Energy Services of America CORP

Energy Services of America Corporation (“Energy Services” or the “Company”), formed in 2006, is a contractor and service company that operates primarily in the mid-Atlantic and central regions of the United States and provides services to customers in the natural gas, petroleum, water distribution, automotive, chemical, and power industries. For the gas industry, the Company is primarily engaged in the construction, replacement and repair of natural gas pipelines and storage facilities for utility companies and private natural gas companies. Energy Services is involved in the construction of both interstate and intrastate pipelines, with an emphasis on the latter. For the oil industry, the Company provides a variety of services relating to pipeline, storage facilities and plant work. For the power, chemical, and automotive industries, the Company provides a full range of electrical and mechanical installations and repairs including substation and switchyard services, site preparation, equipment setting, pipe fabrication and installation, packaged buildings, transformers, and other ancillary work with regards thereto. Energy Services’ other pipeline services include corrosion protection services, horizontal drilling services, liquid pipeline construction, pump station construction, production facility construction, water and sewer pipeline installations, various maintenance and repair services and other services related to pipeline construction. The Company has also added the ability to install broadband and solar electric systems and perform civil and general contracting services.

The Company had consolidated operating revenues of$304.1 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2023, of which 48.8% was attributable to electrical, mechanical, and general contract services,30.3% to gas and petroleum transmission projects, and 20.9% to gas & water distributions services. The Company had consolidated operating revenues of$197.6 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2022, of which 43.5% was attributable to electrical, mechanical, and general contract services,29.5% to gas and petroleum transmission projects, and 27.0% to gas & water distributions services.

Revenue Recognition

The Company recognizes revenue as performance obligations are satisfied and control of the promised goods and service is transferred to the customer. For Lump Sum and Unit Price contracts, revenue is ordinarily recognized over time as control is transferred to the customers by measuring the progress toward complete satisfaction of the performance obligation(s) using an input (i.e., “cost to cost”) method. For Cost Plus and Time and Material (“T&M”) contracts, revenue is ordinarily recognized over time as control is transferred to the customers by measuring the progress toward satisfaction of the performance obligation(s) using an output method.

The Company does have certain service and maintenance contracts in which each customer purchase order is considered its own performance obligation recognized over time and would be recognized depending on the type of contract mentioned above. The Company also does certain T&M service work that is generally completed in a short duration and is recognized at a point in time.

All contract costs, including those associated with affirmative claims, change orders and back charges, are recorded as incurred and revisions to estimated total costs are reflected as soon as the obligation to perform is determined. Contract costs consist of direct costs on contracts, including labor and materials, amounts payable to subcontractors and outside equipment providers, direct overhead costs and internal equipment expense (primarily depreciation, fuel, maintenance, and repairs).

The Company recognizes revenue, but not profit, on certain uninstalled materials. Revenue on these uninstalled materials is recognized when the cost is incurred (when control is transferred), but the associated profit is not recognized until the materials are installed. The costs of uninstalled materials are tracked separately within the Company’s accounting software.

Pre-contract and bond costs, if required, and mobilization costs on projects are generally immaterial to the total value of the Company’s contracts and are expensed when incurred. As a practical expedient, the Company recognizes these incremental costs as an expense when incurred if the amortization period of the asset that the entity otherwise would have recognized is one year or less. For projects expected to last greater than one year, mobilization costs are capitalized as incurred and amortized over the expected duration of the project. For these projects, mobilization costs will be tracked separately in the Company’s accounting software. This includes costs associated with setting up a project lot or lay-down yard, equipment, tool and supply transportation, temporary facilities and utilities and worker qualification and safety training.

Contracts may require the Company to warranty that work is performed in accordance with the contract; however, the warranty is not priced separately, and the Company does not offer customers an option to purchase a warranty.

Principles of Consolidation

The consolidated financial statements of Energy Services include the accounts of Energy Services, its wholly owned subsidiaries West Virginia Pipeline, SQP, Ryan Construction, Tri-State Paving and C.J. Hughes and its subsidiaries, Contractors Rental, Nitro, and Pinnacle. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in the consolidation. Unless the context requires otherwise, references to Energy Services include Energy Services, West Virginia Pipeline, SQP, Ryan Construction, Tri-State Paving and C.J. Hughes and its subsidiaries.

Use of Estimates and Assumptions

The preparation of financial statements, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S.GAAP”), requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of income and loss during the reporting period. Actual results could differ materially from those estimates.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Energy Services considers all highly liquid investments purchased with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents.

Fair Value Measurements

The “Fair Value Measurement” Topic of the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in accordance with U.S. GAAP and specifies disclosures about fair value measurements.

Under the FASB’s authoritative guidance on fair value measurements, fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. The “Fair Value Measurement” Topic establishes a three-level hierarchy for fair value measurements based upon the transparency of inputs to the valuation of an asset or liability as of the measurement date.

The valuation hierarchy is based upon the transparency of inputs to the valuation of an asset or liability as of the measurement date. The three levels are defined as follows:

Level 1 — Quoted prices for identical assets and liabilities traded in active exchange markets.

Level 2 — Observable inputs other than Level 1 including quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities, quoted prices in less active markets, or other observable inputs that can be corroborated by observable market data. Level 2 also includes derivative contracts whose value is determined using a pricing model with observable market inputs or can be derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data.

Level 3 — Unobservable inputs supported by little or no market activity for financial instruments whose value is determined using pricing models, discounted cash flow methodologies, or similar techniques, as well as instruments for which the determination of fair value requires significant management judgment or estimation; also includes observable inputs for nonbinding single dealer quotes not corroborated by observable market data.

