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The Churchill Corporation Reports Third Quarter Financial Results

<<
(TSX: CUQ)

Third Quarter 2009 & YTD Financial Results
------------------------------------------

- Third quarter 2009 net earnings including the earnings from
discontinued operations were $15.2 million ($0.86 per share) compared
to $11.2 million ($0.62 per share) in the prior year.
- Net earnings for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 were $27.1
million ($1.54 per share) compared to $25.2 million ($1.41 per share)
for the same period of 2008.
- Contract income margin increased to 16.8% compared to 13.0% in Q3
2008.
- $17.3 million of EBITDA from continuing operations in Q3 2009
compared to $18.2 million in Q3 2008.
- $11.7 million of earnings ($0.66 per share) from continuing
operations in Q3 2009 compared to $11.9 million of earnings ($0.66
per share) from continuing operations in Q3 2008.
- $157.1 million in cash and cash equivalents as at September 30, 2009,
compared to $100.8 million at December 31, 2008.
- $38.9 million of EBITDA from continuing operations in the nine month
period ending September 30, 2009, compared to $38.6 million of EBITDA
from continuing operations in the same nine month period of 2008.
- $25.4 million of net earnings from continuing operations for the nine
months ended September 30, 2009 compared to $24.3 million of net
earnings from continuing operations for the same period of 2008.

Highlights & Significant Items

- Financial close of the Fort St. John Hospital project occurred on
July 17, 2009 and resulted in $115 million being added to our backlog
in Q3 2009.
- In July 2009, Stuart Olson was awarded the $44 million, Simon Fraser
University Schrum Science Centre Renewal - Phase 1 Chemistry project.
- On August 12, 2009, the Corporation executed a purchase and sale
agreement to divest itself of Triton's operations and certain assets
and liabilities of the Corporate and Other segment receiving
consideration of $18.3 million, resulting in a gain on sale of $4.2
million. Also, the eventual sale of the Davies Road building is
expected to generate $4.0 to $5.0 million in cash proceeds when
completed.
- During the quarter, the Corporation completed the consolidation of
its operating and corporate offices into Edmonton and Calgary. This
initiative plus other restructuring is expected to generate $2
million of cost savings annually.
- In August and September of 2009, Stuart Olson was awarded a $47
million contract with the Department of Defense for CFB Esquimalt in
Victoria, British Columbia and the $66 million Genesis Recreation
Centre project in the Southern Alberta region.
- In late October, the Corporation created two new Vice President
positions and reorganized existing internal resources to enhance
the Corporate Centre's organizational capabilities in the areas of
strategic planning and business development and to focus more
resources on shareholder value creation.
>>

CALGARY, Nov. 5 /CNW/ - The Churchill Corporation today announced EBITDA
from continuing operations of $17.3 million in the third quarter of 2009.
Earnings from continuing operations were $11.7 million ($0.66 per share) and
as at September 30, 2009, our cash balance was $157.1 million or $8.93 per
share.

<<
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Three months ended
September 30, 2009
--------------------------------------------------
($ millions, except $ %
per share amounts) 2009 2008 Change Change
-------------------------------------------------------------------------

Contract revenue $161.5 $216.2 (54.7) -25%
Contract income 27.1 28.1 (1.0) -4%
EBITDA(1) from
continuing operations 17.3 18.2 (0.9) -5%
Earnings from continuing
operations before
income taxes 16.2 17.1 (0.9) -5%
Net earnings from
continuing operations 11.7 11.9 (0.2) -2%
EPS from continuing
operations - basic $0.66 $0.66 0.00 0%
Net earnings and
comprehensive income 15.2 11.2 4.0 36%
EPS basic $0.86 $0.62 0.24 39%
Work-in-hand(2) 770.2 556.0 214.2 39%
Backlog(3) $1,517.5 $1,422.1 95.4 7%
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------

-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Nine months ended
September 30, 2009
--------------------------------------------------
($ millions, except $ %
per share amounts) 2009 2008 Change Change
-------------------------------------------------------------------------

Contract revenue $427.3 $576.0 (148.7) -26%
Contract income 67.2 66.2 1.0 2%
EBITDA(1) from
continuing operations 38.9 38.6 0.3 1%
Earnings from continuing
operations before
income taxes 35.4 35.2 0.2 1%
Net earnings from
continuing operations 25.4 24.3 1.1 5%
EPS from continuing
operations - basic $1.44 $1.36 0.08 6%
Net earnings and
comprehensive income 27.1 25.2 1.9 8%
EPS basic $1.54 $1.41 0.13 9%
Work-in-hand(2) 770.2 556.0 214.2 39%
Backlog(3) $1,517.5 $1,422.1 95.4 7%
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) (2) (3) Refer to the "Terminology" section for further details.
>>

"The Corporation delivered strong third quarter results, particularly in
our Stuart Olson and Insulation Holdings business segments. Notwithstanding a
difficult economic environment in 2009, both of these organizations are
surpassing the profits they generated in 2008," said Jim Houck, President and
Chief Executive Officer, The Churchill Corporation. "In addition we set a new
record for backlog in the quarter at $1.5 billion and are optimistic
regarding the possibility of securing additional awards prior to the end of
the year."

