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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

Form 10-Q

(Mark One)

   

ý

 

QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2015

OR

o

 

TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from                             to                            

Commission file number: 1-13011

COMFORT SYSTEMS USA, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

DELAWARE
(State or other jurisdiction of
Incorporation or Organization)
  76-0526487
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)

675 Bering Drive
Suite 400
Houston, Texas 77057

(Address of Principal Executive Offices) (Zip Code)

Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (713) 830-9600

        Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes ý    No o

        Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (Section 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes ý    No o

        Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

Large accelerated filer o   Accelerated filer ý   Non-accelerated filer o
(Do not check if a
smaller reporting company)
  Smaller reporting company o

        Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Exchange Act Rule 12b-2). Yes o    No ý

        The number of shares outstanding of the issuer's common stock as of October 23, 2015 was 37,449,352 (excluding treasury shares of 3,674,013).

   


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COMFORT SYSTEMS USA, INC.
INDEX TO FORM 10-Q
FOR THE QUARTER ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2015

 
  Page

Part I—Financial Information

   

Item 1—Financial Statements

   

Consolidated Balance Sheets

  1

Consolidated Statements of Operations

  2

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity

  3

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

  4

Condensed Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

  5

Item 2—Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

  14

Item 3—Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

  26

Item 4—Controls and Procedures

  26

Part II—Other Information

   

Item 1—Legal Proceedings

  28

Item 1A—Risk Factors

  28

Item 2—Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

  28

Item 5—Other Information

  29

Item 6—Exhibits

  30

Signatures

  31

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COMFORT SYSTEMS USA, INC.

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(In Thousands, Except Share Amounts)

 
  September 30,
2015
  December 31,
2014
 
 
  (Unaudited)
   
 

ASSETS

             

CURRENT ASSETS:

             

Cash and cash equivalents

  $ 45,072   $ 32,064  

Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $4,751 and $4,379, respectively

    311,463     303,575  

Other receivables

    8,845     15,520  

Inventories

    9,052     8,646  

Prepaid expenses and other

    26,973     25,591  

Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings

    36,359     27,620  

Assets related to discontinued operations

    176     176  

Total current assets

    437,940     413,192  

PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, NET

    59,519     55,759  

GOODWILL

    143,674     140,341  

IDENTIFIABLE INTANGIBLE ASSETS, NET

    42,491     45,666  

OTHER NONCURRENT ASSETS

    10,902     10,792  

Total assets

  $ 694,526   $ 665,750  

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

             

CURRENT LIABILITIES:

             

Current maturities of long-term capital lease obligations

  $ 360   $ 317  

Accounts payable

    106,061     106,211  

Accrued compensation and benefits

    60,769     44,683  

Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings

    80,401     77,446  

Accrued self-insurance expense

    31,895     28,903  

Other current liabilities

    29,395     24,814  

Liabilities related to discontinued operations

    255     263  

Total current liabilities

    309,136     282,637  

LONG-TERM DEBT

    11,000     39,500  

LONG-TERM CAPITAL LEASE OBLIGATIONS

    313     529  

DEFERRED INCOME TAX LIABILITIES

    9,637     10,817  

OTHER LONG-TERM LIABILITIES

    8,203     10,874  

Total liabilities

    338,289     344,357  

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

             

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY:

             

Preferred stock, $.01 par, 5,000,000 shares authorized, none issued and outstanding

         

Common stock, $.01 par, 102,969,912 shares authorized, 41,123,365 and 41,123,365 shares issued, respectively

    411     411  

Treasury stock, at cost, 3,637,011 and 3,853,586 shares, respectively

    (44,190 )   (43,598 )

Additional paid-in capital

    322,784     320,084  

Retained earnings

    58,603     29,384  

Comfort Systems USA, Inc. stockholders' equity

    337,608     306,281  

Noncontrolling interests

    18,629     15,112  

Total stockholders' equity

    356,237     321,393  

Total liabilities and stockholders' equity

  $ 694,526   $ 665,750  

   

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

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COMFORT SYSTEMS USA, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(In Thousands, Except Per Share Data)

(Unaudited)

 
  Three Months Ended
September 30,
  Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
 
  2015   2014   2015   2014  

REVENUE

  $ 410,565   $ 370,145   $ 1,196,679   $ 1,054,327  

COST OF SERVICES

    323,100     303,686     962,477     873,860  

Gross profit

    87,465     66,459     234,202     180,467  

SELLING, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES

    57,902     52,200     168,967     153,158  

GOODWILL IMPAIRMENT

                727  

GAIN ON SALE OF ASSETS

    (298 )   (526 )   (625 )   (748 )

Operating income

    29,861     14,785     65,860     27,330  

OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE):

                         

Interest income

        2     68     15  

Interest expense

    (399 )   (561 )   (1,358 )   (1,359 )

Changes in the fair value of contingent earn-out obligations

        (210 )   125     (210 )

Other

    37     12     64     104  

Other income (expense)

    (362 )   (757 )   (1,101 )   (1,450 )

INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES

    29,499     14,028     64,759     25,880  

INCOME TAX EXPENSE

    9,613     4,649     22,202     9,087  

INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS

    19,886     9,379     42,557     16,793  

Loss from discontinued operations, net of income tax benefit of $—, $—, $—and $10

                (15 )

NET INCOME INCLUDING NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS

    19,886     9,379     42,557     16,778  

Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests

    2,213     1,774     6,414     4,397  

NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO COMFORT SYSTEMS USA, INC. 

  $ 17,673   $ 7,605   $ 36,143   $ 12,381  

INCOME PER SHARE ATTRIBUTABLE TO COMFORT SYSTEMS USA, INC.:

                         

Basic—

                         

Income from continuing operations

  $ 0.47   $ 0.20   $ 0.97   $ 0.33  

Loss from discontinued operations

                 

Net income

  $ 0.47   $ 0.20   $ 0.97   $ 0.33  

Diluted—

                         

Income from continuing operations

  $ 0.46   $ 0.20   $ 0.96   $ 0.33  

Loss from discontinued operations

                 

Net income

  $ 0.46   $ 0.20   $ 0.96   $ 0.33  

SHARES USED IN COMPUTING INCOME PER SHARE:

                         

Basic

    37,552     37,637     37,431     37,642  

Diluted

    38,007     37,924     37,844     37,917  

DIVIDENDS PER SHARE

  $ 0.065   $ 0.055   $ 0.185   $ 0.165  

   

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

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COMFORT SYSTEMS USA, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

(In Thousands, Except Share Amounts)

 
  Common Stock   Treasury Stock    
   
   
   
 
 
  Additional
Paid-In
Capital
  Retained
Earnings
  Non-
Controlling
Interests
  Total
Stockholders'
Equity
 
 
  Shares   Amount   Shares   Amount  

BALANCE AT DECEMBER 31, 2013

    41,123,365   $ 411     (3,488,438 ) $ (37,468 ) $ 318,123   $ 14,768   $ 18,188   $ 314,022  

Net income

                        23,063     5,536     28,599  

Issuance of Stock:

                                                 

Issuance of shares for options exercised including tax benefit

            103,619     1,132     79             1,211  

Issuance of restricted stock

            115,044     1,243     (1,243 )            

Shares received in lieu of tax withholding payment on vested restricted stock

            (34,657 )   (531 )               (531 )

Tax benefit from vesting of restricted stock

                    133             133  

Stock-based compensation

                    2,992             2,992  

Dividends

                        (8,447 )       (8,447 )

Distribution to noncontrolling interests

                            (8,612 )   (8,612 )

Share repurchase

            (549,154 )   (7,974 )               (7,974 )

BALANCE AT DECEMBER 31, 2014

    41,123,365     411     (3,853,586 )   (43,598 )   320,084     29,384     15,112     321,393  

Net income (unaudited)

                        36,143     6,414     42,557  

Issuance of Stock:

                                                 

Issuance of shares for options exercised including tax benefit (unaudited)

            256,983     2,983     451             3,434  

Issuance of restricted stock & performance stock (unaudited)

            200,015     2,292     (626 )           1,666  

Shares received in lieu of tax withholding payment on vested restricted stock (unaudited)

            (44,590 )   (937 )               (937 )

Tax benefit from vesting of restricted stock (unaudited)

                    284             284  

Stock-based compensation (unaudited)

                    2,591             2,591  

Dividends (unaudited)

                        (6,924 )       (6,924 )

Distribution to noncontrolling interests (unaudited)

                            (2,897 )   (2,897 )

Share repurchase (unaudited)

            (195,833 )   (4,930 )               (4,930 )

BALANCE AT SEPTEMBER 30, 2015 (unaudited)

    41,123,365   $ 411     (3,637,011 ) $ (44,190 ) $ 322,784   $ 58,603   $ 18,629   $ 356,237  

   

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

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COMFORT SYSTEMS USA, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(In Thousands)

(Unaudited)

 
  Nine Months
Ended September 30,
 
 
  2015   2014  

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:

             

Net income including noncontrolling interests

  $ 42,557   $ 16,778  

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities—

             

Amortization of identifiable intangible assets

    5,601     5,445  

Depreciation expense

    11,785     9,917  

Goodwill impairment

        727  

Bad debt expense

    1,132     767  

Deferred tax benefit

    (2,755 )   (3,899 )

Amortization of debt financing costs

    238     213  

Gain on sale of assets

    (625 )   (748 )

Changes in the fair value of contingent earn-out obligations

    (125 )   210  

Stock-based compensation expense

    4,254     3,492  

Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of effects of acquisitions—

             

(Increase) decrease in—

             

Receivables, net

    (1,283 )   (428 )

Inventories

    (218 )   (111 )

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

    27     2,755  

Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings

    (8,651 )   (1,976 )

Other noncurrent assets

    (275 )   46  

Increase (decrease) in—

             

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

    19,986     (529 )

Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings

    2,912     2,955  

Other long-term liabilities

    23     1,868  

Net cash provided by operating activities

    74,583     37,482  

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:

             

Purchases of property and equipment

    (15,216 )   (15,367 )

Proceeds from sales of property and equipment

    891     1,232  

Cash paid for acquisitions, net of cash acquired

    (6,158 )   (54,204 )

Net cash used in investing activities

    (20,483 )   (68,339 )

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:

             

Proceeds from revolving line of credit

    24,500     113,500  

Payments on revolving line of credit

    (53,000 )   (71,500 )

Payments on other long-term debt

        (2,000 )

Payments on capital lease obligations

    (277 )   (219 )

Debt financing costs

        (563 )

Payments of dividends to shareholders

    (6,924 )   (6,209 )

Share repurchase program

    (4,930 )   (6,282 )

Shares received in lieu of tax withholding

    (937 )   (531 )

Excess tax benefit of stock-based compensation

    747     98  

Proceeds from exercise of options

    2,971     1,104  

Distributions to noncontrolling interests

    (2,897 )   (4,713 )

Payments for contingent consideration arrangements

    (345 )    

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

    (41,092 )   22,685  

NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

    13,008     (8,172 )

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, beginning of period

    32,064     52,054  

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, end of period

  $ 45,072   $ 43,882  

   

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

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COMFORT SYSTEMS USA, INC.

