Energy Services of America CORP (ESOA)
SIC breadcrumb: Construction > SIC Major Group 16 > SIC 1623 Water, Sewer, Pipeline, Comm & Power Line Construction
SEC company page: https://www.sec.gov/edgar/browse/?CIK=1357971. Latest filing source: 0001104659-25-121185.
Informational only - descriptive public-record data, not investment advice.
Business
Read ESOA's verbatim Item 1 Business section from its latest 10-K: Business.
Risk Factors
Read ESOA's verbatim Item 1A Risk Factors from its latest 10-K: Risk Factors.
Selected Fundamentals
| Metric | Value | Unit | FY | Filed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Revenue | 411,001,373 | USD | 2025 | 2025-12-15 |
| Assets | 215,207,056 | USD | 2025 | 2025-12-15 |
Financials
Annual standardized facts from SEC companyfacts as of latest extracted filing date 2025-12-15. Source: https://data.sec.gov/api/xbrl/companyfacts/CIK0001357971.json. Derived margins, ratios, and free cash flow are computed from the extracted annual SEC facts.
| Metric | 2013 | 2014 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Revenue | 351,876,861 | 411,001,373 | ||||||||||
| Operating income | 6,904,680 | 382,147 | 3,921,072 | 3,822,412 | 3,669,653 | -1,123,210 | 6,492,610 | 13,036,437 | 19,835,246 | 4,215,473 | ||
| Gross profit | 14,198,003 | 7,783,916 | 11,649,254 | 12,679,798 | 13,501,231 | 12,921,022 | 22,370,748 | 36,813,335 | 49,954,316 | 38,775,713 | ||
| Diluted EPS | 0.17 | -0.05 | 0.12 | 0.10 | 0.12 | -0.07 | 0.23 | 0.44 | 1.51 | 0.02 | ||
| Operating cash flow | 6,781,236 | 1,177,737 | 9,063,687 | 4,326,870 | 14,985,570 | 798,939 | 8,284,667 | 21,067,773 | 18,677,004 | 4,137,006 | ||
| Capital expenditures | 3,406,019 | 2,788,272 | 1,883,126 | 3,364,985 | 3,534,821 | 6,047,693 | 5,308,189 | 10,822,373 | 8,755,349 | 6,354,069 | ||
| Dividends paid | 696,117 | 696,117 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 833,360 | 994,031 | 1,504,223 | |||||
| Share buybacks | 30.00 | 30.00 | 49,795 | 300,600 | 268,228 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 219,615 | 41,380 | 844,230 | ||
| Assets | 56,396,366 | 57,303,135 | 54,681,390 | 55,928,038 | 58,163,286 | 70,171,461 | 112,626,845 | 142,509,149 | 158,247,000 | 215,207,056 | ||
| Liabilities | 33,872,674 | 36,172,316 | 31,400,343 | 31,263,681 | 32,339,257 | 45,519,188 | 84,386,301 | 107,920,160 | 99,552,856 | 155,971,263 | ||
| Stockholders' equity | 22,523,692 | 21,130,819 | 23,281,047 | 24,664,357 | 25,824,029 | 24,652,273 | 28,378,918 | 35,637,153 | 60,953,230 | 59,235,793 | ||
| Cash and cash equivalents | 3,815,790 | 1,663,222 | 1,065,550 | 4,578,275 | 11,216,820 | 8,226,739 | 7,427,474 | 16,431,572 | 12,926,036 | 12,241,408 | ||
| Free cash flow | 3,375,217 | -1,610,535 | 7,180,561 | 961,885 | 11,450,749 | -5,248,754 | 2,976,478 | 10,245,400 | 9,921,655 | -2,217,063 |
Ratios
| Metric | 2013 | 2014 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Operating margin | 5.64% | 1.03% | ||||||||||
| Liabilities / equity | 1.50 | 1.71 | 1.35 | 1.27 | 1.25 | 1.85 | 2.97 | 3.03 | 1.63 | 2.63 | ||
| Current ratio | 1.71 | 1.46 | 1.60 | 2.14 | 2.22 | 1.25 | 1.08 | 1.19 | 1.49 | 1.48 |
Industry Peer Context
Operating margin peer context
Financial Bridges
Free cash flow = operating cash flow - capital expenditures
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts FY 2025. Operating cash flow: accession 0001104659-25-121185; concept NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities; source concepts us-gaap:NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities | Capital expenditures: accession 0001104659-25-121185; concept PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment; source concepts us-gaap:PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment | Free cash flow: accession 0001104659-25-121185; concept NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities - PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment; source concepts us-gaap:NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities; us-gaap:PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment
Financial Charts
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2025 ended 2025-09-30; accession 0001104659-25-121185; filed 2025-12-15. Concept: RevenueFromContractWithCustomerExcludingAssessedTax. Source concepts: us-gaap:RevenueFromContractWithCustomerExcludingAssessedTax.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2025 ended 2025-09-30; accession 0001104659-25-121185; filed 2025-12-15. Concept: OperatingIncomeLoss. Source concepts: us-gaap:OperatingIncomeLoss.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2025 ended 2025-09-30; accession 0001104659-25-121185; filed 2025-12-15. Concept: GrossProfit. Source concepts: us-gaap:GrossProfit.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2025 ended 2025-09-30; accession 0001104659-25-121185; filed 2025-12-15. Concept: EarningsPerShareDiluted. Source concepts: us-gaap:EarningsPerShareDiluted.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2025 ended 2025-09-30; accession 0001104659-25-121185; filed 2025-12-15. Concept: NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities. Source concepts: us-gaap:NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2025 ended 2025-09-30; accession 0001104659-25-121185; filed 2025-12-15. Concept: PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment. Source concepts: us-gaap:PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2025 ended 2025-09-30; accession 0001104659-25-121185; filed 2025-12-15. Concept: PaymentsOfDividendsCommonStock. Source concepts: us-gaap:PaymentsOfDividendsCommonStock.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2025 ended 2025-09-30; accession 0001104659-25-121185; filed 2025-12-15. Concept: PaymentsForRepurchaseOfCommonStock. Source concepts: us-gaap:PaymentsForRepurchaseOfCommonStock.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2025 ended 2025-09-30; accession 0001104659-25-121185; filed 2025-12-15. Concept: Assets. Source concepts: us-gaap:Assets.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2025 ended 2025-09-30; accession 0001104659-25-121185; filed 2025-12-15. Concept: Liabilities. Source concepts: us-gaap:Liabilities.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2025 ended 2025-09-30; accession 0001104659-25-121185; filed 2025-12-15. Concept: StockholdersEquity. Source concepts: us-gaap:StockholdersEquity.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2025 ended 2025-09-30; accession 0001104659-25-121185; filed 2025-12-15. Concept: CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue. Source concepts: us-gaap:CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2025 ended 2025-09-30; accession 0001104659-25-121185; filed 2025-12-15. Concept: NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities - PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment. Source concepts: us-gaap:NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities; us-gaap:PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment.
Quarterly
Quarterly standardized facts from SEC companyfacts as of latest extracted filing date 2026-05-11. Source: https://data.sec.gov/api/xbrl/companyfacts/CIK0001357971.json.
| Quarter | End Date | Revenue | Net Income | Diluted EPS | Method |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019-Q4 | 2019-09-30 | 1,922,977 | derived Q4 = FY annual - nine-month YTD | ||
| 2020-Q1 | 2019-12-31 | -151,364 | reported discrete quarter | ||
| 2020-Q2 | 2020-03-31 | -1,771,861 | reported discrete quarter | ||
| 2020-Q3 | 2020-06-30 | -95,205 | reported discrete quarter | ||
| 2020-Q4 | 2020-09-30 | 4,142,447 | derived Q4 = FY annual - nine-month YTD | ||
| 2021-Q1 | 2020-12-31 | -724,912 | reported discrete quarter | ||
| 2021-Q2 | 2021-03-31 | -1,388,721 | reported discrete quarter | ||
| 2021-Q4 | 2021-09-30 | 1,690,660 | derived Q4 = FY annual - nine-month YTD | ||
| 2021-Q3 | 2021-12-31 | 1,170,980 | reported discrete quarter | ||
| 2022-Q2 | 2022-03-31 | -585,803 | reported discrete quarter | ||
| 2022-Q3 | 2022-06-30 | 1,622,114 | 0.10 | reported discrete quarter | |
| 2022-Q4 | 2022-09-30 | 1,642,782 | derived Q4 = FY annual - nine-month YTD | ||
| 2023-Q1 | 2022-12-31 | 0.01 | reported discrete quarter | ||
| 2023-Q2 | 2023-03-31 | -0.11 | reported discrete quarter | ||
| 2023-Q3 | 2023-06-30 | 85,529,892 | 0.21 | reported discrete quarter | |
| 2023-Q4 | 2023-09-30 | 104,858,572 | derived Q4 = FY annual - nine-month YTD | ||
| 2024-Q1 | 2023-12-31 | 90,163,187 | 0.12 | reported discrete quarter | |
| 2024-Q2 | 2024-03-31 | 71,127,655 | -0.07 | reported discrete quarter | |
| 2024-Q3 | 2024-06-30 | 85,923,760 | 1.06 | reported discrete quarter | |
| 2024-Q4 | 2024-09-30 | 104,662,259 | derived Q4 = FY annual - nine-month YTD | ||
| 2025-Q1 | 2024-12-31 | 100,646,114 | 0.05 | reported discrete quarter | |
| 2025-Q2 | 2025-03-31 | 76,679,151 | -0.41 | reported discrete quarter | |
| 2025-Q3 | 2025-06-30 | 103,601,585 | 0.12 | reported discrete quarter | |
| 2025-Q4 | 2025-09-30 | 130,074,523 | derived Q4 = FY annual - nine-month YTD | ||
| 2026-Q1 | 2025-12-31 | 114,112,200 | 0.16 | reported discrete quarter | |
| 2026-Q2 | 2026-03-31 | 93,173,442 | 0.01 | reported discrete quarter |
Quarterly Charts
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2026 ended 2026-03-31; accession 0001104659-26-058681; filed 2026-05-11. Concept: RevenueFromContractWithCustomerIncludingAssessedTax. Source concepts: us-gaap:RevenueFromContractWithCustomerIncludingAssessedTax.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2022 ended 2022-09-30; accession 0001410578-22-003581; filed 2022-12-22. Concept: NetIncomeLossAvailableToCommonStockholdersBasic. Source concepts: us-gaap:NetIncomeLossAvailableToCommonStockholdersBasic.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2026 ended 2026-03-31; accession 0001104659-26-058681; filed 2026-05-11. Concept: EarningsPerShareDiluted. Source concepts: us-gaap:EarningsPerShareDiluted.
Macro Cross-References
- CPIAUCSL - Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers: All Items in U.S. City Average
- UNRATE - Unemployment Rate
- FEDFUNDS - Federal Funds Effective Rate
- CES0500000003 - Average Hourly Earnings of All Employees, Total Private
- DFEDTARU - Federal Funds Target Range - Upper Limit
- DFEDTARL - Federal Funds Target Range - Lower Limit
- DGS3MO - Market Yield on U.S. Treasury Securities at 3-Month Constant Maturity
- DGS2 - Market Yield on U.S. Treasury Securities at 2-Year Constant Maturity
- DGS10 - Market Yield on U.S. Treasury Securities at 10-Year Constant Maturity
- DGS30 - Market Yield on U.S. Treasury Securities at 30-Year Constant Maturity
- T10Y2Y - 10-Year Treasury Constant Maturity Minus 2-Year Treasury Constant Maturity
- CPILFESL - Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers: All Items Less Food and Energy
- CPIUFDSL - Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers: Food
- CPIENGSL - Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers: Energy
- CUSR0000SAH1 - Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers: Shelter
- PCEPI - Personal Consumption Expenditures: Chain-type Price Index
- PCEPILFE - Personal Consumption Expenditures Excluding Food and Energy: Chain-type Price Index
- PPIACO - Producer Price Index by Commodity: All Commodities
- T10YIE - 10-Year Breakeven Inflation Rate
- U6RATE - Total Unemployed, Plus All Marginally Attached Workers Plus Total Employed Part Time for Economic Reasons
- PAYEMS - All Employees, Total Nonfarm
- CIVPART - Labor Force Participation Rate
- EMRATIO - Employment-Population Ratio
- UNEMPLOY - Unemployed
- CE16OV - Employment Level
- ICSA - Initial Claims
- JTSJOL - Job Openings: Total Nonfarm
- JTSQUR - Quits: Total Nonfarm
- GDPC1 - Real Gross Domestic Product
- A191RL1Q225SBEA - Real Gross Domestic Product: Percent Change from Preceding Period
- INDPRO - Industrial Production: Total Index
- TCU - Capacity Utilization: Total Index
- HOUST - New Privately-Owned Housing Units Started: Total Units
- PERMIT - New Privately-Owned Housing Units Authorized in Permit-Issuing Places: Total Units
- RSAFS - Advance Retail Sales: Retail Trade
- PCE - Personal Consumption Expenditures
- DSPIC96 - Real Disposable Personal Income
- PSAVERT - Personal Saving Rate
- M2SL - M2
- BOPGSTB - U.S. International Trade in Goods and Services: Balance
- MSPUS - Median Sales Price of Houses Sold for the United States
- HSN1F - New One Family Houses Sold: United States
- RHORUSQ156N - Homeownership Rate in the United States
- TTLCONS - Total Construction Spending: Total Construction in the United States
- RRVRUSQ156N - Rental Vacancy Rate in the United States
- TOTALSL - Total Consumer Credit Owned and Securitized
- REVOLSL - Revolving Consumer Credit Owned and Securitized
- DRCCLACBS - Delinquency Rate on Credit Card Loans, All Commercial Banks
- GDP - Gross Domestic Product
- GPDI - Gross Private Domestic Investment
- GCE - Government Consumption Expenditures and Gross Investment
- PCEC - Personal Consumption Expenditures
- NETEXP - Net Exports of Goods and Services
- GFDEBTN - Federal Debt: Total Public Debt
- GFDEGDQ188S - Federal Debt: Total Public Debt as Percent of Gross Domestic Product
- FYFSD - Federal Surplus or Deficit
- FGRECPT - Federal Government Current Receipts
- FGEXPND - Federal Government: Current Expenditures
- MANEMP - All Employees, Manufacturing
- USCONS - All Employees, Construction
- USTRADE - All Employees, Retail Trade
- USFIRE - All Employees, Financial Activities
- USGOVT - All Employees, Government
- AWHAETP - Average Weekly Hours of All Employees, Total Private
- DGORDER - Manufacturers' New Orders: Durable Goods
- NEWORDER - Manufacturers' New Orders: Nondefense Capital Goods Excluding Aircraft
- BUSINV - Total Business Inventories
- EXPGS - Exports of Goods and Services
- IMPGS - Imports of Goods and Services
- IR - Import Price Index (End Use): All Commodities
- PPIFIS - Producer Price Index by Commodity: Final Demand
Latest quarter (10-Q)
Latest 10-Q source: 0001104659-26-058681.
ITEM 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
You should read the following discussion of the financial condition and results of operations of Energy Services in conjunction with the “Financial Statements” appearing in this report as well as the historical financial statements and related notes contained elsewhere herein. Among other things, those historical consolidated financial statements include more detailed information regarding the basis of presentation for the following information. The term “Energy Services” refers to the Company, West Virginia Pipeline, SQP, Tri-State Paving, Ryan Construction, Tribute, and C.J. Hughes and C.J. Hughes’ wholly owned subsidiaries on a consolidated basis.
Forward Looking Statements
Within Energy Services’ (as defined below) consolidated financial statements and this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, there are included statements reflecting assumptions, expectations, projections, intentions, or beliefs about future events that are intended as “forward-looking statements” under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. You can identify these statements by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts. They use words such as “anticipate,” “estimate,” “project,” “forecast,” “may,” “will,” “should,” “could,” “expect,” “believe,” “intend” and other words of similar meaning.
These forward-looking statements do not guarantee future performance and involve or rely on risks, uncertainties, and assumptions that are difficult to predict or beyond Energy Services’ control. Energy Services has based its forward-looking statements on management’s beliefs and assumptions based on information available to management at the time the statements are made. Actual outcomes and results may differ materially from what is expressed, implied, and forecasted by forward-looking statements and any or all of Energy Services’ forward-looking statements may turn out to be wrong. The accuracy of such statements can be affected by inaccurate assumptions and by known or unknown risks and uncertainties.
All the forward-looking statements, whether written or oral, are expressly qualified by these cautionary statements and any other cautionary statements that may accompany such forward-looking statements or that are otherwise included in this report. In addition, Energy Services does not undertake and expressly disclaims any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this report or otherwise.
Company Overview
Energy Services of America Corporation (“Energy Services” or the “Company”), formed in 2006, is a contractor and service company that operates primarily in the mid-Atlantic and central regions of the United States and provides services to customers in the natural gas, petroleum, water distribution, automotive, chemical, and power industries. For the gas industry, the Company is primarily engaged in the construction, replacement and repair of natural gas pipelines and storage facilities for utility companies and private natural gas companies. Energy Services is involved in the construction of both interstate and intrastate pipelines, with an emphasis on the latter. For the oil industry, the Company provides a variety of services relating to pipeline, storage facilities and plant work. For the power, chemical, and automotive industries, the Company provides a full range of electrical and mechanical installations and repairs including substation and switchyard services, site preparation, equipment setting, pipe fabrication and installation, packaged buildings, transformers, and other ancillary work with regards thereto. Energy Services’ other pipeline services include corrosion protection services, horizontal drilling services, liquid pipeline construction, pump station construction, production facility construction, water and sewer pipeline installations, various maintenance and repair services and other services related to pipeline construction. The Company has also added the ability to perform horizontal directional drilling, civil, and general contracting services.
The Company had consolidated operating revenues of $93.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2026, of which 54.6% was attributable to electrical, mechanical, and general contract services, 11.8% to gas and petroleum transmission projects, and 33.6% to gas & water distributions services. The Company had consolidated operating revenues of $76.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2025, of which 60.3% was attributable to electrical, mechanical, and general contract services, 4.4% to gas and petroleum transmission projects, and 35.3% to gas & water distributions services.
The Company had consolidated operating revenues of $207.3 million for the six months ended March 31, 2026, of which 48.3% was attributable to electrical, mechanical, and general contract services, 17.0% to gas and petroleum transmission projects, and 34.7% to gas & water distributions services. The Company had consolidated operating revenues of $177.3 million for the six months ended March 31, 2025, of which 54.8% was attributable to electrical, mechanical, and general contract services, 12.3% to gas and petroleum transmission projects, and 32.9% to gas & water distributions services.
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Energy Services’ customers include many of the leading companies in the industries it serves, including:
TransCanada Corporation
NiSource, Inc.
Marathon Petroleum
Mountaineer Gas
Nucor Steel West Virginia
American Electric Power
Toyota Motor Manufacturing
Bayer Chemical
Dow Chemical
Kentucky American Water
WV American Water
Various state, county, and municipal public service districts.
The majority of the Company’s customers are in West Virginia, Virginia, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Kentucky. However, the Company also performs work in other states including Alabama, Michigan, Illinois, Tennessee, North Carolina, and Indiana.
Energy Services’ sales force consists of industry professionals with significant relevant sales experience, who utilize industry contacts and available public data to determine how to market the Company’s line of products most appropriately. The Company relies on direct contact between its sales force and customers’ engineering and contracting departments to obtain new business.
A substantial portion of the Company’s workforce are union members of various construction-related trade unions and are subject to separately negotiated collective bargaining agreements that expire at varying time intervals. The Company believes its relationship with its unionized workforce is good.
C.J. Hughes Construction Company, Inc. (“C.J. Hughes”), a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, is a general contractor primarily engaged in pipeline construction for utility companies. Contractors Rental Corporation (“Contractors Rental”), a wholly owned subsidiary of C.J. Hughes, provides union building trade employees for projects managed by C.J. Hughes.
Nitro Construction Services, Inc. (“NCS”), a wholly owned subsidiary of C.J. Hughes, provides electrical, mechanical, HVAC/R, and fire protection services to customers primarily in the automotive, chemical, and power industries. Nitro Electric Company, LLC (“Nitro Electric”), a wholly owned subsidiary of NCS, performs industrial electrical work and has a satellite office registered in Michigan. Pinnacle Technical Solutions, Inc. (“Pinnacle”), a wholly owned subsidiary of NCS, operates as a data storage facility within Nitro’s office building. Pinnacle is supported by NCS and has no employees of its own. NCS and its subsidiaries will collectively be referred to “Nitro”. Revolt Energy, LLC (“Revolt”), formerly a wholly owned subsidiary of NCS, that performed residential solar installations projects, was sold for a nominal consideration on March 1, 2025 in a transaction that was not material to the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements. On September 30, 2025, Nitro completed the asset acquisition of Rigney Digital System Ltd. (“Rigney”), an HVAC/R controls company located in Hurricane, WV, which operates as a division of Nitro.
All C.J. Hughes, Nitro, and Contractors Rental construction personnel are union members of various related construction trade unions and are subject to collective bargaining agreements that expire at varying time intervals.
West Virginia Pipeline, Inc. (“West Virginia Pipeline” or “WVP”), a wholly owned subsidiary of Energy Services, operates as a gas and water distribution contractor primarily in southern West Virginia. The employees of West Virginia Pipeline are non-union and are managed independently of the Company’s union subsidiaries.
SQP Construction Group, Inc. (“SQP”), a wholly owned subsidiary of Energy Services, operates as a general contractor primarily in West Virginia. SQP engages in the construction and renovation of buildings and other civil construction projects for state and local government agencies and commercial customers. As a general contractor, SQP manages the overall construction project and subcontracts most of the work. The employees of SQP are non-union and are managed independently of the Company’s union subsidiaries.
Tri-State Paving & Sealcoating, Inc. (“TSP” or “Tri-State Paving”), a wholly owned subsidiary of Energy Services, provides utility paving services to water distribution customers in the Charleston, West Virginia, Lexington, Kentucky, and Chattanooga, Tennessee markets. The employees of TSP are non-union and are managed independently of the Company’s union subsidiaries.
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Ryan Construction Services Inc. (“Ryan Construction” or “RCS”), a wholly owned subsidiary of Energy Services, provides directional drilling services for broadband service providers along with offering natural gas distribution services, cathodic protection and corrosion prevention services, and civil construction services. Ryan Construction operates primarily in West Virginia and Pennsylvania. The employees of RCS are non-union and are managed independently of the Company’s union subsidiaries.
Tribute Contracting & Consultants, Inc. (“Tribute” or “TCC”), a wholly owned subsidiary of Energy Services, was formed in October 2024 in connection with the acquisition of substantially all the assets of Tribute Contracting & Consultants, LLC (“Tribute LLC”). Tribute constructs water distribution and wastewater systems primarily for public municipalities in West Virginia, Ohio, and Kentucky. The employees of TCC are non-union and are managed independently of the Company’s union subsidiaries.
The Company’s website address is www.energyservicesofamerica.com. Information on our website is not part of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q unless otherwise stated.
The Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) maintains a website at www.sec.gov that contains reports, proxy and information statements, and other information regarding the Company. The Company makes available free of charge through its website its annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and any amendments to those reports filed with the SEC pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. These items are available as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file or furnish such material with the SEC. These materials are also available free of charge by written request to: Charles Crimmel, Chief Financial Officer and Corporate Secretary, Energy Services of America Corporation, 75 West 3rd Ave., Huntington, West Virginia 25701.
Seasonality: Fluctuation of Results
Our revenues and results of operations can and usually are subject to seasonal variations. These variations are the result of weather, customer spending patterns, bidding seasons and holidays. The first quarter of the calendar year is typ
[Excerpt truncated for page length; source filing is linked above.]
Latest 10-K MD&A
ITEM 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
You should read the following discussion of the financial condition and results of operations of Energy Services in conjunction with the historical financial statements and related notes contained elsewhere herein. Among other things, those historical consolidated financial statements include more detailed information regarding the basis of presentation for the following information.
Understanding Gross Margins
Our gross margin is gross profit expressed as a percentage of revenues. Cost of revenues consists primarily of salaries, wages and some benefits to employees, depreciation, fuel and other equipment costs, equipment rentals, subcontracted services, portions of insurance, facilities expense, materials and parts and supplies. Factors affecting gross margin include:
Seasonal. As discussed above, seasonal patterns can have a significant impact on gross margins. Usually, business is slower in the winter months versus the warmer months.
Weather. Adverse or favorable weather conditions can impact gross margin in each period. Periods of wet weather, snow or rainfall, as well as severe temperature extremes can severely impact production and therefore negatively impact revenues and margins. Conversely, periods of dry weather with moderate temperatures can positively impact revenues and margins due to the opportunity for increased production and efficiency.
Revenue Mix. The mix of revenues between customer types and types of work for various customers will impact gross margins. Some projects will have greater margins while others that are extremely competitive in bidding may have narrower margins.
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Table of Contents
Service and Maintenance versus Installation. In general, installation work has a higher gross margin than maintenance work. This is because installation work usually is of a fixed price nature and therefore has higher risks involved. Accordingly, a higher portion of the revenue mix from installation work typically will result in higher margins.
Subcontract Work. Work that is subcontracted to other service providers generally has lower gross margins. Increases in subcontract work as a percentage of total revenues in each period may contribute to a decrease in gross margin.
Materials versus Labor. Typically, materials supplied on projects have lower margins than labor. Accordingly, projects with a higher material cost in relation to the entire job will have a lower overall margin.
Depreciation. Depreciation is included in our cost of revenue. This is a common practice in our industry but can make comparability to other companies difficult.
Margin Risk. Failure to properly execute a job including failure to properly manage and supervise a job could decrease the profit margin.
Selling and Administrative Expenses
Selling and administrative expenses consist primarily of compensation and related benefits to management, administrative salaries and benefits, marketing, communications, office and utility costs, professional fees, bad debt expense, letter of credit fees, general liability insurance and miscellaneous other expenses.
Results of Operations for the Fiscal Year Ended September 30, 2025, Compared to the Fiscal Year Ended September 30, 2024.
Revenue. A table comparing the components of the Company’s revenues for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2025, and 2024 is below:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| | | Twelve Months Ended | | | | | | | | ||||||
| | | September 30, 2025 | | % of total | | September 30, 2024 | | % of total | | Change | | % Change | |||
| Gas & Water Distribution | | $ | 149,574,917 | | 36.4 | % | 82,426,199 | | 23.3 | % | $ | 67,148,718 | | 81.5 | % |
| Gas & Petroleum Transmission | | 64,586,137 | 15.7 | % | 81,055,175 | 23.5 | % | (16,469,038) | (20.3) | % | |||||
| Electrical, Mechanical, & General | | 196,840,319 | 47.9 | % | 188,395,487 | 53.2 | % | 8,444,832 | 4.5 | % | |||||
| Total | | $ | 411,001,373 | 100.0 | % | 351,876,861 | 100.0 | % | $ | 59,124,512 | 16.8 | % |
Revenue increased by $59.1 million, or 16.8%, to $411.0 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2025, from $351.9 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2024. The increase was the result of increased work in the Electrical, Mechanical, and General and Gas & Water Distribution business lines, partially offset by a decrease in Gas & Petroleum Transmission work.
Gas & Water Distribution revenues totaled $149.6 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2025, a $67.1 million increase from $82.4 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2024. The revenue increase was primarily related to the Company’s continued focus on increasing water project opportunities.
Gas & Petroleum Transmission revenues totaled $64.6 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2025, a $16.5 million decrease from $81.1 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2024. The revenue decrease was primarily related to bid opportunities received later in the current fiscal year and a significant decrease in natural gas project awards as compared to the previous fiscal year.
Electrical, Mechanical, & General services and construction revenues totaled $196.8 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2025, an $8.4 million increase from $188.4 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2024. The revenue increase was primarily related to increased mechanical and electrical maintenance services performed and an increase in new construction opportunities during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2025, as compared to the prior fiscal year.
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Cost of Revenues. A table comparing the components of the Company’s costs of revenues for fiscal years ended September 30, 2025 and 2024, is below:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| | | Twelve Months Ended | | | | | | | | |||||||
| | | September 30, 2025 | | % of total | | September 30, 2024 | | % of total | | Change | | % Change | ||||
| Gas & Water Distribution | | $ | 131,260,431 | 35.3 | % | $ | 63,255,027 | 21.0 | % | $ | 68,005,404 | 107.5 | % | |||
| Gas & Petroleum Transmission | | 60,106,509 | 16.1 | % | 69,451,038 | 23.0 | % | (9,344,529) | (13.5) | % | ||||||
| Electrical, Mechanical, & General | | 176,304,885 | 47.4 | % | 167,617,676 | 55.5 | % | 8,687,209 | 5.2 | % | ||||||
| Unallocated Shop Expense | | 4,553,835 | 1.2 | % | 1,598,804 | 0.5 | % | 2,955,031 | 184.8 | % | ||||||
| Total | | $ | 372,225,660 | 100.0 | % | $ | 301,922,545 | 100.0 | % | $ | 70,303,115 | 23.3 | % |
Total cost of revenues increased by $70.3 million, or 23.3%, to $372.2 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2025, from $301.9 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2024. The increase was the result of increased work in the Electrical, Mechanical, and General and Gas & Water Distribution business lines, partially offset by a decrease in Gas & Petroleum Transmission work.
Gas & Water Distribution cost of revenues totaled $131.3 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2025, a $68.0 million increase from $63.3 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2024. The cost of revenues increase was primarily related to the Company’s continued focus on increasing water project opportunities.
Gas & Petroleum Transmission cost of revenues totaled $60.1 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2025, a $9.3 million decrease from $69.5 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2024. The cost of revenues decrease was primarily related to bid opportunities received later in the current fiscal year and a significant decrease in natural gas project awards as compared to the previous fiscal year.
Electrical, Mechanical, & General services and construction cost of revenues totaled $176.3 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2025, an $8.7 million increase from $167.6 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2024. The cost of revenues increase was primarily related to increased mechanical and electrical maintenance services performed and an increase in new construction opportunities during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2025, as compared to the prior fiscal year.
Unallocated shop expenses totaled $4.6 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2025, a $3.0 million increase from $1.6 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2024. The increase in unallocated shop expenses was primarily due to decreased internal equipment charges to projects for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2025, as compared to the prior fiscal year.
Gross Profit. A table comparing the components of the Company’s gross profit for fiscal years ended September 30, 2025, and 2024, is below:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| | | Twelve Months Ended | | | | | | | | |||||||
| | | September 30, 2025 | | % of revenue | | September 30, 2024 | | % of revenue | | Change | | % Change | ||||
| Gas & Water Distribution | | $ | 18,314,486 | | 12.24 | % | $ | 19,171,172 | | 23.26 | % | $ | (856,686) | | (4.5) | % |
| Gas & Petroleum Transmission | | 4,479,628 | 6.94 | % | | 11,604,137 | 14.32 | % | | (7,124,509) | (61.4) | % | ||||
| Electrical, Mechanical, & General | | 20,535,434 | 10.43 | % | | 20,777,811 | 11.03 | % | | (242,377) | (1.2) | % | ||||
| Unallocated Shop Expense | | (4,553,835) | — | | | (1,598,804) | — | | | (2,955,031) | 184.8 | % | ||||
| Total | | $ | 38,775,713 | 9.4 | % | $ | 49,954,316 | 14.2 | % | $ | (11,178,603) | (22.4) | % |
Total gross profit decreased by $11.2 million or 22.4% to $38.8 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2025, from $50.0 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2024.
Gas & Water Distribution gross profit totaled $18.3 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2025, an $857,000 decrease from $19.2 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2024. The gross profit decrease was primarily related to greater competition in the water industry, combined with an increase in public water projects which have a lesser profit margin, and integrating new employees due to growth in the water business line.
Gas & Petroleum Transmission gross profit totaled $4.5 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2025, a $7.1 million decrease from $11.6 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2024. The gross profit decrease was primarily related to greater
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competition affecting project pricing in the transmission business line and less transmission work performed in the fiscal year ended September 30, 2025 as compared to the prior fiscal year.
Electrical, Mechanical, & General services and construction gross profit totaled $20.5 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2025, a $242,000 decrease from $20.8 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2024. The decrease in gross profit was primarily related to a large electrical project nearing completion at September 30, 2024 which was more profitable than expected while profit margins during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2025 were in line with expected profit margins over a larger volume of revenue.
Gross loss attributed to unallocated shop operations totaled $4.6 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2025, a $3.0 million increase from $1.6 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2024. The gross loss increase was primarily due to decreased internal equipment charges to projects for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2025, as compared to the prior fiscal year.
Selling and administrative expenses. Total selling and administrative expenses increased by $4.4 million to $34.6 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2025, from $30.1 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2024. The increase was primarily related to increased business opportunities and management hirings needed to secure and manage projects. Additionally, $1.9 million of the increase was related to Tribute, which was acquired on December 2, 2024, and included $608,000 related to the amortization of acquired intangible assets.
Income from operations. Income from operations was $4.2 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2025, a $15.6 million decrease from $30.1 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2024. The decrease was due to the items described above.
Other nonoperating expense. Other nonoperating expense increased by $203,000 or 942.8% to $225,000 for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2025, from $22,000 for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2024. The increase was primarily due to the receipt of a settlement from a former third-party administrator of the Company’s 401(k) retirement plan in the fiscal year ended September 30, 2024, which offset expenses, that did not repeat in the fiscal year ended September 30, 2025.
Income from lawsuit judgement. In the fiscal year ended September 30, 2024, the Company received $15.6 million from a lawsuit judgement against a former customer for work performed in a prior period.
Gain on sale of equipment. The net gain on the sale of equipment decreased by $178,000 or (68.0%) to $84,000 for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2025, from $261,000 for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2024. This decrease was primarily due to the Company sending more obsolete and underused equipment to auction during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2024 as compared to the fiscal year ended September 30, 2025.
Interest Expense. Interest expense increased by $1.0 million or 46.6% to $3.2 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2025, from $2.2 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2024. The increase was primarily due to the financing of the Tribute acquisition.
Net Income. Income before income taxes was $865,000 for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2025, compared to $33.5 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2024. The decrease was due to the items described above.