Overall performance

For the third quarter of 2009 consolidated contract revenue was $161.5
million, compared to $216.2 million in the same period in 2008. Revenue
decreased due to the cumulative effect of delays in project starts and
tendering in our buildings segment in combination with lower levels of
industrial contracting activity on a year-over-year basis in our industrial
insulation and industrial electrical operations. For the first nine months of
the year, revenues of $427.3 million were $148.7 million lower than the
corresponding period of 2008 as weaker industrial market conditions and lower
volumes from our buildings segment impacted results.
Contract income decreased from $28.1 million in the third quarter of 2008
to $27.1 million in Q3 2009 as stronger margins in our building construction
segment and industrial insulation segments, were offset by lower contract
income in the industrial electrical segment. Contract income for the first
nine months of 2009 was $67.2 million compared to $66.2 million for the first
nine months of 2008. The increase in contract income margin percentage in all
business segments offset the decline in the executed volume of work.
Indirect and administrative expenses amounted to $10.1 million in the
quarter, compared to $10.5 million in the comparable period of 2008. These
reduced costs were driven by the restructuring activities in our operations
at Laird and good expense management within IHI and Stuart Olson.
Year-to-date indirect and administration expenses are $29.3 million compared
to $30.0 million in the prior year.
Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization in the
quarter were $17.3 million, compared to $18.2 million in Q3 2008. EBITDA in
the first nine months of 2009 was $38.9 million compared to $38.6 million.
Earnings from continuing operations before income taxes in Q3 2009
decreased to $16.2 million as compared to $17.1 million reported in Q3 2008.
Net earnings from continuing operations were $11.7 million in Q3 2009
compared to $11.9 million in Q3 2008. Earnings from continuing operations
before income taxes for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 were $35.4
million as compared to $35.2 million in the same period of 2008. Net earnings
from continuing operations for the nine-month period ended September 30,
2009, were $25.4 million compared to $24.3 million in the comparable period
of 2008. The increase in net earnings from continuing operations was due to
the greater profitability derived from our buildings and industrial
insulation segments.
New contract awards of $331.0 million were added to work-in-hand in the
current quarter compared to $211.3 million in Q3 2008. Work-in-hand at
September 30, 2009, was $770.2 million, compared to $556.0 million at
September 30, 2008. On a segmented basis, year-over-year work-in-hand
increased $190.0 million in the buildings segment, increased $3.9 million in
the insulation contracting segment and increased $20.3 million in the
electrical contracting segment.
Churchill's total backlog, including work-in-hand as at September 30,
2009, increased to a record $1.52 billion from $1.42 billion in the prior
year. Year-over-year backlog in our buildings segment increased by $81.6
million, the insulation contracting segment backlog decreased by $1.5 million
and the industrial electrical contracting backlog increased by $15.3 million.
The Corporation's backlog consists of work-in-hand of $770.2 million, active
backlog of $630.3 million and delayed backlog of $117.0 million. While the
Corporation has not yet adjusted its volume of delayed backlog, the owner's
budget for the Shaw Tower, a $25 million project, was partially approved in
September and we are anticipating a construction start later this year.
Management remains confident that the project delays associated with the Shaw
Tower and Lethbridge Hospital can be overcome and that the majority of the
Corporation's delayed backlog will be realized as revenue in future reporting
periods.

Discontinued Operations

In August 2009, the Corporation completed the sale of its Industrial
General Contracting segment ("Triton") and certain assets and liabilities of
the Corporate and Other segment to an undisclosed third party. The segment
had performed poorly over a period of time and as a result management felt
that there may be a more advantaged owner of the assets held-for-sale and
that Churchill could more profitably deploy its resources and the proceeds
from disposition into its other operating segments. Accordingly, the results
of operations and cashflows for the assets held-for-sale have been accounted
for on a discontinued basis for the current and prior periods.
Proceeds from the sale recognized in the financial statements in the
third quarter were $18.3 million of cash for Triton and certain assets and
liabilities of the Corporate and Other segment sold to the purchaser
immediately on closing. Of this amount $3.0 million is in escrow as security
for the indemnification provided to the purchaser as part of the sale. A gain
on sale of $4.2 million was realized. Also, the sale of the Davies Road
building is expected to generate $4.0 to $5.0 million in cash proceeds, when
completed.
The following tables reflect our earnings (loss) from discontinued
operations relating to Triton and the assets held-for-sale for the three and
nine month periods ended September 30, 2009 and 2008.

<<
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Three months ended Nine months ended
September 30, September 30,
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
2009 2008 2009 2008
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Contract revenue $ 4,779 $ 13,011 $ 27,954 $ 67,386
Contract income 445 128 1,308 5,714

Gain on sale of
discontinued
operations 4,185 - 4,185 -
Net operating
earnings (loss)
from discontinued
operations(1) (701) (697) (2,463) 902
Total net earnings
(loss) $ 3,484 $ (697) $ 1,722 $ 902
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) Net operating earnings (loss) from discontinued operations for the
nine months ended September 30, 2009 includes income tax recovery of
$1,030 (2008 - $427 expense)
>>

