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GRANITE CONSTRUCTION INC - Quarter Report: 2010 September (Form 10-Q)

form10-q.htm


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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
 
FORM 10-Q
 
ý
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2010
 
OR
 
¨
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from ___________ to ___________
 
Commission File Number: 1-12911
 
GRANITE CONSTRUCTION INCORPORATED
 
State of Incorporation:
I.R.S. Employer Identification Number:
Delaware
77-0239383
 
Address of principal executive offices:
585 W. Beach Street
Watsonville, California 95076
(831) 724-1011
 
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 ý 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 (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes ý No ¨
 
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 the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer ý
 
Accelerated filer ¨
 
Non-accelerated filer ¨
 
Smaller reporting company ¨
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). ¨ Yes ý No
 
Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of October 26, 2010.
 
Class
 
Outstanding
Common Stock, $0.01 par value
 
38,774,374 shares
 
 


 
 
 
 
 
Index
       
 
   
     
     
     
     
   
   
   
 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
 
 
 
 
EXHIBIT 101.INS   
EXHIBIT 101.SCH   
EXHIBIT 101.CAL   
EXHIBIT 101.LAB   
EXHIBIT 101.PRE   
 
 
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
Item 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
 
GRANITE CONSTRUCTION INCORPORATED
 
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
 
(Unaudited - in thousands, except share and per share data)
 
   
   
September 30,
   
December 31,
   
September 30,
 
   
2010
   
2009
   
2009
 
ASSETS
                 
Current assets
                 
Cash and cash equivalents
  $  257,854     $
338,956
    $
371,434
 
Short-term marketable securities
     80,962      
42,448
     
27,798
 
Receivables, net
     375,914      
280,252
     
382,572
 
Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings
     34,448      
10,619
     
38,011
 
Inventories
     45,224      
45,800
     
51,972
 
Real estate held for development and sale
     151,638      
139,449
     
135,306
 
Deferred income taxes
     31,035      
31,034
     
43,356
 
Equity in construction joint ventures
     80,496      
67,693
     
58,450
 
Other current assets
     42,409      
50,467
     
41,185
 
Total current assets
     1,099,980      
1,006,718
     
1,150,084
 
Property and equipment, net
     491,363      
520,778
     
530,661
 
Long-term marketable securities
     49,502      
76,937
     
62,612
 
Investments in affiliates
     32,515      
24,644
     
21,309
 
Other noncurrent assets
     78,611      
80,498
     
80,233
 
Total assets
  $  1,751,971     $
1,709,575
    $
1,844,899
 
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
                       
Current liabilities
                       
Current maturities of long-term debt
  $  8,444     $
15,017
    $  15,017  
Current maturities of non-recourse debt
     39,157      
43,961
       53,177  
Accounts payable
     206,993      
131,251
     
211,670
 
Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings
     157,233      
156,041
     
187,205
 
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities
     173,547      
159,843
     
209,806
 
Total current liabilities
     585,374      
506,113
     
676,875
 
Long-term debt
     216,870      
225,203
       225,219  
Long-term non-recourse debt      16,420      
19,485
       8,363  
Other long-term liabilities
     48,764      
48,998
     
48,884
 
Deferred income taxes
     27,883      
27,220
     
17,917
 
Commitments and contingencies                        
Equity
                       
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value, authorized 3,000,000 shares, none outstanding
    -       -       -  
Common stock, $0.01 par value, authorized 150,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding 38,769,787 shares as of September 30, 2010, 38,635,021 shares as of December 31, 2009 and 38,669,447 shares as of September 30, 2009
     388      
386
     
387
 
Additional paid-in capital
     101,567      
94,633
     
92,356
 
Retained earnings
     711,497      
735,632
     
724,621
 
Total Granite Construction Incorporated shareholders’ equity
     813,452      
830,651
     
817,364
 
Noncontrolling interests
     43,208      
 51,905
     
50,277
 
Total equity
     856,660      
882,556
     
867,641
 
Total liabilities and equity
  $  1,751,971     $
1,709,575
    $
1,844,899
 
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.
 
 
GRANITE CONSTRUCTION INCORPORATED
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(Unaudited - in thousands, except per share data)
 
     Three Months Ended September 30,    
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
   
2010
 
2009
   
2010
   
2009
 
Revenue
                     
Construction
  $  409,989   $ 466,605   $
729,118
  $
912,110
 
Large project construction
     169,972     181,171      429,625      456,001  
Construction materials
     88,128      71,527    
175,381
   
158,688
 
Real estate
     2,761     981     
11,613
   
1,932
 
Total revenue
     670,850     720,284    
1,345,737
   
1,528,731
 
Cost of revenue
                         
Construction
     365,323      393,970    
659,705
   
751,498
 
Large project construction
     151,656      155,950      379,991      374,605  
Construction materials
     75,991     63,176    
165,889
   
141,068
 
Real estate
     1,725     1,531    
8,585
   
3,272
 
Total cost of revenue
     594,695     614,627    
1,214,170
   
1,270,443
 
Gross profit
     76,155     105,657    
131,567
   
258,288
 
Selling, general and administrative expenses
     47,160      60,950    
153,809
   
171,624
 
Gain on sales of property and equipment
     3,165      1,549    
11,417
   
6,878
 
Operating income (loss)
     32,160      46,256    
(10,825
 
93,542
 
Other income
                         
Interest income
     2,110      744    
4,147
   
3,914
 
Interest expense
     (547   (4,245 )  
(7,294
 
(10,586
)
Equity in income (loss) of affiliates
     529      4,021    
(177
 
4,360
 
Other income, net
     1,023      3,062    
5,854
   
8,278
 
Total other income
     3,115      3,582    
2,530
   
5,966
 
Income (loss) before (benefit from) provision for income taxes
     35,275      49,838    
(8,295
 
99,508
 
(Benefit from) provision for  income taxes
     (8,026    13,300    
(11,233
 
26,316
 
Net income
     43,301      36,538    
2,938
   
73,192
 
Amount attributable to noncontrolling interests
     (4,620   (5,940 )  
(11,902
 
(15,725
)
Net income (loss) attributable to Granite Construction Incorporated
$  38,681   $  30,598   $
(8,964
$
57,467
 
                           
Net income (loss) per share attributable to common shareholders (see Note 13)
                   
Basic
  $  1.00   $
0.79
  $
(0.24
$
1.49
 
Diluted
  $  0.99   $
0.79
  $
(0.24
$
1.49
 
                           
Weighted average shares of common stock
                         
Basic
     37,865    
37,595
   
37,802
   
37,552
 
Diluted
     38,071    
37,709
   
37,802
   
37,670
 
                           
Dividends per common share
  $  0.13   $ 0.13   $
0.39
  $
0.39
 
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.
 
GRANITE CONSTRUCTION INCORPORATED
 
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
 
(Unaudited - in thousands)
 
             
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
2010
   
2009
 
Operating activities
           
Net income
  $  2,938     $  73,192  
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
         
Impairment of real estate held for development and sale
     107        1,686  
Depreciation, depletion and amortization
     54,169        59,048  
Provision for (recovery of) doubtful accounts
     136       (3,844
Gain on sales of property and equipment
     (11,417     (6,878 )
Stock-based compensation
     10,241        7,869  
Gain on company owned life insurance
    (2,655     (2,013
Equity in loss (income) of affiliates 
     177        (4,360
Changes in assets and liabilities, net of the effects of consolidations:
         
Receivables
     (90,900      (61,943
Inventories
     576       3,251  
Real estate held for development and sale
     (10,089     (13,359 )
Equity in construction joint ventures
     (14,010     (13,769 )
Other assets, net
     6,959        14,694  
Accounts payable
     75,422        36,939  
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities, net
     11,549       32,615  
Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings, net
     (22,637     (64,875 )
Net cash provided by operating activities
     10,566       58,253  
Investing activities
               
Purchases of marketable securities
     (78,355     (61,974 )
Maturities of marketable securities
     60,900        32,610  
Proceeds from company owned life insurance
     2,078        -  
Additions to property and equipment
     (30,182     (75,773 )
Proceeds from sales of property and equipment
     17,225        10,089  
Purchase of private preferred stock
     (6,400     -  
Contributions to affiliates, net
     (1,233     (4,969 )
Issuance of notes receivable
     (1,314      (4,270
Collection of notes receivable
     2,799        385  
Other investing activities, net
     77        65  
Net cash used in investing activities
     (34,405     (103,837 )
Financing activities
               
Proceeds from long-term debt
     619        8,384  
Long-term debt principal payments
     (18,472     (18,139 )
Cash dividends paid
     (15,110     (15,031 )
Purchase of common stock
     (3,374     (2,840 )
Distributions to noncontrolling partners, net
     (20,940     (16,251 )
Other financing activities
     14        52  
Net cash used in financing activities
     (57,263     (43,825 )
Decrease in cash and cash equivalents
     (81,102     (89,409 )
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
     338,956        460,843  
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
  $  257,854     $  371,434  
 
Supplementary Information
           
Cash paid during the period for:
           
Interest
  $  8,196     $  11,883  
Income taxes
     469        13,964  
Non-cash investing and financing activities:
               
Stock issued for services, net of forfeitures
  $  6,763     $  19,164  
Accrued cash dividends
     5,040        5,027  
Debt payments from sale of assets
     5,487       -  

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.
 
5

GRANITE CONSTRUCTION INCORPORATED
NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
 
1.
Basis of Presentation
 
The condensed consolidated financial statements included herein have been prepared by Granite Construction Incorporated (“we,” “us,” “our,” “Company” or “Granite”) without audit, pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) and should be read in conjunction with our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) have been condensed or omitted, although we believe the disclosures made are adequate to make the information presented not misleading. Further, the condensed consolidated financial statements reflect, in the opinion of management, all normal recurring adjustments necessary to present fairly our financial position at September 30, 2010 and 2009 and the results of our operations and cash flows for the periods presented. In preparing these financial statements, we have evaluated events and transactions for potential recognition or disclosure through the date the financial statements were issued. The December 31, 2009 condensed consolidated balance sheet data was derived from audited consolidated financial statements, but does not include all disclosures required by U.S. GAAP.
 
We prepared the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements on the same basis as our annual consolidated financial statements, except for the change in our reportable business segments described in Note 17, “Business Segment Information” and the adoption of two new accounting standards. We adopted Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures, which clarified fair value disclosure requirements for assets and liabilities measured on a recurring basis, effective as of March 31, 2010 (see Note 5). Additionally, we adopted the new consolidation requirements applicable to our construction and real estate joint ventures that are considered variable interest entities (“VIEs”) as defined by ASC Topic 810, Consolidation, effective as of January 1, 2010. To ascertain if we are required to consolidate a VIE, we determine whether we are the VIE’s primary beneficiary. This new accounting standard changes the method used to determine the primary beneficiary of a VIE and requires the following:
 
·  
determination of the VIE’s primary beneficiary using a qualitative approach based on:
i)  
the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the economic performance of the VIE; and
ii)  
the obligation to absorb losses or right to receive benefits of the VIE that could be significant.
·  
ongoing evaluation of the VIE’s primary beneficiary; and
·  
disclosures about a company’s involvement with the VIE including separate presentation on the condensed consolidated balance sheets
of a consolidated VIE’s non-recourse debt.
  
Prior to the adoption of this accounting standard, determination of the VIE’s primary beneficiary was based on a quantitative and qualitative analysis and was reconsidered only upon the occurrence of specific triggering events. The adoption of this new accounting standard resulted in the consolidation of one construction joint venture (see Note 7) and did not have a material impact on our consolidation of real estate entities (see Note 8).
 
Interim results are subject to significant seasonal variations and the results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year.
 
Reclassifications of certain costs between cost of revenue and selling, general and administrative expenses have been made to prior year’s condensed consolidated financial statements and footnote disclosures to conform to current year presentation. These reclassifications did not have a significant impact on our previously reported net operating results.
 
2.
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncement
 
In January 2010, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2010-06. This ASU amends the accounting guidance in ASC Topic 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures, regarding assets and liabilities measured at fair value using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3 fair value measurements). This ASU requires separate disclosures about purchases, sales, issuances and settlements and will be effective in 2011. We do not expect the adoption of this ASU to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.
 
 
6

GRANITE CONSTRUCTION INCORPORATED
NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
 
3.
Revisions in Estimates
 
Our profit recognition related to construction contracts is based on estimates of costs to complete each project. These estimates can vary in the normal course of business as projects progress and uncertainties are resolved. We do not recognize revenue on contract change orders or claims until we have a signed agreement; however, we do recognize costs as incurred and revisions to estimated total costs as soon as the obligation to perform is determined. Approved change orders and claims, as well as changes in related estimates of costs to complete, are considered revisions in estimates. We use the cumulative catch-up method applicable to construction contract accounting to account for revisions in estimates. Under this option, revisions in estimates are accounted for in their entirety in the period of change. As of September 30, 2010, we had no revisions in estimates that are reasonably certain to impact future periods.
 
Construction
 
The net change in project profitability from revisions in estimates, both increases and decreases, that individually had an impact of $1.0 million or more on gross profit was a net increase of $0.7 million and a net decrease of $0.4 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010, respectively. The net change for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2009 was a net decrease in gross profit of $0.8 million and a net increase in gross profit of $24.2 million, respectively. The projects are summarized as follows:
 
Increases
 
    Three Months Ended September 30,    
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
(dollars in millions)
 
2010
 
2009
   
2010
   
2009
 
Number of projects with upward estimate changes
 
 
 2  
 
 2    
3
   
16
 
Range of increase in gross profit from each project, net
  $  2.2 - 2.9   $  1.5 - 3.8   $
1.0 - 2.9
  $
1.0 - 5.6
 
Increase on project profitability
  $ 5.1   $  5.3   $
6.5
  $
32.0
 
 
The increases during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010 were due to the resolution of certain project uncertainties and owner directed scope changes. The increases during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2009 were due to the resolution of certain project uncertainties, higher productivity than originally anticipated and the settlement of outstanding issues with contract owners.
 
