COMFORT SYSTEMS USA INC - Annual Report: 2013 (Form 10-K)

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ITEM 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

Form 10-K

Commission file number: 1-13011

Comfort Systems USA, Inc.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

675 Bering Drive
Suite 400
Houston, Texas 77057
(713) 830-9600
(Address and telephone number of Principal Executive Offices)

         Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

         Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None

         Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes o    No ý

         Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Act. Yes o    No ý

         Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes ý    No o

         Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Website, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes ý    No o

         Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation SK is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of the registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. o

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

         Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Exchange Act Rule 12b-2). Yes o    No ý

         The aggregate market value of the voting stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant at June 30, 2013 was approximately $556.8 million, based on the $14.92 last sale price of the registrant's common stock on the New York Stock Exchange on June 30, 2013.

         As of February 21, 2014, 37,634,927 shares of the registrant's common stock were outstanding (excluding treasury shares of 3,488,438).

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

         The information required by Part III (other than the required information regarding executive officers) is incorporated by reference from the registrant's definitive proxy statement, which will be filed with the Commission not later than 120 days following December 31, 2013.

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FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

        Certain statements and information in this Annual Report on Form 10-K may constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The words "believe," "expect," "anticipate," "plan," "intend," "foresee," "should," "would," "could," or other similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, which are generally not historic in nature. These forward-looking statements are based on the current expectations and beliefs of Comfort Systems USA, Inc. and its subsidiaries (collectively, the "Company") concerning future developments and their effect on the Company. While the Company's management believes that these forward-looking statements are reasonable as and when made, there can be no assurance that future developments affecting the Company will be those that it anticipates. All comments concerning the Company's expectations for future revenue and operating results are based on the Company's forecasts for its existing operations and do not include the potential impact of any future acquisitions. The Company's forward-looking statements involve significant risks and uncertainties (some of which are beyond the Company's control) and assumptions that could cause actual future results to differ materially from the Company's historical experience and its present expectations or projections. Known material factors that could cause the Company's actual results to differ from those in the forward-looking statements are those described in Part I, "Item 1A. Risk Factors."

        Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements after the date they are made, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

PART I

        The terms "Comfort Systems," "we," "us," or "the Company" refer to Comfort Systems USA, Inc. or Comfort Systems USA, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries, as appropriate in the context.

ITEM 1.    Business

        Comfort Systems USA, Inc., a Delaware corporation, was established in 1997. We provide comprehensive heating, ventilation and air conditioning ("HVAC") installation, maintenance, repair and replacement services within the mechanical services industry. We have 36 operating units in 79 cities and 88 locations throughout the United States.

        We operate primarily in the commercial, industrial and institutional HVAC markets and perform most of our services within office buildings, retail centers, apartment complexes, manufacturing plants, and healthcare, education and government facilities. In addition to standard HVAC services, we provide specialized applications such as building automation control systems, fire protection, process cooling, electronic monitoring and process piping. Certain locations also perform related activities such as electrical service and plumbing. Approximately 99% of our consolidated 2013 revenue was derived from commercial, industrial and institutional customers and large multi-family residential projects. Approximately 42% of our revenue was attributable to installation services in newly constructed facilities and 58% was attributable to maintenance, repair and replacement services. Our consolidated 2013 revenue was derived from the following service activities, all of which are in the mechanical services industry, the single industry segment we serve:

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        Our Internet address is http://www.comfortsystemsusa.com. We make available free of charge on or through our website our annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, and amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Exchange Act as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file such material with, or furnish it to, the Securities and Exchange Commission. Our website also includes our code of ethics, titled "Corporate Compliance Policy: Standards and Procedures Regarding Business Practices," together with other governance materials including our corporate governance guidelines and our Board committee charters. Printed versions of our code of ethics and our corporate governance guidelines may be obtained upon written request to our Corporate Compliance Officer at our headquarters address.

Industry Overview

        We believe that the commercial, industrial, and institutional HVAC industry has historically generated annual revenue in excess of $40 billion. HVAC systems are necessary to virtually all commercial, industrial and institutional buildings as well as homes. Because most buildings are sealed, HVAC systems provide the primary method of circulating fresh air in such buildings. In many instances, replacing an aging system with a modern, energy-efficient HVAC system significantly reduces a building's operating costs and improves air quality and HVAC system effectiveness. Older commercial, industrial and institutional facilities often have poor air quality as well as inadequate air conditioning, and older HVAC systems result in significantly higher energy costs than do modern systems. These factors cause many facility owners to consider replacing older systems before the end of their functioning lives.

        Many factors positively affect HVAC industry growth, particularly (i) population growth, which has increased the need for commercial, industrial and institutional space, (ii) an aging installed base of buildings and HVAC environmental and energy efficiency equipment, (iii) increasing sophistication, complexity and efficiency of HVAC systems, (iv) growing emphasis on environmental and energy efficiency, and (v) reduction or elimination of the refrigerants commonly used in older HVAC systems. We believe these factors should increase demand for the reconfiguration or replacement of existing HVAC systems and may also mitigate, to some extent, the effect on the HVAC industry of the cyclicality inherent in the traditional construction industry.

        The HVAC industry can be broadly divided into two service functions:

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installation in newly constructed facilities, which provided approximately 42% of our revenue in 2013, and



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maintenance, repair and replacement in existing facilities, which provided the remaining 58% of our 2013 revenue.

        Installation Services—Installation services consist of "design and build" and "plan and spec" projects. In "design and build" projects, the commercial HVAC company is responsible for designing, engineering and installing a cost-effective, energy-efficient system customized to the specific needs of the building owner. Costs and other project terms are normally negotiated between the building owner or its representative and the HVAC company. Companies that specialize in "design and build" projects generally have specially trained HVAC engineers, CAD/CAM design systems and in-house sheet metal and prefabrication capabilities. These companies use a consultative approach with customers and tend to develop long-term relationships with building owners and developers, general contractors, architects, consulting engineers and property managers. "Plan and spec" installation refers to projects in which a third-party architect or consulting engineer designs the HVAC systems and the installation project is "put out for bid." We believe that "plan and spec" projects usually take longer to complete than "design and build" projects because the system design and installation process generally are not integrated, thus resulting in more frequent adjustments to the technical specifications of the project and

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corresponding changes in work requirements and schedules. These adjustments can occur during the bid process or during the project itself, in either case adding weeks or months to the project schedule. Furthermore, in "plan and spec" projects, the HVAC company is not responsible for project design and other parties must also approve any changes, thereby increasing overall project time and cost.

        Maintenance, Repair and Replacement Services—These services include maintaining, repairing, replacing, reconfiguring and monitoring previously installed HVAC systems and building automation controls. The growth and aging of the installed base of HVAC systems and the demand for more efficient and sophisticated systems and building automation controls have fueled growth in this service line. The increasing complexity of these HVAC systems is leading many commercial, industrial and institutional building owners and property managers to increase attention to maintenance and to outsource maintenance and repair, often through service agreements with HVAC service providers. In addition, further restrictions have been placed on the use of certain types of refrigerants used in HVAC systems, which, along with indoor air quality concerns, may increase demand for the reconfiguration and replacement of existing HVAC systems. State-of-the-art control and monitoring systems feature electronic sensors and microprocessors. These systems require specialized training to install, maintain and repair, and the typical building engineer employed directly by a building owner or manager has not received this training. Increasingly, HVAC systems in commercial, industrial and institutional buildings are being remotely monitored through computer-based communications systems to improve energy efficiency and expedite problem diagnosis and correction, thereby allowing us to provide maintenance and repair services at a lower cost.

Strategy

        We focus on strengthening operating competencies and on increasing profit margins. The key objectives of our strategy are to generate growth in our construction and service operations, improve productivity through innovation and to acquire complementing businesses. In order to accomplish our objectives we are currently focused on the following elements:

        Achieve Excellence in Core Competencies—We have identified six core competencies that we believe are critical to attracting and retaining customers, increasing operating income and cash flow and creating additional employment opportunities. The six core competencies are: (i) customer cultivation and rapport, (ii) design and build expertise, (iii) estimating, (iv) job costing and job measurements, (v) safety, and (vi) service capability.

        Achieve Operating Efficiencies—We think we can achieve operating efficiencies and cost savings through purchasing economies, adopting "best practices" operating programs, and focusing on job management to deliver services in a cost-effective and efficient manner. We have placed great emphasis on improving the "job loop" at our locations—qualifying, estimating, pricing and executing projects effectively and efficiently, then promptly assessing project experience for applicability to current and future projects. We also use our combined purchasing to gain volume discounts on products and services such as HVAC components, raw materials, services, vehicles, bonding, insurance and employee benefits.

        Attract, Retain and Invest in our Employees—We seek to attract and retain quality employees by providing them an enhanced career path from working for a larger company, the opportunity to realize a more stable income and attractive benefits packages. Over the past few years we have made substantial investments in training, including programs for project managers, field superintendents, service managers, sales managers, estimators, and more recently, leadership and development of key managers and leaders. We believe these programs can lead to significantly increased efficiency and growth.

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        Focus on Commercial, Industrial and Institutional Markets—We primarily focus on the commercial, industrial and institutional markets, with particular emphasis on "design and build" installation services, and on maintenance, repair and replacement services. We believe that the commercial, industrial and institutional HVAC markets are attractive because of their growth opportunities, large and diverse customer base, reduced weather exposure as compared to residential markets, attractive margins and potential for long-term relationships with building owners, property managers, general contractors and architects. We believe that although the end-use is ultimately residential, large multi-family projects have many of the same characteristics as commercial construction and we participate in this market when conditions are favorable. Approximately 99% of our consolidated 2013 revenue was derived from commercial, industrial and institutional customers and large multi-family residential projects.

        Leveraging Resources and Capabilities—We believe significant operating efficiencies can be achieved by leveraging resources among our operating locations. For example, we have shifted certain prefabrication activities into centralized locations thereby increasing asset utilization in these centralized locations and redirecting prefabrication employees into other operational areas. We also allocate our engineering, field and supervisory labor from one operation to another to more fully use our employee base, meet our customers' needs and share expertise. We believe we have realized scale benefits from combining purchasing, insurance, benefits, bonding and financing activities across our operations. We also believe larger regional and national commercial, industrial and institutional entities can benefit from consolidating their HVAC needs with service companies that are capable of providing those services regionally or nationally. In response to this opportunity, we operate a national call center to dispatch technicians to regional and national sites requiring service and use web-based proprietary information systems to maintain information on the customer's sites and equipment.

        Maintain a Diverse Customer, Geographic and Project Base—We have what we believe is a well-diversified distribution of revenue across end-use sectors that reduces our exposure to negative developments in any given sector. We also believe we have a reasonable degree of geographical diversification, again reducing our exposure to negative developments in any given region. Our distribution of revenue in 2013 by end-use sector was as follows:

        Approximately 83% of our revenue is earned on a project basis for installation of HVAC systems in newly constructed facilities or for replacement of HVAC systems in existing facilities. As of December 31, 2013, we had 3,321 projects in process with an aggregate contract value of approximately $1,787.4 million. Our average project takes six to nine months to complete, with an average contract price of approximately $538,000. This relatively small average project size, when taken together with the approximately 17% of our revenue derived from maintenance and service, provides us with what we

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believe is a broad base of work for a company involved in the construction services sector. A stratification of projects in progress as of December 31, 2013, by contract price, is as follows:

        Seek Growth Through Expansion and Acquisitions—We believe that we can increase our operating income by opportunistically entering new markets or service lines through expansion and acquisition. We have based such expansion on existing customers, relationships or expertise, and expect to selectively pursue such opportunities in the future. We continually seek opportunities to acquire businesses that have attractive valuations and meet other criteria involving financial, operational, management and geographic considerations.

