Annual report pursuant to Section 13 and 15(d)

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

v3.19.3.a.u2
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
Accounting Policies [Abstract]  
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

1.           SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Business Description—Rollins, Inc. (the “Company”), was originally incorporated in 1948, under the laws of the state of Delaware as Rollins Broadcasting, Inc.

The Company is an international service company with headquarters located in Atlanta, Georgia, providing pest and termite control services through its wholly-owned subsidiaries to both residential and commercial customers in the United States, Canada, Australia, Europe, and Asia with international franchises in Mexico, Canada, Central and South America, the Caribbean, the Middle East, Asia, Europe, Africa, and Australia. Services are performed through a contract that specifies the pricing arrangement with the customer.

Orkin, LLC. (“Orkin”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company founded in 1901, is the world’s largest pest and termite control company. It provides customized services from over 400 locations. Orkin either serves customers directly or through franchise operations, in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, the Middle East, Asia, Europe, and Africa providing essential pest control services and protection against termite damage, rodents and insects to homes and businesses, including hotels, food service establishments, food manufacturers, retailers and transportation companies. Orkin operates under the Orkin®, and Orkin Canada® trademarks and the AcuridSM service mark. The Orkin® brand name makes Orkin the most recognized pest and termite company throughout the United States. The Orkin Canada brand name provides similar brand recognition throughout Canada.

Orkin Canada, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Orkin founded in 1952, was acquired by Orkin in 1999. Orkin Canada is Canada’s largest pest control provider and a leader in the development of fast, effective and environmentally responsible pest control solutions.

Western Pest Services (“Western”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company founded in 1928, was acquired by Rollins, Inc. in 2004. Western is primarily a commercial pest control service company and its business complements most of the services Orkin offers, focusing on the northeastern United States.

The Industrial Fumigant Company (“IFC”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company founded in 1937, was acquired by Rollins, Inc. in 2005. IFC is a leading provider of pest management and sanitation services and products to the food and commodity industries.

HomeTeam Pest Defense (“HomeTeam”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company established in 1996, was acquired by Rollins, Inc. in April 2008. At the time of the acquisition, HomeTeam, with its unique Taexx® tubes in the wall pest control system, was recognized as a premier pest control business and ranked as the 4th largest company in the industry. HomeTeam services home builders nationally.

Rollins Australia (“Rollins Australia”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, acquired Allpest WA (“Allpest”), in February 2014. Allpest was established in 1959 and is headquartered in Perth, Australia. Allpest provides traditional commercial, residential, and termite service as well as consulting services on border protection related to Australia’s biosecurity program and provides specialized services to Australia’s mining and oil and gas sectors.

Critter Control, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, was acquired by Rollins, Inc. on February 27, 2015. Critter Control was established in 1983 and is headquartered in Traverse City, Michigan. The business is primarily franchised, operating in 40 states and one Canadian province.

Rollins UK was formed as a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company to acquire Safeguard Pest Control (“Safeguard”) in June 2016. Safeguard is a pest control company established in the United Kingdom in 1991 with a history of providing superior pest control, bird control, and specialist services to residential and commercial customers.

Northwest Pest Control, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company founded in 1951, was acquired by Rollins, Inc. in August 2017. Northwest specializes in residential and commercial termite control, pest control, mosquito control, wildlife services, lawn care, insulation, and HVAC services, focusing on the Southeast United States.

On April 30, 2019, the Company acquired Clark Pest Control of Stockton, Inc. (“Clark Pest Control”) located in Lodi, CA. At the time of the acquisition, Clark Pest Control was a leading pest management company in California and the nation’s 8th largest pest management company according to PCT 100 rankings. Clark Pest Control services its customers from 26 service locations in 2 states. Clark Pest Control recorded revenues of approximately $139.2 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018. The Company’s consolidated statements of income include the results of operations of Clark Pest Control for the period beginning April 30, 2019 through December 31, 2019.

