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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C.  20549

 


 

FORM 10-Q

 

(Mark One)

 

 

ý

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

For the quarterly period ended January 2, 2005

 

 

 

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 0-19655

 


 

TETRA TECH, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

 

Delaware

 

95-4148514

(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)

 

(I.R.S. Employer
Identification Number)

 

 

 

3475 East Foothill Boulevard, Pasadena, California  91107

(Address of principal executive office and zip code)

 

 

 

(626) 351-4664

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

 


 

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

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).  Yes  ý    No  o

 

As of February 4, 2005, 56,489,488 shares of the registrant’s common stock were outstanding.

 

 



 

TETRA TECH, INC.

 

INDEX

 

PART I.FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

 

 

 

 

Item 1.

Financial Statements

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

 

 

 

 

 

 

Item 2.

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

 

 

 

 

 

 

Item 3.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

 

 

 

 

 

 

Item 4.

Controls and Procedures

 

 

 

 

 

PART II.

OTHER INFORMATION

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Item 1.

Legal Proceedings

 

 

 

 

Item 6.

Exhibits

 

 

 

 

SIGNATURES

 

 

2



 

PART I.             FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

Item 1.            Financial Statements

Tetra Tech, Inc.

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

(in thousands, except par value)

 

 

 

January 2,
2005

 

October 3,
2004

 

 

 

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

ASSETS

 

 

 

 

 

CURRENT ASSETS:

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$

20,568

 

$

48,032

 

Accounts receivable – net

 

391,280

 

374,630

 

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

 

27,107

 

23,857

 

Income taxes receivable

 

3,846

 

6,148

 

Total current assets

 

442,801

 

452,667

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT:

 

 

 

 

 

Equipment, furniture and fixtures

 

89,373

 

87,159

 

Leasehold improvements

 

9,713

 

9,694

 

Total

 

99,086

 

96,853

 

Accumulated depreciation and amortization

 

(58,552

)

(55,572

)

PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT – NET

 

40,534

 

41,281

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

INCOME TAXES RECEIVABLE

 

33,800

 

33,800

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

GOODWILL

 

260,822

 

254,553

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

INTANGIBLE AND OTHER ASSETS – NET

 

24,146

 

26,206

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TOTAL ASSETS

 

$

802,103

 

$

808,507

 

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

 

 

 

 

CURRENT LIABILITIES:

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts payable

 

$

89,886

 

$

111,038

 

Accrued compensation

 

44,483

 

55,493

 

Billings in excess of costs on uncompleted contracts

 

25,283

 

28,941

 

Deferred income taxes

 

4,869

 

4,421

 

Current portion of long-term obligations

 

18,735

 

59,024

 

Other current liabilities

 

44,186

 

48,921

 

Total current liabilities

 

227,442

 

307,838

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

DEFERRED INCOME TAXES

 

11,090

 

11,027

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LONG-TERM OBLIGATIONS

 

156,624

 

92,142

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

 

 

 

 

Preferred stock – authorized, 2,000 shares of $0.01 par value; no shares issued and outstanding at January 2, 2005 and October 3, 2004

 

 

 

Exchangeable stock of a subsidiary

 

1,426

 

1,426

 

Common stock – authorized, 85,000 shares of $0.01 par value; issued and outstanding, 56,428 and 56,305 shares as of January 2, 2005 and October 3, 2004, respectively

 

564

 

563

 

Additional paid-in capital

 

244,543

 

243,490

 

Accumulated other comprehensive income

 

865

 

375

 

Retained earnings

 

159,549

 

151,646

 

TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

406,947

 

397,500

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

$

802,103

 

$

808,507

 

 

See accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

3



 

Tetra Tech, Inc.

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income

(unaudited in thousands, except per share data)

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

 

 

January 2,
2005

 

December 28,
2003

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenue

 

$

348,342

 

$

337,102

 

Subcontractor costs

 

105,245

 

95,397

 

Revenue, net of subcontractor costs

 

243,097

 

241,705

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other contract costs

 

202,053

 

193,846

 

Gross profit

 

41,044

 

47,859

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Selling, general and administrative expensess

 

25,216

 

23,918

 

Income from operations

 

15,828

 

23,941

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest expense - net

 

2,478

 

2,372

 

Income before income tax expense

 

13,350

 

21,569

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income tax expense

 

5,447

 

8,627

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

$

7,903

 

$

12,942

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Earnings per share:

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

 

$

0.14

 

$

0.23

 

Diluted

 

$

0.14

 

$

0.23

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted average common shares outstanding:

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

 

56,469

 

55,504

 

Diluted

 

56,977

 

57,395

 

 

See accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

4



 

Tetra Tech, Inc.

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(unaudited in thousands)

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

 

 

January 2,
2005

 

December 28,
2003

 

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

$

7,903

 

$

12,942

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash used in operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

4,233

 

4,454

 

Deferred income taxes

 

251

 

398

 

Provision for losses on receivables

 

2,528

 

819

 

(Gain) loss on disposal of property and equipment

 

(60

)

52

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of effects of acquisitions:

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts receivable

 

(19,177

)

(27,443

)

Prepaid expenses and other assets

 

(1,689

)

(2,348

)

Accounts payable

 

(21,152

)

(2,757

)

Accrued compensation

 

(11,010

)

(7,893

)

Billings in excess of costs on uncompleted contracts

 

(3,658

)

3,926

 

Other current liabilities

 

(3,592

)

513

 

Income taxes receivable/payable

 

2,388

 

(5,985

)

Net cash used in operating activities

 

(43,035

)

(23,322

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:

 

 

 

 

 

Capital expenditures

 

(3,274

)

(4,319

)

Payments for business acquisitions

 

(7,012

)

 

Proceeds on sale of property and equipment

 

444

 

424

 

Net cash used in investing activities

 

(9,842

)

(3,895

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:

 

 

 

 

 

Payments on long-term obligations

 

(807

)

(17,698

)

Proceeds from borrowings under long-term obligations

 

25,000

 

32,323

 

Net proceeds from issuance of common stock

 

971

 

3,201

 

Net cash provided by financing activities

 

25,164

 

17,826

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

EFFECT OF EXCHANGE RATE CHANGES ON CASH

 

249

 

95

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NET DECREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

 

(27,464

)

(9,296

)

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING OF PERIOD

 

48,032

 

33,164

 

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD

 

$

20,568

 

$

23,868

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION:

 

 

 

 

 

Cash paid during the period for:

 

 

 

 

 

Interest

 

$

4,543

 

$

4,359

 

Income taxes, net of refunds received

 

$

7,506

 

$

14,109

 

 

See accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

5



 

TETRA TECH, INC.

 

Notes To Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

 

1.             Basis of Presentation

 

The accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet as of January 2, 2005, the condensed consolidated statements of income for the three months ended January 2, 2005 and December 28, 2003, and the condensed consolidated statements of cash flows for the three months ended January 2, 2005 and December 28, 2003 of Tetra Tech, Inc. (the ”Company”) are unaudited, and, in the opinion of management, include all adjustments, consisting only of normal and recurring adjustments, necessary for a fair presentation of the financial position and the results of operations for the periods presented.

 

The condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended October 3, 2004.  Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation.

 

The results of operations for the three months ended January 2, 2005 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the fiscal year ending October 2, 2005.

 

2.             Goodwill and Acquired Intangibles

 

The changes in the carrying value of goodwill by segment for the three months ended January 2, 2005 were as follows:

 

Reporting Unit

 

October 3,
2004

 

Post-Acquisition
Adjustments

 

January 2,
2005

 

 

 

(in thousands)

 

Resource management

 

$

86,011

 

$

 

$

86,011

 

Infrastructure

 

168,542

 

6,269

 

174,811

 

Communications

 

 

 

 

Total

 

$

254,553

 

$

6,269

 

$

260,822

 

 

The post-acquisition adjustment of $6.3 million related to purchase allocation adjustments made during the first year after the acquisition of Advanced Management Technology, Inc. (AMT).  See Note 7 for additional information.

 

The gross amounts and accumulated amortization of the Company’s acquired identifiable intangible assets with finite useful lives as of January 2, 2005 and October 3, 2004, included in Intangible and other assets—net in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets, were as follows:

 

 

 

January 2, 2005

 

October 3, 2004

 

Identifiable Intangible Assets

 

Gross
Amount

 

Accumulated
Amortization

 

Gross
Amount

 

Accumulated
Amortization

 

 

 

(in thousands)

 

Backlog

 

$

11,380

 

$

(3,913

)

$

11,380

 

$

(3,328

)

Non-compete agreements

 

451

 

(439

)

451

 

(438

)

Total

 

$

11,831

 

$

(4,352

)

$

11,831

 

$

(3,766

)

 

No identifiable intangible assets were acquired during the three months ended January 2, 2005.  Amortization expense for acquired intangible assets with finite useful lives for the three months ended January 2, 2005 and December 28, 2003 was $0.6 million and $0.5 million, respectively.  Estimated amortization expense for the remainder of fiscal 2005 and for the succeeding five years is as follows:

 

6



 

(in thousands)

 

 

 

2005

 

$

1,325

 

2006

 

1,546

 

2007

 

1,478

 

2008

 

1,274

 

2009

 

1,273

 

2010

 

583

 

Thereafter

 

 

 

3.             Accounting Pronouncements

 

In December 2004, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued a revision to Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) Statement No. 123 (revised 2004), Share-Based Payment (FAS 123R), that requires the Company to expense the value of employee stock options and similar awards. Under FAS 123R, shared-based payment (SBP) awards result in a cost that will be measured at fair value on the awards’ grant date, based on the estimated number of awards that are expected to vest. Compensation cost for awards that vest would not be reversed if the awards expire without being exercised. As a public company, the Company is allowed to select from three alternative transition methods – each having different reporting implications. The effective date for FAS 123R is the interim period beginning July 1, 2005, and FAS 123R will apply to all outstanding and unvested SBP awards at the Company’s adoption date. The Company has not completed its evaluation of the effect of adoption of FAS 123R.  However, due to the fact that the Company uses stock options as a form of compensation, the adoption of FAS 123R may have a significant impact on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

 

4.             Stock-Based Compensation

 

The Company’s employee stock compensation plans are accounted for in accordance with Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25, Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees, and related interpretations. Under this method, no compensation expense is recognized as long as the exercise price equals or exceeds the market price of the underlying stock on the date of the grant. In December 2002, the FASB issued SFAS No. 148, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation Transition and Disclosure, which amended SFAS No. 123, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation. SFAS No. 148 requires more prominent disclosures in both annual and interim financial statements about the method of accounting for stock-based compensation and the effect of the method used on reported results. The Company adopted the annual and interim disclosure requirements of SFAS No. 148 as of the first quarter of fiscal 2003. The following pro forma information regarding net income has been calculated as if the Company had accounted for its employee stock options and stock purchase plan using the fair value method under SFAS No. 123:

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

 

 

January 2,
2005

 

December 28,
2003

 

 

 

(in thousands, except per share data)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income as reported

 

$

7,903

 