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Buildings

For the three month period ended September 30, 2009, Stuart Olson's
revenue was $135.0 million, compared to $158.4 million in the prior year.
This decrease in revenue was a result of the cumulative impact of the delayed
project starts and tendering referred to in the Corporation's first quarter
MD&A.
Contract income in the third quarter of 2009 increased 22% to $20.8
million, from $17.1 million for the same period in 2008. The Q3 2009 contract
income margin percentage was 15.4% compared to 10.8% in 2008. This margin
increase was driven by the strength of the margins in Stuart Olson's backlog,
strong project execution, own forces work and the ability to effectively
manage construction costs.
Earnings before tax from the buildings segment were $15.7 million in Q3
2009, compared to $12.1 million in Q3 2008. This 30% improvement in pre-tax
earnings was a result of the increased profit margin across all branches,
particularly in Northern Alberta.
Revenue for the nine months ended September 30, 2009, was $346.4 million
compared to $434.7 million in 2008. This decrease in revenue was a result of
the lasting cumulative impact of the delayed project starts and tendering
referred to in the Corporation's first quarter MD&A.
Contract income for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 increased by
22%, to $50.8 million from $41.7 million for the same period in 2008. Stuart
Olson's contract income margin percentage increased to 14.7% compared to 9.6%
year-over-year, driven by higher margins in the company's backlog and strong
project execution.
Earnings before tax from the buildings segment for the nine month period
ended September 30, 2009 were $36.1 million compared to $27.0 million in the
prior year. This 34% increase resulted from higher margins across all
branches, particularly in Northern Alberta, which has self-performed a
significant volume of work during the past year.
Stuart Olson had work-in-hand of $496.5 million and a backlog of $1.23
billion as at June 30, 2009. In the three months ended September 30, 2009,
Stuart Olson secured $292.0 million of new contracts and executed $135.0
million of work. The company finished the quarter with $653.6 million of
work-in-hand, of which $146.3 million is expected to be executed in 2009. As
at September 30, 2009, Stuart Olson's total backlog was $1.4 billion.
Stuart Olson continues to pursue new project opportunities which fit its
strategy, expertise and price for value proposition. Government spending
intentions are high, but possibly at risk due to growing deficit projections.
We anticipate that in this environment, governments may resort to alternative
financing strategies such as Public-Private Partnerships ("P3's") to finance
their infrastructure spending until economic growth and budget surpluses
resume.

Industrial Insulation Contracting

Industrial Insulation Contracting operates under three business units -
Fuller Austin, Northern Industrial Insulation and Lakehead Insulation - all
providing insulation related contracting services for capital projects and
maintenance work. Lakehead is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Fuller Austin.
Revenue for the three months ended September 30, 2009, was $17.7 million,
compared to $19.4 million for the same period of 2008. The revenue decrease
was the result of reduced capital spending mainly in the Saskatchewan
industrial market.
Contract income in the third quarter of 2009 was $4.5 million compared to
$4.5 million for the comparable period in 2008. The contract income margin
percentage increased in Q3 2009 to 25.4% versus 23.2% in Q3 2008 due to
strong project execution.
Earnings before tax were $3.0 million during the period ending September
30, 2009, compared to $2.9 million in the third quarter of 2008. Strong
project execution by the insulation companies on a variety of maintenance and
shutdown contracts allowed IHI to sustain its earnings, notwithstanding the
corresponding $1.7 million revenue decline.
For the nine months ended September 30, 2009, Insulation Holdings
reported revenue of $52.6 million compared to $53.0 million for the same
period of 2008. The company's revenue for the first nine months of 2009 has
remained robust as a result of its near record backlog of work.
Contract income for the first nine month period ended September 30, 2009,
was $11.1 million compared to $10.5 million for the comparable period in
2008. The contract income margin percentage was 21.1% compared to 19.8%,
respectively.
Earnings before tax increased 8% year-to-date to $6.9 million in the
period ending September 30, 2009, compared to $6.4 million in 2008. These
stronger earnings were a result of the higher contract margins earned
year-to-date.
Industrial Insulation Contracting had work-in-hand of $63.1 million and a
backlog of $68.5 million as at June 30, 2009. During Q3 2009, IHI secured new
awards totalling $26.1 million and executed $17.7 million of contractual
work. The insulation segment ended the quarter with $71.5 million of
work-in-hand, of which $52.3 million is expected to carry over into 2010. At
September 30, 2009, IHI's backlog amounted to $75.8 million compared to $77.4
million at the end of Q3 of the prior year.
With a strong backlog of projects, our belief is that Insulation Holdings
is positioned to perform favourably over the next 15 months. However,
industrial project delays and owner requests for rate resets continue to
create increased competition for new work and apply downward pressure on
contract income margins.

