# Medpace Holdings, Inc. (MEDP) FY 2021 MD&A

Verbatim Item 7 Management's Discussion and Analysis from Medpace Holdings, Inc.'s 10-K for fiscal year 2021.

SEC filing source: https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1668397/000095017022001280/medp-20211231.htm
Accession: 0000950170-22-001280
Filing date: 2022-02-15
Report date: 2021-12-31
Extracted structurally from real Item 7 body heading to real Item 7A/8 boundary.
Confidence: high

Company profile: /company/MEDP/
All MD&A years: /company/MEDP/mda/
Next year: /company/MEDP/mda/fy2022/ (FY 2022)

Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

You should read the following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K to provide an understanding of our results of operations, financial condition and cash flows. This section of this Form 10-K generally discusses 2021 and 2020 items and year-to-year comparisons between 2021 and 2020. For a comparison of our results of operations for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, see “Part II, Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020, filed with the SEC on February 16, 2021. This item and the related discussion contain forward-looking statements reflecting current expectations that involve risks and uncertainties. Actual results and the timing of events may differ materially from those indicated in such forward-looking statements. Important factors that may cause such differences include, but are not limited to, those discussed under the “Forward-Looking Statements” above and “Item IA. Risk Factors” in Part I of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Business Overview

We are one of the world’s leading CROs by revenue, solely focused on providing scientifically-driven outsourced clinical development services to the biotechnology, pharmaceutical and medical device industries. Our mission is to accelerate the global development of safe and effective medical therapeutics. We differentiate ourselves from our competitors by our disciplined operating model centered on providing full-service Phase I-IV clinical development services and our therapeutic expertise. We believe this combination results in timely and cost-effective delivery of clinical development services for our customers. We believe that we are a partner of choice for small- and mid-sized biopharmaceutical companies based on our ability to consistently utilize our full-service, disciplined operating model to deliver timely and high-quality results for our customers.

We focus on conducting clinical trials across all major therapeutic areas, with particular strength in Oncology, Metabolic Disease, Cardiology, AVAI, and CNS. Our global platform includes approximately 4,500 employees across 41 countries, providing our customers with broad access to diverse markets and patient populations as well as local regulatory expertise and market knowledge.

Coronavirus (COVID-19)

The COVID-19 pandemic increased travel restrictions and caused the shutdown of many businesses in countries in which we operate. While we continue to operate globally, the pandemic continues to impact our business and the level of activity at each of our locations varies depending on the local governmental requirements and guidelines which continue to evolve and change.

Our office staff are either working remotely or in the office, and our labs are fully operational with modifications made to ensure the safety of our employees. The diversion of resources to treat COVID-19 patients continues to impact the operations at most of the investigative sites where patients in our clinical trials are recruited and treated.

Depending on the duration of the disruption, ongoing studies may be cancelled and some of our clients may lack the funding to complete trials which are extended due to slowed recruitment of patients. We work with many smaller clients with limited financial resources and market disruptions may make raising additional funds difficult for them.

Travel restrictions and business closures continue to impact study participants and clinical sites which affects our ability to efficiently provide clinical trial services. We continue to work with our customers to develop solutions to limit disruption to clinical trials while following required regulatory guidelines and maintaining quality to ensure the health and well-being of study participants. We are continuing along with the rest of the industry with a blend of on-site monitoring and remote based monitoring and we are using technology tools like e-PRO for patient reported outcomes, e-COA, for clinical outcome assessment, remote data capture and remote data review. We are also leveraging internal service capabilities like patient concierge service to help facilitate patient travel to sites and master service agreements in place with strategic vendors for other patient services like home health.

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While certain governments eased restrictions during the balance of 2020 and into 2021, the pandemic remains disruptive to our business operations. As we look ahead, we continue to expect impacts to our business to be temporary and primarily relate to limitations on our ability to physically access investigative sites, delays in patient enrollment and trial start-up activities.

