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UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION


Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)

OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

For the quarterly period ended

June 30, 2004

Commission file number

000-23943

  

PETER KIEWIT SONS’, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Delaware

(State of Incorporation)

91-1842817

(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

  

Kiewit Plaza, Omaha Nebraska

(Address of principal executive offices)

68131

(Zip Code)

  

(402) 342-2052

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

 

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 [X] No [  ]

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).  Yes [X] No [  ]

 

The number of shares outstanding of each of the registrant’s classes of common stock as of August 6, 2004:

 

Title of Class

Common Stock, $0.01 par value

Shares Outstanding

29,730,581



   




PETER KIEWIT SONS’, INC.


Index

Page

 

PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

   

Item 1.

Financial Statements.

 
   
 

Consolidated Condensed Statements of Earnings for the three and six months ended

June 30, 2004 and 2003


2

 

Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets as of June 30, 2004 and December 27, 2003

3

 

Consolidated Condensed Statements of Cash Flows for the six months ended

June 30, 2004 and 2003


4

 

Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements

5

   

Item 2.

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

12

   

Item 3.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure about Market Risk.

17

   

Item 4.

Controls and Procedures.

17

   
 

PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

 
   

Item 1.

Legal Proceedings.

18

   

Item 2.

Changes in Securities and Use of Proceeds.

18

   

Item 4.

Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders.

19

   

Item 6.

Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K.

20

   
 

Signatures

20

   
   
   

   




PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1.   Financial Statements.

 

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 
 
 

The Board of Directors and Stockholders

Peter Kiewit Sons’, Inc.:

 

We have reviewed the consolidated condensed balance sheet of Peter Kiewit Sons’, Inc. and subsidiaries as of June 30, 2004, and the related consolidated condensed statements of earnings for the three and six month periods ended June 30, 2004 and 2003, and the consolidated condensed statements of cash flows for the six month periods ended June 30, 2004 and 2003.  These consolidated condensed financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management.

 

We conducted our review in accordance with standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States).  A review of interim financial information consists principally of applying analytical procedures to financial data and making inquiries of persons responsible for financial and accounting matters.  It is substantially less in scope than an audit conducted in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the objective of which is the expression of an opinion regarding the financial statements taken as a whole.  Accordingly, we do not express such an opinion.

 

Based on our review, we are not aware of any material modifications that should be made to the consolidated condensed financial statements referred to above for them to be in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.  

 

We have previously audited, in accordance with standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheet of Peter Kiewit Sons’, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 27, 2003, and the related consolidated statements of earnings, changes in redeemable common stock and comprehensive income, and cash flows for the year then ended (not presented herein); and in our report dated March 2, 2004, we expressed an unqualified opinion on those consolidated financial statements.  In our opinion, the information set forth in the accompanying consolidated condensed balance sheet as of December 27, 2003, is fairly stated, in all material respects, in relation to the consolidated balance sheet from which it has been derived.

 
 

(signed)  KPMG LLP

 
 

Omaha, Nebraska

August 6, 2004



1




PETER KIEWIT SONS’, INC.

 

Consolidated Condensed Statements of Earnings

(unaudited)

 
 

Three Months Ended
June 30,

 

Six Months Ended
June 30,

  

2004

   

2003

   

2004

   

2003

 
  

(dollars in millions, except per share data)

 
                

Revenue

$

829

  

$

903

  

$

1,512

  

$

1,709

 

Cost of revenue

 

(739

)

  

(809

)

  

(1,348

)

  

(1,544

)

                

Margin

 

90

   

94

   

164

   

165

 
                

General and administrative expenses

 

(56

)

  

(57

)

  

(117

)

  

(115

)

Gain on sale of operating assets

 

4

   

6

   

6

   

9

 
                

Operating income

 

38

   

43

   

53

   

59

 
                

Other income (expense):

               

   Investment income

 

3

   

7

   

5

   

10

 

   Interest expense

 

(1

)

  

-

   

(2

)

  

(1

)

   Other, net

 

3

   

2

   

5

   

4

 
  

5

   

9

   

8

   

13

 

Income before income taxes and cumulative

               

  effect of change in accounting principle

 

43

   

52

   

61

   

72

 
                

Income tax expense

 

(16

)

  

(20

)

  

(23

)

  

(28

)

Income before cumulative effect of change in

               

   accounting principle

 

27

   

32

   

38

   

44

 
                

Cumulative effect of change in accounting

               

   principle, net of tax

 

-

   

-

   

-

   

3

 
                

Net income

$

27

  

$

32

  

$

38

  

$

47

 
                

Basic earnings per share:

               
                

  Income before cumulative effect of change in

               

    accounting principle

$

.89

  

$

1.11

  

$

1.27

  

$

1.52

 

  Cumulative effect of change in accounting

               

    Principle

 

-

   

-

   

-

   

.10

 
                

Net income

$

.89

  

$

1.11

  

$

1.27

  

$

1.62

 
                

Diluted earnings per share:

               

  Income before cumulative effect of change in

               

    accounting principle

$

.86

  

$

1.07

  

$

1.23

  

$

1.46

 

  Cumulative effect of change in accounting

               

    principle

 

-

   

-

   

-

   

.10

 
                

Net income

$

.86

  

$

1.07

  

$

1.23

  

$

1.56

 
 
 

See accompanying notes to consolidated condensed financial statements.



2



PETER KIEWIT SONS’, INC.

