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NORTHWEST PIPE CO - Quarter Report: 2018 September (Form 10-Q)

nwpx20180930_10q.htm
 

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UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D. C. 20549

 

FORM 10-Q

 

QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

For the quarterly period ended: September 30, 2018

or

 

TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

For the transition period from              to             

 

Commission File Number: 0-27140 

 

NORTHWEST PIPE COMPANY

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

OREGON

93-0557988

(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)

(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

 

201 NE Park Plaza Drive, Suite 100

Vancouver, Washington 98684

(Address of principal executive offices and zip code)

 

360-397-6250 

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code) 

 

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  ☒    No  ☐

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, 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  ☒    No  ☐

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

 

Large accelerated filer

Accelerated filer

       

Non-accelerated filer

☐ (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)

Smaller reporting company

       
 

 

Emerging growth company

 

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐

 

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

 

Common Stock, par value $.01 per share

9,735,055

(Class)

(Shares outstanding as of November 2, 2018)

 



 

 

 

NORTHWEST PIPE COMPANY

FORM 10-Q

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

 

Page

PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

   

Item 1. Financial Statements (Unaudited):

 

   

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017

2

   

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017

3

   

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017

4

   

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017

5

   

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

6

   

Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

22

   

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

28

   

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

28

   

PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

 

   

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

29

   

Item 1A. Risk Factors

29

   

Item 6. Exhibits

29

   

Signatures

30

 

 

Part I  FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

Item 1. Financial Statements

 

 

 

NORTHWEST PIPE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(Unaudited)

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

 

 

   

Three Months Ended September 30,

   

Nine Months Ended September 30,

 
   

2018

   

2017

   

2018

   

2017

 
                                 

Net sales

  $ 52,455     $ 38,804     $ 114,605     $ 97,153  

Cost of sales

    47,252       36,811       109,292       93,171  

Gross profit

    5,203       1,993       5,313       3,982  

Selling, general and administrative expense

    5,332       3,423       12,523       10,835  

Gain on sale of property

    (2,760 )     -       (2,760 )     -  

Restructuring expense

    134       -       1,222       881  

Operating income (loss)

    2,497       (1,430 )     (5,672 )     (7,734 )

Bargain purchase gain

    21,880       -       21,880       -  

Other income (expense)

    59       (81 )     249       (54 )

Interest income

    38       -       256       -  

Interest expense

    (129 )     (117 )     (385 )     (369 )

Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes

    24,345       (1,628 )     16,328       (8,157 )

Income tax benefit

    (3,456 )     (41 )     (3,836 )     (1,607 )

Income (loss) from continuing operations

    27,801       (1,587 )     20,164       (6,550 )

Discontinued operations:

                               

Loss from operations of discontinued operations

    -       (456 )     -       (1,459 )

Income tax expense (benefit)

    -       26       -       (4 )

Loss on discontinued operations

    -       (482 )     -       (1,455 )

Net income (loss)

  $ 27,801     $ (2,069 )   $ 20,164     $ (8,005 )
                                 

Basic income (loss) per share:

                               

Continuing operations

  $ 2.86     $ (0.16 )   $ 2.07     $ (0.68 )

Discontinued operations

    -       (0.05 )     -       (0.15 )

Net income (loss) per share

  $ 2.86     $ (0.21 )   $ 2.07     $ (0.83 )
                                 

Diluted income (loss) per share:

                               

Continuing operations

  $ 2.86     $ (0.16 )   $ 2.07     $ (0.68 )

Discontinued operations

    -       (0.05 )     -       (0.15 )

Net income (loss) per share

  $ 2.86     $ (0.21 )   $ 2.07     $ (0.83 )
                                 

Shares used in per share calculations:

                               

Basic

    9,735       9,620       9,723       9,611  

Diluted

    9,735       9,620       9,732       9,611  

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

 

 

NORTHWEST PIPE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

(Unaudited)

(In thousands)

 

 

   

Three Months Ended September 30,

   

Nine Months Ended September 30,

 
   

2018

   

2017

   

2018

   

2017

 
                                 

Net income (loss)

  $ 27,801     $ (2,069 )   $ 20,164     $ (8,005 )
                                 

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:

                               

Pension liability adjustment

    23       102       84       306  

Unrealized gain (loss) on cash flow hedges

    (16 )     3       19       (11 )

Other comprehensive income, net of tax

    7       105       103       295  

Comprehensive income (loss)

  $ 27,808     $ (1,964 )   $ 20,267     $ (7,710 )

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

 

 

NORTHWEST PIPE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(Unaudited)

(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share amounts)

 

 

   

September 30,

2018

   

December 31,

2017

 

Assets

               

Current assets:

               

Cash and cash equivalents

  $ 1,547     $ 43,646  

Trade and other receivables, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $558 and $477

    33,955       28,990  

Contract assets

    64,130       44,502  

Inventories

    34,742       17,055  

Prepaid expenses and other

    5,350       6,562  

Total current assets

    139,724       140,755  

Property and equipment, less accumulated depreciation and amortization of $76,980 and $74,311

    107,907       78,756  

Other assets

    9,593       10,813  

Total assets

  $ 257,224     $ 230,324  
                 

Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity

               

Current liabilities:

               

Accounts payable

  $ 19,291     $ 7,521  

Accrued liabilities

    6,063       6,563  

Contract liabilities

    802       2,599  

Current portion of capital lease obligations

    430       318  

Total current liabilities

    26,586       17,001  

Borrowings on line of credit

    190       -  

Capital lease obligations, less current portion

    931       737  

Deferred income taxes

    67       941  

Other long-term liabilities

    10,814       11,381  

Total liabilities

    38,588       30,060  
                 

Commitments and contingencies (Note 9)

               
                 

Stockholders’ equity:

               

Preferred stock, $.01 par value, 10,000,000 shares authorized, none issued or outstanding

    -       -  

Common stock, $.01 par value, 15,000,000 shares authorized, 9,735,055 and 9,619,755 shares issued and outstanding

    97       96  

Additional paid-in-capital

    118,835       119,856  

Retained earnings

    101,046       81,757  

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

    (1,342 )     (1,445 )

Total stockholders’ equity

    218,636       200,264  

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

  $ 257,224     $ 230,324  

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

 

 

NORTHWEST PIPE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(Unaudited)

(In thousands)

 

   

Nine Months Ended September 30,

 
   

2018

   

2017

 

Cash flows from operating activities:

               

Net income (loss)

  $ 20,164     $ (8,005 )

Loss on discontinued operations

    -       (1,455 )

Income (loss) from continuing operations

    20,164       (6,550 )

Adjustments to reconcile income (loss) from continuing operations to net cash used in operating activities:

               

Bargain purchase gain

    (21,880 )     -  

Depreciation and capital lease amortization

    5,644       4,674  

Amortization of intangible assets

    382       374  

Amortization of debt issuance costs

    126       126  

Provision for doubtful accounts

    322       557  

Deferred income taxes

    (3,915 )     (1,200 )

Gain on disposal of property and equipment

    (2,536 )     (69 )

Share-based compensation expense

    281       963  

Adjustments to contingent consideration

    -       27  

Unrealized (gain) loss on foreign currency forward contracts

    (42 )     108  

Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of acquired assets and assumed liabilities:

               

Trade and other receivables

    6,014       753  

Contract assets, net

    (11,142 )     (8,377 )

Inventories

    (7,063 )     (185 )

Refundable income taxes

    (107 )     81  

Prepaid expenses and other assets

    1,238       960  

Accounts payable

    6,291       (1,595 )

Accrued and other liabilities

    (1,007 )     (3,757 )

Net cash used in operating activities from continuing operations

    (7,230 )     (13,110 )

Net cash used in operating activities from discontinued operations

    -       (1,090 )

Net cash used in operating activities

    (7,230 )     (14,200 )

Cash flows from investing activities:

               

Acquisition of business, net of cash acquired

    (37,223 )     -  

Additions to property and equipment

    (3,087 )     (2,077 )

Proceeds from sale of property and equipment

    5,954       146  

Net cash used in investing activities from continuing operations

    (34,356 )     (1,931 )

Net cash provided by investing activities from discontinued operations

    750       -  

Net cash used in investing activities

    (33,606 )     (1,931 )

Cash flows from financing activities:

               

Tax withholdings related to net share settlements of restricted stock and performance share awards

    (1,301 )     (24 )

Borrowings on line of credit

    190       -  

Payments on capital lease obligations

    (152 )     (259 )

Payments of contingent consideration

    -       (112 )

Net cash used in financing activities from continuing operations

    (1,263 )     (395 )

Change in cash and cash equivalents

    (42,099 )     (16,526 )

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period

    43,646       21,829  

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period

  $ 1,547     $ 5,303  
                 

Noncash investing and financing activities:

               

Accrued property and equipment purchases

  $ 144     $ 86  

Capital lease additions

  $ 458     $ -  

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

 

NORTHWEST PIPE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

 

 

1.

Basis of Presentation

 

The Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of Northwest Pipe Company (the “Company”) and its subsidiaries over which the Company exercises control as of the financial statement date. Intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.

 

The Company operates in one business segment, Water Transmission, which manufactures large-diameter, high-pressure, engineered welded steel pipeline systems, as well as reinforced concrete pipe and protective linings, for use in water infrastructure applications, which are primarily related to drinking water systems. These products are also used for hydroelectric power systems, wastewater systems and other applications. In addition, the Company makes products for industrial plant piping systems and certain structural applications.

 

The accompanying unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”). The financial information as of December 31, 2017 is derived from the audited Consolidated Financial Statements presented in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017 (the “2017 Form 10-K”). Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in consolidated financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP have been condensed or omitted, pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission. In the opinion of management, the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements include all adjustments necessary (which are of a normal and recurring nature) for the fair statement of the results of the interim periods presented. The Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes thereto together with management’s discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations contained in the Company’s 2017 Form 10-K.

 

Certain amounts from the prior year financial statements have been reclassified in order to conform to the current year presentation.