        We are investing in initiatives to expand the proportion of our revenue that is service based. We are actively concentrating our existing managerial resources on training and hiring experienced employees to procure and profitably perform service work. In some locations we have added service capability, and we believe our investments and efforts will stimulate growth in all aspects of the commercial HVAC and service and repair business.

Operations and Services Provided

        We provide a wide range of installation, maintenance, repair and replacement services for HVAC and related systems in commercial, industrial and institutional properties. We manage our locations on a decentralized basis, with local management maintaining responsibility for day-to-day operating decisions. Our local management is augmented by regional leadership that focuses on core business competencies, regional financial performance, cooperation and coordination between locations, implementing best practices and on major corporate initiatives. In addition to senior management, local personnel generally include design engineers, sales personnel, customer service personnel, installation and service technicians, sheet metal and prefabrication technicians, estimators and administrative personnel. We have centralized certain administrative functions such as insurance, employee benefits, training, safety programs, marketing and cash management to enable our local operating management to focus on pursuing new business opportunities and improving operating efficiencies. We also combine certain back office and administrative functions at various locations.

        Installation Services—Our installation business related to newly constructed facilities, which comprised approximately 42% of our consolidated 2013 revenue, involves the design, engineering, integration, installation and start-up of HVAC, building automation controls and related systems. We provide "design and build" and "plan and spec" installation services for office buildings, retail centers, apartment complexes, manufacturing plants, healthcare, education and government facilities and other commercial, industrial and institutional facilities. In a "design and build" installation, working with the customer, we determine the needed capacity and energy efficiency of the HVAC system that best suits the proposed facility. We then estimate the amount of time, labor, materials and equipment needed to build the specified system. The final design, terms, price and timing of the project are then negotiated with the customer or its representatives, after which any necessary modifications are made to the system plan. In "plan and spec" installation, we participate in a bid process to provide labor,

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equipment, materials and installation based on plans and engineering specifications provided by a customer, general contractor or consulting engineer.

        Once an agreement has been reached, we order the necessary materials and equipment for delivery to meet the project schedule. In many instances, we fabricate the ductwork and piping and assemble certain components for the system based on the mechanical drawing specifications, eliminating the need to subcontract ductwork or piping fabrication. Then we install the system at the project site, working closely with the general contractor. Our average project takes six to nine months to complete, with an average contract price of approximately $538,000. We also perform larger project work, with 362 contracts in progress at December 31, 2013 with contract prices in excess of $1 million. Our largest project currently in progress has a contract price of $58.8 million. Project contracts typically provide for periodic billings to the customer as we meet progress milestones or incur cost on the project. Project contracts in our industry also frequently allow for a small portion of progress billings or contract price to be withheld by the customer until after we have completed the work, typically for six months. Amounts withheld under this practice are known as retention or retainage.

        We also install process cooling systems and building automation controls and monitoring systems. Process cooling systems are used primarily in industrial facilities to provide heating and/or cooling to precise temperature and climate standards for products being manufactured and for the manufacturing equipment. Building automation control systems are used in HVAC and process cooling systems to maintain pre-established temperature or climate standards for commercial or industrial facilities. Building automation control systems are capable not only of controlling a facility's entire HVAC system, often on a room-by-room basis, but can also be programmed to integrate energy management, and monitoring for purposes of security, fire, card key access, lighting and other building systems. This monitoring can be performed on-site or remotely through a computer-based communications system. The monitoring system communicates an exception when a system is operating outside pre-established parameters. Diagnosis of potential problems and remedial adjustments can often be performed remotely from system monitoring terminals.

        Maintenance, Repair and Replacement Services—Our maintenance, repair and replacement services comprised approximately 58% of our consolidated 2013 revenue and include the maintenance, repair, replacement, reconfiguration and monitoring of HVAC systems and industrial process piping. Approximately 71% of our maintenance, repair and replacement revenue were derived from replacing and reconfiguring existing HVAC systems for commercial, industrial and institutional customers. Replacement and reconfiguration are usually performed on a project basis and often use consultative expertise similar to that provided in the "design and build" installation market.

        Maintenance and repair services are provided either in response to service calls or under a service agreement. Service calls are coordinated by customer service representatives or dispatchers that use computer and communication technology to process orders, arrange service calls, communicate with customers, dispatch technicians and invoice customers. Service technicians work from service vehicles equipped with commonly used parts, supplies and tools to complete a variety of jobs. Commercial, industrial and institutional service agreements usually have terms of one to three years, with automatic annual renewals, and typically with thirty- to sixty-day cancellation notice periods. We also provide remote monitoring of temperature, pressure, humidity and air flow for HVAC systems. If the system is not operating within the specifications set forth by the customer and cannot be remotely adjusted, a service crew is dispatched to analyze and repair the system.

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Sources of Supply

        The raw materials and components we use include HVAC system components, ductwork, steel, sheet metal and copper tubing and piping. These raw materials and components are generally available from a variety of domestic or foreign suppliers at competitive prices. Delivery times are typically short for most raw materials and standard components, but during periods of peak demand, may extend to one month or more. Over the last several years, many steel, iron and copper products, in particular, have experienced significant price fluctuation and some constrained availability. We estimate that direct purchase of commodities and finished products comprises between 10% and 15% of our average project cost. We have procedures to reduce commodity cost exposure; early buying of commodities for particular projects, or for general inventory, as well as including escalation and escape provisions in project bids and contracts wherever possible. The negative effects of unrecovered commodity cost inflation in our project results have been modest, and are reviewed further in Item 7 "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" later in this report.

        Chillers for large units typically have the longest delivery time and generally have lead times of up to six months. The major components of commercial HVAC systems are compressors and chillers that are manufactured primarily by Carrier, Lennox, McQuay, Trane and York. The major suppliers of building automation control systems are Honeywell, Johnson Controls, Siemens, York, Automated Logic, Novar and Andover Control Corporation. We do not have any significant contracts guaranteeing us a supply of raw materials or components.

Cyclicality and Seasonality

        Historically, the construction industry has been highly cyclical. As a result, our volume of business may generally be adversely affected by declines in new installation and replacement projects in various geographic regions of the United States during periods of economic weakness.

        The HVAC industry is subject to seasonal variations. Specifically, the demand for new installation and replacement is generally lower during the winter months (the first quarter of the year) due to reduced construction activity during inclement weather and less use of air conditioning during the colder months. Demand for HVAC services is generally higher in the second and third calendar quarters due to increased construction activity and increased use of air conditioning during the warmer months. Accordingly, we expect our revenue and operating results generally will be lower in the first and fourth calendar quarters.

Sales and Marketing

        We have a diverse customer base, with no single customer accounting for more than 3% of consolidated 2013 revenue. Management and a dedicated sales force are responsible for developing and maintaining successful long-term relationships with key customers. Customers generally include building owners and developers and property managers, as well as general contractors, architects and consulting engineers. We intend to continue our emphasis on developing and maintaining long-term relationships with our customers by providing superior, high-quality service in a professional manner. We believe we can continue to leverage the diverse technical and marketing strengths at individual locations to expand the services offered in other local markets. With respect to multi-location service opportunities, we maintain a national sales force in our national accounts group.

Employees

        As of December 31, 2013, we had 6,698 employees. We have collective bargaining agreements covering six employees. We have not experienced and do not expect any significant strikes or work stoppages and believe our relations with employees covered by collective bargaining agreements are good.

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Recruiting, Training and Safety

        Our continued success depends, in part, on our ability to continue to attract, retain and motivate qualified engineers, service technicians, field supervisors and project managers. We believe our success in retaining qualified employees will be based on the quality of our recruiting, training, compensation, employee benefits programs and opportunities for advancement. We provide on-the-job training, technical training, apprenticeship programs, attractive benefit packages and career advancement opportunities within our company.

        We have established comprehensive safety programs throughout our operations to ensure that all technicians comply with safety standards we have established and that are established under federal, state and local laws and regulations. Additionally, we have implemented a "best practices" safety program throughout our operations, which provides employees with incentives to improve safety performance and decrease workplace accidents. Regional safety directors establish safety programs and benchmarking to improve safety within their region. Finally, our employment screening process seeks to determine that prospective employees have requisite skills, sufficient background references and acceptable driving records, if applicable. Our rate of incidents recordable under the standards of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration ("OSHA") per one hundred employees per year, also known as the OSHA recordable rate, was 2.60 during 2013. This level was 46% better than the most recently published OSHA rate for our industry.

Insurance and Litigation

        The primary insured risks in our operations are bodily injury, property damage and workers' compensation injuries. We retain the risk for workers' compensation, employer's liability, auto liability, general liability and employee group health claims resulting from uninsured deductibles per incident or occurrence. Because we have very large deductibles, the vast majority of our claims are paid by us, so as a practical matter we self-insure the great majority of these risks. Losses up to such per-incident deductible amounts are estimated and accrued based upon known facts, historical trends and industry averages using the assistance of an actuary to project the extent of these obligations.

        We are subject to certain claims and lawsuits arising in the normal course of business. We maintain various insurance coverages to minimize financial risk associated with these claims. We have estimated and provided accruals for probable losses and related legal fees associated with certain litigation in our consolidated financial statements. While we cannot predict the outcome of these proceedings, in our opinion and based on reports of counsel, any liability arising from these matters individually and in the aggregate will not have a material effect on our operating results, cash flows or financial condition, after giving effect to provisions already recorded.

        We typically warrant labor for the first year after installation on new HVAC systems and pass through to the customer manufacturers' warranties on equipment. We generally warrant labor for thirty days after servicing existing HVAC systems. We do not expect warranty claims to have a material adverse effect on our financial position or results of operations.

Competition

        The HVAC industry is highly competitive and consists of thousands of local and regional companies. We believe that purchasing decisions in the commercial, industrial and institutional markets are based on (i) competitive price, (ii) long-term customer relationships, (iii) quality, timeliness and reliability of services provided, (iv) an organization's perceived stability based on years in business, financial strength and access to bonding, (v) range of services provided, and (vi) scale of operation. To improve our competitive position we focus on both the consultative "design and build" installation market and the maintenance, repair and replacement market to promote first the development and then the strengthening of long-term customer relationships. In addition, we believe our ability to

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provide multi-location coverage, access to project financing and specialized technical skills for facilities owners gives us a strategic advantage over smaller competitors who may be unable to provide these services to customers at a competitive price.

        We believe that we are larger than most of our competitors, which are generally small, owner-operated companies that typically operate in a limited geographic area. However, there are divisions of larger contracting companies, utilities and HVAC equipment manufacturers that provide HVAC services in some of the same service lines and geographic areas we serve. Some of these competitors and potential competitors have greater financial resources than we do to finance development opportunities and support their operations. We believe our smaller competitors generally compete with us based on price and their long-term relationships with local customers. Our larger competitors compete with us on those factors but may also provide attractive financing and comprehensive service and product packages.

Vehicles

        We operate a fleet of various owned or leased service trucks, vans and support vehicles. We believe these vehicles generally are well maintained and sufficient for our current operations.

Governmental Regulation and Environmental Matters

        Our operations are subject to various federal, state and local laws and regulations, including: (i) licensing requirements applicable to engineering, construction and service technicians, (ii) building and HVAC codes and zoning ordinances, (iii) regulations relating to consumer protection, including those governing residential service agreements, and (iv) regulations relating to worker safety and protection of the environment. We believe we have all required licenses to conduct our operations and are in substantial compliance with applicable regulatory requirements. If we fail to comply with applicable regulations we could be subject to substantial fines or revocation of our operating licenses.

