Array Technologies Inc

Previous wording

We are one of the world’s largest manufacturers of ground-mounting tracking systems used in solar energy projects at utility scale. Our principal products are a portfolio of integrated solar tracking systems comprised of steel supports, electric motors, gearboxes and electronic controllers commonly referred to as a single-axis “tracker.” Trackers move solar panels throughout the day to maintain an optimal orientation to the sun, which significantly increases their energy production. Solar energy projects that use trackers generate more energy and deliver a lower LCOE than projects that use “fixed tilt” mounting systems, which do not move. The vast majority of ground mounted solar systems in the U.S. use trackers.

Current wording

Trackers move solar panels throughout the day to maintain an optimal orientation to the sun, which significantly increases their energy production. Solar energy projects that use trackers typically generate more energy and deliver a lower LCOE than projects that use “fixed tilt” mounting systems, which do not move. The vast majority of ground mounted solar systems in the U.S. use trackers.

Previous wording

With our acquisition of STI in January 2022, we added a dual-row tracker design to our product portfolio. This tracker uses one motor to drive two connected rows and is ideally suited for sites with irregular and highly angled boundaries or fragmented project areas. To offer a comprehensive set of solutions to the growing market, in September of 2022, we also introduced a third tracker product requiring significantly less grading and civil works permitting prior to installation in addition to accommodating uneven terrain. This suite of products extends our target applications and ability to deliver the best utility-scale solar tracker solutions to the market.

Current wording

With our acquisition of STI in January 2022, we added a dual-row tracker design to our product portfolio. This tracker uses one motor to drive two connected rows and is ideally suited for sites with irregular and highly angled boundaries or fragmented project areas. To offer a comprehensive set of solutions to the growing market, in September of 2022, we also introduced a third tracker product, OmniTrack, which requires significantly less grading and civil works permitting prior to installation in addition to accommodating uneven terrain. This suite of products extends our target applications and ability to deliver the best utility-scale solar tracker solutions to the market.

Previous wording

We sell our products to EPCs that build solar energy projects and to large solar developers, independent power producers and utilities, often under master supply agreements or multi-year procurement contracts. During the year ended December 31, 2023, we derived 74% and 26% of our revenues from customers in the U.S. and the rest of the world, respectively. As of December 31, 2023, we had shipped more than 73 gigawatts of trackers to customers worldwide.

Current wording

We sell our products to EPCs that build solar energy projects and to large solar developers, independent power producers and utilities, often under master supply agreements or multi-year procurement contracts. During the year ended December 31, 2024, we derived 70% and 30% of our revenues from customers in the U.S. and the rest of the world, respectively. As of December 31, 2024, we had shipped approximately 83 gigawatts of trackers to customers worldwide.

Previous wording

On January 11, 2022, we completed our acquisition of STI for purchase consideration of $410.5 million in cash and 13,894,800 shares of our common stock. The fair value of the purchase consideration was $610.8 million and resulted in the Company owning 100% of the equity interests in STI.

Current wording

On January 11, 2022, we completed our acquisition of STI, which resulted in the Company owning 100% of the equity interests in STI.

Previous wording

STI generates revenue through the design, manufacture and sale of its utility-scale solar tracker systems to customers in global markets that include Spain, Brazil, U.S. and South Africa. The integration of STI provides us the opportunity to accelerate our international expansion and better address rising global demand for utility-scale solar projects, particularly in developing countries in Latin America and Africa.

Current wording

Similar to Array Legacy Operations, the STI Operations generate revenue through the design, manufacture and sale of utility-scale solar tracker systems to customers in global markets that include Spain, Brazil, the U.S. and South Africa. The integration of STI has allowed us to accelerate our international expansion and better address rising global demand for utility-scale solar projects, particularly in developing countries in Latin America and Africa.

