APi Group Corp: Form 10-K for the period ended Dec 31, 2023

Our Business

We are a global, market-leading business services provider of safety and specialty services in over 500 locations worldwide. We provide statutorily mandated and other contracted services to a strong base of long-standing customers across industries. We have a winning leadership culture driven by entrepreneurial business leaders that deliver innovative solutions to our customers.

We believe that our core strategies of driving organic growth and growth through accretive acquisitions, promoting sharing of best practices across all of our businesses, and leveraging our scale and services offerings place us in the position to capitalize on opportunities and trends in the industries we serve, grow our businesses and advance our position in each of our markets. We believe that our revenue diversification across customers, end markets, geographies and projects, combined with our go-to-market strategy of selling inspection work first, regional approach to operating our businesses, specialty operations in niche markets, strong commitment to leadership development, long-standing customers with a robust reputation in the industries we serve, and strong safety track record differentiates us from our competitors.

We have a disciplined acquisition platform which has historically provided strategic acquisitions that are integrated into our operations. Since 2005, we have completed over 100 acquisitions. We target companies that align with our strategic priorities and demonstrate key value drivers such as culture, geography, end markets and client base, capabilities, and leadership. Our priorities are unified around maintaining business continuity while identifying and implementing operational efficiencies, cost synergies, and integration of organizational processes to drive margin expansion.

We employ a regional operating model designed to improve speed and responsiveness to our customers across our businesses, empower leadership of our businesses to drive business performance and execute key decisions, and foster cross-functional sharing of best practices. This structure promotes a business-owner mindset among our individual business leaders and combines the personal attention of a small-to-medium sized company with the strength and support of an industry leader. It also allows each of our businesses to remain highly focused on best positioning itself within the categories in which it competes and reinforces strong accountability for operational and financial performance.

We operate our business under two primary operating segments, which are also our reportable segments:

• Safety Services – A leading provider of safety services in North America, Europe, and Asia Pacific, focusing on end-to-end integrated occupancy systems (fire protection solutions, Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (“HVAC”), and entry systems), including design, installation, inspection, and service of these integrated systems. The work performed within this segment spans across industries and facilities and includes commercial, education, healthcare, high tech, industrial, and special-hazard settings.
• Specialty Services – A leading provider of a variety of infrastructure services and specialized industrial plant services, which include maintenance and repair of critical infrastructure such as underground electric, gas, water, sewer, and telecommunications infrastructure. Our services include engineering and design, fabrication, installation, maintenance service and repair, retrofitting and upgrading, pipeline infrastructure, access and road construction, supporting facilities, and performing ongoing integrity management and maintenance to customers within the energy industry. Customers within this segment vary from private and public utilities, communications, healthcare, education, transportation, manufacturing, industrial plants and governmental agencies throughout North America.

Our Industry

The industries in which we operate are highly fragmented and comprised of national, regional, and local companies that provide services to customers across various end markets and geographies. We believe the following industry trends are affecting, and will continue to affect, demand for our services.

Increased Regulation. The life safety industry is highly regulated at the federal, state, and local levels and continuous regulatory changes, including mandated building codes and inspections and maintenance requirements, continue to generate increasing demand for our services, often on a recurring basis. Specifically, the Uniform Building Codes written by the National Fire Protection Association and the International Code Council regulate fire suppression and sprinkler systems. Among other things, these codes require testing, inspections, repair, maintenance and specific retrofits of building fire suppression and sprinkler systems, which generates recurring revenue related to those services. As these associations and government agencies continue to adopt new, more stringent regulations, the demand for our services increases.

Deferred Infrastructure Investment. Following several years of deferred investment, the aging United States ("U.S.") infrastructure system requires significant maintenance, repair and retrofit services which has spurred demand in our industry. State and local municipalities have deferred infrastructure spending for many years which has resulted in the need to rebuild or retrofit a large portion of the U.S. infrastructure. The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, signed into law on November 15, 2021, includes $550 billion of newly authorized infrastructure spending through 2026.

Our Competitive Strengths

We believe that the following are our key competitive strengths:

Leading Market Positions in Diverse Set of Niche Industries. We believe that we are one of the go-to-market leaders in each of the niche industries we serve, including the industry leader in fire protection and sprinkler services, among the top five specialty contractors in North America, and a large provider of fire and security solutions in many of the international markets we serve. We believe that our revenue diversification across customers, end markets, geographies and projects, combined with our go-to-market strategy of selling inspection work first, regional approach to operating our businesses, operations in niche industries with strong cross-selling opportunities and recurring revenue potential, strong commitment to leadership development, long-standing customer relationships with a robust reputation in the industries we serve, and strong safety track record differentiates us from our competitors. As a result of our strong global brand recognition, we believe we have better access to new business opportunities, allowing us to maintain and advance our market share positions.

Repeat Revenue with Diverse Mix of Customers, End Markets, Geographies and Projects. We have repeat revenue from a diverse set of long-standing blue chip customers who are spread across a variety of end markets and geographies with low concentration. Many of our customers have high creditworthiness in a direct service relationship or contracting role, providing stable cash flows and a platform for organic growth. Service inspections are often required by legislation or insurance mandates, providing a strong recurring revenue stream. Our broad geographic footprint reaches over 500 locations throughout over 20 countries, and allows us to maintain relationships with local decision makers while also having the ability to execute multi-site services for national and international account customers.

Differentiated Business Model Focused on Growing Service Revenue. Our go-to-market strategy in life safety is to sell inspection work first, because we estimate that every dollar sold can lead to subsequent service work. In most cases, our inspection work is covered by statutory or insurance requirements. Nearly all facilities that have existing life safety systems are required by law to have that system inspected on an annual basis. This strategy differentiates us from our peers and ultimately creates a stickier client relationship that we believe leads to recurring revenue, higher margins, and growth opportunities.

Attractive Industry Fundamentals. We believe that the diversity of end markets we serve and the regulatory-driven demand for certain of our services will enable us to better withstand various economic cycles. We believe that the industries in which we operate are subject to increasingly complex and evolving regulatory environments and have experienced pent-up demand resulting from years of deferred maintenance and retrofit investment. We believe this presents attractive opportunities for us to drive growth in our businesses and enhance our market share positions.

Disciplined Acquisition Platform with History of Strategic Acquisitions. We have a disciplined acquisition platform through which we systematically target, execute, and integrate strategic acquisitions. Since 2005, we have completed over 100 acquisitions. Through our selective approach, we identify and assess companies that we believe align with our strategic priorities and demonstrate key value drivers such as culture, geography, end markets, client base, leadership, and service capabilities. Each of our businesses maintains its identity, reputation, customer relationships and culture following acquisition while benefiting from the resources of the APG network, which we believe is an important differentiator. Our acquired businesses benefit from direct access to the APG network, which facilitates organizational sharing of knowledge and best practices, increases collaboration across our businesses and develops cross-brand solutions which foster enhanced experience, quality, and efficiency.

Differentiated Leadership Culture and Operating Model. We believe that one of our core pillars of success is our distinct leadership development culture predicated on Building Great Leaders®, our cross-functional leadership development platform designed to enable independent company leadership, cultivate broad management skills, enhance organizational flexibility, and empower the next cohort of leaders across our businesses. This culture of investing in leadership development at all levels of the organization has created an empowered, entrepreneurial atmosphere which facilitates organizational sharing of knowledge and best practices and enables the development of cross-brand solutions and innovation. Another important initiative is our field-based leadership programs. We believe our approach to field leadership is different from our peers’ field-based programs, which tend to focus on technical competence as opposed to leadership. Moreover, we employ a decentralized operating model which improves speed and responsiveness to customers in industries with strict requirements. This also empowers the leaders of our businesses to drive business performance and execute key decisions, while highlighting the significant focus we place on ensuring members of our team receive continuous investment in their development.

Resilient Business Model with Multiple Levers to Navigate Downturns. Our proactive approach to managing risk across our platform, recurring revenue services-focused business model, and highly variable cost structure provide significant flexibility to effectively navigate downturns. Our significant union labor force in the U.S. and subcontract labor force internationally allow us to flex our workforce capacity as market conditions dictate without incurring significant trailing costs or severance. Our average project duration is relatively short, which helps mitigate inflationary exposure to cost of goods sold or changes in labor expense that some peers may experience in an inflationary environment.

Historically, we have managed inflationary pressure through cost efficiency and cost saving actions, when needed. We believe that our broad mix of customers across many sectors and strong recurring revenue streams help us mitigate the impact of economic downturns on our business. In a downturn, we have multiple levers to pull to preserve cash due to a high proportion of variable costs.

Attractive Financial Performance and Strong Margin and Cash Flow Profile. We believe that, due to our differentiated operating model, diversified services offerings, historically strong organic growth, and disciplined acquisition strategy, we have an attractive financial performance profile. In addition, we support margin growth by leveraging our scale to benefit from procurement savings resulting from enhanced purchasing power and serving higher-margin, niche industries. We also have a stable cash flow profile driven by our focus on recurring services-based revenue and our asset-light business model, which requires minimal ongoing capital expenditures (which are typically less than 1.5% of total net revenues). The mission-critical nature of our services and regulatory-driven inspection requirements provide predictable, recurring revenue stream opportunities. Maintenance and services revenues are less cyclical, and are reasonably recurring due to the consistent renewal rates and deep customer relationships.

Our Business Strategy

We intend to continue to grow our businesses, both organically and through acquisitions, and advance our position in each of the markets we serve by pursuing the following integrated business strategies:

Drive Organic Growth. We believe that we can continue to grow our businesses organically and capture additional market share across each of our segments by focusing on growing maintenance, inspection, monitoring, and service revenue and maximizing cross-selling opportunities.

• Grow Maintenance, Inspection, and Service Revenue - We believe that we can drive substantial organic growth by focusing on growing our maintenance, inspection, and service revenue, which is a component of our business in each of our segments. We plan to capitalize on our broad base of installed projects, cross-selling opportunities, and customer relationships to continue to grow maintenance, inspection, and service revenue.
• Maximize Cross-Selling Opportunities - With diverse businesses, a broad reach across a variety of different industries, geographies, and end markets and a culture of collaboration, we believe that we have significant cross-selling opportunities to service more of the project life cycle and, once a project is completed, to continue to grow attractive recurring revenue streams.

Accelerate Growth through Acquisitions. We have a well-established acquisition platform with a track record of executing accretive acquisitions through our selective approach to targeting and assessing potential acquisitions that we believe align with our values and strategic priorities. We believe that the markets in which we operate, which are expanding internationally, are fragmented and lend themselves to continued opportunistic acquisitions. We have grown, and plan to continue to drive growth, through accretive acquisitions targeting businesses in our existing segments and those complementary to our service offerings.

Continue to Foster Leadership Development throughout All Levels and Geographies of the Organization. We plan to continue to invest in and support our leadership development culture through our Building Great Leaders® platform, which we believe will continue to empower the leaders across our businesses, drive business performance and create future cross-selling opportunities. Our programmatic training and development curriculum focuses on a range of topics from enhancing technical capabilities to developing soft skills, and decision-making training to enable independent company leadership. We believe that this culture will continue to support our decentralized operating model, which combines the personal attention of a small-to-medium sized company with the strength and support of an industry leader.

Leverage Our Scale and Services Portfolio. We believe that we can grow our businesses and increase our market position by leveraging our scale and broad portfolio of services offerings to capitalize on demand for single-source national and international providers. For example, we plan to focus on expanding national and international accounts and further developing an entity-wide purchasing program to realize the benefits from volume discounts and vendor pricing. We plan to leverage our industry-leading positions and the leadership across our businesses to capture growth opportunities across each of our segments. In addition, our increasing international footprint enhances our services platform with complementary offerings and cross-selling opportunities.

Customers

We have long-standing relationships with many customers in each of the industries we serve. We serve customers in both the public and private sectors, including commercial, industrial, distribution and fulfillment centers, manufacturing, education, healthcare, telecom, utilities, transmission and integrity, high tech, entertainment, government and infrastructure. Our customers range from Fortune 500 companies with diverse, worldwide operations to single-location companies. We have low customer concentration with no single customer accounting for more than 5% of our total net revenues for 2023.

Our focus on providing high quality service promotes deep, long-term relationships with our customers which often results in continued opportunities for new business and a reliable source of recurring revenue for ongoing inspection, maintenance, and monitoring services. We often provide services under master service and other service agreements, which can be multi-year agreements, subject to earlier termination. The remainder of our work is generated pursuant to contracts for specific projects or jobs that require shorter-term services.

Customers are billed with varying frequency, the timing of which is generally dependent upon advance billing terms, milestone billings based on completion of certain phases of the work, or when services are provided. Under the typical payment terms of master and other service agreements and contracts for specific projects, the customer makes progress payments based on quantifiable measures of performance as defined in the agreements. Some of our contracts include retainage provisions, under which a portion of the contract amount can be retained by the customer until final contract settlement.

Government Regulation and Environmental Matters

Our business activities are subject to regional, national, state, and local laws and regulations in each country in which we conduct business. These laws and regulations involve matters including compliance with codes or regulations governing our services, licensing and certification requirements, environmental and substance control, workplace safety, privacy, data use, data security and protection of personal information, data storage and retention, biometrics, intellectual property, advertising, marketing, distribution, electronic contracts and other communications, competition, taxation, economic or other trade prohibitions or sanctions, anti-corruption and political law compliance, securities law compliance, and financial services. In some cases, laws and regulations outside of the U.S. impose different obligations or are more restrictive than those in the U.S.

These regulations are administered by various regional, national, state, and local health and safety and environmental agencies and authorities. While we cooperate with governmental authorities and take reasonable measures to meet regulatory requirements, certain of these risks are inherent in the operation of our business irrespective of regulatory compliance. Failure to comply with these laws and regulations may involve civil and criminal liability. We are also subject to a wide range of reporting, licensure, certification, and compliance requirements as prescribed by various multi-national, national, state, and local governmental bodies or agencies, for example, individual or corporate licensing requirements or certifications that qualify us to perform the services we offer. We believe we have all required licenses to conduct our business activities and are in substantial compliance with applicable regulatory requirements. Expenditures relating to such regulations are made in the normal course of our business and are neither material nor place us at any competitive disadvantage. We do not currently expect that compliance with such laws and regulations will require us to make material expenditures. If we fail to comply with applicable regulations, we could be subject to substantial fines or revocation of our operating licenses.

We are subject to various national, state, and local labor and employment laws and regulations which govern minimum wage and hour requirements, overtime, working conditions, mandatory benefits, health and social insurance, statutory notice periods and other employment-related matters, duties and obligations. Additionally, a large portion of our business uses labor that is provided under collective bargaining agreements or is subject to works council processes. As such, we are subject to national and local laws and regulations related to unionized labor and collective bargaining.

We also are subject to various environmental laws and regulations that impose liability and cleanup responsibility for releases of hazardous substances into the environment or potential liability for harm to persons or property. Under certain of these laws and regulations, liabilities can be imposed for cleanup of properties, regardless of whether we directly caused the contamination or violated any law at the time of discharge or disposal. The presence of contamination from such substances or wastes could interfere with ongoing operations or adversely affect our business. In addition, we could be held liable for significant penalties and damages under certain environmental laws and regulations. Our contracts with customers may also impose liabilities on us regarding environmental issues that arise through the performance of our services. Additionally, under some legal theories of recovery applicable to claims for personal injury or property damage, liability could be imposed in connection with allegedly hazardous substances on a market share basis, eliminating the need for claimants to prove a direct relationship between the injury and our business operations. From time to time, we may incur costs and obligations related to environmental compliance and/or remediation matters or claims related to hazardous substances.

Effect of Seasonality and Cyclical Nature of Business

Our net revenues and results of operations can be subject to variability stemming from seasonal and other variations. Seasonal variations can be influenced by weather conditions impacting customer spending patterns, contract award seasons, and project schedules, as well as the timing of holidays. Consequently, net revenues for our businesses are typically lower during the first and second quarters due to the prevalence of unfavorable weather conditions within our North America companies, which can cause project delays and affect productivity.

Additionally, the industries we serve can be cyclical. Fluctuations in end-user demand, or in the supply of services within those industries, can affect demand for our services. As a result, our business may be adversely affected by industry declines or by delays in new projects. Variations or unanticipated changes in project schedules in connection with large projects can create fluctuations in net revenues.

Competitive Environment

We operate in industries which are highly competitive and highly fragmented. There are relatively few barriers to entry in many of the industries in which we operate, and as a result, any organization that has adequate financial resources and access to technical expertise could become a competitor. In each of our segments, we compete with a number of companies, ranging from small, owner-operated businesses operating in narrow geographic regions to large companies with national and international scale who have significant financial, technical, and marketing resources.

We compete based on a variety of factors, including price, service, technical expertise and experience, quality, safety record, response time, and reputation for customer service. A portion of our revenue is derived from agreements with customers that contain fixed price or per unit terms, and price is often an important factor in the contract award process for such work. However, we believe our customers also consider a variety of other factors, including those described above, when selecting a service provider, and we believe that our technical capabilities, broad geographic reach, and skilled labor force enable us to compete against our larger competitors.

Supply

We have multiple supply sources in various markets at competitive pricing for substantially all of our raw material and installed components. The raw materials and various purchased components we use such as piping, steel, sheet metal, fire suppression/detection components, and HVAC equipment have generally been available in sufficient quantities in a timely manner. We rely on multiple third-party manufacturers as a source for pre-fabricated goods or system components. Historically we have been able to mitigate commodity cost exposure by purchasing or price locking commodities early for particular projects, as well as selectively using time or market-based escalation provisions in proposals and contracts. While we have experienced some impacts on our supply chain to date, they have only impacted longer term contracts within our business, which are not significant. We do not anticipate experiencing significant procurement challenges, as the purchases of required materials can be sourced from multiple sources; however, tariffs or other changes in international trade relations or other factors such as the impact of pandemics and regional conflicts, could result in limited availability of or increased costs for some materials.

