Form 8-K

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

FORM 8-K

 

 

CURRENT REPORT

Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the

Securities Exchange Act of 1934

Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): February 23, 2010

 

 

Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Corporation

(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

 

Delaware   001-33225   20-5336063

(State or other jurisdiction of

Incorporation or Organization)

 

(Commission

File Number)

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification No.)

2122 York Road

Oak Brook, Illinois 60523

(Address of Principal Executive Offices)

(630) 574-3000

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

 

 

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:

 

¨ Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)

 

¨ Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)

 

¨ Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))

 

¨ Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

 

 

 


Item 2.02 — Results of Operations and Financial Condition

On February 23, 2010 the Company issued an earnings release announcing its financial results for the quarter and year ended December 31, 2009, and announcing a conference call and webcast to be held at 10:00 a.m. (C.S.T.) on Tuesday, February 23, 2010 to discuss these results. A copy of the earnings release is furnished as Exhibit 99.1 and incorporated herein by reference.

The information in this Form 8-K and Exhibit 99.1 are furnished pursuant to Item 2.02 of this Form 8-K and shall not be deemed filed for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 or incorporated by reference in any filings under the Securities Act of 1933 or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, except as shall be expressly set forth by specific reference in any such filing.

Item 9.01 — Financial Statements and Exhibits

(d) Exhibits

The following exhibit is furnished herewith:

 

99.1 Earnings Release of Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Corporation dated February 23, 2010 announcing financial results for the quarter and year ended December 31, 2009.

 

2


SIGNATURE

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.

 

    GREAT LAKES DREDGE & DOCK CORPORATION
   

/S/    DEBORAH A. WENSEL        

Date:   February 23, 2010   Deborah A. Wensel
    Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

 

3


EXHIBIT INDEX

 

Number

  

Exhibit

99.1    Earnings Release of Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Corporation dated February 23, 2010 announcing financial results for the quarter and year ended December 31, 2009.

 

4

Earnings Release

Exhibit 99.1

 

LOGO   

News from Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Corporation

 

For further information contact:

Deborah A. Wensel, Chief Financial Officer or

Katie Hayes, Investor Relations @ 630-574-3772

GREAT LAKES DREDGE & DOCK CORPORATION ANNOUNCES

FOURTH QUARTER 2009 RESULTS

Company reports record revenue and earnings for year

as 2009 U.S. bid market tops $1 billion

Oak Brook, Illinois — February 23, 2010 — Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Corporation (NASDAQ:GLDD)—the largest provider of dredging services in the United States and a major provider of commercial and industrial demolition services—today reported financial results for the quarter and year ended December 31, 2009.

Commentary

Douglas B. Mackie, President and Chief Executive Officer, said, “The domestic bid market, a key measure of dredging activity in the U.S., topped $1 billion in 2009, a 45% increase from the 2008 bid market. Although federal stimulus funding certainly had a positive impact on the market, there was an underlying need for many projects that spurred the market even before the stimulus funds started flowing. Revenue and margins for the full year strengthened as a result of the increase in domestic activity, offsetting slowdowns in both foreign operations and the demolition business.”

2009 Fourth Quarter Operating Results

Total revenue for the quarter ended December 31, 2009 was $160.6 million, down slightly from $163.0 million during the fourth quarter of 2008. Dredging revenues of $151.1 million were relatively flat compared to the prior year as strong domestic operations offset a significant decline in foreign work. Two large hydraulic dredges, recently re-positioned from the Middle East in response to the rise in domestic activity, became operational and contributed to the fourth quarter results. Although domestic dredging operations were robust during 2009, the U.S. economic downturn continued to negatively impact construction activity, causing revenue in our demolition business to decrease to $9.4 million during the 2009 fourth quarter, as compared with $12.9 million the prior year.

Gross profit for the fourth quarter of 2009 declined to $15.6 million from $18.1 million a year earlier. In addition, the gross profit margin for the quarter decreased to 9.7%, versus 11.1% in 2008 as margins were negatively impacted by severe weather conditions in the Gulf and along the East Coast, specifically Hurricane Ida and two nor’easters, which resulted in several projects having significant downtime. In addition, gross profit was negatively affected by the lower level of demolition revenue relative to fixed costs and a further write-off on a demolition contract related to a large development project that has been effectively terminated. The reduction in operating income to $3.9 million versus $7.6 million for the fourth quarter of 2008 was due to the combination of lower gross profit and an increase in general and administrative (G&A) costs of $1.1 million, primarily due to higher payroll and incentive compensation expense.