The COVID-19 outbreak had a significant adverse effect on our results of operations and we believe that the outbreak may have a continued adverse impact on our results of operations in the future. As we cannot predict the duration or scope of the pandemic, the future financial impact on our results of operations and financial condition cannot be reasonably estimated.

How We Generate Revenue

We earn fees through the performance of services detailed in our customer contracts. Contract scope and pricing is typically based on either a fixed-fee or unit-of-service model, with consideration of activities performed by third parties, as well as ancillary costs necessary to deliver on the contract scope that are reimbursable by our customers. Our contracts can range in duration from a few months to several years. These contracts are individually priced and negotiated based on the anticipated project scope, including the complexity of the project and the performance risks inherent in the project. The majority of our contracts are structured with an upfront fee that is collected at the time of contract signing, and the balance of the fee is collected over the duration of the contract either through an arranged billing schedule or upon completion of certain performance targets or defined milestones.

Revenue, which is distinct from billing and cash receipt, is recognized based on the satisfaction of the individual performance obligations identified in each contract. Substantially all of our customer contracts consist of a single performance obligation, as the promise to transfer the individual services defined in the contracts are not separately identifiable from other promises in the contract, and therefore not distinct. Our performance obligations are generally satisfied over time and recognized as services are performed. The progression of our contract performance obligations are measured primarily utilizing the input method of cost to cost. Cancellation provisions in our contracts allow our customers to terminate a contract either immediately or according to advance notice terms specified within the applicable contract, which is typically 30 days. Contract cancellation may occur for various reasons, including, but not limited to, adverse patient reactions, lack of efficacy, or inadequate patient enrollment. Upon cancellation, we are entitled to fees for services rendered and reimbursable costs incurred through the date of termination, including payment for subsequent services necessary to conclude the study or close out the contract. These fees are typically discussed and agreed upon with the customer and are realized as revenue when we believe the amount can be estimated reliably and its realization is probable. Changes in revenue from period to period are driven primarily by new business volume and task order execution activity, project cancellations, changes in estimated costs to complete performance obligations, and the mix of active studies during a given period that can vary based on therapeutic area and or study life cycle stage. Refer to "Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates—Revenue Recognition," below.

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Costs and Expenses

Our costs and expenses are comprised primarily of our total direct costs, selling, general and administrative costs, depreciation and amortization and income taxes.

Total Direct Costs

Total direct costs are primarily driven by labor and related employee benefits, but also include contracted third party service related expenses, fees paid to site investigators, reimbursed out of pocket expenses, laboratory supplies and other expenses contributing to service delivery. The other costs of service delivery can include office rent, utilities, supplies and software licenses which are allocated between Total direct costs and selling, general and administrative expenses based on the estimated contribution among service delivery and support function efforts on a percentage basis. Total direct costs are expensed as incurred and are not deferred in anticipation of contracts being awarded or finalization of changes in scope. Total direct costs, as a percentage of net revenue, can vary from period to period due to project labor efficiencies, changes in workforce, compensation/bonus programs and service mix.

Selling, General and Administrative

Selling, general and administrative expenses are primarily driven by compensation and related employee benefits, as well as rent, utilities, supplies, software licenses, professional fees (e.g., legal and accounting expenses), travel, marketing and other operating expenses.

Depreciation

Depreciation is provided on our property and equipment on the straight-line method at rates adequate to allocate the cost of the applicable assets over their estimated useful lives, which is three to five years for computer hardware, software, phone, and medical imaging equipment, five to seven years for furniture and fixtures and other equipment, and thirty to forty years for buildings. Leasehold improvements are amortized on a straight-line basis over the shorter of the estimated useful life of the improvement or the associated remaining lease term.

Amortization

Amortization relates to finite-lived intangible assets recognized as expense using the straight-line method or using an accelerated method over their estimated useful lives, which range in term from 5 to 15 years.