CONDENSED NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

September 30, 2015

(Unaudited)

1. Business and Organization

        Comfort Systems USA, Inc., a Delaware corporation, provides comprehensive heating, ventilation and air conditioning ("HVAC") installation, maintenance, repair and replacement services within the mechanical services industry. We operate primarily in the commercial, industrial and institutional HVAC markets and perform most of our services within office buildings, retail centers, apartment complexes, manufacturing plants and healthcare, education and government facilities. In addition to standard HVAC services, we provide specialized applications such as building automation control systems, fire protection, process cooling, electronic monitoring and process piping. Certain locations also perform related activities such as electrical service and plumbing. Approximately 46% of our consolidated 2015 revenue was attributable to installation of systems in newly constructed facilities, with the remaining 54% attributable to maintenance, repair and replacement services. The following service activities account for our consolidated 2015 revenue: HVAC 77%, plumbing 14%, building automation control systems 5% and other 4%. These service activities are within the mechanical services industry, which is the single industry segment we serve.

2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

        These interim statements should be read in conjunction with the historical Consolidated Financial Statements and related notes of Comfort Systems included in the Annual Report on Form 10-K as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") for the year ended December 31, 2014 (the "Form 10-K").

        The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements were prepared using generally accepted accounting principles for interim financial information and the instructions to Form 10-Q and applicable rules of Regulation S-X of the SEC. Accordingly, these financial statements do not include all the footnotes required by generally accepted accounting principles for complete financial statements and should be read in conjunction with the Form 10-K. We believe all adjustments necessary for a fair presentation of these interim statements have been included and are of a normal and recurring nature. Certain amounts in prior periods may have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation. The effects of the reclassifications were not material to the unaudited consolidated financial statements. The results of operations for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results for the full fiscal year.

        The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires the use of estimates and assumptions by management in determining the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, revenue and expenses and disclosures regarding contingent assets and liabilities. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The most significant estimates used in our financial statements affect revenue and cost recognition for construction contracts, the allowance for doubtful accounts, self-insurance accruals, deferred tax assets, warranty accruals, fair value accounting for acquisitions and the quantification of fair value for reporting units in connection with our goodwill impairment testing. In the prior year, during the third quarter, one of our operating locations recorded

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COMFORT SYSTEMS USA, INC.

CONDENSED NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

September 30, 2015

(Unaudited)

2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)

a revision in contract estimate on a project in a loss position resulting in a writedown to this individual project for $2.2 million and $4.4 million, on a pre-tax basis, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, respectively.

        In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, "Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606)." ASU 2014-09 provides a framework that replaces the existing revenue recognition guidance. The guidance can be applied on a full retrospective or modified retrospective basis whereby the entity records a cumulative effect of initially applying this update at the date of initial application. It is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within that reporting period. We are currently evaluating the potential impact of this authoritative guidance on our consolidated financial statements.

        In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-03, "Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issue Costs." Under ASU 2015-03, an entity presents debt issue costs related to a note in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the related debt liability rather than as an asset. Entities would apply the new guidance retrospectively to all prior periods. ASU No. 2015-03 does not address the presentation of issuance costs associated with revolving debt agreements. It is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2015, including interim periods within that reporting period. Currently, this authoritative guidance is not expected to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

        In July 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-11, "Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory", which requires that inventory within the scope of the guidance be measured at the lower of cost and net realizable value. Net realizable value is the estimated selling prices in the ordinary course of business, less reasonable predictable costs of completion, disposal and transportation. Inventory measured using last-in, first-out (LIFO) and the retail inventory method (RIM) are not impacted by the new guidance. Entities should apply the new guidance prospectively with earlier application permitted as of the beginning of an interim or annual reporting period. It is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim periods within those fiscal years. We are currently evaluating the potential impact of this authoritative guidance on our consolidated financial statements.

        In September 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-16, "Simplifying the Accounting for Measurement-Period Adjustments", which eliminates the requirement for an acquirer in a business combination to account for measurement-period adjustments retrospectively. Instead, acquirers must recognize measurement-period adjustments during the period in which they determine the amounts, including the effect on earnings of any amounts they would have recorded in previous periods if the accounting had been completed at the acquisition date. It is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015, including interim periods within those fiscal years. We early adopted this ASU in the third quarter of 2015 and its adoption did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

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COMFORT SYSTEMS USA, INC.

CONDENSED NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

September 30, 2015

(Unaudited)

2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)

        Our financial instruments consist of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, other receivables, accounts payable, life insurance policies, notes to former owners, capital leases and a revolving credit facility. We believe that the carrying values of these instruments on the accompanying balance sheets approximate their fair values.

        Our activities are within the mechanical services industry, which is the single industry segment we serve. Each operating subsidiary represents an operating segment and these segments have been aggregated, as the operating units meet all of the aggregation criteria.

3. Fair Value Measurements

        We classify and disclose assets and liabilities carried at fair value in one of the following three categories:

        The following table summarizes the fair values and levels within the fair value hierarchy in which the fair value measurements fall for assets and liabilities measured on a recurring basis as of September 30, 2015 (in thousands):

 
   
  Fair Value Measurements at
Reporting Date Using
 
 
  Total   Quoted Prices
In Active
Markets for
Identical Assets
(Level 1)
  Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
  Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
 

Cash and cash equivalents

  $ 45,072   $ 45,072   $   $  

Life insurance—cash surrender value

  $ 3,392   $   $ 3,392   $  

Contingent earn-out obligations

  $ 550   $   $   $ 550  

        Cash and cash equivalents consist primarily of highly rated money market funds at a variety of well-known institutions with original maturities of three months or less. The original cost of these assets approximates fair value due to their short term maturity.

        One of our operations has life insurance policies covering 48 employees with a combined face value of $45.2 million. The policy is invested in mutual funds and the fair value measurement of the cash surrender balance associated with these policies is determined using Level 2 inputs within the fair

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COMFORT SYSTEMS USA, INC.

CONDENSED NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

September 30, 2015

(Unaudited)

3. Fair Value Measurements (Continued)

value hierarchy and will vary with investment performance. The cash surrender value of these policies was $3.4 million as of September 30, 2015. These assets are included in "Other Noncurrent Assets" in our consolidated balance sheets.

        We value contingent earn-out obligations using a probability weighted discounted cash flow method. This fair value measurement is based on significant unobservable inputs in the market and thus represents a Level 3 measurement within the fair value hierarchy. This analysis reflects the contractual terms of the purchase agreements (e.g., minimum and maximum payments, length of earn-out periods, manner of calculating any amounts due, etc.) and utilizes assumptions with regard to future cash flows, probabilities of achieving such future cash flows and a discount rate. The contingent earn-out obligations are measured at fair value each reporting period and changes in estimates of fair value are recognized in earnings.

        The table below presents a reconciliation of the fair value of our contingent earn-out obligations that use significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) (in thousands):

Balance at beginning of year

  $ 670  

Issuances

    350  

Settlements

    (345 )

Adjustments to fair value

    (125 )

Balance at end of period

  $ 550  

        We measure certain assets at fair value on a nonrecurring basis. These assets are recognized at fair value when they are deemed to be other-than-temporarily impaired. During the nine months ended September 30, 2014, we recorded a goodwill impairment charge of $0.7 million based on Level 3 measurements. We did not recognize any impairments, in the current year, on those assets required to be measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis.

4. Acquisitions

        On May 1, 2014, we closed a transaction to acquire DynaTen Corporation ("DynaTen") which reports as a separate operating location in Northern Texas. DynaTen is a regional mechanical contractor based in Fort Worth, Texas which engages in a broad range of mechanical contracting projects, HVAC services and controls, in the Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex and in surrounding areas. The total purchase price, which was finalized in the first quarter of 2015 was $40.5 million, of which $19.8 million was allocated to goodwill.

        We completed one acquisition in the third quarter of 2015 and two acquisitions in the first quarter of 2015. In addition to the DynaTen acquisition noted above, additional acquisitions were completed in the first and second quarter of 2014. These acquisitions were not material and were "tucked-in" with existing operations. The total purchase price for the "tucked-in" acquisitions, including earn-outs, was

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COMFORT SYSTEMS USA, INC.

CONDENSED NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

September 30, 2015

(Unaudited)

4. Acquisitions (Continued)

$7.1 million and $9.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Our consolidated balance sheet includes preliminary allocations of the purchase price, related to the three acquisitions completed in the fiscal year 2015, to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on estimates of fair value, pending completion of final valuation and purchase price adjustments. The results of operations of acquisitions are included in our consolidated financial statements from their respective acquisition dates. Additional contingent purchase price ("earn-out") has been or will be paid if certain acquisitions achieve predetermined profitability targets.

