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Description of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2023
Accounting Policies [Abstract]  
Basis of Presentation
Basis of Presentation
The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in U.S. dollars in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America (“GAAP”).
The financial statements included herein comprise the consolidated results of ADT Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. The results of companies acquired are included from the effective date of each acquisition; and all intercompany transactions have been eliminated. The Company uses the equity method of accounting to account for an investment in which it has the ability to exercise significant influence but does not control. This investment was disposed of during 2023.
As discussed below under the heading “Commercial Divestiture,” beginning in the third quarter of 2023, the Company presented its Commercial Business as a discontinued operation.
Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform with the current period presentation.
Commercial Divestiture
Commercial Divestiture
On August 7, 2023, ADT, Iris Buyer LLC, a Delaware limited liability company and affiliate of GTCR LLC (“GTCR”), and, solely for certain purposes set forth in the Commercial Purchase Agreement (as defined below), Fire & Security Holdings, LLC (“F&S Holdings”), a Delaware limited liability company and an indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary of ADT, entered into an Equity Purchase Agreement (the “Commercial Purchase Agreement”) pursuant to which GTCR agreed to acquire all of the issued and outstanding equity interests of F&S Holdings, which directly or indirectly held all of the issued and outstanding equity interests in the subsidiaries of ADT that operated ADT’s commercial business (the “Commercial Business”) (the “Commercial Divestiture”).
On October 2, 2023, the Company completed the Commercial Divestiture for a total purchase price of approximately $1,613 million in cash, subject to customary post-closing adjustments, and received net proceeds of approximately $1,585 million, excluding transaction costs of $22 million.
Beginning in the third quarter of 2023, the Company presented its Commercial Business as a discontinued operation as the Commercial Divestiture met all of the held for sale criteria for the disposal group and represented a strategic shift that has and will continue to have a major effect on the Company’s operations and financial statements. The change is reflected in all periods presented. Additionally, the cash flows and comprehensive income (loss) of the Commercial Business have not been segregated and are included in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows and Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss), respectively, for all periods presented.
Unless otherwise noted, amounts and disclosures throughout these Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements relate to the Company’s continuing operations.
Use of Estimates
Use of Estimates
The preparation of the consolidated financial statements in accordance with GAAP requires the Company to select accounting policies and make estimates that affect amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and the accompanying notes. The Company’s estimates are based on the relevant information available at the end of each period. Actual results could differ materially from these estimates under different assumptions or market conditions.
Segments
Segments
The Company has historically reported results for three operating and reportable segments organized based on customer type: Consumer and Small Business (“CSB”), Commercial, and Solar. As a result of the Commercial Divestiture, results of the Commercial Business are classified as discontinued operations and thus excluded from both continuing operations and segment results for all periods presented. Accordingly, the Company reports its results in two operating and reportable segments, CSB and Solar, organized based on customer type, with the change reflected in all periods presented.
The Company’s segments are based on the manner in which the Company’s Chief Executive Officer, who is the chief operating decision maker (the “CODM”), evaluates performance and makes decisions about how to allocate resources.
CSB - The CSB segment primarily includes the sale, installation, servicing, and monitoring of integrated security and automation systems and other related offerings to owners and renters of residential properties, small business operators, and other individual consumers, as well as general corporate costs and other income and expense items not included in another segment.
Solar - The Solar segment primarily includes the sale and installation of solar systems and related solutions and services to residential homeowners who purchase solar and energy storage solutions, energy efficiency upgrades, and roofing services, as well as certain dedicated corporate and other costs.
As discussed in Note 1 “Description of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies,” effective in the third quarter of 2023, the Company reports results in two operating and reportable segments: CSB and Solar. Prior to the third quarter of 2023, the Commercial Business was reflected in the Commercial reportable segment. Certain allocated shared costs that were previously included in the Commercial reportable segment that do not qualify to be presented within discontinued operations are now reflected in the CSB reportable segment consistent with other unallocated corporate and other costs as discussed below.
The Company organizes its segments based on customer type as follows:
CSB - The CSB segment primarily includes (i) revenue and operating costs from the sale, installation, servicing, and monitoring of integrated security and automation systems, as well as other related offerings; (ii) other operating costs associated with support functions related to these operations; and (iii) general corporate costs and other income and expense items not included in the Solar segment. Customers in the CSB segment are comprised of owners and renters of residential properties, small business operators, and other individual consumers.