The income tax expense for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2025 was $485,000 as compared to $8.4 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2024. The decrease in income tax expense was due to a decrease in taxable income in the fiscal year ended September 30, 2025, as compared to the prior fiscal year.
The effective income tax rate for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2025 was 56.1%, as compared to 25.1% for the prior fiscal year. Effective income tax rates are estimates and may vary from period to period due to changes in the amount of taxable income or loss, non-taxable and non-deductible expenses.
Net income for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2025 was $380,000 compared to $25.1 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2024. The decrease was due to the items described above.
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Segment Results
The following table sets forth segment revenues, segment income (loss) from operations and operating margins for the periods indicated, as well as the dollar and percentage change from the prior period:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| | | Year Ended September 30, | | Change | ||||||||||||
| | | 2025 | | 2024 | | $ | | % | ||||||||
| Revenues: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Underground Infrastructure Construction | | $ | 222,966,841 | | 54.2 | % | $ | 189,104,106 | | 53.7 | % | $ | 33,862,735 | | 17.9 | % |
| Industrial Construction | | | 138,935,139 | | 33.8 | % | | 104,054,034 | | 29.6 | % | | 34,881,105 | | 33.5 | % |
| Building Construction | | | 49,099,393 | | 11.9 | % | | 58,718,721 | | 16.7 | % | | (9,619,328) | | (16.4) | % |
| Consolidated revenues | | $ | 411,001,373 | | 100.0 | % | $ | 351,876,861 | | 100.0 | % | $ | 59,124,512 | | 16.8 | % |
| Income (loss) from operations: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Underground Infrastructure Construction | $ | (1,934,020) | (0.9) | % | $ | 11,558,065 | 6.1 | % | $ | (13,492,085) | (116.7) | % | ||||
| Industrial Construction | | 9,199,801 | 6.6 | % | | 7,908,577 | 7.6 | % | | 1,291,224 | 16.3 | % | ||||
| Building Construction | | 3,266,300 | 6.7 | % | | 4,889,181 | 8.3 | % | | (1,622,881) | (33.2) | % | ||||
| Corporate and Non-Allocated Costs | | | (6,316,608) | | (1.5) | % | | (4,520,577) | | (1.3) | % | | (1,796,031) | | 39.7 | % |
| Consolidated income from operations | | $ | 4,215,473 | 1.0 | % | $ | 19,835,246 | 5.6 | % | $ | (15,619,773) | (78.7) | % |
Underground Infrastructure Construction
Revenues. The $33.9 million increase in revenues for the year ended September 30, 2025 as compared to the prior fiscal year was primarily due to the Company’s focus on growing its natural gas and water distribution business lines.
(Loss) income from operations. The $13.5 million decrease in income from operations for the year ended September 30, 2025 as compared to the prior fiscal year was primarily due to the decreased profitability in water projects, integrating a new acquisition, and decreased volume of work and profitability from gas transmission projects.
Industrial Construction
Revenues. The $34.9 million increase in revenues for the year ended September 30, 2025 as compared to the prior fiscal year was primarily due to an increase in large construction projects awarded in the automotive and manufacturing industries.
Income from operations. The $1.3 million increase in income from operations for the year ended September 30, 2025 as compared to the prior fiscal year was primarily due to the increased volume in work awarded and completed in fiscal year 2025.
Building Construction
Revenues. The $9.6 million decrease in revenues for the year ended September 30, 2025 as compared to the prior fiscal year was primarily due to a concerted effort to focus on completing several large construction projects that were in backlog as of September 30, 2024.
Income from operations. The $1.6 million decrease in income from operations for the year ended September 30, 2025 as compared to the prior fiscal year was primarily due to the decreased volume of work completed in fiscal year 2025.
Corporate and Non-Allocated Costs
The $1.8 million increase in Corporate and Non-Allocated Costs for the year ended September 30, 2025 as compared to the prior fiscal year end was primarily due to additional management needed to support the organic and inorganic growth of the Company. The Company hired an additional controller to support an acquisition, a SOX (Sarbanes-Oxley) Compliance Officer, and a Risk Manager from a subsidiary. Additionally, the Company’s growth has led to increased legal and acquisition costs, SOX and financial audit fees, information technology and cybersecurity costs, and investor relations costs.
The Company’s disaggregated revenue does vary slightly from the Company’s segment reporting due to combining the Industrial and Building Construction into Electrical, Mechanical and General, and one legal entity in the Underground Infrastructure Construction segment that performs services other than underground construction that are included in Electrical, Mechanical and General. The volume of these services is not material to the Company’s segment reporting.
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Comparison of Financial Condition at September 30, 2025 Compared to September 30, 2024.
The Company had total assets of $215.2 million at September 30, 2025, an increase of $57.0 million from the prior fiscal year-end balance of $158.2 million.
The aggregate balance of accounts receivable, retainages receivable, allowance for doubtful accounts and other receivables totaled $93.2 million at September 30, 2025, an increase of $24.4 million from the combined prior fiscal year-end balance of $68.8 million. The increase was primarily due to the timing of receivables, retainages, and receipts at the fiscal year ended September 30, 2025 as compared to the prior fiscal year end.
Net property, plant and equipment totaled $53.5 million at September 30, 2025, an increase of $15.3 million from the prior fiscal year-end balance of $38.1 million. Property, plant and equipment acquisitions totaled $28.4 million for the fiscal year 2025 while depreciation expense was $12.0 million, and the net impact of disposals was $1.1 million.
Contract assets totaled $34.5 million at September 30, 2025, an increase of $9.9 million from the prior fiscal year-end balance of $24.6 million. This increase was primarily due to the timing of project billings and related costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings at September 30, 2025, as compared to at September 30, 2024.
Goodwill and acquired intangible assets totaled $14.8 million at September 30, 2025, a $7.6 million increase from the prior fiscal year end balance of $7.2 million and was the result of an $8.5 million increase related to the acquisitions of Tribute and Rigney, partially offset by intangible asset amortization expense of $1.1 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2025.
Prepaid expenses and other totaled $5.0 million at September 30, 2025, an increase of $937,000 from the prior fiscal year-end balance of $4.1 million. The increase was primarily due to federal and state incomes taxes receivable and the increase of various prepaid insurance accounts at the fiscal year ended September 30, 2025, as compared to the prior fiscal year end.
Cash and cash equivalents totaled $12.2 million at September 30, 2025, a decrease of $684,000 from the prior fiscal year-end balance of $12.9 million. The decrease was primarily related to a net $29.4 million investment in Company acquisitions and investment in property and equipment, partially offset by a net $24.6 million provided by financing activities and a net $4.1 million provided by operating activities.
Right-of-use assets acquired from operating leases totaled $2.1 million net of amortization expense at September 30, 2025, a decrease of $477,000 from the prior fiscal year-end balance of $2.5 million. The decrease was primarily related to $1.4 million in right-of-use asset payments and, partially offset by $866,000 in right-of-use asset additions during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2025.
Liabilities totaled $156.0 million at September 30, 2025, an increase of $56.4 million from the prior fiscal year-end balance of $99.6 million.
The aggregate balance of current maturities of long-term debt and long-term debt totaled $61.8 million at September 30, 2025, an increase of $38.2 million from the prior fiscal year-end balance of $23.6 million. The increase was primarily due to a $20.3 million increase in line of credit borrowings, $16.0 million increase related to the Tribute acquisition and an $11.4 million increase related to equipment financing, partially offset by $9.3 million in long-term debt repayments.
Contract liabilities totaled $28.3 million at September 30, 2025, an increase of $11.4 million from the prior fiscal year-end balance of $17.0 million. This increase was due to increased billings in excess of costs and earnings when computing earned revenue on construction projects at September 30, 2025, as compared to at September 30, 2024.
Accounts payable totaled $30.7 million as of September 30, 2025, an increase of $7.1 million from the prior fiscal year-end balance of $23.7 million. The increase was due to more work in progress at the end of the fiscal year ended September 30, 2025, as compared to the prior fiscal year-end.
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities totaled $15.9 million at September 30, 2025, an increase of $2.1 million from the prior fiscal year-end balance of $13.9 million. The decrease was primarily due to increased labor and burden expenses incurred towards the end of the fiscal year 2025, as compared to fiscal 2024.
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Net deferred income tax payable totaled $6.8 million at September 30, 2025, an increase of $263,000 from the prior fiscal year-end balance of $6.5 million. The decrease was primarily related to an increase in the net operating loss carry forward at the fiscal year ended September 30, 2025.
Current maturities of lines of credit and short-term borrowings totaled $10.4 million at September 30, 2025, an increase of $109,000 from the prior fiscal year-end balance of $10.3 million. The increase was due to $109,000 in accrued interest on PPP loan debt.
Income taxes payable totaled $0 at September 30, 2025, a decrease of $2.2 million from the prior fiscal year-end balance of $2.2 million primarily due to a decrease in taxable income for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2025 and compared to the fiscal year ended September 30, 2024.
Current and long-term operating lease liabilities totaled $2.0 million at September 30, 2025, a decrease of $489,000 from the prior fiscal year end balance of $2.5 million. The decrease was primarily related to $1.4 million in operating lease payments, partially offset by $866,000 in additions during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2025.
Shareholders’ equity totaled $59.2 million at September 30, 2025, an increase of $542,000 from the prior fiscal year-end balance of $58.7 million. The increase was primarily due to $380,000 in net income, a $2.9 million increase in equity related to common shares issued as consideration in acquisitions, an $81,000 increase in equity related to the vesting of common shares from restricted stock awards, partially offset by $2.0 million in cash dividend payments and $844,000 in stock repurchases by the Company.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Operating Line of Credit
In July 2025, the Company renewed its $30.0 million line of credit with a maturity date of June 28, 2027. The interest rate on the line of credit is the “Wall Street Journal” Prime Rate (the index) with a floor of 4.99%.
The line of credit is limited to a borrowing base calculation as summarized below:
| | | | | | | | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| | | September 30, 2025 | | September 30, 2024 | |||
| Eligible borrowing base | | $ | 27,657,997 | | $ | 25,089,446 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| Borrowed on line of credit | 24,750,000 | 4,500,000 | | ||||
| | | | | | | | |
| Line of credit balance available | $ | 2,907,997 | $ | 20,589,446 | | ||
| | | | | | | | |
| Interest rate | | 7.25 | % | 8.5 | % |
The Company’s $24.8 million and $4.5 million line of credit borrowings are recorded as a long-term debt as of September 30, 2025 and 2024, respectively.
The modified financial covenants for the quarter ended June 30, 2023, and all subsequent quarters, are below:
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | Minimum tangible net worth of $28.0 million, |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | Minimum traditional debt service coverage of 1.50x on a rolling twelve- month basis, |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | Minimum current ratio of 1.20x, |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | Maximum debt to tangible net worth ratio (“TNW”) of 2.75x, |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | Each ratio and covenant shall be determined, tested, and measured as of each calendar quarter beginning June 30, 2023, |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | The Company shall maintain a ratio of Maximum Senior Funded Debt (“SFD”) to Earnings before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization (“EBDITA”) equal to or less than 3.5:1. SFD shall mean any funded debt or lease of the Company, other than subordinated debt. The covenant shall be tested quarterly, at the end of each fiscal quarter, with EBITDA based on the preceding four quarters. |
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The Company’s lender has agreed to omit the effect of the PPP loan restatement from the Company’s covenant compliance calculations while a final decision on PPP loan forgiveness remains in question. The Company was not in compliance with all covenants at September 30, 2025 and received a waiver from its lender. The Company projects to meet all covenant requirements for the next twelve months.
Paycheck Protection Program Loans
Due to the economic uncertainties created by COVID-19 and limited operating funds available, the Company applied for loans under the PPP. On April 15, 2020, the Company and its subsidiaries, C.J. Hughes, Contractors Rental and Nitro, entered into separate PPP notes effective April 7, 2020, with its Lender in an aggregate principal amount of $13.1 million pursuant to the PPP Loans. In a special meeting held on April 27, 2020, the Board of Directors of the Company unanimously voted to return $3.3 million of the PPP Loans after discussing the financing needs of the Company and subsidiaries. That left the Company and subsidiaries with $9.8 million in PPP Loans to fund operations. During fiscal year 2021, the Company received notice that the SBA had granted forgiveness of the $9.8 million of PPP Loans and the SBA repaid the Lender in full. The forgiveness was recorded as other income for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2021.
During April 2023, management received notification from the SBA that one of the Company’s forgiveness applications related to the PPP Loans was under review. As part of the review, the SBA requested additional payroll information. Additionally, the SBA requested information regarding the ability of the Company’s affiliates to meet SBA size standards and/or PPP corporate maximum limits. The requested information was subsequently provided to the SBA through the Lender. The Company recognizes that there is a possibility that the SBA could reverse its previous determination on the forgiveness of the PPP Loans. As a result of this uncertainty, the Company restated the previously issued audited financial statements of the Company for fiscal 2022 and 2021. The Company has recorded a short-term borrowing due to the SBA inquiry for the full $9.8 million, plus accrued interest.
During July 2023, management received notification from the SBA that two additional forgiveness applications related to the PPP Loans were under review. As part of the review, the SBA requested information regarding the ability of the Company’s affiliates to meet SBA size standards and/or PPP corporate maximum limits. The requested information was subsequently provided to the SBA through the Lender. As of September 30, 2025, there have been no further requests or communications from the SBA relating to the PPP Loans.
Borrowers must retain PPP documentation for at least six years after the date the loan is forgiven or paid in full, and the SBA and SBA Inspector General must be granted these files upon request. The SBA could revisit its forgiveness decision and determine that the Company does not qualify in whole or in part for loan forgiveness and demand repayment of the loans. In addition, it is unknown what type of penalties could be assessed against the Company if the SBA disagrees with the Company’s certification. Any penalties in addition to the potential repayment of the PPP Loans could negatively impact the Company’s business, financial condition and results of operations and prospects.
Long-Term Debt
On December 16, 2014, the Company’s Nitro subsidiary entered into a 20-year $1.2 million loan agreement with a bank to purchase the office building and property it had previously been leasing. The interest rate on this loan agreement is 4.82% with monthly payments of $7,800. The interest rate on this note is subject to change from time to time based on changes in the U.S. Treasury yield, adjusted to a constant maturity of three years as published by the Federal Reserve weekly. As of September 30, 2025, the Company had made principal payments of $490,000. The loan is collateralized by the building purchased under this agreement. The note is currently held by Peoples Bank, Inc.
On December 31, 2020, West Virginia Pipeline Acquisition Company, later renamed West Virginia Pipeline, Inc., entered into a $3.0 million sellers’ note agreement with David and Daniel Bolton for the remaining purchase price of West Virginia Pipeline, Inc. For the purchase price allocation, the $3.0 million note had a fair value of $2.85 million. As part of the $6.35 million acquisition price, the Company paid $3.5 million in cash in addition to the note. The unsecured five-year term note requires annual payments of at least $500,000 with a fixed interest rate of 3.25% on the $3.0 million sellers’ note, which equates to 5.35% on the carrying value of the note. As of September 30, 2025, the Company had made annual installment payments of $2.5 million.
On April 2, 2021, the Company entered into a $3.5 million Non-Revolving Note agreement with United Bank. This five-year agreement repaid the outstanding $3.5 million line of credit that was used for the down payment on the West Virginia Pipeline
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acquisition. This loan has monthly installment payments of $64,853 and has a fixed interest rate of 4.25%. The loan is collateralized by the Company’s equipment and receivables. As of September 30, 2025, the Company had made principal payments of $3.1 million.
On April 29, 2022, the Company entered into a $7.5 million Non-Revolving Note agreement with United Bank. This five-year agreement was used to finance the purchase of Tri-State Paving and has monthly payments of $129,910 with a fixed interest rate of 4.25%. As of September 30, 2025, the Company had made principal payments of $4.5 million.
On April 29, 2022, the Company entered into a $1.0 million promissory note agreement with Corns Enterprises, a related party, as partial consideration for the purchase of Tri-State Paving. David E. Corns continued his role as President of the Company’s Tri-State Paving Subsidiary until his retirement in May 2025. This four-year agreement requires $250,000 principal installment payments on or before the end of each twelve (12) full calendar month period beginning April 29, 2022. Interest payments due will be calculated on the principal balance remaining and shall be at the stated rate of 3.5% per year. The Company has made $750,000 in principal payments on this note as of September 30, 2025.
On October 10, 2022, the Company entered into a $3.1 million promissory note agreement with United Bank. This five-year agreement financed the previous cash value of equipment purchased in the Ryan Construction acquisition. This loan has monthly installment payments of $60,000 and has a fixed interest rate of 6.0%. The loan is collateralized by the Company’s equipment and receivables. As of September 30, 2025, the Company had made principal payments of $1.7 million.
On June 1, 2023, the Company entered into a $9.3 million Non-Revolving Note agreement with United Bank. This five-year agreement gave the Company access to a $9.3 million line of credit (“Equipment Line of Credit 2023”), specifically for the purchase of equipment, for a period of six months with a fixed interest rate of 7.25%. After six months, all borrowings against the Equipment Line of Credit 2023 converted to a fifty-four-month term note agreement with a fixed interest rate of 7.25%. The loan is collateralized by the equipment purchased under this agreement. As of September 30, 2025, the Company had borrowed $9.3 million against this line of credit and made $3.4 million in principal payments.
On August 8, 2024, the Company entered into a $5.0 million Non-Revolving Note agreement with United Bank. This five-year agreement gave the Company access to a $5.0 million equipment line of credit, specifically for the purchase of equipment, for a period of twelve months with a variable interest rate based on the “Wall Street Journal” Prime Rate (the index) and initially at 8.5%. After twelve months, all borrowings against the equipment line of credit were converted to a forty-eight month term note agreement with a fixed interest rate equal to the “U.S. Treasury Rate” plus 2.75% per annum. The loan is collateralized by the equipment purchased under this agreement. As of September 30, 2025, the Company had borrowed $5.0 million against this equipment line of credit and made repayments of $90,000 in principal payments.
On December 2, 2024, the Company entered into a $16.0 million loan agreement with United Bank to finance the acquisition of Tribute. This six-year agreement has monthly payments of $272,000 including a fixed interest rate of 6.9%. As of September 30, 2025, the Company had made $1.8 million in principal payments.
On September 30, 2025, the Company entered into a $500,000 sellers’ note agreement with Joe and Cathy Rigney for the remaining purchase price of Rigney Digital Systems Ltd. For the purchase price allocation, the $500,000 note had a fair carrying value of $461,000. As part of the $4.6 million acquisition price, the Company paid $3.0 million in cash in addition to the note and issued $1.0 million in common shares of the Company’s stock. The unsecured five-year term note requires a $500,000 payment at the end of the term with monthly interest paid at a fixed interest rate of 5.0% on the $3.0 million sellers’ note, which equates to 7.05% on the carrying value of the note.
At September 30, 2025, future expected payments due on short-term and long-term debt are as follows:
| | | | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | | $ | 21,948,182 |
| 2027 | | 34,649,826 | |
| 2028 | | 6,552,086 | |
| 2029 | | 4,291,722 | |
| 2030 | | 3,637,104 | |
| Thereafter | | 1,125,293 | |
| | | $ | 72,204,213 |
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As of September 30, 2025, the Company had $12.2 million in cash and $46.9 million in working capital (defined as current assets less current liabilities).
Leases
The Company leases office space for SQP for $1,500 per month. The lease, which was originally signed on March 25, 2021, is for a period of two years with five one-year renewals available immediately following the end of the base term. As of September 30, 2025, the Company has only committed to one-year renewals and is evaluating whether to renew for additional periods.
The Company has two right-of-use operating leases acquired on April 29, 2022, as part of the Tri-State Paving, LLC transaction. The first operating lease, for the Hurricane, West Virginia facility, had a net present value of $236,000 at inception, and a carrying value of $0 at September 30, 2025. The 4.5% interest rate on the operating lease is based on the Company’s incremental borrowing rate at inception. The Company signed a one-year renewal after the lease expired and as of September 30, 2025 is evaluating whether to renew for additional periods.
The second operating lease, for the Chattanooga, Tennessee facility, had a net present value of $144,000 at inception, and expired on August 31, 2024. The lease was renewed for a two-year period with a net present value of $140,000 and had a carrying value of $50,000 at September 30, 2025. The 8.5% interest rate on the operating lease is based on the Company’s incremental borrowing rate at inception.
The Company has a right-of-use operating lease with Enterprise acquired on August 11, 2022, as part of the Ryan Environmental acquisition. This lease agreement was initially for thirty-one vehicles with a net present value of $1.2 million. The Company subsequently netted fifty-one additional leased vehicles. The right-of-use operating lease had a carrying value of $1.9 million at September 30, 2025. Each vehicle leased under the master lease program has its own implicit rate.
The Company has a right-of-use operating lease acquired on March 28, 2023. This lease, for the Winchester, Kentucky facility, had a net present value of $290,000 at inception and a carrying value of $44,000 at September 30, 2025. The 7.5% interest rate on the operating lease is based on the Company’s incremental borrowing rate at inception.
The maturities of the Company’s operating lease liabilities at September 30, 2025 are as follows:
| | | | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | | $ | 1,291,116 |
| 2027 | | 799,632 | |
| 2028 | | 308,279 | |
| 2029 | | 101,426 | |
| | | 2,500,453 | |
| Less amounts representing interest | | (456,811) | |
| Present value of operating lease liabilities | | $ | 2,043,642 |
Off-Balance Sheet Transactions
Due to the nature of our industry, we often enter into certain off-balance sheet arrangements in the ordinary course of business that result in risks not directly reflected on our balance sheets. Though for the most part not material in nature, some of these are:
Rental Agreements
The Company rents equipment for use on construction projects with rental agreements being week to week or month to month. Rental expense can vary by the fiscal year due to equipment requirements on construction projects and the availability of Company owned equipment. Rental expense, which is included in cost of goods sold on the consolidated statements of income, was $22.9 million and $16.3 million for the twelve months ended September 30, 2025, and 2024, respectively.
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Letters of Credit
Certain of our customers or vendors may require letters of credit to secure payments that the vendors are making on our behalf or to secure payments to subcontractors, vendors, etc. on various customer projects. At September 30, 2025, the Company did not have any outstanding letters of credit.
Performance Bonds
Some customers, particularly new ones or governmental agencies require the Company to post bid bonds, performance bonds and payment bonds (collectively, performance bonds). These performance bonds are obtained through insurance carriers and guarantee to the customer that we will perform under the terms of a contract and that we will pay subcontractors and vendors. If the Company fails to perform under a contract or to pay subcontractors and vendors, the customer may demand that the insurer make payments or provide services under the bond. The Company must reimburse the insurer for any expenses or outlays it is required to make.
Currently, the Company has an agreement with a surety company to provide bonding which will suit the Company’s immediate needs. The ability to obtain bonding for future contracts is an important factor in the contracting industry with respect to the type and value of contracts that can be bid on. Depending upon the size and conditions of a particular contract, the Company may be required to post letters of credit or other collateral in favor of the insurer. Posting these letters or other collateral will reduce our borrowing capabilities. The Company does not anticipate any claims in the foreseeable future. At September 30, 2025, the Company had $84.3 million in performance bonds outstanding.
Concentration of Credit Risk
In the ordinary course of business, the Company grants credit under normal payment terms, generally without collateral, to our customers, which include natural gas and oil companies, general contractors, and various commercial and industrial customers located within the United States. Consequently, the Company is subject to potential credit risk related to business and economic factors that would affect these companies. However, the Company generally has certain statutory lien rights with respect to services provided. Under certain circumstances such as foreclosure, the Company may take title to the underlying assets in lieu of cash in settlement of receivables.
Please see the tables below for customers that represent 10.0% or more of the Company’s revenue or accounts receivable, net of retention as of or for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2025, and 2024:
| | | | | | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| | | Twelve Months Ended | | Twelve Months Ended | |
| Revenue | | September 30, 2025 | | September 30, 2024 | |
| TransCanada Corporation | * | | 10.4 | % | |
| All other | 100.0 | % | 89.6 | % | |
| Total | 100.0 | % | 100.0 | % |
* Less than 10.0% and included in “All other” if applicable
| | | | | | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Accounts receivable, net of retention | | at September 30, 2025 | | at September 30, 2024 | |
| TransCanada Corporation | 13.9 | % | * | | |
| All other | 86.1 | % | 100.0 | % | |
| Total | 86.1 | % | 100.0 | % |
* Less than 10.0% and included in “All other” if applicable
Virtually all work performed for major customers was awarded under competitive bid fixed price or unit price arrangements. The loss of a major customer could have a severe impact on the profitability of the Company. However, due to the nature of the Company’s operations, the major customers and sources of revenues may change from year to year.
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Litigation
On November 12, 2021, the Company received a withdrawal liability claim from a pension plan to which the Company made pension contributions for union construction employees performing covered work in a particular jurisdiction. The Company has not performed covered work in their jurisdiction since 2011; however, the Company disagrees with the withdrawal claim and believes it is covered by an exemption under federal law. The demand called for thirty-four quarterly installment payments of $41,000 starting December 15, 2021. The Company complied with the demand according to federal pension law; however, the Company firmly believes no withdrawal liability exists. The Company is in negotiations with the pension fund to resolve the matter and all future payments have been suspended as part of the negotiation. The Company has expensed all $164,000 in payments made through September 30, 2022 and does not expect any future liabilities related to this claim. The Company did not make any payments during the twelve months ended September 30, 2025 or 2024.
Other than described above, at September 30, 2025, the Company was not involved in any legal proceedings other than in the ordinary course of business. The Company is a party from time to time to various lawsuits, claims and other legal proceedings that arise in the ordinary course of business. These actions typically seek, among other things, compensation for alleged personal injury, breach of contract and/or property damages, punitive damages, civil penalties, or other losses, or injunctive or declaratory relief. With respect to all such lawsuits, claims, and proceedings, we record reserves when it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of loss can be reasonably estimated. At September 30, 2025, the Company does not believe that any of these proceedings, separately or in aggregate, would be expected to have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
Related Party Transactions
We intend that all transactions between us and our executive officers, directors, holders of 10% or more of the shares of any class of our common stock and affiliates thereof, will be on terms no less favorable than those terms given to unaffiliated third parties and will be approved by a majority of our independent outside directors not having any interest in the transaction.
On April 29, 2022, the Company entered into a $1.0 million promissory note agreement with Corns Enterprises as partial consideration for the purchase of Tri-State Paving. This four-year agreement requires $250,000 principal installment payments on or before the end of each twelve (12) full calendar month period beginning April 29, 2022. Interest payments due will be calculated on the principal balance remaining and will be at the stated rate of 3.5% per year. The Company has made $750,000 in principal payments on this note as of September 30, 2025.
Subsequent to the April 29, 2022 acquisition of Tri-State Paving, the Company entered into an operating lease for facilities in Hurricane, West Virginia with Corns Enterprises. This thirty-six-month lease is treated as a right to use asset and has payments of $7,000 per month. The total net present value at inception was $236,000 with no carrying value at September 30, 2025. The Company signed a one-year renewal after the lease expired and as of September 30, 2025 is evaluating whether to renew for additional periods. In May 2025, David E. Corns, member of Corns Enterprises and President of Tri-State Paving, retired.
SQP made an equity investment of $156,000 in 1030 Quarrier Development, LLC (“Development”) in August 2022. Development is a variable interest entity (“VIE”) that is 75% owned by 1030 Quarrier Ventures, LLC (“Ventures”) and 25% owned by SQP. SQP is not the primary beneficiary of the VIE and therefore will not consolidate Development into its consolidated financial statements. Instead, SQP will apply the equity method of accounting for its investment in Development. Development, a 1% owner, and United Bank, a 99% owner, formed 1030 Quarrier Landlord, LLC (“Landlord”). Landlord decided to pursue the following development project (the “Project”): a historical building at 1030 Quarrier Street, Charleston, West Virginia as well as associated land (the “Property”) was purchased to be developed/rehabilitated into a commercial project including apartments and commercial space. Upon the completion of development, the Property will be used to generate rental income. SQP has been awarded the construction contract for the Project. United Bank provided $5.0 million in loans to fund the Project. SQP and Ventures have jointly provided an unconditional guarantee for the $5.0 million of obligations associated with the Project.
CJ Hughes entered into an agreement, cancelable at any time, with Construction Specialty Services (“CSS”), which is owned by Chuck Austin, the President of CJ Hughes. CSS rents equipment, periodically, to and as requested by CJ Hughes. The equipment rental rates are below the rates that the equipment can be rented from any unaffiliated rental company. CJ Hughes is not obliged to rent any equipment and does so only when CJ Hughes does not have equipment available of its own and would otherwise need to rent such equipment as the demand increases throughout the construction season. In the fiscal years 2024 and 2025, the rental amounts for these specific years were $339,000, and $318,000, respectively.
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Other than mentioned above, there were no new material related party transactions entered into during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2025.
Certain Energy Services subsidiaries routinely engage in transactions in the normal course of business with each other, including sharing employee benefit plan coverage, payment for insurance and other expenses on behalf of other affiliates, and other services incidental to business of each of the affiliates. All revenue and related expense transactions, as well as the related accounts payable and accounts receivable have been eliminated in consolidation.
Inflation
Most significant project materials, such as pipe or electrical wire, are provided by the Company’s customers. When possible, the Company attempts to lock in pricing with vendors and include qualifications regarding material cost increases in bids. Where allowed by contract, the Company will address fuel cost increases with customers. Significant inflation or supply chain issues could cause customers to delay or cancel planned projects; however, inflation did not have a significant effect on our results for the twelve months ended September 30, 2025, and 2024.
Critical Accounting Estimates
The discussion and analysis of the Company’s financial condition and results of operations are based on our consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. The preparation of these consolidated financial statements requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities known to exist at the date of the consolidated financial statements and reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. We evaluate our estimates on an ongoing basis, based on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. There can be no assurance that actual results will not differ from those estimates. Management believes the following accounting policies affect our more significant judgments and estimates used in the preparation of our consolidated financial statements.
Revenues
The Company recognizes revenue as performance obligations are satisfied and control of the promised good and service is transferred to the customer. For Lump Sum and Unit Price contracts, revenue is ordinarily recognized over time as control is transferred to the customers by measuring the progress toward complete satisfaction of the performance obligation(s) using an input (i.e., “cost to cost”) method. For Cost Plus and Time and Material (“T&M”) contracts, revenue is ordinarily recognized over time as control is transferred to the customers by measuring the progress toward satisfaction of the performance obligation(s) using an output method. The Company also does certain T&M service work that is generally completed in a short duration and is recognized at a point in time.
The accuracy of our revenue and profit recognition in a given period depends on the accuracy of our estimates of the cost to complete each project. We believe our experience allows us to create materially reliable estimates. There are a number of factors that can contribute to changes in estimates of contract cost and profitability. The most significant of these include:
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | the completeness and accuracy of the original bid; |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | costs associated with scope changes; |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | changes in costs of labor and/or materials; |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | extended overhead and other costs due to owner, weather and other delays; |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | subcontractor performance issues; |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | changes in productivity expectations; |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | site conditions that differ from those assumed in the original bid; |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | changes from original design on design-build projects; |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | the availability and skill level of workers in the geographic location of the project; |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | a change in the availability and proximity of equipment and materials; |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | our ability to fully and promptly recover on affirmative claims and back charges for additional contract costs; and |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | the customer’s ability to properly administer the contract. |
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The foregoing factors, as well as the stage of completion of contracts in process and the mix of contracts at different margins may cause fluctuations in gross profit from period to period. Significant changes in cost estimates, particularly in our larger, more complex projects could have a significant effect on our profitability.
Our contract assets include cost and estimated earnings in excess of billings that represent amounts earned and reimbursable under contracts, including claim recovery estimates, but have a conditional right for billing and payment such as achievement of milestones or completion of the project. With the exception of customer affirmative claims, generally, such unbilled amounts will become billable according to the contract terms and generally will be billed and collected over the next three months. Settlement with the customer of outstanding affirmative claims is dependent on the claims resolution process and could extend beyond one year. Based on our historical experience, we generally consider the collection risk related to billable amounts to be low. When events or conditions indicate that it is probable that the amounts outstanding become unbillable, the transaction price and associated contract asset is reduced.
Our contract liabilities consist of provisions for losses and billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings. Provisions for losses are recognized in the consolidated statements of income at the uncompleted performance obligation level for the amount of total estimated losses in the period that evidence indicates that the estimated total cost of a performance obligation exceeds its estimated total revenue. Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings are billings to customers on contracts in advance of work performed, including advance payments negotiated as a contract condition. Generally, unearned project-related costs will be earned over the next twelve months.
The following table presents our costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings and billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings at September 30, 2025 and 2024:
| | | | | | | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| | | September 30, 2025 | | September 30, 2024 | ||
| Costs incurred on contracts in progress | | $ | 471,208,654 | | $ | 347,180,901 |
| Estimated earnings, net of estimated losses | | 71,159,322 | | 59,349,378 | ||
| | | 542,367,976 | | 406,530,279 | ||
| Less billings to date | | 536,231,730 | | 398,885,475 | ||
| | | $ | 6,136,246 | | $ | 7,644,804 |
| | | | | | | |
| Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billed on | | | | | ||
| uncompleted contracts | | $ | 34,455,011 | | $ | 24,595,792 |
| Less billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings on | | | | | | |
| uncompleted contracts | | 28,318,765 | | 16,950,988 | ||
| | | | | | | |
| | | $ | 6,136,246 | | $ | 7,644,804 |
Allowance for doubtful accounts
The Company provides an allowance for doubtful accounts when collection of an account is considered doubtful. Inherent in the assessment of the allowance for doubtful accounts are certain judgments and estimates relating to, among others, our customers’ access to capital, our customers’ willingness or ability to pay, general economic conditions and the ongoing relationship with the customers. While most of our customers are large well capitalized companies, should they experience material changes in their revenues and cash flows or incur other difficulties and not be able to pay the amounts owed, this could cause reduced cash flows and losses in excess of our current reserves.
Materially incorrect estimates of bad debt reserves could result in an unexpected loss in profitability for the Company. Additionally, frequently changing reserves could be an indication of risky or unreliable customers. At September 30, 2025, management review deemed that the allowance for doubtful accounts was adequate.
