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YoY shift: Neutral
Year-over-year tone shift - average net-tone change across Risk Factors and MD&A vs the prior 10-K. This filing is 0.03pp more bullish than last year's.
Why YoY instead of absolute: the LM lexicon has ~6.6× more negative words than positive (legal/risk-disclosure language is heavy on hedging), so every 10-K reads bearish on raw tone. Year-over-year change strips that bias and surfaces the actual shift in management's framing.
Tone shift by section
The two components the gauge averages: how Risk Factors and MD&A each shifted in net tone versus last year's 10-K. The headline above is their average, so a green needle over a soft section just means the other section carried it.
Risk Factors
-0.01pp
Flat
Net-tone change vs last year's 10-K.
MD&A
+0.08pp
Flat
Net-tone change vs last year's 10-K.
Per-snippet highlights
Sentence-level sentiment highlighting with category and subcategory filters is coming once the snippet-scoring pipeline lands. For now, dig into the actual section text on the Sections tab.
Language change vs prior 10-K
Risk Factors (Item 1A) - words with the biggest YoY frequency increase
Negative rising
adversely+1
Positive rising
No words rose this year.
Risk Factors (Item 1A)
4,115 words
ITEM 1A. Risk Factors
Our business is subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, the risk and uncertainties described below. The risks and uncertainties described below are not the only ones we may face. Additional risks and uncertainties not known to us or not described below also may impair our business operations. If any of the following risks actually occur, our business financial condition and results of operations could be impacted, and we may not be able to achieve our expectations, projections, intentions or beliefs about future events that are intended as “forward-looking statements” under Private Securities Reform Act of 1995 and should be read in conjunction with the section entitled “Forward looking statements”.
Language change vs prior 10-K
MD&A (Item 7) - words with the biggest YoY frequency increase
Negative rising
loss+2
disclose+1
Positive rising
greater+3
profitability+2
profitable+1
MD&A (Item 7)
11,033 words
ITEM 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
You should read the following discussion of the financial condition and results of operations of Energy Services in conjunction with the historical financial statements and related notes contained elsewhere herein. Among other things, those historical consolidated financial statements include more detailed information regarding the basis of presentation for the following information.
Our operating results may vary significantly from quarter to quarter.
We typically experience lower volumes and lower margins during the winter months due to lower demand for our construction services and more difficult operating conditions. Also, other items that can materially affect our quarterly results include:
Adverse weather;
Variations in the mix of our work in any quarter;
Shortage of qualified labor;
Unfavorable regional, national or global economic and market conditions;
A reduction in the demand for our services;
Changes in customer spending patterns and need for the services we provide;
Unanticipated increases in construction and design costs;
Timing and volume of work we perform;
Termination of existing agreements;
Losses experienced not covered by insurance;
Payment risks associated with customer financial condition;
Changes in bonding requirements of agreements;
Supply chain constraints;
Interest rate variations; and
Changes in accounting and financial reporting standards.
Future acquisitions could disrupt the Company’s business and adversely affect our results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.
On September 30, 2025, the Company acquired the assets of Rigney Digital Systems Ltd. and on December 2, 2024, the Company acquired the assets of Tribute Contracting & Consultants, LLC. In fiscal 2022, the Company completed the acquisitions of Tri-State Paving and Ryan Construction. The Company may continue to expand by making additional acquisitions that could be material to its business, results of operations, financial condition and cash flows. Acquisitions involve many risks, including the following:
an acquisition may negatively affect the Company’s results of operations, financial condition or cash flows because it may require us to incur charges or assume substantial debt or other liabilities, may cause adverse tax consequences or unfavorable accounting treatment, may expose us to claims and disputes by third parties, or may not generate sufficient financial return to offset additional costs and expenses related to the acquisition;
the Company may encounter difficulties or unforeseen expenditures in integrating the operations of any company that it acquires, particularly if key personnel of the acquired company decide not to work for us;
an acquisition may disrupt our ongoing business, divert resources, increase our expenses and distract our management;
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an acquisition may involve the entry into geographic or business markets in which the Company has little or no prior experience or where competitors have stronger market positions;
if the Company incurs debt to fund such acquisition, such debt may subject us to material restrictions on our ability to conduct our business as well as financial maintenance covenants; and
to the extent that the Company issues a significant amount of equity securities in connection with future acquisitions, existing stockholders may be diluted and earnings per share may decrease.
The occurrence of any of these risks could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.
Risk Related to our Business
The type of contracts we obtain could adversely affect our profitability.
We enter into various types of contracts, including fixed price and variable pricing contracts. On fixed price contracts our profits could be curtailed or eliminated by unanticipated pricing increases associated with the contract.
A portion of our business depends on our ability to provide surety bonds. We may be unable to compete on certain projects if we are not able to obtain the necessary surety bonds.
Current or future market conditions, including losses in the construction industry or as a result of large corporate bankruptcies, as well as changes in our surety providers’ assessment of our operating and financial risk, could cause our surety providers to decline to issue or renew, or substantially reduce the amount of bonds for our work or could increase our bonding costs. These actions could be taken on short notice. Since a growing number of our customers require such bonding, should our surety providers limit or eliminate our access to bonding, our performance could be negatively impacted if we are unable to replace the bonded business with work that does not require bonding or if we are unable to provide other means of securing the jobs performance such as with letters of credit or cash.
Many of our contracts can be cancelled or delayed or may not be renewed upon completion.
If our customers cancel or delay many projects, our revenues could be reduced if we are unable to replace these contracts with others. Also, we have contracts that expire and are renewed periodically. If we are unsuccessful in renewing those contracts, that could reduce our revenue as well.
Our business requires a skilled labor force and if we are unable to attract and retain qualified employees, our ability to maintain our productivity could be impaired.
Our productivity depends upon our ability to employ and maintain skilled personnel to meet our requirements. Should some of our key managers leave the Company, it could limit our productivity. Also, many of our labor personnel are trade union members. Should we encounter labor problems associated with our union employees or if we are unable to employ enough available operators, welders, or other skilled labor, our production could be significantly curtailed.
Our backlog may not be realized.
Our backlog could be reduced due to the cancellation of projects by customers and/or reductions in scope of the projects. Should this occur, our anticipated revenues would be reduced unless we are able to replace those contracts.
We extend credit to customers for purchases of our services and therefore have risk that they may not be able to repay us.
While we have not had any significant problems with collections of accounts receivables historically, should there be an economic downturn our customers’ ability to repay us could be compromised, and this may curtail our operations and ability to operate profitably.
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Our dependence on suppliers, subcontractors and equipment manufacturers could expose us to risk of loss in our operations.
On certain projects, we rely on suppliers to obtain the necessary materials and subcontractors to perform portions of our services. We also rely on equipment manufacturers to provide us with the equipment needed to conduct our operations. Any limitation on the availability of materials or equipment or failure to complete work on a timely basis by subcontractors in a quality fashion could lead to added costs and therefore lower profitability for the Company.
We face cybersecurity risk including breach of confidential personal information, Company or customer intellectual properties, and delays related to data loss.
Information technology systems are critical to our business. We use various technology systems to manage our customer relationships, general ledger, and other systems. Our computer systems, data management and internal processes, as well as those of third parties, are integral to our performance. Our operational risks include the risk of malfeasance by employees or persons outside our company, errors relating to transaction processing and technology, systems failures or interruptions, breaches of our internal control systems, and business continuation and disaster recovery. There have been increasing efforts by third parties to breach data security. Such attacks include computer viruses, malicious or destructive code, phishing attacks, denial of service or information or other security breaches that could result in the unauthorized release, gathering, monitoring, misuse, loss or destruction of confidential, proprietary, and other information, damages to systems, or other material disruptions to network access or business operations. The Company uses industry-leading firewall hardware and runs anti-malware, antivirus, and anti-exploit solutions on all computers as a first line of defense to prevent security breaches. The Company’s email software utilizes spam blocking, phishing filtering, and external sender warnings. The Company uses compartmentalized network drive access to mitigate ransomware damage and performs daily encrypted backups to secure offsite locations including a disaster recovery site.
