. Our programmatic training and development curriculum focuses on a range of topics from enhancing technical capabilities to developing soft skills, and decision-making training to enable independent company leadership. We believe that this culture will continue to support our decentralized operating model, which combines the personal attention of a small-to-medium sized company with the strength and support of an industry leader.
Leverage Our Scale and Services Portfolio. We believe that we can grow our businesses and increase our market position by leveraging our scale and broad portfolio of services offerings to capitalize on demand for single-source national and international providers. For example, we plan to focus on expanding national and international accounts and further developing an entity-wide purchasing program to realize the benefits from volume discounts and vendor pricing. We plan to leverage our industry-leading positions and the leadership across our businesses to capture growth opportunities across each of our segments. In addition, our increasing international footprint enhances our services platform with complementary offerings and cross-selling opportunities.
Customers
We have long-standing relationships with many customers in each of the industries we serve. We serve customers in both the public and private sectors, including commercial, industrial, fulfillment centers, distribution, manufacturing, education, healthcare, telecom, utilities, transmission, high tech, entertainment, governmental markets, retail, and financial services. Our customers range from Fortune 500 companies with diverse, worldwide operations to single-location companies. We have low customer concentration with no single customer accounting for more than 5% of our total net revenues for 2021.
Our focus on providing high quality service promotes deep, long-term relationships with our customers which often results in continued opportunities for new business and a reliable source of recurring revenue for ongoing inspection, maintenance and monitoring services. We often provide services under master service and other service agreements, which can be multi-year agreements, subject to earlier termination. The remainder of our work is generated pursuant to contracts for specific projects or jobs that require shorter-term services.
Customers are billed with varying frequency, the timing of which is generally dependent upon advance billing terms, milestone billings based on completion of certain phases of the work, or when services are provided. Under the typical payment terms of master and other service agreements and contracts for specific projects, the customer makes progress payments based on quantifiable measures of performance as defined in the agreements. Some of our contracts include retainage provisions, under which a portion of the contract amount can be retained by the customer until final contract settlement.
7
Government Regulation and Environmental Matters
Our business activities are subject to regional, national, state and local laws and regulations in each country in which we conduct business. These laws and regulations involve matters including compliance with codes or regulations governing our services, licensing and certification requirements, environmental and substance control, workplace safety, privacy, data use, data security and protection of personal information, data storage and retention, biometrics, intellectual property, advertising, marketing, distribution, electronic contracts and other communications, competition, taxation, economic or other trade prohibitions or sanctions, anti-corruption and political law compliance, securities law compliance, and financial services. In some cases, laws and regulations outside of the U.S. impose different obligations or are more restrictive than those in the U.S.
These regulations are administered by various regional, national, state and local health and safety and environmental agencies and authorities. While we cooperate with governmental authorities and take reasonable measures to meet regulatory requirements, certain of these risks are inherent in the operation of our business irrespective of regulatory compliance. Failure to comply with these laws and regulations may involve civil and criminal liability. We are also subject to a wide range of reporting, licensure, certification and compliance requirements as prescribed by various multi-national, national, state, and local governmental bodies or agencies, for example individual or corporate licensing requirements or certifications that qualify us to perform the services we offer. We believe we have all required licenses to conduct our business activities and are in substantial compliance with applicable regulatory requirements. Expenditures relating to such regulations are made in the normal course of our business and are neither material nor place us at any competitive disadvantage. We do not currently expect that compliance with such laws and regulations will require us to make material expenditures. If we fail to comply with applicable regulations, we could be subject to substantial fines or revocation of our operating licenses.
We are subject to various national, state, and local labor and employment laws and regulations which govern minimum wage and hour requirements, overtime, working conditions, mandatory benefits, health and social insurance, statutory notice periods and other employment-related matters, duties and obligations. Additionally, a large portion of our business uses labor that is provided under collective bargaining agreements or is subject to works council processes. As such, we are subject to national and local laws and regulations related to unionized labor and collective bargaining.
We also are subject to various environmental laws and regulations that impose liability and cleanup responsibility for releases of hazardous substances into the environment or potential liability for harm to persons or property. Under certain of these laws and regulations, liabilities can be imposed for cleanup of properties, regardless of whether we directly caused the contamination or violated any law at the time of discharge or disposal. The presence of contamination from such substances or wastes could interfere with ongoing operations or adversely affect our business. In addition, we could be held liable for significant penalties and damages under certain environmental laws and regulations. Our contracts with customers may also impose liabilities on us regarding environmental issues that arise through the performance of our services. Additionally, under some legal theories of recovery applicable to claims for personal injury or property damage, liability could be imposed in connection with allegedly hazardous substances on a market share basis, eliminating the need for claimants to prove a direct relationship between the injury and our business operations. From time to time, we may incur costs and obligations related to environmental compliance and/or remediation matters or claims related to hazardous substances.
Effect of Seasonality and Cyclical Nature of Business
Our net revenues and results of operations can be subject to seasonal and other variations. These variations are influenced by weather and include impacts of customer spending patterns, contract award seasons, project schedules, holidays and timing, in particular, for large, non-recurring projects. Within our North America companies, net revenues within our Specialty Services businesses are typically lower during the winter months in the first and second quarters since cold, snowy or wet conditions can cause project delays and affect productivity. Consequently, net revenues during the third and fourth quarters are generally higher within our North America companies due to increased demand for our services when favorable weather conditions exist in many of the regions in which we operate.
The Chubb Acquisition provides opportunities to negate the weather impacts experienced by our North America Specialty Services companies by expanding our geographical footprint to other regions, including Europe and Asia and increases the proportion of our net revenues contributed by our Safety Services businesses, which are generally less affected by unfavorable weather conditions. Net revenues for our businesses outside of the U.S. are generally consistent throughout the year, with a slight decline in the third quarter due to decreased demand for our services resulting from the timing of holidays, particularly in Europe.
8
Additionally, the industries we serve can be cyclical. Fluctuations in end-user demand within those industries, or in the supply of services within those industries, can affect demand for our services. As a result, our business may be adversely affected by industry declines or by delays in new projects. Variations or unanticipated changes in project schedules in connection with large projects can create fluctuations in net revenues.
Competitive Environment
We operate in industries which are highly competitive and highly fragmented. There are relatively few barriers to entry in many of the industries in which we operate, and as a result, any organization that has adequate financial resources and access to technical expertise could become a competitor. In each of our segments, we compete with a number of companies, ranging from small, owner-operated businesses operating in narrow geographic regions to large companies with national and international scale who have significant financial, technical and marketing resources.
We compete based on a variety of factors, including price, service, technical expertise and experience, quality, safety record, response time and reputation for customer service. A portion of our revenue is derived from agreements with customers that contain fixed price or per unit terms, and price is often an important factor in the contract award process for such work. However, we believe our customers also consider a variety of other factors, including those described above, when selecting a service provider, and we believe that our technical capabilities, broad geographic reach and skilled labor force enable us to compete against our larger competitors.
Supply
We have multiple supply sources in various markets at competitive pricing for substantially all of our raw material and installed components. The raw materials and various purchased components we use such as piping, steel, sheet metal, fire suppression/detection components and HVAC equipment have generally been available in sufficient quantities in a timely manner. We do and can rely on multiple third-party manufacturers as a source for pre-fabricated goods or system components. Historically we have been able to mitigate commodity cost exposure by purchasing or price locking commodities early for particular projects, as well as selectively using time or market-based escalation provisions in proposals and contracts. While we have experienced some COVID-19 related impacts on our supply chain to date, they have only impacted certain segments within our business. We do not anticipate experiencing significant procurement challenges, as the purchases of required materials can be sourced from multiple sources; however, tariffs or other changes in international trade relations or other factors such as the impact of pandemics or the resurgence of COVID-19 or its variants and other future pandemics, could result in limited availability of or increased costs for some materials.
Sales and Marketing
All employees, from leadership to project managers, are responsible for developing and maintaining successful long-term relationships with key customers in each of the industries we serve. We intend to continue our emphasis on developing and maintaining long-term relationships with our customers by providing reliable, high-quality service in a professional manner. We believe we can continue to leverage specific technical and marketing strengths at the individual business-level to expand the services offered in each business’s market. Our culture of collaboration across our businesses provides significant cross-selling opportunities to leverage our current project base, existing relationships and professional expertise to provide additional services to our existing customers. Through our North American Safety Services segment, we provide a single point of contact for customers with a regional or national portfolio of properties through our National Service Group (“NSG”) team, which enhances our understanding of customers on a national scale and allows us to build more meaningful relationships with our customers. Through our NSG team, we are able to quickly and efficiently allocate resources to meet customer needs.
9
Insurance and Legal Proceedings
The primary insured risks in our operations are bodily injury, property damage and workers’ compensation injury. We are insured for workers’ compensation, employer’s liability, auto liability, general liability, employee group health insurance, property damage or loss, business interruption, cyber incidents, pollution liability, professional liability, as well as for other business risks and retain the risk for claims resulting from uninsured deductibles or retentions per-incident or occurrence. Because we have very large deductibles or retentions, the vast majority of our claims are paid by us, so as a practical matter we self-insure the great majority of these risks. Losses under all of these insurance programs are accrued based upon our estimate of the likely ultimate liability for claims reported and an estimate of claims incurred but not reported ("IBNR"), with assistance from third-party actuaries. In addition, in connection with the Chubb Acquisition, we agreed to accept the risk on certain pending claims against Chubb and certain IBNR claims. We estimated the exposure to loss presented by such claims with the assistance of third-party actuaries and negotiated an adjustment to the purchase price in connection with these anticipated costs and have made associated accruals. These insurance liabilities and liabilities for the Chubb claims are difficult to assess and estimate due to unknown factors, including the severity of an injury, the extent of damage, the determination of our liability, if any, in proportion to other parties and the number of incidents not reported. The accruals are based upon known facts, historical trends and industry averages using the assistance of an actuary to project the extent of these obligations, and management believes such accruals are adequate.
Human Capital Management
As of December 31, 2021, we had approximately 13,300 employees, of which approximately 7,000 were represented by unions and were subject to various collective bargaining agreements. We have not experienced and do not expect any significant strikes or work stoppages and believe our relations with employees covered by collective bargaining agreements are in good standing.
The Chubb Acquisition contributes approximately an additional 12,500 employees to our workforce beginning in 2022, which will bring our total headcount to approximately 25,800 employees worldwide.
Talent Development and Employee Engagement
We believe our success in attracting and retaining qualified employees will be based on the quality of our training, leadership development and opportunities for advancement. We are a military veteran recruiter in the U.S. and benefit from the leadership and loyalty that military veterans bring to our company. We invest in several structured programs designed to attract and develop our human capital. For example, our unique Leadership Development Program ("LDP"), predicated on Building Great Leaders®, was created for employees in leadership positions to develop their leadership skills from mentors inside our workforce while also broadening their understanding of the services offered across our businesses through a rotational program. On each rotation, the LDP participant is assigned a mentor who provides real-time feedback and counseling and is offered first-hand exposure to various leadership roles and functions. Graduates of the LDP program are placed at an individual business based on their performance and feedback from their mentors. We also offer an Accelerated Readiness Program ("ARP") focusing on advancing the business and leadership skills of employees leading large departments or branch offices. The immersive 20 month ARP program includes a blend of in-person group learning modules, executive coaching, and hands-on learning opportunities focused on real business challenges we face. Our field-based leadership has the opportunity to participate in a development program focused on building foundational leadership skills. This program is highly differentiated from many field-based programs, which tend to focus on technical competence, not leadership. In addition, we offer less structured tools and opportunities for development, including executive coaching, strategic leadership advisory services and on-demand learning opportunities hosted on our learning management platform, our intranet site and through podcasts. We monitor employee engagement through periodic engagement assessments and provide recommendations for follow up based on this work. Our continued success will depend, in part, on our ability to continue to attract, motivate, retain and reward high-quality, skilled employees.
10
Health & Safety
We have a safety culture that is grounded in our commitment to zero incidents. We have established safety standards covering the risks particular to our business, deployed through specific training and monitored by country-level inspection programs. The aim of these programs is to ensure that all employees are aware of and comply with safety standards we have established and all applicable laws, regulations and other requirements in the countries and jurisdictions in which we operate. We have implemented our safety program, STEPS (Striving Toward Excellence and Professionalism in Safety), within North America which promotes safety culture awareness throughout our operations. Outside of North America, we have established a security program, SAFE (Scan, Assess, Fix, Execute) which is linked to the need for preventive actions before starting work. In addition, we have multiple programs geared towards increasing everyone’s awareness of our safety culture and to empower employees to stop work if risks are unmanageable. We are currently very focused on improving our fleet performance through defensive driver training, fleet technology, and company fleet assessments. Additionally, we participate in an annual Safety Week which includes activities designed to elevate safety awareness, and we hold an annual competition to acknowledge and reward businesses exhibiting excellence in safety. Our team of safety professionals support the operations in each business to ensure industry safety standards are met and audits by safety professionals or certified organizations are utilized to assess the maturity of our safety management systems.
Our rate of incidents recordable under the standards of the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration ("OSHA") per one hundred employees per year, also known as the OSHA recordable rate, was 1.3 during both 2021 and 2020, considerably less than the most recently published OSHA rate for our industry of 2.5.
Beginning in the fourth quarter of 2021, the U.S. government began implementation of a COVID-19 vaccine mandate for certain federal contractors and subcontractors, subject to exception upon an approved reasonable accommodation based on disability or religion. The federal contractor mandate is currently the subject of litigation and is stayed under a nationwide injunction pending resolution on the merits. Additional federal regulatory actions may be promulgated and states may issue vaccination and/or testing mandates, including for state contractors. Other states, in opposition to the current and anticipated federal mandates, may issue orders intended to obstruct compliance with those mandates.
Competitive Pay, Benefits and Total Rewards and Practices
Our total rewards philosophy is designed to align the compensation of our employees with individual and Company performance, and to provide the appropriate market-competitive incentives to attract, retain and motivate employees to achieve superior results. In addition, we offer a company-paid assistance program to help employees and their families with mental health and other life challenges. In coordination with each country’s social welfare system, and in addition to any required local health care participation, we may provide additional health and welfare benefits depending on, among other things, the market competitiveness in that country.
Available Information
Our internet website address is www.apigroupcorp.com. We make available free of charge, through our website, our annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, all amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Exchange Act and proxy statements for our annual meeting of stockholders, as soon as reasonably practicable after each such material is electronically filed with or furnished to the SEC. The SEC also makes available at www.sec.gov reports, proxy and information statements and other information filed by issuers with the SEC, such as the Company.
ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
Risks Related to Our Business
We have expanded our international operations, which subjects us to economic, political and other risks.
