The ServiceMaster Co. recorded a noncash impairment charge in 2003’s third quarter of $481 million (pre-tax), associated with its American Residential Services, American Mechanical Services and TruGreen business units.

For the first nine months of the year, ARS/AMS reported revenues of $506 million, a decrease of 8 percent from the same time in 2002. The decline reflects a sharp reduction in commercial construction activity, as well as declines in the plumbing and HVAC service lines.