Concrete Pumping Holdings, Inc.: Form 10-K for the period ended Oct 31, 2023

Concrete Pumping Holdings, Inc. is a Delaware corporation headquartered in Thornton (near Denver), Colorado. We refer to Concrete Pumping Holdings, Inc. as the “Company,” “CPH,”, “us”, “we” or “our” in this Annual Report, and these designations include our subsidiaries unless we state otherwise.

Our principal executive offices are located at 500 E. 84th Ave., Suite A-5, Thornton, Colorado, 80229. We maintain a website at https://www.concretepumpingholdings.com/. The information contained on, or that may be accessed through, our website is not part of, and is not incorporated into, this Annual Report.

Overview

CPH is a leading provider of concrete pumping services and concrete waste management services in the United States (“U.S.”) and the United Kingdom (“U.K.”) based on fleet size, primarily operating under what we believe are the only established, national concrete pumping brands in both geographies – Brundage-Bone Concrete Pumping, Inc. (“Brundage-Bone”) for concrete pumping in the U.S., Camfaud Group Limited (“Camfaud”) in the U.K., and Eco-Pan, Inc. (“Eco-Pan”) for waste management services in both the U.S. and U.K. The Brundage-Bone business was founded in 1983 in Denver, Colorado. Since then, the Company has expanded across the U.S. and U.K. through more than 70 strategic acquisitions. Eco-Pan was founded in 1999 and was acquired by CPH in 2014. In November 2016, we entered the U.K. market through the acquisition of Camfaud. In recent years, we have successfully executed on our acquisition strategy, including (1) our fiscal 2022 acquisition of Pioneer Concrete Pumping Service, Inc. (“Pioneer”), which provided us with complementary assets and operations in both Georgia and Texas, and (2) our acquisition of Coastal Carolina Concrete Pumping, Inc. ("Coastal") in August of 2022, which expanded our operations in the Carolinas and Florida.

Concrete pumping is a highly specialized method of concrete placement that requires skilled operators to position a truck-mounted, fully-articulating boom for precise delivery of ready-mix concrete from mixer trucks to placing crews on a construction job site. In addition, given the rising awareness of environmental factors, proper concrete washout handling is an important area of focus for our Company. We believe that our large fleet of specialized pumping equipment, washout pans and trucks, and highly-trained operators enable us to be the trusted provider of concrete placement and concrete waste management solutions to our customers. We deliver and facilitate substantial labor cost savings, shortened concrete placement times, enhanced worksite safety, and efficient concrete washout containment, and thereby help improve the overall quality of construction projects. As of October 31, 2023, we operated a fleet of approximately 1,580 units of equipment, with approximately 1,720 employees and approximately 150 locations globally.

With 40 years of experience, we believe we are the only nationally-scaled provider of concrete pumping services in the U.S. and the U.K., with the most comprehensive and reliable fleet and highly-skilled operators to provide quality service. We are especially equipped to support large and technically complex construction projects, which generally command higher price points than smaller projects. In addition, we have actively focused our business on commercial and infrastructure construction projects, while continuing to pursue profitable residential opportunities. Our fleet is capable of handling multiple large projects concurrently and can be deployed on short-notice across the U.S. and the U.K., thereby allowing us to efficiently allocate resources depending on market conditions to more profitable markets. Our complementary Eco-Pan business provides concrete washout services to customers. We plan to continue establishing additional Eco-Pan locations across the U.S. and the U.K., and further penetrate our existing concrete pumping customer base by cross-selling our Eco-Pan services.

As of October 31, 2023, we estimate our share of the concrete pumping market to be approximately 17% in the U.S. and approximately 30% in the U.K., based on fleet size. In the U.S. and U.K. markets, we serve a large and diverse customer base and as of October 31, 2023, our top ten customers represented less than 10% of our total revenue and had an average tenure of more than 20 years.

Segments

We operate through the following reportable segments:

U.S. Concrete Pumping: Our U.S. concrete pumping services segment represented 72% of our total revenue for the year ended October 31, 2023, and services from this segment are primarily provided under our Brundage-Bone and Capital Pumping brands, which as of October 31, 2023 operated a total fleet of approximately 1,060 equipment units from a diversified footprint of approximately 100 locations across 21 states. We provide operated concrete pumping services, for which customers are billed on a negotiated time and volume basis based on the duration of the job and yards of concrete pumped. Additional charges (such as a fuel surcharge and travel costs) are frequently added based on specific project requirements. Typically, we send a single operator with each concrete pump. We do not take ownership of the concrete and thus have minimal inventory or product liability risk. We typically do not engage in fixed-bid work or have surety bonding requirements and operate a daily fee-based revenue model regardless of overall construction project completion.

U.S. Concrete Waste Management Services: Our U.S. concrete waste management services segment represented 14% of our total revenue for the year ended October 31, 2023. Operating under our Eco-Pan brand, with approximately 115 trucks and over 10,000 custom metal pans or containers for construction sites from 19 locations in the U.S. as of October 31, 2023, we are a leading provider of concrete waste management services in the U.S, providing a full-service, route-based, cost-effective, regulation-compliant solution to manage environmental issues caused by concrete washout. We charge a fixed fee that includes (1) the round-trip delivery and pickup of watertight pans / containers, (2) environmental disposal of concrete washout and (3) a specified number of days the pans / containers can be used for. This provides a turnkey solution to the customer compared to the alternatives of bagging the waste concrete, pouring it into an on-site lined pit, or disposing of it into trash dumpsters and arranging for a pick-up. To the extent that the pans or containers are held at the job site for an extended number of days or irregular waste is found in the pan, we charge incremental fees. Our trucks are designed to allow for the pick-up and re-delivery of multiple pans, leading to significant incremental efficiencies as route densities increase.

U.K. Operations: Our U.K. operations segment represented 14% of our total revenue for the year ended October 31, 2023, and consisted of concrete pumping and concrete waste management services. Our concrete pumping services are primarily provided through either our Camfaud brand (operated pumping services) or our Premier Concrete Pumping brand (rental of pumping equipment without an operator). Mobile equipment is charged to customers under a minimum hire rate, which is typically five to eight hours. Our concrete pumping business in the U.K. is comprised of a fleet of approximately 400 equipment units that are serviced from approximately 30 locations as of October 31, 2023. In addition, the results of our concrete waste management operations under our Eco-Pan brand name in the U.K. are included in this segment. Our Eco-Pan business in the U.K. is operated from a shared Camfaud location as of October 31, 2023. We bill our customers for our Eco-Pan services in the same manner as our U.S. Eco-Pan services.

Competitive Environment

The concrete pumping industry is highly fragmented in both the U.S. and the U.K. In the U.S., we believe there are approximately 1,000 industry participants, the majority of which operate with an average of five to ten pumps each. A limited number have a multi-regional presence (average of 50-60 pumps) and no other companies have a national presence. We believe many industry participants are undercapitalized, utilize aged equipment and operate only smaller and significantly fewer boom pumps. In a typical geographic market, we generally compete with only one or two other concrete pumping companies that can perform the larger and more complex projects that we typically target.

In the concrete waste management industry, we compete with local operators who may have a small number of washout pans but are not capable of offering services across the U.S. We believe we are the only operator of scale with a national footprint in this industry and estimate that there is only one competitor on a national level. While the technology underlying the washout pans is less sophisticated than that for a concrete pump, we believe having the capacity and route density that Eco-Pan has achieved is a differentiator in terms of profitability. Our U.K. operations segment is the pioneer of the concrete waste management service in the U.K. and as such, we are not aware of any equivalent competitor in the U.K.

Equipment

Our fleet is operated by approximately 1,010 experienced employees as of October 31, 2023, each of whom is required to complete rigorous training and safety programs. In addition, we have approximately 160 skilled mechanics who perform in-house equipment servicing. As of October 31, 2023, we owned 100% of our fleet consisting of approximately 930 boom pumps, ranging in size from 16 to 66 meters, 90 placing booms, 20 telebelts, 300 stationary pumps, and 115 waste management trucks. As of October 31, 2023, the average age of our fleet was approximately 9 years old and most of our equipment had useful lives of 20 to 25 years.

Customers

We serve a base of approximately 12,000 customers (often with several projects per customer) across the U.S. and the U.K. and have an approximate 90% customer retention rate based on our top 500 customers and ~100% customer retention rate of our top 100 customers as of October 31, 2023. In addition, as of October 31, 2023, our top ten customers represented less than 10% of our total revenue and had an average tenure of more than 20 years. Our customer composition is largely dependent on geographic location and general economic and construction market trends within individual operating markets. We actively monitor regional trends and target customers in fast-growing markets through our extensive geographic footprint and knowledge of the local construction markets in each region in which we operate.

Our customer base consists of general contractors or concrete contractors that span across the commercial, infrastructure and residential end markets. We also sell replacement parts to regional operators that lack the capital and scale to independently maintain a sufficiently stocked replacement parts inventory. Our contractual arrangements with customers are typically on a project-to-project purchase order basis.

Suppliers

We primarily purchase pumping equipment, replacement parts, and fuel for our day-to-day operations. Concrete pumping equipment is primarily sourced from three suppliers – Schwing, Putzmeister, and Alliance. There are a number of other suppliers as well and we are not solely dependent upon any single one. We believe we are the concrete pumping industry’s largest consumer of concrete pumping supplies and, as such, have significant purchasing efficiencies. We typically purchase fuel in bulk at favorable prices and utilize onsite fuel storage facilities.

Employees

As of October 31, 2023, we had approximately 1,720 employees across the U.S. and the U.K., of which approximately 1,170 are highly-skilled equipment operators and mechanics, approximately 230 are managers, approximately 50 are in sales, and approximately 70 are dispatchers. The remaining employees include administrative support, corporate functions, and laborers. Our employees have an average tenure of approximately four years for pump operators. Additionally, our regional managers have, on average, approximately 32 years of experience in the concrete pumping industry. We maintain a highly sophisticated, industry recognized training program, which ensures all operators can meet the requirements of any project. Operators are trained in concrete pumping as well as in basic mechanical repair, while shop managers are trained in inspection and maintenance of all critical truck systems.

Approximately 120 employees in CPH’s workforce are unionized across California, Oregon and Washington. These individuals are represented by the International Union of Operating Engineers (“IUOE”) under three separate collective bargaining agreements. We have historically maintained favorable relations with the IUOE and have not experienced any significant disputes, disagreements, strikes or work stoppages.

Safety

We maintain an active safety program, including an in-house corporate safety department and a designated safety trainer at each branch. As part of our safety management program, we track key safety performance indicators at each branch location to monitor safety performance and seek to implement corrective actions when needed. Over the last two years, our Total Recordable Incident Rate (“TRIR”) has remained better than industry averages.

Environmental Matters

We are subject to various federal, state and local and environmental laws and regulations, including those governing the discharge of pollutants into air or water, the management, storage and disposal of, or exposure to, hazardous substances and wastes, the responsibility to investigate and clean up contamination, and occupational health and safety. Fines and penalties may be imposed for non-compliance with applicable environmental, health and safety requirements and the failure to have or to comply with the terms and conditions of required permits. We are not aware of any material instances of non-compliance with respect to environmental regulations.

Available Information

We make our Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K and amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), available free of charge on our website as soon as reasonably practicable after we file or furnish the materials electronically with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). To obtain any of this information, go to our investor relations website, www.ir.concretepumpingholdings.com (http://www.ir.concretepumpingholdings.com), and select “SEC Filings”. Our investor relations website includes our Code of Business Conduct and Ethics and charters for the Audit, Compensation and Corporate Governance/Nominating Committees. These materials may also be obtained, free of charge, at www.ir.concretepumpingholdings.com (http://www.ir.concretepumpingholdings.com) (select “Corporate Governance”).

Risks Related to the Company’s Business and Operations

Our business is cyclical in nature and a slowdown in economic activity, especially as it pertains to construction spending, has in the past and could in the future negatively impact our financial results.