Solar - The Solar segment primarily includes (i) revenue and operating costs from the sale and installation of solar and related solutions and services; (ii) other operating costs associated with support functions related to these operations; and (iii) certain dedicated corporate costs and other income and expense items. Customers in the Solar segment are comprised of residential homeowners who purchase solar and energy storage solutions, energy efficiency upgrades, and roofing services.
Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements
Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements
Vintage Disclosures for Financing Receivables - ASU 2022-02, Financial Instruments — Credit Losses (Topic 326): Troubled Debt Restructurings and Vintage Disclosures, requires reporting entities to disclose current-period gross write-offs by year of origination for financing receivables, among other requirements.
This disclosure-only guidance became effective January 1, 2023. The impact to the Company’s consolidated financial statements was not material.
Supplier Finance Program Obligations - ASU 2022-04, Liabilities — Supplier Finance Programs (Subtopic 405-50): Disclosure of Supplier Finance Program Obligations, requires that a reporting entity who is a buyer in a supplier finance program disclose qualitative and quantitative information about its supplier finance programs, including a roll-forward of the obligations.
The Company adopted this guidance effective January 1, 2023, except the roll-forward requirement, which will be adopted effective January 1, 2024. The Company will apply the roll-forward guidance prospectively.
The Company does not currently have any material supplier finance programs.
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements
Fair Value of Equity Investments - ASU 2022-03, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Fair Value Measurement of Equity Securities Subject to Contractual Sale Restrictions, states that an entity should not consider the contractual sale restriction when measuring the equity security’s fair value and introduces new disclosure requirements related to such equity securities.
This guidance will be adopted effective January 1, 2024, and will be applied prospectively. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this guidance.
Disclosure Improvements - ASU 2023-06, Disclosure Improvements: Codification Amendments in Response to the SEC’s Disclosure Update and Simplification Initiative, represents changes to clarify or improve disclosure and presentation requirements of a variety of topics.
The effective date for each amendment will be the date on which the SEC’s removal of that related disclosure from Regulation S-X or Regulation S-K becomes effective, with early adoption prohibited. The Company is currently evaluating the potential impact of this guidance on its financial statements and disclosures.
Segment Reporting - ASU 2023-07, Segment Reporting (Topic 280): Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures, improves reportable segment disclosure requirements primarily through enhanced disclosures about significant segment expenses. In addition, the guidance, among other requirements, enhances interim disclosures, clarifies circumstances in which an entity can disclose multiple segment measures of profit or loss, and provides new segment disclosure requirements for entities with a single reportable segment.
The amendments in this guidance are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023 and interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024. This guidance should be applied retrospectively to all periods presented. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this guidance.
Income Taxes - ASU 2023-09, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures, focuses on improvements to income tax disclosures, primarily related to the rate reconciliation and income tax paid information. In addition, the update includes certain other amendments to improve the effectiveness of income tax disclosures.
The guidance is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2024, and should be applied prospectively, with retrospective application also a permitted option. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this guidance.
Cash and Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash and Restricted Cash Equivalents
Cash and Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash and Restricted Cash Equivalents
All highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less from the time of purchase are considered to be cash equivalents. Restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents are restricted for a specific purpose and cannot be included in the general cash and cash equivalents account.
Inventories, net
Inventories, net
Inventories are primarily comprised of components and parts for the Company’s security and solar systems. The Company records inventory at the lower of cost and net realizable value. Inventories are presented net of an obsolescence reserve.
Work-in-Progress
Work-in-Progress
Work-in-progress is primarily comprised of certain costs incurred for installations of security system equipment sold outright to customers that have not been completed as of the balance sheet date.
Property and Equipment, net
Property and Equipment, net
Property and equipment, net, is recorded at historical cost less accumulated depreciation, which is calculated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the related assets. Depreciation expense is reflected in depreciation and intangible asset amortization. Repairs and maintenance expenditures are expensed when incurred.
