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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, DC 20549

 


 

Form 10-Q

 

(Mark One)

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

 

FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2003

 

OR

 

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

 

FOR THE TRANSITION PERIOD FROM                TO               

 

Commission File Number 000-27261

 

CH2M HILL Companies, Ltd.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Oregon

 

93-0549963

(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)

 

(I.R.S. Employer
Identification Number)

 

 

 

9191 South Jamaica Street,
Englewood, CO

 

80112-5946

(Address of principal executive offices)

 

(Zip Code)

 

(303) 771-0900

(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 ý  No o

 

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

 

As of November 3, 2003, the registrant had 31,130,575 shares of common stock, $0.01 par value per share, issued and outstanding.

 

 



 

CH2M HILL COMPANIES, LTD.

 

SEPTEMBER 30, 2003

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

PART I.

FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

 

Item 1.

Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements (unaudited):

 

Balance Sheets as of September 30, 2003 and December 31, 2002

 

Statements of Income for the Three- and Nine-Month Periods Ended
September 30, 2003 and 2002

 

Statements of Cash Flows for the Nine-Month Periods Ended
September 30, 2003 and 2002

 

Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements

 

 

Item 2.

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

 

 

Item 3.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

 

 

Item 4.

Controls and Procedures

 

PART II.

OTHER INFORMATION

 

 

Item 1.

Legal Proceedings

 

 

Item 6.

Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K

 

SIGNATURES

 

1



 

Part I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1 - Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements

 

CH2M HILL COMPANIES, LTD.
Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets
(Unaudited)
(Dollars in thousands)

 

 

 

September 30, 2003

 

December 31, 2002

 

ASSETS

 

 

 

 

 

CURRENT ASSETS:

 

 

 

 

 

Cash & cash equivalents

 

$

61,945

 

$

106,438

 

Receivables, net -

 

 

 

 

 

Client accounts

 

229,780

 

231,777

 

Unbilled revenue

 

150,787

 

111,908

 

Other

 

8,554

 

9,823

 

Prepaid expenses & other

 

15,693

 

11,180

 

Total current assets

 

466,759

 

471,126

 

PROPERTY & EQUIPMENT, net

 

23,214

 

22,944

 

INVESTMENTS IN UNCONSOLIDATED AFFILIATES

 

58,281

 

45,852

 

OTHER ASSETS, net

 

80,791

 

80,965

 

TOTAL ASSETS

 

$

629,045

 

$

620,887

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

 

 

 

 

CURRENT LIABILITIES:

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts payable

 

$

75,683

 

$

72,918

 

Billings in excess of revenues

 

58,475

 

61,267

 

Accrued incentive compensation

 

25,846

 

35,830

 

Employee related liabilities

 

92,227

 

77,515

 

Current taxes payable

 

14,405

 

24,495

 

Other current liabilities

 

90,345

 

101,466

 

Total current liabilities

 

356,981

 

373,491

 

OTHER LONG-TERM LIABILITIES

 

70,567

 

57,831

 

LONG-TERM DEBT

 

7,167

 

9,264

 

Total liabilities

 

434,715

 

440,586

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Note 6)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

 

 

 

 

Common stock,  $0.01 par value, 100,000,000 shares authorized; 31,072,424 and 30,259,587 issued and outstanding at September 30, 2003 and December 31, 2002, respectively

 

311

 

303

 

Additional paid-in capital

 

41,557

 

45,472

 

Retained earnings

 

169,768

 

151,877

 

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

 

(17,306

)

(17,351

)

Total shareholders’ equity

 

194,330

 

180,301

 

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

$

629,045

 

$

620,887

 

 

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

 

2



 

CH2M HILL COMPANIES, LTD.
Consolidated Condensed Statements of Income
(Unaudited)
(Dollars in thousands except share and per share data)

 

 

 

Three-Month Period Ended
September 30

 

Nine-Month Period Ended
September 30

 

 

 

2003

 

2002

 

2003

 

2002

 

Gross revenue

 

$

516,773

 

$

506,069

 

$

1,574,482

 

$

1,443,264

 

Equity in earnings of joint ventures and affiliated companies

 

6,576

 

6,651

 

19,443

 

17,952

 

Total revenues

 

523,349

 

512,720

 

1,593,925

 

1,461,216

 

Operating expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Direct cost of services and overhead

 

(410,965

)

(393,888

)

(1,259,058

)

(1,106,747

)

General and administrative

 

(103,046

)

(106,520

)

(304,746

)

(326,073

)

Operating income

 

9,338

 

12,312

 

30,121

 

28,396

 

Other income (expense):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest income

 

403

 

448

 

1,264

 

1,287

 

Interest expense

 

(161

)

(265

)

(482

)

(714

)

Income before provision for income taxes

 

9,580

 

12,495

 

30,903

 

28,969

 

Provision for income taxes

 

(3,780

)

(5,325

)

(13,012

)

(12,601

)

Net income

 

$

5,800

 

$

7,170

 

$

17,891

 

$

16,368

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Earnings per common share:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

 

$

0.19

 

$

0.23

 

$

0.57

 

$

0.54

 

Diluted

 

$

0.18

 

$

0.23

 

$

0.56

 

$

0.52

 

Weighted-average number of common shares:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

 

31,314,258

 

30,728,706

 

31,151,033

 

30,545,611

 

Diluted

 

32,223,432

 

31,766,436

 

32,115,600

 

31,601,137

 

 

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

 

3



 

CH2M HILL COMPANIES, LTD.
Consolidated Condensed Statements of Cash Flows
(Unaudited)
(Dollars in thousands)

 

 

 

Nine-Month Period Ended
September 30

 

 

 

2003

 

2002

 

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES

 

 

 

 

 

Net Income

 

$

17,891

 

$

16,368

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

8,113

 

10,406

 

Stock based compensation for employees and employee benefit plans

 

16,875

 

17,878

 

Write-off of equity investment

 

 

10,000

 

Allowance for uncollectible accounts

 

2,012

 

4,276

 

Deferred income tax benefit

 

2,608

 

6,301

 

Equity in undistributed earnings of Kaiser-Hill

 

(9,425

)

(4,347

)

Loss on sale of assets

 

83

 

247

 

Changes in -

 

 

 

 

 

Receivables

 

(26,663

)

(4,383

)

Prepaid expenses and other

 

(4,223

)