 

Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets

 
 

June 30,

  
 

2004

 

December 27,

 

(unaudited)

 

2003

 

(dollars in millions)

ASSETS

        

Current assets:

       

  Cash and cash equivalents

$

504

  

$

481

 

  Available-for-sale-securities

 

104

   

103

 

  Receivables, less allowance of $22 and $7

 

356

   

419

 

  Unbilled contract revenue

 

95

   

79

 

  Contract costs in excess of related revenue

 

28

   

45

 

  Investment in construction joint ventures

 

263

   

251

 

  Deferred income taxes

 

80

   

60

 

  Other

 

46

   

26

 

Total current assets

 

1,476

   

1,464

 
        

Property, plant and equipment, less accumulated

       

  depreciation and amortization of $541 and $531

 

336

   

340

 

Other assets

 

85

   

85

 
 

$

1,897

  

$

1,889

 
        

LIABILITIES AND REDEEMABLE COMMON STOCK

        

Current liabilities:

       

  Accounts payable, including retainage of $55 and $67

$

183

  

$

225

 

  Current portion of long-term debt

 

10

   

10

 

  Accrued costs on construction contracts

 

146

   

125

 

  Billings in excess of related costs and earnings

 

196

   

195

 

  Distributions and costs in excess of investment in construction joint ventures

 

48

   

28

 

  Accrued insurance costs

 

75

   

70

 

  Accrued payroll

 

32

   

39

 

  Other

 

19

   

21

 

Total current liabilities

 

709

   

713

 
        

Long-term debt, less current portion

 

25

   

22

 

Deferred income taxes

 

43

   

41

 

Accrued reclamation

 

6

   

6

 
        

Minority interest

 

1

   

1

 
        

Commitments and contingencies

       
        

Preferred stock, no par value, 250,000 shares authorized, no shares outstanding

 

-

   

-

 

Redeemable common stock ($953 million and $981 million aggregate redemption value):

       

  Common stock, $.01 par value, 125 million shares authorized

       

    29,790,181 and 30,242,689 outstanding

 

-

   

-

 

  Additional paid-in capital

 

239

   

243

 

  Accumulated other comprehensive income

 

2

   

4

 

  Retained earnings

 

872

   

859

 

Total redeemable common stock

 

1,113

   

1,106

 
 

$

1,897

  

$

1,889

 
 

See accompanying notes to consolidated condensed financial statements.



3




PETER KIEWIT SONS’, INC.

 

Consolidated Condensed Statements of Cash Flows

(unaudited)

 
 

Six Months Ended

 

June 30,

  

2004

   

2003

 
  

(dollars in millions)

 
        

Cash flows from operations:

       

  Net cash provided by operations

$

90

  

$

104

 
        

Cash flows from investing activities:

       

  Proceeds from maturities of available-for-sale securities

 

2

   

-

 

  Purchases of available-for-sale securities

 

(4

)

  

(2

)

  Proceeds from sale of stock warrants

 

-

   

22

 

  Proceeds from sales of property, plant and equipment

 

21

   

15

 

  Capital expenditures

 

(49

)

  

(60

)

  Additions to notes receivable

 

(2

)

  

(2

)

  Payments received on notes receivable

 

2

   

3

 

      Net cash used in investing activities

 

(30

)

  

(24

)

        
        

Cash flows from financing activities:

       

  Long-term debt borrowings

 

3

   

-

 

  Repurchases of common stock

 

(15

)

  

(74

)

  Dividends paid

 

(25

)

  

(22

)

      Net cash used in financing activities

 

(37

)

  

(96

)

        

  Effect of exchange rates on cash

 

-

   

7

 
        

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

 

23

   

(9

)

        

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

 

481

   

275

 
        

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

$

504

  

$

266

 
        
        

  Non-cash investing activities:

       

    Stock warrants returned to owner as part of a contract settlement

$

-

  

$

3

 
 

See accompanying notes to consolidated condensed financial statements.


4




PETER KIEWIT SONS’, INC.

 

Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements

 
 

1.          Basis of Presentation:

  

The consolidated condensed balance sheet of Peter Kiewit Sons', Inc. (“PKS”, which together with its subsidiaries is referred to herein as the "Company") at December 27, 2003 has been condensed from the Company’s audited balance sheet as of that date.  All other financial statements contained herein are unaudited and, in the opinion of management, contain all adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring accruals) necessary for a fair presentation of financial position and results of operations and cash flows for the periods presented.  The Company’s accounting policies and certain other disclosures are set forth in the notes to the consolidated financial statements contained in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K.  Management believes that the disclosures are adequate to make the information presented not misleading.

  

The Company became aware of an accounting error that occurred during the fourth quarter of 2002 on a nonsponsored joint venture.  The error resulted in an overstatement of 2002 net income by $4 million.  The Company corrected the error during the six months ended June 30, 2003.  The Company does not believe that the correction of this error is material to 2002 operations or to 2003 operations.  Excluding this adjustment, net income for the six months ended June 30, 2003 was $51 million.

  

The results of operations for the six months ended June 30, 2004 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year.

  

When appropriate, items within the consolidated condensed financial statements have been reclassified in the previous periods to conform to current year presentation.

  

2.          Recent Accounting Pronouncements:

 

In 2003, the Financial Accounting Standards Board “FASB” issued FASB Interpretation No. 46 (revised December 2003), “Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities,” (“FIN 46-R”).  FIN 46-R addresses the consolidation of variable interest entities in which the equity investment at risk is not sufficient to permit the entity to finance its activities without additional subordinated financial support from other parties, or the equity investors lack one or more of the essential characteristics of a controlling financial interest.  FIN 46-R requires enterprises to consolidate and disclose existing unconsolidated variable interest entities in which they are the primary beneficiaries if the entities do not effectively disperse risk among the parties involved. FIN 46-R also requires disclosures by an enterprise holding significant interests in variable interest entit ies in which it is not a primary beneficiary.  FIN 46-R applies to variable interest entities created or in which interest is obtained after December 31, 2003.  The adoption of FIN 46-R has not had a material impact on the Company’s financial statements.  The Company will be required to apply FIN 46-R to all other entities subject to this Interpretation by the beginning of the fiscal year ending December 31, 2005.  The Company is currently assessing the impact of FIN 46-R related to such entities.



5




PETER KIEWIT SONS’, INC.

 

Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements – (Continued)

 
 

3.          Change in Accounting Principle:

 

Effective December 29, 2002, the Company adopted, as required, the provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 143 (SFAS 143), “Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations.”  SFAS 143 establishes new reporting standards of accounting for the Company’s reclamation liability associated with its coal mining operation. The new reporting standards require retirement obligations to be measured at fair value and displayed as a liability when incurred. Associated asset retirement costs are capitalized as part of the carrying amount of the long-lived asset and subsequently allocated to expense over the asset’s useful life.  Prior to implementing SFAS 143, reclamation liability was provided without regard to the time value of money.