 

Operating results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the entire fiscal year ending December 31, 2018.

 

 

2.

Business Combination

 

On July 27, 2018, the Company completed the acquisition of 100% of Ameron Water Transmission Group, LLC (“Ameron”) for a purchase price of approximately $38.1 million in cash, subject to a post-closing adjustment based on changes in net working capital. The results of Ameron’s operations have been included in the consolidated financial statements since that date. Ameron is a major supplier of engineered welded steel pressure pipe as well as reinforced concrete pipe. Headquartered in Rancho Cucamonga, California, Ameron has pipe operations in Tracy, California and San Luis Río Colorado, Mexico, as well as a protective lining facility in Brea, California. This acquisition expands the Company's footprint in a key water transmission pipe market and adds bar-wrapped concrete cylinder pipe, reinforced concrete pipe and T-Lock, a proprietary polyvinyl chloride (PVC) lining for concrete pipe sewer applications, to the Company’s product portfolio.

 

 

The following table summarizes the preliminary purchase consideration and preliminary fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of July 27, 2018 (in thousands):

 

Assets

       

Cash and cash equivalents

  $ 912  

Trade and other receivables

    12,806  

Contract assets

    11,858  

Inventories

    9,895  

Prepaid expenses and other

    452  

Property and equipment

    34,709  

Other assets

    218  

Total assets acquired

    70,850  
         

Liabilities

       

Accounts payable

    5,520  

Accrued liabilities

    1,894  

Contract liabilities

    123  

Deferred income taxes

    3,298  

Total liabilities assumed

    10,835  
         

Bargain purchase gain

    (21,880 )
         

Total purchase consideration

  $ 38,135  

 

The asset and liability fair value measurements are preliminary and subject to change. The adjustments arising from the completion of the detailed valuations and necessary calculations may materially affect the preliminary allocation of the purchase price. The purchase price allocation will be finalized as soon as practicable within the measurement period, but not later than one year following the acquisition date.

 

The excess of the aggregate fair value of the net assets acquired over the consideration paid has been treated as a gain on bargain purchase. When it became apparent there was a potential for a bargain purchase gain, management reviewed the Ameron assets acquired and liabilities assumed as well as the assumptions utilized in estimating their fair values. Upon completion of this reassessment, the Company concluded that recording a bargain purchase gain with respect to Ameron was appropriate and required under U.S. GAAP. The Company believes the seller was motivated to complete the transaction as part of an overall repositioning of its business.

 

The Company incurred acquisition-related costs during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 of $1.9 million and $2.0 million, respectively. These costs are included in Selling, general and administrative expense in the Condensed Consolidated Statements Operations.

 

Ameron operations contributed net sales of $11.1 million and operating loss of $0.7 million, including acquisition-related costs of $1.9 million, to the Company for the period from July 27, 2018 to September 30, 2018.

 

The following unaudited pro forma summary presents the consolidated results of the Company as if the acquisition of Ameron had occurred on January 1, 2017 (in thousands, except per share amounts):

 

   

Three Months Ended September 30,

   

Nine Months Ended September 30,

 
   

2018

   

2017

   

2018

   

2017

 
                                 

Net sales

  $ 57,250     $ 53,071     $ 142,969     $ 142,836  

Net income (loss) from continuing operations

    6,822       1,229       (18,059 )     (5,050 )

Net income (loss) from continuing operations per basic share

    0.70       0.13       (1.86 )     (0.53 )

Net income (loss) from continuing operations per diluted share

    0.70       0.13       (1.86 )     (0.53 )

 

 

This unaudited pro forma consolidated financial data is included only for the purpose of illustration and does not necessarily indicate what the operating results would have been if the acquisition had occurred on January 1, 2017. Moreover, this information is not indicative of what the Company’s future operating results will be. The information for 2017 and 2018 prior to the acquisition is included based on prior accounting records maintained by Ameron. The pro forma amounts have been calculated after applying the Company’s accounting policies and adjusting the results of Ameron to reflect the additional depreciation and amortization that would have been charged assuming the fair value adjustments to property, plant and equipment and intangible assets had been applied on January 1, 2017, and the consequential tax effects. Aside from revising the 2018 net income (loss) for the effect of the bargain purchase gain, there were no material, non-recurring adjustments to this unaudited pro forma information.

 

 

3.

Discontinued Operations

 

On December 26, 2017, the Company completed the sale of substantially all of the assets associated with the Company’s manufacturing facility in Atchison, Kansas (the “Atchison facility”), including all of the real and tangible personal property located at the site of that manufacturing facility. Total consideration of $37.2 million in cash was paid by the buyer, resulting in a nominal gain recognized on the sale. Of the proceeds received, $0.8 million was placed in escrow until it was released in February 2018 and approximately $3.7 million was placed in escrow for twelve months to secure the Company’s indemnification obligations under the agreement.

 

In accordance with applicable accounting guidance, the financial results of the Atchison facility are presented as discontinued operations in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations. Cash flows from the Company’s discontinued operations are presented separately in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. As the Atchison facility was the remaining Tubular Products business, the Company now operates in only one business segment, Water Transmission.

 

The following table presents the operating results for the Company’s discontinued operations prior to the sale (in thousands):

 

   

Three Months Ended

September 30, 2017

   

Nine Months Ended

September 30, 2017

 
                 

Net sales

  $ -     $ 9  

Cost of sales

    457       1,469  

Gross loss

    (457 )     (1,460 )

Selling, general and administrative expense

    (1 )     (1 )

Operating loss

    (456 )     (1,459 )

Interest expense

    -       -  

Loss before income taxes

    (456 )     (1,459 )

Income tax expense (benefit)

    26       (4 )

Net loss

  $ (482 )   $ (1,455 )

 

 

 

4.

Inventories

 

Inventories consist of the following (in thousands):

 

   

September 30,

2018

   

December 31,

2017

 

Short-term inventories:

               

Raw materials

  $ 29,471     $ 13,700  

Work-in-process

    3,099       1,268  

Finished goods

    585       464  

Supplies

    1,587       1,623  

Total short-term inventories

    34,742       17,055  
                 

Long-term inventories:

               

Finished goods

    91       820  

Total inventories

  $ 34,833     $ 17,875  

 

Long-term inventories are recorded in Other assets.

 

 

5.

Property and Equipment

 

In August 2018, the Company sold property in Houston, Texas for net proceeds of $5.8 million, resulting in a gain of $2.8 million.

 

 

6.

Fair Value Measurements

 

The Company records its financial assets and liabilities at fair value, which is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability, in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability, in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date.

 

The authoritative guidance establishes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value into three broad levels. These levels are: Level 1 (inputs are quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities); Level 2 (inputs are other than quoted prices that are observable, either directly or indirectly through corroboration with observable market data); and Level 3 (inputs are unobservable, with little or no market data that exists, such as internal financial forecasts). The Company is required to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value.

 

 

The following table summarizes information regarding the Company’s financial assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value (in thousands):

 

   

Total

   

Level 1

   

Level 2

   

Level 3

 

As of September 30, 2018

                               

Financial assets:

                               

Deferred compensation plan

  $ 5,885     $ 4,901     $ 984     $ -  

Foreign currency forward contracts

    19       -       19       -  

Total assets

  $ 5,904     $ 4,901     $ 1,003     $ -  
                                 

Financial liabilities:

                               

Foreign currency forward contracts

  $ (16 )   $ -     $ (16 )   $ -  
                                 

As of December 31, 2017

                               

Financial assets:

                               

Deferred compensation plan

  $ 6,244     $ 5,251     $ 993     $ -  
                                 

Financial liabilities:

                               

Foreign currency forward contracts

  $ (60 )   $ -     $ (60 )   $ -  

 

The deferred compensation plan assets consist of cash and several publicly traded stock and bond mutual funds, valued using quoted market prices in active markets, classified as Level 1 within the fair value hierarchy, as well as guaranteed investment contracts, valued at principal plus interest credited at contract rates, classified as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy.

The Company’s foreign currency forward contracts, which are derivatives accounted for as cash flow hedges, are valued using various pricing models or discounted cash flow analyses that incorporate observable market parameters, such as interest rate yield curves and currency rates, classified as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy. Derivative valuations incorporate credit risk adjustments that are necessary to reflect the probability of default by the counterparty or the Company.

The net carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalents, trade and other receivables, accounts payable and accrued liabilities approximate fair value due to the short-term nature of these instruments.

 

Effective January 1, 2018, upon the adoption of Accounting Standards Update No. 2016-01, “Financial Instruments—Overall (Subtopic 825-10): Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities,” the Company has elected to measure its investment in Lucid Energy, Inc. (“Lucid”), a clean energy company based in Portland, Oregon, at cost minus impairment plus or minus changes resulting from observable price changes in orderly transactions for the identical or a similar investment of the same issuer. The carrying amount of the Company’s investment in Lucid was $0 as of September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 due to a history of net losses. This carrying amount includes cumulative impairment losses of $2.0 million. There were no material impairment charges recorded for the Company’s investment in Lucid during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 or 2017.

 

 

7.

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities

 

The Company conducts business in various foreign countries and, from time to time, settles transactions in foreign currencies. The Company has established a program that utilizes foreign currency forward contracts to offset the risk associated with the effects of certain foreign currency exposures, typically arising from sales contracts denominated in Canadian currency. The Company utilizes cash flow hedge accounting treatment for qualifying foreign currency forward contracts. Instruments that do not qualify for cash flow hedge accounting treatment are remeasured at fair value on each balance sheet date and resulting gains and losses are recognized in earnings.

