STERLING INFRASTRUCTURE, INC. - Quarter Report: 2006 September (Form 10-Q)
Table of Contents
UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
(Mark one)
þ | quarterly report pursuant to section 13 or 15(d) of the securities act of 1934 |
For the quarterly period ended: September 30, 2006
OR
o | transition report pursuant to section 13 or 15(d) of the securities exchange act of 1934 |
For the transition period from to
Commission file number 001-31993
STERLING CONSTRUCTION COMPANY, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
DELAWARE | 25-1655321 | |
State or other jurisdiction of incorporation | (I.R.S. Employer | |
or organization | Identification No.) | |
20810 Fernbush Lane | ||
Houston, TX 77073 | 77073 | |
(Address of principal executive office) | (Zip Code) |
Registrants telephone number, including area code (281) 821-9091
(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed from last report)
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 and 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 þ Yes o No
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer or
a non-accelerated filer. See definition of accelerated filer and large accelerated filer in Rule
12b-2 of the Exchange Act
Large accelerated filer o Accelerated filer o Non-accelerated filer þ
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the
Exchange Act) o Yes þ No
At November 1, 2006, 10,826,078 shares of the registrants common stock, $0.01 par value per share
were issued and outstanding
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
None
None
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION |
||||||||
Item 1. Financial Statements |
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3 | ||||||||
4 | ||||||||
5 | ||||||||
6 | ||||||||
8 | ||||||||
16 | ||||||||
22 | ||||||||
23 | ||||||||
24 | ||||||||
(a) Exhibits |
||||||||
25 | ||||||||
Amended Revolving Line of Credit | ||||||||
Asset Purchase Agreement | ||||||||
Certification of CEO | ||||||||
Certification of CFO | ||||||||
Certification of CEO & CFO |
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STERLING CONSTRUCTION COMPANY, INC. & SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Dollar amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)
(Unaudited)
September 30, | December 31, | |||||||
2006 | 2005 | |||||||
ASSETS |
||||||||
Current assets: |
||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents |
$ | 18,996 | $ | 22,267 | ||||
Short-term investments, available for sale |
22,585 | | ||||||
Contracts receivable |
53,198 | 34,912 | ||||||
Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings on uncompleted
contracts |
3,299 | 2,199 | ||||||
Deferred tax asset |
4,743 | 4,224 | ||||||
Assets of discontinued operations held for sale |
8,158 | 8,969 | ||||||
Other |
1,326 | 1,056 | ||||||
Total current assets |
112,305 | 73,627 | ||||||
Property and equipment, net |
45,795 | 27,271 | ||||||
Goodwill |
12,735 | 12,735 | ||||||
Deferred tax asset, net |
| 4,288 | ||||||
Other assets |
458 | 534 | ||||||
13,193 | 17,557 | |||||||
Total assets |
$ | 171,293 | $ | 118,455 | ||||
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS EQUITY |
||||||||
Current liabilities: |
||||||||
Accounts payable |
$ | 19,478 | $ | 20,416 | ||||
Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings on uncompleted
contracts |
20,412 | 13,635 | ||||||
Short-term debt, related parties |
| 8,449 | ||||||
Current maturities of long term obligations |
123 | 123 | ||||||
Liabilities of discontinued operations held for sale |
7,162 | 8,385 | ||||||
Other accrued expenses |
6,761 | 4,265 | ||||||
Total current liabilities |
53,936 | 55,273 | ||||||
Long-term obligations: |
||||||||
Long-term debt |
28,000 | 13,788 | ||||||
Deferred tax liability |
1,325 | | ||||||
Other long-term obligations |
689 | 782 | ||||||
30,014 | 14,570 | |||||||
Commitments and contingencies |
||||||||
Stockholders equity: |
||||||||
Preferred stock, par value $0.01 per share; authorized 1,000,000 shares,
none issued |
| | ||||||
Common stock, par value $0.01 per share; authorized 14,000,000 shares,
10,796,148 and 8,165,123 shares issued |
108 | 82 | ||||||
Additional paid-in capital |
111,361 | 82,823 | ||||||
Accumulated deficit |
(24,126 | ) | (34,293 | ) | ||||
Total stockholders equity |
87,343 | 48,612 | ||||||
Total liabilities and stockholders equity |
$ | 171,293 | $ | 118,455 | ||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements
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STERLING CONSTRUCTION COMPANY, INC. & SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(Dollar amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)
(Unaudited)
Three months ended | Nine months ended | |||||||||||||||
September 30, | September 30, | |||||||||||||||
2006 | 2005 | 2006 | 2005 | |||||||||||||
Revenues |
$ | 68,743 | $ | 61,163 | $ | 185,233 | $ | 157,805 | ||||||||
Cost of revenues |
60,865 | 54,261 | 163,358 | 141,541 | ||||||||||||
Gross profit |
7,878 | 6,902 | 21,875 | 16,264 | ||||||||||||
General and administrative expenses |
2,866 | 2,416 | 8,175 | 6,986 | ||||||||||||
Other income |
89 | 6 | 247 | 215 | ||||||||||||
Interest income |
329 | 28 | 993 | 60 | ||||||||||||
Interest expense |
76 | 394 | 190 | 1,258 | ||||||||||||
Income from continuing operations
before income taxes |
5,354 | 4,126 | 14,750 | 8,295 | ||||||||||||
Income taxes |
1,809 | 1,403 | 5,027 | 2,820 | ||||||||||||
Net income from continuing operations |
3,545 | 2,723 | 9,723 | 5,475 | ||||||||||||
Income from discontinued operations, net of
income taxes of $45, $37, $290 and $268,
respectively |
65 | 57 | 444 | 532 | ||||||||||||
Net income |
$ | 3,610 | $ | 2,780 | $ | 10,167 | $ | 6,007 | ||||||||
Basic net income per share: |
||||||||||||||||
Net income from
continuing
operations |
$ | 0.33 | $ | 0.35 | $ | 0.93 | $ | 0.72 | ||||||||
Net income from
discontinued
operations |
$ | 0.01 | $ | 0.01 | $ | 0.04 | $ | 0.07 | ||||||||
Net income per share |
$ | 0.34 | $ | 0.36 | $ | 0.97 | $ | 0.79 | ||||||||
Weighted average number of shares
outstanding used in computing basic per
share amounts |
10,779,232 | 7,801,717 | 10,455,301 | 7,638,261 | ||||||||||||
Diluted net income per share: |
||||||||||||||||
Net income
from continuing
operations |
$ | 0.30 | $ | 0.28 | $ | 0.84 | $ | 0.58 | ||||||||
Net income from
discontinued
operations |
$ | 0.01 | $ | 0.01 | $ | 0.04 | $ | 0.06 | ||||||||
Net income per share |
$ | 0.31 | $ | 0.29 | $ | 0.88 | $ | 0.64 | ||||||||
Weighted average
number of shares
outstanding used in
computing diluted
per share amounts |
11,793,285 | 9,704,822 | 11,639,830 | 9,467,306 | ||||||||||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements
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STERLING CONSTRUCTION COMPANY, INC. & SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF STOCKHOLDERS EQUITY
(Dollar amounts in thousands)
(Unaudited)
Additional | ||||||||||||||||||||
Common Stock | Paid-in | Accumulated | ||||||||||||||||||
Shares | Amount | Capital | Deficit | Total | ||||||||||||||||
Balance at December 31, 2005 |
8,165 | $ | 82 | $ | 82,823 | $ | (34,293 | ) | $ | 48,612 | ||||||||||
Net income |
10,167 | 10,167 | ||||||||||||||||||
Stock issued upon option
/warrant exercise |
622 | 6 | 736 | 742 | ||||||||||||||||
Stock issued in equity
offering, net of expenses |
2,003 | 20 | 27,019 | 27,039 | ||||||||||||||||
Issuance of restricted stock |
6 | | | |||||||||||||||||
Stock-based compensation
expense |
783 | 783 | ||||||||||||||||||
Balance at September 30, 2006 |
