Primoris Services Corp - Annual Report: 2017 (Form 10-K)

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

 

 

FORM 10-K

 

(Mark One)

 

 

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017

 

OR

 

 

For the transition period from                  to           

 

Commission file number: 001-34145

 

Primoris Services Corporation

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

 

 

(214) 740-5600

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

 

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

 

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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 (§ 229.405 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 if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III in this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. ☐

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a 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.

 

 

 

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 ☒

 

The aggregate market value of the voting common equity held by non-affiliates of the registrant was approximately $1.02 billion based upon the closing price of such common equity as of June 30, 2017 (the last business day of the Registrant’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter). On February 26, 2018, there were 51,531,339 shares of common stock, par value $0.0001, outstanding. For purposes of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, in addition to those stockholders which fall within the definition of “affiliates” under Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933, holders of ten percent or more of the Registrant’s common stock are deemed to be affiliates.

 

 

 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

 

 

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

 

This Annual Report on Form 10-K contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), which are subject to the “safe harbor” created by those sections. Forward-looking statements include information concerning our possible or assumed future results of operations, business strategies, financing plans, competitive position, industry environment, potential growth opportunities, the effects of regulation and the economy, generally. Forward-looking statements include all statements that are not historical facts and usually can be identified by terms such as “anticipates,” “believes,” “could,” “estimates,” “expects,” “intends,” “may,” “plans,” “potential,” “predicts,” “projects,” “should,” “will,” “would” or similar expressions.

 

Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause our actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. We discuss many of these risks in detail in “Item 1A. Risk Factors”.  You should read this Annual Report on Form 10-K completely and with the understanding that our actual future results may be materially different from what we expect.

 

Given these uncertainties, you should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements.  Forward-looking statements represent our management’s beliefs and assumptions only as of the date of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.  We assume no obligation to update forward-looking statements publicly, or to update the reasons actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in any forward-looking statements, even if new information becomes available.

PART I

 

ITEM 1.  BUSINESS

 

Business Overview

 

Primoris Services Corporation (“Primoris”, the “Company”, “we”, “us”, or “our”) is a holding company of various subsidiaries which form one of the larger publicly traded specialty contractors and infrastructure companies in the United States. Serving diverse end-markets, we provide a wide range of construction, fabrication, maintenance, replacement, water and wastewater, and engineering services to major public utilities, petrochemical companies, energy companies, municipalities, state departments of transportation and other customers. We install, replace, repair and rehabilitate natural gas, refined product, water and wastewater pipeline systems; large diameter gas and liquid pipeline facilities; and heavy civil projects, earthwork and site development. We also construct mechanical facilities and other structures, including power plants, petrochemical facilities, refineries, water and wastewater treatment facilities and parking structures. Finally, we provide specialized process and product engineering services.

 

Historically, we have longstanding relationships with major utility, refining, petrochemical, power and engineering companies. We have completed major underground and industrial projects for a number of large natural gas transmission and petrochemical companies in the United States, as well as significant projects for our engineering customers. We enter into a large number of contracts each year and the projects can vary in length from several weeks to as long as 60 months, or longer for completion of larger projects. Although we have not been dependent upon any one customer, in any year a small number of customers tend to constitute a substantial portion of our total revenues.

 

Our common stock trades on the NASDAQ Select Global Market under the symbol “PRIM”.  Founded as ARB, Inc. (“ARB”) in 1960, we became organized as Primoris in Nevada in 2003, and we became a Delaware public company in July 2008 when we merged with a special purpose acquisition company (a non-operating shell company).

 

Our service capabilities and geographic footprint have expanded primarily through the following four significant acquisitions over the last nine years.

 

In 2009, we acquired James Construction Group, LLC, a privately-held Florida limited liability company (“JCG”).  Headquartered in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, JCG is one of the largest general contractors based in the Gulf Coast states and is engaged in highway, industrial and environmental construction, primarily in Louisiana, Texas, Arkansas, Mississippi and Florida.  JCG and its predecessor company have been in business for over 80 years.

 

In 2010, we acquired Rockford Corporation (“Rockford”).  Rockford specializes in construction of large diameter natural gas and liquid pipeline projects and related facilities throughout the United States.

 

In 2012, we purchased Sprint Pipeline Services, L.P. (“Sprint”), a Texas based company headquartered near Houston, which we renamed as Primoris Energy Services (“PES”).  PES provides a comprehensive range of pipeline construction, maintenance, upgrade, fabrication and specialty services primarily in the southeastern United States.

 

In November 2012, we purchased Q3 Contracting, Inc., a privately-held Minnesota corporation (“Q3C”).  Based in Little Canada, Minnesota (north of St. Paul), Q3C specializes in small diameter pipeline and gas distribution construction, restoration and other services, primarily in the upper Midwest region of the United States.

 

In addition to these primary acquisitions, we have entered into agreements to purchase smaller businesses or business assets to start a business as we continue to seek opportunities to expand our skill sets or operating locations.  These include The Saxon Group (“Saxon”) and The Silva Group (“Silva”) (merged with JCG), which we acquired in 2012.  During 2014 we acquired Vadnais Trenchless Services, Inc. (“Vadnais”) and made three small acquisitions consisting of the purchase of the net assets of Surber Roustabout, LLC (“Surber”), Ram-Fab, LLC (“Ram-Fab”) and Williams Testing, LLC (“Williams”).  In February 2015, we acquired the net assets of Aevenia, Inc.  In 2016, we further enhanced our market reach with the purchase of the net assets of Mueller Concrete Construction Company (“Mueller”) and Northern Energy & Power (“Northern”).  During 2017, we acquired Florida Gas Contractors (“FGC”), Coastal Field

Services (“Coastal”), and a small acquisition of certain engineering assets. We continue to evaluate potential acquisition candidates, especially those with strong management teams with good reputations. 

 

Reportable Segments

 

Through the end of the year 2016, we segregated our business into three reportable segments: the Energy segment, the East Construction Services segment and the West Construction Services segment. In the first quarter 2017, we changed our reportable segments in connection with a realignment of our internal organization and management structure. The segment changes reflect the focus of our chief operating decision maker (“CODM”) on the range of services we provide to our end user markets. Our CODM regularly reviews our operating and financial performance based on these segments.

 

The current reportable segments include the Power, Industrial, and Engineering (“Power”) segment, the Pipeline and Underground (“Pipeline”) segment, the Utilities and Distribution (“Utilities”) segment, and the Civil segment. Segment information for prior periods has been restated to conform to the new segment presentation.

 

Each of our reportable segments is comprised of similar business units that specialize in services unique to the segment. Driving the new end-user focused segments are differences in the economic characteristics of each segment, the nature of the services provided by each segment; the production processes of each segment; the type or class of customer using the segment’s services; the methods used by the segment to provide the services; and the regulatory environment of each segment’s customers.

 

The classification of revenues and gross profit for segment reporting purposes can at times require judgment on the part of management. Our segments may perform services across industries or perform joint services for customers in multiple industries. To determine reportable segment gross profit, certain allocations, including allocations of shared and indirect costs, such as facility costs, equipment costs and indirect operating expenses, were made.

 

The following is a brief description of the reportable segments:

 

The Power segment operates throughout the United States and specializes in a range of services that include full Engineering, Procurment, and Construction (“EPC”) project delivery, turnkey construction, retrofits, upgrades, repairs, outages, and maintenance for entities in the petroleum, petrochemical, water, and other industries.

 

The Pipeline segment operates throughout the United States and specializes in a range of services, including pipeline construction, pipeline maintenance, pipeline facility work, compressor stations, pump stations, metering facilities, and other pipeline related services for entities in the petroleum and petrochemical industries.

 

The Utilities segment operates primarily in California and the Midwest and Southeast regions of the United States and specializes in a range of services, including utility line installation and maintenance, gas and electric distribution, streetlight construction, substation work, and fiber optic cable installation.

 

The Civil segment operates primarily in the Southeastern and Gulf Coast regions of the United States and specializes in highway and bridge construction, airport runway and taxiway construction, demolition, heavy earthwork, soil stabilization, mass excavation, and drainage projects.

 

Strategy

 

Our strategy has remained consistent from year to year and continues to emphasize the following key elements:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Backlog

 

Backlog is discussed in Item 7. “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

 

Customers

 

We have longstanding customer relationships with major utility, refining, petrochemical, power and engineering companies. We have completed major underground and industrial projects for a number of large natural gas transmission and petrochemical companies in the western United States, as well as significant projects for our engineering customers.  Through JCG, we expanded our customer base to include a significant presence in the Gulf Coast region of the United States; with Q3C, we expanded into the upper Midwest United States; and with Rockford, we operate throughout the United States.  Over time, the various acquisitions have also changed the composition of our customer base with significant increases in state agency projects. We enter into a large number of contracts each year and the projects can vary in length from several weeks to as long as 60 months, or longer for completion on larger projects. Although we have not been dependent upon any one customer in any year, a small number of customers tend to constitute a substantial portion of our total revenues.

 

Our customers have included the Texas Department of Transportation and Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development in the Southern United States as well as many of the leading energy and utility companies in the United States, including, among others, Enterprise Liquids Pipeline, Xcel Energy, Pacific Gas & Electric, Southern California Gas, Sempra Energy, Williams, NRG, Chevron, Calpine, Kinder Morgan, Dominion, and Sasol.

 

The following customers accounted for more than 5% of our revenues in the periods indicated:

 

(*)Indicates a customer with less than 5% of revenues during such period.

 

As can be seen from the table, the customers accounting for revenues in excess of 5% each year varies from year to year due to the nature of our business.  A large construction project for a customer may result in significant revenues in that one year, with significantly less revenues in subsequent years after project completion.

 

For the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, 56.4%, 60.4% and 59.4%, respectively, of total revenues were generated from our top ten customers in each year.  In each of the years, a different group of customers comprised the top ten customers by revenue.

 

Management at each of our business units is responsible for developing and maintaining successful long-term relationships with customers. Our business unit management teams build existing customer relationships to secure additional projects and increase revenue from our current customer base.  Business unit managers are also responsible for pursuing growth opportunities with prospective new customers.

 

We believe that our strategic relationships with customers will result in future opportunities. Some of our strategic relationships are in the form of strategic alliance or long-term maintenance agreements.  However, we realize that future opportunities also require cost effective bids, as pricing is a key element for most construction projects.

 

Ongoing Projects

 

The following is a summary of significant ongoing construction projects demonstrating our capabilities in different markets at December 31, 2017:

 

Competition

 

We face substantial competition on large construction projects from both regional and national contractors. Competitors on small construction projects range from a few large construction companies to a variety of smaller contractors. We compete with many local and regional firms for construction services and with a number of large firms on select projects. Each business unit faces varied competition depending on the types of projects and services offered.

 

We compete with different companies in different end markets.  For example, large competitors in our underground markets include Quanta Services, Inc. and MasTec, Inc.; competitors in our industrial markets include Kiewit Corporation; and competitors in our highway services markets include Sterling Construction Company, and privately-held Boh Brothers and Zachary Construction Company. In each market we may also compete with local, private companies.

 

We believe that the primary factors influencing competition in our industry are price, reputation for quality, delivery and safety, relevant experience, availability of skilled labor, machinery and equipment, financial strength, knowledge of local markets and conditions, and estimating abilities. We believe that we have the ability to compete favorably in all of these factors.

 

Geographic Areas — Financial Information

 

The majority of our revenues are derived from customers and projects geographically located in the United States with approximately 1% generated from sources outside the United States.  Assets located outside the United States also represent approximately 1% of our total assets.  Our revenue from operations in Canada is primarily derived from our Power segment’s office in Calgary, Canada, but relates to specific projects in other countries, including in the Far East and Australia.

 

Risks Attendant to Foreign Operations

 

In 2017, approximately 1% of our revenue was attributable to external customers in foreign countries. The current expectation is that a similar portion of revenue will continue to come from international projects for the foreseeable future.  Though a small portion of our revenues, international operations are subject to foreign economic and political uncertainties and risks as disclosed more fully in Item 1A “Risk Factors” of this Annual Report.  Unexpected and adverse changes in the foreign countries in which we operate could result in project disruptions, increased costs and potential losses. Our business is subject to fluctuations in demand and to changing domestic and international economic and political conditions which are beyond our control.