(2,075

)

Accounts payable

 

(4,792

)

(14,375

)

Billings in excess of revenues

 

(2,792

)

(7,955

)

Accrued incentive compensation

 

(11,651

)

(3,117

)

Employee related liabilities

 

14,722

 

11,115

 

Current taxes payable

 

(10,090

)

(6,744

)

Other

 

(8,641

)

(3,651

)

Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities

 

(15,973

)

29,944

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:

 

 

 

 

 

Capital expenditures

 

(4,585

)

(3,936

)

Investments and acquisitions, net of cash received

 

(263

)

(12,257

)

Net cash used in investing activities

 

(4,848

)

(16,193

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:

 

 

 

 

 

Payments on long-term debt

 

(2,444

)

(3,301

)

Purchases and retirements of stock

 

(21,114

)

(23,081

)

Net cash used in financing activities

 

(23,558

)

(26,382

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

EFFECT ON CASH OF CUMULATIVE TRANSLATION ADJUSTMENT

 

(114

)

1,111

 

DECREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

 

(44,493

)

(11,520

)

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS,  beginning of period

 

106,438

 

89,233

 

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS,  end of period

 

$

61,945

 

$

77,713

 

 

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

 

4



 

CH2M HILL COMPANIES, LTD.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

(In thousands, except share and per share data)

 

(1)         SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

Basis of Presentation

 

The accompanying financial information has been prepared in accordance with the interim reporting rules and regulations of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and therefore does not necessarily include all information and footnotes necessary for a fair presentation of financial position, results of operations and cash flows in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (GAAP). The preparation of financial statements, in conformity with GAAP, requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingencies at the date of the financial statements as well as the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Estimates have been prepared on the basis of the most current and best available information and actual results could differ from those estimates.  Certain amounts in the prior period have been reclassified to conform to the current period presentation.

 

In the opinion of CH2M HILL Companies, Ltd.’s (CH2M HILL) management, the accompanying unaudited consolidated condensed financial statements of the interim periods contain all adjustments necessary to present fairly the financial position of CH2M HILL as of September 30, 2003 and the results of operations and cash flows for the periods presented. All such adjustments are of a normal recurring nature. The results of operations for the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2003 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be achieved for a full fiscal year and cannot be used to indicate financial performance for the entire year. These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements contained in CH2M HILL’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2002.

 

Shareholders’ Equity

 

The significant changes in shareholders’ equity for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2003 are as follows:

 

 

 

Shares

 

Amount

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shareholders’ Equity, December 31, 2002

 

30,259,587

 

$

180,301

 

Net income

 

 

17,891

 

Shares issued in connection with stock-based compensation and employee benefit plans

 

2,513,033

 

17,207

 

Shares purchased and retired

 

(1,700,196

)

(21,114

)

Foreign currency translation adjustment

 

 

45

 

Shareholders’ Equity, September 30, 2003

 

31,072,424

 

$

194,330

 

 

5



 

Supplemental Cash Flow Information

 

 

 

Three-Month Period Ended
September 30

 

Nine-Month Period Ended
September 30

 

 

 

2003

 

2002

 

2003

 

2002

 

Cash paid during the period for:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest

 

$

106

 

$

152

 

$

370

 

$

650

 

Taxes

 

$

5,372

 

$

4,397

 

$

20,157

 

$

14,557

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Details of Acquisitions:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fair value of assets

 

$

 

$

9,657

 

$

 

$

19,545

 

Liabilities

 

 

1,770

 

 

7,244

 

Cash paid

 

 

7,887

 

 

12,301

 

Less cash acquired

 

 

394

 

 

394

 

Net cash paid for acquisitions

 

$

 

$

7,493

 

$

 

$

11,907

 

 

Effective January 2003, CH2M HILL was awarded a new performance-based contract by the U.S. Department of Energy to accelerate the safe closure of the nuclear facilities at the former Mound Plant in Miamisburg, Ohio and to transition the site for industrial use.  As part of this non-cash transaction, we assumed $10,962 in current assets and $10,962 in current liabilities from the incumbent contractor related to in-process work and amounts due to subcontractors.

 

Stock-Based Compensation Plans

 

CH2M HILL accounts for its stock-based employee compensation plans using the intrinsic value method under the recognition and measurement principles of Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees,” and related interpretations. The following table illustrates the proforma effect on net income and earnings per share if CH2M HILL had applied the fair value recognition provisions of Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (SFAS) No. 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation,” to stock-based employee compensation. The following proforma disclosures are required under SFAS No. 148, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation Transition and Disclosure – an Amendment of SFAS No. 123.”

 

 

 

Three-Month Period Ended
September 30

 

Nine-Month Period Ended
September 30

 

 

 

2003

 

2002

 

2003

 

2002

 

Net income, as reported

 

$

5,800

 

$

7,170

 

$

17,891

 

$

16,368

 

Add:  Stock-based employee compensation expense included in reported net income, net of related tax effects

 

3,286

 

4,174

 

10,327

 

10,941

 

Deduct:  Stock-based employee compensation expense determined under fair value method for all awards, net of related tax effects

 

(3,580

)

(4,460

)

(11,226

)

(11,839

)

Pro forma net income

 

$

5,506

 

$

6,884

 

$

16,992

 

$

15,470

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Earnings per share:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic – as reported

 

$

0.19

 

$

0.23

 

$

0.57

 

$

0.54

 

Basic – pro forma

 

$

0.18

 

$

0.22

 

$

0.55

 

$

0.51

 

Diluted – as reported

 

$

0.18

 

$

0.23

 

$

0.56

 

$

0.52

 

Diluted – pro forma

 

$

0.17

 

$

0.22

 

$

0.53

 

$

0.49

 

 

6



 

New Accounting Standards

 

In January 2003, the FASB issued Interpretation (FIN) 46, “Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities,” which provides guidance on when to consolidate variable interest entities.  FIN 46 requires certain disclosures regarding variable interest entities in financial statements issued after January 31, 2003.  The provisions of FIN 46 are applicable to structures created after January 31, 2003.  For structures created before February 1, 2003, CH2M HILL will adopt FIN 46 in the first quarter of 2004.  FIN 46 may require CH2M HILL to consolidate variable interest entities such as CH2M HILL Canada, Ltd. (Canada), the Meridian 26 Trust, which was established for the purpose of constructing and owning CH2M HILL’s corporate headquarters and certain other unconsolidated affiliates, in which CH2M HILL could be considered the primary beneficiary.  Canada performs engineering services for which CH2M HILL’s voting interests differ from its ownership interests.  The aggregate fair value of the assets held in the Meridian 26 Trust is $53,000 for which CH2M HILL guarantees a residual value of $42,000.  Management has not yet determined what impact FIN 46 may have on its consolidated financial statements.