Useful Lives:
Buildings and related improvements
Up to 40 years
Leasehold improvementsLesser of remaining term of the lease or economic useful life
Capitalized software
3 to 10 years
Machinery, equipment, and other
Up to 10 years
Subscriber System Assets, net and Deferred Subscriber Acquisition Costs, net
Subscriber System Assets, net and Deferred Subscriber Acquisition Costs, net
Subscriber system assets represent capitalized equipment and installation costs incurred in connection with transactions in which the Company retains ownership of the security system and are reflected in the Consolidated Balance Sheets as follows:
December 31,
(in thousands)20232022
Gross carrying amount$6,404,479 $5,981,008 
Accumulated depreciation(3,398,543)(3,062,468)
Subscriber system assets, net$3,005,936 $2,918,540 
Deferred subscriber acquisition costs represent selling expenses (primarily commissions) that are incremental to acquiring customers.
The Company records subscriber system assets and deferred subscriber acquisition costs in the Consolidated Balance Sheets as these assets represent probable future economic benefits for the Company through the generation of future monitoring and related services revenue. Upon customer termination, the Company may retrieve such assets.
Subscriber system assets and any related deferred subscriber acquisition costs are accounted for on a pooled basis based on the month and year of customer acquisition and are depreciated and amortized using an accelerated method over the estimated life of the customer relationship, which is 15 years. In order to align the depreciation and amortization of these pooled costs to the pattern in which their economic benefits are consumed, the accelerated method utilizes an average declining balance rate of approximately 250% and converts to straight-line methodology when the resulting charge is greater than that from the accelerated method, resulting in an average charge of approximately 55% of the pool within the first five years, 25% within the second five years, and 20% within the final five years.
Depreciation of subscriber system assets and amortization of deferred subscriber acquisition costs are reflected in depreciation and intangible asset amortization and selling, general, and administrative expenses, respectively, as follows:
Years Ended December 31,
(in thousands)202320222021
Depreciation of subscriber system assets$545,041 $531,013 $488,557 
Amortization of deferred subscriber acquisition costs$188,222 $154,186 $118,162 
Long-Lived Assets (excluding Goodwill and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets)
Long-Lived Assets (excluding Goodwill and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets)
The Company reviews long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in business circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset or asset group may not be fully recoverable. The Company groups assets at the lowest level for which cash flows are separately identifiable. Recoverability is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of the asset group to its expected future undiscounted cash flows. If the expected future undiscounted cash flows of the asset group are less than its carrying amount, an impairment loss is recognized based on the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the fair value less costs to sell. The calculation of the fair value less costs to sell of an asset group is based on assumptions concerning the amount and timing of estimated future cash flows and assumed discount rates, reflecting varying degrees of perceived risk.
Advertising Costs
Advertising Costs
Advertising costs are recognized in selling, general, and administrative expenses when incurred and were $165 million, $214 million, and $235 million during 2023, 2022, and 2021, respectively.
Included in advertising costs during 2023 are certain joint marketing costs and reimbursements associated with the Google Success Funds as discussed in Note 14 “Commitments and Contingencies.”
Radio Conversion Program
Radio Conversion Program
During 2019, the Company commenced a program to replace the 3G and Code-Division Multiple Access (“CDMA”) cellular equipment used in many of its security systems prior to the cellular network providers retiring their 3G and CDMA networks during 2022. The program was completed in 2023, and the Company incurred a total of $276 million of net radio conversion costs since the inception of the program.
Merger, Restructuring, Integration, and Other
Merger, Restructuring, Integration, and Other
Merger, restructuring, integration, and other represents certain direct and incremental costs resulting from acquisitions made by the Company, integration and third-party costs as a result of those acquisitions, costs related to the Company’s restructuring efforts, as well as fair value remeasurements and impairment charges on certain strategic investments.
Significant activity included in merger, restructuring, integration, and other during the periods presented includes:
During 2023, primarily relates to integration and third-party costs related to the strategic optimization of the Solar business operations following the ADT Solar acquisition, as well as restructuring costs.
During 2022, merger, restructuring, integration, and other was not material.
During 2021, primarily relates to an impairment charge in CSB due to lower than expected benefits from a developed technology intangible asset.