Income Tax Provision

Income tax provision consists of federal, state and local taxes on income in multiple jurisdictions. Our income tax is impacted by the pre-tax earnings in jurisdictions with varying tax rates and any related tax credits that may be available to us. Our current and future provision for income taxes will vary from statutory rates due to the impact of valuation allowances in certain countries, income tax incentives, certain non-deductible expenses, and other discrete items.

Key Performance Metrics

To evaluate the performance of our business, we utilize a variety of financial and performance metrics. These key measures include net new business awards and backlog.

Net New Business Awards and Backlog

New business awards represent the value of anticipated future net revenue that has been recognized in backlog during the period. This value is recognized upon the signing of a contract or receipt of a written pre-contract confirmation from a customer that confirms an agreement in principle on budget and scope. New business awards also include contract amendments, or changes in scope, where the customer has provided written authorization for changes in budget and scope or has approved us to perform additional work as of the measurement date. Awards may not be recognized as backlog after consideration of a number of factors, including whether (i) the relevant net

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revenue is expected only after a pending regulatory hurdle, which might result in cancellation of the study, (ii) the customer funding needed for commencement of the study is not believed to have been secured or (iii) study timelines are uncertain or not well defined. In addition, study amounts that extend beyond three years from measurement date are not included in backlog. The number and amount of new business awards can vary significantly from period to period, and an award’s contractual duration can range from several months to several years based on customer and project specifications.

Cancellations arise in the normal course of business and are reflected when we receive written confirmation from the customer to cease work on a contractual agreement or when we believe the future revenue is unlikely to be realized. The majority of our customers can terminate our contracts without cause upon 30 days’ notice. Similar to new business awards, the number and amount of cancellations can vary significantly period over period due to timing of customer correspondence and study-specific circumstances.

Net new business awards represent gross new business awards received in a period offset by total cancellations in that period. Net new business awards were $1,610.4 million and $1,175.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively.

Backlog represents anticipated future net revenue from net new business awards that have commenced, but have not been completed. Reported backlog will fluctuate based on new business awards, changes in scope to existing contracts, cancellations, net revenue recognition on existing contracts and foreign exchange adjustments from non-U.S. dollar denominated backlog. As of December 31, 2021, our backlog increased by $455.4 million, or 29.5%, to $1,997.1 million compared to $1,541.7 million as of December 31, 2020. Included within backlog as of December 31, 2021 was approximately $1,030 million to $1,050 million that we expect to convert to net revenue in 2022, with the remainder expected to convert to net revenue in years after 2022.

The effect of foreign currency adjustments on backlog was as follows: unfavorable foreign currency adjustments of $5.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2021 and favorable foreign currency adjustments of $14.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2020.

Backlog and net new business award metrics may not be reliable indicators of our future period revenue as they are subject to a variety of factors that may cause material fluctuations from period to period. These factors include, but are not limited to, changes in the scope of projects, cancellations, and duration and timing of services provided.

Exchange Rate Fluctuations

The majority of our contracts and operational transactions are U.S. dollar denominated. The Euro represents the largest foreign currency denomination of our contractual and operational exposure. As a result, a portion of our revenue and expenses is subject to exchange rate fluctuations. We have translated the Euro into U.S. dollars using the following average exchange rates based on data obtained from www.xe.com:

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Results of Operations

This section generally discusses 2021 and 2020 items and year-to-year comparisons between 2021 and 2020. For a comparison of our results of operations for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, see “Part II, Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020, filed with the SEC on February 16, 2021.

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Year Ended December 31, 2021 compared to Year Ended December 31, 2020

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Total revenue

Total revenue increased by $216.5 million to $1,142.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2021, from $925.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2020. The increase was broad based, but primarily driven by strong activity within the Oncology, Metabolic, Central Nervous System and other uncategorized therapeutic areas.