Sales and Marketing

Our success depends on developing and maintaining successful long-term relationships with key customers in each of the industries we serve. We intend to continue our emphasis on developing and maintaining long-term relationships with our customers by providing reliable, high-quality service in a professional manner. We believe we can continue to leverage specific technical and marketing strengths at the individual business-level to expand the services offered in each business’s market. Our culture of collaboration across our businesses provides significant cross-selling opportunities to leverage our current project base, existing relationships and professional expertise to provide additional services to our existing customers. In North America, we provide a single point of contact for customers with a regional or national portfolio of properties through our National Service Group (“NSG”) team within our Safety Services segment, which enhances our understanding of customers on a national scale and allows us to build more meaningful relationships with our customers. Through our NSG team, we are able to quickly and efficiently allocate resources to meet customer needs.

Insurance and Legal Proceedings

The primary insured risks in our operations are bodily injury, property damage and workers’ compensation injury. We are insured for workers’ compensation, employer’s liability, auto liability, general liability, employee group health insurance, property damage or loss, business interruption, cyber incidents, pollution liability, professional liability, as well as for other business risks and retain the risk for claims resulting from uninsured deductibles or retentions per-incident or occurrence. Because we have very large deductibles or retentions, the vast majority of our claims are paid by us, so as a practical matter we self-insure the great majority of these risks. Losses under all of these insurance programs are accrued based upon our estimate of the likely ultimate liability for claims reported and an estimate of claims incurred but not reported ("IBNR"), with assistance from third-party actuaries. In addition, in connection with the Chubb Acquisition, we agreed to accept the risk on certain pending claims against Chubb and certain IBNR claims. We estimated the exposure to loss presented by such claims with the assistance of third-party actuaries and negotiated an adjustment to the purchase price in connection with these anticipated costs and have made associated accruals. These insurance liabilities and liabilities for the Chubb claims are difficult to assess and estimate due to unknown factors, including the severity of an injury, the extent of damage, the determination of our liability, if any, in proportion to other parties and the number of incidents not reported. The accruals are based upon known facts, historical trends, and industry averages using the assistance of an actuary to project the extent of these obligations and management believes such accruals are adequate.

Growing and Developing our People

Our number one value and priority is the safety, health and well-being of all of our team members. Our team members are critical to the execution of our strategies and achieving business success. As of December 31, 2023, we had approximately 29,000 team members, of which approximately 14,000 were represented by unions or were subject to various collective bargaining agreements. We have not experienced and do not expect any significant strikes or work stoppages and believe our relations with team members covered by collective bargaining agreements are in good standing.

Talent Development and Engagement

We believe our success in attracting and retaining qualified team members will be based on the quality of our training, leadership development and opportunities for growth and advancement. We offer multiple accelerated development programs focusing on advancing the business and leadership skills of team members. Our field-based leadership has the opportunity to participate in a development program focused on building foundational leadership skills. In addition, we offer structured tools and opportunities for development, including individual development plans, executive coaching, strategic leadership advisory services and on-demand learning opportunities hosted on our learning management platform, our intranet site and through podcasts.

We believe that a culture where every team member can grow, thrive, and feel they belong is a differentiator and enables us to attract and retain people who also build inclusive relationships with our customers. We are committed to all dimensions of diversity including gender identity, race, sexual orientation, ability, backgrounds, and beliefs. We are building and evolving our culture of inclusion through our day-to-day work through our leadership, learning and development.

We monitor team member engagement through annual engagement assessments and provide recommendations for follow up based on this assessment. Our continued success will depend, in part, on our ability to continue to attract, motivate, retain and reward high-quality, skilled employees.

Health & Safety

We have a safety culture that is grounded in our commitment to zero incidents. We have established safety standards covering the risks particular to our business, deployed through specific training and monitored by country-level inspection programs. The aim of these programs is to ensure that all employees are aware of and comply with safety standards we have established and all applicable laws, regulations and other requirements in the countries and jurisdictions in which we operate. We have implemented our safety program, STEPS (Striving Toward Excellence and Professionalism in Safety), within North America which promotes safety culture awareness throughout our operations. Outside of North America, we have established a security program, SAFE (Scan, Assess, Fix, Execute) which is linked to the need for preventive actions before starting work. In addition, we have multiple programs geared towards increasing everyone’s awareness of our safety culture and to empower employees to stop work if risks are unmanageable. We are very focused on improving our fleet performance through defensive driver training, fleet technology, and company fleet assessments. Additionally, we participate in an annual Safety Week which includes activities designed to elevate safety awareness, and we hold an annual competition to acknowledge and reward businesses exhibiting excellence in safety. Our team of over one hundred safety professionals support the operations in each business to ensure industry safety standards are met and audits by safety professionals or certified organizations are utilized to assess the maturity of our safety management systems.

Our rate of incidents recordable under the standards of the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration ("OSHA") per one hundred employees per year, also known as the OSHA recordable rate, was 0.96 during 2023 and 1.0 during 2022, respectively. Our rate of 0.96 is considerably less than the most recently published OSHA rate for our industry of 2.4.

Competitive Pay, Benefits and Total Rewards Practices

Our total rewards philosophy is designed to align the compensation of our team members with Company financial results and performance, and to provide the appropriate market-competitive pay to attract, retain and incentivize team members to achieve superior performance. We offer a comprehensive, competitive portfolio of health, financial and well-being benefits aligned with market practice and legal requirements in each country in which we operate. Our benefit programs support our team members bringing their best self to work as they support their mental, physical, and financial needs and goals.

Executive Officers

Set forth below is certain information relating to our current executive officers.

Russell A. Becker has served as a director of the Company since October 2019. Mr. Becker joined APi Group, Inc. in 2002 as its President and Chief Operating Officer and became its Chief Executive Officer in 2004. Prior to leading APi Group, Inc., Mr. Becker served in a variety of roles at The Jamar Company, a subsidiary of APi Group, Inc., including as a Manager of Construction from 1995 to 1997 and as President from 1998 until he joined APi Group, Inc. in 2002. Mr. Becker served as a project manager for Ryan Companies from 1993 to 1995 and as a field engineer with Cherne Contracting from 1991 to 1993. Since July 2017, Mr. Becker has served on the board of directors of Liberty Diversified Industries and since January 2019 has served on the board of directors for Marvin Companies, each a private company. Mr. Becker also serves on the advisory board for the Construction Management Program at Michigan Technical University.

Kevin S. Krumm has served as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the Company since September 2021. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Krumm served as Corporate Treasurer and Senior Vice President of Global Business Services for Ecolab Inc. During his 15-year tenure there, he also held roles leading the Industrial segment finance team, regional finance teams in Europe, the Middle East and Africa, Asia and Latin America and leading international integration efforts for a major acquisition. Mr. Krumm began his career in public accounting working for consulting firms PwC, Arthur Andersen and Deloitte with a heavy emphasis on M&A/corporate finance. Mr. Krumm earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Northern Iowa and his master’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business.

Louis B. Lambert has served as Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary of the Company since July 2022. Most recently, Mr. Lambert was Vice President and Assistant General Counsel for Polaris Inc., a powersports manufacturing company. Prior to joining APi, Mr. Lambert served as vice president, legal, and assistant secretary of Polaris Inc., where he had responsibility for corporate governance, SEC compliance, M&A, executive compensation, and was general counsel for multiple global business units. Prior to that, Mr. Lambert held increasingly senior legal roles at 3M Company and then General Mills, where he focused on global M&A, joint ventures, and various general counseling roles. Mr. Lambert began his career as an associate at Faegre & Benson (now Faegre Drinker) in its corporate finance group. Mr.

Lambert earned his JD from Rutgers School of Law—Newark and a bachelor’s degree from the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor.

Kristina M. Morton has served as Senior Vice President and Chief People Officer of the Company since February 2022. Prior to joining the Company, Ms. Morton served as Vice President, Human Resources, Supply Chain and Global Operations for General Mills. During her 23-year tenure at General Mills, she also held roles in marketing, sales and supply chain, most recently leading 175 human resources professionals that supported 20,000 employees globally across 45 manufacturing facilities in the U.S. and Europe. Ms. Morton earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of St. Thomas and her master’s degree from the University of Minnesota.

Available Information

Our internet website address is www.apigroupcorp.com (http://www.apigroupcorp.com). We make available free of charge, through our website, our annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, all amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Exchange Act and proxy statements for our annual meeting of stockholders, as soon as reasonably practicable after each such material is electronically filed with or furnished to the SEC. The SEC also makes available at www.sec.gov (http://www.sec.gov) reports, proxy and information statements and other information filed by issuers with the SEC, such as the Company.

RISKS RELATED TO OUR BUSINESS

We have expanded our international operations, which subjects us to economic, political and other risks.

With the Chubb Acquisition in January 2022, our international operations have been greatly expanded. We have significantly expanded our pre-Chubb Acquisition presence in Europe and Canada (including in the United Kingdom ("U.K.") and the Netherlands), and we have acquired ongoing operations in new markets across Europe and the Asian-Pacific region (including France, Australia, and Hong Kong).

Approximately 37% of our revenue was derived from areas outside the United States for the year ended December 31, 2023. Accordingly, our business is and will in the future be subject to risks associated with doing business internationally, including:

• laws and regulations that dictate how we conduct business;
• changes or instability in a specific country’s or region’s political or economic conditions, including inflation or currency devaluation;
• political, financial market or economic instability relating to epidemics or pandemics;
• laws and regulations that tax or otherwise restrict repatriation of earnings or other funds or otherwise limit distributions of capital;
• changes to existing or new domestic or international tax laws;
• trade protection measures, such as tariff increases, and import and export licensing and control requirements;
• potentially negative consequences from fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates;
• difficulties repatriating income or capital, whether due to temporary blocking, taxes, tariffs or otherwise, where income from work outside the United States in non-U.S. dollars exceed our local currency needs;
• expropriation and governmental regulation restricting foreign ownership or requiring reversion or divestiture;
• laws and regulations governing our employee relations, including occupational health and safety matters and employee compensation and benefits matters;
• our ability to comply with, and the costs of compliance with, anti-bribery laws such as the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and similar local anti-bribery laws;
• uncertainties regarding legal or judicial systems, including inconsistencies between and within laws, regulations and decrees, and judicial application thereof, and delays in the judicial process; and
• difficulty in recruiting and retaining trained personnel in our international operations.

In addition, applicable U.S. and non-U.S. anti-corruption laws, including but not limited to the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (“FCPA”) and the U.K. Bribery Act, generally prohibit us from, among other things, corruptly making payments for the purpose of obtaining or retaining business. We pursue opportunities in certain parts of the world and in certain industries that may experience corruption, and in certain circumstances, compliance with these laws may conflict with longstanding local customs and practices. Our policies mandate compliance with all applicable anti-corruption laws. We have policies and procedures designed to ensure that our employees and intermediaries who work for us outside the United States comply with these laws, and we otherwise require such employees and intermediaries to comply with these laws. However, there can be no assurance that such policies, procedures and other requirements will protect us from liability under the FCPA or other similar laws for actions taken by our employees or intermediaries; moreover, detecting, investigating and resolving actual or alleged violations of such laws is expensive and could consume significant time and attention of our senior management, in-country management, and other personnel. Liability for such actions could result in severe criminal or civil fines, penalties, forfeitures, disgorgements or other sanctions. This in turn could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows.

We are a decentralized company and place significant decision-making authority with our subsidiaries’ management, supported by certain integrated policies and processes.

We believe our practice of conferring significant authority upon the management of our subsidiaries has been important to our successful growth and has allowed us to be responsive to opportunities and to our customers’ needs. We seek to maintain business continuity within our subsidiaries while identifying and implementing operational efficiencies, cost synergies, and integration of organizational processes across these companies. This balance presents certain risks, including the risk we would be slower to identify a misalignment between a subsidiary’s and our overall business strategy or shared processes. If an operating subsidiary fails to follow our shared company policies and processes, including those relating to compliance with applicable laws, we could be subjected to risks of noncompliance with applicable regulations.

As part of our business, we have entered into joint venture arrangements and likely will continue to do so. Our participation in joint ventures exposes us to liability and/or harm to our reputation for failures of our partners.

The purpose of our joint ventures is typically to combine skills and resources to allow for the proposing on and performance of particular projects. Success of these jointly performed projects can be adversely affected by the performance of our joint venture partners, over whom we may have little or no control. Differences in opinions or views between us and our joint venture partners could result in delayed decision-making or failure to agree on material issues that could adversely affect the business and operations of our joint ventures. Additionally, the failure by a joint venture partner to comply with applicable laws, regulations or client requirements could negatively impact our business.

We and our joint venture partners are generally jointly and severally liable for all liabilities and obligations of our joint ventures. If a joint venture partner fails to perform or is financially unable to bear its portion of required capital contributions or other obligations, including liabilities stemming from claims or lawsuits, we could be required to make additional investments, provide additional services or pay more than our proportionate share of a liability to make up for our partner’s shortfall. Further, if our partners experience cost overruns or project performance issues that we are unable to adequately address, the customer may terminate the project, which could result in legal liability to us, harm our reputation and reduce our profit or increase our loss on a project.

Improperly managed projects or project delays may result in additional costs or claims against us, which could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, operating results, and cash flows.

The quality of our performance on any given project depends in large part upon the ability of the project manager(s) to manage relationships and the project itself and to timely assert contractual remedies and deploy appropriate resources, including both third-party contractors and our own personnel. Our results of operations, cash flows and liquidity could be adversely affected if a project manager or our personnel miscalculate the resources or time needed to complete a project with capped or fixed fees, or the resources or time needed to meet contractual milestones. Additionally, delays on a particular project, including delays in designs, engineering information or materials provided to us by the customer or a third party, delays or difficulties in equipment and material delivery, schedule changes, delays from failure to timely obtain permits or rights-of-way or to meet other regulatory requirements, weather-related delays, governmental, industry, political and other factors, some of which are beyond our control, could result in cancellations or deferrals of project work, which could lead to a decline in revenue, or, for project deferrals, could cause us to incur costs for standby pay, and could lead to personnel shortages on other projects scheduled to commence at a later date.

RISKS RELATED TO ACQUISITIONS

Our business strategy includes acquiring companies and making investments that complement our existing businesses. These acquisitions and investments could be unsuccessful or consume significant resources, which could adversely affect our operating results.

We expect to continue to evaluate the acquisition of strategic businesses, service lines, and technologies with the potential to strengthen our industry position or enhance our existing offerings. However, we cannot assure you that we will identify or successfully complete suitable acquisitions in the future or that completed acquisitions will be successful. Acquisitions that do not achieve the intended strategic or operational benefits could adversely affect our operating results and may result in an impairment charge.

Under certain circumstances, it may be difficult for us to complete transactions quickly and to integrate acquired operations efficiently into our current business operations. Acquisitions and investments may involve significant cash expenditures, the incurrence of debt, operating losses and expenses that could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. Acquisitions involve numerous other risks, including: (i) diversion of management’s time and attention from daily operations; (ii) difficulties integrating acquired businesses, technologies and personnel into our business; (iii) inability to obtain required regulatory approvals; (iv) inability to obtain required financing on favorable terms or, if so obtained, risks associated with incurrence of additional indebtedness; (iv) potential loss of key employees, key contractual relationships, or key customers of acquired companies or from our existing businesses; and (v) assumption of the liabilities and exposure to unforeseen liabilities of acquired companies (including environmental, employee benefits, safety and health and third party property and casualty liabilities). Any acquisitions or investments may ultimately harm our business or financial condition, as such acquisitions may not be successful and may ultimately result in impairment charges.

We may not realize the expected benefits of the Chubb Acquisition because of integration and transition difficulties or other challenges.

On January 3, 2022, we closed the Chubb Acquisition. The success of the Chubb Acquisition depends, in part, on our ability to successfully integrate and operate the Chubb business in conjunction with our existing life safety businesses and transition from the services and systems provided by the seller. While we have largely been successful in replacing services provided by the seller in the Chubb Acquisition with capabilities and systems within APG or third parties, integrating legacy Chubb, new third party systems with APG's current systems could pose operational challenges that impact the business. The potential difficulties of integrating the operations of the Chubb business include, among others:

• continued unanticipated issues in integrating personnel, operations, systems and technology infrastructure, particularly after the end of the transitional services provided by the seller;
• coordinating geographically dispersed organizations;
• changes in applicable laws and regulations or conditions imposed by regulators;
• deploying internal controls over financial reporting;
• operating risks inherent in the Chubb business and our existing life safety businesses; and
• realizing the expected synergies from the Chubb Acquisition.

We may not accomplish the integration of the Chubb business smoothly, successfully or within the anticipated costs or timeframe. We have incurred and expect to incur additional non-recurring costs associated with the integration of Chubb into our business. These costs and expenses include fees paid to financial, legal and accounting advisors, facilities and systems implementation or consolidation costs, severance and other potential employment-related costs, including severance payments that may be made to certain Chubb employees. In addition, the Chubb business may not meet our expectations, causing our financial results to differ from our own or the investment community’s expectations. Any of these factors could have a negative effect on our financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows.

FINANCIAL RISKS

Adverse developments in the credit markets could adversely affect the funding of significant projects and therefore reduce demand for our services.

