Peck reports 1Q 2020 results, $40.8 million backlog

Vermont Business Magazine The Peck Company Holdings, Inc (NASDAQ: PECK), a leading commercial solar engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) company based in South Burlington, has announced the company’s financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2020 (“Q1 2020”).

Key Financial Highlights for Q1 2020

  • Revenues increased 4% to $4.0 million
  • Gross profit decreased 66% to $0.3 million
  • Backlog and pipeline increased to $40.8 million

Subsequent to the End of Q1 2020

On April 22, 2020, Peck and GreenBond Advisors formed a strategic Green Bond partnership to align capital for construction of new solar projects. The partnership will acquire, build and own the new solar projects. The new investment partnership is designed to increase Peck’s access to capital for the construction of new solar projects and to scale its existing pipeline of new EPC business. Peck has partnered with GreenSeed Investors LLC and its affiliate GreenBond Advisors LLC to gain access to the rapidly growing Green Bond segment of the fixed income markets. Of note, this partnership provides Peck with access to project growth capital through additional EPC contract work from Green Bond proceeds while improving working capital and strengthening liquidity ratios.

GreenBond Advisors was recently formed to deliver financial product innovation into the Green Bond market. They have created a new Green Bond product that allows risk-adverse investment capital to be more easily directed into new green energy infrastructure development at an earlier stage of the project development cycle than is typically the case for existing Green Bonds. This innovation by Green Bond Advisors will provide Peck with a strategic advantage in the marketplace as an EPC company, because Peck can bring a level of funding certainty to developers for early stage projects that will meet the project performance criteria.

Management Commentary

The Peck Company Holdings Chief Executive Officer, Jeffrey Peck, commented, “The first quarter is seasonally our slowest time of the year, and given the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in the U.S., we are pleased with our single-digit revenue growth. We continue to execute on our strategic plan while we navigate through this uncertain economic landscape brought upon by the COVID-19 pandemic. Our before-mentioned Green Bond partnership exemplifies that as we have implemented a differentiated strategy to increase our involvement in development-stage solar projects. The GreenBond Advisors partnership enables us to accelerate the growth of our business and become a part-owner of the solar project’s recurring cash flows without additional equity dilution to our shareholders and without incurring debt on our balance sheet. The partnership and strategy reinforce our disciplined financial and operational approach to find opportunities to advance our mission to be a leader in the commercial solar EPC industry.”

Mr. Peck, continued, “We are starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel as the region of New England begins to open back up; albeit in stages. Vermont, which has been home to the majority of our business has announced gradual reopening of business will begin on May 18, with an additional opening phase set for June 1. Vermont, with less than 1,000 total cases and 5 people currently hospitalized, is likely to be one of the earliest states to return to pre-COVID-19 business activity. We expect other New England states to follow that trend as well, with Maine ranking sixth lowest in the nation in terms of positive cases and New Hampshire having already moved to a second phase of business re-opening.”

Mr. Peck, concluded, “Given our role in critical infrastructure, including utilities and telecommunications and our support for the local IBEW 300, we expect a smooth transition once new construction projects resume. I want to personally thank our dedicated team which has allowed us to continue providing service and maintenance in support of critical infrastructure, including utilities and telecommunications during these difficult times. We look forward to getting back to work on new projects, hiring additional employees and contractors and continuing on the path of the transition to clean, renewable energy for the U.S.”

Financial Results for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2020

Revenue for the three months ended March 31, 2020 was $3.98 million, an increase of $0.13 million, or 4%, compared to $3.85 million for the three months ended March 31, 2019. The Company had a few projects that were ceased or delayed due to the current COVID-19 pandemic. The Company anticipates that these projects will continue or begin once the current Stay at Home orders are lifted or relaxed.

Backlog and pipeline at March 31, 2020 was $40.8 million.

Gross profit for the three months ended March 31, 2020 was $0.3 million, a decrease of $0.5 million, or 66%, compared to $0.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2019. The resulting gross margin was 7.5% for the three months ended March 31, 2020, compared to 23.0% for the three months ended March 31, 2019. Lower gross margin for the three months ended March 31, 2020 was the result of inefficiencies in labor costs due to the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, the Company incurred unplanned expenditures on two large solar projects due to the winter conditions in the Northeast.

General and administrative expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2020 were $0.6 million, an increase of $0.3 million, or 134%, compared to $0.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2019. The increase in general and administration expenses were primarily due to activities related to administrative expenses costs of becoming a public company as well as supporting infrastructure expansion in the three months ended March 31, 2020, compared to the three months ended March 31, 2019.

Warehousing and other operating expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2020 were $0.2 million, compared to $0.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2019. Warehousing and other operating expenses include Company-owned solar array depreciation and salaries associated with Company-owned solar arrays, general warehousing costs, project-related travel and performance related expenses.

Operating loss for the three months ended March 31, 2020 was $0.6 million, compared to an operating income of $0.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2019. The decrease in operating income was primarily due to an increase in the operational infrastructure required to support the current growth trajectory as well as the additional expense of being a publicly listed company.

