| Summary of Significant Accounting Policies | SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES: Principles of Consolidation The consolidated financial statements of Quanta include the accounts of Quanta Services, Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiaries, which are also referred to as its operating units. The consolidated financial statements also include the accounts of certain of Quanta’s investments in joint ventures, which are either consolidated or proportionately consolidated, as discussed in the following summary of significant accounting policies. Investments in affiliated entities in which Quanta does not have a controlling financial interest, but over which Quanta has significant influence, usually because Quanta holds a voting interest of between 20% and 50%, are accounted for using the equity method. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. Unless the context requires otherwise, references to Quanta include Quanta Services, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries. Use of Estimates and Assumptions The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires the use of estimates and assumptions by management in determining the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities known to exist as of the date the financial statements are published, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses recognized during the periods presented. Quanta reviews all significant estimates affecting its consolidated financial statements on a recurring basis and records the effect of any necessary adjustments prior to their publication. Judgments and estimates are based on Quanta’s beliefs and assumptions derived from information available at the time such judgments and estimates are made. Uncertainties with respect to such estimates and assumptions are inherent in the preparation of financial statements. Estimates are primarily used in Quanta’s assessment of the allowance for credit losses, valuation of inventory, useful lives of assets, fair value assumptions in analyzing goodwill, other intangibles and long-lived asset impairments, equity and other investments, purchase price allocations, acquisition-related contingent consideration liabilities, multiemployer pension plan withdrawal liabilities, contingent liabilities associated with, among other things, legal proceedings and claims, parent guarantees and indemnity obligations, revenue recognition for construction contracts inclusive of contractual change orders and claims, estimated insurance claim recoveries, stock-based compensation, operating results of reportable segments, provision for income taxes, and uncertain tax positions. Revenue Recognition Contracts Quanta’s services include the design, new construction, upgrade and repair and maintenance of infrastructure in the electric power, communications and energy industries. These services may be provided pursuant to master service agreements (MSAs), repair and maintenance contracts and fixed price and non-fixed price construction contracts. These contracts are classified into three categories based on how transaction prices are determined and revenue is recognized: unit-price contracts, cost-plus contracts and fixed price contracts. Transaction prices for unit-price contracts are determined on a per unit basis, transaction prices for cost-plus contracts are determined by applying a profit margin to costs incurred on the contracts and transaction prices for fixed price contracts are determined on a lump-sum basis. All of Quanta’s revenues are recognized from contracts with its customers. In addition to the considerations described below, revenue is not recognized unless collectability under the contract is considered probable, the contract has commercial substance and the contract has been approved. Additionally, the contract must contain payment terms, as well as the rights and commitments of both parties. Performance Obligations A performance obligation is a promise in a contract with a customer to transfer a distinct good or service. Most of Quanta’s contracts are considered to have a single performance obligation whereby Quanta is required to integrate complex activities and equipment into a deliverable for a customer. For contracts with multiple performance obligations, Quanta allocates a portion of the total transaction price to each performance obligation using its best estimate of the standalone selling price of the distinct good or service associated with each performance obligation. Standalone selling price is estimated using the expected costs plus a margin. At December 31, 2020 and 2019, the aggregate transaction price allocated to unsatisfied or partially satisfied performance obligations was approximately $3.99 billion and $5.30 billion, of which 71.2% and 59.5% were expected to be recognized in the subsequent twelve months. These amounts represent management’s estimate of the consolidated revenues that are expected to be realized from the remaining portion of firm orders under fixed price contracts not yet completed or for which work had not yet begun. For purposes of calculating remaining performance obligations, Quanta includes all estimated revenues attributable to consolidated joint ventures and variable interest entities, revenues from funded and unfunded portions of government contracts to the extent they are reasonably expected to be realized and revenues from change orders and claims to the extent