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Revenue

Revenue disaggregated by customer profile is as follows:


	Three Months Ended								Six Months Ended
	June 30, 2020		June 30, 2019		June 30, 2020		June 30, 2019
	(in thousands)						(in thousands)

Top client	$	74,932	$	89,565	$	156,199	$	189,559

Clients 2-5	179,018		166,772		381,996		336,285
Clients 6-10	86,449		87,725		160,800		166,499
Clients 11-25	101,417		139,086		231,501		274,748
Other	178,412		211,989		404,834		402,898

Total	$	620,228	$	695,137	$	1,335,330	$	1,369,989

Accounts receivable, unbilled revenue (contract assets) and unearned revenue or payments on account (contract liabilities)

Accounts receivables and unbilled revenue are as follows:


	June 30, 2020		December 31, 2019
	(in thousands)
Contract assets:
Billed services (accounts receivable)	$	482,349	$	535,088
Unbilled services (unbilled revenue)	410,397		422,769
Accounts receivable and unbilled revenue	892,746		957,857
Allowance for credit losses	(9,329)		—
Allowance for doubtful debts	—		(7,380)

Accounts receivable and unbilled revenue, net	$	883,417	$	950,477

Unbilled services and unearned revenue or payments on account (contract assets and liabilities) were as follows:


(in thousands, except percentages)	June 30, 2020		December 31, 2019		$ Change		% Change

Unbilled services (unbilled revenue)	$	410,397	$	422,769	$	(12,372)	(2.9)	%
Unearned revenue (payments on account)	(393,217)		(366,988)		(26,229)		7.1	%

Net balance	$	17,180	$	55,781	$	(38,601)	(69.2)	%

Timing may differ between the satisfaction of performance obligations and the invoicing and collection of amounts related to our contracts with customers. We record assets for amounts related to performance obligations that are satisfied but not yet billed and/or collected. These assets are recorded as unbilled services and therefore contract assets rather than accounts receivables when receipt of the consideration is conditional on something other than the passage of time. Liabilities are recorded for amounts that are collected in advance of the satisfaction of performance obligations or billed in advance of the revenue being earned.

Unbilled services/revenue balances arise where invoicing or billing is based on the timing of agreed milestones related to service contracts for clinical research. Contractual billing arrangements in respect of certain reimbursable expenses (principally investigators) require billing by the investigator to the Company prior to billing by the Company to the customer. As there is no contractual right to set-off between unbilled services (contract assets) and unearned revenue (contract liabilities), each are separately presented gross on the Consolidated Balance Sheet.

Unbilled services as at June 30, 2020 decreased by $12.4 million as compared to December 31, 2019. Unearned revenue increased by $26.2 million over the same period resulting in a decrease of $38.6 million in the net balance of unbilled services and unearned revenue or payments on account between December 31, 2019 and June 30, 2020. These fluctuations are primarily due to timing of payments and invoicing related to the Group's clinical trial management contracts. Billings and payments are established by contractual provisions including predetermined payment schedules which may or may not correspond to the timing of the transfer of control of the Company's services under the contract. Unbilled services arise from long-term contracts when a cost-based input method of revenue recognition is applied and revenue recognized exceeds the amount billed to the customer.

The credit loss expense and allowance for credit losses recognized on the Group's receivables and unbilled services was de minimis for the six months ended June 30, 2020 and June 30, 2019.

As of June 30, 2020 approximately $5.7 billion of revenue is expected to be recognized in the future in respect of unsatisfied performance obligations. The Company expects to recognize revenue on approximately 43% of the unsatisfied performance obligation over the next 12 months, with the remainder recognized thereafter over the duration of the customer contracts.

The entire disclosure of revenue from contract with customer to transfer good or service and to transfer nonfinancial asset. Includes, but is not limited to, disaggregation of revenue, credit loss recognized from contract with customer, judgment and change in judgment related to contract with customer, and asset recognized from cost incurred to obtain or fulfill contract with customer. Excludes insurance and lease contracts.

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 606
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/topic&trid=49130388

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 606
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 10
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=121604090&loc=SL49130551-203045

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 606
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 13
-Subparagraph (b)(2)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=121604090&loc=SL49130556-203045

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 606
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 12
-Subparagraph (b)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=121604090&loc=SL49130554-203045

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 606
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 9
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=121604090&loc=SL49130550-203045

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 606
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 12
-Subparagraph (e)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=121604090&loc=SL49130554-203045

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 606
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 12
-Subparagraph (a)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=121604090&loc=SL49130554-203045

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 606
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 12
-Subparagraph (d)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=121604090&loc=SL49130554-203045

Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 606
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 15
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=121604090&loc=SL49130558-203045

Reference 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 606
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 12
-Subparagraph (c)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=121604090&loc=SL49130554-203045

Accounts receivable, unbilled revenue (contract assets) and unearned revenue or payments on account (contract liabilities)

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2020

Accounts receivable, unbilled revenue (contract assets) and unearned revenue or payments on account (contract liabilities)

Revenue

Revenue disaggregated by customer profile is as follows:


	Three Months Ended								Six Months Ended
	June 30, 2020		June 30, 2019		June 30, 2020		June 30, 2019
	(in thousands)						(in thousands)

Top client	$	74,932	$	89,565	$	156,199	$	189,559

Clients 2-5	179,018		166,772		381,996		336,285
Clients 6-10	86,449		87,725		160,800		166,499
Clients 11-25	101,417		139,086		231,501		274,748
Other	178,412		211,989		404,834		402,898

Total	$	620,228	$	695,137	$	1,335,330	$	1,369,989

Accounts receivable, unbilled revenue (contract assets) and unearned revenue or payments on account (contract liabilities)

Accounts receivables and unbilled revenue are as follows:


	June 30, 2020		December 31, 2019
	(in thousands)
Contract assets:
Billed services (accounts receivable)	$	482,349	$	535,088
Unbilled services (unbilled revenue)	410,397		422,769
Accounts receivable and unbilled revenue	892,746		957,857
Allowance for credit losses	(9,329)		—
Allowance for doubtful debts	—		(7,380)

Accounts receivable and unbilled revenue, net	$	883,417	$	950,477

Unbilled services and unearned revenue or payments on account (contract assets and liabilities) were as follows:


(in thousands, except percentages)	June 30, 2020		December 31, 2019		$ Change		% Change

Unbilled services (unbilled revenue)	$	410,397	$	422,769	$	(12,372)	(2.9)	%
Unearned revenue (payments on account)	(393,217)		(366,988)		(26,229)		7.1	%

Net balance	$	17,180	$	55,781	$	(38,601)	(69.2)	%

The credit loss expense and allowance for credit losses recognized on the Group's receivables and unbilled services was de minimis for the six months ended June 30, 2020 and June 30, 2019.

Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]

Goodwill

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2020

Goodwill


	Six Months Ended		Year Ended
	June 30, 2020		December 31, 2019
	(in thousands)
Opening balance	$	883,170	$	756,260
Current period acquisitions (Note 6)	27,304		126,932
Prior period acquisitions	123		—
Foreign exchange movement	(9,352)		(22)

Closing balance	$	901,245	$	883,170

Business combinations

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2020

Business Combinations [Abstract]

Business combinations

Acquisitions – MedPass Group ("MedPass")

On January 22, 2020 a subsidiary of the Company, ICON Investments Limited acquired 100% of the equity share capital of the MedPass Group. MedPass is the leading European medical device CRO, regulatory and reimbursement consultancy, that specializes in medical device development and market access. The acquisition of MedPass further enhances ICON’s Medical Device and Diagnostic Research Services, through the addition of new regulatory and clinical capabilities in Europe. The integration of MedPass’s services brings noted expertise in complex class 3 medical devices, interventional cardiology and structural heart devices.

The acquisition of MedPass has been accounted for as a business combination in accordance with ASC 805 'Business Combinations'. The Company has made a provisional assessment of the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed as at that date.


	January 22,
	2020
	(in thousands)
Cash & cash equivalents	$	10,170
Property, plant and equipment	45
Operating right of use assets	539
Goodwill *	27,304
Customer relationships **	11,725
Order backlog **	2,883
Accounts receivable	3,033


Prepayments and other current assets	158
Accounts payable	(368)
Unearned revenue	(989)
Other liabilities	(2,315)
Current lease liabilities	(219)
Non-current lease liabilities	(320)
Non-current deferred tax liability	(4,090)

Net assets acquired	$	47,556

Cash outflows	$	46,992
Working capital adjustment payable	564
Contingent consideration ***	—

Total consideration	$	47,556

* Goodwill represents the acquisition of an established workforce that specializes in medical device development and market access. None of the goodwill recognized is expected to be deductible for income tax purposes.

** The Company has made an estimate of separate intangible assets acquired, being customer relationships and order book assets. This assessment will be finalized within 12 months of the date of acquisition.

*** The fair value of the contingent consideration was estimated at the date of acquisition. Depending on performance of the company, the total consideration could increase by a maximum of $6.7 million in contingent consideration. At June 30, 2020, the fair value of this contingent consideration payable to MedPass is $Nil.

Acquisitions – CRN Holdings LLC (trading as Symphony Clinical Research ("Symphony"))

On September 24, 2019 a subsidiary of the Company, ICON Clinical Research LLC, acquired a 100% interest in Symphony. Symphony is a leading provider of at-home trial services and site support services. The acquisition of Symphony further enhances our site & patient services offering.

The acquisition of Symphony has been accounted for as a business combination in accordance with ASC 805 'Business Combinations'. The Company has made a provisional assessment of the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed as at that date.


	September 24,
	2019
	(in thousands)
Cash & cash equivalents	$	3,292
Property, plant and equipment	564
Operating right of use assets	820
Goodwill *	22,865
Customer relationships **	8,159
Order backlog **	2,163
Accounts receivable	4,544
Unbilled revenue	186
Prepayments and other current assets	181
Other receivables	6
Accounts payable	(799)
Unearned revenue	(2,411)
Other liabilities	(933)
Current lease liabilities	(289)
Non-current lease liabilities	(531)

Net assets acquired	$	37,817

Cash outflows	$	34,976
Working capital adjustment paid	341
Contingent consideration ***	2,500

Total consideration	$	37,817

* Goodwill represents the acquisition of an established workforce and the capability to provide at-home trial services and site support solutions. The full amount of the goodwill recognized is expected to be deductible for income tax purposes.

** The Company has made an estimate of separate intangible assets acquired, being customer relationships and order book assets. The fair value of Symphony’s intangible assets has been measured provisionally, pending receipt of a final independent valuation. This assessment will be finalized within 12 months of the date of acquisition.

*** The fair value of the contingent consideration was estimated at the date of acquisition. At June 30, 2020, the contingent consideration has been settled at fair value in the amount of $0.5 million. The change in fair value has been recorded in the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations.

