UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
þ | Quarterly report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 For the quarterly period ended November 1, 2008 |
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 1-9065
ECOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENT, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
New York | 16-0971022 | |
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) | (IRS Employer Identification Number) | |
368 Pleasant View Drive | ||
Lancaster, New York | 14086 | |
(Address of principal executive offices) | (Zip code) |
(716) 684-8060
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)
Not Applicable
(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)
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 period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes þ No o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company (as defined in Exchange Act Rule 12b-2). (Check one):
Large accelerated filer | o | Accelerated filer | o | |
Non-accelerated filer (Do not check if a smaller reporting company) | o | Smaller reporting company | þ |
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes o No þ
At December 1, 2008, 2,423,761 shares of Registrant's Class A Common Stock (par value $.01) and 1,667,426 shares of Class B Common Stock (par value $.01) were outstanding.
PART 1
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements
Ecology and Environment, Inc | ||||||||
Consolidated Balance Sheet | ||||||||
Unaudited | ||||||||
November 1, | July 31, | |||||||
Assets | 2008 | 2008 | ||||||
Current assets: | ||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 12,547,729 | $ | 14,178,094 | ||||
Investment securities available for sale | 1,145,302 | 1,173,195 | ||||||
Contract receivables, net | 41,531,750 | 41,545,935 | ||||||
Deferred income taxes | 4,284,818 | 4,450,693 | ||||||
Income tax receivable | 15,556 | 15,556 | ||||||
Other current assets | 3,127,093 | 2,357,307 | ||||||
Total current assets | 62,652,248 | 63,720,780 | ||||||
Property, building and equipment, net | 7,751,411 | 7,873,248 | ||||||
Deferred income taxes | 2,269,127 | 2,386,424 | ||||||
Other assets | 1,588,226 | 1,621,144 | ||||||
Total assets | $ | 74,261,012 | $ | 75,601,596 | ||||
Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity | ||||||||
Current liabilities: | ||||||||
Accounts payable | $ | 7,831,055 | $ | 9,509,351 | ||||
Accrued payroll costs | 6,139,894 | 5,901,980 | ||||||
Income taxes payable | 1,051,624 | - | ||||||
Deferred revenue | 211,678 | 91,822 | ||||||
Current portion of long-term debt and capital lease obligations | 1,886,004 | 1,377,827 | ||||||
Other accrued liabilities | 9,336,904 | 9,968,490 | ||||||
Total current liabilities | 26,457,159 | 26,849,470 | ||||||
Income taxes payable | 2,734,788 | 2,734,788 | ||||||
Accrued interest and penalties | 2,192,997 | 2,111,988 | ||||||
Long-term debt and capital lease obligations | 396,559 | 481,757 | ||||||
Minority interest | 4,450,883 | 4,169,247 | ||||||
Commitments and contingencies (see note #9) | - | - | ||||||
Shareholders' equity: | ||||||||
Preferred stock, par value $.01 per share; | ||||||||
authorized - 2,000,000 shares; no shares | ||||||||
issued | - | - | ||||||
Class A common stock, par value $.01 per | ||||||||
share; authorized - 6,000,000 shares; | ||||||||
issued - 2,661,498 shares | 26,615 | 26,615 | ||||||
Class B common stock, par value $.01 per | ||||||||
share; authorized - 10,000,000 shares; | ||||||||
issued - 1,732,227 shares | 17,323 | 17,323 | ||||||
Capital in excess of par value | 19,759,507 | 20,014,257 | ||||||
Retained earnings | 21,139,022 | 19,664,147 | ||||||
Accumulated other comprehensive income | (137,669 | ) | 834,667 | |||||
Treasury stock - Class A common, 237,737 and 65,340 | ||||||||
shares; Class B common, 64,801 and 64,801 shares, at cost | (2,776,172 | ) | (1,302,663 | ) | ||||
Total shareholders' equity | 38,028,626 | 39,254,346 | ||||||
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity | $ | 74,261,012 | $ | 75,601,596 | ||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements. |
Consolidated Statement of Income | ||||||||
Unaudited | ||||||||
Three months ended | ||||||||
November 1, | October 27, | |||||||
2008 | 2007 | |||||||
Revenue | $ | 33,691,709 | $ | 25,646,546 | ||||
Cost of professional services and | ||||||||
other direct operating expenses | 14,174,913 | 10,785,721 | ||||||
Subcontract costs | 4,652,847 | 2,644,671 | ||||||
Gross profit | 14,863,949 | 12,216,154 | ||||||
Administrative and indirect operating | ||||||||
expenses | 8,056,096 | 7,388,112 | ||||||
Marketing and related costs | 3,240,696 | 2,963,213 | ||||||
Depreciation | 373,292 | 352,103 | ||||||
Income from operations | 3,193,865 | 1,512,726 | ||||||
Interest expense | (116,781 | ) | (121,181 | ) | ||||
Interest income | 77,189 | 140,018 | ||||||
Other expense | (28,852 | ) | (20,379 | ) | ||||
Net foreign currency exchange loss | (169 | ) | (744 | ) | ||||
Income from continuing operations before income | ||||||||
taxes and minority interest | 3,125,252 | 1,510,440 | ||||||
Income tax provision | 1,179,494 | 408,339 | ||||||
Net income from continuing operations | ||||||||
before minority interest | 1,945,758 | 1,102,101 | ||||||
Minority interest | (468,633 | ) | (601,187 | ) | ||||
Net income from continuing operations | 1,477,125 | 500,914 | ||||||
Loss from discontinued operations | (2,250 | ) | (465 | ) | ||||
Income tax benefit on loss from discontinued operations | - | 125 | ||||||
Net income | $ | 1,474,875 | $ | 500,574 | ||||
Net income per common share: basic | ||||||||
Continuing operations | $ | 0.36 | $ | 0.12 | ||||
Discontinued operations | - | - | ||||||
Net income per common share: basic | $ | 0.36 | $ | 0.12 | ||||
Net income per common share: diluted | ||||||||
Continuing operations | $ | 0.35 | $ | 0.12 | ||||
Discontinued operations | - | - | ||||||
Net income per common share: diluted | $ | 0.35 | $ | 0.12 | ||||
Weighted average common shares outstanding: basic | 4,080,197 | 4,164,570 | ||||||
Weighted average common shares outstanding: diluted | 4,158,844 | 4,218,712 | ||||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements. |
Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows | ||||||||
Unaudited | ||||||||
Three months ended | ||||||||
November 1, | October 27, | |||||||
2008 | 2007 | |||||||
Cash flows from operating activities: | ||||||||
Net income | $ | 1,474,875 | $ | 500,574 | ||||
Net income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax | (2,250 | ) | (340 | ) | ||||
Income from continuing operations | 1,477,125 | 500,914 | ||||||
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash | ||||||||
provided by (used in) operating activities: | ||||||||
Depreciation | 373,292 | 352,103 | ||||||
Deferred income taxes | 216,029 | (317,163 | ) | |||||
Share-based compensation expense | 117,246 | 84,906 | ||||||
Gain on disposition of property and equipment | (501 | ) | - | |||||
Minority interest | 468,633 | 601,187 | ||||||
Provision for contract adjustments | 45,281 | 14,660 | ||||||
