Quanta Services 10-Q 2024-03-31
Filed 2024-05-02. 8 sections, 238K characters. Original on sec.gov · Markdown · JSON
Cover and table of contents
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 March 31, 2024.
| 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: | 001-13831 |

Quanta Services, Inc.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
| Delaware | 74-2851603 | ||||
| (State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) | (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) |
2727 North Loop West
Houston, Texas 77008
(Address of principal executive offices, including zip code)
(713) 629-7600
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
N/A
(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
| Title of each class | Trading Symbol(s) | Name of each exchange on which registered | ||||||||||||
| Common Stock, $0.00001 par value | PWR | New York Stock Exchange |
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 every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). Yes ☑ No ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
| Large accelerated filer | ☑ | Accelerated filer | ☐ | Non-accelerated filer | ☐ | Smaller reporting company | ☐ | Emerging growth company | ☐ |
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐
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 April 29, 2024, the number of outstanding shares of Common Stock of the registrant was 146,388,455.
QUANTA SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Cautionary Statement About Forward-Looking Statements and Information
This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (Quarterly Report) of Quanta Services, Inc. (together with its subsidiaries, Quanta, we, us or our) includes forward-looking statements reflecting assumptions, expectations, projections, intentions or beliefs about future events that are intended to qualify for the “safe harbor” from liability established by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. You can identify these statements by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts. They use words such as “anticipate,” “estimate,” “project,” “forecast,” “may,” “will,” “should,” “could,” “expect,” “believe,” “plan,” “intend” and other words of similar meaning. In particular, these include, but are not limited to, statements relating to the following:
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Projected revenues, net income, earnings per share, margins, cash flows, liquidity, weighted average shares outstanding, capital expenditures, interest rates and tax rates, as well as other projections of operating results and GAAP (as defined herein) and non-GAAP financial results, including EBITDA (as defined herein), adjusted EBITDA (as defined herein) and backlog;
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Expectations regarding our business or financial outlook;
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Expectations regarding opportunities, technological developments, competitive positioning, future economic and regulatory conditions and other trends in particular markets or industries;
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Expectations regarding our plans and strategies, including with respect to our supply chain solutions and expanded or new services offerings;
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The business plans or financial condition of our customers, including with respect to the transition to a reduced-carbon economy;
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The potential benefits from, and future financial and operational performance of, acquired businesses and our investments;
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The expected value of contracts or intended contracts with customers, as well as the expected timing, scope, services, term or results of any awarded or expected projects;
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Possible recovery of pending or contemplated insurance claims, change orders and claims asserted against customers or third parties, as well as the collectability of receivables;
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The development of and opportunities with respect to future projects, including renewable energy projects and other projects designed to support the transition to a reduced-carbon economy, electrical grid modernization projects, upgrade and hardening projects and larger transmission and pipeline projects;
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Expectations regarding the future availability and price of materials and equipment necessary for the performance of our business;
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The expected impact of global and domestic economic or political conditions on our business, financial condition, results of operations, cash flows, liquidity and demand for our services, including inflation, interest rates, recessionary economic conditions and commodity prices and production volumes;
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The expected impact of changes and potential changes in climate and the physical and transition risks associated with climate change and the transition to a reduced-carbon economy;
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Future capital allocation initiatives, including the amount and timing of, and strategies with respect to, any future acquisitions, investments, cash dividends, repurchases of our equity or debt securities or repayments of other outstanding debt;
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The expected impact of existing or potential legislation or regulation;
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Potential opportunities that may be indicated by bidding activity or similar discussions with customers;
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The future demand for, availability of and costs related to labor resources in the industries we serve;
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The expected recognition and realization of our remaining performance obligations or backlog;
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Expectations regarding the outcome of pending or threatened legal proceedings, as well as the collection of amounts awarded in legal proceedings; and
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Expectations with respect to our ability to reduce our debt and maintain our current credit ratings.
These forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance; rather they involve or rely on a number of risks, uncertainties, and assumptions that are difficult to predict or are beyond our control and reflect management’s beliefs and assumptions based on information available at the time the statements are made. We caution you that actual outcomes and results may differ materially from what is expressed, implied or forecasted by our forward-looking statements and that any or all of our forward-looking statements may turn out to be inaccurate or incorrect. These statements can be affected by inaccurate assumptions and by known or unknown risks and uncertainties, including the following:
- Market, industry, economic, financial or political conditions that are outside of our control, including economic, energy, infrastructure and environmental policies and plans that are adopted or proposed by the U.S. federal and state governments or other governments in territories or countries in which we operate, inflation, interest rates,
recessionary economic conditions, deterioration of global or specific trade relationships, and geopolitical conflicts and political unrest;
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Quarterly variations in our operating and financial results, liquidity, financial condition, cash flows, capital requirements, and reinvestment opportunities;
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Trends and growth opportunities in relevant markets, including our ability to obtain future project awards;
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Delays, deferrals, reductions in scope or cancellations of anticipated, pending or existing projects as a result of, among other things, supply chain or production disruptions and other logistical challenges, weather, regulatory or permitting issues, right of way acquisition, environmental processes, project performance issues, claimed force majeure events, protests or other political activity, legal challenges, inflationary pressure, reductions or eliminations in governmental funding or customer capital constraints;
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The effect of commodity prices and commodity production volumes, which have been and may continue to be affected by inflationary pressure, on our operations and growth opportunities and on our customers’ capital programs and demand for our services;
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The successful negotiation, execution, performance and completion of anticipated, pending and existing contracts;
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Events arising from operational hazards, including, among others, wildfires and explosions, that can arise due to the nature of the services we provide and certain of our product solutions, as well as the conditions in which we operate, and can be due to failure of infrastructure on which we have performed services and result in significant liabilities that may be exacerbated in certain geographies and locations;
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Unexpected costs, liabilities, fines or penalties that may arise from legal proceedings, indemnity obligations, reimbursement obligations associated with letters of credit or bonds, multiemployer pension plans or other claims or actions asserted against us, including amounts that are not covered by, or are in excess of the coverage under, our third-party insurance;
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Potential unavailability or cancellation of third-party insurance coverage, as well as the exclusion of coverage for certain losses, potential increases in premiums for coverage deemed beneficial to us, or the unavailability of coverage deemed beneficial to us at reasonable and competitive rates (e.g., coverage for wildfire events);
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Damage to our brands or reputation, as well as potential costs, liabilities, fines or penalties, arising as a result of cybersecurity breaches, environmental and occupational health and safety matters, corporate scandal, failure to successfully perform or negative publicity regarding a high-profile project, involvement in a catastrophic event (e.g., fire, explosion) or other negative incidents;
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Disruptions in, or failure to adequately protect, our information technology systems;
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Our dependence on suppliers, subcontractors, equipment manufacturers and other third parties and the impact of, among other things, inflationary pressure and regulatory, supply chain and logistical challenges on these third parties;
