TUTOR PERINI Corp | 2013 | FY |

Method of Accounting for Contracts

 

Revenues and profits from the Company’s contracts and construction joint venture contracts are recognized by applying percentages of completion for the period to the total estimated revenues for the respective contracts. Percentage of completion is determined by relating the actual cost of the work performed to date to the current estimated total cost of the respective contracts. However, on contracts under which we provide construction management services, profit is generally recognized in accordance with the contract terms, usually on the as-billed method, which is generally consistent with the level of effort incurred over the contract period. When the estimate on a contract indicates a loss, the Company’s policy is to record the entire loss during the accounting period in which it is estimable. In the ordinary course of business, at a minimum on a quarterly basis, the Company updates estimates projected total contract revenue, cost and profit or loss for each contract based on changes in facts, such as an approved scope change, and changes in estimates. The cumulative effect of revisions in estimates of the total forecasted revenue and costs, including unapproved change orders and claims, during the course of the work is reflected in the accounting period in which the facts that caused the revision become known. The financial impact of these revisions to any one contract is a function of both the amount of the revision and the percentage of completion of the contract. Amounts up to the costs incurred which are attributable to unapproved change orders and claims are included in the total estimated revenue when realization is probable. Profit from unapproved change orders and claims is recorded in the period such amounts are resolved.

 

In accordance with normal practice in the construction industry, the Company includes in current assets and current liabilities amounts related to construction contracts realizable and payable over a period in excess of one year. Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings represents the excess of contract billings to date over the amount of contract costs and profits (or contract revenue) recognized to date on the percentage of completion accounting method on certain contracts. Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings represents the excess of contract costs and profits (or contract revenue) recognized to date on the percentage of completion accounting method over the amount of contract billings to date on the remaining contracts. Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings results when (1) the appropriate contract revenue amount has been recognized in accordance with the percentage of completion accounting method, but a portion of the revenue recorded cannot be billed currently due to the billing terms defined in the contract and/or (2) costs, recorded at estimated realizable value, related to unapproved change orders or claims are incurred.

 

For unapproved change orders or claims that cannot be resolved in accordance with the normal change order process as defined in the contract, the Company employs other dispute resolution methods, including mediation, binding and non-binding arbitration, or litigation.

 

Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings related to the Company’s contracts and joint venture contracts consisted of the following:

 

		At December 31,
		2013			2012
		(in thousands)
Unbilled costs and profits incurred to date*		$	204,276		$	157,119
Unapproved change orders		146,787			141,596
Claims		222,185			166,287
		$	573,248		$	465,002

 

* Represents the excess of contract costs and profits recognized to date on the percentage of completion accounting method over the amount of contract billings to date on certain contracts.

 

Of the balance of “Unapproved change orders” and “Claims” included above in costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings at December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, approximately $58.8 million and $62.0 million, respectively, are amounts subject to pending litigation or dispute resolution proceedings as described in Note 9 — Contingencies and Commitments. These amounts are management’s estimate of the probable cost recovery from the disputed claims considering such factors as evaluation of entitlement, settlements reached to date and experience with the customer. In the event that future facts and circumstances, including the resolution of disputed claims, cause a reduction in the aggregate amount of the estimated probable cost recovery from the disputed claims, the amount of such reduction will be recorded against earnings in the relevant future period.

 

The prerequisite for billing “Unbilled costs and profits incurred to date” is provided in the defined billing terms of each of the applicable contracts. The prerequisite for billing “Unapproved change orders” or “Claims” is the final resolution and agreement between the parties. The amount of costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings at December 31, 2013 estimated by management to be collected beyond one year is approximately $235.6 million.