sept302010qtlyrpt.htm
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C.  20549

FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)
[√]
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2010
 
OR
[  ]
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
For the transition period from ________ to_________

 
Commission file number:
 
1-33891
 
Orion's Logo

 
 
ORION MARINE GROUP, INC.
 
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

DELAWARE
26-0097459
(State or other jurisdiction of
Incorporation or organization)
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification Number)
 
12000 Aerospace Dr. Suite 300
Houston, Texas
 
 
77034
(Address of principal executive offices)
 
(Zip Code)
(713) 852-6500
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)


Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days
  Yes [√]  No [  ]

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate website, if any, every interactive date file required to be submitted  and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files
Yes [  ]  No [   ]

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company.  See definitions of “Large Accelerated Filer,” “Accelerated Filer,” and “Smaller Reporting Company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one)
Large accelerated filer [  ]     Accelerated filer [√]  Non-accelerated filer [  ]   Smaller reporting company  [  ]

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).  Yes [  ]  No [√]

As of November 1, 2010, 26,899,679 shares of the Registrant’s common stock, $0.01 par value were outstanding.
 
 
 
 
1

 
 
ORION MARINE GROUP, INC.
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended September 30, 2010
INDEX


PART I
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
 
Item 1
Financial Statements (Unaudited)
Page
   
3
   
 
4
   
 
5
   
 
6
   
7
 
Item 2
17
 
Item 3
21
 
Item 4
22
PART II
OTHER INFORMATION
 
 
Item1
23
 
Item 1A
23
 
Item 6
23
       
       
       
       
 
SIGNATURES
24
       
       

 
 
 
 
2

 
Part I – Financial Information
Orion Marine Group, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
(Unaudited)
(In Thousands, Except Share and Per Share Information)

   
September 30,
   
December 31,
 
   
2010
   
2009
 
ASSETS
           
Current assets:
           
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 28,600     $ 104,736  
Accounts receivable:
               
Trade, net of allowance of $0 and $1,203, respectively
    37,298       32,819  
Retainage
    9,458       12,028  
Other
    1,589       922  
Income taxes receivable
    3,025       3,040  
Note receivable
    121       961  
Inventory
    2,355       1,472  
Deferred tax asset
    1,798       1,499  
Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings on
uncompleted contracts
    29,201       10,868  
Prepaid expenses and other
    604       1,624  
Total current assets
    114,049       169,969  
Property and equipment, net
    160,248       90,790  
Goodwill
    31,161       12,096  
Intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization
    396       248  
Other assets
    37       54  
Total assets
  $ 305,891     $ 273,157  
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
               
Current liabilities:
               
Accounts payable:
               
Trade
  $ 27,303     $ 23,680  
Retainage
    1,310       1,227  
Accrued liabilities
    14,759       8,354  
Taxes payable
    301       312  
Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings on uncompleted contracts
     6,114        5,636  
Total current liabilities
    49,787       39,209  
Other long-term liabilities
    729       514  
Deferred income taxes
    12,084       11,453  
Deferred revenue
    274       315  
Total liabilities
    62,874       51,491  
Commitments and contingencies
               
Stockholders’ equity:
               
Common stock -- $0.01 par value, 50,000,000 authorized, 26,911,910 and 26,852,407 issued; 26,899,679 and 26,840,761 outstanding at September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, respectively
        269           268  
Treasury stock, 12,231 and 11,646 shares, at cost
    --       --  
Additional paid-in capital
    153,823       151,361  
Retained earnings
    88,925       70,037  
Total stockholders’ equity
    243,017       221,666  
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
  $ 305,891     $ 273,157  

 
See notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements
 
 
 
3

 
 
Orion Marine Group, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income
 (Unaudited)
(In Thousands, Except Share and Per Share Information)


   
Three months ended September 30,
   
Nine months ended
September 30,
 
 
 
 
2010
   
2009
   
2010
   
2009
 
                         
Contract revenues
  $ 100,024     $ 81,466     $ 262,706     $ 222,259  
Costs of contract revenues
    81,594       65,468       209,100       173,112  
Gross profit
    18,430       15,998       53,606       49,147  
Selling, general and administrative expenses
    6,970       7,699       25,720       23,638  
     Income from operations
    11,460       8,299       27,886       25,509  
Other (income) expense
                               
     Other income
    --       --       (2,176 )     --  
     Interest income
    (11 )     (78 )     (43 )     (275 )
     Interest expense
    68       88       92       524  
Other (income) expense, net
    57       10       (2,127 )     249  
Income before income taxes
    11,403       8,289       30,013       25,260  
Income tax expense
    4,305       2,892       11,125       9,236  
Net income
  $ 7,098     $ 5,397     $ 18,888     $ 16,024  
                                 
                                 
Basic earnings per share
  $ 0.26     $ 0.22     $ 0.70     $ 0.71  
Diluted earnings per share
  $ 0.26     $ 0.22     $ 0.70     $ 0.70  
Shares used to compute earnings per share:
                               
     Basic
    26,899,591       24,241,749       26,883,815       22,485,770  
     Diluted
    27,094,326       24,678,251       27,165,987       22,896,150  


See notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements

 
 
4

 
 
Orion Marine Group, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Condensed Consolidated Statement of Stockholders’ Equity
For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2010
(Unaudited)
(In Thousands, Except Share Information)

   
Common
   
Treasury
   
Additional
             
   
Stock
   
Stock
   
Paid-In
   
Retained
       
   
Shares
   
Amount
   
Shares
   
Amount
   
Capital
   
Earnings
   
Total
 
Balance, January 1, 2010
    26,852,407     $ 268       (11,646 )   $ --     $ 151,361     $ 70,037     $ 221,666  
 
Stock-based compensation
                                    1,876               1,876  
Exercise of stock options
    55,964       1                       527               528  
Excess tax benefits from exercise of stock options
                                    59               59  
Issuance of restricted stock
    3,539       --                       --               --  
Forfeiture of restricted stock
                    (585 )     --                       --  
                                                         
Net income
                                 —       18,888       18,888  
Balance, September 30, 2010
    26,911,910     $ 269       (12,231 )   $ --     $ 153,823     $ 88,925     $ 243,017  


See notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements


 
5

 
 
Orion Marine Group, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
Nine months ended
(Unaudited)
(In Thousands)
   
September 30,
 
   
2010
   
2009
 
Cash flows from operating activities
           
Net income
  $ 18,888     $ 16,024  
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by
               
operating activities:
               
Depreciation and amortization
    14,061       14,712  
Deferred financing cost amortization
    231       189  
Bad debt expense
    (328 )     442  
Deferred income taxes
    332       (1,226 )
Stock-based compensation
    1,876       1,059  
Gain on sale of property and equipment
    (357 )     (245 )
Gain on bargain purchase from acquisition of business
    (2,176 )     --  
Excess tax benefit from stock option exercise
    (59 )     (1,456 )
Change in operating assets and liabilities, excluding effects of businesses acquired:
               