 

In May 2003, the FASB issued SFAS No. 150, “Accounting for Certain Financial Instruments with Characteristics of both Liabilities and Equity.” This new statement changes the accounting for certain financial instruments that, under previous guidance, issuers could account for as equity. It requires that those instruments be classified as liabilities in balance sheets. CH2M HILL will adopt SFAS No. 150 in the first quarter of 2004. Management has not yet determined what impact SFAS No. 150 may have on its consolidated financial statements.

 

(2)         SEGMENT INFORMATION

 

Certain financial information relating to the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2003 and 2002 for each segment is provided below:

 

Three-Month Period Ended
September 30, 2003

 

EE&I

 

Water

 

Industrial

 

Other

 

Financial
Statement Balances

 

Revenues from external customers

 

$

291,746

 

$

177,999

 

$

47,028

 

$

 

$

516,773

 

Inter-segment sales

 

10,473

 

9,866

 

981

 

(21,320

)

 

Equity in earnings of joint ventures and affiliated companies

 

5,297

 

1,241

 

38

 

 

6,576

 

Segment profit (loss)

 

8,536

 

7,068

 

(3,446

)

(2,578

)

9,580

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three-Month Period Ended
September 30, 2002

 

EE&I

 

Water

 

Industrial

 

Other

 

Financial
Statement Balances

 

Revenues from external customers

 

$

290,604

 

$

158,933

 

$

56,532

 

$

 

$

506,069

 

Inter-segment sales

 

1,403

 

3,580

 

491

 

(5,474

)

 

Equity in earnings of joint ventures and affiliated companies

 

5,010

 

1,589

 

52

 

 

6,651

 

Segment profit

 

6,067

 

7,025

 

1,365

 

(1,962

)

12,495

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nine-Month Period Ended
September 30, 2003

 

EE&I

 

Water

 

Industrial

 

Other

 

Financial
Statement Balances

 

Revenues from external customers

 

$

897,056

 

$

531,174

 

$

146,252

 

$

 

$

1,574,482

 

Inter-segment sales

 

12,720

 

16,995

 

1,313

 

(31,028

)

 

Equity in earnings of joint ventures and affiliated companies

 

15,743

 

3,607

 

93

 

 

19,443

 

Segment profit (loss)

 

22,117

 

24,063

 

(8,082

)

(7,195

)

30,903

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nine-Month Period Ended
September 30, 2002

 

EE&I

 

Water

 

Industrial

 

Other

 

Financial
Statement Balances

 

Revenues from external customers

 

$

824,023

 

$

454,974

 

$

164,267

 

$

 

$

1,443,264

 

Inter-segment sales

 

4,436

 

10,190

 

1,515

 

(16,141

)

 

Equity in earnings of joint ventures and affiliated companies

 

13,999

 

3,844

 

109

 

 

17,952

 

Segment profit

 

11,620

 

20,228

 

2,357

 

(5,236

)

28,969

 

 

7



 

(3) COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

 

Comprehensive income for the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2003 and 2002 is as follows:

 

 

 

Three-Month Period Ended
September 30

 

Nine-Month Period Ended
September 30

 

 

 

2003

 

2002

 

2003

 

2002

 

Net income

 

$

5,800

 

$

7,170

 

$

17,891

 

$

16,368

 

Foreign currency translation adjustment

 

(409

)

(605

)

45

 

1,707

 

Comprehensive income

 

$

5,391

 

$

6,565

 

$

17,936

 

$

18,075

 

 

(4) EARNINGS PER SHARE

 

The computation of basic earnings per share is based on the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per share is based on the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period and, to the extent dilutive, common stock equivalents consisting of stock options. The difference between the basic and diluted shares at September 30, 2003 and 2002 is attributable to the dilutive effect of stock options outstanding at the end of each period.

 

(5) INVESTMENTS IN UNCONSOLIDATED AFFILIATES

 

CH2M HILL has the following material investments in affiliated companies that are 50% or less owned, which are accounted for under the equity method:

 

 

 

% of Ownership

 

Domestic:

 

 

 

Kaiser-Hill Company, LLC

 

50

%

CCI-RSCI

 

50

%

Milwaukee Transportation Partners, LLC

 

50

%

Pizzagalli/CCI Joint Venture

 

50

%

Holm II, Inc./CH2M HILL Constructors, Inc.

 

50

%

Jones/Hill Joint Venture

 

49

%

Parsons CH2M HILL Program Management Consultants

 

45

%

Kakivik Asset Management

 

33

%

Washington – IDC (previously MK/IDC (PSI))

 

28

%

Johnson Controls-Hill, LLC

 

25

%

 

 

 

 

Foreign:

 

 

 

CH2M HILL BECA, Ltd.

 

50

%

CH2M PB JV Pte Ltd

 

50

%

Bondi & Cronulla Wastewater Group

 

50

%

NLCG&S

 

50

%

CH2M HILL Odour Services

 

50

%

CH2M HILL Canada, Ltd.

 

49

%

BTC Group

 

33

%

 

As of September 30, 2003 and December 31, 2002, the total investments in unconsolidated affiliates were approximately $58,281 and $45,852, respectively. CH2M HILL is currently assessing the impact of FIN 46 on these unconsolidated affiliates.

 

8



 

CH2M HILL routinely enters into joint ventures to service the needs of it’s clients. Such arrangements are customary in the engineering and construction industry and generally are project specific. CH2M HILL’s largest joint venture is Kaiser-Hill Company, LLC (Kaiser-Hill).  Kaiser-Hill’s revenues are derived from the U.S. Department of Energy’s Performance Based Integrating Management Contract for the Rocky Flats Closure Project in Golden, Colorado.  Kaiser-Hill is compensated through a base fee affected, up or down, by its performance against the agreed site target closure costs.  The ultimate fee will also be impacted by the schedule to achieve site closure and the safety of our performance.