 

Contract Provisions and Subcontracting

 

We typically structure contracts as unit-price, time and material, fixed-price or cost reimbursable plus fixed fee.  A substantial portion of our revenue is derived from contracts that are fixed-price or unit-price contracts. Under a fixed-price contract, we undertake to provide labor, equipment and services required by a project for a competitively bid or negotiated fixed price. Under a unit-price contract, we are committed to providing materials or services required by a project at fixed unit prices.  While the unit-price contract shifts the risk of estimating the quantity of units required for a particular project to the customer, any increase in our unit cost over the unit price bid, whether due to inflation, inefficiency, faulty estimates or other factors, is borne by us. Significant materials required under a fixed-price or unit-price contract, such as pipe, turbines, boilers and vessels, are usually supplied by the customer.

 

Our gas distribution services are typically provided pursuant to renewable contracts on a “unit-cost” basis. Fees on unit-cost contracts are negotiated and are earned based on units completed. Historically, substantially all of the gas distribution customers have renewed their maintenance contracts. Facilities maintenance services, such as regularly scheduled and emergency repair work, are provided on an ongoing basis at predetermined rates.

 

Construction contracts are primarily obtained through competitive bidding or through negotiations with long-standing customers. We are typically invited to bid on projects undertaken by recurring customers who maintain pre-qualified contractor lists. Contractors are selected for the pre-approved contractor lists by virtue of their prior performance for such customers, as well as their experience, reputation for quality, safety record, financial strength and bonding capacity.

 

In evaluating bid opportunities, we consider such factors as the customer, the geographic location of the work, the availability of labor, our competitive advantage or disadvantage relative to other likely contractors, our current and projected workload, the likelihood of additional work, and the project’s cost and profitability estimates. We use

computer-based estimating systems and our estimating staff has significant experience in the construction industry. The project estimates form the basis of a project budget against which performance is tracked through a project cost system, thereby enabling management to monitor a project. Project costs are accumulated and monitored regularly against billings and payments to assure proper understanding of cash flow on the project.

 

Most contracts provide for termination of the contract for the convenience of the owner. In addition, many contracts are subject to certain completion schedule requirements with damages or liquidated damages in the event schedules are not met. To date, these provisions have not materially adversely affected us.

 

We act as prime contractor on a majority of the construction projects we undertake. In the construction industry, the prime contractor is normally responsible for the performance of the entire contract, including subcontract work. Thus, we are potentially subject to increased costs and reputational risk associated with the failure of one or more subcontractors to perform as anticipated. While we subcontract specialized activities such as blasting, hazardous waste removal and selected electrical work, we perform most of the work on our projects with our own resources, including labor and equipment.

 

Risk Management, Insurance and Bonding

 

We maintain general liability and excess liability insurance covering our construction equipment, and workers’ compensation insurance in amounts consistent with industry practices. In certain states, we self-insure our workers’ compensation claims in an amount of up to $250,000 per occurrence, and we maintain insurance covering larger claims. In addition, we maintain umbrella coverage policies.  We believe that our insurance programs are adequate.

 

We maintain a diligent safety and risk management program that has resulted in a favorable loss experience factor. Through our safety director and the employment of a large staff of regional and site specific safety managers, we have been able to effectively assess and control potential losses and liabilities in both the pre-construction and performance phases of our projects. Though we strongly focus on safety in the workplace, we cannot give assurances that we can prevent or reduce all injuries or claims in our workplace.

 

In connection with our business, we generally are required to provide various types of surety bonds guaranteeing our performance under certain public and private sector contracts. Our ability to obtain surety bonds depends upon our capitalization, working capital, backlog, past performance, management expertise and other factors and the surety company’s current underwriting standards.  To date, we have obtained the level of surety bonds necessary to support our business.

 

Regulation

 

Our operations are subject to various federal, state, local and international laws and regulations including:

 

 

We believe that we have all the licenses required to conduct our operations and that we are in substantial compliance with applicable regulatory requirements.

 

Environmental Matters and Climate Change Impacts

 

We are subject to numerous federal, state, local and international environmental laws and regulations governing our operations, including the handling, transportation and disposal of non-hazardous and hazardous substances and wastes, as well as emissions and discharges into the environment, including discharges to air, surface water, groundwater and soil. We have a substantial investment in construction equipment that utilizes diesel fuel. Any changes in laws

requiring us to use equipment that runs on alternative fuels could require a significant investment, which could adversely impact our financial performance.

 

We also are subject to laws and regulations that impose liability and cleanup responsibility for releases of hazardous substances into the environment. Under some of these laws and regulations, liability can be imposed for cleanup of previously owned or operated properties, or properties to which hazardous substances or wastes were sent by current or former operations at our facilities, regardless of whether we directly caused the contamination or violated any law at the time of discharge or disposal. The presence of contamination from such substances or wastes could interfere with ongoing operations or adversely affect our ability to sell, lease or use our properties as collateral for financing.

 

In addition, we could be held liable for significant penalties and damages under certain environmental laws and regulations and also could be subject to a revocation of our licenses or permits, which could materially and adversely affect our business and results of operations. Our contracts with our customers may also impose liabilities on us regarding environmental issues that arise through the performance of our services.  From time to time, we may incur costs and obligations for correcting environmental noncompliance matters and for remediation at or relating to certain of our properties. We believe that we are in substantial compliance with our environmental obligations to date and that any such obligations will not have a material adverse effect on our business or financial performance.

 

The potential physical impact of climate change on our operations is highly uncertain. Climate change may result in, among other things, changes in rainfall patterns, storm patterns and intensities and temperature levels. As discussed elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, including in Item 1A. “Risk Factors”, our operating results are significantly influenced by weather. Therefore, major changes in historical weather patterns could significantly impact our future operating results. For example, if climate change results in significantly more adverse weather conditions in a given period, we could experience reduced productivity, which could negatively impact our revenues and gross margins.

 

Climate change could also affect our customers and the types of projects that they award.  Demand for power projects, underground pipelines or highway projects could be affected by significant changes in weather.  Reductions in project awards could adversely affect our operations and financial performance.

 

Employees

 

We believe that our employees are the most valuable resource in successfully completing construction work. Our ability to maintain sufficient continuous work for approximately 5,800 hourly employees helps us to instill in our employees loyalty to and understanding of our policies and contributes to our strong production, safety and quality record.

 

As of December 31, 2017, we employed 1,345 salaried employees and 5,757 hourly employees.  The total number of hourly personnel employed is subject to the volume of construction work in progress.

 

Several of our subsidiaries have operations that are unionized through the negotiation and execution of collective bargaining agreements. These collective bargaining agreements have varying terms and are subject to renegotiation upon expiration. We have not experienced recent work stoppages and believe our employee and union relations are good.

 

Website Access and Other Information

 

Our website address is www.prim.com. You may obtain free electronic copies of our Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K, and any amendments to these reports through our website under the “Investors” tab or through the website of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) at www.sec.gov. These reports are available on our website as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file them with, or furnish them to, the SEC. In addition, our “Code of Ethics” (including a separate supplement which applies to our CEO, CFO and senior financial executives) and the charters of our Audit Committee, Compensation Committee and Governance and Nominating Committee are posted on our website under the “Investors/Governance” tab.  We intend to disclose on our website any amendments or waivers to our Code of Ethics

that are required to be disclosed pursuant to Item 5.05 of Form 8-K. You may obtain copies of these items from our website.

 

We will make available to any stockholder, without charge, copies of our Annual Report on Form 10-K as filed with the SEC. For copies of this or any other information, stockholders should submit a request in writing to Primoris Services Corporation, Inc., Attn: Corporate Secretary, 2100 McKinney Avenue, Suite 1500, Dallas, TX 75201.

 

This Annual Report on Form 10-K and our website may contain information provided by other sources that we believe are reliable. However, we cannot assure you that the information obtained from other sources is accurate or complete. No information on our website is incorporated by reference herein and should not be considered part of this Annual Report.

 

ITEM 1A.  RISK FACTORS

 

Our business is subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties, many of which are described below (not necessarily in probability of occurrence or order of importance).  The following list is not all-inclusive, and there can be no assurance that we have correctly identified and appropriately assessed all factors affecting our business or that the publicly available or other information with respect to these matters is complete and correct. Additional risks and uncertainties not presently known to us or that we currently believe to be immaterial also may have a material adverse effect on our business in the future.  This Form 10-K includes projections, assumptions and beliefs that are intended to be “forward looking statements” and should be read in conjunction with the discussion of “Forward Looking Statements” at the beginning of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

 

The following risk factors could have a material adverse effect our business, the results of our operations, our cash flow and the price of our shares.  These risk factors could prevent us from meeting our goals or expectations.

 

Risks Related Primarily to Operating our Business

 

Our financial and operating results may vary significantly from quarter-to-quarter and year-to-year.

 

Our business is subject to seasonal and annual fluctuations.  Some of the quarterly variation is the result of weather, particularly rain, ice and snow, which create difficult operating conditions.  Similarly, demand for routine repair and maintenance services for gas utilities is lower during their peak customer needs in the winter.  Some of the annual variation is the result of large construction projects which fluctuate based on general economic conditions and customer needs.  Annual and quarterly results may also be adversely affected by:

 

 

As a result, our operating results in any particular quarter may not be indicative of the operating results expected for any other quarter or for an entire year.

 

Demand for our services may decrease during economic recessions or volatile economic cycles, and a reduction in demand in end markets may adversely affect our business.

 

A substantial portion of our revenues and profits is generated from construction projects, the awarding of which we do not directly control.  The engineering and construction industry historically has experienced cyclical fluctuations in financial results due to economic recessions, downturns in business cycles of our customers, material shortages, price increases by subcontractors, interest rate fluctuations and other economic factors beyond our control. When the general level of economic activity deteriorates, our customers may delay or cancel upgrades, expansions, and/or maintenance and repairs to their systems. Many factors, including the financial condition of the industry, could adversely affect our customers and their willingness to fund capital expenditures in the future.

 

Economic, regulatory and market conditions affecting our specific end markets may adversely impact the demand for our services, resulting in the delay, reduction or cancellation of certain projects and these conditions may continue to adversely affect us in the future. For example, much of the work that we perform in the highway markets involves funding by federal, state and local governments.  This funding is subject to fluctuation based on the budgets and operating priorities of the various government agencies.

 

We are also dependent on the amount of work our customers outsource. In a slower economy, our customers may decide to outsource less infrastructure services reducing demand for our services. In addition, consolidation, competition or capital constraints in the industries we serve may result in reduced spending by our customers.

 

Industry trends and government regulations could reduce demand for our pipeline construction services.

 

The demand for our pipeline construction services is dependent on the level of capital project spending by companies in the oil and gas industry.  This level of spending is subject to large fluctuations depending primarily on the current and expectations of future prices of oil and natural gas.  The price is a function of many factors, including levels of supply and demand, government policies and regulations, oil industry refining capacity and the potential development of alternative fuels.

 

Specific government decisions could affect demand for our construction services.  For example, a limitation on the use of “fracking” technology, or creation of significant regulatory issues for the construction of underground pipelines, could significantly reduce our underground work.

 

Conversely, government regulations may increase the demand for our pipeline services.  The anticipation by utilities that coal-fueled power plants may become uneconomical to operate because of potential environmental regulations or low natural gas prices has increased demand for gas pipeline construction for utility customers.

 

Many of our customers are regulated by federal and state government agencies and the addition of new regulations or changes to existing regulations may adversely impact demand for our services and the profitability of those services.

 

Many of our energy customers are regulated by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, or FERC, and our utility customers are regulated by state public utility commissions. These agencies could change the way in which they interpret current regulations and may impose additional regulations. These changes could have an adverse effect on our customers and the profitability of the services they provide which could reduce demand for our services.

 

Our business may be materially adversely impacted by regional, national and/or global requirements to significantly limit or reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the future.

 

Greenhouse gases that result from human activities, including burning of fossil fuels, are the focus of increased scientific and political scrutiny and may be subjected to various legal requirements. International agreements, federal laws, state laws and various regulatory schemes limit or otherwise regulate emissions of greenhouse gases, and additional restrictions are under consideration by different governmental entities. We derive a significant amount of revenues and contract profits from engineering and construction services to clients that own and/or operate a wide range of process plants and own and/or operate electric power generating plants that generate electricity from burning natural

gas or various types of solid fuels. These plants may emit greenhouse gases as part of the process to generate electricity or other products. Compliance with the existing greenhouse gas regulation may prove costly or difficult. It is possible that owners and operators of existing or future process plants and electric generating plants could be subject to new or changed environmental regulations that result in significantly limiting or reducing the amounts of greenhouse gas emissions, increasing the cost of emitting such gases or requiring emissions allowances. The costs of controlling such emissions or obtaining required emissions allowances could be significant. It also is possible that necessary controls or allowances may not be available. Such regulations could negatively impact client investments in capital projects in our markets, which could negatively impact the market for our products and/or services. This could materially adversely affect our business.