(Increase) decrease in: | ||||||||
- contracts receivable, net | (1,193,971 | ) | 1,092,472 | |||||
- other current assets | (984,735 | ) | (398,335 | ) | ||||
- other non-current assets | 22,494 | 38,082 | ||||||
Increase (decrease) in: | ||||||||
- accounts payable | (1,286,668 | ) | (3,587,676 | ) | ||||
- accrued payroll costs | 364,779 | (1,196,493 | ) | |||||
- income taxes payable | 1,092,961 | 201,794 | ||||||
- deferred revenue | 119,856 | 8,551 | ||||||
- other accrued liabilities | (279,270 | ) | (1,525,652 | ) | ||||
- accrued interest and penalties | 81,009 | 107,000 | ||||||
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities | 633,560 | (4,023,650 | ) | |||||
Cash flows used in investing activities: | ||||||||
Purchase of property, building and equipment | (420,053 | ) | (270,407 | ) | ||||
Payment for the purchase of bond | (7,125 | ) | (21,069 | ) | ||||
Cash used in investing activities | (427,178 | ) | (291,476 | ) | ||||
Cash flows provided by (used in) financing activities: | ||||||||
Proceeds from debt | 622,726 | 10,254 | ||||||
Repayment of debt and capital lease obligations | (199,747 | ) | (168,490 | ) | ||||
Distributions to minority partners | (216,012 | ) | (236,922 | ) | ||||
Purchase of treasury stock | (1,832,123 | ) | - | |||||
Net cash used in financing activities | (1,625,156 | ) | (395,158 | ) | ||||
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents | (209,341 | ) | 134,845 | |||||
Discontinued Operations | ||||||||
Net cash used in discontinued operating activities | (2,250 | ) | (10,525 | ) | ||||
Net used in discontinued operations | (2,250 | ) | (10,525 | ) | ||||
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents | (1,630,365 | ) | (4,585,964 | ) | ||||
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period | 14,178,094 | 15,554,523 | ||||||
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period | $ | 12,547,729 | $ | 10,968,559 | ||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements. |
Consolidated Statement of Changes in Shareholders' Equity | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Unaudited | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Accumulated | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Common Stock | Capital in | Other | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Class A | Class B | Excess of | Retained | Comprehensive | Treasury Stock | Comprehensive | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Shares | Amount | Shares | Amount | Par Value | earnings | Income | Shares | Amount | Income | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance at July 31, 2007 | 2,661,498 | $ | 26,615 | 1,732,227 | $ | 17,323 | $ | 20,051,446 | $ | 22,211,098 | $ | 299,102 | 168,821 | $ | (1,692,496 | ) | $ | 5,582,403 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Cumulative effect of adopting FIN 48 | - | - | - | - | - | (2,845,845 | ) | - | - | - | - | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2,661,498 | $ | 26,615 | 1,732,227 | $ | 17,323 | $ | 20,051,446 | $ | 19,365,253 | $ | 299,102 | 168,821 | $ | - 1,692,496 | $ | 5,582,403 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net income | - | - | - | - | - | 1,834,386 | - | - | - | 1,834,386 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Foreign currency translation reserve | - | - | - | - | - | - | 536,446 | - | - | 536,446 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Cash dividends paid ($.36 per share) | - | - | - | - | - | (1,535,492 | ) | - | - | - | - | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Unrealized investment gain, net | - | - | - | - | - | - | (881 | ) | - | - | (881 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Repurchase of Class A common stock | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | 536 | (5,636 | ) | - | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Issuance of stock under stock award plan | - | - | - | - | (412,173 | ) | - | - | (41,094 | ) | 412,173 | - | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Share-based compensation expense | - | - | - | - | 339,625 | - | - | - | - | - | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Tax impact of share based compensation | - | - | - | - | 33,457 | - | - | - | - | - | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other | - | - | - | - | 1,902 | - | - | 1,878 | (16,704 | ) | - | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance at July 31, 2008 | 2,661,498 | $ | 26,615 | 1,732,227 | $ | 17,323 | $ | 20,014,257 | $ | 19,664,147 | $ | 834,667 | 130,141 | $ | (1,302,663 | ) | $ | 2,369,951 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Net income | - | - | - | - | - | 1,474,875 | - | - | - | 1,474,875 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Foreign currency translation reserve | - | - | - | - | - | - | (952,611 | ) | - | - | (952,611 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Unrealized investment gain, net | - | - | - | - | - | - | (19,725 | ) | - | - | (19,725 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Repurchase of Class A common stock | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | 207,941 | (1,832,123 | ) | - | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Issuance of stock under stock award plan | - | - | - | - | (376,176 | ) | - | - | (37,580 | ) | 376,176 | - | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Share-based compensation expense | - | - | - | - | 117,246 | - | - | - | - | - | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other | - | - | - | - | 4,180 | - | - | 2,036 | (17,562 | ) | - | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance at November 1, 2008 | 2,661,498 | $ | 26,615 | 1,732,227 | $ | 17,323 | $ | 19,759,507 | $ | 21,139,022 | $ | (137,669 | ) | $ | 302,538 | $ | (2,776,172 | ) | $ | 502,539 | ||||||||||||||||||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements. |
Ecology and Environment, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Summary of Operations and Basis of Presentation
The consolidated financial statements included herein have been prepared by Ecology and Environment, Inc., ("E&E" or the "Company"), without audit, pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission. The financial statements reflect all adjustments that are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair statement of such information. All such adjustments are of a normal recurring nature. Although E&E believes that the disclosures are adequate to make the information presented not misleading, certain information and footnote disclosures, including a description of significant accounting policies normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations. Therefore, these financial statements should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and the notes thereto included in E & E's 2008 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The results of operations for the three months ended November 1, 2008 are not necessarily indicative of the results for any subsequent period or the entire fiscal year ending July 31, 2009.