Although we take protective measures and believe that we have not experienced any data breaches described above, the security of our computer systems, software, and networks may be vulnerable to breaches, unauthorized access, misuse, computer viruses, or other malicious code and cyber-attacks that could have an impact on information security. Because the techniques used to cause security breaches change frequently, we may be unable to proactively address these techniques or to implement adequate preventative measures.
Inflation can have an adverse impact on our business and on our customers.
Inflation risk is the risk that the value of assets or income will be worth less in the future as inflation decreases the value of money. Over the last several years, there have been market indicators of a pronounced rise in inflation. Inflation generally increases the cost of goods and services we will use in our business operations, such as electricity and other utilities, which increases our expenses. In addition, we may have to increase both wages to retain our employees and the cost of our services by a greater amount than we have budgeted. Furthermore, our customers will also be affected by inflation and the rising costs of goods and services used in their businesses, which could have a negative impact on their ability to use our services and afford to pay our fees.
Societal responses to climate change could adversely affect our business and performance, including indirectly through impacts on our customers.
Concerns over the long-term impacts of climate change have led and will continue to lead to governmental efforts around the world to mitigate those impacts. Consumers and businesses also may change their behavior on their own as a result of these concerns. We and our customers will need to respond to new laws and regulations as well as consumer and business preferences resulting from climate change concerns. We and our customers may face cost increases, asset value reductions and operating process changes. The impact on our customers will likely vary depending on their specific attributes, including reliance on or role in carbon intensive activities. Among the impacts on us could be a drop in demand for our products and services, particularly in certain sectors. Our efforts to take these risks into account may not be effective in protecting us from the negative impact of new laws and regulations or changes in consumer or business behavior.
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The SBA may review the Company’s PPP Loan forgiveness application and if the SBA disagrees with the Company’s certification the Company could be subject to penalties and the repayment of the PPP Loans, which could negatively impact the Company’s business, financial condition and results of operations and prospects.
Due to the economic uncertainties created by COVID-19 and limited operating funds available, the Company applied for loans under the PPP. On April 15, 2020, the Company and its subsidiaries, C.J. Hughes, Contractors Rental and Nitro, entered into separate PPP notes effective April 7, 2020, with the Lender in an aggregate principal amount of $13.1 million pursuant to the PPP Loans. In a special meeting held on April 27, 2020, the Board of Directors of the Company unanimously voted to return $3.3 million of the PPP Loans after discussing the financing needs of the Company and subsidiaries. That left the Company and subsidiaries with $9.8 million in PPP Loans to fund operations. During fiscal year 2021, the Company received notice that the SBA had granted forgiveness of the $9.8 million of PPP Loans and the SBA repaid the Lender in full. The forgiveness was recorded as other income for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2021.
During April 2023, management received notification from the SBA that one of the Company’s forgiveness applications related to the PPP Loans was under review. As part of the review, the SBA requested additional payroll information. Additionally, the SBA requested information regarding the ability of the Company’s affiliates to meet SBA size standards and/or PPP corporate maximum limits. The requested information was subsequently provided to the SBA through the Lender. The Company recognizes that there is a possibility that the SBA could reverse its previous determination on the forgiveness of the PPP Loans. As a result of this uncertainty, the Company restated the previously audited financial statements of the Company for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2022 and 2021.
During July 2023, management received notification from the SBA that two additional forgiveness applications related to the PPP Loans were under review. As part of the review, the SBA requested information regarding the ability of the Company’s affiliates to meet SBA size standards and/or PPP corporate maximum limits. The requested information was subsequently provided to the SBA through the Lender. As of September 30, 2025, there have been no further requests or communications from the SBA relating to the PPP Loans.
Borrowers must retain PPP documentation for at least six years after the date the loan is forgiven or paid in full, and the SBA and SBA Inspector General must be granted these files upon request. The SBA could revisit its forgiveness decision and determine that the Company does not qualify in whole or in part for loan forgiveness and demand repayment of the loans. In addition, it is unknown what type of penalties could be assessed against the Company if the SBA disagrees with the Company’s certification. Any penalties in addition to the potential repayment of the PPP Loans could negatively impact the Company’s business, financial condition and results of operations and prospects.
Risk Related to our Industry
An economic downturn in the industries we serve could lead to less demand for our services.
In addition to the effects of an economic recession, there could be reductions in the industries that the Company serves. If the demand for natural gas should drop dramatically, or the demand for water, electrical and mechanical services drops dramatically, these would in turn result in less demand for the Company’s services.
Project delays or cancellations may result in additional costs to us, reductions in revenues or the payment of liquidateddamages.
In certain circumstances, we guarantee project completion by a scheduled acceptance date or are paid only upon achievement of certain acceptance and performance testing levels. Failure to meet any of these requirements could result in additional costs or penalties which could exceed the expected project profits and adversely impact the Company’s results of operations.
Our industry is highly competitive.
Our industry has been and remains competitive with competitors ranging from small owner-operated companies to large public companies. Within that group there may be companies with lower overhead costs that may be able to price their services at lower levels than we can. Accordingly, if that occurs, our business opportunities could be severely limited. In addition, our industry competes for energy demand with suppliers of alternative energy sources such as solar and wind.
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We may be unsuccessful at generating internal growth.
Our ability to generate internal growth will be affected by our ability to:
Attract new customers;
Expand our relationships with existing customers;
Hire and maintain qualified employees;
Expand geographically; and
Adjust quickly to changes in our industry.
Risk Related to Financing
Credit facilities to fund our operations and growth might not be available.
Our business relies heavily on having lines of credit in place to fund the various projects we are working on. Should funding not be available, or on favorable terms, it could severelycurtail our operations and the ability to generate profits. Energy Services maintains a banking relationship with two regional banks and has lines of credit and borrowing facilities with these institutions.
In July 2025, the Company renewed its $30.0 million line of credit with a maturity date of June 28, 2027. The line of credit is limited to a borrowing base calculation, which was approximately $27.7 million at September 30, 2025. The outstanding balance on the line of credit was $24.8 million at September 30, 2025. The line of credit has a variable interest rate equal to the “Wall Street Journal” Prime Rate with a floor of 4.99%, which was 7.25% at September 30, 2025.
The Company believes this line of credit will provide enough operating capital for future projects. The Company cannot guarantee it will always have access to this line of credit in the future depending on the Company’s financial performance.
Risk Related to our Financial Performance
Revenue and cost estimates on projects may differ from actual results.
The preparation of these consolidated financial statements requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. We evaluate our estimates on an ongoing basis, based on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. While the Company believes estimates on project performance are materially correct at September 30, 2025, there can be no assurance that actual results will not differ from those estimates.
Risk Related to Law and Regulatory Compliance
During the ordinary course of business, we may become subject to lawsuits or indemnity claims, which could materially and adversely affect our business and results of operations.
From time to time, we may in the ordinary course of business be named as a defendant in lawsuits, claims and other legal proceedings. These actions may seek, among other things, compensation for alleged personal injury, worker’s compensation, employment discrimination, breach of contract, property damages, civil penalties, and other losses of injunctive or declaratory relief. Also, we often indemnify our customers for claims related to the services we provide and actions we take under our contracts with them. Because our services in certain instances may be integral to the operation and performance of our customers’ infrastructure, we may become subject to lawsuits or claims for any failure of the systems we work on. While we carry insurance to protect the Company against such claims, the outcomes of any of the lawsuits, claims or legal proceedings could result in significant costs and diversion of management’s attention from the business. Payments of significant amounts, even if reserved, could adversely affect our reputation, liquidity and results of operations.
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We may incur liabilities or suffernegative financial or reputational harm relating to occupational health and safety matters.
Our operations are subject to extensive laws and regulations relating to the maintenance of safe conditions in the workplace. While we are constantly monitoring our health and safety programs, our industry involves a high degree of operating risk and there can be no assurance given that we will avoid significant liability exposure and/or be precluded from working for various customers due to high incident rates.
Changes by the government in laws regulating the industries we serve could reduce our sales volumes.
If the government enacts legislation that has a serious impact on the industries we serve, it could lead to the curtailment of capital projects in those industries and therefore lead to lower sales volumes for our Company.
Our failure to comply with environmental laws could result in significant liabilities.