 

In addition, the establishment of rules limiting greenhouse gas emissions could impact our ability to perform construction services or to perform these services with current levels of profitability.  New regulations may require us to acquire different equipment or change processes.  The new equipment may not be available, or it may not be purchased or rented in a cost effective manner.  Project deferrals, delays or cancellations resulting from the potential regulations could adversely impact our business.

 

Changes to renewable portfolio standards and decreased demand for renewable energy projects could negatively impact our future results of operations, cash flows and liquidity.

 

A significant portion of our future business may be focused on providing construction and/or installation services to owners and operators of solar power and other renewable energy facilities. Currently, the development of solar and other renewable energy facilities is highly dependent on tax credits, the existence of renewable portfolio standards and other state incentives. Renewable portfolio standards are state-specific statutory provisions requiring that electric utilities generate a certain amount of electricity from renewable energy sources.  These standards have initiated significant growth in the renewable energy industry and a potential demand for renewable energy infrastructure construction services. Since renewable energy is generally more expensive to produce, elimination of, or changes to, existing renewable portfolio standards, tax credits or similar environmental policies may negatively affect future demand for our services.

 

We may lose business to competitors through the competitive bidding processes.

 

We are engaged in highly competitive businesses in which most customer contracts are awarded through bidding processes based on price and the acceptance of certain risks. We compete with other general and specialty contractors, both regional and national, and small local contractors. The strong competition in our markets requires maintaining skilled personnel and investing in technology, and it also puts pressure on profit margins.  We do not obtain contracts from all of our bids and our inability to win bids at acceptable profit margins would adversely affect our business.

 

We may be unsuccessful at generating internal growth which may affect our ability to expand our operations or grow our business.

 

Our ability to generate internal growth may be affected by, among other factors, our ability to:

 

 

In addition, our customers may reduce the number or size of projects available to us due to their inability to obtain capital.  Our customers may also reduce projects in response to economic conditions.

 

Many of the factors affecting our ability to generate internal growth may be beyond our control, and we cannot be certain that our strategies will be successful or that we will be able to generate cash flow sufficient to fund our

operations and to support internal growth. If we are unsuccessful, we may not be able to achieve internal growth, expand our operations or grow our business.

 

The timing of new contracts may result in unpredictable fluctuations in our business.

 

Substantial portions of our revenues are derived from project-based work that is awarded through a competitive bid process. The portion of revenue generated from the competitive bid process for 2017, 2016 and 2015 was approximately 52%, 45%, and 47%, respectively. It is generally very difficult to predict the timing and geographic distribution of the projects that we will be awarded. The selection of, timing of or failure to obtain projects, delays in award of projects, the re-bidding or termination of projects due to budget overruns, cancellations of projects or delays in completion of contracts could result in the under-utilization of our assets and reduce our cash flows. Even if we are awarded contracts, we face additional risks that could affect whether, or when, work will begin. For example, some of our contracts are subject to financing, permitting and other contingencies that may delay or result in termination of projects. We may have difficulty in matching workforce size and equipment location with contract needs. In some cases, we may be required to bear the cost of a ready workforce and equipment that is larger than necessary, resulting in unpredictability in our cash flow, expenses and profitability. If any expected contract award or the related work release is delayed or not received, we could incur substantial costs without receipt of any corresponding revenues. Moreover, construction projects for which our services are contracted may require significant expenditures by us prior to receipt of relevant payments by a customer and may expose us to potential credit risk if the customer encounters financial difficulties. Finally, the winding down or completion of work on significant projects will reduce our revenue and earnings if these projects have not been replaced.

 

We derive a significant portion of our revenues from a few customers, and the loss of one or more of these customers could have significant effects on our revenues, resulting in adverse effects on our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

 

Our customer base is highly concentrated, with our top ten customers accounting for approximately 56% of our revenue in 2017, 60% of our revenue in 2016 and 59% of our revenue in 2015. However, the customers included in our top ten customer list generally vary from year to year.  Our revenue is dependent both on performance of larger construction projects and relatively smaller Master Services Agreements (“MSA”) contracts.  For the large construction projects, the completion of the project does not necessarily represent the permanent loss of a customer; however, the future revenues generated from work for that customer may fluctuate significantly.

 

We also generate ongoing revenues from our MSA customers, which are generally comprised of regulated gas utilities.  If we were to lose one of these customers, our revenue could significantly decline.  Reduced demand for our services by larger construction customers or a loss of a significant MSA customer could have an adverse effect on our business.

 

Our international operations expose us to legal, political and economic risks in different countries as well as currency exchange rate fluctuations that could harm our business and financial results.  We could be adversely affected by our failure to comply with laws applicable to our foreign activities, such as the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act.

 

During 2017, 2016 and 2015, revenue attributable to our services outside of the United States was 0.3%, 0.6% and 0.9% of our total revenue, respectively.  While much of this revenue is derived from the operations of our Canadian subsidiary, OnQuest Canada, ULC, construction activities have occurred in several far eastern countries and in Australia. There are risks inherent in doing business internationally, including:

 

 

The FCPA and similar anti-bribery laws in other jurisdictions prohibit U.S.-based companies and their intermediaries from making improper payments to non-U.S. officials for the purpose of obtaining or retaining business. We pursue opportunities in certain parts of the world that experience government corruption, and in certain circumstances, compliance with anti-bribery laws may conflict with local customs and practices. Our internal policies mandate compliance with all applicable anti-bribery laws. We require our partners, subcontractors, agents and others who work for us or on our behalf to comply with the FCPA and other anti-bribery laws. There is no assurance that our policies or procedures will protect us against liability under the FCPA or other laws for actions taken by our agents, employees and intermediaries. If we are found to be liable for FCPA violations (either due to our own acts or our inadvertence, or due to the acts or inadvertence of others), we could suffer from severe criminal or civil penalties or other sanctions, which could have a material adverse effect on our reputation and business.  In addition, detecting, investigating and resolving actual or alleged FCPA violations is expensive and could consume significant time and attention of our senior management.

 

Backlog may not be realized or may not result in revenues or profits.

 

Backlog is measured and defined differently by companies within our industry. We refer to “backlog” as our estimated revenue on uncompleted contracts, less the revenue we have recognized under such contracts, plus the amount of revenue on contracts on which work has not begun, plus an estimated level of MSA revenues for the next four quarters.  Backlog is not a comprehensive indicator of future revenues.  Most contracts may be terminated by our customers on short notice. Reductions in backlog due to cancellation by a customer, or for other reasons, could significantly reduce the revenue that we actually receive from contracts in backlog. In the event of a project cancellation, we may be reimbursed for certain costs, but we typically have no contractual right to the total revenues reflected in our backlog. Projects may remain in backlog for extended periods of time.  While backlog includes estimated MSA revenues, customers are not contractually obligated to purchase an amount of services under the MSA.

 

Given these factors, our backlog at any point in time may not accurately represent the revenue that we expect to realize during any period, and our backlog as of the end of a fiscal year may not be indicative of the revenue we expect to earn in the following fiscal year. Inability to realize revenue from our backlog could have an adverse effect on our business.

 

Backlog is an indicator of future revenues; however, recognition of revenues from backlog does not necessarily ensure that the projects will be profitable.  Poor project or contract performance could impact profits from contracts included in backlog.  For projects for which a loss is expected, future revenues will be recorded with no margin, which may reduce the overall margin percentage for work performed.

 

Our actual cost may be greater than expected in performing our fixed-price and unit-price contracts, causing us to realize significantly lower profits or losses on our projects.

 

We currently generate, and expect to continue to generate, a portion of our revenue and profits under fixed-price and unit-price contracts. The approximate portion of revenue generated from fixed-price contracts for the years 2017, 2016 and 2015 was 40%, 35% and 39%, respectively.  The approximate portion of revenue generated from unit-price contracts for the years 2017, 2016 and 2015 was 46%, 45%, and 43%, respectively.  In general, we must estimate the costs of completing a specific project to bid these types of contracts. The actual cost of labor and materials may vary from the costs we originally estimated, and we may not be successful in recouping additional costs from our customers. These variations may cause gross profits for a project to differ from those we originally estimated.  Reduced profitability or losses on projects could occur due to changes in a variety of factors such as:

 

 

As projects grow in size and complexity, these factors may combine, and depending on the size of the particular project, variations from the estimated contract costs could have a material adverse effect on our business.

 

Weather can significantly affect our revenues and profitability.

 

Our ability to perform work and meet customer schedules can be affected by weather conditions such as snow, ice and rain.  Weather may affect our ability to work efficiently and can cause project delays and additional costs.  Our ability to negotiate change orders for the impact of weather on a project could impact our profitability.  In addition, the impact of weather can cause significant variability in our quarterly revenue and profitability.

 

We require subcontractors and suppliers to assist us in providing certain services, and we may be unable to retain the necessary subcontractors or obtain supplies to complete certain projects adversely affecting our business.

 

We use subcontractors to perform portions of our contracts and to manage workflow, particularly for design, engineering, procurement and some foundation work. While we are not dependent on any single subcontractor, general market conditions may limit the availability of subcontractors to perform portions of our contracts causing delays and increases in our costs.

 

We use suppliers to provide the materials and some equipment used for projects.  However, significant materials and equipment are usually supplied by the customer.  If a supplier fails to provide supplies and equipment at a price we estimated, fails to provide supplies and equipment that are not of acceptable quantity or fails to provide supplies when scheduled, we may be required to source the supplies or equipment at a higher price or may be required to delay performance of the project.  The additional cost or project delays could negatively impact project profitability.

 

Failure of a subcontractor or supplier to comply with laws, rules or regulations could negatively affect our reputation and our business.

 

We may enter into joint ventures which require satisfactory performance by our venture partners of their obligations.  The failure of our joint venture partners to perform their joint venture obligations could impose additional financial and performance obligations on us that could result in reduced profits or losses for us with respect to the joint venture.

 

As is typical in our industry, we may enter into various joint ventures and teaming arrangements where control may be shared with unaffiliated third parties.  At times, we also participate in joint ventures where we are not a controlling party. In such instances, we may have limited control over joint venture decisions and actions, including internal controls and financial reporting which may have an impact on our business.  If our joint venture partners fail to satisfactorily perform their joint venture obligations, the joint venture may be unable to adequately perform or deliver its contracted services. Under these circumstances, we may be required to make additional investments or provide additional services to ensure the adequate performance and delivery of the contracted services.  These additional obligations could result in reduced profits and may impact our reputation in the industry.

 

We may experience delays and defaults in client payments and we may pay our suppliers and subcontractors before receiving payment from our customers for the related services; we could experience an adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

 

We use subcontractors and material suppliers for portions of certain work, and our customers pay us for those related services. If we pay our suppliers and subcontractors for materials purchased and work performed for customers who fail to pay us, or such customers delay paying us for the related work or materials, we could experience a material

adverse effect on our business. In addition, if customers fail to pay us for work we perform, we could experience a material adverse effect on our business.

 

Our inability to recover on claims against project owners or subcontractors for payment or performance could negatively affect our business.

 

We occasionally present claims or change orders to our clients and subcontractors for additional costs exceeding a contract price or for costs not included in the original contract price.  Change orders are modifications of an original contract that effectively change certain provisions of the contract.  They generally include changes in specifications or design, facilities, equipment, materials, sites and periods for completion of work.  Claims are amounts in excess of the agreed contract price (or amounts not included in the original contract price) that we seek to collect from customers or others for customer-caused changes in contract specifications or design, other customer-related causes of unanticipated additional contract costs on which there is no agreement with customers, or non-customer-caused changes, such as weather delays.  These costs may or may not be recovered until the claim is resolved. In some instances, these claims can be the subject of lengthy legal proceedings, and it is difficult to accurately predict when they will be fully resolved. A failure to promptly document and negotiate a recovery for change orders and claims could have a negative impact on our cash flows, and an overall ability to recover change orders and claims could have a negative impact on our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

 

For some projects we may guarantee a timely completion or provide a performance guarantee which could result in additional costs, such as liquidated damages, to cover our obligations.