 

Kaiser-Hill’s ability to distribute cash is based on pre-negotiated payment terms in accordance with its contract with the U.S. Department of Energy and can be different from the earnings recognized for accounting purposes.  As the cleanup of the site progresses toward the targeted closure date of 2006, undistributed earnings, and therefore the investment balance, could continue to increase if Kaiser-Hill continues to perform at better than cost and schedule targets.  As of September 30, 2003 and December 31, 2002, the investment in Kaiser-Hill was $38,192 and $28,767, respectively.

 

Summarized financial information for the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2003 and 2002, for CH2M HILL’s material unconsolidated affiliates is as follows:

 

 

 

Three-Month Period Ended
September 30

 

Nine-Month Period Ended
September 30

 

 

 

2003

 

2002

 

2003

 

2002

 

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenues

 

$

240,224

 

$

250,161

 

$

714,108

 

$

665,708

 

Direct costs

 

(217,709

)

(231,970

)

(654,588

)

(612,670

)

General and administrative expenses

 

(7,733

)

(4,093

)

(17,185

)

(14,788

)

Operating income

 

14,782

 

14,098

 

42,335

 

38,250

 

Other income

 

77

 

300

 

138

 

42

 

Net Income

 

$

14,859

 

$

14,398

 

$

42,473

 

$

38,292

 

 

During 2001, CH2M HILL invested $10,000 for a minority interest in an international telecommunications investment company, CAI Investments, LLC (CAI), which holds minority interests in various cable and wireless companies. During the second quarter of 2002, management concluded that the fair market value of the investment had declined materially since the time of the investment and that this decline was not temporary because the value of CAI’s holdings were impaired by rapidly deteriorating market conditions in the telecommunications industry and their inability to secure timely financing for projects. Therefore, during the second quarter of 2002, CH2M HILL recorded an asset impairment charge in the amount of the entire investment value of $10,000 (which was estimated to be $3,600, net of incentive compensation accrual reductions and tax benefits). The impact of the write-off is included in general and administrative expenses in the accompanying consolidated condensed statements of income for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2002.

 

9



 

(6) COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

 

CH2M HILL maintains a variety of commercial commitments that are generally made available to provide support for various provisions in its engineering and construction contracts.  Letters of credit are provided to clients in the ordinary course of the contracting business in lieu of retention or for performance and completion guarantees on engineering and construction contracts.  CH2M HILL also posts surety bonds, which are contractual agreements issued by a surety, for the purpose of guaranteeing our performance on contracts. Bid bonds are also issued by a surety to protect owners and are subject to full or partial forfeiture for failure to perform obligations arising from a successful bid.

 

CH2M HILL is party to certain contractual guarantees and various legal actions arising in the normal course of its business.  From time-to-time, agencies of the U.S. Government investigate whether our operations are being conducted in accordance with applicable regulatory requirements.  U.S. Government investigations, whether relating to government contracts or conducted for other reasons, could result in administrative, civil or criminal liabilities, including repayments, fines or penalties, or could lead to suspension or debarment from future U.S. Government contracting.  U.S. Government investigations often take years to complete and many result in no adverse action.  Damages assessed in connection with and the cost of defending any such actions could be substantial.

 

Management believes, after consultation with counsel, that such guarantees, litigation, and U. S. Government contract-related audits, investigations and claims should not have any material adverse effect on CH2M HILL’s consolidated financial statements.

 

CH2M HILL has presented a claim to the Internal Revenue Service relating to the research experimentation tax credit for fiscal years 1984 through 1999.  Although CH2M HILL is seeking resolution with the Internal Revenue Service, we will only recognize tax benefits related to these credits for financial statement purposes when it is probable that such benefits will be realized.  The amount of the tax credit claimed is significant, however, the ultimate amount to be realized and the timing of the recognition of the tax credit will depend upon the final resolution with the Internal Revenue Service.

 

10



 

CH2M HILL COMPANIES, LTD.

 

Item 2 - MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

The following discussion and analysis explains our general financial condition, changes in financial condition and results of operations for CH2M HILL as a whole and for each of our operating segments including:

 

                  Factors affecting our business

                  Our revenues and profits

                  The source of our revenues and profits

                  Why those revenues and profits were different from period to period

                  Where our cash came from and how it was used

                  How all of this affects our overall financial condition

 

This report contains “forward-looking statements,” as that term is defined in Federal securities laws, including information related to our anticipated future results of operations, business strategies, financing plans, competitive position, anticipated future economic conditions, industry trends, growth opportunities and potential effects of future regulations. Although we believe that our expectations are based on reasonable assumptions, these assumptions are subject to a wide range of business and technical risks explained in detail in our most recent Prospectus and Annual Report on Form 10-K that may cause actual results to differ materially from those stated or implied by these forward-looking statements.

 

As you read this section, you should also refer to our consolidated condensed financial statements and the accompanying notes as well as our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2002. These consolidated financial statements provide additional information regarding our financial activities and condition.

 

This analysis may be important to you in making decisions about your investments in CH2M HILL.

 

Introduction

 

The engineering and construction industry continues to undergo substantial change as public and private clients privatize and outsource many of the services that were formerly provided internally. Numerous mergers and acquisitions in the industry have resulted in a group of larger firms that offer a full complement of single-source services including studies, design, construction, operation, maintenance and in some instances, facility ownership. Included in the current trend is the movement towards longer-term contracts for the expanded array of services. These larger, longer contracts require us to have substantially greater financial capital than has historically been necessary to remain competitive.

 

We believe we provide our clients with innovative project delivery using cost-effective approaches and advanced technologies. We continuously monitor acquisition and investment opportunities that will expand our portfolio of services, add value to the projects undertaken for clients or enhance capital strength. We believe that we are well positioned geographically, technically and financially to compete worldwide in the markets we have elected to pursue and clients we serve.

