TERMINIX GLOBAL HOLDINGS INC - Quarter Report: 2016 March (Form 10-Q)







UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549



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FORM 10-Q



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For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2016



or



For the transition period from                    to                    



Commission file number 001-36507



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ServiceMaster Global Holdings, Inc.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)



860 Ridge Lake Boulevard, Memphis, Tennessee 38120

(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)

901-597-1400

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)



Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.



Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).



Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.



Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).



The number of shares of the registrant’s common stock outstanding as of April 29, 2016: 135,740,188 shares of common stock, par value $0.01 per share

 

 

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TABLE OF CONTENTS





 

 



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PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION



ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS



Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Unaudited)

(In millions, except per share data)







See accompanying Notes to the unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements



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Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Position (Unaudited)

(In millions, except per share data)

                





      

See accompanying Notes to the unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

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      Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited)

(In millions)





See accompanying Notes to the unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements 

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SERVICEMASTER GLOBAL HOLDINGS, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

(UNAUDITED)

Note 1. Basis of Presentation 

ServiceMaster Global Holdings, Inc. and its majority-owned subsidiary partnerships, limited liability companies and corporations (collectively, “ServiceMaster,” the “Company,” “we,” “us, and “our”) is a leading provider of essential residential and commercial services. The Company’s services include termite and pest control, home warranties, disaster restoration, janitorial, residential cleaning, furniture and cabinet repair and home inspection. The Company provides these services through an extensive service network of company-owned, franchised and licensed locations operating primarily under the following leading brands: Terminix, American Home Shield, ServiceMaster Restore, ServiceMaster Clean, Merry Maids, Furniture Medic and AmeriSpec. All consolidated Company subsidiaries are wholly-owned. Intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated.

The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared by the Company in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (“GAAP”) and pursuant to the rules and regulations of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). The Company recommends that the quarterly unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015, as filed with the SEC (the “2015 Form 10-K”). The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements reflect all normal and recurring adjustments that are, in the opinion of management, necessary for the fair presentation of the financial position, results of operations and cash flows for the interim periods presented. The results of operations for any interim period are not indicative of the results that might be achieved for a full year.

 



Note 2. Newly Issued Accounting Standards

In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers” to provide a single comprehensive model for entities to use in accounting for revenue arising from contracts with customers. This model supersedes most current revenue recognition guidance, including industry-specific guidance. The core principle of the revenue model is that “an entity recognizes revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services.” Entities have the option of using either a full retrospective or modified approach to adopt the guidance. ASU 2014-09 is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2017. Early adoption is permitted for fiscal years, and interim period within those years, beginning after December 15, 2016. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adopting ASU 2014-09.

In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-01, “Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities” to change how entities measure certain equity investments, to require the disclosure of changes in the fair value of financial liabilities measured under the fair value option that are attributable to a company’s own credit, and to change certain other disclosure requirements. The changes in ASU 2016-01 specifically require that the changes in fair value of all investments in equity securities be recognized in net income. The Company is impacted as unrealized gains or losses on the Company’s available-for-sale securities are currently recognized in other comprehensive income. The amendments in ASU 2016-01 are effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2017, and will be adopted prospectively.

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, “Leases (Topic 842),” which is the final standard on accounting for leases. While both lessees and lessors are affected by the new guidance, the effects on lessees are much more significant. The most significant change for lessees is the requirement under the new guidance to recognize right-of-use assets and lease liabilities for all leases not considered short-term leases. Entities are required to use a modified retrospective approach to adopt the guidance. The amendments in ASU 2016-02 are effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2018. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adopting ASU 2016-02.

In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-09, “Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting” to require the recognition of the income tax effects of share-based awards in the income statement when the awards vest or are settled and the presentation of excess tax benefits as an operating activity on the statement of cash flows as part of the FASB’s simplification initiative. Under previous guidance, an entity generally recorded excess tax benefits and certain tax deficiencies in additional paid-in capital instead of through income tax expense or benefit in the income statement and presented excess tax benefits as a financing activity rather than an operating activity in the statement of cash flows. ASU 2016-09 is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2016. As allowed, the Company has elected to early adopt the amendments of ASU 2016-09. The adoption of ASU 2016-09 has been accounted for as a change in accounting principle prospectively for the income statement effect, as required, and retrospectively for the cash flow statement effect, as allowed. As a result of the implementation of ASU 2016-09,  $8 million of excess tax benefits for the three months ended March 31, 2015 were retrospectively presented as an operating activity within the condensed consolidated statements of cash flows.

 

 





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Note 3. Commitments and Contingencies

The Company carries insurance policies on insurable risks at levels that it believes to be appropriate, including workers’ compensation, auto and general liability risks. The Company purchases insurance policies from third-party insurance carriers, which typically incorporate significant deductibles or self-insured retentions. The Company is responsible for all claims that fall below the retention limits. In determining the Company’s accrual for self-insured claims, the Company uses historical claims experience to establish both the current year accrual and the underlying provision for future losses. This actuarially determined provision and related accrual include known claims, as well as incurred but not reported claims. The Company adjusts its estimate of accrued self-insured claims when required to reflect changes based on factors such as changes in health care costs, accident frequency and claim severity.

A reconciliation of beginning and ending accrued self-insured claims, which are included in Accrued liabilities—Self-insured claims and related expenses and Other long-term obligations, primarily self-insured claims on the condensed consolidated statements of financial position, net of insurance recoverables, which are included in Prepaid expenses and other assets and Other assets on the condensed consolidated statements of financial position, is presented as follows:



Accruals for home warranty claims in the American Home Shield business are made based on the Company’s claims experience and actuarial projections. Termite damage claim accruals in the Terminix business are recorded based on both the historical rates of claims incurred within a contract year and the cost per claim. Current activity could differ causing a change in estimates. The Company has certain liabilities with respect to existing or potential claims, lawsuits and other proceedings. The Company accrues for these liabilities when it is probable that future costs will be incurred and such costs can be reasonably estimated. Any resulting adjustments, which could be material, are recorded in the period the adjustments are identified.

On March 29, 2016, Terminix International USVI, LLC (“TMX USVI”) and The Terminix International Company Limited Partnership (“TMX LP”), each an indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, entered into a Plea Agreement (the “Plea Agreement”) in connection with the previously disclosed investigation initiated by the United States Department of Justice Environmental Crimes Section (the “DOJ”) into allegations that a local Terminix branch used methyl bromide as a fumigant at a resort in St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands. Together with the Plea Agreement, the DOJ charged TMX USVI and TMX LP with four misdemeanor violations of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act related to improper applications of methyl bromide. Under the Plea Agreement, TMX USVI agreed to pay a total of $5 million in fines to the United States. TMX LP agreed to pay $3 million in fines and penalties to the United States and a $1 million community service payment to the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation for the purpose of engaging a third party to provide training to pesticide applicators in the U.S. Virgin Islands. TMX USVI also agreed to pay $1 million to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (the “EPA”) for costs incurred by the EPA for the response and clean-up of the affected units at the resort in St. John. Both TMX USVI and TMX LP agreed to a three-year probation period subject to conditions of probation. Furthermore, TMX USVI and TMX LP agreed to make good faith efforts to resolve past and future medical expenses for the affected family through separate civil proceedings. The Plea Agreement would not bind any other federal, state or local authority, but the EPA has stated that it does not intend to initiate any administrative enforcement action or refer the matter to the DOJ for any civil enforcement action once a plea agreement is approved by the court. The Company has recorded in the condensed consolidated statement of operations and comprehensive income charges of $10 million in connection with the Plea Agreement, of which $2 million was recorded in the three months ended March 31, 2016.

At an initial appearance on April 20, 2016, the United States District Court of the U.S. Virgin Islands rejected the Plea Agreement, indicating that it was not satisfied with the assessment and distribution of the monetary sanctions set forth in the Plea Agreement. The parties continue to discuss the matter, including potential modifications to the Plea Agreement.  The court scheduled a sentencing hearing on August 25, 2016, and indicated that a modified plea agreement or a withdrawal of the plea could be filed up to that date.

A plea agreement and the payments thereunder would not resolve any related civil or administrative claims for damages or other relief related to the U.S. Virgin Islands matter. The amount and extent of any further potential penalties, fines, sanctions, costs and damages that the federal or other governmental authorities may yet impose, investigation or other costs and reputational harm, as well as the impact of any civil, criminal or other claims or judicial, administrative or regulatory

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proceedings resulting from or related to the U.S. Virgin Islands incident, which could be material, is not currently known or reasonably estimable, and any such penalties, fines, sanctions, costs or damages may not be covered under the Company’s general liability insurance program.  In the three months ended March 31, 2015, the Company recorded in the condensed consolidated statement of operations and comprehensive income a charge of $3 million in connection with civil claims related to the U.S. Virgin Islands matter, an amount equal to the Company’s insurance deductible under its general liability insurance program, although no assurance can be given regarding the Company’s insurance coverage or recoveries in connection with such civil claims.

