Construction Partners, Inc. Announces Fiscal 2020 Fourth Quarter and Year-End Results

Company Provides Fiscal 2021 Outlook

PR Newswire

DOTHAN, Ala., Dec. 11, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — Construction Partners, Inc. (NASDAQ: ROAD) (the “Company”), a vertically integrated civil infrastructure company specializing in the construction and maintenance of roadways across five southeastern states, today reported financial and operating results for its fourth quarter and fiscal year ended September 30, 2020.

Key Metrics:  Fiscal Year 2020 Compared to Fiscal Year 2019

–          Revenue was $785.7 million, up 0.3%

–          Gross profit was $122.2 million, up 3.6%

–          Net income was $40.3 million, down 6.5%

–          Adjusted EBITDA(1) was $98.4 million, up 6.6%

–          Adjusted EBITDA margin(1)was 12.5%, up 70 bps

Project backlog at September 30, 2020 was $608.1 million, compared to $531.6 million at September 30, 2019.

Charles E. Owens, the Company’s President and Chief Executive Officer, said, “We are pleased with our strong profitability in fiscal 2020.  Our successful year was primarily driven by our disciplined approach to productivity at the project level and bidding processes, effective utilization of crews and equipment, vertical integration synergies and lower fuel costs. While 2020 presented economic and business challenges, primarily stemming from the global pandemic, I am extremely proud of our employees and the organization’s resiliency.

Owens continued, “Heading into fiscal year 2021, our organization is well-positioned for continued growth. We see strength in the state funding programs across our geographic footprint, where the demand for road repair and maintenance are ongoing. We also have expanded with the acquisition of 13 hot-mix asphalt plants in the past 10 months, and we now operate 46 hot-mix asphalt plants, representing distinct markets across our five southeastern states. Based on this increased hot-mix asphalt plant coverage, sustained state funding programs, CPI’s backlog and near-term visibility of the business, we are initiating our fiscal 2021 outlook indicating strong growth in the coming year.”

(1) Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA margin are financial measures not presented in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”). Please see “Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures” at the end of this press release.

Fiscal Year 2021 Outlook

The Company announced its outlook for fiscal year 2021 with regard to revenue, net income and Adjusted EBITDA, as follows:

–  Revenue of $950 million to $1.0 billion

–  Net income of $42.0 million to $46.5 million

–  Adjusted EBITDA (1) of $109.0 million to $118.0 million

Ned N. Fleming, III, the Company’s Executive Chairman, stated, “Our management team and leaders across the company did an outstanding job of navigating through this incredibly difficult year. They remained focused on our strategy of profitable growth and effectively implemented new safety protocols as they managed disruptions from COVID-19. In addition, recent acquisitions demonstrate the Company’s position as a premier consolidator in a highly fragmented industry. We remain confident about organic and acquisitive growth opportunities as the team continues to execute on short- and longer-term strategies.”

Conference Call

The Company will conduct a conference call today at 9:00 a.m. Central Time to discuss financial and operating results for the quarter and fiscal year ended September 30, 2020. To access the call live by phone, dial (412) 902-0003 and ask for the Construction Partners call at least 10 minutes prior to the start time.  A telephonic replay will be available through December 18, 2020 by calling (201) 612-7415 and using passcode 13712186#. A webcast of the call will also be available live and for later replay on the Company’s Investor Relations website at www.constructionpartners.net.

About Construction Partners, Inc.

Construction Partners, Inc. is a vertically integrated civil infrastructure company operating across five southeastern states, with 46 hot-mix asphalt plants, nine aggregate facilities and one liquid asphalt terminal. Publicly funded projects make up the majority of its business and include local and state roadways, interstate highways, airport runways and bridges. The majority of the Company’s public projects are maintenance-related. Private sector projects include paving and sitework for office and industrial parks, shopping centers, local businesses and residential developments. To learn more, visit www.constructionpartners.net.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements contained herein that are not statements of historical or current fact constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. These statements may be identified by the use of words such as “may,” “will,” “expect,” “should,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “project,” “outlook,” “believe” and “plan.” The forward-looking statements contained in this press release include, without limitation, statements related to financial projections, future events, business strategy, future performance, future operations, backlog, financial position, estimated revenues and losses, projected costs, prospects, plans and objectives of management. These and other forward-looking statements are based on management’s current views and assumptions and involve risks and uncertainties that could significantly affect expected results. Important factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements, including, among others: our ability to successfully manage and integrate acquisitions; failure to realize the expected economic benefits of acquisitions, including future levels of revenues being lower than expected and costs being higher than expected; failure or inability to implement growth strategies in a timely manner; declines in public infrastructure construction and reductions in government funding, including the funding by transportation authorities and other state and local agencies; risks related to our operating strategy; competition for projects in our local markets; risks associated with our capital-intensive business; government requirements and initiatives, including those related to funding for public or infrastructure construction, land usage and environmental, health and safety matters; unfavorable economic conditions and restrictive financing markets; our ability to obtain sufficient bonding capacity to undertake certain projects; our ability to accurately estimate the overall risks, requirements or costs when we bid on or negotiate contracts that are ultimately awarded to us; the cancellation of a significant number of contracts or our disqualification from bidding for new contracts; risks related to adverse weather conditions; our substantial indebtedness and the restrictions imposed on us by the terms thereof; our ability to maintain favorable relationships with third parties that supply us with equipment and essential supplies; our ability to retain key personnel and maintain satisfactory labor relations; property damage, results of litigation and other claims and insurance coverage issues; risks related to our information technology systems and infrastructure; our ability to maintain effective internal control over financial reporting; risks from the COVID-19 pandemic, and the risks, uncertainties and factors set forth under “Risk Factors” in the Company’s most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and its subsequently filed Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q.  Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made.  The Company assumes no obligation to update forward-looking statements to reflect actual results, subsequent events, or circumstances or other changes affecting such statements except to the extent required by applicable law.