Concentration of Credit Risks
Concentration of Credit Risks
The majority of the Company’s cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents are held at major financial institutions. There is a concentration of credit risk related to certain account balances in excess of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation insurance limit of $250,000 per account. The Company regularly monitors the financial stability of these financial institutions and believes there is no exposure to any significant credit risk for its cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents. Concentration of credit risk associated with the majority of the Company’s receivables from customers is limited due to the significant size of the customer base.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
The Company’s financial instruments primarily consist of cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents, accounts receivable, retail installment contract receivables, accounts payable, debt, and derivative financial instruments. Due to their short-term and/or liquid nature, the fair values of cash, restricted cash, accounts receivable, and accounts payable approximate their respective carrying amounts.
Cash Equivalents - Included in cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents, as applicable from time to time, are investments in money market mutual funds. These investments are generally classified as Level 1 fair value measurements, which represent unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
Investments in money market mutual funds were $55 million and $145 million as of December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively.
CSB Retail Installment Contract Receivables, net - The fair values of the Company’s retail installment contract receivables are determined using a discounted cash flow model and are classified as Level 3 fair value measurements.
Long-Term Debt Instrument
Long-Term Debt Instruments - The fair values of the Company’s debt instruments are determined using broker-quoted market prices, which represent quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities as well as other observable market data, and are classified as Level 2 fair value measurements. The carrying amounts of debt outstanding, if any, under the Company’s first lien revolving credit facility (the “First Lien Revolving Credit Facility”) and its uncommitted receivables securitization financing agreement (the “2020 Receivables Facility”) approximate their fair values, as interest rates on these borrowings approximate current market rates.
Loss on extinguishment of debt includes the payment of call and redemption premiums, the write-off of unamortized deferred financing costs and discounts, and certain other expenses associated with extinguishment of debt. During the periods presented, loss on extinguishment of debt was as follows:
Derivative Financial Instruments
Derivative Financial Instruments - Derivative financial instruments are reported at fair value as either assets or liabilities. These fair values are primarily calculated using discounted cash flow models utilizing observable inputs, such as quoted forward interest rates, and incorporate credit risk adjustments to reflect the risk of default by the counterparty or the Company. The resulting fair values are classified as Level 2 fair value measurements.
Refer to Note 9 “Derivative Financial Instruments” for the fair values of the Company’s derivative financial instruments.
The Company's derivative financial instruments primarily consist of SOFR-based interest rate swap contracts, which were entered into with the objective of managing exposure to variability in interest rates on the Company's debt and interest rate swaps. All interest rate swap contracts are reported in the Consolidated Balance Sheets at fair value.
For interest rate swap contracts that are:
Not designated as cash flow hedges: Unrealized gains and losses are recognized in interest expense, net, and other income (expense) depending on the nature of the underlying that the swaps are economically hedging.
Designated as cash flow hedges: Unrealized gains and losses are recognized as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (“AOCI”) and are reclassified into interest expense, net, in the same period in which the related interest on debt affects earnings.
For interest rate swap contracts that have been de-designated as cash flow hedges and for which forecasted cash flows are:
Probable or reasonably possible of occurring: Unrealized gains and losses previously recognized as a component of AOCI are reclassified into interest expense, net, in the same period in which the related interest on variable-rate debt affects earnings through the original maturity date of the related interest rate swap contracts.
Probable of not occurring: Unrealized gains and losses previously recognized as a component of AOCI are immediately reclassified into interest expense, net.
The cash flows associated with interest rate swap contracts that contain an other-than-insignificant financing element at inception are reflected as cash flows from financing activities.
The cash flows associated with interest rate swap contracts that were entered into with the intention of offsetting the economic overhedged position of a portion of our existing interest rate swaps are reflected as cash flows from investing activities. As these swaps were executed during December, there were no payments during 2023.
Revenue
Revenue
The Company generates revenue through contractual monthly recurring fees received for monitoring and related services provided to customers, as well as the sale and installation of security and solar systems (referred to as “systems”).
Revenue is recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Operations net of sales and other taxes. Amounts collected from customers for sales and other taxes are reported as a liability net of the related amounts remitted. When customers terminate a monitoring contract early, contract termination charges are assessed in accordance with the contract terms and are recognized in monitoring and related services revenue when collectability is probable.
