Q3 2023 Gulf Island Fabrication Inc Earnings Call

November 7, 2023

[music].

Speaker 1: Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen, and welcome to Gulf Islands.

Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen, and welcome to Gulf filings.

Speaker 1: conference call to discuss the third quarter of 2023 results.

Conference call to discuss the third quarter of 2023 results. All participants are in listen only mode for the duration of the call.

Speaker 1: All participants are in the centrally mode for the duration of the call. This call is

This call is being recorded.

Speaker 1: At this time, I'd like to turn the floor over to Ms. Cindy Cook for opening remarks and introductions. Cindy.

At this time I would like to turn the ship.

Ms Cindy Cook for opening remarks, and introductions Sandeep. Please go ahead.

Speaker 2: Thank you and good afternoon. I would like to welcome everyone to our third quarter 2023 teleconference.

Thank you and good afternoon, I would like to welcome everyone to our third quarter 2023 teleconference.

Speaker 2: Our results were released this afternoon and a copy of the press release is available on our website at gulfisland.gov.

Our results were released this afternoon and a copy of the press release is available on our website at Gulf Island Dot Com.

Speaker 2: A replay of today's call will be available on our website after 7 p.m. this evening.

A replay of today's call will be available on our website. After seven P. M. This evening.

Speaker 2: Please keep in mind that the press release and certain comments on this call include forward-looking statements. And actual results may do...

Please keep in mind that the press release and certain comments on this call include forward looking statements.

And actual results may differ materially.

Speaker 2: We would like to refer everyone to the cautionary language included in our press release. And to the risk factors described in our most recent form, PINK, and subsequent SEC files.

We would like to refer everyone to the cautionary language included in our press release.

And to the risk factors described in our most recent Form 10-K and subsequent SEC filings.

Speaker 2: Please also note that management may reference EBITDA, adjusted EBITDA, adjusted revenue, new project awards, and backlog on this call, which are financial measures not recognized under U.S. GAAP.

Please also note that management may reference EBITDA adjusted.

EBITA.

Adjusted revenue in New project Awards and backlog on this call, which are financial measures not recognized under U S. GAAP.

Speaker 2: As required by FEC Brews and Regulations to the extent used, these non- GAAP financial measures are reconciled to their most comparable GAAP financial measures in our press.

As required by SEC rules and regulations to the extent used these non-GAAP financial measures are reconciled to their most comparable GAAP financial measures in our press release.

Speaker 2: Today we have Mr. Richard Huff, President and CEO , and Mr. Wes Stockton, Executive Vice President and CFO . Mr. Huff.

Today, we have Mr. Richard Hough, President and CEO and Mr. Wes Stockton Executive Vice President and CFO Mr hub.

Speaker 3: Thank you, Cindy. Good afternoon, everyone, and welcome to our third quarter results conference call.

Thank you Sandeep good afternoon, everyone and welcome to our third quarter results conference call I'm.

Speaker 3: I'm happy to be here with you this afternoon and I hope that each of you and your families are continuing to stay healthy and safe.

I'm happy to be here with you this afternoon and I hope that each of you and your families are continuing to stay healthy and safe.

Speaker 3: During today's call, I'll provide key takeaways from the quarter, a review of segment performance and in-market trends, and an update on the progress we have made on our strategic initiatives, including the resolution of our MPSV litigation. Wes will then discuss our third-quarter results in greater detail. We'll then open up the call for questions.

During today's call I'll provide key takeaways from the quarter.

Segment performance and end market trends and an update on the progress we have made on our strategic initiatives, including the resolution of our NPS fee litigation.

Ross will then discuss our third quarter results in greater detail.

Well, then open up the call for questions and end with closing remarks.

Speaker 3: I believe we are at an important inflection point in the strategic transformation of Gulf Islands.

I believe we are at an important inflection point in the strategic transformation of Gulf Island, with the resolution of our NPS fee litigation and the wind down of the.

Speaker 3: With the resolution of our NPSV litigation and the wind down of the remaining shipyard obligations nearly complete, we'll be able to fully move on to the next phase of our journey.

Remaining shipyard obligations nearly complete we will be able to fully move onto the next phase of our journey. We have nearly closed the chapter on a challenge to us and we're excited to be a pure play services and fabrication business that is focused on sustainable and profitable growth.

Speaker 3: We have nearly closed the chapter on a challenged past, and we're excited to be a pure play services and fabrication business that is focused on sustainable and profitable growth. As evidenced by another solid core

Evidenced by another solid quarter of results, we have developed a strong stable and profitable base business through the growth of our services platform and small scale fabrication business.