10,796 | $ | 108 | $ | 111,361 | $ | (24,126 | ) | $ | 87,343 | ||||||||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements
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STERLING CONSTRUCTION COMPANY, INC. & SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Dollar amounts in thousands)
(Unaudited)
Nine months ended | ||||||||
September 30, | ||||||||
2006 | 2005 | |||||||
Net income |
$ | 10,167 | $ | 6,007 | ||||
Net income from discontinued operations |
444 | 532 | ||||||
Net income from continuing operations |
9,723 | 5,475 | ||||||
Adjustments to reconcile income from operations to
net cash provided by continuing operating activities: |
||||||||
Depreciation and amortization |
5,574 | 3,826 | ||||||
Gain on sale of equipment |
(247 | ) | (215 | ) | ||||
Deferred tax expense |
5,027 | 2,820 | ||||||
Stock-based compensation expense |
783 | 356 | ||||||
Other changes in operating assets and liabilities: |
||||||||
Increase in contracts receivable |
(18,286 | ) | (14,512 | ) | ||||
(Increase) decrease in costs and estimated earnings in
excess of billings on uncompleted contracts |
(1,100 | ) | 2,588 | |||||
Decrease in prepaid expense and other assets |
2 | 660 | ||||||
(Decrease) increase in trade payables |
(938 | ) | 14,863 | |||||
Increase in billings in excess of costs and
estimated earnings on uncompleted contracts |
6,777 | 7,540 | ||||||
Increase in accrued compensation and other liabilities |
2,531 | 1,967 | ||||||
Net cash provided by continuing operating activities |
9,846 | 25,368 | ||||||
Cash flows from continuing operations investing activities: |
||||||||
Purchase of certain assets of RDI |
(2,206 | ) | | |||||
Additions to property and equipment |
(22,500 | ) | (9,948 | ) | ||||
Purchases of short-term securities, available for sale |
(106,795 | ) | | |||||
Sales of short-term securities, available for sale |
84,210 | | ||||||
Proceeds from sale of equipment |
724 | 270 | ||||||
Net cash used in continuing operations investing activities |
(46,567 | ) | (9,678 | ) | ||||
Cash flows from continuing operations financing activities: |
||||||||
Cumulative
daily drawdowns revolver |
68,000 | 112,783 | ||||||
Cumulative
daily reductions revolver |
(53,788 | ) | (110,370 | ) | ||||
Repayments under long-term obligations |
(8,543 | ) | (2,206 | ) | ||||
Issuance of common stock pursuant to warrants and options |
742 | 792 | ||||||
Net proceeds from sale of common stock |
27,039 | | ||||||
Net cash provided by continuing operations financing activities |
33,450 | 999 | ||||||
Cash provided by (used in) discontinued operating activities |
782 | (268 | ) | |||||
Cash used in discontinued operations investing activities |
(38 | ) | | |||||
Cash (used in) provided by discontinued operations financing activities |
(743 | ) | 400 | |||||
Net cash provided by discontinued operations |
1 | 132 |
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Nine months ended | ||||||||
September 30, | ||||||||
2006 | 2005 | |||||||
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents of continuing operations |
(3,271 | ) | 16,689 | |||||
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period |
22,267 | 3,449 | ||||||
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period |
$ | 18,996 | $ | 20,138 | ||||
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information: |
||||||||
Cash paid during the period for interest |
$ | 448 | $ | 1,591 | ||||
Cash paid during the period for taxes |
$ | 18 | $ | 155 |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.
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STERLING CONSTRUCTION COMPANY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
THREE AND NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2006 (UNAUDITED)
1. Basis of Presentation
The condensed consolidated financial statements included herein have been prepared by Sterling
Construction Company, Inc. (Sterling or the Company), without audit, in accordance with the rules
and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and should be read in conjunction
with the Companys Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005. The condensed
consolidated financial statements reflect, in the opinion of management, all normal recurring
adjustments necessary to present fairly the Companys financial position at September 30, 2006 and
the results of operations and cash flows for the periods presented. Certain information and
footnoted disclosures prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles have
been either condensed or omitted pursuant to SEC rules and regulations. Interim results may be
subject to significant seasonal variations and the results of operations for the three and nine
months ended September 30, 2006 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for
the full year.
The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of
subsidiaries in which the Company has a greater than 50% ownership interest, and all intercompany
accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. For all years presented, the
Company had no subsidiaries with ownership interests less than 50%.
Through the third quarter of 2006, the Company owned two subsidiaries, Sterling Houston
Holdings, Inc. and Steel City Products, LLC. Sterling Houston Holdings, Inc. is a 99% limited
partner of Texas Sterling Construction Company, LP, a Texas limited partnership based in Houston,
Texas that operates the Companys construction business and that was, in a different form, the
predecessor of Sterling Houston Holdings. For ease of reference, Sterling Houston Holdings, Inc.
and Texas Sterling Construction, L.P. are referred to collectively as Construction or TSC and
Steel City Products, LLC is referred to as Distribution or SCPL.
The Companys primary business consists of the operations of TSC. In August 2005, management
identified Distribution, based in McKeesport, Pennsylvania as held for sale and accordingly has
reclassified its condensed consolidated financial statements to separately present Distribution as
discontinued operations. The assets and business of Distribution was sold on October 27, 2006. See
Note 7 of the financial statements for details of the transaction.
Company Website
The Company maintains a website at www.sterlingconstructionco.com. The Company makes
available free of charge on or through its website, access to its latest Annual Report on Form
10-K, recent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, proxy statements, current reports on Form 8-K and any
amendments to those filings, as soon as reasonably practicable after the Company electronically
files those materials with, or furnishes those materials to, the Securities and Exchange
Commission. The Company makes its website content available for informational purposes only. The
website content should not be relied upon for investment purposes.
2. Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In February 2006, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 155,
Accounting for Certain Hybrid Financial Instruments an amendment of FASB Statements No. 133 and
140 which is effective for fiscal years beginning after September 15, 2006. The statement was
issued to clarify the application of FASB Statement No. 133 to beneficial interests in securitized
financial assets and to improve the consistency of accounting for similar financial instruments,
regardless of the form of the
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instruments. The Company has evaluated the new statement and determined that the potential
impact on its financial statements will not be material.