 

 

For each foreign currency forward contract entered into in which the Company seeks to obtain cash flow hedge accounting treatment, the Company formally documents all relationships between hedging instruments and hedged items, as well as its risk management objective and strategy for undertaking the hedge transaction, the nature of the risk being hedged, how the hedging instrument’s effectiveness in offsetting the hedged risk will be assessed prospectively and retrospectively and a description of the method of measuring ineffectiveness. This process includes linking all foreign currency forward contracts to specific firm commitments or forecasted transactions and designating the foreign currency forward contracts as cash flow hedges. The Company also formally assesses, both at the hedge’s inception and on an ongoing basis, whether the foreign currency forward contracts that are used in hedging transactions are highly effective in offsetting changes in cash flows of hedged items. The effective portion of these hedged items is reflected in Unrealized gain (loss) on cash flow hedges on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss). If it is determined that a foreign currency forward contract is not highly effective, or that it has ceased to be a highly effective hedge, the Company is required to discontinue hedge accounting with respect to that foreign currency forward contract prospectively.

 

As of September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, the total notional amount of the foreign currency forward contracts designated as cash flow hedges was $2.0 million (CAD$2.6 million) and $2.1 million (CAD$2.7 million), respectively. Foreign currency forward contract assets are included within Prepaid expenses and other and foreign currency forward contract liabilities are included within Accrued liabilities in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. All of the Company’s foreign currency forward contracts are subject to an enforceable master netting arrangement. The Company presents the assets and liabilities associated with its foreign currency forward contracts at their gross fair values in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.

 

All of the Company’s Canadian forward contracts have maturities less than twelve months as of September 30, 2018.

 

As of September 30, 2018, all foreign currency forward contracts were designated as cash flow hedges. As of December 31, 2017, the total notional amount of the foreign currency forward contracts not designated as cash flow hedges was $0.2 million (CAD$0.2 million). For the three months ended September 30, 2018 and the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, losses recognized in Net sales from continuing operations from foreign currency forward contracts not designated as hedging instruments were approximately $0. For the nine months ended September 30, 2018, gains recognized in Net sales from continuing operations from foreign currency forward contracts not designated as hedging instruments were $0.1 million. As of September 30, 2018, unrealized pretax gains on outstanding foreign currency forward contracts in Accumulated other comprehensive loss was approximately $0. Typically, outstanding foreign currency forward contract balances in Accumulated other comprehensive loss are expected to be reclassified to Net sales from continuing operations within the next twelve months as a result of underlying hedged transactions also being recorded in Net sales from continuing operations. See Note 12, “Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss” for additional quantitative information regarding foreign currency forward contract gains and losses.

 

 

8.

Share-based Compensation

 

The Company has one active stock incentive plan for employees and directors, the 2007 Stock Incentive Plan, which provides for awards of stock options to purchase shares of common stock, stock appreciation rights, restricted and unrestricted shares of common stock, restricted stock units (“RSUs”) and performance share awards (“PSAs”). In addition, the Company had one inactive stock option plan, the 1995 Stock Option Plan for Nonemployee Directors, under which remaining previously granted options expired unexercised during the year ended December 31, 2017.

 

The Company recognizes the compensation cost of employee and director services received in exchange for awards of equity instruments based on the grant date estimated fair value of the awards. Share-based compensation cost is recognized over the period during which the employee or director is required to provide service in exchange for the award and, as forfeitures occur, the associated compensation cost recognized to date is reversed. For awards with performance-based payout conditions, the Company recognizes compensation cost based on the probability of achieving the performance conditions, with changes in expectations recognized as an adjustment to earnings in the period of change. Any recognized compensation cost is reversed if the conditions are ultimately not met.

 

The following table summarizes share-based compensation expense recorded (in thousands):

 

   

Three Months Ended September 30,

   

Nine Months Ended September 30,

 
   

2018

   

2017

   

2018

   

2017

 
                                 

Cost of sales

  $ -     $ 70     $ 12     $ 221  

Selling, general and administrative expense

    -       167       269       742  

Total

  $ -     $ 237     $ 281     $ 963  

 

 

Stock Option Awards

 

A summary of option activity under the Company’s stock option plans is presented below:

 

   

Options Outstanding

   

Weighted-

Average

Exercise Price

   

Weighted-

Average

Remaining

Contractual

Life

   

Aggregate

Intrinsic Value

 
                   

(in years)

   

(In thousands)

 

Balance, December 31, 2017

    24,000     $ 24.15                  

Options granted

    -       -                  

Options exercised

    -       -                  

Options canceled

    -       -                  

Balance, September 30, 2018

    24,000       24.15                  

Exercisable, September 30, 2018

    24,000       24.15       1.50     $ -  

 

Restricted Stock Units and Performance Share Awards

 

RSUs and PSAs are measured at the estimated fair value on the date of grant. RSUs are service-based awards and vest according to vesting schedules, which range from immediate to ratably over a three-year period. PSAs are service-based awards that vest according to the terms of the grant and may have performance- and/or market-based payout conditions.

 

A summary of activity under the Company’s RSUs and PSAs is presented below:

 

   

Number of

RSUs and

PSAs (1)

   

Weighted-

Average Grant

Date Fair Value

 

Unvested RSUs as of December 31, 2017

    169,583     $ 9.50  

PSAs granted

    43,077       19.97  

Unvested PSAs canceled

    (3,085 )     19.97  

RSUs vested

    (169,583 )     9.50  

Unvested PSAs as of September 30, 2018

    39,992       19.97  

 

 

(1)

The number of performance share awards disclosed in this table are at the target level of 100%.

 

The unvested balance of PSAs as of September 30, 2018 includes approximately 40,000 performance-based PSAs at a target level of performance. The vesting of these awards is subject to the achievement of specified performance-based conditions, and the actual number of common shares that will ultimately be issued will be determined by multiplying this number of PSAs by a payout percentage ranging from 0% to 200%.

 

As of September 30, 2018, the Company has determined that the likelihood of achieving the specified performance-based conditions in the PSAs is remote; therefore, the unrecognized compensation expense with respect to these performance-based PSAs as of September 30, 2018 was $0.

 

Stock Awards

 

For the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, stock awards of 11,172 and 14,944 shares, respectively, were granted to non-employee directors, which vested immediately upon issuance. The Company recorded compensation expense based on the fair market value per share of the awards on the grant date of $21.48 and $14.72 in 2018 and 2017, respectively.

 

 

 

9.

Commitments and Contingencies

 

Portland Harbor Superfund Site

 

In December 2000, a section of the lower Willamette River known as the Portland Harbor Superfund Site was included on the National Priorities List at the request of the United States Environmental Protection Agency (the “EPA”). While the Company’s Portland, Oregon manufacturing facility does not border the Willamette River, an outfall from the facility’s stormwater system drains into a neighboring property’s privately owned stormwater system and slip. Since the listing of the site, the Company was notified by the EPA and the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (the “ODEQ”) of potential liability under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (“CERCLA”). A remedial investigation and feasibility study of the Portland Harbor Superfund Site was directed by a group of 14 potentially responsible parties known as the Lower Willamette Group under agreement with the EPA. The EPA finalized the remedial investigation report in February 2016, and the feasibility study in June 2016, which identified multiple remedial alternatives. In January 2017, the EPA issued its Record of Decision selecting the remedy for cleanup at the Portland Harbor Superfund Site, which it believes will cost approximately $1 billion and 13 years to complete. The EPA has not yet determined who is responsible for the costs of cleanup or how the cleanup costs will be allocated among the more than 100 potentially responsible parties. Because of the large number of potentially responsible parties and the variability in the range of remediation alternatives, the Company is unable to estimate an amount or an amount within a range of costs for its obligation with respect to the Portland Harbor Superfund Site matters, and no further adjustment to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements has been recorded as of the date of this filing.

 

In 2001, groundwater containing elevated volatile organic compounds was identified in one localized area of leased property adjacent to the Portland facility. In February 2005, the Company entered into a Voluntary Agreement for Remedial Investigation and Source Control Measures (the “Voluntary Agreement”) with the ODEQ, and has performed remedial investigation work required under the Voluntary Agreement. In 2016, the EPA and the ODEQ requested additional groundwater sampling, which was completed in the third quarter of 2017. The results, which were communicated to the ODEQ and the EPA in August 2017, have been generally consistent with previous sampling and modeling work. The Company received feedback from the ODEQ and the EPA and anticipates it will file a final Remedial Investigation/Source Control Evaluation report with the ODEQ and the EPA in 2018.

 

Concurrent with the activities of the EPA and the ODEQ, the Portland Harbor Natural Resources Trustee Council (“Trustees”) sent some or all of the same parties, including the Company, a notice of intent to perform a Natural Resource Damage Assessment (“NRDA”) for the Portland Harbor Superfund Site to determine the nature and extent of natural resource damages under CERCLA Section 107. The Trustees for the Portland Harbor Superfund Site consist of representatives from several Northwest Indian Tribes, three federal agencies and one state agency. The Trustees act independently of the EPA and the ODEQ. The Trustees have encouraged potentially responsible parties to voluntarily participate in the funding of their injury assessments and several of those parties have agreed to do so. In June 2014, the Company agreed to participate in the injury assessment process, which included funding $0.4 million of the assessment. The Company has not assumed any additional payment obligations or liabilities with the participation with the NRDA. It is uncertain whether the Company will enter into an early settlement for natural resource damages or what costs it may incur in any such early settlement.

 

In January 2017, the Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation, a Trustee until they withdrew from the council in 2009, filed a complaint against the potentially responsible parties including the Company to recover costs related to their own injury assessment and compensation for natural resources damages. The Company does not have sufficient information to determine the likelihood of a loss in this matter or the amount of damages that could be allocated to the Company.

 

The Company has insurance policies for defense costs, as well as indemnification policies it believes will provide reimbursement for any share of the remediation assessed. However, the Company can provide no assurance that those policies will cover all of the costs which the Company may incur.