Speaker 3: We have developed a strong, stable, and profitable base business through the growth of our services platform and small scale fabrication business.

Speaker 3: The strength of our solid underpinning business in both services and fabrication is setting up nicely to support and markets that are continuing to experience strong demands.

The strength of our solid underpinning business in both services and fabrication is setting up nicely to support end markets that are continuing to experience strong demand.

Speaker 3: We're thrilled to have the NPSV litigation behind us. The resolution significantly reduces the risk to the company from an operating and investing perspective and removes a significant distraction for our team.

We're thrilled to have the <unk> litigation behind us the resolutions significantly reduces the risk to the company from an operating and investing perspective and removes a significant distraction for our team.

Speaker 3: We firmly believe the settlement was in the best interest of Gulf Islands as it eliminates ongoing legal and vessel-holding costs.

We firmly believe the settlement was in the best interest of the Gulf Island.

Eliminates ongoing legal and vessel holding costs.

Speaker 3: removes the risk of a potential adverse outcome, and avoids a potential lengthy and costly appeals process.

Removes the risk of a potential adverse outcome.

And avoid the potential lengthy and costly appeals process.

Speaker 3: The settlement also removed an overhang that has somewhat limited our ability to fully pursue strategic initiatives such as M&A.

The settlement also removes an overhang that is somewhat limited our ability to fully pursue strategic initiatives such as M&A.

Speaker 3: Wes will discuss some of the specifics of the settlement in more detail, but suffice it to say, we're happy to have the matter behind us, and we're extremely excited about what lies ahead for the company. Now turning to the quarter.

West will discuss some of the specifics of the settlement in more detail, but suffice it to say, we're happy to have the matter behind us and we're extremely excited about what lies ahead for the company now turning to the quarter as I already alluded to our strong third quarter results demonstrate the progress we've made against our strategic initiatives we can.

Speaker 3: strong third-quarter results demonstrate the progress we've made against our strategic initiative.

Speaker 3: We generated another quarter of solid growth in our services operating results and we continue to experience stable growth in our small-scale fabrication.

And another quarter of solid growth in our services operating results and we continue to experience stable growth in our small scale fabrication business.

Speaker 3: It is worth pointing out that our Services and Fabrication Division combined to generate $4.5 million in adjusted EBITDA during the third quarter without the benefit of any large project contribution, and our combined adjusted EBITDA for the two divisions for the nine months of 2023 totaled over $16 million. Our Services and Small-Scale Fabrication business form a strong foundation for our company, and we see continued opportunities to grow these businesses in the coming quarter.

Pointing out that our services and fabrication divisions combined to generate $4 5 million in adjusted EBITDA during the third quarter without the benefit of any large project contribution and our combined adjusted EBITDA for the two divisions for the nine months of 2023 totaled over $16 million, our services and <unk>.

Small scale fabrication business form a strong foundation for our company and we see continued opportunities to grow these businesses in the coming quarters.

Speaker 3: Clearly, a key focus for our team is to secure some larger contracts in order to increase our facility utilization, provide longer visibility of backlog, and drive profitable growth. Industry capacity remains tight, and we continue to be encouraged by the activity in key end markets in the Gulf Coast region, including LNG, Petrochem, and Green Energy.

Clearly a key focus for our team is to secure some larger contracts in order to increase our facility utilization provide longer visibility of backlog and drive profitable growth.

Industry capacity remains tight and we continue to be encouraged by the activity in key end markets in the Gulf Coast region, including LNG.

Petrochemical and Green energy.

Speaker 3: As we have stated in the past, our facility is unique in its close proximity to large CapEx projects in the Gulf of Mexico region.

As we have stated in the past our facility is unique in its close proximity to large capex projects in the Gulf of Mexico region has large lay down to support larger modules and has direct waterway access to support the transport of the larger modules. We also have a solid base load of craft personnel.

Speaker 3: has lards laid down to support larger modules and has direct waterway access to support the transport of the larger module.

Speaker 3: We also have a solid baseload of craft personnel on which to grow in support of any large award.

On which to grow in support of any large award.

Speaker 3: While we have a strong base of dedicated craft employees in our fabrication division, we continue to believe that the craft labor we would need to ramp up on a large project or are fungible.

While we have a strong base of dedicated craft employees in our fabrication division. We continue to believe that the craft flavor, we will need to ramp up on a large project award are fungible.

Speaker 3: However, what sets us apart from some of our competitors is our asset, which provides customers a unique value proposition, especially for large CapEx projects in Louisiana and Texas.

However, what sets us apart from some of our competitor is our asset which provides customers a unique value proposition, especially for large capex projects in Louisiana and Texas.