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Estimates and assumptions related to our financial results, remaining performance obligations and backlog;
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Our inability to attract, the potential shortage of, and increased costs with respect to skilled employees, as well as our ability to retain and attract key personnel and qualified employees;
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Our dependence on fixed price contracts and the potential that we incur losses with respect to these contracts;
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Cancellation provisions within our contracts and the risk that contracts expire and are not renewed or are replaced on less favorable terms;
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Our inability or failure to comply with the terms of our contracts, which may result in additional costs, unexcused delays, warranty claims, failure to meet performance guarantees, damages or contract terminations;
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Adverse weather conditions, natural disasters and other emergencies, including wildfires, pandemics, hurricanes, tropical storms, floods, debris flows, earthquakes and other geological- and weather-related hazards, as well as the impact of climate change;
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Our ability to generate internal growth;
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Competition in our business, including our ability to effectively compete for new projects and market share, as well as technological advancements and market developments that could reduce demand for our services;
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The failure of existing or potential legislative actions and initiatives to result in increased demand for our services or budgetary or other constraints that may reduce or eliminate tax incentives or government funding for projects, including renewable energy projects, which may result in project delays or cancellations;
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The unavailability of, or increased prices for, materials, equipment and consumables (such as fuel) used in our and our customers’ businesses, including as a result of inflation; supply chain or production disruptions; governmental regulations on sourcing; the imposition of tariffs, duties, taxes or other assessments; and other changes in U.S. trade relationships with foreign countries;
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Loss of or deterioration of relationships with customers that we have long-standing or significant relationships with;
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The potential that our participation in joint ventures or similar structures exposes us to liability or harm to our reputation as a result of acts or omissions by our partners;
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The inability or refusal of our customers or third-party contractors to pay for services, which could result in our inability to collect our outstanding receivables, failure to recover amounts billed to, or avoidance of certain payments received from, customers in bankruptcy or failure to recover on change orders or contract claims;
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Risks associated with operating in international markets and U.S. territories, including instability of governments, significant currency exchange fluctuations, and compliance with unfamiliar legal and labor systems and cultural practices, the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and other applicable anti-bribery and anti-corruption laws, and complex U.S. and foreign tax regulations and international treaties;
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Our inability to successfully identify, complete, integrate and realize synergies from acquisitions, including the inability to retain key personnel from acquired businesses;
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The potential adverse impact of acquisitions and investments, including the potential increase in risks already existing in our operations, poor performance or decline in value of acquired businesses or investments and unexpected costs or liabilities that may arise from acquisitions or investments;
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The adverse impact of impairments of goodwill, other intangible assets, receivables, long-lived assets or investments;
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Difficulties managing our business as it expands and becomes more complex;
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The impact of the unionized portion of our workforce on our operations;
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An inability to access sufficient funding to finance desired growth and operations, including our ability to access capital markets on favorable terms, as well as fluctuations in the price and trading volume of our common stock, debt covenant compliance, interest rate fluctuations, a downgrade in our credit ratings and other factors affecting our financing and investing activities;
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Our ability to obtain bonds, letters of credit and other project security;
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Risks related to the implementation of new information technology systems;
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New or changed tax laws, treaties or regulations or the inability to realize deferred tax assets; and
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The other risks and uncertainties described elsewhere herein, including in Item 1A. Risk Factors in Part I of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023 (2023 Annual Report), and as may be detailed from time to time in our other public filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
All of our forward-looking statements, whether written or oral, are expressly qualified by these cautionary statements and any other cautionary statements that may accompany such forward-looking statements or that are otherwise included in this report. Although forward-looking statements reflect our good faith beliefs at the time they are made, reliance should not be placed on forward-looking statements because they involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which may cause our actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from anticipated future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. In addition, we do not undertake and expressly disclaim any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this report or otherwise.
PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements.
QUANTA SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In thousands, except share information)
(Unaudited)
| March 31, 2024 | December 31, 2023 | |||||||||||||
| ASSETS | ||||||||||||||
| Current Assets: | ||||||||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 531,056 | $ | 1,290,248 | ||||||||||
| Accounts receivable, net | 4,094,914 | 4,410,829 | ||||||||||||
| Contract assets | 1,274,686 | 1,413,057 | ||||||||||||
| Inventories | 224,341 | 175,658 | ||||||||||||
| Prepaid expenses and other current assets | 458,472 | 387,105 | ||||||||||||
| Total current assets | 6,583,469 | 7,676,897 | ||||||||||||
| Property and equipment, net | 2,427,131 | 2,336,943 | ||||||||||||
| Operating lease right-of-use assets | 269,925 | 249,443 | ||||||||||||
| Other assets, net | 569,708 | 565,625 | ||||||||||||
| Other intangible assets, net | 1,408,315 | 1,362,412 | ||||||||||||
| Goodwill | 4,283,804 | 4,045,905 | ||||||||||||
| Total assets | $ | 15,542,352 | $ | 16,237,225 | ||||||||||
| LIABILITIES AND EQUITY | ||||||||||||||
| Current Liabilities: | ||||||||||||||
| Current maturities of long-term debt | $ | 546,543 | $ | 535,202 | ||||||||||
| Current portion of operating lease liabilities | 83,968 | 77,995 | ||||||||||||
| Accounts payable and accrued expenses | 2,757,546 | 3,061,242 | ||||||||||||
| Contract liabilities | 1,443,125 | 1,538,677 | ||||||||||||
| Total current liabilities | 4,831,182 | 5,213,116 | ||||||||||||
| Long-term debt, net of current maturities | 3,174,181 | 3,663,504 | ||||||||||||
| Operating lease liabilities, net of current portion | 201,771 | 186,996 | ||||||||||||
| Deferred income taxes | 298,137 | 254,004 | ||||||||||||
| Insurance and other non-current liabilities | 669,812 | 636,250 | ||||||||||||
| Total liabilities | 9,175,083 | 9,953,870 | ||||||||||||
| Commitments and Contingencies | ||||||||||||||
| Equity: | ||||||||||||||
| Common stock, $0.00001 par value, 600,000,000 shares authorized, 175,144,784 and 173,949,011 shares issued, and 146,384,210 and 145,508,549 shares outstanding | 2 | 2 | ||||||||||||
| Additional paid-in capital | 3,090,242 | 3,002,652 | ||||||||||||
| Retained earnings | 4,962,949 | 4,858,066 | ||||||||||||
| Accumulated other comprehensive loss | (313,685) | (282,945) | ||||||||||||
| Treasury stock, 28,760,574 and 28,440,462 common shares | (1,382,885) | (1,305,534) | ||||||||||||
| Total stockholders’ equity | 6,356,623 | 6,272,241 | ||||||||||||
| Non-controlling interests | 10,646 | 11,114 | ||||||||||||
| Total equity | 6,367,269 | 6,283,355 | ||||||||||||
| Total liabilities and equity | $ | 15,542,352 | $ | 16,237,225 |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.
QUANTA SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(In thousands, except per share information)
(Unaudited)
| Three Months Ended | ||||||||||||||
| March 31, | ||||||||||||||
| 2024 | 2023 | |||||||||||||
| Revenues | $ | 5,031,819 | $ | 4,428,826 | ||||||||||
| Cost of services | 4,408,325 | 3,855,631 | ||||||||||||
| Gross profit | 623,494 | 573,195 | ||||||||||||
| Equity in earnings of integral unconsolidated affiliates | 12,334 | 9,620 | ||||||||||||
| Selling, general and administrative expenses | (402,340) | (384,552) | ||||||||||||
| Amortization of intangible assets | (77,511) | (72,403) | ||||||||||||
| Change in fair value of contingent consideration liabilities | (623) | — | ||||||||||||
| Operating income | 155,354 | 125,860 | ||||||||||||
| Interest and other financing expenses | (41,072) | (41,693) | ||||||||||||
| Interest income | 8,023 | 1,516 | ||||||||||||
| Other income, net | 24,882 | 7,866 | ||||||||||||
| Income before income taxes | 147,187 | 93,549 | ||||||||||||
| Provision for (benefit from) income taxes | 21,096 | (3,421) | ||||||||||||
| Net income | 126,091 | 96,970 | ||||||||||||
| Less: Net income attributable to non-controlling interests | 7,731 | 1,924 | ||||||||||||
| Net income attributable to common stock | $ | 118,360 | $ | 95,046 | ||||||||||
| Earnings per share attributable to common stock: | ||||||||||||||
| Basic | $ | 0.81 | $ | 0.66 | ||||||||||
| Diluted | $ | 0.79 | $ | 0.64 | ||||||||||
| Shares used in computing earnings per share: | ||||||||||||||
| Weighted average basic shares outstanding | 145,936 | 144,467 | ||||||||||||
| Weighted average diluted shares outstanding | 149,350 | 148,661 |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.