$

12,942

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Deduct:  Stock-based employee compensation expense determined under fair value based method for all awards, net of related income tax effects

 

1,248

 

1,016

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pro forma net income

 

$

6,655

 

$

11,926

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Earnings per share:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic – as reported

 

$

0.14

 

$

0.23

 

Basic – pro forma

 

$

0.12

 

$

0.21

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Diluted – as reported

 

$

0.14

 

$

0.23

 

Diluted – pro forma

 

$

0.12

 

$

0.21

 

 

7



 

5.             Earnings Per Share

 

Basic earnings per share (EPS) excludes dilution and is computed by dividing net income available to common stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares and the weighted average number of shares of exchangeable stock (exchangeable shares) of its subsidiary, Tetra Tech Canada Ltd., outstanding for the period. The exchangeable shares are non-voting and are exchangeable on a one-to-one basis, as adjusted for stock splits and stock dividends subsequent to the original issuance, for the Company’s common stock.  In fiscal 2004, 1.1 million exchangeable shares (as adjusted for stock splits) were converted into the Company’s common stock.  Diluted EPS is computed by dividing net income by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding, the weighted average number of exchangeable shares, and dilutive potential common shares for the period. The Company includes as potential common shares the weighted average dilutive effects of outstanding stock options using the treasury stock method. The following table sets forth the number of weighted average shares used to compute basic and diluted EPS:

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

 

 

January 2,
2005

 

December 28,
2003

 

 

 

(in thousands, except per share data)

 

Numerator:

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

$

7,903

 

$

12,942

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Denominator for basic earnings per share:

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted average shares

 

56,336

 

54,269

 

Exchangeable stock of subsidiary

 

133

 

1,235

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Denominator for basic earnings per share

 

56,469

 

55,504

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Denominator for diluted earnings per share:

 

 

 

 

 

Denominator for basic earnings per share

 

56,469

 

55,504

 

Potential common shares:

 

 

 

 

 

Stock options

 

508

 

1,891

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Denominator for diluted earnings per share

 

56,977

 

57,395

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Earnings per share:

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

 

$

0.14

 

$

0.23

 

Diluted

 

$

0.14

 

$

0.23

 

 

For the three months ended January 2, 2005 and December 28, 2003, 2.7 million and 0.1 million options were excluded from the calculation of diluted potential common shares, respectively.  For each period, options were excluded because their exercise prices exceeded the average market price for that period.

 

6.             Cash and Cash Equivalents

 

The Company considers all highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents.  Cash and cash equivalents totaled $20.6 million and $48.0 million as of January 2, 2005 and October 3, 2004, respectively.

 

7.             Mergers and Acquisitions

 

On March 5, 2004, the Company acquired 100% of the capital stock of AMT, an engineering and program management firm that provides systems engineering, program management and information management services to federal government agencies. The purchase was valued at approximately $37.0 million, consisted of cash and is subject to a purchase price adjustment based upon the final determination of AMT’s net asset value as of March 5, 2004.  In December 2004, the Company and the former shareholders of AMT agreed to make an Internal Revenue Code Section 338(h)(10) election under which the stock purchase was treated as an asset purchase for tax purposes.  The Company paid $6.0 million of additional tax liability on behalf of the former shareholders and AMT, which,

 

8



 

along with additional purchase accounting adjustments of $0.3 million, increased goodwill.  In addition, the former shareholders have certain contingent earn-out rights that would allow them to receive an aggregate maximum of $5.0 million upon AMT’s achievement of certain operating profit objectives over a two-year period from the acquisition date. The following table summarizes the estimated fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of the date of acquisition.

 

(in thousands)

 

 

 

Current assets

 

$

2,046

 

Property and equipment

 

175

 

Goodwill

 

47,047

 

Intangible and other

 

891

 

Current liabilities

 

(13,193

)

Net assets acquired

 

$

36,966

 

 

 

The acquisition was accounted for as a purchase and, accordingly, the purchase price of the business acquired was allocated to the assets and liabilities acquired based upon their fair values. The excess of the cost of the acquisition over the fair value of the net tangible and identifiable intangible assets acquired was recorded as goodwill and is included in goodwill in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets. The results of AMT’s operations have been included in the Company’s financial statements from the date of acquisition. The Company may acquire other businesses that it believes are synergistic and will ultimately increase the Company’s revenue and net income. These businesses may also perform work that is consistent with the Company’s short-term and long-term strategic goals, provide critical mass with existing clients, and further expand the Company’s lines of service. These factors may contribute to a purchase price that results in a recognition of goodwill.

 

The table below presents summarized unaudited operating results for the respective periods presented.  The pro forma operating results reported for the period ended December 28, 2003 assume that the Company had acquired AMT at the beginning of the period:

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

 

 

January 2,
2005

 

December 28,
2003

 

 

 

(in thousands, except per share data)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenue

 

$

348,342

 

$

360,270

 

Revenue, net of subcontractor costs

 

243,097

 

255,632

 

Income from operations

 

15,828

 

24,464

 

Net income

 

7,903

 

13,137

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Earnings per share:

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

 

$

0.14

 

$

0.24

 

Diluted

 

$

0.14

 

$

0.23

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted average shares outstanding:

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

 

56,469

 

55,504

 

Diluted

 

56,977

 

57,395

 

 

8.             Accounts Receivable Net

 

                Net accounts receivable consisted of the following as of January 2, 2005 and October 3, 2004:

 

9



 

 

 

January 2,
2005

 

October 3,
2004

 

 

 

(in thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Billed

 

$

228,742

 

$

215,937

 

Unbilled

 

181,217

 

176,204

 

Contract retentions

 

7,498

 

6,516

 

Total accounts receivable – gross

 

417,457

 

398,657

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Allowance for doubtful accounts

 

(26,177

)

(24,027

)

Total accounts receivable – net

 

$

391,280

 

$

374,630

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Billings in excess of costs on uncompleted contracts

 

$

25,283

 

$

28,941

 

 

Billed accounts receivable represents amounts billed to clients that have not been collected. Unbilled accounts receivable represents revenue recognized but not yet billed pursuant to contract terms or billed after the accounting cut-off date. Substantially all unbilled receivables as of January 2, 2005 are expected to be billed and collected within twelve months. Contract retentions represent amounts withheld by clients until certain conditions are met or the project is completed, which may be several months or years. Allowances for doubtful accounts have been determined through reviews of specific amounts determined to be uncollectible and potential write-offs as a result of debtors that have filed for bankruptcy protection, plus an allowance for other amounts for which some potential loss is determined to be probable based on current events and circumstances.

 

The billed receivables related to federal government contracts were $75.2 million and $59.6 million as of January 2, 2005 and October 3, 2004, respectively. The federal government unbilled receivables, net of progress payments, were $34.0 million and $24.6 million as of January 2, 2005 and October 3, 2004, respectively.

 

Nextel Operations, Inc. (Nextel) accounted for approximately 17.8% and 18.0% of the Company’s accounts receivable as of January 2, 2005 and October 3, 2004, respectively. A substantial portion of this balance is unbilled receivables. Under the Nextel contract, the Company is unable to bill for services until certain milestones are reached.

 

9.             Reportable Segments

 

The Company manages its business in three reportable segments: resource management, infrastructure and communications. The Company’s management established these segments based upon the services provided, the different marketing strategies associated with these services and the specialized needs of their respective clients. The resource management reportable segment provides engineering and consulting services relating primarily to water quality and availability, environmental restoration, productive reuse of defense facilities and strategic environmental resource planning to both public and private organizations. The infrastructure reportable segment provides engineering, program management and construction management services for the additional development, upgrade and replacement of existing civil and security infrastructure to both public and private organizations. The communications reportable segment provides network planning, engineering, site acquisition and construction management services to telecommunications companies, wireless service providers and cable operators.

 

The Company accounts for inter-segment sales and transfers as if the sales and transfers were to third parties; that is, by applying a negotiated fee onto the cost of the services performed. The Company’s management evaluates the performance of these reportable segments based upon their respective income from operations before the effect of any acquisition-related amortization and any fee from inter-segment sales and transfers. All inter-company balances and transactions are eliminated in consolidation.

 

The following tables set forth summarized financial information concerning the Company’s reportable segments:

 

10



 

Reportable Segments:

 

 

 

Resource
Management

 

Infrastructure

 

Communications

 

Total

 

 

 

(in thousands)

 

Three months ended January 2, 2005:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenue

 

$

217,062

 

$

93,656

 

$

46,322

 

$

357,040

 

Revenue, net of subcontractor costs

 

144,290

 

75,421

 

23,386

 

243,097

 

Gross profit

 

26,821

 

11,969

 

2,254

 

41,044

 

Segment income (loss) from operations

 

14,500

 

4,102

 

(1,510

)

17,092

 

Depreciation expense

 

1,645

 

784

 

830

 

3,259

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three months ended December 28, 2003:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenue

 

$

214,296

 

$

88,025

 

$

41,670

 

$

343,991

 

Revenue, net of subcontractor costs

 

144,526

 

72,979

 

24,200

 

241,705

 

Gross profit

 

27,168

 

15,657

 

5,034

 

47,859

 

Segment income from operations

 

14,869

 

8,117

 

1,946

 

24,932

 

Depreciation expense

 

1,717

 

904

 

2,544

 

5,165

 

 

Reconciliations:

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

 

 

January 2,
2005

 

December 28,
2003

 

 

 

(in thousands)

 

Revenue

 

 

 

 

 

Revenue from reportable segments

 

$

357,040

 

$

343,991

 

Elimination of inter-segment revenue

 

(8,698

)

(6,889

)

Total consolidated revenue

 

$

348,342

 

$

337,102

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenue, net of subcontractor costs

 

 

 

 

 

Revenue, net of subcontractor costs from reportable segments

 

$

243,097

 

$

241,705

 

Total consolidated revenue, net of subcontractor costs

 

$

243,097

 

$

241,705

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gross profit

 

 

 

 

 

Gross profit from reportable segments

 

$

41,044

 

$

47,859

 

Total consolidated gross profit

 

$

41,044

 

$

47,859

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income from operations

 

 

 

 

 

Segment income from operations

 

$

17,092

 

$

24,932

 

Other expense

 

(678

)

(465

)

Amortization of intangibles

 

(586

)

(526

)

Total consolidated income from operations

 

$

15,828

 

$

23,941

 

 

10.          Major Clients

 

The Company’s revenue from the federal government was approximately $153.4 million and $147.1 million for the three months ended January 2, 2005 and December 28, 2003, respectively.  Both the resource management and infrastructure segments report revenue from the federal government.  For the three months ended January 2, 2005, the Company generated approximately 11.4% of its revenue from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.  For the three months ended December 28, 2003, approximately 13.6% and 10.4% of the Company’s revenue was generated from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the U.S. Navy, respectively.

 

The Company’s revenue, net of subcontractor costs, from the federal government was approximately $103.6 million and $99.1 million for the three months ended January 2, 2005 and December 28, 2003, respectively.  Both the resource management and infrastructure segments report revenue, net of subcontractor costs, from the federal government.  For the three months ended January 2, 2005, no single client accounted for more than 10% of the Company’s revenue, net of subcontractor costs.  For the three months ended December 28, 2003, approximately

 

11



 

10.3% and 10.1% of the Company’s revenue, net of subcontractor costs, was generated from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the U.S. Navy, respectively.