Substantially all of our customer base comes from the commercial, infrastructure and residential construction markets. Global economic challenges including inflation, increased fuel costs, supply-chain disruptions, and adverse labor market conditions have caused macroeconomic uncertainty and volatility in markets where we operate, and as a result of these challenges, (1) we have experienced negative impacts to our gross margins where we have not been able to fully pass these cost increase factors on to our customers and (2) some of our customers’ projects have been delayed or potentially cancelled. Although economic conditions have shown signs of improvement in recent months, any further worsening of economic conditions or a decrease in construction expenditures and/or investments could cause weakness in our end markets, cause declines in construction and industrial activity, and materially adversely affect our revenue and operating results.

The following factors, among others, may cause weakness in our end markets, either temporarily or long-term:

• the depth and duration of an economic slowdown and lack of availability of credit;
• lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and macroeconomic factors, which have resulted in a tight labor market and impacted supply chains, our operations and our customers’ operations;
• uncertainty regarding general or regional economic conditions;
• reductions in corporate spending for plants and facilities or government spending for infrastructure projects;
• reductions in commercial and residential construction spending activity;
• the cyclical nature of our customers’ businesses, particularly those operating in the commercial, infrastructure and residential construction sectors;
• an increase in the cost of construction materials;
• a decrease in investment in certain of our key geographic markets;
• changes in interest rates and lending standards;
• an overcapacity in the businesses that drive the need for construction;
• adverse weather conditions, which may temporarily affect a particular region or regions;
• reduced construction activity in our end markets;
• terrorism or hostilities involving the U.S. or the U.K.;
• change in structural construction designs of buildings (e.g., wood versus concrete);
• risks of political or economic instability; and
• oversupply of equipment or new entrants into the market area resulting in greater competitive activity.

A downturn in any of our end markets in one or more of our geographic markets caused by these or other factors could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial conditions, results of operations and cash flows.

Our business is seasonal and subject to adverse weather conditions.

Since our business is primarily conducted outdoors, erratic weather patterns, seasonal changes and other weather-related conditions affect our business. Adverse weather conditions, including hurricanes and tropical storms, cold weather, snow, and heavy or sustained rainfall, reduce construction activity, restrict the demand for our products and services, and impede our ability to deliver and pump concrete efficiently or at all. In addition, during periods of extended adverse weather or other operational delays, we may elect to continue to pay certain hourly employees to maintain our workforce, which may adversely impact our results of operations. In addition, severe drought conditions can restrict available water supplies and restrict production. Consequently, these events have in the past and could in the future adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations, liquidity and cash flows.

Our revenue and operating results have varied historically from period to period and any unexpected periods of decline could result in an overall decline in our available cash flows.

Our revenue and operating results have varied historically from period to period and may continue to do so. We have identified below certain of the factors that have in the past and may in the future cause our revenue and operating results to vary:

• seasonal weather patterns in the construction industry on which we rely, with activity tending to be lowest in the winter and spring;
• the timing of expenditures for maintaining existing equipment, new equipment and the disposal of used equipment;
• changes in demand for our services or the prices we charge due to changes in economic conditions, competition or other factors;
• changes in the interest rates applicable to our variable rate debt, and the overall level of our debt;
• fluctuations in fuel costs;
• general economic conditions in the markets where we operate;
• the cyclical nature of our customers’ businesses;
• price changes in response to competitive factors;
• other cost fluctuations, such as costs for employee-related compensation and benefits;
• labor shortages, work stoppages or other labor difficulties and labor issues in trades on which our business may be dependent in particular regions;
• potential enactment of new legislation affecting our operations or labor relations;
• timing of acquisitions and new branch openings and related costs;
• possible unrecorded liabilities of acquired companies and difficulties associated with integrating acquired companies into our existing operations;
• changes in the exchange rate between the U.S. dollar (“USD”) and Great Britain pound sterling (“GBP”);
• potential increased demand from our customers to develop and provide new technological services in our business to meet changing customer preferences;
• our ability to control costs and maintain quality;
• our effectiveness in integrating new locations and acquisitions; and
• possible write-offs or exceptional charges due to changes in applicable accounting standards, reorganizations or restructurings, obsolete or damaged equipment or the refinancing of our existing debt.

Accordingly, our operating results in any particular quarter may not be indicative of the results that can be expected for any other quarter or for the entire year. Furthermore, negative trends in the concrete pumping and waste management industries or in our geographic markets could have material adverse effects on our business, financial condition, results of operations, liquidity and cash flows.

Our business is highly competitive and competition may increase, which could have a material adverse effect on our business.

The concrete pumping industry is highly competitive and fragmented. Many of the markets in which we operate are served by several competitors, ranging from larger regional companies to small, independent businesses with a limited fleet and geographic scope of operations. Some of our principal competitors may have more flexible capital structures or may have greater name recognition in one or more of our geographic markets. We generally compete on the basis of, among other things, quality and breadth of service, expertise, reliability, price and the size, quality and availability of our fleet of pumping equipment, which is significantly affected by the level of our capital expenditures. If we are required to reduce or delay capital expenditures for any reason, including due to restrictions contained in, or debt service payments required by, our credit facilities or otherwise, the ability to replace our fleet or the age of our fleet may put us at a disadvantage to our competitors and adversely impact our ability to generate revenue. In addition, our industry may be subject to competitive price decreases in the future, particularly during cyclical downturns in our end markets, which can adversely affect revenue, profitability and cash flow. We may encounter increased competition from existing competitors or new market entrants in the future, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

We are dependent on our relationships with key suppliers to obtain equipment for our business.

We depend on a small group of key manufacturers of concrete pumping equipment to sell equipment to us. We have historically relied primarily on three suppliers and we cannot provide assurance that our favorable working relationships with our suppliers will continue in the future or that they will continue to provide high-quality products, service and support. Any deterioration in the quality of such products, service or support could result in additional maintenance costs and operational issues.

In addition, the concrete industry has historically been subject to periods of supply shortages, particularly in a strong economy or due to macroeconomic supply chain issues. We cannot predict the impact on our suppliers of changes in the economic environment and other developments in their respective businesses. Insolvency, financial difficulties, strategic changes or other factors may result in our suppliers not being able to fulfill the terms of their agreements with us, whether satisfactorily or at all. Further, such factors may render suppliers unwilling to extend contracts that provide favorable terms to us or may force them to seek to renegotiate existing contracts with us. Termination of our relationship with any of our key suppliers, or interruption of our access to concrete pumping equipment, pipe or other supplies, could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

As the average fleet age increases, our offerings may not be as attractive to potential customers and our operating costs may materially increase, impacting our results of operations.

As our equipment ages, the cost of maintaining such equipment, if not replaced within a certain period of time or amount of use, will likely increase. We estimate that our fleet assets generally will have a useful life of up to 25 years depending on the size of the machine, hours in service, yardage pumped, and, in certain instances, other circumstances unique to an asset. We manage our fleet of equipment according to the wear and tear that a specific machine or type of equipment is expected to experience over its useful life. As of October 31, 2023, the average age of our concrete pumping equipment was approximately nine years. If the average age of our equipment increases, whether as a result of our inability to access sufficient capital to maintain or replace equipment in a timely manner or otherwise, our investment in the maintenance, parts and repair for individual pieces of equipment may exceed the book value or replacement value of that equipment. We cannot provide assurance that costs of maintenance will not materially increase in the future. Any material increase in such costs could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. Additionally, as our equipment ages, it may become less attractive to potential customers, thus decreasing our ability to effectively compete for new business.

The costs of new equipment we use in our fleet may increase, requiring us to spend more for replacement equipment or preventing us from procuring equipment on a timely basis.

The cost of new equipment for use in our concrete pumping fleet has increased and could further increase due to increased material costs to our suppliers or other factors beyond our control. Such increases could materially adversely impact our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows in future periods. Furthermore, changes in technology or customer demand could cause certain of our existing equipment to become obsolete and require us to purchase new equipment at increased costs.

We sell used equipment on a regular basis. Our fleet is subject to residual value risk upon disposition and may not sell at the prices or in the quantities we expect.

We continuously evaluate our fleet of equipment as we seek to optimize our vehicle size and capabilities for our end markets in multiple locations. We therefore seek to sell used equipment on a regular basis. The market value of any given piece of equipment could be less than its depreciated value at the time it is sold. The market value of used equipment depends on several factors, including:

• the market price for comparable new equipment;
• the time of year that it is sold;
• the supply of similar used equipment on the market;
• the existence and capacities of different sales outlets;
• the age of the equipment, and the amount of usage of such equipment relative to its age, at the time it is sold;
• worldwide and domestic demand for used equipment;
• the effect of advances and changes in technology in new equipment models;
• changing perception of residual value of used equipment by the Company’s suppliers; and
• general economic conditions.

We include in income from operations the difference between the sales price and the net book value of an item of equipment sold. Changes in our assumptions regarding depreciation could change our depreciation expense, as well as the gain or loss realized upon disposal of equipment. Sales of our used concrete pumping equipment at prices that fall significantly below our expectations or in lesser quantities than we anticipate could have a negative impact on our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

We have in the past and may in the future incur impairment charges as a result of an impairment to goodwill or intangible assets, which would negatively impact our operating results.

Goodwill represents the excess of cost over the fair value of net assets acquired in business combinations.

We assess potential impairment of our goodwill at least annually. Impairment may result from significant changes in the manner of use of the acquired assets, negative industry or economic trends or significant underperformance relative to historical or projected operating results. An impairment of our goodwill may have a material adverse effect on our results of operations.

During the fiscal year ended October 31, 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic drove a sustained decline in our stock price and a deterioration in general economic conditions, resulting in us recording goodwill and intangibles impairment charges totaling $57.9 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2020. At October 31, 2023, we had remaining recorded goodwill of $221.5 million related to multiple acquisitions.

If we are unable to collect on contracts with a significant number of customers, our operating results would be adversely affected.

We have billing arrangements with a majority of our customers that provide for payment on agreed terms after our services are provided. If we are unable to manage credit risk issues adequately, or if a large number of customers should have financial difficulties at the same time, our credit losses could increase significantly above their low historical levels and our operating results would be adversely affected. Further, delinquencies and credit losses increased during the last recession and generally can be expected to increase during economic slowdowns or recessions.

Fluctuations in fuel costs or reduced supplies of fuel could harm our business.

Fuel costs represent a significant portion of our operating expenses and we are dependent upon fuel to transport and operate our equipment. We have in the past and could in the future be adversely affected by limitations on fuel supplies or increases in fuel prices that result in higher costs of transporting equipment to and from job sites and higher costs to operate our concrete pumps and other equipment. Although we are able to pass through the impact of fuel price charges to most of our customers, there is often a lag before such pass-through arrangements are reflected in our operating results and there may be a limit to how much of any fuel price increases we can pass onto our customers. Any such limits may adversely affect our results of operations.

We depend on access to our branch facilities to service our customers and maintain and store our equipment, and natural disasters and other developments could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

We depend on our primary branch facilities in the U.S. and U.K., respectively, to store, service and maintain our fleet. These facilities contain most of the specialized equipment we require to service our fleet, in addition to the extensive secure storage areas needed for a significant number of large vehicles. If any of our facilities were to sustain significant damage or become unavailable to us for any reason, including natural disasters, our operations could be disrupted, which could in turn adversely affect our relationships with our customers and our results of operations and cash flow. Any limitation on our access to facilities as a result of any breach of, or dispute under, our leases could also disrupt and adversely affect our operations. In addition, if natural disasters such as forest fires were to cause significant disruptions to the construction projects where we focus our business, our operations could be disrupted, which could in turn materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Due to the material portion of our business conducted in currency other than U.S. dollars, we have significant foreign currency risk.

