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EAGLE MATERIALS INC - Annual Report: 2017 (Form 10-K)

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

FORM 10-K

 

ANNUAL REPORT

Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

For the Fiscal Year Ended

March 31, 2017

Commission File No. 1-12984

 

EAGLE MATERIALS INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Delaware

(State of Incorporation)

75-2520779

(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

3811 Turtle Creek Blvd, Suite 1100, Dallas, Texas 75219

(Address of principal executive offices)

(214) 432-2000

(Registrant’s telephone number)

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

 

Title of each class

 

Name of each exchange on which registered

Common Stock (par value $.01 per share)

 

New York Stock Exchange

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None

 

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.    YES      NO  

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act.    YES      NO  

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.     YES        NO  

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).     YES        NO  

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.  

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company. See definition of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

 

Large accelerated filer

 

Accelerated filer        

 

Smaller reporting company

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Non-accelerated filer

 

(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)

 

Emerging growth company

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.  

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act).     YES        NO  

The aggregate market value of the voting stock held by nonaffiliates of the Company at September 30, 2016 (the last business day of the registrant’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter) was approximately $3.6 billion.

As of May 22, 2017, the number of outstanding shares of common stock was:

 

Class

 

Outstanding Shares

Common Stock, $.01 Par Value

 

48,537,741

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

Portions of the Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders of Eagle Materials Inc. to be held on August 3, 2017 are incorporated by reference in Part III of this Report.

 

 

 

 

 

 


TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

 

 

 

 

Page

 

 

 

PART I

 

 

 

 

 

Item 1.

 

Business

 

1

 

 

Overview

 

1

 

 

Industry Segment Information

 

2

 

 

Employees

 

18

 

 

Where You Can Find More Information

 

19

Item 1A.

 

Risk Factors

 

19

Item 1B.

 

Unresolved Staff Comments

 

28

Item 2.

 

Properties

 

28

Item 3.

 

Legal Proceedings

 

29

Item 4.

 

Mine Safety Disclosures

 

30

 

 

 

PART II

 

 

 

 

 

Item 5.

 

Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

 

31

Item 6.

 

Selected Financial Data

 

33

Item 7.

 

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

 

34

Item 7A.

 

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

 

55

Item 8.

 

Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

 

56

Item 9.

 

Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

 

96

Item 9A.

 

Controls and Procedures

 

96

Item 9B.

 

Other Information

 

97

 

 

 

PART III

 

 

 

 

 

Item 10.

 

Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance

 

98

Item 11.

 

Executive Compensation

 

98

Item 12.

 

Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters

 

98

Item 13.

 

Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence

 

99

Item 14.

 

Principal Accounting Fees and Services

 

99

 

 

 

PART IV

 

 

 

 

 

Item 15.

 

Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules

 

99

 

 

 

 

 

SIGNATURES

 

100

 

 

 

INDEX TO EXHIBITS

 

102

 

 

 

 

 


PART I

ITEM 1.

BUSINESS

Overview

Eagle Materials Inc., through its subsidiaries, (the “Company” or “EXP” which may be referred to as “we”, “our” or “us”) is a leading supplier of construction products, building materials, and materials used for oil and natural gas extraction in the United States.  Our construction products are used in residential, industrial, commercial and infrastructure construction and include cement, slag, concrete and aggregates.  Our building materials are sold into similar markets and include gypsum wallboard.  Our basic materials used for oil and natural gas extraction include frac sand and oil well cement. Our products are commodities that are essential in commercial and residential construction, public construction projects, projects to build, expand and repair roads and highways and in natural gas and oil extraction. Demand for these products is generally cyclical and seasonal, depending on economic and geographic conditions. Our operations are geographically diverse, providing us with regional economic diversification.

The Company was founded in 1963 as a building materials subsidiary of Centex Corporation (“Centex”), and we operated as a public company under the name Centex Construction Products, Inc. from April 1994 to January 30, 2004, at which time Centex completed a tax-free distribution of its shares to its shareholders and the company was renamed Eagle Materials Inc. (NYSE – EXP).

Our goal, through continuous improvement, is to be the lowest cost producer in each of the markets in which we compete. As such, we will continue to focus on reducing costs and improving our operations, recognizing that being a low-cost producer is a key to our success.

We also continue to focus on growth through acquisitions and the organic development of our asset network, in ways that align with our return on investment profitability objectives. We have completed the following acquisitions during the past two years:

On February 10, 2017, the Company completed the acquisition of the following assets (the “Fairborn Acquisition”) of CEMEX Construction Materials Atlantic LLC (“the Seller”) (i) a cement plant located in Fairborn, Ohio, (ii) a cement distribution terminal located in Columbus, Ohio, and (iii) certain other properties and assets used by the Seller in connection with the foregoing (collectively, the “Fairborn Business”).  The purchase price (the “Fairborn Purchase Price”) in the Fairborn Acquisition was approximately $400.5 million.  In addition, the Company assumed certain liabilities and obligations of the Seller relating to the Fairborn Business, including contractual obligations, reclamation obligations and various other liabilities and obligations arising out of or relating to the Fairborn Business. The Company funded the payment of the Fairborn Purchase Price and expenses incurred in connection with the Fairborn Acquisition through a combination of cash on hand and borrowings under the Company’s existing bank credit facility. The result of operations for the Fairborn Business are included in our operating results from February 10, 2017 to March 31, 2017.

On July 10, 2015, we completed the acquisition of a 0.6 million ton per year Granulated Ground Blast Furnace Slag (“Slag”) plant in South Chicago (the “Skyway Plant”) from Holcim (US) Inc. (the “Skyway Acquisition”).  Among other applications, Slag is used in conjunction with Portland cement to make a lower permeability concrete.  The Skyway Plant purchases its primary raw material, slag, pursuant to a long-term supply agreement with a third party.  The purchase price (the “Skyway Purchase Price”) for the Skyway Acquisition was approximately $29.9 million, net of $2.5 million which was refunded in two installments in January 2016 and 2017. We funded the payment of the Skyway Purchase Price and expenses incurred in connection with the Skyway Acquisition with operating cash flow.  We also assumed certain liabilities, including contractual obligations, related to the Skyway Plant. 

1

 


Industry Segment Information

Our operations are organized into five segments: Cement, Concrete and Aggregates, Gypsum Wallboard, Recycled Paperboard and Oil and Gas Proppants.  Although we have five segments, we participate in three businesses.  Our Cement and Concrete and Aggregates segments participate in the construction products sector, our Gypsum Wallboard and Recycled Paperboard segments participate in the building materials sector and our Oil and Gas Proppants segment participates in the oil and gas exploration sector. A further description of these business segments can be found on pages 3-19.

We operate seven cement plants (one of which belongs to our joint venture company), one slag grinding facility and seventeen cement distribution terminals.  Our 5.2 million tons of clinker capacity is approximately 5% of total U.S. clinker capacity.  Our cement companies focus on the U.S. heartland in Texas, Oklahoma, Missouri, Nebraska, Kansas, Colorado, Wyoming, Ohio and Nevada, as well as the Chicago, Illinois metropolitan area.  Our joint venture also owns a minority interest in an import terminal in Houston, Texas and can purchase up to 495,000 short tons annually from this cement terminal.  Slag is ground in the greater Chicago, Illinois area and sold primarily in Illinois, Pennsylvania, Iowa, Ohio, Minnesota, Missouri and Kansas.

We have three concrete and aggregates businesses, which consist of seventeen concrete batching plants and four aggregates facilities.  The concrete and aggregates business is more local in their operations, and serve the areas immediately surrounding Austin, Texas, the greater Kansas City area and north of Sacramento, California.  Demand for cement, concrete and aggregates may fluctuate more widely because local and regional markets and economies can be more sensitive to changes than the national market, as well as being more susceptible to seasonal impact due to adverse weather.  

We operate five gypsum wallboard plants, including one plant, in Bernalillo, New Mexico, that has been idled since 2009.  Gypsum wallboard is distributed throughout the U.S. with particular emphasis in the geographic markets nearest to our production facilities, which are in Albuquerque and Bernalillo, New Mexico; Gypsum, Colorado; Duke, Oklahoma; and Georgetown, South Carolina. We are planning to restart our Bernalillo plant during fiscal 2018, and anticipate running this plant as necessary to meet customer demand. We also operate a recycled paperboard business which sells internally to our wallboard business as well as to external customers.  Our paperboard plant is located in Lawton, Oklahoma. Our gypsum wallboard and paperboard operations are more national in scope and shipments of wallboard and paper are made throughout the continental U.S., except for the northeast, and therefore are more impacted by national trends.

We operate three frac sand wet processing facilities, three frac sand drying facilities and six frac sand trans-load locations.  During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2016, we idled our Corpus Christi, Texas frac sand processing plant and our Kenedy, Texas and Fowlerton, Texas trans-load facilities, along with our Utica, Illinois frac sand mine.  We intend to re-open the idled facilities when market conditions improve. Frac sand and oil well cement is currently sold into shale deposit zones across the United States. Demand for oil and gas proppants is impacted primarily by rig counts and well completion activity.

Demand continues to increase for our construction products and building materials businesses, as underlying economic fundamentals in the U.S. continued to improve during calendar 2016. Cement consumption in the United States, as estimated by the Portland Cement Association, increased approximately 2% to 101.0 million short tons in calendar 2016, compared to 99.0 million short tons in calendar 2015, with imported cement consumption increasing to approximately 14% of total sales in calendar 2016, compared to 13% in calendar 2015. Consistent with the increase in cement consumption nationally, our cement sales volumes increased 2% in fiscal 2017 compared to fiscal 2016.  

Demand for gypsum wallboard continues to improve as well, as industry shipments of gypsum wallboard increased to 24.7 billion square feet in calendar 2016, compared to 22.0 billion square feet in calendar 2015, primarily due to increases in single family and multi-family housing starts during calendar 2016 compared to calendar 2015.

2

 


Drilling and completion activity for oil and gas began declining in calendar 2015, and declined throughout calendar 2016, primarily due to the decrease in oil and gas prices during the year, and increased supply of oil.  These conditions adversely impacted drilling activity during calendar 2016, which reduced demand for our frac sand products and oil well cement.  This demand has also had a downward impact on the price of frac sand, which has declined since the peak in 2014.  Conditions have started to improve, and we have seen an increase in demand during the first quarter of calendar 2017, although it is too early to determine if the recovery will continue through calendar 2017.

Cement, SlaG, CONCRETE AND AGGREGATES Operations

Company Operations

Cement and Slag. Cement is the basic binding agent for concrete, a primary construction material.  Slag is used in concrete mix designs to improve the durability of concrete and reduce future maintenance costs. The principal sources of demand for cement and slag are infrastructure, commercial construction and residential construction.

The manufacture of portland cement primarily involves extracting, crushing, grinding and blending of limestone and other raw materials into a chemically proportioned mixture which is then burned in a rotary kiln at extremely high temperatures to produce an intermediate product called clinker.  The clinker is cooled and mixed with a small amount of gypsum to the consistency of face powder to produce finished cement. All of our cement plants utilize dry process technology and, at present, approximately 80% of our clinker capacity is from preheater or preheater/pre-calciner kilns.

Slag granules are obtained from a steel company and ground in our grinding facility.  Slag is used in concrete mix designs to improve the durability of concrete which should reduce future maintenance costs.  

The following table sets forth certain information regarding our cement plants (tons are in thousands of short tons):

 

Plant Location

 

Owned or

Leased

Reserves

 

Rated

Annual

Clinker

Capacity (1)

 

 

Annual Grinding Capacity

 

 

Manufacturing

Process

 

Number

of Kilns

 

Kiln

Dedication

Date

 

Estimated

Minimum

Limestone

Reserves (2)

 

 

Estimated

Minimum

Limestone

Reserves

(Years)(3)

 

Fiscal 2017

Tons

Mined

 

Buda, TX

 

Owned

 

 

1,300

 

(4)

 

1,435

 

 

Dry – 4 Stage Preheater/

Pre-calciner

 

1

 

1983

 

 

228,000

 

 

50+

 

 

1,855

 

LaSalle, IL

 

Owned

 

 

1,000

 

 

 

1,100

 

 

Dry – 5 Stage Preheater/Pre-calciner

 

1

 

2006

 

 

33,770

 

 

29

 

 

1,170

 

Sugar Creek, MO

 

Owned

 

 

1,000

 

 

 

1,100

 

 

Dry – 5 Stage Preheater/Pre-calciner

 

1

 

2002

 

 

120,250

 

 

50+

 

 

1,115

 

 

 

Leased

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

51,500

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Laramie, WY

 

Owned

 

 

650

 

 

 

800

 

 

Dry – 2 Stage Preheater

 

1

 

1988

 

 

104,600

 

 

50+

 

 

865

 

 

 

Leased

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

101,500

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dry – Long Dry Kiln

 

1

 

1996

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tulsa, OK

 

Owned

 

 

650

 

 

 

900

 

 

Dry – Long Dry Kiln

 

2

 

1961

 

 

40,500

 

 

43

 

 

745

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1964

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fernley, NV

 

Owned

 

 

500

 

 

 

550

 

 

Dry – Long Dry Kiln

 

1

 

1964

 

 

14,300

 

 

50+

 

 

705

 

 

 

Leased

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dry – 1 Stage Preheater

 

1

 

1969

 

 

70,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fairborn, Ohio

 

Owned

 

 

730

 

 

 

980

 

 

Dry - 4 Stage Preheater

 

1

 

1974

 

30,600

 

 

30

 

 

50

 

Total-Gross

 

 

 

 

5,830

 

 

 

6,865

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total-Net (5)

 

 

 

 

5,180

 

 

 

6,150

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(1)

One short ton equals 2,000 pounds.

(2)

Years of limestone reserves calculated using annual rated capacity

(3)

All limestone reserves are considered to be probable under the definition provided by Industry Guide 7.

(4)

The amount shown represents 100% of plant capacity and production. This plant is owned by a separate limited partnership in which the Company has a 50% interest.  

(5)

Net of partner’s 50% interest in the Buda, Texas plant.

3

 


All of our cement subsidiaries are wholly-owned except the Buda, Texas plant (the “Joint Venture”), which is owned by Texas Lehigh Cement Company LP, a limited partnership joint venture owned 50% by us and 50% by Lehigh Cement Company LLC, a subsidiary of Heidelberg Cement AG. Our LaSalle, Illinois plant operates under the name Illinois Cement Company; the Laramie, Wyoming plant operates under the name Mountain Cement Company; the Fernley, Nevada plant operates under the name Nevada Cement Company; our Fairborn, Ohio plant operates under the name Fairborn Cement Company and our Sugar Creek, Missouri and Tulsa, Oklahoma plants operate under the name Central Plains Cement Company.  We also have a slag grinding facility located in Chicago, Illinois that operates under the name Skyway Cement Company and has capacity to grind 600,000 tons of slag per year.

Our cement production, including our 50% share of the cement Joint Venture production, totaled 4.5 million and 4.2 million short tons in fiscal 2017 and fiscal 2016, respectively. Total net cement sales, including our 50% share of cement sales from the Joint Venture, were 4.9 million and 4.8 million short tons in fiscal 2017 and fiscal 2016, respectively.

Concrete and Aggregates. Readymix concrete is a versatile, low-cost building material used in almost all construction. The production of readymix concrete involves the mixing of cement, sand, gravel, or crushed stone and water to form concrete, which is then sold and distributed to numerous construction contractors. Concrete is produced in batch plants and transported to the customer’s job site in mixer trucks.

The construction aggregates business consists of the mining, extraction, production and sale of crushed stone, sand, gravel and lightweight aggregates such as expanded clays and shales. Construction aggregates of suitable characteristics are employed in virtually all types of construction, including the production of readymix concrete and asphaltic mixes used in highway construction and maintenance.

We produce and distribute readymix concrete from company-owned sites north of Sacramento, California; Austin, Texas and the greater Kansas City area. The following table sets forth certain information regarding these operations:

 

Location

 

Number of Plants

 

 

Number of Trucks

 

Northern California

 

 

3

 

 

 

25

 

Austin, Texas

 

 

7

 

 

 

85

 

Kansas City Area

 

 

8

 

 

 

99

 

Total

 

 

18

 

 

 

209

 

 

We conduct aggregate operations near our concrete facilities in northern California; Austin, Texas and the greater Kansas City area. Aggregates are obtained principally by mining and extracting from quarries owned or leased by the Company. The following table sets forth certain information regarding these operations :

 

Location

 

Owned or

Leased

 

Types of Aggregates

 

Estimated

Annual

Production

Capacity

(Thousand

tons)

 

 

Estimated

Minimum

Reserves

(Thousand

Tons) (1)

 

 

Estimated

Minimum

Reserves

(Years)

 

 

Fiscal 2017

Tons Mined

(Thousand

Tons)

 

Northern California

 

Owned

 

Sand and Gravel

 

 

4,000

 

 

 

914,000

 

 

100+

 

 

 

1,060

 

Austin, Texas

 

Owned

 

Limestone

 

 

3,000

 

 

 

4,300

 

 

 

25

 

 

 

2,160

 

 

 

Leased

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

69,300

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Kansas City Area

 

Owned

 

Limestone

 

 

700

 

 

 

57,000

 

(2)

50+

 

 

 

585

 

 

(1)

All reserves are considered to be probable under the definition of Industry Guide 7.

(2)

Includes reserves located in our underground mine that we believe can be economically used for aggregate supply.

Our total net aggregate sales were 3.6 million and 3.0 million tons in fiscal 2017 and fiscal 2016, respectively. Total aggregates production was 3.7 million tons and 3.4 million tons for fiscal 2017 and fiscal 2016, respectively.

4

 


A portion of our total aggregates production is used internally by our readymix concrete operations in Texas, the greater Kansas City area and California.

Raw Materials and Fuel Supplies

Cement and Slag. The principal raw material used in the production of portland cement is calcium carbonate in the form of limestone. Limestone is obtained principally through mining and extraction operations conducted at quarries that we own or lease and are located in close proximity to our plants. We believe that the estimated recoverable limestone reserves owned or leased by us will permit each of our plants to operate at our present production capacity for at least 30 years. Other raw materials used in substantially smaller quantities than limestone are sand, clay, iron ore and gypsum. These materials are readily available and can either be obtained from Company-owned or leased reserves or purchased from outside suppliers.

Coal and petroleum coke are the primary fuels used in our cement plants, but the plants are equipped to burn natural gas, if necessary. The cost of fuel declined in fiscal 2017, compared to fiscal 2016, primarily due to the decline in the price of coal and petroleum coke, and increased use of petroleum coke and alternative fuels as a percentage of total fuel. The Tulsa plant currently burns fuel quality wastes, as well as coal and petroleum coke, and the Sugar Creek plant currently burns alternative fuels and petroleum coke. When we acquired Sugar Creek and Tulsa in late 2012, both plants had existing alternative fuels programs managed by a company that supplies alternative fuels and materials to the cement plants. In keeping with Eagle’s commitment to sustainability and to cost management, we continued these programs to manage our alternative fuels and materials at those plants.

We have a long-term supply agreement with a steel manufacturer to supply granules necessary for the grinding of slag.  This agreement allows for the purchases of 550,000 tons per year.

Electric power is also a major cost component in the manufacturing process for both cement and slag, and we have sought to diminish overall power costs by adopting interruptible power supply agreements at certain locations. These agreements may expose us to some production interruptions during periods of power curtailment.

Concrete and Aggregates. We supply from our cement plants, including our Joint Venture, approximately 100%, 65% and 30% of the cement requirements for our greater Kansas City, northern California and Austin, Texas concrete operations. We internally supply approximately 10%, 40% and 80%, respectively, of our aggregates requirements for greater Kansas City, northern California and Austin, Texas concrete operations. We obtain the balance of our cement and aggregates requirements from multiple outside sources in each of these areas.

We mine and extract limestone, sand and gravel, the principal raw materials used in the production of aggregates, from quarries owned or leased by us and located near our plants. The quarry serving our northern California business is estimated to contain over nine hundred million tons of sand and gravel reserves. The quarry serving our Austin, Texas market is covered by a lease which expires in 2060. Based on its current production capacity, we estimate our northern California and Austin, Texas quarries contain over 100 years and approximately 25 years of reserves, respectively. Our quarries in the Kansas City market currently have approximately 50 years of reserves, and we are actively seeking additional more economical reserves to extend the life of the quarry.

Sales and Distribution

Cement and Slag. The principal sources of demand for cement and slag are infrastructure, commercial construction and residential construction, with public works infrastructure comprising over 50% of total demand. Cement consumption increased approximately 2% during calendar 2016 from calendar 2015, and the Portland Cement Association forecasts cement consumption will increase another approximately 4% in calendar 2017. Demand for cement is seasonal, particularly in northern states where inclement winter weather often affects construction activity. Cement sales are generally greater from spring through the middle of autumn than during the remainder of the year. The impact to our business of regional construction cycles may be mitigated to some degree by our geographic diversification. Demand for slag has increased as the availability of fly ash has decreased due to the conversion of power plants to natural gas from coal.  

5

 


The following table sets forth certain information regarding the geographic areas served by each of our cement and slag plants and the location of our distribution terminals in each area. We have a total of 17 cement storage and distribution terminals that are strategically located to extend the sales areas of our plants.

 

Plant Location

 

Type of Plant

 

Principal Geographic Areas

 

Distribution Terminals

Buda, Texas

 

Cement

 

Texas and western Louisiana

 

Corpus Christi, Texas; Houston, Texas;

Roanoke (Fort Worth), Texas; Waco, Texas;

Houston Cement Company (Joint Venture), Houston, Texas

LaSalle, Illinois

 

Cement

 

Illinois and southern Wisconsin

 

Hartland, Wisconsin

Sugar Creek, Missouri

 

Cement

 

Western Missouri, eastern

Kansas and northern Nebraska

 

Sugar Creek, Missouri; Iola, Kansas;

Wichita, Kansas; Omaha, Nebraska;

Pleasant Hill, Iowa

Laramie, Wyoming

 

Cement

 

Wyoming, Utah, Colorado

and western Nebraska

 

Salt Lake City, Utah; Denver, Colorado;

North Platte, Nebraska

Tulsa, Oklahoma

 

Cement

 

Oklahoma, western Arkansas

and southern Missouri

 

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; Springfield, Missouri

Fernley, Nevada

 

Cement

 

Northern Nevada and northern

California

 

Sacramento, California

Fairborn, Ohio

 

Cement

 

Ohio, eastern Indiana and northern Kentucky

 

Columbus, Ohio

Chicago, Illinois

 

Slag

 

Greater Chicago area, Illinois,

Pennsylvania, Iowa, Ohio,

Minnesota, Missouri and Kansas

 

Kansas City, Missouri; Cincinnati, Ohio(1);

Des Moines, Iowa(1); St. Paul, Minnesota(1);

Tarentum, Pennsylvania(1)

 

 

(1)

These facilities are currently being leased.

Cement and slag is distributed directly to our customers mostly through customer pickups, as well as by common carriers from our plants or distribution terminals. We transport cement and slag by barge and rail to our storage and distribution terminals. No single customer accounted for 10% or more of our cement segment sales during fiscal 2017. Sales are made on the basis of competitive prices in each market and, as is customary in the industry, we do not typically enter into long-term sales contracts or have a significant level of order backlog.  Cement and slag are generally sold to companies in private industry that contract with state and local entities for infrastructure and other public works projects.

Four of our slag terminals are currently being leased from the former owner of the Skyway Plant.  The initial term of the lease was one year from the date of purchase, and included the option to extend the term for two one year periods. We exercised both options for all locations.

The cement industry is extremely competitive as a result of multiple domestic suppliers and the importation of foreign cement through various terminal operations. Approximately 75% of the U.S. cement industry is owned by foreign international companies. Competition among producers and suppliers of cement is based primarily on price, with consistency of quality and service to customers being important but of lesser significance. Price competition among individual producers and suppliers of cement within a geographic area is intense because of the fungible nature of the product. Because of cement’s low value-to-weight ratio, the relative cost of transporting cement on land is high and limits the geographic area in which each company can market its products profitably. The low value-to-weight ratio generally limit shipments by truck to a 150 mile radius of the plants and up to 300 miles by rail; therefore, the U.S. cement industry is fragmented into regional geographic areas rather than a single national selling area.  No single cement company has a distribution of plants extensive enough to serve all geographic areas, so profitability is sensitive to shifts in the balance between regional supply and demand.

Cement imports into the U.S. occur primarily to supplement domestic cement production or to supply a particular region. Cement is typically imported into deep water ports or transported on the Mississippi River system near major population centers to take advantage of lower waterborne freight costs versus higher truck and rail transportation costs that U.S. based manufacturers incur to deliver into the same areas.

6

 


The Portland Cement Association estimates that imports represented approximately 14% of cement used in the U.S. during calendar year 2016, and approximately 12% in calendar year 2015. Based on the normal distribution of cement into the market, we believe that no less than approximately 5% to 10% of the total consumption will consistently be served by imported cement.

Concrete and Aggregates. Demand for readymix concrete and aggregates largely depend on local levels of construction activity. Construction activity is also subject to weather conditions, the availability of financing at reasonable rates and overall fluctuations in local economies, and therefore tends to be cyclical. We sell readymix concrete to numerous contractors and other customers in each plant’s marketing area. Our batch plants in Austin, the greater Kansas City area and northern California are strategically located to serve each marketing area. Concrete is delivered from the batch plants primarily by company-owned trucks.

We sell aggregates to building contractors and other customers engaged in a wide variety of construction activities. Aggregates are delivered from our aggregate plants by common carriers and customer pick-up. None of our customers accounted for 10% or more of our segment revenues during fiscal 2017. We are continuing our efforts to secure a rail link from our principal aggregates deposit north of Sacramento, California to supply extended markets in northern California.

Both the concrete and aggregates industries are highly fragmented, with numerous participants operating in each local area. Because the cost of transporting concrete and aggregates is very high relative to product values, producers of concrete and aggregates typically can profitably sell their products only in areas within 50 miles of their production facilities. Barriers to entry in each industry are low, except with respect to environmental permitting requirements for new aggregates production facilities and zoning of land to permit mining and extraction of aggregates.

Environmental Matters

Cement. Our cement operations are subject to numerous federal, state and local laws and regulations pertaining to health, safety and the environment. Some of these laws, such as the federal Clean Air Act and the federal Clean Water Act (and analogous state laws) impose environmental permitting requirements and govern the nature and amount of emissions that may be generated when conducting particular operations. Some laws, such as the federal Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (“CERCLA”) (and analogous state laws) impose obligations to clean up or remediate spills of hazardous materials into the environment. Other laws require us to reclaim certain land upon completion of extraction and mining operations in our quarries. We believe that we have obtained all the material environmental permits that are necessary to conduct our operations. We further believe that we are conducting our operations in substantial compliance with these permits. In addition, none of our manufacturing sites is listed as a CERCLA “Superfund” site.

Eight environmental issues involving the cement manufacturing industry deserve special mention.

The first environmental issue involves cement kiln dust or CKD. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) has been evaluating the regulatory status of CKD under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (“RCRA”) for a number of years. In 1999, the EPA proposed a rule that would allow states to regulate properly-managed CKD as a non-hazardous waste under state laws and regulations governing solid waste. In contrast, CKD that was not properly managed would be treated as a hazardous waste under RCRA. In 2002, the EPA confirmed its intention to continue to exempt properly-managed CKD from the hazardous waste requirements of RCRA. The agency announced that it would collect additional data over the next three to five years to determine if the states’ regulation of CKD is effective. Although the EPA had previously indicated that it continues to consider an approach whereby it would finalize its 1999 proposal to exempt properly-managed CKD wastes and establish protective CKD management standards, as of May 1, 2017, the EPA still has not finalized the 1999 proposal. It is uncertain whether or when this proposal will be finalized. Nevertheless, in the interim many state environmental agencies have been using the EPA’s 1999 proposed CKD management standards as general industry guidelines.

Currently, substantially all CKD produced in connection with our ongoing operations is recycled, and therefore such CKD is not viewed as a waste under RCRA. However, CKD was historically collected and stored on-site at our Illinois, Nevada, Missouri, Oklahoma and Wyoming cement plants and at a former plant site in Corpus Christi, Texas, which is no longer producing cement. If either the EPA or the states decide to reclassify or impose

7

 


new management standards on this CKD at some point in the future, we could incur additional costs to comply with those requirements with respect to our historically collected CKD. CKD that comes in contact with water might produce a leachate with an alkalinity high enough to be classified as hazardous and might also leach certain hazardous trace metals therein.

The second environmental issue involves the historical disposal of refractory brick containing chromium. Such refractory brick was formerly used widely in the cement industry to line cement kilns. We currently do not use refractory brick containing chromium, and we crush substantially all of our refractory brick which is then used as raw feed in the kiln.

The third environmental issue involves the potential regulation of our emission of greenhouse gasses (“GHGs”), including carbon dioxide, under the Clean Air Act (“CAA”). The consequences of GHG emission reduction regulations for our cement operations will likely be significant because (1) the cement manufacturing process requires the combustion of large amounts of fuel to generate very high kiln temperatures, and (2) the production of carbon dioxide is a byproduct of the calcination process, whereby carbon dioxide is removed from calcium carbonate to produce calcium oxide.

In response to the Supreme Court’s ruling in Massachusetts v. EPA, 127 S. Ct. 1438 (2007), that GHGs are “air pollutants” and, thus, potentially subject to regulation under the CAA, the EPA has taken steps to regulate GHG emissions from mobile and certain stationary sources. On September 22, 2009, the EPA issued a “Mandatory Reporting of Greenhouse Gases” final rule, which took effect December 29, 2009. This rule established a comprehensive scheme requiring operators of stationary sources in the United States emitting more than established annual thresholds of GHGs to monitor and report their GHG emissions annually on a facility-by-facility basis. On December 15, 2009, the EPA published a final rule finding that current and projected concentrations of six key GHGs in the atmosphere threaten public health and welfare. Based on this finding, on May 7, 2010, the EPA promulgated a final rule establishing GHG emission standards for new motor vehicles under Title II of the CAA. According to the EPA, the motor vehicle rule triggered construction and operating permit requirements for large stationary sources of GHGs, including cement plants, under Title I of the CAA. On May 13, 2010, the EPA promulgated a final rule, known as the “Tailoring Rule,” addressing the thresholds at which stationary sources of GHGs trigger prevention of significant deterioration (“PSD”) and Title V permitting requirements. PSD review requires an analysis of possible GHG controls and, potentially, the installation of GHG controls or emissions limitations.

On June 23, 2014, the U.S. Supreme Court issued an opinion with respect to the Tailoring Rule holding that the EPA can require PSD controls for GHG emissions only for sources subject to PSD review based on another pollutant.   Util. Air Regulatory Grp. v. E.P.A, 134 S. Ct. 2427 (2014). Following the Supreme Court decision, the EPA issued a memorandum clarifying that the EPA intends to continue to apply PSD requirements to GHG emissions if a source emits or has the potential to emit 75,000 tons per year (‘tpy”) or more of GHGs until the EPA establishes a de minimis threshold for GHG emissions below which a source would not be subject to GHG PSD permitting requirements.  The EPA announced its intention to propose a rule addressing the de minimis threshold for GHG PSD permitting in the summer of 2016.  The EPA failed to propose such rule. Until the EPA issues a final rule addressing the de minimis threshold for GHG emissions, any major modification of our existing plants or construction of a new plant that triggers PSD review for non-GHG emissions also would trigger PSD review for GHG emissions if the proposed major modification or construction would result in a GHG emission increase of at least 75,000 tpy.

In October 2015, the EPA published a rule establishing guidelines for states to regulate carbon dioxide emissions from existing fossil fuel power plants (the “Clean Power Plan”).  The Clean Power Plan established national performance rates for steam generating units and stationary combustion turbines as well as state emission reduction goals based on the application of the performance rates to a state’s unique generation mix. Numerous states and industry petitioners are challenging the Clean Power Plan on multiple grounds.  On February 9, 2016, the U.S. Supreme Court stayed implementation of the Clean Power Plan while the litigation is pending.  The U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit (“D.C. Circuit”) held oral argument on the challenges to the Clean Power Plan on June 2, 2016.  No opinion in that case has been forthcoming.  On April 28, 2017, at the request of

8

 


the U.S. EPA, the D.C. Circuit issued a per curiam order holding the case in abeyance for sixty days to allow the U.S. EPA to determine whether to reconsider the Clean Power Plan.  EPA must file status reports on its deliberations every 30 days.  EPA has indicated that it intends to significantly amend or repeal the Clean Power Plan.  That will require EPA to propose a new rule that likely will take several years to finalize.  In the interim, the Clean Power Plan is unlikely to be implemented.  In the future, it is likely that the EPA will propose performance standards for GHG emissions for other sectors, including cement manufacturing, so the ultimate outcome of the Clean Power Plan could affect the timing and form of standards for cement plants.  

Several states have individually implemented measures to reduce emissions of GHGs, primarily through the planned development of GHG inventories or registries or regional GHG “cap and trade” programs. California’s AB 32 program is the most advanced of such state initiatives, with regulations affecting all major sources of GHGs. States also have joined together to form regional initiatives to reduce GHG emissions.

It is not possible at this time to predict how any future legislation that may be enacted or final EPA regulations that may be adopted to address GHG emissions would impact our business. However, any imposition of raw materials or production limitations, fuel-use or carbon taxes, or emission limitations or reductions could have a significant impact on the cement manufacturing industry and a material adverse effect on us and our results of operations.

The fourth environmental issue is the EPA’s promulgation on September 9, 2010 of final regulations establishing national emissions standards for hazardous air pollutants for portland cement plants (“PC NESHAP”) pursuant to Section 112 of the CAA. For specific hazardous air pollutants (“HAPs”), the final rule requires cement plants to meet certain emission and operating standards. The rule sets limits on mercury emissions from existing Portland cement kilns and increases the stringency of emission limits for new kilns. The rule sets emission limits for total hydrocarbons, and also sets emission limits for particulate matter as a surrogate for non-volatile metal HAPS, from cement kilns of all sizes, and reduces hydrochloric acid emissions from kilns that are large emitters. As a result of industry challenges to the regulations, the EPA issued a revised rule on February 12, 2013. The revised rule made two notable changes to the 2010 HAP regulations. First, the rule established less stringent emission standards for total hydrocarbons and particulate matter. Second, the rule extended the deadline for existing sources to comply with the HAP regulations to September 9, 2015. We do not believe we are placed at a competitive disadvantage by the revised rule.

A fifth environmental issue involves excess emissions that may occur during periods of startup, shutdown or malfunction.  In June 2015, the EPA issued a rule requiring revisions to 36 state implementation plans (“SIPs”) that allowed exemptions or contained affirmative defenses to excess emissions during periods of startup, shutdown or malfunction (“SSM rule”).  The SIP revisions were submitted to the EPA in November 2016. The states required to revise their SIPs include states where the company has operations, such as Illinois, Oklahoma, Missouri and Texas.  Under the revised SIPs, companies would be required to comply with their emissions limits at all times, including during startup, shutdown and malfunctions.  States and members of industry have challenged the SSM rule in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit.  

On April 24, 2017, at the request of the EPA, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit ("D.C. Circuit") issued an order holding in abeyance the consolidated challenges to the EPA’s final rule concerning how provisions in the EPA-approved SIPs treat excess emissions during periods of startup, shutdown or malfunction. The order also cancels oral argument, which was scheduled for May 8, 2017. In its motion, EPA argued that oral argument should be delayed in light of the recent change in Administration. According to the motion, the EPA "intends to closely review the SSM rule, and the prior positions taken by the Agency with respect to the SSM rule may not necessarily reflect its ultimate conclusions after that review is complete." The EPA’s motion was opposed by environmental groups, who argued that the EPA failed to establish the "extraordinary cause" required for postponement. The D.C. Circuit’s order requires the EPA to file status reports on the Agency’s review of the SSM Rule at 90-day intervals. It further mandates that the parties file motions to govern future proceedings within 30 days of the EPA notifying the court and the parties what action it has or will be taking with respect to the SSM rule.  As a result, we cannot predict how or whether the SSM rule will be changed.

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The sixth environmental issue is the EPA’s promulgation pursuant to Section 129 of the CAA of revised regulations for Commercial and Industrial Solid Waste Incineration (“CISWI”) units. Clean Air Act Section 129 requires the EPA to set standards for solid waste incineration units.  Affected sources must comply with the revised CISWI regulations the earlier of 3 years after State CISWI plan approval, or 5 years from the date of the final rule on reconsideration. On June 23, 2016, the EPA published a final rule reconsidering four provisions of the February 2013 final CISWI rule, including relaxing the particulate matter standard for solid waste-burning kilns and eliminating the affirmative defense to penalties for non-compliance during well documented malfunction events.  On January 11, 2017, the EPA published a proposed plan that would implement the previously promulgated limits for existing CISWI in states that have not submitted and received approval for a state implementation plan. The proposed federal plan would require owners or operators of impacted CISWI units to come into compliance by February 7, 2018.  Currently, the EPA has not approved any state implementation plans.  Compared to the PC NESHAP, the CISWI regulations contain requirements for more pollutants and the requirement for dioxin/furans for existing and new sources is somewhat more stringent.

Whether a facility is a CISWI unit regulated under Section 129 of the Clean Air Act or a cement plant regulated under Section 112 of the Clean Air Act hinges on whether it combusts “solid waste” as that term is defined under Subtitle D of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act. On March 21, 2011 (and also revised on February 7, 2013), the EPA finalized the Identification of Non-Hazardous Secondary Materials that Are Solid Waste (“NHSM”) rule. The NHSM rule’s primary purpose is to provide the definition of solid waste that is used to determine if a cement kiln is regulated under CISWI regulations or the PC NESHAP regulations. The rule lays out processing and legitimacy criteria that are used to determine if a non-traditional fuel is a solid waste. Combustion of a solid waste triggers applicability of the CISWI requirements. On July 29, 2016, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit issued an opinion in U.S. Sugar v. EPA, No. 11-1108, largely upholding the 2011 and 2013 CISWI rules.  

At some of our operations, kilns are or will be using non-hazardous secondary materials as a replacement for traditional fuels used in the manufacturing process. These kiln systems are capable of beneficially utilizing a wide array of NHSM and may be subject to the CISWI requirements, depending on whether these materials are identified as “solid wastes” under the NHSM rule. The EPA issued a rule clarifying the definition of “solid waste” and establishing a uniform recycling standard for all hazardous secondary materials recycling on January 13, 2015, which became effective on July 13, 2015. Solid waste-burning kilns must meet the CISWI emission and operating standards. Non-waste burning kilns must prove any alternative fuels used are not solid wastes. We do not believe we would be placed at a competitive disadvantage by either the NHSM or the CISWI rule.

The seventh environmental issue is a revision to the Hazardous Waste Combustor National Emission Standards for Hazardous Waste Standards (“HWC NESHAP”). The Tulsa, Oklahoma cement facility utilizes hazardous waste as fuel and is required to meet the emission and operating standards of the HWC NESHAP. This facility has demonstrated and remains in compliance with all of the requirements of the current HWC NESHAP regulation. On October 12, 2005, as a result of ongoing litigation, the EPA promulgated final HWC regulations, with compliance required for all facilities by 2008. On October 28, 2008, the EPA promulgated a final rule addressing eight issues for which the EPA granted reconsideration.  The final rule on reconsideration did not change the compliance date for existing sources established by the 2005 rule.  Environmental and industry organizations filed lawsuits in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit challenging the 2005 and 2008 regulations. The EPA subsequently agreed to revise the HWC NESHAP standards in accordance with an agreement with litigants, and the court remanded, without vacatur, the 2005 and 2008 regulations to the EPA for further consideration. The EPA has not indicated when it will issue a proposed rule amending the regulations. It is not possible to predict at this time the stringency or impact of revised HWC NESHAP regulations or timing required for compliance.

We believe that our current procedures and practices in our operations, including those for handling and managing hazardous materials, are consistent with industry standards and are in substantial compliance with applicable environmental laws and regulations. Nevertheless, because of the complexity of our operations and the environmental laws to which we are subject, there can be no assurance that past or future operations will not result in violations, remediation costs or other liabilities or claims. Moreover, we cannot predict what environmental laws will be enacted or adopted in the future or how such future environmental laws or regulations will be administered

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or interpreted. Compliance with more stringent environmental laws, or stricter interpretation of existing environmental laws, could necessitate significant capital outlays.

