Press Release

TULSA, Okla., May 10, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Matrix Service Company (Nasdaq: MTRX), a leading contractor to the energy and industrial markets across North America, today reported financial results for its third quarter of fiscal 2021.

Key highlights:

• Third quarter revenue of $148.3 million was negatively affected by continued market disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as severe weather impacts on select projects
• Third quarter loss per fully diluted share of $0.49, adjusted loss per fully diluted share of $0.43⁽¹⁾
• Book-to-bill of 0.9 on project awards of $138.0 million in the quarter and backlog of $538.3 million; expectations for increasing project awards as we move through the calendar year
• The Company is actively working to convert its extensive clean energy opportunity pipeline which includes LNG and hydrogen, supported by our relationship with Chart Industries
• Balance sheet remains strong with $73.8 million in cash and no debt
• The Company expects results to improve as business volumes increase following $60 million of cost reductions achieved over the last year

“As we proceed through the year, as COVID-19 infection rates continue to decline, we are seeing signs of improvement across our end markets. Bidding opportunities, especially in key strategic areas, continue to grow and our strong balance sheet, combined with a leaner organization, position us to create shareholder value as the world returns to normalcy. Additionally, our increasing focus on providing our customers clean energy solutions is creating new, significant opportunities for the business,” said Matrix Service Company president and CEO John R. Hewitt. “While certain project awards and starts have certainly been delayed, we believe the third quarter was the bottom of the cycle and expect the fourth quarter to significantly improve. We expect this improvement to continue as we move into fiscal 2022.”

Update on Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic

Throughout the course of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Company's top priority has been to maintain a safe working environment for all field and office employees, customers and business partners. While North America has seen a significant reduction in infection rates and an equally significant increase in vaccine availability, our project teams, in coordination with our clients, continue to operate under enhanced work processes to protect the health and safety of everyone on our job sites.

Additionally, in direct response to market conditions, many of which are a result of COVID-19’s impact on energy demand over the last year, the Company has reduced its cost structure in excess of $60 million, or approximately 25%, with a third of those reductions related to SG&A and the rest related to construction overhead, which is included in cost of revenue in the income statement. Despite these significant reductions in construction overhead, our third quarter revenue did not allow for complete recovery of overhead, which reduced gross margin. Based on our opportunity pipeline and the strengthening market, we believe our current adjusted overhead levels are appropriate. While the Company will continue to manage its cost structure, we are also focused on rebuilding our backlog and restoring revenue volume to more normalized levels.

Third Quarter Fiscal 2021 Results

Consolidated

Consolidated revenue was $148.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021, compared to $248.3 million in the same period in the prior fiscal year. On a segment basis, revenue decreased in the Storage and Terminal Solutions, Process and Industrial Facilities, and Utility and Power Infrastructure segments by $57.0 million, $32.1 million, and $10.9 million, respectively.

Consolidated gross profit decreased to $1.6 million in the three months ended March 31, 2021 compared to $20.5 million in the same period in the prior fiscal year. Gross margin decreased to 1.1% in the three months ended March 31, 2021 compared to 8.2% in the same period in the prior fiscal year. Gross margins in fiscal 2021 were largely impacted negatively by lower than forecasted volumes, which led to under recovery of construction overhead costs as well as a lower than previously forecasted margin on a large capital project in the Utility and Power Infrastructure segment. These negative impacts were partially offset by increases in estimated recoveries on other completed capital projects.

Consolidated SG&A expenses were $17.2 million in the three months ended March 31, 2021 compared to $19.7 million in the same period a year earlier. The decrease is primarily attributable to implemented cost reductions.

In connection with these cost reductions, the Company recorded $1.9 million of restructuring costs in the three months ended March 31, 2021.

For the three months ended March 31, 2021, we had a net loss of $12.9 million, or $0.49 per fully diluted share, compared to a net loss of $5.5 million, or $0.21 per fully diluted share, in the three months ended March 31, 2020. For the three months ended March 31, 2021, the adjusted net loss was $11.5 million, or $0.43 per fully diluted share, compared to an adjusted net loss of $0.4 million, or $0.02 per fully diluted share, in the three months ended March 31, 2020⁽¹⁾.