 

11



 

Summary

 

Net income for the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2003 was $5.8 million and $17.9 million, respectively, compared to $7.2 million and $16.4 million for the same periods in 2002. Our diluted earnings per share for the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2003 was $0.18 and $0.56, respectively, compared to $0.23 and $0.52 for the same periods in 2002, respectively. Revenues and pre-tax profit for the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2003 and 2002 by operating segment were as follows:

 

Three-Month Period Ended September 30

(in millions)

 

 

 

Revenues

 

Pre-Tax Profit

 

 

 

2003

 

2002

 

2003

 

2002

 

EE&I

 

$

297.0

 

57

%

$

295.6

 

58

%

$

8.6

 

$

6.1

 

Water

 

179.3

 

34

%

160.5

 

31

%

7.1

 

7.0

 

Industrial

 

47.0

 

9

%

56.6

 

11

%

(3.5

)

1.4

 

Corporate

 

 

 

 

 

(2.6

)

(2.0

)

Total

 

$

523.3

 

100

%

$

512.7

 

100

%

$

9.6

 

$

12.5

 

 

Nine-Month Period Ended September 30

(in millions)

 

 

 

Revenues

 

Pre-Tax Profit

 

 

 

2003

 

2002

 

2003

 

2002

 

EE&I

 

$

912.8

 

57

%

$

838.0

 

58

%

$

22.1

 

$

11.6

 

Water

 

534.8

 

34

%

458.8

 

31

%

24.1

 

20.2

 

Industrial

 

146.3

 

9

%

164.4

 

11

%

(8.1

)

2.4

 

Corporate

 

 

 

 

 

(7.2

)

(5.2

)

Total

 

$

1,593.9

 

100

%

$

1,461.2

 

100

%

$

30.9

 

$

29.0

 

 

Results of Operations

 

Revenues for the three-month period ended September 30, 2003 were $523.3 million compared to $512.7 million for the same period of 2002, an increase of $10.6 million, or 2.1%. For the nine-month period ended September 30, 2003, revenues were $1,593.9 million compared to $1,461.2 million for the same period of 2002, an increase of $132.7 million, or 9.1%. For the three-month period ended September 30, 2003 the Water segment reported increased revenues of $18.8 million, or 11.7%, compared to the same period of 2002, while the Environmental, Energy, & Infrastructure (EE&I) segment reported slightly increased revenues of $1.4 million, or 0.5%, compared to the same period of 2002. These revenue improvements were offset by a $9.6 million, or 17.0%, decrease in revenue by the Industrial segment for the three-month period ended September 30, 2003 compared to the same period of 2002. For the nine-month period ended September 30, 2003, the Water segment reported increased revenues of $76.0 million, or 16.6%, compared to the same period of 2002, while the EE&I segment reported increased revenues for the same period of $74.8 million, or 8.9%, compared to the same period of 2002. These revenue improvements were offset by an $18.1 million, or 11.0%, decline in revenues for the Industrial segment, compared to the same period of 2002.

 

Pre-tax profit for the three-month period ended September 30, 2003 was $9.6 million compared to $12.5 million for the same period of 2002, a decrease of $2.9 million, or 23.2%. For the nine-month period ended September 30, 2003, pre-tax profit was $30.9 million compared to $29.0 million for the same period of 2002, an increase of $1.9 million, or 6.6%. The decline for the three-month period ended September 30, 2003 compared to the same period of 2002, was comprised of a decrease in the Industrial segment of $4.9 million, offset by improvement in the EE&I segment of $2.5 million and a slight increase in the Water segment of $0.1 million. Corporate expenses increased by $0.6 million during the three-month period ended September 30, 2003 compared to the same period of 2002. The improvement for the nine-month period of $1.9 million, compared to the same period of 2002, was comprised of an increase in the EE&I segment of $10.5 million, and an increase in the Water segment of $3.9 million, offset by a decrease in the Industrial segment of $10.5 million. Corporate expenses increased by $2.0 million during the nine-month period ended September 30, 2003, compared to the same period of 2002.

 

12



 

Environmental, Energy and Infrastructure

 

Revenues in the EE&I segment for the three-month period ended September  30, 2003 were $297.0 million compared to $295.6 million for the same period of 2002,  a slight increase of $1.4 million, or 0.5%. For the nine-month period ended September 30, 2003, revenues in the EE&I segment were $912.8  million compared to $838.0 million for the same period of 2002, an increase of $74.8 million, or 8.9%. These increases in revenue are described below.

 

                  The Nuclear business reported a decrease in revenues of $17.2 million and an increase of $41.0 million for the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2003, respectively, compared to the same periods in 2002.  Effective January 2003, we were awarded a new performance-based contract by the U.S. Department of Energy to accelerate the safe closure of the nuclear facilities at the former Mound Plant in Miamisburg, Ohio and to transition the site for industrial use.  This new Mound Closure Project reported $23.2 million and $77.2 million of revenues for the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2003.  These increases for both the three-and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2003 were offset by decreases in revenue at the U.S. Department of Energy’s Hanford River Protection Project due to the timing of certain delivery efforts which are expected to be delivered in the fourth quarter of 2003.

 

                  Other EE&I businesses, including Environmental, Energy and Transportation, reflected improvements in revenue of $17.4 million and $38.6 million for the three- and nine-month periods ended September  30, 2003, respectively, compared to the same periods of 2002.  These improvements are due primarily to increases in U.S. Federal Government contracts and delivery orders under  contracts for both Environmental and Energy businesses.  Further, our Transportation business has seen some increases in business due to solid federal funding that remains intact, although state and local funding is down.

 

                  The Telecommunications business reported an increase in revenue of $1.2 million and a decrease of $4.8 million  for the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2003 compared to the same periods in 2002. The increase we experienced was a result of slight improvements in the domestic wireless markets.  While the telecommunications industry is still slow to recover on the capital expenditure side, we continue to invest in this business in order to be  positioned to compete for work in other sectors of the telecommunications industry.

 

Pre-tax profit in the EE&I segment for the three-month period ended September 30, 2003 was $8.6 million compared to $6.1 million in the same period of 2002. Pre-tax profit as a percentage of revenues for the three-month period ended September 30, 2003 was 2.9% compared to 2.1% in the same period of 2002. For the nine-month period ended September 30, 2003, pre-tax profit was $22.1 million compared to $11.6 million for the same period of 2002. Pre-tax profit as a percentage of revenues for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2003 was 2.4% compared to 1.4% in the same period in 2002.

 

The increase in the pre-tax profits for the three-month period ended September 30, 2003 as compared to the same period of 2002, was primarily due to an increase in earnings on certain Nuclear projects. The increase in the pre-tax profits for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2003 as compared to the same period in 2002, was due to revenue increases primarily in the Environmental and Transportation businesses.  Additionally, pre-tax profit for  the nine-month period ended September  30, 2002 was negatively impacted by the write-off of a $10.0 million equity investment (which is estimated to be $3.6 million, net of incentive compensation accrual reductions and tax benefits).