The eighth environmental issue is the EPA’s ongoing review and implementation of the national ambient air quality standards (“NAAQS”) for ozone.  In October 2015, the EPA strengthened the ozone NAAQS by lowering the primary and secondary standards from 75 parts per billion (ppb) to 70 ppb.  As a result of this change, the EPA is required to make attainment/nonattainment designations for the revised standards by October 2017.  We are currently reviewing this final rule and cannot at this time predict the impact it may have on our operations.  Nonattainment designations in or surrounding our areas of operations could have a material impact on our consolidated financial results. On April 11, 2017, at EPA’s request, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit issued an order holding consolidated challenges to the 2015 ozone NAAQS in abeyance, and canceling oral argument in the challenges.  In requesting to hold the case in abeyance, EPA explained that the new Administration was planning to review the 2015 Ozone NAAQS “to determine whether the Agency should reconsider the rule or some part of it.”  The order requires EPA to file status reports on the Agency’s review of the NAAQS at 90-day intervals.

Concrete and Aggregates. The concrete and aggregates industry is subject to environmental regulations similar to those governing our cement operations.

Capital Expenditures

Cement and Slag. We had capital expenditures related to compliance with environmental regulations applicable to our cement operations of $6.2 million during fiscal 2017 and anticipate spending an additional $14.2 million during fiscal 2018 at this time.

Concrete and Aggregates. We had capital expenditures related to compliance with environmental regulations applicable to our concrete and aggregates operations of $0.6 million during fiscal 2017. We anticipate spending approximately $0.1 million in fiscal 2018 at this time.

Gypsum Wallboard and RECYCLED PAPERBOARD Operations

Company Operations

Gypsum Wallboard. Gypsum wallboard is used to finish the interior walls and ceilings in residential, commercial and industrial structures. Our gypsum wallboard business is marketed under the name American Gypsum.

There are four primary steps in the gypsum wallboard manufacturing process: (1) gypsum is mined and extracted from the ground (or, in the case of synthetic gypsum, received from a power generation company); (2) the gypsum is then calcined and converted into plaster; (3) the plaster is mixed with various other materials and water to produce a mixture known as slurry, which is extruded between two continuous sheets of recycled paperboard on a high-speed production line and allowed to harden; and (4) the sheets of gypsum wallboard are then cut to appropriate lengths, dried and bundled for sale.

We currently own five gypsum wallboard manufacturing facilities; however, we idled our gypsum manufacturing facility in Bernalillo, New Mexico in December 2009, due to cyclical low wallboard demand. We are planning to restart our Bernalillo plant during fiscal 2018, and anticipate running this plant as necessary to meet customer demand.  

 

 

 

 

 

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The following table sets forth certain information regarding our plants:

 

Location

 

Owned or

Leased

Reserves (7)

 

Approximate

Annual

Gypsum

Wallboard

Capacity

(MMSF)(1)

 

 

Estimated

Minimum

Gypsum

Reserves

(Thousand

Tons) (3)

 

 

 

Estimated

Minimum

Gypsum

Reserves

(years)(2)

 

 

 

Fiscal 2017

Tons Mined

(Thousand Tons)

 

Albuquerque, New Mexico

 

Owned

 

 

425

 

 

 

10,490

 

(4)

 

50+

 

(4)

 

 

415

 

 

 

Leased

 

 

 

 

 

 

55,560

 

(4)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bernalillo, New Mexico(6)

 

 

 

 

550

 

 

 

 

 

(4)

 

50+

 

(4)

 

 

 

Gypsum, Colorado

 

Owned

 

 

700

 

 

 

13,100

 

 

 

 

21

 

 

 

 

475

 

Duke, Oklahoma

 

Owned

 

 

1,300

 

 

 

21,220

 

 

 

 

20

 

 

 

 

730

 

 

 

Leased

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,925

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Georgetown, South Carolina (5)

 

 

 

 

900

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

51

 

(5)

 

 

 

Total

 

 

 

 

3,875

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(1)

Million Square Feet (“MMSF”), based on anticipated product mix.

(2)

At 100% capacity utilization.

(3)

All gypsum tons are deemed probable under the definition provided by Industry Guide 7.

(4)

The same reserves serve both New Mexico plants.

(5)

We have a sixty-year supply agreement with Santee Cooper for synthetic gypsum that expires in 2068.

(6)

This plant was idled in December 2009.

(7)

Owned reserves include mining claims.

Our gypsum wallboard production totaled 2,539 MMSF in fiscal 2017 and 2,406 MMSF in fiscal 2016. Total gypsum wallboard sales were 2,483 MMSF in fiscal 2017 and 2,394 MMSF in fiscal 2016.

Recycled Paperboard. Our recycled paperboard manufacturing operation, which we refer to as Republic Paperboard Company, is located in Lawton, Oklahoma, and has a technologically advanced paper machine designed primarily for gypsum liner production. The paper’s uniform cross-directional strength and finish characteristics facilitate the efficiencies of new high-speed wallboard manufacturing lines and improve the efficiencies of the slower wallboard manufacturing lines. Although the machine was designed primarily to manufacture gypsum liner products, we are also able to manufacture several alternative products, including containerboard grades and lightweight packaging grades. To maximize manufacturing efficiencies, namely machine width, recycled industrial paperboard grades are produced.

Our paper machine allows the paperboard operation to manufacture high-strength gypsum liner that is approximately 10-15% lighter in basis weight than generally available in the U.S. The low-basis weight product utilizes less recycled fiber to produce paper that, in turn, requires less energy (natural gas) to evaporate moisture from the board during the gypsum wallboard manufacturing process. The low-basis weight paper also reduces the overall finished board weight, providing wallboard operations with more competitive transportation costs for both the inbound and outbound segments.

Raw Materials and Fuel Supplies

Gypsum Wallboard. We mine and extract natural gypsum rock, the principal raw material used in the manufacture of gypsum wallboard, from mines and quarries owned, leased or subject to mining claims owned by the Company and located near our plants. Certain of our New Mexico reserves are under lease with the Pueblo of Zia. Gypsum ore reserves at the Gypsum, Colorado plant are contained within a total of 115 placer claims encompassing 2,300 acres. Included in this are 94 unpatented mining claims where mineral rights can be developed upon completion of permitting requirements. We currently own land containing gypsum in the area of Duke, Oklahoma, with additional reserves controlled through a lease agreement. Other gypsum deposits are located near the plant in Duke, which we believe may be obtained at reasonable cost when needed. We are currently in the ninth year of a sixty-year supply agreement (original twenty-year term with two twenty-year extension options) with a public utility in South Carolina for synthetic gypsum, which we use at our Georgetown, South Carolina plant. If the

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utility is unable to generate the agreed-upon amount of gypsum, it is responsible for providing gypsum from a third party to fulfill its obligations.

Through our modern low cost paperboard mill we manufacture sufficient quantities of paper necessary for our gypsum wallboard production. Paper is a significant cost component in the manufacture of gypsum wallboard, currently representing approximately one-third of our cost of production.

Our gypsum wallboard manufacturing operations use natural gas and electrical power. A significant portion of the Company’s natural gas requirements for our gypsum wallboard plants are currently provided by three gas producers under gas supply agreements expiring in May 2018 for New Mexico and October 2017 for South Carolina and Oklahoma. If the agreements are not renewed, we anticipate being able to obtain our gas supplies from other suppliers at competitive prices. Electrical power is supplied to our New Mexico plants at standard industrial rates by a local utility. Our Albuquerque plant utilizes an interruptible power supply agreement, which may expose it to some production interruptions during periods of power curtailment. Power for our Gypsum, Colorado facility is generated at the facility by a cogeneration power plant that we own. Currently, the cogeneration power facility supplies power and waste hot gases for drying to the gypsum wallboard plant. We do not sell any power to third parties. Gas costs represented approximately 7% of our production costs in fiscal 2017.

Recycled Paperboard. The principal raw materials are recycled paper fiber (recovered waste paper), water and specialty paper chemicals. The largest waste paper source used by the operation is old cardboard containers (known as OCC). A blend of high grades (white papers consisting of ink-free papers such as news blank and unprinted papers) is used in the gypsum liner facing paper, white top linerboard and white bag liner grades.

We believe that an adequate supply of OCC recycled fiber will continue to be available from sources located within a reasonable proximity of the paper mill. Although we have the capability to receive rail shipments, the vast majority of the recycled fiber purchased is delivered via truck. Prices are subject to market fluctuations based on generation of material (supply), demand and the presence of the export market. The current outlook for fiscal 2018 is for waste paper prices, namely OCC, to increase approximately 10% over fiscal 2017 prices. Current gypsum liner customer contracts include price escalators that partially offset/compensate for changes in raw material fiber prices. The chemicals used in the paper making operation, including size, retention aids, biocides and bacteria controls, are readily available from several manufacturers at competitive prices.

The manufacture of recycled paperboard involves the use of large volumes of water in the production process. We have an agreement with the City of Lawton municipal services for supply of water to our manufacturing facility. Electricity, natural gas and other utilities are available to us at either contracted rates or standard industrial rates in adequate supplies. These utilities are subject to standard industrial curtailment provisions.

Paperboard operations are generally large consumers of energy, primarily natural gas and electricity. During fiscal 2017, natural gas and electricity costs were lower compared to fiscal 2016. The reduced costs were the result of both lower energy prices and lower usage rates. We expect natural gas and electricity pricing to remain fairly consistent in fiscal 2018. Electricity is supplied to the paper mill by Public Service of Oklahoma (PSO). This power company is working to switch its fuel source dependency to natural gas, which could impact our electricity rates in future years. Oklahoma is a regulated state for electricity services and all rate change requests must be presented to the Oklahoma Corporation Commission for review and approval before implementation.

Sales and Distribution

Gypsum Wallboard. The principal sources of demand for gypsum wallboard are (i) residential construction, (ii) repair and remodeling, (iii) non-residential construction, and (iv) other markets such as exports and manufactured housing.  We estimate that residential and repair and remodel construction accounted for more than 85% of calendar 2016 industry sales. Demand for gypsum wallboard remains highly cyclical; and closely follows construction industry cycles, particularly housing construction. Demand for wallboard can be seasonal and is generally greater from spring through the middle of autumn.

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We sell gypsum wallboard to numerous building materials dealers, gypsum wallboard specialty distributors, lumber yards, home center chains and other customers located throughout the United States, with the exception of the northeast. Gypsum wallboard is sold on a delivered basis, mostly by truck. We generally utilize third-party common carriers for deliveries. Two customers accounted for approximately 25% of our gypsum wallboard segment sales during fiscal 2017.

Although gypsum wallboard is distributed principally in local areas, certain industry producers (including the Company) have the ability to ship gypsum wallboard by rail outside their usual regional distribution areas to regions where demand is strong. We own approximately 100 railcars for transporting gypsum wallboard. In addition, in order to facilitate distribution in certain strategic areas, we maintain a distribution center in New Mexico. Our rail distribution capabilities permit us to service customers in markets on both the east and west coasts, except for the northeast. Approximately 10% of our wallboard volume sold was delivered via rail.

There are seven manufacturers of gypsum wallboard in the U.S. operating a total of approximately 60 plants. We estimate that the three largest producers - USG Corporation, National Gypsum Company and Koch Industries - account for approximately 60% of gypsum wallboard sales in the U.S. Due to the commodity nature of the product, competition is based principally on price, which is highly sensitive to changes in supply and demand. Product quality and customer service are also important to the customer.

Total wallboard rated production capacity in the United States is currently estimated at approximately 33.0 billion square feet per year; however, certain lines have been curtailed and plants closed or idled. It is possible that previously closed plants or lines could be brought back into service. The Gypsum Association, an industry trade group, estimates that total calendar 2016 gypsum wallboard shipments by U.S. manufacturers were approximately 24.7 billion square feet.

Recycled Paperboard. Our manufactured recycled paperboard products are sold to gypsum wallboard manufacturers and other industrial users. During fiscal 2017, approximately 35% of the recycled paperboard sold by our paper mill was consumed by the Company’s gypsum wallboard manufacturing operations. We also have contracts with two other gypsum wallboard manufacturers that represent approximately 50% of our total segment revenue with the remaining volume shipped to other gypsum liner manufacturers and bag producers.  The current contracts with other gypsum wallboard manufacturers expire in one and six years.  The loss of either of these contracts or a termination or reduction of their current production of gypsum wallboard, unless replaced by a commercially similar arrangement, could have a material adverse effect on the Company.

Environmental Matters

Gypsum Wallboard. The gypsum wallboard industry is subject to numerous federal, state and local laws and regulations pertaining to health, safety and the environment. Some of these laws, such as the federal Clean Air Act and the federal Clean Water Act (and analogous state laws), impose environmental permitting requirements and govern the nature and amount of emissions that may be generated when conducting particular operations. Some laws, such as CERCLA (and analogous state laws), impose obligations to clean up or remediate spills of hazardous materials into the environment. Other laws require us to reclaim certain land upon completion of extraction and mining operations in our quarries. None of our gypsum wallboard operations is the subject of any local, state or federal environmental proceedings or inquiries. We do not, and have not, used asbestos in any of our gypsum wallboard products.

On April 17, 2015, the EPA published its final rule addressing the storage, reuse and disposal of coal combustion products, which include fly ash and flue gas desulfurization gypsum (“synthetic gypsum”). We use synthetic gypsum in wallboard manufactured at our Georgetown, South Carolina plant. The rule, which applies only to electric utilities and independent power producers, establishes standards for the management of coal combustion residuals (“CCRs”) under Subtitle D of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, or RCRA, which is the Subtitle that regulates non-hazardous wastes. The rule imposes requirements addressing CCR surface impoundments and landfills, including location restrictions, design and operating specifications, groundwater monitoring requirements, corrective action requirements, recordkeeping and reporting obligations, and closure

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requirements. Beneficial encapsulated uses of CCRs, including synthetic gypsum, are exempt from regulation. The rule became effective on October 14, 2015. Given the EPA’s decision to continue to allow CCR to be used in synthetic gypsum and to regulate CCR under the non-hazardous waste sections of RCRA, we do not expect the rule to materially affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

In October 2015, the EPA strengthened the national ambient air quality standards (“NAAQS”) for ozone by lowering the primary and secondary standards from 75 parts per billion (ppb) to 70 ppb.  As a result of this change, the EPA is required to make attainment/nonattainment designations for the revised standards by October 2017.  Nonattainment designations in or surrounding our areas of operations could have a material impact on our consolidated financial results.  

Our gypsum wallboard manufacturing process combusts natural gas. It is possible that GHG emissions from our manufacturing could become subject to regulation under the CAA. For a more detailed discussion of this issue, see the “Environmental Matters” section of our cement business description on pages 8-12.

Although our gypsum wallboard operations could be adversely affected by federal, regional or state climate change initiatives, at this time, it is not possible to accurately estimate how future laws or regulations addressing GHG emissions would impact our business. However, any imposition of raw materials or production limitations, fuel-use or carbon taxes or emission limitations or reductions could have a significant impact on the gypsum wallboard manufacturing industry and a material adverse effect on the financial results of our operations.

Capital Expenditures

Gypsum Wallboard and Recycled Paperboard. There were no capital expenditures related to compliance with environmental regulations applicable to our gypsum wallboard and recycled paperboard operations during fiscal 2017. We anticipate capital expenditures of approximately $0.3 million related to our gypsum wallboard operations during fiscal 2018.

OIL AND GAS PROPPANTS OPERATIONS

Company Operations

We currently own two frac sand mines, three frac sand wet processing plants and three frac sand drying facilities. Our frac sand mines and wet plants are in New Auburn, Wisconsin and Utica, Illinois. Our frac sand drying facilities are currently in New Auburn, Wisconsin and Corpus Christi, Texas, as outlined in the table below. Sand is processed into various mesh sizes and marketed primarily to oil service companies.  We distribute sand through the following trans-load facilities to complement our production operations: El Reno, Oklahoma; Cotulla, Texas; Odessa, Texas; San Antonio, Texas; Pecos, Texas; Kenedy, Texas; and Fowlerton, Texas.  

We are currently planning the build out of our Utica, Illinois facility.  This build out will include the addition of a dry plant and distribution system.  We estimate that this build out will cost approximately $70.0 million and will be completed in the summer of 2018.

The following table provides information regarding our frac sand production facilities at March 31, 2017:

 

Wet Plant Location

 

Owned or

Leased

Reserves

 

Estimated

Annual Wet

Production

Capacity

(Thousand

tons)(3)

 

 

Estimated

Minimum

Reserves

(Thousand

Tons)(1)

 

 

Estimated

Minimum

Reserves

(Years)

 

 

 

Fiscal 2016

Tons Mined

(Thousand

Tons)(2)

 

New Auburn, Wisconsin

 

Owned

 

 

2,800

 

 

 

32,000

 

 

 

14

 

(2)

 

 

360

 

 

 

Leased

 

 

 

 

 

 

7,660

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Utica, Illinois

 

Owned

 

 

2,200

 

 

 

139,900

 

 

50+

 

 

 

 

 

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Dry Plant Location

 

Dry Plant

Capacity

(Thousand

Tons)

 

New Auburn, Wisconsin (two lines)

 

 

1,900

 

Corpus Christi, Texas

 

 

1,500

 

 

(1)

All sand tons are deemed to be probable under the definition provided by Industry Guide 7.

(2)

We have an option to purchase property that, if purchased, will increase our estimated minimum reserves to approximately 20 years.

(3)

Represents throughput capacity.

As a result of the decline in oil and gas drilling, and the corresponding reduction in demand for proppants, we elected to temporarily idle our Utica, Illinois and Corpus Christi, Texas facilities during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2016, and these facilities remained idled throughout fiscal 2017.  Additionally, the Fowlerton, Texas; Kenedy, Texas and Cotulla, Texas trans-load operations remained idled throughout fiscal 2017.  Our facilities are relatively new, and are in very good physical condition.  We plan on resuming business at these facilities in the future when demand for proppants increases, and additional capacity is needed.  The cost of maintaining these idled facilities is not considered to be significant.  Due to the decline in demand for proppants, and the idling of the operating facilities and three trans-load locations, we performed a test for impairment on the long-lived assets of the oil and gas proppants segment.  Based on the results of this test, no impairment was recorded.  See Critical Accounting Policies, Impairment of Long-Lived Assets on page 45 for more information about the test for impairment.

Raw Materials and Fuel Supplies

We mine our frac sand from open pit mines, and process the sand in our wet plants. The excavation process includes stripping the overburden overlaying the planned mining area, and removing the sand through blasting or mechanically with the use of mobile equipment. Processing includes washing the sand with water, and screening to remove non-salable material after which the sand is dried and further screened to its final mesh sizes, which range from 20 mesh to 140 mesh. During the winter months, the cold weather adversely impacts our ability to operate our wet processing plants, resulting in these plants being shut-down for much of the winter.  Generally, our New Auburn, Wisconsin facility is impacted more by the weather than our Utica, Illinois facility.  

Natural gas is the major fuel used in our wet and dry plants. The cost of natural gas declined throughout fiscal 2017, and is not expected to fluctuate materially in fiscal 2018. Electricity and water are also major cost component in our manufacturing process. We do not anticipate significant changes in the cost of these utilities in fiscal 2018.

Sales and Distribution

A portion of the frac sand we produce is sold under long-term contracts that require our customers to pay a specified price per mesh size for a specified volume of sand each month, or quarter depending on the contract. The terms of our customer contracts, including pricing, delivery and mesh distribution, vary by customer. Certain of our long-term customer contracts contain liquidated damages for non-performance by our customers. The decline in U.S. rig count and completion activity during fiscal 2016 adversely impacted oil and gas activity leading to reduced demand and pricing for proppants.  As a result, we renegotiated certain provisions of our long-term contracts with certain customers. The renegotiated contracts reflect the reduced demand for frac sand in the current environment by restructuring the contracts to provide reduced contracted sales volumes and prices in the near term, with the contracted minimums being increased in the later years.  In addition to the long-term sales contracts, we sell frac sand through our distribution network under short-term pricing and other agreements. The terms of our short-term pricing agreements vary by customer.

We currently have contracts to provide frac sand to four customers, which comprised approximately 70% of our segment revenues for fiscal 2017.  These contracts have a remaining life of approximately four years.

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We utilize in basin trans-load facilities as a part of our distribution network.  The San Antonio, Texas; Cotulla, Texas; Pecos, Texas and Odessa, Texas trans-load locations are supplied by rail, and operated by third-party contractors.  The El Reno, Oklahoma trans-load location is also supplied by rail, and is operated by company personnel.  Frac sand is delivered to the sites in rail cars specifically designed for loading and unloading sand.  At March 31, 2017, we had approximately 1,000 rail cars under lease, with an average term of approximately four years.  Our Corpus Christi location is served by barge, and the Kenedy, Texas and Fowlerton, Texas trans-load sites are served by truck from Corpus Christi.  

Environmental Matters

We and the commercial silica industry are subject to extensive governmental regulation pertaining to matters such as permitting and licensing requirements, plant and wildlife protection, hazardous materials, air and water emissions, and environmental contamination and reclamation. A variety of federal, state and local agencies have established, implement and enforce these regulations.

Federal Regulation. At the federal level, we may be required to obtain permits under Section 404 of the Clean Water Act from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for the discharge of dredged or fill material into waters of the United States, including wetlands and streams, in connection with our operations. We also may be required to obtain permits under Section 402 of the Clean Water Act from the EPA or the state environmental agencies, to which the EPA has delegated local implementation of the permit program, for discharges of pollutants into waters of the United States, including discharges of wastewater or storm-water runoff associated with construction activities. Failure to obtain these required permits or to comply with their terms could subject us to administrative, civil and criminal penalties as well as injunctive relief.

The U.S. Clean Air Act and comparable state laws regulate emissions of various air pollutants through air emissions permitting programs and the imposition of other requirements. These regulatory programs may require us to install expensive emissions abatement equipment, modify operational practices, and obtain permits for existing or new operations. Before commencing construction on a new or modified source of air emissions, such laws may require us to reduce emissions at existing facilities. As a result, we may be required to incur increased capital and operating costs to comply with these regulations. We could be subject to administrative, civil and criminal penalties as well as injunctive relief for noncompliance with air permits or other requirements of the U.S. Clean Air Act and comparable state laws and regulations.

As part of our operations, we utilize or store petroleum products and other substances such as diesel fuel, lubricating oils and hydraulic fluid. We are subject to regulatory programs pertaining to the storage, use, transportation and disposal of these substances. Spills or releases may occur in the course of our operations, and we could incur substantial costs and liabilities as a result of such spills or releases, including claims for damage or injury to property and persons. CERCLA and comparable state laws may impose joint and several liability, without regard to fault or legality of conduct, on classes of persons who are considered to be responsible for the release of hazardous substances into the environment. These persons include the owner or operator of the site where the release occurred and anyone who disposed of or arranged for disposal, including offsite disposal, of a hazardous substance generated or released at the site. Under CERCLA, such persons may be subject to liability for the costs of cleaning up the hazardous substances, for damages to natural resources, and for the costs of certain health studies. In addition, it is not uncommon for neighboring landowners and other third parties to file claims for personal injury and property damage allegedly caused by the hazardous substances released into the environment.

In addition, RCRA and comparable state statutes regulate the generation, transportation, treatment, storage, disposal and cleanup of hazardous and non-hazardous wastes. The EPA and state environmental agencies, to which the EPA has delegated portions of the RCRA program for local implementation, administer the RCRA program.

Our operations may also be subject to broad environmental review under the National Environmental Policy Act (“NEPA”). NEPA requires federal agencies to evaluate the environmental impact of all “major federal actions” significantly affecting the quality of the human environment. The granting of a federal permit for a major development project, such as a mining operation, may be considered a “major federal action” that requires review under NEPA. Therefore, our projects may require review and evaluation under NEPA. As part of this evaluation, the federal agency considers a broad array of environmental impacts, including, among other things, impacts on air

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quality, water quality, wildlife (including threatened and endangered species), historic and archaeological resources, geology, socioeconomics and aesthetics. NEPA also requires the consideration of alternatives to the project. The NEPA review process, especially the preparation of a full environmental impact statement, can be time consuming and expensive. The purpose of the NEPA review process is to inform federal agencies’ decision-making on whether federal approval should be granted for a project and to provide the public with an opportunity to comment on the environmental impacts of a proposed project. Though NEPA requires only that an environmental evaluation be conducted and does not mandate a particular result, a federal agency could decide to deny a permit or impose certain conditions on its approval, based on its environmental review under NEPA, or a third party could challenge the adequacy of a NEPA review and thereby delay the issuance of a federal permit or approval.

Federal agencies granting permits for our operations also must consider impacts to endangered and threatened species and their habitat under the Endangered Species Act. We also must comply with and are subject to liability under the Endangered Species Act, which prohibits and imposes stringent penalties for the harming of endangered or threatened species and their habitat. Federal agencies also must consider a project’s impacts on historic or archaeological resources under the National Historic Preservation Act, and we may be required to conduct archaeological surveys of project sites and to avoid or preserve historical areas or artifacts.

State and Local Regulation. We are also subject to a variety of state and local environmental review and permitting requirements. Some states, including Wisconsin where one of our operations is located, have state laws similar to NEPA; thus our development of a new site or the expansion of an existing site may be subject to comprehensive state environmental reviews even if it is not subject to NEPA. In some cases, the state environmental review may be more stringent than the federal review. Our operations may require state-law based permits in addition to federal permits, requiring state agencies to consider a range of issues, many the same as federal agencies, including, among other things, a project’s impact on wildlife and their habitats, historic and archaeological sites, aesthetics, agricultural operations, and scenic areas. Wisconsin and some other states also have specific permitting and review processes for commercial silica mining operations, and state agencies may impose different or additional monitoring or mitigation requirements than federal agencies. The development of new sites and our existing operations also are subject to a variety of local environmental and regulatory requirements, including land use, zoning, building, and transportation requirements.

Some local communities have expressed concern regarding silica sand mining operations. These concerns have generally included exposure to ambient silica sand dust, truck traffic, water usage, and blasting. In response, certain state and local communities have developed or are in the process of developing regulations or zoning restrictions intended to minimize the potential for dust to become airborne, control the flow of truck traffic, significantly curtail the area available for mining activities, require compensation to local residents for potential impacts of mining activities and, in some cases, ban issuance of new permits for mining activities. We are not aware of any proposals for significant increased scrutiny on the part of state or local regulators in the jurisdictions in which we operate or community concerns with respect to our operations that would reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, or results of operations going forward.

Planned expansion of our mining and production capacity in new communities could be more significantly impacted by increased regulatory activity. Difficulty or delays in obtaining or inability to obtain new mining permits or increased costs of compliance with future state and local regulatory requirements could have a material negative impact on our ability to grow our business. In an effort to minimize these risks, we continue to be engaged with local communities in order to grow and maintain strong relationships with residents and regulators.

Capital Expenditures

There were no capital expenditures related to compliance with environmental regulations applicable to our oil and gas proppants operations during fiscal 2017, and we do not anticipate any such expenditures during fiscal 2018.

Employees

As of March 31, 2017, we had approximately 2,200 employees, of which approximately 800 were employed under collective bargaining agreements and various supplemental agreements with local unions.

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Where You Can Find More Information

We make our annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, the proxy statement, current reports on Form 8-K, and all amendments to these reports available free of charge through the investor relations page of our website, located at www.eaglematerials.com as soon as reasonably practicable after they are filed with or furnished to the SEC. This reference to our website is merely intended to suggest where additional information may be obtained by investors, and the materials and other information presented on our website are not incorporated in and should not otherwise be considered part of this Report. Alternatively, you may contact our investor relations department directly at (214) 432-2000 or by writing to Eagle Materials Inc., Investor Relations, 3811 Turtle Creek Blvd., Suite 1100, Dallas, Texas 75219.

ITEM 1A.

RISK FACTORS

The foregoing discussion of our business and operations should be read together with the risk factors set forth below. They describe various risks and uncertainties to which we are or may become subject, many of which are outside of our control. These risks and uncertainties, together with other factors described elsewhere in this Report, have affected, or may in the future affect, our business, operations, financial condition and results of operations in a material and adverse manner.

We are affected by the level of demand in the construction industry.

Demand for our construction products and building materials is directly related to the level of activity in the construction industry, which includes residential, commercial and infrastructure construction. While the most recent downturn in residential and commercial construction, which began in calendar 2007, materially impacted our business, certain economic fundamentals began improving in calendar 2012, and have continued to improve through calendar 2016; however, the rate and sustainability of such improvement remains uncertain. Infrastructure spending continues to be adversely impacted by a number of factors, including the budget constraints currently being experienced by federal, state and local governments. Any decrease in the amount of government funds available for such projects or any decrease in construction activity in general (including any weakness in residential construction or commercial construction) could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Our business is seasonal in nature, and this causes our quarterly results to vary significantly.

A majority of our business is seasonal with peak revenues and profits occurring primarily in the months of April through November when the weather in our markets is more suitable for construction activity. Quarterly results have varied significantly in the past and are likely to vary significantly in the future. Such variations could have a negative impact on the price of our common stock.

We are subject to the risk of unfavorable weather conditions, particularly during peak construction periods, as well as other unexpected operational difficulties.

Unfavorable weather conditions, such as snow, cold weather, hurricanes, tropical storms and heavy or sustained rainfall, can reduce construction activity and adversely affect demand for construction products. Such weather conditions can also increase our costs, reduce our production or impede our ability to transport our products in an efficient and cost-effective manner. Similarly, operational difficulties, such as business interruption due to required maintenance, capital improvement projects or loss of power, can increase our costs and reduce our production. In particular, the occurrence of unfavorable weather conditions and other unexpected operational difficulties during peak construction periods could adversely affect operating income and cash flow and could have a disproportionate impact on our results of operations for the full year.

We and our customers participate in cyclical industries and regional markets, which are subject to industry downturns.

A majority of our revenues are from customers who are in industries and businesses that are cyclical in nature and subject to changes in general economic conditions. For example, many of our customers operate in the construction industry, which is affected by a variety of factors, such as general economic conditions, changes in

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interest rates, demographic and population shifts, levels of infrastructure spending and other factors beyond our control. In addition, since our operations are in a variety of geographic markets, our businesses are subject to differing economic conditions in each such geographic market. Economic downturns in the industries to which we sell our products or localized downturns in the regions where we have operations generally have an adverse effect on demand for our products and adversely affect the collectability of our receivables. In general, any downturns in these industries or regions could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Many of our products are commodities, which are subject to significant changes in supply and demand and price fluctuations.

Many of the products sold by us are commodities and competition among manufacturers is based largely on price. Prices are often subject to material changes in response to relatively minor fluctuations in supply and demand, general economic conditions and other market conditions beyond our control. Increases in the production capacity of industry participants for products such as gypsum wallboard or cement or increases in cement imports tend to create an oversupply of such products leading to an imbalance between supply and demand, which can have a negative impact on product prices. Currently, there continues to be significant excess nameplate capacity in the gypsum wallboard industry in the United States. There can be no assurance that prices for products sold by us will not decline in the future or that such declines will not have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Our Cement business is capital intensive, resulting in significant fixed and semi-fixed costs. Therefore, our earnings are sensitive to changes in volume.

Due to the high levels of fixed capital required to produce cement, our profitability is susceptible to significant changes in volume. Although we believe that our current cash balance, along with our projected internal cash flows and our available financing resources, will provide sufficient cash to support our currently anticipated operating and capital needs, if we are unable to generate sufficient cash to purchase and maintain the property and machinery necessary to operate our cement business, we may be required to reduce or delay planned capital expenditures or incur additional debt. In addition, given the level of fixed and semi-fixed costs within our cement business and at our cement production facilities, decreases in volumes could have an adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations and liquidity.

Our Oil and Gas Proppants business and financial performance depends on the level of activity in the oil and natural gas industries.

Our operations that produce frac sand are materially dependent on the levels of activity in natural gas and oil exploration, development and production. More specifically, the demand for the frac sand we produce is closely related to the number of natural gas and oil wells completed in geological formations where sand-based proppants are used in fracture treatments. These activity levels are affected by both short- and long-term trends in natural gas and oil prices. In recent years, natural gas and oil prices and, therefore, the level of exploration, development and production activity, have experienced significant fluctuations. Worldwide economic, political and military events, including war, terrorist activity, events in the Middle East and initiatives by the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries, have contributed, and are likely to continue to contribute, to price volatility. Additionally, warmer than normal winters in North America and other weather patterns may adversely impact the short-term demand for natural gas and, therefore, demand for our products. Reduction in demand for natural gas to generate electricity could also adversely impact the demand for frac sand. A prolonged reduction in natural gas and oil prices would generally depress the level of natural gas and oil exploration, development, production and well completion activity and result in a corresponding decline in the demand for the frac sand we produce. In addition, any future decreases in the rate at which oil and natural gas reserves are discovered or developed, whether due to increased governmental regulation, limitations on exploration and drilling activity or other factors, could have material adverse effect on our oil and gas proppants business, even in a stronger natural gas and oil price environment.

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Any material nonpayment or nonperformance by any of our key customers could have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations.

Any material nonpayment or nonperformance by any of our key customers could have a material adverse effect on our revenue and cash flows, in particular with respect to our Oil and Gas Proppants business.  Our contracts with our customers provide for different potential remedies to us in the event a customer fails to purchase the minimum contracted amount of product in a given period.  If we were to pursue legal remedies in the event a customer failed to purchase the minimum contracted amount of product under a fixed-volume contract or failed to satisfy the take-or-pay commitment under a take-or-pay contract, we may receive significantly less in a judgment or settlement of any claimed breach than we would have received had the customer fully performed under the contract.  In the event of any customer’s breach, we may also choose to renegotiate any disputed contract on less favorable terms (including with respect to price and volumes) to us to preserve the relationship with that customer.  Accordingly, any material nonpayment or performance by our customers could have a material adverse effect on our revenue and cash flows.

Volatility and disruption of financial markets could affect access to credit.

Difficult economic conditions can cause a contraction in the availability, and increase the cost, of credit in the marketplace. A number of our customers or suppliers have been and may continue to be adversely affected by unsettled conditions in capital and credit markets, which in some cases have made it more difficult or costly for them to finance their business operations. These unsettled conditions have the potential to reduce the sources of liquidity for the Company and our customers.

Our and our customers’ operations are subject to extensive governmental regulation, including environmental laws, which can be costly and burdensome.

Our operations and those of our customers are subject to and affected by federal, state and local laws and regulations with respect to such matters as land usage, street and highway usage, noise level and health and safety and environmental matters. In many instances, various certificates, permits or licenses are required in order for us or our customers to conduct business or carry out construction and related operations. Although we believe that we are in compliance in all material respects with applicable regulatory requirements, there can be no assurance that we will not incur material costs or liabilities in connection with regulatory requirements or that demand for our products will not be adversely affected by regulatory issues affecting our customers. In addition, future developments, such as the discovery of new facts or conditions, the enactment or adoption of new or stricter laws or regulations or stricter interpretations of existing laws or regulations, may impose new liabilities on us, require additional investment by us or prevent us from opening, expanding or modifying plants or facilities, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition or results of operations.

For example, greenhouse gasses (“GHGs”) currently are regulated as pollutants under the CAA and subject to reporting and permitting requirements. Future consequences of GHG permitting requirements and potential emission reduction measures for our operations may be significant because (1) the cement manufacturing process requires the combustion of large amounts of fuel, (2) in our cement manufacturing process, the production of carbon dioxide is a byproduct of the calcination process, whereby carbon dioxide is removed from calcium carbonate to produce calcium oxide, and (3) our gypsum wallboard manufacturing process combusts a significant amount of fossil fuel, especially natural gas. In addition, the EPA has proposed to regulate GHG emissions from existing fossil fuel-fired power plants as a result of the EPA’s promulgation of new source performance standards for the same sources.  In the future, the EPA is expected to propose new source performance standards for cement manufacturing, which similarly will trigger a requirement for the EPA to promulgate regulations relating to existing cement manufacturing facilities.  The timing of such regulation is uncertain.  

On September 9, 2010, the EPA finalized National Emissions Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants, or NESHAP, for Portland cement plants (“PC NESHAP”). The PC NESHAP requires a significant reduction in emissions of certain hazardous air pollutants from Portland cement kilns. The PC NESHAP sets limits on mercury emissions from existing Portland cement kilns and increases the stringency of emission limits for new kilns. The PC NESHAP also sets emission limits for total hydrocarbons, particulate matter (as a surrogate for metal pollutants)

21

 


and acid gases from cement kilns of all sizes. The PC NESHAP was scheduled to take full effect in September 2013; however, as a result of a decision by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit in Portland Cement Ass’n. v. EPA, 665 F.3d 177 (D.C. Cir.) arising from industry challenges to the PC NESHAP, the EPA proposed a settlement agreement with industry petitioners in May 2012. In February 2013, the EPA published the final revised rule to the PC NESHAP which extended the compliance date until September 9, 2015 for existing cement kilns and made certain changes to the rules governing particulate matter monitoring methods and emissions limits, among other revisions. The 2013 revised rule was challenged in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit and on April 18, 2014, the court vacated the affirmative defense provision.  The court upheld the EPA’s particulate matter emission standards and extended compliance date.  On November 19, 2014, the EPA proposed a rule removing the affirmative defense provision and making minor technical corrections to the regulations.

On March 21, 2011, the EPA proposed revised Standards of Performance for New Sources and Emissions Guidelines for Existing Sources for Commercial/Industrial Solid Waste Incinerators (the “CISWI Rule”) per Section 129 of the CAA, which created emission standards for 4 subcategories of industrial facilities, one of which is “Waste Burning Kilns.” The EPA simultaneously stayed the CISWI Rule for further reconsideration. Effective as of February 13, 2013, the EPA finalized revisions to the CISWI Rule. For those cement kilns that utilize non-hazardous secondary materials (“NHSM”) as defined in a rule first finalized on March 21, 2011 (and slightly revised effective on February 13, 2013), the CISWI Rule will require significant reductions in emissions of certain pollutants from applicable cement kilns. The CISWI Rule sets forth emission standards for mercury, carbon monoxide, acid gases, nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide, certain metals (lead and cadmium), particulate matter and more stringent standards than PC NESHAP for dioxin/furans. The CISWI Rule as currently promulgated may materially increase capital costs and costs for production but only for those facilities that will be using applicable solid wastes as fuel. The compliance date for this rule is February 7, 2018 (either 3 years after State CISWI plan approval, or 5 years from the date of the final CISWI Rule, whichever is sooner). It is anticipated that the CISWI Rule may materially increase capital costs and costs of production for the Company and the industry as a whole.

On April 17, 2015, the EPA published its final rule addressing the storage, reuse and disposal of coal combustion products, which include fly ash and flue gas desulfurization gypsum (“synthetic gypsum”). We use synthetic gypsum in wallboard manufactured at our Georgetown, South Carolina plant. The rule, which applies only to electric utilities and independent power producers, establishes standards for the management of coal combustion residuals (CCRs) under Subtitle D of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, or RCRA, which is the Subtitle that regulates non-hazardous wastes. The rule imposes requirements addressing CCR surface impoundments and landfills, including location restrictions, design and operating specifications, groundwater monitoring requirements, corrective action requirements, recordkeeping and reporting obligations, and closure requirements. Beneficial encapsulated uses of CCRs, including synthetic gypsum, are exempt from regulation. The rule became effective on October 14, 2015, with many of the requirements phased in months or years after the effective date. Given the EPA’s decision to continue to allow CCR to be used in synthetic gypsum and to regulate CCR under the non-hazardous waste sections of RCRA, we do not expect the rule to materially affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

On October 1, 2015, the EPA lowered the primary and secondary ozone standards from the current 8-hour standard of 75 parts per billion (“ppb”) to 70 ppb.  The EPA also strengthened the secondary ozone standard to improve protection for trees, plants and ecosystems. Like the primary standard, an area will meet the secondary standard if the fourth-highest maximum daily 8-hour ozone concentration per year, averaged over three years, is equal to or less than 70 ppb.  The EPA based the secondary standard on the “W126 metric,” an index designed to show the cumulative impact of ozone on plants and trees seasonally.  The EPA has issued an implementation memo describing how it will determine whether the ozone levels in areas across the country, typically on a county level, are above the new standards. Areas above the new standards will be designated as “nonattainment;” areas at or below the new standards will be designated “attainment.”  In states with major emitting sources located in or near designated nonattainment areas, States will impose new and costly regulatory requirements.  For areas that are determined to be in non-attainment, states will be required to develop plans to bring the areas into attainment by as early as 2020.  At this time, it is not possible to determine whether any area in which we operate will be designated nonattainment.  However, if that occurs, we may be required to meet new control requirements requiring significant capital expenditures for compliance.

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Our cement plants located in Kansas City, Missouri and Tulsa, Oklahoma are subject to certain obligations under a consent decree with the United States requiring the establishment of facility-specific emissions limitations for certain air pollutants. Limitations that significantly restrict emissions levels beyond current operating levels may require additional investments by us or place limitations on operations, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition or results of operations.