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Please see the allowance for doubtful accounts table below:
| | | | | | | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| | | September 30, 2025 | | September 30, 2024 | ||
| Balance at beginning of period | | $ | 738,526 | | $ | 51,063 |
| Charged to expense | | 423,750 | | 687,463 | ||
| Deductions for uncollectible receivables written off, net of recoveries | | (640,660) | | — | ||
| Balance at end of period | | $ | 521,616 | | $ | 738,526 |
Impairment of goodwill and intangible assets
The Company follows the guidance of Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 350-20-35-3 “Intangibles-Goodwill and Other (Topic 350)” which requires a company to record an impairment charge based on the excess of a reporting unit’s carrying amount of goodwill over its fair value. Under the current guidance, companies can first choose to assess any impairment based on qualitative factors (Step 0). If a company fails this test or decides to bypass this step, it must proceed with a quantitative assessment of goodwill impairment. The Company did not have a goodwill impairment at September 30, 2025.
Materially incorrect estimates could cause an impairment of goodwill or intangible assets and result in a loss in profitability for the Company.
A table of the Company’s intangible assets subject to amortization is below:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| | | | | | | | Accumulated | | Accumulated | | Amortization and | | Amortization and | | | | | | | ||||
| | | Remaining Life | | | | | Amortization and | | Amortization and | | Impairment | | Impairment | | Net Book | | Net Book | ||||||
| | | (in months) at | | | | | Impairment at | | Impairment at | | Twelve Months Ended | | Twelve Months Ended | | Value at | | Value at | ||||||
| | | September 30, | | Original | | September 30, | | September 30, | | September 30, | | September 30, | | September 30, | | September 30, | |||||||
| Intangible assets: | | 2025 | | Cost | | 2025 | | 2024 | | 2025 | | 2024 | | 2025 | | 2024 | |||||||
| West Virginia Pipeline: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Customer relationships | | 63 | | $ | 2,209,724 | | | 1,049,610 | | $ | 828,630 | | | 220,980 | | | 220,969 | | $ | 1,160,114 | | $ | 1,381,094 |
| Tradename | | 63 | | | 263,584 | | | 125,215 | | | 98,863 | | | 26,352 | | | 26,363 | | | 138,369 | | | 164,721 |
| Non-competes | — | | | 83,203 | | | 83,203 | | | 83,203 | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |||||
| Heritage Painting | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Customer relationships | | 45 | | | 121,100 | | | 30,270 | | | 6,054 | | | 24,216 | | | 6,054 | | | 90,830 | | | 115,046 |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Tri-State Paving: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Customer relationships | | 79 | | | 1,649,159 | | | 563,463 | | | 398,547 | | | 164,916 | | | 164,916 | | | 1,085,696 | | | 1,250,612 |
| Tradename | | 79 | | | 203,213 | | | 69,431 | | | 49,110 | | | 20,321 | | | 20,321 | | | 133,782 | | | 154,103 |
| Non-competes | | — | | | 39,960 | | | 39,960 | | | 39,960 | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Tribute Contracting & Consultants | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Non-compete 1 | | 110 | | | 520,000 | | | 43,333 | | | — | | | 43,333 | | | — | | | 476,667 | | | — |
| Non-compete 2 | | 86 | | | 10,000 | | | 1,042 | | | — | | | 1,042 | | | — | | | 8,958 | | | — |
| Tradename | | 50 | | | 80,000 | | | 13,333 | | | — | | | 13,333 | | | — | | | 66,667 | | | — |
| Backlog | | 14 | | | 1,320,000 | | | 550,000 | | | — | | | 550,000 | | | — | | | 770,000 | | | — |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Rigney Digital Systems | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Tradename | | 132 | | | 657,100 | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | 657,100 | | | — |
| Backlog | | 24 | | | 260,600 | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | 260,600 | | | — |
| Non-compete | | 120 | | | 46,300 | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | 46,300 | | | — |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Total intangible assets | | | $ | 7,463,943 | | $ | 2,568,860 | | $ | 1,504,367 | | $ | 1,064,493 | | $ | 438,623 | | $ | 4,895,083 | | $ | 3,065,576 |
Depreciation and Amortization
The purpose of depreciation and amortization is to represent an accurate value of assets on the books. Every year, as assets are used, their values are reduced on the balance sheet and expensed on the income statement. As depreciation and amortization are a noncash expense, the amount must be estimated. Each year a certain amount of depreciation and amortization is written off and the book value of the asset is reduced.
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Property and equipment are recorded at cost. Costs which extend the useful lives or increase the productivity of the assets are capitalized, while normal repairs and maintenance that do not extend the useful life or increase productivity of the asset are expensed as incurred. Property and equipment are depreciated principally on the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets: buildings 39 years; operating equipment and vehicles 5-7 years; and office equipment, furniture and fixtures 5-7 years.
Acquired intangible assets subject to amortization are amortized on a straight-line basis, which approximates the pattern in which the economic benefit of the respective intangible assets is realized, over their respective estimated useful lives. The definite-lived identifiable intangible assets recognized as part of the Company’s business combinations are initially recorded at their estimated fair value.
The Company’s depreciation expense for the twelve months ended September 30, 2025 and 2024 was $12.0 million and $8.5 million, respectively. In general, depreciation is included in “cost of revenues” on the Company’s consolidated statements of income.
The Company’s amortization expense for the twelve months ended September 30, 2025 and 2024 were $1,064,493 and $438,623, respectively. In general, amortization is included in “cost of revenues” on the Company’s consolidated statements of income.
Materially incorrect estimates of depreciation and amortization and/or the useful lives of assets could significantly impact the value of long-lived assets on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. A material overvaluation could result in impairment charges and reduced profitability for the Company.
Income Taxes
The Company’s income tax expense and deferred tax assets and liabilities reflect management’s best estimate of current and future taxes to be paid. Significant judgments and estimates are required in the determination of the consolidated income tax expense. The Company’s provision for income taxes is computed by applying a federal rate of 21.0% and a blended state rate of approximately 5% to 6.0% to taxable income or loss after consideration of non-taxable and non-deductible items.
The income tax expense for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2025 was $485,000 as compared to $8.4 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2024. The decrease in income tax expense was due to an decrease in taxable income for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2025, as compared to the fiscal year ended September 30, 2024.
The effective income tax rate for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2025 was 56.1%, as compared to an effective income tax rate of 25.1% for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2024. Effective income tax rates are estimates and may vary from period to period due to changes in the amount of taxable income or loss, non-taxable and non-deductible expenses.
Accounting for PPP Loans
The Company’s accounting for PPP loans reflects management’s best estimate of current and future amounts to be paid. The Company applies significant judgment regarding the determination of PPP loan forgiveness based on the rules established, and subsequently clarified by the SBA, including rules related to the Company’s affiliations and meeting SBA size standards.
Refer to Note 3 “Accounting for PPP Loans” in the accompanying consolidated financial statements for additional details.
New Accounting Pronouncements
In November 2024, the FASB issued an update that requires incremental disclosures about specific expense categories. Entities are required to disclose in the notes to financial statements the amounts of purchases of inventory, employee compensation, depreciation, intangible asset amortization and selling expenses included in each relevant expense caption of the statements of operations. The standard also requires disclosure of the amount, and a qualitative description of, other items remaining in relevant expense captions that are not separately disaggregated. This update is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2026, and interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2027. Early adoption and both prospective and retrospective application are permitted. The Company is currently assessing the effect of this update.
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In December 2023, the FASB issued an update that expands disclosures for tax rate reconciliation tables, primarily by requiring disaggregation of income taxes paid by jurisdiction, as well as greater disaggregation within the rate reconciliation. This update is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024 and interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2025. Early adoption and retrospective application are permitted. The Company is currently assessing the effect of this update.
Subsequent Events
On October 15, 2025, the Company paid a quarterly dividend of $0.03 per share to holders of record as of October 6, 2025.
Management has evaluated all subsequent events for accounting and disclosure. There have been no other material events during the period, other than noted above, that would either impact the results reflected in the report or the Company’s results going forward.
MD&A history
Prior-year 10-K MD&A spans are extracted from SEC filings with the same bounded parser used for the latest filing. The latest 10-K appears above; prior years are below.
FY 2024 10-K MD&A
SEC filing source: 0001410578-24-002104.
ITEM 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
You should read the following discussion of the financial condition and results of operations of Energy Services in conjunction with the historical financial statements and related notes contained elsewhere herein. Among other things, those historical consolidated financial statements include more detailed information regarding the basis of presentation for the following information.
Understanding Gross Margins
Our gross margin is gross profit expressed as a percentage of revenues. Cost of revenues consists primarily of salaries, wages and some benefits to employees, depreciation, fuel and other equipment costs, equipment rentals, subcontracted services, portions of insurance, facilities expense, materials and parts and supplies. Factors affecting gross margin include:
Seasonal. As discussed above, seasonal patterns can have a significant impact on gross margins. Usually, business is slower in the winter months versus the warmer months.
Weather. Adverse or favorable weather conditions can impact gross margin in each period. Periods of wet weather, snow or rainfall, as well as severe temperature extremes can severely impact production and therefore negatively impact revenues and margins. Conversely, periods of dry weather with moderate temperatures can positively impact revenues and margins due to the opportunity for increased production and efficiency.
Revenue Mix. The mix of revenues between customer types and types of work for various customers will impact gross margins. Some projects will have greater margins while others that are extremely competitive in bidding may have narrower margins.
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Service and Maintenance versus Installation. In general, installation work has a higher gross margin than maintenance work. This is because installation work usually is of a fixed price nature and therefore has higher risks involved. Accordingly, a higher portion of the revenue mix from installation work typically will result in higher margins.
Subcontract Work. Work that is subcontracted to other service providers generally has lower gross margins. Increases in subcontract work as a percentage of total revenues in each period may contribute to a decrease in gross margin.
Materials versus Labor. Typically, materials supplied on projects have lower margins than labor. Accordingly, projects with a higher material cost in relation to the entire job will have a lower overall margin.
Depreciation. Depreciation is included in our cost of revenue. This is a common practice in our industry but can make comparability to other companies difficult.
Margin Risk. Failure to properly execute a job including failure to properly manage and supervise a job could decrease the profit margin.
Selling and Administrative Expenses
Selling and administrative expenses consist primarily of compensation and related benefits to management, administrative salaries and benefits, marketing, communications, office and utility costs, professional fees, bad debt expense, letter of credit fees, general liability insurance and miscellaneous other expenses.
Results of Operations for the Fiscal Year Ended September 30, 2024, Compared to the Fiscal Year Ended September 30, 2023.
Revenue. A table comparing the components of the Company’s revenues for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2024, and 2023 is below:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| | | Twelve Months Ended | | | | | | | | ||||||
| | | September 30, 2024 | | % of total | | September 30, 2023 | | % of total | | Change | | % Change | |||
| Gas & Water Distribution | $ | 82,426,199 | 23.3 | % | 63,527,457 | 20.9 | % | $ | 18,898,742 | 29.7 | % | ||||
| Gas & Petroleum Transmission | | 81,055,176 | 23.5 | % | 92,132,049 | 30.3 | % | (11,076,873) | (12.0) | % | |||||
| Electrical, Mechanical, & General | | 188,395,486 | 53.2 | % | 148,444,986 | 48.8 | % | 39,950,500 | 26.9 | % | |||||
| Total | | $ | 351,876,861 | 100.0 | % | 304,104,492 | 100.0 | % | $ | 47,772,369 | 15.7 | % |
Revenue increased by $47.8 million, or 15.7%, to $351.9 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2024, from $304.1 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2023. The increase was the result of increased work in the Electrical, Mechanical, and General and Gas & Water Distribution business lines, partially offset by a decrease in Gas & Petroleum Transmission work.
Gas & Water Distribution revenues totaled $82.4 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2024, an $18.9 million increase from $63.5 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2023. The revenue increase was primarily related to the Company’s continued focus on increasing water project opportunities.
Gas & Petroleum Transmission revenues totaled $81.1 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2024, an $11.0 million decrease from $92.1 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2023. The revenue decrease was primarily related to a significant natural gas project that was substantially completed during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2023 that was not fully replaced in the fiscal year ended September 30, 2024.
Electrical, Mechanical, & General services and construction revenues totaled $188.4 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2024, a $40.0 million increase from $148.4 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2023. The revenue increase was primarily related to increased mechanical and electrical maintenance services performed and an increase in new construction opportunities during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2024, as compared to the prior fiscal year.
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Cost of Revenues. A table comparing the components of the Company’s costs of revenues for fiscal years ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, is below:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| | | Twelve Months Ended | | | | | | | | |||||||
| | September 30, 2024 | % of total | September 30, 2023 | % of total | Change | % Change | ||||||||||
| Gas & Water Distribution | | $ | 63,255,027 | 21.0 | % | $ | 48,891,624 | 18.3 | % | $ | 14,363,403 | 29.4 | % | |||
| Gas & Petroleum Transmission | | 69,451,038 | 23.0 | % | 79,481,106 | 29.7 | % | (10,030,068) | (12.6) | % | ||||||
| Electrical, Mechanical, & General | | 167,617,676 | 55.5 | % | 137,763,517 | 51.5 | % | 29,854,159 | 21.7 | % | ||||||
| Unallocated Shop Expense | | 1,598,804 | 0.5 | % | 1,154,910 | 0.4 | % | 443,894 | 38.4 | % | ||||||
| Total | | $ | 301,922,545 | 100.0 | % | $ | 267,291,157 | 100.0 | % | $ | 34,631,388 | 13.0 | % |
Total cost of revenues increased by $34.6 million, or 13.0%, to $301.9 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2024, from $267.3 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2023. The increase was the result of increased work in the Electrical, Mechanical, and General and Gas & Water Distribution business lines, partially offset by a decrease in Gas & Petroleum Transmission work.
Gas & Water Distribution cost of revenues totaled $63.3 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2024, a $14.4 million increase from $48.9 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2023. The cost of revenues increase was primarily related to the Company’s continued focus on increasing water project opportunities.
Gas & Petroleum Transmission cost of revenues totaled $69.5 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2024, a $10.0 million decrease from $79.5 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2023. The cost of revenues decrease was primarily related to a significant natural gas project that was substantially completed during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2023 that was not fully replaced in the fiscal year ended September 30, 2024.
Electrical, Mechanical, & General services and construction cost of revenues totaled $167.6 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2024, a $29.8 million increase from $137.8 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2023. The cost of revenues increase was primarily related to increased mechanical and electrical maintenance services performed and an increase in new construction opportunities during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2024, as compared to the prior fiscal year.
Unallocated shop expenses totaled $1.6 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2024, a $444,000 increase from $1.2 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2023. The increase in unallocated shop expenses was primarily due to decreased internal equipment charges to projects for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2024, as compared to the prior fiscal year.
Gross Profit. A table comparing the components of the Company’s gross profit for fiscal years ended September 30, 2024, and 2023, is below:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| | | Twelve Months Ended | | | | | | | | |||||||
| | | September 30, 2024 | % of revenue | | September 30, 2023 | % of revenue | | Change | % Change | |||||||
| Gas & Water Distribution | | $ | 19,171,172 | | 23.26 | % | $ | 14,635,833 | | 23.04 | % | $ | 4,535,339 | | 31.0 | % |
| Gas & Petroleum Transmission | | 11,604,138 | 14.32 | % | | 12,650,943 | 13.73 | % | | (1,046,805) | (8.3) | % | ||||
| Electrical, Mechanical, & General | | 20,777,810 | 11.03 | % | | 10,681,469 | 7.20 | % | | 10,096,341 | 94.5 | % | ||||
| Unallocated Shop Expense | | (1,598,804) | — | | | (1,154,910) | — | | | (443,894) | 38.4 | % | ||||
| Total | | $ | 49,954,316 | 14.2 | % | $ | 36,813,335 | 12.1 | % | $ | 13,140,981 | 35.7 | % |
Total gross profit increased by $13.1 million or 35.7% to $50.0 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2024, from $36.8 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2023.
Gas & Water Distribution gross profit totaled $19.2 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2024, a $4.5 million increase from $14.6 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2023. The gross profit increase was primarily related to the Company’s continued focus on increasing water project opportunities.
Gas & Petroleum Transmission gross profit totaled $11.6 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2024, a $1.1 million decrease from $12.7 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2023. The gross profit decrease was primarily related to less transmission work performed in the fiscal year ended September 30, 2024 as compared to the prior fiscal year.
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Electrical, Mechanical, & General services and construction gross profit totaled $20.8 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2024, a $10.1 million increase from $10.7 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2023. The gross profit increase was primarily related to a large new construction electrical project that resulted in higher than expected profits and increased profits in general contractor opportunities during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2024, as compared to the prior fiscal year.
Gross loss attributed to unallocated shop operations totaled $1.6 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2024, a $444,000 increase from $1.2 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2023. The gross loss increase was primarily due to decreased internal equipment charges to projects for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2024, as compared to the prior fiscal year.
Selling and administrative expenses. Total selling and administrative expenses increased by $6.3 million to $30.1 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2024, from $23.8 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2023. The increase was primarily related to increased business opportunities and management hirings needed to secure and manage projects.
Income from operations. Income from operations was $19.8 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2024, a $6.8 million increase from $13.0 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2023. The increase was due to the items described above.
Other nonoperating expense. Other nonoperating expense decreased by $266,000 or (92.5%) to $22,000 for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2024, from $288,000 for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2023. The decrease was primarily due to the receipt of a settlement from a former third-party administrator of the Company’s 401(k) retirement plan.
Income from lawsuit judgement. The Company received $15.6 million from a lawsuit judgement against a former customer for work performed in a prior period. Please see Legal Proceedings on page 15 for more information.
Gain on sale of equipment. The net gain on the sale of equipment increased by $227,000 or 657.3% to $261,000 for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2024, from $34,000 for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2023. This increase was primarily due to the Company sending more obsolete and underused equipment to auction during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2024.
Interest Expense. Interest expense decreased by $218,000 or (9.1%) to $2.2 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2024, from $2.4 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2023. This decrease was primarily due to lower line of credit borrowings during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2024.
Net Income. Income before income taxes was $33.5 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2024, compared to $10.4 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2023. The increase was due to the items mentioned above.
The income tax expense for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2024 was $8.4 million as compared to $3.0 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2023. The increase was due to an increase in taxable income in the fiscal year ended September 30, 2024, as compared to the prior fiscal year.
The effective income tax rate for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2024 was 25.1%, as compared to 28.7% for the prior fiscal year. Effective income tax rates are estimates and may vary from period to period due to changes in the amount of taxable income or loss, non-taxable and non-deductible expenses.
Net income for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2024 was $25.1 million compared to $7.4 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2023. The increase was due to the items mentioned above.
Comparison of Financial Condition at September 30, 2024 Compared to September 30, 2023.
The Company had total assets of $158.2 million at September 30, 2024, an increase of $15.7 million from the prior fiscal year-end balance of $142.5 million.
The aggregate balance of accounts receivable, retainages receivable, allowance for doubtful accounts and other receivables totaled $68.8 million at September 30, 2024, an increase of $9.5 million from the combined prior fiscal year-end balance of $59.3 million. The increase was primarily due to the timing of receivables, retainages, and receipts at the fiscal year ended September 30, 2024 as compared to the prior fiscal year end.
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Cash and cash equivalents totaled $12.9 million at September 30, 2024, a decrease of $3.5 million from the prior fiscal year-end balance of $16.4 million. The decrease was primarily related to a net $7.9 million investment in property and equipment and a net $14.2 million used in financing activities, partially offset by a net $18.6 million provided by operating activities.
Net property, plant and equipment totaled $38.1 million at September 30, 2024, an increase of $1.6 million from the prior fiscal year-end balance of $36.5 million. Property, plant and equipment acquisitions totaled $10.9 million for the fiscal year 2024 while depreciation expense was $8.5 million, and the net impact of disposals was $797,000.
Right-of-use assets acquired from operating leases totaled $2.5 million net of amortization expense at September 30, 2024, a decrease of $795,000 from the prior fiscal year-end balance of $3.3 million. The decrease was primarily related to $1.3 million in right-of-use asset payments and, partially offset by $510,000 in right-of-use asset additions during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2024.
Goodwill and acquired intangible assets totaled $7.2 million at September 30, 2024, a $318,000 decrease from the prior fiscal year end balance of $7.5 million and was the result of intangible asset amortization expense of $438,000 for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2024, partially offset by $121,000 related to the acquisition of Heritage Painting.
Prepaid expenses and other totaled $4.1 million at September 30, 2024, an increase of $568,000 from the prior fiscal year-end balance of $3.5 million. The increase was primarily due to the increase of various prepaid insurance accounts at the fiscal year ended September 30, 2024, as compared to the prior fiscal year end.
Contract assets totaled $24.6 million at September 30, 2024, an increase of $8.6 million from the prior fiscal year-end balance of $16.0 million. This increase was primarily due to the timing of project billings and related costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings at September 30, 2024, as compared to at September 30, 2023.
Liabilities totaled $99.6 million at September 30, 2024, decrease of $8.3 million from the prior fiscal year-end balance of $107.9 million.
Contract liabilities totaled $17.0 million at September 30, 2024, a decrease of $792,000 from the prior fiscal year-end balance of $17.7 million. This decrease was due to increased billings in excess of costs and earnings when computing earned revenue on construction projects at September 30, 2024, as compared to at September 30, 2023.
The aggregate balance of current maturities of long-term debt and long-term debt totaled $23.6 million at September 30, 2024, a decrease of $1.4 million from the prior fiscal year-end balance of $25.0 million. The decrease was primarily due to $8.0 million in long-term debt repayments, partially offset by $2.0 million in long-term debt additions and $4.5 million in line of credit borrowings due by June 28, 2026.
Net deferred income tax payable totaled $6.5 million at September 30, 2024, a decrease of $380,000 from the prior fiscal year-end balance of $6.9 million. The decrease was primarily related to the addition of $533,000 in state net operating loss valuation allowances at the fiscal year ended September 30, 2024.
Accounts payable totaled $23.7 million as of September 30, 2024, an increase of $1.7 million from the prior fiscal year-end balance of $22.0 million. The increase was due to more work in progress at the end of the fiscal year ended September 30, 2024, as compared to the prior fiscal year-end.
Current and long-term operating lease liabilities totaled $2.5 million at September 30, 2024, a decrease of $818,000 from the prior fiscal year end balance of $3.4 million. The decrease was primarily related to $1.3 million in operating lease payments, partially offset by $510,000 in additions during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2024.
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities totaled $13.9 million at September 30, 2024, an increase of $752,000 from the prior fiscal year-end balance of $13.1 million. The increase was primarily due to increased labor and burden expenses incurred towards the end of the fiscal year 2024, as compared to fiscal 2023.
Current maturities of lines of credit and short-term borrowings totaled $10.3 million at September 30, 2024, a decrease of $9.6 million from the prior fiscal year-end balance of $19.8 million. This decrease was primarily due to $4.2 million in line of credit
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repayments, the reclass of $4.5 million in line of credit borrowings to long-term debt, and the payment of $950,000 in short-term insurance premium financing, partially offset by $100,000 in accrued interest on PPP loan debt.
Income taxes payable totaled $2.2 million at September 30, 2024, as compared to a prior fiscal year-end balance of $0 due to having net operating loss carry forwards at September 30, 2023.
Shareholders’ equity totaled $58.7 million at September 30, 2024, an increase of $24.1 million from the prior fiscal year-end balance of $34.6 million. This increase was primarily due to $25.1 million in net income, partially offset by $994,000 in special cash dividend payments.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Operating Line of Credit
On August 8, 2024, the Company renewed its $30.0 million line of credit with a maturity date of June 28, 2026. The interest rate on the line of credit is the “Wall Street Journal” Prime Rate (the index) with a floor of 4.99%.
The line of credit is limited to a borrowing base calculation as summarized below:
| | | | | | | | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| | September 30, 2024 | September 30, 2023 | |||||
| Eligible borrowing base | | $ | 25,089,446 | | $ | 23,942,868 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| Borrowed on line of credit | 4,500,000 | 8,712,915 | | ||||
| | | | | | | | |
| Line of credit balance available | $ | 20,589,446 | $ | 15,229,953 | | ||
| | | | | | | | |
| Interest rate | | 8.0 | % | 8.5 | % |
The Company’s $4.5 million line of credit borrowing is recorded as a long-term debt as of September 30, 2024, as compared to an $8.7 million short-term borrowing at September 30, 2023.
The modified financial covenants for the quarter ended June 30, 2023, and all subsequent quarters, are below:
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | Minimum tangible net worth of $28.0 million, |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | Minimum traditional debt service coverage of 1.50x on a rolling twelve- month basis, |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | Minimum current ratio of 1.20x, |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | Maximum debt to tangible net worth ratio (“TNW”) of 2.75x, |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | Each ratio and covenant shall be determined, tested, and measured as of each calendar quarter beginning June 30, 2023, |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | The Company shall maintain a ratio of Maximum Senior Funded Debt (“SFD”) to Earnings before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization (“EBDITA”) equal to or less than 3.5:1. SFD shall mean any funded debt or lease of the Company, other than subordinated debt. The covenant shall be tested quarterly, at the end of each fiscal quarter, with EBITDA based on the preceding four quarters. |
The Company’s lender has agreed to omit the effect of the PPP loan restatement from the Company’s covenant compliance calculations while a final decision on PPP loan forgiveness remains in question. Thus, the Company was in compliance with all covenants at September 30, 2024.
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Insurance Premiums Financed
The Company had previously financed insurance policy premiums on a short-term basis through a financing company prior to beginning to make quarterly installment payments for calendar year 2024. These insurance policies include workers’ compensation, general liability, automobile, umbrella, and equipment policies. At September 30, 2024 and September 30, 2023, the remaining balance of the insurance premiums was $0 and $950,000, respectively.
Paycheck Protection Program Loans
Due to the economic uncertainties created by COVID-19 and limited operating funds available, the Company applied for loans under the PPP. On April 15, 2020, the Company and its subsidiaries, C.J. Hughes, Contractors Rental and Nitro, entered into separate PPP notes effective April 7, 2020, with its Lender in an aggregate principal amount of $13.1 million pursuant to the PPP Loans. In a special meeting held on April 27, 2020, the Board of Directors of the Company unanimously voted to return $3.3 million of the PPP Loans after discussing the financing needs of the Company and subsidiaries. That left the Company and subsidiaries with $9.8 million in PPP Loans to fund operations. During fiscal year 2021, the Company received notice that the SBA had granted forgiveness of the $9.8 million of PPP Loans and the SBA repaid the Lender in full. The forgiveness was recorded as other income for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2021.
During April 2023, management received notification from the SBA that one of the Company’s forgiveness applications related to the PPP Loans was under review. As part of the review, the SBA requested additional payroll information. Additionally, the SBA requested information regarding the ability of the Company’s affiliates to meet SBA size standards and/or PPP corporate maximum limits. The requested information was subsequently provided to the SBA through the Lender. The Company recognizes that there is a possibility that the SBA could reverse its previous determination on the forgiveness of the PPP Loans. As a result of this uncertainty, the Company restated the previously issued audited financial statements of the Company for fiscal 2022 and 2021. The Company has recorded a short-term borrowing due to the SBA inquiry for the full $9.8 million, plus accrued interest.
During July 2023, management received notification from the SBA that two additional forgiveness applications related to the PPP Loans were under review. As part of the review, the SBA requested information regarding the ability of the Company’s affiliates to meet SBA size standards and/or PPP corporate maximum limits. The requested information was subsequently provided to the SBA through the Lender.
Borrowers must retain PPP documentation for at least six years after the date the loan is forgiven or paid in full, and the SBA and SBA Inspector General must be granted these files upon request. The SBA could revisit its forgiveness decision and determine that the Company does not qualify in whole or in part for loan forgiveness and demand repayment of the loans. In addition, it is unknown what type of penalties could be assessed against the Company if the SBA disagrees with the Company’s certification. Any penalties in addition to the potential repayment of the PPP Loans could negatively impact the Company’s business, financial condition and results of operations and prospects.
Long-Term Debt
On December 16, 2014, the Company’s Nitro subsidiary entered into a 20-year $1.2 million loan agreement with a bank to purchase the office building and property it had previously been leasing. The interest rate on this loan agreement is 4.82% with monthly payments of $7,800. The interest rate on this note is subject to change from time to time based on changes in the U.S. Treasury yield, adjusted to a constant maturity of three years as published by the Federal Reserve weekly. As of September 30, 2024, the Company had made principal payments of $437,000. The loan is collateralized by the building purchased under this agreement. The note is currently held by Peoples Bank, Inc.
On November 13, 2015, the Company entered into a 10-year $1.1 million loan agreement with United Bank to purchase the fabrication shop and property Nitro had previously been leasing. As of September 30, 2024, the Company had repaid this loan in full.
On December 31, 2020, West Virginia Pipeline Acquisition Company, later renamed West Virginia Pipeline, Inc., entered into a $3.0 million sellers’ note agreement with David and Daniel Bolton for the remaining purchase price of West Virginia Pipeline, Inc. For the purchase price allocation, the $3.0 million note had a fair value of $2.85 million. As part of the $6.35 million acquisition price, the Company paid $3.5 million in cash in addition to the note. The unsecured five-year term note requires annual payments of at least
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$500,000 with a fixed interest rate of 3.25% on the $3.0 million sellers’ note, which equates to 5.35% on the carrying value of the note. As of September 30, 2024, the Company had made annual installment payments of $2,000,000.
On January 4, 2021, the Company entered into a $3.0 million Non-Revolving Note agreement with United Bank. This five-year agreement gave the Company access to a $3.0 million line of credit for the purchase of equipment. As of September 30, 2024, the Company had repaid this loan in full.
On April 2, 2021, the Company entered into a $3.5 million Non-Revolving Note agreement with United Bank. This five-year agreement repaid the outstanding $3.5 million line of credit that was used for the down payment on the West Virginia Pipeline acquisition. This loan has monthly installment payments of $64,853 and has a fixed interest rate of 4.25%. The loan is collateralized by the Company’s equipment and receivables. As of September 30, 2024, the Company had made principal payments of $2.4 million.
On April 29, 2022, the Company entered into a $7.5 million Non-Revolving Note agreement with United Bank. This five-year agreement was used to finance the purchase of Tri-State Paving and has monthly payments of $129,910 with a fixed interest rate of 4.25%. As of September 30, 2024, the Company had made principal payments of $3.1 million.
On April 29, 2022, the Company entered into a $1.0 million promissory note agreement with Corns Enterprises, a related party, as partial consideration for the purchase of Tri-State Paving. David E. Corns continued his role as President of the Company’s Tri-State Paving Subsidiary. This four-year agreement requires $250,000 principal installment payments on or before the end of each twelve (12) full calendar month period beginning April 29, 2022. Interest payments due shall be calculated on the principal balance remaining and shall be at the stated rate of 3.5% per year. The Company has made $750,000 in principal payments on this note as of September 30, 2024.
On October 10, 2022, the Company entered into a $3.1 million promissory note agreement with United Bank. This five-year agreement financed the previous cash value of equipment purchased in the Ryan Construction acquisition. This loan has monthly installment payments of $60,000 and has a fixed interest rate of 6.0%. The loan is collateralized by the Company’s equipment and receivables. As of September 30, 2024, the Company had made principal payments of $1.1 million.
On June 1, 2023, the Company entered into a $9.3 million Non-Revolving Note agreement with United Bank. This five-year agreement gave the Company access to a $9.3 million line of credit (“Equipment Line of Credit 2023”), specifically for the purchase of equipment, for a period of six months with a fixed interest rate of 7.25%. After six months, all borrowings against the Equipment Line of Credit 2023 converted to a fifty-four-month term note agreement with a fixed interest rate of 7.25%. The loan is collateralized by the equipment purchased under this agreement. As of September 30, 2024, the Company had borrowed $9.3 million against this line of credit and made $1.5 million in principal payments.
On August 8, 2024, the Company renewed its $30.0 million line of credit with a maturity date of June 28, 2026. The interest rate on the line of credit is the “Wall Street Journal” Prime Rate (the index) with a floor of 4.99%. The outstanding balance on the operating line of credit at September 30, 2024 was $4.5 million with an interest rate of 8.0%.
On August 8, 2024, the Company entered into a $5.0 million Non-Revolving Note agreement with United Bank. This five-year agreement gave the Company access to a $5.0 million equipment line of credit, specifically for the purchase of equipment, for a period of twelve months with a variable interest rate based on the “Wall Street Journal” Prime Rate (the index) and initially at 8.5%. After twelve months, all borrowings against the equipment line of credit will be converted to a forty-eight month term note agreement with a
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fixed interest rate equal to the “U.S. Treasury Rate” plus 2.75% per annum. The loan is collateralized by the equipment purchased under this agreement. As of September 30, 2024, the Company had not borrowed against this line of credit.
At September 30, 2024, future expected payments due on short-term and long-term debt are as follows:
| | | | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $ | 16,665,591 | |
| 2026 | | 10,238,734 | |
| 2027 | | 4,591,906 | |
| 2028 | | 1,775,120 | |
| 2029 | | 62,726 | |
| Thereafter | | 519,506 | |
| | | $ | 33,853,583 |
As of September 30, 2024, the Company had $12.9 million in cash and $36.2 million in working capital (defined as current assets less current liabilities).
Leases
The Company leases office space for SQP for $1,500 per month. The lease, which was originally signed on March 25, 2021, is for a period of two years with five one-year renewals available immediately following the end of the base term. The Company has only committed to one-year renewals and is evaluating whether to renew for additional periods.
The Company had two lease agreements for construction equipment with a combined amount of $160,000 that were paid in full as of September 30, 2024. The leases had a term of twenty-two months with a stated interest rate of 0%, combined monthly installment payments of $6,645 and were cancellable at any time without penalty. The Company exercised the right to purchase the equipment at the expiration of the leases by applying the two-month deposit paid. The related assets and finance lease obligations associated with these lease agreements had been included in the consolidated balance sheets within property, plant and equipment and long-term debt.
The Company has two right-of-use operating leases acquired on April 29, 2022, as part of the Tri-State Paving, LLC transaction. The first operating lease, for the Hurricane, West Virginia facility, had a net present value of $236,000 at inception, and a carrying value of $46,000 at September 30, 2024. The 4.5% interest rate on the operating leases is based on the Company’s incremental borrowing rate at inception.