Total direct costs

Total direct costs increased by $167.0 million, to $814.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2021 from $647.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2020. The increase was primarily attributed to higher reimbursed out-of-pocket expenses and higher personnel costs to support the growth in service activities. Reimbursed out-of-pocket expenses, which can fluctuate significantly from period to period based on the timing of program initiation and closeout, increased $80.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2021, compared to the same period in the prior year. The higher personnel costs portion, including severance, increased by $69.7 million in the year ended December 31, 2021, compared to the same period in the prior year.

Selling, general and administrative

Selling, general and administrative expenses increased by $16.3 million, to $108.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2021 from $92.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2020. The increase was primarily attributed to higher personnel costs to support the growth in service activities. Personnel costs, including severance, increased by $11.5 million in the year ended December 31, 2021, compared to the same period in the prior year.

Depreciation and Amortization

Depreciation and amortization expense increased by $1.6 million, to $21.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2021 from $19.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2020. The increase in depreciation and amortization was primarily related to increased depreciation related to Property and equipment, net.

Income tax provision

Income tax provision decreased by $3.1 million, to $20.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2021 from $23.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2020. The overall effective tax rates for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020 were 9.9% and 13.7%, respectively. The decrease in the income tax provision and overall effective

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rate was primarily attributable to an increase in excess tax benefits recognized from share-based compensation and increase in tax benefits related to Foreign Derived Intangible Income (FDII).

Liquidity and Capital Resources

We assess our liquidity in terms of our ability to generate cash to fund our operating, investing and financing activities. Our principal sources of liquidity are operating cash flows and funds available for borrowing under our unsecured credit facility (as amended from time to time, the “Credit Facility”). As of December 31, 2021, we had cash and cash equivalents of $461.3 million, which primarily increased due to net cash provided by operations from the balance of $277.8 million as of December 31, 2020. Approximately $32.2 million of our cash and cash equivalents, none of which was restricted, was held by our foreign subsidiaries as of December 31, 2021.

On September 30, 2019, the Company entered into the Credit Facility consisting of up to a $50.0 million revolving line of credit (as amended from time to time, the “Line of Credit”). As of December 31, 2021, we had $49.8 million available for borrowing under the Credit Facility.

Our expected primary cash needs on both a short and long-term basis are for investment in operational growth, capital expenditures, share repurchases, selective strategic bolt-on acquisitions, other investments, and other general corporate needs. We have historically funded our operations and growth with cash flow from operations and borrowings under our credit facilities. We expect to continue expanding our operations through organic growth and potentially highly selective bolt-on acquisitions and investments. As of December 31, 2021, cash commitments to support operating business needs include lease liabilities discussed in Note 8 of the Consolidated Financial Statements, purchase commitments discussed in Note 12 of the Consolidated Financial Statements and capital expenditures primarily related to infrastructure investments in our facilities, equipment and technology. Capital spending as a percentage of revenue decreased 91 basis points to 2.5% in the year ended December 31, 2021. We expect these activities will be funded from existing cash, cash flow from operations and, if necessary, borrowings under our existing or future credit facilities or other debt.

We have deemed that foreign earnings will be indefinitely reinvested and therefore we have not provided taxes on these earnings. While we do not anticipate the need to repatriate these foreign earnings for liquidity purposes given our cash flows from operations and available borrowings under existing and future credit facilities, we would incur taxes on these earnings if the need for repatriation due to liquidity purposes arises. We believe that our sources of liquidity and capital will be sufficient to finance our cash needs for the next 12 months and on a longer-term basis. However, we cannot assure you that our business will generate sufficient cash flow from operations, or that future borrowings will be available to us under our Credit Facility or otherwise, in an amount sufficient to fund our liquidity needs.

