UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

FORM 8-K

 

CURRENT REPORT

Pursuant to Section 13 OR 15(d) of The Securities Exchange Act of 1934

 

Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported)  November 3, 2011

 

Comfort Systems USA, Inc.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Delaware

 

1-13011

 

76-0526487

(State or other jurisdiction

 

(Commission

 

(IRS Employer

of incorporation)

 

File Number)

 

Identification No.)

 

675 Bering, Suite 400

 

 

Houston, Texas

 

77057

(Address of principal executive offices)

 

(Zip Code)

 

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

 

 

(Former name or former address, if changed since last report.)

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

 

 



 

ITEM 2.02  Results of Operations and Financial Condition

 

Attached as Exhibit 99.1 is a copy of a press release of Comfort Systems USA, Inc. (the “Company”) dated November 3, 2011 reporting the Company’s financial results for the third quarter of 2011.

 

The above information and attached press release are being furnished pursuant to Item 2.02 of Form 8-K and General Instruction B.2 thereunder. The information included herein and in the attached press release shall not be deemed “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or otherwise subject to the liabilities of that section, nor shall it be deemed incorporated by reference in any filing under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

 

ITEM 8.01 Other Events

 

Attached as Exhibit 99.2 is a copy of a press release of the Company dated November 3, 2011 reporting the Company’s declaration of a quarterly dividend on the Company’s common stock to shareholders of record as of the close of business on the record date, November 28, 2011.

 

Attached as Exhibit 99.3 is a copy of a press release of the Company dated November 3, 2011 announcing the Company’s acquisition of a majority interest in Environmental Air Systems, a mechanical contractor headquartered in Greensboro, North Carolina.

 

ITEM 9.01                                       Financial Statements and Exhibits

 

The following Exhibits are included herein:

 

Exhibit 99.1 Press Release of Comfort Systems USA, Inc. dated November 3, 2011 reporting the Company’s financial results for the third quarter of 2011.

 

Exhibit 99.2 Press Release of Comfort Systems USA, Inc. dated November 3, 2011 reporting the Company’s declaration of a quarterly dividend on the Company’s common stock to shareholders of record as of the close of business on the record date, November 28, 2011.

 

Exhibit 99.3 Press Release of Comfort Systems USA, Inc. dated November 3, 2011 announcing the Company’s acquisition of a majority interest in Environmental Air Systems, a mechanical contractor headquartered in Greensboro, North Carolina.

 

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 hereunto duly authorized.

 

 

COMFORT SYSTEMS USA, INC.

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Trent T. McKenna

 

 

Trent T. McKenna, Vice President and

 

 

General Counsel

 

 

Date:

November 4, 2011

 

 

2



 

EXHIBIT INDEX

 

Exhibit 
Number

 

Exhibit Title or Description

 

 

 

99.1

 

Press Release of Comfort Systems USA, Inc. dated November 3, 2011 reporting the Company’s financial results for the third quarter of 2011.

 

 

 

99.2

 

Press Release of Comfort Systems USA, Inc. dated November 3, 2011 reporting the Company’s declaration of a quarterly dividend on the Company’s common stock to shareholders of record as of the close of business on the record date, November 28, 2011.

 

 

 

99.3

 

Press Release of Comfort Systems USA, Inc. dated November 3, 2011 announcing the Company’s acquisition of a majority interest in Environmental Air Systems, a mechanical contractor headquartered in Greensboro, North Carolina.

 

3


Exhibit 99.1

 

 

CONTACT:

William George

675 Bering Drive, Suite 400

 

Chief Financial Officer

Houston, Texas 77057

 

713-830-9600

713-830-9600

 

 

713-830-9696

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

COMFORT SYSTEMS USA REPORTS THIRD QUARTER RESULTS

 

— Solid Earnings from Operations, Increased Revenue and Backlog —

— Noncash Charge to Impair Goodwill —

— Extends Credit Agreement —

 

Houston, TX — November 3, 2011 — Comfort Systems USA, Inc. (NYSE: FIX), a leading provider of commercial, industrial and institutional heating, ventilation and air conditioning (“HVAC”) services, today reported results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2011.

