| SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES | SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES Principles of Consolidation and Presentation The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America (“US GAAP”) and include the accounts and operations of the Company and its subsidiaries. All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. Use of Estimates The preparation of financial statements in conformity with US GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from these estimates. Significant items that are subject to management estimates and assumptions include revenue, net, allowances for doubtful accounts, acquisition purchase price allocations, long-lived asset impairment and useful lives, exit liabilities, stock-based compensation, uncertain income tax positions and contingencies. Reportable Segments The Company emphasizes its full service outsourcing model, providing services focused on the development, management and execution of clinical trials. As part of this full service approach, the Company utilizes centralized systems, customer interface technology, support functions and processes that cross service offerings and align resources to deliver efficient clinical trial services. Given the full service approach, the chief executive officer, who is the chief operating decision maker (“CODM”) assesses the allocation of resources based on key metrics including revenue, backlog, and net awards by service offering and consolidated profitability and consolidated cash flows. Based on the Company’s full service model, internal management and reporting structure, and key metrics used by the CODM to make resource allocation decisions, management has determined that the Company’s operations consist of a single operating segment. Therefore, results of operations are presented as a single reportable segment. Foreign Currencies Assets and liabilities recorded in foreign currencies on foreign subsidiary financial statements are translated at the exchange rate on the balance sheet date, while equity accounts are translated at historical exchange rates. Revenue and expenses are recorded at average rates of exchange during the year. Translation adjustments are recorded to Accumulated other comprehensive loss in the consolidated statements of shareholders’ equity and consolidated statements of comprehensive income. Separately, net realized gains and losses on foreign currency transactions are included in Miscellaneous income, net, on the consolidated statements of operations. Foreign currency transactions resulted in a net (loss)/gain of $(1.9) million, $3.9 million, and $2.8 million during the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021, respectively. Revenue Recognition The Company generally enters 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. The Company accounts for revenue in accordance with ASC 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers. Revenue on contracts is recognized when or as the Company satisfies the contract performance obligations, at the amount that reflects the Company’s cumulative progress toward delivery of the performance obligation. This progress assessment is applied to the amount of consideration to which the Company expects to be paid for delivery of the performance obligation. The Company’s performance obligations are generally satisfied over time and related revenue is recognized as services are provided to meet these obligations. Contract Assumptions An arrangement is accounted for as a contract within the scope of ASC 606 when the Company and its customers approve the contract, are committed to perform their respective obligations, each party can identify its rights regarding the goods or services to be transferred, commercial substance is present, and it is probable that the Company will collect substantially all of the consideration to which it will be entitled in exchange for the goods or services that will be transferred to the customer. For the Company’s services to meet this criteria, contracts generally need to be written, pending regulatory hurdles required to commence work must be cleared, the study protocol must be completed, the customer must have adequate funding or reasonable path to funding to execute the contracted portion of the study, and the study must be actively moving forward. Once these criteria have been met, it is deemed that the Company and its customers are committed to perform their respective obligations. Depending on the timing of when these criteria are met, revenue recognition may vary significantly on a period over period basis. Accounting for contracts performed over a period of time involves the use of various assumptions to estimate total contract revenue and costs. The Company estimates expected costs to complete a contract and recognizes contracted revenue over the life of the contract as those costs are incurred. 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, 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. In the case of cost estimates related to activities legally contracted as reimbursable in nature, including but not limited to investigator fee activity, these estimates also influence the Company’s assumed contract value and assumed remaining performance obligations. 