Speaker 3: We're pursuing several attractive opportunities, which we hope will result in a large fabrication project award in the near term.

Assuming several attractive opportunities, which we hope will result in a large fabrication project award in the near term.

Speaker 3: Now, turning to our segment results. First, looking at our services division, our third quarter revenue grew 2% year over year, driven primarily by the contribution of SPARC safety.

Now turning to our segment results first looking at our services Division, our third quarter revenue grew 2% year over year, driven primarily by the contribution of spark safety, while revenue growth slowed from recent quarters, owing to the timing of project activity, we're still able to grow operating results as we can.

Speaker 3: While revenue growth slowed from recent quarters owing to the timing of project activity, we are still able to grow operating results as we continue to reallocate resources to higher return opportunities and benefit from the contribution that sparks safety.

<unk> to reallocate resources to higher return opportunities and benefit from the contribution of spark safety.

Speaker 3: A key focus of our services business continues to be retaining our craft labor force and looking for opportunities to attract and develop new talent.

A key focus of our services business continues to be retaining our craft labor force looking for opportunities to attract and develop new talent.

Speaker 3: We feel fortunate that we've been able to maintain our services headcount, which currently stands at roughly 600 employees, despite a very competitive labor market.

We feel fortunate that we've been able to maintain our services headcount, which currently stands at roughly 600 employees. Despite a very competitive labor market.

Speaker 3: The demand trends for our services business remain attractive, driven by the favorable spending environment for our key oil and gas customers. In addition, our Spark Safety product offering continues to gain traction in the market, and we have been awarded a project that will commence in the fourth quarter with a new customer that has a strong presence in the Gulf of Mexico.

The demand trends for our services business remained attractive driven by the favorable spending environment for our key oil and gas customers. In addition, our spark safety product offering continues to gain traction in the market and we have been awarded a project that will commence in the fourth quarter with a new customer that has a strong presence in.

The Gulf of Mexico.

Speaker 3: Based on the favorable market trends and the continued growth for SPARC safety, we expect a strong fourth quarter for our services business, with EBITDA growing sequentially over the third quarter, putting us in pace to generate four-year services EBITDA of approximately $13 million.

Based on the favorable market trends and the continued growth for spark safety, we expect a strong fourth quarter for our services business with EBITDA growing sequentially over the third quarter, putting us on pace to generate full year services' EBITDA of approximately $13 million.

Speaker 3: and we expect that momentum to continue into 2024. We're also actively pursuing acquisition opportunities to further support this momentum.

And we expect that momentum to continue into 2024, we're also actively pursuing acquisition opportunities that further support this momentum.

Now moving on to fabrication.

Speaker 3: I'm pleased to report we generated another steady quarter for our fabrication business.

I am pleased to report we generated another steady quarter for our fabrication business are.

Speaker 3: Our revenue and adjusted EBITDA were down modestly compared to the prior year period due to the contribution of the large fabrication project and last year's results that has since been canceled.

While our revenue and adjusted EBITDA were down modestly compared to the prior year period due to the contribution of the large fabrication project in last year's results that has since been canceled.

Speaker 3: However, if you look below the surface, you will see we produced another quarter of solid growth in our small-scale fabrication business with steady new award volume and strong project execution.

However, if you look below the surface you will see we produced another quarter of solid growth in our small scale fabrication business with steady New award volume and strong project execution.

Speaker 3: remain well positioned to continue to grow our small scale fabrication business and continue to be excited about our positioning in this business over the long term.

Well positioned to continue to grow our small scale fabrication business and continue to be excited about our positioning in this business over the long term.

Speaker 3: For example, we have seen steady growth year over year in our sub-sea fabrication.

For example, we have seen steady growth year over year, and our subsea fabrication business a few years back we focused our resources in this market as we anticipated growth.

Speaker 3: A few years back, we focused our resources in this market as we anticipated growth. As a result of our high quality welding and strong customer interactions, we're seeing our volumes increase in this key growth market. This is one example of how we have grown the baseload of our small-scale fabrication to bring more sustainable overhead recoveries to our fabrication business.

As a result of our high quality welding and strong customer interactions, we're seeing our volumes increase in this key growth market. This is one example of how we have grown the baseload of our small scale fabrication to bring more sustainable overhead recoveries to our fabrication business.

Speaker 3: As a result, we expect to finish the year on a strong note in fabrication with four-quarter results anticipated to show sequential growth from the third quarter.

As a result, we expect to finish the year on a strong note and fabrication with four quarter results anticipated to show sequential growth from the third quarter.