5. Goodwill

        The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill are as follows (in thousands):

 
  September 30,
2015
  December 31,
2014
 

Balance at beginning of year

  $ 140,341   $ 114,588  

Additions

    3,333     26,480  

Impairment adjustment

        (727 )

Balance at end of period

  $ 143,674   $ 140,341  

6. Long-Term Debt Obligations

        Long-term debt obligations consist of the following (in thousands):

 
  September 30,
2015
  December 31,
2014
 

Revolving credit facility

  $ 10,000   $ 38,500  

Notes to former owners

    1,000     1,000  

Capital lease obligations

    673     846  

Total debt

    11,673     40,346  

Less—current portion

    (360 )   (317 )

Total long-term portion of debt

  $ 11,313   $ 40,029  

        We have a $250.0 million senior credit facility (the "Facility") provided by a syndicate of banks which is available for borrowings and letters of credit. The Facility expires in October 2019 and is secured by a first lien on substantially all of our personal property, except for assets related to projects subject to surety bonds and assets held by certain unrestricted subsidiaries, and a second lien on our assets related to projects subject to surety bonds. As of September 30, 2015, we had $10.0 million of outstanding borrowings, $46.4 million in letters of credit outstanding and $193.6 million of credit available.

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COMFORT SYSTEMS USA, INC.

CONDENSED NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

September 30, 2015

(Unaudited)

6. Long-Term Debt Obligations (Continued)

        There are two interest rate options for borrowings under the Facility, the Base Rate Loan Option and the Eurodollar Rate Loan Option. These rates are floating rates determined by the broad financial markets, meaning they can and do move up and down from time to time. Additional margins are then added to these two rates.

        The following is a summary of the additional margins:

 
  Consolidated Total Indebtedness to Credit
Facility Adjusted EBITDA
 
 
  Less
than 0.75
  0.75 to 1.50   1.50 to 2.25   2.25 or
greater
 

Additional Per Annum Interest Margin Added Under:

                         

Base Rate Loan Option

    0.25 %   0.50 %   0.75 %   1.00 %

Eurodollar Rate Loan Option

    1.25 %   1.50 %   1.75 %   2.00 %

        The weighted average interest rate applicable to the borrowings under the Facility was approximately 1.5% as of September 30, 2015.

        Certain of our vendors require letters of credit to ensure reimbursement for amounts they are disbursing on our behalf, such as to beneficiaries under our self-funded insurance programs. We have also occasionally used letters of credit to guarantee performance under our contracts and to ensure payment to our subcontractors and vendors under those contracts. Our lenders issue such letters of credit through the Facility for a fee. We have never had a claim made against a letter of credit that resulted in payments by a lender or by us and believe such claim is unlikely in the foreseeable future. The letter of credit fees range from 1.25% to 2.00% per annum, based on the ratio of Consolidated Total Indebtedness to Credit Facility Adjusted EBITDA, as defined in the credit agreement.

        Commitment fees are payable on the portion of the revolving loan capacity not in use for borrowings or letters of credit at any given time. These fees range from 0.20% to 0.35% per annum, based on the ratio of Consolidated Total Indebtedness to Credit Facility Adjusted EBITDA, as defined in the credit agreement.

        The Facility contains financial covenants defining various financial measures and the levels of these measures with which we must comply. Covenant compliance is assessed as of each quarter end.

        The Facility's principal financial covenants include:

        Leverage Ratio—The Facility requires that the ratio of our Consolidated Total Indebtedness to our Credit Facility Adjusted EBITDA not exceed 2.75 through maturity. The leverage ratio as of September 30, 2015 was 0.1.

        Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio—The Facility requires that the ratio of Credit Facility Adjusted EBITDA, less non-financed capital expenditures, tax provision, dividends and amounts used to repurchase stock to the sum of interest expense and scheduled principal payments of indebtedness be at least 2.0; provided that the calculation of the fixed charge coverage ratio excludes stock repurchases and the payment of dividends at any time that the Company's Net Leverage Ratio does not exceed 1.5. The Facility also allows the fixed charge coverage ratio not to be reduced for stock repurchases through

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COMFORT SYSTEMS USA, INC.

CONDENSED NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

September 30, 2015

(Unaudited)

6. Long-Term Debt Obligations (Continued)

September 30, 2015 in an aggregate amount not to exceed $25 million if at the time of and after giving effect to such repurchase the Company's Net Leverage Ratio was less than or equal to 1.5. Capital expenditures, tax provision, dividends and stock repurchase payments are defined under the Facility for purposes of this covenant to be amounts for the four quarters ending as of any given quarterly covenant compliance measurement date. The fixed charge coverage ratio as of September 30, 2015 was 30.6.

        Other Restrictions—The Facility permits acquisitions of up to $25.0 million per transaction, provided that the aggregate purchase price of such an acquisition and of acquisitions in the same fiscal year does not exceed $60.0 million. However, these limitations only apply when the Company's Net Leverage Ratio is equal to or greater than 2.0.

        While the Facility's financial covenants do not specifically govern capacity under the Facility, if our debt level under the Facility at a quarter-end covenant compliance measurement date were to cause us to violate the Facility's leverage ratio covenant, our borrowing capacity under the Facility and the favorable terms that we currently have could be negatively impacted by the lenders.

        We were in compliance with all of our financial covenants as of September 30, 2015.

        We issued a subordinated note to the former owners of an acquired company as part of the consideration used to acquire the company. This note had an outstanding balance of $1.0 million as of September 30, 2015 and bears interest, payable quarterly, at a weighted average interest rate of 2.5%. The principle is due in equal installments on October 2016 and 2017.

        In conjunction with two of our acquisitions, we acquired capital lease obligations. As of September 30, 2015, $0.7 million of capital lease obligations are outstanding, of which $0.4 million is considered current.

        Our majority owned subsidiary, Environmental Air Systems, LLC, has a revolving $2.5 million credit line that is available for temporary working capital needs and expires May 31, 2016. As of September 30, 2015, we had no outstanding borrowings and, therefore, $2.5 million of credit available. We estimate that the weighted average interest rate applicable to borrowings under this variable rate credit line would be approximately 2.0% as of September 30, 2015.

7. Commitments and Contingencies

        We are subject to certain legal and regulatory claims, including lawsuits arising in the normal course of business. We maintain various insurance coverages to minimize financial risk associated with these claims. We have estimated and provided accruals for probable losses and related legal fees associated with certain litigation in the accompanying consolidated financial statements. While we

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COMFORT SYSTEMS USA, INC.

CONDENSED NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

September 30, 2015

(Unaudited)

7. Commitments and Contingencies (Continued)

cannot predict the outcome of these proceedings, in management's opinion and based on reports of counsel, any liability arising from these matters individually and in the aggregate will not have a material effect on our operating results, cash flows or financial condition, after giving effect to provisions already recorded.

        Many customers, particularly in connection with new construction, require us to post performance and payment bonds issued by a financial institution known as a surety. If we fail to perform under the terms of a contract or to pay subcontractors and vendors who provided goods or services under a contract, the customer may demand that the surety make payments or provide services under the bond. We must reimburse the surety for any expenses or outlays it incurs. To date, we are not aware of any losses to our sureties in connection with bonds the sureties have posted on our behalf, and do not expect such losses to be incurred in the foreseeable future.

        Surety market conditions have seen some strengthening as the commercial construction markets have started to rebound. Bonding capacity remains adequate in the current market conditions along with acceptable terms and conditions. Historically, approximately 25% to 35% of our business has required bonds. While we currently have strong surety relationships to support our bonding needs, future market conditions or changes in the sureties' assessment of our operating and financial risk could cause the sureties to decline to issue bonds for our work. If that were to occur, the alternatives include doing more business that does not require bonds, posting other forms of collateral for project performance such as letters of credit or cash, and seeking bonding capacity from other sureties. We would likely also encounter concerns from customers, suppliers and other market participants as to our creditworthiness. While we believe our general operating and financial characteristics would enable us to ultimately respond effectively to an interruption in the availability of bonding capacity, such an interruption would likely cause our revenue and profits to decline in the near term.

        We are substantially self-insured for workers' compensation, employer's liability, auto liability, general liability and employee group health claims, in view of the relatively high per-incident deductibles we absorb under our insurance arrangements for these risks. Losses up to deductible amounts are estimated and accrued based upon known facts, historical trends and industry averages. Loss estimates associated with the larger and longer-developing risks, such as workers' compensation, auto liability and general liability, are reviewed by a third-party actuary quarterly.

8. Stockholders' Equity

        Basic earnings per share ("EPS") is computed by dividing net income by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the period. Diluted EPS is computed considering the dilutive effect of stock options, contingently issuable restricted stock and restricted stock units.

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COMFORT SYSTEMS USA, INC.

CONDENSED NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

September 30, 2015

(Unaudited)

8. Stockholders' Equity (Continued)

        There were no anti-dilutive stock options for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, respectively. There were approximately 0.2 million anti-dilutive stock options excluded from the calculation of diluted EPS for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014.

        The following table reconciles the number of shares outstanding with the number of shares used in computing basic and diluted earnings per share for each of the periods presented (in thousands):

 
  Three Months
Ended
September 30,
  Nine Months
Ended
September 30,
 
 
  2015   2014   2015   2014  

Common shares outstanding, end of period

    37,486     37,373     37,486     37,373  

Effect of using weighted average common shares outstanding

    66     264     (55 )   269  

Shares used in computing earnings per share—basic

    37,552     37,637     37,431     37,642  

Effect of shares issuable under stock option plans based on the treasury stock method

    277     129     266     153  

Effect of restricted shares

    178     158     147     122  

Shares used in computing earnings per share—diluted

    38,007     37,924     37,844     37,917  

        On March 29, 2007, our Board of Directors (the "Board") approved a stock repurchase program to acquire up to 1.0 million shares of our outstanding common stock. Subsequently, the Board has from time to time approved extensions of the program to acquire additional shares. Since the inception of the repurchase program, the Board has approved 7.6 million shares to be repurchased. Since the inception of the program in 2007 through September 30, 2015, we have repurchased a cumulative total of 6.8 million shares at an average price of $11.70 per share.

        The share repurchases will be made from time to time at our discretion in the open market or privately negotiated transactions as permitted by securities laws and other legal requirements, and subject to market conditions and other factors. The Board may modify, suspend, extend or terminate the program at any time. During the nine months ended September 30, 2015, we repurchased 0.2 million shares for approximately $4.9 million at an average price of $25.17 per share.

9. Subsequent Event

        In the fourth quarter of 2015, we came to an agreement with customers on multiple jobs and received approved change orders which we expect to result in the recognition in the fourth quarter of 2015 of additional revenue with minimal additional costs. We expect this to result in project gain of approximately $3.0 million to $3.5 million in the fourth quarter of 2015.