Our consolidated financial statements are presented in accordance with GAAP, and we report, and will continue to report, our results in U.S. dollars. Some of our operations are conducted by subsidiaries in the United Kingdom and the results of operations and the financial position of these subsidiaries are recorded in the relevant foreign currencies and then translated into U.S. dollars. Any change in the value of the pound sterling against the U.S. dollar during a given financial reporting period would result in a foreign currency loss or gain on the translation of U.S. dollar denominated revenues and costs. The exchange rates between the pound sterling against the U.S. dollar have fluctuated significantly in recent years and may fluctuate significantly in the future. Consequently, our reported earnings has in the past and could in the future fluctuate materially as a result of foreign exchange translation gains or losses and may not be comparable from period to period.

Acquisitions and expansions into new markets may result in significant transaction expense and expose us to risks associated with entering new markets and integrating new or acquired operations.

We may encounter risks associated with entering new markets in which we have limited or no experience. New operations require significant capital expenditures and may initially have a negative impact on our short-term cash flow, net income and results of operations, or may never become profitable.

In addition, our industry is highly fragmented, and we expect to consider acquisition opportunities when we believe they would enhance our business and financial performance. However, acquisitions may impose significant strains on our management, operating systems and financial resources, and could experience unanticipated integration issues. The pursuit and integration of acquisitions has in the past and can continue to require substantial attention from our senior management, which will limit the amount of time they have available to devote to our existing operations. Our ability to realize the expected benefits from any future acquisitions depends in large part on our ability to integrate and consolidate the new operations with our existing operations in a timely and effective manner. Future acquisitions could also result in the incurrence of substantial amounts of indebtedness and contingent liabilities (including environmental, employee benefits and safety and health liabilities), accumulation of goodwill that may become impaired, and an increase in amortization expenses related to intangible assets. Any significant diversion of management’s attention from our existing operations, the loss of key employees or customers of any acquired business, any major difficulties encountered in the opening of start-up locations or the integration of acquired operations or any associated increases in indebtedness, liabilities or expenses could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.

We may not realize the anticipated synergies, cost savings or profits from acquisitions.

We have completed a number of acquisitions in recent years that we believe present revenue, profit and cost-saving synergy opportunities. However, the integration of recent or future acquisitions may not result in the realization of the full benefits of the revenue, profit and cost synergies that we expected at the time or currently expect within the anticipated time frame or at all. Moreover, we may incur substantial expenses or unforeseen liabilities in connection with the integration of acquired businesses. While we anticipate that certain expenses will be incurred, such expenses are difficult to estimate accurately and may exceed our estimates. Accordingly, the expected benefits of any acquisition may be offset by costs or delays incurred in integrating the businesses. Failure of recent or future acquisitions to meet our expectations and be integrated successfully could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

Disruptions in our information technology systems due to cyber security threats, incidents or other factors could limit our ability to effectively monitor and control our operations and adversely affect our operating results, and unauthorized access to customer information on our systems could adversely affect our relationships with our customers or result in liability.

Our information technology systems, including our enterprise resource planning system, facilitate our ability to monitor and control our assets and operations and adjust to changing market conditions and customer needs. Any disruptions in these systems or the failure of these systems to operate as expected could, depending on the magnitude of the problem, adversely affect our operating results by limiting our capacity to effectively monitor and control our assets and operations and adjust to changing market conditions in a timely manner. Many of our business records at most of our branches are still maintained manually, and loss of those records as a result of facility damage, personnel changes or otherwise could also cause such disruptions. In addition, because our systems sometimes contain information about individuals and businesses, our failure to appropriately safeguard the security of the data it holds, whether as a result of our own error or the malfeasance or errors of others, could harm our reputation or give rise to legal liabilities, leading to lower revenue, increased costs and other material adverse effects on our results of operations.

We have taken important steps intended to mitigate these risks, including business continuity planning, disaster recovery planning and business impact analysis. However, a significant disruption or cyber intrusion could adversely affect our results of operations, financial condition and liquidity. Furthermore, instability in the financial markets as a result of terrorism, sustained or significant cyber-attacks, or war could also materially adversely affect our ability to raise capital.

Legal and Regulatory Risks

We are exposed to liability claims on a continuing basis, which may exceed the level of our insurance or not be covered at all, and this could have a material adverse effect on our operating performance.

Our business exposes us to claims for personal injury, death or property damage resulting from the use of the equipment we operate, rent, sell, service or repair and from injuries caused in motor vehicle or other accidents in which our personnel are involved. Our business also exposes us to workers’ compensation claims and other employment-related claims. We carry comprehensive insurance, subject to deductibles, at levels we believe are sufficient to cover existing and future claims; however, future claims may exceed the level of our insurance, and our insurance may not continue to be available on economically reasonable terms, or at all. Certain types of claims, such as claims for punitive damages, are not covered by our insurance. In addition, we are self-insured for the deductibles on our policies and have established reserves for incurred but not reported claims. If actual claims exceed our reserves, our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows would be adversely affected. Whether or not we are covered by insurance, certain claims may generate negative publicity, which may lead to lower revenues, as well as additional similar claims being filed.

Our business is subject to significant operating risks and hazards that have in the past and could in the future result in personal injury or damage or destruction to property, which could result in losses or liabilities to the Company.

Construction sites are potentially dangerous workplaces and often put our employees and others in close proximity with mechanized equipment and moving vehicles. Our equipment has been involved in workplace incidents and incidents involving mobile operators of our equipment in transit in the past and may also be involved in such incidents in the future.

Our profitability and relationships with our customers is dependent on our safety record. If serious accidents or fatalities occur, regardless of whether we were at fault, or our safety record were to deteriorate, we may be ineligible to bid on certain work, be exposed to possible litigation, and existing service arrangements could be terminated, which could have a material adverse impact on our financial position, results of operations, cash flows and liquidity. Adverse experiences with hazards and claims could have a negative effect on our reputation with our existing or potential new customers and our prospects for future work.

In any concrete construction environment, our workers are subject to the usual hazards associated with providing construction and related services on construction sites, including environmental hazards, industrial accidents, hurricanes, adverse weather conditions and flooding. Operating hazards have in the past and could in the future cause personal injury or death, damage to or destruction of property, plant and equipment, environmental damage, performance delays, monetary losses or legal liability.

We have operations throughout the United States and the United Kingdom, which subjects us to multiple federal, state, and local laws and regulations. Moreover, we operate at times as a government contractor or subcontractor which subjects us to additional laws, regulations, and contract provisions. Changes in law, regulations, government contract provisions, or other legal requirements, or our material failure to comply with any of them, can increase our costs and have other negative impacts on our business.

Each of our sites exposes us to a host of different local laws and regulations. These requirements address multiple aspects of our operations, such as worker safety, consumer rights, privacy, employee benefits, antitrust, emissions regulations and may also impact other areas of our business, such as pricing. In addition, government contracts and subcontracts are subject to a wide range of requirements not applicable in the purely commercial context, such as extensive auditing and disclosure requirements; anti-money laundering, anti-bribery and anti-gratuity rules; political campaign contribution and lobbying limitations; and small and/or disadvantaged business preferences. Even when a government contractor has reasonable policies and practices in place to address these risks and requirements, it is still possible for problems to arise. Moreover, government contracts or subcontracts are generally riskier than commercial contracts, because, when problems arise, the adverse consequences can be severe, including civil false claims (which can involve penalties and treble damages), suspension and debarment, and even criminal prosecution. Moreover, the requirements of laws, regulations, and government contract provisions are often different in different jurisdictions. Changes in these requirements, or any material failure by us to comply with them, can increase our costs, negatively affect our reputation, reduce our business, require significant management time and attention and generally otherwise impact our operations in adverse ways.

We are subject to numerous environmental and safety regulations. If we are required to incur compliance or remediation costs that are not currently anticipated, our liquidity and operating results could be materially and adversely affected.

Our facilities and operations are subject to comprehensive and frequently changing federal, state and local laws and regulations relating to environmental protection and health and safety. These laws and regulations govern, among other things, occupational safety, employee relations, the discharge of substances into the air, water and land, the handling, storage, transport, use and disposal of hazardous materials and wastes and the cleanup of properties affected by pollutants. If we violate environmental or safety laws or regulations, we may be required to implement corrective actions and could be subject to civil or criminal fines or penalties or other sanctions. We cannot assure you that we will not have to make significant capital or operating expenditures in the future in order to comply with applicable laws and regulations or that we will comply with applicable environmental laws at all times. Such violations or liability could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Environmental laws also impose obligations and liability for the investigation and cleanup of properties affected by hazardous substance or fuel spills or releases. These liabilities are often joint and several and may be imposed on the parties generating or disposing of such substances or on the owner or operator of affected property, often without regard to whether the owner or operator knew of, or was responsible for, the presence of hazardous substances. We may also have liability for past contaminated properties historically owned or operated by companies that we have acquired or merged with, even though we never owned or operated such properties. Accordingly, we may become liable, either contractually or by operation of law, for investigation, remediation, monitoring and other costs even if the contaminated property is not presently owned or operated by us, or if the contamination was caused by third parties during or prior to our ownership or operation of the property. Contamination and exposure to hazardous substances can also result in claims for damages, including personal injury, property damage, and natural resources damage claims.

Most of our properties currently have above or below ground storage tanks for fuel and other petroleum products and oil-water separators (or equivalent wastewater collection/treatment systems). Given the nature of our operations (which involve the use of diesel and other petroleum products, solvents and other hazardous substances) for fueling and maintaining our equipment and vehicles, and the historical operations at some of our properties, we may incur material costs associated with soil or groundwater contamination. Future events, such as changes in existing laws or policies or their enforcement, or the discovery of currently unknown contamination, may give rise to remediation liabilities or other claims or costs that may be material.

The failure to maintain an effective system of internal controls could adversely affect our financial reporting, results of operations and share price and harm our business.

Effective internal controls are necessary to provide reliable financial reports and to assist in effective compliance and the prevention of fraud. Any inability to provide reliable financial reports or prevent fraud could adversely affect our results of operations and share price and harm our business.

We must annually evaluate our internal control procedures to satisfy the requirements of Section 404 of SOX, which requires management and auditors to assess the effectiveness of our internal controls. Our internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements because of its inherent limitations, including the possibility of human error, failure or interruption of technology systems, the circumvention or overriding of controls, or fraud. Even effective internal controls can provide only reasonable assurance with respect to the preparation and fair presentation of financial statements. The failure to maintain effective internal controls, as regulatory or financial reporting standards are modified, supplemented or amended from time to time, could subject us to regulatory scrutiny, civil or criminal penalties or stockholder litigation.

Failure to maintain effective internal controls could also result in financial statements that do not accurately reflect our financial condition or results of operations. Inadequate internal controls could cause investors to lose confidence in our reported financial information, which could have a negative effect on investor confidence in our financial statements, the trading price of our stock and our access to capital. There can be no assurance that we will be able to maintain a system of internal controls that fully complies with the requirements of SOX or that our management and independent registered public accounting firm will continue to conclude that our internal controls are effective.

In addition, we are subject to risks related to our internal controls and compliance systems, which may not be able to protect us from acts committed by employees, agents, or business partners of ours (or of businesses we acquire or partner with) that would violate U.S. and/or non-U.S. laws, including the laws governing payments to government officials, bribery, fraud, kickbacks, and false claims, sales and marketing practices, conflicts of interest, competition, export and import compliance, money laundering, and data privacy. In particular, the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, the U.K. Bribery Act, and similar anti-bribery laws in other jurisdictions generally prohibit companies and their intermediaries from making improper payments to government officials for the purpose of obtaining or retaining business. Any such improper actions or allegations of such acts could damage our reputation and subject us to civil or criminal investigations in the United States and in other jurisdictions and related shareholder lawsuits, could lead to substantial civil and criminal, monetary and non-monetary penalties and could cause us to incur significant legal and investigatory fees.

Unanticipated changes in effective tax rates or adverse outcomes resulting from examination of our income or other tax returns could have in the past and could in the future adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.