QUANTA SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
(In thousands)
(Unaudited)
| Three Months Ended | ||||||||||||||
| March 31, | ||||||||||||||
| 2024 | 2023 | |||||||||||||
| Net income | $ | 126,091 | $ | 96,970 | ||||||||||
| Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of taxes: | ||||||||||||||
| Foreign currency translation adjustment (loss) income | (30,740) | 309 | ||||||||||||
| Other income | — | 791 | ||||||||||||
| Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of taxes | (30,740) | 1,100 | ||||||||||||
| Comprehensive income | 95,351 | 98,070 | ||||||||||||
| Less: Comprehensive income attributable to non-controlling interests | 7,731 | 1,924 | ||||||||||||
| Comprehensive income attributable to common stock |
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Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
General
The following discussion and analysis of the financial condition and results of operations of Quanta Services, Inc. (together with its subsidiaries, Quanta, we, us or our) should be read in conjunction with our condensed consolidated financial statements and related notes included elsewhere in this Quarterly Report and with our 2023 Annual Report, which was filed with the SEC on February 22, 2024 and is available on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov and on our website at www.quantaservices.com. The discussion below contains forward-looking statements that are based upon our current expectations and are subject to uncertainty and changes in circumstances. Actual results may differ materially from these expectations due to inaccurate assumptions and known or unknown risks and uncertainties, including those identified in Cautionary Statement About Forward-Looking Statements and Information above, in Item 1A. Risk Factors of Part II of this Quarterly Report and in Item 1A. Risk Factors of Part I of our 2023 Annual Report.
Overview
Our first quarter 2024 results reflect increased demand for our services, as consolidated revenue and operating income increased as compared to the first quarter of 2023, primarily due to increased revenues and operating income for our Renewable Energy Infrastructure Solutions (Renewable Energy) segment.
With respect to our Electric Power Infrastructure Solutions (Electric Power) segment, utilities are continuing to invest significant capital in their electric power delivery systems through multi-year grid modernization and reliability programs, as well as system upgrades and hardening programs in response to recurring severe weather events. We have also experienced high demand for new and expanded transmission, substation and distribution infrastructure needed to reliably transport power.
With respect to our Renewable Energy segment, the transition to a reduced-carbon economy is continuing to drive demand for renewable generation and related infrastructure (e.g., high-voltage electric transmission and substation infrastructure), as well as interconnection services necessary to connect and transmit renewable-generated electricity to existing electric power delivery systems. Despite these positive longer-term trends, during 2022 and into 2023, the timing of certain projects within this segment were negatively impacted by supply chain challenges that resulted in delays and shortages of, and increased costs for, materials necessary for certain projects, particularly sourcing restrictions related to solar panels necessary for the utility-scale solar industry and delays in availability of power transformers impacting the electric power and renewable energy industries. While certain challenges associated with solar panel sourcing improved during 2023, we could experience and continue to monitor other potential supply chain challenges that could impact the availability and/or cost of renewable infrastructure project components, including solar generation components, in future periods.
With respect to our Underground Utility and Infrastructure Solutions (Underground and Infrastructure) segment, during the first quarter of 2024 we continued to experience strong demand for our services focused on utility spending, in particular our gas distribution services to natural gas utilities that are implementing modernization programs, and our downstream industrial services, as customers continued to move forward with certain maintenance and capital spending that was previously deferred. Additionally, although revenues associated with large pipeline projects in Canada increased in 2022 and 2023, as compared to prior years, we anticipate that revenues associated with these projects will continue to fluctuate.
During the three months ended March 31, 2024, increased revenues and operating income contributed to $238.0 million of net cash provided by operating activities, a 520% increase compared to the three months ended March 31, 2023, which allowed us to execute our business plan, including the strategic acquisition of certain businesses, for which we utilized $384.1 million of cash, net of cash acquired, and the payment of $13.7 million in dividends associated with our common stock. Additionally, as of March 31, 2024, available commitments under our senior credit facility, combined with our cash and cash equivalents, totaled $2.58 billion.
We expect the strong demand for our services will continue. Our remaining performance obligations and backlog were $14.88 billion and $29.90 billion as of March 31, 2024, representing an increase of 7.1%, and a decrease of 0.7% relative to December 31, 2023. For a reconciliation of backlog to remaining performance obligations, the most comparable financial measure prepared in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (GAAP), see Non-GAAP Financial Measures below.
Significant Factors Impacting Results
Our revenues, profit, margins and other results of operations can be influenced by a variety of factors in any given period, including those described in Item 1. Business and Item 1A. Risk Factors of Part I in our 2023 Annual Report, and those factors
have caused fluctuations in our results in the past and are expected to cause fluctuations in our results in the future. Additional information with respect to certain of those factors is provided below.
Seasonality. Typically, our revenues are lowest in the first quarter of the year because cold, snowy or wet conditions can create challenging working environments that are more costly for our customers or cause delays on projects. In addition, infrastructure projects often do not begin in a meaningful way until our customers finalize their capital budgets, which typically occurs during the first quarter. Second quarter revenues are typically higher than those in the first quarter, as some projects begin, but continued cold and wet weather can often impact productivity. Third quarter revenues are typically the highest of the year, as a greater number of projects are underway and operating conditions, including weather, are normally more accommodating. Generally, revenues during the fourth quarter are lower than the third quarter but higher than the second quarter, as many projects are completed and customers often seek to spend their capital budgets before year end. However, the holiday season and inclement weather can sometimes cause delays during the fourth quarter, reducing revenues and increasing costs. These seasonal impacts are typical for our U.S. operations, but seasonality for our international operations may differ. For example, revenues for certain projects in Canada are typically higher in the first quarter because projects are often accelerated in order to complete work while the ground is frozen and prior to the break up, or seasonal thaw, as productivity is adversely affected by wet ground conditions during warmer months.
Weather, natural disasters and emergencies. The results of our business in a given period can be impacted by adverse weather conditions, severe weather events, natural disasters or other emergencies, which include, among other things, heavy or prolonged snowfall or rainfall, hurricanes, tropical storms, tornadoes, floods, blizzards, extreme temperatures, wildfires, post-wildfire floods and debris flows, pandemics and earthquakes. Climate change has the potential to increase the frequency and extremity of severe weather events. These conditions and events can negatively impact our financial results due to, among other things, the termination, deferral or delay of projects, reduced productivity and exposure to significant liabilities due to failure of electrical power or other infrastructure on which we have performed services. However, severe weather events can also increase our emergency restoration services, which typically yield higher margins due in part to higher equipment utilization and absorption of fixed costs.
Demand for services. We perform the majority of our services under existing contracts, including MSAs and similar agreements pursuant to which our customers are not committed to specific volumes of our services. Therefore our volume of business can be positively or negatively affected by fluctuations in the amount of work our customers assign us in a given period, which may vary by geographic region. Examples of items that may cause demand for our services to fluctuate materially from quarter to quarter include: the financial condition of our customers, their capital spending and their access to and cost of capital; acceleration of any projects or programs by customers (e.g., modernization or hardening programs); economic and political conditions on a regional, national or global scale, including availability of renewable energy tax credits; interest rates; governmental regulations affecting the sourcing and costs of materials and equipment; other changes in U.S. and global trade relationships; and project deferrals and cancellations.