Previous wording

Because we recognize revenue on projects as legal title to equipment is transferred from us to the customer, any delays in large projects from one quarter to another for any reason may cause our results of operations for a particular period to fall below expectations. Our end-users’ ability to install solar energy systems has been affected by a number of factors including:

Current wording

Because we recognize revenue on projects as legal title to equipment is transferred from us to the customer, any delays in large projects from one quarter to another for any reason may cause our results of operations for a particular period to fall below expectations and make the timing of revenue difficult to forecast. Our end-users’ ability to install solar energy systems has been affected by a number of factors including:

Previous wording

•Weather. Inclement weather can affect our customers’ ability to install their systems, particularly in the northeastern United States and in Europe. In addition, weather delays can adversely affect our logistics and operations by causing delays in the shipping and delivery of our materials.

Current wording

•Weather. Inclement weather can affect our customers’ ability to install their systems, particularly in the northeastern U.S., Europe and Brazil. In addition, weather delays can adversely affect our logistics and operations by causing delays in the shipping and delivery of our materials.

Previous wording

•The interest rate environment. As interest rates have risen, we have seen customers looking to renegotiate power purchase agreements to improve project returns. Any unexpected or protracted negotiation can cause installation delays and delay our ability to recognize revenue relating to the relevant projects. In addition, we have had customers delay planned installations in anticipation of interest reductions and more favorable project financing conditions later in 2024.

Current wording

•The interest rate environment. As interest rates rose in 2022 and 2023, we saw customers looking to renegotiate power purchase agreements to improve project returns. Any unexpected or protracted negotiation can cause installation delays and delay our ability to recognize revenue relating to the relevant projects. In addition, we had customers delay planned installations in anticipation of interest reductions and more favorable project financing conditions later in 2024. While the Federal Reserve made the decision to lower the target interest rate by 0.5% in October 2024 the timing of any positive impact the lower rate may have on project timing remains uncertain, particularly in light of the Federal Reserve’s decision not to lower the target interest rate further in January 2025.

Previous wording

•Availability of necessary equipment. We have a broad portfolio of customer relationships including presence with every Tier 1 utility in the United States. Each utility has unique specifications for access to its grid, which is generally not consistent across the industry. As the supply of renewables projects has increased, severe shortages and long lead-times in the supply of switches, transformers and HV breakers used in the interconnection of utility scale solar power plants to the grid, has affected the timing and completion of these projects, including for some of our customers.

Current wording

•Availability of necessary equipment. We have a broad portfolio of customer relationships including presence with most Tier 1 utilities in the U.S. Each utility has unique specifications for access to its grid, which is generally not consistent across the industry. As the supply of renewables projects has increased, severe shortages and long lead-times in the supply of switches, transformers and high-voltage breakers used in the interconnection of utility scale solar power plants to the grid, has affected the timing and completion of these projects, including for some of our customers.

Previous wording

While solar power is cost-competitive with conventional forms of generation in many U.S. states even without the ITC, we believe step-downs in the ITC have influenced the timing and quantity of some customers’ orders. With the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act (“IRA”) in August 2022, the ITC was raised to 30% with no step downs before 2032. Accordingly, we do not anticipate the ITC rate to impact our seasonality during that timeframe.

Current wording

While solar power is cost-competitive with conventional forms of generation in many U.S. states even without the ITC, we believe step-downs in the ITC have influenced the timing and quantity of some customers’ orders. With the passage of the IRA in August 2022, the ITC was raised to 30% with no step downs before 2032. Accordingly, we do not anticipate the ITC rate to impact our seasonality during that timeframe.

Previous wording

Impact of Attacks on Shipping in the Red Sea

Current wording

Impact of Disruption of Key Shipping Lines, i.e. Attacks on Shipping in the Red Sea

Previous wording

Inflationary pressures may continue to impact, at least in the near-term, and may continue to negatively impact our results of operations. To mitigate the inflationary pressures on our business, we have implemented selective price increases in certain markets, accelerated productivity initiatives and expanded our supplier base, while continuing to execute on overhead cost containment practices.

