Annual report pursuant to Section 13 and 15(d)

Nature of Business and Significant Accounting Policies

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Nature of Business and Significant Accounting Policies
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2020
Accounting Policies [Abstract]  
Nature of Business and Significant Accounting Policies Nature of Business and Significant Accounting Policies
Nature of Business

The term "VSE," the "Company," "us," "we," or "our" means VSE and its subsidiaries and divisions unless the context indicates operations of only VSE as the parent company.

Our operations include aftermarket supply chain management solutions and parts supply for vehicle fleets; maintenance, repair, and overhaul ("MRO") services and parts supply for aviation clients; vehicle and equipment maintenance and refurbishment; logistics; engineering; energy services; IT and health care IT solutions; and consulting services. We serve the United States Government (the "government"), including the United States Department of Defense ("DoD"), federal civilian agencies, and commercial and other customers.

Principles of Consolidation

The consolidated financial statements consist of the operations of our parent company, our wholly owned subsidiaries, Energetics Incorporated, Akimeka, LLC, Wheeler Fleet Solutions, Co. and VSE Aviation, Inc., a Delaware corporation ("VSE Aviation"), and our unincorporated divisions. All intercompany transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

Use of Estimates in the Preparation of Financial Statements

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States ("U.S. GAAP") requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Significant estimates affecting the financial statements include accruals for contract disallowance reserves, costs to complete on fixed price contracts, and recoverability of goodwill and intangible assets.

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic

On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization declared the outbreak of the novel coronavirus disease, known as COVID-19, as a global pandemic. The pandemic and the containment and mitigation efforts by governments to attempt to control its spread created uncertainties and disruptions in the economic and financial markets. The pandemic triggered a decline in demand for our Aviation segment products and services beginning with the second quarter of 2020 and continuing through the end of the year. This decrease in demand adversely impacted our operating results for 2020. Although demand began to improve during the third quarter of 2020, demand remains below the prior year levels. The impact of COVID-19 on us is evolving and its future effects are highly uncertain and unpredictable. We are closely monitoring the effects and risks of COVID-19 to assess its impact on our business, financial condition and results of operations. In April 2020, we completed a cost reduction plan which included a reduction in workforce. We maintain a robust continuity plan to adequately respond to situations such as the COVID-19 pandemic, including a framework for remote work arrangements, in order to effectively maintain operations, including financial reporting systems, internal controls over financial reporting and disclosure controls and procedures.

Reclassifications

Certain reclassifications have been made to the prior periods' financial information in order to conform to the current period's presentation, which include reclassification of products and services revenue and the renaming of our three operating segments as further described in Note (13) "Business Segments and Customer Information" and certain deferred tax reclassifications as described in Note (11) "Income Taxes." These reclassifications had no effect on the reported results of operations.

Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements

In August 2018, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2018-13, Disclosure Framework-Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement, which eliminates certain disclosures related to transfers and the valuation process, modifies disclosures for investments that are valued based on
net asset value, clarifies the measurement uncertainty disclosure, and requires additional disclosures for Level 3 fair value measurements. The new standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019 with early adoption permitted. We adopted ASU 2018-13 in the first quarter of 2020. The adoption did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-15, Customer’s Accounting for Implementation Costs Incurred in a Cloud Computing Arrangement That Is a Service Contract, which clarifies the accounting for implementation costs in cloud computing arrangements. The new standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019 with early adoption permitted. We adopted ASU 2018-15 in the first quarter of 2020 and applied the standard prospectively. The adoption did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-13, Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments, which changes the methodology for measuring credit losses on financial instruments and certain other instruments, including trade receivables and contract assets. The new standard replaces the current incurred loss model for measurement of credit losses on financial assets with a forward-looking expected loss model based on historical experience, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts. The new standard is effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2019. We adopted the standard in the first quarter of 2020 using the modified-retrospective approach, which requires the standard to be applied on a prospective basis with a cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings as of the beginning of the period in which the guidance is effective. Upon adoption, we did not record an adjustment to opening retained earnings as of January 1, 2020 because the adoption did not have a material impact on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

Stock-Based Compensation

We account for share-based awards in accordance with the applicable accounting rules that require the measurement and recognition of compensation expense for all share-based payment awards based on estimated fair values, which is determined based on the closing price of our common stock on the date of grant. Our policy is to recognize forfeitures of restricted stock as they occur. The compensation expense included in costs and operating expenses is amortized over the requisite service period using the accelerated attribution method.