On September 15, 2015, a lawsuit was filed in the Circuit Court of the 15th Judicial Circuit in and for Palm Beach County, Florida, styled Carl Robert McCaughey, et al. v. Terminix International Company Limited Partnership, Sunland Pest Control Services, Inc., et al. (Case No. 32080796). The lawsuit alleges that fumigation of a Florida family’s residence by Sunland, a subcontractor of Terminix, resulted in serious injuries to one of the family’s children, alleges claims for negligence and strict liability, and seeks an unspecified amount of monetary and punitive damages. The court has set a trial date in September 2016. The DOJ and other federal and state agencies are investigating the matter, and the DOJ has filed criminal charges against Sunland and two persons associated with Sunland. The Company continues to cooperate fully with all relevant governmental authorities. In the three months ended March 31, 2016, the Company recorded in the condensed consolidated statement of operations and comprehensive income a charge of $3 million in connection with civil claims related to the Palm Beach County, Florida matter, an amount equal to the Company’s insurance deductible under its general liability insurance program, although no assurance can be given regarding the Company’s insurance coverage or recoveries in connection with such civil claims. The amount and extent of any potential penalties, fines, sanctions, costs and damages that the federal or other governmental authorities may impose, investigation or other costs and reputational harm, as well as the impact of any civil, criminal or other claims or judicial, administrative or regulatory proceedings resulting from or related to this incident, which could be material, is not currently known or reasonably estimable, and any such penalties, fines, sanctions, costs or damages may not be covered under the Company’s general liability insurance program.

In 2008, the Company amended its Profit Sharing and Retirement Plan, a tax qualified 401(k) defined contribution plan available to substantially all of its employees (the “401(k) Plan”), to implement a qualified automatic contribution arrangement (“QACA”) under the safe harbor provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”). QACA plans, in general, require automatic enrollment of employees into the retirement plan absent an affirmative election that such employees do not wish to participate. Although the Company implemented processes to auto-enroll new hires after adopting the QACA plan in 2008, it discovered that it did not auto-enroll then existing employees who were not participating in the 401(k) Plan. In response, the Company implemented an auto-enrollment process for affected active employees, and it is preparing to submit to the IRS a voluntary correction proposal to remedy the issue for prior years. The Company’s current estimate of the cost of the correction ranges from $23 million to approximately $85 million. The Company recorded a charge of $23 million in the condensed consolidated statement of operations and comprehensive income in the fourth quarter of 2015. However, there can be no assurances as to the ultimate cost of the correction.

In addition to the matters discussed above, in the ordinary course of conducting business activities, the Company and its subsidiaries become involved in judicial, administrative and regulatory proceedings involving both private parties and governmental authorities. These proceedings include insured and uninsured matters that are brought on an individual, collective, representative and class action basis, or other proceedings involving regulatory, employment, general and commercial liability, automobile liability, wage and hour, environmental and other matters. The Company has entered into settlement agreements in certain cases, including with respect to putative collective and class actions, which are subject to court or other approvals. If one or more of the Company’s settlements are not finally approved, the Company could have additional or different exposure, which could be material. Subject to the paragraphs above, the Company does not expect any of these proceedings to have a material effect on its reputation, business, financial position, results of operations or cash flows; however, the Company can give no assurance that the results of any such proceedings will not materially affect its reputation, business, financial position, results of operations and cash flows. 

 



Note 4. Goodwill and Intangible Assets

Goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets are not amortized and are subject to assessment for impairment by applying a fair-value based test on an annual basis or more frequently if circumstances indicate a potential impairment. The Company’s annual assessment date is October 1. There were no goodwill or trade name impairment charges recorded in the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015. There were no accumulated impairment losses recorded as of March 31, 2016.

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The table below summarizes the goodwill balances for continuing operations by reportable segment:



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The table below summarizes the other intangible asset balances for continuing operations:



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For the existing intangible assets, the Company anticipates amortization expense for the remainder of 2016 and each of the next five years of $22 million, $19 million, $13 million, $8 million, $5 million and $2 respectively.

 



Note 5. Stock-Based Compensation 

For the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, the Company recognized stock-based compensation expense of $3 million ($2 million, net of tax) and $2 million ($1 million, net of tax), respectively. As of March 31, 2016, there was $33 million of total unrecognized compensation costs related to non-vested stock options, restricted stock units (“RSUs”) and performance shares  granted under the Amended and Restated ServiceMaster Global Holdings, Inc. Stock Incentive Plan (“MSIP”) and the Amended and Restated ServiceMaster Global Holdings, Inc. 2014 Omnibus Incentive Plan (the “Omnibus Incentive Plan”) and discounts associated with the ServiceMaster Global Holdings, Inc. Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the “Employee Stock Purchase Plan”). These remaining costs are expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.68 years.

 

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Note 6. Comprehensive Income

Comprehensive income, which primarily includes net income (loss), unrealized gain (loss) on marketable securities, unrealized gain (loss) on derivative instruments and the effect of foreign currency translation gain (loss), is disclosed in the condensed consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income.

The following tables summarize the activity in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of the related tax effects.



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Reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) included the following components for the periods indicated.

 

 

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Note 7. Supplemental Cash Flow Information

Supplemental information relating to the condensed consolidated statements of cash flows is presented in the following table:

The Company acquired $6 million and $2 million of property and equipment through capital leases and other non-cash  financing transactions in the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively, which have been excluded from the condensed consolidated statements of cash flows as non-cash investing and financing activities. 

In the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, the Company converted certain company-owned Merry Maids branches to franchises for a total purchase price of $4 million and $2 million, respectively. In the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, the Company received cash of $3 million and $1 million, respectively, and provided financing of $1 million and $1 million, respectively. These financed amounts have been excluded from the condensed consolidated statements of cash flows as non-cash investing activities.

 



Note 8. Cash and Marketable Securities

Cash, money market funds and certificates of deposits with maturities of three months or less when purchased are included in Cash and cash equivalents on the condensed consolidated statements of financial position. As of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, the Company’s investments consisted primarily of domestic publicly traded debt and certificates of deposit (“Debt securities”) and common equity securities (“Equity securities”). The amortized cost, fair value and gross unrealized gains and losses of the Company’s short- and long-term investments in Debt and Equity securities are as follows:



There were no unrealized losses which had been in a loss position for more than one year as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015. The aggregate fair value of the investments with unrealized losses was $28 million and $23 million as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively.

Gains and losses on sales of investments, as determined on a specific identification basis, are included in investment income in the period they are realized. The Company periodically reviews its portfolio of investments to determine whether there has been an other than temporary decline in the value of the investments from factors such as deterioration in the financial condition of the issuer or the market(s) in which the issuer competes. There were no proceeds, gross realized gains or gross realized losses resulting from sales of available-for-sale securities  or  impairment charges due to other than temporary declines in the value of certain investments for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015.   









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Note 9. Long-Term Debt

Long-term debt is summarized in the following table:



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Refinancing of Indebtedness

On February 17, 2015, the Company redeemed $190 million in aggregate principal amount of its outstanding 8%  senior notes due 2020 (the “8% 2020 Notes”) at a redemption price of 106.0% of the principal amount using available cash. In connection with the partial redemption, the Company recorded a loss on extinguishment of debt of $13 million in the three months ended March 31, 2015, which included  a pre-payment premium of $11 million and the write-off of $2 million of debt issuance costs. 

On April 1, 2015, the Company entered into a first amendment (the “First Term Loan Amendment”) which amends the agreement governing the $1,825 million term loan facility maturing July 1, 2021 (the “Term Loan Facility”) and the $300 million revolving credit facility maturing July 1, 2019 (the “Revolving Credit Facility”) (together with the Term Loan Facility, the “Credit Facilities”). The First Term Loan Amendment provides for incremental term loans (the “April Incremental Term Loans”) in an aggregate principal amount of $175 million. On April 1, 2015, the Company used the net proceeds from the April Incremental Term Loans, together with cash on hand, to redeem the remaining outstanding $200 million in aggregate principal amount of the 8% 2020 Notes at a redemption price of 106.0% of the principal amount. In connection with the redemption, the Company recorded a loss on extinguishment of debt of $14 million in the second quarter of 2015, which included a pre-payment premium of $12 million and the write-off of $2 million of debt issuance costs.

On August  17, 2015, the Company entered into a second amendment (the “Second Term Loan Amendment”) which amends the agreement governing the Credit Facilities. The Second Term Loan Amendment provides for incremental term loans (the “August Incremental Term Loans”) in an aggregate principal amount of $400 million. On August  17, 2015, the Company used the net proceeds from the August Incremental Term Loans, together with cash on hand, to redeem the remaining outstanding $488 million in aggregate principal amount of the 7% senior notes due 2020 (the “7% 2020 Notes”) (together with the 8% 2020 Notes, the “2020 Notes”) at a redemption price of 105.25% of the principal amount. In connection with the redemption, the Company recorded a loss on extinguishment of debt of $31 million in the third quarter of 2015, which included a pre‑payment premium of $25 million and the write-off of $6 million of debt issuance costs.

Interest Rate Swaps

Interest rate swap agreements in effect as of March 31, 2016 are as follows:

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(1)Before the application of the applicable borrowing margin.

