10-QPeriod: Q3 FY2001

QUANTA SERVICES, INC. Quarterly Report for Q3 Ended Sep 30, 2001

Filed November 14, 2001For Securities:PWR

Summary

Quanta Services, Inc. (PWR) reported financial results for the nine months ended September 30, 2001, with a notable increase in revenues driven by acquisitions and growth in electric power and gas services. However, the company experienced a decline in gross margins, largely due to increased pricing pressures and economic challenges within the telecommunications sector. Selling, general, and administrative expenses also rose, impacted by acquisition integration costs and a significant allowance for uncollectible accounts receivable related to the telecommunications industry. Despite revenue growth, net income decreased compared to the prior year, reflecting the pressures on profitability. The company's liquidity remains supported by its credit facility and operating cash flow, though it continues to actively pursue acquisitions. Investors should note the company's ongoing integration of acquired businesses and the potential headwinds from the telecommunications market downturn. The upcoming adoption of new accounting standards for goodwill and intangible assets (SFAS 142) will be a key area to monitor.

Key Highlights

  • 1Revenues increased by 22.6% to $1.53 billion for the nine months ended September 30, 2001, driven by acquisitions and strong performance in electric power and gas services.
  • 2Gross profit decreased by 7.7% to $110.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2001, with gross margin declining from 24.5% to 21.8% year-over-year, primarily due to challenges in the telecommunications segment.
  • 3Selling, general, and administrative expenses increased significantly by 48.5% for the nine months, including substantial provisions for uncollectible receivables and costs associated with personnel realignment.
  • 4Net income attributable to common stock decreased by 20.8% to $71.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2001, compared to the same period in 2000.
  • 5The company acquired seven businesses during the first nine months of 2001 for approximately $112.3 million in cash and 2.1 million shares of common stock.
  • 6Long-term debt increased, with borrowings under the credit facility, senior secured notes, and convertible subordinated notes forming a significant portion of the capital structure.
  • 7The company is subject to new accounting pronouncements, including SFAS 141 and SFAS 142, which will impact the accounting for business combinations and goodwill, respectively, beginning in 2002.

Frequently Asked Questions

Revenue growth for the nine months ended September 30, 2001, was primarily driven by acquisitions and strong performance in electric power and gas services. However, profitability was impacted by declining gross margins, largely due to increased pricing pressures and the economic downturn affecting the telecommunications sector. Selling, general, and administrative expenses also increased due to acquisition integration costs and a significant allowance for doubtful accounts in the telecom segment.

Quanta Services utilizes a $350 million credit facility, senior secured notes, and convertible subordinated notes to fund its operations and acquisitions. Operating activities generated $86.6 million in cash flow during the first nine months of 2001. The company anticipates that its current cash flow and credit facility will be sufficient for its needs over the next 12 months, but may seek additional financing if acquisition opportunities require it.

UtiliCorp, a significant stakeholder, had indicated an intention to consolidate Quanta's financial statements. The companies entered into standstill agreements restricting UtiliCorp's stock purchases and limiting Quanta's defensive measures. While the specific financial impact is not detailed in this report, the ongoing discussions and agreements highlight a potential strategic relationship or change in control dynamic that investors should monitor.

Yes, Quanta Services will be adopting new accounting standards in 2002. SFAS 141 requires all business combinations to be accounted for using the purchase method, and SFAS 142 will change the accounting for goodwill, no longer requiring amortization but rather annual impairment testing. The company is currently analyzing the impact of SFAS 142 on its financial statements, which could be significant given the large goodwill balance on its balance sheet.