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, resulting in a material change in revenue reported. Contracts generally provide for pricing modifications upon scope of work changes. The Company recognizes revenue, at an amount to which it expects 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 the Company’s customers do not agree to contract changes upon changes in the Company’s scope of work, the Company 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 the Company believes the amount can be estimated reliably and its realization is probable. In evaluating the probability of recognition, the Company considers 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, which can be at contract inception. Total revenue is presented net of rebates of $12.1 million, $7.9 million and $7.2 million in the consolidated statements of operations during the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively. The Company occasionally enters 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, the Company’s best judgment at the time or ultimately, upon achievement of the threshold or milestone. The Company records revenue net of any tax assessments by governmental authorities that are imposed and concurrent with specific revenue generating transactions. Performance Obligations Substantially all of the Company’s 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 the Company’s contract performance obligations, it utilizes the input method of cost to cost to measure progress, as the Company has determined that it is the most consistent measure of progress among contract tasks and represents the most faithful depiction of the transfer of services over the contract life. Under this method, the Company determines cost incurred to date for the services it provides compared to the total estimated costs at completion. 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. As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, the Company had approximately $2.9 billion and $2.7 billion of performance obligations remaining to be performed for active projects. Concentration of Credit Risk Financial instruments that subject the Company to credit risk primarily consist of cash and cash equivalents and accounts receivable. The cash and cash equivalent balances are held and maintained with financial institutions with reputable credit ratings and, consequently, the Company believes that such funds are subject to minimal credit risk. The Company generally does not require collateral or other securities to support customer receivables. In the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, credit losses have been immaterial and within management’s expectations. At December 31, 2023 and 2022, there were no customers accounting for more than 10% of the Company’s accounts receivable. Costs and Expenses The Company incurs costs associated with service delivery including direct labor and related employee benefits, laboratory supplies, and other expenses. These costs are recorded in Direct service costs, excluding depreciation and amortization as a component of Total direct costs in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations. In addition, the Company incurs expenses on behalf of its customers for various project expenditures including, but not limited to, investigator site payments, travel, meetings, printing, and shipping and handling fees that are reimbursed by its customers at cost. These costs are included in Reimbursable out-of-pocket expenses as a component of Total direct costs in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations. Total direct costs are expensed as incurred and are not deferred in anticipation of contracts being awarded or finalization of changes in scope. Selling, general and administrative includes administrative payroll and related employee benefits, sales and marketing expenses, administrative travel, and other expenses not directly related to service delivery. Rent, utilities, supplies, and software license expenses are allocated between Total direct costs, and Selling, general and administrative based on the estimated contribution among service delivery and support function efforts on a percentage basis. Depreciation and amortization is reported separately in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations. Costs of sales and marketing activities not subject to recovery pursuant to customer contracts, such as feasibility assessments and negotiation of contracts, are expensed as incurred and recorded as a component of Selling, general and administrative in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations. Advertising expenses are recorded as a component of Selling, general and administrative expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations. Total advertising expenses of $1.5 million, $1.3 million and $1.2 million were incurred during the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively. Income Taxes The Company’s consolidated US federal income tax return is comprised of its US subsidiaries, its foreign branches and certain foreign subsidiaries. The Company provides for income taxes on all transactions that have been recognized in the consolidated financial statements in accordance with accounting guidance governing income tax accounting. Accordingly, the impact of changes in income tax laws on deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities are recognized in net earnings in the period during which such changes are enacted. The Company records 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 the 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 value of the Company’s deferred tax assets is estimated based on, among other things, the Company’s ability to generate a sufficient level of future taxable income. In estimating future taxable income, the Company has considered both positive and negative evidence, such as historical and forecasted results of operations, and has considered the implementation of prudent and feasible tax planning strategies. The Company’s accounting position is that unremitted foreign earnings are indefinitely reinvested. Therefore, the