Annual report pursuant to Section 13 and 15(d)

Nature of Business and Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)

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Nature of Business and Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Accounting Policies [Abstract]  
Principles of Consolidation and Basis of Presentation Principles of Consolidation and Basis of PresentationThe consolidated financial statements consist of the operations of our parent company, our wholly owned subsidiaries, VSE Aviation, Inc., a Delaware corporation ("VSE Aviation"), Energetics Incorporated, Akimeka, LLC, Wheeler Fleet Solutions, Co., and our unincorporated divisions. All intercompany transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. Certain reclassifications have been made to the prior periods' financial information in order to conform to the current period's presentation.
Use of Estimates
Use of Estimates

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 fair value measurements, inventory provisions, estimated profitability of long-term contracts, valuation allowances on deferred tax assets, fair value of goodwill and other intangible assets and contingencies.
Stock-Based Compensation
Stock-Based Compensation

We issue stock-based awards as compensation to employees and directors. Stock-based awards include stock-settled bonus awards, vesting stock awards and performance share awards. We recognize stock-based compensation expense on a straight-line basis over the underlying award’s requisite service period, as measured using the award’s grant date fair value. Our policy is to recognize forfeitures as they occur. For performance share awards, we assess the probability of achieving the performance conditions at each reporting period end and adjust compensation expense based on the number of shares we expect to ultimately issue.
Earnings Per Share
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 outstanding stock-based awards. As a result of incurring a net loss for the year ended December 31, 2020, potential dilutive shares were excluded from diluted loss per share as the effect would have been anti-dilutive. The antidilutive common stock equivalents excluded from the diluted per share calculation were not material.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
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 EquipmentProperty and equipment is recorded at cost, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization. Depreciation and amortization is generally provided on the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the various assets. Property and equipment is generally depreciated over the following estimated useful lives: computer equipment, furniture, other equipment from three to 15 years; and buildings and land improvements from 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
Leases

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. We recognize a right-of-use ("ROU") asset and a lease liability upon commencement of our operating leases. The initial lease liability is equal to the future fixed minimum lease payments discounted using our incremental borrowing rate, on a secured basis. The lease term includes option renewal periods and early termination payments when it is reasonably certain that we will exercise those rights. The initial measurement of the ROU asset is equal to the initial lease liability plus any initial indirect costs and prepayments, less any lease incentives.

We recognize lease costs on a straight-line basis over the remaining lease term, except for variable lease payments that are expensed in the period in which the obligation for those payments is incurred.

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. Operating lease cost is included in costs and operating expenses on our consolidated statement of income.
Concentration of Credit Risk Concentration of Credit RiskFinancial instruments that potentially subject us to concentration of credit risk consist primarily of our trade receivables. Our trade receivables consist of amounts due from various commercial entities and government clients. 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 57%, 69%, and 68% of revenues for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019, 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.
Revenue Recognition
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 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 2019 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 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
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 collectability based on past due status. We also consider current market conditions and forecasts of future economic conditions to inform potential adjustments to historical loss data. In addition, 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.
Inventories
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 consist primarily of vehicle replacement parts, and also include related purchasing, storage and handling costs. Inventories for our Aviation segment consist primarily of aftermarket parts for distribution, and general aviation engine accessories and parts, and also include related purchasing, overhaul labor, storage and handling costs.
We periodically evaluate the carrying value of inventory, giving consideration to factors such as its physical condition, sales patterns and expected future demand in order to estimate the amount necessary to write down any slow moving, obsolete or damaged inventory. These estimates could vary significantly from actual amounts based upon future economic conditions, customer inventory levels or competitive factors that were not foreseen or did not exist when the estimated write-downs were made.
Deferred Compensation Plans
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 recorded deferred compensation plan expenses of $433 thousand, $970 thousand and $1.7 million for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019, respectively.
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. Gains and losses recognized on the changes in fair value of the investments are recorded as selling, general and administrative expenses on the accompanying consolidated statements of income.
Income Taxes
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.
Business Combinations Business CombinationsWe allocate the purchase price of acquired entities to the underlying tangible and identifiable intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on their respective estimated fair values, with any excess recorded as goodwill. The operating results of acquired businesses are included in our results of operations beginning as of their effective acquisition dates. For contingent consideration arrangements, a liability is recognized at fair value as of the acquisition date with subsequent fair value adjustments recorded in operations.
Goodwill
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

