UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington D.C. 20549 FORM 10-Q [X] QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 For the quarterly period ended: September 30, 2003 OR [ ] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 For the transition period from __________ to __________ Commission file number: 0-19450 STERLING CONSTRUCTION COMPANY, INC. ----------------------------------- (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) DELAWARE 25-1655321 - -------- ---------- (State of Incorporation) (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) 2751 CENTERVILLE ROAD, SUITE 3131, WILMINGTON, DELAWARE 19808 (Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code) (817) 416-0717 -------------- (Registrant's telephone number, including area code) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (Former name, former address, and former fiscal year, if changed from 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 and Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Registrant was required to file such report(s), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes [X] No [ ] Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is an accelerated filer (as described in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes [ ] No [X] As of November 1, 2003, 5,079,016 shares of the Registrant's Common Stock, $0.01 par value per share were issued and outstanding. DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE None PART 1 - FINANCIAL INFORMATION Item 1. Financial Statements INDEX TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS STERLING CONSTRUCTION COMPANY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets at September 30, 2003 and December 31, 2002........................................................... 3 Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three months ended September 30, 2003 and September 30, 2002.......................... 4 Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2003 and September 30, 2002.......................... 5 Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2003 and September 30, 2002.......................... 6 Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements............................ 7 2 STERLING CONSTRUCTION COMPANY, INC. & SUBSIDIARIES CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (DOLLAR AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA) September 30, December 31, 2003 2002 (Unaudited) ------------- ---------- ASSETS Current assets: Cash ......................................................................................... $ 7,238 $ 2,406 Contracts receivable ......................................................................... 31,444 22,218 Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings on uncompleted contracts .................................................................................... 1,843 2,793 Trade accounts receivable, less allowance of $978 and $796, respectively ................................................................................. 2,593 3,095 Inventories .................................................................................. 4,021 3,378 Deferred tax asset ........................................................................... 1,659 1,659 Other ........................................................................................ 915 160 --------- ---------- Total current assets ............................................................... 49,713 35,709 --------- ---------- Property and equipment, at cost .................................................................... 31,832 28,585 Less accumulated depreciation ................................................................ (8,779) (5,791) --------- ---------- 23,053 22,794 --------- ---------- Goodwill ........................................................................................... 7,809 7,809 Deferred tax asset (long-term) ..................................................................... 4,402 5,952 Other assets ....................................................................................... 385 493 --------- ---------- 12,596 14,254 --------- ---------- $ 85,362 $ 72,757 ========= ========== LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY Current liabilities: Accounts payable ............................................................................. $ 20,196 $ 14,634 Accrued interest ............................................................................. 613 396 Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings on uncompleted contracts .................................................................................... 9,730 3,541 Current maturities of long-term obligations .................................................. 899 1,038 Current maturities of long-term obligations, related parties ................................. 2,250 2,000 Other accrued expenses ....................................................................... 2,887 2,353 --------- ---------- Total current liabilities ............................................................... 36,575 23,962 --------- ---------- Long-term obligations: Long-term debt ............................................................................... 13,327 17,783 Long-term debt, related parties .............................................................. 9,044 10,023 Put liability ................................................................................ 4,577 4,577 Other long-term obligations .................................................................. 1,091 1,940 --------- ---------- 28,039 34,323 --------- ---------- Minority interest .................................................................................. 4,870 3,646 Commitments and contingencies ...................................................................... -- -- Stockholders' equity: Preferred stock, par value $0.01 per share; authorized 1,000,000 shares, none issued ....................................................................................... -- -- Common stock, par value $0.01 per share; authorized 14,000,000 shares, 5,069,516 shares issued and outstanding .............................................................................. 50 50 Deferred compensation expense ................................................................ (146) -- Additional paid-in capital ................................................................... 66,009 65,871 Deficit ...................................................................................... (50,034) (55,094) Treasury stock, at cost, 207 common shares ................................................... (1) (1) --------- ---------- Total stockholders' equity .............................................................. 15,878 10,826 --------- ---------- $ 85,362 $ 72,757 ========= ========== The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements 3 STERLING CONSTRUCTION COMPANY, INC. & SUBSIDIARIES CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (DOLLAR AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA) (UNAUDITED) THREE MONTHS THREE MONTHS ENDED ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2003 SEPTEMBER 30, 2002 ------------------ ------------------ Contract revenues .............................................................. $ 36,630 $ 27,458 Sales .......................................................................... 4,746 5,062 ----------- ----------- 41,376 32,520 ----------- ----------- Cost of contract revenues earned ............................................... 