 

The cumulative effect of implementing SFAS 143 resulted in an increase in net income of $3 million or $.10 per share for the six months ended June 30, 2003.

 

The following unaudited pro forma information reflects the Company’s results for the three and six months ended June 30, 2003 as if the change had been retroactively applied:

 
 

Three Months Ended

 

Six Months Ended

 

June 30,

 

June 30,

 

2003

 

2003

 

(dollars in millions, except per share data)

       

Net income

$

32

 

$

44

 
       

Net earnings per share:

      

  Basic

$

1.11

 

$

1.52

 
       

  Diluted

$

1.07

 

$

1.46

 

6



PETER KIEWIT SONS’, INC.

 

Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements - (Continued)

 
 

4.          Earnings Per Share:

 

Basic earnings per share has been computed using the weighted average number of shares outstanding during each period.  Diluted earnings per share gives effect to convertible debentures considered to be dilutive common stock equivalents.  The potentially dilutive convertible debentures are calculated in accordance with the “if converted” method.  This method assumes that the after-tax interest expense associated with the debentures is an addition to income and the debentures are converted into equity with the resulting common shares being aggregated with the weighted average shares outstanding.

 
 

Three Months Ended

June 30,

 

Six Months Ended

June 30,

 

2004

 

2003

 

2004

 

2003

 

(dollars in millions, except per share data)

  

Net income available to common stockholders

$

27

 

$

32

 

$

38

 

$

47

            

Add:  Interest expense, net of tax effect,

           

  associated with convertible debentures

 

*

  

*

  

*

  

*

            

Net income for diluted shares

$

27

 

$

32

 

$

38

 

$

47

            

Total number of weighted average shares outstanding used

           

  to compute basic earnings per share (in thousands)

 

29,833

  

28,665

  

29,903

  

28,846

            

Additional dilutive shares assuming

           

  conversion of convertible debentures

 

1,295

  

1,260

  

1,295

  

1,272

            

Total number of shares used to compute

           

  diluted earnings per share

 

31,128

  

29,925

  

31,198

  

30,118

            

Basic earnings per share:

           

  Income before cumulative effect of change in

           

    accounting principle

$

.89

 

$

1.11

 

$

1.27

 

$

1.52

  Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle

 

-

  

-

  

-

  

.10

            

  Net income

$

.89

 

$

1.11

 

$

1.27

 

$

1.62

            

Diluted earnings per share:

           

  Income before cumulative effect of change in

           

    accounting principle

$

.86

 

$

1.07

 

$

1.23

 

$

1.46

  Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle

 

-

  

-

     

.10

            

  Net income

$

.86

 

$

1.07

 

$

1.23

 

$

1.56

 

* Interest expense attributable to convertible debentures was less than $.5 million, net of tax.


7



PETER KIEWIT SONS’, INC.

 

Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements - (Continued)

 
 

5.          Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial Instruments:

 

Retainage on Construction Contracts:

 

The following summarizes the components of retainage on uncompleted projects which is not yet due included in receivables at June 30, 2004 and December 27, 2003:


  

  June 30,  

   

December 27,

  

2004

   

2003

 

(dollars in millions)

       

Escrowed securities

$

37

  

$

39

       

Other retainage held by owners

 

89

   

92

       
 

$

126

  

$

131

       

Accounts receivable at June 30, 2004 and December 27, 2003 also include less than $.5 million of securities held by the owners which are now due as the contracts are completed.

 

Foreign Currency Forward Contract:

 

The Company entered into a foreign currency forward contract in June 2004 that has not been designated as a hedging instrument under SFAS 133, “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities.”  The forward is used to offset the earnings impact of a U.S. dollar denominated liability of a Canadian subsidiary.  The forward is recorded at fair value based upon quoted market prices, and changes in the fair value of the forward are immediately recognized in Other, net in the Consolidated Condensed Statements of Earnings.


The forward matures in June 2005 and will settle based upon the $U.S. 15 million notional amount and the difference between the current exchange rate and the exchange rate in the forward.  At June 30, 2004, the fair value of the forward was a liability of less than $0.5 million.

 

6.         Comprehensive Income:

 

Comprehensive income includes net income, unrealized gains (losses) on securities and foreign currency translation adjustments which are charged or credited to the cumulative translation account within Redeemable Common Stock.  Comprehensive income for the three and six months ended June 30, 2004 and 2003 is as follows:


 

Three Months Ended
June 30,

 

Six Months Ended
June 30,

  

2004

 

2003

 

2004

 

2003

 

(dollars in millions)

              

Net income

$

27

 

$

32

  

$

38

 

$

47

 

Other comprehensive income, before tax:

             

  Unrealized gains (losses) arising during period

 

(2

)

 

5

   

(1

)

 

5

 

  Foreign currency translation adjustments

 

(2

)

 

-

   

(2

)

 

5

 

Income tax (expense) benefit related to items of other

             

  comprehensive income

 

1

  

(2

)

  

1

  

(4

)

Comprehensive income

$

24

 

$

35

  

$

36

 

$

53

 

8



PETER KIEWIT SONS’, INC.

 

Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements – (Continued)

 
 

7.          Segment Data:

 

The Company primarily operates in the construction industry and currently has one reportable operating segment.  The Construction segment performs services for a broad range of public and private customers primarily in North America.  Construction services are performed in the following construction markets:  transportation (including highways, bridges, airports, mass transit and rail); power, heating, cooling; commercial buildings; sewage and solid waste; water supply/dams; petroleum; and mining.  Sources of revenue for the “other” category consist primarily of the Company’s coal sales.

 

Intersegment sales are recorded at cost.  There were no intersegment sales for the three and six months ended June 30, 2003 and June 30, 2004.  Operating income is comprised of net sales less all identifiable operating expenses, allocated general and administrative expenses, gain on sale of operating assets, depreciation and amortization.  Investment income, interest expense and income taxes have been excluded from segment operations.  The management fee earned by the Company for mine management and related coal mining operations services is excluded from the segment information that follows as it is included in other income on the Consolidated Statement of Earnings and not included in operating income.  Segment asset information has not been presented as it is not reported to or reviewed by the chief operating decision maker.