The Company has several smaller wholly-owned subsidiaries that in total make up less than 5% of the Company’s total revenues.

The Company has only one reportable segment, its pest and termite control business. Revenue, operating profit and identifiable assets for this segment, includes the United States, Canada, Australia, Europe, Asia, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, the Middle East, and Africa. The Company’s results of operations and its financial condition are not reliant upon any single customer, few customers or foreign operations.

Principles of Consolidation—The Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of Rollins, Inc. and the Company’s wholly-owned subsidiaries and have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. (“GAAP”). The Company does not consolidate the financial statements of any company in which it has an ownership interest of 50% or less. The Company is not the primary beneficiary of, nor does it have a controlling financial interest in, any variable interest entity. Accordingly, the Company has not consolidated any variable interest entity. The Company reclassified certain prior period amounts, none of which were material, to conform to the current period presentation. All material intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.

Subsequent Events—The Company evaluates its financial statements through the date the financial statements are issued.

Estimates Used in the Preparation of Consolidated Financial Statements—The preparation of the consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the accompanying notes and financial statements. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Revenue Recognition—The Company’s Revenue recognition policy is to recognize revenue upon transfer of control of promised products or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration we expect to receive in exchange for those products or services. We enter into contracts that can include various combinations of products and services, each of which are distinct and accounted for as separate performance obligations. Revenue is recognized net of allowances for returns and any taxes collected from customers, which are subsequently remitted to governmental authorities.

Nature of Goods and Services and Performance Obligations

The Company contracts with its customers to provide the following goods and services, each of which is a distinct performance obligation:

Pest control services - Rollins provides pest control services to protect residential and commercial properties from common pests, including rodents and insects. Pest control generally consists of assessing a customer’s property for conditions that invite pests, tackling current infestations, and stopping the life cycle to prevent future invaders. Revenue from pest control services is recognized as services are rendered.

The Company’s revenue recognition policies are designed to recognize revenues upon satisfaction of the performance obligation at the time services are performed. For certain revenue types, because of the timing of billing and the receipt of cash versus the timing of performing services, certain accounting estimates are utilized. Residential and commercial pest control services are primarily recurring in nature on a monthly, bi-monthly or quarterly basis, while certain types of commercial customers may receive multiple treatments within a given month. In general, pest control customers sign an initial one-year contract, and revenues are recognized at the time services are performed. The Company defers recognition of advance payments and recognizes the revenue as the services are rendered. The Company classifies discounts related to the advance payments as a reduction in revenues.

Termite control services (including traditional and baiting) - Rollins provides both traditional and baiting termite protection services. Traditional termite protection uses “Termidor” liquid treatment and/or dry foam and Orkin foam to treat voids and spaces around the property, while baiting termite protection uses baits to disrupt the molting process termites require for growth and offers ongoing protection. Revenue from initial termite treatment services is recognized as services are provided.

Maintenance/monitoring/inspection - In connection with the initial service offerings, Rollins provides recurring maintenance, monitoring or inspection services to help protect consumer’s property for any future sign of termite activities after the original treatment. This recurring service is a service-type warranty under ASC 606 as it is routinely sold and purchased separately from the initial treatment services and is typically purchased or renewed annually.

Termite baiting revenues are recognized based on the transfer of control of the individual units of accounting. At the inception of a new baiting services contract, upon quality control review of the installation, the Company recognizes revenue for the installation of the monitoring stations, initial directed liquid termiticide treatment and servicing of the monitoring stations. A portion of the contract amount is deferred for the undelivered monitoring performance obligation. This portion is recognized as income on a straight-line basis over the remaining contract term, which results in recognition of revenue that depicts the Company’s performance in transferring control of the service. The allocation of the transaction price to the two deliverables is based on the relative stand-alone selling price. There are no contingencies related to the delivery of additional items or meeting other specified performance conditions. Baiting renewal revenue is deferred and recognized over the annual contract period on a straight-line basis that depicts the Company’s performance in transferring control of the service.