31,501 24,193 Cost of goods sold, including occupancy, buying and warehouse expenses ....................................................................... 4,072 4,296 Selling and administrative expenses ............................................ 2,470 2,287 Interest expense, net of interest income ....................................... 444 619 ----------- ----------- 38,487 31,395 ----------- ----------- Income before minority interest and income taxes ............................... 2,889 1,125 Minority interest in net earnings of subsidiary ................................ 454 260 ----------- ----------- Income before taxes ............................................................ 2,435 865 State income tax expense ....................................................... 17 8 Current tax expense ............................................................ 0 0 Deferred tax expense (benefit) ................................................. 126 (384) ----------- ----------- Net income tax expense (benefit) ...................................... 143 (376) Net income ..................................................................... $ 2,292 $ 1,241 =========== =========== Basic and diluted net income per share: Basic ..................................................................... $ 0.45 $ 0.25 Diluted ................................................................... $ 0.34 $ 0.21 Weighted average number of shares outstanding used in computing basic and diluted per share amounts: Basic ..................................................................... 5,073,349 5,055,516 Diluted ................................................................... 6,712,633 5,901,231 The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements 4 STERLING CONSTRUCTION COMPANY, INC. & SUBSIDIARIES CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (DOLLAR AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA) (UNAUDITED) NINE MONTHS NINE MONTHS ENDED ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2003 SEPTEMBER 30, 2002 ------------------ ------------------ Contract revenues ....................................................... $ 116,167 $ 77,724 Sales ................................................................... 16,218 18,468 ----------- ----------- 132,385 96,192 ----------- ----------- Cost of contract revenues earned ........................................ 102,730 69,082 Cost of goods sold, including occupancy, buying and warehouse expenses ................................................................ 13,836 15,497 Selling and administrative expenses ..................................... 6,238 6,482 Interest expense, net of interest income ................................ 1,736 1,792 ----------- ----------- 124,540 92,853 ----------- ----------- Income before minority interest and income taxes ........................ 7,845 3,339 Minority interest in net earnings of subsidiary ......................... 1,224 655 ----------- ----------- Income before taxes ..................................................... 6,621 2,684 State income tax expense ................................................ 12 15 Current tax expense ..................................................... 0 0 Deferred tax expense .................................................... 1,549 361 ----------- ----------- Net income tax expense ......................................... 1,561 376 Net income .............................................................. $ 5,060 $ 2,308 =========== =========== Basic and diluted net income per share: Basic .............................................................. $ 1.00 $ 0.46 Diluted ............................................................ $ 0.80 $ 0.39 Weighted average number of shares outstanding used in computing basic and diluted per share amounts: Basic .............................................................. 5,070,084 5,055,516 Diluted ............................................................ 6,308,516 5,860,258 The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements 5 STERLING CONSTRUCTION COMPANY, INC. & SUBSIDIARIES CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (DOLLAR AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS) (UNAUDITED) Nine months Nine months Ended Ended September 30, 2003 September 30, 2002 ------------------ ------------------ Cash flows from operating activities: Net income ...................................................................... $ 5,060 $ 2,308 Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: Depreciation and amortization ............................................... 3,582 2,680 Gain (loss) on sale of property and equipment ............................... 8 (39) Deferred compensation expense ............................................... 5 -- Deferred tax expense ........................................................ 1,549 -- Increase in put liability ................................................... -- 384 Minority interest in net earnings of subsidiary ............................. 1,224 655 Changes in operating assets and liabilities: Decrease (increase) in trade accounts receivable ............................ 502 (833) (Increase) in contracts receivable .......................................... (9,226) (5,141) (Increase) in inventories ................................................... (643) (186) Decrease (increase) in costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings on uncompleted contracts .................................................... 950 (1,239) (Increase) decrease in prepaid expenses and other assets ...................................................................... (647) 394 Increase in accounts payable ................................................ 5,562 4,467 Increase (decrease) in billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings on uncompleted contracts .................................................... 6,189 (709) Increase in accrued compensation and other liabilities ...................... 1,126 2,544 ---------- ---------- Net cash provided by operating activities .............................................. 15,241 5,285 ---------- ---------- Cash flows from investing activities: Net cash paid upon acquisition of Kinsel ........................................ -- (2,662) Proceeds from sale of equipment ................................................. (53) 94 Additions to property and equipment ............................................. (3,797) (3,577) ---------- ---------- Net cash used in investing activities .................................................. (3,850) (6,145) ---------- ---------- Cash flows from financing activities: Borrowings under long term obligations .......................................... -- 1,822 Borrowings under short-term obligations ......................................... 250 -- Proceeds from (cancellation) issuance of long term debt ......................... (18) -- Principal payments on long-term obligations ..................................... (6,796) (2,198) Cash received for options exercised ............................................. 5 -- ---------- ---------- Net cash used in financing activities .................................................. (6,559) (376) ---------- ---------- Net increase (decrease) in cash ........................................................ 4,832 (1,236) Cash at beginning of period ............................................................ 