 

11.          Comprehensive Income

 

The Company includes two components in its comprehensive income:  net income during a period and other comprehensive income.  Other comprehensive income consists of translation gains and losses from subsidiaries with functional currencies different than the Company’s reporting currency.  Comprehensive income was $8.4 million and $13.3 million for the three months ended January 2, 2005 and December 28, 2003, respectively.  The Company realized net translation gains of $0.5 million and $0.3 million for the three months ended January 2, 2005 and December 28, 2003, respectively.

 

12.          Litigation

 

The Company is subject to certain claims and lawsuits typically filed against the engineering and consulting profession, alleging primarily professional errors or omissions.  The Company carries professional liability insurance, subject to certain deductibles and policy limits, against such claims.  Management’s opinion is that the resolution of these claims will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

 

The Company continues to be involved in the contract dispute with Horsehead Industries, Inc., doing business as Zinc Corporation of America (ZCA). In April 2002, a Washington County Court in Bartlesville, Oklahoma dismissed with prejudice the Company’s counter-claims relating to receivables due from ZCA and other costs. In December 2002, the Court rendered a judgment for $4.1 million and unquantified legal fees against the Company in this dispute. In February 2004, the Court quantified the previous award and ordered the Company to pay approximately $2.6 million in ZCA’s attorneys’ and consultants’ fees and expenses, together with post-judgment interest.

 

The Company has posted bonds and filed appeals with respect to the earlier judgments. On December 27, 2004, the Court of Civil Appeals of the State of Oklahoma rendered a decision relating to certain aspects of the Company’s appeals. In its decision, the Court vacated the $4.1 million verdict against the Company. In addition, the Court upheld the dismissal of the Company’s counter-claims. The Court has not yet ruled on the status of ZCA’s attorneys’ and consultants’ fees and expenses. Several legal alternatives remain available to both parties including appeals to the Oklahoma Supreme Court.  On January 18, 2005, both the Company and ZCA filed petitions for rehearing with the Oklahoma Court of Civil Appeals.  Although the Company’s legal counsel in these matters continues to believe that a favorable outcome is reasonably possible, final outcome of these matters cannot yet be accurately predicted. As a result, the Company continues to maintain the amounts recorded in its restated fiscal 2002 financial statements, consisting of $4.1 million in accrued liabilities relating to the original judgment, and a $2.6 million accrual for ZCA’s attorneys’ and consultants’ fees and expenses. Once the legal proceedings relating to ZCA are finally resolved, accruals will be adjusted appropriately.

 

12



 

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

 

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

 

This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, including Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, contains forward-looking statements regarding future events and our future results that are subject to the safe harbor provisions created under the Securities Act of 1933 and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.  These statements are based on current expectations, estimates, forecasts and projections about the industries in which we operate and the beliefs and assumptions of our management.  Words such as “expects,” “anticipates,” “targets,” “goals,” “projects,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “seeks,” “estimates,” “continues,” “may,” variations of such words, and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements.  In addition, any statements that refer to projections of our future financial performance, our anticipated growth and trends in our businesses, and other characterizations of future events or circumstances are forward-looking statements.  Readers are cautioned that these forward-looking statements are only predictions and are subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict, including those identified below, under the heading “Risk Factors,” and elsewhere herein.  Therefore, actual results may differ materially and adversely from those expressed in any forward-looking statements.  We undertake no obligation to revise or update any forward-looking statements for any reason.

 

OVERVIEW

 

We are a leading provider of consulting, engineering and technical services in the areas of resource management, infrastructure and communications.  As a consultant, we assist our clients in defining problems and developing innovative and cost-effective solutions.  These services span the lifecycle of a project and include research and development, applied science and technology, engineering design, program management, construction management, and operations and maintenance.

 

Since our initial public offering in December 1991, we have increased the size and scope of our business, expanded our service offerings and diversified our client base and the markets we serve through strategic acquisitions and internal growth.  We expect to continue to pursue complementary acquisitions to expand our geographic reach and increase the breadth and depth of our service offerings to address existing and emerging markets.  In March 2004, we acquired Advanced Management Technology, Inc. (AMT), an engineering and program management firm that provides systems engineering, program management and information management services to federal government agencies.  As of January 2, 2005, we had approximately 7,700 full-time equivalent employees worldwide, located primarily in North America in approximately 330 locations.

 

We derive our revenue from fees from professional and technical services.  As a service company, we are labor-intensive rather than capital-intensive.  Our revenue is driven by our ability to attract and retain qualified and productive employees, identify business opportunities, secure new and renew existing client contracts, provide outstanding services to our clients and execute projects successfully.  Our income from operations is derived from our ability to generate revenue and collect cash under our contracts in excess of our subcontract costs, other contract costs, and selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expenses.

 

We provide our services to a diverse base of federal, state and local government agencies, commercial and international clients.  The following table presents the approximate percentage of our revenue, net of subcontractor costs, by client sector:

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

Client Sector

 

January 2,
2005

 

December 28,
2003

 

Federal government

 

42.6

%

41.0

%

State and local government

 

16.4

 

17.1

 

Commercial

 

38.8

 

40.2

 

International

 

2.2

 

1.7

 

 

 

100.0

%

100.0

%

 

13



 

We manage our business in three reportable segments: resource management, infrastructure and communications. Management established these segments based upon the services provided, the different marketing strategies associated with these services and the specialized needs of their respective clients.  Our resource management reportable segment provides engineering and consulting services relating primarily to water quality and availability, environmental restoration, productive reuse of defense facilities, and strategic environmental resource planning to both public and private organizations.  Our infrastructure reportable segment provides engineering, program management and construction management services for the additional development, upgrade and replacement of existing civil and security infrastructure to both public and private organizations.  Our communications reportable segment provides network planning, engineering, site acquisition and construction management services to telecommunications companies, wireless service providers and cable operators.

 

The following table presents the approximate percentage of our revenue, net of subcontractor costs, by reportable segment:

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

Reportable Segment

 

January 2,
2005

 

December 28,
2003

 

Resource management

 

59.4

%

59.8

%

Infrastructure

 

31.0

 

30.2

 

Communications

 

9.6

 

10.0

 

 

 

100.0

%

100.0

%

 

Our services are billed under three principal types of contracts:  fixed-price, time-and-materials, and cost-plus.  The following table presents the approximate percentage of our revenue, net of subcontractor costs, by contract type:

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

Contract Type

 

January 2,
2005

 

December 28,
2003

 

Fixed-price

 

36.4

%

34.2

%

Time-and-materials

 

45.4

 

42.6

 

Cost-plus

 

18.2

 

23.2

 

 

 

100.0

%

100.0

%

 

Contract revenue and contract costs are recorded primarily using the percentage-of-completion (cost-to-cost) method.  Under this method, revenue on long-term contracts is recognized in the ratio that contract costs incurred bear to total estimated costs.  Revenue and profit on long-term contracts are subject to revision throughout the lives of the contracts and any required adjustments are made in the period in which the revisions become known.  Losses on contracts are recorded in full as they are identified.

 

In the course of providing our services, we routinely subcontract services.  Generally, these subcontractor costs are passed through to our clients and, in accordance with industry practice and generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) in the United States, are included in revenue.  Because subcontractor services can change significantly from project to project, changes in revenue may not be indicative of our business trends.  Accordingly, we also report revenue, net of subcontractor costs, which is revenue less the cost of subcontractor services, and our discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations uses revenue, net of subcontractor costs, as the point of reference.

 

For analytical purposes only, we categorize our revenue into two types: acquisitive and organic.  Acquisitive revenue consists of revenue derived from newly acquired companies during the first 12 months following their respective acquisition dates.  Organic revenue consists of our total revenue less any acquisitive revenue.

 

Our other contract costs include professional compensation and related benefits, together with certain direct and indirect overhead costs such as rents, utilities and travel.  Professional compensation represents the majority of these costs.  Our SG&A expenses are comprised primarily of marketing and bid and proposal costs, as well as our corporate headquarters’ costs related to the executive offices, and corporate finance, accounting, administration and

 

14



 

information technology.  These costs are generally unrelated to specific client projects and can vary as expenses are incurred to support corporate activities and initiatives.

 

Our revenue, expenses and operating results may fluctuate significantly from quarter to quarter as a result of a number of factors, including:

 

      Unanticipated changes in contract performance that may affect profitability, particularly with contracts that are fixed-price or have funding limits;

 

      The seasonality of the spending cycle of our public sector clients, notably the federal government, and the spending patterns of our commercial sector clients;

 

      Budget constraints experienced by our federal, state and local government clients;

 

      Acquisitions or the integration of acquired companies;

 

      Employee hiring, utilization and turnover rates;

 

      The number and significance of client contracts commenced and completed during a quarter;

 

      Creditworthiness and solvency of clients;

 

      The ability of our clients to terminate contracts without penalties;

 

      Delays incurred in connection with a contract;

 

      The size and scope of contracts;

 

      Contract negotiations on change orders and collections of related accounts receivable;

 

      The timing of expenses incurred for corporate initiatives;

 

      Reductions in the prices of services offered by our competitors;

 

      Threatened or pending litigation;

 

      Changes in accounting rules; and

 

      General economic or political conditions.

 

We experience seasonal trends in our business. Our revenue is typically lower in the first quarter of our fiscal year, due primarily to the Thanksgiving, Christmas and, in certain years, New Year’s holidays that fall within the first quarter. Many of our clients’ employees, as well as our own employees, take vacations during these holidays.  This results in fewer billable hours worked on projects and, correspondingly, less revenue recognized.  Our revenue is typically higher in the second half of the fiscal year, due to weather conditions during spring and summer that result in higher billable hours.  In addition, our revenue is typically higher in the fourth quarter of the fiscal year due to the federal government’s fiscal year-end spending.

 

TREND ANALYSIS

 

General.  Results for the first quarter of fiscal 2005 reflect a change in trends we have seen over the last four quarters.  We experienced slight growth in our federal government business.  This was offset by a slight decrease in spending by state and local government clients, caused by budget constraints, and reduced capital spending by our commercial clients.  We continued to experience lower project margins as well as a decrease in revenue in our civil infrastructure and wired communications business areas without a corresponding decrease in

 

15



 

cost.  In fiscal 2004, management initiated an aggressive plan to improve future profitability.  During the first quarter of fiscal 2005, management continued to address this issue by improving our project management process and reducing the cost structure in the affected business areas.