Net income attributable to Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Corporation was $1.0 million, or $0.02 per diluted share, versus $1.8 million, or $0.03 per diluted share, a year ago. EBITDA (as defined below) was $13.7 million for the 2009 quarter compared with $16.1 million in the prior year.

As of December 31, 2009, senior and subordinated debt, net of $3.2 million in cash and cash equivalents, was $182.8 million, including $11.0 million of borrowings under the Company’s revolving credit facility. During the quarter, the Company reduced its revolving credit borrowings by $19.0 million. At quarter end, outstanding performance letters of


credit totaled $32.8 million, including $17.1 million outstanding on the Company’s revolving credit facility. The Company’s $155.0 million revolving credit facility matures in June 2012 and includes an $85.0 million sublimit for the issuance of letters of credit. At December 31, 2009 the Company had $117.6 million of borrowings available under this facility, after excluding $9.3 million which is unavailable from a defaulting lender.

Year Ended December 31, 2009

Revenues for the year ended December 31, 2009 increased by 6% to $622.2 million compared with $586.9 million for the previous year, primarily as a result of greater dredge fleet utilization. This, coupled with higher margins on domestic projects during the year, positively impacted gross profit margin which increased to 14.2% in 2009 from 11.8% for 2008, despite the unfavorable margin impacts from foreign operations and the demolition business.

Operating income increased more than 60% during 2009, reaching $42.3 million versus $26.1 million a year earlier as strong gross profit performance offset a 6% increase in general and administrative expenses during the year which were higher due to an increase in legal and payroll costs. EBITDA was $77.6 million, a nearly 40% increase from 2008 EBITDA of $55.9 million. Net income attributable to Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Corporation for the year was $17.5 million, or $0.30 per diluted share, versus $5.0 million, or $0.09 per diluted share, the prior year.

Bid Market & Backlog

The domestic bid market continued to be active with $292 million of work awarded in the fourth quarter. As had been the trend in 2009, maintenance work accounted for the largest portion of projects bid, representing approximately 56% of the quarter’s market. Great Lakes won all of the beach projects that were awarded in the quarter, totaling $41 million, as well as 50%, or almost $45 million, of the capital projects and 14% or approximately $22 million, of maintenance projects. The full year 2009 domestic bid market, bolstered by stimulus funds, increased by 45% to $1.1 billion from $783 million in 2008. The Company won 47% of the 2009 domestic market including 33%, 73% and 51% of the maintenance, capital and beach work awarded, respectively. The market includes new work bid and options awarded on projects in the Company’s backlog.

The Company’s contracted dredging backlog as of December 31, 2009 was $366 million, compared with $361 million at December 31, 2008. For comparison purposes, the 2008 backlog number has been adjusted for the portion of the Diyar contract that became an option pending award in the first quarter of 2009. Dredging backlog at the end of 2009 and 2008 excludes $32 million and $75 million, respectively, of domestic low bids pending award, additional phases (“options”) pending on domestic projects currently in backlog and the remaining option on the Diyar contract. Demolition services backlog at December 31, 2009 was $16.4 million, compared with $23.5 million at December 31, 2008.

Commentary

Doug Mackie concluded, “We are very pleased with our performance during 2009 as we reached record revenues and earnings. During the third quarter, we repositioned two of our large hydraulic dredges to the U.S. to be better positioned to take advantage of the active domestic bid market. Our ability to expeditiously re-position key dredges has served us well as we capitalize on attractive market opportunities.

“The year included several very complex Louisiana coastal and wetland restoration projects. These were some of the many projects which required our equipment to operate in unprotected waters exposing our operations to the risk of delays due to storms and hurricanes. During the first quarter weather worked very much in our favor, however, during the fourth quarter, we experienced a significant reversal of that phenomenon. Given these risks, it is often difficult to


predict financial performance, particularly in the short-term, with any degree of certainty. We do think bid market trends and government funding initiatives tend to be better indicators of long term performance, particularly in light of the success we continue to enjoy in winning domestic contract awards.