Adverse developments in the credit markets, including reduced liquidity or rising interest rates, could reduce the availability of funding for large capital projects that require our services. Volatility in the credit and equity markets could reduce the availability of debt or equity financing for significant projects, causing a reduction in capital spending, which could materially and adversely affect our financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows.

We may need additional capital in the future for working capital, capital expenditures or acquisitions, and we may not be able to access capital on favorable terms, or at all, which would impair our ability to operate our business or achieve our growth objectives.

Our ability to generate cash is essential for the funding of our operations and the servicing of our debt. If existing cash balances and cash generated from operations together with the borrowing capacity under our credit facilities are not sufficient to make future investments, make acquisitions or provide needed working capital, we may require financing from other sources. Our ability to obtain such additional financing in the future will depend on a number of factors including prevailing capital market conditions, conditions in our industry, and our operating results. If additional funds were not available on acceptable terms, we may not be able to make future investments, take advantage of acquisitions or pursue other opportunities.

Our use of revenue recognition over time could result in a reduction or reversal of previously recorded revenue or profits.

A significant portion of our revenue is recognized over time by measuring progress toward complete satisfaction of performance obligations in the proportion that our actual costs bear to our estimated contract costs at completion. The earnings or losses recognized on individual contracts are based on estimates of contract revenue, costs and profitability. We review our estimates of contract revenue, costs and profitability on an ongoing basis. Prior to contract completion, we may adjust our estimates on one or more occasions as a result of change orders to the original contract, collection disputes with the customer on amounts invoiced, claims against the customer for increased costs incurred by us due to customer induced delays and other factors, or other changes in facts and circumstances that require modifications to estimated costs. Contract losses are recognized in the fiscal period when the loss is determined. Contract profit estimates are also adjusted in the fiscal period in which it is determined that an adjustment is required. As a result of the requirements of over time revenue recognition, the possibility exists, for example, that we could have estimated and reported a profit or loss on a contract over several periods and later determined that all or a portion of such previously estimated and reported profits or losses were overstated or understated. If this occurs, the full aggregate amount of the overstatement or understatement will be reported for the period in which such determination is made, thereby eliminating all or a portion of any profits or losses from other contracts that would have otherwise been reported in such period or potentially resulting in a loss or gain being reported for such period. On a historical basis, we believe that we have made reasonably reliable estimates of the progress towards completion on our long-term contracts. However, given the uncertainties associated with these types of contracts, it is possible for actual costs to vary from estimates previously made, which may result in reductions or reversals of previously recorded revenue and profits.

We carry a significant amount of goodwill and identifiable intangible assets on our consolidated balance sheets. Earnings for future periods may be impacted by impairment charges for goodwill and intangible assets.

Goodwill is the excess of purchase price over the fair value of the net assets of acquired businesses. We assess goodwill and identifiable intangible assets for impairment each year, or more frequently if circumstances suggest an impairment may have occurred.

While we believe we have made reasonable estimates and assumptions to calculate the fair values of our reporting units which were based on facts and circumstances known at such time, it is possible that existing or new events may result in forecasted cash flows, revenue and earnings that differ from those that formed the basis of our estimates and assumptions, which could be materially different from our estimates and assumptions. Any impairment in the value of our goodwill would have an adverse non-cash impact on our results of operations and reduce our net worth. As of December 31, 2023, we had goodwill of $2,471 million, which is maintained in various reporting units.

Additionally, we have a significant amount of identifiable intangible assets and fixed assets that could also be subject to impairment. If we determine that a significant impairment has occurred in the value of our unamortized intangible assets or fixed assets, we could be required to write off a portion of our assets, which could adversely affect our financial condition or results of operations.

In connection with our preparation of our consolidated financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021, we and our independent registered public accounting firm identified material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting.

Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting. Internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("U.S. GAAP"). As previously disclosed in our Annual Reports on Form 10-K for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, management identified material weaknesses related to our internal control over financial reporting. While management was successful in completing its multi-year remediation of prior year material weaknesses within the legacy business, the establishment of internal controls over financial reporting at certain subsidiaries of the recently acquired Chubb fire and security business and the inability of a third-party service organization to provide a service auditors’ report led to the identification of new material weaknesses. As a result and in connection with our preparation of our consolidated financial statements herein for the year ended December 31, 2023, we and our independent registered public accounting firm identified material weaknesses in financial reporting. Under standards established by the United States Public Company Accounting Oversight Board, a material weakness is a deficiency, or combination of deficiencies, in internal control over financial reporting, such that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of annual or interim consolidated financial statements will not be prevented or detected and corrected on a timely basis.

We cannot assure you that we have identified all, or that we will not in the future have additional, material weaknesses. If we fail to remediate the material weaknesses or if we otherwise fail to establish and maintain effective control over financial reporting, our ability to accurately and timely report our financial results could be adversely affected.

If we are unable to assert that our internal control over financial reporting is effective, or if our independent registered public accounting firm is unable when required in the future to express an unqualified opinion as to the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting, investors may lose confidence in the accuracy and completeness of our financial reports, the market price of our common stock could be adversely affected, and we could become subject to litigation or investigations by the stock exchange on which our securities are listed, the SEC or other regulatory authorities, which could require additional financial and management resources.

Our substantial indebtedness may adversely affect our cash flow and our ability to operate our business and fulfill our obligations under our indebtedness.

As of December 31, 2023, on a consolidated basis, we had $1,737 million in principal amount of debt outstanding under our credit facilities, $614 million of senior notes, and other indebtedness totaling approximately $5 million.

Our substantial indebtedness could have significant effects on our operations. For example, it may:

• require us to dedicate a substantial portion of our cash flow from operations to payments on our indebtedness, thereby reducing the availability of our cash flow to fund working capital, capital expenditures, dividends, innovation, and other general corporate purposes;
• cause credit rating agencies to view our debt level negatively;
• increase our vulnerability to general adverse economic and industry conditions;
• limit our flexibility in planning for, or reacting to, changes in our business and the industries in which we operate;
• limit our ability to make strategic acquisitions, introduce new technologies or pursue business opportunities; and
• place us at a competitive disadvantage compared to our competitors that have less indebtedness.

In addition, the Credit Agreement governing the credit facilities contains covenants that restrict our operations. These covenants restrict, among other things, our ability to incur additional debt, grant liens, pay cash dividends, enter new lines of business, redeem our common stock, make certain investments and engage in certain merger, consolidation or asset sale transactions. These restrictions could limit our ability to plan for or react to market conditions, meet extraordinary capital needs or otherwise take actions that we believe are in our best interest. Further, a failure by us to comply with any of these covenants and restrictions could result in an event of default that, if not waived or cured, could result in the acceleration of all or a substantial portion of the outstanding indebtedness thereunder. In addition, subject to the restrictions in the agreements that govern the Credit Agreement, if we incur substantial additional indebtedness (including secured indebtedness) in the future, these risks will be exacerbated.

The terms of our indebtedness may limit our ability to borrow additional funds or capitalize on business opportunities, and our future debt level may limit our future financial and operating flexibility.

The Credit Agreement governing the credit facilities prohibits distributions on, or purchases or redemptions of, securities if any default or event of default is continuing. In addition, it contains various covenants limiting our ability to, among other things, incur indebtedness if certain financial ratios are not maintained, grant liens, engage in transactions with affiliates, enter into sale-leaseback transactions, and sell substantially all of our assets or enter into a merger or consolidation. The Credit Agreement governing the credit facilities also treats a change of control as an event of default and also requires us to maintain certain leverage ratios.

Our ability to access capital markets to raise capital on favorable terms will be affected by our debt level, our operating and financial performance, the amount of our current maturities and debt maturing in the next several years, and by prevailing credit market conditions. Moreover, if lenders or any future credit rating agency downgrade our credit rating, then we could experience increases in our borrowing costs, face difficulty accessing capital markets or incurring additional indebtedness, be unable to receive open credit from our suppliers and trade counterparties, be unable to benefit from swings in market prices and shifts in market structure during periods of volatility in the crude oil and natural gas markets or suffer a reduction in the market price of our common stock. If we are unable to access the capital markets on favorable terms at the time a debt obligation becomes due in the future. The price and terms upon which we might receive such extensions or additional bank credit, if at all, could be more onerous than those contained in existing debt agreements. Any such arrangements could, in turn, increase the risk that our leverage may adversely affect our future financial and operating flexibility and thereby impact our ability to pay cash distributions at expected rates.

Higher interest rates increase the interest costs on our credit facilities and on our other floating rate indebtedness and could impact adversely our ability to refinance existing indebtedness or to sell assets.

Interest payments for certain of our indebtedness, including borrowings under the credit facilities are based on floating rates. As a result, an increase in interest rates will reduce our cash flow available for other corporate purposes.

Higher interest rates could also limit our ability to refinance existing indebtedness and increase interest costs on any indebtedness that is refinanced. We have and may continue to enter into agreements such as floating-to-fixed interest rate swaps, caps, floors and other hedging contracts in order to hedge against the cash flow effects of changes in interest rates for floating rate debt. As of December 31, 2023, the Company had $1,120 million notional amount outstanding in interest rate swap agreements that exchange a variable rate of interest for a fixed rate over the term of the agreement. However, we may not maintain interest rate swaps with respect to all of our floating rate indebtedness, and any swaps we enter into may not fully mitigate our interest rate risk. In addition, these agreements expose us to the risk that other parties to the agreements will not perform or that the agreements will be unenforceable.

We are effectively self-insured against many potential liabilities.

We are insured through a wholly-owned insurance captive and third party carriers. We maintain insurance policies covering a broad range of risks, including automobile liability, general liability, property risk, employer liability, workers’ compensation, employee group health, business interruption, professional liability and other typical business coverages, and coverage for limited cyber incidents and pollution liability. If any of our insurance carriers default on their obligations to provide insurance coverage by reason of its insolvency or for other reasons, our exposure to claims would increase and our profits would be adversely affected.

Certain of our coverages are subject to large deductibles or have high self-insured retention amounts, our policies do not cover all possible claims, and certain legacy risks at Chubb were assumed without insurance coverage. Accordingly, we are effectively self-insured for a substantial number of actual and potential claims. Additionally, if our estimates of liability for current or IBNR claims are substantially undervalued, we may incur unexpected losses higher than our reserves which we believe are adequate.

Our estimates and accruals for unpaid claims and expenses are based on known facts, historical trends, industry averages, and reasonable estimates of future expenses, utilizing the assistance of third-party actuaries. We believe our accruals are adequate. The determination of such estimated liabilities and their appropriateness are reviewed and updated at least quarterly. In connection with the Chubb claims, we estimated the exposure to loss presented by such claims, negotiated an adjustment to the purchase price in connection with these anticipated costs and made associated accruals. However, claims liabilities are difficult to assess and estimate due to many relevant factors, the effects of which are often unknown, including the severity of an injury or damage, the determination of liability in proportion to other parties, the timeliness of reported claims, the effectiveness of our risk management and safety programs and the terms and conditions of our insurance policies. Additionally, unknown or changing trends, risks or circumstances, such as increases in claims, a weakening economy, increases in medical costs, changes in case law or legislation, or changes in the nature of the work we perform, could render our current estimates and accruals inadequate. If our estimates materially diverge from our realized liabilities, adjustments to our balance sheet may be required and these increased liabilities would be recorded in the period that the experience becomes known.

RISKS RELATED TO OUR CONTRACTS

We may not accurately estimate the costs associated with services provided under fixed price contracts, which could impair our financial performance.

A portion of our agreements with customers contain fixed price terms. Under these contracts, we typically set the price of our services on a per unit or aggregate basis and assume the risk that costs associated with our performance may be greater than what we estimated. We also enter into contracts for specific projects or jobs that require the installation or construction of an entire infrastructure system or specified units within an infrastructure system, many of which are priced on a fixed price or per unit basis. Profitability for these contracts will be reduced if actual costs to complete a project exceed our original estimates. If estimated costs to complete the remaining work for a project exceed the expected revenue to be earned, the full amount of any expected loss is recognized in the period the loss is determined. Our profitability on these contracts is therefore dependent upon our ability to accurately estimate the costs associated with our services and our ability to execute in accordance with our plans. A variety of factors could negatively affect these estimates, including changes in expected productivity levels, conditions at work sites differing materially from those anticipated at the time we propose on the contract, and higher than expected costs of labor and/or materials. These variations, along with other risks inherent in performing fixed price contracts, could cause actual project results to differ materially from our original estimates, which could result in lower margins than anticipated, or losses, which could reduce our profitability, cash flows and liquidity.

A portion of our contracts allocate the risk of price increases in supplies to us.

For certain contracts, including where we have assumed responsibility for procuring materials for a project, we are exposed to market risk of increases in certain commodity prices of materials, such as copper and steel, which are used as components of supplies or materials utilized in all of our operations. In addition, our customers’ capital budgets may be impacted by the prices of certain materials. These prices could be materially impacted by general market conditions and other factors, including U.S. trade relationships with other countries or the imposition of tariffs. We are also exposed to increases in energy prices, including as they relate to gasoline prices for our rolling-stock fleet of approximately 12,200 vehicles. Additionally, the price of fuel required to run our vehicles and equipment is unpredictable and fluctuates based on events outside our control. Any increase in fuel costs could materially reduce our profitability and liquidity to the extent we are not able to adjust our pricing for such expenses. While we believe we can increase our prices to adjust for some price increases in commodities, there can be no assurance that price increases of commodities would be recoverable. Additionally, some of our fixed price contracts do not allow us to adjust our prices and, as a result, increases in material or fuel costs could reduce our profitability with respect to such projects.

Some of our subsidiaries are government contractors, and they are subject to complex rules and regulations governing government contractors, and their contracts with government entities are subject to audit. Violations of the applicable rules and regulations could result in a subsidiary being barred from future government contracts.

Government contractors must comply with many regulations and other requirements that relate to the award, administration and performance of these contracts, and government contracts are subject to audit. A violation of these laws and regulations could result in imposition of fines and penalties, the termination of a government contract or debarment from proposing on government contracts in the future. Further, despite our decentralized nature, a violation at one of our locations could impact other locations’ ability to propose on and perform government contracts. Additionally, because of our decentralized nature, we face risks in maintaining compliance with all local, state and federal government contracting requirements. Prohibition against proposing on future government contracts could have an adverse effect on our consolidated financial condition and results of operations.

Our backlog is subject to reduction or cancellation, and revenues may be realized in different periods than initially reflected in our backlog.

Our backlog includes the estimated unsatisfied performance obligations associated with the services to be performed under customer contracts. These estimates are based on contract terms and evaluations regarding the timing of the services to be provided. In many instances, our customers are not contractually committed to procure specific volumes of services under a contract. Revenue estimates reflected in our backlog can be subject to change due to a number of factors, including contract cancellations and contract changes made by our customers to the amount or nature of the work actually performed under a contract. As a result, our backlog as of any particular date is an uncertain indicator of the amount of or timing of future revenues and earnings.

RISKS RELATED TO OUR WORKFORCE

Our unionized workforce and related obligations could adversely affect our operations.

As of December 31, 2023, approximately 48% of our employees were covered by collective bargaining agreements in the U.S. or similar employment and labor obligations in other countries in which we conduct business. The terms of these agreements limit our discretion in the management of covered employees and our ability to nimbly implement changes to meet business needs. In addition, our employees in certain countries in Europe are subject to works council arrangements, exposing us to potential delays in implementing changes, works council claims and litigation. There can be no assurance that our non-unionized employees will not become members of a union or become covered by a collective bargaining agreement, including through an acquisition of a business whose employees are subject to such an agreement. Certain of our unionized employees have participated in strikes and work stoppages in the past, and we cannot be certain that strikes or work stoppages will not occur in the future. In the current inflationary environment, negotiations over union wage rates or increase in benefits may slow or derail contract renegotiations, which may lead to potential strikes or work stoppages. Strikes or work stoppages could adversely impact relationships with our customers and could cause us to lose business and experience a decline in revenues. Our ability to complete future acquisitions also could be adversely affected because of our union status. For instance, our union agreements may be incompatible with the union agreements of a business we want to acquire, and some acquisition targets may decline to become affiliated with a union-based company. Moreover, certain of our customers, where permissible by law, may require or prefer a non-union workforce, and they may reduce the amount of work assigned to us if our non-union labor crews become unionized, which could negatively affect our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

Our pension commitments and obligations to make cash contributions to meet our obligations in certain pension plans subject us to risks.

Certain collective bargaining agreements in the U.S. require us to participate with other companies in multiemployer pension plans. To the extent those plans are underfunded, U.S. regulations, including the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended by the Multiemployer Pension Plan Amendments Act of 1980, may subject us to substantial liabilities under those plans if we withdraw from them or if they are terminated or experience a mass withdrawal.

In addition, certain U.S. multiemployer pension plans to which we contribute or may contribute in the future are in “endangered,” “seriously endangered” or “critical” status. The Pension Protection Act of 2006 added special funding and operational rules generally applicable to plan years beginning after 2007 for multiemployer plans that are classified as “endangered,” “seriously endangered” or “critical” status based on multiple factors (including, for example, the plan’s funded percentage, cash flow position and whether it is projected to experience a minimum funding deficiency). Plans in these classifications must adopt measures to improve their funded status through a funding improvement or rehabilitation plan, as applicable, which may require additional contributions from employers (which may take the form of a surcharge on benefit contributions) and/or modifications to retiree benefits. The amount of additional funds, if any, that we may be obligated to contribute to these plans in the future cannot be estimated due to uncertainty of the future levels of work that require the specific use of union employees covered by these plans, as well as the future contribution levels and possible surcharges on contributions applicable to these plans.