Speaker 3: Finally, turning to our shipyard division, we continue to make progress towards a safe wind down of the shipyard operation.

Finally, turning to our shipyard division, we continue to make progress towards a safe wind down of the shipyard operations.

Speaker 3: With respect to our 70-vehicle ferry project for the Texas Department of Transportation, we completed construction on the vessel and successfully delivered her to the customer in June .

With respect to our 70 vehicle ferry projects for the Texas Department of Transportation, we completed construction on the vessel and successfully delivered her to the customer in June.

Speaker 3: As we discussed last quarter, we identified corrosion on the propeller blades, and the customer has determined that replacement of the propeller blades will be required.

As we discussed last quarter, we identified corrosion on the propeller blades and the customer has determined that replacement of the propeller blades will be required.

Speaker 3: customer has agreed to directly procure the new propeller blades and take responsibility for future installation of the blades once received.

The customer has agreed to directly procure the new propeller blades and take responsibility for future installation of the blades. Once received however, the customer believes we should bear the cost of the new propeller blades, but which we disagree.

Speaker 3: However, the customer believes we should bear the cost of the new propeller blades, for which we disagree. In light of the disagreement with the customer regarding who is responsible for the cost of the propeller blades, our forecast of September 30, 2023, reflect a contract price reduction related to the estimated cost of the propeller blades.

In light of the disagreement with the customer regarding who is responsible for the cost of the propeller blades are forecast at September 32023 reflect a contract price reduction related to the estimated cost of the propeller blades.

Speaker 3: We're having ongoing discussions with the customer regarding who should bear final responsibility for the cost of the blades, and we'll follow the necessary claim process to attempt recovery of the cost.

We're having ongoing discussions with the customer regarding who should bear final responsibility for the cost of the blades and we will follow the necessary claim process to attempt recovery of the costs.

Speaker 3: We've completed our final seat trials for the vessel, and we're working with the customer to receive final acceptance for the ferry.

We have completed our final sea trials for the vessel and we are working with the customer to receive final acceptance of the ferry.

Speaker 3: In respect to our two 40 vehicle ferry projects for the North Carolina Department of Transportation, we received final customer acceptance of the first vessel during the second quarter. Further, as a quarter in, the remaining ferry was substantially complete and the ferry is in route for delivery to the customer. We expect the ferry to be delivered by the end of the week and anticipate completion of commissioning activities and final sea trials to occur shortly thereafter with final acceptance in November .

In respect to our 240 vehicle ferry projects for the North Carolina Department of Transportation, We received final customer acceptance of the first vessels during the second quarter further as the quarter and the remaining ferry was substantially complete and the ferry isn't route for delivery to the customer.

Speaker 3: Our lawsuit in North Carolina State for leaking damages resulting from the design flaws for the vessels and the resulting delays is ongoing, which we look forward to pursuing in earnest after our final contract obligations are complete, which is the delivery and acceptance of the last vessel.

Speaker 3: In closing, we're extremely excited about a strong progress toward our strategic positioning and the opportunities that lie ahead for the company.

Speaker 3: With the anticipated wind down of the shipyard operations in the fourth quarter, we'll have removed the significant overhangs and distractions from our business.

Speaker 3: Our execution and operations are strong, our end markets are favorable, and we are in a solid financial position. We look forward to finishing the year on a strong note, and we're optimistic that 2024 will be an even stronger year for Gulf Islands.

Speaker 3: I will now turn the call over to Wes to discuss the quarterly results in greater detail.

Speaker 4: I will discuss our consolidated results and then provide some additional details regarding our segment results, putting in context the factors mentioned by Richard and their impacts on the quarter. I will then conclude with the discussion of our liquidity.

Speaker 4: Please note that our results for the third quarter reflect the impact of the resolution of our NPSB litigation, which resulted in a charge of $32.5 million for our shipyard division, consisting of two separate items which have been reflected as a reduction to revenue for the division.

Speaker 4: The first was a non-cash charge of $12.5 million associated with the write-off of a non-concurrent contract asset related to the construction contracts that were subject to the litigation.

Speaker 4: The second was a charge of $20 million associated with recording a liability resulting from a promissory note we entered into with the surety that issued the performance bonds for the contract.

Speaker 4: Because the promissory note was entered into subsequent to quarter end, the liability has been reflected as a non-current contract liability at September 30th and will be reclassified as long-term debt in the fourth quarter 2023.

Speaker 4: Now turning to the quarter, consolidated revenue for the third quarter of 2023 was $5 million, which reflects the charges related to the litigation resolution I just discussed.