        Many state and local regulations governing the HVAC services trades require individuals to hold permits and licenses. In some cases, a required permit or license held by a single individual may be sufficient to authorize specified activities for all of our service technicians who work in the state or county that issued the permit or license. We seek to ensure that, where possible, we have two employees who hold any such permits or licenses that may be material to our operations in a particular geographic region.

        Our operations are subject to the federal Clean Air Act, as amended, which governs air emissions and imposes specific requirements on the use and handling of chlorofluorocarbons, or CFCs, and certain other refrigerants. Clean Air Act regulations require the certification of service technicians involved in the service or repair of equipment containing these refrigerants and also regulate the containment and recycling of these refrigerants. These requirements have increased our training expenses and expenditures for containment and recycling equipment. The Clean Air Act is intended ultimately to eliminate the use of CFCs in the United States and to require alternative refrigerants to be used in replacement HVAC systems. We do not believe these regulations involving CFCs will materially affect our business on the whole because, although they require us to incur modest ongoing training costs, our competitors also incur such costs, and the regulations may encourage our customers to update their HVAC systems.

Executive Officers

        We have five executive officers.

        Brian Lane, age 56, has served as our Chief Executive Officer and President since December 2011 and as a director since 2010. Mr. Lane served as our President and Chief Operating Officer from

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March 2010 until December 2011. Mr. Lane joined the Company in October 2003 and served as Vice President and then Senior Vice President for Region One of the Company until he was named Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer in January 2009. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Lane spent fifteen years at Halliburton, a global provider of products and services to energy, industrial, and government customers, including employment by Brown and Root, an engineering and construction company. During his tenure, he held various positions in business development, strategy, and project activities, including the position of Regional Director of Europe and Africa. Additionally, he held the position of Vice President at Kvaerner, an international engineering and construction company.

        William George, age 49, has served as our Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer since May 2005, was our Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary from May 1998 to May 2005, and was our Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary from March 1997 to April 1998. From October 1995 to February 1997, Mr. George was Vice President and General Counsel of American Medical Response, Inc., a publicly-traded healthcare transportation company. From September 1992 to September 1995, Mr. George practiced corporate and antitrust law at Ropes & Gray, a Boston, Massachusetts law firm.

        Julie S. Shaeff, age 48, has served as our Senior Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer since May 2005, was our Vice President and Corporate Controller from March 2002 to May 2005, and was our Assistant Corporate Controller from September 1999 to February 2002. From 1996 to August 1999, Ms. Shaeff was Financial Accounting Manager—Corporate Controllers Group for Browning-Ferris Industries, Inc., a publicly-traded waste services company. From 1987 to 1995, she held various positions with Arthur Andersen LLP. Ms. Shaeff is a Certified Public Accountant.

        Trent T. McKenna, age 41, has served as our Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary since August 2013, was our Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary from May 2005 to August 2013 and was our Associate General Counsel from August 2004 to May 2005. From February 1999 to August 2004, Mr. McKenna was a practicing attorney in the area of complex commercial litigation in the Houston, Texas office of Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP, an international law firm.

        James Mylett, age 50, has served as our Senior Vice President of Service since October 2013. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Mylett spent fourteen years at Johnson Controls, which manufactures, installs, and services automatic temperature regulation systems for buildings. During his time at Johnson Controls, Mr. Mylett held various positions, including that of Vice President and General Manager—North America Service Operations from August 2011 to October 2013. From October 2010 to August 2011, he served as Vice President and General Manager—West Region, and from December 2005 to September 2010, he served as Vice President of Service and Solutions—South Region. Previously, Mr. Mylett worked for Carrier Corporation, where he established and developed the company's national accounts service business.

ITEM 1A.    Risk Factors

Our business is subject to a variety of risks. You should carefully consider the risks described below, together with all the information included in this report. Our business, financial condition and results of operations could be adversely affected by the occurrence of any of these events, which could cause actual results to differ materially from expected and historical results, and the trading price of our common stock could decline.

Because we bear the risk of cost overruns in most of our contracts, we may experience reduced profits or, in some cases, losses under these contracts if costs increase above our estimates.

        Our contract prices are established largely upon estimates and assumptions of our projected costs, including assumptions about: future economic conditions; prices, including commodities prices;

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availability of labor, including the costs of providing labor, equipment, and materials; and other factors outside our control. If our estimates or assumptions prove to be inaccurate, if circumstances change in a way that renders our assumptions and estimates inaccurate or we fail to successfully execute the work, cost overruns may occur and we could experience reduced profits or a loss for affected projects. For instance, unanticipated technical problems may arise, we could have difficulty obtaining permits or approvals, local laws, labor costs or labor conditions could change, bad weather could delay construction, raw materials prices could increase, our suppliers' or subcontractors' may fail to perform as expected or site conditions may be different than we expected. We are also exposed to increases in energy prices, particularly as they relate to gasoline prices. Additionally, in certain circumstances, we guarantee project completion or the achievement of certain acceptance and performance testing levels by a scheduled date. Failure to meet schedule or performance requirements typically results in additional costs to us, and in some cases we may also create liability for consequential and liquidated damages. Performance problems for existing and future projects could cause our actual results of operations to differ materially from those we anticipate and could damage our reputation within our industry and our customer base.

Many of the markets we do work in are currently experiencing or have recently experienced an economic downturn that may materially and adversely affect our business because our business is dependent on levels of construction activity.

        The demand for our services is dependent upon the existence of construction projects and service requirements within the markets in which we operate. Any period of economic recession affecting a market or industry in which we transact business is likely to adversely impact our business. Many of the projects we work on have long lifecycles from conception to completion, and the bulk of our performance generally occurs late in a construction project's lifecycle. We experience the results of economic trends well after an economic cycle begins, and therefore will continue to experience the results of an economic recession well after conditions in the general economy have improved. Further, some of the local or regional markets we do work in have yet to enter a period of sustained recovery.

        We cannot predict the severity or lasting effects of the recent recession, particularly in some local or regional markets that have not yet entered a period of sustained recovery. We believe that the current uncertainty about economic conditions caused by the recent recession means that many of our customers are likely to continue to postpone spending while credit markets remain disinclined to fund commercial and industrial developments. The industries and markets we operate in have always been and will continue to be vulnerable to these general macroeconomic downturns because they are cyclical in nature. The recent recession caused a drop off in the demand for projects within our markets and industries in some regions and continues to cause a similar drop off in other regions. The drop off in demand has led to and will likely continue to lead to greater price competition as well as decreased revenue and profit. The lasting effects of the recent recession have increased economic instability with our vendors, subcontractors, developers, and general contractors, which has caused us greater liability exposure and has resulted in us not being paid on some projects, as well as decreasing our revenue and profit. Further, to the extent more of our vendors, subcontractors, developers, or general contractors seek bankruptcy protection, the bankruptcy will likely force us to incur additional costs in attorneys' fees, as well as other professional consultants, and will result in decreased revenue and profit.

        The percentage of our profits and revenue attributable to projects performed directly or indirectly for federal, state, and local government entities increased during and as a result of the economic downturn, in part because the private-sector decreased its investment in construction and building projects, but has decreased during 2013. A continuing reduction in federal, state, or local government spending in our industries and markets could result in decreased revenue and profit.

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Our backlog is subject to unexpected adjustments and cancellations, which means that amounts included in our backlog may not result in actual revenue or translate into profits.

        The revenue projected from our backlog may not be realized, or, if realized, may not result in profits. Projects may remain in our backlog for an extended period of time, or project cancellations or scope adjustments may occur with respect to contracts reflected in our backlog.

Third parties contribute significantly to our completion of many projects.

        We hire third-party subcontractors to perform work and depend on third-party suppliers to provide equipment and materials necessary to complete our projects. If we are unable to retain qualified subcontractors or suppliers, or if our subcontractors or suppliers do not perform as anticipated for any reason, our execution and profitability could be harmed.

A significant portion of our business depends on our ability to provide surety bonds. Any difficulties in the financial and surety markets may adversely affect our bonding capacity and availability.

        In the past we have expanded, and it is possible we will continue to expand, the number and percentage of total contract dollars that require an underlying bond. Historically surety market conditions have experienced times of difficulty as a result of significant losses incurred by many surety companies and the results of macroeconomic trends outside of our control. Consequently, during times when less overall bonding capacity is available in the market, surety terms have become more expensive and more restrictive. As such, we cannot guarantee our ability to maintain a sufficient level of bonding capacity in the future, which could preclude our ability to bid for certain contracts or successfully contract with some customers. Additionally, even if we continue to be able to access bonding capacity to sufficiently bond future work, we may be required to post collateral to secure bonds, which would decrease the liquidity we would have available for other purposes. Our surety providers are under no commitment to guarantee our access to new bonds in the future; thus, our ability to access or increase bonding capacity is at the sole discretion of our surety providers. If our surety companies were to limit or eliminate our access to bonds, our alternatives would include seeking bonding capacity from other surety companies, increasing business with clients that do not require bonds and posting other forms of collateral for project performance, such as letters of credit or cash. We may be unable to secure these alternatives in a timely manner, on acceptable terms, or at all. As such, if we were to experience an interruption or reduction in the availability of bonding capacity, it is likely we would be unable to compete for or work on certain projects.

Goodwill impairment charges negatively impacted our earnings in 2011 and in previous years. Earnings for future periods may be impacted by additional charges for goodwill and intangible assets.

        We carry a significant amount of goodwill and identifiable intangible assets on our consolidated balance sheets. Goodwill is the excess of purchase price over the fair value of the net assets of acquired businesses. We assess goodwill for impairment each year, and more frequently if circumstances suggest an impairment may have occurred. The recent recession, along with other factors, caused the fair value of some of our assets to be lower than their carrying value, resulting in an impairment to goodwill. We may determine at a future date that an additional significant impairment has occurred in the value of our unamortized intangible assets or fixed assets, which could require us to write off an additional portion of our assets and could adversely affect our financial condition or our reported results of operations.

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Our use of the percentage-of-completion method of accounting could result in a reduction or reversal of previously recorded revenue or profits.

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

Intense competition in our industry could reduce our market share and our profit.

        The markets we serve are highly competitive. Our industry is characterized by many small companies whose activities are geographically concentrated. We compete on the basis of our technical expertise and experience, financial and operational resources, nationwide presence, industry reputation and dependability. While we believe our customers consider a number of these factors in awarding available contracts, a large portion of our work is awarded through a bid process. Consequently, price is often the principal factor in determining which contractor is selected, especially on smaller, less complex projects. Smaller competitors are sometimes able to win bids for these projects based on price alone due to their lower cost and financial return requirements. We expect competition to intensify in our industry, presenting us with significant challenges in our ability to maintain strong growth rates and acceptable profit margins. We also expect increased competition from in-house service providers, because some of our customers have employees who perform service work similar to the services we provide. Vertical consolidation is also expected to intensify competition in our industry. If we are unable to meet these competitive challenges, we will lose market share to our competitors and experience an overall reduction in our profits. In addition, our profitability would be impaired if we have to reduce our prices to remain competitive.

We are a decentralized company and place significant decision making powers with our subsidiaries' management, which presents certain risks.