Our operations are subject to various environmental laws and regulations, including those dealing with the handling and disposal of waste products, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and other hazardous materials, as well as fuel storage. We also work around and under bodies of water. We invest significantly in compliance with the appropriate laws and regulations. However, if we should inadvertently cause contamination of waters or soils, liabilities for our Company relating to cleanup and remediation could be substantial and could exceed any insurance coverage we might have and result in a negative impact to the Company’s ability to operate.
We have operations in multiple states and face risks related to pandemics such as the Coronavirus/COVID 19 global pandemic that could impact our results of operations.
Our business could be adversely affected by the effects of a widespread outbreak of a global pandemic such as COVID-19 and other adverse public health developments that could have a material and adverse effect on our business operations. These could include disruptions or restrictions on our ability to travel or to complete our projects, as well as temporary closures of our facilities or the facilities of our suppliers or customers. Any disruption of our suppliers or customers would likely impact our operating results.
Risks Relating to Ownership of Our Common Stock
Our common stock is not heavily traded, and the stock price may fluctuate significantly.
Our common stock is traded on the NASDAQ Capital Market under the symbol “ESOA.” Certain brokers currently make a market in the common stock, but such transactions are infrequent, and the volume of shares traded is relatively small. Management cannot predict whether these or other brokers will continue to make a market in our common stock. Prices on stock that is not heavily traded, such as our common stock, can be more volatile than heavily traded stock. Factors such as our financial results, the introduction of new products and services by us or our competitors, publicity regarding our industry, and various other factors may have a significant impact on the market price of the shares of the common stock. Management also cannot predict the extent to which an active public market for our common stock will develop or be sustained in the future. Accordingly, stockholders may not be able to sell their shares of our common stock at the volumes, prices, or times that they desire.
Our directors beneficially own a significant portion of our common stock and have substantial influence over us.
Our directors, as a group, beneficially owned approximately 26.0% of our outstanding shares of common stock as of September 30, 2025. As a result of this level of ownership, our directors have the ability, by taking coordinated action, to exercise significant influence over our affairs and policies. The interests of our directors may not be consistent with your interests as a stockholder. This influence may also have the effect of delaying or preventing changes of control or changes in management or limiting the ability of our other stockholders to approve transactions that they may deem to be in the best interests of our Company.
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Our dividend policy may change without notice and any payment of dividends in the future is subject to the discretion of our board of directors.
The holders of our common stock will receive cash dividends if and when declared by our board of directors out of legally available funds. Although we have initiated a regular quarterly cash dividend of $0.03 per share in fiscal 2025, we have no obligation to continue paying dividends. Any future determination relating to our dividend policy will be made at the discretion of our board of directors and will depend on a number of factors, including our future earnings, capital requirements, financial condition, future prospects, and other factors that our board of directors may deem relevant. Our ability to pay dividends to our stockholders will continue to be subject to, and limited by, certain legal restrictions. Further, any lenders making loans to us may impose financial covenants that may be more restrictive with respect to dividend payments than our legal requirements.
Increasing scrutiny and evolving expectations from customers, regulators, investors, and other stakeholders with respect to our environmental, social and governance practices may impose additional costs on us or expose us to new or additional risks.
Companies are facing increasing scrutiny from customers, regulators, investors, and other stakeholders related to their environmental, social and governance (“ESG”) practices and disclosure. Investor advocacy groups, investment funds and influential investors are also increasingly focused on these practices, especially as they relate to the environment, health and safety, labor conditions and human rights. Increased ESG-related compliance costs could result in increases to our overall operational costs. Failure to adapt to or comply with regulatory requirements or investor or stakeholder expectations and standards could negatively impact our reputation, ability to do business with certain partners, and our stock price. New government regulations could also result in new or more stringent forms of ESG oversight and expanding mandatory and voluntary reporting, diligence, and disclosure.
Understanding Gross Margins
Our gross margin is gross profit expressed as a percentage of revenues. Cost of revenues consists primarily of salaries, wages and some benefits to employees, depreciation, fuel and other equipment costs, equipment rentals, subcontracted services, portions of insurance, facilities expense, materials and parts and supplies. Factors affecting gross margin include:
Seasonal . As discussed above, seasonal patterns can have a significant impact on gross margins. Usually, business is slower in the winter months versus the warmer months.
Weather . Adverse or favorable weather conditions can impact gross margin in each period. Periods of wet weather, snow or rainfall, as well as severe temperature extremes can severely impact production and therefore negatively impact revenues and margins. Conversely, periods of dry weather with moderate temperatures can positively impact revenues and margins due to the opportunity for increased production and efficiency.
Revenue Mix . The mix of revenues between customer types and types of work for various customers will impact gross margins. Some projects will have greater margins while others that are extremely competitive in bidding may have narrower margins.
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Service and Maintenance versus Installation . In general, installation work has a higher gross margin than maintenance work. This is because installation work usually is of a fixed price nature and therefore has higher risks involved. Accordingly, a higher portion of the revenue mix from installation work typically will result in higher margins.
Subcontract Work . Work that is subcontracted to other service providers generally has lower gross margins. Increases in subcontract work as a percentage of total revenues in each period may contribute to a decrease in gross margin.
Materials versus Labor . Typically, materials supplied on projects have lower margins than labor. Accordingly, projects with a higher material cost in relation to the entire job will have a lower overall margin.
Depreciation . Depreciation is included in our cost of revenue. This is a common practice in our industry but can make comparability to other companies difficult.
Margin Risk . Failure to properly execute a job including failure to properly manage and supervise a job could decrease the profit margin.
Selling and Administrative Expenses
Selling and administrative expenses consist primarily of compensation and related benefits to management, administrative salaries and benefits, marketing, communications, office and utility costs, professional fees, bad debt expense, letter of credit fees, general liability insurance and miscellaneous other expenses.
Results of Operations for the Fiscal Year Ended September 30, 2025, Compared to the Fiscal Year Ended September 30, 2024.
Revenue . A table comparing the components of the Company’s revenues for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2025, and 2024 is below:
Twelve Months Ended
September 30, 2025
% of total
September 30, 2024
% of total
Change
% Change
Gas & Water Distribution
Gas & Petroleum Transmission
Electrical, Mechanical, & General
Total
Revenue increased by $59.1 million, or 16.8%, to $411.0 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2025, from $351.9 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2024. The increase was the result of increased work in the Electrical, Mechanical, and General and Gas & Water Distribution business lines, partially offset by a decrease in Gas & Petroleum Transmission work.
Gas & Water Distribution revenues totaled $149.6 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2025, a $67.1 million increase from $82.4 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2024. The revenue increase was primarily related to the Company’s continued focus on increasing water project opportunities.
Gas & Petroleum Transmission revenues totaled $64.6 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2025, a $16.5 million decrease from $81.1 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2024. The revenue decrease was primarily related to bid opportunities received later in the current fiscal year and a significant decrease in natural gas project awards as compared to the previous fiscal year.
Electrical, Mechanical, & General services and construction revenues totaled $196.8 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2025, an $8.4 million increase from $188.4 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2024. The revenue increase was primarily related to increased mechanical and electrical maintenance services performed and an increase in new construction opportunities during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2025, as compared to the prior fiscal year.
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Cost of Revenues . A table comparing the components of the Company’s costs of revenues for fiscal years ended September 30, 2025 and 2024, is below:
Twelve Months Ended
September 30, 2025
% of total
September 30, 2024
% of total
Change
% Change
Gas & Water Distribution
Gas & Petroleum Transmission
Electrical, Mechanical, & General
Unallocated Shop Expense
Total
Total cost of revenues increased by $70.3 million, or 23.3%, to $372.2 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2025, from $301.9 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2024. The increase was the result of increased work in the Electrical, Mechanical, and General and Gas & Water Distribution business lines, partially offset by a decrease in Gas & Petroleum Transmission work.
Gas & Water Distribution cost of revenues totaled $131.3 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2025, a $68.0 million increase from $63.3 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2024. The cost of revenues increase was primarily related to the Company’s continued focus on increasing water project opportunities.
Gas & Petroleum Transmission cost of revenues totaled $60.1 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2025, a $9.3 million decrease from $69.5 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2024. The cost of revenues decrease was primarily related to bid opportunities received later in the current fiscal year and a significant decrease in natural gas project awards as compared to the previous fiscal year.