Current wording

Inflationary pressure may continue to negatively impact our results of operations in the near-term. To mitigate the inflationary pressures on our business, despite our ASPs decreasing due to the current deflationary environment for commodities like steel, we have continued to accelerate our productivity initiatives, expanded our supplier base, and continued to execute on our overhead cost containment practices.

Previous wording

In June 2022, the U.S. President authorized the U.S. Secretary of Commerce to provide a 24-month AD/CVD tariff exemption for imported solar panels from certain Southeast Asian countries. The USDOC previously issued regulations implementing the AD/CVD moratorium in the event that it found circumvention with respect to such Southeast Asian countries. In August 2023, the USDOC issued final affirmative circumvention rulings, finding that solar panels completed in Cambodia, Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam using parts and components produced in China circumvent pre-existing AD/CVD orders on China. At this time, it is expected that duties will apply to such solar panels unless they are imported, used, and installed by certain dates in June 2024. While we do not sell solar modules, the degree of our exposure is dependent on, among other things, the impact of the investigation on the projects that are also intended to use our products, with such impact being largely out of our control. We have seen a number of projects in our order book delayed as a result of the USDOC investigation. The repeal of the 24-month exemption, and any affirmative determinations made once the exemption expires in any event, would have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations. More broadly, legislation has been proposed that would make it easier for domestic companies to obtain affirmative determinations in antidumping and countervailing duties investigations. The proposed USICA/America COMPETES Act, if enacted, could result in future successful petitions that limit imports from Asia and other regions.

Current wording

While we do not sell solar modules, the degree of our exposure is dependent on, among other things, the impact of the AD/CVD orders on the projects that are also intended to use our products, with such impact being largely out of our control. We have seen a number of projects in our order book delayed as a result of the USDOC investigation, and effective enforcement of the AD/CVD orders could negatively impact our results of operations.

Previous wording

In managing our business and assessing financial performance, we supplement the information provided by the financial statements with other operating metrics. These operating metrics are utilized by our management to evaluate our business, measure our performance, identify trends affecting our business and formulate projections. The primary operating metric we use to evaluate our sales performance and to track market acceptance of our products from year to year is megawatts (“MWs”) shipped generally and the change in MWs shipped from period to period specifically. MWs is measured for each individual project and is calculated based on the projects expected megawatt output once installed and fully operational.

Current wording

In managing our business and assessing financial performance, we supplement the information provided by the financial statements with other operating metrics. These operating metrics are utilized by our management to evaluate our business, measure our performance, identify trends affecting our business and formulate projections. The primary operating metric we use to evaluate our sales performance and to track market acceptance of our products is megawatts (“MWs”) shipped, and specifically the change in MWs shipped from period to period. MWs are measured for each individual project and are calculated based on the respective projects’ expected megawatt output once installed and fully operational.

Previous wording

We generate revenue from the sale of solar tracking systems and parts. Our customers include EPCs, utilities, solar developers and independent power producers. For each individual solar project, we enter into a contract with our customers covering the price, specifications, delivery dates and warranty for the products being purchased, among other things. Our contractual delivery period for the tracker system and parts can vary from days to several months. Contracts can range in value from hundreds of thousands to tens of millions of dollars.

Current wording

We generate revenue from the sale of solar tracking systems, parts, software and services. Our customers include EPCs, utilities, solar developers and independent power producers. For each individual solar project, we enter into a contract with our customers covering the price, specifications, delivery dates and warranty for the products being purchased, among other things. Our contractual delivery period for the tracker system and parts can vary from days to several months. Contracts can range in value from hundreds of thousands to tens of millions of dollars.

Previous wording

Our revenue is affected by changes in the volume and ASPs of solar tracking systems purchased by our customers. The quarterly volume and ASP of our systems is driven by the supply of, and demand for, our products, changes in project mix between module type and wattage, geographic mix of our customers, strength of competitors’ product offerings, and availability of government incentives to the end-users of our products.