In connection with the Chubb Acquisition, we also maintain defined benefit pension plans outside of the U.S. Our non-U.S. defined benefit pension plans include both funded and unfunded plans. We completed a pension buy-in transaction during 2023 and entered into insurance contracts with a global insurance company for the funded plan in the U.K. (closed to new members and future benefit accrual). The funded plan in Canada (closed to new members) is financed predominantly through externally invested pension plan assets via externally managed funds and insurance companies, which investments are subject to market, interest rate and inflation risks. If these investments do not perform well or are not managed properly and their values decline significantly, it could result in a coverage shortfall for these pension obligations and therefore significantly increase our pension obligations.

Our future contribution obligations and potential withdrawal liability exposure with respect to our pension plans could increase significantly based on the investment and actuarial performance of those plans, the insolvency of other companies that contribute to those plans (in the case of multiemployer plans), and other factors.

We maintain a workforce based upon current and anticipated workloads. We could incur significant costs and reduced profitability from underutilization of our workforce if we do not receive future contract awards, if contract awards are delayed, or if there is a significant reduction in the level of services we provide. Shortages of skilled labor could impede our ability to provide timely, cost-effective services to our customers.

Our estimates of future performance and results of operations depend, among other factors, on whether and when we receive new contract awards, which affect the extent to which we are able to utilize our workforce. The rate at which we utilize our workforce is affected by a variety of factors, including our ability to forecast the need for our services, our ability to maintain an appropriately sized workforce, our ability to transition employees from completed projects to new projects or between internal business groups, our ability to manage attrition, and our need to devote resources to non-chargeable activities such as training or business development. While our estimates are based upon our good faith judgment, professional knowledge and experience, these estimates may not be accurate and may frequently change based on newly available information. In the case of large-scale projects where timing is often uncertain, it is particularly difficult to predict whether and when we will receive a contract award. The uncertainty of contract award timing can present difficulties in matching our workforce size to our project needs. If an expected contract award is delayed or not received, we could incur significant costs and reduced profitability resulting from underutilization of our workforce, redundancy of facilities, or from efforts to right-size our workforce and/or operations, which could reduce our profitability and cash flows. Conversely, we have in the past, and may from time to time in the future, face a shortage of skilled workers. Any significant deterioration in employee relations, shortages of labor or increases in labors costs at any of our businesses could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. Competition in the market for labor could drive up our costs, reduce our profitability, or impact our ability to deliver timely service to our customers.

RISKS RELATED TO OUR CUSTOMER BASE

We serve customers who are involved in energy exploration, production and transportation, and adverse developments affecting activities in these industries, reduced demand for oil and natural gas products, or increased regulation of exploration and production, could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations.

Our energy and infrastructure businesses depend on energy industry participants’ willingness to make operating and capital expenditures to build pipelines to transport oil and natural gas and the development and production of oil and natural gas in the United States. The level of activity in the new construction of oil and natural gas pipelines, oil and natural gas exploration and production in the U.S. has been volatile. A reduction in these activities generally results in decreased demand for our support services in that industry. Therefore, if these expenditures decline, our business is likely to be adversely affected.

A portion of our expected future growth is based on the ability and willingness of public and private entities to invest in infrastructure.

A portion of our current business and a portion of our future growth is expected to result from public and private investments in infrastructure. As a result, reduced or delayed spending, including the impact of government sequestration programs or other changes in budget priorities could result in the deferral, delay or disruption of our projects. These potential events could also impact our ability to be timely paid for our current services, which could adversely affect our cash flows and margins.

RISKS RELATED TO OUR OCCUPATIONAL HAZARDS

Our businesses at times perform services under challenging conditions involving factors outside of our control.

The challenging conditions we encounter in our projects may include, without limitation, (i) hard to reach terrain and difficult site conditions; (ii) challenging engineering, procurement and construction phases, which may occur over extended time periods; (iii) difficulties or delays in designs or materials provided by the customer or a third party; (iv) equipment and material delivery delays; (v) schedule changes; (vi) delays from customer failure to timely obtain rights-of-way; (vii) weather-related delays; and (viii) delays by subcontractors in completing their portion of the project. Such conditions can result in project delays or cancellations, potentially causing us to incur unanticipated costs, reductions in revenue or the payment of liquidated damages. In addition, some of our contracts require that we assume the risk should actual site conditions vary from those expected.

In some cases, delays and additional costs may be substantial, and we may be required to cancel a project and/or compensate the customer for the delay. We may not be able to recover any of such costs. Any such delays, cancellations, errors or other failures to meet customer expectations could result in damage claims substantially in excess of the revenue associated with a project. Delays or cancellations could also negatively affect our reputation or relationships with our customers, which could adversely affect our ability to secure new contracts.

Our business is subject to operational hazards due to the nature of services we provide and the conditions in which we operate, including electricity, fires, explosions, mechanical failures and weather-related incidents.

We are subject to occupational and safety laws in each of the countries in which we operate, including for example in the U.S., the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, as amended (“OSH Act”), in France, the Health and Safety at Work Code ("HSW Code"), and in the U.K., the Health and Safety At Work Act (“HSW Act”). These laws and their implementing regulations establish certain employer responsibilities, including maintenance of a workplace free of recognized hazards likely to cause death or serious injury, compliance with standards promulgated by OSHA and various recordkeeping, disclosure and procedural requirements. Various standards, including standards for notices of hazards and safety, may apply to our operations. We incur capital and operating expenditures and other costs in the ordinary course of business in complying with the OSH Act, the HSW Code, the HSW Act, and other state and local laws and regulations, and could incur penalties and fines in the future, including, in extreme cases, criminal sanctions. However, we have experienced no material penalties and fines to date.

While we invest substantial resources in occupational health and safety programs, the industries in which we operate involve a high degree of operational risk, and there can be no assurance that we will avoid significant liability. Although we have taken what we believe to be appropriate precautions, we have had employee injuries and fatalities in the past and may suffer additional injuries or fatalities in the future. Serious accidents of this nature may subject us to substantial penalties, civil litigation or criminal prosecution. Personal injury claims for damages, including for bodily injury or loss of life, could result in substantial costs and liabilities, which could materially and adversely affect our consolidated financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. In addition, if our safety record were to deteriorate, or if we suffered substantial penalties or criminal prosecution for violation of health and safety regulations, customers could cancel existing contracts and not award future business to us, which could materially adversely affect our liquidity, cash flows and results of operations. If we were not able to successfully resolve such issues, our ability to service our customers could be damaged, which could lead to a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

Our projects expose our employees to electrical lines and equipment, pipelines carrying potentially explosive or toxic materials, heavy equipment, transportation accidents, adverse weather conditions and the risk of damage to equipment and property from hazardous conditions such as working at heights.

These hazards, among others, can cause personal injuries and loss of life, severe damage to or destruction of property and equipment and other consequential damages and could lead to suspension of operations and large damage claims which could, in some cases, substantially exceed the amount we charge for the associated services. In addition, if serious accidents or fatalities occur, or if our safety records were to deteriorate, we may be restricted from proposing on certain work or obtaining new contracts, and certain existing contracts could be terminated. Our safety processes and procedures are monitored by various agencies and ratings bureaus. The occurrence of accidents in the course of our business could result in significant liabilities, employee turnover, increase the costs of our projects or harm our ability to perform under our contracts or enter into new customer contracts, all of which may subject us to liabilities, affect customer relationships, result in higher operating costs, negatively impact employee morale and result in higher employee turnover and could materially adversely affect our profitability and our financial condition.

CLAIMS AND LITIGATION RISKS

We are and may become subject to periodic litigation which may adversely affect our business and financial performance.

We are subject to various lawsuits, administrative proceedings and claims that arise in the ordinary course of business. We could be party to class and collective actions, along with other complex legal disputes, that could materially impact our business by requiring, among other things, unanticipated management attention, significant attorney fees and settlement spend, or operational adjustments implemented in response to a settlement, court order or to mitigate future exposure. In addition, if we do not meet our contractual obligations, our customers may seek action against us to pursue remedies, which may include payment of liquidated damages and reimbursement from us to cover the incremental cost of having a third party complete or remediate our work.

We may have litigation in a variety of matters, some matters may be unpredictable or unanticipated, and the frequency and severity of litigation could increase. Because lawsuits are inherently unpredictable, assessing contingencies is highly subjective and requires judgements about future events. A judgement that is not covered by insurance or that is significantly in excess of our insurance coverage could materially adversely affect our financial condition or results of operations.

We are exposed to workmanship warranty, casualty, negligence, construction defect, breach of contract, product liability, and other claims and legal proceedings.

From time to time, we are subject to workmanship warranty, casualty, negligence, construction defect, breach of contract, product liability, and other claims and legal proceedings relating to the products we install that, if adversely determined, could adversely affect our consolidated financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. We rely on manufacturers and other suppliers to provide us with most of the products we install. Because we do not have direct control over the quality of such products manufactured or supplied by such third-party suppliers, we are exposed to risks relating to the quality of such products including the potential to be impacted by product recalls. In addition, we are exposed to potential claims arising from the conduct of our employees, and other subcontractors, for which we may be contractually liable.

We have in the past been, and may in the future be, subject to liabilities in connection with injury, death, or damage incurred in conjunction with our installation of products or provision of services regarding the inspection, maintenance or monitoring of products and systems installed by us or others. Although we currently maintain what we believe to be suitable and adequate insurance, we may be unable to maintain such insurance on acceptable terms or such insurance may not provide adequate protection against potential liabilities.

Such claims and legal proceedings can be expensive to defend and can divert the attention of management and other personnel for significant periods of time, regardless of the ultimate outcome. In addition, lawsuits relating to construction defects typically have statutes of limitations that can run as long as twelve years in some jurisdictions such as the U.K. Claims of this nature could also have a negative impact on customer confidence in our businesses and services. Current or future claims could have a material adverse effect on our reputation, business, financial condition and results of operations.

We are and may become subject to periodic regulatory proceedings, including Fair Labor Standards Act (“FLSA”) and state wage and hour class action lawsuits, which may adversely affect our business and financial performance.

Pending and future wage and hour litigation, including claims relating to the U.S. Fair Labor Standards Act, analogous state laws, or other state wage and hour laws could result in significant attorney fees and settlement costs. Resolution of non-litigated alleged wage and hour violations could also negatively impact our performance. The potential settlement of, or awards of damages for, such claims also could materially impact our financial performance as could operational adjustments implemented in response to a settlement, court order or in an effort to mitigate future exposure. Additionally, an increased volume of alleged statutory violations or matters referred to an agency for potential resolution could result in significant attorney fees and settlement costs that could, in the aggregate, materially impact our financial condition.

RISKS RELATED TO THE INDUSTRIES IN WHICH WE OPERATE

We have significant operations in highly competitive markets, and our failure to effectively compete could reduce our market share and harm our financial performance.

The safety services industry is highly fragmented, and we compete with other companies in each of the markets in which we operate, ranging from small independent firms servicing local markets to larger firms servicing regional and national markets. We also compete with existing and prospective customers who perform some of the services we offer, which could reduce the amount of services we perform for our customers. There are relatively few barriers to entry for certain of the services we provide and, as a result, any organization that has adequate financial resources and access to technical expertise and skilled personnel may become a competitor. Further, smaller competitors are more susceptible to consolidation. Consolidation of smaller entities could create larger national competitors which could adversely affect our business or profitability.

Certain of our customers’ work is awarded through proposal processes on a project-by-project basis. In connection with such project-based work, price is often a significant factor that determines whether we are awarded the project, especially on smaller, less complex projects. Smaller competitors may have an advantage against us based on price alone due to their lower costs and financial return requirements. Generally, it is difficult to predict whether and when we will be awarded a new contract due to lengthy and complex bidding and selection processes, changes in existing or forecasted market conditions, customers’ access to financing, governmental regulations, permitting and environmental matters. Additionally, our proposals for certain projects may depend on customer perception, including our perceived relative ability to perform the work as compared to our competitors or a customer’s perception of technological advantages held by our competitors as well as other factors. Our market share and results of operations could be materially and adversely affected if we are unsuccessful in proposing on projects or renewing our master service agreements, or if our ability to be awarded such projects or agreements requires that we accept less desirable terms, including lower margins. Furthermore, because we derive revenue from projects awards that are subject to these uncertainties, our results of operations and cash flows can fluctuate materially from period to period.

Our businesses are impacted by levels of construction activity and an economic downturn in that industry could materially and adversely affect our business.

The demand for our services – including without limitation, safety services, electrical utility transmission buildouts, grid connections, pipeline construction, and general construction – is impacted by the demand for construction projects across multiple markets including energy and infrastructure, commercial, and industrial. Any period of economic recession affecting the volume or size of those projects is likely to adversely impact our business. Many of the projects that require our services involve long timelines from conception to completion, and many of the services that we offer are required later in the project’s lifecycle. Consequently, some of our businesses experience the results of economic trends later in an economic cycle.

The construction industry and individual markets within that industry have historically been vulnerable to macroeconomic downturns and we expect that will continue to be the case. The industry is traditionally cyclical in nature and economic downturns can adversely affect the willingness and ability of our customers to commit to capital expenditures. Such a decline would likely reduce the demand for certain of our services.

The industries we serve can be seasonal, cyclical and affected by weather conditions at project sites and other variations, the combined effects of which can potentially delay cash flows and adversely impact our results of operations.

Our revenue and results of operations can be subject to seasonal and other variations. These deviations are influenced by various factors, including weather, customer spending patterns, proposal seasons, project schedules, holidays, and timing, in particular, for large, non-recurring projects. In particular, many of the construction projects in North America that demand our services include significant outdoor work. As a result, seasonal changes and adverse weather conditions can adversely affect our business operations through declines in demand for our services and alterations and delays in applicable schedules. Adverse weather conditions can reduce demand for our services and reduce sales or render our contracting operations less efficient resulting in under-utilization of crews and equipment and lower contract profitability.

Furthermore, the industries we serve can be cyclical in nature. Fluctuations in end-user demand within those industries, or in the supply of services within those industries, can affect demand for our services. As a result, our business may be adversely affected by industry declines or by delays in new projects. Variations or unanticipated changes in project schedules in connection with large projects can create fluctuations in revenue and could adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

A failure in the systems we construct and install, whether due to employee acts or omissions or faulty workmanship or design, may subject us to significant liability.

Our business involves professional judgments regarding the planning, design, development, construction, operations and management of electric power transmission, communications and pipeline infrastructure. Because our projects are often technically complex, our failure to make judgments and recommendations in accordance with applicable professional standards, including engineering standards, could result in damages. A significantly adverse or catastrophic event at a project site or completed project resulting from the services we performed could result in significant professional or product liability, personal injury (including claims for loss of life) or property damage claims or other claims against us, as well as reputational harm. These liabilities could exceed our insurance limits or applicable indemnification rights and could impact our ability to obtain third-party insurance in the future. In addition, customers, subcontractors or suppliers who have agreed to indemnify us against any such liabilities or losses might refuse or be unable to pay us. An uninsured claim, either in part or in whole, if successful and of a material magnitude, could have a substantial impact on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

Because many of our services are intended to protect lives and real and personal property (e.g., alarm and fire safety systems, products and monitoring services) and many of our businesses perform services at large projects and industrial facilities where accidents or system failures could be disastrous and costly, we may have greater exposure to litigation risks than businesses that provide other services, whether as a result of employee acts or omissions, faulty construction or system failures. In the event of litigation, it is possible that any contract limitation provisions may be deemed inapplicable or unenforceable, that our insurance coverage is insufficient or that insurers may deny coverage of our claims. Any claim, regardless of its merit or eventual outcome, could result in substantial costs, divert management’s attention and create negative publicity, particularly for claims relating to environmental matters where the amount of the claim could be extremely large. Such claims could have a material adverse effect on our business, consolidated financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. If a customer or third party believes that he or she has suffered harm to person or property due to an actual or alleged act or omission of one or more of our employees, faulty construction, or a failure of a system we installed or maintained, then they may pursue legal action against us.

Under our contracts with customers, we may guarantee the work performed against, among other things, defects in workmanship, and we may agree to indemnify our customers for losses related to our services and materials. As much of the work we perform is inspected by our customers for any defects in construction prior to acceptance of the project, the claims that we have historically received have not been substantial. Additionally, materials used in construction are often provided by the customer or are warranted against defects by the supplier. If customer claims occur, we generally would be obligated to re-perform the services and/or repair or replace the item and any other facilities impacted thereby, at our sole expense, and we could also be responsible for other damages if we are not able to adequately satisfy customer claims. In addition, we may be required under contractual arrangements with our customers to honor any defects or failures in materials we provide. While we generally require the materials suppliers to provide us warranties or indemnification that are consistent with those we provide to our customers, if any of these suppliers default on their obligations to us, we may incur costs to repair or replace the defective materials. Costs incurred as a result of claims could adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

Our failure to comply with environmental laws could result in significant liabilities and increased environmental regulations could result in increased costs.

We often perform services in and around environmentally-sensitive areas. These areas include underground environments and areas in proximity to rivers, lakes, and wetlands. Likewise, we perform directional drilling operations below certain environmentally-sensitive terrains and water bodies. It is possible that such directional drilling may cause a surface fracture, resulting in the release of subsurface materials. These subsurface materials may contain contaminants in excess of amounts permitted by law, potentially exposing us to remediation costs and fines.

Our work may also cause unanticipated environmental damage or risks to employees, customers, or public health. If the field location maps supplied to us are not accurate, or if objects are present in the soil that are not indicated on the field location maps, our underground work could strike objects in the soil, some of which may contain pollutants. These objects may also rupture, resulting in the discharge of pollutants. In such circumstances, we may be liable for fines and damages, and we may be unable to obtain reimbursement from the parties providing the incorrect information. Additionally, we own and lease several facilities at which we store our equipment. Some of these facilities contain fuel storage tanks that are above or below ground. If these tanks were to leak, we could be responsible for the cost of remediation as well as potential fines.