Revenue received for conventional termite renewals is deferred and recognized on a straight-line basis over the remaining contract term that depicts the Company’s performance in transferring control of the service; and, the cost of reinspections, reapplications and repairs and associated labor and chemicals are expensed as incurred. For outstanding claims, an estimate is made of the costs to be incurred (including legal costs) based upon current factors and historical information. The performance of reinspections tends to be close to the contract renewal date and while reapplications and repairs involve an insubstantial number of the contracts, these costs are incurred over the contract term. As the revenue is being deferred, the future cost of reinspections, reapplications and repairs and associated labor and chemicals applicable to the deferred revenue are expensed as incurred. The Company accrues for noticed claims. The costs of providing termite services upon renewal are compared to the expected revenue to be received and a provision is made for any expected losses.

Miscellaneous services (e.g., cleaning, etc.) - In certain agreements with customers, Rollins may offer other miscellaneous services, including restroom cleaning (e.g., eliminating foul odors, grease and grime which could attract pests), training (e.g., seminars covering good manufacturing practices and product stewardship), etc. Revenue from miscellaneous services is recognized when services are provided.

Products - Depending on customer demand, Rollins may separately sell pest control and/or termite protection products, such as traps. Revenue from product sales is recognized upon transfer of control of the asset.

Equipment rental (or lease) - Depending on customer demand, Rollins may lease certain pest control and/or termite protection equipment. Revenue from equipment rentals are recognized over the period of the rental/lease. Revenue from equipment rentals represent less than 1.0% of the Company’s revenues for each reported period.

Right to access intellectual property (Franchise) - The right to access Rollins’ intellectual property is an essential part of Orkin’s franchising agreements. These agreements provide the franchisee (the customer) a license to use the Rollins’ name and trademark when advertising and selling services to end customers in their normal course of business. Orkin franchise agreements contain a clause allowing Orkin to purchase certain assets of the franchisee. This is only an offer for Orkin to re-purchase the assets originally provided by Orkin to the franchisee and is not a performance obligation or a form of consideration. International and domestic franchising revenue was less than 1.0% of the Company’s annual revenues.

All Orkin domestic franchises have a guaranteed repurchase clause that the Orkin franchise may be repurchased by Orkin at a later date once it has been established. The Company amortizes the initial franchise fee over the initial franchise term. Deferred Orkin franchise fees were $1.7 million and $1.6 million for the year ending December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

Royalties from Orkin franchises are accrued and recognized as revenues are earned on a monthly basis. Revenue from Orkin franchises was $8.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2019 and $8.8 million and $5.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

Contract Balances

Timing of revenue recognition may differ from the timing of invoicing to customers. We record unearned revenue when revenue is recognized subsequent to billing. Unearned revenue mainly relates to the Company’s termite baiting offering, conventional renewals, and year-in-advance pest control services for which we have been paid in advance and earn the revenue when we transfer control of the product or service. For multi-year agreements, we generally invoice customers annually at the beginning of each annual coverage period. Refer to Note 3 - Revenue for further information, including changes in unearned revenue for the year.

The Company extends terms to certain customers on higher dollar termite and ancillary work, as well as to certain franchisees for initial funding on the sale of franchises. These financed receivables are segregated from our trade receivables. The amounts that are due within one year from the balance sheet dates are classified as short-term financed receivables, and are shown, net of allowance for doubtful accounts, at $22.3 million as of December 31, 2019 and $18.5 million at December 31, 2018. The balances of long-term financed receivables, net of allowance for doubtful accounts, were $30.8 million as of December 31, 2019 and $28.2 million at December 31, 2018 and are included in long-term assets on our consolidated statements of financial position. See Note 6 – Financing Receivables for further information.