 

Water

 

Revenues in the Water segment for the three-month period ended September 30, 2003 were $179.3 million compared to $160.5 million for the same period in 2002, an increase of $18.8 million, or 11.7%. For the nine-month period ended September 30, 2003, revenues in the Water segment were $534.8 million compared to $458.8 million for the same period in 2002, an increase of $76.0 million, or 16.6%. The increases for the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2003 compared to the same periods in 2002, are attributable to growth in the water and wastewater business as well as the operations and maintenance business. The increases were achieved primarily from the strong performance of our North America design build operations.  Market conditions continue to improve domestically as utilities invest in water related facilities. These investments are driven by strong population and economic growth in certain regions, capacity shortfalls and regulatory requirements in other regions.

 

13



 

Pre-tax profit in the Water segment for the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2003 were $7.1 million and $24.1 million, respectively, compared to $7.0 million and $20.2 million for the same periods of 2002. Pre-tax profit as a percentage of revenues for the three-month periods ended September 30, 2003 and 2002 was 4.0% and 4.4%, respectively, and 4.5% and 4.4% for the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2003 and 2002, respectively. Pretax profits were relatively flat in the third quarter of 2003 compared to the same period of 2002. The Water segment experienced strong performance by our design build, consulting, and international business units supported by a program of controlled overhead spending across the entire Water segment. Offsetting this performance was project delivery challenges in our operations and maintenance business on certain projects. Pre-tax profit improved for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2003 compared to the same period in 2002 due to revenue improvements, service delivery improvements on design build projects, additional efficiencies in business development and a reduction of overhead costs.

 

Industrial

 

The Industrial segment reported revenues of $47.0 million for the three-month period ended September 30, 2003, of which $14.1 million was generated from the microelectronics industry. The revenues for the same period of 2002 were $56.6 million, of which $25.6  million was generated from the microelectronics industry. For the nine month periods ended September 30, 2003 and 2002, revenues were $146.3 million and $164.4 million, respectively, with the microelectronics industry generating $51.2 million and $77.7 million, respectively. For the three-and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2003, revenue decreased by $9.6 million, or 17.0% and $18.1 million, or 11.0%, respectively, compared to the same periods of 2002. These were comprised of respective decreases of $11.5 million and $26.5 million from the microelectronics industry, offset by respective increases of $1.9 million and $8.4 million from other industries, including food, pharmaceutical and facility services. We anticipate that the economic downturn of the microelectronics industry will continue to negatively impact the Industrial segment’s results for the remainder of 2003.

 

The Industrial segment reported a pre-tax loss of $3.5 million for the three-month period ended September 30, 2003 compared to a pre-tax profit of $1.4 million for the same period in 2002.  For the nine-month period ended September 30, 2003, pre-tax loss was $8.1 million compared to pre-tax profit of $2.4 million in the same period of 2002.  The most significant factor causing pre-tax profit to decrease for the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2003 compared to the same periods in 2002, was the decrease in volume of services sold during 2003.  In addition, direct project costs, as a percentage of revenues, increased in the periods ended 2003 compared to 2002 further contributing to the decrease in pre-tax profit.  Indirect labor costs, which consist of salaries and benefits of all administrative personnel, plus salaries and benefits of technical personnel for hours not spent working on billable client services, have decreased as a percent of total labor costs. This decrease in non-billable labor was primarily due to labor reductions related to the decline in the microelectronics industry.  General and administrative costs increased slightly over the same periods last year.  In order to be well positioned for the recoveries in the microelectronics industry, we continue to maintain certain staffing levels and continue to invest in this market.

 

Joint Ventures

 

We routinely enter into joint ventures to service the needs of our clients. Such arrangements are customary in the engineering and construction industry and generally are project specific. Our largest joint venture is Kaiser-Hill, in which we own a 50% interest. This joint venture is in our EE&I operating segment. In 2000, the U.S. Department of Energy extended Kaiser-Hill’s Rocky Flats contract. Although the new contract is a site closure contract and does not have a defined term, we are targeting closure of the site in 2006. Under the new contract, Kaiser-Hill is compensated through a base fee affected, up or down, by its performance against the agreed site target closure timetable and costs. Outside of a negotiated range, for every dollar that the U.S. Department of Energy saves with earlier cleanup, Kaiser-Hill receives a 30-cent increase in fee. At the same time, for every dollar the cleanup is over budget, the fee is reduced by 30 cents down to an agreed minimum. The ultimate fee will also be impacted by the schedule to achieve site closure and the safety of our performance. Due to the timing of specific work scopes and the completion of activities, Kaiser-Hill’s earnings may not be comparable from period to period.

 

14



 

The earnings from Kaiser-Hill are reported as equity in earnings of joint ventures and affiliated companies, along with other joint ventures that are individually insignificant.  For the three-month period ended September 30, 2003, we reported total equity in earnings of joint ventures and affiliated companies of $6.6 million compared to $6.7 million for the same period of 2002. For the nine-month period ended September 30, 2003, we reported total equity in earnings of joint ventures and affiliated companies of $19.4 million compared to $18.0 million for the same period of 2002. The earnings from the Kaiser-Hill joint venture for the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2003 were $5.0 million and $15.4 million, respectively. For the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2002, the earnings from the Kaiser-Hill joint venture were $4.6 million and $13.3 million, respectively.  This increase in earnings at Kaiser-Hill is attributable primarily to the portion of the fee that is impacted by cost estimate reductions as a result of favorable operating performance on the Rocky Flats project for the U.S. Department of Energy. Effectively, excellent performance and innovative technology solutions have increased the likelihood of receiving a larger performance fee upon completion.

 

During the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2003, we recognized undistributed earnings from Kaiser-Hill of $5.0 million and $9.4 million, respectively. Kaiser-Hill’s ability to distribute cash is based on pre-negotiated payment terms in accordance with its contract with the U.S. Department of Energy and can be different from the earnings recognized for accounting purposes.  As the cleanup of the site progresses toward the targeted closure date of 2006, undistributed earnings could continue to increase if Kaiser-Hill continues to perform at better than cost and schedule targets.

 

The additional increases in equity in earnings of joint ventures and affiliated companies for the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2003 compared to the same periods in 2002 are due to new joint ventures in both the Water and EE&I operating segments and improved profitability of continuing joint ventures.