Revenue mix and impact on margins. The mix of revenues based on the types of services we provide in a given period will impact margins, as certain industries and services provide higher-margin opportunities. Our larger or more complex projects typically include, among others, transmission projects with higher voltage capacities; pipeline projects with larger-diameter throughput capacities; large-scale renewable generation projects; and projects with increased engineering, design or construction complexities, more difficult terrain or geographical requirements, or longer distance requirements. These projects typically yield opportunities for higher margins than our recurring services under MSAs described above, as we assume a greater degree of performance risk and there is greater utilization of our resources for longer construction timeframes. However, larger projects are subject to additional risk of regulatory delay and cyclicality. Project schedules also fluctuate, particularly in connection with larger, more complex or longer-term projects, which can affect the amount of work performed in a given period. Furthermore, smaller or less complex projects typically have a greater number of companies competing for them, and competitors at times may more aggressively pursue available work. A greater percentage of smaller scale or less complex work also could negatively impact margins due to the inefficiency of transitioning between a greater number of smaller projects versus continuous production on fewer larger projects. As a result, at times we may choose to maintain a portion of our workforce and equipment in an underutilized capacity to ensure we are strategically positioned to deliver on larger projects when they move forward.
Project variability and performance. Margins for a single project may fluctuate period to period due to changes in the volume or type of work performed, the pricing structure under the project contract or job productivity. Additionally, our productivity and performance on a project can vary period to period based on a number of factors, including unexpected project difficulties or site conditions (including in connection with difficult geographic characteristics); project location, including locations with challenging operating conditions; whether the work is on an open or encumbered right of way; inclement weather or severe weather events; environmental restrictions or regulatory delays; protests, public activism, other political activity or legal challenges related to a project; and the performance of third parties. Moreover, we currently generate a significant portion of our revenues under fixed price contracts, and fixed price contracts are more common in connection with our larger and more
complex projects that typically involve greater performance risk. Under these contracts, we assume risks related to project estimates and execution, and project revenues can vary, sometimes substantially, from our original projections due to a variety of factors, including the additional complexity, timing uncertainty or extended bidding, regulatory and permitting processes associated with these projects. These variations can result in a reduction in expected profit, the incurrence of losses on a project or the issuance of change orders and/or assertion of contract claims against customers. See Contract Estimates and Changes in Estimates in Note 3 of the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 1. Financial Statements of Part I of this Quarterly Report.
Subcontract work and provision of materials. Work that is subcontracted to other service providers generally yields lower margins, and therefore an increase in subcontract work in a given period can decrease operating margins. In recent years, we have subcontracted approximately 20% of our work to other service providers. Additionally, under certain contracts, including contracts for engineering, procurement and construction services, we agree to procure all or part of the required materials. While we attempt to structure our agreements with customers and suppliers to account for the impact of increased materials procurement requirements or fluctuations in the cost of materials we procure, our margins may be lower on projects where we furnish a significant amount of materials, as our markup on materials is generally lower than our markup on labor costs, and in a given period an increase in the percentage of work with greater materials procurement requirements may decrease our overall margins, including in some cases our assuming price risk. Furthermore, fluctuations in the price or availability of materials, equipment and consumables that we or our customers utilize could impact costs to complete projects.
Results of Operations
Consolidated Results
The following table sets forth selected statements of operations data, such data as a percentage of revenues for the periods indicated, as well as the dollar and percentage change from the prior period (dollars in thousands).
| Three Months Ended March 31, | Change | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2024 | 2023 | $ | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Revenues | $ | 5,031,819 | 100.0 | % | $ | 4,428,826 | 100.0 | % | $ | 602,993 | 13.6 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cost of services | 4,408,325 | 87.6 | 3,855,631 | 87.1 | 552,694 | 14.3 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Gross profit | 623,494 | 12.4 | 573,195 | 12.9 | 50,299 | 8.8 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Equity in earnings of integral unconsolidated affiliates | 12,334 | 0.2 | 9,620 | 0.2 | 2,714 | 28.2 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Selling, general and administrative expenses | (402,340) | (8.0) | (384,552) | (8.7) | (17,788) | 4.6 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Amortization of intangible assets | (77,511) | (1.5) | (72,403) | (1.6) | (5,108) | 7.1 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Change in fair value of contingent consideration liabilities | (623) | — | — | — | (623) | * | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Operating income | 155,354 | 3.1 | 125,860 | 2.8 | 29,494 | 23.4 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest and other financing expenses | (41,072) | (0.8) | (41,693) | (0.9) | 621 | (1.5) | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest income | 8,023 | 0.2 | 1,516 | — | 6,507 | 429.2 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other income, net | 24,882 | 0.4 | 7,866 | 0.2 | 17,016 | 216.3 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Income before income taxes | 147,187 | 2.9 | 93,549 | 2.1 | 53,638 | 57.3 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Provision for (benefit from) income taxes | 21,096 | 0.4 | (3,421) | (0.1) | 24,517 | (716.7) | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income | 126,091 | 2.5 | 96,970 | 2.2 | 29,121 | 30.0 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Less: Net income attributable to non-controlling interests | 7,731 | (0.1) | 1,924 | (0.1) | 5,807 | 301.8 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income attributable to common stock | $ | 118,360 | 2.4 | % | $ | 95,046 | 2.1 | % | $ | 23,314 | 24.5 | % |
- The percentage change is not meaningful.
Revenues. Revenues increased due to a $575.9 million increase in revenues from our Renewable Energy segment and a $36.2 million increase in revenues from our Underground and Infrastructure segment, offset by a $9.1 million decrease in revenues from our Electric Power segment. See Segment Results below for additional information and discussion related to segment revenues.
Cost of services. Costs of services primarily includes wages, benefits, subcontractor costs, materials, equipment, and other direct and indirect costs, including related depreciation. The increase in cost of services generally correlates to the increase in revenues.
Selling, general and administrative expenses. The increase was primarily attributable to a $19.0 million increase related to recently acquired businesses and a loss of $10.7 million on the disposal of a non-core business. Partially offsetting these increases was a $10.3 million decrease in acquisition and integration costs.
Amortization of intangible assets. The increase was primarily related to incremental amortization expense associated with recent acquisitions.
Operating income. Operating income was positively impacted by a $39.2 million increase in operating income for our Renewable Energy segment and a $12.9 million increase in operating income for our Electric Power segment, partially offset by a $14.7 million decrease in operating income for our Underground and Infrastructure segment and a $7.9 million increase in corporate and non-allocated costs, which includes amortization expense. Results for each of our business segments and our corporate and non-allocated costs are discussed in Segment Results below.
Interest and other financing expenses. The decrease primarily resulted from an approximate 20% reduction in average variable rate debt outstanding as compared to the three months ended March 31, 2023, partially offset by an approximate 80 basis point increase in interest rates for our outstanding variable rate debt as compared to the three months ended March 31, 2023.
Other income, net. The increase primarily resulted from a $12.2 million gain on the sale of an investment in a non-integral unconsolidated affiliate, of which $4.9 million was attributable to a non-controlling interest (as described below).
Provision for (benefit from) income taxes. The effective tax rates for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023 were a provision of 14.3% and a benefit of 3.7%. The effective tax rate for the three months ended March 31, 2024 was impacted by the recognition of a $21.6 million tax benefit resulting from non-cash stock-based compensation awards vesting at higher fair market value than their grant date fair value, as compared to the recognition of a $32.0 million tax benefit for the three months ended March 31, 2023.