1. | Summary of Significant Accounting Policies |
a. | Consolidation |
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly owned and majority owned subsidiaries. Also reflected in the financial statements is the 50% ownership in the Chinese operating joint venture, The Tianjin Green Engineering Company. This joint venture is accounted for under the equity method. All significant intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated. |
b. | Use of Estimates |
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results may differ from those estimates. |
c. | Reclassifications |
Certain prior year amounts were reclassified to conform to the 2009 financial statement presentation.
d. | Revenue Recognition |
The majority of the Company's revenue is derived from environmental consulting work, with the balance derived from aquaculture. The consulting revenue is principally derived from the sale of labor hours. The consulting work is performed under a mix of fixed price, cost-type, and time and material contracts. Contracts are required from all customers. Revenue is recognized as follows: |
Contract Type | Work Type | Revenue Recognition Policy |
Fixed Price | Consulting | Percentage of completion, approximating the ratio of total costs incurred to date to total estimated costs. |
Cost-type | Consulting | Costs as incurred. Fixed fee portion is recognized using percentage of completion determined by the percentage of level of effort (LOE) hours incurred to total LOE hours in the respective contracts. |
Time and Materials | Consulting | As incurred at contract rates. |
Substantially all of the Company's cost-type work is with federal governmental agencies and, as such, is subject to audits after contract completion. Under these cost-type contracts, provisions for adjustments to accrued revenue are recognized on an annual basis and based on past audit settlement history. Government audits have been completed and final rates have been negotiated through fiscal year 2001. The balance in the allowance for contract adjustments accounts principally represents a reserve for contract adjustments for the fiscal years 1996-2009.
We reduce our accounts receivable and costs and accrued earnings in excess of billings on contracts in process by establishing an allowance for amounts that, in the future, may become uncollectible or unrealizable, respectively. We determine our estimated allowance for uncollectible amounts based on management’s judgments regarding our operating performance related to the adequacy of the services performed, the status of change orders and claims, our experience settling change orders and claims and the financial condition of our clients, which may be dependent on the type of client and current economic conditions that the client may be subject to.
Change orders can occur when changes in scope are made after project work has begun, and can be initiated by either the Company or its clients. Claims are amounts in excess of the agreed contract price which the Company seeks to recover from a client for customer delays and / or errors or unapproved change orders that are in dispute. Costs related to change orders and claims are recognized as incurred. Revenues are recognized on change orders (including profit) when it is probable that the change order will be approved and the amount can be reasonably estimated. Revenue on claims is not recognized until the claim is approved by the customer.
All bid and proposal and other pre-contract costs are expensed as incurred. Out of pocket expenses such as travel, meals, field supplies, and other costs billed direct to contracts are included in both revenues and cost of professional services.
e. | Investment securities |
Investment securities have been classified as available for sale and are stated at estimated fair value. Unrealized gains or losses related to investment securities available for sale are reflected in accumulated other comprehensive income, net of applicable income taxes in the consolidated balance sheet and statement of changes in shareholders' equity. The cost of securities sold is based on the specific identification method. Effective August 1, 2008, the Company has adopted the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Statement No. 157, “Fair Value Measurement” (SFAS 157). The methodologies used to calculate the fair value of the investments held within the Company’s portfolio qualify under the Level 1 measurement requirements of SFAS 157.
f. | Translation of Foreign Currencies |
The financial statements of foreign subsidiaries where the local currency is the functional currency are translated into U.S. dollars using exchange rates in effect at period end for assets and liabilities and average exchange rates during each reporting period for results of operations. Translation adjustments are deferred in accumulated other comprehensive income.
The financial statements of foreign subsidiaries located in highly inflationary economies are remeasured as if the functional currency were the U.S. dollar. The remeasurement of local currencies into U.S. dollars creates transaction adjustments which are included in net income. There were no highly inflationary economy translation adjustments for fiscal years 2008-2009.
g. | Income Taxes |
The Company follows the asset and liability approach to account for income taxes. This approach requires the recognition of deferred tax liabilities and assets for the expected future tax consequences of temporary differences between the carrying amounts and the tax bases of assets and liabilities. Although realization is not assured, management believes it is more likely than not that the recorded net deferred tax assets will be realized. Since in some cases management has utilized estimates, the amount of the net deferred tax asset considered realizable could be reduced in the near term. No provision has been made for United States income taxes applicable to undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries as it is the intention of the Company to indefinitely reinvest those earnings in the operations of those entities.
Income tax expense includes U.S. and international income taxes, determined using an estimate of the Company’s annual effective tax rate. A deferred tax liability is recognized for all taxable temporary differences, and a deferred tax asset is recognized for all deductible temporary differences and net operating loss carryforwards.
The Company has significant deferred tax assets, resulting principally from contract reserves, fixed assets and domestic net operating loss carryforwards (“NOLs”). As required by FAS 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes” the Company periodically evaluates the likelihood of realization of deferred tax assets, and has determined that no valuation allowance is presently necessary.
In July of 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Interpretation No. 48 (FIN 48), an interpretation of FAS 109. FIN 48 clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes and reduces the diversity in current practice associated with the financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return by defining a “more-likely-than-not” threshold regarding the sustainability of the position. The Company adopted FIN 48 beginning August 1, 2007.
