Description of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]  
Our Business
Our Business
Vectrus, Inc. is a leading provider of services to the U.S. government worldwide. The Company operates as one segment and provides the following services and offerings: facility and logistics services, information technology and network communications services, and operational technologies and converged solutions.
Unless the context otherwise requires, references in these notes to "Vectrus", "we," "us," "our," "the Company" and "our Company" refer to Vectrus, Inc. Vectrus was incorporated in the State of Indiana in February 2014. On September 27, 2014, Exelis Inc. (Exelis) completed the spin-off (the Spin-off) of Vectrus and Vectrus became an independent, publicly traded company. References in these notes to "Exelis" or "Former Parent" refer to Exelis Inc., an Indiana corporation, and its consolidated subsidiaries (other than Vectrus). Exelis was acquired by Harris Corporation in May 2015.
Equity Investments
Equity Investment
In 2011, we entered into a joint venture agreement with Shaw Environmental & Infrastructure, Inc., which is now Aptim Federal Services LLC. Pursuant to the joint venture agreement, High Desert Support Services, LLC (HDSS) was established to pursue and perform work on the Ft. Irwin Installation Support Services Contract, which was awarded to HDSS in October 2012. We account for our investment in HDSS under the equity method as we have the ability to exercise significant influence, but do not hold a controlling interest. We record our proportionate 40% share of income or losses, which has historically been insignificant, in selling, general and administrative expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Income. Our investment in HDSS is recorded in other non-current assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. When we receive cash distributions from HDSS, the cash distribution is compared to cumulative earnings and any excess is recorded as a distribution from equity investment in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. Any remaining cash distribution is recorded in other assets in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.
Principles of Consolidation
Principles of Consolidation
Vectrus consolidates companies in which it has a controlling financial interest. All intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated.
Use of Estimates
Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting periods. Estimates are revised as additional information becomes available. Estimates and assumptions are used for, but not limited to, revenue recognition, income taxes, fair value and impairment of goodwill and valuation of assets and certain contingent liabilities. Actual results could differ from these estimates.
Segment Information
Segment Information
Management has concluded that the Company operates as one segment based upon the information used by the chief operating decision maker in evaluating the performance of the Company’s business and allocating resources and capital. Although we perform services worldwide, substantially all of our revenue for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017 was from the U.S. government.
Revenue Recognition
Revenue Recognition
As a defense contractor engaging in long-term contracts, substantially all of our revenue is derived from long-term service contracts. The unit of account for revenue in Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) is a performance obligation. A performance obligation is a promise in a contract to transfer a distinct good or service to the customer. A contract’s transaction price is allocated to each distinct performance obligation and recognized as revenue when, or as, the performance obligation is satisfied. To determine the proper revenue recognition method, consideration is given as to whether a single contract should be accounted for as more than one performance obligation. For most of our contracts, the customer contracts with us to perform an integrated set of tasks and deliverables as a single service solution, whereby each service is not separately identifiable from other promises in the contract and therefore is not distinct. As a result, when this integrated set of tasks exists, the contract is accounted for as one performance obligation. The vast majority of our contracts have a single performance obligation. Unexercised contract options and indefinite delivery and indefinite quantity (IDIQ) contracts are considered to be separate performance obligations when the option or IDIQ task order is exercised or awarded. Our performance obligations are satisfied over time as services are provided throughout the contract term. We recognize revenue over time using the input method (e.g., costs incurred to date relative to total estimated costs at completion) to measure progress. Our over time recognition is reinforced by the fact that our customers simultaneously receive and consume the benefits of our services as they are performed. For most U.S. government contracts, this continuous transfer of control to the customer is supported by clauses in the contract that allow the customer to unilaterally terminate the contract for convenience, pay us for costs incurred plus a reasonable profit and take control of any work in process. This continuous transfer of control requires that we track progress towards completion of performance obligations in order to measure and recognize revenue.
Accounting for contracts and programs involves the use of various techniques to estimate total contract revenue and costs. For contracts, we estimate the profit on a contract as the difference between the total estimated revenue and expected costs to complete a contract and recognize that profit over the life of the contract. Contract estimates are based on various assumptions to project the outcome of future events. These assumptions include labor productivity and availability; the complexity of the services being performed; the cost and availability of materials; the performance of subcontractors; and negotiations with the customer on contract modifications.
The nature of our contracts gives rise to several types of variable consideration, including award and incentive fees, inspection of supplies and services, and fluctuation in allowable indirect reimbursable costs. We include award or incentive fees in the estimated transaction price when there is certainty and a basis to reasonably estimate the amount of the fee. These estimates are based on historical award experience, anticipated performance and our best judgment at the time. The inspection of supplies and services is a factor because the U.S. government can reduce the transaction price if we do not perform the services in compliance with contract requirements. The fluctuation of allowable indirect reimbursable costs is a factor because the U.S. government has the right to review our accounting records and retroactively adjust the reimbursable rate. Any prior adjustments are reflected in the U.S. government reserve amounts recorded in our financial statements. We estimate variable consideration at the most likely amount that we expect to be entitled to receive. Refer to Note 18, "Commitments and Contingencies" for additional information regarding U.S. government reserve amounts.