Accounts receivable
    3,100       (4,956 )
Income tax receivable
    75       3,276  
Inventory
    (883 )     (1,006 )
Note receivable
    1,214       (765 )
Prepaid expenses and other
    637       1,386  
Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings
               
   on uncompleted contracts
    (16,831 )     (1,866 )
Accounts payable
    (2,967 )     7,594  
Accrued liabilities
    3,633       3,551  
Income tax payable
    (10 )     353  
Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings
               
  on uncompleted contracts
    (1,516 )     (6,264 )
Deferred revenue
    (41 )     (42 )
   Net cash provided by operating activities
    18,879       30,760  
Cash flows from investing activities:
               
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment
    526       673  
Purchase of property and equipment
    (25,071 )     (8,389 )
Acquisition of assets in Pacific Northwest
    (6,653 )     --  
Acquisition of business (net of cash acquired)
    (64,000 )     --  
   Net cash used in investing activities
    (95,198 )     (7,716 )
Cash flows from financing activities:
               
Exercise of stock options
    528       1,876  
Excess tax benefit from stock option exercise
    59       1,456  
Proceeds from the sale of common stock
    --       91,345  
Expenses from the sale of common stock
    --       (324 )
Increase in loan costs
    (404 )     --  
Payments on long-term debt
    --       (34,125 )
Net cash provided by financing activities
    183       60,228  
Net change in cash and cash equivalents
    (76,136 )     83,272  
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
    104,736       25,712  
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
  $ 28,600     $ 108,984  
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
               
Cash paid during the period for:
               
Interest
  $ 84     $ 539  
Taxes
  $ 10,696     $ 6,831  
See notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements
 
 

6

 

Orion Marine Group, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2010
(Unaudited)
(Tabular Amounts in thousands, Except for Share and per Share Amounts)

1.  Description of Business and Basis of Presentation

Description of Business

Orion Marine Group, Inc., and its wholly-owned subsidiaries (hereafter collectively referred to as “Orion” or the “Company”) provide a broad range of marine construction services on, over and under the water along the Gulf Coast, the Atlantic Seaboard, the West Coast, Canada and the Caribbean Basin.  Our heavy civil marine projects include marine transportation facilities; bridges and causeways; marine pipeline construction; marine environmental structures, mechanical and hydraulic dredging and specialty projects.  We are headquartered in Houston, Texas.

Although we describe our business in this report in terms of the services we provide, our base of customers and the geographic areas in which we operate, we have concluded that our operations comprise one reportable segment pursuant to Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standard Codification (“ASC”) Topic 280 – Segment Reporting.  In making this determination, we considered that each project has similar characteristics, includes similar services, has similar types of customers and is subject to similar regulatory environments.  We organize, evaluate and manage our financial information around each project when making operating decisions and assessing our overall performance.

Basis of Presentation

The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements and financial information included herein have been prepared pursuant to the interim period reporting requirements of Form 10-Q.  Consequently, certain information and note disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States have been condensed or omitted.  Readers of this report should also read our consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2009 (“2009 Form 10-K”) as well as Item 7 – Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations also included in our 2009 Form 10-K.
 
In the opinion of management, the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements contain all adjustments considered necessary for a fair presentation of the Company’s financial position, results of operations and cash flows for the periods presented.  Such adjustments are of a normal recurring nature.  Interim results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010, are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2010.

2.   Summary of Significant Accounting Principles

The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“U.S. GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period.   Management’s estimates, judgments and assumptions are continually evaluated based on available information and experience; however, actual amounts could differ from those estimates.  The Company’s significant accounting policies are more fully described in Note 2 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in the 2009 Form 10-K.

On an ongoing basis, the Company evaluates the significant accounting policies used to prepare its condensed consolidated financial statements, including, but not limited to, those related to:
 
·  
Revenue recognition from construction contracts;
·  
Allowance for doubtful accounts;
·  
Testing of goodwill and other long-lived assets for possible impairment;
·  
Income taxes;
·  
Self-insurance; and
·  
Stock based compensation
 
 

 
7

 
Revenue Recognition

The Company records revenue on construction contracts for financial statement purposes on the percentage-of-completion method, measured by the percentage of contract costs incurred to date to total estimated costs for each contract. This method is used because management considers contract costs incurred to be the best available measure of progress on these contracts. The Company follows the guidance of ASC 605-35 – Revenue Recognition, Construction-Type and Production-Type Contracts, for its accounting policy relating to the use of the percentage-of-completion method, estimated costs and claim recognition for construction contracts. Changes in job performance, job conditions and estimated profitability, including those arising from final contract settlements, may result in revisions to costs and revenues and are recognized in the period in which the revisions are determined. Provisions for estimated losses on uncompleted contracts are made in the period in which such losses are determined.  Revenue is recorded net of any sales taxes collected and paid on behalf of the customer, if applicable.

The current asset “costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings on uncompleted contracts” represents revenues recognized in excess of amounts billed, which management believes will be billed and collected within one year of the completion of the contract. The liability “billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings on uncompleted contracts” represents billings in excess of revenues recognized.

The Company’s projects are typically short in duration, and usually span a period of three to nine months.  Historically, we have not combined or segmented contracts.

Classification of Current Assets and Liabilities
The Company includes in current assets and liabilities amounts realizable and payable in the normal course of contract completion.

Cash and Cash Equivalents
The Company considers all highly liquid investments with a maturity of three months or less when purchased to be cash equivalents.  At times, cash held by financial institutions may exceed federally insured limits.  The Company has not historically sustained losses on our cash balances in excess of federally insured limits.  Cash equivalents at September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009 consisted primarily of money market mutual funds and overnight bank deposits.

Risk Concentrations

Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk principally consist of cash and cash equivalents and accounts receivable.

The Company depends on its ability to continue to obtain federal, state and local governmental contracts, and indirectly, on the amount of funding available to these agencies for new and current governmental projects. Therefore, the Company’s operations can be influenced by the level and timing of government funding.  Statutory mechanics liens provide the Company high priority in the event of lien foreclosures following financial difficulties of private owners, thus minimizing credit risk with private customers.

At September 30, 2010, 10.2% of our accounts receivable was due from a single customer, and at December 31, 2009, one customer accounted for 12.3% of total receivables. In the three months ended September 30, 2010 two customers generated 47.5% of total revenue(34.6% and 12.9%, respectively).  In the three months ended September 30, 2009, one customer generated 13.7% of total revenues for the period.  In the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, one customer generated 30.3% and 14.5% of total revenues, respectively.