 

The Company recorded a net loss, including the effect of a significant reduction in goodwill balances, of $36,569,000, or $(0.98) per diluted share, for the quarter ended September 30, 2011.  Excluding the reduction in goodwill and other noncash charges discussed below, adjusted non-GAAP net income was $5,348,000, or $0.14 per share, as compared to $4,996,000 or $0.13 per diluted share, in the third quarter of 2010.  The Company reported revenue of $328,113,000 in the current quarter.  On a same-store basis, the Company reported revenue of $284,496,000, as compared to $268,871,000 in 2010.

 

During the third quarter of 2011, the Company concluded that impairment indicators existed within certain companies based on year to date results and recent forecasts.  As a result, the Company performed applicable tests as prescribed by the accounting literature and recognized a pre-tax, noncash goodwill impairment charge of $55,134,000, or $(1.20) per diluted share after-tax.  These revised forecasts also affected judgments concerning likely future benefits from prior tax losses and the value of existing earn-out obligations.  As a result, the Company recognized an additional noncash charge of $2,056,000, or $(0.05) per diluted share, due to the increase in valuation allowances related to the utilization of certain state net operating loss carryforwards.  The Company also recorded a noncash change in the fair value of earn-out obligations, which resulted in pre-tax income of $5,077,000, or $0.13 per diluted share after tax.

 

The Company reported negative free cash flow of $840,000 in the current quarter, as compared to positive free cash flow of $1,274,000 in the third quarter of 2010.  Backlog as of September 30, 2011 was $636,128,000 as compared to $621,162,000 as of June 30, 2011 and $635,818,000 as of September 30, 2010.

 

The Company reported a net loss for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 of $(38,577,000), or $(1.03) per diluted share, as compared to net income of $8,944,000 or $0.24 per diluted share in the first nine months of 2010.  Excluding the above mentioned charges, adjusted non-GAAP net income was $2,966,000, or $0.08 per share.  The results for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 included a noncash goodwill impairment charge of $4,446,000 or $0.07 per diluted share after tax that was recorded during the second quarter of 2010, and a noncash change in the fair value of earn-out obligations, which resulted in pre-tax income of $650,000 or $0.01 per diluted share after tax.  Excluding

 



 

these noncash charges, adjusted non-GAAP net income from continuing operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 was $10,481,000 or $0.28 per diluted share.

 

The Company reported revenue of $922,320,000 from continuing operations for the first nine months of 2011. On a same store basis, the Company reported revenue of $796,000,000, as compared to $754,934,000 for the same period in 2010.  Free cash flow for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 was negative $27,806,000 as compared to negative free cash flow of $10,289,000 in the first nine months of 2010.

 

Bill Murdy, Comfort Systems USA’s Chairman and CEO, said, “Our underlying results of operations demonstrated solid profitability for the third quarter, and we also experienced same store revenue growth.  We were required to take an impairment charge during the quarter, as we concluded that impairment indicators existed after a review of recent results, current conditions and updated forecasts at certain subsidiaries.  This charge did not impact our cash flows, is not relevant to our financial covenants, and we believe it does not diminish our fundamental results which remain steady in the face of adverse market conditions.”

 

Mr. Murdy continued, “We continue to operate in a challenging environment, however, backlog has stabilized for several quarters.  We are committed to organic growth and, as demonstrated by the acquisition we announced today, to continuing to add quality operators to our strong family of companies.  Although the timing of recovery in nonresidential construction is uncertain, we are continuing to build for the future.”

 

During the third quarter, the Company also amended its Credit Agreement to extend the term for five years to September 2016, and made changes to the underlying terms of the agreement that enhance the credit available for acquisitions and investments.