The estimated effective tax rate for fiscal year 2009 is 37.7%, down from the 38.0% reported for fiscal year 2008.
h. | Earnings Per Share (EPS) |
Basic EPS is computed by dividing continuing and discontinued operating income available to common shareholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted EPS reflects the potential dilution that would occur if securities or other contracts to issue common stock were exercised or converted into common stock or resulted in the issuance of common stock that then shared in the earnings of the Company. See Footnote No. 8.
i. | Impairment of Long-Lived Assets |
The Company accounts for impairment of long-lived assets in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 144 "Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets." SFAS No. 144 requires that long-lived assets be reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the book value of the asset may not be recoverable. The Company assesses recoverability of the carrying value of the asset by estimating the future net cash flows (undiscounted) expected to result from the asset, including eventual disposition. If the future net cash flows are less than the carrying value of the asset, an impairment loss is recorded equal to the difference between the asset's carrying value and fair value.
j. | Cash and Cash Equivalents |
For purposes of the consolidated statement of cash flows, the Company considers all highly liquid instruments purchased with a maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents. Cash paid for interest was approximately $36,000 and $50,000 for the first three months of fiscal year 2009 and 2008, respectively. Cash paid for income taxes was approximately $88,000 and $39,000 for the first three months of fiscal year 2009 and 2008, respectively. Additionally in the first quarter of fiscal year 2008, Gustavson Associates LLC purchased from minority unit holder, Prospect Resources, their remaining 50 ownership units. Prospect was paid $466,708 for its units with 25% of the amount paid in cash, and the assumption of a $350,000 three year note with a six percent annualized interest rate.
k. | Goodwill |
During the first quarter of fiscal year 2008, additional goodwill of $256,000 was recorded as a result of the purchase of additional shares of Gustavson Associates LLC. The total goodwill of approximately $1.1 million is subject to an annual assessment for impairment.
2. | Contract Receivables, net |
November 1, 2008 | July 31, 2008 | |||||||
United States government - | ||||||||
Billed | $ | 3,212,957 | $ | 3,431,437 | ||||
Unbilled | 3,611,895 | 2,669,211 | ||||||
6,824,852 | 6,100,648 | |||||||
Industrial customers and state and municipal governments - | ||||||||
Billed | 20,514,009 | 20,811,500 | ||||||
Unbilled | 16,283,888 | 16,690,360 | ||||||
36,797,897 | 37,501,860 | |||||||
Less allowance for doubtful accounts and contract adjustments | (2,090,999 | ) | (2,056,573 | ) | ||||
$ | 41,531,750 | $ | 41,545,935 |
United States government receivables arise from long-term U.S. government prime contracts and subcontracts. Unbilled receivables result from revenues which have been earned, but are not billed as of period-end. The above unbilled balances are comprised of incurred costs plus fees not yet processed and billed; and differences between year-to-date provisional billings and year-to-date actual contract costs incurred. Within the above billed balances are contractual retainages in the amount of approximately $281,000 at November 1, 2008 and $290,000 at July 31, 2008. Management anticipates that the November 1, 2008 retainage balance will be substantially collected within one year. Included in the balance of receivables for industrial customers and state and municipal customers are receivables, net of subcontract costs, due under the contracts in Saudi Arabia and Kuwait of $3.2 million at November 1, 2008 and $3.5 million at July 31, 2008.
Included in other accrued liabilities is an additional allowance for contract adjustments relating to potential cost disallowances on amounts billed and collected in current and prior years' projects of approximately $4.0 million at November 1, 2008 and July 31, 2008. Also included in other accrued liabilities is a reclassification of billings in excess of recognized revenues of approximately $4.1 million at November 1, 2008 and $4.6 million at July 31, 2008. The allowance for contract adjustments is recorded for contract disputes and government audits when the amounts are estimatable.
3. | Line of Credit |
The Company maintains unsecured lines of credit available for working capital and letters of credit of $20 million with various banks at one-half percent below the prevailing prime rate. Other lines are available solely for letters of credit in the amount of $18.5 million. The Brazilian subsidiary in July 2008 borrowed $1 million under a four month term note at 5.19% annualized interest rate. The Company guarantees both the Brazilian term note and the Walsh Environmental line of credit. The banks have recently reaffirmed the Company’s lines of credit. At November 1, 2008 and July 31, 2008 the company had letters of credit outstanding totaling approximately $1.2 million. At November 1, 2008 and July 31, 2008 there was $1.0 million of borrowings from the Brazilian subsidiary for working capital. After letters of credit and loans, there was $37.0 million of line still available at November 1, 2008. The Company believes that cash flows from operations and borrowings against the line of credit will be sufficient to cover all working capital requirements for at least the next twelve months and the foreseeable future.
4. | Long-Term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations |
Debt inclusive of capital lease obligations at November 1, 2008 and July 31, 2008 consists of the following:
November 1, 2008 | July 31, 2008 | |||||||
Various bank loans and advances at interest rates ranging from 5% to 14% | $ | 2,048,021 | $ | 1,702,392 | ||||
Capital lease obligations at varying interest rates averaging 11% | 234,542 | 157,192 | ||||||
2,282,563 | 1,859,584 | |||||||
Less: current portion of debt and capital lease obligations | (1,886,004 | ) | (1,377,827 | ) | ||||
Long-term debt and capital lease obligations | $ | 396,559 | $ | 481,757 |
The aggregate maturities of long-term debt and capital lease obligations at November 1, 2008 are as follows:
Amount | ||||
Nov 2008 – Oct 2009 | $ | 1,886,004 | ||
Nov 2009 – Oct 2010 | 235,279 | |||
Nov 2010 – Oct 2011 | 76,607 | |||
Nov 2011 – Oct 2012 | 31,234 | |||
Nov 2012 – Oct 2013 | 33,160 | |||
Thereafter | 20,279 | |||
$ | 2,282,563 |
5. | Stock Award Plan |
The 2003 Stock Award Plan (the "2003 Plan") was approved by the shareholders at the annual meeting held in January 2004 (the 1998 Plan and the 2003 Plan collectively referred to as the "Award Plan"). The 2003 Plan was approved retroactive to October 16, 2003 and terminated on October 15, 2008. Under the Award Plan key employees (including officers) of the Company or any of its present or future subsidiaries may be designated to received awards of Class A
Common stock of the Company as a bonus for services rendered to the Company or its subsidiaries, without payment therefore, based upon the fair market value of the Company stock at the time of the award. The Award Plan authorizes the Company's board of directors to determine for what period of time and under what circumstances awards can be forfeited.
The Company awarded 37,580 shares valued at $414,507 in October 2008 pursuant to the Award Plan. These awards issued have a three year vesting period. The "pool" of excess tax benefits accumulated in Capital in Excess of Par Value at November 1, 2008 and July 31, 2008 was $122,000. Total gross compensation expense is recognized over the vesting period. Unrecognized compensation expense was approximately $785,000 and $496,000 at November 1, 2008 and July 31, 2008, respectively.