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Cash Flows from Operating Activities

Cash flows from operations are driven mainly by net income, noncash lease expense, depreciation, stock-based compensation expense, amortization of intangibles and net movement in advanced billings, accrued expenses, prepaid expenses and other current assets, and accounts receivable and unbilled, net. Accounts receivable and unbilled, net, and advanced billings fluctuate on a regular basis as we perform our services, bill our customers and ultimately collect on those receivables. We attempt to negotiate payment terms in order to provide for payments prior to or soon after the provision of services, but this timing of collection can vary significantly on a period by period comparative basis.

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Net cash flows provided by operating activities were $263.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2021 consisting of net income of $181.8 million. Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities were $14.8 million, primarily related to noncash lease expense of $16.3 million, depreciation of $16.0 million, stock-based compensation expense of $14.5 million, amortization of intangibles of $5.1 million, offset by a deferred income tax benefit of $37.1 million. Changes in operating assets and liabilities provided $66.7 million in operating cash flows and were primarily driven by increased advanced billings of $ 89.0 million and increased accrued expenses of $26.2 million, offset by increased accounts receivable and unbilled, net of $25.0 million, decreased lease liabilities of $15.6 million and increased prepaid expenses and other current assets of $9.1 million.

Net cash flows provided by operating activities were $258.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2020 consisting of net income of $145.4 million. Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities were $47.0 million, primarily related to noncash lease expense of $13.9 million, stock-based compensation expense of $13.8 million, depreciation of $11.7 million, amortization of intangibles of $7.9 million, and deferred income tax provision of $0.5 million. Changes in operating assets and liabilities provided $66.3 million in operating cash flows and were primarily driven by increased advanced billings of $63.4 million and increased accrued expenses of $24.2 million, offset by decreased lease liabilities of $11.5 million and increased accounts receivable and unbilled, net of $5.5 million.

Cash Flow from Investing Activities

Net cash used in investing activities was $31.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2021, primarily consisting of property and equipment expenditures.

Net cash used in investing activities was $31.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2020, primarily consisting of property and equipment expenditures.

Cash Flow from Financing Activities

Net cash used in financing activities was $44.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2021, primarily related to $62.1 million in repurchases of common stock, offset by proceeds from stock options exercises of $17.6 million.

Net cash used in financing activities was $82.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2020, primarily related to $98.3 million in repurchases of common stock, offset by proceeds from stock options exercises of $16.0 million.

Share Repurchases

In 2018, the Board of Directors approved a stock repurchase program which has been amended several times to increase the aggregate amount of the stock repurchase authorization. In the first quarter of 2020, the Board of Directors approved an increase in the stock repurchase authorization by $50.0 million. In the fourth quarter of 2020, the Board approved the stock repurchase authorization up to $150.0 million. In the second quarter of 2021, the Board approved an increase of $150.0 million to the stock repurchase program bringing the total repurchase authorization up to $300.0 million. For the year ended December 31, 2021, the Company repurchased 377,783 shares for $62.1 million. For the year ended December 31, 2020, the Company repurchased 1,183,095 shares for $98.3 million. As of December 31, 2021, the Company has remaining authorization of $190.5 million remaining under the repurchases program.

As of February 10, 2022 the Company's Board of Directors approved an increase of $300 million to the Company's stock repurchase program.

Repurchases under the share repurchase program are executed in the open market or negotiated transactions under trading plans established pursuant to Rule 10b5-1. The Company constructively retired the repurchased shares associated with these approved share repurchase programs, with all amounts paid in excess of par value reflected within Retained earnings in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets. The repurchase program may be suspended or discontinued at any time without notice.