 

Mr. Murdy concluded, “In addition to adding the stability of a longer commitment, we believe that the changes our banks agreed to will give us the added flexibility to continue to invest despite challenging conditions.  Overall, as we look forward to year end and 2012, we expect continued industry headwind, however, we believe we can maintain our profitability and continue to invest to improve our position in the crucial mechanical building and service industry.”

 

As previously announced, the Company will host a conference call to discuss its financial results and position in more depth on Friday, November 4, 2011 at 10:00 a.m. Central Time.  The call-in number for this conference call is 1-888-713-4199 and enter 82489670 as the passcode.  Participants may pre-register for the call at https://www.theconferencingservice.com/prereg/key.process?key=PBR6YXQD8.  Pre-registrants will be issued a pin number to use when dialing in to the live call, which will provide quick access to the conference by bypassing the operator upon connection.  The call can also be accessed on the Company’s website at www.comfortsystemsusa.com under the Investor tab.  A replay of the entire call will be available until 6:00 p.m. Central Time, Friday, November 11, 2011 by calling 1-888-286-8010 with the conference passcode of 10582547, and will also be available on our website on the next business day following the call.

 

Comfort Systems USA® is a premier provider of business solutions addressing workplace comfort, with 86 locations in 72 cities around the nation.  For more information, visit the Company’s website at www.comfortsystemsusa.com.

 

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.  These statements are based on the current plans and expectations of future events of Comfort Systems USA, Inc. and involve risks and uncertainties that could cause 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, among others, the use of incorrect estimates for bidding a fixed-price contract, undertaking contractual commitments that exceed our labor resources, failing to perform contractual obligations efficiently enough to maintain profitability, national or regional weakness in construction activity and economic conditions, financial difficulties affecting projects, vendors, customers, or subcontractors, our backlog failing to translate into actual revenue or profits, difficulty in obtaining or increased costs associated

 



 

with bonding and insurance, impairment to goodwill, errors in our percentage-of-completion method of accounting, the result of competition in our markets, our decentralized management structure, shortages of labor and specialty building materials, retention of key management, seasonal fluctuations in the demand for HVAC systems, the imposition of past and future liability from environmental, safety, and health regulations including the inherent risk associated with self-insurance, adverse litigation results and other risks detailed in our reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.  A further list and description of these risks, uncertainties and other factors are discussed under “Item 1A. Company Risk Factors” in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010.  These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this filing. Comfort Systems USA, Inc. expressly disclaims any obligation or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statement contained herein to reflect any change in our expectations with regard thereto or any change in events, developments, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based.

 

— Financial tables follow —

 



 

Comfort Systems USA, Inc.

Consolidated Statements of Operations

For the Three Months and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2011 and 2010

(in thousands, except per share amounts)

(unaudited)

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

Nine Months Ended

 

 

 

September 30,

 

September 30,

 

 

 

2011

 

%

 

2010

 

%

 

2011

 

%

 

2010

 

%

 

Revenue

 

$

328,113

 

100.0

%

$

307,648

 

100.0

%

$

922,320

 

100.0

%

$

793,711

 

100.0

%

Cost of services

 

279,005

 

85.0

%

257,339

 

83.6

%

791,493

 

85.8

%

661,929

 

83.4

%

Gross profit

 

49,108

 

15.0

%

50,309

 

16.4

%

130,827

 

14.2

%

131,782

 

16.6

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SG&A

 

41,493

 

12.6

%

41,885

 

13.6

%

126,043

 

13.7

%

114,905

 

14.5

%

Goodwill impairment

 

55,134

 

16.8

%

 

 

55,134

 

6.0

%

4,446

 

0.6

%

Gain on sale of assets

 

(58

)

 

(29

)

 

(162

)

 

(502

)

(0.1

)%

Operating income (loss)

 

(47,461

)

(14.5

)%

8,453

 

2.7

%

(50,188

)

(5.4

)%

12,933

 

1.6

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest expense, net

 

(462

)

(0.1

)%

(793

)

(0.3

)%

(1,366

)