In March 2006, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 156,
Accounting for Servicing of Financial Assets an amendment of FASB Statement No. 140 which is
effective for fiscal years beginning after September 15, 2006. This statement was issued to
simplify the accounting for servicing rights and to reduce the volatility that results from using
different measurement attributes. The Company has evaluated the new statement and has determined
that it will not have a significant impact on the determination or reporting of its financial
results.
In June 2006, the FASB issued an interpretation entitled Accounting for Uncertainty in Income
Taxesan interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109, referred to as FIN 48. FIN 48 clarifies the
accounting for uncertain tax positions that may have been taken by an entity. Specifically, FIN 48
prescribes a more-likely-than-not recognition threshold to measure a tax position taken or expected
to be taken in a tax return through a two-step process: (1) determining whether it is more likely
than not that a tax position will be sustained upon examination by taxing authorities, after all
appeals, based upon the technical merits of the position; and (2) measuring to determine the amount
of benefit/expense to recognize in the financial statements, assuming taxing authorities have all
relevant information concerning the issue. The tax position is measured at the largest amount of
benefit/expense that is greater than 50 percent likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement.
This pronouncement also specifies how to present a liability for unrecognized tax benefits in a
classified balance sheet, but does not change the classification requirements for deferred taxes.
Under FIN 48, if a tax position fulfills the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold, it should
be recognized in the first subsequent financial reporting period in which the threshold is met.
Similarly, a position that no longer meets this recognition threshold should be derecognized in the
first financial reporting period that the threshold is no longer met. FIN 48 becomes effective for
fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2006, with earlier adoption encouraged. The Company is
currently evaluating the effect this pronouncement may have on its financial position, results of
operations and cash flows.
In September 2006, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 157, Fair
Value Measurements (SFAS 157). SFAS 157 clarifies the principle that fair value should be based
on the assumptions market participants would use when pricing an asset or liability and establishes
a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the information used to develop those assumptions. Under
the standard, fair value measurements would be separately disclosed by level within the fair value
hierarchy. SFAS 157 is effective for financial statements for fiscal years beginning after
November 15, 2007 and interim periods within those fiscal years, with early adoption permitted.
The Company does not expect the implementation of SFAS 157 to have a material impact on its
consolidated financial statements.
In September 2006, the Securities and Exchange Commission issued Staff Accounting Bulletin No.
108, Considering the Effects of Prior Year Misstatements when Quantifying Misstatements in Current
Year Financial Statements (SAB 108). SAB 108 provides interpretive guidance on how the effects of
the carryover or reversal of prior year misstatements should be considered in quantifying a current
year misstatement. Under this bulletin, registrants should quantify errors using both a balance
sheet and an income statement approach and evaluate whether either approach results in quantifying
a misstatement that, when all relevant quantitative and qualitative factors are considered, is
material. SAB 108 is effective for fiscal years ending on or after November 15, 2006. Upon
implementing the provisions of SAB 108, the Company expects to record a reduction in retained
earnings of approximately $120,000, a reduction in assets of approximately $90,000 and an increase
in liabilities of approximately $30,000. The accompanying financial statements do not reflect
these adjustments.
3. Critical Accounting Policies
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally
accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that
affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and
liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and
expenses during the reporting
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period. Managements estimates, judgments and assumptions are continually evaluated based on
available information and experience; however actual amounts could differ from those estimates and
the differences could be significant. The Companys significant accounting policies are described
in Note 1 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in the Companys Annual Report on Form
10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2005.
On January 1, 2006, the Company adopted the provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting
Standards No. 123 (revised 2004) Share-Based Payment (SFAS 123(R)), as more fully described in
Note 6 to the financial statements.
The Company classifies its short-term investments (including auction-rate securities) as
securities available for sale in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standard
(SFAS) No. 115, Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities. At September
30, 2006, the Company had short-term securities available-for-sale of $22.6 million.
4. Property and Equipment (dollars in thousands) (unaudited):
September 30, 2006 | December 31, 2005 | |||||||
Construction equipment |
$ | 55,185 | $ | 35,663 | ||||
Transportation equipment |
7,379 | 5,204 | ||||||
Buildings |
1,488 | 1,488 | ||||||
Office equipment |
425 | 490 | ||||||
Land |
1,204 | 182 | ||||||
65,680 | 43,027 | |||||||
Less accumulated depreciation |
(19,885 | ) | (15,756 | ) | ||||
$ | 45,795 | $ | 27,271 | |||||
5. Income Per Share
Basic net income per share is computed by dividing net income by the weighted average number
of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted net income per common share is computed
giving effect to all potential dilutive common stock options and warrants using the treasury stock
method. The following table reconciles the numerators and denominators of the basic and diluted
per common share computations for net income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2006
and September 30, 2005 (in thousands, except share and per share data) (unaudited):
Three months | Three months | |||||||
ended | ended | |||||||
September 30, | September 30, | |||||||
2006 | 2005 | |||||||
Numerator: |
||||||||
Net income from continuing operations, as reported |
$ | 3,545 | $ | 2,723 | ||||
Net income from discontinued operations, as reported |
65 | 57 | ||||||
Net income |
$ | 3,610 | $ | 2,780 | ||||
Denominator: |
||||||||
Weighted
average common shares outstanding basic |
10,779 | 7,802 | ||||||
Shares for dilutive stock options and warrants |
1,014 | 1,903 | ||||||
Weighted average common shares outstanding and
assumed conversions diluted |
11,793 | 9,705 | ||||||
Basic earnings per common share: |
||||||||
From continuing operations |
$ | 0.33 | $ | 0.35 | ||||
From discontinued operations |
$ | 0.01 | $ | 0.01 | ||||
Total: |
$ | 0.34 | $ | 0.36 | ||||
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Three months | Three months | |||||||
ended | ended | |||||||
September 30, | September 30, | |||||||
2006 | 2005 | |||||||
Diluted earnings per common share: |
||||||||
From continuing operations: |
$ | 0.30 | $ | 0.28 | ||||
From discontinued operations: |
$ | 0.01 | $ | 0.01 | ||||
Total: |
$ | 0.31 | $ | 0.29 | ||||
Nine months | Nine months | |||||||
ended | ended | |||||||
September 30, | September 30, | |||||||
2006 | 2005 | |||||||
Numerator: |
||||||||
Net income from continuing operations, as reported |
$ | 9,723 | $ | 5,475 | ||||
Net income from discontinued operations, as reported |
444 | 532 | ||||||
Net income |
$ | 10,167 | $ | 6,007 | ||||
Denominator: |
||||||||
Weighted
average common shares outstanding basic |
10,455 | 7,638 | ||||||
Shares for dilutive stock options and warrants |
1,185 | 1,829 | ||||||
Weighted average common shares outstanding and
assumed conversions diluted |
11,640 | 9,467 | ||||||
Basic earnings per common share: |
||||||||
From continuing operations |
$ | 0.93 | $ | 0.72 | ||||
From discontinued operations |
$ | 0.04 | $ | 0.07 | ||||
Total: |
$ | 0.97 | $ | 0.79 | ||||
Diluted earnings per common share: |
||||||||
From continuing operations: |
$ | 0.84 | $ | 0.58 | ||||
From discontinued operations: |
$ | 0.04 | $ | 0.06 | ||||
Total: |
$ | 0.88 | $ | 0.64 | ||||
6. Stock-Based Compensation
The Company has five stock-based incentive plans which are administered by the compensation
committee of the Board of Directors. All grants have been issued with an exercise price equal to
the fair market value of the common stock on the date of grant. The term of the grants do not
exceed 10 years. Stock options generally vest over a three to five year period. Refer to Note 10
Stock Options and Warrants in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements contained in the
Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005 for additional information
regarding the stock-based incentive plans.