The second operating lease, for the Chattanooga, Tennessee facility, had a net present value of $144,000 at inception, and expired on August 31, 2024. The lease was renewed for a two-year period with a net present value of $140,000 and had a carrying value of $123,000 at September 30, 2024. The 8.5% interest rate on the operating leases is based on the Company’s incremental borrowing rate at inception.
The Company has a right-of-use operating lease with Enterprise acquired on August 11, 2022, as part of the Ryan Environmental acquisition. This lease agreement was initially for thirty-one vehicles with a net present value of $1.2 million. The Company subsequently netted forty-three additional leased vehicles. The right-of-use operating lease had a carrying value of $2.2 million at September 30, 2024. Each vehicle leased under the master lease program has its own implicit rate.
The Company had a right-of-use operating lease with RICA Developers, LLC acquired on August 12, 2022, as part of the Ryan Environmental acquisition. This lease, for the Bridgeport, West Virginia facility, had a net present value of $140,000 at inception and no carrying value at September 30, 2023. The 4.5% interest rate on the operating lease was based on the Company’s incremental borrowing rate at inception. The Company has signed a one-year renewal agreement effective October 1, 2023 through September 30, 2024. The lease had a net present value of $125,000 at inception and no carrying value at September 30, 2024. The 8.5% interest rate on the operating lease was based on the Company’s incremental borrowing rate at inception. As of September 30, 2024, the Company has only committed to a one-year renewal and is evaluating whether to renew for additional periods.
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The Company has a right-of-use operating lease acquired on March 28, 2023. This lease, for the Winchester, Kentucky facility, had a net present value of $290,000 at inception and a carrying value of $161,000 at September 30, 2024. The 7.5% interest rate on the operating lease is based on the Company’s incremental borrowing rate at inception.
The maturities of the Company’s operating lease liabilities are as follows:
| | | | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $ | 1,110,028 | |
| 2026 | | 1,004,022 | |
| 2027 | | 804,467 | |
| 2028 | | 129,749 | |
| | | 3,048,266 | |
| Less amounts representing interest | | (515,339) | |
| Present value of operating lease liabilities | | $ | 2,532,927 |
Off-Balance Sheet Transactions
Due to the nature of our industry, we often enter into certain off-balance sheet arrangements in the ordinary course of business that result in risks not directly reflected on our balance sheets. Though for the most part not material in nature, some of these are:
Rental Agreements
The Company rents equipment for use on construction projects with rental agreements being week to week or month to month. Rental expense can vary by the fiscal year due to equipment requirements on construction projects and the availability of Company owned equipment. Rental expense, which is included in cost of goods sold on the consolidated statements of income, was $16.3 million and $12.1 million for the twelve months ended September 30, 2024, and 2023, respectively.
Letters of Credit
Certain of our customers or vendors may require letters of credit to secure payments that the vendors are making on our behalf or to secure payments to subcontractors, vendors, etc. on various customer projects. At September 30, 2024, the Company did not have any outstanding letters of credit.
Performance Bonds
Some customers, particularly new ones or governmental agencies require the Company to post bid bonds, performance bonds and payment bonds (collectively, performance bonds). These performance bonds are obtained through insurance carriers and guarantee to the customer that we will perform under the terms of a contract and that we will pay subcontractors and vendors. If the Company fails to perform under a contract or to pay subcontractors and vendors, the customer may demand that the insurer make payments or provide services under the bond. The Company must reimburse the insurer for any expenses or outlays it is required to make.
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Currently, the Company has an agreement with a surety company to provide bonding which will suit the Company’s immediate needs. The ability to obtain bonding for future contracts is an important factor in the contracting industry with respect to the type and value of contracts that can be bid on. Depending upon the size and conditions of a particular contract, the Company may be required to post letters of credit or other collateral in favor of the insurer. Posting these letters or other collateral will reduce our borrowing capabilities. The Company does not anticipate any claims in the foreseeable future. At September 30, 2024, the Company had $117.6 million in performance bonds outstanding.
Concentration of Credit Risk
In the ordinary course of business, the Company grants credit under normal payment terms, generally without collateral, to our customers, which include natural gas and oil companies, general contractors, and various commercial and industrial customers located within the United States. Consequently, the Company is subject to potential credit risk related to business and economic factors that would affect these companies. However, the Company generally has certain statutory lien rights with respect to services provided. Under certain circumstances such as foreclosure, the Company may take title to the underlying assets in lieu of cash in settlement of receivables.
Please see the tables below for customers that represent 10.0% or more of the Company’s revenue or accounts receivable, net of retention as of or for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2024, and 2023:
| | | | | | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| | Twelve Months Ended | Twelve Months Ended | |||
| Revenue | | September 30, 2024 | | September 30, 2023 | |
| TransCanada Corporation | 10.4 | % | 13.9 | % | |
| NiSource and subsidiaries | * | | 17.5 | % | |
| All other | 89.6 | % | 68.6 | % | |
| Total | 100.0 | % | 100.0 | % |
* Less than 10.0% and included in “All other” if applicable
| | | | | | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Accounts receivable, net of retention | at September 30, 2024 | at September 30, 2023 | |||
| NiSource and subsidiaries | * | | 11.8 | % | |
| All other | 100.0 | % | 88.2 | % | |
| Total | 100.0 | % | 100.0 | % |
* Less than 10.0% and included in “All other” if applicable
Virtually all work performed for major customers was awarded under competitive bid fixed price or unit price arrangements. The loss of a major customer could have a severe impact on the profitability of the Company. However, due to the nature of the Company’s operations, the major customers and sources of revenues may change from year to year.
Litigation
As previously disclosed, in February 2018, the Company filed a lawsuit against a customer in the United States District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania (the “District Court”). The lawsuit was related to a dispute over work performed on a pipeline construction project. On November 21, 2022, the District Court issued a judgment in favor of the Company. On April 17, 2024, the United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit (the “Appeals Court”) affirmed the decision of the District Court. In May 2024, the Appeals Court denied petitions for a rehearing. This upheld the award granted by the District Court in November 2022. The Company received approximately $15.6 million payment related to the lawsuit. The Company recognized the payment in its consolidated financial statements for the third fiscal quarter ended June 30, 2024.
On November 12, 2021, the Company received a withdrawal liability claim from a pension plan to which the Company made pension contributions for union construction employees performing covered work in a particular jurisdiction. The Company has not performed covered work in their jurisdiction since 2011; however, the Company disagrees with the withdrawal claim and believes it is covered by an exemption under federal law. The demand called for thirty-four quarterly installment payments of $41,000 starting December 15, 2021. The Company complied with the demand according to federal pension law; however, the Company firmly believes no withdrawal liability exists. The Company is in negotiations with the pension fund to resolve the matter and all future payments have been suspended as part of the negotiation. The Company has expensed all $164,000 in payments made through September 30, 2022 and
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does not expect any future liabilities related to this claim. The Company did not make any payments during the twelve months ended September 30, 2023 or 2024.
Other than described above, at September 30, 2024, the Company was not involved in any legal proceedings other than in the ordinary course of business. The Company is a party from time to time to various lawsuits, claims and other legal proceedings that arise in the ordinary course of business. These actions typically seek, among other things, compensation for alleged personal injury, breach of contract and/or property damages, punitive damages, civil penalties, or other losses, or injunctive or declaratory relief. With respect to all such lawsuits, claims, and proceedings, we record reserves when it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of loss can be reasonably estimated. At September 30, 2024, the Company does not believe that any of these proceedings, separately or in aggregate, would be expected to have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
Related Party Transactions
We intend that all transactions between us and our executive officers, directors, holders of 10% or more of the shares of any class of our common stock and affiliates thereof, will be on terms no less favorable than those terms given to unaffiliated third parties and will be approved by a majority of our independent outside directors not having any interest in the transaction.
On April 29, 2022, the Company entered into a $1.0 million promissory note agreement with Corns Enterprises as partial consideration for the purchase of Tri-State Paving. This four-year agreement requires $250,000 principal installment payments on or before the end of each twelve (12) full calendar month period beginning April 29, 2022. Interest payments due shall be calculated on the principal balance remaining and shall be at the stated rate of 3.5% per year. The Company has made $750,000 in principal payments on this note as of September 30, 2024.
Subsequent to the April 29, 2022 acquisition of Tri-State Paving, the Company entered into an operating lease for facilities in Hurricane, West Virginia with Corns Enterprises. This thirty-six-month lease is treated as a right to use asset and has payments of $7,000 per month. The total net present value at inception was $236,000 with a carrying value of $46,000 at September 30, 2024.
SQP made an equity investment of $156,000 in 1030 Quarrier Development, LLC (“Development”) in August 2022. Development is a variable interest entity (“VIE”) that is 75% owned by 1030 Quarrier Ventures, LLC (“Ventures”) and 25% owned by SQP. SQP is not the primary beneficiary of the VIE and therefore will not consolidate Development into its consolidated financial statements. Instead, SQP will apply the equity method of accounting for its investment in Development. Development, a 1% owner, and United Bank, a 99% owner, formed 1030 Quarrier Landlord, LLC (“Landlord”). Landlord decided to pursue the following development project (the “Project”): a historical building at 1030 Quarrier Street, Charleston, West Virginia as well as associated land (the “Property”) was purchased to be developed/rehabilitated into a commercial project including apartments and commercial space. Upon the completion of development, the Property will be used to generate rental income. SQP has been awarded the construction contract for the Project. United Bank provided $5.0 million in loans to fund the Project. SQP and Ventures have jointly provided an unconditional guarantee for the $5.0 million of obligations associated with the Project.
CJ Hughes entered into an agreement, cancelable at any time, with Construction Specialty Services (“CSS”), which is owned by Chuck Austin, the President of CJ Hughes. CSS rents equipment, periodically, to and as requested by CJ Hughes. The equipment rental rates are below the rates that the equipment can be rented from any unaffiliated rental company. CJ Hughes is not obliged to rent any equipment and does so only when CJ Hughes does not have equipment available of its own and would otherwise need to rent such equipment as the demand increases throughout the construction season. In the fiscal years 2023 and 2024, the rental amounts for these specific years were $387,000, and $318,000, respectively.
Other than mentioned above, there were no new material related party transactions entered into during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2024.
Certain Energy Services subsidiaries routinely engage in transactions in the normal course of business with each other, including sharing employee benefit plan coverage, payment for insurance and other expenses on behalf of other affiliates, and other services incidental to business of each of the affiliates. All revenue and related expense transactions, as well as the related accounts payable and accounts receivable have been eliminated in consolidation.
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Inflation
Most significant project materials, such as pipe or electrical wire, are provided by the Company’s customers. When possible, the Company attempts to lock in pricing with vendors and include qualifications regarding material cost increases in bids. Where allowed by contract, the Company will address fuel cost increases with customers. Significant inflation or supply chain issues could cause customers to delay or cancel planned projects; however, inflation did not have a significant effect on our results for the twelve months ended September 30, 2024, and 2023.
Critical Accounting Estimates
The discussion and analysis of the Company’s financial condition and results of operations are based on our consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. The preparation of these consolidated financial statements requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities known to exist at the date of the consolidated financial statements and reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. We evaluate our estimates on an ongoing basis, based on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. There can be no assurance that actual results will not differ from those estimates. Management believes the following accounting policies affect our more significant judgments and estimates used in the preparation of our consolidated financial statements.
Revenues
The Company recognizes revenue as performance obligations are satisfied and control of the promised good and service is transferred to the customer. For Lump Sum and Unit Price contracts, revenue is ordinarily recognized over time as control is transferred to the customers by measuring the progress toward complete satisfaction of the performance obligation(s) using an input (i.e., “cost to cost”) method. For Cost Plus and Time and Material (“T&M”) contracts, revenue is ordinarily recognized over time as control is transferred to the customers by measuring the progress toward satisfaction of the performance obligation(s) using an output method. The Company also does certain T&M service work that is generally completed in a short duration and is recognized at a point in time.
The accuracy of our revenue and profit recognition in a given period depends on the accuracy of our estimates of the cost to complete each project. We believe our experience allows us to create materially reliable estimates. There are a number of factors that can contribute to changes in estimates of contract cost and profitability. The most significant of these include:
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | the completeness and accuracy of the original bid; |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | costs associated with scope changes; |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | changes in costs of labor and/or materials; |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | extended overhead and other costs due to owner, weather and other delays; |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | subcontractor performance issues; |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | changes in productivity expectations; |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | site conditions that differ from those assumed in the original bid; |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | changes from original design on design-build projects; |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | the availability and skill level of workers in the geographic location of the project; |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | a change in the availability and proximity of equipment and materials; |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | our ability to fully and promptly recover on affirmative claims and back charges for additional contract costs; and |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | the customer’s ability to properly administer the contract. |
The foregoing factors, as well as the stage of completion of contracts in process and the mix of contracts at different margins may cause fluctuations in gross profit from period to period. Significant changes in cost estimates, particularly in our larger, more complex projects could have a significant effect on our profitability.
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Our contract assets include cost and estimated earnings in excess of billings that represent amounts earned and reimbursable under contracts, including claim recovery estimates, but have a conditional right for billing and payment such as achievement of milestones or completion of the project. With the exception of customer affirmative claims, generally, such unbilled amounts will become billable according to the contract terms and generally will be billed and collected over the next three months. Settlement with the customer of outstanding affirmative claims is dependent on the claims resolution process and could extend beyond one year. Based on our historical experience, we generally consider the collection risk related to billable amounts to be low. When events or conditions indicate that it is probable that the amounts outstanding become unbillable, the transaction price and associated contract asset is reduced.
Our contract liabilities consist of provisions for losses and billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings. Provisions for losses are recognized in the consolidated statements of income at the uncompleted performance obligation level for the amount of total estimated losses in the period that evidence indicates that the estimated total cost of a performance obligation exceeds its estimated total revenue. Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings are billings to customers on contracts in advance of work performed, including advance payments negotiated as a contract condition. Generally, unearned project-related costs will be earned over the next twelve months.
The following table presents our costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings and billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings at September 30, 2024 and 2023:
| | | | | | | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| | | September 30, 2024 | | September 30, 2023 | ||
| Costs incurred on contracts in progress | $ | 347,180,901 | $ | 287,347,650 | ||
| Estimated earnings, net of estimated losses | | 59,349,378 | | 38,976,895 | ||
| | | 406,530,279 | | 326,324,545 | ||
| Less billings to date | | 398,885,475 | | 328,112,326 | ||
| | | $ | 7,644,804 | | $ | (1,787,781) |
| | | | | | | |
| Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billed on | | | | | ||
| uncompleted contracts | | $ | 24,595,792 | | $ | 15,955,220 |
| Less billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings on | | | | | | |
| uncompleted contracts | | 16,950,988 | | 17,743,001 | ||
| | | | | | | |
| | | $ | 7,644,804 | | $ | (1,787,781) |
Allowance for doubtful accounts
The Company provides an allowance for doubtful accounts when collection of an account is considered doubtful. Inherent in the assessment of the allowance for doubtful accounts are certain judgments and estimates relating to, among others, our customers’ access to capital, our customers’ willingness or ability to pay, general economic conditions and the ongoing relationship with the customers. While most of our customers are large well capitalized companies, should they experience material changes in their revenues and cash flows or incur other difficulties and not be able to pay the amounts owed, this could cause reduced cash flows and losses in excess of our current reserves.
Materially incorrect estimates of bad debt reserves could result in an unexpected loss in profitability for the Company. Additionally, frequently changing reserves could be an indication of risky or unreliable customers. At September 30, 2024, management review deemed that the allowance for doubtful accounts was adequate.
Please see the allowance for doubtful accounts table below:
| | | | | | | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| | September 30, 2024 | September 30, 2023 | ||||
| | | | | | | |
| Balance at beginning of period | | $ | 51,063 | | $ | 70,310 |
| Charged to expense | | 687,463 | | — | ||
| Deductions for uncollectible receivables written off, net of recoveries | | — | | (19,247) | ||
| Balance at end of period | | $ | 738,526 | | $ | 51,063 |
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Impairment of goodwill and intangible assets
The Company follows the guidance of Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 350-20-35-3 “Intangibles-Goodwill and Other (Topic 350)” which requires a company to record an impairment charge based on the excess of a reporting unit’s carrying amount of goodwill over its fair value. Under the current guidance, companies can first choose to assess any impairment based on qualitative factors (Step 0). If a company fails this test or decides to bypass this step, it must proceed with a quantitative assessment of goodwill impairment. The Company did not have a goodwill impairment at September 30, 2024.
Materially incorrect estimates could cause an impairment of goodwill or intangible assets and result in a loss in profitability for the Company.
A table of the Company’s intangible assets subject to amortization is below:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| | | | | | | | Accumulated | | Accumulated | | Amortization and | | Amortization and | | | | | | | ||||
| | | Remaining Life | | | | | Amortization and | | Amortization and | | Impairment | | Impairment | | Net Book | | Net Book | ||||||
| | | (in months) at | | | | | Impairment at | | Impairment at | | Twelve Months Ended | | Twelve Months Ended | | Value at | | Value at | ||||||
| | | September 30, | | Original | | September 30, | | September 30, | | September 30, | | September 30, | | September 30, | | September 30, | |||||||
| Intangible assets: | 2024 | Cost | 2024 | 2023 | 2024 | 2023 | 2024 | 2023 | |||||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| West Virginia Pipeline: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |||||
| Customer relationships | | 75 | | $ | 2,209,724 | | | 828,630 | | $ | 607,661 | | | 220,969 | | | 220,968 | | $ | 1,381,094 | | $ | 1,602,063 |
| Tradename | | 75 | | | 263,584 | | | 98,863 | | | 72,500 | | | 26,363 | | | 26,364 | | | 164,721 | | | 191,084 |
| Non-competes | — | | | 83,203 | | | 83,203 | | | 83,203 | | | — | | | 10,397 | | | — | | | — | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |||||
| Revolt Energy: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Employment agreement/non-compete | — | | 100,000 | | 100,000 | | 100,000 | | — | | | 22,221 | | | — | | | — | |||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |||||
| Heritage Painting | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Customer relationships | | 57 | | | 121,100 | | | 6,054 | | | — | | | 6,054 | | | — | | | 115,046 | | | — |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Tri-State Paving: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Customer relationships | | 91 | | | 1,649,159 | | | 398,547 | | | 233,631 | | | 164,916 | | | 166,850 | | | 1,250,612 | | | 1,415,528 |
| Tradename | | 91 | | | 203,213 | | | 49,110 | | | 28,789 | | | 20,321 | | | 20,421 | | | 154,103 | | | 174,424 |
| Non-competes | | — | | | 39,960 | | | 39,960 | | | 39,960 | | | — | | | 23,370 | | | — | | | — |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Total intangible assets | | | $ | 4,669,943 | | $ | 1,604,367 | | $ | 1,165,744 | | $ | 438,623 | | $ | 490,591 | | $ | 3,065,576 | | $ | 3,383,099 |
Depreciation and Amortization
The purpose of depreciation and amortization is to represent an accurate value of assets on the books. Every year, as assets are used, their values are reduced on the balance sheet and expensed on the income statement. As depreciation and amortization are a noncash expense, the amount must be estimated. Each year a certain amount of depreciation and amortization is written off and the book value of the asset is reduced.
Property and equipment are recorded at cost. Costs which extend the useful lives or increase the productivity of the assets are capitalized, while normal repairs and maintenance that do not extend the useful life or increase productivity of the asset are expensed as incurred. Property and equipment are depreciated principally on the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets: buildings 39 years; operating equipment and vehicles 5-7 years; and office equipment, furniture and fixtures 5-7 years.
Acquired intangible assets subject to amortization are amortized on a straight-line basis, which approximates the pattern in which the economic benefit of the respective intangible assets is realized, over their respective estimated useful lives. The definite-lived identifiable intangible assets recognized as part of the Company’s business combinations are initially recorded at their estimated fair value.
The Company’s depreciation expense for the twelve months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023 was $8.5 million and $7.3 million, respectively. In general, depreciation is included in “cost of revenues” on the Company’s consolidated statements of income.
The Company’s amortization expense for the twelve months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023 were $438,623 and $490,591, respectively. In general, amortization is included in “cost of revenues” on the Company’s consolidated statements of income.
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Materially incorrect estimates of depreciation and amortization and/or the useful lives of assets could significantly impact the value of long-lived assets on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. A material overvaluation could result in impairment charges and reduced profitability for the Company.
Income Taxes
The Company’s income tax expense and deferred tax assets and liabilities reflect management’s best estimate of current and future taxes to be paid. Significant judgments and estimates are required in the determination of the consolidated income tax expense. The Company’s provision for income taxes is computed by applying a federal rate of 21.0% and a blended state rate of approximately 5% to 6.0% to taxable income or loss after consideration of non-taxable and non-deductible items.
The income tax expense for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2024 was $8.4 million as compared to $3.0 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2023. The increase was due to an increase in taxable income for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2024, as compared to the fiscal year ended September 30, 2023.
The effective income tax rate for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2024 was 25.1%, as compared to an effective income tax rate of 28.7% for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2023. Effective income tax rates are estimates and may vary from period to period due to changes in the amount of taxable income or loss, non-taxable and non-deductible expenses.
Accounting for PPP Loans
The Company’s accounting for PPP loans reflects management’s best estimate of current and future amounts to be paid. The Company applies significant judgment regarding the determination of PPP loan forgiveness based on the rules established, and subsequently clarified by the SBA, including rules related to the Company’s affiliations and meeting SBA size standards.
Refer to Note 3 “Accounting for PPP Loans” in the accompanying consolidated financial statements for additional details.
New Accounting Pronouncements
On October 28, 2021, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) released Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2021-08, Business Combinations (Topic 805): Accounting for Contract Assets and Contract Liabilities from Contracts with Customers. The amendments of this ASU require entities to apply Topic 606 to recognize and measure contract assets and contract liabilities in a business combination. The amendments improve comparability after the business combination by providing consistent recognition and measurement guidance for revenue contracts with customers acquired in a business combination and revenue contracts with customers not acquired in a business combination. The amendments are effective for public business entities for the fiscal years, including interim periods within those the fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2022. For all other entities they are effective for the fiscal years, including interim periods within those the fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2023. Entities should apply the amendments prospectively to business combinations that occur after the effective date. Early adoption is permitted, including in any interim period, for public business entities for periods for which financial statements have not yet been issued, and for all other entities for periods for which financial statements have not yet been made available for issuance. The Company is currently assessing the effect that ASU 2021-08 will have on its results of operations, financial position and cash flows; however, the Company does not expect a significant impact.
Subsequent Events
On October 31, 2024, the Company announced it had entered into an Asset Purchase Agreement with Tribute Contracting & Consultants, LLC (“Tribute”), an underground utility contractor that primarily specializes in water and wastewater system installations in Ohio, Kentucky, and West Virginia. On December 2, 2024, the Company closed on the acquisition. Under the terms of the agreement, Energy Services’ new subsidiary, Tribute Acquisition Company, purchased substantially all of the assets of Tribute for $22.0 million in cash, less any assumed debt and working capital adjustments, and $2.0 million of Energy Services’ common stock. The $22.0 million in cash was funded through a $16.0 million loan with United Bank, West Virginia, with the remainder paid in cash by the Company.
On November 20, 2024, the Company’s Board of Directors approved a quarterly cash dividend of $0.03 per common share. The dividend will be paid on January 2, 2025 to holders of record as of December 13, 2024. While this is expected to be a quarterly cash dividend, factors such as income from operations, cash flows, and overall financial outlook may affect future dividend payments.
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Management has evaluated all subsequent events for accounting and disclosure. There have been no other material events during the period, other than noted above, that would either impact the results reflected in the report or the Company’s results going forward.
FY 2023 10-K MD&A
SEC filing source: 0001410578-24-000014.
ITEM 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
You should read the following discussion of the financial condition and results of operations of Energy Services in conjunction with the historical financial statements and related notes contained elsewhere herein. Among other things, those historical consolidated financial statements include more detailed information regarding the basis of presentation for the following information.
Restatement
On May 31, 2023, the Company restated its previously issued audited financial statements for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2022 and 2021 to account for misstatements related to accounting for loans under the PPP.
Due to the economic uncertainties created by Coronavirus and related variants (“COVID-19”) and limited operating funds available, the Company applied for loans under the PPP. On April 15, 2020, the Company and its subsidiaries, C.J. Hughes Construction Company, Inc., Contractors Rental Corporation and Nitro Construction Services, Inc., entered into separate PPP notes effective April 7, 2020, with United Bank as the lender (“Lender”) in an aggregate principal amount of $13.1 million pursuant to the PPP (collectively, the “PPP Loans”). In a special meeting held on April 27, 2020, the Board of Directors of the Company unanimously voted to return $3.3 million of the PPP Loans after discussing the financing needs of the Company and subsidiaries. That left the Company and subsidiaries with $9.8 million in PPP Loans to fund operations. During fiscal year 2021, the Company received notice that The Small Business Administration (“SBA”) had granted forgiveness of the $9.8 million of PPP Loans and the SBA repaid the Lender in full. The forgiveness was recorded as other income for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2021.
During April 2023, management received notification from the SBA that one of the Company’s forgiveness applications related to the PPP Loans was under review. As part of the review, the SBA requested additional payroll information. Additionally, the SBA requested information regarding the ability of the Company’s affiliates to meet SBA size standards and/or PPP corporate maximum limits. The requested information was subsequently provided to the SBA through the Lender. The Company recognizes that there is a possibility that the SBA could reverse its previous determination on the forgiveness of the PPP Loans. As a result of this uncertainty, the Company restated the previously issued audited financial statements for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2022 and 2021. The Company has recorded a short-term borrowing due to the SBA for the full $9.8 million, plus accrued interest.
During July 2023, management received notification from the SBA that two additional forgiveness applications related to the PPP Loans were under review. As part of the review, the SBA requested information regarding the ability of the Company’s affiliates to meet SBA size standards and/or PPP corporate maximum limits. The requested information was subsequently provided to the SBA through the Lender.
Understanding Gross Margins
Our gross margin is gross profit expressed as a percentage of revenues. Cost of revenues consists primarily of salaries, wages and some benefits to employees, depreciation, fuel and other equipment costs, equipment rentals, subcontracted services, portions of insurance, facilities expense, materials and parts and supplies. Factors affecting gross margin include:
Seasonal. As discussed above, seasonal patterns can have a significant impact on gross margins. Usually, business is slower in the winter months versus the warmer months.
Weather. Adverse or favorable weather conditions can impact gross margin in each period. Periods of wet weather, snow or rainfall, as well as severe temperature extremes can severely impact production and therefore negatively impact revenues and margins. Conversely, periods of dry weather with moderate temperatures can positively impact revenues and margins due to the opportunity for increased production and efficiencies.
Revenue Mix. The mix of revenues between customer types and types of work for various customers will impact gross margins. Some projects will have greater margins while others that are extremely competitive in bidding may have narrower margins.
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Service and Maintenance versus Installation. In general, installation work has a higher gross margin than maintenance work. This is because installation work usually is of a fixed price nature and therefore has higher risks involved. Accordingly, a higher portion of the revenue mix from installation work typically will result in higher margins.
Subcontract Work. Work that is subcontracted to other service providers generally has lower gross margins. Increases in subcontract work as a percentage of total revenues in each period may contribute to a decrease in gross margin.
Materials versus Labor. Typically, materials supplied on projects have lower margins than labor. Accordingly, projects with a higher material cost in relation to the entire job will have a lower overall margin.
Depreciation. Depreciation is included in our cost of revenue. This is a common practice in our industry but can make comparability to other companies difficult.
Margin Risk. Failure to properly execute a job including failure to properly manage and supervise a job could decrease the profit margin.
Selling and Administrative Expenses
Selling and administrative expenses consist primarily of compensation and related benefits to management, administrative salaries and benefits, marketing, communications, office and utility costs, professional fees, bad debt expense, letter of credit fees, general liability insurance and miscellaneous other expenses.
Results of Operations for the Fiscal Year Ended September 30, 2023, Compared to the Fiscal Year Ended September 30, 2022.
Revenue. A table comparing the components of the Company’s revenues for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2023, and 2022 is below:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| | | Fiscal Year Ended | | | | | | | | |||||||
| | | September 30, 2023 | | % of total | | September 30, 2022 | | % of total | | Change | | % Change | ||||
| Gas & Water Distribution | $ | 63,527,457 | 20.9 | % | $ | 53,311,569 | 27.0 | % | $ | 10,215,888 | 19.2 | % | ||||
| Gas & Petroleum Transmission | | 92,132,049 | 30.3 | % | 58,268,501 | 29.5 | % | 33,863,548 | 58.1 | % | ||||||
| Electrical, Mechanical, & General | | 148,444,986 | 48.8 | % | 86,009,930 | 43.5 | % | 62,435,056 | 72.6 | % | ||||||
| Total | | $ | 304,104,492 | 100.0 | % | $ | 197,590,000 | 100.0 | % | $ | 106,514,492 | 53.9 | % |
Revenue increased by $106.5 million, or 53.9%, to $304.1 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2023, from $197.6 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2022. The increase was the result of increased work in all categories of business.
Gas & Water Distribution revenues totaled $63.5 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2023, a $10.2 million increase from $53.3 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2022. The revenue increase was primarily related to a full year of paving services performed on water projects during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2023, as compared to the prior fiscal year.
Gas & Petroleum Transmission revenues totaled $92.1 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2023, a $33.9 million increase from $58.3 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2022. The revenue increase was primarily related to an increase in the number of bidding opportunities compared to the prior fiscal year.
Electrical, Mechanical, & General services and construction revenues totaled $148.4 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2023, a $62.4 million increase from $86.0 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2022. The revenue increase was primarily related to increased mechanical and electrical maintenance services performed and an increase in new construction opportunities during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2023, as compared to the prior fiscal year.
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Cost of Revenues. A table comparing the components of the Company’s costs of revenues for fiscal years ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, is below:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| | | Fiscal Year Ended | | | | | | | | |||||||
| | September 30, 2023 | % of total | September 30, 2022 | % of total | Change | % Change | ||||||||||
| Gas & Water Distribution | | $ | 48,891,624 | 18.3 | % | $ | 41,726,934 | 23.8 | % | $ | 7,164,690 | 17.2 | % | |||
| Gas & Petroleum Transmission | | 79,481,106 | 29.7 | % | 54,856,321 | 31.3 | % | 24,624,785 | 44.9 | % | ||||||
| Electrical, Mechanical, & General | | 137,763,517 | 51.5 | % | 79,141,713 | 45.2 | % | 58,621,804 | 74.1 | % | ||||||
| Unallocated Shop (Profit) Expense | | 1,154,910 | 0.4 | % | (505,716) | (0.3) | % | 1,660,626 | (328.4) | % | ||||||
| Total | | $ | 267,291,157 | 100.0 | % | $ | 175,219,252 | 100.0 | % | $ | 92,071,905 | 52.5 | % |
Total cost of revenues increased by $92.1 million or 52.5% to $267.3 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2023, from $175.2 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2022.
Gas & Water Distribution cost of revenues totaled $48.9 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2023, a $7.2 million increase from $41.7 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2022. The cost of revenues increase was primarily related to a full year of paving services performed on water projects during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2023, as compared to the prior fiscal year.
Gas & Petroleum Transmission cost of revenues totaled $79.5 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2023, a $24.6 million increase from $54.9 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2022. The cost of revenues increase was primarily related to increased bidding opportunities compared to the prior fiscal year.
Electrical, Mechanical, & General services and construction cost of revenues totaled $137.8 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2023, a $58.6 million increase from $79.1 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2022. The cost of revenues increase was primarily related to increased mechanical and electrical maintenance services performed and an increase in new construction opportunities during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2023, as compared to the prior fiscal year.
Unallocated shop expenses totaled $1.2 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2023, a $1.7 million increase from ($505,000) for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2022. The increase in unallocated shop expenses was primarily due to decreased internal equipment charges to projects for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2023, as compared to the prior fiscal year.
Gross Profit. A table comparing the components of the Company’s gross profit for fiscal years ended September 30, 2023, and 2022, is below:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| | | Fiscal Year Ended | | | | | | | | |||||||
| | | September 30, 2023 | % of revenue | | September 30, 2022 | % of revenue | | Change | % Change | |||||||
| Gas & Water Distribution | | $ | 14,635,833 | | 39.8 | % | $ | 11,584,635 | | 51.8 | % | $ | 3,051,198 | | 26.3 | % |
| Gas & Petroleum Transmission | | 12,650,943 | 34.3 | % | | 3,412,180 | 15.2 | % | | 9,238,763 | 270.8 | % | ||||
| Electrical, Mechanical, & General | | 10,681,469 | 29.0 | % | | 6,868,217 | 30.7 | % | | 3,813,252 | 55.5 | % | ||||
| Unallocated Shop Profit (Expense) | | (1,154,910) | (3.1) | % | | 505,716 | 2.3 | % | | (1,660,626) | (328.4) | % | ||||
| Total | | $ | 36,813,335 | 100.0 | % | $ | 22,370,748 | 100.0 | % | $ | 14,442,587 | 64.6 | % | |||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Gross profit percentage | | 12.1 | % | | | 11.3 | % | | | | | | | |
Total gross profit increased by $14.4 million or 64.6% to $36.8 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2023, from $22.4 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2022.
Gas & Water Distribution gross profit totaled $14.6 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2023, a $3.1 million increase from $11.6 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2022. The gross profit increase was primarily related to a full year of paving services performed on water projects during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2023, as compared to the prior fiscal year.
Gas & Petroleum Transmission gross profit totaled $12.7 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2023, a $9.2 million increase from $3.4 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2022. The gross profit increase was primarily related to an increase
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in the number of bidding opportunities compared to the prior fiscal year and to one gas transmission project that lost $2.1 million in fiscal year 2022.
Electrical, Mechanical, & General services and construction gross profit totaled $10.7 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2023, a $3.8 million increase from $6.9 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2022. The gross profit increase was primarily related to increased mechanical and electrical maintenance services performed and an increase in new construction opportunities during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2023, as compared to the prior fiscal year.
Gross loss attributed to unallocated shop operations totaled $1.2 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2023, a $1.7 million decrease from a gross profit of $505,000 for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2022. The gross profit decrease was primarily due to decreased internal equipment charges to projects for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2023, as compared to the prior fiscal year.