 
 

Three Months Ended

Three Months Ended

 

June 30, 2004

June 30, 2003

  

Construction

  

Other

   

Construction

  

Other

 
  

(dollars in millions)

 
    

Revenue – external customers

$

818

 

$

11

  

$

891

 

$

12

 
              

Depreciation and amortization

$

18

 

$

2

  

$

20

 

$

3

 
              

Operating income

$

37

 

$

1

  

$

40

 

$

3

 
              

Six Months Ended

Six Months Ended

 

June 30, 2004

June 30, 2003

  

Construction

  

Other

   

Construction

  

Other

 
  

(dollars in millions)

 
    

Revenue – external customers

$

1,488

  

24

  

$

1,686

 

$

23

 
              

Depreciation and amortization

$

34

 

$

5

  

$

38

 

$

5

 
              

Operating income

$

49

  

4

  

$

54

 

$

5

 
 

During the three and six months ended June 30, 2004, revenue recognized from a single owner represented 12.5% and 12.5%, respectively, of the Company’s total revenue.


9




PETER KIEWIT SONS’, INC.

 

Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements – (Continued)

 
 

8.         Other Matters:

 

On November 19, 2002, a suit was filed in the District Court, City and County of Broomfield, Colorado for an unspecified amount of damages by Gary Haegle, derivatively on behalf of Level 3 Communications, Inc. (“Level 3”), against Walter Scott, Jr., James Q. Crowe, R. Douglas Bradbury, Charles C. Miller, III, Kevin V. O’Hara, Mogens C. Bay, William L. Grewcock, Richard Jaros, Robert E. Julian, David C. McCourt, Kenneth E. Stinson, Michael B. Yanney, Colin V. K. Williams (collectively, the “Level 3 Directors”) and PKS.  The suit alleges that the Level 3 Directors breached their fiduciary duty with respect to various transactions between Level 3 and PKS, and that PKS aided and abetted the Level 3 Directors in their alleged breach of fiduciary duty.  The suit also alleges that PKS exercised improper control over certain of the Level 3 Directors.  On January 27, 2004, th e Court issued an order to stay the proceedings until June 17, 2004 pending the results of the investigation of the allegations set forth in the suit by the Special Litigation Committee of the Level 3 Board of Directors.  On June 26, 2004, the Court issued a subsequent order extending such stay until August 2, 2004.  PKS believes that the factual allegations and legal claims made against it are without merit and intends to vigorously defend them.

 

On August 7, 2003, BBC-MEC, a Joint Venture (the “Joint Venture”), and its two joint venture partners, including Mass. Electric Construction Co., a subsidiary of PKS, received “target letters” from the U.S. Department of Justice and the United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut (“DOJ”), notifying the Joint Venture and its joint venture partners that each was a target of a criminal investigation in connection with a certain portion of the work performed by the Joint Venture to electrify a high speed rail line from New Haven, Connecticut, to Boston, Massachusetts. The target letters specified potential violations of various federal statutes based on allegations of misconduct in connection with a portion of the work, and invited the parties to meet with the DOJ and attempt to resolve the matter. The parties did meet on October 23, 2003, and the DOJ was provided with pertinent information that it might not have otherwise previously considered in its investigation. The Joint Venture and its joint venture partners also agreed to cooperate in further testing of certain portions of the work.  The DOJ agreed to enter into a tolling agreement.  By letter dated July 2, 2004, the DOJ notified The Joint Venture and its partners that it had reached a decision not to pursue criminal charges.  The DOJ is also conducting a civil investigation relating to certain proposed change orders and modifications that were issued in conjunction with the work.  The Joint Venture and its joint venture partners believe that the change orders and modifications are appropriate and in accordance with the contract’s terms and conditions, and are cooperating in the investigation.  The Company is currently unable to determine the impact of the investigation upon the future financial position, results of operations or cash flows of either the Company or the Joint Ventur e.

 

The Company is involved in various other lawsuits and claims incidental to its business.  Management believes that any resulting liability, beyond that provided, should not materially affect the Company’s financial position, future results of operations or future cash flows.

 
 

It is customary in the Company’s industry to use various financial instruments in the normal course of business.  These instruments include items such as standby letters of credit.  Standby letters of credit are conditional commitments issued by financial institutions for the Company naming owners and other third parties as beneficiaries in accordance with specified terms and conditions.  The Company has informal arrangements with a number of banks to provide such commitments.  At June 30, 2004, the Company had outstanding letters of credit of approximately $171 million.

  

10



PETER KIEWIT SONS’, INC.

 
 

8.         Other Matters, Continued:

 

At the December 10, 2003 meeting of the PKS' Board of Directors, the Board gave preliminary approval to PKS to undertake the formation of an investment entity (the “Fund”) in which stockholders of PKS would have the opportunity to participate on a pro rata basis to their respective ownership of PKS’ $0.01 par value common stock (“Common Stock”).  As currently contemplated, the value of the Fund interests is anticipated to be between 25% and 33% of the aggregate redemption value of the currently issued and outstanding PKS Stock.  However, the actual value of the Fund interests would ultimately be determined by the Board based upon a number of factors, including, the level of liquidity necessary to fund the Company’s operations. Consequently, there is no assurance that PKS would actually undertake to form the Fund or distribute the Fund interests to stockholders, or whether the actual value of the Fund interests to be distributed would be more or less than currently anticipated.

 

The Company has entered into an Asset Purchase Agreement (the “Agreement”) to acquire a coal mining entity in the Powder River Basin of Wyoming.  The total purchase price after post closing adjustments and the assumption of certain liabilities is estimated to be $70 to $80 million.  Closing of the Agreement is subject to certain regulatory approvals that have not yet been and may not be received.  If all regulatory approvals are received, the Company hopes to complete the transaction by the end of 2004.