A financial instrument’s categorization within the valuation hierarchy is based upon the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement.

The carrying amount for borrowings under the Company’s revolving credit facility approximates fair value because of the variable market interest rate charged to the Company for these borrowings. The fair value of the Company’s long term fixed-rate debt was estimated using a discounted cash flow analysis and a yield rate that was estimated based on the borrowing rates currently available

to the Company for bank loans with similar terms and maturities. The fair value of the aggregate principal amount of the Company’s fixed-rate debt of $33.8 million at September 30, 2023 was $32.1 million. The fair value of the aggregate principal amount of the Company’s fixed-rate debt of $25.1 million at September 30, 2022 was $24.3 million.

All other current assets and liabilities are carried at a net realizable value which approximates fair value because of their short duration to maturity.

Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

The Company’s accounts receivable consists of amounts that have been billed to customers. Collateral is generally not required. A majority of the Company’s contracts have monthly billing terms and payment terms within 30 to 45 days after invoices have been issued. The Company attempts to negotiate two-week billing terms and 15-day payment terms on larger projects. The timing of billings to customers may generate contract assets or contract liabilities. Certain construction contracts include retention provisions to provide assurance to our customers that we will perform in accordance with the contract terms and are therefore not considered a financing benefit. The balances billed but not paid by customers pursuant to these provisions generally become due upon completion and acceptance of the project work or products by the customer. We have determined there are no significant financing components in our contracts as of and for the years ended September 30, 2023 and 2022.

Retainage billed but not paid pursuant to contract provisions will be due upon completion of the contracts. Based on the Company’s experience, management considers all amounts classified as retainage receivable to be collectible. All retainage receivable amounts are expected to be collected within the next fiscal year.

The Company provides an allowance for doubtful accounts when collection of an account or note receivable is considered doubtful, and receivables are written off against the allowance when deemed uncollectible. Inherent in the assessment of the allowance for doubtful accounts are certain judgments and estimates including, among others, the customer’s access to capital, the customer’s willingness or ability to pay, general economic conditions and the ongoing relationship with the customer.

Property and Equipment

Property and equipment are recorded at cost. Costs which extend the useful lives or increase the productivity of the assets are capitalized, while normal repairs and maintenance that do not extend the useful life or increase productivity of the asset are expensed as incurred. Property and equipment are depreciated principally on the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets: buildings 39 years; operating equipment and vehicles 5-7 years; and office equipment, furniture and fixtures 5-7 years.

Intangible Assets

Acquired intangible assets subject to amortization are amortized on a straight-line basis, which approximates the pattern in which the economic benefit of the respective intangible assets is realized, over their respective estimated useful lives. The definite-lived identifiable intangible assets recognized as part of the Company’s business combinations were initially recorded at their estimated fair value.

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

A long-lived asset shall be tested for recoverability whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that its carrying amount may not be recoverable. If an evaluation is required, the estimated future undiscounted cash flows associated with the asset would be compared to the asset’s carrying amount to determine if a write-down to market value is required.

Claims

Claims are amounts in excess of the agreed contract price that a contractor seeks to collect from customers or others for customer-caused delays, errors in specifications and designs, contract terminations, change orders in dispute or unapproved as to both scope and price, or other causes of unanticipated additional costs. The Company records revenue on claims that management believes are probable. Revenue from a claim is recorded only to the extent that contract costs relating to the claim have been incurred.

Self -Insurance

The Company has its workers compensation, general liability and auto insurance through a captive insurance company. While the Company believes that this arrangement has been very beneficial in reducing and stabilizing insurance costs, the Company has to maintain a surety deposit to guarantee payment of premiums. The surety deposit had a balance of $1.9 million and $1.8 million as of September 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively, which is in “Prepaid expenses and other” on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets. Should the captive experience severe losses over an extended period, it could increase the Company’s insurance expense or surety deposit required.

Advertising

All advertising costs are expensed as incurred. Total advertising expenses were $138,000 and $17,000 for the years ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively.

Stock Compensation Plans

The Company accounts for its equity-based compensation as prescribed by U.S. GAAP for share-based payments. The Company has adopted a fair value-based method of accounting for employee equity-based plans, whereby compensation cost is measured at the grant date based on the fair value of the award and is recognized over the service period, which is usually the vesting period. As a result, compensation expense relating to stock compensation plans will be reflected in net income as part of “Selling and administrative expenses” on the consolidated statements of income.

Income Taxes

The Company and all subsidiaries file a consolidated federal and various state income tax returns on a fiscal year basis. With few exceptions, the Company is no longer subject to U.S. federal, state, or local income tax examinations for years ending prior to September 30, 2020. The Company follows the liability method of accounting for income taxes in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recorded for future tax consequences of temporary differences between financial reporting and tax bases of assets and liabilities and are measured using the enacted tax rates and laws that are expected to be in effect when the underlying assets or liabilities are recovered or settled. A valuation allowance is established to reduce deferred tax assets if it is more likely than not that a deferred tax asset will not be realized.

U.S. GAAP also prescribes a comprehensive model for how companies should recognize, measure, present and disclose in their financial statements uncertain tax positions taken or to be taken on a tax return. This evaluation is a two-step process. First, the recognition process determines if it is more likely than not that a tax position will be sustained based on the merits of the tax position upon examination by the appropriate taxing authority. Second, a measurement process is calculated to determine the amount of benefit/expense to recognize in the financial statements if a tax position meets the more likely than not recognition threshold. The tax position is measured at the greatest amount of benefit/expense that is more likely than not of being realized upon ultimate settlement. Any interest and penalty related to the unrecognized tax benefits, as the result of recognition of tax obligations resulting from uncertain tax positions, are included in general and administrative expenses. The Company had not recognized any uncertain tax positions at September 30, 2023 or 2022.