Current wording

Our revenue is affected by changes in the volume and ASPs of solar tracking systems purchased by our customers. The quarterly volume and ASP of our systems is driven by the supply of, and demand for, our products, changes in project mix between module type and wattage, geographic mix of our customers, strength of competitors’ product offerings, commodity prices and availability of government incentives to the end-users of our products.

Previous wording

Our revenue growth is dependent on continued growth in the size and number of solar energy projects installed each year as well as our ability to maintain our market share in each of the geographies where we compete, expand our global footprint to new and evolving markets, grow our production capabilities to meet demand and to continue to develop and introduce new and innovative products that address the changing technology and performance requirements of our customers.

Current wording

Our revenue growth is dependent on continued growth in the size and number of solar energy projects installed each year as well as our ability to maintain market share in each geography in which we compete, expand our global footprint to new and evolving markets, grow our production capabilities to satisfy demand and continue to develop and introduce new and innovative products that integrate emerging technologies and the performance requirements of our customers.

Previous wording

Cost of revenue consists primarily of product costs, including raw materials, purchased components, salaries, wages and benefits of manufacturing personnel, freight, tariffs, customer support, product warranty, amortization of developed technology, and depreciation of manufacturing and testing equipment. Our product costs are affected by (i) the underlying cost of raw materials, including steel and aluminum, (ii) component costs, including electric motors and gearboxes, (iii) technological innovation, and (iv) economies of scale and improvements in production processes and automation. We may experience disruptions to our supply chain and increased material and freight costs like those experienced in 2021 and 2022 during the COVID-19 pandemic. When possible, we modify our production schedules and processes to mitigate the impact of these disruptions and cost increases on our margins. We do not currently hedge against changes in the price of our raw materials.

Current wording

Cost of product and service revenue consists primarily of product costs, including raw materials, purchased components, net of any incentives or rebates earned from our suppliers, salaries, wages and benefits of manufacturing personnel, freight, tariffs, customer support, product warranty, amortization of developed technology, and depreciation of manufacturing and testing equipment. Our product costs are affected by (i) the underlying cost of raw materials, including steel and aluminum, (ii) component costs, including electric motors and gearboxes, (iii) technological innovation, and (iv) economies of scale and improvements in production processes and automation. We may experience disruptions to our supply chain and increased material and freight costs like those experienced in 2021 and 2022 during the COVID-19 pandemic. When possible, we modify our production schedules and processes to mitigate the impact of these disruptions and cost increases on our margins. We do not currently hedge against changes in the price of our raw materials.

Previous wording

Gross profit may vary from quarter to quarter and is primarily affected by our volume, ASPs, product costs, project mix, customer mix, geographical mix, commodity prices, logistics rates, warranty costs, and seasonality.

Current wording

Gross profit may vary from quarter to quarter and is primarily affected by our volume, ASPs, product costs, project mix, customer mix, geographical mix, commodity prices, logistics rates, warranty costs, and seasonality. Gross profit will also be impacted by tax incentives we can recognize, for example ICMS value added tax benefits in Brazil, which will discontinue in 2033.

Previous wording

General and administrative expense consist primarily of salaries, benefits, and equity-based compensation related to our executive, sales, engineering, finance, human resources, information technology, and legal personnel, as well as travel, facility costs, marketing, bad debt provision, and professional fees. The majority of our sales in 2023, 2022, and 2021, were in the U.S.; however, in January 2022, we expanded our international operations with the STI Acquisition. We currently have a sales presence in the U.S., Spain, Brazil, South Africa, Australia, and the U.K. We intend to continue to expand our sales presence and marketing efforts to additional countries.

Current wording

General and administrative expense consists primarily of salaries, benefits, and equity-based compensation related to our executive, sales, engineering, finance, human resources, information technology, and legal personnel, as well as travel, facility costs, marketing, bad debt provision, and professional fees. The majority of our sales in 2024, 2023, and 2022, were in the U.S.; however, in January 2022, we expanded our international operations with the STI Acquisition. We currently have a sales presence in the U.S., Spain, Brazil, South Africa and Australia. We intend to continue to expand our sales presence and marketing efforts to additional countries.