management believes additional contract revenues will be earned and are deemed probable of collection. Excluded from remaining performance obligations are potential orders under MSAs and non-fixed price contracts expected to be completed within one year. Recognition of Revenue Upon Satisfaction of Performance Obligations A transaction price is determined for each contract, and that amount is allocated to each performance obligation within the contract and recognized as revenue when, or as, the performance obligation is satisfied. Quanta generally recognizes revenue over time as it performs its obligations because there is a continuous transfer of control of the deliverable to the customer. Under unit-price contracts with an insignificant amount of partially completed units, Quanta recognizes revenue as units are completed based on contractual pricing amounts. Under unit-price contracts with more than an insignificant amount of partially completed units and fixed price contracts, Quanta recognizes revenues as performance obligations are satisfied over time, with the percentage completion generally measured as the percentage of costs incurred to total estimated costs for such performance obligation. Under cost-plus contracts, Quanta recognizes revenue on an input basis, as labor hours are incurred, materials are utilized and services are performed. Under contracts where Quanta has a right to consideration in an amount that directly corresponds to the value of completed performance, Quanta recognizes revenue in such amount and does not include such performance as a remaining performance obligation. Also, contract consideration is not adjusted for a significant financing component if payment is expected to be collected less than one year from when the services are performed. Contract costs include all direct materials, labor and subcontract costs and indirect costs related to contract performance, such as indirect labor, supplies, tools, repairs and depreciation costs. The majority of the materials associated with Quanta’s work are owner-furnished, and therefore not included in contract revenues and costs. Additionally, Quanta may incur incremental costs to obtain certain contracts, such as selling and marketing costs, bid and proposal costs, sales commissions, and legal fees or initial set-up or mobilization costs, certain of which can be capitalized. Such costs were not material during the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018. Contract Estimates Actual revenues and project costs can vary, sometimes substantially, from previous estimates due to changes in a variety of factors, including unforeseen or changed circumstances not included in Quanta’s cost estimates or covered by its contracts. The estimating process is based on the professional knowledge and experience of Quanta’s project estimators, project managers and finance professionals. Some of the factors that can lead to positive changes in estimates on projects include successful execution through project risks, reduction of estimated project costs or increases of estimated revenues. Some of the factors that may lead to negative changes in estimates include concealed or unknown site conditions; changes to or disputes with customers regarding the scope of services; changes in estimates related to the length of time to complete a performance obligation; changes or delays with respect to permitting and regulatory requirements; changes in the cost of equipment, commodities, materials or labor; unanticipated costs or claims due to delays or failure to perform by customers or third parties; customer failure to provide required materials or equipment; errors in engineering, specifications or designs; project modifications; adverse weather conditions, natural disasters, and other emergencies (including the ongoing pandemic as a result of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) that began in 2019); and performance and quality issues causing delay (including payment of liquidated damages) or requiring rework or replacement. These factors, along with other risks inherent in performing services under fixed price contracts, are routinely evaluated by management. Any changes in estimates could result in changes to profitability or losses associated with the related performance obligations. For example, estimated costs for a performance obligation may increase from an original estimate, and contractual provisions may not allow for adequate compensation or reimbursement for such additional costs. Changes in estimated revenues, costs and profit are recorded in the period they are determined to be probable and can be reasonably estimated. Contract losses are recognized in full when they are determined to be probable and can be reasonably estimated. Changes in cost estimates on certain contracts may result in the issuance of change orders, which can be approved or unapproved by the customer, or the assertion of contract claims. Quanta determines the probability that costs associated with change orders and claims will be recovered based on, among other things, contractual entitlement, past practices with the customer, specific discussions or preliminary negotiations with the customer and verbal approvals by the customer. Quanta recognizes amounts associated with change orders and claims as revenue if it is probable that the contract price will be adjusted and the amount of any such adjustment can be reliably estimated. Most of