This work subjects us to various environmental laws and regulations, including those dealing with the handling and disposal of waste products, PCBs, industrial chemicals, fuel storage, water quality and air quality. New laws and regulations, stricter enforcement of existing laws and regulations, the discovery of previously unknown contamination or leaks, the discovery of previously unknown risks of materials or chemicals, or the imposition of new clean-up requirements could require us to incur significant costs or become the basis for new or increased liabilities that could negatively impact our financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows. For example, in August 2022, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) issued a proposal that, if enacted, would designate two types of per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances ("PFAS") as hazardous substances, which could lead to legal claims or other liabilities.

In certain instances, we have obtained indemnification or covenants from third parties (including predecessors or lessors) for such clean-up and other obligations and liabilities. However, such third-party indemnities or covenants may not cover all of our costs and the indemnitors may not pay amounts owed to us, and such unanticipated obligations or liabilities, or future obligations and liabilities, may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. Further, we cannot be certain that we will be able to identify or be indemnified for all potential environmental liabilities relating to any acquired business.

Certain of our businesses are party to personal injury litigation and could be named as defendants in similar cases in the future related to our use or disposal of hazardous materials, which could adversely affect our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

Certain of our businesses, along with numerous other third parties, are named as defendants in personal injury lawsuits based on alleged exposure to various hazardous materials, including asbestos and PFAS. Hazardous materials that are the subject of these lawsuits could in the future include, among others, asbestos, PFAS, silica or solvents that may be or may have been previously used in the course of our work. These cases typically involve product liability claims based primarily on allegations of sale, distribution, installation or use of industrial products that either contained hazardous materials or were used with hazardous material containing components. Allegations of the presence of or exposure to these types of hazardous materials could be the basis of additional third-party claims and lawsuits. It is uncertain whether we will be successful in litigating or otherwise resolving these types of claims and lawsuits in the future and we continue to evaluate different strategies related to claims filed against us. Unfavorable rulings, judgments or settlement terms in future cases could have a material adverse impact on our financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows.

RISKS RELATED TO OUR ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE AND OWNERSHIP OF OUR STOCK

We operate as a holding company and our principal source of operating cash is income received from our subsidiaries.

We have a holding company structure and do not have any material assets or operations other than ownership of equity interests of our subsidiaries. Our operations are conducted almost entirely through our subsidiaries, and our ability to generate cash to meet our obligations or to pay dividends is highly dependent on the earnings of, and receipt of funds from, our subsidiaries through dividends or intercompany loans. As a result, we are dependent on the income generated by our subsidiaries to meet our expenses and operating cash requirements. The amount of distributions and dividends, if any, which may be paid from APG and its subsidiaries to us will depend on many factors, including APG’s results of operations and consolidated financial condition, its constitutional documents, documents governing any indebtedness of us or APG, limits on dividends under applicable law, and other factors which may be outside of our control. If our subsidiaries are unable to generate sufficient cash flow, we may be unable to pay our expenses or make distributions and dividends on the common stock. In addition, to the extent we intend to pay dividends on our common stock, we will pay such dividends at such times (if any) and in such amounts (if any) as the Board determines appropriate.

We have equity instruments outstanding that would require us to issue additional shares of common stock. Therefore, you may experience significant dilution of your ownership interests and the future issuance of additional shares of our common stock, or the anticipation of such issuances, could have an adverse effect on our stock price.

We have 4,000,000 shares of Series A Preferred Stock and 800,000 shares of our 5.5% Series B Redeemable Convertible Preferred Stock ("Series B Preferred Stock"), which are convertible into shares of our common stock, at any time at the option of the holder. We will be obligated to pay dividends on our 4,000,000 outstanding shares of Series A Preferred Stock based on the market price of our common stock if such market price exceeds certain trading price minimums and we are obligated to pay dividends on our 800,000 shares of Series B Preferred Stock on a quarterly basis at 5.5% per annum. These dividends are payable in cash or shares of our common stock, at our sole option. The issuance of common stock pursuant to the terms of the Preferred Stock will reduce (by the applicable proportion) the percentage stockholdings of those stockholders holding common stock prior to such issuance which may reduce your net return on your investment in our common stock.

In addition, we have various outstanding equity awards to employees and directors under the APi Group Corporation 2019 Equity Incentive Plan. As of December 31, 2023, we had 12,625,337 shares of common stock available under this Plan.

We may also issue additional shares of our common stock or other securities that are convertible into or exercisable for our common stock in connection with future acquisitions, future issuances of our securities for capital raising purposes or for other business purposes. For example, in September 2021, we issued 22,716,049 shares of common stock in an underwritten public offering for capital raising purposes. Future sales by us of substantial amounts of our common stock, or the perception that sales could occur, could have a material adverse effect on the price of our common stock.

We may issue preferred stock in the future, and the terms of the preferred stock may reduce the value of our common stock.

Under the terms of our certificate of incorporation, our Board of Directors is authorized to create and issue one or more additional series of preferred stock, and, with respect to each series, to determine number of shares constituting the series and the designations and the powers, preferences and rights, and the qualifications, limitations and restrictions thereof, which may include dividend rights, conversion or exchange rights, voting rights, redemption rights and terms and liquidation preferences, without stockholder approval. If we create and issue one or more additional series of preferred stock, it could affect your rights or reduce the value of our outstanding common stock. Our Board of Directors could, without stockholder approval, issue preferred stock with voting and other rights that could adversely affect the voting power of the holders of our common stock and which could have certain anti-takeover effects. For example, in connection with the Chubb Acquisition, in January 2022 we issued shares of Series B Preferred Stock which have quarterly dividend rights and are convertible into common stock.

Delaware law and our organizational documents contain certain provisions, including anti-takeover provisions, which limit the ability of stockholders to take certain actions and could delay or discourage takeover attempts that stockholders may consider favorable.

Our certificate of incorporation and bylaws, and the Delaware General Corporate Law (“DGCL”), contain provisions that could have the effect of rendering more difficult, delaying, or preventing an acquisition deemed undesirable by our Board of Directors and therefore depress the trading price of our common stock. These provisions could also make it difficult for stockholders to take certain actions, including electing directors who are not nominated by the current members of our Board of Directors or taking other corporate actions, including effecting changes in our management. These provisions, alone or together, could delay or prevent hostile takeovers and changes in control or changes in our Board of Directors or management.

In addition, Section 203 of the DGCL restricts certain “business combinations” with “interested stockholders” for three years following the date that a person becomes an interested stockholder unless: (1) the “business combination” or the transaction which caused the person or entity to become an interested stockholder is approved by the Board of Directors prior to such business combination or transactions; (2) upon the completion of the transaction in which the person or entity becomes an “interested stockholder,” such interested stockholder holds at least 85% of our voting stock not including (i) shares held by officers and directors and (ii) shares held by employee benefit plans under certain circumstances; or (3) at or after the person or entity becomes an “interested stockholder,” the “business combination” is approved by the Board of

Directors and holders of at least 66 2/3% of the outstanding voting stock, excluding shares held by such interested stockholder. A Delaware corporation may elect not to be governed by Section 203. We have not made such an election.

Our stockholders may be required to bring certain actions or proceedings relating to us in the Delaware Court of Chancery and certain actions asserting claims arising under the Securities Act in the federal district courts of the United States.

Pursuant to our certificate of incorporation, unless we consent in writing to an alternative forum, the Delaware Court of Chancery is the sole and exclusive forum for: (1) derivative actions or proceedings brought on behalf of us; (2) actions asserting a claim of fiduciary duty owed by any of our directors, officers or employees to us or our stockholders; (3) civil actions to interpret, apply, enforce or determine the validity of the our certificate of incorporation or bylaws; or (4) actions asserting a claim governed by the internal affairs doctrine. Under our certificate of incorporation, if the Delaware Court of Chancery lacks jurisdiction over any of the foregoing actions or proceedings, then the sole and exclusive forum for such actions or proceedings will be another state or federal court located in the State of Delaware, as long as such court has jurisdiction over the parties. These Delaware forum provisions require our stockholders to bring certain types of actions and proceedings relating to Delaware law in the Delaware Court of Chancery or another state or federal court located in the State of Delaware and therefore may prevent our stockholders from bringing such actions or proceedings in another court that a stockholder may view as more convenient, cost-effective or advantageous to the stockholder or the claims made in such action or proceeding, or may discourage them from bringing such actions or proceedings.

In addition, pursuant to our certificate of incorporation, unless we consent in writing to an alternative forum, the U.S. federal district courts will, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, be the sole and exclusive forum for any action asserting a claim arising under the Securities Act. This forum provision prevents our stockholders from bringing claims arising under the Securities Act in state court, which court our stockholders may view as more convenient, cost effective or advantageous to the claims made in such action and therefore may discourage such actions. In addition, while the Delaware Supreme Court has recently upheld provisions of the certificates of incorporation of other Delaware corporations that are similar to this forum provision, a court of a state other than the State of Delaware could decide that such provisions are not enforceable under the laws of that state.

Neither the Delaware nor the Securities Act forum provisions are intended by us to limit the forums available to our stockholders for actions or proceedings asserting claims arising under the Exchange Act.

Our stock price may be volatile and, as a result, you could lose a significant portion or all of your investment.

The market price of our common stock on the NYSE may fluctuate as a result of several factors, including the following:

• our operating and financial performance and prospects;
• variations in our quarterly operating results or those of other companies in our industries;
• volatility in our industries, the industries of our customers and suppliers and the securities markets;
• risks relating to our businesses and industries, including those discussed above;
• strategic actions by us or our competitors;
• damage to our reputation, including as a result of issues relating to the quality or safety of the services we provide and systems we install;
• actual or expected changes in our growth rates or our competitors’ growth rates;
• investor perception of us, the industries in which we operate, the investment opportunity associated with the common stock and our future performance;
• addition to or departure of our executive officers;
• changes in financial estimates or publication of research reports by analysts regarding our common stock, other comparable companies, or our industries generally, or termination of coverage of our common stock by analysts;
• our failure to meet estimates or forecasts made by analysts, if any;
• trading volume of our common stock;
• future sales of our common stock by us or our stockholders;
• economic, legal and regulatory factors unrelated to our performance;
• adverse or new pending litigation against us; or
• issuance of future annual Series A Preferred Stock dividends and quarterly Series B Preferred Stock dividends which are intended to be settled in common stock.

Furthermore, the stock markets often experience significant price and volume fluctuations that have affected and continue to affect the market prices of equity securities of many companies. These fluctuations often have been unrelated or disproportionate to the operating performance of those companies. These broad market and industry fluctuations, as well as general economic, political and market conditions such as recessions or interest rate changes may cause the market price of our common stock to decline.

GENERAL RISK FACTORS

In the event of a cybersecurity incident, we could experience operational interruptions, incur substantial additional costs, become subject to legal or regulatory proceedings or suffer damage to our reputation.

In the event of a cybersecurity incident, we could experience operational interruptions, incur substantial additional costs, become subject to legal or regulatory proceedings or suffer damage to our reputation. In addition to the disruptions that may occur from interruptions in our information technology systems, cybersecurity threats and sophisticated and targeted cyberattacks pose a risk to our information technology systems and the systems that we design and install. We have established security policies, processes and defenses designed to help identify and protect against intentional and unintentional misappropriation or corruption of our information technology systems, disruption of our operations or the secure operation of the systems we install. Despite these efforts, our information technology systems may be damaged, disrupted or shut down due to attacks by unauthorized access, malicious software, computer viruses, undetected intrusion, hardware failures or other events, and in these circumstances our disaster recovery plans may be ineffective or inadequate. These breaches or intrusions could lead to business interruption, exposure of proprietary or confidential information, data corruption, damage to our reputation, exposure to legal and regulatory proceedings and other costs. Such events could have a material adverse impact on our consolidated financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. In addition, we could be adversely affected if any of our significant customers or suppliers experiences any similar events that disrupt their business operations or damage their reputation. We maintain monitoring practices and protections of our information technology to reduce these risks and test our systems on an ongoing basis for potential threats. There can be no assurance, however, that our efforts will prevent the risk of a security breach of our databases or systems that could adversely affect our business.

Data privacy, identity protection and information security compliance may require significant resources and presents certain risks.

We maintain confidential data and information (inclusive of personal data and third-party confidential information) in the normal course of our business. We also maintain personal data, including sensitive types of data such as audio recordings of telephone calls and video images and footage of customer sites and personnel. We also partner with third-party data processors that collect, store, have access to and otherwise process such confidential data and information on our behalf. This confidential data and information is subject to data privacy and security laws, regulations and/or customer-imposed requirements. Despite our efforts to protect that data, our business and systems may be vulnerable to material security breaches, theft, misplaced or lost data, programming errors, or errors that could potentially lead to compromising such data, improper use of our systems, software solutions or networks, unauthorized access, use, disclosure, modification or destruction of information and operational disruptions. A significant actual or perceived risk of theft, loss, fraudulent use or misuse of customer, employee or other data, whether by us, our suppliers, vendors, customers or other third parties, as a result of employee error or malfeasance, or as a result of the imaging, software, security and other products we incorporate into the products we install or the services we provide, as well as non-compliance with applicable industry standards or our contractual or other legal obligations or privacy and information-security policies regarding such data, could result in costs, fines, litigation or regulatory actions, or could lead customers to seek the services of our competitors. In addition, any such event could harm our reputation, cause unfavorable publicity or otherwise adversely affect certain potential customers’ perception of the security and reliability of our services and the products we install as well as our credibility and reputation, which could result in lost revenues. Furthermore, we operate in an environment in which there are different and potentially conflicting data privacy laws in effect in the various U.S. states and foreign jurisdictions in which we operate, we must understand and comply with each law and standard in each of these jurisdictions while ensuring the data is secure and we could be subject to potentially substantial fines and penalties for non- compliance for major breach, theft or loss of personal data. For example, under the E.U. General Data Protection Regulation (“GDPR”) and U.K. General Data Protection Regulation ("UK GDPR") companies must meet certain requirements regarding the handling of personal data or face penalties of up to 4% of worldwide revenue. Furthermore, the collection and safeguarding of personal information has increasingly attracted enhanced scrutiny from the general public in the United States, which has resulted in additional actual and proposed legislative and regulatory rules at the federal and state levels (e.g., the California Consumer Privacy Act of 2018 and California’s Proposition 24 of 2020). Government enforcement actions can be costly and interrupt the regular operation of our business, and violations of data privacy laws can result in fines, reputational damage and civil lawsuits, any of which may adversely affect our business, reputation and financial results.

The E.U.-U.S. and the Swiss-U.S. Privacy Shield frameworks were developed to allow the free flow of personal data to U.S. companies from the E.U. and Switzerland. The E.U.-U.S. Privacy Shield was declared invalid in 2021 as a consequence of the Schrems II decision of the Court of Justice of the E.U. In consequence, the Swiss Federal Data Protection and Information Commissioner issued a statement arguing that the Swiss-U.S. Privacy Shield is no longer regarded as providing an adequate level of date protection for transfers of personal data from Switzerland to the U.S. The European Commission and the U.S. government are currently involved in negotiations on a potential successor arrangement for the E.U.-U.S. Privacy Shield. The uncertainty this brings, together with the potential for future additional compliance obligations, could cause us to incur costs or require us to change our business practices in a manner adverse to our business, and failure to comply could result in significant penalties that may adversely affect our business, reputation, and financial results.

Changes in accounting principles may cause unexpected fluctuations in our reported financial information.

Accounting rules and regulations are subject to review and interpretation by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the “FASB”), the SEC and various other governing bodies. A change in GAAP could have a significant effect on our reported financial results. Additionally, the adoption of new or revised accounting principles could require that we make significant changes to our systems, processes and controls. We cannot predict the effect of future changes to accounting principles, which could have a significant effect on our financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows.

The loss of key senior management personnel or the failure to hire and retain highly skilled personnel could negatively affect our business.

We depend on our senior management and other key personnel to operate our businesses. We also rely on other highly skilled personnel. Competition for qualified personnel in our industries, especially with respect to specialized projects or unique skill sets in applicable trades, is intense. The loss of any of our executive officers or other key employees or the inability to identify, hire, train, retain, and manage skilled personnel, could harm our business.

Increases in healthcare costs could adversely affect our financial results.

The costs of providing employee medical benefits have steadily increased over a number of years due to, among other things, rising healthcare costs and legislative requirements. Because of the complex nature of healthcare laws, as well as periodic healthcare reform legislation adopted by Congress, state legislatures, and municipalities, we cannot predict with certainty the future effect of these laws on our healthcare costs. Continued increases in healthcare costs or additional costs created by future health care reform laws adopted by Congress, state legislatures, or municipalities could adversely affect our consolidated results of operations and financial position.

We are subject to many laws and regulations in the jurisdictions in which we operate, and changes to such laws and regulations may result in additional costs and impact our operations.

We are committed to upholding the highest standards of corporate governance and legal compliance. We are subject to many laws and regulations in the jurisdictions in which we operate. We expect to be subject to various laws and regulations that apply specifically to U.S. public companies. These include the rules and regulations of the New York Stock Exchange, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, and the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, as well as the various regulations, standards and guidance put forth by the SEC and other governmental agencies to implement those laws. New laws, rules and regulations, or changes to existing laws or their interpretations, could create added legal and financial costs and uncertainty for us. In addition, our international operations are subject to laws and regulations that are in some cases different from those of the United States, including labor laws and laws and regulations governing information collected from employees, customers and others, including without limitation GDPR. These laws and regulations, and the economic, financial, political and regulatory impact of the U.K.’s decision to leave the European Union, could increase the cost and complexity of doing business in the U.K. and negatively impact our financial position and results of operations.