Depreciation expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2020 were $155,012, compared to $150,483 for the three months ended March 31, 2019. Depreciation expenses were stable when compared to the three months ended March 31, 2019 as the Company has not had significant capital expenditures for the three months ended March 31, 2020.

Income tax benefit for the three months ended March 31, 2020 was $142,311 compared to the income tax provision for the three months ended March 31, 2019 of $500.

Net loss for the three months ended March 31, 2020 was $0.4 million, compared to a net income of $0.4 million for the there months ended March 31, 2019. The net loss was the result of inefficiencies in labor costs due to the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, the Company incurred unplanned expenditures on two large solar projects due to the winter conditions in the Northeast. The resulting earnings per share (EPS) for the three months ended March 31, 2020 was a loss of ($0.08) per diluted share, compared to $0.12 for the three months ended March 31, 2019.

Adjusted EBITDA for the three months ended March 31, 2020 was a loss of $0.3 million, compared to income of $0.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2019.

Adjusted EPS for the three months ended March 31, 2020 was a loss of ($0.06), compared to $0.18 for the three months ended December 31, 2019.

The reconciliations of EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA to net (loss) income, the most directly comparable financial measure calculated and presented in accordance with GAAP, are shown in the table below:

    Three months ended March 31,  
    2020     2019  
Net (loss) income   $ (432,632 )   $ 376,652  
Depreciation and amortization     155,012       150,483  
Other (income) expense, net     80,766       44,659  
Income tax (benefit) provision     (142,311 )     500  
                 
EBITDA     (339,165 )     572,294  
                 
Weighted Average shares outstanding     5,298,159       3,234,501  
                 
Adjusted EPS   $ (0.06 )   $ 0.18  

Certain Non-GAAP Measures

We periodically review the following key non-GAAP measures to evaluate our business and trends, measure our performance, prepare financial projections and make strategic decisions.

EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA and Earnout Adjusted EBITDA

Included in this presentation are discussions and reconciliations of earnings before interest, income tax and depreciation and amortization (“EBITDA”) and EBITDA adjusted for certain non-cash, non-recurring or non-core expenses (“Adjusted EBITDA”) to net income in accordance with GAAP. Adjusted EBITDA excludes certain non-cash and other expenses, certain legal services costs, professional and consulting fees and expenses, and one-time business combination expenses and certain adjustments. We believe that these non-GAAP measures illustrate the underlying financial and business trends relating to our results of operations and comparability between current and prior periods. We also use these non-GAAP measures to establish and monitor operational goals.

These non-GAAP measures are not in accordance with, or an alternative to, GAAP and should be considered in addition to, and not as a substitute or superior to, the other measures of financial performance prepared in accordance with GAAP. Using only the non-GAAP financial measures, particularly Adjusted EBITDA, to analyze our performance would have material limitations because such calculations are based on a subjective determination regarding the nature and classification of events and circumstances that investors may find significant. We compensate for these limitations by presenting both the GAAP and non-GAAP measures of our operating results. Although other companies may report measures entitled “Adjusted EBITDA” or similar in nature, numerous methods may exist for calculating a company’s Adjusted EBITDA or similar measures. As a result, the methods that we use to calculate Adjusted EBITDA may differ from the methods used by other companies to calculate their non-GAAP measures.

About The Peck Company Holdings, Inc.

Headquartered in South Burlington, VT, The Peck Company Holdings, Inc. is a 2nd-generation family business founded in 1972 and rooted in values that align people, purpose, and profitability. Ranked by Solar Power World as one of the leading commercial solar contractors in the Northeastern United States, the Company provides EPC services to solar energy customers for projects ranging in size from several kilowatts for residential properties to multi-megawatt systems for large commercial and utility scale projects. The Company has installed over 125 megawatts worth of solar systems since it started installing solar in 2012 and continues its focus on profitable growth opportunities. Please visit www.peckcompany.com for additional information.

Forward Looking Statements

This press release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, which are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended. Words or phrases such as "may," "should," "expects," "could," "intends," "plans," "anticipates," "estimates," "believes," "forecasts," "predicts" or other similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, which include, without limitation, earnings forecasts, effective tax rate, statements relating to our business strategy and statements of expectations, beliefs, future plans and strategies and anticipated developments concerning our industry, business, operations and financial performance and condition.

The forward-looking statements included in this press release are based on our current expectations, projections, estimates and assumptions. These statements are only predictions, not guarantees. Such forward-looking statements are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict. These risks and uncertainties may cause actual results to differ materially from what is forecast in such forward-looking statements, and include, without limitation, the risk factors described from time to time in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including our Annual Report on Form 10-K.

All forward-looking statements included in this press release are based on information currently available to us, and we assume no obligation to update any forward-looking statement except as may be required by law.

The Peck Company Holdings, Inc.