 

Resource Management.  In the first quarter of fiscal 2005, our resource management segment was affected by a slowdown in spending by our federal government clients, due in part to the federal election cycle.  Our federal government clients accounted for $75.3 million and $83.1 million of this segment’s revenue, net of subcontractor costs, for the first quarters of fiscal 2005 and 2004, respectively.  We believe that our federal work will stabilize, particularly in the areas of water resources, environmental services and homeland security, and will be driven by our work for the Department of Defense (DoD) and Department of Energy (DOE).  We also expect a significant increase in our work with the U.S. Agency for International Development later in fiscal 2005.  Our resource management segment was also affected, to a limited extent, by decreased spending by our state and local government clients, which were adversely impacted by budget constraints and economic conditions that persisted during the first quarter of fiscal 2005.  Given the state and local budget conditions, we do not expect spending by these clients to increase until the second half of fiscal 2005. However, our commercial sector business improved for the first time in several quarters, from $43.8 million in revenue, net of subcontractor costs, in the first quarter of fiscal 2004 to $46.5 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2005.

 

Infrastructure.  Our infrastructure segment has a nearly equal balance of federal government, state and local government and commercial clients, which contributed approximately 31.3%, 31.0% and 36.5% to its revenue, net of subcontractor costs, in the first quarter of fiscal 2005.  We experienced a year over year decline in our organic revenue, net of subcontractor costs, in this segment due to the continuing state and local budget issues and resulting delays for school, water and transit infrastructure projects.  In addition, our commercial clients delayed their capital spending.  The revenue decrement had an adverse impact on our operating margins in our civil infrastructure business.  This resulted primarily from workforce overcapacity in anticipation of projects that were delayed and poor project management.  We will continue to reduce costs in overstaffed markets by closing or consolidating offices, reducing headcount and streamlining management.  We believe that our emphasis on project and contract management and on cost control will help us improve our margins.  However, we do not expect margin recovery in the civil infrastructure area until the second half of fiscal 2005.  The decline in our commercial and state and local government business was more than offset by the increase in our federal systems support and security work that resulted from our AMT acquisition.  We believe that federal government spending on these programs will remain constant throughout fiscal 2005.

 

Communications.  During the latter half of fiscal 2003, our communications segment began to experience revenue growth, which was driven principally by work on one large wireless communications project for Nextel Operations, Inc. (Nextel).  However, our wired communications business continued to show weakness in fiscal 2004 and the first quarter of fiscal 2005.  We experienced significant operating losses in the communications segment in fiscal 2004 and the first quarter of fiscal 2005, primarily due to contract concessions, cost overruns and workforce overcapacity.  We have continued to address these issues by renegotiating the Nextel contract in January 2005, implementing enhanced contract and project management controls and reducing costs.  In addition, our ongoing work under our Utah Telecommunications Open Infrastructure Agency (UTOPIA) contract will improve our market penetration and profitability in the wired communications business during fiscal 2005.

 

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

Overall, our results for the first quarter of fiscal 2005 are better than results for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2004.  As a result of the decline in our operating results in fiscal 2004, we undertook actions intended to enhance our future operations.  These included consolidating certain operations within the infrastructure and communications segments.  In the civil infrastructure and communications business, we reduced our headcount by approximately 400 full-time equivalent employees and closed seven offices in the first quarter of fiscal 2005.  In addition, we recorded charges for equipment write-downs and severance.  We have continued to implement our plan and expect to take actions requiring further charges to earnings in the future periods.

 

The results of operations for the first quarter of fiscal 2005 and 2004 are compared below at the consolidated and reportable segment levels.

 

16



 

Revenue

 

The following table presents revenue by reportable segment:

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

Change

 

 

 

January 2,

 

December 28,

 

 

 

 

 

2005

 

2003

 

$

 

%

 

 

 

($ in thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Resource management

 

$

217,062

 

$

214,296

 

$

2,766

 

1.3

%

Infrastructure

 

93,656

 

88,025

 

5,631

 

6.4

 

Communications

 

46,322

 

41,670

 

4,652

 

11.2

 

Segment total

 

357,040

 

343,991

 

13,049

 

3.8

 

Elimination of inter-segment revenue (1)

 

(8,698

)

(6,889

)

(1,809

)

(26.3

)

Revenue total

 

$

348,342

 

$

337,102

 

$

11,240

 

3.3

%

 


(1)  The inter-segment revenue is completely eliminated against our inter-segment subcontractor costs.

 

Our revenue for the first quarter of fiscal 2005 increased $11.2 million, or 3.3%, compared to the first quarter of fiscal 2004.  This increase was due primarily to the contribution of AMT.

 

Resource Management.  Compared to the first quarter of fiscal 2004, revenue in the first quarter of fiscal 2005 increased $2.8 million, or 1.3%.  The increase resulted primarily from the growth in water and water resources programs.

 

Infrastructure.  Revenue in the first quarter of fiscal 2005 increased $5.6 million, or 6.4%, compared to the first quarter of fiscal 2004.  Revenue grew approximately $18.3 million due to the acquisition of AMT, which provides systems support and security services to federal government clients.  This increase was substantially offset by a decline in state and local government revenue relative to civil infrastructure activities.

 

Communications.  Revenue in the first quarter of fiscal 2005 increased $4.7 million, or 11.2%, compared to the first quarter of fiscal 2004.  This increase was due primarily to the expansion of the Nextel wireless project, together with the growth of our wired project for UTOPIA.  The increase was partially offset by reduced contract activities in certain operations that were shut down.

 

Subcontractor Costs

 

Our subcontractor costs in the first quarter of fiscal 2005 increased $9.8 million, or 10.3%, compared to the first quarter of fiscal 2004 due primarily to the overall growth in revenue. We also experienced growth in program management activities on federal government contracts, which typically resulted in higher levels of subcontracting activities that are partially driven by government mandated set-aside requirements.  In addition, we experienced increased subcontractor costs in our communications business, in which we utilized significant subcontractor activities to complete the fieldwork.

 

Revenue, Net of Subcontractor Costs

 

The following table presents revenue, net of subcontractor costs, by reportable segment:

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

Change

 

 

 

January 2,

 

December 28,

 

 

 

 

 

2005

 

2003

 

$

 

%

 

 

 

($ in thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Resource management

 

$

144,290

 

$

144,526

 

$

(236

)

(0.2

)%

Infrastructure

 

75,421

 

72,979

 

2,442

 

3.3

 

Communications

 

23,386

 

24,200

 

(814

)

(3.4

)

Total revenue, net of subcontractor costs

 

$

243,097

 

$

241,705

 

$

1,392

 

0.6

%

 

17



 

Revenue, net of subcontractor costs, in the first quarter of fiscal 2005 increased $1.4 million, or 0.6%, compared to the first quarter of fiscal 2004, due primarily to acquisitive revenue, net of subcontractor costs, from AMT.

 

Resource Management.  Revenue, net of subcontractor costs, decreased $0.2 million, or 0.2%, in the first quarter of fiscal 2005, compared to the first quarter of fiscal 2004.  We experienced a decrease from federal government clients, particularly the DoD, that was partially offset by an increase from commercial clients.

 

Infrastructure.  Revenue, net of subcontractor costs, increased $2.4 million, or 3.3%, in the first quarter of fiscal 2005, compared to the first quarter of fiscal 2004.  This increase was attributable to AMT, which contributed $13.1 million in acquisitive growth, substantially all of which was from federal government clients.  This increase was partially offset by a decrease in our civil infrastructure business area, principally caused by reduced spending by state and local government clients.

 

Communications.  Revenue, net of subcontractor costs, decreased $0.8 million, or 3.4%, in the first quarter of fiscal 2005, compared to the first quarter of fiscal 2004.  This decrease was driven by our decision to shut down non-performing operations.

 

The following table presents the percentage relationship to revenue, net of subcontractor costs:

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

 

 

January 2,
2005

 

December 28, 2003

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenue, net of subcontractor costs

 

100.0

%

100.0

%

Other contract costs

 

83.1

 

80.2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gross profit

 

16.9

 

19.8

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses

 

10.4

 

9.9

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income from operations

 

6.5

 

9.9

 

Interest expense – net

 

1.0

 

1.0

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income before income tax expense

 

5.5

 

8.9

 

Income tax expense

 

2.2

 

3.6

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

3.3

%

5.3

%

 

Other Contract Costs

 

The following table presents other contract costs by reportable segment:

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

Change

 

 

 

January 2,

 

December 28,

 

 

 

 

 

2005

 

2003

 

$

 

%

 

 

 

($ in thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Resource management

 

$

117,469

 

$

117,358

 

$

111

 

0.1

%

Infrastructure

 

63,452

 

57,322

 

6,130

 

10.7

 

Communications

 

21,132

 

19,166

 

1,966

 

10.3

 

Total other contract costs

 

$

202,053

 

$

193,846

 

$

8,207

 

4.2

%

Other contract costs as a percentage of revenue, net of subcontractor costs

 

83.1

%

80.2

%

 

 

 

 

 
Other contract costs in the first quarter of fiscal 2005 increased $8.2 million, or 4.2%, compared to the first quarter of fiscal 2004, due primarily to an increase in revenue, net of subcontractor costs.  As a percentage of revenue, net of subcontractor costs, other contract costs were 83.1% in the first quarter of fiscal 2005 compared to 80.2% in the first quarter of fiscal 2004.  The percentage increase was due primarily to higher than expected costs in our infrastructure and communications segments.

 

18



 

Resource Management.  Other contract costs in the first quarter of fiscal 2005 increased $0.1 million, or 0.1%, compared to the first quarter of fiscal 2004.  This is consistent with the slight change in revenue.
 
Infrastructure.  Other contract costs in the first quarter of fiscal 2005 increased $6.1 million, or 10.7%, compared to the first quarter of fiscal 2004.  This increase was due primarily to the increased revenue and associated other contract costs related to the AMT acquisition.  The disproportionately higher other contract costs resulted from workforce and facility overcapacity as well as charges taken on certain projects.
 
Communications.  Other contract costs in the first quarter of fiscal 2005 increased $2.0 million, or 10.3%, compared to the first quarter of fiscal 2004, although we experienced a decrease in our revenue, net of subcontractor costs.  The increase in costs resulted from workforce and facility overcapacity.  In addition, the communications segment continued to incur more costs to complete certain loss projects.
 
Gross Profit
 
The following table presents gross profit by reportable segment:

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

Change

 

 

 

January 2,

 

December 28,

 

 

 

 

 

2005

 

2003

 

$

 

%

 

 

 

($ in thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Resource management

 

$

26,821

 

$

27,168

 

$

(347

)

(1.3

)%

Infrastructure

 

11,969

 

15,657

 

(3,688

)

(23.6

)

Communications

 

2,254

 

5,034

 

(2,780

)

(55.2

)

Total gross profit

 

$

41,044

 

$

47,859

 

$

(6,815

)

(14.2

)%

Gross profit as a percentage of revenue, net of subcontractor costs

 

16.9

%

19.8

%

 

 

 

 

 

Gross profit in the first quarter of fiscal 2005 decreased by $6.8 million, or 14.2%, compared to the first quarter of fiscal 2004.  This was caused by the disproportionate increase in other contract costs relative to the increase in revenue, net of subcontractor costs.  The decrease in gross profit was partially offset by the performance of AMT.  As a percentage of revenue, net of subcontractor costs, gross profit decreased to 16.9% in the first quarter of fiscal 2005 from 19.8% in the first quarter of fiscal 2004.  This decrease was attributable to poor project management and overcapacity in our infrastructure and communications segments.