Effective January 1, 2006, the Company adopted the provisions of SFAS 123(R), using the
modified prospective transition method and therefore has not restated financial results for prior
periods. Since January 2003, the Company has accounted for its stock-based compensation under the
provisions of SFAS No. 148 Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation Transition and Disclosure,
which amended SFAS No. 123 which provided alternative methods of transition for a voluntary change
to the fair value based method. Because the Company had utilized the fair value method for
expensing stock options in the past several years, the impact on financial results of the
transition to SFAS 123(R) at January 1, 2006 for the unvested options was not material. The
Company utilizes the Black-Scholes valuation model to estimate the fair value of its stock option
grants. The fair value is recognized on a straight-line basis over the vesting period.
The fair value of stock options granted to employees in July and August 2006 and 2005 was
calculated using the following weighted-average assumptions:
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September 30, 2006 | September 30, 2005 | |||||||
Expected life (in years) |
5 | 6 | ||||||
Expected volatility |
76.3 | % | 77.8 | % | ||||
Risk-free interest rate |
4.9 | % | 4.2 | % | ||||
Dividend yield |
N/A | N/A |
The expected life is based on evaluations of historical and expected future employee exercise
behavior, which is not less than the vesting period of the options. The expected volatility is
based on historical observation and recent price fluctuations. The risk-free interest rate is based
upon interest rates that match the contractual terms of the stock option grants. The Company does
not currently pay dividends. The weighted-average fair value of stock options granted in 2006 and
2005 was $16.36 and $7.32, respectively.
In May 2006 the independent directors of the Company were each granted 1,207 shares of
restricted stock with one-year vesting at the market price on the day of grant of $28.99. Total
compensation cost for the stock grants was $175,000, of which $73,000 was recognized through
September 2006.
In November 2005, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued FASB Staff Position No. FAS
123(R)-3, Transition Election Related to Accounting for the Tax Effects of Share-Based Payment
Awards (FSP 123(R)-3). FSP 123(R)-3 provides an elective alternative transition method for
calculating the pool of excess tax benefits available to absorb tax deficiencies recognized
subsequent to the adoption of SFAS 123(R). Companies may take up to one year from the effective
date of FSP 123(R)-3 to evaluate the available transition alternatives and make a one-time election
as to which method to adopt. The Company is currently in the process of evaluating the alternative
methods.
Pre-tax option compensation expense was $249,000 ($164,000 after tax effects of 34.2%) and
$111,000 ($73,000 after tax effects of 34%) for the third quarter of 2006 and 2005, respectively,
and $712,000 ($468,000 after tax effects of 34.2%) and $356,000 ($235,000 after tax effects of 34%)
for the nine months ended September 30, 2006 and 2005, respectively.
Aggregated stock option activity during the nine months ended September 30, 2006 is as follows
(unaudited):
Weighted | ||||||||||||||||
Weighted | average | |||||||||||||||
average | remaining | Aggregate | ||||||||||||||
Number of | exercise | contractual | intrinsic value | |||||||||||||
shares | price | term (in years) | (in thousands) | |||||||||||||
Outstanding at 1/1/06 |
1,226,067 | $ | 2.56 | |||||||||||||
Granted |
81,500 | $ | 16.36 | |||||||||||||
Exercised |
(450,654 | ) | $ | 1.08 | ||||||||||||
Canceled or forfeited |
(3,400 | ) | $ | 6.72 | ||||||||||||
Outstanding at 9/30/06 |
853,513 | $ | 5.47 | 4.78 | $ | 12,453 | ||||||||||
Vested and exercisable at 9/30/06 |
545,714 | $ | 2.22 | 4.26 | $ | 9,735 |
The aggregate intrinsic value in the table above represents the total pretax intrinsic value
(the difference between the Companys closing stock price on September 30, 2006 ($20.06) and the
exercise price, multiplied by the number of in-the-money options) that would have been received by
the option holders had all option holders exercised their options on September 30, 2006. Proceeds
received by the Company from the exercise of options for the nine months ended September 30, 2006
were $485,000. At
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September 30, 2006, total unrecognized stock-based compensation expense related to unvested
stock options was approximately $1.6 million, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted
average period of approximately 2.3 years. In May 2006, shareholders approved an amendment to the
2001 Stock Incentive Plan to increase the number of shares issuable under the Plan from 500,000 to
1,000,000. At September 30, 2006 there were 440,745 shares of common stock available under the
2001 plan for issuance pursuant to future stock option and share grants. No shares are or will be
available for grant under the Companys other options plans, all of which have been terminated
except with respect to stock options outstanding under those plans.
Prior to the adoption of SFAS 123(R), all tax benefits resulting from the exercise of stock
options were presented as operating cash flows in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash
Flows. SFAS 123(R) requires that cash flows from the exercise of stock options resulting from tax
benefits in excess of recognized cumulative compensation cost (excess tax benefits) be classified
as financing cash flows. Because the Company has not fully utilized its net operating loss
carryforwards, the tax benefit cannot be recorded until it can be realized. In the first nine
months of 2006, approximately $2.5 million of tax benefit arose through the exercise of stock
options which will be available to be realized in the future.
7. Discontinued operations
Recognizing the strong growth of Constructions business, where managements efforts and the
Companys resources are likely to be best employed in the future, in August 2005, the Board decided
to dispose of SCPL.