We recognize the critical importance of maintaining the safety and security of our information systems and data and have a holistic process for overseeing and managing cybersecurity and related risks. This process is supported by our senior leadership team, the Audit Committee, and our Board of Directors.

The responsibilities of the Chief Information Officer ("CIO") include overseeing cybersecurity measures with the global Chief Information Security Officer ("CISO"). The CIO's background includes nearly 18 years of IT leadership at a major medical technology company and experience in various industries such as financial services, manufacturing, oil and gas, and chemicals. He holds an undergraduate degree in Management Information Systems from Augsburg University and a Master of Business Administration from Carlson School of Management at the University of Minnesota.

The CISO, who reports to our CIO, is generally responsible for management of cybersecurity risk and the protection and defense of our networks and systems. The CISO manages a team of professionals with broad cybersecurity experience and expertise. Our CISO has served in various roles in information technology and information security for over 20 years and holds an undergraduate degree in Information Systems from Xavier University and an MBA from Michigan State. The CISO and his regional security leaders have a combined total of over 25 Information Technology and Cybersecurity certifications, including Certified Information Systems Security Professional, Certified Cloud Security Professional, and Certified Information Security Manager.

The CISO and the cybersecurity team are committed to ongoing education and professional development, regularly participating in training programs and industry conferences to stay abreast of the latest cybersecurity trends, threats, and mitigation strategies.

The CISO has appointed experienced security leaders over the North America and International regions to create additional alignment and collaboration.

Risk Management and Strategy

Our cybersecurity risk management program primarily leverages the National Institute of Standards and Technology Cybersecurity framework (NIST CSF). We routinely assess the threat landscape and take a holistic view of cybersecurity risks, with a layered cybersecurity strategy based on prevention, detection and mitigation. Our risk management program also assesses third party risks to attempt to identify and mitigate risks from third parties such as vendors, suppliers, and other business partners associated with our use of third-party service providers. As part of our cybersecurity risk management program, we also gather Threat Intelligence through our multiple security partners and tools. This intelligence (including tactics, techniques and procedures used by cyber criminals) provides insights into potential threats and vulnerabilities, which helps us to defend against cyber-attacks.

As part of our cybersecurity risk management system, our incident management teams track and log privacy and security incidents across the Company. Significant incidents are reviewed by a cross-functional and multi-disciplinary working group to determine whether further escalation is appropriate. Any cybersecurity incident that meets certain pre-established criteria is reported to our Executive Crisis Management Team ("ECMT"), which includes members of the Company’s senior leadership team. The ECMT maintains an ongoing relationship with third-party advisors, such as forensic and incident management, crisis communications, and legal advisors, which we engage as necessary based on the specific facts of an incident. Incidents are evaluated to determine materiality for external reporting purposes as well as operational and business impact.

Assessment of our Program

We regularly test defenses by performing simulations and drills at both a technical level (including through penetration tests) and by reviewing our operational policies and procedures with third parties. Our IT security team monitors alerts and meets as needed to discuss threat levels, trends, and remediation.

We periodically perform simulations and tabletop exercises with the senior leadership team and incorporate external resources and advisors as needed. As part of those tabletop exercises, we review our Executive Cyber Crisis Management Plan, which is intended to provide senior leadership with operational structure and key considerations in the event of a cybersecurity incident. We also conduct employee training for Cybersecurity through our online learning management systems, regular communications, and other interactive education, such as phishing simulations.

In addition, our cybersecurity policies, standards, processes and practices are regularly assessed by consultants and external auditors. These assessments include a variety of activities including information security maturity assessments, audits and independent reviews of our information security control environment and operating effectiveness.

Governance

Our commitment to cybersecurity begins at the Board, includes our Audit Committee, and extends to our senior leaders across the company. Our Audit Committee oversees our enterprise risk management process. The Audit Committee’s responsibilities include regular review of policies and practices with respect to risk assessment and risk management – including in the areas of cybersecurity and other information technology risk and privacy. The Audit Committee performs an annual review of the Company’s cybersecurity program and reports to the Board on the results of that review. Material cybersecurity incidents are discussed with our Audit Committee and Board of Directors.

Cybersecurity Risk

Our business strategy, results of operations and financial condition have not been materially affected by risks from cybersecurity threats, including as a result of previously identified cybersecurity incidents, but we cannot provide assurance that they will not be materially affected in the future by such risks or any future material incidents. For more information on our cybersecurity related risks, see Item 1A Risk Factors of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

We own our corporate headquarters in New Brighton, Minnesota and own and lease other facilities globally where we conduct business. Our facilities are utilized for operations in our reportable segments and include offices, warehouses, storage, fabrication manufacturing, maintenance shops, and training and educational facilities. As of December 31, 2023, we owned approximately 50 facilities and leased approximately 500 facilities in the U.S., France, the United Kingdom, Australia, the Netherlands, and over 15 other countries. We believe that our existing facilities are sufficient for our current needs.

From time to time, we are subject to workmanship warranty, casualty, negligence, construction defect, breach of contract, product liability, wage and hour, and other claims and legal proceedings in the ordinary course of business relating to the products we install that, if adversely determined, could adversely affect our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. We do not believe that the ultimate resolution of these matters will have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

The following is a discussion and year-to-year comparisons of APG’s financial condition and results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022.

Some of the information contained in this discussion and analysis or set forth elsewhere in this Annual Report, including information with respect to our plans and strategy for our business, includes forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. As a result of many factors, including those factors set forth in the “Risk Factors” and “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward Looking Statements” sections of this Annual Report, our actual results could differ materially from the results described in or implied by the forward-looking statements contained in the following discussion and analysis.

OVERVIEW

We are a global, market-leading business services provider of safety and specialty services in over 500 locations worldwide. We provide statutorily mandated and other contracted services to a strong base of long-standing customers across industries. We have a winning leadership culture driven by entrepreneurial business leaders that deliver innovative solutions to our customers.

We focus on growing our recurring revenues and repeat business from our diversified long-standing customers across a variety of end markets, which we believe provides us with stable cash flows and a platform for organic growth. We believe maintenance and service revenues are generally more predictable through contractual arrangements with typical terms ranging from days to three years, with the majority having short durations and are often recurring due to consistent renewal rates and long-standing customer relationships.

CERTAIN FACTORS AND TRENDS AFFECTING OUR RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Restructuring

During 2022, we announced our multi-year Chubb restructuring program designed to drive efficiencies and synergies and optimize operating margin. The Chubb restructuring program includes expenses related to workforce reductions, lease termination costs, and other facility rationalization costs through fiscal year 2025.

We incurred pre-tax restructuring costs within the Safety Services segment of $37 million and $30 million in connection with the Chubb restructuring program in 2023 and 2022, respectively. In total, we estimate that we will recognize an aggregate of approximately $125 million of restructuring and other costs related to the Chubb restructuring program by the end of fiscal year 2025.

For additional information about our restructuring activity, see Note 6 – “Restructuring" to our consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report.

Acquisitions

During 2023, we completed seven acquisitions. Total purchase consideration for all of the completed acquisitions of $94 million consisted of cash paid at closing of $79 million, cash deposited into escrow for future deferred payments of $5 million and accrued consideration of $10 million. The results of operations of these acquisitions are included in our consolidated statements of operations from their respective dates of acquisition and were not material for the year ended December 31, 2023. See Note 4 – “Business Combinations” for further details.

Divestiture

During 2023, we completed the divestiture of an infrastructure/utility operating company in our Specialty Services segment. The sale was completed for $38 million, which was received in cash. During the year ended December 31, 2023, we recorded an impairment charge of $12 million in selling, general, and administrative expenses in the consolidated statements of operations related to impairment of goodwill, intangible assets, and other assets of the company sold.

Economic, Industry and Market Factors

We closely monitor the effects of general changes in economic and market conditions on our customers. General economic and market conditions can negatively affect demand for our customers’ products and services, which can affect their planned capital and maintenance budgets in certain end markets. Market, regulatory, and industry factors could affect demand for our services. Availability of transportation and transmission capacity and fluctuations in market prices for energy and other fuel sources can also affect demand for our services for pipeline and power generation construction services. These fluctuations, as well as the highly competitive nature of our industries, have resulted, and may continue to result, in lower proposals and lower profit on the services we provide. In the face of increased pricing pressure on key materials, such as steel, or other market developments, we strive to maintain our profit margins through productivity improvements, cost reduction programs, pricing adjustments, and business streamlining efforts. Increased competition for skilled labor resources and higher labor costs can reduce our profitability and impact our ability to deliver timely service to our customers. We have experienced supply chain disruptions, which have negatively impacted the source and supply of materials needed to perform our work. In addition, fluctuations in foreign currencies may have an impact on our financial position and results of operations. However, we believe that our exposure to transactional gains or losses resulting from changes in foreign currencies is limited because our foreign operations primarily invoice and collect receivables in their respective local or functional currencies, and the expenses associated with these transactions are generally contracted and paid for in the same local currencies. In cases where operational transactions represent a material currency risk, we generally enter into cross-currency swaps. Refer to Note 10 - "Derivatives" to our consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report for additional information on our hedging activities. While we actively monitor economic, industry and market factors that could affect our business, we cannot predict the effect that changes in such factors may have on our future consolidated results of operations, liquidity and cash flows, and we may be unable to fully mitigate, or benefit from, such changes.

DESCRIPTION OF KEY LINE ITEMS

Net revenues

Net revenues are generated from the sale of various types of contracted services, fabrication, and distribution. We derive net revenues primarily from services under contractual arrangements with durations ranging from days to three years, with the majority having durations of less than six months, and which may provide the customer with pricing options that include a combination of fixed, unit, or time and material pricing. Net revenues for fixed price agreements are generally recognized over time using the cost-to-cost method of accounting which measures progress based on the cost incurred to total expected cost in satisfying our performance obligation.

Net revenues from time and material contracts are recognized as the services are provided. Net revenues earned are based on total contract costs incurred plus an agreed upon markup. Net revenues for these cost-plus contracts are recognized over time on an input basis as labor hours are incurred, materials are utilized, and services are performed. Net revenues from wholesale or retail unit sales are recognized at a point-in-time upon shipment.

Cost of revenues

Cost of revenues consists of direct labor, materials, subcontract costs, and indirect costs related to contract performance, such as indirect labor, supplies, tools, repairs, and depreciation costs. Labor costs are considered to be incurred as the work is performed. Subcontractor labor is recognized as the work is performed.

Gross profit

Our gross profit is influenced by direct labor, materials, and subcontract costs. Our profit margins are also influenced by raw material costs, contract mix, weather, and proper coordination with contract providers. Labor intensive contracts usually drive higher margins than those contracts that include material, subcontract, and equipment costs.

Selling, general, and administrative ("SG&A") expenses

Selling expenses consist primarily of compensation and associated costs for sales and advertising, trade shows, and corporate marketing. General and administrative expenses consist primarily of compensation and associated costs for executive management, personnel, facility leases, impairment, administrative expenses associated with accounting, finance, legal, information systems, leadership development, human resources, and risk management and overhead associated with these functions. General and administrative expenses also include outside professional fees, and other corporate expenses.

Amortization of intangible assets

Amortization expense reflects the charges incurred to amortize our finite-lived identifiable intangible assets, such as customer relationships, which are amortized over their estimated useful lives. There is a portion of amortization expense related to the backlog intangible assets reflected in cost of revenues in the consolidated statements of operations.

Loss (gain) on extinguishment of debt, net

Loss (gain) on extinguishment of debt, net reflects the difference between the repurchase price and carrying amount of debt at the time of extinguishment.

Non-service pension benefit

Non-service pension benefit reflects the sum of the components of pension expense not related to service cost, i.e. interest cost, expected return on assets, and amortizations of prior service costs and actuarial gains and losses.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The following is a discussion of our financial condition and results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022. The following financial information has been extracted from our audited consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report.

($ in millions)

NM = Not meaningful

Year ended December 31, 2023 versus year ended December 31, 2022

Net revenues

Net revenues for the year ended December 31, 2023 were $6,928 million compared to $6,558 million for the year ended December 31, 2022, an increase of $370 million or 5.6%. The increase in net revenues was attributable to the Safety Services and Specialty Services segments and was primarily driven by growth in inspection, service, and monitoring revenue.

Gross profit

($ in millions)

35

Our gross profit for the year ended December 31, 2023 was $1,940 million compared to $1,714 million in the year ended December 31, 2022, an increase of $226 million, or 13.2%. Gross margin for the year ended December 31, 2023 was 28.0%, an increase of 190 basis points compared to the prior year, primarily due to disciplined project and customer selection, pricing improvements in our Safety Services segment, and an improved mix of inspection, service, and monitoring revenue, which generates higher margins.

Selling, general, and administrative expenses

The following table presents operating expenses and operating margin (operating income as a percentage of net revenues) for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively:

($ in millions)

Our SG&A expenses for the year ended December 31, 2023, were $1,581 million compared to $1,552 million for the same period in 2022, an increase of $29 million. SG&A expenses as a percentage of net revenues was 22.8% during the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to 23.7% in 2022. The decrease in SG&A expenses as a percentage of net revenues was primarily driven by lower acquisition and integration related expenses incurred, partially offset by an impairment charge of $12 million related to assets sold in the current year and investments to support our Safety Services and Specialty Services segments. Our SG&A expenses excluding amortization and impairment for the year ended December 31, 2023 was $1,372 million, or 19.8% of net revenues, compared to $1,355 million or 20.7% of net revenues for 2022, primarily due to the factors discussed above. See the discussion and reconciliation of our non-U.S. GAAP financial measures below.

Interest expense, net

Interest expense was $145 million and $125 million for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. The increase in interest expense was primarily due to higher interest rates on our floating interest rate debt in the current year, partially offset by a decrease in the outstanding principal amounts of floating rate debt reflecting the debt repayments described below.

Loss (gain) on extinguishment of debt, net

During the year ended December 31, 2023, we made payments of $375 million and $100 million to pay down outstanding principal amounts of the 2019 Term Loan and 2021 Term Loan, respectively. In connection with the payments, we recognized a net loss on debt extinguishment of $7 million. During 2022, we repurchased $13 million and $23 million of the outstanding principal amount of the 4.125% Senior Notes and 4.750% Senior Notes, respectively. In connection with these repurchases, we recognized a net gain on debt extinguishment of $5 million.

Non-service pension benefit

The non-service pension benefit was $12 million and $42 million for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. The change was due to higher interest costs as a result of higher discount rates in 2023 compared to 2022.

Investment income and other, net

Investment income and other, net was $13 million and $9 million for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. The increase in investment income was primarily due to an increase in earnings from joint ventures.

Income tax provision

The effective tax rate for the year ended December 31, 2023 was 33.9% compared to an effective tax rate of 22.0% for the year ended December 31, 2022. The increase was primarily due to current year changes to the geographical income mix and valuation allowance positions. Additionally, a benefit for withholding taxes on foreign earnings reduced the effective tax rate in the prior year.

The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development has a framework to implement a global minimum corporate tax of 15% for companies with global revenues and profits above certain thresholds (referred to as "Pillar 2"), with certain aspects of Pillar 2 effective January 1, 2024 and other aspects effective January 1, 2025. While it is uncertain whether the U.S. will enact legislation to adopt Pillar 2, certain countries in which we operate have adopted the legislation, and other countries are in the process of introducing legislation to implement Pillar 2. We are continuing to evaluate and monitor but does not expect for Pillar 2 to have a material impact on the effective tax rate or the consolidated financial statements.

Net income and EBITDA

($ in millions)

Net income for the year ended December 31, 2023 was $153 million compared to $73 million for the year ended December 31, 2022, an increase of $80 million. Net income as a percentage of net revenues for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 was 2.2% and 1.1%, respectively. The improvement is primarily attributable to disciplined project and customer selection, pricing improvements within our Safety Services and Specialty Services segments and growth in inspection, service, and monitoring revenue, as well as savings in our Safety Services segment related to the Chubb restructuring program. The net income increase was partially offset by an impairment charge of $12 million related to assets sold in the current year, an increase in interest expense of $20 million, and an increase in the income tax provision of $59 million. EBITDA for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 was $680 million and $522 million, respectively, an increase of $158 million. The increase in EBITDA was primarily driven by the factors previously discussed. See the discussion and reconciliation of our non-U.S. GAAP financial measures below.

Operating Segment Results

($ in millions)

($ in millions)

37

($ in millions)

NM = Not meaningful

The following discussion breaks down the net revenues, operating income (loss), and EBITDA by operating segment for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022.

Safety Services

Safety Services net revenues for the year ended December 31, 2023 were $4,871 million compared to $4,575 million during the same period in the prior year. The increase was driven by increased inspection, service, and monitoring revenue. This increase was also due to continued strength in our end markets and strategic pricing improvements.

Safety Services operating margin for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 was 8.1% and 5.6%, respectively. The increase was primarily the result of disciplined project and customer selection, pricing improvements, improved mix of inspection, service, and monitoring revenue, which generates higher margins, and savings in our Safety Services segment related to the Chubb restructuring program. The increase was also driven by lower acquisition and integration related expenses incurred for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to 2022. Safety Services EBITDA as a percentage of net revenues was 12.5% and 10.8% for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. This increase was primarily related to the factors discussed above.

Specialty Services

Specialty Services net revenues for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 were $2,079 million and $2,030 million respectively. The increase was primarily due to strong growth in the service business during the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to the same period in the prior year. The increase was partially offset by continued disciplined customer and project selection and customer project delays in the fabrication business.