 

Resource Management.  Gross profit in the first quarter of fiscal 2005 decreased $0.4 million, or 1.3%, compared to the first quarter of fiscal 2004.  This decrease was due primarily to increased costs on one fixed-price project as well as slightly lower revenue, net of subcontractor costs.

 

Infrastructure.  Gross profit in the first quarter of fiscal 2005 decreased $3.6 million, or 23.6%, compared to the first quarter of fiscal 2004.  This decrease was due primarily to overcapacity in headcount and facilities in our civil infrastructure business.  In the first quarter of fiscal 2005, we continued the process of consolidating our operations in this business area by closing or combining offices, reducing headcount and streamlining management.  This consolidation process is expected to continue through the second quarter of fiscal 2005, and our gross profit will depend on the speed of implementation of these changes.  This decrease in gross profit was offset by the performance of AMT.

 

Communications.  Gross profit in the first quarter of fiscal 2005 decreased $2.8 million, or 55.2%, compared to the first quarter of fiscal 2004.  This decrease was due primarily to project cost overruns and lower productivity.  Further, certain businesses within this segment entered into contracts outside their technical competency, which resulted in loss accruals in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2004.  These projects are continuing in fiscal 2005 at breakeven until completion.  As such, we will experience lower gross profit until these projects are completed.  As a result of continuing poor performance, we accelerated the consolidation of our operations, and this consolidation effort is expected to continue through the second quarter of fiscal 2005.

 

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Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

 

Our SG&A expenses in the first quarter of fiscal 2005 increased $1.3 million, or 5.4%, compared to the first quarter of fiscal 2004, due primarily to increases in the SG&A expenses associated with the acquisitions made in fiscal 2004.  In addition, we incurred significant costs in the first quarter of fiscal 2005 related to the implementation of our enterprise resource planning (ERP) system, the requirements of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (SOX) and the amendment of our debt agreements.  As a percentage of revenue, net of subcontractor costs, SG&A expenses increased to 10.4% in the first quarter of fiscal 2005 from 9.9% in the first quarter of fiscal 2004.  Our SG&A expenses will continue to vary as a percentage of revenue, net of subcontractor costs, as we continue implementation of our ERP system, comply with the requirements of SOX and enhance the efficiency of our administrative and back-office functions throughout our organization.

 

Income from Operations

 

The following table presents income from operations by reportable segment:

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

Change

 

 

 

January 2,

 

December 28,

 

 

 

 

 

2005

 

2003

 

$

 

%

 

 

 

($ in thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Resource management

 

$

14,500

 

$

14,869

 

$

(369

)

(2.5

)%

Infrastructure

 

4,102

 

8,117

 

(4,015

)

(49.5

)

Communications

 

(1,510

)

1,946

 

(3,456

)

(177.6

)

Segment total

 

17,092

 

24,932

 

(7,840

)

(31.4

)

Amortization of intangibles and other expense

 

(1,264

)

(991

)

(273

)

27.4

 

Total income from operations

 

$

15,828

 

$

23,941

 

$

(8,113

)

(33.9

)%

Income from operations as a percentage of revenue, net of subcontractor costs

 

6.5

%

9.9

%

 

 

 

 

 

Our income from operations in the first quarter of fiscal 2005 decreased $8.1 million, or 33.9%, compared to the first quarter of fiscal 2004. This decrease was primarily attributable to weakness in our civil infrastructure and communications businesses and increased SG&A, which was partially offset by the contribution from AMT.

 

Resource Management.  Income from operations in the first quarter of fiscal 2005 decreased $0.4 million, or 2.5%, compared to the first quarter of fiscal 2004, due to a slight increase in SG&A and a slight decrease in gross profit.

 

Infrastructure.  Income from operations in the first quarter of fiscal 2005 decreased $4.0 million, or 49.5%, compared to the first quarter of fiscal 2004, due to the decline in our civil infrastructure business. Income from operations was significantly affected by overcapacity in certain civil infrastructure operations. The overcapacity of personnel and leased facilities resulted in increased costs on continuing projects. In addition, we experienced lower profit rates on certain contracts due to work accepted under unfavorable terms. We continued actions to reduce capacity in the first quarter of fiscal 2005, and we expect to show profit margin improvement in the second half of fiscal 2005.

 

Communications.  We realized a loss from operations in the first quarter of fiscal 2005, which represented a decline of $3.5 million, or 177.6%, compared to the income from operations in the first quarter of fiscal 2004.  This decrease was partially due to recording of the Nextel project at breakeven.  In addition, the decline in our wired communications workload, together with increased contract costs and SG&A, resulted in continuing low profitability.  Management believes that proper operational controls and appropriate management changes have been implemented to address these problems during the remainder of fiscal 2005.  However, we remain cautious regarding our contract with Nextel as the costs to complete the project must be well managed in order to continue at or above breakeven.  In addition, we are currently unable to determine the potential impact of the proposed merger between Sprint and Nextel on this contract.

 

20



 

Net Interest Expense

 

Our net interest expense in the first quarter of fiscal 2005 increased $0.1 million, or 4.5%, compared to the first quarter of fiscal 2004.  This increase was due primarily to higher borrowings used in connection with the AMT acquisition and cash required for operations that were somewhat offset by lower variable interest rates on borrowings on our credit facility.

 

Income Tax Expense

 

Our income tax expense in the first quarter of fiscal 2005 decreased $3.2 million, or 36.9%, compared to the first quarter of fiscal 2004, due primarily to lower income before tax expense.  However, our effective tax rate increased from 40.0% in the first quarter of fiscal 2004 to 40.8% in the first quarter of fiscal 2005. The slight increase was primarily caused by the impact of non-deductible expenses relative to the lower pre-tax income in first quarter of fiscal 2005 compared to first quarter of fiscal 2004.

 

Net Income

 

Our net income in first quarter of fiscal 2005 decreased $5.0 million, or 63.8%, compared to the first quarter of fiscal 2004.  The decrease in the first quarter of fiscal 2005 resulted from significantly lower income from operations and slightly higher net interest expense, partially offset by lower income tax expense.

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources
 

Working Capital.  As of January 2, 2005, our working capital was $215.4 million, an increase of $70.6 million from $144.8 million as of October 3, 2004.  The increase was due primarily to the change in classification of borrowings under our revolving credit facility from a current liability to a long-term liability.  Cash and cash equivalents totaled $20.6 million as of January 2, 2005, compared to $48.0 million as of October 3, 2004.

 

Operating and Investing Activities.  In the first quarter of fiscal 2005, net cash of $43.0 million was used in operating activities and $9.8 million was used in investing activities, of which $6.0 million and $1.0 million were related to the AMT and Engineering Management Concepts, Inc. acquisitions. In the first quarter of fiscal 2004, net cash of $23.3 million was used in operating activities and $3.9 million was used in investing activities.

 

Our net accounts receivable increased $16.7 million, or 4.4%, to $391.3 million as of January 2, 2005 from $374.6 million as of October 3, 2004. A significant portion of this growth resulted from our contract with Nextel. This client accounted for approximately 18% of our accounts receivable as of January 2, 2005 and October 3, 2004. Under our Nextel contract, we cannot bill for our services until certain milestones are reached. In May 2004 and January 2005, the Nextel contract was amended to provide for improved payment terms based on milestone changes and improved pricing for certain services. In addition, we agreed to increase our workload. Accordingly, additional working capital was required to finance the growth in accounts receivable resulting from this increased workload.  Management expects that the contract changes will result in a lower accounts receivable balance over the next several quarters due to milestone related billings and collections. However, no assurance can be given that we will receive payments from Nextel within the expected timeframes.

 

Capital Expenditures.  Our capital expenditures for the first quarters of fiscal 2005 and 2004 were $3.3 million and $4.3 million, respectively. The decrease in the first quarter of fiscal 2005 was due primarily to the movement of the ERP project from the development phase, in which a majority of the project costs are capitalized, to an implementation phase, in which most project costs are expensed in the period in which they are incurred.  We estimate that the capitalized costs associated with the development of the ERP system, including hardware, software licenses, consultants and internal staffing costs, will be approximately $3.0 million during fiscal 2005.  Installation of the ERP software in our business units began in fiscal 2005.  As of the end of the first quarter, the system had been installed in two pilot operations representing approximately 6.1% of our overall revenue.  Implementation of the system in our remaining business operations will be phased in over the next three years.

 

Debt Financing.  We have a credit agreement with several financial institutions, which was amended and restated in July 2004 and further amended in December 2004 (Credit Agreement).  Under the Credit Agreement, we have a revolving credit facility (Facility) of up to $235.0 million.  As part of the Facility, we may request standby letters of credit up to the aggregate sum of $100.0 million. The Facility matures on July 21, 2009, or earlier at our discretion, upon payment in full of loans and other obligations.

 

21



 

As of January 2, 2005, borrowings under the Facility totaled $65.0 million, which were classified as a long-term liability assuming that we do not repay the Facility within the next 12 months.  In addition, standby letters of credit under the Facility totaled $12.7 million.  The available borrowing capacity under the Facility was $157.3 million as of January 2, 2005.

 

In May 2001, we issued two series of senior secured notes in the aggregate amount of $110.0 million (Senior Notes) under a note purchase agreement (Note Purchase Agreement). The Series A Notes, totaling $92.0 million with an interest rate of 7.28%, are payable semi-annually and mature on May 30, 2011. The Series B Notes, totaling $18.0 million with an interest rate of 7.08%, are payable semi-annually and mature on May 30, 2008.

 

As of January 2, 2005, the outstanding principal balance on the Senior Notes was $106.4 million. Scheduled principal payments of $16.7 million are due on May 30, 2005 and, accordingly, are included in current portion of long-term obligations. The remaining $89.7 million was included in long-term obligations as of January 2, 2005.

 

Borrowings under the Credit Agreement and Note Purchase Agreement are secured by our accounts receivable and the stock of certain of our subsidiaries. The Credit Agreement and the Note Purchase Agreement also contain restrictions including but not limited to, minimum net worth, fixed charge coverage and maximum leverage requirements, and restrictions on other indebtedness, asset sales, mergers and acquisitions, creation of liens and dividends on capital stock (other than stock dividends).  We were not in compliance with the fixed charge coverage and the maximum leverage ratio financial covenants as of October 3, 2004; however, we met all covenant requirements as of January 2, 2005.

 

Capital Requirements.  We expect that internally generated funds, our existing cash balances and borrowing capacity under the Credit Agreement will be sufficient to meet our capital requirements for the next 12 months.

 

Acquisitions.  In conjunction with our investment strategy, we continuously evaluate the marketplace for strategic acquisition opportunities. Historically, due to our reputation, size, geographic presence and range of services, we have been presented with numerous opportunities to acquire both privately-held companies and subsidiaries or divisions of publicly-held companies. Once an opportunity is identified, we examine the effect an acquisition may have on our long-range business strategy, as well as on our results of business operations. Generally, we proceed with an acquisition if we believe that the acquisition will have a positive effect on future operations and could strategically expand our service offerings. As successful integration and implementation are essential to achieve favorable results, no assurance can be given that all acquisitions will provide accretive results. Our strategy is to position ourselves to address existing and emerging markets. We view acquisitions as a key component of our growth strategy, and we intend to use both cash and our securities, as we deem appropriate, to fund such acquisitions. We may acquire other businesses that we believe are synergistic and will ultimately increase our revenue and net income. These businesses also perform work that is consistent with our short-term and long-term strategic goals, provide critical mass with existing clients, and further expand our lines of service. These factors contribute to a purchase price that results in a recognition of goodwill.