Accounts Receivable

Accounts receivable are stated at the historical carrying value, less write-offs and allowances for doubtful accounts. The Company writes off uncollectible accounts receivable against the allowance for doubtful accounts if it is determined that the amounts will not be collected or if a settlement is reached for an amount that is less than the carrying value. As of September 30, 2010 the Company did not have an allowance for doubtful accounts.  At December 31, 2009, the Company had an allowance for doubtful accounts of $1.2 million.  The decrease was due to a write-off of a receivable upon settlement which had previously been fully reserved, as well as collection of a previously reserved receivable.

Balances billed to customers but not paid pursuant to retainage provisions in construction contracts generally become payable upon contract completion and acceptance by the owner.  Retention at September 30, 2010 totaled $9.5 million, of which $0.3 million is expected to be collected beyond 2010.  Retention at December 31, 2009 totaled $12.0 million.
 
 

 
8

 
Income Taxes

The Company determines its consolidated income tax provision using the asset and liability method prescribed by US GAAP, which requires the recognition of income tax expense for the amount of taxes payable or refundable for the current period and for deferred tax liabilities and assets for the future tax consequences of events that have been recognized in an entity’s financial statements or tax returns.   The Company accounts for any uncertain tax positions in accordance with the provisions of US GAAP, which prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for financial statement disclosure of tax positions taken, or expected to be taken, on our consolidated tax return.  The Company has not recorded a liability for uncertain tax positions at December 31, 2009 or September 30, 2010.

Insurance Coverage

The Company maintains insurance coverage for its business and operations.  Insurance related to property, equipment, automobile, general liability, and a portion of workers' compensation is provided through traditional policies, subject to a deductible.  A portion of the Company's workers’ compensation exposure is covered through a mutual association, which is subject to supplemental calls.
 
Separately, the Company’s employee health care is provided through a trust, administered by a third party.  The Company funds the trust based on current claims.  The administrator has purchased appropriate stop-loss coverage.  Losses on these policies up to the deductible amounts are accrued based upon known claims incurred and an estimate of claims incurred but not reported.  The accruals are derived from known facts, historical trends and industry averages to determine the best estimate of the ultimate expected loss.   Actual claims may vary from our estimate.  We include any adjustments to such reserves in our consolidated results of operations in the period in which they become known.
 
Stock-Based Compensation

The Company recognizes compensation expense for equity awards over the vesting period based on the fair value of these awards at the date of grant.  The computed fair value of these awards is recognized as a non-cash cost over the period the employee provides services, which is typically the vesting period of the award.   The fair value of options granted is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model.  The fair value of restricted stock grants is equivalent to the fair value of the stock issued on the date of grant.

Compensation expense is recognized only for share-based payments expected to vest. The Company estimates forfeitures at the date of grant based on historical experience and future expectations.

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

Goodwill
 
The Company has acquired businesses and assets in purchase transactions that resulted in the recognition of goodwill.  Goodwill represents the costs in excess of fair values assigned to the underlying net assets in the acquisition.  In accordance with US GAAP, acquired goodwill is not amortized, but is subject to impairment testing at least annually or more frequently if events or circumstances indicate that the asset more likely than not may be impaired.

Intangible assets
Intangible assets that have finite lives continue to be subject to amortization.  In addition, the Company must evaluate the remaining useful life in each reporting period to determine whether events and circumstances warrant a revision of the remaining period of amortization.  If the estimate of an intangible asset’s remaining life is changed, the remaining carrying value of such asset is amortized prospectively over that revised remaining useful life.

New Accounting Standards

In January 2010, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2010-06, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures (the “Update”), which provides amendments to Accounting Standards Codification 820-10 (Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures – Overall Subtopic) of the Codification.  The Update requires improved disclosures about fair value measurements.  Separate disclosures need to be made of the amounts of significant transfers in and out of Level 1 and Level 2 fair value measurements along with a description of the reasons for the transfers.  Also, disclosure of activity in Level 3 fair value measurements needs to be made on a gross basis rather than as one net number.  The Update also requires: (1) fair value measurement disclosures for each class of assets and liabilities, and (2) disclosures about the valuation techniques and inputs used to measure fair value for both recurring and nonrecurring fair value measurements, which are required for fair value measurements that fall in either Level 2 or Level 3.  The new disclosures and clarifications of existing disclosures are effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2009, except for the Level 3 activity disclosures, which are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2010, and for interim periods within those fiscal years.  Because these are enhanced disclosure requirements, there has been no impact on the Company’s results of operations or financial position.  In addition, the enhanced disclosure requirements have not materially affected he Company’s financial reporting.
 
 
 
9

 
3.   Acquisition of T.W. LaQuay Dredging, LLC and assets purchased by Northwest Marine Construction

On January 28, 2010, the Company  purchased (a) the membership interests of T.W. LaQuay Dredging, LLC (“TWLD”), a Texas limited liability company, from LaQuay Holdings, Inc. (the “Seller”), (b) all of the issued and outstanding capital stock of Industrial Channel and Dock Company, a Texas Corporation, and Commercial Channel and Dock Company, a Texas Corporation (collectively, the “Channel and Dock Companies”), from Timothy W. LaQuay and Linda F. LaQuay (the principal shareholders of the Seller, the “Principal Shareholders”), and (c) certain parcels of real property located in Port Lavaca, Texas from the Principal Shareholders (collectively, the “Purchase Transactions”).  TWLD and its predecessor company have operated as a marine construction and dredging company in the Gulf Coast markets since 2000.  The integration of TWLD’s operations and assets have added to the Company’s dredging fleet and enhanced its presence in the Gulf Coast.  At the closing, the Company entered into a consulting agreement with Timothy and Linda LaQuay and with Charles F. Barnett for a term of one year from the Closing Date.

Upon the terms of and subject to the conditions set forth in the Purchase Agreement, the total aggregate consideration paid by the Company to the Seller and the Principal Shareholders consisted of the following:

·  
Cash consideration of $55.5 million, paid to the Seller for the membership interests of T.W. LaQuay Dredging;
·  
Cash consideration of $4.5 million, paid to the Principal Shareholders for the Channel and Dock Companies and the above mentioned parcels of land; and
·  
Up to an additional $4.0 million (to be held in escrow) payable to Seller as a result of an increase in the purchase price of the membership interests by the amount of any additional taxes incurred by the Seller arising from the allocation of the membership interests purchase price, as further described in Section 1060 of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code, as amended.
 
 
The Purchase Agreement contains customary representations, warranties, covenants and indemnities, including certain post-closing covenants with respect to confidentiality and non-competition.

The following table summarizes the preliminary allocation of the purchase price:

Fair value of working capital items
  $ (4,067 )
Property and equipment
  $ 49,002  
Goodwill
  $ 19,065  
Total
  $ 64,000  

The purchase price has been allocated to the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed using estimated fair values as of the acquisition date.  The estimates and assumptions are subject to change upon the finalization of valuations, which are contingent upon final appraisals of property and equipment, identifiable intangible assets, and other adjustments through January 28, 2010.  Revisions to the preliminary purchase price allocation could result in significant deviations from the preliminary allocation.

The Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements at September 30, 2010 include results of TWLD for the period since the acquisition.  Pro-forma information is presented below as if the purchase had occurred on January 1 of each reporting period:

   
Three months ended September 30,
   
Nine months ended September 30,
 
   
2010
   
2009
   
2010
   
2009
 
Revenue
  $ 100,024     $ 90,683     $ 266,507     $ 251,751  
Income before taxes
    11,403       9,577       30,465       34,253  
Net income
  $ 7,098     $ 6,277     $ 19,172     $ 21,729  
Earnings per share:
                               
     Basic
  $ 0.26     $ 0.26     $ 0.71     $ 0.97  
     Diluted
  $ 0.26     $ 0.25     $ 0.71     $ 0.95  


On February 11, 2010, the Company purchased several heavy civil marine construction equipment items including derrick barges, cranes, hammers and ancillary equipment from a private company exiting the marine construction business, for a purchase price of approximately $7.0 million.  In accordance with ASC 820, the Company recorded these assets at fair value, which was based on information derived from dealer markets, known transactions, and availability in the marketplace.  The Company’s preliminary valuation of these assets  is approximately $9.2 million, which resulted in a gain of approximately $2.2 million.  The Company is still in the process of finalizing its purchase price allocation to these assets.   Pro forma information is not presented, as the Company’s purchase of assets was limited to items of equipment.

4.  Contracts in Progress

Contracts in progress are as follows at September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009:

 
 
September 30,
2010
   
December 31,
2009
 
Costs incurred on uncompleted contracts
  $ 314,227     $ 235,175  
Estimated earnings
    93,152       61,486  
      407,379       296,661  
Less: Billings to date
    (384,292 )     (291,429 )
    $ 23,087     $ 5,232  
Included in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets under the following captions:
               
Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings on uncompleted contracts
  $ 29,201     $ 10,868  
Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings on uncompleted contracts
    (6,114 )     (5,636 )
    $ 23,087     $ 5,232  

Contract costs include all direct costs, such as materials and labor, and those indirect costs related to contract performance such as payroll taxes and insurance. Provisions for estimated losses on uncompleted contracts are made in the period in which such losses are determined. Changes in job performance, job conditions and estimated profitability may result in revisions to costs and income and are recognized in the period in which the revisions are determined. An amount equal to contract costs attributable to claims is included in revenues when realization is probable and the amount can be reliably estimated.
 
 
 
10

 
5.  Property and Equipment

The following is a summary of property and equipment at September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009:

 
 
 
September 30,
2010
   
December 31,
2009
 
Automobiles and trucks
  $ 1,950     $ 1,409  
Building and improvements
    13,026       12,832  
Construction equipment
    135,434       92,230  
Dredges and dredging equipment
    66,599       44,912  
Office equipment
    3,144       2,460  
      220,153       153,843  
Less: accumulated depreciation
    (95,515 )     (82,671 )
Net book value of depreciable assets
    124,638       71,172  
Construction in progress
    26,256       14,389  
Land
    9,354       5,229  
    $ 160,248     $ 90,790  

For the three months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, depreciation expense was $4.9 million and $4.0 million, respectively.  Depreciation expense for the nine month periods ended September 30, 2010 and 2009 was $14.0 million and $11.7 million, respectively.  The assets of the Company are pledged as collateral for the Company’s credit facility.

6.  Inventory

Inventory at September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, of $2.4 million  and $1.5 million, respectively, consists of spare parts and small equipment held for use in the ordinary course of business.

7.  Fair Value

The fair value of financial instruments is the amount at which the instrument could be exchanged in a current transaction between willing parties.  Due to their short term nature, we believe that the carrying value of our accounts receivables, other current assets, accounts payable and other current liabilities approximate their fair values. We have a note receivable in the amount of $121,000 from a customer.  Due to the short-term payment schedule, we believe that the carrying value of the note receivable approximates its fair value.

8.  Goodwill and Intangible Assets

Goodwill

The table below summarizes changes in goodwill recorded by the Company during the periods ended September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009:

   
September 30, 2010
   
December 31, 2009
 
Beginning balance, January 1……………...
  $ 12,096     $ 12,096  
Additions………………………………..…
    19,065       --  
Ending balance……………………….…....
  $ 31,161     $ 12,096  
 
 Intangible assets
The Company’s intangible assets consists primarily of non-compete agreements, which amortize over the next 6 months.  The Company is continuing to identify and evaluate intangible assets, if any, related to the TWLD acquisition.

9.  Long-term Debt and Line of Credit

On June 29, 2010, the Company entered into a credit agreement with Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as administrative agent, and Wells Fargo Securities, LLC as sole lead arranger and bookrunner; and the lenders from time to time as party thereto.

The Credit Agreement provides for borrowings of up to $75,000,000 under revolving and swingline loans (as defined in the Credit Agreement) with a $20,000,000 sublimit for the issuance of letters of credit.  An additional $25 million is available under the facility subject to the lenders’ discretion (together, the “Credit Facility”).  The Credit Facility matures on September 30, 2013, and is guaranteed by the subsidiaries of the Company.  The Credit Facility may be used to finance working capital, repay indebtedness, fund acquisitions, and for other general corporate purposes.

Revolving loans may be designated as prime rate based loans (“ABR Loans”) or Eurodollar Loans, at the Company’s request, and may be made in integrals of $500,000, in the case of an ABR Loan, or $1,000,000 in the case of a Eurodollar Loan.   Swingline loans may only be designated as ABR Loans, and may be made in amounts equal to integral multiples of $100,000.  The Company may convert, change or modify such designations from time to time.  Interest is computed based on the designation of the Loans, and bear interest at either a prime-based interest rate or a LIBOR-based interest rate.  Principal balances drawn under the Credit Facility may be prepaid at any time, in whole or in part, without premium or penalty.  Amounts repaid under the Credit Facility may be re-borrowed.

The Credit Facility contains certain restrictive financial covenants that are usual and customary for similar transactions, including;
·  
A Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio of not less than 1.50 to 1.00 at all times;
·  
A Leverage Ratio of not greater than 2.50 to 1.00 at all times;
·  
A minimum Net Worth of not less than $180 million on the effective date, and at the end of each fiscal quarter thereafter, minimum net worth required as of the end of the immediately preceding fiscal quarter plus 50% of the Borrower’s and its subsidiaries consolidated net income for that quarter, plus 75% of all issuances of equity interests by Borrower during that quarter.

In addition, the Credit Facility contains events of default that are usual and customary for similar transactions, including non-payment of principal, interest or fees; inaccuracy of representations and warranties; violation of covenants; bankruptcy and insolvency events; and events constituting a change of control.

The Company is subject to a commitment fee, payable quarterly in arrears on the unused portion of the Credit Facility at a current rate of 0.25% of the unused balance.  As of September 30, 2010, no amounts had been drawn under the Credit Facility.