Acquisitions – MeDiNova

On May 23, 2019 a subsidiary of the Company, ICON Clinical Research (U.K.) Limited acquired a majority shareholding in MeDiNova, a site network with research sites in key markets in Europe and Africa. On March 9, 2020 ICON exercised its option to call the outstanding shares in the noncontrolling interest to take 100% ownership of MeDiNova. The acquisition further enhances ICON's patient recruitment capabilities in EMEA and complements ICON's existing site network in the US, PMG Research. Accounting for the acquisition of MeDiNova was finalized in the period ended June 30, 2020.

The acquisition of MeDiNova has been accounted for as a business combination in accordance with ASC 805 'Business Combinations'. The Company made an assessment of the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed as at that date. The following table summarizes the Company’s fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed:


	May 23,
	2019
	(in thousands)
Cash & cash equivalents	$	7,719
Property, plant and equipment	670
Operating right of use assets	1,558
Goodwill *	81,760
Customer relationships **	3,887
Order backlog **	171
Patient database **	2,542
Accounts receivable	3,488
Unbilled revenue	4,272
Other receivables	819
Prepayments and other current assets	406
Accounts payable	(5,484)
Unearned revenue	(5,796)
Other liabilities	(6,860)
Current lease liabilities	(430)
Non-current lease liabilities	(1,128)
Non-current deferred tax liability	(1,345)

Net assets acquired	$	86,249

Cash outflows	$	54,123
Working capital adjustment received	(466)
Redeemable noncontrolling interest ***	32,592

Total consideration	$	86,249

*Goodwill represents the acquisition of an established workforce and access to a broad site network in Europe and Africa. None of the goodwill recognized is expected to be deductible for income tax purposes.

**In finalizing the acquisition of MeDiNova in the twelve month period from acquisition, fair value adjustments were made which resulted in an increase in other liabilities ($1.6 million) and decreases in operating right of use assets ($0.3 million), current lease liabilities ($0.1 million), non-current lease liabilities ($0.3 million) and non-current deferred tax liability ($2.2 million). Customer relationship, order backlog and patient database assets were also finalized.

***The fair value of the redeemable noncontrolling interest on May 23, 2019 was $32.6 million which was estimated by applying an income based approach. The valuation approach used was based on the future earnings of the Company times an appropriate earnings multiple. On March 9, 2020 ICON exercised its option to call the outstanding shares in the noncontrolling interest to take 100% ownership of MeDiNova. Effective from this date, the noncontrolling interest was derecognized and a liability was recognized, representing the assessment of the redemption value of the noncontrolling interest. This liability was settled on July 17, 2020 for $43.9 million.

Acquisitions – MolecularMD Corp ("MMD")

On January 25, 2019 a subsidiary of the Company, ICON Laboratory Services, Inc. acquired 100% of the share capital of MMD. MMD is a molecular diagnostic specialty laboratory that enables the development and commercialization of precision medicines in oncology. The consideration on acquisition was $42.2 million.

The acquisition of MMD has been accounted for as a business combination in accordance with ASC 805 'Business Combinations'. The Company has made an assessment of the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed as at that date. The following table summarizes the Company’s fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed:


	January 25,
	2019
	(in thousands)
Cash & cash equivalent	$	686
Property, plant and equipment	1,697
Operating right of use assets	2,866
Goodwill *	22,430
Customer relationships	10,708
Order backlog	2,787
Accounts receivable	3,100
Unbilled revenue	2,421
Other receivables	43
Prepayments and other current assets	908
Deferred tax asset	1,568
Accounts payable	(1,280)
Unearned revenue	(540)
Other liabilities	(1,232)
Current lease liabilities	(699)
Non-current lease liabilities	(2,167)
Non-current other liabilities	(1,123)

Net assets acquired	$	42,173

Cash outflows	$	42,349
Working capital adjustment received	(176)

Total consideration	$	42,173

*Goodwill represents the acquisition of an established workforce with experience in molecular diagnostic specialty laboratory services and commercialization of precision medicines in oncology. None of the goodwill recognized is expected to be deductible for income tax purposes.

Accounting for the acquisition of MMD was finalized at December 31, 2019.

Restructuring

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2020

Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]

Restructuring

Restructuring charges

A restructuring charge of $18.1 million was recognized during the three months ended June 30, 2020 under a restructuring plan adopted following a review of operations. The restructuring plan reflected resource rationalization across the business to improve resource utilization, resulting in a charge of $11.4 million and office consolidation resulting in a charge for onerous lease obligation of $6.7 million, including the recognition of an impairment of right of use assets of $5.4 million (see note 8 - Operating Leases) and provision for other related costs of $1.3 million.

Details of the restructuring charge recognized in the three and six months ended June, 30, 2020 are as follows:


	Three Months Ended						Six Months Ended
	June 30, 2020		June 30, 2019		June 30, 2020		June 30, 2019
	(in thousands)
Restructuring charge	$	18,089	$	—	$	18,089	$	—

Total	$	18,089	$	—	$	18,089	—

Details of the movement in the restructuring charge recognized in the three and six months ended June, 30, 2020 are as follows:


	Workforce reductions		Onerous Lease		Total
	(in thousands)
Initial restructuring charge recorded	$	11,391	$	6,698	$	18,089
Utilization	(1,807)		—		(1,807)





Provision at June 30, 2020	$	9,584	$	6,698	$	16,282

Prior Period Restructuring charges

A restructuring charge of $12.5 million was recognized during the year ended December 31, 2018 under a restructuring plan adopted following a review of operations. The restructuring plan reflected resource rationalization across the business to improve resource utilization, resulting in a charge of $9.7 million and office consolidation resulting in the recognition of an onerous lease obligation of $2.8 million. No additional charge was recorded during the six months ended June 30, 2020.


	Workforce reductions		Onerous Lease		Total
	(in thousands)
Initial restructuring charge recorded	$	9,684	$	2,806	$	12,490
Utilization	(5,399)		(672)		(6,071)

Provision at December 31, 2018	$	4,285	$	2,134	$	6,419
Utilization	(3,554)		(1,228)		(4,782)
Provision at December 31, 2019	$	731	$	906	$	1,637
Utilization	(430)		(211)		(641)
Provision at June 30, 2020	$	301	$	695	$	996

At June 30, 2020, $12.7 million is included within other liabilities and $4.6 million within non-current other liabilities.

Operating leases

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2020

Leases [Abstract]

Operating leases

Lease costs recorded under operating leases for the three and six months ended June 30, 2020 were as follows:


	Three Months Ended						Six Months Ended
	June 30, 2020		June 30, 2019		June 30, 2020		June 30, 2019
	(in thousands)						(in thousands)
Operating lease costs	$	7,768	$	8,964	$	15,857	$	17,619
Income from sub-leases	(246)		(547)		(514)		(1,067)
Net operating lease costs	$	7,522	$	8,417	$	15,343	$	16,552

Of the total cost of $15.3 million incurred in the six months ended June 30, 2020 (June 30, 2019: $16.6 million), $14.0 million (June 30, 2019: $15.3 million) is recorded within selling, general and administration costs and $1.3 million (June 30, 2019: $1.3 million) is recorded within direct costs.

During the three and six months ended June 30, 2020 and June 30, 2019, costs incurred by the Group related to variable lease payments was de minimis.

Right-of-use assets obtained during the three and six months ended June 30, 2020 net of early termination options, now reasonably certain to be exercised, totaled $(1.4) million and $2.9 million, respectively (June 30, 2019: $4.9 million and $17.9 million respectively). In the three and six months ended June 30, 2020, office consolidations resulted in the recognition of an onerous lease obligation. The right-of-use assets related to these offices have been impaired to the extent they are considered onerous and a loss $5.4 million was recorded (see note 7 - Restructuring). No impairment losses were recognized in the three and six months ended June 30, 2019.

The weighted average remaining lease term and weighted-average discount rate at June 30, 2020 were 4.77 years and 2.66%, respectively.

Future minimum lease payments under non-cancelable leases as of June 30, 2020 were as follows:


	Minimum rental payments
	(in thousands)
	June 30, 2020
Due within 1 year	$	25,095
Due between 1 and 5 years	55,632
Thereafter	12,369
Total future minimum lease payments	93,096
Lease imputed interest	(6,027)
Total	$	87,069

Operating lease liabilities are presented as current and non-current. Operating lease liabilities of $23.1 million have been included in other liabilities as at June 30, 2020 (June 30, 2019: $29.0 million).

Income taxes

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2020

Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]

Income taxes

Income taxes recognized during the three and six months ended June 30, 2020 and June 30, 2019, comprise:


	Three Months Ended						Six Months Ended
	June 30, 2020		June 30, 2019		June 30, 2020		June 30, 2019
	(in thousands)						(in thousands)
Provision for income taxes	$	8,671	$	12,456	$	21,261	$	24,496
Tax impact of restructuring and other items	(2,261)		—		(2,261)		—
Provision for income taxes	$	6,410	$	12,456	$	19,000	$	24,496

As at June 30, 2020 the Company maintains a $19.3 million liability (December 31, 2019: $21.3 million) for unrecognized tax benefit, which is comprised of $18.9 million (December 31, 2019: $20.2 million) related to items generating unrecognized tax benefits and $0.4 million (December 31, 2019: $1.1 million) for interest and related penalties to such items. The Company recognizes interest accrued on unrecognized tax benefits as an additional income tax expense.

The Company has analyzed the filing positions in all of the significant federal, state and foreign jurisdictions where it is required to file income tax returns, as well as open tax years in these jurisdictions. The only periods subject to examination by the major tax jurisdictions where the Company does business are 2015 through 2019 tax years. The Company does not believe that the outcome of any examination will have a material impact on its financial statements.

Net income per ordinary share

The entire disclosure for income taxes. Disclosures may include net deferred tax liability or asset recognized in an enterprise's statement of financial position, net change during the year in the total valuation allowance, approximate tax effect of each type of temporary difference and carryforward that gives rise to a significant portion of deferred tax liabilities and deferred tax assets, utilization of a tax carryback, and tax uncertainties information.

+ References + Details

Net income per ordinary share

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2020

Earnings Per Share [Abstract]

Basic net income per ordinary share attributable to the Group has been computed by dividing net income available to ordinary shareholders by the weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding during the period.

Diluted net income per ordinary share is computed by adjusting the weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding during the period for all potentially dilutive ordinary shares outstanding during the period and adjusting net income for any changes in income or loss that would result from the conversion of such potential ordinary shares.

There is no difference in net income used for basic and diluted net income per ordinary share.