 

Inflation.  We believe our operations have not been, and, in the foreseeable future, are not expected to be, materially adversely affected by inflation or changing prices due to the average duration of our projects and our ability to negotiate prices as contracts end and new contracts begin. However, current general economic conditions may impact our client base, and, as such, may impact our clients’ creditworthiness and our ability to collect cash to meet our operating needs.

 

Recently Issued Financial Standards
 

In December 2004, the FASB issued a revision to SFAS No. 123 (revised 2004), Share-Based Payment (FAS 123R), that requires us to expense the value of employee stock options and similar awards. Under FAS 123R, SBP awards result in a cost that will be measured at fair value on the awards’ grant date, based on the estimated number of awards that are expected to vest. Compensation cost for awards that vest would not be reversed if the awards expire without being exercised. As a public company, we are allowed to select from three alternative transition methods – each having different reporting implications. The effective date for FAS 123R is the interim

 

22



 

period beginning July 1, 2005, and FAS 123R will apply to all outstanding and unvested SBP awards at our adoption date. We have not completed our evaluation of the effect of adoption of FAS 123R.  However, due to the fact that we use stock options as a form of compensation, the adoption of FAS 123R may have a significant financial impact on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

 

Financial Market Risks
 

We currently utilize no material derivative financial instruments that expose us to significant market risk. We are exposed to interest rate risk under our Credit Agreement. We may borrow on our Facility, at our option, at either (a) a base rate (the greater of the federal funds rate plus 0.50% or the bank’s reference rate) plus a margin which ranges from 0.0% to 0.5%, or (b) a eurodollar rate plus a margin. Once our outstanding borrowings exceed 50% of the total commitment of $235.0 million, we are charged a utilization fee of 0.125% in addition to the base rate and eurodollar rates. In addition, we pay a facility fee on the total commitment.

 

For periods before and beyond fiscal 2005, our margin on eurodollar borrowings ranges from 0.4% to 1.0% to the extent our total borrowings are less than 50.0% of the total commitment. For periods before and beyond fiscal 2005, our facility fee ranges from 0.225% to 0.375%. For fiscal 2005, our margin on eurodollar borrowings ranges from 0.525% to 1.250% to the extent our total borrowings are less than 50.0% of the total commitment. In fiscal 2005, our facility fee ranges from 0.35% to 0.50%.

 

Borrowings at the base rate have no designated term and may be repaid without penalty anytime prior to the Facility’s maturity date. Borrowings at a eurodollar rate have a term no less than 30 days and no greater than 90 days. Typically, at the end of such term, such borrowings may be rolled over at our discretion into either a borrowing at the base rate or a borrowing at a eurodollar rate with similar terms, not to exceed the maturity date of the Facility. The Facility matures on July 21, 2009 or earlier at our discretion upon payment in full of loans and other obligations.

 

Our outstanding Senior Notes bear interest at a fixed rate. The Series A Notes bear interest at 7.28% and are payable at $13.1 million per year commencing fiscal 2005 through fiscal 2011. The Series B Notes bear interest at 7.08% and are payable at $3.6 million per year commencing fiscal 2004 through fiscal 2008. If interest rates increased by 1.0%, the fair value of the Senior Notes could decrease by $3.3 million. If interest rates decreased by 1.0%, the fair value of the Senior Notes could increase by $3.4 million.

 

We currently anticipate repaying $18.7 million of our outstanding indebtedness in the next 12 months, of which $16.7 million is for scheduled principal payments on the Senior Notes and $2.0 million is related to other debt. Assuming we do repay the remaining $2.0 million ratably during the next 12 months and borrowings under the Facility remain at $65.0 million for the next 12 months, our annual interest expense could increase or decrease by $0.7 million when our average interest rate increases or decreases by 1%.  However, there can be no assurance that we will, or will be able to, repay our debt in the prescribed manner. In addition, we could incur additional debt under the Facility to meet our operating needs or to finance future acquisitions.

 

23



 

RISK FACTORS

 

Set forth below and elsewhere in this Report and in other documents we file with the SEC are risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from the results contemplated by the forward-looking statements contained in this Report.

 

Our quarterly operating results may fluctuate significantly, which could have a negative effect on the price of our common stock

 

Our quarterly revenue, expenses and operating results may fluctuate significantly because of a number of factors, including:

 

      Unanticipated changes in contract performance that may affect profitability, particularly with contracts that are fixed-price or have funding limits;

 

      The seasonality of the spending cycle of our public sector clients, notably the federal government, and the spending patterns of our commercial sector clients;

 

      Budget constraints experienced by our federal, state and local government clients;

 

      Acquisitions or the integration of acquired companies;

 

      Employee hiring, utilization and turnover rates;

 

      The number and significance of client contracts commenced and completed during a quarter;

 

      Creditworthiness and solvency of clients;

 

      The ability of our clients to terminate contracts without penalties;

 

      Delays incurred in connection with a contract;

 

      The size, scope and payment terms of contracts;

 

      Contract negotiations on change orders and collections of related accounts receivable;

 

      The timing of expenses incurred for corporate initiatives;

 

      Reductions in the prices of services offered by our competitors;

 

      Threatened or pending litigation;

 

      Changes in accounting rules; and

 

      General economic or political conditions.

 

Variations in any of these factors could cause significant fluctuations in our operating results from quarter to quarter and could result in net losses.

 

Downturns in the financial markets and reductions in state and local government budgets could negatively impact the capital spending of our clients and adversely affect our revenue and operating results

 

Downturns in the capital markets can impact the spending patterns of certain clients. Our state and local government clients may face budget deficits that prohibit them from funding new or existing projects. In addition, our existing and potential clients may either postpone entering into new contracts or request price concessions. The difficult financing and economic conditions are also causing some of our clients to delay payments for services we perform, thereby increasing the average number of days our receivables are outstanding. Further, these conditions may result in the inability of some of our clients to pay us for services that we have already performed. If we are not able to reduce our costs quickly enough to respond to the revenue decline from these clients, our operating results may be adversely affected. Accordingly, these factors affect our ability to forecast with any accuracy our future revenue and earnings from business areas that may be adversely impacted by market conditions.

 

24



 

The value of our common stock could continue to be volatile

 

Our common stock has experienced substantial price volatility. In addition, the stock market has experienced extreme price and volume fluctuations that have affected the market price of many companies and that have often been unrelated to the operating performance of these companies. The overall market and the price of our common stock may continue to fluctuate greatly. The trading price of our common stock may be significantly affected by various factors, including:

 

      Quarter to quarter variations in our financial results, including revenue, profits, day sales in receivables, backlog and other measures of financial performance or financial condition;

 

      Announcements by us or our competitors of significant events, including acquisitions;

 

      Resolution of threatened or pending litigation;

 

      Changes in investors’ and analysts’ perceptions of our business or any of our competitors’ businesses;

 

      Investors’ and analysts’ assessments of reports prepared or conclusions reached by third parties;

 

      Changes in environmental legislation;

 

      Investors’ perceptions of our performance of services in countries in which the U.S. military is engaged, including Afghanistan and Iraq;

 

      Broader market fluctuations; and

 

      General economic or political conditions.

 

Additionally, volatility or a lack of positive performance in our stock price may adversely affect our ability to retain key employees, many of whom are granted stock options, the value of which is dependent on the performance of our stock price.

 

We derive the majority of our revenue from government agencies, and any disruption in government funding or in our relationship with those agencies could adversely affect our business

 

In the first quarter of fiscal 2005, we derived approximately 59.0% of our revenue, net of subcontractor costs, from contracts with federal, state and local government agencies. Federal government agencies are among our most significant clients. These agencies generated 42.6% of our revenue, net of subcontractor costs, in the first quarter of fiscal 2005 as follows: 24.7% from the Department of Defense (DoD), 5.9% from the Environmental Protection Agency, 3.9% from the Department of Energy and 8.1% from various other federal agencies. A significant amount of this revenue is derived under multi-year contracts, many of which are appropriated on an annual basis. As a result, at the beginning of a project, the related contract may be only partially funded, and additional funding is normally committed only as appropriations are made in each subsequent year. Our backlog includes only the projects that have funding appropriated.

 

The demand for our government-related services is generally related to the level of government program funding. Accordingly, the success and further development of our business depends, in large part, upon the continued funding of these government programs and upon our ability to obtain contracts under these programs. There are several factors that could materially affect our government contracting business, including the following:

 

      Changes in and delays or cancellations of government programs, requirements or appropriations;

 

      Budget constraints or policy changes resulting in delay or curtailment of expenditures relating to the services we provide;

 

25



 

      The timing and amount of tax revenue received by federal, state and local governments;

 

      Curtailment of the use of government contracting firms;

 

      Competing political priorities and changes in the political climate with regard to the funding or operation of the services we provide;

 

      The adoption of new laws or regulations affecting our contracting relationships with the federal, state or local governments;

 

      Unsatisfactory performance on government contracts by us or one of our subcontractors, negative government audits or other events that may impair our relationship with the federal, state or local governments;

 

      A dispute with or improper activity by any of our subcontractors; and

 

      General economic or political conditions.

 

These and other factors could cause government agencies to delay or cancel programs, to reduce their orders under existing contracts, to exercise their rights to terminate contracts or not to exercise contract options for renewals or extensions. Any of these actions could have a material adverse effect on our revenue or timing of contract payments from these agencies.

 

Our failure to properly manage projects may result in additional costs or claims

 

Our engagements often involve large-scale, complex projects. The quality of our performance on such projects depends in large part upon our ability to manage the relationship with our clients, and to effectively manage the project and deploy appropriate resources, including third-party contractors and our own personnel, in a timely manner. If we miscalculate the resources or time we need to complete a project with capped or fixed fees, or the resources or time we need to meet contractual milestones, our operating results could be adversely affected. Further, any defects or errors, or failures to meet our clients’ expectations, could result in claims for damages against us. Our contracts generally limit our liability for damages that arise from negligent acts, errors, mistakes or omissions in rendering services to our clients. However, we cannot be sure that these contractual provisions will protect us from liability for damages in the event we are sued.