Quanta’s change orders are for services that are not distinct from an existing contract and are accounted for as part of an existing contract on a cumulative catch-up basis. Quanta accounts for a change order as a separate contract if the additional goods or services are distinct from and increase the scope of the contract, and the price of the contract increases by an amount commensurate to Quanta’s standalone selling price for the additional goods or services. As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, Quanta had recognized revenues of $141.2 million and $170.0 million related to change orders and claims included as contract price adjustments and that were in the process of being negotiated in the normal course of business. These aggregate amounts, which are included in “Contract assets” in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets, represent management’s estimates of additional contract revenues that have been earned and are probable of collection. However, Quanta’s estimates could change, and the amount ultimately realized could be significantly higher or lower than the estimated amount. Variable consideration amounts, including performance incentives, early pay discounts and penalties, may also cause changes in contract estimates. The amount of variable consideration is estimated based on the most likely amount that is deemed probable of realization. Contract consideration is adjusted for variable consideration when it is probable that a significant reversal in the amount of cumulative revenue recognized will not occur once the uncertainty related to the variable consideration is resolved. Changes in contract estimates are recognized on a cumulative catch-up basis in the period in which the revisions to the estimates are made. Such changes in estimates can result in the recognition of revenue in a current period for performance obligations that were satisfied or partially satisfied in prior periods or the reversal of previously recognized revenue if the current estimate differs from the previous estimate. The impact of a change in contract estimate is measured as the difference between the revenue or gross profit recognized in the prior period as compared to the revenue or gross profit which would have been recognized had the revised estimate been used as the basis of recognition in the prior period. Operating results for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018 were impacted by less than 5% as a result of aggregate changes in contract estimates related to projects that were in progress at December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017. Certain projects were materially impacted by changes to estimated contract revenues and/or project costs during the year ended December 31, 2020. During the year ended December 31, 2020, revenues and gross profit were favorably impacted by $20.8 million as a result of successful execution through project risks and close-out activities on a larger electric transmission project in the United States. Revenues and gross profit were also favorably impacted as a result of successful execution through project risks and close-out activities on certain larger pipeline projects in the United States. The favorable impact related to these larger pipeline projects was offset by increased costs on two larger pipeline projects in Canada that experienced severe weather conditions during the year ended December 31, 2020, both of which were substantially complete as of December 31, 2020. With respect to all of these larger pipeline projects, the aggregate net negative impact on gross profit related to work performed in prior periods was $10.0 million during the year ended December 31, 2020. Additionally, during the year ended December 31, 2020, Quanta was pursuing the exit of its Latin American operations. These operations have been adversely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic due to shelter-in-place restrictions and other work disruptions, and as a result Quanta accelerated various contract terminations and other activities in order to expedite cessation of operations in the region. The decision to accelerate the exit activities in 2020 materially changed certain contract estimates as of December 31, 2019 due to significant reductions in the volume of work to be performed, as well as lower productivity than expected. The majority of the impacts of these developments were not recoverable from the customers. These factors, as well as political and regulatory uncertainties and other customer challenges, resulted in changes in estimates on several projects and negatively impacted gross profit related to work performed in prior periods by $35.5 million in aggregate during year ended December 31, 2020. As of December 31, 2020, substantially all of the projects in Latin America that were active at the beginning of 2020 had been completed, and none of the remaining projects are individually expected to have a material negative impact on Quanta’s gross profit. However, the primary risk that gross profit on the remaining projects could be negatively impacted further is the continuing uncertainty related to the potential duration and severity of the COVID-19 pandemic in the region. Certain projects were materially impacted by changes to estimated contract revenues and/or project costs during the year ended December 31, 2019. The following amounts were recorded during the year ended December 31, 2019 but