 

The Company has entered into an Agreement of Purchase and Sale to acquire a 50% interest in a coal mining entity in Wyoming for $15 million. Closing of such acquisition is subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions, including the successful negotiation of an operating agreement with a third party, that have not yet been and may not be satisfied.


11



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

 

The Company primarily operates in the construction industry and currently has one reportable operating segment.  The Construction segment performs services for a broad range of public and private customers primarily in North America.  Construction services are performed in the following construction markets: transportation (including highways, bridges, airports, mass transit and rail); power, heating, cooling; commercial buildings; sewage and solid waste; water supply/dams; petroleum; and mining.  Sources of revenue for the “other” category consist primarily of the Company’s coal sales.

 

The construction industry is highly competitive and lacks firms with dominant market power.  A contractor’s competitive position is based primarily on its prices for construction services, its ability to obtain performance bonds, and in certain instances, its reputation for quality, timeliness, experience, and financial strength.  The volume and profitability of the Company’s construction work depends to a significant extent upon the general state of the economies of the United States and Canada, and the volume of work available to contractors. Fluctuating demand cycles are typical of the industry, and such cycles determine to a large extent the degree of competition for available projects. The Company’s construction operations could be adversely affected by labor stoppages or shortages, adverse weather conditions, shortages of supplies, or governmental action. The volume of available government w ork is affected by budgetary and political considerations. A significant decrease in the amount of new government contracts, for whatever reason, would have a material adverse effect on the Company.  Public contracts accounted for approximately 71% of the combined prices of contracts awarded to the Company and 73% of revenue earned by the Company for the six months ended June 30, 2004.  Most of these contracts were awarded by government and quasi-government units under fixed price contracts after competitive bidding. Credit risk is minimal with public (government) owners since the Company ascertains that funds have been appropriated by the governmental project owner prior to commencing work on public projects.  Most public contracts are subject to termination at the election of the government. In the event of termination, however, the contractor is entitled to receive the contract price on completed work and payment of termination-related costs.

 

The Company, through its subsidiaries, primarily performs its services as a general contractor.  As a general contractor, the Company is responsible for the overall direction and management of construction projects and for completion of each contract in accordance with its terms, plans, and specifications. The Company plans and schedules the projects, procures materials, hires workers as needed, and awards subcontracts. The Company generally requires performance and payment bonds or other assurances of operational capability and financial capacity from its subcontractors.

 

The Company performs its construction work under various types of contracts, including fixed unit or lump-sum price, guaranteed maximum price, and cost-reimbursable contracts.  Contracts are either competitively bid and awarded or negotiated.  The Company’s public contracts generally provide for the payment of a fixed price for the work performed. Profit on a fixed-price contract is realized on the difference between the contract price and the actual cost of construction, and the contractor bears the risk that it may not be able to perform all the work for the specified amount. Credit risk with private owners is minimized because of statutory mechanics liens, which give the Company high priority in the event of lien foreclosures following financial difficulties of private owners.  Construction contracts generally provide for progress payments as work is completed, with a retainage, ranging from zero to ten percent, to be paid when performance is substantially complete.  In some instances, the Company is able to substitute bank letters of credit or escrowed securities in lieu of retainage.  Construction contracts frequently contain penalties or liquidated damages for late completion and infrequently provide bonuses for early completion.


12



The Company frequently enters into joint ventures to efficiently allocate expertise and resources among the venturers and to spread risks associated with particular projects. In most joint ventures, if one venturer is financially unable to bear its share of expenses, the other venturers may be required to pay those costs. The Company prefers to act as the sponsor of its joint ventures. The sponsor generally provides the project manager, the majority of venturer-provided personnel, and accounting and other administrative support services. The joint venture generally reimburses the sponsor for such personnel and services on a negotiated basis. The sponsor is generally allocated a majority of the venture’s profits and losses and usually has a controlling vote in joint venture decision-making.  During the six months ended June 3 0, 2004, the Company derived approximately 84% of its joint venture revenue from sponsored joint ventures and approximately 16% from non-sponsored joint ventures.  The Company’s share of joint venture revenue accounted for approximately 27% of its revenue for the six months ended June 30, 2004.

 

Due to its competitive nature, the construction industry experiences lower margins than many other industries.  As a result, cost control is a primary focus of the Company.  The ability to control costs enables a contractor to bid work more competitively and also to complete the work profitably.  Further, since the formula price of Common Stock is based upon the Company’s book value, formula price is primarily driven by the Company’s ability to complete projects profitably.  Consequently, the Company views both margin as a percentage of revenue and general and administrative expenses as a percentage of revenue as key measures of operating results.  

 

Results of Operations - Second Quarter 2004 vs. Second Quarter 2003

 

Revenue.

 

Total revenues decreased $74 million or 8.2% from the same period in 2003.  Certain significant commercial rail, highway and power plant projects were completed during 2003. During the second quarter of 2004, the Company did not experience an offsetting increase in new work for similar projects.  Although the Company added $2.0 billion of backlog during the six months ended June 30, 2004, much of this work is in the early stages and is not yet contributing revenue at the same pace as the projects that completed during 2003.

 

Contract backlog was $4.3 billion and $3.7 billion at June 30, 2004 and December 27, 2003, respectively.  Additionally, the Company was low bidder on $463 million and $902 million of jobs that had not been awarded at June 30, 2004 and December 27, 2003, respectively.  Backlog included $2.7 billion for sole contracts and $1.6 billion for the Company’s share of joint ventures at June 30, 2004.  Foreign operations, located primarily in Canada, represent 4.5% of backlog at June 30, 2004.  Domestic projects are spread geographically throughout the U.S.  The Company’s share of a highway contract in Colorado and bridge contracts in California and Washington make up 31% of total backlog at June 30, 2004.  A single owner makes up 20% of total backlog at June 30, 2004.

 

Margin.