Basic and diluted net income per ordinary share attributable to the Group includes the adjustment to reflect the accretion of the noncontrolling interest in MeDiNova to its redemption value.

The reconciliation of the number of shares used in the computation of basic and diluted net income per ordinary share is as follows:


	Three Months Ended			Six Months Ended
	June 30, 2020	June 30, 2019	June 30, 2020	June 30, 2019
Weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding for basic net income per ordinary share	52,570,104	53,957,446	52,959,229	53,901,427
Effect of dilutive share options outstanding	458,463	491,671	731,909	454,278
Weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding for diluted net income per ordinary share	53,028,567	54,449,117	53,691,138	54,355,705

The reconciliation of net income attributable to the Group and net income attributable to the group (including NCI redemption amount) as used to calculate net income per ordinary share attributable to the Group is as follows:


	Three Months Ended						Six Months Ended
	June 30, 2020		June 30, 2019		June 30, 2020		June 30, 2019
	(in thousands)						(in thousands)
Net income attributable to the Group	$	47,760	$	91,857	$	139,456	$	180,154
Noncontrolling interest adjustment to redemption amount	—		—		(4,522)		—
Net income attributable to the Group (including NCI redemption adjustment)	$	47,760	$	91,857	$	134,934	$	180,154

	Three Months Ended						Six Months Ended
	June 30, 2020		June 30, 2019		June 30, 2020		June 30, 2019
Net income per Ordinary Share attributable to the Group (including NCI redemption adjustment):
Basic	$	0.91	$	1.70	$	2.55	$	3.34
Diluted	$	0.90	$	1.69	$	2.51	$	3.31

Share-based awards

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2020

Share-based Payment Arrangement [Abstract]

Share-based awards

Share Options

On July 21, 2008, the Company adopted the Employee Share Option Plan 2008 (the “2008 Employee Plan”) pursuant to which the Compensation and Organization Committee of the Company’s Board of Directors may grant options to any employee, or any Director holding a salaried office or employment with the Company or a Subsidiary for the purchase of ordinary shares. On the same date, the Company also adopted the Consultants Share Option Plan 2008 (the “2008 Consultants Plan”), pursuant to which the Compensation and Organization Committee of the Company’s Board of Directors may grant options to any consultant, adviser or non-executive Director retained by the Company or any Subsidiary for the purchase of ordinary shares.

On February 14, 2017, both the 2008 Employee Plan and the 2008 Consultants Plan (together the “2008 Option Plans”) were amended and restated in order to increase the number of options that can be issued under the 2008 Consultants Plan from 0.4 million to 1.0 million and to extend the date for options to be granted under the 2008 Option Plans.

An aggregate of 6.0 million ordinary shares have been reserved under the 2008 Employee Plan, as reduced by any shares issued or to be issued pursuant to options granted under the 2008 Consultants Plan, under which a limit of 1.0 million shares applies. Further, the maximum number of ordinary shares with respect to which options may be granted under the 2008 Employee Option Plan, during any calendar year to any employee shall be 0.4 million ordinary shares. There is no individual limit under the 2008 Consultants Plan. No options may be granted under the 2008 Option Plans after February 14, 2027.

Each option granted under the 2008 Option Plans will be an employee stock option, or NSO, as described in Section 422 or 423 of the Internal Revenue Code. Each grant of an option under the 2008 Options Plans will be evidenced by a Stock Option Agreement between the optionee and the Company. The exercise price will be specified in each Stock Option Agreement, however option prices will not be less than 100% of the fair market value of an ordinary share on the date the option is granted.

On January 17, 2003, the Company adopted the Share Option Plan 2003 (the “2003 Share Option Plan”) pursuant to which the Compensation and Organization Committee of the Board could grant options to officers and other employees of the Company or its subsidiaries for the purchase of ordinary shares. An aggregate of 6.0 million ordinary shares were reserved under the 2003 Share Option Plan; and, in no event could the number of ordinary shares issued pursuant to options awarded under this plan exceed 10% of the outstanding shares, as defined in the 2003 Share Option Plan, at the time of the grant, unless the Board expressly determined otherwise. Further, the maximum number of ordinary shares with respect to which options could be granted under the 2003 Share Option Plan during any calendar year to any employee was 0.4 million ordinary shares. The 2003 Share Option Plan expired on January 17, 2013. No new options may be granted under this plan.

Share option awards are granted with an exercise price equal to the market price of the Company’s shares at date of grant. Prior to 2018, share options typically vest over a period of five years from date of grant and expire eight years from date of grant. Share options granted to non-executive directors during 2018 vest over 12 months and expire eight years from the date of grant. The maximum contractual term of options outstanding at June 30, 2020 is eight years.

The following table summarizes option activity for the six months ended June 30, 2020:


	Options Outstanding Number of Shares	Weighted Average Exercise Price		Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value		Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life
Outstanding at December 31, 2019	656,107	$	87.80	$	26.60	4.76
Granted	107,737	$	159.83	$	42.43
Exercised	(40,199)	$	36.00	$	13.03
Canceled/expired	(4,420)	$	22.30	$	9.72

Outstanding at June 30, 2020	719,225	$	101.89	$	29.84	5.00

Exercisable at June 30, 2020	378,063	$	80.50	$	24.12	3.90

The Company has outstanding options with fair values ranging from $11.58 to $46.72 per option or a weighted average fair value of $22.51 per option. The Company issues ordinary shares for all options exercised. The total amount of fully vested share options which remained outstanding at June 30, 2020 was 378,063. Fully vested share options at June 30, 2020 have an average remaining contractual term of 3.90 years, an average exercise price of $80.50 and a total intrinsic value of $33.3 million. The total intrinsic value of options exercised during the six months ended June 30, 2020 was $4.3 million (June 30, 2019: $19.3 million).

The following table summarizes the movement in non-vested share options for the six months ended June 30, 2020:


	Options Outstanding Number of Shares	Weighted Average Exercise Price		Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Non-vested outstanding at December 31, 2019	358,030	$	103.68	$	31.28

Granted	107,737	$	159.83	$	42.43
Vested	(124,605)	$	92.25	$	27.51
Forfeited	—	$	—	$	—

Non-vested outstanding at June 30, 2020	341,162	$	125.59	$	36.18

Fair value of Stock Options Assumptions

The weighted average fair value of options granted during the six months ended June 30, 2020 and June 30, 2019 was calculated using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. The weighted average grant date fair values and assumptions used were as follows:


	Six Months Ended
	June 30, 2020			June 30, 2019
Weighted average grant date fair value	$	42.43		$	43.43
Assumptions:
Expected volatility	30		%	30		%
Dividend yield	—		%	—		%
Risk-free interest rate	0.57		%	2.55		%
Expected life	5 years			5 years

Expected volatility is based on the historical volatility of our common stock over a period equal to the expected term of the options; the expected life represents the weighted average period of time that options granted are expected to be outstanding given consideration to vesting schedules and our historical experience of past vesting and termination patterns. The risk-free rate is based on the U.S. government zero-coupon bonds yield curve in effect at time of the grant for periods corresponding with the expected life of the option.

Restricted Share Units and Performance Share Units

On April 23, 2013, the Company adopted the 2013 Employees Restricted Share Unit and Performance Share Unit Plan (the “2013 RSU Plan”) pursuant to which the Compensation and Organization Committee of the Company’s Board of Directors may select any employee, or any Director holding a salaried office or employment with the Company, or a Subsidiary to receive an award under the plan. On May 11, 2015, the 2013 RSU Plan was amended and restated in order to increase the number of shares that can be issued under the RSU Plan by 2.5 million shares. Accordingly, an aggregate of 4.1 million ordinary shares have been reserved for issuance under the 2013 RSU Plan. The shares are awarded at par value and vest over a service period. Awards under the 2013 RSU Plan may be settled in cash or shares at the option of the Company.

On April 30 2019, the Company approved the 2019 Consultants and Directors Restricted Share Unit Plan (the “2019 Consultants RSU Plan”), which was effective as of May 16, 2019, pursuant to which the Compensation and Organization Committee of the Company’s Board of Directors may select any consultant, adviser or non-executive Director retained by the Company, or a Subsidiary to receive an award under the plan. 250,000 ordinary shares have been reserved for issuance under the 2019 Consultants RSU Plan. The awards are at par value and vest over a service period. Awards granted to non-executive directors during 2019 and 2020 vest over twelve months.

The Company has awarded RSUs and PSUs to certain key individuals of the Group. The following table summarizes RSU and PSU activity for the six months ended June 30, 2020:


	PSU Outstanding Number of Shares	PSU Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value		PSU Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life	RSU Outstanding Number of Shares	RSU Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value		RSU Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life
Outstanding at December 31, 2019	175,989	$	110.79	1.04	389,900	$	119.07	1.43

Granted	57,184	$	165.30		125,756	$	165.18
Shares vested	(63,516)	$	83.92		(138,939)	$	98.20
Forfeited	(197)	$	83.47		(16,994)	$	126.73

Outstanding at June 30, 2020	169,460	$	137.53	1.64	359,723	$	142.86	1.82

The fair value of PSUs vested for the six months ended June 30, 2020 totaled $5.3 million (full year 2019: $16.5 million).

The fair value of RSUs vested for the six months ended June 30, 2020 totaled $13.6 million (full year 2019: $8.5 million).

The PSUs vest based on service and specified EPS targets over the periods 2018 – 2020, 2019 – 2021 and 2020 – 2022. Depending on the amount of EPS from 2018 to 2022, up to an additional 78,645 PSUs may also be granted.

Non-cash stock compensation expense

Non-cash stock compensation expense for the three and six months ended June 30, 2020 and June 30, 2019 has been allocated as follows:


	Three Months Ended						Six Months Ended
	June 30, 2020		June 30, 2019		June 30, 2020		June 30, 2019
	(in thousands)						(in thousands)
Direct costs	$	2,353	$	3,171	$	4,188	$	7,072
Selling, general and administrative	4,764		2,584		8,998		5,762

	$	7,117	$	5,755	$	13,186	$	12,834

Total non-cash stock compensation expense not yet recognized at June 30, 2020 amounted to $61.1 million. The weighted average period over which this is expected to be recognized is 2.42 years.

Share capital	6 Months Ended
Share capital	Jun. 30, 2020
Equity [Abstract]
Share capital	Share capital The Company can acquire up to 10% of its outstanding ordinary shares (by way of redemption), in accordance with Irish law, the United States securities laws, and the Company’s constitutional documents through open market share acquisitions. On January 8, 2019, the Company commenced a share buyback program of up to 1.0 million ordinary shares which was completed during the year ended December 31, 2019 for total consideration of $141.6 million. On October 22 2019, the Company commenced a further share buyback program. At December 31, 2019 35,100 ordinary shares were redeemed for a total consideration of $5.3 million. During the six months ended June 30, 2020 1,235,218 ordinary shares were redeemed by the Company under this buyback program for a total consideration of $175.0 million. The buyback program gives a broker authority to acquire the Company’s ordinary shares from time to time on the open market in accordance with agreed terms and limitations. All ordinary shares that were redeemed under the buyback program were canceled in accordance with the Constitution of the Company and the nominal value of these shares transferred to an other undenominated capital reserve as required under Irish Company Law.