At September 30, 2010, the Company was in compliance with all its financial covenants with a sufficient margin as to not impair its ability to incur additional debt or violate the terms of the Credit Facility, and had outstanding letters of credit of $979,221.  Historically, the Company has not relied on debt financing to fund its operations or working capital.
 
 
 
11

 
10.  Income Taxes

The Company’s effective tax rate is based on expected income, statutory tax rates and tax planning opportunities available to it.  For interim financial reporting, the Company estimates its annual tax rate based on projected taxable income for the full year and records a quarterly tax provision in accordance with the anticipated annual rate.  The effective rate for the three months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009 was 37.8% and 34.9%, respectively, and for the nine month periods was 37.1% and 36.6%, respectively.  The effective rate in the current year period differed from the Company’s statutory rate primarily due to state income taxes, the non-deductibility of certain permanent tax items, such as incentive stock compensation expense, offset in part by the benefit of the domestic production activities deduction on its federal tax return, which net effect increased the overall effective tax rate.
 
 
 
Current
   
Deferred
   
Total
 
Three months ended September 30, 2010:
                 
U.S. Federal
  $ 3,752     $ 328     $ 4,080  
State and local
    158       67       225  
    $ 3,910     $ 395     $ 4,305  
Three months ended September 30, 2009:
                       
U.S. Federal
  $ 3,009     $ (58 )   $ 2,951  
State and local
    248       (307     (59 )
    $ 3,257     $ (365 )   $ 2,892  

   
Current
   
Deferred
   
Total
 
Nine months ended September 30, 2010:
                 
U.S. Federal
  $ 10,570     $ 253     $ 10,823  
State and local
    223       79       302  
    $ 10,793     $ 332     $ 11,125  
Nine months ended September 30, 2009:
                       
U.S. Federal
  $ 9,786     $ (986 )   $ 8,800  
State and local
    676       (240     436  
    $ 10,462     $ (1,226 )   $ 9,236  

The Company does not believe that its uncertain tax positions will significantly change due to the settlement and expiration of statutes of limitations prior to September 30, 2011.

11.  Earnings Per Share

Basic earnings per share are based on the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during each period. Diluted earnings per share is based on the weighted average number of common shares outstanding and the effect of all dilutive common stock equivalents during each period.

The following table reconciles the denominators used in the computations of both basic and diluted earnings per share:

   
Three months ended
September 30,
   
Nine months ended
September 30,
 
   
2010
   
2009
   
2010
   
2009
 
Basic:
                       
Weighted average shares outstanding
    26,899,591       24,241,749       26,883,815       22,485,770  
                                 
Diluted:
                               
     Total basic weighted average shares outstanding
    26,899,591       24,241,749       26,883,815       22,485,770  
     Effect of dilutive securities:
                               
          Common stock options
    194,735       436,502       282,172       410,380  
Total weighted average shares outstanding assuming dilution
    27,094,326       24,678,251       27,165,987       22,896,150  
                                 
Anti-dilutive stock options
    539,351       26,677       283,340       209,848  
Shares of common stock issued from the exercise of stock options
    224       17,981       55,964       375,198  
 

 
12

 
12.  Stock-Based Compensation

The Compensation Committee of the Company’s Board of Directors is responsible for the administration of the Company’s two stock incentive plans.  In general, the plans provide for grants of restricted stock and stock options to be issued with a per-share price equal to the fair market value of a share of common stock on the date of grant.  Option terms are specified at each grant date, but generally are 10 years.  Options generally vest over a three to five year period.  Total shares of common stock that may be delivered under these plans may not exceed 2,943,946.

Compensation expense related to stock options  for the three month period ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, was $481,000 and $350,000, respectively; and for the nine month period was $1.9 million and $1.1 million in 2010 and 2009, respectively.  In the nine months ended September 30, 2010, the Company granted options to purchase 6,481 shares of common stock and used the Black-Scholes option pricing model to estimate the fair value of stock-based awards.  The option awards granted in 2010 used the following weighted average assumptions:

Expected life of options
4 years
Expected volatility
57.5%
Risk-free interest rate
1.50%
Dividend yield
0.0%
Grant date fair value
$7.41

In March 2010, 3,539 shares of common stock were granted to certain employees of the Company.  These shares are restricted from sale until vesting requirements are fulfilled, which vesting is over a period of three years from the date of grant.  Compensation expense to be recorded over the three year vesting period is approximately $63,000.

During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010, the Company received proceeds of approximately $1,000 and $528,000 from the exercise of 224 and 55,964 stock options, respectively.  Proceeds received by the Company for the exercise of stock options for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2009 was $208,000 and $1.9 million, respectively.

13.  Commitments and Contingencies

From time to time the Company is a party 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, property damage, punitive damages, civil penalties or other losses, or injunctive or declaratory relief.  With respect to such lawsuits, the Company accrues reserves when it is probable a liability has been incurred and the amount of loss can be reasonably estimated.  The Company does not believe any of these proceedings, individually or in the aggregate, would be expected to have a material adverse effect on results of operations, cash flows or financial condition.

The Company was named as one of a substantial number of defendants in numerous individual claims and lawsuits brought by the residents and landowners of New Orleans, Louisiana and surrounding areas in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana. These suits have been classified as a subcategory of suits under the more expansive proceeding, In re Canal Breaches Consolidation Litigation, Civil Action No: 05-4182, (E.D. La,), which was instituted in late 2005. While not technically class actions, the individual claims and lawsuits are being prosecuted in a manner similar to that employed for federal class actions. The claims are based on flooding and related damage from Hurricane Katrina. In general, the claimants state that the flooding and related damage resulted from the failure of certain aspects of the levee system constructed by the Corps of Engineers, and the claimants seek recovery of alleged general and special damages. The Corps of Engineers contracted with various private dredging companies, including us, to perform maintenance dredging of the waterways. On October 15, 2010, the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit affirmed the lower court’s decision and dismissed the claimants’ suit against us and all defendant dredgers.
 
 
 
13

 
14.   Enterprise Wide Disclosures

The Company is a heavy civil contractor specializing in marine construction, and operates as a single segment, as each project has similar characteristics, includes similar services, has similar types of customers and is subject to the same regulatory environment.  The Company organizes and evaluates its financial information around each project when making operating decisions and assessing its overall performance.

The following table represents concentrations of revenue by type of customer for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009.