We are subject to income taxes in the U.S. and U.K., and our domestic tax liabilities will be subject to the allocation of expenses in differing jurisdictions. Our future effective tax rates have in the past and could in the future be subject to volatility or adversely affected by a number of factors, including:

• expected timing and amount of the release of any tax valuation allowances;
• tax effects of stock-based compensation;
• costs related to intercompany restructurings;
• changes in tax laws, regulations or interpretations thereof; and
• lower than anticipated future earnings in jurisdictions where we have lower statutory tax rates and higher than anticipated future earnings in jurisdictions where we have higher statutory tax rates

In addition, we may be subject to audits of our income, sales and other transaction taxes by U.S. federal and state authorities or by U.K. authorities. Outcomes from these audits could have an adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations. In the past, we have also been subject to adverse rulemaking positions and rulings regarding our tax positions, which could have a material adverse impact on our results of operations and financial condition. For example, effective April 1, 2020, the state of Washington Department of Revenue (“DOR”) published a rule which effectively deems the provision of standalone concrete pumping services as a retail sale subject to sales tax. The Company does not charge sales tax to its customers that provide a reseller certificate, treating this as a wholesale transaction rather than as a retail sale. As such, for the period from April 1, 2020 through October 31, 2023, the Company has continued to not charge sales tax where its customers provide a reseller certificate and has petitioned for declaratory relief from the rule. In February 2023, the Company received an adverse ruling from the Thurston County superior court regarding its position, which it has appealed and oral argument is scheduled for February 2024 in the Court of Appeals in Tacoma, Washington. If the Company is not successful in its arguments against the DOR in its appeal, an estimated $3.5 million in sales tax, inclusive of interest and penalties, may be owed and would be accrued in the quarter in which the court makes any unfavorable determination.

Changes in laws or, regulations or rules, or a failure to comply with any laws, regulations or rules, may adversely affect our business, investments and results of operations.

We are subject to laws, regulations and rules enacted by national, regional and local governments and Nasdaq. In particular, we are required to comply with certain SEC, Nasdaq and other legal or regulatory requirements in the U.S. and U.K. Compliance with, and monitoring of, applicable laws, regulations and rules may be difficult, time consuming and costly.

For example, there is a growing concern from advocacy groups and the general public that the emissions of greenhouse gases and other human activities have caused, or will cause, significant changes in weather patterns and temperatures and the frequency and severity of natural disasters. These concerns have resulted in increasing governmental and societal attention to environmental, social, and governance (“ESG”) matters, including expanding mandatory and voluntary reporting, diligence, and disclosure on topics such as climate change, waste production, water usage, human capital, labor, and risk oversight, and could expand the nature, scope, and complexity of matters on which we are required to control, assess, and report. These and other rapidly changing laws, regulations, policies and related interpretations, as well as increased enforcement actions by various governmental and regulatory agencies, may create challenges for us, including for our compliance and ethics programs, the environment in which we do business and by increasing our ongoing costs of compliance, which could adversely impact our results of operations and cash flows.

These laws, regulations or rules and their interpretation and application may also change from time to time and those changes could have a material adverse effect on our business, investments and results of operations. In addition, a failure to comply with applicable laws, regulations or rules, as interpreted and applied, could have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations.

Employee Related Risks

Our business depends on favorable relations with our employees. Any deterioration of these relations, including those with our union-represented employees, issues with our collective bargaining agreements, labor shortages or increases in labor costs could disrupt our ability to serve our customers, lead to higher labor costs or the payment of withdrawal liability in connection with multiemployer plans, adversely affecting our business, financial condition and results of operations.

As of October 31, 2023, approximately 9% of our employees in the United States (but none of our employees in the United Kingdom) were represented by unions or covered by collective bargaining agreements. The states in which our employees are represented by unions or covered by collective bargaining agreements are California, Washington and Oregon. There can be no assurance that our non-unionized employees will not become members of a union or become covered by a collective bargaining agreement, including through an acquisition of a business whose employees are subject to such an agreement. Any significant deterioration in employee relations, shortages of labor or increases in labor costs at any of our locations could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations. A slowdown or work stoppage that lasts for a significant period of time could cause lost revenues and increased costs and could adversely affect our ability to meet our customers’ needs.

Furthermore, our labor costs have in the past and could in the future increase as a result of the settlement of actual or threatened labor disputes. In addition, our collective bargaining agreement with our union in California was renewed as of July 1, 2022 and is effective through June 30, 2025. It will continue on a year-to-year basis after unless parties provide advance written notice to change, amend, modify, or terminate the Agreement. No such notices have been given or received. Our collective bargaining agreement with our union in Oregon expires in 2024. Our collective bargaining agreement with our union in Washington expires in 2037. We cannot assure you that renegotiation of these agreements will be successful or will not result in adverse economic terms or work stoppages or slowdowns.

Under our collective bargaining agreements, we are, and have previously been, obligated to contribute to several multiemployer pension plans on behalf of our unionized employees. A multiemployer pension plan is a defined benefit pension plan that provides pension benefits to the union-represented workers of various generally unrelated companies. Under the Employment Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (“ERISA”), an employer that has an obligation to contribute to an underfunded multiemployer plan, as well as any other entities that are treated as a single employer with such employer under applicable tax and ERISA rules, may become jointly and severally liable, generally upon complete or partial withdrawal from a multiemployer plan, for its proportionate share of the plan’s unfunded benefit obligations. These liabilities are known as “withdrawal liabilities.” Certain of the multiemployer plans to which we are obligated to contribute have been significantly underfunded in the past. If any of the multiemployer plans were to become significantly underfunded again, and go into an “endangered status,” the trustees of the plan would be required to adopt and maintain a rehabilitation plan and we may be required to pay a surcharge on top of our regular contributions to the plan.

We currently have no intention of withdrawing, in either a complete or partial withdrawal, from any of the multiemployer plans to which we currently contribute, and we have not been assessed any withdrawal liability in the past when we have ceased participating in certain multiemployer plans to which we previously contributed. In addition, we believe that the “construction industry” multiemployer plan exception may apply if we did withdraw from any of our current multiemployer plans. The “construction industry” exception generally delays the imposition of withdrawal liability in connection with an employer’s withdrawal from a “construction industry” multiemployer plan unless and until (among other things) that employer continues or resumes covered operations in the relevant geographic market without continuing or resuming (as applicable) contributions to the multiemployer plan. If this exception applies, withdrawal liability may be delayed or even inapplicable if we cease participation in any multiemployer plan(s). However, there can be no assurance that we will not withdraw from one or more multiemployer plans in the future, that the “construction industry exception” would apply if we did withdraw, or that we will not incur withdrawal liability if we do withdraw. Accordingly, we may be required to pay material amounts of withdrawal liability if one or more of those plans is underfunded at the time of withdrawal and withdrawal liability applies in connection with our withdrawal. In addition, we may incur material liabilities if any multiemployer plan(s) in which we participate requires us to increase our contribution levels to alleviate existing underfunding and/or becomes insolvent, terminates or liquidates.

Labor relations matters at construction sites where we provide services may result in increases in our operating costs, disruptions in our business and decreases in our earnings.

Labor relations matters at construction sites where we provide services may result in work stoppages, which would in turn affect our ability to provide services at such locations. If any such work stoppages were to occur at work sites where we provide services, we could experience a significant disruption of our operations, which could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations, liquidity, and cash flows. Also, labor relations matters affecting our suppliers could adversely impact our business from time to time.

Turnover of members of our management, staff and pump operators and our ability to attract and retain key personnel may affect our ability to efficiently manage our business and execute our strategy.

Our business depends on the quality of, and our ability to attract and retain, our senior management and staff, and competition in our industry and the business world for top management talent is generally significant. Although we believe we generally have competitive pay packages, we can provide no assurance that our efforts to attract and retain senior management staff will be successful. In addition, the loss of services of certain members of our senior management could adversely affect our business until suitable replacements can be found.

We depend upon the quality of our staff personnel, including sales and customer service personnel (who routinely interact with and fulfill the needs of our customers), and on our ability to attract and retain and motivate skilled operators and fleet maintenance personnel and other associated personnel to operate our equipment in order to provide our concrete pumping services to our customers. There is significant competition for qualified personnel in a number of our markets where we face competition from the oil and gas industry for qualified drivers and operators. There is a limited number of persons with the requisite skills to serve in these positions, and such positions require a significant investment by us in initial and ongoing training of operators of our equipment. We cannot provide assurance that we will be able to locate, employ, or retain such qualified personnel on terms acceptable to us or at all. Our costs of operations and selling, general and administrative expenses have increased in certain markets and may increase in the future if we are required to increase wages and salaries to attract qualified personnel, and there is no assurance that we can increase our prices to offset any such cost increases. There is also no assurance that we can effectively limit staff turnover as competitors or other employers seek to hire our personnel. A significant increase in such turnover could negatively affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

Risks Related to our Indebtedness

Our financing agreements could limit our financial and operating flexibility.

Our credit facilities impose, and any future financing agreements could impose, operating and financial restrictions on our activities, including restricting our ability to incur additional indebtedness, pay dividends or make other payments, make loans and investments, sell assets, incur certain liens, enter into transactions with affiliates and consolidate, merge or sell assets. These covenants could limit the ability of the respective restricted entities to fund future working capital and capital expenditures, engage in future acquisitions or development activities, or otherwise realize the value of their assets and opportunities fully because of the need to dedicate a portion of cash flow from operations to payments on debt. In addition, such covenants limit the flexibility of the respective restricted entities in planning for, or reacting to, changes in the industries in which they operate.

We have a significant amount of indebtedness, which could adversely affect our cash flow and our ability to operate our business and to fulfill our obligations under our indebtedness.

As of October 31, 2023, we had $394.0 million of indebtedness outstanding, consisting of (1) $375.0 million for our fixed 6.000% senior secured second lien notes due 2026 (the "Senior Notes") and (2) $19.0 million outstanding under our ABL credit agreement (the "ABL Facility"), in addition to $200.8 million of availability under our ABL Facility. Through June 29, 2022, borrowings in U.S. Dollars bore interest at either (1) an adjusted LIBOR rate plus an applicable margin of 2.25% or (2) a base rate plus an applicable margin of 1.25%. After June 29, 2022 and through May 31, 2023, borrowings in U.S. Dollars bore interest at (1) the secured overnight financing rate ("SOFR") rate plus an applicable margin currently set at 2.00% or (2) a base rate plus an applicable margin currently set at 1.00%. After May 31, 2023, borrowings in U.S. Dollars bear interest at (1) the SOFR rate plus an applicable margin currently set at 2.25% or (2) a base rate plus an applicable margin currently set at 1.25%. The applicable margins for U.S. Dollar loans are subject to a step down of 0.25% based on excess availability levels. Through May 31, 2023, borrowings in GBP bore interest at the sterling overnight indexed average ("SONIA") rate plus an applicable margin currently set at 2.0326%. After May 31, 2023, borrowings in GBP bear interest at the SONIA rate plus an applicable margin equal to 2.2826%. The applicable margins for SONIA are subject to a step down of 0.25% based on excess availability levels. The ABL Facility matures the earlier of (a) June 1, 2028 or (b) the date that is 180 days prior to (i) the final stated maturity date of the Senior Notes or (ii) the date the Senior Notes become due and payable.

Our substantial level of indebtedness increases the possibility that we may not generate enough cash flow from operations to pay, when due, the principal of, interest on or other amounts due in respect of, these obligations. Other risks relating to our long-term indebtedness include:

• increased vulnerability to general adverse economic and industry conditions;
• we have recently experienced higher interest expense on our ABL Facility due to interest rate increases and we could experience higher interest expense on our ABL Facility if interest rates increase any further and our hedging strategies do not effectively mitigate the effects of these increases;
• need to divert a significant portion of our cash flow from operations to payments on our indebtedness, thereby reducing the availability of cash to fund working capital, capital expenditures, acquisitions, investments and other general corporate purposes;
• limited ability to obtain additional financing, on terms we find acceptable, if needed, for working capital, capital expenditures, acquisitions and other investments, which may adversely affect our ability to implement our business strategy;
• limited flexibility in planning for, or reacting to, changes in our businesses and the markets in which we operate or to take advantage of market opportunities; and
• a competitive disadvantage compared to our competitors that have less debt.