With the Chubb Acquisition in January 2022, our international operations have been greatly expanded. We have significantly expanded our pre-Chubb Acquisition presence in Europe and Canada (including in the U.K. and the Netherlands), and we have acquired ongoing operations in new markets across Europe and the Asian-Pacific region (including France, Australia, and Hong Kong).
11
Approximately 10% of our revenue was derived from areas outside the United States for the year ended December 31, 2021. That percentage is expected to increase once the Chubb Business is included in our consolidated financial results. Accordingly, our business is and will in the future be subject to risks associated with doing business internationally, including:
In addition, applicable U.S. and non-U.S. anti-corruption laws, including but not limited to the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (“FCPA”) and the U.K. Bribery Act, generally prohibit us from, among other things, corruptly making payments for the purpose of obtaining or retaining business. We pursue opportunities in certain parts of the world and in certain industries that may experience corruption, and in certain circumstances, compliance with these laws may conflict with longstanding local customs and practices. Our policies mandate compliance with all applicable anti-corruption laws. We have policies and procedures designed to ensure that our employees and intermediaries who work for us outside the United States comply with these laws, and we otherwise require such employees and intermediaries to comply with these laws. However, there can be no assurance that such policies, procedures and other requirements will protect us from liability under the FCPA or other similar laws for actions taken by our employees or intermediaries; moreover, detecting, investigating and resolving actual or alleged violations of such laws is expensive and could consume significant time and attention of our senior management, in-country management, and other personnel. Liability for such actions could result in severe criminal or civil fines, penalties, forfeitures, disgorgements or other sanctions. This in turn could have a material adverse effect on our reputation, business, consolidated financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows.
12
We are a decentralized company and place significant decision-making authority with our subsidiaries’ management, supported by certain integrated policies and processes.
We believe our practice of conferring significant authority upon the management of our subsidiaries has been important to our successful growth and has allowed us to be responsive to opportunities and to our customers’ needs. We seek to maintain business continuity within our subsidiaries while identifying and implementing operational efficiencies, cost synergies, and integration of organizational processes across these companies. This balance presents certain risks, including the risk we would be slower to identify a misalignment between a subsidiary’s and our overall business strategy or shared processes. Our decentralized organization also creates the possibility that our operating subsidiaries assume excessive risk without appropriate guidance from our centralized accounting, tax, treasury and insurance functions, or external legal counsel, as to the potential overall impact. If an operating subsidiary fails to follow our shared company policies and processes, including those relating to compliance with applicable laws, we could be subjected to risks of noncompliance with applicable regulations, or made party to a contract, arrangement or situation that requires the assumption of disproportionate liabilities or contain other less desirable terms.
The impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic or similar global health concerns could lead to project delays or cancellations, could adversely affect our ability to timely complete projects and source the supplies we need, and may impact labor availability and productivity, and could result in impairment risks, each of which could adversely impact our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Despite recent progress in the administration of vaccines, both the outbreak of recent variants, including Delta and Omicron, and the related containment and mitigation measures that have been put in place across the world, have had and are likely to continue to have adverse impacts on the global economy and our business, and the severity and duration of those impacts are uncertain. Various governments have launched measures to combat the spread of COVID-19 and it variants, including travel bans, quarantines and lock-downs of affected areas that include closures of non-essential businesses. We rely on the availability of our skilled workforce and third-party contractors to meet contractual milestones and timely complete projects. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in a decrease in the availability and cost of skilled employees and contractors, including as a result of infections, recommended self-quarantining or governmental mandates. If the COVID-19 pandemic or similar outbreak were to require us to discontinue operations, or to cause shortages of our workforce or third-party contractors, it could result in cancellations or deferrals of project work, which could lead to a decline in revenue and an increase in costs. Similarly, our customers may be impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, which could cause them to cancel or defer project work, or have difficulty settling our accounts receivable timely, if at all, which could have a negative impact on our business.
In 2021, the U.S. government began implementing a COVID-19 vaccine mandate for certain federal contractors and subcontractors, subject to certain exceptions. In addition, OSHA implemented, via an Emergency Temporary Standard (“ETS”), a COVID-19 mandate applicable to all private employers with 100 or more employees, requiring a workplace policy of vaccinations or certain testing and safety requirements. Both have been met with court challenges; the federal contractor mandate is currently stayed pursuant to a nationwide injunction issued by a federal court, and OSHA withdrew the ETS following the issuance of a stay by the U.S. Supreme Court. Other governmental requirements related to vaccination remain in place and further OSHA rules are expected within months. Across the geographies in which we operate similar regulations at the national, provincial, state or local level exist or may be enacted. Some of our customers also impose vaccination and/or testing and other requirements. These requirements may result in potential increases in costs and difficulties in hiring and retaining talent, relative to our competitors, which could negatively impact our business.
In addition, our results of operations are materially affected by conditions in the credit and financial markets and the economy generally. Global credit and financial markets have experienced extreme volatility and disruptions as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic including diminished liquidity and credit availability, declines in consumer confidence, declines in economic growth, increases in unemployment rates and uncertainty about economic stability. There can be no assurance that deterioration in credit and financial markets and confidence in economic conditions will not occur or be sustained as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Any protracted economic disruption or recession could lead customers to delay or cancel projects, which would negatively impact our revenues, earnings and financial condition. As noted, as a result of the pandemic, certain of our goodwill and intangible assets were impaired. The impacts of COVID-19 may also lead to increases in our future contribution obligations and potential withdrawal liability exposure in connection with the multiemployer pension plans in which we participate. In addition, our general business strategy may be adversely affected by any such economic downturn, volatile business environment or continued unpredictable and unstable market conditions. If the current equity and credit markets deteriorate, or do not improve, it may make any necessary debt or equity financing more difficult, more costly, and more dilutive. Failure by us or our customers to secure any necessary financing in a timely manner and on favorable terms could have a material adverse effect on our growth strategy, financial performance and stock price and could require us to delay or abandon current or expected projects.
13
The circumstances and global disruption caused by COVID-19 has affected, and we believe will continue to affect, our businesses, operating results, cash flows and financial condition; however, the scope and duration of the impact is highly uncertain. The full extent to which the COVID-19 pandemic impacts our business, markets, supply chain, customers and workforce will depend on future developments, which are highly uncertain and cannot be predicted, including new information which may emerge concerning the severity of the COVID-19 pandemic and the actions to treat or contain it or to otherwise limit its impact, among others.
The impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and other macroeconomic factors or events could adversely affect our ability to source the supplies we need in our business, which could adversely impact our business, financial condition and results of operations.
The COVID-19 pandemic as well as other recent macroeconomic factors and events have highlighted vulnerabilities in global supply chains, and supply chain disruptions may continue to impact the availability and prices of the commodities, supplies and materials needed for projects. We may experience difficulties obtaining such commodities, supplies and materials from suppliers or vendors whose supply chains are impacted by the outbreak. Inflationary pressures, whether caused by the COVID-19 pandemic or otherwise, may further exacerbate these risks. Delays in procuring or increases in the cost of necessary supplies may cause customers to delay projects. If we are unable to source essential commodities, supplies and materials in adequate quantities, at acceptable prices and in a timely manner, our business, financial condition and results of operations could be adversely affected.
As part of our business, we have entered into joint venture arrangements and likely will continue to do so. Our participation in joint ventures exposes us to liability and/or harm to our reputation for failures of our partners.
The purpose of our joint ventures is typically to combine skills and resources to allow for the proposing on and performance of particular projects. Success of these jointly performed projects can be adversely affected by the performance of our joint venture partners, over whom we may have little or no control. Differences in opinions or views between us and our joint venture partners could result in delayed decision-making or failure to agree on material issues that could adversely affect the business and operations of our joint ventures. Additionally, the failure by a joint venture partner to comply with applicable laws, regulations or client requirements could negatively impact our business.
We and our joint venture partners are generally jointly and severally liable for all liabilities and obligations of our joint ventures. If a joint venture partner fails to perform or is financially unable to bear its portion of required capital contributions or other obligations, including liabilities stemming from claims or lawsuits, we could be required to make additional investments, provide additional services or pay more than our proportionate share of a liability to make up for our partner’s shortfall. Further, if our partners experience cost overruns or project performance issues that we are unable to adequately address, the customer may terminate the project, which could result in legal liability to us, harm our reputation and reduce our profit or increase our loss on a project.
Risks Related to Acquisitions
Our business strategy includes acquiring companies and making investments that complement our existing businesses. These acquisitions and investments could be unsuccessful or consume significant resources, which could adversely affect our operating results.
We expect to continue to evaluate the acquisition of strategic businesses, service lines, and technologies with the potential to strengthen our industry position or enhance our existing offerings. For example, on January 3, 2022, we acquired Chubb, which further expanded our life safety business outside of the U.S. However, we cannot assure you that we will identify or successfully complete suitable acquisitions in the future or that completed acquisitions will be successful. Acquisitions that do not achieve the intended strategic or operational benefits could adversely affect our operating results and may result in an impairment charge.
Under certain circumstances, it may be difficult for us to complete transactions quickly and to integrate acquired operations efficiently into our current business operations. Acquisitions and investments may involve significant cash expenditures, debt incurrence, operating losses and expenses that could have a material adverse effect on our business, consolidated financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. Acquisitions involve numerous other risks, including: (i) diversion of management’s time and attention from daily operations; (ii) difficulties integrating acquired businesses, technologies and personnel into our business; (iii) inability to obtain required regulatory approvals; (iv) inability to obtain required financing on favorable terms or, if so obtained, risks associated with incurrence of substantial amounts of indebtedness to finance the acquisition; (iv) potential loss of key employees, key contractual relationships, or key customers of acquired companies or from our existing businesses; and (v) assumption of the liabilities and exposure to unforeseen liabilities of acquired companies (including environmental, employee benefits, safety and health and third party property and casualty liabilities). Any acquisitions or investments may ultimately harm our business or consolidated financial condition, as such acquisitions may not be successful and may ultimately result in impairment charges.
14
We may also encounter risks associated with our expansion into markets in which we have limited or no experience. For example, with the Chubb Acquisition, we acquired ongoing operations in 16 countries in Europe and the Asia-Pacific region in which we have no prior experience, including France, Australia, and Hong Kong. We may also encounter risks associated with the expansion of our existing presence in certain markets with the Chubb Acquisition, including the United Kingdom (“U.K.”), the Netherlands, and Canada. Newly-acquired operations may require significant capital and other expenditures and may initially have a negative impact on our short-term cash flow, net income and results of operations, or may never become profitable.
We may not realize the expected benefits of the Chubb Acquisition because of integration and transition difficulties or other challenges.
On January 3, 2022, we closed the Chubb Acquisition. The success of the Chubb Acquisition depends, in part, on our ability to successfully integrate and operate the Chubb Business in conjunction with our existing life safety businesses and transition from the services and systems provided by the seller. The integration process is complex, costly and time-consuming. In addition, the transition will require significant efforts to replace services provided by the seller in the Chubb Acquisition with capabilities and systems within the acquired entities. The potential difficulties of integrating the operations of the Chubb Business include, among others:
We may not accomplish the integration of the Chubb Business smoothly, successfully or within the anticipated costs or timeframe. We have incurred and expect to incur a number of non-recurring costs associated with the integration of Chubb into our business, as well as transaction fees and other costs related to the Chubb Acquisition. These costs and expenses include fees paid to financial, legal and accounting advisors, facilities and systems implementation or consolidation costs, severance and other potential employment-related costs, including severance payments that may be made to certain Chubb employees, filing fees, printing expenses and other related charges. Any difficulties or delays encountered in combining operations could prevent us from realizing the full benefits and synergies anticipated to result from the Chubb Acquisition and could adversely affect our business, results of operations and/or financial condition. In addition, the Chubb Business may not meet our expectations, causing our financial results to differ from our own or the investment community’s expectations. It is possible that the Chubb Business may be adversely affected by regulatory, political, economic, business or competitive factors in the future, which could prevent us from realizing the anticipated benefits of the Chubb Acquisition. Any of these factors could have a negative effect on our business, results of operations and/or financial condition.
Financial Risks
Adverse developments in the credit markets could adversely affect the funding of significant projects and therefore reduce demand for our services.
Adverse developments in the credit markets, including reduced liquidity or rising interest rates, could reduce the availability of funding for large capital projects that require our services. Volatility in the credit and equity markets could reduce the availability of
15
debt or equity financing for significant projects, causing a reduction in capital spending, which, in the past has resulted, and in the future could result, in project pipeline constraints, project deferrals and project cancellations, any of which could materially and adversely affect our results of operations and liquidity.
We may need additional capital in the future for working capital, capital expenditures or acquisitions, and we may not be able to access capital on favorable terms, or at all, which would impair our ability to operate our business or achieve our growth objectives.
Our ability to generate cash is essential for the funding of our operations and the servicing of our debt. If existing cash balances together with the borrowing capacity under our Credit Facilities were not sufficient to make future investments, make acquisitions or provide needed working capital, we may require financing from other sources. Our ability to obtain such additional financing in the future will depend on a number of factors including prevailing capital market conditions, conditions in our industry, and our operating results. These factors may affect our ability to arrange additional financing on terms that are acceptable to us. If additional funds were not available on acceptable terms, we may not be able to make future investments, take advantage of acquisitions or pursue other opportunities.
Our use of revenue recognition over time could result in a reduction or reversal of previously recorded revenue or profits.
A material portion of our revenue is recognized over time by measuring progress toward complete satisfaction of performance obligations in the proportion that our actual costs bear to our estimated contract costs at completion. The earnings or losses recognized on individual contracts are based on estimates of contract revenue, costs and profitability. We review our estimates of contract revenue, costs and profitability on an ongoing basis. Prior to contract completion, we may adjust our estimates on one or more occasions as a result of change orders to the original contract, collection disputes with the customer on amounts invoiced, claims against the customer for increased costs incurred by us due to customer induced delays and other factors, or other changes in facts and circumstances that require modifications to estimated costs. Contract losses are recognized in the fiscal period when the loss is determined. Contract profit estimates are also adjusted in the fiscal period in which it is determined that an adjustment is required. As a result of the requirements of over time revenue recognition, the possibility exists, for example, that we could have estimated and reported a profit or loss on a contract over several periods and later determined that all or a portion of such previously estimated and reported profits or losses were overstated. If this occurs, the full aggregate amount of the overstatement or understatement will be reported for the period in which such determination is made, thereby eliminating all or a portion of any profits or losses from other contracts that would have otherwise been reported in such period or even resulting in a loss or gain being reported for such period. On a historical basis, we believe that we have made reasonably reliable estimates of the progress towards completion on our long-term contracts. However, given the uncertainties associated with these types of contracts, it is possible for actual costs to vary from estimates previously made, which may result in reductions or reversals of previously recorded revenue and profits.