Electrical, Mechanical, & General services and construction cost of revenues totaled $176.3 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2025, an $8.7 million increase from $167.6 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2024. The cost of revenues increase was primarily related to increased mechanical and electrical maintenance services performed and an increase in new construction opportunities during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2025, as compared to the prior fiscal year.
Unallocated shop expenses totaled $4.6 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2025, a $3.0 million increase from $1.6 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2024. The increase in unallocated shop expenses was primarily due to decreased internal equipment charges to projects for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2025, as compared to the prior fiscal year.
Gross Profit . A table comparing the components of the Company’s gross profit for fiscal years ended September 30, 2025, and 2024, is below:
Twelve Months Ended
September 30, 2025
% of revenue
September 30, 2024
% of revenue
Change
% Change
Gas & Water Distribution
Gas & Petroleum Transmission
Electrical, Mechanical, & General
Unallocated Shop Expense
Total
Total gross profit decreased by $11.2 million or 22.4% to $38.8 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2025, from $50.0 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2024.
Gas & Water Distribution gross profit totaled $18.3 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2025, an $857,000 decrease from $19.2 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2024. The gross profit decrease was primarily related to greater competition in the water industry, combined with an increase in public water projects which have a lesser profit margin, and integrating new employees due to growth in the water business line.
Gas & Petroleum Transmission gross profit totaled $4.5 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2025, a $7.1 million decrease from $11.6 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2024. The gross profit decrease was primarily related to greater
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competition affecting project pricing in the transmission business line and less transmission work performed in the fiscal year ended September 30, 2025 as compared to the prior fiscal year.
Electrical, Mechanical, & General services and construction gross profit totaled $20.5 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2025, a $242,000 decrease from $20.8 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2024. The decrease in gross profit was primarily related to a large electrical project nearing completion at September 30, 2024 which was more profitable than expected while profit margins during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2025 were in line with expected profit margins over a larger volume of revenue.
Gross loss attributed to unallocated shop operations totaled $4.6 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2025, a $3.0 million increase from $1.6 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2024. The gross loss increase was primarily due to decreased internal equipment charges to projects for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2025, as compared to the prior fiscal year.
Selling and administrative expenses . Total selling and administrative expenses increased by $4.4 million to $34.6 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2025, from $30.1 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2024. The increase was primarily related to increased business opportunities and management hirings needed to secure and manage projects. Additionally, $1.9 million of the increase was related to Tribute, which was acquired on December 2, 2024, and included $608,000 related to the amortization of acquired intangible assets.
Income from operations . Income from operations was $4.2 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2025, a $15.6 million decrease from $30.1 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2024. The decrease was due to the items described above.
Other nonoperating expense. Other nonoperating expense increased by $203,000 or 942.8% to $225,000 for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2025, from $22,000 for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2024. The increase was primarily due to the receipt of a settlement from a former third-party administrator of the Company’s 401(k) retirement plan in the fiscal year ended September 30, 2024, which offset expenses, that did not repeat in the fiscal year ended September 30, 2025.
Income from lawsuit judgement. In the fiscal year ended September 30, 2024, the Company received $15.6 million from a lawsuit judgement against a former customer for work performed in a prior period.
Gain on sale of equipment. The net gain on the sale of equipment decreased by $178,000 or (68.0%) to $84,000 for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2025, from $261,000 for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2024. This decrease was primarily due to the Company sending more obsolete and underused equipment to auction during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2024 as compared to the fiscal year ended September 30, 2025.
Interest Expense. Interest expense increased by $1.0 million or 46.6% to $3.2 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2025, from $2.2 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2024. The increase was primarily due to the financing of the Tribute acquisition.
Net Income. Income before income taxes was $865,000 for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2025, compared to $33.5 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2024. The decrease was due to the items described above.
The income tax expense for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2025 was $485,000 as compared to $8.4 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2024. The decrease in income tax expense was due to a decrease in taxable income in the fiscal year ended September 30, 2025, as compared to the prior fiscal year.
The effective income tax rate for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2025 was 56.1%, as compared to 25.1% for the prior fiscal year. Effective income tax rates are estimates and may vary from period to period due to changes in the amount of taxable income or loss, non-taxable and non-deductible expenses.
Net income for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2025 was $380,000 compared to $25.1 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2024. The decrease was due to the items described above.
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Segment Results
The following table sets forth segment revenues, segment income (loss) from operations and operating margins for the periods indicated, as well as the dollar and percentage change from the prior period:
Year Ended September 30,
Change
Revenues:
Underground Infrastructure Construction
Industrial Construction
Building Construction
Consolidated revenues
Income (loss) from operations:
Underground Infrastructure Construction
Industrial Construction
Building Construction
Corporate and Non-Allocated Costs
Consolidated income from operations
Underground Infrastructure Construction
Revenues. The $33.9 million increase in revenues for the year ended September 30, 2025 as compared to the prior fiscal year was primarily due to the Company’s focus on growing its natural gas and water distribution business lines.
(Loss) income from operations. The $13.5 million decrease in income from operations for the year ended September 30, 2025 as compared to the prior fiscal year was primarily due to the decreased profitability in water projects, integrating a new acquisition, and decreased volume of work and profitability from gas transmission projects.
Industrial Construction
Revenues. The $34.9 million increase in revenues for the year ended September 30, 2025 as compared to the prior fiscal year was primarily due to an increase in large construction projects awarded in the automotive and manufacturing industries.
Income from operations. The $1.3 million increase in income from operations for the year ended September 30, 2025 as compared to the prior fiscal year was primarily due to the increased volume in work awarded and completed in fiscal year 2025.
Building Construction
Revenues. The $9.6 million decrease in revenues for the year ended September 30, 2025 as compared to the prior fiscal year was primarily due to a concerted effort to focus on completing several large construction projects that were in backlog as of September 30, 2024.
Income from operations. The $1.6 million decrease in income from operations for the year ended September 30, 2025 as compared to the prior fiscal year was primarily due to the decreased volume of work completed in fiscal year 2025.
Corporate and Non-Allocated Costs
The $1.8 million increase in Corporate and Non-Allocated Costs for the year ended September 30, 2025 as compared to the prior fiscal year end was primarily due to additional management needed to support the organic and inorganic growth of the Company. The Company hired an additional controller to support an acquisition, a SOX (Sarbanes-Oxley) Compliance Officer, and a Risk Manager from a subsidiary. Additionally, the Company’s growth has led to increased legal and acquisition costs, SOX and financial audit fees, information technology and cybersecurity costs, and investor relations costs.
The Company’s disaggregated revenue does vary slightly from the Company’s segment reporting due to combining the Industrial and Building Construction into Electrical, Mechanical and General, and one legal entity in the Underground Infrastructure Construction segment that performs services other than underground construction that are included in Electrical, Mechanical and General. The volume of these services is not material to the Company’s segment reporting.
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Comparison of Financial Condition at September 30, 2025 Compared to September 30, 2024.
The Company had total assets of $215.2 million at September 30, 2025, an increase of $57.0 million from the prior fiscal year-end balance of $158.2 million.
The aggregate balance of accounts receivable, retainages receivable, allowance for doubtful accounts and other receivables totaled $93.2 million at September 30, 2025, an increase of $24.4 million from the combined prior fiscal year-end balance of $68.8 million. The increase was primarily due to the timing of receivables, retainages, and receipts at the fiscal year ended September 30, 2025 as compared to the prior fiscal year end.
Net property, plant and equipment totaled $53.5 million at September 30, 2025, an increase of $15.3 million from the prior fiscal year-end balance of $38.1 million. Property, plant and equipment acquisitions totaled $28.4 million for the fiscal year 2025 while depreciation expense was $12.0 million, and the net impact of disposals was $1.1 million.
Contract assets totaled $34.5 million at September 30, 2025, an increase of $9.9 million from the prior fiscal year-end balance of $24.6 million. This increase was primarily due to the timing of project billings and related costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings at September 30, 2025, as compared to at September 30, 2024.
Goodwill and acquired intangible assets totaled $14.8 million at September 30, 2025, a $7.6 million increase from the prior fiscal year end balance of $7.2 million and was the result of an $8.5 million increase related to the acquisitions of Tribute and Rigney, partially offset by intangible asset amortization expense of $1.1 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2025.