Business segment information

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2020

Segment Reporting [Abstract]

Business segment information

The Company determines and presents operating segments based on the information that is internally provided to the chief operating decision maker, the (‘CODM’) in accordance with ASC 280 'Segment Reporting'. The Company determined that the CODM was comprised of the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer.

The Company determines and presents operating segments based on the information that is provided to the CODM. The Company operates as one single business segment, which is the provision of outsourced development services on a global basis to the pharmaceutical, biotechnology and medical devices industries. There have been no changes to the basis of segmentation or the measurement basis for the segment results in the period.

The Company is a clinical research organization (“CRO”), providing outsourced development services on a global basis to the pharmaceutical, biotechnology and medical device industries. It specializes in the strategic development, management and analysis of programs that support all stages of the clinical development process - from compound selection to Phase I-IV clinical studies. The Company has the expertise and capability to conduct clinical trials in most major therapeutic areas on a global basis and has the operational flexibility to provide development services on a stand-alone basis or as part of an integrated “full service” solution. The Company has expanded predominately through internal growth together with a number of strategic acquisitions to enhance its expertise and capabilities in certain areas of the clinical development process.

The Company is generally awarded projects based upon responses to requests for proposals received from companies in the pharmaceutical, biotechnology and medical device industries or work orders executed under our strategic partnership arrangements. Contracts with customers are generally entered into centrally, in most cases with ICON Clinical Research Limited (“ICON Ireland”), the Company’s principal operating subsidiary in Ireland. Revenues, which consist primarily of fees earned under these contracts, are allocated to individual entities within the Group, based on where the work is performed in accordance with the Company’s global transfer pricing model.

ICON Ireland acts as the group entrepreneur under the Company’s global transfer pricing model given its role in the development and management of the group, its ownership of key intellectual property and customer relationships, its key role in the mitigation of risks faced by the group and its responsibility for maintaining the Company’s global network. ICON Ireland enters into the majority of the Company’s customer contracts.

ICON Ireland remunerates other operating entities in the ICON Group on the basis of a guaranteed cost plus mark-up for the services they perform in each of their local territories. The cost plus mark-up for each ICON entity is established to ensure that each of ICON Ireland and the ICON entities that are involved in the conduct of services for customers, earn an appropriate arms-length return having regard to the assets owned, risks borne, and functions performed by each entity from these intercompany transactions. The cost plus mark up policy is reviewed annually to ensure that it is market appropriate.

The geographic split of revenue disclosed for each region outside Ireland is the cost plus revenue attributable to these entities. The residual revenues of the Group, once each ICON entity has been paid its respective intercompany service fee, generally fall to be retained by ICON Ireland. As such, revenues and income from operations in Ireland are a function of this global transfer pricing model and comprise revenues of the Group after deducting the cost plus revenues attributable to the activities performed outside Ireland.

The Company's areas of operation outside of Ireland include the United States, United Kingdom, Belgium, Bulgaria, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Poland, Portugal, Czech Republic, Hungary, Israel, Latvia, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Sweden, The Netherlands, Turkey, Ukraine, Canada, Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, Peru, India, China (including Hong Kong), Japan, Singapore, South Korea, The Philippines, Taiwan, Thailand, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa.

The geographical distribution of the Company’s segment measures as at June 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019 and for the three and six months ended June 30, 2020 and June 30, 2019 is as follows:

a) The distribution of revenue by geographical area was as follows:


	Three Months Ended						Six Months Ended
	June 30, 2020		June 30, 2019		June 30, 2020		June 30, 2019
	(in thousands)						(in thousands)
Ireland *	$	279,743	$	310,477	$	594,715	$	608,960
Rest of Europe	89,387		94,192		191,818		184,637
U.S.	189,466		222,312		414,933		440,852
Rest of World	61,632		68,156		133,864		135,540

Total	$	620,228	$	695,137	$	1,335,330	$	1,369,989

* All sales shown for Ireland are export sales.

b) The distribution of income from operations including restructuring by geographical area was as follows:


	Three Months Ended						Six Months Ended
	June 30, 2020		June 30, 2019		June 30, 2020		June 30, 2019
	(in thousands)						(in thousands)
Ireland	$	38,655	$	78,052	$	112,590	$	148,673
Rest of Europe	7,120		5,663		17,816		11,513
U.S.	9,377		16,300		23,268		33,407
Rest of World	1,797		6,075		9,566		14,443

Total	$	56,949	$	106,090	$	163,240	$	208,036

c) The distribution of income from operations excluding restructuring by geographical area was as follows:


	Three Months Ended						Six Months Ended
	June 30, 2020		June 30, 2019		June 30, 2020		June 30, 2019
	(in thousands)						(in thousands)
Ireland	$	56,744	$	78,052	$	130,679	$	148,673
Rest of Europe	7,120		5,663		17,816		$	11,513
U.S.	9,377		16,300		23,268		$	33,407
Rest of World	1,797		6,075		9,566		14,443

Total	$	75,038	$	106,090	$	181,329	$	208,036

d) The distribution of long-lived assets (including right-of-use assets), net, by geographical area was as follows:


	June 30, 2020		December 31, 2019
	(in thousands)
Ireland	$	108,531	$	110,522
Rest of Europe	33,377		41,970
U.S.	64,932		72,578
Rest of World	41,979		44,994

Total	$	248,819	$	270,064

e) The distribution of depreciation, amortization and reduction in carrying value of the right-of-use assets by geographical area was as follows:


	Three Months Ended						Six Months Ended
	June 30, 2020		June 30, 2019		June 30, 2020		June 30, 2019
	(in thousands)						(in thousands)
Ireland	$	7,951	$	7,026	$	16,192	$	14,916
Rest of Europe	3,672		3,615		7,487		7,052
U.S.	6,201		9,539		14,840		17,180
Rest of World	5,043		2,608		7,998		6,583

Total	$	22,867	$	22,788	$	46,517	$	45,731

f) The distribution of total assets by geographical area was as follows:


	June 30, 2020		December 31, 2019
	(in thousands)
Ireland	$	1,340,307	$	1,323,181
Rest of Europe	605,148		660,797
U.S.	735,370		755,271
Rest of World	177,895		168,263

Total	$	2,858,720	$	2,907,512

The entire disclosure for reporting segments including data and tables. Reportable segments include those that meet any of the following quantitative thresholds a) it's reported revenue, including sales to external customers and intersegment sales or transfers is 10 percent or more of the combined revenue, internal and external, of all operating segments b) the absolute amount of its reported profit or loss is 10 percent or more of the greater, in absolute amount of 1) the combined reported profit of all operating segments that did not report a loss or 2) the combined reported loss of all operating segments that did report a loss c) its assets are 10 percent or more of the combined assets of all operating segments.

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Impact of change in accounting policies	6 Months Ended
Impact of change in accounting policies	Jun. 30, 2020
Accounting Changes and Error Corrections [Abstract]
Impact of change in accounting policies	Impact of change in accounting policies ASC 326 Financial Instruments - Credit Losses ASU 2016-13 'Financial Instruments - Credit Losses: Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments' (ASU 2016-13) was effective, and adopted by the Group, from January 1, 2020. Primarily, ASU 2016-13 introduces an expected loss methodology that is referred to as the current expected credit loss (CECL) methodology. The objectives of previous loss methodologies for instruments within the scope of this update generally delayed recognition of the full amount of credit losses until the loss was probable of occurring. Under ASU 2016-13, losses reflect an entity’s current estimate of all expected credit losses including, in addition to the consideration of past events and current conditions, as under the current guidance, incorporating the use of forecast information to provide more timely and accurate credit loss estimates. The measurement of expected credit losses under the CECL methodology is applicable to financial assets measured at amortized cost, including loan receivables and held-to-maturity debt securities. It also applies to off-balance sheet credit exposures not accounted as insurance (loan commitments, standby letters of credit, financial guarantees, and other similar instruments) and net investments in leases recognized by a lessor in accordance with ASC 842 on leases. In addition, ASC 326 changed the accounting for available-for-sale (AFS) debt securities to require credit losses to be presented as an allowance rather than as a write-down to align the income statement recognition of credit losses on AFS debt securities with the reporting period in which the changes occur. The Group adopted ASC 326 using the modified retrospective method. Under this transition method, the new standard is applied from January 1, 2020 without restatement of comparative period amounts. The adoption of ASC 326 does not have a material impact on the Group and there was no impact of adopting ASC 326 on opening balances at January 1, 2020.

The entire disclosure for change in accounting principle. Includes, but is not limited to, nature, reason, and method of adopting amendment to accounting standards or other change in accounting principle.

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-Section 65
-Paragraph 2
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Reference 18: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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Reference 19: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 250
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-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (c)(1)
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Reference 20: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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-Section 65
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Reference 21: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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Reference 22: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
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Reference 23: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
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Reference 24: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
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Reference 25: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
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Significant accounting policies (Policies)	6 Months Ended
Significant accounting policies (Policies)	Jun. 30, 2020
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
New accounting pronouncements	Financial assets - credit losses On January 1, 2020, the Group adopted ASU 2016-13 'Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments (ASC 326)', which significantly changes the way entities recognize impairment of many financial assets by requiring immediate recognition of estimated credit losses expected to occur over their remaining life. The update provides guidance on the measurement of credit losses for most financial assets and certain other instruments that are not measured at fair value through net income. The amendment replaces the current incurred loss impairment approach with a methodology to reflect expected credit losses and requires consideration of a broader range of reasonable and supportable information to explain credit loss estimates. The Group adopted ASC 326 using the modified retrospective method for all in scope financial assets. Results for reporting periods beginning after January 1, 2020 are presented under ASC 326 while prior period amounts continue to be reported in accordance with previously applicable GAAP. The impact of transitioning to the new standard at January 1, 2020 was immaterial and no adjustment was recorded to retained earnings for the cumulative effect of adopting ASC 326. On transition to ASC 326, the Group has revised the methodology to calculate the allowance for credit losses. The Group's estimate of expected credit losses considers historical credit loss information that is adjusted, where necessary, for current conditions and reasonable and supportable forecasts. Historical credit loss experience provides the basis for the estimation of expected credit losses. The Group's receivables and unbilled services are predominantly due from large and mid-tier pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies that share similar risk characteristics. The Group monitors their portfolio of receivables and unbilled services for any deterioration in current or expected credit quality (for example, expected delinquency level), and adjusts the allowance for credit losses as required. Changes in the allowance for credit losses are recorded as a provision for (or reversal of) credit loss expense in the Consolidated Statement of Operations. Losses are charged against the allowance when management believes the uncollectibility of a previously provisioned amount is confirmed. Leases The new leasing standard (ASC 842 'Leases') was effective and adopted by ICON from January 1, 2019. ASC 842 'Leases' supersedes the requirements in ASC 840 'Leases' and requires that lessees recognize rights and obligations from virtually all leases (other than leases that meet the definition of a short-term lease) on their balance sheets as right-of-use assets with corresponding lease liabilities. The ASU also provides additional guidance on how to classify leases and how to determine the lease term for accounting purposes. ICON adopted the new standard under the cumulative effect adjustment approach. Under this transition method, the new standard is applied from January 1, 2019 without restatement of comparative period amounts. Operating lease liabilities and right-of-use assets of $106.5 million were recorded on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet as at January 1, 2019. There was no impact of adopting ASC 842 on opening retained earnings at January 1, 2019.

