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Acquisitions | 12 Months Ended
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Oct. 03, 2021
Business Combination and Asset Acquisition [Abstract] |
Acquisitions | Acquisitions In fiscal 2021, we acquired Coanda Research and Development Corporation ("CRD"), The Kaizen Company (“KZN”), IBRA-RMAC Automation Solutions (“IRM”), and the partnership interests of Hoare Lea, LLP and Subsidiaries ("HLE"). CRD is based in Burnaby, British Columbia and provides world-class expertise in computational fluid dynamics and utilizes industry-leading capabilities to solve complex engineering science problems for commercial customers, across a broad range of industries. KZN is based in Washington, DC and provides international development advisory and management consulting services offering a suite of innovative tools that support advanced solutions in health, education, governance, peace and stability, and sustainable economic growth. IRM is based in San Diego, California, and provides digital water transformation consulting services and an innovative suite of tools to address complex water system modernization challenges. HLE is a leader in sustainable engineering design based in Bristol, United Kingdom. It was established in 1862 and is an award-winning high-end consultancy firm in the United Kingdom, with more than 900 employees, providing innovative solutions to complex engineering and design challenges for sustainable infrastructure and high performance buildings. CRD and HLE are part of our CIG segment, and KZN and IRM are part of our GSG segment. The total fair value of the purchase price for these acquisitions was $151.7 million. This amount is comprised of $101.4 million in initial cash payments made to the sellers, and $50.3 million for the estimated fair value of contingent earn-out obligations, with a maximum of $74.0 million, based upon the achievement of specified operating income targets in each of the three to four years following the acquisitions. In fiscal 2020, we acquired Segue Technologies, Inc. ("SEG"), a leading information technology management consulting firm based in Arlington, Virginia, and BlueWater Federal Solutions, Inc. ("BWF"), a leading information technology management consulting firm based in Chantilly, Virginia. Both of these acquisitions are part of our GSG segment. The total fair value of the purchase price for these two acquisitions w as $88.6 million. This amount was comprised of $71.4 million in initial cash payments made to the seller s, $0.7 million of payabl es related to estimated post-closing adjustments for net assets acquired, and $16.5 million for the estimated fair value of contingent earn-out obligations, with a maximum of $28.0 million, based upon the achievement of specified operating income targets in each of the three years following the acquisitions. In fiscal 2019, we acquired eGlobalTech ("EGT") and WYG plc (“WYG”). EGT is a high-end information technology solutions, cloud migration, cybersecurity, and management consulting firm based in Arlington, Virginia. WYG employs approximately 1,600 staff primarily in the United Kingdom and Europe, delivering consulting and engineering solutions for complex projects across key service areas including planning, water and environment, transport, infrastructure, the built environment, architecture, urban design, surveying, asset management, program management, and international development. Both of these acquisitions are part of our GSG segment. The total fair value of the purchase price for these two acquisitions was $103.3 million. This amount was comprised of a $24.7 million promissory note issued to the sellers (which was subsequently paid in full in the third quarter of fiscal 2019), cash payments of $54.2 million to the sellers, $3.3 million of payables related to estimated post-closing adjustments for net assets acquired, and $21.1 million for the estimated fair value of contingent earn-out obligations, with a maximum of $25.0 million, based upon the achievement of specified operating income targets in each of the three years following the acquisitions. In addition, we assumed net debt of $11.5 million, which was subsequently paid in full in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2019 and incurred $10.4 million in acquisition and integration costs. Goodwill additions resulting from the above business combinations are primarily attributable to the existing workforce of the acquired companies and the synergies expected to arise after the acquisitions. The fiscal 2021 goodwill additions represent the significant technical expertise residing in embedded workforces that are sought out by clients and the long-standing reputation of HLE. The goodwill additions related to our fiscal 2020 goodwill additions represent the value of a workforce with distinct expertise in the high-end information technology field, in the areas of data analytics, modeling and simulation, cloud, and agile software development. In addition, these acquired capabilities, when combined with our exis ting global consulting and engineering business, result in opportunities that allow us to provide services under contracts that could not have been pursued individually by either us or the acquired compan ies. T he results of these acquisitions were included in our consolidated financial statements from their respective closing dates. These acquisitions were not considered material, individually or in the aggregate, to our consolidated financial statements. As a result, no pro forma information has been provided. Backlog, client relations and trade name intangible assets include the fair value of existing contracts and the underlying customer relationships with lives ranging from one to ten years, and trade names with lives ranging from three to five years. Most of our acquisition agreements include contingent earn-out agreements, which are generally based on the achievement of future operating income thresholds. The contingent earn-out arrangements are based on our valuations of the acquired companies and reduce the risk of overpaying for acquisitions if the projected financial results are not achieved. The fair values of any earn-out arrangements are included as part of the purchase price of the acquired companies on their respective acquisition dates. For each transaction, we estimate the fair value of contingent earn-out payments as part of the initial purchase price and record the estimated fair value of contingent consideration as a liability in “Current contingent earn-out liabilities” and “Long-term contingent earn-out liabilities” on the consolidated balance sheets. We consider several factors when determining that contingent