Prepaid expenses and other totaled $5.0 million at September 30, 2025, an increase of $937,000 from the prior fiscal year-end balance of $4.1 million. The increase was primarily due to federal and state incomes taxes receivable and the increase of various prepaid insurance accounts at the fiscal year ended September 30, 2025, as compared to the prior fiscal year end.
Cash and cash equivalents totaled $12.2 million at September 30, 2025, a decrease of $684,000 from the prior fiscal year-end balance of $12.9 million. The decrease was primarily related to a net $29.4 million investment in Company acquisitions and investment in property and equipment, partially offset by a net $24.6 million provided by financing activities and a net $4.1 million provided by operating activities.
Right-of-use assets acquired from operating leases totaled $2.1 million net of amortization expense at September 30, 2025, a decrease of $477,000 from the prior fiscal year-end balance of $2.5 million. The decrease was primarily related to $1.4 million in right-of-use asset payments and, partially offset by $866,000 in right-of-use asset additions during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2025.
Liabilities totaled $156.0 million at September 30, 2025, an increase of $56.4 million from the prior fiscal year-end balance of $99.6 million.
The aggregate balance of current maturities of long-term debt and long-term debt totaled $61.8 million at September 30, 2025, an increase of $38.2 million from the prior fiscal year-end balance of $23.6 million. The increase was primarily due to a $20.3 million increase in line of credit borrowings, $16.0 million increase related to the Tribute acquisition and an $11.4 million increase related to equipment financing, partially offset by $9.3 million in long-term debt repayments.
Contract liabilities totaled $28.3 million at September 30, 2025, an increase of $11.4 million from the prior fiscal year-end balance of $17.0 million. This increase was due to increased billings in excess of costs and earnings when computing earned revenue on construction projects at September 30, 2025, as compared to at September 30, 2024.
Accounts payable totaled $30.7 million as of September 30, 2025, an increase of $7.1 million from the prior fiscal year-end balance of $23.7 million. The increase was due to more work in progress at the end of the fiscal year ended September 30, 2025, as compared to the prior fiscal year-end.
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities totaled $15.9 million at September 30, 2025, an increase of $2.1 million from the prior fiscal year-end balance of $13.9 million. The decrease was primarily due to increased labor and burden expenses incurred towards the end of the fiscal year 2025, as compared to fiscal 2024.
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Net deferred income tax payable totaled $6.8 million at September 30, 2025, an increase of $263,000 from the prior fiscal year-end balance of $6.5 million. The decrease was primarily related to an increase in the net operating loss carry forward at the fiscal year ended September 30, 2025.
Current maturities of lines of credit and short-term borrowings totaled $10.4 million at September 30, 2025, an increase of $109,000 from the prior fiscal year-end balance of $10.3 million. The increase was due to $109,000 in accrued interest on PPP loan debt.
Income taxes payable totaled $0 at September 30, 2025, a decrease of $2.2 million from the prior fiscal year-end balance of $2.2 million primarily due to a decrease in taxable income for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2025 and compared to the fiscal year ended September 30, 2024.
Current and long-term operating lease liabilities totaled $2.0 million at September 30, 2025, a decrease of $489,000 from the prior fiscal year end balance of $2.5 million. The decrease was primarily related to $1.4 million in operating lease payments, partially offset by $866,000 in additions during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2025.
Shareholders’ equity totaled $59.2 million at September 30, 2025, an increase of $542,000 from the prior fiscal year-end balance of $58.7 million. The increase was primarily due to $380,000 in net income, a $2.9 million increase in equity related to common shares issued as consideration in acquisitions, an $81,000 increase in equity related to the vesting of common shares from restricted stock awards, partially offset by $2.0 million in cash dividend payments and $844,000 in stock repurchases by the Company.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Operating Line of Credit
In July 2025, the Company renewed its $30.0 million line of credit with a maturity date of June 28, 2027. The interest rate on the line of credit is the “ Wall Street Journal ” Prime Rate (the index) with a floor of 4.99%.
The line of credit is limited to a borrowing base calculation as summarized below:
September 30, 2025
September 30, 2024
Eligible borrowing base
Borrowed on line of credit
Line of credit balance available
Interest rate
The Company’s $24.8 million and $4.5 million line of credit borrowings are recorded as a long-term debt as of September 30, 2025 and 2024, respectively.
The modified financial covenants for the quarter ended June 30, 2023, and all subsequent quarters, are below:
Minimum tangible net worth of $28.0 million,
Minimum traditional debt service coverage of 1.50x on a rolling twelve- month basis,
Minimum current ratio of 1.20x,
Maximum debt to tangible net worth ratio (“TNW”) of 2.75x,
Each ratio and covenant shall be determined, tested, and measured as of each calendar quarter beginning June 30, 2023,
The Company shall maintain a ratio of Maximum Senior Funded Debt (“SFD”) to Earnings before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization (“EBDITA”) equal to or less than 3.5:1. SFD shall mean any funded debt or lease of the Company, other than subordinated debt. The covenant shall be tested quarterly, at the end of each fiscal quarter, with EBITDA based on the preceding four quarters.
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The Company’s lender has agreed to omit the effect of the PPP loan restatement from the Company’s covenant compliance calculations while a final decision on PPP loan forgiveness remains in question. The Company was not in compliance with all covenants at September 30, 2025 and received a waiver from its lender. The Company projects to meet all covenant requirements for the next twelve months.
Paycheck Protection Program Loans
Due to the economic uncertainties created by COVID-19 and limited operating funds available, the Company applied for loans under the PPP. On April 15, 2020, the Company and its subsidiaries, C.J. Hughes, Contractors Rental and Nitro, entered into separate PPP notes effective April 7, 2020, with its Lender in an aggregate principal amount of $13.1 million pursuant to the PPP Loans. In a special meeting held on April 27, 2020, the Board of Directors of the Company unanimously voted to return $3.3 million of the PPP Loans after discussing the financing needs of the Company and subsidiaries. That left the Company and subsidiaries with $9.8 million in PPP Loans to fund operations. During fiscal year 2021, the Company received notice that the SBA had granted forgiveness of the $9.8 million of PPP Loans and the SBA repaid the Lender in full. The forgiveness was recorded as other income for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2021.
During April 2023, management received notification from the SBA that one of the Company’s forgiveness applications related to the PPP Loans was under review. As part of the review, the SBA requested additional payroll information. Additionally, the SBA requested information regarding the ability of the Company’s affiliates to meet SBA size standards and/or PPP corporate maximum limits. The requested information was subsequently provided to the SBA through the Lender. The Company recognizes that there is a possibility that the SBA could reverse its previous determination on the forgiveness of the PPP Loans. As a result of this uncertainty, the Company restated the previously issued audited financial statements of the Company for fiscal 2022 and 2021. The Company has recorded a short-term borrowing due to the SBA inquiry for the full $9.8 million, plus accrued interest.
During July 2023, management received notification from the SBA that two additional forgiveness applications related to the PPP Loans were under review. As part of the review, the SBA requested information regarding the ability of the Company’s affiliates to meet SBA size standards and/or PPP corporate maximum limits. The requested information was subsequently provided to the SBA through the Lender. As of September 30, 2025, there have been no further requests or communications from the SBA relating to the PPP Loans.
Borrowers must retain PPP documentation for at least six years after the date the loan is forgiven or paid in full, and the SBA and SBA Inspector General must be granted these files upon request. The SBA could revisit its forgiveness decision and determine that the Company does not qualify in whole or in part for loan forgiveness and demand repayment of the loans. In addition, it is unknown what type of penalties could be assessed against the Company if the SBA disagrees with the Company’s certification. Any penalties in addition to the potential repayment of the PPP Loans could negatively impact the Company’s business, financial condition and results of operations and prospects.
Long-Term Debt
On December 16, 2014, the Company’s Nitro subsidiary entered into a 20-year $1.2 million loan agreement with a bank to purchase the office building and property it had previously been leasing. The interest rate on this loan agreement is 4.82% with monthly payments of $7,800. The interest rate on this note is subject to change from time to time based on changes in the U.S. Treasury yield, adjusted to a constant maturity of three years as published by the Federal Reserve weekly. As of September 30, 2025, the Company had made principal payments of $490,000. The loan is collateralized by the building purchased under this agreement. The note is currently held by Peoples Bank, Inc.