As a significant change in one or more of these estimates could affect the profitability of our contracts, we review and update our contract estimates regularly. We recognize adjustments in estimated profit on executed contracts cumulatively. The impact of the adjustments on profit recorded to date is recognized in the period the adjustment is identified. Revenue and profit in future periods of contract performance are recognized using the adjusted estimate. If at any time the estimate of contract profitability indicates an anticipated loss on the contract, we recognize the total loss in the quarter it is identified.
Contracts are often modified to account for changes in contract specifications and requirements. If the modification either creates new enforceable rights and obligations or changes the existing enforceable rights and obligations, the modification will be treated as a separate contract. Our contract modifications, except for those to exercise option years, have not been distinct from the existing contract and have been accounted for as if they were part of that existing contract.
The timing of revenue recognition, billings and cash collections results in billed and unbilled accounts receivable (contract assets) and customer advances and deposits (contract liabilities) on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Amounts are billed as work progresses in accordance with agreed-upon contractual terms at periodic intervals (e.g., biweekly or monthly). Generally, billing occurs subsequent to revenue recognition, resulting in contract assets. However, we may receive advances or deposits from our customers, before revenue is recognized, resulting in contract liabilities. These advance billings and payments are not considered significant financing components because they are frequently intended to fund current operating expenses under the contract. These assets and liabilities are reported on the Consolidated Balance Sheets on a contract-by-contract basis at the end of each reporting period.
Our primary customer is the U.S. Department of Defense, with a high concentration in the U.S. Army. For the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017, we had total revenue of $1.4 billion, $1.3 billion, and $1.1 billion, respectively, substantially all of which was derived from U.S. government customers. For the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017, we generated approximately 69%, 73% and 82%, respectively, of our total revenue from the U.S. Army.
Receivables
Receivables
Receivables include amounts billed and currently due from customers, amounts unbilled, certain estimated contract change amounts, estimates related to expected award fees, claims or requests for equitable adjustment in negotiation that are probable of recovery, and amounts retained by the customer pending contract completion.
Earnings Per Share
Earnings Per Share
We compute earnings per common share on the basis of the weighted average number of common shares, and, where dilutive, common share equivalents, outstanding during the indicated periods.
Share-Based Compensation
Stock-Based Compensation
We recognize stock-based compensation expense based on the grant date fair values of the equity instruments issued or on the fair values of the liabilities incurred. The expense is recognized primarily within selling, general and administrative expenses over the requisite service periods of the awards, which are generally equivalent to the vesting terms.
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net
Property, plant and equipment, net are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Major improvements are capitalized at cost while expenditures for maintenance, repairs and minor improvements are expensed. For asset sales or retirements, the assets and related accumulated depreciation and amortization are eliminated from the accounts and any resulting gain or loss is reflected in operating income.
Depreciation and amortization are generally computed using either an accelerated or straight-line method and is based on estimated useful lives or lease terms as follows:
 
 
Years
Building improvements
 
3 – 10
Machinery, equipment and vehicles
 
3 – 12
Furniture, fixtures, and office equipment
 
3 – 7
Long-Lived Asset Impairment
Long-Lived Asset Impairment
Long-lived assets are tested for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate their carrying value may not be recoverable. We assess the recoverability of long-lived assets based on the undiscounted future cash flow the assets are expected to generate. When carrying value exceeds the undiscounted future cash flow, an impairment is recorded when the carrying value of the asset exceeds its estimated fair value based on a discounted cash flow approach or, when available and appropriate, comparable market values.
Goodwill
Goodwill
Goodwill represents purchase consideration paid in a business combination that exceeds the fair values assigned to the net assets of acquired businesses. Goodwill is not amortized, but instead is tested for impairment annually (or more frequently if impairment indicators arise, such as changes to the reporting unit structure or significant adverse changes in the business climate). We conduct our annual impairment testing during the fourth fiscal quarter. In reviewing goodwill for impairment, we have the option to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether the existence of events or circumstances leads to a determination that it is more likely than not that the estimated fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. If we elect to perform a qualitative assessment and determine that an impairment is more likely than not, the entity is then required to perform the existing two-step quantitative impairment test as described below. Otherwise, no further analysis is required. We also may elect not to perform the qualitative assessment and, instead, proceed directly to the two-step quantitative impairment test.