The allowance for doubtful accounts reflects our best estimate of probable losses inherent in the accounts receivable balance. We determine the allowance based on known troubled accounts, historical experience, and other currently available evidence. Activity in the allowance for doubtful accounts can be found on Schedule II-Valuation and Qualifying Accounts.

Payment terms and conditions vary by contract type, although terms generally include a requirement of payment within 30 to 60 days. In instances where the timing of revenue recognition differs from the timing of invoicing, we have determined our contracts generally do not include a significant financing component. The primary purpose of our invoicing terms is to provide customers with simplified and predictable ways of purchasing our products and services, not to receive financing from our customers or to provide customers with financing.

Practical Expedients and Exemptions

We generally expense sales commissions when incurred because the amortization period would have been one year or less. These costs are recorded within sales and marketing expenses.

We do not disclose the value of unsatisfied performance obligations for (i) contracts with an original expected length of one year or less and (ii) contracts for which we recognize revenue at the amount to which we have the right to invoice for services performed. All revenues are reported net of sales taxes.

The Company’s foreign operations accounted for approximately 8% of revenues for each of the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018.

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts— The Company maintains an allowance for doubtful accounts based on the expected collectability of accounts receivable.  Management uses historical collection results as well as accounts receivable aging in order to determine the expected collectability of accounts receivable.  Substantially all of the Company’s receivables are due from pest control and termite services in the United States and selected international locations.  The Company’s allowance for doubtful accounts is determined using a combination of factors to ensure that our receivables are not overstated due to uncollectability. The Company’s established credit evaluation procedures seek to minimize the amount of business we conduct with higher risk customers. Provisions for doubtful accounts are recorded in selling, general and administrative expenses. Accounts are written-off against the allowance for doubtful accounts when the Company determines that amounts are uncollectible, and recoveries of amounts previously written off are recorded when collected. Significant recoveries will generally reduce the required provision in the period of recovery. Therefore, the provision for doubtful accounts can fluctuate significantly from period to period. There were no large recoveries in 2019, 2018, and 2017.  We record specific provisions when we become aware of a customer’s inability to meet its financial obligations to us, such as in the case of bankruptcy filings or deterioration in the customer’s operating results or financial position. If circumstances related to customers change, our estimates of the realizability of receivables would be further adjusted, either upward or downward. See Recent Accounting Guidance for discussion of the new FASB, ASU 2016-13 which provides updated guidance on measuring expected credit losses to be implemented in 2020.

Advertising—Advertising costs are charged to sales, general and administrative expense during the year in which they are incurred.

                   
Years ended December 31,   2019     2018     2017  
(in thousands)                  
Advertising   $ 81,174     $ 69,875     $ 66,115  

 

Cash and Cash Equivalents— The Company considers all investments with an original maturity of three months or less when purchased to be cash equivalents. Short-term investments, included in cash and cash equivalents, are stated at cost, which approximates fair market value.

The Company’s $94.3 million of total cash at December 31, 2019, is primarily cash held at various banking institutions. Approximately $74.1 million is held in cash accounts at international bank institutions and the remaining $20.2 million is primarily held in Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) insured non-interest-bearing accounts at various domestic banks which at times may exceed federally insured amounts.

The Company’s international business is expanding, and we intend to continue to grow the business in foreign markets in the future through reinvestment of foreign deposits and future earnings as well as acquisitions of unrelated companies. Repatriation of cash from the Company’s foreign subsidiaries is not a part of the Company’s current business plan.

Rollins maintains adequate liquidity and capital resources, without regard to its foreign deposits, that are directed to finance domestic operations and obligations and to fund expansion of its domestic business for the foreseeable future.

             
At December 31,   2019     2018  
(in thousands) (in US dollars)            
Cash held in foreign bank accounts   $ 74,094     $ 53,613  

Marketable Securities— From time to time, the Company maintains investments held by several large, well-capitalized financial institutions. The Company’s investment policy does not allow investment in any securities rated less than “investment grade” by national rating services.