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Indebtedness

On September 30, 2019, Medpace Inc., as borrower (the “Borrower”), and Medpace IntermediateCo, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, as guarantor (the “Guarantor”), entered into the new loan agreement, which provides for an unsecured credit facility in an aggregate principal amount up to $50.0 million (as amended, the "Credit Facility"). The Credit Facility provides that outstanding balances will bear interest at a rate of LIBOR plus 100 basis points (1.00%). On March 30, 2020, the Company amended the Credit Facility to extend its expiration date to March 31, 2021 and add provisions for alternative interest rates when certain interbank market offered rates are not available. On March 29, 2021 the Company amended the Credit Facility expiration date to March 31, 2022. On December 27, 2021, the Company entered into Amendment No. 3 to the Credit Facility which extends the expiration date of the revolving credit note to March 31, 2023 and adds provisions for alternative rates of interest as a result of global reference rate initiatives and removes the ability to obtain advances in any currency other than U.S. Dollars. After the LIBOR cessation date of December 31, 2021, the Credit Facility will bear interest at a rate of the sum of The Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR) and the benchmark replacement adjustment plus 100 basis points (1.00%).

The Credit Facility is guaranteed by the Guarantor and its material, direct or indirect wholly owned domestic subsidiaries, with certain exceptions, including where providing such guarantees is not permitted by law, regulation or contract or would result in adverse tax consequences. All of the obligations under the Credit Facility are unsecured.

The Credit Facility is subject to customary negative covenants. The Company was in compliance with all financial covenants as of December 31, 2021.

The Credit Facility contains certain events of default, including, among others, non-payment of principal or interest, breach of the covenants, cross default and cross acceleration to certain other indebtedness, defaults on monetary judgment orders, certain ERISA events, certain bankruptcy and insolvency events, actual or asserted invalidity of any guarantee or security document and change in control.

As of December 31, 2021, we had no indebtedness under the Credit Facility. As of December 31, 2021, we had $0.2 million in letters of credit outstanding related to certain operating lease obligations, which are secured by the Credit Facility.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America, or US GAAP, requires us to make a variety of decisions which affect reported amounts and related disclosures, including the selection of appropriate accounting principles and the assumptions on which to base accounting estimates. In reaching such decisions, we apply judgment based on our understanding and analysis of the relevant circumstances, including our historical experience and other assumptions. Actual results could differ from our estimates. We are committed to incorporating accounting principles, assumptions and estimates that promote the representational faithfulness, verifiability, neutrality and transparency of the accounting information included in the financial statements.

Revenue Recognition

We generally enter into contracts with customers to provide services ranging in duration from a few months to several years. The contract terms generally provide for payments based on a fixed-fee or unit-of-service arrangement. We account for revenue in accordance with ASC 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers. Revenue on contracts is recognized, when or as we satisfy the contract performance obligations by transferring control of the services provided to the customer, at the amount that reflects the consideration to which we expect to be entitled in exchange for transferring those services. Our performance obligations are generally satisfied over time and recognized as work progresses.

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Contract Assumptions

Accounting for contracts performed over a period of time involves the use of various assumptions to estimate total contract revenue and costs. We estimate expected costs to complete a contract and recognize contracted revenue over the life of the contract as those costs are incurred while performing our contracted obligations.

Cost estimates are based on a detailed project budget and are developed based on many variables, including, but not limited to, the scope of the work, labor productivity, the complexity of the study, the participating geographic locations and the Company’s historical experience. To assist with the estimation of costs expected at completion over the life of a project, regular contract reviews are performed in which performance to date is compared to the most current estimate to complete assumptions. The reviews include an assessment of costs incurred to date compared to expectations based on budget assumptions and other circumstances specific to the project. The total estimated costs necessary to complete is updated and any revisions to the existing cost estimate results in cumulative adjustments to the amount of revenue recognized in the period in which the revisions are identified. Because of the uncertainties inherent in estimating the costs necessary to fulfill contractual obligations, it is possible that estimates may change in the near term.

Contracts generally provide for pricing modifications upon scope of work changes. We recognize revenue, at an amount to which we expect to be entitled, related to work performed in connection with scope changes when the underlying services are performed and a binding contractual commitment has been established with the customer. If our customers do not agree to pricing changes upon changes in our scope of work, we could be exposed to cost overruns and reduced contract profitability. Costs are not deferred in anticipation of contracts being awarded or amendments being finalized, but are expensed as incurred.