Decreases
 
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
   
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
(dollars in millions)
 
2010
 
2009
   
2010
   
2009
 
Number of projects with downward estimate changes
 
 
 2  
 
1    
3
   
2
 
Range of reduction in gross profit from each project, net
  $  2.2 - 2.2   $  6.1   $
1.9 - 2.7
  $
1.7 - 6.1
 
Decrease on project profitability
  $  4.4   $  6.1   $
6.9
  $
7.8
 
 
The downward estimate changes during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010 were due to lower productivity than originally anticipated, disputed materials performance issues and rework costs to meet contract specifications. The decreases during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2009 were due to unanticipated costs, disputed materials performance issues, owner directed scope changes and rework costs to meet contract specifications. 
 
There were no amounts attributable to noncontrolling interests included in these revisions in estimates during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010 or 2009.
 
7

GRANITE CONSTRUCTION INCORPORATED
NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
 
Large Project Construction
 
The net changes in project profitability from revisions in estimates, both increases and decreases, that individually had an impact of $1.0 million or more on gross profit was a net decrease of $0.1 million and a net increase of $6.5 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010, respectively. The net changes for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2009 were net increases of $4.1 million and $33.3 million, respectively. These revisions in estimates included amounts attributable to noncontrolling interests of $0.1 million and $1.5 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010, respectively, and $0.6 million and $2.9 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2009, respectively. The projects are summarized as follows:
 
Increases
 
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
   
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
(dollars in millions)
 
2010
 
2009
   
2010
   
2009
 
Number of projects with upward estimate changes
 
 
2  
 
 3      6    
9
 
Range of increase in gross profit from each project, net
  $  1.4 - 2.8   $  1.4 - 2.4   $
1.0 - 4.2
  $
1.5 - 18.0
 
Increase on project profitability
  $  4.2   $  6.1   $
11.6
  $
37.2
 
 
The increases during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010 were due to settlement of design issues with a subcontractor, resolution of project uncertainties, owner directed scope changes and improved productivityThe increases during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2009 included resolution of project uncertainties, the settlement of outstanding revenue issues with various contract owners and improved productivity on certain projects. Gross profit for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 included a negotiated claims settlement with the owner on a project in the Northeast for approximately $17.3 million. 
 
Decreases
 
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
   
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
(dollars in millions)
 
2010
 
2009
   
2010
   
2009
 
Number of projects with downward estimate changes
 
 
2  
 
 1    
2
   
2
 
Range of reduction in gross profit from each project, net
  $  1.9 - 2.4   $  2.0   $
2.2 - 2.9
  $
1.9 - 2.0
 
Decrease on project profitability
  $  4.3   $  2.0   $
5.1
  $
3.9
 
 
The downward estimate changes during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010 were due to lower productivity than originally anticipated as well as site conditions that were different than anticipated. The decreases during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2009 were due to issues with contract owners as well as job level productivity.
 
On a large highway project in mountainous terrain in Oregon, several hillsides have experienced unanticipated ground movement. In some locations, the ground movements have caused damage to completed portions of bridge structures. The Company and the project owner, the Oregon Department of Transportation, are discussing the technical issues associated with these ground movements and identifying and analyzing possible remedial work plans to address these developments. At this time, the Company cannot reasonably estimate the impact, if any, these developments may have on the projected financial results for this project. Therefore, no revisions in estimates were made in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010 in relation to these developments.
 
 
8

GRANITE CONSTRUCTION INCORPORATED
NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
 
4.
Marketable Securities
 
The carrying amounts of marketable securities were as follows (in thousands):
 
September 30, 2010
 
Held-to-Maturity
 
Trading
 
Total
 
U.S. Government and agency obligations
 
$
44,407
   
$
 -
   
$
44,407
 
Commercial paper 
   
19,971
     
-
     
19,971
 
Municipal bonds
   
11,204
     
-
     
11,204
 
Mutual funds
   
-
     
5,380
     
5,380
 
Total short-term marketable securities
   
75,582
     
5,380
     
80,962
 
U.S. Government and agency obligations
   
45,844
     
-
     
45,844
 
Municipal bonds
   
3,658
     
-
     
3,658
 
Total long-term marketable securities
   
49,502
     
-
     
49,502
 
Total marketable securities
 
$
125,084
   
$
5,380
   
$
130,464
 
 
December 31, 2009
                   
U.S. Government and agency obligations
 
$
14,508
   
$
 -
   
$
14,508
 
Commercial paper 
   
 4,993
     
 -
     
 4,993
 
Municipal bonds
   
21,019
     
 -
     
21,019
 
Mutual funds
   
-
     
 1,928
     
1,928
 
Total short-term marketable securities
   
40,520
     
1,928
     
42,448
 
U.S. Government and agency obligations
   
71,254
     
 -
     
71,254
 
Municipal bonds
   
5,683
     
 -
     
5,683
 
Total long-term marketable securities
   
76,937
     
 -
     
76,937
 
Total marketable securities
 
$
117,457
   
$
 1,928
   
$
119,385
 
 
September 30, 2009
                     
Municipal bonds
  $
18,371
    $
 -
    $
18,371
 
Mutual funds
     -       9,427       9,427  
Total short-term marketable securities
   
18,371
     
9,427
     
27,798
 
U.S. Government and agency obligations
   
50,877
     
 -
     
50,877
 
Municipal bonds
   
11,735
     
 -
     
11,735
 
Total long-term marketable securities
   
62,612
     
 -
     
62,612
 
Total marketable securities
 
$
80,983
   
$
9,427
   
$
90,410
 
 
Scheduled maturities of held-to-maturity investments were as follows (in thousands):
 
September 30, 2010
       
Due within one year
 
$
75,582
 
Due in one to five years
   
49,502
 
Total
 
$
125,084
 
 
 
9

GRANITE CONSTRUCTION INCORPORATED
NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
 
5.
Fair Value Measurement
 
The following tables summarize each class of assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis:
 
September 30, 2010  
Fair Value Measurement at Reporting Date Using
 
(in thousands)
 
Level 11
 
Level 22
 
Level 33
 
Total
 
Cash equivalents
                       
Money market funds
$
210,189
 
$
-
 
$
-
 
$
210,189
 
Trading securities  
                       
Debt securities - mutual funds
   5,380     -     -      5,380  
Total
$  215,569  
$
-   $ -   $  215,569  
 
December 31, 2009  
Fair Value Measurement at Reporting Date Using
 
(in thousands)
 
Level 11
 
Level 22
 
Level 33
 
Total
 
Cash equivalents
                       
Money market funds
$
337,817
  $ -   $ -   $
337,817
 
Trading securities
                       
Debt securities - mutual funds
 
1,928
 
 
-
 
 
-
 
 
1,928
 
Total
$
339,745
  $ -   $ -   $
339,745
 
 
September 30, 2009  
Fair Value Measurement at Reporting Date Using
 
(in thousands)
 
Level 11
 
Level 22
 
Level 33
 
Total
 
Cash equivalents  
                       
Money market funds
$
214,312
  $ -   $ -   $
214,312
 
Trading securities  
                       
Debt securities - mutual funds
 
 9,427  
 
-
 
 
-
 
 
9,427
 
Total
$  223,739   $ -   $ -   $  223,739  
 
1Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
2Observable inputs other than Level 1 prices such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities; quoted prices in markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities.
3Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of the assets or liabilities.
 
We believe the carrying values of receivables, other current assets, and other current liabilities approximate their fair values. The fair value of the senior notes payable was based on borrowing rates available to us for bank loans with similar terms, average maturities, and credit risk. The carrying amount and estimated fair value of senior notes payable were:
 
 
 
September 30,
   
December 31,
   
September 30,
 
(in thousands)  
2010
   
2009
   
2009
 
Carrying amount:
                 
Senior notes payable (including current maturities)
  $  225,000     $ 240,000   $  240,000  
                       
Fair value:
                     
Senior notes payable (including current maturities)
  $  256,556     $ 249,159   $  254,423  
 
 
10

GRANITE CONSTRUCTION INCORPORATED
NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
 
6.
Receivables, Net
 
   
September 30,
 
December 31,
   
September 30,
 
(in thousands)
 
2010
 
2009
   
2009
 
Construction contracts:
                   
Completed and in progress
 
$
226,192
 
$
121,083
 
$
238,362
 
Retentions
   
92,614
   
96,887
   
93,170
 
Total construction contracts
   
318,806
   
217,970
   
331,532
 
Construction material sales
   
51,114
   
22,817
   
37,440
 
Other
   
9,325
   
43,382
   
17,948
 
Total gross receivables
   
379,245
   
284,169
   
386,920
 
Less: allowance for doubtful accounts
   
3,331
 
 
3,917
 
 
4,348
 
Total net receivables
 
$
375,914
 
$
280,252
 
382,572
 
 
Included in other receivables at September 30, 2010, December 31, 2009 and September 30, 2009 were items such as notes receivable, interest receivable, fuel tax refunds and income tax refunds.
 
7.
Construction and Line Item Joint Ventures
 
We participate in various construction joint venture partnerships. We also participate in various “line item” joint ventures under which each partner is responsible for performing certain discrete items of the total scope of contracted work.
 
Our agreements with our joint venture partners for both construction joint ventures and line item joint ventures provide that each party will assume and pay for any losses it is responsible for under the joint venture agreement. Circumstances that could lead to a loss under our joint venture arrangements beyond our stated ownership interest include the failure of a partner to contribute additional funds to the venture in the event the project incurs a loss or additional costs that we could incur should a partner fail to provide the services and resources toward project completion that had been committed to in the joint venture agreement. Due to the joint and several nature of the obligations under our joint venture arrangements, if one of our joint venture partners fails to perform, we and the remaining joint venture partners would be responsible for performance of the outstanding work.
 
At September 30, 2010, there was approximately $1.9 billion of construction revenue to be recognized on unconsolidated construction joint venture contracts of which $648.6 million represented our share and the remaining $1.3 billion represented our partners’ share. We are not able to estimate other amounts that may be required beyond the remaining cost of the work to be performed. These costs could be offset by billings to the customer or by proceeds from our partner’s corporate and/or other guarantees.
 
GRANITE CONSTRUCTION INCORPORATED
NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
 
Construction Joint Ventures
 
Generally, each construction joint venture is formed to complete a specific contract and is jointly controlled by the joint venture partners. The joint venture agreements typically provide that our interests in any profits and assets, and our respective share in any losses and liabilities resulting from the performance of the contract are limited to our stated percentage interest in the project. We have no significant commitments beyond completion of the contracts. Under our contractual arrangements, we provide capital to these joint ventures in return for an ownership interest. In addition, partners dedicate resources to the ventures necessary to complete the contracts and are reimbursed for their cost. The operational risks of each construction joint venture are passed along to the joint venture partners. As we absorb our share of these risks, our investment in each venture is exposed to potential losses.
 
As discussed in Note 1, effective in 2010 we adopted an accounting standard that provides a new approach for determining a VIE’s primary beneficiary and requires continual evaluation of the primary beneficiary. The factors we consider in determining whether we are a construction joint venture’s primary beneficiary include the decision making authority of each partner, which partner manages the day-to-day operations of the project and the amount of our equity investment in relation to that of our partners. The adoption of the new accounting standard resulted in the consolidation of one construction joint venture in our condensed consolidated financial statements on March 31, 2010 that was previously reported on a pro rata basis. This consolidation resulted in increases of $2.4 million in assets, $1.7 million in liabilities and $0.8 million in noncontrolling interests in our condensed consolidated financial statements.
 
As part of our ongoing primary beneficiary evaluations, we determined that decision making responsibility was shared between the venture partners for one joint venture. Therefore, this joint venture did not have an identifiable primary beneficiary partner and we continue to report the pro rata results. All other joint ventures were assigned one primary beneficiary partner.
 
Consolidated Construction Joint Ventures
 
The carrying amounts and classification of assets and liabilities of construction joint ventures we are required to consolidate are included in our condensed consolidated financial statements as follows:
 
   
September 30,
 
 December 31,
   
September 30,
 
(in thousands)
 
2010
 
2009
   
2009
 
Cash and cash equivalents 
 
103,367
 
122,438
 
$
121,136
 
Other current assets 
   
19,006
   
3,220
   
20,928
 
Total current assets
 
 
122,373
 
 
 125,658
 
 
142,064
 
Noncurrent assets
   
894
   
 1,443
   
2,099
 
Total assets1
 
123,267
 
 127,101
 
144,163
 
                     
Accounts payable 
 
33,934
 
 23,057
 
27,355
 
Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings 
   
63,783
   
 69,354
   
83,983
 
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities 
   
11,195
   
 11,834
   
12,508
 
Total current liabilities
 
 
108,912
 
 
 104,245
 
 
123,846
 
Noncurrent liabilities
   
5
   
 3
   
1
 
Total liabilities1
 
$
108,917
 
$
 104,248
 
$
123,847
 
 
1The assets and liabilities of each joint venture relate solely to that joint venture. The decision to distribute joint venture cash and assets must generally be made jointly by all of the partners and, accordingly, these cash and assets generally are not available for the working capital needs of Granite.
 
