Primoris Services Corporation Announces 2015 First Quarter Financial Results

Board of Directors Increases Quarterly Cash Dividend by 38%

Financial Highlights

  • 2015 Q1 revenues of $392.8 million
  • 2015 Q1 net income attributable to Primoris of $1.7 million
  • A record total backlog of $2.1 billion at March 31, 2015
    • A 15.9% year-over-year increase over 2014 Q1 backlog and
    • A 7.5% sequential quarterly increase over 2014 Q4 backlog

DALLAS--()--Primoris Services Corporation (NASDAQ GS: PRIM) (“Primoris” or “Company”) today announced financial results for its first quarter ended March 31, 2015.

The Company also announced that on May 1, 2015 its Board of Directors authorized a 37.5% increase in the quarterly cash dividend to $0.055 per share from $0.04 per share. The cash dividend will be paid to stockholders of record on June 30, 2015, payable on or about July 15, 2015.

Brian Pratt, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Primoris, commented, “Our first quarter financial results were impacted by unusually wet weather, especially in Texas and the Gulf Coast region, and by the continued uncertainty in the energy market, which caused some customers to delay projects. In spite of the first quarter shortfall, I remain encouraged by our increase in backlog, the diversity of the new project awards, and the level of our bidding activity. The drivers for our industrial, utility, power, and pipeline markets all remain positive, and we expect to take advantage of the opportunities to add to our backlog over the next few quarters.”

Mr. Pratt continued, “Our balance sheet remains strong, and I believe that we have the opportunity to take advantage of acquisition prospects that will strategically strengthen Primoris.”

2015 FIRST QUARTER RESULTS OVERVIEW

Revenues in the first quarter 2015 decreased by $77.3 million to $392.8 million from $470.1 million for the same period in 2014. The primary reason for the decrease was the impact of more severe winter weather. Gross profit for the first quarter 2015 decreased by $11.8 million to $38.0 million from $49.8 million for the same period in 2014, primarily due to the decrease in revenues.

From an end-market perspective, our end-market revenues for underground capital projects decreased by $25.5 million and the industrial end-market revenues decreased by $89.0 million, as compared to the first quarter of 2014. Revenues increased in our heavy civil end-market by $17.0 million, in our underground utility end-market by $10.0 million, in the engineering end-market by $8.8 million and by $1.4 million in our other end-markets, as compared to the first quarter of 2014.

SEGMENT RESULTS

In the third quarter of 2014, the Company reorganized its business segments to match the change in the Company’s internal organization and management structure. The new operating segments include: the West Construction Services Segment (which is unchanged from the previous West Construction Services segment), the East Construction Services Segment (which is realigned from the previous East Construction Services segment), and the Energy Segment (which includes the previous Engineering segment). All prior period amounts related to segment operations have been reclassified throughout this press release to reflect the new operating segments.

  • West Construction Services (“West segment”) – The West segment includes the underground and industrial operations and construction services performed by ARB, ARB Structures, Rockford, Q3 Contracting, and Vadnais, acquired in June 2014. Many of the entities perform work primarily in California; however, Rockford operates throughout the United States and Q3C operates in Colorado and the upper Midwest United States. The segment also includes the operations of the Blythe Power Constructors joint venture.
  • East Construction Services (“East segment”) – The East segment includes the James Construction Group (“JCG”) Heavy Civil division, the JCG Infrastructure and Maintenance (“I&M”) division, BW Primoris, and Cardinal Contractors, located primarily in the southeastern United States and in the Gulf Coast region of the United States, and performs heavy civil construction and infrastructure and maintenance operations.
  • Energy (“Energy segment”) – The Energy segment businesses are located primarily in the southeastern United States, the Gulf Coast region and the upper Midwest region of the United States. The segment includes the PES pipeline and gas facility construction and maintenance operations, the JCG Industrial division, the Surber and Ram-Fab divisions, and the newly acquired operations of Aevenia (“Primoris AV”). Additionally, the segment includes the OnQuest, Inc. and OnQuest Canada, ULC operations for the design and installation of liquefied natural gas (“LNG”) facilities and high-performance furnaces and heaters for the oil refining, petrochemical and power generation industries.
   