Net income attributable to non-controlling interests. The increase in net income attributable to non-controlling interests is primarily related to the $4.9 million gain on the sale of the investment in a non-integral equity unconsolidated affiliate recorded during the three months ended March 31, 2024, as further described in Note 6 of the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 1. Financial Statements of Part I of this Quarterly Report.
Comprehensive income. See Statements of Comprehensive Income in Item 1. Financial Statements of Part I of this Quarterly Report. Comprehensive income decreased by $2.7 million in the three months ended March 31, 2024 as compared to the three months ended March 31, 2023, primarily due to a $31.0 million decrease related to foreign currency translation adjustments, which was partially offset by a $29.1 million increase in net income. The predominant functional currencies for our operations outside the U.S. are Canadian and Australian dollars. Foreign currency translation loss for the three months ended March 31, 2024 primarily resulted from the strengthening of the U.S. dollar against the Canadian and Australian dollars.
Segment Results
We report our results under three reportable segments: Electric Power, Renewable Energy and Underground and Infrastructure. Reportable segment information, including revenues and operating income by type of work, is gathered from each of our operating companies. Classification of our operating company revenues by type of work for segment reporting purposes can at times require judgment on the part of management. Integrated operations and common administrative support for operating companies require that certain allocations be made to determine segment profitability, including allocations of corporate shared and indirect operating costs, as well as general and administrative costs. Certain corporate costs are not allocated, including corporate facility costs; non-allocated corporate salaries, benefits and incentive compensation; acquisition and integration costs; non-cash stock-based compensation; amortization related to intangible assets; asset impairments related to goodwill and intangible assets; and change in fair value of contingent consideration liabilities.
The following table sets forth segment revenues, segment operating income (loss) and operating margins for the periods
indicated, as well as the dollar and percentage change from the prior period (dollars in thousands):
| Three Months Ended March 31, | Change | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2024 | 2023 | $ | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Revenues: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Electric Power | $ | 2,326,960 | 46.2 | % | $ | 2,336,037 | 52.7 | % | $ | (9,077) | (0.4) | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Renewable Energy | 1,584,164 | 31.5 | 1,008,300 | 22.8 | 575,864 | 57.1 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Underground and Infrastructure | 1,120,695 | 22.3 | 1,084,489 | 24.5 | 36,206 | 3.3 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Consolidated revenues | $ | 5,031,819 | 100.0 | % | $ | 4,428,826 | 100.0 | % | $ | 602,993 | 13.6 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Operating income (loss): | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Electric Power | $ | 228,025 | 9.8 | % | $ | 215,149 | 9.2 | % | $ | 12,876 | 6.0 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Renewable Energy | 74,846 | 4.7 | % | 35,656 | 3.5 | % | 39,190 | 109.9 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Underground and Infrastructure | 46,888 | 4.2 | % | 61,573 | 5.7 | % | (14,685) | (23.8) | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Corporate and Non-Allocated Costs | (194,405) | (3.9) | % | (186,518) | (4.2) | % | (7,887) | 4.2 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Consolidated operating income | $ | 155,354 | 3.1 | % | $ | 125,860 | 2.8 | % | $ | 29,494 | 23.4 | % |
Electric Power Segment Results
Revenues. The decrease in revenues for the three months ended March 31, 2024 was primarily due to softness in the distribution market, partially offset by approximately $55 million in revenues attributable to acquired businesses.
Operating Income. The increase in operating income and operating margin for the three months ended March 31, 2024 was primarily due to the favorable impact of margins related to telecommunication projects and the overall mix of revenues, partially offset by decreased utilization of resources in Canada.
Renewable Energy Segment Results
Revenues. The increase in revenues for the three months ended March 31, 2024 was primarily due to increased demand for generation and transmission services for renewable generation projects.
Operating Income. The increase in operating income and operating margin was partly due to the increase in revenues during the three months ended March 31, 2024. Additionally, operating income and operating margin during the three months ended March 31, 2023 were negatively impacted by access delays, logistical challenges and other issues outside of our control that increased costs associated with a large renewable energy project in Canada. Operating margin for the three months ended March 31, 2024 was negatively impacted by decreased operating income margins on various solar projects in the United States that were the result of decreased productivity.
Underground and Infrastructure Segment Results
Revenues. The increase in revenues for the three months ended March 31, 2024 was primarily due to approximately $60 million in revenues attributable to an acquired business, as well as increased revenues associated with large pipeline projects in the United States, which were partially offset by lower revenues from large pipeline projects in Canada.
Operating Income. The decrease in operating income and operating margin for the three months ended March 31, 2024 was primarily due to a loss of $10.7 million related to the disposition of a non-core business and decreased revenues in Canada, which contributed to lower levels of fixed cost absorption.
Corporate and Non-Allocated Costs
The increase in corporate and non-allocated costs during the three months ended March 31, 2024 was primarily due to an aggregate increase of $13.1 million in costs primarily related to compensation expense, which was primarily attributable to non-cash stock compensation expense and salaries in support of business growth. Also contributing to the increase in expense was a $5.1 million increase in amortization of intangible assets. These increases were partially offset by a $10.3 million decrease in acquisition and integration costs.
Non-GAAP Financial Measures
EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA
EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA, financial measures not recognized under GAAP, when used in connection with net income attributable to common stock, are intended to provide useful information to investors and analysts as they evaluate our performance. EBITDA is defined as earnings before interest and other financing expenses, taxes, depreciation and amortization, and adjusted EBITDA is defined as EBITDA adjusted for certain other items as described below. These measures should not be considered as an alternative to net income attributable to common stock or other financial measures of performance that are derived in accordance with GAAP. Management believes that the exclusion of these items from net income attributable to common stock enables us and our investors to more effectively evaluate our operations period over period and to identify operating trends that might not be apparent due to, among other reasons, the variable nature of these items period over period. In addition, management believes these measures may be useful for investors in comparing our operating results with other companies that may be viewed as our peers.
As to certain of the items below, (i) non-cash stock-based compensation expense varies from period to period due to acquisition activity, changes in the estimated fair value of performance-based awards, forfeiture rates, accelerated vesting and amounts granted; (ii) acquisition and integration costs vary from period to period depending on the level and complexity of our acquisition activity; (iii) equity in (earnings) losses of non-integral unconsolidated affiliates varies from period to period depending on the activity and financial performance of such affiliates, the operations of which are not operationally integral to us; (iv) gains and losses on the sale of investments and businesses vary from period to period depending on activity; and (v) change in fair value of contingent consideration liabilities varies from period to period depending on the performance in post-acquisition periods of certain acquired businesses and the effect of present value accretion on fair value calculations. Because EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA, as defined, exclude some, but not all, items that affect net income attributable to common stock, such measures may not be comparable to similarly titled measures of other companies. The most comparable GAAP financial measure, net income attributable to common stock, and information reconciling the GAAP and non-GAAP financial measures, are included below. The following table shows dollars in thousands:
| Three Months Ended | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| March 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2024 | 2023 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income attributable to common stock (GAAP as reported) | $ | 118,360 | $ | 95,046 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest and other financing expenses | 41,072 | 41,693 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest income | (8,023) | (1,516) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Provision for (benefit from) income taxes | 21,096 | (3,421) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Depreciation expense | 88,895 | 78,382 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Amortization of intangible assets | 77,511 | 72,403 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest, income taxes, depreciation and amortization included in equity in earnings of integral unconsolidated affiliates | 3,000 | 4,870 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| EBITDA | 341,911 | 287,457 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Non-cash stock-based compensation | 35,331 | 27,451 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Acquisition and integration costs | 9,551 | 19,888 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Equity in earnings of non-integral unconsolidated affiliates | (3,582) | (1,617) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Loss on disposition of business (gain on sale of investment), net (a) | 3,420 | (822) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Change in fair value of contingent consideration liabilities | 623 | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Adjusted EBITDA | $ | 387,254 | $ | 332,357 |
(a) The amount for the three months ended March 31, 2024 is a loss of $10.7 million on the disposition of a non-core business, partially offset by a gain of $7.3 million as a result of the sale of a non-integral equity method investment.