6. | Shareholders' Equity |
Class A and Class B common stock
The relative rights, preferences and limitations of the Company's Class A and Class B common stock can be summarized as follows: Holders of Class A shares are entitled to elect 25% of the Board of Directors so long as the number of outstanding Class A shares is at least 10% of the combined total number of outstanding Class A and Class B common shares. Holders of Class A common shares have one-tenth the voting power of Class B common shares with respect to most other matters.
In addition, Class A shares are eligible to receive dividends in excess of (and not less than) those paid to holders of Class B shares. Holders of Class B shares have the option to convert at any time, each share of Class B common stock into one share of Class A common stock. Upon sale or transfer, shares of Class B common stock will automatically convert into an equal number of shares of Class A common stock, except that sales or transfers of Class B common stock to an existing holder of Class B common stock or to an immediate family member will not cause such shares to automatically convert into Class A common stock.
7. | Shareholders' Equity - Restrictive Agreement |
Messrs. Gerhard J. Neumaier, Frank B. Silvestro, Ronald L. Frank and Gerald A. Strobel entered into a Stockholders' Agreement in 1970 which governs the sale of certain shares of common stock owned by them, the former spouse of one of the individuals and some of their children. The agreement provides that prior to accepting a bona fide offer to purchase all or any part of their shares, each party must first allow the other members to the agreement the opportunity to acquire on a pro rata basis, with right of over-allotment, all of such shares covered by the offer on the same terms and conditions proposed by the offer.
8. | Earnings Per Share |
The computation of basic earnings per share reconciled to diluted earnings per share follows:
Three Months Ended | ||||||||
November 1, 2008 | October 27, 2007 | |||||||
Income from continuing operations available to common stockholders | $ | 1,477,125 | $ | 500,914 | ||||
Loss from discontinued operations available to common stockholders | (2,250 | ) | (340 | ) | ||||
Total income available to common stockholders | 1,474,875 | 500,574 | ||||||
Weighted-average common shares outstanding (basic) | 4,080,197 | 4,164,570 | ||||||
Basic earnings per share: | ||||||||
Continuing operations | $ | .36 | $ | .12 | ||||
Discontinued operations | --- | --- | ||||||
Total basic earnings per share | $ | .36 | $ | .12 | ||||
Incremental shares from assumed conversions of restricted stock awards | 78,647 | 54,142 | ||||||
Adjusted weighted-average common shares outstanding | 4,158,844 | 4,218,712 | ||||||
Diluted earnings per share: | ||||||||
Continuing operations | $ | .35 | $ | .12 | ||||
Discontinued operations | --- | --- | ||||||
Total diluted earnings per share | $ | .35 | $ | .12 |
After consideration of all the rights and privileges of the Class A and Class B stockholders discussed in Note 9, in particular the right of the holders of the Class B common stock to elect no less than 75% of the Board of Directors making it highly unlikely that the Company will pay a dividend on Class A common stock in excess of Class B common stock, the Company allocates undistributed earnings between the classes on a one-to-one basis when computing earnings per share. As a result, basic and fully diluted earnings per Class A and Class B share are equal amounts.
9. | Commitments and Contingencies |
From time to time, the Company is named defendant in legal actions arising out of the normal course of business. The Company is not a party to any pending legal proceeding the resolution of which the management of the Company believes will have a material adverse effect on the Company’s results of operations, financial condition, cash flows, or to any other pending legal proceedings other than ordinary, routine litigation incidental to its business. The Company maintains liability insurance against risks arising out of the normal course of business.
Certain contracts contain termination provisions under which the customer may, without penalty, terminate the contracts upon written notice to the Company. In the event of termination, the Company would be paid only termination costs in accordance with the particular contract. Generally, termination costs include unpaid costs incurred to date, earned fees and any additional costs directly allocable to the termination.
10. | Recent Accounting Pronouncements |
In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS 157, which established a framework for measuring fair value under generally accepted accounting principles and expands disclosure about fair value measurements. SFAS 157 has been fully adopted for the Company’s 2009 fiscal year without significant impact.
In February 2007, the FASB issued Statement No. 159, “The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities” (SFAS 159). The fair value option established by SFAS 159 permits entities to choose to measure eligible items at fair value at specified election dates. Unrealized gains and losses on items for which the fair value option has been elected are reported in earnings at each subsequent reporting date. SFAS 159 has been adopted for the Company’s 2009 fiscal year.
In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 160, "Non-controlling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements - An amendment of ARB No. 51." This statement amends ARB 51 to establish accounting and reporting standards for the non-controlling interest in a subsidiary and for the deconsolidation of a subsidiary. It clarifies that a non-controlling interest in a subsidiary, which is sometimes referred to as minority interest, is an ownership interest in the consolidated entity that should be reported as equity in the consolidated financial statements. Among other requirements, this statement requires consolidated net income to be reported at amounts that include the amounts attributable to both the parent and the non-controlling interest. It also requires disclosure, on the face of the consolidated income statement, of the amounts of consolidated net income attributable to the parent and to the non-controlling interest. This Statement is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning on or after December 15, 2008 (that is, for the fiscal year ending July 31, 2010 for the Company). Earlier adoption is prohibited. The Company is currently assessing the effect SFAS 160 will have on its financial statements.
In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 141 R (revised 2007), “Business Combinations “ (SFAS 141R). SFAS 141R establishes principles and requirements for how an acquirer recognizes and measures in its financial statements the identifiable assets acquired, the liabilities assumed, any non-controlling interest in the acquiree and the goodwill acquired. SFAS 141R also establishes disclosure requirements to enable the evaluation of the nature and financial effects of the business combination. This statement is effective for the Company beginning August 1, 2009 and will change the accounting for business combinations on a prospective basis. The Company is assessing the impact that the adoption of SFAS 141R may have on its financial statements.
In June 2008, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position (FSP) EITF 03-6-1, “Determining Whether Instruments Granted in Share-Based Payment Transactions are Participating Securities”. This FSP provides that unvested share-based payment awards that contain nonforfeitable rights to dividends or dividend equivalents (whether paid or unpaid) are participating securities and shall be included in the computation of earnings per share pursuant to the two-class method. This FSP is effective for the Company beginning August 1, 2009. The Company is assessing the impact that the adoption of EITF 03-6-1 may have on its financial statements.