 

Total margin decreased $4 million or 4.3% from the same period in 2003.  Total margin, as a percentage of revenue for the second quarter of 2004 increased to 10.9% compared to 10.4% for the same period in 2003.  The decreased margin is primarily attributable to a $28 million increase in job losses during the second quarter of 2004.  The increase in job losses was attributable to additional costs incurred on certain projects that were accelerated at the owners’ request.  Agreements related to the change order amounts for the accelerations have not been reached, and, in accordance with the Company’s revenue recognition policy, the applicable revenue will not be recognized until cash is received or upon receipt of a signed written agreement.  Also contributing to the decreased margin was a $13 million increase in the allowance for doubtful accounts related to potentially uncollect ible receivables pending final resolution of outstanding issues with the owner on two projects.  The decrease was offset by $31 million of margin resulting from the approval of change orders on a bridge project in California.

 

13



General and Administrative Expenses.

 

General and administrative expenses for second quarter of 2004 decreased $1 million from the same period in 2003.  As a percentage of revenue, general and administrative expenses for the second quarter of 2004 increased to 6.8% compared to 6.3% for the same period in 2003.  The Company experienced an increase in compensation and travel as a result of several operating offices expanding to markets outside of their previous territories and increased estimating efforts.  Offsetting this increase was a decrease in costs related to the proposed corporate conversion to a limited partnership which was abandoned during 2003.

 

Gain on Sale of Operating Assets.  


Net gains on the disposition of property, plant and equipment and other assets during the second quarter of 2004 decreased $2 million from the same period in 2003.  Gain on sale of operating assets is affected to a large degree by market conditions and the specific types and quantity of pieces of equipment sold.

 

Investment Income and Equity Earnings, net.  


Investment income and equity earnings decreased $4 million for the second quarter of 2004 from the same period in 2003.  During the second quarter of 2003, the Company sold its investment in stock warrants and recognized a $5 million gain (comprised of a $3 million gain on the sale and an unrealized gain of $2 million due to change in market value prior to the sale).

 

Other, net.   


Other income is comprised primarily of mine management fee income.  The Company’s fee is a percentage of adjusted operating income of coal mines managed, as defined in a mine management agreement.  Fees for these services for the second quarter of 2004 and 2003 were $2 million and $1 million, respectively.

 

Provision for income taxes.  

 

The effective income tax rates for the second quarter of 2004 and 2003 were 38% and 38%, respectively.  The rate differs from the federal statutory rate of 35% primarily due to state and foreign income taxes and prior year tax adjustments.

 

Results of Operations – Six Months 2004 vs. Six Months 2003

 

Revenue.

 

Total revenues decreased $197 million or 11.5% from the same period in 2003.  Certain significant commercial rail, highway and power plant projects were completed during 2003. For the six months ended June 30, 2004, the Company did not experience an offsetting increase in new work for similar projects.  Although the Company added $2.0 billion of backlog during the six months ended June 30, 2004, much of this work is in the early stages and is not yet contributing revenue at the same pace as the projects that completed during 2003.

 

Margin.

 

Total margin decreased $1 million or 0.6% from the same period in 2003.  Total margin, as a percentage of revenue for the six months ended June 30, 2004 increased to 10.8% compared to 9.7% for the same period in 2003.  The decreased margin is primarily attributable to a $13 million increase in the allowance for doubtful accounts related to potentially uncollectible receivables pending final resolution of outstanding issues with the owner on two projects.  The decrease was offset by a $7 million reduction in job losses for the six months ended June 30, 2004 as a result of improved cost containment, estimating and bidding efforts and $6 million of additional margin resulting from the approval of change orders on a bridge project in California.

 

14



General and Administrative Expenses.

 

General and administrative expenses for the six months ended June 30, 2004 increased $2 million from the same period in 2003.  As a percentage of revenue, general and administrative expenses for the six months ended June 30, 2004 increased to 7.7% compared to 6.7% for the same period in 2003.  The Company experienced an increase in compensation and travel as a result of several operating offices expanding to markets outside of their previous territories and increased estimating efforts.  Offsetting this increase was a decrease in profit sharing expense and a reduction in costs related to the proposed corporate conversion to a limited partnership which was abandoned during 2003.


Gain on Sale of Operating Assets.  


Net gains on the disposition of property, plant and equipment and other assets during the six months ended June 30, 2004 decreased $3 million from the same period in 2003.  Gain on sale of operating assets is affected to a large degree by market conditions and the specific types and quantity of pieces of equipment sold.

 

Investment Income and Equity Earnings, net.  


Investment income and equity earnings decreased $5 million for the six months ended June 30, 2004 from the same period in 2003.  During the six months ended June 30, 2003, the Company sold its investment in stock warrants and recognized a $6 million gain (comprised of a $3 million gain on the sale and an unrealized gain of $3 million due to change in market value prior to the sale).

 

Other, net.   


Other income is comprised primarily of mine management fee income.  The Company’s fee is a percentage of adjusted operating income of coal mines managed, as defined in a mine management agreement.  Fees for these services for the six months ended June 30, 2004 and 2003 were $3 million and $2 million, respectively.

 

Provision for income taxes.  

 

The effective income tax rates for the six months ended June 30, 2004 and 2003 were 38% and 39%, respectively.  The rate differs from the federal statutory rate of 35% primarily due to state and foreign income taxes and prior year tax adjustments.

 

Financial Condition – June 30, 2004 vs. December 27, 2003

 

Cash and cash equivalents increased $23 million to $504 million at June 30, 2004 from $481 million at December 27, 2003.  The increase reflects net cash provided by operations of $90 million, offset by net cash used in investing activities of $30 million and $37 million used in financing activities.


Net cash provided by operating activities for the six months ended June 30, 2004 decreased by $14 million to $90 million as compared to the same period in 2003.  This decrease was primarily due to increased working capital requirements for construction contracts.  Cash provided or used by operating activities is affected to a large degree by the mix, timing, stage of completion and terms of individual contracts which are reflected in changes through current assets and liabilities.

 

Net cash used in investing activities for the six months ended June 30, 2004 increased by $6 million to $30 million as compared to the same period in 2003.  This increase was due primarily to a decrease in proceeds received from the sale of stock warrants during 2003 of $22 million, partially offset by a reduction in capital expenditures of $11 million and an increase in proceeds from sales of property, plant and equipment of $6 million.

 

Capital spending varies due to the nature and timing of jobs awarded.  Management does not expect any material changes to capital spending.  Acquisitions depend largely on market conditions.