Summarized financial information for discontinued operations is presented below (in thousands)
(unaudited):
Three months ended | Nine months ended | |||||||||||||||
September 30, | September 30, | |||||||||||||||
2006 | 2005 | 2006 | 2005 | |||||||||||||
Net sales |
$ | 4,608 | $ | 4,933 | $ | 16,349 | $ | 17,558 | ||||||||
Income before income taxes |
110 | 94 | 734 | 800 | ||||||||||||
Income taxes |
45 | 37 | 290 | 268 | ||||||||||||
Net income from
discontinued operations |
$ | 65 | $ | 57 | $ | 444 | $ | 532 | ||||||||
The following is a summary of the assets and liabilities of discontinued operations (in thousands)
(unaudited):
September 30, | December 31, | |||||||
2006 | 2005 | |||||||
Assets |
||||||||
Current assets |
$ | 7,532 | $ | 8,286 | ||||
Deferred tax asset, current |
312 | 312 | ||||||
Total current assets |
7,844 | 8,598 | ||||||
Property, plant and equipment, net |
183 | 210 | ||||||
Goodwill |
128 | 128 | ||||||
Deferred tax asset, long-term |
| 30 | ||||||
Other assets |
3 | 3 | ||||||
$ | 8,158 | $ | 8,969 | |||||
Liabilities |
||||||||
Current liabilities |
$ | 6,949 | $ | 8,326 | ||||
Deferred tax liability, current |
174 | | ||||||
Total current liabilities |
7,123 | 8,326 | ||||||
Long-term obligations, net of current portion |
39 | 59 | ||||||
$ | 7,162 | $ | 8,385 | |||||
Net assets of discontinued operations |
$ | 996 | $ | 584 | ||||
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Closing on the sale of SCPLs assets and business took place on October 27, 2006. SCPL sold
substantially all of its assets with the purchaser generally assuming the liabilities of the
business other than the liability for the working capital line of credit. Proceeds of the sale
were approximately $5.1 million comprising approximately $4.4 million in cash and $650,000 in the
form of a two-year note bearing interest at 8%. After repayment of the working capital line of
credit, the $5.1 million proceeds resulted in net proceeds of approximately $1.1 million. SCPL
expects to provide for other liabilities and severance obligations assumed, resulting in an
expected pre-tax gain on the sale of approximately $250,000 (or $0.02 per diluted share) to be
reported in the fourth quarter of 2006.
8. Purchase of certain assets of Rathole Drilling, Inc. (RDI)
In January 2006, TSC acquired certain assets of the crane division of RDI. The acquisition
included the purchase of construction equipment at its appraised value of approximately $2.0
million and the trade name RDI, together with the assumption by TSC of certain RDI contracts for
consideration of $0.2 million. TSC paid the purchase price in cash. The size of the acquisition
and the amount of assets acquired were not material in relation to the Companys overall business.
No goodwill was recorded for the acquisition of the this business.
9. Equity offering
In January 2006 the Company completed a public offering of approximately 2.0 million shares of
its common stock at $15.00 per share. D.A. Davidson & Co. was the managing underwriter. The
Company received proceeds, net of underwriting commissions, of approximately $27.9 million ($13.95
per share) and paid approximately $897,000 in related offering expenses. In addition, the Company
received approximately $484,000 from the exercise of warrants and options to purchase 321,758
shares, which were then sold by the option and warrant holders in the offering. From the proceeds
of the offering, the Company repaid all its outstanding related party promissory notes in January
2006. During the first quarter of 2006, the Company utilized a portion of the offering proceeds to
purchase additional capital equipment for the construction business and to replenish funds used for
the acquisition of RDI. In the second and third quarters, a portion of the offering proceeds was
also used to purchase additional capital equipment for the construction business. A reconciliation
of the use of proceeds through September 30, 2006 is as follows (in thousands, except share data)
(unaudited):
Shares issued upon completion of equity offering |
2,003,263 | |||
Shares issued to selling shareholders for option/warrant exercise |
321,758 | |||
Proceeds received from sale of securities |
$ | 30,049 | ||
Less: |
||||
Underwriters commission |
$ | (2,103 | ) | |
Expenses (legal, printing, etc.) |
$ | (907 | ) | |
Net proceeds |
$ | 27,039 | ||
Proceeds received from exercise of options/warrants by selling shareholders |
$ | 484 | ||
Total proceeds received |
$ | 27,523 | ||
Use of proceeds: |
||||
Repayment of related party 5-year 12% notes |
$ | 8,449 | ||
Purchase of assets of RDI |
$ | 2,206 | ||
Purchase of construction equipment |
$ | 6,798 | ||
Total spent through September 30, 2006 |
$ | 17,453 | ||
Balance retained in working capital |
$ | 10,070 | ||
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10. Line of credit
In April 2006, the terms of the existing TSC bank revolving line of credit were modified to
provide for an increase in the line from $17.0 million to $35.0 million, subject to a borrowing
base. The line was renewed for a term of three years maturing in 2009 and the line continues to be
collateralized by the machinery and equipment of TSC. The facility was also modified to add the
Company as a co-borrower. The interest rate may vary quarterly, based on the Companys ratio of
debt to tangible net worth. The credit facility continues to be subject to restrictive covenants
including the maintenance of certain financial ratios and a prescribed level of tangible net worth.
In addition, the bank has made available a long-term facility of up to $1.5 million repayable over
15 years to finance the expansion of the Companys office building and maintenance facilities in
Houston, Texas.
11. Short-term investments
The Company invests in short-term auction-rate securities to provide for immediate operating
cash needs. These auction-rate securities are debt instruments with long-term scheduled maturities
and periodic interest rate reset dates, usually 28 days or less. Due to the liquidity provided by
the interest rate reset mechanism and the short-term nature of the investment in these securities,
there was no unrealized gain or loss on these securities at September 30, 2006.
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Item 2. Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Forward-Looking Statements
This quarterly report on Form 10-Q includes certain statements that are, or may be deemed to
be, 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). These forward-looking statements may be included throughout this
report, including in the sections entitled Risk Factors, and Managements Discussion and
Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and relate to matters such as our
industry, business strategy, goals and expectations concerning our market position, future
operations, margins, profitability, capital expenditures, liquidity and capital resources and other
financial and operating information. We use the words anticipate, assume, believe, budget,
continue, could, estimate, expect, forecast, intend, may, plan, potential,
predict, project, will, future and similar terms and phrases to identify forward-looking
statements in this report.
Forward-looking statements reflect our expectations at the time those statements are made,
regarding future events, results or outcomes. These expectations may or may not be realized. Some
of these expectations may be based upon assumptions or judgments that prove to be incorrect. In
addition, our business and operations involve numerous risks and uncertainties, many of which are
beyond our control, could result in our expectations not being realized and could otherwise
materially affect our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
Actual events, results and outcomes may differ materially from our expectations due to a
variety of factors. Although it is not possible to identify all of these factors, they include,
among others, the following:
| changes in general economic conditions or reductions in government funding for infrastructure services; | ||
| adverse economic conditions in our markets in Texas; | ||
| delays or difficulties related to the start or completion of our projects, including additional costs, reductions in revenues or the payment of liquidated damages; | ||
| actions of suppliers, subcontractors, customers, competitors and others which are beyond our control; | ||
| the effects of estimates inherent in our percentage-of-completion accounting policies; | ||
| possible cost escalations associated with our fixed-price contracts; | ||
| our dependence on a few significant customers or contracts; | ||
| adverse weather conditions; | ||
| the presence of competitors with greater financial resources than we have and the impact of competitive services and pricing; and | ||
| our ability to successfully identify, integrate and complete acquisitions. |
Potential investors are urged to carefully consider these factors and the other factors
described under Risk Factors (below) in evaluating any forward-looking statements and are
cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. Although we believe
that our plans, intentions and
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expectations reflected in or suggested by the forward-looking statements that we make in this
report are reasonable, we can provide no assurance that such plans, intentions or expectations will
be achieved.