Most contracts are terminable by the customer, either immediately or according to advance notice terms specified within the contracts. These contracts require payment of fees for services rendered through the date of termination and may require payment for subsequent services necessary to conclude the study or close out the contract. Final settlement amounts are agreed to with the customer based on remaining work to be performed. These amounts are included in revenue when we believe the amount can be estimated reliably and its realization is probable. In evaluating the probability of recognition, we consider the contractual basis for the settlement amount and the objective evidence available to support the amount.

Certain contracts contain volume rebate arrangements with our customers that provide for rebates if certain specified spending thresholds are met. These obligations are considered as a reduction in revenue when it appears probable that the arrangement thresholds will be met.

We occasionally enter into incentive fee arrangements with customers that provide for additional compensation if certain defined contractual milestones or performance thresholds are met. These additional fees are included in the estimated transaction price when there is a basis to reasonably estimate the amount of the fee and when achievement of the incentive milestone is deemed probable. These estimates are based on anticipated performance, our best judgment at the time or ultimately, upon achievement of the threshold or milestone.

We record revenue net of any tax assessments by governmental authorities that are imposed and concurrent with specific revenue generating transactions.

Performance Obligations

Substantially all of our contracts consist of a single performance obligation, as the promise to transfer the individual services described in the contracts are not separately identifiable from other promises in the contracts, and therefore not distinct. Revenue recognition is determined by assessing the progress of performance completed or delivered to date compared to total services to be delivered under the terms of the arrangement. The measures utilized to assess progress on the satisfaction of performance are specific to the performance obligation identified in the contract.

For the majority of our contract performance obligations, we utilize the input method of cost to cost to measure progress. Under this method, the Company determines cost incurred to date for the services it provides compared to the total estimated costs at completion.

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For certain other contractual performance obligations, the Company has determined that an output method is the best measure of progress. These relate to certain unitized contracts, and the Company recognizes revenue in the period in which the unit is delivered compared to total contracted units.

Income Taxes

We are subject to income taxes in the United States and numerous foreign jurisdictions. Significant judgment is required in the forecasting of taxable income using historical and projected future operating results in determining our provision for income taxes and the related assets and liabilities. The provision for income taxes includes income taxes paid, currently payable and receivable, and deferred taxes.

We record deferred tax assets and liabilities based on temporary differences between the financial statement bases and tax bases of assets and liabilities. Deferred tax assets are recorded for tax benefit carryforwards using tax rates anticipated to be in effect in the year in which temporary differences are expected to reverse. If it does not appear more likely than not that the full value of a deferred tax asset will be realized, the Company records a valuation allowance against the deferred tax asset, with an offsetting charge to the Company’s income tax provision or benefit.

The recoverability of our deferred tax assets is estimated based on consideration of all available positive and negative evidence, including, but not limited to, our ability to generate a sufficient level of future taxable income, reversals of deferred tax liabilities (other than those with an indefinite reversal period), tax planning strategies and recent financial performance. The assessment of recoverability is performed on a jurisdiction by jurisdiction basis. Based on the analysis of the above factors, we determined that as of December 31, 2021 and 2020 a valuation allowance in the amount of $0.9 million and $0.6 million, respectively, was required relating to certain foreign operating loss carryforwards, and other deferred tax assets that are currently not expected to be realized. Differences in actual results compared to our estimates and changes in our assumptions could result in an adjustment to the valuation allowance in the future and would generally impact earnings or other comprehensive income depending on the nature of the respective deferred asset for which the valuation allowance exists.