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Item 2.    Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

        The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with our historical Consolidated Financial Statements and related notes included elsewhere in this Form 10-Q and the Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission for the year ended December 31, 2014 (the "Form 10-K"). This discussion contains "forward-looking statements" regarding our business and industry within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are based on our current plans and expectations and involve risks and uncertainties that could cause our actual future activities and results of operations to be materially different from those set forth in the forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ include risks set forth in "Item 1A. Risk Factors" included in our Form 10-K. We undertake no obligation to revise or publicly release the results of any revision to these forward-looking statements, except as required by law. Given these risks and uncertainties, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. The terms "Comfort Systems," "we," "us," or "the Company," refer to Comfort Systems USA, Inc. or Comfort Systems USA, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries, as appropriate in the context.

        We are a national provider of comprehensive HVAC installation, maintenance, repair and replacement services within the mechanical services industry. We operate primarily in the commercial, industrial and institutional HVAC markets and perform most of our services within office buildings, retail centers, apartment complexes, manufacturing plants, and healthcare, education and government facilities. In addition to standard HVAC services, we provide specialized applications such as building automation control systems, fire protection, process cooling, electronic monitoring and process piping. Certain locations also perform related activities such as electrical service and plumbing.

        Approximately 82% of our revenue is earned on a project basis for installation of HVAC systems in newly constructed facilities or for replacement of HVAC systems in existing facilities. Customers hire us to ensure such systems deliver specified or generally expected heating, cooling, conditioning and circulation of air in a facility. This entails installing core system equipment such as packaged heating and air conditioning units, or in the case of larger facilities, separate core components such as chillers, boilers, air handlers, and cooling towers. We also typically install connecting and distribution elements such as piping and ducting. Our responsibilities usually require conforming the systems to pre-established engineering drawings and equipment and performance specifications, which we frequently participate in establishing. Our project management responsibilities include staging equipment and materials to project sites, deploying labor to perform the work, and coordinating with other service providers on the project, including any subcontractors we might use to deliver our portion of the work.

        When competing for project business, we usually estimate the costs we will incur on a project, and then propose a bid to the customer that includes a contract price and other performance and payment terms. Our bid price and terms are intended to cover our estimated costs on the project and provide a profit margin to us commensurate with the value of the installed system to the customer, the risk that project costs or duration will vary from estimate, the schedule on which we will be paid, the opportunities for other work that we might forego by committing capacity to this project, and other costs that we incur more broadly to support our operations but which are not specific to the project. Typically customers will seek bids from competitors for a given project. While the criteria on which customers select the winning bid vary widely and include factors such as quality, technical expertise, on-time performance, post-project support and service, and company history and financial strength, we

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believe that price is the most influential factor for most customers in choosing an HVAC installation and service provider.

        After a customer accepts our bid, we generally enter into a contract with the customer that specifies what we will deliver on the project, what our related responsibilities are, and how much and when we will be paid. Our overall price for the project is typically set at a fixed amount in the contract, although changes in project specifications or work conditions that result in unexpected additional work are usually subject to additional payment from the customer via what are commonly known as change orders. Project contracts typically provide for periodic billings to the customer as we meet progress milestones or incur cost on the project. Project contracts in our industry also frequently allow for a small portion of progress billings or contract price to be withheld by the customer until after we have completed the work, typically for six months. Amounts withheld under this practice are known as retention or retainage.

        Labor and overhead costs account for the majority of our cost of service. Accordingly, labor management and utilization have the most impact on our project performance. Given the fixed price nature of much of our project work, if our initial estimate of project costs is wrong or we incur cost overruns that cannot be recovered in change orders, we can experience reduced profits or even significant losses on fixed price project work. We also perform some project work on a cost-plus or a time and materials basis, under which we are paid our costs incurred plus an agreed-upon profit margin although such projects are sometimes subject to a guaranteed maximum cost. These margins are frequently less than fixed-price contract margins because there is less risk of unrecoverable cost overruns in cost-plus or time and materials work.

        Our average project takes six to nine months to complete, with an average contract price of approximately $484,000. We also perform larger HVAC projects. Generally, projects closer in size to $1 million will be completed in one year or less. It is unusual for us to work on a project that exceeds two years in length. Our projects generally require working capital funding of equipment and labor costs. Customer payments on periodic billings generally do not recover these costs until late in the job. Our average project duration together with typical retention terms as discussed above generally allow us to complete the realization of revenue and earnings in cash within one year. We have what we believe is a well-diversified distribution of revenue across end-use sectors that we believe reduces our exposure to negative developments in any given sector. Because of the integral nature of HVAC and related controls systems to most buildings, we have the legal right in almost all cases to attach liens to buildings or related funding sources when we have not been fully paid for installing systems, except with respect to some government buildings. The service work that we do, which is discussed further below, usually does not give rise to lien rights.

        A stratification of projects in progress as of September 30, 2015, by contract price, is as follows:

Contract Price of Project
  No. of
Projects
  Aggregate
Contract
Price Value
(millions)
 

Under $1 million

    4,037   $ 438.6  

$1 million - $5 million

    316     717.5  

$5 million - $10 million

    67     449.2  

$10 million - $15 million

    19     227.2  

Greater than $15 million

    16     322.6  

Total

    4,455   $ 2,155.1  

        In addition to project work, approximately 18% of our revenue represents maintenance and repair service on already installed HVAC and controls systems. This kind of work usually takes from a few

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hours to a few days to perform. Prices to the customer are usually based on the equipment and materials used in the service as well as technician labor time. We usually bill the customer for service work when it is complete, typically with payment terms of up to thirty days. We also provide maintenance and repair service under ongoing contracts. Under these contracts, we are paid regular monthly or quarterly amounts and provide specified service based on customer requirements. These agreements typically cover periods ranging from one to three years with thirty- to sixty-day cancellation notice periods.

        A relatively small portion of our revenue comes from national and regional account customers. These customers typically have multiple sites, and contract with us to perform maintenance and repair service. These contracts may also provide for us to perform new or replacement systems installation. We operate a national call center to dispatch technicians to sites requiring service. We perform the majority of this work with our own employees, with the balance being subcontracted to third parties that meet our performance qualifications. We will also typically use proprietary information systems to maintain information on the customer's sites and equipment, including performance and service records, and related cost data. These systems track the status of ongoing service and installation work, and may also monitor system performance data. Under these contractual relationships, we usually provide consolidated billing and credit payment terms to the customer.

        We manage our 35 operating units based on a variety of factors. Financial measures we emphasize include profitability, and use of capital as indicated by cash flow and by other measures of working capital principally involving project cost, billings and receivables. We also monitor selling, general, administrative and indirect project support expense, backlog, workforce size and mix, growth in revenue and profits, variation of actual project cost from original estimate, and overall financial performance in comparison to budget and updated forecasts. Operational factors we emphasize include project selection, estimating, pricing, management and execution practices, labor utilization, safety, training, and the make-up of both existing backlog as well as new business being pursued, in terms of project size, technical application and facility type, end-use customers and industries, and location of the work.

        Most of our operations compete on a local or regional basis. Attracting and retaining effective operating unit managers is an important factor in our business, particularly in view of the relative uniqueness of each market and operation, the importance of relationships with customers and other market participants such as architects and consulting engineers, and the high degree of competition and low barriers to entry in most of our markets. Accordingly, we devote considerable attention to operating unit management quality, stability, and contingency planning, including related considerations of compensation, and non-competition protection where applicable.

        As an HVAC and building controls services provider, we operate in the broader nonresidential construction services industry and are affected by trends in this sector. While we do not have operations in all major cities of the United States, we believe our national presence is sufficiently large that we experience trends in demand for and pricing of our services that are consistent with trends in the national nonresidential construction sector. As a result, we monitor the views of major construction sector forecasters along with macroeconomic factors they believe drive the sector, including trends in gross domestic product, interest rates, business investment, employment, demographics, and the general fiscal condition of federal, state and local governments.

        Spending decisions for building construction, renovation and system replacement are generally made on a project basis, usually with some degree of discretion as to when and if projects proceed. With larger amounts of capital, time, and discretion involved, spending decisions are affected to a

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significant degree by uncertainty, particularly concerns about economic and financial conditions and trends. We have experienced periods of time when economic weakness caused a significant slowdown in decisions to proceed with installation and replacement project work.

        Nonresidential building construction and renovation activity, as reported by the federal government, declined over the four year period from 2009 to 2012, and 2013 and 2014 activity levels were relatively stable at the low levels of the preceding years. While we expect that activity levels and the underlying environment for nonresidential construction activity will remain below prior peaks, we have seen industry conditions improve during 2015.

        As a result of our continued strong emphasis on cash flow, we currently have modest indebtedness under our revolving credit facility and we have substantial uncommitted cash balances, as discussed further in "Liquidity and Capital Resources" below. We have a credit facility in place with considerably less restrictive terms than those of our previous facilities; this facility does not expire until October 2019. We have strong surety relationships to support our bonding needs, and we believe our relationships with the surety markets are strong and benefit from our solid current results and financial position. We have generated positive free cash flow in each of the last sixteen calendar years and will continue our emphasis in this area. We believe that the relative size and strength of our balance sheet and surety support as compared to most companies in our industry represent competitive advantages for us.

        As discussed at greater length in "Results of Operations" below, we expect price competition to continue as our customers and local and regional competitors respond cautiously to changing conditions. We will continue our efforts to expand and improve our service business, to find the more active sectors in our markets, and to increase our regional and national account business. Our primary emphasis for the remainder of 2015 will be on execution and cost control, but we are seeking growth based on our belief that industry conditions are beginning to improve, and we believe that activity levels will permit us to earn improved profits while preserving and developing our workforce. We continue to focus on project qualification, estimating, pricing and management; and we are investing in service growth and improved performance.

        Historically, the construction industry has been highly cyclical. As a result, our volume of business may generally be adversely affected by declines in new installation and replacement projects in various geographic regions of the United States during periods of economic weakness.

        The HVAC industry is subject to seasonal variations. Specifically, the demand for new installation and replacement is generally lower during the winter months (the first quarter of the year) due to reduced construction activity during inclement weather and less use of air conditioning during the colder months. Demand for HVAC services is generally higher in the second and third calendar quarters due to increased construction activity and increased use of air conditioning during the warmer months. Accordingly, we expect our revenue and operating results generally will be lower in the first and fourth calendar quarters.