 

Corporate Expenses

 

Corporate expenses for the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2003 were $2.6 million and $7.2 million, respectively, compared to $2.0 million and $5.2 million for the same periods of 2002, respectively. The increases are primarily due to costs incurred to comply with various provisions of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. Corporate expenses represent centralized management costs that are not allocable to individual operating segments and primarily include expenses associated with administrative compliance functions such as legal, treasury, accounting, tax and general business development efforts.

 

Income Taxes

 

The income tax provision for the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2003 was $3.8 million and $13.0 million, respectively, or an effective tax rate of 39.5% and 42.1%, respectively.  For the same periods in 2002, the income tax provision was $5.3 million and $12.6 million, respectively, or an effective tax rate of 42.6% and 43.5%, respectively.  The decrease in the effective tax rate for the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2003 compared to the same period in 2002 was primarily due to tax benefits realized under the Extraterritorial Income Exclusion (EIE) rules.  Under the EIE rules, taxpayers may elect to exclude from taxable income certain foreign-related income.  Our effective tax rate continues to be higher than the U.S. statutory income tax rate of 35.0% due to the effect of state income taxes, disallowed portions of meals and entertainment expenses, and non-deductible foreign net operating losses.

 

CH2M HILL has presented a claim to the Internal Revenue Service relating to the research and experimentation tax credit for fiscal years 1984 through 1999.  Although CH2M HILL is seeking resolution with the Internal Revenue Service, we will only recognize tax benefits related to these credits for financial statement purposes when it is probable that such benefits will be realized.  The amount of the tax credit claimed is significant, however, the ultimate amount to be realized and the timing of the recognition of the tax credit will depend upon the final resolution with the Internal Revenue Service.

 

15



 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

Cash Flows from Operating Activities

 

For the nine-month period ended September 30, 2003, operations used $16.0 million of cash primarily due to a $54.1 million net decrease in cash from changes in working capital accounts. The change in working capital was primarily the result of decreases in current taxes payable of $10.1 million, accrued incentive compensation of $11.7 million, accounts payable of $4.8 million and increases in receivables of $26.7 million. This net decrease in working capital was partially offset by earnings and other non-cash items for the period.

 

For the nine-month period ended September 30, 2002, operations provided $29.9 million of cash due primarily to earnings and other non-cash items, offset by a $31.2 million net decrease in cash from changes in working capital accounts. The net decrease in cash from working capital was primarily the result of a decrease in accounts payable of $14.4 million, billings in excess of revenue of $8.0 million and current taxes payable of $6.7 million.  The non-cash items for the period included the $10.0 million write-off of our equity investment in CAI discussed earlier.

 

Cash Flows from Investing Activities

 

For the nine-month period ended September 30, 2003, we used $4.8 million of cash in investing activities compared to $16.2 million for the same period of 2002.  In order to expand the scope of services we offer to our clients, we broadened our transportation business in January 2002 by acquiring an engineering and consulting firm in the ports industry for an initial cash outlay of $4.4 million.  In addition, we acquired a company that handles unexploded ordnances for a net cash outlay of $6.3 million.

 

Cash Flows from Financing Activities

 

For the nine-month period ended September 30, 2003, we used $23.6 million of cash in financing activities, of which $21.1 million was used to purchase stock presented on the internal market which was funded by existing cash. This compares to $26.4 million of cash used in financing activities for the same period of 2002, of which $23.1 million was used to purchase stock presented on the internal market which was funded by cash flows from operations.

 

During the first nine months of 2003 and 2002, we had no borrowings on our credit facility, and as of September 30, 2003 there were no amounts outstanding.

 

During July 2003, we renewed and extended our senior unsecured revolving credit agreement, with a maximum borrowing capacity of $125.0 million, which now expires in July 2006. With lender’s consent, the credit facility can be extended for an additional year on the first and second anniversary date, through 2007 and 2008, respectively. The credit facility may be used for general corporate purposes, permitted acquisitions and to support letters of credit.

 

At our option, the credit facility bears interest at a rate equal to either the LIBOR plus 1.25% to 2.0%, or the lender’s applicable base rate plus margin of 0.0% to 0.5%, based on our ratio of funded debt to earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization. A commitment fee of approximately 0.2% per year is payable based on our ratio of funded debt to earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization.

 

The credit facility agreement requires us to maintain minimum levels of net worth, a minimum coverage ratio of certain fixed charges, and a minimum leverage ratio of earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization to funded debt (all as defined in the agreement).  At September 30, 2003, we were in compliance with the covenants required under the credit facility agreement.

 

16



 

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements and Aggregate Contractual Obligations

 

During 2001, CH2M HILL and Meridian 26 Trust (Trust) entered into an agreement whereby the Trust acquired land in Englewood, Colorado for the purpose of constructing and owning our new corporate headquarters and another building. The construction of these two buildings was completed in October 2002. The Trust was formed to fund the construction, own the land and the two buildings and subsequently lease the facilities to us. The Trust was funded by equity and debt investments from independent third parties. The lease agreement was effective upon completion of construction. The lease agreement calls for monthly lease payments of approximately $0.4 million for ten years and requires that we guarantee a residual value of the facilities for approximately $42.0 million. Upon completion of the lease term, subject to certain limitations, we have the option to purchase the facilities from the Trust at fair market value, which is currently estimated to be $53.0 million.

 

CH2M HILL is party to a lease agreement that calls for monthly lease payments at a variable interest rate, estimated to be approximately $0.1 million per month for up to ten years, based on current interest rates.  The lease agreement requires that we guarantee a residual value of the additional building of approximately $17.6 million.  Upon completion of the lease term, subject to certain limitations, we have the option to purchase the additional building from the lessor at fair market value, which is currently estimated to be $20.8 million.

 

We maintain a variety of commercial commitments that are generally made available to provide support for various provisions in engineering and construction contracts.  Letters of credit are provided to clients in the ordinary course of the contracting business in lieu of retention or for performance and completion guarantees on engineering and construction contracts.  We also post surety bonds, which are contractual agreements issued by a surety, for the purpose of guaranteeing our performance on contracts.  Bid bonds are also issued by a surety to protect owners and are subject to full or partial forfeiture for failure to perform obligations arising from a successful bid.