11. | Other Accrued Liabilities |
November 1, 2008 | July 31, 2008 | |||||||
Allowance for contract adjustments | $ | 3,980,835 | $ | 3,969,980 | ||||
Billings in excess of revenue | 4,054,070 | 4,642,578 | ||||||
Other | 1,301,999 | 1,355,932 | ||||||
$ | 9,336,904 | $ | 9,968,490 |
Item 2. | Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations |
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Operating activities provided $.6 million of cash during the first three months of fiscal year 2009. This increase was mainly attributable to the reported $1.5 million in income from operations and a $1.1 million increase in income taxes payable due to the increased profitability during the first quarter of fiscal year 2009. Offsetting these were decreases in accounts payable, other accrued liabilities and an increase in other current assets. Accounts payable decreased $1.3 million during the first three months of fiscal year 2009 attributable to the payment of outstanding payables due to the strong cash position of the Company. Other accrued liabilities decreased $.3 million during the first three months of fiscal year 2009 mainly due to a decrease in billings in excess over revenue. Other current assets increased $1.0 million during the quarter attributable to an increase in prepaid insurance.
Financing activities consumed $1.6 million of cash during the first three months of fiscal year 2009. The Company purchased 207,941 shares of their Class A common stock for $1.8 million during the first quarter of fiscal year 2009. Net cash inflow on long-term debt and capital lease obligations was $423,000 consisting mainly of proceeds from loans at Walsh Environmental and capital leases held by the Walsh Environmental subsidiary, Walsh Peru. Distributions to minority partners during the first three month of fiscal year 2008 were $216,000.
The Company maintains unsecured lines of credit available for working capital and letters of credit of $20 million with various banks at one-half percent below the prevailing prime rate. Other lines are available solely for letters of credit in the amount of $18.5 million. The Brazilian subsidiary in July 2008 borrowed $1 million under a four month term note at 5.19% annualized interest rate. The Company guarantees both the Brazilian term note and the Walsh Environmental line of credit. At November 1, 2008 and July 31, 2008 the Company had letters of credit outstanding totaling approximately $1.2 million. At November 1, 2008 and July 31, 2008 there was $1.0 million of borrowings from the Brazilian subsidiary for working capital. After letters of credit and loans, there was $37.0 million of line still available at November 1, 2008. The Company believes that cash flows from operations and borrowings against the line of credit will be sufficient to cover all working capital requirements for at least the next twelve months and the foreseeable future.
Results of Operations
Revenue
Fiscal Year 2009 vs 2008
Revenues for the first quarter of fiscal year 2009 were $33.7 million, an increase of $8.1 million from the $25.6 million reported for the prior year due mainly to increases in revenue at the parent company (E&E) and the majority owned subsidiary Walsh Environmental. E&E’s revenue increased $6.6 million or 42% during the first quarter of fiscal year 2009 from work on contracts in the Company’s energy and federal government sectors. Revenues from commercial clients of E&E were $7.7 million for the first quarter of fiscal year 2009, an increase of $3.6 million or 88% from the $4.1 million reported during the prior year. The increase in commercial revenue was mainly attributable to an increase in work levels on contracts in the energy sector. Revenue from federal government clients of E&E were $7.4 million during the first quarter of fiscal year 2009, an increase of $2.4 million from the $5.0 million reported in the prior year. The increase in federal government revenue was mainly attributable to an increase in work levels on various contracts with the United States Department of Defense (DOD) and United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Revenues from Walsh Environmental were $8.0 million for the first quarter of fiscal year 2009, an increase of 19% from the $6.7 million reported in fiscal year 2008. The increase in Walsh Environmental revenues was mainly attributable to increased activity in the environmental remediation, asbestos and energy markets.
Fiscal Year 2008 vs 2007
Revenue for the first quarter of fiscal year 2008 was $25.6 million, an increase of $1.7 million from the $23.9 million reported in the first quarter of the prior year. The increase was mainly attributable to increases in work performed by EEI’s majority owned subsidiaries E&E do Brasil and Walsh Environmental. Revenues from E&E do Brasil were $2.1 million for the first quarter of fiscal year 2008, an increase of $1.0 million or 91% over the prior year due mainly to increased work in the public and private power industries. Revenues from Walsh Environmental were $6.7 million for the first quarter of fiscal year 2008, an increase of 20% from the $5.6 million reported in the first quarter of fiscal year 2007. The increase in Walsh Environmental revenues was mainly attributable to increased activity in the environmental remediation and asbestos markets. During the first quarter of fiscal year 2008, revenues from state clients of the parent company increased $1.3 million from the $5.2 million reported during the prior year. The increase in state revenue was mainly attributable to an increase in work levels on contracts in New York. Offsetting these increases for the first quarter of fiscal year 2008 were reduced revenues in the parent company from work performed on contracts with various commercial clients. Revenue from commercial clients of the parent company were $4.1 million during the first quarter of fiscal year 2008, a decrease $1.3 million from the $5.4 million reported in the prior year.
Income From Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes and Minority Interest
Fiscal Year 2009 vs 2008
The Company’s income from continuing operations before income taxes and minority interest was $3.1 million for the first quarter of fiscal year 2009, an increase of $1.6 million or 107% from the $1.5 million reported in the first quarter of fiscal year 2008. Gross profits increased 22% as a result of the increased revenues reported at E&E and Walsh Environmental. The increased gross profits were offset by higher indirect costs attributable to increased staffing levels and increased business development costs worldwide. E&E has experienced significant increases in labor utilization during the first quarter of fiscal year 2009 due to the increased work volume. For the three months ended November 1, 2008, E&E accrued additional expenses of approximately $81,000 ($.01 per share) related to the FASB Interpretation No. 48 “Uncertainty in Income Taxes” (“FIN 48”) tax accrual. The majority of this expense is interest related to Kuwait taxes. The Company has continued its assertion of a contractual obligation for reimbursement from the Public Authority for Assessment of Compensation for Damages Resulting from Iraqi Aggression (PAAC) should any tax liability be agreed to with the Kuwait Ministry of Finance, however the assessment of this reimbursement in not permitted under FIN 48.