The Company allocates the transaction price to each performance obligation based on relative standalone selling price, which is determined using observable internal and external pricing, profitability, and operational metrics. For CSB, the Company’s performance obligations generally include monitoring, related services (such as maintenance agreements), and the sale and installation of a security system in outright sales transactions or a material right in transactions in which the Company retains ownership of the security system. For Solar, the Company’s performance obligations generally include the sale and installation of a solar system and may include additional performance obligations such as roofing services or the sale and installation of additional products such as batteries.
Account Receivable
Accounts Receivable
Accounts receivable represent unconditional rights to consideration from customers in the ordinary course of business and are generally due in one year or less. The Company’s accounts receivable are recorded at amortized cost less an allowance for credit losses not expected to be recovered. The allowance for credit losses is recognized at inception and reassessed each reporting period.
The Company evaluates its allowance for credit losses on accounts receivable in pools based on customer type. For each customer pool, the allowance for credit losses is estimated based on the delinquency status of the underlying receivables and the related historical loss experience, as adjusted for current and expected future conditions, if applicable. The allowance for credit losses is not material for the individual pools of customers.
Retail Installment Contract Receivables
Retail Installment Contract Receivables
For security system transactions occurring under both Company-owned and customer-owned equipment models, the Company’s retail installment contract option allows qualifying residential customers to pay the fees due at installation over a 24-, 36-, or 60-month interest-free period. The financing component of retail installment contract receivables is not significant.
Upon origination of a retail installment contract, the Company utilizes external credit scores to assess customer credit quality and determine eligibility. In addition, customers are required to enroll in the Company’s automated payment process in order to enter into a retail installment contract.
Subsequent to origination, the Company monitors the delinquency status of retail installment contract receivables as the key credit quality indicator. As of December 31, 2023, the current and delinquent billed retail installment contract receivables were not material.
The Company’s retail installment contract receivables are recorded at amortized cost less an allowance for credit losses not expected to be recovered. The allowance for credit losses is recognized at inception and reassessed each reporting period. The allowance for credit losses relates to retail installment contract receivables from outright sales transactions and is not material.
Contract Assets
Contract Assets
Contract assets represent the Company’s right to consideration in exchange for goods or services transferred to the customer. The contract asset is reclassified to accounts receivable as additional services are performed and billed, which is when the Company’s right to the consideration becomes unconditional. The Company has the right to bill customers as services are provided over time, which generally occurs over the course of a 24-, 36-, or 60-month period. The financing component of contract assets is not significant.
The Company records an allowance for credit losses against its contract assets for amounts not expected to be recovered. The allowance is recognized at inception and is reassessed each reporting period. The allowance for credit losses on contract assets was not material for the periods presented.
Gross contract assets recognized by the Company were not material for the periods presented.
Acquisitions and Disposition
From time to time, the Company may pursue business acquisitions that either strategically fit with the Company’s existing core business or expand the Company’s products and services into new and attractive adjacent markets. The Company accounts for business acquisitions under the acquisition method of accounting. The assets acquired and liabilities assumed in connection with business acquisitions are recorded at the date of acquisition at their estimated fair values, with any excess of the purchase price over the estimated fair values of the net assets acquired recorded as goodwill. Significant judgment is required in estimating the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed and in assigning useful lives to certain definite-lived intangible and tangible assets. Accordingly, the Company may engage third-party valuation specialists to assist in these determinations. The fair value estimates are based on available information as of the acquisition date and on future expectations and assumptions deemed reasonable by management, but are inherently uncertain.
Acquisition-related expenses are recognized as incurred and are included in merger, restructuring, integration, and other and were not material during 2023, 2022, and 2021.
Contract and Related Customer Relationships
Contracts and Related Customer Relationships
Contracts and related customer relationships comprise contracts with customers purchased under the ADT Authorized Dealer Program (as defined below) or from other third parties as well as customer relationships that originated from business acquisitions.