Selling and administrative expenses. Total selling and administrative expenses increased by $7.9 million to $23.8 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2023, from $15.9 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2022. Approximately $4.2 million of the selling and administrative expense increase related to growth from the more recent start-up or acquired operations of SQP, TSP, and RCS. The remaining increase was primarily related to increased business opportunities and management needed at the C.J. Hughes and NCS operations.
Income from operations. Income from operations was $13.0 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2023, a $6.5 million increase from $6.5 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2022. The increase was due to the items described above.
Interest Expense. Interest expense increased by $1.4 million or 171.1% to $2.4 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2023, from $988,000 for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2022. This increase was primarily due to increases in interest rates and the Company’s operating line of credit borrowings and a full year of interest related to financing the RCS and TSP acquisitions.
Other (Expense) income. Other expense, partially offset by other income related to the gain on sale of equipment and interest income, totaled ($253,000) for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2023, as compared to other income related to the sale of equipment and interest income, partially offset by other expense, of $508,000 for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2022. The change was primarily due to a decrease in equipment disposals during fiscal year 2023 as compared to the prior fiscal year.
Net Income. Income before income taxes was $10.4 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2023, compared to $6.0 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2022. The increase was due to the items mentioned above.
The income tax expense for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2023 was $3.0 million as compared to $2.3 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2022. The increase was due to an increase in taxable income in the fiscal year ended September 30, 2023, as compared to the prior fiscal year.
The effective income tax rate for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2023 was 28.7%, as compared to 37.6% for the prior fiscal year. Effective income tax rates are estimates and may vary from period to period due to changes in the amount of taxable income or loss, non-taxable and non-deductible expenses.
Net income for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2023 was $7.4 million compared to $3.8 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2022. The increase was due to the items mentioned above.
Comparison of Financial Condition at September 30, 2023 Compared to September 30, 2022.
The Company had total assets of $142.5 million at September 30, 2023, an increase of $29.9 million from the prior fiscal year-end balance of $112.6 million.
The aggregate balance of accounts receivable, retainages receivable, allowance for doubtful accounts and other receivables totaled $59.3 million at September 30, 2023, an increase of $16.4 million from the combined prior fiscal year-end balance of $42.9 million. The increase was primarily due to increased work in the fiscal year 2023 as compared to 2022. Specifically, $104.9 million in revenue was generated in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2023 as compared to $68.4 million for the same period in 2022.
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Cash and cash equivalents totaled $16.4 million at September 30, 2023, an increase of $9.0 million from the prior fiscal year-end balance of $7.4 million. The increase was primarily related to a net $21.1 million provided by operating activities, partially offset by a net $10.2 million investment in property and equipment and a net $1.9 million used in financing activities.
Net property, plant and equipment totaled $36.5 million at September 30, 2023, an increase of $3.9 million from the prior fiscal year-end balance of $32.7 million. Property, plant and equipment acquisitions totaled $11.8 million for the fiscal year 2023 while depreciation expense was $7.3 million, and the net impact of disposals was $614,000.
Right-of-use assets acquired from operating leases totaled $3.3 million net of amortization expense at September 30, 2023, as compared to $1.6 million in right-to-use assets at the prior fiscal year end. The increase was primarily related to an increase in the number of construction vehicles leased through Enterprise Fleet Management, Inc. (Enterprise) and a shop facility leased in Winchester, Kentucky.
Goodwill and acquired intangible assets totaled $7.5 million at September 30, 2023, a $491,000 decrease from the prior fiscal year end balance of $8.0 million and was the result of intangible asset amortization expense of $491,000 for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2023.
Prepaid expenses and other totaled $3.5 million at September 30, 2023, a decrease of $426,000 from the prior fiscal year-end balance of $3.9 million. The decrease was primarily due to the decrease of various prepaid insurance accounts based on labor cost expensed or standard monthly charges.
Contract assets totaled $16.0 million at September 30, 2023, a decrease of $154,000 from the prior fiscal year-end balance of $16.1 million. This decrease was primarily due to the timing of project billings and related costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings at September 30, 2023 as compared to at September 30, 2022.
Liabilities totaled $107.9 million at September 30, 2023, an increase of $23.5 million from the prior fiscal year-end balance of $84.4 million.
Contract liabilities totaled $17.7 million at September 30, 2023, an increase of $11.7 million from the prior fiscal year-end balance of $6.0 million. This increase was due to increased billings in excess of costs and earnings when computing earned revenue on construction projects at September 30, 2023, as compared to at September 30, 2022.
The aggregate balance of current maturities of long-term debt and long-term debt totaled $25.0 million at September 30, 2023, an increase of $7.4 million from the prior fiscal year-end balance of $17.6 million. The increase was primarily due to a $975,000 increase related to equipment financing, $8.5 million of equipment purchases refinanced from lines of credit and short-term borrowings to long-term debt, and $3.1 million borrowed to finance the RCS acquisition, partially offset by $5.2 million in payments on long-term debt.
Net deferred income tax payable totaled $6.9 million at September 30, 2023, an increase of $2.4 million from the prior fiscal year-end balance of $4.5 million. The increase was primarily related to a decrease in net operating loss carry forwards resulting from the taxable income for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2023.
Accounts payable totaled $22.0 million as of September 30, 2023, an increase of $1.7 million from the prior fiscal year-end balance of $20.3 million. The increase was due to more work in progress at the end of the fiscal year 2023, as compared to the prior fiscal year-end.
Current and long-term operating lease liabilities totaled $3.4 million at September 30, 2023, an increase of $1.7 million from the prior fiscal year end balance of $1.6 million. The increase was primarily related to an increase in the number of construction vehicles leased through Enterprise and a shop facility leased in Winchester, Kentucky.
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities totaled $13.1 million at September 30, 2023, an increase of $1.8 million from the prior fiscal year-end balance of $11.3 million. The increase was primarily due to increased labor and burden expenses incurred towards the end of the fiscal year 2023, as compared to the same period in fiscal 2022.
Lines of credit and short-term borrowings totaled $19.8 million at September 30, 2023, a decrease of $3.3 million from the prior fiscal year-end balance of $23.2 million. This decrease was primarily due to $8.5 million of equipment purchases refinanced to
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long-term debt, partially offset by $4.7 million in increased borrowings against the Company’s operating line of credit, a $370,000 increase to the remaining balance of insurance premiums financed, and a $100,000 increase relating to PPP loan interest.
Shareholders’ equity totaled $34.6 million at September 30, 2023, an increase of $6.4 million from the prior fiscal year-end balance of $28.2 million,. This increase was primarily due to $7.4 million in net income, partially offset by $833,000 in special cash dividend payments and $220,000 related to the repurchase of the Company’s stock.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Operating Line of Credit
On January 19, 2023, the Company agreed to an amendment to a loan agreement which increased its line of credit to $30.0 million with a maturity date of June 28, 2023. On June 1, 2023, the agreement was renewed through June 28, 2024. The line of credit is limited to a borrowing base calculation, which was approximately $23.9 million at September 30, 2023. The outstanding balance on the line of credit was $8.7 million at September 30, 2023. The line of credit has a variable interest rate equal to the “Wall Street Journal” Prime Rate with a floor of 4.5%, which was 8.5% at September 30, 2023.
The modified financial covenants for the quarter ended June 30, 2023, and all subsequent quarters, are below:
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | Minimum tangible net worth of $28.0 million, |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | Minimum traditional debt service coverage of 1.50x on a rolling twelve- month basis, |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | Minimum current ratio of 1.20x, |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | Maximum debt to tangible net worth ratio (“TNW”) of 2.75x, |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | Each ratio and covenant shall be determined, tested, and measured as of each calendar quarter beginning June 30, 2023, |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | The Company shall maintain a ratio of Maximum Senior Funded Debt (“SFD”) to Earnings before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization (“EBDITA”) equal to or less than 3.5:1. SFD shall mean any funded debt or lease of the Company, other than subordinated debt. The covenant shall be tested quarterly, at the end of each fiscal quarter, with EBITDA based on the preceding four quarters. |
The Company’s lender has agreed to omit the effect of the PPP loan restatement from the Company’s covenant compliance calculations while a final decision on PPP loan forgiveness remains in question. Thus, the Company was in compliance with all covenants at September 30, 2023.
Insurance Premiums Financed
The Company also finances insurance policy premiums on a short-term basis through a financing company. These insurance policies include workers’ compensation, general liability, automobile, umbrella, and equipment policies. The Company makes a down payment in January and finances the remaining premium amount over eleven monthly payments. At September 30, 2023 and September 30, 2022, the remaining balance of the insurance premiums was $950,000 and $580,000, respectively.
Paycheck Protection Program Loans
Due to the economic uncertainties created by COVID-19 and limited operating funds available, the Company applied for loans under the PPP. On April 15, 2020, the Company and its subsidiaries, C.J. Hughes, Contractors Rental and Nitro, entered into separate PPP notes effective April 7, 2020, with its Lender in an aggregate principal amount of $13.1 million pursuant to the PPP Loans. In a special meeting held on April 27, 2020, the Board of Directors of the Company unanimously voted to return $3.3 million of the PPP Loans after discussing the financing needs of the Company and subsidiaries. That left the Company and subsidiaries with $9.8 million in PPP Loans to fund operations. During fiscal year 2021, the Company received notice that the SBA had granted forgiveness of the $9.8 million of PPP Loans and the SBA repaid the Lender in full. The forgiveness was recorded as other income for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2021.
During April 2023, management received notification from the SBA that one of the Company’s forgiveness applications related to the PPP Loans was under review. As part of the review, the SBA requested additional payroll information. Additionally, the SBA requested information regarding the ability of the Company’s affiliates to meet SBA size standards and/or PPP corporate maximum limits. The requested information was subsequently provided to the SBA through the Lender. The Company recognizes that there is a
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possibility that the SBA could reverse its previous determination on the forgiveness of the PPP Loans. As a result of this uncertainty, the Company restated the previously issued audited financial statements of the Company for fiscal 2022 and 2021. The Company has recorded a short-term borrowing due to the SBA inquiry for the full $9.8 million, plus accrued interest.
During July 2023, management received notification from the SBA that two additional forgiveness applications related to the PPP Loans were under review. As part of the review, the SBA requested information regarding the ability of the Company’s affiliates to meet SBA size standards and/or PPP corporate maximum limits. The requested information was subsequently provided to the SBA through the Lender.
Borrowers must retain PPP documentation for at least six years after the date the loan is forgiven or paid in full, and the SBA and SBA Inspector General must be granted these files upon request. The SBA could revisit its forgiveness decision and determine that the Company does not qualify in whole or in part for loan forgiveness and demand repayment of the loans. In addition, it is unknown what type of penalties could be assessed against the Company if the SBA disagrees with the Company’s certification. Any penalties in addition to the potential repayment of the PPP Loans could negatively impact the Company’s business, financial condition and results of operations and prospects.
Long-Term Debt
On December 16, 2014, the Company’s Nitro subsidiary entered into a 20-year $1.2 million loan agreement with a bank to purchase the office building and property it had previously been leasing. The interest rate on this loan agreement is 4.82% with monthly payments of $7,800. The interest rate on this note is subject to change from time to time based on changes in the U.S. Treasury yield, adjusted to a constant maturity of three years as published by the Federal Reserve weekly. As of September 30, 2023, the Company had made principal payments of $387,000. The loan is collateralized by the building purchased under this agreement. The note is currently held by Peoples Bank, Inc.
On November 13, 2015, the Company entered into a 10-year $1.1 million loan agreement with United Bank to purchase the fabrication shop and property Nitro had previously been leasing. The variable interest rate on the loan agreement is 9.5% at September 30, 2023 with monthly payments of $12,580. As of September 30, 2023, the Company had made principal payments of $825,000. The loan is collateralized by the building and property purchased under this agreement.
On December 31, 2020, West Virginia Pipeline Acquisition Company, later renamed West Virginia Pipeline, Inc., entered into a $3.0 million sellers’ note agreement with David and Daniel Bolton for the remaining purchase price of West Virginia Pipeline, Inc. For the purchase price allocation, the $3.0 million note had a fair value of $2.85 million. As part of the $6.35 million acquisition price, the Company paid $3.5 million in cash in addition to the note. The unsecured five-year term note requires annual payments of at least $500,000 with a fixed interest rate of 3.25% on the $3.0 million sellers’ note, which equates to 5.35% on the carrying value of the note. As of September 30, 2023, the Company had made annual installment payments of $1,250,000.
On January 4, 2021, the Company entered into a $3.0 million Non-Revolving Note agreement with United Bank. This five-year agreement gave the Company access to a $3.0 million line of credit (“Equipment Line of Credit 2021”), specifically for the purchase of equipment, for a period of twelve months with a variable interest rate initially established at 4.25% as based on the Prime Rate as published by The Wall Street Journal. After twelve months, all borrowings against the Equipment Line of Credit 2021 were converted to a four-year term note agreement with a variable interest rate initially established at 4.25%. The loan is collateralized by the equipment purchased under this agreement. As of September 30, 2023, the Company borrowed $3.0 million against this line of credit with monthly payments of $68,150 that started in February 2022. The interest rate at September 30, 2023 was 9.5%. The Company has made principal payments of $1.1 million on this note as of September 30, 2023.
On April 2, 2021, the Company entered into a $3.5 million Non-Revolving Note agreement with United Bank. This five-year agreement repaid the outstanding $3.5 million line of credit that was used for the down payment on the West Virginia Pipeline acquisition. This loan has monthly installment payments of $64,853 and has a fixed interest rate of 4.25%. The loan is collateralized by the Company’s equipment and receivables. As of September 30, 2023, the Company had made principal payments of $1.7 million.
On April 29, 2022, the Company entered into a $7.5 million Non-Revolving Note agreement with United Bank. This five-year agreement was used to finance the purchase of Tri-State Paving and has monthly payments of $129,910 with a fixed interest rate of 4.25%. The Company has made principal payments of $1.8 million on this note as of September 30, 2023.
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On April 29, 2022, the Company entered into a $1.0 million promissory note agreement with Corns Enterprises, a related party, as partial consideration for the purchase of Tri-State Paving. David E. Corns continued his role as President of the Company’s Tri-State Paving Subsidiary. This four-year agreement requires $250,000 principal installment payments on or before the end of each twelve (12) full calendar month period beginning April 29, 2022. Interest payments due shall be calculated on the principal balance remaining and shall be at the stated rate of 3.5% per year. The Company has made $500,000 in principal payments on this note as of September 30, 2023.
On October 10, 2022, the Company entered into a $3.1 million promissory note agreement with United Bank. This five-year agreement financed the previous cash value of equipment purchased in the Ryan Construction acquisition. This loan has monthly installment payments of $60,000 and has a fixed interest rate of 6.0%. The loan is collateralized by the Company’s equipment and receivables. As of September 30, 2023, the Company had made principal payments of $499,000.
On June 1, 2023, the Company entered into a $9.3 million Non-Revolving Note agreement with United Bank. This five-year agreement gave the Company access to a $9.3 million line of credit (“Equipment Line of Credit 2023”), specifically for the purchase of equipment, for a period of six months with a fixed interest rate of 7.25%. After six months, all borrowings against the Equipment Line of Credit 2023 will convert to a fifty-four-month term note agreement with a fixed interest rate of 7.25%. The loan is collateralized by the equipment purchased under this agreement. As of September 30, 2023, the Company had borrowed $8.5 million against this line of credit and had not made any principal payments.
At September 30, 2023, future expected payments due on short-term and long-term debt are as follows:
| | | | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $ | 25,954,747 | |
| 2025 | | 6,736,040 | |
| 2026 | | 5,831,751 | |
| 2027 | | 3,962,217 | |
| 2028 | | 1,804,953 | |
| Thereafter | | 535,568 | |
| | | $ | 44,825,276 |
As of September 30, 2023, the Company had $16.4 million in cash and $15.5 million in working capital (defined as current assets less current liabilities).
Leases
The Company leases office space for SQP for $1,500 per month. The lease, which was originally signed on March 25, 2021, is for a period of two years with five one-year renewals available immediately following the end of the base term. The Company has only committed to a one-year renewal and is evaluating whether to renew for additional periods.
The Company has two lease agreements for construction equipment with a combined amount of $160,000. The leases have a term of twenty-two months with a stated interest rate of 0%, combined monthly installment payments of $6,645 and are cancellable at any time without penalty. The Company has the right to purchase the equipment at the expiration of the leases by applying the two-month deposit paid. The related assets and finance lease obligations associated with these lease agreements are included in the consolidated balance sheets within property, plant and equipment and long-term debt.
The Company has two right-of-use operating leases acquired on April 29, 2022, as part of the Tri-State Paving, LLC transaction. The first operating lease, for the Hurricane, West Virginia facility, had a net present value of $236,000 at inception, and a carrying value of $133,000 at September 30, 2023. The second operating lease, for the Chattanooga, Tennessee facility, had a net present value of $144,000 at inception, and a carrying value of $57,000 at September 30, 2023. The 4.5% interest rate on the operating leases is based on the Company’s incremental borrowing rate at inception.
The Company has a right-of-use operating lease with Enterprise acquired on August 11, 2022, as part of the Ryan Environmental acquisition. This lease agreement was initially for thirty-one vehicles with a net present value of $1.2 million. The Company subsequently netted forty-one additional leased vehicles with a net present value of $2.4 million. The right-of-use operating lease has a carrying value of $2.9 million at September 30, 2023. Each vehicle leased under the master lease program has its own implicit rate.
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The Company has a right-of-use operating lease with RICA Developers, LLC acquired on August 12, 2022, as part of the Ryan Environmental acquisition. This lease, for the Bridgeport, West Virginia facility, had a net present value of $140,000 at inception and no carrying value at September 30, 2023. The 4.5% interest rate on the operating lease was based on the Company’s incremental borrowing rate at inception. The Company has signed a one-year renewal agreement effective October 1, 2023 through September 30, 2024.
The Company has a right-of-use operating lease acquired on March 28, 2023. This lease, for the Winchester, Kentucky facility, had a net present value of $290,000 at inception and a carrying value of $262,000 at September 30, 2023. The 7.75% interest rate on the operating lease is based on the Company’s incremental borrowing rate at inception.
The maturities of the Company’s operating lease liabilities are as follows:
| | | | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $ | 1,205,658 | |
| 2025 | | 1,097,808 | |
| 2026 | | 969,003 | |
| 2027 | | 326,022 | |
| | | 3,598,491 | |
| Less amounts representing interest | | (247,701) | |
| Present value of operating lease liabilities | | $ | 3,350,790 |
Off-Balance Sheet Transactions
Due to the nature of our industry, we often enter into certain off-balance sheet arrangements in the ordinary course of business that result in risks not directly reflected on our balance sheets. Though for the most part not material in nature, some of these are:
Rental Agreements
The Company rents equipment for use on construction projects with rental agreements being week to week or month to month. Rental expense can vary by the fiscal year due to equipment requirements on construction projects and the availability of Company owned equipment. Rental expense, which is included in cost of goods sold on the consolidated statements of income, was $12.1 million and $9.8 million for the twelve months ended September 30, 2023, and 2022, respectively.
Letters of Credit
Certain of our customers or vendors may require letters of credit to secure payments that the vendors are making on our behalf or to secure payments to subcontractors, vendors, etc. on various customer projects. At September 30, 2023, the Company did not have any outstanding letters of credit.
Performance Bonds
Some customers, particularly new ones or governmental agencies require the Company to post bid bonds, performance bonds and payment bonds (collectively, performance bonds). These performance bonds are obtained through insurance carriers and guarantee to the customer that we will perform under the terms of a contract and that we will pay subcontractors and vendors. If the Company fails to perform under a contract or to pay subcontractors and vendors, the customer may demand that the insurer make payments or provide services under the bond. The Company must reimburse the insurer for any expenses or outlays it is required to make.
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Currently, the Company has an agreement with a surety company to provide bonding which will suit the Company’s immediate needs. The ability to obtain bonding for future contracts is an important factor in the contracting industry with respect to the type and value of contracts that can be bid on. Depending upon the size and conditions of a particular contract, the Company may be required to post letters of credit or other collateral in favor of the insurer. Posting these letters or other collateral will reduce our borrowing capabilities. The Company does not anticipate any claims in the foreseeable future. At September 30, 2023, the Company had $72.0 million in performance bonds outstanding.
Concentration of Credit Risk
In the ordinary course of business, the Company grants credit under normal payment terms, generally without collateral, to our customers, which include natural gas and oil companies, general contractors, and various commercial and industrial customers located within the United States. Consequently, the Company is subject to potential credit risk related to business and economic factors that would affect these companies. However, the Company generally has certain statutory lien rights with respect to services provided. Under certain circumstances such as foreclosure, the Company may take title to the underlying assets in lieu of cash in settlement of receivables.
Please see the tables below for customers that represent 10.0% or more of the Company’s revenue or accounts receivable, net of retention as of or for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2023, and 2022:
| | | | | | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Revenue | FY 2023 | FY 2022 | |||
| TransCanada Corporation | 13.9 | % | 16.6 | % | |
| NiSource and subsidiaries | 17.5 | % | * | % | |
| All other | 68.6 | % | 83.4 | % | |
| Total | 100.0 | % | 100.0 | % |
* Less than 10.0% and included in “All other” if applicable
| | | | | | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Accounts receivable, net of retention | FY 2023 | FY 2022 | |||
| NiSource and subsidiaries | 11.8 | % | * | % | |
| TransCanada Corporation | | * | % | 11.6 | % |
| All other | 88.2 | % | 88.4 | % | |
| Total | 100.0 | % | 100.0 | % |
* Less than 10.0% and included in “All other” if applicable
Virtually all work performed for major customers was awarded under competitive bid fixed price or unit price arrangements. The loss of a major customer could have a severe impact on the profitability of the Company. However, due to the nature of the Company’s operations, the major customers and sources of revenues may change from year to year.
Litigation
In February 2018, the Company filed a lawsuit against a former customer in the United States District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania. The lawsuit is related to a dispute over work performed on a pipeline construction project. On November 21, 2022, a Judgment Order was issued, and the Company was awarded $13.1 million, of which $5.8 million was the jury award, $1.6 million was for attorney’s fees, and $5.7 million was for penalties and interest. The amounts awarded by the Judgment Order have not been recognized in the Company’s consolidated financial statements as of September 30, 2023. The Company’s attorney’s fees have been expensed as incurred. The case has been appealed to the United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit and is expected to be heard within the next 12 months.
On November 12, 2021, the Company received a withdrawal liability claim from a pension plan to which the Company made pension contributions for union construction employees performing covered work in a particular jurisdiction. The Company has not performed covered work in their jurisdiction since 2011; however, the Company disagrees with the withdrawal claim and believes it is covered by an exemption under federal law. The demand called for thirty-four quarterly installment payments of $41,000 starting December 15, 2021. The Company must comply with the demand under federal pension law; however, the Company firmly believes no withdrawal liability exists. The Company is in negotiations with the pension fund to resolve the matter and all future payments have been suspended as part of the negotiation. The Company has expensed all $164,000 in payments made through September 30, 2022 and
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does not expect any future liabilities related to this claim. The Company did not make any payments during the twelve months ended September 30, 2023.
Other than described above, at September 30, 2023, the Company was not involved in any legal proceedings other than in the ordinary course of business. The Company is a party from time to time to various lawsuits, claims and other legal proceedings that arise in the ordinary course of business. These actions typically seek, among other things, compensation for alleged personal injury, breach of contract and/or property damages, punitive damages, civil penalties, or other losses, or injunctive or declaratory relief. With respect to all such lawsuits, claims, and proceedings, we record reserves when it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of loss can be reasonably estimated. At September 30, 2023, the Company does not believe that any of these proceedings, separately or in aggregate, would be expected to have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
Related Party Transactions
We intend that all transactions between us and our executive officers, directors, holders of 10% or more of the shares of any class of our common stock and affiliates thereof, will be on terms no less favorable than those terms given to unaffiliated third parties and will be approved by a majority of our independent outside directors not having any interest in the transaction.
On December 16, 2014, the Company’s Nitro subsidiary entered into a 20-year $1.2 million loan agreement with First Bank of Charleston, Inc. (West Virginia) to purchase the office building and property it had previously been leasing. The interest rate on the loan agreement is 4.82% with monthly payments of $7,800. Mr. Douglas Reynolds, President of Energy Services, was a director and secretary of First Bank of Charleston. Mr. Samuel Kapourales, a director of Energy Services, was also a director of First Bank of Charleston. On October 15, 2018, First Bank of Charleston was merged into Premier Bank, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Premier Financial Bancorp, Inc. Mr. Marshall Reynolds, Chairman of the Board of Energy Services, held the same position with Premier Financial Bancorp, Inc. Mr. Douglas Reynolds is the president and a director of Energy Services and was a director of Premier Financial Bancorp, Inc. On September 17, 2021, Peoples Bancorp, Inc., parent company of Peoples Bank, completed an acquisition of Premier Financial Bancorp, Inc. and its wholly owned subsidiaries, Premier Bank and Citizens Deposit Bank & Trust. On October 26, 2021, Mr. Douglas Reynolds was elected director of Peoples Bancorp, Inc., and its subsidiary Peoples Bank (collectively “Peoples Bank”). On February 21, 2023, Mr. Reynolds resigned from the board of directors of Peoples Bank. As of March 31, 2023, the Company had paid approximately $373,000 in principal and approximately $424,000 in interest since the beginning of the loan. This transaction was no longer considered a related party transaction subsequent to the quarter ended March 31, 2023.
On April 29, 2022, the Company entered into a $1.0 million promissory note agreement with Corns Enterprises as partial consideration for the purchase of Tri-State Paving. This four-year agreement requires $250,000 principal installment payments on or before the end of each twelve (12) full calendar month period beginning April 29, 2022. Interest payments due shall be calculated on the principal balance remaining and shall be at the stated rate of 3.5% per year. The Company has made $500,000 in principal payments on this note as of September 30, 2023.
Subsequent to the April 29, 2022 acquisition of Tri-State Paving, the Company entered into an operating lease for facilities in Hurricane, West Virginia with Corns Enterprises. This thirty-six-month lease is treated as a right to use asset and has payments of $7,000 per month. The total net present value at inception was $236,000 with a carrying value of $133,000 at September 30, 2023.
SQP made an equity investment of $156,000 in 1030 Quarrier Development, LLC (“Development”) in August 2022. Development is a variable interest entity (“VIE”) that is 75% owned by 1030 Quarrier Ventures, LLC (“Ventures”) and 25% owned by SQP. SQP is not the primary beneficiary of the VIE and therefore will not consolidate Development into its consolidated financial statements. Instead, SQP will apply the equity method of accounting for its investment in Development. Development, a 1% owner, and United Bank, a 99% owner, formed 1030 Quarrier Landlord, LLC (“Landlord”). Landlord decided to pursue the following development project (the “Project”): a historical building at 1030 Quarrier Street, Charleston, West Virginia as well as associated land (the “Property”) was purchased to be developed/rehabilitated into a commercial project including apartments and commercial space. Upon the completion of development, the Property will be used to generate rental income. SQP has been awarded the construction contract for the Project. United Bank provided $5.0 million in loans to fund the Project. SQP and Ventures have jointly provided an unconditional guarantee for the $5.0 million of obligations associated with the Project.
Other than mentioned above, there were no new material related party transactions entered into during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2023.
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Certain Energy Services subsidiaries routinely engage in transactions in the normal course of business with each other, including sharing employee benefit plan coverage, payment for insurance and other expenses on behalf of other affiliates, and other services incidental to business of each of the affiliates. All revenue and related expense transactions, as well as the related accounts payable and accounts receivable have been eliminated in consolidation.
Inflation
Most significant project materials, such as pipe or electrical wire, are provided by the Company’s customers. When possible, the Company attempts to lock in pricing with vendors and include qualifications regarding material cost increases in bids. Where allowed by contract, the Company will address fuel cost increases with customers. Significant inflation or supply chain issues could cause customers to delay or cancel planned projects; however, inflation did not have a significant effect on our results for the twelve months ended September 30, 2023, and 2022.
Critical Accounting Estimates
The discussion and analysis of the Company’s financial condition and results of operations are based on our consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. The preparation of these consolidated financial statements requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities known to exist at the date of the consolidated financial statements and reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. We evaluate our estimates on an ongoing basis, based on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. There can be no assurance that actual results will not differ from those estimates. Management believes the following accounting policies affect our more significant judgments and estimates used in the preparation of our consolidated financial statements.
Revenues
The Company recognizes revenue as performance obligations are satisfied and control of the promised good and service is transferred to the customer. For Lump Sum and Unit Price contracts, revenue is ordinarily recognized over time as control is transferred to the customers by measuring the progress toward complete satisfaction of the performance obligation(s) using an input (i.e., “cost to cost”) method. For Cost Plus and Time and Material (“T&M”) contracts, revenue is ordinarily recognized over time as control is transferred to the customers by measuring the progress toward satisfaction of the performance obligation(s) using an output method. The Company also does certain T&M service work that is generally completed in a short duration and is recognized at a point in time.
The accuracy of our revenue and profit recognition in a given period depends on the accuracy of our estimates of the cost to complete each project. We believe our experience allows us to create materially reliable estimates. There are a number of factors that can contribute to changes in estimates of contract cost and profitability. The most significant of these include:
●the completeness and accuracy of the original bid;
●costs associated with scope changes;
●changes in costs of labor and/or materials;
●extended overhead and other costs due to owner, weather and other delays;
●subcontractor performance issues;
●changes in productivity expectations;
●site conditions that differ from those assumed in the original bid;
●changes from original design on design-build projects;
●the availability and skill level of workers in the geographic location of the project;
●a change in the availability and proximity of equipment and materials;
●our ability to fully and promptly recover on affirmative claims and back charges for additional contract costs; and
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | the customer’s ability to properly administer the contract. |
The foregoing factors, as well as the stage of completion of contracts in process and the mix of contracts at different margins may cause fluctuations in gross profit from period to period. Significant changes in cost estimates, particularly in our larger, more complex projects could have a significant effect on our profitability.
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Our contract assets include cost and estimated earnings in excess of billings that represent amounts earned and reimbursable under contracts, including claim recovery estimates, but have a conditional right for billing and payment such as achievement of milestones or completion of the project. With the exception of customer affirmative claims, generally, such unbilled amounts will become billable according to the contract terms and generally will be billed and collected over the next three months. Settlement with the customer of outstanding affirmative claims is dependent on the claims resolution process and could extend beyond one year. Based on our historical experience, we generally consider the collection risk related to billable amounts to be low. When events or conditions indicate that it is probable that the amounts outstanding become unbillable, the transaction price and associated contract asset is reduced.
Our contract liabilities consist of provisions for losses and billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings. Provisions for losses are recognized in the consolidated statements of income at the uncompleted performance obligation level for the amount of total estimated losses in the period that evidence indicates that the estimated total cost of a performance obligation exceeds its estimated total revenue. Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings are billings to customers on contracts in advance of work performed, including advance payments negotiated as a contract condition. Generally, unearned project-related costs will be earned over the next twelve months.
The following table presents our costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings and billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings at September 30, 2023 and 2022:
| | | | | | | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| | | September 30, 2023 | | September 30, 2022 | ||
| Costs incurred on contracts in progress | $ | 287,347,650 | $ | 192,957,145 | ||
| Estimated earnings, net of estimated losses | | 38,976,895 | | 28,150,060 | ||
| | | 326,324,545 | | 221,107,205 | ||
| Less billings to date | | 328,112,326 | | 211,025,190 | ||
| | | $ | (1,787,781) | | $ | 10,082,015 |
| | | | | | | |
| Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billed on | | | | | ||
| uncompleted contracts | | $ | 15,955,220 | | $ | 16,109,593 |
| Less billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings on | | | | | | |
| uncompleted contracts | | 17,743,001 | | 6,027,578 | ||
| | | | | | | |
| | | $ | (1,787,781) | | $ | 10,082,015 |
Allowance for doubtful accounts
The Company provides an allowance for doubtful accounts when collection of an account is considered doubtful. Inherent in the assessment of the allowance for doubtful accounts are certain judgments and estimates relating to, among others, our customers’ access to capital, our customers’ willingness or ability to pay, general economic conditions and the ongoing relationship with the customers. While most of our customers are large well capitalized companies, should they experience material changes in their revenues and cash flows or incur other difficulties and not be able to pay the amounts owed, this could cause reduced cash flows and losses in excess of our current reserves.
Materially incorrect estimates of bad debt reserves could result in an unexpected loss in profitability for the Company. Additionally, frequently changing reserves could be an indication of risky or unreliable customers. At September 30, 2023, management review deemed that the allowance for doubtful accounts was adequate.
Please see the allowance for doubtful accounts table below:
| | | | | | | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| | | Year Ended September 30, | ||||
| | | 2023 | | 2022 | ||
| | | | | | | |
| Balance at beginning of year | $ | 70,310 | $ | 70,310 | ||
| Charged to expense | | — | | — | ||
| Deductions for uncollectible receivables written off, net of recoveries | | (19,247) | | — | ||
| Balance at end of year | | $ | 51,063 | | $ | 70,310 |
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Impairment of goodwill and intangible assets
The Company follows the guidance of Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 350-20-35-3 “Intangibles-Goodwill and Other (Topic 350)” which requires a company to record an impairment charge based on the excess of a reporting unit’s carrying amount of goodwill over its fair value. Under the current guidance, companies can first choose to assess any impairment based on qualitative factors (Step 0). If a company fails this test or decides to bypass this step, it must proceed with a quantitative assessment of goodwill impairment. The Company did not have a goodwill impairment at September 30, 2023.
Materially incorrect estimates could cause an impairment of goodwill or intangible assets and result in a loss in profitability for the Company.