 



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Note 10. Acquisitions

Acquisitions have been accounted for using the acquisition method and, accordingly, the results of operations of the acquired businesses have been included in the condensed consolidated financial statements since their dates of acquisition. The assets and liabilities of these businesses were recorded in the financial statements at their estimated fair values as of the acquisition dates. 

During the three months ended March 31, 2016, the Company completed several pest control and termite acquisitions. The total purchase price for these acquisitions was $3  million. The Company recorded goodwill of $2 million and accounts receivable of $1 million related to these acquisitions.

During the three months ended March 31, 2015, the Company completed several pest control and termite acquisitions. The total purchase price for these acquisitions was $14 million. The Company recorded goodwill of $10 million and other intangibles, primarily customer relationships, of $4 million related to these acquisitions.

Supplemental cash flow information regarding the Company’s acquisitions is as follows:







Note 11. Income Taxes 

As of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, the Company had $17 million and $16 million, respectively, of tax benefits primarily reflected in state tax returns that have not been recognized for financial reporting purposes (“unrecognized tax benefits”). Based on information currently available, it is reasonably possible that over the next 12 month period unrecognized tax benefits may decrease by $7 million as the result of settlements of ongoing audits, statute of limitation expirations or final settlements of uncertain tax positions in multiple jurisdictions.

As required by Accounting Standard Codification (“ASC”) 740, “Income Taxes,” the Company computes interim period income taxes by applying an anticipated annual effective tax rate to the Company’s year-to-date income or loss from continuing operations before income taxes, except for significant unusual or infrequently occurring items. The Company’s estimated tax rate is adjusted each quarter in accordance with ASC 740.

The effective tax rate on income from continuing operations was 37.1 percent and 37.0 percent for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. The effective tax rate on income from continuing operations for the three months ended March 31, 2016 was primarily affected by excess tax benefits for share-based awards recorded discretely during the quarter. The effective tax rate on income from continuing operations for the three months ended March 31, 2015 was primarily affected by a reduction of the state valuation allowance on net operating losses during the quarter.

 

Note 12. Business Segment Reporting

The business of the Company is conducted through three reportable segments: Terminix, American Home Shield and Franchise Services Group.

In accordance with accounting standards for segments, the Company’s reportable segments are strategic business units that offer different services. The Terminix segment provides termite and pest control services to residential and commercial customers and distributes pest control products. The American Home Shield segment provides home warranties for household systems and appliances. The Franchise Services Group segment provides residential and commercial disaster restoration, janitorial and cleaning services through franchises primarily under the ServiceMaster, ServiceMaster Restore and ServiceMaster Clean brand names, home cleaning services through franchises and Company-owned locations primarily under the Merry Maids brand name, on-site wood furniture and cabinet repair and restoration services primarily under the Furniture Medic brand name and home inspection services primarily under the AmeriSpec brand name. Corporate includes SMAC, the Company’s financing subsidiary exclusively dedicated to providing financing to its franchisees and retail customers of its operating units, and the Company’s headquarters operations (substantially all of which costs are allocated to the Company’s reportable segments), which provide various technology, marketing, finance, legal and other support services to the reportable segments. The composition of the Company’s reportable segments is consistent with that used by the Company’s chief operating decision maker (the “CODM”) to evaluate performance and allocate resources.

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Information regarding the accounting policies used by the Company is described in the Company’s 2015 Form 10-K. The Company derives substantially all of its revenue from customers and franchisees in the United States with approximately two percent generated in foreign markets. Operating expenses of the business units consist primarily of direct costs and indirect costs allocated from Corporate.

The Company uses Reportable Segment Adjusted EBITDA as its measure of segment profitability. Accordingly, the CODM evaluates performance and allocates resources based primarily on Reportable Segment Adjusted EBITDA. Reportable Segment Adjusted EBITDA is defined as net income before: unallocated corporate expenses; loss from discontinued operations, net of income taxes; provision for income taxes; loss on extinguishment of debt; interest expense; depreciation and amortization expense; 401(k) Plan corrective contribution; non-cash stock-based compensation expense; restructuring charges; gain on sale of Merry Maids branches; and other non-operating expenses. The Company’s definition of Reportable Segment Adjusted EBITDA may not be calculated or comparable to similarly titled measures of other companies. The Company believes Reportable Segment Adjusted EBITDA is useful for investors, analysts and other interested parties as it facilitates company-to-company operating performance comparisons by excluding potential differences caused by variations in capital structures, taxation, the age and book depreciation of facilities and equipment, restructuring initiatives, consulting agreements and equity-based, long-term incentive plans.

Information for continuing operations for each reportable segment and Corporate is presented below:





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Note 13. Related Party Transactions 

TruGreen Spin-off

In connection with the TruGreen spin-off on January 14, 2014, the Company entered into a transition services agreement with TruGreen Holding Corporation (“New TruGreen”) pursuant to which the Company provided New TruGreen with specified communications, public relations, finance and accounting, tax, treasury, internal audit, human resources operations and benefits, risk management and insurance, supply management, real estate management, marketing, facilities, information technology and other support services. The charges for the transition services were designed to allow the Company to fully recover the direct costs of providing the services, plus specified margins and any out-of-pocket costs and expenses. The services provided under the transition services agreement terminated at various specified times on or prior to January 14, 2016 (except certain information technology, human resources and accounts payable services, which the Company has continued to provide to New TruGreen beyond January 14, 2016). New TruGreen may terminate the transition services agreement (or certain services under the transition services agreement) for convenience upon 90 days written notice, in which case New TruGreen will be required to reimburse the Company for early termination costs.

Under this transition services agreement, the Company recorded $3 million and $8 million in the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively, of fees due from New TruGreen, which is included as a reduction in Selling and administrative expenses in the condensed consolidated statement of operations and comprehensive income. As of March 31, 2016, all amounts owed by New TruGreen under this agreement have been paid.

In addition, the Company, New TruGreen and TruGreen Limited Partnership, an indirectly wholly-owned subsidiary of New TruGreen, entered into (1) a separation and distribution agreement containing key provisions relating to the separation of the TruGreen business and the distribution of New TruGreen common stock to the Company’s stockholders (including relating to specified TruGreen legal matters with respect to which the Company has agreed to retain liability, as well as insurance coverage, non-competition, indemnification and other matters), (2) an employee matters agreement allocating liabilities and responsibilities relating to employee benefit plans and programs and other related matters and (3) a tax matters agreement governing the respective rights, responsibilities and obligations of the parties thereto with respect to taxes, including allocating liabilities for income taxes attributable to New TruGreen and its subsidiaries generally to the Company for tax periods (or portions thereof) ending on or before January 14, 2014 and generally to New TruGreen for tax periods (or portions thereof) beginning after that date.

 

Note 14. Fair Value Measurements

The period-end carrying amounts of receivables, accounts payable and accrued liabilities approximate fair value because of the short maturity of these instruments. The period-end carrying amounts of long-term notes receivable approximate fair value as the effective interest rates for these instruments are comparable to period-end market rates. The period-end carrying amounts of short- and long-term marketable securities also approximate fair value, with unrealized gains and losses reported net of tax as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) on the condensed consolidated statements of financial position, or, for certain unrealized losses, reported in interest and net investment income in the condensed consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income if the decline in value is other than temporary. The carrying amount of total debt was $2,748 million and $2,752 million and the estimated fair value was $2,821 million and $2,813 million as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively. The fair value of the Company’s debt is estimated based on available market prices for the same or similar instruments which are considered significant other observable inputs (Level 2) within the fair value hierarchy. The fair values presented reflect the amounts that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date (exit price). The fair value estimates presented in this report are based on information available to the Company as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015.

The Company has estimated the fair value of its financial instruments measured at fair value on a recurring basis using the market and income approaches. For investments in marketable securities, deferred compensation trust assets and derivative contracts, which are carried at their fair values, the Company’s fair value estimates incorporate quoted market prices, other observable inputs (for example, forward interest rates) and unobservable inputs (for example, forward commodity prices) at the balance sheet date.

Interest rate swap contracts are valued using forward interest rate curves obtained from third-party market data providers. The fair value of each contract is the sum of the expected future settlements between the contract counterparties, discounted to present value. The expected future settlements are determined by comparing the contract interest rate to the expected forward interest rate as of each settlement date and applying the difference between the two rates to the notional amount of debt in the interest rate swap contracts.

Fuel swap contracts are valued using forward fuel price curves obtained from third-party market data providers. The fair value of each contract is the sum of the expected future settlements between the contract counterparties, discounted to present value. The expected future settlements are determined by comparing the contract fuel price to the expected forward fuel price as of each settlement date and applying the difference between the contract and expected prices to the notional gallons in the fuel swap contracts. The Company regularly reviews the forward price curves obtained from third-party market data providers and related changes in fair value for reasonableness utilizing information available to the Company from other published sources.

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The Company has not changed its valuation techniques for measuring the fair value of any financial assets and liabilities during the year. Transfers between levels, if any, are recognized at the end of the reporting period. There were no significant transfers between levels during each of the three month periods ended March 31, 2016 and 2015.