Company has not recorded deferred foreign withholding taxes on the unremitted foreign earnings. Refer to Note 11 for further information regarding this assertion. The Company follows accounting guidance related to accounting for uncertainty in income taxes which requires significant judgment in determining what constitutes an individual tax position as well as assessing the possible outcome of each tax position. Changes in judgments as to recognition or measurement of tax positions can materially affect the estimate of the effective tax rate, and, consequently, the Company’s consolidated financial results. The Company considers many factors when evaluating and estimating tax positions and tax benefits, which may require periodic adjustments and which may not accurately anticipate actual outcomes. In addition, the calculation of tax liabilities involves dealing with uncertainties in the application of complex tax regulations in a multitude of jurisdictions. The Company determines its liability for uncertain tax positions globally. If the payment of these amounts ultimately proves to be unnecessary, the reversal of liabilities would result in tax benefits being recognized in the period when it is determined the liabilities are no longer necessary. If the calculation of the liability related to uncertain tax positions proves to be more or less than the ultimate assessment, a tax expense or tax benefit would result. Interest and penalties associated with uncertain tax positions are recognized as components of the Company’s Income tax provision. Stock-Based Compensation The Company has stock-based employee compensation plans for which it incurs compensation expense. Equity Awards In connection with the Company's initial public offering (IPO), the Board approved the formation of the 2016 Incentive Award Plan (the “2016 Plan”). The 2016 Plan provides for long-term equity incentive compensation for key employees, officers and non-employee directors. A variety of discretionary awards (collectively, the “Awards”) for employees and non-employee directors are authorized under the 2016 Plan, including 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. The vesting of such awards may be conditioned upon either a specified period of time or the attainment of specific performance goals as determined by the administrator of the 2016 Plan. The option price and term are also subject to determination by the administrator with respect to each grant. Option prices are generally expected to be set at the market price of our common stock at the date of grant and option terms are not expected to exceed ten years. All outstanding Awards under the 2016 Plan are equity classified awards. Stock-based compensation expense for the 2016 Plan is calculated using the fair value method on the grant date. The Company expenses stock-based compensation over the term of the award based on the vesting described in the award agreement. Stock-based compensation expense is allocated between Total direct costs, and Selling, general and administrative in the consolidated statements of operations based on the underlying classification and scope of work for the employees receiving the Awards. Net Income Per Share Basic and diluted earnings or loss per share (EPS) are computed using the two-class method, which is an earnings allocation that determines EPS for each class of common stock and participating securities according to dividends declared and participation rights in undistributed earnings. The Company’s RSAs are considered participating securities because they are legally issued at the date of grant and holders are entitled to receive non-forfeitable dividends during the vesting term. The computation of diluted EPS includes additional common shares, such as unvested RSUs and stock options with exercise prices less than the average market price of the Company’s common stock during the period (“in-the-money options”), which would be considered outstanding. This assumes that additional shares would have to be issued in cases where the exercise price of stock options is less than the value of the common stock being acquired because the cash proceeds received from the stock option holder would not be sufficient to acquire that same number of shares. The Company does not compute diluted EPS in cases where the inclusion of such additional shares would be anti-dilutive in effect. The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021 (in thousands, except for earnings per share): Year Ended December 31, 2023 2022 2021 Weighted-average shares: Common shares outstanding 30,722 32,388 35,862 RSAs 21 21 90 Total weighted-average shares 30,743 32,409 35,952 Earnings per common share—Basic Net income $ 282,810 $ 245,368 $ 181,848 Less: Undistributed earnings allocated to RSAs (191) (157) (458) Net income available to common shareholders—Basic $ 282,619 $ 245,211 $ 181,390 Net income per common share—Basic $ 9.20 $ 7.57 $ 5.06 Basic weighted-average common shares outstanding 30,722 32,388 35,862 Effect of diluted shares 1,119 1,283 1,835 Diluted weighted-average shares outstanding 31,841 33,671 37,697 Net income per common share—Diluted $ 8.88 $ 7.28 $ 4.81 For the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, the computation of diluted EPS excludes the effect of (in thousands) 0, 9 and 9 stock options, respectively, due to each respective period’s average fair value of the Company’s common stock not exceeding the exercise prices. Fair Value Measurements The Company follows accounting guidance related to fair value measurements that defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value, and establishes a hierarchy for inputs used in measuring fair value. This hierarchy