        We believe that our practice of placing significant decision making powers with local management is important to our successful growth and allows us to be responsive to opportunities and to our customers' needs. However, this practice presents certain risks, including the risk that we may be slower or less effective in our attempts to identify or react to problems affecting an important business than we would under a more centralized structure or that we would be slower to identify a misalignment between a subsidiary's and the Company's overall business strategy. Further, if a subsidiary location

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fails to follow the Company's compliance policies, we could be made party to a contract, arrangement or situation that requires the assumption of large liabilities or has less advantageous terms than is typically found in the market.

We have subsidiary operations through the United States and are exposed to multiple state and local regulations, as well as federal laws and requirements applicable to government contractors. Changes in law, regulations or requirements, or a material failure of any of our subsidiaries or us to comply with any of them, could increase our costs and have other negative impacts on our business.

        Our 88 locations are located in 29 states, which exposes us to a variety of different state and local laws and regulations, particularly those pertaining to contractor licensing requirements. These laws and regulations govern many aspects of our business, and there are often different standards and requirements in different locations. In addition, our subsidiaries that perform work for federal government entities are subject to additional federal laws and regulatory and contractual requirements. Changes in any of these laws, or our or any of our subsidiaries' material failure to comply with them, can adversely impact our operations by, among other things, increasing costs, distracting management's time and attention from other items, and harming our reputation.

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

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

If we are unable to attract and retain qualified managers and employees, we will be unable to operate efficiently, which could reduce our profitability.

        Our business is labor intensive, and many of our operations experience a high rate of employment turnover. At times of low unemployment rates in the United States, it will be more difficult for us to find qualified personnel at low cost in some geographic areas where we operate. Additionally, our business is managed by a small number of key executive and operational officers. We may be unable to hire and retain the sufficient skilled labor force necessary to operate efficiently and to support our growth strategy. Our labor expenses may increase as a result of a shortage in the supply of skilled personnel. Labor shortages, increased labor costs or the loss of key personnel could reduce our profitability and negatively impact our business. Further, our relationship with some customers could suffer if we are unable to retain the employees with whom those customers primarily work and have established relationships.

Past and future environmental, safety and health regulations could impose significant additional costs on us that reduce our profits.

        HVAC systems are subject to various environmental statutes and regulations, including the Clean Air Act and those regulating the production, servicing and disposal of certain ozone-depleting refrigerants used in HVAC systems. There can be no assurance that the regulatory environment in which we operate will not change significantly in the future. Various local, state and federal laws and

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regulations impose licensing standards on technicians who install and service HVAC systems. And additional laws, regulations and standards apply to contractors who perform work that is being funded by public money, particularly federal public funding. Our failure to comply with these laws and regulations could subject us to substantial fines, the loss of our licenses or potentially debarment from future publicly funded work. It is impossible to predict the full nature and effect of judicial, legislative or regulatory developments relating to health and safety regulations and environmental protection regulations applicable to our operations.

Our insurance policies against many potential liabilities require high deductibles, and our risk management policies and procedures may leave us exposed to unidentified or unanticipated risks. Additionally, difficulties in the insurance markets may adversely affect our ability to obtain necessary insurance.

        Although we maintain insurance policies with respect to our related exposures, these policies are subject to high deductibles; as such, we are, in effect, self-insured for substantially all of our typical claims. We hire an actuary to determine any liabilities for unpaid claims and associated expenses for the three major lines of coverage (workers' compensation, general liability and auto liability). The determination of these claims and expenses and the appropriateness of the estimated liability are reviewed and updated quarterly. However, insurance liabilities are difficult to assess and estimate due to the many relevant factors, the effects of which are often unknown, including the severity of an injury, the determination of our liability in proportion to other parties, the number of incidents that have occurred but are not reported and the effectiveness of our safety program. Our accruals are based on known facts, historical trends (both internal trends and industry averages) and our reasonable estimate of our future expenses. We believe our accruals are adequate. However, our risk management strategies and techniques may not be fully effective in mitigating our risk exposure in all market environments or against all types of risk. In January 2009 our company-wide risk manager left the company, and his former job responsibilities continue to be shared between several of our officers. If any of the variety of instruments, processes or strategies we use to manage our exposure to various types of risk are not effective, which could include a failed transition of the prior risk manager's work duties, we may incur losses that are not covered by our insurance policies or that exceed our accruals or coverage limits.

        Additionally, we typically are contractually required to provide proof of insurance on projects we work on. Historically insurance market conditions become more difficult for insurance consumers during periods when insurance companies suffer significant investment losses as well as casualty losses. Consequently, it is possible that insurance markets will become more expensive and restrictive. Also, our prior casualty loss history might adversely affect our ability to procure insurance within commercially reasonable ranges. As such, we may not be able to maintain commercially reasonable levels of insurance coverage in the future, which could preclude our ability to work on many projects. Our insurance providers are under no commitment to renew our existing insurance policies in the future; therefore, our ability to obtain necessary levels or kinds of insurance coverage is subject to market forces outside our control. If we were unable to obtain necessary levels of insurance, it is likely we would be unable to compete for or work on most projects.

If we experience delays and/or defaults in customer payments, we could be unable to recover all expenditures.

        Because of the nature of our contracts, at times we commit resources to projects prior to receiving payments from the customer in amounts sufficient to cover expenditures on projects as they are incurred. Delays in customer payments may require us to make a working capital investment. If a customer defaults in making their payments on a project to which we have devoted resources, it could have a material negative effect on our results of operations.

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Actual and potential claims, lawsuits and proceedings could ultimately reduce our profitability and liquidity and weaken our financial condition.

        We are likely to continue to be named as a defendant in legal proceedings claiming damages from us in connection with the operation of our business. Most of the actions against us arise out of the normal course of our performing services on project sites. We also are, and are likely to continue to be, from time to time a plaintiff in legal proceedings against customers, in which we seek to recover payment of contractual amounts we are owed as well as claims for increased costs we incur. When appropriate, we establish provisions against possible exposures, and we adjust these provisions from time to time according to ongoing exposure. If our assumptions and estimates related to these exposures prove to be inadequate or inaccurate, we could experience a reduction in our profitability and liquidity and a weakening of our financial condition. In addition, claims, lawsuits and proceedings may harm our reputation or divert management resources away from operating our business.

Our recent and future acquisitions may not be successful.

        We expect to continue pursuing selective acquisitions of businesses. We cannot assure that we will be able to locate acquisitions or that we will be able to consummate transactions on terms and conditions acceptable to us, or that acquired businesses will be profitable. Acquisitions may expose us to additional business risks different than those we have traditionally experienced. We also may encounter difficulties integrating acquired businesses and successfully managing the growth we expect to experience from these acquisitions.

        We may choose to finance future acquisitions with debt, equity, cash or a combination of the three. We can give no assurances that any future acquisitions will not dilute earnings or disrupt the payment of a stockholder dividend. To the extent we succeed in making acquisitions, a number of risks will result, including:

•

the assumption of material liabilities (including for environmental-related costs);



•

failure of due diligence to uncover situations that could result in legal exposure or to quantify the true liability exposure from known risks;



•

the diversion of management's attention from the management of daily operations to the integration of operations;



•

difficulties in the assimilation and retention of employees, in the assimilation of different cultures and practices, in the assimilation of broad and geographically dispersed personnel and operations, and the retention of employees generally;



•

the risk of additional financial and accounting challenges and complexities in areas such as tax planning, treasury management, financial reporting and internal controls; and



•

we may not be able to realize the cost savings or other financial benefits we anticipated prior to the acquisition.

        The failure to successfully integrate acquisitions could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Our common stock, which is listed on the New York Stock Exchange, has from time to time experienced significant price and volume fluctuations. These fluctuations are likely to continue in the future, and our stockholders may suffer losses.

        The market price of our common stock may change significantly in response to various factors and events beyond our control. A variety of events may cause the market price of our common stock to fluctuate significantly, including the following: (i) the risk factors described in this Report on

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Form 10-K; (ii) a shortfall in operating revenue or net income from that expected by securities analysts and investors; (iii) quarterly fluctuations in our operating results; (iv) changes in securities analysts' estimates of our financial performance or that of our competitors or companies in our industry generally; (v) general conditions in our customers' industries; (vi) general conditions in the securities markets; (vii) our announcements of significant contracts, milestones, acquisitions; (viii) our relationship with other companies; (ix) our investors' view of the sectors and markets in which we operate; and (x) additions or departures of key personnel. Some companies that have volatile market prices for their securities have been subject to security class action suits filed against them. If a suit were to be filed against us, regardless of the outcome, it could result in substantial costs and a diversion of our management's attention and resources. This could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

If we do not effectively manage the size and cost of our operations, our existing infrastructure may become either strained or over-burdensome, and we may be unable to increase revenue growth.

        The growth that we have experienced in the past, and that we may experience in the future, may provide challenges to our organization, requiring us to expand our personnel and our operations. Future growth may strain our infrastructure, operations and other managerial and operating resources. We have also experienced in the past severe constriction in the markets in which we operate and, as a result, in our operating requirements. Failing to maintain the appropriate cost structure for a particular economic cycle may result in our incurring costs that affect our profitability. If our business resources become strained or over-burdensome, our earnings may be adversely affected and we may be unable to increase revenue growth. Further, we may undertake contractual commitments that exceed our labor resources, which could also adversely affect our earnings and our ability to increase revenue growth.

Our effective tax rate may increase.

        We conduct business across the United States and file income taxes in various tax jurisdictions. Our effective tax rates could be affected by many factors, some of which are outside of our control, including changes in tax laws and regulations in the various tax jurisdictions in which we file income taxes, issues relating to tax audits or examinations and any related interest or penalties, and uncertainty in obtaining deductions or credits claimed in various jurisdictions. Our results of operations is reported based on our determination of the amount of taxes we owe in various tax jurisdictions. Significant judgment is required in determining our provision for income taxes and our determination of tax liability is always subject to review or examination by tax authorities in applicable tax jurisdictions. An adverse outcome of such a review of examination could adversely affect our operating results and financial condition. Further, the results of tax examinations and audits could have a negative impact on our financial results and cash flows where the results differ from the liabilities recorded in our financial statements.

Failure or circumvention of our disclosure controls and procedures or internal controls over financial reporting could seriously harm our financial condition, results of operations, and our business.

        We plan to continue to maintain and strengthen internal controls and procedures to enhance the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and internal controls over financial reporting. Any system of controls, however well designed and operated, is based in part on certain assumptions and can provide only reasonable, and not absolute, assurances that the objectives of the system are met. Any failure of our disclosure controls and procedures or internal controls over financial reporting could harm our financial condition and results of operations.

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A cyber security breach could adversely affect our business.

        We use sophisticated information technology systems, networks, and infrastructure in conducting some of our day-to-day operations and providing services to certain customers. These systems, networks, and infrastructure may be vulnerable to deliberate attacks or accidental events that interfere with their functionality or the confidentiality of our information or our customers' data. Our inability to prevent cyber-attacks or adequately protect against other disruptions could adversely affect our business.

Our charter contains certain anti-takeover provisions that may inhibit or delay a change in control.

        Our certificate of incorporation authorizes our board of directors to issue, without stockholder approval, one or more series of preferred stock having such preferences, powers and relative, participating, optional and other rights (including preferences over the common stock respecting dividends and distributions and voting rights) as the board of directors may determine. The issuance of this "blank-check" preferred stock could render more difficult or discourage an attempt to obtain control by means of a tender offer, merger, proxy contest or otherwise. Additionally, certain provisions of the Delaware General Corporation Law may also discourage takeover attempts that have not been approved by the Board of Directors.

ITEM 1B.    Unresolved Staff Comments

        None.