In addition, it is possible that we may need to incur additional indebtedness in the future in the ordinary course of business. The terms of our Senior Notes and ABL Facility allow us to incur additional debt subject to certain limitations. If new debt is added to current debt levels, the risks described above could intensify. In addition, our inability to maintain certain leverage ratios could result in acceleration of a portion of our debt obligations and could cause us to be in default if we are unable to repay the accelerated obligations.

Our business could be hurt if we are unable to obtain capital as required, resulting in a decrease in our revenue and cash flows.

We require capital for, among other purposes, purchasing equipment to replace existing equipment that has reached the end of its useful life and for growth resulting from expansion into new markets, completing acquisitions and refinancing existing debt. If the cash that we generate from our business, together with cash that we may borrow under our credit facilities, is not sufficient to fund our capital requirements, we will require additional debt or equity financing. If such additional financing is not available to fund our capital requirements, we could suffer a decrease in our revenue and cash flows that would have a material adverse effect on our business. Furthermore, our ability to incur additional debt is and will be contingent upon, among other things, the covenants contained in our credit facilities. In addition, our credit facilities place restrictions on our and our restricted subsidiaries’ ability to pay dividends and make other restricted payments (subject to certain exceptions). We cannot be certain that any additional financing that we require will be available or, if available, will be available on terms that are satisfactory to us. If we are unable to obtain sufficient additional capital in the future, our business could be materially adversely affected.

We may not be able to generate sufficient cash to service all of our indebtedness and may be forced to take other actions to satisfy our obligations under applicable debt instruments, which may not be successful.

Our ability to make scheduled payments on or to refinance our indebtedness obligations, including our credit facilities, depends on our financial condition and operating performance, which are subject to prevailing economic and competitive conditions and certain financial, business and other factors beyond our control. We may not be able to maintain a level of cash flows from operating activities sufficient to permit us to pay the principal, premium, if any, and interest on our indebtedness.

If our cash flows and capital resources are insufficient to fund debt service obligations, we may be forced to reduce or delay investments and capital expenditures, sell assets, seek additional capital or restructure or refinance indebtedness. Our ability to restructure or refinance our indebtedness will depend on the condition of the capital markets and our financial condition at such time. Any refinancing of indebtedness could be at higher interest rates and may require us to comply with more onerous covenants, which could further restrict business operations. The terms of existing or future debt instruments may restrict us from adopting some of these alternatives. In addition, any failure to make payments of interest and principal on outstanding indebtedness on a timely basis would likely result in a reduction of our credit rating, which could harm our ability to incur additional indebtedness.

Risks Related to our Securities

There can be no assurance that we will be able to comply with Nasdaq’s continued listing standards.

We are subject to the continued listing requirements of Nasdaq. If we became unable to meet such requirements, we and our shareholders could face significant material adverse consequences including:

• the delisting of our shares from Nasdaq and a limited availability of market quotations for our shares;
• a determination that our common stock is a “penny stock” which will require brokers trading in our common stock to adhere to more stringent rules, possibly resulting in a reduced level of trading activity in the secondary trading market for our common stock; and
• a decreased ability to issue additional shares or obtain additional financing in the future.

Shares of our common stock have been thinly traded in the past.

Although a trading market for our common stock exists, the trading volume has not been significant and there can be no assurance that an active trading market for our common stock will be sustained in the future. As a result of the thin trading market or “float” for our stock, the market price for our common stock may fluctuate significantly more than the stock market as a whole. Without a large float, our common stock is less liquid than the stock of companies with broader public ownership and, as a result, the trading prices of our common stock may be more volatile. In the absence of an active public trading market, an investor may be unable to liquidate his or her investment in our common stock. Trading of a relatively small volume of our common stock may have a greater impact on the trading price for our stock than would be the case if our public float were larger. We cannot predict the prices at which our common stock will trade in the future.

In addition, the price of our securities can vary due to general economic conditions and forecasts, our general business condition and the release of our financial reports. Additionally, if our shares of common stock become delisted from Nasdaq for any reason, and are quoted on the OTC Markets, the liquidity and price of our shares may be more limited than if we were quoted or listed on Nasdaq or another national securities exchange. You may be unable to sell your shares unless a market can be established or sustained.

If securities or industry analysts do not publish or cease publishing research or reports about us, our business, or our industry, or if they change their recommendations regarding our common stock adversely, then the price and trading volume of our common stock could decline.

The trading market for our common stock will be influenced by the research and reports that industry or securities analysts may publish about us, our business, our industry, or our competitors. If any of the analysts who may cover the Company change their recommendation regarding our stock adversely, or provide more favorable relative recommendations about our peers, the price of our common stock would likely decline. If any analyst who covers the Company were to cease coverage of the Company or fail to regularly publish reports on us, we could lose visibility in the financial markets, which could cause our stock price or trading volume to decline.

Future sales, or the perception of future sales, by us or our existing stockholders in the public market could cause the market price for our common stock to decline.

The sale of a substantial number of shares of our common stock in the public market, or the perception that such sales could occur, could harm the prevailing market price of shares of our common stock. These sales, or the possibility that these sales may occur, also might make it more difficult for us to sell equity securities in the future at a time and at a price that we deem appropriate.

As of October 31, 2023, CFLL Holdings, LLC owns 15,477,138 shares, or 28% of outstanding shares of common stock and BBCP Investors, LLC owns 11,005,275 shares, or 20% of our outstanding shares of our common stock. These shares are registered for resale and are not subject to any contractual restrictions on transfer. The sale of some or all of these shares by these investors could put downward pressure on the market price of our common stock, and the ownership of significant shareholders has in the past contributed to our low trading volumes, as further described under the risk factor above titled "Shares of our common stock have been thinly traded in the past.".

In addition, shares of our common stock granted or reserved for future issuance under our Omnibus Incentive Plan become eligible for sale in the public market once those shares are issued, subject to provisions in various vesting agreements and Rule 144, as applicable. Following amendments to our 2018 Omnibus Incentive Plan on October 29, 2020 and April 25, 2023, a total of 6.3 million shares of common stock were reserved for issuance under our 2018 Omnibus Incentive Plan, of which 1.4 million shares of common stock remain available for future issuance as of October 31, 2023.

Our quarterly operating results may fluctuate significantly and could fall below the expectations of securities analysts and investors due to seasonality, adverse weather and other factors, some of which are beyond our control, resulting in a decline in our stock price.

Our quarterly operating results may fluctuate significantly because of several factors, including:

• labor availability and costs for hourly and management personnel;
• demand for our services;
• profitability of our products, especially in new markets and due to seasonal fluctuations;
• seasonal weather patterns in the construction industry on which we rely, with activity tending to be lowest in the winter and spring;
• changes in interest rates;
• impairment of long-lived assets;
• macroeconomic conditions, both nationally and locally;
• negative publicity relating to products we serve;
• changes in consumer preferences and competitive conditions;
• expansion to new markets; and
• fluctuations in commodity prices.

We are a holding company with no business operations of our own and we depend on cash flow from our wholly owned subsidiaries to meet our obligations.

We are a holding company with no business operations of our own or material assets other than the stock of our subsidiaries, all of which are wholly-owned. All of our operations are conducted by our subsidiaries and as a holding company, we require dividends and other payments from our subsidiaries to meet cash requirements. The terms of any credit facility may restrict our subsidiaries from paying dividends and otherwise transferring cash or other assets to us. If there is an insolvency, liquidation or other reorganization of any of our subsidiaries, our stockholders likely will have no right to proceed against their assets. Creditors of those subsidiaries will be entitled to payment in full from the sale or other disposal of the assets of those subsidiaries before we, as an equity holder, would be entitled to receive any distribution from that sale or disposal. If our subsidiaries are unable to pay dividends or make other payments to us when needed, we will be unable to satisfy our obligations.

Anti-takeover provisions contained in the Company's Charter and Bylaws, as well as provisions of Delaware law, could impair a takeover attempt.

The Charter of the Company contains provisions that may discourage unsolicited takeover proposals that stockholders may consider to be in their best interests. We are also subject to anti-takeover provisions under Delaware law, which could delay or prevent a change of control. Together, these provisions may make more difficult the removal of management and may discourage transactions that otherwise could involve payment of a premium over prevailing market prices for our securities. These provisions include:

• a staggered board of directors providing for three classes of directors, which limits the ability of a stockholder or group to gain control of our Board;
• no cumulative voting in the election of directors, which limits the ability of minority stockholders to elect director candidates;
• the right of our Board to elect a director to fill a vacancy created by the expansion of our Board or the resignation, death or removal of a director in certain circumstances, which prevents stockholders from being able to fill vacancies on our Board;
• a prohibition on stockholder action by written consent, which forces stockholder action to be taken at an annual or special meeting of our stockholders;
• a prohibition on stockholders calling a special meeting and the requirement that a meeting of stockholders may only be called by members of our Board, which may delay the ability of our stockholders to force consideration of a proposal or to take action, including the removal of directors; and
• advance notice procedures that stockholders must comply with in order to nominate candidates to our Board or to propose matters to be acted upon at a meeting of stockholders, which may discourage or deter a potential acquirer from conducting a solicitation of proxies to elect the acquirer’s own slate of directors or otherwise attempting to obtain control of us.

The Charter of the Company designates the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware as the sole and exclusive forum for certain types of actions and proceedings that may be initiated by our stockholders, which could limit our stockholders’ ability to obtain a favorable judicial forum for disputes with us or our directors, officers or employees.

The Charter provides that, unless we consent in writing to the selection of an alternative forum, the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware will be the sole and exclusive forum for any stockholder (including a beneficial owner) to bring (i) any derivative action or proceeding brought on behalf of the Company, (ii) any action asserting a claim of breach of a fiduciary duty owed by any director, officer or other employee of the Company to the Company or our stockholders, (iii) any action asserting a claim against the Company, our directors, officers or employees arising pursuant to any provision of the DGCL, the Charter or the Bylaws, or (iv) any action asserting a claim against the Company, our directors, officers or employees governed by the internal affairs doctrine, except for, as to each of (i) through (iv) above, any claim (A) as to which the Court of Chancery determines that there is an indispensable party not subject to the jurisdiction of the Court of Chancery (and the indispensable party does not consent to the personal jurisdiction of the Court of Chancery within ten days following such determination), (B) which is vested in the exclusive jurisdiction of a court or forum other than the Court of Chancery, or (C) arising under the Securities Act or for which the Court of Chancery does not have subject matter jurisdiction including, without limitation, any claim arising under the Exchange Act, as to which the federal district court for the District of Delaware shall be the sole and exclusive forum.

Any person or entity purchasing or otherwise acquiring any interest in shares of our capital stock will be deemed to have notice of, and consented to, the provisions of the Charter described in the preceding paragraph. However, stockholders will not be deemed to have waived our compliance with the federal securities laws and the rules and regulations thereunder. This choice of forum provision may limit a stockholder’s ability to bring a claim in a judicial forum that it finds favorable for disputes with us or our directors, officers or other employees, which may discourage such lawsuits against us and such persons. Alternatively, a court may determine that the choice of forum provision is unenforceable. If a court were to find these provisions of the Charter inapplicable to, or unenforceable in respect of, one or more of the specified types of actions or proceedings, we may incur additional costs associated with resolving such matters in other jurisdictions, which could adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations.

Our corporate office is located at 500 E. 84th Avenue, Suite A-5, Thornton (near Denver), CO 80229, where we lease approximately 13,415 square feet of office space in the building. We operate from a base of approximately 100 locations in 21 states in the U.S. and 30 locations in the U.K. as of October 31, 2023. We own 16 of our locations in the U.S. We lease all remaining U.S locations and all of our locations in the U.K. Certain facilities are shared between Brundage-Bone and Eco-Pan and certain locations operate without a formal lease. We believe that our properties are suitable for our current operating needs.