“With regard to government funding, we believe that the majority of the work that is being funded by the stimulus program has been awarded to date, although a significant amount remains to be completed by the industry in 2010. While there is some uncertainty with regard to the timing and approval of other funding initiatives given the many legislative priorities before Congress, we are encouraged that the 2011 federal budget discussion has begun. Our experience has shown that the Corps of Engineers can fund and bid work more efficiently and predictably when operating under an approved budget as opposed to continuing resolutions. Approval of the 2011 budget, success of the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund initiative and continuing economic pressure to deepen our East and Gulf Coast ports, should lead to a continuation of the healthy U.S. dredging market.

“As global economic conditions improve, there are also positive indicators in both the foreign dredging market and our demolition business. With the strengthening of the price of oil we are seeing a resurgence of potential opportunities, particularly in the Middle East. Further, the renewed focus on domestic infrastructure and our success in entering new markets has enabled our demolition business to add over $30 million of backlog in January.

“We are convinced that the fundamentals are in place for continued, strong, long term growth in the domestic dredging market, nevertheless, we are cognizant that the timing of funding approvals do influence our shorter term performance. That coupled with the uncertainty of when the international market and the demolition business will achieve sustained momentum and at what levels leads us to adopt a conservative outlook at this early point in the year.”

Use of EBITDA

EBITDA, as provided herein, represents net income (loss) attributable to Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Corporation, adjusted for net interest expense, income taxes, depreciation and amortization expense. EBITDA should not be considered an alternative to, or more meaningful than, amounts determined in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) including: (a) operating income as an indicator of operating performance; or (b) cash flows from operations as a measure of liquidity. As such, the Company’s use of EBITDA, instead of a GAAP measure, has limitations as an analytical tool, including the inability to determine profitability or liquidity due to the exclusion of interest expense and the associated significant cash requirements and the exclusion of depreciation and amortization, which represent significant and unavoidable operating costs given the level of indebtedness and capital expenditures needed to maintain the Company’s business. For these reasons, the Company uses operating income to measure its operating performance and uses EBITDA only as a supplement. EBITDA is reconciled to net income (loss) attributable to Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Corporation in the table of financial results. (For further explanation, please refer to the Company’s SEC filings.)

Conference Call Information

The Company will conduct a quarterly conference call, which will be held on Tuesday, February 23rd at 10:00 a.m. C.S.T. The call in number is 866-831-6162 and passcode is 54582213. The call can also be heard on the Company’s website, www.gldd.com under Events and Presentations on the investor relations page. Information related to the conference call will also be available on the investor relations page of the Company’s website. The conference call will be available by replay for two weeks, by calling 888-286-8010 and providing passcode 36914812.

The Company

Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Corporation is the largest provider of dredging services in the United States and the only U.S. dredging company with significant international operations, averaging 30% of its dredging revenues over the last three years. The Company is also one of the largest U.S. providers of commercial and industrial demolition services primarily in the Northeast. Additionally, the Company owns a 50% interest in a marine sand mining operation in New Jersey which supplies sand and aggregate used for road and building construction. Great Lakes has a 119-year history of never failing to complete a marine project and owns the largest and most diverse fleet in the U.S. industry, comprised of over 180 specialized vessels.


Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements in this press release may constitute “forward-looking” statements as defined in Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 (the “Securities Act”), Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”), the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (the “PSLRA”) or in releases made by the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), all as may be amended from time to time. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other important factors that could cause the actual results, performance or achievements of Great Lakes and its subsidiaries, or industry results, to differ materially from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Statements that are not historical fact are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements can be identified by, among other things, the use of forward-looking language, such as the words “plan,” “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “estimate,” “project,” “may,” “will,” “would,” “could,” “should,” “seeks,” or “scheduled to,” or other similar words, or the negative of these terms or other variations of these terms or comparable language, or by discussion of strategy or intentions. These cautionary statements are being made pursuant to the Securities Act, the Exchange Act and the PSLRA with the intention of obtaining the benefits of the “safe harbor” provisions of such laws. Great Lakes cautions investors that any forward-looking statements made by Great Lakes are not guarantees or indicative of future performance. Important assumptions and other important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those forward-looking statements with respect to Great Lakes, include, but are not limited to, risks associated with Great Lakes’ leverage, fixed price contracts, dependence on government contracts and funding, bonding requirements and obligations, international operations, government regulation, restrictive debt covenants and fluctuations in quarterly operations, and those factors, risks and uncertainties that are described in Item 1A of its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008, and in other securities filings by Great Lakes with the SEC.