Discontinuation, reform or replacement of LIBOR and other benchmark rates, or uncertainty related to the potential for any of the foregoing, may adversely affect our business.
Interest payments for borrowings under the Credit Facilities are based on floating rates which at times references a LIBOR rate. It is expected that a transition away from the widespread use of LIBOR to alternative rates will occur over the course of the next few years. The U.K. Financial Conduct Authority announced in 2017 that it intends to phase out LIBOR by the end of 2021. In addition, other regulators have suggested reforming or replacing other benchmark rates. The discontinuation, reform or replacement of LIBOR or any other benchmark rates may have an unpredictable impact on contractual mechanics in the credit markets or cause disruption to the broader financial markets. Uncertainty as to the nature of such potential discontinuation, reform or replacement may negatively impact interest expense related to borrowings under our Credit Facilities, including the Term Loan and the interest rate swap we entered into with respect thereto. We may in the future pursue amendments to our Credit Facilities to provide for a transition mechanism or other reference rate in anticipation of LIBOR’s discontinuation, but we may not be able to reach agreement with its lenders on any such amendments. Further, certain of our current debt instruments limit the amount of indebtedness we and our subsidiaries may incur. As a result, additional financing to replace our LIBOR-based indebtedness may be unavailable, available on less favorable terms or restricted by the terms of our outstanding indebtedness.
We carry a significant amount of goodwill and identifiable intangible assets on our consolidated balance sheets. Earnings for future periods may be impacted by impairment charges for goodwill and intangible assets.
Goodwill is the excess of purchase price over the fair value of the net assets of acquired businesses. We assess goodwill and identifiable intangible assets for impairment each year, or more frequently if circumstances suggest an impairment may have occurred.
16
While we believe we have made reasonable estimates and assumptions to calculate the fair values of our reporting units which were based on facts and circumstances known at such time, it is possible that existing or new events may result in forecasted cash flows, revenue and earnings that differ from those that formed the basis of our estimates and assumptions, which could be materially different from our estimates and assumptions. If so, we could be required to incur a non-cash charge to operating income for impairment. For example, as a result of the impact of COVID-19, in the year ended December 31, 2020, we determined that certain of our goodwill and intangible assets were impaired as the carrying values exceeded fair value and we recorded a non-cash charge of $197 million. Any impairment in the value of our goodwill would have an adverse non-cash impact on our results of operations and reduce our net worth. As of December 31, 2021, we had goodwill of $1,106 million, which is maintained in various reporting units.
Additionally, we have a significant amount of identifiable intangible assets and fixed assets that could also be subject to impairment. If we determine that a significant impairment has occurred in the value of our unamortized intangible assets or fixed assets, we could be required to write off a portion of our assets, which could adversely affect our consolidated financial condition or our reported results of operations.
In connection with our preparation of our consolidated financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019, we and our independent registered public accounting firm identified material weaknesses in our 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 a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP (as later defined). In connection with our preparation of our consolidated financial statements herein for the year ended December 31, 2021, we and our independent registered public accounting firm identified material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting. Under standards established by the United States Public Company Accounting Oversight Board, a material weakness is a deficiency, or combination of deficiencies, in internal control over financial reporting, such that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of annual or interim consolidated financial statements will not be prevented or detected and corrected on a timely basis.
As indicated above, we have identified control deficiencies that constitute material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2021. Control deficiencies related to an ineffective control environment, ineffective risk assessment, and ineffective information and communication resulting from an insufficient number of trained resources with expertise in implementation and operation of internal control over financial reporting and information technology systems. As a result, we had ineffective control activities related to the design and operation of process-level controls and general information technology controls across all financial reporting processes.
We cannot assure you that we have identified all, or that we will not in the future have additional, material weaknesses. If we fail to remediate any material weaknesses or if we otherwise fail to establish and maintain effective control over financial reporting, our ability to accurately and timely report our financial results could be adversely affected. Management is in the process of executing its remediation plan. While we have taken steps to improve our internal control over financial reporting and believe we have improved our organizational capabilities from December 31, 2020, certain of these initiatives were implemented in late 2021, partially as the result of delays caused by COVID-19. This means that while certain internal control design improvements were implemented, there was insufficient time to develop and mature our processes and to demonstrate full remediation of monthly and quarterly controls by December 31, 2021. The material weaknesses will not be considered remediated until management designs and implements effective controls that operate for a sufficient period of time and management has concluded through testing that these controls are effective. We will monitor the effectiveness of our remediation plans and will make changes management determines to be appropriate.
If we are unable to assert that our internal control over financial reporting is effective, or if our independent registered public accounting firm is unable when required in the future to express an unqualified opinion as to the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting, investors may lose confidence in the accuracy and completeness of our financial reports, the market price of our common stock could be adversely affected, and we could become subject to litigation or investigations by the stock exchange on which our securities are listed, the SEC or other regulatory authorities, which could require additional financial and management resources.
Our substantial indebtedness may adversely affect our cash flow and our ability to operate our business and fulfill our obligations under our indebtedness.
As of December 31, 2021, on a consolidated basis, we had $1,140 million in principal amount of debt outstanding under our Credit Facilities (as later defined), $650 million of senior notes, capital lease obligations totaling approximately $5 million, and other indebtedness totaling approximately $1 million. This indebtedness includes the $300 million 4.750% Senior Notes due 2029 that we
17
incurred in connection with the Chubb Acquisition. In addition, on January 3, 2022 we incurred a $1,100 million seven-year incremental term loan in connection with the Chubb Acquisition.
Our substantial indebtedness could have significant effects on our operations. For example, it may:
In addition, the Credit Agreement governing the Credit Facilities contains covenants that restrict our operations. These covenants restrict, among other things, our ability to incur additional debt, grant liens, pay cash dividends, enter new lines of business, redeem our common stock, make certain investments and engage in certain merger, consolidation or asset sale transactions. These restrictions could limit our ability to plan for or react to market conditions, meet extraordinary capital needs or otherwise take actions that we believe are in our best interest. Further, a failure by us to comply with any of these covenants and restrictions could result in an event of default that, if not waived or cured, could result in the acceleration of all or a substantial portion of the outstanding indebtedness thereunder.
The terms of our indebtedness may limit our ability to borrow additional funds or capitalize on business opportunities, and our future debt level may limit our future financial and operating flexibility.
The Credit Agreement governing the Credit Facilities prohibits distributions on, or purchases or redemptions of, securities if any default or event of default is continuing. In addition, it contains various covenants limiting our ability to, among other things, incur indebtedness if certain financial ratios are not maintained, grant liens, engage in transactions with affiliates, enter into sale-leaseback transactions, and sell substantially all of our assets or enter into a merger or consolidation. The Credit Agreement governing the Credit Facilities also treats a change of control as an event of default and also requires us to maintain certain leverage ratios.
Our ability to access capital markets to raise capital on favorable terms will be affected by our debt level, our operating and financial performance, the amount of our current maturities and debt maturing in the next several years, and by prevailing credit market conditions. Moreover, if lenders or any future credit rating agency downgrade our credit rating, then we could experience increases in our borrowing costs, face difficulty accessing capital markets or incurring additional indebtedness, be unable to receive open credit from our suppliers and trade counterparties, be unable to benefit from swings in market prices and shifts in market structure during periods of volatility in the crude oil and natural gas markets or suffer a reduction in the market price of our common stock. If we are unable to access the capital markets on favorable terms at the time a debt obligation becomes due in the future. The price and terms upon which we might receive such extensions or additional bank credit, if at all, could be more onerous than those contained in existing debt agreements. Any such arrangements could, in turn, increase the risk that our leverage may adversely affect our future financial and operating flexibility and thereby impact our ability to pay cash distributions at expected rates.
We may incur substantial additional indebtedness, which could further exacerbate the risks that we may face.
Subject to the restrictions in the agreements that govern the Credit Agreement, we may incur substantial additional indebtedness (including secured indebtedness) in the future. These restrictions are subject to waiver and a number of significant qualifications and exceptions, and indebtedness incurred in compliance with these restrictions could be substantial.
Any material increase in our level of indebtedness will have several important effects on our future operations, including, without limitation:
18
An increase in interest rates would increase the interest costs on our Credit Facilities and on our floating rate indebtedness and could impact adversely our ability to refinance existing indebtedness or to sell assets.
Interest payments for borrowings under the Credit Facilities are based on floating rates. As a result, an increase in interest rates will reduce our cash flow available for other corporate purposes.
Rising interest rates also could limit our ability to refinance existing indebtedness when it matures and increase interest costs on any indebtedness that is refinanced. We have and may continue to enter into agreements such as floating-to-fixed interest rate swaps, caps, floors and other hedging contracts in order to fully or partially hedge against the cash flow effects of changes in interest rates for floating rate debt. For example, as of December 31, 2021, we had an interest rate swap on a portion of our Term Loan, which swapped a portion of the principal amount which was accruing interest at a rate based on LIBOR for a fixed rate. However, we may not maintain interest rate swaps with respect to all of our floating rate indebtedness, and any swaps we enter into may not fully mitigate our interest rate risk. In addition, these agreements expose us to the risk that other parties to the agreements will not perform or that the agreements will be unenforceable.
We are effectively self-insured against many potential liabilities.
We maintain insurance policies covering a broad range of risks, including automobile liability, general liability, property risk, employer liability, workers’ compensation, employee group health, business interruption, professional liability and other typical business coverages, and coverage for limited cyber incidents and pollution liability. If any of our insurance carriers default on their obligations to provide insurance coverage by reason of its insolvency or for other reasons, our exposure to claims would increase and our profits would be adversely affected.
Certain of our coverages are subject to large deductibles or have high self-insured retention amounts, our policies do not cover all possible claims, and certain legacy risks at Chubb were assumed without insurance coverage. Accordingly, we are effectively self-insured for a substantial number of actual and potential claims. Additionally, if our estimates of liability for current or IBNR claims are substantially undervalued, we may incur unexpected losses higher than our reserves which we believe are adequate.
Our estimates and accruals for unpaid claims and expenses are based on known facts, historical trends, industry averages, and reasonable estimates of future expenses, utilizing the assistance of third-party actuaries. We believe our accruals are adequate. The determination of such estimated liabilities and their appropriateness are reviewed and updated at least quarterly. In connection with the Chubb claims, we estimated the exposure to loss presented by such claims, negotiated an adjustment to the purchase price in connection with these anticipated costs and made associated accruals. However, claims liabilities are difficult to assess and estimate due to many relevant factors, the effects of which are often unknown, including the severity of an injury or damage, the determination of liability in proportion to other parties, the timeliness of reported claims, the effectiveness of our risk management and safety programs and the terms and conditions of our insurance policies. Additionally, unknown or changing trends, risks or circumstances, such as increases in claims, a weakening economy, increases in medical costs, changes in case law or legislation, or changes in the nature of the work we perform, could render our current estimates and accruals inadequate. If our estimates materially diverge from our realized liabilities, adjustments to our balance sheet may be required and these increased liabilities would be recorded in the period that the experience becomes known.
Our costs of insurance coverage have steadily risen and the market has hardened. Insurance carriers may be unwilling, in the future, to provide our current limits, terms, or conditions of coverage without a significant increase in insurance premiums, deductibles, retentions, and/or collateral requirements to cover our obligations to them. Increased collateral requirements may be in the form of additional letters of credit and/or cash, and an increase in collateral requirements could significantly reduce our liquidity. If insurance premiums continued to increase, and/or if insurance claims are higher than our estimates, our profitability could be adversely affected.
19
Improperly managed projects or project delays may result in additional costs or claims against us, which could have a material adverse effect on our operating results, cash flows and liquidity.
The quality of our performance on any given project depends in large part upon the ability of the project manager(s) to manage relationships and the project itself and to timely assert contractual remedies and deploy appropriate resources, including both third-party contractors and our own personnel. Our results of operations, cash flows and liquidity could be adversely affected if a project manager or our personnel miscalculate the resources or time needed to complete a project with capped or fixed fees, or the resources or time needed to meet contractual milestones. Additionally, delays on a particular project, including delays in designs, engineering information or materials provided to us by the customer or a third party, delays or difficulties in equipment and material delivery, schedule changes, delays from failure to timely obtain permits or rights-of-way or to meet other regulatory requirements, weather-related delays, governmental, industry, political and other factors, some of which are beyond our control, could result in cancellations or deferrals of project work, which could lead to a decline in revenue, or, for project deferrals, could cause us to incur costs for standby pay, and could lead to personnel shortages on other projects scheduled to commence at a later date.
We could also encounter project delays due to local opposition, including political and social activism, which could include injunctive actions or public protests related to the siting of oil, natural gas, or electric power transmission lines or for power generation or other facilities, and such delays could adversely affect our project margins. In addition, some of our agreements require that we share in cost overages or pay liquidated damages if we do not meet project deadlines; therefore, any failure to properly estimate or manage cost, or delays in the completion of projects, could subject us to penalties, which could adversely affect our results of operations, cash flows and liquidity. Further, any defects or errors, or failures to meet our customers’ expectations, could result in reputational harm and large damage claims against us. Due to the substantial cost of, and potentially long lead-times necessary to acquire certain of the materials and equipment used in our complex projects, damage claims could substantially exceed the amount we can charge for our associated services.
Risks Related to Our Contracts
We may not accurately estimate the costs associated with services provided under fixed price contracts, which could impair our financial performance.
A portion of our agreements with customers contain fixed price terms. Under these contracts, we typically set the price of our services on a per unit or aggregate basis and assume the risk that costs associated with our performance may be greater than what we estimated. We also enter into contracts for specific projects or jobs that require the installation or construction of an entire infrastructure system or specified units within an infrastructure system, many of which are priced on a fixed price or per unit basis. Profitability for these contracts will be reduced if actual costs to complete a project exceed our original estimates. If estimated costs to complete the remaining work for a project exceed the expected revenue to be earned, the full amount of any expected loss is recognized in the period the loss is determined. Our profitability on these contracts is therefore dependent upon our ability to accurately estimate the costs associated with our services and our ability to execute in accordance with our plans. A variety of factors could negatively affect these estimates, including changes in expected productivity levels, conditions at work sites differing materially from those anticipated at the time we propose on the contract, and higher than expected costs of labor and/or materials. These variations, along with other risks inherent in performing fixed price contracts, could cause actual project results to differ materially from our original estimates, which could result in lower margins than anticipated, or losses, which could reduce our profitability, cash flows and liquidity.