From time to time, we have been and may again become involved in legal proceedings arising in the ordinary course of our business. We are not presently a party to any litigation that we believe to be material and we are not aware of any pending or threatened litigation against us that we believe could have a material adverse effect on our business, operating result, financial condition or cash flows.

The following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with our Consolidated Financial Statements and related notes in Item 8 of this Annual Report. In addition to historical information, the following discussion contains forward-looking statements, such as statements regarding the Company’s expectation for future performance, liquidity and capital resources that involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions that could cause actual results to differ materially from the Company's expectations. The Company's actual results may differ materially from those contained in or implied by any forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause such differences include those identified below and those described in “Cautionary Statement Concerning Forward-Looking Statements and Risk Factors Summary” and in Item 1A “Risk Factors” of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. The Company assumes no obligation to update any of these forward-looking statements.

Business Overview

The Company is a Delaware corporation headquartered in Thornton, Colorado. The audited consolidated financial statements included herein include the accounts of Concrete Pumping Holdings, Inc. and its wholly owned subsidiaries including Brundage-Bone Concrete Pumping, Inc. (“Brundage-Bone”), Capital Pumping, LP (“Capital”), and Camfaud Group Limited (“Camfaud”), and Eco-Pan, Inc. (“Eco-Pan”).

As part of the Company’s business growth strategy and capital allocation policy, strategic acquisitions are considered opportunities to enhance our value proposition through differentiation and competitiveness. Depending on the deal size and characteristics of the M&A opportunities available, we expect to allocate capital for opportunistic M&A utilizing cash on the balance sheet and the revolving line of credit. In recent years and as further described below, we have successfully executed on this strategy, including (1) our November 2021 acquisition of Pioneer Concrete Pumping Service, Inc. (“Pioneer”) for the purchase consideration of $20.2 million, which provided us with complementary assets and operations in both Georgia and Texas and (2) our acquisition of Coastal Carolina Concrete Pumping, Inc. ("Coastal") in August 2022 for the purchase consideration of $30.8 million, which expanded our operations in North Carolina, South Carolina and Florida.

U.S. Concrete Pumping

All branches operating within our U.S Concrete Pumping segment are concrete pumping service providers in the United States ("U.S."). Their core business is the provision of concrete pumping services to general contractors and concrete finishing companies in the commercial, infrastructure and residential sectors. Equipment generally returns to a “home base” nightly and these branches do not contract to purchase, mix, or deliver concrete. This segment collectively has approximately 100 branch locations across 21 states with their corporate headquarters in Thornton, Colorado.

In recent years, U.S. Concrete Pumping has grown through the acquisitions of Coastal in August 2022 and Pioneer in November 2021, as described above, and the completion of the Company's greenfield expansion into the Washington DC metropolitan area in fiscal 2022.

U.S. Concrete Waste Management Services

Our U.S. Concrete Waste Management Services segment consists of our U.S. based Eco-Pan business. Eco-Pan provides industrial cleanup and containment services, primarily to customers in the construction industry. Eco-Pan uses containment pans specifically designed to hold waste products from concrete and other industrial cleanup operations. Eco-Pan has 19 operating locations across the U.S. with its corporate headquarters in Thornton, Colorado.

U.K. Operations

Our U.K. Operations segment consists of our Camfaud, Premier and U.K. based Eco-Pan businesses. Camfaud is a concrete pumping service provider in the U.K and its core business is primarily the provision of concrete pumping services to general contractors and concrete finishing companies in the commercial, infrastructure and residential sectors. Equipment generally returns to a “home base” nightly and does not contract to purchase, mix, or deliver concrete. Camfaud has approximately 30 branch locations throughout the U.K., with its corporate headquarters in Epping (near London), England. In addition, we have concrete waste management operations under our Eco-Pan brand name in the U.K. and currently operate from a shared Camfaud location.

Corporate ("Other")

Our Corporate activities, referred to as "Other" in our financial statements, primarily relate to the intercompany leasing of real estate to certain of our U.S Concrete Pumping branches.

Expiration of Warrants

As of December 6, 2023, the Company’s 13,017,677 warrants to acquire shares of its common stock expired in accordance with their terms, and there are no other warrants outstanding. As a result of the expiration, the warrants will no longer be recognized as a liability on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet and there are no other warrants outstanding. As of October 31, 2023, the Company had a liability of $0.1 million related to the warrants that will be recognized in the condensed consolidated balance sheet and in the consolidated statement of operations for the three months ended January 31, 2024.

2023 Upsize of Asset-Based Lending Credit Agreement

As of October 31, 2023, we had $200.8 million in availability under our ABL credit agreement (the "ABL Facility") and $394.0 million of indebtedness outstanding, consisting of (1) $375.0 million for our fixed 6.000% senior secured second lien notes due 2026 (the "Senior Notes") and (2) $19.0 million outstanding under our ABL Facility. In June 2023, the Company amended and restated its existing ABL Facility to provide up to $225 million (previously $160 million) of commitments and extend the maturity of the ABL Facility to June 1, 2028. The June 1, 2023 amendments to the ABL Facility (1) increased the maximum revolver borrowings available to be drawn thereunder from $160.0 million to $225.0 million, (2) increased the letter of credit sublimit from $10.5 million to $22.5 million and (3) extended the maturity of the ABL Facility to the earlier of (a) June 1, 2028 or (b) the date that is 180 days prior to (i) the final stated maturity date of the Senior Notes or (ii) the date the Senior Notes become due and payable.

Results of Operations

Management's discussion and analysis for our results of operations on a consolidated and segment basis include a quantification of factors that had a material impact. Other factors that did not have a material impact, but that are significant to understand the results, are qualitatively described. The tables included in the period-to-period comparisons below provide summaries of our revenues, gross profits and net income for our business segments for the years ended October 31, 2023 and 2022.

Twelve Months Ended October 31, 2023 and 2022

Revenue

(in thousands)

(1) For year ended October 31, 2023 and 2022, there were $0.6 million and $0.3 million, respectively, included in revenue in the U.S. Concrete Waste Management Services segment and eliminated in the intersegment eliminations. The remaining $2.5 million relates to the revenue as disclosed in Other.

Total revenue. Total revenues were $442.2 million for the twelve months ended October 31, 2023, compared to $401.3 million for the twelve months ended October 31, 2022. Revenue by segment is further discussed below.

U.S. Concrete Pumping. Revenue for our U.S. Concrete Pumping segment increased by 7.2%, or $21.4 million, from $296.5 million in the twelve months ended October 31, 2022 to $317.9 million for fiscal 2023. The Company's acquisition of Coastal in fiscal 2022 drove an incremental year-over-year increase in revenue of $14.6 million. The remaining increase was driven by organic growth in certain markets.

U.K. Operations. Revenue for our U.K. Operations segment increased by 13.9%, or $7.7 million, from $54.9 million in the twelve months ended October 31, 2022 to $62.6 million for fiscal 2023. Excluding the impact from foreign currency translation, revenue was up 10% year-over-year, due primarily to pricing improvements in addition to operating efficiencies.

U.S. Concrete Waste Management Services. Revenue for the U.S. Concrete Waste Management Services segment improved by 24.3%, or $12.2 million, from $50.2 million in the twelve months ended October 31, 2022 to $62.4 million for fiscal 2023. The increase was driven by strong organic growth, pricing improvements and the expansion of concrete waste management service offerings.

Other. There was no change in revenue for Other activities for the periods presented. These revenues are eliminated in consolidation through the Intersegment line item.

Gross Profit and Gross Margin

(in thousands, unless otherwise stated)

Gross margin. Our gross margin for the year ended October 31, 2023 was 40.3% compared to 40.8% for the year ended October 31, 2022. The slight decrease in our gross margin was primarily related to inflationary pressures, mostly in labor inflation.

General and administrative expenses

General and administrative expenses ("G&A"). G&A expenses for the twelve months ended October 31, 2023 were $116.9 million, an increase of $3.4 million from $113.5 million in the twelve months ended October 31, 2022. The increase in G&A expenses was primarily due to (1) higher labor costs of approximately $6.5 million primarily due to additional personnel that joined the Company as a result of recent acquisitions, (2) higher rent, utilities and office expenses aggregating to $1.3 million primarily from recent acquisitions and (3) higher legal and accounting expenses. These increases were offset by non-cash decreases in amortization expense of $3.6 million, $2.7 million related to fluctuations in the GBP and lower stock-based compensation expense of $1.2 million. G&A expenses as a percentage of revenue were 26.4% for fiscal 2023 compared to 28.2% for the same period a year ago.

Excluding amortization of intangible assets of $18.9 million, depreciation expense of $2.4 million and stock-based compensation expense of $3.8 million, G&A expenses were $91.7 million for the fiscal year 2023 (20.7% of revenue), up $8.3 million from $83.4 million for fiscal 2022 (20.8% of revenue). The increase was primarily due to the higher labor costs, legal and accounting costs, rent, utilities and office expenses, which was partially offset by fluctuations in the GBP as discussed above.

Total other income (expense)

Interest expense, net. Interest expense, net for the year ended October 31, 2023 was $28.1 million, up $2.2 million from the same period a year ago. The increase was primarily attributable to a higher average ABL revolver draw during the year ended October 31, 2023 as compared to the year ended October 31, 2022.

Change in fair value of warrant liabilities. During the years ended October 31, 2023 and 2022 we recognized a $6.9 million gain and a $9.9 million gain, respectively, on the fair value remeasurement of our liability-classified warrants. The continued decline in the fair value remeasurement of the public warrants for all periods presented was due to the Company's share price trading below the exercise price as the warrants approached their expiration in December 2023. On December 6, 2023, we announced the expiration of the Company’s 13,017,677 warrants to acquire shares of its common stock, after which they will no longer be recognized as a liability on the balance sheet.

Income tax expense

Income tax expense. For the year ended October 31, 2023, the Company recorded an income tax expense of $8.8 million on a pretax income of $40.6 million. During the year ended October 31, 2023, the effective tax rate was primarily impacted by the respective change in fair value of warrant liabilities of $6.9 million. During the year ended October 31, 2022, the effective tax rate was primarily impacted by the respective change in fair value of warrant liabilities of $9.9 million and a deferred tax benefit from undistributed foreign earnings of $0.8 million.

Adjusted EBITDA1 and Net Income

(in thousands)

1 See “Non-GAAP Measures (EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA)” below. As of the first quarter of fiscal 2023, we have modified the method in which adjusted EBITDA is calculated by no longer including an add-back for director costs and public company expenses. The Company recast adjusted EBITDA for U.S. Concrete Pumping for the year ended 2022 by $2.5 million to reflect this change. See “Non-GAAP Measures (EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA)” below for more information.

U.S. Concrete Pumping. Net income for our U.S. Concrete Pumping segment was $5.1 million for the twelve months ended October 31, 2023, down from net income of $6.5 million for the twelve months ended October 31, 2022. Adjusted EBITDA for our U.S. Concrete Pumping segment was $73.6 million for the twelve months ended October 31, 2023, down 1.9% from $75.0 million for the twelve months ended October 31, 2022. The decrease in net income and Adjusted EBITDA were primarily attributable to inflationary pressures impacting gross margins in excess of the improvements to revenue.

U.K. Operations. Net income for our U.K. Operations segment was $4.2 million for the twelve months ended October 31, 2023, up from net income of $2.1 million for the twelve months ended October 31, 2022. Adjusted EBITDA for our U.K. Operations segment was $18.5 million for the twelve months ended October 31, 2023, up 17.6% from $15.7 million for the twelve months ended October 31, 2022. The increase in net income and Adjusted EBITDA were primarily attributable to the year-over-year improvement in revenue.

U.S. Concrete Waste Management Services. Net income for our U.S. Concrete Waste Management Services segment was $14.3 million for the twelve months ended October 31, 2023, up from net income of $8.9 million for the twelve months ended October 31, 2022. Adjusted EBITDA for our U.S. Concrete Waste Management Services segment was $30.0 million for the twelve months ended October 31, 2023, up 31.5% from $22.8 million for the twelve months ended October 31, 2022. The increase in net income and Adjusted EBITDA was primarily attributable to the year-over-year robust organic growth in revenue as discussed above.