Our cement plant in Tulsa, Oklahoma is subject to NESHAP for hazardous waste combustors (the “HWC MACT”), which imposes emission limitations and operating limits on cement kilns that are fueled by hazardous wastes. Compliance with the HWC MACT could impose additional liabilities on us or require additional investment by us, which could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition or results of operations. In addition, new developments, such as new laws or regulations, may impose new liabilities on us, require additional investment by us or prevent us from operating or expanding plants or facilities, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition or results of operations. For example, while the HWC MACT has not been updated since 2008, 73 Fed. Reg. 64068 (Oct. 28, 2008), future revisions to the HWC MACT regulations would apply to both of the cement kilns used at the cement plant in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Such revision could require new control requirements and significant capital expenditure for compliance. In 2013, the EPA adopted the final CISWI Rule (as discussed above) that likely will apply to the cement kiln used by the cement plant in Sugar Creek, Missouri and the two cement kilns at Nevada Cement Company, and may impose new control requirements requiring significant capital expenditures for compliance. Existing CISWI units will need to comply with the CISWI Rule when it becomes effective, which is expected to occur in early 2018.

We may incur significant costs in connection with pending and future litigation.

We are, or may become, party to various lawsuits, claims, investigations and proceedings, including but not limited to personal injury, environmental, antitrust (including the wallboard antitrust class actions, the homebuilder suit and the DOJ investigation), tax, asbestos, property entitlements and land use, intellectual property, commercial, contract, product liability, health and safety, and employment matters. The outcome of pending or future lawsuits, claims, investigations or proceedings is often difficult to predict and could be adverse and material in amount. Development in these proceedings can lead to changes in management’s estimates of liabilities associated with these proceedings including the judge’s rulings or judgments, settlements or changes in applicable law.  A future adverse ruling, settlement or unfavorable development could result in charges that could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and cash flows in a particular period.  In addition, the defense of these lawsuits, claims, investigations and proceedings may divert our management’s attention and we may incur significant costs in defending these matters. See Part I Item 3. Legal Proceedings of this report.

Our results of operations are subject to significant changes in the cost and availability of fuel, energy and other raw materials.

Major cost components in each of our businesses are the costs of fuel, energy and raw materials. Significant increases in the costs of fuel, energy or raw materials or substantial decreases in their availability could materially and adversely affect our sales and operating profits. Prices for fuel, energy or raw materials used in connection with our businesses could change significantly in a short period of time for reasons outside our control. Prices for fuel and electrical power, which are significant components of the costs associated with our gypsum wallboard and cement businesses, have fluctuated significantly in recent years and may increase in the future. In the event of large or rapid increases in prices, we may not be able to pass the increases through to our customers in full, which would reduce our operating margin.

Changes in the cost or availability of raw materials supplied by third parties may adversely affect our operating and financial performance.

We generally maintain our own reserves of limestone, gypsum, aggregates and other materials that we use to manufacture our products. However, we obtain certain raw materials used to manufacture our products, such as synthetic gypsum and slag granules, from third parties who produce such materials as by-products of industrial processes. While we try to secure our needed supply of such materials through long-term contracts, those contracts may not be sufficient to meet our needs or we may be unable to renew or replace existing contracts when they expire

23

 


or are terminated in the future. Should our existing suppliers cease operations or reduce or eliminate production of these by-products, our costs to procure these materials may increase significantly or we may be obliged to procure alternatives to replace these materials, which may not be available on commercially reasonable terms or at all. Any such development may adversely affect our operations and financial condition.

We may become subject to significant clean-up, remediation and other liabilities under applicable environmental laws.

Our operations are subject to state, federal and local environmental laws and regulations, which impose liability for cleanup or remediation of environmental pollution and hazardous waste arising from past acts. These laws and regulations also require pollution control and prevention, site restoration and operating permits and/or approvals to conduct certain of our operations or expand or modify our facilities. Certain of our operations may from time-to-time involve the use of substances that are classified as toxic or hazardous substances within the meaning of these laws and regulations. Additionally, any future laws or regulations addressing GHG emissions would likely have a negative impact on our business or results of operations, whether through the imposition of raw material or production limitations, fuel-use or carbon taxes emission limitations or reductions or otherwise. We are unable to estimate accurately the impact on our business or results of operations of any such law or regulation at this time. Risk of environmental liability (including the incurrence of fines, penalties or other sanctions or litigation liability) is inherent in the operation of our businesses. As a result, it is possible that environmental liabilities and compliance with environmental regulations could have a material adverse effect on our operations in the future.

Significant changes in the cost and availability of transportation could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Some of the raw materials used in our manufacturing processes, such as coal or coke, are transported to our facilities by truck or rail. In addition, transportation logistics play an important part in allowing us to supply products to our customers, whether by truck, rail or barge. For example, we deliver gypsum wallboard to many areas of the United States and the transportation costs associated with the delivery of our wallboard products represent a significant portion of the variable cost of our gypsum wallboard segment. Significant increases in the cost of fuel or energy can result in material increases in the cost of transportation, which could materially and adversely affect our operating profits. In addition, reductions in the availability of certain modes of transportation such as rail or trucking could limit our ability to deliver product and therefore materially and adversely affect our operating profits.

Our debt agreements contain restrictive covenants and require us to meet certain financial ratios and tests, which limit our flexibility and could give rise to a default if we are unable to remain in compliance.

Our Credit Facility, Senior Unsecured Notes and Private Placement Note Purchase Agreements governing our Private Placement Senior Unsecured Notes contain, among other things, covenants that limit our ability to finance future operations or capital needs or to engage in other business activities, including but not limited to our ability to:

 

Incur additional indebtedness;

 

Sell assets or make other fundamental changes;

 

Engage in mergers and acquisitions;

 

Pay dividends and make other restricted payments;

 

Make investments, loans, advances or guarantees;

 

Encumber our assets or those of our restricted subsidiaries;

 

Enter into transactions with our affiliates.

In addition, these agreements require us to meet and maintain certain financial ratios and tests, which may require that we take action to reduce our debt or to act in a manner contrary to our business objectives. Events beyond our control, including the changes in general business and economic conditions, may impair our ability to comply with these covenants or meet those financial ratios and tests. A breach of any of these covenants or failure

24

 


to maintain the required ratios and meet the required tests may result in an event of default under these agreements. This may allow the lenders under these agreements to declare all amounts outstanding to be immediately due and payable, terminate any commitments to extend further credit to us and pursue other remedies available to them under the applicable agreements. If this occurs, our indebtedness may be accelerated and we may not be able to refinance the accelerated indebtedness on favorable terms, or at all, or repay the accelerated indebtedness. In general, the occurrence of any event of default under these agreements could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition or results of operations.

We have incurred substantial indebtedness, which could adversely affect our business, limit our ability to plan for or respond to changes in our business and reduce our profitability.

Our future ability to satisfy our debt obligations is subject, to some extent, to financial, market, competitive, legislative, regulatory and other factors that are beyond our control. Our substantial debt obligations could have negative consequences to our business, and in particular could impede, restrict or delay the implementation of our business strategy or prevent us from entering into transactions that would otherwise benefit our business. For example:

 

we may be required to dedicate a substantial portion of our cash flows from operations to payments on our indebtedness, thereby reducing the availability of our cash flow for other purposes, including business development efforts, capital expenditures or strategic acquisitions;

 

we may not be able to generate sufficient cash flow to meet our substantial debt service obligations or to fund our other liquidity needs. If this occurs, we may have to take actions such as selling assets, selling equity or reducing or delaying capital expenditures, strategic acquisitions, investments and joint ventures or restructuring our debt;

 

as a result of the amount of our outstanding indebtedness and the restrictive covenants to which we are subject, if we determine that we require additional financing to fund future working capital, capital investments or other business activities, we may not be able to obtain such financing on commercially reasonable terms, or at all; and

 

our flexibility in planning for, or reacting to, changes in our business and industry may be limited, thereby placing us at a competitive disadvantage compared to our competitors that have less indebtedness.

Our production facilities may experience unexpected equipment failures, catastrophic events and scheduled maintenance.

Interruptions in our production capabilities may cause our productivity and results of operations to decline significantly during the affected period. Our manufacturing processes are dependent upon critical pieces of equipment. Such equipment may, on occasion, be out of service as a result of unanticipated events such as fires, explosions, violent weather conditions or unexpected operational difficulties. We also have periodic scheduled shut-downs to perform maintenance on our facilities. Any significant interruption in production capability may require us to make significant capital expenditures to remedy problems or damage as well as cause us to lose revenue and profits due to lost production time, which could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.

Increases in interest rates and inflation could adversely affect our business and demand for our products, which would have an adverse effect on our results of operations.

Our business is significantly affected by the movement of interest rates. Interest rates have a direct impact on the level of residential, commercial and infrastructure construction activity by impacting the cost of borrowed funds to builders. Higher interest rates could result in decreased demand for our products, which would have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations. In addition, increases in interest rates could result in higher interest expense related to borrowings under our Credit Facility. Inflation can result in higher interest rates. With inflation, the costs of capital increase, and the purchasing power of our cash resources can decline. Current or future

25

 


efforts by the government to stimulate the economy may increase the risk of significant inflation, which could have a direct and indirect adverse impact on our business and results of operations.

Any new business opportunities we may elect to pursue will be subject to the risks typically associated with the early stages of business development or product line expansion.

We are continuing to pursue opportunities which are natural extensions of our existing core businesses and which allow us to leverage our core competencies, existing infrastructure and customer relationships. See “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Conditions and Results of Operations – Executive Summary.” Our likelihood of success in pursuing and realizing these opportunities must be considered in light of the expenses, difficulties and delays frequently encountered in connection with the early phases of business development or product line expansion, including the difficulties involved in obtaining permits; planning and constructing new facilities; transporting and storing products; establishing, maintaining or expanding customer relationships; as well as navigating the regulatory environment in which we operate. There can be no assurance that we will be successful in the pursuit and realization of these opportunities.

We may be adversely affected by decreased demand for frac sand or the development of either effective alternative proppants or new processes to replace hydraulic fracturing.

Frac sand is a proppant used in the completion and re-completion of natural gas and oil wells through hydraulic fracturing. Frac sand is the most commonly used proppant and is less expensive than ceramic proppant, which is also used in hydraulic fracturing to stimulate and maintain oil and natural gas production. A significant shift in demand from frac sand to other proppants, such as ceramic proppants, could have a material adverse effect on our oil and gas proppants business. The development and use of other effective alternative proppants or the development of new processes to replace hydraulic fracturing altogether, could also cause a decline in demand for the frac sand we produce and could have a material adverse effect on our oil and gas proppants business.

Our operations are dependent on our rights and ability to mine our properties and on our having renewed or received the required permits and approvals from governmental authorities and other third parties.

We hold numerous governmental, environmental, mining and other permits, water rights and approvals authorizing operations at many of our facilities. A decision by a governmental agency or other third party to deny or delay issuing a new or renewed permit or approval, or to revoke or substantially modify an existing permit or approval, could have a material adverse effect on our ability to continue operations at the affected facility. Expansion of our existing operations is also predicated on securing the necessary environmental or other permits, water rights or approvals, which we may not receive in a timely manner or at all.

Title to, and the area of, mineral properties and water rights may also be disputed. Mineral properties sometimes contain claims or transfer histories that examiners cannot verify. A successful claim that we do not have title to one or more of our properties or lack appropriate water rights could cause us to lose any rights to explore, develop and extract any minerals on that property, without compensation for our prior expenditures relating to such property. Our business may suffer a material adverse effect in the event one or more of our properties are determined to have title deficiencies.

In some instances, we have received access rights or easements from third parties, which allow for a more efficient operation than would exist without the access or easement. A third party could take action to suspend the access or easement, and any such action could be materially averse to or results of operations or financial conditions.

A cyber-attack or data security breach affecting our information technology systems may negatively affect our businesses, financial condition and operating results.

We use information technology systems to collect, store and transmit the data needed to operate our businesses, including our confidential and proprietary information. Although we have implemented industry-standard security safeguards and policies to prevent unauthorized access or disclosure of such information, we cannot prevent all cyber-attacks or data security breaches. If such an attack or breach occurs, our businesses could

26

 


be negatively affected, and we could incur additional costs in remediating the attack or breach and suffer reputational harm due to the theft or disclosure of our confidential information.

We may pursue acquisitions, joint ventures and other transactions that are intended to complement or expand our businesses.  We may not be able to complete proposed transactions, and even if completed, the transactions may involve a number of risks that may result in a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, operating results and cash flows.

As business conditions warrant and our financial resources permit, we may pursue opportunities to acquire businesses or technologies and to form joint ventures that we believe could complement, enhance or expand our current businesses or product lines or that might otherwise offer us growth opportunities.  We may have difficulty identifying appropriate opportunities, or if we do identify opportunities, we may not be successful in completing transactions for a number of reasons.  Any transactions that we are able to identify and complete may involve one or more of a number of risks, including:

 

the diversion of management’s attention from our existing businesses to integrate the operations and personnel of the acquired business or joint venture;

 

possible adverse effects on our operating results during the integration process;

 

failure of the acquired business or joint venture to achieve expected operational, profitability and investment return objectives;

 

the incurrence of significant charges, such as impairment of goodwill or intangible assets, asset devaluation or restructuring charges;

 

the assumption of unanticipated liabilities and costs for which indemnification is unavailable or inadequate;

 

unforeseen difficulties encountered in operating in new geographic areas; and

 

the inability to achieve other intended objectives of the transaction

In addition, we may not be able to successfully or profitably integrate, operate, maintain and manage our newly acquired operations or their employees.  We may not be able to maintain uniform standards, controls, procedures and policies, which may lead to operational inefficiencies.  In addition, future acquisitions may result in dilutive issuances of equity securities or the incurrence of additional indebtedness.

Our bylaws include a forum selection clause, which could limit our stockholders’ ability to obtain a favorable judicial forum for disputes with us.

Our bylaws provide that, unless we consent in writing to the selection of an alternative forum, the sole and exclusive forum for (i) any internal corporate claims within the meaning of the Delaware General Corporation Law (“DGCL”), (ii) any derivative action or proceeding brought on our behalf, (iii) any action asserting a claim of breach of a fiduciary duty owed by any of our directors, officers, or employees to us or to our stockholders, or (iv) any action asserting a claim arising pursuant to any provision of the DGCL, will be a state or federal court located within the State of Delaware in all cases subject to the court’s having personal jurisdiction over the indispensable parties named as defendants.  Any person or entity purchasing or otherwise acquiring any interest in shares of our capital stock is deemed to have notice of and consented to the foregoing provisions.  This forum selection provision in our bylaws may limit our stockholders’ ability to obtain a favorable judicial forum for disputes with us.  It is also possible that, notwithstanding the forum selection clause included in our bylaws, a court could rule that such a provision is inapplicable or unenforceable.

This report includes various forward-looking statements, which are not facts or guarantees of future performance and which are subject to significant risks and uncertainties.

This report and other materials we have filed or will file with the SEC, as well as information included in oral statements or other written statements made or to be made by us, contain or may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, Section 21E of the Exchange Act of 1934 and the

27

 


Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. You can identify these statements by the fact that they do not relate to matters of a strictly factual or historical nature and generally discuss or relate to forecasts, estimates or other expectations regarding future events. Generally, the words “believe,” “expect,” “intend,” “estimate,” “anticipate,” “project,” “may,” “can,” “could,” “might,” “will” and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements, including statements related to expected operating and performing results, planned transactions, plans and objectives of management, future developments or conditions in the industries in which we participate, including future prices for our products, audits and legal proceedings to which we are a party and other trends, developments and uncertainties that may affect our business in the future.

Forward-looking statements are not historical facts or guarantees of future performance but instead represent only our beliefs at the time the statements were made regarding future events, which are subject to significant risks, uncertainties, and other factors, many of which are outside of our control. Any or all of the forward-looking statements made by us may turn out to be materially inaccurate. This can occur as a result of incorrect assumptions, changes in facts and circumstances or the effects of known risks and uncertainties. Many of the risks and uncertainties mentioned in this report or other reports filed by us with the SEC, including those discussed in the risk factor section of this report, will be important in determining whether these forward-looking statements prove to be accurate. Consequently, neither our stockholders nor any other person should place undue reliance on our forward-looking statements and should recognize that actual results may differ materially from those that may be anticipated by us.

All forward-looking statements made in this report are made as of the date hereof, and the risk that actual results will differ materially from expectations expressed in this report will increase with the passage of time. We undertake no obligation, and disclaim any duty, to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, changes in our expectations or otherwise.

ITEM 1B.

UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

There are no unresolved Staff comments.

ITEM 2.

PROPERTIES

We operate cement plants, quarries and related facilities at Buda, Texas; LaSalle, Illinois; Sugar Creek, Missouri; Tulsa, Oklahoma; Fernley, Nevada; Fairborn, Ohio and Laramie, Wyoming. The Buda plant is owned by a partnership in which we have a 50% interest. Our principal aggregate plants and quarries are located near Austin, Texas; Sugar Creek, Missouri and Marysville, California. Our cement plant in Sugar Creek, Missouri, is leased pursuant to a long-term agreement with the city of Sugar Creek. The lease contains a purchase option that can be exercised by payment of a nominal fee. In addition, we operate gypsum wallboard plants in Albuquerque, New Mexico; Gypsum, Colorado; Duke, Oklahoma; and in Georgetown, South Carolina. We produce recycled paperboard at Lawton, Oklahoma. We operate frac sand mines in New Auburn, Wisconsin and Utica, Illinois, and we have frac sand processing plants in New Auburn, Wisconsin, Utica, Illinois and Corpus Christi, Texas.  Other than our leased cement plant located in Sugar Creek, Missouri, none of our facilities is pledged as security for any debts. Our frac sand processing plants in Utica, Illinois and Corpus Christi, Texas are currently idled.  We expect to use the Corpus Christi plant during peak parts of the cycle to help us balance out our distribution network.  We also have a gypsum wallboard plant in Bernalillo, New Mexico that we idled in December 2009. See “Item 1. Business” on pages 1-19 of this Report for additional information relating to the Company’s properties.


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ITEM 3.

LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

EPA Notice of Violation

On October 5, 2010, Region IX of the EPA issued a Notice of Violation and Finding of Violation (“NOV”) alleging violations by our subsidiary, Nevada Cement Company (“NCC”), of the Clean Air Act (“CAA”). The NOV alleges that NCC made certain physical changes to its facility in the 1990s without first obtaining permits required by the Prevention of Significant Deterioration requirements and Title V permit requirements of the CAA. The EPA also alleges that NCC has failed to submit to the EPA since 2002 certain reports required by the National Emissions Standard for Hazardous Air Pollutants General Provisions and the Portland Cement Manufacturing Industry Standards. On March 12, 2014, the EPA Region IX issued a second NOV to NCC. The second NOV is materially similar to the 2010 NOV except that it alleges violations of the new source performance standards (“NSPS”) for Portland cement plants. The NOVs state that the EPA may seek penalties although it does not propose or assess any specific level of penalties or specify what relief the EPA will seek for the alleged violations. In January 2017, NCC entered into a Consent Decree in which NCC agreed to install at its Fernley, Nevada plant certain emission control equipment (selective non-catalytic reduction) to reduce nitrous oxide emissions and to pay a penalty of $0.6 million.  NCC also agreed to replace two existing vehicles with two new vehicles with more efficient Tier 4 engines.  Under the terms of the Consent Decree, NCC will complete the installation of the emission control equipment and vehicle replacement in approximately 2 years.  It is anticipated that the investment in the new emission control equipment and vehicles will cost approximately $3.0 million. In the Consent Decree NCC denies all allegations set forth in the NOVs and the Complaint which is to be filed simultaneously with the entry of the Consent Decree, and the Consent Decree resolves all such claims by the government.  The Consent Decree was signed by the EPA and DOJ and was lodged in US District Court for the District of Nevada in May 2017.  The Consent Decree is subject to approval by the Court after a thirty-day comment period.

Domestic Wallboard Antitrust Litigation

Since late December 2012, several purported class action lawsuits were filed in various United States District Courts, including the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, Western District of North Carolina and the Northern District of Illinois, against the Company’s subsidiary, American Gypsum Company LLC (“American Gypsum”), alleging that the defendant wallboard manufacturers conspired to fix the price for drywall sold in the United States in violation of federal antitrust laws and, in some cases related provisions of state law. The complaints allege that the defendant wallboard manufacturers conspired to increase prices through the announcement and implementation of coordinated price increases, output restrictions, and other restraints of trade, including the elimination of individual “job quote” pricing. In addition to American Gypsum, the defendants in these lawsuits include CertainTeed Corp., USG Corporation and United States Gypsum (together “USG”), New NGC, Inc., Lafarge North America (“Lafarge”), Temple Inland Inc. (“TIN”) and PABCO Building Products LLC. On April 8, 2013, the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation (“JPML”) transferred and consolidated all related cases to the Eastern District of Pennsylvania for coordinated pretrial proceedings.

On June 24, 2013, the direct and indirect purchaser plaintiffs filed consolidated amended class action complaints. The direct purchasers’ complaint added the Company as a defendant. The plaintiffs in the consolidated class action lawsuits bring claims on behalf of purported classes of direct or indirect purchasers of wallboard from January 1, 2012 to the present for unspecified monetary damages (including treble damages) and in some cases injunctive relief. On July 29, 2013, the Company and American Gypsum answered the complaints, denying all allegations that they conspired to increase the price of drywall and asserting affirmative defenses to the plaintiffs’ claims.

In 2014, USG and TIN entered into agreements with counsel representing the direct and indirect purchaser classes pursuant to which they agreed to settle all claims against them.  Under the terms of its settlement agreement, USG agreed to pay $48.0 million to resolve the direct and indirect purchaser class actions.  In its settlement agreement, TIN agreed to pay $7.0 million to resolve the direct and indirect purchaser class actions.  On August 20, 2015, the court entered orders finally approving USG and TIN’s settlements with the direct and indirect purchaser plaintiffs.  Initial discovery in this litigation is complete.  Following completion of the initial discovery, the

29

 


Company and remaining co-defendants moved for summary judgement.  On February 18, 2016, the court denied the Company’s motion for summary judgement, but granted Certainteed’s motion for summary judgement.  On June 16, 2016, Lafarge entered into an agreement with counsel for the direct purchaser class under which it agreed to settle all claims against it for $23.0 million.  The court entered an order finally approving this settlement on December 7, 2016.  On July 28, 2016, Lafarge entered into an agreement with counsel representing the indirect purchaser class under which it agreed to settle all claims against it for $5.2 million.  On July 14, 2016, the Company’s motion for permission to appeal the summary judgement decision to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit was denied.  Direct purchaser plaintiffs and indirect purchaser plaintiffs filed their motions for class certification on August 3, 2016 and October 12, 2016, respectively.  Class certification proceedings are ongoing. The Court held an evidentiary hearing on the direct purchaser plaintiff’s motion for class certification in April 2017 and has scheduled a hearing on indirect purchase plaintiff’s motion for class certification in June 2017. We are unable to estimate the amount of any reasonably possible loss or range of reasonably possible losses. We deny the allegations in these lawsuits and will vigorously defend ourselves against these claims.

On March 17, 2015, a group of homebuilders filed a complaint against the defendants, including American Gypsum, based upon the same conduct alleged in the consolidated class action complaints.  On March 24, 2015, the JPML transferred this action to the multidistrict litigation already pending in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.  Following the transfer, the homebuilder plaintiffs filed two amended complaints, on December 14, 2015 and March 25, 2016.  Discovery in this lawsuit is ongoing.  At this stage, we are unable to estimate the amount of any reasonably possible loss or range of reasonably possible losses.

In June 2015, American Gypsum and an employee received grand jury subpoenas from the United States District Court for the Western District of North Carolina seeking information regarding an investigation of the gypsum drywall industry by the Antitrust Division of the Department of Justice.  We believe the investigation, although a separate proceeding, is related to the same subject matter at issue in the litigation described above and we intend to fully cooperate with government officials.  We are currently unable to determine the ultimate outcome of such investigation.

ITEM 4.

MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

Information concerning mine safety violations or other regulatory matters required by Section 1503(a) of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act and Item 104 of Regulation S-K is included in Exhibit 95 to this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

 

 

30

 


PART II

ITEM 5.

MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

Stock Prices and Dividends

As of May 17, 2017, there were approximately 1,400 holders of record of our Common Stock which trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol EXP.

The following table sets forth the high and low closing prices for our Common Stock as reported on the New York Stock Exchange for the periods indicated, as well as dividends declared during these periods:

 

 

 

Fiscal Year Ended March 31, 2017

 

 

Fiscal Year Ended March 31, 2016

 

Quarter ended:

 

High

 

 

Low

 

 

Dividends

 

 

High

 

 

Low

 

 

Dividends

 

June 30

 

$

82.32

 

 

$

68.78

 

 

$

0.10

 

 

$

87.68

 

 

$

75.72

 

 

$

0.10

 

September 30

 

$

85.92

 

 

$

73.33

 

 

$

0.10

 

 

$

84.42

 

 

$

67.42

 

 

$

0.10

 

December 31

 

$

102.07

 

 

$

75.61

 

 

$

0.10

 

 

$

75.74

 

 

$

58.88

 

 

$

0.10

 

 

March 31

 

$

108.70

 

 

$

96.15

 

 

$

0.10

 

 

$

70.49

 

 

$

47.53

 

 

$

0.10

 

 

The “Dividends” section of Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” is hereby incorporated by reference into this Part II, Item 5.

SHARE REPURCHASES

On August 10, 2015, the Board of Directors authorized us to repurchase an additional 6,782,700 shares, for a total authorization, as of that date, of 7,500,000 shares. Including the authorization on August 10, 2015, our Board of Directors has approved the repurchase in the open market of a cumulative total of 38,393,305 shares of our Common Stock since we became publicly held in April 1994.

Share repurchases may be made from time-to-time in the open market or in privately negotiated transactions. The timing and amount of any repurchases of shares will be determined by the Company’s management, based on its evaluation of market and economic conditions and other factors. In some cases, repurchases may be made pursuant to plans, programs or directions established from time to time by the Company’s management, including plans to comply with the safe-harbor provided by Rule 10b5-1.

Purchases of the Company’s common stock during the quarter ended March 31, 2017 were as follows:

 

Period

 

Total

Number

of Shares

Purchased

 

 

Average

Price

Paid Per

Share

 

 

Total

Number

of Shares

Purchased

as Part of

Publicly

Announced

Plans or

Programs

 

 

Maximum

Number

of Shares

that May

Yet be

Purchased

Under the

Plans or

Programs

 

January 1 through January 31, 2017

 

 

 

 

$

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

February 1 through February 28, 2017

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

March 1 through March 31, 2017

 

 

14,407

 

 

 

96.15

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Quarter 4 Totals

 

 

14,407

 

 

$

96.15

 

 

 

 

 

 

4,817,200

 

 The shares acquired in March 2017 were acquired from employees upon the vesting of restricted shares that were granted under our incentive plan.  These shares were withheld by the employees to satisfy the employee’s minimum statutory tax withholding, which is required upon the vesting of restricted shares, and do not count against our share repurchase plan.

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The equity compensation plan information set forth in Part III, Item 12 of this Form 10-K is hereby incorporated by reference into this Part II, Item 5.

PERFORMANCE GRAPH

The following performance graph and related information shall not be deemed “soliciting material” or to be “filed” with the Securities and Exchange Commission, nor shall such information be incorporated by reference into any future filing under the Securities Act of 1933 or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, each as amended, except to the extent that the Company specifically incorporates it by reference into such filing.

The graph below compares the cumulative 5-year total return to holders of common stock with the cumulative total returns of the Russell 1000 index and the Dow Jones US Building Materials & Fixtures index. The graph assumes that the value of the investment in the Company’s common stock and in each of the indexes (including the reinvestment of dividends) was $100 on March 31, 2012 and tracks it through March 31, 2017.

 

 

 

 

2012

 

 

2013

 

 

2014

 

 

2015

 

 

2016

 

 

2017

 

Eagle Materials, Inc.

 

 

100.00

 

 

 

193.63

 

 

 

259.12

 

 

 

245.32

 

 

 

206.98

 

 

 

288.21

 

Russell 1000

 

 

100.00

 

 

 

114.43

 

 

 

140.07

 

 

 

157.91

 

 

 

158.70

 

 

 

186.36

 

Dow Jones US Building Materials & Fixtures

 

 

100.00

 

 

 

141.09

 

 

 

174.06

 

 

 

199.92

 

 

 

223.23

 

 

 

257.09

 

 

The stock price performance included in this graph is not necessarily indicative of future stock price performance.


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ITEM 6.

SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

Summary of Selected Financial Data (1)

(amounts in thousands, except per share data)

 

 

 

For the Fiscal Years Ended March 31,

 

 

 

 

2017

 

 

 

2016

 

 

 

2015

 

 

2014

 

 

 

2013

 

 

Revenues

 

$

1,211,220

 

(5)

 

$

1,143,492

 

(4)

 

$

1,066,368

 

(3)

$

898,396

 

 

 

$

642,562

 

(2)

Earnings Before Income Taxes

 

 

294,519

 

(5)

 

 

219,252

 

(4)

 

 

252,927

 

(3)

 

181,804

 

 

 

 

84,096

 

(2)

Net Earnings

 

 

198,219

 

(5)

 

 

152,592

 

(4)

 

 

186,853

 

(3)

 

124,243

 

 

 

 

57,744

 

(2)

Diluted Earnings Per Share

 

 

4.10

 

(5)

 

 

3.05

 

(4)

 

 

3.71

 

(3)

 

2.49

 

 

 

 

1.22

 

(2)

Cash Dividends Per Share

 

 

0.40

 

 

 

 

0.40

 

 

 

 

0.40

 

 

 

0.40

 

 

 

 

0.40

 

 

Total Assets

 

 

2,247,124

 

 

 

 

1,883,635

 

 

 

 

1,880,326

 

 

 

1,510,968

 

 

 

 

1,476,044

 

 

Total Debt

 

 

686,467

 

 

 

 

507,714

 

 

 

 

512,759

 

 

 

381,259

 

 

 

 

489,259

 

 

Stockholders’ Equity

 

 

1,203,450

 

 

 

 

1,040,531

 

 

 

 

1,010,593

 

 

 

831,499

 

 

 

 

696,170

 

 

Book Value Per Share At Year End

 

$

24.84

 

 

 

$

21.44

 

 

 

$

20.11

 

 

$

16.61

 

 

 

$

14.06

 

 

Average Dilutive Shares Outstanding

 

 

48,361

 

 

 

 

50,071

 

 

 

 

50,372

 

 

 

49,939

 

 

 

 

47,340

 

 

 

 

(1)

The Summary of Selected Financial Data should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for matters that affect the comparability of the information presented above.

 

(2)

Includes operations related to the assets acquired from Lafarge N.A. from December 1, 2012 through March 31, 2013.

 

(3)

Includes operations related to the CRS Acquisition from November 14, 2014 through March 31, 2015.

 

(4)

Includes operations related to Skyway Cement from July 14, 2015 through March 31, 2016.

 

(5)

Included operations related to Fairborn Business from February 10, 2017 through March 31, 2017.

 

 

33

 


ITEM 7.

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

executive summary

Eagle Materials Inc. is a diversified producer of basic building materials and construction products used in residential, industrial, commercial and infrastructure construction. Information presented for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively, reflects the Company’s business segments, consisting of Cement, Gypsum Wallboard, Recycled Paperboard, Oil and Gas Proppants and Concrete and Aggregates. These operations are conducted in the U.S. and include the mining of limestone and the manufacture, production, distribution and sale of Portland cement (a basic construction material which is the essential binding ingredient in concrete) and specialty oil well cement; the grinding of slag; the mining of gypsum and the manufacture and sale of gypsum wallboard; the manufacture and sale of recycled paperboard to the gypsum wallboard industry and other paperboard converters; the sale of readymix concrete, the mining and sale of aggregates (crushed stone, sand and gravel) and the mining and sale of sand used in hydraulic fracturing (“frac sand”). The products that we manufacture, distribute and sell are basic materials with broad application as construction products, building materials and basic materials used for oil and natural gas extraction.  Our construction products are used in residential, industrial, commercial and infrastructure construction and include cement, concrete and aggregates. Our building materials are sold into similar markets and include gypsum wallboard.  Our basic materials used for oil and gas extraction include frac sand and oil well cement.  Certain information for each of Concrete and Aggregates is broken out separately in the segment discussions.

We operate in cyclical commodity businesses that are affected by changes in market conditions and the overall construction environment. Our operations, depending on the business segment, range from local to national businesses. We have operations in a diverse set of geographic markets, which subject us to the economic conditions in those geographic markets as well as economic conditions in the national market. General economic downturns or localized downturns in the regions where we have operations may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

We conduct one of our cement operations through a joint venture, Texas Lehigh Cement Company LP, which is located in Buda, Texas (the “Joint Venture”). We own a 50% interest in the Joint Venture and account for our interest under the equity method of accounting. We proportionately consolidate our 50% share of the Joint Venture’s revenues and operating earnings in the presentation of our cement segment, which is the way management organizes the segments within the Company for making operating decisions and assessing performance.

On February 10, 2017, the Company completed the acquisition of the following assets (the “Fairborn Acquisition”) of CEMEX Construction Materials Atlantic LLC (“the Seller”), (ii) a cement distribution terminal located in Columbus, Ohio, and (iii) certain other properties and assets used by the Seller in connection with the foregoing (collectively, the “Fairborn Business”).  The Purchase Price in the Fairborn Acquisition was approximately $400.0 million.  In addition, the Company assumed certain liabilities and obligations of the Seller relating to the Fairborn Business, including contractual obligations, reclamation obligations and various other liabilities and obligations arising out of or relating to the Fairborn Business. The Company funded the payment of the Fairborn Purchase Price and expenses incurred in connection with the Fairborn Acquisition through a combination of cash on hand and borrowings under the Company’s existing bank credit facility. The results of operations for the Fairborn Business are included in our results for the period from February 10, 2017 through March 31, 2017.

On July 10, 2015, we completed the acquisition of a 600,000 ton per year Granulated Ground Blast Furnace Slag (“Slag”) plant in South Chicago (the “Skyway Plant”) from Holcim (US) Inc. (the “Skyway Acquisition”).  Among other applications, slag is used in connection with Portland cement to make lower permeability concrete.  The Skyway facility purchases its primary raw material, Slag, pursuant to a long-term supply agreement with a third party.  The purchase price (the “Skyway Purchase Price”) for the Skyway Acquisition was approximately $29.9 million, net of $2.5 million which was refunded in two installments in January 2016 and 2017.  We funded the payment of the Skyway Purchase Price and expenses incurred in connection with the Skyway Acquisition through operating cash flow.  We also assumed certain liabilities, including contractual obligations, related to the Skyway Plant. 

34

 


MARKET CONDITIONS AND OUTLOOK

The drivers of construction products demand continue to improve the prospects for increased infrastructure spending and should positively impact both our cement and concrete and aggregates businesses.  We expect to continue to benefit from an expanding U.S. economic cycle, as it relates to our businesses.  Many of the key factors driving the construction products and building materials markets are positive in nature, and we expect these to continue to be positive throughout the remainder of calendar 2017.

Our cement sales network stretches across the central U.S., both east to west and north to south.  While we anticipate construction grade cement consumption to continue to increase during calendar 2017, each region will increase at a different pace. Cement, concrete and aggregates markets are affected by infrastructure spending, residential home building and industrial construction activity. We expect volume and pricing improvements to vary in each of our cement markets.  Overall, we expect an increase in cement, concrete and aggregates sales volumes and operating income in fiscal 2018.

Wallboard demand is heavily influenced by new residential housing construction as well as repair and remodeling.  Most forecasts point to a continued pick-up in demand in both of these areas into calendar 2017. Industry shipments of gypsum wallboard were 24.7 billion square feet in calendar 2016, and we are expecting shipments to increase approximately 6% to 8% during calendar 2017. Residential housing construction and repair and remodeling are also expected to continue to grow.  We are planning to restart our Bernalillo plant during fiscal 2018, and anticipate running this plant as necessary to meet customer demand. The cost to recommission the plant is not expected to be material.

We expect our recycled paperboard sales volumes to remain consistent as we are currently close to our production capacity.  Cost of recycled fiber increased throughout fiscal 2017, and we expect the cost to be greater in fiscal 2018 than fiscal 2017, especially in the first half of the year.  We currently have contracts that have a mechanism to adjust sales prices for increases in the cost of fiber and utilities, but these price increases are only allowed at specified times, so increases in the cost of fiber may have an adverse impact on our operating earnings in the interim prior to our ability to increase the sales price of finished paper.

Demand for frac sand has recently been improving.  The improved demand is due to several factors, namely increased horizontal drilling and increased sand intensity. We expect drilling activity and rig counts as well as proppant intensity per well to continue to increase throughout the remainder of calendar 2017, which should result in increased demand for frac sand.   We are currently planning the build out of our Utica, Illinois facility.  This build out will include the addition of a dry plant and distribution system.  We estimate that this build out will cost approximately $70.0 million and will be completed in the summer of 2018.

35

 


Results of Operations

Fiscal Year 2017 Compared to Fiscal Year 2016

 

 

 

For the Years Ended March 31,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2017

 

 

2016

 

 

Change

 

 

 

(in thousands, except per share)

 

 

 

 

 

Revenues

 

$

1,211,220

 

 

$

1,143,492

 

 

 

6

%

Cost of Goods Sold

 

 

(899,175

)

 

 

(911,875

)

 

 

(1

)%

Gross Profit

 

 

312,045

 

 

 

231,617

 

 

 

35

%

Equity in Earnings of Unconsolidated Joint Venture

 

 

42,386

 

 

 

39,083

 

 

 

8

%

Corporate General and Administrative

 

 

(33,940

)

 

 

(37,193

)

 

 

(9

)%

Other Income

 

 

2,139

 

 

 

2,328

 

 

 

(8

)%

Acquisition and Litigation Expense

 

 

(5,480

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest Expense, net

 

 

(22,631

)

 

 

(16,583

)

 

 

36

%

Earnings Before Income Taxes

 

 

294,519

 

 

 

219,252

 

 

 

34

%

Income Tax Expense

 

 

(96,300

)

 

 

(66,660

)

 

 

44

%

Net Earnings

 

$

198,219

 

 

$

152,592

 

 

 

30

%

Diluted Earnings per Share

 

$

4.10

 

 

$

3.05

 

 

 

34

%

 

 

Revenues. Revenues increased $67.7 million, or 6%, to $1,211.2 million in fiscal 2017.  Revenues from the Skyway and Fairborn Acquisitions positively impacted revenues by approximately $9.6 million and $7.0 million, respectively. The increase in revenues from our historical businesses reflect increased average net sales prices and sales volumes, which positively impacted revenue from our historical businesses by approximately $12.6 million and $38.5 million, respectively.

Cost of Goods Sold. Cost of goods sold decreased $12.7 million to $899.2 million in fiscal 2017, compared to $911.9 million in fiscal 2016. Excluding cost of goods sold of $13.6 million from our Skyway and Fairborn Acquisitions and an $8.5 million write down of raw sand inventory during fiscal 2017, and the impairment of intangible assets (customer contracts) and the write-down of raw sand inventory of approximately $35.0 million and $11.5 million, respectively, during fiscal 2016, cost of goods sold was approximately $877.1 million for fiscal 2017, compared to approximately $865.4 million in fiscal 2016.  The increase in cost of goods sold is due primarily to increased sales volumes, which increased cost of goods sold by approximately $22.8 million, partially offset by reduced operating costs of approximately $11.1 million. Most of the increase in cost of goods sold from increased sales volumes related to our gypsum wallboard, recycled paperboard and concrete and aggregates segments, which increased by approximately $11.2 million, $7.8 million and $18.6 million, partially offset by reduced sales volumes of approximately $12.9 million in our oil and gas proppants business.  The reduction in cost of goods sold from lower operating expenses primarily related to lower operating costs our oil and gas proppants and concrete and aggregates businesses of approximately $21.0 million and $0.6 million, respectively, partially offset by increased operating costs in our cement segment of approximately $13.4 million.

Gross Profit. Gross profit improved 35% to $312.0 million in fiscal 2017. The increase in gross profit was primarily due to the reduction in operating loss in our oil and gas proppants segment, which was primarily due to reduced operating costs.  The reduction in operating costs in our oil and gas proppants segment is primarily due to the write-off of certain customer contract intangible assets and raw sand inventories in fiscal 2016. This is discussed in more detail in the Oil and Gas Proppants section on page 39.

Equity in Earnings of Unconsolidated Joint Venture. Equity in earnings of our unconsolidated joint venture increased $3.3 million, or 8%. The improvement is primarily due to increased sales volumes and reduced operating expenses, partially offset by decreased average net sales prices. The impact of the increase in sales volume and reduced operating expenses on equity in earnings of our unconsolidated joint venture was approximately $2.8 million and $7.8 million, respectively, partially offset by decreased average net sales prices of approximately $7.3 million. The decrease in average net sales prices was due primarily to the decline in oil well cement as a percentage of our total sales, while the increase in sales volumes was primarily due to increased demand for construction grade

36

 


cement. Lower operating costs in fiscal 2017 was due primarily to reduced purchased cement, energy, raw materials and freight costs of approximately $2.9 million, $1.1 million, $0.5 million and $1.1 million, respectively.