A portion of our contracts allocate the risk of price increases in supplies to us.
For certain contracts, including where we have assumed responsibility for procuring materials for a project, we are exposed to market risk of increases in certain commodity prices of materials, such as copper and steel, which are used as components of supplies or materials utilized in all of our operations. In addition, our customers’ capital budgets may be impacted by the prices of certain materials. These prices could be materially impacted by general market conditions and other factors, including U.S. trade relationships with other countries or the imposition of tariffs. We are also exposed to increases in energy prices, including as they relate to gasoline prices for our rolling-stock fleet of approximately 15,000 vehicles. Additionally, the price of fuel required to run our vehicles and equipment is unpredictable and fluctuates based on events outside our control. Any increase in fuel costs could materially reduce our profitability and liquidity to the extent we are not able to adjust our pricing for such expenses. While we believe we can increase our prices to adjust for some price increases in commodities, there can be no assurance that price increases of commodities, if they were to occur, would be recoverable. Additionally, some of our fixed price contracts do not allow us to adjust our prices and, as a result, increases in material or fuel costs could reduce our profitability with respect to such projects.
20
Some of our subsidiaries are government contractors, and they are subject to complex rules and regulations governing government contractors, and their contracts with government entities are subject to audit. Violations of the applicable rules and regulations could result in a subsidiary being barred from future government contracts.
Government contractors must comply with many regulations and other requirements that relate to the award, administration and performance of these contracts, and government contracts are subject to audit. A violation of these laws and regulations could result in imposition of fines and penalties, the termination of a government contract or debarment from proposing on government contracts in the future. Further, despite our decentralized nature, a violation at one of our locations could impact other locations’ ability to propose on and perform government contracts. Additionally, because of our decentralized nature, we face risks in maintaining compliance with all local, state and federal government contracting requirements. Prohibition against proposing on future government contracts could have an adverse effect on our consolidated financial condition and results of operations.
Our backlog is subject to reduction or cancellation, and revenues may be realized in different periods than initially reflected in our backlog.
Our backlog includes the estimated unsatisfied performance obligations associated with the services to be performed under customer contracts. These estimates are based on contract terms and evaluations regarding the timing of the services to be provided. In many instances, our customers are not contractually committed to procure specific volumes of services under a contract. Revenue estimates reflected in our backlog can be subject to change due to a number of factors, including contract cancellations and contract changes made by our customers to the amount or nature of the work actually performed under a contract. In addition, revenue reflected in our backlog may be realized in periods different from those previously reported due to the factors above as well as project accelerations, or delays due to various reasons, including, but not limited to, customer scheduling changes, commercial issues such as permitting, engineering revisions, difficult job site conditions, and adverse weather. The amount or timing of our backlog can also be impacted by the merger or acquisition activity of our customers. As a result, our backlog as of any particular date is an uncertain indicator of the amount of or timing of future revenues and earnings.
Some of our customers require surety bonds as a contract term and, accordingly, a portion of our business depends on our ability to provide surety bonds. Any difficulties in the financial and surety markets or in our ability to obtain surety bonds may cause a material adverse effect on our bonding capacity and, therefore, our capacity to compete for or work on projects.
As of December 31, 2021, we had approximately $211 million in outstanding construction surety bonds (bid, payment, and performance bonds) related to our projects that required an underlying surety bond. Historically, surety market conditions have experienced times of difficulty as a result of significant losses incurred by surety companies and the results of macroeconomic trends outside of our control. Consequently, during times when less overall bonding capacity is available in the market, surety terms have become more expensive and more restrictive. We cannot guarantee our ability to maintain a sufficient level of bonding capacity in the future, which could preclude our ability to propose for certain contracts or successfully contract with some customers.
Our surety providers are under no commitment to guarantee us access to new bonds in the future; thus, our ability to access or increase bonding capacity is at the sole discretion of the providers. If our surety companies were to limit or eliminate our access to bonds, the alternatives would include seeking bonding capacity from other surety companies, increasing business with clients that do not require bonds, and posting other forms of collateral for project performance, such as letters of credit or cash. We may be unable to secure these alternatives in a timely manner, on acceptable terms, or at all. If we were to experience an interruption or reduction in the availability of bonding capacity as a result of these or any other reasons, we may be unable to compete for or work on the portion of projects available to us that require bonding. Additionally, even if we continue to access bonding capacity to sufficiently bond future projects, we may be required to post collateral to secure bonds, which would decrease the liquidity we would have available for other purposes.
In some instances, we guarantee performance and completion of contracts entered into by our subsidiaries, which could subject us to additional costs.
In some instances, we guarantee completion of a subsidiary’s contract or project by a specific date or price, cost savings, or achievement of certain performance standards. If a third party holding the guaranty seeks relief thereunder, we may be held responsible for performance under the subsidiary’s contract and costs resulting from the subsidiary’s failures. If we subsequently fail to meet such guarantees, such failure could result in our payment of liquidated or other damages. To the extent that any of these events occur, the total costs of a project could exceed the original estimated costs, and we would experience reduced profits or, in some cases, a loss.
21
Risks Related to Our Workforce
Our unionized workforce and related obligations could adversely affect our operations.
As of December 31, 2021, approximately 53% of our employees were covered by collective bargaining agreements in the U.S. or similar employment and labor obligations in other countries in which we conduct business. The terms of these agreements limit our discretion in the management of covered employees and our ability to nimbly implement changes to meet business needs. In addition, our employees in certain countries in Europe are subject to works council arrangements, exposing us to potential delays in implementing changes, works council claims and litigation. There can be no assurance that our non-unionized employees will not become members of a union or become covered by a collective bargaining agreement, including through an acquisition of a business whose employees are subject to such an agreement. Certain of our unionized employees have participated in strikes and work stoppages in the past, and we cannot be certain that strikes or work stoppages will not occur in the future. In the current inflationary environment, negotiations over union wage rates or increase in benefits may slow or derail contract renegotiations, which may lead to potential strikes or work stoppages. Strikes or work stoppages could adversely impact relationships with our customers and could cause us to lose business and experience a decline in revenues. Our ability to complete future acquisitions also could be adversely affected because of our union status. For instance, our union agreements may be incompatible with the union agreements of a business we want to acquire, and some acquisition targets may decline to become affiliated with a union-based company. Moreover, certain of our customers, where permissible by law, may require or prefer a non-union workforce, and they may reduce the amount of work assigned to us if our non-union labor crews become unionized, which could negatively affect our business, consolidated financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
Our pension commitments and obligations to make cash contributions to meet our obligations in certain pension plans subject us to risks.
Certain collective bargaining agreements in the U.S. require us to participate with other companies in multiemployer pension plans. To the extent those plans are underfunded, U.S. regulations, including the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended by the Multiemployer Pension Plan Amendments Act of 1980, may subject us to substantial liabilities under those plans if we withdraw from them or they are terminated or experience a mass withdrawal.
In addition, certain U.S. multiemployer pension plans to which we contribute or may contribute in the future are in “endangered,” “seriously endangered” or “critical” status. The Pension Protection Act of 2006 added special funding and operational rules generally applicable to plan years beginning after 2007 for multiemployer plans that are classified as “endangered,” “seriously endangered” or “critical” status based on multiple factors (including, for example, the plan’s funded percentage, cash flow position and whether it is projected to experience a minimum funding deficiency). Plans in these classifications must adopt measures to improve their funded status through a funding improvement or rehabilitation plan, as applicable, which may require additional contributions from employers (which may take the form of a surcharge on benefit contributions) and/or modifications to retiree benefits. The amount of additional funds, if any, that we may be obligated to contribute to these plans in the future cannot be estimated due to uncertainty of the future levels of work that require the specific use of union employees covered by these plans, as well as the future contribution levels and possible surcharges on contributions applicable to these plans.
In connection with the Chubb acquisition, we also maintain defined benefit pension plans outside of the U.S. Our non-U.S. defined benefit pension plans include funded and unfunded plans. The funded plans, such as in the U.K. (which plan is closed to new members and future benefit accrual) and Canada, are financed predominantly through externally invested pension plan assets via externally managed funds and insurance companies, which investments are subject to market, interest rate and inflation risks. If these investments do not perform well or are not managed properly and their values decline significantly, it could result in a coverage shortfall for these pension obligations and therefore significantly increase our net pension obligations.
Our future contribution obligations and potential withdrawal liability exposure with respect to our pension plans could increase significantly based on the investment and actuarial performance of those plans, the insolvency of other companies that contribute to those plans and other factors, which could be negatively impacted as a result of the unfavorable and uncertain economic and financial market conditions resulting from the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and related issues.
We maintain a workforce based upon current and anticipated workloads. We could incur significant costs and reduced profitability from underutilization of our workforce if we do not receive future contract awards, if contract awards are delayed, or if there is a significant reduction in the level of services we provide. Shortages of skilled labor could impede our ability to provide timely, cost-effective services to our customers.
Our estimates of future performance and results of operations depend, among other factors, on whether and when we receive new contract awards, which affect the extent to which we are able to utilize our workforce. The rate at which we utilize our workforce is
22
affected by a variety of factors, including our ability to forecast the need for our services, which allows us to maintain an appropriately sized workforce, our ability to transition employees from completed projects to new projects or between internal business groups, our ability to manage attrition, and our need to devote resources to non-chargeable activities such as training or business development. While our estimates are based upon our good faith judgment, professional knowledge and experience, these estimates may not be accurate and may frequently change based on newly available information. In the case of large-scale projects where timing is often uncertain, it is particularly difficult to predict whether and when we will receive a contract award. The uncertainty of contract award timing can present difficulties in matching our workforce size to our project needs. If an expected contract award is delayed or not received, we could incur significant costs and reduced profitability resulting from underutilization of our workforce, redundancy of facilities, or from efforts to right-size our workforce and/or operations, which could reduce our profitability and cash flows. Conversely, general trends in our industry suggest that we may face a shortage of skilled workers in the mid- to long-term, and the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the labor markets and the availability of skilled employees. Any significant deterioration in employee relations, shortages of labor or increases in labors costs at any of our businesses could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. Competition in the market for labor could drive up our costs, reduce our profitability, or impact our ability to deliver timely service to our customers.
Risks Related to Our Customer Base
We serve customers who are involved in energy exploration, production and transportation, and adverse developments affecting activities in these industries, including sustained low or further reduced oil or natural gas prices, reduced demand for oil and natural gas products, or increased regulation of exploration and production, could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations.
Our energy and infrastructure businesses depend on energy industry participants’ willingness to make operating and capital expenditures to build pipelines to transport oil and natural gas and the development and production of oil and natural gas in the United States. The level of activity in the new construction of oil and natural gas pipelines, oil and natural gas exploration and production in the U.S. has been volatile. A reduction in these activities generally results in decreased demand for our support services in that industry. Therefore, if these expenditures decline, our business is likely to be adversely affected.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the prices of crude oil and related products dropped substantially. This price and demand volatility impacted the level of work customers were undertaking. The price of crude oil and related products have largely recovered but remain uncertain. This uncertainty is heightened by the potential for significant change in energy policy under the Biden administration. If crude oil prices fall or experience further volatility, energy and production companies, pipeline owners and operators and public utility or local distribution companies in the regions we conduct our business may reduce or delay capital spending to expand or maintain their pipelines or oil and natural gas production. Decreases in production related field activities could have an adverse effect on our consolidated financial position, results of operations, demand for services, and cash flows.
A portion of our future growth is based on the ability and willingness of public and private entities to invest in infrastructure.
A portion of our current business and a portion of our future growth is expected to result from public and private investments in infrastructure. As a result, reduced or delayed spending, including the impact of government sequestration programs or other changes in budget priorities could result in the deferral, delay or disruption of our projects. These potential events could also impact our ability to be timely paid for our current services, which could adversely affect our cash flows and margins.
Risks Related to Our Occupational Hazards
Our businesses at times perform services under challenging conditions involving factors outside of our control.
The challenging conditions we encounter may include, without limitation, (i) hard to reach terrain and difficult site conditions; (ii) challenging engineering, procurement and construction phases, which may occur over extended time periods; (iii) difficulties or delays in designs or materials provided by the customer or a third party; (iv) equipment and material delivery delays; (v) schedule changes; (vi) delays from customer failure to timely obtain rights-of-way; (vii) weather-related delays, (viii) COVID-19-related changes to working conditions or disruptions; and (ix) delays by subcontractors in completing their portion of the project. Performing services under such conditions can result in project delays or cancellations, potentially causing us to incur unanticipated costs, reductions in revenue or the payment of liquidated damages. In addition, some of our contracts require that we assume the risk should actual site conditions vary from those expected.
In some cases, delays and additional costs may be substantial, and we may be required to cancel a project and/or compensate the customer for the delay. We may not be able to recover any of such costs. Any such delays, cancellations, errors or other failures to
23
meet customer expectations could result in damage claims substantially in excess of the revenue associated with a project. Delays or cancellations could also negatively affect our reputation or relationships with our customers, which could adversely affect our ability to secure new contracts.
Our business is subject to operational hazards due to the nature of services we provide and the conditions in which we operate, including electricity, fires, explosions, mechanical failures and weather-related incidents.
We are subject to occupational and safety laws in each of the countries in which we operate, including for example in the U.S., the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, as amended (“OSH Act”), in France, the Health and Safety at Work Code ("HSW Code"), and in the U.K., the Health and Safety At Work Act (“HSW Act”). These laws and their implementing regulations establish certain employer responsibilities, including maintenance of a workplace free of recognized hazards likely to cause death or serious injury, compliance with standards promulgated by OSHA and various recordkeeping, disclosure and procedural requirements. Various standards, including standards for notices of hazards and safety, may apply to our operations. We incur capital and operating expenditures and other costs in the ordinary course of business in complying with the OSH Act, the HSW Code, the HSW Act, and other state and local laws and regulations, and could incur penalties and fines in the future, including, in extreme cases, criminal sanctions.
While we invest substantial resources in occupational health and safety programs, the industries in which we operate involve a high degree of operational risk, and there can be no assurance that we will avoid significant liability. Although we have taken what we believe to be appropriate precautions, we have had employee injuries and fatalities in the past and may suffer additional injuries or fatalities in the future. Serious accidents of this nature may subject us to substantial penalties, civil litigation or criminal prosecution. Personal injury claims for damages, including for bodily injury or loss of life, could result in substantial costs and liabilities, which could materially and adversely affect our consolidated financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. In addition, if our safety record were to deteriorate, or if we suffered substantial penalties or criminal prosecution for violation of health and safety regulations, customers could cancel existing contracts and not award future business to us, which could materially adversely affect our liquidity, cash flows and results of operations. If we were not able to successfully resolve such issues, our ability to service our customers could be damaged, which could lead to a material adverse effect on our consolidated results of operations, cash flows and liquidity.