Industrial Electrical Contracting

For the three months ended September 30, 2009, Laird's contract revenue
was $8.7 million compared to $38.4 million reported in Q3 2008. This decrease
in revenue was primarily due to a reduction in activity levels associated
with several oil sands projects in the Fort McMurray area and no significant
shut down activity in the quarter. Management believes that activity levels
are likely to remain lower on a year-over-year basis for the balance of 2009,
but that future activity levels should exceed the low revenue volume
delivered in Q3 2009.
Contract income was $1.9 million in Q3 2009 compared to $6.4 million
during the prior year. This decrease was due to lower activity levels. The
contract income margin percentage was higher at 21.8% during the third
quarter of 2009 compared to 16.7% in Q3 2008 mainly due to strong project
execution, changes in project mix, operational improvements and favourable
resolution of project contingencies.
Laird reported earnings before tax of $0.6 million for the period,
compared to earnings before income tax of $4.2 million in Q3 2008. Laird's
initiatives to right size the organization for the anticipated reduced
activity levels paid dividends this quarter as the company was able to
withstand a significant revenue drop. The company was able to offset the
impact of lower revenues in the period with higher margins and control of its
indirect and administrative expenses.
For the nine months ended September 30, 2009, Laird's reported revenue
was $28.4 million compared to $88.2 million reported in 2008. This decrease
in revenue was primarily due to a reduction in activity levels associated
with several oil sands projects in the Fort McMurray area and a significant
decrease in shut down and maintenance activity year-to-date.
Contract income for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 was $5.3
million compared to $13.7 million during 2008. This decrease in contract
income due to lower activity levels was partially offset by higher contract
income margins (18.7% in 2009 compared to 15.5% in 2008) due to operational
efficiency in the field, changes in project contracting methods and
favourable resolution of project contingencies.
Laird reported earnings before tax of $1.0 million for the nine month
period ending September 30, 2009, compared to earnings before tax of $7.5
million in 2008. The variance in earnings is attributable to lower levels of
client activity.
Laird's reported Q2 2009 work-in-hand and backlog was $40.9 million. New
contract awards of $12.9 million were secured in the third quarter of 2009
and $8.7 million of contracts were executed. Laird concluded the third
quarter with $45.1 million of work-in-hand and backlog, of which $29.3
million is expected to be completed in future years. This compares to a
backlog of $29.8 million at the end of Q3 2008.
Laird has increased its focus on business development activities during
this slowdown and is successfully partnering with Fuller Austin on bids,
securing electrical infrastructure projects and pursuing industrial
opportunities in the Saskatchewan marketplace.

Corporate and Other

During the third quarter, management received board approval to undertake
a new enterprise resource planning ("ERP") system. The capital cost and the
expenses associated with this implementation will be recognized over
subsequent reporting periods into 2011.
In the third quarter of 2009, the Corporate and Other segment incurred a
loss before tax of $3.1 million compared to a loss before tax of $2.1 million
in 2008. For the nine months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008 the Corporate
and Other segment generated a loss before tax of $8.7 million and $5.7
million respectively. The increase in 2009 Corporate and Other expenditures
is attributable to indirect and administrative expenses associated primarily
with implementation of a new incentive based compensation program more
closely aligned with shareholder interests, stock based compensation
expenses, increased professional fees, increased travel expenses and office
relocation costs.

CAPITAL RESOURCES AND LIQUIDITY

Cash and cash equivalents at September 30, 2009, totaled $157.1 million,
which compares with $100.8 million at the end of 2008. Included in the cash
and cash equivalents balance is $12.8 million which is subject to deemed
trust conditions under the British Columbia Builders Lien Act, compared to
$17.5 million at December 31, 2008. As such, this cash is restricted to the
payment of direct costs related to specific construction projects.
Cash flow provided from operating activities was $12.2 million, compared
to $14.8 million of cash generated during the third quarter of 2008. The
Corporation has increased its cash and cash equivalents from the proceeds
associated with the sale of its discontinued operations.
Investing activities resulted in a use of cash of $0.6 million during the
third quarter of 2009, which compares with cash used of $1.6 million in Q3
2008. The cash was invested in the acquisition of construction equipment for
long term projects under contract.
During the third quarter of 2009, cash used in financing activities
associated with net repayments of long term debt amounted to $0.2 million,
compared to cash used in financing of $0.4 million in Q3 2008. Subsequent to
the quarter, the Corporation paid off a $1.1 million mortgage associated with
the Davies Road building which carried an interest rate of 6.47%.
Cash generated from operations of $44.8 million in the first nine months
of 2009 was in contrast to cash used in operations of $15.4 million in the
same period of 2008. This reversal can be attributed to the collection of
accounts receivables and lower activity in the Corporation's industrial
operations.
Investing activities resulted in a use of cash of $2.1 million during the
nine months ended September 30, 2009, which compares with cash used of $4.8
million in the same period of 2008. The cash was invested in the acquisition
of construction equipment.
For the nine months ended September 30, 2009, cash used in financing
amounted to $7.8 million, compared to cash used in financing of $1.2 million
in 2008. Net repayments of long-term debt in the nine month period ended
September 30, 2009, amounted to $7.0 million, compared to net repayments of
$1.5 million in 2008. The Corporation expended $1.0 million under its Normal
Course Issuer Bid ("NCIB") during the first 9 months of 2009 compared to nil
in the same period of 2008. Stock options exercised by directors and officers
of the Corporation contributed $0.2 million of cash in the nine months of
2009 compared to adding $0.3 million of cash in the period ending September
30, 2008.
As at September 30, 2009, Churchill had working capital of $103.9
million, compared to its working capital position of $78.3 million at
December 31, 2008.
Management believes that the Corporation has the capital resources and
liquidity necessary to meet its commitments, support its operations and
finance its growth strategies. In addition to the Corporation's cash and cash
equivalents, ability to generate cash from operations, and its $60.0 million
credit facility, the Corporation is also able to issue additional common
shares to access further capital.
The Corporation is a partner in three joint ventures. In each instance
the Corporation has provided a joint and several guarantee, increasing the
maximum potential exposure to the full value of the work remaining under the
contract. Public-Private Partnership infrastructure projects may expose the
Corporation to financial penalties or liquidated damages under the contract
for project delays. P3 projects require security in the form of letters of
credit to support the obligations that the Corporation undertakes on these
projects.
Shareholders' equity was $133.0 million at September 30, 2009, as
compared to $105.6 million at December 31, 2008.