At September 30, 2010, our consolidated construction joint ventures were engaged in two active projects with total contract values of $113.9 million and $473.4 million and our proportionate share of the equity in these joint ventures was 45.0% and 57.3%, respectively.
 
GRANITE CONSTRUCTION INCORPORATED
NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
 
Unconsolidated Construction Joint Ventures
 
We account for our share of construction joint ventures that we are not required to consolidate on a pro rata basis in the condensed consolidated statements of operations and as a single line item on the condensed consolidated balance sheets. As of September 30, 2010, these unconsolidated joint ventures were engaged in nine active construction projects with total contract values ranging from $39.7 million to $973.7 million. Our proportionate share of the equity in these unconsolidated joint ventures ranged from 20.0% to 42.5%.
 
Following is summary financial information related to unconsolidated construction joint ventures:
 
   
September 30,
 
December 31,
   
September 30,
 
(in thousands)
 
2010
 
2009
   
2009
 
Assets:
                   
Total
 
$
465,779
 
$
337,959
 
$
303,345
 
Less partners’ interest
   
287,616
   
219,777
   
200,797
 
Granite’s interest
   
178,163
   
118,182
   
102,548
 
Liabilities:
                   
Total
   
275,426
   
168,114
   
155,569
 
Less partners’ interest
   
177,759
   
117,625
   
111,471
 
Granite’s interest
   
97,667
   
50,489
   
44,098
 
Equity in construction joint ventures
 
$
80,496
 
$
67,693
 
58,450
 
 
   
Three Months Ended September 30,
   
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
(in thousands)
 
2010
 
2009
    2010    
2009
 
Revenue:
                         
Total
 
$
168,981
 
$
118,995
  $  427,379   $  311,270  
Less partners’ interest
   
120,790
   
90,378
     300,425      242,602  
Granite’s interest
   
48,191
   
28,617
     126,954      68,668  
Cost of revenue:
                         
Total
   
157,932
   
99,827
     386,316      272,051  
Less partners’ interest
   
111,578
   
75,498
     261,508      210,166  
Granite’s interest
   
46,354
   
24,329
     124,808      61,885  
Granite’s interest in gross profit
 
$
1,837
 
$
4,288
  $  2,146   $  6,783  
 
Line Item Joint Ventures
 
The revenue for each line item joint venture partner’s discrete items of work is defined in the contract with the project owner and each venture partner bears the profitability risk associated with its own work. There is not a single set of books and records for a line item joint venture. Each partner accounts for its items of work individually as it would for any self-performed contract. We account for our portion of these contracts as project revenues and costs in our accounting system and include receivables and payables associated with our work in our condensed consolidated financial statements. As of September 30, 2010, we had two active line item joint venture construction projects with a total contract value of $51.9 million and $146.6 million of which our portion was $21.0 million and $64.7 million, respectively. As of September 30, 2010, we had approximately $13.0 million and $21.0 million of revenue remaining to be recognized on these projects, respectively.
 
GRANITE CONSTRUCTION INCORPORATED
NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
 
8.
Real Estate Entities and Investments in Affiliates
 
The operations of our Real Estate segment are conducted through our wholly owned subsidiary, Granite Land Company (“GLC”). Generally, GLC participates together with third-party partners in entities that are formed to accomplish specific real estate development projects. The agreements with GLC’s partners in these real estate entities define each partner’s management role and financial responsibility in the project. If one of GLC’s partners is unable to fulfill its management role or make its required financial contribution, GLC may assume full management or financial responsibility for the project. This may result in the consolidation of entities that are accounted for under the equity method in our consolidated financial statements. The amount of GLC’s exposure is limited to GLC’s equity investment in the real estate joint venture.
 
As discussed in Note 1, effective in 2010 we adopted an accounting standard that provides a new approach for determining a VIE’s primary beneficiary and requires continual evaluation of the primary beneficiary. The adoption of the new accounting standard did not have a material impact on the treatment of any of our real estate entities or investments in affiliates.  
 
Substantially all the assets of these real estate entities in which we are participants through our GLC subsidiary are classified as real estate held for sale or use. All outstanding debt of these entities is non-recourse to Granite. However, there is recourse to our real estate affiliates that incurred the debt. Our real estate affiliates include limited partnerships and limited liability companies of which we are a limited partner or member.
 
GLC routinely assists its real estate entities in securing debt financing from various sources. The amount of financial support to be provided by GLC to consolidated VIEs was increased by $13.5 million in 2010 and by $8.8 million in 2009 as a result of changes in the entities’ business plans. These amounts represent additional financial support in the form of current or future cash contributions to the consolidated entities, beyond what GLC had previously committed to provide. As of September 30, 2010, we had contributed $12.9 million of the total increased commitment of $22.3 million to the consolidated entities.
 
On a quarterly basis the carrying amount of each real estate development project is reviewed in accordance with ASC Topic 360, Property, Plant, and Equipment, to determine if impairment charges should be recognized.  The review of each project includes an evaluation of entitlement status, market conditions, existing offers to purchase, cost of construction, debt load, development schedule, status of joint venture partners and other factors specific to each project to determine if events or changes in circumstances indicate that a project’s carrying amount may not be recoverable. If events or changes in circumstances indicate that a project’s carrying amount may not be recoverable, the undiscounted future cash flows are estimated and compared to the project’s carrying amount.  In the event that the estimated undiscounted future cash flows are not sufficient to recover the carrying amount of a project, it is written down to its estimated fair value.
 
Based on our evaluation of each project’s business plan as of September 30, 2010, and our review of each project in accordance with ASC Topic 360, we recorded no impairment charges during the quarter ended September 30, 2010. During the nine months ended September 30, 2010 we recognized pretax, non-cash impairment charges of $0.1 million on assets classified as real estate held for development and sale. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2009, we recognized impairment charges of $0.7 million and $1.7 million, respectively. We recorded the charges in cost of revenue of our Real Estate segment in our condensed consolidated statements of operations.
 
In the fourth quarter of 2010, we publicly announced our work in progress on our Enterprise Improvement Plan which includes new business plans to orderly divest of our real estate investment business consistent with our business strategy to focus on our core competencies while enhancing operating efficiencies. We estimate that implementation of the Enterprise Improvement Plan will result in impairment charges related to approximately one-third of our real estate projects (see Note 18).  An evaluation of entitlement status, market conditions, existing offers to purchase, cost of construction, debt load, development schedule, status of joint venture partners and other factors specific to the remaining two-thirds of the projects, is expected to result in no events or changes in circumstances that would indicate the carrying amounts of these projects may not be recoverable.
 
 
14

GRANITE CONSTRUCTION INCORPORATED
NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
 
Consolidated Real Estate Entities
 
The carrying amounts and classification of assets and liabilities of real estate entities we are required to consolidate are included in our condensed consolidated financial statements as follows:
 
   
September 30,
 
 December 31,
   
September 30,
 
(in thousands)
 
2010
 
2009
   
2009
 
Real estate held for development and sale    $  151,638   139,449   135,306  
Other current assets
 
 
2,858
 
 
5,477
 
 
5,234
 
Total current assets
   
154,496
   
144,926
   
140,540
 
Property and equipment, net 
   
8,156
   
14,905
   
14,795
 
Other noncurrent assets
   
2,005
   
11,989
   
12,008
 
Total assets
 
164,657
 
 171,820
 
167,343
 
                     
Current maturities of non-recourse debt
 
39,157
 
43,961
 
53,177
 
Other current liabilities 
   
3,083
   
5,845
   
6,678
 
Total current liabilities
   
42,240
   
49,806
   
59,855
 
Long-term non-recourse debt 
   
16,420
   
19,485
   
8,363
 
Other noncurrent liabilities
   
443
   
 553
   
551
 
Total liabilities
 
$
59,103
 
$
 69,844
 
$
68,769
 
 
For our consolidated real estate entities, substantially all of the real estate held for development and sale as well as property and equipment are pledged as collateral for the debt of the real estate entities. All outstanding debt of the real estate entities is recourse only to the real estate affiliate that incurred the debt, the limited partnership or limited liability company, of which we are a limited partner or member. Our proportionate share of the results of these entities varies depending on the ultimate profitability of the entities.
 
 
15

GRANITE CONSTRUCTION INCORPORATED
NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
 
Included in current assets on our condensed consolidated balance sheets is real estate held for development and sale. The breakdown by type and location of our real estate held for development and sale is summarized below:
 
   
September 30, 2010
 
December 31, 2009
 
September 30, 2009
 
(dollars in thousands)   Amount
Number of Projects
  Amount
Number of Projects
  Amount
Number of Projects
 
Residential
 
$
 129,618    6  
$
121,101
   6  
$
 117,888    6  
Commercial
     22,020    5    
18,348
   3      17,418    3  
Total
 
$
 151,638    11  
$
139,449
   9  
$
 135,306    9  
                                 
Washington
 
$
 87,194    2  
$
80,703
   2  
$
 78,803    2  
Oregon      29,913    1    
29,280
   1      28,456    1  
California
     25,815    7    
20,848
   5      19,589    5  
Texas      8,716    1    
8,618
   1      8,458    1  
Total
 
$
 151,638    11  
$
139,449
   9  
$
 135,306    9  
 
Investments in Affiliates
 
We account for our share of unconsolidated real estate entities in which we have determined we are not the primary beneficiary in other income in the condensed consolidated statements of operations and as a single line item on our condensed consolidated balance sheets as Investments in Affiliates. At September 30, 2010, these entities were engaged in real estate development projects with total assets ranging from approximately $6.3 million to $50.3 million. Our proportionate share of the operating results of these entities varies depending on the ultimate profitability of the entities.
 
Additionally, we have investments in non-real estate affiliates that are accounted for using the equity method. The most significant of these investments is a 50% interest in a limited liability company which owns and operates an asphalt terminal in Nevada.
 
During the three months ended June 30, 2010, we entered into an agreement with a corporation that designs and manufactures power generation equipment to create a limited liability company whose purpose is to develop and construct power generation facilities in the western United States. Our investment in the newly formed limited liability company as of September 30, 2010 was $1.3 million. Our share of profits and losses will vary depending on the operating results of the company. Although the company is a VIE, we are not the primary beneficiary and, accordingly, we account for it as an investment in affiliates.
 
We also have a cost method investment of $6.4 million as of September 30, 2010 that represents a 3.6% interest in the preferred stock of a corporation that designs and manufactures power generation equipment.
 
 
16

GRANITE CONSTRUCTION INCORPORATED
NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
 
Our investments in affiliates balance consists of the following:
 
      September 30,       December 31,       September 30,  
(in thousands)
   
2010
     
2009
     
2009
 
Equity method investments in real estate affiliates1
 
$
14,290
   
$
13,701
    $
13,740
 
Equity method investments in other affiliates1
   
11,825
     
10,943
     
7,569
 
Total equity method investments
   
26,115
     
24,644
     
21,309
 
Cost method investments
    6,400      
-
     
-
 
Total investments in affiliates
 
$
32,515
   
$
24,644
   
$
21,309
 
 
1A reclassification of an investment between these categories has been made to prior year amounts to conform to current year presentation. This reclassification did not have a significant impact on our previously reported footnote disclosure.
 
The breakdown by type and location of our interests in real estate ventures is summarized below:
 
   
September 30, 2010
 
December 31, 2009
 
September 30, 2009
 
(dollars in thousands)   Amount   Number of Projects   Amount    Number of Projects   Amount   Number of Projects  
Residential
  $  8,893    2   $
8,759
   2   $  8,779    2  
Commercial
     5,397    3    
4,942
   3      4,961    3  
Total
  $  14,290    5   $
13,701
   5   $  13,740    5  
                                 
Texas
  $  14,290    5   $
13,701
   5   $  13,740    5  
Total
  $  14,290    5   $
13,701
   5   $  13,740    5  
 
The following table provides summarized balance sheet information for our affiliates accounted for under the equity method on a combined 100% basis:
 
   
September 30,
   
December 31,
   
September 30,
 
(in thousands)
 
2010
   
2009
   
2009
 
Total assets
 
$
165,653
   
$
169,325
   
$
169,134
 
Net assets
   
88,530
     
84,939
     
78,572
 
Granites share of net assets
   
26,115
     
24,644
     
21,309
 
 
9.
Property and Equipment, Net
 
Balances of major classes of assets and allowances for depreciation and depletion are included in property and equipment, net on our condensed consolidated balance sheets as follows:
 
   
September 30,
   
December 31,
   
September 30,
 
(in thousands)
 
2010
   
2009
   
2009
 
Land and land improvements
  $  123,278     $
126,162
    $  134,389  
Quarry property
     175,048      
160,618
       146,529  
Buildings and leasehold improvements
     89,401      
96,725
       95,630  
Equipment and vehicles
     791,449      
829,195
       850,114  
Office furniture and equipment
     41,354      
38,096
       38,287  
Property and equipment
     1,220,530      
1,250,796
       1,264,949  
Less: accumulated depreciation and depletion
     729,167       730,018        734,288  
Property and equipment, net
  $  491,363     $
520,778
    $  530,661  
 
 
17

GRANITE CONSTRUCTION INCORPORATED
NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
 
10.
Intangible Assets
 
The balances of the following intangible assets are included in other noncurrent assets on our condensed consolidated balance sheets:
 
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets:
   
September 30,
   
December 31,
   
September 30,
 
(in thousands)
 
2010
   
2009
   
2009
 
Goodwill1
  $  9,900     $ 9,900     $  9,900  
Use rights and other
     1,319       1,319        2,954  
Total unamortized intangible assets
  $  11,219     $ 11,219     $  12,854  
 
1Goodwill for all periods presented primarily relates to our Construction segment.
 