Corporate General and Administrative. Corporate general and administrative expenses decreased 9% to $33.9 million in fiscal 2017. The decrease reflects lower stock and incentive compensation of approximately $4.0 million, partially offset by increased group insurance costs of approximately $0.7 million.  The decrease in stock and incentive compensation was primarily due to the vesting of certain stock grants in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2016.

Other Income (Expense). Other income was $2.1 million in fiscal 2017, compared to other income of $2.3 million in fiscal 2016, and consists of a variety of items that are non-segment operating in nature, including non-inventoried aggregates income, gypsum wallboard distribution center income, asset sales and other miscellaneous income and cost items.

Acquisition and Litigation Expense. Acquisition and litigation expense consists of expenses related to the Fairborn Acquisition. These expenses relate primarily to legal, advisory and accounting costs incurred during the acquisition.

Interest Expense, Net. Interest expense, net, increased approximately $6.0 million during fiscal 2017 to $22.6 million. The increase is due primarily to our issuance of $350.0 million of 4.5% senior unsecured notes during August 2016.  The proceeds from this debt issuance were used to repay the outstanding balance under our Credit Facility, which currently has a lower interest rate.  Additionally, we borrowed approximately $225.0 million under our Credit Facility in February 2017 to complete the Fairborn Acquisition, which increased our average debt balance.  Due to the issuance of the 4.5% senior unsecured notes and our borrowing to complete the Fairborn Acquisition, we expect our interest expense to increase in fiscal 2018 compared to fiscal 2017.

Earnings Before Income Taxes. Earnings before income taxes increased to $294.5 million during fiscal 2017, primarily due to increased gross profit and equity in earnings of our unconsolidated joint venture, partially offset by increased corporate general and administrative, acquisition and interest expenses.

Income Taxes. The effective tax rate for fiscal 2017 was approximately 33% compared to approximately 31% in fiscal 2016. The increase in the effective tax rate during fiscal 2017 is due primarily to decrease in our percentage depletion deduction during fiscal 2017, and the receipt of certain state tax credits in fiscal 2016.  

Net Earnings and Diluted Earnings per Share. Net earnings in fiscal 2017 of $198.2 million increased 30%. Diluted earnings per share in fiscal 2017 were $4.10, compared to $3.05 for fiscal 2016.

37

 


The following table highlights certain operating information related to our business segments:

 

 

 

For the Years Ended March 31,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2017

 

 

2016

 

 

Percentage

 

 

 

(in thousands, except net sales prices)

 

 

Change

 

Revenues (1)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cement (2)

 

$

566,321

 

 

$

528,499

 

 

 

7

%

Gypsum Wallboard

 

 

473,651

 

 

 

461,457

 

 

 

3

%

Recycled Paperboard

 

 

167,065

 

 

 

149,192

 

 

 

12

%

Oil and Gas Proppants

 

 

34,623

 

 

 

57,591

 

 

 

(40

)%

Concrete and Aggregates

 

 

154,592

 

 

 

128,073

 

 

 

21

%

Gross Revenues

 

 

1,396,252

 

 

 

1,324,812

 

 

 

5

%

Less: Inter-Segment Revenues

 

 

(79,116

)

 

 

(73,862

)

 

 

7

%

Less: Joint Venture Revenues

 

 

(105,916

)

 

 

(107,458

)

 

 

(1

)%

Net Revenues

 

$

1,211,220

 

 

$

1,143,492

 

 

 

6

%

Sales Volume

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cement (M Tons) (2)

 

 

4,871

 

 

 

4,778

 

 

 

2

%

Gypsum Wallboard (MMSF)

 

 

2,483

 

 

 

2,394

 

 

 

4

%

Recycled Paperboard (M Tons)

 

 

317

 

 

 

288

 

 

 

10

%

Concrete (M Yards)

 

 

1,260

 

 

 

1,101

 

 

 

14

%

Aggregates (M Tons)

 

 

3,649

 

 

 

3,009

 

 

 

21

%

Frac Sand (M Tons)

 

 

550

 

 

 

644

 

 

 

(15

)%

Average Net Sales Prices (3)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cement (2)

 

$

101.60

 

 

$

98.07

 

 

 

4

%

Gypsum Wallboard

 

 

155.90

 

 

 

157.91

 

 

 

(1

)%

Recycled Paperboard

 

 

511.82

 

 

 

505.35

 

 

 

1

%

Concrete

 

 

96.80

 

 

 

92.70

 

 

 

4

%

Aggregates

 

 

8.65

 

 

 

8.28

 

 

 

4

%

Operating Earnings

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cement (2)

 

$

153,525

 

 

$

137,854

 

 

 

11

%

Gypsum Wallboard

 

 

159,866

 

 

 

159,352

 

 

 

 

Recycled Paperboard

 

 

37,601

 

 

 

32,153

 

 

 

17

%

Oil and Gas Proppants

 

 

(14,633

)

 

 

(68,466

)

 

 

79

%

Concrete and Aggregates

 

 

18,072

 

 

 

9,807

 

 

 

84

%

Other Operating Income, net

 

 

2,139

 

 

 

2,328

 

 

 

(8

)%

Net Operating Earnings

 

$

356,570

 

 

$

273,028

 

 

 

31

%

 

 

(1)

Gross revenue, before freight and delivery costs.

 

(2)

Includes proportionate share of our Joint Venture.

 

(3)

Net of freight and delivery costs.  

Cement Operations. Cement revenues were $566.3 million for fiscal 2017, a 7% increase over fiscal 2016. Approximately $16.6 million of the increase in revenues was related to the Skyway and Fairborn Acquisitions. The remaining increase in revenue is primarily due to a 4% increase in average net sales prices and a 2% increase sales volume.  The increase in average net sales prices and sales volume positively impacted cement revenues by approximately $14.2 million and $7.0 million, respectively.

Cement operating earnings increased 11% to $153.5 million for fiscal 2017. Approximately $5.3 million of the increase in operating earnings was related to owning Skyway Cement for the full fiscal year.  The remaining increase in operating earnings was due primarily to increased average net sales prices and sales volume, which positively impacted operating earnings by approximately $14.2 million and $2.1 million, respectively, partially offset increased operating costs of approximately $6.0 million. The increase in operating costs is primarily related to increased maintenance and energy costs of approximately $4.3 million and $1.2 million, respectively, as well as the timing of the Fairborn Acquisition.  The increase in operating costs were partially offset by reduced purchase cement, which positively impacted operating earnings by approximately $2.9 million.  The increase in maintenance

38

 


costs was fairly evenly distributed between our plants, while the reduction in purchased cement was primarily related to our Joint Venture. Additionally, the Fairborn Business increased our operating costs by approximately $5.0 million due to their annual maintenance outage starting after we acquired the plant, and the impact of the step up of the acquired inventory. The operating margin increased to 27% in fiscal 2017, compared to 26% in fiscal 2016, primarily due to increased sales prices and a reduction in the percentage of sales of lower margin purchased cement.

Gypsum Wallboard Operations. Sales revenues increased 3% to $473.7 million, primarily due to a 4% increase in sales volumes, partially offset by a 1% decrease in average net sales prices. The increase in sales volumes positively impacted revenues by approximately $17.2 million, partially offset by a $5.0 million decrease in sales revenues due to lower average net sales prices. Our market share was essentially unchanged during fiscal 2017, with the increase in sales volumes primarily due to increased construction activity.

Operating earnings improved slightly to $159.9 million for fiscal 2017, primarily due to the increase in sales volumes, which positively impacted operating earnings by approximately $5.9 million, partially offset by decreased average net sales prices and increased operating costs of approximately $5.0 million and $0.5 million, respectively. The increase in operating costs was primarily related to energy, raw materials and paper, which increased approximately $1.0 million, $1.0 million and $0.7 million, respectively, partially offset by decreased maintenance costs of approximately $2.4 million. During fiscal 2017, our gross margin declined to 34% from 35%, primarily due to the reduction in average net sales prices. Fixed costs are not a significant part of the overall cost of wallboard; therefore, changes in volume have a relatively minor impact on our operating cost per unit.

Recycled Paperboard Operations. Revenues increased 12% to $167.1 million for fiscal 2017. The increase in net revenue is due to increased sales volumes and average net sales prices, which contributed approximately $14.8 million and $3.1 million, respectively, to revenues. The increase in average net sales price is due to the pricing provisions in our long-term sales agreement, and the increase in sales volume is due to increased demand for gypsum facing paper.

Operating earnings increased 17% to $37.6 million for fiscal 2017, and gross margin increased to 23% from 22%. The increase in operating earnings is primarily due to increased sales volumes and average net sales prices, which increased operating earnings by approximately $3.2 million and $3.1 million, respectively, partially offset by increased operating costs of approximately $0.9 million.  The increase in operating costs was due primarily to recycled fiber and chemical costs, which adversely impacted operating earnings by approximately $3.5 million and $1.0 million, respectively, partially offset by decreased energy and maintenance costs of approximately $1.5 million and $2.7 million, respectively.

Oil and Gas Proppants.  Revenues from our oil and gas proppants segment decreased 40% to $34.6 million for fiscal 2017.  The decrease in revenues was due to a decline in sales volumes and average net sales prices, which adversely impacted revenues by approximately $13.0 million and $10.0 million, respectively.  

Operating loss for fiscal 2017 was approximately $14.6 million, compared to operating loss of approximately $68.5 million for fiscal 2016. During both fiscal years, we experienced non-cash charges, settlements and write-offs that impacted our operating earnings, which are summarized below.

Operating loss for fiscal 2017 includes the write-off of a customer contract valued at approximately $1.3 million and a write-down of finished and raw sand inventories at our Corpus Christi location of approximately $8.5 million.  The write-down of finished and raw sand inventories was based upon the sales price of proppants in the associated shale basin at the time of the write-off.  From time to time, we have sales contracts with drilling companies that specified the purchase of a certain amount of tonnage at stated sales prices.  During fiscal 2017, sales contracts with two of our customers expired, or were terminated.  These customers had not purchased their contractually required amounts at the time the contracts expired or were terminated, and we entered into settlement agreements with such customers in connection with their failure to purchase the required amounts.  Based on these settlement agreements, we received settlement payments of approximately $12.9 million in exchange for releasing our claims against such customers.  We also recognized $2.0 million related to the forfeiture of a customer

39

 


prepayment upon the expiration of the related contract.  These payments and forfeiture were recorded in our income statement as a reduction of cost of sales.  

During fiscal 2016, we recorded an impairment charge of $35.0 million of intangible assets (customer contracts) generated from the CRS Acquisition, $2.0 million of bad debt reserves and a write-down of $11.5 million in raw sand inventory values associated primarily with downward revaluation of raw sand inventory.  These charges were partially offset by a customer forfeiture of approximately $10.7 million of prepaid sand.

Excluding the impact of the non-cash charges, settlements and write-offs outlined above, operating loss for the fiscal 2017 was approximately $19.7 million, compared to operating loss of approximately $30.7 million for fiscal 2016.  The reduction in operating loss was primarily due to lower operating costs, which positively impacted earnings by $21.0 million, partially offset by lower average net sales price, which adversely impacted earnings by approximately $10.0 million.  The reduction in operating expenses is due primarily to approximately $8.5 million of lower amortization expense from customer contracts, and cost reduction measures related to lower demand, including the idling of the Corpus Christi plant and the Kenedy, Texas and Fowlerton, Texas trans-load facilities.  

Concrete and Aggregates Operations. Concrete and aggregates revenues increased 21% to $154.6 million for fiscal 2017, compared to $128.1 million for fiscal 2016. The primary reason for the increase in revenue was the 14% and 21% increase in sales volume for concrete and aggregates, respectively, which positively impacted revenues by approximately $20.1 million. In addition to the increase in sales volume, average net sales prices increased 4% for both concrete and aggregates, which positively impacted revenues by $6.1 million. Sales volumes in our concrete business increased in all of our markets during fiscal 2017, but the largest increase was in the greater Austin, Texas market, while aggregate sales volumes increased in both our northern California and Austin, Texas markets.  

Operating income for fiscal 2017 was approximately $18.1 million, compared to operating income of approximately $9.8 million for fiscal 2016. The operating income was positively impacted by increased average net sales prices, sales volumes and decreased operating costs, which increased operating income by approximately $6.1 million, $1.6 million and $0.6 million, respectively.  The decreased operating expenses were primarily related to decreased cost of energy and royalties in our aggregates business of approximately $1.3 million and $0.8 million, partially offset by increased cost of materials in our concrete business of approximately $1.3 million.  

Results of Operations

Fiscal Year 2016 Compared to Fiscal Year 2015

 

 

 

For the Years Ended March 31,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2016

 

 

2015

 

 

Change

 

 

 

(in thousands, except per share)

 

 

 

 

 

Revenues

 

$

1,143,492

 

 

$

1,066,368

 

 

 

7

%

Cost of Goods Sold

 

 

(911,875

)

 

 

(812,235

)

 

 

12

%

Gross Profit

 

 

231,617

 

 

 

254,133

 

 

 

(9

)%

Equity in Earnings of Unconsolidated Joint Venture

 

 

39,083

 

 

 

44,967

 

 

 

(13

)%

Corporate General and Administrative

 

 

(37,193

)

 

 

(30,751

)

 

 

21

%

Other Income

 

 

2,328

 

 

 

3,201

 

 

 

(27

)%

Acquisition and Litigation Expense

 

 

 

 

 

(6,880

)

 

 

(100

)%

Interest Expense, net

 

 

(16,583

)

 

 

(11,743

)

 

 

41

%

Earnings Before Income Taxes

 

 

219,252

 

 

 

252,927

 

 

 

(13

)%

Income Tax Expense

 

 

(66,660

)

 

 

(66,074

)

 

 

1

%

Net Earnings

 

$

152,592

 

 

$

186,853

 

 

 

(18

)%

Diluted Earnings per Share

 

$

3.05

 

 

$

3.71

 

 

 

(18

)%

 

Revenues. Revenues increased $77.0 million to $1,143.4 million in fiscal 2016, compared to $1,066.4 million in fiscal 2015. Revenues from the CRS and Skyway Acquisitions positively impacted revenues by approximately $18.7 million and $21.3 million, respectively. Revenues increased in all of our segments except our legacy oil and

40

 


gas proppants segment.  The increase in revenues was due primarily to increased average net sales prices in our cement and concrete and aggregates segments and increased sales volumes in our gypsum wallboard, recycled paperboard and concrete segments, partially offset by decreased sales volumes in aggregates segment.  The reduction in revenues from our legacy oil and gas proppants business was due primarily to reduced sales volumes. Excluding revenues from the CRS and Skyway Acquisitions, increased average net sales prices and sales volumes positively impacted revenue from our historical businesses for fiscal 2016, compared to fiscal 2015, by approximately $13.1 million and $23.9 million, respectively.

Cost of Goods Sold. Cost of goods sold increased $99.7 million to $911.9 million in fiscal 2016, compared to $812.2 million in fiscal 2015. Excluding cost of goods sold of $81.3 million from our CRS and Skyway Acquisitions, cost of goods sold increased approximately $18.4 million during fiscal 2016, compared to fiscal 2015.   The increase in cost of goods sold during fiscal 2016, compared to fiscal 2015, was due to increased sales volumes and increased operating costs, which increased cost of goods sold by approximately $10.4 million and $8.0 million, respectively.  The increase in cost of goods sold related to sales volumes in fiscal 2016, compared to fiscal 2015, was due primarily to increases in our cement, wallboard, paperboard and concrete and aggregates segments of approximately $11.9 million, $24.3 million, $2.0 million and $11.5 million, respectively, partially offset by reduced sales volumes of approximately $39.3 million in our oil and gas proppants segment.  Operating costs in fiscal 2016, compared to fiscal 2015, increased approximately $1.3 million, $5.5 million and $15.6 million for our paperboard, concrete and aggregates and oil and gas proppants segments, partially offset by decreased operating costs of approximately $0.6 million and $13.8 million for our cement and wallboard segments.  Cost of goods sold includes an impairment charge of approximately $35.0 million of intangible assets (customer contracts) generated from the CRS Acquisition and a write-down of approximately $11.5 million in raw sand inventory values associated primarily with downward revaluation of raw sand inventory that CRS Proppants purchased from a third party pursuant to a purchase contract entered into in connection with the plant expansion.  We have fulfilled our obligations under this purchase contract.  These write-downs were partially offset by a customers’ forfeiture of approximately $10.7 million of prepaid sand during fiscal 2016.  We have a $2.0 million liability related to the remaining customer prepayment of sand.  If the customer does not place orders for approximately 112,000 tons of sand by June 30, 2016, the remaining $2.0 million will be forfeited.  

Gross Profit. Gross profit was $231.6 million in fiscal 2016 and $254.1 million in fiscal 2015. The 9% decrease in gross profit was primarily due to decreased operating earnings in our oil and gas proppants segment, which was primarily due to reduced sales volumes and the increased operating costs.  The increase in operating costs in our oil and gas proppants segment is primarily due to lower sales volumes and the write-off of certain customer contract intangible assets in fiscal 2016. This is discussed in more detail in the Oil and Gas Proppants section on page 39.

Equity in Earnings of Unconsolidated Joint Venture. Equity in earnings of our unconsolidated joint venture decreased $5.9 million, or 13%, for fiscal 2016, compared to fiscal 2015. The decrease is primarily due to a decrease in sales volumes, partially offset by an increase in average net sales prices. The impact of the decrease in sales volume on equity in earnings of our unconsolidated joint venture during fiscal 2016 was approximately $21.6 million, partially offset by increased average net sales prices and decreased cost of goods sold of approximately $2.8 million and $12.9 million, respectively. The decrease in sales volumes was primarily due to the decrease in demand for oil well cement during the year, due to the decline in drilling activity during fiscal 2016.  The decrease in oil well cement was partially offset by the increase in demand for construction grade cement.  The decrease in cost of goods sold was primarily due to reduced sales volumes, which reduced cost of goods sold by approximately $13.9 million, partially offset by increased operating costs, which increased cost of sales by approximately $1.0 million. The increase in operating costs in fiscal 2016, compared to fiscal 2015, was due primarily to an approximately $1.8 million increase in maintenance, partially offset by a decrease in energy costs of $0.9 million.

Corporate General and Administrative. Corporate general and administrative expenses increased 21% to $37.2 million in fiscal 2016, compared to $30.8 million in fiscal 2015. The approximately $6.4 million increase in corporate general and administrative expenses for fiscal 2016, compared to fiscal 2015, is due primarily to increased incentive compensation and legal expenses. Incentive compensation and legal expenses increased approximately $5.0 million and $0.5 million, respectively, during fiscal 2016, compared to fiscal 2015.  The increase in incentive

41

 


compensation was primarily due to increased operating earnings in each of our segments except oil and gas proppants.

Acquisition and Litigation Expense. Acquisition and litigation expense consists of litigation expenses related to our lawsuit against the IRS, the CRS and Skyway Acquisitions, and due diligence efforts at growing our construction products business.  Legal fees related to our lawsuit against the IRS were approximately $4.3 million, while our expenses related to the CRS and Skyway Acquisitions were approximately $2.6 million in fiscal 2015.  The remaining expense was related to our due diligence efforts during fiscal 2015.  As discussed in Footnote (H) of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, the U.S. Department of Justice approved the proposed settlement of our lawsuit against the IRS in January 2015, and the case was dismissed.

Other Income (Expense). Other income was $2.3 million in fiscal 2016, compared to other income of $3.2 million in fiscal 2015, and consists of a variety of items that are non-segment operating in nature, including non-inventoried aggregates income, gypsum wallboard distribution center income, asset sales and other miscellaneous income and cost items.

Interest Expense, Net. Interest expense, net, increased approximately $4.9 million during fiscal 2016 to $16.6 million, compared to $11.7 million in fiscal 2015. The 41% increase in interest expense, net, during fiscal 2016, compared to fiscal 2015, is due primarily to the $4.4 million refund of interest received from the IRS upon settlement of our lawsuit in fiscal 2015.  See the discussion below in “Income Taxes” for more information about the settlement.  The remaining increase in interest expense in fiscal 2016, compared to 2015, was the result of greater average borrowings under our Credit Facility, due to our repurchase and retirement of common shares during fiscal 2016.

Earnings Before Income Taxes. Earnings before income taxes decreased to $219.3 million during fiscal 2016, compared to $252.9 million in fiscal 2015, primarily due to decreased gross profit, equity in earnings of our unconsolidated joint venture and increased corporate general and administrative and interest expenses.

Income Taxes. The effective tax rate for fiscal 2016 was approximately 30% compared to approximately 26% in fiscal 2015. The increase in the effective tax rate during fiscal 2016 is primarily due to the settlement of our lawsuit with the IRS in fiscal 2015.  Under the terms of the settlement, we dismissed our lawsuit seeking to recover taxes, interest and penalties paid, in exchange for the IRS conceding 40% of the penalties, plus related interest, to date. In accordance with the settlement, we recorded an income tax benefit of approximately $16.6 million during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2015.   Excluding the impact of the IRS settlement, our effective tax rate would have been 33% in fiscal 2015, which is greater than the 30% effective tax rate in fiscal 2016.  The decrease in the fiscal 2016 tax rate is due primarily to an increase in our percentage depletion deduction.  See Footnote (H) of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for more information.

Net Earnings and Diluted Earnings per Share. Net earnings in fiscal 2016 of $152.6 million decreased 18% from fiscal 2015 net earnings of $186.9 million. Diluted earnings per share in fiscal 2016 were $3.05, compared to $3.71 for fiscal 2015.

42

 


The following table highlights certain operating information related to our business segments:

 

 

 

For the Years Ended March 31,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2016

 

 

2015

 

 

Percentage

 

 

 

(in thousands, except net sales prices)

 

 

Change

 

Revenues (1)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cement (2)

 

$

528,499

 

 

$

488,644

 

 

 

8

%

Gypsum Wallboard

 

 

461,457

 

 

 

437,514

 

 

 

5

%

Recycled Paperboard

 

 

149,192

 

 

 

142,690

 

 

 

5

%

Oil and Gas Proppants

 

 

57,591

 

 

 

81,381

 

 

 

(29

)%

Concrete and Aggregates

 

 

128,073

 

 

 

107,892

 

 

 

19

%

Gross Revenues

 

 

1,324,812

 

 

 

1,258,121

 

 

 

5

%

Less: Inter-Segment Revenues

 

 

(73,862

)

 

 

(65,533

)

 

 

13

%

Less: Joint Venture Revenues

 

 

(107,458

)

 

 

(126,220

)

 

 

(15

)%

Net Revenues

 

$

1,143,492

 

 

$

1,066,368

 

 

 

7

%

Sales Volume

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cement (M Tons) (2)

 

 

4,778

 

 

 

4,799

 

 

 

 

Gypsum Wallboard (MMSF)

 

 

2,394

 

 

 

2,210

 

 

 

8

%

Recycled Paperboard (M Tons)

 

 

288

 

 

 

276

 

 

 

4

%

Concrete (M Yards)

 

 

1,101

 

 

 

958

 

 

 

15

%

Aggregates (M Tons)

 

 

3,009

 

 

 

3,026

 

 

 

(1

)%

Average Net Sales Prices (3)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cement (2)

 

$

98.07

 

 

$

92.91

 

 

 

6

%

Gypsum Wallboard

 

 

157.91

 

 

 

162.06

 

 

 

(3

)%

Recycled Paperboard

 

 

505.35

 

 

 

507.47

 

 

 

 

Concrete

 

 

92.70

 

 

 

87.93

 

 

 

5

%

Aggregates

 

 

8.28

 

 

 

7.50

 

 

 

10

%

Operating Earnings

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cement (2)

 

$

137,854

 

 

$

117,527

 

 

 

17

%

Gypsum Wallboard

 

 

159,352

 

 

 

145,871

 

 

 

9

%

Recycled Paperboard

 

 

32,153

 

 

 

31,512

 

 

 

2

%

Oil and Gas Proppants

 

 

(68,466

)

 

 

(2,546

)

 

 

(2589

)%

Concrete and Aggregates

 

 

9,807

 

 

 

6,736

 

 

 

46

%

Other Operating Income, net

 

 

2,328

 

 

 

3,201

 

 

 

(27

)%

Net Operating Earnings

 

$

273,028

 

 

$

302,301

 

 

 

(10

)%

 

(1)

Gross revenue, before freight and delivery costs.

(2)

Includes proportionate share of our Joint Venture.

(3)

Net of freight and delivery costs.

Cement Operations. Cement revenues were $528.5 million for fiscal 2016, which is an 8% increase over revenues of $488.6 million for fiscal 2015. Approximately $21.3 million of the increase in revenues for fiscal 2016, compared to fiscal 2015, was related to the Skyway Acquisition. The remaining increase in revenue during fiscal 2016 compared to fiscal 2015 is primarily due to a 6% increase in average net sales prices, partially offset by a slight decrease in sales volumes.  The increase in average net sales prices during fiscal 2016, compared to fiscal 2015, positively impacted cement revenues by approximately $20.7 million, while the decrease in sales volumes negatively impacted cement revenues by approximately $2.1 million.  The decrease in sales volumes during fiscal 2016, compared to fiscal 2015, was primarily related to above average rainfall during April and May 2015 in our Texas, Oklahoma and Colorado markets, as well as wet weather in our Texas and Oklahoma markets during October and November. In Texas, demand for construction grade cement continues to offset much of the impact from lower oil well cement demand.  

Cement operating earnings increased 17% to $137.9 million from $117.5 million for fiscal 2016 and 2015, respectively. Approximately $4.5 million of the increase in operating earnings fiscal 2016, compared to fiscal 2015, was related to the Skyway Acquisition.  The remaining increase in operating earnings was due primarily to increased

43

 


average net sales prices, which positively impacted operating earnings by approximately $20.7 million, partially offset by decreased sales volumes and increased operating costs of approximately $4.4 million and $0.4 million. The increase in operating costs in fiscal 2016, compared to fiscal 2015, is primarily related to increased maintenance, which adversely impacted operating earnings by approximately $8.4 million, partially offset by decreased energy costs of approximately $4.4 million.  Additionally, the percentage of purchased cement sold during fiscal 2016, declined approximately 3% compared to the percentage of purchased cement sold for fiscal 2015, which positively impacted our operating costs by approximately $3.4 million.  The increase in maintenance costs was due primarily to a shift in the timing of some of our annual maintenance outages, which adversely impacted operating earnings by approximately $3.0 million during the first quarter of fiscal 2016, compared to the first quarter of fiscal 2015 and increased maintenance activity at certain plants in fiscal 2016. The operating margin increased to 26% in fiscal 2016, compared to 24% in fiscal 2015, primarily due to increased sales prices and a reduction in the percentage of sales of lower margin purchased cement.

Gypsum Wallboard Operations. Sales revenues increased 5% to $461.5 million for fiscal 2016, from $437.5 million for fiscal 2015, primarily due to an 8% increase in sales volumes, partially offset by a 3% decrease in average net sales prices. The increase in sales volumes positively impacted revenues by approximately $36.5 million, partially offset by a $12.5 million decrease in sales revenues due to lower average net sales prices. The increased sales volumes are primarily due to increased construction activity in fiscal 2016, compared to fiscal 2015. Our market share was essentially unchanged during fiscal 2016, compared to fiscal 2015.

Operating earnings increased to $159.4 million for fiscal 2016, from $145.9 million for fiscal 2015, primarily due to the increase in sales volumes and the reduction in operating costs, which positively impacted operating earnings by approximately $12.2 million and $13.8 million, partially offset by decreased average net sales prices of approximately $12.5 million. The decrease in operating costs was primarily related to natural gas, raw materials and customer freight, which decreased approximately $5.6 million, $4.6 million and $2.5 million, respectively. During fiscal 2016, our gross margin improved to 35% from 33% in fiscal 2015, primarily due to the reduction in operating expenses, partially offset by decreased average net sales prices. Fixed costs are not a significant part of the overall cost of wallboard; therefore, changes in volume have a relatively minor impact on our operating cost per unit.

Recycled Paperboard Operations. Revenues increased 5% to $149.2 million for fiscal 2016, from $142.7 million for fiscal 2015. The increase in net revenue during fiscal 2016, compared to fiscal 2015, is primarily due to increased sales volumes, which contributed approximately $6.7 million to revenues; partially offset by a decrease in average net sales prices that adversely impacted revenue by approximately $0.2 million. The decrease in average net sales price is due to the pricing provisions in our long-term sales agreement.

Operating earnings increased to $32.2 million for fiscal 2016, compared to $31.5 million for fiscal 2015, while gross margin remained consistent at 22% for both fiscal 2016 and fiscal 2015. The increase in operating earnings is primarily due to increased sales volumes, which increased operating earnings by approximately $2.0 million, partially offset by increased operating costs of approximately $1.3 million.  The increase in operating costs was due primarily to recycled fiber costs, customer freight and chemicals, which adversely impacted operating earnings by approximately $1.3 million, $1.1 million and $0.5 million, respectively, partially offset by decreased natural gas and electricity costs of approximately $1.8 million and $0.5 million, respectively.

Oil and Gas Proppants. Revenues from our oil and gas proppants segment decreased approximately $23.8 million to $57.6 million for fiscal 2016, compared to $81.4 million for fiscal 2015.  Excluding revenues from the CRS Acquisition of approximately $46.7 million and $28.0 million for fiscal 2016 and 2015, respectively, revenues decreased $42.5 million in fiscal 2016, compared to fiscal 2015.  The decrease in revenues in fiscal 2016, compared to 2015, was due to a decline in sales volumes and average net sales prices at our legacy facility in Corpus Christi which adversely impacted revenues by approximately $41.3 million and $1.2 million, respectively.  

The operating loss for fiscal 2016 was approximately $68.5 million, which grew from an operating loss of approximately $2.5 million during fiscal 2015. The increased operating loss was primarily due to increased operating costs and reduced average net sales prices that increased the operating loss by $50.0 million and $15.9

44

 


million, respectively. The operating loss for fiscal 2016 includes an impairment charge of approximately $35.0 million of intangible assets (customer contracts) generated from the CRS Acquisition, $2.0 million of bad debt reserves and a write-down of $11.5 million in raw sand inventory values associated primarily with downward revaluation of raw sand inventory that CRS Proppants purchased from a third party pursuant to a purchase contract entered into in connection with the plant expansion, that has since expired. This loss was partially offset by a customer forfeiture of approximately $10.7 million of prepaid sand during fiscal 2016.  

Concrete and Aggregates Operations. Concrete and aggregates revenues increased 19% to $128.1 million for fiscal 2016, compared to $107.9 million for fiscal 2015. The primary reason for the increase in revenue for fiscal 2016, compared to fiscal 2015, was the 5% and 10% increase in average net sales prices for concrete and aggregates, respectively, which positively impacted revenues by approximately $7.7 million. In addition to the increase in average net sales prices, sales volume increased 15% for concrete during fiscal 2016, compared to fiscal 2015, which positively impacted revenues by $12.6 million. This increase was partially offset by a 1% decrease in sales volumes for our aggregates business, which adversely impacted revenues by approximately $0.1 million.  Sales volumes in our concrete business increased in all of our markets during fiscal 2016, but the largest increase was in the greater Kansas City market.

Operating income for fiscal 2016 was approximately $9.8 million, compared to operating income of approximately $6.7 million for fiscal 2015. The operating income was positively impacted by increased average net sales prices and sales volumes, which increased operating income by approximately $7.7 million and $0.9 million, respectively.  The increase in operating profit was partially offset by increased operating costs of approximately $5.5 million.  The increased operating expenses were primarily related to increased cost of materials and depreciation in our concrete business of approximately $5.1 million and $0.7 million, partially offset by reduced delivery cost of approximately $0.9 million.  The increase in depreciation expense is related to the addition of concrete trucks during fiscal 2015.

CRITical Accounting Policies

Certain of our critical accounting policies require the use of judgment in their application or require estimates of inherently uncertain matters. Although our accounting policies are in compliance with generally accepted accounting principles, a change in the facts and circumstances of the underlying transactions could significantly change the application of the accounting policies and the resulting financial statement impact. Listed below are those policies that we believe are critical and require the use of complex judgment in their application.

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets. We assess our long-lived assets, including mining and related assets, for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability of assets is measured by comparing the carrying amount of an asset to future undiscounted net cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. These evaluations for impairment are significantly impacted by estimates of revenues, costs and expenses, and in the case of our mining assets, changes in the costs and availability of extraction of our mineral assets and other factors. If these assets are considered to be impaired, the impairment to be recognized is measured by the amount by which the carrying amount of the assets exceeds the fair value of the assets.

During calendar 2015, the continued decline in prices adversely impacted oil and gas drilling activity, leading to further reductions in demand and pricing for proppants.  This reduction in overall proppant demand resulted in a decline in sales volumes and average net sales prices for our oil and gas proppants segment.  In response to the decline in demand, we elected to temporarily idle our Utica, Illinois and Corpus Christi, Texas facilities during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2016.  Additionally, we idled the Fowlerton, Texas and Kenedy, Texas; trans-load operations.  In connection with the closure of these facilities and trans-load locations, we determined that our long-lived assets related to the oil and gas proppants segment should be tested for impairment.  In connection with this test, we determined that the entire network of plants and trans-load locations should be considered an individual operating unit for the purposes of testing for potential impairment.  In performing this test, we compared the weighted average undiscounted cash flows to the carrying value of the asset group, noting that the undiscounted cash flows significantly exceeded the carrying value of the asset group; therefore, no impairment was noted.  Frac

45

 


sand demand and pricing remained relatively stable during calendar 2016, before demand increased in the first quarter of calendar 2017.  Based on these factors, as well as results of the impairment test in fiscal 2016, as described above, we did not conclude impairment indicators were present during fiscal 2017.  We will continue to monitor market conditions and our performance in the market.  We will also continue to review relevant factors and circumstances related to the overall market condition and our performance and, if necessary, perform an additional test for impairment at such time we believe it is necessary.

This reduction in demand and pricing for proppants also adversely impacted performance under our customer contracts, resulting in the amendment of certain of these contracts.  Based on the reduced demand and reduced pricing for proppants, we concluded that long-lived asset impairment indicators were present during the quarters ended September 30, 2015 and March 31, 2016 for our customer contract intangible assets.  We performed recovery tests to determine if any of the customer contract intangible assets related to our oil and gas proppants business unit were impaired at September 30, 2015 and March 31, 2016.  Based on our analysis of the undiscounted cash flows for each of our customer contract intangibles related to our oil and gas proppants business, we concluded that the carrying value of certain customer contract intangible assets exceeded the undiscounted cash flows for the related assets at both September 30, 2015 and March 31, 2016.   For those contracts whose carrying value exceeded the undiscounted cash flows, we calculated an estimated fair value of each contract using the weighted-average probable cash flows related to each contract (level 3 inputs), discounted using a weighted-average cost of capital (“WACC”).  The WACC was determined from relevant market comparisons, and adjusted for specific risks.  This analysis resulted in an impairment loss of approximately $28.4 million and $6.6 million for the quarters ended September 30, 2015 and March 31, 2016, respectively, which is included in cost of goods sold in the Consolidated Statement of Earnings for fiscal year 2016.  There was only one customer contract intangible asset with remaining value in fiscal 2017, and this customer complied with the terms of the contract; therefore, there was no indication of impairment related to this contract at March 31, 2017.

Goodwill. Goodwill is subject to an annual assessment at least annually for impairment by applying a fair-value-based test. We have elected to test for goodwill impairment in the fourth quarter of each fiscal year. The goodwill impairment test is a two-step process, which requires management to make judgments in determining what assumptions to use in the calculation. The first step of the process consists of estimating the fair value of each reporting unit based on a discounted cash flow model using revenues and profit forecasts and comparing those estimated fair values with the carrying value; a second step is performed, if necessary, to compute the amount of the impairment by determining an “implied fair value” of goodwill. Similar to the review for impairment of other long-lived assets, evaluations for impairment are significantly impacted by estimates of future prices for our products, capital needs, economic trends and other factors.

The segment breakdown of goodwill at March 31, 2017 and 2016 is as follows:

 

 

 

For the Years Ended March 31,

 

 

 

2017

 

 

2016

 

 

 

(dollars in thousands)

 

Cement

 

$

74,214

 

 

$

9,729

 

Gypsum Wallboard

 

 

116,618

 

 

 

116,618

 

Paperboard

 

 

7,538

 

 

 

7,538

 

 

 

$

198,370

 

 

$

133,885

 

 

Impairment testing for the cement business is done at the plant level because the relatively low value-to-weight ratio limits the geographic area in which a company can market its products profitably; therefore, the U.S. cement industry is fragmented into regional geographic areas rather than a national selling area.  Goodwill related to the cement segment is related to our Illinois market, which consists of Illinois Cement Company and Skyway Cement Company, and our Ohio market, which consists of our Fairborn Cement Company acquired in February 2017 in the Fairborn Acquisition.  Impairment testing for the gypsum wallboard and paperboard segments is done at the segment level because of the national nature of the businesses and customer base. See Note (A) of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for more information. The results of the first step of the annual impairment tests performed in the fiscal fourth quarter of 2017 and 2016 indicated that the fair values of the reporting units with goodwill

46

 


substantially exceeded their carrying values. Determining the fair value of our reporting units involves the use of significant estimates and assumptions and considerable management judgment. We base our fair value estimates on assumptions we believe to be reasonable at the time, but such assumptions are subject to inherent uncertainty. The most important assumption underlying our estimates is a cyclical recovery in U.S. construction activity from the current low levels. Actual results may differ materially from those estimates. Changes in key assumptions or management judgment with respect to a reporting unit or its prospects, which may result from a change in market conditions, market trends, interest rates or other factors outside of our control, or significant underperformance relative to historical or projected future operating results, could result in a significantly different estimate of the fair value of our reporting units, which could result in an impairment charge in the future.

Environmental Liabilities. Our operations are subject to state, federal and local environmental laws and regulations, which impose liability for clean up or remediation of environmental pollution and hazardous waste arising from past acts and require pollution control and prevention, site restoration and operating permits and/or approvals to conduct certain of its operations. We record environmental accruals when it is probable that a reasonably estimable liability has been incurred. Environmental remediation accruals are based on internal studies and estimates, including shared financial liability with third parties. Environmental expenditures that extend the life, increase the capacity, improve the safety or efficiency of assets or mitigate or prevent future environmental contamination may be capitalized. Other environmental costs are expensed when incurred.

Estimation of Reserves and Valuation Allowances. We evaluate the collectability of accounts receivable based on a combination of factors. In circumstances when we are aware of a specific customer’s inability to meet its financial obligation to the Company, the balance in the reserve for doubtful accounts is evaluated, and if it is determined to be deficient, a specific amount will be added to the reserve. For all other customers, the reserve for doubtful accounts is determined by the length of time the receivables are past due or the customer’s financial condition.

Income Taxes. In determining net income for financial statement purposes, we must make certain estimates and judgments in the calculation of tax provisions and the resultant tax liabilities, and in the recoverability of deferred tax assets that arise from temporary differences between the tax and financial statement recognition of revenue and expense.

In the ordinary course of business, there may be many transactions and calculations where the ultimate tax outcome is uncertain. The calculation of tax liabilities involves dealing with uncertainties in the application of complex tax laws. We recognize potential liabilities for anticipated tax audit issues in both the U.S. and state tax jurisdictions based on an estimate of the ultimate resolution of whether, and the extent to which, additional taxes will be due. Although we believe the estimates are reasonable, no assurance can be given that the final outcome of these matters will not be different than what is reflected in the historical income tax provisions and accruals.

As part of our process for preparing financial statements, we must assess the likelihood that our deferred tax assets can be recovered. If recovery is not likely, the provision for taxes must be increased by recording a reserve in the form of a valuation allowance for the deferred tax assets that are estimated not to be ultimately recoverable. In this process, certain relevant criteria are evaluated including the existence of deferred tax liabilities that can be used to absorb deferred tax assets, the taxable income in prior years that can be used to absorb net operating losses and credit carrybacks, and taxable income in future years. Our judgment regarding future taxable income may change due to market conditions, changes in U.S. tax laws and other factors. These changes, if any, may require material adjustments to the deferred tax assets and an accompanying reduction or increase in net income in the period when such determinations are made.

Business combinations. The acquisition method of accounting requires that we recognize the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at their acquisition date fair values. Goodwill is measured as the excess of consideration transferred over the acquisition date net fair values of the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed.