Earnings Per Common Share

Basic earnings per share is computed using the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the year, and diluted earnings per share is computed using the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the year adjusted for all potentially dilutive common stock equivalents, except in cases where the effect of the common stock equivalent would be anti-dilutive.

Collective Bargaining Agreements

Certain Energy Services subsidiaries are party to collective bargaining agreements with unions representing members that are employed by the Company. The agreements require such subsidiaries to pay specified wages and provide certain benefits to the union employees. These agreements expire at various times and have typically been renegotiated and renewed on terms that are similar to the ones contained in the expiring agreements.

Under certain collective bargaining agreements, the applicable Energy Services subsidiary is required to make contributions to multi-employer pension plans. If the subsidiary were to cease participation in one or more of these plans, a liability could potentially be assessed related to any underfunding of these plans. The amount of such an assessment, were one to be made, cannot be reasonably estimated.

Litigation Costs

The Company recognizes reserves when it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of loss can be reasonably estimated. Litigation costs are expensed as incurred.

Treasury Stock

When the Company’s stock is retired or repurchased for constructive retirement (with or without an intention to retire the stock formally in accordance with applicable laws), an excess of par or stated value over the cost of treasury shares is credited to additional paid-in capital.

New Accounting Pronouncements

On October 28, 2021, the FASB released Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2021-08, “Business Combinations (Topic 805): Accounting for Contract Assets and Contract Liabilities from Contracts with Customers”. The amendments of this ASU require entities to apply Topic 606 to recognize and measure contract assets and contract liabilities in a business combination. The amendments improve comparability after the business combination by providing consistent recognition and measurement guidance for revenue contracts with customers acquired in a business combination and revenue contracts with customers not acquired in a business combination. The amendments are effective for public business entities for fiscal years, including interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2022. For all other entities they are effective for fiscal years, including interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2023. Entities should apply the amendments prospectively to business combinations that occur after the effective date. Early adoption is permitted, including in any interim period, for public business entities for periods for which financial statements have not yet been issued, and for all other entities for periods for which financial statements have not yet been made available for issuance. The Company is currently assessing the effect that ASU 2021-08 will have on their results of operations, financial position, and cash flows; however, the Company does not expect a significant impact.

The FASB recently issued ASU 2021-10, “Government Assistance (Topic 832): Disclosures by Business Entities about Government Assistance”, which aims to provide increased transparency by requiring business entities to disclose information about certain types of government assistance they receive in the notes to the financial statements. Entities are required to provide the new disclosures prospectively for all transactions with a government entity that are accounted for under either a grant or a contribution accounting model and are reflected in the financial statements at the date of initially applying the new amendments, and to new transactions entered into after that date. Retrospective application of the guidance is permitted. The Company adopted ASU 2021-10 on October 1, 2022, and its adoption did not have a significant impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

Due to the economic uncertainties created by COVID-19 and limited operating funds available, the Company applied for loans under the PPP. On April 15, 2020, the Company and its subsidiaries, C.J. Hughes, Contractors Rental and Nitro, entered into separate PPP notes effective April 7, 2020, with its Lender in an aggregate principal amount of $13.1 million pursuant to the PPP Loans. In a special meeting held on April 27, 2020, the Board of Directors of the Company unanimously voted to return $3.3 million of the PPP Loans after discussing the financing needs of the Company and subsidiaries. That left the Company and subsidiaries with $9.8 million in PPP Loans to fund operations. During fiscal year 2021, the Company received notice that the SBA had granted forgiveness of the $9.8 million of PPP Loans and the SBA repaid the Lender in full. The forgiveness was recorded as other income for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2021.

During April 2023, management received notification from the SBA that one of the Company’s forgiveness applications related to the PPP Loans was under review. As part of the review, the SBA requested additional payroll information. Additionally, the SBA requested information regarding the ability of the Company’s affiliates to meet SBA size standards and/or PPP corporate maximum limits. The requested information was subsequently provided to the SBA through the Lender. The Company recognizes that there is a possibility that the SBA could reverse its previous determination on the forgiveness of the PPP Loans. As a result of this uncertainty,

the Company restated the previously issued financial statements of the Company that were included in the Reports. The Company has recorded a short-term borrowing due to the SBA inquiry for the full $9.8 million, plus accrued interest for all periods presented.

During July 2023, management received notification from the SBA that two additional forgiveness applications related to the PPP Loans were under review. As part of the review, the SBA requested information regarding the ability of the Company’s affiliates to meet SBA size standards and/or PPP corporate maximum limits. The requested information was subsequently provided to the SBA through the Lender.

Borrowers must retain PPP documentation for at least six years after the date the loan is forgiven or paid in full, and the SBA and SBA Inspector General must be granted these files upon request. The SBA could revisit its forgiveness decision and determine that the Company does not qualify in whole or in part for loan forgiveness and demand repayment of the loans. In addition, it is unknown what type of penalties could be assessed against the Company if the SBA disagrees with the Company’s certification. Any penalties in addition to the potential repayment of the PPP Loans could negatively impact the Company’s business, financial condition and results of operations and prospects.

Our revenue is primarily derived from construction contracts that can span several quarters. We recognize revenue in accordance with ASC Topic 606,Revenue from Contracts with Customers (“ASC 606” or “Topic 606”) which provides for a five-step model for recognizing revenue from contracts with customers as follows:

The accuracy of our revenue and profit recognition in a given period depends on the accuracy of our estimates of the cost to complete each project. We believe our experience allows us to create materially reliable estimates. There are a number of factors that can contribute to changes in estimates of contract cost and profitability. The most significant of these include:

The foregoing factors, as well as the stage of completion of contracts in process and the mix of contracts at different margins may cause fluctuations in gross profit from period to period. Significant changes in cost estimates, particularly in our larger, more complex projects, could have a significant effect on our profitability.