Fiscal Year 2008 vs 2007
The Company’s income from continuing operations before income taxes and minority interest was $1.5 million for the first quarter of fiscal year 2008, down 17% from the $1.8 million reported in the first quarter of fiscal year 2007. Gross profits increased as a result of the increased revenues reported at Walsh Environmental and E&E do Brasil and a decrease in corporate wide subcontractor costs. The increased gross profits were offset by higher indirect costs during the first quarter. Consolidated indirect costs increased $1.2 million during the first quarter of fiscal year 2008 as a result of an increase in marketing and bid and proposal costs and costs associated with increased staffing levels at Walsh Environmental and E&E do Brasil. Marketing and bid and proposal costs were $3.0 million for the first quarter of fiscal year 2008, an increase of $500,000 from the $2.5 million reported in the prior year. The volume of proposals increased 51% while the value of the proposals submitted increased 285% to $77 million during the first quarter of fiscal year 2008. For the three months ended October 27, 2007, E&E accrued additional expenses of approximately $107,000 ($.02 per share) related to the FIN 48 tax accrual. The majority of this expense was interest and penalties related to Kuwait taxes.
Income Taxes
The estimated effective tax rate for fiscal year 2009 is 37.7%, down slightly from the 38.0% reported for fiscal year 2008.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In September 2006, the FASB issued Statement No. 157, “Fair Value Measurement” (SFAS 157), which established a framework for measuring fair value under generally accepted accounting principles and expands disclosure about fair value measurements. SFAS 157 has been fully adopted for the Company’s 2009 fiscal year witout significant impact.
In February 2007, the FASB issued Statement No. 159, “The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities” (SFAS 159). The fair value option established by SFAS 159 permits entities to choose to measure eligible items at fair value at specified election dates. Unrealized gains and losses on items for which the fair value option has been elected are reported in earnings at each subsequent reporting date. SFAS 159 has been adopted for the Company’s 2009 fiscal year.
In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 160, "Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements - An amendment of ARB No. 51." This statement amends ARB 51 to establish accounting and reporting standards for the noncontrolling interest in a subsidiary and for the deconsolidation of a subsidiary. It clarifies that a noncontrolling interest in a subsidiary, which is sometimes referred to as minority interest, is an ownership interest in the consolidated entity that should be reported as equity in the consolidated financial statements. Among other requirements, this statement requires consolidated net income to be reported at amounts that include the amounts attributable to both the parent and the noncontrolling interest. It also requires disclosure, on the face of the consolidated income statement, of the amounts of consolidated net income attributable to the parent and to the noncontrolling interest. This Statement is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning on or after December 15, 2008 (that is, for the fiscal year ending July 31, 2010 for the Company). Earlier adoption is prohibited. The Company is currently assessing the effect SFAS 160 will have on its financial statements.
In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 141 R (revised 2007), “Business Combinations “ (SFAS 141R). SFAS 141R establishes principles and requirements for how an acquirer recognizes and measures in its financial statements the identifiable assets acquired, the liabilities assumed, any non-controlling interest in the acquiree and the goodwill acquired. SFAS 141R also establishes disclosure requirements to enable the evaluation of the nature and financial effects of the business combination. This statement is effective for the Company beginning August 1, 2009 and will change the accounting for business combinations on a prospective basis. The Company is assessing the impact that the adoption of SFAS 141R may have on its financial statements.
In June 2008, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position (FSP) EITF 03-6-1, “Determining Whether Instruments Granted in Share-Based Payment Transactions are Participating Securities”. This FSP provides that unvested share-based payment awards that contain nonforfeitable rights to dividends or dividend equivalents (whether paid or unpaid) are participating securities and shall be included in the computation of earnings per share pursuant to the two-class method. This FSP is effective for the Company beginning August 1, 2009. The Company is assessing the impact that the adoption of EITF 03-6-1 may have on its financial statements.
Critical Accounting Policies and Use of Estimates
Management's discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations discuss the Company's consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. The preparation of these statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. On an ongoing basis, management evaluates its estimates and judgments, including those related to revenue recognition, allowance for doubtful accounts, income taxes, impairment of long-lived assets and contingencies. Management bases its estimates and judgments on historical experience and on various other factors that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying value of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.
Revenue recognition
The Company’s revenues are derived primarily from the professional and technical services performed by its employees or, in certain cases, by subcontractors engaged to perform on under contracts we enter into with our clients. The revenues recognized, therefore, are derived from our ability to charge clients for those services under the contracts.
The Company employs three major types of contracts: “cost-plus contracts,” “fixed-price contracts” and “time-and-materials contracts.” Within each of the major contract types are variations on the basic contract mechanism. Fixed-price contracts generally present the highest level of financial and performance risk, but often also provide the highest potential financial returns. Cost-plus contracts present a lower risk, but generally provide lower returns and often include more onerous terms and conditions. Time-and-materials contracts generally represent the time spent by our professional staff at stated or negotiated billing rates.
Fixed price contracts are accounted for on the “percentage-of-completion” method, wherein revenue is recognized as project progress occurs. Time and material contracts are accounted for over the period of performance, in proportion to the costs of performance, predominately based on labor hours incurred. If an estimate of costs at completion on any contract indicates that a loss will be incurred, the entire estimated loss is charged to operations in the period the loss becomes evident.
The use of the percentage of completion revenue recognition method requires the use of estimates and judgment regarding the project’s expected revenues, costs and the extent of progress towards completion. The Company has a history of making reasonably dependable estimates of the extent of progress towards completion, contract revenue and contract completion costs. However, due to uncertainties inherent in the estimation process, it is possible that completion costs may vary from estimates.
Most of our percentage-of-completion projects follow a method which approximates the “cost-to-cost” method of determining the percentage of completion. Under the cost-to-cost method, we make periodic estimates of our progress towards project completion by analyzing costs incurred to date, plus an estimate of the amount of costs that we expect to incur until the completion of the project. Revenue is then calculated on a cumulative basis (project-to-date) as the total contract value multiplied by the current percentage-of-completion. The revenue for the current period is calculated as cumulative revenues less project revenues already recognized. The recognition of revenues and profit is dependent upon the accuracy of a variety of estimates. Such estimates are based on various judgments we make with respect to those factors and are difficult to accurately determine until the project is significantly underway.
For some contracts, using the cost-to-cost method in estimating percentage-of-completion may overstate the progress on the project. For projects where the cost-to-cost method does not appropriately reflect the progress on the projects, we use alternative methods such as actual labor hours, for measuring progress on the project and recognize revenue accordingly. For instance, in a project where a large amount of equipment is purchased or an extensive amount of mobilization is involved, including these costs in calculating the percentage-of-completion may overstate the actual progress on the project. For these types of projects, actual labor hours spent on the project may be a more appropriate measure of the progress on the project.
