Credit Losses

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2020

CREDIT LOSSES

On January 1, 2020 we adopted ASU 2016-13, “Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (ASC 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments” under the modified retrospective approach. ASC 326 replaces the incurred loss impairment model with an expected credit loss impairment model for financial instruments, including trade receivables, retainage receivables and contract assets (unbilled receivables). Results for reporting periods beginning after January 1, 2020 are presented under ASC 326, while prior period amounts are not adjusted. The amendment requires entities to consider forward-looking information to estimate expected credit losses, resulting in earlier recognition of losses for receivables that are current or not yet due, which were not considered under the previous accounting guidance.

Upon adoption of ASC 326, we recorded a cumulative effect adjustment to retained earnings of $1.2 million, net of $0.4 million of income taxes, on the opening consolidated balance sheet as of January 1, 2020. The adoption of the credit loss standard had no impact to cash from or used in operating, financing or investing activities on our consolidated cash flow statements.

Our expected loss allowance methodology for accounts receivable is developed using historical losses, current economic conditions and future market forecasts. We also perform ongoing evaluations of our existing and potential customer’s creditworthiness. Our expected loss allowance methodology for held-to-maturity investments is developed using historical losses, investment grade ratings and liquidity and maturity assessments. Based on our assessment using these factors, we did not record any allowance for credit losses related to our held-to-maturity investments.

To date, the COVID-19 pandemic has not yet had a material impact on the collectability of our existing trade receivables.

All amounts prior to January 1, 2020 in the following table were based on the incurred loss impairment model. Changes in our allowance for credit losses were as follows (in thousands):


January 1, 2018	$	4,805
Current period provision	2,630
Recoveries collected and other	675
Amounts written off	(3,025)
December 31, 2018	$	5,085
Current period provision	4,312
Recoveries collected and other	1,269
Amounts written off	(3,788)
December 31, 2019	$	6,878
Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle	1,600
Current period provision	4,444
Recoveries collected and other	503
Amounts written off	(4,636)
December 31, 2020	$	8,789