ITEM 2.    Properties

        We own four properties, two of which we acquired through acquisition and two that we formerly leased. Other than these four properties, we lease the real property and buildings from which we operate. Our facilities are located in 29 states and Puerto Rico and consist of offices, shops and fabrication, maintenance and warehouse facilities. Generally, leases range from three to ten years and are on terms we believe to be commercially reasonable. A majority of these premises are leased from individuals or entities with whom we have no other business relationship. In certain instances these leases are with current or former employees. To the extent we renew, enter into leases or otherwise change leases with current or former employees, we enter into such agreements on terms that reflect a fair market valuation for the properties. Leased premises range in size from approximately 1,000 square feet to 110,000 square feet. To maximize available capital, we generally intend to continue to lease our properties, but may consider further purchases of property where we believe ownership would be more economical. We believe that our facilities are sufficient for our current needs.

        We lease our executive and administrative offices in Houston, Texas.

ITEM 3.    Legal Proceedings

        We are subject to certain claims and lawsuits arising in the normal course of business. We maintain various insurance coverages to minimize financial risk associated with these claims. We have estimated and provided accruals for probable losses and related legal fees associated with certain litigation in our consolidated financial statements. While we cannot predict the outcome of these proceedings, in our opinion and based on reports of counsel, any liability arising from these matters individually and in the aggregate will not have a material effect on our operating results, cash flows or financial condition, after giving effect to provisions already recorded.

ITEM 4.    Mine Safety Disclosures

        Not applicable.

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PART II

ITEM 5.    Market for Registrant's Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

        The following table sets forth the reported high and low sales prices of our Common Stock for the quarters indicated as traded at the New York Stock Exchange. Our Common Stock is traded under the symbol FIX:

        As of February 21, 2014 there were approximately 314 stockholders of record of our Common Stock, and the last reported sale price on that date was $16.54 per share.

        We expect to continue paying cash dividends quarterly, although there is no assurance as to future dividends because they depend on future earnings, capital requirements, and financial condition. In addition, our revolving credit agreement limits the amount of dividends we can pay at any time that the ratio of our Adjusted Indebtedness to our Credit Facility Adjusted EBITDA exceeds 1.0.

        The following Corporate Performance Graph and related information shall not be deemed "soliciting material" or to be "filed" with the SEC, nor shall such information be incorporated by reference into any future filing under the Securities Act or the Exchange Act, except to the extent that we specifically incorporate it by reference into such filing.

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COMPARISON OF 5 YEAR CUMULATIVE TOTAL RETURN*
Among Comfort Systems USA, Inc., the S&P 500 Index, and the Russell 2000 Index

*

$100 invested on 12/31/08 in stock or index, including reinvestment of dividends.
Fiscal year ending December 31.

Copyright© 2014 S&P, a division of The McGraw-Hill Companies Inc. All rights reserved.
Copyright© 2014 Russell Investment Group. All rights reserved.

Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities

        None.

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

        On March 29, 2007, our Board of Directors (the "Board") approved a stock repurchase program to acquire up to 1.0 million shares of our outstanding common stock. Subsequently, the Board has from time to time approved extensions of the program to acquire additional shares. Since the inception of the repurchase program, the Board has approved 6.6 million shares to be repurchased.

        The share repurchases will be made from time to time at our discretion in the open market or privately negotiated transactions as permitted by securities laws and other legal requirements, and subject to market conditions and other factors. The Board may modify, suspend, extend or terminate the program at any time. Since the inception of the program in 2007 and as of December 31, 2013, we have repurchased a cumulative total of 6.0 million shares at an average price of $11.00 per share.

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        During the year ended December 31, 2013, we purchased our common shares in the following amounts at the following weighted-average prices:

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ITEM 6.    Selected Financial Data

        The following selected historical financial data has been derived from our audited financial statements and should be read in conjunction with the historical Consolidated Financial Statements and related notes:

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ITEM 7.    Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

        The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and related notes included elsewhere in this annual report on Form 10-K. Also see "Forward-Looking Statements" discussion.

Introduction and Overview

        We are a national provider of comprehensive HVAC installation, maintenance, repair and replacement services within the mechanical services industry. We operate primarily in the commercial, industrial and institutional HVAC markets and perform most of our services within office buildings, retail centers, apartment complexes, manufacturing plants, and healthcare, education and government facilities. In addition to standard HVAC services, we provide specialized applications such as building automation control systems, fire protection, process cooling, electronic monitoring and process piping. Certain locations also perform related activities such as electrical service and plumbing.

Nature and Economics of Our Business

        Approximately 83% of our revenue is earned on a project basis for installation of HVAC systems in newly constructed facilities or for replacement of HVAC systems in existing facilities. Customers hire us to ensure such systems deliver specified or generally expected heating, cooling, conditioning and circulation of air in a facility. This entails installing core system equipment such as packaged heating and air conditioning units, or in the case of larger facilities, separate core components such as chillers, boilers, air handlers, and cooling towers. We also typically install connecting and distribution elements such as piping and ducting. Our responsibilities usually require conforming the systems to pre-established engineering drawings and equipment and performance specifications, which we frequently participate in establishing. Our project management responsibilities include staging equipment and materials to project sites, deploying labor to perform the work, and coordinating with other service providers on the project, including any subcontractors we might use to deliver our portion of the work.

        When competing for project business, we usually estimate the costs we will incur on a project, and then propose a bid to the customer that includes a contract price and other performance and payment terms. Our bid price and terms are intended to cover our estimated costs on the project and provide a profit margin to us commensurate with the value of the installed system to the customer, the risk that project costs or duration will vary from estimate, the schedule on which we will be paid, the opportunities for other work that we might forego by committing capacity to this project, and other costs that we incur more broadly to support our operations but which are not specific to the project. Typically customers will seek bids from competitors for a given project. While the criteria on which customers select the winning bid vary widely and include factors such as quality, technical expertise, on-time performance, post-project support and service, and company history and financial strength, we believe that price is the most influential factor for most customers in choosing an HVAC installation and service provider.

        After a customer accepts our bid, we generally enter into a contract with the customer that specifies what we will deliver on the project, what our related responsibilities are, and how much and when we will be paid. Our overall price for the project is typically set at a fixed amount in the contract, although changes in project specifications or work conditions that result in unexpected additional work are usually subject to additional payment from the customer via what are commonly known as change orders. Project contracts typically provide for periodic billings to the customer as we meet progress milestones or incur cost on the project. Project contracts in our industry also frequently allow for a small portion of progress billings or contract price to be withheld by the customer until after we have

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completed the work, typically for six months. Amounts withheld under this practice are known as retention or retainage.

        Labor and overhead costs account for the majority of our cost of service. Accordingly, labor management and utilization have the most impact on our project performance. Given the fixed price nature of much of our project work, if our initial estimate of project costs is wrong or we incur cost overruns that cannot be recovered in change orders, we can experience reduced profits or even significant losses on fixed price project work. We also perform some project work on a cost-plus or a time and materials basis, under which we are paid our costs incurred plus an agreed upon profit margin. These margins are typically less than fixed-price contract margins because there is less risk of unrecoverable cost overruns in cost-plus or time and materials work.

        As of December 31, 2013, we had 3,321 projects in process. Our average project takes six to nine months to complete, with an average contract price of approximately $538,000. Our projects generally require working capital funding of equipment and labor costs. Customer payments on periodic billings generally do not recover these costs until late in the job. Our average project duration together with typical retention terms as discussed above generally allow us to complete the realization of revenue and earnings in cash within one year. We have what we believe is a well-diversified distribution of revenue across end-use sectors that we believe reduces our exposure to negative developments in any given sector. Because of the integral nature of HVAC and related controls systems to most buildings, we have the legal right in almost all cases to attach liens to buildings or related funding sources when we have not been fully paid for installing systems, except with respect to some government buildings. The service work that we do, which is discussed further below, usually does not give rise to lien rights.

        We also perform larger HVAC projects. As of December 31, 2013, we had 11 projects in process with a contract price greater than $15 million, 16 projects between $10 million and $15 million, 53 projects between $5 million and $10 million, and 282 projects between $1 million and $5 million. Taken together, projects with contract prices of $1 million or more totaled $1,470.3 million of aggregate contract value as of December 31, 2013, or approximately 82%, out of a total contract value for all projects in progress of $1,787.4 million. Generally, projects closer in size to $1 million will be completed in one year or less. It is unusual for us to work on a project that exceeds two years in length.

        In addition to project work, approximately 17% of our revenue represent maintenance and repair service on already installed HVAC and controls systems. This kind of work usually takes from a few hours to a few days to perform. Prices to the customer are usually based on the equipment and materials used in the service as well as technician labor time. We usually bill the customer for service work when it is complete, typically with payment terms of up to thirty days. We also provide maintenance and repair service under ongoing contracts. Under these contracts, we are paid regular monthly or quarterly amounts and provide specified service based on customer requirements. These agreements typically cover periods ranging from one to three years with thirty- to sixty-day cancellation notice periods.

        A relatively small portion of our revenue comes from national and regional account customers. These customers typically have multiple sites, and contract with us to perform maintenance and repair service. These contracts may also provide for us to perform new or replacement systems installation. We operate a national call center to dispatch technicians to sites requiring service. We perform the majority of this work with our own employees, with the balance being subcontracted to third parties that meet our performance qualifications. We will also typically use proprietary information systems to maintain information on the customers' sites and equipment, including performance and service records, and related cost data. These systems track the status of ongoing service and installation work, and may also monitor system performance data. Under these contractual relationships, we usually provide consolidated billing and credit payment terms to the customer.

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Profile and Management of Our Operations

        We manage our 36 operating units based on a variety of factors. Financial measures we emphasize include profitability, and use of capital as indicated by cash flow and by other measures of working capital principally involving project cost, billings and receivables. We also monitor selling, general, administrative and indirect project support expense, backlog, workforce size and mix, growth in revenue and profits, variation of actual project cost from original estimate, and overall financial performance in comparison to budget and updated forecasts. Operational factors we emphasize include project selection, estimating, pricing, management and execution practices, labor utilization, safety, training, and the make-up of both existing backlog as well as new business being pursued in terms of project size, technical application and facility type, end-use customers and industries, and location of the work.

        Most of our operations compete on a local or regional basis. Attracting and retaining effective operating unit managers is an important factor in our business, particularly in view of the relative uniqueness of each market and operation, the importance of relationships with customers and other market participants such as architects and consulting engineers, and the high degree of competition and low barriers to entry in most of our markets. Accordingly, we devote considerable attention to operating unit management quality, stability, and contingency planning, including related considerations of compensation, and non-competition protection where applicable.

Economic and Industry Factors

        As an HVAC and building controls services provider, we operate in the broader nonresidential construction services industry and are affected by trends in this sector. While we do not have operations in all major cities of the United States, we believe our national presence is sufficiently large that we experience trends in demand for and pricing of our services that are consistent with trends in the national nonresidential construction sector. As a result, we monitor the views of major construction sector forecasters along with macroeconomic factors they believe drive the sector, including trends in gross domestic product, interest rates, business investment, employment, demographics, and the general fiscal condition of federal, state and local governments.

        Spending decisions for building construction, renovation and system replacement are generally made on a project basis, usually with some degree of discretion as to when and if projects proceed. With larger amounts of capital, time, and discretion involved, spending decisions are affected to a significant degree by uncertainty, particularly concerns about economic and financial conditions and trends. We have experienced periods of time when economic weakness caused a significant slowdown in decisions to proceed with installation and replacement project work.