A table of the Company’s intangible assets subject to amortization is below:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| | | | | Accumulated | Accumulated | Amortization and | Amortization and | | | |||||||||||
| | | | | | | | Amortization and | | Amortization and | | Impairment | | Impairment | | Net Book | |||||
| | | Remaining Life at | | | | | Impairment at | | Impairment at | | Twelve Months Ended | | Twelve Months Ended | | Value | |||||
| | | September 30, | | Original | | September 30, | | September 30, | | September 30, | | September 30, | | September 30, | ||||||
| Intangible assets: | | 2023 | | Cost | | 2023 | | 2022 | | 2023 | | 2022 | | 2023 | ||||||
| West Virginia Pipeline: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | ||||||
| Customer Relationships | | 87 months | | $ | 2,209,724 | | $ | 607,661 | | $ | 386,693 | | $ | 220,968 | | $ | 220,968 | | $ | 1,602,063 |
| Tradename | | 87 months | | | 263,584 | | | 72,500 | | | 46,136 | | | 26,364 | | | 26,364 | | | 191,084 |
| Non-competes | - months | | | 83,203 | | | 83,203 | | | 72,806 | | | 10,397 | | | 41,604 | | | — | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |||||
| Revolt Energy: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Employment agreement/non-compete | - months | | 100,000 | | 100,000 | | 77,779 | | 22,221 | | | 63,890 | | | — | |||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |||||
| Tri-State Paving: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Customer Relationships | | 103 months | | | 1,649,159 | | | 233,631 | | | 66,781 | | | 166,850 | | | 66,781 | | | 1,415,528 |
| Tradename | | 103 months | | | 203,213 | | | 28,789 | | | 8,368 | | | 20,421 | | | 8,368 | | | 174,424 |
| Non-competes | | - months | | | 39,960 | | | 39,960 | | | 16,590 | | | 23,370 | | | 16,590 | | | — |
| Total intangible assets | | $ | 4,548,843 | | $ | 1,165,744 | | $ | 675,153 | | $ | 490,591 | | $ | 444,565 | | $ | 3,383,099 |
Depreciation and Amortization
The purpose of depreciation and amortization is to represent an accurate value of assets on the books. Every year, as assets are used, their values are reduced on the balance sheet and expensed on the income statement. As depreciation and amortization are a noncash expense, the amount must be estimated. Each year a certain amount of depreciation and amortization is written off and the book value of the asset is reduced.
Property and equipment are recorded at cost. Costs which extend the useful lives or increase the productivity of the assets are capitalized, while normal repairs and maintenance that do not extend the useful life or increase productivity of the asset are expensed as incurred. Property and equipment are depreciated principally on the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets: buildings 39 years; operating equipment and vehicles 5-7 years; and office equipment, furniture and fixtures 5-7 years.
Acquired intangible assets subject to amortization are amortized on a straight-line basis, which approximates the pattern in which the economic benefit of the respective intangible assets is realized, over their respective estimated useful lives. The definite-lived
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identifiable intangible assets recognized as part of the Company’s business combinations are initially recorded at their estimated fair value.
The Company’s depreciation expense for the twelve months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022 was $7.3 million and $5.6 million, respectively. In general, depreciation is included in “cost of revenues” on the Company’s consolidated statements of income.
The Company’s amortization expense for the twelve months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022 were $490,591 and $444,565, respectively. In general, amortization is included in “cost of revenues” on the Company’s consolidated statements of income.
Materially incorrect estimates of depreciation and amortization and/or the useful lives of assets could significantly impact the value of long-lived assets on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. A material overvaluation could result in impairment charges and reduced profitability for the Company.
Income Taxes
The Company’s income tax expense and deferred tax assets and liabilities reflect management’s best estimate of current and future taxes to be paid. Significant judgments and estimates are required in the determination of the consolidated income tax expense. The Company’s provision for income taxes is computed by applying a federal rate of 21.0% and a state rate of 6.0% to taxable income or loss after consideration of non-taxable and non-deductible items.
The income tax expense for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2023 was $3.0 million as compared to $2.3 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2022. The increase was due to an increase in taxable income for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2023, as compared to the fiscal year ended September 30, 2022.
The effective income tax rate for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2023 was 28.7%, as compared to an effective income tax rate of 37.6% for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2022. Effective income tax rates are estimates and may vary from period to period due to changes in the amount of taxable income or loss, non-taxable and non-deductible expenses.
Accounting for PPP Loans
The Company’s accounting for PPP loans reflects management’s best estimate of current and future amounts to be paid. The Company applies significant judgment regarding the determination of PPP loan forgiveness based on the rules established, and subsequently clarified by the SBA, including rules related to the Company’s affiliations and meeting SBA size standards.
Refer to Note 3 “Accounting for PPP Loans” in the accompanying consolidated financial statements for additional details.
New Accounting Pronouncements
On October 28, 2021, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) released Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2021-08, Business Combinations (Topic 805): Accounting for Contract Assets and Contract Liabilities from Contracts with Customers. The amendments of this ASU require entities to apply Topic 606 to recognize and measure contract assets and contract liabilities in a business combination. The amendments improve comparability after the business combination by providing consistent recognition and measurement guidance for revenue contracts with customers acquired in a business combination and revenue contracts with customers not acquired in a business combination. The amendments are effective for public business entities for the fiscal years, including interim periods within those the fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2022. For all other entities they are effective for the fiscal years, including interim periods within those the fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2023. Entities should apply the amendments prospectively to business combinations that occur after the effective date. Early adoption is permitted, including in any interim period, for public business entities for periods for which financial statements have not yet been issued, and for all other entities for periods for which financial statements have not yet been made available for issuance. The Company is currently assessing the effect that ASU 2021-08 will have on their results of operations, financial position and cash flows; however, the Company does not expect a significant impact.
The FASB recently issued ASU 2021-10, Government Assistance (Topic 832): Disclosures by Business Entities about Government Assistance, which aims to provide increased transparency by requiring business entities to disclose information about certain types of government assistance they receive in the notes to the financial statements. Entities are required to provide the new disclosures prospectively for all transactions with a government entity that are accounted for under either a grant or a contribution
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accounting model and are reflected in the financial statements at the date of initially applying the new amendments, and to new transactions entered into after that date. Retrospective application of the guidance is permitted. The Company adopted ASU 2021-10 on October 1, 2022, and its adoption did not have a significant impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
Subsequent Events
On November 15, 2023, the Company’s Board of Directors approved an annual dividend of $0.06 per common share. The 2024 dividend was paid on January 2, 2024 to holders of record as of December 15, 2023. While this is expected to be an annual dividend, factors such as income from operations, cash flows, and overall financial outlook may affect future dividend payments.
Management has evaluated all subsequent events for accounting and disclosure. There have been no other material events during the period, other than noted above, that would either impact the results reflected in the report or the Company’s results going forward.
FY 2022 10-K MD&A
SEC filing source: 0001410578-22-003581.
ITEM 7.Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
You should read the following discussion of the financial condition and results of operations of Energy Services in conjunction with the historical financial statements and related notes contained elsewhere herein. Among other things, those historical consolidated financial statements include more detailed information regarding the basis of presentation for the following information.
Understanding Gross Margins
Our gross margin is gross profit expressed as a percentage of revenues. Cost of revenues consists primarily of salaries, wages and some benefits to employees, depreciation, fuel and other equipment costs, equipment rentals, subcontracted services, portions of insurance, facilities expense, materials and parts and supplies. Factors affecting gross margin include:
Seasonal. As discussed above, seasonal patterns can have a significant impact on gross margins. Usually, business is slower in the winter months versus the warmer months.
Weather. Adverse or favorable weather conditions can impact gross margin in each period. Periods of wet weather, snow or rainfall, as well as severe temperature extremes can severely impact production and therefore negatively impact revenues and margins. Conversely, periods of dry weather with moderate temperatures can positively impact revenues and margins due to the opportunity for increased production and efficiencies.
Revenue Mix. The mix of revenues between customer types and types of work for various customers will impact gross margins. Some projects will have greater margins while others that are extremely competitive in bidding may have narrower margins.
Service and Maintenance versus Installation. In general, installation work has a higher gross margin than maintenance work. This is because installation work usually is of a fixed price nature and therefore has higher risks involved. Accordingly, a higher portion of the revenue mix from installation work typically will result in higher margins.
Subcontract Work. Work that is subcontracted to other service providers generally has lower gross margins. Increases in subcontract work as a percentage of total revenues in each period may contribute to a decrease in gross margin.
Materials versus Labor. Typically, materials supplied on projects have lower margins than labor. Accordingly, projects with a higher material cost in relation to the entire job will have a lower overall margin.
Depreciation. Depreciation is included in our cost of revenue. This is a common practice in our industry but can make comparability to other companies difficult.
Margin Risk. Failure to properly execute a job including failure to properly manage and supervise a job could decrease the profit margin.
Selling and Administrative Expenses
Selling and administrative expenses consist primarily of compensation and related benefits to management, administrative salaries and benefits, marketing, communications, office and utility costs, professional fees, bad debt expense, letter of credit fees, general liability insurance and miscellaneous other expenses.
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Results of Operations for the Fiscal Year Ended September 30, 2022, Compared to the Fiscal Year Ended September 30, 2021.
Revenue. A table comparing the components of the Company’s revenues for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2022, and 2021 is below:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| | | Fiscal Year Ended | | | | | | | | |||||||
| | | September 30, 2022 | | % of total | | September 30, 2021 | | % of total | | Change | | % Change | ||||
| Gas & Water Distribution | $ | 53,311,569 | 27.0 | % | $ | 40,440,195 | 33.02 | % | $ | 12,871,374 | 31.8 | % | ||||
| Gas & Petroleum Transmission | | 58,268,501 | 29.5 | % | 22,133,483 | 18.07 | % | 36,135,018 | 163.3 | % | ||||||
| Electrical, Mechanical, and General | | 86,009,930 | 43.5 | % | 59,892,148 | 48.91 | % | 26,117,782 | 43.6 | % | ||||||
| Total | | $ | 197,590,000 | 100.0 | % | $ | 122,465,826 | 100.0 | % | $ | 75,124,174 | 61.3 | % |
Revenue increased by $75.1 million, or 61.3%, to $197.6 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2022, from $122.5 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2021.
Gas & Water Distribution revenues totaled $53.3 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2022, a $12.9 million increase from $40.4 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2021. The revenue increase was primarily related to the Company’s overall commitment to growing this line of business through adding new distribution crews and the acquisition of Tri-State Paving, which primarily provides services for water utility companies. Tri-State Paving, acquired on April 29, 2022, contributed revenues of $4.9 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2022. A full year of West Virginia Pipeline revenue, acquired on December 31, 2020, resulted in $3.1 million in additional revenue during fiscal year 2022 as compared to 2021.
Gas & Petroleum Transmission revenues totaled $58.3 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2022, a $36.1 million increase from $22.1 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2021. The revenue increase was primarily related to an increase in the amount of bidding opportunities with both existing, long-term customers and newer customers.
Electrical, Mechanical, & General services and construction revenues totaled $86.0 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2022, a $26.1 million increase from $59.9 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2021. The revenue increase was primarily due to growth in general and civil construction opportunities for SQP, which began operations in March 2021 and increased revenues by $19.3 million in fiscal year 2022 as compared to 2021.
Cost of Revenues. A table comparing the components of the Company’s costs of revenues for fiscal years ended September 30, 2022 and 2021, is below:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| | | Fiscal Year Ended | | | | | | | | |||||||
| | September 30, 2022 | % of total | September 30, 2021 | % of total | Change | % Change | ||||||||||
| Gas & Water Distribution | | $ | 41,726,934 | 23.8 | % | $ | 32,467,794 | 29.6 | % | $ | 9,259,140 | 28.5 | % | |||
| Gas & Petroleum Transmission | | 54,856,321 | 31.3 | % | 17,237,245 | 15.7 | % | 37,619,076 | 218.2 | % | ||||||
| Electrical, Mechanical, and General | | 79,141,713 | 45.2 | % | 55,574,528 | 50.7 | % | 23,567,185 | 42.4 | % | ||||||
| Unallocated Shop (Profit) Expense | | (505,716) | (0.3) | % | 4,265,237 | 3.9 | % | (4,770,953) | (111.9) | % | ||||||
| Total | | $ | 175,219,252 | 100.0 | % | $ | 109,544,804 | 100.0 | % | $ | 65,674,448 | 60.0 | % |
Total cost of revenues increased by $65.7 million or 60.0% to $175.2 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2022, from $109.5 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2021.
Gas & Water Distribution cost of revenues totaled $41.7 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2022, a $9.2 million increase from $32.5 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2021. The cost of revenues increase was primarily related to the Company’s overall commitment to growing this line of business through adding new distribution crews and the acquisition of Tri-State Paving, which primarily provides services for water utility companies. Tri-State Paving, acquired on April 29, 2022, had cost of revenues of $3.1 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2022. A full year of West Virginia Pipeline cost of revenues, acquired on December 31, 2020, resulted in $1.8 million in additional cost of revenues during fiscal year 2022 as compared to 2021.
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Gas & Petroleum Transmission cost of revenues totaled $54.9 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2022, a $37.7 million increase from $17.2 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2021. The cost of revenues increase was primarily related to an increase in the amount of bidding opportunities with both existing, long-term customers and newer customers. The Company has one gas transmission project that is projected to lose $2.1 million.
Electrical, Mechanical, & General services and construction cost of revenues totaled $79.1 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2022, a $23.5 million increase from $55.6 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2021. The cost of revenues increase was primarily due to growth in general and civil construction opportunities for SQP, which began operations in March 2021 and increased costs of revenues by $16.4 million in fiscal year 2022 as compared to 2021.
Gross Profit. A table comparing the components of the Company’s gross profit for fiscal years ended September 30, 2022, and 2021, is below:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| | | Fiscal Year Ended | | | | | | | | |||||||
| | | September 30, 2022 | % of revenue | | September 30, 2021 | % of revenue | | Change | % Change | |||||||
| Gas & Water Distribution | | $ | 11,584,635 | | 51.8 | % | $ | 7,972,401 | | 61.7 | % | $ | 3,612,234 | | 45.3 | % |
| Gas & Petroleum Transmission | | 3,412,180 | 15.3 | % | | 4,896,238 | 37.9 | % | | (1,484,058) | (30.3) | % | ||||
| Electrical, Mechanical, and General | | 6,868,217 | 30.7 | % | | 4,317,620 | 33.4 | % | | 2,550,597 | 59.1 | % | ||||
| Unallocated Shop Profit (Expense) | | 505,716 | 2.3 | % | | (4,265,237) | (33.0) | % | | 4,770,953 | (111.9) | % | ||||
| Total | | $ | 22,370,748 | 100.0 | % | $ | 12,921,022 | 100.0 | % | $ | 9,449,726 | 73.1 | % | |||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Gross profit percentage | | 11.3 | % | | | 10.6 | % | | | | | | | |
Total gross profit increased by $9.5 million or 73.1% to $22.4 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2022, from $12.9 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2021.
Gas & Water Distribution gross profit totaled $11.6 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2022, a $3.6 million increase from $8.0 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2021. The gross profit increase was primarily related to the Company’s overall commitment to growing this line of business through adding new distribution crews and the acquisition of Tri-State Paving, which primarily provides services for water utility companies. Tri-State Paving, acquired on April 29, 2022, contributed gross profit of $1.8 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2022. A full year of West Virginia Pipeline gross profit, acquired on December 31, 2020, resulted in $1.3 million in additional gross profit during the fiscal year 2022 as compared to 2021.
Gas & Petroleum Transmission gross profit totaled $3.4 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2022, a $1.5 million decrease from $4.9 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2021. The gross profit decrease was primarily related to one gas transmission project that is projected to lose $2.1 million.
Electrical, Mechanical, & General services and construction gross profit totaled $6.9 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2022, a $2.6 million increase from $4.3 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2021. The gross profit increase was primarily due to growth in general and civil construction opportunities for SQP, which began operations in March 2021 and increased gross profit by $3.0 million in the fiscal year 2022 as compared to 2021.
Gross profit attributed to unallocated shop operations totaled $506,000 for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2022, a $4.8 million increase from $4.3 million in unallocated shop expenses for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2021. The gross profit increase was primarily due to increased internal equipment charges to projects and better project costs tracking for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2022, as compared to 2021.
Selling and administrative expenses. Total selling and administrative expenses increased by $1.9 million to $15.9 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2022, from $14.0 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2021. Approximately $700,000 of the selling and administrative expense increase for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2022 as compared to the prior fiscal year, was from the operations of the new subsidiaries, Tri-State Paving and Ryan Construction. In addition, the Company incurred approximately $1.6 in million additional selling and administrative expenses related to a full twelve months of activity for West Virginia Pipeline and SQP in the fiscal year 2022 as compared to 2021.
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Income from operations. Income from operations was $6.5 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2022, a $7.6 million increase from a $1.1 million loss from operations for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2021. The increase was due to the items described above.
Interest Expense. Interest expense increased by $331,000 or 59.3% to $888,000 for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2022, from $557,000 for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2021. This increase was primarily due to increased line of credit borrowings and financing the financing of acquisitions.
Other Income. Other income totaled $507,000 for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2022, as compared to other income of $10.7 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2021. The decrease in other income was primarily related to $9.8 million of PPP loan debt forgiveness recognized during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2021. Please see the “Paycheck Protection Program Loans” disclosure on page 9.
Net Income. Income before income taxes was $6.1 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2022, compared to $9.1 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2021. The $3.0 million decrease was primarily due to a one-time $9.8 million PPP loan debt forgiveness in the fiscal year 2021, partially offset by a $7.6 million increase in income from operations.
The income tax expense for fiscal year ended September 30, 2022 was $2.3 million compared to an income tax benefit of ($29,000) for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2021. The increase was due to an increase in taxable income. According to the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (“CARES Act”) passed by Congress in March 2020, PPP loan forgiveness is not taxable. In accordance with the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021, the Company’s PPP related expenditures in the fiscal year 2020 were considered deductible expenses for federal income tax purposes.
The effective income tax rate for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2022 was 37.0%. The effective income tax rate for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2021, was (0.32%). The PPP forgiveness had a significant impact on the effective income tax rate for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2021, as taxable income was decreased by $9.8 million. Effective income tax rates are estimates and may vary from period to period due to changes in the amount of taxable income or loss, non-taxable items and nondeductible expenses.
Dividends on preferred stock for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2022, and 2021 were $0 and $284,000, respectively. There will be no further dividends paid on preferred stock after the October 6, 2021 redemption of all the Company’s preferred stock.
Net income available to common stockholders for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2022 was $3.9 million compared to $8.8 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2021. The decrease was due to the items mentioned above.
Comparison of Financial Condition at September 30, 2022 Compared to September 30, 2021.
The Company had total assets of $112.6 million at September 30, 2022, an increase of $42.4 million from the prior the fiscal year-end balance of $70.2 million.
The aggregate balance of accounts receivable, retainages receivable, allowance for doubtful accounts and other receivables totaled $42.9 million at September 30, 2022, an increase of $20.4 million from the combined prior the fiscal year-end balance of $22.5 million. The increase was primarily due to increased work in the fiscal year 2022 as compared to 2021. Specifically, $69.4 million in revenue was generated in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2022 as compared to $39.6 million for the same period in 2021.
Net property, plant and equipment totaled $32.7 million at September 30, 2022, an increase of $9.7 million from the prior the fiscal year-end balance of $23.0 million. Property, plant and equipment acquisitions totaled $15.6 million for the fiscal year 2022 while depreciation expense was $5.6 million, and the net impact of disposals was $316,000. Assets received as part of the Tri-State Paving and Ryan Construction acquisitions accounted for $8.9 million of the $15.6 million in total acquisitions.
Contract assets totaled $16.1 million at September 30, 2022, an increase of $7.4 million from the prior the fiscal year-end balance of $8.7 million. This increase was primarily due to increased work and the timing of project billings and related increase in costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings at September 30, 2022 as compared to at September 30, 2021.
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Goodwill and acquired intangible assets totaled $8.0 million at September 30, 2022, a $3.7 million increase from the prior fiscal year end balance of $4.2 million. The increase to goodwill and acquired intangible assets was primarily the result of the Tri-State Paving acquisition which goodwill and acquired intangible assets totaled $4.2 million at September 30, 2022, and was partially offset by $445,000 in amortization expense for fiscal year 2022.
Right-of-use assets acquired from operating leases totaled $1.6 million net of amortization expense, as compared to no right-to-use assets at the prior the fiscal year end. The operating leases were primarily related to the business combinations completed in the fiscal year ended September 30, 2022.
Prepaid expenses and other totaled $3.9 million at September 30, 2022, an increase of $401,000 from the prior the fiscal year-end balance of $3.5 million. The increase was primarily due to the increase of various prepaid insurance accounts based on labor cost expensed or standard monthly charges.
Cash and cash equivalents totaled $7.4 million at September 30, 2022, a decrease of $799,000 from the prior the fiscal year-end balance of $8.2 million. The decrease was primarily related to a net $8.3 million investment in property and equipment, $4.3 million in long-term debt repayments, and $1.2 million in preferred stock conversion payments, partially offset by a net $4.7 million increase in line of credit and short-term borrowings and $8.3 million in net cash provided by operating activities.
Liabilities totaled $74.3 million at September 30, 2022, an increase of $38.8 million from the prior the fiscal year-end balance of $35.5 million.
Accounts payable totaled $20.3 million as of September 30, 2022, an increase of $13.0 million from the prior the fiscal year-end balance of $7.3 million. The increase was due to more work in progress at the end of the fiscal year 2022, as compared to the same period in fiscal 2021.
Lines of credit and short-term borrowings totaled $13.1 million at September 30, 2022, an increase of $8.1 million from the prior the fiscal year-end balance of $5.0 million. This increase was primarily due to increased borrowings against the Company’s operating line of credit because or more work in progress at the end of the fiscal year 2022, as compared to the same period in fiscal 2021.
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities totaled $11.3 million at September 30, 2022, an increase of $5.7 million from the prior the fiscal year-end balance of $5.6 million. The increase was primarily due to increased labor and burden expenses incurred towards the end of the fiscal year 2022, as compared to the same period in fiscal 2021.
The aggregate balance of current maturities of long-term debt and long-term debt totaled $17.6 million at September 30, 2022, an increase of $5.2 million from the prior the fiscal year-end balance of $12.4 million. The increase was primarily due to a $8.4 million increase related to financing the Tri-State Paving acquisition and $940,000 in equipment financing, partially offset by $4.3 million in payments on long-term debt.
Contract liabilities totaled $6.0 million at September 30, 2022, an increase of $2.8 million from the prior the fiscal year-end balance of $3.2 million. This increase was due to increased billings in excess of costs and earnings when computing earned revenue on construction projects at September 30, 2022, as compared to at September 30, 2021.
Operating lease liabilities totaled $1.6 million at September 30, 2022, an increase of $1.6 million from the prior fiscal year end balance. See “Leases” on page 29 for a discussion of operating leases added in the fiscal year 2022.
Net deferred income tax payable totaled 4.5 million at September 30, 2022, an increase of $2.5 million from the prior the fiscal year-end balance of $2.0 million. The increase was primarily related to a net operating loss (“NOL”) carryforward resulting from bonus depreciation on acquired assets.
Stockholders’ equity totaled $38.3 million at September 30, 2022, an increase of $3.7 million from the prior the fiscal year-end balance of $34.6 million. This increase was primarily due to $3.9 million in net income and a $1.0 million increase in additional paid in capital related to stock issued as part of the Tri-State Paving acquisition, partially offset by $1.2 million in preferred stock redemption payments.
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Liquidity and Capital Resources
Operating Line of Credit and Short-Term Borrowings
On July 13, 2022, the Company received a one-year extension on its operating line of credit effective June 28, 2022. The $15.0 million revolving line of credit has a $12.5 million component and a $2.5 million component. The Company can borrow from the $12.5 million component first and then from the additional $2.5 million component if additional requirements are met. The covenant requirements for both components are below. Based on the borrowing base calculation, the Company borrowed all $12.5 million available on the line of credit as of September 30, 2022. The Company did not meet the requirements to borrow any from the $2.5 million component. The Company expects to receive an amendment to increase its line of credit by December 31, 2022.
The interest rate on the line of credit is the “Wall Street Journal” Prime Rate (the index) with a floor of 4.99%. The interest rate at September 30, 2022, was 5.5%. Based on the borrowing base calculation, the Company was able to borrow up to $12.2 million as of September 30, 2021. The Company had $4.5 million in borrowings on the line of credit, leaving $7.7 million available on the line of credit as of September 30, 2021. The interest rate at September 30, 2021, was 4.99%.
Major items excluded from the borrowing base calculation are receivables from bonded jobs and retainage as well as all items greater than ninety (90) days old. Line of credit borrowings are collateralized by the Company’s accounts receivable. Cash available under the line is calculated based on 70.0% of the Company’s eligible accounts receivable.
Under the terms of the agreement, the Company must meet the following loan covenants to access the first $12.5 million:
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Minimum tangible net worth of $21.5 million to be measured quarterly, |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| 2. | Minimum traditional debt service coverage of 1.25x to be measured quarterly on a rolling twelve- month basis, |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| 3. | Minimum current ratio of 1.50x to be measured quarterly, |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| 4. | Maximum debt to tangible net worth ratio (“TNW”) of 1.5x to be measured semi-annually, |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| 5. | Full review of accounts receivable aging report and work in progress. The results of the review shall be satisfactory to the lender in its sole and unfettered discretion. |
Under the terms of the agreement, the Company must meet the following additional requirements for draw requests causing the borrowings to exceed $12.5 million:
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Minimum traditional debt service coverage of 2.0x to be measured quarterly on a rolling twelve-month basis, |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| 2. | Minimum tangible net worth of $24.0 million to be measured quarterly. |
The Company was not in compliance with all covenants but received a waiver on the $12.5 million component of the line of credit at September 30, 2022. The Company projects to be in compliance with all covenants associated with the $12.5 million component for the next twelve months.
The Company also finances insurance policy premiums on a short-term basis through a financing company. These insurance policies include workers’ compensation, general liability, automobile, umbrella, and equipment policies. The Company makes a down payment in January and finances the remaining premium amount over ten monthly payments. In January 2022 and 2021, respectively, the Company financed $3.4 million and $3.2 million in insurance premiums. At September 30, 2022 and 2021, respectively, the remaining balance of the insurance premiums was $580,000 and $540,000.
Long-Term Debt
On December 16, 2014, the Company’s Nitro subsidiary entered into a 20-year $1.2 million loan agreement with a bank to purchase the office building and property it had previously been leasing for $6,300 monthly. The interest rate on this loan agreement is 4.82% with monthly payments of $7,800. The interest rate on this note is subject to change from time to time based on changes in the U.S. Treasury yield, adjusted to a constant maturity of three years as published by the Federal Reserve weekly. As of September 30, 2022, the Company had made principal payments of $333,000. The loan is collateralized by the building purchased under this agreement. The note is currently held by Peoples Bank, Inc., formerly First Bank of Charleston, Inc. (West Virginia).
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On November 13, 2015, the Company entered into a 10-year $1.1 million loan agreement with United Bank to purchase the fabrication shop and property Nitro had previously been leasing for $12,900 each month. The variable interest rate on the loan agreement is 7.25% at September 30, 2022 with monthly payments of $12,193. As of September 30, 2022, the Company had made principal payments of $687,000. The loan is collateralized by the building and property purchased under this agreement.
On June 28, 2017, the Company entered into a $5.0 million Non-Revolving Note agreement with United Bank. This five-year agreement gave the Company access to a $5.0 million line of credit (“Equipment Line of Credit 2017”), specifically for the purchase of equipment, for a period of three months with an interest rate of 4.99%. After three months, all borrowings against the Equipment Line of Credit 2017 were converted to a five-year term note agreement with an interest rate of 4.99% with monthly payments of $98,865. As of September 30, 2022, the Company had repaid this note in full.
On December 31, 2020, West Virginia Pipeline Acquisition Company, later renamed West Virginia Pipeline, Inc., entered into a $3.0 million sellers’ note agreement with David and Daniel Bolton for the remaining purchase price of West Virginia Pipeline, Inc. For the purchase price allocation, the $3.0 million note had a fair value of $2.85 million. As part of the $6.35 million acquisition price, the Company paid $3.5 million in cash in addition to the note. The unsecured five-year term note requires annual payments of at least $500,000 with a fixed interest rate of 3.25% on the $3.0 million sellers’ note, which equates to 5.35% on the carrying value of the note. As of September 30, 2022, the Company had made annual installment payments of $500,000, interest payments of $152,000 and expensed $53,000 in accreted interest.
On January 4, 2021, the Company entered into a $3.0 million Non-Revolving Note agreement with United Bank. This five-year agreement gave the Company access to a $3.0 million line of credit (“Equipment Line of Credit 2021”), specifically for the purchase of equipment, for a period of twelve months with a variable interest rate initially established at 4.25% as based on the Prime Rate as published by The Wall Street Journal. After twelve months, all borrowings against the Equipment Line of Credit 2021 were converted to a four-year term note agreement with a variable interest rate initially established at 4.25%. The loan is collateralized by the equipment purchased under this agreement. As of September 30, 2022, the Company borrowed $3.0 million against this line of credit with monthly payments of $68,150 that started in February 2022. The interest rate at September 30, 2022 was 7.25%. The Company has made principal payments of $451,000 on this note as of September 30, 2022.
On April 2, 2021, the Company entered into a $3.5 million Non-Revolving Note agreement with United Bank. This five-year agreement repaid the outstanding $3.5 million line of credit that was used for the down payment on the West Virginia Pipeline acquisition. This loan has monthly installment payments of $64,853 and has a fixed interest rate of 4.25%. The loan is collateralized by the Company’s equipment and receivables. As of September 30, 2022, the Company had made principal payments of $971,000.
On April 29, 2022, the Company entered into a $7.5 million Non-Revolving Note agreement with United Bank. This five-year agreement was used to finance the purchase of Tri-State Paving and has monthly payments of $129,910 with a fixed interest rate of 4.25%. The Company has made principal payments of $518,000 on this note as of September 30, 2022.
On April 29, 2022, the Company entered into a $1.0 million promissory note agreement with Corns Enterprises, a related party, as partial consideration for the purchase of Tri-State Paving. This four-year agreement requires $250,000 principal installment payments on or before the end of each twelve (12) full calendar month period beginning April 29, 2022. Interest payments due shall be calculated on the principal balance remaining and shall be at the stated rate of 3.5% per year. The Company recorded $7,800 in accreted interest and has not made any principal payments on this note as of September 30, 2022.
The maturities of long-term and short-term debt, which includes line of credit borrowings, term notes payable to banks, and notes payable on various equipment purchases, were as follows:
| | | | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $ | 17,140,336 | |
| 2024 | | 4,061,665 | |
| 2025 | | 4,170,114 | |
| 2026 | | 3,569,091 | |
| 2027 | | 1,069,272 | |
| Thereafter | | 623,942 | |
| | | $ | 30,634,420 |
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As of September 30, 2022, the Company had $7.4 million in cash and $15.1 million in working capital (defined as current assets less current liabilities).
Leases
The Company leases office space for SQP for $1,500 per month. The lease, signed on March 25, 2021, is for a period of two years with five one-year renewals available immediately following the end of the base term. Rental terms for the option periods shall be negotiated and agreed mutually between the parties and shall not exceed five percent increases to rent, if any. The lease is expensed monthly and not treated as a right-to-use asset as it does not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
During fiscal year ended September 30, 2022, the Company entered into two lease agreements for construction equipment for a combined $160,000. The leases have a term of twenty-two months with a stated interest rate of 0%, combined monthly installment payments of $6,645 and are cancellable at any time without penalty. The Company has the right to purchase the equipment at the expiration of the leases by applying the two-month deposit paid. The right-of-use assets and finance lease obligations associated with these lease agreements are included in the consolidated balance sheets within property, plant and equipment and long-term debt, respectively, and do not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
The Company has two right-of-use operating leases acquired on April 29, 2022, as part of the Tri-State Paving transaction. The first operating lease, for the Hurricane, WV facility, had a net present value of $236,000 at April 29, 2022, and a carrying value of $205,000 at September 30, 2022. The second operating lease, for the Chattanooga, Tennessee facility, had a net present value of $144,000 at April 29, 2022, and a carrying value of $119,000 at September 30, 2022. The 4.5% interest rate on the operating leases is based on the Company’s incremental borrowing rate at inception.
The Company has a right-of-use operating lease with Enterprise Fleet Management, Inc. acquired on August 11, 2022, as part of the Ryan Environmental acquisition. This lease agreement was initially for 31 vehicles to be used for Ryan Construction; however, the Company plans to add vehicles as it finds necessary. This lease had a net present value of $1.2 million at inception, which approximates the carrying value at September 30, 2022. The 4.5% interest rate on the operating lease is based on the Company’s incremental borrowing rate at inception.
The Company has a right-of-use operating lease with RICA Developers, LLC acquired on August 12, 2022, as part of the Ryan Environmental acquisition. This lease, for the Bridgeport, WV facility, had a net present value of $140,000 at inception and a carrying value of $113,000 at September 30, 2022. The 4.5% interest rate on the operating lease is based on the Company’s incremental borrowing rate at inception.
The maturities of the Company’s operating lease liabilities were as follows:
| | | | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $ | 588,653 | |
| 2024 | | 465,428 | |
| 2025 | | 373,397 | |
| 2026 | | 296,606 | |
| | | 1,724,084 | |
| Less amounts representing interest | | (119,807) | |
| Present value of operating lease liabilities | | $ | 1,604,277 |
Off-Balance Sheet Transactions
Due to the nature of our industry, we often enter into certain off-balance sheet arrangements in the ordinary course of business that result in risks not directly reflected on our balance sheets. Though for the most part not material in nature, some of these are:
Rental Agreements
The Company rents equipment for use on construction projects with rental agreements being week to week or month to month. Rental expense can vary by the fiscal year due to equipment requirements on construction projects and the availability of Company owned equipment. Rental expense, which is included in cost of goods sold on the consolidated statements of income, was $9.8 million and $3.6 million for the twelve months ended September 30, 2022, and 2021, respectively.
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Letters of Credit
Certain of our customers or vendors may require letters of credit to secure payments that the vendors are making on our behalf or to secure payments to subcontractors, vendors, etc. on various customer projects. At September 30, 2022, the Company did not have any outstanding letters of credit.
Performance Bonds
Some customers, particularly new ones or governmental agencies require the Company to post bid bonds, performance bonds and payment bonds (collectively, performance bonds). These performance bonds are obtained through insurance carriers and guarantee to the customer that we will perform under the terms of a contract and that we will pay subcontractors and vendors. If the Company fails to perform under a contract or to pay subcontractors and vendors, the customer may demand that the insurer make payments or provide services under the bond. The Company must reimburse the insurer for any expenses or outlays it is required to make.