 

In our fixed-price and unit-price contracts we may provide a project completion date, and in some of our projects we commit that the project will achieve specific performance standards.  If we do not complete the project as scheduled, or if the project does not meet the contracted performance standards, we may be held responsible for the impact to the client resulting from the delay or the inability to meet the standards.  Generally, the impact to the client is in the form of liquidated damages specified in the contract.

 

A significant portion of our business depends on our ability to provide surety bonds, and we may be unable to compete for or work on certain projects if we are not able to obtain the necessary surety bonds.

 

Our contracts frequently require that we provide payment and performance bonds to our customers. Under standard terms in the surety market, sureties issue or continue bonds on a project-by-project basis and can decline to issue bonds at any time or require the posting of additional collateral as a condition to issuing or renewing bonds.

 

Current or future market conditions, as well as changes in our surety providers’ assessments of our operating and financial risk, could cause our surety providers to decline to issue or renew, or to substantially reduce, the availability of bonds for our work and could increase our bonding costs. These actions could be taken on short notice. If our surety providers were to limit or eliminate our access to bonding, our alternatives would include seeking bonding capacity from other sureties, finding more business that does not require bonds and posting other forms of collateral for project performance, such as letters of credit or cash. We may be unable to secure these alternatives in a timely manner, on acceptable terms, or at all. Accordingly, if we were to experience an interruption or reduction in the availability of bonding capacity, we may be unable to compete for or work on certain projects.

 

Our bonding requirements may limit our ability to incur indebtedness, which would limit our ability to refinance our existing credit facilities or to execute our business plan.

 

Our ability to obtain surety bonds depends upon various factors including our capitalization, working capital, tangible net worth and amount of our indebtedness. In order to help ensure that we can obtain required bonds, we may be limited in our ability to incur additional indebtedness that may be needed to refinance our existing credit facilities upon maturity and to execute our business plan.

 

We may be unable to win some new contracts if we cannot provide clients with letters of credit.

 

For many of our clients surety bonds provide an adequate form of security, but for some clients additional security in the form of a letter of credit may be required.  While we have capacity for letters of credit under our credit facility, the amount required by a client may be in excess of our credit limit.  Any such amount would be issued at the sole discretion of our lenders.  Failure to provide a letter of credit when required by a client may result in our inability to compete for or win a project.

 

During the ordinary course of our business, we may become subject to material lawsuits or indemnity claims.

 

We have in the past been, and may in the future be, named as a defendant in lawsuits, claims and other legal proceedings during the ordinary course of our business. These actions may seek, among other things, compensation for alleged personal injury, workers’ compensation, employment discrimination, breach of contract, property damage, punitive damages, and civil penalties or other losses or injunctive or declaratory relief. In addition, we generally indemnify our customers for claims related to the services we provide and actions we take under our contracts with them, and, in some instances, we may be allocated risk through our contract terms for actions by our customers or other third parties. Because our services in certain instances may be integral to the operation and performance of our customers’ infrastructure, we may become subject to lawsuits or claims for any failure of the systems on which we work, even if our services are not the cause of such failures, and we could be subject to civil and criminal liabilities to the extent that our services contributed to any property damage, personal injury or system failure. The outcome of any of these lawsuits, claims or legal proceedings could result in significant costs and diversion of management’s attention to the business. Payments of significant amounts, even if reserved, could adversely affect our reputation and our business.

 

We are self-insured against potential liabilities.

 

Although we maintain insurance policies with respect to employer’s liability, general liability, auto and workers compensation claims, those policies are subject to deductibles or self-insured retention amounts of up to $250,000 per occurrence. We are primarily self-insured for all claims that do not exceed the amount of the applicable deductible/self-insured retention. In addition, for our employees not part of a collective bargaining agreement, we provide employee health care benefit plans.  Our primary health insurance plan is subject to a deductible of $250,000 per individual claim per year.

 

Our insurance policies include various coverage requirements, including the requirement to give appropriate notice. If we fail to comply with these requirements, our coverage could be denied.

 

Losses under our insurance programs are accrued based upon our estimates of the ultimate liability for claims reported and an estimate of claims incurred but not reported.  Insurance liabilities are difficult to assess and estimate due to unknown factors, including the severity of an injury, the extent of damage, the determination of our liability in proportion to other parties and the number of incidents not reported. The accruals are based upon known facts and historical trends.

 

Our business is labor intensive.  If we are unable to attract and retain qualified managers and skilled employees, our operating costs may increase.

 

Our business is labor intensive and our ability to maintain our productivity and profitability may be limited by our ability to employ, train and retain skilled personnel necessary to meet our requirements. We may not be able to maintain an adequately skilled labor force necessary to operate efficiently and to support our growth strategy. We have from time-to-time experienced, and may in the future experience, shortages of certain types of qualified personnel. For example, periodically there are shortages of engineers, project managers, field supervisors, and other skilled workers capable of working on and supervising the construction of underground, heavy civil and industrial facilities, as well as providing engineering services. The supply of experienced engineers, project managers, field supervisors and other skilled workers may not be sufficient to meet current or expected demand. The beginning of new, large-scale infrastructure projects or increased competition for workers currently available to us, could affect our business, even if we are not awarded such projects. Labor shortages or increased labor costs could impair our ability to maintain our

business or grow our revenues. If we are unable to hire employees with the requisite skills, we may also be forced to incur significant training expenses.

 

Our unionized workforce may commence work stoppages, which could adversely affect our operations.

 

As of December 31, 2017, approximately 52% of our hourly employees, primarily consisting of field laborers, were covered by collective bargaining agreements. Of the 97 collective bargaining agreements to which we are a party, 75 expire during 2018 and require renegotiation.  Although the majority of these agreements prohibit strikes and work stoppages, we cannot be certain that strikes or work stoppages will not occur in the future. Strikes or work stoppages would adversely impact our relationships with our customers and could have an adverse effect on our business.

 

Our ability to complete future acquisitions could be adversely affected because of our union status for a variety of reasons. For instance, in certain geographic areas, our union agreements may be incompatible with the union agreements of a business we want to acquire and some businesses may not want to become affiliated with a union company.  In addition, if we acquire a union affiliated company, we may increase our future exposure to withdrawal liabilities for any underfunded pension plans.

 

Withdrawal from multiemployer pension plans associated with our unionized workforce could adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.

 

Our collective bargaining agreements generally require that we participate with other companies in multiemployer pension plans. To the extent those plans are underfunded, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (“ERISA”), as amended by the Multiemployer Pension Plan Amendments Act of 1980 (“MEPA”), may subject us to substantial liabilities under those plans if we withdraw from them or they are terminated. In addition, the Pension Protection Act of 2006 added new funding rules for multiemployer plans that are classified as endangered, seriously endangered or critical status.  For a plan in critical status, additional required contributions and benefit reductions may apply if a plan is determined to be underfunded, which could adversely affect our financial condition or results of operations.  For plans in critical status, we may be required to make additional contributions, generally in the form of surcharges on contributions otherwise required.  Participation in those plans with high funding levels could adversely affect our results of operations, financial condition or cash flows if we are not able to adequately mitigate these costs.

 

The amount of the withdrawal liability legislated by ERISA and MEPA varies for every pension plan to which we contribute.  For each plan, our liability is the total unfunded vested benefits of the plan multiplied by a fraction:  the numerator of the fraction is the sum of our contributions to the plan for the past ten years and the denominator is the sum of all contributions made by all employers for the past ten years.  For some pension plans to which we contribute, the total unfunded vested benefits are in the billions of dollars.  If we cannot reduce the liability through exemptions or negotiations, the withdrawal from a plan could have a material adverse impact on our business.

 

We depend on key personnel and we may not be able to operate and grow our business effectively if we lose the services of any of our key persons or are unable to attract qualified and skilled personnel in the future.

 

We are dependent upon the efforts of our key personnel, and our ability to retain them and hire other qualified employees. The loss of our executive officers or other key personnel could affect our ability to run our business effectively. Competition for senior management personnel is intense, and we may not be able to retain our personnel. The loss of any key person requires the remaining key personnel to divert immediate and substantial attention to seeking a replacement. In addition, as some of our key persons approach retirement age, we need to provide for smooth transitions.  An inability to find a suitable replacement for any departing executive or senior officer on a timely basis could adversely affect our ability to operate and grow our business.

 

If we fail to integrate acquisitions successfully, we may experience operational challenges and risks which may have an adverse effect on our business.

 

As part of our growth strategy, we intend to acquire companies that expand, complement or diversify our business.  Acquisitions may expose us to operational challenges and risks, including, among others:

 

 

If we cannot effectively manage the integration process or if any significant business activities are interrupted as a result of the integration process of any acquisition, our business could suffer.

 

We may incur higher costs to lease, acquire and maintain equipment necessary for our operations.

 

A significant portion of our contracts is built with our own construction equipment rather than leased or rented equipment. To the extent that we are unable to buy or build equipment necessary for a project, either due to a lack of available funding or equipment shortages in the marketplace, we may be forced to rent equipment on a short-term basis or to find alternative ways to perform the work without the benefit of equipment ideally suited for the job, which could increase the costs of completing the project. We often bid for work knowing that we will have to rent equipment on a short-term basis, and we include our assumptions of market equipment rental rates in our bid. If market rates for rental equipment increase between the time of bid submission and project execution, our margins for the project may be reduced. In addition, our equipment requires continuous maintenance, which we generally provide through our own repair facilities. If we are unable to continue to maintain the equipment in our fleet, we may be forced to obtain additional third-party repair services at a higher cost or be unable to bid on contracts.

 

Our business may be affected by difficult work sites and environments which may adversely affect our ability to procure materials and labor.

 

We perform our work under a variety of conditions, including, but not limited to, difficult and hard to reach terrain, difficult site conditions and busy urban centers where delivery of materials and availability of labor may be impacted. Performing work under these conditions can slow our progress, potentially causing us to incur contractual liability to our customers. These difficult conditions may also cause us to incur additional, unanticipated costs that we might not be able to pass on to our customers.

 

We may incur liabilities or suffer negative financial or reputational impacts relating to health and safety matters.

 

Our operations are subject to extensive laws and regulations relating to the maintenance of safe conditions in the workplace. While we have invested, and will continue to invest, substantial resources in our environmental, health and safety programs, our industry involves a high degree of operational risk and there can be no assurance that we will avoid significant liability exposure. Although we have taken what we believe are appropriate precautions, we have suffered fatalities in the past and may suffer additional fatalities in the future. Serious accidents, including fatalities, may subject us to substantial penalties, civil litigation or criminal prosecution. Claims for damages to persons, including claims for bodily injury or loss of life, could result in substantial costs and liabilities, which could materially and adversely affect our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. In addition, if our safety record were to

substantially deteriorate over time or we were to suffer substantial penalties or criminal prosecution for violation of health and safety regulations, our customers could cancel our contracts and not award us future business.

 

Interruptions in information technology or breaches in data security could adversely impact our operations, our ability to report financial results and our business.

 

We rely on computer, information and communication technology and related systems to operate our business.  As we continue to grow our business, we need to add software and hardware and effectively upgrade our systems and network infrastructure in order to improve the efficiency and protection of our systems and information.  While we do not maintain customer information in our computer systems, our computer and communications systems, and consequently our operations, could be damaged or interrupted by natural disasters, loss of power, telecommunications failures, acts of war, acts of terrorism, computer viruses, physical or electronic break-ins and actions by hackers and cyber-terrorists.  Any of these, or similar, events could cause system disruptions, delays and loss of critical information, delays in processing transactions and delays in the reporting of financial information.  While we have implemented network security and internal control measures, there can be no assurance that a system or network failure or data security breach would not adversely affect our business.

 

As a holding company, we are dependent on our subsidiaries for cash distributions to fund debt payments, dividend payments and other liabilities.

 

We are a holding company with no operations or significant assets other than the stock that we own of our subsidiaries.  We depend on dividends, loans and distributions from these subsidiaries to service our indebtedness, pay dividends, fund share repurchases and satisfy other financial obligations.  If contractual limitations or legal regulations were to restrict the ability of our subsidiaries to make cash distributions to us, we may not have sufficient funds to cover our financial obligations.

 

We may need additional capital in the future for working capital, capital expenditures or acquisitions, and we may not be able to do so on favorable terms, or at all, which would impair our ability to operate our business or achieve our growth objectives.