 

All Sites

 

The Company operates its facilities under numerous governmental permits and licenses relating to air emissions, stormwater runoff and other environmental matters. The Company’s operations are also governed by many other laws and regulations, including those relating to workplace safety and worker health, principally the Occupational Safety and Health Act and regulations there under which, among other requirements, establish noise and dust standards. The Company believes it is in material compliance with its permits and licenses and these laws and regulations, and the Company does not believe that future compliance with such laws and regulations will have a material adverse effect on its financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

 

 

Other Contingencies and Legal Proceedings

 

From time to time, the Company is involved in litigation relating to claims arising out of its operations in the normal course of its business. The Company maintains insurance coverage against potential claims in amounts that are believed to be adequate. To the extent that insurance does not cover legal, defense and indemnification costs associated with a loss contingency, the Company records accruals when such losses are considered probable and reasonably estimable. The Company believes that it is not presently a party to litigation, the outcome of which would have a material adverse effect on its business, financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

 

Guarantees

 

The Company has entered into certain letters of credit that total $2.0 million as of September 30, 2018. The letters of credit relate to workers’ compensation insurance.

 

 

10.

Revenue

 

The Company manufactures water infrastructure steel pipe products, which are generally made to custom specifications for installation contractors serving projects funded by public water agencies. Generally, each of the Company’s contracts with its customers contains a single performance obligation, as the promise to transfer products is not separately identifiable from other promises in the contract and, therefore, is not distinct.

 

Materially all revenue is recognized over time as the manufacturing process progresses because the customer typically controls the work in process as evidenced by the Company’s rights to payment for work performed to date plus a reasonable profit for products that have no alternative use to the Company. Revenue is measured by the costs incurred to date relative to the estimated total direct costs to fulfill each contract (cost-to-cost method). Contract costs include all material, labor and other direct costs incurred in satisfying the performance obligations. The cost of steel material is recognized as a contract cost when the steel is introduced into the manufacturing process.

 

The Company does not recognize revenue on a contract until the contract has approval and commitment from both parties, the contract rights and payment terms can be identified, the contract has commercial substance and its collectability is probable.

 

Changes in job performance, job conditions and estimated profitability, including those arising from contract change orders, contract penalty provisions, foreign currency exchange rate movements, changes in raw materials costs and final contract settlements may result in revisions to estimates of revenue, costs and income and are recognized in the period in which the revisions are determined. Revisions in contract estimates resulted in an increase (decrease) in revenue of $(0.2) million and $0.5 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018, respectively and $0.3 million and $(0.3) million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, respectively. Provisions for losses on uncompleted contracts are included in Accrued liabilities and are made in the period such losses are known.

 

Contract Balances

 

Contract assets primarily represent revenue earned over time but not yet billable based on the terms of the contracts and were historically presented as costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings on uncompleted contracts. These amounts will be billed based on the terms of the contracts, which include achievement of milestones, partial shipments or completion of the contracts. Payments terms of amounts billed vary based on the customer, but are typically due within 30 days of invoicing. Contract liabilities represent amounts billed based on the terms of the contracts in advance of costs incurred and revenue earned. These amounts were historically presented as billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings on uncompleted contracts.

 

The difference between the opening and closing balances of the Company’s Contract assets and Contract liabilities primarily results from the timing difference between the Company’s performance and billings and an increase due to the acquisition of Ameron of $11.9 million of Contract assets and $0.1 million of Contract liabilities. The changes in the Contract assets and Contract liabilities balances during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 were not materially affected by any other factors.

 

Revenue recognized that was included in the Contract liabilities balance at the beginning of each period was $0.1 million and $2.2 million during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018, respectively and $0.9 million and $1.7 million during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, respectively.

 

 

Backlog

 

Backlog represents the balance of remaining performance obligations under signed contracts. As of September 30, 2018, backlog was approximately $100.2 million. The Company expects to recognize approximately 48% of the remaining performance obligations in 2018, 41% in 2019, and the balance thereafter.

 

 

11.

Income Taxes

 

The Company files income tax returns in the United States Federal jurisdiction, in a limited number of foreign jurisdictions and in many state jurisdictions. With few exceptions, the Company is no longer subject to United States Federal, state or foreign income tax examinations for years before 2013.

 

On December 22, 2017, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (the “TCJA”) was signed into law making significant changes to the Internal Revenue Code. Changes include, but are not limited to, a federal corporate income tax rate decrease from 35% to 21% effective for tax years beginning after December 31, 2017, the transition of U.S. international taxation from a worldwide tax system to a territorial system, and a one-time transition tax on the mandatory deemed repatriation of cumulative foreign earnings as of December 31, 2017.

 

On December 22, 2017, Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 118 was issued to address the application of U.S. GAAP in situations when a registrant does not have the necessary information available, prepared, or analyzed (including computations) in reasonable detail to complete the accounting for certain income tax effects of the TCJA. Additional work is necessary for a more detailed analysis of the Company’s deferred income tax assets and liabilities and its historical foreign earnings as well as potential correlative adjustments. The Company also considers it likely that further technical guidance regarding certain components of the TCJA, as well as clarification regarding state income tax conformity to current federal tax code, may be issued. Any subsequent adjustment to the amounts recorded in the fourth quarter of 2017 will be recorded to current income tax expense when the analysis is complete in the fourth quarter of 2018. Through September 30, 2018, the Company had not made any material adjustments to the provisional amount.

 

The Company recorded an income tax benefit from continuing operations at an estimated effective income tax rate of 14.2% and 23.5% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018, respectively, and an income tax benefit from continuing operations at an estimated effective income tax rate of 2.5% and 19.7% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, respectively. The Company’s estimated effective income tax rate for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 was impacted by the nontaxable $21.9 million bargain purchase gain recorded in connection with the acquisition of Ameron, as well as the estimated changes in the Company’s valuation allowance and the tax windfall from share-based compensation.

 

The Company had $4.1 million of unrecognized income tax benefits as of September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017. The Company does not believe it is reasonably possible that the total amounts of unrecognized income tax benefits will change in the following twelve months; however, actual results could differ from those currently expected. Effectively all of the unrecognized income tax benefits would affect the Company’s effective income tax rate if recognized at some point in the future. The Company recognizes interest and penalties related to uncertain income tax positions in Income tax benefit from continuing operations.

 

 

12.

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss

 

The following tables summarize changes in the components of Accumulated other comprehensive loss (in thousands). All amounts are net of income tax:

 

   

Pension

Liability

Adjustment

   

Unrealized Gain

(Loss) on Cash

Flow Hedges

   

Total

 

Balance, December 31, 2017

  $ (1,436 )   $ (9 )   $ (1,445 )
                         

Other comprehensive income before reclassifications

    84       26       110  

Amounts reclassified from Accumulated other comprehensive loss

    -       (7 )     (7 )

Net current period adjustments to Other comprehensive income

    84       19       103  
                         

Balance, September 30, 2018

  $ (1,352 )   $ 10     $ (1,342 )

 

 

The following table provides additional detail about Accumulated other comprehensive loss components that were reclassified to the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (in thousands):

 

     

Amount reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss

   

Affected line item in the

Details about Accumulated Other    

Three Months Ended September 30,

   

Nine Months Ended September 30,

    Condensed Consolidated
Comprehensive Loss Components    

2018

   

2017

   

2018

   

2017

    Statements of Operations
                                       

Pension liability adjustment:

                                     

Net periodic pension cost:

                                     

Service cost

    $ -     $ (3 )   $ -     $ (8 )  

Cost of sales

Non-service cost

      -       (78 )     -       (235 )  

Other income (expense)

Associated income tax benefit

      -       14       -       48    

Income tax benefit

        -       (67 )     -       (195 )  

Net of tax

                                       

Unrealized gain on cash flow hedges:

                                     

Gain on cash flow hedges

      12       9       9       7    

Net sales

Associated income tax expense

      (3 )     (4 )     (2 )     (3 )  

Income tax benefit

        9       5       7       4    

Net of tax

                                       

Total reclassifications for the period

    $ 9     $ (62 )   $ 7     $ (191 )    

 

 

13.

Net Income (Loss) per Share

 

Basic net income (loss) per share is computed by dividing the net income (loss) by the weighted-average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the period. Diluted net income (loss) per share is computed by giving effect to all potential shares of common stock, including stock options, restricted stock units and performance share awards, to the extent dilutive. Performance-based performance share awards are considered dilutive when the related performance conditions have been met assuming the end of the reporting period represents the end of the performance period. In periods with a net loss from continuing operations, all potential shares of common stock are excluded from the computation of diluted net loss per share as the impact would be antidilutive.

 

 

Net income (loss) per basic and diluted weighted-average common share outstanding was calculated as follows (in thousands, except per share amounts):

 

   

Three Months Ended September 30,

   

Nine Months Ended September 30,

 
   

2018

   

2017

   

2018

   

2017

 
                                 

Income (loss) from continuing operations

  $ 27,801     $ (1,587 )   $ 20,164     $ (6,550 )

Loss on discontinued operations

    -       (482 )     -       (1,455 )

Net income (loss)

  $ 27,801     $ (2,069 )   $ 20,164     $ (8,005 )
                                 

Basic weighted-average common shares outstanding

    9,735       9,620       9,723       9,611  

Effect of potentially dilutive common shares(1)

    -       -       9       -  

Diluted weighted-average common shares outstanding

    9,735       9,620       9,732       9,611  
                                 

Income (loss) per basic common share:

                               

Continuing operations

  $ 2.86     $ (0.16 )   $ 2.07     $ (0.68 )

Discontinued operations

    -       (0.05 )     -       (0.15 )

Net income (loss) per share

  $ 2.86     $ (0.21 )   $ 2.07     $ (0.83 )
                                 

Income (loss) per diluted common share:

                               

Continuing operations

  $ 2.86     $ (0.16 )   $ 2.07     $ (0.68 )

Discontinued operations

    -       (0.05 )     -       (0.15 )

Net income (loss) per share assuming dilution

  $ 2.86     $ (0.21 )   $ 2.07     $ (0.83 )

 

 

(1)

The weighted-average number of such antidilutive shares not included in the computation of diluted net income per share for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 was approximately 64,000 and 62,000, respectively, including approximately 40,000 and 38,000, respectively, of performance-based share awards, at the target level of 100%, that were not included because the performance conditions had not been met as of September 30, 2018. The weighted-average number of such antidilutive shares not included in the computation of diluted net loss per share for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 was approximately 194,000 and 195,000, respectively.