Amortized Intangible Assets:
September 30, 2010        
Accumulated
       
(in thousands)
 
Gross Value
   
Amortization
   
Net Value
 
Permits
  $  33,582     $  (6,401   $  27,181  
Customer lists
     2,198        (1,658      540  
Covenants not to compete
     1,588        (1,286      302  
Other
     1,082        (606      476  
Total amortized intangible assets
  $  38,450     $  (9,951   $  28,499  
 
December 31, 2009
 
 
(in thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Permits
  $
33,582
    $ (5,151 )   $
28,431
 
Customer lists
     2,198        (1,399 )      799  
Covenants not to compete
    1,588       (1,106 )     482  
Other
    1,082       (478 )    
604
 
Total amortized intangible assets
  $
38,450
    $ (8,134 )   $
30,316
 
 
September 30, 2009
 
 
(in thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Permits
  $  36,070     $ (5,041 )   $  31,029  
Customer lists
     2,198        (1,254 )      944  
Covenants not to compete
     1,588       (1,003 )      585  
Other
     1,082       (433 )      649  
Total amortized intangible assets
  $  40,938     $ (7,731 )   $  33,207  
 
Amortization expense related to these intangible assets for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010 was approximately $0.6 million and $1.8 million, respectively, and approximately $0.7 million and $2.3 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2009, respectively. Based on the amortized intangible assets net value at September 30, 2010, amortization expense expected to be recorded in the future is as follows: $0.6 million for the balance of 2010; $2.2 million in 2011; $2.1 million in 2012; $1.8 million in 2013; $1.7 million in 2014; and $20.1 million thereafter.
 
 
18

GRANITE CONSTRUCTION INCORPORATED
NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
 
11.
Line of Credit
 
Credit Agreement
On June 22, 2010, we refinanced our credit agreement (the “Credit Agreement”), which provides for a committed, unsecured revolving credit facility of $150.0 million. Borrowings under the Credit Agreement bear interest at LIBOR plus an applicable margin based upon certain financial ratios calculated quarterly, which resulted in a margin of 3.0% at September 30, 2010. At September 30, 2010, there were no revolving loans outstanding under the Credit Agreement, but there were standby letters of credit totaling approximately $4.2 million. The letters of credit will expire between March and October 2011.
 
The most significant restrictive covenants under the terms of our Credit Agreement require the maintenance of a minimum Consolidated Tangible Net Worth, a minimum Consolidated Interest Coverage Ratio and a maximum Consolidated Leverage Ratio, the calculations and terms of which are defined by the Credit Agreement filed as Exhibit 10.1 to our Form 10-Q filed August 2, 2010. As of September 30, 2010, our Consolidated Tangible Net Worth was $773.7 million, which exceeded the minimum of $670.7 million, the Consolidated Interest Coverage Ratio was 9.51, which exceeded the minimum of 4.00 and the Consolidated Leverage Ratio was 2.02, which did not exceed the maximum of 2.75.

Covenants and Events of Default
Our debt agreements require us to comply with various affirmative, restrictive and financial covenants, including the financial covenants described above.  Our failure to comply with any of these covenants, or to pay principal, interest or other amounts when due thereunder, would constitute an event of default under the applicable debt agreements. Under certain circumstances, the occurrence of an event of default under one of our debt agreements (or the acceleration of the maturity of the indebtedness under one of our debt agreements) would constitute an event of default under one or more of our other debt agreements, and would permit the acceleration of our indebtedness under such other debt agreement or agreements.
 
As of September 30, 2010, we were in compliance with the covenants contained in our debt agreements, and we are not aware of any material non-compliance by any of our unconsolidated entities with the covenants contained in their debt agreements.  Based on our current expectations with respect to our future results of operations, we believe that it is reasonably likely that, absent obtaining an amendment of our Credit Agreement or other relief from our lenders, we will cease to be in compliance with certain financial covenants contained in our Credit Agreement as early as the fourth quarter of 2010.
 
We are currently engaged in discussions with our lenders regarding an amendment of the Credit Agreement.  However, we cannot provide assurance as to whether, when or the terms upon which we will reach an agreement with our lenders regarding amendment of the Credit Agreement.
 
If we are unable to successfully negotiate an amendment to the Credit Agreement prior to breaching any financial covenants, we may elect to terminate the Credit Agreement. If we were to terminate, we would no longer be entitled to borrow under the Credit Agreement and the lenders would require that any letters of credit under the Credit Agreement be cash collateralized. As of September 30, 2010, there were no revolving loans outstanding under the Credit Agreement. However, if there were amounts outstanding at the time of a breach, they would become immediately due and payable.
 
12.
Weighted Average Shares Outstanding
 
A reconciliation of the weighted average shares outstanding used in calculating basic and diluted net income (loss) per share in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations is as follows:
 
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
(in thousands)
2010
 
2009
 
2010
 
2009
 
Weighted average shares outstanding:
               
Weighted average common stock outstanding
38,773
 
38,672
 
38,747
 
38,560
 
Less: weighted average unvested restricted stock outstanding
 908  
1,077
 
945
 
1,008
 
Total basic weighted average shares outstanding
37,865
 
37,595
 
37,802
 
37,552
 
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding:
               
Weighted average common stock outstanding, basic
37,865
 
37,595
 
37,802
 
37,552
 
Effect of dilutive securities:
               
Common stock options and units1
206
 
114
 
-
 
118
 
Total weighted average shares outstanding assuming dilution
38,071
 
37,709
 
37,802
 
37,670
 
 
1Due to the net loss for the nine months ended September 30, 2010, stock options and units representing 146 shares have been excluded from the number of shares used in calculating diluted loss per share for that period, as their inclusion would be antidilutive.
 
 
19

GRANITE CONSTRUCTION INCORPORATED
NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
 
13.
Earnings Per Share
 
We calculate earnings per share (“EPS”) under the two-class method by allocating earnings to both common shares and unvested restricted stock which are considered participating securities. However, net losses are not allocated to participating securities for purposes of computing EPS under the two-class method. The following is a reconciliation of net income (loss) attributable to Granite and related weighted average shares of common stock outstanding for purposes of calculating basic and diluted net income (loss) per share using the two-class method:
 
   
Three Months Ended September 30,
   
Nine Months
Ended September 30,
 
(in thousands, except per share amounts)
   
2010
   
2009
   
2010
   
2009
 
Basic                          
Numerator:                          
Net income (loss) attributable to Granite
  $
38,681
  $
30,598
  $
(8,964
$
57,467
 
Less: net income allocated to participating securities
   
903
   
849
     -    
1,487
 
Net income (loss) allocated to common shareholders for basic
   calculation
$
37,778
  $
29,749
  $
(8,964
$
55,980
 
Denominator:                          
Weighted average common shares outstanding, basic 
   
37,865
   
37,595
   
37,802
   
37,552
 
                           
Net income (loss) per share, basic
  $
1.00
  $
0.79
  $
(0.24
$
1.49
 
 
Diluted                          
Numerator:                          
Net income (loss) attributable to Granite
  $
38,681
  $
30,598
  $
(8,964
$
57,467
 
Less: net income allocated to participating securities
   
898
   
846
   
-
   
1,482
 
Net income (loss) allocated to common shareholders for diluted
   calculation
$
37,783
  $
29,752
  $
(8,964
$
55,985
 
Denominator:                          
Weighted average common shares outstanding, diluted
   
38,071
   
37,709
   
37,802
   
37,670
 
                           
Net income (loss) per share, diluted
  $
0.99
  $
0.79
  $
(0.24
$
1.49
 
 
14.
Income Taxes
 
During the current quarter, the statute of limitations for the 2005 tax year lapsed, and we reached an agreement with the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) for tax examinations for the 2006 and 2007 tax years, resulting in the recognition of $3.3 million in previously unrecognized tax benefits. Our 2005 tax year remains under audit by the IRS for research and development credits. Our 2005 through 2007 tax years remain open to audit by state taxing authorities.
 
We are unable to make a reliable estimate of our annual effective tax rate (“ETR”) because we are anticipating marginal 2010 pre-tax income (“PTI”) for the year, excluding any restructuring charges (see Note 18) which are considered discrete to the fourth quarter, and have significant permanent differences (e.g. non-controlling interests). Insignificant changes in our forecasted 2010 PTI result in wide variability of our calculated annual ETR due to the relationship of PTI and permanent differences. Therefore, we are unable to determine a reliable estimate of our 2010 annual ETR. As a result, we calculated our income tax (benefit) using the discrete method and computed our year-to-date ETR by utilizing actual results of operations.
 
For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2009, we calculated our income tax provision by estimating our annual effective tax rate and applying that rate to our year-to-date ordinary earnings. The effect of changes in enacted tax laws, tax rates or tax status was recognized in the interim period in which the change occurred.
 
 
20

GRANITE CONSTRUCTION INCORPORATED
NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
 
15.
Equity and Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income
 
 
The following tables summarize our equity activity for the periods presented:
 
(in thousands)
 
Granite Construction Inc.
   
Noncontrolling Interests
 
Total Equity
   
Balance at December 31, 2009
  $  830,651   $  51,905   $  882,556    
Purchase of common stock1
     (3,374  
-
     (3,374  
Other transactions with shareholders
     10,266     -      10,266    
Transactions with noncontrolling interests, net3
    -      (20,599
)
   (20,599  
Comprehensive (loss) income:
                     
Net (loss) income
     (8,964    11,902      2,938    
Total comprehensive (loss) income
     (8,964    11,902      2,938    
Dividends on common stock     (15,127 )   -      (15,127  
Balance at September 30, 2010
  $ 813,452   $  43,208   $  856,660    
 
(in thousands)
       
 
 
 
   
Balance at December 31, 2008
 
$
767,509
  $
36,773
 
$
804,282
   
Purchase of common stock2
   
(2,840
)
 
-
   
(2,840
)
 
Other transactions with shareholders
   
10,165
   
-
   
10,165
   
Transactions with noncontrolling interests, net3
   
-
   
(2,221
)  
(2,221
)  
Comprehensive income:
                     
Net income
   
57,467
   
15,725
   
73,192
   
Other comprehensive income
   
146
 
 
-
   
146
 
 
Total comprehensive income
   
57,613
   
15,725
   
73,338
   
Dividends on common stock
   
(15,083
)
 
-
   
(15,083
)
 
Balance at September 30, 2009
 
$
817,364
  $
50,277
 
$
867,641
   
 
1Represents 121,726 shares purchased in connection with employee tax withholding for shares vested.
2Represents 78,349 shares purchased in connection with employee tax withholding for shares vested.
3Amount is comprised primarily of contributions from (distributions to) noncontrolling partners.
 
 
 
The components of other comprehensive income are as follows:
 
   
Three Months Ended September 30,
   
Nine Months Ended September 30,
(in thousands)
 
2010
   
2009
   
2010
   
2009
 
Changes in unrealized gain on investments
  $  -   $
-
 
  $  -   $  238
 
Tax provision on unrealized gain
     -    
-
 
     -
 
  (92
)
Total other comprehensive income
  $   -   $
-
 
  $   -   $  146
 
 
 
21

GRANITE CONSTRUCTION INCORPORATED
NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
 
16.
Legal Proceedings
 
Hiawatha Project DBE Issues
The Hiawatha Light Rail Transit (“HLRT”) project was performed by Minnesota Transit Constructors (“MnTC”), a joint venture that consisted of our wholly owned subsidiary, Granite Construction Company (“GCCO”), and other unrelated companies. GCCO was the managing partner of the joint venture, with a 56.5% interest. The Minnesota Department of Transportation (“MnDOT”) is the contracting agency for this federally funded project. The Metropolitan Council is the local agency conduit for providing federal funds to MnDOT for the HLRT project. MnDOT and the U.S. Department of Transportation Office of Inspector General (“OIG”) each conducted a review of the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (“DBE”) program maintained by MnTC for the HLRT project. In addition, the U.S. Department of Justice (“USDOJ”) is conducting an investigation into compliance issues with respect to MnTC’s DBE Program for the HLRT project. MnDOT and the OIG (collectively, the “Agencies”) have initially identified certain compliance issues in connection with MnTC’s DBE Program and, as a result, have determined that MnTC failed to meet the DBE utilization criteria as represented by MnTC. Although there has been no formal administrative subpoena issued, nor has a civil complaint been filed in connection with the administrative reviews or the investigation, MnDOT has proposed a monetary sanction of $4.3 million against MnTC and specified DBE training for personnel from the members of the MnTC joint venture as a condition of awarding future projects to joint venture members of MnTC on MnDOT and Metropolitan Council work. MnTC and its members are fully cooperating with the Agencies and the USDOJ. MnTC has presented its detailed written responses to the initial determinations of the Agencies as well as the investigation by the USDOJ.  MnTC, USDOJ, and the Agencies are continuing to engage in informal discussions in an attempt to resolve this matter. Such discussions, if successful, are expected to include resolution of issues with the USDOT and with the state agencies. We cannot, however, rule out the possibility of civil or criminal actions or administrative sanctions being brought against MnTC or one or more of its members which could result in civil and criminal penalties.
 