The measurement of the fair values of assets acquired and liabilities assumed requires considerable judgment. Although independent appraisals may be used to assist in the determination of the fair values of certain assets and

47

 


liabilities, the appraised values are usually based on significant estimates provided by management, such as forecasted revenue or profit. In determining the fair value of intangible assets, an income approach is generally used and may incorporate the use of a discounted cash flow method. In applying the discounted cash flow method, the estimated future cash flows and residual values for each intangible asset are discounted to a present value using a discount rate based on an estimated weighted average cost of capital for the building materials industry. These cash flow projections are based on management’s estimates of economic and market conditions including revenue growth rates, operating margins, capital expenditures and working capital requirements.

While we use our best estimates and assumptions as part of the process to value assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the acquisition date, our estimates are inherently uncertain and subject to refinement. During the measurement period, which occurs before finalization of the purchase price allocation, changes in assumptions and estimates that result in adjustments to the fair values of assets acquired and liabilities assumed are recorded on a retroactive basis as of the acquisition date, with the corresponding offset to goodwill. Any adjustments subsequent to the conclusion of the measurement period will be recorded to our consolidated statements of earnings.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

Cash Flow.

The following table provides a summary of our cash flows:

 

 

 

For the Fiscal Years Ended March 31,

 

 

 

2017

 

 

2016

 

 

 

(dollars in thousands)

 

Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities:

 

$

331,598

 

 

$

265,767

 

Investing Activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Additions to Property, Plant and Equipment

 

 

(56,938

)

 

 

(89,563

)

Acquisitions

 

 

(400,488

)

 

 

(32,427

)

Net Cash Used in Investing Activities

 

 

(457,426

)

 

 

(121,990

)

Financing Activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Increase (Decrease) in Credit Facility

 

 

(157,000

)

 

 

52,000

 

Repayment of Senior Notes

 

 

(8,000

)

 

 

(57,045

)

Issuance of Long-term Debt

 

 

350,000

 

 

 

 

Dividends Paid to Stockholders

 

 

(19,341

)

 

 

(20,020

)

Purchase and Retirement of Common Stock

 

 

(60,013

)

 

 

(123,530

)

Proceeds from Stock Option Exercises

 

 

22,108

 

 

 

2,866

 

Shares Redeemed to Settle Employee Taxes on

   Stock Compensation

 

 

(4,468

)

 

 

(4,273

)

Payment of Debt Acquisition Costs

 

 

(6,637

)

 

 

 

Excess Tax Benefits from Share Based Payment

   Arrangements

 

 

10,349

 

 

 

4,102

 

Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing

   Activities

 

 

126,998

 

 

 

(145,900

)

Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash

 

$

1,170

 

 

$

(2,123

)

 

Cash flows from operating activities increased $65.8 million to $331.6 million for fiscal 2017 from $265.8 million for fiscal 2016. This increase was largely attributable to increased net earnings (adjusted for depreciation and amortization, impairment, adjustment of inventory to net realizable value and reduction of prepaid sand liability), an increase in distributions from our joint venture and an increase in cash flow from the change in operating assets and liabilities of approximately $13.1 million, $6.0 million and $57.0 million, respectively.   Excluding the impact of the working capital purchased in the Fairborn Acquisition, cash flows from operating activities were positively impacted by increased accounts payable and accrued liabilities and income tax payable of approximately $40.7 million and $21.2 million, respectively, partially offset by an increase in accounts and notes receivable, inventories and other assets of approximately $9.6 million, $1.0 million and $5.7 million, respectively.

48

 


Working capital decreased to $171.1 million at March 31, 2017, compared to $259.4 million at March 31, 2016, primarily due to increased accounts payable, accrued liabilities and current portion of long-term debt, which increased approximately $25.6 million, $9.4 million and $73.2 million, respectively, partially offset by increased accounts and notes receivable and inventories of approximately $16.1 million and $9.2 million, respectively.  Accounts payable and accrued expenses increased due to the timing of payments due in relation to our plant outages in our cement segment and purchases of fiber in our recycled paperboard segment.  The increase in the current portion of long-term debt is related to the maturity of two tranches of our Private Placement Senior Unsecured Notes in the third quarter of fiscal 2018.  Working capital related to the Fairborn Acquisition increased working capital at March 31, 2017 by approximately $10.4 million, and primarily consisted of approximately $4.9 million of accounts receivable and $11.9 million in inventories, partially offset by approximately $6.4 million in accounts payable and accrued liabilities.

The increase in accounts and notes receivable at March 31, 2017, compared to March 31, 2016, is primarily due to increased revenues during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2017, compared to the fourth quarter of fiscal 2016. The increase in accounts receivable was consistent with the increase in revenues during the periods then ended. As a percentage of quarterly sales generated in the fiscal fourth quarter, accounts receivable were 49% at March 31, 2017 and 48% at March 31, 2016. Management measures the change in accounts receivable by monitoring the days sales outstanding on a monthly basis to determine if any deterioration has occurred in the collectability of the accounts receivable. No significant deterioration in the collectability of our accounts receivable was identified at March 31, 2017. Notes receivable are monitored on an individual basis, and no significant deterioration in the collectability of notes receivable was identified at March 31, 2017.

Our inventory balance at March 31, 2017 increased approximately $9.2 million, or 4%, from the inventory balance at March 31, 2016. Excluding the impact of the inventory acquired in the Fairborn Acquisition, inventory would have decreased $2.0 million. Within our inventory, raw materials and materials in progress and frac sand inventory decreased approximately $3.1 million and $2.6 million, respectively, partially offset by increased repair parts inventories of approximately $3.0 million.  Included in the decrease in raw materials and materials-in-progress and frac sand inventory is a write-down of approximately $7.7 million and $0.8 million, respectively, of frac sand at our Corpus Christi location.  This write-down was based on the sales price of proppants in the associated shale basin, which was lower than the value of our inventory.  The largest individual balance in our inventory is our repair parts. These parts are necessary given the size and complexity of our manufacturing plants, as well as the age of certain of our plants, which creates the need to stock a high level of repair parts inventory. We believe all of these repair parts are necessary and we perform semi-annual analyses to identify obsolete parts. We have less than one year’s sales of all product inventories, and our inventories have a low risk of obsolescence due to our products being basic construction materials.

Net cash used in investing activities during fiscal 2017 was approximately $457.4 million, compared to net cash used in investing activities of $122.0 million during fiscal 2016, an increase of approximately $335.4 million. A substantial majority of the increase related to the Fairborn Acquisition in fiscal 2017 that increased net cash used in investing activities by $400.5 million, compared to the Skyway acquisition in fiscal 2016 that increased net cash used in investing activities by $32.4 million. Excluding both the Fairborn and Skyway Acquisitions, capital expenditures decreased by approximately $32.6 million in fiscal 2017. This decrease is related primarily to the completion of several large projects related our oil and gas proppants business that began in fiscal 2015 and were completed in fiscal 2016. We anticipate spending between $30.0 million and $35.0 million on sustaining capital expenditures during fiscal year 2018.

Net cash provided by financing activities was $127.0 million during fiscal 2017, compared to net cash used in financing activities of approximately $145.9 million during fiscal 2016. The $272.9 million increase in net cash provided by financing activities is primarily due to increased borrowings of approximately $185.0 million, a reduction in shares repurchased and retired of $63.5 million and an increase in stock option exercises of $19.2 during fiscal 2017.  The additional borrowings primarily related to the issuance of our Senior Unsecured Notes (see page 50) in August 2016 and the Fairborn Acquisition in February 2017, while the decrease in shares repurchased and retired and the increase in stock option exercises was due primarily to the increase in our stock price during the

49

 


second half of fiscal 2017.  Our debt-to-capitalization ratio and net-debt-to-capitalization ratio was 36.3% and 36.1%, respectively, at March 31, 2017, as compared to 32.8% and 32.6%, respectively, at March 31, 2016.

Debt Financing Activities.

Bank Credit Facility

We have a $500.0 million revolving credit facility (the “Credit Facility”), including a swingline loan sublimit of $25.0 million, which terminates on August 2, 2021.  Borrowings under the Credit Facility are guaranteed by substantially all of the Company’s subsidiaries. The debt under the Credit Facility is not rated by ratings agencies.

At our option, outstanding principal amounts on the Credit Facility bear interest at a variable rate equal to (i) The London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) for the selected period, plus an applicable rate (ranging from 100 to 225 basis points), which is to be established quarterly based upon the Company’s ratio of consolidated EBITDA, defined as earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, to the Company’s consolidated indebtedness (the “Leverage Ratio”), or (ii) an alternative base rate which is the higher of (a) the prime rate or (b) the federal funds rate plus  12% per annum plus an applicable rate (ranging from 0 to 125 basis points). Interest payments are payable, in the case of loans bearing interest at a rate based on the federal funds rate, quarterly, or in the case of loans bearing interest at a rate based on LIBOR, at the end of the applicable interest period. The Company is also required to pay a commitment fee on unused available borrowings under the Credit Facility ranging from 10 to 35 basis points depending upon the Leverage Ratio. The Credit Facility contains customary covenants that restrict our ability to incur additional debt, encumber our assets, sell assets, make or enter into certain investments, loans or guaranties and enter into sale and leaseback arrangements. The Credit Facility also requires us to maintain a consolidated indebtedness ratio (calculated as consolidated indebtedness to consolidated earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization, certain transaction-related deductions and other non-cash deductions) of 3.5:1.0 or less and an interest coverage ratio (consolidated earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization, certain transaction-related deductions and other non-cash deductions to consolidated interest expense) of at least 2.5:1.0.  We had $225.0 million of borrowings outstanding at March 31, 2017. Based on our Leverage Ratio, we had $266.2 million of available borrowings, net of the outstanding letters of credit, at March 31, 2017.

The Credit Facility has a $40.0 million letter of credit facility. Under the letter of credit facility, the Company pays a fee at a per annum rate equal to the applicable margin for Eurodollar loans in effect from time to time plus a one-time letter of credit fee in an amount equal to 0.125% of the initial stated amount. At March 31, 2017, we had $8.8 million of letters of credit outstanding.

4.500% Senior Unsecured Notes Due 2026 –

On August 2, 2016, the Company issued $350.0 million aggregate principal amount of 4.500% senior notes ("Senior Unsecured Notes") due August 2026. Interest on the Senior Unsecured Notes is payable semiannually on February 1 and August 1 of each year until all of the outstanding notes are paid. The Senior Unsecured Notes rank equal to existing and future senior indebtedness, including the Credit Facility and the Private Placement Senior Unsecured Notes. Prior to August 1, 2019, we may redeem up to 40% of the original aggregate principal amount of the Senior Unsecured Notes with the proceeds of certain equity offerings at a redemption price of 104.5% of the principal amount of the notes.  On or after August 1, 2019, and prior to August 1, 2021, we may redeem some or all of the Senior Unsecured Notes at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount, plus a “make-whole” premium.  Beginning on August 1, 2021, we may redeem some or all of the Senior Unsecured Notes at the redemption prices set forth below (expressed as a percentage of the principal amount being redeemed):

 

 

Percentage

 

2021

 

 

102.25

%

2022

 

 

101.50

%

2023

 

 

100.75

%

2024 and thereafter

 

 

100.00

%

50

 


The Senior Unsecured Notes contain covenants that limit our ability and/or our guarantor subsidiaries' ability to create or permit to exist certain liens; enter into sale and leaseback transactions; and consolidate, merge, or transfer all or substantially all of our assets. The Company’s Senior Unsecured Notes are fully and unconditionally and jointly and severally guaranteed by each of our subsidiaries that is a guarantor under the Credit Facility and Private Placement Senior Unsecured Notes. See Footnote (M) to the Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements for more information on the guarantors of the Senior Unsecured Notes.

Our Senior Unsecured Notes are rated by Moody’s Investor Service (“Moody’s”) and Standard and Poor’s Global Ratings (“S&P”).  The ratings are typically monitored by stockholders, creditors or suppliers and an indicator of the Company’s viability.  Below is a summary of the ratings published by the agencies as of the date indicated:

 

Moody's

 

S&P

Corporate/Family Rating

Ba1

 

BBB

Outlook

Stable

 

Stable

Guaranteed Senior Notes

Ba1

 

BBB

 

July 25, 2016

 

July 25, 2016

Private Placement Senior Unsecured Notes –

We entered into a Note Purchase Agreement (the “2005 Note Purchase Agreement”) in connection with our sale of $200.0 million of senior unsecured notes, designated as Series 2005A Senior Unsecured Notes (the “Series 2005A Senior Unsecured Notes”) in a private placement transaction on November 15, 2005. The Series 2005A Senior Unsecured Notes, which are guaranteed by substantially all of our subsidiaries, were sold at par and issued in three tranches. At March 31, 2017, the amount outstanding for the remaining tranche was as follows:

 

 

 

Principal

 

Maturity Date

 

Interest

Rate

 

Tranche C

 

$57.2 million

 

November 15, 2017

 

 

5.48

%

 

Interest for this tranche of Series 2005A Senior Unsecured Notes is payable semi-annually on May 15 and November 15 of each year until all principal is paid.

We also entered into an additional Note Purchase Agreement (the “2007 Note Purchase Agreement”) in connection with our sale of $200.0 million of senior unsecured notes, designated as Series 2007A Senior Unsecured Notes (the “Series 2007A Senior Unsecured Notes” and together with the Series 2005A Senior Unsecured Notes, the “Private Placement Senior Unsecured Notes”) in a private placement transaction on October 2, 2007. The Series 2007A Senior Unsecured Notes, which are guaranteed by substantially all of our subsidiaries, were sold at par and issued in four tranches on October 2, 2007. At March 31, 2017, the amounts outstanding for each of the remaining tranches are as follows:

 

 

 

Principal

 

Maturity Date

 

Interest

Rate

 

Tranche C

 

$24.0 million

 

October 2, 2017

 

 

6.36

%

Tranche D

 

$36.5 million

 

October 2, 2019

 

 

6.48

%

 

Interest for each tranche of Series 2007A Senior Unsecured Notes is payable semi-annually on April 2 and October 2 of each year until all principal is paid for the respective tranche.  During October 2016, the $8.0 million outstanding under Tranche B of the Series 2007A Senior Unsecured Notes matured, and the related notes were repaid and cancelled at that time.

Our obligations under the 2005 Note Purchase Agreement and 2007 Note Purchase Agreement (together, the “Private Placement Note Purchase Agreements”) and the Private Placement Senior Unsecured Notes are equal in right of payment with all other senior, unsecured indebtedness of the Company, including our indebtedness under the Credit Facility and Senior Unsecured Notes. The Private Placement Note Purchase Agreements contain

51

 


customary restrictive covenants, including, but not limited to, covenants that place limits on our ability to encumber our assets, to incur additional debt, to sell assets, or to merge or consolidate with third parties.

The Private Placement Note Purchase Agreements require us to maintain a Consolidated Debt to Consolidated EBITDA (calculated as consolidated indebtedness to consolidated earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, depletion, amortization, certain transaction related deductions and other non-cash charges) ratio of 3.50 to 1.00 or less. The 2007 Note Purchase Agreement requires us to maintain an interest coverage ratio (Consolidated EBITDA to Consolidated Interest Expense (calculated as consolidated EBITDA, as defined above, to consolidated interest expense)) of at least 2.50:1.00. In addition, the 2007 Note Purchase Agreement requires the Company to ensure that at all times either (i) Consolidated Total Assets equal at least 80% of the consolidated total assets of the Company and its Subsidiaries, determined in accordance with GAAP, or (ii) consolidated total revenues of the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries for the period of four consecutive fiscal quarters most recently ended equals at least 80% of the consolidated total revenues of the Company and its Subsidiaries during such period.  We were in compliance with all financial ratios and tests at March 31, 2017.

Pursuant to a Subsidiary Guaranty Agreement, substantially all of our subsidiaries have guaranteed the punctual payment of all principal, interest, and Make-Whole Amounts (as defined in the Private Placement Note Purchase Agreements) on the Private Placement Senior Unsecured Notes and the other payment and performance obligations of the Company contained in the Private Placement Senior Unsecured Notes and in the Private Placement Note Purchase Agreements. We are permitted, at our option and without penalty, to prepay from time to time at least 10% of the original aggregate principal amount of the Private Placement Senior Unsecured Notes at 100% of the principal amount to be prepaid, together with interest accrued on such amount to be prepaid to the date of payment, plus a Make-Whole Amount. The Make-Whole Amount is computed by discounting the remaining scheduled payments of interest and principal of the Private Placement Senior Unsecured Notes being prepaid at a discount rate equal to the sum of 50 basis points and the yield to maturity of U.S. treasury securities having a maturity equal to the remaining average life of the Private Placement Senior Unsecured Notes being prepaid.

Other Information -

We lease one of our cement plants from the city of Sugar Creek, Missouri. The city of Sugar Creek issued industrial revenue bonds to partly finance improvements to the cement plant. The lease payments due to the city of Sugar Creek under the cement plant lease, which was entered into upon the sale of the industrial revenue bonds, are equal in amount to the payments required to be made by the city of Sugar Creek to the holders of the industrial revenue bonds. Because we are the holder of all of the outstanding industrial revenue bonds, no debt is reflected on our financial statements in connection with our lease of the cement plant. At the conclusion of the lease in fiscal 2021, we have the option to purchase the cement plant for a nominal amount.

Other than the Credit Facility, we have no other source of committed external financing in place. In the event the Credit Facility should be terminated; no assurance can be given as to our ability to secure a new source of financing. Consequently, if any balance were outstanding on the Credit Facility at the time of termination, and an alternative source of financing could not be secured; it would have a material adverse impact on us. None of our debt is rated by the rating agencies.

We do not have any off-balance sheet debt, except for approximately $40.0 million of operating leases, which have an average remaining term of approximately fifteen years. Also, we have no outstanding debt guarantees. We have available under the Credit Facility a $40.0 million Letter of Credit Facility. At March 31, 2017, we had $8.8 million of letters of credit outstanding that renew annually. We are contingently liable for performance under $20.1 million in performance bonds relating primarily to our mining operations.

We believe that our cash flow from operations and available borrowings under our Credit Facility should be sufficient to meet our currently anticipated operating needs, capital expenditures and dividend and debt service requirements for at least the next twelve months. However, our future liquidity and capital requirements may vary depending on a number of factors, including market conditions in the construction industry, our ability to maintain compliance with covenants in our Credit Facility, the level of competition and general and economic factors beyond

52

 


our control. These and other developments could reduce our cash flow or require that we seek additional sources of funding. We cannot predict what effect these factors will have on our future liquidity.

As market conditions warrant, the Company may from time to time seek to purchase or repay its outstanding debt securities or loans, including the Private Placement Senior Unsecured Notes, Senior Unsecured Notes and borrowings under the Credit Facility, in privately negotiated or open market transactions, by tender offer or otherwise. Subject to any applicable limitations contained in the agreements governing our indebtedness, any purchases made by us may be funded by the use of cash on our balance sheet or the incurrence of new debt. The amounts involved in any such purchase transactions, individually or in the aggregate, may be material. Any such purchases of the notes offered hereby may be with respect to a substantial amount of such notes, with an attendant reduction in the trading liquidity of such notes.

Cash Used for Share Repurchases and Stock Repurchase Program.

See table under Item 5. “Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities” for additional information.

On August 10, 2015, the Board of Directors authorized the Company to repurchase up to an additional 6,782,700 shares, for a total outstanding authorization of 7,500,000 shares.  During fiscal 2017 and 2016 we repurchased 788,000 and 1,894,000 shares, respectively, at average prices of $76.08 and $65.24, respectively.  At March 31, 2017, we have authorization to purchase an additional 4,817,200 shares.  We did not repurchase any shares in the open market during the fiscal year ended March 31, 2015.

Share repurchases may be made from time-to-time in the open market or in privately negotiated transactions. The timing and amount of any repurchases of shares will be determined by the Company’s management, based on its evaluation of market and economic conditions and other factors. In some cases, repurchases may be made pursuant to plans, programs or directions established from time to time by the Company’s management, including plans to comply with the safe-harbor provided by Rule 10b5-1.

Capital Expenditures.

The following table compares capital expenditures:

 

 

 

Fairborn

 

 

For the Fiscal Years Ended March 31,

 

 

 

Acquisition

 

 

2017

 

 

2016

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(dollars in thousands)

 

Land and Quarries

 

$

15,765

 

 

$

3,274

 

 

$

20,124

 

Plants

 

 

290,397

 

 

 

29,391

 

 

 

39,683

 

Buildings, Machinery and Equipment

 

 

8,735

 

 

 

24,273

 

 

 

29,756

 

Total Capital Expenditures

 

$

314,897

 

 

$

56,938

 

 

$

89,563

 

 

We anticipate maintenance capital expenditures will be approximately $30.0 to $35.0 million for fiscal 2018. Historically, we have financed such expenditures with cash from operations and borrowings under our revolving credit facility. We are currently planning the build out of our Utica, Illinois facility.  This build out will include the addition of a dry plant and distribution system. We estimate that this build out will cost approximately $70.0 million and will be completed in the summer of 2018.

53

 


Contractual and Other Obligations.

We have certain contractual obligations arising from indebtedness, operating leases and purchase obligations. Future payments due, aggregated by type of contractual obligation are set forth as follows:

 

 

 

Payments Due by Period

 

 

 

Total

 

 

Less than

1 year

 

 

1-3 years

 

 

3-5 years

 

 

More than

5 years

 

 

 

(dollars in thousands)

 

Contractual Obligations:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Credit Facility (1)

 

$

225,000

 

 

$

 

 

$

 

 

$

225,000

 

 

$

 

Senior Unsecured Notes

 

 

350,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

350,000

 

Private Placement Senior Unsecured Notes

 

 

117,714

 

 

 

81,214

 

 

 

36,500

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest on Credit Facility (2)

 

 

17,218

 

 

 

5,617

 

 

 

8,216

 

 

 

3,385

 

 

 

 

Interest on Senior Unsecured Notes

 

 

147,000

 

 

 

15,750

 

 

 

31,500

 

 

 

31,500

 

 

 

68,250

 

Interest on Private Placement Senior Unsecured Notes

 

 

8,636

 

 

 

5,088

 

 

 

3,548

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating Leases

 

 

37,303

 

 

 

9,786

 

 

 

16,915

 

 

 

4,908

 

 

 

5,694

 

Purchase Obligations (3)

 

 

86,999

 

 

 

24,340

 

 

 

21,810

 

 

 

11,851

 

 

 

28,998

 

Total

 

$

989,870

 

 

$

141,795

 

 

$

118,489

 

 

$

276,644

 

 

$

452,942

 

 

(1)

The Credit Facility expires in August 2021.

(2)

At March 31, 2017, we had $225.0 million outstanding under the Credit Facility. Interest on the outstanding amounts is based on LIBOR plus a margin based on our leverage ratio. We also pay a commitment fee, which is calculated based on the available amount of borrowings at .35% per annum through the expiration of the facility in August 2021. We estimated the future cash flows for interest by assuming a level repayment of the Credit Facility over the remainder of the agreement. Actual amounts paid, as well as the payment time periods, will likely differ from this estimate.

(3)

Purchase obligations are non-cancelable agreements to purchase coal, natural gas and synthetic gypsum, to pay royalty amounts and capital expenditure commitments.

Based on our current actuarial estimates, we anticipate making contributions of approximately $0.5 million to $1.0 million to our defined benefit plans for fiscal year 2017.

Dividends.

Dividends paid in fiscal years 2017 and 2016 were $19.3 million and $20.0 million, respectively. Each quarterly dividend payment is subject to review and approval by our Board of Directors.

Inflation and Changing Prices.

The Consumer Price Index rose approximately 2.1% in calendar 2016, 0.7% in 2015, and 0.8% in 2014. Prices of materials and services, with the exception of power, natural gas, coal, petroleum coke, and transportation freight, have remained relatively stable over the three-year period. During calendar 2016, the Consumer Price Index for energy increased approximately 2.2%, while the Consumer Price Index for transportation increased approximately 2.8%. These increases, with the exception of energy, are relatively minor, and had minimal impact on our business due to improving efficiencies. The increase in energy prices adversely impacted our manufacturing businesses, but positively impacted our oil and gas proppants segment as demand for oil grew over the latter part of calendar 2016 and into the first quarter of fiscal 2017, increasing the demand for frac sand.  Additional inflationary increases could have an adverse impact on all of our businesses, with the exception of increased oil prices, which would favor our oil and gas proppants business. The ability to increase sales prices to cover future increases varies with the level of activity in the construction industry, the number, size, and strength of competitors and the availability of products to supply a local market.

General Outlook

See “Market Conditions and Outlook” within Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations on page 35.

54

 


Recent Accounting Pronouncements

Refer to Footnote (A) of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for information regarding recently issued accounting pronouncements that may affect our financial statements.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain information included in this report or in other materials we have filed or will file with the SEC, as well as information included in oral statements or other written statements made or to be made by us, contains or may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Private Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements may be identified by the context of the statement and generally arise when we are discussing our beliefs, estimates or expectations. From time to time, forward-looking statements also are included in our other periodic reports on Forms 10-K, 10-Q and 8-K, press releases and presentations, on our web site and in other material released to the public. We specifically disclaim any duty to update any of the information set forth in this report, including any forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are made based on management’s current expectations and beliefs concerning future events and, therefore, involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Management cautions that forward-looking statements are not guarantees, and our actual results could differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements. See Item 1A – Risk Factors for a more detailed discussion of specific risks and uncertainties.

ITEM 7A.

QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

We are exposed to market risks related to fluctuations in interest rates on our Credit Facility. We have occasionally utilized derivative instruments, including interest rate swaps, in conjunction with our overall strategy to manage the debt outstanding that is subject to changes in interest rates. We have a $500.0 million Credit Facility available at March 31, 2017 under which borrowings bear interest at a variable rate. A hypothetical 100 basis point increase in interest rates on the $225.0 million of borrowings at March 31, 2017 would increase our interest expense by $2.3 million on an annual basis. We do not presently utilize derivative financial instruments.

We are subject to commodity risk with respect to price changes principally in coal, coke, natural gas and power. We attempt to limit our exposure to changes in commodity prices by entering into contracts or increasing use of alternative fuels.

 

 

55

 


ITEM 8.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

Financial Information

 

56

 


Eagle Materials Inc. and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statements of Earnings

(dollars in thousands, except share and per share data)

 

 

 

For the Years Ended March 31,

 

 

 

2017

 

 

2016

 

 

2015

 

Revenues

 

$

1,211,220

 

 

$

1,143,492

 

 

$

1,066,368

 

Cost of Goods Sold

 

 

899,175

 

 

 

911,875

 

 

 

812,235

 

Gross Profit

 

 

312,045

 

 

 

231,617

 

 

 

254,133

 

Equity in Earnings of Unconsolidated Joint Venture

 

 

42,386

 

 

 

39,083

 

 

 

44,967

 

Corporate General and Administrative Expense

 

 

(33,940

)

 

 

(37,193

)

 

 

(30,751

)

Other Operating Income

 

 

2,139

 

 

 

2,328

 

 

 

3,201

 

Acquisition and Litigation Expense

 

 

(5,480

)

 

 

 

 

 

(6,880

)

Interest Expense, Net

 

 

(22,631

)

 

 

(16,583

)

 

 

(11,743

)

Earnings before Income Taxes

 

 

294,519

 

 

 

219,252

 

 

 

252,927

 

Income Taxes

 

 

(96,300

)

 

 

(66,660

)

 

 

(66,074

)

Net Earnings

 

 

198,219

 

 

 

152,592

 

 

 

186,853

 

EARNINGS PER SHARE

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

 

$

4.14

 

 

$

3.08

 

 

$

3.77

 

Diluted

 

$

4.10

 

 

$

3.05

 

 

$

3.71

 

AVERAGE SHARES OUTSTANDING

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

 

 

47,931,518

 

 

 

49,471,157

 

 

 

49,604,249

 

Diluted

 

 

48,361,286

 

 

 

50,070,829

 

 

 

50,372,243

 

CASH DIVIDENDS PER SHARE

 

$

0.40

 

 

$

0.40

 

 

$

0.40

 

 

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

57

 


Eagle Materials Inc. and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Earnings

(dollars in thousands)

 

 

 

For the Years Ended March 31,

 

 

 

2017

 

 

2016

 

 

2015

 

Net Earnings

 

$

198,219

 

 

$

152,592

 

 

$

186,853

 

Net Actuarial Change in Defined Benefit Plans:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Unrealized (gain) loss during the period, net of tax expense

   (benefit) of $1,554, ($488) and ($3,746)

 

 

(2,765

)

 

 

613

 

 

 

6,173

 

Amortization of Net Actuarial Loss, net of tax benefit of $752,

   $760 and $242

 

 

1,248

 

 

 

1,271

 

 

 

411

 

Comprehensive Earnings

 

$

202,232

 

 

$

153,250

 

 

$

193,437

 

 

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

58

 


Eagle Materials Inc. and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Balance Sheets

(dollars in thousands)

 

 

 

March 31,

 

 

 

2017

 

 

2016

 

ASSETS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current Assets -

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and Cash Equivalents

 

$

6,561

 

 

$

5,391

 

Accounts and Notes Receivable, net

 

 

136,313

 

 

 

120,221

 

Inventories

 

 

252,846

 

 

 

243,595

 

Income Tax Receivable

 

$

 

 

 

5,623

 

Prepaid and Other Assets

 

 

4,904

 

 

 

5,173

 

Total Current Assets

 

 

400,624

 

 

 

380,003

 

Property, Plant and Equipment -

 

 

2,439,438

 

 

 

2,072,776

 

Less: Accumulated Depreciation

 

 

(892,601

)

 

 

(817,465

)

Property, Plant and Equipment, net

 

 

1,546,837

 

 

 

1,255,311

 

Notes Receivable

 

 

815

 

 

 

2,672

 

Investment in Joint Venture

 

 

48,620

 

 

 

49,465

 

Goodwill and Intangible Assets, net

 

 

235,505

 

 

 

165,827

 

Other Assets

 

 

14,723

 

 

 

30,357

 

 

 

$

2,247,124

 

 

$

1,883,635

 

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current Liabilities -

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts Payable

 

$

92,193

 

 

$

66,614

 

Accrued Liabilities

 

 

55,379

 

 

 

45,975

 

Income Tax Payable

 

 

733

 

 

 

 

Current Portion of Long-term Debt

 

 

81,214

 

 

 

8,000

 

Total Current Liabilities

 

 

229,519

 

 

 

120,589

 

Long-term Debt

 

 

605,253

 

 

 

499,714

 

Other Long-term Liabilities

 

 

42,878

 

 

 

61,122

 

Deferred Income Taxes

 

 

166,024

 

 

 

161,679

 

Total Liabilities

 

 

1,043,674

 

 

 

843,104

 

Stockholders’ Equity –

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Preferred Stock, Par Value $0.01; Authorized 5,000,000

   Shares; None Issued

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common Stock, Par Value $0.01; Authorized 100,000,000 Shares; Issued and

   Outstanding 48,453,268 and 48,526,843 Shares, respectively.

 

 

485

 

 

 

485

 

Capital in Excess of Par Value

 

 

149,014

 

 

 

168,969

 

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Losses

 

 

(7,396

)

 

 

(11,409

)

Retained Earnings

 

 

1,061,347

 

 

 

882,486

 

Total Stockholders’ Equity

 

 

1,203,450

 

 

 

1,040,531

 

 

 

$

2,247,124

 

 

$

1,883,635

 

 

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

59

 


Eagle Materials Inc. and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(dollars in thousands)

 

 

 

For the Years Ended March 31,

 

 

 

2017

 

 

2016

 

 

2015

 

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net Earnings

 

$

198,219

 

 

$

152,592

 

 

$

186,853

 

Adjustments to Reconcile Net Earnings to Net Cash Provided

   by Operating Activities, Net of Effect of Non-Cash Activity -

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization

 

 

91,791

 

 

 

97,105

 

 

 

76,299

 

Inventory Adjustment to Net Realizable Value

 

 

8,492

 

 

 

9,382

 

 

 

 

Impairment of Intangible Assets

 

 

 

 

 

34,999

 

 

 

 

Reduction of Prepaid Sand Liability

 

 

(2,000

)

 

 

(10,658

)

 

 

 

Deferred Income Tax Provision

 

 

2,203

 

 

 

(2,323

)

 

 

5,805

 

Stock Compensation Expense

 

 

12,069

 

 

 

17,346

 

 

 

13,030

 

Excess Tax Benefits from Share Based Payment Arrangements

 

 

(10,349

)

 

 

(4,102

)

 

 

(5,743

)

Equity in Earnings of Unconsolidated Joint Venture

 

 

(42,386

)

 

 

(39,083

)

 

 

(44,967

)

Distributions from Joint Venture

 

 

43,250

 

 

 

37,250

 

 

 

40,375

 

Changes in Operating Assets and Liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts and Notes Receivable

 

 

(14,235

)

 

 

(4,553

)

 

 

4,196

 

Inventories

 

 

(6,636

)

 

 

(15,122

)

 

 

(38,741

)

Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities

 

 

33,687

 

 

 

(7,061

)

 

 

(11,499

)

Other Assets

 

 

788

 

 

 

4,468

 

 

 

520

 

Income Taxes Payable

 

 

16,705

 

 

 

(4,473

)

 

 

7,993

 

Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities

 

 

331,598

 

 

 

265,767

 

 

 

234,121

 

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Additions to Property, Plant and Equipment

 

 

(56,938

)

 

 

(89,563

)

 

 

(111,573

)

Acquisition Spending

 

 

(400,488

)

 

 

(32,427

)

 

 

(237,171

)

Net Cash Used in Investing Activities

 

 

(457,426

)

 

 

(121,990

)

 

 

(348,744

)

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Increase (Decrease) in Credit Facility

 

 

(157,000

)

 

 

52,000

 

 

 

141,000

 

Repayment of Senior Notes

 

 

(8,000

)

 

 

(57,045

)

 

 

(9,500

)

Issuance of Long-term Debt

 

 

350,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dividends Paid to Stockholders

 

 

(19,341

)

 

 

(20,020

)

 

 

(20,072

)

Purchase and Retirement of Common Stock

 

 

(60,013

)

 

 

(123,530

)

 

 

 

Proceeds from Stock Option Exercises

 

 

22,108

 

 

 

2,866

 

 

 

4,311

 

Shares Redeemed to Settle Employee Taxes on Stock Compensation

 

 

(4,468

)

 

 

(4,273

)

 

 

(4,166

)

Payment of Debt Issuance Costs

 

 

(6,637

)

 

 

 

 

 

(1,661

)

Excess Tax Benefits from Share Based Payment Arrangements

 

 

10,349

 

 

 

4,102

 

 

 

5,743

 

Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities

 

 

126,998

 

 

 

(145,900

)

 

 

115,655

 

NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH

   EQUIVALENTS

 

 

1,170

 

 

 

(2,123

)

 

 

1,032

 

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING OF

   PERIOD

 

 

5,391

 

 

 

7,514

 

 

 

6,482

 

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD

 

$

6,561

 

 

$

5,391

 

 

$

7,514

 

 

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

60

 


Eagle Materials Inc. and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity

(dollars in thousands)

 

 

 

Common

Stock

 

 

Capital in

Excess of

Par Value

 

 

Retained

Earnings

 

 

Accumulated

Other

Comprehensive

Losses

 

 

Total

 

Balance at March 31, 2014

 

$

501

 

 

$

253,524

 

 

$

582,957

 

 

$

(5,483

)

 

$

831,499

 

Net Earnings

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

186,853

 

 

 

 

 

 

186,853

 

Stock Option Exercises and Restricted Share Vesting

 

 

1

 

 

 

4,310

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4,311

 

Tax Benefit-Stock Option Exercise

 

 

 

 

 

5,743

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5,743

 

Dividends to Stockholders

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(20,093

)

 

 

 

 

 

(20,093

)

Stock Compensation Expense

 

 

 

 

 

13,030

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

13,030

 

Shares Redeemed to Settle Employee Taxes

 

 

 

 

 

(4,166

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(4,166

)

Unfunded Pension Liability, net of tax

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(6,584

)

 

 

(6,584

)

Balance at March 31, 2015

 

$

502

 

 

$

272,441

 

 

$

749,717

 

 

$

(12,067

)

 

$

1,010,593

 

Net Earnings

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

152,592

 

 

 

 

 

 

152,592

 

Stock Option Exercises and Restricted Share Vesting

 

 

2

 

 

 

2,864

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2,866

 

Tax Benefit-Stock Option Exercise

 

 

 

 

 

4,102

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4,102

 

Purchase and Retirement of Common Stock

 

 

(19

)

 

 

(123,511

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(123,530

)

Dividends to Stockholders

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(19,823

)

 

 

 

 

 

(19,823

)

Stock Compensation Expense

 

 

 

 

 

17,346

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

17,346

 

Shares Redeemed to Settle Employee Taxes

 

 

 

 

 

(4,273

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(4,273

)

Unfunded Pension Liability, net of tax

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

658

 

 

 

658

 

Balance at March 31, 2016

 

$

485

 

 

$

168,969

 

 

$

882,486

 

 

$

(11,409

)

 

$

1,040,531

 

Net Earnings

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

198,219

 

 

 

 

 

 

198,219

 

Stock Option Exercises and Restricted Share Vesting

 

 

8

 

 

 

22,100

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

22,108

 

Tax Benefit-Stock Option Exercise

 

 

 

 

 

10,349

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

10,349

 

Purchase and Retirement of Common Stock

 

 

(9

)

 

 

(60,004

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(60,013

)

Dividends to Stockholders

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(19,358

)

 

 

 

 

 

(19,358

)

Stock Compensation Expense

 

 

1

 

 

 

12,068

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

12,069

 

Shares Redeemed to Settle Employee Taxes

 

 

 

 

 

(4,468

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(4,468

)

Unfunded Pension Liability, net of tax

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4,013

 

 

 

4,013

 

Balance at March 31, 2017

 

$

485

 

 

$

149,014

 

 

$

1,061,347

 

 

$

(7,396

)

 

$

1,203,450

 

 

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

61

 


Eagle Materials Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(dollars in thousands, except per share data)

(A) Significant Accounting Policies

Basis of Presentation –

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Eagle Materials Inc. and its majority-owned subsidiaries (“EXP” or the “Company”), which may be referred to as “our”, “we”, or “us”. All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated. EXP is a holding company whose assets consist of its investments in its subsidiaries, joint venture, intercompany balances and holdings of cash and cash equivalents. The businesses of the consolidated group are conducted through EXP’s subsidiaries. The Company conducts one of its cement plant operations through a joint venture, Texas Lehigh Cement Company L.P., which is located in Buda, Texas (the “Joint Venture”). Investments in the Joint Venture and affiliated companies owned 50% or less are accounted for using the equity method of accounting. The equity in earnings of unconsolidated joint venture has been included for the same period as our March 31 year end.

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

 

Reclassifications – Certain reclassifications have been made to the prior year to conform to the current year presentation.

Cash and Cash Equivalents –

Cash equivalents include short-term, highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less and are recorded at cost, which approximates market value.

Accounts and Notes Receivable –

Accounts and notes receivable have been shown net of the allowance for doubtful accounts of $10.7 million and $10.2 million at March 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. We perform ongoing credit evaluations of our customers’ financial condition and generally require no collateral from our customers. The allowance for non-collection of receivables is based upon analysis of economic trends in the construction and oil and gas industries, detailed analysis of the expected collectability of accounts receivable that are past due and the expected collectability of overall receivables. We have no significant credit risk concentration among our diversified customer base.

We had notes receivable totaling approximately $4.2 million at March 31, 2017, of which approximately $3.4 million has been classified as current and presented with accounts receivable on the balance sheet. We lend funds to certain companies in the ordinary course of business, and the notes bear interest, on average, at LIBOR plus 3.5%, which was approximately 4.5% on March 31, 2017. Remaining unpaid amounts, plus accrued interest, mature in fiscal 2018 and 2021. The notes are collateralized by certain assets of the borrowers, namely property and equipment. We monitor the credit risk of each borrower by focusing on the timeliness of payments, review of credit history and credit metrics and interaction with the borrowers. At March 31, 2017 and 2016, approximately $0.3 million of our allowance for doubtful accounts is related to our notes receivable.

62

 


Inventories –

Inventories are stated at the lower of average cost (including applicable material, labor, depreciation, and plant overhead) or market. Inventories consist of the following:

 

 

 

March 31,

 

 

 

2017

 

 

2016

 

 

 

(dollars in thousands)

 

Raw Materials and Materials-in-Progress

 

$

122,736

 

 

$

119,060

 

Finished Cement

 

 

24,428

 

 

 

21,834

 

Gypsum Wallboard

 

 

7,951

 

 

 

5,839

 

Paperboard

 

 

8,635

 

 

 

7,575

 

Frac Sand

 

 

2,907

 

 

 

5,501

 

Aggregates

 

 

7,686

 

 

 

10,660

 

Repair Parts and Supplies

 

 

73,732

 

 

 

68,155

 

Fuel and Coal

 

 

4,771

 

 

 

4,971

 

 

 

$

252,846

 

 

$

243,595

 

 During fiscal 2017, we wrote down approximately $7.7 million and $0.8 million of raw materials and materials-in-process and frac sand, respectively.  During fiscal 2016, we wrote down approximately $9.4 million of raw materials and materials-in-process.  These inventories related to our Oil and Gas Proppants segment.