Revenue (Tables)

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2020

Schedule of Disaggregation of Revenue

Revenue disaggregated by customer profile is as follows:


	Three Months Ended								Six Months Ended
	June 30, 2020		June 30, 2019		June 30, 2020		June 30, 2019
	(in thousands)						(in thousands)

Top client	$	74,932	$	89,565	$	156,199	$	189,559

Clients 2-5	179,018		166,772		381,996		336,285
Clients 6-10	86,449		87,725		160,800		166,499
Clients 11-25	101,417		139,086		231,501		274,748
Other	178,412		211,989		404,834		402,898

Total	$	620,228	$	695,137	$	1,335,330	$	1,369,989

Accounts receivable, unbilled revenue (contract assets) and unearned revenue or payments on account (contract liabilities) (Tables)

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2020

Schedule of Contracts with Customers, Asset and Liabilities

Accounts receivables and unbilled revenue are as follows:


	June 30, 2020		December 31, 2019
	(in thousands)
Contract assets:
Billed services (accounts receivable)	$	482,349	$	535,088
Unbilled services (unbilled revenue)	410,397		422,769
Accounts receivable and unbilled revenue	892,746		957,857
Allowance for credit losses	(9,329)		—
Allowance for doubtful debts	—		(7,380)

Accounts receivable and unbilled revenue, net	$	883,417	$	950,477

Unbilled services and unearned revenue or payments on account (contract assets and liabilities) were as follows:


(in thousands, except percentages)	June 30, 2020		December 31, 2019		$ Change		% Change

Unbilled services (unbilled revenue)	$	410,397	$	422,769	$	(12,372)	(2.9)	%
Unearned revenue (payments on account)	(393,217)		(366,988)		(26,229)		7.1	%

Net balance	$	17,180	$	55,781	$	(38,601)	(69.2)	%

Goodwill (Tables)

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2020

Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]

Schedule of Goodwill


	Six Months Ended		Year Ended
	June 30, 2020		December 31, 2019
	(in thousands)
Opening balance	$	883,170	$	756,260
Current period acquisitions (Note 6)	27,304		126,932
Prior period acquisitions	123		—
Foreign exchange movement	(9,352)		(22)

Closing balance	$	901,245	$	883,170

Business combinations (Tables)

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2020

Business Combinations [Abstract]

Schedule of Summary of Estimates of Fair Values of Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed


	January 22,
	2020
	(in thousands)
Cash & cash equivalents	$	10,170
Property, plant and equipment	45
Operating right of use assets	539
Goodwill *	27,304
Customer relationships **	11,725
Order backlog **	2,883
Accounts receivable	3,033


Prepayments and other current assets	158
Accounts payable	(368)
Unearned revenue	(989)
Other liabilities	(2,315)
Current lease liabilities	(219)
Non-current lease liabilities	(320)
Non-current deferred tax liability	(4,090)

Net assets acquired	$	47,556

Cash outflows	$	46,992
Working capital adjustment payable	564
Contingent consideration ***	—

Total consideration	$	47,556


	September 24,
	2019
	(in thousands)
Cash & cash equivalents	$	3,292
Property, plant and equipment	564
Operating right of use assets	820
Goodwill *	22,865
Customer relationships **	8,159
Order backlog **	2,163
Accounts receivable	4,544
Unbilled revenue	186
Prepayments and other current assets	181
Other receivables	6
Accounts payable	(799)
Unearned revenue	(2,411)
Other liabilities	(933)
Current lease liabilities	(289)
Non-current lease liabilities	(531)

Net assets acquired	$	37,817

Cash outflows	$	34,976
Working capital adjustment paid	341
Contingent consideration ***	2,500

Total consideration	$	37,817

The Company made an assessment of the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed as at that date. The following table summarizes the Company’s fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed:


	May 23,
	2019
	(in thousands)
Cash & cash equivalents	$	7,719
Property, plant and equipment	670
Operating right of use assets	1,558
Goodwill *	81,760
Customer relationships **	3,887
Order backlog **	171
Patient database **	2,542
Accounts receivable	3,488
Unbilled revenue	4,272
Other receivables	819
Prepayments and other current assets	406
Accounts payable	(5,484)
Unearned revenue	(5,796)
Other liabilities	(6,860)
Current lease liabilities	(430)
Non-current lease liabilities	(1,128)
Non-current deferred tax liability	(1,345)

Net assets acquired	$	86,249

Cash outflows	$	54,123
Working capital adjustment received	(466)
Redeemable noncontrolling interest ***	32,592

Total consideration	$	86,249

The following table summarizes the Company’s fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed:


	January 25,
	2019
	(in thousands)
Cash & cash equivalent	$	686
Property, plant and equipment	1,697
Operating right of use assets	2,866
Goodwill *	22,430
Customer relationships	10,708
Order backlog	2,787
Accounts receivable	3,100
Unbilled revenue	2,421
Other receivables	43
Prepayments and other current assets	908
Deferred tax asset	1,568
Accounts payable	(1,280)
Unearned revenue	(540)
Other liabilities	(1,232)
Current lease liabilities	(699)
Non-current lease liabilities	(2,167)
Non-current other liabilities	(1,123)

Net assets acquired	$	42,173

Cash outflows	$	42,349
Working capital adjustment received	(176)

Total consideration	$	42,173

Restructuring (Tables)

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2020

Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]

Restructuring charge

Details of the restructuring charge recognized in the three and six months ended June, 30, 2020 are as follows:


	Three Months Ended						Six Months Ended
	June 30, 2020		June 30, 2019		June 30, 2020		June 30, 2019
	(in thousands)
Restructuring charge	$	18,089	$	—	$	18,089	$	—

Total	$	18,089	$	—	$	18,089	—

Details of movement in restructuring charge

Details of the movement in the restructuring charge recognized in the three and six months ended June, 30, 2020 are as follows:


	Workforce reductions		Onerous Lease		Total
	(in thousands)
Initial restructuring charge recorded	$	11,391	$	6,698	$	18,089
Utilization	(1,807)		—		(1,807)





Provision at June 30, 2020	$	9,584	$	6,698	$	16,282


	Workforce reductions		Onerous Lease		Total
	(in thousands)
Initial restructuring charge recorded	$	9,684	$	2,806	$	12,490
Utilization	(5,399)		(672)		(6,071)

Provision at December 31, 2018	$	4,285	$	2,134	$	6,419
Utilization	(3,554)		(1,228)		(4,782)
Provision at December 31, 2019	$	731	$	906	$	1,637
Utilization	(430)		(211)		(641)
Provision at June 30, 2020	$	301	$	695	$	996

Operating leases (Tables)

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2020

Leases [Abstract]

Schedule of Lease Costs

Lease costs recorded under operating leases for the three and six months ended June 30, 2020 were as follows:


	Three Months Ended						Six Months Ended
	June 30, 2020		June 30, 2019		June 30, 2020		June 30, 2019
	(in thousands)						(in thousands)
Operating lease costs	$	7,768	$	8,964	$	15,857	$	17,619
Income from sub-leases	(246)		(547)		(514)		(1,067)
Net operating lease costs	$	7,522	$	8,417	$	15,343	$	16,552

Schedule of Operating Lease Maturity

Future minimum lease payments under non-cancelable leases as of June 30, 2020 were as follows:


	Minimum rental payments
	(in thousands)
	June 30, 2020
Due within 1 year	$	25,095
Due between 1 and 5 years	55,632
Thereafter	12,369
Total future minimum lease payments	93,096
Lease imputed interest	(6,027)
Total	$	87,069

Income taxes (Tables)

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2020

Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]

Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense

Income taxes recognized during the three and six months ended June 30, 2020 and June 30, 2019, comprise:


	Three Months Ended						Six Months Ended
	June 30, 2020		June 30, 2019		June 30, 2020		June 30, 2019
	(in thousands)						(in thousands)
Provision for income taxes	$	8,671	$	12,456	$	21,261	$	24,496
Tax impact of restructuring and other items	(2,261)		—		(2,261)		—
Provision for income taxes	$	6,410	$	12,456	$	19,000	$	24,496

Net income per ordinary share (Tables)

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2020

Earnings Per Share [Abstract]

Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted

The reconciliation of the number of shares used in the computation of basic and diluted net income per ordinary share is as follows:


	Three Months Ended			Six Months Ended
	June 30, 2020	June 30, 2019	June 30, 2020	June 30, 2019
Weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding for basic net income per ordinary share	52,570,104	53,957,446	52,959,229	53,901,427
Effect of dilutive share options outstanding	458,463	491,671	731,909	454,278
Weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding for diluted net income per ordinary share	53,028,567	54,449,117	53,691,138	54,355,705


	Three Months Ended						Six Months Ended
	June 30, 2020		June 30, 2019		June 30, 2020		June 30, 2019
	(in thousands)						(in thousands)
Net income attributable to the Group	$	47,760	$	91,857	$	139,456	$	180,154
Noncontrolling interest adjustment to redemption amount	—		—		(4,522)		—
Net income attributable to the Group (including NCI redemption adjustment)	$	47,760	$	91,857	$	134,934	$	180,154

	Three Months Ended						Six Months Ended
	June 30, 2020		June 30, 2019		June 30, 2020		June 30, 2019
Net income per Ordinary Share attributable to the Group (including NCI redemption adjustment):
Basic	$	0.91	$	1.70	$	2.55	$	3.34
Diluted	$	0.90	$	1.69	$	2.51	$	3.31

Share-based awards (Tables)

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2020

Share-based Payment Arrangement [Abstract]