Our contract assets include cost and estimated earnings in excess of billings that represent amounts earned and reimbursable under contracts, including claim recovery estimates, but have a conditional right for billing and payment such as achievement of milestones or completion of the project. Except for customer affirmative claims, generally, such unbilled amounts will become billable according to the contract terms and generally will be billed and collected over the next three months. Settlement with the customer of outstanding affirmative claims is dependent on the claims resolution process and could extend beyond one year. Based on our historical

experience, we generally consider the collection risk related to billable amounts to be low. When events or conditions indicate that it is probable that the amounts outstanding become unbillable, the transaction price and associated contract asset is reduced.

Our contract liabilities consist of provisions for losses and billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings. Provisions for losses, if incurred, are recognized in the consolidated statements of income at the uncompleted performance obligation level for total estimated losses in the period that evidence indicates that the estimated total cost of a performance obligation exceeds its estimated total revenue. Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings are billings to customers on contracts in advance of work performed, including advance payments negotiated as a contract condition. Generally, unearned project-related costs will be earned over the next twelve months.

The Company disaggregates revenue based on the following lines of service: (1) Gas & Water Distribution, (2) Gas & Petroleum Transmission, and (3) Electrical, Mechanical, & General services and construction. Certain reclassifications have been made to the year ended September 30, 2022, to reflect the current presentation. Our contract types are: Lump Sum, Unit Price, Cost Plus and T&M. The following tables present our disaggregated revenue for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2023 and 2022:

The Company’s accounts receivable consists of amounts that have been billed to customers and collateral is generally not required. Most of the Company’s contracts have monthly billing terms; however, billing terms for some are based on project completion. Payment terms are generally within 30 to 45 days after invoices have been issued. The Company attempts to negotiate two-week billing terms and 15-day payment terms on larger projects. The timing of billings to customers may generate contract assets or contract liabilities.

During the twelve months ended September 30, 2023, we recognized revenue of $6.0 million that was included in the contract liability balance at September 30, 2022.

Accounts receivable-trade, net of allowance for doubtful accounts, contract assets and contract liabilities consisted of the following:

The changes in contract transaction price can occur from items such as executed or estimated change orders, and unresolved contract modifications and claims.

For the year ended September 30, 2023, there wasno significant amount of revenue recognized as a result of changes in contract transaction price related to performance obligations that were satisfied prior to September 30, 2022.

For the year ended September 30, 2022, there wasno significant amount of revenue recognized as a result of changes in contract transaction price related to performance obligations that were satisfied prior to September 30, 2021.

At September 30, 2023, the Company had $147.5 million in remaining unsatisfied performance obligations, in which revenue is expected to be recognized in less than twelve months.

Activity in the Company’s allowance for doubtful accounts consists of the following:

Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings on uncompleted contracts are included in contract assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings on uncompleted contracts are included in contract liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Costs, estimated earnings, and billings on uncompleted contracts are summarized as follows:

The Company’s unaudited backlog at September 30, 2023, and September 30, 2022, was $229.8 million and $142.3 million, respectively.

The Company does not have any claims receivable as of September 30, 2023 and 2022. Claims receivable is a component of contract assets.

The Company didnot have a provision for loss at September 30, 2023.

The Company had one project with a$248,000 provision for loss at September 30, 2022. The provision was recorded as cost of revenues on the Company’s 2022 consolidated statements of income and accrued expenses and other current liabilities on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet at September 30, 2022.

Property, plant and equipment consist of the following:

Operating Line of Credit

On July 13, 2022, the Company received a one-year extension on its $15.0 million operating line of credit effective June 28, 2022. The interest rate on the line of credit is the“Wall Street Journal” Prime Rate (the index) with a floor of 4.99%. Based on a borrowing base calculation, the Company had borrowed all $12.5 million available on the line of credit as of September 30, 2022. The interest rate at September 30, 2022, was 5.5%. On January 19, 2023, the Company received an amendment to the agreement which increased the line of credit to $30.0 million with a maturity date of June 28, 2023. On June 1, 2023, the agreement was renewed through June 28, 2024. The line of credit is limited to a borrowing base calculation, which was approximately $23.9 million at September 30, 2023. The outstanding balance on the line of credit was $8.7 million at September 30, 2023. The line of credit has a variable interest rate equal to the*“Wall Street Journal”* Prime Rate with a floor of 4.5%, which was 8.5% at September 30, 2023.

The modified financial covenants for the quarter ended June 30, 2023, and all subsequent quarters, are below:

The Company’s lender has agreed to omit the effect of the PPP loan restatement from the Company’s covenant compliance calculations while a final decision on PPP loan forgiveness remains in question. Thus, the Company was in compliance with all covenants at September 30, 2023. The Company projects to meet all covenant requirements for the next twelve months.

Insurance Premiums Financed

The Company also finances its captive insurance policy premiums on a short-term basis through a financing company. These insurance policies include workers’ compensation, general liability, automobile, umbrella, and equipment policies. The Company makes a down payment in January and finances the remaining premium amount over eleven monthly payments. At September 30, 2023 and September 30, 2022, the remaining balance of the insurance premiums was $950,000 and $580,000, respectively.