Segment Revenues

(in thousands, except %)

 
For the three months ended March 31,
2015

Unaudited

    2014

Unaudited

  % of   % of
Total Total

Segment

Revenue Revenue Revenue Revenue
 
West $ 186,385 47.5 % $ 234,027 49.8 %
East 123,700 31.5 % 106,970 22.8 %
Energy   82,695 21.0 %   129,077 27.4 %
Total $ 392,780 100.0 % $ 470,074 100.0 %
 
 

 

Segment Gross Profit

(in thousands, except %)

 
For the three months ended March 31,
2015

Unaudited

  2014

Unaudited

  % of   % of
Gross Segment Gross Segment

Segment

Profit Revenue Profit Revenue
 
West $ 21,464 11.5 % $ 31,674 13.5 %
East 9,108 7.4 % 6,758 6.3 %
Energy   7,433 9.0 %   11,325 8.8 %
Total $ 38,005 9.7 % $ 49,757 10.6 %
 

West Segment: Revenues for the West segment decreased by $47.6 million in the first quarter 2015, compared to the same period in 2014. The primary reason for the decline in revenues was ARB Industrial division’s completion of a large solar power project in the 2014, offset slightly by revenue growth at Rockford from a large pipeline project in the Houston, Texas area. Gross profit for the West segment decreased by $10.2 million in the first quarter 2015, compared to the same period in 2014. The decrease in gross profit was primarily the result of work shutdowns due to poor weather, as well as the completion of a higher margin pipeline and natural gas power projects in the prior year quarter.

East Segment: Revenues in the East segment increased by $16.7 million in the first quarter 2015, compared to the same period in 2014. The primary reason for the increase in revenues was increased revenues at the JCG I&M division from a large petrochemical project in Louisiana as well as increased Florida work, slightly offset by declines in JCG Heavy Civil division revenues. The gross profit for the East segment increased by $2.3 million in the first quarter 2015, compared to the same period in 2014, reflecting the higher margin petrochemical work at the JCG I&M division.

Energy Segment: Revenues in the Energy segment decreased by $46.4 million in the first quarter of 2015, compared to the same period in 2014. The primary reason for the decline was the impact of completion of projects that were active in the first quarter 2014 but were completed prior to the start of the first quarter 2015. Weather delays and the uncertainties associated with the significant decrease in crude oil prices also impacted work at the pipeline and Saxon divisions. Partially offsetting the decline was increased revenues at OnQuest, primarily from work on liquefied natural gas (“LNG”) plants and from fees earned on a suspended project. The gross profit for the Energy segment decreased by $3.9 million in the first quarter 2015, compared to the same period in 2014, primarily as a result of the decreased revenues.

Selling, general and administrative expenses (“SG&A”) were $33.8 million, or 8.6% of revenues for the first quarter 2015, compared to $29.7 million, or 6.3% of revenues for the first quarter 2014. The increase in SG&A for the quarter is largely due to $1.1 million in costs associated with the Company’s expanded review of internal controls, as well as a $0.3 million increase from the acquisition of Vadnais in 2014. The remainder of the increase is primarily from increased compensation and compensation-related expenses.

Operating income for the first quarter 2015 was $4.2 million, or 1.1% of total revenues, compared to $20.0 million, or 4.3% of total revenues, for the same period last year.

Net non-operating items in the first quarter 2015 resulted in expenses of $1.5 million, compared to $1.7 million in net expenses in the first quarter 2014.

The provision for income taxes for the first quarter 2015 was $1.1 million, for an effective tax rate on income attributable to Primoris of 38.7%, compared to $7.1 million, for an effective tax rate on income attributable to Primoris of 39.6%, in the first quarter 2014.

Net income attributable to Primoris for the first quarter 2015 was $1.7 million, or $0.03 per diluted share, compared to net income attributable to Primoris of $10.8 million, or $0.21 per diluted share, in the same period in 2014.

Fully diluted weighted average shares outstanding for the first quarter increased slightly to 51.73 million from 51.71 million in the first quarter 2014.