Earnings Per Share

Basic earnings per share ("EPS") is computed by dividing net income by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during each period. Shares issued during the period are weighted for the portion of the period that they were outstanding. Our calculation of diluted earnings per common share includes the dilutive effects for the assumed vesting of restricted stock awards. The antidilutive common stock equivalents excluded from the diluted per share calculation are not material.
  Years Ended December 31,
  2020 2019 2018
Basic weighted average common shares outstanding 11,034,256  10,957,750  10,876,201 
Effect of dilutive shares —  86,981  59,856 
Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding 11,034,256  11,044,731  10,936,057 

Cash and Cash Equivalents

We consider all highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents. Due to the short maturity of these instruments, the carrying values on our consolidated balance sheets approximate fair value.

Property and Equipment

Property and equipment are recorded at cost. Depreciation of computer equipment, furniture, other equipment is provided principally by the straight-line method over periods of three to 15 years. Depreciation of buildings and land improvements is provided by the straight-line method over periods of approximately 15 to 20 years. Amortization of leasehold improvements is provided by the straight-line method over the lesser of their useful life or the remaining term of the lease. 
Leases

We adopted a comprehensive new lease accounting standard effective January 1, 2019 using the optional modified retrospective transition method; accordingly, the comparative information for the year ended December 31, 2018 has not been adjusted and continues to be reported under the previous lease standard.

We determine at inception whether an arrangement that provides us control over the use of an asset is a lease. Substantially all of our leases are long-term operating leases for facilities with fixed payment terms between two and 15 years. Payments under our lease agreements are primarily fixed payments, which are recognized as operating lease cost on a straight-line basis over the lease term.

We recognize at lease commencement a right-of-use ("ROU") asset and lease liability based on the present value of the future lease payments over the lease term, determined using the discount rate for the lease at commencement date. Our lease agreements do not provide a readily determinable implicit rate nor is it available to us from our lessors. Instead, we estimate our incremental borrowing rate based on information available at lease commencement to discount lease payments to present value. Certain of our leases include options to extend the term of the lease or to terminate the lease. When it is reasonably certain that we will exercise the option, we include the impact of the option in the lease term for purposes of determining total future lease payments. Our operating lease ROU assets are recorded in operating lease right-of-use assets on our accompanying consolidated balance sheet. The current portion of operating lease liabilities are presented within accrued expenses and other current liabilities, and the non-current portion of operating lease liabilities are presented under long-term operating lease liabilities on our accompanying consolidated balance sheet.

Leases with an initial term of 12 months or less with purchase options or extension options that are not reasonably certain to be exercised are not recorded on the balance sheet. We recognize lease expense for these leases on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease.

Concentration of Credit Risk/Fair Value of Financial Instruments

Financial instruments that potentially subject us to concentration of credit risk consist primarily of cash, cash equivalents and trade receivables. Our trade receivables consist of amounts due from various government clients and commercial entities. We believe that concentrations of credit risk with respect to trade receivables are limited due to the large number of customers comprising the customer base and their dispersion across many different geographic regions. Contracts with the government, either as a prime or subcontractor, accounted for approximately 69%, 68%, and 78% of revenues for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively. The credit risk, with respect to contracts with the government, is limited due to the creditworthiness of the respective governmental entity. We perform ongoing credit evaluations and monitoring of the financial condition of all our customers. We maintain an allowance for credit losses based upon several factors, including historical collection experience, current aging status of the customer accounts and financial condition of our customers. We believe that the fair market value of all financial instruments, including debt, approximate book value.

Revenue Recognition

We account for revenue in accordance with ASC 606. The unit of account in ASC 606 is a performance obligation. At the inception of each contract with a customer, we determine our performance obligations under the contract and the contract's transaction price. A performance obligation is a promise in a contract to transfer a distinct good or service to the customer and is defined as the unit of account. A contract’s transaction price is allocated to each distinct performance obligation and recognized as revenue when the performance obligation is satisfied. The majority of our contracts have a single performance obligation as the promise to transfer the respective goods or services is not separately identifiable from other promises in the contracts and is, therefore, not distinct. For product sales, each product sold to a customer typically represents a distinct performance obligation. Our performance obligations are satisfied over time as work progresses or at a point in time based on transfer of control of products and services to our customers.
Contract modifications are routine in the performance of our contracts. Contracts are often modified to account for changes in contract specifications or requirements. In most instances, contract modifications are for goods or services that are not distinct, and therefore are accounted for as part of the existing contract.

Substantially all our Fleet segment revenues from the sale of vehicle parts to customers are recognized at the point in time of the transfer of control to the customer. Sales returns and allowances for vehicle parts are not significant.
Our Aviation segment revenues result from the sale of aircraft parts and performance of MRO services for private and commercial aircraft owners, other aviation MRO providers, and aviation original equipment manufacturers. Our Aviation segment recognizes revenues for the sale of aircraft parts at a point in time when control is transferred to the customer, which usually occurs when the parts are shipped. Our Aviation segment recognizes revenues for MRO services over time as the services are transferred to the customer. MRO services revenue recognized is measured based on the cost-to-cost input method, as costs incurred reflect the work completed, and therefore the services transferred to date. Sales returns and allowances are not significant.