Remaining Performance Obligations and Backlog
A performance obligation is a promise in a contract with a customer to transfer a distinct good or service. Our remaining performance obligations represent management’s estimate of consolidated revenues that are expected to be realized from the remaining portion of firm orders under fixed price contracts not yet completed or for which work has not yet begun, which includes estimated revenues attributable to consolidated joint ventures and variable interest entities, revenues from funded and unfunded portions of government contracts to the extent they are reasonably expected to be realized, and revenues from change orders and claims to the extent management believes they will be earned and are probable of collection.
We have also historically disclosed our backlog, a measure commonly used in our industry but not recognized under GAAP. We believe this measure enables management to more effectively forecast our future capital needs and results and better identify future operating trends that may not otherwise be apparent. We believe this measure is also useful for investors in forecasting our future results and comparing us to our competitors. Our remaining performance obligations are a component of backlog, which also includes estimated orders under MSAs, including estimated renewals, and certain non-fixed price contracts. Our methodology for determining backlog may not be comparable to the methodologies used by other companies.
As of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, MSAs accounted for 42% and 45% of our estimated 12-month backlog and 52% and 55% of our total backlog. Generally, our customers are not contractually committed to specific volumes of services under our MSAs, and most of our contracts can be terminated on short notice even if we are not in default. We determine the estimated backlog for these MSAs using recurring historical trends, factoring in seasonal demand and projected customer needs based upon ongoing communications. In addition, many of our MSAs are subject to renewal, and these potential renewals are considered in determining estimated backlog. As a result, estimates for remaining performance obligations and backlog are subject to change based on, among other things, project accelerations; project cancellations or delays, including but not limited to those caused by commercial issues, regulatory requirements, natural disasters, emergencies and adverse weather conditions; and final acceptance of change orders by customers. These factors can cause revenues to be realized in periods and at levels that are different than originally projected.
The following table reconciles total remaining performance obligations to our backlog (a non-GAAP financial measure) by reportable segment along with estimates of amounts expected to be realized within 12 months (in thousands):
| March 31, 2024 | December 31, 2023 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 12 Month | Total | 12 Month | Total | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Electric Power | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Remaining performance obligations | $ | 3,027,780 | $ | 5,571,970 | $ | 2,762,608 | $ | 4,505,830 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Estimated orders under MSAs and short-term, non-fixed price contracts | 4,805,249 | 9,769,937 | 5,597,732 | 10,995,198 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Backlog | $ | 7,833,029 | $ | 15,341,907 | $ | 8,360,340 | $ | 15,501,028 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Renewable Energy | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Remaining performance obligations | $ | 5,673,672 | $ | 8,137,113 | $ | 5,512,159 | $ | 8,005,368 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Estimated orders under MSAs and short-term, non-fixed price contracts | 187,440 | 315,601 | 118,770 | 119,634 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Backlog | $ | 5,861,112 | $ | 8,452,714 | $ | 5,630,929 | $ | 8,125,002 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Underground and Infrastructure | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Remaining performance obligations | $ | 912,482 | $ | 1,173,586 | $ | 1,017,227 | $ | 1,383,057 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Estimated orders under MSAs and short-term, non-fixed price contracts | 2,029,477 | 4,929,704 | 2,222,451 | 5,099,332 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Backlog | $ | 2,941,959 | $ | 6,103,290 | $ | 3,239,678 | $ | 6,482,389 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Remaining performance obligations | $ | 9,613,934 | $ | 14,882,669 | $ | 9,291,994 | $ | 13,894,255 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Estimated orders under MSAs and short-term, non-fixed price contracts | 7,022,166 | 15,015,242 | 7,938,953 | 16,214,164 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Backlog | $ | 16,636,100 | $ | 29,897,911 | $ | 17,230,947 | $ | 30,108,419 |
The increase in remaining performance obligations from December 31, 2023 to March 31, 2024 was primarily attributable to multiple new project awards, while the decrease in backlog from December 31, 2023 to March 31, 2024 was primarily attributable to completed work on existing MSAs across the Electric Power and Underground and Infrastructure segments.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Overview
We plan to fund our working capital, capital expenditures, debt service, dividends and other cash requirements with our current available liquidity and cash from operations, which could be affected by general economic, financial, competitive, legislative, regulatory, business and other factors, many of which are beyond our control. Management monitors financial markets and national and global economic conditions for factors that may affect our liquidity and capital resources.
Our capital deployment priorities that require the use of cash include: (i) working capital to fund ongoing operating needs, (ii) capital expenditures to meet anticipated demand for our services, (iii) acquisitions and investments to facilitate the long-term growth and sustainability of our business, and (iv) return of capital to stockholders, including through the payment of dividends and repurchases of our outstanding common stock. We intend to fund these requirements primarily with cash flow from operating activities, as well as debt financing as needed.
Cash Requirements and Capital Allocation
During the three months ended March 31, 2024, there were no material changes outside the ordinary course of business in the specified contractual obligations or changes to our capital allocation priorities as set forth in Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations in Part II of the 2023 Annual Report. We anticipate that our future cash flows from operating activities, cash and cash equivalents on hand, existing borrowing capacity under our senior credit facility and commercial paper program and ability to access capital markets for additional capital will provide sufficient funds to enable us to meet our cash requirements for the next twelve months and over the longer term.
Significant Sources of Cash
Cash flow from operating activities is primarily influenced by demand for our services and operating margins but is also influenced by the timing of working capital needs associated with the various types of services that we provide. Our working capital needs may increase when we commence large volumes of work under circumstances where project costs are required to be paid before the associated receivables are billed and collected. Additionally, operating cash flows may be negatively impacted as a result of unpaid and delayed change orders and claims. Changes in project timing due to delays or accelerations and other economic, regulatory, market and political factors that may affect customer spending could also impact cash flow from operating activities. Further information with respect to our cash flow from operating activities is set forth below and in Note 16 of the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 1. Financial Statements of Part I of this Quarterly Report*.*
Our available commitments under our senior credit facility and cash and cash equivalents as of March 31, 2024 were as follows (in thousands):
| March 31, 2024 | ||||||||
| Total capacity available for revolving loans, credit support for commercial paper program and letters of credit | $ | 2,640,000 | ||||||
| Less: | ||||||||
| Borrowings of revolving loans | 127,801 | |||||||
| Commercial paper program notes outstanding(1) | 208,350 | |||||||
| Letters of credit outstanding | 251,179 | |||||||
| Available commitments for revolving loans, credit support for commercial paper program and letters of credit | 2,052,670 | |||||||
| Plus: | ||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents (2) | 531,056 | |||||||
| Total available commitments under senior credit facility and cash and cash equivalents | $ | 2,583,726 |
(1) Amount represents unsecured notes issued under our commercial paper program, which has a maximum aggregate amount of $1.50 billion of notes outstanding at any time. Available commitments for revolving loans under our senior credit facility must be maintained to provide credit support for notes issued under our commercial paper program, and therefore such notes effectively reduce the available borrowing capacity under our senior credit facility.