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Results of Operations (dollars in thousands):

 
  Three Months Ended September 30,   Nine Months Ended September 30,  
 
  2015   %   2014   %   2015   %   2014   %  

Revenue

  $ 410,565     100.0 % $ 370,145     100.0 % $ 1,196,679     100.0 % $ 1,054,327     100.0 %

Cost of services

    323,100     78.7 %   303,686     82.0 %   962,477     80.4 %   873,860     82.9 %

Gross profit

    87,465     21.3 %   66,459     18.0 %   234,202     19.6 %   180,467     17.1 %

Selling, general and administrative expenses

    57,902     14.1 %   52,200     14.1 %   168,967     14.1 %   153,158     14.5 %

Goodwill impairment

                            727     0.1 %

Gain on sale of assets

    (298 )   (0.1 )%   (526 )   (0.1 )%   (625 )   (0.1 )%   (748 )   (0.1 )%

Operating income

    29,861     7.3 %   14,785     4.0 %   65,860     5.5 %   27,330     2.6 %

Interest income

            2         68         15      

Interest expense

    (399 )   (0.1 )%   (561 )   (0.2 )%   (1,358 )   (0.1 )%   (1,359 )   (0.1 )%

Changes in the fair value of contingent earn-out obligations

            (210 )   (0.1 )%   125         (210 )    

Other income (expense)

    37         12         64         104      

Income before income taxes

    29,499     7.2 %   14,028     3.8 %   64,759     5.4 %   25,880     2.5 %

Income tax expense

    9,613           4,649           22,202           9,087        

Income from continuing operations

    19,886           9,379           42,557           16,793        

Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax

                                  (15 )      

Net income including noncontrolling interests

    19,886     4.8 %   9,379     2.5 %   42,557     3.6 %   16,778     1.6 %

Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests

    2,213     0.5 %   1,774     0.5 %   6,414     0.5 %   4,397     0.4 %

Net income attributable to Comfort Systems USA, Inc. 

  $ 17,673         $ 7,605         $ 36,143         $ 12,381        

        We had 37 operating locations as of December 31, 2014. We completed two acquisitions in the first quarter of 2015 and one in the third quarter of 2015. These acquisitions were not material and were "tucked-in" with existing operations. In addition, we merged two operating locations during the first quarter and closed one operating location during the third quarter. As of September 30, 2015, we had 35 operating locations. Acquisitions are included in our results of operations from the respective acquisition date. The same-store comparison from 2015 to 2014, as described below, excludes four months of results for our Northern Texas operation, which was acquired in May 2014. An operating location is included in the same-store comparison on the first day it has comparable prior year operating data. An operating location is excluded from the same-store comparison in the current year and comparable prior years when it is properly characterized as a discontinued operation under applicable accounting standards.

        Revenue—Revenue increased $40.4 million, or 10.9%, to $410.6 million for the third quarter of 2015 compared to the same period in 2014. The revenue increase is primarily due to our Environmental Air Systems, LLC ("EAS") operation ($17.1 million), our Arizona operation ($6.5 million), our California operation ($6.5 million) and one of our Maryland operations ($6.4 million). These operations, as well as many of our other operating locations, experienced increased project work compared to the prior quarter in multiple markets, but primarily the industrials sector due to improved market conditions.

        Revenue increased $142.4 million, or 13.5%, to $1,196.7 million for the first nine months of 2015 compared to the same period in 2014. The increase included a 11.6% increase in revenue related to same-store activity and a 1.9% increase related to the acquisition of our Northern Texas operation. The same-store revenue increase is primarily due to our EAS operation ($57.1 million), our large operation headquartered in Virginia ($16.9 million), our Arizona operation ($15.2 million) and our Arkansas operation ($13.5 million). These operations, as well as many of our other operating locations,

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experienced increased project work compared to the prior year in multiple markets, but primarily the industrials sector due to improved market conditions.

        In the fourth quarter of 2015, we came to an agreement with customers on multiple jobs and received approved change orders which we expect to result in the recognition in the fourth quarter of 2015 of additional revenue with minimal additional costs. We expect this to result in project gain of approximately $3.0 million to $3.5 million in the fourth quarter of 2015.

        Backlog reflects revenue still to be recognized under contracted or committed installation and replacement project work. Project work generally lasts less than one year. Service agreement revenue and service work and short duration projects which are generally billed as performed do not flow through backlog. Accordingly, backlog represents only a portion of our revenue for any given future period, and it represents revenue that is likely to be reflected in our operating results over the next six to twelve months. As a result, we believe the predictive value of backlog information is limited to indications of general revenue direction over the near term, and should not be interpreted as indicative of ongoing revenue performance over several quarters.

        Backlog as of September 30, 2015 was $666.3 million, a 6.4% decrease from June 30, 2015 backlog of $712.3 million, and a 1.4% increase from September 30, 2014 backlog of $656.8 million. Sequential backlog decreased at over half of our operating locations, including our EAS operation ($21.5 million), due to the completion of project work during the quarter. The year-over-year backlog increase was primarily due to increased project bookings at all of our New York operations ($23.5 million) and one of our Virginia operations ($14.5 million). This was partially offset by a decrease at our Arkansas operation ($24.3 million) due to the completion of project work during the quarter.

        We experienced significant industry activity declines in 2009 through 2012 with activity levels stabilizing in 2013 and 2014. Based on our backlog and forecasts from industry construction analysts, we expect that activity levels in our industry are likely to gradually improve over the next twelve months, particularly in the area of new construction.

        Gross Profit—Gross profit increased $21.0 million, or 31.6%, to $87.5 million for the third quarter of 2015 as compared to the same period in 2014. The increase in gross profit was due to overall increased margins at a majority of operating locations. Specifically, we saw continued improvement at our Southern California operation ($3.6 million), which had experienced job underperformance in 2014, improved project execution at one of our Texas operations ($2.3 million) and improved market conditions at one of our Virginia operations ($1.5 million). As a percentage of revenue, gross profit increased from 18.0% in 2014 to 21.3% in 2015 primarily due to the factors discussed above.

        Gross profit increased $53.7 million, or 29.8%, to $234.2 million for the first nine months of 2015 as compared to the same period in 2014. The increase included a $3.4 million, or 1.9%, increase related to the acquisition of our Northern Texas operation and a $50.4 million, or 27.9%, increase on a same-store basis. The same-store increase in gross profit was due to overall increased margins at a majority of operating locations. Specifically, increases were due to job underperformance at our Southern California operation in 2014 ($9.8 million), improved project execution at our large operation headquartered in Virginia ($6.2 million), and improved market conditions which resulted in an increase in volumes at our EAS operation ($6.0 million). As a percentage of revenue, gross profit increased from 17.1% in 2014 to 19.6% in 2015 primarily due to the factors discussed above.

        Selling, General and Administrative Expenses ("SG&A")—SG&A increased $5.7 million, or 10.9%, to $57.9 million for the third quarter of 2015 as compared to 2014. Excluding amortization expense, SG&A increased $5.7 million, or 11.2%. This increase is primarily due to increased compensation accruals based on operating results ($4.7 million) and expanded service activities at certain locations ($1.0 million). Amortization expense remained relatively flat during the period. As a percentage of revenue, SG&A remained the same at 14.1% for both 2014 and 2015.

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        SG&A increased $15.8 million, or 10.3%, to $169.0 million for the first nine months of 2015 as compared to the same period in 2014. On a same-store basis, excluding amortization expense, SG&A increased $13.8 million, or 9.3%. This increase is primarily due to increased compensation accruals based on operating results ($10.1 million) and expanded service activities at certain locations ($4.0 million). Amortization expense increased $0.2 million. As a percentage of revenue, SG&A decreased from 14.5% in 2014 to 14.1% in 2015 primarily due to an increase in large-project revenue at EAS which did not require a corresponding increase in SG&A and better SG&A management at our large operation headquartered in Virginia.

        We have included same-store SG&A, excluding amortization, because we believe it is an effective measure of comparative results of operations. However, same-store SG&A, excluding amortization, is not considered under generally accepted accounting principles to be a primary measure of an entity's financial results, and accordingly, should not be considered an alternative to SG&A as shown in our consolidated statements of operations.

 
  Three Months
Ended September 30,
  Nine Months
Ended September 30,
 
 
  2015   2014   2015   2014  
 
  (in thousands)
 

SG&A

  $ 57,902   $ 52,200   $ 168,967   $ 153,158  

Less: SG&A from companies acquired

            (1,843 )    

Less: Amortization expense

    (1,731 )   (1,703 )   (5,163 )   (4,971 )

Same-store SG&A, excluding amortization expense

  $ 56,171   $ 50,497   $ 161,961   $ 148,187  

        Goodwill Impairment—No goodwill impairment has been recorded in 2015. We recorded a goodwill impairment charge of $0.7 million during the second quarter of 2014. Based on market activity declines and write-downs incurred on several jobs, we determined that the operating environment, conditions and performance at our operating location based in Southern California could no longer support the related goodwill balance.

        Interest Expense—Interest expense decreased $0.2 million, 28.9%, to $0.4 million for the third quarter of 2015 as compared to 2014. This decrease was due to a decrease in borrowings on the revolving credit facility in the third quarter of 2015. Interest expense remained relatively flat at $1.4 million for the first nine months of 2015 and 2014.

        Changes in the Fair Value of Contingent Earn-out Obligations—The contingent earn-out obligations are measured at fair value each reporting period and changes in estimates of fair value are recognized in earnings. There were no changes in the fair value of contingent earn-out obligations for the third quarter of 2015 as compared to a loss of $0.2 million in the prior year. Based on updated measurements of estimated future cash flows for our contingent obligations in the third quarter of 2014, we increased our obligation related to the EAS acquisition resulting in the prior quarter loss.

        Income from changes in the fair value of contingent earn-out obligations for the first nine months of 2015 was $0.1 million. Based on updated measurements of estimated future cash flows for our contingent obligations in the second quarter of 2015, we decreased our obligation related to a prior year acquisition resulting in the current year gain. The $0.2 million loss from changes in the fair value of contingent earn-out obligations for the first nine months of 2014 was due to updated measurements of estimated future cash flows for our contingent obligation related to the EAS acquisition.