Goodwill represents the purchase price paid in excess of the fair value of net tangible and intangible assets acquired in a business combination. Goodwill is not amortized, but rather tested for potential impairment annually at the beginning of the fourth quarter, or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable.
Goodwill is tested for impairment at the reporting unit level. We estimate and compare the fair value of each reporting unit to its respective carrying value including goodwill. The fair value of our reporting units is determined using a combination of the income approach and the market approach, which involves the use of estimates and assumptions, including projected future operating results and cash flows, the cost of capital, and financial measures derived from observable market data of comparable public companies. If the fair value is less than the carrying value, the amount of impairment expense is equal to the difference between the reporting unit’s fair value and the reporting unit’s carrying value.
Other Intangibles Assets Impairment of Long-Lived Assets (Excluding Goodwill)
Intangible assets with finite lives are amortized using the method that best reflects how their economic benefits are utilized or, if a pattern of economic benefits cannot be reliably determined, on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives. Intangible assets with finite lives are assessed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable.

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets (Excluding Goodwill)

We review our long-lived assets, including amortizable intangible assets and property and equipment, for impairment whenever events or changes in facts and circumstances indicate that their carrying values may not be fully 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.
Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements and Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted
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. Our credit facility contains provisions specifying alternative interest rate calculations to be employed when LIBOR ceases to be available as a benchmark. We will continue to monitor the impact of this transition until it is completed.

In October 2021, the FASB issued ASU 2021-08, "Business Combinations (Topic 805): Accounting for Contract Assets and Contract Liabilities from Contracts with Customers," which requires contract assets and contract liabilities acquired in a business combination to be recognized and measured by the acquirer on the acquisition date in accordance with ASC 606, "Revenue from Contracts with Customers," as if the acquirer had originated the contracts. The new standard is effective on a prospective basis for fiscal years and interim reporting periods within those fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2022, with early adoption permitted. We are currently evaluating the effect, if any, the adoption of this guidance will have on its consolidated results of operations, financial position and cash flows.
Segment Information
Segment Information

Management of our business operations is conducted under three reportable operating segments:

Aviation
Our Aviation segment provides aftermarket repair and distribution services to commercial, business and general aviation, cargo, military and defense, and rotorcraft customers globally. Core services include parts distribution, engine accessory maintenance, MRO services, rotable exchange and supply chain services.

Fleet
Our Fleet segment provides parts, inventory management, e-commerce fulfillment, logistics, supply chain support and other services to support the commercial aftermarket medium- and heavy-duty truck market, the United States Postal Service ("USPS"), and the DoD. Core services include vehicle parts distribution, sourcing, IT solutions, customized fleet logistics,
warehousing, kitting, just-in-time supply chain management, alternative product sourcing, and engineering and technical support.

Federal and Defense
Our Federal and Defense segment provides aftermarket MRO and logistics and sustainment services to improve operational readiness and extend the life cycle of military vehicles, ships and aircraft for the DoD, federal agencies and international defense customers. Core services include base operations support; procurement; supply chain management; vehicle, maritime and aircraft sustainment services; IT services and energy consulting.
The operating segments reported below are our segments for which separate financial information is available and for which segment results are evaluated regularly by our Chief Executive Officer in deciding how to allocate resources and in assessing performance. We evaluate segment performance based on consolidated revenues and operating income. Net sales of our business segments exclude inter-segment sales as these activities are eliminated in consolidation. Corporate expenses are primarily selling, general and administrative expenses not allocated to segments. Corporate assets are primarily cash, property and equipment and investments held in separate trust.