2,406 2,884 ---------- ---------- Cash at end of period .................................................................. $ 7,238 $ 1,648 ========== ========== The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements. 6 STERLING CONSTRUCTION COMPANY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2003 1. INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Sterling Construction Company, Inc. (hereinafter referred to as "Sterling" or the "Company") was until November 2001 known as Oakhurst Company, Inc.. The Company was formed as a result of a merger transaction in 1991, in which Steel City Products, Inc. ("SCPI") became a majority-owned subsidiary of the Company. In accordance with the merger agreement, Sterling owns 10% of the outstanding common stock of SCPI and all of SCPI's Series A Preferred Stock, and as a result, it owns 90% of the voting stock of SCPI. Until July 2001, the Company's principal historical business had been the distribution of products to the automotive after-market, conducted by SCPI under the trade name "Steel City Products". Although the primary business of Steel City Products continues to be its automotive aftermarket distribution business, in recent years it has expanded its distribution business to include non-food pet supplies and lawn and garden supplies. Steel City Products operates from two facilities, in McKeesport and Glassport, Pennsylvania. In January 1999 the Company made a minority investment in Sterling Construction Company, which in connection with the renaming of the Company in November 2001 was itself renamed Sterling Houston Holdings, Inc. ("SHH"). SHH is a heavy civil construction company based in Houston, Texas that specializes in municipal and state highway contracts for paving, bridge, water and sewer, and light rail projects. In October 1999 certain shareholders of SHH exercised their right to sell a second tranche of equity to Sterling. Cash for the second equity purchase was obtained through the issuance of notes secured by the second equity tranche, of which a part was due to two officers and directors of the Company, and the remainder was due to certain directors and management of SHH. These notes were restructured as part of a transaction in July 2001 (the "Sterling Transaction"), in which Sterling further increased its equity position in SHH from 12% to 80.1%. The original investments were recorded as an investment using the cost method. The subsequent acquisition in July 2001 resulted in step-acquisition treatment of the original investment. In September 2002, an affiliate of SHH, Texas Sterling Construction, L.P. ("TSC") acquired the Kinsel Heavy Highway construction business (the "Kinsel Business") from a subsidiary of Insituform Technologies, Inc. ("ITI"). The acquisition included the purchase of construction equipment at its appraised value of approximately $4.4 million, and the assumption by TSC of equipment leases with a future obligation of approximately $1.4 million. Certain unstarted construction contracts with revenues estimated at $38 million, subject to post-closing adjustments, were assigned to TSC. TSC was engaged to manage the completion of certain other contracts in return for a management fee, and hired most of Kinsel's construction crews together with project managers and other supervisory personnel. The consideration of $4.4 million for the Kinsel Business was financed by TSC through the issuance to ITI of two unsecured two-year notes in the aggregate amount of $1.5 million, with the balance funded through additional borrowings under the SHH revolving line of credit. The Company reports two operating segments, the "Construction" segment, which consists of the operations of SHH, and the "Distribution" segment, which consists of the operations of SCPI. The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of subsidiaries in which the Company has a greater than 50% ownership interest and all intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. 7 In the opinion of management, the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements contain all adjustments necessary to present fairly the financial position, results of operations and cash flows for the interim periods presented. All adjustments made are of a normal, recurring nature. These unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2002 ("fiscal 2002") as filed in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K. Operating results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2003 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the full fiscal year. Certain prior year balances have been reclassified to conform to current year presentation. 2. NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS In January 2003, the FASB issued FASB Interpretation No. 46, Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities, which addresses the consolidation of variable interest entities in which an enterprise absorbs a majority of the entity's expected losses, receives a majority of the entity's expected residual returns, or both, as a result of ownership, contractual or other financial interests in the entity. FIN No. 46 was effective upon issuance for certain disclosure requirements and for variable interest entities created after January 31, 2003, and in the first fiscal year or interim period beginning after December 15, 2003 for all other variable interest entities. The Company did not experience any impact on its financial position, results of operations or cash flows from adoption of FIN No. 46. In April 2003, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 149 ("SFAS No. 149"), "Amendment of Statement 133 on Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities", which amends and clarifies financial accounting and reporting for derivative instruments, including certain derivative instruments embedded in other contracts. SFAS No. 149 is effective for contracts entered into or modified after June 30, 2003 and for hedging relationships designated after June 30, 2003. The provisions of SFAS No. 149 are to be applied prospectively. The Company does not expect that adoption of SFAS No. 149 will have an impact on its financial statements. In May 2003, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 150 ("SFAS No. 150"), "Accounting for Certain Financial Instruments with Characteristics of both Liabilities and Equity". This statement establishes standards for how an issuer classifies and measures in its financial position certain financial instruments with characteristics of both liabilities and equity. In accordance with this standard, financial instruments that embody obligations for the issuer are required to be classified as liabilities. SFAS No. 150 is effective for all financial instruments entered into on or modified after May 31, 2003. For existing financial instruments, SFAS No. 150 is effective at the beginning of the first interim period beginning after June 15, 2003. The Company does not expect any impact on its financial position, results of operations or cash flows from adoption of SFAS No. 150. 8 3. GOODWILL The amounts recorded by the Company for goodwill are as follows (dollars in thousands): Construction Distribution Segment Segment Total Balance, January 1, 2003 $ 7,681 $ 128 $7,809 Goodwill additions -- -- -- Impairment losses -- -- -- -------- ----- ------ Balance, September 30, 2003 $ 7,681 $ 128 $7,809 ======== ===== ====== The Company performed impairment testing on both segments in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2002. The analysis did not indicate impairment of the Company's recorded goodwill for either segment. 4. STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION: Effective January 1, 2003, the Company adopted FASB No. 148 "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation - Transition and Disclosure" which amends FASB Statement No. 123 to provide alternative methods of transition for a voluntary change to the fair value based method of accounting for stock-based employee compensation. The Company will transition utilizing the prospective method for options granted after January 1, 2003. The Company does not believe the adoption of SFAS No. 148 will have a material effect on its financial position or results of operations. Prior to January 1, 2003, the Company accounted for stock-based compensation using the intrinsic value method prescribed in Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25, "Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees," and related interpretations. The following table illustrates the effect on net income and earnings per share if the Company had applied the fair value recognition provisions of FASB Statement No. 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation", to stock-based employee compensation for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2003 and September 30, 2002 (dollars in thousands, except per share data). Three months Thee months ended ended September 30, September 30, 2003 2002 Net income, as reported $ 2,292 $ 1,241 Deduct: Total stock-based employee compensation expense determined under fair value based method for all awards, net of related tax effects (13) (13) -------- -------- Proforma net income $ 2,279 $ 1,228 Basic and diluted net income per share: Basic, as reported $ 0.45 $ 0.25 Diluted, as reported $ 0.34 $ 0.21 Proforma, basic $ 0.45 $ 0.24 Proforma, diluted $ 0.34 $ 0.21 9 Nine months Nine months ended ended September 30, September 30, 2003 2002 Net income, as reported $ 5,060 $ 2,308 Deduct: Total stock-based employee compensation expense determined under fair value based method for all awards, net of related tax effects (38) (38) -------- -------- Proforma net income $ 5,022 $ 2,270 Basic and diluted net income per share: Basic, as reported $ 1.00 $ 0.46 Diluted, as reported $ 0.80 $ 0.39 Proforma, basic $ 0.99 $ 0.45 Proforma, diluted $ 0.80 $ 0.39 In August 2003 60,800 options were granted to certain employees of SHH at the then market price of $3.05 per share. These options have a ten-year life and generally vest over five years, beginning in August 2004. Compensation expense of $5,000 was recorded in the Company's results of operations during the third quarter of fiscal 2003. 5. EARNINGS PER SHARE: Basic net income or loss per common share is computed by dividing net income by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted net income per common share assumes the exercise of convertible subordinated debt securities and includes dilutive stock options and warrants using the treasury stock method. The following table reconciles the numerators and denominators of the basic and diluted per common share computations for net income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2003 and September 30, 2002 (in thousands, except per share data): Three months Three months ended ended September 30, September 30, ------------- ------------- 2003 2002 ------------- ------------- Numerator: Net income $ 2,292 $1,241 Interest on convertible debt, net of tax 11 11 ------- ------ Net income before interest on convertible debt $ 2,303 $1,252 ======= ====== Denominator: Weighted average common shares outstanding - basic 5,073 5,056 Shares for convertible debt 224 224 Shares for dilutive stock options and warrants 1,416 621 ------- ------ Weighted average common shares outstanding and assumed conversions - diluted 6,713 5,901 ======= ====== Basic earnings per common share: $ 0.45 $ 0.25 Diluted earnings per common share: $ 0.34 $ 0.21 10 Nine months Nine months ended ended September 30, September 30, ------------- ------------- 2003 2002 ------------- ------------- Numerator: Net income $5,060 $ 2,308 Interest on convertible debt, net of tax 33 33 ------ ------- Net income before interest on convertible debt $5,093 $ 2,341 ====== ======= Denominator: Weighted average common shares outstanding - basic 5,070 5,056 Shares for convertible debt 224 224 Shares for dilutive stock options and warrants 1,015 580 ------ ------- Weighted average common shares outstanding and assumed conversions - diluted 6,309 5,860 ====== ======= Basic earnings per common share: $ 1.00 $ 0.46 Diluted earnings per common share: $ 0.80 $ 0.39 6. SEGMENT INFORMATION Until July 2001, the Company operated as a wholesale distributor, principally of automotive aftermarket accessories (the "Distribution Segment"). Its subsidiary, SCPI, is one of the larger independent wholesale distributors of automotive accessories in the Northeastern United States. In fiscal 1996, SCPI began the distribution of non-food pet supplies, and in the third quarter of fiscal 2000, expanded its business to include lawn and garden products. SCPI's customer base of drug and supermarket retailers, discount retail chains, hardware, and automotive chains, is largely the same across its product lines. In July 2001, the Company increased its equity investment in SHH from 12% to 80.1%. SHH is a heavy civil construction company based in Houston that specializes in municipal and state highway contracts for paving, bridge, water and sewer, and light rail projects (the "Construction Segment"). Each of the Construction Segment and the Distribution Segment is managed by its own decision makers and is comprised of unique customers, suppliers and employees. Terry Allan, Chief Executive Officer of SCPI and Maarten Hemsley, the Chief Financial Officer of the Company, review the operating profitability of the Distribution Segment and its working capital needs to allocate financial resources. The operating profitability of the Construction Segment is reviewed by Joseph P. Harper, its Chief Financial Officer to determine its financial needs. Allocation of resources among the Company's operating segments is determined by Messrs. Harper and Hemsley, subject to the terms of each Segment's bank loan agreements. The Company's operations are therefore organized into the two operating segments included in the following table (in thousands): Three months ended 9/30/2003 Consolidated Segments Construction Distribution Corporate Total ------------ ------------ --------- ----- Revenues $ 36,630 $ 4,746 -- $ 41,376 Operating profit (loss) 3,431 8 (106) $ 3,333 Interest expense, net (79) (23) (342) $ (444) Minority interest (454) $ (454) -------- 11 Three months ended 9/30/2003 Consolidated Segments Construction Distribution Corporate Total ------------ ------------ --------- ----- Pre-tax income $ 2,435 ======== Segment assets $ 64,373 $ 7,811 $ 13,178 $ 85,362 Three months ended 9/30/2002 Consolidated Segments Construction Distribution Corporate Total ------------ ------------ --------- ----- Revenues $ 27,458 $ 5,062 -- $ 32,520 Operating profit (loss) 2,005 (90) (171) $ 1,744 Interest expense, net (91) (19) (509) $ (619) Minority interest (260) $ (260) -------- Pre-tax income $ 865 ======== Segment assets $ 46,558 $ 8,193 $ 15,230 $ 69,981 Nine months ended 9/30/2003 Consolidated Segments Construction Distribution Corporate Total ------------ ------------ --------- ----- Revenues $ 116,167 $ 16,218 -- $ 132,385 Operating profit (loss) 9,404 463 (286) $ 9,581 Interest expense, net (321) (70) (1,345) $ (1,736) Minority interest (1,224) $ (1,224) --------- Pre-tax income $ 6,621 ========= Segment assets $ 64,373 $ 