The quantitative impairment test is a two-step test. In the first step, the estimated fair value of the reporting unit is developed and compared to the carrying value of the reporting unit. If the estimated fair value of the reporting unit exceeds its carrying value, goodwill is not impaired and the second step of the impairment test is not performed. If the carrying value of the reporting unit exceeds its estimated fair value, then the second step of the impairment test is performed in order to measure the impairment loss to be recorded. If the carrying value of the reporting unit's goodwill exceeds its implied fair value, then we record an impairment loss equal to the difference. We estimate the fair value of our reporting unit using an income approach and a market approach. Under the income approach, we estimate fair value based on the present value of estimated future cash flows. Under the market approach, we compare our company to select reasonably similar publicly traded companies.
    We acquired Advantor Systems Corporation and Advantor Systems, LLC (collectively, Advantor) in 2019. See Note 5, "Acquisitions" for further discussion of goodwill recognized in the Advantor acquisition.
Intangible Assets
Intangible Assets
We recognize an acquired intangible asset apart from goodwill whenever the intangible arises from contractual or other legal rights, or whenever it can be separated or divided from the acquired entity and sold, transferred, licensed, rented or exchanged, either individually or in combination with a related contract, asset or liability. Such intangibles are amortized over their estimated useful lives unless the estimated useful life is determined to be indefinite. Finite lived intangible assets are being amortized over useful lives of four to eight years. The straight-line method of amortization is used as it has been determined to approximate the use pattern of the assets.
Leases
Leases
On January 1, 2019, the Company adopted the new lease accounting standard ASC Topic 842, Leases (ASC Topic 842). Operating leases are included on our Consolidated Balance Sheets as right-of-use (ROU) assets, other accrued liabilities and other non-current liabilities.
ROU assets represent the Company's right to use an underlying asset for the lease term and lease liabilities represent the Company's obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease. Lease ROU assets and liabilities are recognized at the lease commencement date based on the present value of lease payments over the lease term. Because most of our leases do not provide an implicit interest rate, we use our incremental borrowing rate based on the information available at commencement date in determining the present value of lease payments. The incremental borrowing rate as of January 1, 2019 was applied to operating leases in effect as of that date. The lease ROU assets also include any prepaid lease payments and exclude lease incentives. Many of our leases include one or more options to renew or terminate the lease, solely at our discretion. Such options are factored into the lease term when it is reasonably certain that we will exercise the option. Lease expense for lease payments is recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease.
As allowed under ASC Topic 842, the Company elected the package of practical expedients permitted under the transition guidance which allowed the Company to carry forward the historical lease classification, assessment of whether a contract was or contained a lease and assessment of initial direct costs. In addition, we have made policy elections to apply the short-term leases practical expedient, whereby leases with a term of 12 months or less are not recorded on our balance sheet, and the practical expedient to not separate lease components from non-lease components. The latter expedient is applied to all of our leases. We did not elect to apply the hindsight practical expedient in determining lease terms and assessing impairment of ROU assets. See Note 2, "Recent Accounting Pronouncements" and Note 13, "Leases" for further information.
Income Taxes
Income Taxes
We determine the provision or benefit for income taxes using the asset and liability approach. Under this approach, deferred income taxes represent the expected future tax consequences of temporary differences between the carrying amounts and tax basis of assets and liabilities. Valuation allowances are established when necessary to reduce deferred tax assets to the amounts expected to be realized. In assessing the need for a valuation allowance, we look to the future reversal of existing taxable temporary differences, taxable income in carryback years, the feasibility of tax planning strategies, and estimated future taxable income. The valuation allowance can be affected by changes to tax laws, changes to statutory tax rates and changes to future taxable income estimates.
Commitments and Contingencies
Commitments and Contingencies
We record accruals for commitments and loss contingencies when they are probable of occurrence and the amounts can be reasonably estimated. In addition, legal fees are accrued for cases where a loss is probable and the related fees can be reasonably estimated. Significant judgment is required to determine both probability and the estimated amount of loss. We review these accruals quarterly and adjust the accruals to reflect the impact of negotiations, settlements, rulings, advice of legal counsel and other updated information.
Derivative Instruments
Derivative Instruments
Derivative instruments are recognized as either an asset or liability at fair value in our Consolidated Balance Sheets and are classified as current or long-term based on the scheduled maturity of the instrument. Our derivative instruments have been formally designated and qualify as part of a cash flow hedging relationship under applicable accounting standards.
The interest rate derivative instruments are adjusted to fair value through accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). If we were to determine that a derivative was no longer highly effective as a hedge, we would discontinue the hedge accounting prospectively. Gains or losses would be immediately reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) to earnings relating to hedged forecasted transactions that are no longer probable of occurring. Gains or losses relating to terminations of effective cash flow hedges in which the forecasted transactions would still be probable of occurring would be deferred and recognized consistent with the income or loss recognition of the underlying hedged item.
Refer to Note 10, "Derivative Instruments," for additional information regarding our derivative activities.