Additionally, the Company maintains a network of agreements with third-party independent alarm dealers who sell alarm equipment and ADT Authorized Dealer-branded monitoring and interactive services to residential end users (the “ADT Authorized Dealer Program”). The dealers in this program generate new end-user contracts with customers which the Company has the right, but not the obligation, to purchase from the dealer. Purchases of contracts with customers under the ADT
Authorized Dealer Program, or from other third parties, are considered asset acquisitions and are recognized based on the cost to acquire the assets, which may include cash consideration, non-cash consideration, contingent consideration, and directly-attributable transaction costs. The Company may charge back the purchase price of any end-user contract if the contract is canceled during the charge-back period, which is generally thirteen months from the date of purchase. The Company records the amount of the charge back as a reduction to the purchase price.
Goodwill and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets Impairment
Goodwill and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets Impairment
Goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets are not amortized and are tested for impairment at least annually as of the first day of the fourth quarter of each year and more often if an event occurs or circumstances change which indicate it is more-likely-than-not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. The Company may perform its impairment test for any reporting unit or indefinite-lived intangible asset through a qualitative assessment or elect to proceed directly to a quantitative impairment test, however, the Company may resume a qualitative assessment in any subsequent period if facts and circumstances permit.
Goodwill
Under a qualitative approach, the Company assesses whether it is more-likely-than-not that a reporting unit’s fair value is less than its carrying amount. If the Company elects to bypass the qualitative assessment for any reporting unit, or if a qualitative assessment indicates it is more-likely-than-not that the estimated fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, the Company proceeds to a quantitative approach.
Under a quantitative approach, the Company estimates the fair value of a reporting unit and compares it to its carrying amount. If the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, an impairment loss is recognized in an amount equal to that excess. The Company estimates the fair values of its reporting units using the income approach, which discounts projected cash flows using market participant assumptions. The income approach includes significant assumptions including, but not limited to, forecasted revenue, operating profit margins, Adjusted EBITDA margins, operating expenses, cash flows, perpetual growth rates, and discount rates. The estimated fair value of a reporting unit calculated using the income approach is sensitive to changes in the underlying assumptions. In developing these assumptions, the Company relies on various factors including operating results, business plans, economic projections, anticipated future cash flows, and other market data. Examples of events or circumstances that could reasonably be expected to negatively affect the underlying judgments and factors and ultimately impact the estimated fair value determinations may include such items as a prolonged downturn in the business environment, changes in economic conditions that significantly differ from the Company’s assumptions in timing or degree, volatility in equity and debt markets resulting in higher discount rates, and unexpected regulatory changes. As a result, there are inherent uncertainties related to these judgments and factors that may ultimately impact the estimated fair value determinations.
Except as discussed below within the Solar reporting unit, the Company did not record any goodwill impairment losses during the periods presented.
CSB - Based on the results of a quantitative goodwill impairment test as of October 1, 2023, the Company concluded the fair value of the CSB reporting unit substantially exceeded its carrying value.
Commercial - As a result of the purchase price of the Commercial Divestiture being substantially in excess of the carrying value of the net assets divested, the Company concluded it is more likely than not that the fair value of the Commercial reporting unit exceeded its carrying value as of October 1, 2023, and the Commercial Divestiture closed on October 2, 2023.
Solar Goodwill Impairment
During the first, second, and third quarters of 2023, the Company performed interim impairment quantitative assessments on the Solar reporting unit as a result of triggering events as of March 31, 2023, June 30, 2023, and September 30, 2023, and recorded goodwill impairment charges of $242 million, $181 million, and $88 million during the first, second, and third quarters of 2023, respectively. Following the impairments during 2023, the balance of goodwill in the Solar reporting unit was zero. The Company also assessed the recoverability of other long-lived assets related to its Solar business, and impairment charges were not material.
In addition, the Company recognized $201 million of goodwill impairment charges during the third quarter of 2022.
These goodwill impairments were a result of continued deterioration of industry conditions and macroeconomic decline as well as ADT Solar’s underperformance of operating results in successive quarters relative to expectations, and for the third quarter of 2023, as a result of the Company’s then recent plan to close a significant number of branches that operated the Solar business along with the associated headcount reductions.
Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets and Definite-Lived Intangible Asset Impairment
Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets
Under a qualitative approach, the impairment test for an indefinite-lived intangible asset consists of an assessment of whether it is more-likely-than-not that an asset’s fair value is less than its carrying amount. If the Company elects to bypass the qualitative assessment for any indefinite-lived intangible asset, or if a qualitative assessment indicates it is more-likely-than-not that the estimated carrying amount of such asset exceeds its fair value, the Company proceeds to a quantitative approach.