Our Federal and Defense segment revenues result from professional and technical services, which we perform for customers on a contract basis. Revenue is recognized for performance obligations over time as we transfer the services to the customer. The three primary types of contracts used are cost-type, fixed-price and time and materials. Revenues result from work performed on these contracts by our employees and our subcontractors and from costs for materials and other work-related costs allowed under our contracts.

Revenues on cost-type contracts are recorded as contract allowable costs are incurred and fees are earned. Variable consideration, typically in the form of award fees, is included in the estimated transaction price, to the extent that it is probable that a significant reversal will not occur, when there is a basis to reasonably estimate the amount of the fee. These estimates are based on historical award experience, anticipated performance and our best judgment based on current facts and circumstances.

Revenues on fixed-price contracts are recorded as work is performed over the period. Revenue is recognized over time using costs incurred to date relative to total estimated costs at completion to measure progress toward satisfying our performance obligations. Incurred cost represents work performed, which corresponds with the transfer of control to the customer. For such contracts, we estimate total costs at the inception of the contract based on our assumptions of the cost elements required to complete the associated tasks of the contract and assess the impact of the risks on our estimates of total costs to complete the contract. Our cost estimates are based on assumptions that include the complexity of the work, our employee labor costs, the cost of materials and the performance of our subcontractors. These cost estimates are subject to change as we perform under the contract and as a result, the timing of revenues and amount of profit on a contract may change as there are changes in estimated costs to complete the contract. Such adjustments are recognized on a cumulative catch-up basis in the period we identify the changes.

Revenues for time and materials ("T&M") contracts are recorded based on the amount for which we have the right to invoice our customers, because the amount directly reflects the value of our work performed for the customer. Revenues are recorded on the basis of contract allowable labor hours worked multiplied by the contract defined billing rates, plus the direct costs and indirect cost burdens associated with materials and subcontract work used in performance on the contract. Generally, profits on time and materials contracts result from the difference between the cost of services performed and the contract defined billing rates for these services.

Revenues related to work performed on government contracts at risk, which is work performed at the customer's request prior to the government formalizing funding, is not recognized until it can be reliably estimated and its realization is probable.

A substantial portion of contract and administrative costs are subject to audit by the Defense Contract Audit Agency. Our indirect cost rates have been audited and approved for 2017 and prior years with no material adjustments to our results of operations or financial position. While we maintain reserves to cover the risk of potential future audit adjustments based primarily on the results of prior audits, we do not believe any future audits will have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial position, or cash flows.

Receivables and Unbilled Receivables

Receivables are recorded at amounts earned less an allowance. We review our receivables regularly to determine if there are any potentially uncollectible accounts. The majority of our receivables are from government agencies, where there is minimal credit risk. 

Unbilled receivables include amounts typically resulting from sales under contracts when the cost-to-cost method of revenue recognition is utilized and revenue recognized exceeds the amount billed to the customer. The amounts may not exceed their estimated net realizable value. Unbilled receivables are classified as current based on our contract operating cycle.
Allowance for Credit Losses

We establish allowances for credit losses on our accounts receivable and unbilled receivables. To measure expected credit losses, we have disaggregated pools of receivable balances, where we have elected to pool our receivables by segment. Within each segment, receivables exhibit similar risk characteristics. In determining the amount of the allowance for credit losses, we consider historical collectibility based on past due status. We also consider current market conditions and reasonable and supportable forecasts of future economic conditions to inform adjustments to historical loss data. In addition to the loss-rate calculations discussed above, we also record allowance for credit losses for specific receivables that are deemed to have a higher risk profile than the rest of the respective pool of receivables, such as concerns about a specific customer's inability to meet its financial obligation to us. The adequacy of these allowances are assessed quarterly through consideration of factors on a collective basis where similar characteristics exist and on an individual basis.

During the year ended December 31, 2020, we increased our loss rates and increased our specific reserves primarily due to the economic disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Inventories

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value using the first-in, first-out ("FIFO") method. Inventories for our Fleet segment primarily consists of vehicle replacement parts. Included in inventory are related purchasing, storage and handling costs. Inventories for our Aviation segment primarily consist of aftermarket parts for distribution, and general aviation engine accessories and parts. Included in inventory are related purchasing, overhaul labor, storage and handling costs.