maximizes the use of “observable” inputs and minimizes the use of unobservable inputs by requiring that the most observable inputs be used when available. The hierarchy specifies three levels based on the inputs, as follows: Level 1: Valuations based on quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. Level 2: Valuations based on directly observable inputs or unobservable inputs corroborated by market data. Level 3: Valuations based on unobservable inputs supported by little or no market activity representing management’s determination of assumptions of how market participants would price the assets or liabilities. The fair value of financial instruments such as cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable and unbilled, net, accounts payable, accrued expenses, and advanced billings approximate their carrying amounts due to their short term maturities. The Company does not have any material recurring fair value measurements as of December 31, 2023 and 2022. There were no material transfers between Level 1, Level 2, or Level 3 during the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021. Cash and Cash Equivalents, including Restricted Cash Cash and cash equivalents, including restricted cash, are invested in demand deposits and money market funds, all of which have an original maturity of three months or less. Restricted cash consists of customer funds received in advance and subject to specific restrictions, as well as amounts placed in escrow for contingent payments resulting from acquisitions or other contractual arrangements. Accounts Receivable and Unbilled, Net Accounts receivable represent amounts due from the Company’s customers who are concentrated primarily in the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and medical device industries. Unbilled services represent revenue recognized to date that is currently not billable to the customer pursuant to contractual terms. In general, amounts become billable upon the achievement of negotiated contractual events or in accordance with predetermined payment schedules. Amounts classified to unbilled services are those billable to customers within one year from the respective balance sheet date. The Company grants credit terms to its customers prior to signing a service contract and monitors the creditworthiness of its customers on an ongoing basis. The Company maintains an allowance for doubtful accounts based on specific identification of accounts receivable that are at risk of not being collected. Uncollectible accounts receivable are written off only after all reasonable collection efforts have been exhausted. Moreover, in some cases the Company requires advance payment from its customers for a portion of the study contract price upon the signing of a service contract. These advance payments are deferred and recognized as revenue as services are performed. Inventory Inventory, which consists primarily of laboratory supplies, is valued at the lower of cost or market. Inventory is stated at purchased cost using the first-in, first out (FIFO) cost method. The inventory balance is included in Prepaid expenses and other current assets in the consolidated balance sheets. Property and Equipment Property and equipment is recorded at cost. Depreciation is provided on the straight-line method at rates adequate to allocate the cost of the applicable assets over their estimated useful lives, which is three five thirty Leases The Company enters into contracts to lease facilities and equipment to be used in its operations. At contract inception, the Company determines whether a contract contains a lease within the scope of Accounting Standard Codification Topic 842, Leases (ASC 842), and determines the appropriate classification of the lease as either operating or finance. Contracts containing operating leases are recorded on the consolidated balance sheets within Operating lease right-of-use (ROU) assets, Other current liabilities, and Operating lease liabilities. Operating lease ROU assets and operating lease liabilities are recognized based on the present value of the future lease payments over the lease term as of the lease commencement date. In addition, operating ROU assets also include lease payments made and exclude lease incentives and initial direct costs incurred. Operating lease expense for lease payments is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term within Total direct costs and Selling, general, and administrative expenses. Variable lease costs are primarily related to adjustments for inflation, common area maintenance and property tax and are recognized within Total direct costs and Selling, general and administrative expenses. Contracts containing finance leases are recognized initially in the same manner as Operating lease ROU assets and liabilities; however, they are recorded on the consolidated balance sheets within Property and equipment, net, Other current liabilities, and Other long-term liabilities. Finance lease assets are subsequently amortized on a straight line basis over the lease term within Depreciation expense, while the lease liability is accreted within Interest expense, net utilizing the discount rate determined at lease commencement and reduced by periodic lease payments over the lease term. Currently, the Company does not have any finance leases. The discount rate utilized in determining the present value of future payments for both operating and finance leases, unless implicit in the lease contract, is determined based on the Company’s collateralized incremental borrowing rate based on the information available at lease commencement. Lease terms may include options to extend or terminate the lease when it is reasonably