(2) Further information with respect to our cash and cash equivalents is set forth below and in Note 15 of the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 1. Financial Statements of Part I of this Quarterly Report. This
amount includes $216.6 million in jurisdictions outside of the U.S., principally in Canada and Australia. There are currently no legal or economic restrictions that would materially impede our ability to repatriate such cash.
We consider our investment policies related to cash and cash equivalents to be conservative, as we maintain a diverse portfolio of what we believe to be high-quality cash and cash equivalent investments with short-term maturities. Additionally, subject to the conditions specified in the credit agreement for our senior credit facility, we have the option to increase the capacity of our senior credit facility, in the form of an increase in the revolving commitments, term loans or a combination thereof, from time to time, upon receipt of additional commitments from new or existing lenders by up to an additional (i) $400.0 million plus (ii) additional amounts so long as the Incremental Leverage Ratio Requirement (as defined in the credit agreement) is satisfied at the time of such increase. The Incremental Leverage Ratio Requirement requires, among other things, after giving pro forma effect to such increase and the use of proceeds therefrom, compliance with the credit agreement’s financial covenants as of the most recent fiscal quarter end for which financial statements were required to be delivered. Further information with respect to our debt obligations is set forth in Note 8 of the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 1. Financial Statements of Part I of this Quarterly Report*.*
We may also seek to access the capital markets from time to time to raise additional capital, increase liquidity as necessary, refinance or extend the term of our existing indebtedness, fund acquisitions or otherwise fund our capital needs. While our financial strategy and consistent performance have allowed us to maintain investment grade ratings, our ability to access capital markets in the future depends on a number of factors, including our financial performance and financial position, our credit ratings, industry conditions, general economic conditions, our backlog, capital expenditure commitments, market conditions and market perceptions of us and our industry.
Sources and Uses of Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash During the Three Months Ended March 31, 2024 and 2023
In summary, our cash flows for each period were as follows (in thousands):
| Three Months Ended | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| March 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2024 | 2023 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net cash provided by operating activities | $ | 237,955 | $ | 38,409 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net cash used in investing activities | $ | (386,608) | $ | (488,624) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities | $ | (603,044) | $ | 242,687 |
Operating Activities
Net cash provided by operating activities of $238.0 million and $38.4 million in the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023 primarily reflected earnings adjusted for non-cash items and cash provided and used by the main components of working capital: “Accounts and notes receivable,” “Contract assets,” “Accounts payable and accrued expenses,” and “Contract liabilities.” Net cash provided by operating activities during March 31, 2023 was negatively impacted by incremental working capital requirements and the timing of billings related to the large renewable transmission project in Canada as discussed further in Note 3 of the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 1. Financial Statements of Part I of this Quarterly Report.
As discussed above, cash flow provided by operating activities is primarily influenced by demand for our services and operating margins but is also influenced by working capital needs. Our working capital needs may increase when we commence large volumes of work under circumstances where project costs, primarily labor, equipment and subcontractors, are required to be paid before the associated receivables are billed and collected and when we incur costs for work that is the subject of unpaid change orders and claims. Accordingly, changes within working capital in accounts receivable, contract assets and contract liabilities are normally related and are typically affected on a collective basis by changes in revenue due to the timing and volume of work performed and variability in the timing of customer billings and payments, as well as change orders and claims. Additionally, working capital needs are generally higher during the summer and fall due to increased demand for our services when favorable weather conditions exist in many of our operating regions. Conversely, working capital assets are typically converted to cash during the winter. These seasonal trends can be offset by changes in project timing due to delays or accelerations and other economic factors that may affect customer spending, including market conditions or the impact of certain unforeseen events (e.g., regulatory and other actions that impact the supply chain for certain materials).
Days sales outstanding (DSO) represents the average number of days it takes revenues to be converted into cash, which management believes is an important metric for assessing liquidity. A decrease in DSO has a favorable impact on cash flow from operating activities, while an increase in DSO has a negative impact on cash flow from operating activities. DSO is calculated by using the sum of current accounts receivable, net of allowance (which includes retainage and unbilled balances),
plus contract assets, less contract liabilities, and divided by average revenues per day during the quarter. DSO as of March 31, 2024 was 71 days, which was lower than DSO of 77 days as of March 31, 2023 and lower than our five-year historical average DSO of 83 days. This decrease in DSO as compared to March 31, 2023 was partially due to an increase in contract liabilities related to favorable billing terms on certain large projects and increased revenues in the three months ended March 31, 2024. Although the decrease in DSO had a positive impact on cash flow from operating activities, unapproved change orders included in contract assets from the aforementioned large renewable transmission project in Canada continued to negatively impact DSO and cash flow from operating activities as of and for the three months ended March 31, 2024. Also negatively impacting cash flow from operating activities was our prepayment of amounts to suppliers for certain project materials that require a long lead time during the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023 and payments of a significant amount of accounts payable balances on certain large renewable projects during the three months ended March 31, 2024 that were outstanding as of December 31, 2023.
Investing Activities
Net cash used in investing activities in the three months ended March 31, 2024 included $384.1 million related to acquisitions and $83.1 million of capital expenditures. Partially offsetting these items were $28.7 million of proceeds from the disposition of a non-core business, $26.6 million of proceeds from the sale of a non-integral equity investment and $26.4 million of proceeds from the sale of, and insurance settlements related to, property and equipment.
Net cash used in investing activities in the three months ended March 31, 2023 included $452.3 million related to acquisitions and $80.3 million of capital expenditures. Partially offsetting these items were $39.1 million of cash received from the sale of investments and $10.8 million of proceeds from the sale of, and insurance settlements related to, property and equipment.
Our industry is capital intensive, and we expect substantial capital expenditures and commitments for equipment purchases and equipment lease and rental arrangements to be needed for the foreseeable future in order to meet anticipated demand for our services. In addition, we expect to continue to pursue strategic acquisitions and investments, although we cannot predict the timing or amount of the cash needed for these initiatives. We also have various other capital commitments that are detailed primarily in Note 14 of the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 1. Financial Statements of Part I of this Quarterly Report.
Financing Activities
Net cash used in financing activities in the three months ended March 31, 2024 included $504.5 million of net repayments under our senior credit facility and commercial paper program, $75.7 million of payments to satisfy tax withholding obligations associated with stock-based compensation and the payment of $13.7 million of dividends.
Net cash provided by financing activities in the three months ended March 31, 2023 included $380.6 million of net borrowings under our senior credit facility and commercial paper program, partially offset by $108.7 million of payments to satisfy tax withholding obligations associated with stock-based compensation; the payment of $12.8 million of dividends; and $8.7 million of net distributions to non-controlling interests.
We expect to continue to utilize cash for similar financing activities in the future, including repayments of our outstanding debt, payment of cash dividends and repurchases of our common stock and/or debt securities.
Critical Accounting Estimates
The discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations are based on our condensed consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with GAAP. Certain information and footnote disclosures, normally included in annual financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP, have been condensed or omitted pursuant to those rules and regulations. The preparation of these condensed consolidated financial statements requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities known to exist as of the date the condensed consolidated financial statements are published and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses recognized during the periods presented. We review all significant estimates affecting our condensed consolidated financial statements on a recurring basis and record the effect of any necessary adjustments prior to their publication. Judgments and estimates are based on our beliefs and assumptions derived from information available at the time such judgments and estimates are made. Uncertainties with respect to such estimates and assumptions are inherent in the preparation of financial statements. There can be no assurance that actual results will not differ from those estimates. Management has reviewed its development and selection of critical accounting estimates with the audit committee of our Board of Directors. Our accounting policies are primarily described in Notes 2 and 4 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data in Part II of the 2023 Annual Report and should be read in
conjunction with the accounting policies identified in Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations of Part II of our 2023 Annual Report, which we believe affect our more significant estimates.