Share Data

On October 15, 2008, the Corporation commenced a Normal Course Issuer Bid
("NCIB"), under which it was entitled to purchase up to 1,391,090 common
shares in a 12 month period. During the third quarter of 2009, no common
shares were repurchased under the NCIB. In total, the Corporation repurchased
and cancelled 432,500 common shares at an average cost of $6.73. The NCIB
expired on October 14, 2009.
As at November 3, 2009, the Corporation had 17,599,491 common shares
issued and outstanding and 1,274,016 options convertible into common shares
upon exercise (December 31, 2008 - 17,822,091 common shares and 519,660
options).
The Corporation has an Employee Share Purchase Plan (the "ESPP")
available to all full-time employees. At September 30, 2009, the ESPP held
822,327 common shares for employees. Under the ESPP, common shares are
acquired in the open market.

OUTLOOK

Laird Electric continues to be challenged as the slowdown in oil sands
projects experienced earlier in the year endures. Laird's current financial
performance mirrors that of key client spending and emphasizes the importance
of management's efforts to achieve market and product diversification. A
number of high-profile corporate transactions and a rebound in commodity
prices to the $70-$80 per barrel range are expected to lead to increased
capital expenditures in 2010, and an improvement in Laird's results.
With their performance in the first three quarters of 2009 behind them,
Insulation Holdings is forecasting the second best year in their history with
upside potential for a record year. Positive developments in our end-markets
include identification of possible future contracting opportunities with
clients in the oil sands and industrial market such as PCL, Horton CBI,
Jacobs and others. Overall, project delays and cancellations in the
industrial market have resulted in significant competition for available
work. Significant levels of backlog and work-in-hand are expected to drive
2010 revenues higher albeit at lower margins. To maintain market share our
industrial companies have had to adjust bidding practices accordingly.
During the third quarter, Stuart Olson was awarded and closed
approximately $290 million of new projects, which is a level of secured work
only exceeded by their Q2 2007 results. Our goal of maintaining and growing
the backlog at Stuart Olson for the whole year is within reach. However,
because of the competitive landscape new projects acquired and included in
the company's backlog may not result in future profit margins being as robust
as those delivered year-to-date. In September, Stuart Olson embarked on a
strategy of organic growth by opening an office in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.
Stuart Olson looks forward to re-introducing itself to owner groups and
building a successful branch in this market. In addition, there are several
significant opportunities within the Alberta and British Columbia regions, to
add to our backlog before the end of the year. Stuart Olson continues to
track the development of new P3 projects with a view to increasing their
participation in projects available in Alberta and British Columbia.

<<
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS, COMPREHENSIVE
INCOME AND RETAINED EARNINGS

(unaudited,
$ thousands,
except per share Three months ended Nine months ended
amounts) September 30 September 30
---------------------------------- ------------ ------------ ------------

2009 2008 2009 2008
---------------------------------- ------------ ------------ ------------

Contract revenue $ 161,453 $ 216,181 $ 427,301 $ 575,967
Contract costs 134,352 188,101 360,084 509,769
---------------------------------- ------------ ------------ ------------
Contract income 27,101 28,080 67,217 66,198

Interest income 133 566 480 2,091
Sundry income 241 53 504 247
Indirect and admin-
istrative expenses (10,146) (10,485) (29,315) (29,998)
Depreciation and
amortization (1,075) (1,044) (3,302) (2,951)
Interest expense (30) (117) (210) (385)
---------------------------------- ------------ ------------ ------------

Earnings from
continuing
operations before
income taxes 16,224 17,053 35,374 35,202
---------------------------------- ------------ ------------ ------------
Income tax (expense)
recovery
Current income tax (7,215) (6,669) (29,854) (15,503)
Future income tax 2,680 1,491 19,885 4,647
---------------------------------- ------------ ------------ ------------
(4,535) (5,178) (9,969) (10,856)
---------------------------------- ------------ ------------ ------------
Net earnings from
continuing operations
and comprehensive
income 11,689 11,875 25,405 24,346
Net earnings (loss)
from discontinued
operations 3,484 (697) 1,722 902
---------------------------------- ------------ ------------ ------------
Net earnings and
comprehensive income 15,173 11,178 27,127 25,248

Retained earnings,
beginning of period 93,416 61,598 83,132 47,528
Adjustment arising
from shares pur-
chased under a
normal course
issuer bid - - (1,670) -
---------------------------------- ------------ ------------ ------------
Retained earnings,
end of period $ 108,589 $ 72,776 $ 108,589 $ 72,776
---------------------------------- ------------ ------------ ------------
---------------------------------- ------------ ------------ ------------