Property, Plant and Equipment –

Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost. Major renewals and improvements are capitalized and depreciated. Annual maintenance is expensed as incurred. Depreciation is provided on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of depreciable assets and totaled $86.0 million, $84.2 million and $69.7 million for the years ended March 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. Raw material deposits are depleted as such deposits are extracted for production utilizing the units-of-production method. Costs and accumulated depreciation applicable to assets retired or sold are eliminated from the accounts and any resulting gains or losses are recognized at such time. The estimated lives of the related assets are as follows:

 

Plants

 

20 to 30 years

Buildings

 

20 to 40 years

Machinery and Equipment

 

3 to 25 years

 

We periodically evaluate whether current events or circumstances indicate that the carrying value of our depreciable assets may not be recoverable. At March 31, 2017 and 2016, management believes no events or circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable.

Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived and Intangible Assets –

We evaluate the recoverability of our long-lived assets and certain identifiable intangibles, such as permits and customer contracts, for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability of assets, such as plants, buildings and machinery and equipment, including mining assets, is measured by comparing the carrying amount of an asset to future undiscounted net cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. Such evaluations for impairment are significantly impacted by estimates of future prices for our products, capital needs, economic trends in the construction sector and other factors. If such assets are considered to be impaired, the impairment to be recognized is measured by the amount by which the carrying amount of the assets exceeds their estimated fair value. Assets to be disposed of by sale are reflected at the lower of their carrying amount or fair value less cost to sell.

During calendar 2015, the continued decline in oil prices adversely impacted oil and gas drilling activity, leading to further reductions in demand and pricing for proppants.  This reduction in demand adversely impacted performance under our customer contracts for our frac sand business, resulting in the amendment of certain of these contracts.  Based on the reduced demand for proppants and the executed and pending amendments to our customer

63

 


contracts, we concluded that long-lived asset impairment indicators were present during the quarters ended September 30, 2015 and March 31, 2016 for our customer contract intangible assets.  We performed recovery tests to determine if any of the customer contract intangible assets related to our oil and gas proppants business unit were impaired at September 30, 2015 and March 31, 2016.  Based on our analysis of the undiscounted cash flows for each of our customer contract intangibles related to our oil and gas proppants business, we concluded that the carrying value of certain customer contract intangible assets exceeded the undiscounted cash flows for the related assets at both September 30, 2015 and March 31, 2016.   For those contracts whose carrying value exceeded the undiscounted cash flows, we calculated an estimated fair value of each contract using the weighted-average probable cash flows related to each contract (level 3 inputs), discounted using a weighted-average cost of capital (“WACC”).  The WACC was determined from relevant market comparisons, and adjusted for specific risks.  This analysis resulted in impairment losses of approximately $28.4 million and $6.6 million for the quarters ended September 30, 2015 and March 31, 2016, respectively, which is included in cost of goods sold in the Consolidated Statement of Earnings for fiscal year 2016.  There was no impairment of long-lived and intangible assets during fiscal 2017.

Goodwill and Intangible Assets – Goodwill:

Goodwill is subject to at least an annual assessment for impairment by applying a fair-value-based test. We have elected to test for goodwill impairment in the fourth quarter of each fiscal year. The goodwill impairment test is a two-step process, which requires us to make judgments in determining what assumptions to use in the calculation. The first step of the process consists of estimating the fair value of each reporting unit based on a discounted cash flow model using revenues and profit forecasts and comparing those estimated fair values with the carrying value; a second step is performed, if necessary, to compute the amount of the impairment by determining an “implied fair value” of goodwill. Similar to the review for impairment of other long-lived assets, evaluations for impairment are significantly impacted by estimates of future prices for our products, capital needs, economic trends and other factors.

Intangible Assets: Intangible assets, including the impact of the impairment charges discussed above, at March 31, 2017 and 2016 consist of the following:

 

 

 

March 31, 2017

 

 

 

Amortization

Period

 

Cost

 

 

Accumulated

Amortization

 

 

Net

 

 

 

(dollars in thousands)

 

Goodwill and Intangible Assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Customer Contracts and Relationships

 

15 years

 

$

72,260

 

 

$

(56,303

)

 

$

15,957

 

Sales Contracts

 

4 years

 

 

2,500

 

 

 

(2,500

)

 

 

 

Permits

 

40 years

 

 

28,440

 

 

 

(7,262

)

 

$

21,178

 

Goodwill

 

 

 

 

198,370

 

 

 

 

 

$

198,370

 

Total Goodwill and Intangible Assets

 

 

 

$

301,570

 

 

$

(66,065

)

 

$

235,505

 

 

64

 


At March 31, 2017, approximately $2.9 million of customer contracts and relationships is related to our oil and gas proppants segment.  During fiscal 2017, we wrote-off a customer contract in our oil and gas proppants segment valued at $1.3 million due to the termination of the contract.  At March 31, 2016, we had a $2.0 liability related to prepayment for sand under one of our contracts.  This contract expired on June 30, 2016, at which time the customer prepayment was forfeited under the terms of the contract.  The $2.0 million was recorded as a reduction of cost of goods sold in our Consolidated Statement of Earnings.

 

 

March 31, 2016

 

 

 

Amortization

Period

 

Cost

 

 

Amortization                        Expense

 

 

Impairment

 

 

Accumulated

Amortization

 

 

Net

 

 

 

(dollars in thousands)

 

Intangible Assets and Goodwill:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Customer contracts and relationships

 

15 years

 

$

63,260

 

 

$

11,634

 

 

$

34,999

 

 

$

(52,627

)

 

$

10,633

 

Sales contracts

 

4 years

 

 

2,500

 

 

 

625

 

 

 

 

 

 

(2,083

)

 

$

417

 

Permits

 

40 years

 

 

27,440

 

 

 

652

 

 

 

 

 

 

(6,548

)

 

$

20,892

 

Goodwill

 

 

 

 

133,885

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

133,885

 

Total intangible assets and goodwill

 

 

 

$

227,085

 

 

$

12,911

 

 

$

34,999

 

 

$

(61,258

)

 

$

165,827

 

 

At March 31, 2016, approximately $5.6 million of customer contracts and relationships is related to our oil and gas proppants segment.  Under the terms of one of the contracts, the customer prepaid $15.0 million for sand, of which $12.7 million was available at March 31, 2015. This prepayment would be credited to the customer based on future sand purchases required by the contract.  This customer has not made the required purchases in accordance with the terms of the contract, and therefore has forfeited approximately $10.7 million of the prepaid balance.  The reversal of the $10.7 million was recorded as a reduction to cost of goods sold in our oil and gas proppants segment during fiscal 2016.  The remaining $2.0 million liability is included in Other Long-Term Liabilities on the consolidated Balance Sheet at March 31, 2016.  

During fiscal 2017, sales contracts with two of our customers in our oil and gas proppants business expired, or were terminated.  These customers had not purchased their contractually required amounts at the time the contracts expired or were terminated, and we entered into settlement agreements with such customers in connection with their failure to purchase the contractually required amounts.  Based on these settlement agreements, we received settlement payments of approximately $12.9 million in exchange for releasing our claims against such customers.  The settlement payments were recorded in our fiscal 2017 income statement as a reduction of cost of goods sold in our Consolidated Statement of Earnings.

Amortization expense of intangibles was $4.8 million, $12.9 million and $5.7 million for the years ended March 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively, excluding the impairment expense in fiscal 2016, as discussed above. Amortization expense is expected to be approximately $3.2 million for fiscal years 2018 and 2019, $2.3 million per year for fiscal year 2020, $1.8 million for fiscal year 2021, and $1.7 million for fiscal year 2022.

Other Assets –

Other assets are primarily composed of financing costs related to our revolving credit facility, deferred expenses, and deposits.

Income Taxes –

Income taxes are accounted for using the asset and liability method. Deferred taxes are recognized for the tax consequences of temporary differences by applying enacted statutory tax rates applicable to future years to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts and the tax bases of existing assets and liabilities. The effect on deferred taxes of a change in tax rates is recognized in earnings in the period that includes the enactment date. In addition, we recognize future tax benefits to the extent that such benefits are more likely than not to be realized.

65

 


Stock Repurchases –

On August 10, 2015, the Board of Directors authorized the Company to repurchase up to an additional 6,782,700 shares, for a total outstanding authorization of 7,500,000 shares.  During fiscal 2017, and 2016 we repurchased 788,800 and 1,894,000 shares, respectively, at average prices of $76.08 and $65.24, respectively.  At March 31, 2017, we have authorization to purchase an additional 4,817,200 shares.  We did not repurchase any shares in the open market during the fiscal year ended March 31, 2015.

Revenue Recognition –

Revenue from the sale of cement, gypsum wallboard, paperboard, frac sand, concrete and aggregates is recognized when title and ownership are transferred upon shipment to the customer. Fees for shipping and handling are recorded as revenue, while costs incurred for shipping and handling are recorded as expenses.

We classify amounts billed to customers for freight as revenues and freight costs as cost of goods sold, respectively, in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings. Approximately $138.0 million, $139.5 million and $124.0 million were classified as cost of goods sold in the years ended March 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

Other income (loss) includes lease and rental income, asset sale income, non-inventoried aggregates sales income, distribution center income and trucking income as well as other miscellaneous revenue items and costs which have not been allocated to a business segment.

Comprehensive Income/Losses –

As of March 31, 2017, we have an accumulated other comprehensive loss of $7.4 million, which is net of income taxes of $4.5 million, in connection with recognizing the difference between the fair value of the pension assets and the projected benefit obligation.

Consolidated Cash Flows – Supplemental Disclosures –

Interest payments made during the years ended March 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015 were $19.0 million, $16.9 million and $15.1 million, respectively.

We made net payments of $76.1 million, $63.9 million and $78.3 million for federal and state income taxes in the years ended March 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively.  

Statements of Consolidated Earnings – Supplemental Disclosures –

Maintenance and repair expenses are included in each segment’s costs and expenses. We incurred $101.5 million, $95.1 million and $86.7 million in the years ended March 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively, which is included in cost of goods sold on the Consolidated Statement of Earnings.

Selling, general and administrative expenses of the operating units are included in Cost of Goods Sold on the Consolidated Statements of Earnings. Corporate general and administrative (“Corporate G&A”) expenses include administration, financial, legal, employee benefits and other corporate activities and are shown separately in the consolidated statements of earnings. Corporate G&A also includes stock compensation expense. See Note (J), Stock Option Plans, for more information.

Total selling, general and administrative expenses for each of the periods are summarized as follows:

 

 

 

For the Years Ended March 31,

 

 

 

2017

 

 

2016

 

 

2015

 

 

 

(dollars in thousands)

 

Operating Units Selling, G&A

 

$

57,004

 

 

$

56,110

 

 

$

49,326

 

Corporate G&A

 

 

33,940

 

 

 

37,193

 

 

 

30,751

 

 

 

$

90,944

 

 

$

93,303

 

 

$

80,077

 

66

 


 

Earnings Per Share –

 

 

 

For the Years Ended March 31,

 

 

 

2017

 

 

2016

 

 

2015

 

Weighted-Average Shares of Common Stock

   Outstanding

 

 

47,931,518

 

 

 

49,471,157

 

 

 

49,604,249

 

Effect of Dilutive Shares:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assumed Exercise of Outstanding Dilutive Options

 

 

1,000,556

 

 

 

1,146,807

 

 

 

1,350,556

 

Less Shares Repurchased from Proceeds of Assumed

   Exercised Options

 

 

(726,223

)

 

 

(768,886

)

 

 

(868,636

)

Restricted Stock Units

 

 

155,435

 

 

 

221,751

 

 

 

286,074

 

Weighted-Average Common Stock and Dilutive

   Securities Outstanding

 

 

48,361,286

 

 

 

50,070,829

 

 

 

50,372,243

 

 

The “Less Shares Repurchased from Proceeds of Assumed Exercised Options” line includes unearned compensation related to outstanding stock options.

There were 513,262, 688,420 and 285,267 stock options at an average exercise price of $80.59 per share, $80.51 per share and $82.72 per share that were excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share for the years ended March 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively, because such inclusion would have been anti-dilutive.

Fair Value Measures –

Certain assets and liabilities are required to be recorded or disclosed at fair value. The estimated fair values of those assets and liabilities have been determined using market information and valuation methodologies. Changes in assumptions or estimation methods could affect the fair value estimates; however, we do not believe any such changes would have a material impact on our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. There are three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair value:

Level 1 – Quoted prices for identical assets and liabilities in active markets;

Level 2 – Quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar assets and liabilities in markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data; and

Level 3 – Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of the assets and liabilities. This includes certain pricing models, discounted cash flow methodologies and similar techniques that use significant unobservable inputs.

New Accounting Standards –

In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers.” ASU 2014-09 supersedes the revenue recognition requirements in “Revenue Recognition (Topic 605),” and requires entities to recognize revenue in a way that depicts the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled to in exchange for those goods or services. The standard will be effective for us in the first quarter of fiscal 2019. We will adopt the new standard using the modified retrospective approach, which requires the standard be applied only to the most current period presented, with the cumulative effect of initially applying the standard recognized at the date of initial application. We are currently performing an evaluation of segments with long-term customer contracts.  The businesses with the majority of the long-term customer contracts are not a significant part of our consolidated revenues.

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, “Leases”, which supersedes existing lease guidance to require lessees to recognize assets and liabilities on the balance sheet for the rights and obligations created by long-term leases and to disclose additional quantitative and qualitative information about leasing arrangements. The

67

 


standard will be effective for us in the first quarter of fiscal 2020, and we will adopt using the modified retrospective approach. We are currently in the process of assessing the impact of the ASU on our consolidated financial statements and disclosures, as well as our internal lease accounting processes.

In March 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board, or FASB, issued Accounting Standards Update, or ASU, 2016-09, “Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting,” which provides for simplification of certain aspects of employee share-based payment accounting, including income taxes, classification of awards as either equity or liabilities, and classification on the statement of cash flows. The standard will be effective for us in the first quarter of fiscal 2018 and will be applied prospectively for excess tax benefits and deficiencies related to stock compensation awards.  Beginning in fiscal 2018, all excess benefits and deficiencies related to stock compensation will be recognized as income tax expense or benefit in the period in which the awards vest or are settled, instead of being recognized as a component of equity.  Also upon adoption, we will elect an accounting policy to account for forfeitures as they occur, rather than estimating upon the issuance of stock awards and adjusting the estimate over the life of the awards.   Upon adoption, we will record a cumulative effect change in accounting principal to retained earnings of approximately $0.7 million.  The adoption of this standard will result in volatility in the provision for income taxes depending on fluctuations in the price of the Company's stock.  

In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-03, "Interest – Imputation of Interest (Subtopic 830-30: Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs", which requires discounts, premiums and debt issue costs related to borrowings be reported on the balance sheet as a direct reduction of the associated borrowing. In August 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-15, "Presentation and Subsequent Measurement of Debt Issuance Costs Associated with Line-of-Credit Arrangements", which clarifies that the SEC staff would not object to an entity deferring and presenting debt issuance costs as an asset, regardless of whether there are any outstanding borrowings on the line-of-credit. We adopted these standards during the first quarter of fiscal 2017.  At the time of adoption, we did not have any debt discounts, premiums or debt issue costs related to our outstanding debt; therefore, there was no impact from adopting these standards on our March 31, 2016 balance sheet.

In July 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued ASU 2015-11, “Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory”.  This standard requires inventory to be measured at the lower of cost or net realizable value, which is the estimated selling price in the ordinary course of business, less reasonably predictable costs of completion, disposal and transportation.  We adopted this standard during the first quarter of fiscal 2017.  The adoption of this standard did not have any impact on our consolidated financial statements.

Acquisition and Litigation Expense

Acquisition and litigation expense consists primarily of expenses incurred during the Fairborn and CRS acquisitions, as discussed in Footnote (B) to the Consolidated Financial Statements, and significant legal expenses incurred during litigation primarily involving the lawsuit against the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”), as discussed in Footnote (H) to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

(B) ACQUISITIONS

 

Fairborn Acquisition

On February 10, 2017, we completed the previously announced acquisition (the “Fairborn Acquisition”) of certain assets of Cemex Construction Materials Atlantic, LLC (the “Seller”). The assets acquired by the Company in the Fairborn Acquisition include a cement plant located in Fairborn, Ohio, a cement distribution terminal located in Columbus, Ohio, and certain other related assets.

Purchase Price: The purchase price (the “Fairborn Purchase Price”) of the Fairborn Acquisition was approximately $400.5 million. We funded the payment of the Fairborn Purchase Price at closing and expenses incurred in connection with the Fairborn Acquisition through a combination of cash on hand and borrowings under our bank credit facility.

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Recording of assets acquired and liabilities assumed: The transaction has been accounted for using the acquisition method of accounting which requires, among other things, that assets acquired and liabilities assumed be recognized at their fair values as of the acquisition date. The Company engaged a third-party to perform appraisal valuation to support the Company’s preliminary estimate of the fair value of certain assets acquired in the Fairborn Acquisition.

The preparation of the valuation of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed in the Fairborn Acquisition requires the use of significant assumptions and estimates. Critical estimates include, but are not limited to, replacement value and condition of property and equipment, future expected cash flows, including projected revenues and expenses, and applicable discount rates for intangible and other assets. These estimates are based on assumptions that we believe to be reasonable. However, actual results may differ from these estimates.

The Company has determined preliminary fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed in the Fairborn Acquisition.  These values are subject to change as we perform additional reviews of the property and equipment, repair parts and the asset retirement obligation. The following table summarizes the provisional allocation of the Fairborn Purchase Price to assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of the acquisition date:

 

Purchase price allocation at acquisition date (in thousands)

 

As of

February 10, 2017

 

Inventories

 

$

11,106

 

Property and Equipment

 

 

314,897

 

Intangible Assets

 

 

10,000

 

Other Assets

 

 

4,000

 

Asset Retirement Obligation

 

 

(4,000

)

Total Net Assets

 

 

336,003

 

Goodwill

 

 

64,485

 

Total Estimated Purchase Price

 

$

400,488

 

 Goodwill represents the excess purchase price over the fair values of assets acquired and liabilities assumed.  The goodwill was generated by the availability of co-product sales and the opportunity associated with the expansion of our cement business to the eastern region of the United States.  All of the goodwill generated by the transaction will be deductible for income tax purposes.  

Intangible Assets: The following table is a summary of the fair value estimates of the identifiable intangible assets (in thousands) and their weighted-average useful lives:

 

 

 

Weighted

Average Life

 

 

Estimated

Fair Value

 

Customer Relationships

 

 

15

 

 

 

9,000

 

Permits

 

 

40

 

 

 

1,000

 

Total Intangible Assets

 

 

 

 

 

$

10,000

 

 

Actual and pro forma impact of the Fairborn Acquisition: The following table presents the net sales and operating loss related to the Fairborn Acquisition that has been included in our consolidated statement of earnings from February 10, 2017 through the end of the fiscal year:

 

 

 

For the Fiscal Year

 

 

 

Ended March 31,

 

 

 

2017

 

 

 

(dollars in thousands)

 

Revenues

 

$

7,022

 

Operating Loss

 

$

(2,394

)

69

 


 

Operating loss shown above for fiscal 2017 has been impacted by approximately $1.9 million and $1.5 million related to depreciation and amortization and the recording of acquired inventory at fair value, respectively.  

The unaudited pro forma results presented below include the effects of the Fairborn Acquisition as if it had been consummated as of April 1, 2015. The pro forma results include the amortization associated with an estimate for acquired intangible assets and interest expense associated with debt used to fund the Fairborn Acquisition and depreciation from the fair value adjustments for property and equipment. To better reflect the combined operating results, material nonrecurring charges directly related to the Fairborn Acquisition of approximately $5.5 million have been excluded from pro forma net income for fiscal 2016.

 

 

 

For the Fiscal Year Ended March 31,

 

 

 

2017

 

 

2016

 

 

 

(dollars in thousands)

 

Revenues

 

$

1,280,511

 

 

$

1,218,254

 

Net Income

 

$

205,343

 

 

$

156,465

 

Earnings per share – basis

 

$

4.28

 

 

$

3.16

 

Earnings per share - diluted

 

$

4.25

 

 

$

3.12

 

 

The pro forma results do not include any anticipated synergies or other expected benefits of the Fairborn Acquisition. Accordingly, the unaudited pro forma results are not necessarily indicative of either future results of operations or results that might have been achieved had the Fairborn Acquisition been consummated as of April 1, 2015.

 

Skyway Acquisition

On July 10, 2015, we completed the acquisition of a 600,000 ton per year Granulated Ground Blast Furnace Slag (“Slag”) plant in South Chicago (the “Skyway Plant”) from Holcim (US) Inc. (the “Skyway Acquisition”).  Among other applications, slag is used in conjunction with Portland cement to make a lower permeability concrete.  The Skyway Plant purchases its primary raw material, slag, pursuant to a long-term supply agreement with a third party.  

The purchase price (the “Skyway Purchase Price”) for the Skyway Acquisition was approximately $29.9 million, net of $2.5 million to be refunded by the seller. We received $1.5 million of the refund in January 2016 and the remaining $1.0 million in January 2017.  We funded the payment of the Skyway Purchase Price and expenses incurred in connection with the Skyway Acquisition through operating cash flow and borrowings under our bank credit facility.  We also assumed certain liabilities, including contractual obligations, related to the Skyway Plant.  The purchase price was allocated as follows: $1.9 million to accounts and notes receivable; $2.3 million to inventories; $24.6 million to property, plant and equipment; $1.2 million to intangible assets; $1.4 million to goodwill; and $1.0 million to other assets.  

(C) Property, Plant and Equipment

Cost by major category and accumulated depreciation are summarized as follows:

 

 

 

March 31,

 

 

 

2017

 

 

2016

 

 

 

(dollars in thousands)

 

Land and Quarries

 

$

402,698

 

 

$

384,688

 

Plants

 

 

1,820,908

 

 

 

1,498,387

 

Buildings, Machinery and Equipment

 

 

175,526

 

 

 

165,086

 

Construction in Progress

 

 

40,306

 

 

 

24,615

 

 

 

 

2,439,438

 

 

 

2,072,776

 

Accumulated Depreciation

 

 

(892,601

)

 

 

(817,465

)

 

 

$

1,546,837

 

 

$

1,255,311

 

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(D) Accrued Expenses

Accrued expenses consist of the following:

 

 

 

March 31,

 

 

 

2017

 

 

2016

 

 

 

(dollars in thousands)

 

Payroll and Incentive Compensation

 

$

22,850

 

 

$

19,956

 

Benefits

 

 

11,503

 

 

 

10,663

 

Interest

 

 

5,992

 

 

 

3,373

 

Property Taxes

 

 

4,759

 

 

 

4,186

 

Power and Fuel

 

 

1,536

 

 

 

1,390

 

Legal

 

 

2,459

 

 

 

1,486

 

Sales and Use Tax

 

 

944

 

 

 

549

 

Acquisition Related Expenses

 

 

350

 

 

 

 

Other

 

 

4,986

 

 

 

4,372

 

 

 

$

55,379

 

 

$

45,975

 

 

(E) Indebtedness

Long-term debt consists of the following:

 

 

 

As of

 

 

 

March 31, 2017

 

 

March 31, 2016

 

 

 

(dollars in thousands)

 

Bank Credit Facility

 

$

225,000

 

 

$

382,000

 

4.500% Senior Unsecured Notes Due 2026

 

 

350,000

 

 

 

 

Private Placement Senior Unsecured Notes

 

 

117,714

 

 

 

125,714

 

Total Debt

 

 

692,714

 

 

 

507,714

 

Less: Current Portion of Long-term Debt

 

 

(81,214

)

 

 

(8,000

)

Less: Debt Origination Costs

 

 

(6,247

)

 

 

 

Long-term Debt

 

$

605,253

 

 

$

499,714

 

 

The weighted-average interest rate of our Private Placement Senior Unsecured Notes was 6.0%, 5.9% and 5.8% during fiscal 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively, while the average interest rate at March 31, 2017 and 2016 was 6.0% and 5.9%, respectively.

The weighted-average interest rate of borrowings under our Credit Facility during fiscal 2017, 2016 and 2015 was 1.9%, 1.6% and 1.5%, respectively. The interest rate on the Credit Facility was 2.4% and 1.8% at March 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

Our maturities of long-term debt during the next five fiscal years and thereafter are as follows:

 

Fiscal Year

 

Amount

 

2018

 

$

81,214

 

2019

 

 

 

2020

 

 

36,500

 

2021

 

 

 

2022

 

 

225,000

 

Thereafter

 

 

350,000

 

Total

 

$

692,714

 

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Credit Facility -

We have a $500.0 million revolving credit facility (the “Credit Facility”), including a swingline loan sublimit of $25.0 million, which terminates on August 2, 2021. Borrowings under the Credit Facility are guaranteed by substantially all of the Company’s subsidiaries. The debt under the Credit Facility is not rated by ratings agencies.

At our option, outstanding principal amounts on the Credit Facility bear interest at a variable rate equal to (i) LIBOR, plus an agreed margin (ranging from 100 to 225 basis points), which is to be established quarterly based upon the Company’s ratio of consolidated EBITDA, defined as earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, to the Company’s consolidated indebtedness (the “Leverage Ratio”), or (ii) an alternative base rate which is the higher of (a) the prime rate or (b) the federal funds rate plus 1/2% per annum plus an agreed margin (ranging from 0 to 125 basis points). Interest payments are payable, in the case of loans bearing interest at a rate based on the federal funds rate, quarterly, or in the case of loans bearing interest at a rate based on LIBOR, at the end of the LIBOR advance periods, which can be a period of up to nine months at the option of the Company. The Company is also required to pay a commitment fee on unused available borrowings under the Credit Facility ranging from 10 to 35 basis points depending upon the Leverage Ratio. The Credit Facility contains customary covenants that restrict our ability to incur additional debt, encumber our assets, sell assets, make or enter into certain investments, loans or guaranties and enter into sale and leaseback arrangements. The Credit Facility also requires us to maintain a consolidated indebtedness ratio (calculated as consolidated indebtedness to consolidated earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization, certain transaction-related deductions and other non-cash deductions) of 3.5:1.0 or less and an interest coverage ratio (consolidated earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization, certain transaction-related deductions and other non-cash deductions to consolidated interest expense) of at least 2.5:1.0. We had $225.0 million of borrowings outstanding at March 31, 2017. Based on our Leverage Ratio, we had $266.2 million of available borrowings, net of the outstanding letters of credit, at March 31, 2017.

The Credit Facility has a $40.0 million letter of credit facility. Under the letter of credit facility, the Company pays a fee at a per annum rate equal to the applicable margin for Eurodollar loans in effect from time to time plus a one-time letter of credit fee in an amount equal to 0.125% of the initial stated amount. At March 31, 2017, we had $8.8 million of letters of credit outstanding.

4.500% Senior Unsecured Notes Due 2026 –

On August 2, 2016, the Company issued $350.0 million aggregate principal amount of 4.500% senior notes ("Senior Unsecured Notes") due August 2026. Interest on the Senior Unsecured Notes is payable semiannually on February 1 and August 1 of each year until all of the outstanding notes are paid. The Senior Unsecured Notes rank equal to existing and future senior indebtedness, including the Credit Facility and the Private Placement Senior Unsecured Notes. Prior to August 1, 2019, we may redeem up to 40% of the original aggregate principal amount of the Senior Unsecured Notes with the proceeds of certain equity offerings at a redemption price of 104.5% of the principal amount of the notes.  On or after August 1, 2019 and prior to August 1, 2021, we may redeem some or all of the Senior Unsecured Notes at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount, plus a “make-whole” premium.  Beginning on August 1, 2021, we may redeem some or all of the Senior Unsecured Notes at the redemption prices set forth below (expressed as a percentage of the principal amount being redeemed):

 

 

 

Percentage

 

2021

 

 

102.25

%

2022

 

 

101.50

%

2023

 

 

100.75

%

2024 and thereafter

 

 

100.00

%

 

The Senior Unsecured Notes contain covenants that limit our ability and/or our guarantor subsidiaries' ability to create or permit to exist certain liens; enter into sale and leaseback transactions; and consolidate, merge, or transfer all or substantially all of our assets. The Company’s Senior Unsecured Notes are fully and unconditionally and jointly and severally guaranteed by each of our subsidiaries that is a guarantor under the Credit Facility and

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Private Placement Senior Unsecured Notes. See Footnote (M) to the Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements for more information on the guarantors of the Senior Unsecured Notes.

Private Placement Senior Unsecured Notes -

We entered into a Note Purchase Agreement (the “2005 Note Purchase Agreement”) in connection with our sale of $200.0 million of senior, unsecured notes, designated as Series 2005A Senior Unsecured Notes (the “Series 2005A Senior Unsecured Notes”) in a private placement transaction on November 15, 2005. The Series 2005A Senior Unsecured Notes, which are guaranteed by substantially all of our subsidiaries, were sold at par and issued in three tranches.  At March 31, 2017, the amount outstanding for the remaining tranche is as follows:

 

 

 

Principal

 

Maturity Date

 

Interest

Rate

 

Tranche C

 

$57.2 million

 

November 15, 2017

 

 

5.48

%

 

Interest for this tranche of Series 2005A Senior Unsecured Notes is payable semi-annually on May 15 and November 15 of each year until all principal is paid.

We also entered into an additional Note Purchase Agreement (the “2007 Note Purchase Agreement”) in connection with our sale of $200.0 million of senior unsecured notes, designated as Series 2007A Senior Unsecured Notes (the “Series 2007A Senior Unsecured Notes” and together with the Series 2005A Senior Unsecured Notes, the “Private Placement Senior Unsecured Notes”) in a private placement transaction on October 2, 2007. The Series 2007A Senior Unsecured Notes, which are guaranteed by substantially all of our subsidiaries, were sold at par and issued in four tranches. At March 31, 2017, the amounts outstanding for each of the remaining tranches are as follows:

 

 

 

Principal

 

Maturity Date

 

Interest

Rate

 

Tranche C

 

$24.0 million

 

October 2, 2017

 

 

6.36

%

Tranche D

 

$36.5 million

 

October 2, 2019

 

 

6.48

%

 

Interest for each tranche of Series 2007A Senior Unsecured Notes is payable semi-annually on April 2 and October 2 of each year until all principal is paid for the respective tranche.

Our obligations under the 2005 Note Purchase Agreement and the 2007 Note Purchase Agreement (together, the “Private Placement Note Purchase Agreements”) and the Private Placement Senior Unsecured Notes are equal in right of payment with all other senior, unsecured debt of the Company, including our debt under the Credit Facility and Senior Unsecured Notes. The Private Placement Note Purchase Agreements contain customary restrictive covenants, including, but not limited to, covenants that place limits on our ability to encumber our assets, to incur additional debt, to sell assets or to merge or consolidate with third parties.

The Private Placement Note Purchase Agreements require us to maintain a Consolidated Debt to Consolidated EBITDA (calculated as consolidated indebtedness to consolidated earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, depletion, amortization, certain transaction related deductions and other non-cash charges) ratio of 3.50 to 1.00 or less.  The 2007A Note Purchase Agreement requires us to maintain an interest coverage ratio (Consolidated EBITDA to Consolidated Interest Expense (calculated as Consolidated EBITDA, defined above, to consolidated interest expense)) of at least 2.50 to 1.0.  In addition, the 2007 Note Purchase Agreement requires the Company to ensure that at all times either (i) Consolidated Total Assets equal at least 80% of the consolidated total assets of the Company and its Subsidiaries, determined in accordance with GAAP, and (ii) consolidated total revenues of the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries for the period of four consecutive fiscal quarters most recently ended equals at least 80% of the consolidated total revenues of the Company and its Subsidiaries during such period.  We were in compliance with all financial ratios and tests at March 31, 2017 and throughout the fiscal year.

Pursuant to a Subsidiary Guaranty Agreement, substantially all of our subsidiaries have guaranteed the punctual payment of all principal, interest, and Make-Whole Amounts (as defined in the Private Placement Note

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Purchase Agreements) on the Private Placement Senior Unsecured Notes and the other payment and performance obligations of the Company contained in the Private Placement Senior Unsecured Notes and in the Private Placement Note Purchase Agreements. We are permitted, at our option and without penalty, to prepay from time to time at least 10% of the original aggregate principal amount of the Private Placement Senior Unsecured Notes at 100% of the principal amount to be prepaid, together with interest accrued on such amount to be prepaid to the date of payment, plus a Make-Whole Amount. The Make-Whole Amount is computed by discounting the remaining scheduled payments of interest and principal of the Private Placement Senior Unsecured Notes being prepaid at a discount rate equal to the sum of 50 basis points and the yield to maturity of U.S. treasury securities having a maturity equal to the remaining average life of the Private Placement Senior Unsecured Notes being prepaid.

We lease one of our cement plants from the city of Sugar Creek, Missouri. The city of Sugar Creek issued industrial revenue bonds to partly finance improvements to the cement plant. The lease payments due to the city of Sugar Creek under the cement plant lease, which was entered into upon the sale of the industrial revenue bonds, are equal in amount to the payments required to be made by the city of Sugar Creek to the holders of the industrial revenue bonds. Because we are the holder of all of the outstanding industrial revenue bonds, no debt is reflected on our financial statements in connection with our lease of the cement plant. At the conclusion of the lease in fiscal 2021, we have the option to purchase the cement plant for a nominal amount.

(F) Fair Value of Financial Instruments

The fair value of our senior notes has been estimated based upon our current incremental borrowing rates for similar types of borrowing arrangements. The fair value of our Private Placement Senior Unsecured Notes and Senior Unsecured Notes at March 31, 2017 is as follows:

 

 

 

Fair Value

 

 

 

(dollars in

thousands)

 

Series 2005A Tranche C

 

$

58,128

 

Series 2007A Tranche C

 

 

24,418

 

Series 2007A Tranche D

 

 

39,119

 

4.500% Senior Unsecured Notes Due 2026

 

 

348,250

 

 

The estimated fair value of our long-term debt was based on quoted prices of similar debt instruments with similar terms that are publicly traded (level 2 input). The carrying values of cash and cash equivalents, accounts and notes receivable, accounts payable and accrued liabilities approximate their fair values at March 31, 2017 due to the short-term maturities of these assets and liabilities. The fair value of our Credit Facility also approximates its carrying value at March 31, 2017.

(G) Business Segments

Operating segments are defined as components of an enterprise that engage in business activities that earn revenues, incur expenses and prepare separate financial information that is evaluated regularly by our chief operating decision maker in order to allocate resources and assess performance.  Operations related to the Skyway Acquisition will be included in the cement segment, as this plant has an identical customer base and is managed by the cement division.

We operate in five business segments: Cement, Gypsum Wallboard, Recycled Paperboard, Oil and Gas Proppants and Concrete and Aggregates. These operations are conducted in the U.S. and include the mining of limestone and the manufacture, production, distribution and sale of portland cement and slag (a basic construction material which are the essential binding ingredients in concrete), the grinding of slag, the mining of gypsum and the manufacture and sale of gypsum wallboard, the manufacture and sale of recycled paperboard to the gypsum wallboard industry and other paperboard converters, the sale of readymix concrete and the mining and sale of aggregates (crushed stone, sand and gravel) and sand used in hydraulic fracturing (“frac sand”). The products that we manufacture, distribute and sell are basic materials with broad application as construction products, building materials, and basic materials used for oil and natural gas extraction.  Our construction productions are used in

74

 


residential, industrial, commercial and infrastructure construction and include cement, concrete and aggregates.  Our building materials are sold into similar markets and include gypsum wallboard.  Our basic materials used for oil and natural gas extraction include frac sand and oil well cement.

We operate seven cement plants, one slag grinding facility, seventeen cement distribution terminals, five gypsum wallboard plants, a gypsum wallboard distribution center, a recycled paperboard mill, seventeen readymix concrete batch plant locations, four aggregates processing plant locations, two frac sand processing facilities, three frac sand drying facilities and six frac sand trans-load locations. The principal markets for our cement products are Texas, northern Illinois (including Chicago), the central plains, the Rocky Mountains, northern Nevada, southern Ohio and northern California. Gypsum wallboard and recycled paperboard are distributed throughout the continental U.S, with the exception of the northeast. Concrete and aggregates are sold to local readymix producers and paving contractors in the Austin, Texas area, north of Sacramento, California and the greater Kansas City, Missouri area, while frac sand is currently sold into shale deposits across the United States.

We conduct one of our seven cement plant operations, Texas Lehigh Cement Company LP in Buda, Texas, through a Joint Venture. For segment reporting purposes only, we proportionately consolidate our 50% share of the Joint Venture’s revenues and operating earnings, which is consistent with the way management reports the segments within the Company for making operating decisions and assessing performance.

We account for intersegment sales at market prices. The following table sets forth certain financial information relating to our operations by segment:

 

 

 

For the Years Ended March 31,

 

 

 

2017

 

 

2016

 

 

2015

 

 

 

(dollars in thousands)

 

Revenues -

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cement

 

$

566,321

 

 

$

528,499

 

 

$

488,644

 

Gypsum Wallboard

 

 

473,651

 

 

 

461,457

 

 

 

437,514

 

Paperboard

 

 

167,065

 

 

 

149,192

 

 

 

142,690

 

Oil and Gas Proppants

 

 

34,623

 

 

 

57,591

 

 

 

81,381

 

Concrete and Aggregates

 

 

154,592

 

 

 

128,073

 

 

 

107,892

 

 

 

 

1,396,252

 

 

 

1,324,812

 

 

 

1,258,121

 

Less: Intersegment Revenues

 

 

(79,116

)

 

 

(73,862

)

 

 

(65,533

)

Less: Joint Venture Revenues

 

 

(105,916

)

 

 

(107,458

)

 

 

(126,220

)

 

 

$

1,211,220

 

 

$

1,143,492

 

 

$

1,066,368

 

 

 

 

 

For the Years Ended March 31,

 

 

 

2017

 

 

2016

 

 

2015

 

 

 

(dollars in thousands)

 

Intersegment Revenues -

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cement

 

$

15,781

 

 

$

13,939

 

 

$

9,598

 

Paperboard

 

 

62,073

 

 

 

59,001

 

 

 

55,060

 

Concrete and Aggregates

 

 

1,262

 

 

 

922

 

 

 

875

 

 

 

$

79,116

 

 

$

73,862

 

 

$

65,533

 

Cement Sales Volumes (M tons) -

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Wholly-Owned

 

 

3,934

 

 

 

3,903

 

 

 

3,744

 

Joint Venture

 

 

937

 

 

 

875

 

 

 

1,055

 

 

 

 

4,871

 

 

 

4,778

 

 

 

4,799

 

 

75

 


 

 

 

For the Years Ended March 31,

 

 

 

2017

 

 

2016

 

 

2015

 

 

 

(dollars in thousands)

 

Operating Earnings -

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cement

 

$

153,525

 

 

$

137,854

 

 

$

117,527

 

Gypsum Wallboard

 

 

159,866

 

 

 

159,352

 

 

 

145,871

 

Paperboard

 

 

37,601

 

 

 

32,153

 

 

 

31,512

 

Oil and Gas Proppants

 

 

(14,633

)

 

 

(68,466

)

 

 

(2,546

)

Concrete and Aggregates

 

 

18,072

 

 

 

9,807

 

 

 

6,736

 

Other, net

 

 

2,139

 

 

 

2,328

 

 

 

3,201

 

Sub-Total

 

 

356,570

 

 

 

273,028

 

 

 

302,301

 

Corporate General and Administrative

 

 

(33,940

)

 

 

(37,193

)

 

 

(30,751

)

Acquisition, Litigation and Other Expense

 

 

(5,480

)

 

 

 

 

 

(6,880

)

Earnings Before Interest and Income Taxes

 

 

317,150

 

 

 

235,835

 

 

 

264,670

 

Interest Expense, net

 

 

(22,631

)

 

 

(16,583

)

 

 

(11,743

)

Earnings Before Income Taxes

 

$

294,519

 

 

$

219,252

 

 

$

252,927

 

Cement Operating Earnings -

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Wholly-Owned

 

$

111,139

 

 

$

98,771

 

 

$

72,560

 

Joint Ventures

 

 

42,386

 

 

 

39,083

 

 

 

44,967

 

 

 

$

153,525

 

 

$

137,854

 

 

$

117,527

 

Capital Expenditures -

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cement

 

$

32,790

 

 

$

20,262

 

 

$

27,086

 

Gypsum Wallboard

 

 

11,393

 

 

 

4,832

 

 

 

7,129

 

Paperboard

 

 

3,996

 

 

 

5,542

 

 

 

1,888

 

Oil and Gas Proppants

 

 

1,534

 

 

 

40,144

 

 

 

61,484

 

Concrete and Aggregates

 

 

6,528

 

 

 

18,783

 

 

 

13,851

 

Other, net

 

 

697

 

 

 

 

 

 

135

 

 

 

$

56,938

 

 

$

89,563

 

 

$

111,573

 

Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization -

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cement

 

$

36,727

 

 

$

33,400

 

 

$

31,839

 

Gypsum Wallboard

 

 

18,728

 

 

 

19,988

 

 

 

20,092

 

Paperboard

 

 

8,425

 

 

 

8,312

 

 

 

8,251

 

Oil and Gas Proppants

 

 

18,255

 

 

 

27,227

 

 

 

8,839

 

Concrete and Aggregates

 

 

7,931

 

 

 

6,260

 

 

 

5,533

 

Corporate and Other

 

 

1,725

 

 

 

1,918

 

 

 

1,745

 

 

 

$

91,791

 

 

$

97,105

 

 

$

76,299

 

 

 

 

 

As of March 31,

 

 

 

2017

 

 

2016

 

 

2015

 

 

 

(dollars in thousands)

 

Identifiable Assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cement

 

$

1,234,617

 

 

$

819,994

 

 

$

777,956

 

Gypsum Wallboard

 

 

379,414

 

 

 

392,523

 

 

 

403,279

 

Paperboard

 

 

124,356

 

 

 

127,371

 

 

 

123,519

 

Oil and Gas Proppants

 

 

376,306

 

 

 

409,497

 

 

 

455,572

 

Concrete and Aggregates

 

 

110,413

 

 

 

106,634

 

 

 

96,610

 

Other, net

 

 

22,018

 

 

 

27,616

 

 

 

23,390

 

 

 

$

2,247,124

 

 

$

1,883,635

 

 

$

1,880,326

 

 

Segment operating earnings, including the proportionately consolidated 50% interest in the revenues and expenses of the Joint Venture, represent revenues less direct operating expenses, segment depreciation, and segment selling, general and administrative expenses. We account for intersegment sales at market prices. Corporate assets consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents, general office assets and miscellaneous other assets.