 

Our ability to generate cash is essential for the funding of our operations and the servicing of our debt.  If existing cash balances together with the borrowing capacity under our credit facilities were not sufficient to make future investments, make acquisitions or provide needed working capital, we may require financing from other sources.  Our ability to obtain such additional financing in the future will depend on a number of factors including prevailing capital market conditions; conditions in our industry; and our operating results.  These factors may affect our ability to arrange additional financing on terms that are acceptable to us.  If additional funds were not available on acceptable terms, we may not be able to make future investments, take advantage of acquisitions or other opportunities or respond to competitive challenges.

 

Risks Related Primarily to the Financial Accounting of our Business

 

Our financial results are based upon estimates and assumptions that may differ from actual results.

 

In preparing our consolidated annual and quarterly financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles, many estimates and assumptions are used in determining the reported revenues, costs and expenses recognized during the periods presented, and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities known to exist as of the date of the financial statements. These estimates and assumptions must be made because certain information that is used in the preparation of our financial statements cannot be calculated with a high degree of precision from data available, is dependent on future events, or is not capable of being readily calculated based on generally accepted methodologies. Often times, these estimates are particularly difficult to determine, and we must exercise significant judgment. Estimates may be used in our assessments of the allowance for doubtful accounts, useful lives of property and equipment, fair value assumptions in analyzing goodwill and long-lived asset impairments, self-insured claims liabilities, revenue recognition under percentage-of-completion accounting and provisions for income taxes. Actual results for estimates could differ materially from the estimates and assumptions that we used.

 

Our use of percentage-of-completion accounting could result in a reduction or elimination of previously reported revenue and profits.

 

For fixed-price and unit-price contracts, we recognize revenue using the percentage-of-completion method of accounting, using the cost-to-cost method, where revenues are estimated based on the percentage of costs incurred to date to total estimated costs. This method is used because management considers expended costs to be the best available measure of progress on these contracts. The earnings or losses recognized on individual contracts are based on estimates of total contract revenues, total expected costs and costs incurred to date. Contract losses are recognized in full when determined, and contract profit estimates are adjusted based upon ongoing reviews of contract profitability.

 

Penalties or potential charges are recorded when known or finalized. In addition, we record adjustments to estimated costs of contracts when we believe the change in the estimate is probable and the amounts can be reasonably estimated. These adjustments could result in both increases and decreases in profit margins. Actual results could differ from estimated amounts and could result in a reduction or elimination of previously recognized earnings. In certain circumstances, it is possible that such adjustments could be significant and could have an adverse effect on our business.

 

Our reported results of operations and financial condition could be adversely affected as a result of changes in accounting standards.

 

The Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) periodically issues Accounting Standards Updates (“ASU”) that revise the treatment for various accounting topics. See Note 2 — “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements” of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for a discussion of ASUs not yet adopted.  These changes and other future changes could result in changes in the way we report our financial results.

 

Our reported results of operations could be adversely affected as a result of impairments of goodwill, other intangible assets or investments.

 

When we acquire a business, we record an asset called “goodwill” for the excess amount we pay for the business over the net fair value of the tangible and intangible assets of the business we acquire. At December 31, 2017, our balance sheet included goodwill of $153.4 million and intangible assets of $44.8 million resulting from previous acquisitions.   Fair value is determined using a combination of the discounted cash flow, market multiple and market capitalization valuation approaches.  Under current accounting rules, goodwill and other intangible assets that have indefinite useful lives cannot be amortized, but instead must be tested at least annually for impairment, while intangible assets that have finite useful lives are amortized over their useful lives.  Any impairment of the goodwill or intangible assets recorded in connection with the various acquisitions, or for any future acquisitions, would negatively impact our results of operations.

 

In addition, we may enter into various types of investment arrangements, such as an equity interest we hold in a business entity.  Our equity method investments are carried at original cost and are included in other assets in our Consolidated Balance Sheet and are adjusted for our proportionate share of the investees’ income, losses and distributions.  Equity investments are reviewed for impairment by assessing whether any decline in the fair value of the investment below its carrying value is other than temporary. In making this determination, factors such as the ability to recover the carrying amount of the investment and the inability of the investee to sustain future earnings capacity are evaluated in determining whether an impairment should be recognized.

 

Compliance with and changes in tax laws could adversely affect our performance.

 

We are subject to extensive tax liabilities imposed by multiple jurisdictions. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “Tax Act”) was signed into law on December 22, 2017. This legislation makes significant changes to the U.S. Internal Revenue Code and requires complex computations not previously provided in U.S. tax law.  Given the significance of the legislation, the SEC staff issued Staff Accounting Bulletin (“SAB”) 118 which provides guidance on accounting for uncertainties of the effects of the Tax Act.  Specifically, SAB 118 allows companies to record provisional estimates of

the impact of the Tax Act during a one year “measurement period” similar to that used when accounting for business combinations.

 

New tax laws and regulations and changes in existing tax laws and regulations are continuously being enacted or proposed, and could result in a different tax rate on our earnings, which could have a material impact on our earnings and cash flow from operations. In addition, significant judgment is required in determining our provision for income taxes. In the ordinary course of our business, there are many transactions and calculations where the ultimate tax determination is uncertain. We are regularly under audit by tax authorities, and our tax estimates and tax positions could be materially affected by many factors including the final outcome of tax audits and related litigation, the introduction of new tax accounting standards, legislation, regulations and related interpretations, our mix of earnings, the realizability of deferred tax assets and changes in uncertain tax positions. A significant increase in our tax rate could have a material adverse effect on our profitability and liquidity.

 

We may not be successful in continuing to meet the internal control requirements of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 has many requirements applicable to us regarding corporate governance and financial reporting, including the requirements for management to report on internal controls over financial reporting and for our independent registered public accounting firm to express an opinion over the operating effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting. At December 31, 2017, our internal control over financial reporting was effective using the internal control framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations (“COSO”) of the Treadway Commission:  Internal control—Integrated Framework (2013). 

 

We have successfully completed the implementation of an integrated financial system in the majority of our operations.  With the completion of the conversion from the previous system, virtually all of our operations use the same information platform, allowing us to establish more consistent financial and operational controls.  While we plan to convert the remaining operations to the same platform in 2018, there can be no assurance that the conversion will be completed on schedule, which would mean continued use of manual processes and controls, which tend to increase the risk of control deficiencies.

 

Please note that there can be no assurance that our internal control over financial reporting will be effective in future years. Failure to maintain effective internal controls or the identification of material internal control deficiencies in acquisitions already made or made in the future could result in a decrease in the market value of our common stock, the reduced ability to obtain financing, the loss of customers, penalties and additional expenditures to meet the requirements in the future.

 

Starting in the fourth quarter of 2014, our management, outside counsel and Audit Committee of the Board of Directors have been reviewing and analyzing various issues relating to the methods used by our subsidiaries to recognize revenue and estimate contingencies for construction projects in progress.  We have implemented a number of changes in the documentation of contingencies and the control processes surrounding the recognition of revenue.  We will continue to focus on making additional improvements that will enhance our controls and documentation.

 

We have been cooperating with an inquiry by the staff of the Securities and Exchange Commission, which appears to be focused on certain percentage-of-completion contract revenue recognition practices of the Company during 2013 and 2014.  We are continuing to respond to the staff’s inquiries in connection with this matter.  At this stage, we are unable to predict when the staff’s inquiry will conclude or the outcome.  Depending on the outcome of the inquiry, a government entity or other third party could bring an action and seek injunctions, fines, civil and criminal penalties, or other remedies, or assert other claims or litigation against us with respect to any issues that might arise in connection with the inquiry.  Findings from the inquiry could result in a loss of investor confidence and decrease in the market value of our common stock, the reduced ability to obtain financing and the loss of customers.

 

Risks Related to our Common Stock

 

Our common stock is subject to potential dilution to our stockholders.

 

As part of our acquisition strategy, we have issued shares of common stock and used shares of common stock as a part of contingent earn-out consideration, which have resulted in dilution to our stockholders.  Our Articles of Incorporation permit us to issue up to 90.0 million shares of common stock of which approximately 51.4 million were outstanding at December 31, 2017.  While NASDAQ rules require that we obtain stockholder approval to issue more than 20% additional shares, stockholder approval is not required below that level. In addition, we can issue shares of preferred stock which could cause further dilution to the stockholder, resulting in reduced net income and cash flow available to common stockholders.

 

In 2013, our stockholders adopted our 2013 Equity Incentive Plan (“Equity Plan”).  The Equity Plan replaced a previous plan.  The Equity Plan authorized the Board of Directors to issue equity awards totaling 2,526,275 shares of our common stock.  Our current director compensation plan, our management long-term incentive plan and any additional equity awards made will have the effect of diluting our earnings per share and stockholders’ percentage of ownership.

 

Our Chairman is a significant stockholder, which may make it possible for him to have significant influence over the outcome of matters submitted to our stockholders for approval and his interests may differ from the interests of other stockholders.

 

As of December 31, 2017 our Chairman of the Board beneficially owned approximately 17% of the outstanding shares of our common stock. He may have significant influence over the outcome of all matters submitted to our stockholders for approval, including the election of our directors and other corporate actions. Such influence could have the effect of discouraging others from attempting to purchase us or take us over and could reduce the market price offered for our common stock.

 

Delaware law and our charter documents may impede or discourage a takeover or change in control.

 

As a Delaware corporation, anti-takeover provisions may impose an impediment to the ability of others to acquire control of us, even if a change of control would be of benefit to our stockholders.  In addition, certain provisions of our Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws also may impose an impediment or discourage others from a takeover.  These provisions include:

 

 

These types of provisions may limit the ability of stockholders to obtain a premium for their shares.

 

ITEM 1B.UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

 

None.

 

ITEM 2.PROPERTIES

 

Facilities

 

Our executive offices are located at 2100 McKinney Avenue, Suite 1500, Dallas, Texas 75201. The telephone number of our executive office is (214) 740-5600. We have regional offices located in Baton Rouge, Louisiana; Lake Forest, Pittsburg, Hayward, Bakersfield, San Dimas and San Diego, California; Houston, Belton, Deer Park, and

Beaumont, Texas; Sarasota, Fort Myers and Fort Lauderdale, Florida; Little Canada, Minnesota; Hillsboro, Oregon; Denver, Colorado; and Calgary, Canada. 

 

We lease most of the facilities and production yards used in our operations. The leases are generally for 10 to 12-year terms, expiring through 2024.  The aggregate lease payments made for our facilities in 2017 were approximately $6.1 million. We believe that our facilities are adequate to meet our current and foreseeable requirements for the next several years.

 

Prior to March 2017, we leased three properties in California from Stockdale Investment Group, Inc. (“SIGI”).  Our Chairman of the Board of Directors, who is our largest stockholder, and his family hold a majority interest of SIGI.  In March 2017, we exercised a right of first refusal and purchased the SIGI properties.  The purchase was approved by our Board of Directors for $12.8 million.  We assumed three mortgage notes totaling $4.2 million with the remainder paid in cash.

 

Property, Plant and Equipment

 

The construction industry is capital intensive, and we expect to continue making capital expenditures to meet anticipated needs for our services. In 2017, capital expenditures were approximately $79.8 million.  In addition, the companies acquired during the period added $12.4 million to property, plant and equipment. Total construction equipment purchases in 2017 were $43.7 million We estimate that as of December 31, 2017, our capital equipment includes the following:

 

 

We believe the ownership of equipment is generally preferable to leasing to ensure the equipment is available as needed. In addition, ownership has historically resulted in lower overall equipment costs. We attempt to obtain projects that will keep our equipment fully utilized in order to increase profit. All equipment is subject to scheduled maintenance to ensure reliability. Maintenance facilities exist at most of our regional offices as well as on-site on major jobs to properly service and repair equipment. Major equipment not currently utilized is rented to third parties whenever possible.

 

 

ITEM 3.LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

 

Legal Proceedings

 

For information regarding legal proceedings, see Note 13 — “Commitments and Contingencies” of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8 of this Form 10-K, which is incorporated herein by reference.

 

Government Regulations

 

Our operations are subject to compliance with regulatory requirements of federal, state, and municipal agencies and authorities, including regulations concerning labor relations, affirmative action and the protection of the environment. While compliance with applicable regulatory requirements has not adversely affected operations in the past, there can be no assurance that these requirements will not change and that compliance with such requirements will not adversely affect operations.

 

ITEM 4.MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

 

Not applicable.

 

PART II

 

ITEM 5.MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

 

Market Information

 

On August 6, 2008, our common stock began trading on the NASDAQ Global Market under the symbol “PRIM”. We had outstanding 51,448,753 shares of common stock and 365 stockholders of record as of December 31, 2017. These stockholders of record include depositories that hold shares of stock for brokerage firms, which in turn, hold shares of stock for numerous beneficial owners.