7,811 $ 13,178 $ 85,362 Nine months ended 9/30/2002 Consolidated Segments Construction Distribution Corporate Total ------------ ------------ --------- ----- Revenues $ 77,724 $ 18,468 -- $ 96,192 Operating profit (loss) 5,023 663 (555) $ 5,131 Interest expense, net (283) (60) (1,449) $ (1,792) Minority interest (655) $ (655) -------- Pre-tax income $ 2,684 ======== Segment assets $ 46,558 $ 8,193 $ 15,230 $ 69,981 7. PUT RESTRUCTURING As part of the July 2001 transaction in which SHH became an 80.1% subsidiary of the Company, the selling shareholders of SHH were granted a "Put" exercisable after July 2004 with respect to the remaining 19.9% of SHH stock. In September 2003 the Put agreement was amended to provide for the payment of the Put either totally in cash or in a prescribed combination of cash and securities over a five year period. At the same time certain other obligations that would become due when the Put is exercised were similarly restructured. As any 12 cash to be used for payment of the Put and other obligations would be derived from borrowings under existing long-term bank facilities, these liabilities continue to be reported as long-term. 8. REVERSE SPLIT AND DEREGISTRATION AT SCPI In October 2003, the Board of Directors of SCPI approved a 1 for 300,000 reverse split of SCPI's common stock and deregistration of the common stock of SCPI as a listed equity security. The transaction was approved by the Company; SCPI's majority stockholder. Holders of less than one share as a result of the reverse stock split are entitled to receive cash in lieu of fractional shares at the rate of $0.0168 per pre-split share (one point six eight cents). 9. DEFERRED TAXES Due to the higher than expected earnings through the first three quarters of fiscal 2003, the Company reevaluated the utilization of its deferred tax asset in the third quarter. As a result, the valuation allowance was reduced by approximately $702,000 to reflect the expected utilization in fiscal 2003. ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS OVERVIEW The corporate structure resulting from the 1991 merger, whereby Steel City Products, Inc. ("SCPI") became a special, limited purpose subsidiary of Oakhurst Company, Inc. ("Oakhurst"), since renamed Sterling Construction Company, Inc. (hereinafter referred to as "Sterling" or "the Company") was designed to facilitate capital formation by Sterling while permitting Sterling and SCPI to file consolidated tax returns so that both may utilize existing tax benefits, including approximately $110 million of net operating loss carry-forwards remaining at December 31, 2002. Through Sterling's ownership of SCPI, primarily in the form of preferred stock, Sterling retains the value of SCPI and receives substantially all of the benefit of SCPI's operations through the right to dividends on such preferred stock. Sterling's principal business historically was the distribution of automotive aftermarket accessories, described herein as the "Distribution Segment". The Distribution Segment is conducted by SCPI under the trade name "Steel City Products" and involves the distribution of automotive parts and accessories, together with non-food pet supplies and lawn and garden products from facilities in McKeesport and Glassport, Pennsylvania. SCPI is believed to be one of the largest independent wholesale distributors of automotive accessories in the Northeastern United States. In January 1999 a subsidiary of the Company, OTI, made a minority investment in Sterling Construction Company, since renamed Sterling Houston Holdings, Inc. ("SHH"). SHH is a heavy civil construction company based in Houston, Texas that specializes in municipal and state highway contracts for paving, bridge, water and sewer, and light rail projects, (the "Construction Segment"). Upon reaching certain performance objectives, in October 1999 certain SHH shareholders exercised their right to sell a second tranche of equity to OTI. Cash for the second equity purchase was obtained through the issuance of notes secured by such equity, of which notes totaling $559,000 was due to Robert Davies, then the Company's Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. Under a Participation Agreement, Maarten Hemsley, then the Company's President and now its Chief Financial Officer, funded $116,000 of the amount advanced by Mr. Davies pursuant to such Promissory Note. The balance of the notes issued to acquire the second tranche was owed to certain directors and management of SHH, a portion of which was reflected as adjustments to additional paid-in capital. These notes were restructured as part of the Sterling Transaction whereby the Company further increased its equity percentage in SHH from 12% to 80.1%. The Sterling Transaction was closed in July 2001. 13 In September 2002, a wholly-owned subsidiary of SHH, Texas Sterling Construction, L.P. ("TSC") acquired the Kinsel Heavy Highway construction business (the "Kinsel Business") from a subsidiary of Insituform Technologies, Inc. ("ITI"). The acquisition included the purchase of construction equipment at its appraised value of approximately $4.4 million, and the assumption by TSC of operating equipment leases with a future obligation of approximately $1.4 million. Certain unstarted construction contracts with revenues estimated at $38 million, subject to post-closing adjustments were assigned to TSC. TSC was engaged to manage the completion of certain other contracts in return for a management fee and hired most of Kinsel's construction crews together with project managers and other supervisory personnel. The consideration of $4.4 million for the Kinsel Business was financed by TSC through the issuance to ITI of two unsecured two-year notes in the aggregate amount of $1.5 million, with the balance funded through additional borrowings under the SHH revolving line of credit. Each of the Distribution Segment and the Construction Segment is managed by its own decision makers and comprises unique customers, suppliers and employees. Terry Allan, Chief Executive Officer of SCPI and Maarten Hemsley, the Chief Financial Officer of the Company, review the operating profitability of the Distribution Segment and its working capital needs to allocate financial resources. The operating profitability of the Construction Segment is reviewed by Joseph P. Harper, the Company's President and SHH's Chief Financial Officer, to determine its financial needs. Allocation of resources among the Company's operating segments is determined by Messrs. Harper and Hemsley, subject to the terms of each Segment's bank loan agreements. LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES FINANCING At SHH, the level of working capital varies principally as a result of changes in the levels of cost and estimated earnings in excess of billings, of billings in excess of cost and estimated earnings, and of customer receivables and contract retentions. SHH's cash requirements are also impacted by its needs for capital equipment, which in the past have generally been financed from cash flow or from borrowings under its line of credit. At SCPI, the level of working capital needs varies primarily with the amounts of inventory carried, which can change seasonally, the size and timeliness of payment of receivables from customers and the amount of credit extended by suppliers. SCPI's working capital needs not financed by suppliers have been financed from cash flow, borrowings under its line of credit and other loans. At September 30, 2003, the Company's debt consisted of (in thousands): Related party notes: Subordinated