Speaker 4: Excluding revenue for all of the shipyard division, which is being wound down and includes the impacts of the settlement, adjusted revenue for the quarter was $37.7 million, which is comparable to our adjusted revenue for the third quarter of last year.

Speaker 4: Consolidated net loss for the third quarter was $33.2 million, while consolidated adjusted EBITDA was $2.6 million for the period.

Speaker 4: Consolidated adjusted feed the dial reflects the removal of the operating results of our shipyard division and insurance gains for our fabrication division

Speaker 4: Our adjusted results reflect the positive contributions from our services and fabrication divisions, offset by cost associated with our corporation.

Speaker 4: Specifically for the Services Division, revenue for the third quarter of 2023 was $23 million, an increase of approximately 2% compared to the same period last year due to incremental revenue associated with the SPARC Safety Business Plan.

Speaker 4: Third quarter revenue revenues were down sequentially from the second quarter due to the timing of project that

Speaker 4: Services EBITDA for the third quarter was $3.1 million, up approximately 11% compared to $2.8 million for the prior year period, owing to a more favorable project margin mix, including the benefit of the division's SPARK safety bill.

Speaker 4: Further, EBITDA margin was 13.4% for the quarter, up 110 basis points from the prior year period.

Speaker 4: Given the ongoing strength of our end markets and the anticipated timing of project opportunities, we expect fourth quarter operating results to increase relative to the third quarter.

Speaker 4: For our fabrication division, revenue for the 3rd quarter 2023 was $15 million, a decrease of $500,000 compared to the same period last year, due primarily to lower revenue for the division's cancelled large fabrication project, offset partially by higher small scale production.

Speaker 4: Fabrication adjusted EDADOT for the third quarter, which excludes the net impact of insurance recoveries and costs associated with Hurricane Ida, was $1.4 million, compared to $1.6 million for the prior year period.

Speaker 4: The decrease compared to the prior year was due to an increase in the under-recovery of overhead costs associated with lower utilization of facilities and resources resulting from the large project cancellation offset partially by a more favorable outcome.

Speaker 4: We expect our operating results in the fourth quarter to increase relative to third quarter driven by continued momentum in our small scale fabrication.

Speaker 4: For our shipyard division, revenue for the third quarter 2023 was negative $32.7 million due to the reversal of previously recognized revenue resulting from the resolution of our NPSV litigation.

Speaker 4: and revenue reductions resulting from project charges associated with our remaining ferry contract.

Speaker 4: Our loss for the quarter was related to the previously mentioned revenue reversal and vessel holding costs and legal and advisory fees associated with the MPSV litigation.

Speaker 4: project charges of $1.5 million related to our ferry projects, and the partial under-recovery of overhead costs due to the underutilization of our resources as we wind down our shipyard operations.

Speaker 4: For our corporate division, adjusted EBITDA was a loss of $1.9 million for both the third quarter 2023 and the prior year period.

Speaker 4: Adjusted EBITDA for the third quarter 2022 excludes a non-cash charge of approximately $500,000 associated with the partial impairment of our corporate office lease.

Speaker 4: With respect to our liquidity, we ended the third quarter with a cash and investment balance of approximately $42 million, up roughly $2 million from June 30th, owing primarily to our solid operating results and a modest improvement in working capital.

Speaker 4: As previously discussed, at quarter end we have a non-current contract liability of $20 million associated with the resolution of our NPSV litigation, which will be reclassified as long-term debt in the fourth quarter 2023 and will result in annual payments of approximately $1.7 million beginning on December 31, 2024.

Speaker 4: It's important to note that due to the favorable terms of the promissory note, which include a fixed interest rate of 3% and a 15-year repayment period, we estimate the present value of the obligation to be less than 13 million, which is well below the face amount.

Speaker 4: Based on our expectations of strong operating results for the fourth quarter and additional improvements in working capital, we expect to exit 2023 with a cash balance of approximately $45,000.

Speaker 4: This concludes our prepared remarks. Operator, you may now open the line for questions.

Speaker 1: Thank you, sir. Ladies and gentlemen, we will now be conducting the question and answer session.

Speaker 1: If you'd like to ask a question, please press star then 1 on your telephone keypad.

Speaker 1: The confirmation tone will indicate that Elan is in the question queue.

Speaker 1: You may press star 2 to leave the question queue.

Speaker 1: For participants making use of speaker equipment, it may be necessary to pick up your handset before pressing the star keys.

Speaker 1: Author's question comes from Tom Spiro of Spiro Capital. He's going to hit the time Spyro Spyro Capital.

Speaker 5: A couple of questions. Number one, my recollection from our last quarter recall was that we had a roughly $10 or $11 million receivable from the party with the large fabrication contract. Did they pay it this quarter? Where does that stand?