 

 

14.

Recent Accounting and Reporting Developments

 

There have been no developments to recently issued accounting standards, including the expected dates of adoption and estimated effects on the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and disclosures in Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, from those disclosed in the Company’s 2017 Form 10-K, except for the following:

 

Accounting Changes

 

In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606)” (“ASU 2014-09”) which replaces most existing revenue recognition guidance in accordance with U.S. GAAP. The core principle of ASU 2014-09 is that an entity should recognize revenue for the transfer of goods or services equal to the amount that it expects to be entitled to receive for those goods or services. ASU 2014-09 requires additional disclosure about the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from customer contracts, including significant judgments and changes in judgments. During 2016 and 2017, the FASB issued several ASUs that clarify the implementation guidance for ASU 2014-09 but do not change the core principle of the guidance.

 

The Company adopted Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 606, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers,” (“Topic 606”) on January 1, 2018 using the modified retrospective method applied to those contracts that were not completed as of that date. The Company recorded the cumulative effect of initially applying the new revenue standard as an adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings. Under the modified retrospective method, periods prior to the adoption date were not adjusted and continue to be reported in accordance with accounting standards in effect for those periods.

 

 

The cumulative effect of adopting Topic 606 was a decrease to Retained earnings due to a change in the timing of revenue recognition on certain costs under the new revenue standard, as well as, to a lesser extent, a change in the costs included in the provisions for losses on uncompleted contracts. Additionally, Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings on uncompleted contracts and certain amounts of Trade and other receivables, net were reclassified to establish the opening balance of Contract assets and Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings on uncompleted contracts were reclassified to establish the opening balance of Contract liabilities. The cumulative effect of the changes made to the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet as of January 1, 2018 for the adoption of Topic 606 was as follows (in thousands):

 

   

December 31,

2017

   

Effects of

Adoption of

Topic 606

   

January 1,

2018

 

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet

                       

Assets:

                       

Trade and other receivables, net

  $ 28,990     $ (420 )   $ 28,570  

Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings on uncompleted contracts

    44,502       (44,502 )     -  

Contract assets

    -       42,945       42,945  
                         

Liabilities:

                       

Accrued liabilities

  $ 6,563     $ (783 )   $ 5,780  

Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings on uncompleted contracts

    2,599       (2,599 )     -  

Contract liabilities

    -       2,537       2,537  

Deferred income taxes

    941       (257 )     684  
                         

Stockholders' equity:

                       

Retained earnings

  $ 81,757     $ (875 )   $ 80,882  

 

The impact of Topic 606 on the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations and on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet was as follows (in thousands):

 

   

Three Months Ended September 30, 2018

   

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018

 
   

As Reported

   

Adjustments

   

Balance

Without

Adjustment

for Adoption

of Topic 606

   

As Reported

   

Adjustments

   

Balance

Without

Adjustment

for Adoption

of Topic 606

 

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations

                                         

Net sales

  $ 52,455     $ (477 )   $ 51,978     $ 114,605     $ 743     $ 115,348  

Cost of sales

    47,252       (288 )     46,964       109,292       (156 )     109,136  

Operating income (loss)

    2,497       (189 )     2,308       (5,672 )     899       (4,773 )

Income tax benefit

    (3,456 )     (59 )     (3,515 )     (3,836 )     3       (3,833 )

Net income

    27,801       (130 )     27,671       20,164       896       21,060  

 

 

   

September 30, 2018

   
   

As Reported

   

Adjustments

   

Balance

Without

Adjustment for

Adoption of

Topic 606

   

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet

                         

Assets:

                         

Trade and other receivables, net

  $ 33,955     $ 463     $ 34,418    

Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings on uncompleted contracts

    -       66,200       66,200    

Contract assets

    64,130       (64,130 )     -    
                           

Liabilities:

                         

Accrued liabilities

  $ 6,063     $ 627     $ 6,690    

Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings on uncompleted contracts

    -       677       677    

Contract liabilities

    802       (802 )     -    

Deferred income taxes

    67       260       327    
                           

Stockholders' equity:

                         

Retained earnings

  $ 101,046     $ 1,771     $ 102,817    

 

In January 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2016-01, “Financial Instruments—Overall (Subtopic 825-10): Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities” (“ASU 2016-01”). ASU 2016-01 makes changes to the accounting for equity investments and financial liabilities accounted for under the fair value option, and changes presentation and disclosure requirements for financial instruments. In February 2018, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2018-03, “Technical Corrections and Improvements to Financial Instruments—Overall (Subtopic 825-10): Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities” (“ASU 2018-03”). ASU 2018-03 clarifies certain aspects of the guidance issued in ASU 2016-01. The Company adopted this guidance on January 1, 2018 and the impact was not material to the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows. Additional information and disclosures required by this new standard are contained in Note 6, “Fair Value Measurements.”

 

In August 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2016-15, “Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments” (“ASU 2016-15”). ASU 2016-15 clarifies whether eight specifically identified cash flow issues, which previous U.S. GAAP did not address, should be categorized as operating, investing or financing activities in the statement of cash flows. The Company adopted this guidance on January 1, 2018 and the impact was not material to the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

 

In March 2017, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2017-07, “Compensation—Retirement Benefits (Topic 715): Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost” (“ASU 2017-07”), which requires that the service cost component of net benefit cost be presented in the same income statement line as other employee compensation costs, while the other components of net benefit cost are to be presented outside income from operations. The Company adopted this guidance on a retrospective basis on January 1, 2018. The non-service cost components of approximately $0 and $0.2 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, respectively, were reclassified from Cost of sales to Other income (expense), resulting in an increase to Gross profit and Operating income. There was no impact to Loss from continuing operations before income taxes or Net loss, so therefore no impact to Net loss per share.

 

 

Recent Accounting Standards

 

In February 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2016-02, “Leases (Topic 842)” (“ASU 2016-02”). ASU 2016-02 makes changes to U.S. GAAP, requiring the recognition of lease assets and lease liabilities by lessees for those leases previously classified as operating leases. For operating leases, the lease asset and lease liability will be initially measured at the present value of the lease payments in the balance sheet. The cost of the lease is then allocated over the lease term generally on a straight-line basis. All cash payments will be classified within operating activities in the statement of cash flows. For financing leases, the lease asset and lease liability will be initially measured at the present value of the lease payments in the balance sheet. Interest on the lease liability will be recognized separately from amortization of the lease asset in the statement of comprehensive income. In the statement of cash flows, repayments of the principal portion of the lease liability will be classified within financing activities, and payments of interest on the lease liability and variable payments will be classified within operating activities. For leases with terms of twelve months or less, a lessee is permitted to make an accounting policy election by asset class not to recognize lease assets and lease liabilities. Lease expense for such leases will be generally recognized straight-line basis over the lease term. The accounting applied by a lessor is largely unchanged from previous U.S. GAAP. ASU 2016-02 provides for a transitional adoption, with lessees and lessors required to recognize and measure leases at the beginning of the earliest period presented using a modified retrospective approach. In July 2018, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2018-10, “Codification Improvements to Topic 842, Leases,” which updates narrow aspects of the guidance in ASC Topic 842, “Leases” (“Topic 842”) and Accounting Standards Update No. 2018-11, “Leases (Topic 842): Targeted Improvements,” which provides an additional (and optional) transition method to apply the lease standard at the adoption date and recognize a cumulative-effect adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings in the period of adoption. Topic 842 requires qualitative disclosures along with specific quantitative disclosures and will be effective for the Company beginning January 1, 2019, including interim periods in 2019. Early adoption is permitted, however the Company does not anticipate early adoption. The Company continues to evaluate Topic 842, including the review and implementation of the necessary changes to existing processes and systems that will be required to implement this new standard. While the Company expects the adoption of Topic 842 will materially increase its assets and liabilities on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet, it currently does not expect Topic 842 will have a material effect on its results of operations or cash flows.

 

In July 2018, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2018-09, “Codification Improvements” (“ASU 2018-09”), which clarifies, corrects errors in or makes minor improvements to the ASC. The transition and effective date varies based on the facts and circumstances of each amendment included in ASU 2018-09. The Company is currently assessing the impact of ASU 2018-09 on its Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

In August 2018, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2018-13, “Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Disclosure Framework—Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement” (“ASU 2018-13”), which modifies the disclosure requirements for fair value measurements by removing, modifying or adding certain disclosures. ASU 2018-13 is effective for the Company beginning January 1, 2020, with early adoption permitted for the removed and modified disclosures and delayed adoption until the effective date permitted for the additional disclosures. The removed and modified disclosures will be adopted on a retrospective basis and the new disclosures will be adopted on a prospective basis. The Company does not expect a material impact to its financial position, results of operations or cash flows from adoption of this guidance.

 

In August 2018, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2018-14, “Compensation—Retirement Benefits—Defined Benefit Plans—General (Topic 715-20): Disclosure Framework—Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Defined Benefit Plans” (“ASU 2018-14”), which modifies the disclosure requirements for employers that sponsor defined benefit pension or other postretirement plans by removing and adding certain disclosures for these plans. The eliminated disclosures include the amounts in accumulated other comprehensive income expected to be recognized in net periodic benefit costs over the next fiscal year and the amount and timing of plan assets expected to be returned to the employer. The new disclosures include an explanation of significant gains and losses related to changes in benefit obligations. ASU 2018-14 is effective for the Company beginning January 1, 2021, with early adoption permitted, and will be adopted on a retrospective basis. The Company does not expect a material impact to its financial position, results of operations or cash flows from adoption of this guidance.

 

 

 

15.