Any forward-looking statements included herein are made only as of the date of this report,
and we undertake no obligation to update any information contained in this report or to publicly
release the results of any revisions to any forward-looking statements that may be made to reflect
events or circumstances that occur, or that we become aware of, after the date of this report,
except as may be required by applicable securities laws.
Overview
We are a leading heavy civil construction company based in Houston that specializes in the
building, rebuilding and repair of transportation and water infrastructure in large and growing
markets in Texas. This business is conducted by Texas Sterling Construction Company, L.P. and is
referred to in this report as TSC or Construction. Our transportation infrastructure projects
include highways, roads, bridges and light rail, and our water infrastructure projects include
water, wastewater and storm drainage systems. We provide general contracting services primarily to
public sector clients utilizing our own workforce and equipment for excavating, paving, pipe
installation and concrete placement. We purchase the necessary materials for our projects and
generally engage subcontractors only for ancillary services.
Our smaller distribution business was conducted in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania under the name
Steel City Products (SCPL or Distribution). Recognizing the strong growth of Constructions
business, where managements efforts and the Companys resources are likely to be best employed in
the future, the Board decided to dispose of SCPL. The sale of the assets and business of SCPL was
completed on October 27, 2006.
Material Changes in Financial Condition
At September 30, 2006, there had been no material changes in the Companys financial condition
since December 31, 2005, as discussed in Item 7 of the Companys Annual Report on Form 10-K for the
year ended December 31, 2005 except for the sale of our common stock in January 2006 and related
use of proceeds, as described in Note 9.
Results of Operations
Three months ended September 30, 2006 compared with three months ended September 30, 2005
(dollar amounts in thousands) | ||||||||||||
(unaudited): | 2006 | 2005 | % change | |||||||||
Revenues |
$ | 68,743 | $ | 61,163 | 12.4 | % | ||||||
Gross profit |
7,878 | 6,902 | 14.1 | % | ||||||||
Gross margin |
11.5 | % | 11.3 | % | 1.6 | % | ||||||
General and administrative expenses, net |
2,777 | 2,410 | 15.2 | % | ||||||||
Operating income |
5,101 | 4,492 | 13.6 | % | ||||||||
Operating margin |
7.4 | % | 7.3 | % | 1.0 | % | ||||||
Interest income (expense), net |
253 | (366 | ) | N/A | ||||||||
Income from
continuing operations,
before taxes |
5,354 | 4,126 | 29.8 | % | ||||||||
Income taxes |
1,809 | 1,403 | 28.9 | % | ||||||||
Net income from continuing operations |
3,545 | 2,723 | 30.2 | % | ||||||||
Net income from discontinued operations |
65 | 57 | 14.0 | % | ||||||||
Net income |
$ | 3,610 | $ | 2,780 | 29.9 | % | ||||||
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Revenues Revenues increased approximately $7.6 million compared with the third quarter of the
prior year. Revenues benefited from our growing contract backlog and our larger workforce and
equipment fleet, contributing to enhanced productivity on jobs. Following significant contract
wins in the Dallas market, our revenues there increased significantly compared with the prior year.
The third quarter experienced higher than average rainfall in our Houston market, which delayed
construction work slightly, whereas the corresponding period last year was drier than average and
allowed for accelerated progress on contracts in that period. Delays outside our control in
starting certain large contracts that adversely affected operations in the first half of 2006 were
largely overcome in the third quarter.
Gross profit The increase in revenues and a slight increase in gross margins, due in part to
incentive awards of approximately $600,000 achieved in the quarter, contributed to the increase in
gross profits in the third quarter this year.
Backlog At the end of the third quarter our backlog of construction projects was $418 million,
compared with $373 million at the beginning of the quarter. In the third quarter, we added new
contracts of approximately $115 million.
General and administrative expenses, net of other income and expense General and
administrative expenses, net, increased by $0.3 million compared with the prior year period due
primarily to incentive stock option expense related to contractual employment agreements,
reflecting the higher price of the Companys shares and the option vesting periods and higher
professional services due in part to Sarbanes-Oxley compliance activities.
Operating income The increase in operating income resulted from the increase in gross profit
exceeding the increase in administrative costs. Operating margins increased slightly as a result.
Interest income and expense In the third quarter of 2006, interest income increased by
$301,000 compared with the prior year period. The increase was due to interest earned on the
unutilized portion of the equity offering proceeds, as well as higher cash and short-term
investment balances resulting from proceeds received in the mobilization phase of certain
contracts. Interest expense in the third quarter of 2006 decreased by $318,000 compared with the
prior year due to the repayment of related party notes in January 2006 and to lower average
revolving credit balances throughout the quarter.
Income taxes Our effective income tax rate from continuing operations was 33.8% and 34% for
the three months ended September 30, 2006 and 2005, respectively. Our effective rate differs from
the statutory rate primarily due to non-deductible expenses and is offset somewhat by state tax
credits. In the second quarter of 2006, the State of Texas revised its existing franchise tax to
include most business entities (the Texas Margins Tax), which will become effective for franchise
tax reports due after January 1, 2008. We have assessed the impact Texas Margins Tax on our
existing deferred tax liabilities. The effect of the change was immaterial for the nine months
ended September 30, 2006. The Companys federal income taxes are largely sheltered by net
operating loss carryforwards and tax benefits resulting from the exercise of stock options.
Net income from continuing operations The increase in our net income from continuing
operations was due to the increase in operating income, combined with net interest income, whereas
in the prior year period there was net interest expense.
Discontinued operations, net of tax. Discontinued operations represent the results of
operations of our distribution business operated by SCPL. Net of interest expense of $92,000 and
income taxes of $45,000, SCPL reported income of $65,000 in the current year third quarter,
comparable with income of $57,000 in the prior year third quarter.