Management determines the appropriate classification of debt securities at the time of purchase and re-evaluates such designations as of each balance sheet date. Debt securities are classified as available-for-sale because the Company does not have the intent to hold the securities to maturity. Available-for-sale securities are stated at their fair values, with the unrealized gains and losses reported as in earnings.

The Company had no marketable securities other than those held in the defined benefit pension plan and the non-qualified deferred compensation plan at December 31, 2019 and 2018. See Note 16 for further details.

Materials and Supplies— Materials and supplies are stated at the lower cost or net realizable value. Cost is determined on the first-in, first-out method.

Income Taxes—The Company provides for income taxes based on FASB ASC topic 740 “Income Taxes”, which requires recognition of deferred tax liabilities and assets for the expected future tax consequences of events that have been included in the consolidated financial statements or tax returns. The Company provides an allowance for deferred tax assets when it determines that it is more likely than not that the deferred tax assets will not be utilized. The Company establishes additional provisions for income taxes when, despite the belief that tax positions are fully supportable, there remain certain positions that do not meet the minimum probability threshold. The Company’s policy is to record interest and penalties related to income tax matters in income tax expense.

Equipment and Property— Equipment and Property are stated at cost, net of accumulated depreciation, and are provided principally on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the related assets. Annual provisions for depreciation are computed using the following asset lives: buildings, 10 to 40 years; and furniture, fixtures, and operating equipment, 2 to 10 years. Expenditures for additions, major renewals and betterments are capitalized and expenditures for maintenance and repairs are expensed as incurred. The cost of assets retired or otherwise disposed of and the related accumulated depreciation and amortization are eliminated from the accounts in the year of disposal with the resulting gain or loss credited or charged to income. The annual provisions for depreciation, below, have been reflected in the Consolidated Statements of Income in the line item entitled Depreciation and Amortization.

                   
Years ended December 31,   2019     2018     2017  
(in thousands)                  
Depreciation   $ 36,646     $ 30,364     $ 27,381  

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets— In accordance with the FASB ASC Topic 350, “Intangibles - Goodwill and other”, the Company classifies intangible assets into three categories: (1) intangible assets with definite lives subject to amortization; (2) intangible assets with indefinite lives not subject to amortization; and (3) goodwill. The Company does not amortize intangible assets with indefinite lives or goodwill. Goodwill and other intangible assets with indefinite useful lives are tested for impairment annually or more frequently if events or circumstances indicate the assets might be impaired. Such conditions may include an economic downturn or a change in the assessment of future operations. The Company performs impairment tests of goodwill at the Company level. Such impairment tests for goodwill include comparing the fair value of the appropriate reporting unit (the Company) with its carrying value. If the fair value of the reporting unit is lower than its carrying value, then the Company will compare the implied fair value of goodwill to its carrying value. Impairment losses are recognized whenever the implied fair value of goodwill is less than its carrying value.  The Company performs impairment tests for indefinite-lived intangible assets by comparing the fair value of each indefinite-lived intangible asset unit to its carrying value. The Company recognizes an impairment charge if the asset’s carrying value exceeds its estimated fair value. The Company completed its most recent annual impairment analysis as of September 30, 2019. Based upon the results of these analyses, the Company has concluded that no impairment of its goodwill or intangible assets with indefinite lives was indicated.

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets - In accordance with the FASB ASC Topic 360, “Property, Plant and Equipment”, the Company’s long-lived assets, such as property and equipment and intangible assets with definite lives are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of these assets may not be recoverable. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset to estimated undiscounted future cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. If the carrying amount of an asset exceeds its estimated undiscounted future cash flows, an impairment charge is recognized in the amount by which the carrying amount of the asset exceeds the fair value of the asset. We periodically evaluate the appropriateness of remaining depreciable lives assigned to long-lived assets, including customer contracts and assets that may be subject to a management plan for disposition.