(0.1

)%

(1,223

)

(0.2

)%

Changes in the fair value of contingent earn-out obligations

 

5,077

 

1.5

%

650

 

0.2

%

5,566

 

0.6

%

650

 

0.1

%

Other income (expense)

 

(16

)

 

19

 

 

(68

)

 

25

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income (loss) before income taxes

 

(42,862

)

(13.1

)%

8,329

 

2.7

%

(46,056

)

(5.0

)%

12,385

 

1.6

%

Income tax expense (benefit)

 

(6,293

)

 

 

2,919

 

 

 

(7,479

)

 

 

4,164

 

 

 

Income (loss) from continuing operations

 

(36,569

)

(11.1

)%

5,410

 

1.8

%

(38,577

)

(4.2

)%

8,221

 

1.0

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gain (loss) on disposition of discontinued operation, including income tax expense of $—, $195, $— and $166

 

 

 

 

(39

)

 

 

 

 

 

723

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income (loss)

 

$

(36,569

)

 

 

$

5,371

 

 

 

$

(38,577

)

 

 

$

8,944

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income (loss) per share:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic-

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income (loss) from continuing operations

 

$

(0.98

)

 

 

$

0.14

 

 

 

$

(1.03

)

 

 

$

0.22

 

 

 

Gain (loss) on disposition of discontinued operation

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

0.02

 

 

 

Net income (loss)

 

$

(0.98

)

 

 

$

0.14

 

 

 

$

(1.03

)

 

 

$

0.24

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Diluted -

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income (loss) from continuing operations

 

$

(0.98

)

 

 

$

0.14

 

 

 

$

(1.03

)

 

 

$

0.22

 

 

 

Gain (loss) on disposition of discontinued operation

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

0.02

 

 

 

Net income (loss)

 

$

(0.98

)

 

 

$

0.14

 

 

 

$

(1.03

)

 

 

$

0.24

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shares used in computing income (loss) per share:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

 

37,325

 

 

 

37,560

 

 

 

37,496

 

 

 

37,564

 

 

 

Diluted

 

37,325

 

 

 

37,794

 

 

 

37,496

 

 

 

37,821

 

 

 

 

Note 1:  The diluted earnings per share data presented above reflects the dilutive effect, if any, of stock options and contingently issuable restricted stock which were outstanding during the periods presented.

 



 

Supplemental Non-GAAP Information — (Unaudited):

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

Nine Months Ended

 

 

 

September 30,

 

September 30,

 

 

 

2011

 

%

 

2010

 

%

 

2011

 

%

 

2010

 

%

 

Net income (loss) from continuing operations

 

$

(36,569

)

 

 

$

5,410

 

 

 

$

(38,577

)

 

 

$

8,221

 

 

 

Goodwill impairment (after tax)

 

44,886

 

 

 

 

 

 

44,886

 

 

 

2,674

 

 

 

Changes in fair value of contingent earn-out obligations (after tax)

 

(5,025

)

 

 

(414

)

 

 

(5,399

)

 

 

(414

)

 

 

Tax valuation allowances (after tax)

 

2,056

 

 

 

 

 

 

2,056

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income from continuing operations excluding goodwill impairment,changes in fair value of contingent earn-out obligations and tax valuation allowances

 

$

5,348

 

1.6

%

$

4,996

 

1.6

%

$

2,966

 

0.3

%

$

10,481

 

1.3

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations excluding goodwill impairment, changes in fair value of contingent earn-out obligations and tax valuation adjustments

 

0.14

 

 

 

0.13

 

 

 

0.08

 

 

 

0.28

 

 

 

 

Note 1:  Operating results from continuing operations, excluding goodwill impairment, changes in fair value of contingent earn-out obligations and tax valuation adjustments are presented because the Company believes it reflects the results of the core ongoing operations of the Company, and because we believe it is responsive to frequent questions we receive from third parties.  However, this measure is not considered a primary measure of an entity’s financial results under generally accepted accounting principles, and accordingly, this amount should not be considered an alternative to operating results as determined under generally accepted accounting principles and as reported by the Company.