earn-out liabilities are part of the purchase price, including the following: (1) the valuation of our acquisitions is not supported solely by the initial consideration paid, and the contingent earn-out formula is a critical and material component of the valuation approach to determining the purchase price; and (2) the former owners of acquired companies that remain as key employees receive compensation other than contingent earn-out payments at a reasonable level compared with the compensation of our other key employees. The contingent earn-out payments are not affected by employment termination. We measure our contingent earn-out liabilities at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs classified within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy. We use a probability-weighted discounted income approach as a valuation technique to convert future estimated cash flows to a single present value amount. The significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurements are operating income projections over the earn-out period (generally two or three years), and the probability outcome percentages we assign to each scenario. Significant increases or decreases to either of these inputs in isolation would result in a significantly higher or lower liability, with a higher liability capped by the contractual maximum of the contingent earn-out obligation. Ultimately, the liability will be equivalent to the amount paid, and the difference between the fair value estimate and amount paid will be recorded in earnings. The amount paid that is less than or equal to the contingent earn-out liability on the acquisition date is reflected as cash used in financing activities in our consolidated statements of cash flows. Any amount paid in excess of the contingent earn-out liability on the acquisition date is reflected as cash used in operating activities in our consolidated statements of cash flows. We review and re-assess the estimated fair value of contingent consideration on a quarterly basis, and the updated fair value could differ materially from the initial estimates. Changes in the estimated fair value of our contingent earn-out liabilities related to the time component of the present value calculation are reported in interest expense. Adjustments to the estimated fair value related to changes in all other unobservable inputs are reported in operating income. In each quarter during fiscal 2021, we evaluated our estimates for contingent consideration liabilities for the remaining earn-out periods for each individual acquisition, which included a review of their financial results to-date, the status of ongoing projects in their RUPOs, and the inventory of prospective new contract awards. In addition, we considered the potential impact of the global economic disruption due to the COVID-19 pandemic on our operating income projections over the various earn-out periods. In fiscal 2021, we recorded adjustments to our contingent earn-out liabilities and reported a net gain in operating income of $3.3 million, substantially all in the fourth quarter. These adjustments resulted from the updated valuations of the contingent consideration liabilities, which reflect updated projections of acquired companies' financial performance during their respective earn-out periods. In fiscal 2020, we recorded adjustments to our contingent earn-out liabilities and reported related net gains in operating income of $15.0 million, substantially all in the fourth quarter. These gains primarily resulted from updated valuations of the contingent consideration liabilities for Norman, Disney and Young ("NDY"), EGT, and SEG. The acquisition agreement for NDY included a contingent earn-out agreement based on the achievement of operating income thresholds (in Australian dollars) in each of the first three years beginning on the acquisition date, which was in the second quarter of fiscal 2018. The maximum earn-out obligation over the three-year earn-out period was A$25 million (A$7.4 million in year one, and A$8.8 million each in years two and three). These amounts could be earned primarily on a pro-rata basis for operating income within a predetermined range in each year. NDY was required to meet a minimum operating income threshold in each year to earn any contingent consideration. The determination of the fair value of the purchase price for NDY on the acquisition date included our estimate of the fair value of the related contingent earn-out obligation. The initial valuation was primarily based on probability-weighted internal estimates of NDY's operating income during each earn-out period. Based on these estimates, we calculated an initial fair value at the acquisition date of A$9.4 million for NDY's contingent earn-out liability in the second quarter of fiscal 2018. In determining that NDY would earn 38% of the maximum potential earn-out, we considered several factors including NDY's recent historical revenue and operating income levels and growth rates. We also considered the recent trend in NDY's backlog level. NDY's actual financial performance in the first two earn-out periods exceeded our original estimates at the acquisition date. As a result, we increased the related contingent consideration liability and recognized losses of $2.1 million (A$3.0 million) an d $5.4 million (A$7.9 million) in fis cal 2018 and 2019, respectively. In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2020, we evaluated our estimate of NDY’s contingent consideration liability for the third and final earn-out period. This assessment included a review of NDY’s actual and forecasted results for the third earn-out period, which included an evaluation of the status of ongoing projects in NDY’s backlog, and the inventory of prospective new contract awards and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Australian economy and NDY's operations. As a result of this assessment, we concluded that NDY’s operating income in the third earn-out period would be lower than previously estimated, and we reduced NDY’s contingent earn-out liability to $1.8 million (A$2.6 million), which resulted in a gain of $3.7 million (A$5.2 million). The acquisition agreement for EGT included a contingent earn-out agreement based on the achievement of operating income thresholds in each of the first three years beginning on the acquisition date, which was in the second quarter of fiscal 2019. The maximum earn-out obligation over the three-year earn-out period was $25 million ($8.5 million in year one, $9.0 million in year two, and $7.5 million in year three). In each of the first two earn-out years, EGT was to receive a portion of the contingent consideration if EGT achieved a minimum operating income