Although Great Lakes believes that its plans, intentions and expectations reflected in or suggested by such forward-looking statements are reasonable, actual results could differ materially from a projection or assumption in any forward-looking statements. Great Lakes’ future financial condition and results of operations, as well as any forward-looking statements, are subject to change and inherent risks and uncertainties. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are made only as of the date hereof and Great Lakes does not have or undertake any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, subsequent events or otherwise, unless otherwise required by law.


Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Corporation

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations

(Unaudited and in thousands, except per share data)

 

     Three Months Ended
December 31,
    Year Ended
December 31,
 
     2009     2008     2009     2008  

Revenues

   $ 160,557      $ 163,027      $ 622,244      $ 586,879   

Gross profit

     15,582        18,107        88,244        69,303   

General and administrative

     (11,475     (10,393     (45,220     (42,766

Amortization of intangible assets

     (194     (132     (773     (440
                                

Operating income

     3,913        7,582        42,251        26,097   

Other income (expense)

        

Interest expense- net

     (3,910     (4,118     (16,150     (16,971

Equity earnings (loss) in joint ventures

     18        (265     (384     (15
                                

Income before income taxes

     21        3,199        25,717        9,111   

Income taxes

     (296     (1,309     (10,983     (3,839
                                

Net income (loss)

     (275     1,890        14,734        5,272   

Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest

     1,303        (62     2,734        (293
                                

Net income attributable to Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Corporation

   $ 1,028      $ 1,828      $ 17,468      $ 4,979   
                                

Basic earnings per share attributable to Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Corporation

   $ 0.02      $ 0.03      $ 0.30      $ 0.09   

Basic weighted average shares

     58,532        58,481        58,507        58,469   

Diluted earnings per share attributable to Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Corporation

   $ 0.02      $ 0.03      $ 0.30      $ 0.09   

Diluted weighted average shares

     58,768        58,482        58,625        58,478   


Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Corporation

Reconciliation of Net Income attributable to Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Corporation to EBITDA

(Unaudited and in thousands)

 

     Three Months Ended
December 31,
   Year Ended
December 31,
     2009    2008    2009    2008

Net income attributable to Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Corporation

   $ 1,028    $ 1,828    $ 17,468    $ 4,979

Adjusted for:

           

Interest expense, net

     3,910      4,118      16,150      16,971

Income taxes

     296      1,309      10,983      3,839

Depreciation and amortization

     8,436      8,868      33,024      30,124
                           

EBITDA

   $ 13,670    $ 16,123    $ 77,625    $ 55,913

Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Corporation

Selected Balance Sheet Information

(Unaudited and in thousands)

 

     Period Ended
     December 31,
2009
   December 31,
2008

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 3,250    $ 10,478

Total current assets

     232,436      216,358

Total assets

     665,426      666,155

Total short-term debt

     1,200      1,553

Total current liabilities

     141,149      128,639

Long-term debt

     186,000      216,500

Total equity

     244,549      228,113

Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Corporation

Supplementary financial data

(Unaudited and in thousands)

 

     Three Months Ended
December 31,
   Year Ended
December 31,
     2009    2008    2009    2008

Net cash flows from (used in) operating activities

   $ 19,887    $ 3,811    $ 53,998    $ 14,805


Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Corporation

Revenue and Backlog Data

(Unaudited and in thousands)

 

     Three Months Ended
December 31,
   Year Ended
December 31,

Revenues (in thousands)

   2009    2008    2009    2008

Dredging:

           

Capital - U.S.

   $ 67,289    $ 39,821    $ 203,147    $ 153,414

Capital - foreign

     19,083      53,386      134,123      172,345

Beach

     15,835      29,364      62,133      63,550

Maintenance

     48,907      27,573      174,909      95,350
                           

Dredging Revenue

     151,114      150,144      574,312      484,659

Demolition

     9,443      12,883      47,932      102,220
                           

Total Revenue

   $ 160,557    $ 163,027    $ 622,244    $ 586,879
                           

 

     As of December 31,  

Backlog (in thousands)

   2009    2008  

Dredging:

     

Capital - U.S.

     203,294      176,051   

Capital - foreign

     35,715      139,479

Beach

     63,390      18,934   

Maintenance

     63,335      26,726   
               

Dredging Backlog

     365,734      361,190   

Demolition

     16,448      23,502   
               

Total Backlog

   $ 382,182    $ 384,692   
               

 

* Foreign backlog has been adjusted for the portion of the Diyar contract that became an option pending award in the first quarter of 2009.