The carrying amount and estimated fair value of the Company’s financial instruments that are recorded at fair value on a recurring basis for the periods presented are as follows:



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A reconciliation of the beginning and ending fair values of financial instruments valued using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) on a recurring basis is presented as follows:



The following tables present information relating to the significant unobservable inputs of the Company’s Level 3 financial instruments:



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The Company uses derivative financial instruments to manage risks associated with changes in fuel prices and interest rates. The Company does not hold or issue derivative financial instruments for trading or speculative purposes. In designating its derivative financial instruments as hedging instruments under accounting standards for derivative instruments, the Company formally documents the relationship between the hedging instrument and the hedged item, as well as the risk management objective and strategy for the use of the hedging instrument. This documentation includes linking the derivatives to forecasted transactions. The Company assesses at the time a derivative contract is entered into, and at least quarterly thereafter, whether the derivative item is effective in offsetting the projected changes in cash flows of the associated forecasted transactions. All of the Company’s designated hedging instruments are classified as cash flow hedges.

The Company has historically hedged a significant portion of its annual fuel consumption. The Company has also historically hedged the interest payments on a portion of its variable rate debt through the use of interest rate swap agreements. All of the Company’s fuel swap contracts and interest rate swap contracts are classified as cash flow hedges, and, as such, the hedging instruments are recorded on the condensed consolidated statements of financial position as either an asset or liability at fair value, with the effective portion of changes in the fair value attributable to the hedged risks recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). Any change in the fair value of the hedging instrument resulting from ineffectiveness, as defined by accounting standards, is recognized in current period earnings. Cash flows related to fuel and interest rate derivatives are classified as operating activities in the condensed consolidated statements of cash flows.

Ineffective portions of derivative instruments designated in accordance with accounting standards as cash flow hedge relationships were insignificant during the three months ended March 31, 2016. As of March 31, 2016, the Company had fuel swap contracts to pay fixed prices for fuel with an aggregate notional amount of $35 million, maturing through 2017. Under the terms of its fuel swap contracts, the Company is required to post collateral in the event that the fair value of the contracts exceeds a certain agreed upon liability level and in other circumstances required by the counterparty. As of March 31, 2016, the Company had posted $5 million in letters of credit as collateral under its fuel hedging program, which were issued under the Revolving Credit Facility.

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The effective portion of the gain or loss on derivative instruments designated and qualifying as cash flow hedging instruments is recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). These amounts are reclassified into earnings in the same period or periods during which the hedged forecasted debt interest settlement or the fuel settlement affects earnings. See Note 6 to the condensed consolidated financial statements for the effective portion of the gain or loss on derivative instruments recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) and for the amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) and into earnings. The amount expected to be reclassified into earnings during the next 12 months includes unrealized gains and losses related to open fuel hedges and interest rate swaps. Specifically, as the underlying forecasted transactions occur during the next 12 months, the hedging gains and losses in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) expected to be recognized in earnings is a loss of $6 million, net of tax, as of March 31, 2016. The amounts that are ultimately reclassified into earnings will be based on actual fuel prices and interest rates at the time the positions are settled and may differ materially from the amount noted above.

 





Note 15. Earnings Per Share

Basic earnings per share is computed by dividing net income by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding. Diluted earnings per share is computed by dividing net income by the weighted-average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the period, increased to include the number of shares of common stock that would have been outstanding had potential dilutive shares of common stock been issued. The dilutive effect of stock options, RSUs and performance shares are reflected in diluted net income per share by applying the treasury stock method.

A reconciliation of the amounts included in the computation of basic earnings per share from continuing operations and diluted earnings per share from continuing operations is as follows:



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ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The following information should be read in conjunction with the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and related notes included in Item 1 of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. The following discussion may contain forward-looking statements that reflect our plans, estimates and beliefs. Our actual results could differ materially from those discussed in these forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause or contribute to these differences include those factors discussed below and elsewhere in this report, particularly in “—Information Regarding Forward-Looking Statements.”  

Overview

Our core services include termite and pest control, home warranties, disaster restoration, janitorial, residential cleaning, furniture and cabinet repair and home inspection under the following leading brands: Terminix, American Home Shield, ServiceMaster Restore, ServiceMaster Clean, Merry Maids, Furniture Medic and AmeriSpec. Our operations for the periods presented in this report are organized into three reportable segments: Terminix, American Home Shield and Franchise Services Group.

Management Change

As of February 23, 2016, our board of directors appointed Mary Kay Wegner as Senior Vice President, Service and Operations, Terminix. In this role, Ms. Wegner will lead innovative service solutions and initiatives designed to enhance the Terminix customer experience across many contact points. She will report directly to William J. Derwin, President, Terminix. Ms. Wegner will also continue to have oversight of Corporate Supply Management and report to our Chief Executive Officer, Robert J. Gillette, in this capacity and will remain a member of the ServiceMaster Executive Leadership Team.

On March 3, 2016, Mark J. Barry, Chief Marketing & Strategy Officer of the Company, submitted his retirement notice. Mr. Barry's retirement was effective as of March 31, 2016. Mr. Barry has agreed to remain with the Company for two years in a consulting role following his retirement.

Key Business Metrics

We focus on a variety of indicators and key operating and financial metrics to monitor the financial condition and performance of the continuing operations of our businesses. These metrics include:

To the extent applicable, these measures are evaluated with and without impairment, restructuring and other charges that management believes are not indicative of the earnings capabilities of our businesses. We also focus on measures designed to monitor cash flow, including net cash provided from operating activities from continuing operations and free cash flow.

Revenue. Our revenue results are primarily a function of the volume and pricing of the services and products provided to our customers by our businesses as well as the mix of services and products provided across our businesses. The volume of our revenue in Terminix and American Home Shield, and in our company-owned branches in the Franchise Services Group, is impacted by new unit sales, the retention of our existing customers and acquisitions. We expect to continue our tuck-in acquisition program at Terminix and to periodically evaluate other strategic acquisitions. Revenue results in the remainder of our Franchise Services Group are driven principally by royalty fees earned from our franchisees. We serve both residential and commercial customers, principally in the United States. In 2015, approximately 98 percent of our revenue was generated by sales in the United States.

Operating Expenses. In addition to the impact of changes in our revenue results, our operating results are affected by, among other things, the level of our operating expenses. A number of our operating expenses are subject to inflationary pressures, such as fuel, chemicals, raw materials, wages and salaries, employee benefits and health care, vehicles, contractor costs, self-insurance costs and other insurance premiums, as well as various regulatory compliance costs.

Adjusted EBITDA. We evaluate performance and allocate resources based primarily on Adjusted EBITDA. We define Adjusted EBITDA as net income (loss) before: income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income taxes; provision (benefit) for income taxes; loss on extinguishment of debt; interest expense; depreciation and amortization expense; 401(k) Plan corrective contribution; non-cash impairment of software and other related costs; non-cash impairment of property and equipment; non-cash

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stock-based compensation expense; restructuring charges; gain on sale of Merry Maids branches; management and consulting fees; consulting agreement termination fees; and other non-operating expenses. We believe Adjusted EBITDA is useful for investors, analysts and other interested parties as it facilitates company-to-company operating performance comparisons by excluding potential differences caused by variations in capital structures, taxation, the age and book depreciation of facilities and equipment, restructuring initiatives, consulting agreements and equity-based, long-term incentive plans.

Net Income and Earnings Per Share. Basic earnings per share is computed by dividing net income by the weighted-average number of shares of common stock outstanding. Diluted earnings per share is computed by dividing net income by the weighted-average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the period, increased to include the number of shares of common stock that would have been outstanding had potential dilutive shares of common stock been issued. The dilutive effect of stock options and RSUs are reflected in diluted net income per share by applying the treasury stock method. The presentation of net income and earnings per share provides GAAP measures of performance which are useful for investors, analysts and other interested parties in company-to-company operating performance comparisons.

Organic Revenue Growth. We evaluate organic revenue growth to track performance of the business, including the impacts of sales, pricing, new service offerings and other growth initiatives. Organic revenue growth excludes revenue from acquired customers for 12 months following the acquisition date.

Customer Retention Rates and Customer Counts Growth. Where applicable, we report our customer retention rates and growth in customer counts in order to track the performance of the business. Customer counts represent our recurring customer base, which includes customers with active contracts for recurring services. Retention rates are calculated as the ratio of ending customer counts to the sum of beginning customer counts, new sales and acquired accounts for the applicable period. These measures are presented on a rolling, 12-month basis in order to avoid seasonal anomalies. See “—Segment Review.”

Seasonality

We have seasonality in our business, which drives fluctuations in revenue and Adjusted EBITDA for interim periods. In 2015, approximately 22 percent, 28 percent, 27 percent and 23 percent of our revenue and approximately 21 percent, 31 percent, 28 percent and 20 percent of our Adjusted EBITDA was recognized in the first, second, third and fourth quarters, respectively.