 

15



Net cash used in financing activities for the six months ended June 30, 2004 decreased by $59 million to $37 million as compared to the same time period in 2003.  This decrease was primarily due to a decrease in repurchases of common stock of $59 million.

 

Liquidity.  

 

During the six months ended June 30, 2004 and 2003, the Company expended $49 million and $60 million, respectively, on capital expenditures and acquisitions, net of cash.  The Company anticipates that its future cash requirements for capital expenditures and acquisitions will not change significantly from these historical amounts.  Cash generated by joint ventures, while readily available, historically is generally not distributed to partners until the liabilities and commitments of the joint ventures have been substantially satisfied.  Other long-term liquidity uses include the payment of income taxes and the payment of dividends.  Other than the agreements described in the next two paragraphs, as of June 30, 2004, the Company had no material firm binding purchase commitments related to its investments other than meeting the normal course of business needs of its construction joint ventures.  The current portion of long-term debt is $10 million.  PKS paid dividends during the six months ended June 30, 2004 and 2003 of $25 million and $22 million, respectively.  These amounts were determined by the Board of Directors and were paid in January and May of each such year.  The Company also has the commitment to repurchase Common Stock at any time during the year from shareholders.  

 

The Company has entered into an Asset Purchase Agreement (the “Agreement”) to acquire a coal mining entity in the Powder River Basin of Wyoming. The total purchase price after post closing adjustments and the assumption of certain liabilities is estimated to be $70 to $80 million. Closing of the Agreement is subject to certain regulatory approvals that have not yet been and may not be received.  If all regulatory approvals are received, the Company hopes to complete the transaction by the end of 2004.

 

The Company has entered into an Agreement of Purchase and Sale to acquire a 50% interest in a coal mining entity in Wyoming for $15 million. Closing of such acquisition is subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions, including the successful negotiation of an operating agreement with a third party, that have not yet been and may not be satisfied.

 

The Company's current financial condition, together with anticipated cash flows from operations, should be sufficient for immediate cash requirements and future investing activities.  The Company does not presently have any committed bank credit facilities.  In the past, the Company has been able to borrow on terms satisfactory to it.  The Company believes that, to the extent necessary, it will likewise be able to borrow funds on acceptable terms for the foreseeable future.

 

At the December 10, 2003 meeting of the PKS' Board of Directors, the Board gave preliminary approval to PKS to undertake the formation of an investment entity (the “Fund”) in which stockholders of PKS would have the opportunity to participate on a pro rata basis to their respective ownership of Common Stock.  As currently contemplated, the value of the Fund interests is anticipated to be between 25% and 33% of the aggregate redemption value of the currently issued and outstanding PKS Stock.  However, the actual value of the Fund interests would ultimately be determined by the Board based upon a number of factors, including, the level of liquidity necessary to fund the requirements noted in the preceding paragraphs. Consequently, there is no assurance that PKS would actually undertake to form the Fund or distribute the Fund interests to stockholders, or whether the actual value of the Fund interests to be distributed would be more or less than currently anticipated.

 

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements.

 

During 2004 and 2003, the Company did not enter into any off-balance sheet arrangements requiring disclosure under this caption.



16




Item 3.   Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure about Market Risk.

 

The Company holds a diversified portfolio of investments that includes cash, high quality commercial paper with maturities of less than 90 days, U.S. Government debt obligations and money market, stock and bond mutual funds.  Except for cash, each of these investments is subject, in varying degrees, to market risks, interest rate risks, economic risks and credit risks.  These risks, among others, can result in loss of principal.  The majority of the Company’s investments consist of holdings in a money market mutual fund.  

 

The Company entered into a foreign currency forward contract in June 2004 that has not been designated as a hedging instrument under SFAS 133, “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities.”  The forward is used to offset the earnings impact of a U.S. dollar denominated liability of a Canadian subsidiary.  The forward is recorded at fair value based upon quoted market prices, and changes in the fair value of the forward are immediately recognized in Other, net in the Consolidated Condensed Statements of Earnings.

 

The forward matures in June 2005 and will settle based upon the $U.S. 15 million notional amount and the difference between the current exchange rate and the exchange rate in the forward.  At June 30, 2004, the fair value of the forward was a liability of less than $0.5 million.  A 10% change the Canadian/U.S. exchange rate would result in a gain of approximately $1.5 million in the event of an increase in the exchange rate, or a loss of approximately $1.5 million in the event of a decrease.

 

Item 4.   Controls and Procedures.

 

As required by Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(b), PKS management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, conducted an evaluation as of the end of the period covered by this report, of the effectiveness of the Company's disclosure controls and procedures as defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(e). Based on that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that the Company's disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of the end of the period covered by this report. As required by Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(d), PKS’ management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, also conducted an evaluation of the Company's internal control over financial reporting to determine whether any changes occurred during the quarter covered by this report that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company's intern al control over financial reporting. Based on that evaluation, there has been no such change during the quarter covered by this report.

 
 
 
 

17



PART II – OTHER INFORMATION

 
 

Item 1.   Legal Proceedings.

 

On November 19, 2002, a suit was filed in the District Court, City and County of Broomfield, Colorado for an unspecified amount of damages by Gary Haegle, derivatively on behalf of Level 3 Communications, Inc. (“Level 3”), against Walter Scott, Jr., James Q. Crowe, R. Douglas Bradbury, Charles C. Miller, III, Kevin V. O’Hara, Mogens C. Bay, William L. Grewcock, Richard Jaros, Robert E. Julian, David C. McCourt, Kenneth E. Stinson, Michael B. Yanney, Colin V. K. Williams (collectively, the “Level 3 Directors”) and PKS.  The suit alleges that the Level 3 Directors breached their fiduciary duty with respect to various transactions between Level 3 and PKS, and that PKS aided and abetted the Level 3 Directors in their alleged breach of fiduciary duty.  The suit also alleges that PKS exercised improper control over certain of the Level 3 Directors.  On January 27, 2004, the Court issued an order to stay the proceedings until June 17, 2004 pending the results of the investigation of the allegations set forth in the suit by the Special Litigation Committee of the Level 3 Board of Directors.  On June 26, 2004, the Court issued a subsequent order extending such stay until August 2, 2004.  PKS believes that the factual allegations and legal claims made against it are without merit and intends to vigorously defend them.