 

Note 2:  The tax rate on these items was computed using the pro forma effective tax rate of the Company exclusive of these charges.

 

Supplemental Non-GAAP Information — Adjusted Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization (“Adjusted EBITDA”) (Unaudited):

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

Nine Months Ended

 

 

 

September 30,

 

September 30,

 

 

 

2011

 

%

 

2010

 

%

 

2011

 

%

 

2010

 

%

 

Net income (loss)

 

$

(36,569

)

 

 

$

5,371

 

 

 

$

(38,577

)

 

 

$

8,944

 

 

 

Discontinued operation

 

 

 

 

39

 

 

 

 

 

 

(723

)

 

 

Income taxes

 

(6,293

)

 

 

2,919

 

 

 

(7,479

)

 

 

4,164

 

 

 

Other expense (income), net

 

16

 

 

 

(19

)

 

 

68

 

 

 

(25

)

 

 

Changes in the fair value of contingent earn-out valuations

 

(5,077

)

 

 

(650

)

 

 

(5,566

)

 

 

(650

)

 

 

Interest expense, net

 

462

 

 

 

793

 

 

 

1,366

 

 

 

1,223

 

 

 

Gain on sale of assets

 

(58

)

 

 

(29

)

 

 

(162

)

 

 

(502

)

 

 

Goodwill impairment

 

55,134

 

 

 

 

 

 

55,134

 

 

 

4,446

 

 

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

4,696

 

 

 

4,802

 

 

 

14,228

 

 

 

11,882

 

 

 

Adjusted EBITDA

 

$

12,311

 

3.8

%

$

13,226

 

4.3

%

$

19,012

 

2.1

%

$

28,759

 

3.6

%

 

Note 1:  The Company defines adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (“Adjusted EBITDA”) as net income (loss), excluding discontinued operation, income taxes, other (income) expense, net, changes in the fair value of contingent earn-out valuations, interest expense, net, gain on sale of assets, goodwill impairment and depreciation and amortization.  Other companies may define Adjusted EBITDA differently. Adjusted EBITDA is presented because it is a financial measure that is frequently requested by third parties.  However, Adjusted EBITDA is not considered under generally accepted accounting principles as a primary measure of an entity’s financial results, and accordingly, Adjusted EBITDA should not be considered an alternative to operating income (loss), net income (loss), or cash flows as determined under generally accepted accounting principles and as reported by the Company.

 



 

Comfort Systems USA, Inc.

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

(in thousands)

 

 

 

September 30,

 

December 31,

 

 

 

2011

 

2010

 

 

 

(unaudited)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$

43,692

 

$

86,346

 

Accounts receivable, net

 

259,769

 

233,893

 

Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings

 

29,121

 

26,648

 

Other current assets

 

55,420

 

56,061

 

Total current assets

 

388,002

 

402,948

 

Property and equipment, net

 

40,475

 

43,620

 

Goodwill

 

93,640

 

147,818

 

Identifiable intangible assets, net

 

36,099

 

39,616

 

Other noncurrent assets

 

7,430

 

6,018

 

Total assets

 

$

565,646

 

$

640,020

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current maturities of long-term debt

 

$

300

 

$

300

 

Current maturities of notes to former owners

 

510

 

967

 

Accounts payable

 

101,421

 

101,134

 

Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings

 

62,218

 

63,422

 

Other current liabilities

 

91,303

 

102,387

 

Total current liabilities

 

255,752

 

268,210

 

Long-term debt, net of current maturities

 

2,400

 

2,700

 

Notes to former owners, net of current maturities

 

24,969

 

25,969

 

Other long-term liabilities

 

17,877

 

30,357

 

Total liabilities

 

300,998

 

327,236

 

Total stockholders’ equity

 

264,648

 

312,784

 

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

 

$

565,646

 