 

There are risks associated with our acquisition strategy that could adversely impact our business and operating results

 

A significant part of our growth strategy is to acquire other companies that complement our lines of business or that broaden our technical capabilities and geographic presence. We expect to continue to acquire companies as an element of our growth strategy. Acquisitions involve certain known and unknown risks that could cause our actual growth or operating results to differ from our expectations or the expectations of securities analysts. For example:

 

      We may not be able to identify suitable acquisition candidates or to acquire additional companies on acceptable terms;

 

      We compete with others to acquire companies which may result in decreased availability of or increased price for suitable acquisition candidates;

 

      We may not be able to obtain the necessary financing, on favorable terms or at all, to finance any of our potential acquisitions;

 

      We may ultimately fail to consummate an acquisition even if we announce that we plan to acquire a company;

 

26



 

      We may not be able to retain key employees of an acquired company which could negatively impact that company’s future performance;

 

      We may fail to successfully integrate or manage these acquired companies due to differences in business backgrounds or corporate cultures;

 

      If we fail to successfully integrate any acquired company, our reputation could be damaged. This could make it more difficult to market our services or to acquire additional companies in the future; and

 

      These acquired companies may not perform as we expect and we may fail to realize anticipated revenue and profits.

 

In addition, our acquisition strategy may divert management’s attention away from our primary service offerings, result in the loss of key clients or key employees, and expose us to unanticipated problems or legal liabilities, including responsibility as a successor-in-interest for undisclosed or contingent liabilities of acquired businesses or assets.

 

Further, acquisitions may also cause us to:

 

      Issue common stock that would dilute our current stockholders’ ownership percentage;

 

      Assume liabilities, including environmental liabilities;

 

      Record goodwill that will be subject to impairment testing and potential periodic impairment charges;

 

      Incur amortization expenses related to certain intangible assets;

 

      Lose existing or potential contracts as a result of conflict of interest issues;

 

      Incur large and immediate write-offs; or

 

      Become subject to litigation.

 

Finally, acquired companies that derive a significant portion of their revenue from the federal government and that do not follow the same cost accounting policies and billing practices as we do may be subject to larger cost disallowances for greater periods than we typically encounter. If we fail to determine the existence of unallowable costs and establish appropriate reserves in advance of an acquisition, we may be exposed to material unanticipated liabilities, which could have a material adverse effect on our business.

 

If we are not able to successfully manage our growth strategy, our business and results of operations may be adversely affected

 

We have grown rapidly over the last several years. Our growth presents numerous managerial, administrative, operational and other challenges. Our ability to manage the growth of our operations will require us to continue to improve our management information systems and our other internal systems and controls. In addition, our growth will increase our need to attract, develop, motivate and retain both our management and professional employees. The inability of our management to effectively manage our growth or the inability of our employees to achieve anticipated performance could have a material adverse effect on our business.

 

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

 

We account for most of our contracts on the percentage-of-completion method of accounting. Generally, our use of this method results in recognition of revenue and profit ratably over the life of the contract, based on the proportion of costs incurred to date to total costs expected to be incurred. The effect of revisions to revenue and

 

27



 

estimated costs, including the achievement of award and other fees, is recorded when the amounts are known and can be reasonably estimated. Such revisions could occur in any period and their effects could be material. The uncertainties inherent in the estimating process make it possible for actual costs to vary from estimates, including reductions or reversals of previously recorded revenue and profit, and such differences could be material.

 

Adverse resolution of an Internal Revenue Service examination process may harm our operating results or financial condition

 

We are currently under examination by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) for fiscal years 1997 through 2002. The major issue raised by the IRS relates to the $14.5 million of research and experimentation credits (R&E credits) that we recognized during the years under examination. The amount of credits recognized for financial statement purposes represents the amount that we estimate will be ultimately realizable. Should the IRS determine that the amount of R&E credits to which we are entitled is more or less than the amount recognized, we will recognize the difference and the change in our aggregate estimate as income tax expense in the period in which the determination is made.

 

The loss of key personnel or our inability to attract and retain qualified personnel could significantly disrupt our business

 

We depend upon the efforts and skills of our executive officers, senior managers and consultants. With limited exceptions, we do not have employment agreements with any of these individuals. The loss of the services of any of these key personnel could adversely affect our business. Although we have obtained non-compete agreements from certain principals and stockholders of companies we have acquired, we generally do not have non-compete or employment agreements with key employees who were once equity holders of these companies. We do not maintain key-man life insurance policies on any of our executive officers or senior managers.

 

Our future growth and success depends on our ability to attract and retain qualified scientists and engineers. The market for these professionals is competitive and we may not be able to attract and retain such professionals. We typically grant these employees stock options and a reduction in our stock price could impact our ability to retain these professionals.

 

If we do not successfully implement our new enterprise resource planning system, our cash flows may be impaired and we may incur further costs to integrate or upgrade our systems

 

In fiscal 2004, we began implementation of a new company-wide enterprise resource planning (ERP) software system, principally for accounting and project management. In the event we do not complete the project successfully, we may experience reduced cash flows due to an inability to issue invoices to our clients and collect cash in a timely manner. It is also possible that the cost of completing this project could exceed our current projections and negatively impact future operating results.

 

Our international operations expose us to risks such as foreign currency fluctuations, different business cultures, laws and regulations

 

During the first quarter of fiscal 2005, we derived approximately 2.2% of our revenue, net of subcontractor costs, from international clients. Some contracts with our international clients are denominated in foreign currencies. As such, these contracts contain inherent risks including foreign currency exchange risk and the risk associated with expatriating funds from foreign countries. In addition, certain expenses are also denominated in foreign currencies. If our revenue and expenses denominated in foreign currencies increases, our exposure to foreign currency fluctuations may also increase. We periodically enter into forward exchange contracts to mitigate such foreign currency exposures.

 

In addition, the different business cultures associated with international operations may not be fully appreciated before we sign an agreement, and thereby expose us to risk. Likewise, international laws and regulations, such as foreign tax and labor laws, need to be understood prior to signing a contract. For these reasons, pricing and executing international contracts is more difficult and carries more risk than pricing and executing domestic contracts. Our experience has also shown that it is typically more difficult to collect on international work that has been performed and billed.

 

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Our revenue from commercial clients is significant, and the credit risks associated with certain of these clients could adversely affect our operating results

 

In the first quarter of fiscal 2005, we derived approximately 38.8% of our revenue, net of subcontractor costs, from commercial clients. Among these commercial clients is Nextel Operations, Inc. (Nextel), which carried a receivable balance of approximately 17.8% of our accounts receivables as of January 2, 2005. We rely upon the financial stability and creditworthiness of these clients. To the extent the credit quality of these clients deteriorates or these clients seek bankruptcy protection, our ability to collect our receivables, and ultimately our operating results, may be adversely affected. Periodically, we have experienced bad debt losses.

 

As a government contractor, we are subject to a number of procurement rules and regulations and other public sector liabilities, any deemed violation of which could lead to fines or penalties or lost business

 

We must comply with and are affected by laws and regulations relating to the formation, administration and performance of government contracts. For example, we must comply with Federal Acquisition Regulations, the Truth in Negotiations Act, the Cost Accounting Standards and DoD security regulations, as well as many other rules and regulations. These laws and regulations affect how we do business with our clients and, in some instances, impose added costs on our business. A violation of these laws and regulations could result in the imposition of fines and penalties against us or the termination of our contracts. Moreover, as a federal government contractor, we must maintain our status as a responsible contractor. Failure to do so could lead to suspension or debarment, making us ineligible for federal government contracts and potentially ineligible for state and local government contracts.

 

Most of our government contracts are awarded through a regulated competitive bidding process, and the inability to complete existing government contracts or win new government contracts over an extended period could harm our operations and adversely affect our future revenue

 

Most of our government contracts are awarded through a regulated competitive bidding process. Some government contracts are awarded to multiple competitors, which increases overall competition and pricing pressure and may require us to make sustained post-award efforts to realize revenues under the government contracts. In addition, government clients can generally terminate or modify their contracts at their convenience. Moreover, even if we are qualified to work on a new government contract, we might not be awarded the contract because of existing government policies designed to protect small businesses and underrepresented minority contractors. The inability to complete existing government contracts or win new government contracts over an extended period could harm our operations and adversely affect our future revenue.

 

A negative government audit could result in an adverse adjustment of our revenue and costs, could impair our reputation and could result in civil and criminal penalties

 

Government agencies, such as the Defense Contract Audit Agency, routinely audit and investigate government contractors. These agencies review a contractor’s performance under its contracts, cost structure and compliance with applicable laws, regulations and standards. If the agencies determine through these audits or reviews that we improperly allocated costs to specific contracts, they will not reimburse us for these costs. Therefore, an audit could result in substantial adjustments to our revenue and costs.

 

Further, although we have internal controls in place to oversee our government contracts, no assurance can be given that these controls are sufficient to prevent isolated violations of applicable laws, regulations and standards. If the agencies determine that we or one of our subcontractors engaged in improper conduct, we may be subject to civil or criminal penalties and administrative sanctions, payments, fines and suspension or prohibition from doing business with the government, any of which could materially affect our financial condition. In addition, we could suffer serious harm to our reputation.

 

Our business and operating results could be adversely affected by our inability to accurately estimate the overall risks, revenue or costs on a contract

 

We generally enter into three principal types of contracts with our clients: fixed-price, time-and-materials, and cost-plus. Under our fixed-price contracts, we receive a fixed price irrespective of the actual costs we incur and,

 

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consequently, we are exposed to a number of risks. These risks include underestimation of costs, problems with new technologies, unforeseen costs or difficulties, delays beyond our control, price increases for materials, and economic and other changes that may occur during the contract period. Under our time-and-materials contracts, we are paid for labor at negotiated hourly billing rates and for other expenses. Profitability on these contracts is driven by billable headcount and cost control. Under our cost-plus contracts, some of which are subject to contract ceiling amounts, we are reimbursed for allowable costs and fees, which may be fixed or performance-based. If our costs exceed the contract ceiling or are not allowable under the provisions of the contract or any applicable regulations, we may not be able to obtain reimbursement for all such costs.

 

Accounting for a contract requires judgments relative to assessing the contract’s estimated risks, revenue and costs, and on making judgments on other technical issues. Due to the size and nature of many of our contracts, the estimation of overall risk, revenue and cost at completion is complicated and subject to many variables. Changes in underlying assumptions, circumstances or estimates may also adversely affect future period financial performance. If we are unable to accurately estimate the overall revenues or costs on a contract, then we may experience a lower profit or incur a loss on the contract.

 

Our backlog is subject to cancellation and unexpected adjustments, and is an uncertain indicator of future operating results

 

Our backlog as of January 2, 2005 was approximately $1.0 billion. We cannot guarantee that the revenue projected in our backlog will be realized or, if realized, will result in profits. In addition, project cancellations or scope adjustments may occur, from time to time, with respect to contracts reflected in our backlog. For example, certain of our contracts with the federal government and other clients are terminable at the discretion of the client with or without cause. These types of backlog reductions could adversely affect our revenue and margins. Accordingly, our backlog as of any particular date is an uncertain indicator of our future earnings.

 

The consolidation of our client base could adversely impact our business

 

Recently, there has been consolidation within our current and potential commercial client base, particularly in the telecommunications industry. Future consolidation activity could have the effect of reducing the number of our current or potential clients, and lead to an increase in the bargaining power of our remaining clients. This potential increase in bargaining power could create greater competitive pressures and effectively limit the rates we charge for our services. As a result, our revenue and margins could be adversely affected.  We are currently unable to determine the potential impact of the proposed merger between Sprint and Nextel on our Nextel contract.

