Aegion Corporation Reports 2016 First Quarter Financial Results

Aegion Corporation Reports 2016 First Quarter Financial Results

• Adjusted (non-GAAP) 2016 first quarter earnings were $0.12 per diluted share compared to adjusted earnings of $0.13 per diluted share in the first quarter of 2015. On a GAAP basis, 2016 first quarter loss was $0.11 per diluted share compared to net income of $0.04 per diluted share in the prior year.
• Consolidated cash and cash equivalents at March 31, 2016 were $127.9 million, an $8.1 million decline from March 31, 2015. The decline in cash and cash equivalents was due substantially to funding for the acquisition of Underground Solutions, Inc. in February 2016.
• Consolidated contract backlog at March 31, 2016 was $756.7 million, an increase of approximately 1.0 percent from March 31, 2015.

Aegion Corporation (Nasdaq Global Select Market: AEGN) today reported financial results for the first quarter of 2016. On a GAAP reporting basis, there was a net loss of $3.8 million, or $0.11 per diluted share, compared to net income of $1.4 million, or $0.04 per diluted share. Excluding acquisition-related expenses in both time periods and charges associated with the restructuring plan announced on January 6, 2016 (the “2016 Restructuring”) and Aegion’s strategic realignment and restructuring plan announced in October 2014 (the “2014 Restructuring”), adjusted net income for the first quarters of 2016 and 2015 were $4.3 million, or $0.12 per diluted share, and $4.8 million, or $0.13 per diluted share, respectively.

Aegion’s President and Chief Executive Officer, Charles R. Gordon commented, “Our first quarter operating results were in line with our expectations and represent a good start to the year. We plan to take advantage of stable conditions across many of the Company’s end markets, realize our cost reduction targets and improve execution to deliver full year 2016 adjusted earnings per share in line with 2015 results. The acquisition of Underground Solutions and the divestiture of our Canadian pipe coating business earlier this year are examples of how we are aligning our portfolio around two strategic markets, urban infrastructure and midstream pipelines. These core markets provide the Company with the opportunity for long-term stable organic growth.”

March 31, 2016 compared to March 31, 2015

Consolidated contract backlog increased approximately 1.0 percent to $756.7 million. The backlog comparison includes the impact from the Company’s decision to downsize in certain high-cost upstream markets in early 2016, remaining backlog in the restructured international CIPP contracting markets in 2015 and a large pipe coating and insulation contract added to backlog at December 31, 2015.

Infrastructure Solutions’ backlog declined $26.6 million, or 7.5 percent, to $327.6 million. In the North American water and wastewater market, backlog was the second highest for a first quarter period compared to record first quarter backlog at March 31, 2015. Current backlog is representative of a continued robust market in North America. Underground Solutions contributed $11.5 million to backlog at March 31, 2016. There was an $8 million negative variance due to remaining backlog in 2015 associated with the exit of contracting activities in several international wastewater pipeline rehabilitation markets. In addition, a large pressure pipe rehabilitation project for the nuclear industry, valued at approximately $13 million, was included in contract backlog at March 31, 2015 and was completed during 2015.

Corrosion Protection backlog increased $100.6 million, or 63.1 percent, to $259.9 million because of the Company’s deepwater pipe coating and insulation contract, valued at over $130 million, signed during the fourth quarter of 2015. Partially offsetting the increase in backlog were the Company’s February 2016 sale of its 51 percent stake in its Canadian pipe coating joint venture and the negative impact from further reductions in capital and maintenance expenditures by upstream customers, particularly in the Canadian market. Backlog for the midstream market is at adequate levels consistent with the expectations for 2016.

Energy Services backlog declined $69.0 million, or 29.0 percent, to $169.2 million as a result of a significant decline in upstream backlog associated with the non-renewal in late 2015 of two long-term upstream maintenance contracts in Central California and the decision to downsize the upstream operations in January 2016. Downstream backlog declined modestly due to an expected reduction in turnaround activity in 2016.