Specialty Services operating margin for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 was 5.2% and 4.8%, respectively. The increase was primarily the result of disciplined project and customer selection during the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to the same period in 2022. Specialty Services EBITDA as a percentage of net revenues for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 was 10.4% and 10.1%, respectively, due to the factors discussed above.

Year ended December 31, 2022 versus year ended December 31, 2021

For a discussion of our 2022 results of operations, including a discussion of our financial results for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022 compared to the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021, refer to Part I, Item 7, of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, filed with the SEC on March 1, 2023.

NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES

We supplement our reporting of consolidated financial information determined in accordance with U.S. GAAP with SG&A expenses (excluding amortization and impairment) and EBITDA (defined below), which are non-U.S. GAAP financial measures. We use these non-U.S. GAAP financial measures to evaluate our performance, both internally and as compared with our peers, because they exclude certain items that may not be indicative of our core operating results. Management believes these measures are useful to investors since they (a) permit investors to view our performance using the same tools that management uses to evaluate our past performance, reportable business segments and prospects for future performance, (b) permit investors to compare us with our peers, and (c) in the case of EBITDA, determines certain elements of management’s incentive compensation.

These non-U.S. GAAP financial measures, however, have limitations as analytical tools and should not be considered in isolation from, a substitute for, or superior to, the related financial information that we report in accordance with U.S. GAAP. The principal limitation of these non-U.S. GAAP financial measures is that they exclude significant expenses that are required by U.S. GAAP to be recorded in our financial statements and may not be comparable to similarly titled measures of other companies due to potential differences in calculation methods. In addition, these measures are subject to inherent limitations as they reflect the exercise of judgment by management about which items are excluded or included in determining these non-U.S. GAAP financial measures. Investors are encouraged to review the following reconciliations of these non-U.S. GAAP financial measures to the most comparable U.S. GAAP financial measures and not to rely on any single financial measure to evaluate our business.

SG&A expenses (excluding amortization and impairment)

SG&A expenses (excluding amortization and impairment) is a measure of operating costs used by management to manage the business and its segments. We believe this non-U.S. GAAP measure provides meaningful information and helps investors understand our core selling, general, and administrative expenses excluding acquisition-related amortization expense and impairment charges to better enable investors to understand our financial results and assess our prospects for future performance.

The following tables present reconciliations of SG&A expenses to SG&A expenses (excluding amortization and impairment) for the periods indicated:

($ in millions)

EBITDA

Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (“EBITDA”) is the measure of profitability used by management to manage its segments and, accordingly, in its segment reporting. We supplement the reporting of our consolidated financial information with EBITDA. We believe this non-U.S. GAAP measure provides meaningful information and helps investors understand our financial results and assess our prospects for future performance. Consolidated EBITDA is calculated in a manner consistent with segment EBITDA, which is a measure of segment profitability.

The following table presents a reconciliation of net income to EBITDA for the periods indicated:

($ in millions)

39

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

Overview

Our primary sources of liquidity are cash flows from the operating activities of our consolidated subsidiaries, available cash and cash equivalents, our access to our $500 million five-year senior secured revolving credit facility (the “Revolving Credit Facility”), and the proceeds from debt offerings. We believe these sources will be sufficient to fund our liquidity requirements for at least the next twelve months. Although we believe we have sufficient resources to fund our future cash requirements, there are many factors with the potential to influence our cash flow position including weather, seasonality, commodity prices, market conditions, and inflation, over which we have no control.

As of December 31, 2023, we had $974 million of total liquidity, comprising $479 million in cash and cash equivalents and $495 million ($500 million less outstanding letters of credit of approximately $5 million, which reduce availability) of available borrowings under our Revolving Credit Facility.

During 2022, we issued and sold 800,000 shares of our Series B Preferred Stock (defined below) for an aggregate purchase price of $800 million and entered into the Second Amendment to our Credit Agreement. As part of this amendment, we entered into a $1,100 million seven-year incremental term loan ("2021 Term Loan"), the Revolving Credit Facility was upsized by $200 million to $500 million, the maturity date of the Revolving Credit Facility was extended five-years, and the letter of credit limit was increased by $100 million to $250 million.

During 2023, we completed the Fourth Amendment to our Credit Agreement, repricing our 2019 Term Loan and 2021 Term Loan. The repricing reduces the applicable margin on all outstanding amounts by 25 basis points. Additionally, $422 million of the 2019 Term Loan was extended to the 2021 Term Loan and assumed all the same terms as the repriced 2021 Term Loan. We made a repayment of $100 million on the 2019 Term Loan concurrent with the close of this transaction.

We expect to continue to be able to access the capital markets through equity and debt offerings for liquidity purposes as needed. Our principal liquidity requirements have been, and we expect will continue to be, for working capital and general corporate purposes, including capital expenditures and debt service, any accrued consideration and compensation due to selling shareholders, including tax payments in connection therewith, as well as to identify, execute, and integrate strategic acquisitions and business transformation transactions or initiatives. Our capital expenditures were approximately $86 million and $79 million in the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.

In 2022, our Board of Directors authorized a stock repurchase program ("SRP"), authorizing the purchase of up to an aggregate of $250 million of common stock through February 2024. During the twelve months ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, we repurchased 1,626,493 and 2,505,723 shares of common stock for approximately $41 million and $44 million, respectively. As of December 31, 2023, we had approximately $165 million of authorized repurchases remaining under the SRP.

On February 26, 2024, our Board of Directors authorized a stock repurchase program to purchase up to an aggregate of $1,000 million of shares of our common stock. This stock repurchase program is indefinite, unless otherwise modified or terminated by our Board of Directors at any time in its sole discretion.

Cash Flows

The following table summarizes net cash flows with respect to our operating, investing, and financing activities for the periods indicated:

(in millions)

Net cash provided by operating activities

Net cash provided by operating activities was $514 million in the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to $270 million of cash provided for the same period in 2022. The increase in cash flows provided by operating activities is primarily due to an increase in net income in the period. This increase in cash provided by operating activities is also driven by lower working capital needs associated with the various services we provide. Cash flow from operations is primarily driven by changes in the mix and timing of demand for our services and working capital needs associated with the various services we provide. Working capital is primarily affected by changes in total accounts receivable, accounts payable, accrued expenses, and contract assets and contract liabilities, all of which tend to be related and are affected by changes in the timing and volume of work performed.

Net cash used in investing activities

Net cash used in investing activities was $115 million and $2,901 million in the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. During 2023, we utilized $83 million for acquisitions, compared to $2,839 million for the Chubb Acquisition for the same period in 2022.

Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities

Net cash used in financing activities was $532 million for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to $1,756 million provided by financing activities for the same period in 2022. The decrease in cash provided by financing activities was primarily driven by equity and debt issuances for the year ended December 31, 2022 related to the Chubb Acquisition. For the year ended December 31, 2022, cash provided by financing activities was higher due to $1,104 million of proceeds from the issuance of the 2021 Term Loan and other debt, and $797 million of proceeds from the issuance of Series B Preferred Stock. The cash used in financing activities for the year ended December 31, 2023 was also driven by $475 million of aggregate payments on the 2019 Term Loan and the 2021 Term Loan.

Year ended December 31, 2022 versus year ended December 31, 2021

For a discussion of our Liquidity and Capital Resources for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022 compared to the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021, refer to Part I, Item 7 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, filed with the SEC on March 1, 2023.

Financing Activities

Credit Agreement

We have entered into a Credit Agreement by and among APi Group DE, Inc., our wholly-owned subsidiary, as borrower ("APi Group DE"), APG as a guarantor, the subsidiary guarantors from time to time party thereto, the lenders from time to time party thereto, and Citibank N.A., as administrative agent and as collateral agent (the “Credit Agreement”) which provides for: (1) a term loan facility, pursuant to which we incurred the $1,200 million term loan ("2019 Term Loan") used to fund a part of the cash portion of the purchase price in the APi Acquisition, and the $1,100 million 2021

Term Loan used to fund a portion of the purchase price in the Chubb acquisition, and (2) a $500 million Revolving Credit Facility of which up to $250 million can be used for the issuance of letters of credit.

On October 11, 2023, we completed repricing of our 2019 Term Loan and 2021 Term Loan. The repricing reduces the applicable margin on all outstanding amounts by 25 basis points. Additionally, $422 million of the 2019 Term Loan was extended to the 2021 Term Loan and assumed all the same terms as the repriced 2021 Term Loan.

Following the debt repricing transaction, the amended interest rate applicable to the 2019 Term Loan is, at our option, either (a) a base rate plus an applicable margin equal to 1.25% or (b) a Term SOFR rate (adjusted for statutory reserves) plus an applicable margin equal to 2.25% plus a credit spread adjustment ("CSA"). Principal payments on the 2019 Term Loan are due in quarterly installments on the last day of each fiscal quarter, unless prepayments are made, for a total annual amount equal to 1.00% of the initial aggregate principal amount of the 2019 Term Loan. The 2019 Term Loan matures on October 1, 2026. Based on the early prepayments we have made, we do not owe any quarterly principal amounts for the remainder of the 2019 Term Loan.

Following the debt repricing transaction, the amended interest rate applicable to the 2021 Term Loan is, at our option, either (a) a base rate plus an applicable margin equal to 1.50% or (b) a Term SOFR rate (adjusted for statutory reserves) plus an applicable margin equal to 2.50% plus a CSA. Principal payments on the 2021 Term Loan will be made in quarterly installments on the last day of each fiscal quarter, for a total annual amount equal to 1.00% of the initial aggregate principal amount of the 2021 Term Loan. The 2021 Term Loan matures on January 3, 2029. The 2021 Term Loan is subject to the same mandatory prepayment provisions as the 2019 Term Loan. Based on the early prepayments we have made, we do not owe any quarterly principal amounts for the remainder of the 2021 Term Loan.

The interest rate applicable to borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility is, at our option, either (a) a base rate plus an applicable margin equal to 1.25% or (2) a Term SOFR rate (adjusted for statutory reserves) plus an applicable margin equal to 2.25% plus a CSA.

The Credit Agreement contains customary representations and warranties, and affirmative and negative covenants, including covenants that, among other things, restrict our, and our restricted subsidiaries’, ability to (i) incur additional indebtedness; (ii) pay dividends or make other distributions or repurchase or redeem capital stock; (iii) prepay, redeem or repurchase certain debt; (iv) make loans and investments; (v) sell, transfer and otherwise dispose of assets; (vi) incur or permit to exist certain liens; (vii) enter into transactions with affiliates; (viii) enter into agreements restricting subsidiaries’ ability to pay dividends; and (ix) consolidate, amalgamate, merge or sell all or substantially all assets. The Credit Agreement also contains customary events of default. Furthermore, with respect to the Revolving Credit Facility, we must maintain a first lien net leverage ratio that does not exceed (i) 4.00 to 1.00 for each fiscal quarter ending in 2021, and (ii) 3.75 to 1.00 for each fiscal quarter ending thereafter, if on the last day of any fiscal quarter the outstanding amount of all revolving loans and letter of credit obligations (excluding undrawn letters of credit up to $40 million) under the Credit Agreement is greater than 30% of the total revolving credit commitments thereunder subject to a right of cure. Our first lien net leverage ratio as of December 31, 2023 was 1.54:1.00.

During 2023, we repaid an aggregate amount of $375 million and $100 million to the 2019 Term Loan and 2021 Term Loan, respectively. As a result, as of December 31, 2023, the 2019 Term Loan and the 2021 Term Loan have remaining principal amounts of $330 million and $1,407 million, respectively.

We had no amounts outstanding under the Revolving Credit Facility, under which $495 million was available after giving effect to $5 million of outstanding letters of credit, which reduces availability.

Senior Notes

On June 22, 2021, APi Group DE completed a private offering of $350 million aggregate principal amount of 4.125% Senior Notes due 2029 (the “4.125% Senior Notes”), issued under an indenture, dated June 22, 2021. The 4.125% Senior Notes are fully and unconditionally guaranteed on a senior unsecured basis by us and certain subsidiaries. The 4.125% Senior Notes will mature on July 15, 2029, unless redeemed earlier, and bear interest at a rate of 4.125% per year until maturity, payable semi-annually in arrears. We used the net proceeds from the sale of the 4.125% Senior Notes to repay the previously outstanding term loan, prepay a portion of the 2019 Term Loan and for general corporate purposes. During the year ended December 31, 2022, we repurchased $13 million of outstanding principal amount of the 4.125% Senior Notes and recognized a net gain of $2 million on the debt extinguishment. As of December 31, 2023, we had $337 million aggregate principal amount of 4.125% Senior Notes outstanding.

On October 21, 2021, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company completed a private offering of $300 million aggregate principal amount of 4.750% Senior Notes due 2029 (the “4.750% Senior Notes”) issued under an indenture dated October 21, 2021, as supplemented by a supplemental indenture dated January 3, 2022. The 4.750% Senior Notes are fully and unconditionally guaranteed on a senior unsecured basis by us and certain subsidiaries. The 4.750% Senior Notes will mature on October 15, 2029, unless earlier redeemed, and bear interest at a rate of 4.750% per year until maturity, payable semi-annually in arrears. We used the net proceeds from the sale of the 4.750% Senior Notes to finance a portion of the consideration for the Chubb Acquisition. During the year ended December 31, 2022, we repurchased $23 million of outstanding principal amount of the 4.750% Senior Notes and recognized a net gain of $3 million on the debt extinguishment. As of December 31, 2023, we had $277 million aggregate principal amount of 4.750% Senior Notes outstanding.

Debt Covenants

As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, we were in compliance with all covenants contained in the indentures governing the 4.125% Senior Notes and the 4.750% Senior Notes, and the Credit Agreement.

Issuance of Series B Preferred Stock

During 2022, we issued and sold 800,000 shares of our 5.5% Series B Redeemable Convertible Preferred Stock, par value $0.0001 per share (the "Series B Preferred Stock"), for an aggregate purchase price of $800 million, pursuant to securities purchase agreements entered into on July 26, 2021 with certain investors. The net proceeds from the Series B Preferred Stock issuance were used to fund a portion of the consideration for the Chubb Acquisition.

The holders of the Series B Preferred Stock are entitled to dividends at the rate of 5.5% per annum, payable in cash or common stock, at our election. The Series B Preferred Stock ranks senior to our common stock and Series A Preferred Stock with respect to dividend rights and rights upon the voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution, or winding up of our affairs.

The Series B Preferred Stock is convertible, at the holder’s option, into shares of our common stock at a conversion price equal to $24.60 per share, subject to certain customary adjustments. The holders of Series B Preferred Stock have certain other rights including voting rights on an as-converted basis, certain pre-emptive rights on our private equity offerings, certain registration rights, and, in the case of certain holders, certain director designation rights, as provided in the certificate of designation governing the Series B Preferred Stock.

We may, at our option, effect conversion of the outstanding shares of Series B Preferred Stock to common stock, but only if the volume-weighted average price of our common stock exceeds $36.90 per share for 15 consecutive trading days.

Material Cash Requirements from Known Contractual and Other Obligations

Our material cash requirements from known contractual and other obligations primarily relate to the following, for which information on both a short-term and long-term basis is provided in the indicated notes to the consolidated financial statements and expected to be satisfied using cash generated from operations:

• Operating and Finance Leases – See Note 12 – "Leases."
• Debt – See Note 13 – "Debt" for future principal payments and interest rates on our debt instruments.
• Tax Obligations – See Note 14 – "Income Taxes."
• Pension obligations – See Note 16 – "Pension."

We make investments in our properties and equipment to enable continued expansion and effective performance of our business. Our capital expenditures are typically less than 1.5% of annual net revenues.

RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

We review new accounting standards to determine the expected impact, if any, of the adoption of such standards will have on our financial position and/or results of operations. See Note 3 – “Recent Accounting Pronouncements” for further information regarding new accounting standards, including the anticipated dates of adoption and the effects on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or liquidity.

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES

The preparation of financial statements and related disclosures in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements, and income and expenses during the periods reported. Actual results could materially differ from those estimates. We have identified the following as our critical accounting estimates:

Revenue Recognition from Contracts with Customers

We recognize net revenues from contracts with customers under Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 606. ASC 606 aligns revenue recognition with the timing of when promised goods or services are transferred to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which we expect to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. This core principle is achieved through the application of the following five step model: (1) identify the contract with a customer, (2) identify the performance obligations in the contract, (3) determine the transaction price, (4) allocate the transaction price to performance obligations in the contract, and (5) recognize revenue as performance obligations are satisfied.

We recognize net revenues at the time the related performance obligations are satisfied by transferring a promised good or service to our customers. A good or service is considered to be transferred when the customer obtains control. We can transfer control of a good or service and satisfy our performance obligations either over time or at a point in time. We transfer control of a good or service over time and, therefore, satisfy a performance obligation and recognize revenue over time, if one of the following three criteria are met: (a) the customer simultaneously receives and consumes the benefits provided as we perform, (b) our performance creates or enhances an asset that the customer controls as the asset is created or enhanced, or (c) our performance does not create an asset with an alternative use, and we have an enforceable right to payment for performance completed to date.

For our performance obligations satisfied over time, we recognize revenue by measuring the progress toward complete satisfaction of that performance obligation. The selection of the method to measure progress towards completion can be either an input or output method and requires judgment based on the nature of the goods or services to be provided.