76

 


The basis used to disclose Identifiable Assets, Capital Expenditures and Depreciation, Depletion conforms with the equity method, and is similar to how we disclose these accounts in our Consolidated Balance Sheets and Consolidated Statements of Earnings.

The segment breakdown of goodwill at March 31, 2017 and 2016 is as follows:

 

 

 

For the Years Ended March 31,

 

 

 

2017

 

 

2016

 

 

 

(dollars in thousands)

 

Cement

 

$

74,214

 

 

$

9,729

 

Gypsum Wallboard

 

 

116,618

 

 

 

116,618

 

Paperboard

 

 

7,538

 

 

 

7,538

 

 

 

$

198,370

 

 

$

133,885

 

 

Summarized financial information for the Joint Venture that is not consolidated is set out below (this summarized financial information includes the total amount for the Joint Venture and not our 50% interest in those accounts):

 

 

For the Years Ended March 31,

 

 

 

2017

 

 

2016

 

 

 

(dollars in thousands)

 

Revenues

 

$

215,569

 

 

$

214,916

 

Gross Margin

 

$

90,098

 

 

$

84,380

 

Earnings Before Income Taxes

 

$

84,772

 

 

$

78,166

 

 

 

 

March 31,

2017

 

 

March 31,

2016

 

 

 

(dollars in thousands)

 

Current Assets

 

$

73,767

 

 

$

70,491

 

Non-Current Assets

 

$

42,337

 

 

$

41,464

 

Current Liabilities

 

$

22,293

 

 

$

15,964

 

 

 

(H) Income Taxes

The provision for income taxes includes the following components:

 

 

 

For the Years Ended March 31,

 

 

 

2017

 

 

2016

 

 

2015

 

 

 

(dollars in thousands)

 

Current Provision (Benefit) -

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Federal

 

$

86,459

 

 

$

64,256

 

 

$

62,424

 

State

 

 

7,638

 

 

 

4,727

 

 

 

(2,155

)

 

 

 

94,097

 

 

 

68,983

 

 

 

60,269

 

Deferred Provision (Benefit) -

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Federal

 

 

7,274

 

 

 

(546

)

 

 

(962

)

State

 

 

(5,071

)

 

 

(1,777

)

 

 

6,767

 

 

 

 

2,203

 

 

 

(2,323

)

 

 

5,805

 

Provision for Income Taxes

 

$

96,300

 

 

$

66,660

 

 

$

66,074

 

 

77

 


The effective tax rates vary from the federal statutory rates due to the following items:

 

 

 

For the Years Ended March 31,

 

 

 

2017

 

 

2016

 

 

2015

 

 

 

(dollars in thousands)

 

Earnings Before Income Taxes

 

$

294,519

 

 

$

219,252

 

 

$

252,927

 

Income Taxes at Statutory Rate

 

$

103,082

 

 

$

76,738

 

 

$

88,524

 

Increases (Decreases) in Tax Resulting from -

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

State Income Taxes, net

 

 

1,668

 

 

 

1,166

 

 

 

4,582

 

Statutory Depletion in Excess of Cost

 

 

(1,216

)

 

 

(5,672

)

 

 

(4,367

)

Domestic Production Activities Deduction

 

 

(7,615

)

 

 

(6,302

)

 

 

(6,853

)

Meals and Entertainment Disallowance

 

 

626

 

 

 

629

 

 

 

647

 

IRS Settlement

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(16,559

)

Other

 

 

(245

)

 

 

101

 

 

 

100

 

Provision for Income Taxes

 

$

96,300

 

 

$

66,660

 

 

$

66,074

 

Effective Tax Rate

 

 

33

%

 

 

30

%

 

 

26

%

 

Components of deferred income taxes are as follows:

 

 

 

March 31,

 

 

 

2017

 

 

2016

 

 

 

(dollars in thousands)

 

Items Giving Rise to Deferred Tax Liabilities -

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Excess Tax Depreciation and Amortization

 

$

(161,204

)

 

$

(157,260

)

Depletion

 

 

(18,638

)

 

 

(21,911

)

Repair Parts

 

 

(1,747

)

 

 

(2,446

)

State Income Taxes, net

 

 

(8,883

)

 

 

(12,552

)

Other

 

 

(8,515

)

 

 

(4,147

)

Total Deferred Tax Liabilities

 

$

(198,987

)

 

$

(198,316

)

Items Giving Rise to Deferred Tax Assets -

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accrual Changes

 

$

12,992

 

 

$

11,855

 

Bad Debts

 

 

3,895

 

 

 

3,604

 

Uniform Capitalization

 

 

2,989

 

 

 

2,174

 

Deferred Revenue

 

 

 

 

 

700

 

Long-term Incentive Compensation Plan

 

 

8,691

 

 

 

11,458

 

Pension and Other

 

 

4,396

 

 

 

6,846

 

Total Deferred Tax Assets

 

$

32,963

 

 

$

36,637

 

 

Uncertain tax position –

We are subject to audit examinations at federal, state and local levels by tax authorities in those jurisdictions who may challenge the treatment or reporting of any return item. The tax matters challenged by the tax authorities are typically complex; therefore, the ultimate outcome of these challenges is subject to uncertainty.

Reconciliation of the consolidated liability for gross unrecognized tax benefits, excluding interest, from April 1, 2014 to March 31, 2017, is as follows:

 

 

 

For the Years Ended March 31,

 

 

 

2017

 

 

2016

 

 

2015

 

 

 

(dollars in thousands)

 

Balance at Beginning of Year

 

$

 

 

$

 

 

$

24,802

 

Increase related to prior tax positions

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Decrease related to prior tax positions

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(24,802

)

Payments

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

 

 

$

 

 

$

 

78

 


 

We recognize penalties associated with uncertain tax positions as part of the tax provision, while interest associated with uncertain tax positions is included in interest expense. The following is a summary of the amounts of interest and penalties recognized in relation to our uncertain tax position:

 

 

 

For the Years Ended March 31,

 

 

 

2017

 

 

2016

 

 

2015

 

 

 

(dollars in thousands)

 

Accrued interest recognized

 

$

 

 

$

 

 

$

(3,847

)

Accrued penalties recognized

 

$

 

 

$

 

 

$

(6,475

)

 

There was no accrued interest or penalties related to our uncertain tax position during the fiscal years ended March 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015.    

In May 2011, we filed a lawsuit against the IRS in Federal District Court to recover all of the amounts paid to the IRS with respect to our uncertain tax position for 2001 to 2006. We reached an agreement with the IRS to settle this case, which was approved by the U.S. Department of Justice in January 2015.  Under the terms of the settlement agreement, we dismissed our lawsuit seeking to recover taxes, interest and penalties paid, in exchange for the IRS conceding 40% of the penalties, plus related interest, to date.  The impact from the settlement agreement was approximately $17 million, including state benefits, which was recorded as a reduction of income tax expense during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2015.  The related interest refund of approximately $4.4 million was also recorded during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2015.  

(I) Commitments and Contingencies

Our operations and properties are subject to extensive and changing federal, state and local laws, regulations and ordinances governing the protection of the environment, as well as laws relating to worker health and workplace safety. We carefully consider the requirements mandated by such laws and regulations and have procedures in place at all of our operating units to monitor compliance. Any matters which are identified as potential exposures under these laws and regulations are carefully reviewed by management to determine our potential liability. Although management is not aware of any exposures which require an accrual under generally accepted accounting principles, there can be no assurance that prior or future operations will not ultimately result in violations, claims or other liabilities associated with these regulations.

We have certain deductible limits under our workers’ compensation and liability insurance policies for which reserves are established based on the undiscounted estimated costs of known and anticipated claims. We have entered into standby letter of credit agreements relating to workers’ compensation and auto and general liability self-insurance. At March 31, 2017, we had contingent liabilities under these outstanding letters of credit of approximately $8.8 million.

We are currently contingently liable for performance under $20.1 million in performance bonds required by certain states and municipalities, and their related agencies. The bonds are principally for certain reclamation obligations and mining permits. We have indemnified the underwriting insurance company against any exposure under the performance bonds. In our past experience, no material claims have been made against these financial instruments.

EPA Notice of Violation

On October 5, 2010, Region IX of the EPA issued a Notice of Violation and Finding of Violation (“NOV”) alleging violations by our subsidiary, Nevada Cement Company (“NCC”), of the Clean Air Act (“CAA”). The NOV alleges that NCC made certain physical changes to its facility in the 1990s without first obtaining permits required by the Prevention of Significant Deterioration requirements and Title V permit requirements of the CAA. The EPA also alleges that NCC has failed to submit to the EPA since 2002 certain reports required by the National Emissions Standard for Hazardous Air Pollutants General Provisions and the Portland Cement Manufacturing Industry

79

 


Standards. On March 12, 2014, the EPA Region IX issued a second NOV to NCC. The second NOV is materially similar to the 2010 NOV except that it alleges violations of the new source performance standards (“NSPS”) for Portland cement plants. The NOVs state that the EPA may seek penalties although it does not propose or assess any specific level of penalties or specify what relief the EPA will seek for the alleged violations. In January 2017, NCC entered into a Consent Decree in which NCC agreed to install at its Fernley, Nevada plant certain emission control equipment (selective non-catalytic reduction) to reduce nitrous oxide emissions and to pay a penalty of $0.6 million.  NCC also agreed to replace two existing vehicles with two new vehicles with more efficient Tier 4 engines.  Under the terms of the Consent Decree, NCC will complete the installation of the emission control equipment and vehicle replacement in approximately 2 years.  It is anticipated that the investment in the new emission control equipment and vehicles will cost approximately $3.0 million. In the Consent Decree NCC denies all allegations set forth in the NOVs and the Complaint which is to be filed simultaneously with the entry of the Consent Decree, and the Consent Decree resolves all such claims by the government.  The Consent Decree was signed by the EPA and DOJ and was lodged in US District Court for the District of Nevada in May 2017.  The Consent Decree is subject to approval by the Court after a thirty-day comment period.

Domestic Wallboard Antitrust Litigation

Since late December 2012, several purported class action lawsuits were filed in various United States District Courts, including the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, Western District of North Carolina and the Northern District of Illinois, against the Company’s subsidiary, American Gypsum Company LLC (“American Gypsum”), alleging that the defendant wallboard manufacturers conspired to fix the price for drywall sold in the United States in violation of federal antitrust laws and, in some cases related provisions of state law. The complaints allege that the defendant wallboard manufacturers conspired to increase prices through the announcement and implementation of coordinated price increases, output restrictions, and other restraints of trade, including the elimination of individual “job quote” pricing. In addition to American Gypsum, the defendants in these lawsuits include CertainTeed Corp., USG Corporation and United States Gypsum (together “USG”), New NGC, Inc., Lafarge North America (“Lafarge”), Temple Inland Inc. (“TIN”) and PABCO Building Products LLC. On April 8, 2013, the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation (“JPML”) transferred and consolidated all related cases to the Eastern District of Pennsylvania for coordinated pretrial proceedings.

On June 24, 2013, the direct and indirect purchaser plaintiffs filed consolidated amended class action complaints. The direct purchasers’ complaint added the Company as a defendant. The plaintiffs in the consolidated class action lawsuits bring claims on behalf of purported classes of direct or indirect purchasers of wallboard from January 1, 2012 to the present for unspecified monetary damages (including treble damages) and in some cases injunctive relief. On July 29, 2013, the Company and American Gypsum answered the complaints, denying all allegations that they conspired to increase the price of drywall and asserting affirmative defenses to the plaintiffs’ claims.

In 2014, USG and TIN entered into agreements with counsel representing the direct and indirect purchaser classes pursuant to which they agreed to settle all claims against them.  Under the terms of its settlement agreement, USG agreed to pay $48.0 million to resolve the direct and indirect purchaser class actions.  In its settlement agreement, TIN agreed to pay $7.0 million to resolve the direct and indirect purchaser class actions.  On August 20, 2015, the court entered orders finally approving USG and TIN’s settlements with the direct and indirect purchaser plaintiffs.  Initial discovery in this litigation is complete.  Following completion of the initial discovery, the Company and remaining co-defendants moved for summary judgement.  On February 18, 2016, the court denied the Company’s motion for summary judgement but granted Certainteed’s motion for summary judgement.  On June 16, 2016, Lafarge entered into an agreement with counsel for the direct purchaser class under which it agreed to settle all claims against it for $23.0 million.  The court entered an order finally approving this settlement on December 7, 2016.  On July 28, 2016, Lafarge entered into an agreement with counsel representing the indirect purchaser class under which it agreed to settle all claims against it for $5.2 million.  On July 14, 2016, the Company’s motion for permission to appeal the summary judgement decision to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit was denied.  Direct purchaser plaintiffs and indirect purchaser plaintiffs filed their motions for class certification on August 3, 2016 and October 12, 2016, respectively.  Class certification proceedings are ongoing. The Court held an evidentiary hearing on the direct purchaser plaintiff’s motion for class certification in April 2017

80

 


and has scheduled a hearing on indirect purchase plaintiff’s motion for class certification in June 2017.  We are unable to estimate the amount of any reasonably possible loss or range of reasonably possible losses. We deny the allegations in these lawsuits and will vigorously defend ourselves against these claims.

On March 17, 2015, a group of homebuilders filed a complaint against the defendants, including American Gypsum, based upon the same conduct alleged in the consolidated class action complaints.  On March 24, 2015, the JPML transferred this action to the multidistrict litigation already pending in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.  Following the transfer, the homebuilder plaintiffs filed two amended complaints, on December 14, 2015 and March 25, 2016.  Discovery in this lawsuit is ongoing.  At this stage, we are unable to estimate the amount of any reasonably possible loss or range of reasonably possible losses.

In June 2015, American Gypsum and an employee received grand jury subpoenas from the United States District Court for the Western District of North Carolina seeking information regarding an investigation of the gypsum drywall industry by the Antitrust Division of the Department of Justice.  We believe the investigation, although a separate proceeding, is related to the same subject matter at issue in the litigation described above and we intend to fully cooperate with government officials.  We are currently unable to determine the ultimate outcome of such investigation.

Other

In the ordinary course of business, we execute contracts involving indemnifications that are standard in the industry and indemnifications specific to a transaction such as the sale of a business. These indemnifications might include claims relating to any of the following: environmental and tax matters; intellectual property rights; governmental regulations and employment-related matters; customer, supplier, construction contractor and other commercial contractual relationships; and financial matters. While the maximum amount to which we may be exposed under such agreements cannot be estimated, it is the opinion of management that these indemnifications are not expected to have a material adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows. We currently have no outstanding guarantees of third party debt.

We have certain forward purchase contracts, primarily for natural gas, that expire during calendar 2017. The contracts are for approximately 25% of our anticipated natural gas usage.

We have certain operating leases covering manufacturing, transportation and certain other facilities and equipment. Rental expense for fiscal years 2017, 2016 and 2015 totaled $11.3 million, $10.3 million and $5.9 million, respectively. Minimum annual rental commitments as of March 31, 2017, under noncancelable leases are set forth as follows (dollars in thousands):

 

Fiscal Year

 

Amount

 

2018

 

$

9,786

 

2019

 

$

8,947

 

2020

 

$

8,418

 

2021

 

$

2,904

 

2022

 

$

2,004

 

Thereafter

 

$

5,694

 

 

(J) Stock Option Plans

On August 7, 2013, our stockholders approved the Eagle Materials Inc. Amended and Restated Incentive Plan (the “Plan”), which increased the shares we are authorized to issue as awards by 3,000,000 (1,500,000 of which may be stock awards). Under the terms of the Plan, we can issue equity awards, including stock options, restricted stock units (“RSUs”), restricted stock and stock appreciation rights to employees of the Company and members of the Board of Directors. Awards that were already outstanding prior to the approval of the Plan on August 7, 2013 remain outstanding. The Compensation Committee of our Board of Directors specifies the terms for grants of equity awards under the Plan.

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Long-Term Compensation Plans –

Options. In May 2016, the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors approved the granting of an aggregate of 91,074 performance vesting stock options pursuant to the Plan to certain officers and key employees that will be earned if certain performance conditions are satisfied (the “Fiscal 2017 Employee Performance Stock Option Grant”). The performance criterion for the Fiscal 2017 Employee Performance Stock Option Grant is based upon the achievement of certain levels of return on equity (as defined in the option agreements), ranging from 11.0% to 18.0%, for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2017.  All stock options will be earned if the return on equity is 18.0% or greater, and the percentage of shares earned will be reduced proportionately to approximately 66.7% if the return on equity is 11.0%.  If the Company does not achieve a return on equity of at least 11.0%, all stock options granted will be forfeited.  During fiscal 2017, the return on equity was approximately 17.7%; therefore approximately 89,500 options were earned, with the remaining options forfeited. The earned stock options will lapse ratably over four years, with the first fourth lapsing promptly following the determination date, and the remaining options vesting on March 31, 2018 through 2020. The stock options have a term of ten years from the date of grant. The Compensation Committee also approved the granting of 75,896 time vesting stock options to the same officers and key employees, which vest ratably over a four year period (the “Fiscal 2017 Employee Time Vesting Stock Option Grant”).  The stock options have a term of ten years from the date of grant. In August 2016, we granted 17,894 stock options to members of the Board of Directors (the “Fiscal 2017 Board of Directors Stock Option Grant”). Stock options granted under the Fiscal 2017 Board of Directors Stock Option Grant vest immediately and can be exercised from the date of grant until their expiration on the tenth anniversary of the date of grant. The Fiscal 2017 Employee Performance Stock Option Grant, the Fiscal 2017 Employee Time Vesting Option Grant and Fiscal 2016 Board of Directors Stock Option Grant were valued at the grant date using the Black-Scholes option pricing model.

All stock options issued during fiscal 2017 and 2016 were valued at the grant date using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. The weighted-average assumptions used in the Black-Scholes model to value the option awards in fiscal 2017 and 2016 are as follows:

 

 

 

2017

 

 

2016

 

Dividend Yield

 

 

1.3

%

 

 

2.0

%

Expected Volatility

 

 

36.5

%

 

 

36.5

%

Risk Free Interest Rate

 

 

1.40

%

 

 

1.85

%

Expected Life

 

6.0 years

 

 

6.0 years

 

 

Stock option expense for all outstanding stock option awards was approximately $5.3 million, $7.5 million and $6.2 million, for the years ended March 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. At March 31, 2017, there was approximately $7.3 million of unrecognized compensation cost related to outstanding stock options which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.6 years.

The following table represents stock option activity for the years presented:

 

 

 

For the Years Ended March 31,

 

 

 

2017

 

 

2016

 

 

2015

 

 

 

Number

of Shares

 

 

Weighted

Average

Exercise

Price

 

 

Number

of Shares

 

 

Weighted

Average

Exercise

Price

 

 

Number

of Shares

 

 

Weighted

Average

Exercise

Price

 

Outstanding Options at Beginning of Year

 

 

1,817,763

 

 

$

53.03

 

 

 

1,665,565

 

 

$

46.37

 

 

 

2,788,999

 

 

$

41.83

 

Granted

 

 

202,364

 

 

$

77.76

 

 

 

318,572

 

 

$

79.83

 

 

 

297,151

 

 

$

86.41

 

Exercised

 

 

(677,566

)

 

$

34.46

 

 

 

(137,874

)

 

$

27.58

 

 

 

(151,085

)

 

$

32.38

 

Cancelled

 

 

(19,182

)

 

$

70.30

 

 

 

(28,500

)

 

$

86.35

 

 

 

(1,269,500

)

 

$

47.43

 

Outstanding Options at End of Year

 

 

1,323,379

 

 

$

66.07

 

 

 

1,817,763

 

 

$

53.03

 

 

 

1,665,565

 

 

$

46.37

 

Options Exercisable at End of Year

 

 

874,116

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,285,412

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,035,166

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted Average Fair Value of Options Granted

   during the Year

 

 

 

 

 

$

25.22

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

24.27

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

32.31

 

82

 


 

The following table summarizes information about stock options outstanding at March 31, 2017:

 

 

 

Options Outstanding

 

 

Options Exercisable

 

Range of Exercise Prices

 

Number of

Shares

Outstanding

 

 

Weighted

Average

Remaining

Contractual

Life

 

 

Weighted

Average

Exercise

Price

 

 

Number of

Shares

Outstanding

 

 

Weighted

Average

Exercise

Price

 

$23.17 - $30.74

 

 

137,285

 

 

 

3.06

 

 

$

24.71

 

 

 

136,285

 

 

$

24.67

 

$33.43 - $37.34

 

 

191,627

 

 

 

5.21

 

 

$

33.86

 

 

 

185,627

 

 

$

33.80

 

$53.22 - $77.67

 

 

436,227

 

 

 

7.60

 

 

$

70.18

 

 

 

228,400

 

 

$

67.16

 

$79.73 - $106.00

 

 

558,240

 

 

 

7.86

 

 

$

84.09

 

 

 

323,804

 

 

$

84.99

 

 

 

 

1,323,379

 

 

 

6.89

 

 

$

66.07

 

 

 

874,116

 

 

$

60.05

 

 

At March 31, 2017, the aggregate intrinsic value for outstanding and exercisable options was approximately $41.1 million and $32.4 million, respectively. The total intrinsic value of options exercised during the fiscal year ended March 31, 2017 was approximately $32.9 million.     

Restricted Stock. In May 2016, the Compensation Committee approved the granting of an aggregate of 63,029 shares of performance vesting restricted stock to certain officers and key employees that will be earned if certain performance conditions are satisfied (the “Fiscal 2017 Employee Restricted Stock Performance Award”). The performance criterion for the Fiscal 2017 Employee Restricted Stock Performance Award is based upon the achievement of certain levels of return on equity (as defined in the agreement), ranging from 11.0% to 18.0%, for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2017.  All restricted shares will be earned if the return on equity is 18.0% or greater, and the percentage of shares earned will be reduced proportionately to approximately 66.7% if the return on equity is 11.0%.  If the Company does not achieve a return on equity of at least 11.0%, all awards will be forfeited.  During fiscal 2017, the return on equity was approximately 17.7%; therefore approximately 62,000 shares were earned, with the remaining shares forfeited. Restrictions on the earned shares will lapse ratably over four years, with the first fourth lapsing promptly following the determination date and the remaining restrictions lapsing on March 31, 2018 through 2020. The Compensation Committee also approved the granting of 52,527 shares of time vesting restricted stock to the same officers and key employees, which vest ratably over four years (the “Fiscal 2017 Employee Restricted Stock Time Vesting Award).  Both of the Fiscal 2017 Employee Restricted Stock Performance Award and the Fiscal 2017 Employee Restricted Stock Time Vesting Award were valued at the closing price of the stock on the date of grant, and are being expensed over a four-year period. In August 2016, we granted 11,173 shares of restricted stock to members of the Board of Directors (the “Board of Directors Fiscal 2017 Restricted Stock Award”). Awards issued under the Board of Directors Fiscal 2017 Restricted Stock Award do not fully vest until the retirement of each director, in accordance with the Company’s director retirement policy.

Expense related to restricted shares was $6.8 million, $9.8 million and $6.8 million in fiscal years ended March 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. At March 31, 2017, there were approximately 375,000 shares with remaining restrictions for which $16.6 million of unearned compensation, net of estimated forfeitures, will be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.8 years.

The number of shares available for future grants of stock options, restricted stock units, stock appreciation rights and restricted stock under the Plan was 4,329,248 at March 31, 2017. Of the available shares, up to 1,386,296 can be used for future restricted stock and restricted stock unit grants.

 

 

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(K) Net Interest Expense

The following components are included in interest expense, net:

 

 

 

For the Years Ended March 31,

 

 

 

2017

 

 

2016

 

 

2015

 

 

 

(dollars in thousands)

 

Interest Income

 

$

(40

)

 

$

(6

)

 

$

(6

)

Interest Expense

 

 

21,595

 

 

 

15,891

 

 

 

14,768

 

Interest Expense (Income) – IRS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(3,847

)

Other Expenses

 

 

1,076

 

 

 

698

 

 

 

828

 

Interest Expense, net

 

$

22,631

 

 

$

16,583

 

 

$

11,743

 

 

Interest income includes interest on investments of excess cash. Components of interest expense include interest associated with the Credit Facility, Senior Unsecured Notes, Private Placement Senior Unsecured Notes and commitment fees based on the unused portion of the Credit Facility. Other expenses include amortization of debt issuance costs, and bank credit facility costs.

Interest expense (income) – IRS relates to interest accrued on our unrecognized tax benefits, primarily related to the Republic Asset Acquisition.  As noted in Footnote (H) of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, our settlement with the IRS was finalized in January 2015.  As a result of the settlement, we received approximately $4.4 million of interest related to penalties paid to the IRS during fiscal 2015.

 

(L) Pension and Profit Sharing Plans

We have several defined benefit and defined contribution retirement plans which together cover substantially all of our employees. Benefits paid under the defined benefit plans covering certain hourly employees are based on years of service and the employee’s qualifying compensation over the last few years of employment. Our funding policy is to generally contribute amounts that are deductible for income tax purposes. The annual measurement date is March 31 for the benefit obligations, fair value of plan assets and the funded status of the defined benefit plans.

84

 


The following table provides a reconciliation of the obligations and fair values of plan assets for all of our defined benefit plans over the two-year period ended March 31, 2017 and a statement of the funded status as of March 31, 2017 and 2016:

 

 

 

For the Years Ended March 31,

 

 

 

2017

 

 

2016

 

 

 

(dollars in thousands)

 

Reconciliation of Benefit Obligations -

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Benefit Obligation at April 1,

 

$

42,281

 

 

$

41,791

 

Service Cost - Benefits Earned During the Period

 

 

1,001

 

 

 

1,039

 

Interest Cost on Projected Benefit Obligation

 

 

1,584

 

 

 

1,525

 

Amendments

 

 

199

 

 

 

 

Actuarial (Gain) Loss

 

 

(3,531

)

 

 

(1,146

)

Benefits Paid

 

 

(945

)

 

 

(928

)

Benefit Obligation at March 31,

 

$

40,589

 

 

$

42,281

 

Reconciliation of Fair Value of Plan Assets -

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fair Value of Plan Assets at April 1,

 

$

21,424

 

 

$

22,055

 

Actual Return on Plan Assets

 

 

2,522

 

 

 

(537

)

Employer Contributions

 

 

3,409

 

 

 

834

 

Benefits Paid

 

 

(945

)

 

 

(928

)

Fair Value of Plans at March 31,

 

 

26,410

 

 

 

21,424

 

Funded Status -

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Unfunded Status at March 31,

 

$

(14,179

)

 

$

(20,857

)

Amounts Recognized in the Balance Sheet Consist of -

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accrued Benefit Liability

 

$

(14,179

)

 

$

(20,857

)

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Losses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net Actuarial Loss

 

 

11,587

 

 

 

17,746

 

Prior Service Cost

 

 

349

 

 

 

509

 

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Losses

 

$

11,936

 

 

$

18,255

 

Tax impact

 

 

(4,540

)

 

 

(6,846

)

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Losses, net of tax

 

$

7,396

 

 

$

11,409

 

 

Information for pension plans with an accumulated benefit obligation in excess of plan assets:

 

 

 

March 31,

 

 

 

2017

 

 

2016

 

 

 

(dollars in thousands)

 

Projected Benefit Obligation

 

$

40,589

 

 

$

42,281

 

Accumulated Benefit Obligation

 

$

40,391

 

 

$

42,236

 

Fair Value of Plan Assets

 

$

26,410

 

 

$

21,424

 

 

Net periodic pension cost for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, included the following components:

 

 

 

For the Years Ended March 31,

 

 

 

2017

 

 

2016

 

 

2015

 

 

 

(dollars in thousands)

 

Service Cost - Benefits Earned During the Period

 

$

1,001

 

 

$

1,039

 

 

$

874

 

Interest Cost of Projected Benefit Obligation

 

 

1,584

 

 

 

1,525

 

 

 

1,278

 

Expected Return on Plan Assets

 

 

(1,606

)

 

 

(1,751

)

 

 

(1,680

)

Recognized Net Actuarial Loss

 

 

1,712

 

 

 

1,773

 

 

 

609

 

Amortization of Prior-Service Cost

 

 

359

 

 

 

300

 

 

 

11

 

Net Periodic Pension Cost

 

$

3,050

 

 

$

2,886

 

 

$

1,092

 

85

 


 

We amended one of our pension plans during March 2015, which increased our prior service cost by approximately $0.8 million.  This amount is included in other comprehensive income and will be recognized in our statement of earnings as pension expense over the next three fiscal years.

Expected benefit payments over the next five years, and the following five years under the pension plans are expected to be as follows (in thousands):

 

Fiscal Years

 

Total

 

2018

 

$

1,394

 

2019

 

$

1,489

 

2020

 

$

1,613

 

2021

 

$

1,735

 

2022

 

$

1,858

 

2023-2027

 

$

11,094

 

 

The following table sets forth the assumptions used in the actuarial calculations of the present value of net periodic benefit cost and benefit obligations:

 

 

 

March 31,

 

 

 

2017

 

 

2016

 

 

2015

 

Net Periodic Benefit Costs -

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Discount Rate

 

 

3.83

%

 

 

3.70

%

 

 

4.41

%

Expected Return on Plan Assets

 

 

7.50

%

 

 

8.00

%

 

 

8.00

%

Rate of Compensation Increase

 

 

3.50

%

 

 

3.50

%

 

 

3.50

%

 

 

 

March 31,

 

 

 

2017

 

 

2016

 

Benefit Obligations -

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Discount Rate

 

 

4.03

%

 

 

3.83

%

Rate of Compensation Increase

 

 

3.50

%

 

 

3.50

%

 

The expected long-term rate of return on plan assets is an assumption reflecting the anticipated weighted-average rate of earnings on the portfolio over the long-term. To arrive at this rate, we developed estimates of the key components underlying capital asset returns including: market-based estimates of inflation, real risk-free rates of return, yield curve structure, credit risk premiums and equity risk premiums. As appropriate, these components were used to develop benchmark estimates of the expected long-term management approach employed by us, and a return premium was added to the weighted-average benchmark portfolio return.

The pension plans’ approximate weighted-average asset allocation at March 31, 2017 and 2016 and the range of target allocation are as follows:

 

 

 

Range of

Target

 

Percentage of Plan

Assets at March 31,

 

 

 

Allocation

 

2017

 

 

2016

 

Asset Category -

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Equity Securities

 

40 – 60%

 

 

70

%

 

 

66

%

Debt Securities

 

35 – 60%

 

 

27

%

 

 

33

%

Other

 

0 –   5%

 

 

3

%

 

 

1

%

Total

 

 

 

 

100

%

 

 

100

%

 

Our pension investment strategies have been developed as part of a comprehensive asset/liability management process that considers the interaction between both the assets and liabilities of the plan. These strategies consider

86

 


not only the expected risk and returns on plan assets, but also the detailed actuarial projections of liabilities as well as plan-level objectives such as projected contributions, expense and funded status.

The principal pension investment strategies include asset allocation and active asset management. The range of target asset allocations have been determined after giving consideration to the expected returns of each asset class, the expected variability or volatility of the asset class returns over time, and the complementary nature or correlation of the asset classes within the portfolio. We also employ an active management approach for the portfolio. Each asset class is managed by one or more external money managers with the objective of generating returns, net of management fees that exceed market-based benchmarks. None of the plans hold any EXP stock.

Based on our current actuarial estimates, we anticipate making contributions ranging from approximately $0.5 million to $1.0 million to our defined benefit plans for fiscal year 2017.

The fair values of our defined benefit plans’ consolidated assets by category as of March 31, 2017 and 2016 were as follows:

 

 

 

March 31,

 

 

 

2017

 

 

2016

 

 

 

(dollars in thousands)

 

Equity Securities

 

$

18,375

 

 

$

14,083

 

Fixed Income Securities

 

 

7,166

 

 

 

7,047

 

Real Estate Funds

 

 

147

 

 

 

129

 

Commodity Linked Funds

 

 

464

 

 

 

50

 

Cash Equivalents

 

 

258

 

 

 

115

 

Total

 

$

26,410

 

 

$

21,424

 

 

The fair values of our defined benefit plans’ consolidated assets were determined using the fair value hierarchy of inputs described in Note (A).

The fair values by category of inputs as of March 31, 2017 were as follows:

 

Asset Categories

 

Quoted

Prices in

Active Markets

for Identical

Assets

(Level 1)

 

 

Significant

Other

Observable

Inputs

(Level 2)

 

 

Significant

Unobservable

Inputs

(Level 3)

 

 

Total

 

 

 

(dollars in thousands)

 

Equity Securities

 

$

 

 

$

18,375

 

 

$

 

 

$

18,375

 

Fixed Income Securities

 

 

 

 

 

7,166

 

 

 

 

 

 

7,166

 

Real Estate Funds

 

 

 

 

 

147

 

 

 

 

 

 

147

 

Commodity Linked Funds

 

 

 

 

 

464

 

 

 

 

 

 

464

 

Cash Equivalents

 

 

258

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

258

 

 

 

$

258

 

 

$

26,152

 

 

$

 

 

$

26,410

 

87

 


 

The fair values by category of inputs as of March 31, 2016 were as follows:

 

Asset Categories

 

Quoted

Prices in

Active Markets

for Identical

Assets

(Level 1)

 

 

Significant

Other

Observable

Inputs

(Level 2)

 

 

Significant

Unobservable

Inputs

(Level 3)

 

 

Total

 

 

 

(dollars in thousands)

 

Equity Securities

 

$

 

 

$

14,083

 

 

$

 

 

$

14,083

 

Fixed Income Securities

 

 

 

 

 

7,047

 

 

 

 

 

 

7,047

 

Real Estate Funds

 

 

 

 

 

129

 

 

 

 

 

 

129

 

Commodity Linked Funds

 

 

 

 

 

50

 

 

 

 

 

 

50

 

Cash Equivalents

 

 

115

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

115

 

 

 

$

115

 

 

$

21,309

 

 

$

 

 

$

21,424

 

 

Equity securities consist of funds that are not actively traded. These funds are maintained by an investment manager and are primarily invested in indexes. The remaining funds, excluding cash, primarily consist of investments in institutional funds.

We also provide profit sharing plans, which cover substantially all salaried and certain hourly employees. The profit sharing plans are defined contribution plans funded by employer discretionary contributions and also allows employees to contribute a certain percentage of their base annual salary. Employees are fully vested to the extent of their contributions and become fully vested in any Company contributions over a six year period for salaried employees and a three year period for hourly employees. Costs relating to the employer discretionary contributions for our contribution plan totaled $6.4 million, $6.2 million and $5.3 million in fiscal years 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

Employees who became employed by us as a result of a previous transaction are provided benefits substantially comparable to those provided under the seller’s benefit plans. These plans included the seller’s 401(k) plan which included employer matching percentages for hourly employees. As a result, we made matching contributions to the hourly profit sharing plan totaling $0.3 million, $0.3 million and $0.2 million for these employees during fiscal years 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

Approximately sixty of our employees belong to three different multi-employer plans. The collective bargaining agreements for the employees who participate in the multi-employer plans expire in March 2020. Our expense related to these plans was approximately $1.6 million, $1.3 million and $1.0 million during fiscal years 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. We anticipate the total expense in fiscal 2018 related to these plans will be approximately $1.7 million.

 

(M) FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR GUARANTORS OF THE 4.500% SENIOR UNSECURED NOTES

On August 2, 2016, the Company completed a public offering of its Senior Unsecured Notes.  The Senior Unsecured Notes are senior unsecured obligations of the Company and were offered under the Company’s existing shelf registration statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

The Senior Unsecured Notes are guaranteed by all of the Company’s wholly-owned subsidiaries, and all guarantees are full and unconditional and are joint and several.  The following unaudited condensed consolidating financial statements present separately the earnings and comprehensive earnings, financial position and cash flows of the parent issuer (Eagle Materials Inc.) and the guarantors (all wholly-owned subsidiaries of Eagle Materials Inc.) on a combined basis with eliminating entries (dollars in thousands).  