On December 31, 2020, West Virginia Pipeline Acquisition Company, later renamed West Virginia Pipeline, Inc., entered into a $3.0 million sellers’ note agreement with David and Daniel Bolton for the remaining purchase price of West Virginia Pipeline, Inc. For the purchase price allocation, the $3.0 million note had a fair value of $2.85 million. As part of the $6.35 million acquisition price, the Company paid $3.5 million in cash in addition to the note. The unsecured five-year term note requires annual payments of at least $500,000 with a fixed interest rate of 3.25% on the $3.0 million sellers’ note, which equates to 5.35% on the carrying value of the note. As of September 30, 2025, the Company had made annual installment payments of $2.5 million.
On April 2, 2021, the Company entered into a $3.5 million Non-Revolving Note agreement with United Bank. This five-year agreement repaid the outstanding $3.5 million line of credit that was used for the down payment on the West Virginia Pipeline
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acquisition. This loan has monthly installment payments of $64,853 and has a fixed interest rate of 4.25%. The loan is collateralized by the Company’s equipment and receivables. As of September 30, 2025, the Company had made principal payments of $3.1 million.
On April 29, 2022, the Company entered into a $7.5 million Non-Revolving Note agreement with United Bank. This five-year agreement was used to finance the purchase of Tri-State Paving and has monthly payments of $129,910 with a fixed interest rate of 4.25%. As of September 30, 2025, the Company had made principal payments of $4.5 million.
On April 29, 2022, the Company entered into a $1.0 million promissory note agreement with Corns Enterprises, a related party, as partial consideration for the purchase of Tri-State Paving. David E. Corns continued his role as President of the Company’s Tri-State Paving Subsidiary until his retirement in May 2025. This four-year agreement requires $250,000 principal installment payments on or before the end of each twelve (12) full calendar month period beginning April 29, 2022. Interest payments due will be calculated on the principal balance remaining and shall be at the stated rate of 3.5% per year. The Company has made $750,000 in principal payments on this note as of September 30, 2025.
On October 10, 2022, the Company entered into a $3.1 million promissory note agreement with United Bank. This five-year agreement financed the previous cash value of equipment purchased in the Ryan Construction acquisition. This loan has monthly installment payments of $60,000 and has a fixed interest rate of 6.0%. The loan is collateralized by the Company’s equipment and receivables. As of September 30, 2025, the Company had made principal payments of $1.7 million.
On June 1, 2023, the Company entered into a $9.3 million Non-Revolving Note agreement with United Bank. This five-year agreement gave the Company access to a $9.3 million line of credit (“Equipment Line of Credit 2023”), specifically for the purchase of equipment, for a period of six months with a fixed interest rate of 7.25%. After six months, all borrowings against the Equipment Line of Credit 2023 converted to a fifty-four-month term note agreement with a fixed interest rate of 7.25%. The loan is collateralized by the equipment purchased under this agreement. As of September 30, 2025, the Company had borrowed $9.3 million against this line of credit and made $3.4 million in principal payments.
On August 8, 2024, the Company entered into a $5.0 million Non-Revolving Note agreement with United Bank. This five-year agreement gave the Company access to a $5.0 million equipment line of credit, specifically for the purchase of equipment, for a period of twelve months with a variable interest rate based on the “ Wall Street Journal ” Prime Rate (the index) and initially at 8.5%. After twelve months, all borrowings against the equipment line of credit were converted to a forty-eight month term note agreement with a fixed interest rate equal to the “U.S. Treasury Rate” plus 2.75% per annum. The loan is collateralized by the equipment purchased under this agreement. As of September 30, 2025, the Company had borrowed $5.0 million against this equipment line of credit and made repayments of $90,000 in principal payments.
On December 2, 2024, the Company entered into a $16.0 million loan agreement with United Bank to finance the acquisition of Tribute. This six-year agreement has monthly payments of $272,000 including a fixed interest rate of 6.9%. As of September 30, 2025, the Company had made $1.8 million in principal payments.
On September 30, 2025, the Company entered into a $500,000 sellers’ note agreement with Joe and Cathy Rigney for the remaining purchase price of Rigney Digital Systems Ltd. For the purchase price allocation, the $500,000 note had a fair carrying value of $461,000. As part of the $4.6 million acquisition price, the Company paid $3.0 million in cash in addition to the note and issued $1.0 million in common shares of the Company’s stock. The unsecured five-year term note requires a $500,000 payment at the end of the term with monthly interest paid at a fixed interest rate of 5.0% on the $3.0 million sellers’ note, which equates to 7.05% on the carrying value of the note.
At September 30, 2025, future expected payments due on short-term and long-term debt are as follows:
Thereafter
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As of September 30, 2025, the Company had $12.2 million in cash and $46.9 million in working capital (defined as current assets less current liabilities).
Leases
The Company leases office space for SQP for $1,500 per month. The lease, which was originally signed on March 25, 2021, is for a period of two years with five one-year renewals available immediately following the end of the base term. As of September 30, 2025, the Company has only committed to one-year renewals and is evaluating whether to renew for additional periods.
The Company has two right-of-use operating leases acquired on April 29, 2022, as part of the Tri-State Paving, LLC transaction. The first operating lease, for the Hurricane, West Virginia facility, had a net present value of $236,000 at inception, and a carrying value of $0 at September 30, 2025. The 4.5% interest rate on the operating lease is based on the Company’s incremental borrowing rate at inception. The Company signed a one-year renewal after the lease expired and as of September 30, 2025 is evaluating whether to renew for additional periods.
The second operating lease, for the Chattanooga, Tennessee facility, had a net present value of $144,000 at inception, and expired on August 31, 2024. The lease was renewed for a two-year period with a net present value of $140,000 and had a carrying value of $50,000 at September 30, 2025. The 8.5% interest rate on the operating lease is based on the Company’s incremental borrowing rate at inception.
The Company has a right-of-use operating lease with Enterprise acquired on August 11, 2022, as part of the Ryan Environmental acquisition. This lease agreement was initially for thirty-one vehicles with a net present value of $1.2 million. The Company subsequently netted fifty-one additional leased vehicles. The right-of-use operating lease had a carrying value of $1.9 million at September 30, 2025. Each vehicle leased under the master lease program has its own implicit rate.
The Company has a right-of-use operating lease acquired on March 28, 2023. This lease, for the Winchester, Kentucky facility, had a net present value of $290,000 at inception and a carrying value of $44,000 at September 30, 2025. The 7.5% interest rate on the operating lease is based on the Company’s incremental borrowing rate at inception.
The maturities of the Company’s operating lease liabilities at September 30, 2025 are as follows:
Less amounts representing interest
Present value of operating lease liabilities
Off-Balance Sheet Transactions
Due to the nature of our industry, we often enter into certain off-balance sheet arrangements in the ordinary course of business that result in risks not directly reflected on our balance sheets. Though for the most part not material in nature, some of these are:
Rental Agreements
The Company rents equipment for use on construction projects with rental agreements being week to week or month to month. Rental expense can vary by the fiscal year due to equipment requirements on construction projects and the availability of Company owned equipment. Rental expense, which is included in cost of goods sold on the consolidated statements of income, was $22.9 million and $16.3 million for the twelve months ended September 30, 2025, and 2024, respectively.
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Letters of Credit
Certain of our customers or vendors may require letters of credit to secure payments that the vendors are making on our behalf or to secure payments to subcontractors, vendors, etc. on various customer projects. At September 30, 2025, the Company did not have any outstanding letters of credit .
Performance Bonds
Some customers, particularly new ones or governmental agencies require the Company to post bid bonds, performance bonds and payment bonds (collectively, performance bonds). These performance bonds are obtained through insurance carriers and guarantee to the customer that we will perform under the terms of a contract and that we will pay subcontractors and vendors. If the Company fails to perform under a contract or to pay subcontractors and vendors, the customer may demand that the insurer make payments or provide services under the bond. The Company must reimburse the insurer for any expenses or outlays it is required to make.