        Income Tax Expense—We perform work throughout the United States in virtually all of the fifty states as well as in Puerto Rico. Our effective tax rate varies based upon our relative profitability, or lack of profitability, in states with varying state tax rates and rules. In addition, discrete events,

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judgments and legal structures can affect our effective tax rate. These items can include the tax treatment for impairment of goodwill and other intangible assets and changes in fair value of acquisition related assets and liabilities, tax reserves associated with regulatory audits, accounting for losses associated with underperforming operations and the partial ownership of consolidated entities.

        For the nine months ended September 30, 2015 our tax expense was $22.2 million with an effective tax rate of 34.3% as compared to tax expense of $9.1 million with an effective tax rate of 35.1% for the nine months ended September 30, 2014. The effective rate for 2015 is lower than the federal statutory rate of 35.0% primarily due to the impact of the noncontrolling interest of EAS which for tax purposes is treated as a partnership (3.5%) and the production activity deduction (1.9%) partially offset by state income taxes (3.5%) and non-deductible expenses (0.9%). The effective rate for 2014 is higher than the federal statutory rate of 35.0% primarily due to state income taxes (4.2%) and non-deductible expenses (1.7%) which were partially offset by the impact of the noncontrolling interest of EAS which for tax purposes is treated as a partnership (4.5%). Tax reserves are analyzed and adjusted quarterly as events occur to warrant such changes. Adjustments to tax reserves are a component of the effective tax rate. We currently estimate our effective tax rate for 2015 will be between 33% and 37%.

        Net Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests—Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests increased $0.4 million to $2.2 million for the third quarter of 2015 as compared to the same quarter in 2014. This increase reflects the impact of higher earnings at EAS, our non-wholly owned consolidated subsidiary, which was due primarily to increased revenue in the current quarter.

        Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests increased $2.0 million to $6.4 million for the first nine months of 2015 as compared to the same period in 2014. The increase was primarily due to higher earnings at EAS in the current year caused by increased revenue in 2015.

        We have seen industry conditions improve during 2015. Our emphasis for the remainder of 2015 will be on execution, including a focus on cost discipline and efficient project performance, labor force development, and investing in growth, particularly in service and small projects. Based on our backlog, and in light of economic conditions for our industry, we expect that revenue and profitability will be above the levels that we have experienced in recent years.

Liquidity and Capital Resources (in thousands):

 
  Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
 
  2015   2014  

Cash provided by (used in):

             

Operating activities

  $ 74,583   $ 37,482  

Investing activities

    (20,483 )   (68,339 )

Financing activities

    (41,092 )   22,685  

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

  $ 13,008   $ (8,172 )

Free cash flow:

             

Cash provided by operating activities

  $ 74,583   $ 37,482  

Purchases of property and equipment

    (15,216 )   (15,367 )

Proceeds from sales of property and equipment

    891     1,232  

Free cash flow

  $ 60,258   $ 23,347  

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        Our business does not require significant amounts of investment in long-term fixed assets. The substantial majority of the capital used in our business is working capital that funds our costs of labor and installed equipment deployed in project work until our customer pays us. Customary terms in our industry allow customers to withhold a small portion of the contract price until after we have completed the work, typically for six months. Amounts withheld under this practice are known as retention or retainage. Our average project duration together with typical retention terms generally allow us to complete the realization of revenue and earnings in cash within one year.

        Cash Provided by Operating Activities—Cash flow from operations is primarily influenced by demand for our services and operating margins, but can also be influenced by working capital needs associated with the various types of services that we provide. In particular, working capital needs may increase when we commence large volumes of work under circumstances where project costs, primarily associated with labor, equipment and subcontractors, are required to be paid before the receivables resulting from the work performed are billed and collected. Working capital needs are generally higher during the late winter and spring months as we prepare and plan for the increased project demand when favorable weather conditions exist in the summer and fall months. Conversely, working capital assets are typically converted to cash during the late summer and fall months as project completion is underway. These seasonal trends are sometimes offset by changes in the timing of major projects which can be impacted by the weather, project delays or accelerations and other economic factors that may affect customer spending.

        Cash provided by operating activities during the first nine months of 2015 was $74.6 million compared with $37.5 million during the same period in 2014. The increase in cash provided by operations primarily relates to higher net income in the current year period ($42.6 million) compared to the prior year period ($16.8 million). In addition, an increase in accounts payable and accrued liabilities of $20.5 million compared to the prior year, primarily caused by higher compensation accruals, was partially offset by an increase to costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings of $6.7 million compared to the prior year, due to the timing of customer billings.

        Cash Used in Investing Activities—Cash used in investing activities was $20.5 million for the first nine months of 2015 compared to $68.3 million during 2014. The $47.9 million decrease in cash used primarily relates to cash paid for the three acquisitions that were completed in the first nine months of 2014.

        Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities—Cash used in financing activities was $41.1 million for the first nine months of 2015 compared to cash provided by financing activities of $22.7 million during the first nine months of 2014. The $63.8 million decrease in cash provided by financing activities primarily relates to $28.5 million of net payments on the revolving line of credit in 2015 compared to $42.0 million of net borrowings in 2014. This decrease in cash provided was partially offset by increases due to a $2.0 million payment of other debt which occurred in 2014, increased proceeds from options exercised of $1.9 million and decreases in distributions to noncontrolling interests of $1.8 million.

        Free Cash Flow—We define free cash flow as cash provided by operating activities, less customary capital expenditures, plus the proceeds from asset sales. We believe free cash flow, by encompassing both profit margins and the use of working capital over our approximately one year working capital cycle, is an effective measure of operating effectiveness and efficiency. We have included free cash flow information here for this reason, and because we are often asked about it by third parties evaluating us. However, free cash flow is not considered under generally accepted accounting principles to be a primary measure of an entity's financial results, and accordingly free cash flow should not be considered an alternative to operating income, net income, or amounts shown in our consolidated

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statements of cash flows as determined under generally accepted accounting principles. Free cash flow may be defined differently by other companies.

        On March 29, 2007, our Board of Directors (the "Board") approved a stock repurchase program to acquire up to 1.0 million shares of our outstanding common stock. Subsequently, the Board has from time to time approved extensions of the program to acquire additional shares. Since the inception of the repurchase program, the Board has approved 7.6 million shares to be repurchased. Since the inception of the program in 2007 through September 30, 2015, we have repurchased a cumulative total of 6.8 million shares at an average price of $11.70 per share.

        The share repurchases will be made from time to time at our discretion in the open market or privately negotiated transactions as permitted by securities laws and other legal requirements, and subject to market conditions and other factors. The Board may modify, suspend, extend or terminate the program at any time. During the nine months ended September 30, 2015, we repurchased 0.2 million shares for approximately $4.9 million at an average price of $25.17 per share.

        We have a $250.0 million senior credit facility (the "Facility") provided by a syndicate of banks which is available for borrowings and letters of credit. The Facility expires in October 2019 and is secured by a first lien on substantially all of our personal property, except for assets related to projects subject to surety bonds and assets held by certain unrestricted subsidiaries, and a second lien on our assets related to projects subject to surety bonds. As of September 30, 2015, we had $10.0 million of outstanding borrowings, $46.4 million in letters of credit outstanding and $193.6 million of credit available.

        There are two interest rate options for borrowings under the Facility, the Base Rate Loan Option and the Eurodollar Rate Loan Option. These rates are floating rates determined by the broad financial markets, meaning they can and do move up and down from time to time. Additional margins are then added to these two rates. The weighted average interest rate applicable to the borrowings under the Facility was approximately 1.5% as of September 30, 2015.

        Certain of our vendors require letters of credit to ensure reimbursement for amounts they are disbursing on our behalf, such as to beneficiaries under our self-funded insurance programs. We have also occasionally used letters of credit to guarantee performance under our contracts and to ensure payment to our subcontractors and vendors under those contracts. Our lenders issue such letters of credit through the Facility for a fee. We have never had a claim made against a letter of credit that resulted in payments by a lender or by us and believe such claim is unlikely in the foreseeable future. The letter of credit fees range from 1.25% to 2.00% per annum, based on the ratio of Consolidated Total Indebtedness to Credit Facility Adjusted EBITDA, as defined in the credit agreement.

        Commitment fees are payable on the portion of the revolving loan capacity not in use for borrowings or letters of credit at any given time. These fees range from 0.20% to 0.35% per annum, based on the ratio of Consolidated Total Indebtedness to Credit Facility Adjusted EBITDA, as defined in the credit agreement.

        The Facility contains financial covenants defining various financial measures and the levels of these measures with which we must comply. Covenant compliance is assessed as of each quarter end.

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        The Facility's principal financial covenants include:

        Leverage Ratio—The Facility requires that the ratio of our Consolidated Total Indebtedness to our Credit Facility Adjusted EBITDA not exceed 2.75 through maturity. The leverage ratio as of September 30, 2015 was 0.1.

        Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio—The Facility requires that the ratio of Credit Facility Adjusted EBITDA, less non-financed capital expenditures, tax provision, dividends and amounts used to repurchase stock to the sum of interest expense and scheduled principal payments of indebtedness be at least 2.0; provided that the calculation of the fixed charge coverage ratio excludes stock repurchases and the payment of dividends at any time that the Company's Net Leverage Ratio does not exceed 1.5. The Facility also allows the fixed charge coverage ratio not to be reduced for stock repurchases through September 30, 2015 in an aggregate amount not to exceed $25 million if at the time of and after giving effect to such repurchase the Company's Net Leverage Ratio was less than or equal to 1.5. Capital expenditures, tax provision, dividends and stock repurchase payments are defined under the Facility for purposes of this covenant to be amounts for the four quarters ending as of any given quarterly covenant compliance measurement date. The fixed charge coverage ratio as of September 30, 2015 was 30.6.

        Other Restrictions—The Facility permits acquisitions of up to $25.0 million per transaction, provided that the aggregate purchase price of such an acquisition and of acquisitions in the same fiscal year does not exceed $60.0 million. However, these limitations only apply when the Company's Net Leverage Ratio is equal to or greater than 2.0.