Accrued Insurance—The Company retains, up to specified limits, certain risks related to general liability, workers’ compensation and vehicle liability. Risks above specified limits are managed through either high deductible insurance or a non-affiliated group captive insurance member arrangement. The estimated costs of existing and future claims under the retained loss program are accrued based upon historical trends as incidents occur, whether reported or unreported (although actual settlement of the claims may not be made until future periods) and may be subsequently revised based on developments relating to such claims. The Company contracts with an independent third-party actuary on a semi-annual basis to provide the Company an estimated liability based upon historical claims information. The actuarial study is a major consideration in establishing the reserve, along with management’s knowledge of changes in business practice and existing claims compared to current balances. Management’s judgment is inherently subjective as a number of factors are outside management’s knowledge and control. Additionally, historical information is not always an accurate indication of future events.

Accrual for Termite Contracts—The Company maintains an accrual for termite claims representing the estimated costs of reapplications, repairs and associated labor and chemicals, settlements, awards and other costs relative to termite control services. Factors that may impact future costs include termiticide life expectancy and government regulation. It is significant that the actual number of claims has decreased in recent years due to changes in the Company’s business practices. However, it is not possible to precisely predict future significant claims. An accrual for termite contracts is included in other current liabilities and long-term accrued liabilities on the Company’s consolidated statements of financial position.

Contingency Accruals—The Company is a party to legal proceedings with respect to matters in the ordinary course of business. In accordance with the FASB ASC Topic 450 “Contingencies,” management estimates and accrues for its liability and costs associated with the litigation. Estimates and accruals are determined in consultation with outside counsel. Because it is not possible to accurately predict the ultimate result of the litigation, judgments concerning accruals for liabilities and costs associated with litigation are inherently uncertain and actual liability may vary from amounts estimated or accrued. However, in the opinion of management, the outcome of the litigation will not have a material adverse impact on the Company’s financial condition or results of operations. Contingency accruals are included in other current liabilities and long-term accrued liabilities on the Company’s consolidated statements of financial position.

Three-for-two stock split—The Board of Directors at its quarterly meeting on October 23, 2018, authorized a three-for-two stock split by the issuance on December 10, 2018 of one additional common share for each two common shares held of record at November 9, 2018. All share and per share data appearing in the consolidated financial statements and related notes are restated for the three-for-two stock split.

Earnings Per Share—the FASB ASC Topic 260-10 “Earnings Per Share-Overall,” requires a basic earnings per share and diluted earnings per share presentation. Further, all outstanding unvested share-based payment awards that contain non-forfeitable rights to dividends or dividend equivalents, whether paid or unpaid, are considered participating securities and an entity is required to include participating securities in its calculation of basic earnings per share.

The Company has periodically issued share-based payment awards that contain non-forfeitable rights to dividends and therefore are considered participating securities. See Note 17 for further information on restricted stock granted to employees.

The basic and diluted calculations are the same as there were no stock options included in diluted earnings per share as we have no stock options outstanding. Basic and diluted earnings per share are computed by dividing net income by the weighted average number of shares outstanding during the respective periods.

A reconciliation of weighted average shares outstanding along with the earnings per share attributable to restricted shares of common stock (participating securities) is as follows (in thousands except per share data). All share and per share information in the following chart are restated for the stock split effective December 10, 2018:

Years Ended December 31,   2019     2018     2017  
Net income available to stockholders   $ 203,347     $ 231,663     $ 179,124  
Less: Dividends paid                        
Common Stock     (152,793 )     (151,458 )     (120,930 )
Restricted shares of common stock     (1,042 )     (1,284 )     (1,087 )
Undistributed earnings for the period   $ 49,512     $ 78,921     $ 57,107  
Allocation of undistributed earnings:                        
Common stock     49,144       78,255       56,567  
Restricted shares of common stock     368       666       540  
Basic and diluted shares outstanding:                        
Common stock     325,046       324,529       323,891  
Restricted shares of common stock     2,431       2,762       3,091  
Basic and diluted shares outstanding (in shares)     327,477       327,291       326,982  
Basic and diluted earnings per share:                        
Common stock:                        
Distributed earnings   $ 0.47     $ 0.47     $ 0.37  
Undistributed earnings     0.15       0.24     $ 0.18  
    $ 0.62     $ 0.71     $ 0.55  
Restricted shares of common stock                        
Distributed earnings   $ 0.43     $ 0.47     $ 0.35  
Undistributed earnings     0.15       0.24       0.18  
    $ 0.58     $ 0.71     $ 0.53  

Translation of Foreign Currencies—Assets and liabilities reported in functional currencies other than U.S. dollars are translated into U.S. dollars at the year-end rate of exchange. Revenues and expenses are translated at the weighted-average exchange rates for the year. The resulting translation adjustments are charged or credited to other comprehensive income. Gains or losses from foreign currency transactions, such as those resulting from the settlement of receivables or payables, denominated in foreign currency are included in the earnings of the current period.

Stock-Based Compensation— The Company accounts for its stock-based compensation in accordance with the FASB ASC Topic 718 “Compensation – Stock Compensation.” Time lapse restricted shares (TLRSs) have been issued to officers and other management employees under the Company’s Employee Stock Incentive Plan.

TLRSs provide for the issuance of a share of the Company’s Common Stock at no cost to the holder and generally vest after a certain stipulated number of years from the grant date, depending on the terms of the issue. Outstanding TLRSs vest in 20 percent increments starting with the second anniversary of the grant, over six years from the date of grant. During these years, grantees receive all dividends declared and retain voting rights for the granted shares. The agreements under which the restricted stock is issued provide that shares awarded may not be sold or otherwise transferred until restrictions established under the plans have lapsed. The fair value of these awards is recognized as compensation expense, net of forfeitures, on a straight-line basis over six years.

Comprehensive Income (Loss)—Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) results from foreign currency translations, minimum pension liability adjustments and cash flow hedge of interest rate risks.

Franchising Program – Rollins’ wholly-owned subsidiary, Orkin, had 50, 47 and 47 domestic franchises as of December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively. Transactions with Orkin’s domestic franchises involve sales of customer contracts to establish new Orkin franchises, initial franchise fees and royalties. The customer contracts and initial Orkin franchise fees are typically sold for a combination of cash and notes due over periods ranging up to five years. Notes receivable from Orkin franchises were $6.7 million at December 31, 2019 and $6.5 million at December 31, 2018. The Company amortizes the initial domestic franchise fees over the initial franchise term. Deferred domestic Orkin franchise fees were $1.7 million at December 31, 2019 and $1.6 million December 31, 2018. These notes receivable are included as financing receivables and the deferred franchise fees are included in other current liabilities in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Financial Position. The Company’s maximum exposure to loss (notes receivable from franchises less deferred franchise fees) relating to Orkin’s domestic franchises was $5.0 million, $4.9 million, and $2.5 million for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

As of December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017, Orkin had 97, 86, and 81 international franchises, respectively. Orkin’s international franchise program began with its first international franchise in 2000 and since has expanded to Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, the Middle East, Asia, Europe, and Africa.

Royalties from Orkin franchises (domestic and international) are accrued and recognized as revenues and are earned on a monthly basis. Revenue from Orkin franchises was $8.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2019 and $8.8 million and $5.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

Rollins’ wholly-owned subsidiary, Critter Control, had 84, 80 and 89 franchises in the United States and Canada as of December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively. Transactions with Critter Control franchises involve sales of territories to establish new franchises, initial franchise fees and royalties. The territories and initial franchise fees are typically sold for a combination of cash and notes. Notes receivable from Critter Control franchises were $0.9 million and $0.6 million at December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively. These notes are not guaranteed.  The Company anticipates that should there be any losses from franchisees, these losses would be recouped by terminating the franchisee and re-selling the territory. These amounts are included as financing receivables in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Financial Position.