Speaker 5: This is Wes. We collected $6 million of that this quarter, and at the end of the quarter the balance sits at around $5 million. We expect to collect the rest of that in the fourth quarter, and we do continue to maintain a payment security bond. Okay, that's great. So when you say in your commentary that in the fourth quarter you're expecting additional improvements in working capital, are you referring to that in particular?

Speaker 5: That's an element of it. That's correct. I see. That's helpful. Thank you. Over on the shipbuilding side, as I recall, the second ferry due to North Carolina, there was some issue regarding the hull. They were contending that there was a problem with the hull. Has that issue been resolved?

Speaker 3: Tom, this is Richard. Yes, that problem has been resolved and there has been some change orders from the customer acknowledging some of the challenges of the whole design. That vessel, which is the last in the series is in route. I think it's in South Carolina as we speak today.

Speaker 5: Thanks much. Capra, expenditure plans. What's the CapEx budget for Q4?

Speaker 4: Right now, we expect that number to be somewhere around $2 to $3 million.

Speaker 5: I see, okay. And lastly, I can't help but notice in the newspapers these days that many articles suggesting that the offshore wind business is struggling, and not for you in particular, I mean generally for the industry is struggling quite a bit. I wondered what that may mean for you folks.

Speaker 3: Well, in the short term, it really doesn't have a big impact for us, Tom, because we weren't chasing a lot of the wind projects actively. We are working on some kind of secondary steel structures, which those projects are moving forward. I think the delay in wind is just that, a delay, and ultimately, as these projects get more momentum and the supply chain improves, I firmly believe that the projects will continue

Speaker 5: Thanks. Let me squeeze in just one last one. LNG, you often mention LNG as a great opportunity for the company. Have you actually won any meaningful LNG business over the last couple of years?

Speaker 3: Yeah, well, we did the project that was canceled was an OMG project. I see. Okay, well, thanks much.

Speaker 1: Thank you. Ladies and gentlemen, just a further reminder, if you have asked a question, you're welcome to press star and then 1 to place yourself in the question queue.

Speaker 1: It appears we have no further questions on the lines. I will now hand over back to Richard Choke for closing remarks.

Speaker 3: In closing, I want to thank our customers and shareholders for their continued support, as well as recognize our employees who continue to demonstrate a commitment to Gulf Island's success.

Speaker 3: For those on the call, thanks again for your interest and I look forward to speaking with you on our year-end results conference call and updating you on our progress. Be safe and take care.

Speaker 1: Thank you. Ladies and gentlemen, this concludes Gulf Islands Conference Call. Thank you and goodbye.

Speaker 6: The.

Speaker 6: Good night.

Speaker 2: ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? Good afternoon ladies and gentlemen and welcome to Gulf Islands conference call to discuss the third quarter of 2023 results. All participants are in listen-only mode for the duration of the call. This call is being recorded. At this time I would like to turn the floor over to Ms. Cindy Cook for opening remarks and introductions. Cindy, please go ahead. Thank you and good afternoon. I would like to welcome everyone to our third quarter 2023 teleconference. Results were released this afternoon and a copy of the press release is available on our website at gulfisland.com. A replay of today's call will be available on our website after 7 p.m. this evening. Please keep in mind that the press release and certain comments on this call

Speaker 1: Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen, and welcome to Gulf Islands.

Speaker 1: conference call to discuss the third quarter of 2023 results.

Speaker 1: All participants are in listen-only mode for the duration of the call.

Speaker 1: At this time, I'd like to turn the floor over to Ms. Cindy Cook for opening remarks and introductions. Cindy.

Speaker 2: Thank you and good afternoon. I would like to welcome everyone to our third quarter, 2023 telecommunications.

Speaker 2: Our results were released this afternoon and a copy of the press release is available on our website at gulfisland.gov.

Speaker 2: A replay of today's call will be available on our website after 7 p.m. this evening.

Speaker 2: Please keep in mind that the press release and certain comments on this call include forward-looking statements, and actual results may differ.

Speaker 2: We would like to refer everyone to the cautionary language included in our press release and to the risk factors described in our most recent Form 10-K and subsequent SEC filings.

Speaker 2: Today we have Mr. Richard Huff, President and CEO , and Mr. Wes Stockton, Executive Vice President and CFO . Mr. Huff.

Speaker 3: Thank you, Cindy. Good afternoon, everyone, and welcome to our 3rd quarter results conference.

Speaker 3: I'm happy to be here with you this afternoon and I hope that each of you and your families are continuing to stay healthy and safe.