   
Three months ended September 30,
   
Nine months ended September 30,
 
   
2010
   
%
   
2009
   
%
   
2010
   
%
   
2009
   
%
 
Federal……..
  $ 45,135       45 %   $ 8,316       10 %   $ 100,127       38 %   $ 36,373       17 %
State………..
    10,363       10 %     2,946       4 %     26,364       10 %     20,158       9 %
Local……….
    4,627       5 %     28,628       35 %     32,409       12 %     65,009       29 %
Private………
    39,899       40 %     41,576       51 %     103,806       40 %     100,719       45 %
    $ 100,024       100 %   $ 81,466       100 %   $ 262,706       100 %   $ 222,259       100 %


Revenues generated from projects located in the Caribbean Basin totaled 5% of total revenues in the three months ended September 30, 2010, as compared with 18.5% in the comparable period last year.  For the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, revenues generated from projects located in the Caribbean Basin totaled 6.2% and 14.6% of total revenues, respectively.

The Company’s long-lived assets are substantially located in the United States.

15.  Subsidiary Guarantors

The Company filed a registration statement on Form S−3 which became effective August 7, 2009, and registered certain securities described therein, including debt securities, which may be guaranteed by certain of the Company’s subsidiaries and are to be offered on a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act of 1933. Orion Marine Group, Inc., as the parent company, has no independent assets or operations. The Company contemplates that if it offers guaranteed debt securities pursuant to the registration statement, all guarantees will be full and unconditional and joint and several, and any subsidiaries of the Company other than the subsidiary guarantors will be minor. In addition, there are no restrictions on the ability of Orion Marine Group, Inc. to obtain funds from its subsidiaries by dividend or loan. Finally, there are no restricted assets in any subsidiaries.
 

 
14

 

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

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT CONCERNING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Unless the context otherwise indicates, all references in this quarterly report to “Orion,” “the company,” “we,” “our,” or “us” are to Orion Marine Group, Inc. and its subsidiaries taken as a whole.

Certain information in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, including but not limited to Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (“MD&A”), may constitute forward-looking statements as such term is defined within the meaning of the “safe harbor” provisions of Section 27A of the Securities Exchange Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

All statements other than statements of historical facts, including those that express a belief, expectation, or intention are forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements may include projections and estimates concerning the timing and success of specific projects and our future production, revenues, income and capital spending. Our forward-looking statements are generally accompanied by words such as “estimate,” “project,” “predict,” “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “potential,” “plan,” “goal” or other words that convey the uncertainty of future events or outcomes.

We have based these forward-looking statements on our current expectations and assumptions about future events. While our management considers these expectations and assumptions to be reasonable, they are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive, regulatory and other risks, contingencies and uncertainties, most of which are difficult to predict and many of which are beyond our control. These and other important factors, including those described under “Risk Factors” in Item 1A of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009 (“2009 Form 10-K”) may cause our actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements.  The forward-looking statements in this quarterly report on Form 10-Q speak only as of the date of this report; we disclaim any obligation to update these statements unless required by securities law, and we caution you not to rely on them unduly.

MD&A provides a narrative analysis explaining the reasons for material changes in the Company’s (i) financial condition since the most recent fiscal year-end, and (ii) results of operations during the current fiscal year-to-date period and current fiscal quarter as compared to the corresponding periods of the preceding fiscal year.  In order to better understand such changes, this MD&A should be read in conjunction with the Company’s fiscal 2009 audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in its 2009 Form 10-K, Item 7 Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations included in our 2009 Form 10-K  and with our unaudited financial statements and related notes appearing elsewhere in this quarterly report.

Overview

We are a leading marine specialty contractor serving the heavy civil marine infrastructure market. We provide a broad range of marine construction and specialty services on, over and under the water along the Gulf Coast, the Atlantic Seaboard, the West Coast, Canada, and the Caribbean Basin. Our customers include federal, state and municipal governments, the combination of which accounted for approximately 60% of our revenue in the three months ended September 30, 2010, as well as private commercial and industrial enterprises. We are headquartered in Houston, Texas.

Our contracts are obtained primarily through competitive bidding by federal, state and local agencies and through negotiation with private parties. Our bidding activity is affected by such factors as backlog, current utilization of equipment and other resources, ability to obtain necessary surety bonds and competitive considerations. The timing and location of awarded contracts may result in unpredictable fluctuations in the results of our operations.

Most of our revenue is derived from fixed-price contracts. There are a number of factors that can create variability in contract performance and therefore impact the results of our operations. The most significant of these include the following:
 
completeness and accuracy of the original bid;
 
increases in commodity prices such as concrete, steel and fuel;
 
customer delays and work stoppages due to weather and environmental restrictions;
 
availability and skill level of workers; and
 
a change in availability and proximity of equipment and materials.

All of these factors can impose inefficiencies on contract performance, which can impact the timing of revenue recognition and contract profitability. We plan our operations and bidding activity with these factors in mind and they have not had a material adverse impact on the results of our operations in the past.

Recent Developments.  In the first quarter of 2010, we continued to execute our growth strategy through the acquisition of Texas-based TW LaQuay Dredging, LLC (“TWLD”), a specialty dredging service provider that focuses on near shore dredging projects, and we established a base to serve the Pacific Northwest and West Coast through the purchase of marine equipment, including derrick barges, cranes, hammers and ancillary items.  These acquisitions, along with our continued investment in specialized equipment to enhance our lift capabilities and expand our fleet, were funded with the proceeds generated from our common stock offering in 2009.

Outlook.  We continue to see strong bidding activity in our end markets and geographic areas.  Sources of bid opportunities available to us include:
·  
Port infrastructure, including Gulf Coast and Southeast Atlantic ports, which are expected to continue with expansion plans and rehabilitation projects.
·  
Bridge maintenance, alterations, and construction, which should be a priority for states, with funding from highway transportation programs.
·  
Bid activity and funding from the US Army Corps of Engineers.
·  
Opportunities with regard to hurricane protection and coastal restoration.

Competition in the East Coast construction market has remained elevated and has impacted our ability to secure projects through pressure on contract pricing in this region.  In addition, the cost of certain materials has recently declined, which may also reduce the contract value of future projects on which we choose to bid.
 

 
15

 
Consolidated Results of Operations

Three months ended September 30, 2010 compared with three months ended September 30, 2009

   
Three months ended September 30,
 
   
2010
   
2009
 
             
   
Amount
   
Percent
   
Amount
   
Percent
 
Contract revenues
  $ 100,024       100.0 %   $ 81,466       100.0 %
Cost of contract revenues
    81,594       81.6       65,468       80.4  
Gross profit
    18,430       18.4       15,998       19.6  
Selling, general and administrative expenses
    6,970       7.0       7,699       9.4  
Operating income
    11,460       11.5       8,299       10.2  
Interest (income) expense
                               
                                 
     Interest (income)
    (11 )     (0.0 )     (78 )     (0.0 )
     Interest expense
    68       0.1       88       0.1  
Interest expense, net
    57       0.1       10       0.1  
Income before income taxes
    11,403       11.4       8,289       10.1  
Income tax expense
    4,305       4.2       2,892       3.5  
Net income
  $ 7,098       7.2 %   $ 5,397       6.6 %


Contract Revenues. Revenues for the three months ended September 30, 2010 increased approximately 22.8% as compared with the same period last year, and was attributable, to the integration of the TWLD assets and personnel into the Company as well as the mix of contracts in the year.    Contract revenue generated from public agencies, including federal, state and local municipalities, represented 60% of total revenues in the third quarter of 2010, with the private sector generating 40%, as compared with the third quarter of 2009, when the mix of customers included 49% from the public agencies and 51% from the private sector.  Revenues generated from projects in the Caribbean Basin represented 5% of total revenue, as compared with 18.5% in the third quarter of 2009.