 

The following table shows the range of market prices of our common stock during 2017 and 2016.

 

 

Dividends

 

The following table shows cash dividends to our common stockholders declared by us during the two years ended December 31, 2017:

 

 

On February 21, 2018, the Board of Directors declared a $0.06 per common share dividend with a record date of March 30, 2018 and a payable date of on or about April 13, 2018. The payment of future dividends is contingent upon our revenues and earnings, capital requirements and general financial condition, as well as contractual restrictions and other considerations deemed relevant by the Board of Directors.

 

Equity Compensation Plan Information

 

In May 2013, our shareholders approved and we adopted the Primoris Services Corporation 2013 Long-term Incentive Equity Plan (“2013 Equity Plan”). As part of the compensation of the non-employee members of the Board of Directors, we issued 11,784 shares of common stock in February 2017 and 11,448 shares in August 2017.  In

February 2017 our management employees purchased 65,429 shares of stock as part of a management incentive compensation program.  The issuance of the employee shares and the director shares was under the terms of the 2013 Equity Plan.

 

The following table gives information about our common stock that may be issued upon the exercise of options, warrants and rights under all of our existing equity compensation plans as of December 31, 2017.

 

 

These securities represent shares of common stock available for issuance under our 2013 Equity Plan.  The 2013 Equity Plan is discussed in Note 18 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8 of this Form 10-K.

 

Repurchases of Securities

 

In February 2017, our Board of Directors authorized a $5.0 million share repurchase program under which we could, depending on market conditions, share price and other factors, acquire shares of our common stock on the open market or in privately negotiated transactions. During the period from March 23, 2017 through March 28, 2017, we purchased and cancelled 216,350 shares of stock for $5.0 million at an average cost of $23.10 per share

 

In August 2016, our Board of Directors authorized a $5.0 million share repurchase program under which we could, depending on market conditions, share price and other factors, acquire shares of our common stock on the open market or in privately negotiated transactions.  During the month of December 2016, we purchased and cancelled 207,800 shares of stock for $5.0 million at an average cost of $24.02 per share.

 

There were no share repurchases authorized during 2015.

 

Sales of Unregistered Securities

 

We did not issue any unregistered shares of our common stock during 2017, 2016 or 2015.

 

Performance Graph

 

The following Performance Graph and related information shall not be deemed to be filed with the SEC, nor shall such information be incorporated by reference into any future filing under the Securities Act of 1933 or Securities Exchange Act of 1934, each as amended, except to the extent that we specifically incorporate it by reference into such filing.

 

The following graph compares the cumulative total return to holders of our common stock during the five-year period from December 31, 2012, and in each quarter up through December 31, 2017. The return is compared to the cumulative total return during the same period achieved on the Standard & Poor’s 500 Stock Index (the “S&P 500”) and a peer group index selected by our management that includes five public companies within our industry (the “Peer Group”). The Peer Group is composed of MasTec, Inc., Matrix Service Company, Quanta Services, Inc., Sterling Construction Company, Inc. and Willbros Group, Inc.  The companies in the Peer Group were selected because they comprise a broad group of publicly held corporations, each of which has some operations similar to ours. When taken as a whole, management believes the Peer Group more closely resembles our total business than any individual company in the group.

 

The returns are calculated assuming that an investment with a value of $100 was made in our common stock and in each stock as of December 31, 2012.  All dividends were reinvested in additional shares of common stock, although none of the comparable companies paid dividends during the periods shown. The Peer Group investment is calculated based on a weighted average of the five company share prices. The graph lines merely connect the measuring dates and do not reflect fluctuations between those dates. The stock performance shown on the graph is not intended to be indicative of future stock performance.

 

COMPARISON OF DECEMBER 31, 2012 THROUGH DECEMBER 31, 2017

CUMULATIVE TOTAL RETURN

Among Primoris Services Corporation (“PRIM”), the S&P 500 and the Peer Group

 

 

 

 

 

 

ITEM 6.SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

 

The following selected financial data should be read in conjunction with Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and our audited financial statements and the accompanying notes included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

 

 

 

 

 

ITEM 7.MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

You should read the following discussion of our financial condition and results of operations in conjunction with the financial statements and the notes to those statements included as item 8 in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. This discussion includes forward-looking statements that are based on current expectations and are subject to uncertainties and unknown or changed circumstances. For a further discussion, please see “Forward Looking Statements” at the beginning of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Our actual results may differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of many factors, including those risks inherent with our business as discussed in “Item 1A Risk Factors”.

 

The following discussion starts with an overview of our business and a discussion of trends, including seasonality, that affect our industry.  That is followed by an overview of the critical accounting policies and estimates that we use to prepare our financial statements.  Next we discuss our results of operations and liquidity and capital resources, including our off-balance sheet transactions and contractual obligations.  We conclude with a discussion of our outlook and backlog.

 

Introduction

 

Primoris is a holding company of various subsidiaries, which form one of the larger publicly traded specialty contractors and infrastructure companies in the United States. Serving diverse end-markets, we provide a wide range of construction, fabrication, maintenance, replacement, water and wastewater, and engineering services to major public utilities, petrochemical companies, energy companies, municipalities, state departments of transportation and other customers. We install, replace, repair and rehabilitate natural gas, refined product, water and wastewater pipeline systems; large diameter gas and liquid pipeline facilities; and heavy civil projects, earthwork and site development. We also construct mechanical facilities and other structures, including power plants, petrochemical facilities, refineries, water and wastewater treatment facilities and parking structures. Finally, we provide specialized process and product engineering services.

 

We have longstanding customer relationships with major utility, refining, petrochemical, power and engineering companies. We have completed major underground and industrial projects for a number of large natural gas transmission and petrochemical companies in the United States, as well as significant projects for our engineering customers. We enter into a large number of contracts each year, and the projects can vary in length from several weeks to as long as 60 months, or longer for completion on larger projects. Although we have not been dependent upon any one customer in any year, a small number of customers tend to constitute a substantial portion of our total revenues.

 

Through the end of the year 2016, we segregated our business into three reportable segments: the Energy segment, the East Construction Services segment and the West Construction Services segment. In the first quarter 2017, we changed our reportable segments in connection with a realignment of our internal organization and management structure. The segment changes reflect the focus of our chief operating decision maker (“CODM”) on the range of services we provide to our end user markets. Our CODM regularly reviews our operating and financial performance based on these segments.

 

The current reportable segments include the Power, Industrial, and Engineering segment, the Pipeline and Underground segment, the Utilities and Distribution segment, and the Civil segment.  See Note 14 – “Reportable Segments” of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for a brief description of the reportable segments and their operations.

 

The classification of revenues and gross profit for segment reporting purposes can at times require judgment on the part of management. Our segments may perform services across industries or perform joint services for customers in

multiple industries. To determine reportable segment gross profit, certain allocations, including allocations of shared and indirect costs, such as facility costs, equipment costs and indirect operating expenses were made.

 

The following table lists our primary business units and their reportable segment:

 

 

We own a 50% interest in two separate joint ventures, both formed in 2015. The Carlsbad Power Constructors joint venture (“Carlsbad”) is engineering and constructing a gas-fired power generation facility, and the “ARB Inc. & B&M Engineering Co.” joint venture (“Wilmington”) is also engineering and constructing a gas-fired power generation facility.  Both projects are located in Southern California.  The joint venture operations are included as part of the Power segment.  As a result of determining that we are the primary beneficiary of the two variable interest entities (“VIEs”), the results of the Carlsbad and Wilmington joint ventures are consolidated in our financial statements.  Both projects are expected to be completed in 2018.

 

We owned 50% of the Blythe Power Constructors joint venture (“Blythe”) created for the installation of a parabolic trough solar field and steam generation system in California, and its operations have been included as part of the Power segment.  We determined that in accordance with FASB Topic 810, we were the primary beneficiary of a variable interest entity and have consolidated the results of Blythe in our financial statements. The project has been completed, the project warranty expired in May 2015, and dissolution of the joint venture was completed in the third quarter of 2015. 

 

Financial information for the joint ventures is presented in Note 12— “Noncontrolling Interests” of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8 of this Form 10-K.

 

We continue to be acquisitive, and the following outlines the various acquisitions made over the past three years. See Note 4— “Business Combinations” of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8 of this Form 10-K

 

On February 28, 2015, we acquired the net assets of Aevenia, Inc. for $22.3 million. Aevenia operations are included in the Utilities segment.

 

On January 29, 2016, we acquired the net assets of Mueller Concrete Construction Company ("Mueller") for $4.1 million, and on November 18, 2016, we acquired the net assets of Northern Energy & Power (“Northern”) for $6.9 million. On June 24, 2016, we purchased property, plant and equipment from Pipe Jacking Unlimited, Inc. (“Pipe Jacking”), consisting of specialty directional drilling and tunneling equipment for $13.4 million. We determined this purchase did not meet the definition of a business as defined under ASC 805.  Mueller operations are included in the Utilities segment, Northern operations are included in the Power segment, and Pipe Jacking operations are included in the Pipeline segment.

 

On May 26, 2017, we acquired the net assets of Florida Gas Contractors (“FGC”) for $37.7 million; on May 30, 2017, we acquired certain engineering assets for approximately $2.3 million; and on June 16, 2017, we acquired the net assets of Coastal Field Services (“Coastal”) for $27.5 million. FGC operations are included in the Utilities segment, the engineering assets are included in the Power segment, and Coastal operations are included in the Pipeline segment.

 

In August 2017, we announced we are investing approximately $22.0 million to build, own, and operate a portfolio of solar projects in a California School District acquired from the developers, Spear Point Energy, LLC, and PFMG Solar, LLC.  This investment amount includes the estimated cost of Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (“EPC”) work on the projects, which is projected to be completed in 2018. The solar projects are expected to generate a 25-year recurring revenue stream from the District's signed power purchase agreement. As an investment in a renewable energy project, the solar assets should provide us with investment tax credits valued at over $5.0 million. As of December 31, 2017, our investment for the solar projects was approximately $9.9 million. The $9.9 million investment is our construction in progress on the solar projects and is included in Property and equipment, net on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

 

Material trends and uncertainties

 

We generate our revenue from both large and small construction and engineering projects. The award of these contracts is dependent on many factors, most of which are not within our control. We depend in part on spending by companies in the energy and oil and gas industries, the gas utility industry, as well as municipal water and wastewater customers. Over the past several years, each segment has benefited from demand for more efficient and more environmentally friendly energy and power facilities, local highway and bridge needs and from the activity level in the oil and gas industry. However, periodically, each of these industries and government agencies is adversely affected by macroeconomic conditions. Economic factors outside of our control may affect the amount and size of contracts we are awarded in any particular period.

 

We closely monitor our customers to assess the effect that changes in economic, market and regulatory conditions may have on them. We have experienced reduced spending by some of our customers over the last several years, which we attribute to negative economic and market conditions, and we anticipate that these negative conditions may continue to affect demand for our services in the near-term.  Fluctuations in market prices of oil, gas and other fuel sources have affected demand for our services.  While we have seen signs of a recovery in the price of oil, the significant volatility in the price of oil, gas and liquid natural gas that occurred in the past few years has created uncertainty with respect to demand for our oil and gas pipeline services both in the near-term and for future projects.  We believe that our upstream operations, such as the construction of gathering lines within the oil shale formations, will remain at lower levels for an extended period. While there was some stability in the price of oil in 2017, that stability has not resulted in a significant change in the contracting activities of our customers. We believe that over time, the need for pipeline infrastructure for mid-stream and gas utility companies will result in a continuing need for our services, but the impact of the low oil prices may delay midstream pipeline opportunities. The continuing changes in the regulatory environment also affect the demand for our services, either by increasing our work or delaying projects.  For example, the regulatory environment in California may result in delays for the construction of gas-fired power plants while regulators continue to search for significant renewable resources, but renewable resources may also create a demand for our construction services such as the need for storage of renewable generated electricity.  Finally, we believe that regulated utility customers will continue to invest in our maintenance and replacement services.

 

Seasonality, cyclicality and variability

 

Our results of operations are subject to quarterly variations. Some of the variation is the result of weather, particularly rain, ice and snow, which can impact our ability to perform construction services. While the majority of our work is in the southern half of the United States, these seasonal impacts can affect revenues and profitability in all of our businesses since gas and other utilities defer routine replacement and repair during their period of peak demand. Any quarter can be affected either negatively or positively by atypical weather patterns in any part of the country.  In addition, demand for new projects tends to be lower during the early part of the year due to clients’ internal budget cycles.  As a result, we usually experience higher revenues and earnings in the third and fourth quarters of the year as compared to the first two quarters.