Effect of Weather Conditions

The demand for our services and our results of operations are also affected by weather conditions, including the seasonal nature of our termite and pest control services, home inspection services and disaster restoration services. Weather conditions which have a potentially unfavorable impact to our business include cooler temperatures or droughts which can impede the development of termite swarms and lead to lower demand for our termite control services; severe winter storms which can impact our residential cleaning business if we cannot travel to service locations due to hazardous road conditions; and extreme temperatures which can lead to an increase in service requests related to household systems. Weather conditions which have a potentially favorable impact to our business include mild winters which can lead to higher demand for termite and pest control services; mild winters or summers which can lead to lower household systems claim frequency; and severe storms which can lead to an increase in demand for disaster restoration services.

Franchises

Franchises are important to the Terminix, ServiceMaster Restore, ServiceMaster Clean, Merry Maids, Furniture Medic and AmeriSpec businesses. Total profits from our franchised operations were $18 million for each of the three month periods ended March 31, 2016 and 2015. Nearly all of the franchise fees received by our Franchise Services Group segment are derived from the ServiceMaster Restore, ServiceMaster Clean and Merry Maids businesses. Franchise fees from our Terminix franchisees represented less than one percent of Terminix revenue for the three months ended March 31, 2016. We evaluate the performance of our franchise businesses based primarily on operating profit before corporate general and administrative expenses, interest expense and amortization of intangible assets. Franchise agreements entered into in the course of these businesses are generally for a term of five to 10 years. The majority of these franchise agreements are renewed prior to expiration. Internationally, we have license agreements, whereby licensees provide services under our brand names that would ordinarily be provided by franchisees in the United States. The majority of international licenses are for 10‑year terms.



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 Results of Operations



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*     not meaningful



Revenue

We reported revenue of $608 million and $571 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. A summary of changes in revenue for each of our reportable segments and Corporate is included in the table below. See “—Segment Review” for a discussion of the drivers of the year-over-year changes.



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Cost of Services Rendered and Products Sold

We reported cost of services rendered and products sold of $324 million and $303 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. The following table provides a summary of changes in cost of services rendered and products sold for each of our reportable segments and Corporate:

The increase in contract claims cost at American Home Shield was driven by an increase in the average cost per service request associated with appliance repairs and normal inflationary pressure on the underlying costs of repairs. As of the end of the first quarter of 2016, our utilization of in-network contractors has returned to historical levels.

We realized a reduction in cost of sales of $6 million in the Franchise Services Group as a result of the branch conversions.

Selling and Administrative Expenses

We reported selling and administrative expenses of $173 million and $152 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively, which comprised general and administrative expenses of $75 and $66 million, respectively, and selling and marketing expenses of $98 million and $86 million, respectively.  The following table provides a summary of changes in selling and administrative expenses for each of our reportable segments and Corporate:

 



The increase in sales and marketing costs at American Home Shield was primarily driven by the shift in the timing of a holiday mail campaign from the fourth quarter of 2015 to the first quarter of 2016 and, to a lesser extent, an increase in sales commissions and a change in the timing of marketing spend within the year. We expect the shift in the holiday mail campaign to result in an increase to our full year marketing costs. The increase in customer service costs at American Home Shield was due to higher labor costs resulting from an acceleration of pre-season hiring and training in preparation for the high-volume summer season.  

We realized a reduction in selling and administrative expenses of $1 million in the Franchise Services Group as a result of the branch conversions.

The increase in technology costs was primarily due to investments in initiatives to improve our customers’ experiences.

Amortization Expense

Amortization expense was $8 million and $12 million in the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. The decrease is a result of certain finite-lived intangible assets recorded in connection with the merger transaction by which the Company was taken private in 2007 being fully amortized.

Restructuring Charges

We incurred restructuring charges of $1 million and $2 million in the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. The initiative to enhance capabilities and reduce costs in our headquarters functions that provide Company-wide

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administrative services for our operations resulted in $1 million of severance and other costs for each of the three month periods ended March 31, 2016 and 2015. Severance costs of $1 million related to the Terminix branch optimization were recorded in the three months ended March 31, 2015.



Gain on Sale of Merry Maids Branches 

We recorded a gain of  $1 million in each of the three month periods ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, associated with the branch conversions.

Interest Expense

Interest expense was $38 million and $46 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. The decrease in interest expense was driven by the redemption of the 2020 Notes in 2015, offset, in part, by additional borrowings under the April and August Incremental Term Loans. See Note 9 to the condensed consolidated financial statements for more details.

Interest and Net Investment Income

Interest and net investment income was $1 million for each of the three month periods ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, and comprised net investment gains and interest and dividend income realized on the American Home Shield investment portfolio and interest income on other cash balances.

Loss on Extinguishment of Debt

A loss on extinguishment of debt of $13 million was recorded in the three months ended March 31, 2015 related to the partial redemption of the 8% 2020 Notes on February 17, 2015. See Note 9 to the condensed consolidated financial statements for more details. There were no debt extinguishments in the three months ended March 31, 2016.

Other Expense

Other expense was $3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016, of which $2 million related to the Plea Agreement and $1 million related to legal expenses associated with the U.S. Virgin Islands matter. There was no such expense for the three months ended March 31, 2015.

Income from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes

Income from continuing operations before income taxes was $62 million and $45 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. The change in income from continuing operations before income taxes primarily reflects the net effect of year-over-year changes in the following items:



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Provision for Income Taxes

The effective tax rate on income from continuing operations was 37.1 percent and 37.0 percent for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. The effective tax rate on income from continuing operations for the three months ended March 31, 2016 was primarily affected by excess tax benefits for share-based awards recorded discretely during the quarter. The effective tax rate on income from continuing operations for the three months ended March 31, 2015 was primarily affected by a reduction of the state valuation allowance on net operating losses during the quarter. 

Net Income

Net income was $39 million and $28 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. The $11 million improvement was driven by a $17 million increase in income from continuing operations before income taxes, offset, in part, by a $6  million increase in the provision for income taxes.

Segment Review

The following business segment reviews should be read in conjunction with the required footnote disclosures presented in the notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements included in this report.

Revenue and Adjusted EBITDA by reportable segment and for Corporate are as follows:



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Terminix Segment

The Terminix segment, which provides termite and pest control services to residential and commercial customers and distributes pest control products, reported an eight percent increase in revenue and a six percent increase in Adjusted EBITDA for the three months ended March 31, 2016 compared to the three months ended March 31, 2015.

Revenue

Revenue by service line is as follows:







Pest control revenue increased 12 percent,  reflecting  improved price realization, the impact of the Alterra acquisition and growth in bed bug services.

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Termite revenue, including the wildlife exclusion, crawl space encapsulation and attic insulation products, which are managed as a component of our termite line of business, increased one percent. Termite renewal revenue comprised 57 percent of total termite revenue, while the remainder consisted of termite new unit revenue. The increase in termite revenue reflects an increase in traditional termite sales, offset, in part, by a decrease in sales of attic insulation. Termite activity is unpredictable in its nature. Factors that can impact termite activity include conducive weather conditions and consumer awareness of termite swarms.

Adjusted EBITDA

The following table provides a summary of changes in the segment’s Adjusted EBITDA:



The increase in technology costs was primarily due to investments in initiatives to improve our customers’ experiences.

American Home Shield Segment

The American Home Shield segment, which provides home warranties for household systems and appliances, reported an 11 percent increase in revenue and a 34 percent decrease in Adjusted EBITDA for the three months ended March 31, 2016 compared to the three months ended March 31, 2015.

The growth in renewable customer counts and customer retention are presented below.



Revenue

The revenue results reflect an increase in new unit sales, improved price realization and a favorable product mix.

Adjusted EBITDA

The following table provides a summary of changes in the segment’s Adjusted EBITDA: 

The increase in contract claims cost was driven by an increase in the average cost per service request associated with appliance repairs and normal inflationary pressure on the underlying costs of repairs. As of the end of the first quarter of 2016, our utilization of in-network contractors has returned to historical levels.

The increase in sales and marketing costs was primarily driven by the shift in the timing of a holiday mail campaign from the fourth quarter of 2015 to the first quarter of 2016 and, to a lesser extent, an increase in sales commissions and a change in the timing of marketing spend within the year. We expect the shift in the holiday mail campaign to result in an increase to our full year marketing costs. The increase in customer service costs was due to higher labor costs resulting from an acceleration of pre-season hiring and training in preparation for the high-volume summer season. 

The increase in technology costs was primarily due to investments in initiatives to improve our customers’ experiences.

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Franchise Services Group Segment 

The Franchise Services Group segment, which consists of the ServiceMaster Restore (disaster restoration), ServiceMaster Clean (janitorial), Merry Maids (residential cleaning), Furniture Medic (furniture and cabinet repair) and AmeriSpec (home inspection) businesses, reported a seventeen percent decrease in revenue and a five percent decrease in Adjusted EBITDA for the three months ended March 31, 2016 compared to the three months ended March 31, 2015.

Revenue

Revenue by service line is as follows:



Approximately $7  million of the decline in revenue from company-owned Merry Maids branches was attributable to the branch conversions with the remainder of the decline attributable to a decrease in new unit sales. The decrease in sales of products was driven by lower franchisee demand.