Gross Profit.   Gross profit increased approximately $2.4 million, or 15.2%, in the third quarter of 2010 as compared with the corresponding period last year.  The improvement in gross profit was due primarily to the increase in revenues.  Gross margin, as a percentage of revenue, was 18.4% for the third quarter of 2010, a decrease compared with 19.6% in the prior year period, due to a self-performance rate in the three months ended September 30, 2010, of approximately 79.0% of total cost of revenue, as compared with a self-performance rate of 83.3% in the third quarter of 2009, resulting from the mix of contracts between periods.

Selling, General and Administrative Expense. Selling, general and administrative expenses (“SG&A”) totaled $7.0 million, a decrease of approximately $729,000 as compared with the third quarter of 2009, principally due from amortization of intangible assets in the prior year period of approximately $687,000.  SG&A expense as a percent of revenue in the third quarter of 2010 was 7.0%, as compared with 9.4% in the third quarter of 2009.  The decrease was due primarily to the growth in revenue without a corresponding increase in overheads.
 
 
Income Tax Expense  Our effective rate for the three months ended September 30, 2010 was 37.8%, and differed from the Company’s statutory rate of 35% primarily due to state income taxes and the non-deductibility of certain permanent tax items, such as incentive stock compensation expense, offset in part by the benefit of the domestic production activities deduction on our federal tax return, which net effect increased our overall effective tax rate. In the three month period ended September 30, 2009, tax benefits related to option exercises reduced the overall effective rate to 34.9%.
 

 
16

 
Nine months ended September 30, 2010 compared with nine months ended September 30, 2009

   
Nine months ended September 30,
 
   
2010
   
2009
 
             
   
Amount
   
Percent
   
Amount
   
Percent
 
Contract revenues
  $ 262,706       100.0 %   $ 222,259       100.0 %
Cost of contract revenues
    209,100       79.6       173,112       77.9  
Gross profit
    53,606       20.4       49,147       22.1  
Selling, general and administrative expenses
    25,720       9.8       23,638       10.6  
Operating income
    27,886       10.6       25,509       11.5  
Other (income) expense
                               
     Other income
    (2,176 )     (0.8 )     --       0.0  
     Interest (income)
    (43 )     (0.0 )     (274 )     (0.1 )
     Interest expense
    92       0.0       525       0.2  
Other (income) expense, net
    (2,127 )     (0.8     249       0.1  
Income before income taxes
    30,013       11.4       25,260       11.4  
Income tax expense
    11,125       4.2       9,236       4.2  
Net income
  $ 18,888       7.2 %   $ 16,024       7.2 %


Contract Revenues. Revenues for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 increased approximately $40.5 million, or 18.2% as compared with the same period last year, and was attributable, in part, to the integration of the TWLD assets and personnel into the Company and the progress schedules of the mix of contracts between periods.  Contract revenue generated from public agencies, including federal, state and local municipalities, represented 60% of total revenues in the first nine months of 2010, with the private sector generating 40%, as compared with the prior year period, when the mix of customers included 55% from the public agencies and 45% from the private sector.

Gross Profit.   Gross profit increased approximately $4.5 million, or 9.1%, in the first nine months of 2010 as compared with the corresponding period last year.  The improvement in gross profit was due primarily to the increase in revenues.  Gross margin for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 was 20.4%, as compared with 22.1% in the prior year period.  The decrease in margins was due primarily to the use of outside subcontractors resulting from the mix of contracts between periods.

Selling, General and Administrative Expense. SG&A expenses increased approximately $2.1 million between comparable periods.  Costs related to the acquisitions in the first quarter of 2010 totaled approximately $1.7 million.  Outside these acquisition related expenses, SG&A increased due to additional overheads to support our business growth.

Other Income, net of Other Expense.  The Company recognized a gain of approximately $2.2 million on the preliminary valuation of the bargain purchase of assets acquired in February, 2010.
 
 
Income Tax Expense  Our effective rate for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009 was 37.1% and 36.6%, respectively, and differed from the Company’s statutory rate of 35% primarily due to state income taxes and the non-deductibility of certain permanent tax items, such as incentive stock compensation expense, offset in part by the benefit of the domestic production activities deduction on our federal tax return, which net effect increased our overall effective tax rate.
 
 
 
17

 
Liquidity and Capital Resources

Our primary liquidity needs are to finance our working capital, invest in capital expenditures, and pursue strategic acquisitions. Historically, our source of liquidity has been cash provided by our operating activities.

Our working capital position fluctuates from period to period due to normal increases and decreases in operational activity. At September 30, 2010, our working capital was $64.3 million.  This compares with $130.8 million at December 31, 2009, of which $55.3 million was related to the balance of the proceeds received from the sale of common stock in August 2009. The decrease was due to funds used in the acquisition of TWLD and to the purchase of marine construction assets in the Pacific Northwest, which were funded entirely through cash on hand.

We expect to meet our future internal liquidity and working capital needs, and maintain our equipment fleet through capital expenditure purchases and major repairs, from funds generated in our operating activities for at least the next 12 months.  We believe our cash position, combined with the capacity available under our revolving credit facility, is adequate for our general business requirements.

The following table provides information regarding our cash flows and capital expenditures for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009 (unaudited):

   
Nine months ended September 30,
 
   
2010
   
2009
 
Cash flows provided by operating activities………………………
  $ 18,879     $ 30,760  
Cash flows used in investing activities………………………………………
  $ (95,198 )   $ (7,716 )
Cash flows provided by financing activities……………………….
  $ 183     $ 60,228  
                 

Operating Activities. During the nine months ended September 30, 2010, our operations provided approximately $18.9 million in cash.  Changes in operating activities included an increase in costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings on uncompleted contracts, which resulted from the timing of billings to customers as well as our contractual ability to bill for work performed.  Changes in non-cash items included an increase in non-cash stock-based compensation related to grants in 2009, offset by the gain on the fair value in excess of the purchase price of assets acquired during the period.

Investing Activities. In January 2010, we purchased the membership interest of TWLD for $60.0 million with an additional $4.0 million held in escrow, all or part of which is payable to the seller as a result of an increase in the purchase price by the amount of any additional taxes arising from the allocation of the purchase price in accordance with U.S. Internal Revenue Code.  In February 2010, we purchased marine equipment totaling approximately $7.0 million.  In addition, we added to our capital assets by approximately $25.1 million to enhance our lift capabilities and expand our fleet.

