10-QPeriod: Q3 FY2019

COMFORT SYSTEMS USA INC Quarterly Report for Q3 Ended Sep 30, 2019

Filed October 24, 2019For Securities:FIX

Summary

Comfort Systems USA, Inc. (FIX) reported a strong third quarter and year-to-date performance ending September 30, 2019, driven by significant revenue growth, largely attributable to strategic acquisitions, most notably the Walker acquisition. Revenue for the quarter increased by 18.9% to $706.9 million, and for the nine-month period, it rose by 18.9% to $1.9 billion. This growth was supported by a healthy increase in backlog, which stood at $1.61 billion, up 28.2% year-over-year, indicating robust future demand. While gross profit saw an increase of 11.6% for the quarter, the gross profit margin slightly compressed to 20.2% from 21.5% in the prior year, partly due to lower margins on the acquired Walker business and amortization of backlog. Selling, General, and Administrative (SG&A) expenses also increased, reflecting investments in personnel and professional fees related to growth and acquisitions. Despite these pressures, the company maintained solid profitability, with operating income showing a modest increase for the quarter. The company's financial position remains strong, evidenced by a healthy free cash flow generation of $78.5 million for the nine-month period and a strong liquidity position.

Financial Statements
Beta

Key Highlights

  • 1Revenue surged by 18.9% to $706.9 million in Q3 2019 and by 18.9% to $1.9 billion for the first nine months of 2019, largely driven by the Walker acquisition and other acquisitions.
  • 2Backlog increased significantly by 28.2% year-over-year to $1.61 billion as of September 30, 2019, signaling strong future revenue potential.
  • 3Gross profit increased by 11.6% to $142.7 million for the quarter, though gross profit margin slightly declined to 20.2% from 21.5% in Q3 2018.
  • 4SG&A expenses increased by 19.5% to $90.0 million for the quarter, primarily due to investments in personnel and professional fees related to growth and acquisitions.
  • 5The company generated strong free cash flow of $78.5 million for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2019, a significant increase from $47.0 million in the prior year.
  • 6Total liabilities increased substantially to $909.8 million from $564.5 million primarily due to increased long-term debt and lease liabilities related to acquisitions and new lease accounting standards.
  • 7The company maintained a strong liquidity position, with $40.4 million in cash and cash equivalents and $173.4 million of credit available under its revolving credit facility as of September 30, 2019.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Walker acquisition, completed in April 2019, significantly contributed to revenue growth in the third quarter and the first nine months of 2019. It accounted for an 18.6% increase in Q3 revenue and a substantial portion of the overall revenue growth for the nine-month period. However, it also led to slightly lower gross profit margins and increased amortization expense, impacting overall profitability compared to prior periods on a same-store basis.

Comfort Systems USA's total debt increased significantly, largely due to increased borrowings on its revolving credit facility and notes to former owners, primarily to fund acquisitions like Walker. As of September 30, 2019, total debt was $242.0 million. Despite the increase in debt, the company maintains a strong liquidity position with $40.4 million in cash and cash equivalents and $173.4 million in available credit under its $400 million revolving credit facility, which expires in April 2023. The company was in compliance with all its financial covenants.

While revenue and gross profit increased, the gross profit margin experienced a slight compression in the third quarter of 2019, falling to 20.2% from 21.5% in the prior year. This was attributed to factors including lower margins on the Walker acquisition and backlog amortization. Selling, General, and Administrative (SG&A) expenses also rose by 19.5% due to investments in personnel and professional fees. The company is emphasizing cost discipline and efficient project performance, aiming to maintain solid profits despite these pressures.

The company expresses optimism for the remainder of 2019 and the first half of 2020, expecting strong industry activity to continue. Their focus is on cost discipline, efficient project execution, workforce development, and investing in growth, particularly in service and small projects. Based on current backlog and economic conditions, they anticipate revenue and net earnings to remain at favorable levels experienced since early 2018.