Previous wording

Depreciation expense consists of costs associated with property, plant and equipment not used in manufacturing of our products. We expect that as we continue to grow both our revenue and our general and administrative personnel we may require some additional property, plant and equipment to support this growth resulting in additional depreciation expense.

Current wording

Depreciation consists of costs associated with property, plant and equipment not used in manufacturing of our products. We expect that as we continue to grow both our revenue and our general and administrative personnel, we may require some additional property, plant and equipment to support this growth resulting in additional depreciation expense.

Previous wording

Amortization of intangibles consists of customer relationships, contractual backlog and the STI trade name expensed over their expected period of use.

Current wording

Amortization consists of the expense recognized over the expected period of use of our customer relationships, contractual backlog, and the STI trade name intangible assets. Amortization related to certain acquired intangible assets is recorded as Total cost of revenue under the caption “Amortization of developed technology.”

Previous wording

Subsequent to the acquisition of STI, the Company began reporting its results of operations in two segments; the Array Legacy operating segment and the newly acquired STI Legacy operating segment (“STI Legacy Operations”) pertaining to legacy STI operations. The segment amounts included in this Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis are presented on a basis consistent with our internal management reporting. Additional information on our reportable segments is contained in Note 20 – Segment and Geographic Information in the accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.

Current wording

Subsequent to the acquisition of STI, we began reporting our results of operations in two segments; the Array legacy operating segment (“Array Legacy Operations”) and the STI Operations operating segment (“STI Operations”) pertaining to legacy STI operations. The segment amounts included in this Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis are presented on a basis consistent with our internal management reporting.

Previous wording

Change in the fair value of contingent consideration resulted in a loss of $3.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2023, due to the fair value remeasurement of the TRA liability, primarily driven by a decrease in the discount rates used in the valuation.

Current wording

Change in the fair value of contingent consideration resulted in a gain of $0.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2024, due to the fair value remeasurement of the TRA liability, primarily driven by a decrease in the discount rates used in the valuation.

Previous wording

Consolidated depreciation and amortization expense decreased $45.7 million, or 54%, due to the decrease in the amortization of intangibles, as the backlog purchased as part of the STI Acquisition had a one-year life and was fully amortized as of the first quarter of 2023.

Current wording

Consolidated depreciation and amortization expense decreased $2.8 million, or 7%, due to the decrease in the amortization of intangibles, as the Backlog intangible recognized as part of the STI Acquisition had a one-year life and was fully amortized as of the first quarter of 2023.

Previous wording

Consolidated interest income increased by $5.1 million, or 162%, as compared to the prior year, due to higher cash on hand in 2023 coupled with higher interest rates.

Current wording

Consolidated interest income for the year ended December 31, 2024 increased by $8.4 million, or 101%, as compared to the prior year, due to higher cash on hand balances during 2024 and higher yields on our cash management program.

Previous wording

Legal settlement income in 2022 resulted from the settlement of litigation related to trade secret misappropriation, for which the Company received a $42.8 million settlement. The settlement is related to Nextracker’s acknowledgment that an Array employee was hired in violation of his non-compete agreement, certain Array confidential information was improperly obtained, and Nextracker’s behavior was wrongful. The parties concluded the matter and plan to continue their shared missions of mainstreaming clean energy worldwide. As part of the settlement, the parties agreed to treat the settlement terms as confidential except to the extent required or necessitated by law, regulation, or the corporate parties’ shareholder disclosure standards. There were no settlements in 2023.