Currently, the Company has an agreement with a surety company to provide bonding which will suit the Company’s immediate needs. The ability to obtain bonding for future contracts is an important factor in the contracting industry with respect to the type and value of contracts that can be bid on. Depending upon the size and conditions of a particular contract, the Company may be required to post letters of credit or other collateral in favor of the insurer. Posting these letters or other collateral will reduce our borrowing capabilities. The Company does not anticipate any claims in the foreseeable future. At September 30, 2025, the Company had $84.3 million in performance bonds outstanding.
Concentration of Credit Risk
In the ordinary course of business, the Company grants credit under normal payment terms, generally without collateral, to our customers, which include natural gas and oil companies, general contractors, and various commercial and industrial customers located within the United States. Consequently, the Company is subject to potential credit risk related to business and economic factors that would affect these companies. However, the Company generally has certain statutory lien rights with respect to services provided. Under certain circumstances such as foreclosure, the Company may take title to the underlying assets in lieu of cash in settlement of receivables.
Please see the tables below for customers that represent 10.0% or more of the Company’s revenue or accounts receivable, net of retention as of or for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2025, and 2024:
Twelve Months Ended
Twelve Months Ended
Revenue
September 30, 2025
September 30, 2024
TransCanada Corporation
All other
Total
* Less than 10.0% and included in “All other” if applicable
Accounts receivable, net of retention
at September 30, 2025
at September 30, 2024
TransCanada Corporation
All other
Total
* Less than 10.0% and included in “All other” if applicable
Virtually all work performed for major customers was awarded under competitive bid fixed price or unit price arrangements. The loss of a major customer could have a severe impact on the profitability of the Company. However, due to the nature of the Company’s operations, the major customers and sources of revenues may change from year to year.
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Litigation
On November 12, 2021, the Company received a withdrawal liability claim from a pension plan to which the Company made pension contributions for union construction employees performing covered work in a particular jurisdiction. The Company has not performed covered work in their jurisdiction since 2011; however, the Company disagrees with the withdrawal claim and believes it is covered by an exemption under federal law. The demand called for thirty-four quarterly installment payments of $41,000 starting December 15, 2021. The Company complied with the demand according to federal pension law; however, the Company firmly believes no withdrawal liability exists. The Company is in negotiations with the pension fund to resolve the matter and all future payments have been suspended as part of the negotiation. The Company has expensed all $164,000 in payments made through September 30, 2022 and does not expect any future liabilities related to this claim. The Company did not make any payments during the twelve months ended September 30, 2025 or 2024.
Other than described above, at September 30, 2025, the Company was not involved in any legal proceedings other than in the ordinary course of business. The Company is a party from time to time to various lawsuits, claims and other legal proceedings that arise in the ordinary course of business. These actions typically seek, among other things, compensation for alleged personal injury, breach of contract and/or property damages, punitivedamages, civil penalties, or other losses, or injunctive or declaratory relief. With respect to all such lawsuits, claims, and proceedings, we record reserves when it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of loss can be reasonably estimated. At September 30, 2025, the Company does not believe that any of these proceedings, separately or in aggregate, would be expected to have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
Related Party Transactions
We intend that all transactions between us and our executive officers, directors, holders of 10% or more of the shares of any class of our common stock and affiliates thereof, will be on terms no less favorable than those terms given to unaffiliated third parties and will be approved by a majority of our independent outside directors not having any interest in the transaction.
On April 29, 2022, the Company entered into a $1.0 million promissory note agreement with Corns Enterprises as partial consideration for the purchase of Tri-State Paving. This four-year agreement requires $250,000 principal installment payments on or before the end of each twelve (12) full calendar month period beginning April 29, 2022. Interest payments due will be calculated on the principal balance remaining and will be at the stated rate of 3.5% per year. The Company has made $750,000 in principal payments on this note as of September 30, 2025.
Subsequent to the April 29, 2022 acquisition of Tri-State Paving, the Company entered into an operating lease for facilities in Hurricane, West Virginia with Corns Enterprises. This thirty-six-month lease is treated as a right to use asset and has payments of $7,000 per month. The total net present value at inception was $236,000 with no carrying value at September 30, 2025. The Company signed a one-year renewal after the lease expired and as of September 30, 2025 is evaluating whether to renew for additional periods. In May 2025, David E. Corns, member of Corns Enterprises and President of Tri-State Paving, retired.
SQP made an equity investment of $156,000 in 1030 Quarrier Development, LLC (“Development”) in August 2022. Development is a variable interest entity (“VIE”) that is 75% owned by 1030 Quarrier Ventures, LLC (“Ventures”) and 25% owned by SQP. SQP is not the primary beneficiary of the VIE and therefore will not consolidate Development into its consolidated financial statements. Instead, SQP will apply the equity method of accounting for its investment in Development. Development, a 1% owner, and United Bank, a 99% owner, formed 1030 Quarrier Landlord, LLC (“Landlord”). Landlord decided to pursue the following development project (the “Project”): a historical building at 1030 Quarrier Street, Charleston, West Virginia as well as associated land (the “Property”) was purchased to be developed/rehabilitated into a commercial project including apartments and commercial space. Upon the completion of development, the Property will be used to generate rental income. SQP has been awarded the construction contract for the Project. United Bank provided $5.0 million in loans to fund the Project. SQP and Ventures have jointly provided an unconditional guarantee for the $5.0 million of obligations associated with the Project.
CJ Hughes entered into an agreement, cancelable at any time, with Construction Specialty Services (“CSS”), which is owned by Chuck Austin, the President of CJ Hughes. CSS rents equipment, periodically, to and as requested by CJ Hughes. The equipment rental rates are below the rates that the equipment can be rented from any unaffiliated rental company. CJ Hughes is not obliged to rent any equipment and does so only when CJ Hughes does not have equipment available of its own and would otherwise need to rent such equipment as the demand increases throughout the construction season. In the fiscal years 2024 and 2025, the rental amounts for these specific years were $339,000, and $318,000, respectively.
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Other than mentioned above, there were no new material related party transactions entered into during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2025.
Certain Energy Services subsidiaries routinely engage in transactions in the normal course of business with each other, including sharing employee benefit plan coverage, payment for insurance and other expenses on behalf of other affiliates, and other services incidental to business of each of the affiliates. All revenue and related expense transactions, as well as the related accounts payable and accounts receivable have been eliminated in consolidation.
Inflation
Most significant project materials, such as pipe or electrical wire, are provided by the Company’s customers. When possible, the Company attempts to lock in pricing with vendors and include qualifications regarding material cost increases in bids. Where allowed by contract, the Company will address fuel cost increases with customers. Significant inflation or supply chain issues could cause customers to delay or cancel planned projects; however, inflation did not have a significant effect on our results for the twelve months ended September 30, 2025, and 2024.
Critical Accounting Estimates
The discussion and analysis of the Company’s financial condition and results of operations are based on our consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. The preparation of these consolidated financial statements requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities known to exist at the date of the consolidated financial statements and reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. We evaluate our estimates on an ongoing basis, based on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. There can be no assurance that actual results will not differ from those estimates. Management believes the following accounting policies affect our more significant judgments and estimates used in the preparation of our consolidated financial statements.
Revenues
The Company recognizes revenue as performance obligations are satisfied and control of the promised good and service is transferred to the customer. For Lump Sum and Unit Price contracts, revenue is ordinarily recognized over time as control is transferred to the customers by measuring the progress toward complete satisfaction of the performance obligation(s) using an input (i.e., “cost to cost”) method. For Cost Plus and Time and Material (“T&M”) contracts, revenue is ordinarily recognized over time as control is transferred to the customers by measuring the progress toward satisfaction of the performance obligation(s) using an output method. The Company also does certain T&M service work that is generally completed in a short duration and is recognized at a point in time.
The accuracy of our revenue and profit recognition in a given period depends on the accuracy of our estimates of the cost to complete each project. We believe our experience allows us to create materially reliable estimates. There are a number of factors that can contribute to changes in estimates of contract cost and profitability. The most significant of these include:
the completeness and accuracy of the original bid;
costs associated with scope changes;
changes in costs of labor and/or materials;
extended overhead and other costs due to owner, weather and other delays;
subcontractor performance issues;
changes in productivity expectations;
site conditions that differ from those assumed in the original bid;
changes from original design on design-build projects;
the availability and skill level of workers in the geographic location of the project;
a change in the availability and proximity of equipment and materials;
our ability to fully and promptly recover on affirmative claims and back charges for additional contract costs; and
the customer’s ability to properly administer the contract.