Schedule of Share Option Activity

The following table summarizes option activity for the six months ended June 30, 2020:


	Options Outstanding Number of Shares	Weighted Average Exercise Price		Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value		Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life
Outstanding at December 31, 2019	656,107	$	87.80	$	26.60	4.76
Granted	107,737	$	159.83	$	42.43
Exercised	(40,199)	$	36.00	$	13.03
Canceled/expired	(4,420)	$	22.30	$	9.72

Outstanding at June 30, 2020	719,225	$	101.89	$	29.84	5.00

Exercisable at June 30, 2020	378,063	$	80.50	$	24.12	3.90

Schedule of Movement in Non-vested Share Options

The following table summarizes the movement in non-vested share options for the six months ended June 30, 2020:


	Options Outstanding Number of Shares	Weighted Average Exercise Price		Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Non-vested outstanding at December 31, 2019	358,030	$	103.68	$	31.28

Granted	107,737	$	159.83	$	42.43
Vested	(124,605)	$	92.25	$	27.51
Forfeited	—	$	—	$	—

Non-vested outstanding at June 30, 2020	341,162	$	125.59	$	36.18

Schedule of Weighted Average Fair Values and Assumptions Used

The weighted average grant date fair values and assumptions used were as follows:


	Six Months Ended
	June 30, 2020			June 30, 2019
Weighted average grant date fair value	$	42.43		$	43.43
Assumptions:
Expected volatility	30		%	30		%
Dividend yield	—		%	—		%
Risk-free interest rate	0.57		%	2.55		%
Expected life	5 years			5 years

Schedule of RSU and PSU Activity

The following table summarizes RSU and PSU activity for the six months ended June 30, 2020:


	PSU Outstanding Number of Shares	PSU Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value		PSU Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life	RSU Outstanding Number of Shares	RSU Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value		RSU Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life
Outstanding at December 31, 2019	175,989	$	110.79	1.04	389,900	$	119.07	1.43

Granted	57,184	$	165.30		125,756	$	165.18
Shares vested	(63,516)	$	83.92		(138,939)	$	98.20
Forfeited	(197)	$	83.47		(16,994)	$	126.73

Outstanding at June 30, 2020	169,460	$	137.53	1.64	359,723	$	142.86	1.82

Schedule of Non-cash Stock Compensation Expense

Non-cash stock compensation expense for the three and six months ended June 30, 2020 and June 30, 2019 has been allocated as follows:


	Three Months Ended						Six Months Ended
	June 30, 2020		June 30, 2019		June 30, 2020		June 30, 2019
	(in thousands)						(in thousands)
Direct costs	$	2,353	$	3,171	$	4,188	$	7,072
Selling, general and administrative	4,764		2,584		8,998		5,762

	$	7,117	$	5,755	$	13,186	$	12,834

Business segment information (Tables)

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2020

Segment Reporting [Abstract]

Distribution of Revenue by Geographical Area

The distribution of revenue by geographical area was as follows:


	Three Months Ended						Six Months Ended
	June 30, 2020		June 30, 2019		June 30, 2020		June 30, 2019
	(in thousands)						(in thousands)
Ireland *	$	279,743	$	310,477	$	594,715	$	608,960
Rest of Europe	89,387		94,192		191,818		184,637
U.S.	189,466		222,312		414,933		440,852
Rest of World	61,632		68,156		133,864		135,540

Total	$	620,228	$	695,137	$	1,335,330	$	1,369,989

* All sales shown for Ireland are export sales.

Distribution of income from operations by geographical area

The distribution of income from operations including restructuring by geographical area was as follows:


	Three Months Ended						Six Months Ended
	June 30, 2020		June 30, 2019		June 30, 2020		June 30, 2019
	(in thousands)						(in thousands)
Ireland	$	38,655	$	78,052	$	112,590	$	148,673
Rest of Europe	7,120		5,663		17,816		11,513
U.S.	9,377		16,300		23,268		33,407
Rest of World	1,797		6,075		9,566		14,443

Total	$	56,949	$	106,090	$	163,240	$	208,036

The distribution of income from operations excluding restructuring by geographical area was as follows:


	Three Months Ended						Six Months Ended
	June 30, 2020		June 30, 2019		June 30, 2020		June 30, 2019
	(in thousands)						(in thousands)
Ireland	$	56,744	$	78,052	$	130,679	$	148,673
Rest of Europe	7,120		5,663		17,816		$	11,513
U.S.	9,377		16,300		23,268		$	33,407
Rest of World	1,797		6,075		9,566		14,443

Total	$	75,038	$	106,090	$	181,329	$	208,036

Distribution of Long-lived Assets, Net, by Geographical Area

The distribution of long-lived assets (including right-of-use assets), net, by geographical area was as follows:


	June 30, 2020		December 31, 2019
	(in thousands)
Ireland	$	108,531	$	110,522
Rest of Europe	33,377		41,970
U.S.	64,932		72,578
Rest of World	41,979		44,994

Total	$	248,819	$	270,064

Distribution of Depreciation and Amortization by Geographical Area

The distribution of depreciation, amortization and reduction in carrying value of the right-of-use assets by geographical area was as follows:


	Three Months Ended						Six Months Ended
	June 30, 2020		June 30, 2019		June 30, 2020		June 30, 2019
	(in thousands)						(in thousands)
Ireland	$	7,951	$	7,026	$	16,192	$	14,916
Rest of Europe	3,672		3,615		7,487		7,052
U.S.	6,201		9,539		14,840		17,180
Rest of World	5,043		2,608		7,998		6,583

Total	$	22,867	$	22,788	$	46,517	$	45,731

Distribution of Total Assets by Geographical Area

The distribution of total assets by geographical area was as follows:


	June 30, 2020		December 31, 2019
	(in thousands)
Ireland	$	1,340,307	$	1,323,181
Rest of Europe	605,148		660,797
U.S.	735,370		755,271
Rest of World	177,895		168,263

Total	$	2,858,720	$	2,907,512

Significant accounting policies (Details) - USD ($)		12 Months Ended
Significant accounting policies (Details) - USD ($)	Jul. 17, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Jun. 30, 2020	Mar. 09, 2020	Jan. 01, 2019
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Accounting Standards Update [Extensible List]		us-gaap:AccountingStandardsUpdate201602Member
Operating right-of-use assets		$ 104,977,000	$ 86,267,000
Operating lease, liability			87,069,000
Opening retained earnings		$ 1,618,055,000	1,578,483,000
Change in Accounting Principle, Accounting Standards Update, Transition Option Elected [Extensible List]		us-gaap:AccountingStandardsUpdate201602CumulativeEffectPeriodOfAdoptionMember
MeDiNova
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Percentage of interest acquired				100.00%
MeDiNova \| Subsequent Event
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Settlement of liability	$ 43,900,000
Accounting Standards Update 2016-02
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Operating right-of-use assets					$ 106,500,000
Operating lease, liability					106,500,000
Retained Earnings
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Opening retained earnings		$ 1,110,226,000	$ 1,070,020,000
Retained Earnings \| Accounting Standards Update 2016-02
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Opening retained earnings					$ 0

Revenue (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
Revenue (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2019
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue	$ 620,228	$ 695,137	$ 1,335,330	$ 1,369,989
Top client
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue	74,932	89,565	156,199	189,559
Clients 2-5
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue	179,018	166,772	381,996	336,285
Clients 6-10
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue	86,449	87,725	160,800	166,499
Clients 11-25
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue	101,417	139,086	231,501	274,748
Other
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue	$ 178,412	$ 211,989	$ 404,834	$ 402,898

Amount, excluding tax collected from customer, of revenue from satisfaction of performance obligation by transferring promised good or service to customer. Tax collected from customer is tax assessed by governmental authority that is both imposed on and concurrent with specific revenue-producing transaction, including, but not limited to, sales, use, value added and excise.

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 280
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 30
-Subparagraph (a)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=120311839&loc=d3e8906-108599

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 280
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 40
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=120311839&loc=d3e9031-108599

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 280
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 41
-Subparagraph (a)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=120311839&loc=d3e9038-108599

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 280
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 32
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Accounts receivable, unbilled revenue (contract assets) and unearned revenue or payments on account (contract liabilities) - Contract Assets and Liabilities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]
Billed services (accounts receivable)	$ 482,349	$ 535,088
Unbilled services (unbilled revenue)	410,397	422,769
Accounts receivable and unbilled revenue	892,746	957,857
Allowance for credit losses/doubtful debts	(9,329)	(7,380)
Accounts receivable and unbilled revenue, net	883,417	950,477
Unearned revenue (payments on account)	(393,217)	(366,988)
Net balance	17,180	$ 55,781
Change in unbilled services (unbilled revenue)	(12,372)
Change in unearned revenue (payments on account)	(26,229)
Change in net balance	$ (38,601)
Change in unbilled services (unbilled revenue), percent	(2.90%)
Change in unearned revenue (payments on account), percent	7.10%
Change in net balance, percent	(69.20%)

Accounts receivable, unbilled revenue (contract assets) and unearned revenue or payments on account (contract liabilities) - Revenue Remaining Performance Obligations (Details) $ in Billions	Jun. 30, 2020 USD ($)
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]
Revenue, remaining performance obligation	$ 5.7
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2020-07-01
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]
Revenue, remaining performance obligation, percent	43.00%
Revenue, remaining performance obligation, expected timing of satisfaction, period	12 months

Goodwill (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	6 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
Goodwill (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Opening balance	$ 883,170	$ 756,260
Current period acquisitions (Note 6)	27,304	126,932
Prior period acquisitions	123	0
Foreign exchange movement	(9,352)	(22)
Closing balance	$ 901,245	$ 883,170