 

If our partners fail to perform their contractual obligations on a project, we could be exposed to legal liability, loss of reputation and profit reduction or loss on the project

 

We occasionally perform projects jointly with outside partners in order to enter into subcontracts and other contractual arrangements so that we can jointly bid and perform on a particular project. Success on these joint projects depends in large part on whether our partners fulfill their contractual obligations satisfactorily. If any of our partners fails to satisfactorily perform their contractual obligations as a result of financial or other difficulties, we may be required to make additional investments and provide additional services in order to make up for our partner’s shortfall. If we are unable to adequately address our partner’s performance issues, then our client could terminate the joint project, exposing us to legal liability, loss of reputation and reduced profit or loss on the project.

 

Our inability to find qualified subcontractors could adversely affect the quality of our service and our ability to perform under certain contracts

 

Under some of our contracts, we depend on the efforts and skills of subcontractors for the performance of certain tasks. Our reliance on subcontractors varies from project to project. In the first quarter of fiscal 2005, subcontractor costs comprised 30.2% of our revenue. The absence of qualified subcontractors with whom we have a satisfactory relationship could adversely affect the quality of our service and our ability to perform under some of our contracts.

 

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Changes in existing environmental laws, regulations and programs could reduce demand for our environmental services, which could cause our revenue to decline

 

A significant amount of our resource management business is generated either directly or indirectly as a result of existing federal and state laws, regulations and programs related to pollution and environmental protection. Accordingly, a relaxation or repeal of these laws and regulations, or changes in governmental policies regarding the funding, implementation or enforcement of these programs, could result in a decline in demand for environmental services that may have a material adverse effect on our revenue.

 

Our industry is highly competitive and we may be unable to compete effectively

 

We provide specialized consulting, engineering and technical services in the areas of resource management, infrastructure and communications to a broad range of government and commercial sector clients. The market for our services is highly competitive and we compete with many other firms. These firms range from small regional firms to large national firms. Some of our competitors have achieved substantially more market penetration in certain of the markets in which we compete. In addition, some of our competitors have substantially more experience, financial resources and/or financial flexibility than we do.

 

We compete for projects and engagements with a number of competitors that can vary from one to 100 firms. Historically, clients have chosen among competing firms based on technical capabilities, the quality and timeliness of the firm’s service, and geographic presence. If competitive pressures force us to make price concessions or otherwise reduce prices for our services, then our revenue and margins will decline and our results from operations would be harmed.

 

Restrictive covenants in our Credit Agreement and the Note Purchase Agreement relating to our senior secured notes may restrict our ability to pursue certain business strategies

 

Our Credit Agreement and the Note Purchase Agreement relating to our senior secured notes restrict our ability to, among other things:

 

      Incur additional indebtedness;

 

      Create liens securing debt or other encumbrances on our assets;

 

      Make loans or advances;

 

      Pay dividends or make distributions to our stockholders;

 

      Purchase or redeem our stock;

 

      Repay indebtedness that is junior to indebtedness under our Credit Agreement and Note Purchase Agreement;

 

      Acquire the assets of, or merge or consolidate with, other companies; and

 

      Sell, lease or otherwise dispose of assets.

 

Our Credit Agreement and Note Purchase Agreement also require that we maintain certain financial ratios, which we may not be able to achieve. The covenants in these agreements may impair our ability to finance future operations or capital needs or to engage in certain business activities.

 

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Our services expose us to significant risks of liability and it may be difficult to obtain or maintain adequate insurance coverage

 

Our services involve significant risks of professional and other liabilities that may substantially exceed the fees we derive from our services. Our business activities could expose us to potential liability under various environmental laws and under workplace health and safety regulations. In addition, we sometimes assume liability by contract under indemnification agreements. We cannot predict the magnitude of such potential liabilities.

 

We obtain insurance from third parties to cover our potential risks and liabilities. It is possible that we may not be able to obtain adequate insurance to meet our needs, may have to pay an excessive amount for the insurance coverage we want or may not be able to acquire any insurance for certain types of business risks.

 

Our liability for damages due to legal proceedings may harm our operating results or financial condition

 

We are a party to lawsuits in the normal course of business. Various legal proceedings are currently pending against us and certain of our subsidiaries alleging, among other things, breach of contract or tort in connection with the performance of professional services. We cannot predict the outcome of these proceedings with certainty. In some actions, parties are seeking damages that exceed our insurance coverage or for which we are not insured. If we sustain damages that exceed our insurance coverage or that are not covered by insurance, there could be a material adverse effect on our business, operating results or financial condition.

 

We may be precluded from providing certain services due to conflict of interest issues

 

Many of our clients are concerned about potential or actual conflicts of interest in retaining management consultants. Federal government agencies have formal policies against continuing or awarding contracts that would create actual or potential conflicts of interest with other activities of a contractor. These policies, among other things, may prevent us from bidding for or performing government contracts resulting from or relating to certain work we have performed. In addition, services performed for a commercial or government client may create a conflict of interest that precludes or limits our ability to obtain work from other public or private organizations. We have, on occasion, declined to bid on projects because of these conflicts of interest issues.

 

Changes in accounting for equity-related compensation could impact the way we use stock-based compensation to attract and retain employees

 

In December 2004, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued a revision to Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) Statement No. 123 (revised 2004), Share-Based Payment (FAS 123R), that requires us to expense the value of employee stock options and similar awards. Under FAS 123R, shared-based payment (SBP) awards result in a cost that will be measured at fair value on the awards’ grant date, based on the estimated number of awards that are expected to vest. Compensation cost for awards that vest would not be reversed if the awards expire without being exercised. As a public company, we are allowed to select from three alternative transition methods – each having different reporting implications. The effective date for FAS 123R is the interim period beginning July 1, 2005, and FAS 123R will apply to all outstanding and unvested SBP awards at the our adoption date. We have not completed its evaluation of the effect of adoption of FAS 123R.  However, due to the fact that we use stock options as a form of compensation, the adoption of FAS 123R may have a significant impact on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

 

Compliance with changing regulation of corporate governance and public disclosure will result in additional expenses

 

Changing laws, regulations and standards relating to corporate governance and public disclosure, including the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, new SEC regulations and Nasdaq Stock Market rules, are creating additional disclosure and other compliance requirements for us. We are committed to maintaining high standards of corporate governance and public disclosure. As a result, we intend to invest appropriate resources to comply with evolving standards, and this investment may result in increased general and administrative expenses and a diversion of management time and attention from revenue-generating activities to compliance activities.

 

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Problems such as computer viruses or terrorism may disrupt our operations and harm our operating results

 

Despite our implementation of network security measures, our servers are vulnerable to computer viruses, break-ins and similar disruptions from unauthorized tampering with our computer systems. Any such event could have a material adverse effect on our business, operating results and financial condition. In addition, the effects of war or acts of terrorism could have a material adverse effect on our business, operating results and financial condition. The terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001 disrupted commerce and intensified uncertainty regarding the U.S. economy and other economies. The continued threat of terrorism and heightened security and military action in response to this threat, or any future acts of terrorism, may cause further disruptions and create further uncertainties. To the extent that such disruptions or uncertainties result in delays or cancellations of customer contracts, our business, operating results and financial condition could be materially and adversely affected.

 

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Item 3.            Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

 

Please refer to the information we have included under the heading “Financial Market Risks” in Item 2.  Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, which is incorporated herein by reference.

 

Item 4.            Controls and Procedures

 

Evaluation of disclosure controls and procedures.  Based on our management’s evaluation (with the participation of our principal executive officer and principal financial officer), our principal executive officer and principal financial officer have concluded that, as of the end of the period covered by this Report, our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)), were ineffective with respect to fiscal years 2001 through 2004 to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in Securities and Exchange Commission rules and forms.  As disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended October 3, 2004, we restated our financial statements for the fiscal years ended in 2001 through 2003.

 

Management continues to believe that a number of factors contributed to conditions that led to the need to restate prior years’ financial statements and, as a result, we concluded that a material weakness existed in our internal controls.  The principal factors contributing to this condition were the failure to properly apply generally accepted accounting principles in certain project and litigation related circumstances and insufficient coordination between accounting and operational personnel on project management and forecast disciplines.  Management has continued to make changes in our management and organization structure, and has continued to address some of the training issues related to project management and accounting and strengthen the accounting function and personnel in various operating units.  Until the balance of these changes is completed, the material weakness will continue to exist.  Management continues to believe that the changes necessary to fully remedy this weakness will be in place by the end of the second quarter of fiscal 2005.

 

Changes in internal control over financial reporting.  Other than as described above, there was no change in our internal control over financial reporting during our first quarter of fiscal 2005 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

 

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PART II.                OTHER INFORMATION

 

Item 1.            Legal Proceedings

 

We are subject to certain claims and lawsuits typically filed against the engineering and consulting profession, alleging primarily professional errors or omissions.  We carry professional liability insurance, subject to certain deductibles and policy limits, against such claims.  Management is of the opinion that the resolution of these claims will not have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

 

We continue to be involved in the contract dispute with Horsehead Industries, Inc., doing business as Zinc Corporation of America (ZCA). In April 2002, a Washington County Court in Bartlesville, Oklahoma dismissed with prejudice our counter-claims relating to receivables due from ZCA and other costs. In December 2002, the Court rendered a judgment for $4.1 million and unquantified legal fees against us in this dispute. In February 2004, the Court quantified the previous award and ordered us to pay approximately $2.6 million in ZCA’s attorneys’ and consultants’ fees and expenses, together with post-judgment interest.

 

We have posted bonds and filed appeals with respect to the earlier judgments. On December 27, 2004, the Court of Civil Appeals of the State of Oklahoma rendered a decision relating to certain aspects of our appeals. In its decision, the Court vacated the $4.1 million verdict against us.  In addition, the Court upheld the dismissal of our counter-claims. The Court has not yet ruled on the status of ZCA’s attorneys’ and consultants’ fees and expenses. Several legal alternatives remain available to both parties including appeals to the Oklahoma Supreme Court.  On January 18, 2005, both we and ZCA filed petitions for rehearing with the Oklahoma Court of Civil Appeals.  Although our legal counsel in these matters continues to believe that a favorable outcome is reasonably possible, final outcome of these matters cannot yet be accurately predicted. As a result, we continue to maintain the amounts recorded in our restated fiscal 2002 financial statements, consisting of $4.1 million in accrued liabilities relating to the original judgment, and a $2.6 million accrual for ZCA’s attorneys’ and consultants’ fees and expenses. Once the legal proceedings relating to ZCA are finally resolved, accruals will be adjusted appropriately.

 

Item 6.            Exhibits

 

The following documents are filed as Exhibits to this Report:

 

31.1

 

Chief Executive Officer Certification pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

31.2

 

Chief Financial Officer Certification pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

32.1

 

Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

32.2

 

Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

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SIGNATURES

 

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

 

Dated: February 11, 2005

TETRA TECH, INC.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Li-San Hwang

 

 

 

Li-San Hwang

 

 

Chairman of the Board of Directors and
Chief Executive Officer

 

 

(Principal Executive Officer)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ David W. King

 

 

 

David W. King

 

 

Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer

 

 

(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)

 

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