Due to the economic uncertainties created by COVID-19 and limited operating funds available, the Company applied for loans under the PPP. On April 15, 2020, the Company and its subsidiaries, C.J. Hughes, Contractors Rental and Nitro, entered into separate PPP notes effective April 7, 2020, with its Lender in an aggregate principal amount of $13.1 million pursuant to the PPP Loans. In a special meeting held on April 27, 2020, the Board of Directors of the Company unanimously voted to return $3.3 million of the PPP Loans after discussing the financing needs of the Company and subsidiaries. That left the Company and subsidiaries with $9.8 million in PPP Loans to fund operations. During fiscal year 2021, the Company received notice that the SBA had granted forgiveness of the $9.8 million of PPP Loans and the SBA repaid the Lender in full. The forgiveness was recorded as other income for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2021.

During April 2023, management received notification from the SBA that one of the Company’s forgiveness applications related to the PPP Loans was under review. As part of the review, the SBA requested additional payroll information. Additionally, the SBA requested information regarding the ability of the Company’s affiliates to meet SBA size standards and/or PPP corporate maximum limits. The requested information was subsequently provided to the SBA through the Lender. The Company recognizes that there is a possibility that the SBA could reverse its previous determination on the forgiveness of the PPP Loans. As a result of this uncertainty, the Company restated the previously audited financial statements of the Company for the fiscal years 2022 and 2021. The Company has recorded a short-term borrowing due to the SBA inquiry for the full $9.8 million, plus accrued interest.

During July 2023, management received notification from the SBA that two additional forgiveness applications related to the PPP Loans were under review. As part of the review, the SBA requested information regarding the ability of the Company’s affiliates

to meet SBA size standards and/or PPP corporate maximum limits. The requested information was subsequently provided to the SBA through the Lender.

Borrowers must retain PPP documentation for at least six years after the date the loan is forgiven or paid in full, and the SBA and SBA Inspector General must be granted these files upon request. The SBA could revisit its forgiveness decision and determine that the Company does not qualify in whole or in part for loan forgiveness and demand repayment of the loans. In addition, it is unknown what type of penalties could be assessed against the Company if the SBA disagrees with the Company’s certification. Any penalties in addition to the potential repayment of the PPP Loans could negatively impact the Company’s business, financial condition and results of operations and prospects.

A summary of short-term and long-term debt as of September 30, 2023 and 2022 is as follows:

At September 30, 2023, future expected payments due on short-term and long-term debt are as follows:

The components of income taxes are as follows:

The Company’s income tax expense and deferred tax assets and liabilities reflect management’s best estimate of current and future taxes to be paid. Significant judgments and estimates are required in the determination of the consolidated income tax expense. The Company’s provision for income taxes is computed by applying a federal rate of 21.0% and a state rate of 6.0% to taxable income or loss after consideration of non-taxable and non-deductible items.

The income tax expense for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2023 was $3.0 million and was due to an increase in taxable income. The income tax expense for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2022, was $2.3 million.

The effective income tax rate for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2023 was 28.7%. The effective income tax rate for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2022 was 37.6%. Effective income tax rates are estimates and may vary from period to period due to changes in the amount of taxable income or loss, non-taxable and non-deductible expenses.

(*Not material)

Deferred income taxes arise from temporary differences between the tax basis of assets and liabilities and their reported amounts in the consolidated financial statements, which will result in taxable or deductible amounts in the future. A valuation allowance is established when necessary to reduce deferred tax assets to the amount expected to be realized.

The Company had $3.0 million and $10.5 million of federal net operating loss carryforwards at September 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively. The federal net operating loss carryforwards do not expire; however, are limited to 80% of future taxable income. The Company had $23.3 million and $26.4 million of state net operating loss carryforwards at September 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively. The state net operating loss carryforwards begin to expire in 2025.

The income tax effects of temporary differences giving rise to the deferred tax assets and liabilities are as follows:

The Company does not believe that it has any unrecognized tax benefits included in its consolidated financial statements that require recognition. The Company has not had any settlements in the current period with taxing authorities, nor has it recognized tax benefits as a result of a lapse of the applicable statute of limitations. The Company recognizes interest and penalties accrued related to unrecognized tax benefits, if applicable, in general and administrative expenses.

Earnings per share for the years ended September 30, 2023, and 2022 are as follow:

The diluted weighted average shares outstanding calculation included a 24,877 dilutive effect for 40,000 restricted stock grants awarded during the twelve months ended September 30, 2023.

On July 6, 2022, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized a share repurchase program (the “Program”), pursuant to which the Company may, from time to time, purchase shares of its common stock for an aggregate repurchase not to exceed 1,000,000 shares, which is approximately 6.0% of its outstanding common stock. The Program does not obligate the Company to purchase any number of shares, and there is no guarantee as to the exact number of shares to be repurchased by the Company.

The repurchases of Energy Services of America Corporation’s shares of its common stock during the twelve months ended September 30, 2023 was as follows:

On February 16, 2022, the stockholders of Energy Services approved the Company’s 2022 Equity Incentive Plan (the “Equity Incentive Plan”), which provides for the grant of stock-based awards to officers and employees of the Company and its subsidiaries. The maximum number of shares of stock, in the aggregate, that may be granted under the Equity Incentive Plan as stock options, restricted stock or restricted stock units is 1,500,000 shares. A description of the material terms of the Equity Incentive Plan is contained in the Company’s definitive proxy statement for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on January 11, 2022. The amount recognized for compensation expense for the twelve months ended September 30, 2023 was not significant.

A table of restricted stock grants awarded during the twelve months ended September 30, 2023 are below:

We intend that all transactions between us and our executive officers, directors, holders of 10% or more of the shares of any class of our common stock and affiliates thereof, will be on terms no less favorable than those terms given to unaffiliated third parties and will be approved by a majority of our independent outside directors not having any interest in the transaction.