Speaker 3: During today's call, I'll provide T-take away from the quarter a review of segment performance and in market trends and an update on the progress we have made on our strategic initiatives, including the resolution of our MPSV litigation. Wes will then discuss our third quarter results in greater detail. We'll then open up.

Speaker 3: I believe we are at an important inflection point for the strategic transformation of golf on it, but the resolution of our NPSV litigation and the wind down of the remaining shipyard obligations nearly complete will be able to fully move on to the next phase of our journey.

Speaker 3: We have nearly closed the chapter on a challenge path and we're excited to be a pure play, services and fabrication business that is focused on sustainable and profitable growth. As evidenced by another solid quarter of results, we have developed a strong, stable and profitable based business through the growth of our services platform and small scale fabrication business.

Speaker 3: The strength of our solid underpinning business in both services and fabrication is setting up nicely to support in markets that are continuing to experience strong demand.

Speaker 3: or thrilled to have the MPSV litigation behind us. The resolution significantly reduces the risk to the company from an operating and investing perspective and removes a significant distraction for our team.

Speaker 3: We firmly believe the settlement was in the best interest of Gulf Islands as it eliminates ongoing legal and vessel-holding costs.

Speaker 3: removes the risk of a potential adverse outcome, and avoids a potential lengthy and costly appeals process.

Speaker 3: The settlement also removes an overhang that has somewhat limited our ability to fully pursue strategic initiatives such as M&A.

Speaker 3: West will discuss some of the specifics of the settlement in more detail, but suffice it to say, we're happy to have the matter behind us, and we're extremely excited about what lies ahead for the company. Now, turning to the quarter.

Now turning to the quarter as I already alluded to our strong third quarter results demonstrate the progress we've made against our strategic initiatives, we generated another quarter of solid growth in our services operating results and we continue to experience stable growth in our small scale fabrication business. This.

Speaker 3: Strong third quarter results demonstrate the progress we've made against our strategic mission.

Speaker 3: We generated another quarter of solid growth in our services operating results and we continue to experience stable growth in our small-scale fabrication.

Speaker 3: It is worth pointing out that our Services and Fabrication Division combined to generate $4.5 million in adjusted EBITDA during the third quarter without the benefit of any large project contribution, and our combined adjusted EBITDA for the two divisions for the nine months of 2023 totaled over $16 million. Our services and small-scale fabrication business form a strong foundation for our company, and we see continued opportunities to grow these businesses in the coming quarter.

Worth pointing out that our services and fabrication divisions combined to generate $4 5 million in adjusted EBITDA during the third quarter without the benefit of any large project contribution and our combined adjusted EBITDA for the two divisions for the nine months of 2023 totaled over $16 million, our services and <unk>.

Moscow fabrication business form a strong foundation for our company and we see continued opportunities to grow these businesses in the coming quarters.

Clearly the key focus for our team is to secure some larger contracts in order to increase our facility utilization provide longer visibility of backlog and drive profitable growth.

Industry capacity remains tight and we continue to be encouraged by the activity in key end markets in the Gulf Coast region, including LNG.

Petrochemical and Green energy.

Speaker 3: As we have stated in the past, our facility is unique in its close proximity to large CapEx projects in the Gulf of Mexico region.

Speaker 3: has large laydowns to support larger modules, and has direct waterway access to support the transport of the larger modules.

Speaker 3: We also have a solid baseload of craft personnel on which to grow in support of any large award.

We also have a solid base load of craft personnel on which to grow in support of any large award.

While we have a strong base of dedicated craft employees in our fabrication division. We continue to believe that the craft labor, we would need to ramp up on a large project award are fungible.

Speaker 3: However, what sets us apart from some of our competitors is our asset, which provides customers a unique value proposition, especially for large CapEx projects in Louisiana and Texas.

However, what sets us apart from some of our competitor is our asset which provides customers a unique value proposition, especially for large capex projects in Louisiana and Texas.

Speaker 3: We're pursuing several attractive opportunities, which we hope will result in a large fabrication project award in the near term.

We're pursuing several attractive opportunities, which we hope will result in a large fabrication project award in the near term.

Speaker 3: Now, turning to our segment results. First, looking at our services division, our third quarter revenue grew 2% year over year, driven primarily by the contribution of SPARC safety.

We're able to grow operating results as we continued to reallocate resources to higher return opportunities and benefit from the contribution of spark safety.

Speaker 3: A key focus of our service business continues to be retaining our craft labor force, but looking for opportunities to attract and develop in the town.

A key focus of our surface business continues to be retaining our craft labor force and looking for opportunities to attract and develop new talent we.