Restructuring

 

In March 2018, the Company announced its plans to close its leased Permalok® manufacturing facility in Salt Lake City, Utah and move the production to the Permalok® production facility in St. Louis, Missouri, which was completed during the second quarter of 2018. Also in March 2018, the Company announced its plans to close its manufacturing facility in Monterrey, Mexico, and ceased production early in the second quarter of 2018. The Company incurred restructuring expense of $0.1 million and $1.2 million during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018, which includes employee severance and termination related restructuring expense of approximately $0 and $0.6 million, respectively, and expense related to demobilization activities of $0.1 million and $0.6 million, respectively. The Company expects to incur nominal additional restructuring expense related to employee severance and termination which will result in future cash outlays.

 

In October 2016, the Company sold the Denver, Colorado facility and leased the property back from the buyer through March 1, 2017 in order to conclude production at the facility, complete final shipments and transfer certain equipment assets to other Company facilities. The Company incurred restructuring expense of $0.9 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2017 related to demobilization activities. The Company completed the demobilization project and vacated the facility in the first quarter of 2017 and there were no restructuring expenses in the three months ended September 30, 2017.

 

 

16.

Subsequent Event

 

On October 25, 2018, upon expiration of the Loan and Security Agreement with Bank of America, N.A. dated October 26, 2015, as amended on October 19, 2016, the Company entered into a Credit Agreement with Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. (the “Credit Agreement”). The Credit Agreement provides for revolving loans and letters of credit in the aggregate amount of up to $60 million, subject to a borrowing base (the “Revolver Commitment”). The Company has the ability to increase the Revolver Commitment to $100 million, subject to the provisions of the Credit Agreement. The borrowing base is calculated by applying various advance rates to eligible accounts receivable, contract assets, inventories and fixed assets, subject to various exclusions, adjustments and sublimits. As of October 25, 2018, the Company had $6.0 million of outstanding borrowings under the Credit Agreement and additional borrowing capacity of $32.5 million.

 

Borrowings under the Credit Agreement bear interest at rates related to the daily three month London Interbank Offered Rate plus 1.5% to 2.0%. The Credit Agreement requires the payment of an unused line fee of between 0.25% and 0.375%, based on the amount by which the Revolver Commitment exceeds the average daily balance of outstanding borrowings (as defined in the Credit Agreement) during any month. Such fee is payable monthly in arrears. The Credit Agreement will expire on October 25, 2023.

 

The Credit Agreement contains customary representations and warranties, as well as customary affirmative and negative covenants, events of default and indemnification provisions in favor of the lender. The negative covenants include restrictions regarding the incurrence of liens and indebtedness and certain acquisitions and dispositions of assets and other matters, all subject to certain exceptions. The Credit Agreement also requires the Company to regularly provide financial information to Wells Fargo and to maintain a specified fixed charge coverage ratio upon certain triggers.

 

In connection with the execution and delivery of the Credit Agreement, the Company and certain of its subsidiaries also entered into a Guaranty and Security Agreement with Wells Fargo (the “Guaranty and Security Agreement”). Pursuant to the Guaranty and Security Agreement, the Company’s obligations under the Credit Agreement are secured by a security interest in substantially all of the Company’s and its subsidiaries’ assets.

 

 

 

Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

 

Forward-Looking Statements

 

This Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and other sections of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2018 (“2018 Q3 Form 10-Q”) contain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, that are based on current expectations, estimates and projections about our business, management’s beliefs, and assumptions made by management. Words such as “expects,” “anticipates,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “seeks,” “estimates,” “forecasts,” “should,” “could” and variations of such words and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict. Therefore, actual outcomes and results may differ materially from what is expressed or forecasted in such forward-looking statements as a result of a variety of important factors. While it is impossible to identify all such factors, those that could cause actual results to differ materially from those estimated by us include changes in demand and market prices for our products, product mix, bidding activity, the timing of customer orders and deliveries, production schedules, the price and availability of raw materials, price and volume of imported product, excess or shortage of production capacity, international trade policy and regulations, changes in tariffs and duties imposed on imports and exports and related impacts on us, our ability to identify and complete internal initiatives and/or acquisitions in order to grow our Water Transmission business, our ability to effectively integrate Ameron Water Transmission Group, LLC into our business and operations and achieve significant administrative and operational cost synergies, the impacts of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 and other risks discussed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017 (“2017 Form 10-K”) and from time to time in our other Securities and Exchange Commission filings and reports. Such forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which they are made, and we do not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this 2018 Q3 Form 10-Q. If we do update or correct one or more forward-looking statements, investors and others should not conclude that we will make additional updates or corrections with respect thereto or with respect to other forward-looking statements.

 

Overview

 

We are the largest manufacturer of engineered welded steel pipeline systems in North America. With our strategically located manufacturing facilities, we are well-positioned to meet North America’s growing needs for water and wastewater infrastructure. We serve a wide range of markets and our solutions-based products are a good fit for applications including water transmission, plant piping, tunnels and river crossings. We have established a prominent position based on a strong and widely-recognized reputation for quality, service and an extensive range of products engineered and manufactured to meet expectations in all categories of performance including highly corrosive environments. These pipeline systems are produced from several manufacturing facilities, which are located in Portland, Oregon; Adelanto, California; Tracy, California; Brea, California; Parkersburg, West Virginia; Saginaw, Texas; St. Louis, Missouri; and San Luis Río Colorado, Mexico. In the second quarter of 2018, we closed our leased facility in Salt Lake City, Utah and ceased production at our Monterrey, Mexico facility.

 

On July 27, 2018, we completed the acquisition of 100% of Ameron Water Transmission Group, LLC (“Ameron”) for a purchase price of approximately $38.1 million. Ameron is a major supplier of engineered welded steel pressure pipe as well as reinforced concrete pipe. In addition to expanding our footprint in a key water transmission pipe market, this acquisition adds bar-wrapped concrete cylinder pipe, reinforced concrete pipe and T-Lock, a proprietary polyvinyl chloride (PVC) lining for concrete pipe sewer applications, to our product portfolio. Headquartered in Rancho Cucamonga, California, Ameron has pipe operations in Tracy, California and San Luis Río Colorado, Mexico, as well as a protective lining facility in Brea, California.

 

Our water infrastructure products are sold generally to installation contractors, who include our products in their bids to municipal agencies or privately-owned water companies for specific projects. We believe our sales are substantially driven by spending on new water infrastructure with a recent trend towards spending on water infrastructure replacement, repair and upgrade. Within the total range of pipe products, our products tend to fit the larger diameter, higher-pressure applications.

 

 

Our Current Economic Environment

 

We operate our business with a long-term time horizon. Projects are often planned for many years in advance, and are sometimes part of 50-year build out plans. Long-term demand for water infrastructure projects in the United States appears strong. However, in the near term, we expect that strained governmental and water agency budgets and increased capacity from competition could impact the business. Fluctuating steel costs will also be a factor, as the ability to adjust our selling prices as steel costs fluctuate will depend on market conditions. Purchased steel represents a substantial portion of our cost of sales, and changes in our selling prices often correlate directly to changes in steel costs.

 

In March 2018, President Trump signed a proclamation imposing a 25% tariff on all imported steel products for an indefinite amount of time under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962, with temporary or permanent exemptions granted for certain countries. We expect these actions to increase steel costs and decrease supply availability. Prior to the announcement, we had already experienced domestic price increases and limited steel availability since the beginning of 2018. In July 2018, Canada imposed a 25% surtax on imports of U.S. steel products, the cost of which may be passed on to our Canadian customers. With the acquisition of Ameron in July 2018, we now import products from Mexico to the U.S., which are subject to the 25% tariff. The cost of the tariff may be passed on to our U.S. customers.

 

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

 

The discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations are based upon our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part I – Item 1. “Financial Statements” of this 2018 Q3 Form 10-Q, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. The preparation of our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. We base our estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. On an ongoing basis, we evaluate all of our estimates, including those related to revenue recognition, inventories, property and equipment, including depreciation and valuation, share-based compensation, income taxes, allowance for doubtful accounts and litigation and other contingencies. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.

 

Other than the revenue recognition policy discussed below, there have been no significant changes in our critical accounting policies and estimates during the nine months ended September 30, 2018 as compared to the critical accounting policies and estimates disclosed in our 2017 Form 10-K.

 

Revenue Recognition:

 

Materially all revenue is recognized over time as the manufacturing process progresses because the customer typically controls the work in process as evidenced by our right to payment for work performed to date plus a reasonable profit for products that have no alternative use to us. Revenue is measured by the costs incurred to date relative to the estimated total direct costs to fulfill each contract (cost-to-cost method). Contract costs include all material, labor and other direct costs incurred in satisfying performance obligations. The cost of steel material is recognized as a contract cost when the steel is introduced into the manufacturing process.

 

We do not recognize revenue on a contract until the contract has approval and commitment from both parties, the contract rights and payment terms can be identified, the contract has commercial substance and its collectability is probable.

 

Changes in job performance, job conditions and estimated profitability, including those arising from contract change orders, contract penalty provisions, foreign currency exchange rate movements, changes in raw materials costs and final contract settlements may result in revisions to estimates of revenue, costs and income and are recognized in the period in which the revisions are determined. Provisions for losses on uncompleted contracts are included in Accrued liabilities and are made in the period such losses are known.

 

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

 

See Note 14 of the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements in Part I – Item I. “Financial Statements” of this 2018 Q3 Form 10-Q for a description of recent accounting pronouncements, including the dates of adoption and estimated effects on financial position, results of operations and cash flows.

 

 

Results of Operations

 

The following tables set forth, for the periods indicated, certain financial information regarding costs and expenses expressed in dollars (in thousands) and as a percentage of total Net sales from continuing operations.