Deferred Compensation Plans

We have a deferred compensation plan, the VSE Corporation Deferred Supplemental Compensation Plan ("DSC Plan"), to provide incentive and reward for certain key management employees based on overall corporate performance. We maintain the underlying assets of the DSC Plan in a Rabbi Trust and changes in asset values are included in costs and operating expenses on the accompanying consolidated statements of income. We invest the assets held by the Rabbi Trust in both corporate owned life insurance ("COLI") products and in mutual funds. The COLI investments are recorded at cash surrender value and the mutual fund investments are recorded at fair value. The DSC Plan assets are included in other assets and the obligation to the participants is included in deferred compensation on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.

Deferred compensation plan expense recorded as costs and operating expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements of income for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018 was approximately $970 thousand, $1.7 million and $2.1 million, respectively.

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

Long-lived assets include amortizable intangible assets and property and equipment to be held and used. We review the carrying values of long-lived assets other than goodwill for impairment if events or changes in the facts and circumstances indicate that their carrying values may not be recoverable. We assess impairment by comparing the estimated undiscounted future cash flows of the related asset to its carrying value. If an asset is determined to be impaired, we recognize an impairment charge in the current period for the difference between the fair value of the asset and its carrying value.

For the year ended December 31, 2020, we recognized a $2.8 million impairment charge on the carrying value of the certain long-lived assets of a subsidiary within our Aviation segment upon completion of the sale of all of the inventory during the second quarter of 2020. See Note (2) "Acquisition and Divestitures" and Note (7) "Goodwill and Intangible Assets" for additional details. No impairment charges related to long-lived assets were recorded in the years ended December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018.

Income Taxes

Income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method. Under the asset and liability method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the estimated future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax basis. This method also requires the recognition of future tax benefits, such as net operating loss carryforwards, to the extent that realization of such benefits is more likely than not. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date.
The carrying value of net deferred tax assets is based on assumptions regarding our ability to generate sufficient future taxable income to utilize these deferred tax assets.

Goodwill

We test goodwill for impairment annually in the fourth quarter and whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value of goodwill may not be recoverable. Goodwill is tested for impairment at the reporting unit level. A qualitative assessment can be performed to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying value. If the reporting unit does not pass the qualitative assessment, we compare the fair value of each reporting unit to its carrying value using a quantitative assessment. If the fair value of the reporting unit exceeds its carrying value, goodwill is considered not impaired. If the fair value of the reporting unit is less than the carrying value, the difference is recorded as an impairment loss.

For the quantitative assessment, we estimate the fair value of each reporting unit using a combination of an income approach using a discounted cash flow ("DCF") analysis and a market-based valuation approach based on comparable public company trading values. Determining the fair value of a reporting unit requires the exercise of significant management judgments, including the amount and timing of projected future revenues, earnings and cash flows, discount rates, long-term growth rates and comparable public company revenues and earnings multiples. The projected results used in our quantitative assessment are based on our best estimate as of the testing date of future revenues, earnings and cash flows after considering factors such as recent operating performance, general market and industry conditions, existing and expected future contracts, changes in working capital and long-term business plans and growth initiatives. The carrying value of each reporting unit includes the assets and liabilities employed in its operations and goodwill. There are no significant allocations of amounts held at the Corporate level to the reporting units.

During the first and second quarter of 2020, the decline of the macroeconomic environment and the decrease in our market capitalization caused by the COVID-19 pandemic was determined to be an indicator of impairment and, based on the results of interim testing, we recognized an impairment charge of $30.9 million in the second quarter of 2020 related to our VSE Aviation reporting unit.

Our annual goodwill impairment analysis performed in the fourth quarter of 2020 resulted in no impairment of goodwill.

Intangible Assets

Intangible assets consist of the value of contract-related intangible assets, trade names and acquired technologies acquired in acquisitions. We amortize intangible assets on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives unless their useful lives are determined to be indefinite. The amounts we record related to acquired intangibles are determined by us considering the results of independent valuations. Our contract-related intangibles are amortized over their estimated useful lives of approximately five to 18 years with a weighted-average life of approximately 14.2 years as of December 31, 2020. We have six trade names that are amortized over an estimated useful life of approximately two to nine years. We have an acquired technologies intangible asset that is amortized over an estimated useful life of 11 years. The weighted-average life for all amortizable intangible assets is approximately 13.8 years as of December 31, 2020.

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted
In March 2020, the FASB issued ASU 2020-04, "Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848): Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting." The amendments provide optional guidance for a limited time to ease the potential burden in accounting for reference rate reform. The new guidance provides optional expedients and exceptions for applying U.S. GAAP to contracts, hedging relationships and other transactions affected by reference rate reform if certain criteria are met. The amendments apply only to contracts and hedging relationships that reference LIBOR or another reference rate expected to be discontinued due to reference rate reform. These amendments are effective immediately and may be applied prospectively to contract modifications made and hedging relationships entered into or evaluated on or before December 31, 2022. We are currently evaluating our contracts and the optional expedients provided by the new standard.