Current wording

Legal settlement income in 2022 resulted from the settlement of litigation related to trade secret misappropriation, for which we received a $42.8 million settlement. The settlement is related to Nextracker’s acknowledgment that an Array employee was hired in violation of his non-compete agreement, certain Array confidential information was improperly obtained, and Nextracker’s behavior was wrongful. The parties concluded the matter and plan to continue their shared missions of mainstreaming clean energy worldwide. As part of the settlement, the parties agreed to treat the settlement terms as confidential except to the extent required or necessitated by law, regulation, or the corporate parties’ shareholder disclosure standards.

Previous wording

Consolidated Income tax expense (benefit) decreased by $49.3 million, or 525%, We recorded income tax expense of $39.9 million and a benefit of $9.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. The income tax expense for the year ended December 31, 2023, was unfavorably impacted by higher income in non-U.S. jurisdictions, partially offset by benefits related to excess equity-based compensation deductions. The tax expense for the year ended December 31, 2022, was favorably impacted by losses in non-U.S. jurisdictions which have higher tax rates than the U.S., partially offset by non-deductible expenses.

Current wording

Consolidated income tax expense (benefit) decreased by $50.1 million, or (126)%, We recorded income tax benefit of $10.2 million and an expense of $39.9 million for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. The decrease in the tax expense is mostly related to the decrease in pre-tax income, which includes an impairment charge of $91.9 million for acquired intangibles and PP&E. The impairment resulted in a benefit of $31.2 million, offset by a valuation allowance against deferred tax assets of $7.2 million. In addition, the income tax expense for the year ended December 31, 2024, was favorably impacted by losses in non-U.S. jurisdictions which have higher tax rates than the U.S., additional tax credits, and reduced state income tax expense, partially offset by benefits related to excess equity-based compensation deductions and non-deductible expense. The tax expense for the year ended December 31, 2023, was favorably impacted by losses in non-U.S. jurisdictions which have higher tax rates than the U.S. and benefit from a non-US tax incentive, partially offset by non-deductible expenses.

Previous wording

A discussion and analysis covering the comparison of the year ended December 31, 2022, to the year ended December 31, 2021, is included in our annual report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 22, 2023.

Current wording

A discussion and analysis covering the comparison of the year ended December 31, 2023, to the year ended December 31, 2022, is included in our annual report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on March 22, 2023.

Previous wording

For more information related to the 2022 and 2021 Series A Share issuances, see Note 12 – Redeemable Perpetual Preferred Stock, to the accompanying consolidated financial statements.

Current wording

For more information related to the 2022 and 2021 issuances of Series A Shares, see Note 12 – Redeemable Perpetual Preferred Stock, to the accompanying consolidated financial statements.

Previous wording

The Company is required to provide surety bonds to various parties as required for certain transactions initiated during the ordinary course of business to guarantee the Company’s performance in accordance with contractual or legal obligations. These off-balance sheet arrangements do not adversely impact our liquidity or capital resources. As of December 31, 2023, we posted surety bonds totaling approximately $172.9 million.

Current wording

We are required to provide surety bonds to various parties as required for certain transactions initiated during the ordinary course of business to guarantee our performance in accordance with contractual or legal obligations. These off-balance sheet arrangements do not adversely impact our liquidity or capital resources. As of December 31, 2024, we posted surety bonds totaling approximately $270.9 million.

Previous wording

Historically, we have financed our operations with the proceeds from operating cash flows, capital contributions and short and long-term borrowings. Our ability to generate positive cash flow from operations is dependent on the strength of our gross margins as well as our ability to quickly turn our working capital.

Current wording

Historically, we have financed our operations with the proceeds from operating cash flows, capital contributions and short and long-term borrowings. Our ability to generate positive cash flow from operations is dependent on the strength of our gross margins as well as our ability to quickly turn our working capital. Based on our past performance and current expectations, we believe that operating cash flows will be sufficient to meet our liquidity needs in the next 12 months and beyond.

Previous wording

As of December 31, 2023, our cash balance was $249.1 million, of which $66.8 million was held outside the U.S., and net working capital was $496.6 million. We had outstanding borrowings of $238.2 million under our $575 million Term Loan Facility and $175.2 million available to us under our $200.0 million Revolving Credit Facility.