In 2014, we began converting company-owned Merry Maids branches to franchises. We expect the branch conversions completed through March 31, 2016, as well as further branch conversions expected during the remainder of 2016, to result in further decreases in revenues from company-owned Merry Maids branches, which we expect will be offset, in part, by modest increases in royalty fees. During the three months ended March 31, 2016, we converted 9 company-owned Merry Maids branches to franchises. As of March 31, 2016, there were 20 company-owned Merry Maids branches remaining.

Adjusted EBITDA

The following table provides a summary of changes in the segment’s Adjusted EBITDA:



We realized a reduction in Adjusted EBITDA of $1 million as a result of the branch conversions.

Corporate

Adjusted EBITDA for Corporate for the three months ended March 31, 2016 was comparable to the three months ended March 31, 2015. Each of the three month periods ended March 31, 2016 and 2015 include increased reserves in our automobile, general liability and workers’ compensation insurance program of $4 million driven by unfavorable claims trends. The unfavorable claims trends for the three months ended March 31, 2016 were impacted by a charge of $3 million in connection with civil claims related to an incident at a family’s residence in Palm Beach County, Florida. The unfavorable claims trends for the three months ended March 31, 2015 were impacted by a charge of $3 million in connection with civil claims related to an incident at a resort in St. John in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Each of the $3 million charges are amounts equal to our insurance deductibles under our general liability insurance program.

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Liquidity and Capital Resources

Liquidity

We are highly leveraged, and a substantial portion of our liquidity needs are due to service requirements on our significant indebtedness. The agreements governing the Credit Facilities contain covenants that limit or restrict our ability, including the ability of certain of our subsidiaries, to incur additional indebtedness, repurchase debt, incur liens, sell assets, make certain payments (including dividends) and enter into transactions with affiliates. As of March 31, 2016,  we were in compliance with the covenants under the agreements that were in effect on such date.

Our ongoing liquidity needs are expected to be funded by cash on hand, net cash provided by operating activities and, as required, borrowings under our credit facilities. We expect that cash provided from operations and available capacity under the Revolving Credit Facility will provide sufficient funds to operate our business, make expected capital expenditures and meet our liquidity requirements for the following 12 months, including payment of interest and principal on our debt. Cash and short- and long-term marketable securities totaled $452 million as of March 31, 2016, compared with $377 million as of December 31, 2015. As of March 31, 2016, there were $131 million of letters of credit outstanding and $169 million of available borrowing capacity under the Revolving Credit Facility. The letters of credit are posted to satisfy collateral requirements under our automobile, general liability and workers’ compensation insurance program and fuel swap contracts.

On February 23, 2016, our board of directors authorized a three-year share repurchase program, under which we may repurchase up to $300 million of outstanding shares of our common stock. We expect to fund the share repurchases from operating cash flow.

Cash and short- and long-term marketable securities include balances associated with regulatory requirements at American Home Shield. See “—Limitations on Distributions and Dividends by Subsidiaries.” American Home Shield’s investment portfolio has been invested in a combination of high-quality debt securities and equity securities. We closely monitor the performance of the investments. From time to time, we review the statutory reserve requirements to which our regulated entities are subject and any changes to such requirements. These reviews may result in identifying current reserve levels above or below minimum statutory reserve requirements, in which case we may adjust our reserves. The reviews may also identify opportunities to satisfy certain regulatory reserve requirements through alternate financial vehicles.

As of March 31, 2016, we had posted $126 million in letters of credit as collateral under our automobile, general liability and workers’ compensation insurance program, which were issued under the Revolving Credit Facility. We may from time to time elect to use cash or marketable securities, rather than letters of credit, to satisfy collateral requirements under our automobile, general liability and workers’ compensation insurance program.  The amount of cash or marketable securities utilized to satisfy these collateral requirements will depend on the relative cost of the issuance of letters of credit under the Revolving Credit Facility and our cash position.  Any use of cash or marketable securities as collateral would result is a corresponding increase in our available borrowing capacity under the Revolving Credit Facility.

Additionally, under the terms of our fuel swap contracts, we are required to post collateral in the event the fair value of the contracts exceeds a certain agreed upon liability level and in other circumstances required by the agreement with the counterparty. As of March 31, 2016, the estimated fair value of our fuel swap contracts was a net liability of $3 million, and we had posted $5 million in letters of credit as collateral under our fuel hedging program, which were also issued under the Revolving Credit Facility. The continued use of letters of credit for this purpose in the future could limit our ability to post letters of credit for other purposes and could limit our borrowing availability under the Revolving Credit Facility. However, we do not expect the fair value of the outstanding fuel swap contracts to materially impact our financial position or liquidity. 

We may from time to time repurchase or otherwise retire or extend our debt and/or take other steps to reduce our debt or otherwise improve our financial position, results of operations or cash flows. These actions may include open market debt repurchases, negotiated repurchases, other retirements of outstanding debt and/or opportunistic refinancing of debt. The amount of debt that may be repurchased or otherwise retired or refinanced, if any, will depend on market conditions, trading levels of our debt, our cash position, compliance with debt covenants and other considerations.

The Company is preparing to submit to the IRS a voluntary correction proposal to remedy an administrative error related to its Profit Sharing and Retirement Plan. The Company’s current estimate of the cost of the correction ranges from $23 million to approximately $85 million. We expect to fund the corrective contribution from operating cash flow.

Fleet and Equipment Financing Arrangements

We have entered into the Fleet Agreement which, among other things, allows us to obtain fleet vehicles through a leasing program. We expect to fulfill substantially all of our vehicle fleet needs through the leasing program under the Fleet Agreement. For the three months ended March 31, 2016, we acquired $6 million of vehicles through the leasing program under the Fleet Agreement. All leases under the Fleet Agreement are capital leases for accounting purposes. The lease rental payments include an interest component calculated using a variable rate based on one-month LIBOR plus other contractual adjustments and a borrowing margin totaling 2.45 percent. We have no minimum commitment for the number of vehicles to be obtained under the Fleet Agreement. 

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Additionally, a portion of our property and equipment is leased through programs outside the scope of the Fleet Agreement. For the three months ended March 31, 2016, there were no acquisitions of property and equipment through these incremental leasing programs, which are treated as capital leases for accounting purposes. We anticipate new lease financings, including the Fleet Agreement and incremental leasing programs, for the full year 2016 will range from approximately $40 to $50 million.

Limitations on Distributions and Dividends by Subsidiaries

We are a holding company, and as such have no independent operations or material assets other than ownership of equity interests in our subsidiaries. We depend on our subsidiaries to distribute funds to us so that we may pay obligations and expenses, including satisfying obligations with respect to indebtedness. The ability of our subsidiaries to make distributions and dividends to us depends on their operating results, cash requirements and financial condition and general business conditions, as well as restrictions under the laws of our subsidiaries’ jurisdictions.

The terms of the agreements governing the Credit Facilities restrict the ability of our subsidiaries to pay dividends, make loans or otherwise transfer assets to us. Further, our subsidiaries are permitted under the terms of the Credit Facilities and other indebtedness to incur additional indebtedness that may restrict or prohibit the making of distributions, the payment of dividends or the making of loans by such subsidiaries to us.

Furthermore, there are third-party restrictions on the ability of certain of our subsidiaries to transfer funds to us. These restrictions are related to regulatory requirements at American Home Shield and to a subsidiary borrowing arrangement at SMAC. The payments of ordinary and extraordinary dividends by our home warranty and similar subsidiaries (through which we conduct our American Home Shield business) are subject to significant regulatory restrictions under the laws and regulations of the states in which they operate. Among other things, such laws and regulations require certain such subsidiaries to maintain minimum capital and net worth requirements and may limit the amount of ordinary and extraordinary dividends and other payments that these subsidiaries can pay to us. As of March 31, 2016, the total net assets subject to these third-party restrictions was $175 million. We expect that such limitations will be in effect for the remainder of 2016. None of our subsidiaries are obligated to make funds available to us through the payment of dividends.

We consider undistributed earnings of our foreign subsidiaries as of March 31, 2016 to be indefinitely reinvested and, accordingly, no U.S. income taxes have been provided thereon. The amount of cash associated with indefinitely reinvested foreign earnings was approximately $17 million as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015. We have not repatriated, nor do we anticipate the need to repatriate, funds to the United States to satisfy domestic liquidity needs arising in the ordinary course of business, including liquidity needs associated with our domestic debt service requirements.

Cash Flows 

Cash flows from operating, investing and financing activities, as reflected in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of cash flows, are summarized in the following table.

Operating Activities

Net cash provided from operating activities from continuing operations increased $38 million to $106 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016 compared to $68 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015.

Net cash provided from operating activities for the three months ended March 31, 2016 comprised $68 million in earnings adjusted for non-cash charges and a $38 million decrease in cash required for working capital (a $26 million decrease excluding the working capital impact of accrued interest, restructuring and taxes). For the three months ended March 31, 2016, working capital requirements were favorably impacted by seasonal activity and timing of income tax payments, offset, in part, by incentive compensation payments related to 2015 performance.