$

640,020

 

 

Selected Cash Flow Data (in thousands) (unaudited):

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

Nine Months Ended

 

 

 

September 30,

 

September 30,

 

 

 

2011

 

2010

 

2011

 

2010

 

Cash provided by (used in):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating activities

 

$

1,478

 

$

(3,772

)

$

(21,965

)

$

(14,471

)

Investing activities

 

$

(2,567

)

$

(39,165

)

$

(6,333

)

$

(40,417

)

Financing activities

 

$

(5,320

)

$

(20,004

)

$

(14,356

)

$

(28,301

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Free cash flow:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash from operating activities

 

$

1,478

 

$

(3,772

)

$

(21,965

)

$

(14,471

)

Purchases of property and equipment

 

(2,548

)

(2,021

)

(6,452

)

(4,103

)

Proceeds from sales of property and equipment

 

230

 

11

 

611

 

1,229

 

Taxes paid related to pre-acquisition equity transactions of an acquired company

 

 

7,056

 

 

7,056

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Free cash flow

 

$

(840

)

$

1,274

 

$

(27,806

)

$

(10,289

)

 

Note 1:  Free cash flow is defined as cash flow from operating activities excluding items related to the acquisition of businesses less customary capital expenditures, plus the proceeds from asset sales.  Other companies may define free cash flow differently.  Free cash flow is presented because it is a financial measure that is frequently requested by third parties.  However, free cash flow is not considered under generally accepted accounting principles as 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 cash flows as determined under generally accepted accounting principles and as reported by the Company.

 


Exhibit 99.2

 

 

 

 

675 Bering Dr. Suite 400

 

 

Houston, Texas 77057

CONTACT:

William George

713-830-9600

 

Chief Financial Officer

Fax 713-830-9696

 

(713) 830-9600

 

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

COMFORT SYSTEMS USA DECLARES QUARTERLY DIVIDEND

 

Houston, TX — November 3, 2011 — Comfort Systems USA, Inc. (NYSE: FIX), a leading provider of commercial, industrial and institutional heating, ventilation and air conditioning (“HVAC”) services, today announced that its board of directors declared a quarterly dividend of $0.05 per share on Comfort Systems USA, Inc. common stock.  The dividend is payable on December 20, 2011 to shareholders of record at the close of business on November 28, 2011.

 

Comfort Systems USA® is a premier provider of business solutions addressing workplace comfort, with 86 locations in 72 cities around the nation.  For more information, visit the Company’s website at www.comfortsystemsusa.com.

 

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are based on the current plans and expectations of future events of Comfort Systems USA, Inc. and involve risks and uncertainties that could cause 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, among others, the use of incorrect estimates for bidding a fixed-price contract, undertaking contractual commitments that exceed our labor resources, failing to perform contractual obligations efficiently enough to maintain profitability, national or regional weakness in construction activity and economic conditions, financial difficulties affecting projects, vendors, customers, or subcontractors, our backlog failing to translate into actual revenue or profits, difficulty in obtaining or increased costs associated with bonding and insurance, impairment to goodwill, errors in our percentage-of-completion method of accounting, the result of competition in our markets, our decentralized management structure, shortages of labor and specialty building materials, retention of key management, seasonal fluctuations in the demand for HVAC systems, the imposition of past and future liability from environmental, safety, and health regulations including the inherent risk associated with self-insurance, adverse litigation results and other risks detailed in our reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. A further list and description of these risks, uncertainties and other factors are discussed under “Item 1A. Company Risk Factors” in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this filing. Comfort Systems USA, Inc. expressly disclaims any obligation or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statement contained herein to reflect any change in our expectations with regard thereto or any change in events, developments, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based.