Business combinations (Details) - USD ($)						6 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
Business combinations (Details) - USD ($)	Jul. 17, 2020	Jan. 22, 2020	Sep. 24, 2019	May 23, 2019	Jan. 25, 2019	Jun. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2020	Mar. 09, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Goodwill						$ 901,245,000		$ 901,245,000		$ 883,170,000	$ 756,260,000
Cash outflows						47,367,000	$ 81,631,000
Medpass
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Percentage of share capital acquired		100.00%
Cash & cash equivalents		$ 10,170,000
Property, plant and equipment		45,000
Operating right of use assets		539,000
Goodwill		27,304,000
Accounts receivable		3,033,000
Prepayments and other current assets		158,000
Accounts payable		(368,000)
Unearned revenue		(989,000)
Other liabilities		(2,315,000)
Current lease liabilities		(219,000)
Non-current lease liabilities		(320,000)
Non-current deferred tax liability		(4,090,000)
Net assets acquired		47,556,000
Cash outflows		46,992,000
Working capital adjustments (decrease) increase		564,000
Contingent consideration		0				0		0
Total consideration		47,556,000
Goodwill expected to be tax deductible		0
Contingent consideration, maximum amount		6,700,000
Symphony
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Percentage of share capital acquired			100.00%
Cash & cash equivalents			$ 3,292,000
Property, plant and equipment			564,000
Operating right of use assets			820,000
Goodwill			22,865,000
Accounts receivable			4,544,000
Unbilled revenue			186,000
Other receivables			6,000
Prepayments and other current assets			181,000
Accounts payable			(799,000)
Unearned revenue			(2,411,000)
Other liabilities			(933,000)
Current lease liabilities			(289,000)
Non-current lease liabilities			(531,000)
Net assets acquired			37,817,000
Cash outflows			34,976,000
Working capital adjustments (decrease) increase			341,000
Contingent consideration			2,500,000			$ 500,000		500,000
Total consideration			37,817,000
MeDiNova
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Percentage of interest acquired									100.00%
Cash & cash equivalents				$ 7,719,000
Property, plant and equipment				670,000
Operating right of use assets				1,558,000
Goodwill				81,760,000
Accounts receivable				3,488,000
Unbilled revenue				4,272,000
Other receivables				819,000
Prepayments and other current assets				406,000
Accounts payable				(5,484,000)
Unearned revenue				(5,796,000)
Other liabilities				(6,860,000)
Current lease liabilities				(430,000)
Non-current lease liabilities				(1,128,000)
Non-current deferred tax liability				(1,345,000)
Net assets acquired				86,249,000
Cash outflows				54,123,000
Working capital adjustments (decrease) increase				(466,000)
Redeemable noncontrolling interest				32,592,000
Total consideration				86,249,000
Goodwill expected to be tax deductible				0
Business combination fair value adjustment increase to other liabilities								1,600,000
Business combinations fair value adjustments decrease to operating right of use assets								300,000
Business combination fair value adjustments decrease to current lease liabilities								100,000
Business combinations fair value adjustments decrease to non-current lease liabilities								300,000
Business combinations fair value adjustments decrease to non-current deferred tax liability								$ 2,200,000
MeDiNova \| Subsequent Event
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Settlement of liability	$ 43,900,000
MMD
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Percentage of share capital acquired					100.00%
Cash & cash equivalents					$ 686,000
Property, plant and equipment					1,697,000
Operating right of use assets					2,866,000
Goodwill					22,430,000
Accounts receivable					3,100,000
Unbilled revenue					2,421,000
Other receivables					43,000
Prepayments and other current assets					908,000
Deferred tax asset					1,568,000
Accounts payable					(1,280,000)
Unearned revenue					(540,000)
Other liabilities					(1,232,000)
Current lease liabilities					(699,000)
Non-current lease liabilities					(2,167,000)
Non-current other liabilities					(1,123,000)
Net assets acquired					42,173,000
Cash outflows					42,349,000
Working capital adjustments (decrease) increase					(176,000)
Total consideration					42,173,000
Goodwill expected to be tax deductible					0
Customer Relationships \| Medpass
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Customer relationships		11,725,000
Customer Relationships \| Symphony
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Customer relationships			8,159,000
Customer Relationships \| MeDiNova
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Customer relationships				3,887,000
Customer Relationships \| MMD
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Customer relationships					10,708,000
Order backlog \| Medpass
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Customer relationships		$ 2,883,000
Order backlog \| Symphony
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Customer relationships			$ 2,163,000
Order backlog \| MeDiNova
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Customer relationships				171,000
Order backlog \| MMD
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Customer relationships					$ 2,787,000
Patient database \| MeDiNova
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Customer relationships				$ 2,542,000

Restructuring - Narrative (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
Restructuring - Narrative (Details) - USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charge	$ 18,089,000	$ 0	$ 18,089,000	$ 0
Impairment of right-of-use assets			5,411,000	0
Other liabilities
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring reserve, current	12,700,000		12,700,000
Non-current other liabilities
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring reserve, noncurrent	4,600,000		4,600,000
Resource rationalization, 2020
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charge	18,089,000	$ 0	18,089,000	$ 0
Impairment of right-of-use assets	5,400,000
Resource rationalization, 2020 \| Workforce reductions
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charge	11,391,000		11,391,000
Resource rationalization, 2020 \| Onerous Lease
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charge	6,698,000		6,698,000
Resource rationalization, 2020 \| Other restructuring
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charge	$ 1,300,000
Resource rationalizations 2018
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charge			$ 0		$ 12,490,000
Resource rationalizations 2018 \| Workforce reductions
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charge					9,684,000
Resource rationalizations 2018 \| Onerous Lease
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charge					$ 2,806,000

Restructuring - Rollforward Activity (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring charge	$ 18,089,000	$ 0	$ 18,089,000	$ 0
Resource rationalization, 2020
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring charge	18,089,000	$ 0	18,089,000	0
Utilization	(1,807,000)		(1,807,000)
Provision, ending balance	16,282,000		16,282,000
Resource rationalization, 2020 \| Workforce reductions
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring charge	11,391,000		11,391,000
Utilization	(1,807,000)		(1,807,000)
Provision, ending balance	9,584,000		9,584,000
Resource rationalization, 2020 \| Onerous Lease
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring charge	6,698,000		6,698,000
Utilization	0		0
Provision, ending balance	6,698,000		6,698,000
Resource rationalizations 2018
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring charge			0			$ 12,490,000
Provision, beginning balance			1,637,000	6,419,000	$ 6,419,000
Utilization			(641,000)		(4,782,000)	(6,071,000)
Provision, ending balance	996,000		996,000		1,637,000	6,419,000
Resource rationalizations 2018 \| Workforce reductions
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring charge						9,684,000
Provision, beginning balance			731,000	4,285,000	4,285,000
Utilization			(430,000)		(3,554,000)	(5,399,000)
Provision, ending balance	301,000		301,000		731,000	4,285,000
Resource rationalizations 2018 \| Onerous Lease
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring charge						2,806,000
Provision, beginning balance			906,000	$ 2,134,000	2,134,000
Utilization			(211,000)		(1,228,000)	(672,000)
Provision, ending balance	$ 695,000		$ 695,000		$ 906,000	$ 2,134,000

Operating leases - Lease Costs (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2019
Leases [Abstract]
Operating lease costs	$ 7,768	$ 8,964	$ 15,857	$ 17,619
Income from sub-leases	(246)	(547)	(514)	(1,067)
Net operating lease costs	$ 7,522	$ 8,417	$ 15,343	$ 16,552

Operating leases - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2019
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Total lease cost	$ 7,522	$ 8,417	$ 15,343	$ 16,552
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for lease obligations	$ (1,400)	4,900	2,900	17,900
Impairment of right-of-use assets			$ 5,411	0
Weighted average remaining lease term (in years)	4 years 9 months 7 days		4 years 9 months 7 days
Weighted average discount rate	2.66%		2.66%
Other liabilities
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Operating lease liabilities	$ 23,100	$ 29,000	$ 23,100	29,000
Selling, general and administration costs
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Total lease cost			14,000	15,300
Direct costs
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Total lease cost			$ 1,300	$ 1,300

Operating leases - Operating Lease Maturity (Details) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2020 USD ($)
Leases [Abstract]
Due within 1 year	$ 25,095
Due between 1 and 5 years	55,632
Thereafter	12,369
Total future minimum lease payments	93,096
Lease imputed interest	(6,027)
Total	$ 87,069

Income taxes - Income Taxes Recognized During Period (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2019
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Provision for income taxes	$ 8,671	$ 12,456	$ 21,261	$ 24,496
Tax impact of restructuring and other items	(2,261)	0	(2,261)	0
Provision for income taxes	$ 6,410	$ 12,456	$ 19,000	$ 24,496

Amount of current income tax expense (benefit) and deferred income tax expense (benefit) pertaining to continuing operations.

+ References + Details

Income taxes - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Jun. 30, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Liability for unrecognized tax benefit	$ 19.3	$ 21.3
Items generating unrecognized tax benefits	18.9	20.2
Interest and related penalties	$ 0.4	$ 1.1

Net income per ordinary share - Reconciliation of Number of Shares Used in Computation of Basic and Diluted Net Income Per Ordinary Share (Details) - shares	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2019
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding for basic net income per ordinary share (in shares)	52,570,104	53,957,446	52,959,229	53,901,427
Effect of dilutive share options outstanding (in shares)	458,463	491,671	731,909	454,278
Weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding for diluted net income per ordinary share (in shares)	53,028,567	54,449,117	53,691,138	54,355,705

Net income per ordinary share - Reconciliation of Net Income Attributable to the Group and Net Income Attributable To the Group (Including NCI Redemption Amount) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2019
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Net income attributable to the group	$ 47,760	$ 91,857	$ 139,456	$ 180,154
Noncontrolling interest adjustment to redemption amount	0	0	(4,522)	0
Net income attributable to the Group (including NCI redemption adjustment)	$ 47,760	$ 91,857	$ 134,934	$ 180,154
Net income per Ordinary Share attributable to the Group (including NCI redemption adjustment):
Basic (USD per share)	$ 0.91	$ 1.70	$ 2.55	$ 3.34
Diluted (USD per share)	$ 0.90	$ 1.69	$ 2.51	$ 3.31

The amount of net income (loss) for the period per each share of common stock or unit outstanding during the reporting period.

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The portion of profit or loss for the period, net of income taxes, which is attributable to the parent.

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Amount, after deduction of tax, noncontrolling interests, dividends on preferred stock and participating securities; of income (loss) available to common shareholders.