 

We are also dependent on large construction projects which tend not to be seasonal, but can fluctuate from year to year based on general economic conditions.  Our business may be affected by declines or delays in new projects or by client project schedules.  Because of the cyclical nature of our business, the financial results for any period may fluctuate from prior periods, and our financial condition and operating results may vary from quarter to quarter.  Results from one quarter may not be indicative of financial condition or operating results for any other quarter or for an entire year.

 

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

 

General—The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the financial statements and also affect the amounts of revenues and expenses reported for each period. These estimates and assumptions must be made because certain information that is used in the preparation of our financial statements cannot be calculated with a high degree of precision from data available, is dependent on future events, or is not capable of being readily calculated based on generally accepted methodologies. Often, estimates are particularly difficult to determine, and we must exercise significant judgment. Estimates may be used in our assessments of revenue recognition under percentage-of-completion accounting, the allowance for doubtful accounts, useful lives of property and equipment, fair value assumptions in analyzing goodwill and long-lived asset impairments, self-insured claims liabilities and deferred income taxes. Actual results could differ from those that result from using the estimates under different assumptions or conditions.

 

An accounting policy is deemed to be critical if it requires an accounting estimate to be based on assumptions about matters that are highly uncertain at the time the estimate is made, and different estimates that reasonably could have been used, or changes in the accounting estimates that are reasonably likely to occur periodically, could materially impact our consolidated financial statements.

 

The following accounting policies are based on, among other things, judgments and assumptions made by management that include inherent risks and uncertainties. Management’s estimates are based on the relevant information available at the end of each period. We periodically review these accounting policies with the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors.

 

Revenue recognition—We generate revenue under a range of contracting options, including fixed-price, unit-price, time and material, and cost reimbursable plus fee contracts. A substantial portion of our revenue is derived from contracts that are fixed-price or unit-price, using the percentage-of-completion method. For time and material and cost reimbursable plus fee contracts, revenue is recognized primarily based on contractual terms. Generally, time and material and cost reimbursable contract revenues are recognized on an input basis, based on labor hours incurred and on purchases made.

 

In the percentage-of-completion method, estimated contract values, estimated cost at completion and total costs incurred to date are used to calculate revenues earned. Unforeseen events and circumstances can alter the estimate of the costs and potential profit associated with a particular contract.  Total estimated costs, and thus contract revenues and income, can be impacted by changes in productivity, scheduling, the unit cost of labor, subcontracts, materials and equipment. Additionally, external factors such as weather, client needs, client delays in providing permits and approvals,

labor availability, governmental regulation and politics may affect the progress of a project’s completion and thus the timing of revenue recognition.

 

To the extent that original cost estimates are modified, estimated costs to complete increase, delivery schedules are delayed, or progress under a contract is otherwise impeded, cash flow, revenue recognition and profitability from a particular contract may be adversely affected. As a significant change in one or more of these estimates could affect the profitability of our contracts, we review and update our contract-related estimates regularly. We recognize adjustments in estimated profit on contracts as changes in accounting estimates in the period in which the revisions are identified. Revenue and profit in future periods of contract performance are recognized using the adjusted estimate. 

 

If at any time the estimate of contract profitability indicates an anticipated loss on a contract, the projected loss is recognized in full in the period it is identified and recognized as an “accrued loss provision” which is included in the accrued expenses and other current liabilities amount on the balance sheet. For contract revenue recognized under the percentage-of-completion method, the accrued loss provision is adjusted so that the gross profit for the contract remains zero in future periods. The provision for estimated losses on uncompleted contracts was $10.1 million and $12.8 million at December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

 

We consider unapproved change orders to be contract variations for which customers have not agreed to both scope and price.  Costs associated with unapproved change orders are included in the estimated cost to complete and are treated as project costs as incurred. We will recognize a change in contract value if we believe it is probable that the contract price will be adjusted and can be reliably estimated.  Unapproved change orders involve the use of estimates, and it is reasonably possible that revisions to the estimated costs and recoverable amounts may be required in future reporting periods to reflect changes in estimates or final agreements with customers.

 

We consider claims to be amounts we seek, or will seek, to collect from customers or others for customer-caused changes in contract specifications or design, or other customer-related causes of unanticipated additional contract costs on which there is no agreement with customers. Claims can also be caused by non-customer-caused changes, such as rain or other weather delays.  Costs associated with claims are included in the estimated costs to complete the contracts and are treated as project costs when incurred.  Claims are included in revenue to the extent we have a reasonable legal basis, the related costs have been incurred, realization is probable, and amounts can be reliably estimated.  Revenue in excess of contract costs from claims is recognized after an agreement is reached with customers as to the value of the claims, which in some instances may not occur until after completion of work under the contract.

 

At December 31, 2017, we had unapproved change orders and claims included in the expected contract value that totaled approximately $67.8 million. These claims were in the process of being negotiated in the normal course of business. Approximately $56.7 million of unapproved change orders and claims had been recognized as revenue on a cumulative percentage-of-completion basis through December 31, 2017.

 

In all forms of contracts, we estimate the collectability of contract amounts at the same time that we estimate project costs.  If we anticipate that there may be issues associated with the collectability of the full amount calculated as revenues, we may reduce the amount recognized as revenue to reflect the uncertainty associated with realization of the eventual cash collection. For example, when a cost reimbursable project exceeds the client’s expected budget amount, the client frequently requests an adjustment to the final amount. Similarly, some utility clients reserve the right to audit costs for significant periods after performance of the work. In these situations, we may choose to defer recognition of a portion of the revenue until the client pays for the services.

 

The caption “Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings” in the Consolidated Balance Sheets represents unbilled receivables which arise when revenues have been recorded but the amount will not be billed until a later date.  Balances represent:  (a) unbilled amounts arising from the use of the percentage-of-completion method of accounting which may not be billed under the terms of the contract until a later date or project milestone; (b) incurred costs to be billed under cost reimbursable type contracts, including amounts arising from routine lags in billing; or (c) the revenue associated with unapproved change orders or claims when realization is probable and amounts can be reliably estimated.  For those contracts in which billings exceed contract revenues recognized to date, the excess amounts are included in the caption “Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings”.

 

In accordance with applicable terms of certain construction contracts, retainage amounts may be withheld by customers until completion and acceptance of the project.  Some payments of the retainage may not be received for a significant period after completion of our portion of a project.  In some jurisdictions, retainage amounts are deposited into an escrow account.

 

Valuation of acquired businesses—We use the fair value of the consideration paid and the fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed to account for the purchase price of businesses.  The determination of fair value requires estimates and judgments of future cash flow expectations for the assignment of the fair values to the identifiable tangible and intangible assets.

 

Identifiable Tangible Assets.  Significant identifiable tangible assets acquired would include accounts receivable, costs and earnings in excess of billings for projects, inventory and fixed assets (generally consisting of construction equipment) for each acquisition. We determine the fair value of these assets as of the acquisition date.  For current assets and current liabilities of an acquisition, we will evaluate whether the book value is equivalent to fair value due to their short term nature.  We estimate the fair value of fixed assets using a market approach, based on comparable market values for similar equipment of similar condition and age.

 

Identifiable Intangible Assets.  When necessary, we use the assistance of an independent third party valuation specialist to determine the fair value of the intangible assets acquired in the acquisitions.

 

A liability for contingent consideration based on future earnings is estimated at its fair value at the date of acquisition, with subsequent changes in fair value recorded in earnings as a gain or loss.  Fair value is estimated as of the acquisition date using estimated earnout payments based on management’s best estimate.

 

Accounting principles generally accepted in the United States provide a “measurement period” of up to one year in which to finalize all fair value estimates associated with the acquisition of a business.  Most estimates are preliminary until the end of the measurement period.  During the measurement period, adjustments to initial valuations and estimates that reflect newly discovered information that existed at the acquisition date are recorded.  After the measurement date, any adjustments would be recorded as a current period gain or loss.

 

Goodwill and Indefinite-Lived intangible Assets—Goodwill and certain intangible assets acquired in a business combination and determined to have indefinite useful lives are not amortized but are assessed for impairment annually and more frequently if triggering events occur. In performing these assessments, management relies on various factors, including operating results, business plans, economic projections, anticipated future cash flows, comparable transactions and other market data. There are inherent uncertainties related to these factors and judgment in applying them to the analysis of goodwill for impairment. Since judgment is involved in performing fair value measurements used in goodwill impairment analyses, there is risk that the carrying values of our goodwill may not be properly stated.

 

We account for goodwill, including evaluation of any goodwill impairment under ASC 350 “Intangibles — Goodwill and Other”, performed at the reporting unit level for those units with recorded goodwill as of October 1 of each year, unless there are indications requiring a more frequent impairment test.           

 

Goodwill has arisen from acquisitions and is recorded at our segments as follows at December 31 (in thousands):

 

 

Under ASC 350, “Intangibles — Goodwill and Other”, we can assess qualitative factors to determine if a quantitative impairment test of intangible assets is necessary.  Typically, however, we use the two-step impairment test outlined in ASC 350.  First, we compare the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount. Fair value for the goodwill impairment test is determined utilizing a discounted cash flow analysis based on our financial plan discounted using our weighted average cost of capital and market indicators of terminal year cash flows. Other valuation methods may be used to corroborate the discounted cash flow method. If the carrying amount of a reporting unit is in excess of its fair value, goodwill is considered potentially impaired and further tests are performed to measure the amount of impairment loss. In the second step of the goodwill impairment test, we compare the implied fair value of reporting unit goodwill with the carrying amount of the reporting unit’s goodwill. If the carrying amount of the reporting unit’s goodwill exceeds the implied fair value of that goodwill, an impairment loss is recognized in an amount equal to the carrying amount of goodwill over its implied fair value. The implied fair value of goodwill is determined in the same manner that the amount of goodwill recognized in a business combination was determined. We allocate the fair value of a reporting unit to all of the assets and liabilities of that unit, including intangible assets, as if the reporting unit had been acquired in a business combination. Any excess of the fair value of a reporting unit over the amounts assigned to its assets and liabilities represents the implied fair value of goodwill.

 

During the third quarter of 2016, we made a decision to divest the Texas heavy civil business unit, a division of Primoris Heavy Civil within the Civil segment.  We engaged a financial advisor to assist in the marketing and sale of the business unit, and planned to continue operating the business unit until completion of a sale.  In April 2017, the Board of Directors determined that based on the information available, we would attain the best long-term value by withdrawing from the sales process and continuing to operate the business unit.   

 

Under the provisions of ASC 350, the planned divestiture triggered an analysis of the goodwill amount of Primoris Heavy Civil.  The analysis resulted in a pretax, non-cash goodwill impairment charge of approximately $2.7 million in the third quarter of 2016. 

 

In the fourth quarter of 2015, an impairment expense of $0.4 million was recorded relating to the goodwill attributed to Cardinal Contractors, Inc., which is a part of the Power segment.  There were no other impairments of goodwill for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015.

 

Disruptions to our business, such as end market conditions, protracted economic weakness, unexpected significant declines in operating results of reporting units and the divestiture of a significant component of a reporting unit, may result in our having to perform a goodwill impairment first step valuation analysis for some or all of our reporting units prior to the required annual assessment. These types of events and the resulting analysis could result in goodwill impairment charges in any periods in the future.

 

Reserve for uninsured risks—Estimates are inherent in the assessment of our exposure to uninsured risks. Significant judgments by us and, where possible, third-party experts are needed in determining probable and/or reasonably estimable amounts that should be recorded or disclosed in the financial statements.  Semiannually, we obtain a third-party actuarial valuation for some of our uninsured risks. The results of any changes in accounting estimates are reflected in the financial statements of the period in which we determine we need to record a change.

 

We self-insure worker’s compensation claims up to $0.25 million per claim.  We maintained a self-insurance reserve totaling approximately $18.5 million at December 31, 2017 and approximately $18.8 million at December 31, 2016. Claims administration expenses were charged to current operations as incurred.  Our accruals are based on judgment, the probability of losses, and where applicable, the consideration of opinions of internal and/or external legal counsel and third party consultants. The amount is included in “Accrued expenses and other current liabilities” on our Consolidated Balance Sheets. Actual payments that may be made in the future could materially differ from such reserves.