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk.
There were no material changes to our quantitative and qualitative disclosures about market risk during the three months ended March 31, 2024. Our primary exposure to market risk relates to unfavorable changes in interest rates and currency exchange rates. Refer to the information on financial market risk related to changes in interest rates and foreign currency exchange rates in Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk of Part II of our 2023 Annual Report.
Item 4. Controls and Procedures.
Attached as exhibits to this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q are certifications of Quanta’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer that are required in accordance with Rule 13a-14 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the Exchange Act). This Item 4. section includes information concerning the controls and controls evaluation referred to in the certifications, and it should be read in conjunction with the certifications for a more complete understanding of the topics presented.
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
Our management has established and maintains a system of disclosure controls and procedures that are designed to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act, such as this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC rules and forms. The disclosure controls and procedures are also designed to provide reasonable assurance that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
As of the end of the period covered by this Quarterly Report, we evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to Rule 13a-15(b), as such disclosure controls and procedures are defined in Rule 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) of the Exchange Act. This evaluation was carried out under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer. Based on this evaluation, these officers have concluded that, as of March 31, 2024, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective to provide reasonable assurance of achieving their objectives.
Evaluation of Internal Control over Financial Reporting
We acquired three businesses during the three months ended March 31, 2024. We are in the process of integrating these acquired businesses into our overall internal control over financial reporting process.
Except as noted above, there has been no change in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the quarter ended March 31, 2024 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
Design and Operation of Control Systems
Our management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, does not expect that our disclosure controls and procedures or our internal control over financial reporting will prevent or detect all errors and all fraud. A control system, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the control system’s objectives will be met. The design of a control system must reflect the fact that there are resource constraints, and the benefits of controls must be considered relative to their costs. Further, because of the inherent limitations in all control systems, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that misstatements due to error or fraud will not occur or that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, within the company have been detected. These inherent limitations include the realities that judgments in decision-making can be faulty and breakdowns can occur because of simple errors or mistakes. Controls can be circumvented by the individual acts of some persons, by collusion of two or more people, or by management override of the controls. The design of any system of controls is based in part on certain assumptions about the likelihood of future events, and there can be no assurance that any design will succeed in achieving its stated goals under all potential future conditions. Over time, controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions or deterioration in the degree of compliance with policies or procedures.
PART II — OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1. Legal Proceedings.
We are from time to time 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, negligence or gross negligence and/or property damage, environmental liabilities, wage and hour claims and other employment-related damages, punitive damages, consequential damages, civil penalties or other losses, or injunctive or declaratory relief, as well as interest and attorneys’ fees associated with such claims. With respect to all such lawsuits, claims and proceedings, we record a reserve when we believe it is probable that a loss has been incurred and the amount of loss can be reasonably estimated. In addition, we disclose matters for which management believes a material loss is at least reasonably possible. See Note 14 of the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 1. Financial Statements of Part I of this Quarterly Report, which is incorporated by reference in this Item 1, for additional information regarding litigation, claims and other legal proceedings.
Environmental Matters
Item 103 of Regulation S-K requires disclosure of certain environmental matters in which a governmental authority is a party to the proceedings and when such proceedings involve the potential for monetary sanctions that management reasonably believes will exceed a specified threshold. Pursuant to SEC regulations, we use a threshold of $1.0 million for such proceedings.
Item 1A. Risk Factors.
Our business is subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict and many of which are outside of our control. For a detailed discussion of the risks that affect our business, refer to Item 1A. Risk Factors of Part I of our 2023 Annual Report. As of the date of this filing, there have been no material changes to the risk factors previously described in our 2023 Annual Report. The matters specifically identified are not the only risks and uncertainties facing our company, and risks and uncertainties not known to us or not specifically identified also may impair our business operations. If any of these risks and uncertainties occur, our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows could be negatively affected, which could negatively impact the value of an investment in our company.
**Item 2.**Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities, Use of Proceeds and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities.
Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities
During the three months ended March 31, 2024, on January 19, 2024, February 6, 2024 and March 1, 2024, we completed acquisitions in which a portion of the consideration consisted of the unregistered issuance of shares of our common stock. The aggregate consideration for these acquisitions included 250,539 shares of our common stock, valued at $51.8 million as of the acquisition dates.
The shares of common stock issued in these transactions were issued in reliance upon the exemption from registration provided by Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, as the shares were issued to the owners of the businesses acquired in privately negotiated transactions not involving any public offering or solicitation.
For additional information about these acquisitions, see Note 5 of the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 1. Financial Statements of Part I of this Quarterly Report*.*
Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities During the First Quarter of 2024
The following table contains information about our purchases of equity securities during the three months ended March 31, 2024.
| Period | Total Number of Shares Purchased (1)(2) | Average Price Paid per Share | Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs (1) | Maximum Number (or Approximate Dollar Value) of Shares that may yet be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs (1) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| January 1 - 31, 2024 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Open Market Stock Repurchases (1) | — | $ | — | — | $ | 499,650,097 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Tax Withholding Obligations (2) | 3,550 | $ | 205.49 | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| February 1 - 29, 2024 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Open Market Stock Repurchases (1) | — | $ | — | — | $ | 499,650,097 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Tax Withholding Obligations (2) | 6,436 | $ | 196.58 | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| March 1 - 31, 2024 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Open Market Stock Repurchases (1) | — | $ | — | — | $ | 499,650,097 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Tax Withholding Obligations (2) | 310,126 | $ | 241.35 | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | 320,112 | — | $ | 499,650,097 |
(1)On May 24, 2023, we issued a press release announcing that our Board of Directors approved a stock repurchase program effective July 1, 2023 that authorizes us to purchase, from time to time through June 30, 2026, up to $500 million of our outstanding common stock. Repurchases can be made in open market and privately negotiated transactions, at our discretion, based on market and business conditions, applicable contractual and legal requirements and other factors. The program does not obligate us to acquire any specific amount of common stock and may be modified or terminated by our Board of Directors at any time at its sole discretion and without notice.
(2)Includes shares withheld from employees to satisfy tax withholding obligations in connection with the vesting of restricted stock unit and performance stock unit awards or the settlement of previously vested but deferred restricted stock unit and performance stock unit awards.
Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities.
None.
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures.
Not applicable.
Item 5. Other Information.
Insider Trading Arrangements
On March 1, 2024, Derrick A. Jensen, Executive Vice President of Quanta, adopted a Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement (as such term is defined in Item 408 of Regulation S-K), with an effective date of March 31, 2024 and an expiration date of December 27, 2024. Mr. Jensen’s plan provides for the potential sale of up to 30,000 shares of Quanta common stock and is intended to satisfy the affirmative defense conditions of Rule 10b5-1(c) of the Exchange Act.
On March 27, 2024, the Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement previously adopted by Donald C. Wayne, Executive Vice President and General Counsel of Quanta, terminated upon execution of all orders. Mr. Wayne’s plan provided for the sale of up to 17,750 shares of Quanta common stock through April 30, 2024.
Item 6. Exhibits.
| * | Filed or furnished herewith | ||||
| ^ | Management contracts or compensatory plans or arrangements | ||||
SIGNATURE
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant, Quanta Services, Inc., has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
QUANTA SERVICES, INC.
| By: | /s/ PAUL M. NOBEL | ||||
| Paul M. Nobel Senior Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer | |||||
| (Principal Accounting Officer) |
Dated: May 2, 2024