        While the Facility's financial covenants do not specifically govern capacity under the Facility, if our debt level under the Facility at a quarter-end covenant compliance measurement date were to cause us to violate the Facility's leverage ratio covenant, our borrowing capacity under the Facility and the favorable terms that we currently have could be negatively impacted by the lenders.

        We were in compliance with all of our financial covenants as of September 30, 2015.

        We issued a subordinated note to the former owners of an acquired company as part of the consideration used to acquire the company. This note had an outstanding balance of $1.0 million as of September 30, 2015 and bears interest, payable quarterly, at a weighted average interest rate of 2.5%. The principle is due in equal installments on October 2016 and 2017.

        In conjunction with two of our acquisitions, we acquired capital lease obligations. As of September 30, 2015, $0.7 million of capital lease obligations are outstanding, of which $0.4 million is considered current.

        Our majority owned subsidiary, Environmental Air Systems, LLC, has a revolving $2.5 million credit line that is available for temporary working capital needs and expires May 31, 2016. As of September 30, 2015, we had no outstanding borrowings and, therefore, $2.5 million of credit available. We estimate that the weighted average interest rate applicable to borrowings under this variable rate credit line would be approximately 2.0% as of September 30, 2015.

        We have generated positive net free cash flow for the last sixteen calendar years, much of which occurred during challenging economic and industry conditions. We also expect to have significant borrowing capacity under our credit facility, and we maintain what we feel are reasonable cash balances. We believe these factors will provide us with sufficient liquidity to fund our operations for the foreseeable future.

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Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements and Other Commitments

        As is common in our industry, we have entered into certain off-balance sheet arrangements in the ordinary course of business that result in risks not directly reflected in our balance sheets. Our most significant off-balance sheet transactions include liabilities associated with noncancelable operating leases. We also have other off-balance sheet obligations involving letters of credit and surety guarantees.

        We enter into noncancelable operating leases for many of our facility, vehicle and equipment needs. These leases allow us to conserve cash by paying a monthly lease rental fee for use of facilities, vehicles and equipment rather than purchasing them. At the end of the lease, we have no further obligation to the lessor. If we decide to cancel or terminate a lease before the end of its term, we would typically owe the lessor the remaining lease payments under the term of the lease.

        Certain of our vendors require letters of credit to ensure reimbursement for amounts they are disbursing on our behalf, such as to beneficiaries under our self-funded insurance programs. We have also occasionally used letters of credit to guarantee performance under our contracts and to ensure payment to our subcontractors and vendors under those contracts. The letters of credit we provide are actually issued by our lenders through the Facility as described above. A letter of credit commits the lenders to pay specified amounts to the holder of the letter of credit if the holder demonstrates that we have failed to perform specified actions. If this were to occur, we would be required to reimburse the lenders. Depending on the circumstances of such a reimbursement, we may also have to record a charge to earnings for the reimbursement. Absent a claim, there is no payment or reserving of funds by us in connection with a letter of credit. However, because a claim on a letter of credit would require immediate reimbursement by us to our lenders, letters of credit are treated as a use of the Facility's capacity just the same as actual borrowings. Claims against letters of credit are rare in our industry. To date we have not had a claim made against a letter of credit that resulted in payments by a lender or by us. We believe that it is unlikely that we will have to fund claims under a letter of credit in the foreseeable future.

        Many customers, particularly in connection with new construction, require us to post performance and payment bonds issued by a financial institution known as a surety. If we fail to perform under the terms of a contract or to pay subcontractors and vendors who provided goods or services under a contract, the customer may demand that the surety make payments or provide services under the bond. We must reimburse the sureties for any expenses or outlays they incur. To date, we are not aware of any losses to our sureties in connection with bonds the sureties have posted on our behalf, and we do not expect such losses to be incurred in the foreseeable future.

        Surety market conditions have seen some strengthening as the commercial construction markets have started to rebound. Bonding capacity remains adequate in the current market conditions along with acceptable terms and conditions. Historically, approximately 25% to 35% of our business has required bonds. While we currently have strong surety relationships to support our bonding needs, future market conditions or changes in our sureties' assessment of our operating and financial risk could cause our sureties to decline to issue bonds for our work. If that were to occur, our alternatives include doing more business that does not require bonds, posting other forms of collateral for project performance such as letters of credit or cash, and seeking bonding capacity from other sureties. We would likely also encounter concerns from customers, suppliers and other market participants as to our creditworthiness. While we believe our general operating and financial characteristics, would enable us to ultimately respond effectively to an interruption in the availability of bonding capacity, such an interruption would likely cause our revenue and profits to decline in the near term.

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Contractual Obligations

        As of September 30, 2015, we have $46.4 million in letter of credit commitments, of which $15.3 million will expire in 2015 and $31.1 million will expire in 2016. The substantial majority of these letters of credit are posted with insurers who disburse funds on our behalf in connection with our workers' compensation, auto liability and general liability insurance program. These letters of credit provide additional security to the insurers that sufficient financial resources will be available to fund claims on our behalf, many of which develop over long periods of time, should we ever encounter financial duress. Posting of letters of credit for this purpose is a common practice for entities that manage their self-insurance programs through third-party insurers as we do. While many of these letter of credit commitments expire in 2015, we expect nearly all of them, particularly those supporting our insurance programs, will be renewed annually.

        As of September 30, 2015, there have been no material changes in the contractual obligations as previously disclosed in "Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" of our Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Item 3.    Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

        We are exposed to market risk primarily related to potential adverse changes in interest rates as discussed below. We are actively involved in monitoring exposure to market risk and continue to develop and utilize appropriate risk management techniques. We are not exposed to any other significant financial market risks including commodity price risk, foreign currency exchange risk or interest rate risks from the use of derivative financial instruments. We do not use derivative financial instruments.

        We have exposure to changes in interest rates under our revolving credit facility and the EAS credit line. We have a modest level of indebtedness under our debt facility and our indebtedness could increase in the future. Our debt with fixed interest rates consists of a note to former owners of an acquired company.

        The weighted average interest rate applicable to borrowings under the Facility was approximately 1.5% as of September 30, 2015.

        We measure certain assets at fair value on a nonrecurring basis. These assets are recognized at fair value when they are deemed to be other-than-temporarily impaired. We did not recognize any impairments in the current year on those assets required to be measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis.

        The valuation of our contingent earn-out payments is determined using a probability weighted discounted cash flow method. This analysis reflects the contractual terms of the purchase agreements (e.g., minimum and maximum payment, length of earn-out periods, manner of calculating any amounts due, etc.) and utilizes assumptions with regard to future cash flows, probabilities of achieving such future cash flows and a discount rate.

Item 4.    Controls and Procedures

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

        Our executive management is responsible for ensuring the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures. We carried out an evaluation under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based on that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer

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and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) are effective as of the end of the period covered by this report.

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

        There have not been any changes in our internal control over financial reporting (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) during the three months ended September 30, 2015 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

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COMFORT SYSTEMS USA, INC.
PART II—OTHER INFORMATION

        

Item 1.    Legal Proceedings

        We are subject to certain claims and lawsuits arising in the normal course of business. We maintain various insurance coverages to minimize financial risk associated with these claims. We have estimated and provided accruals for probable losses and related legal fees associated with certain of our litigation in our consolidated financial statements. Although management currently believes that resolving claims against us, individually or in aggregate, will not have a material adverse impact on our operating results, cash flows or financial condition, these matters are subject to inherent uncertainties and management's view of these matters may change in the future.

Item 1A.    Risk Factors

        In addition to the other information set forth in this report, you should carefully consider the factors discussed in Part 1, "Item 1A. Risk Factors" in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014, which could materially affect our business, financial condition, or future results. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to us or that we currently deem to be immaterial also may materially adversely affect our business, financial condition, or future results.

Item 2.    Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities

        None.

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

        On March 29, 2007, our Board of Directors (the "Board") approved a stock repurchase program to acquire up to 1.0 million shares of our outstanding common stock. Subsequently, the Board has from time to time approved extensions of the program to acquire additional shares. Since the inception of the repurchase program, the Board has approved 7.6 million shares to be repurchased. Since the inception of the program in 2007 through September 30, 2015, we have repurchased a cumulative total of 6.8 million shares at an average price of $11.70 per share.

        The share repurchases will be made from time to time at our discretion in the open market or privately negotiated transactions as permitted by securities laws and other legal requirements, and subject to market conditions and other factors. The Board may modify, suspend, extend or terminate the program at any time. During the nine months ended September 30, 2015, we repurchased 0.2 million shares for approximately $4.9 million at an average price of $25.17 per share.

        During the quarter ended September 30, 2015, we purchased our common shares in the following amounts at the following average prices:

Period
  Total
Number
of Shares
Purchased
  Average
Price Paid
Per Share
  Total Number of
Shares Purchased
as Part of Publicly
Announced
Plans or Programs
  Maximum
Number of Shares
that May Yet Be
Purchased Under the
Plans or Programs
 

July 1 - July 31

      $     6,639,401     921,782  

August 1 - August 31

    40,439   $ 27.74     6,679,840     881,343  

September 1 - September 30

    82,361   $ 27.71     6,762,201     798,982  

    122,800   $ 27.72     6,762,201     798,982  

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        Under our 2012 Equity Plan, employees may elect to have us withhold common shares to satisfy minimum statutory federal, state and local tax withholding obligations arising on the vesting of restricted stock unit awards and exercise of options. When we withhold these shares, we are required to remit to the appropriate taxing authorities the market price of the shares withheld, which could be deemed a purchase of the common shares by us on the date of withholding.

Item 5.    Other Information

Entry Into Material Definitive Agreement

        On October 28, 2015, the Company entered into an Amended Change in Control Agreement (the "Amended Agreement") with James Mylett, Senior Vice President of Service, which amends the Change in Control Agreement with Mr. Mylett dated as of February 24, 2014 (the "Original Agreement"). The Company recently discovered that the terms of the Original Agreement inadvertently did not include immediate acceleration of Mr. Mylett's outstanding equity upon a Change in Control (as such term is defined in the Original Agreement). The Company intended for Mr. Mylett to have such acceleration rights and disclosed Mr. Mylett's change in control benefits in its 2014 and 2015 Annual Proxy Statements as though he had a right to such acceleration. The Amended Agreement, which is attached hereto as Exhibit 10.1, contains no other material revisions to the Original Agreement other than the immediate acceleration of equity upon a Change in Control.