Current wording

As of December 31, 2024, our cash balance was $363.0 million, of which $36.6 million was held outside the U.S., and net working capital was $560.9 million. We had outstanding borrowings of $233.9 million under our $575 million Term Loan Facility and $172.0 million available to us under our $200.0 million Revolving Credit Facility.

Previous wording

The Company continually monitors and reviews its liquidity position and funding needs. Management believes that the Company’s ability to generate operating cash flows in the future and available borrowing capacity under its Senior Secured Credit Facility will be sufficient to meet its future liquidity needs.

Current wording

We continually monitor and review our liquidity position and funding needs. Management believes that our ability to generate operating cash flows in the future and available borrowing capacity under our Senior Secured Credit Facility will be sufficient to meet our future short-term liquidity needs.

Previous wording

For the year ended December 31, 2023, net cash used in financing activities was $101.8 million, driven primarily by $74.3 million in payments on our Term Loan and a $24.8 million reduction of Other debt.

Current wording

For the year ended December 31, 2024, net cash used in financing activities was $11.8 million, driven by a $4.4 million net reduction of other debt and a $4.3 million payments on our Term Loan Facility, as well as $1.4 million in TRA payments issued during the year ended December 31, 2024.

Previous wording

A discussion and analysis covering historical cash flows for the year ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, is included in our annual report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 22, 2023.

Current wording

A discussion and analysis covering historical cash flows for the year ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, is included in our annual report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on February 28, 2024.

Previous wording

The Company completed one business combination for an aggregate purchase price of $610.8 million during the year ended December 31, 2022. In accordance with Topic 805 Business Combinations, total consideration was first allocated to the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed, with the excess being recorded as Goodwill. The fair value of the identifiable intangible assets has been estimated using the Excess Earnings Method (customer relationships and backlog) and Relief from Royalty Method (trade name). Significant inputs using the Excess Earnings Method and Level 3 inputs in the fair value hierarchy include estimated revenue, expenses based on actuals and forecast. The Company uses its best estimates and assumptions to assign fair value to the tangible and intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the acquisition date. Intangible assets have been recognized apart from goodwill whenever an acquired intangible asset arises from contractual or other legal rights, or whenever it is capable of being separated or divided from the acquired entity. Determining these fair values required us to make significant estimates and assumptions, particularly with respect to acquired intangible assets. The determination of fair value required considerable judgment and were sensitive to changes in underlying assumptions, estimates and market factors. There were no business combinations during the year ended December 31, 2023.

Current wording

We completed one business combination for an aggregate purchase price of $610.8 million during the year ended December 31, 2022. In accordance with Topic 805 Business Combinations, total consideration was first allocated to the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed, with the excess being recorded as Goodwill. The fair value of the identifiable intangible assets has been estimated using the Excess Earnings Method (customer relationships and backlog) and Relief from Royalty Method (trade name). Significant inputs using the Excess Earnings Method and Level 3 inputs in the fair value hierarchy include estimated revenue, expenses based on actuals and forecast. We use our best estimates and assumptions to assign fair value to the tangible and intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the acquisition date. Intangible assets have been recognized apart from goodwill whenever an acquired intangible asset arises from contractual or other legal rights, or whenever it is capable of being separated or divided from the acquired entity. Determining these fair values required us to make significant estimates and assumptions, particularly with respect to acquired intangible assets. The determination of fair value required considerable judgment and were sensitive to changes in underlying assumptions, estimates and market factors. There were no business combinations during the year ended December 31, 2024 and 2023.