 

 

88

 


Condensed Consolidating Statement of Earnings and Comprehensive Earnings

For the Year Ended March 31, 2017

 

Parent

 

 

Guarantor

Subsidiaries

 

 

Eliminations

 

 

Consolidated

 

Revenues

 

$

 

 

$

1,211,220

 

 

$

 

 

$

1,211,220

 

Cost of Goods Sold

 

 

 

 

 

899,175

 

 

 

 

 

 

899,175

 

Gross Profit

 

 

 

 

 

312,045

 

 

 

 

 

 

312,045

 

Equity in Earnings of Unconsolidated Joint Venture

 

 

42,386

 

 

 

42,386

 

 

 

(42,386

)

 

 

42,386

 

Equity in Earnings of Subsidiaries

 

 

210,923

 

 

 

 

 

 

(210,923

)

 

 

 

Corporate General and Administrative Expenses

 

 

(28,545

)

 

 

(5,395

)

 

 

 

 

 

(33,940

)

Other Income (Loss)

 

 

(534

)

 

 

2,673

 

 

 

 

 

 

2,139

 

Acquisition and Litigation Expense

 

 

(5,480

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(5,480

)

Interest Expense, net

 

 

(51,315

)

 

 

28,684

 

 

 

 

 

 

(22,631

)

Earnings before Income Taxes

 

 

167,435

 

 

 

380,393

 

 

 

(253,309

)

 

 

294,519

 

Income Taxes

 

 

30,784

 

 

 

(127,084

)

 

 

 

 

 

(96,300

)

Net Earnings

 

$

198,219

 

 

$

253,309

 

 

$

(253,309

)

 

$

198,219

 

Net Earnings

 

$

198,219

 

 

$

253,309

 

 

$

(253,309

)

 

$

198,219

 

Net Actuarial Change in Benefit Plans, net of tax

 

 

4,013

 

 

 

4,013

 

 

 

(4,013

)

 

 

4,013

 

Comprehensive Earnings

 

$

202,232

 

 

$

257,322

 

 

$

(257,322

)

 

$

202,232

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Condensed Consolidating Statement of Earnings and Comprehensive Earnings

For the Year Ended March 31, 2016

 

Parent

 

 

Guarantor

Subsidiaries

 

 

Eliminations

 

 

Consolidated

 

Revenues

 

$

 

 

$

1,143,492

 

 

$

 

 

$

1,143,492

 

Cost of Goods Sold

 

 

 

 

 

911,875

 

 

 

 

 

 

911,875

 

Gross Profit

 

 

 

 

 

231,617

 

 

 

 

 

 

231,617

 

Equity in Earnings of Unconsolidated Joint Venture

 

 

39,083

 

 

 

39,083

 

 

 

(39,083

)

 

 

39,083

 

Equity in Earnings of Subsidiaries

 

 

160,018

 

 

 

 

 

 

(160,018

)

 

 

 

Corporate General and Administrative Expenses

 

 

(32,047

)

 

 

(5,146

)

 

 

 

 

 

(37,193

)

Other Income (Loss)

 

 

(398

)

 

 

2,726

 

 

 

 

 

 

2,328

 

Interest Expense, net

 

 

(39,038

)

 

 

22,455

 

 

 

 

 

 

(16,583

)

Earnings before Income Taxes

 

 

127,618

 

 

 

290,735

 

 

 

(199,101

)

 

 

219,252

 

Income Taxes

 

 

24,974

 

 

 

(91,634

)

 

 

 

 

 

(66,660

)

Net Earnings

 

$

152,592

 

 

$

199,101

 

 

$

(199,101

)

 

 

152,592

 

Net Earnings

 

$

152,592

 

 

$

199,101

 

 

$

(199,101

)

 

 

152,592

 

Net Actuarial Change in Benefit Plans, net of tax

 

 

658

 

 

 

658

 

 

 

(658

)

 

 

658

 

Comprehensive Earnings

 

$

153,250

 

 

$

199,759

 

 

$

(199,759

)

 

$

153,250

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Condensed Consolidating Statement of Earnings and Comprehensive Earnings

For the Year Ended March 31, 2015

 

Parent

 

 

Guarantor

Subsidiaries

 

 

Eliminations

 

 

Consolidated

 

Revenues

 

$

 

 

$

1,066,368

 

 

$

 

 

$

1,066,368

 

Cost of Goods Sold

 

 

 

 

 

812,235

 

 

 

 

 

 

812,235

 

Gross Profit

 

 

 

 

 

254,133

 

 

 

 

 

 

254,133

 

Equity in Earnings of Unconsolidated Joint Venture

 

 

44,967

 

 

 

44,967

 

 

 

(44,967

)

 

 

44,967

 

Equity in Earnings of Subsidiaries

 

 

166,640

 

 

 

 

 

 

(166,640

)

 

 

 

Corporate General and Administrative Expenses

 

 

(26,391

)

 

 

(4,360

)

 

 

 

 

 

(30,751

)

Other Income (Loss)

 

 

157

 

 

 

3,044

 

 

 

 

 

 

3,201

 

Acquisition and Litigation Expense

 

 

(1,661

)

 

 

(5,219

)

 

 

 

 

 

(6,880

)

Interest Expense, net

 

 

(33,319

)

 

 

21,576

 

 

 

 

 

 

(11,743

)

Earnings before Income Taxes

 

 

150,393

 

 

 

314,141

 

 

 

(211,607

)

 

 

252,927

 

Income Taxes

 

 

36,460

 

 

 

(102,534

)

 

 

 

 

 

(66,074

)

Net Earnings

 

$

186,853

 

 

$

211,607

 

 

$

(211,607

)

 

$

186,853

 

Net Earnings

 

$

186,853

 

 

$

211,607

 

 

$

(211,607

)

 

$

186,853

 

Net Actuarial Change in Benefit Plans, net of tax

 

 

6,584

 

 

 

6,584

 

 

 

(6,584

)

 

 

6,584

 

Comprehensive Earnings

 

$

193,437

 

 

$

218,191

 

 

$

(218,191

)

 

$

193,437

 

 

89

 


 

Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet

At March 31, 2017

 

Parent

 

 

Guarantor

Subsidiaries

 

 

Eliminations

 

 

Consolidated

 

ASSETS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current Assets -

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and Cash Equivalents

 

$

5,184

 

 

$

1,377

 

 

$

 

 

$

6,561

 

Accounts and Notes Receivable

 

 

422

 

 

 

135,891

 

 

 

 

 

 

136,313

 

Inventories

 

 

 

 

 

252,846

 

 

 

 

 

 

252,846

 

Income Tax Receivable

 

 

33,196

 

 

 

 

 

 

(33,196

)

 

 

 

Prepaid and Other Current Assets

 

 

484

 

 

 

4,420

 

 

 

 

 

 

4,904

 

Total Current Assets

 

 

39,286

 

 

 

394,534

 

 

 

(33,196

)

 

 

400,624

 

Property, Plant and Equipment -

 

 

2,914

 

 

 

2,436,524

 

 

 

 

 

 

2,439,438

 

Less: Accumulated Depreciation

 

 

(937

)

 

 

(891,664

)

 

 

 

 

 

(892,601

)

Property, Plant and Equipment, net

 

 

1,977

 

 

 

1,544,860

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,546,837

 

Notes Receivable

 

 

 

 

 

815

 

 

 

 

 

 

815

 

Investment in Joint Venture

 

 

51

 

 

 

48,569

 

 

 

 

 

 

48,620

 

Investments in Subsidiaries and Receivables from Affiliates

 

 

5,126,289

 

 

 

3,252,309

 

 

 

(8,378,598

)

 

 

 

Goodwill and Intangible Assets, net

 

 

 

 

 

235,505

 

 

 

 

 

 

235,505

 

Other Assets

 

 

5,687

 

 

 

9,036

 

 

 

 

 

 

14,723

 

 

 

$

5,173,290

 

 

$

5,485,628

 

 

$

(8,411,794

)

 

$

2,247,124

 

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current Liabilities-

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts Payable

 

$

6,687

 

 

$

85,506

 

 

$

 

 

$

92,193

 

Accrued Liabilities

 

 

21,043

 

 

 

34,336

 

 

 

 

 

 

55,379

 

Income Tax Payable

 

 

733

 

 

 

33,196

 

 

 

(33,196

)

 

 

733

 

Current Portion of Long-term Debt

 

 

81,214

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

81,214

 

Total Current Liabilities

 

 

109,677

 

 

 

153,038

 

 

 

(33,196

)

 

 

229,519

 

Long-term Debt

 

 

605,253

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

605,253

 

Other Long-term Liabilities

 

 

189

 

 

 

42,689

 

 

 

 

 

 

42,878

 

Payables to Affiliates

 

 

3,252,309

 

 

 

2,825,710

 

 

 

(6,078,019

)

 

 

 

Deferred Income Taxes

 

 

2,412

 

 

 

163,612

 

 

 

 

 

 

166,024

 

Total Liabilities

 

 

3,969,840

 

 

 

3,185,049

 

 

 

(6,111,215

)

 

 

1,043,674

 

Total Stockholders’ Equity

 

 

1,203,450

 

 

 

2,300,579

 

 

 

(2,300,579

)

 

 

1,203,450

 

 

 

$

5,173,290

 

 

$

5,485,628

 

 

$

(8,411,794

)

 

$

2,247,124

 

 

90

 


Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet

At March 31, 2016

 

Parent

 

 

Guarantor

Subsidiaries

 

 

Eliminations

 

 

Consolidated

 

ASSETS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current Assets -

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and Cash Equivalents

 

$

3,507

 

 

$

1,884

 

 

$

 

 

$

5,391

 

Accounts and Notes Receivable

 

 

324

 

 

 

119,897

 

 

 

 

 

 

120,221

 

Inventories

 

 

 

 

 

243,595

 

 

 

 

 

 

243,595

 

Income Tax Receivable

 

 

 

 

 

6,731

 

 

 

(1,108

)

 

 

5,623

 

Prepaid and Other Current Assets

 

 

1,365

 

 

 

3,808

 

 

 

 

 

 

5,173

 

Total Current Assets

 

 

5,196

 

 

 

375,915

 

 

 

(1,108

)

 

 

380,003

 

Property, Plant and Equipment -

 

 

2,612

 

 

 

2,070,164

 

 

 

 

 

 

2,072,776

 

Less: Accumulated Depreciation

 

 

(814

)

 

 

(816,651

)

 

 

 

 

 

(817,465

)

Property, Plant and Equipment, net

 

 

1,798

 

 

 

1,253,513

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,255,311

 

Notes Receivable

 

 

 

 

 

2,672

 

 

 

 

 

 

2,672

 

Deferred Income Taxes

 

 

3,375

 

 

 

 

 

 

(3,375

)

 

 

 

Investment in Joint Venture

 

 

33

 

 

 

49,432

 

 

 

 

 

 

49,465

 

Investments in Subsidiaries and Receivables from

   Affiliates

 

 

4,085,806

 

 

 

2,529,480

 

 

 

(6,615,286

)

 

 

 

Goodwill and Intangible Assets, net

 

 

 

 

 

165,827

 

 

 

 

 

 

165,827

 

Other Assets

 

 

5,557

 

 

 

24,800

 

 

 

 

 

 

30,357

 

 

 

$

4,101,765

 

 

$

4,401,639

 

 

$

(6,619,769

)

 

$

1,883,635

 

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current Liabilities-

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts Payable

 

$

6,968

 

 

$

59,646

 

 

$

 

 

$

66,614

 

Accrued Liabilities

 

 

15,708

 

 

 

30,267

 

 

 

 

 

 

45,975

 

Income Tax Payable

 

 

1,108

 

 

 

 

 

 

(1,108

)

 

 

 

Current Portion of Long-term Debt

 

 

8,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

8,000

 

Total Current Liabilities

 

 

31,784

 

 

 

89,913

 

 

 

(1,108

)

 

 

120,589

 

Long-term Debt

 

 

499,714

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

499,714

 

Other Long-term Liabilities

 

 

256

 

 

 

60,866

 

 

 

 

 

 

61,122

 

Payables to Affiliates

 

 

2,529,480

 

 

 

2,042,633

 

 

 

(4,572,113

)

 

 

 

Deferred Income Taxes

 

 

 

 

 

165,054

 

 

 

(3,375

)

 

 

161,679

 

Total Liabilities

 

 

3,061,234

 

 

 

2,358,466

 

 

 

(4,576,596

)

 

 

843,104

 

Total Stockholders’ Equity

 

 

1,040,531

 

 

 

2,043,173

 

 

 

(2,043,173

)

 

 

1,040,531

 

 

 

$

4,101,765

 

 

$

4,401,639

 

 

$

(6,619,769

)

 

$

1,883,635

 

 

 

 

91

 


Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows

For the Year Ended March 31, 2017

 

Parent

 

 

Guarantor

Subsidiaries

 

 

Eliminations

 

 

Consolidated

 

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities

 

$

(64,376

)

 

$

395,974

 

 

$

 

 

$

331,598

 

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Additions to Property, Plant and Equipment

 

 

(697

)

 

 

(56,241

)

 

 

 

 

 

(56,938

)

Investment in Subsidiaries

 

 

(400,488

)

 

 

 

 

 

400,488

 

 

 

 

Acquisition Spending

 

 

 

 

 

(400,488

)

 

 

 

 

 

(400,488

)

Net Cash Used in Investing Activities

 

 

(401,185

)

 

 

(456,729

)

 

 

400,488

 

 

 

(457,426

)

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Decrease in Credit Facility

 

 

(157,000

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(157,000

)

Repayment of Senior Notes

 

 

(8,000

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(8,000

)

Issuance of Long-term Debt

 

 

350,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

350,000

 

Payment of Debt Issuance Costs

 

 

(6,637

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(6,637

)

Dividends Paid to Stockholders

 

 

(19,341

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(19,341

)

Purchase and Retirement of Common Stock

 

 

(60,013

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(60,013

)

Proceeds from Stock Option Exercises

 

 

22,108

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

22,108

 

Shares Redeemed to Settle Employee Taxes on

   Stock Compensation

 

 

(4,468

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(4,468

)

Excess Tax Benefits from Share Based Payment

   Arrangements

 

 

10,349

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

10,349

 

Intra-entity Activity, net

 

 

340,240

 

 

 

60,248

 

 

 

(400,488

)

 

 

 

Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities

 

 

467,238

 

 

 

60,248

 

 

 

(400,488

)

 

 

126,998

 

NET INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH

   EQUIVALENTS

 

 

1,677

 

 

 

(507

)

 

 

 

 

 

1,170

 

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT

   BEGINNING OF PERIOD

 

 

3,507

 

 

 

1,884

 

 

 

 

 

 

5,391

 

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF

   PERIOD

 

$

5,184

 

 

$

1,377

 

 

$

 

 

$

6,561

 

 

 

92

 


Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows

For the Year Ended March 31, 2016

 

Parent

 

 

Guarantor

Subsidiaries

 

 

Eliminations

 

 

Consolidated

 

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities

 

$

(37,985

)

 

$

303,752

 

 

$

 

 

$

265,767

 

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Additions to Property, Plant and Equipment

 

 

 

 

 

(89,563

)

 

 

 

 

 

(89,563

)

Investment in Subsidiaries

 

 

(32,427

)

 

 

 

 

 

32,427

 

 

 

 

Acquisition Spending

 

 

 

 

 

(32,427

)

 

 

 

 

 

(32,427

)

Net Cash Used in Investing Activities

 

 

(32,427

)

 

 

(121,990

)

 

 

32,427

 

 

 

(121,990

)

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Increase in Credit Facility

 

 

52,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

52,000

 

Repayment of Senior Notes

 

 

(57,045

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(57,045

)

Dividends Paid to Stockholders

 

 

(20,020

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(20,020

)

Purchase and Retirement of Common Stock

 

 

(123,530

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(123,530

)

Proceeds from Stock Option Exercises

 

 

2,866

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2,866

 

Shares Redeemed to Settle Employee Taxes on

   Stock Compensation

 

 

(4,273

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(4,273

)

Excess Tax Benefits from Share Based Payment

   Arrangements

 

 

4,102

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4,102

 

Intra-entity Activity, net

 

 

216,175

 

 

 

(183,748

)

 

 

(32,427

)

 

 

 

Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities

 

 

70,275

 

 

 

(183,748

)

 

 

(32,427

)

 

 

(145,900

)

NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND

   CASH EQUIVALENTS

 

 

(137

)

 

 

(1,986

)

 

 

 

 

 

(2,123

)

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT

   BEGINNING OF PERIOD

 

 

3,644

 

 

 

3,870

 

 

 

 

 

 

7,514

 

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF

   PERIOD

 

$

3,507

 

 

$

1,884

 

 

$

 

 

$

5,391

 

 

Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows

For the Year Ended March 31, 2015

 

Parent

 

 

Guarantor

Subsidiaries

 

 

Eliminations

 

 

Consolidated

 

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities

 

$

(35,490

)

 

$

269,611

 

 

$

 

 

$

234,121

 

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Additions to Property, Plant and Equipment

 

 

(134

)

 

 

(111,439

)

 

 

 

 

 

(111,573

)

Investment in Subsidiaries

 

 

(237,171

)

 

 

 

 

 

237,171

 

 

 

 

Acquisition Spending

 

 

 

 

 

(237,171

)

 

 

 

 

 

(237,171

)

Net Cash Used in Investing Activities

 

 

(237,305

)

 

 

(348,610

)

 

 

237,171

 

 

 

(348,744

)

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Increase in Credit Facility

 

 

141,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

141,000

 

Repayment of Senior Notes

 

 

(9,500

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(9,500

)

Dividends Paid to Stockholders

 

 

(20,072

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(20,072

)

Proceeds from Stock Option Exercises

 

 

4,311

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4,311

 

Shares Redeemed to Settle Employee Taxes on

   Stock Compensation

 

 

(4,166

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(4,166

)

Payment of Debt Issue Costs

 

 

(1,661

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(1,661

)

Excess Tax Benefits from Share Based Payment

   Arrangements

 

 

5,743

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5,743

 

Intra-entity Activity, net

 

 

154,302

 

 

 

82,869

 

 

 

(237,171

)

 

 

 

Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities

 

 

269,957

 

 

 

82,869

 

 

 

(237,171

)

 

 

115,655

 

NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND

   CASH EQUIVALENTS

 

 

(2,838

)

 

 

3,870

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,032

 

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT

   BEGINNING OF PERIOD

 

 

6,482

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

6,482

 

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF

   PERIOD

 

$

3,644

 

 

$

3,870

 

 

$

 

 

$

7,514

 

 

93

 


(N) Quarterly Results (unaudited)

 

 

 

For the Years Ended March 31,

 

 

 

2017

 

 

2016

 

 

 

(dollars in thousands, except

per share data)

 

First Quarter -

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenues

 

$

297,504

 

 

$

284,963

 

Gross Profit

 

 

71,955

 

 

 

61,097

 

Earnings Before Income Taxes

 

 

67,276

 

 

 

55,885

 

Net Earnings

 

 

45,344

 

 

 

37,762

 

Diluted Earnings Per Share

 

$

0.93

 

 

$

0.75

 

Second Quarter -

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenues

 

$

332,658

 

 

$

328,988

 

Gross Profit

 

 

91,210

 

 

 

44,294

 

Earnings Before Income Taxes

 

 

89,373

 

 

 

42,840

 

Net Earnings

 

 

60,237

 

 

 

29,819

 

Diluted Earnings Per Share

 

$

1.25

 

 

$

0.59

 

Third Quarter -

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenues

 

$

302,395

 

 

$

277,409

 

Gross Profit

 

 

87,380

 

 

 

68,865

 

Earnings Before Income Taxes

 

 

83,689

 

 

 

68,205

 

Net Earnings

 

 

56,387

 

 

 

45,848

 

Diluted Earnings Per Share

 

$

1.17

 

 

$

0.92

 

Fourth Quarter -

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenues

 

$

278,663

 

 

$

252,132

 

Gross Profit

 

 

61,500

 

 

 

57,361

 

Earnings Before Income Taxes

 

 

54,181

 

 

 

52,322

 

Net Earnings

 

 

36,251

 

 

 

39,163

 

Diluted Earnings Per Share

 

$

0.75

 

 

$

0.80

 

 

The fourth quarter of fiscal 2017 were adversely impacted by approximately $4.4 million of costs related to the completion of the Fairborn Acquisition.  Additionally, our fourth quarter cement earnings were adversely impacted by approximately $5.0 million of annual maintenance costs at our Fairborn plant, as well as the impact of purchase accounting on our inventory costs.

 

The fourth quarter of fiscal 2016 was adversely impacted approximately $6.6 million, $4.1 million and $1.0 million related to impairment of customer contract intangibles, write-down of raw sand inventory and an increase in the bad debt reserve, respectively. This amount was partially offset by a customer forfeiture of amounts prepaid for sand purchases totaling $10.7 million during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2016.  See the Intangible Assets discussion in Footnote (A) of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for more information about the impairment and customer forfeiture of prepaid sand.

      

 

 

94

 


Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

The Board of Directors and Stockholders of

Eagle Materials Inc.

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Eagle Materials Inc. and Subsidiaries as of March 31, 2017 and 2016, and the related consolidated statements of earnings, comprehensive earnings, cash flows and stockholders’ equity for each of the three years in the period ended March 31, 2017. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of Eagle Materials Inc. and Subsidiaries at March 31, 2017 and 2016, and the consolidated results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended March 31, 2017, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), Eagle Materials Inc. and Subsidiaries internal control over financial reporting as of March 31, 2017, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 framework) and our report dated May 24, 2017 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

/s/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP

Dallas, Texas

May 24, 2017

 

 

 

 

 

95

 


ITEM 9.

CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

None.

ITEM  9A.

CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

EVALUATION OF DISCLOSURE CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

We have established a system of disclosure controls and other procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (“Exchange Act”), is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified by 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. An evaluation of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Exchange Act) was performed as of the end of the period covered by this annual report. This evaluation was performed under the supervision and with the participation of management, including our CEO and CFO. Based upon that evaluation, our CEO and CFO have concluded that these disclosure controls and procedures were effective.

There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during our last fiscal quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

Management report on internal control over financial reporting

Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as such term is defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(f). Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our CEO and CFO, we conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting based on the framework in “Internal Control – Integrated Framework” issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 framework). We acquired certain assets of Cemex Construction Materials Atlantic, LLC (the “Acquired Assets”) on February 10, 2017. We excluded from our evaluation the assessment of the internal controls over financial reporting of the Acquired Assets. The results of operations of the Acquired Assets since the acquisition date are included in the March 31, 2017 consolidated financial statements of Eagle and constituted approximately 18 percent of total assets as of March 31, 2017, and approximately 1 percent of revenue for the year then ended. See Note B to the consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this annual report for a discussion of this acquisition. Based on our evaluation under the framework in “Internal Control – Integrated Framework,” our management concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of March 31, 2017. The effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of March 31, 2017, has been audited by Ernst & Young LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report which is included herein.

96

 


 

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

The Board of Directors and Stockholders of

Eagle Materials Inc.

We have audited Eagle Materials Inc. and Subsidiaries’ internal control over financial reporting as of March 31, 2017, based on criteria established in Internal Control -- Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 framework) (the COSO criteria). Eagle Materials Inc. and Subsidiaries’ management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting, and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting included in the accompanying Management Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

A company’s 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 generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting 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 generally accepted accounting principles, 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. Also, 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.

As indicated in the accompanying Management Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting, management’s assessment of and conclusion on the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting did not include the internal controls of the assets acquired from Cemex Construction Materials Atlantic, LLC, which is included in the 2017 consolidated financial statements of Eagle Materials Inc. and Subsidiaries and constituted 18% of total assets as of March 31, 2017 and 1% of revenue for the year then ended. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting of Eagle Materials Inc. and Subsidiaries also did not include an evaluation of the internal control over financial reporting of the assets acquired from Cemex Construction Materials Atlantic, LLC on February 10, 2017.

In our opinion, Eagle Materials Inc. and Subsidiaries maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of March 31, 2017, based on the COSO criteria.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheets of Eagle Materials Inc. and Subsidiaries as of March 31, 2017 and 2016, and the related consolidated statements of earnings, comprehensive earnings, cash flows, and stockholders’ equity for each of the three years in the period ended March 31, 2017 and our report dated May 24, 2017 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

/s/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP

Dallas, Texas

May 24, 2017

ITEM  9B.

OTHER INFORMATION

None

97

 


 

PART III

ITEM  10.

DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

Except for the information below regarding our code of ethics, the information called for by Items 10, 11, 12, 13 and 14 is incorporated herein by reference to the information included and referenced under the following captions in the Company’s Proxy Statement for the Company’s August 3, 2017 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the “2017 EXP Proxy Statement”):

 

Items

 

Caption in the 2017 EXP Proxy Statement

10

 

Executive Officers who are not Directors

10

 

Election of Directors and Related Matters

10

 

Stock Ownership-Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance

10

 

Stock Ownership – Code of Conduct

11

 

Executive Compensation

11

 

Compensation Discussion and Analysis

11

 

Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change in Control

12

 

Stock Ownership

13

 

Stock Ownership – Related Party Transactions

13

 

Election of Directors and Related Matters

14

 

Relationship with Independent Public Accountants

Code of Ethics. The policies comprising the Company’s code of ethics (“Eagle Ethics - A Guide to Decision - Making on Business Conduct Issues”) will represent both the code of ethics for the principal executive officer, principal financial officer, and principal accounting officer under SEC rules, and the code of business conduct and ethics for directors, officers, and employees under NYSE listing standards. The code of ethics is published on the corporate governance section of the Company’s website at www.eaglematerials.com.

Although the Company does not envision that any waivers of the code of ethics will be granted, should a waiver occur for the principal executive officer, principal financial officer, the principal accounting officer or controller, it will be promptly disclosed on our internet site. Also, any amendments of the code will be promptly posted on our internet site.

ITEM 11.

EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

See Item 10 above.

ITEM  12.

SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS

See Item 10 above.

98

 


 

EQUITY COMPENSATION PLAN

The following table shows the number of outstanding options and shares available for future issuance of options under the Company’s equity compensation plans as of March 31, 2017. Our equity compensation plans have been approved by the Company’s stockholders.

 

Plan Category

 

Incentive

Plan

 

Number of

securities to

be issued upon

exercise of

outstanding

options,

warrants

and rights

(a)

 

 

Weighted

average

exercise price of

outstanding

options,

warrants

and rights

(b)

 

 

Number of

securities

remaining for

future issuance

under equity

compensation

plans excluding

securities

reflected in

column

(a)(c)

 

Equity compensation plans approved by

   stockholders

 

2013

 

 

1,323,379

 

 

$

66.07

 

 

 

4,329,248

 

Equity compensation plans not approved by

   stockholders

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,323,379

 

 

$

66.07

 

 

 

4,329,248

 

 

ITEM 13.

CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE

See Item 10 above.

ITEM  14.

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES

See Item 10 above.

PART IV

ITEM 15.

EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES

a) The following documents are filed as part of this Report:

 

(1)

Financial Statements

Reference is made to the Index to Financial Statements under Item 8 in Part II hereof, where these documents are listed.

(2)Schedules

Schedules are omitted because they are not applicable or not required or the information required to be set forth therein is included in the consolidated financial statements referenced above in section (a) (1) of this Item 15.

(3)Exhibits

The information on exhibits required by this Item 15 is set forth in the Eagle Materials Inc. Index to Exhibits appearing on pages 102-106 of this Report.

 

 

99

 


 

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this Form 10-K to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

 

 

 

EAGLE MATERIALS INC.

 

 

Registrant

 

 

 

May 24, 2017

 

/s/ David B. Powers

 

 

David B. Powers, Chief Executive Officer

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

 

May 24, 2017

 

/s/ David B. Powers

 

 

David B. Powers

President and Chief Executive Officer

(principal executive officer)

 

 

 

May 24, 2017

 

/s/ D. Craig Kesler

 

 

D. Craig Kesler

Executive Vice President – Finance and Administration and Chief Financial Officer (principal financial officer)

 

 

 

May 24, 2017

 

/s/ William R. Devlin

 

 

William R. Devlin

Senior Vice President – Controller and

Chief Accounting Officer

(principal accounting officer)

 

 

 

May 24, 2017

 

/s/ F. William Barnett

 

 

F. William Barnett, Director

 

 

 

May 24, 2017

 

/s/ Richard Beckwitt

 

 

Richard Beckwitt, Director

 

 

 

May 24, 2017

 

/s/ Ed H. Bowman, Jr.

 

 

Ed H. Bowman, Jr., Director

 


100

 


 

 

May 24, 2017

 

/s/ George J. Damiris

 

 

George J. Damiris, Director

 

 

 

May 24, 2017

 

/s/ Martin M. Ellen

 

 

Martin M. Ellen, Director

 

 

 

May 24, 2017

 

/s/ Laurence E. Hirsch

 

 

Laurence E. Hirsch, Director

 

 

 

May 24, 2017

 

/s/ Michael R. Nicolais

 

 

Michael R. Nicolais, Director

 

 

 

May 24, 2017

 

/s/ Richard R. Stewart

 

 

Richard R. Stewart, Director

 

 

 

 

 

 

101

 


 

INDEX TO EXHIBITS

EAGLE MATERIALS INC.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Exhibit

Number

 

Description of Exhibits

 

 

 

  2.1

 

Amended and Restated Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of November 4, 2003, among Centex Corporation, Centex Construction Products, Inc. (now known as Eagle Materials Inc.) and ARG Merger Corporation filed as Exhibit 2.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K/A filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission”) on November 12, 2003 (File No. 001-12984) and incorporated herein by reference.

 

 

  2.2

 

Amended and Restated Distribution Agreement dated as of November 4, 2003 between Centex Corporation and Centex Construction Products, Inc. (now known as Eagle Materials Inc.) filed as Exhibit 2.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K/A filed with the Commission on November 12, 2003 (File No. 001-12984) and incorporated herein by reference.

 

 

  3.1

 

Restated Certificate of Incorporation filed as Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on April 11, 2006 (File No. 001-12984) and incorporated herein by reference.

 

 

  3.2

 

Restated Certificate of Designation, Preferences and Rights of Series A Preferred Stock filed as Exhibit 3.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on April 11, 2006 (File No. 001-12984) and incorporated herein by reference.

 

 

  3.3

 

Amended and Restated Bylaws filed as Exhibit 3.3 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2007, filed with the Commission on May 29, 2007 (File No. 001-12984) and incorporated herein by reference.

 

 

  3.4

 

Amendment to Amended and Restated Bylaws filed as Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on November 24, 2008 (File No. 001-12984) and incorporated herein by reference.

 

 

  3.5

 

Amendment to Amended and Restated Bylaws filed as Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on February 3, 2012 (File No. 001-12984) and incorporated herein by reference.

 

 

  3.6

 

Amendment to Amended and Restated Bylaws filed as Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on August 7, 2015 (File No. 001-12984) and incorporated herein by reference.

 

 

  4.1

 

Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of October 30, 2014 among Eagle Materials Inc., the lenders party thereto, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. as Administrative Agent, and the other Lenders party thereto, filed as Exhibit 10.7 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2014, filed with the Commission on November 5, 2014 (File No. 001-12984) and incorporated herein by reference.

 

 

  4.1(a)

 

Amendment No. 1 to Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement by and among the Company, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent, and the other Lenders party thereto dated August 10, 2015, filed as Exhibit 10.4 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2015, filed with the Commission on October 27, 2015 (File No. 001-12984) and incorporated herein by reference.

 

 

  4.1(b)

 

Amendment No. 2 to Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of August 2, 2016, among the Company, the lenders identified therein and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as the administrative agent, issuing bank and swingline lender thereunder, filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on August 2, 2016 (File No. 001-12984) and incorporated herein by reference.

 

 

4.2

 

Note Purchase Agreement dated as of November 15, 2005, among the Company and the purchasers named therein filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on November 18, 2005 (File No. 001-12984) and incorporated herein by reference.

 

 

 

 

4.2(a)

 

First Amendment to Note Purchase Agreement (Series 2005A) dated September 26, 2012 filed as Exhibit 10.2 to the Current Report on Form 8-K/A filed with the Commission on September 27, 2012 (File No. 001-12984) and incorporated herein by reference.

 

 

102

 


 

4.3

 

Note Purchase Agreement, dated as of October 2, 2007, among the Company and the purchasers named therein filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on October 3, 2007 (File No. 001-12984) and incorporated herein by reference.

 

 

4.3(a)

 

First Amendment to Note Purchase Agreement (Series 2007A) dated September 26, 2012 filed as Exhibit 10.3 to the Current Report on Form 8-K/A filed with the Commission on September 27, 2012 (File No. 001-12984) and incorporated herein by reference.

 

 

4.4

 

First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of August 2, 2016, among Eagle Materials Inc., the guarantor parties identified therein and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A. filed as Exhibit 4.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on August 2, 2016 (File No. 001-12984) and incorporated by reference.

 

4.5

 

Form of 4.500% Senior Note due 2026 filed as Exhibit 4.3 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on August 2, 2016 (File No. 001-12984) and incorporated herein by reference.

 

 

 

10.1

 

Limited Partnership Agreement of Texas Lehigh Cement Company LP by and between Texas Cement Company and Lehigh Portland Cement Company effective as of October 1, 2000 filed as Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2001, filed with the Commission on June 27, 2001 (File No. 001-12984) and incorporated herein by reference.

 

 

10.1(a)

 

Amendment No. 1 to Agreement of Limited Partnership by and among Texas Cement Company, TLCC LP LLC, TLCC GP LLC, Lehigh Portland Cement Company, Lehigh Portland Investments, LLC and Lehigh Portland Holdings, LLC effective as of October 2, 2000 filed as Exhibit 10.2(a) to the 2001 Form 10-K (File No. 001-12984) and incorporated herein by reference.

 

 

10.2

 

The Eagle Materials Inc. Amended and Restated Incentive Plan, filed as Exhibit A to the Company’s Schedule 14A filed with the Commission on June 21, 2013(File No. 001-12984) and incorporated herein by reference. (1)

 

 

10.3

 

Form of Restricted Stock Unit Agreement for Non-Employee Directors filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on August 1, 2006 (File No. 001-12984) and incorporated by reference herein. (1)

 

 

10.4

 

Form of Restricted Stock Agreement, filed as Exhibit 10.6 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2008, filed with the Commission on August 8, 2008 (File No. 001-12984) and incorporated herein by reference. (1)

 

 

 

10.5

 

Form of Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement for Senior Executives filed as Exhibit 10.6 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2010, filed with the Commission on August 6, 2010 (File No. 001-12984) and incorporated herein by reference. (1)

 

 

10.5(a)

 

Form of Restricted Stock Agreement filed as Exhibit 10.8 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2010, filed with the Commission on August 6, 2010 (File No. 001-12984) and incorporated herein by reference. (1)

 

 

10.5(b)

 

Form of Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement for Non-employee directors filed as Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2010, filed with the Commission on November 5, 2010 (File No. 001-12984) and incorporated herein by reference. (1)

 

 

10.6

 

Form of Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement for Senior Executives filed as Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2011, filed with the Commission on November 4, 2011 (File No. 001-12984) and incorporated herein by reference. (1)

 

 

10.6(a)

 

Form of Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement for Non-Employee directors filed as Exhibit 10.4 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2011, filed with the Commission on November 4, 2011 (File No. 001-12984) and incorporated herein by reference. (1)

 

 

10.7

 

Form of Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement for Senior Executives filed as Exhibit 10.5 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2012, filed with the Commission on November 8, 2012 (File No. 001-12984) and incorporated herein by reference. (1)

 

 

103

 


 

10.7(a)

 

Form of Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement for Non-Employee directors filed as Exhibit 10.7 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2012, filed with the Commission on November 8, 2012 (File No. 001-12984) and incorporated herein by reference. (1)

 

 

10.7(b)

 

Form of Restricted Stock Agreement for Non-Employee directors filed as Exhibit 10.8 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2012, filed with the Commission on November 8, 2012 (File No. 001-12984) and incorporated herein by reference. (1)

 

 

10.8

 

Form of Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement for Senior Executives filed as Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2013, filed with the Commission on November 7, 2013 (File No. 001-12984) and incorporated herein by reference. (1)

 

 

10.8(a)

 

Form of Restricted Stock Agreement for Senior Executives filed as Exhibit 10.3 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2013, filed with the Commission on November 7, 2013 (File No. 001-12984) and incorporated herein by reference. (1)

 

 

10.8(b)

 

Form of Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement for Non-Employee directors filed as Exhibit 10.4 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2013, filed with the Commission on November 7, 2013 (File No. 001-12984) and incorporated herein by reference. (1)

 

 

10.8(c)

 

Form of Restricted Stock Agreement for Non-Employee directors filed as Exhibit 10.5 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2013, filed with the Commission on November 7, 2013 (File No. 001-12984) and incorporated herein by reference. (1)

 

 

10.9

 

Form of Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement for Senior Executives filed as Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2014, filed with the Commission on November 5, 2014 (File No. 001-12984) and incorporated herein by reference. (1)

 

 

 

 

 

10.9(a)

 

Form of Restricted Stock Agreement for Senior Executives filed as Exhibit 10.3 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2014, filed with the Commission on November 5, 2014 (File No. 001-12984) and incorporated herein by reference. (1)

 

 

10.9(b)

 

Form of Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement for Non-Employee directors filed as Exhibit 10.4 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2014, filed with the Commission on November 5, 2014 (File No. 001-12984) and incorporated herein by reference. (1)

 

 

10.9(c)

 

Form of Restricted Stock Agreement for Non-Employee directors filed as Exhibit 10.5 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2014, filed with the Commission on November 5, 2014 (File No. 001-12984) and incorporated herein by reference. (1)

 

 

10.10

 

Form of Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement for Senior Executives filed as Exhibit 10.6 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2015, filed with the Commission on August 4, 2015 (File No. 001-12984) and incorporated herein by reference. (1)

 

 

10.10(a)

 

Form of Restricted Stock Agreement for Senior Executives filed as Exhibit 10.7 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2015, filed with the Commission on August 4, 2015 (File No. 001-12984) and incorporated herein by reference. (1)

 

 

10.10(b)

 

Form of Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement for Non-Employee directors filed as Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2015, filed with the Commission on October 27, 2015 (File No. 001-12984) and incorporated herein by reference. (1)

 

 

10.10(c)

 

Form of Restricted Stock Agreement for Non-Employee directors filed as Exhibit 10.3 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2015, filed with the Commission on October 27, 2015 (File No. 001-12984) and incorporated herein by reference. (1)

 

 

10.11

 

Form of Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement for Non-Employee directors filed as Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2016, filed with the Commission on October 24, 2016 (File No. 001-12984) and incorporated herein by reference. (1)

 

 

104

 


 

10.11(a)

 

Form of Restricted Stock Agreement for Non-Employee directors filed as Exhibit 10.3 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2016, filed with the Commission on October 24, 2016 (File No. 001-12984) and incorporated herein by reference. (1)

 

 

10.11(b)

 

Form of Performance Vesting Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement for Senior Executives filed as Exhibit 10.4 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2016, filed with the Commission on October 24, 2016 (File No. 001-12984) and incorporated herein by reference. (1)

 

 

10.11(c)

 

Form of Time Vesting Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement for Senior Executives filed as Exhibit 10.5 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2016, filed with the Commission on October 24, 2016 (File No. 001-12984) and incorporated herein by reference. (1)

 

 

10.11(d)

 

Form of Performance Vesting Restricted Stock Agreement for Senior Executives filed as Exhibit 10.6 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2016, filed with the Commission on October 24, 2016 (File No. 001-12984) and incorporated herein by reference. (1)

 

 

10.11(e)

 

Form of Time Vesting Restricted Stock Agreement for Senior Executives filed as Exhibit 10.7 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2016, filed with the Commission on October 24, 2016 (File No. 001-12984) and incorporated herein by reference. (1)

 

 

10.12

 

Eagle Materials Inc. Salaried Incentive Compensation Program for Fiscal Year 2017 filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on May 20, 2016 (File No. 001-12984) and incorporated herein by reference. (1)

 

 

10.12(a)

 

Eagle Materials Inc. Cement Companies Salaried Incentive Compensation Program for Fiscal Year 2017 filed as Exhibit 10.2 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on May 20, 2016 (File No. 001-12984) and incorporated herein by reference. (1)

 

 

10.12(b)

 

Eagle Materials Inc. Special Situation Program for Fiscal Year 2017 filed as Exhibit 10.3 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on May 20, 2016 (File No. 001-12984) and incorporated herein by reference. (1)

 

 

10.13

 

The Eagle Materials Inc. Amended and Restated Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan filed as Exhibit 10.4 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2000, filed with the Commission on June 21, 2000 (File No. 001-12984) and incorporated herein by reference. (1)

 

 

10.13(a)

 

First Amendment to the Eagle Materials Inc. Amended and Restated Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan, dated as of May 11, 2004, filed as Exhibit 10.4(a) to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2006, filed with the Commission on June 2, 2006 (File No. 001-12984) and incorporated herein by reference. (1)

 

 

10.14

 

Retirement and Consulting Agreement, dated January 25, 2016, between the Company and Steven R. Rowley, filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on January 26, 2016 (File No. 001-12984) and incorporated herein by reference. (1)

 

 

 

10.15

 

Trademark License and Name Domain Agreement dated January 30, 2004 between the Company and Centex Corporation filed as Exhibit 10.5 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2004, filed with the Commission on June 14, 2004 (File No. 001-12984) and incorporated herein by reference.

 

 

10.16

 

Form of Indemnification Agreement between the Company and each of its directors filed as Exhibit 10.9 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2004, filed with the Commission on June 14, 2004 (File No. 001-12984) and incorporated herein by reference.

 

 

10.17

 

Eagle Materials Inc. Director Compensation Summary filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2016, filed with the Commission on October 24, 2016 (File No. 001-12984) and incorporated herein by reference. (1)

 

 

10.18

 

Asset Purchase Agreement between Eagle Materials Inc. and Cemex Construction Materials Atlantic, LLC, dated September 11, 2016, filed as Exhibit 10.8 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2016, filed with the Commission on October 24, 2016 (File No. 001-12984) and incorporated herein by reference.

 

 

 

 

105

 


 

12.1*

 

Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges.

 

 

21*

 

Subsidiaries of the Company.

 

 

23.1*

 

Consent of Registered Independent Public Accounting Firm – Ernst & Young LLP.

 

 

31.1*

 

Certification of the Chief Executive Officer of Eagle Materials Inc. pursuant to Rules 13a-14 and 15d-14 promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

 

 

31.2*

 

Certification of the Chief Financial Officer of Eagle Materials Inc. pursuant to Rules 13a-14 and 15d-14 promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

 

 

 

32.1*

 

Certification of the Chief Executive Officer of Eagle Materials Inc. pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

 

32.2*

 

Certification of the Chief Financial Officer of Eagle Materials Inc. pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

 

95*

 

Mine Safety Disclosure

 

 

101.INS*

 

XBRL Instance Document.

 

 

101.SCH*

 

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document.

 

 

101.CAL*

 

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document.

 

 

 

101.DEF*

 

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document.

 

 

 

101.LAB*

 

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document.

 

 

 

101.PRE*

 

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document.

 

 

*

Filed herewith.

(1)

Required to be identified as a management contract or a compensatory plan or arrangement pursuant to Item 15(a) (3) of Form 10-K.

 

 

106