Aegion Realignment and Restructuring

2016 Restructuring

On January 4, 2016, the Company’s board of directors approved the 2016 Restructuring to downsize its exposure in the upstream oil markets and to reduce consolidated costs. As part of management’s ongoing assessment of its energy-related businesses, the Company determined the persistent low price of oil is expected to create market challenges for the foreseeable future, including reduced customer spending in 2016. During the first quarter of 2016, the Company made significant progress toward completing the objectives of the 2016 Restructuring, including downsizing Energy Services’ upstream operations in Central California, reducing Corrosion Protection’s upstream exposure by divesting its interest in a Canadian pipe coating joint venture, right-sizing Corrosion Protection to compete more effectively and reducing corporate and other operating costs.

The 2016 Restructuring is expected to reduce costs by $15.0 to $16.0 million, more than originally planned, with most of the cost reductions expected to be realized in 2016 primarily through headcount reductions and office closures. The Company expects to reduce headcount by approximately 900 employees, or 14.5% of the total workforce. Headcount reductions totaled 705 as of March 31, 2016. The Company expects to substantially complete the restructuring in the second quarter of 2016 and record total estimated pre-tax charges between $11.0 to $13.0 million, most of which will be cash charges. This is an increase from the original estimate of $7.0 to $9.0 million. The actual and anticipated charges consist primarily of employee severance, extension of benefits, employment assistance programs, early lease termination and other restructuring costs. Total pre-tax restructuring charges during the first quarter of 2016 were $9.7 million ($6.6 million after tax), all of which were cash charges. The higher cost was due to additional headcount reductions and associated costs to complete existing projects in the Central California operations, which have taken longer than originally anticipated.

Consolidated Highlights

First Quarter 2016 versus First Quarter 2015
The Company reports its results on a GAAP and adjusted (non-GAAP) basis. Adjusted measures exclude certain pre-tax charges and are reconciled to the most directly comparable GAAP measures beginning on page 8.

Consolidated revenues declined $15.3 million, or 4.9 percent, to $293.9 million. Favorable contributors included revenue growth in the North American water and wastewater pipeline rehabilitation market compared to record performance in the prior year, a $4.7 million contribution from the acquisition of Underground Solutions, which closed on February 18, 2016, and completion of several refinery turnaround projects in the Energy Services platform. Two primary factors offset the revenue contribution in the quarter. First, customer-driven reduction of two large upstream contracts and the strategic decision to downsize the upstream exposure in the high-cost oil extraction markets in Canada and Central California negatively impacted the Corrosion Protection and Energy Services platforms, respectively. Second, the broader Canadian energy market is under more pressure this year than in 2015, which negatively affected revenues for Corrosion Protection compared to much higher revenues in the prior year. As a result, Infrastructure Solutions increased revenues by $3.3 million, or 2.7 percent, to $125.8 million. Revenues for Corrosion Protection declined $9.3 million, or 9.1 percent, to $92.4 million. Revenues for Energy Services declined $9.3 million, or 10.9 percent, to $75.7 million. Foreign currency translation adversely impacted consolidated revenues by $5.6 million, mostly in Corrosion Protection, but also within Infrastructure Solutions.

Consolidated adjusted gross profit decreased $3.5 million, or 6.0 percent, to $55.7 million. Adjusted gross margins declined 20 basis points to 18.9 percent. The decline in consolidated adjusted gross profit and margins was primarily the result of the factors impacting revenue performance noted above. Corrosion Protection’s performance was particularly affected by the impact of the market factors in Canada, where historical margins are the highest in the segment. In Energy Services, gross profit was negatively impacted by additional upstream costs in Central California to complete the remaining maintenance contracts, cost overruns on certain lump-sum construction projects and higher start up costs for certain turnaround projects in the downstream operations. Infrastructure Solutions gross profit and margins increased during the first quarter of 2016 because of continued improvements in the North American operations and a $2.6 million contribution from Underground Solutions. In terms of segment performance, adjusted gross profit for Infrastructure Solutions increased $2.4 million, or 8.2 percent, to $31.0 million and adjusted gross margins increased 120 basis points to 24.6 percent. Gross profit for Corrosion Protection declined $3.6 million, or 17.4 percent, to $17.2 million and gross margins declined 190 basis points to 18.6 percent. Energy Services’ gross profit declined $2.3 million, or 23.3 percent, to $7.5 million and margins declined 160 basis points to 9.9 percent. Foreign currency translation adversely impacted consolidated gross profit by approximately $1.0 million, mostly in Corrosion Protection, but also within Infrastructure Solutions.

