Description of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2017
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]  
Principles of Consolidation and Equity Investment
Vectrus consolidates companies in which it has a controlling financial interest. All intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated.
In 2011, we entered into a joint venture agreement with Shaw Environmental & Infrastructure, Inc., which is now CB&I 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 the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income. Our investment in HDSS is recorded in other non-current assets in the Condensed 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 Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. Any remaining cash distribution is recorded in other assets in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.
Basis of Presentation
Our quarterly financial periods end on the Friday closest to the last day of the calendar quarter (March 31, 2017 for the first quarter of 2017 and April 1, 2016 for the first quarter of 2016), except for the last quarter of the fiscal year, which ends on December 31. For ease of presentation, the quarterly financial statements included herein are described as three months ended.
The unaudited interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements of Vectrus have been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Accordingly, certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in annual financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the U.S. (GAAP) have been omitted. These unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with our audited consolidated financial statements and notes included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016.
It is management’s opinion that these financial statements include all normal and recurring adjustments necessary for a fair presentation of the Company’s financial position and operating results. Net sales and net earnings for any interim period are not necessarily indicative of future or annual results.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with 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 tax contingency accruals, fair value and impairment of goodwill and valuation of assets and certain contingent liabilities. Actual results could differ from these estimates.
Revenue Recognition
As a defense contractor engaging in long-term contracts, the majority of our revenue is derived from long-term service contracts for which revenue is recognized under the percentage-of-completion method based on levels of effort or percentage of costs incurred to total costs. For levels of effort, revenue and profits are recognized based upon the ratio of actual services delivered to estimated total services to be delivered under the contract. Under the cost-to-total cost method, revenue is recognized based upon the ratio of costs incurred to estimated total costs at completion. Revenue under cost-reimbursable contracts is recorded as costs are incurred and includes estimated earned fees or profits calculated on the basis of the relationship between costs incurred and total estimated costs. Revenue and profits on time-and-material type contracts are recognized based on billable rates multiplied by direct labor hours incurred plus material and other reimbursable costs incurred. The completed-contract method is utilized when reasonable and reliable cost estimates for a project cannot be made. Amounts invoiced to customers in excess of revenue recognized are recorded as deferred revenue, until the revenue recognition criteria are satisfied, and are recorded as billings in excess of costs in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. Revenue that is earned and recognized in excess of amounts invoiced is recorded as a component of receivables.
During the performance of our long-term contracts, estimated final contract prices and costs are reviewed periodically and changes are made as required and recorded as changes in revenue and cost of revenue in the period in which they are determined. Additionally, the fees under certain contracts may be increased or decreased in accordance with cost or performance incentive provisions, which measure actual performance against established targets or other criteria. Such incentive fee awards or penalties are included in revenue when there is sufficient information to reasonably assess anticipated contract performance. Amounts representing contract change orders, claims, requests for equitable adjustment, or limitations in funding on contracts are recorded only if it is probable the claim will result in additional contract revenue and the amounts can be reliably estimated.
Changes in contract revenue and cost estimates and the related effect to operating income are recognized using a cumulative catch-up adjustment, which recognizes in the current period the cumulative effect of the changes on current and prior periods based on a contract’s percentage of completion. Changes in estimated revenue and cost could result in a forward loss or an adjustment to a forward loss. Provisions for estimated losses on uncompleted long-term contracts are made in the period in which such losses are determined and are recorded as a component of cost of revenue.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
Standard
Description
Date of issuance
Effect on the financial statements or other significant matters
Standards that are not yet adopted
 
 
 
Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, as amended by ASU 2015-14


The standard will replace existing revenue recognition standards and significantly expand the disclosure requirements for revenue arrangements. It may be adopted either retrospectively or on a modified retrospective basis to new contracts and existing contracts with remaining performance obligations as of the effective date. The standard is effective for the first interim period within annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017. Early adoption is permitted only as of annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016. In addition, the Financial Accounting Standards Board has issued related revenue recognition guidance in four ASUs: principal versus agent considerations (ASU 2016-08), identifying performance obligations and licensing (ASU 2016-10), a revision of certain SEC staff observer comments (ASU 2016-11) and implementation guidance (ASU 2016-12).
May 2014, as amended in August 2015
Our initial analysis identifying areas that will be impacted by the new guidance is substantially complete, and we are analyzing the potential impacts to the consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.
We plan to adopt the standard in the first quarter of 2018 using the modified retrospective transition method with a cumulative-effect adjustment to opening retained earnings.
We believe the most significant impact of the new guidance relates to our accounting for firm-fixed-price contracts. Our firm-fixed-price contracts will continue to recognize revenue and earnings over time because of the continuous transfer of services to the customer, generally using an input measure (e.g., costs incurred) to reflect progress. However, we will be precluded from recognizing adjustments in estimated costs at completion as costs incurred in excess of billings on the balance sheet for firm-fixed-price contracts. Adjustments in contract estimates for firm-fixed-price contracts will result in more variability to revenue from period to period. The total impact of an adjustment in estimated profit recorded to date on a contract will continue to be recognized in the period it is identified (cumulative catch-up method). Despite this variability, a firm-fixed-price contract’s cash flows and overall profitability at completion are the same. Anticipated losses on contracts will continue to be recognized in the quarter in which they are identified.
ASU 2016-02, Leases
The objective of the amendment to this standard is to recognize lease assets and lease liabilities by lessees for those leases classified as operating leases under previous GAAP. The standard is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption of this standard is permitted.
February 2016
The primary effect of adopting the new standard will be to record assets and obligations for current operating leases. As of March 31, 2017, there are $6.2 million in future minimum rental payments for operating leases that are not currently on our balance sheet; therefore, we expect this will not have a material impact on our consolidated balance sheet and related disclosures.
ASU 2016-16, Intra-Entity Transfers of Assets Other than Inventory
The objective of this standard is to require companies to account for the income tax effects of intercompany sales and transfers of assets other than inventory (e.g., intangible assets) when the transfer occurs. Prior to the implementation of this standard, companies are required to defer the income tax effects of intercompany transfers of assets until the asset has been sold to an outside party or otherwise recognized (e.g., depreciated, amortized, or impaired).
Companies will still be required to defer the income tax effects of intercompany sales and transfers of inventory in an exception to the income tax accounting guidance. The standard is effective in annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within those periods.
Early adoption is permitted as of the beginning of an annual period.
October 2016
We are evaluating the impact of adopting ASU 2016-16; however, the standard is not expected to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.
Standards that were adopted
 
 
 
ASU 2016-09, Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting
The objective of the standard is to simplify several aspects of accounting for share-based payment transactions, including income tax consequences, classification of awards as either equity or liabilities, and classification on the statement of cash flows. The standard is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016, and interim periods within those annual periods. Early adoption is permitted for any entity in any interim or annual period. Amendments related to the timing of when excess tax benefits are recognized, minimum statutory withholding requirements, forfeitures and intrinsic value should be applied using a modified retrospective transition method by means of a cumulative-effect adjustment to equity as of the beginning of the period in which the guidance is adopted. Amendments related to the presentation of employee taxes paid on the statement of cash flows when an employer withholds shares to meet the minimum statutory withholding requirement should be applied retrospectively. Amendments requiring recognition of excess tax benefits and tax deficiencies in the income statement and the practical expedient for estimating expected term should be applied prospectively. An entity may elect to apply the amendments related to the presentation of excess tax benefits on the statement of cash flows using either a prospective transition method or a retrospective transition method.
March 2016
We adopted this standard in the first quarter of 2017.
All excess tax benefits and tax deficiencies are recognized as income tax expense or benefit in the income statement prospectively.
The tax effects of exercised or vested awards are treated as discrete items in the reporting period in which they occur, and we will recognize excess tax benefits regardless of whether the benefit reduces taxes payable in the current period.
We also elected a new accounting policy in which we will account for award forfeitures as they occur. We will no longer estimate the total number of awards for which the requisite service period will not be rendered.
The adoption of the standard did not have a material impact on our financial statements.
Cash paid by us when directly withholding shares for tax-withholding purposes is classified as a financing activity and excess tax benefits are classified along with other income tax cash flows as an operating activity in the consolidated statement of cash flows.


Other new pronouncements issued but not effective until after March 31, 2017 are not expected to have a material impact on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
Derivative Instruments
Derivative instruments are recognized as either an asset or liability at fair value in our Condensed 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 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 7, "Derivative Instruments" for additional information regarding our derivative activities.