were related to prior periods. Quanta successfully completed an electric transmission project in Canada ahead of schedule during the three months ended March 31, 2019, which resulted in a reduction in estimated project costs and positively impacted gross profit related to work performed in prior periods by $30.1 million. Quanta also successfully executed through project risks on a larger pipeline transmission project, which resulted in a reduction of estimated project costs and positively impacted gross profit in 2019 related to work performed in prior periods by $22.9 million. Quanta also settled claims related to a larger natural gas transmission project that experienced losses in 2018, which increased revenues and gross profit in 2019 related to work performed in prior periods by $16.2 million. Additionally, Quanta experienced rework and start-up delays on a processing facility construction project, which resulted in additional estimated project costs and liquidated damages payable to the customer and negatively impacted gross profit related to work performed in prior periods by $29.4 million. As of December 31, 2020, this project was complete. Quanta also experienced unfavorable weather and labor-related impacts, as well as a project scope reduction, on an electric transmission project in southern California, which resulted in an increase in estimated project costs and a reduction in expected project earnings. These changes negatively impacted gross profit related to work performed in prior periods by $21.1 million. As of December 31, 2020, this project had a contract value of approximately $407 million and was approximately 95% complete. Additionally, the changes in contract estimates include the negative impact of the correction of $9.6 million of prior period errors related to the determination of total estimated project costs and the resulting revenue recognized on a large telecommunications project in Peru that was terminated during 2019. Certain projects were materially impacted by changes to estimated contract revenues and/or project costs during the year ended December 31, 2018. The following amounts were recorded during the year ended December 31, 2018 but were related to prior periods. Quanta experienced engineering and production delays on the processing facility construction project discussed above, which resulted in additional estimated construction costs. These changes in estimates negatively impacted gross profit related to work performed in prior periods by $34.2 million. Quanta also experienced unexpected site conditions, adverse weather conditions and material delivery delays on a renewable energy power project in Australia that negatively impacted gross profit related to work performed in prior periods by $22.3 million. Additionally, a natural gas pipeline construction project in the northeast United States experienced weather delays and project performance issues resulting in additional estimated construction costs that negatively impacted gross profit related to work performed in prior periods by $17.3 million. Quanta also successfully executed through project procurement, winter schedule challenges and productivity risks on the electrical transmission project in Canada mentioned above, resulting in reductions to the estimated total costs necessary to complete the project. These changes positively impacted gross profit related to work performed in prior periods by $52.2 million. Revenues by Category. The following tables present Quanta’s revenue disaggregated by geographic location, as determined by the job location, and contract type (in thousands): Year Ended December 31, 2020 2019 2018 By primary geographic location: United States $ 9,618,951 85.8 % $ 10,190,684 84.0 % $ 8,575,341 78.6 % Canada 1,252,365 11.2 % 1,436,720 11.9 % 1,984,214 16.4 % Australia 200,664 1.8 % 187,915 1.6 % 377,453 3.1 % Latin America and Other 130,692 1.2 % 296,834 2.5 % 234,415 1.9 % Total revenues $ 11,202,672 100.0 % $ 12,112,153 100.0 % $ 11,171,423 100.0 % Year Ended December 31, 2020 2019 2018 By contract type: Unit-price contracts $ 4,172,363 37.2 % $ 4,193,295 34.6 % $ 3,828,997 39.4 % Cost-plus contracts 2,649,770 23.7 % 3,304,161 27.3 % 2,507,025 20.7 % Fixed price contracts 4,380,539 39.1 % 4,614,697 38.1 % 4,835,401 39.9 % Total revenues $ 11,202,672 100.0 % $ 12,112,153 100.0 % $ 11,171,423 100.0 % As described above, under unit-price contracts with more than an insignificant amount of partially completed units and fixed price contracts, revenue is recognized as performance obligations are satisfied over time, with the percentage completion generally measured as the percentage of costs incurred to total estimated costs for such performance obligation. Approximately 47.9%, 50.0% and 57.7% of Quanta’s revenues recognized during the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018 were associated with this revenue recognition method. Contract Assets and Liabilities With respect to Quanta’s contracts, interim payments are typically received as work progresses in accordance with agreed-upon contractual terms, either at periodic intervals or upon achievement of contractual milestones. As a result, under fixed price contracts, the timing of revenue recognition and contract billings results in contract assets and contract liabilities. Contract assets represent revenues recognized in excess of amounts billed for fixed price contracts and are current assets that are transferred