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Share-based awards - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions				6 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Feb. 14, 2017	May 11, 2015	Jan. 17, 2003	Jun. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2019	May 16, 2019	Feb. 13, 2017
Compensation Related Costs Share Based Payments Disclosure [Line Items]
Non-cash stock compensation expense not yet recognized				$ 61.1
Unrecognized stock-based compensation expense, weighted average period				2 years 5 months 1 day
Consultants Stock Plan, 2008 Plan
Compensation Related Costs Share Based Payments Disclosure [Line Items]
Ordinary shares which have been reserved for issuance (in shares)	1,000,000.0							400,000
Limit of shares issued or to be issued pursuant to options granted (in shares)	1,000,000.0
Employee Stock Plan, 2008 Plan
Compensation Related Costs Share Based Payments Disclosure [Line Items]
Ordinary shares which have been reserved for issuance (in shares)	6,000,000.0
Maximum number of shares per employee (in shares)	400,000
Option Plans 2008 \| Minimum
Compensation Related Costs Share Based Payments Disclosure [Line Items]
Percentage of option price for fair value of ordinary share	100.00%
Employee Stock Plan, 2003 Plan
Compensation Related Costs Share Based Payments Disclosure [Line Items]
Ordinary shares which have been reserved for issuance (in shares)			6,000,000.0
Maximum number of shares per employee (in shares)			400,000
Maximum number of award as percentage of shares outstanding			10.00%
Employee Stock Option
Compensation Related Costs Share Based Payments Disclosure [Line Items]
Weighted average contractual term of options outstanding				5 years		4 years 9 months 3 days
Weighted average fair value per option (USD per share)				$ 22.51
Exercisable - number of shares (in shares)				378,063
Exercisable - weighted average remaining contractual life				3 years 10 months 24 days
Exercisable - weighted average exercise price (USD per share)				$ 80.50
Fully vested total intrinsic value				$ 33.3
Intrinsic value of option exercised				$ 4.3	$ 19.3
Employee Stock Option \| Minimum
Compensation Related Costs Share Based Payments Disclosure [Line Items]
Options outstanding fair value (USD per share)				$ 11.58
Employee Stock Option \| Maximum
Compensation Related Costs Share Based Payments Disclosure [Line Items]
Weighted average contractual term of options outstanding				8 years
Options outstanding fair value (USD per share)				$ 46.72
Restricted Stock Units 2013
Compensation Related Costs Share Based Payments Disclosure [Line Items]
Ordinary shares which have been reserved for issuance (in shares)		4,100,000
Ordinary shares which have been reserved for issuance (in shares)		2,500,000
Consultants Restricted Stock Units 2019
Compensation Related Costs Share Based Payments Disclosure [Line Items]
Ordinary shares which have been reserved for issuance (in shares)							250,000
Performance Share Unit (PSUs)
Compensation Related Costs Share Based Payments Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of stock units vested				$ 5.3		$ 16.5
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs)
Compensation Related Costs Share Based Payments Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of stock units vested				$ 13.6		$ 8.5
PSUs Based on Service and EPS Targets \| Maximum
Compensation Related Costs Share Based Payments Disclosure [Line Items]
Stock units to be granted (in shares)				78,645
Award Date, All years excluding 2018 \| Employee Stock Option
Compensation Related Costs Share Based Payments Disclosure [Line Items]
Shares vesting period				5 years
Shares expiration period				8 years
Non-executive directors \| Consultants Restricted Stock Units 2019
Compensation Related Costs Share Based Payments Disclosure [Line Items]
Shares vesting period				12 months
Non-executive directors \| Award Date, 2018 \| Employee Stock Option
Compensation Related Costs Share Based Payments Disclosure [Line Items]
Shares vesting period				12 months
Shares expiration period				8 years

Share-based awards - Summary of Stock Option Activity (Details) - Employee Stock Option - $ / shares	6 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2019
Options Outstanding Number of Shares
Outstanding at beginning of period (in shares)	656,107
Granted (in shares)	107,737
Exercised (in shares)	(40,199)
Canceled/expired (in shares)	(4,420)
Outstanding at end of period (in shares)	719,225		656,107
Exercisable at end of period (in shares)	378,063
Weighted Average Exercise Price
Outstanding at beginning of period (USD per share)	$ 87.80
Granted (USD per share)	159.83
Exercised (USD per share)	36.00
Canceled/expired (USD per share)	22.30
Outstanding at end of period (USD per share)	101.89		$ 87.80
Exercisable at end of period (USD per share)	80.50
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Outstanding at beginning of period (USD per share)	26.60
Granted (USD per share)	42.43	$ 43.43
Exercised (USD per share)	13.03
Canceled/expired (USD per share)	9.72
Outstanding at end of period (USD per share)	29.84		$ 26.60
Exercisable at end of period (USD per share)	$ 24.12
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life
Outstanding at end of period (in years)	5 years		4 years 9 months 3 days
Exercisable at end of period (in years)	3 years 10 months 24 days

Share-based awards - Summary of Movement in Non-Vested Share Options (Details) - Employee Stock Option - $ / shares	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2019
Options Outstanding Number of Shares
Non-vested outstanding at beginning of period (in shares)	358,030
Granted (in shares)	107,737
Vested (in shares)	(124,605)
Forfeited (in shares)	0
Non-vested outstanding at end of period (in shares)	341,162
Weighted Average Exercise Price
Non-vested outstanding at beginning of period (USD per share)	$ 103.68
Granted (USD per share)	159.83
Vested (USD per share)	92.25
Forfeited (USD per share)	0
Non-vested outstanding at end of period (USD per share)	125.59
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Non-vested outstanding at beginning of period (USD per share)	31.28
Granted (USD per share)	42.43	$ 43.43
Vested (USD per share)	27.51
Forfeited (USD per share)	0
Non-vested outstanding at end of period (USD per share)	$ 36.18

Share-based awards - Schedule of Weighted Average Fair Values and Assumptions Used (Details) - Employee Stock Option - $ / shares	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2019
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Weighted average grant date fair value	$ 42.43	$ 43.43
Assumptions:
Expected volatility	30.00%	30.00%
Dividend yield	0.00%	0.00%
Risk-free interest rate	0.57%	2.55%
Expected life	5 years	5 years

Share-based awards - Summary of RSU and PSU Activity (Details) - $ / shares	6 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Performance Share Unit (PSUs)
Outstanding Number of Shares
Outstanding at beginning of period (in shares)	175,989
Granted (in shares)	57,184
Shares vested (in shares)	(63,516)
Forfeited (in shares)	(197)
Outstanding at end of period (in shares)	169,460	175,989
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Outstanding at beginning of period (USD per share)	$ 110.79
Granted (USD per share)	165.30
Shares vested (USD per share)	83.92
Forfeited (USD per share)	83.47
Outstanding at end of period (USD per share)	$ 137.53	$ 110.79
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life
Outstanding at end of period (in years)	1 year 7 months 20 days	1 year 14 days
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs)
Outstanding Number of Shares
Outstanding at beginning of period (in shares)	389,900
Granted (in shares)	125,756
Shares vested (in shares)	(138,939)
Forfeited (in shares)	(16,994)
Outstanding at end of period (in shares)	359,723	389,900
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Outstanding at beginning of period (USD per share)	$ 119.07
Granted (USD per share)	165.18
Shares vested (USD per share)	98.20
Forfeited (USD per share)	126.73
Outstanding at end of period (USD per share)	$ 142.86	$ 119.07
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life
Outstanding at end of period (in years)	1 year 9 months 25 days	1 year 5 months 4 days

Share-based awards - Schedule of Non-cash Stock Compensation Expense (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2019
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock compensation expense	$ 7,117	$ 5,755	$ 13,186	$ 12,834
Direct costs
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock compensation expense	2,353	3,171	4,188	7,072
Selling, general and administrative
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock compensation expense	$ 4,764	$ 2,584	$ 8,998	$ 5,762

Share capital (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		6 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
Share capital (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019	Jun. 30, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Jan. 08, 2019
Equity, Class of Treasury Stock [Line Items]
Shares redeemed, value		$ 175,000
Buyback Program
Equity, Class of Treasury Stock [Line Items]
Share repurchase program, number of shares authorized to be repurchased (in shares)				1,000,000.0
Shares redeemed, value	$ 5,300	$ 175,000	$ 141,600
Shares redeemed (in shares)	35,100	1,235,218
Buyback Program \| Maximum
Equity, Class of Treasury Stock [Line Items]
Share repurchase program, authorized percentage		10.00%

Business segment information - Narrative (Details)	6 Months Ended
Business segment information - Narrative (Details)	Jun. 30, 2020 segment
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Number of operating segments	1

Business segment information - Distribution of Revenue by Geographical Area (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2019
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	$ 620,228	$ 695,137	$ 1,335,330	$ 1,369,989
Ireland
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	279,743	310,477	594,715	608,960
Rest of Europe
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	89,387	94,192	191,818	184,637
U.S.
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	189,466	222,312	414,933	440,852
Rest of World
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	$ 61,632	$ 68,156	$ 133,864	$ 135,540

Business segment information - Distribution of Income from Operations, Including Restructuring, by Geographical Area (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2019
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Income from operations, including restructuring	$ 56,949	$ 106,090	$ 163,240	$ 208,036
Ireland
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Income from operations, including restructuring	38,655	78,052	112,590	148,673
Rest of Europe
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Income from operations, including restructuring	7,120	5,663	17,816	11,513
U.S.
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Income from operations, including restructuring	9,377	16,300	23,268	33,407
Rest of World
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Income from operations, including restructuring	$ 1,797	$ 6,075	$ 9,566	$ 14,443

Business segment information - Distribution of Income from Operations, Excluding Restructuring by Geographical Area (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2019
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating income (loss) excluding restructuring	$ 75,038	$ 106,090	$ 181,329	$ 208,036
Ireland
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating income (loss) excluding restructuring	56,744	78,052	130,679	148,673
Rest of Europe
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating income (loss) excluding restructuring	7,120	5,663	17,816	11,513
U.S.
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating income (loss) excluding restructuring	9,377	16,300	23,268	33,407
Rest of World
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating income (loss) excluding restructuring	$ 1,797	$ 6,075	$ 9,566	$ 14,443

Business segment information - Distribution of Long-lived Assets, Net, by Geographical Area (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Long-lived assets, net	$ 248,819	$ 270,064
Ireland
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Long-lived assets, net	108,531	110,522
Rest of Europe
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Long-lived assets, net	33,377	41,970
U.S.
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Long-lived assets, net	64,932	72,578
Rest of World
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Long-lived assets, net	$ 41,979	$ 44,994

Business segment information - Distribution of Depreciation and Amortization by Geographical Area (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2019
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Depreciation, amortization and reduction in carrying value of right-of-use assets	$ 22,867	$ 22,788	$ 46,517	$ 45,731
Ireland
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Depreciation, amortization and reduction in carrying value of right-of-use assets	7,951	7,026	16,192	14,916
Rest of Europe
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Depreciation, amortization and reduction in carrying value of right-of-use assets	3,672	3,615	7,487	7,052
U.S.
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Depreciation, amortization and reduction in carrying value of right-of-use assets	6,201	9,539	14,840	17,180
Rest of World
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Depreciation, amortization and reduction in carrying value of right-of-use assets	$ 5,043	$ 2,608	$ 7,998	$ 6,583

Business segment information - Distribution of Total Assets by Geographical Area (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Assets	$ 2,858,720	$ 2,907,512
Ireland
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Assets	1,340,307	1,323,181
Rest of Europe
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Assets	605,148	660,797
U.S.
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Assets	735,370	755,271
Rest of World
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Assets	$ 177,895	$ 168,263

Sum of the carrying amounts as of the balance sheet date of all assets that are recognized. Assets are probable future economic benefits obtained or controlled by an entity as a result of past transactions or events.

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