On December 16, 2014, the Company’s Nitro subsidiary entered into a 20-year $1.2 million loan agreement with First Bank of Charleston, Inc. (West Virginia) to purchase the office building and property it had previously been leasing for $6,300 each month. The interest rate on the loan agreement is 4.82% with monthly payments of $7,800. Mr. Douglas Reynolds, President of Energy Services, was a director and secretary of First Bank of Charleston. Mr. Samuel Kapourales, a director of Energy Services, was also a director of First Bank of Charleston. On October 15, 2018, First Bank of Charleston was merged into Premier Bank, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Premier Financial Bancorp, Inc. Mr. Marshall Reynolds, Chairman of the Board of Energy Services, held the same position with Premier Financial Bancorp, Inc. Mr. Douglas Reynolds is the president and a director of Energy Services and was a director of Premier Financial Bancorp, Inc. On September 17, 2021, Peoples Bancorp, Inc., parent company of Peoples Bank, completed an acquisition of Premier Financial Bancorp, Inc. and its wholly owned subsidiaries, Premier Bank and Citizens Deposit Bank & Trust. On October 26, 2021, Mr. Douglas Reynolds was elected director of Peoples Bancorp, Inc., and its subsidiary Peoples Bank (collectively “Peoples Bank”). On February 21, 2023, Mr. Reynolds resigned from the board of directors of Peoples Bank. As of March 31, 2023, the Company had paid approximately $373,000 in principal and approximately $424,000 in interest since the beginning of the loan. This transaction was no longer considered a related party transaction subsequent to the quarter ended March 31, 2023.

On April 29, 2022, the Company entered into a $1.0 million promissory note agreement with Corns Enterprises as partial consideration for the purchase of Tri-State Paving. This four-year agreement requires $250,000 principal installment payments on or before the end of each twelve (12) full calendar month period beginning April 29, 2022. Interest payments due shall be calculated on the principal balance remaining and shall be at the stated rate of 3.5% per year. The Company has made $500,000 in principal payments on this note as of September 30, 2023.

Subsequent to the April 29, 2022 acquisition of Tri-State Paving, the Company entered into an operating lease for facilities in Hurricane, West Virginia with Corns Enterprises. This thirty-six-month lease is treated as a right-of-use asset and has payments of $7,000 per month. The total net present value at inception was $236,000 with a carrying value of $133,000 at September 30, 2023.

SQP made an equity investment of $156,000 in 1030 Quarrier Development, LLC (“Development”) in August 2022. Development is a variable interest entity (“VIE”) that is 75% owned by 1030 Quarrier Ventures, LLC (“Ventures”) and 25% owned by SQP. SQP is not the primary beneficiary of the VIE and therefore will not consolidate Development into its consolidated financial statements. Instead, SQP will apply the equity method of accounting for its investment in Development. Development, a 1% owner, and United Bank, a 99% owner, formed 1030 Quarrier Landlord, LLC (“Landlord”). Landlord decided to pursue the following development project (the “Project”): a historical building at 1030 Quarrier Street, Charleston, West Virginia as well as associated land (the “Property”) was purchased to be developed/rehabilitated into a commercial project including apartments and commercial space. Upon the completion of development, the Property will be used to generate rental income. SQP has been awarded the construction contract for the Project. United Bank provided $5.0 million in loans to fund the Project. SQP and Ventures have jointly provided an unconditional guarantee for the $5.0 million of obligations associated with the Project.

Other than mentioned above, there were no new material related party transactions entered into during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2023.

Certain Energy Services subsidiaries routinely engage in transactions in the normal course of business with each other, including sharing employee benefit plan coverage, payment for insurance and other expenses on behalf of other affiliates, and other services incidental to business of each of the affiliates. All revenue and related expense transactions, as well as the related accounts payable and accounts receivable have been eliminated in consolidation.

The Company leases office space for SQP for $1,500 per month. The lease, which was originally signed on March 25, 2021, is for a period oftwo years with five one-year renewals available immediately following the end of the base term. The Company has only committed to a one-year renewal and is evaluating the intent to renew for additional periods.

The Company hastwo lease agreements for construction equipment with a combined amount of $160,000. The leases have a term oftwenty-two months with a stated interest rate of 0%, combined monthly installment payments of $6,645 and arecancellable at any time without penalty. The Company has the right to purchase the equipment at the expiration of the leases by applying the two-month deposit paid. The related assets and finance lease obligations associated with these lease agreements are included in the consolidated balance sheets within property, plant and equipment and long-term debt.

The Company hastwo right-of-use operating leases acquired on April 29, 2022, as part of the Tri-State Paving, LLC transaction. The first operating lease, for the Hurricane, West Virginia facility, had a net present value of $236,000 at inception, and a carrying value of $133,000 at September 30, 2023. The second operating lease, for the Chattanooga, Tennessee facility, had a net present value of $144,000 at inception, and a carrying value of $57,000 at September 30, 2023. The 4.5% interest rate on the operating leases is based on the Company’s incremental borrowing rate at inception.

The Company has a right-of-use operating lease with Enterprise acquired on August 11, 2022, as part of the Ryan Environmental acquisition. This lease agreement was initially forthirty-one vehicles with a net present value of $1.2 million. The Company subsequently netted forty-one additional leased vehicles with a net present value of $2.4 million. The right-of-use operating lease has a carrying value of $2.9 million at September 30, 2023. Each vehicle leased under the master lease program has its own implicit rate ranging from 12.8% to 15.6%.