US Highway 20 Project
GCCO and our wholly-owned subsidiary, Granite Northwest, Inc., are the members of a joint venture known as Yaquina River Constructors (“YRC”) which is currently constructing a new road alignment of US Highway 20 near Eddyville, Oregon under contract with the Oregon Department of Transportation (“ODOT”). The project involves constructing seven miles of new road through steep and forested terrain in the Coast Range Mountains. During the fall and winter of 2006, extraordinary rain events produced runoff that overwhelmed erosion control measures installed at the project and resulted in discharges to surface water in alleged violations of YRC’s stormwater permit. In June 2009, YRC was informed that the USDOJ had assumed the criminal investigation that the Oregon Department of Justice conducted in connection with stormwater runoff from the project. YRC and its members are fully cooperating in the investigation.  We do not know whether any criminal charges or civil lawsuits will be brought or against whom, as a result of the USDOJ’s continuing investigation. Therefore, we cannot estimate what, if any, criminal or civil penalty or conditional assessment may result from this investigation.
 
22

GRANITE CONSTRUCTION INCORPORATED
NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
 
City of San Diego Fire Debris Cleanup
In the aftermath of the 2007 San Diego County wildfires, GCCO bid for and was awarded a fixed unit price, variable quantity contract with the City of San Diego (the “City”) to perform specified debris cleanup work. GCCO began work in November 2007 and completed the work in April 2008. In August 2008, the City announced that it would conduct an independent audit of the project. In December 2008, the City’s audit report was released with findings that, while some GCCO billings contained mistakes, rates paid to GCCO appear to be generally reasonable. GCCO has reimbursed the City for the undisputed overbilled amount of less than $3,000. The former San Diego City Attorney, after conducting a separate investigation of GCCO’s work on the project, filed a civil lawsuit in California Superior Court, County of San Diego on October 17, 2008 against GCCO and another contractor that had been awarded a similar cleanup contract with the City. In the complaint, the City alleges that both contractors knowingly presented to the City false claims for payment in violation of the California False Claims Act. The City seeks trebled damages in an amount to be determined, and a civil penalty in the amount of $10,000 for each false claim made. After the November 2008 election in which a new City Attorney was elected, GCCO and the City Attorney agreed to stay the lawsuit in order to allow the City Attorney time to complete its investigation and present to the City Council its findings and recommendations. GCCO was informed by the City Attorney that the City will retain outside counsel to pursue the lawsuit but GCCO has not been formally notified in the lawsuit of the City’s decisions. GCCO believes the allegations in the City’s complaint to be without factual or legal basis and, therefore, we believe the City’s entitlement to relief sought under the California False Claims Act is remote.
 
Grand Avenue Project DBE Issues
On March 6, 2009, the U.S. Department of Transportation, Office of Inspector General (“OIG”) served upon our wholly-owned subsidiary, Granite Construction Northeast, Inc. (“Granite Northeast”), a United States District Court Eastern District of New York subpoena to testify before a grand jury by producing documents. The subpoena seeks all documents pertaining to the use of a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (“DBE”) firm (the “Subcontractor”), and the Subcontractor’s use of a non-DBE lower tier subcontractor/consultant, on the Grand Avenue Bus Depot and Central Maintenance Facility for the Borough of Queens Project (the “Grand Avenue Project”), a Granite Northeast project.  The subpoena also seeks any documents regarding the use of the Subcontractor as a DBE on any other projects and any other documents related to the Subcontractor or to the lower-tier subcontractor/consultant.  We have complied with the subpoena and are fully cooperating with the OIG’s investigation. To date, Granite Northeast has not been notified that it is either a subject or target of the OIG’s investigation. Accordingly, we do not know whether any criminal charges or civil lawsuits will be brought or against whom, as a result of the investigation. Therefore, we cannot estimate what, if any, criminal or civil penalty or conditional assessment may result from this investigation.
 
Other Legal Proceedings/Government Inquiries
We are a party to a number of other legal proceedings arising in the normal course of business. From time to time, we also receive inquiries from public agencies seeking information concerning our compliance with government construction contracting requirements and related laws and regulations. We believe that the nature and number of these proceedings and compliance inquiries are typical for a construction firm of our size and scope. Our litigation typically involves claims regarding public liability or contract related issues. While management currently believes, after consultation with counsel, that the ultimate outcome of pending proceedings and compliance inquiries, individually and in the aggregate, will not have a material adverse affect on our financial position or overall trends in results of operations or cash flows, litigation is subject to inherent uncertainties. Were one or more unfavorable rulings to occur, there exists the possibility of a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations, cash flows and/or liquidity for the period in which the ruling occurs. In addition, our government contracts could be terminated, we could be suspended or debarred, or payment of our costs disallowed. While any one of our pending legal proceedings is subject to early resolution as a result of our ongoing efforts to settle, whether or when any legal proceeding will be resolved through settlement is neither predictable nor guaranteed.
 
 
23

GRANITE CONSTRUCTION INCORPORATED
NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
 
17.
Business Segment Information
 
On August 31, 2009, we announced changes in our organizational structure. In conjunction with the restructuring, we changed our reportable business segments to reflect our lines of business rather than geographies, on which our segment reporting was previously based. Effective January 1, 2010, our new reportable segments are: Construction, Large Project Construction, Construction Materials and Real Estate. The prior period segment information presented below has been reclassified to conform to our new reportable segments.
 
The Construction segment performs various heavy civil construction projects with a large portion of the work focused on new construction and improvement of streets, roads, highways, bridges, site work and other infrastructure projects. These projects are typically bid-build projects completed within two years with a contract value of less than $75 million.
 
The Large Project Construction segment focuses on large, complex infrastructure projects which are long-term in nature. These projects include major highways, mass transit facilities, bridges, tunnels, waterway locks and dams, pipelines, canals and airport infrastructure. This segment primarily includes bid-build, design-build and construction management/general contractor contracts, generally with contract values in excess of $75 million.
 
The Construction Materials segment mines and processes aggregates and operates plants that produce construction materials for internal use and for sale to third parties.
 
The Real Estate segment purchases, develops, operates, sells and invests in real estate related projects and provides real estate services for the Company’s operations.
 
The accounting policies of the segments are the same as those described in the Summary of Significant Account Policies contained in our 2009 Annual Report on Form 10-K. We evaluate segment performance based on gross profit or loss, and do not include overhead and non-operating income or expense. Segment assets include property and equipment, intangibles, inventory, equity in construction joint ventures and real estate held for development and sale.
 
 
24

GRANITE CONSTRUCTION INCORPORATED
NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
 
Summarized segment information is as follows:
 
   
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
(in thousands)
 
Construction
   
Large Project Construction
 
Construction Materials
Real Estate
  Total  
2010
                         
Total revenue from reportable segments
  $  409,989     $  169,972     $  193,578     $  2,761     $  776,300  
Elimination of intersegment revenue
    -       -        (105,450 )      -        (105,450 )
Revenue from external customers
     409,989        169,972        88,128        2,761        670,850  
Gross profit
     44,666        18,316        12,137        1,036        76,155  
Depreciation, depletion and amortization
     3,432        678        9,433        82       13,625  
2009
                             
Total revenue from reportable segments
  $  466,605     $  181,171     $  160,389     $  981     $ 809,146  
Elimination of intersegment revenue
     -        -        (88,862 )      -        (88,862 )
Revenue from external customers
     466,605        181,171         71,527         981        720,284  
Gross profit (loss)
     72,635        25,221        8,351        (550      105,657  
Depreciation, depletion and amortization
    6,018       1,221        7,970        68        15,277  
 
   
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
(in thousands)
 
Construction
   
Large Project Construction
 
Construction Materials
Real Estate
   
Total
 
2010
                         
Total revenue from reportable segments
  $ 729,118     $  429,625     $  335,896     $  11,613     $  1,506,252  
Elimination of intersegment revenue
    -       -       (160,515 )     -        (160,515 )
Revenue from external customers
     729,118        429,625        175,381        11,613        1,345,737  
Gross profit
     69,413        49,634       9,492       3,028        131,567  
Depreciation, depletion and amortization
     14,058        2,147        24,985        412        41,602  
Segment assets
     127,445       88,752        376,312        168,041       760,550  
2009
                             
Total revenue from reportable segments
  $  912,110     $  456,001     $  303,212     $  1,932     $  1,673,255  
Elimination of intersegment revenue
    -       -       (144,524 )     -        (144,524 )
Revenue from external customers
     912,110        456,001        158,688        1,932        1,528,731  
Gross profit (loss)
     160,612        81,396        17,620        (1,340 )      258,288  
Depreciation, depletion and amortization
     20,113        4,197        23,584        369       48,263  
Segment assets
     146,718       70,461       406,235       150,163       773,577  
 
A reconciliation of segment gross profit to consolidated income (loss) before (benefit from) provision for income taxes is as follows:
 
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
      Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
(in thousands)
2010
2009
   
2010
  2009
 
Total gross profit from reportable segments
  $  76,155   $
105,657
  $
131,567
  $
258,288
 
Selling, general and administrative expenses 
     47,160    
60,950
   
153,809
   
171,624
 
Gain on sales of property and equipment
     3,165    
1,549
   
11,417
   
6,878
 
Other income, net
     3,115    
3,582
   
2,530
   
5,966
 
Income (loss) before (benefit from) provision for  
   income taxes
  $  35,275   $
49,838
  $
(8,295
) $
99,508
 
 
 
25

GRANITE CONSTRUCTION INCORPORATED
NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
 
18.
Subsequent Events
 
On October 25, 2010, we publicly announced our work in progress on an Enterprise Improvement Plan that includes continued actions to reduce our cost structure, enhance operating efficiencies and strengthen our business to achieve long term profitable growth. During the fourth quarter of 2010, we initiated a reduction in force that affected approximately 13% of our salaried workforce and implemented several cost saving initiatives. We expect the cost savings from these efforts to benefit 2011 pre-tax income between $36 million and $40 million.
 
The Enterprise Improvement Plan also includes new business plans to orderly divest of our real estate investment business and certain fixed assets consistent with our business strategy to focus on our core competencies while enhancing operating efficiencies.  During the fourth quarter of 2010, we will finalize business plans that are expected to result in changes to estimated cash flows of certain real estate projects and in commitments to divest of certain fixed assets.
 
The Company anticipates recognizing restructuring and impairment charges between $99 million and $145 million, the majority of which will be incurred during the fourth quarter of 2010. Of the total, approximately $89 million to $133 million are primarily related to non-cash impairment charges associated with the revision of estimated cash flows in certain  projects of GLC’s real estate portfolio and the expectation that certain materials related fixed assets will be sold within the next 12 months. The balance is associated with severance-related costs that will primarily be paid during the fourth quarter of 2010. The portions of the impairment charges allocable to noncontrolling interests on real estate projects are expected to be between $19 million and $23 million. The decision to sell these assets in future periods, and thus the amount and timing of the related impairment charges, is highly dependent upon market conditions and the Company’s ability to optimize the return on sale of these assets.
 
We estimate the related tax benefits on our restructuring charges net of noncontrolling interests to be recognized at our combined federal and state statutory tax rate of approximately 40%.  
 
 
Item 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
Forward-Looking Disclosure
 
From time to time, Granite makes certain comments and disclosures in reports and statements, including in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, or statements made by its officers or directors, that are not based on historical facts, including statements regarding future events, occurrences, circumstances, activities, performance, outcomes and results, that may constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.  These forward-looking statements are identified by words such as “future,” “outlook,” “assumes,” “believes,” “expects,” “estimates,” “anticipates,” “intends,” “plans,” “appears,” “may,” “will,” “should,” “could,” “would,” “continue,” and the negatives thereof or other comparable terminology or by the context in which they are made. In addition, other written or oral statements which constitute forward-looking statements have been made and may in the future be made by or on behalf of Granite.  These forward-looking statements are estimates reflecting the best judgment of senior management and reflect our current expectations regarding future events, occurrences, circumstances, activities, performance, outcomes and results.  These expectations may or may not be realized.  Some of these expectations may be based on beliefs, assumptions or estimates that may prove to be incorrect.  In addition, our business and operations involve numerous risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond our control, which could result in our expectations not being realized or otherwise materially affect our business, financial condition, results of operations, cash flows and liquidity.  Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, those more specifically described in our Annual Report on Form 10-K under “Item 1A. Risk Factors.” Due to the inherent risks and uncertainties associated with our forward-looking statements, the reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on them.  The reader is also cautioned that the forward-looking statements contained herein speak only as of the date of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and, except as required by law, we undertake no obligation to revise or update any forward-looking statements for any reason.
 
 
Overview
 
We are one of the largest heavy civil contractors in the United States, engaged in the construction and improvement of streets, roads, highways, mass transit facilities, airport infrastructure, bridges, dams and other infrastructure-related projects. We produce construction materials for use and for sale to third parties through the use of our aggregate reserves and plant facilities. We also operate a real estate investment and development company. Our permanent offices are located in Alaska, Arizona, California, Florida, Nevada, New York, Texas, Utah and Washington.
 
Our construction contracts are obtained through competitive bidding in response to advertisements and other general solicitations by both public agencies and private parties and on a negotiated basis as a result of direct solicitation by private parties. Our bidding activity is affected by such factors as the nature and volume of advertising and other solicitations, contract backlog, available personnel, current utilization of equipment and other resources, our ability to obtain necessary surety bonds and competitive considerations. Bidding activity, contract backlog and revenue resulting from the award of new contracts may vary significantly from period to period.
 