Consolidated adjusted operating expenses decreased $0.9 million, or 1.9 percent, to $48.0 million. As a percent of consolidated revenues, the adjusted operating expense ratio increased 50 basis points to 16.3 percent. The Company realized approximately $3.5 million in operating expense reductions from the 2016 Restructuring, in line with expectations. Adjusted operating expenses for Infrastructure Solutions increased 2.5 percent to $21.0 million. Operating expenses included $1.4 million from the February 2016 acquisition of Underground Solutions, which offset additional cost savings from the integration of the operations within Infrastructure Solutions, which began in the fourth quarter of 2014, and continued cost containment efforts in the European operations. Adjusted operating expenses for Corrosion Protection declined 1.0 percent to $20.1 million and declined 15.2 percent to $6.9 million for Energy Services, both as a result of the actions taken with respect to the 2016 Restructuring. Foreign currency translation favorably impacted consolidated operating expenses by approximately $1.0 million, primarily in Corrosion Protection, but also within Infrastructure Solutions.

Consolidated adjusted operating income declined $2.6 million, or 25.5 percent, to $7.7 million. Adjusted operating margins declined 70 basis points to 2.6 percent. Infrastructure Solutions’ adjusted operating income increased $1.9 million, or 22.7 percent, to $10.0 million due to strong performance in North America in the water and wastewater pipeline rehabilitation market and a $1.3 million contribution from Underground Solutions. Adjusted operating margins increased 130 basis points to 8.0 percent. Corrosion Protection’s adjusted operating loss was $2.9 million and Energy Services recognized adjusted operating income of $0.6 million. Both of these segments were impacted by the higher-cost oil extraction markets, which resulted in the decision to reduce the Company’s upstream exposure. Corrosion Protection’s performance was negatively affected by more difficult market conditions in Canada associated with the upstream and midstream markets compared to strong activity in the prior year. Foreign currency translation was not material to the platform or consolidated results for operating income.

During the first quarter of 2016, the Company recognized $1.1 million in currency losses in Other Income/(Expense) related to the revaluation of dollar denominated deposits in certain international locations.

The effective tax rate on a GAAP basis was a benefit of 54.6 percent on a pre-tax loss. The Company recorded a $1.9 million benefit to consolidated taxes and net income related to the corporate tax valuation allowance as a result of changes in the realization of future tax benefits. Excluding the tax effects from the restructuring charges and acquisition-related expenses in the first quarter of 2016, the adjusted effective tax rate was a negative 33.9 percent. The Company anticipates the adjusted effective tax rate in the remaining quarters and full year 2016 will be approximately 30 percent because of the expectation for a greater proportion of earnings in higher tax jurisdictions, primarily the United States.

Cash Flow

First quarter 2016 compared to first quarter 2015

Net cash flow used by continuing operations was $2.0 million compared to $12.2 million used in the prior year. This follows the typical pattern of cash flow from operating activities being at the seasonally lowest during the first quarter of the year. Net changes in working capital was a $11.6 million use of cash compared to a $25.8 million use of cash in the same period last year. Days sales outstanding on receivables decreased approximately 10 days, excluding several large deposits related to a pipe coating and insulation coating project received during the first quarter of 2016. The improvement in cash collections was largely offset by an increase in payments for accounts payable and accrued expenses.