threshold. The remaining contingent consideration could be earned primarily on a pro-rata basis for operating income within a predetermined range in each year. EGT was required to meet a minimum operating income threshold in each year to earn any of this contingent consideration. The determination of the fair value of the purchase price for EGT on the acquisition date included our estimate of the fair value of the related contingent earn-out obligation. The initial valuation was primarily based on probability-weighted internal estimates of EGT's operating income during each earn-out period. Based on these estimates, we calculated an initial fair value at the acquisition date of $21.1 million for EGT's contingent earn-out liability in the second quarter of fiscal 2019. In determining that EGT would earn 84% of the maximum potential earn-out, we considered several factors including EGT's recent historical revenue and operating income levels and growth rates. We also considered the recent trend in EGT's backlog level and the prospects for the U.S. federal information technology market. In the third quarter of fiscal 2020, EGT achieved and was paid the maximum earn-out obligation for the first earn-out period. Subsequently, we evaluated our estimate of EGT’s contingent consideration liability for the second and third earn-out periods. This assessment included a review of EGT’s actual and forecasted results for the second and third earn-out periods, which included an evaluation of the status of ongoing projects in EGT’s backlog, and the inventory of prospective new contract awards. As a result of this assessment, we concluded that EGT's operating income in the second and third earn-out period would be lower than previously estimated. Accordingly, in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2020, we reduced EGT’s contingent earn-out liability to $7.5 million, which resulted in a gain of $4.7 million. The acquisition agreement for SEG included a contingent earn-out agreement based on the achievement of operating income thresholds in each of the first three years beginning on the acquisition date, which was in the second quarter of fiscal 2020. The maximum earn-out obligation over the three-year earn-out period was $20 million ($5.0 million, $7.0 million and $8.0 million for years one, two and three, respectively). SEG was to receive a portion of the contingent consideration if SEG achieved a minimum operating income threshold in each year of the earn-out period. The remaining contingent consideration could be earned primarily on a pro-rata basis for operating income within a predetermined range in each year. SEG was required to meet a minimum operating income threshold in each year to earn any of this contingent consideration. The determination of the fair value of the purchase price for SEG on the acquisition date included our estimate of the fair value of the related contingent earn-out obligation. The initial valuation was primarily based on probability-weighted internal estimates of SEG's operating income during each earn-out period. Based on these estimates, we calculated an initial fair value at the acquisition date of $11.3 million for SEG's contingent earn-out liability in the second quarter of fiscal 2020. In determining that SEG would earn 57% of the maximum potential earn-out, we considered several factors including SEG's recent historical revenue and operating income levels and growth rates. We also considered the recent trend in SEG's backlog level and the prospects for the U.S. federal information technology market. SEG’s actual financial performance in the first earn-out period on a year to date basis was below our original expectation at the acquisition date. As a result, in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2020, we evaluated our estimate of SEG’s contingent consideration liability for all earn-out periods. This assessment included a review of SEG’s financial results in the first earn-out period, the status of ongoing projects in SEG’s backlog, the inventory of prospective new contract awards, and future synergies with other Tetra Tech operating units. As a result of this assessment, we concluded that SEG’s operating income in all earn-out periods would be lower than originally anticipated. Accordingly, in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2020, we reduced the SEG contingent earn-out liability to $8.1 million, which resulted in a gain of $3.4 million. In fiscal 2019, we recorded adjustments to our contingent earn-out liabilities and reported a related net loss of $1.1 million in operating income. These adjustments resulted from the updated valuations of the contingent consideration liabilities, which reflect updated projections of acquired companies' financial performance during their respective earn-out periods. At October 3, 2021, there was a total potential max imum of $105.4 million of outstanding contingent consideration related to acquisitions. Of this amount, $59.3 million was estimated as the fair value and a ccrued on our consolidated balance sheet. If the global economic disruption due to the COVID-19 pandemic is prolonged, we could have more significant reductions in our contingent earn-out liabilities and related gains in operating income in future periods. The following table summarizes the changes in the carrying value of estimated contingent earn-out liabilities:
| Fiscal Year Ended
| October 3, 2021 |  | September 27, 2020 |  | September 29, 2019
| (in thousands)
Beginning balance | $ | 32,617 |  |  | $ | 52,992 |  |  | $ | 35,290 |
Acquisition date fair value of contingent earn-out liabilities | 50,235 |  |  | 16,581 |  |  | 27,704 |
Change in fair value of contingent earn-out liabilities | 992 |  |  | 1,162 |  |  | 1,489 |
Re-measurement of contingent earn-out liabilities | (3,273) |  |  | (14,971) |  |  | 1,085 |
Foreign exchange impact | (596) |  |  | (247) |  |  | (558) |
Earn-out payments: |  |  |  |  |
Reported as cash used in operating activities | (427) |  |  | — |  |  | — |
Reported as cash used in financing activities | (20,251) |  |  | (22,900) |  |  | (12,018) |
Ending balance | $ | 59,297 |  |  | $ | 32,617 |  |  | $ | 52,992 |

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- Definition The entire disclosure for a business combination (or series of individually immaterial business combinations) completed during the period, including background, timing, and recognized assets and liabilities. The disclosure may include leverage buyout transactions (as applicable). + References Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 805 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/topic&trid=2303972 + Details
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