 

On August 7, 2003, BBC-MEC, a Joint Venture (the “Joint Venture”), and its two joint venture partners, including Mass. Electric Construction Co., a subsidiary of PKS, received “target letters” from the U.S. Department of Justice and the United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut (“DOJ”), notifying the Joint Venture and its joint venture partners that each was a target of a criminal investigation in connection with a certain portion of the work performed by the Joint Venture to electrify a high speed rail line from New Haven, Connecticut, to Boston, Massachusetts. The target letters specified potential violations of various federal statutes based on allegations of misconduct in connection with a portion of the work, and invited the parties to meet with the DOJ and attempt to resolve the matter. The parties did meet on October 23, 2003, and the DOJ was provided with p ertinent information that it might not have otherwise previously considered in its investigation. The Joint Venture and its joint venture partners also agreed to cooperate in further testing of certain portions of the work.  The DOJ agreed to enter into a tolling agreement.  By letter dated July 2, 2004, the DOJ notified The Joint Venture and its partners that it had reached a decision not to pursue criminal charges.  The DOJ is also conducting a civil investigation relating to certain proposed change orders and modifications that were issued in conjunction with the work.  The Joint Venture and its joint venture partners believe that the change orders and modifications are appropriate and in accordance with the contract’s terms and conditions, and are cooperating in the investigation.  The Company is currently unable to determine the impact of the investigation upon the future financial position, results of operations or cash flows of either the Company or the Joint Venture .

 

Item 2.   Changes in Securities and Use of Proceeds.

 

(e)

Issuer purchases of equity securities.

 



Period

 

Total Number of

Shares of Common

 Stock Purchased

 

Average Price

Paid per Share of Common Stock

     

April 1, 2004 through April 30, 2004

 

63,650

 

$32.45

     

May 1, 2004 through May 31, 2004

 

18,050

 

$32.00

     

June 1, 2004 through June 30, 2004

 

40,120

 

$32.00

     

Total

 

121,820

 

$32.24


Ownership of Common Stock is generally restricted to active employees and directors and is conditioned upon the execution of repurchase agreements which restrict the transfer of the Common Stock.  Upon retirement, termination of employment, death, or request of the stockholder, PKS is generally required to repurchase the Common Stock at the applicable formula price.  All purchases of Common Stock were effected under this obligation.

 
 

18



Item 4.   Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders.

 

PKS’s annual meeting of stockholders was held on June 14, 2004.  The holders of 28,468,791 of the 29,848,351 outstanding shares of Common Stock were present in person or by proxy at the annual meeting.  At such meeting, the following matters were submitted to a vote and approved by the stockholders:


1. Selection of Directors.  A slate of nominees for director was proposed by the incumbent directors.  No additional nominations were received and all of the nominees proposed by the board were elected to serve one-year terms.

 

Director Nominee

Votes For

Withheld

 

Mogens C. Bay

28,458,291

10,500

Scott Cassels

28,449,887

18,904

Richard W. Colf

28,458,291

10,500

Richard Geary

28,458,291

10,500

Bruce E. Grewcock

28,458,291

10,500

William L. Grewcock

28,458,291

10,500

Steven Hansen

28,449,887

18,904

Allan K. Kirkwood

28,458,291

10,500

Michael R. McCarthy

28,458,291

10,500

Douglas E. Patterson

28,458,291

10,500

R. Michael Phelps

28,449,887

18,904

Walter Scott, Jr.

28,458,291

10,500

Kenneth E. Stinson

28,458,291

10,500

George B. Toll, Jr.

28,449,887

18,904

 

2. Certificate Amendment.  Approval of amendments to PKS’ Restated Certificate of Incorporation (“Certificate”) to (i) reflect changes in certain accounting terminology; (ii) address potential impacts of new and contemplated accounting pronouncements on Common Share Price (as defined in the Certificate); (iii) clarify the effect of restatements to PKS’ audited financial statements on Common Share Price; and (iv) revise the time period in which a “Qualified Financial Institution” (as defined in the Certificate) must resell shares of Common Stock back to PKS after notice from PKS.  Approval required the affirmative vote of the holders of at least 80% of the issued outstanding shares of Common Stock:

 

Affirmative Votes

 

Negative Votes

 

Abstentions

     

28,260,235

 

82,040

 

126,516

 

3. 2004 Bonus Plan.  Approval of PKS’ 2004 Bonus Plan for PKS’ executive officers.  Approval required the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the shares of Common Stock present in person or by proxy at the Annual Meeting and entitled to vote thereon:

 

Affirmative Votes

 

Negative Votes

 

Abstentions

     

27,777,473

 

351,186

 

340,132



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Item 6.   Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K.

 

(a)

Exhibits required by Item 601 of Regulation S-K.  Exhibits incorporated by reference are indicated in parenthesis:

 

3.1

Restated Certificate of Incorporation (Exhibit 4.1 to PKS’ Registration Statement on Form S-8, filed on June 25, 2004).

3.2

Amended and Restated By-laws (Exhibit 4.2 to PKS Registration Statement on Form S-8, filed on June 25, 2004).

10.

2004 Bonus Plan (Appendix II to PKS Definitive Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A, filed on May 13, 2004).

15.1

Letter re unaudited interim financial information.

31.1

Rule 15d-14(a) Certification of Chief Executive Officer

31.2

Rule 15d-14(a) Certification of Chief Financial Officer

32

Section 1350 Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer.

 

(b)

Reports on Form 8-K.

 

Current Report on Form 8-K dated June 30, 2004 reporting Kenneth E. Stinson’s decision to retire as Chief Executive Officer, effective in January 2005.

 

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.

 

Date:  August 6, 2004

PETER KIEWIT SONS’, INC.






  /s/  Michael J. Piechoski


Michael J. Piechoski

Vice President and Chief Financial Officer



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