Condensed Balance Sheets (Unaudited)

March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019

             
    March 31, 2020     December 31, 2019  
Assets                
Current Assets:                
Cash   $ 56,548     $ 95,930  
Accounts receivable, net of allowance     7,127,680       7,294,605  
Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings     1,470,076       1,272,372  
Other current assets     139,048       201,326  
Total current assets     8,793,352       8,864,233  
                 
Property and equipment:                
Building and improvements     672,727       672,727  
Vehicles     1,283,364       1,283,364  
Tools and equipment     517,602       517,602  
Solar arrays     6,386,025       6,386,025  
      8,859,718       8,859,718  
Less accumulated depreciation     (2,348,019 )     (2,193,007 )
      6,511,911       6,666,711  
Other Assets:                
Captive insurance investment     198,105       140,875  
                 
Total assets   $ 15,503,156     $ 15,671,819  
                 
Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity                
                 
Current Liabilities:                
Accounts payable, includes bank overdrafts of $631,936 and $1,496,695 at March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively   $ 2,496,275     $ 4,274,517  
Accrued expenses     138,125       119,211  
Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings on uncompleted contracts     287,451       126,026  
Due to stockholders     51,315       342,718  
Line of credit     5,622,691       3,185,041  
Current portion of deferred compensation     27,880       27,880  
Current portion of long-term debt     376,814       426,254  
Total current liabilities     9,000,551       8,501,647  
                 
Long-term liabilities:                
Deferred compensation, net of current portion     81,133       88,883  
Deferred tax liability     955,420       1,098,481  
Long-term debt, net of current portion     1,881,923       1,966,047  
Total liabilities     11,919,027       11,655,058  
                 
Commitments and Contingencies (Note 9)                
                 
Stockholders’ equity:                
Preferred stock – 0.0001 par value 1,000,000 shares authorized, 0 issued and outstanding     -       -  
Common stock – 0.0001 par value 49,000,000 shares authorized, 5,298,159 issued and outstanding as of March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively     529       529  
Additional paid-in capital     412,356       412,356  
Retained earnings     3,171,244       3,603,876  
Total Stockholders’ equity     3,584,129       4,016,761  
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity   $ 15,503,156     $ 15,671,819  

The Peck Company Holdings, Inc.

Condensed Statements of Operations (Unaudited)

For the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019

       
    Three Months ended  
    March 31,  
    2020     2019  
             
Earned revenue   $ 3,984,680     $ 3,850,477  
Cost of earned revenue     3,668,167       2,963,450  
Gross profit     316,513       887,027  
                 
Warehousing and other operating expenses     192,942       207,507  
General and administrative expenses     617,748       257,709  
Total operating expenses     810,690       456,216  
Operating (loss) income     (494,177 )     421,811  
                 
Other expenses                
Interest expense     (80,766 )     (44,659 )
                 
Income (loss) before income taxes     (574,943 )     377,152  
(Benefit) provision for income taxes     (142,311 )     500  
                 
Net (loss) income   $ (432,632 )   $ 376,652  
                 
Proforma information                
Net income           $ 377,152  
Income tax expense             104,547  
            $ 272,605  
Net (loss) income per share:                
Weighted average shares outstanding                
Basic     5,298,159       3,234,501  
Diluted     5,298,159       3,234,501  
                 
Basic   $ (0.08 )   $ 0.12  
Diluted   $ (0.08 )   $ 0.12  

The Peck Company Holdings, Inc.

Condensed Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited)

For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2020 and 2019

             
    2020     2019  
Cash flows from operating activities                
Net (loss) income   $ (432,632 )   $ 376,652  
                 
Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) income to net cash (used in) provided by operating activities:                
Depreciation     155,012       150,483  
Deferred finance charge amortization     1,535       -  
Deferred tax benefit     (143,061 )     -  
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:                
Accounts receivable     166,925       (585,222 )
Other current assets     62,278       -  
Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings     (197,704 )     -  
Accounts payable     (1,778,242 )     136,232  
Accrued expenses     18,914       (2,025 )
Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings on uncompleted contracts     161,425       -  
Deferred compensation     (7,750 )     (13.376 )
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities     (1,993,300 )     62,744  
                 
Cash flows from investing activities:                
Purchase of solar arrays and equipment     -       (18,798 )
Investment in captive insurance     (57,230 )     (58,215 )
Net cash used in investing activities     (57,230 )     (77,013 )
                 
Cash flows from financing activities:                
Net borrowings on line of credit     2,437,650       317,568  
Payments of long-term debt     (135,099 )     (124,428 )
Payments to stockholders     (291,403 )     (112,968 )
Stockholder distributions paid     -       (190,199 )
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities     2,011,148       (110,027 )
Net decrease in cash     (39,382 )     (124,296 )
Cash, beginning of period     95,930       313,217  
Cash, end of period   $ 56,548     $ 188,921  
                 
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information                
                 
Cash paid during the year for:                
Interest   $ 79,231     $ 44,659  
Income taxes     366       250  

Source: SOUTH BURLINGTON, Vt.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Peck Company Holdings, Inc 5.14.2020