Financing Activities. In the nine months ended September 30, 2010, we received proceeds from stock option exercises, including related tax benefits of $587,000. This was offset in part by an increase in amortizable loan costs incurred in conjunction with the new credit facility.  In the nine months ended September 30, 2009, we completed a public offering of common stock, receiving proceeds, net of expenses, of approximately $91.0 million.  With a portion of the proceeds, we repaid the outstanding balance on our credit facility.  In addition, we received proceeds from stock option exercises, including the related excess tax benefits.  .

Sources of Capital

On June 29, 2010, the Company entered into a credit agreement with Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as administrative agent, and Wells Fargo Securities, LLC as sole lead arranger and bookrunner; and the lenders from time to time as party thereto.

The Credit Agreement provides for borrowings of up to $75,000,000 under revolving and swingline loans (as defined in the Credit Agreement) with a $20,000,000 sublimit for the issuance of letters of credit.  An additional $25 million is available under the facility subject to the lenders’ discretion (together, the “Credit Facility”).  The Credit Facility matures on September 30, 2013, and is guaranteed by the subsidiaries of the Company.  The Credit Facility may be used to finance working capital, repay indebtedness, fund acquisitions, and for other general corporate purposes.

Revolving loans may be designated as prime rate based loans (“ABR Loans”) or Eurodollar Loans, at the Company’s request, and may be made in integrals of $500,000, in the case of an ABR Loan, or $1,000,000 in the case of a Eurodollar Loan.   Swingline loans may only be designated as ABR Loans, and may be made in amounts equal to integral multiples of $100,000.  The Company may convert, change or modify such designations from time to time.  Interest is computed based on the designation of the Loans, and bear interest at either a prime-based interest rate or a LIBO-based interest rate.  Principal balances drawn under the Credit Facility may be prepaid at any time, in whole or in part, without premium or penalty.  Amounts repaid under the Credit Facility may be re-borrowed.

The Credit Facility contains certain restrictive financial covenants that are usual and customary for similar transactions, including;
·  
A Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio of not less than 1.50 to 1.00 at all times;
·  
A Leverage Ratio of not greater than 2.50 to 1.00 at all times;
·  
A minimum Net Worth of not less than $180 million on the effective date, and at the end of each fiscal quarter thereafter, minimum net worth required as of the end of the immediately preceding fiscal quarter plus 50% of the Borrower’s and its subsidiaries consolidated net income for that quarter, plus 75% of all issuances of equity interests by Borrower during that quarter.

In addition, the Credit Facility contains events of default that are usual and customary for similar transactions, including non-payment of principal, interest or fees; inaccuracy of representations and warranties; violation of covenants; bankruptcy and insolvency events; and events constituting a change of control.

The Company is subject to a commitment fee, payable quarterly in arrears on the unused portion of the Credit Facility at a current rate of 0.25% of the unused balance.  As of September 30, 2010, no amounts had been drawn under the Credit Facility.

At September 30, 2010, the Company was in compliance with all its financial covenants with a sufficient margin as to not impair its ability to incur additional debt or violate the terms of the Credit Facility, and had outstanding letters of credit of $979,221.  Historically, the Company has not relied on debt financing to fund its operations or working capital.
 
 
 
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Bonding Capacity

We are generally required to provide various types of surety bonds that provide additional security to our customers for our performance under certain government and private sector contracts.  Our ability to obtain surety bonds depends on our capitalization, working capital, past performance and external factors, including the capacity of the overall surety market.  At September 30, 2010, we believe our capacity under our current bonding arrangement with Liberty Mutual was in excess of $400 million, of which we had approximately $125 million in surety bonds outstanding.  During the quarter ended September 30, 2010, approximately 60% of projects, measured by revenue, required us to post a bond.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
We do not have any off-balance sheet arrangements that have or are reasonably likely to have a current or future material effect on our financial position, results of operations or capital resources.

Inflation
Inflation historically has not had a material effect on our financial position or results of operations.  Due to the short-term duration of our contracts, we are generally able to include anticipated price increases in the cost of our bids.

Item 3.                      Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

We do not enter into derivative financial instruments for trading, speculation or other purposes that would expose the Company to market risk.  In the normal course of business, our results of operations are subject to risks related to fluctuations in commodity prices and fluctuations in interest rates.

Commodity price risk
We are subject to fluctuations in commodity prices for concrete, steel products and fuel.  Although we attempt to secure firm quotes from our suppliers, we generally do not hedge against increases in prices for concrete, steel and fuel.  Commodity price risks may have an impact on our results of operations due to the fixed-price nature of many of our contracts, although the short-term duration of our projects may allow us to include price increases in the costs of our bids.

Interest rate risk
At September 30, 2010, we had no borrowings under our credit facility.  Our objectives in managing interest rate risk are to lower our overall borrowing costs and limit interest rate changes on our earnings and cash flows.  To achieve this, we closely monitor changes in interest rates and we utilize cash from operations to reduce our debt position.

Item 4.                      Controls and Procedures

(a)  
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures.  As required, the Company’s management, with the participation of its Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, have conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of disclosure controls and procedures (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) as of the end of the period covered by this quarterly report.  Based on that evaluation, such officers have concluded that the disclosure controls and procedures are effective.
(b)  
Changes in Internal Controls.  There have been no changes in our internal controls over financial reporting during the period covered by this report that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal controls over financial reporting.
 

 
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PART II – Other Information


Item 1.  Legal Proceedings

For information about litigation involving us, see Note 13 to the condensed consolidated financial statements in Part I of this report, which we incorporate by reference into this Item 1of Part II.

Item 1A.  Risk Factors

There have been no material changes to the risk factors previously disclosed in our 2009 Form 10-K

Item 6.                      Exhibits

Exhibit
 
   
Number
 
Description
   
 
2
.2
 
Purchase Agreement dated January 28, 2010 by and among LaQuay Holdings., Inc and Seagull Services Inc. (filed as Exhibit 2.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K on February 2, 2010)
 
3
.1
 
Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Orion Marine Group, Inc.
 
3
.2
 
Amended and Restated Bylaws of Orion Marine Group, Inc.
 
4
.1
 
Registration Rights Agreement between Friedman, Billings, Ramsey & Co., Inc. and Orion Marine Group, Inc. dated May 17, 2007


31.1  
Certification of the Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Rules 13a-14 and 15d-14 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (filed herewith)
31.2  
Certification of the Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Rules 13a-14 and 15d-14 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (filed herewith)
32  
Certification of the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (filed herewith)


 
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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.


 
ORION MARINE GROUP, INC.
   
   
By:
/s/ J. Michael Pearson
November 5, 2010
J. Michael Pearson
 
President and Chief Executive Officer
   
   
   
By:
/s/ Mark R. Stauffer
November 5, 2010
Mark R. Stauffer
 
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

 
 
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