 

Critical Accounting Policies

 

Our discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations are based upon our consolidated condensed financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. The preparation of these financial statements requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect both the results of operations as well as the carrying values of our assets and liabilities.  Some of our accounting policies require us to make difficult and subjective judgments, often as a result of the need to make estimates of matters that are inherently uncertain. We base estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities as of the date of the financial statements that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.

 

The following is a summary of our most critical accounting policies:

 

                  Our revenue is primarily attributable to engineering and construction contracts wherein the contract revenue is recognized primarily on the percentage-of-completion method by relating the actual cost of work performed to date to the current estimated total cost of the respective contracts.  In making such estimates, judgments are required to evaluate contingencies such as potential variances in schedule and the cost of materials and labor, liability claims, contract disputes, or achievement of contractual performance standards.  Changes in total estimated contract costs and losses, if any, are recognized in the period they become known.

 

                  In determining net income for financial statement purposes, we must make estimates and judgments in the calculation of tax assets and liabilities and in the determination of the recoverability of the deferred tax assets.  The tax assets and liabilities arise from temporary differences between the tax return and the financial statement recognition of revenues and expenses.

 

We must assess the likelihood that we will be able to recover our deferred tax assets.  If recovery is not likely, we must increase our tax provision by recording a valuation allowance for the deferred tax assets that we estimate will not ultimately be recoverable.

 

17



 

In addition, the calculation of our tax assets and liabilities involves dealing with uncertainties in the application of complex tax regulations.  We may recognize a tax asset or reduce taxes payable for anticipated state or federal tax credits, such as those relating to the research and development tax credit.

 

New Accounting Standards

 

In January 2003, the FASB issued FIN 46, “Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities,” which provides guidance on when to consolidate variable interest entities.  FIN 46 requires certain disclosures regarding variable interest entities in financial statements issued after January 31, 2003.  The provisions of FIN 46 are applicable to structures created after January 31, 2003.  For structures created before February 1, 2003, we will adopt FIN 46 in the first quarter of 2004.  FIN 46 may require us to consolidate certain variable interest entities such as CH2M HILL Canada, Ltd., the Meridian 26 Trust and certain other unconsolidated affiliates in which we could be considered the primary beneficiary.  We have not yet determined what impact FIN 46 may have on our consolidated financial statements.

 

In May 2003, the FASB issued SFAS No. 150, “Accounting for Certain Financial Instruments with Characteristics of both Liabilities and Equity.” This new statement changes the accounting for certain financial instruments that, under previous guidance, issuers could account for as equity. It requires that those instruments be classified as liabilities in balance sheets. We will adopt SFAS No. 150 in the first quarter of 2004. We have not yet determined what impact SFAS No. 150 may have on our consolidated financial statements.

 

Item 3 - Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

 

We are exposed to market risk from changes in interest rates and foreign exchange rates. This risk is monitored and managed to limit the effect of interest rate and foreign exchange rate fluctuations on earnings and cash flows. Our interest rate exposure is generally limited to our unsecured revolving credit agreement and to our notes payable to former shareholders. Historically, we have used short-term variable rate borrowings under the revolving credit agreement on a limited basis. During the first nine months of 2003 and 2002, we had no borrowings on our credit facility and as of September 30, 2003, there were no amounts outstanding.  The interest rate on the notes payable to former shareholders is variable and fluctuates annually based on the U.S. Federal Reserve Discount Rate. These notes have varying maturities through 2009. We have two notes payable related to an acquisition in 2002, which have fixed interest rates of 9.4% and 5.0% and maturity dates in 2010 and 2005, respectively.  We are also exposed to interest rate risk related to lease payments on a building, as our monthly lease payment is based on a variable interest rate.  We have assessed the market risk exposure on these financial instruments and determined that any significant changes to the fair value of these instruments would not have a material impact on our financial position or earnings.

 

We are exposed to foreign exchange risks in the normal course of our international business operations.  Our investments in foreign subsidiaries with a functional currency other than the U.S. dollar are generally considered long-term. Accordingly, we do not hedge the foreign exchange risks related to these net investments.  We do not consider the foreign exchange risk to be significant.  However, we may engage in forward foreign exchange contracts on a limited basis to reduce our economic exposure to changes in exchange rates.  Generally, any forward contracts are entered into to hedge specific commitments and anticipated transactions but not for speculative or trading purposes. We do not currently have any derivative financial instruments outstanding.

 

Item 4 - Controls and Procedures

 

CH2M HILL carried out an evaluation as of September 30, 2003, under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures as defined in Rule 13a – 15(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.  Based upon that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures are effective in timely alerting them to material information relating to CH2M HILL (including our consolidated subsidiaries) required to be included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.  There have been no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the quarter ended September 30, 2003 that have materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

 

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Part II - OTHER INFORMATION

 

Item 1 - Legal Proceedings

 

CH2M HILL is party to certain contractual guarantees and various legal actions arising in the normal course of its business.  From time-to-time, agencies of the U.S. Government investigate whether our operations are being conducted in accordance with applicable regulatory requirements.  U.S. Government investigations, whether relating to government contracts or conducted for other reasons, could result in administrative, civil or criminal liabilities, including repayments, fines or penalties, or could lead to suspension or debarment from future U.S. Government contracting.  U.S. Government investigations often take years to complete and many result in no adverse action.  Damages assessed in connection with and the cost of defending any such actions could be substantial.

 

Management believes, after consultation with counsel, that such guarantees, litigation, and U. S. Government contract-related audits, investigations and claims should not have any material adverse effect on CH2M HILL’s consolidated financial statements.

 

Item 6 - Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K

 

(a)          Exhibits

 

31.1                     Written Statement of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

 

31.2                     Written Statement of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

 

32.1                     Written Statement of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (18 U.S.C. Section 1350)

 

32.2                     Written Statement of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (18 U.S.C. Section 1350)

 

(b)         Reports on Form 8-K

 

On August 8, 2003, we filed a Form 8-K under Item 5.  Other Events to communicate to our shareholders a new price for our common stock and the trade date on which this stock price would be effective.  This stock price was established by the Board of Directors at its August 8, 2003 meeting.

 

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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.

 

 

 

CH2M HILL Companies, Ltd.

 

 

 

 

Date: November 7, 2003

/s/ Samuel H. Iapalucci

 

 

Samuel H. Iapalucci

 

Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

 

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