to accounts receivable when billed or the billing rights become unconditional. Contract assets are not considered a significant financing component as they are intended to protect the customer in the event Quanta does not perform on its obligations under the contract. Conversely, contract liabilities represent billings in excess of revenues recognized for fixed price contracts. These arise under certain contracts that allow for upfront payments from the customer or contain contractual billing milestones, which result in billings that exceed the amount of revenues recognized for certain periods. Contract liabilities are current liabilities and are not considered to have a significant financing component, as they are used to meet working capital requirements that are generally higher in the early stages of a contract and are intended to protect Quanta from the other party failing to meet its obligations under the contract. Contract assets and liabilities are recorded on a performance obligation basis at the end of each reporting period. Contract assets and liabilities consisted of the following (in thousands): December 31, 2020 December 31, 2019 December 31, 2018 Contract assets $ 453,832 $ 601,268 $ 576,891 Contract liabilities $ 528,864 $ 606,146 $ 425,961 As referenced previously, contract assets and liabilities fluctuate period to period based on various factors, including, among others, changes in the number and size of projects in progress at period end and variability in billing and payment terms, such as up-front or advance billings, interim or milestone billings, or deferred billings. The decrease in contract assets from December 31, 2019 to December 31, 2020 was partially due to a decline in revenues related to contracts for which revenues are recognized over time. Additionally, Quanta’s exit from and the close out of projects in Latin America also contributed to the reduction. Revenues were positively impacted by $27.0 million during the year ended December 31, 2020 as a result of changes in estimates associated with performance obligations on fixed price contracts partially satisfied prior to December 31, 2019. During the year ended December 31, 2020, Quanta recognized revenue of approximately $491.5 million related to contract liabilities outstanding at December 31, 2019. Current and Long-Term Accounts Receivable, Notes Receivable and Allowance for Credit Losses As described in Note 3, Quanta adopted the new accounting standard for measuring credit losses effective January 1, 2020 utilizing the transition method that allows recognition of a cumulative-effect adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings in the period of adoption. Quanta’s financial results for reporting periods beginning on or after January 1, 2020 are presented under the new standard, while financial results for prior periods continue to be reported in accordance with the prior standard and Quanta’s historical accounting policy. The net cumulative effect due to the adoption of the new standard was a $3.8 million reduction to retained earnings as of January 1, 2020, which represented a $5.1 million increase to allowance for credit losses, net of $1.2 million in deferred income taxes. The adjustment was based on an estimate of expected lifetime credit losses for financial instruments, primarily accounts receivable and contract assets. Although the adoption of the new standard did not have a material impact on Quanta’s consolidated financial statements at the date of adoption, expected credit losses could change as a result of changes in credit loss experience, changes to specific risk characteristics of Quanta’s portfolio of financial assets or changes to management’s expectations of future economic conditions that affect the collectability of Quanta’s financial assets. At the end of each quarter, management reassesses these factors, including any potential effects from the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The assessment of the allowance for credit losses involves certain judgments and estimates. Management estimates the allowance balance using relevant available information from internal and external sources relating to past events, current conditions and reasonable and supportable forecasts. Expected credit losses are estimated by evaluating trends in historical write-off experience and applying historical loss ratios to pools of financial assets with similar risk characteristics. Quanta has determined that it has one pool for the purpose of calculating its historical credit loss experience. Quanta’s historical loss ratio and its determination of risk pools may be adjusted for changes in customer credit concentrations within its portfolio of financial assets, its customers’ ability to pay, and other considerations such as changes to the market, regulatory or technological environments affecting its customers and the consistency of the current and forecasted economic conditions relative to the historical period used to derive historical loss ratios. Additional allowance for credit losses is established for financial asset balances with specific customers where collectability has been determined to be improbable based on customer specific facts and circumstances. Quanta considers accounts receivable delinquent after 30 days but does not generally consider such amounts delinquent in its credit loss analysis unless the accounts receivable have been outstanding for at least 90 days. In