Combined domestic and international revenues from Orkin, Critter Control and Australia franchises were $17.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2019 and $14.7 million and $9.7 million for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. Total franchising revenues were less than 1.0% of the Company’s annual revenues.

Right to access intellectual property (Franchise) - The right to access Orkin’s and Critter Control’s intellectual property is an essential part of Orkin and Critter Control franchising agreements, respectively. These agreements provide the franchisee a license to use the brand name and trademark when advertising and selling services to end customers in their normal course of business. Orkin and Critter Control franchise agreements contain a clause allowing the respective franchisor to purchase certain assets of the franchisee at the conclusion of their franchise agreement or upon termination. This is only an option for the franchisor to re-purchase the assets selected by the franchisor and is not a performance obligation or a form of consideration.

 

Recent Accounting Guidance

Recently adopted accounting standards

The Company adopted ASU 2016-02, Leases (ASC 842), on January 1, 2019 using the modified retrospective approach and did not restate comparative periods as permitted by ASU 2018-11, Leases (Topic 842): Targeted Improvements. We have elected the transition package of practical expedients, which permitted us not to reassess our prior conclusions regarding lease identification, lease classification and initial direct cost. The new standard also provides practical expedients for an entity’s ongoing accounting. We elected the short-term lease recognition exemption. Accordingly, the Company does not recognize right of use assets or lease liabilities, for existing short-term leases of those assets in transition. Upon adoption, the Company recognized operating lease right-of-use assets and liabilities of $195.7 million and $195.5 million, and a $0.2 million adjustment to beginning retained earnings.

The Company adopted ASU 2018-02, “Income Statement—Reporting Comprehensive Income (ASC 220): Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income”, which allows a reclassification from accumulated other comprehensive income to retained earnings for stranded tax effects resulting from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (“Tax Reform Act”). The Company adopted ASU 2018-02 effective January 1, 2019 and elected not to recognize a cumulative-effect adjustment.

In August 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-12, Derivatives and Hedging (ASC 815), which provides new guidance intended to improve the financial reporting of hedging relationships to better portray the economic results of an entity’s risk management activities in its financial statements. This ASU was adopted by the Company in 2019. The adoption of this ASU did not have an impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

Recently issued accounting standards to be adopted in 2020 or later

In June of 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, “Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments.” The updated accounting guidance requires the Company to measure all expected credit losses for financial instruments held at the reporting date based on historical experience, current conditions, and reasonable supportable forecasts. This replaces the existing incurred loss model and is applicable to the measurement of credit losses on financial assets, including trade receivables. Based on our current receivables and forecasts of future macroeconomic conditions, we estimate that the allowance for credit losses reported in our consolidated balance sheet will decrease by an immaterial amount at adoption. We will record the cumulative effect of initially applying the new standard as an adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings.

In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-04, Intangibles-Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment, which eliminates the requirement to calculate the implied fair value of goodwill (i.e., Step 2 of the current goodwill impairment test) to measure a goodwill impairment charge. Instead, entities will record an impairment charge based on the excess of a reporting unit’s carrying amount over its fair value (i.e., measure the charge based on the current Step 1). The standard in this update is effective for the Company’s financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning in 2020. Early adoption is permitted for annual and interim goodwill impairment testing dates after January 1, 2017. The adoption of this ASU is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-13, Fair Value Measurement (ASC 820): Disclosure Framework-Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement. The updated accounting guidance modifies the disclosure requirements on fair value measurements by removing certain disclosure requirements related to the fair value hierarchy, modifying existing disclosure requirements related to measurement uncertainty and adding new disclosure requirements. The standard in this update is effective for the Company’s financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning in 2020. The adoption of this ASU is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.