Currently, the Company has an agreement with a surety company to provide bonding which will suit the Company’s immediate needs. The ability to obtain bonding for future contracts is an important factor in the contracting industry with respect to the type and value of contracts that can be bid. Depending upon the size and conditions of a particular contract, the Company may be required to post letters of credit or other collateral in favor of the insurer. Posting of these letters or other collateral will reduce our borrowing capabilities. The Company does not anticipate any claims in the foreseeable future. At September 30, 2022, the Company had $82.8 million in performance bonds outstanding.
Concentration of Credit Risk
In the ordinary course of business, the Company grants credit under normal payment terms, generally without collateral, to our customers, which include natural gas and oil companies, general contractors, and various commercial and industrial customers located within the United States. Consequently, the Company is subject to potential credit risk related to business and economic factors that would affect these companies. However, the Company generally has certain statutory lien rights with respect to services provided. Under certain circumstances such as foreclosure, the Company may take title to the underlying assets in lieu of cash in settlement of receivables.
Please see the tables below for customers that represent 10.0% or more of the Company’s revenue or accounts receivable, net of retention for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2022, and 2021:
| | | | | | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Revenue | FY 2022 | FY 2021 | |||
| TransCanada Corporation | 16.6 | % | 11.0 | % | |
| All other | 83.4 | % | 89.0 | % | |
| Total | 100.0 | % | 100.0 | % |
* Less than 10.0% and included in “All other” if applicable
| | | | | | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Accounts receivable, net of retention | FY 2022 | FY 2021 | |||
| TransCanada Corporation | 11.6 | % | 13.2 | % | |
| Kentucky American Water | | * | | 16.3 | % |
| All other | 88.4 | % | 70.5 | % | |
| Total | 100.0 | % | 100.0 | % |
* Less than 10.0% and included in “All other” if applicable
Virtually all work performed for major customers was awarded under competitive bid fixed price or unit price arrangements. The loss of a major customer could have a severe impact on the profitability of operations of the Company. However, due to the nature of the Company’s operations, the major customers and sources of revenues may change from year to year.
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Litigation
In February 2018, the Company filed a lawsuit against a former customer (“Defendant”) in the United States District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania. The lawsuit is related to a dispute over work performed on a pipeline construction project. On November 21, 2022, a Judgment Order was issued, and the Company was awarded $13.1 million, of which $5.8 million was the jury award, $1.6 million was for attorney’s fees, and $5.7 million was for penalties and interest. The amounts awarded by the Judgment Order have not been recognized in the Company’s consolidated financial statements as of September 30, 2022. The Company’s attorney’s fees have been expensed as incurred. On December 16, 2022, the Defendant filed a notice of appeal with the court.
On November 12, 2021, the Company received a withdrawal liability claim from a pension plan to which the Company made pension contributions for union construction employees performing covered work in a particular jurisdiction. The Company has not performed covered work in their jurisdiction since 2011; however, the Company disagrees with the withdrawal claim and believes it is covered by an exemption under federal law. The demand called for thirty-four quarterly installment payments of $41,000 starting December 15, 2021. The Company must comply with the demand under federal pension law; however, the Company firmly believes no withdrawal liability exists. The Company is in negotiations with the pension fund to resolve the matter and all future payments have been suspended as part of the negotiation. The Company has expensed all $164,000 in payments made through September 30, 2022 and does not expect any future liabilities related to this claim.
Other than described above, at September 30, 2022, the Company was not involved in any legal proceedings other than in the ordinary course of business. The Company is a party from time to time to various lawsuits, claims and other legal proceedings that arise in the ordinary course of business. These actions typically seek, among other things, compensation for alleged personal injury, breach of contract and/or property damages, punitive damages, civil penalties or other losses, or injunctive or declaratory relief. With respect to all such lawsuits, claims, and proceedings, we record reserves when it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of loss can be reasonably estimated. At September 30, 2022, the Company does not believe that any of these proceedings, separately or in aggregate, would be expected to have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
Related Party Transactions
We intend that all transactions between us and our executive officers, directors, holders of 10% or more of the shares of any class of our common stock and affiliates thereof, will be on terms no less favorable than those terms given to unaffiliated third parties and will be approved by a majority of our independent outside directors not having any interest in the transaction.
On December 16, 2014, the Company’s Nitro subsidiary entered into a 20-year $1.2 million loan agreement with First Bank of Charleston, Inc. (West Virginia) to purchase the office building and property it had previously been leasing for $6,300 each month. The interest rate on the loan agreement is 4.82% with monthly payments of $7,800. As of September 30, 2022, the Company had paid approximately $333,000 in principal and approximately $370,000 in interest since the beginning of the loan. Mr. Douglas Reynolds, President of Energy Services, was a director and secretary of First Bank of Charleston. Mr. Samuel Kapourales, a director of Energy Services, was also a director of First Bank of Charleston. On October 15, 2018, First Bank of Charleston was merged into Premier Bank, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Premier Financial Bancorp, Inc. Mr. Marshall Reynolds, Chairman of the Board of Energy Services, held the same position with Premier Financial Bancorp, Inc. Mr. Douglas Reynolds is the president and a director of Energy Services and was a director of Premier Financial Bancorp, Inc. On September 17, 2021, Peoples Bancorp, Inc., parent company of Peoples Bank, completed an acquisition of Premier Financial Bancorp, Inc. and its wholly owned subsidiaries, Premier Bank and Citizens Deposit Bank & Trust. On October 26, 2021, Mr. Douglas Reynolds was elected a director of Peoples Bancorp, Inc., and its subsidiary Peoples Bank.
On April 29, 2022, the Company entered into a $1.0 million promissory note agreement with Corns Enterprises as partial consideration for the purchase of Tri-State Paving. This four-year agreement requires $250,000 principal installment payments on or before the end of each twelve (12) full calendar month period beginning April 29, 2022. Interest payments due shall be calculated on the principal balance remaining and shall be at the stated rate of 3.5% per year. The Company recorded $7,800 in accreted interest and has not made any principal payments on this note as of September 30, 2022.
Subsequent to the April 29, 2022 acquisition of Tri-State Paving, the Company entered into an operating lease for facilities in Hurricane, West Virginia with Corns Enterprises. This thirty-six-month lease is treated as a right to use asset and has payments of $7,000 per month. The total net present value at inception was $236,000 with a carrying value of $205,000 at September 30, 2022.
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SQP made an equity investment of $156,000 in 1030 Quarrier Development, LLC (“Development”) in August 2022. Development is a variable interest entity (“VIE”) that is 75% owned by 1030 Quarrier Ventures, LLC (“Ventures”) and 25% owned by SQP. SQP is not the primary beneficiary of the VIE and therefore, will not consolidate Development into its consolidated financial statements. Instead, SQP will apply the equity method of accounting for its investment in Development. Development, a 1% owner, and United Bank, a 99% owner, formed 1030 Quarrier Landlord, LLC (“Landlord”). Landlord decided to pursue the following development project (the “Project”): a historical building at 1030 Quarrier Street, Charleston, West Virginia as well as associated land (the “Property”) was purchased to be developed/rehabilitated into a commercial project including apartments and commercial space. Upon the completion of development, the Property will be used to generate rental income. SQP has been awarded the construction contract for the Project. United Bank provided $5.0 million in loans to fund the Project. SQP and Ventures has jointly provided an unconditional guarantee for the $5.0 million of obligations associated with the Project.
Other than mentioned above, there were no new material related party transactions entered into during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2022.
Certain Energy Services subsidiaries routinely engage in transactions in the normal course of business with each other, including sharing employee benefit plan coverage, payment for insurance and other expenses on behalf of other affiliates, and other services incidental to business of each of the affiliates. All revenue and related expense transactions, as well as the related accounts payable and accounts receivable have been eliminated in consolidation.
Inflation
Most significant project materials, such as pipe or electrical wire, are provided by the Company’s customers. The Company did experience costs increases on materials for fire protection projects, which had been bid several months prior, during the twelve months ended September 30, 2022. While significant to those smaller projects, the costs increases were immaterial to the overall operations of the Company. When possible, the Company attempts to lock in pricing with vendors and include qualifications regarding material costs increases in bids. Where allowed by contract, the Company will address fuel cost increases with customers. Significant inflation or supply chain issues could cause customers to delay or cancel planned projects; however, inflation did not have a significant effect on our results for the twelve months ended September 30, 2022, and 2021.
Critical Accounting Estimates
The discussion and analysis of the Company’s financial condition and results of operations are based on our consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. The preparation of these consolidated financial statements requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities known to exist at the date of the consolidated financial statements and reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. We evaluate our estimates on an ongoing basis, based on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. There can be no assurance that actual results will not differ from those estimates. Management believes the following accounting policies affect our more significant judgments and estimates used in the preparation of our consolidated financial statements.
Revenues
The Company recognizes revenue as performance obligations are satisfied and control of the promised good and service is transferred to the customer. For Lump Sum and Unit Price contracts, revenue is ordinarily recognized over time as control is transferred to the customers by measuring the progress toward complete satisfaction of the performance obligation(s) using an input (i.e., “cost to cost”) method. For Cost Plus and Time and Material (“T&M”) contracts, revenue is ordinarily recognized over time as control is transferred to the customers by measuring the progress toward satisfaction of the performance obligation(s) using an output method. The Company also does certain T&M service work that is generally completed in a short duration and is recognized at a point in time.
The accuracy of our revenue and profit recognition in a given period depends on the accuracy of our estimates of the cost to complete each project. We believe our experience allows us to create materially reliable estimates. There are a number of factors that can contribute to changes in estimates of contract cost and profitability. The most significant of these include:
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | the completeness and accuracy of the original bid; |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | costs associated with scope changes; |
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| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | changes in costs of labor and/or materials; |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | extended overhead and other costs due to owner, weather and other delays; |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | subcontractor performance issues; |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | changes in productivity expectations; |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | site conditions that differ from those assumed in the original bid; |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | changes from original design on design-build projects; |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | the availability and skill level of workers in the geographic location of the project; |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | a change in the availability and proximity of equipment and materials; |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | our ability to fully and promptly recover on affirmative claims and back charges for additional contract costs; and |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | the customer’s ability to properly administer the contract. |
The foregoing factors, as well as the stage of completion of contracts in process and the mix of contracts at different margins may cause fluctuations in gross profit from period to period. Significant changes in cost estimates, particularly in our larger, more complex projects could have, a significant effect on our profitability.
Our contract assets include cost and estimated earnings in excess of billings that represent amounts earned and reimbursable under contracts, including claim recovery estimates, but have a conditional right for billing and payment such as achievement of milestones or completion of the project. With the exception of customer affirmative claims, generally, such unbilled amounts will become billable according to the contract terms and generally will be billed and collected over the next three months. Settlement with the customer of outstanding affirmative claims is dependent on the claims resolution process and could extend beyond one year. Based on our historical experience, we generally consider the collection risk related to billable amounts to be low. When events or conditions indicate that it is probable that the amounts outstanding become unbillable, the transaction price and associated contract asset is reduced.
Our contract liabilities consist of provisions for losses and billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings. Provisions for losses are recognized in the consolidated statements of income at the uncompleted performance obligation level for the amount of total estimated losses in the period that evidence indicates that the estimated total cost of a performance obligation exceeds its estimated total revenue. Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings are billings to customers on contracts in advance of work performed, including advance payments negotiated as a contract condition. Generally, unearned project-related costs will be earned over the next twelve months.
The following table presents our costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings and billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings at September 30, 2022 and 2021:
| | | | | | | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| | | September 30, 2022 | | September 30, 2021 | ||
| Costs incurred on contracts in progress | $ | 192,957,145 | $ | 64,903,618 | ||
| Estimated earnings, net of estimated losses | | 28,150,060 | | 13,280,334 | ||
| | | 221,107,205 | | 78,183,952 | ||
| Less billings to date | | 211,025,190 | | 72,606,840 | ||
| | | $ | 10,082,015 | | $ | 5,577,112 |
| | | | | | | |
| Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billed on | | | | |||
| uncompleted contracts | | $ | 16,109,593 | | $ | 8,730,402 |
| Less billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings on | | | | | | |
| uncompleted contracts | | 6,027,578 | | 3,153,290 | ||
| | | | | | | |
| | | $ | 10,082,015 | | $ | 5,577,112 |
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Allowance for doubtful accounts
The Company provides an allowance for doubtful accounts when collection of an account is considered doubtful. Inherent in the assessment of the allowance for doubtful accounts are certain judgments and estimates relating to, among others, our customers’ access to capital, our customers’ willingness or ability to pay, general economic conditions and the ongoing relationship with the customers. While most of our customers are large well capitalized companies, should they experience material changes in their revenues and cash flows or incur other difficulties and not be able to pay the amounts owed, this could cause reduced cash flows and losses in excess of our current reserves.
Materially incorrect estimates of bad debt reserves could result in an unexpected loss in profitability for the Company. Additionally, frequently changing reserves could be an indication of risky or unreliable customers. At September 30, 2022, the management review deemed that the allowance for doubtful accounts was adequate.
Please see the allowance for doubtful accounts table below:
| | | | | | | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| | | Year Ended September 30, | ||||
| | | 2022 | | 2021 | ||
| | | | | | | |
| Balance at beginning of year | $ | 70,310 | $ | 70,310 | ||
| Charged to expense | | — | | — | ||
| Deductions for uncollectible receivables written off, net of recoveries | | — | | — | ||
| Balance at end of year | | $ | 70,310 | | $ | 70,310 |
Impairment of goodwill and intangible assets
The Company follows the guidance of Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 350-20-35-3 “Intangibles-Goodwill and Other (Topic 350)” which requires a company to record an impairment charge based on the excess of a reporting unit’s carrying amount of goodwill over its fair value. Under the current guidance, companies can first choose to assess any impairment based on qualitative factors (Step 0). If a company fails this test or decides to bypass this step, it must proceed with a quantitative assessment of goodwill impairment. The Company did not have a goodwill impairment at September 30, 2022.
Materially incorrect estimates could cause an impairment to goodwill or intangible assets and result in a loss in profitability for the Company.
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A table of the Company’s intangible assets subject to amortization is below:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| | | | | Accumulated | Accumulated | Amortization and | | | |||||||||
| | | | | | | | Amortization and | | Amortization and | | Impairment | | | | |||
| | | Remaining Life at | | | | | Impairment at | | Impairment at | | Twelve Months Ended | | | | |||
| | | September 30, | | Original | | September 30, | | September 30, | | September 30, | | Net Book | |||||
| Intangible assets: | | 2022 | | Cost | | 2022 | | 2021 | | 2022 | | Value | |||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| West Virginia Pipeline: | | | | | | | | | | | | ||||||
| Customer Relationships | | 99 months | | $ | 2,209,724 | | $ | 386,693 | | $ | 165,725 | | $ | 220,968 | | $ | 1,823,031 |
| Tradename | | 99 months | | | 263,584 | | | 46,136 | | | 19,772 | | | 26,364 | | | 217,448 |
| Non-competes | 3 months | | | 83,203 | | | 72,806 | | | 31,202 | | | 41,604 | | | 10,397 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |||||
| Revolt Energy: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Employment agreement/non-compete | 19 months | | 100,000 | | 77,779 | | 13,889 | | 63,890 | | | 22,221 | |||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |||||
| Tri-State Paving: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Customer Relationships | | 115 months | | | 1,649,159 | | | 66,781 | | | — | | | 66,781 | | | 1,582,378 |
| Tradename | | 115 months | | | 203,213 | | | 8,368 | | | — | | | 8,368 | | | 194,845 |
| Non-competes | | 7 months | | | 39,960 | | | 16,590 | | | — | | | 16,590 | | | 23,370 |
| Total intangible assets | | $ | 4,548,843 | | $ | 675,153 | | $ | 230,588 | | $ | 444,565 | | $ | 3,873,690 |
Depreciation and Amortization
The purpose of depreciation and amortization is to represent an accurate value of assets on the books. Every year, as assets are used, their values are reduced on the balance sheet and expensed on the income statement. As depreciation and amortization are a noncash expense, the amount must be estimated. Each year a certain amount of depreciation and amortization is written off and the book value of the asset is reduced.
Property and equipment are recorded at cost. Costs which extend the useful lives or increase the productivity of the assets are capitalized, while normal repairs and maintenance that do not extend the useful life or increase productivity of the asset are expensed as incurred. Property and equipment are depreciated principally on the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets: buildings 39 years; operating equipment and vehicles 5-7 years; and office equipment, furniture and fixtures 5-7 years.
Acquired intangible assets subject to amortization are amortized on a straight-line basis, which approximates the pattern in which the economic benefit of the respective intangible assets is realized, over their respective estimated useful lives. The definite-lived identifiable intangible assets recognized as part of the Company’s business combinations are recorded at their estimated fair value.
The Company’s depreciation expense for the twelve months ended September 30, 2022, and 2021 was $5.6 million and $4.7 million, respectively. In general, depreciation is included in “cost of revenues” on the Company’s consolidated statements of income.
The Company’s amortization expense for the twelve months ended September 30, 2022, and 2021 was $445,000 and $231,000, respectively. In general, amortization is included in “cost of revenues” on the Company’s consolidated statements of income.
Materially incorrect estimates of depreciation and amortization and/or the useful lives of assets could significantly impact the value of long-lived assets on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. A material over valuation could result in impairment charges and reduced profitability for the Company.
Income Taxes
The Company’s income tax expense and deferred tax assets and liabilities reflect management’s best estimate of current and future taxes to be paid. Significant judgments and estimates are required in the determination of the consolidated income tax expense. The Company’s provision for income taxes is computed by applying a federal rate of 21.0% and a state rate of 6.0% to taxable income or loss after consideration of non-taxable and non-deductible items.
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Permanent income tax differences result in an increase or decrease to taxable income and impact the Company’s effective tax rates, which were 37.0% and (0.3%) for the twelve months ended September 30, 2022 and 2021, respectively. Our tax rate is affected by recurring items, such as non-deductible expenses, which we expect to be fairly consistent in the near term.
On June 16, 2021, the Company received notice that the SBA had granted forgiveness and repaid $9.8 million of Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”) borrowings to its lender. The forgiveness was recorded as “other nonoperating income” for the twelve months ended September 30, 2021. According to the CARES Act passed by Congress in March 2020, PPP loan forgiveness is not taxable. In accordance with the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021, the Company’s PPP related expenditures in the fiscal year 2020 were considered deductible expenses for federal income tax purposes. The PPP forgiveness had a significant impact on the effective income tax rate for the twelve months ended September 30, 2021, as taxable income was decreased by $9.8 million.
Deferred income taxes arise from temporary differences between the tax basis of assets and liabilities and their reported amounts in the consolidated financial statements, which will result in taxable or deductible amounts in the future. At September 30, 2022, the Company had a net deferred income tax liability of $4.5 million as compared to $2.0 million at September 30, 2021. The Company’s deferred income tax liabilities at September 30, 2022 totaled $7.7 million and primarily related to depreciation on property and equipment. The Company’s deferred income tax assets at September 30, 2022, totaled $3.2 million and primarily related to a NOL carryforward. The Company believes that it is more likely than not that all NOL carryforwards will be realized.
New Accounting Pronouncements
On October 28, 2021, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) released Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2021-08, “Business Combinations (Topic 805): Accounting for Contract Assets and Contract Liabilities from Contracts with Customers”. The amendments of this ASU require entities to apply Topic 606 to recognize and measure contract assets and contract liabilities in a business combination. The amendments improve comparability after the business combination by providing consistent recognition and measurement guidance for revenue contracts with customers acquired in a business combination and revenue contracts with customers not acquired in a business combination. The amendments are effective for public business entities for the fiscal years, including interim periods within those the fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2022. For all other entities they are effective for the fiscal years, including interim periods within those the fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2023. Entities should apply the amendments prospectively to business combinations that occur after the effective date. Early adoption is permitted, including in any interim period, for public business entities for periods for which financial statements have not yet been issued, and for all other entities for periods for which financial statements have not yet been made available for issuance. The Company is currently assessing the effect that ASU 2021-08 will have on their results of operations, financial position and cash flows; however, the Company does not expect a significant impact.
The FASB recently issued ASU 2021-10, “Government Assistance (Topic 832): Disclosures by Business Entities about Government Assistance”, which aims to provide increased transparency by requiring business entities to disclose information about certain types of government assistance they receive in the notes to the financial statements. Entities are required to provide the new disclosures prospectively for all transactions with a government entity that are accounted for under either a grant or a contribution accounting model and are reflected in the financial statements at the date of initially applying the new amendments, and to new transactions entered into after that date. Retrospective application of the guidance is permitted. The guidance in ASU 2021-10 is effective for financial statements of all entities for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2021, with early application permitted. ASU 2021-10 has not become effective for the Company; however, a significant impact is not expected.
Subsequent Events
On October 10, 2022, the Company entered into a $3.1 million promissory note agreement with United Bank to finance the Ryan Environmental acquisition. This is a five-year agreement with a fixed interest rate of 6.0% and monthly payments of $59,932 beginning on November 10, 2022.
In February 2018, the Company filed a lawsuit against a former customer in the United States District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania. The lawsuit is related to a dispute over work performed on a pipeline construction project. On November 16, 2022, a Judgement Order was issued, and the Company was awarded $13.1 million, of which $5.8 million was the jury award, $1.6 million was for attorney’s fees, and $5.7 million was for penalties and interest. None of the award had been recognized in the Company’s consolidated financial statements as of September 30, 2022. The Company’s attorney’s fees have been expensed as incurred. On December 16, 2022, the Defendant filed a notice of appeal with the court.
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Management has evaluated all subsequent events for accounting and disclosure. There have been no other material events during the period, other than noted above, that would either impact the results reflected in the report or the Company’s results going forward.
FY 2021 10-K MD&A
SEC filing source: 0001410578-21-000612.
ITEM 7.Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
You should read the following discussion of the financial condition and results of operations of Energy Services in conjunction with the historical financial statements and related notes contained elsewhere herein. Among other things, those historical consolidated financial statements include more detailed information regarding the basis of presentation for the following information.
Understanding Gross Margins
Our gross margin is gross profit expressed as a percentage of revenues. Cost of revenues consists primarily of salaries, wages and some benefits to employees, depreciation, fuel and other equipment costs, equipment rentals, subcontracted services, portions of insurance, facilities expense, materials and parts and supplies. Factors affecting gross margin include:
Seasonal. As discussed above, seasonal patterns can have a significant impact on gross margins. Usually, business is slower in the winter months versus the warmer months.
Weather. Adverse or favorable weather conditions can impact gross margin in each period. Periods of wet weather, snow or rainfall, as well as severe temperature extremes can severely impact production and therefore negatively impact revenues and margins. Conversely, periods of dry weather with moderate temperatures can positively impact revenues and margins due to the opportunity for increased production and efficiencies.
Revenue Mix. The mix of revenues between customer types and types of work for various customers will impact gross margins. Some projects will have greater margins while others that are extremely competitive in bidding may have narrower margins.
Service and Maintenance versus Installation. In general, installation work has a higher gross margin than maintenance work. This is because installation work usually is of a fixed price nature and therefore has higher risks involved. Accordingly, a higher portion of the revenue mix from installation work typically will result in higher margins.
Subcontract Work. Work that is subcontracted to other service providers generally has lower gross margins. Increases in subcontract work as a percentage of total revenues in each period may contribute to a decrease in gross margin.
Materials versus Labor. Typically, materials supplied on projects have lower margins than labor. Accordingly, projects with a higher material cost in relation to the entire job will have a lower overall margin.
Depreciation. Depreciation is included in our cost of revenue. This is a common practice in our industry but can make comparability to other companies difficult.
Margin Risk. Failure to properly execute a job including failure to properly manage and supervise a job could decrease the profit margin.
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
Selling, general and administrative expenses consist primarily of compensation and related benefits to management, administrative salaries and benefits, marketing, communications, office and utility costs, professional fees, bad debt expense, letter of credit fees, general liability insurance and miscellaneous other expenses.
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Results of Operations for the Year Ended September 30, 2021, Compared to the Year Ended September 30, 2020.
Revenue. A table comparing the components of the Company’s revenues for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2021, and 2020 is below:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| | | Fiscal Year Ended | | | | | | | | |||||||
| | | September 30, 2021 | | % of total | | September 30, 2020 | | % of total | | Change | | % Change | ||||
| Gas & Water Distribution | $ | 40,440,195 | 33.0 | % | $ | 24,488,259 | 20.54 | % | $ | 15,951,936 | 65.14 | % | ||||
| Gas & Petroleum Transmission | | 22,133,483 | 18.1 | % | 43,044,207 | 36.11 | % | (20,910,724) | (48.58) | % | ||||||
| Electrical, Mechanical, and General | | 59,892,148 | 48.9 | % | 51,661,974 | 43.34 | % | 8,230,174 | 15.93 | % | ||||||
| Total | | $ | 122,465,826 | 100.0 | % | $ | 119,194,440 | 100.0 | % | $ | 3,271,386 | 2.74 | % |
Revenue increased by $3.3 million or 2.7% to $122.5 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2021, from $119.2 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2020.
Gas & Water Distribution revenues totaled $40.4 million for fiscal year ended September 30, 2021, a $16.0 million increase from $24.5 million for fiscal year ended September 30, 2020. The revenue increase was primarily related to the Company’s overall commitment to growing this line of business through adding new distribution crews and the acquisition of West Virginia Pipeline. West Virginia Pipeline, acquired on December 31, 2020, contributed revenues of $5.7 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2021.
Gas & Petroleum Transmission revenues totaled $22.1 million for fiscal year ended September 30, 2021, a $20.9 million decrease from $43.0 million for fiscal year ended September 30, 2020. The revenue decrease was primarily related to fewer project bid opportunities combined with greater competition from non-union and larger union bidders during fiscal year ended September 30, 2021. The Company was awarded several transmission projects that were delayed by the customer until later in the Company’s fourth quarter of fiscal year 2021. Those projects are expected to be completed in the Company’s first quarter of fiscal year 2022.
Electrical, Mechanical, & General services and construction revenues totaled $59.9 million for fiscal year ended September 30, 2021, an $8.2 million increase from $51.7 million for fiscal year ended September 30, 2020. The revenue increase was primarily due to a large automotive project, which started in fiscal year 2020 and was completed in fiscal year 2021. In addition, the Company had a significant amount of outage work that started in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2021. SQP, started in March 2021, accounted for $3.1 million in revenue for fiscal year 2021.
Please see page F-31 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for a quarterly summary of revenues earned.
Cost of Revenues. A table comparing the components of the Company’s costs of revenues for fiscal years ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, is below:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| | | Fiscal Year Ended | | | | | | | | |||||||
| | September 30, 2021 | % of total | September 30, 2020 | % of total | | Change | % Change | |||||||||
| Gas & Water Distribution | | $ | 32,467,794 | 29.6 | % | $ | 20,108,867 | 19.0 | % | $ | 12,358,927 | 61.46 | % | |||
| Gas & Petroleum Transmission | | 17,237,245 | 15.7 | % | 32,356,277 | 30.6 | % | (15,119,032) | (46.73) | % | ||||||
| Electrical, Mechanical, and General | | 55,574,528 | 50.7 | % | 48,475,344 | 45.9 | % | 7,099,184 | 14.64 | % | ||||||
| Unallocated Shop Expenses | | 4,265,237 | 3.9 | % | 4,752,721 | 4.5 | % | (487,484) | (10.26) | % | ||||||
| Total | | $ | 109,544,804 | 100.0 | % | $ | 105,693,209 | 100.0 | % | $ | 3,851,595 | 3.64 | % |
Total cost of revenues increased by $3.8 million or 3.6% to $109.5 million for fiscal year ended September 30, 2021, from $105.7 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2020.
Gas & Water Distribution cost of revenues totaled $32.5 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2021, a $12.4 million increase from $20.1 million for fiscal year ended September 30, 2020. The cost of revenues increase was primarily related to the Company’s overall commitment to growing this line of business through adding new distribution crews and the acquisition of West Virginia Pipeline. West Virginia Pipeline, acquired on December 31, 2020, incurred cost of revenues of $3.4 million for fiscal year ended September 30, 2021.
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Gas & Petroleum Transmission cost of revenues totaled $17.2 million for fiscal year ended September 30, 2021, a $15.2 million decrease from $32.4 million for fiscal year ended September 30, 2020. The cost of revenues decrease was primarily related to fewer project bid opportunities combined with greater competition from non-union and larger union bidders during fiscal year ended September 30, 2021.
Electrical, Mechanical, & General services and construction cost of revenues totaled $55.6 million for fiscal year ended September 30, 2021, a $7.1 million increase from $48.5 million for fiscal year ended September 30, 2020. The cost of revenues increase was primarily due to a large automotive project, which started in fiscal year 2020 and was completed in fiscal year 2021. In addition, the Company had a significant amount of outage work that started in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2021. SQP, started in March 2021, accounted for $2.7 million in cost of revenues for fiscal year 2021.
Unallocated shop expenses totaled $4.3 million for fiscal year ended September 30, 2021, a $487,000 decrease from $4.8 million for fiscal year ended September 30, 2020. The decrease in unallocated shop expenses was due to increased internal equipment charges to projects for fiscal year ended September 30, 2021, as compared to 2020.
Gross Profit. A table comparing the components of the Company’s gross profit for fiscal years ended September 30, 2021, and 2020, is below:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| | | Fiscal Year Ended | | | | | | | | |||||||
| | | September 30, 2021 | % of revenue | | September 30, 2020 | % of revenue | | Change | % Change | |||||||
| Gas & Water Distribution | | $ | 7,972,401 | | 61.7 | % | $ | 4,379,392 | | 32.4 | % | $ | 3,593,009 | | 82.0 | % |
| Gas & Petroleum Transmission | | 4,896,238 | 37.9 | % | | 10,687,930 | 79.2 | % | | (5,791,692) | (54.2) | % | ||||
| Electrical, Mechanical, and General | | 4,317,620 | 33.4 | % | | 3,186,630 | 23.6 | % | | 1,130,990 | 35.5 | % | ||||
| Unallocated Shop Expenses | | (4,265,237) | (33.0) | % | | (4,752,721) | (35.2) | % | | 487,484 | (10.3) | % | ||||
| Total | | $ | 12,921,022 | 100.0 | % | $ | 13,501,231 | 100.0 | % | $ | (580,209) | (4.3) | % | |||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Gross profit percentage | | 10.6 | % | | | 11.3 | % | | | | | | | |
Total gross profit decreased by $580,000 or (4.3%) to $12.9 million for fiscal year ended September 30, 2021, from $13.5 million for fiscal year ended September 30, 2020.
Gas & Water Distribution gross profit totaled $8.0 million for fiscal year ended September 30, 2021, a $3.6 million increase from $4.4 million for fiscal year ended September 30, 2020. The gross profit increase was primarily related to the Company’s overall commitment to growing this line of business through adding new distribution crews and the acquisition of West Virginia Pipeline. West Virginia Pipeline, acquired on December 31, 2020, contributed gross profit of $2.4 million for fiscal year ended September 30, 2021.
Gas & Petroleum Transmission gross profit totaled $4.9 million for fiscal year ended September 30, 2021, a $5.8 million decrease from $10.7 million for fiscal year ended September 30, 2020. The gross profit decrease was primarily related to fewer project bid opportunities combined with greater competition from larger union and non-union bidders during fiscal year ended September 30, 2021.
Electrical, Mechanical, & General services and construction gross profit totaled $4.3 million for fiscal year ended September 30, 2021, a $1.1 million increase from $3.2 million for fiscal year ended September 30, 2020. An increase in volume combined with more efficient production accounted for the increased gross profit. SQP, started in March 2021, accounted for $388,000 in gross profit for fiscal year 2021.
Gross loss attributed to unallocated shop expenses totaled $4.3 million for fiscal year ended September 30, 2021, a $487,000 decrease from $4.8 million for fiscal year ended September 30, 2020. The gross loss decrease was primarily due to increased internal equipment charges to projects for fiscal year ended September 30, 2021, as compared to 2020.
Selling and administrative expenses. Total selling and administrative expenses increased by $4.0 million to $13.8 million for fiscal year ended September 30, 2021, from $9.8 million for fiscal year ended September 30, 2020. Approximately $1.2 million of the selling and administrative expense increase for fiscal year ended September 30, 2021, was from the operations of the new subsidiaries, West Virginia Pipeline and SQP. In addition, the Company incurred approximately $150,000 in acquisition costs during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2021.
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The Company incurred higher labor costs for fiscal year ended September 30, 2021, compared to fiscal year ended September 30, 2020, primarily due to the Company investing approximately $962,000 in personnel to enhance project management and estimating in the transmission division, develop a quality assurance/quality control program, expand its mechanical services, and improve production tracking. Additionally, incentive compensation increased by $481,000 for fiscal year ended September 30, 2021, as compared to fiscal year ended September 30, 2020. The overall increase in selling and administrative expense, including an increase in incentive compensation, related to an initiative launched by the Company to increase and incentivize operational talent within the Company in order to increase revenue and profit margins.
A one-time $651,000 Qualified Non-Elective Contribution (“QNEC”) adjustment to the Company’s 401(k) plan (“Plan”) attributable to the 2021 Plan year increased selling and administrative costs for fiscal year ended September 30, 2021, as compared to fiscal year ended September 30, 2020. The reason for the QNEC adjustment was to correct Plan participant’s balances due to a third-party administrator’s actions.
(Loss) income from operations. Loss from operations was ($893,000) for fiscal year ended September 30, 2021, a $4.6 million decrease from a $3.7 million income from operations for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2020.
Interest Expense. Interest expense increased by $71,000 or 14.6% to $557,000 for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2021, from $486,000 for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2020. This increase was primarily due to increased line of credit borrowings and financing the West Virginia Pipeline acquisition and equipment purchases.
Other income (expenses). Other income totaled $10.0 million for fiscal year ended September 30, 2021, as compared to other expenses of ($93,000) for fiscal year ended September 30, 2020. The increase in other income was primarily related to $9.8 million of PPP loan debt forgiveness recognized during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2021. Please see the “Paycheck Protection Program Loans” disclosure on page 9.