Our projects expose our employees to electrical lines and equipment, pipelines carrying potentially explosive or toxic materials, heavy equipment, transportation accidents, adverse weather conditions and the risk of damage to equipment and property from hazardous conditions such as working at heights.
These hazards, among others, can cause personal injuries and loss of life, severe damage to or destruction of property and equipment and other consequential damages and could lead to suspension of operations and large damage claims which could, in some cases, substantially exceed the amount we charge for the associated services. In addition, if serious accidents or fatalities occur, or if our safety records were to deteriorate, we may be restricted from proposing on certain work or obtaining new contracts, and certain existing contracts could be terminated. Our safety processes and procedures are monitored by various agencies and ratings bureaus. The occurrence of accidents in the course of our business could result in significant liabilities, employee turnover, increase the costs of our projects or harm our ability to perform under our contracts or enter into new customer contracts, all of which may subject us to liabilities, affect customer relationships, result in higher operating costs, negatively impact employee morale and result in higher employee turnover and could materially adversely affect our profitability and our consolidated financial condition.
Claims and Litigation Risks
We are and may become subject to periodic litigation which may adversely affect our business and financial performance.
We are subject to various lawsuits, administrative proceedings and claims that arise in the ordinary course of business. We could be party to class and collective actions, along with other complex legal disputes, that could materially impact our business by requiring, among other things, unanticipated management attention, significant attorney fees and settlement spend, or operational adjustments implemented in response to a settlement, court order or to mitigate future exposure. In addition, if we do not meet our contractual obligations, our customers may seek action against us to pursue remedies, which may include payment of liquidated damages and reimbursement from us to cover the incremental cost of having a third party complete or remediate our work.
We may have litigation in a variety of matters, some matters may be unpredictable or unanticipated, and the frequency and severity of litigation could increase. Because lawsuits are inherently unpredictable, assessing contingencies is highly subjective and requires judgements about future events. A judgement that is not covered by insurance or that is significantly in excess of our insurance coverage could materially adversely affect our consolidated financial condition or results of operations.
24
We are exposed to workmanship warranty, casualty, negligence, construction defect, breach of contract, product liability, and other claims and legal proceedings.
From time to time, we are subject to workmanship warranty, casualty, negligence, construction defect, breach of contract, product liability, and other claims and legal proceedings relating to the products we install that, if adversely determined, could adversely affect our consolidated financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. We rely on manufacturers and other suppliers to provide us with most of the products we install. Because we do not have direct control over the quality of such products manufactured or supplied by such third-party suppliers, we are exposed to risks relating to the quality of such products including the potential to be impacted by product recalls. In addition, we are exposed to potential claims arising from the conduct of our employees, and other subcontractors, for which we may be contractually liable.
We have in the past been, and may in the future be, subject to liabilities in connection with injury, death, or damage incurred in conjunction with our installation of products or provision of services regarding the inspection, maintenance or monitoring of products and systems installed by us or others. Although we currently maintain what we believe to be suitable and adequate insurance, we may be unable to maintain such insurance on acceptable terms or such insurance may not provide adequate protection against potential liabilities.
Such claims and legal proceedings can be expensive to defend and can divert the attention of management and other personnel for significant periods of time, regardless of the ultimate outcome. In addition, lawsuits relating to construction defects typically have statutes of limitations that can run as long as twelve years in some jurisdictions such as the U.K. Claims of this nature could also have a negative impact on customer confidence in our businesses and services. Current or future claims could have a material adverse effect on our reputation, business, consolidated financial condition and results of operations.
We are and may become subject to periodic regulatory proceedings, including Fair Labor Standards Act (“FLSA”) and state wage and hour class action lawsuits, which may adversely affect our business and financial performance.
Pending and future wage and hour litigation, including claims relating to the U.S. Fair Labor Standards Act, analogous state laws, or other state wage and hour laws could result in significant attorney fees and settlement costs. Resolution of non-litigated alleged wage and hour violations could also negatively impact our performance. The potential settlement of, or awards of damages for, such claims also could materially impact our financial performance as could operational adjustments implemented in response to a settlement, court order or in an effort to mitigate future exposure. Additionally, an increased volume of alleged statutory violations or matters referred to an agency for potential resolution could result in significant attorney fees and settlement costs that could, in the aggregate, materially impact our financial performance.
Risks Related to the Industries in Which We Operate
We have significant operations in highly competitive markets, and our failure to effectively compete could reduce our market share and harm our financial performance.
The safety services industry is highly fragmented, and we compete with other companies in each of the markets in which we operate, ranging from small independent firms servicing local markets to larger firms servicing regional and national markets. We also compete with existing and prospective customers who perform some of the services we offer, which could reduce the amount of services we perform for our customers. There are relatively few barriers to entry for certain of the services we provide and, as a result, any organization that has adequate financial resources and access to technical expertise and skilled personnel may become a competitor. Further, smaller competitors are more susceptible to consolidation. Consolidation of smaller entities could create larger national competitors which could adversely affect our business or profitability.
Certain of our customers’ work is awarded through proposal processes on a project-by-project basis. In connection with such project-based work, price is often a significant factor that determines whether we are awarded the project, especially on smaller, less complex projects. Smaller competitors may have an advantage against us based on price alone due to their lower costs and financial return requirements. Generally, it is difficult to predict whether and when we will be awarded a new contract due to lengthy and complex bidding and selection processes, changes in existing or forecasted market conditions, customers’ access to financing, governmental regulations, permitting and environmental matters. Additionally, our proposals for certain projects may depend on customer perception, including our perceived relative ability to perform the work as compared to our competitors or a customer’s perception of technological advantages held by our competitors as well as other factors. Our market share and results of operations could be materially and adversely affected if we are unsuccessful in proposing on projects or renewing our master service agreements, or if our ability to be awarded such projects or agreements requires that we accept less desirable terms, including lower margins.
25
Furthermore, because we derive revenue from projects awards that are subject to these uncertainties, our results of operations and cash flows can fluctuate materially from period to period.
Our businesses are impacted by levels of construction activity and an economic downturn in that industry could materially and adversely affect our business.
The demand for our services – including without limitation, safety services, electrical utility transmission buildouts, grid connections, pipeline construction, and general construction – is impacted by the demand for construction projects across multiple markets including energy and infrastructure, commercial, and industrial. Any period of economic recession affecting the volume or size of those projects is likely to adversely impact our business. Many of the projects that require our services involve long timelines from conception to completion, and many of the services that we offer are required later in the project’s lifecycle. Consequently, some of our businesses experience the results of economic trends later in an economic cycle.
The construction industry and individual markets within that industry have historically been vulnerable to macroeconomic downturns and we expect that will continue to be the case. The industry is traditionally cyclical in nature and economic downturns can adversely affect the willingness and ability of our customers to commit to capital expenditures. Such a decline would likely reduce the demand for certain of our services.
For example, the market for hydrocarbons has historically experienced significant volatility since 2015 and this volatility has continued during the COVID-19 pandemic. To the extent that energy producers reduce exploration, development or refining activities in response to changes in their respective markets, the demand for our services would be adversely affected. In the past, reductions in new housing starts have also negatively affected the construction industry. Generally, when demand for our services is reduced, it leads to greater price competition and decreased revenue and profit, any of which could materially and adversely affect our results of operations and liquidity.
The industries we serve can be seasonal, cyclical and affected by weather conditions at project sites and other variations, the combined effects of which can potentially delay cash flows and adversely impact our results of operations.
Our revenue and results of operations can be subject to seasonal and other variations. These deviations are influenced by various factors, including weather, customer spending patterns, proposal seasons, project schedules, holidays and timing, in particular, for large, non-recurring projects. In particular, many of the construction projects in North America that demand our services include significant outdoor work. As a result, seasonal changes and adverse weather conditions can adversely affect our business operations through declines in demand for our services and alterations and delays in applicable schedules. Adverse weather conditions can reduce demand for our services and reduce sales or render our contracting operations less efficient resulting in under-utilization of crews and equipment and lower contract profitability.
Furthermore, the industries we serve can be cyclical in nature. Fluctuations in end-user demand within those industries, or in the supply of services within those industries, can affect demand for our services. As a result, our business may be adversely affected by industry declines or by delays in new projects. Variations or unanticipated changes in project schedules in connection with large projects can create fluctuations in revenue and could adversely affect our business, consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows.
Our ability to collect payments on contracts (at milestones, modifications, and completion) is often dependent on the occurrence of a preceding payment to our customer (by, for example, a project owner or general contractor) and on the financial health of our customer. Our inability to collect could negatively affect our business.
At times, it can be difficult for us to collect payments owed to us by customers. Slowing conditions in the overall economy or in the industries we serve, customer difficulties in obtaining project financing, and bankruptcies at times could impair the financial condition of one or more of our customers and hinder their ability to pay us on a timely basis or at all. In certain cases, our clients are project-specific entities that do not have significant assets other than their interests in the project. To the extent that any of our contracts require customers to pay at specific milestones or at the end of a project, our ability to timely identify these difficulties and pare back our expenses and resources could be further impaired. In the past, we incurred losses after customers filed for bankruptcy or experienced financial difficulties following a general economic downturn, in which certain industry factors worsened the effect of the overall economic downturn on those customers. In difficult economic times, some of our clients may find it difficult to pay for our services on a timely basis, increasing the risk that our accounts receivable could become uncollectible and ultimately be written off. Even mere delays in client payments may require us to make a working capital investment, which could negatively affect our cash flows and liquidity. If a client fails to pay us on a timely basis or defaults in making payments on a project for which we have devoted significant resources, it could materially and adversely affect our consolidated results of operations, cash flows and liquidity.
26
We routinely present contract change orders to our clients and subcontractors for changes in contract specifications or requirements, and at times the work specified in the change order is performed before the change order is executed. Claims can also be caused by non-customer-caused changes, such as rain or other weather delays. In some cases, settlement of contract modifications may not occur until after completion of work under the contract. A failure to promptly negotiate and execute substantial or multiple contract modifications could negatively impact our cash flows, and reductions in our ability to recover contract modifications could have a negative impact on our consolidated financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
A failure in the systems we construct and install, whether due to employee acts or omissions or faulty workmanship or design, may subject us to significant liability.
Our business involves professional judgments regarding the planning, design, development, construction, operations and management of electric power transmission, communications and pipeline infrastructure. Because our projects are often technically complex, our failure to make judgments and recommendations in accordance with applicable professional standards, including engineering standards, could result in damages. A significantly adverse or catastrophic event at a project site or completed project resulting from the services we performed could result in significant professional or product liability, personal injury (including claims for loss of life) or property damage claims or other claims against us, as well as reputational harm. These liabilities could exceed our insurance limits or applicable indemnification rights and could impact our ability to obtain third-party insurance in the future. In addition, customers, subcontractors or suppliers who have agreed to indemnify us against any such liabilities or losses might refuse or be unable to pay us. An uninsured claim, either in part or in whole, if successful and of a material magnitude, could have a substantial impact on our business, consolidated financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
Because many of our services are intended to protect lives and real and personal property (e.g., alarm and fire safety systems, products and monitoring services) and many of our businesses perform services at large projects and industrial facilities where accidents or system failures could be disastrous and costly, we may have greater exposure to litigation risks than businesses that provide other services, whether as a result of employee acts or omissions, faulty construction or system failures. In the event of litigation, it is possible that any contract limitation provisions may be deemed inapplicable or unenforceable, that our insurance coverage is insufficient or that insurers may deny coverage of our claims. Any claim, regardless of its merit or eventual outcome, could result in substantial costs, divert management’s attention and create negative publicity, particularly for claims relating to environmental matters where the amount of the claim could be extremely large. Such claims could have a material adverse effect on our business, consolidated financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. If a customer or third party believes that he or she has suffered harm to person or property due to an actual or alleged act or omission of one or more of our employees, faulty construction, or a failure of a system we installed or maintained, then they may pursue legal action against us.
Under our contracts with customers, we may guarantee the work performed against, among other things, defects in workmanship, and we may agree to indemnify our customers for losses related to our services and materials. As much of the work we perform is inspected by our customers for any defects in construction prior to acceptance of the project, the claims that we have historically received have not been substantial. Additionally, materials used in construction are often provided by the customer or are warranted against defects by the supplier. If customer claims occur, we generally would be obligated to re-perform the services and/or repair or replace the item and any other facilities impacted thereby, at our sole expense, and we could also be responsible for other damages if we are not able to adequately satisfy customer claims. In addition, we may be required under contractual arrangements with our customers to honor any defects or failures in materials we provide. While we generally require the materials suppliers to provide us warranties or indemnification that are consistent with those we provide to our customers, if any of these suppliers default on their obligations to us, we may incur costs to repair or replace the defective materials. Costs incurred as a result of claims could adversely affect our business, consolidated financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
Our failure to comply with environmental laws could result in significant liabilities and increased environmental regulations could result in increased costs.
We often perform services in and around environmentally-sensitive areas. These areas include underground environments and areas in proximity to rivers, lakes and wetlands. Likewise, we perform directional drilling operations below certain environmentally-sensitive terrains and water bodies. It is possible that such directional drilling may cause a surface fracture, resulting in the release of subsurface materials. These subsurface materials may contain contaminants in excess of amounts permitted by law, potentially exposing us to remediation costs and fines.
Our work may also cause unanticipated environmental damage or risks to employees, customers, or public health. If the field location maps supplied to us are not accurate, or if objects are present in the soil that are not indicated on the field location maps, our underground work could strike objects in the soil, some of which may contain pollutants. These objects may also rupture, resulting in the discharge of pollutants. In such circumstances, we may be liable for fines and damages, and we may be unable to obtain reimbursement from the parties providing the incorrect information. Additionally, we own and lease several facilities at which we
27
store our equipment. Some of these facilities contain fuel storage tanks that are above or below ground. If these tanks were to leak, we could be responsible for the cost of remediation as well as potential fines.
This work subjects us to various environmental laws and regulations, including those dealing with the handling and disposal of waste products, PCBs, industrial chemicals, fuel storage, water quality and air quality. New laws and regulations, stricter enforcement of existing laws and regulations, the discovery of previously unknown contamination or leaks, the discovery of previously unknown risks of materials or chemicals, or the imposition of new clean-up requirements could require us to incur significant costs or become the basis for new or increased liabilities that could negatively impact our business, consolidated financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. For example, in January 2022, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) proposed new rules which, if enacted, would designate two types of per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances ("PFAS") as hazardous substances, which could lead to legal claims or other liabilities. In addition, certain of our businesses are named as defendants to actions alleging that they may have been in the chain of distribution or have used aqueous film forming foam, which may have contained PFAS. Allegations of the presence of or exposure to these types of substances could be the basis of third-party claims and lawsuits.