The Company has a right-of-use operating lease with RICA Developers, LLC acquired on August 12, 2022, as part of the Ryan Environmental acquisition. This lease, for the Bridgeport, West Virginia facility, had a net present value of $140,000 at inception andno carrying value at September 30, 2023. The 4.5% interest rate on the operating lease was based on the Company’s incremental borrowing rate at inception. The Company has signed aone-year renewal agreement effective October 1, 2023 through September 30, 2024.

The Company has a right-of-use operating lease acquired on March 28, 2023. This lease, for the Winchester, Kentucky facility, had a net present value of $290,000 at inception and a carrying value of $262,000 at September 30, 2023. The 7.75% interest rate on the operating lease is based on the Company’s incremental borrowing rate at inception.

Schedules related to the Company’s operating leases at fiscal year ended September 30, 2023 can be found below:

The Company rents equipment for use on construction projects with rental agreements being week to week or month to month. Rental expense can vary by fiscal year due to equipment requirements on construction projects and the availability of Company owned equipment. Rental expense, which is included in cost of goods sold on the consolidated statements of income, was $12.1 million and $9.8 million for the years ended September 30, 2023, and 2022, respectively.

The tables below present customers that represent 10.0% or more of the Company’s revenue or accounts receivable, net of retention as of or for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2023, and 2022:

Virtually all work performed for major customers was awarded under competitive bid fixed price or unit price arrangements. The loss of a major customer could have a severe impact on the profitability of the operations of the Company. However, due to the nature of the Company’s operations, the major customers and sources of revenues may change from year to year.

In 2023 and 2022, C. J. Hughes maintained a tax-qualified 401(k) retirement plan for union employees. Employees can contribute up to 15% of eligible wages, provided the compensation deferred for a plan year does not exceed the indexed dollar amount set by the Internal Revenue Service which was $22,500 for 2023 and $20,500 for 2022. C. J. Hughes matches $0.25 on each dollar contributed up to 6% of eligible wages.

C. J. Hughes contributed $17,000 and $22,000 to the union plan for the fiscal years September 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively. Additionally, each plan year, C. J. Hughes may make a discretionary profit-sharing contribution for participants who are actively employed on the last day of the plan year. No discretionary profit-sharing contribution was made for the 2023 or 2022 plan year.

Effective January 1, 2010, Energy Services became the successor plan sponsor of the C. J. Hughes Construction Company, Inc. 401(k) Plan for non-union employees (the “Plan”). The Plan was renamed the Energy Services of America Staff 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan. Employees are eligible to participate in the Plan upon completion of six months of service but must wait until a quarterly entry to join the Plan. In addition, participants who are age 50 or older by the end of the Plan year may elect to defer up to an additional $7,500 into the Plan for 2023.

Energy Services may make annual discretionary matching contributions and/or profit-sharing contributions to the Plan. The matching contribution formula for the Plan was 100% of each dollar contributed for the first 3% of eligible wages and 50% of each dollar contributed for the next 3% of eligible wages. The Company’s matching contribution is used by the Plan’s third-party administrator to purchase Energy Services of America common stock from the open market. No restrictions on the match exist after it has been contributed. No profit-sharing contribution was made for the 2023 or 2022 plan year.

Energy Services and its wholly owned subsidiaries contributed $599,000 and $402,000, respectively, for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2023, and 2022 to the Plan.

The Company contributes to a number of multi-employers defined benefit pension plans under the terms of collective-bargaining agreements that cover its union-represented employees. The risks of participating in these multi-employer plans are different from single-employer plans in the following aspects:

The following table presents our participation in these plans:

The Company currently does not have any intention of withdrawing from any of the multi-employer pension plans in which it participates.

On November 12, 2021, the Company received a withdrawal liability claim from a pension plan to which the Company made pension contributions for union construction employees performing covered work in a particular jurisdiction. The Company has not performed covered work in their jurisdiction since 2011; however, the Company disagrees with the withdrawal claim and believes it is covered by an exemption under federal law. The demand called for thirty-four quarterly installment payments of $41,000 starting December 15, 2021. The Company must comply with the demand under federal pension law; however, the Company firmly believes no withdrawal liability exists. The Company is in negotiations with the pension fund to resolve the matter and all future payments have been suspended as part of the negotiation. The Company has expensed all $164,000 in payments made through September 30, 2022, and does not expect any future liabilities related to this claim. The Company madeno payments during the twelve months ended September 30, 2023.

Financial instruments which potentially subject the Company to credit risk consist primarily of cash, cash equivalents and contract receivables. The Company places its cash with high quality financial institutions. At times, the balances in such institutions may exceed the FDIC insurance limit of $250,000 per depositor, per insured bank, for each account ownership category. FDIC insurance covers all deposit accounts, including checking accounts, savings accounts, money market deposit accounts, and certificates of deposit. As of September 30, 2023, the Company had $15.0 million of uninsured deposits.

The Company performs periodic credit evaluations of its customer’s financial condition and generally does not require collateral. Consequently, the Company is subject to potential credit risk related to business and economic factors that would affect these companies. However, the Company generally has certain statutory lien rights with respect to services provided. Credit losses consistently have been within management’s expectations.

During the normal course of operations, the Company is subject to certain subcontractor claims, mechanic’s liens, and other litigation. Management is of the opinion that no material obligations will arise from any pending legal proceedings. Accordingly, no provision has been made in the financial statements for such litigation.

Some customers, particularly new ones or governmental agencies require the Company to post bid bonds, performance bonds and payment bonds (collectively, performance bonds). These performance bonds are obtained through insurance carriers and guarantee to the customer that we will perform under the terms of a contract and that we will pay subcontractors and vendors. If the Company fails to perform under a contract or to pay subcontractors and vendors, the customer may demand that the insurer make payments or provide services under the bond. The Company must reimburse the insurer for any expenses or outlays it is required to make.