Net Income. Income before income taxes was $9.1 million for fiscal year ended September 30, 2021, compared to $3.6 million for fiscal year ended September 30, 2020. The increase in income before income taxes was primarily due to PPP loan debt forgiveness, which was a one-time event that will not be repeated.
Income tax benefit for fiscal year ended September 30, 2021, was ($29,000) compared to income tax expense of $1.1 million for fiscal year ended September 30, 2020.
The effective income tax rate for fiscal year ended September 30, 2021, was (0.32%), as compared to 32.0% for fiscal year ended September 30, 2020. Effective income tax rates are estimates and may vary from period to period due to changes in the amount of taxable income and non-deductible expenses.
According to the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (“CARES Act”) passed by Congress in March 2020, PPP loan forgiveness is not taxable. In accordance with the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021, the Company’s PPP related expenditures in fiscal year 2020 were considered deductible expenses for federal income tax purposes. The PPP forgiveness had a significant impact on the effective income tax rate for fiscal year ended September 30, 2021, as taxable income was decreased by $9.8 million.
Per diem paid to employees on construction projects and entertainment expenses are only partially deductible from taxable income and can have a significant impact on the effective tax rate. For the fiscal years ended September 30, 2021, and 2020, the non-deductible portion of per diem and entertainment expenses resulted in an approximate increase in taxable income of $515,000 and $530,000, respectively.
Dividends on preferred stock for fiscal years ended September 30, 2021, and 2020 were $284,238 and $309,000, respectively. There will be no further dividends paid on preferred stock after the October 6, 2021 redemption of all the Company’s preferred stock.
Net income available to common shareholders for fiscal year ended September 30, 2021, was $8.8 million compared to $2.1 million for fiscal year ended September 30, 2020.
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Comparison of Financial Condition at September 30, 2021 Compared to September 30, 2020.
The Company had total assets of $70.2 million at September 30, 2021, an increase of $12.0 million from the prior fiscal year end balance of $58.2 million.
Net property, plant and equipment totaled $22.9 million at September 30, 2021, an increase of $6.5 million from the prior fiscal year end balance of $16.4 million. Property, plant and equipment acquisitions totaled $11.3 million for fiscal year 2021 while depreciation expense was $4.7 million, and the net impact of disposals was $76,000. Assets received as part of the West Virginia Pipeline and Revolt Energy acquisitions accounted for $2.1 million of the $11.3 million in total acquisitions.
Goodwill and acquired intangible assets resulting from the West Virginia Pipeline and Revolt Energy acquisitions totaled $4.2 million at September 30, 2021, as compared to no goodwill and acquired intangible assets at the prior fiscal year end.
Contract assets totaled $8.7 million at September 30, 2021, an increase of $2.2 million from the prior fiscal year end balance of $6.5 million. This increase was primarily due to the timing of project billings and related increase in costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings at September 30, 2021 as compared to at September 30, 2020.
The aggregate balance of accounts receivable, retainages receivable, allowance for doubtful accounts and other receivables totaled $22.5 million at September 30, 2021, an increase of $1.8 million from the combined prior fiscal year end balance of $20.7 million. The increase was primarily due to a $2.5 million increase in accounts receivable related to the new subsidiaries, West Virginia Pipeline and SQP.
Prepaid expenses and other totaled $3.5 million at September 30, 2021, an increase of $200,000 from the prior fiscal year end balance of $3.3 million. The increase was primarily due to the increase of various prepaid insurance accounts based on labor cost expensed or standard monthly charges.
Cash and cash equivalents totaled $8.2 million at September 30, 2021, a decrease of $3.0 million from the prior fiscal year end balance of $11.2 million. The decrease was primarily related to a $6.0 million investment in property and equipment and $2.8 million in long-term debt repayments, partially offset by a $4.5 million increase in line of credit borrowings and $800,000 net cash provided by operating activities.
Liabilities totaled $35.5 million at September 30, 2021, an increase of $3.2 million from the prior fiscal year end balance of $32.3 million.
Lines of credit and short-term borrowings totaled $5.0 million at September 30, 2021, an increase of $4.5 million from the prior fiscal year end balance of $510,000. This increase was primarily due to borrowings against the Company’s operating line of credit.
Accounts payable totaled $7.3 million as of September 30, 2021, an increase of $2.1 million from the prior fiscal year end balance of $5.2 million. The increase was due to the timing of payments to material and equipment providers. New subsidiaries, West Virginia Pipeline and SQP, accounted for $1.1 million of the increase.
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities totaled $5.6 million at September 30, 2021, an increase of $1.4 million from the prior fiscal year end balance of $4.2 million. The increase was primarily due to increased labor and burden expenses incurred towards the end of fiscal year 2021 compared to 2020.
The aggregate balance of current maturities of long-term debt and long-term debt totaled $12.4 million at September 30, 2021, a decrease of $2.8 million from the prior fiscal year end balance of $15.3 million. The decrease was primarily due to forgiveness received on $9.8 million in PPP loans and $2.8 million in debt repayments, partially offset by a $6.4 million increase related to financing the West Virginia Pipeline acquisition and a $3.0 million increase related to the financing of equipment.
Contract liabilities totaled $3.2 million at September 30, 2021, a decrease of $1.7 million from the prior fiscal year end balance of $4.9 million. This decrease was due to a lower amount of overbillings when comparing the billed revenue and percentage of cost completed on construction projects in 2021 as compared to 2020.
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Net deferred income tax payable totaled $2.0 million at September 30, 2021, a decrease of $222,000 from the prior fiscal year end balance of $2.3 million. The decrease was primarily due to a loss from operations net of non-taxable income recognized from PPP loan forgiveness and deferred income tax payable resulting from bonus depreciation on property, plant and equipment acquisitions in fiscal year 2021.
Shareholders’ equity totaled $34.6 million at September 30, 2021, an increase of $8.8 million from the prior fiscal year end balance of $25.8 million. This increase was primarily due to $9.8 million in income related to PPP loan forgiveness, partially offset by a loss of ($742,000) prior to PPP loan forgiveness, and $284,000 in accrued preferred dividends.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Indebtedness
On December 16, 2014, the Company’s Nitro subsidiary entered into a 20-year $1.2 million loan agreement with First Bank of Charleston, Inc. (West Virginia) to purchase the office building and property it had previously been leasing for $6,300 monthly. The interest rate on this loan agreement is 4.82% with monthly payments of $7,800. The interest rate on this note is subject to change from time to time based on changes in The U.S. Treasury yield, adjusted to a constant maturity of three years as published by the Federal Reserve weekly. As of September 30, 2021, the Company had made principal payments of $281,000. The loan is collateralized by the building purchased under this agreement.
On September 16, 2015, the Company entered into a $2.5 million Non-Revolving Note agreement with United Bank, Inc. This six-year agreement gave the Company access to a $2.5 million line of credit (“Equipment Line of Credit”), specifically for the purchase of equipment, for the period of one year with an interest rate of 5.0%. After the first year, all borrowings against the Equipment Line of Credit were converted to a five-year term note agreement with an interest rate of 5.0%. As of September 30, 2021, the Company had borrowed $2.46 million against this note and had paid off the loan, which was collateralized by the equipment purchased under this agreement.
On November 13, 2015, the Company entered into a 10-year $1.1 million loan agreement with United Bank, Inc. to purchase the fabrication shop and property Nitro had previously been leasing for $12,900 each month. The interest rate on the new loan agreement is 4.25% with monthly payments of $11,602. As of September 30, 2021, the Company had made principal payments of $569,000. The loan is collateralized by the building and property purchased under this agreement.
On June 28, 2017, the Company entered into a $5.0 million Non-Revolving Note agreement with United Bank, Inc. This five-year agreement gave the Company access to a $5.0 million line of credit (“Equipment Line of Credit 2017”), specifically for the purchase of equipment, for a period of three months with an interest rate of 4.99%. After three months, all borrowings against the Equipment Line of Credit 2017 were converted to a five-year term note agreement with an interest rate of 4.99%. As of September 30, 2021, the Company had borrowed $5.0 million against this note and made principal payments of $4.2 million. The loan is collateralized by the equipment purchased under this agreement.
On December 31, 2020, West Virginia Pipeline Acquisition Company, later renamed West Virginia Pipeline, Inc., entered into a $3.0 million sellers’ note agreement with David and Daniel Bolton for the remaining purchase price of West Virginia Pipeline, Inc. For the purchase price allocation, the $3.0 million note had a fair value of $2.85 million. As part of the $6.35 million fair acquisition, the acquirer paid $3.5 million in cash in addition to the note. The unsecured five-year term note requires equal annual payments with a fixed interest rate of 3.25% on the $3.0 million sellers’ note, which equates to 5.35% on the carrying value of the note. As of September 30, 2021, the Company has made interest payments of $73,000 and expensed $22,500 in accreted interest. The Company made the first installment payment in December 2021.
On January 4, 2021, the Company entered into a $3.0 million Non-Revolving Note agreement with United Bank, Inc. This five-year agreement gave the Company access to a $3.0 million line of credit (“Equipment Line of Credit 2021”), specifically for the purchase of equipment, for a period of twelve months with a variable interest rate initially established at 4.25% as based on the Prime Rate as published by The Wall Street Journal. After twelve months, all borrowings against the Equipment Line of Credit 2021 will be converted to a four-year term note agreement with a variable interest rate initially established at 4.25%. The loan is collateralized by the equipment purchased under this agreement. As of September 30, 2021, the Company borrowed $3.0 million against this line of credit with payments set to begin in February 2022. The Company has made interest payments of $34,000 on this note as of September 30, 2021.
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On April 2, 2021, the Company entered into a $3.5 million Non-Revolving Note agreement with United Bank, Inc. This five-year agreement repaid the outstanding $3.5 million line of credit that was used for the down payment on the West Virginia Pipeline acquisition. This loan has a variable interest rate initially established at 4.25% as based on the Prime Rate as published by The Wall Street Journal. The loan is collateralized by the Company’s equipment and receivables. As of September 30, 2021, the Company had made principal payments of $316,000.
Operating Line of Credit
On August 3, 2021, the Company received a one-year extension on its line of credit (“Operating Line of credit (2021)”) effective June 28, 2021. The $15.0 million revolving line of credit has a $12.5 million component and a $2.5 million component, each with separate borrowing requirements. The interest rate on the line of credit is the “Wall Street Journal” Prime Rate (the index) with a floor of 4.99%. Based on the borrowing base calculation, the Company was able to borrow up to $12.2 million as of September 30, 2021. The Company had $4.5 million in borrowings on the line of credit, leaving $7.7 million available on the line of credit as of September 30, 2021. The interest rate at September 30, 2021, was 4.99%. Based on the borrowing base calculation, the Company was able to borrow up to $11.1 million as of September 30, 2020. The Company had no borrowings on the line of credit, as of September 30, 2020. The interest rate at September 30, 2020, was 4.99%.
Major items excluded from the borrowing base calculation are receivables from bonded jobs and retainage as well as all items greater than ninety (90) days old. Line of credit borrowings are collateralized by the Company’s accounts receivable. Cash available under the line is calculated based on 70.0% of the Company’s eligible accounts receivable.
Under the terms of the agreement, the Company must meet the following loan covenants to access the first $12.5 million:
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Minimum tangible net worth of $19.0 million to be measured quarterly, |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| 2. | Minimum traditional debt service coverage of 1.25x to be measured quarterly on a rolling twelve- month basis, |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| 3. | Minimum current ratio of 1.50x to be measured quarterly, |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| 4. | Maximum debt to tangible net worth ratio (“TNW”) of 2.0x to be measured semi-annually, |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| 5. | Full review of accounts receivable aging report and work in progress. The results of the review shall be satisfactory to the lender in its sole and unfettered discretion. |
Under the terms of the agreement, the Company must meet the following additional requirements for draw requests causing the borrowings to exceed $12.5 million:
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Minimum traditional debt service coverage of 2.0x to be measured quarterly on a rolling twelve-month basis, |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| 2. | Minimum tangible net worth of $21.0 million to be measured quarterly. |
The Company was in compliance with all covenants for the $12.5 million component of Operating Line of Credit (2021) at September 30, 2021 except for the debt service coverage ratio, for which the Company obtained a waiver from its lender.
As of September 30, 2021, the Company had $8.2 million in cash and $18.4 million in working capital. The maturities of long-term and short-term debt, which includes line of credit borrowings, term notes payable to banks, and notes payable on various equipment purchases, were as follows:
| | | | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $ | 8,441,824 | |
| 2023 | | 2,152,652 | |
| 2024 | | 2,215,516 | |
| 2025 | | 2,278,581 | |
| 2026 | | 1,739,495 | |
| Thereafter | | 634,530 | |
| | | $ | 17,462,598 |
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Off-Balance Sheet Transactions
Due to the nature of our industry, we often enter into certain off-balance sheet arrangements in the ordinary course of business that result in risks not directly reflected on our balance sheets. Though for the most part not material in nature, some of these are:
Leases
In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, “Leases (Topic 842)”. ASU 2016-02 is effective for public business entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Among other things, lessees are required to recognize the following for all leases (except for short-term leases) at the commencement date: a lease liability, which is a lessee’s obligation to make lease payments arising from a lease, measured on a discounted basis; and a right-of-use asset, which is an asset that represents the lessee’s right to use, or control the use of, a specified asset for the lease term. It is the Company’s preference to acquire equipment needed for long-term use through purchase, by cash or finance. For equipment needed on a short-term basis, the Company will enter into short-term rental agreements with the equipment provider where the agreement is cancellable at any time. The adoption of ASU 2016-02 had an immaterial impact, if any, on its consolidated financial statements.
The Company leases office space for SQP Construction Group for $1,500 per month. The lease, signed on March 25, 2021, is for a period of two years with five one-year renewals available immediately following the end of the base term. Rental terms for the option periods shall be negotiated and agree mutually between the parties and shall not exceed five percent increases to rent, if any. The lease is expensed monthly and not treated as a right-to-use asset as it does not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
The Company rents equipment for use on construction projects with rental agreements being week to week or month to month. Rental expense can vary by fiscal year due to equipment requirements on construction projects and the availability of Company owned equipment. Rental expense, which is included in cost of goods sold on the Consolidated Income Statement, was $3.6 million and $4.2 million for the twelve months ended September 30, 2021, and 2020, respectively.
Letters of Credit
Certain of our customers or vendors may require letters of credit to secure payments that the vendors are making on our behalf or to secure payments to subcontractors, vendors, etc. on various customer projects. At September 30, 2021, the Company did not have any outstanding letters of credit.
Performance Bonds
Some customers, particularly new ones or governmental agencies require the Company to post bid bonds, performance bonds and payment bonds (collectively, performance bonds). These bonds are obtained through insurance carriers and guarantee to the customer that we will perform under the terms of a contract and that we will pay subcontractors and vendors. If the Company fails to perform under a contract or to pay subcontractors and vendors, the customer may demand that the insurer make payments or provide services under the bond. The Company must reimburse the insurer for any expenses or outlays it is required to make.
Currently, the Company has an agreement with a surety company to provide bonding which will suit the Company’s immediate needs. The ability to obtain bonding for future contracts is an important factor in the contracting industry with respect to the type and value of contracts that can be bid. Depending upon the size and conditions of a particular contract, the Company may be required to post letters of credit or other collateral in favor of the insurer. Posting of these letters or other collateral will reduce our borrowing capabilities. The Company does not anticipate any claims in the foreseeable future. At September 30, 2021, the Company had $30.1 million in performance bonds outstanding.
Concentration of Credit Risk
In the ordinary course of business, the Company grants credit under normal payment terms, generally without collateral, to our customers, which include natural gas and oil companies, general contractors, and various commercial and industrial customers located within the United States. Consequently, the Company is subject to potential credit risk related to business and economic factors that would affect these companies. However, the Company generally has certain statutory lien rights with respect to services provided.
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Under certain circumstances such as foreclosure, the Company may take title to the underlying assets in lieu of cash in settlement of receivables.
Please see the tables below for customers that represent 10.0% or more of the Company’s revenue or accounts receivable net of retention for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2021, and 2020:
| | | | | | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Revenue | FY 2021 | FY 2020 | |||
| TransCanada Corporation | 11.0 | % | 24.7 | % | |
| Marathon Petroleum | | * | 11.1 | % | |
| All other | 89.0 | % | 64.2 | % | |
| Total | 100.0 | % | 100.0 | % |
* Less than 10.0% and included in "All other" if applicable
| | | | | | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Accounts receivable net of retention | FY 2021 | FY 2020 | |||
| Kentucky American Water | 16.3 | % | | * | |
| TransCanada Corporation | 13.2 | % | 18.4 | % | |
| Marathon Petroleum | | | * | 19.7 | % |
| Shimizu North American LLC | | | * | 11.9 | % |
| All other | 70.5 | % | 50.0 | % | |
| Total | 100.0 | % | 100.0 | % |
* Less than 10.0% and included in "All other" if applicable
Virtually all work performed for major customers was awarded under competitive bid fixed price or unit price arrangements. The loss of a major customer could have a severe impact on the profitability of operations of the Company. However, due to the nature of the Company’s operations, the major customers and sources of revenues may change from year to year.
Litigation
In February 2018, the Company filed a lawsuit against a former customer (“Defendant”) in the United States District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania. The lawsuit is related to a dispute over changes on a pipeline construction project. On November 9, 2021, the Company was awarded $5.8 million, none of which has been recognized in the Company’s financial statements. The Defendant has filed motions to request a new trial or a renewed judgement as a matter of law, which has not been ruled upon. The Company anticipates that a final judgement order will be issued in the first calendar quarter of 2022. A party to a civil lawsuit usually has 30 days from the entry of judgment to file a notice of appeal.
Other than described above, at September 30, 2021, the Company was not involved in any legal proceedings other than in the ordinary course of business. The Company is a party from time to time to various lawsuits, claims and other legal proceedings that arise in the ordinary course of business. These actions typically seek, among other things, compensation for alleged personal injury, breach of contract and/or property damages, punitive damages, civil penalties or other losses, or injunctive or declaratory relief. With respect to all such lawsuits, claims, and proceedings, we record reserves when it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of loss can be reasonably estimated. At September 30, 2021, the Company does not believe that any of these proceedings, separately or in aggregate, would be expected to have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
Related Party Transactions
We intend that all transactions between us and our executive officers, directors, holders of 10% or more of the shares of any class of our common stock and affiliates thereof, will be on terms no less favorable than those terms given to unaffiliated third parties and will be approved by a majority of our independent outside directors not having any interest in the transaction.
On December 16, 2014, the Company’s Nitro subsidiary entered into a 20-year $1.2 million loan agreement with First Bank of Charleston, Inc. (West Virginia) to purchase the office building and property it had previously been leasing for $6,300 each month. The interest rate on the loan agreement is 4.82% with monthly payments of $7,800. As of September 30, 2021, the Company had paid approximately $281,000 in principal and approximately $351,000 in interest since the beginning of the loan. Mr. Douglas Reynolds,
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President of Energy Services, was a director and secretary of First Bank of Charleston. Mr. Samuel Kapourales, a director of Energy Services, was also a director of First Bank of Charleston. On October 15, 2018, First Bank of Charleston was merged into Premier Bank, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Premier Financial Bancorp, Inc. Mr. Marshall Reynolds, Chairman of the Board of Energy Services, held the same position with Premier Financial Bancorp Inc. Mr. Douglas Reynolds is the president and a director of Energy Services and was a director of Premier Financial Bancorp, Inc. On September 17, 2021, Peoples Bancorp, Inc., parent company of Peoples Bank, completed an acquisition of Premier Financial Bancorp, Inc. and its wholly owned subsidiaries, Premier Bank and Citizens Deposit Bank & Trust. On October 26, 2021, Mr. Douglas Reynolds was elected a director of Peoples Bancorp, Inc., and its subsidiary Peoples Bank.
On December 31, 2020, West Virginia Pipeline Acquisition Company, later renamed West Virginia Pipeline, Inc., entered into a $3.0 million sellers’ note agreement with David and Daniel Bolton for the remaining purchase price of West Virginia Pipeline, Inc. For the purchase price allocation, the $3.0 million note had a fair value of $2.85 million. As part of the $6.35 million fair acquisition, the acquirer paid $3.5 million in cash in addition to the note. The unsecured five-year term note requires equal annual payments with a fixed interest rate of 3.25% on the $3.0 million sellers’ note, which equates to 5.35% on the carrying value of the note. As of September 30, 2021, the Company has made interest payments of $73,000 and expensed $22,500 in accreted interest. The Company made the first installment payment in December 2021.
Other than mentioned above, there were no new material related party transactions entered into during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2021.
Certain Energy Services subsidiaries routinely engage in transactions in the normal course of business with each other, including sharing employee benefit plan coverage, payment for insurance and other expenses on behalf of other affiliates, and other services incidental to business of each of the affiliates. All revenue and related expense transactions, as well as the related accounts payable and accounts receivable have been eliminated in consolidation.
Inflation
Most significant project materials, such as pipe or electrical wire, are provided by the Company’s customers. Therefore, inflation did not have a significant effect on our results for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2021, and 2020. However, significant inflation or supply chain issues could cause customers to delay or cancel planned projects.
Critical Accounting Estimates
The discussion and analysis of the Company’s financial condition and results of operations are based on our consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. The preparation of these consolidated financial statements requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities known to exist at the date of the consolidated financial statements and reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. We evaluate our estimates on an ongoing basis, based on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. There can be no assurance that actual results will not differ from those estimates. Management believes the following accounting policies affect our more significant judgments and estimates used in the preparation of our consolidated financial statements.
Revenues
The Company recognizes revenue as performance obligations are satisfied and control of the promised good and service is transferred to the customer. For Lump Sum and Unit Price contracts, revenue is ordinarily recognized over time as control is transferred to the customers by measuring the progress toward complete satisfaction of the performance obligation(s) using an input (i.e., “cost to cost”) method. For Cost Plus and Time and Material (“T&M”) contracts, revenue is ordinarily recognized over time as control is transferred to the customers by measuring the progress toward satisfaction of the performance obligation(s) using an output method. The Company also does certain T&M service work that is generally completed in a short duration and is recognized at a point in time.
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The accuracy of our revenue and profit recognition in a given period depends on the accuracy of our estimates of the cost to complete each project. We believe our experience allows us to create materially reliable estimates. There are a number of factors that can contribute to changes in estimates of contract cost and profitability. The most significant of these include:
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | the completeness and accuracy of the original bid; |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | costs associated with scope changes; |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | changes in costs of labor and/or materials; |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | extended overhead and other costs due to owner, weather and other delays; |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | subcontractor performance issues; |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | changes in productivity expectations; |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | site conditions that differ from those assumed in the original bid; |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | changes from original design on design-build projects; |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | the availability and skill level of workers in the geographic location of the project; |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | a change in the availability and proximity of equipment and materials; |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | our ability to fully and promptly recover on affirmative claims and back charges for additional contract costs; and |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | the customer’s ability to properly administer the contract. |
The foregoing factors, as well as the stage of completion of contracts in process and the mix of contracts at different margins may cause fluctuations in gross profit from period to period. Significant changes in cost estimates, particularly in our larger, more complex projects could have, a significant effect on our profitability.
Our contract assets include cost and estimated earnings in excess of billings that represent amounts earned and reimbursable under contracts, including claim recovery estimates, but have a conditional right for billing and payment such as achievement of milestones or completion of the project. With the exception of customer affirmative claims, generally, such unbilled amounts will become billable according to the contract terms and generally will be billed and collected over the next three months. Settlement with the customer of outstanding affirmative claims is dependent on the claims resolution process and could extend beyond one year. Based on our historical experience, we generally consider the collection risk related to billable amounts to be low. When events or conditions indicate that it is probable that the amounts outstanding become unbillable, the transaction price and associated contract asset is reduced.
Our contract liabilities consist of provisions for losses and billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings. Provisions for losses are recognized in the consolidated statements of income at the uncompleted performance obligation level for the amount of total estimated losses in the period that evidence indicates that the estimated total cost of a performance obligation exceeds its estimated total revenue. Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings are billings to customers on contracts in advance of work performed, including advance payments negotiated as a contract condition. Generally, unearned project-related costs will be earned over the next twelve months.
The following table presents our costs and estimated earning in excess of billings and billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings at September 30, 2021, and 2020:
| | | | | | | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| | | Year Ended September 30, | ||||
| | | 2021 | | 2020 | ||
| Costs incurred on contracts in progress | $ | 64,903,618 | $ | 74,996,405 | ||
| Estimated earnings, net of estimated losses | | 13,280,334 | | 16,067,668 | ||
| | | 78,183,952 | | 91,064,073 | ||
| Less billings to date | | 72,606,840 | | 89,370,110 | ||
| | | $ | 5,577,112 | | $ | 1,693,963 |
| | | | | | | |
| Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billed on | | | ||||
| uncompleted contracts | | $ | 8,730,402 | | $ | 6,545,863 |
| Less billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings on | | | | | | |
| uncompleted contracts | | 3,153,290 | | 4,851,900 | ||
| | | | | | | |
| | | $ | 5,577,112 | | $ | 1,693,963 |
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Allowance for doubtful accounts
The Company provides an allowance for doubtful accounts when collection of an account is considered doubtful. Inherent in the assessment of the allowance for doubtful accounts are certain judgments and estimates relating to, among others, our customers’ access to capital, our customers’ willingness or ability to pay, general economic conditions and the ongoing relationship with the customers. While most of our customers are large well capitalized companies, should they experience material changes in their revenues and cash flows or incur other difficulties and not be able to pay the amounts owed, this could cause reduced cash flows and losses in excess of our current reserves.
Materially incorrect estimates of bad debt reserves could result in an unexpected loss in profitability for the Company. Additionally, frequently changing reserves could be an indication of risky or unreliable customers. At September 30, 2021, the management review deemed that the allowance for doubtful accounts was adequate. Please see the table below:
| | | | | | | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| | | Year Ended September 30, | ||||
| | | 2021 | | 2020 | ||
| | | | | | | |
| Balance at beginning of year | $ | 70,310 | $ | 70,310 | ||
| Charged to expense | | — | | — | ||
| Deductions for uncollectible receivables written off, net of recoveries | | — | | — | ||
| Balance at end of year | | $ | 70,310 | | $ | 70,310 |
Impairment of goodwill and intangible assets
The Company follows the guidance of ASC 350-20-35-3 Intangibles-Goodwill and Other (Topic 350) which requires a company to record an impairment charge based on the excess of a reporting unit’s carrying amount of goodwill over its fair value. Under the current guidance, companies can first choose to assess any impairment based on qualitative factors (Step 0). If a company fails this test or decides to bypass this step, it must proceed with a two-step quantitative assessment of goodwill impairment. The Company did not have a goodwill impairment at September 30, 2021.
Based on management's preliminary valuation of tangible and intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed, the West Virginia Pipeline and Revolt Energy acquisitions resulted in goodwill of $4.2 million and intangible assets of $400,000. A subsequent independent, third-party fair value evaluation analysis of the purchase price allocations resulted in the reclassification of $2.3 million from goodwill to intangible assets, primarily customer relationships. At September 30, 2021, goodwill and intangible assets were $1.8 million and $2.4 million, respectively.
Materially incorrect estimates could cause an impairment to goodwill or intangible assets and result in a loss in profitability for the Company.
A table of the Company’s intangible assets subject to amortization is below:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| | Remaining Life at | | | | | Amortization and | | | ||||||
| | | September 30, | | Original | | Accumulated | | Impairment FY | | Net Book | ||||
| Intangible assets: | | 2021 | | Cost | | Amortization | | 2021 | | Value | ||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| West Virginia Pipeline | | | | | | | | | | |||||
| Customer Relationships | | 111 months | | $ | 2,209,724 | | $ | 165,725 | | $ | 165,725 | | $ | 2,043,999 |
| Tradename | | 111 months | | | 263,584 | | | 19,772 | | | 19,772 | | | 243,812 |
| Non-competes | 51 months | | | 83,203 | | | 31,202 | | | 31,202 | | | 52,001 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Revolt Energy | | | | | ||||||||||
| Non-compete | 31 months | | 100,000 | | 13,889 | | 13,889 | | 86,111 | |||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Total intangible assets | | $ | 2,656,511 | | $ | 230,588 | | $ | 230,588 | | $ | 2,425,923 |
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Depreciation
The purpose of depreciation is to represent an accurate value of assets on the books. Every year, as assets are used, their values are reduced on the balance sheet and expensed on the income statement. As depreciation is a noncash expense, the amount must be estimated. Each year a certain amount of depreciation is written off and the book value of the asset is reduced.
Property and equipment are recorded at cost. Costs which extend the useful lives or increase the productivity of the assets are capitalized, while normal repairs and maintenance that do not extend the useful life or increase productivity of the asset are expensed as incurred. Property and equipment are depreciated principally on the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets: buildings 39 years; operating equipment and vehicles 5-7 years; and office equipment, furniture and fixtures 5-7 years.
The Company’s depreciation expense for fiscal years ended September 30, 2021, and 2020 was $4.7 million and $4.4 million, respectively. In general, depreciation is included in “cost of revenues” on the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Income.
Materially incorrect estimates of depreciation and/or the useful lives of assets could significantly impact the value of property, plant, and equipment on the Company’s financial statements. A material over valuation could result in impairment charges and reduced profitability for the Company.
Income Taxes
Our income tax expense and deferred tax assets and liabilities reflect management’s best estimate of current and future taxes to be paid. Significant judgments and estimates are required in the determination of the consolidated income tax expense. The Company’s provision for income taxes is computed by applying a federal rate of 21.0% and a state rate of 6.0%.
Permanent income tax differences result in an increase or decrease to taxable income and impact the Company’s effective tax rates, which were (.32%) and 32.0% for fiscal years 2021 and 2020, respectively. Our tax rate is affected by recurring items, such as non-tax deductible portions of per diem paid to construction personnel, which we expect to be fairly consistent in the near term. For the fiscal years ended September 30, 2021, and 2020, the non-deductible portion of per diem and entertainment expenses resulted in approximate increases in taxable income of $515,000 and $530,000, respectively. Our tax estimates are also affected by discrete items that may occur in any given year but are not consistent from year to year. In fiscal year 2021, $9.8 million in PPP loan forgiveness was excluded from taxable income. Additionally, the Company is expecting to receive approximately a $250,000 federal income tax credit related to a solar installation project at its Nitro, WV facility.
Deferred income taxes arise from temporary differences between the tax basis of assets and liabilities and their reported amounts in the financial statements, which will result in taxable or deductible amounts in the future. At September 30, 2021, the Company had a net deferred income tax liability of $2.0 million as compared to $2.3 million at September 30, 2020. The Company’s deferred income tax liabilities at September 30, 2021 was $4.9 million and primarily related to depreciation on property and equipment. The Company’s deferred income tax assets at September 30, 2021 was $2.9 million and primarily related to a net operating loss (“NOL”) carryforward. The Company believes that it is more likely than not that all NOL carryforwards will be realized.
The Company’s tax provision is evaluated as part of its annual audit; however, a material difference between the provision and actual income tax filings could result in adjustments to income tax benefits or expenses and deferred tax assets and liabilities. Changes in tax laws and rates may also affect recorded deferred tax assets and liabilities and our effective tax rate in the future.
New Accounting Pronouncements
In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-04, “Intangibles-Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment”. ASU 2017-04 is effective for public business entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, including interim periods within those fiscal years. The update was issued to simplify the subsequent measurement of goodwill by eliminating Step 2 from the goodwill impairment test. Under the amendments in this Update, an entity should perform its annual, or interim, goodwill impairment test by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount. An entity should recognize an impairment charge for the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the reporting unit’s fair value; however, the loss recognized should not exceed the total amount of goodwill allocated to that reporting unit. Additionally, an entity should consider income tax effects from any tax-deductible goodwill on the carrying amount of the reporting unit when measuring the goodwill impairment loss, if applicable. The Company has adopted ASU 2017-04 and it did not have a material impact on its financial statements or disclosure.
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On October 28, 2021, the FASB released ASU 2021-08, “Business Combinations (Topic 805): Accounting for Contract Assets and Contract Liabilities from Contracts with Customers”. The amendments of this ASU require entities to apply Topic 606 to recognize and measure contract assets and contract liabilities in a business combination. The amendments improve comparability after the business combination by providing consistent recognition and measurement guidance for revenue contracts with customers acquired in a business combination and revenue contracts with customers not acquired in a business combination. The amendments are effective for public business entities for fiscal years, including interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2022. For all other entities they are effective for fiscal years, including interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2023. Entities should apply the amendments prospectively to business combinations that occur after the effective date. Early adoption is permitted, including in any interim period, for public business entities for periods for which financial statements have not yet been issued, and for all other entities for periods for which financial statements have not yet been made available for issuance.
Subsequent Events
On October 6, 2021, the Company’s transfer agent completed the previously disclosed Series A Preferred Stock redemption, which resulted in the issuance of 2,626,492 new shares of the Company’s common stock, the issuance of 317,500 common shares that were included in Series A Preferred Stock units, and cash redemption payments of approximately $1.3 million. The Company’s total outstanding common shares after redemption was 16,247,898 as of October 6, 2021.
On November 9, 2021, the Company was awarded $5.8 million in a lawsuit related to construction services performed for a former customer (“Defendant”), none of which has been recognized in the Company’s financial statements. The Defendant has filed motions to request a new trial or a renewed judgement as a matter of law, which has not been ruled upon. The Company anticipates that a final judgement order will be issued in the first calendar quarter of 2022. A party to a civil lawsuit usually has 30 days from the entry of judgment to file a notice of appeal.
On November 12, 2021, the Company received a withdrawal liability claim from a pension plan to which the Company made pension contributions for union construction employees performing covered work in a particular jurisdiction. The Company has not performed covered work in their jurisdiction since 2011; however, the Company disagrees with the withdrawal claim and believes it is covered by an exemption under federal law. The demand called for thirty-four quarterly installment payments of $41,000 starting December 15, 2021. The Company must comply with the demand under federal pension law; however, the Company firmly believes no withdrawal liability exists and plans to seek arbitration to resolve the matter. If successfully arbitrated, the Company expects to receive repayment of all installment payments made.
Management has evaluated subsequent events through December 29, 2021, the date which the financial statements were available for issue. There have been no material events noted during the period that would either impact the results reflected in this report or the Company’s results going forward.