In certain instances, we have obtained indemnification or covenants from third parties (including predecessors or lessors) for such clean-up and other obligations and liabilities. However, such third-party indemnities or covenants may not cover all of our costs and the indemnitors may not pay amounts owed to us, and such unanticipated obligations or liabilities, or future obligations and liabilities, may have a material adverse effect on our business, consolidated financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. Further, we cannot be certain that we will be able to identify or be indemnified for all potential environmental liabilities relating to any acquired business.
Certain of our businesses are party to asbestos-related litigation that could adversely affect our consolidated financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
Certain of our businesses, along with numerous other third parties, are named as defendants in personal injury lawsuits based on alleged exposure to asbestos containing materials. These cases typically involve product liability claims based primarily on allegations of sale, distribution, installation or use of industrial products that either contained asbestos or were used with asbestos containing components. We cannot predict with certainty the extent to which we will be successful in litigating or otherwise resolving lawsuits in the future and we continue to evaluate different strategies related to asbestos claims filed against us including entity restructuring and judicial relief. Unfavorable rulings, judgments or settlement terms could have a material adverse impact on our business and consolidated financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
The amounts we have recorded for asbestos-related liabilities in the consolidated statements of financial position are based on our current strategy for resolving asbestos claims, currently available information, and a number of variables, estimates and assumptions. Key variables and assumptions include the number and type of new claims that are filed each year, the average cost of resolution of claims, the identity of defendants and the resolution of coverage issues with insurance carriers, amount of insurance, and the solvency risk with respect to our insurance carriers. Many of these factors are closely linked, such that a change in one variable or assumption will impact one or more of the others, and no single variable or assumption predominately influences the determination of our asbestos-related liabilities and insurance-related assets. Furthermore, predictions with respect to these variables are subject to greater uncertainty in the later portion of the projection period. Other factors that may affect our liability and cash payments for asbestos-related matters include uncertainties surrounding the litigation process from jurisdiction to jurisdiction and from case to case, reforms of state or federal tort legislation and the applicability of insurance policies among subsidiaries. As a result, actual liabilities or insurance recoveries could be significantly higher or lower than those recorded if assumptions used in our calculations vary significantly from actual results. If actual liabilities are significantly higher than those recorded, the cost of resolving such liabilities could have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows.
Risks Related to Our Organizational Structure and Ownership of Our Stock
We operate as a holding company and our principal source of operating cash is income received from our subsidiaries.
We have a holding company structure and do not have any material assets or operations other than ownership of equity interests of our subsidiaries. Our operations are conducted almost entirely through our subsidiaries, and our ability to generate cash to meet our obligations or to pay dividends is highly dependent on the earnings of, and receipt of funds from, our subsidiaries through dividends or intercompany loans. As a result, we are dependent on the income generated by our subsidiaries to meet our expenses and operating cash requirements. The amount of distributions and dividends, if any, which may be paid from APG and its subsidiaries to us will depend on many factors, including APG’s results of operations and consolidated financial condition, its constitutional documents, documents governing any indebtedness of us or APG, limits on dividends under applicable law, and other factors which may be outside of our control. If our subsidiaries are unable to generate sufficient cash flow, we may be unable to pay our expenses or make
28
distributions and dividends on the common stock. In addition, to the extent we intend to pay dividends on our common stock, we will pay such dividends at such times (if any) and in such amounts (if any) as the Board determines appropriate.
We have equity instruments outstanding that would require us to issue additional shares of common stock. Therefore, you may experience significant dilution of your ownership interests and the future issuance of additional shares of our common stock, or the anticipation of such issuances, could have an adverse effect on our stock price.
As of January 3, 2022, we had 4,000,000 shares of Series A Preferred Stock and 800,000 shares of Series B Preferred Stock, which are convertible into shares of our common stock on a one-for-one basis, at any time at the option of the holder. We will be obligated to pay dividends on our 4,000,000 outstanding shares of Series A Preferred Stock based on the market price of our common stock if such market price exceeds certain trading price minimums and we are obligated to pay dividends on our 800,000 shares of Series B Preferred Stock on a quarterly basis at 5.5% per annum. These dividends are payable in cash or shares of our common stock, at our sole option (which we intend to settle in shares). The issuance of common stock pursuant to the terms of the Preferred Stock will reduce (by the applicable proportion) the percentage stockholdings of those stockholders holding common stock prior to such issuance which may reduce your net return on your investment in our common stock. On December 31, 2021, we approved a stock dividend of 7,539,697 shares of common stock with respect to the Series A Preferred Stock, which represented 20% of the appreciation of the average market price per share of common stock over the highest dividend price previously used in calculating the dividend (or $17.8829 based on the calculation for the 2020 dividend) multiplied by 141,194,638 (being the Preferred Share Dividend Equivalent as defined in our certificate of incorporation). The dividend price was $24.3968 (calculated based upon the volume weighted average share price over the last ten trading days of the year). Such issuance of common stock as stock dividends would have a dilutive impact on, and reduce the value of, the outstanding common stock.
In addition, we have various outstanding equity awards to employees and directors under the APi Group Corporation 2019 Equity Incentive Plan. As of December 31, 2021, we had 14,851,875 shares of common stock available under this Plan.
We may also issue additional shares of our common stock or other securities that are convertible into or exercisable for our common stock in connection with future acquisitions, future issuances of our securities for capital raising purposes or for other business purposes. For example, in September 2021, we issued 22,716,049 shares of common stock in an underwritten public offering for capital raising purposes. Future sales by us of substantial amounts of our common stock, or the perception that sales could occur, could have a material adverse effect on the price of our common stock.
We may issue preferred stock in the future, and the terms of the preferred stock may reduce the value of our common stock.
Under the terms of our certificate of incorporation, our Board of Directors is authorized to create and issue one or more additional series of preferred stock, and, with respect to each series, to determine number of shares constituting the series and the designations and the powers, preferences and rights, and the qualifications, limitations and restrictions thereof, which may include dividend rights, conversion or exchange rights, voting rights, redemption rights and terms and liquidation preferences, without stockholder approval. If we create and issue one or more additional series of preferred stock, it could affect your rights or reduce the value of our outstanding common stock. For example, in connection with the Chubb Acquisition, in January 2022 we issued shares of Series B Preferred Stock which have quarterly dividend rights and are convertible into common stock. Our Board of Directors could, without stockholder approval, issue preferred stock with voting and other rights that could adversely affect the voting power of the holders of our common stock and which could have certain anti-takeover effects.
If securities or industry analysts either do not publish research about us, or publish inaccurate or unfavorable research about us, our businesses could be adversely impacted or, if such analysts change their recommendations regarding our common stock adversely, our stock price or trading volume could decline.
The trading market for our common stock is influenced in part by the research and reports that securities or industry analysts may publish about us, our businesses, our market, or our competitors. If one or more of the analysts initiate research with an unfavorable rating or downgrade our common stock, provide more favorable recommendations about our competitors, or publish inaccurate or unfavorable research about our businesses, the trading price of our common stock would likely decline. If any analyst who may cover us were to cease coverage of us or fail to regularly publish reports on us, we could lose visibility in the financial markets, which in turn could cause our stock price or trading volume to decline.
29
Delaware law and our organizational documents contain certain provisions, including anti-takeover provisions, which limit the ability of stockholders to take certain actions and could delay or discourage takeover attempts that stockholders may consider favorable.
Our certificate of incorporation and bylaws, and the Delaware General Corporate Law (“DGCL”), contain provisions that could have the effect of rendering more difficult, delaying, or preventing an acquisition deemed undesirable by our Board of Directors and therefore depress the trading price of our common stock. These provisions could also make it difficult for stockholders to take certain actions, including electing directors who are not nominated by the current members of our Board of Directors or taking other corporate actions, including effecting changes in our management. These provisions, alone or together, could delay or prevent hostile takeovers and changes in control or changes in our Board of Directors or management.
In addition, Section 203 of the DGCL restricts certain “business combinations” with “interested stockholders” for three years following the date that a person becomes an interested stockholder unless: (1) the “business combination” or the transaction which caused the person or entity to become an interested stockholder is approved by the Board of Directors prior to such business combination or transactions; (2) upon the completion of the transaction in which the person or entity becomes an “interested stockholder,” such interested stockholder holds at least 85% of our voting stock not including (i) shares held by officers and directors and (ii) shares held by employee benefit plans under certain circumstances; or (3) at or after the person or entity becomes an “interested stockholder,” the “business combination” is approved by the Board of Directors and holders of at least 66 2/3% of the outstanding voting stock, excluding shares held by such interested stockholder. A Delaware corporation may elect not to be governed by Section 203. We have not made such an election.
Our stockholders may be required to bring certain actions or proceedings relating to us in the Delaware Court of Chancery and certain actions asserting claims arising under the Securities Act in the federal district courts of the United States.
Pursuant to our certificate of incorporation, unless we consent in writing to an alternative forum, the Delaware Court of Chancery is the sole and exclusive forum for: (1) derivative actions or proceedings brought on behalf of us; (2) actions asserting a claim of fiduciary duty owed by any of our directors, officers or employees to us or our stockholders; (3) civil actions to interpret, apply, enforce or determine the validity of the our certificate of incorporation or bylaws; or (4) actions asserting a claim governed by the internal affairs doctrine. Under our certificate of incorporation, if the Delaware Court of Chancery lacks jurisdiction over any of the foregoing actions or proceedings, then the sole and exclusive forum for such actions or proceedings will be another state or federal court located in the State of Delaware, as long as such court has jurisdiction over the parties. These Delaware forum provisions require our stockholders to bring certain types of actions and proceedings relating to Delaware law in the Delaware Court of Chancery or another state or federal court located in the State of Delaware and therefore may prevent our stockholders from bringing such actions or proceedings in another court that a stockholder may view as more convenient, cost-effective or advantageous to the stockholder or the claims made in such action or proceeding, or may discourage them from bringing such actions or proceedings.
In addition, pursuant to our certificate of incorporation, unless we consent in writing to an alternative forum, the U.S. federal district courts will, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, be the sole and exclusive forum for any action asserting a claim arising under the Securities Act. This forum provision prevents our stockholders from bringing claims arising under the Securities Act in state court, which court our stockholders may view as more convenient, cost effective or advantageous to the claims made in such action and therefore may discourage such actions. In addition, while the Delaware Supreme Court has recently upheld provisions of the certificates of incorporation of other Delaware corporations that are similar to this forum provision, a court of a state other than the State of Delaware could decide that such provisions are not enforceable under the laws of that state.
Neither the Delaware nor the Securities Act forum provisions are intended by us to limit the forums available to our stockholders for actions or proceedings asserting claims arising under the Exchange Act.
General Risk Factors
Our stock price may be volatile and, as a result, you could lose a significant portion or all of your investment.
The market price of our common stock on the NYSE may fluctuate as a result of several factors, including the following:
30
Furthermore, the stock markets often experience significant price and volume fluctuations that have affected and continue to affect the market prices of equity securities of many companies. These fluctuations often have been unrelated or disproportionate to the operating performance of those companies. These broad market and industry fluctuations, as well as general economic, political and market conditions such as recessions or interest rate changes may cause the market price of our common stock to decline.
In the event of a cybersecurity incident, we could experience operational interruptions, incur substantial additional costs, become subject to legal or regulatory proceedings or suffer damage to our reputation.
In addition to the disruptions that may occur from interruptions in our information technology systems, cybersecurity threats and sophisticated and targeted cyberattacks pose a risk to our information technology systems and the systems that we design and install. We have established security policies, processes and defenses designed to help identify and protect against intentional and unintentional misappropriation or corruption of our information technology systems, disruption of our operations or the secure operation of the systems we install. Despite these efforts, our information technology systems may be damaged, disrupted or shut down due to attacks by unauthorized access, malicious software, computer viruses, undetected intrusion, hardware failures or other events, and in these circumstances our disaster recovery plans may be ineffective or inadequate. These breaches or intrusions could lead to business interruption, exposure of proprietary or confidential information, data corruption, damage to our reputation, exposure to legal and regulatory proceedings and other costs. Such events could have a material adverse impact on our consolidated financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. In addition, we could be adversely affected if any of our significant customers or suppliers experiences any similar events that disrupt their business operations or damage their reputation. We maintain monitoring practices and protections of our information technology to reduce these risks and test our systems on an ongoing basis for potential threats. There can be no assurance, however, that our efforts will prevent the risk of a security breach of our databases or systems that could adversely affect our business.
Data privacy, identity protection and information security compliance may require significant resources and presents certain risks.
31
We maintain confidential data and information (inclusive of personal data and third-party confidential information) in the normal course of our business. We also maintain personal data, including sensitive types of data such as audio recordings of telephone calls and video images and footage of customer sites and personnel. We also partner with third-party data processors that collect, store, have access to and otherwise process such confidential data and information on our behalf. This confidential data and information is subject to data privacy and security laws, regulations and/or customer-imposed requirements. Despite our efforts to protect that data, our business and systems may be vulnerable to material security breaches, theft, misplaced or lost data, programming errors, or errors that could potentially lead to compromising such data, improper use of our systems, software solutions or networks, unauthorized access, use, disclosure, modification or destruction of information and operational disruptions. A significant actual or perceived risk of theft, loss, fraudulent use or misuse of customer, employee or other data, whether by us, our suppliers, vendors, customers or other third parties, as a result of employee error or malfeasance, or as a result of the imaging, software, security and other products we incorporate into the products we install or the services we provide, as well as non-compliance with applicable industry standards or our contractual or other legal obligations or privacy and information-security policies regarding such data, could result in costs, fines, litigation or regulatory actions, or could lead customers to seek the services of our competitors. In addition, any such event could harm our reputation, cause unfavorable publicity or otherwise adversely affect certain potential customers’ perception of the security and reliability of our services and the products we install as well as our credibility and reputation, which could result in lost revenues. Furthermore, we operate in an environment in which there are different and potentially conflicting data privacy laws in effect in the various U.S. states and foreign jurisdictions in which we operate, we must understand and comply with each law and standard in each of these jurisdictions while ensuring the data is secure and we could be subject to potentially substantial fines and penalties for non-compliance for major breach, theft or loss of personal data. For example, under the E.U. General Data Protection Regulation (“GDPR”) and U.K. General Data Protection Regulation ("UK GDPR") companies must meet certain requirements regarding the handling of personal data or face penalties of up to 4% of worldwide revenue. Furthermore, the collection and safeguarding of personal information has increasingly attracted enhanced scrutiny from the general public in the United States, which has resulted in additional actual and proposed legislative and regulatory rules at the federal and state levels (e.g., the California Consumer Privacy Act of 2018 and California’s Proposition 24 of 2020). Government enforcement actions can be costly and interrupt the regular operation of our business, and violations of data privacy laws can result in fines, reputational damage and civil lawsuits, any of which may adversely affect our business, reputation and financial results.