addition to monitoring delinquent accounts, management monitors the credit quality of its receivables by, among other things, obtaining credit ratings of significant customers, assessing economic and market conditions and evaluating material changes to a customer’s business, cash flows and financial condition. Should anticipated recoveries relating to receivables fail to materialize, including anticipated recoveries relating to bankruptcies or other workout situations, Quanta could experience reduced cash flows and losses in excess of current allowances provided. Activity in Quanta’s allowance for credit losses consisted of the following (in thousands): Year Ended December 31, 2020 2019 2018 Balance at beginning of year $ 9,398 $ 5,839 $ 4,465 Adoption of new credit loss standard 5,067 — — Charges to bad debt expense 3,656 11,249 7,169 Direct write-offs charged against the allowance (1,575) (7,690) (5,795) Balance at end of year $ 16,546 $ 9,398 $ 5,839 Long-term accounts receivable are included within “Other assets, net” in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, long-term accounts receivable were $13.4 million and $12.4 million. Certain contracts allow customers to withhold a small percentage of billings pursuant to retainage provisions, and such amounts are generally due upon completion of the contract and acceptance of the project by the customer. Based on Quanta’s experience in recent years, the majority of these retainage balances are expected to be collected within approximately twelve months. Retainage balances with expected settlement dates within the next twelve months as of December 31, 2020 and 2019 were $306.3 million and $299.6 million, which are included in “Accounts receivable.” Retainage balances with expected settlement dates beyond the next twelve months are included in “Other assets, net,” and as of December 31, 2020 and 2019 were $88.2 million and $54.2 million. Quanta recognizes unbilled receivables for non-fixed price contracts within “Accounts receivable” in certain circumstances, such as when revenues have been earned and recorded but the amount cannot be billed under the terms of the contract until a later date or amounts arise from routine lags in billing (for example, work completed one month but not billed until the next month). These balances do not include revenues recognized for work performed under fixed-price contracts, as these amounts are recorded as “Contract assets.” At December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, unbilled receivables included in “Accounts receivable” were $472.3 million, $524.3 million and $434.9 million. Quanta also recognizes unearned revenues for non-fixed price contracts when cash is received prior to recognizing revenues for the related performance obligation. Unearned revenues, which are included in “Accounts payable and accrued expenses,” were $53.6 million, $33.2 million and $40.1 million at December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018. Cash and Cash Equivalents Amounts related to Quanta’s cash and cash equivalents based on geographic location of the bank accounts were as follows (in thousands): December 31, 2020 2019 Cash and cash equivalents held in domestic bank accounts $ 156,122 $ 130,771 Cash and cash equivalents held in foreign bank accounts 28,498 34,027 Total cash and cash equivalents $ 184,620 $ 164,798 Cash consisting of interest-bearing demand deposits is carried at cost, which approximates fair value. Quanta considers all highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less at the time of purchase to be cash equivalents, which are carried at fair value. At December 31, 2020 and 2019, cash equivalents were $98.0 million and $37.8 million and consisted primarily of money market investments and money market mutual funds and are discussed further in Fair Value Measurements below. Cash and cash equivalents held by joint ventures, which are either consolidated or proportionately consolidated, are available to support joint venture operations, but Quanta cannot utilize those assets to support its other operations. Quanta generally has no right to cash and cash equivalents held by a joint venture other than participating in distributions and in the event of dissolution. Amounts related to cash and cash equivalents held by joint ventures, which are included in Quanta’s total cash and cash equivalents balances, were as follows (in thousands): December 31, 2020 2019 Cash and cash equivalents held by domestic joint ventures $ 7,714 $ 6,518 Cash and cash equivalents held by foreign joint ventures 3,973 16 Total cash and cash equivalents held by joint ventures 11,687 6,534 Cash and cash equivalents not held by joint ventures 172,933 158,264 Total cash and cash equivalents $ 184,620 $ 164,798 Inventories Inventories consist primarily of parts and supplies held for use in the ordinary course of business, which are valued by Quanta at the lower of cost or net realizable value. Cost is determined by using either the first-in, first-out (FIFO) method or the average costing method. Inventories also include certain job specific materials not yet installed, which are valued using the specific identification method. Property and Equipment Property and equipment are stated at cost, and depreciation is computed using the straight-line method, net of estimated salvage values, over the estimated useful lives of the assets. Leasehold improvements are capitalized and amortized over |