OTHER FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Primoris’ balance sheet at March 31, 2015 included cash, cash equivalents, and short-term investments of $136.5 million, working capital of $244.2 million, total debt and capital leases of $245.8 million and stockholders’ equity of $455.6 million. Primoris’ tangible net worth at March 31, 2015 was $288.9 million. The balance sheet included a $2.0 million liability representing the estimated fair value of earnout payments for the financial performance of the Vadnais, Surber, and Ram-Fab acquisitions.

Based on the current projects in backlog and anticipated levels of customer maintenance and MSA spending, the Company expects that 2015 revenues would approximate 2014 revenues of $2.1 billion and that 2015 earnings per share would approximate 2014 earnings per share of $1.22.

   

BACKLOG

 
Backlog at March 31, 2015 (in millions)
 

Segment

Fixed Backlog   MSA Backlog     Total Backlog
 
West $ 447 $ 401 $ 848
East 954 9 963
Energy   287     45     332
Total $ 1,688     455     2,143
 

At March 31, 2015, Fixed Backlog was $1.69 billion, compared to $1.55 billion at December 31, 2014. During the first quarter 2015, approximately $92.3 million of revenue was recognized from non-Fixed Backlog projects.

At March 31, 2015, MSA Backlog was $455.5 million, compared to $444.9 million at December 31, 2014. MSA Backlog represents estimated MSA revenue for the next four quarters.

Total Backlog at March 31, 2015 was $2.14 billion, compared to $1.99 billion at December 31, 2014. We expect that during the next four quarters, we will recognize as revenue approximately 73% of the West segment Total Backlog, approximately 53% of the East segment Total Backlog, and approximately 98% of the Energy segment Total Backlog.

Backlog, including estimated MSA revenues, should not be considered a comprehensive indicator of future revenue, as a portion of Primoris’ revenue is derived from projects that are not part of backlog, including time-and-equipment, time-and-materials, and cost-reimbursable-plus-fee contracts. All projects that are considered a part of Total Backlog may still be cancelled by our customers.

CONFERENCE CALL

Brian Pratt, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, and Peter J. Moerbeek, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer will host a conference call today, Tuesday, May 5, 2015 at 10:00 am Eastern Time / 9:00 am Central Time to discuss the results.

Interested parties may participate in the call by dialing:

  • (877) 407-8293 (Domestic)
  • (201) 689-8349 (International)

If you are unable to participate in the live call, a replay will be available for approximately two weeks and may be accessed by dialing (877) 660-6853, passcode 13608840. The conference call will also be broadcast live over the Internet and can be accessed and replayed through the Investor Relations section of Primoris' website at www.prim.com. Once at the Investor Relations section, please click on "Events & Presentations”.

ABOUT PRIMORIS

Founded in 1960, Primoris, through various subsidiaries, has grown to become one of the largest publicly traded specialty construction and infrastructure companies in the United States. Serving diverse end-markets, Primoris provides 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. Growing both organically and through acquisitions, the Company’s national footprint now extends nearly nationwide and into Canada. For additional information, please visit www.prim.com.

FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS

This press release contains certain forward-looking statements, including with regard to the Company’s future performance. Words such as "estimated," "believes," "expects," "projects," “may,” and "future" or similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements inherently involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors, including without limitation, those described in this press release and those detailed in the "Risk Factors" section and other portions of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the period ended December 31, 2014, and other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Given these uncertainties, you should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Primoris does not undertake any obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required under applicable securities laws.

   

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

(In Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)

(Unaudited)

 
Three Months Ended

March 31,

2015   2014
 
Revenue $ 392,780 $ 470,074
Cost of revenue   354,775     420,317  
Gross profit 38,005 49,757
Selling, general and administrative expenses   33,760     29,712  
Operating income 4,245 20,045
 
Other income (expense):
Income from non-consolidated entities - 14
Foreign exchange gain (loss) 436 26
Other expense (44 ) (114 )
Interest income 12 52
Interest expense   (1,922 )   (1,668 )
Income before provision for income taxes 2,727 18,355
 
Provision for income taxes   (1,055 )   (7,090 )
Net income 1,672 11,265
 
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests - (432 )
 
Net income attributable to Primoris 1,672 10,833
 
Earnings per share:
Basic: $ 0.03 $ 0.21
Diluted: $ 0.03 $ 0.21
 
 
Weighted average common shares outstanding:
Basic 51,572 51,610
Diluted 51,726 51,714
       