debt $ 2,000 Zero coupon notes 6,437 Convertible subordinated notes 560 Management/director notes 2,296 ------- 11,293 SHH revolver 10,000 SCPI revolver 3,327 Insituform notes 750 Mortgage payable 1,172 Equipment notes & capital leases 69 ------- $26,611 ======= 14 In April 2003 the Company repaid its obligation under the KTI Loan in the amount of $1,000,000 plus accrued interest of approximately $220,000. In consideration for the prepayment, 394,000 warrants for common shares of the Company's stock that were issued in connection with the KTI Loan were cancelled. Casella Waste Systems, the parent company of KTI, retains 100,000 warrants, which are exercisable for common shares of the Company's stock at $1.50 per share. The warrants may be exercised after January 2006. Related Party Notes Subordinated Debt As part of the Sterling Transaction, certain shareholders of SHH were issued subordinated promissory notes in the aggregate amount of $6 million in payment for certain of their SHH shares. These notes are repayable over three years in equal quarterly installments and carry interest at 12% per annum. Subordinated Zero Coupon Notes The Sterling Transaction was funded in part through the sale of zero coupon notes and the issuance of zero coupon notes to certain selling shareholders in SHH. Warrants for Sterling common stock were issued in connection with the zero coupon notes. The zero coupon notes are shown at their present value, discounted at a rate of 12% and mature four years from the date of closing of the Sterling Transaction, in July 2005. Warrants issued in connection with the notes are exercisable up to ten years from closing and first become exercisable in July 2005 at $1.50 per common share. Patrick Manning, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, and Joseph P. Harper received zero coupon notes in the face amount of $799,000 and $1.0 million, respectively and warrants for 63,498 shares and 81,301 shares, respectively, in the Sterling Transaction. Convertible Subordinated Notes In December 2001, in conjunction with an amendment to the SCPI Revolver and in order to strengthen SCPI's working capital position through an advance to SCPI to fund the purchase of additional inventory, Sterling obtained funding principally from members of management and directors (including Robert Frickel, Joseph P. Harper and Maarten Hemsley, who contributed $155,000, $100,000 and $25,000, respectively) aggregating $500,000 (the "Convertible Subordinated Notes"). In January 2002, two other members of management, including Bernard Frank, Chairman of SCPI, funded a further $60,000, which was used for general corporate purposes. The notes evidencing these advances are convertible at any time prior to their maturity date into the Company's common stock at a price of $2.50 per share and mature and are payable in full in December 2004. Interest at an annual rate of 12% is payable monthly. The notes are senior to debt issued in connection with the Sterling Transaction. Management/Director Notes Notes with an aggregate face amount of $1.3 million issued in connection with the October 1999 purchase of the second equity tranche of shares of SHH were restructured as part of the Sterling Transaction. Of the total, notes for $800,000 were due to members of SHH's management, including Joseph P. Harper, since appointed President of the Company. Notes totaling approximately $550,000 were due to Robert Davies, the Company's former Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, and, through a participation agreement, Maarten Hemsley, formerly the Company's President and now its Chief Financial Officer. In consideration for the extension of the maturity dates of these notes, the face amounts were increased by an aggregate of approximately $342,000. Furthermore, certain accrued amounts due to Messrs. Davies and 15 Hemsley aggregating approximately $355,000 were converted into notes. All such notes mature over four years and carry interest at 12%. Principal and interest may be paid only from defined cash flow of Sterling and SCPI, or from proceeds of any sale of SCPI's business. In January 2003, in order to further improve SCPI's working capital position, certain members of the Company's management loaned SCPI an aggregate of $250,000 under short-term promissory notes that were due in July 2003. The notes bear interest at 10% per annum, payable monthly. In July 2003 the maturity date of the notes was extended to December 31, 2003 and the notes were guaranteed by the Company. Sterling Revolver and SCPI Revolver In conjunction with the Sterling Transaction, SHH entered into a three-year agreement providing for a revolving line of credit with a maximum line of $13.0 million, subject to a borrowing base (the "SHH Revolver"). The line of credit carries interest at prime, is subject to achievement of certain financial targets, is secured by the equipment of SHH and is subject to the maintenance of certain financial covenants. In September 2002, in connection with the acquisition of the Kinsel Business, the line of credit was amended to increase the maximum line to $17.0 million. In March 2003 SHH agreed with its bank on a two-year extension of its bank revolving line of credit, until March 31, 2006, and, reflecting recent strong cash flow and expected lower borrowing requirements, the maximum amount available under the line was reduced, at the request of SHH, to $14 million from $17 million. At September 30, 2003, the balance on the SHH Revolver was $10.0 million. SHH was in compliance with its financial covenants for the quarter ended September 30, 2003. Management believes that the SHH Revolver will provide adequate funding for SHH's working capital, debt service and capital expenditure requirements, including seasonal fluctuations, for at least the next twelve months. In July 2001, SCPI replaced its existing line of credit with financing from an institutional lender (the "SCPI Revolver"). The SCPI Revolver originally was for a term of two years in the amount of $4.5 million, subject to a borrowing base and carried an interest rate equal to prime plus 1%. Due to concerns stemming from the August 2001 bankruptcy filing of Ames Department Stores, a significant customer of SCPI, the SCPI Revolver was amended to shorten the term of the line and increase the interest rate to prime plus 1.5%. Upon satisfaction to the lender of SCPI's ability to maintain sales and profitability levels, the SCPI Revolver was again amended in December 2001 to provide for a line of $5.0 million, subject to a borrowing base, and to extend the term to May 31, 2003. In November 2002, the Revolver was again amended to extend the term to May 31, 2004 and to remove certain limitations on borrowing. At September 30, 2003, the outstanding balance on the SCPI Revolver was $3.3 million and the effective rate of interest was 5.5%. The Revolver is secured by the assets of SCPI and is subject to the maintenance of certain financial covenants. In August 2003, the SCPI Revolver was amended to extend the maturity date to December 31, 2004, reduce the interest rate to prime plus 1% and revise certain borrowing limitations. SCPI received a waiver from the lender for its covenant requirements at June 30, 2003 and September 30, 2003 and paid a fee of $7,500 in connection therewith. Management believes that the SCPI Revolver and the proceeds from the Convertible Subordinated Notes and short-term notes will provide adequate funding for SCPI's working capital, debt service and capital expenditure requirements, including seasonal fluctuations for at least the