Utility and Power Infrastructure

Revenue for the Utility and Power Infrastructure segment was $44.7 million in the three months ended March 31, 2021 compared to $55.7 million in the same period a year earlier. The decrease is due to lower volumes of power generation and power delivery work.

The segment gross margin (loss) was (10.5)% in fiscal 2021 compared to 5.6% in fiscal 2020. The fiscal 2021 segment gross margin was negatively impacted by an increase in the forecasted costs to complete a large capital project, which resulted in a decrease in gross profit of $8.9 million. The change in estimate was due to lower than previously forecasted productivity caused by excessive rain at the project site, the continuing impact of COVID-19, and rework which led to higher costs and some schedule compression. The profit on future revenue related to this project will be recognized based on the current project forecast, which is reduced, but near our expected range for the segment. In addition, segment gross margin was negatively impacted by low volumes, which led to the under recovery of construction overhead costs. These negative impacts were partially offset by good project execution throughout the remainder of the segment.

Performance in the power delivery business continues to be strong on lower revenue. Bidding activity is strong and we expect project awards to improve. Similarly, our opportunity pipeline for LNG peak shaving projects is building, however those awards, while significant, can be less frequent. During the third quarter of fiscal 2021, we received a key contract for an upgrade of an LNG peak shaving facility. We are optimistic that the priorities of the Biden Administration will lead to increased opportunities in this segment.

Process and Industrial Facilities

Revenue for the Process and Industrial Facilities segment was $42.8 million in the three months ended March 31, 2021 compared to $75.0 million in the same period a year earlier. The decrease is primarily due to lower volumes of midstream gas and refinery capital projects. The decrease was also attributable to the completion of our remaining iron and steel projects in the third quarter of fiscal 2020 after our strategic exit from the business in the same period.

The segment gross margin was (0.4)% for the three months ended March 31, 2021 compared to 4.1% in the same period last year. Project execution generally met our expectations in the current quarter, however, segment gross margin was negatively impacted by low volumes, which led to the under recovery of construction overhead costs, and an adjustment related to the Company's assessment of the amount due on a completed project.

The short-term impact of the global pandemic on the Company's refinery maintenance operations has moderated. We saw an increase in demand for refinery and maintenance work on existing long-term maintenance contracts with certain customers. However, other customers continue to delay or reduce discretionary maintenance and capital spending. In addition, we continue to see strong demand for thermal vacuum chambers, as well as increasing opportunities in mining and minerals and chemicals. The larger midstream gas projects continue to be limited, but we are seeing some activity in smaller capital work.

Storage and Terminal Solutions

Revenue for the Storage and Terminal Solutions segment was $60.7 million in the three months ended March 31, 2021 compared to $117.7 million in the same period a year earlier. The decrease in segment revenue is primarily a result of lower volumes of crude oil tank and terminal capital work.

The segment gross margins were 10.6% and 12.7% in the three months ended March 31, 2021 and March 31, 2020, respectively. The fiscal 2021 segment gross margin was positively impacted by additional estimated recoveries of unpriced change orders on a large crude oil terminal project following the achievement of mechanical completion and demobilization from the project site. The project's financial impact for the three months ended March 31, 2021 was a $3.9 million increase to gross profit. The benefit of this adjustment was partially offset by the under recovery of construction overhead costs caused by lower revenue volumes.

We have seen deferrals in award dates and lengthening award cycles as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and its disruption of global energy demand. Opportunities in crude oil tanks and terminals are limited. However, this segment also includes a strong funnel of opportunities in North America, Central America and the Caribbean for storage infrastructure projects related to natural gas, LNG, ammonia, hydrogen, NGLs and other forms of renewable energy that support clean energy investments, President Biden's priorities, and chemical feed stocks.

Nine Month Fiscal 2021 Results

Consolidated revenue was $498.5 million for the nine months ended March 31, 2021, compared to $905.1 million in the same period in the prior fiscal year. On a segment basis, revenue decreased for the Process and Industrial Facilities and Storage and Terminal Solutions segments by $232.7 million, and $178.8 million, respectively. These decreases were partially offset by an increase in the Utility and Power Infrastructure segment of $4.9 million. The lower revenue in the Process and Industrial Facilities segment was due to our strategic exit from the domestic iron and steel business and the lower revenue in the Storage and Terminal Solutions segment was due to lower levels of crude terminal capital work.