Operating Environment and Management Emphasis

        Nonresidential building construction and renovation activity, as reported by the federal government, declined over the three year period of 2001 to 2003, expanded moderately during 2004 and 2005, and was strong over the three year period from 2006 to 2008. We experienced significant industry activity declines over the four year period from 2009 to 2012, and 2013 activity levels have been stable compared to recent years. During the periods of decline, we responded to market challenges by pursuing work in sectors less affected by the downturn, such as government, educational, and healthcare facilities, and by establishing marketing initiatives that take advantage of our size and range of expertise. We also responded to declining gross profits over those years by reducing our selling, general, and administrative expenses, and our indirect project and service overhead costs. We believe our efforts in these areas partially offset the decline in our profitability over that period.

        As a result of our continued strong emphasis on cash flow, our debt outstanding under our revolving credit facility is zero, and we have substantial uncommitted cash balances, as discussed further in "Liquidity and Capital Resources" below. We have a credit facility in place with considerably less

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restrictive terms than those of our previous facilities; this facility does not expire until July 2018. We have strong surety relationships to support our bonding needs, and we believe our relationships with the surety markets are positive in light of our strong current results and financial position. We have generated positive free cash flow in each of the last fifteen calendar years and will continue our emphasis in this area. We believe that the relative size and strength of our balance sheet and surety support as compared to most companies in our industry represent competitive advantages for us.

        As discussed at greater length in "Results of Operations" below, we have seen declining activity levels in our industry since late 2008 and we expect price competition to continue to be strong, as local and regional competitors respond cautiously to changing conditions. We will continue our efforts to find the more active sectors in our markets, and to increase our regional and national account business. Our primary emphasis for 2014 will be on execution and cost control, and on maintaining activity levels that will permit us to earn reasonable profits while preserving our core workforce. We have increased our focus on project qualification, estimating, pricing and management, and on service performance.

Critical Accounting Policies

        Our critical accounting policies are based upon the significance of the accounting policy to our overall financial statement presentation, as well as the complexity of the accounting policy and our use of estimates and subjective assessments. Our most critical accounting policy is revenue recognition. As discussed elsewhere in this annual report on Form 10-K, our business has two service functions: (i) installation, which we account for under the percentage of completion method, and (ii) maintenance, repair and replacement, which we account for as the services are performed, or in the case of replacement, under the percentage of completion method. In addition, we identified other critical accounting policies related to our allowance for doubtful accounts receivable, the recording of our self-insurance liabilities, valuation of deferred tax assets, accounting for acquisitions and the recoverability of goodwill and identifiable intangible assets. These accounting policies, as well as others, are described in Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included elsewhere in this annual report on Form 10-K.

Percentage of Completion Method of Accounting

        Approximately 83% of our revenue was earned on a project basis and recognized through the percentage of completion method of accounting. Under this method contract revenue recognizable at any time during the life of a contract is determined by multiplying expected total contract revenue by the percentage of contract costs incurred at any time to total estimated contract costs. More specifically, as part of the negotiation and bidding process in connection with obtaining installation contracts, we estimate our contract costs, which include all direct materials (exclusive of rebates), labor and subcontract costs and indirect costs related to contract performance, such as indirect labor, supplies, tools, repairs and depreciation costs. These contract costs are included in our results of operations under the caption "Cost of Services." Then, as we perform under those contracts, we measure costs incurred, compare them to total estimated costs to complete the contract, and recognize a corresponding proportion of contract revenue. Labor costs are considered to be incurred as the work is performed. Subcontractor labor is recognized as the work is performed, but is generally subjected to approval as to milestones or other evidence of completion. Non-labor project costs consist of purchased equipment, prefabricated materials and other materials. Purchased equipment on our projects is substantially produced to job specifications and is a value added element to our work. The costs are considered to be incurred when title is transferred to us, which typically is upon delivery to the worksite. Prefabricated materials, such as ductwork and piping, are generally performed at our shops and recognized as contract costs when fabricated for the unique specifications of the job. Other materials costs are not significant and are generally recorded when delivered to the worksite. This

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measurement and comparison process requires updates to the estimate of total costs to complete the contract, and these updates may include subjective assessments.

        We generally do not incur significant costs prior to receiving a contract, and therefore, these costs are expensed as incurred. In limited circumstances, when significant pre-contract costs are incurred, they are deferred if the costs can be directly associated with a specific contract and if their recoverability from the contract is probable. Upon receiving the contract, these costs are included in contract costs. Deferred costs associated with unsuccessful contract bids are written off in the period that we are informed that we will not be awarded the contract.

        Project contracts typically provide for a schedule of billings or invoices to the customer based on reaching agreed upon milestones or as we incur costs. The schedules for such billings usually do not precisely match the schedule on which costs are incurred. As a result, contract revenue recognized in the statement of operations can and usually does differ from amounts that can be billed or invoiced to the customer at any point during the contract. Amounts by which cumulative contract revenue recognized on a contract as of a given date exceed cumulative billings to the customer under the contract are reflected as a current asset in our balance sheet under the caption "Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings." Amounts by which cumulative billings to the customer under a contract as of a given date exceed cumulative contract revenue recognized on the contract are reflected as a current liability in our balance sheet under the caption "Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings."

        The percentage of completion method of accounting is also affected by changes in job performance, job conditions, and final contract settlements. These factors may result in revisions to estimated costs and, therefore, revenue. Such revisions are frequently based on further estimates and subjective assessments. The effects of these revisions are recognized in the period in which revisions are determined. When such revisions lead to a conclusion that a loss will be recognized on a contract, the full amount of the estimated ultimate loss is recognized in the period such conclusion is reached, regardless of the percentage of completion of the contract.

        Revisions to project costs and conditions can give rise to change orders under which the customer agrees to pay additional contract price. Revisions can also result in claims we might make against the customer to recover project variances that have not been satisfactorily addressed through change orders with the customer. Except in certain circumstances, we do not recognize revenue or margin based on change orders or claims until they have been agreed upon with the customer. The amount of revenue associated with unapproved change orders and claims is currently immaterial.

        Variations from estimated project costs could have a significant impact on our operating results, depending on project size, and the recoverability of the variation via additional customer payments.

Accounting for Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

        We are required to estimate the collectability of accounts receivable and provide an allowance for doubtful accounts for receivable amounts we believe we will not ultimately collect. This requires us to make certain judgments and estimates involving, among others, the creditworthiness of our customers, prior collection history with our customers, ongoing relationships with our customers, the aging of past due balances, our lien rights, if any, in the property where we performed the work, and the availability, if any, of payment bonds applicable to the contract. These estimates are evaluated and adjusted as needed when additional information is received.

Accounting for Self-Insurance Liabilities

        We are substantially self-insured for workers' compensation, employer's liability, auto liability, general liability and employee group health claims in view of the relatively high per-incident deductibles

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we absorb under our insurance arrangements for these risks. Losses up to deductible amounts are estimated and accrued based upon known facts, historical trends and industry averages. Loss estimates associated with the larger and longer-developing risks—workers' compensation, auto liability and general liability—are reviewed by a third party actuary quarterly.

        We believe these accruals are adequate. However, insurance liabilities are difficult to estimate due to unknown factors, including the severity of an injury, the determination of our liability in proportion to other parties, timely reporting of occurrences, ongoing treatment or loss mitigation, general trends in litigation recovery outcomes and the effectiveness of safety and risk management programs. Therefore, if actual experience differs from the assumptions and estimates used for recording the liabilities, adjustments may be required and would be recorded in the period that such experience becomes known.

Accounting for Deferred Tax Assets

        We regularly evaluate valuation allowances established for deferred tax assets for which future realization is uncertain. We perform this evaluation quarterly. In assessing the realizability of deferred tax assets, we must consider whether it is more likely than not that some portion, or all, of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. We consider all available evidence, both positive and negative, in determining whether a valuation allowance is required. Such evidence includes the scheduled reversal of deferred tax liabilities, projected future taxable income, taxable income in prior carryback years and tax planning strategies in making this assessment, and judgment is required in considering the relative weight of negative and positive evidence.

Acquisitions

        We recognize assets acquired and liabilities assumed in business combinations, including contingent assets and liabilities, based on fair value estimates as of the date of acquisition.

        Contingent Consideration—In certain acquisitions, we agree to pay additional amounts to sellers contingent upon achievement by the acquired businesses of certain predetermined profitability targets. We have recognized liabilities for these contingent obligations based on their estimated fair value at the date of acquisition with any differences between the acquisition-date fair value and the ultimate settlement of the obligations being recognized in income from operations.

        Contingent Assets and Liabilities—Assets and liabilities arising from contingencies are recognized at their acquisition date fair value when their respective fair values can be determined. If the fair values of such contingencies cannot be determined, they are recognized at the acquisition date if the contingencies are probable and an amount can be reasonably estimated. Acquisition date fair value estimates are revised as necessary if, and when, additional information regarding these contingencies becomes available to further define and quantify assets acquired and liabilities assumed.

Recoverability of Goodwill and Identifiable Intangible Assets

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

        When the carrying value of a given reporting unit exceeds its fair value, an impairment loss is recorded to the extent that the implied fair value of the goodwill of the reporting unit is less than its carrying value. If other reporting units have had increases in fair value, such increases may not be recorded. Accordingly, such increases may not be netted against impairments at other reporting units. The requirements for assessing whether goodwill has been impaired involve market-based information. This information, and its use in assessing goodwill, entails some degree of subjective assessment.

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        We currently perform our annual impairment testing as of October 1 and any impairment charges resulting from this process are reported in the fourth quarter. We segregate our operations into reporting units based on the degree of operating and financial independence of each unit and our related management of them. We perform our annual goodwill impairment testing at the reporting unit level.

        In the evaluation of goodwill for impairment, we have the option to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether the existence of events or circumstances lead to a determination that it is more likely than not that the fair value of one of our reporting units is greater than its carrying value. If, after completing such assessment, we determine it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is greater than its carrying amount, then there is no need to perform any further testing. If we conclude otherwise, then we perform the first step of a two-step impairment test by calculating the fair value of the reporting unit and comparing the fair value with the carrying value of the reporting unit.

        We estimate the fair value of the reporting unit based on two market approaches and an income approach, which utilizes discounted future cash flows. Assumptions critical to the fair value estimates under the discounted cash flow model include discount rates, cash flow projections, projected long-term growth rates and the determination of terminal values. The market approaches utilized market multiples of invested capital from comparable publicly traded companies ("public company approach") and comparable transactions ("transaction approach"). The market multiples from invested capital include revenue, book equity plus debt and earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization ("EBITDA").

        There are significant inherent uncertainties and management judgment involved in estimating the fair value of each reporting unit. While we believe we have made reasonable estimates and assumptions to estimate the fair value of our reporting units, it is possible that a material change could occur. If actual results are not consistent with our current estimates and assumptions, or the current economic downturn worsens or the projected recovery is significantly delayed beyond our projections, goodwill impairment charges may be recorded in future periods.

        We amortize identifiable intangible assets with finite lives over their useful lives. Changes in strategy and/or market condition, may result in adjustments to recorded intangible asset balances or their useful lives.

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Results of Operations (in thousands):

2013 Compared to 2012

        We had 37 operating locations as of December 31, 2012. During the first quarter of 2013, we consolidated one company into other operations. As of December 31, 2013, we had 36 operating locations.

        Revenue—Revenue increased $26.1 million, or 2.0% to $1,357.3 million in 2013 compared to 2012. The increase is primarily due to our Arizona operation ($23.5 million) and our EAS operation ($47.3 million) which performed a significant amount of project work during 2013. This increase was partially offset by lower revenue in our large operation headquartered in Virginia ($53.1 million), which had a fast-paced, large data center project in the first half of 2012 which did not reoccur in 2013 due to its completion in the prior year.