Severance Expense
Severance Expense
We periodically initiate management-approved restructuring activities to achieve cost savings through reduced operational redundancies and to strategically position ourselves in the market in response to prevailing economic conditions and associated customer demand. Costs associated with restructuring actions can include severance and related benefit charges. For involuntary separation plans, a liability is recognized when it is probable, reasonably estimable, and communicated to employees. For voluntary separation plans, a liability is recognized when the employee irrevocably accepts the termination.
Fair Value Measurements
Fair Value Measurements
We determine fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. In measuring fair value, a fair value hierarchy is applied which categorizes and prioritizes the inputs used to estimate fair value into three levels. The fair value hierarchy is based on maximizing the use of observable inputs and minimizing the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value. Classification within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement. There are three levels of the fair value hierarchy. Level 1 inputs are quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. Level 2 inputs are other than quoted prices included within level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. Level 2 inputs include quoted prices (in nonactive markets or in active markets for similar assets or liabilities), inputs other than quoted prices that are observable, and inputs that are derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data by correlation or other means. Level 3 inputs are unobservable inputs for the assets or liabilities.
Foreign Currency Transactions
Foreign Currency Translation
The financial statements of programs for which the functional currency is not the U.S. dollar are translated into U.S. dollars. Balance sheet accounts are translated at the exchange rate in effect at the end of each period; income statement accounts are translated at the average rates of exchange prevailing during the period. Gains and losses on foreign currency translations are recorded as translation adjustments to other comprehensive (loss) income. Net gains or losses from foreign currency transactions are reported in selling, general and administrative expenses and have historically been immaterial.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
Accounting Standards Issued but Not Effective in 2019
In August 2018, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standard Update (ASU) 2018-15 to provide guidance on accounting for implementation costs incurred in a cloud computing arrangement (CCA) hosted by the vendor - that is a service contract. Under the new guidance, a customer will apply the same criteria for capitalizing implementation costs of a CCA as it would for an on-premises internal-use software license. Presentation of such costs, however, will vary from those required for licensed internal-use software. ASU 2018-15 is effective January 1, 2020 and can be adopted prospectively or retrospectively. Vectrus has elected to adopt the ASU on a prospective basis. The standard is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.
In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-04. The objective of ASU 2017-04 is to simplify the subsequent measurement of goodwill by entities performing their annual goodwill impairment tests by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit, including income tax effects from any tax-deductible goodwill, with its carrying amount and, in instances where the carrying amount exceeds the fair value, recognizing an impairment charge for the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds fair value. ASU 2017-04 is to be applied on a prospective basis and is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, and interim periods within those fiscal years. The standard is not expected to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.
ASU 2016-13 was issued in June 2016 with the intent of providing financial statement users with more useful information about the expected credit losses on financial instruments and other commitments to extend credit held by a reporting entity at each reporting date. Current treatment uses the incurred loss methodology for recognizing credit losses that delays the recognition until it is probable a loss has been incurred. The accounting update adds a new impairment model, known as the current expected credit loss model, which is based on expected losses rather than incurred losses. Under the new guidance, an entity will recognize as an allowance its estimate of expected credit losses, which the FASB believes will result in more timely recognition of such losses. ASU 2016-13 is effective January 1, 2020. The standard is not expected to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.
Other new pronouncements issued but not effective until after December 31, 2019 are not expected to have a material impact on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
Accounting Standards That Were Adopted
In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02. The objective of ASU 2016-02, and its subsequent amendments, is to recognize lease assets and lease liabilities by lessees for those leases classified as operating leases under previous GAAP. The standard requires lessees to recognize most leases on their balance sheets but does not change the manner in which expenses are recorded in the income statement. We adopted the standard during the first quarter of 2019 using the cumulative-effect adjustment transition method, which applies the provisions of the standard at the effective date without adjusting comparative periods presented. See Note 1, "Description of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies" and Note 13, "Leases" for further information.
In 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-12, which provided guidance to amend and simplify the application of hedge accounting guidance to better portray the economic results of risk management activities in the financial statements. The guidance expands the ability to hedge nonfinancial and financial risk components, eliminates the requirements to separately measure and report hedge ineffectiveness, as well as eases certain hedge effectiveness assessment requirements. We adopted the provisions of ASU 2017-12 during the first quarter of 2019. Adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on our financial statements or disclosures.
In February 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-02, which allows a reclassification from accumulated other comprehensive income to retained earnings for stranded tax effects resulting from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (Tax Act). The Company adopted the provisions of ASU 2018-02 during the first quarter of 2019 and recorded a $0.3 million decrease to accumulated other comprehensive income and a corresponding increase to beginning retained earnings to reflect the changes in the U.S. federal corporate income tax rate as a result of the Tax Act. As a result of the adoption of ASU 2018-02, the Company's policy to release income tax effects in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) is consistent with the underlying book method.