next twelve months, assuming no material deterioration in current sales levels or profit margins. KTI Loan In December 1998, the Company entered into a loan agreement with KTI, Inc., a subsidiary of Casella Waste Systems, Inc. (the "KTI Loan") pursuant to which KTI committed to 16 fund a minimum of $11.5 million for capital expenditures and start-up losses incurred by New Heights, a waste-to-energy facility located in Ford Heights, Illinois. In July 2001, all except $1,000,000 of the KTI Loan and accrued interest thereon was cancelled pursuant to the Unwinding Agreements, with the balance converted to a four year subordinated loan, with interest of 12% due at maturity. The face value of the KTI Loan was accounted for by a reduction for the fair value of the approximately 494,000 warrants for Sterling common stock issued to KTI, to be amortized over the life of the loan. In April 2003, the KTI loan of $1,000,000 plus accrued interest of approximately $220,000 was prepaid. In consideration for the prepayment, 394,000 warrants for Sterling common stock were cancelled. Insituform Notes In September 2002, a wholly-owned subsidiary of SHH acquired the Kinsel Heavy Highway construction business from a subsidiary of Insituform Technologies. The transaction was financed through the issuance of two unsecured two-year notes aggregating $1.5 million to Insituform, with the balance funded through additional borrowings under the SHH Revolver. The Insituform Notes bear interest at 9% and are payable in quarterly installments plus accrued interest. SHH Mortgage In June 2001, SHH completed the construction of a new headquarters building on land adjacent to its existing equipment repair facility in Houston. The building was financed principally through an additional mortgage of $1.1 million on the land and facilities, at an interest rate of 7.75% per annum, repayable over 15 years. The new mortgage is cross-collateralized with an existing mortgage on the land and facilities which was obtained in 1998 in the amount of $500,000, repayable over 15 years with an interest rate of 9.3% per annum. Other Debt and Capital Leases In October 1998, SCPI obtained from the Redevelopment Authority of the City of McKeesport a low-interest loan (the "Subordinated Loan"), subordinated to the SCPI Revolver, in the amount of $98,000 and carrying interest at 5% per annum. The loan, which funded leasehold improvements at SCPI, is being repaid in monthly installments through October 2003. In addition, SCPI has entered into certain capital leases for equipment that generally carry terms of five years, payable in monthly installments. The lease expirations range from October 2003 to October 2007. CASH FLOWS Net cash provided by operating activities in the nine months ended September 30, 2003 increased by approximately $10.0 million over the nine months ended September 30, 2002. The increase was principally due to improved cash flow from operations, combined with increases in levels of Construction Segment billings in excess of costs on uncompleted contracts. Compared with the prior year, net cash used in investing activities decreased by approximately $2.3 million; the acquisition of the Kinsel business had accounted for increased investing requirements in the prior year. 17 In the nine months ended September 30, 2003 the Company reduced its debt obligations by approximately $6.2 million, primarily reflecting a decrease in the SHH Revolver and the prepayment of the KTI Loan in April 2003. FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS From time to time the information provided by the Company or statements made by its employees may contain so-called "forward-looking" information that involves risks and uncertainties. In particular, statements contained in this Item 2 - "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations," which are not historical facts (including, but not limited to statements concerning anticipated sales, profit levels, customers and cash flows) are forward-looking statements. The Company's actual future results may differ significantly from those stated in any forward-looking statements. Factors that may cause such differences include, but are not limited to the factors discussed above as well as the accuracy of the Company's internal estimates of revenue and operating expense levels. Each of these factors and others are discussed from time to time in the Company's Securities and Exchange Commission filings. CERTIFICATION This Form 10-Q has been certified by Patrick T. Manning, Chief Executive Officer of the Company, and by Maarten D. Hemsley, Chief Financial Officer of the Company, pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (Subsections (a) and (b) of section 1350, chapter 63 of title 18, United States Code) and the certification is attached as Exhibit 32.0. MATERIAL CHANGES IN FINANCIAL CONDITION At September 30, 2003, there had been no material changes in the Company's financial condition since December 31, 2002, as discussed in Item 7 of the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the period ended December 31, 2002. RESULTS OF OPERATIONS Operations include the consolidated results for SCPI, which through its operating division, Steel City Products, headquartered in McKeesport, Pennsylvania, distributes automotive accessories, non-food pet supplies and lawn and garden products (the "Distribution Segment"). In July 2001, pursuant to the Sterling Transaction, the Company increased its investment in SHH from 12% to 80.1%. SHH is a heavy civil construction company based in Houston that specializes in municipal and state highway contracts for paving, bridge, water and sewer, and light rail. Operations of SHH consist of one segment (the "Construction Segment"). THREE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2003 COMPARED WITH THREE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2002 CONSTRUCTION For the three months ended September 30, 2003, Construction reported revenues of $36.6 million, an increase of $9.1 million, or 33% compared with the three months ended September 30, 2002. The increase was due to higher revenues on municipal contracts and the addition of the Kinsel business, enhanced by generally favorable weather with little rain during the quarter. Gross profit for the period was $5.1 million, or 14.0% of contract revenues, compared with gross profit in the third quarter last year of $3.3 million, or 11.9% of contract revenues. The increase in gross margin resulted from the increase in contract revenues which generated greater operation efficiencies and to the mix of contracts. 