        Backlog reflects revenue still to be recognized under contracted or committed installation and replacement project work. Project work generally lasts less than one year. Service agreement revenue and service work and short duration projects which are generally billed as performed do not flow through backlog. Accordingly, backlog represents only a portion of our revenue for any given future period, and it represents revenue that is likely to be reflected in our operating results over the next six to twelve months. As a result, we believe the predictive value of backlog information is limited to indications of general revenue direction over the near term, and should not be interpreted as indicative of ongoing revenue performance over several quarters.

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        Backlog as of December 31, 2013 was $603.6 million, a 5.7% increase from September 30, 2013 backlog of $570.9 million and a 2.3% decrease from December 31, 2012 backlog of $618.0 million. Sequential backlog increased primarily due to our EAS operation ($22.9 million) which had increased project bookings. The year-over-year backlog decrease was primarily due to our Arizona operation ($22.7 million) which performed a significant amount of project work during the current year.

        Gross Profit—Gross profit increased $32.3 million, or 15.5%, to $239.9 million in 2013 as compared to 2012. The increase in gross profit was due to improved profitability at a majority of our operations in 2013 but primarily at our EAS operation (approximately $5.7 million), improved market conditions which resulted in an increase in volumes at our Arizona operation (approximately $5.6 million) and job underperformance at one of our Maryland operations in 2012 (approximately $5.7 million). Also, gross profit increased approximately $2.5 million due to a prior period accounting adjustment. These corrections are reflected on a pretax basis in revenue and cost of sales, which include $3.3 million and $0.8 million, respectively. These accounting adjustments are described in Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included elsewhere in this annual report on Form 10-K. As a percentage of revenue, gross profit increased from 15.6% in 2012 to 17.7% in 2013 primarily due to the factors discussed above. In addition, the gross profit percentage increased due to improved profitability at our large operation headquartered in Virginia despite lower revenues, and included a claim settled during the first quarter of 2013 with the general contractor on a large data center project that had been accelerated by the owner on which we recognized approximately $1.6 million of additional gross profit during the current year.

        Selling, General and Administrative Expenses ("SG&A")—SG&A increased $8.4 million, or 4.5%, to $194.2 million for 2013 as compared to 2012. Excluding amortization expense, SG&A increased $8.9 million, or 5.0%. This increase is primarily due to increased salary expense ($4.6 million) as a result of an increased portion of our work in maintenance, repair and replacement services that has higher SG&A costs, and increased bonuses payable ($3.6 million) as a result of improved operating results. These increases were partially offset by a decrease in bad debt expense ($2.4 million) as a result of a receivable settlement for a gain of $0.8 million, and higher than normal bad debt expense in the prior year due to specific collectability concerns at our operations in Maryland and Tennessee which do not represent trends we expect to continue in the future. As a percentage of revenue, SG&A increased from 14.0% in 2012 to 14.3% in 2013, primarily due to the factors discussed above.

        We have included SG&A, excluding amortization, because we believe it is an effective measure of comparative results of operations. However, SG&A, excluding amortization, is not considered under generally accepted accounting principles to be a primary measure of an entity's financial results, and accordingly, should not be considered an alternative to SG&A as shown in our consolidated statements of operations.

        Interest Expense—Interest expense decreased $0.2 million, or 15.3%, in 2013. The decrease is due to the decrease in notes to former owners and borrowings on the revolving credit facility.

        Changes in the Fair Value of Contingent Earn-out Obligations—The contingent earn-out obligations are measured at fair value each reporting period and changes in estimates of fair value are recognized

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in earnings. Income from changes in the fair value of contingent earn-out obligations increased $1.0 million in 2013 to $1.6 million. The primary reason for the increase is a reduction of estimated future cash flows during 2013 related to the 2010 acquisition of ColonialWebb and the 2011 acquisition of EAS. At the time that we valued our contingent obligations for these acquisitions we did not anticipate the duration of weak market conditions and as a result the initial value of the earnout payments was higher than what we currently expect to incur. Based on updated measurements in 2013, this change in estimate resulted in a $1.6 million writedown of the fair value of the liability. In 2012, we incurred a smaller writedown of $0.6 million related to ColonialWebb based on updated measurements at that time.

        Income Tax Expense—We perform work throughout the United States in virtually all of the fifty states as well as in Puerto Rico. Our effective tax rate varies based upon our relative profitability, or lack of profitability, in states with varying state tax rates and rules. In addition, discrete events, judgments and legal structures can affect our effective tax rate. These items can include the tax treatment for impairment of goodwill and other intangible assets and changes in fair value of acquisition related assets and liabilities, tax reserves associated with regulatory audits, accounting for losses associated with underperforming operations and the partial ownership of consolidated entities.

        Our effective tax rate for 2013 was 38.8%, as compared to 46.6% in 2012. The effective rate for 2013 is higher than the federal statutory rate of 35.0% primarily due to state income taxes (4.1%), the effect of non-deductible expenses (1.3%) and an increase in the valuation allowance primarily associated with our operations in Puerto Rico (3.1%). These increases were partially offset by the impact of the noncontrolling interest of EAS which for tax purposes is treated as a partnership (1.0%), the effect of the production activity deduction (1.1%) and the effect of purchase accounting adjustments (1.0%). The effective rate for 2012 is higher than the federal statutory rate of 35.0% primarily due to state income taxes (4.7%), the impact of the noncontrolling interest of EAS which for tax purposes is treated as a partnership (2.6%), the effect of non-deductible expenses (2.2%) and an increase in the valuation allowance primarily associated with our operations in Puerto Rico (2.1%). Refer to Note 10 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for a reconciliation of the federal statutory income tax rate to the effective tax rate reflected in our financial statements. The decrease in the effective tax rate from 2012 to 2013 is primarily due to less impact on the rate from valuation allowance, contingency reserves, non-deductible expenses and from noncontrolling interests switching from an increase to a decrease in the effective rate. We currently estimate our effective tax rate for 2014 will be between 35% and 45%.

        Discontinued Operations—During the fourth quarter of 2012, we substantially completed the shutdown of our operation located in Delaware. The after tax loss of $0.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2013 and the after tax income of $0.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2012 have been recorded in discontinued operations under "Operating income (loss), net of tax expense (benefit)."

        In addition, we recorded after tax income of $0.3 million in 2012 associated with the reduction of estimated liabilities associated with the sale and shutdown of previous discontinued operations. This amount is reflected in 2012 discontinued operations under "Operating income (loss), net of tax expense (benefit)" in addition to those mentioned above.

        Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests—Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests increased $2.9 million in 2013 to income of $1.3 million as compared to a loss in 2012. This increase reflects the impact of higher earnings at EAS, our non-wholly owned consolidated subsidiary, which was due primarily to higher revenues and better absorption of overhead costs in the current year.

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2012 Compared to 2011

        We had 38 operating locations as of December 31, 2011. We discontinued operations at one company during 2012. As of December 31, 2012, we had 37 operating locations. Acquisitions are included in our results of operations from the respective acquisition date. The same-store comparison from 2012 to 2011, as described below, excludes the first ten months of 2012 for EAS, which was acquired during November 2011. An operating location is included in the same-store comparison on the first day it has comparable prior year operating data. An operating location is excluded from the same-store comparison in the current year and comparable prior years when it is properly characterized as a discontinued operation under applicable accounting standards.

        Revenue—Revenue increased $114.5 million, or 9.4% to $1,331.2 million in 2012 compared to 2011. The increase included a 3.4% increase in revenue related to same-store activity and a 6.0% increase from acquisitions. The same-store revenue increase stemmed primarily from increased activity in the nonresidential markets throughout the United States especially in the manufacturing sector (approximately $79.2 million) as a result of a large, short duration data center project at our large operation headquartered in Virginia that was substantially completed in the first half of 2012. This increase was partially offset due to decreased revenue in the healthcare sector (approximately $53.4 million).

        Backlog reflects revenue still to be recognized under contracted or committed installation and replacement project work. Project work generally lasts less than one year. Service agreement revenue and service work and short duration projects which are generally billed as performed do not flow through backlog. Accordingly, backlog represents only a portion of our revenue for any given future period, and it represents revenue that is likely to be reflected in our operating results over the next six to twelve months. As a result, we believe the predictive value of backlog information is limited to indications of general revenue direction over the near term, and should not be interpreted as indicative of ongoing revenue performance over several quarters.

        Backlog as of December 31, 2012 was $618.0 million, a 0.8% decrease from September 30, 2012 backlog of $622.8 million and a 1.8% decrease from December 31, 2011 backlog of $629.5 million. The sequential backlog decreased primarily related to our Tennessee operation. The year over year backlog decrease was primarily due to the large, short duration data center project at ColonialWebb as previously discussed.

        Gross Profit—Gross profit increased $26.1 million, or 14.4%, to $207.6 million in 2012 as compared to 2011. As a percentage of revenue, gross profit increased from 14.9% in 2011 to 15.6% in 2012. The increase included a $22.6 million, or 12.5%, increase in gross profit on a same-store basis and a $3.5 million, or 1.9%, increase related to the acquisition of EAS. The same-store increase in gross profit resulted primarily from improved profitability at our New York and Virginia operations in 2012 (approximately $3.9 million and $8.6 million, respectively) and job underperformance at our Southern Alabama operations in 2011 (approximately $4.8 million). This was partially offset by a job write-down that we recorded in the first quarter of 2012 on a project that had been accelerated by the owner. The additional costs associated with this acceleration exceeded $3 million and as of year-end we were pursuing a claim for compensation for such costs. Following year-end, the Company entered into an agreement with the general contractor regarding the claim and reached an agreement in principal as to the bulk of remaining open issues with its subcontractors. As a result of these matters, we received $1.6 million of incremental gross profit during the first quarter of 2013.

        Selling, General and Administrative Expenses ("SG&A")—SG&A increased $18.8 million, or 11.2%, to $185.8 million for 2012 as compared to 2011. On a same-store basis, excluding amortization expense, SG&A increased $13.5 million, or 8.4%. This increase is primarily due to higher medical costs ($2.5 million) that were due to an increased frequency of large dollar claims and higher compensation

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accruals ($3.4 million) related to an increase in bonuses and commissions payable as a result of improved operating results. Additionally, an increase in bad debt expense ($2.5 million) was primarily due to specific collectability concerns at our operations in Maryland and Tennessee which do not represent trends we expect to continue in the future. Amortization expense increased $1.2 million, or 18.6%, primarily related to the EAS acquisition in 2011. As a percentage of revenue, SG&A increased from 13.7% in 2011 to 14.0% in 2012, primarily due to the factors discussed above.

        We have included SG&A on a same-store basis, excluding amortization, because we believe it is an effective measure of comparative results of operations prior to factoring in charges incurred for recent acquisitions. However, SG&A, excluding amortization, is not considered under generally accepted accounting principles to be a primary measure of an entity's financial results, and accordingly, should not be considered an alternative to SG&A as shown in our consolidated statements of operations.

        Interest Expense—Interest expense decreased $0.3 million, or 15.4%, in 2012. The decrease is due to the decrease in notes to former owners.