Under a quantitative approach, the Company estimates the fair value of an asset and compares it to its carrying amount. If the carrying amount exceeds fair value, an impairment loss is recognized in an amount equal to that excess. The fair value of an indefinite-lived intangible asset is determined based on the nature of the underlying asset.
The Company’s only indefinite-lived intangible asset is the ADT trade name. The fair value of the ADT trade name is determined under a relief from royalty method, which is an income approach that estimates the cost savings that accrue to the Company that it would otherwise have to pay in the form of royalties or license fees on revenue earned through the use of the asset. The utilization of the relief from royalty method requires the Company to make significant assumptions including revenue growth rates, the implied royalty rate, and the discount rate.
As of October 1, 2023, the Company quantitatively tested the ADT trade name for impairment. Based on the results of the October 1, 2023 test, the Company did not record any impairment losses associated with the ADT trade name, and the estimated fair value of the trade name substantially exceeded its carrying amount.
During 2022 and 2021, the Company did not record any impairment losses on its indefinite lived intangible assets.
Definite-Lived Intangible Asset Impairment
Definite-lived intangible asset impairments were not material during 2023 and 2022.
During the first quarter of 2021, the Company recognized $18 million in impairment losses on its other definite-lived intangible assets primarily due to lower than expected benefits from the Cell Bounce developed technology intangible asset, which is included in the CSB segment, as a result of the worldwide shortages for certain electronic components at that time. The fair value was determined using an income-based approach, and the loss is reflected in merger, restructuring, integration, and other.
Income Taxes
The Company accounts for income taxes under the asset and liability method, which requires the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for the temporary differences between the recognition of revenue and expenses for income tax and financial reporting purposes and between the tax basis of assets and liabilities and their reported amounts in the consolidated financial statements. The Company records the effect of a tax rate or law change on the Company’s deferred tax assets and liabilities in the period of enactment.
The amounts and related disclosures below are based on the continuing operations of the Company.
The valuation allowance for deferred tax assets relates to the uncertainty of the utilization of certain U.S. federal and state deferred tax assets. In evaluating the Company’s ability to recover its deferred tax assets, the Company considers all available positive and negative evidence, which includes its past operating results, the existence of cumulative losses in the most recent years, and its forecast of future taxable income. In estimating future taxable income, the Company develops assumptions related to the amount of future pre-tax operating income, the reversal of temporary differences, and the implementation of feasible and prudent tax planning strategies. These assumptions require significant judgment about the forecasts of future taxable income and are consistent with the plans and estimates the Company is using to manage its underlying businesses. The Company believes that it is more-likely-than-not that it will generate sufficient future taxable income to realize its deferred tax assets, net of valuation allowance.
The changes in the valuation allowance for deferred tax assets were as follows:
Years Ended December 31,
(in thousands)202320222021
Beginning balance $(57,715)$(60,157)$(68,013)
Income tax benefit (expense)(1)
43,277 2,428 2,378 
Write-offs and other
2,174 14 5,478 
Ending balance$(12,264)$(57,715)$(60,157)
Unrecognized Tax Benefits
Unrecognized Tax Benefits
The Company recognizes positions taken or expected to be taken in a tax return in the consolidated financial statements when it is more-likely-than-not (i.e., a likelihood of more than 50%) that the position would be sustained upon examination by tax authorities. A recognized tax position is then measured at the largest amount of benefit with greater than 50% likelihood of being realized upon ultimate settlement. The Company records liabilities for positions that have been taken but do not meet the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold. The Company adjusts the liabilities for unrecognized tax benefits in light of changing facts and circumstances; however, due to the complexity of some of these uncertainties, the ultimate resolution may result in a change to the estimated liabilities. The Company includes interest and penalties associated with unrecognized tax benefits as income tax expense and as a component of the recorded balance of unrecognized tax benefits, which is reflected in other liabilities, or net of related tax loss carryforwards in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Interest and penalties associated with unrecognized tax benefits were not material to the Company's consolidated financial statements for the periods presented.