Contacts:

Rick Black / Ken Dennard
Dennard Lascar Investor Relations
[email protected]
(713) 529-6600

– Financial Statements Follow –


CONSTRUCTION PARTNERS, INC.


CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME


(in thousands, except share and per share data)


For the Three Months Ended
September 30, 


For the Fiscal Year Ended
September 30, 


2020


2019


2020


2019

Revenues

$    224,645

$    237,317

$    785,679

$    783,238

Cost of revenues

183,653

198,385

663,467

665,285


Gross profit

40,992

38,932

122,212

117,953

General and administrative expenses

(17,811)

(17,554)

(68,597)

(62,724)

Gain on sale of equipment, net

482

824

1,616

1,909


Operating income

23,663

22,202

55,231

57,138

Interest expense, net

(423)

(352)

(3,113)

(1,861)

Other income

379

120

336

416


Income before provision for income taxes and earnings from investment


in joint venture

23,619

21,970

52,454

55,693

Provision for income taxes

6,138

5,829

12,760

13,909

Earnings from investment in joint venture

71

412

603

1,337


Net income

$      17,552

$      16,553

$      40,297

$      43,121


Net income per share attributable to common stockholders:

Basic

$         0.34

$         0.32

$         0.78

$         0.84

Diluted

$         0.34

$         0.32

$         0.78

$         0.84


Weighted average number of common shares outstanding:

Basic

51,489,211

51,440,564

51,489,211

51,421,159

Diluted

51,673,510

51,457,906

51,636,934

51,427,220

 


CONSTRUCTION PARTNERS, INC.


CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS


(in thousands, except share and per share data)


 September 30, 


2020


2019


ASSETS

Current assets:

Cash and cash equivalents

$148,316

$  80,619

Contracts receivable including retainage, net

131,770

139,882

Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings on uncompleted contracts

7,873

12,030

Inventories

38,561

34,291

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

5,041

13,144

Total current assets

331,561

279,966

Property, plant and equipment, net

237,230

205,870

Operating lease right-of-use assets

7,383

Goodwill

46,348

38,546

Intangible assets, net

3,224

3,434

Investment in joint venture

198

496

Other assets

1,784

2,284

Deferred income taxes, net

386

1,173

Total assets

$628,114

$531,769


LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

Current liabilities:

Accounts payable

$  64,732

$  70,442

Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings on uncompleted contracts

33,704

31,115

Current portion of operating lease liabilities

2,046

Current maturities of long-term debt

13,000

7,538

Accrued expenses and other current liabilities

22,347

19,078

Total current liabilities

135,829

128,173

Long-term liabilities:

Long-term debt, net of current maturities

79,053

42,458

Operating lease liabilities, net of current portion

5,554

Deferred income taxes, net

14,003

11,480

Other long-term liabilities

8,480

6,108

Total long-term liabilities

107,090

60,046

Total liabilities

242,919

188,219


Commitments and contingencies

Stockholders’ Equity:

Preferred stock, par value $0.001; 10,000,000 shares authorized at September 30, 2020 and September 30, 2019 and no
shares issued and outstanding

Class A common stock, par value $0.001; 400,000,000 shares authorized, 33,875,884 shares issued and

outstanding at September 30, 2020, and 32,597,736 shares issued and outstanding at September 30, 2019

34

33

Class B common stock, par value $0.001; 100,000,000 shares authorized, 20,828,813 shares issued and

17,905,861 shares outstanding at September 30, 2020, and 22,106,961 shares issued and 19,184,009 shares outstanding at
September 30, 2019

21

22

Additional paid-in capital

245,022

243,452

Treasury stock, at cost, 2,922,952 shares of Class B common stock, par value $0.001

(15,603)

(15,603)

Retained earnings

155,721

115,646

Total stockholders’ equity

385,195

343,550


Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

$628,114

$531,769

 


CONSTRUCTION PARTNERS, INC.


CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS


(in thousands)


For the Fiscal Year


 Ended September 30, 


2020


2019


Cash flows from operating activities:

Net income

$  40,297

$43,121

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:

Depreciation, depletion and amortization of long-lived assets

39,301

31,231

Amortization of deferred debt issuance costs

170

109

Loss on derivative instruments

1,900

565

Provision for bad debt

705

995

Gain on sale of equipment

(1,616)

(1,909)

Equity-based compensation expense

1,570

957

Earnings from investment in joint venture

(603)

(1,337)

Distribution of earnings from investment in joint venture

540

Deferred income taxes

3,310

2,997

Other non-cash adjustments

(5)

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

Contracts receivable including retainage, net

7,407

(20,586)

Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings on uncompleted contracts

4,157

(2,696)

Inventories

(1,183)

(8,826)

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

8,103

993

Other assets

500

7,986

Accounts payable

(5,710)

6,932

Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings on uncompleted contracts

2,589

(7,623)

Accrued expenses and other current liabilities

3,086

2,117

Other long-term liabilities

655

248

Net cash provided by operating activities, net of acquisitions

105,173

55,274


Cash flows from investing activities:

Purchases of property, plant and equipment

(52,574)

(42,479)

Acquisition of liquid asphalt terminal assets

(10,848)

Proceeds from sale of equipment

3,041

4,456

Business acquisitions, net of cash acquired

(30,191)

(13,854)

Distributions received from investment in joint venture

361

2,500

Net cash used in investing activities

(79,363)

(60,225)


Cash flows from financing activities:

Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt, net of debt issuance costs and discount

72,299

Principal payments of long-term debt

(30,412)

(13,001)

Payment of treasury stock purchase obligation

(569)

Proceeds from sale of stock

3

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

41,887

(13,567)

Net change in cash and cash equivalents

67,697

(18,518)


Cash and cash equivalents:

Beginning of period

80,619

99,137

End of period

$148,316

$80,619


Supplemental cash flow information:

Cash paid for interest

$    2,041

$  2,639

Cash paid for income taxes

$    9,905

$  9,119

Cash paid for operating lease liabilities

$    3,228

$          –

Non-cash items:

Operating lease right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for operating lease liabilities

$    1,516

$          –

Property, plant and equipment financed with accounts payable

$    2,761

$     904

Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures

Adjusted EBITDA represents net income before, as applicable from time to time, (i) interest expense, net, (ii) provision (benefit) for income taxes, (iii) depreciation, depletion and amortization of long-lived assets, (iv) equity-based compensation expense, (v) loss on extinguishment of debt and (vi) certain management fees and expenses, and excludes income recognized in connection with a legal settlement between certain of the Company’s subsidiaries and a third party that did not directly relate to the Company’s business and that the Company does not expect to reoccur. Adjusted EBITDA Margin represents Adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of revenues for each period. Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA Margin are supplemental measures of our operating performance that are neither required by, nor presented in accordance with, GAAP. These measures should not be considered as an alternative to net income or any other performance measure derived in accordance with GAAP as an indicator of our operating performance. Management uses Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA Margin as key performance indicators, and we believe they are measures frequently used by securities analysts, investors and other parties to evaluate companies in our industry. These measures have limitations as analytical tools and should not be considered in isolation or as substitutes for analysis of our results as reported under GAAP.

Our calculation of Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA Margin may not be comparable to similarly named measures reported by other companies. Potential differences may include differences in capital structures, tax positions and the age and book depreciation of intangible and tangible assets.

The following tables present a reconciliation of net income, the most directly comparable measure calculated in accordance with GAAP, to Adjusted EBITDA, and the calculation of Adjusted EBITDA Margin for each of the periods presented:


Construction Partners, Inc.


Net Income to Adjusted EBITDA Reconciliation


Fiscal Year Ended September 30, 2020 and 2019


(in thousands, except percentages)


For the Fiscal Year Ended
September 30,


2020


2019

Net income

$  40,297

$  43,121

Interest expense, net

3,113

1,861

Provision for income taxes

12,760

13,909

Depreciation, depletion and amortization of long-lived assets

39,301

31,231

Equity-based compensation expense

1,570

957

Management fees and expenses (1)

1,403

1,252

Adjusted EBITDA

$  98,444

$  92,331

Revenues

$785,679

$783,238

Adjusted EBITDA Margin

12.5%

11.8%


(1) Reflects fees and reimbursement of certain out-of-pocket expenses under a management services agreement with SunTx Capital Partners, the Company’s controlling shareholder. 

 


Construction Partners, Inc.


Net Income to Adjusted EBITDA Reconciliation


Fiscal Year 2021 Outlook


(in thousands)


For the Fiscal Year Ending
September 30, 2021


Low


High

Net income

$42,000

$46,500

  Interest expense, net

2,500

2,700

  Provision for income taxes

14,000

15,600

  Depreciation, depletion and amortization of long-lived assets

47,600

50,200

  Equity-based compensation expense

1,570

1,600

  Management fees and expenses (1)

1,330

1,400

Adjusted EBITDA

$109,000

$118,000


(1) Reflects fees and reimbursement of certain out-of-pocket expenses under a management services agreement with SunTx Capital Partners, the Company’s controlling shareholder.

 

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SOURCE Construction Partners, Inc.