Speaker 3: We feel fortunate that we've been able to maintain our services headcount, which currently stands at roughly 600 employees, despite a very competitive labor market.

We feel fortunate that we've been able to maintain our services headcount, which currently stands at roughly 600 employees. Despite a very competitive labor market the.

Gulf of Mexico.

Speaker 3: and we expect that it's momentum to continue into 2024. We're also actively pursuing acquisition opportunities that further support this momentum.

And we expect that momentum to continue into 2024, we're also actively pursuing acquisition opportunities to further support this momentum.

Now moving on to fabrication.

Speaker 3: I'm pleased to report we generated another steady quarter for our fabrication business.

I am pleased to report we generated another steady quarter for our fabrication business or.

Speaker 3: Our revenue and adjusted EBITDA were done modestly compared to the prior year period due to the contribution of the large fabrication project in last year's results that a since been camped.

Our revenue and adjusted EBITDA were down modestly compared to the prior year period due to the contribution of the large fabrication project in last year's results that have since been canceled.

Speaker 3: However, if you look below the surface, you will see we produced another quarter of solid growth in our Smell Scale Fabrication Business with step-steady new award volume and strong project execution.

However, if you look below the surface you will see we produced another quarter of solid growth in our small scale fabrication business with steady steady New award volume and strong project execution.

Speaker 3: We remain well positioned to continue to grow our small scale fabrication business and continue to be excited about our positioning in this business over the long term.

Well positioned to continue to grow our small scale fabrication business and continue to be excited about our positioning in this business over the long term.

Speaker 3: For example, we have seen steady growth year over year in our subsea fabrication system.

For example, we have seen steady growth year over year, and our subsea fabrication business a few years back we focused our resources in this market as we anticipated growth.

Speaker 3: If you hear that, we focused our resources in this market as we anticipated growth. As a result of our high quality wealthy and strong customer interactions, we're seeing our volumes increase in this key growth market. This is one example of how we have grown the base load of our Smalsky Health fabrication to bring more sustainable overhead recoveries to our fabrication business.

Speaker 3: As a result, we expect to finish the year on a strong note in fabrication with four-quarter results anticipated to show sequential growth from the third quarter.

As a result, we expect to finish the year on a strong note and fabrication with four quarter results anticipated to show sequential growth from the third quarter.

Speaker 3: Finally, turning to our shipyard division, we continue to make progress towards a safe wind down of the shipyard operation.

Finally, turning to our shipyard division, we continue to make progress towards a safe wind down of the shipyard operations.

With respect to our 70 vehicle ferry project for the Texas Department of Transportation, we completed construction on the vessel and successfully delivered her to the customer in June.

Speaker 3: As we discussed last quarter, we identified corrosion on the propeller blades, and the customer has determined that replacement of the propeller blades will be required.

As we discussed last quarter, we identified corrosion on the propeller blades and the customer has determined that replacement of the propeller blades will be required.

Speaker 3: customer has agreed to directly procure the new propeller blades and take responsibility for future installation of the blades once received.

Customer has agreed to directly procure the new propeller blades and take responsibility for future installation of the blades once received.

However, the customer believes we should bear the cost of the new propeller blades, but which we disagree.

Speaker 3: We're having ongoing discussions with the customer regarding who should bear final responsibility for the cost of the blades and will follow the necessary claim process to attempt recovery of the cost.

Speaker 3: We've completed our final seat trials for the vessel, and we're working with the customer to receive final acceptance for the ferry.

We have completed our final feed trials for the vessel and we are working with the customer to receive final acceptance for the ferry.

Speaker 3: In respect to our 240 vehicle ferry projects for the North Carolina Department of Transportation, we received final customer acceptance of the first vessel during the second quarter. Further, as the quarter ends, the remaining ferry was substantially complete, and the ferry is en route for delivery to the customer. We expect the ferry to be delivered by the end of the week and anticipate completion of commissioning activities and final sea trials to occur shortly thereafter with final acceptance in November .

In respect to our 240 vehicle ferry projects for the North Carolina Department of Transportation, We received final customer acceptance of the first vessels during the second quarter.

Further as of quarter end, the remaining ferry was substantially complete and the ferry isn't route for delivery to the customer.

We expect the <unk> to be delivered by the end of the week and anticipate completion of commissioning activities and final sea trials to occur shortly thereafter with final acceptance in November.

Our lawsuit in North Carolina State Court seeking damages, resulting from the design flaws for the vessels and the resulting delays is ongoing which we look forward to pursuing in earnest. After a final contract obligations are complete.

Q3 2023 Gulf Island Fabrication Inc Earnings Call

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