The three primary economic drivers of our business are (1) the overall health of the economy, (2) federal, state and local public funding levels, and (3) population growth resulting in public and private development. A stagnant or declining economy will generally result in reduced demand for construction and construction materials in the private sector. This reduced demand increases competition for private sector projects and will ultimately also increase competition in the public sector as companies migrate from bidding on scarce private sector work to projects in the public sector. Greater competition can reduce our revenues and/or have a downward impact on our gross profit margins. In addition, a stagnant or declining economy tends to produce less tax revenue for public agencies, thereby decreasing a source of funds available for spending on public infrastructure improvements. Some funding sources that have been specifically earmarked for infrastructure spending, such as diesel and gasoline taxes, are not as directly affected by a stagnant or declining economy, unless actual consumption is reduced. However, even these can be temporarily at risk as state and local governments struggle to balance their budgets. Additionally, high fuel prices can have a dampening effect on consumption, resulting in overall lower tax revenue. Conversely, increased levels of public funding as well as an expanding or robust economy will generally increase demand for our services and provide opportunities for revenue growth and margin improvement.
 
New Reporting Structure
 
On August 31, 2009, we announced changes in our organizational structure designed to improve operating efficiencies and better position the Company for long-term growth. In conjunction with the restructuring, we changed our reportable business segments to align with our lines of business rather than geographies, on which our segment reporting was previously based. Effective January 1, 2010 our new reportable segments are: Construction, Large Project Construction, Construction Materials and Real Estate. Additionally, we reclassified certain costs between cost of revenue and selling, general and administrative expenses to better represent our direct cost of revenue. These reclassifications did not have a significant impact on our previously reported net operating results.
 
Our market sector information reflects three regions defined as follows: 1) California; 2) West, excluding California, which includes our offices in Alaska, Nevada, Utah and Washington; and 3) East which includes our offices in Arizona, Florida, New York and Texas. Each of these regions includes operations from our Construction, Large Project Construction, and Construction Materials lines of business.
 
Enterprise Improvement Plan
 
On October 25, 2010, we publicly announced our work in progress on an Enterprise Improvement Plan that includes continued actions to reduce our cost structure, enhance operating efficiencies and strengthen our business to achieve long term profitable growth. During the fourth quarter of 2010, we initiated a reduction in force that affected approximately 13% of our salaried workforce and implemented several cost saving initiatives. We expect the cost savings from these efforts to benefit 2011 pre-tax income between $36 million and $40 million.
 
The Enterprise Improvement Plan also includes new business plans to orderly divest of our real estate investment business and certain fixed assets consistent with our business strategy to focus on our core competencies while enhancing operating efficiencies.  During the fourth quarter of 2010, we will finalize business plans that are expected to result in changes to estimated cash flows of certain real estate projects and in commitments to divest of certain fixed assets.  We estimate that implementation of the Enterprise Improvement Plan will result in impairment charges related to approximately one-third of our real estate projects.  An evaluation of entitlement status, market conditions, existing offers to purchase, cost of construction, debt load, development schedule, status of joint venture partners and other factors specific to the remaining two-thirds of the projects, is expected to result in no events or changes in circumstances that would indicate the carrying amounts of these projects may not be recoverable (see Note 8 of the “Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements”).
 
The Company anticipates recognizing restructuring and impairment charges between $99 million and $145 million, the majority of which will be incurred during the fourth quarter of 2010. Of the total, approximately $89 million to $133 million are primarily related to non-cash impairment charges associated with the revision of estimated cash flows in certain  projects of GLC’s real estate portfolio and the expectation that certain materials related fixed assets will be sold within the next 12 months. The balance is associated with severance-related costs that will primarily be paid during the fourth quarter of 2010. The portions of the impairment charges allocable to noncontrolling interests on real estate projects are expected to be between $19 million and $23 million. The decision to sell these assets in future periods, and thus the amount and timing of the related impairment charges, is highly dependent upon market conditions and the Company’s ability to optimize the return on sale of these assets.
 
 
Current Economic Environment and Outlook
 
Market conditions remained very challenging during the third quarter of 2010. Weak demand for both public sector infrastructure projects and private sector commercial and residential development continued to create intense competition for construction contracts and sales of construction materials in both sectors. The recent recession, credit crisis and related turmoil in the global financial system has had, and is expected to continue to have, an adverse effect on our business, financial position, results of operations, cash flows and liquidity.  In particular, declining tax revenues, budget deficits, financing constraints and competing priorities have resulted in significant cutbacks in new infrastructure projects in the public sector.  In addition, levels of new commercial and residential construction projects have declined significantly due to an oversupply of existing inventories of commercial and residential properties, declining property values and a restrictive financing environment.
 
This reduction in demand for construction and construction materials in both the public and private sector has resulted in intensified competition in both sectors, which has adversely affected both our revenues and profit margins. These factors have also adversely affected the financial position, results of operations and cash flows of our real estate investment and development business. We expect these challenging conditions to persist into 2011, and possibly beyond, pending improvement in the overall level of economic activity, the level of tax revenue collected by public agencies, the oversupply of existing commercial and residential properties in the market and the availability of financing to both the public and private sectors.
 
Although the procurement of Large Project Construction projects is competitive, the scale and complexity of the large jobs precludes many smaller contractors from bidding such work.  Efforts made to increase our revenues from the Large Project Construction segment have resulted in an increase in backlog when compared to June 30, 2010.  We are currently tracking over $10 billion of Large Project bidding opportunities.
 
Pent-up demand for construction materials resulting from the wet weather experienced early in the season contributed to improved revenues and profits in the third quarter.  However, the slow pace of residential and commercial development activity is expected to have a continued dampening impact on our Construction Materials segment.
 
Results of Operations
 
Interim results are subject to significant seasonal variations and the results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year.
 
Comparative Financial Summary
     Three Months Ended September 30,       Nine Months Ended September 30,  
 
(in thousands)
   
2010
   
2009
   
2010
   
2009
   
Total revenue
  $  670,850     $
720,284
    $
1,345,737
    $
1,528,731
   
Gross profit
     76,155      
105,657
     
131,567
       258,288    
Operating income (loss)
     32,160      
46,256
     
(10,825
   
93,542
   
Other income, net
     3,115      
3,582
     
2,530
     
5,966
   
(Benefit from) provision for income taxes      (8,026    
13,300
     
(11,233
   
26,316
   
Amount attributable to noncontrolling interests
     (4,620    
(5,940
)
   
(11,902
   
(15,725
)  
Net income (loss) attributable to Granite
     38,681      
30,598
     
(8,964
   
57,467
   
 
 
Total Revenue by Segment
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
   
(dollars in thousands)
2010
 
2009
2010
 
2009
   
Construction
$  409,989   61.1 %   $
466,605
 
64.8
%   $
729,118
 
54.2
%   $
912,110
 
59.7
%  
Large Project Construction
   169,972    25.4      
181,171
 
25.2
       429,625    31.9      
456,001
 
29.8
   
Construction Materials
   88,128   13.1      
71,527
 
9.9
       175,381   13.0      
158,688
 
10.4
   
Real Estate    2,761   0.4        981    0.1        11,613    0.9        1,932   0.1    
Total
$  670,850   100.0 %   $
720,284
 
100.0
%   $
1,345,737
 
100.0
%   $
1,528,731
 
100.0
%  
 
 
29

 
Construction Revenue
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
   
(dollars in thousands)
2010
 
2009
 
2010
 
2009
 
California:
                                             
Public sector
$
163,272
   39.9 %   $  157,906    33.8
%
  $
272,553
   37.3 %   $  342,495    37.5 %  
Private sector
 
7,864
   1.9        8,659    1.9      
24,887
   3.4        29,042    3.2    
West, excluding California:
                                               
Public sector
 
199,711
 
48.7
       255,012    54.7        339,419    46.6        417,100    45.7    
Private sector
 
10,005
   2.4        9,443    2.0        17,419    2.4        25,114    2.8    
East:
                                               
Public sector
 
28,603
 
7.0
       34,503    7.4        72,963    10.0        94,771    10.4    
Private sector
 
534
   0.1        1,082    0.2        1,877    0.3        3,588    0.4    
Total
$
409,989
 
100.0
%    $
466,605
  100.0 %   $  729,118   100.0 %   $
912,110
  100.0 %  
 
Revenue for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010 decreased by $56.6 million, or 12.1%, and $183.0 million, or 20.1%, respectively, compared to the same periods in 2009. These decreases were due to reductions in available work in both the public and private sectors caused by the weak demand and a highly competitive bidding environment for available work.  As a result, we were engaged in fewer public sector projects during the nine months ended September 30, 2010 than in the comparable period of 2009.  In addition, 2009 revenue included $82.9 million from federally funded security projects that were substantially completed in 2009. 
 
 
Large Project Construction Revenue1
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
   
(dollars in thousands)
2010
 
2009
 
2010
 
2009
 
California
$
11,305
 
 6.7 %  
$
13,933
 
7.7
%  
$
38,103
 
8.9
%   $
39,797
 
8.7
%  
West, excluding California
 
17,940
 
 10.6  
 
 
26,958
 
14.9
     
37,928
 
8.8
     
44,131
 
9.7
   
East
 
140,727
 
 82.7  
 
 
140,280
 
77.4
     
353,594
 
82.3
     
372,073
 
81.6
   
Total
$
169,972
 
100.0
%
 
$
181,171
 
100.0
%  
$
429,625
 
100.0
%   $
456,001
 
100.0
%  
 
1All revenue is earned from the public sector.
 
Revenue for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010 decreased by $11.2 million, or 6.2%, and $26.4 million, or 5.8%, respectively, compared to the same periods in 2009. Revenue for the three months ended September 30, 2010 decreased primarily due to lower production levels on a project in Oregon that slowed to address site condition issues and a project in Missouri that is nearing completionAdditionally, revenue for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 included the positive impact of a $17.3 million settlement related to a project in the Northeast. We did not benefit from a similar settlement in 2010. Lower ratios of consolidated to unconsolidated joint ventures adversely affected revenue by approximately $8.6 million and $26.7 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010, respectively, compared to the prior year. Only Granite’s pro rata share of revenues from unconsolidated joint ventures is included in revenue.
 
 
Construction Materials Revenue
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
   
(dollars in thousands)
2010
 
2009
 
2010
 
2009
 
California
$
45,491
 
 51.6 %  
$
40,477
 
56.6
%  
$
105,737
 
60.3
%   $
97,214
 
61.3
%  
West, excluding California
 
35,440
 
 40.2  
 
 
28,379
 
39.7
     
53,581
 
30.5
     
50,140
 
31.6
   
East
 
7,197
 
 8.2  
 
 
2,671
 
3.7
     
16,063
 
9.2
     
11,334
 
7.1
   
Total
$
88,128
 
100.0
%
 
$
71,527
 
100.0
%  
$
175,381
 
100.0
%   $
158,688
 
100.0
%  
 
Revenue for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010 increased by $16.6 million, or 23.2%, and $16.7 million, or 10.5%, respectively, compared to the same periods in 2009. The quarter-over-quarter increases were due to fulfilling pent-up demand for materials created by the wet weather conditions experienced in the first half of the year. Additionally, we generated sales from new facilities in 2010 that were not operational in 2009.
 
Real Estate Revenue
Real Estate revenue for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010 increased by $1.8 million and $9.7 million, respectively, compared with the same periods in 2009. The increase during the three months was due to the completion of a sales transaction and the recognition of deferred revenue on projects in Texas. The increase for the nine months was due to the Texas transactions and the sale of a commercial property in California. We continue to experience limited sales activity due to the slow recovery of the real estate market.
 

 
Contract Backlog
 
Our contract backlog consists of the remaining unearned revenue on awarded contracts, including 100% of our consolidated joint venture contracts and our proportionate share of unconsolidated joint venture contracts. We include a construction project in our contract backlog at such time as a contract is awarded and funding is in place, with the exception of certain federal government contracts for which funding is appropriated on a periodic basis. Substantially all of the contracts in our contract backlog may be canceled or modified at the election of the customer; however, we have not been materially adversely affected by contract cancellations or modifications in the past.
 
The following tables illustrate our contract backlog as of the respective dates:
 
Total Contract Backlog by Segment
        
  
   
   
   
(dollars in thousands)
 
September 30, 2010
     
June 30, 2010
    
September 30, 2009
   
Construction
  $  497,089      30.3 %     $
594,214
    38.3 %     $  439,226      27.2 %  
Large Project Construction
     1,141,453      69.7        
957,080
     61.7          1,173,042      72.8    
Total
  $  1,638,542     100.0 %     $
1,551,294
    100.0 %     $  1,612,268     100.0 %  
 
31

 
Construction Contract Backlog
 
 
     
 
     
 
   
(dollars in thousands)
 
September 30, 2010
     
June 30, 2010
   
September 30, 2009
   
California:
                                         
Public sector
  $  194,889      39.2 %     $ 241,761     40.7 %     $  162,659      37.0 %  
Private sector
     9,488      1.9         10,043      1.7          10,219      2.3    
West, excluding California:
                                               
Public sector
     205,992      41.5         272,565      45.9          217,084      49.4    
Private sector
     9,611      1.9         6,465      1.1          7,220      1.7    
East:
                                               
Public sector
     75,416      15.2         61,922     10.4          39,850      9.1    
Private sector
     1,693      0.3         1,458     0.2          2,194      0.5    
Total
  $  497,089     100.0 %     $ 594,214     100.0 %     $  439,226     100.0 %  
 
Contract backlog of $497.1 million at September 30, 2010 was $97.1 million, or 16.3%, lower than at June 30, 2010 and $57.9 million, or 13.2%, higher than at September 30, 2009. The decrease from June 30, 2010 was primarily due to progress on existing projects offset by an improved success rate on bidding activity in California and Arizona including two highway improvement projects totaling $43.6 million. The increase from September 30, 2009 was primarily driven by an improved success rate on bidding activity in California and Arizona, offset by lower beginning backlog coming into the year. 
 