 

   

Three Months Ended September 30, 2018

   

Three Months Ended September 30, 2017

 
   

$

   

% of Net Sales

   

$

   

% of Net Sales

 
                                 

Net sales

  $ 52,455       100.0

%

  $ 38,804       100.0

%

Cost of sales

    47,252       90.1       36,811       94.9  

Gross profit

    5,203       9.9       1,993       5.1  

Selling, general and administrative expense

    5,332       10.1       3,423       8.8  

Gain on sale of property

    (2,760 )     (5.3 )     -       -  

Restructuring expense

    134       0.3       -       -  

Operating income (loss)

    2,497       4.8       (1,430 )     (3.7 )

Bargain purchase gain

    21,880       41.6       -       -  

Other income (expense)

    59       0.1       (81 )     (0.2 )

Interest income

    38       0.1       -       -  

Interest expense

    (129 )     (0.2 )     (117 )     (0.3 )

Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes

    24,345       46.4       (1,628 )     (4.2 )

Income tax benefit

    (3,456 )     (6.6 )     (41 )     (0.1 )

Income (loss) from continuing operations

    27,801       53.0       (1,587 )     (4.1 )

Discontinued operations:

                               

Loss from operations of discontinued operations

    -       -       (456 )     (1.2 )

Income tax expense

    -       -       26       -  

Loss on discontinued operations

    -       -       (482 )     (1.2 )

Net income (loss)

  $ 27,801       53.0

%

  $ (2,069 )     (5.3

)%

 

   

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018

   

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017

 
   

$

   

% of Net Sales

   

$

   

% of Net Sales

 
                                 

Net sales

  $ 114,605       100.0

%

  $ 97,153       100.0

%

Cost of sales

    109,292       95.4       93,171       95.9  

Gross profit

    5,313       4.6       3,982       4.1  

Selling, general and administrative expense

    12,523       10.8       10,835       11.2  

Gain on sale of property

    (2,760 )     (2.4 )     -       -  

Restructuring expense

    1,222       1.1       881       0.9  

Operating loss

    (5,672 )     (4.9 )     (7,734 )     (8.0 )

Bargain purchase gain

    21,880       19.0       -       -  

Other income (expense)

    249       0.2       (54 )     -  

Interest income

    256       0.2       -       -  

Interest expense

    (385 )     (0.3 )     (369 )     (0.4 )

Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes

    16,328       14.2       (8,157 )     (8.4 )

Income tax benefit

    (3,836 )     (3.4 )     (1,607 )     (1.7 )

Income (loss) from continuing operations

    20,164       17.6       (6,550 )     (6.7 )

Discontinued operations:

                               

Loss from operations of discontinued operations

    -       -       (1,459 )     (1.5 )

Income tax benefit

    -       -       (4 )     -  

Loss on discontinued operations

    -       -       (1,455 )     (1.5 )

Net income (loss)

  $ 20,164       17.6

%

  $ (8,005 )     (8.2

)%

 

 

We have one business segment, Water Transmission, which manufactures large-diameter, high-pressure, engineered welded steel pipeline systems, as well as reinforced concrete pipe and protective linings, for use in water infrastructure applications, which are primarily related to drinking water systems. These products are also used for hydroelectric power systems, wastewater systems and other applications. In addition, we make products for industrial plant piping systems and certain structural applications. See Note 3 of the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements in Part I – Item I. “Financial Statements” of this 2018 Q3 Form 10-Q for information on discontinued operations, which includes the results of our manufacturing facility in Atchison, Kansas which were historically reported in the Tubular Products segment.

 

Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018 Compared to Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017

 

Net sales. Net sales from continuing operations increased 35.2% to $52.5 million for the third quarter of 2018 compared to $38.8 million for the third quarter of 2017. The acquired Ameron operations contributed $11.1 million of the increase in sales in the third quarter and first nine months of 2018. Excluding the impact of the Ameron acquisition, the increase in sales in the third quarter of 2018 compared to the third quarter of 2017 of $2.6 million was due to a 35% increase in selling price per ton, partially offset by a 21% decrease in tons produced. The decrease in production was due to project mix. The increase in selling price per ton was due to improved market conditions and a change in product mix, combined with higher material costs per ton. Higher material costs generally lead to higher contract values and, therefore, higher net sales as contractors and municipalities are aware of the input costs and market conditions. Net sales from continuing operations increased 18.0% to $114.6 million for the first nine months of 2018 compared to $97.2 million for the first nine months of 2017. Excluding the impact of the Ameron acquisition, the increase in sales in the first nine months of 2018 compared to the first nine months of 2017 of $6.3 million was due to a 6% increase in tons produced. The increase in production was due to project mix. Bidding activity, backlog and production levels may vary significantly from period to period affecting sales volumes.

 

Gross profit. Gross profit increased 161.1% to $5.2 million (9.9% of Net sales from continuing operations) for the third quarter of 2018 compared to $2.0 million (5.1% of Net sales from continuing operations) for the third quarter of 2017 and increased 33.4% to $5.3 million (4.6% of Net sales from continuing operations) for the first nine months of 2018 compared to $4.0 million (4.1% of Net sales from continuing operations) for the first nine months of 2017. The increase in gross profit for the third quarter of 2018 was due to improved pricing coupled with the addition of the Ameron facilities, and the decrease in gross profit for the first nine months of 2018 was due to a combination of a less value-added mix of products and reduced fixed-cost overhead absorption.

 

Selling, general and administrative expense. Selling, general and administrative expense increased 55.8% to $5.3 million (10.1% of total Net sales from continuing operations) for the third quarter of 2018 compared to $3.4 million (8.8% of total Net sales from continuing operations) for the third quarter of 2017 and increased 15.6% to $12.5 million (10.8% of total Net sales from continuing operations) for the first nine months of 2018 compared to $10.8 million (11.2% of total Net sales from continuing operations) for the first nine months of 2017. The increase for the third quarter of 2018 compared to the third quarter of 2017 was due primarily to $1.9 million in acquisition-related costs. The increase for the first nine months of 2018 compared to the first nine months of 2017 was due primarily to $2.0 million in acquisition-related costs and $0.2 million in higher professional fees offset by $0.7 million in lower incentive compensation related expense.

 

Gain on sale of property. In August 2018, we sold property in Houston, Texas for net proceeds of $5.8 million, resulting in a gain of $2.8 million.

 

Restructuring expense. In March 2018, we announced our plan to close our leased Permalok® manufacturing facility in Salt Lake City, Utah and move the production to our Permalok® production facility in St. Louis, Missouri, which was completed during the second quarter of 2018. This eliminated duplicate overhead and increased production flexibility. Also in March 2018, we announced our plan to close our manufacturing facility in Monterrey, Mexico, and we ceased production early in the second quarter of 2018. This allows us to focus on growing our Water Transmission business. We incurred restructuring expense of $0.1 million in the third quarter of 2018 and $1.2 million in the first nine months of 2018, which includes employee severance and termination related restructuring expense of approximately $0 and $0.6 million, respectively, and expense related to demobilization activities of $0.1 million and $0.6 million, respectively. We expect to incur nominal additional restructuring expense related to employee severance and termination which will result in future cash outlays.

 

In response to adverse market conditions, we sold our Denver, Colorado facility in October 2016. We incurred restructuring expense of $0.9 million in the first nine months of 2017 related to demobilization activities. We completed the demobilization project and vacated the Denver facility in the first quarter of 2017.

 

 

Bargain purchase gain. We acquired Ameron in July 2018. The excess of the aggregate fair value of the net assets acquired over the consideration paid has been treated as a gain on bargain purchase. When it became apparent there was a potential for a bargain purchase gain, management reviewed the Ameron assets acquired and liabilities assumed as well as the assumptions utilized in estimating their fair values. Upon completion of this reassessment, we concluded that recording a bargain purchase gain with respect to Ameron was appropriate and required under accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. We believe the seller was motivated to complete the transaction as part of an overall repositioning of its business.

 

Income taxes. The Income tax benefit from continuing operations was $3.5 million in the third quarter of 2018 (an effective income tax rate of 14.2%) compared to approximately $0 in the third quarter of 2017 (an effective income tax rate of 2.5%). The Income tax benefit from continuing operations was $3.8 million in the first nine months of 2018 (an effective income tax rate of 23.5%) compared to $1.6 million in the first nine months of 2017 (an effective income tax rate of 19.7%). The effective income tax rate for the third quarter and first nine months of 2018 was impacted by the nontaxable $21.9 million bargain purchase gain recorded in connection with the acquisition of Ameron, as well as the estimated changes in our valuation allowance and the tax windfall from share-based compensation. The effective income tax rate for the third quarter of 2017 and the first nine months of 2017 was lower than statutory rates primarily because a significant portion of our net operating losses from the period were subject to a valuation allowance. The effective income tax rate can change significantly depending on the relationship of permanent income tax deductions and tax credits to estimated pre-tax income or loss and the changes in valuation allowances. Accordingly, the comparison of effective income tax rates between periods is not meaningful in all situations.

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

Sources and Uses of Cash

 

Our principal sources of liquidity generally include operating cash flows and the Loan and Security Agreement with Bank of America, N.A. dated October 26, 2015, as amended on October 19, 2016 (the “Agreement”). From time to time our long-term capital needs may be met through the issuance of long-term debt or additional equity. Our principal uses of liquidity generally include capital expenditures, working capital and debt service. Information regarding our cash flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 are presented in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows contained in Part I – Item 1. “Financial Statements” of this 2018 Q3 Form 10-Q, and are further discussed below.

 

As of September 30, 2018, our working capital (current assets minus current liabilities) was $113.1 million compared to $123.8 million as of December 31, 2017. Cash and cash equivalents totaled $1.5 million and $43.6 million as of September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively. This decrease is primarily attributable to the cash used in July 2018 for the acquisition of Ameron. There were borrowings of $0.2 million under the Agreement as of September 30, 2018. There were no borrowings under the Agreement as of December 31, 2017.