The Company’s contracts with the U.S. government contain provisions requiring compliance with the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), and the Cost Accounting Standards (CAS). These regulations are generally applicable to all of the Company’s federal government contracts and are partially or fully incorporated in many local and state agency contracts. They limit the recovery of certain specified indirect costs on contracts subject to the FAR. Cost-plus contracts covered by the FAR provide for upward or downward adjustments if actual recoverable costs differ from the estimate billed. Most of our federal government contracts are subject to termination at the convenience of the client. Contracts typically provide for reimbursement of costs incurred and payment of fees earned through the date of such termination.
Federal government contracts are subject to the FAR and some state and local governmental agencies require audits, which are performed for the most part by either the EPA Office of Inspector General (EPAOIG) or the Defense Contract Audit Agency (DCAA). The EPAOIG and DCAA audit overhead rates, cost proposals, incurred government contract costs, and internal control systems. During the course of its audits, the EPAOIG or DCAA may question incurred costs if it believes we have accounted for such costs in a manner inconsistent with the requirements of the FAR or CAS and recommend that our U.S. government financial administrative contracting officer disallow such costs. Historically, we have not experienced significant disallowed costs as a result of such audits. However, we can provide no assurance that such audits will not result in material disallowances of incurred costs in the future.
The Company maintains reserves for cost disallowances on its cost based contracts as a result of government audits. Government audits have been completed and final rates have been negotiated through fiscal year 2001. The Company has estimated its exposure based on completed audits, historical experience and discussions with the government auditors. If these estimates or their related assumptions change, the Company may be required to record additional charges for disallowed costs on its government contracts.
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts and Contract Adjustments
We reduce our accounts receivable and costs and accrued earnings in excess of billings on contracts in process by establishing an allowance for amounts that, in the future, may become uncollectible or unrealizable, respectively. We determine our estimated allowance for uncollectible amounts based on management’s judgments regarding our operating performance related to the adequacy of the services performed, the status of change orders and claims, our experience settling change orders and claims and the financial condition of our clients, which may be dependent on the type of client and current economic conditions that the client may be subject to.
Deferred Income Taxes
We use the asset and liability approach for financial accounting and reporting for income taxes. Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are computed annually for differences between the financial statement and tax bases of assets and liabilities that will result in taxable or deductible amounts in the future based on enacted tax laws and rates applicable to the periods in which the differences are expected to affect taxable income. Valuation allowances based on our judgments and estimates are established when necessary to reduce deferred tax assets to the amount expected to be realized in future operating results. Management believes that realization of deferred tax assets in excess of the valuation allowance is more likely than not. Our estimates are based on facts and circumstances in existence as well as interpretations of existing tax regulations and laws applied to the facts and circumstances, with the help of professional tax advisors. Therefore, we estimate and provide for amounts of additional income taxes that may be assessed by the various taxing authorities.
Changes in Corporate Entities
On September 1, 2007 Gustavson Associates LLC purchased from minority unit holder, Prospect Resources, their remaining 50 ownership units. Prospect was paid $466,708 for its units with 25% of the amount paid in cash, and the assumption of a three year note with a six percent annualized interest rate. The purchase price that was paid was at a premium over the capital value of the units. This excess created additional goodwill of $255,578 which was recorded in the first quarter of fiscal year 2008.
Inflation
Inflation has not had a material impact on the Company’s business because a significant amount of the Company’s contracts are either cost based or contain commercial rates for services that are adjusted annually.
Item 4. | Controls and Procedures |
Company management, with the participation of the chief executive officer and chief financial officer, evaluated the effectiveness of its disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act) as of the end of the period covered by this report. In designing and evaluating the Company's disclosure controls and procedures, management recognized that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving their objectives. Based on this evaluation, the Company's chief executive officer and chief financial officer concluded that, as of the end of the period covered by this report, the Company's disclosure controls and procedures were (1) designed to ensure that material information relating to the Company, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to its chief executive officer and chief financial officer by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report was being prepared and (2) effective, to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports that the Company files or submits under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to Company’s management, including its principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons providing similar functions, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. There have been no significant changes in internal controls over financial reporting that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting during the period covered by this report.
PART II
OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1. | Legal Proceedings |
From time to time, the Company is named defendant in legal actions arising out of the normal course of business. The Company is not a party to any pending legal proceeding the resolution of which the management of the Company believes will have a material adverse effect on the Company’s results of operations, financial condition, cash flows or to any other pending legal proceedings other than ordinary, routine litigation incidental to its business. The Company maintains liability insurance against risks arising out of the normal course of business.
The Company is involved in other litigation arising in the normal course of business. In the opinion of management, any adverse outcome to other litigation arising in the normal course of business would not have a material impact on the financial results of the Company.
Item 2. | Changes in Securities and Use of Proceeds |
(e) | Purchased Equity Securities. The following table summarizes the Company’s purchases of its common stock during the quarter ended November 1, 2008: |
Period | Total Number of Shares Purchased | Average Price Paid Per Share | Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs (1) | Maximum Number of Shares That May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs | ||||
August 1, 2008 – November 1, 2008 | 207,941 | $8.81 | 207,941 | 163 |
(1) The Company purchased 207,941 shares of its Class A common stock during the first three months of its fiscal year ended July 31, 2009, pursuant to a 200,000 share repurchase program approved at the Board of Directors meeting held in January 2004. In February 2006, the Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of an additional 200,000 shares.
Item 3. | Defaults Upon Senior Securities |
The Registrant has no information for Item 3 that is required to be presented. |
Item 4. | Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders |
The Registrant has no information for Item 4 that is required to be presented. |
Item 5. | Other Information |
The Registrant has no information for Item 5 that is required to be presented. |
Item 6. | Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K |
(a) | - 31.1 Certification of Principal Executive Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. |
- 31.2 Certification of Principal Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. |
- 32.1 Certification of Principal Executive Officer Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. |
- 32.2 Certification of Principal Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. |
(b) | Registrant filed a Form 8-K report on August 26, 2008 to announce the Company’s move from the American Stock Exchange (AMEX) to the National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotations (NASDAQ). |
SIGNATURE
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.
Ecology and Environment, Inc. | |||
Date: December 16, 2008 | By: | /s/ H. John Mye, III | |
H. John Mye, III | |||
Vice President, Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer - Principal Financial Officer |