 


Exhibit 99.3

 

 

 

 

675 Bering Drive, Suite 400

 

 

Houston, Texas 77057

 

 

713-830-9600

 

 

 

CONTACT:

William George

 

 

Chief Financial Officer

 

 

(713) 830-9600

 

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

COMFORT SYSTEMS USA ANNOUNCES ACQUISITION

 

- Acquires Majority Interest in Environmental Air Systems in North Carolina -

 

Houston, TX — November 3,  2011 — Comfort Systems USA, Inc. (NYSE: FIX), a leading provider of commercial, industrial and institutional heating, ventilation and air conditioning (“HVAC”) services, today announced that it has acquired a majority interest in Environmental Air Systems (“EAS”) headquartered in Greensboro, North Carolina.

 

EAS is a regional mechanical contractor with principal offices in Greensboro and Raleigh, North Carolina.  EAS engages in a broad range of mechanical contracting projects, HVAC service and controls, and sophisticated prefabrication of mechanical systems, in North Carolina and South Carolina and across the Atlantic region.  EAS is organized into three primary business activities:  a traditional contracting business with a strong emphasis on healthcare, technology, pharmaceutical and education customers, a service and controls business, and a customized prefabrication or “off-site construction” business.  The off-site construction business represents approximately 25-30% of EAS’s revenue, and adds capabilities and business delivery advantages that greatly strengthen the EAS overall customer offering and that are instrumental in gaining business across EAS.

 

Comfort has acquired 60% of the business, and EAS is expected to be accounted for on a consolidated basis.  Initially EAS is expected to contribute annualized revenues of approximately $100 million to $110 million at profitability levels that are generally above those currently experienced in the mechanical contracting industry.

 

In light of the required amortization expense related to certain intangibles and other costs associated with the transaction, the acquisition is expected to make a neutral to slightly accretive contribution to earnings per share during the first 12 to 18 months after the acquisition.

 

Bill Murdy, Comfort Systems USA’s Chief Executive Officer, commented, “We are extremely happy to announce that EAS is joining Comfort Systems USA.  EAS has a long history of providing extraordinary outcomes for its customers in applications ranging from data centers and pharmaceutical facilities to hospitals and universities.  This partnership with EAS brings excellent capabilities, resources and leadership at every level, and we expect that EAS will continue to grow and improve for years to come.”

 



 

Brian Lane, Comfort Systems USA’s President and Chief Operating Officer, added, “As we have come to know EAS and its high caliber team of professionals over the last several months, I have become convinced that they will impact our company far beyond the Carolina markets.  For example, I believe the EAS customized off-site construction offering is unrivaled, and over time it will be instrumental in adding important delivery capabilities to benefit our operations and customers in other markets.  We believe interaction between our existing companies and EAS will strengthen and improve all of Comfort Systems USA.”

 

Comfort Systems USA® is a premier provider of business solutions addressing workplace comfort, with 86 locations in 72 cities around the nation.  For more information, visit the Company’s website at www.comfortsystemsusa.com.

 

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.  These statements are based on the current plans and expectations of future events of Comfort Systems USA, Inc. and involve risks and uncertainties that could cause 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, among others, the use of incorrect estimates for bidding a fixed-price contract, undertaking contractual commitments that exceed our labor resources, failing to perform contractual obligations efficiently enough to maintain profitability, national or regional weakness in construction activity and economic conditions, financial difficulties affecting projects, vendors, customers, or subcontractors, our backlog failing to translate into actual revenue or profits, difficulty in obtaining or increased costs associated with bonding and insurance, impairment to goodwill, errors in our percentage-of-completion method of accounting, the result of competition in our markets, our decentralized management structure, shortages of labor and specialty building materials, retention of key management, seasonal fluctuations in the demand for HVAC systems, the imposition of past and future liability from environmental, safety, and health regulations including the inherent risk associated with self-insurance, adverse litigation results and other risks detailed in our reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.  A further list and description of these risks, uncertainties and other factors are discussed under “Item 1A. Company Risk Factors” in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010.  These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this filing. Comfort Systems USA, Inc. expressly disclaims any obligation or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statement contained herein to reflect any change in our expectations with regard thereto or any change in events, developments, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based.