 

Fluctuations in our working capital accounts result from timing differences between production, shipment, invoicing and collection, as well as changes in levels of production and costs of materials. We typically have a relatively large investment in working capital, as we generally pay for materials, labor and other production costs in the initial stages of a project, while payments from our customers are generally received after finished product is delivered. Our revenues are recognized over time as the manufacturing process progresses; therefore, cash receipts typically occur subsequent to when revenue is recognized and the elapsed time between when revenue is recorded and when cash is received can be significant. As such, our payment cycle is a significantly shorter interval than our collection cycle, although the effect of this difference in the cycles may vary by project, and from period to period.

 

Net cash used in operating activities from continuing operations in the first nine months of 2018 was $7.2 million. Cash used in operating activities was primarily the result of fluctuations in working capital accounts, net of acquired assets and assumed liabilities from the acquisition of Ameron, that included increases in contract assets, net and inventories and decreases in accrued and other liabilities offset by decreases in trade receivables and prepaid expenses and other and increases in accounts payable.

 

Net cash used in investing activities from continuing operations in the first nine months of 2018 was $34.4 million, due to the acquisition of Ameron for $37.2 million, net of cash acquired and $3.1 million of capital expenditures, which was primarily standard capital replacement, offset by $5.8 million in net proceeds from the sale of property in Houston, Texas. Total capital expenditures in 2018 are expected to be approximately $5.0 million for standard capital replacement.

 

 

Net cash used in financing activities from continuing operations in the first nine months of 2018 was $1.3 million, primarily due to the tax withholdings of $1.3 million related to net share settlements of restricted stock awards vested and capital lease payments totaling $0.2 million, offset by borrowings on line of credit of $0.2 million.

 

We anticipate that our existing cash and cash equivalents, cash flows expected to be generated by operations and amounts available under our revolving credit agreement will be adequate to fund our working capital and capital expenditure requirements for at least the next twelve months. To the extent necessary, we may also satisfy capital requirements through additional bank borrowings, senior notes, term notes, subordinated debt and capital and operating leases, if such resources are available on satisfactory terms. We have from time to time evaluated and continue to evaluate opportunities for acquisitions and expansion. Any such transactions, if consummated, may use a portion of our working capital or necessitate additional bank borrowings or other sources of funding. As previously discussed, we acquired Ameron in July 2018, which was funded by working capital.

 

On September 15, 2017, our registration statement on Form S-3 (Registration No. 333-216802) covering the potential future sale of up to $120 million of our equity and/or debt securities or combinations thereof, was declared effective by the Securities and Exchange Commission. This registration statement provides another potential source of capital, in addition to other alternatives already in place. We cannot be certain that funding will be available on favorable terms or available at all. To the extent that we raise additional funds by issuing equity securities, our shareholders may experience significant dilution. As of the date of this 2018 Q3 Form 10-Q, we have not yet sold any securities under this registration statement, nor do we have an obligation to do so. Please refer to the factors discussed in Part I – Item 1A. “Risk Factors” in our 2017 Form 10-K.

 

Borrowings on Line of Credit

 

As of September 30, 2018, we had $0.2 million in outstanding borrowings and $2.0 million of outstanding letters of credit under the Agreement. The Agreement expired on October 25, 2018 and provided for revolving loans and letters of credit in the aggregate of up to the maximum principal amount (the “Commitment”) of $60 million, subject to a borrowing base. We had the ability to increase the Commitment to $100 million, subject to the provisions of the Agreement. Borrowings under the Agreement bore interest at rates related to London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) plus 1.75% to 2.25%, or at Bank of America’s prime rate plus 0.75% to 1.25%. Borrowings under the Agreement were secured by substantially all of our assets.

 

On October 25, 2018, upon expiration of the Agreement, we entered into a Credit Agreement with Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. (the “Credit Agreement”). The Credit Agreement provides for revolving loans and letters of credit in the aggregate amount of up to $60 million, subject to a borrowing base (the “Revolver Commitment”). We have the ability to increase the Revolver Commitment to $100 million, subject to the provisions of the Credit Agreement. The borrowing base is calculated by applying various advance rates to eligible accounts receivable, contract assets, inventories and fixed assets, subject to various exclusions, adjustments and sublimits. As of October 25, 2018, we had $6.0 million of outstanding borrowings under the Credit Agreement and additional borrowing capacity of $32.5 million. Based on our business plan and forecasts of operations, we expect to have sufficient credit availability to support our operations for at least the next twelve months.

 

Borrowings under the Credit Agreement bear interest at rates related to the daily three month LIBOR plus 1.5% to 2.0%. The Credit Agreement requires the payment of an unused line fee of between 0.25% and 0.375%, based on the amount by which the Revolver Commitment exceeds the average daily balance of outstanding borrowings (as defined in the Credit Agreement) during any month. Such fee is payable monthly in arrears. The Credit Agreement will expire on October 25, 2023.

 

The Credit Agreement contains customary representations and warranties, as well as customary affirmative and negative covenants, events of default and indemnification provisions in favor of the lender. The negative covenants include restrictions regarding the incurrence of liens and indebtedness and certain acquisitions and dispositions of assets and other matters, all subject to certain exceptions. The Credit Agreement also requires us to regularly provide financial information to Wells Fargo and to maintain a specified fixed charge coverage ratio upon certain triggers.

 

In connection with the execution and delivery of the Credit Agreement, we and certain of our subsidiaries also entered into a Guaranty and Security Agreement with Wells Fargo (the “Guaranty and Security Agreement”). Pursuant to the Guaranty and Security Agreement, our obligations under the Credit Agreement are secured by a security interest in substantially all of our and our subsidiaries’ assets.

 

 

Capital Leases

 

We lease certain equipment used in the manufacturing process. We had a total of $1.4 million in capital lease obligations outstanding as of September 30, 2018. The weighted-average interest rate on all of our capital leases was 4.99%.

 

Off Balance Sheet Arrangements

 

We do not have any off balance sheet arrangements that are reasonably likely to have a current or future material effect on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

 

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

 

For a discussion of our market risk associated with foreign currencies and interest rates, see Part II – Item 7A. “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk” of our 2017 Form 10-K.

 

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

 

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

 

Disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)) are designed to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed in reports we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the rules and forms of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including the Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) and Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”), as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosures.

 

In connection with the preparation of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2018, our management, under the supervision and with the participation of our CEO and CFO, evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures as of September 30, 2018. As a result of the assessment, our CEO and CFO have concluded that, as of September 30, 2018, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective.

 

As discussed in Note 2 of the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements in Part I – Item 1. “Financial Statements” of this 2018 Q3 Form 10-Q, we completed the acquisition of 100% of Ameron Water Transmission Group, LLC (“Ameron”) on July 27, 2018. As permitted for newly acquired businesses by interpretive guidance issued by the staff of the SEC, management has excluded the internal control over financial reporting of Ameron from the evaluation of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as of September 30, 2018. We have reported the operating results of Ameron in our condensed consolidated statements of operations and cash flows from the acquisition date through September 30, 2018. As of September 30, 2018, total assets related to Ameron represented approximately 21.0% of our total assets, recorded on a preliminary basis as the measurement period for the business combination remained open as of September 30, 2018. Revenues from Ameron comprised approximately 21.2% of our total consolidated revenues for the three months ended September 30, 2018.

 

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

 

As part of our post-closing integration activities, we are engaged in the process of assessing the internal controls of Ameron. We have begun to integrate policies, processes, people, technology, and operations for the post-acquisition combined company, and it will continue to evaluate the impact of any related changes to internal control over financial reporting. Except for changes in internal controls that we have made related to the integration of Ameron into the post-acquisition combined company, there were no significant changes in our internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended September 30, 2018, that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal controls over financial reporting.

 

 

Part II – OTHER INFORMATION

 

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

 

We are party to a variety of legal actions arising out of the normal course of business. Plaintiffs occasionally seek punitive or exemplary damages. We do not believe that such normal and routine litigation will have a material impact on our consolidated financial results. We are also involved in other kinds of legal actions, some of which assert or may assert claims or seek to impose fines, penalties and other costs in substantial amounts. See Note 9 of the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements in Part I – Item 1. “Financial Statements” of this 2018 Q3 Form 10-Q.

 

Item 1A. Risk Factors

 

In addition to the other information set forth in this 2018 Q3 Form 10-Q, the factors discussed in Part I – Item 1A. “Risk Factors” in our 2017 Form 10-K could materially affect our business, financial condition or operating results. The risks described in our 2017 Form 10-K are not the only risks facing us. There are additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to us or that we currently deem to be immaterial, that may also materially adversely affect our business, financial condition or operating results.

 

Item 6. Exhibits

 

(a) The exhibits filed as part of this 2018 Q3 Form 10-Q are listed below:

 

Exhibit

Number

 

Description

2.1

 

Membership Interest Purchase Agreement dated as of July 27, 2018 by and between Northwest Pipe Company and Ameron International Corporation, incorporated by reference to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 1, 2018

     

10.1

 

Credit Agreement dated October 25, 2018 by and among Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, Northwest Pipe Company, and Ameron Water Transmission Group, LLC, incorporated by reference to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 31, 2018

     
10.2   Guaranty and Security Agreement dated October 25, 2018 among Northwest Pipe Company, Ameron Water Transmission Group, LLC, Permalok Corporation, Thompson Tank Holdings, Inc., WTG Holding U.S., Inc., Bolenco Corporation, and Wells Fargo, National Association, incorporated by reference to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 31, 2018
     

31.1

 

Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

     
31.2   Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
     
32.1   Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
     

32.2

 

Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

     

101.INS

 

XBRL Instance Document

     

101.SCH

 

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document

     

101.CAL

 

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Document

     

101.DEF

 

XBRL Taxonomy Definition Linkbase Document

     

101.LAB

 

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document

     

101.PRE

 

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document

 

 

SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

 

Dated: November 9, 2018

 

 

  NORTHWEST PIPE COMPANY
   
  By: 

/s/ Scott Montross

     
   

Scott Montross

   

Director, President and Chief Executive Officer

    (principal executive officer)
     
  By: 

/s/ Robin Gantt

     
   

Robin Gantt

   

Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Corporate Secretary

   

(principal financial and accounting officer)

 

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