Consolidated gross profit decreased to $31.2 million in the nine months ended March 31, 2021 compared to $82.9 million in the same period in the prior fiscal year. Gross margin decreased to 6.3% in the nine months ended March 31, 2021 compared to 9.2% in the same period in the prior fiscal year. Gross margins in fiscal 2021 were negatively impacted by lower than forecasted volumes, which led to under recovery of construction overhead costs as well as a lower than previously forecasted margin on a large capital project in the Utility and Power Infrastructure segment.

Consolidated SG&A expenses were $52.0 million in the nine months ended March 31, 2021 compared to $66.6 million in the same period a year earlier. The 21.8% decrease is primarily attributable to implemented cost reductions.

In connection with these cost reductions, the Company recorded $6.6 million of restructuring costs in the nine months ended March 31, 2021.

For the nine months ended March 31, 2021, we had a net loss of $20.5 million, or $0.78 per fully diluted share, compared to a net loss of $27.4 million, or $1.02 per fully diluted share, in the nine months ended March 31, 2020. For the nine months ended March 31, 2021, the adjusted net loss was $15.6 million, or $0.59 per fully diluted share, compared to adjusted net income of $11.0 million, or $0.40 per fully diluted share, in the nine months ended March 31, 2020⁽¹⁾.

Income Tax Expense

Our effective tax rates for the three and nine months ended March 31, 2021 were 28.2% and 22.6%, respectively.

Backlog

Backlog at March 31, 2021 was $538.3 million. The quarterly and year-to-date book-to-bill ratios were 0.9 and 0.7 on project awards of $138.0 million and $352.6 million, respectively. During the quarter, the Company removed a previously awarded project from backlog as the customer delayed construction. With the exception of money spent under the Limited Notice to Proceed, the balance of the backlog removed was $74.2 million. The Company was paid for all work performed on the project and will rebid the project when the customer makes the final investment decision.

Financial Position and Credit Facility

At March 31, 2021 the Company had a cash balance of $73.8 million and no debt. On May 4, 2021, the Company amended its credit agreement due to the impact COVID-19 had on the Company’s earnings over the last four quarters. The amendment temporarily eliminates our financial covenants through the quarter ending December 31, 2021. The terms of the amended credit agreement include certain restrictions and minimum requirements that are described in the Company’s Form 10-Q filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 10, 2021.

The Company’s balance sheet is strong and sufficient to support the business. The Company is confident it will satisfy the terms of the amended credit agreement.

⁽¹⁾Non-GAAP Financial Measure

Adjusted earnings (loss) per share is a non-GAAP financial measure which excludes the financial impact of certain impairment charges, restructuring costs and tax reserves. In the three and nine months ended March 31, 2021, earnings were adjusted for restructuring costs only. See the Non-GAAP Financial Measures section included at the end of this release for a reconciliation to earnings per share.

Conference Call / Webcast Details

In conjunction with the earnings release, Matrix Service Company will host a conference call / webcast with John R. Hewitt, President and CEO, and Kevin S. Cavanah, Vice President and CFO. The call will take place at 10:30 a.m. (Eastern) / 9:30 a.m. (Central) on Tuesday, May 11, 2021 and will be simultaneously broadcast live over the Internet which can be accessed at the Company’s website at matrixservicecompany.com under Investor Relations, Events and Presentations. Please allow extra time prior to the call to visit the site and download the streaming media software required to listen to the Internet broadcast. The conference call will be recorded and will be available for replay within one hour of completion of the live call and can be accessed following the same link as the live call.

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About Matrix Service Company

Matrix Service Company (Nasdaq: MTRX), through its subsidiaries, is a leading North American industrial engineering and construction contractor headquartered in Tulsa, Oklahoma with offices located throughout the United States and Canada, as well as Sydney, Australia and Seoul, South Korea.

The Company reports its financial results in three key operating segments: Utility and Power Infrastructure, Process and Industrial Facilities, and Storage and Terminal Solutions.