        Changes in the Fair Value of Contingent Earn-out Obligations—The contingent earn-out obligations are measured at fair value each reporting period and changes in estimates of fair value are recognized in earnings. Income from changes in the fair value of contingent earn-out obligations decreased $4.9 million in 2012 to $0.7 million. The primary reason for the decrease is a reduction of estimated future cash flows during 2011 related to the 2010 acquisition of ColonialWebb. At the time that we valued our contingent obligation at ColonialWebb we did not anticipate the duration of weak market conditions and as a result the initial value of the earnout payments was higher than what we expected to incur. This change in estimate resulted in a $5.2 million writedown of the fair value of the liability. In 2012, we incurred an additional writedown of $0.6 million related to ColonialWebb based on updated measurements.

        Income Tax Expense—We perform work throughout the United States in virtually all of the fifty states as well as in Puerto Rico. Our effective tax rate varies based upon our relative profitability, or lack of profitability, in states with varying state tax rates and rules. In addition, discrete events, judgments and legal structures can affect our effective tax rate. These items can include the tax treatment for impairment of goodwill and other intangible assets and changes in fair value of acquisition related assets and liabilities, tax reserves associated with regulatory audits, accounting for losses associated with underperforming operations and the partial ownership of consolidated entities.

        Our effective tax rate for 2012 was 46.6%, as compared to 14.4% in 2011. The effective rate for 2012 is higher than the federal statutory rate of 35.0% primarily due to state income taxes (4.7%), the impact of the noncontrolling interest of EAS which for tax purposes is treated as a partnership (2.6%), the effect of non-deductible expenses (2.2%) and an increase in the valuation allowance primarily associated with our operations in Puerto Rico (2.1%). The effective rate for 2011 associated with our pre-tax loss in that year is lower than the federal statutory rate of 35.0%. This rate is lower primarily due to the non-cash goodwill impairment charge of $57.4 million of which $26.4 million was not deductible for income tax purposes resulting in a significant impact on the effective tax rate (24.3%), as well as an increase in the valuation allowance (9.0%) related to deferred tax assets for state net

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operating loss carryforwards and other state deferred tax assets primarily in Virginia and Maryland. These amounts were partially offset by permanent differences generated by acquisition related fair value adjustments (7.9%) and state income tax benefits (5.2%). Refer to Note 10 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for a reconciliation of the federal statutory income tax rate to the effective tax rate reflected in our financial statements. The increase in the effective tax rate from 2011 to 2012 is primarily due to the impact of the non-cash goodwill charge discussed above.

        Discontinued Operations—During the fourth quarter of 2012, we substantially completed the shutdown of our operation located in Delaware which we decided to curtail operating in the fourth quarter of 2011. During 2011, we impaired the intangible assets of $1.6 million associated with this operation as a result of this decision. The after tax income of $0.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2012 and the after tax loss of $4.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2011 have been recorded in discontinued operations under "Operating income (loss), net of tax expense (benefit)."

        In addition, we recorded after tax income of $0.3 million in 2012 associated with the reduction of estimated liabilities associated with the sale and shutdown of previous discontinued operations. These amounts are reflected in discontinued operations under "Operating income (loss), net of tax expense (benefit)" in addition to those mentioned above.

        Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests—Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests decreased $2.0 million in 2012 to a loss of $1.6 million. This decrease reflects the impact of lower earnings at EAS, our non-wholly owned consolidated subsidiary, which was negatively impacted by job delays and underperformance.

Outlook

        Weakness in the environment for nonresidential construction activity persisted in 2013, as nonresidential construction activity remained at subdued levels similar to recent years. We expect underlying weakness to continue to impact revenues during 2014. Our backlog remains at generally lower levels than we have experienced in the past, although it is still at solid levels in light of ongoing industry conditions. Our primary emphasis for 2014 will remain on execution, including a focus on cost discipline and efficient project and service performance. Based on our backlog, and in light of economic conditions for our industry, we expect that revenues will continue at the levels that we have experienced in recent years, and that 2014 profitability will be comparable to the improved levels of 2013.

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Liquidity and Capital Resources

Cash Flow

        Our business does not require significant amounts of investment in long-term fixed assets. The substantial majority of the capital used in our business is working capital that funds our costs of labor and installed equipment deployed in project work until our customer pays us. Customary terms in our industry allow customers to withhold a small portion of the contract price until after we have completed the work, typically for six months. Amounts withheld under this practice are known as retention or retainage. Our average project duration together with typical retention terms generally allow us to complete the realization of revenue and earnings in cash within one year.

2013 Compared to 2012

        Cash Provided by Operating Activities—Cash flow from operations is primarily influenced by demand for our services and operating margins, but can also be influenced by working capital needs associated with the various types of services that we provide. In particular, working capital needs may increase when we commence large volumes of work under circumstances where project costs, primarily associated with labor, equipment and subcontractors, are required to be paid before the receivables resulting from the work performed are billed and collected. Working capital needs are generally higher during the late winter and spring months as we prepare and plan for the increased project demand when favorable weather conditions exist in the summer and fall months. Conversely, working capital assets are typically converted to cash during the late summer and fall months as project completion is underway. These seasonal trends are sometimes offset by changes in the timing of major projects which can be impacted by the weather, project delays or accelerations and other economic factors that may affect customer spending.

        We generated $38.4 million of cash flow from operating activities during 2013 compared with $30.5 million during 2012. The $7.9 million increase is primarily due to higher net income in 2013 of $16.7 million and by an increase in accounts payable and accrued liabilities of $22.3 million which relates to the timing of vendor payments and increased bonus accruals based on improved operating results. This increase was partially offset by increased receivable balances of $15.3 million due to the timing of customer billings and payments and a decrease in billings in excess of costs of $11.0 million due to the timing of project billings.

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        Cash Used in Investing Activities—During 2013, cash used in investing activities was $16.3 million compared with $23.2 million during 2012. The $6.9 million decrease in cash used primarily relates to cash paid for acquisitions in 2012 ($12.7 million) which was partially offset by a $5.6 million increase in capital expenditures in the current year primarily related to transportation equipment.

        Cash Used in Financing Activities—Cash used in financing activities was $10.9 million for 2013 compared to $17.8 million during 2012. We repurchased approximately 0.1 million shares in 2013 for $1.8 million as compared to 0.3 million shares in 2012 for $2.9 million. Additionally, we paid $5.4 million of debt related to acquisitions in 2013 as compared to $7.3 million in 2012. In addition, proceeds from the exercise of options provided an increase in cash flow of $4.9 million in 2013 compared to $0.3 million in 2012. This increase was due to higher options exercised in 2013 due to a favorable stock price.

2012 Compared to 2011

        Cash Provided by Operating Activities—We generated $30.5 million of cash flow from operating activities during 2012 compared with $29.7 million during 2011. The $0.8 million increase is primarily due to higher profitability in 2012.

        Cash Used in Investing Activities—During 2012, cash used for investing activities was $23.2 million compared with $35.8 million during 2011. The most significant item affecting the comparison of our investing cash flows for these years primarily related to $12.7 million paid for acquisitions in 2012 as compared to $30.0 million in 2011.

        Cash Used in Financing Activities—Cash used for financing activities was $17.8 million for 2012 compared to $29.0 million during 2011. The most significant item affecting the comparison of our financing cash flows for these years primarily relates to our share repurchase program and payments on other long-term debt. We repurchased approximately 0.3 million shares in 2012 for $2.9 million as compared to 0.7 million shares in 2011 for $7.3 million. Additionally, we paid $7.3 million of debt related to acquisitions in 2012 as compared to $14.4 million in 2011.

Free Cash Flow

        We define free cash flow as cash provided by operating activities, less customary capital expenditures, plus the proceeds from asset sales and taxes paid related to pre-acquisition equity transactions of an acquired company. We believe free cash flow, by encompassing both profit margins and the use of working capital over our approximately one year working capital cycle, is an effective measure of operating effectiveness and efficiency. We have included free cash flow information here for this reason, and because we are often asked about it by third parties evaluating us. However, free cash flow is not considered under generally accepted accounting principles to be a primary measure of an entity's financial results, and accordingly free cash flow should not be considered an alternative to operating income, net income, or amounts shown in our consolidated statements of cash flows as determined under generally accepted accounting principles. Free cash flow may be defined differently by other companies.

Share Repurchase Program

        On March 29, 2007, our Board of Directors (the "Board") approved a stock repurchase program to acquire up to 1.0 million shares of our outstanding common stock. Subsequently, the Board has from time to time approved extensions of the program to acquire additional shares. Since the inception of the repurchase program, the Board has approved 6.6 million shares to be repurchased.

        The share repurchases will be made from time to time at our discretion in the open market or privately negotiated transactions as permitted by securities laws and other legal requirements, and

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subject to market conditions and other factors. The Board may modify, suspend, extend or terminate the program at any time. We repurchased 0.1 million shares for approximately $1.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2013 at an average price of $14.59 per share. We repurchased 0.3 million shares for approximately $2.9 million and 0.7 million shares for approximately $7.3 million under our share repurchase program for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. Since the inception of the program in 2007 and as of December 31, 2013, we have repurchased a cumulative total of 6.0 million shares at an average price of $11.00 per share.

Debt

Credit Facility

        On June 25, 2013, we amended our senior credit facility (the "Facility") provided by a syndicate of banks increasing our borrowing capacity from $125.0 million to $175.0 million. The Facility, which is available for borrowings and letters of credit, expires in July 2018 and is secured by a first lien on substantially all of the Company's personal property except for assets related to projects subject to surety bonds and assets held by certain unrestricted subsidiaries and a second lien on the Company's assets related to projects subject to surety bonds. We incurred approximately $0.6 million in financing and professional costs in connection with the amendment to the Facility, which combined with the previous unamortized costs of $0.7 million, will be amortized on a straight-line basis as a non-cash charge to interest expense over the remaining term of the Facility. As of December 31, 2013, we had no outstanding borrowings, $48.1 million in letters of credit outstanding and $126.9 million of credit available.

        There are two interest rate options for borrowings under the Facility, the Base Rate Loan option and the Eurodollar Rate Loan option. These rates are floating rates determined by the broad financial markets, meaning they can and do move up and down from time to time. Additional margins are then added to these two rates. We estimate that the interest rate applicable to the borrowings under the Facility would be approximately 1.6% as of December 31, 2013.

        Certain of our vendors require letters of credit to ensure reimbursement for amounts they are disbursing on our behalf, such as to beneficiaries under our self-funded insurance programs. We have also occasionally used letters of credit to guarantee performance under our contracts and to ensure payment to our subcontractors and vendors under those contracts. Our lenders issue such letters of credit through the Facility for a fee. We have never had a claim made against a letter of credit that resulted in payments by a lender or by us and believe such claims are unlikely in the foreseeable future. The letter of credit fees range from 1.25% to 2.00% per annum, based on the ratio of Consolidated Total Indebtedness to Credit Facility Adjusted EBITDA, as defined in the credit agreement.

        Commitment fees are payable on the portion of the revolving loan capacity not in use for borrowings or letters of credit at any given time. These fees range from 0.20%-0.35% per annum, based on the ratio of Consolidated Total Indebtedness to Credit Facility Adjusted EBITDA, as defined in the credit agreement.

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        Interest expense included the following primary elements (in thousands):

        The Facility contains financial covenants defining various measures and the levels of these measures with which we must comply. Covenant compliance is assessed as of each quarter end. Credit Facility Adjusted EBITDA is defined under the Facility for financial covenant purposes as net earnings for the four quarters ending as of any given quarterly covenant compliance measurement date, plus the corresponding amounts for (a) interest expense; (b) income taxes; (c) depreciation and amortization; (d) other non-cash charges; and (e) pre-acquisition results of acquired companies. The following is a reconciliation of Credit Facility Adjusted EBITDA to net income (in thousands):