Large Project Contract Backlog1
  
    
      
   
                
(dollars in thousands)
 
September 30, 2010
   
June 30, 2010
   
September 30, 2009
   
California
  $  176,189        15.4 %   $ 32,568        3.4 %   $  60,747        5.2 %  
West, excluding California
     138,138        12.1        53,868       5.6        72,068        6.1    
East
     827,126        72.5       870,644       91.0        1,040,227        88.7    
Total
  $  1,141,453       100.0 %   $ 957,080       100.0 %   $  1,173,042       100.0 %  
 
1All contract backlog is related to contracts with public agencies.
 
Contract backlog of $1.1 billion at September 30, 2010 was $184.4 million, or 19.3%, higher than at June 30, 2010, and $31.6 million, or 2.7%, lower than at September 30, 2009. The increase in backlog from June 30, 2010 was primarily due to an improved success rate on bidding activity for work in the west, including awards of $77.7 million for a rail project in California and $47.7 million for our portion of the work on a new freeway, transit and trail system in Utah. During the three months ended September 30, 2010, we were also awarded a new auxiliary spillway control structure project in California, that is an internal partnership with $75.5 million and $50.4 million included in California and East contract backlog, respectively. The decrease in backlog from September 30, 2009 reflects progress made on large construction projects during the year. In October 2010 we received a notice to proceed for approximately $23.0 million for our portion of a light rail project in Houston and an award for approximately $306 million for a highway expansion and reconstruction project in Washington, both of which will be booked into contract backlog in the fourth quarter of 2010.
 
Included in contract backlog as of September 30, 2010, June 30, 2010, and September 30, 2009 is $98.0 million, $69.7 million and $133.2 million, respectively, associated with noncontrolling interests.
 
32

 
Gross Profit (Loss)
 
The following table presents gross profit (loss) by business segment for the respective periods:
 
 
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
   
(dollars in thousands)
 
2010
   
2009
   
2010
   
2009
   
Construction
 
$
44,666
   
$
72,635
    $
69,413
    $
160,612
   
Percent of segment revenue
     10.9
%
   
15.6
%
     9.5 %    
17.6
%  
Large Project Construction
 
 
18,316
   
 
25,221
     
49,634
     
81,396
   
Percent of segment revenue
   
10.8
 
    13.9
 
     11.6      
17.8
   
Construction Materials
 
 
12,137
   
 
8,351
     
9,492
     
17,620
   
Percent of segment revenue
     13.8
 
   
11.7
 
   
5.4
     
11.1
   
Real Estate
     1,036        (550      3,028        (1,340  
Percent of segment revenue
     37.5        -56.1        26.1        -69.4    
Total gross profit
 
$
76,155
   
$
105,657
    $
131,567
    $
258,288
   
Percent of total revenue
     11.4
%
   
14.7
%
   
9.8
%    
16.9
%  
 
We defer profit recognition until a project reaches 25% completion. In the case of large, complex design/build projects, we may defer profit recognition beyond the point of 25% completion until such time as we believe we have enough information to make a reasonably dependable estimate of contract revenue and cost. Because we have a large number of smaller projects at various stages of completion in our Construction segment, this policy generally does not impact gross profit significantly on a quarterly or annual basis. However, our Large Project Construction segment has fewer projects in process at any given time and gross profit as a percent of revenue can vary significantly in periods where one or several projects reach our percentage of completion threshold and the deferred profit is recognized or, conversely, in periods where contract backlog is growing rapidly and a higher percentage of projects are in their early stages with no associated gross profit recognition.
 
Revenue from projects that have not yet reached our profit recognition threshold is as follows:
 
 
    Three Months Ended September 30,     Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
 
(in thousands)
   
2010
   
2009
   
2010
   
2009
   
Construction
  $  20,434     $  13,018     $
21,176
    $
14,804
   
Large Project Construction
     44,069        20,817      
105,589
     
31,883
   
Total revenue from contracts with deferred profit
  $  64,503     $  33,835     $
126,765
    $  46,687    
 
We do not recognize revenue from contract claims until we have a signed agreement and payment is assured, nor do we recognize revenue from contract change orders until the owner has agreed to the change order in writing. However, we do recognize the costs related to any contract claims or pending change orders in our forecasts when costs are incurred, and revisions to estimated total costs are reflected as soon as the obligation to perform is determined. As a result, our gross profit as a percent of revenue can vary depending on the magnitude and timing of settlement claims and change orders.
 
When we experience significant contract forecast changes, we undergo a process that includes reviewing the nature of the changes to ensure that there are no material amounts that should have been recorded in a prior period rather than as a change in estimate for the current period. In our review of these changes for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010, we did not identify any material amounts that should have been recorded in a prior period.
 
  
Construction gross profit for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010 decreased $28.0 million and $91.2 million, respectively, compared to the same periods in 2009. The decreases were due to lower revenues, a highly competitive bidding environment and lower margins in beginning backlog. In addition, the decreases were due in part to the recognition, in 2009, of deferred profit on a design/build project that reached the point of profit recognition during the first nine months of 2009.
 
Large Project Construction gross profit for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010 decreased $6.9 million and $31.8 million, respectively, compared to the same periods in 2009. Gross profit for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 was impacted by design issues and lower productivity than originally anticipated on two projects. During the nine months ended September 30, 2010, $105.6 million of revenue was recognized on projects which have not yet reached the profit recognition threshold compared to $31.9 million for the same period in 2009. Additionally, the net impact of a negotiated claims settlement on a project in the Northeast added $17.3 million to gross profit during 2009. On a large highway project in mountainous terrain in Oregon, several hillsides have experienced unanticipated ground movement. In some locations, the ground movements have caused damage to completed portions of bridge structures. The Company and the project owner, the Oregon Department of Transportation, are discussing the technical issues associated with these ground movements and identifying and analyzing possible remedial work plans to address these developments. At this time, the Company cannot reasonably estimate the impact, if any, these developments may have on the projected financial results for this project. Therefore, no revisions in estimates were made in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010 in relation to these developments.
 
Construction Materials gross profit increased $3.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2010 and decreased $8.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 compared to the same periods in 2009. The increase for the three months was due to higher demand and higher sales volume for construction materials resulting from the pent-up demand created by wet weather earlier in the year. The decrease in the nine months was due primarily to higher fixed costs related to new facilities that became operational late in 2009 without a corresponding increase in sales.
 
Real Estate gross profit was $1.0 million and $3.0 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010, respectively, compared to gross losses of $0.6 million and $1.3 million in the same periods of 2009. Gross profit during the first nine months of 2010 increased primarily due to the completion of a sales transaction and the recognition of deferred revenue on projects in Texas, and the sale of a commercial property in California.
 
 
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
 
The following table presents the components of selling, general and administrative expenses for the respective periods:
 
 
     Three Months Ended September 30,     Nine Months Ended September 30,    
(in thousands)
   
2010
   
2009
   
2010
   
2009
   
Selling
                   
 
     
 
   
Salaries and related expenses
  $  9,671     $ 11,823     $  35,925     $  36,603    
Other selling expenses
     3,428       6,290        8,850        13,534    
Total selling
     13,099        18,113        44,775        50,137    
General and administrative                                  
Salaries and related expenses
     13,556       17,357        51,090        57,231    
Incentive compensation and discretionary profit sharing
     2,701        8,436        5,985       16,153    
Restricted stock amortization
     3,210        3,148        9,589        7,577    
(Recovery of) provision for doubtful accounts, net
     (270     (458      136        (3,844  
Other general and administrative expenses
     14,864        14,354      
42,234
     
44,370
   
Total general and administrative
     34,061        42,837        109,034        121,487    
Total selling, general and administrative
  $  47,160     $  60,950     $
153,809
    $
171,624
   
Percent of revenue
     7.0 %      8.5 %    
11.4
%    
11.2
%  
 
Selling, general and administrative expenses for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010 decreased $13.8 million, or 22.6% and $17.8 million, or 10.4%, respectively, compared to the same periods in 2009.
 
Selling Expenses
Selling expenses include the costs of business and aggregate resource development, estimating and bidding. Selling compensation can vary due to the number of project employees assigned to estimating and bidding activities. As projects are completed or the level of work slows down, we temporarily redeploy project employees to work on bidding activities of new projects, moving their salaries and related costs from cost of revenues to selling expenses.
 
Total selling expenses for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010 decreased $5.0 million, or 27.7%, and $5.4 million, or 10.7%, respectively, compared to the same periods in 2009, as 2009 included costs for consulting services related to bidding activity that were not incurred in 2010.
 
General and Administrative Expenses
General and administrative expenses include costs related to our operational offices that are not allocated to direct contract costs and expenses related to our corporate offices. Total general and administrative expenses for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010 decreased $8.8 million and $12.5 million, respectively, compared to the same periods in 2009 as we continue to reduce our overall cost structure. Incentive compensation for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010 decreased $5.7 million and $10.2 million, respectively, due to lower profits. In addition, 2009 included the recovery of $0.4 million and $4.2 million, respectively, on an account that had been reserved for in previous years.  
 
Other general and administrative expenses include information technology, occupancy, office supplies, depreciation, travel and entertainment, outside services, training, other miscellaneous expenses and restructuring charges none of which individually exceeded 10% of total selling, general and administrative expenses. During the three months ended September 30, 2010, we recorded restructuring charges of approximately $2.0 million associated with a reduction in force. The reduction in force occurred in July 2010 and has been fully paid as of September 30, 2010.
 
 
Other Income
 
The following table presents the components of other income for the respective periods:
 
 
     Three Months Ended September 30,       Nine Months Ended September 30,    
(in thousands)
   
2010
   
2009
   
2010
   
2009
   
Interest income
  $  2,110     $  744     $  4,147     $  3,914    
Interest expense
     (547     (4,245 )    
(7,294)
     
(10,586
)  
Equity in income (loss) of affiliates
     529        4,021        (177    
4,360
   
Other income, net
     1,023        3,062        5,854        8,278    
Total other income
  $  3,115     $  3,582     $  2,530     $  5,966    
 
Interest expense decreased during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010 primarily due to a decrease in federal and state look back interest expense of $2.5 million. Look back interest is the interest due or receivable on income tax related to revisions in estimated profitability on long-term construction projects. The changes in equity in income (loss) of affiliates during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010 were primarily due to decreases in income earned on our investment in an entity that owns and operates an asphalt terminal in Nevada. Other income, net during the nine months ended September 30, 2010 consisted primarily of $2.9 million of previously deferred income related to the sale of an investment in an affiliate in 2008. Other income, net during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2009 consisted primarily of a gain of approximately $1.7 million and $6.1 million, respectively, related to the sale of gold, a by-product of one of our aggregate extraction operations.
 
Income Taxes
 
The following table presents the (benefit from) provision for income taxes for the respective periods:
 
 
    Three Months Ended September 30,     Nine Months Ended September 30,    
(dollars in thousands)
   
2010
   
2009
   
2010
   
2009
   
(Benefit from) provision for income taxes
 
$
(8,026
 
$
13,300
 
 
$
(11,233
$
 
 26,316
   
Effective tax rate
     (22.8
)%
   
26.7
%
   
135.4
%
   
 26.4
%
 
 
We are unable to make a reliable estimate of our annual effective tax rate (“ETR”) because we are anticipating marginal 2010 pre-tax income (“PTI”) for the year, excluding any restructuring charges (see Note 18 of “Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements”) which are considered discrete to the fourth quarter, and have significant permanent differences (e.g. non-controlling interests). Insignificant changes in our forecasted 2010 PTI result in wide variability of our calculated annual ETR due to the relationship of PTI and permanent differences. Therefore, we are unable to determine a reliable estimate of our 2010 annual ETR. As a result, we calculated our income tax (benefit) using the discrete method and computed our year-to-date ETR by utilizing actual results of operations.
 
Our ETR decreased to (22.8)% for the three months ended September 30, 2010 from 26.7% and increased to 135.4% for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 from 26.4% for the same periods in 2009, respectively.  The change for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010 from the corresponding periods in 2009 was primarily due to the effect from non-controlling interests as a percent of PTI, as non-controlling interests are not subject to income taxes on a stand-alone basis.
 
For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2009, we calculated our income tax provision by estimating our annual effective tax rate and applying that rate to our year-to-date ordinary earnings. The effect of changes in enacted tax laws, tax rates or tax status was recognized in the interim period in which the change occurred.
 
Noncontrolling Interests
 
The following table presents the amount attributable to noncontrolling interests in consolidated subsidiaries for the respective periods:
 
 
     Three Months Ended September 30,     Nine Months Ended September 30,     
(in thousands)
   
2010
   
2009
   
2010
   
2009
   
Amount attributable to noncontrolling interests
  $  (4,620   $ (5,940 )   $  (11,902
)
  $ (15,725
)
 
 
The amount attributable to noncontrolling interests represents the noncontrolling owners’ share of the income or loss of our consolidated construction joint ventures and real estate development entities. The balance for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010 decreased compared to the same periods in 2009 as activity on joint venture projects neared completion.
 
 
Liquidity and Capital Resources
 
We believe our cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments and cash generated from operations will be sufficient to meet our expected working capital needs, capital expenditures, financial commitments, cash dividend payments, and other liquidity requirements associated with our existing operations through the next twelve months. If we experience a prolonged change in our business operating results or make a significant acquisition, we may need to acquire additional sources of financing, which, if available, may be limited by the terms of our existing debt covenants, or may require the amendment of our existing debt agreements.
 