Net cash flow used by investing activities was $91.8 million compared to $11.5 million used in the prior year. The Company used $85.2 million, net of cash acquired, to acquire Underground Solutions on February 18, 2016. Approximately $60 million of the purchase price was funded from existing cash balances with the remainder drawn from the Company’s line of credit. Capital expenditures were $10.1 million compared to $4.2 million in the prior year. The increase in capital expenditures primarily reflects plant upgrades related to an upcoming large pipe coating and insulation contract at the Company’s Louisiana pipe coating facility. In the first quarter 2016, the Company received proceeds of $7.6 million for the sale of the Company’s 51 percent interest in Bayou Perma-Pipe, Ltd., following the decision to reduce the Company’s exposure in the Western Canadian oil market.

Net cash flows from financing activities provided $13.3 million compared to $11.7 million used in the prior year. The Company used $16.3 million to repurchase 910,656 shares of Company common stock through open market purchases and in connection with the Company’s equity compensation programs. The Company borrowed $34.0 million from its line of credit during the first quarter of 2016, primarily to fund the acquisition of Underground Solutions, and made payments of $4.4 million related to long-term debt. During the first quarter of 2015, the Company used net cash of $6.2 million to repurchase stock and $6.5 million to pay down the principal balance on its long-term debt.

Net cash flow for the first quarter of 2016 was an outflow of $83.8 million, which included a $3.4 million negative impact from currency exchange rate changes. This compares to a cash outflow of $39.0 million in the first quarter of 2015.

About Aegion

Aegion Corporation is a global leader in infrastructure protection and maintenance, providing proprietary technologies and services: (i) to protect against the corrosion of industrial pipelines; (ii) to rehabilitate and strengthen water, wastewater, energy and mining piping systems and buildings, bridges, tunnels and waterfront structures; and (iii) to utilize integrated professional services in engineering, procurement, construction, maintenance and turnaround services for a broad range of energy related industries. Aegion’s business activities include manufacturing, distribution, maintenance, construction, installation, coating and insulation, cathodic protection, research and development and licensing. More information about Aegion can be found on our internet site at www.aegion.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 provides a “safe harbor” for forward-looking statements. Aegion’s forward-looking statements in this news release represent its beliefs or expectations about future events or financial performance. These forward-looking statements are based on information currently available to Aegion and on management’s beliefs, assumptions, estimates or projections and are not guarantees of future events or results. When used in this document, the words “anticipate,” “estimate,” “believe,” “plan,” “intend, “may,” “will” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, but are not the exclusive means of identifying such statements. Such statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and assumptions, including those referred to in the “Risk Factors” section of Aegion’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 29, 2016, and in subsequently filed documents. In light of these risks, uncertainties and assumptions, the forward-looking events may not occur. In addition, Aegion’s actual results may vary materially from those anticipated, estimated, suggested or projected. Except as required by law, Aegion does not assume a duty to update forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Investors should, however, review additional disclosures made by Aegion from time to time in Aegion’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Please use caution and do not place reliance on forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements made by Aegion in this news release are qualified by these cautionary statements.

About Non-GAAP Financial Measures

Aegion has presented certain information in this release excluding certain items that impacted income, expense and earnings per share from continuing operations. The adjusted earnings per share in the quarters ended March 31, 2016 and 2015 exclude certain charges related to the Company’s restructuring efforts and acquisition-related expenses.

Aegion management uses such non-GAAP information internally to evaluate financial performance for Aegion’s operations because Aegion’s management believes such non-GAAP information allows management to more accurately compare Aegion’s ongoing performance across periods. As such, Aegion’s management believes that providing non-GAAP financial information to Aegion’s investors is useful because it allows investors to evaluate Aegion’s performance using the same methodology and information used by Aegion management.

Aegion^®, the Aegion^® logo, Fyfe^®, Schultz Mechanical™ and Underground Solutions^® are registered trademarks of Aegion Corporation and its affiliates. (AEGN-ER)

Aegion Corporation
David A. Martin, 636-530-8000
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

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