The E.U.-U.S. and the Swiss-U.S. Privacy Shield frameworks were developed to allow the free flow of personal data to U.S. companies from the E.U. and Switzerland. The E.U.-U.S. Privacy Shield was declared invalid in 2021 as a consequence of the Schrems II decision of the Court of Justice of the E.U. In consequence, the Swiss Federal Data Protection and Information Commissioner issued a statement arguing that the Swiss-U.S. Privacy Shield is no longer regarded as providing an adequate level of date protection for transfers of personal data from Switzerland to the U.S. The European Commission and the U.S. government are currently involved in negotiations on a potential successor arrangement for the E.U.-U.S. Privacy Shield. The uncertainty this brings, together with the potential for future additional compliance obligations, could cause us to incur costs or require us to change our business practices in a manner adverse to our business, and failure to comply could result in significant penalties that may adversely affect our business, reputation, and financial results.
Our financial results are based, in part, upon estimates and assumptions that may differ from actual results. In addition, changes in accounting principles may cause unexpected fluctuations in our reported financial information.
In preparing our consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP, our management made a number of estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in our consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. These estimates and assumptions must be made because certain information used in the preparation of our consolidated financial statements is either dependent on future events or cannot be calculated with a high degree of precision from data available. In some cases, these estimates are particularly uncertain, and we must exercise significant judgment. Furthermore, some of the inherent estimates and assumptions used in determining the fair value of our reporting units are outside the control of management, including interest rates, cost of capital, tax rates, industry growth, credit ratings, foreign exchange rates, and labor inflation. Key estimates include: the recognition of revenue and project profit or loss, which we define as project revenue, less project costs of revenue, including project-related depreciation, in particular, on construction contracts accounted for under the cost-to-cost method, for which the recorded amounts require estimates of costs to complete and the amount of variable consideration included in the contract transaction price; allowances for doubtful accounts; fair value estimates, including those related to acquisitions, valuations of goodwill and intangible assets, acquisition-related contingent consideration and equity investments; asset lives used in computing depreciation and amortization; fair values of financial instruments; self-insurance liabilities; other accruals and allowances; income taxes; and the estimated effects of litigation and other contingencies. Actual results could differ materially from the estimates and assumptions that we use, which could have a material adverse effect on our consolidated results of operations, cash flows and liquidity.
In addition, accounting rules and regulations are subject to review and interpretation by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the “FASB”), the SEC and various other governing bodies. A change in GAAP could have a significant effect on our reported financial results. Additionally, the adoption of new or revised accounting principles could require that we make significant changes to
32
our systems, processes and controls. We cannot predict the effect of future changes to accounting principles, which could have a significant effect on our reported financial results and/or our consolidated results of operations, cash flows and liquidity.
The loss of key senior management personnel or the failure to hire and retain highly skilled personnel could negatively affect our business.
We depend on our senior management and other key personnel to operate our businesses. We also rely on other highly skilled personnel. Competition for qualified personnel in our industries, especially with respect to specialized projects or unique skill sets in applicable trades, is intense. The loss of any of our executive officers or other key employees or the inability to identify, hire, train, retain, and manage skilled personnel, could harm our business.
Increases in healthcare costs could adversely affect our financial results.
The costs of providing employee medical benefits have steadily increased over a number of years due to, among other things, rising healthcare costs and legislative requirements. Because of the complex nature of healthcare laws, as well as periodic healthcare reform legislation adopted by Congress, state legislatures, and municipalities, we cannot predict with certainty the future effect of these laws on our healthcare costs. Continued increases in healthcare costs or additional costs created by future health care reform laws adopted by Congress, state legislatures, or municipalities could adversely affect our consolidated results of operations and financial position.
Misconduct by our employees, subcontractors or partners or our overall failure to comply with laws or regulations could harm our reputation, damage our relationships with customers, reduce our revenue and profits, and subject us to criminal and civil enforcement actions.
Misconduct, fraud, non-compliance with applicable laws and regulations, or other improper activities by one or more of our employees, subcontractors or partners could have a significant negative impact on our business and reputation. Examples of such misconduct include employee or subcontractor theft, the failure to comply with safety standards, laws and regulations, customer requirements, environmental laws and any other applicable laws or regulations. While we maintain policies and procedures to prevent and detect these activities, such precautions may not be effective and are subject to inherent limitations, including human error and malfeasance. The failure of any of our employees to comply with applicable laws or regulations or other acts of misconduct could subject us to fines and penalties, harm our reputation, damage our relationships with customers, reduce our revenue and profits and subject us to criminal and civil enforcement actions.
Our long-term success depends, in part, on the quality and safety of the services we provide and systems we install. A deterioration in the quality or reputation of our businesses could have an adverse impact on our reputation, business, consolidated financial condition or results of operations.
The success of each of our businesses and our ability to attract and retain customers typically depends in large part on reputation. Such dependence makes our businesses susceptible to reputational damage and heightened competition from other companies. Changes in management practices, or acts or omissions that adversely affect our business, including any crime, scandal, litigation, negative publicity, catastrophic fires or similar events or accidents and injuries can have a substantial negative impact on the operations of our businesses, and can cause a loss of customer and prospective customer confidence. We or any of our businesses could also face legal claims and adverse publicity from a variety of events or conditions, many of which are beyond our control. If the reputation or perceived quality of our businesses decline, then our business, consolidated financial condition or results of operations could be adversely affected.
We are subject to many laws and regulations in the jurisdictions in which we operate, and changes to such laws and regulations may result in additional costs and impact our operations.
We are committed to upholding the highest standards of corporate governance and legal compliance. We are subject to many laws and regulations in the jurisdictions in which we operate. We expect to be subject to various laws and regulations that apply specifically to U.S. public companies. These include the rules and regulations of the New York Stock Exchange, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, and the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, as well as the various regulations, standards and guidance put forth by the SEC and other governmental agencies to implement those laws. New laws, rules and regulations, or changes to existing laws or their interpretations, could create added legal and financial costs and uncertainty for us. In addition, our international operations are subject to laws and regulations that are in some cases different from those of the United States, including labor laws and laws and regulations governing information collected from employees, customers and others, including without limitation GDPR. These laws and regulations, and the economic, financial, political and regulatory impact of the U.K.’s decision to leave the European
33
Union, could increase the cost and complexity of doing business in the U.K. and negatively impact our financial position and results of operations. These risks have been amplified with our acquisition of Chubb, which has significantly increased our U.K. operations. Our efforts to comply with evolving laws, regulations and reporting standards may increase our general and administrative expenses, divert management time and attention or limit our operational flexibility, all of which could have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial position and results of operations.
Demand for our businesses can be materially affected by new or changed governmental regulation.
Our customers operate in regulated industries and are subject to regulations that can change frequently and without notice. The adoption of new laws or regulations, or changes to the enforcement or interpretation of existing laws or regulations, could cause our customers to reduce spending on the services we provide, which could adversely affect our revenues, results of operations, and liquidity. Delays in implementing anticipated regulations or reversals of previously adopted regulations could adversely affect demand for our services. For example, the anticipation by utilities that coal-fueled power plants may become uneconomical to operate because of potential environmental regulations has increased demand for gas pipeline construction for utility customers. If these environmental regulations are not implemented, this could reduce demand for our services.
Our customers may further consolidate, which could materially adversely affect our revenues and margins.
Our customers may consolidate, especially in periods of significant industry downturns. We expect any customers that consolidate will take actions to harmonize pricing from their suppliers and rationalize their supply chain, which could adversely affect our business and results of operations. There can be no assurance that, following consolidation, our large customers will continue to buy from us across different service offerings or geographic regions, or at the same levels as prior to consolidation, which could adversely affect our business, consolidated financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
Not applicable.
ITEM 2. PROPERTIES
We own our corporate headquarters in New Brighton, Minnesota and own and lease other facilities throughout the U.S., Europe, Canada and other foreign locations where we conduct business. Our facilities are utilized for operations in our reportable segments and include offices, warehouses, storage, fabrication manufacturing, maintenance shops and training and educational facilities. As of December 31, 2021, we owned approximately 40 facilities and leased approximately 250 facilities in the U.S., Canada, the Netherlands, and 4 other countries. We believe that our existing facilities are sufficient for our current needs.
The Chubb Acquisition expands our global footprint through the addition of 15 owned facilities and over 250 leased locations throughout 17 different countries. The Chubb business is headquartered in the United Kingdom, and has significant operations in Australia, Canada, China, France, the Netherlands, and 11 other countries.
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
From time to time, we are subject to workmanship warranty, casualty, negligence, construction defect, breach of contract, product liability, and other claims and legal proceedings in the ordinary course of business relating to the products we install that, if adversely determined, could adversely affect our consolidated financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. We do not believe that the ultimate resolution of these matters will have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations or liquidity.
ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES
Information regarding mine safety violations and other regulatory matters required by Section 1503(a) of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act and Item 104 of Regulation S-K is included in Exhibit 95.1 to this Annual Report.
34
PART II
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
Market and Dividend Information
Our common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) under symbol “APG.”
Common Stock
As of February 22, 2022, there were 17 holders of record of our common stock.
Dividends
We have historically not paid cash dividends and do not currently anticipate paying a cash dividend on our common stock. We intend to retain future earnings for reinvestment. Our Board of Directors will make any future determination as to the payment of dividends at its discretion, and this determination will depend upon our operating results, financial condition and capital requirements, general business conditions and such other factors that the Board of Directors considers relevant. In addition, our Credit Agreement (as later defined), in certain situations, prohibits us from paying cash dividends or making other distributions on our common stock without prior consent of the lender. See Item 7. “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Liquidity and Capital Resources.”
On January 3, 2022, the holders of our Series A Preferred Stock received an annual dividend paid in the form of shares of common stock. Refer to Note 16 – “Shareholders’ Equity” to our consolidated financial statements.
Performance Graph
The following graph summarizes the cumulative return on $100 invested in APG’s common stock, the S&P 500, the Russell 2000 Stock Index, and the common stock of a selected peer group of companies if invested on October 1, 2019, the date of the acquisition of APi Group (the "APi Acquisition"), until December 31, 2021. Because our services are diverse across our operating segments, APG does not believe that any single published industry index is appropriate for comparing shareholder return. Therefore the peer group used in the performance graph combines publicly traded companies that have similar characteristics as one or more of APG’s segments. The returns of each company in the peer group are weighted based on the market capitalization of that company at the beginning of the measurement period. The stock price performance shown in the graphs is not necessarily indicative of future price performance.
35
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following is a discussion and year-to-year comparisons of APG’s financial condition and results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020.
For a discussion of the results of operations and financial condition of APG for the year ended December 31, 2019, and year-to-year comparisons between 2020 and 2019, which for 2019 includes the results of operations for APi Group, Inc. for the period from October 1, 2019 through December 31, 2019 and for APi Group, Inc. for the nine months ended September 30, 2019, please refer to “Item 7 – Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" in our Form 10-K, filed as of March 24, 2021 (as amended on November 19, 2021), which item is incorporated herein by reference.
Some of the information contained in this discussion and analysis or set forth elsewhere in this Annual Report, including information with respect to our plans and strategy for our business, includes forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. As a result of many factors, including those factors set forth in the “Risk Factors” and “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward Looking Statements” sections of this Annual Report, our actual results could differ materially from the results described in or implied by the forward-looking statements contained in the following discussion and analysis.
Overview
We are a global, market-leading business services provider of safety and specialty services in over 500 locations in approximately 20 countries. We provide statutorily mandated and other contracted services to a strong base of long-standing customers across industries. We have a winning leadership culture driven by entrepreneurial business leaders to deliver innovative solutions for our customers.
We focus on growing our recurring revenues and repeat business from our diversified long-standing customers across a variety of end markets, which we believe provides us with stable cash flows and a platform for organic and accretive growth. Maintenance, monitoring, and service revenues are generally more predictable through contractual arrangements with typical terms ranging from days to three years, with the majority of contracts having durations of less than six months and are often recurring due to consistent renewal rates and long-standing customer relationships.
Certain Factors and Trends Affecting our Results of Operations
Acquisitions
During 2021, we completed the acquisitions of Premier Fire and Northern Air Corporation within the Safety Services segment, along with several individually immaterial acquisitions. Total purchase consideration for all completed acquisitions was $111 million, which includes total paid at closing of $93 million, gross of cash acquired of $7 million, and accrued consideration of $18 million. The results of operations of these acquisitions are included in the consolidated statements of operations from their respective dates of acquisition. Net revenues and operating income from material acquisitions were $37 million and $1 million, respectively, for the year ended December 31, 2021. See Note 4 – “Business Combinations” for further details.
On January 3, 2022, we completed the acquisition of the Chubb Business from Carrier Global Corporation for an enterprise value of $3,100 million. The aggregate consideration paid by us consists of (1) approximately $2,900 million cash, which was funded through a combination of cash on hand and net proceeds from the private placement of Series B Preferred Stock, the offering of the 4.750% Senior Notes and the 2021 Term Loan, each as defined and described below, and (2) approximately $200 million of assumed liabilities, and other adjustments. The Chubb Business will be reported within the Safety Services segment beginning with the first quarter of 2022.
Economic, Industry and Market Factors
We closely monitor the effects of general changes in economic and market conditions on our customers. General economic and market conditions can negatively affect demand for our customers’ products and services, which can affect their planned capital and maintenance budgets in certain end markets. Market, regulatory and industry factors could affect demand for our services, including: (i) changes to customers’ capital spending plans; (ii) mergers and acquisitions among the customers we serve; (iii) new or changing regulatory requirements or other governmental policy changes or uncertainty; (iv) economic, market or political developments; (v) changes in technology, tax and other incentives; and (vi) access to capital for customers in the industries we serve. Availability of
36
transportation and transmission capacity and fluctuations in market prices for energy and other fuel sources can also affect demand for our services for pipeline and power generation construction services. These fluctuations, as well as the highly competitive nature of our industries, can result, and has resulted, in lower proposals and lower profit on the services we provide. In the face of increased pricing pressure on key materials, such as steel, or other market developments, we strive to maintain our profit margins through productivity improvements, cost reduction programs, pricing adjustments, and business streamlining efforts. Increased competition for skilled labor resources and higher labor costs can reduce our profitability and impact our ability to deliver timely service to our customers. While we actively monitor economic, industry and market factors that could affect our business, we cannot predict the effect that changes in such factors may have on our future consolidated results of operations, liquidity and cash flows, and we may be unable to fully mitigate, or benefit from, such changes.