The following table presents our cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities, including amounts from our consolidated joint ventures, as of the respective dates:
 
 
   September 30,     December 31, 
 
September 30,  
(in thousands)
 
2010
     
2009
 
 
2009
 
Cash and cash equivalents excluding consolidated joint ventures
  $ 154,487     $  216,518     $ 250,298  
Consolidated joint venture cash and cash equivalents
    103,367        122,438        121,136  
Total consolidated cash and cash equivalents
    257,854        338,956        371,434  
Short-term and long-term marketable securities1
     130,464        119,385        90,410  
Total cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities
  $ 388,318     $  458,341     $  461,844  
 
1See Note 4 of “Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements” for the composition of our marketable securities.
 
Our primary sources of liquidity are cash and cash equivalents and marketable securities. We may also from time to time issue and sell equity, debt or hybrid securities or engage in other capital markets transactions.
 
Our cash and cash equivalents consisted of commercial paper, deposits and money market funds held with established national financial institutions. Marketable securities consist of municipal bonds, commercial paper, U.S. government and agency obligations, and mutual funds. Cash and cash equivalents held by our consolidated joint ventures represents the working capital needs of each joint venture’s project. The decision to distribute joint venture cash must generally be made jointly by all of the partners and, accordingly, these funds generally are not available for the working capital or other liquidity needs of Granite.
 
Our principal uses of liquidity are paying the costs and expenses associated with our operations, servicing outstanding indebtedness, making capital expenditures and paying dividends on our capital stock.  We may also from time to time prepay or repurchase outstanding indebtedness, and acquire assets or businesses that are complementary to our operations.
 
 
Cash Flows (in thousands)
 
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
   
 
 
2010
   
2009
   
Net cash provided by (used in):
             
Operating activities
  $ 10,566     $ 58,253    
Investing activities
    (34,405     (103,837 )  
Financing activities
     (57,263     (43,825 )  
 
Cash provided by operating activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 decreased $47.7 million when compared to the same period in 2009. This decrease was primarily driven by our low net income and was partially offset by a more favorable change in working capital items in 2010 as compared to 2009.
 
Cash used in investing activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 was $69.4 million lower than the same period in 2009. The change was primarily due to a $45.6 million decrease in purchases of property and equipment related to the completion of two aggregate and asphalt plants in 2009, an $11.9 million increase in net maturities of marketable securities and a $7.1 million increase in proceeds from the sales of property and equipment. These increases were partially offset by a $6.4 million investment in a corporation that designs and manufactures power generation and equipment systems during 2010.
 
Cash used in financing activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 increased $13.4 million compared to the same period in 2009. The primary reasons for this change were a $4.7 million increase in distributions to noncontrolling partners, net and a $7.8 million decrease in long-term debt borrowings as a result of a reduction in real estate development activity.
 
Capital Expenditures
 
During the nine months ended September 30, 2010, we had capital expenditures of $30.2 million compared to $75.8 million during the same period in 2009. Major capital expenditures are typically for aggregate and asphalt production facilities, aggregate reserves, construction equipment, buildings and leasehold improvements and investments in our information technology systems. The timing and amount of such expenditures can vary based on the progress of planned capital projects, the type and size of construction projects, changes in business outlook and other factors. We currently anticipate investing up to $40.0 million in capital expenditures during 2010.
 
 
Credit Agreement
 
On June 22, 2010, we refinanced our credit agreement (the “Credit Agreement”), which provides for a committed, unsecured revolving credit facility of $150.0 million. Borrowings under the Credit Agreement bear interest at LIBOR plus an applicable margin based upon certain financial ratios calculated quarterly, which resulted in a margin of 3.0% at September 30, 2010. At September 30, 2010, there were no revolving loans outstanding under the Credit Agreement, but there were standby letters of credit totaling approximately $4.2 million. The letters of credit will expire between March and October 2011.
 
The most significant restrictive covenants under the terms of our Credit Agreement require the maintenance of a minimum Consolidated Tangible Net Worth, a minimum Consolidated Interest Coverage Ratio and a maximum Consolidated Leverage Ratio, the calculations and terms of which are defined by the Credit Agreement filed as Exhibit 10.1 to our Form 10-Q filed August 2, 2010. As of September 30, 2010, our Consolidated Tangible Net Worth was $773.7 million, which exceeded the minimum of $670.7 million, the Consolidated Interest Coverage Ratio was 9.51, which exceeded the minimum of 4.00 and the Consolidated Leverage Ratio was 2.02, which did not exceed the maximum of 2.75.

Senior Notes Payable
 
As of September 30, 2010, senior notes payable in the amount of $25.0 million were due to a group of institutional holders in nine equal annual installments which began in 2005 and bear interest at 6.96% per annum. The most significant covenants under the terms of the related agreement require the maintenance of a minimum Consolidated Net Worth, the calculations and terms of which are defined by the related agreement filed as Exhibit 10.3 to our Form 10-Q filed August 14, 2001. As of September 30, 2010, our Consolidated Net Worth was $813.5 million, which exceeded the minimum of $656.4 million.
 
In addition, as of September 30, 2010, senior notes payable in the amount of $200.0 million were due to a second group of institutional holders in five equal annual installments beginning in 2015 and bear interest at 6.11% per annum. The most significant covenants under the terms of the related agreement require the maintenance of a minimum Consolidated Net Worth, the calculations and terms of which are defined by the related agreement filed as Exhibit 10.1 to our Form 8-K filed January 31, 2008. As of September 30, 2010, our Consolidated Net Worth was $813.5 million, which exceeded the minimum of $667.3 million.
 
Surety Bonds and Real Estate Mortgages
 
We are generally required to provide various types of surety bonds that provide an additional measure of security under certain public and private sector contracts. At September 30, 2010, approximately $1.6 billion of our contract backlog was bonded. Performance bonds do not have stated expiration dates; rather, we are generally released from the bonds after the owner accepts the work performed under contract. The ability to maintain bonding capacity to support our current and future level of contracting requires that we maintain cash and working capital balances satisfactory to our sureties.
 
A significant portion of our real estate held for development and sale is secured by mortgages. All of this indebtedness is non-recourse to Granite, but is recourse to the real estate entities that incurred the indebtedness. These mortgages are typically renegotiated to reflect the evolving nature of the real estate projects as they progress through acquisition, entitlement and development. Modification of mortgage terms may include changes in loan-to-value ratios requiring the real estate entities to repay portions of the debt. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010, we provided additional funding of $0.2 million and $3.0 million, respectively, to these real estate entities to facilitate mortgage refinancing. As of September 30, 2010, the principal amount of debt of our real estate entities secured by mortgages was $55.6 million of which $39.2 million was included in current liabilities and $16.4 million was included in long-term liabilities on our condensed consolidated balance sheet.
 
Covenants and Events of Default
 
Our debt agreements require us to comply with various affirmative, restrictive and financial covenants, including the financial covenants described above. Our failure to comply with any of these covenants, or to pay principal, interest or other amounts when due thereunder, would constitute an event of default under the applicable debt agreements. Under certain circumstances, the occurrence of an event of default under one of our debt agreements (or the acceleration of the maturity of the indebtedness under one of our debt agreements) would constitute an event of default under one or more of our other debt agreements, and would permit the acceleration of our indebtedness under such other debt agreement or agreements.
 
As of September 30, 2010, we were in compliance with the covenants contained in our debt agreements, and we are not aware of any material non-compliance by any of our unconsolidated entities with the covenants contained in their debt agreements.  Based on our current expectations with respect to our future results of operations, we believe that it is reasonably likely that, absent obtaining an amendment of our Credit Agreement or other relief from our lenders, we will cease to be in compliance with certain financial covenants contained in our Credit Agreement as early as the fourth quarter of 2010.
 
We are currently engaged in discussions with our lenders regarding an amendment of the Credit Agreement.  However, we cannot provide assurance as to whether, when or the terms upon which we will reach an agreement with our lenders regarding amendment of the Credit Agreement.
 
If we are unable to successfully negotiate an amendment to the Credit Agreement prior to breaching any financial covenants, we may elect to terminate the Credit Agreement. If we were to terminate, we would no longer be entitled to borrow under the Credit Agreement and the lenders would require that any letters of credit under the Credit Agreement be cash collateralized. As of September 30, 2010, there were no revolving loans outstanding under the Credit Agreement. However, if there were amounts outstanding at the time of a breach, they would become immediately due and payable.
 
 
Share Purchase Program
 
In 2007, our Board of Directors authorized us to purchase up to $200.0 million of our common stock at management’s discretion. As of September 30, 2010, $64.1 million was available for purchase. We did not purchase shares under the share purchase program in any of the periods presented, and we do not intend to purchase shares under the program in the foreseeable future.
 
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
 
See Note 2 of the “Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements” for a description of recent accounting pronouncements, including the expected dates of adoption and effects on our condensed consolidated balance sheets, statements of operations and statements of cash flows.
 
Website Access
 
Our website address is www.graniteconstruction.com. On our website we make available, free of charge, our annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, and all amendments to those reports as soon as reasonably practicable after such material is electronically filed with or furnished to the US Securities and Exchange Commission. The information on our website is not incorporated into, and is not part of, this report. These reports, and any amendments to them, are also available at the website of the US Securities and Exchange Commission, www.sec.gov.
 
 
Item 3.
QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
 
There was no significant change in our exposure to market risks since December 31, 2009.
 
Item 4.
CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
 
Our management carried out, as of September 30, 2010, with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer, an evaluation of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures, as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”).  Based on this evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that, as of September 30, 2010, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective to provide reasonable assurance that material information required to be disclosed by us in reports we file under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC rules and forms and that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports we file or submit under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
 
During the third quarter of 2010, there were no changes in our internal controls over financial reporting that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
 
 
 
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
 
 
 
Item 1.
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
 
The description of the matters set forth in Part I, Item 1 of this Report under “Note 16 - Legal Proceedings” is incorporated herein by reference.
 
Item 1A.
RISK FACTORS
 
There have been no material changes in the risk factors previously disclosed in “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2009.
 
Item 2.
UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS
 
None.
 
Item 3.
DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES
 
None.
 
Item 4.
 
 
Item 5.
OTHER INFORMATION
 
On July 21, 2010, the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (the “Dodd-Frank Act”) was enacted. Pursuant to Section 1503 of the Dodd-Frank Act, operators of a coal or other mine that are also required to file reports under Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act must include in each periodic report filed with the SEC certain information regarding health and safety violations at its mines. The requirements of Section 1503 of the Dodd-Frank Act became effective for us during the quarter ended September 30, 2010.
 
We operate forty-four surface mines in the western United States to produce construction aggregates.  The operation of our mines is subject to regulation by the federal Mine Safety and Health Administration (“MSHA”) under the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977 (the “Mine Act”).  During the third quarter of 2010, MSHA conducted seventeen inspections at fifteen of our mines.  There were no reportable citations or orders following nine of those inspections. The chart below contains information (dollars in thousands) regarding certain mining safety and health citations or orders that MSHA issued during the quarter ended September 30, 2010 with respect to our mining operations. With respect to this information, it should be noted that: (i) the number of citations and orders will vary depending on the size of the mine, (ii) the number of citations issued will vary from inspector to inspector and mine to mine, and (iii) citations and orders can be contested and appealed, and in that process, may be reduced in severity and amount, and are sometimes dismissed.
 
Name of Mine
 
Section 1041
 
Section 104(d)2
 
Proposed Assessments3
 
Bradshaw Pit
    2     -   $ 1  
Felton Quarry
    2     -     -  
Fountain Springs
    3     -     1  
Highway 175 Aggregate
    2     -     -  
Lockwood Quarry
    1     1     2  
Alaska Portable Crusher #1
    2     -     -  
Sacramento Portable Crusher #1
    1     -     1  
Wade Sand Pit
    1     -     -  
Total
    14     1   $ 5  
 
1The total number of violations of mandatory health or safety standards that could significantly and substantially contribute to the cause and effect of a coal or other mine safety or health hazard under Section 104 of the Mine Act for which the operator received a citation from the MSHA.
2The total number of citations and orders for unwarrantable failure of the mine operator to comply with mandatory health or safety standards under Section 104(d) of the Mine Act.
3The total dollar value of proposed assessments from the MSHA under such Mine Act.
 
During the third quarter of 2010, with respect to our mines, MSHA did not issue any orders under Section 104(b) of the Mine Act, did not identify any flagrant violations under Section 110(b)(2) of the Mine Act and did not issue any imminent danger orders under Section 107(a) of the Mine Act.  We did not experience any mining-related fatalities in the third quarter of 2010.  Furthermore, during the third quarter of 2010, we did not receive written notice of a pattern of violations of mandatory health or safety standards from MSHA or of the potential to have a pattern of violations of mandatory health or safety standards from MSHA.  Three of the citations issued during the third quarter of 2010 are the subject of a formal appeal before the Federal Mine Safety and Health Review Commission.
 
 
Item 6.
 
31.1
31.2
32
††
101.INS 
††
XBRL Instance Document
101.SCH 
††
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema
101.CAL 
††
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase
101.LAB 
††
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase
101.PRE 
††
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase
     
     
 
Filed herewith
 
††
Furnished herewith
 
 
 
SIGNATURES
 
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
 
       
GRANITE CONSTRUCTION INCORPORATED
 
           
           
Date:
November 9, 2010
 
By:  
/s/ Laurel J. Krzeminski
 
       
Laurel J. Krzeminski
 
       
Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
 
 
 
 
 
 
44