We have recognized certain liabilities, including penalties and interest in the amount of $2.8 million as of December 31, 2021, within other long-term liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets. These relate to uncertain tax positions that are subject to various assumptions and judgment. Liabilities for these uncertain tax positions are assessed on a position by position basis. The calculation of these liabilities involves dealing with uncertainties in the application of complex tax regulations in both domestic and foreign jurisdictions. These positions may be subject to audit and review by tax authorities, and may result in future taxes, interest and penalties if we are unsuccessful in defending our positions. If the calculation of liability related to uncertain tax positions proves to be more or less than the ultimate assessment, a tax expense or benefit to expense, respectively would result. To the extent that an unrecognized tax benefit is anticipated to be paid within one year of the balance sheet date, the Company will classify the unrecognized tax benefit within other short-term liabilities on the balance sheet.

As of December 31, 2021 and 2020, as a result of an updated analysis of future cash needs in the United States and opportunities for investment outside the United States, we assert that all foreign earnings will be indefinitely reinvested and therefore we have not provided taxes on these earnings. These undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries will support future growth in foreign markets and maintain current operating needs of foreign locations. We will continue to monitor our assertion related to investment of foreign earnings. See Note 11 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further information regarding this assertion.

Stock Based Compensation

We have stock based compensation plans in which we issue stock based awards to employees and directors in the form of vested common shares, stock options, stock appreciation rights (SARs), restricted stock awards (RSAs), restricted stock units (RSUs), or other cash based or stock dividend equivalent awards. All of our currently outstanding awards are subject to equity classification pursuant to the terms of the award grants and based on accounting guidance which governs such transactions. Accounting guidance applicable to equity classified awards require all stock based compensation, including vested shares, grants of employee stock options and restricted stock to be recognized in the consolidated statements of operations based on their grant date fair values.

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We estimate the fair value of our stock options utilizing the Black-Scholes-Merton option pricing model, which requires the input of highly subjective assumptions including: the expected stock price volatility, the calculation of the expected holding period of the award, the risk free interest rate and expected dividends on the underlying common stock. Due to the lack of Company specific historical and implied volatility data, our estimate of expected volatility is based upon a blended approach that utilizes the historical volatility of the Company's common stock for periods in which the Company has sufficient information and the historical volatility of a group of peer companies that are most representative of our company. The historical volatility is calculated based on a period of time commensurate with the expected holding period assumption. The holding period represents the period that our option awards are expected to be outstanding. We use the simplified method as prescribed by accounting guidance governing such awards, to calculate the expected term for options granted to employees as we do not have sufficient historical evidence data to provide a reasonable basis upon which to estimate the expected holding period. This simplified method utilizes the mid-point between the vesting date and the date of the contractual term. The risk free rate is based on extrapolated rates of U.S. Treasury bonds whose terms are consistent with the expected holding period of the stock options. We have assumed a dividend yield of zero as we have not historically paid any dividends on our common stock.

All our stock based option awards are subject to service based vesting conditions. Compensation expense related to stock option awards to employees is recognized on a straight line basis based on the grant date fair value over the associated service period of the award, which is equal to the vesting term.

The following table summarizes the key weighted average assumptions used in the Black-Scholes-Merton option pricing model to calculate the fair value of options during the periods:

[[GREPCENT_TABLE]]
[["","","Year Ended December 31,"],["","","2021","","2020","","2019"],["Expected holding period - years","","5.0","","3.1","","2.6"],["Expected volatility","","34.3%","","31.0%","","26.3%"],["Risk-free interest rate","","0.9%","","1.0%","","2.0%"],["Expected dividend yield","","0.0%","","0.0%","","0.0%"]]
[[/GREPCENT_TABLE]]

The assumptions used in the table above reflect both grant date inputs to arrive at the grant date fair values for stock options subject to equity-classified stock compensation accounting and reflect a fair value calculation for stock options outstanding in the period subject to liability-classified stock compensation accounting. As of December 31, 2021, all outstanding stock based awards were subject to equity classification.

The weighted average grant date fair value of employee stock options granted was $52.70, $15.19 and $14.06 for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019, respectively.

Effect of Recent Accounting Pronouncements

Refer to Note 2 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for management’s discussion of the effect of recent accounting pronouncements.

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