Net earnings per
common share:
Basic from
continuing
operations $ 0.66 $ 0.66 $ 1.44 $ 1.36
Basic from
discontinued
operations $ 0.20 $ (0.04) $ 0.10 $ 0.05
Basic net
earnings per
share $ 0.86 $ 0.62 $ 1.54 $ 1.41
---------------------------------- ------------ ------------ ------------

Diluted from
continuing
operations $ 0.65 $ 0.67 $ 1.42 $ 1.34
Diluted from
discontinued
operations $ 0.20 $ (0.04) $ 0.10 $ 0.05
Diluted net
earnings per
share $ 0.85 $ 0.63 $ 1.52 $ 1.39
---------------------------------- ------------ ------------ ------------
---------------------------------- ------------ ------------ ------------

Weighted average
common shares:
Basic 17,599,491 17,927,430 17,627,519 17,927,430
---------------------------------- ------------ ------------ ------------
Diluted 17,943,969 18,127,052 17,856,303 18,119,649
---------------------------------- ------------ ------------ ------------
---------------------------------- ------------ ------------ ------------

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(unaudited, $ thousands)
------------------------------------------------------------ ------------
September 30, December 31,
2009 2008
------------------------------------------------------------ ------------
ASSETS
Current Assets
Cash and cash equivalents $ 157,113 $ 100,768
Accounts receivable 170,043 119,248
Inventories and prepaid expenses 1,289 1,285
Costs in excess of billings 6,517 17,692
Income taxes recoverable 56 3,615
Future income tax assets 38,722 1,390
Assets held-for-sale - 24,528
------------------------------------------------------------ ------------
373,740 268,526

Long-term receivable 3,000 -
Future income tax assets 936 568
Property and equipment 15,465 16,547
Assets held-for-sale 2,715 9,844
Goodwill and intangible assets 7,315 7,336
------------------------------------------------------------ ------------
$ 403,171 $ 302,821
------------------------------------------------------------ ------------
------------------------------------------------------------ ------------
LIABILITIES
Current Liabilities
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities $ 129,966 $ 134,194
Contract advances and unearned income 98,064 41,088
Income taxes payable 20,665 2,462
Future income tax liabilities 19,386 3,177
Current portion of long-term debt 629 1,082
Liabilities related to assets held-for-sale 1,114 8,220
------------------------------------------------------------ ------------
269,824 190,223

Long-term debt 335 6,787
Future income tax liabilities 22 238
------------------------------------------------------------ ------------
270,181 197,248

SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Share capital 16,625 16,663
Shares repurchased under a normal course
issuer bid, not cancelled - (956)
Contributed surplus 7,776 6,734
Retained earnings 108,589 83,132
------------------------------------------------------------ ------------
132,990 105,573
------------------------------------------------------------ ------------
$ 403,171 $ 302,821
------------------------------------------------------------ ------------
------------------------------------------------------------ ------------

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOW

Three months ended Nine months ended
(unaudited, $ thousands) September 30 September 30
---------------------------------- ------------ ------------ ------------
2009 2008 2009 2008
---------------------------------- ------------ ------------ ------------

OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net earnings from
continuing operations
and comprehensive
income $ 11,689 $ 11,875 $ 25,405 $ 24,346
Depreciation and
amortization 1,075 1,044 3,302 2,951
Gain on disposal
of equipment (22) (18) (40) (38)
Share-based
compensation 469 326 1,103 696
Future income taxes (2,680) (1,831) (19,885) (4,214)
---------------------------------- ------------ ------------ ------------
10,531 11,396 9,885 23,741

Change in non-cash
balances relating to
operations 1,683 3,354 34,886 (39,111)
---------------------------------- ------------ ------------ ------------
12,214 14,750 44,771 (15,370)
---------------------------------- ------------ ------------ ------------

INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Proceeds on disposal of
equipment 73 (4) 225 178
Additions to property
and equipment (677) (1,595) (2,334) (4,966)
---------------------------------- ------------ ------------ ------------
(604) (1,599) (2,109) (4,788)
---------------------------------- ------------ ------------ ------------

FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Proceeds under
operating line of
credit - - - 9,000
Repayments under
operating line of
credit - - - (9,000)
Repayment of
long-term debt (201) (424) (6,953) (1,478)
Share purchase under
a normal course
issuer bid - - (970) -
Issuance of common
shares - 51 158 287
---------------------------------- ------------ ------------ ------------
(201) (373) (7,765) (1,191)
---------------------------------- ------------ ------------ ------------

Cash provided by
(used in) continuing
operations 11,409 12,778 34,897 (21,349)
Cash provided by (used
in) discontinued
operations 13,887 (10,262) 21,448 (8,331)
---------------------------------- ------------ ------------ ------------

Change in cash and
cash equivalents
during the period 25,296 2,516 56,345 (29,680)

Cash and cash
equivalents,
beginning of
period 131,817 75,909 100,768 108,105
---------------------------------- ------------ ------------ ------------

Cash and cash
equivalents, end
of period $ 157,113 $ 78,425 $ 157,113 $ 78,425
---------------------------------- ------------ ------------ ------------
---------------------------------- ------------ ------------ ------------

SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW
INFORMATION
---------------------------------- ------------ ------------ ------------
Cash received (paid)
during the year for:
Interest $ 57 $ 461 $ 251 $ 1,716
Income taxes $ 931 $ (997) $ (7,511) $ (23,680)
---------------------------------- ------------ ------------ ------------

SELECTED FINANCIAL STATEMENT DISCLOSURE

Three months
ended September Industrial Industrial Corporate
30, 2009 Buildings Insulation Electric and Other Total
-------------------------------------------------------------------------

Contract revenue $ 135,034 $ 17,680 $ 8,739 $ - $ 161,453
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
EBITDA(1) 16,255 3,111 836 (2,873) 17,329
Depreciation and
amortization 540 91 263 181 1,075
Interest expense 2 2 5 21 30
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Earnings (loss)
from continuing
operations before
income taxes $ 15,713 $ 3,018 $ 568 $ (3,075) $ 16,224
-----------
Income taxes (4,535)
-----------
Net earnings from
continuing
operations 11,689
Net earnings from
discontinued
operations $ 3,484
-----------
Net earnings and
comprehensive
income $ 15,173
-----------
-----------
Goodwill and intangible assets $ 7,315
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Assets in
continuing
operations $ 277,975 $ 23,803 $ 22,796 $ 75,882 $ 400,456
Assets
held-for-sale 2,715
-----------
Total assets $ 403,171
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Capital ex-
penditures $ 414 $ 197 $ 148 $ (82) $ 677
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------

Three months
ended September Industrial Industrial Corporate
30, 2008 Buildings Insulation Electric and Other Total
-------------------------------------------------------------------------

Contract revenue $ 158,385 $ 19,423 $ 38,373 $ - $ 216,181
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
EBITDA(1) 12,668 2,950 4,438 (1,842) 18,214
Depreciation and
amortization 511 55 267 211 1,044
Interest expense 13 1 15 88 117
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Earnings (loss)
from continuing
operations before
income taxes $ 12,144 $ 2,894 $ 4,156 $ (2,141) $ 17,053
-----------
Income taxes (5,178)
Net earnings from
continuing
operations 11,875
Net loss from
discontinued
operations $ (697)
-----------
Net earnings and
comprehensive
income $ 11,178
-----------
-----------
Goodwill and
intangible
assets $ 7,357
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Assets in
continuing
operations $ 219,208 $ 24,320 $ 42,658 $ 15,283 $ 301,469
Assets
held-for-sale 40,967
Total assets $ 342,436
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Capital
expenditures $ 913 $ 200 $ 432 $ 281 $ 1,826
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) Refer to the "Terminology" section for further details.

Nine months
ended September Industrial Industrial Corporate
30, 2009 Buildings Insulation Electric and Other Total
-------------------------------------------------------------------------

Contract revenue $ 346,373 $ 52,554 $ 28,374 $ - $ 427,301
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
EBITDA(1) 37,789 7,156 1,877 (7,936) 38,886
Depreciation and
amortization 1,651 243 803 605 3,302
Interest expense 34 4 28 144 210
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Earnings (loss)
from continuing
operations before
income taxes $ 36,104 $ 6,909 $ 1,046 $ (8,685) $ 35,374
-----------
Income taxes (9,969)
-----------
Net earnings from
continuing
operations 25,405
-----------
Net earnings from
discontinued
operations $ 1,722
-----------
Net earnings and
comprehensive
income $ 27,127
-----------
-----------
Goodwill and
intangible assets $ 7,315
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Assets in
continuing
operations $ 277,975 $ 23,803 $ 22,796 $ 75,882 $ 400,456
Assets
held-for-sale 2,715
Total assets $ 403,171
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Capital
expenditures $ 1,285 $ 393 $ 419 $ 283 $ 2,380
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------

Nine months
ended September Industrial Industrial Corporate
30, 2008 Buildings Insulation Electric and Other Total
-------------------------------------------------------------------------

Contract revenue $ 434,715 $ 53,027 $ 88,225 $ - $ 575,967
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
EBITDA(1) 28,530 6,521 8,325 (4,838) 38,538
Depreciation and
amortization 1,460 163 754 574 2,951
Interest expense 42 1 55 287 385
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Earnings (loss)
from continuing
operations before
income taxes $ 27,028 $ 6,357 $ 7,516 $ (5,699) $ 35,202
-----------
Income taxes (10,856)
-----------
Net earnings from
continuing
operations 24,346
Net earnings from
discontinued
operations 902
-----------
Net earnings and
comprehensive
income $ 25,248
-----------
-----------
Goodwill and
intangible
assets $ 7,357
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Assets in
continuing
operations $ 219,208 $ 24,320 $ 42,658 $ 15,283 $ 301,469
Assets
held-for-sale 40,967
-----------
Total assets $ 342,436
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Capital
expenditures $ 2,573 $ 262 $ 1,058 $ 1,266 $ 5,159
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) Refer to the "Terminology" section for further details.
>>

About The Churchill Corporation:

The Churchill Corporation provides building construction, industrial
insulation and electrical contracting services throughout Western Canada.
Churchill common shares are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the
symbol "CUQ".