Dividends
Dividends
Stockholders are entitled to receive dividends when, as, and if declared by the Company’s Board of Directors out of funds legally available for that purpose.
Share-Based Compensation The Company grants share-based compensation awards to participants under the 2016 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2016 Plan”) and the 2018 Omnibus Incentive Plan (the “2018 Plan”).
In January 2018, the Company approved the 2018 Plan, which became effective upon consummation of the IPO. The 2018 Plan, as amended, authorizes the issuance of no more than approximately 88 million shares of Common Stock by the exercise or vesting of granted awards, which are generally stock options and restricted stock units (“RSUs”). The Company satisfies the exercise of options and the vesting of RSUs through the issuance of authorized but previously unissued shares of Common Stock.
Awards issued under the 2018 Plan include retirement provisions that allow awards to continue to vest in accordance with the granted terms in its entirety or on a pro-rata basis when a participant reaches retirement eligibility, as long as 12 months of service have been provided since the date of grant. Accordingly, share-based compensation expense for service-based awards is recognized on a straight-line basis over the vesting period, or on an accelerated basis for retirement-eligible participants where applicable. The Company accounts for forfeitures as they occur.
Additionally, RSUs entitle the holder to dividend equivalent units (“DEUs”), which are granted as additional RSUs and are subject to the same vesting and forfeiture conditions as the underlying RSUs. DEUs are charged against accumulated deficit when dividends are paid.
Net Income (Loss) Per Share
The Company applies the two-class method for computing and presenting net income (loss) per share for each class of common stock, which allocates current period net income (loss) to each class of common stock and participating securities based on dividends declared and participation rights in the remaining undistributed earnings or losses.
Basic net income (loss) per share is computed by dividing the net income (loss) allocated to each class of common stock by the related weighted-average number of shares outstanding during the period. Diluted net income (loss) per share gives effect to all securities representing potential common shares that were dilutive and outstanding during the period for each class of common stock and excludes potentially dilutive securities whose effect would have been anti-dilutive.
Common Stock
Potential shares of Common Stock include (i) incremental shares related to the vesting or exercise of share-based compensation awards, warrants, and other options to purchase additional shares of the Company’s Common Stock calculated using the treasury stock method and (ii) incremental shares of Common Stock issuable upon the conversion of Class B Common Stock.
Leases
As part of normal operations, the Company leases real estate, vehicles, and equipment from various counterparties with lease terms and maturities through 2034. For these transactions, the Company applies the practical expedient to not separate the lease and non-lease components and accounts for the combined component as a lease. Additionally, the Company’s right-of-use assets and lease liabilities include leases with initial lease terms of 12 months or less.
The Company’s right-of-use assets and lease liabilities primarily represent lease payments that are fixed at the commencement of a lease and variable lease payments that are dependent on an index or rate. Lease payments are recognized as lease cost on a straight-line basis over the lease term, which is determined as the non-cancelable period, including periods in which termination options are reasonably certain of not being exercised and periods in which renewal options are reasonably certain of being exercised. The discount rate is determined using the Company’s incremental borrowing rate coinciding with the lease term at the commencement of a lease. The incremental borrowing rate is estimated based on publicly available data for the Company’s debt instruments and other instruments with similar characteristics.
Lease payments that are neither fixed nor dependent on an index or rate and vary because of changes in usage or other factors are included in variable lease costs. Variable lease costs are recorded in the period in which the obligation is incurred and primarily relate to fuel, repair, and maintenance payments as they vary based on the usage of leased vehicles and buildings.
The Company’s leases do not contain material residual value guarantees or restrictive covenants. The Company’s subleases are not material.
Leases
Company as Lessor
The Company is a lessor in certain Company-owned transactions as the Company has identified a lease component associated with the right-of-use of the security system and a non-lease component associated with the monitoring and related services.
For transactions in which (i) the timing and pattern of transfer is the same for the lease and non-lease components, and (ii) the lease component would be classified as an operating lease if accounted for separately, the Company applies the practical expedient to aggregate the lease and non-lease components and accounts for the combined transaction based upon its predominant characteristic, which is the non-lease component. The Company accounts for the combined component as a single performance obligation under the applicable revenue guidance, and recognizes the underlying assets within subscriber system assets, net, in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.