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Nine months ended September 30, 2006 compared with nine months ended September 30, 2005
(dollar amounts in thousands) | ||||||||||||
(unaudited): | 2006 | 2005 | % change | |||||||||
Revenues |
$ | 185,233 | $ | 157,805 | 17.4 | % | ||||||
Gross profit |
21,875 | 16,264 | 34.5 | % | ||||||||
Gross margin |
11.8 | % | 10.3 | % | 14.6 | % | ||||||
General and administrative expenses, net |
7,928 | 6,771 | 17.1 | % | ||||||||
Operating income |
13,947 | 9,493 | 46.9 | % | ||||||||
Operating margin |
7.5 | % | 6.0 | % | 25.2 | % | ||||||
Interest income (expense), net |
803 | (1,198 | ) | N/A | ||||||||
Income from continuing operations,
before taxes |
14,750 | 8,295 | 77.8 | % | ||||||||
Income taxes |
5,027 | 2,820 | 78.2 | % | ||||||||
Net income from continuing operations |
9,723 | 5,475 | 77.6 | % | ||||||||
Net income from discontinued operations |
444 | 532 | (16.5 | %) | ||||||||
Net income |
$ | 10,167 | $ | 6,007 | 69.3 | % | ||||||
Revenues Revenues increased approximately $27.4 million compared with the corresponding period
last year, due to increases in volume from a higher backlog at the beginning of the year and new
contracts added during the year. We significantly expanded our equipment fleet and our workforce
grew from approximately 700 employees last year to over 900 in the current year. These factors,
among others, have allowed us to recognize greater efficiencies and productivity on our
construction projects. The revenue increase was achieved despite unexpected delays during much of
the first nine months of 2006 in starting several major contracts due to factors outside the
Companys control; most of these delays had been resolved by the end of the third quarter. In
addition, following significant contract wins in the Dallas market, our revenues there increased
significantly compared with the prior year. Although the first quarter of 2006 was unusually dry,
our Houston market experienced above average rainfall in the second and third quarters, resulting
in an above-average year-to-date amount, as compared with last year when rainfall in the first nine
months was lower than average.
Gross profit The substantial increase in gross profits was due to the revenue increase,
combined with higher gross margins. The margin improvement is attributable principally to a better
margin mix in backlog resulting from the improving bidding climate since 2004 and efficiencies
resulting from the higher revenue levels achieved this year. In addition, in the second and third
quarters we earned incentive awards on certain projects totaling approximately $1.0 million,
compared with no significant awards in the first nine months of 2005.
Backlog At September 30, 2006 our backlog of construction projects was $418 million, compared
with $307 million at the beginning of fiscal 2006. In the first nine months, we added new
contracts of approximately $313 million.
General and administrative expenses, net of other income and expense These expenses increased
by $1.1 million compared with the prior year due primarily to incentive stock option expense
related to contractual employment agreements, reflecting the higher price of the Companys shares
and the option vesting periods, variable compensation expense related to profitability, and to a
combination of additional personnel, higher payroll related benefits and taxes and regular salary
increases.
Operating income The increase in operating income this year resulted from the increased gross
profits which far exceeded the increase in administrative costs and this led to a significant
improvement in operating margins.
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Interest income and expense In the first nine months of 2006, interest income increased by
$933,000 compared with the prior year period due to interest earned on the unutilized portion of
the equity offering proceeds, as well as higher cash and short-term investment balances resulting
from proceeds received in the mobilization phase of certain contracts. Interest expense in the
first nine months of 2006 decreased by $1.1 million compared with the prior year due to the
repayment of related party notes in January 2006 and to lower average revolving credit balances
throughout the period.
Income taxes Our effective income tax rate from continuing operations was 34.2% and 34% for
the nine months ended September 30, 2006 and 2005, respectively. Our effective rate differs from
the statutory rate primarily due to non-deductible expenses and is offset somewhat by state tax
credits. In 2006, the State of Texas revised its existing franchise tax to include most business
entities (the Texas Margins Tax), which will become effective for franchise tax reports due after
January 1, 2008. We have assessed the impact of the change in tax law with respect to the Texas
Margins Tax on our existing deferred tax liabilities. The effect of the change was immaterial for
the nine months ended September 30, 2006. The Companys federal income taxes are largely sheltered
by net operating loss carryforwards and tax benefits resulting from the exercise of stock options.
Net income from continuing operations The increase in our net income from continuing
operations was due to the increase in operating income combined with net interest income, whereas
in the prior year period there was net interest expense.
Discontinued operations, net of tax. Discontinued operations represent the results of
operations of our distribution business operated by SCPL. Net of interest expense of $273,000 and
income taxes of $271,000, SCPL reported income of $444,000 in the current year first nine months,
compared with $532,000 in the corresponding period last year. The decrease was primarily due to
lower sales in the first quarter of this year, resulting from a milder winter compared with the
prior year.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Cash Flows
The following table sets forth our cash flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2006 and
September 30, 2005.
Nine months ended | ||||||||
September 30, | ||||||||
(in thousands) (unaudited) | 2006 | 2005 | ||||||
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period |
$ | 18,996 | $ | 20,138 | ||||
Net cash provided by (used in) continuing operations: |
||||||||
Operating activities |
9,846 | 25,368 | ||||||
Investing activities |
(46,567 | ) | (9,678 | ) | ||||
Financing activities |
33,450 | 999 | ||||||
$ | (3,271 | ) | $ | 16,689 | ||||
Cash provided by discontinued operations |
1 | 132 | ||||||
Capital expenditures of continuing operations |
$ | 24,506 | $ | 9,948 | ||||
Working capital at end of period |
$ | 58,369 | $ | 22,599 |
Operating activities
Significant non-cash items included in operating activities are:
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depreciation and amortization, which for the first nine months this year totaled $5.6
million, an increase of $1.8 million from last year, as a result of an increase in the size of our
construction fleet in 2005 and 2006;
deferred tax expense, which increased by $2.2 million due to the significant increase in
operating income.
The significant components of the changes in working capital are as follows:
contracts receivable increased by $3.8 million in the current year period, compared with an
increase of $11.9 million last year. The increase in both periods related to the revenue
increases;
trade payables, decreased by $0.9 million this year, compared with an increase of $14.8
million last year; these variations resulted principally from changes in the timing of payments and
the volume of materials and use of sub-contractors in the respective periods;
there were increases in billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings on uncompleted
contracts of $6.8 million and $7.5 million, respectively, reflecting payments received for
mobilization and site preparation. In addition, there was an increase this year in costs and
estimated earnings in excess of billings on uncompleted contracts whereas last year there was a
decrease. These changes reflect timing differences in progress billings and work performed.
Investing activities
Expenditures for the replacement of certain equipment and to expand our construction fleet,
including $2.0 million for the capital equipment of RDI (see Note 9), totaled $24.5 million in the
first nine months of 2006, compared with $9.9 million of equipment purchases in the first nine
months of last year.
Proceeds received from the equity offering in January 2006 that have not been utilized have
been primarily invested in auction-rate securities, which are debt instruments with long-term
scheduled maturities and periodic interest rate reset dates. The interest rate reset mechanism for
these instruments results in a periodic marketing of the underlying securities through an auction
process. Due to the liquidity provided by the interest rate reset mechanism and the short-term
nature of our investments in these securities they have been classified as current assets in our
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet. At September 30, 2006, we had approximately $22.6 million
invested in auction-rate securities.
Financing activities
Net of expenses, funds generated by the offering of common stock in January 2006 totaled
approximately $27.0 million, and proceeds received from the exercise of options and warrants in the
first nine months totaled $742,000, as compared with $792,000 in the prior year. Related party 12%
promissory notes in the amount of $8.5 million were prepaid in full during the first quarter of
2006.
Liquidity
The level of working capital for our construction business varies due to fluctuations in the
levels of cost and estimated earnings in excess of billings, and of billings in excess of cost and
estimated earnings, based in part on revenue levels; the size and status of contract mobilization
payments, of customer receivables and of contract retentions; and the level of amounts owed to
suppliers and sub-contractors. Some of these fluctuations can be significant.