Previous wording

Our goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price of business combinations over the fair value of the net assets acquired. Goodwill impairment testing requires significant judgment and management estimates, including, but not limited to, the determination of (i) the number of reporting units, (ii) the goodwill and other assets and liabilities to be allocated to the reporting units and (iii) the fair values of the reporting units. The estimates and assumptions described above, along with other factors such as discount rates, will significantly affect the outcome of the impairment tests and the amounts of any resulting impairment losses. We may use either a qualitative or quantitative approach when testing a reporting unit’s goodwill for impairment on an annual basis during the fourth quarter of each year, and between annual tests whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. If we use a qualitative approach and determine that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value, we would then perform the first step of the goodwill impairment test, which would consist primarily of a discounted cash flow (“DCF”) analysis compared to a guideline publicly-traded companies (“GPC”) analysis to determine the fair value of the reporting unit.

Current wording

Our goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price of business combinations over the fair value of the net assets acquired. Goodwill impairment testing requires significant judgment and management estimates, including, but not limited to, the determination of (i) the number of reporting units, (ii) the goodwill and other assets and liabilities to be allocated to the reporting units and (iii) the fair values of the reporting units. The estimates and assumptions described above, along with other factors such as discount rates, will significantly affect the outcome of the impairment tests and the amounts of any resulting impairment losses. We may use either a qualitative or quantitative approach when testing a reporting unit’s goodwill for impairment on an annual basis during the fourth quarter of each year, and between annual tests whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. If we use a qualitative approach and determine that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value, we would then perform the first step of the goodwill impairment test, which would consist primarily of a discounted cash flow (“DCF”) analysis using the income approach, with the resulting value compared to Guideline publicly traded companies (“GPC”) marketplace EBITDA multiples to corroborate the fair value of the reporting unit.

Previous wording

During the fourth quarter of 2023, with the assistance of a third-party specialist, we performed a quantitative assessment of the fair value of our STI reporting unit using the DCF and GPC methods described in Note 7 – Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets of the consolidated financial statements. The significant assumptions used in determining the fair values of the STI reporting unit primarily relate to the selection of EBITDA multiples used in the GPC analysis, and the revenue growth rate, the forecasted EBITDA margin, and the selected discount rate used in the DCF model. To the extent that GPC multiples in the future decrease, the discount rate used in determining the present value of our cash flows increases, or if we do not meet its cash flow projections for the reporting unit, an impairment charge may be recorded in the future.

Current wording

The significant assumptions used in determining the fair value of the Company’s reporting units primarily relate to the revenue growth rate, the forecasted EBITDA margin, and the selected discount rate used in the discounted cash flow model under the income approach. Under the Guideline Public Company method (“GPC”), the selection of EBITDA multiples to be used requires significant judgement. To the extent that the discount rate used in determining the present value of our cash flows increases, if we do not meet the cash flow projections for the reporting unit, or GPC multiples in the future decrease, additional impairment charges may be recorded in the future. In addition, afurther decrease in the Company’s common stock share price and market capitalization over a sustained period of time could be an indication that there has been a further decrease in the fair value of the Company’s reporting units.

Previous wording

The Company granted restricted stock units (“RSUs”) to employees and Performance Stock Units (“PSUs”) to certain executives. The PSUs contain performance and market conditions. The PSU grants were valued using the Monte Carlo simulation method and the assigned fair value on grant date will be recognized on a straight-line basis over the vesting term of the awards. The probability of the awards meeting the performance related vested conditions is not included in the grant date fair value, but rather will be estimated quarterly and the Company will true-up the expense recognition accordingly upon any probability to vest revision. The Company accounts for forfeitures as they occur.

Current wording

We granted restricted stock units (“RSUs”) to employees and Performance Stock Units (“PSUs”) to certain executives. The PSUs contain performance and market conditions. The PSU grants were valued using the Monte Carlo simulation method and the assigned fair value on grant date will be recognized on a straight-line basis over the vesting term of the awards. The probability of the awards meeting the performance related vested conditions is not included in the grant date fair value, but rather will be estimated quarterly and we will true-up the expense recognition accordingly upon any probability to vest revision. We account for forfeitures as they occur.