For our construction contracts, net revenues are generally recognized over time as our performance creates or enhances an asset that the customer controls as it is created or enhanced. Our fixed price construction projects generally use a cost-to-cost input method to measure progress towards completion of the performance obligation as we believe it best depicts the transfer of control to the customer, which occurs as we incur costs on our contracts. Under the cost-to-cost measure of progress, the extent of progress towards completion is measured based on the ratio of costs incurred to date to the total estimated costs at completion of the performance obligation. Costs incurred include direct materials, labor and subcontract costs, and indirect costs related to contract performance, such as indirect labor, supplies, tools, repairs and depreciation costs. These contract costs are included in the results of operations under cost of revenues. Labor costs are considered to be incurred as the work is performed. Subcontractor labor is recognized as work is performed.

Net revenues from time and material construction contracts are recognized as the services are provided and is equal to the sum of the contract costs incurred plus an agreed upon markup. Net revenues earned from distribution contracts are recognized upon shipment or performance of the service.

We have a right to payment for performance completed to date at any time throughout our performance of a contract, including in the event of a cancellation, and as such, revenue is recognized over time. These performance obligations use the cost-to-cost input method to measure our progress towards complete satisfaction of the performance obligation as we believe it best depicts the transfer of control to the customer which occurs as we incur costs on the contracts.

Due to uncertainties inherent in the estimation process, it is possible that estimates of costs to complete a performance obligation will be revised on an on-going basis. For those performance obligations for which net revenues are recognized using a cost-to-cost input method, changes in total estimated costs, and related progress towards complete satisfaction of the performance obligation, are recognized on a cumulative catch-up basis in the period in which the revisions to the estimates are made. When the current estimate of total costs for a performance obligation indicates a loss, a provision for the entire estimated loss on the unsatisfied performance obligation is made in the period in which the loss becomes evident.

The timing of revenue recognition may differ from the timing of invoicing to customers. Contract assets include unbilled amounts from our long-term construction projects when net revenues recognized under the cost-to-cost measure of progress exceed amounts invoiced to our customers. Such amounts are recoverable from our customers based upon various measures of performance, including achievement of certain milestones, completion of specified units or completion of a contract. In addition, many of our time and materials arrangements, as well as our contracts to perform turnaround services within the Specialty Services segment, are billed in arrears pursuant to contract terms that are standard within the industry, and resulting in contract assets and/or unbilled receivables being recorded, as revenue is recognized in advance of billings. Contract assets are generally classified as current assets within the consolidated balance sheets.

Contract liabilities from our long-term construction contracts arise when amounts invoiced to our customers exceed net revenues recognized under the cost-to-cost measure of progress. Contract liabilities additionally include advanced payments from our customers on certain contracts. Contract liabilities decrease as we recognize revenue from the satisfaction of the related performance obligation and are recorded as either current or long-term, depending upon when we expect to recognize such revenue. The long-term portion of contract liabilities is included in other noncurrent liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets.

Business Combinations

The nature or importance of this critical accounting estimate changes based on the transactional activity occurring in a given year. The determination of the fair value of net assets acquired in a business combination and estimates of acquisition-related contingent consideration requires estimates and judgments of future cash flow expectations for the acquired business and the related identifiable tangible and intangible assets. Fair values of net assets acquired are calculated using standard valuation techniques. Fair values of contingent consideration liabilities are estimated using an income approach such as discounted cash flows or option pricing models. We allocate purchase consideration to the tangible and intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on their estimated fair values. The excess of the fair value of purchase consideration over the fair values of these identifiable assets and liabilities is recorded as goodwill. When determining the fair values of assets acquired and liabilities assumed, management makes significant estimates and assumptions consistent with those of a market participant, especially with respect to intangible assets. Critical estimates in valuing intangible assets include, but are not limited to, future expected cash flows from backlog, customer relationships, and trade names and trademarks; and discount rates. In estimating the future cash flows, management considers demand, competition and other economic factors. Management’s estimates are based upon assumptions believed to be reasonable, but which are inherently uncertain and unpredictable and, as a result, actual results may differ from estimates, which could result in impairment charges in the future.

Due to the time required to obtain the necessary data for each acquisition, U.S. GAAP provides a “measurement period” of up to one year from the date of acquisition in which to finalize these fair value determinations. During the measurement period, preliminary fair value estimates may be revised if new information is obtained about the facts and circumstances existing as of the date of acquisition, or based on the final net assets and working capital of the acquired business, as prescribed in the applicable purchase agreement. Such revisions may result in the recording of “measurement period adjustments," which may result in the recognition of, or adjustment to, the fair values of acquisition-related assets or liabilities and/or consideration paid, as well as the related depreciation and amortization expense.

Significant changes in the assumptions or estimates used in the underlying valuations, including the expected profitability or cash flows of an acquired business, could materially affect our operating results in the period such changes are recognized.

The Periodic Assessment of Potential Impairment of Goodwill

Goodwill represents the excess of cost over the fair market value of net tangible and identifiable intangible assets of acquired businesses. Goodwill is not amortized but instead is annually tested for impairment, or more frequently if events or circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of goodwill may be impaired. We have recorded goodwill in connection with our historical acquisitions of businesses. Upon acquisition, these businesses were either combined into one of the existing components or managed on a stand-alone basis as an individual component.

The components are aligned to one of our two reportable segments, Safety Services or Specialty Services. Goodwill is required to be evaluated for impairment at the reporting unit level, which represents the operating segment level or one level below the operating segment level for which discrete financial information is available.

We perform our annual goodwill impairment assessment on October 1 each fiscal year, or more frequently if events or circumstances arise which indicate that goodwill may be impaired. Accounting standards for testing goodwill for impairment require the application of either a qualitative or quantitative assessment to analyze whether or not goodwill has been impaired. We perform the qualitative analysis by evaluating financial performance, macroeconomic conditions, and industry trends. Under the quantitative assessment, the estimated fair value of a reporting unit is compared with its carrying amount, including goodwill. If the carrying amount exceeds fair value, then an impairment loss would be recognized in an amount equal to that excess, limited to the amount of goodwill allocated to that reporting unit.

Quantitative testing performed is based on the estimated fair value using a combination of market and income approaches. Under the market approach, fair values were estimated using published market multiples for comparable companies and applying them to revenue and EBITDA. Under the income approach, a discounted cash flow methodology was used considering management estimates, general economic and market conditions, and the impact of planned business and operational strategies. Estimated discount rates were determined using the weighted average cost of capital for each reporting unit at the time of the analysis, taking into consideration the risks inherent within each reporting unit individually.

For the year ended December 31, 2023, we performed our annual goodwill impairment assessment as of October 1, 2023. We had total goodwill of $2,471 million as December 31, 2023. Based on the annual test, no goodwill impairment was indicated for any of the reporting units: Life Safety, Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning ("HVAC"), Infrastructure/Utility, Fabrication, and Specialty Contracting.

While we believe we have made reasonable estimates and assumptions to calculate the fair values of the reporting units, it is possible changes could occur. We will continue to monitor reporting units in 2024 for any triggering events or other indicators of impairment.

Income Taxes

Our provision for income taxes uses an effective tax rate based on annual pre-tax income, statutory tax rates, permanent tax differences and tax planning opportunities in the various jurisdictions in which we operate. Significant factors that can affect our annual effective tax rate include our assessment of certain tax matters, the location and amount of taxable earnings, changes in certain non-deductible expenses and expected credits. Although we believe our provision for income taxes is correct and the related assumptions are reasonable, the final outcome of tax matters could be materially different from what we currently anticipate, which could result in significant costs or benefits to us. See Note 14 – “Income Taxes” for additional discussion.

In the ordinary course of business, there is inherent uncertainty in quantifying income tax positions. We assess our income tax positions and record tax benefits for all years subject to examination based on our evaluation of the facts, circumstances and information available at the reporting date. For those tax positions where it is more likely than not that a tax benefit will be sustained, we have recognized the largest amount of tax benefit with a greater than 50% likelihood of being realized upon ultimate settlement with a taxing authority that has full knowledge of all relevant information. For those income tax positions where it is not more likely than not that a tax benefit will be sustained, no tax benefit has been recognized in our financial statements.

We file income tax returns in numerous tax jurisdictions, including U.S. federal, most U.S. states and certain foreign jurisdictions. Although we believe our calculations for tax returns are correct and the positions taken thereon are reasonable, the final outcome of income tax examinations could be materially different from our expectations and the estimates that are reflected in our consolidated financial statements, which could have a material effect on our results of operations, cash flows and liquidity.

Interest Rate Risk

As of December 31, 2023, our outstanding variable interest rate debt was primarily related to our 2019 Term Loan and our 2021 Term Loan. As of December 31, 2023, we had $330 million outstanding on the 2019 Term Loan, and $1,407 million outstanding on the 2021 Term Loan. To mitigate increases in variable interest rates, we have a $720 million interest rate swap, exchanging one-month SOFR for a rate of 3.59% per annum and a $400 million interest rate swap exchanging one-month SOFR for a rate of 3.41% per annum. In addition, interest expense will be offset by the amortization through October 2024 of the remaining gain of $14 million recognized from the termination of the previously outstanding $720 million notional amount interest rate swap. After the repricing transaction, the remaining floating rate portfolio will bear interest based on one-month SOFR plus CSA plus 225 basis points (for the 2019 Term Loan) or one-month SOFR plus CSA plus 250 basis points (for the 2021 Term Loan). As of December 31, 2023, excluding letters of credit outstanding of $5 million, we had no amounts of outstanding revolving loans under our Credit Agreement.

A one percentage point increase in the average interest rate on our floating rate debt at December 31, 2023 would increase future interest expense by approximately $6 million per year.

Foreign Currency Risk

We have operations are in over 20 countries globally. Revenues generated from foreign operations represented approximately 37% of our consolidated net revenues for the year ended December 31, 2023. Net revenues and expenses related to our foreign operations are, for the most part, denominated in the functional currency of the foreign operation, which minimizes the impact fluctuations in exchange rates would have on net income or loss. We are subject to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates when transactions are denominated in currencies other than the functional currencies. Such transactions were not material to our operations during the year ended December 31, 2023. These foreign currency transaction gains and losses, including hedging impacts, are classified in investment income and other, net, in the consolidated statements of operations and were a gain (loss) of $1 million, $(2) million and $(3) million for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively. These net foreign currency transaction gains and losses include derivative instruments designed to reduce foreign currency exchange rate risks. Translation gains or losses, which are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss in the consolidated balance sheets, result from translation of the assets and liabilities of our foreign subsidiaries into U.S. dollars. Foreign currency translation gains (losses) totaled approximately $61 million, $(164) million and $(11) million for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021, respectively.

Our exposure to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates has increased as a result of our international presence and may continue to increase in the future if we continue to expand our operations outside of the U.S. We seek to manage foreign currency exposure by minimizing our consolidated net assets and liability positions in currencies other than the functional currency of our foreign subsidiaries. However, we believe that our exposure to transactional gains or losses resulting from fluctuations in foreign currencies is limited because our foreign operations primarily invoice and collect receivables in their respective local or functional currencies, and the expenses associated with these transactions are generally contracted and paid for in the same local currencies. In order to manage foreign currency risk related to transactions in foreign currencies and the intercompany financing structure, we entered into cross-currency swaps to manage the foreign currency risk of certain intercompany loans. We also use foreign currency contracts as a way to mitigate foreign currency exposure.

Other Market Risk

We are also exposed to market risks impacting our customer base due to the potential related impact on accounts receivable or contract assets on uncompleted contracts. The amounts recorded may be at risk if our customers’ ability to pay these obligations is negatively impacted by economic conditions. We continually monitor the creditworthiness of our customers and maintain ongoing discussions with customers regarding contract status with respect to change orders and billing terms. Therefore, management believes it takes appropriate action to manage market and other risks, but there is no assurance management will be able to reasonably identify all risks with respect to the collectability of these assets. See also “Revenue Recognition from Contracts with Customers” under Critical Accounting Estimates within Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations”.

In addition, we are exposed to various supply chain risks, including market risk of fluctuations or availability of copper, steel, cable optic fiber, and other materials used as components of supplies or materials utilized in our operations. We are also exposed to increases in energy prices, particularly as they relate to gasoline prices for our vehicle fleet. Disruptions in our supply chain can occur due to market inefficiencies but can also be driven by other events, like cybersecurity breaches, pandemics, or similar disruptive events. While we believe we can increase our contract prices to adjust for some price increases in commodities, there can be no assurance that such price increases, if they were to occur, would be recoverable. Additionally, some of our fixed price contracts do not allow us to adjust prices and, as a result, increases in material costs could reduce profitability with respect to projects in progress.

Significant declines in market prices for oil and gas and other fuel sources may also impact our operations. Prolonged periods of low oil and gas prices may result in projects being delayed or cancelled and in a low oil and gas price environment, certain of our businesses could become less profitable or incur losses.

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

We maintain disclosure controls and procedures that are designed to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports we file or submit under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. In designing and evaluating such controls and procedures, we recognize that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving the desired control objectives.

As required by Rule 13a-15(b) of the Exchange Act, our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, have evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act) as of the end of the period covered by this annual report. Based on that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures are not effective as of December 31, 2023 due to the material weaknesses in internal control over financial reporting described below.

Our disclosure controls and procedures are designed to provide reasonable assurance of achieving their objectives as specified above. However, our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, does not expect that our disclosure controls and procedures will prevent or detect all errors and fraud. Any control system, no matter how well designed and operated, is based upon certain assumptions and can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that its objectives will be met. Further, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that misstatements due to error or fraud will not occur or that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, within our Company have been detected.

Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as such term is defined in Rule 13a‑15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act. Under the supervision of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, management conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2023 based on the guidelines established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework (2013 Framework) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based on this evaluation, our management concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was not effective as of December 31, 2023 due to the material weaknesses in internal control over financial reporting identified and further described below.

A material weakness (as defined in Rule 12b-2 under the Exchange Act) is a deficiency, or combination of deficiencies, in internal control over financial reporting such that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of a company’s annual or interim financial statements will not be prevented or detected on a timely basis. Management's assessment identified the following material weakness in the Company's internal control over financial reporting:

• The Company did not have adequate user access controls specific to segregation of duties in the Company’s change management process in certain information technology systems of the Chubb fire and security business that was acquired in 2022, which resulted from ineffective risk assessment. As a result, process level automated and manual controls that are dependent on the completeness and accuracy of information derived from the affected systems across all financial reporting processes were also considered ineffective because they could have been adversely impacted.
• The Company did not have adequate controls to ensure the completeness and accuracy of time keeping and service order information used in the financial reporting processes of certain businesses that is processed and hosted by a third-party service organization. The Company did not have an effective risk assessment process to identify and assess the risks of misstatement associated with the third-party service organization processing and hosting of related data on behalf of the Company. As a result, process level automated and manual controls that are dependent on the completeness and accuracy of information related to revenue and cost of revenues and

derived from the affected systems were also considered ineffective because they could have been adversely impacted.

The control deficiencies did not result in material misstatements identified in the preparation of consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2023. However, these control deficiencies created a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement to the consolidated financial statements would not have been prevented or detected on a timely basis.

KPMG LLP, the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm, has audited our consolidated financial statements included in this report, and has also issued an adverse opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting, which is included elsewhere in this Form 10-K.

2023 Remediation Activities

In its 2022 Item 9A filed on Form 10-K, management identified material weaknesses over user access controls related to an information technology system resulting from insufficient risk assessment and ineffective operation of process level controls over revenue recognition resulting from insufficient training. Management, through the below remediation activities, were able to successfully remediate the previously communicated material weaknesses in existence as of December 31, 2022.

The Company performed the following remediation activities in 2023 in relation to the legacy businesses:

a. We conducted additional training with control owners and reviewers within operations and finance with a specific focus on sufficient documentation and evidence in the execution of the controls;

b. We conducted an evaluation of ITGCs and related policies, with a focus on risk assessment procedures and controls related to access to IT systems and implemented an IT management review and testing plan to monitor ITGCs with a specific focus on systems supporting our financial reporting processes.

As a result of the remediation activities during 2023, we remediated the prior year material weaknesses within our legacy business.

Remediation Plan of Newly Identified Material Weakness

While management was successful in completing its multi-year remediation of prior year material weaknesses within the legacy business, the establishment of internal controls over financial reporting at certain subsidiaries of the recently acquired Chubb Fire & Security business and the inability of a third-party service organization to provide a service auditors’ report led to the identification of new material weaknesses. We will continue to strengthen our internal control over financial reporting and are committed to ensuring that such controls are operating effectively. We are implementing process and control improvements to address the above material weaknesses identified in 2023 as follows:

• We will implement third-party software designed to identify segregation of duties conflicts based on established roles and responsibilities;
• We will conduct an analysis of conflict reports derived by the third party software and document mitigation where established controls exist and operate effectively or create newly designed controls to mitigate those conflicts where such controls do not exist;
• We generally require our third-party service organizations to provide a SOC 1, Type 2 report to us. However, if a SOC1, Type 2 report is not available, we will evaluate the third-party’s relevant systems and compare other available options. If no other options exist, Management will design and implement process level controls to ensure information used in our financial reporting process is complete and accurate.

The material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting will not be considered remediated until the remediated controls operate for a sufficient period of time and management has concluded, through testing, that these controls are operating effectively. No system of controls, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide absolute assurance that the objectives of the system of controls will be met, and no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all control deficiencies or material weaknesses have been or will be detected. There is no assurance that the remediation will be fully effective. As described above, the material weakness has not been remediated as of the filing date of this Annual Report. If these remediation efforts do not prove effective and control deficiencies and material weaknesses persist or occur in the future, the accuracy and timing of our financial reporting may be adversely affected.

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

Management, together with our CEO and CFO, evaluated the changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended December 31, 2023.

Other than changes described above, there have been no changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) during the quarter ended December 31, 2023 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.