We believe that our current cash and investment balances and the borrowing capacity available
under our revolving line of credit, combined with cash expected to be generated from operations,
will be sufficient to provide us with short-term and foreseeable long-term liquidity and to enable
us to meet expected capital expenditure requirements.
Sources of Capital
In addition to cash provided from operations, we use our revolving line of credit to finance
working capital needs and capital expenditures. In the first quarter this year we also raised
funds by the
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public sale of our shares, as described above, and we received approximately $740,000 this
year from the exercise of stock options and warrants.
We have a three-year revolving line of credit, maturing in June 2009, with Comerica Bank
providing for a maximum line of $35.0 million, subject to a borrowing base. The line of credit
carries interest at the lenders prime rate, subject to achievement of certain financial targets
and is collateralized by the equipment and real estate owned by TSC. At September 30, 2006, the
interest rate payable under the line of credit was 8.25%. At September 30, 2006, we had cash and
cash equivalents of $19.0 million, short-term investments of $22.6 million and unused availability
under the line of credit of $7.0 million. By the terms of the revolver, we are required to
maintain financial covenants of debt, current ratio and cash flow coverage ratio and at September
30, 2006 we were in compliance with all of these covenants. In April 2006, our line of credit was
modified, as described in Note 11 to the financial statements.
Risk Factors
The Company is subject to various risks and uncertainties. A more complete list of risk
factors may be found in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005. Many
factors affect the bidding climate, including, but not limited to, fluctuations in the Texas
economy, the amount of local, state and federal government funds available for infrastructure
upgrade and new construction, as well as the number of bidders in the market and the prices at
which they are prepared to bid, which are in turn affected by such bidders profitability,
financial viability and contract backlogs. Factors outside the bidding climate include, but are
not limited to: (a) weather conditions, such as precipitation and temperature, which can result in
significant variability in quarterly revenues and earnings; (b) the availability of bonding, the
absence of which would adversely affect our ability to obtain new contracts; (c) the extent to
which our self-insurance plans experience abnormal losses; (d) our dependence upon subcontractors
and third party suppliers of materials; (e) the price and availability of petroleum products,
steel, cement and other construction materials (including, for example, recent market shortages of
aggregates and cement), which can significantly fluctuate and impact operating expense; (f) the
availability of heavy construction equipment, and (g) the availability and cost of qualified
management, supervisory and field personnel.
Inflation
We do not believe that inflation has had a material negative impact on our operations or
financial results during recent years, although increases in oil prices during 2006 have increased
the cost of operating our construction fleet, transportation costs and some material costs. In the
last two years there have been some significant increases in the prices of raw materials, but these
are passed on to our customers when contracts are bid, or are mitigated by the terms of our
contracts for the supply of materials.
Item 3. Qualitative and Quantitative Disclosure about Market Risk
We are exposed to certain market risks from transactions that are entered into during the
normal course of business. Our primary market risk exposure is related to changes in interest
rates. We manage our interest rate risk by balancing in part our exposure to fixed and variable
interest rates while attempting to minimize interest costs.
Financial derivatives are used as part of our overall risk management strategy. These types
of instruments are used to manage risk related to changes in interest rates. The Companys
portfolio of derivative financial instruments consists of an interest rate swap agreement, which is
used to convert variable interest rate obligations to fixed interest rate obligations, thereby
reducing the exposure to increases in interest rates. Amounts paid or received under interest rate
swap agreements are accrued as interest rates fluctuate, with the offset recorded in interest
expense.
An increase of 1% in the market rate of interest would have increased our interest expense for
the three and nine months ended September 30, 2006 by approximately $14,000 and $124,000,
respectively.
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We apply SFAS No. 133, Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities, pursuant
to which our interest rate swaps have not been designated as hedging instruments; therefore changes
in fair value are recognized in current earnings.
Because we derive no revenues from foreign countries and have no obligations in foreign
currency, we experience no direct foreign currency exchange rate risk. However, prices of certain
raw materials, construction equipment and consumables, such as oil, steel and cement, may be
affected by currency fluctuations.
Item 4. Controls and Procedures
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
We maintain disclosure controls and procedures, as that phrase is defined in Rules 13a-14
and 15d-14 of the Exchange Act, that are designed to ensure that information required to be
disclosed in our reports, filed pursuant to the Exchange Act, is recorded, processed, summarized
and reported within the time periods specified in the SECs rules and forms, and that such
information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including the Chief Executive
Officer, President and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding
the required disclosures. In designing and evaluating the disclosure controls and procedures,
management recognizes that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated,
can provide only reasonable assurances of achieving the desired control objectives, and management
necessarily is required to apply its judgment in evaluating the cost/benefit relationship of
possible controls and procedures.
Our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer (the principal executive officer and
principal financial officer, respectively) have evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure
controls and procedures as of September 30, 2006. Based on their evaluation, they concluded that
our controls and procedures are effective.
PART
II OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1. Legal Proceedings
There are no material legal proceedings outstanding against the Company.
Item 1A. Risk Factors
There have been no material changes from risk factors as previously disclosed in
the Companys Annual Report on Form 10-K in response to Item 1A to Part I of that
report.
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity and Use of Proceeds
None
Item 3. Defaults upon Senior Securities
None
Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
None
Item 5. Other Information
None
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Item 6. Exhibits
Exhibit No. | Description | |
*10.1
|
Amended Revolving Line of Credit Agreement with Comerica Bank | |
*10.2
|
Asset Purchase Agreement for the sale of Steel City Products, LLC | |
*31.1
|
Certification of Patrick T. Manning, Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 13a-14(a) | |
*31.2
|
Certification of Maarten D. Hemsley, Chief Financial Officer, pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 13a-14(a) | |
*32.0
|
Certification of Patrick T. Manning, Chief Executive Officer and Maarten D. Hemsley, Chief Financial Officer, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 (Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002) |
* | filed herewith |
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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has
duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
STERLING CONSTRUCTION COMPANY, INC. |
||||
Date: November 8, 2006 | By: | /s/ Patrick T. Manning. | ||
Patrick T. Manning. | ||||
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer | ||||
Date: November 8, 2006 | By: | /s/ Maarten D. Hemsley | ||
Maarten D. Hemsley | ||||
Chief Financial Officer |
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Exhibit Index
Exhibit No. | Description | |
*10.1
|
Amended Revolving Line of Credit Agreement with Comerica Bank | |
*10.2
|
Asset Purchase Agreement for the sale of Steel City Products, LLC | |
*31.1
|
Certification of Patrick T. Manning, Chief Executive Officer, pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 13a-14(a) | |
*31.2
|
Certification of Maarten D. Hemsley, Chief Financial Officer, pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 13a-14(a) | |
*32.0
|
Certification of Patrick T. Manning, Chief Executive Officer and Maarten D. Hemsley, Chief Financial Officer, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 (Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002) |
* | filed herewith |
26