In February 2014, the Company entered into an agreement with a surety company to provide bonding which will suit the Company’s immediate needs. The ability to obtain bonding for future contracts is an important factor in the contracting industry with respect to the type and value of contracts that can be bid on.

Depending upon the size and conditions of a particular contract, the Company may be required to post letters of credit or other collateral in favor of the insurer. Posting these letters or other collateral will reduce our borrowing capabilities. The Company does not anticipate any claims in the foreseeable future. At September 30, 2023, the Company had $72.0 million in performance bonds outstanding.

In the fiscal year 2020, the Company received $9.8 million in PPP Loans. The Company believes it meets the SBA’s certification requirement based on its limited access to capital, weakened business operations during the pandemic and small market value. The Company’s shares of common stock did not trade on a national exchange at that time. However, no assurance can be given as to the outcome if the SBA re-evaluates the Company’s loan certification. The SBA could determine that the Company does not qualify in whole or in part for loan forgiveness. In addition, it is unknown what type of penalties could be assessed against the Company if the SBA disagrees with the Company’s certification. The Company could be required to repay its PPP Loans. Any penalties in addition to the potential repayment of the PPP Loans could negatively impact the Company’s business, financial condition and results of operations and prospects.

**25.**ACQUISITIONS

Energy Services accounts for business combinations under the acquisition method in accordance with ASC Topic 805 “Business Combinations”. Accordingly, for the transaction, the purchase price is allocated to the fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of the date of the acquisition. In conjunction with ASC 805, upon receipt of final fair value estimates during the measurement period, which must be within one year of the acquisition date, Energy Services records any adjustments to the preliminary fair value estimates in the reporting period in which the adjustments are determined.

On April 29, 2022, the Company completed the acquisition of Tri-State Paving LLC, located in Hurricane, West Virginia. Pursuant to the Asset Purchase Agreement (“Agreement”) signed on April 6, 2022, and amended on April 29, 2022, the Company acquired substantially all the assets (including but not limited to customer contracts, employees, and equipment) of Tri-State Paving,

LLC for $7.5 million in cash, a $1.0 million promissory note, and $1.0 million in Energy Services common stock. The $7.5 million in cash was funded through a loan from United Bank and the transaction resulted in the issuance of 419,287 common shares.

As part of the Agreement, the Company entered into afour-year, $1.0 million note that requires $250,000 principal installment payments on or before the end of each twelve (12) full calendar month period beginning on the date of the Note, April 29, 2022. Interest payments due shall be calculated on the principal balance remaining and shall be at the stated rate of 3.5% per year.

The non-cash purchase price, including $390,000 of debt assumed, for the Tri-State Paving acquisition is allocated in the table below:

Tri-State Paving earned revenues of $4.9 million from April 29, 2022 through September 30, 2022 and $13.5 million for the twelve months ended September 30, 2023.

ASC 805-10-50-2 requires public companies that present comparative financial statements to present pro forma financial statements as though the business combination that occurred during the current fiscal year had occurred as of the beginning of the comparable prior annual reporting period. As allowed under ASC 805-10-50-2, the Company finds this information impracticable to provide for the periods presented due to the lack of availability of meaningful financial statements of the acquired companies that comply with U.S. GAAP.

On August 11, 2022, Ryan Construction, a newly formed wholly owned subsidiary of Energy Services, completed the acquisition of Ryan Environmental, located in Bridgeport, WV, pursuant to an order issued by the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of West Virginia (the “Court”) on August 9, 2022 and Ryan Transport, located in Bridgeport, West Virginia, under the terms of an Asset Purchase Agreement. As part of the business combination, the Company acquired certain assets, including equipment, vehicles, and small tools, of Ryan Environmental for $3.0 million in cash and certain assets, including equipment and small tools, of Ryan Transport for $1.0 million in cash.

The purchase price for the Ryan Environmental and Ryan Transport acquisitions is allocated in the table below:

Ryan Construction earned revenues of $852,000 from August 11, 2022 through September 30, 2022 and $8.1 million for the twelve months ended September 30, 2023.

ASC 805-10-50-2 requires public companies that present comparative financial statements to present pro forma financial statements as though the business combination that occurred during the current fiscal year had occurred as of the beginning of the comparable prior annual reporting period. As allowed under ASC 805-10-50-2, the Company finds this information impracticable to provide for the periods presented due to the lack of availability of meaningful financial statements of the acquired companies that comply with U.S. GAAP.

**26.**GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS

The Company follows the guidance of ASC 350-20-35-3 “Intangibles-Goodwill and Other (Topic 350)” which requires a company to record an impairment charge based on the excess of a reporting unit’s carrying amount of goodwill over its fair value. Under the current guidance, companies can first choose to assess any impairment based on qualitative factors (Step 0). If a company fails this test or decides to bypass this step, it must proceed with a quantitative assessment of goodwill impairment. The Company did not have a goodwill impairment at September 30, 2023 or 2022.

A table of the Company’s goodwill is below:

A table of the Company’s intangible assets subject to amortization at September 30, 2023, is below:

Amortization expense associated with the identifiable intangible assets is expected to be as follows:

**27.**SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

On November 15, 2023, the Company’s Board of Directors approved an annual dividend of $0.06 per common share. The 2024 dividend was paid on January 2, 2024 to holders of record as of December 15, 2023. While this is expected to be an annual dividend, factors such as income from operations, cash flows, and overall financial outlook may affect future dividend payments.

Management has evaluated all subsequent events for accounting and disclosure. There have been no other material events during the period, other than noted above, that would either impact the results reflected in the report or the Company’s results going forward.