certain that the Company will exercise that option as determined at lease commencement. Many of our lease agreements have both lease and non-lease components, which the Company has elected to treat as a single lease component for recognition purposes. The Company may enter into short-term leases (leases with a lease term of less than one year), which it has elected not to capitalize as assets and liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets, but instead recognizes lease payments within Total direct costs and Selling, general, and administrative expenses on a straight line basis over the lease term. Goodwill and Intangible Assets Goodwill Goodwill represents the excess of purchase price over the fair value of net assets acquired in business combinations. The carrying value of goodwill is reviewed at least annually for impairment, or as indicators of potential impairment are identified, at the reporting unit level. The reporting units are Phase I-IV clinical research services and Laboratories as of December 31, 2023. The Company performs its annual impairment tests during the fourth quarter each year, comparing the fair value of each of our reporting units with its carrying amount, inclusive of goodwill. A goodwill impairment charge would be recognized for the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the reporting unit’s fair value. Fair value is estimated using a combination of the income approach, a discounted cash flow analysis, and the market approach, utilizing the guideline company method. There was no indication of impairment related to goodwill based on the fourth quarter 2023 assessment. Intangible Assets The Company has an indefinite lived intangible asset related to its trade name. The carrying value of the trade name asset is reviewed at least annually for impairment, or as indicators of potential impairment are identified. The Company performs its annual impairment test in the fourth quarter each year in conjunction with its annual assessment of goodwill. The assessment consists of comparing the carrying value of the indefinite lived intangible asset to its estimated fair value, utilizing the relief from royalty method, an income approach valuation. There was no indication of impairment related to the trade name asset based on the fourth quarter 2023 assessment. Finite-lived intangible assets consist mainly of the value assigned to customer relationships and developed technologies. Finite-lived intangible assets are amortized straight-line or using an accelerated method over their estimated useful lives of fifteen years. Impairment of Long-Lived Assets Long-lived assets, primarily property and equipment and finite-lived intangible assets, are reviewed for impairment and the reasonableness of the estimated useful lives whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amounts of the assets may not be recoverable or that a change in useful life may be appropriate. Recoverability for long-lived assets is determined by comparing the forecasted undiscounted cash flows of the operation to which the assets relate to the carrying amount of the assets. If the undiscounted cash flows are less than the carrying amount of the assets, then the Company reduces the carrying value of the assets to estimated fair values, which are primarily based upon forecasted discounted cash flows. Fair value of long-lived assets is determined based on a combination of discounted cash flows and market multiples. There was no indication of impairment related to long-lived assets based on the fourth quarter 2023 assessment. Advanced Billings Advanced billings represents cash received from customers, or billed amounts per an agreed upon payment schedule, in advance of services being performed or revenue being recognized. Government Assistance The Company receives government incentives from domestic and foreign governments. The incentives come in various arrangements, but consist primarily in the form of tax credits, economic development grants and property tax abatement credits. Tax credits are available to the Company, in certain jurisdictions, for qualifying research and development spend as well as for certain employment related milestone agreements. These tax credits are recorded on a jurisdiction-by-jurisdiction basis upon the first instance of the credit being monetized. Upon achieving a history of monetization in a jurisdiction, income is typically estimated as the activities or contractual requirements defined in the applicable agreements occur. Depending on the jurisdiction laws and regulations, credits can be monetized immediately or up to 3 years after the credits have been submitted to the relevant taxing agencies. The Company receives grants from certain jurisdictions for economic development projects, based on job growth, employee retention and capital investment commitments. These grant funds are reimbursed to the Company upon achieving certain milestones and recognized as eligible costs are incurred. Property tax abatement credits are available to the Company in certain jurisdictions that reduce the cost of renting or owning real and business personal property. These credits are monetized through reductions to the real estate tax liability at the time payments are due and recognized as real estate taxes are incurred. Government incentives are recorded in accordance with their purpose, net of fees incurred to monetize the benefit, as a reduction of expense within Direct service costs, excluding depreciation and amortization and Selling, general and administrative Recently Adopted Accounting Standards In November 2021, the FASB issued ASU 2021-10, "Government Assistance (Topic 832): Disclosures by Business Entities about Go |