Net cash provided from operating activities for the three months ended March 31, 2015 comprised $74 million in earnings adjusted for non-cash charges and a $5 million decrease in cash required for working capital (a $21 million decrease excluding the working capital impact of accrued interest, restructuring and taxes), offset, in part, by $11 million in payments for the call premium paid on the retirement of debt. For the three months ended March 31, 2015, working capital requirements were favorably impacted by seasonal activity, offset, in part, by the timing of interest payments on the 2020 Notes and incentive compensation payments related to 2014 performance.

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Investing Activities

Net cash used for investing activities from continuing operations was $15 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016 compared to $14 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015.

Capital expenditures increased to $17 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016 from $8 million in the three months ended March 31, 2015 and included recurring capital needs and information technology projects. We anticipate capital expenditures for the full year 2016 will range from approximately $55 million to $65 million, reflecting recurring capital needs and the continuation of investments in information systems and productivity enhancing technology. We expect to fulfill our ongoing vehicle fleet needs through vehicle capital leases. We have no additional material capital commitments at this time.

Proceeds from the sale of equipment and other assets was $3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016, primarily driven by the branch conversions. The branches were sold for a total purchase price of $4 million for which we received cash of $3 million and provided financing of $1 million. We expect to continue the branch conversions throughout the remainder of 2016.

Cash payments for acquisitions for the three months ended March 31, 2016 totaled $2 million, compared with $12 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015. Consideration paid for tuck-in acquisitions consisted of cash payments and debt payable to sellers. We expect to continue our tuck-in acquisition program at Terminix and to periodically evaluate other strategic acquisitions.

Cash flows from purchases, sales and maturities of securities, net, for the three months ended March 31, 2016 totaled $0 million. Cash flows provided from purchases, sales and maturities of securities, net, for the three months ended March 31, 2015 totaled $4 million and were driven by the maturity and sale of marketable securities at American Home Shield.

Cash flows provided by notes receivable, net, for each of the three month periods ended March 31, 2016 and 2015 totaled $1 million and were a result of a net reduction in financing provided by SMAC to our franchisees and retail customers of our operating units.

Financing Activities

Net cash used for financing activities from continuing operations was $17 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016 compared to $190 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015.

During the three months ended March 31, 2016,  we made scheduled principal payments on long-term debt of $19 million. Additionally, we received $2 million from the issuance of common stock.

During the three months ended March 31, 2015, we borrowed an incremental $3 million, made scheduled principal payments on long-term debt of $10 million and redeemed $190 million in aggregate principal amount of the 8% 2020 Notes at a redemption price of 106.0% of the principal amount using available cash. Additionally, we received $8 million from the issuance of common stock during the three months ended March 31, 2015.

Contractual Obligations

Our 2015 Form 10-K includes disclosures of our contractual obligations and commitments as of December 31, 2015. We continue to make the contractually required payments, and, therefore, the 2016 obligations and commitments as listed in our 2015 Form 10-K have been reduced by the required payments.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

As of March 31, 2016, we did not have any significant off-balance sheet arrangements.

We do not have any relationships with unconsolidated entities or financial partnerships, such as entities often referred to as structured finance or special purpose entities, established for the purpose of facilitating off- balance sheet arrangements or other contractually narrow or limited purposes. Accordingly, we are not materially exposed to any financing, liquidity, market or credit risk that could arise if we had engaged in such relationships. 



Regulatory Matters 

On March 29, 2016, TMX USVI and TMX LP, each an indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, entered into the Plea Agreement in connection with the previously disclosed investigation initiated by the DOJ into allegations that a local Terminix branch used methyl bromide as a fumigant at a resort in St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands. Together with the Plea Agreement, the DOJ charged TMX USVI and TMX LP with four misdemeanor violations of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act related to improper applications of methyl bromide. Under the Plea Agreement, TMX USVI agreed to pay a total of $5 million in fines to the United States. TMX LP agreed to pay $3 million in fines and penalties to the United States and a $1 million community service payment to the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation for the purpose of engaging a third party to provide training to pesticide applicators in the U.S. Virgin Islands. TMX USVI also agreed to pay $1 million to the EPA for costs incurred by the EPA for the response and clean-up of the affected units at the resort in St. John. Both TMX USVI and TMX LP agreed to a three-year probation period subject to conditions of probation. Furthermore, TMX USVI and TMX LP agreed to make good faith efforts to resolve past and future medical expenses for the affected family through separate civil proceedings. The Plea Agreement would not bind any other federal, state or local authority, but the EPA has stated that it does

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not intend to initiate any administrative enforcement action or refer the matter to the DOJ for any civil enforcement action once a plea agreement is approved by the court. We have recorded in the condensed consolidated statement of operations and comprehensive income charges of $10 million in connection with the Plea Agreement, of which $2 million was recorded in the three months ended March 31, 2016.

At an initial appearance on April 20, 2016, the United States District Court of the U.S. Virgin Islands rejected the Plea Agreement, indicating that it was not satisfied with the assessment and distribution of the monetary sanctions set forth in the Plea Agreement. The parties continue to discuss the matter, including potential modifications to the Plea Agreement. The court scheduled a sentencing hearing on August 25, 2016, and indicated that a modified plea agreement or a withdrawal of the plea could be filed up to that date.

A plea agreement and the payments thereunder would not resolve any related civil or administrative claims for damages or other relief related to the U.S. Virgin Islands matter. The amount and extent of any further potential penalties, fines, sanctions, costs and damages that the federal or other governmental authorities may yet impose, investigation or other costs and reputational harm, as well as the impact of any civil, criminal or other claims or judicial, administrative or regulatory proceedings resulting from or related to the U.S. Virgin Islands incident, which could be material, is not currently known or reasonably estimable, and any such penalties, fines, sanctions, costs or damages may not be covered under our general liability insurance program. In the three months ended March 31, 2015, we recorded in the condensed consolidated statement of operations and comprehensive income a charge of $3 million in connection with civil claims related to the U.S. Virgin Islands matter, an amount equal to our insurance deductible under our general liability insurance program, although no assurance can be given regarding our insurance coverage or recoveries in connection with such civil claims.

On September 15, 2015, a lawsuit was filed in the Circuit Court of the 15th Judicial Circuit in and for Palm Beach County, Florida, styled Carl Robert McCaughey, et al. v. Terminix International Company Limited Partnership, Sunland Pest Control Services, Inc., et al. (Case No. 32080796). The lawsuit alleges that fumigation of a Florida family’s residence by Sunland, a subcontractor of Terminix, resulted in serious injuries to one of the family’s children, alleges claims for negligence and strict liability, and seeks an unspecified amount of monetary and punitive damages. The court has set a trial date in September 2016. The DOJ and other federal and state agencies are investigating the matter, and the DOJ has filed criminal charges against Sunland and two persons associated with Sunland. We continue to cooperate fully with all relevant governmental authorities. In the three months ended March 31, 2016, we recorded in the condensed consolidated statement of operations and comprehensive income a charge of $3 million in connection with civil claims related to the Palm Beach County, Florida matter, an amount equal to our insurance deductible under our general liability insurance program, although no assurance can be given regarding our insurance coverage or recoveries in connection with such civil claims. The amount and extent of any potential penalties, fines, sanctions, costs and damages that the federal or other governmental authorities may impose, investigation or other costs and reputational harm, as well as the impact of any civil, criminal or other claims or judicial, administrative or regulatory proceedings resulting from or related to this incident, which could be material, is not currently known or reasonably estimable, and any such penalties, fines, sanctions, costs or damages may not be covered under our general liability insurance program.

Information Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This report contains forward-looking statements and cautionary statements. Some of the forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terms such as “believes,” “expects,” “may,” “will,” “shall,” “should,” “would,” “could,” “seeks,” “aims,” “projects,” “is optimistic,” “intends,” “plans,” “estimates,” “anticipates” or other comparable terms. Forward-looking statements include, without limitation, all matters that are not historical facts. They appear in a number of places throughout this report and include, without limitation, statements regarding our intentions, beliefs, assumptions or current expectations concerning, among other things, financial position; results of operations; cash flows; prospects; growth strategies or expectations; customer retention; the continuation of acquisitions, including the integration of any acquired company and risks relating to any such acquired company; fuel prices; attraction and retention of key personnel; the impact of fuel swaps; the valuation of marketable securities; estimates of accruals for self-insured claims related to workers’ compensation, auto and general liability risks; estimates of accruals for home warranty claims; estimates of future payments under operating and capital leases; estimates on current and deferred tax provisions; the outcome (by judgment or settlement) and costs of legal or administrative proceedings, including, without limitation, collective, representative or class action litigation; and the impact of prevailing economic conditions.

Forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties, many of which may be beyond our control. We caution you that forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance or outcomes and that actual performance and outcomes, including, without limitation, our actual results of operations, financial condition and liquidity, and the development of the market segments in which we operate, may differ materially from those made in or suggested by the forward-looking statements contained in this report. In addition, even if our results of operations, financial condition and cash flows, and the development of the market segments in which we operate, are consistent with the forward-looking statements contained in this report, those results or developments may not be indicative of results or developments in subsequent periods. A number of important factors, including, without limitation, the risks and uncertainties discussed in “Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015 and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” above, could cause actual results and outcomes to differ from those reflected in the forward-looking statements. Additional factors that could cause actual results and outcomes to differ from those reflected in forward-looking statements include, without limitation:

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You should read this report completely and with the understanding that actual future results may be materially different from expectations. All forward-looking statements made in this report are qualified by these cautionary statements. These forward-looking statements are made only as of the date of this report, and we do not undertake any obligation, other than as may be required by law, to update or revise any forward-looking or cautionary statements to reflect changes in assumptions, the occurrence of events, unanticipated or otherwise, and changes in future operating results over time or otherwise.

Comparisons of results for current and any prior periods are not intended to express any future trends, or indications of future performance, unless expressed as such, and should only be viewed as historical data. 

ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

The economy and its impact on discretionary consumer spending, labor wages, fuel prices and other material costs, home resales, unemployment rates, insurance costs and medical costs could have a material adverse impact on future results of operations.

We do not hold or issue derivative financial instruments for trading or speculative purposes. We have entered into specific financial arrangements, primarily fuel swap agreements and interest rate swap agreements, in the ordinary course of business to manage certain market risks, with a policy of matching positions and limiting the terms of contracts to relatively short durations. The effect of derivative financial instrument transactions could have a material impact on our financial statements.

Interest Rate Risk

We are exposed to the impact of interest rate changes and manage this exposure through the use of variable-rate and fixed-rate debt and by utilizing interest rate swaps. In our opinion, the market risk associated with debt obligations and other significant instruments as of March 31, 2016 has not materially changed from December 31, 2015 (see Item 7A of the 2015 Form 10-K).

Fuel Price Risk

We are exposed to market risk for changes in fuel prices through the consumption of fuel by our vehicle fleet in the delivery of services to our customers. We expect to use approximately 13 million gallons of fuel in 2016. As of March 31, 2016, a ten percent

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change in fuel prices would result in a change of approximately $3 million in our annual fuel cost before considering the impact of fuel swap contracts.

We use fuel swap contracts to mitigate the financial impact of fluctuations in fuel prices. As of March 31, 2016, we had fuel swap contracts to pay fixed prices for fuel with an aggregate notional amount of $35 million, maturing through 2017. The estimated fair value of these contracts as of March 31, 2016 was a net liability of $3 million. These fuel swap contracts provide a fixed price for approximately 59 percent and 70 percent of our estimated fuel usage for the remainder of 2016 and 2017, respectively. 

 

ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES 

Evaluation of disclosure controls and procedures

Our Chief Executive Officer, Robert J. Gillette, and Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Alan J. M. Haughie, have evaluated our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) and Rule 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act) as of the end of the period covered by this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q as required by Rule 13a-15(b) and Rule 15d-15(b) under the Exchange Act. Messrs. Gillette and Haughie have concluded that both the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of March 31, 2016.

Changes in internal control over financial reporting

No changes in our internal control over financial reporting, as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) or Rule 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act, occurred during the three months ended March 31, 2016 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting. 

 

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS 

On March 29, 2016, TMX USVI and TMX LP, each an indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, entered into the Plea Agreement in connection with the previously disclosed investigation initiated by the DOJ into allegations that a local Terminix branch used methyl bromide as a fumigant at a resort in St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands. Together with the Plea Agreement, the DOJ charged TMX USVI and TMX LP with four misdemeanor violations of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act related to improper applications of methyl bromide. Under the Plea Agreement, TMX USVI agreed to pay a total of $5 million in fines to the United States. TMX LP agreed to pay $3 million in fines and penalties to the United States and a $1 million community service payment to the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation for the purpose of engaging a third party to provide training to pesticide applicators in the U.S. Virgin Islands. TMX USVI also agreed to pay $1 million to the EPA for costs incurred by the EPA for the response and clean-up of the affected units at the resort in St. John. Both TMX USVI and TMX LP agreed to a three-year probation period subject to conditions of probation. Furthermore, TMX USVI and TMX LP agreed to make good faith efforts to resolve past and future medical expenses for the affected family through separate civil proceedings. The Plea Agreement would not bind any other federal, state or local authority, but the EPA has stated that it does not intend to initiate any administrative enforcement action or refer the matter to the DOJ for any civil enforcement action once a plea agreement is approved by the court. We have recorded in the condensed consolidated statement of operations and comprehensive income charges of $10 million in connection with the Plea Agreement, of which $2 million was recorded in the three months ended March 31, 2016.

At an initial appearance on April 20, 2016, the United States District Court of the U.S. Virgin Islands rejected the Plea Agreement, indicating that it was not satisfied with the assessment and distribution of the monetary sanctions set forth in the Plea Agreement. The parties continue to discuss the matter, including potential modifications to the Plea Agreement.  The court scheduled a sentencing hearing on August 25, 2016, and indicated that a modified plea agreement or a withdrawal of the plea could be filed up to that date.

A plea agreement and the payments thereunder would not resolve any related civil or administrative claims for damages or other relief related to the U.S. Virgin Islands matter. The amount and extent of any further potential penalties, fines, sanctions, costs and damages that the federal or other governmental authorities may yet impose, investigation or other costs and reputational harm, as well as the impact of any civil, criminal or other claims or judicial, administrative or regulatory proceedings resulting from or related to the U.S. Virgin Islands incident, which could be material, is not currently known or reasonably estimable, and any such penalties, fines, sanctions, costs or damages may not be covered under our general liability insurance program. In the three months ended March 31, 2015, we recorded in the condensed consolidated statement of operations and comprehensive income a charge of $3 million in connection with civil claims related to the U.S. Virgin Islands matter, an amount equal to our insurance deductible under our general liability insurance program, although no assurance can be given regarding our insurance coverage or recoveries in connection with such civil claims.

On September 15, 2015, a lawsuit was filed in the Circuit Court of the 15th Judicial Circuit in and for Palm Beach County, Florida, styled Carl Robert McCaughey, et al. v. Terminix International Company Limited Partnership, Sunland Pest Control Services, Inc., et al. (Case No. 32080796). The lawsuit alleges that fumigation of a Florida family’s residence by Sunland, a subcontractor of

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Terminix, resulted in serious injuries to one of the family’s children, alleges claims for negligence and strict liability, and seeks an unspecified amount of monetary and punitive damages. The court has set a trial date in September 2016. The DOJ and other federal and state agencies are investigating the matter, and the DOJ has filed criminal charges against Sunland and two persons associated with Sunland. We continue to cooperate fully with all relevant governmental authorities. In the three months ended March 31, 2016, we recorded in the condensed consolidated statement of operations and comprehensive income a charge of $3 million in connection with civil claims related to the Palm Beach County, Florida matter, an amount equal to our insurance deductible under our general liability insurance program, although no assurance can be given regarding our insurance coverage or recoveries in connection with such civil claims. The amount and extent of any potential penalties, fines, sanctions, costs and damages that the federal or other governmental authorities may impose, investigation or other costs and reputational harm, as well as the impact of any civil, criminal or other claims or judicial, administrative or regulatory proceedings resulting from or related to this incident, which could be material, is not currently known or reasonably estimable, and any such penalties, fines, sanctions, costs or damages may not be covered under our general liability insurance program.

In addition to the matters discussed above, in the ordinary course of conducting business activities, we and our subsidiaries become involved in judicial, administrative and regulatory proceedings involving both private parties and governmental authorities. These proceedings include insured and uninsured matters that are brought on an individual, collective, representative and class action basis, or other proceedings involving regulatory, employment, general and commercial liability, automobile liability, wage and hour, environmental and other matters. We have entered into settlement agreements in certain cases, including with respect to putative collective and class actions, which are subject to court or other approvals. If one or more of our settlements are not finally approved, we could have additional or different exposure, which could be material. Subject to the paragraphs above, we do not expect any of these proceedings to have a material effect on our reputation, business, financial position, results of operations or cash flows; however, we can give no assurance that the results of any such proceedings will not materially affect our reputation, business, financial position, results of operations and cash flows. See Note 3 to the condensed consolidated financial statement for more details.

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS 

We discuss in our 2015 Form 10-K and our other filings with the SEC various risks that may materially affect our business. There have been no material changes to the risk factors disclosed in the 2015 Form 10-K. The materialization of any risks and identified in Forward-Looking Statements contained in this report, together with those previously disclosed in the 2015 Form 10-K and our other filings with the SEC or those that are presently unforeseen could result in significant adverse effects on our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. See “Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Conditions and Results of Operations – Information Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” above.

ITEM 2.  UNREGISTERED SALES OF REGISTERED SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

Share Repurchase Program

On February 23, 2016, our board of directors authorized a three-year share repurchase program, under which we may repurchase up to $300 million of outstanding shares of our common stock. We expect to fund the share repurchases from operating cash flow. The share repurchase program is part of our capital allocation strategy that focuses on sustainable growth and maximizing shareholder value.

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

During the three months ended March 31, 2016, we did not purchase any shares of our common stock or other equity securities.



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ITEM 6. EXHIBITS 



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# Filed herewith. 

 



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SIGNATURE

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

Date: May 5, 2016





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