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The foregoing factors, as well as the stage of completion of contracts in process and the mix of contracts at different margins may cause fluctuations in gross profit from period to period. Significant changes in cost estimates, particularly in our larger, more complex projects could have a significant effect on our profitability.
Our contract assets include cost and estimated earnings in excess of billings that represent amounts earned and reimbursable under contracts, including claim recovery estimates, but have a conditional right for billing and payment such as achievement of milestones or completion of the project. With the exception of customer affirmative claims, generally, such unbilled amounts will become billable according to the contract terms and generally will be billed and collected over the next three months. Settlement with the customer of outstanding affirmative claims is dependent on the claims resolution process and could extend beyond one year. Based on our historical experience, we generally consider the collection risk related to billable amounts to be low. When events or conditions indicate that it is probable that the amounts outstanding become unbillable, the transaction price and associated contract asset is reduced.
Our contract liabilities consist of provisions for losses and billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings. Provisions for losses are recognized in the consolidated statements of income at the uncompleted performance obligation level for the amount of total estimated losses in the period that evidence indicates that the estimated total cost of a performance obligation exceeds its estimated total revenue. Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings are billings to customers on contracts in advance of work performed, including advance payments negotiated as a contract condition. Generally, unearned project-related costs will be earned over the next twelve months.
The following table presents our costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings and billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings at September 30, 2025 and 2024:
September 30, 2025
September 30, 2024
Costs incurred on contracts in progress
Estimated earnings, net of estimated losses
Less billings to date
Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billed on
uncompleted contracts
Less billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings on
uncompleted contracts
Allowance for doubtful accounts
The Company provides an allowance for doubtful accounts when collection of an account is considered doubtful. Inherent in the assessment of the allowance for doubtful accounts are certain judgments and estimates relating to, among others, our customers’ access to capital, our customers’ willingness or ability to pay, general economic conditions and the ongoing relationship with the customers. While most of our customers are large well capitalized companies, should they experience material changes in their revenues and cash flows or incur other difficulties and not be able to pay the amounts owed, this could cause reduced cash flows and losses in excess of our current reserves.
Materially incorrect estimates of bad debt reserves could result in an unexpectedloss in profitability for the Company. Additionally, frequently changing reserves could be an indication of risky or unreliable customers. At September 30, 2025, management review deemed that the allowance for doubtful accounts was adequate.
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Please see the allowance for doubtful accounts table below:
September 30, 2025
September 30, 2024
Balance at beginning of period
Charged to expense
Deductions for uncollectible receivables written off, net of recoveries
Balance at end of period
Impairment of goodwill and intangible assets
The Company follows the guidance of Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 350-20-35-3 “Intangibles-Goodwill and Other (Topic 350)” which requires a company to record an impairment charge based on the excess of a reporting unit’s carrying amount of goodwill over its fair value. Under the current guidance, companies can first choose to assess any impairment based on qualitative factors (Step 0). If a company fails this test or decides to bypass this step, it must proceed with a quantitative assessment of goodwill impairment. The Company did not have a goodwill impairment at September 30, 2025.
Materially incorrect estimates could cause an impairment of goodwill or intangible assets and result in a loss in profitability for the Company.
A table of the Company’s intangible assets subject to amortization is below:
Accumulated
Accumulated
Amortization and
Amortization and
Remaining Life
Amortization and
Amortization and
Impairment
Impairment
Net Book
Net Book
(in months) at
Impairment at
Impairment at
Twelve Months Ended
Twelve Months Ended
Value at
Value at
September 30,
Original
September 30,
September 30,
September 30,
September 30,
September 30,
September 30,
Intangible assets:
Cost
West Virginia Pipeline:
Customer relationships
Tradename
Non-competes
Heritage Painting
Customer relationships
Tri-State Paving:
Customer relationships
Tradename
Non-competes
Tribute Contracting & Consultants
Non-compete 1
Non-compete 2
Tradename
Backlog
Rigney Digital Systems
Tradename
Backlog
Non-compete
Total intangible assets
Depreciation and Amortization
The purpose of depreciation and amortization is to represent an accurate value of assets on the books. Every year, as assets are used, their values are reduced on the balance sheet and expensed on the income statement. As depreciation and amortization are a noncash expense, the amount must be estimated. Each year a certain amount of depreciation and amortization is written off and the book value of the asset is reduced.
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Property and equipment are recorded at cost. Costs which extend the useful lives or increase the productivity of the assets are capitalized, while normal repairs and maintenance that do not extend the useful life or increase productivity of the asset are expensed as incurred. Property and equipment are depreciated principally on the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets: buildings 39 years; operating equipment and vehicles 5-7 years; and office equipment, furniture and fixtures 5-7 years.
Acquired intangible assets subject to amortization are amortized on a straight-line basis, which approximates the pattern in which the economic benefit of the respective intangible assets is realized, over their respective estimated useful lives. The definite-lived identifiable intangible assets recognized as part of the Company’s business combinations are initially recorded at their estimated fair value.
The Company’s depreciation expense for the twelve months ended September 30, 2025 and 2024 was $12.0 million and $8.5 million, respectively. In general, depreciation is included in “cost of revenues” on the Company’s consolidated statements of income.
The Company’s amortization expense for the twelve months ended September 30, 2025 and 2024 were $1,064,493 and $438,623, respectively. In general, amortization is included in “cost of revenues” on the Company’s consolidated statements of income.
Materially incorrect estimates of depreciation and amortization and/or the useful lives of assets could significantly impact the value of long-lived assets on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. A material overvaluation could result in impairment charges and reduced profitability for the Company.
Income Taxes
The Company’s income tax expense and deferred tax assets and liabilities reflect management’s best estimate of current and future taxes to be paid. Significant judgments and estimates are required in the determination of the consolidated income tax expense. The Company’s provision for income taxes is computed by applying a federal rate of 21.0% and a blended state rate of approximately 5% to 6.0% to taxable income or loss after consideration of non-taxable and non-deductible items.
The income tax expense for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2025 was $485,000 as compared to $8.4 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2024. The decrease in income tax expense was due to an decrease in taxable income for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2025, as compared to the fiscal year ended September 30, 2024.
The effective income tax rate for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2025 was 56.1%, as compared to an effective income tax rate of 25.1% for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2024. Effective income tax rates are estimates and may vary from period to period due to changes in the amount of taxable income or loss, non-taxable and non-deductible expenses.
Accounting for PPP Loans
The Company’s accounting for PPP loans reflects management’s best estimate of current and future amounts to be paid. The Company applies significant judgment regarding the determination of PPP loan forgiveness based on the rules established, and subsequently clarified by the SBA, including rules related to the Company’s affiliations and meeting SBA size standards.
Refer to Note 3 “Accounting for PPP Loans” in the accompanying consolidated financial statements for additional details.
New Accounting Pronouncements
In November 2024, the FASB issued an update that requires incremental disclosures about specific expense categories. Entities are required to disclose in the notes to financial statements the amounts of purchases of inventory, employee compensation, depreciation, intangible asset amortization and selling expenses included in each relevant expense caption of the statements of operations. The standard also requires disclosure of the amount, and a qualitative description of, other items remaining in relevant expense captions that are not separately disaggregated. This update is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2026, and interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2027. Early adoption and both prospective and retrospective application are permitted. The Company is currently assessing the effect of this update.
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In December 2023, the FASB issued an update that expands disclosures for tax rate reconciliation tables, primarily by requiring disaggregation of income taxes paid by jurisdiction, as well as greater disaggregation within the rate reconciliation. This update is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024 and interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2025. Early adoption and retrospective application are permitted. The Company is currently assessing the effect of this update.
Subsequent Events
On October 15, 2025, the Company paid a quarterly dividend of $0.03 per share to holders of record as of October 6, 2025.
Management has evaluated all subsequent events for accounting and disclosure. There have been no other material events during the period, other than noted above, that would either impact the results reflected in the report or the Company’s results going forward.