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Item 6.    Exhibits

 
   
  Incorporated by Reference to
the Exhibit Indicated Below
and to the Filing with the
Commission Indicated Below
Exhibit
Number
  Description of Exhibits   Exhibit
Number
  Filing or File
Number
  3.1   Second Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Registrant     3.1   333-24021

 

3.2

 

Certificate of Amendment dated May 21, 1998

 

 

3.2

 

1998 Form 10-K

 

3.3

 

Certificate of Amendment dated July 9, 2003

 

 

3.3

 

2003 Form 10-K

 

3.4

 

Amended and Restated Bylaws of Comfort Systems USA, Inc.

 

 

3.1

 

March 26, 2012 Form 8-K

 

10.1

 

Form of Amended Change in Control Agreement

 

 

 

 

Filed Herewith

 

31.1

 

Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

 

 

 

 

Filed Herewith

 

31.2

 

Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

 

 

 

 

Filed Herewith

 

32.1

 

Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

 

 

 

 

Furnished Herewith

 

32.2

 

Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

 

 

 

 

Furnished Herewith

 

101.INS

 

XBRL Instance Document

 

 

 

 

 

 

101.SCH

 

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document

 

 

 

 

 

 

101.CAL

 

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document

 

 

 

 

 

 

101.DEF

 

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document

 

 

 

 

 

 

101.LAB

 

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document

 

 

 

 

 

 

101.PRE

 

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase

 

 

 

 

 

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Table of Contents


SIGNATURES

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

    COMFORT SYSTEMS USA, INC.

October 29, 2015

 

By:

 

/s/ BRIAN E. LANE

Brian E. Lane
President, Chief Executive Officer and Director

October 29, 2015

 

By:

 

/s/ WILLIAM GEORGE

William George
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial
Officer

October 29, 2015

 

By:

 

/s/ JULIE S. SHAEFF

Julie S. Shaeff
Senior Vice President and Chief Accounting
Officer

31




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Exhibit 10.1

Comfort Systems USA, Inc.
Amended Change in Control Agreement

        This Amended Change in Control Agreement (this "Agreement") by and among Comfort Systems USA, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the "Company"), and [EMPLOYEE'S NAME] ("Employee") is hereby entered into and effective as of the        day of                    , 20    .

R E C I T A L S

        A.    The Company recognizes that during Employee's service with the Company the possibility of a change in control of the Company may arise and that such possibility, and the uncertainty it may create, may result in the departure or distraction of Employee to the detriment of the Company and its shareholders.

        B.    The Company desires to provide the benefits set forth in this Agreement to help assure the Company of the continuation of Employee's service and to encourage Employee's attention and dedication to Employee's assigned duties without distraction in circumstances arising from the possibility of a change in control, and Employee desires to evidence his or her acceptance of such benefits.

        NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual promises and covenants set forth herein, it is hereby agreed as follows:

A G R E E M E N T S

        1.     DEFINED TERMS.    In addition to the capitalized terms defined elsewhere in this Agreement, the following capitalized terms shall have the meanings set forth below:

1


        2.     TERM.    The term of this Agreement will begin on the date hereof and continue in full force and effect as long as Employee remains in his or her current position with the Company or any other position of equal or higher grade; provided that this Agreement shall terminate and cease to be in full force and effect upon Employee giving notice of his or her intent to terminate employment with the Company for any reason other than Good Reason, whether by retirement, early retirement, or otherwise.

        3.     CHANGE IN CONTROL.

2


3


        4.     BINDING EFFECT.    This Agreement shall be binding upon, inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by the parties hereto and their respective heirs, legal representatives, successors and assigns. In the event any Successor (as defined below) does not assume this Agreement by operation of law, the Company will seek to have such Successor, by agreement in form and substance satisfactory to Employee, expressly assume and agree to perform this Agreement in the same manner and to the same extent that the Company would be required to perform it. If there has been a Change in Control prior to, or if a Change in Control will result from, any such succession, then failure of the Company to obtain at Employee's request such agreement prior to or upon the effectiveness of any such succession (unless assumption occurs by operation of law) shall constitute Good Reason for termination by Employee of his or her employment. "Successor" means any Person that succeeds to, or has the ability to control, the Company's business as a whole, directly by merger, consolidation, spin-off or similar transaction, or indirectly by purchase of the Company's voting securities or acquisition of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company.

        5.     COMPLETE AGREEMENT.    This Agreement sets forth the entire agreement of the parties hereto relating to the subject matter hereof and supersedes any other employment agreements or understandings, written or oral, between the Company and Employee. This Agreement is the final, complete and exclusive statement and expression of the agreement between Company and Employee and of all the terms of this Agreement, and it cannot be varied, contradicted or supplemented by evidence of any prior or contemporaneous oral or written agreements. This Agreement may not be later modified except by a further writing signed by a duly authorized officer of Company and Employee, and no term of this Agreement may be waived except in writing signed by the party waiving the benefit of such term.

        6.     NOTICE.    Whenever any notice is required hereunder, it shall be given in writing addressed as follows:

To Company:   Comfort Systems USA, Inc.
675 Bering Drive, Suite 400
Houston, Texas 77057
Attention: Law Department

To Employee:

 

[ADDRESS]

        Notice shall be deemed given and effective on the earlier of three days after the deposit in the U.S. mail of a writing addressed as above and sent first class mail, certified, return receipt requested, or when actually received by means of hand delivery, delivery by Federal Express or other courier service, or by facsimile transmission. Either party may change the address for notice by notifying the other party of such change in accordance with this Section 6.

        7.     SEVERABILITY; HEADINGS.    If any portion of this Agreement is held invalid or inoperative, the other portions of this Agreement shall be deemed valid and operative and, so far as is reasonable and possible, effect shall be given to the intent manifested by the portion held invalid or inoperative. The headings herein are for reference purposes only and are not intended in any way to describe, interpret, define or limit the extent or intent of this Agreement or of any part hereof.

        8.     ARBITRATION.    Any unresolved dispute or controversy arising under or in connection with this Agreement shall be settled exclusively by arbitration, conducted before a panel of three arbitrators in Houston, Texas, in accordance with the National Rules for the Resolution of Employment Disputes

4


of the American Arbitration Association ("AAA") then in effect, provided that Employee shall comply with Company's grievance procedures in an effort to resolve such dispute or controversy before resorting to arbitration, and provided further that the parties may agree to use arbitrators other than those provided by the AAA. The arbitrators shall not have the authority to add to, detract from, or modify any provision hereof nor to award punitive damages to any injured party. The arbitrators shall have the authority to order back-pay, severance compensation, vesting of options or restricted stock (or cash compensation in lieu of vesting of options or restricted stock), reimbursement of costs, including those incurred to enforce this Agreement, and interest thereon in the event the arbitrators determine that Employee was terminated without disability or Cause, or that Company has breached this Agreement in any material respect. A decision by a majority of the arbitration panel shall be final and binding. Judgment may be entered on the arbitrators' award in any court having jurisdiction. The direct expense of any arbitration proceeding shall be borne by Company.

        9.     SECTION 409A COMPLIANCE.    This Agreement is intended to comply with Section 409A of the Code ("Section 409A") or an exemption thereunder and shall be construed and administered in accordance with Section 409A. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, payments provided under this Agreement may only be made upon an event and in a manner that complies with Section 409A or an applicable exemption. Any payments under this Agreement that may be excluded from Section 409A either as separation pay due to an involuntary separation from service or as a short-term deferral shall be excluded from Section 409A to the maximum extent possible. Any payments to be made under this Agreement upon a termination of employment shall only be made if such termination of employment constitutes a "separation from service" under Section 409A. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company makes no representations that the payments and benefits provided under this Agreement comply with Section 409A and in no event shall the Company be liable for all or any portion of any taxes, penalties, interest or other expenses that may be incurred by the Employee on account of non-compliance with Section 409A.

        10.   GOVERNING LAW.    This Agreement shall in all respects be construed according to the laws of the State of Texas, to the extent not preempted by federal law.

        11.   COUNTERPARTS.    This Agreement may be executed simultaneously in two or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original and all of which together shall constitute but one and the same instrument.

[Signature Page Follows]

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        IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement as of the day and year first above written.

    COMFORT SYSTEMS USA, INC.

 

 

By:

 

  


 

 

EMPLOYEE:

 

 


 

   

[Signature Page to Amended Change in Control Agreement]




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Exhibit 31.1

CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes Oxley Act of 2002

I, Brian E. Lane, certify that:

1.
I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Comfort Systems USA, Inc.;

2.
Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3.
Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4.
The registrant's other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

a)
designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

b)
designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

c)
evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

d)
disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant's fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting; and

5.
The registrant's other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

a)
all significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

b)
any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.

Date: October 29, 2015   /s/ BRIAN E. LANE

Brian E. Lane
President and Chief Executive Officer



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Exhibit 31.2

CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

I, William George, certify that:

1.
I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Comfort Systems USA, Inc.;

2.
Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3.
Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4.
The registrant's other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

a.
designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

b.
designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

c.
evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

d.
disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant's fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting; and

5.
The registrant's other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

a.
all significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

b.
any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.

Date: October 29, 2015   /s/ WILLIAM GEORGE

William George
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer



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Exhibit 32.1

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO
18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350
AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO
SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002*

        In connection with the Quarterly Report of Comfort Systems USA, Inc. (the "Company") on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2015, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the "Report"), I, Brian E. Lane, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. §1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:

Date: October 29, 2015   /s/ BRIAN E. LANE

Brian E. Lane
President and Chief Executive Officer

   


*
A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906 has been provided to the Company and will be retained by the Company and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.



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CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350 AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

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Exhibit 32.2

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO
18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350
AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO
SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002*

        In connection with the Quarterly Report of Comfort Systems USA, Inc. (the "Company") on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2015, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the "Report"), I, William George, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. §1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:

Date: October 29, 2015   /s/ WILLIAM GEORGE

William George
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

   


*
A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906 has been provided to the Company and will be retained by the Company and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.



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CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350 AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002