 

Income taxes—We account for income taxes under the asset and liability method as set forth in ASC 740, “Income Taxes”, which requires the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of events that have been included in the financial statements. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on the temporary differences between the financial reporting bases and tax bases of

assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates in effect for the years in which the differences are expected to reverse. The effect of changes in tax rates on net deferred tax assets or liabilities is recognized as an increase or decrease in net income in the period the tax change is enacted.

 

Deferred tax assets may be reduced by a valuation allowance if, in the judgment of our management, it is more likely than not that all or a portion of a deferred tax asset will not be realized. In making such determination, we consider all available evidence, including recent financial operations, projected future taxable income, scheduled reversals of deferred tax liabilities, tax planning strategies, and the length of tax asset carryforward periods. The realization of deferred tax assets is primarily dependent upon our ability to generate sufficient future taxable earnings in certain jurisdictions. If we subsequently determine that some or all deferred tax assets that were previously offset by a valuation allowance are realizable, the value of the deferred tax assets would be increased by reducing the valuation allowance, thereby increasing income in the period when that determination is made. During 2017, we determined it is more likely than not that a portion of our deferred tax asset for foreign tax credits will not be realized. Accordingly, a valuation allowance of $0.6 million was recorded.

 

A tax position is recognized as a benefit only if it is more likely than not that the tax position would be sustained based on its technical merits in a tax examination, using the presumption that the tax authority has full knowledge of all relevant facts regarding the position. The amount recognized is the largest amount of tax benefit that is greater than 50% likely of being realized on ultimate settlement with the tax authority. For tax positions not meeting the more likely than not test, no tax benefit is recorded.

 

Tax Cuts and Jobs Act—On December 22, 2017, the U.S. Government enacted comprehensive tax legislation commonly referred to as the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “Tax Act”).  The Tax Act makes broad and complex changes to the U.S. tax code that affect our 2017 results, including the allowance of bonus depreciation that provides for immediate deduction of qualified property placed in service after September 27, 2017.   The Tax Act also establishes new tax laws that may affect our 2018 and future results, including but not limited to:

 

 

While the Tax Act also contains complex changes to the tax code for companies operating internationally, we are not materially impacted by the international provisions of the Tax Act.

 

Given the significant impact of the legislation, the SEC staff issued Staff Accounting Bulletin (“SAB”) 118 which provides guidance on accounting for uncertainties of the effects of the Tax Act.  Specifically, SAB 118 allows companies to record provisional estimates of the impact of the Tax Act during a one year “measurement period” similar to that used when accounting for business combinations. 

 

As a result of the Tax Act, we remeasured our deferred tax assets and liabilities using the newly enacted tax rates and recorded a one-time net tax benefit of $9.4 million in the period ended December 31, 2017. This tax benefit is a provisional estimate that could be revised once we finalize our deductions for tax depreciation and executive compensation accruals. We may also revise our estimate based on any additional guidance issued by the U.S. Treasury Department, the U.S. Internal Revenue Service, and other standard-setting bodies.

 

Long-Lived Assets—Assets held and used by us, primarily property, plant and equipment, are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in business circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the asset may not be fully recoverable. We perform an undiscounted operation cash flow analysis to determine if an impairment exists. For purposes of recognition and measurement of an impairment for assets held for use, we group assets and liabilities at the lowest level for which cash flows are separately identified. If an impairment is determined to exist, any related

impairment loss is calculated based on fair value. The calculation of the fair value of long-lived assets is based on assumptions concerning the amount and timing of estimated future cash flows and assumed discount rates, reflecting varying degrees of perceived risk. Since judgment is involved in determining the fair value and useful lives of long-lived assets, the future carrying value of our long-lived assets may have differing future fair values.

 

Multiemployer plans —  Various subsidiaries are signatories to collective bargaining agreements. These agreements require that we participate in and contribute to a number of multiemployer benefit plans for our union employees at rates determined by the agreements. The trustees for each multiemployer plan determine the eligibility and allocations of contributions and benefit amounts, determine the types of benefits, and administer the plan. To the extent that any plans are underfunded, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended by the Multi-Employer Pension Plan Amendments Act of 1980, requires that if we were to withdraw from an agreement or if a plan is terminated, we may incur a withdrawal obligation. Since the withdrawal liability is based on estimates of our proportional share of the plan’s unfunded vested liability, as calculated by the plan’s actuaries, the potential withdrawal obligation may be significant.

 

In November 2011, members of the Pipe Line Contractors Association “PLCA” including ARB, Rockford and Q3C (prior to our acquisition in 2012), withdrew from the Central States Southeast and Southwest Areas Pension Fund multiemployer pension plan (“Plan”).  These withdrawals were made in order to mitigate additional liability in connection with the significantly underfunded Plan.  We recorded a withdrawal liability of $7.5 million, which was increased to $7.6 million after the acquisition of Q3C.  During the first quarter of 2016, we received a final payment schedule.  As a result of payments made and based on this schedule, the liability recorded at December 31, 2017 was $4.7 million.  We expect to pay the remaining liability balance during 2018 and have no plans to withdraw from any other labor agreements.

 

Litigation and contingencies—Litigation and contingencies are included in our consolidated financial statements based on our assessment of the expected outcome of litigation proceedings or the expected resolution of the contingency.  We provide for costs related to contingencies when a loss from such claims is probable and the amount is reasonably estimable. In determining whether it is possible to provide an estimate of loss, or range of possible loss, we review and evaluate litigation and regulatory matters on a quarterly basis in light of potentially relevant factual and legal developments. If we determine an unfavorable outcome is not probable or reasonably estimable, we do not accrue for a potential litigation loss. Management is unable to ascertain the ultimate outcome of other claims and legal proceedings; however, after review and consultation with counsel and taking into consideration relevant insurance coverage and related deductibles/self-insurance retention, management believes that it has meritorious defense to the claims and believes that the reasonably possible outcome of such claims will not, individually or in the aggregate, have a materially adverse effect on our consolidated results of operations, financial condition or cash flows.  See Note 13 — “Commitments and Contingencies” of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for further information.

 

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

 

See Note 2 — “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements” of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for a discussion of recently issued accounting pronouncements.

 

Results of Operations

 

Consolidated Results

 

Two events had a material impact on our results of operations in 2016.  In the third quarter we received a $38.0 million settlement for one of the construction projects that we had identified as part of our “Receivable Collection Actions”, discussed below.  Because we had recorded the project with zero gross profit, the settlement added $27.5 million to revenues and $26.7 million to gross profit.  Also in the third quarter, we recorded a charge of $37.3 million primarily related to certain Belton, Texas area projects for the Texas Department of Transportation (“TXDOT”), as a result of project delays and productivity issues.       

 

Revenues

 

2017 and 2016

 

Revenues for year ended December 31, 2017 increased by $383.0 million, or 19.2%, compared to 2016.  All segments reported year over year growth.  Progress on three major pipeline jobs ($83.6 million), higher activity with major utility clients in California and the Midwest ($135.6 million) and progress on our joint venture power plant projects in Southern California and a Mid-Atlantic power plant project ($158.2 million combined) drove higher 2017 revenue.  Also contributing to 2017 growth was higher volume on our Belton area (Civil) projects and a Louisiana methanol plant project. The overall increase was partially offset by decreases associated with projects substantially completed in 2017 and revenue recognized from the one-time benefit of the settlement of one of the “Receivable Collection Actions” in 2016. Revenue from 2017 acquisitions and incremental revenue from 2016 acquisitions (where we only owned a business for a portion of the year) totaled $53.6 million.

 

2016 and 2015

 

Revenues for year ended December 31, 2016 increased by $67.5 million, or 3.5% compared to 2015.  The increase was primarily due to an increase of $64.1 million from Rockford’s pipeline work, $34.5 million for work at a large petrochemical project in Louisiana and $35.4 million from a new collaboration MSA arrangement at ARB Underground.  These increases were partially offset by a revenue reduction of $50.1 million at OnQuest, a reduction of $16.4 million at Saxon, and a reduction of $24.5 million in Heavy Civil projects.  Revenues for 2016 also included the one-time benefit of $27.5 million from the settlement of one of the “Receivable Collection Actions”.

 

As discussed in Note 2 — “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies”, we had unapproved change orders and claims included in contract value that totaled approximately $67.8 million at December 31, 2017. Of this amount, approximately $49.7 million was claims related to the Belton area projects.

 

Gross Profit

 

2017 and 2016

 

For the year ended December 31, 2017, gross profit increased by $77.1 million, or 38.3%, compared to 2016. All segments reported year over year improvement.  Strong revenue growth and the favorable performance on the two large pipeline projects in Florida drove significant improvement.  Also benefiting 2017 were higher volumes for the Power segment and better performance from Civil.  The year over year increase was partially offset by $26.7 million of gross profit recognized in 2016 from the settlement of one of the “Receivable Collection Actions”. Gross Profit from 2017 acquisitions and incremental gross profit from 2016 acquisitions (where we only owned a business for a portion of the year) totaled $8.6 million. Gross profit as a percentage of revenues increased to 11.7% in 2017 from 10.1% in 2016 for the reasons noted above.

 

2016 and 2015

 

For the year ended December 31, 2016, gross profit decreased by $18.6 million, or 8.4% compared to 2015.  The decrease was primarily from the decrease in Heavy Civil projects of $38.2 million, of which $33.4 million was from a decrease at the Belton area projects.  Gross profit decreased by $6.1 million at the Louisiana petrochemical project, in spite of an increase in revenue, as the scope of our work has changed to less equipment intensive, lower margin work.  Gross profit also decreased at ARB Underground by $6.3 million and $8.6 million at ARB Industrial with these decreases offset by a gross profit increase of $15.4 million at Rockford. Our gross profit benefitted by $26.7 million from the settlement of one of the “Receivable Collection Actions”. Gross profit as a percentage of revenues decreased from 11.4% in 2015 to 10.1% in 2016 for the reasons noted above.

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses (“SG&A”) consist primarily of compensation and benefits to executive, management level and administrative employees, marketing and communications, professional fees, office rent and utilities and acquisition costs. 

 

2017 and 2016

 

For 2017, SG&A expenses were $172.1 million, compared to $140.8 million for 2016, an increase of $31.3 million.  Approximately $12.4 million of the increase in SG&A is related to businesses acquired in 2017 and a full year of expense in 2017 for the Northern acquisition compared to less than two months of expense in 2016. The remaining increase was primarily due to a $12.6 million increase in compensation related expenses, including incentive compensation accruals; and a $1.3 million increase in legal costs.

 

SG&A as a percentage of revenue for the year ended December 31, 2017 increased slightly to 7.2% compared to 7.1% for the year ended December 31, 2016. Excluding the impact of acquisitions, SG&A as a percentage of revenue for the year ended December 31, 2017, decreased slightly to 6.9% compared to 7.1% for the year ended December 31, 2016.

 

2016 and 2015

 

For 2016, SG&A expenses were $140.8 million, compared to $151.7 million for 2015, a decrease of $10.9 million.  The decrease was primarily as a result of decreases in professional fees of $7.4 million due to reduced legal fees and due to completion of the implementation of the integrated financial system.  The reduction in SG&A was also the result of a $2.6 million prior year one-time valuation adjustment for the value of a long-term asset.  Additionally, SG&A was reduced as a result of a decrease of $1.8 million in compensation and staffing levels.

 

SG&A as a percentage of revenue for the year ended December 31, 2016 decreased to 7.1% compared to 7.9% for the year ended December 31, 2015 as a result of the decreased expenses while revenues increased.

 

Other income and expense

 

Non-operating income and expense items for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015 were as follows:

 

Investment income for the year ended December 31, 2017 is related to a gain from a short-term investment in marketable equity securities.We purchased the securities in the third quarter of 2017 and sold the securities in the fourth quarter of 2017.

 

Foreign exchange gains and losses reflect currency exchange fluctuations of the United States dollar compared to the Canadian dollar.  Many of our contracts in Calgary, Canada are sold based on United States dollars, but a portion of the work is paid for with Canadian dollars creating a currency exchange difference.

 

Other income for 2017 was $0.5 million compared to other expense of $0.3 million for 2016. The $0.8 million change was primarily due to remeasurement of the contingent consideration related to the FGC performance target contemplated in their purchase agreement. Under ASC 805, we are required to estimate the fair value of contingent consideration based on facts and circumstances that existed as of the acquisition date and remeasure to fair value at each