18 SHH reported an operating profit of $3.4 million for the quarter, compared with an operating profit of $2.0 million last year. The improvement was due primarily to the revenue increase and better gross margins. Contract backlog at SHH at September 30, 2003 was approximately $126 million, of which approximately 67% is not expected to be constructed until fiscal 2004. Due to budgetary constraints affecting Construction's principal municipal customers, revenue levels and profit margins on future contracts may not continue to reflect the current year levels. DISTRIBUTION Third quarter sales by SCPI totaled $4.7 million, a decrease of $316,000 compared with the third quarter of the prior year. Sales of automotive products decreased by approximately $308,000 and sales of pet products decreased by $99,000, in both cases principally due to the July 2002 liquidation of Ames Department Stores, a significant customer. Offsetting the decreases were sales of lawn and garden products that increased by $91,000 in the third quarter. Gross profit for the Distribution Segment was $675,000, or 14.2% of sales, compared with gross profit in the prior year of $766,000, or 15.1% of sales. The decrease was due to the lower sales volumes, combined with lower margins resulting principally from the increased proportion of lawn and garden products shipped in the current year. The Distribution Segment reported an operating profit of $8,000 in the third quarter, compared with an operating loss of $90,000 in the third quarter of the prior year. The improvement was due to reductions in operating expenses that offset the lower revenues and gross margins. CORPORATE Operating expenses at the corporate level decreased by approximately $70,000 due primarily to lower legal, tax and shareholder expenses and to a reduction in expense related to the put liability for the three months ended September 30, 2003. NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2003 COMPARED WITH NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2002 CONSTRUCTION For the nine months ended September 30, 2003, Construction reported revenues of $116.2 million, an increase of $38.4 million, or 49.5% compared with the nine months ended September 30, 2002. The increase was due to higher revenues on municipal contracts and the addition of the Kinsel business, enhanced by generally favorable weather during the first nine months, which permitted faster average completion of contracts. Gross profit for the first nine months was $13.4 million, or 11.6% of contract revenues, compared with gross profit in the first nine months of last year of $8.6 million, or 11.1% of contract revenues. SHH reported an operating profit of $9.4 million for the first nine months of the current year, compared with an operating profit of $5.0 million in the same period of the prior year. The improvement was due primarily to the revenue increase. 19 DISTRIBUTION First nine month sales at SCPI totaled $16.2 million, a decrease of $2.3 million compared with the first nine months of the prior year. The decrease was principally due to the July 2002 liquidation of Ames Department Stores, a significant customer of automotive and pet products; sales to Ames in the first nine months of fiscal 2002 totaled approximately $2.4 million. Despite wet weather during much of this year's first nine months, sales of lawn and garden products increased by $1.1 million, mainly due to sales to new customers and to increased sales to existing customers. Gross profit for the distribution segment was $2.4 million, or 14.7% of sales, compared with gross profit in the prior year of $3.0 million, or 16.1% of sales. The decrease was due to the lower sales volumes, combined with lower margins resulting principally from the increased proportion of lawn and garden products shipped in the current year. The Distribution Segment reported an operating profit of $463,000 in the first nine months of fiscal 2003, compared with an operating profit of $663,000 in the first nine months of the prior year. The decrease was due to the lower sales volume and lower gross margins, offset in part by reduced operating expenses. CORPORATE Operating expenses at the corporate level decreased by approximately $274,000 due primarily to lower legal, tax and shareholder expenses and to a reduction in expense related to the put liability for the nine months ended September 30, 2003. ITEM 3. QUALITATIVE AND QUANTITATIVE DISCLOSURE ABOUT MARKET RISK The Company is exposed to certain market risks from transactions that are entered into during the normal course of business. Sterling's primary market risk exposure is related to interest rate risk. The Company manages its interest rate risk by attempting to balance its exposure between fixed and variable rates while attempting to minimize its interest costs. An increase of 1% in the market rate of interest would have increased the Company's interest expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2003 by approximately $37,000. Financial derivatives are used as part of the overall risk management strategy. These instruments are used to manage risk related to changes in interest rates. The portfolio of derivative financial instruments consists of interest rate swap agreements. Interest rate swap agreements are used to modify variable rate obligations to fixed rate obligations, thereby reducing the exposure to higher interest rates. Amounts paid or received under interest rate swap agreements are accrued as interest rates change with the offset recorded in interest expense. The Company applies Statement of Financial Standards (SFAS) No. 133, Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities. Under SFAS No. 133, the Company's interest rate swaps have not been designated as hedging instruments; therefore changes in fair value are recognized in current earnings. Because the Company derives no revenues from foreign countries or otherwise has no obligations in foreign currency, the Company experiences no foreign currency exchange rate risk. ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES Within the 90 days prior to the date of this report, the Company carried out an evaluation under the supervision and with the participation of the Company's management, including the Company's Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company's disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to Rule 13a-14 20 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Based on that evaluation, the Company's Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that the Company's disclosure controls and procedures are adequate and effective in timely alerting them to material information relating to the Company required to be included in the Company's periodic filings with the SEC. There have been no significant changes in the Company's internal controls or in other factors that could significantly affect internal controls subsequent to the date the Company carried out its evaluation. PART II - OTHER INFORMATION Item 1. Legal Proceedings There are no material legal proceedings outstanding against the Company. Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders No matters were submitted to a vote of security holders during the quarter for which this report is filed. ITEM 6. EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K (a) Exhibits *10.1 Put Restructuring Agreement dated September 25, 2003 *31.1 Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of the Chief Executive Officer *31.2 Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of the Chief Financial Officer *32.0 Section 1350 Certification of the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer (b) Reports on Form 8-K a. 8-K filed August 15, 2003, reporting release of its results of operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2003. - -------------- *filed herewith 21 SIGNATURES Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized. STERLING CONSTRUCTION COMPANY, INC. Date: November 10, 2003 By: /s/ Patrick T. Manning. ------------------------------- Patrick T. Manning. Chief Executive Officer Date: November 10, 2003 By: /s/ Maarten D. Hemsley ------------------------------- Maarten D. Hemsley Chief Financial Officer 22 INDEX TO EXHIBITS *10.1 Put Restructuring Agreement dated September 25, 2003 *31.1 Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of the Chief Executive Officer *31.2 Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of the Chief Financial Officer *32.0 Section 1350 Certification of the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer 23