 

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(In Thousands, Except Share Amounts)

(Unaudited)

 
March 31, December 31,
  2015     2014  
ASSETS
 
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents $ 106,018 $ 139,465
Short-term investments 30,494 30,992
Customer retention deposits and restricted cash 823 481
Accounts receivable, net 299,028 337,382
Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings 85,120 68,654
Inventory and uninstalled contract materials 60,677 58,116
Deferred tax assets 13,555 13,555
Prepaid expenses and other current assets   37,083   31,720  
Total current assets 632,798 680,365
Property and equipment, net 282,046 271,431
Intangible assets, net 37,930 39,581
Goodwill 128,727 119,410
Other long-term assets   400   400  
Total assets $ 1,081,901 $ 1,111,187  
 
 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
 
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable $ 121,049 $ 128,793
Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings 145,982 158,595
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities 75,887 83,401
Dividends payable 2,063 2,062
Current portion of capital leases 1,509 1,650
Current portion of long-term debt 41,226 38,909
Current portion of contingent earnout liabilities   919   5,901  
Total current liabilities 388,635 419,311
Long-term capital leases, net of current portion 431 657
Long-term debt, net of current portion 202,617 204,029
Deferred tax liabilities 19,484 19,484
Long-term contingent earnout liabilities, net of current portion 1,048 1,021
Other long-term liabilities   14,119   12,899  
Total liabilities   626,334   657,401  
Stockholders’ equity
Common stock 5 5
Additional paid-in capital

 

162,359

160,186
Retained earnings

 

293,236

293,628
Noncontrolling interests

 

 

(33

)   (33 )
Total stockholders’ equity   455,567   453,786  
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity $ 1,081,901 $ 1,111,187  
   

 

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(In Thousands)

(Unaudited)

 
Three months Ended
March 31,
2015   2014
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income $ 1,672 $ 11,265
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
Depreciation 13,854 11,709
Amortization of intangible assets 1,651 1,843
Loss (gain) on sale of property and equipment 510 (355 )
Income from non-consolidated entities (14 )
Stock—based compensation expense 262 137
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Customer retention deposits and restricted cash (342 ) 5,249
Accounts receivable 41,236 15,831
Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings (16,164 ) (17,921 )
Other current assets (7,065 ) (7,938 )
Accounts payable (8,487 ) (8,213 )
Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings (13,453 ) (26,064 )
Contingent earnout liabilities (4,955 ) (4,886 )
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities (6,421 ) 1,534
Other long-term liabilities (280 ) (3,855 )
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities 2,018 (21,678 )
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchase of property and equipment (16,581 ) (15,067 )
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment 2,823 1,391
Purchase of short-term investments (586 )
Sale of short-term investments 498 1,946
Cash received for the sale of Alvah minority interest 1,189
Cash paid for acquisitions (22,302 )
Net cash used in investing activities (35,562 ) (11,127 )
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt 11,000
Repayment of capital leases (367 ) (1,079 )
Repayment of long-term debt (10,095 ) (11,314 )
Proceeds from issuance of common stock purchased under a long-term incentive plan 1,621 1,671
Dividends paid (2,062 ) (1,805 )
Cash distribution to non-controlling interest holder (1,125 )
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities 97 (13,652 )
Net change in cash and cash equivalents (33,447 ) (46,457 )
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the period 139,465 196,077
Cash and cash equivalents at end of the period $ 106,018 $ 149,620

Contacts

Primoris Services Corporation
Peter J. Moerbeek, 214-740-5602
Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer
pmoerbeek@prim.com
or
Kate Tholking, 214-740-5615
Director of Investor Relations
ktholking@prim.com

Release Summary

Primoris today announced financial results for its first quarter ended March 31, 2015. Revenues were $392.8 million, and net income attributable to Primoris was $1.7 million, or $0.03 per share.

Contacts

Primoris Services Corporation
Peter J. Moerbeek, 214-740-5602
Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer
pmoerbeek@prim.com
or
Kate Tholking, 214-740-5615
Director of Investor Relations
ktholking@prim.com