Other. Net income for both periods presented for Other activities were mostly driven by the gains from the revaluation of warrant liabilities. There was no change in Adjusted EBITDA for our Other activities for the periods presented.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Overview

Our capital structure is primarily a combination of (1) permanent financing, represented by stockholders’ equity; (2) zero-dividend convertible perpetual preferred stock; (3) long-term financing represented by our Senior Notes and (4) short-term financing under our ABL Facility. Our primary sources of liquidity are cash generated from operations, available cash and cash equivalents and access to our revolving credit facility under our ABL Facility, which provides for aggregate borrowings of up to $225.0 million, subject to a borrowing base limitation. We use our liquidity and capital resources to: (1) finance working capital requirements; (2) service our indebtedness; (3) purchase property, plant and equipment; and (4) finance strategic acquisitions, such as the acquisition of Pioneer, Coastal and others. As of October 31, 2023, we had $15.9 million of cash and cash equivalents and $200.8 million of available borrowing capacity under the ABL Facility, providing total available liquidity of $216.7 million.

We may from time to time seek to retire or pay down borrowings on the outstanding balance of our ABL Facility or Senior Notes using cash on hand. Such repayments, if any, will depend on prevailing market conditions, our liquidity requirements, contractual restrictions and other factors.

We believe our existing cash and cash equivalent balances, cash flow from operations and borrowing capacity under our ABL Facility will be sufficient to meet our working capital and capital expenditure needs for at least the next 12 months. Our future capital requirements may vary materially from those currently planned and will depend on many factors, including our rate of revenue growth, potential acquisitions and overall economic conditions. To the extent that current and anticipated future sources of liquidity are insufficient to fund our future business activities and requirements, we may be required to seek additional equity or debt financing. The sale of additional equity could result in dilution to our stockholders. The incurrence of debt financing would result in debt service obligations and the instruments governing such debt could provide for operating and financing covenants that would restrict our operations.

Material Cash Requirements

Our principal uses of cash historically have been to fund operating activities and working capital, purchases of property and equipment, strategic acquisitions, fund payments due under facility operating and finance leases, share repurchases and to meet debt service requirements.

Our working capital surplus as of October 31, 2023 was $10.3 million. We generally have consistent access to capital markets and we are in compliance with our debt covenants.

The amount of our future capital expenditures will depend on a number of factors including general economic conditions and growth prospects. In response to changing economic conditions, we believe we have the flexibility to modify our capital expenditures by adjusting them (either up or down) to match our actual performance. Our capital expenditures for the years ended October 31, 2023 and 2022 were approximately $54.5 million and $101.9 million, respectively.

To service our debt, we require a significant amount of cash. Our ability to pay interest and principal on our indebtedness will depend upon our future operating performance and the availability of borrowings under the ABL Facility and/or other debt and equity financing alternatives available to us, which will be affected by prevailing economic conditions and conditions in the global credit and capital markets, as well as financial, business and other factors, some of which are beyond our control. Based on our current level of operations and given the current state of the capital markets, we believe our cash flow from operations, available cash and available borrowings under the ABL Facility will be adequate to service our debt and meet our future liquidity needs for the foreseeable future. See “Senior Notes and ABL Facility” discussion below for more information.

Future Contractual Obligations

Our contractual obligations and commercial commitments principally include obligations associated with our outstanding indebtedness, interest payments, lease agreements and capital expenditures. We have no off-balance sheet arrangements except for our committed capital as discussed below. Our estimated future obligations as of October 31, 2023 include both current and long term obligations. We have a long-term obligation of $375.0 million related to our Senior Notes due February 2026 (excluding discount for deferred financing costs). Under our operating leases, we have short-term obligations for payments of $6.3 million and long-term obligations for payments of $25.3 million. We have current obligations related to finance leases of $0.1 million and a long-term obligation of $0.1 million. We have a current obligation for our ABL Facility of $19.0 million. Additionally, the Company was contractually committed for $30.2 million of capital expenditures for purchases of property and equipment and these are expected to be paid in the next twelve months.

Senior Notes and ABL Facility

The table below is a summary of the composition of the Company's debt balances as of October 31, 2023 and 2022:

(in thousands)

Amendment to ABL Facility

On June 1, 2023, the ABL Facility was amended to, among other changes, (1) increase the maximum revolver borrowings available to be drawn thereunder from $160.0 million to $225.0 million, (2) increase the letter of credit sublimit from $10.5 million to $22.5 million and (3) extend the maturity of the ABL Facility to the earlier of (a) June 1, 2028 or (b) the date that is 180 days prior to (i) the final stated maturity date of the Senior Notes or (ii) the date the Senior Notes become due and payable. The ABL Facility also provides for an uncommitted accordion feature under which the borrowers under the ABL Facility can, subject to specified conditions, increase the ABL Facility by up to an additional $75.0 million. The $65.0 million in incremental commitments were provided by JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. and PNC Bank, N.A. The amended ABL Facility was treated as a debt modification. The Company capitalized an additional $0.5 million of debt issuance costs related to the June 1, 2023, ABL Facility amendment. The preexisting unamortized deferred costs of $1.4 million and the additional costs of $0.5 million will be amortized from June 1, 2023 through June 1, 2028.

The outstanding balance under the ABL Facility as of October 31, 2023 was $19.0 million and as of that date, the Company was in compliance with all debt covenants. In addition, as of October 31, 2023, the Company had $1.1 million in credit line reserves and a letter of credit balance of $4.1 million. As of October 31, 2023, we had $200.8 million of available borrowing capacity under the ABL Facility. Debt issuance costs related to revolving credit facilities are capitalized and reflected as an asset in deferred financing costs in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. The Company had debt issuance costs related to the revolving credit facilities of $1.8 million as of October 31, 2023. See Note 10 in Item 8 Financial Statements and Supplementary Data for more information on the Senior Notes and ABL Facility.

Cash Flows

Cash generated from operating activities typically reflects net income, as adjusted for non-cash expense items such as depreciation, amortization and stock-based compensation, and changes in our operating assets and liabilities. Generally, we believe our business requires a relatively low level of working capital investment due to low inventory requirements and timely customer payments due to daily billings for most of our services.

Cash flow provided by operating activities. Net cash provided by operating activities generally reflects the cash effects of transactions and other events used in the determination of net income or loss.

Net cash provided by operating activities during the twelve months ended October 31, 2023 was $96.9 million. The Company had net income of $31.8 million, which included non-cash expense items of $66.3 million. In addition, we had cash net outflows related to an increase in our working capital of $1.2 million. Working capital changes primarily include a decrease in accrued payroll, accrued expenses and other current liabilities of $3.5 million, an increase in inventory of $1.1 million and a decrease in accounts payable of $0.5 million, mostly offset by an increase in net income taxes payable of $2.2 million and a decrease in prepaid expenses and other assets of $1.3 million. The decrease in accrued payroll, accrued expenses and other liabilities is primarily related to payments for operating lease liabilities of $5.3 million, mostly offset by an increase to accrued payroll related to the timing of payroll payments. The increase in net income taxes payable is primarily related to the timing of payments remitted.

Net cash provided by operating activities during the twelve months ended October 31, 2022 was $76.7 million. The Company had net income of $28.7 million that included non-cash expense items of $60.4 million. In addition, we had net cash inflows related to a decrease to our working capital of $14.9 million. Working capital changes primarily include cash inflows from a decrease of $15.3 million in trade receivables, a decrease of $3.0 million in accounts payable, an increase of $0.9 million in inventory, partially offset by an increase of $5.2 million in accrued payroll, accrued expenses and other current liabilities and an increase of prepaid expenses and other current assets of $0.6 million. The decrease to trade receivables is primarily due to timing of customer receipts. The increase in accrued payroll, accrued expenses and other current liabilities is primarily related to an aggregate increase of $8.9 million in (1) increase in accrued insurance, (2) accrued capital expenditures and (3) other smaller items, partially offset by a decrease in the operating lease liability of $3.7 million related to the change in operating lease liability due to the implementation of ASC 842 and bifurcating out the operating lease payments.

Cash flow provided by (used in) investing activities. Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities generally reflects the cash outflows for property, plant and equipment.

We used $44.2 million to fund investing activities during the twelve months ended October 31, 2023. The Company used $54.5 million for the purchase of property, plant and equipment and $0.8 million for the purchase of intangible assets. These amounts were partially offset by $11.1 million in proceeds from the sale of property, plant and equipment.

We used $124.1 million to fund investing activities during the twelve months ended October 31, 2022. The Company used $101.9 million for the purchase of property, plant and equipment, $30.8 million to fund the acquisition of Coastal and $1.5 million for the purchase of intangible assets. These amounts were partially offset by $10.0 million in proceeds from the sale of property, plant and equipment.

Cash flow provided by (used in) financing activities. Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities generally reflects the cash changes related to our Senior Notes and ABL Facility.

Net cash used in financing activities was $44.3 million for the twelve months ended October 31, 2023. Cash used in financing activities included (1) $33.2 million in net payments under the Company's ABL Facility and (2) $10.5 million in purchase of treasury stock, which included $8.9 million purchased under the share repurchase program and $1.6 million in outflows from the purchase of shares into treasury stock in order to fund the employee tax obligations for certain vested stock awards.

Net cash provided by financing activities was $46.0 million for the twelve months ended October 31, 2022. Financing activities during this period primarily included $50.4 million in net borrowings under the Company’s ABL Facility that were partially offset by $4.1 million in outflows from the purchase of shares into treasury stock, which included $2.7 million purchased under the share repurchase program and $1.4 million in outflows from the purchase of shares into treasury stock in order to fund the employee tax obligations for certain vested stock awards.

Accounting and Other Reporting Matters

Non-GAAP Financial Measures (EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA)

We calculate EBITDA by taking GAAP net income and adding back interest expense, income taxes, depreciation and amortization. Adjusted EBITDA is calculated by taking EBITDA and adding back transaction expenses, loss on debt extinguishment, stock-based compensation, other income, net, goodwill and intangibles impairment and other adjustments. Transaction expenses represent expenses for legal, accounting, and other professionals that were engaged in the completion of various acquisitions. Transaction expenses can be volatile as they are primarily driven by the size of a specific acquisition. As such, we exclude these amounts from Adjusted EBITDA for comparability across periods. Other adjustments include the adjustments for warrant liabilities revaluation, non-recurring expenses and non-cash currency gains/losses. As of the first quarter of fiscal 2023, we modified the method in which adjusted EBITDA is calculated by no longer including an add-back for director costs and public company expenses. Adjusted EBITDA for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2022 is recast by $2.5 million for these expenses to reflect this change.

We believe these non-GAAP measures of financial results provide useful supplemental information to management and investors regarding certain financial and business trends related to our financial condition and results of operations, and as a supplemental tool for investors to use in evaluating our ongoing operating results and trends and in comparing our financial measures with competitors who also present similar non-GAAP financial measures. In addition, these measures (1) are used in quarterly and annual financial reports and presentations prepared for management, our board of directors and investors, and (2) help management to determine incentive compensation. EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA have limitations and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for performance measures calculated under GAAP. These non-GAAP measures exclude certain cash expenses that we are obligated to make. In addition, other companies in our industry may calculate EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA differently or may not calculate it at all, which limits the usefulness of EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA as comparative measures.

(in thousands)

(in thousands)

1 Other adjustments include the adjustment for non-recurring expenses and non-cash currency gains/losses. As of the first quarter of fiscal 2023, we modified the method in which adjusted EBITDA is calculated by no longer including an add-back for director costs and public company expenses. The Company recast adjusted EBITDA for U.S. Concrete Pumping for the period ended October 31, 2022 by $2.5 million, for these expenses to reflect this change.

(in thousands)

(in thousands)

(in thousands)

33

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

For more information regarding the Company’s significant accounting policies, as well as recent accounting pronouncements, see Note 2 and Note 3 to the consolidated financial statements within Item 8 of this Annual Report.