TERMINOLOGY

Throughout this third quarter MD&A, management refers to certain terms
when explaining its financial results that do not have any standardized
meaning under Canadian GAAP as set out in the CICA Handbook. Specifically,
the terms "contract income margin percentage", "work-in-hand", "backlog",
"working capital", "EBITDA" and "book value per share" have been defined as:
Contract income margin percentage is the percentage derived by dividing
contract income by contract revenue. Contract income is calculated by
deducting all associated direct and indirect costs from contract revenue in
the period.
Work-in-hand is the unexecuted portion of work that has been
contractually awarded for construction to the Corporation. It includes an
estimate of the revenue to be generated from maintenance contracts during the
shorter of (a) twelve months, or (b) the remaining life of the contract.
Backlog means the total value of work including work-in-hand that has not
yet been completed that; (a) is assessed by the Corporation as having high
certainty of being performed by the Corporation or its subsidiaries by either
the existence of a contract or work order specifying job scope, value and
timing; or (b) has been awarded to the Corporation or its subsidiaries, as
evidenced by an executed binding or non-binding letter of intent or
agreement, describing the general job scope, value and timing of such work,
and with the finalization of a formal contract respecting such work currently
assessed by the Corporation as being reasonably assured. All projects within
backlog are classified as active unless the Company has received written or
verbal notification from the client that a job/project/contract has been
delayed, at which point the backlog is classified as delayed backlog. The
Corporation provides no assurance that additional clients will not choose to
defer or cancel their projects in the future. There can be no assurance that
the client will resume the project or that the delayed backlog will not be
retendered. Jobs or projects subsequently retendered and not awarded to the
Corporation or its subsidiaries would at that time be removed from the
Corporation's backlog.

<<
As at September 30, 2009
($ millions )
Active Delayed Total
Work-in-hand Backlog Backlog Backlog
---------------------------------------------------------
$770.2 $630.3 $117.0 $1,517.5
---------------------------------------------------------
---------------------------------------------------------

As at December 31, 2008
($ millions)
Active Delayed Total
Work-in-hand Backlog Backlog Backlog
---------------------------------------------------------
$565.2 $794.8 $30.3 $1,390.3
---------------------------------------------------------
---------------------------------------------------------
>>

Working capital is current assets less current liabilities. Our
calculation of working capital is provided in the table below:

<<
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
As at Sept. 30, December 31,
($ millions) 2009 2008
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Current assets $373.7 $268.5
Less:
Current liabilities 269.8 190.2

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

Working Capital $103.9 $78.3
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
>>

EBITDA is a common financial measure widely used by investors to
facilitate an "enterprise level" valuation of an entity. The Corporation
follows the standardized definition of EBITDA. Standardized EBITDA represents
an indication of the Corporation's capacity to generate income from
operations before taking into account management's financing decisions and
costs of consuming tangible and intangible capital assets, which vary
according to their vintage, technological currency, and management's estimate
of their useful life. Accordingly standardized EBITDA comprises revenues less
operating cost before interest expense, capital asset amortization and
impairment charges, and income taxes. This measure as reported by the
Corporation may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other
reporting issuers. The following is a reconciliation of net earnings to
EBITDA from continuing operations for each of the periods presented in this
MD&A in accordance with GAAP.

<<
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Three months ended Six months ended
($ millions) Sept. 30, Sept. 30,
------------------- -------------------
2009 2008 2009 2008
-------------------------------------------------------------------------

Net Earnings $11.7 $11.9 $25.4 $24.3
Add:
Income Taxes 4.5 5.2 10.0 10.9
Depreciation &
Amortization 1.1 1.0 3.3 3.0
Interest expense 0.0 0.1 0.2 0.4
-------------------------------------------------------------------------

EBITDA $17.3 $18.2 $38.9 $38.6
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
>>

Book value per share is the value of shareholders' equity less value of
preferred stock divided by basic shares outstanding at the end of the period.

FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS

Certain statements in this Third Quarter Press Release may constitute
"forward-looking statements". Forward-looking statements include, without
limitation, statements regarding the future financial position, business
strategy, budgets, litigation, projected costs, capital expenditures,
financial results, taxes, plans and objectives of the Corporation. Many of
these statements can be identified by looking for words such as "believes,"
"expects," "may," "will," "intends," "anticipates," "estimates," "continues,"
or the negative thereof, or other variations thereon. Although management of
Churchill believes its expectations regarding future performance of the
Corporation are based on reasonable assumptions and currently available
competitive, financial and economic data, market conditions and operating
plans, it can give no assurance its expectations will be achieved. The
Corporation cautions that, by their nature, forward-looking statements,
involve risks, and uncertainties and that its actual actions, and/or results
could differ materially from those expressed or implied in such
forward-looking statements, and that the aforementioned risks, uncertainties
and actions could affect the extent to which a particular projection
materializes. The Corporation assumes no obligation to update the
forward-looking statements should circumstances or the Corporation's
management's estimates or opinions change.

%SEDAR: 00003704E

For further information: James C. Houck, B.Sc., MBA, President & Chief Executive Officer, The Churchill Corporation, (403) 685-7777; www.churchillcorporation.com; or Andrew Apedoe, Vice President Investor Relations & Secretary, The Churchill Corporation, (403) 685-7775, Email: in