With a focus on sustainability, building strong Environment, Social and Governance (ESG) practices, and living our core values, Matrix ranks among the Top 100 Contractors by Engineering-News Record, was recognized for its Board diversification by 2020 Women on Boards, is an active signatory to CEO Action for Diversity and Inclusion, and is consistently recognized as a Great Place to Work®. To learn more about Matrix Service Company, visit matrixservicecompany.com.

This release contains forward-looking statements that are made in reliance upon the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are generally accompanied by words such as “anticipate,” “continues,” “expect,” “forecast,” “outlook,” “believe,” “estimate,” “should” and “will” and words of similar effect that convey future meaning, concerning the Company’s operations, economic performance and management’s best judgment as to what may occur in the future. Future events involve risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from those we currently anticipate. The actual results for the current and future periods and other corporate developments will depend upon a number of economic, competitive and other influences, including the successful implementation of the Company's business improvement plan and the factors discussed in the “Risk Factors” and “Forward Looking Statements” sections and elsewhere in the Company’s reports and filings made from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Many of these risks and uncertainties are beyond the control of the Company, and any one of which, or a combination of which, could materially and adversely affect the results of the Company's operations and its financial condition. We undertake no obligation to update information contained in this release, except as required by law.

For more information, please contact:

Kevin S. Cavanah
Vice President and CFO
T: 918-838-8822
Email: kcavanah@matrixservicecompany.com  

Kellie Smythe
Senior Director, Investor Relations
T: 918-359-8267
Email: ksmythe@matrixservicecompany.com 

Matrix Service Company
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income
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Matrix Service Company
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (continued)
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Matrix Service Company
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Backlog

We define backlog as the total dollar amount of revenue that we expect to recognize as a result of performing work that has been awarded to us through a signed contract, limited notice to proceed or other type of assurance that we consider firm. The following arrangements are considered firm:

• fixed-price awards;
  
  
• minimum customer commitments on cost plus arrangements; and
  
  
• certain time and material arrangements in which the estimated value is firm or can be estimated with a reasonable amount of certainty in both timing and amounts.
  

For long-term maintenance contracts with no minimum commitments and other established customer agreements, we include only the amounts that we expect to recognize as revenue over the next 12 months. For arrangements in which we have received a limited notice to proceed ("LNTP"), we include the entire scope of work in our backlog if we conclude that the likelihood of the full project proceeding as high. For all other arrangements, we calculate backlog as the estimated contract amount less revenue recognized as of the reporting date.

The following table provides a summary of changes in our backlog for the three months ended March 31, 2021: 

⁽¹⁾ The other adjustment in the Storage and Terminal Solutions segment was due to a customer's decision not to renew our existing LNTP for a storage tank capital project. The Company was paid for all work performed on the project and has been invited to rebid the project when the customer makes the final investment decision.
⁽²⁾ Calculated by dividing project awards by revenue recognized during the period.

The following table provides a summary of changes in our backlog for the nine months ended March 31, 2021:

⁽¹⁾ The other adjustment in the Storage and Terminal Solutions segment was due to a customer's decision not to renew our existing LNTP for a storage tank capital project. The Company was paid for all work performed on the project and has been invited to rebid the project when the customer makes the final investment decision.
⁽²⁾ Calculated by dividing project awards by revenue recognized during the period.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

In order to more clearly depict the core profitability of the Company, the following table presents our net income (loss) and earnings (loss) per fully diluted share for the three and nine months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020 after adjusting for restructuring costs, impairments and the tax impacts of these adjustments and other net tax items:

Reconciliation of Adjusted Net Income (Loss) and Diluted Earnings (Loss) per Common Share⁽¹⁾
(In thousands, except per share data)

⁽¹⁾ This table presents non-GAAP financial measures of our adjusted net income (loss) and adjusted diluted earnings (loss) per common share for the three and nine months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020. The most directly comparable GAAP financial measures are net loss and diluted loss per common share, respectively, presented in the condensed consolidated statements of income. We have presented these non-GAAP financial measures because we believe they more clearly depict the core operating results of the Company during the periods presented and provide a more comparable measure of the Company's operating results to other companies considered to be in similar businesses. Since adjusted net income (loss) and adjusted diluted earnings (loss) per common share are not measures of performance calculated in accordance with GAAP, they should be considered in addition to, rather than as a substitute for, the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures.

Source: Matrix Service Company