In presenting our financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP, we are required to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported therein. Several of the estimates and assumptions we are required to make relate to matters that are inherently uncertain as they pertain to future events. However, events that are outside of our control cannot be predicted and, as such, they cannot be contemplated in evaluating such estimates and assumptions. If there is a significant unfavorable change to current conditions, it could result in a material impact to our consolidated and combined results of operations, financial position and liquidity. We believe that the estimates and assumptions we used when preparing our financial statements were the most appropriate at that time. Presented below are those accounting policies that we believe require subjective and complex judgments that could potentially affect reported results. However, the majority of our business activities are in environments where we are paid a fee for a service performed, and therefore the results of the majority of our recurring operations are recorded in our financial statements using accounting policies that are not particularly subjective, nor complex.

Listed below are those estimates that we believe are critical and require the use of complex judgment in their application.

Goodwill and Intangible Assets

In accordance with Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") Topic 350, Intangibles–Goodwill and Other (“ASC 350”), the Company evaluates goodwill for possible impairment annually, generally as of August 31st, or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of such assets may not be recoverable. The Company uses a two-step process to assess the realizability of goodwill. The first step (generally referred to as a "step 0" analysis) is a qualitative assessment that analyzes current economic indicators associated with a particular reporting unit. For example, the Company analyzes changes in economic, market and industry conditions, business strategy, cost factors, and financial performance, among others, to determine if there are indicators of a significant decline in the fair value of a particular reporting unit. If the qualitative assessment indicates a stable or improved fair value, no further testing is required. If a qualitative assessment indicates it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, the Company will proceed to the quantitative second step (generally referred to as a "step 1" analysis) where the fair value of a reporting unit is calculated based on weighted income and market-based approaches. If the fair value of a reporting unit is lower than its carrying value, an impairment to goodwill is recorded, not to exceed the carrying amount of goodwill in the reporting unit.

Fair value determinations require considerable judgment and are sensitive to changes in underlying assumptions, estimates and market factors. Estimating fair value of individual reporting units and indefinite-lived intangible assets requires us to make assumptions and estimates regarding our future plans, as well as industry and economic conditions including those relating to the duration and severity of COVID-19. These assumptions and estimates include projected revenue, cash flow margins, capital expenditures, trade name royalty rates, discount rate, tax amortization benefit and other market factors outside of our control. The Company evaluates for triggering events quarterly throughout the fiscal year.

When we perform any goodwill impairment test, the estimated fair value of our reporting units are determined using an income approach that utilizes a discounted cash flow (“DCF”) model and a market approach that utilizes the guideline public company method (“GPC”), both of which are weighted for each reporting unit and are discussed below in further detail. In accordance with ASC Topic 820, Fair Value Measurement ("ASC 820"), we evaluated the methods for reasonableness and reliability and assigned weightings accordingly. A mathematical weighting is not prescribed by ASC 820, rather it requires judgement. As such, each of the valuation methods were weighted by accounting for the relative merits of each method and considered, among other things, the reliability of the valuation methods and the inputs used in the methods. In addition, in order to assess the reasonableness of the fair value of our reporting units as calculated under both approaches, we also compare the Company’s total fair value to its market capitalization and calculate an implied control premium (the excess sum of the reporting unit’s fair value over its market capitalization). We evaluate the implied control premium by comparing it to control premiums of recent comparable market transactions, as applicable.

Under the income approach, the DCF model is based on expected future after-tax operating cash flows of the reporting unit, discounted to a present value using a risk-adjusted discount rate. Estimates of future cash flows require management to make significant assumptions concerning (i) future operating performance, including future sales, long-term growth rates, operating margins, variations in the amount and timing of cash flows and the probability of achieving the estimated cash flows, (ii) the probability of regulatory approvals, and (iii) future economic conditions, including the extent and duration of the COVID-19 pandemic, all of which may differ from actual future cash flows. These assumptions are based on significant inputs not observable in the market and thus represent Level 3 measurements within the fair value hierarchy. The discount rate, which is intended to reflect the risks inherent in future cash flow projections, used in the DCF model, is based on estimates of the weighted average cost of capital (“WACC”) of market participants relative to our reporting unit. Financial and credit market volatility can directly impact certain inputs and assumptions used to develop the WACC. Any changes in these assumptions may affect our fair value estimate and the result of an impairment test. The discount rates and other inputs and assumptions are consistent with those that a market participant would use.

The GPC method provides an estimate of value using multiples derived from the stock prices of publicly traded companies. This method requires a selection of comparable publicly-traded companies on major exchanges and involves a certain degree of judgment, as no two companies are entirely alike. These companies should be engaged in the same or a similar line of business as the reporting units being evaluated. Once comparable companies are selected, the application of the GPC method includes (i) analysis of the guideline public companies' financial and operating performance, growth, intangible asset's value, size, leverage, and risk relative to the respective reporting unit, (ii) calculation of valuation multiples for the selected guideline companies, and (iii) application of the valuation multiples to each reporting unit's selected operating metrics to arrive at an indication of value. Market multiples for the selected guideline public companies are developed by dividing the business enterprise value of each guideline public company by a measure of its financial performance (e.g., earnings). The business enterprise value is calculated taking the market value of equity (share price times fully-diluted shares outstanding) plus total interest bearing debt net of cash, preferred stock and minority interest. The market value of equity is based upon the stock price of equity as of the valuation date, and the debt figures are taken from the most recently available financial statements as of the valuation date. In selecting appropriate multiples to apply to each reporting unit, we perform a comparative analysis between the reporting units and the guideline public companies. In making a selection, we consider the revenue growth, profitability and the size of the reporting unit compared to the guideline public companies, and the overall EBITDA multiples implied from the transaction price. In addition, we consider a control premium for purposes of estimating the fair value of our reporting units as we believe that a market participant buyer would be required to pay a premium for control of our business. The control premium utilized is based on control premiums observed in recent comparable market transactions.

For long lived intangible assets not subject to amortization, we test for impairment annually, or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that their carrying value may not be recoverable. In testing long-lived intangible assets for impairment, we compare the fair value with the carrying value. The determination of fair value is based on the relief from royalty method, which models the cash flows from the intangibles assuming royalties were received under a licensing agreement. This discounted cash flow analysis uses inputs such as forecasted future revenues attributable to the reporting unit, assumed royalty rates and a discount rate. If we were to experience a decrease in forecasted future revenues attributable to the brands, this could indicate a potential impairment. If the carrying value exceeds the estimated fair value, the long-lived intangible asset is considered impaired, and an impairment loss will be recognized in an amount equal to the excess of the carrying value over the fair value of the intangible asset.

The Company's annual impairment analysis is performed each year on August 31. The Company determined that it is more likely than not that the goodwill and long-lived intangible assets were not impaired during fiscal 2023. If the planned business performance expectations are not met or if specific valuation factors out of our control, such as the discount rate, change significantly, then the estimated FVs of the reporting unit might decline and lead to a goodwill impairment in the future.

The Company elected to have a step one impairment analysis performed as of August 31, 2022 on the Company’s U.S. Concrete Pumping, U.S. Concrete Waste Management Services, and U.K. Operations reporting units. Management’s projections used to estimate the discounted cash flows included modest annual increases to revenue volumes and rates, cash flow margins that are consistent with recently achieved actual amounts, terminal growth rates of 3.0% and discount rates ranging from 10.0% to 11.3%.

As a result of the goodwill impairment analysis, the fair values of its U.S. Concrete Waste Management Services and U.K. Operations reporting units substantially exceeded their carrying values by 82% and 32%, respectively.

For the U.S. Concrete Pumping reporting unit, which had goodwill of $147.5 million, the fair value was approximately 7% greater than its carrying value. Changes in any of the significant assumptions used could materially affect the expected cash flows and such impacts could result in a potentially material non-cash impairment charge. The most sensitive assumption is the discount rate and a 50 basis point increase in the discount rate would not have resulted in any of the reporting units’ carrying values exceeding their fair values.

Business combinations and asset acquisitions

The Company applies the principles provided in ASC 805, Business Combinations ("ASC 805"), to determine whether a transaction involves an asset or a business.

If it is determined an acquisition is a business combination, tangible and intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed are recorded at fair value and goodwill is recognized to the extent the fair value of the consideration transferred exceeds the fair value of the net assets acquired. Transaction costs for business combinations are expensed as incurred in accordance with ASC 805.

If it is determined an acquisition is an asset acquisition, the purchase consideration (which will include certain transaction costs) is allocated first to indefinite lived intangible assets (if applicable) based on their fair values with the remaining balance of purchase consideration being allocated to the acquired assets and liabilities based on their relative fair values.

The application of acquisition accounting requires the Company to make fair value determinations as of the valuation date. In making these determinations, the Company is required to make estimates and assumptions that affect the recorded amounts, including, but not limited to, expected future cash flows, market comparable and discount rates, replacement costs of property and equipment and the amounts to be recovered in future periods from acquired deferred tax assets. To assist the Company in making these fair value determinations, the Company may engage third-party valuation specialists or internal specialists who generally assist the Company in the fair value determination of identifiable assets such as customer relationships, property and equipment and any other significant asset or liabilities. The Company’s estimates in this area impact, among other items, the amount of depreciation and amortization and income tax expense or benefit that we report. The Company’s estimates of fair value are based upon assumptions that the Company believes to be reasonable, but which are inherently uncertain.

Recently Issued Accounting Standards

For a detailed description of recently adopted and new accounting pronouncements refer to Note 3 to the Company’s audited financial statements included elsewhere in this Annual Report.

We are a smaller reporting company as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act; therefore, pursuant to Item 305(e) of Regulation S-K, we are not required to provide the information required by this Item.

Conclusion Regarding the Effectiveness of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

Our management, with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, has evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures as of October 31, 2023 (as such term is defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Exchange Act). Our disclosure controls and procedures are designed to provide reasonable assurance that the information required to be disclosed in our reports filed or submitted under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. Any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving the desired control objectives.

Based upon this evaluation, our Chief Executive Office and Chief Financial Officer concluded that, as of October 31, 2023, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective at the reasonable assurance level.

Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Exchange Act. Our internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with GAAP and includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the Company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with GAAP, and that receipts and expenditures of the Company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the Company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of the Company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. In addition, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

Management has assessed the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of October 31, 2023, utilizing the criteria described in the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission’s Internal Control-Integrated Framework (2013). Based on its assessment, our management concluded that, as of October 31, 2023, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting was effective.

PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, has audited the consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended October 31, 2023 and the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of October 31, 2023, as stated in their report which appears under Item 8.

Remediation of Prior Material Weaknesses in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

As previously disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2022 and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the fiscal periods ended July 31, 2022, January 31, 2023, April 30, 2023, and July 31, 2023, we identified the following material weaknesses: (1) the review of manual journal entries within the financial statement close process, which was identified in connection with the restatement of the Company’s interim unaudited financial statements as of July 31, 2022 ("MW #1"); and (2) the areas of user access and segregation of duties related to information technology systems that support the financial reporting process specifically related to accounts payable and expenditures ("MW #2").

As previously disclosed, the Company has designed and implemented measures in order to remediate the identified material weaknesses. Regarding MW #1, the Company developed and implemented its remediation plan by enhancing the Company’s internal control environment with incremental controls, increasing training for accounting team members and improving the schedules used for the preparation of complex journal entries. Regarding MW #2, the Company developed and implemented its remediation plan by updating user access and segregation of duties matrices and implementing reviews of user activity reports. As of October 31, 2023, these enhanced procedures and control activities operated for a sufficient period of time in order for management to conclude, through testing, that the Company’s enhanced controls operated effectively. As such, the Company concluded that the previously reported material weaknesses have been remediated as of October 31, 2023.

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

Other than the remediation of material weaknesses as discussed above, there were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting identified in connection with the evaluation required by Rule 13a-15(d) of the Exchange Act that occurred during the quarter ended October 31, 2023 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.