COVID-19 Update
We continue to monitor short- and long-term impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. As the situation has continued to evolve, the impacts on our work have also evolved due to the domino effects of various local, state, national and international governmental orders, including but not limited to, reduced efficiency in performing our work while adhering to physical distancing protocols demanded by COVID-19.
Beginning in the fourth quarter of 2021, the U.S. government began implementing a COVID-19 vaccine mandate for certain federal contractors and subcontractors, subject to exception upon an approved reasonable accommodation based on disability or religion. The federal contractor mandate is currently the subject of litigation and is stayed under a nationwide injunction pending resolution on the merits, and could impact the availability of labor resources. We have not experienced significant labor shortages or loss of work as a result of current and anticipated COVID-19-vaccine-related mandates.
Generally, in 2021, with the end of shelter-in-place orders and increases in vaccination rates, we continued to experience stabilization and volume improvements as our teams and customers have adapted to working in the long-term COVID-19 environment. We have experienced supply chain disruptions within certain segments of our business, which have negatively impacted the source and supply of materials needed to perform our work. During 2020, we implemented a preemptive cost reduction plan to save expense and cash and the majority of these costs were restored in 2021.
Description of Key Line Items
Net Revenues
Net revenues are generated from the sale of various types of contracted services, fabrication and distribution. We derive net revenues primarily from services under contractual arrangements with durations ranging from days to three years, with the majority having durations of less than six months, and which may provide the customer with pricing options that include a combination of fixed, unit, or time and material pricing. Net revenues for fixed price agreements are generally recognized over time using the cost-to-cost method of accounting which measures progress based on the cost incurred to total expected cost in satisfying our performance obligation.
Net revenues from time and material contracts are recognized as the services are provided. Net revenues earned are based on total contract costs incurred plus an agreed upon markup. Net revenues for these cost-plus contracts are recognized over time on an input basis as labor hours are incurred, materials are utilized, and services are performed. Net revenues from wholesale or retail unit sales are recognized at a point-in-time upon shipment.
Cost of Revenues
Cost of revenues consists of direct labor, materials, subcontract costs, and indirect costs related to contract performance, such as indirect labor, supplies, tools, repairs, and depreciation costs. Labor costs are considered to be incurred as the work is performed. Subcontractor labor is recognized as the work is performed.
Gross Profit
Our gross profit is influenced by direct labor, materials, and subcontract costs. Our profit margins are also influenced by raw material costs, contract mix, weather, and proper coordination with contract providers. Labor intensive contracts usually drive higher margins than those contracts that include material, subcontract, and equipment costs.
37
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
Selling expenses consist primarily of compensation and associated costs for sales and marketing personnel, costs of advertising, trade shows, and corporate marketing. General and administrative expenses consist primarily of compensation and associated costs for executive management, personnel, facility leases, administrative expenses associated with accounting, finance, legal, information systems, leadership development, human resources, and risk management and overhead associated with these functions. General and administrative expenses also include outside professional fees and other corporate expenses.
Amortization of Intangible Assets
Amortization expense reflects the charges incurred to amortize our finite-lived identifiable intangible assets, such as customer relationships, which are amortized over their estimated useful lives. There is a portion of amortization expense related to the backlog intangible assets reflected in cost of revenues in the consolidated statements of operations.
Impairment of Goodwill and Intangible Assets
We do not amortize goodwill, rather, goodwill is tested for impairment annually, or more frequently as events and circumstances change. Expenses for impairment charges related to the write-down of goodwill balances and identifiable intangible assets balances are recorded to the extent their carrying values exceed their estimated fair values. Expenses for impairment charges related to the write-down of other long-lived assets (which includes amortizable intangibles) are recorded when triggering events indicate their carrying values may exceed their estimated fair values.
Results of Operations
The following is a discussion of our financial condition and results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020.
The following financial information has been extracted from our audited consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report.
|
|
Years Ended December 31, |
|
|
Change |
|
||||||||||
($ in millions) |
|
2021 |
|
|
2020 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
% |
|
||||
Net revenues |
|
$ |
3,940 |
|
|
$ |
3,587 |
|
|
$ |
353 |
|
|
|
9.8 |
% |
Cost of revenues |
|
|
3,001 |
|
|
|
2,831 |
|
|
|
170 |
|
|
|
6.0 |
% |
Gross profit |
|
|
939 |
|
|
|
756 |
|
|
|
183 |
|
|
|
24.2 |
% |
Selling, general, and administrative expenses |
|
|
803 |
|
|
|
725 |
|
|
|
78 |
|
|
|
10.8 |
% |
Impairment of goodwill |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
197 |
|
|
|
(197 |
) |
|
NM |
|
|
Operating income (loss) |
|
|
136 |
|
|
|
(166 |
) |
|
|
302 |
|
|
|
181.9 |
% |
Interest expense, net |
|
|
60 |
|
|
|
52 |
|
|
|
8 |
|
|
|
15.4 |
% |
Loss on extinguishment of debt |
|
|
9 |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
9 |
|
|
NM |
|
|
Investment income and other, net |
|
|
(12 |
) |
|
|
(34 |
) |
|
|
22 |
|
|
|
64.7 |
% |
Other expense, net |
|
|
57 |
|
|
|
18 |
|
|
|
39 |
|
|
|
216.7 |
% |
Income (loss) before income taxes |
|
|
79 |
|
|
|
(184 |
) |
|
|
263 |
|
|
|
142.9 |
% |
Income tax provision (benefit) |
|
|
32 |
|
|
|
(31 |
) |
|
|
63 |
|
|
|
203.2 |
% |
Net income (loss) |
|
$ |
47 |
|
|
$ |
(153 |
) |
|
$ |
200 |
|
|
|
130.7 |
% |
Year ended December 31, 2021 versus year ended December 31, 2020
Net revenues
Net revenues for the year ended December 31, 2021 were $3,940 million compared to $3,587 million for the year ended December 31, 2020, an increase of $353 million or 9.8%. The increase in net revenues is primarily attributable to general market recoveries from the COVID-19 pandemic in both our Safety Services and Specialty Services segments, incremental revenue contributed by acquisitions primarily within our Safety Services segment, and growth in inspection and service revenue in our Safety Services and Specialty Services segments. Additionally, greater demand for specialty contracting and fabrication services within our Specialty Services segment also drove the increase in net revenues. These improvements were partially offset by a decline in net
38
revenues within our Industrial Services segment due to the suppressed demand for our services and general market weakness in the energy industry. Also impacting our Industrial Services segment was the sale during 2020 of two Industrial Services businesses that accounted for $91 million of net revenues in 2020.
Gross profit
|
|
Years Ended December 31, |
|
|
Change |
|
||||||||||
($ in millions) |
|
2021 |
|
|
2020 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
% |
|
||||
Gross profit |
|
$ |
939 |
|
|
$ |
756 |
|
|
$ |
183 |
|
|
|
24.2 |
% |
Gross margin |
|
|
23.8 |
% |
|
|
21.1 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Our gross profit for the year ended December 31, 2021 was $939 million compared to $756 million in the year ended December 31, 2020, an increase of $183 million, or 24.2%. Gross margin for the year ended December 31, 2021 was 23.8%, an increase of 270 basis points compared to the prior year primarily due to a $64 million decrease in amortization expense for backlog intangible assets, which were recorded in relation to the 2019 acquisition of APi, and positively impacted the rate by 160 basis points. Also contributing to the improvement was outsized growth in the Safety Services segment and an increase in inspection and service revenue, which was partially offset by supply chain disruptions and inflation causing downward pressure on margins and suppression of demand in the energy industry.
Operating expenses
|
|
Years Ended December 31, |
|
|
Change |
|
||||||||||
($ in millions) |
|
2021 |
|
|
2020 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
% |
|
||||
Selling, general, and administrative expenses |
|
$ |
803 |
|
|
$ |
725 |
|
|
$ |
78 |
|
|
|
10.8 |
% |
Selling, general, and administrative expenses (excluding amortization) (Non-GAAP) |
|
|
681 |
|
|
|
612 |
|
|
|
69 |
|
|
|
11.3 |
% |
Selling, general, and administrative expenses (excluding amortization) as a % of net revenues |
|
|
17.3 |
% |
|
|
17.1 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Total operating expenses (Non-GAAP) |
|
|
803 |
|
|
|
922 |
|
|
|
(119 |
) |
|
|
(12.9 |
)% |
Operating margin |
|
|
3.5 |
% |
|
|
(4.6 |
)% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Operating expenses as a % of net revenues |
|
|
20.4 |
% |
|
|
25.7 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Selling, general, and administrative expenses were $803 million for the year ended December 31, 2021 compared to $725 million for the year ended December 31, 2020, an increase of $78 million. The increase was primarily driven by higher spending related to acquisition expenses, business process transformation projects to enhance systems and implement compliance programs related to the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, and the restoration of costs that had been reduced during the prior year as part of our COVID-19 response. Selling, general, and administrative expenses (excluding amortization) as a percent of net revenues were 17.3%, an increase of 20 basis points primarily driven by the factors discussed above. Operating expenses were $803 million for the year ended December 31, 2021 compared to $922 million for the year ended December 31, 2020, a decrease of $119 million. Operating expenses as a percentage of net revenues were 20.4% for 2021 compared to 25.7% for 2020, improving primarily due to the $197 million impairment charge related to goodwill recorded in 2020 that did not recur in 2021, partially offset by higher selling, general, and administrative expenses. See the discussion of our non-U.S. GAAP financial measures below.
Interest expense, net
Interest expense was $60 million and $52 million for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. The increase in interest expense was primarily due to the issuance of $650 million of fixed rate senior notes (4.125% Senior Notes and 4.750% Senior Notes) during 2021.
Investment income and other, net
Investment income and other, net was $12 million and $34 million for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. The decline in investment income and other, net was primarily due to a decrease in income from joint venture investments of $11 million and a $6 million decline in income from COVID-19 relief programs.
39
Loss on extinguishment of debt
During 2021, we completed a private offering of $350 million aggregate principal amount of senior notes (4.125% Senior Notes). The proceeds from the offering were used to repay all outstanding indebtedness under the 2020 Term Loan, prepay a portion of the 2019 Term Loan, pay transaction fees and expenses, and fund general corporate purposes. In connection with the repayment of the 2020 Term Loan and prepayment on a portion of the 2019 Term Loan, we incurred a loss on extinguishment of debt of $9 million related to unamortized debt issuance costs.
Income tax provision (benefit)
The effective tax rate for the year ended December 31, 2021 was 40.0% compared to an effective tax rate of 17.4% for the year ended December 31, 2020. The income tax provision of $32 million for the year ended December 31, 2021 was related to statutory tax, nondeductible transaction costs, and limited executive compensation. In comparison, during 2020, APi Group had tax benefit of $31 million on a loss before income taxes of $184 million. The variation in tax expense from 2020 to 2021 was due to a swing from a loss before income taxes of $184 million in 2020 to income before income taxes in 2021 of $79 million. During 2020, APi Group elected to defer the payment of $39 million of payroll taxes under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (“CARES Act”). Under this election, $19 million was paid on December 31, 2021 and the remainder is payable on December 31, 2022.
Prior to the APi Acquisition, APi Group had elected to be taxed under the provisions of Subchapter S of the Internal Revenue Code for federal tax purposes. As a result, APi Group’s income was not subject to U.S. federal income taxes or state income taxes in those states where the S Corporation status is recognized. Accordingly, no provision or liability for federal or state income tax has been provided in predecessor consolidated financial statements except for those taxing jurisdictions where the S Corporation status is not recognized. The provision for income tax in APi Group’s historical periods consists of these taxes. However, in prior periods, APi Group made significant distributions to its shareholders based on its S Corporation earnings. These distributions will no longer be necessary.
In connection with the APi Acquisition, APi Group’s S Corporation status was terminated and APG is now treated as a C Corporation under Subchapter C of the Internal Revenue Code and will be part of our consolidated tax group. Our domestication and the revocation of APi Group’s S Corporation election had a material impact on our consolidated results of operations, financial condition and cash flows. Our effective income tax rate for 2021, 2020, and 2019 and future periods increased as compared to prior periods and our net income has decreased in 2021, 2020, and 2019 and is expected to decrease in future periods due to the application of both federal and state taxes against pre-tax income.
Net Income and EBITDA
|
|
Years Ended December 31, |
|
|
Change |
|
||||||||||
($ in millions) |
|
2021 |
|
|
2020 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
% |
|
||||
Net income (loss) |
|
$ |
47 |
|
|
$ |
(153 |
) |
|
$ |
200 |
|
|
|
130.7 |
% |
EBITDA (non-GAAP) |
|
|
341 |
|
|
|
131 |
|
|
|
210 |
|
|
|
160.3 |
% |
Net income (loss) as a % of net revenues |
|
|
1.2 |
% |
|
|
(4.3 |
)% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
EBITDA as a % of net revenues |
|
|
8.7 |
% |
|
|
3.7 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income (loss) for the year ended December 31, 2021 was $47 million of income compared to a net loss of $(153) million for the year ended December 31, 2020, an improvement of $200 million. Net income (loss) as a percentage of net revenues for the year ended December 31, 2021 was 1.2% compared to (4.3)% for the year ended December 31, 2020. The change was principally from an impairment charge that occurred in 2020 related to goodwill of $197 million that did not recur in 2021, an increase in inspection and service revenue, and an improved gross margin. These improvements were partially offset by lower investment income and other, net due to a $11 million decrease in income from joint ventures and a decline in income from COVID-19 relief programs of $6 million. EBITDA as a percentage of net revenues was 8.7% and 3.7% for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. Improvements in EBITDA were primarily driven by the factors discussed above. See the discussion of our non-U.S. GAAP financial measures below.
40
Operating Segment Results
|
|
Net Revenues |
|
|||||||||||||
|
|
Years Ended December 31, |
|
|
Change |
|
||||||||||
($ in millions) |
|
2021 |
|
|
2020 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
% |
|
||||
Safety Services |
|
$ |
2,080 |
|
|
$ |
1,639 |
|
|
$ |
441 |
|
|
|
26.9 |
% |
Specialty Services |
|
|
1,653 |
|
|
|
1,401 |
|
|
|
252 |
|
|
|
18.0 |
% |
Industrial Services |
|
|
277 |
|
|
|
563 |
|
|
|
(286 |
) |
|
|
(50.8 |
)% |
Corporate and Eliminations |
|